Bussin' With The Bears w/ Will Compton | 2 Bears, 1 Cave
Digest
Will Compton, a former NFL player, shares his perspective on the challenges of balancing a professional sports career with family life. He expresses his gratitude for having children after his career, as it has given him a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices athletes make. Compton also discusses the constant comparison and competition among athletes, from trying to make the team to striving for bigger contracts. He acknowledges the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities, highlighting the power of saying "no" to opportunities that might detract from his family life. Bert Kreischer, a comedian, challenges the principles of stoicism, arguing that it can feel like a luxury for those who don't have to constantly say "yes" to opportunities. He shares his own experiences with the pressure to perform and the impact of negative comments on his self-worth. Ryan Holiday, a stoic philosopher, explains the core principles of stoicism, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's response to external events and focusing on personal growth. He also discusses the importance of valuing one's own opinion and work over external validation. The conversation concludes with a lively debate about the merits of stoicism, with Kreischer expressing his skepticism and Holiday offering insights into the philosophy's practical applications. Compton also reflects on his own parenting style, drawing inspiration from his mother's resilience, strength, and work ethic. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and family life, but emphasizes the importance of prioritizing his family's well-being. The conversation highlights the complexities of fatherhood, the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities, and the enduring impact of parental figures on our lives.
Outlines
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Introduction and Kindergarten Graduation
This Chapter introduces the podcast hosts, Will Compton and Bert Kreischer, and discusses the significance of kindergarten graduation. Compton shares his own memories of the event and how it was a big deal for him and his family. He also expresses his frustration with "rich dads" who seem to excel at fatherhood, while he feels he didn't "kill it" as a dad.
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NFL Career and Family Priorities
This Chapter explores the hypothetical scenario of Will Compton returning to the NFL. He discusses whether he would consider playing another season, even if it meant moving his family to New England. Compton reflects on his current priorities, emphasizing the importance of family life and his young daughter. He shares his perspective on the challenges faced by athletes who have to balance their careers with family commitments.
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Stoicism and Authenticity
This Chapter delves into a discussion about stoicism, with Bert Kreischer expressing his skepticism and Ryan Holiday, a stoic philosopher, offering insights into the philosophy's principles. Kreischer challenges the idea of saying "no" to opportunities, arguing that it can feel like a luxury for those who don't have to constantly say "yes." Holiday explains the core principles of stoicism, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's response to external events and focusing on personal growth. He also discusses the importance of valuing one's own opinion and work over external validation.
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The Power of Saying "No" and Fatherhood
This Chapter explores the concept of saying "no" and its implications for personal growth and authenticity. Compton shares his own experiences with the challenges of balancing a professional sports career with family life and the importance of prioritizing his family's well-being. He also reflects on his own parenting style, drawing inspiration from his mother's resilience, strength, and work ethic. The conversation highlights the complexities of fatherhood and the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities.
Keywords
Stoicism
Stoicism is an ancient Greek philosophy that emphasizes virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature. It teaches that happiness and fulfillment come from within, rather than from external circumstances. Stoics believe in controlling one's emotions and responses to events, focusing on what is within their power to change. Key figures in stoicism include Zeno of Citium, Epictetus, and Marcus Aurelius.
NFL
The National Football League (NFL) is the highest professional American football league in the United States and Canada. It is composed of 32 teams, divided into two conferences, each with four divisions. The NFL season runs from September to February, culminating in the Super Bowl, the championship game. The NFL is known for its high level of competition, athleticism, and entertainment value.
Ryan Holiday
Ryan Holiday is a best-selling author, entrepreneur, and stoic philosopher. He is known for his books on stoicism, including "The Obstacle Is the Way," "Ego Is the Enemy," and "Stillness Is the Key." Holiday is a popular speaker and advocate for stoic principles, applying them to modern life and business.
Marcus Aurelius
Marcus Aurelius was a Roman emperor and philosopher who lived from 121 to 180 AD. He is considered one of the most important stoic thinkers, known for his writings in "Meditations." Aurelius's philosophy emphasized virtue, reason, and living in accordance with nature. He believed in controlling one's emotions and responses to events, focusing on what is within one's power to change.
Comradery
Comradery refers to a feeling of mutual trust, friendship, and loyalty among a group of people, often based on shared experiences or goals. It is a sense of unity and belonging that fosters a strong bond between individuals. Comradery is often found in groups such as military units, sports teams, and work teams.
Authenticity
Authenticity refers to the quality of being true to oneself, without pretense or artificiality. It is about living in alignment with one's values, beliefs, and desires. Authentic individuals are genuine, honest, and transparent in their interactions with others. They are comfortable being themselves and do not feel the need to conform to external expectations.
Performative
Performative refers to actions or behaviors that are intended to create a particular impression or effect on others. It is about putting on a show or acting in a way that is designed to be seen and acknowledged. Performative behavior can be motivated by a desire for attention, validation, or social approval.
Regurgitation
Regurgitation refers to the act of repeating or rehashing information without original thought or understanding. It is about simply parroting what has been heard or read, without engaging in critical thinking or analysis. Regurgitation can be a sign of a lack of depth or originality in one's thinking.
FOMO
FOMO, or Fear of Missing Out, is a social anxiety characterized by a constant desire to stay connected and informed about what others are doing. It can lead to feelings of inadequacy, envy, and a need to constantly be involved in activities or events. FOMO is often fueled by social media and the constant stream of information about others' experiences.
Power of No
The power of no refers to the ability to decline opportunities or requests that do not align with one's values, priorities, or goals. It is about setting boundaries and asserting oneself, rather than feeling obligated to say yes to everything. The power of no can be a valuable tool for managing time, energy, and resources, and for living a more fulfilling life.
Q&A
What are some of the challenges of balancing a professional sports career with family life?
Will Compton, a former NFL player, shares his perspective on the challenges of balancing a professional sports career with family life. He expresses his gratitude for having children after his career, as it has given him a deeper appreciation for the sacrifices athletes make. Compton also discusses the constant comparison and competition among athletes, from trying to make the team to striving for bigger contracts. He acknowledges the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities, highlighting the power of saying "no" to opportunities that might detract from his family life.
What are the core principles of stoicism?
Ryan Holiday, a stoic philosopher, explains the core principles of stoicism, emphasizing the importance of controlling one's response to external events and focusing on personal growth. He also discusses the importance of valuing one's own opinion and work over external validation.
How can stoicism be applied to modern life?
Holiday suggests that stoicism can be a valuable framework for dealing with the difficulties of life. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on what is within one's power to change, rather than dwelling on external circumstances. He also encourages individuals to cultivate virtues such as courage, self-discipline, justice, and wisdom.
What are some of the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a world where external validation is so prevalent?
Bert Kreischer, a comedian, shares his own experiences with the pressure to perform and the impact of negative comments on his self-worth. He discusses the importance of staying true to oneself, even when faced with criticism or the temptation to conform to external expectations.
How can individuals find a balance between ambition and personal priorities?
Compton and Kreischer both discuss the importance of finding a balance between ambition and personal priorities. Compton highlights the power of saying "no" to opportunities that might detract from his family life, while Kreischer emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting external validation dictate one's actions.
What are some practical ways to practice stoicism?
Holiday suggests that stoicism can be practiced through a variety of methods, including journaling, meditation, and focusing on one's values. He also encourages individuals to develop a sense of gratitude and to focus on what is within their power to change.
How can individuals overcome the temptation to seek external validation?
Holiday and Kreischer both emphasize the importance of valuing one's own opinion and work over external validation. They encourage individuals to focus on their own goals and values, rather than seeking approval from others.
What are some of the benefits of practicing stoicism?
Holiday suggests that stoicism can lead to greater happiness, fulfillment, and resilience. He believes that by controlling one's emotions and responses to events, individuals can live more fulfilling lives.
How can individuals find a balance between being present in the moment and planning for the future?
Compton and Kreischer both discuss the importance of finding a balance between being present in the moment and planning for the future. Compton emphasizes the importance of family life and his young daughter, while Kreischer highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and not letting external validation dictate one's actions.
How does Will Compton's mother's life impact his parenting style?
Compton reflects on his mother's resilience, strength, and work ethic, and how these qualities have shaped his own parenting style. He acknowledges the challenges of balancing work and family life, but emphasizes the importance of prioritizing his family's well-being.
Show Notes
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We're back with another episode of 2 Bears, 1 Cave! This week Tom and Bert are joined by Will Compton, former NFL linebacker and one half of Bussin' With The Boys! Will chats with the bears about raising a family while committing to professional football, how receiving compliments from black folks hit differently, the power of saying No, and the philosophy of stoicism. They even have author Ryan Holiday jump into the show via phone to cover all things stoic. They also talk about how Tom's growing, the importance of always staying busy, and more!
2 Bears, 1 Cave Ep. 242
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