This blog post is a very special edition of 5-Bullet Friday, my very own email newsletter!
The official end of the summer is a few days away, and to kick off the fall, I’ve put together a smorgasbord of my favorite tools, supplements, apps, software, and more. For the past few weeks, I’ve been using the vast majority of these every single day.
I also reached out to some of my favorite companies to get special deals for you all. Each sponsored bullet has a star at the end, just like this sentence.* I’m not shilling anything here. I use nearly all of these on a daily or weekly basis, and I’m able to test everything under the sun, so that’s saying something.
Enjoy!
Services I’m loving for family bonding
Storyworth and Remento for recording my parents’ stories and memories for future generations. Both allow you to capture cherished moments into beautiful books. I chose Storyworth’s written format for my dad, and it provides prompts from a library of 100+ questions. I picked Remento for my mom, which is audio-first and requires no writing on her part. I tested them both after your responses to my question on the best products for preserving parents’ memories! They worked better, and delivered more, than I ever could have hoped. A+ investment.
Software I’m leveraging for life and work
If you’re still hammering out text to explain things to tech support, your boss, your employees, or your mother, Loom eliminates the frustration of describing what you need by letting you show it. I typically use Loom a few times a day to save time.
With screen recording and picture-in-picture video, I can get my message across in a quarter of the time it would take to type an email, while practically guaranteeing nothing will get lost in translation. Listen to my podcast with Levels CEO Sam Corcos to hear how he uses (and now, how my team uses) Loom and video capture to train virtual assistants and new hires. It’s dead simple, and this approach creates a library of videos you can use repeatedly, instead of one-off training you need to repeat.
ChatGPT desktop app. ChatGPT for desktop gets me into the app without all the login rigamarole and lets me ask ChatGPT questions. I use it in place of Google at least 80% of the time, as there are no sponsored results and I can open it instantly with the Mac keyboard shortcut Option + Spacebar. Scroll through the demos to see what I’m talking about.
What I’m using for meditation and daily gratitude
The Waking Up app, created by renowned author and neuroscientist Sam Harris. This is a world-class program for mind training, and my favorite aspect is probably the oldie-but-goodie *progression* of multiple skills in Sam’s own 30-day intro course, which I’ve done multiple times. For gratitude specifically, listen to his “The Last Time” meditation to get a taste. I also use DailyZen.com for checking wi-fi connections, as news sites and social media are typically on my not-to-visit list. It has provided great quotes and Zen-inspired offerings for more than 25 years.
What I use to stay sharp, mentally and physically
The Momentous Performance Stack. Momentous offers a broad spectrum of high-quality supplements and products, and my cabinet is full of them. I’ve been testing it all for months while training and traveling. Recently, I collaborated with their team to bundle my favorites, and you are the first to have the chance to try it. My Performance Stack includes Whey Protein Isolate, Creatine Monohydrate, and Magnesium Threonate. I chose these core products specifically for their mental, physical, and sleep benefits, targeting everything you need for better all-around performance. Momentous sources quality (e.g., Creapure), and all of their products are NSF and Informed Sport Certified, which is the gold standard in third-party testing. For a limited time, Momentous is offering 5-Bullet Friday subscribers a free custom shaker with your purchase to celebrate the launch of my Performance Stack. Click here to get this exclusive offer and try it for yourself.*
Sleep technology I’m using every night
Eight Sleep Pod 4 Ultra. Temperature is one of the main causes of poor sleep, and heat is my personal nemesis. Several years ago, I started using the Pod Cover, and it has transformed my sleep. Eight Sleep has just launched their newest generation of the Pod: Pod 4 Ultra. With the best temperature performance to date, Pod 4 Ultra ensures you and your partner stay cool when it’s hot and cozy-warm when it’s cold. It also automatically tracks your sleep time, sleep stages, HRV, and heart rate. And with the all-new adjustable base that fits between your mattress and frame, you can adjust your mattress for the ultimate sleeping position. If it detects snoring, it will automatically elevate your head to a better position. And now, subscribers to 5-Bullet Friday can get $350 off of the Pod 4 Ultra for a limited time. Click here to claim this deal and unlock your full potential through optimal sleep.*
How I’m training for alpine outdoor trips (and general fitness)
Outdoorsmans Atlas Trainer Frame System. Short of filling a pack with rocks and sandbags, I always had a hard time finding a good way to progressively and easily ruck with heavy loads. Fixed custom plates can be a hassle, you want a decent waist harness, loading and unloading is a pain in the ass, etc.
The Atlas Trainer solves all of that. It uses standard Olympic-sized barbell plates, so you easily micro-progress in 2.5-lb or 5-lb increments. If you do anything with a barbell, it’s likely you already have the right plates.
As one reviewer put it, “The strapping guides the load to my hips, and there is no pressure at all on my shoulders. I feel trained in my legs, hip adductors, and lower abs after each session.” And that’s exactly where you want to feel trained to walk for miles with heavy gear. If it’s out of stock, click “Notify me” on this page.
Electrolytes I’m using daily
LMNT, my daily go-to electrolyte drink mix. I add electrolytes for many reasons: because I drink water compulsively while sitting at a laptop (which dilutes electrolytes and leads me to feel tired); because I’m typically on a low-carb diet; and because I’ve lost electrolytes through exercise, sauna, etc. Each serving of LMNT delivers a meaningful dose of electrolytes without the garbage—no sugar, no artificial ingredients, no coloring, no junk—and it tastes great. I’m also loving the brand-new LMNT sparkling water, which I have stocked in my fridge. Find your favorite flavor with a free LMNT Sample Pack, included with any purchase.*
What I use for protein and endurance
Maui Nui sugar-free pepper venison jerky sticks. I eat 3–6 of these per day. Ultimately, I ended up investing in Maui Nui because (1) they produce delicious products like these jerky sticks, made from the cleanest and most nutrient-dense meat you can purchase in North America, and (2) they’re stabilizing Maui’s invasive axis deer population in the process. At 10 grams of protein per stick, I can quickly and easily hit my goal of 30 grams of quality protein within 30 minutes of waking up. For fueling up during longer hikes and workouts, I add in UCAN’s chocolate fudge energy bars.
Probiotics I’m using
Seed DS-01® Daily Synbiotic. I’m highly skeptical of most probiotics (most are shipped dead or don’t make it through your stomach, etc.), but Seed’s DS-01 was recommended to me by an accomplished microbiologist. I started using Seed well before they ever reached out to my team. After incorporating two capsules into my routine in the morning, I noticed improved digestion and skin tone. Based on some reports, I’m hoping it will also have an effect on my lipid profile, but that’s TBD. DS-01 is one of the most solid, science-based, and rigorously evidence-backed synbiotics on the market, engineered in a patented delivery system for optimal survivability and formulated for optimal digestion, gut-immune function, gut-barrier integrity, and even gut-skin-axis benefits like clearer skin. DS-01 has quickly become a staple in my daily routine, and I’ve worked with Seed to offer my readers 25% off your first month of DS-01 with code TIM25. Start today and you’ll also receive a free travel vial in your Welcome Kit. Click here to get started.*
Coffee gadgets I and my friends adore
AeroPress Original. This is an incredible, and affordable, little gem. As I wrote in The 4-Hour Chef: “This is now, bar none, my favorite brewing method. Remember the Aerobie, the amazing UFO-like disc that you could throw farther than a football field, 20 times farther than a standard Frisbee? Alan Adler, a mechanical engineer and Stanford University lecturer, created it. After conquering the 1980s toy market, he began to obsess over coffee. The result was the AeroPress, which debuted in 2006. Quickly adopted by the specialty coffee community, it offers a simple way to prepare a small amount of excellent coffee, and it’s great for travel.” I also use the Able Brewing “DISK,” a reusable stainless steel filter for the AeroPress. This avoids the waste of disposable paper filters. It can all easily fit in your carry-on luggage for the road, too.
What I’m using for nutritional insurance
AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement. I focus on nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG1 further covers the nutritional gaps in my diet. With AG1, you get a high-quality multivitamin and multimineral, pre- and probiotics, adaptogens, greens, and more, providing you a cost-efficient way to consolidate your supplement stack into one product for less than $3.00 per day. I first recommended AG1 in The 4-Hour Body in 2010(!). 5-Bullet Friday readers get a free 1-year supply of liquid vitamin D + 5 travel packs with a subscription.*
What I’m using for podcasting
Logitech Brio 4K Webcam. Rather than use my internal MacBook Pro cam or a prosumer video setup, I went with this middle-ground option, and I couldn’t be happier. For recording virtual conversations, I use Riverside for crystal-clear video and audio recorded locally and in the cloud. Pair it with Descript’s editor, which offers incredible one-click AI audio improvements that will blow your mind. For the walk-and-talk episodes I’ve done with guests Jerry Colonna, Seth Godin, and Greg McKeown, I’ve used this AudioTechnica headset.
What I’m sleeping on
Helix Sleep premium mattresses. I started sleeping on a Helix mattress in 2017, and I’m still sleeping on one today. They were named best overall mattress of 2024 by Forbes, Wired, Fortune, and many others. My sleep has really improved, and I know that because I track my sleep health (HRV, heart rate, temperature, etc). If you’d like to improve your own sleep, consider taking Helix’s two-minute sleep quiz. Based on your body type and how you sleep, their algorithm will identify your ideal mattress. As a subscriber to 5-Bullet Friday, you can receive a limited-time offer of 25% off any mattress (I sleep on the Midnight Luxe), plus two free pillows.*
Tool that has saved my lower back
PSO-RITE. If you have low-back pain, there’s a good chance your psoas muscle is involved. This was recommended by multiple people in this Twitter thread on self-release, and I use it right before bed. If the mid-back is your issue, try out the Nayoya acupressure mat or one of its imitators. The Nayoya mat was introduced to me by Cirque du Soleil phenom Andrii Bondarenko.
Favorite e-commerce platform
Shopify. My fans first recommended Shopify to me in 2008 as the best e-commerce platform, and it’s only improved since. I use it personally, and Shopify is designed for anyone to sell anywhere, giving entrepreneurs the resources once reserved for big business. In no time flat, you can have a great-looking online store that brings your ideas to life, and you can have the tools to manage your day-to-day and drive sales. No coding or design experience required. Go to Shopify.com/Tim to sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period. It’s a great deal for a great service, so check it out. Take your business to the next level today by visiting Shopify.com/Tim.*
My preferred cash savings account
Wealthfront. Wealthfront is an app that helps you manage and invest your money. Right now, you can earn 5.00% APY—that’s the Annual Percentage Yield—with the Wealthfront Cash Account through its network of partner banks. That’s more than ten times more interest than a savings account at a bank, according to FDIC.gov. It takes just a few minutes to sign up, and then you’ll immediately start earning 5.00% APY interest on your short-term cash until you’re ready to invest. And when you open an account today, you can get an extra fifty-dollar bonus with a deposit of five hundred dollars or more. Terms apply. Visit Wealthfront.com/Tim to get started. I receive cash compensation from Wealthfront Brokerage LLC for advertising, and I hold a non-controlling equity interest in the corporate parent of Wealthfront Brokerage. See full disclosures here.*
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.)
Tim, what device did you use your Audio Technica headset while recording your walking meetings? Did you simply record on a phone and post-edit it?
I’m going to use it to record lectures and presentations in audio format.
Thanks a lot!
In a recent Q&A Tim mentioned that he connects his Audio Technica ATH-M50x headset to his phone via usb-c. Then uses the Riverside app or similar to record.
Hope that helps free you to record your lectures and creations.
need a little cash flow after the hiatus bro? i don’t mean to be offensive and i really do love your stuff, have for years, i’m just overwhelmed with the endorsement advertising today. i can’t seem to escape it anywhere on the web. it all gets to be a bit much. i long for simple sincerity in blogging.
What coffee do you use in the coffee gadget? Thanks!
Damn that sabbatical must of done you a wonder cause that was a real kick ass 5-Bullet Friday!
Love your content! Do you have any recommendations for mothers writing in this same space? I’d love to know if any working moms succeed with your advice or what they’ve experienced.
Hi Tim, love 5 Bullet Friday. Regarding your use of a metal filter in your Aeropress, I’m wondering if you may be losing the benefits of decreased cafestol that comes with using a paper filter. Just a thought.
Kelly
Tim, quick question for you. You’ve famously are known for 80/20, MED, and, also, telling us to do the opposite of the greats. Now, given your career status, many people would consider you a “great”, I know I do. So, where is the difference between doing the opposite of what you recommend us to do and just staying the same (in order to do the opposite of you)?
Greetings from a die-hard Korean fan living in Tokyo. Thanks always for great wisdom from your podcasts and 5 bullet newsletters!
A little bit of segue, I recall a link you shared a couple years ago, about a female Chinese musician, currently living in the US, reminiscing her childhood where her poor family didn’t have enough money to buy music sheets so her father hand-copied the notes, some of which were incorrect and she played without knowing them.
It touched me a lot and I want to hear the audio clip again, but I perhaps deleted the article from my mailbox. If you happen to remember the clip, can you share it with me again please?
Hate to be a wet blanket but I was told recently that each ChatGPT query uses about 10x more energy than a google search. I haven’t vetted it, but it was told to me by an exec at a pretty giant AI-heavy SaaS company.
Anyway, it was enough for me to think twice about using it for basic Google queries. I suspect if it’s true we’ll be hearing a lot more about this eventually.
As an AI-assisted search engine, have you tried Perplexity.ai? No sponsored results and also often has citations/references for source material. 👌
Anyone use the pso-rite mentioned here? Im badly in need if something for back with a very sedentary job – weak hips and sleeping glutes have low back and upper in knots! Looking at website link unsure which one works best though or do you need 2+ of their offering? Be interested to hear others
Hey Thomas. I have a pso-rite and it’s fine (I’m sure it’s more helpful for other types of back issues than I have). But the best thing Tim has recommended for back issues is the book Back Mechanic by Dr. Stuart McGill. It’s the ultimate guide to understanding the different types of pain, how to move and function without triggering pain, and how to rebuild your back muscles through walking and simple exercises that are surprisingly uncommon.
I’d highly suggest strength training rather than using a mobility device (Im also pretty against stretching for most people). As you mentioned, hips get tight, (overworked) core and glutes get weak (tight from weakness, but to protect you) In short, Sitting is like an exercise, one we dont want to be good at, you loosen it, you weaken the signals your body gives you, so you go back to sitting and get tighter. Now the muscles are tight and weak. Usually this leads to back pain/sciatica. When I read Tim’s note on the pro-rite, I came here to say the same thing as I remember seeing him say he was In back pain years and years ago. Simply, properly executed core and glute exercises (such as plank and hip thrust) could improve this. If you respond and are interested, I can send some videos.
All ads.
I must say LogiTech Webcam did not work for me (it was recommended by Tim long time ago). Much better solution in terms of quality and ease for me was using iPhone as a webcam mounted on my MacBook
Hi Tim – I’ve been working on a side project that can maybe become your favourite podcast monetisation tool? As a relatively new follower, I enjoyed your Tools of Titans book as a way to “get caught up.” However, you’re continuously adding a lot of valuable info to your archive that can be tough to search through. I built a tool that lets me search through a podcast for any topic or question and creates a playlist of relevant audio clips – like your books, but dynamic and up-to-date. I think this could be a great way to help answer countless listener questions and monetise your archive. Would love to hear your thoughts, thanks!
Which did you like better – remento or storyworth. What had the better output in the end? What about your parents experience?
I tried them both and in the end decided on a different provider – Meminto (https://meminto.com).
There is a much wider choice of questions, but also the option to define your own chapters and write your own stories. And the option to simply narrate and convert the stories into text was something Meminto was able to do with better accuracy than Remento (I guess they use AI for that).
You can also integrate videos, which makes a book particularly magical. I have attached my review here:
https://www.lifeasiseeitphotography.net/2024/04/what-is-greatest-gift-we-can-leave-our.html
Hi Tim, love your content.
I was interested in using the The Momentous Performance Stack or at least the protein supplement however as an EU resident, the shipping cost are a little too restrictive. What attracted me to this brand is the purity o the ingredients.
I was wondering if you (or anyone else) could recommend a protein supplement comparable to Momentous products that are either originated or distributed locally in the EU?
This is such a well-organized post, I really enjoyed it.
Tim Ferriss has turned “productivity” into a shopping list:
Bottom line: pile on the tools, but start with one, use it for three days, then add the next.