#757: Matthew McConaughey and Aisha Tyler
Digest
This episode of the Tim Ferriss Show celebrates the podcast's 10th anniversary and over one billion downloads. The episode features two "super combo" guests: Matthew McConaughey and Aisha Tyler. McConaughey shares stories about his childhood, his father's influence, and his journey to becoming a successful actor. He emphasizes the importance of taking risks, keeping a diary, and embracing the power of "having trouble" rather than being incapable. He also discusses his 10 life goals written in 1991, which reveal his desire for personal growth, family connection, and professional success. Aisha Tyler, a comedian and host of "Whose Line Is It Anyway," discusses the concept of "self-inflicted wounds" and its importance in understanding risk and failure. She shares stories about her father's motivational question, "Whose day is it?," and her own experiences with failure, emphasizing the importance of resilience and embracing imperfection. She also discusses the challenges of the comedy economy and the importance of bombing in stand-up comedy, highlighting the need for authenticity and staying true to oneself. The episode concludes with a discussion about the speaker's personal fitness setup, their experience with glutathione, and their use of Mementis products, which are designed to improve short-term memory and performance under stress.
Outlines
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Mementis and Eight Sleep Sponsor Segments
This chapter features sponsored advertisements for Mementis, a company offering high-quality supplements, and Eight Sleep, a company producing sleep technology products.
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Introduction and 10th Anniversary Celebration
Tim Ferriss introduces the episode, celebrating the podcast's 10th anniversary and surpassing one billion downloads. He explains the concept of "super combo episodes," featuring pairings of his favorite guests from over 700 episodes.
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Matthew McConaughey: "I Can't" and the Greatest Salesman in the World
Matthew McConaughey shares a childhood story about his father's aversion to the phrase "I can't." This experience taught him the importance of seeking help and embracing the idea of "having trouble" rather than being incapable. He also discusses the impact of the book "The Greatest Salesman in the World" on his decision to pursue a career in film.
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Matthew McConaughey's 10 Life Goals from 1991
McConaughey reveals a list of 10 life goals he wrote in 1991, shortly after finishing his role in "Dazed and Confused" and the passing of his father. The goals include becoming a father, finding a partner, maintaining his faith, chasing his best self, taking more risks, and winning an Oscar.
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The Importance of Taking Risks
McConaughey reflects on the significance of taking risks in his life, particularly after his father's passing. He believes that losing his father forced him to confront his mortality and embrace a wider perspective, leading to a greater sense of courage and a willingness to take more chances.
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The Power of Keeping a Diary
McConaughey discusses the evolution of his diary-keeping practice, emphasizing the importance of documenting both successes and failures. He believes that writing about positive experiences helps him navigate difficult times by providing a reference point for his best self.
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The Art of Running Downhill
McConaughey shares his experience with navigating sudden fame and success after the release of "A Time to Kill." He describes the challenges of handling overwhelming opportunities and the importance of avoiding self-sabotage during periods of ease.
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Saying No to Opportunities and Unbranding
McConaughey recounts his decision to turn down numerous opportunities, including lucrative rom-com roles, in order to pursue more challenging and fulfilling projects. He explains that this period of "unbranding" allowed him to step away from public expectations and emerge as a new and more authentic version of himself.
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Aisha Tyler: Self-Inflicted Wounds and the Power of Failure
Aisha Tyler, a comedian and host of "Whose Line Is It Anyway," discusses the concept of "self-inflicted wounds" and its importance in understanding risk and failure. She believes that people often assume success is achieved without mistakes, but the most successful individuals actively engage with risk and learn from their failures.
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Aisha Tyler's Father's Motivational Question
Tyler shares a story about her father's favorite saying or question, "Whose day is it?" This question, often asked in the morning, encouraged her to take ownership of her day and be proactive in pursuing her goals.
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Optimism, Resilience, and the Walk-It-Off Mentality
Tyler discusses her naturally optimistic outlook, which she attributes to both her father's influence and her own biochemistry. She also describes her father's "walk-it-off" mentality, which taught her to embrace resilience and not dwell on setbacks.
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A Childhood Disappointment and the Importance of Self-Sufficiency
Tyler recounts a childhood experience where she broke her arm while riding her bike to jujitsu camp. Her father's response, refusing to come get her and encouraging her to find a way home on her own, instilled in her a sense of self-sufficiency and the importance of navigating challenges independently.
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The Increasing Amplitude of Pain and Failure
Tyler and Ferriss discuss the increasing amplitude of pain and failure as individuals progress through life. They argue that early experiences with failure, even in seemingly minor situations, are crucial for developing resilience and coping mechanisms for more significant challenges later in life.
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Aisha Tyler's Early Career Aspirations and the Shift to Stand-Up Comedy
Tyler shares her early aspirations of becoming an environmental lawyer or engineer. However, she eventually realized that her true passion lay in creative performance, leading her to pursue stand-up comedy.
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The Importance of Keeping a Day Job and Pursuing Art for Art's Sake
Tyler discusses her decision to keep her day job while pursuing stand-up comedy, emphasizing the freedom it provided to engage in her art without financial pressure. She believes that this approach allowed her to focus on the joy of performing rather than the potential for monetary gain.
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The Contraction of the Comedy Economy
Tyler explains the contraction of the comedy economy in the late 20th century, citing factors such as market saturation, economic downturn, and the proliferation of comedy on television. She describes the challenges of finding stage time and the intense competition among comedians during this period.
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The Importance of Bombing and the Bill Burr Story
Tyler discusses the importance of bombing in stand-up comedy, arguing that it is essential for developing comedic skills and resilience. She shares a story about comedian Bill Burr's experience bombing at a radio station concert, highlighting his tenacity and refusal to be deterred by a hostile audience.
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The Unwritten Rules of Comedy
This chapter discusses the unwritten rules of comedy, particularly the importance of not turning the audience against you. It uses examples of Bill Burr's heckling experience and a guitar-wielding comic to illustrate the consequences of breaking these rules.
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Memorable Heckling Stories
The speaker shares their own experiences with hecklers, highlighting the different types of heckling and how they handle them. They emphasize the importance of not letting one person derail the show for the entire audience.
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The Math and Ineffability of Comedy
The speaker explores the idea that while there's a methodology to comedy, there's also an ineffable element. They discuss how some people are naturally comedic, while others have to work harder to develop their skills.
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The Importance of Authenticity in Creative Work
The speaker argues that creative work should be authentic and reflect the artist's personal experiences and understanding of the world. They emphasize the need to be prolific and let go of things that don't resonate with their true voice.
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The Liberating Power of Imperfection
The speaker discusses the importance of embracing imperfection and not trying to maintain a facade of perfection. They believe that constantly striving for perfection hinders learning and growth.
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Exposing Yourself to Discomfort
The speaker advocates for deliberately exposing oneself to discomfort in order to build resilience and stand up for what's important. They use the example of posting a picture of a "gorgeous Latin ass" on Instagram to illustrate this point.
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Finding Your Tribe and Staying True to Yourself
The speaker emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself as an artist and not trying to emulate others or cater to what's popular. They believe that authentic work is the only way to create something meaningful and lasting.
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Creativity in All Fields
The speaker argues that creativity is present in all fields, even those that are seemingly technical or mundane. They encourage listeners to identify their own unique abilities and pursue them, rather than trying to be someone they're not.
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The Journey into Filmmaking
The speaker shares their journey into filmmaking, emphasizing the importance of personal aggression and taking action. They discuss their early experiences making short films and music videos, highlighting the lessons learned and the importance of continuous learning and improvement.
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A Feature and Personal Fitness Setup
The speaker mentions their intention to do a feature film and describes their home gym setup, including a TRX bodyweight system, kettlebells, an ergonometer, and battle ropes.
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Glutathione, Energy Levels, and Mementis Products
The speaker discusses the impact of glutathione on their energy levels, claiming it has significantly improved their running speed. They also discuss Mementis products, highlighting their use by Olympians, the US military, and sports teams. They emphasize the products' focus on improving short-term memory and performance under stress, and their high-quality, third-party tested ingredients.
Keywords
Mementis
Mementis is a company that offers high-quality supplements and products for various categories, including sports performance, sleep, and cognitive health. They emphasize single-ingredient formulations and third-party testing for product quality and transparency.
Eight Sleep
Eight Sleep is a company that produces sleep technology products, including the Eight Sleep Pod Cover and the Eight Sleep Pod Pro. Their products focus on temperature regulation and sleep tracking, aiming to improve sleep quality and overall well-being.
The Greatest Salesman in the World
"The Greatest Salesman in the World" is a self-help book by Og Mandino that emphasizes the importance of personal development, positive thinking, and goal setting. Matthew McConaughey credits this book with inspiring him to pursue a career in film.
Dazed and Confused
"Dazed and Confused" is a 1993 coming-of-age comedy film directed by Richard Linklater. Matthew McConaughey's role in this film marked his breakthrough into the film industry.
Dallas Buyers Club
"Dallas Buyers Club" is a 2013 biographical drama film about Ron Woodroof, a man with AIDS who smuggled unapproved drugs into the United States. Matthew McConaughey won an Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in this film.
True Detective
"True Detective" is an anthology crime drama television series that features a different cast and story in each season. Matthew McConaughey starred in the first season, which received critical acclaim.
Green Lights
"Green Lights" is a 2020 memoir by Matthew McConaughey, in which he shares his personal experiences and insights on life, love, and success. The book is structured as a "playbook" based on his adventures and includes multimedia elements.
Whose Line Is It Anyway?
"Whose Line Is It Anyway?" is an improvisational comedy television show that features a panel of comedians performing unscripted scenes and games. Aisha Tyler has been a host of the show since 2013.
Self-Inflicted Wounds
"Self-Inflicted Wounds" is a book by Aisha Tyler that explores the concept of failure and its role in personal growth. The book features stories about Tyler's own mistakes and humiliations, encouraging readers to embrace their failures as learning opportunities.
Q&A
What was the most impactful book Matthew McConaughey read in his youth, and how did it influence his career path?
McConaughey was deeply influenced by "The Greatest Salesman in the World" by Og Mandino. This book, which he read during a pivotal moment in his life, instilled in him the confidence to pursue a career in film, ultimately leading him to abandon his plans to become a lawyer.
What are some of the key takeaways from Matthew McConaughey's 10 life goals written in 1991?
McConaughey's 10 life goals reveal his desire for personal growth, family connection, and professional success. They also highlight his belief in taking risks, embracing his best self, and maintaining a strong connection to his faith.
How did Aisha Tyler's father's motivational question, "Whose day is it?" shape her outlook on life?
Tyler's father's question encouraged her to take ownership of her day and be proactive in pursuing her goals. This instilled in her a sense of agency and responsibility, shaping her into a driven and self-motivated individual.
Why does Aisha Tyler believe that keeping a day job while pursuing creative endeavors can be beneficial?
Tyler argues that keeping a day job provides financial freedom and allows artists to pursue their passions without the pressure of needing to make money from their art. This approach fosters a sense of joy and creative exploration, ultimately enhancing the quality of their work.
What factors contributed to the contraction of the comedy economy in the late 20th century?
The contraction of the comedy economy was driven by a combination of factors, including market saturation, economic downturn, and the proliferation of comedy on television. This led to increased competition for stage time and a decline in the number of comedy clubs.
What are some of the unwritten rules of comedy, and what happens when they are broken?
One of the most important unwritten rules is to avoid turning the audience against you. Breaking this rule can lead to a hostile environment and potentially even physical altercations.
How do you handle hecklers, and what are the different types of hecklers you've encountered?
The speaker generally ignores hecklers unless they are disruptive to the entire audience. They've encountered various types, including those who are simply trying to be part of the show, those who are genuinely affectionate, and those who are simply negative and unengaged.
What is the most important aspect of comedy, and how does it relate to authenticity?
The speaker believes that being truthful is the most important aspect of comedy. They argue that authentic work, rooted in personal experiences and a unique perspective, is more likely to resonate with audiences and create a lasting impact.
How did you get into filmmaking, and what advice would you give to aspiring filmmakers?
The speaker's journey into filmmaking was organic, driven by a love for movies and a desire to create experiences for others. They emphasize the importance of personal aggression, taking action, and continuously learning and improving through practice.
What are some of the benefits of using Mementis products?
Mementis products are designed to improve short-term memory and performance under stress. They are used by Olympians, the US military, and sports teams, suggesting their effectiveness in enhancing cognitive function and physical performance.
Show Notes
This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #474 "Matthew McConaughey — The Power of 'No, Thank You,' Key Life Lessons, 30+ Years of Diary Notes, and The Art of Catching Greenlights" and #327 "Aisha Tyler — How to Use Pain, Comedy, and Practice for Creativity."
Please enjoy!
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Timestamps:
[00:00 ] Start
[04:58 ] Notes about this supercombo format.
[05:51 ] Enter Matthew McConaughey.
[06:19 ] The words forbidden in Matthew's house growing up.
[08:58 ] The book that changed the course of Matthew's life.
[17:27 ] Matthew's 10 goals in life (circa 1992).
[22:20 ] Why take more risks?
[26:04 ] The evolving purpose of keeping a diary.
[29:48 ] The art of running downhill.
[33:56 ] Learning to say "No" to rom-com typecasting.
[47:50 ] Enter Aisha Tyler.
[48:19 ] Aisha's role in The Tim Ferriss Show's existence.
[49:43 ] Aisha's trademark podcast question.
[51:06 ] Aisha's unorthodox childhood and family relationships.
[52:06 ] How did Aisha answer the questions "Whose day is it?" and "What are you going to do?" every morning?
[55:34 ] From where does Aisha get her general sense of optimism?
[57:25 ] Following father's advice and views on regret.
[59:22 ] Free-range parenting vs. modern overprotection.
[1:03:33 ] Having a bad day? You're not special!
[1:05:27 ] Young Aisha's career aspirations.
[1:06:52 ] Why was Aisha miserable at what she thought was her dream job?
[1:08:51 ] Why did Aisha pick standup comedy to break into show business?
[1:10:08 ] What it was like to keep a day job and do standup comedy as a hobby.
[1:11:50 ] Commuting for comedy in San Francisco.
[1:14:03 ] What made the comedy club bubble of the '80s burst?
[1:18:11 ] How did Aisha practice to get better at standup?
[1:19:01 ] A memorable set Aisha bombed and the gift it gave her.
[1:22:22 ] Dealing with hecklers Bill Burr and Kenny Moore style.
[1:28:20 ] Aisha shares some of her own heckler stories.
[1:32:31 ] Aisha's academic approach to the math of comedy.
[1:34:43 ] What's the Rule of Threes?
[1:35:36 ] Gauging comic evolution.
[1:36:46 ] Comedians compared to other artists.
[1:38:04 ] Changing success metrics and creative traps.
[1:40:41 ] How fear-based people-pleasing affects creativity.
[1:43:52 ] If one likes big butts, one cannot lie — even if it might tick someone off.
[1:46:03 ] Sometimes constructive feedback does make me change my mind.
[1:46:33 ] Pursuing authentic, meaningful work.
[1:48:32 ] Comedy's core beyond humor.
[1:49:04 ] Expecting failures in creative beginnings.
[1:49:52 ] Why it doesn't pay to emulate a master of a craft in their own field.
[1:51:51 ] Aisha's transition to filmmaking.
[1:54:47 ] Aisha believes in personal aggression.
[1:55:28 ] How Aisha piggybacked resources for her first music video.
[1:56:30 ] Learning filmmaking through short projects.
[1:58:03 ] What lessons did Aisha learn from these projects?
[1:59:06 ] How visiting the sets of Penny Dreadful and Vikings in Ireland led to making AXIS.
[2:00:52 ] Financing the Ireland trip.
[2:02:35 ] The email Aisha sent to visit the set of Vikings.
[2:03:18 ] The impact of fan appreciation.
[2:04:50 ] Budweiser's "Whassup" campaign origin.
[2:05:38 ] Why Aisha made AXIS.
[2:07:06 ] Resources for aspiring screenwriters and tech investors.
[2:08:06 ] What is AXIS, and did anyone try to talk Aisha out of making it?
[2:09:53 ] AXIS production experience and methods.
[2:12:00 ] The magic, intensity, and clarity of operating on an aggressive deadline.
[2:15:00 ] Aisha's current fears and goals.
[2:16:33 ] One of Aisha's current struggles.
[2:17:24 ] "If art imitates life, in order to create art, you have to have a life."
[2:18:33 ] As a workaholic, how does Aisha manage to live a life that influences her art?
[2:20:58 ] How would Aisha's life be different if she didn't have exercise as an element?
[2:22:47 ] What equipment does Aisha use to work out?
[2:23:36 ] What does a prototypical workout look like for Aisha?
[2:23:53 ] How does Aisha take her glutathione, and what does it help with?
[2:26:40 ] Morning routine and exercise timing.
[2:27:40 ] Aisha works out at home to save transit time. What does she watch when she rows?
[2:29:39 ] Does Aisha make New Year's resolutions?
[2:32:17 ] Aisha likens her first (unwatchable and destroyed) short film to the standup set she bombed.
[2:34:58 ] When has Aisha been extremely proud of herself?
[2:37:46 ] How confidence transfers across projects.
[2:39:46 ] To grow from failure, you have to be aggressive.
[2:40:24 ] Parting thoughts.
*
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Past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, <a href="https://tim.blog/2020/05/08/elizabeth-gilbert/" rel="noopener noreferrer" tar
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