Best Brian Klaas Podcasts (2025)

1
314 - Fluke - Brian Klaas (rebroadcast) 54:19

10d ago54:19

54:19

In this episode we sit down with Brian Klaas, author of Fluke, and get into the existential lessons and grander meaning for a life well-lived (once one finally accepts the power and influence of randomness, chaos, and chance). In addition, we learn not to fall prey to proportionality bias - the tendency for human brains to assume big, historical, o…

1
Embrace the Chaos: Finding Clarity Through Meditation with Henry Shukman (Part 1) 1:00:25

2d ago1:00:25

1:00:25

In this episode, Henry Shukman discusses how to embrace the chaos and find clarity through meditation while exploring themes of self-development and self-love. Henry emphasizes the balance between effort and acceptance in spiritual practice, highlighting the interplay between sudden insights (satori) and gradual progress. He also discuss the import…

1
Navigating Fear and Hope: the Everyday Courage That Shapes Our Lives with Ryan Holiday 52:41

6d ago52:41

52:41

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores navigating fear and hope and the everyday courage that shapes our lives. He unpacks how to confront our fears and how we need to do so, over and over. With great stories and insights, we are reminded that we don’t have to be fearless, we just have to begin. Key Takeaways: The concept of courage and its signifi…

1
Failure as Fertilizer: Learning to Bloom Again with Debbie Millman 59:56

9d ago59:56

59:56

In this episode, Debbie Millman explores how we can use failure as fertilizer and learn to bloom again. Debbie's book and this conversation is about more than just gardening tips or tools, it's about what happens when we let ourselves be bad at something, especially later in life. Debbie opens up about learning to grow and why failure might be the …

1
From Benches to Breakthroughs: A New Approach to Mental Health with Dixon Chibanda 54:52

13d ago54:52

54:52

In this episode, Dr. Dixon Chibanda explores from benches to breakthroughs: a new approach to mental health. He explains why storytelling, radical empathy, and solving daily-life problems often outperform medication-first approaches; how three simple steps—opening the mind, uplifting, strengthening—turn elders into community healers; and why hope, …

1
The Real Cost of Dismantling Public Eduction with former U.S. Secretary of Education, John B. King 50:08

14d ago50:08

50:08

What if the federal government walked away from public education? That’s not a hypothetical—it’s part of a real plan gaining traction right now. In this episode, we break down what it actually means to defund and dismantle the U.S. Department of Education, and why it could upend the future for millions of students. Former Secretary of Education Joh…

1
Beyond Anxiety: How Curiosity Turns Fear Into Fuel with Martha Beck 58:00

16d ago58:00

58:00

In this episode, Martha Beck explores how to move beyond anxiety and how curiosity turns fear into fuel. Martha dives into why anxiety can’t simply be silenced. It has to be replaced with things like creativity, curiosity, and a deep kindness towards ourselves. Key Takeaways: Discussion of anxiety versus fear and their psychological implications. E…

1
Move Your Body, Free Your Mind: The Science of Movement and Mental Health with Caroline Williams 1:07:20

20d ago1:07:20

1:07:20

In this episode, Caroline Williams shares how moving your body can free your mind as she dives into the surprising science of movement and mental health. Caroline spent years studying the brain until she realized she was ignoring half the equation. She explains how movement of all kinds, walking, stretching, dancing, and even laughter can reshape o…

1
Navigating the Messy Parts of Life: Embracing Imperfection and Growth with Josh Radnor 50:14

23d ago50:14

50:14

In this episode, Josh Radnor discusses the messy parts of life and embracing imperfection and growth. Josh Radnor explains how, even outward success, fame, acclaim, creative fulfillment isn’t enough to quiet the deeper battles within. He shares how real freedom comes not from achieving perfection, but from making peace with the messy, unfinished pa…

1
313 - The 3.5 Percent Rule - Erica Chenoweth 59:25

25d ago59:25

59:25

If you want to overthrow a dictator, resist an authoritarian regime, or create a movement that can change the national status quo, you don't need half the country, you only need 3.5 percent of the population to join – but there are some caveats, and Erica Chenoweth whose research led to the discovery of the 3.5 Percent Rule, explains them to us in …

1
Why Community and Courage Matter More Than Ever with Laura McKowen 58:14

27d ago58:14

58:14

In this episode, Laura McKowen explores why community and courage matter more than ever in making change in your life. She dives into the “messy midle” – theu ncertain space between giving up what umbs us and becoming someone new. She shares the story of the Luckiest Club, a global sobriety community. Key Takeaways: Understanding that real transfor…

1
Anxiety, Beauty, and the Unknown: A Map to Emotional Resilience with David Whyte 57:53

1M ago57:53

57:53

In this episode, David Whyte explores anxiety, beauty, and the unknown as a true map to emotional resilience. David shares how anxiety can be a doorway to deeper understanding and connection. He and Eric discuss the paradox of holding both joy and struggle, the surprising wisdom hidden in everyday emotions, and how poetry and language can bring us …

1
Rethinking Purpose: Why Chasing Big Goals Might Be Making You Miserable with Jordan Grumet 1:05:13

1M ago1:05:13

1:05:13

What if the relentless chase for big goals is actually what’s making you feel unfulfilled? In this episode, hospice physician and author Jordan Grumet shares what he’s learned from those at the end of life—and why our culture’s definition of purpose may be all wrong. Instead of striving for impact, Jordan invites us to focus on the simple, joyful a…

1
Unlock Your Inner Anthem: A Tribute to Mike Peters 38:07

1M ago38:07

38:07

This is a special episode from our archives with one of my favorite musicians, Mike Peters. Mike recently passed away, and this episode is more than a conversation; it’s a tribute to a beautiful soul. In our chat, we explored the idea of our lives being anthems; how defiance, hope, and inner strength were a soundtrack for his formative years, and l…

1
Fluke or Fate? Embracing Uncertainty to Live a Fuller Life with Brian Klaas 56:53

1M ago56:53

56:53

In this episode, Brian Klaas explains the concept of whether things are a fluke or fate, and explores how embracing uncertainty can lead to a living a fuller life. Brian makes the case that randomness and chaos might be exactly what makes our lives matter so much, and how we tend to worship at the “Altar of Progress in the Church of Control.” We ma…

1
312 - Chaos and Complexity - Neil Theise (rebroadcast) 59:34

1M ago59:34

59:34

Professor Neil Theise, the author of Notes on Complexity, provides an introduction to the science of how complex systems behave – from cells to human beings, to ecosystems, the known universe, and beyond – and we explore if Ian Malcolm was right when he told us in Jurassic Park that "Life, um, finds a way." Previous Episodes Neil Theise's Website N…

1
The Bittersweet Truth About Beauty, Sorrow, and What Makes Life Worth Living with Susan Cain 51:55

1M ago51:55

51:55

In this episode, Susan Cain explores the bittersweet truth about beauty, sorrow, and what makes life worth living. She emphasizes the transformative power of music and bittersweet emotions and also discusses how acknowledging grief can lead to deeper connections and creativity. This episode encourages listeners to embrace their emotions and seek be…

1
Flaws as Fuel: Harness Doubt, Cynicism & Ambition for Real Growth with Claire Hoffman 51:23

1M ago51:23

51:23

In this episode, Claire Hoffman explores the idea behind how our flaws, doubt, cynicism, and even ambition aren’t signs of failure, but can be used as fuel. She tells the story of Aimee Semple McPherson, a woman who built a religious empire and faked her own kidnapping. But this episode isn’t about scandal. It’s about the tension that we all carry …

1
The Midlife Makeover: Redefining Success and Happiness After 40 with Chip Conley 45:44

2M ago45:44

45:44

In this episode, Chip Conley defines a midlife makeover and how to redefine success and happiness after 40. He shares how the most difficult stretches of his life ended up being the start of something completely new. Chip also explains the pull of the ego, the search for identity and how letting go of traditional success can open the door for somet…

1
How to Nurture Creativity in a Noisy World with Maggie Smith 1:03:42

2M ago1:03:42

1:03:42

In this episode, Maggie Smith explores how to nurture creativity in a noisy world. A lot of people think creativity is something you do with a paintbrush or a poem but Maggie challenges us to think differently about creativity. It isn’t about what you make, but how you live. She dives into what it really means to be creative, even when you’re overw…

1
311 - Cascades of Change - Greg Satell (rebroadcast) 1:06:52

2M ago1:06:52

1:06:52

In this episode we sit down with Greg Satell, a communication expert whose book, Cascades, details how rapid, widespread change can sweep across groups of people big and small, and how understanding the psychological mechanisms at play in such moments can help anyone looking to create change in a family, institution, or even nation, prepare for the…

1
From Loneliness to Belonging: Small Steps That Change Everything with Jillian Richardson 52:38

2M ago52:38

52:38

In this episode, Jillian Richardson discusses the journey from loneliness to belonging and shares the small steps that can change everything. She delves into why friendship takes more effort than we expect and how we can actually get better at it. Jillian also explores what gets in the way of connection, why it’s not just about putting yourself out…

1
What AI Can’t Replace - and Why That Matters with WSJ Bestselling Author, Faisal Hoque 1:02:10

2M ago1:02:10

1:02:10

This isn’t another hype-filled tech episode or a doomsday warning about robots taking over. It’s a grounded, human conversation about what we lose when we hand over too much to AI—and how to hold onto what matters most. In this episode, author and technologist Faisal Hoque blends decades of innovation experience with Eastern philosophy to explore s…

1
What If You’re Wrong? How Uncertainty Makes Us More Human with William Egginton 58:43

2M ago58:43

58:43

In this episode, William Egginton invites you to ask the question, “What if you’re wrong?” as he explains how being uncertain makes us more human. William explores the surprising overlap between a physicist, a philosopher, and a poet—each of whom came to the same unsettling truth: that we mistake our model of reality for reality itself. But this is…

1
The Beatles, Lennon and McCartney, and the Truth We All Share with Ian Leslie 53:11

2M ago53:11

53:11

In this episode, Ian Leslie discusses the history of the Beatles, John Lennon and Paul McCartney, and the truth we all share in their story. Ian explores how two young men from Liverpool created something together than neither could have made alone, not just music, but a shared consciousness that changed culture forever. John and Paul’s story isn’t…

1
Why You Can’t Think Your Way Out of Overthinking with Adam Mastroianni 57:23

2M ago57:23

57:23

In this episode, Adam Mastroianni explains why you can’t think your way out of overthinking. He unpacks why the thoughts that feel the most important are often the ones that keep us stuck. We also explore what it means to have a “skull full of poison,” how anxiety disguises itself as insight, and why real change isn’t about breakthroughs—it’s about…

1
310 - Align Your Mind - Britt Frank 1:12:55

2M ago1:12:55

1:12:55

Therapist, teacher, speaker, and trauma specialist Britt Frank tells us all about her new book, Align Your Mind, an all-access pass to understanding, befriending, and leading the multiple voices within yourself. Grounded in the latest research on Parts Work and Internal Family Systems, and offering proven techniques from Frank’s clinical practice a…

1
How to Stop Losing Your Mind (Literally): The Surprising Science of Attention with Amishi Jha 49:13

2M ago49:13

49:13

In this episode, Dr. Amishi Jha explores how to stop losing your mind (literally) and the surprising science of attention. She shares how mastering your mind isn’t about more effort, it’s about understanding how attention really works. You’ll learn how to train the three systems of attention (the flashlight, the floodlight, and the juggler), why mi…

1
Brainwashing, Mind Control, and Hyper-Persuasion with Harvard Professor, Rebecca Lemov 38:24

2M ago38:24

38:24

What if brainwashing isn’t just a Cold War relic, but something we’re all quietly experiencing every day? In this episode, Harvard professor and author Rebecca Lemov joins us to unpack the hidden mechanics of mind control—from historical POW camps to the subtle pull of your social media feed. We talk about the concept of “ungrounding,” how it sets …

1
Debunking Brain Myths: What’s Really Holding You Back from Change with Sarah McKay 54:42

2M ago54:42

54:42

In this episode, Dr. Sarah McKay dives into debunking common brain myths and explores what’s really holding you back from change. She also discusses willpower and how it isn’t the magic bullet for behavior change. This conversation is all about separating fact from fiction when it comes to understanding your brain and how it works. Key Takeaways: […

1
Unlocking the Wisdom of Dogs: What They Know About a Good Life with Mark Rowland 43:22

3M ago43:22

43:22

In this episode, Mark Rowland attempts to unlock the wisdom of dogs and discusses what they know about living a good life. He takes on some of life’s biggest, weightiest questions, like, what is meaning, how should we live, and explores them through the lens of our four-legged companions. It’s about philosophy. It’s about dogs, and it’s about the a…

1
Feed Drop! Money For Couples - 192- We spend 98% of what we make—Where is it all going 18:09

3M ago18:09

18:09

We're sharing a new show we think you'll enjoy! If you ever wonder, “Where is all our money going?”—you’re not alone. In episode 192 of Money For Couples titled, “We spend 98% of what we make—Where is it all going?”, you’ll hear real stories and practical strategies to help you align on finances, stop money fights, and build a shared financial visi…

1
Redefining Wealth: The Truth About Money & Happiness with Sahil Bloom 55:15

3M ago55:15

55:15

In this episode, Sahil Bloom explores the idea of redefining wealth and the truth about money and happiness. He also shares a different definition of wealth – one that goes beyond financial success and taps into time, purpose, and relationships. Learn how to start finding the balance between striving for more while appreciating what’s right in fron…

1
309 - They Thought We Were Ridiculous - Andy Luttrell (rebroadcast) 1:12:38

3M ago1:12:38

1:12:38

In 1974, two psychologists, Daniel Kahneman and Amos Tversky, as the New Yorker once put it, "changed the way we think about the way we think." The prevailing wisdom, before their landmark research went viral (in the way things went viral in the 1970s), was that human beings were, for the most part, rational optimizers always making the kinds of ju…

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Brian Klaas Podcasts

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