The 31+ Best Tim Ferriss Podcasts that Will Make You Healthier, Wealthier, and Wiser

Since the publication of his runaway best-seller The 4-Hour Work Week, Tim Ferriss has become one of the most well-known and respected entrepreneurs and strategists on the planet.

And since the launch of his top-ranked podcast The Tim Ferriss Show, which has now generated almost half a billion downloads, Tim has become the epicenter for people who want to become happier, healthier, wealthier, and wiser.

His incredible interviews and amazing off the cuff conversations give listeners a rare opportunity to listen in on how the greatest performers, investors, and athletes in the world think and behave and the sheer amount of value one can glean from his show is unparalleled.

Considering the 350+ podcasts Tim has released (and the 2 hour average run time of each), it can be a challenge to determine which interviews are worth your time.

Over the past few years, I’ve listened to more than 100 of Tim’s podcasts and found 31 that deliver more minute-per-minute value than the rest.

Whether you want to earn more money, have better relationships, improve your health, or simply become happier and wiser, Tim and his guests can help you achieve your goals.

These are the 31 best Tim Ferriss podcasts that will help you change your life and achieve your biggest dreams.

The Best of Tim Ferriss Podcasts to Help You Improve Your Health

1.  Episode #102 with Wim Hof 

Breathe, motherfucker!

Wim “The Iceman” Hof is a Dutch superathlete and world record holder who has single-handedly transformed our understanding of what the human animal is capable of. From running a marathon above the Arctic Circle while wearing only shorts to climbing past the “Death Zone” on Mount Everest (again, only in shorts) to sitting in an ice bath for more than 2 hours, to controlling his immune system in a laboratory setting (and successfully killing an endotoxin as it was injected into his bloodstream) Wim has consistently pushed the envelope on his own physical potential and the perceived potential of the human body.

During their conversation, Wim and Tim dive deep into the science behind the “Wim Hof Breathing Method” and how ordinary people can use his system to achieve extraordinary results. From increasing your pushup max in (quite literally) less than a minute to the power of extreme cold exposure in fighting inflammation and disease to Wim’s “magic diet” of pasta and beer, if you want to learn how to unlock the latent potential of your body using nothing more than the power of your breath, this episode is a must watch.

2. Episode #89 with Laird Hamilton (and Gabbie Reece and Brian MacKenzie) 

There are no new ideas. Only new applications of old ideas.

Laird Hamilton is one of the craziest humans alive. He built his reputation and fortune by surfing huge waves that would terrify even the most experienced surfer and he is responsible for the inception of multiple sports like Stand Up Paddle Boarding (SUP) and tow-in surfing. Today, Laird teaches athletes how to get more out of their performance and push the limits of their potential in ways that few coaches can.

In their incredible interview, Tim and Laird discuss all things peak performance including Laird’s “Yellow energy elixir”, advice for beat up athletes, and how to use underwater weight lifting and elevation masks to become unbreakable. But the conversation doesn’t stop there. Laird and Gabby share invaluable insights into what it means to live a healthy and integrated life and even discuss parenting and relationship strategies that have the potential to save your marriage (or your relationship with your kids). Laird’s contagious lust for adventure and a fulfilling life can be felt in every word he speaks and every single person reading this will live a happier and richer life by taking his advice.

3. Episode #188 with Dom D’Agostino 

If you don’t have cancer and you do a therapeutic fast 1 to 3 times per year, you could purge any precancerous cells that may be living in your body.

Dr. Dominic D’Agostino has quickly carved out a name for himself as one of the preeminent experts on all things health, fitness, and performance. He is an associate professor at the University of South Floridan Morsani College of Medicine and a senior research scientist at the Institute for Human and Machine Cognition. Oh, and he’s also a bona fide animal who once deadlifted 500 lbs for 10 reps…after a 7-day fast.

If you’ve ever been interested in the ketogenic diet, strength training, or the practice of intermittent fasting, this interview will give you everything you need to know to begin your journey to total optimization. From the science of ketosis to completing extended periods of fasting the right way to the latest research on beating various forms of cancer (including so-called terminal cancer) through dietary modification, they cover it all. If you or a loved one has ever been afflicted by cancer or autoimmune diseases, this interview may very well save your life or the life of a loved one. It’s that important.

4. Episode #16 with Joe De Sena 

It could always be worse.

Joe De Sena is considered by many, for lack of a better term, bat shit crazy. After all, why would any sane person drop a multiple 6-figure career as a Wall Street Banker to engage in dangerous (and potentially fatal) competitions and races? As Joe put it, “I had to get back to this place where you just want water, food, and shelter. All the craziness of my life–this Wall Street life I had taken on–would go away, would melt away.”

He’s the founder of the infamous Spartan Race and Death race and has completed the Badwater Ultramarathon along with countless other extreme endurance races. And his conversation with Tim is an interesting case study into the power of physical adversity and challenges. His transformation from an out of shape money-grabber into a grounded and world-renowned athlete is nothing short of astonishing and this interview will have you wanting to jump out of your seat and go run 15-miles through a desert. If you feel stuck and stagnant and want to shake up your routine and get back in touch with your primal self, this interview should be high on your list.

5. Episode #50 with Dr. Peter Attia

(On Peter’s breakfast) It usually starts with nothing, and then I usually do a second course–because I’m a little hungry–and I’ll have a little bit more nothing. I usually top it off with a bit of nothing.

Referred to as Tim’s “Go-to doctor” Peter Attia, MD is a former ultra-endurance athlete and one of the most respected experts on peak performance and human longevity. Although their conversation wanders down the well-worn paths of ketogenic dieting and fasting, they are only the tip of the iceberg.

This is one of the best of Tim Ferriss’ podcasts and Peter dives deep into the science of human longevity–basically “How to Not Die 101”–and reveals several bizarre and counterintuitive tactics that can be used to live a longer, healthier, and happier life. From microdosing with Lithium (no, really) to building a “bitching booty” to specific blood testing recommendations to the supplements that you should not be taking, Peter and Tim reveal everything you need to know to optimize your brain and body for a long lifetime of peak performance.

6. Episode #198 with Charles Poliquin 

The rule is: The basics are the basics, and you can’t beat the basics.

The late Charles Poliquin was one of the most sought after and acclaimed strength coaches in the world. He trained athletes from nearly 20 different sports, authored more than 600 articles, published 8 books, and ran a thriving company called Strength Sensei before his early death in September of 2018.

During one of his last interviews, Tim and Charles sat down to discuss everything you’ll ever need to know to become bigger, leaner, and stronger. From the dangers of carbs, to increasing testosterone, to the best exercises to gain muscle mass, to “penis skin” on your stomach, if you want to develop superhuman strength and a build a body like a Greek statue, the late and great Charles Poliquin can help you do it.

7. Episode #55 with Pavel Tsatsouline 

Strength is the mother quality of all physical qualities.

When a former training instructor for the Soviet Special Forces, “Spetnaz” starts talking, you’d be well advised to sit down and listen. And when said Spetnaz instructor also happens to a consultant to the U.S. Navy SEALs and the progenitor of the “kettlebell craze”? Well, you get the idea.

Pavel Tsatsouline is one of the scariest and most knowledgable strength and conditioning coaches on the planet. However, despite his international acclaim and long list of accolades, his methods are shockingly simple. In fact, many of his prescribed training methods require nothing more than your body weight.

Over the course of their discussion, you’ll learn how to: Increase your deadlift by 120 lbs in 8 weeks, increase your endurance (almost) overnight with a “weird” breathing exercise, pack on slabs of lean muscle with gymnastics training, and how to double the number of pull-ups (or any other exercise) with his “grease the groove” method. If you want to be stronger, tougher, and harder to kill, this episode will teach you everything you need to know.

8. Episode #5 with Kelly Starrett (and Dr. Justin Manger) 

Men, if you wake up and you don’t have a boner, there’s a problem.

Dr. Kelly Starrett, the Founder of San Fransisco Crossfit (one of the first 50 Crossfit affiliates out of the 10,000+ existing today) is one of the most sought after trainers and coaches in the world. Unlike some of the other guests on this list, his specialty is not in strength or longevity, but mobility. His uncanny ability to help athletes recover from (and later prevent) debilitating injuries has attracted a wide array of clients from Olympic gold medalists to Tour de France cyclists to Olympic powerlifters to special forces soldiers and his book Becoming a Supple Leopard is largely regarded as the Bible of mobility training.

During their conversation, Kelly and Tim lay out a simple guide to improving your mobility, avoiding injuries, and developing “superhuman” joint health that will help you enjoy your athletic passions for decades to come. If you’re an athlete or regularly spend time in the gym, this interview will equip you with the knowledge and strategies you need to increase your performance, reverse injuries, and become a “supple leopard”.

The Best Tim Ferriss Podcasts to Help You Build Wealth and Join the “New Rich”

9. Episode #79 with Chris Sacca 

It may be lucky, but it’s not an accident

An early-stage investor in some of the most successful companies including Twitter, Uber, Instagram, and Kickstarter, Chris Sacca is largely considering to be one of the most successful venture capitalists on the planet. And this interview gives listeners a rare glimpse at how the world’s wealthiest people actually think and behave. Tim teases out insanely actionable life lessons and strategies that will help anyone, regardless of their goals earn more money, live a more fulfilling life, and transform themselves and their careers.

In particular, I loved Chris’s strategy of attending as many high-level meetings as possible (even when you aren’t invited). In his early days of working at Google, Chris would regularly show up to meetings with the co-founders and top executives, informing them that he would be “Taking notes” so he would be privy to high-level conversations and connections. This is just one of the many strategies that Chris shares that will help you shake up your thinking and challenge your current perceptions of what is possible.

10. Episode #163 with Marc Andreessen 

To do original work: It’s not necessary to know something that nobody else knowns. It is necessary to believe something few other people believe.

Marc Andreessen is, by very definition, a “unicorn”. Not only has he created software that has been used by more than a billion people, but he has co-founded and led multiple multi-billion dollar companies in the tech industry. Today, he is regarded as one of the most influential tech advisors and investors on the planet and his unprecedented successes have made him one of the most sought after thinkers in the world.

What I love about this particular Timothy Ferriss podcast is the sheer breadth of tactical business insights you are able to glean from the conversation. From the importance of pricing to the fetishization of failure to Marc’s two rules for success, if you want to know how to make more money, scale your business, and live a truly rich life, listen to this discussion.

11. Episode #125 with Derek Sivers 

If more information was the answer, then we’d all be billionaires with perfect abs.

Described by Tim as a “philosopher-king, programmer, master teacher, and merry prankster”, Derek Sivers is one of the most eclectic and down to earth entrepreneurs on the planet. Despite his wild success with his company CD Baby (which he sold for $22 million…that he then donated to a charitable trust), Derek is committed to a life of simplicity, minimalism, and life-first, work second.

The conversation between these two titans takes some interesting twists and covers a wide breadth of topics from the real definition of success to “Buridan’s Ass” to the problem with busyness, Derek provides a counterintuitive roadmap to success that is wildly divergent from the “hustle and grind” lifestyle so frequently prescribed by successful entrepreneurs. My favorite line of the entire interview is when Tim asks Derek what he would put on a billboard and he responds, “I would make a billboard that says, It won’t make you happy, and I would place it outside any big shopping mall or car dealer.” Derek’s no-nonsense attitude and lust for life are contagious and, by the time you finish listening to this interview, you will find yourself reconsidering your goals, hopes, and aspirations and craving a simpler life.

12. Episode #150 with Morgan Spurlock 

You can’t be afraid to show your scars.

Director of Super Size Me, prolific author, entrepreneur, and Oscar-nominated filmmaker Morgan Spurlock is one of the most interesting figures in all of Hollywood. His focus on storytelling over fanciness (something sorely lacking in most of our modern media) is a refreshing divergence from the beaten path.

Throughout their discussion, Tim and Morgan dive deep into the creative process and the inspirations that helped Morgan achieve such unconventional success in a cut-throat industry. His counterintuitive views of the world will give you the creative fodder you need to unlock the “muse” and bring your visions to life.

13. Episode #101 with Reid Hoffman 

I have come to learn that part of the business strategy is to solve the simplest, easiest, and most valuable problems.

Co-founder and Executive Chairman of LinkedIn (which sold to Microsoft for more than $26.2 billion…in cash), an investor in Facebook, Airbnb, and Flickr, and the former VP of PayPal, Reid Hoffman is referred to by many as “The Oracle of Silicon Valley” and is largely considered to be one of the most savvy investors and businesses leaders on the planet.

This is one of the best interviews I’ve ever heard on the philosophical and mental underpinnings of financial success and you’ll walk away with dozens of valuable insights that will help you on your path to fame and fortune. From deconstructing problems more effectively to the power of language to the power of the subconscious mind to the importance of moving fast, Reid’s razor-sharp wit and intellect are on full display throughout this discussion and I found myself in awe of how differently he thinks from most people.

14. Episode #28 with Peter Thiel 

If you’re planning to do something with your life, if you have a 10-year plan of how to get there, you should ask: Why can’t you do this in the next 6 months?

Peter Thiel is a serial entrepreneur (whose companies include PayPal and Palantir), billionaire investor, and best-selling author whose impeccable strategies and uncanny ability to dissect and solve complex problems have made him one of the most acclaimed and respected investors of the 21st century.

Like many of the other guests on this list, Peter’s unconventional world views and unparalleled ability to ask life-changing questions will challenge your beliefs and assumptions to their very core. Their conversation meanders from tactical business insights (including how to select the right investments) to powerful life lessons to the importance (and tragedy) of education. While you listen to this interview, pay special attention to the way that Peter reframes the questions he’s asked to provide clearer and more actionable answers. If you can learn to implement this skill in your own life, you’ll be amazed by the difference it will make.

15. Episode #75 with Noah Kagan 

Don’t try and find time. Schedule time.

Noah Kagan is one of my favorite human beings on the planet. I’ve interviewed (and eaten tacos) with him and I can tell you from firsthand experience, the man practices what he preaches and is the most contagiously happy people on the planet. He was the #30 employee at Facebook (before he was fired–losing out on $100 million), the #4 employee at Mint.com and the Founder of SumoMe.

In one of Tim Ferriss’ best podcasts, Tim and Noah go into a ton of actionable and practical business strategies that will help you make more money with your company or side-hustle immediately and reveal several strategies for time management, learning, and motivation. Whether you want to make more time for your passions, gain 40 lbs. of muscle in 6 months, or build a string of 7-figure businesses in your free time, this podcast will help you do it.

16. Episode #371 with Ramit Sethi 

“Most of us should spend less time on most decisions and we should spend a lot more time on a few key decisions.”

Ramit Sethi, the “New Guru of Personal Finance” is one of my go-to experts on all things psychology, money management, and business development. His best-seller, I Will Teach You to Be Rich has sold more than 500,000 copies and his company (by the same name) has helped tens of thousands of people build the businesses of their dreams, eradicate their debt, and live a truly rich life.

In his interview with Tim, Ramit spends a ton of time discussing a topic that few financial “gurus” dare to touch–the psychology behind your financial and career decisions. Ramit teaches you how to become a masterful negotiator, land your dream job, unfuck your finances, and live the life that you want to live by relaying timeless psychological principles that demystify the complicated challenges we all face with money.

If you’re struggling with debt, stuck in a job you hate or looking to take your finances to the next level, Ramit will help you do it. And I promise you’ll enjoy every second of it.

17. Episode #138 with Seth Godin

You’re more powerful than you think you are. Act accordingly.

The word “prolific” barely begins to describe Seth Godin. He’s the best-selling author of more than 18 books, a serial entrepreneur, and Direct Marketing Hall of Fame inductee (yes, that’s a real thing) whose work continues to stand out among the din of “gurus” vying for our attention. And his intellectual and business prowess are on full display during his interview with Tim.

Tim and Seth cover a lot of ground and talk about everything from the “story” of money to the “tattoo” principle to parenting advice, this interview takes countless unexpected turns that (to the listener’s delight) provide equally unexpected insights into the realities of financial success.

18. Episode #56 with Peter Diamandis 

Listen, the day before something is truly a breakthrough it’s a crazy idea. If it wasn’t a razy idea, it’s not a breakthrough, it’s an incrimental improvement.

Named one of the World’s Greatest 50 Leaders by Fortune magazine, Dr. Peter Diamandis is the founder and executive chairman of the XPrize Foundation and co-founder of Human Longevity Inc, and Planetary Resources. He’s a multiple-time best-selling author and one of the go-to guys whenever businesses and world leaders are faced with seemingly insurmountable problems.

The best part of this interview is the behind-the-scenes look that Peter offers into his personal habits and routines (routines that helped him become a billionaire). From his morning and evening routine to the strategies he uses to get out of a “funk” to finding your mission to the most important questions to ask yourself, this interview provides a blow by blow account of what it takes to reach the pinnacles of success…and why most people never will.

The Best Tim Ferriss Podcasts that Will Make You Happier and Wiser

19. Episode #154 with Paulo Coelho

The world is changed by your example, not your opinion

Paulo Coelho is, without a doubt, one of the most influential and renowned authors of our time. His runaway bestseller The Alchemist has sold more than 65 million copies worldwide and been translated into more than 70 languages (an astonishing feat considering that upon its original publication it sold only 900 copies and the publishers refused to reprint it). In their interview, Tim and Paulo take a deep dive into the creative processes and habits that fueled his unprecedented success.

From his morning routine to overcoming writer’s block to synthesizing new ideas this episode provides a rare glimpse into the habits and lifestyle of one of the world’s most prolific writers. This interview is packed with actionable insights into the creative process and will, if nothing else, help you realize that the best of the best are no different from you and I (Paulo admits during the interview that he spends the first few hours of his day procrastinating until the guilt he feels forces him into action).  If you’re an aspiring creative, Paulo’s refreshing candor and honesty will give you the hope you need to persevere through challenges and provide you with an actionable blueprint for success.

20. Episode #136 with Naval Ravikant 

Desire is a contract you make with yourself to be unhappy until you get what you want.

Naval Ravikant is a self-described Bear on a Unicycle. Despite his wild successes as an entrepreneur and angel investor (including investments in Twitter, Uber, Yammer, and PostMates), Naval is one of the most humble, down to earth, and insightful humans on the planet. His focus is, first and foremost, on increasing happiness for both himself and humanity and his counterintuitive advice and opinions will have you savoring every word and exclaiming, “Holy shit! I’d never thought about it that way.”

In their interview, Tim and Naval tackle a wide gamut of topics from the “Five Chimp Theory” to lessons from the Russian Mob to the power of honesty and Tim’s “Gay Banker” outfit. It’s a truly inspiring and insightful conversation that will leave you reconsidering every facet of your life and challenging your long-held beliefs. If you want to be a happier, kinder, and more successful human being, listen to this podcast today. 

21. Episode #60 with Arnold Schwarzenegger

I wasn’t there to compete, I was there to win.

Arnold Schwarzenegger needs no introduction. The so-called “Austrian Giant” was the youngest person to ever hold the Mr. Universe title, a seven times Mr. Olympia winner, self-made real estate millionaire, the highest-paid actor of his time, and the former Governor of California (the highest political office that can be held by a non-native U.S. citizen).  His unbroken track record of success in every endeavor has made him one of the most acclaimed and respected individuals of our time and his staggering ability to achieve any goal to which he puts his mind is palpable in every word of this interview.

In their interview, Tim and Arnold dive deep into the psychological game of success and the tactical mindsets that helped Arnold achieve such unparalleled success. Although the interview is filled with actionable intel and golden nuggets of wisdom, my two favorite parts are where Arnold starts speaking (and shouting insults) in his native German language and where he explains the “psychological warfare” he would use on other competitors before his bodybuilding events. This is one of my all time favorite interviews and a must watch for…well, everyone.

22. Episode #178 with Tony Robbins

Life is always happening for us, not to us.

Regarded as the expert on peak performance, success, and mindset, Tony Robbins has been transforming lives since his early 20’s and his list of happy clients include Bill Clinton, Serena Williams, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Oprah. His books have sold millions of copies in dozens of languages and his transformational events regularly pack out entire stadiums.

I’ve listened to dozens of interviews with Tony Robbins throughout the years and expected this discussion to be a redundant regurgitation of information I’d already heard thousands of times. However, I was pleasantly surprised by the way Tim was able to bring out new lessons and stories from Tony that I’d never heard before.

Throughout their discussion you’ll learn the one thing that determines your quality of life more than anything else (it’s not what you think), why you shouldn’t meditate in the morning (and what to do instead), the “Three S” strategy for massive success, and the four common traits shared by all of the world’s best investors. Whether you want to make more money, be happier, have better relationships, or change the world, this podcast will help you do it.

23. Episode #116 with Casey Neistat 

What’s the ultimate quantification of success? For me, it’s not how much time you spend doing what you love. It’s how little time you spend doing what you hate.

Casey Neistat’s life was off to a rough start. At 15, he ran away from home. At 17 he had his first child. By 18, he was on welfare to get milk and diapers. But through perseverance and commitment, he turned everything around and today, his online films have been viewed more than 300 million times, he’s starred in an HBO original series, and he’s the founder of the video-sharing startup Beme.

What I love most about this interview is how utterly counterintuitive and raw Casey’s advice is. Instead of following your passion, he encourages us to follow our anger. Instead of taking the safe and proven path, he encourages us to ask “What’s the most outrageous thing I can do”. Instead of spending more time doing what you love, he encourages us to spend less time doing what we hate.

This interview is filled with unexpected lessons and gripping stories that will inspire you to shake up your routine and push the limits on what you believe is possible.

24. Episode #18 with James Altucher 

(On saying “no”) I don’t give explanations anymore, and I’ll catch myself when I start giving explanations […] I just say, ‘I can’t do it’. I hope everything is well.

For the past 20 years, James Altucher has been a human “yo-yo”. For years, he was trapped in a cycle of making and losing millions, reaching incredible highs before suffering unbearable lows, achieving real happiness and then struggling with deep depression. Through it all, he’s managed to create a name as one of the most influential entrepreneurs, thinkers, and life strategists and his book Choose Yourself was named one of the top 12 business books of all time.

What I love the most about the conversation between James and Tim is James’s simple philosophy of “Generating wealth through self-improvement.” Although he shares some tactical business and investment insights, most of James’s advice revolves around the power of personal development and the importance of physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual health.

From the power of ideas to the (now world-famous) daily practice, to selective ignorance and the unimportance of purpose, James offers succinct and powerful insights that will help you transform your life by first transforming yourself.

25. Episode #14 with Sam Harriss 

On one level, wisdom is nothing more than the ability to take your own advice. It’s actually very easy to give people good advice. It’s very hard to follow the advice that you know is good.

Sam Harriss is one of the greatest thinkers and philosophers of our time. His powerful exposes on free will, lying, religion, AI, psychedelics and self-transcendence have garnered the of the scientific and philosophical communities and incurred the wrath of many more. And Sam’s wide array of insights into human life and consciousness make this one of the most fascinating podcasts on the entire list.

What I love about this interview is how tactical and timely the content is. We live in a world where anxiety, depression, and other mental disorders increase every day. As our scientific understanding increases, more and more people feel lost, hopeless, and confused by the overwhelming realities of human life. And Sam does an impeccable job of providing actionable strategies and insights to help combat these challenges.

Their conversation ranges from ego death to the therapeutic use of psychedelics to the power of meditation and, even though it can get a bit long-winded, this interview has the power to transform the way you face the challenges in your life and revolutionize your thinking in a multitude of ways.

26. Episode #107 with Jocko Willink 

If you want to be tougher mentally, it’s simple: Be tougher. Don’t meditate on it.

If you were to look up the phrase “Hardcore” in the dictionary, you’d likely find a picture of Jocko Willink’s face next to it. The former Commander of SEAL Team Three’s task unit “Bruiser” (the most highly decorated special ops unit in the Iraq War), a black belt in Brazilian Jujitsu, best-selling author, and entrepreneur, Jocko is a force of nature who seems to live on a completely different planet than the one that you and I inhabit.

He’s lean, mean, scary as hell, and comes to the interview armed to the teeth with hard-won wisdom on living a better life. If you need a kick in the ass, this interview will give it to you. Jocko talks about everything from his philosophies on life and success, to leadership, to his daily diet (apparently steak is on the menu), and much much more. This interview will eliminate the word “excuse” from your vocabulary and leave you feeling motivated and ready to take life by storm.

27. Episode #366 with Neil Gaiman 

“The biggest problem we run into is going, ‘This is who I am, this is what I’m like, this is how I function’ while failing to notice that you don’t do that anymore.”

Neil Gaiman is one of the most prolific creatives and authors of our time. He’s written at least 28 books (with countless more in the works or unpublished) many of which have become highly acclaimed movies and TV shows. As Tim put it, this is the “Interview I’ve waited 20 years to do”.

What I love most about Tim’s conversation with Neil are the uncanny ways that Neil’s prescriptions for creative success (namely in writing) can be applied to any challenge you are facing in your life. The man thinks in a way that is radically different from most people and his attitude towards life and success are a fascinating divergence from the standard fare. Whether you want to become a best-selling author or a billionaire investor, you will leave this interview with dozens of actionable insights and ideas that will fuel your creative flair and help you think, act, and live better.

28. Episode #287 with Terry Crews 

Vulnerability is not weakness

Terry Crews, a former NFL player turned actor/comedian, is quite possibly the happiest man on the planet. He is a living breathing testament to the power of indomitable optimism and one of the most surprisingly insightful guests on this entire list. What I love most about this conversation is the raw and vulnerable way that Terry talks about his struggles with defining and embodying masculinity–a topic into which few of Tim’s guests ever venture.

Terry’s views on masculinity and success are uncommon in today’s world and he offers many valuable insights into what it means to be a good man. They also dive deep into some darker waters like handling an abusive father, coping with depression, and overcoming anxiety. This was a surprising gem and an absolutely fantastic episode that every man should listen to.

29. Episode #168 with Malcolm Gladwell  

For every hour I spend writing, I spend three hours thinking about writing.

Malcolm Gladwell is a 5X New York Times best-selling author who has been named one of the top 100 most influential people by Time magazine and one of Foreign Policy’s Top Global Thinkers. His books provide a rare insight into how the world actually works and his amazing podcast Revisionist History, explores nuances of history that were (sadly) absent from your college textbook.

The most valuable part of this entire interview is simply being able to observe how Malcolm thinks. He isn’t after money or fame, but truth and progress. His ability to ask the right questions and cut to the heart of what’s really happening in a given situation is uncanny and his routines, habits, and tools will give you actionable steps you can take today to improve your thinking, performance, and creativity.

30. Episode #124 with Jamie Foxx

In a blink of an eye, we’ll all be gone. 100 years compared to infinity is nothing. […] Yuo’re gonna look back and say, “Shit, I should have been laughing and now I’m dead.”

Jamie Foxx is the quintessential renaissance man He’s an Academy Award-winning actor, a Grammy award-winning musician, a world-famous comedian, and an all-around badass. And his conversation with Tim is nothing short of mind-blowing (and laugh out loud hysterical).

Jamie shares his rise from obscurity to authority and reveals the tactical habits, routines, and “crazy ideas” that allowed him to go from a “nobody” to one of the most widely acclaimed performers of our time. They dive into everything from his workout routine to parenting style to his thoughts on fear and honesty and, by the time the dust settles, you’ll be picking your jaw up off the floor. If you’ve ever enjoyed any of Jamie’s work in the past, this interview will give you a greater appreciation for one of the icons of our time and one of the funniest humans on the planet.

31. Episode #86 with General Stan McChrystal (And Chris Fussel) 

The purpose of life is a life of purpose ~Rober Byrne

General Stan McChrystal spent 34 years in the United States Army, retiring as a 4-star general who was responsible for some of the most important missions carried out in the Iraq War (he is credited with the death of Abu Musab al-Zarqawi one of the most powerful leaders of Al-Qaeda). The former Defense Secretary Robert Gates called him, “The finest warrior and leader of men in combat I ever met.”

During their conversation, Tim and General McChrystal cover a wide breadth of topics from the General’s workout and meal plan to practices for mental toughness to the importance of reading and, what I found to be most insightful about this interview is the sheer simplicity by which General McChrystal operates. He has no time for fluff or filler and years of military service have given him a ruthless efficiency that every one reading this can learn from. If you want to be a better leader, a better entrepreneur, and a better man, listen to this interview You’ll be glad you did.

Hope you enjoyed the list!

More By Tim Ferriss 

The 4-Hour Body

The 4-Hour Chef 

Tools of Titans

Tribe of Mentors 

Next Steps

We’re on a mission to impact a million men with powerful life-changing content. If you enjoyed this article, please share it with your friends on your preferred social network on the left. I spent a ridiculous amount of time creating this article for you and with your support, we can impact the world together.

Do you want my help?

Then click here to watch my new client orientation to learn more about becoming a stronger Grounded Man, breaking free from nice guy behaviors, and creating a powerful social circle of likeminded men and a high quality romantic relationship.

Not only will you get tapped into your own “band of brothers” in my elite community of men, but you’ll also have access to the best damn course training available for men as well as weekly group calls with my team of transformative coaches. No whiny boys, complainers or dabblers, for serious men only.

If you’re ready to push the boundaries of what’s possible in your life and become the man you’ve always wanted to be. This is the fastest way to do it.

The Times Have Changed. This is the Way Forward in 2024.

Here’s how I can help in my new FREE training on becoming a stronger Grounded Man:

1. The new path for men that creates a purpose driven life and doesn’t require you to lose your personal power, put women on a pedestal or sacrifice your goals.

2. Why men consistently settle and ignore the most important areas of life like the quality of their intimate relationships, social life and happiness and how to optimize all three without sacrificing professional growth.

3. The biggest mistake 97% of men make that breeds loneliness, breakups and emasculation that is absolutely reversible with this counter intuitive strategy.