Hugh Jackman and Esther Perel (#755)

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 #444 “Hugh Jackman on Best Decisions, Daily Routines, The 85% Rule, Favorite Exercises, Mind Training, and Much More” and #241 “The Relationship Episode: Sex, Love, Polyamory, Marriage, and More (with Esther Perel).”

Please enjoy!

Bios of guests may be found at tim.blog/combo.

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, or on your favorite podcast platform.

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Transcript for the full Hugh Jackman episode | Transcript for the full Esther Perel episode | Transcripts for all episodes

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#755: Hugh Jackman and Esther Perel

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What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SHOW NOTES

[05:46] Notes about this supercombo format.
[06:49] Enter Hugh Jackman.
[07:22] What books has Hugh gifted most?
[10:35] Hugh’s meditation practices.
[14:07] Summoning and maintaining the emotional and physical energy necessary for performing.
[19:59] What lessons did Hugh’s father teach him about being an example to others?
[25:32] The contract Hugh made with himself at the end of drama school.
[29:13] Best decisions Hugh made in the first years of being an aspiring/working actor.
[34:23] How has Hugh learned to trust his intuition?
[37:07] The design of the day and the efficacy of manifestation.
[39:38] The most efficient exercises Hugh knows.
[40:53] The importance of incorporating relaxation into physical activity (the 85% rule).
[44:17] Enter Esther Perel.
[44:41] Esther’s background.
[46:11] Growing up among Holocaust survivors in Antwerp.
[53:45] Her parents’ survival: chance vs. choice.
[1:02:27] Trust or vulnerability: which comes first?
[1:04:24] Impermanence as motivation for living fully.
[1:06:24] Esther on being counterphobic.
[1:09:35] Studying in Jerusalem.
[1:14:02] Seeking and approaching mentors.
[1:22:39] Eroticism as an antidote to death.
[1:26:04] Options for couples with sexual listlessness.
[1:33:04] Too much honesty in relationships? American vs. European views.
[1:39:07] Complete sharing vs. caring in relationships.
[1:40:16] Guiding patients through infidelity disclosure.
[1:45:29] Overcoming fear of abandonment in non-exclusive relationships.
[1:52:23] Quarterly relationship report cards.
[1:53:54] “Don’t ask, don’t tell” in polyamorous relationships.
[1:55:46] Innovation and flexibility over rigid ideology in relationships.
[1:58:43] Relationships as power dynamics.
[2:02:20] The research process for Esther’s book on adultery.
[2:08:36] Arguments for marriage today.
[2:13:47] Divorce rates in second marriages.
[2:15:13] Marriage’s effect on relationship behavior.
[2:17:54] Human questions explored through infidelity in Esther’s book.
[2:21:48] Books Esther frequently gifts and rereads.
[2:22:42] Esther’s billboard.
[2:23:15] Parting thoughts.