Tim Ferriss

Edward Norton and Martha Beck (#764)

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 #133 “Edward Norton on Mastery, Must-Read Books, and The Future of Crowdfunding” and #732 “Martha Beck — The Amazing and Brutal Results of Zero Lies for 365 Days, How to Do a Beginner ‘Integrity Cleanse,’ Lessons from Lion Trackers, and Novel Tactics for Reducing Anxiety.”

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

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple PodcastsSpotifyOvercastPodcast AddictPocket CastsCastboxYouTube MusicAmazon MusicAudible, or on your favorite podcast platform.

This episode is brought to you by AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement, ExpressVPN high-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service, and Momentous high-quality supplements.

Transcript for the full Edward Norton episode | Transcript for the full Martha Beck episode | Transcripts for all episodes

#764: Edward Norton and Martha Beck

This episode is brought to you by AG1. I’ve taken AG1 for more than a decade. Longtime listeners have heard me call it my nutritional insurance. Here’s the news: they’ve just launched AG1 Pro, designed for people focused on performance and longevity. I’ll be traveling soon, and I’m throwing this in my bag to cover my bases while I travel. Past a certain age, maintaining lean muscle becomes priority number one, and AG1 Pro is formulated to support exactly that. It includes HMB, a clinically studied compound that supports protein synthesis and helps reduce protein breakdown, plus zinc carnosine to support the gut lining. Remember: training is only half the equation. Recovery is where the work compounds, and AG1 Pro is built to support it. It’s NSF Certified for Sport, so what’s on the label is what’s in the pouch. Get your free AG1 Pro Yeti Shaker in the Welcome Kit at Drinkag1.com/Tim.


This episode is brought to you by ExpressVPN. I’ve been using ExpressVPN to make sure that my data is secure and encrypted without slowing my Internet speed. All you need to do is download the ExpressVPN app on your computer or smartphone and then use the Internet just as you normally would. Use my link ExpressVPN.com/Tim today and get an extra three months free on a one-year package!


This episode is brought to you by Momentous Creatine! I’ve used Momentous Creatine for a long time, as it’s been one of the highest-quality creatine options available. Now, Momentous has taken that quality even further with Signature Spec Creatine, their most advanced version yet. Signature Spec is manufactured in a pharmaceutical facility using reverse-osmosis water purification.  It’s verified through a six-stage testing process with four independent agencies—delivering 10x fewer impurities, 2–5x tighter heavy-metal limits, and added PFAS and microplastics screening. 

The ultrafine powder also mixes cleanly, with no grit. Creatine supports strength, power, lean muscle, and recovery, with growing research on enhanced memory and cognitive performance. Head to LiveMomentous.com/Tim and use code TIM for 14% off your first one-time order or a total of 35% off your first subscription order.

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

SHOW NOTES

  • [05:45] Notes about this supercombo format.
  • [06:48] Enter Edward Norton.
  • [07:19] Edward’s introduction to acting.
  • [08:45] First theater mentors and what they instilled in Edward.
  • [12:11] Who comes to mind when Edward hears the word “successful?”
  • [13:18] Most gifted books.
  • [14:28] Life-changing essays.
  • [15:50] Favorite documentaries.
  • [16:40] Underrated movies.
  • [18:51] Edward’s advice to his younger selves.
  • [20:09] Community appreciation.
  • [22:37] Enter Martha Beck.
  • [23:08] My contribution to teen atrociousness.
  • [23:40] Connecting with Boyd Varty.
  • [29:28] The path of not here.
  • [33:25] Finding joy in the body can save your life.
  • [38:18] The pregnant pause that ended Martha’s obsession with intellect.
  • [43:52] Sensitivity and suffering.
  • [47:38] The year of living lie-lessly.
  • [52:37] An illuminating change of perspective.
  • [1:02:08] The path to taking a black belt integrity cleanse.
  • [1:05:36] Owning your right to say “No.”
  • [1:09:39] Alternatives to “No” that remain honest.
  • [1:13:05] The language of candor.
  • [1:15:24] Ending relationships that have run their course.
  • [1:16:30] The Asian influence.
  • [1:20:20] Sweet or savory?
  • [1:21:30] Are you comfortable?
  • [1:23:27] Want vs. yearning and jumping the track.
  • [1:36:30] Rhino ruminations.
  • [1:38:00] The Tao Te Ching, Stephen Mitchell, and Byron Katie.
  • [1:49:13] America’s Goethe?
  • [1:52:15] Weighing kryptonite against superpowers.
  • [2:00:09] Exploring the opposite of anxiety.
  • [2:12:55] Dick Schwartz and Internal Family Systems.
  • [2:17:46] Compassion even for the self’s unwanted pieces.
  • [2:20:14] Favorite animal.
  • [2:24:52] Equine therapy.
  • [2:31:00] Selling the ranch.
  • [2:34:31] The monkey whisperer.
  • [2:36:00] Parting thoughts.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Edward Norton:

Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

Connect with Martha Beck:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn

PEOPLE MENTIONED

Subscribe
Notify of
guest

Comment Rules: Remember what Fonzie was like? Cool. That's how we're gonna be — cool. Critical is fine, but if you're rude, we'll delete your stuff. Please do not put your URL in the comment text and please use your PERSONAL name or initials and not your business name, as the latter comes off like spam. Have fun and thanks for adding to the conversation! (Thanks to Brian Oberkirch for the inspiration.)

0 Comments