Dec 29, 2023·edited Dec 29, 2023Liked by Michael Easter
I actually prefer reading to listening so am a bit bummed I miss out on some tangents and such. I don't know that this is actionable, but just something to ponder before you go all in on audio and video
Here's what I'll try to do in the future, re: tangents. I try to keep the writing as tight as possible, but the audio tangents just sort of pop up naturally because of the way my brain works lol (picture a puppy who sees something shiny and can't not chase it). Perhaps after I record audio, I'll include an asterisk around text areas that had a useful tangent. Then I'll quickly explain the tangent at the bottom of the piece.
Im normally a reader as well (HATE video) HOWEVER I often listen to your content when I'm on a walk with my dogs. They are usually long enough to keep me moving but not so long that I can't think about what I heard afterward. I listened to both of your books as well, vs reading.
The posts I’ve found most useful is when you take a common or trending “health advise topic” and break it down into what’s been proven, unproven, and what’s actually useful. E.g the bmi post, the post on supplements, and the 10k steps per day. I’d love to see some of those next year.
Exactly- and this is why I was less enthusiastic about you bringing an expert on. You expertly present fair and balanced arguments based on your research. My only concern with an expert is that the balance may be altered a bit depending on the focus of their research or preference. As long as the approach can stay as evidence-backed as it is now, an expert might be nice once in awhile.
Same here! So many other podcasts bring guests and while that brings something new to the table, I generally don’t need another audio source to do the same format. I glad Michael kinda keeps these to himself.
Yes to this as well! I feel like you bring an unbiased, journalistic voice or reason to the health and wellness space that is so full of people in their “my ethos is the only way” camps. Keep on bringing clarity and debunking and/or supporting. Thanks again for the work you do!
Dec 29, 2023·edited Dec 29, 2023Liked by Michael Easter
Looking at this picture, I’m wondering if you’ve ever done a “tour” of your bookshelf. I’m always interested (and nosy) to see the contents of people’s bookshelves (especially authors). Even just some closeup pictures would be great. Sorry if I’ve missed any early post on this.
Awesome! Just some suggestions.. when in your life did you buy it (and why), which (meaningful) ones were gifted, which ones have you reread, etc. thanks!
Simplify the complexity of. Nutrition based on clinical research. Too many hucksters out there. Is there just 3-5 things that make meaningful change or continue great outcomes. Like what can you do consistently to be healthy. Like a foundation of a house.
It would be interesting if you’ve come across any research on hormones, menopause, weight gain, nutrition and the like. I’m a voracious reader on the topic and I’m in the business, however considering I’m 45 and in the midst of it myself, I’m always interested in more information. Having said that, I just want to thank you for your newsletter and books! You’re the only one I subscribe to on Substack.
Especially if we can wade through all the crap science and supplement/drug selling out there. I swear, anything and everything that happens to a woman can be attributed to menopause now. Its gotten ridiculous! Maybe your wife would be interested in joining the discussion?
Really enjoy your work & the exposure to ideas I wouldn’t encounter on my own.
1 - prefer reading over audio/video
2 - can the archive be separated into subsections especially Gear Not Stuff and workout videos given separate sections to make it easier to find older material to refer to?
Great question about the archives. Let me ask Substack Support if there's a good way to do that.
Meantime—a less efficient option—is to search the titles in the search bar. "Gear Not Stuff" should bring up the archive of those posts. In theory, anyways!
For me it's reading>podcast video>audio-only (regardless of the source). My brain just doesn't retain audio/verbal info without some kind of visual to go with it. Reading is the best way for me to retain and ponder the info. I'd love a note about your verbal tangents, as someone else mentioned!
I love Burn the Ships as I love the concept of the weekly hard workout and it's nice to have some added variety for things I wouldn't think to do on my own. It makes my workouts feel adventurous, which I appreciate as adventure is the whole reason I train. I love that you deep-dive on topics. People who say "Just do this, it works" have never appealed to me. I need the "how" and "why" and you are great at giving that.
Love the newsletter Michael, great work! One thing I’d appreciate is to throw in some options once in a while, that gets us out (week-long camping and survival skills) there in an organized form with one of your wilderness-expert friends. I think you mentioned one particular in instagram previously.
I commented along these lines as well. The key is to ensure that whatever gets put together, there are options for us "slackers" who are older and spent our lives on our rear-ends in office chairs. I recently did a ~6 mile Grand Canyon hike (first time ever in my life; Bright Angel trail from the top down to the 3-mile rest house and back) and while it took MORE than I THOUGHT I had, I did complete it and not in terribly bad time. Balled like a baby when I got to the top - I still cannot quite explain that emotion...
Please move to the main article earlier in the post, so that there is not so much housekeeping at the beginning, it is hard when you have an audio reader, to have to listen to the housekeeping, and repeated titles
I'm new to the program and pushing 70 this year. I m concerned that I'll exacerbate some old injuries or get some new ones by starting the wrong way or doing the wrong things. Are their age appropriate adjustments I should be aware of and practicing?
Thanks for bringing this up. I'm 68yo and in good shape but I can feel the impact of aging and loss of muscle mass has had on me in my 60's. It is a lot more challenging doing these exercises that are designed for people in their 30-40's.
Erik and Michael make great points. I love the Article on SC Football workout, for me as a coach it’s great info, but personally as a baby boomer my workouts need to be modified. I would like to see more workouts and nutrition info targeted at age groups and different athletic ability. A former D1 athlete or Ranger at 60 is very different than someone at 60 that has never been very athletic or even someone with average athletic ability but everyone wants to stay fit and healthy. Thanks!
I would love to see dr kashey collaborate with you and do a book together. That chapter with him in the comfort crisis was my favorite, and I love his insight on pretty much everything (not just the nutrition part). The two of you together seem to mesh together very well.
Thanks for everything this year, Michael! I’ve really enjoyed all the posts, but especially burn the ships and gear not stuff! I always look forward to those Fridays and getting to read those posts. I’m more in the reading camp for the posts.
I appreciate all the posts, but some of my favorite non-reoccurring posts are the ones seem to come out of left field. Ones that come to mind are the carrying kids, the breakfast cereals, how to talk to anyone, the Labor Day post. I love the information in those ones and they’ve always stuck with me.
A couple ideas I have for those one offs. I’m starting to notice in myself is sore/tight wrists and forearms from using a keyboard and mouse all day. Staring at a screen also does nothing good for my eyes and over the last year or two I’ve started to notice changes in my eyesight. Your posts have helped me fix a lot of my other aches from sitting at a desk too long, maybe they can help here too!
Keep up the Friday franchise posts. I especially like “Gear not Stuff” and “Burn the Ships”.
Fantastic! We'll keep those alive and well!
really love burn the ships play lists!!!
Agree 100%
+1 to Dave. GnS and BtS are favorites. I’ve done the workouts religiously and they’re a great rotation with my other activities.
I actually prefer reading to listening so am a bit bummed I miss out on some tangents and such. I don't know that this is actionable, but just something to ponder before you go all in on audio and video
I prefer reading too! :)
Here's what I'll try to do in the future, re: tangents. I try to keep the writing as tight as possible, but the audio tangents just sort of pop up naturally because of the way my brain works lol (picture a puppy who sees something shiny and can't not chase it). Perhaps after I record audio, I'll include an asterisk around text areas that had a useful tangent. Then I'll quickly explain the tangent at the bottom of the piece.
Does that sound like it would be useful?
I’m a reader as well, won’t listen or watch video very often but will read, so please keep as much as you can in print. Thanks!
I also love this idea - as I'm a reader too!
That sounds wonderful!
Im normally a reader as well (HATE video) HOWEVER I often listen to your content when I'm on a walk with my dogs. They are usually long enough to keep me moving but not so long that I can't think about what I heard afterward. I listened to both of your books as well, vs reading.
That sounds like a wonderful compromise!
The posts I’ve found most useful is when you take a common or trending “health advise topic” and break it down into what’s been proven, unproven, and what’s actually useful. E.g the bmi post, the post on supplements, and the 10k steps per day. I’d love to see some of those next year.
+1 on this! Super timely and helpful when you do these...
Thanks Patricia (and for bumping it, Matt).
I'll keep that in mind and come up with some ideas. Feel free to send me any common/trending health topics you encounter.
It also feels like I could refresh the BMI post and others like it.
Exactly- and this is why I was less enthusiastic about you bringing an expert on. You expertly present fair and balanced arguments based on your research. My only concern with an expert is that the balance may be altered a bit depending on the focus of their research or preference. As long as the approach can stay as evidence-backed as it is now, an expert might be nice once in awhile.
Same here! So many other podcasts bring guests and while that brings something new to the table, I generally don’t need another audio source to do the same format. I glad Michael kinda keeps these to himself.
Yes to this as well! I feel like you bring an unbiased, journalistic voice or reason to the health and wellness space that is so full of people in their “my ethos is the only way” camps. Keep on bringing clarity and debunking and/or supporting. Thanks again for the work you do!
Second this!
Looking at this picture, I’m wondering if you’ve ever done a “tour” of your bookshelf. I’m always interested (and nosy) to see the contents of people’s bookshelves (especially authors). Even just some closeup pictures would be great. Sorry if I’ve missed any early post on this.
This idea is awesome. I'll do this post in the next few month.
Awesome! Just some suggestions.. when in your life did you buy it (and why), which (meaningful) ones were gifted, which ones have you reread, etc. thanks!
Simplify the complexity of. Nutrition based on clinical research. Too many hucksters out there. Is there just 3-5 things that make meaningful change or continue great outcomes. Like what can you do consistently to be healthy. Like a foundation of a house.
I like this. So effectively 3-5 laws of nutrition that seem to hold based on the body of research and throughout different diets.
Great Idea!
It would be interesting if you’ve come across any research on hormones, menopause, weight gain, nutrition and the like. I’m a voracious reader on the topic and I’m in the business, however considering I’m 45 and in the midst of it myself, I’m always interested in more information. Having said that, I just want to thank you for your newsletter and books! You’re the only one I subscribe to on Substack.
We can do that! That topic might make for a great expert discussion.
Excellent! I’m wondering if you have delved into workouts particularly for women and even more specifically for post menopausal women.
Especially if we can wade through all the crap science and supplement/drug selling out there. I swear, anything and everything that happens to a woman can be attributed to menopause now. Its gotten ridiculous! Maybe your wife would be interested in joining the discussion?
I second this topic. I am in the midst of it as well and it would be interesting to delve into it more from a 2% perspective.
Really enjoy your work & the exposure to ideas I wouldn’t encounter on my own.
1 - prefer reading over audio/video
2 - can the archive be separated into subsections especially Gear Not Stuff and workout videos given separate sections to make it easier to find older material to refer to?
Great question about the archives. Let me ask Substack Support if there's a good way to do that.
Meantime—a less efficient option—is to search the titles in the search bar. "Gear Not Stuff" should bring up the archive of those posts. In theory, anyways!
Right now I’m hunting for your oatmeal recipe!?
For me it's reading>podcast video>audio-only (regardless of the source). My brain just doesn't retain audio/verbal info without some kind of visual to go with it. Reading is the best way for me to retain and ponder the info. I'd love a note about your verbal tangents, as someone else mentioned!
I love Burn the Ships as I love the concept of the weekly hard workout and it's nice to have some added variety for things I wouldn't think to do on my own. It makes my workouts feel adventurous, which I appreciate as adventure is the whole reason I train. I love that you deep-dive on topics. People who say "Just do this, it works" have never appealed to me. I need the "how" and "why" and you are great at giving that.
Fantastic. Thanks for the feedback. I'm the same way—my brain needs to "see" stuff to retain it. :)
Love the newsletter Michael, great work! One thing I’d appreciate is to throw in some options once in a while, that gets us out (week-long camping and survival skills) there in an organized form with one of your wilderness-expert friends. I think you mentioned one particular in instagram previously.
I commented along these lines as well. The key is to ensure that whatever gets put together, there are options for us "slackers" who are older and spent our lives on our rear-ends in office chairs. I recently did a ~6 mile Grand Canyon hike (first time ever in my life; Bright Angel trail from the top down to the 3-mile rest house and back) and while it took MORE than I THOUGHT I had, I did complete it and not in terribly bad time. Balled like a baby when I got to the top - I still cannot quite explain that emotion...
Thanks for the comments, Adam and Greg!
This sounds like a great post for spring as people start to head back out.
Also, Greg, KILLER job hiking Bright Angel. That's fantastic. That's what we're after!
Please move to the main article earlier in the post, so that there is not so much housekeeping at the beginning, it is hard when you have an audio reader, to have to listen to the housekeeping, and repeated titles
Thanks for the feedback! I'll try to keep this in mind. I usually don't read all of the housekeeping when I read the audio versions.
I'm new to the program and pushing 70 this year. I m concerned that I'll exacerbate some old injuries or get some new ones by starting the wrong way or doing the wrong things. Are their age appropriate adjustments I should be aware of and practicing?
Great question. I'll cover that soon.
Thanks for bringing this up. I'm 68yo and in good shape but I can feel the impact of aging and loss of muscle mass has had on me in my 60's. It is a lot more challenging doing these exercises that are designed for people in their 30-40's.
Erik and Michael make great points. I love the Article on SC Football workout, for me as a coach it’s great info, but personally as a baby boomer my workouts need to be modified. I would like to see more workouts and nutrition info targeted at age groups and different athletic ability. A former D1 athlete or Ranger at 60 is very different than someone at 60 that has never been very athletic or even someone with average athletic ability but everyone wants to stay fit and healthy. Thanks!
I would love to see dr kashey collaborate with you and do a book together. That chapter with him in the comfort crisis was my favorite, and I love his insight on pretty much everything (not just the nutrition part). The two of you together seem to mesh together very well.
Great idea. Perhaps we could even release a book together in real time in 2%. I.e., drop chapters as posts then print the final outcome.
Brilliant! Hopefully he would be on board with something like that!
This! Love it!
Please interview DrStacey Sims. More info about how woman are not small men and the benefits of exercise on the female body
I love it. Thanks!
Yes please!!!
Thanks for everything this year, Michael! I’ve really enjoyed all the posts, but especially burn the ships and gear not stuff! I always look forward to those Fridays and getting to read those posts. I’m more in the reading camp for the posts.
I appreciate all the posts, but some of my favorite non-reoccurring posts are the ones seem to come out of left field. Ones that come to mind are the carrying kids, the breakfast cereals, how to talk to anyone, the Labor Day post. I love the information in those ones and they’ve always stuck with me.
A couple ideas I have for those one offs. I’m starting to notice in myself is sore/tight wrists and forearms from using a keyboard and mouse all day. Staring at a screen also does nothing good for my eyes and over the last year or two I’ve started to notice changes in my eyesight. Your posts have helped me fix a lot of my other aches from sitting at a desk too long, maybe they can help here too!
Haha, I like a good left field post as well. They're fun for me to write!
Noted about your idea around offsetting being deskbound.
I’m 62 and fighting hard.
Running 3 days a week
Lifting 4 days a week
I’ve Been lifting since I was 16.
But it is very tough to maintain size and strength as I approach my final decades
Can you spend an article on this and help us older guys?
Early on you mentioned writing a post on the best equipment for a garage gym. That would be great!
+ one to this!