#764: Edward Norton and Martha Beck
2Digest
This podcast episode features two fascinating guests: Edward Norton, a renowned actor, director, and producer, and Martha Beck, a life coach, author, and podcast host. Edward Norton shares his journey into acting, starting with his early experiences in local theater and the influence of mentors like Toby Ornstein and Ian McKellen. He discusses his definition of success, emphasizing the importance of balance and well-being, and shares his favorite books, including "Wind, Sand and Stars" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry and "The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb. Martha Beck, known for her work on personal growth and self-discovery, shares her unique connection with Boyd Varty, a renowned tracker and author of "The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life." She explains the concept of "the path of not here," a state of being lost or disconnected from one's true path, and emphasizes the importance of tracking joy in one's life. She discusses her own journey of reconnecting with her body and the role of suffering in bringing about self-awareness. Martha also shares her experience with an integrity cleanse, a year-long commitment to telling the truth, which led to significant changes in her life. She discusses the importance of self-trust, aligning with one's true self, and the influence of Asian languages and philosophies on her coaching approach. The conversation delves into the power of language, the importance of sensory-based experiential thinking, and the role of neurodiversity in a world shaped by Western colonizers and hierarchical capitalism. Martha shares exercises designed to activate the right hemisphere of the brain and reduce anxiety, and discusses the role of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in addressing mental health challenges. The episode concludes with Martha's reflections on her experience with equine therapy, the death of her ranch, and the importance of embracing change and finding beauty in the process of transformation.
Outlines
Mementis, ExpressVPN, and Introduction
This segment features sponsored advertisements for Mementis and ExpressVPN, followed by an introduction to the podcast and its 10th anniversary celebration. Tim Ferris introduces Edward Norton, a renowned actor, director, producer, and philanthropist.
Edward Norton's Journey into Acting
Edward Norton shares his early experiences with acting, starting with a local theater arts program at a young age. He discusses his initial passion for storytelling and writing, his self-consciousness in high school, and the influence of mentors like Toby Ornstein and Ian McKellen.
Defining Success and Favorite Books
Edward Norton reflects on his definition of success, emphasizing the importance of balance and well-being. He shares his favorite books, including "Wind, Sand and Stars" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, "The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and essays like "Second Wind" and "The Catastrophe of Success."
Favorite Films and Underrated Movies
Edward Norton discusses his favorite documentaries, including Bennett Miller's "The Cruise" and Adam Curtis's "The Century of the Self." He also highlights underrated films like Jacques Audiard's "A Prophet" and Alejandro González Iñárritu's "Biutiful."
Advice to Younger Self and Request to Audience
Edward Norton offers advice to his younger self, emphasizing the importance of committing to fewer things and prioritizing experiences like living abroad. He encourages the audience to engage in self-improvement and strive to astonish themselves with their accomplishments.
Guest Introduction: Martha Beck
Tim Ferris introduces Martha Beck, a renowned life coach, author, and podcast host, known for her work on personal growth and self-discovery.
Connection with Boyd Varty and the Path of Not Here
Martha Beck shares her unique connection with Boyd Varty, a renowned tracker and author of "The Lion Tracker's Guide to Life." She describes their initial meeting in South Africa and the profound bond they formed, highlighting Boyd's resilience and storytelling abilities.
The Path of Not Here and Tracking Joy
Martha Beck explains the concept of "the path of not here," a state of being lost or disconnected from one's true path. She emphasizes the importance of tracking joy in one's life, using Boyd Varty's tracking skills as an analogy.
Rescuing Boyd Varty and Finding Joy in the Body
Martha Beck discusses her role in helping Boyd Varty find joy in his life after experiencing significant trauma. She emphasizes the importance of finding joy in the body, highlighting the body's intelligence and the need for relaxation and sensory experiences.
Reattuning the Body and Equine Therapy
Martha Beck discusses her own journey of reconnecting with her body after years of neglecting it. She shares her experiences with physical illness, pregnancy, and the realization that her obsession with intellect had led to a disconnect from her physical self.
Suffering as an Ally and Cultivating Sensitivity
Martha Beck emphasizes the role of suffering in bringing about self-awareness and prompting a shift towards a more joyful path. She highlights the importance of recognizing and acknowledging suffering as a catalyst for change.
Tracking Joy in Life and Individual Destiny
Martha Beck uses the analogy of tracking animals to illustrate the process of tracking joy in one's life. She emphasizes the importance of identifying and pursuing activities that bring joy, aligning with one's individual destiny.
The Integrity Cleanse and Its Impact
Martha Beck shares her personal experience with an integrity cleanse, a year-long commitment to telling the truth, which led to significant changes in her life, including the loss of her family, religion, job, and marriage.
The White Light Experience and Consciousness
Martha Beck recounts a profound experience during surgery where she encountered a white light that brought her immense joy and a sense of connection to a higher consciousness. She discusses her belief that consciousness is the primary reality of the universe.
Integrity Cleanse: White Belt, Blue Belt, Black Belt
Martha Beck provides a framework for an integrity cleanse, offering different levels of commitment, from a three-day trial to a lifelong commitment to truthfulness. She emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, honesty, and kindness.
Saying No and Embracing Truthfulness
Martha Beck discusses the importance of saying no and embracing truthfulness in one's interactions with others. She emphasizes the power of using clear and direct language, avoiding victimhood, and prioritizing joy in relationships.
The Influence of Asian Languages and Philosophies
Martha Beck shares her experiences living and studying in Asia, highlighting the influence of Asian languages and philosophies on her coaching approach. She discusses the concept of dropping illusions and the pursuit of enlightenment.
The Importance of Comfort and the Essential Self
Martha Beck shares a story about asking an audience if they are comfortable, highlighting the disconnect between our physical bodies and our conscious awareness. She emphasizes the importance of recognizing and addressing discomfort as a key to self-awareness.
What You Want vs. What You Yearn For
Martha Beck explores the distinction between "what you want" and "what you yearn for," emphasizing the difference between our social selves and our essential selves. She explains that yearning for things like peace and belonging leads to true happiness.
Actualizing Yearnings and Jumping the Tracks
Martha Beck discusses how to actualize yearnings for things like peace and belonging, which are not easily quantifiable. She introduces the concept of "jumping the tracks," shifting from a purely physical perspective to a more sensory and experiential way of thinking.
Sensory-Based Experiential Thinking and Jumping the Tracks
Martha Beck explains the importance of sensory-based experiential thinking, which involves engaging the senses and accessing the right side of the brain. She describes an exercise that helps people access their yearning by vividly imagining a scene with multiple sensory components.
The Power of Language and Jumping the Tracks
Martha Beck discusses the power of language and how it can create a reality in our minds that can be both helpful and harmful. She emphasizes the importance of jumping the tracks from language-based thinking to a more sensory and experiential way of being.
Learning from Stephen Mitchell and Byron Katie
Martha Beck discusses the profound influence of Stephen Mitchell and Byron Katie on her life and work. She shares her experiences with their books and workshops, highlighting the power of their teachings on self-discovery and transformation.
The Faustian Bargain and Self-Trust
Martha Beck discusses the Faustian bargain, the metaphorical choice between pursuing external validation and following one's soul. She emphasizes the importance of self-trust and aligning with one's true self.
Good's Influence and Unique Abilities
Martha Beck discusses the influence of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe on her life and work, highlighting his emphasis on self-trust and the importance of following one's soul. She reflects on her own unique abilities and the challenges of being different.
The Creative Cost of Rumination
Martha shares her experience with rumination, highlighting its potential for both creative capacity and insomnia. She discusses the challenges of teaching others to replicate her unique abilities, emphasizing the importance of effective teaching methods.
Mimicry and Neurodiversity
Martha explores her unusual ability to mimic sounds and accents, attributing it to her neurodivergent brain. She reflects on her childhood experiences and the potential impact of medication on her development.
The Future of Neurodiversity
Martha emphasizes the importance of neurodiversity in a world shaped by Western colonizers and hierarchical capitalism. She believes that people with neurodivergent brains hold the key to a more sustainable and equitable future.
Anxiety and Creativity: A Two-Sided Coin
Martha delves into her theory that anxiety and creativity are two sides of the same coin. She explains how stress can hinder creativity and how the left hemisphere of the brain can amplify fear through verbal storytelling.
Exercises for Right Brain Activation
Martha shares specific exercises designed to activate the right hemisphere of the brain and reduce anxiety. She emphasizes the importance of engaging in creative activities for the joy of the process, not just the outcome.
Internal Family Systems and Anxiety
Martha discusses the role of Internal Family Systems (IFS) in addressing anxiety and other mental health challenges. She explains how IFS helps individuals identify and integrate different parts of themselves, leading to greater self-acceptance and healing.
The Wisdom of Cheetahs
Martha shares her experience with cheetahs, highlighting their delicate nature and the power of their energy. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with animals on a deeper level and learning from their unique perspectives.
Equine Therapy and the Power of Energy
Martha discusses her experience with equine therapy, explaining how horses respond to human energy and can help individuals learn to communicate more effectively. She shares a powerful story about how horses can force people to confront their true selves.
The Death of a Ranch and the Birth of Something New
Martha reflects on the process of selling her ranch, describing it as a natural death and a transition to something new. She emphasizes the importance of embracing change and finding beauty in the process of transformation.
The Monkey Whisperer
Martha shares her experience with monkeys in Costa Rica, highlighting the power of intention and the importance of connecting with nature. She discusses the role of trickster archetypes in mythology and the importance of using magic for good.
Keywords
Mementis
Mementis is a company that offers high-quality supplements and products for various categories, including sports performance, sleep, and cognitive health. They prioritize single-ingredient formulations and third-party testing for product quality and transparency.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a virtual private network service that prioritizes privacy and security. It encrypts internet traffic, protecting users from hackers, governments, and internet service providers, ensuring online anonymity and data protection.
Integrity Cleanse
An integrity cleanse is a personal practice of telling the truth, even when it's difficult or uncomfortable. It involves becoming aware of one's own lies, both verbal and nonverbal, and making a conscious effort to be truthful in all interactions.
The Path of Not Here
The path of not here is a state of being lost or disconnected from one's true path. It's characterized by a lack of joy, a sense of being stuck, and a feeling of being out of alignment with one's values and desires.
Jumping the Tracks
Jumping the tracks refers to shifting from a purely physical and analytical way of thinking to a more sensory and experiential way of being. It involves engaging the senses, accessing the right side of the brain, and connecting with one's body's intelligence.
Byron Katie's The Work
Byron Katie's The Work is a self-inquiry process that helps people identify and challenge limiting beliefs. It involves asking four questions about a thought that is causing suffering: Is it true? Can you absolutely know that it's true? What happens when you believe that thought? Who would you be without that thought?
Faustian Bargain
The Faustian bargain is a metaphorical choice between pursuing external validation and following one's soul. It represents the temptation to compromise one's values and integrity in exchange for worldly success or recognition.
Rumination
A mental process involving repetitive and intrusive thoughts, often associated with anxiety, depression, and insomnia. It can be both a source of creative inspiration and a hindrance to mental well-being.
Neurodiversity
The recognition and appreciation of the wide range of human brains and cognitive styles. It challenges traditional notions of "normal" and emphasizes the value of different ways of thinking and learning.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
A therapeutic model that views the psyche as comprised of various "parts" with their own unique identities and motivations. It emphasizes self-compassion and acceptance of all parts, leading to greater integration and healing.
Q&A
What are some of the key takeaways from Edward Norton's conversation about his journey into acting?
Edward Norton's journey highlights the importance of early exposure to the arts, the influence of mentors, and the need to find a balance between passion and self-consciousness. He emphasizes the value of embracing diverse skill sets and rejecting dogma in pursuing a craft.
How does Martha Beck define success and what are some of her favorite books?
Martha Beck defines success as a state of balance and well-being, prioritizing personal growth and fulfillment over external validation. Her favorite books include "Wind, Sand and Stars" by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, "The Black Swan" by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, and essays like "Second Wind" and "The Catastrophe of Success."
What is the concept of "the path of not here" and how can we track joy in our lives?
The path of not here is a state of being lost or disconnected from one's true path, characterized by a lack of joy and a sense of being stuck. Tracking joy involves identifying and pursuing activities that bring us joy, aligning with our individual destiny.
How can we actualize our yearnings for things like peace and belonging?
Actualizing yearnings involves shifting from a purely physical and analytical way of thinking to a more sensory and experiential way of being. This involves engaging the senses, accessing the right side of the brain, and connecting with our body's intelligence.
What is Byron Katie's The Work and how can it help us overcome limiting beliefs?
Byron Katie's The Work is a self-inquiry process that helps people identify and challenge limiting beliefs. It involves asking four questions about a thought that is causing suffering: Is it true? Can you absolutely know that it's true? What happens when you believe that thought? Who would you be without that thought?
What is the Faustian bargain and how can we cultivate self-trust?
The Faustian bargain is a metaphorical choice between pursuing external validation and following one's soul. Cultivating self-trust involves recognizing our own worth, embracing our unique abilities, and making choices that align with our values and desires.
How does Martha's experience with rumination relate to her creative abilities?
Martha believes that her tendency to ruminate, while contributing to insomnia, also fuels her creative capacity. She sees it as a double-edged sword, offering both challenges and opportunities.
What is Martha's perspective on neurodiversity and its role in the future?
Martha believes that neurodiversity is essential for a more sustainable and equitable future. She argues that people with neurodivergent brains often possess unique perspectives and abilities that can help us address the challenges facing our world.
How does Martha use Internal Family Systems (IFS) to address anxiety?
Martha uses IFS to help clients identify and integrate different parts of themselves, including those that contribute to anxiety. By accepting and understanding these parts, individuals can begin to heal and find greater peace.
What is the significance of Martha's experience with equine therapy?
Martha's experience with equine therapy highlights the power of animals to connect with humans on a deeper level. She believes that horses can help individuals learn to communicate more effectively and confront their true selves.
Show Notes
This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited.
The episode features segments from episode #133 "Edward Norton on Mastery, Must-Read Books, and The Future of Crowdfunding" and #732 "Martha Beck — The Amazing and Brutal Results of Zero Lies for 365 Days, How to Do a Beginner 'Integrity Cleanse,' Lessons from Lion Trackers, and Novel Tactics for Reducing Anxiety."
Please enjoy!
Sponsors:
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ExpressVPN high-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service: https://www.expressvpn.com/tim (Get 3 extra months free with a 12-month plan)
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Timestamps:
[00:00 ] Start
[05:45 ] Notes about this supercombo format.
[06:48 ] Enter Edward Norton.
[07:19 ] Edward's introduction to acting.
[08:45 ] First theater mentors and what they instilled in Edward.
[12:11 ] Who comes to mind when Edward hears the word "successful?"
[13:18 ] Most gifted books.
[14:28 ] Life-changing essays.
[15:50 ] Favorite documentaries.
[16:40 ] Underrated movies.
[18:51 ] Edward's advice to his younger selves.
[20:09 ] Community appreciation.
[22:37 ] Enter Martha Beck.
[23:08 ] My contribution to teen atrociousness.
[23:40 ] Connecting with Boyd Varty.
[29:28 ] The path of not here.
[33:25 ] Finding joy in the body can save your life.
[38:18 ] The pregnant pause that ended Martha's obsession with intellect.
[43:52 ] Sensitivity and suffering.
[47:38 ] The year of living lie-lessly.
[52:37 ] An illuminating change of perspective.
[1:02:08 ] The path to taking a black belt integrity cleanse.
[1:05:36 ] Owning your right to say "No."
[1:09:39 ] Alternatives to "No" that remain honest.
[1:13:05 ] The language of candor.
[1:15:24 ] Ending relationships that have run their course.
[1:16:30 ] The Asian influence.
[1:20:20 ] Sweet or savory?
[1:21:30 ] Are you comfortable?
[1:23:27 ] Want vs. yearning and jumping the track.
[1:36:30 ] Rhino ruminations.
[1:38:00 ] The Tao Te Ching, Stephen Mitchell, and Byron Katie.
[1:49:13 ] America's Goethe?
[1:52:15 ] Weighing kryptonite against superpowers.
[2:00:09 ] Exploring the opposite of anxiety.
[2:12:55 ] Dick Schwartz and Internal Family Systems.
[2:17:46 ] Compassion even for the self's unwanted pieces.
[2:20:14 ] Favorite animal.
[2:24:52 ] Equine therapy.
[2:31:00 ] Selling the ranch.
[2:34:31 ] The monkey whisperer.
[2:36:00 ] Parting thoughts.
*
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Table of contents
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06:47 to skip ads & intro.