#1901 - Steven Pressfield

Episode Timestamps

• 00:01:16

  Creativity and Resistance,

  • The conversation focuses on the concept of resistance in creativity and the importance of showing up and putting in the work to overcome it.
  • The guest discusses his own experiences with resistance and how it affects his writing.
• 00:03:47

  The Creative Process in Comedy,

  • The conversation shifts to the creative process in comedy and the importance of performing regularly to improve and refine material.
  • The guest discusses the difference between "spots" and "work" in comedy and the importance of an audience in the creative process.
• 00:12:32

  The Psychology of Resistance

  • The ego produces resistance to maintain control
  • The ego wants to be in control and fears surrendering to the greater self
  • Resistance is a leap of faith to connect to the greater intelligence
• 00:17:19

  The Ego's Fear-Based Mindset

  • The ego's predominant emotion is fear and believes in death
  • The ego thinks it is separate from others and lives in fear
  • The greater self's predominant emotion is love and recognizes connection between all
• 00:23:51

  Starting time

  • The world is both beautiful and dangerous
  • Society indoctrinates us to fear and protect ourselves
  • Joe Rogan is both a fighter and a podcaster, reaching out to different perspectives
  • The diversity of opinions on his show helps him reconsider his own ideas
• 00:26:19

  Starting time

  • Having a daily ritual (working out) helps overcome resistance
  • The ritual eliminates negativity and anxiety
  • The idea is similar to religion, where repetitive activities hold symbolic meaning
  • The camaraderie of the sober October challenge enhances support and accountability
• 00:39:10

  Personal Improvement

  • Personal improvement and growth is a lifelong pursuit that never stops.
  • Setting and achieving specific goals is important, but it's also okay to simply strive for general improvement.
  • Open-ended goals should be turned into tangible, measurable programs to see real progress.
• 00:42:54

  Following the Creative Impetus

  • Engaging in creative projects and following impulses is important in achieving personal growth.
  • It's impossible to predict or plan for future projects, but being open and ready for them is crucial.
  • Continuously following creative impulses is scary, but necessary to avoid stagnation and foster personal growth.
• 00:45:59

  The Importance of Specific Goals

  • Having a specific goal and direction is crucial for making progress
  • Generic goals are not as effective as those that are creative and unique to the individual
  • Pursuing a project that stems from one's true self can lead to amazing experiences and personal growth
• 00:47:46

  The Mysteries of Inspiration

  • Projects, whether creative or fitness-based, can reveal who we are
  • There is a benefit in seeing inspiration as a muse or greater self
  • It is important to show up every day and put in the work towards a goal
  • There is a sense of mystery in inspiration, as sometimes we are surprised by the subject matter or direction of our projects
• 01:02:58

  Emerging Sense of Connection

  • The speaker believes that people are gravitating towards deities and spirituality because there is something more to life beyond just the animal world.
  • Humans have somehow elevated themselves from being solely animals, and may have a sense of connection to something greater.
  • The speaker believes that an emerging sense of connection may be evolving amongst humans, as people become more conscious about their place in the world.
• 01:05:29

  Overcoming Resistance

  • The news and media can be a means of resistance, constantly instilling fear and anxiety in people.
  • The speaker believes that people are weak and often give in to resistance.
  • Accepting the negative aspects of the world can get overwhelming, but it’s important to focus on things that can be controlled.
• 01:15:19

  Native American Culture

  • The discussion shifts to Native American culture and its appeal to people who gave up on modern life.
  • Those people found that living off the land was more satisfying and resonated with them more than the industrial life.
  • It is suggested that modern people find more enjoyment in pursuing material possessions than in pursuing traditional ways of living.
• 01:22:08

  Pursuing Individual Passions

  • The conversation turns to the idea that individuals can pursue their passions, and even turn them into businesses, thanks to the internet.
  • Using examples like making motorcycles or painting, the speaker encourages the pursuit of a fulfilling way of life that satisfies the soul.
  • The concept of creativity as an underground river that needs to be let flow is introduced.
• 01:29:26

  The importance of avoiding inflated self-worth

  • It's important to not inflate one's own sense of self-worth based on external factors such as feedback and praise.
  • Positive or negative critiques can get in the way of doing good work.
  • Focusing on doing good work and trying to get better is more valuable than pondering over one's accomplishments.
• 01:31:43

  The root of criticism and hate

  • All criticism is the tragic result of unmet needs.
  • People who criticize or leave hateful comments are often projecting their own unaddressed needs and insecurities onto others.
  • It's important to have empathy and understanding for such people, but not to engage with their negativity.
• 01:39:42

  Getting in Your Own Way; Importance - 8/10; Bullet point summary - Guest discusses the idea of the ego getting in the way of creative work and how it can impact the quality of the work. Joe shares his own experience of being his own worst critic and constantly assessing his own work.

  • Guest discusses the idea of the ego getting in the way of creative work and how it can impact the quality of the work.
  • Joe shares his own experience of being his own worst critic and constantly assessing his own work.
• 01:42:36

  Introspection and Psychedelics; Importance - 9/10; Bullet point summary - Joe and guest discuss the role of introspection in overcoming the ego and getting out of one's own way. They also explore the use of psychedelics to dissolve the ego and gain insight into one's own behavior and thought patterns.

  • Joe and guest discuss the role of introspection in overcoming the ego and getting out of one's own way.
  • They also explore the use of psychedelics to dissolve the ego and gain insight into one's own behavior and thought patterns.
• 01:51:21

  Discussion on the concept of vibration and consciousness in hermetic philosophy

  • Joe Dispenser talks about the state of no mind and the only things that exist are vibration and consciousness
  • Hermetic philosophy discusses the same concept
  • Reoccurring themes exist in many cultures
• 01:53:59

  Anatomically similar humans existed further back than previously thought; evidence of advanced civilization found

  • Initially thought that anatomically similar humans emerged 50,000 years ago
  • However, evidence of advanced civilization has been found, such as Gobekli Tepe, which is a massive structure that existed 11,000 something years ago
  • Advanced civilization was capable of building immense structures and using complicated technology
  • Catastrophe theory makes sense as advanced science may have been lost
• 02:09:51

  The Moral Dimension of the Universe

  • The concept of karma and a moral dimension to the universe has existed throughout history
  • Doing something hurtful or evil may cause pain and negatively impact one's own life
  • Moral and ethical structures are found in many religions and teachings
• 02:12:42

  Can Humans be Both Rotten and Moral?

  • Human beings are capable of both moral and immoral behavior
  • We admire those who live morally and ethically
  • Those who grow up in unhealthy environments may struggle to develop these structures
• 02:21:00

  Discipline and Overcoming Resistance

  • Discipline leads to freedom
  • Resistance is spawned by the ego
  • Overcoming resistance leads to soul expression
  • Strong mind is one that controls the body
  • Inherent weaknesses and urges must be overcome
  • Positive side of resistance stems from unfulfilled dreams
• 02:23:37

  The Constant Struggle Against Resistance

  • Resistance is a constant force in life
  • Mitigating the struggle requires work
  • Work applies to many aspects of life
  • Overcoming resistance leads to a greater sense of self
  • Positive work should be towards a specific dream or creativity
• 02:31:27

  Work and momentum are key factors

  • Work and momentum are important in achieving success.
  • Habit is just momentum, and it helps in staying focused.
  • Taking a break is necessary, but it can sometimes be difficult to get back to work.
  • Mental reset is important for those who work a lot.
  • Eddie Giuliani, a bodybuilder, used to say taking a day off equals six days once you get back on it.
• 02:38:55

  Finding a premise for writing materials

  • The initial premise is the hardest part of writing comedy materials.
  • Patches of fertile ground with interesting topics make for great materials.
  • Writing essays can lead to figuring out viable premises for comedy materials.
  • Some premises come from real-world encounters or discussions with friends.
• 02:44:06

  Finding the Spark

  • Talks about the process of becoming a comedian
  • Discusses how everyone has a different spark when it comes to being funny
  • Shares how he learned how to be funny during his martial arts days
• 02:46:26

  Giving advice

  • Talks about how it's hard to give advice because everyone's mind works differently
  • Shares his appreciation for the tools provided in "The War of Art"
  • Discusses the usefulness of books and podcasts in exposing new ideas to people and allowing them to absorb it in privacy.