Loading...
June 11, 2024 • 2hr 14min
#745: Rick Rubin and Mary Karr
The Tim Ferriss Show
This episode is a "super combo" featuring segments from two previous episodes of The Tim Ferriss Show - one with legendary music producer Rick Rubin, and one with acclaimed memoirist Mary Karr. The goal is to introduce listeners to both household names as well as lesser-known guests who have deeply impacted Tim's life and work.
#745: Rick Rubin and Mary Karr
0:00
-0:00
Key Takeaways
- Rick Rubin's physical transformation - lost 135-140 lbs in his late 30s by overhauling his diet, sleep, and exercise habits under the guidance of a health coach
- Strategies for helping artists overcome creative blocks and self-doubt, including giving them small, achievable tasks and fostering an environment of "productive meditation"
- The importance of reading and immersing oneself in great art to develop one's own creative voice, rather than trying to compete with or emulate others
- Mary Karr's traumatic childhood and how she used therapy, prayer, and writing to process and heal from the trauma
- The power of memory, sensory details, and "commonplace books" to capture and develop as a writer
- The role of solitude, boredom, and curiosity in cultivating presence and resilience in the face of suffering
Introduction
This episode is a "super combo" featuring segments from two previous episodes of The Tim Ferriss Show - one with legendary music producer Rick Rubin, and one with acclaimed memoirist Mary Karr. The goal is to introduce listeners to both household names as well as lesser-known guests who have deeply impacted Tim's life and work.
The discussion with Rick Rubin covers his dramatic physical transformation in his late 30s, losing over 135 lbs, as well as his strategies for helping artists overcome creative blocks and self-doubt. The Mary Karr segment delves into her traumatic childhood, how she used writing and spirituality to process the trauma, and the power of memory, sensory details, and solitude in the creative process.
Topics Discussed
Rick Rubin's Physical Transformation (7:58)
- Rubin was vegan for 20+ years but still reached 318 lbs, until he connected with a health coach who helped him overhaul his diet, sleep, and exercise habits
- Key changes included: waking up early and getting sun exposure, eating some animal protein, doing 20 mins of low-intensity aerobic exercise daily, and shifting to an earlier sleep schedule
- The transformation took time - Rubin lost the weight gradually over 14 months after making these lifestyle changes
- Rubin credits the initial work with the health coach to "turn on his metabolism" as laying the foundation for the weight loss
Helping Artists Overcome Creative Blocks (16:03)
- Rubin believes the biggest obstacles for artists are self-doubt, ego, and worrying about what others think
- His approach is to give artists small, achievable tasks to chip away at their blocks, rather than confronting the problem head-on
- Example: Giving a songwriter struggling with writer's block the simple task of writing one word in an unfinished song, then building from there
- Rubin also creates an environment of "productive meditation" by having 2-3 people work intensely on a whiteboard together, which boosts concentration
Immersing Oneself in Great Art (19:31)
- Rubin recommends that aspiring artists immerse themselves in the "greats" - reading great novels, listening to classic albums, etc. - rather than trying to compete with contemporary trends
- This helps develop one's own unique voice and perspective, rather than just trying to emulate what's popular
- Rubin himself came to music production as a fan first, which allowed him to approach it with a fresh, unorthodox perspective
Mary Karr's Traumatic Childhood (32:25)
- Karr grew up in a dysfunctional, abusive household in small-town Texas, with an alcoholic mother and absent father
- She attempted suicide as a child and struggled with substance abuse as a teenager, but was eventually convinced to seek therapy
- Therapy, along with a strong support system of mentors and the power of writing, helped Karr process and heal from her traumatic upbringing
The Role of Reading and Poetry (37:47)
- As a child, Karr found solace and inspiration in reading, especially poetry, which she felt "captured" her experience and made her feel less alone
- She describes the experience of reading poetry as "eucharistic" - a sacred, transformative act of taking in another's suffering and perspective
- Karr's love of language and storytelling was nurtured by her parents' unique way of speaking, full of vivid metaphors and Texas idioms
Therapy, Prayer, and Spiritual Practices (48:09)
- Karr was initially resistant to therapy and spirituality, but eventually found great benefit in both as ways to process her trauma
- She describes her early prayer practice as a way to create "space" and quiet in her mind, which allowed for moments of clarity and insight
- Karr also found the Ignatian spiritual exercises, with their emphasis on finding God in all things, to be a powerful framework for her healing
The Power of Memory and Sensory Details (1:39:10)
- Karr believes that tapping into vivid sensory memories - sights, sounds, smells - is key to effective, evocative writing
- She has students do exercises to recall specific rooms or moments from their childhood, focusing on recreating the sensory experience
- Karr also keeps a "commonplace book" where she records beautiful turns of phrase, overheard conversations, and other inspirations
Solitude, Boredom, and Resilience (1:53:42)
- Karr has found that cultivating solitude, curiosity, and the ability to sit with discomfort has been essential to her healing and creative process
- She describes how learning to be present and "wear the world like a loose garment" has helped her navigate difficult emotions and experiences
- Karr believes that the fear and self-doubt that often accompany trauma can be countered by an attitude of openness and willingness to experiment
Conclusion
This "super combo" episode provides a rich tapestry of insights and lessons from two highly accomplished creatives who have grappled with significant personal challenges.
Rick Rubin's physical transformation and strategies for helping artists overcome creative blocks offer concrete, actionable advice. Meanwhile, Mary Karr's harrowing personal story and the role of writing, spirituality, and sensory awareness in her healing process speak to the deeper, more existential dimensions of the creative life.
Taken together, the discussion highlights the power of self-knowledge, resilience, and a willingness to experiment and embrace discomfort in service of one's highest creative and personal potential. It's a masterclass in using science, psychology, and the creative arts as tools for growth, healing, and transcendence.