Episodes

  • What We Must Do Now to Stop the Destruction of Civilization | Daniel Schmachtenberger (Archived Episode)
    Oct 18 2024
    On this episode of Conversations with Tom, host Tom Bilyeu and guest Daniel Schmachtenberger engage in a fascinating discussion about social media, neural warfare, game theory, power itself, and the ways that our society has over-optimized. In particular, they talk about why it’s so important to stop trying to be right, why we need to start thinking in more complex ways, and why the real battlefield is the human mind. [Original air date: 6-11-20]. SHOW NOTES: Daniel was home-schooled, allowed to study whatever he thought was most important [0:30] Daniel’s parents actually referred to his family as an “experiment” [3:40] By the time a child goes to school, civilization has already been imprinted on them [6:04] Daniel advocates that optimization is actually a part of the problem [8:37] Daniel details exactly why trying to optimize leads to serious problems [13:14] Daniel talks about how to understand civilization’s history through game theory [18:40] Some kinds of value can be extracted and lead to power, and other kinds can’t [20:57] Daniel uses the example of COVID-19 to illustrate the problems with optimization [25:48] How can we think in complex ways that respect the interconnected nature of existence [30:41] It’s much easier to break things than it is to build complex systems [35:39] Tom and Daniel discuss whether it’s possible to nudge people in the right direction [38:16] Social media will lead us to war even though no one wants it [46:01] Daniel and Tom discuss the connections between high school bullying and terrorism [51:12] If you aren’t considering counter-responses, you are just being emotionally hijacked [58:56] People’s minds are the battlefield [1:04:17] There are no authorities that are trustworthy enough to just assume they are right [1:09:59] Do you want to be effective or do you want to be right? [1:15:15] Daniel explains how people become fundamentalist about things they are wrong about [1:19:45] Debates are often not about understanding. They are just dogfights. [1:28:48] Legitimate power is when I am trying to influence someone to be more self-directed [1:32:03] Tom explains the relief of focusing on finding the right answers instead of being right [1:35:35] If you want to be right, you are very easy to control. Fragile egos are vulnerable. [1:39:55] Capitalism, the Trump campaign and Christianity have all been antifragile so far [1:42:33] FOLLOW DANIEL: WEBSITE: neurohacker.com INSTAGRAM: https://bit.ly/2UxGUo1 FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. LISTEN AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 58 mins
  • Tom Bilyeu Breaks Down Trump's Tariffs, Kamala Harris on Fox , Elon Musk Saves the World, and Asmongold's Boot From Twitch
    Oct 17 2024
    Welcome to a special episode of Impact Theory, where we turn the spotlight on our remarkable host, Tom Bilyeu. Known for his insightful interviews and thought-provoking commentary, Tom has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible. In this episode, we delve into Tom’s unique perspectives on the evolving public perceptions of prominent figures, and the delicate balance between making bold statements and the ensuing risks in today's culture. We explore Tom’s views on the transformative power of AI and robotics, drawing from Elon Musk’s groundbreaking innovations. Tom shares his thoughts on the societal demand for clear stances on issues, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on personal and societal growth, and the cyclical nature of cultural divisions. Tom reflects on Donald Trump's career, examining the intricacies of his political and business achievements. He predicts a future where robotics become as ubiquitous as cell phones and discusses the profound possibilities and potential challenges of AI. Additionally, Tom provides his take on Kamala Harris’ high-stakes media appearances, the strategic use of tariffs in global trade, and the creative process behind game development. This episode offers a deep dive into the mind of Tom Bilyeu, as he navigates complex topics with personal anecdotes, historical insights, and his trademark analytical prowess. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Clips needed only if enhancing video performance. 10:37 Media influenced my biases and perceptions deeply. 13:38 Focus on scheduling, personal content, and enjoyment. 24:11 Her popularity wanes; Rogan interview critical. 25:35 Experienced leader adapting policies to current demands. 31:24 Tariffs increase costs; impact importers and consumers. 37:22 He wanted doubt to strengthen his persuasion. 44:12 AI provides support, friendship, and knowledge future. 49:18 Balance negatives with positives; consider all impacts. 53:06 Be inspired by perseverance and impactful mindset. 01:00:36 Embrace learning and admit being wrong. 01:04:27 We generated excessive, sometimes ridiculous, exploratory documents. 01:07:23 Cultural origins shape behaviors and societal dynamics. CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Range Rover: Explore the Range Rover Sport at https://landroverUSA.com Oracle: Take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/theory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Momentous: Shop now at https://livemomentous.com and use code IMPACT for 20% your new Momentous routine. FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. LISTEN AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • AI: Savior or Destroyer? What the AI Revolution Means for Business, Healthcare, and Society | Emad Mostaque - PT 2
    Oct 16 2024
    Today, we delve into the transformative power of artificial intelligence with our distinguished guest, Emad Mostaque. In this episode, we explore the multifaceted role of AI in addressing critical global challenges like population decline, mental health, and elderly care. We also discuss how AI's inductive reasoning and mathematical capabilities are revolutionizing various sectors, from education and healthcare to business and creative industries. Tom Bilyeu and Emad Mostaque illuminate the promising advancements in robotics, such as the Unitree G1 and Tesla's Optimus robot, poised to become as ubiquitous as cars in the near future. They examine the deflationary effects of AI on the economy, its potential in government transparency, and the ethical considerations of AI recreating loved ones' voices. Join us as we navigate the intricacies of AI's current capabilities and its future trajectory, from personalized educational tools to brain-computer interfaces and beyond. This episode promises a comprehensive look at AI's impact on society, balancing the opportunities for human augmentation and technological advancement with the necessary cautionary measures to safeguard our future. Don't miss this compelling conversation about the evolving landscape of AI and its profound implications for humanity. SHOWNOTES 00:00 Need diverse choices; assess AI technology impacts. 07:39 AI streamlines bureaucracy and reduces information barriers. 14:24 AI empowers game creation; impacts job markets. 19:54 Transformation in regulated industries; evolving entertainment costs. 24:34 Population decline due to low birth rates worldwide. 28:19 Most overestimate IQ; tech overlooks disadvantaged backgrounds. 37:23 Enhancing workflow efficiency with AI-driven systems. 38:37 AI increases reach, speed, and entrepreneurship ease. 48:10 AI growth pushing human augmentation consideration inevitable. 52:45 AI augments human ability, global perspectives vary. 59:39 Intelligence plateaus; avoiding mistakes improves effectiveness. 01:01:00 AI advances progress through consistent data analysis. 01:06:06 We need execution, not breakthroughs, to change. 01:15:46 AI needs better data for self-improvement loop. 01:19:10 AI must achieve unprecedented breakthroughs for utopia. 01:25:40 AI and scientists: Intuition, reasoning, software collaboration. 01:29:44 Using AI model for efficient thought processing. CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Range Rover: Explore the Range Rover Sport at https://landroverUSA.com Oracle: Take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/theory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Momentous: Shop now at https://livemomentous.com and use code IMPACT for 20% your new Momentous routine. FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. LISTEN AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 39 mins
  • AI: Savior or Destroyer? What the AI Revolution Means for Business, Healthcare, and Society | Emad Mostaque - PT 1
    Oct 15 2024
    Today, we're joined by Emad Mostaque, an innovative leader in the AI field and founder of Shelling AiH. In this episode, we delve deep into the intricacies of artificial intelligence, exploring its immense potential as well as the challenges and ethical dilemmas it poses. Tom and Emad discuss the critical aspects of AI control, the risk of subtle manipulation, and the importance of decentralized and open-source models. They investigate how AI can transform sectors like education, healthcare, and governance, while also addressing concerns about autonomy, transparency, and societal impacts. Join us as we navigate the philosophical and practical dimensions of AI's role in our future, examining everything from economic disruptions to the potential reshaping of democracy, and the very nature of work and human fulfillment. This discussion is packed with insights, thought-provoking questions, and forward-thinking solutions that you won't want to miss. SHOWNOTES 00:00 China's geostrategic impact more concerning than AI. 07:03 Digital control to change Hollywood employment landscape. 13:41 Talk show hosts influence public opinion, political change. 18:46 Informing citizens enhances representation in democratic processes. 24:49 Tech enables democracy, transparency; builds personal defenses. 28:42 New AI models excel in complex tasks. 33:42 Increasing compute leads to internal AI politics. 41:24 AI trust issues, governance, open-source data needed. 45:24 Computers build usable AI models for collaboration. 50:14 Open source AI systems need customizable governance. 55:52 China may use AI for invasive surveillance. 01:03:24 AI governance threatens individual privacy and control. 01:08:57 Purpose and happiness intertwine, balancing freedoms' concepts. 01:13:16 Design systems to enhance human agency, capability. 01:20:17 Coordination needed for food, education, resources globally. 01:26:34 Success is valued through personal achievement and progress. 01:28:27 Overcame illness, wrote reflective book on life. CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Range Rover: Explore the Range Rover Sport at https://landroverUSA.com Oracle: Take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/theory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Momentous: Shop now at https://livemomentous.com and use code IMPACT for 20% your new Momentous routine. FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. LISTEN AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Ramit Sethi Will Teach You To Be Rich (Replay)
    Oct 14 2024
    Are you tired of personal finance advice that makes you feel terrible for buying lattes? Well, the “no-BS money man for the new generation”, Ramit Sethi, is tired of bad personal finance advice too. Instead of giving you guilt trips about life’s daily pleasures, he tells you how to negotiate a 25k raise. On this episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu, Ramit Sethi, author of “I Will Teach You to be Rich”, does just that. Find out how to negotiate big raises, control your spending, get out of debt, and form positive money habits that will make you financially free. [Original air date: 8-13-19]. SHOW NOTES: Ramit describes the connections between systemic inequality and mindset [2:39] Ramit talks about how 90% of people in debt don’t know how much they owe [4:16] Ramit describes people’s invisible beliefs about money [5:35] Tom and Ramit discuss how to get through to people about making money [8:09] Tom and Ramit discuss spending on what you really love [12:20] Ramit defines a rich life [14:54] Ramit and Tom discuss dark beliefs around money [16:35] Ramit explains how to get a 25k raise [23:15] Ramit advocates that people desperately crave the truth [30:06] Ramit illustrates how people victimize themselves [31:53] What kinds of rules should people have around money? [34:53] Ramit discusses core values and money [38:06] Ramit describes how to have deep conversations in relationships [40:41] Ramit explains what rules new couples should have around money [43:20] How people should think about saving and debt [45:58] Ramit talks about the small minority of people who are obsessed with money [48:17] Ramit shares the impact he wants to have on the world [49:39] CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS Range Rover: Explore the Range Rover Sport at https://landroverUSA.com Oracle: Take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/theory Shopify: Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at https://shopify.com/impact Momentous: Shop now at https://livemomentous.com and use code IMPACT for 20% your new Momentous routine. FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. LISTEN AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    57 mins
  • Tom Bilyeu Q&A: Secrets to Overcoming Toxic Work Culture and Setting Goals (Replay)
    Oct 12 2024
    Tom Bilyeu and Cindy field questions from the Impact Theory community on moderation and the steps you can take to set goals and crush them. [Original air date: March 12, 2017]. CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS ButcherBox: Get your choice of a free protein in every box for a year, plus that $20 off your first order with code IMPACT at https://butcherbox.com/impact. Tonal: Go to https://tonal.com and get $200 off with promo code IMPACT. Huel: Try Huel with 15% OFF today using code IMPACT at https://huel.com/impact. Miro: Bring your teams to Miro’s revolutionary Innovation Workspace and be faster from idea to outcome at https://miro.com. Design.com: Ready to transform your brand? Head to https://design.com/impacttheory and get up to 88% off. FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. LISTEN AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 18 mins
  • Tom Bilyeu on Google's Demise and The Dark Truth of Politics
    Oct 11 2024
    Welcome back to another riveting episode of Impact Theory with Tom Bilyeu! In today's show, we dive deep into Tom's reflections on self-trust, navigating crises, and the power of integrity in public discourse. We also explore the fascinating world of superheroes, where Tom shares his admiration for Doctor Manhattan's transformative abilities and Batman's dedication to training and research, while our guest Drew brings Spider-Man's relatability and humor into the spotlight. We tackle the complexities of the political landscape, examining everything from the influence of cultural shifts on betting markets to Elon Musk's impact on political campaigns. We also discuss the economic challenges posed by inflation and fiscal literacy, critiquing current political strategies and the efficacy of educating the public on intricate issues. Tom and Drew don't shy away from controversial topics, debating climate change mitigation methods like nuclear and solar energy, and the implications of future-focused technologies such as driverless cars and wearable tech. We also take a critical look at the entertainment industry, contrasting the development cycles of movies and video games, and reflecting on how iterative game development can lead to sustained success. Finally, we foresee the evolution of search engines thanks to AI, with Tom sharing his unique experience with ChatGPT. As always, we encourage your engagement and thoughts on future topics, and Tom signs off with his iconic, "Be legendary." Stay tuned for a thought-provoking episode! SHOWNOTES 00:00 Inflation equals theft through money supply inflation. 04:51 Caution against government hastily regulating Google's monopoly. 07:06 AI will revolutionize search and social media. 10:48 Podcasting alone won't solve journalism's advertising issues. 14:37 People exploit others' lack of critical thinking. 17:04 Integrity and honesty are my guiding values. 21:31 Trump's unique campaign strategy breaks traditional molds. 24:12 Smart glasses enhance cognition, costly prototypes exist. 25:25 Transformative technology is available right now. 31:09 Requesting Sony's assets to innovate entertainment industry. 33:21 Video game mechanics can create diverse outcomes. 37:40 Balance climate action with economic growth. 38:26 Advocate nuclear safely, avoid extreme environmental solutions. 41:51 Accept all voters to avoid tyranny. 46:01 Kid gains powers, must learn control. CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS ButcherBox: Get your choice of a free protein in every box for a year, plus that $20 off your first order with code IMPACT at https://butcherbox.com/impact. Tonal: Go to https://tonal.com and get $200 off with promo code IMPACT. Huel: Try Huel with 15% OFF today using code IMPACT at https://huel.com/impact. Miro: Bring your teams to Miro’s revolutionary Innovation Workspace and be faster from idea to outcome at https://miro.com. Design.com: Ready to transform your brand? Head to https://design.com/impacttheory and get up to 88% off. FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. LISTEN AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    55 mins
  • Is Reality Fake? The Startling Truth About Simulation | David Chalmers (Replay)
    Oct 10 2024
    What is reality? What is the nature of consciousness? How do we know that what we are experiencing is base reality and not a simulation? These may seem like the kind of questions that you’d associate with modern concepts like The Matrix and simulation theory, but the fact is that every ancient philosophical tradition has wrestled with these problems in some form or another. And with the advent of rich, complex VR worlds and the nascent metaverse, even more philosophers are turning toward these deep questions of consciousness and the human experience. One of the most interesting thinkers in this space is David Chalmers, Professor of Philosophy and Neural Science at New York University, and co-director of the Center for Mind, Brain, and Consciousness. In his latest book, Reality+: virtual worlds and the problems of philosophy, David investigates not only the nature of reality, but how we should conceptualize virtual reality, the idea that we can actually live a meaningful life in VR, how we know there’s an external world, and much more. We explore these topics and more in today’s wide-ranging conversation, covering everything from the hard problem of consciousness to the probability that we’re actually living in a computer simulation. You don’t have to be a student of philosophy to enjoy today’s conversation - especially if you’re as excited as I am about the possibilities being unlocked by virtual reality and the metaverse. [Original air date: March 8, 2022]. And if you want to dive deeper into David’s work, you can order his new book, Reality+, by clicking here: https://amzn.to/3vMSS0v SHOW NOTES: 00:00 | Introduction 01:41 | The Hard Problem of Consciousness 10:42 | Consciousness as a Fundamental Law of Nature 17:38 | The Foundations of Simulation Theory 27:33 | Is Reality Made of Information? 39:03 | How to Live a Meaningful Virtual Life 45:10 | The Philosopher’s Zombie 51:59 | Orderable States of Consciousness 58:23 | Zhuangzi and the Butterfly 1:05:20 | The Experience Machine 1:14:40 | GPT3 and Deepfakes 1:19:08 | The Future of “Technophilosophy” CHECK OUT OUR SPONSORS ButcherBox: Get your choice of a free protein in every box for a year, plus that $20 off your first order with code IMPACT at https://butcherbox.com/impact. Tonal: Go to https://tonal.com and get $200 off with promo code IMPACT. Huel: Try Huel with 15% OFF today using code IMPACT at https://huel.com/impact. Miro: Bring your teams to Miro’s revolutionary Innovation Workspace and be faster from idea to outcome at https://miro.com. Design.com: Ready to transform your brand? Head to https://design.com/impacttheory and get up to 88% off. FOLLOW TOM: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tombilyeu/ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tombilyeu?lang=en Twitter: https://twitter.com/tombilyeu YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TomBilyeu What's up, everybody? It's Tom Bilyeu here. If you're serious about leveling up your life, I urge you to check out my new podcast, Tom Bilyeu’s Mindset Playbook —a goldmine of my most impactful episodes on mindset, business, and health. Trust me, your future self will thank you. LISTEN AD FREE + BONUS EPISODES on APPLE PODCASTS: apple.co/impacttheory Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 33 mins