Philomath (Philomathēs) originates from Ancient Greek, meaning "a lover of learning" or "fond of learning"
Join me as I learn from knowledgeable people in all walks of life.
I love to learn. You should too...
Alex Hutchinson is a science writer, former physicist, and author of Endure, known for exploring the limits of human performance and the psychology behind endurance, curiosity, and growth. In this conversation, he breaks down why exploration is fundamental to both human evolution and modern life, arguing that our desire to seek the unknown is balanced by an equally strong need for stability and routine. Alex explains how this tension shapes our decisions, from the meals we choose to the careers we pursue, and why leaning into uncertainty, even in small ways, can lead to deeper learning and long term fulfillment.
Expect to learn how the explore versus exploit dilemma influences everyday choices, why short term discomfort often leads to better long term outcomes, and how being optimistic in the face of uncertainty can reduce regret over time. We dive into the science of how the brain predicts the world, why too much comfort and optimization can limit growth, and how modern technology risks turning us into passive consumers rather than active participants in our own lives. Alex also shares practical ways to reintroduce exploration into your routine, the importance of effort and challenge in creating meaning, and why a life that’s slightly uncomfortable is often a sign you’re moving in the right direction.
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Find Alex below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhutchinsonyyz/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexhutchinsonyyz/)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sweat_science? (https://www.instagram.com/sweat_science?)
27 Mar 2026
#049 - Are Humans Becoming Less Trusted? - Mark Piccolo
Mark is a performance psychologist who works across sport and high-pressure environments, helping individuals and teams understand the deeper drivers behind performance, behaviour, and mindset. In this conversation, he explores the balance between data-driven performance and human impact, and why psychology often struggles to be measured despite being central to everything we do. Mark shares insights into how mindset is shaped in everyday environments, why performance is never just physical, and how awareness, communication, and intention influence outcomes more than we often realise.
Expect to learn why psychology shouldn’t be seen as a separate discipline but something embedded in every action, how training the mind happens both consciously and unconsciously, and why purposeful attention is the key to real growth. We discuss the gap between sport and business when it comes to performance, the dangers of hustle culture, and why rest and recovery are essential for sustainable success. Mark also dives into attention spans in the age of social media, the importance of choice in what we consume, and how small shifts in awareness can have a powerful impact on both performance and wellbeing.
17 Mar 2026
#048 - Turn Your Struggle Into Your Purpose - Todd Candell
Todd Crandell is an endurance athlete, motivational speaker, and the founder of Racing for Recovery, a program dedicated to helping people rebuild their lives through discipline, accountability, and purpose. In this conversation, he shares how endurance sports, personal responsibility, and daily habits can transform the way you think about struggle, growth, and long-term success. Todd explains why learning to take ownership of your life is the first step toward real change and how pushing your physical limits can reshape your mental resilience.
Expect to learn why purpose is often discovered through adversity, how discipline compounds into confidence over time, and why the hardest challenges are often the ones that teach you the most about yourself. We explore the mindset required to keep going when progress feels slow, the importance of surrounding yourself with people who hold you accountable, and how building small daily habits can lead to extraordinary outcomes over time. Todd also shares lessons from endurance racing, personal development, and helping others transform their lives, and why choosing growth over comfort is ultimately what leads to lasting fulfillment.
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Get in contact below:
YouTube: Richie O'Brien - YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@richieobrienx)
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richieobrienx/ (https://www.instagram.com/richieobrienx/)
(https://www.instagram.com/richieobrienx/)TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@richieobrienx (https://www.tiktok.com/@richieobrienx)
(https://www.tiktok.com/@richieobrienx)LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richieobrienx/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/richieobrienx/)
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Find Todd below:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-crandell-6b89132/ (https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-crandell-6b89132/)
Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/soberultraman/ (https://www.instagram.com/soberultraman/)
Racing For Recovery: https://racingforrecovery.org (https://racingforrecovery.org) (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriscopelandperformancepsych/)
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Timestamps:
(00:00) Creating the Life You Desire
(02:59) The Power of Stopping Negativity
(05:56) Understanding Addiction and Its Consequences
(09:06) The Role of Environment in Addiction
(12:00) The Journey to Sobriety
(15:06) Finding Purpose After Addiction
(17:47) The Importance of Choice
(20:46) The Long Road to Recovery
(23:53) Emotional Development and Addiction
(26:59) Building a New Life
(30:04) Inspiration and Success
(33:05) The Journey of Progress
(38:11) Innovative Podcasting Approach
(41:13) Embracing Uniqueness and Authenticity
(44:24) The Impact of Peer Influence
(48:41) The Role of Mentorship in Personal Growth
(51:28) Defining Success and Self-Worth
(56:47) The Journey of Self-Discovery
(01:01:56) Plant-Based Nutrition and Its Benefits
(01:14:47) The Power of Plant-Based Recovery
(01:16:16) The Processed Food Dilemma
(01:19:09) Nutrition Education and Medical Misconceptions
(01:28:20) Racing for Recovery: A Holistic Approach
(01:41:10) Connecting and Giving Back
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