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September 7, 2024 • 1hr 23min
#835 - 2.5M Q&A - Naval Ravikant, Quitting Alcohol & Having Kids
Modern Wisdom
In this Q&A episode celebrating reaching 2.5 million YouTube subscribers, Chris Williamson answers questions from listeners covering a wide range of topics. He reflects on the growth of Modern Wisdom, his approach to podcasting, personal challenges he's faced, and plans for the future of the show. Chris provides insights into his decision-making process for guests, his work habits, and how he manages the increasing demands of running a popular podcast.
#835 - 2.5M Q&A - Naval Ravikant, Quitting Alcohol & Having Kids
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Key Takeaways
- Chris has reached 2.5 million subscribers on YouTube, a major milestone that represents 10x growth since moving to America 2.5 years ago
- The podcast has allowed Chris to learn about himself and the world in a way he finds deeply fulfilling, beyond just commercial success
- Chris aims to balance having interesting conversations with scaling up production value and guest quality as the show grows
- Managing the business side of the podcast while maintaining creative output has been challenging, but Chris is working on building a team to help
- Chris has struggled with periods of low energy and mood this year, partly due to health issues from his previous living situation
- He is working on relinquishing control of some podcast operations to focus more on the creative aspects he enjoys
- Chris tries to be transparent about the challenges of growing a large platform while also being grateful for the opportunities
- He aims to bring on diverse guests and perspectives, balancing independent voices with more mainstream experts
- Chris never charges guests to appear or accepts payment to have guests on the show
- He attributes much of his consistency to the accountability of having scheduled guests
- Chris recommends periodizing between intense work and relaxation rather than trying to balance daily
Introduction
In this Q&A episode celebrating reaching 2.5 million YouTube subscribers, Chris Williamson answers questions from listeners covering a wide range of topics. He reflects on the growth of Modern Wisdom, his approach to podcasting, personal challenges he's faced, and plans for the future of the show. Chris provides insights into his decision-making process for guests, his work habits, and how he manages the increasing demands of running a popular podcast.
Topics Discussed
Podcast Growth and Milestones (4:00)
Chris begins by expressing gratitude for reaching 2.5 million subscribers, noting it represents 10x growth since moving to America 2.5 years ago. He reflects on how much work it's taken to get to this point, acknowledging some "sanity lost" along the way but feeling it has been worthwhile.
"Every time that I do one of these, I try not to get too soppy about support and all the shares and the likes and the nice messages and all the rest of it, but I really do appreciate it more than I can ever say."
- Chris started the podcast when no one was listening, sometimes getting zero plays in a day
- He does the show because he enjoys speaking to interesting people, not for numbers or commercial success
- The growth has allowed Chris to pursue conversations and guests he's genuinely interested in
Approach to Guests and Content (10:01)
Chris discusses his philosophy on bringing guests onto the show and how he approaches potentially controversial figures.
- Never charges guests or accepts payment for appearances, despite being offered "obscene amounts of money"
- Aims to balance perspectives, bringing on both mainstream experts and more heterodox voices
- Focuses on having conversations he finds interesting rather than worrying about potential backlash
- "I work with partners that I like. You shouldn't. I don't like this Tulsi Gabbard is. She's not a respectable. She's got zero credibility. I'm like, I thought that she was interesting. Sue me. I don't care."
Personal Challenges and Growth (44:07)
Chris opens up about some of the personal challenges he's faced as the podcast has grown rapidly.
- Has experienced periods of low energy and mood this year, partly due to health issues from his previous living situation
- Finds the level of scrutiny that comes with a larger platform challenging at times
- Working through emotional and psychological growth in therapy while managing increased public attention
- "This year's been like a really difficult one to navigate, I think, as all of this stuff's happening with the show, which is really great and flattering, but then also kind of difficult too and who am I? And why does the world see me differently?"
Podcast Operations and Work-Life Balance (48:07)
Chris discusses the challenges of managing all aspects of the podcast as it has grown.
- Currently handles most operations himself: CEO, founder, host, guest booker, researcher, marketing, etc.
- Looking to build a team to handle more of the business side so he can focus on creative aspects
- Struggles with balancing intense work periods and relaxation
- Recommends "obsession in the micro and variation in the macro" - fully committing to work for periods then fully relaxing
Advice on Decision Making and Personal Growth (58:09)
Chris offers advice on making decisions and pushing oneself to grow when already in a comfortable situation.
- Suggests focusing less on pure rationality and more on emotional resonance when making choices
- Recommends Tony Robbins' exercise of vividly imagining both negative and positive outcomes of decisions
- Emphasizes taking concrete actions rather than just "deciding" to make a change
- "Are you here to kind of exist in this comfortably numb, interquartile range, middle period thing of life? Or do you want to make some f**king waves?"
Health and Wellness Practices (1:12:13)
Chris shares some insights on his own health practices and offers advice for those struggling with energy levels.
- Has been sleeping more than usual but feeling less rested due to ongoing health recovery
- Recommends checking for toxic mold and getting immune marker blood tests for unexplained fatigue
- Suggests full blood panel and testosterone level checks
- Emphasizes that consistent good sleep should result in feeling rested - if not, something else is likely going on
Future Plans for the Podcast (1:22:15)
Chris teases some upcoming guests and content for the podcast.
- Upcoming guests include Chris Bumstead, Leana Deeb, Will Tennyson, Jesse James West, Casey Neistat, and Ben Shapiro
- Traveling to Florida to record with Ben Shapiro
- Continuing to pursue high-profile and interesting guests across various fields
Conclusion
Chris concludes by expressing gratitude for the support of his audience and reflecting on the journey of growing Modern Wisdom. He acknowledges the challenges of navigating increased attention and responsibilities while striving to maintain the quality and integrity of the show. Chris emphasizes his commitment to having interesting conversations and bringing diverse perspectives to his audience, even as the podcast continues to expand in reach and production value.
The episode provides insight into the behind-the-scenes work and personal growth involved in building a successful podcast. Chris's openness about both the rewards and difficulties of his position offers listeners a nuanced view of content creation at scale. As Modern Wisdom continues to evolve, Chris appears focused on balancing the business demands of a growing media platform with his original passion for learning and sharing knowledge through meaningful conversations.