I recently had the pleasure of interviewing Dan French, a multi-talented fast-brained human who has successfully combined careers in comedy, academia, and public speaking.

Dan is not your typical comedian. He has a brain that allows him to juggle multiple careers simultaneously. When boredom strikes, he turns to various creative and intellectual pursuits, effectively splitting his brain into two halves. This unique approach has enabled him to excel as a marketeer, comedy writer, stand-up entertainer, and rhetorician.

We talk networking, ethical persuasion, and travelling the world as a stand-up comedian on cruise ships.

Dan is also a professor in rhetoric, a powerful tool for effective messaging and communication. Despite its often negative association with sales and politics, rhetoric can be used for good - and Dan shows you how on the podcast.

He also shares his technique of using a meta-level approach to abstract issues, enabling you to remove emotions from conversations and emphasizing the importance of validating the other person's perspective.

Other topics we cover include:

Embracing vulnerability and authenticity

The impact of humour on mental health

The value of continuous learning and personal growth

The role of creativity in problem-solving

The significance of community and support networks

The impact of storytelling

The potential for comedy as a catalyst for social change

Should comedians be given more power or at least a more prominent role in society?

Do we need to reinstate the court jesters? I'd love to know what your thoughts are after listening to this Episode!

Hey smart humans, my inspiring smart guest on this Episode, Jay Aigner most definitely doesn’t stick to one thing!

Jay's life is a whirlwind of activities. He credits his upbringing in a rural area, where boredom was not an option, for instilling in him a constant need to find something to do.

His hobbies range from flying planes, which helps him overcome his fear of heights, to playing video games and cooking with his daughter.

He has founded and currently runs a multiple-million dollar business, JDAQA.com with over 60 employees across 3 hubs.

He has his own podcast - The First Customer - where he interviews founders about their business and how they got their first customer.

And he creates the most stunning astrological images.

So piloting. Ice Hockey. Astrophotography. Running a multi-million dollar business. Five kids - and a sixth one on the way. Oh, and there’s a dog too!

How is this even possible?

Well, you’re about to find out.

During our deep dive into entrepreneurship and keeping life interesting with a smart mind, we talk about things like:

the importance of sleep (yes! Jay still sleeps!)

trusting people

following your passions

the joy of giving

taking risks,

how to build communities

freedom

money

and much, much more. Oh - and we bust some goal myths along the way.

I have something very different from my usual offerings for you on this Episode. There’s lots to learn from today’s smart guest, for sure, but there’s also poetry and music to enjoy! And yes, I may be getting a little teary-eyed…

This Episode welcomes Mícheál Ó Súilleabháin, an Irish poet, musician, ethnomusicologist, and many other things.

This is exactly why I wanted to interview him because he is such a great example of how you can do many different things with your smart mind.

Mícheál comes from an Irish family steeped in traditional music and academia. He studied music at University College Cork and got an MA in Ethnomusicology, before becoming a freelance music educator with a specialisation in rap and human beatboxing.

He’s performed all over the world with his brother in their acoustic pop duo ‘Size2shoes’ - but decided that he wanted a deeper way of engaging with music and poetry, diving into the traditions passed down to him by his parents, both icons of Irish Traditional Culture.

Thus began his journey as a speaker, guide and poet - and he published his first book of poetry EARLY MUSIC in 20020.

This isn’t even half of it - and during our conversation, we dive into many more topics and fields he engages in like art, nature, and sacred sites.

You’ll learn about the significance of finding your voice, the value of apprenticeship and taking time for deep learning, the therapeutic nature of art and music, and the role of tradition and lineage in the arts.

I hope that this conversation will leave you with a deeper appreciation for the arts, and a renewed sense of inspiration to explore your own creative journeys.

I am so excited to share with you the inspiring journey of Francesca Busca, a former lawyer turned mosaic artist. Francesca's story is a true testament to the power of aligning your life with your interests and passions.

Francesca trained as a lawyer, but became instantly hooked on mosaic art after a visit to a Roman basilica in Italy.

She started creating and studying mosaics - as well as innovating the whole field.

In this interview, you'll learn:

Francesca Busca's background and journey in designing a life aligned with her interests and passions

Her experience studying law and transitioning into mosaic art

How she quickly became an expert and started innovating in her field

Her approach to making rubbish beautiful and spreading awareness about pollution and waste reduction

Her personal rituals, productivity, and the importance of having time to think and be alone for creativity.

Francesca Busca's journey is a testament to the power of following one's passion and making a positive impact on the world.

Through her art and activism, Francesca inspires us to make a difference and create a better future. Her story is another great reminder that it's never too late to pursue what truly makes you happy.

In this joy-full and enlightening interview, Swami Nityananda and I explore spirituality and personal growth for fast-brained humans.

There are so many gems in here that I can't even begin to summarise them - but here are six of Swami Nityananda's main teachings from our talk:

1. Embracing Joy

Joy is not something external to us; it is an innate quality within every individual. By being fully present in the moment, practising gratitude, and embracing simplicity, we can tap into the endless source of joy that resides within us.

2. Practicing Mindfulness

Mindfulness and meditation are powerful practices that allow us to quiet the mind, expand our awareness, and experience inner stillness. By incorporating meditation into our daily lives, we can enhance our well-being, connect with our true essence, and access higher levels of consciousness.

3. Self-Realization and Transformation

Recognize that at the core of our being, there is peace, joy, and unconditional love.

By letting go of limiting beliefs and attachments, we can connect with our true nature, live from a place of authenticity and joy, and experience personal transformation.

4. Ambition and Striving (this could well be my favourite part)

True ambition arises from a place of connection with our inner light and aligning our actions with our true nature.

It is not about forcing or striving excessively but rather working joyfully, wisely, and confidently from a space of pure love and inspiration.

5. The Three Knots

In yogic teachings, the three knots are identified as ignorance, desire, and action. Untying these knots involves realizing that the light we seek is already within us, releasing the belief in separateness, and understanding that our true essence is interconnected with everything. By living in alignment with these teachings, we can find guidance, focus, and inspiration to manifest our unique talents and contribute to the well-being of ourselves and the whole.

6. Interconnectedness

We are all interconnected, and our well-being is intertwined with the well-being of others and the world around us. By recognizing this interconnectedness, we can work towards thriving and succeeding while also supporting the thriving and success of others. Our individual contributions, whether in work, relationships, hobbies, or daily activities, are essential parts of a larger transformation of human structures.

These teachings offer profound insights and practical guidance for leading a purposeful, fulfilling, and spiritually aligned life - and together with the rest of the interview provides plenty of inspiration for designing a life that works with your smart mind.

In this interview, Leah Elson and I explore a wide range of topics, including overcoming imposter syndrome, cultivating resilience, fostering community, and promoting gender equality in STEM fields.

She shares personal experiences, insights, and practical strategies throughout - and you will learn not only how she has managed to write and illustrate her first book, but also whether honey is actually bee poop...

We talk about the importance of recognizing one's accomplishments and strengths, how to combat self-doubt and support others facing similar challenges.

And of course we dive into her important work combating and debunking bad science!

She also addresses the issue of gender disparities in STEM fields, shedding light on the experiences of women and the need for increased support, inclusivity, and advocacy.

I have no doubt this interview will leave you both inspired, better informed, and with a big smile on your face.

You can find Leah's new book, There Are (No) Stupid Questions in Science, at your local bookstore, or read more about it on her website: https://www.leahelson.com/books

Do you constantly contaminate your time by multitasking?

Are you only able to be content when you feel productive?

Then tune in to this week's episode to learn how to uncouple your self-worth from your productivity, and design a much more fun, healthy, and energising life.

I am delighted to introduce to you, Perry Knoppert, aka Dr. Octopus

Perry is pretty hard to pin down.

He is an artist, he has worked in conventional industries.

He's lived in China and Belgium.

He's been homeless.

He has ADHD and dyslexia.

But most importantly he has founded a community I think you'll enjoy and want to join: the Octopus movement, a global network of non-linear thinkers.

By now, the network has grown to almost 3000 members from over 63 countries - and they're approaching problem-solving in unconventional and creative ways.

In this interview we cover a very wide range of topics, including :

• parenting neurodivergent kids and fighting the school system

• having dyslexia

• plants,

• poetry

• drugs

• art

• not accepting the status quo

• mushrooms and the mycelium

• how to build a community and interestingly whether or not we should gate-keep it.

• teacher torture

• teaching nonlinear thinking in schools,

• and all the things we would love to see differently in this world and how we can be agents for change.

I'm sure this interview with Perry aka dr. Octopus will inspire you as much as it has inspired me.

Do you hate predictability with a vengeance?

Is your worst nightmare knowing what you're going to do three weeks in advance?

Do you refuse to be pinned down or hemmed in by commitments?

Then you may be suffering from the rebel-syndrome.

In this Episode you'll learn how real autonomy and freedom are found - and no, it definitely doesn't reside in deciding in the moment.

Do you feel as if you've never got enough time?

Are you greedy for more?

Then listen to this Episode to learn what is actually the problem (spoiler alert: it isn't time) - and what to do about it.