Outlier Academy

Outlier Book Club Episodes

In our Book Club series, we sit down with NYT bestselling authors to decode the big ideas in their books. We decode the ideas, frameworks, and strategies they used to write them, as well as the ways we can all put them into use in our work and lives. Past profiles include Deep Survival, Philosophy for Polar Explorers, The Wires of War, The Laws of Creativity, Vanishing Asia, and many other incredible books.
March 23, 2022

#92 Willing to Fail (WTF): How Failure Can Be Your Key to Success | B…

In Episode #92, we explore how failure can be your key to success. We’re joined by Brian Scudamore, Author & Founder of 1-800-GOT-JUNK. We cover embracing competition, bouncing back from struggles, and turning down a buyout offer.

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Dec. 15, 2021

#72 Roots of Progress: On Technological Progress and How Innovation a…

In Episode #72, we explore technological progress and how innovation and invention happens. We’re joined by Jason Crawford, Founder of Roots of Progress. We cover nurturing progress as a moral imperative, the growth of progress studies, and how bureaucracy can …

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Nov. 17, 2021

#67 The Wires of War: The Fight Between Democracy and Autocracy for t…

In Episode #67, we explore the fight between democracy and autocracy for the future of the internet. We’re joined by Jacob Helberg, author of The Wires of War. We cover the definition of autocracy, watershed moments in geopolitics, and how …

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Oct. 20, 2021

#59 Personal Socrates: On Self-Reflection, Self Improvement, and the …

In Episode #59, we explore self-reflection, self improvement, and the Socratic Method. We’re joined by Marc Champagne, author of Personal Socrates. We cover building a mental fitness practice, simplifying the Socratic method, and the writing process.

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Sept. 1, 2021

#46 Impact: Optimizing Risk, Return, and Impact in Investing | Sir Ro…

Sir Ronald Cohen is Chairman of the Global Steering Group for Impact Investment and The Portland Trust. In this episode, Sir Ronald and Daniel discuss how companies can optimize risk, return, and impact.

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Aug. 25, 2021

#44 The New Consumer: On The Future of Consumer Brands and What The B…

Dan Frommer is Founder and Editor in Chief of The New Consumer, a publication about how and why people spend their money. In part one of this episode, Dan and Daniel discuss modern consumers and how brands must embrace technology …

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May 12, 2021

#30 The Messy Middle: Lessons Learned as a Founder, Investor, and Bes…

Scott Belsky is a modern polymath. He founded Behance, which he later sold to Adobe. He’s a Venture Partner at Benchmark and has invested in companies like Uber, Pinterest, and sweetgreen, and he’s currently the Chief Product Office at Adobe. …

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April 27, 2021

#28 Vanishing Asia: A Masterclass on the Past, Present, and Future of…

Kevin Kelly is the Founding Executive Editor of WIRED magazine, a best-selling author, and the publisher of Recomendo. In this episode, Kevin and Daniel discuss Kevin’s newest project, a 1,000-page photographic exploration of Asia taken over the last 49 years.

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Feb. 10, 2021

#18 Several Short Sentences About Writing: A Masterclass on Becoming …

Why is writing simply and clearly so difficult? I sat down with Verlyn Klinkenborg, who teaches creative writing at Yale, to find out. We explore his incredibly popular book Several Short Sentences About Writing, his approach to reading, and why …

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Jan. 29, 2021

#16 The Chemistry of Fire: Stories from the Top of Mount Washington t…

Laurence Gonzales is the best-selling and multiple award-winning author of Deep Survival. In this episode, Laurence and Daniel discuss Laurence’s newest book, The Chemistry of Fire.

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Dec. 9, 2020

#14 The Art and Business of Online Writing: On Data Driven Writing an…

Nicolas Cole is a prolific writer and author whose writing has racked up more than 100 million views. He’s also the Founder and CEO of Digital Press, where he’s written for high-end clients, including Olympic athletes and award-winning musicians.

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Dec. 2, 2020

#13 Erling Kagge: The Famed Norwegian Explorer on Silence, Philosophy…

In Episode #13, we explore silence, philosophy, and summiting Mount Everest. We’re joined by Erling Kagge, famed explorer and author. We cover Erling’s expeditions across the Atlantic and to the North and South Poles, how he dove into philosophy, and …

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Nov. 11, 2020

#11 Called Out: Fear, Faith, and Finding Your Calling | Paula Faris, …

In this episode of Outliers, I sit down with Paula Faris, formerly an anchor on Good Morning America, co-host on The View, and now the author of "Called Out: Why I Traded Two Dream Jobs for a Life of True …

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Oct. 14, 2020

#7 Deep Survival: The Incredible Neuroscience of Survival, Who Lives,…

In Episode #7, we explore Deep Survival: The Incredible Neuroscience of Survival, Who Lives, and Who Dies. We’re joined by Laurence Gonzales, best-selling author. We cover habits during emergencies, practicing for disaster, and safety in the airline industry.

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Oct. 7, 2020

#6 The Paterson Center: Gaining Clarity on Your Life's Purpose | Pete…

In Episode #6, we explore gaining clarity on your life’s purpose. We’re joined by Pete Richardson, Co-Founder & Master Guide at the Paterson Center. We cover the Paterson LifePlan process, identifying your own talents and drives, and strategies for facing …

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