Best Kyrin Down Podcasts (2025)

1
Monthly Goals | August 2025 41:17

3d ago41:17

41:17

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
Cloned to Conform: Point Blanc and the Death of Individuality 15:04

5d ago15:04

15:04

In this Mere Mortals book review, we dive into Point Blanc by Anthony Horowitz, a fast-paced youth fiction novel that sparks deeper questions about cloning, perfectionism and identity. Using the wild plot as a springboard, the episode unpacks modern obsessions with filtered personas and asks: what do we lose when we trade uniqueness for conformity?…

1
Too Big To Grasp: How a Calm Mind Defies Overwhelm 14:05

7d ago14:05

14:05

In this episode, I explore the profound concept of hyperobjects, entities so vast they surpass our understanding and how recognising their presence can lead to mental clarity. I dive deep into the idea that life’s overwhelming nature isn’t always due to complexity, but our relationship to that complexity. By reframing calmness as a conscious accept…

1
Good Man, Corrupt Businessman | The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth (Trumbull White) BOOK REVIEW 28:24

7d ago28:24

28:24

Be wary of association with the Wizard Of Wall St .... unless you are family or friends! 'The Wizard Of Wall Street & His Wealth' by Trumbull White is a biography detailing the life of Jay Gould, at one point one of the wealthiest individuals in the world. It starts from his childhood and shows how he rose from poverty in the 1800's to become one o…

1
Australia's Fitness Culture | But Are We Actually Healthy? 1:02:31

10d ago1:02:31

1:02:31

Suns out, guns out! In Episode #487 of Mere Mortals 'Musings', Juan and I discuss: the stark differences in gym availability and fitness facilities of Australia vs the rest of the world, dilapidated gyms in Montenegro & well-equipped calisthenic parks in South America, the prevalence of gyms even in regional areas, whether Australia's high gym memb…

1
The Hobbit Review: Why This Classic Still Hits Hard in 2025 11:25

14d ago11:25

11:25

In this episode, we dive into The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien, the timeless tale that launched the modern fantasy genre. You'll hear why Bilbo Baggins’ unlikely hero’s journey still resonates today, what Tolkien nailed in his storytelling, and how this short adventure carries deep philosophical punch. From dragons to dwarves to life-changing quotes, t…

1
Earn Money By Testing The Ticker | Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator (Edwin Lefevre) BOOK REVIEW 34:33

14d ago34:33

34:33

The fun side of rather questionable behaviour. 'Reminiscences Of A Stock Operator' by Edwin Lefevre is a fictional 1st person account of a Wall St trader in the early 1900's, but largely based on the real life operator of Jesse Lauriston Livermore. He describes his early life trading in bucket shops before moving into more high leverage trading and…

1
Fashionable Feminine Florence Vs A Monetary Masculine Mine Site | Food Trekking & Weight Changes 56:25

17d ago56:25

56:25

Get ready for some observations that only the Mere Mortals could make. In Episode #486 of 'Meanderings', Juan and I discuss: how the travel setting can allow for memorable moments (such as a boat trip in Mykonos and meaningful one-on-one conversations with friends), a Mere Mortal exclusive comparison between Florence and a mining site, the challeng…

1
10 Lessons From Ryan Holiday’s Most Honest Book Yet 12:34

20d ago12:34

12:34

In this Mere Mortals Learnings episode, I unpack the raw insights from Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday. This book, focused on the Stoic virtue of justice, might not be his most thrilling but it’s undoubtedly the one that digs the deepest. From power and personal responsibility to kindness and selfishness, these lessons challenge you to live …

1
European Adventures & Stories From The Road | Observations From Mere Mortals Abroad 1:21:12

20d ago1:21:12

1:21:12

We're back from Europe and giving you the downlow on where to travel to. In Episode #485 of 'Meanderings', Juan & I discuss: a tit for tat recounting of our European travels, a garage door mishap and newfound Zen, the unique experiences of staying in hostels, the stereotypes of Germans/French people that are way too true, the beauty of Switzerland …

1
Philosophical Essays & Nihilism | Readings From The Road 36:50

21d ago36:50

36:50

We're back from travelling, wiser & thankfully not sad about it. In this special episode we are covering 3 books of essays/philosophical investigations by written by 3 authors in the 20th century. The books themselves are 'What Does It All Mean?' by Thomas Nagel, 'What Is Man & Other Essays' by Mark Twain & 'The Foundation Pit' by Andrey Platonov. …

1
Monthly Goals | July 2025 40:43

24d ago40:43

40:43

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
Right Thing, Right Now: The Stoic Virtue We Avoid 10:42

27d ago10:42

10:42

In this Mere Mortals book review, I tackle Right Thing, Right Now by Ryan Holiday, the third in his Stoic Virtue series. It’s a slower, deeper, more reflective book centred on justice, the virtue that’s hardest to sell and hardest to live by. I share why this wasn’t my favourite read, but why it might be the most meaningful one for the long game of…

1
The Discipline Reset: Building Protocols After a Holiday Break” 19:21

29d ago19:21

19:21

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…

1
Stand Up Comedy With Joey | The Greece Getaway Plus Travel Adventures 1:09:09

2M ago1:09:09

1:09:09

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 tra…

1
Adapt or Die: The Youth Spy Who Sparked a Passion for Discipline | Stormbreaker BOOK REVIEW 8:25

2M ago8:25

8:25

A 14-year-old is thrust into the shadow world of espionage, where every move is a fight to survive—and grow up fast. My book review on an oldie but a goodie, Stormbreaker by Anthony Horrowitz (00:00) – You're Never Too Young to Die (00:47) – First Encounter at 14 (02:15) – Spy Fantasy Meets Realism (03:38) – Plot Recap & Absurd Action (05:41) – Phi…

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

2M 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

2M 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
33 Laws For Life & Business: A Tactical Review of Steven Bartlett's Philosophy 9:33

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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

3M 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
Mixing The Weird & The Mundane | Metamorphosis & Other Stories (Franz Kafka) BOOK REVIEW 27:03

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

4M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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
The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene – Book Review & Analysis 17:28

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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

5M 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
Collecting Cards With VeeFriends | The Business Side Of Pokémon 1:05:47

5M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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

6M 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…

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Kyrin Down Podcasts

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