I’ve got a special episode for you today. I sat down in person with my longtime friend and first-ever podcast guest, Derek Sivers. We haven’t recorded live before, and honestly, it shows—in the best way. It’s raw, weird, and filled with the kind of conversations we usually when we’re just hanging out together.

We dig into Derek’s new book, Useful, Not True, and the big idea behind it: that our beliefs don’t need to be true to be helpful. That spins off into everything from remixing creative influences (metal + Dixieland jazz, anyone?) to why most podcasts—including mine—have gotten painfully predictable. We talk artistic reinvention, Bob Dylan, Bowie, Miles Davis, why most “thought leaders” are just regurgitating each other’s ideas, and why I'm ending the podcast as you know it—and what’s next!

We also dive into the deeper stuff: the emotional power of belief, authenticity vs. performative vulnerability, therapy culture, and why sometimes the most liberating thing you can do is reject what everyone else thinks is necessary—relationships, kids, all of it.

This was one of the most honest, meandering, and creatively energizing conversations I’ve had in a whuile. If you’re into big questions, unconventional ideas, and the occasional musical metaphor, this one’s for you.

Derek’s new book- Useful, Not True: https://www.amazon.com/Useful-Not-True-Derek-Sivers-ebook/dp/B0D86K4XF5

Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

Follow me:

https://instagram.com/markmanson/

https://twitter.com/IAmMarkManson

https://facebook.com/Markmansonnet/

https://linkedin.com/in/markmanson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@iammarkmanson

In this episode, Drew and I dive into some of the biggest beliefs we’ve shifted over the years—and what it actually looks like to change your mind.

We talk about Drew’s evolving views on religion, why I’m way less convinced that people are as changeable as we like to believe, and why I think trauma might be getting a little too much airtime in the self-help world.

We also get into the loneliness epidemic, the quiet power of community, and why so much of “personal growth” isn’t about becoming someone new—it’s about learning to work with who you already are.

Leave a comment below about what you’ve changed your mind about—and enjoy.

Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

Follow me:

https://instagram.com/markmanson/

https://twitter.com/IAmMarkManson

https://facebook.com/Markmansonnet/

https://linkedin.com/in/markmanson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@iammarkmanson

Chapters

00:00 Intro: What we've changed our minds about

02:59 Religion

07:40 Where does belief change start?

17:08 Does Mark stand by his books?

18:06 Why change is so hard

30:27 Trauma doesn't determine destiny

37:52 Cautious optimism

Theme song: Icarus Lives by Periphery , used with permission from Periphery.

Lewis Howes is one of the most successful podcasters of all time—12 years, nearly 1,800 episodes, and countless interviews with world-class performers. But what’s even more interesting is how his definition of success has evolved over the years. In this conversation, Lewis opens up about shifting from a hyper-competitive, “be number one” mentality to a more collaborative, impact-driven approach.

We also dive into emotional regulation, the surprising ways our relationship with money affects our lives, and why most people either idolize or demonize wealth. Oh, and Lewis casually mentions he’s training to compete in the Olympics in his 40s. No big deal. This episode is packed with insights on what it really means to live a fulfilling, abundant life—without losing your mind in the process.

Get 10% off health services at Marek Health: https://marekhealth.com/idgaf

Lewis's new book, Make Money Easy: https://www.amazon.com/Make-Money-Easy-Financial-Freedom/dp/1401993931

Lewis's podcast, The School of Greatness: https://lewishowes.com/sogpodcast/

Sign up for my newsletter, Your Next Breakthrough. It will help make you a less awful person: https://markmanson.net/breakthrough

Follow me:

https://instagram.com/markmanson/

https://twitter.com/IAmMarkManson

https://facebook.com/Markmansonnet/

https://linkedin.com/in/markmanson/

https://www.tiktok.com/@iammarkmanson

Theme music: Icarus Lives by Periphery, used with permission from Periphery.