Modern work has a giant problem: It keeps us stressed enough to be miserable, but never stressed enough to quit. Cal Newport, a computer scientist at Georgetown University, says that's not an accident: When work switched from factories and farms to offices, we never figured out how to measure the productivity of knowledge workers. Looking busy became our flawed metric, even though busyness keeps us from producing better work.

Michael sits down with Newport, author of Deep Work and Slow Productivity, about how to do deep, valuable work in a world that rewards fake productivity. They cover: 
Why emails and meetings are killing our ability to do work that means something.
The conversation to have with your boss when you have too many meetings and other tasks.
The three core rules of “Slow Productivity:” do fewer things, work at a natural pace, obsess over quality.
Enduring myths of productivity, from Jane Austen to Jack Kerouac. 
How to say no without burning a bridge.
How to use AI to enhance your work without hurting your thinking.
How to rebuild your attention span the way you'd train for a mile.
And more … 

Go deeper: A Viral NYT Story Says Remote Work Makes Us Depressed. It's Wrong.

Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Will Mayo. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.

GET A FREE GUIDE TO EXAMPLES OF MISOGI at twopct.com

I share similar insights around health and wellness on Substack.

Follow Michael: Instagram · X · LinkedIn · Facebook · TikTok

Modern work has a giant problem: It keeps us stressed enough to be miserable, but never stressed enough to quit. Cal Newport, a computer scientist at Georgetown University, says that's not an accident: When work switched from factories and farms to offices, we never figured out how to measure the productivity of knowledge workers. Looking busy became our flawed metric, even though busyness keeps us from producing better work.
Michael sits down with Newport, author of Deep Work and Slow Productivity, about how to do deep, valuable work in a world that rewards fake productivity. They cover: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Why emails and meetings are killing our ability to do work that means something.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The conversation to have with your boss when you have too many meetings and other tasks.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">The three core rules of &ldquo;Slow Productivity:&rdquo; do fewer things, work at a natural pace, obsess over quality.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Enduring myths of productivity, from Jane Austen to Jack Kerouac.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">How to say no without burning a bridge.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">How to use AI to enhance your work without hurting your thinking.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">How to rebuild your attention span the way you'd train for a mile.</li>
<li aria-level="1">And more &hellip;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Go deeper: <a href="https://www.twopct.com/p/the-real-reason-your-job-is-draining">A Viral NYT Story Says Remote Work Makes Us Depressed. It's Wrong.</a>
Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Will Mayo. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.
GET A FREE GUIDE TO EXAMPLES OF MISOGI at <a href="https://www.twopct.com">twopct.com</a>
I share similar insights around health and wellness on <a href="https://substack.com/@michaeleaster">Substack</a>.
Follow Michael: <a href="https://instagram.com/michael_easter/">Instagram</a> &middot; <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Easter">X</a> &middot; <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/michael-easter-b208848/">LinkedIn</a> &middot; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Easter/100063709885769/">Facebook</a> &middot; <a href="https://tiktok.com/@michael_easter6">TikTok</a>

From New York Times bestselling author and journalist Michael Easter comes a twice-weekly deep dive into the science of living better by doing things the hard way. Building on the insights of his #1 Substack and acclaimed books, Easter balances rigorous evidence with a healthy dose of skepticism to cut through the noise of the modern wellness industry. Whether he’s interviewing elite explorers and Harvard biologists or deconstructing the truth about longevity and metabolic health, this isn't a show for "biohacking" perfectionists—it’s a grounded, often humorous guide for real people looking to build resilience and agency in an increasingly comfortable world. From ancient wisdom to cutting-edge research, listen to Two Percent to discover why the antidote to modern malaise is often found in the challenges we’ve been taught to avoid.

From&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;bestselling author and journalist Michael Easter comes a twice-weekly deep dive into the science of living better by doing things the hard way. Building on the insights of his #1 Substack and acclaimed books, Easter balances rigorous evidence with a healthy dose of skepticism to cut through the noise of the modern wellness industry. Whether he&rsquo;s interviewing elite explorers and Harvard biologists or deconstructing the truth about longevity and metabolic health, this isn't a show for "biohacking" perfectionists&mdash;it&rsquo;s a grounded, often humorous guide for real people looking to build resilience and agency in an increasingly comfortable world. From ancient wisdom to cutting-edge research, listen to Two Percent to discover why the antidote to modern malaise is often found in the challenges we&rsquo;ve been taught to avoid.

Join Michael Easter as he covers the information from the 2% with Michael Easter (TWOPCT.com), the internet's best source for practical and useful health, performance, and mindset information. www.twopct.com

Two Percent with Michael Easter

From&nbsp;New York Times&nbsp;bestselling author and journalist Michael Easter comes a twice-weekly deep dive into the science of living better by doing things the hard way. Building on the insights of his #1 Substack and acclaimed books, Easter balances rigorous evidence with a healthy dose of skepticism to cut through the noise of the modern wellness industry. Whether he&rsquo;s interviewing elite explorers and Harvard biologists or deconstructing the truth about longevity and metabolic health, this isn't a show for "biohacking" perfectionists&mdash;it&rsquo;s a grounded, often humorous guide for real people looking to build resilience and agency in an increasingly comfortable world. From ancient wisdom to cutting-edge research, listen to Two Percent to discover why the antidote to modern malaise is often found in the challenges we&rsquo;ve been taught to avoid.

What AI Is Actually Doing to Your Workday | Cal Newport

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/60379753-29f7-4c41-bb02-b4a40180cb5e/transcript

Hotshot firefighting is one of the most physically demanding and dangerous jobs in the United States. River Selby spent seven years as a wildland firefighter, four of them on elite hotshot crews, the teams that jump into the worst blazes in the country. 

Michael sits down with Selby, author of Hotshot: A Life on Fire, about what the job costs and what it teaches. They cover: 
Lessons River learned in a burning wilderness.
The physical and psychological qualities that build grit and make someone a good hotshot. 
Why proximity to danger brings a proximity to life.
How River proved they belonged on the team as someone who didn’t fit the hotshot mold.
Failures in how the government manages fires, and why it’s led to more extreme fires.
How River’s hard childhood helped her tolerate the hardships of wildfire fighting. 
And more … 

This episode includes discussion of childhood abuse, addiction, and suicide.

Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Will Mayo. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.

GET A FREE GUIDE TO EXAMPLES OF MISOGI at twopct.com

I share similar insights around health and wellness on Substack.

Follow Michael: Instagram · X · LinkedIn · Facebook · TikTok

Hotshot firefighting is one of the most physically demanding and dangerous jobs in the United States. River Selby spent seven years as a wildland firefighter, four of them on elite hotshot crews, the teams that jump into the worst blazes in the country.&nbsp;
Michael sits down with Selby, author of Hotshot: A Life on Fire, about what the job costs and what it teaches. They cover: 
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Lessons River learned in a burning wilderness.</li>
<li aria-level="1">The physical and psychological qualities that build grit and make someone a good hotshot.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why proximity to danger brings a proximity to life.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How River proved they belonged on the team as someone who didn&rsquo;t fit the hotshot mold.</li>
<li aria-level="1">Failures in how the government manages fires, and why it&rsquo;s led to more extreme fires.</li>
<li aria-level="1">How River&rsquo;s hard childhood helped her tolerate the hardships of wildfire fighting.&nbsp;</li>
<li aria-level="1">And more &hellip;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
This episode includes discussion of childhood abuse, addiction, and suicide.
Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Will Mayo. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.
GET A FREE GUIDE TO EXAMPLES OF MISOGI at <a href="https://www.twopct.com">twopct.com</a>
I share similar insights around health and wellness on <a href="https://substack.com/@michaeleaster">Substack</a>.
Follow Michael: <a href="https://instagram.com/michael_easter/">Instagram</a> &middot; <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Easter">X</a> &middot; <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/michael-easter-b208848/">LinkedIn</a> &middot; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Easter/100063709885769/">Facebook</a> &middot; <a href="https://tiktok.com/@michael_easter6">TikTok</a>

 Lessons From the Most Dangerous Job: Hotshot Firefighting with River Selby

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/1b8393cd-0a6b-4b63-91eb-b4a200c47a38/transcript

There are billions of animals living inside America's factory farms right now. Most live terrible, painful lives. Dan Shannon runs the Humane League, one of the largest and most effective animal welfare organizations in the world. 

Most organizations like his push people to go vegan—but Dan says that’s a critical error. Meat-eaters might be the most important people in the animal-welfare movement—and should be welcomed.

Michael sits down with Shannon, a vegan of almost 30 years, to unpack why he wants meat eaters in the animal welfare movement and what actually improves animal welfare. They get into how to avoid B.S. labels food producers use to make you think you’re buying ethically, why a phone call to a grocery chain can do more for animals than a perfect diet, the animal welfare law 80 percent of Americans agree on, and how to eat fewer animal products without pretending you'll be perfect. Shannon's message is the one worth keeping: you have more power than you realize.

Go deeper: Protein Myths Part II

Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Will Mayo. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.

GET A FREE GUIDE TO EXAMPLES OF MISOGI at twopct.com

I share similar insights around health and wellness on Substack.

Follow Michael: Instagram · X · LinkedIn · Facebook · TikTok

There are billions of animals living inside America's factory farms right now. Most live terrible, painful lives. Dan Shannon runs the Humane League, one of the largest and most effective animal welfare organizations in the world.&nbsp;
Most organizations like his push people to go vegan&mdash;but Dan says that&rsquo;s a critical error. Meat-eaters might be the most important people in the animal-welfare movement&mdash;and should be welcomed.
Michael sits down with Shannon, a vegan of almost 30 years, to unpack why he wants meat eaters in the animal welfare movement and what actually improves animal welfare. They get into how to avoid B.S. labels food producers use to make you think you&rsquo;re buying ethically, why a phone call to a grocery chain can do more for animals than a perfect diet, the animal welfare law 80 percent of Americans agree on, and how to eat fewer animal products without pretending you'll be perfect. Shannon's message is the one worth keeping: you have more power than you realize.
Go deeper: <a href="https://www.twopct.com/p/protein-myths-part-ii">Protein Myths Part II</a>
Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Will Mayo. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.
GET A FREE GUIDE TO EXAMPLES OF MISOGI at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.twopct.com">twopct.com</a>
I share similar insights around health and wellness on <a href="https://substack.com/@michaeleaster">Substack</a>.
Follow Michael: <a href="https://instagram.com/michael_easter/">Instagram</a> &middot; <a href="https://twitter.com/Michael_Easter">X</a> &middot; <a href="https://linkedin.com/in/michael-easter-b208848/">LinkedIn</a> &middot; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/people/Michael-Easter/100063709885769/">Facebook</a> &middot; <a href="https://tiktok.com/@michael_easter6">TikTok</a>

The Fastest Way to Help Animals Isn't Going Vegan | Dan Shannon, Humane League CEO

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/ba4d4577-c547-4c69-a638-b49d016fd955/transcript

Americans spend more on healthcare than any other wealthy nation and have the worst outcomes to show for it. Dr. Lucy McBride, a Harvard-trained physician who has practiced for more than two decades, says the problem is baked into the system. 

The modern medical system is built to manage disease after it appears, not to treat the whole patient well. What’s more, doctors are forced to see far too many patients each day. The underlying factors that help or hurt our health—stress, sleep, grief, and life events—never come up in a rushed 12-minute visit.

Michael sits down with Dr. McBride, author of Beyond the Prescription, to talk about the five rules you must follow to stop being passive and become the CEO of your own health. They get into where the wellness industry genuinely helps and where it preys on you, what AI can and can't do in the exam room, rapid-fire verdicts on Prenuvo scans, direct-to-consumer blood tests and CGMs, and questions you must ask your doctor to get better care.
Go deeper: Read more about The Comfort Crisis in the Doctor’s Office.

Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Will Mayo. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.

GET A FREE GUIDE TO EXAMPLES OF MISOGI. GO TO https://www.twopct.com AND ENTER YOUR EMAIL.

I share similar insights around health and wellness here:

https://substack.com/@michaeleaster

https://x.com/Michael_Easter

https://instagram.com/michael_easter/

https://linkedin.com/in/michael-easter-b208848/

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709885769

https://tiktok.com/@michael_easter6

Americans spend more on healthcare than any other wealthy nation and have the worst outcomes to show for it. Dr. Lucy McBride, a Harvard-trained physician who has practiced for more than two decades, says the problem is baked into the system.&nbsp;
The modern medical system is built to manage disease after it appears, not to treat the whole patient well. What&rsquo;s more, doctors are forced to see far too many patients each day. The underlying factors that help or hurt our health&mdash;stress, sleep, grief, and life events&mdash;never come up in a rushed 12-minute visit.
Michael sits down with Dr. McBride, author of <a href="https://amzn.to/4fBxdil">Beyond the Prescription</a>, to talk about the five rules you must follow to stop being passive and become the CEO of your own health. They get into where the wellness industry genuinely helps and where it preys on you, what AI can and can't do in the exam room, rapid-fire verdicts on Prenuvo scans, direct-to-consumer blood tests and CGMs, and questions you must ask your doctor to get better care.
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">Go deeper: Read more about <a href="https://www.twopct.com/p/the-comfort-crisis-in-the-doctors?utm_source=publication-search">The Comfort Crisis in the Doctor&rsquo;s Office.</a></li>
</ul>
Two Percent is hosted by Michael Easter. Today's episode was produced by Joey Fischground, Robbie Hiser, Dana Brawer and Julia Nutter. From Kaleidoscope, our executive producers are Mangesh Hattikudur and Kate Osborn and Julia Nutter. From iHeart, our executive producers are Katrina Norvell and Nikki Ettore. Our Head of Video is Maria Paz Mendez Hodes. Our editor is Will Mayo. Our theme music is by the Heater Manager.
GET A FREE GUIDE TO EXAMPLES OF MISOGI. GO TO<a href="https://www.youtube.com/redirect?event=video_description&amp;redir_token=QUM4Zm9rU3lGVnZsaHF3Z01IVVZ5a0YzMVlqYnxBR3JiS2FtUXJGeTdza2NET0R2OGRURENRSkdTRkRYalhWNVV3LVNJNzhoQzNXNjJZQnVfU19rWTAxbkxER05MQzNYVV9mbUEtT2lmenNzUkN4S1puZExMeUMydTMwQmxsaktl&amp;q=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.twopct.com%2F&amp;v=hsmIhrJ_tbM"> https://www.twopct.com</a> AND ENTER YOUR EMAIL.
I share similar insights around health and wellness here:
<a href="https://substack.com/@michaeleaster">https://substack.com/@michaeleaster</a>
<a href="https://x.com/Michael_Easter">https://x.com/Michael_Easter</a>
<a href="https://instagram.com/michael_easter/">https://instagram.com/michael_easter/</a>
<a href="https://linkedin.com/in/michael-easter-b208848/">https://linkedin.com/in/michael-easter-b208848/</a>
<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709885769">https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063709885769</a>
<a href="https://tiktok.com/@michael_easter6">https://tiktok.com/@michael_easter6</a>

Dr. Lucy McBride: Why Doctors Miss What's Actually Making You Sick 

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/a4ff07b6-88f8-4f91-a17c-b49b010eab1e/transcript

What AI Is Actually Doing to Your Workday | Cal Newport

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