Mere Mortals Conversations

fter a massive European break, wedding, honeymoon, the works, I knew I couldn’t just ease back into life and hope for momentum to return on its own. In this episode, I walk you through the exact protocols I’m using to rebuild discipline: a month-long training system, my morning routine, and why I believe structure isn’t restrictive, it’s liberating. This is about reclaiming control and setting the tone for the next few months of my life. No fluff, no hype, just systems that work. Aka Effective Philosophy.

(00:00) – The Return: Coming Back with Purpose
(00:38) – Why Discipli...

We're in Greece (and thank god not LA)!

In Episode #484 of Mere Mortals 'Meanderings', Juan & I (plus Joey, a long-time friend) discuss: Joey's challenges of stand-up comedy, the courage it takes to perform in front of a live audience, the impact of AI on creative industries, cultural experiences of traveling through Europe, our least favourite travel destinations, with Los Angeles/Alice Springs topping the list for their lack of charm and overwhelming tourist traps and a light-hearted attempt at stand-up comedy, as we each share a joke, bringing a humorous end to our Greek adventure.

...

In this deeply personal and reflective episode, one half of the Mere Mortals opens up about his recent wedding. From the quiet maturity of wearing a ring to the raw emotional challenge of delivering vows, this episode explores how major life events can reshape our identity in surprising ways. It's a meditation on commitment, vulnerability, and the power of presence.

(00:00) - The Big Reveal: I Got Married!
(00:28) - Does Marriage Change Anything?
(01:50) - Our Reverse Life Timeline
(03:08) - The Surprising Impact of the Ring
(04:33) - From Boy to Man: Maturity Hits
(06:46...

It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.

Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from...

Can anyone/everyone be a leader?

In Episode #483 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan & I discuss: the differences between managing/leading/doing, why I'm not a natural leader (& Juan is a doer more than a leader), the ability to inspire others, why great leaders are accountable yet not necessarily good, the rarity of true leadership, anecdotes from our personal lives and observations on well-known leaders like Elon Musk, Steve Jobs, Churchill and Hitler.

Huge thanks to Petar The Slav, Lyceum & The Late Bloomer Actor for the support, much appreciated!

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:06:07) Leadership vs...

I don't understand Californians!

In Episode #482 of 'Musings' Juan & I discuss: the transactional undertone in interactions in Los Angeles (possibly influenced by Hollywood culture), the art of small talk and how it can be improved, Juan's natural inclination towards confrontation and how he navigates small talk in professional settings, appreciating small talk for its own sake and a look ahead to our upcoming travels.

Many thanks to The Late Bloomer Actor for the support this week!

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:03:02) Experiences in Los Angeles and Minnesota
(00:13:12) Conversation for Conversation's Sake
(00:17:19) Small Talk...

It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.

Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from...

Juan has moved house and I'm getting ready to go travelling.

In Episode #481 of 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: the challenges and transitions of moving homes, the importance of maintaining a balanced state of mind amidst life's chaos, the idea of ataraxia (a state of serene calmness and freedom from emotional disturbance) and the balance between feeling emotions and striving for equanimity.

We really appreciate any support you wish to provide to the Mere Mortals :)

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:28) Life Updates & Moving Experiences
(00:05:16) Exploring Crypto & NFTs
(00:09:19) Podcast Consistency/Future Plans
(00:13:21) Finding...

It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.

Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from...

Here's the kick in the butt you need to reach out to your old friends.

In Episode #480 of 'Musings' Juan & I discuss: the complexities of reaching out to people from the past, sharing personal anecdotes about past friendships, maintaining past relationships versus focusing on present/future priorities, our upcoming trips to Europe and why they will be so different, why it's a bad idea to try to recreate periods from your past and thinking about what you can get out of experiences like this.

Huge thanks to Lyceum for supporting the podcast, it is very much...

We survived the media onslaught fine but the real world effects linger.

In Episode #479 of Musings, Juan and I discuss: the fear & craziness of the recent Cyclone Alfred here in Brisbane, whether it lived up to it's fearsome reputation (it didn't), the panic buying & actual impact on his property, why hyper local media might be the future, why legacy media has to induce excitement/worry but won't actually show the things we're scared of and how we intend to consume information going forward.

Huge shoutout to Queen Mother for the boost & our other sat streamers...

Is work being equated to jobs undergoing a separation?

In Episode #478 of 'Musings' Juan and I discuss: the fundamental definition from a physics perspective, why my handstand training is more about persistence, how external validation can differ from internal satisfaction, future implications of an age of abundance where hard work may become less necessary due to technological advancements, why I value technique and Juan will teach his child how to grind.

Huge thanks to Petar for the support, it means the world to us!

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:03) Defining Hard Work
(00:03:53) Subjectivity of...

It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.

Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from...

Some special guests (Brodie & Mansheel) are here to do some show and tell!

In Episode #477 of Meanderings, we discuss the intricacies of collecting Pokémon cards, the financials of the grading process, factors that influence the value of these collectibles, maintaining excellent card condition (Juan needs to take notes), nostalgia of collecting since children, the thrill of opening VeeFriends packs and the strategies for buying and selling cards.

Huge thanks to Cole for supporting this week (and Petar for the maple syrup). 

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:02:21) Pokemon Grading & Card Conditions
(00:04:01) Opening VeeFriends & Storing Ca...

Will Juan's insanely ambitious predictions come true (likely) and why is he so sure (backed by evidence)?

In Episode #476 of Musings, Juan and I discuss: the rapid advancements in AI (drawing from his past experiences in AI sales and chatbot implementations), the slow progress of autonomous Haul Trucks I saw in the mining industry, .Juan's prediction that unemployment rates will more than double by the end of 2026, robotic process automation (RPA) and its potential to replace repetitive tasks traditionally done by humans, the types of drones, vehicles & machines we are likely to start noticing in every day life...

Why is investing in Game Stop going to cause the collapse of the financial system?

In episode #475 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: Tom Bilyeu's perspective that all financial actions are a form of gambling, James Jani's videos on GameStop and Bed Bath & Beyond (BBBY), how the irrational belief of "mother of all short squeezes" (MOASS) will lead to the financial system's collapse, our past financial delusions in stocks/properties/NFT's, the aftermath of bubbles bursting and Juan's current delusion of the impact of AI by 2026 (my opinion - correct).

Huge thanks to Lyceum...

They're always around so how do you pick them out?

In episode #474 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: the definition of trickery for accruing value, personal anecdotes of being scammed, learnings from Edward Chancellor's book 'Devil Take The Hindmost', recognising red flags such as offers that seem too good to be true, whether certain societal structures like the education system or the 9-to-5 work model could be seen as scams and whether scams that lead to positive outcomes are actually scams.

Huge thanks to Cole McCormick for the support this week, it means...

It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.

Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from...

This is a solo episode heavily influenced by the book 'Devil Take The Hindmost'.

In Episode #473 of 'Musings' it is just myself Kyrin and I'm discussing: the beginnings, growth and eventual popping of financial bubbles across history (with examples like the Tulip Mania and the South Sea Bubble), why these criteria are all subjective and not numbers based, the reasons I believe there is a crypto/AI bubble that is midway through it's cycle and some predictions for what I think could happen in the next 6-18 months.

A huge thanks to Lyceum & Petar for...

We're no longer the Mere Mortals Podcast ...... we're now Mere Mortals Podcasts!

In Episode #472 of 'Meanderings, Juan and I discuss: the two new podcasts around AI and fitness that we are doing independently, why we will be experimenting with other monetisation models for the new shows (and tweaking existing), why people have black marks on their brand when they get sloppy with their collaborators/advertisers, community building and what more we can do for engagement and some personal updates, including upcoming travel plans & potential changes in living arrangements.

Another sad puppy for support this week :'(<...

We're revisiting an old topic .... with some updates.

In Episode #471 of 'Musings' we discuss: a previous episode from mid 2020 (#49) noting the changes in our perspectives, more on static/dynamic stretching, the specialised techniques of PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) & ballistic stretching, why anyone can achieve a reasonable level of flexibility, how we injured ourselves by not following our own advice and how Juan likes to clean and jerk babies.

Very sad puppy this week, we miss your support :'(

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:46) Main Topic: Flexibility and Stretching
(00:04:51) Reflections on Past Discussions
(00:08:39) Current...

 This chat’s all about tackling a unique 2025-calorie challenge. I dive into why I gave it a go, how it panned out (spoiler: not as planned), and the lessons I walked away with. It’s a mix of fitness, mindset, and how to frame challenges in life.

(00:00) - Kicking Off the Challenge
(00:40) - What is the 2025-Calorie Challenge?
(01:22) - Why I Decided to Try It
(02:38) - Planning the Challenge
(05:19) - Did I Actually Do It?
(08:30) - Lessons Learned from Failing
(12:02) - The Power of Focusing on Effort
(15:07) - Applying Learn...

A sucky year doesn't have to be the worst of your life.

In Episode #470 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: our reflections on 2024, my sad year that despite the challenges ended with clarity and optimism towards the end, Juan's balancing of family life and spending as much time with his daughter as possible, predictions for 2025 with emphasis on the advancements of AI, a positive economic wave coming and why hardware might be more interesting than software.

Huge support from Petar the Slav & Cole McCormick, thank you so much!

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro<...

It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.

Do you set yourself monthly goals and if so, how many do you set? Juan and I on the first week of every month go over our progress from the previous month and where we are heading for the next. Emphasis as always is on the shortcomings; what we didn't achieve in the previous monthly goals and how we will fix that for the month that comes. We hope you get some value from...

 This episode reflects on my key takeaways from 2024, focusing on discipline, family priorities, balancing multiple roles, mindfulness, and adaptability.

Timeline:
(00:00) - Introduction to the Year in Review
(00:49) - Reflecting on Seasons of Life
(02:22) - Lesson 1: Discipline in Daily Routines
(04:26) - Lesson 2: Prioritizing Family
(07:16) - Balancing Multiple Roles and Eliminating Distractions
(09:35) - Lesson 3: Mindfulness and Emotional Intelligence
(11:26) - Lesson 4: Adaptability in the Face of Challenges
(14:22) - Building a Community and Future Goals
(15:19) - Memorable Quotes and Philosophical Reflections
(21:56) - Closing Thoughts on Conquering Oneself

Connect with M...

We're spending a lot more time playing around with models.

In Episode #469 of Musings, Juan and I discuss: why we think Agentic AI will be extremely useful, whether open source models can compete with closed source, why I believe they are necessary for privacy/freedom of expression/anti-advertising reasons, the bitter lesson with regards to compute, why governments will regulate and try to control the industry and similarities to cases with big tech.

No boostagrams again, very sad puppy :'(

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:04:12) Decentralised Vs Closed Source AI
(00:14:20) Open Source AI: Current...

 In this episode, I review Magic Mind, a nootropic drink designed to enhance mental performance, focus, and reduce stress. Sharing a 15-day personal trial, we explore the product's ingredients, effects, and value while reflecting on its potential to create a "sharper mind" baseline.

(00:00) - Welcome to the Podcast
(00:25) - Introducing Magic Mind
(00:49) - Unbiased Approach to Product Reviews
(01:37) - Magic Mind: Packaging and First Impressions
(02:03) - Key Ingredients and Benefits
(02:48) - Clinically Backed Claims: Fact or Fiction?
(03:49) - Personal Testing: 15-Day Experience
(05:05) - Influencer Endorsements and Testimonials
(05:30) - Understanding N...

Why is a blue party hat worth so much money!?

In Episode #468 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: how virtual items can gain real-world value, why in-game economies mirror real-world behaviour of scarcity/market manipulation/speculative trading, the reason crypto gaming has largely fallen flat (but might have a future in games like Off The Grid), whether people will watch AI agents gaming in the future and why the crypto casino is already a game in itself.

Huge thanks to Violet Mouse for the support this week, what a legend!

Timeline:
(00:00:00...

Why is it basically impossible to find any modern books with some sort of 'politics' thrown in?

In Episode #467 of 'Musings' Juan and I discuss: how recent events are often presented with a bias rather than factual accuracy, the reliability of recent publications re-reading old books and get a bit sidetracked in the realm of education (specifically literature in schooling).

No support this week, very sad puppy :'(

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:01:28) Book Preferences And Trends
(00:04:46) Opinions in Recent History Books
(00:12:20) Practical Implications Of Opinions
(00:15:01) Facts Vs Opinions In Literature
(00:20:14...

What's your favourite dog and why is it Golden Retrievers!

In Episode #466 of Meanderings Juan and I discuss: childhood memories and how these interactions have shaped our views on dogs, how owning a dog can teach us about mortality and the finite nature of life, the social dynamics of ownership, comparison to other animals & random thoughts on suffering & mental health.

Huge thanks to Petar for the support!

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:48) The Importance of Dogs
(00:02:03) Childhood Dog Story
(00:05:05) Overcoming Fear of Dogs
(00:10:06) Dog Ownership and Safety
(00:14:53) Dogs As Training for...

I'm all in baby!

In Episode #465 of Mere Mortals Musings we delve into the psychology of investing, exploring the emotional and mindset aspects that influence investment decisions. A lot of focus on emotional control and mindset training, drawing parallels between fitness and investing. The importance of preparation and maintaining a neutral mindset is highlighted, as well as the dangers of getting swept up in market trends. We then shift to the broader question of why we invest, examining the motivations behind financial decisions and the concept of 'enough.' The conversation touches on the importance of understanding...

It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.

Let's start off strong as we notice Kyrin's shirt is inside out, lol. Reflecting on our November goals, we did ok but noticed the busy period coming in strong. Juan discusses his fitness journey, focusing on strengthening his obliques and the benefits he's noticed in his handstand practice. He also shares his commitment to better sleep habits and reducing caffeine intake. I'm still looking for a girl and will be putting less emphasis on...

BTC is going up and Alby is going down (ish), whatever shall we do!

In Episode #464 of Mere Mortals 'Meanderings' we dive into: definitions of V4V & P2.0, the psychology of investing and how listener support can change with rising Bitcoin prices, the role of video in podcasting and whether it's necessary (it's not!), recent changes with Alby (a Lightning wallet provider) and how we might optimise for listener contribution.

Huge thanks to Cole McCormick & Chad F for supporting the show!

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Introduction
(00:00:33) Value 4 Value & Podcasting 2.0 Clarifications
(00:06:08) Misconceptions Of BTC/V4...

If we have shorter attention spans, how can you sit through this very podcast?

In Episode #463 of 'Musings', we dive deep into the concept of focus, exploring its nuances and how it differs from attention and concentration. There are some theoretical aspects of focus, including its relationship with consciousness and how it can be both a conscious and unconscious effort. We also touch on the practical side, examining how focus can be applied in daily life and whether it is a finite resource.

No boostagrams this week, very sad puppy :'(

Timeline:
(00:00:00...

Let's have a dive into the madness of the Mere Mortals minds!

In Episode #462 of Musings, we delve into the topic of mental health, exploring its definitions, societal narratives, and personal experiences. Juan starts off with the significance of Movember, a global movement aimed at raising awareness for men's health issues, including mental health, suicide prevention, and cancer. Societal expectations and personal narratives can impact one's mental health which requires us moving beyond vague definitions to more specific issues that can be addressed through practical actions. We also discuss practical approaches to improving mental health, such as...

In Episode #461 of Mere Mortals Musings, we delve into the future of media, exploring predictions for the next 1 to 5 years and beyond. We kick off by defining what media encompasses, from traditional forms like TV and newspapers to modern digital platforms and social media. Our discussion is divided into two main parts: the type of content and the structure of media. We explore how technology drives the structure of media, with historical examples leading up to the current peak of podcasting 1.0. Predictions are made for audio, video, and text formats, considering the potential changes in how these mediums are...

It's time for our monthly check in where we review our goals from last month and see what's coming up for the next.

As an additional little bonus we talk about the importance of stacking goals, the idea that they're not just a one-off and actually linger long after we switch our focus to elsewhere. And no we are not doing any 'Nom Nom' challenges as Juan asks me.

Much appreciation to everyone who boosted and streamed over this last month!

Timeline:
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:59) Kyrin's October 2024 Recap
(00:04:18) Juan's October 2024 Recap
(00:12:17...

 In this episode, Peter shares his journey from a humble upbringing to becoming a successful entrepreneur, highlighting his commitment to growth, delayed gratification, and the power of acquisitions. He reflects on life lessons, finding motivation, and his approach to achieving balance between hard work and enjoyment.

(00:00) - Introduction and No Alcohol Rule
(00:31) - Who is Peter? Early Life Insights
(01:51) - Peter’s Work Hard, Play Hard Philosophy
(02:34) - Unique Wedding Celebration Highlights
(04:30) - Managing a Large Wedding and Logistics
(06:58) - Moving to Australia: Peter’s Early Struggles and Journey
(09:08) - First Job E...

 In this episode, Taaj shares his journey from being raised by immigrant parents in Australia to building a thriving coffee business. He discusses the challenges of balancing a 9-to-5 job with entrepreneurial goals, the influence of Colombian culture on his coffee venture, and how he navigated unexpected opportunities in the market.

(00:00) - Welcome & Background on Taaj
(00:38) - Family Influence and Immigrant Upbringing
(01:12) - Discovering Passion for Coffee
(03:02) - Subconscious Lessons from Parents
(05:00) - Reflections on Raising a Family
(09:17) - The Start of Good Morning Coffee
(15:05) - Overcoming Coffee Production Challenges
(21:35...

What does the world of vibration, energy & frequencies have to teach us?

In episode #460 'Musings', we dive into the intriguing world of positive thinking and its various interpretations. We start by reflecting on my recent dive into figures such as Dyer Days, Nero Knowledge & Joe Dispenza. The discussion touches on the concept of a positive mindset, its benefits, and potential pitfalls. We explore how positive thinking can sometimes overlook reality, leading to unrealistic expectations. The conversation highlights the fine line between genuine positivity and the potential for exploitation in the self-help industry. We also discuss the influence...