Issue 1
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How to Launch a New Product Online
Even if you’re not launching something new, this story is worth a bookmark. My buddy and podcast co-host Tim Ferriss published an article by Jeff Raider, co-founder of Warby Parker. Jeff provides you with a blueprint (+ source code) on how to launch a new brand via social invite system. Jeff was able to gather 100,000 emails in one week. Impressive.
A Great Backpack
These days work has me fancying it up from time to time (yes, a step up from my black t-shirts), so I needed something a notch up from a college backpack to carry all my stuff.
This “Old School Laptop Ruck Sack” from HardGraft is perfect. Made of rich Tuscan tanned leather and insanely well constructed. Every handle, rivet and stitch is reinforced and supported from the inside, you can just feel the quality when you handle it. Yes, it’s expensive, but like most things you get what you pay for. I’ve had mine (pic) for a couple of years, and I feel like it will last forever.
New Year’s Resolutions Update
This year I’ve decided to take my NYRs seriously. I’m tracking them using the iOS App “Way of Life”. (if you’ve found something similar on Android, let me know) Here is how I did in January:
Alcohol: 45 total drinks, 15 days without alcohol
No sugar: 23 days without sugar, 8 days with sugar, (dark chocolate)
Tea: 15 days I consumed tea (herbal or green)
Slow Carb: 19 days I stuck to slow carb foods
16hr fasting: 17 days (more on that later)
24hr fast: 5 days (dinner-to-dinner)
Sauna: 14 times
Cold training: 27 sessions, cold showers, via Wim Hof Method
Ted Talks: 27 TED talks watched
Meditating: 23 sessions
Gym: 14 sessions
No coffee: 3 days without coffee
I’ve mentioned a few of these resolutions to friends/Instagram, and I get a common response — but why? Why fast, sauna, and subject yourself to the cold?
These sound like fads, which I try to avoid (for the most part). Ideally, anything I subject myself to must be backed up by real (preferably published) science.
While I like to dig through PubMed and read the science directly, I’m not a scientist, and I need help making sense of it all. For that, I turn to Dr. Rhonda Patrick (Ph.D. in biomedical science). Rhonda has done extensive research on aging, cancer, and nutrition. She’s quickly becoming an internet rockstar having been a guest on the Tim Ferriss Show and a handful of Joe Rogan Experience episodes.
So, on to the why:
Why do you use the sauna?
In a recent study using the sauna 2–3 times per week was associated with 24% lower all-cause mortality and 4–7 times per week decreased all-cause mortality by 40%. Dr. Patrick has put together an excellent video on the benefits of sauna use, give it a watch.
Why do you subject yourself to ice showers/baths?
Funny you should ask, Dr. Patrick just released a new PDF “Report on Cryotherapy & Cold-Water Immersion,” it’s filled with great information. On top of the positive benefits listed in the PDF, it’s a fantastic way to start the day. It’s like a red bull in the morning, sans red bull.
Why do you fast?
Fasting is a bit more controversial (a great overview on the topic here) but I enjoy the way I feel after a 16 or 24hr fast. My ketone levels increase (i.e. more energy) and I personally have sharper mental function. On top of that (real talk) I also do 16-hr intermittent fasting because Hugh Jackman uses it to transform into Wolverine.
It’s important to mention, always talk to a doctor before making any changes to your diet or exercise routine. These are just my personal experiences and not to be mimicked.
“What really matters at the end of life”
As mentioned above, I’ve been watching a TED talk a day as part of my New Year’s Resolutions. Out of the 27 videos I’ve watched, this one was my favorite.
About this talk: “BJ Miller is a palliative care physician at Zen Hospice Project who thinks deeply about how to create a dignified, graceful end of life for his patients. Take the time to savor this moving talk, which asks big questions about how we think about death and honor life.”
App of The Month: Calm
I’ve been using Calm since the first version a couple of years ago. It’s simple guided meditation without religion/dogma. Available on both iOS and Android.
Quotes to Live By
“Anything worth doing is worth doing slowly”
~Mae West
“Raise your words, not voice. It is rain that grows flowers, not thunder”
~Rumi
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