14 Tim Ferriss Show Episodes That Shaped My Thinking - 2025 Update
I’ve been a listener of The Tim Ferriss Show for nearly a decade, and like many longtime fans, I can trace certain inflection points in my thinking, habits, and worldview back to specific episodes. What started as a podcast about performance optimization has quietly evolved into a rich archive of long-form conversation.
Back in 2023, I published a list of the ten episodes that had the most significant impact on me. They were the ones that sparked new ideas, reshaped old ones, or simply stayed with me long after the headphones came off. That original list is still below, untouched.
But in the time since, a few more conversations have joined their ranks; episodes that moved, challenged, or reminded me of what it means to live thoughtfully and fully in this strange and beautiful world.
So, I’m keeping the original intact and adding a short 2025 Addendum with four new standouts that deserve a place in your queue. If you're a longtime listener, maybe you’ll rediscover a favorite. If you're just getting started, consider this a jumping-off point.
#775: Jon Batiste — The Quest for Originality, How to Get Unstuck, His Favorite Mantras, and Strategies for Living a Creative Life
This conversation stunned me. Jon Batiste’s openness, especially around personal grief and his philosophy of beauty in suffering, was deeply moving. His ability to frame music not just as performance but as communion, healing, and resistance made this one of the most powerful episodes I’ve heard. And the improvised concert at the end was the icing on the cake.
#767: “Uncle Jerry” Colonna – Tim and Uncle Jerry Tackle Life, Big Questions, Business, Parenting, and Disco Duck
Jerry Colonna’s warmth, wisdom, and unapologetic depth hit hard. He talks about leadership, love, and the pain we carry, and the episode feels like one long, necessary exhale. I found myself rewinding sections to sit with them again.
#803: Craig Mod – Epic Walks in Japan, The Art of Slowness, Digital Detox, Publishing “Impossible” Books, and Choosing Beauty Over Scale
Craig’s reflections on walking, quietude, and craft offer a refreshing kind of clarity. At a time when the digital noise feels relentless, this episode reminded me how sacred slowness and presence can be. For anyone navigating creative work or digital fatigue, it’s a gentle, grounding listen.
#805: Philip Goff – Exploring Consciousness and Non-Ordinary Religion, Galileo’s Error, Panpsychism, Heretical Ideas, and Therapeutic Belief
This one lit up the philosophical side of my brain. Goff challenges the dominant materialist worldview, making the case for panpsychism in a way that’s rigorous yet accessible. It’s not just a metaphysical thought experiment; it’s a conversation that nudges you to reexamine what it means to be alive.
*** Here’s the original list from 2023 ***
1: #340: Paul Stamets — How Mushrooms Can Save You and (Perhaps) the World
Mind-blowing! I’ve now heard Paul tell the story of his first experience with psilocybin mushrooms and how it affected his lifelong stutter multiple times, and each time it gives me chills. His passion for the intricate fungi kingdom was contagious, and this episode opened my mind to the transformative role mushrooms could play in medicine, ecology, and beyond.
2. #97 Naval Ravikant — The Person I Call Most For Startup Advice
Though this was my introduction to Naval, he quickly became one of the thinkers who has most impacted how I approach personal growth and business strategy. His emphasis on reading widely and developing meta-learning skills resonated strongly with me. Naval’s unique perspectives on happiness, knowledge, and entrepreneurship left me rethinking many assumptions.
3. #571 Boyd Varty — The Lion Tracker’s Guide to Life
Storytelling at its finest! This remarkable interview enthralled me as Boyd Varty recounted spellbinding stories from growing up on South Africa’s Londolozi Game Reserve. Afterward, I immediately bought his book, which has since become one of my top 3 to give to friends. If you want a safari-like auditory experience, this is a must-listen episode.
4. #587 Terry Crews — Masculinity, True Power, Therapy, and Resisting Cynicism
I knew I had to include one of the Crews episodes, and recency bias lifted 587 above 287. Terry Crews is a true Renaissance man who has experienced immense highs and lows yet approaches life with incredible gratitude. His story of overcoming anger and being a beacon for those around him is inspirational.
5. #125 Derek Sivers — Developing Confidence, Finding Happiness, and Saying No to Millions
Derek Sivers radiates authenticity in this conversation with Tim. In a world that pushes conformity, Derek stands out as someone who lives a life entirely on his terms. Also, his book notes are a go-to source for reading inspiration.
6. #153 BJ Miller — The Man Who Studied 1,000 Deaths to Learn How to Live
Death is a topic we tend to avoid, but reflecting on it can help us live more meaningfully. As a palliative care doctor involved in over 1,000 deaths, BJ Miller gained profound insights into living meaningfully by studying the end-of-life experience. His perspective on mortality was neither morbid nor anxiety-inducing but strangely uplifting and life-affirming.
7. #501 Steven Pressfield — How to Overcome Self-Sabotage and Resistance, Routines for Little Successes, and The Hero’s Journey vs. The Artists’s Journey
As someone striving to improve my writing skills, this episode resonated deeply and came at the perfect time. Pressfield artfully articulated the headspace required for artistic work, and his words unlocked something in me. After listening, I immediately read his seminal book, The War of Art, which further propelled my writing journey.
8. #444 Hugh Jackman — Best Decisions, Daily Routines, The 85% Rule, Favorite Exercises, Mind Training, and Much More.
I’m a sucker for breadth, and this episode delivered. Both Tim and Hugh adeptly explored an expansive range of subjects, including daily routines, influential books, physical exercises, cultivating intuition, meditation practices, and much more. I was impressed by the sheer volume of actionable advice they packed into a single episode. Tim and Hugh’s natural chemistry and curiosity made their far-ranging conversation flow seamlessly. The episode left me with a list of new books to read, routines to try, and exercises to practice.
9. #323 Tim Goes to a Maximum Security Prison
This episode shattered preconceptions and reminded me that humanity connects us all. The prisoners’ insights on resilience, regret, meaning, and redemption were staggeringly honest and insightful. I was moved by their reflections on struggles with temptation, backsliding, and forging new paths. Sometimes, the most impactful advice comes from unexpected places.
10. #366 Neil Gaiman — The Interview I’ve Waited 20 Years to Do
Both low-key practical and deeply philosophical, as a writer looking to hone my processes, this episode is one I’ve returned to. From suggestions on notebooks and fountain pens to broader reflections on the creative process, this episode is a must-listen for aspiring writers or creatives of any kind.
