May's Recommendation Round-Up
Tools, habits, content, & questions worth checking out
Ultra-Processed People: Why We Can't Stop Eating Food That Isn't Food
Recommended by EC Synkowski, creator of the Three Pillars Method® App
The first half of this book is super interesting - it dives into all the science about how processed foods mess with our eating and health. The author, Chris van Tulleken, breaks down complex research (like Kevin Hall's work) in a way that's really easy to follow.
The second half goes off on some tangents about economics and sustainability that didn't grab me as much, but honestly, just learning about how ultra-processed foods affect us makes this book totally worth checking out - especially if you're curious about what's really going on with modern food.
The Anti-Algorithm Information Diet
Recommended by Patrick Cummings, author of The ABCs of Being Happy & Healthy
This month, I’m trying to consume no (or, almost no) content fed to me by an algorithm. No YouTube Shorts, very little Instagram, no let’s-just-see-what ’s-on-Netflix.
This basically means I have to know what I want to watch before I open an app.
The result of this little challenge is the distinct awareness that almost every time I am tempted to jump into the algo-stream is also when I am trying to escape the discomfort of everyday life.
I’ve found slipping this rule in between the urge & the satisfaction of that urge enough to dramatically reduce wasted attention on high-calorie, low-nutrient information.
Ice Shaker Insulated Shaker Bottle
Recommended by Jonathan Fletcher, co-owner of Digital Barbell
Tell me something nastier than a warm protein shake.
We love the Ice Shaker for an on-the-go protein shake, and it also makes a great water bottle.
Asshole Language
Recommended by Mark England, co-founder & head coach of Enlifted
There is one word in the Enlifted Method that falls under the category of Asshole Language. And that's because it's guaranteed to make you sound like one.
"I really respect your opinion, but…"
"You are doing a great job here, but…"
"You look great in that dress, but…"
Here's the gist of it, mechanically speaking: Anything that comes before the word "but" is minimized. And anything that comes after the word "but" is maximized.
Said another way, whatever you said prior is going to get lost in the stress response of the person you are "butting" on. "But" gets people to brace for impact and hyper-focus on what comes after it.
Use the word "and" instead, and watch the magic happen.
"I really respect your opinion, and…"
"You are doing a great job here, and…"
"You look great in that dress, and…"
It will level out everything in the sentence and help the person hear you. One of our students taught this to some of his gym members, and a guy came back and said, "That whole but vs. and thing saved my marriage. It got me thinking about other words I was using, and I made some changes. My wife actually listens to me now."
Your mindset is the story that you tell yourself. And that story is made of words.
Better Words.
Better Stories.
Better Mindset.
"I'm not trying to sound like an asshole, but… I do."
Fear-Setting Exercise
Recommended by Chris Irwin, RARE SENSE Founder & Mental Fitness Coach
Here's a follow-up to our podcast episode about fear with a practical exercise. It's called "fear-setting," as detailed in this TED Talk by Tim Ferriss. The technique comes from the Stoic practice of premeditatio malorum — the premeditation of evils.
🔗 More on our Fear episode here
23 Lessons on Being Kinder to Yourself
Recommended by Jamison Price, coach & author of The Better Way
This episode of Modern Wisdom with Joe Hudson captivated me for several reasons. Rather than having one standout insight, the entire conversation is packed with powerful "mic drop" moments that challenge your thinking.
Here's a quote that might entice you to listen to the full episode:
"Being driven by a life you don't want versus the one you do want is potent fuel, but toxic. Your obsession with productivity is murdering your productivity. Self-hatred or beating yourself up is dirty fuel; it works, but it will destroy your engine."
🎁 Get More Recommendations
Head here to find our previous Round-Ups!
🫵🏻 Your Turn
What books, podcasts, habits, or ideas do you recommend? Share them in the comments so we can all benefit!
Thank you for doing the monthly recommendations! I’m going to try to be good about sharing as well.
Book: Tribe of Mentors by Tim Ferris. It’s big but one you can read one person every day or so.
Podcast: Rich roll - podcast with John McAvoy from armed robbery to professional athlete, one man reformed through the power of sport
Misc: David bars. All the flavors.
I always struggle to find podcasts that speak to me as much as chasing excellence, will keep this one on the list!
I am currently reading Ryan Holiday’s last book: right thing right now. I feel like reading a chapter a day of it (or any of his books) makes me a better person, every day, would recommend it!