Best Mere Mortals Podcasts (2025)

1
The Ring That Made Me a Man: Unexpected Lessons From My Wedding 14:42

7h ago14:42

14:42

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 …

1
You Can’t Pour From an Empty Bucket: Real-World Laws for Life & Leadership 12:52

4d ago12:52

12:52

In this episode, I explore the concrete takeaways from The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett. These aren’t abstract ideals—they're raw, lived-in lessons. From why your mind and body are your first foundation, to how meaningful questions shape behaviour, this reflection dives deep into the book’s most impactful ideas and challenges conventional wisd…

1
Hath Pope Leo XIV Jurisdiction Here? 57:08

4d ago57:08

57:08

Mere Fidelity is back! Welcome to Mere Fidelity 2.0: A Mere Orthodoxy Podcast. Hosts Derek Rishmawy, Alastair Roberts, Brad East, and James Wood dive into the major news of Pope Francis's passing and Cardinal Robert Prevost's election as Pope Leo XIV. As Protestant theologians, they grapple with what this papal transition means for the broader Chri…

1
33 Laws For Life & Business: A Tactical Review of Steven Bartlett's Philosophy 9:33

11d ago9:33

9:33

In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into The Diary of a CEO by Steven Bartlett—an energetic, story-driven guide to business and life. This isn’t your typical theory-heavy read; it’s a tactical, quote-filled journey through 33 digestible laws forged from real experience. From mastering your skill set to navigating reputation and network, this …

1
Monthly Goals | June 2025 46:57

14d ago46:57

46:57

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 shortcoming…

1
Mobs & Crazes | Extraordinary Popular Delusions & The Madness Of Crowds (Charles Mackay) BOOK REVIEW 40:37

18d ago40:37

40:37

The best example of human madness is found across the ages. 'Extraordinary Popular Delusions & The Madness Of Crowds' by Charles Mackay is a mammoth examination of the most ridiculous crazes across history, whether they be funny, bad or horrendous. Charles details some of the more well known financial bubbles (South Sea, Mississippi, Tulip Mania) b…

1
Leadership Lessons 101 | Vision, Managing & Doing! 1:08:55

21d ago1:08:55

1:08:55

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…

1
How I Choose Books | Techniques To Find & Prefilter Enjoyable Reads 35:34

25d ago35:34

35:34

Why don't I read recently published books? Today is a special episode where I am going over how I find new books, ways I actively try to avoid wasting my time & some little tricks & tips to get the most out of your reading. Would love to hear your feedback and appreciate any support you wish to give :) Timeline: (00:00:00) Intro (00:01:11) Finding …

1
Meandering Musings On Small Talk | The Transactional Nature Of Conversations 53:18

28d ago53:18

53:18

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, appreciati…

1
Small Snippets Of Counter-Wisdom | A Primer For Forgetting (Lewis Hyde) BOOK REVIEW 23:25

1M ago23:25

23:25

What was I reviewing again? 'A Primer For Forgetting' by Lewis Hyde is a collection of intimate thoughts, stories, poems, mythological tales & quips. The primary theme is around forgetting & how this can be beneficial for an individual or groups, particularly when it relates to trauma. It's split into 4 parts (that he calls notebooks) about myth, s…

1
Monthly Goals | May 2025 30:53

1M ago30:53

30:53

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 shortcoming…

1
Bhai Mardana Ji Leaves for Sachkhand 53:16

1M ago53:16

53:16

Bhai Mardana Ji asks Guru Nanak Dev Ji to return home but refuses to go without Him—just as he always followed his Guru. This time, Guru Nanak Dev Ji says, "You will lead, and I will follow." Realizing this wasn't about the physical home but the eternal one, Bhai Mardana Ji embraces his final moments.Witness the last days, last meal, and final brea…

1
At Last, the Peer of Baghdad Bowed! 30:12

1M ago30:12

30:12

When Peer Dastgeer's son returned from traveling with Guru Nanak Dev Ji, he brought impossible proofs. The arrogant peer who called Guru Nanak a "kafir" now wept in repentance. Baghdad's mighty saint had finally bowed before the Divine Light! Sri Nanak Prakash is a detailed historical account of the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It was written by Maha…

1
Mixing The Weird & The Mundane | Metamorphosis & Other Stories (Franz Kafka) BOOK REVIEW 27:03

1M ago27:03

27:03

Boy are cockroaches gross! 'Metamorphosis & Other Stories' by Franz Kafka is a collection of prose poems, short stories, sketches, allegories, and novelettes. The longest is of Gregor Samsa, the travelling salesman who wakes up in his bed as a cockroach. You'll find others about conflict on a ship, dealing with annoying people on the street, etc. A…

1
We've Been Busy But We're Back | Finding Equanimity Vs Becoming Emotionless 51:56

1M ago51:56

51:56

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 fe…

1
Cyberpunk At It's Very Coolest | Neuromancer (William Gibson) BOOK REVIEW 26:57

2M ago26:57

26:57

I'm jacking into cyberspace for some pain and pleasure. 'Neuromancer' by William Gibson is a sci-fi classic that was right at the beginning of the cyberpunk genre. We follow Case in a futuristic techno world where he is hired to hack into a wealthy family's lair. He is part of a motley crew each with their own specialty, hired by an AI to free itse…

1
Annoying Flying Assholes | Peter Pan (J.M. Barrie) BOOK REVIEW 24:15

2M ago24:15

24:15

We've got it all wrong, there's no good guys & bad guys .... they're all bad! 'Peter Pan' by J.M. Barrie is a classic story of a child who never grows up. Peter lives in Neverland, a mystical island where pirates, Indians and wild beasts roam. He commands a gang of Lost Boys and takes them on adventures along with Wendy, Tinkerbell, John & Michael.…

1
Buddhist Meditation Practices For Healing | Radical Acceptance (Tara Brach) BOOK REVIEW 30:51

2M ago30:51

30:51

Strategies to accept your suffering & heal yourself with compassion. 'Radical Acceptance' by Tara Brach is a guide of various meditation & framing practices to recognise the root cause of emotional distress. These are derived from Buddhist principles and serve to help accept the current pain & suffering. There are 13 chapters that begin with a stor…

1
Monthly Goals | April 2025 21:35

2M ago21:35

21:35

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 shortcoming…

1
Western Stories/Eastern Philosophy | The Tao Of Pooh & The Te Of Piglet (Benjamin Hoff) BOOK REVIEW 30:07

2M ago30:07

30:07

You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. 'The Tao Of Pooh & The Te Of Piglet' by Benjamin Hoff is a light read interpreting Taoism through the lens of A. A. Milne's 'Winnie The Pooh' characters. Core concepts such as The Way & Wu Wei are explored and why certain characters embody various aspects of the re…

1
Lost Friends & Old Times | Travel Plans & Reaching Out To Establish Former Connections 1:04:22

2M ago1:04:22

1:04:22

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…

1
New Language, New You | The Bilingual Brain (Albert Costa) BOOK REVIEW 28:40

2M ago28:40

28:40

What happens inside the head when you learn a 2nd language? 'The Bilingual Brain' by Albert Costa is a quick summary of academic research on bilingual vs monolingual speakers. He looks at effects that knowing a 2nd language can have on the physical wiring as well as behavioural differences. So things like response times, vocab limits, gray matter d…

1
Fear & Flee The Brisbane Cyclone | The Power Of Media 55:24

3M ago55:24

55:24

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 lega…

1
Mastering Power: The Secrets Behind the 48 Laws 28:25

3M ago28:25

28:25

In this episode, we delve into key insights from Robert Greene's The 48 Laws of Power, highlighting powerful lessons on navigating relationships, mastering influence, and understanding human psychology. From the importance of knowing the rules—even if you choose not to follow them—to mastering strategic silence and spotting concealed intentions, th…

1
God Grant Me My Independence | Common Sense (Thomas Paine) BOOK REVIEW 25:45

3M ago25:45

25:45

Isn't it common sense to go wild & fight!!! 'Common Sense' by Thomas Paine is a small pamphlet distributed just before the start of the American Revolution. In it he makes arguments for why they should break away from English governance to become their own independent country and not a colony. These focus on religious views of kings, the illegitima…

1
Working Hard Or Hardly Working | Does A Job Equal Meaning? 1:17:11

3M ago1:17:11

1:17:11

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 …

1
A Journey Across Infinite Hells and Heavens 49:38

3M ago49:38

49:38

Peer Dastgeer, in an attempt to overpower Guru Nanak Dev Ji with his spiritual powers, finds himself helpless as none of his efforts succeed. Despite his ego-driven questions, Guru Ji answers them all and, at Dastgeer’s request, takes his son on a divine journey to witness the countless realms of heavens and hells that Guru Ji speaks of. Sri Nanak …

1
STONE THE KAFIR - NANAK!! 58:46

3M ago58:46

58:46

On the land of Baghdad, Guru Nanak Dev Ji sings the Eternal Gurbani, expressing profound truths that challenged long-held beliefs rooted in the Quran. Upon hearing these words, Dastageer ordered the people of Bagdad to stone Guru Nanak Dev Ji and his companions to death. Who was Dastageer ? Did the people truly succeed in their attempt to stone Gur…

1
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – Book Review & Analysis 17:28

3M ago17:28

17:28

Power is an elusive force, but Robert Greene distills it into 48 strategic laws that have stood the test of time. In this review, I break down the core themes, structure, and key takeaways from The 48 Laws of Power—a book that is equally revered and feared. This isn't just another self-help book; it's a deep dive into historical power dynamics, man…

1
Interest Is Kind Of Interesting | The Price Of Time (Edward Chancellor) BOOK REVIEW 28:50

3M ago28:50

28:50

Out of interest, what price do you put on your time? 'The Price Of Time' by Edward Chancellor is a look at interest rates across history and what effects they have had on human behaviour & therefore economic activity. His central argument is that the current rates of interest seen in modern times are too low and have led to distorted & unproductive…

1
Monthly Goals | March 2025 47:20

3M ago47:20

47:20

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 shortcoming…

1
Love Intrigues & Speculation | The Gilded Age (Mark Twain & Charles Dudley Warner) BOOK REVIEW 39:09

3M ago39:09

39:09

Everybody is out for money ... politicians just want yours as well. 'The Gilded Age' by Mark Twain & Charles Dudley Warner is a fictional tale of the money, speculation & intrigue of American politics. It has two main branches of the story that intersect. The first is about a cast of small town people who seek out the riches of Washington (Laura, W…

1
Want Vaheguru’s Love? Embrace These Virtues! 49:49

3M ago49:49

49:49

Sheikh Brahm, eager to meet Vaheguru by any means, seeks guidance from Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Guru Ji lovingly explains the virtues a true soul-bride must embody to win Vaheguru’s love. With each answer, Guru Nanak Dev Ji clears Sheikh Brahm’s doubts, leaving him in a state of bliss , as Guru Ji journeys onward to Baghdad. Sri Nanak Prakash is a detail…

1
Mecca or Guru Nanak: A Tough Decision 55:02

3M ago55:02

55:02

Sheikh Brahm loves his religion, Islam, but now also has deep faith and love for Guru Nanak Dev Ji. Who should he choose? The dilemma unfolds..... Sri Nanak Prakash is a detailed historical account of the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It was written by Mahakavi (great poet) Bhai Santokh Singh Ji in 1824 (AD), and represents one of the most comprehensi…

1
Collecting Cards With VeeFriends | The Business Side Of Pokémon 1:05:47

3M ago1:05:47

1:05:47

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 sin…

1
Does Australia Deserve It's Prosperity? | The Lucky Country (Donald Horne) BOOK REVIEW 27:22

3M ago27:22

27:22

Unjustified negativity has funny ways of rebounding right back at you. 'The Lucky Country' by Donald Horne is a a subjective snapshot of Australian life in the 1960's. Donald creates a depiction of the average person, our way of life, relation to other countries (especially Asia) and the political landscape. He is rather scathing when taken as a wh…

1
The Job Market For 2026 | Dawn Of The Autonomous Robots 1:19:34

4M ago1:19:34

1:19:34

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 predicti…

1
Change Your Lousy Business | Blue Ocean Strategy (W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne) BOOK REVIEW 26:59

4M ago26:59

26:59

Surprisingly, if you appeal to tired & worn out people it might just reflect in your own work. 'Blue Ocean Strategy' by W. Chan Kim & Renée Mauborgne is a business strategy book promoting the idea of moving away from a contested core business to less competitive greener pastures. Highlights several companies that have done this and why they were su…

1
Let's Gamble In A Cult | Financial Delusions & When To Admit You're Wrong 1:13:56

4M ago1:13:56

1:13:56

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…

1
They're Coming For Your Money!! | Scams, Scammers & Schemes 59:33

4M ago59:33

59:33

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 s…

1
Fighting Anarchy With Chaos | The Man Who Was Thursday (G.K. Chesterton) BOOK REVIEW 29:56

4M ago29:56

29:56

To save the world you must be first willing to burn it. 'The Man Who Was Thursday' by G.K. Chesterton is a short fictional novel of a policeman who joins a 7 person high ranking cabal of anarchists to stop their evil ideology. He begins to learn that their are allies amongst the enemies & enlists their help to take down the behemoth ringleader Sund…

1
Monthly Goals | February 2025 38:19

4M ago38:19

38:19

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 shortcoming…

1
The Art Of Translation | My Analysis Of Two Books Side By Side 33:22

4M ago33:22

33:22

How much meaning is lost when you are reading a translation? Today is a special episode where I am going over my findings from reading 'O Alquimista' in the original Portuguese and it's English translation side by side. I found that although the grammar prompt some differences the biggest effect was stylistic choices by the translator. This include…

1
Financial Bubbles & The Crypto/AI Industry | Historical Signals That Will Repeat 1:18:26

4M ago1:18:26

1:18:26

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…

1
The Sewak, The Sheikh, and The Eternal Truth 54:05

4M ago54:05

54:05

Guru Nanak Dev Ji moves to Pak Patan, where a profound interaction unfolds between Guru Ji, Sheikh Brahm, and his servant. Through divine wisdom and Gurbani, Guru Nanak Dev Ji reveals the essence of the One Eternal Creator and answers life’s deepest questions about existence, meditation, and the illusion of duality. Sri Nanak Prakash is a detailed …

1
We Don't Know More Than God 55:45

4M ago55:45

55:45

We may wonder why didn't everyone travel with Guru Nanak Dev Ji? It is responsibilities and worldly attachments that can create these barriers, even for us today! The Jalal learns a big lesson to not blame God and to not think he knows more than God, while on his way to Mecca. Sri Nanak Prakash is a detailed historical account of the life of Guru N…

1
An Arduous Battle Against Cancer | The Emperor Of All Maladies (Siddhartha Mukherjee) BOOK REVIEW 36:56

4M ago36:56

36:56

No easy wins and only tough decisions. 'The Emperor Of All Maladies' by Siddhartha Mukherjee is a dense history of cancer throughout the centuries but particularly the 20th. Details breakthroughs in prevention, cure, chemotherapy, surgery, genetics and knowledge/understanding. Told from an American POV so largely uses stats from there whilst also s…

1
Our New Podcast Ventures | Expanding The MM Brand 1:15:11

4M ago1:15:11

1:15:11

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 …

1
Guru Nanak Dev Ji Isn't a Mere Mortal 49:50

4M ago49:50

49:50

Guru Nanak Dev Ji isn't just a saint or just a revolutionary. Unlike others, Guru Nanak Dev Ji is beyond ego. Sri Nanak Prakash is a detailed historical account of the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It was written by Mahakavi (great poet) Bhai Santokh Singh Ji in 1824 (AD), and represents one of the most comprehensive and beautifully written accounts o…

1
A Sindhi Hears Japji Sahib 46:14

4M ago46:14

46:14

While Guru Nanak Dev Ji recites Japji Sahib, a Sindhi individual walks by and is struck by a particular pangti (ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਨਾਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਵੇਦੰ ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਰਹਿਆ ਸਮਾਈ ॥) and wanted to learn more about what it meant. Sri Nanak Prakash is a detailed historical account of the life of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. It was written by Mahakavi (great poet) Bhai Santokh Singh J…

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