Random Archives - The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss

My 10 Favorite Purchases in 10 Months

Tim Ferriss — Tue, 26 Apr 2016 02:33:31 +0000

I love testing new gadgets and products. It’s an obsession.

For The 4-Hour Chef alone, I tested well over $100,000 worth of gear. OCD + Amazon Prime = expensive.

Why on earth do I do it? Simple–I love sharing the 5-10 things out of 500-1,000 that really work. Strange fetish, perhaps, but I get off on it. Readers seem to enjoy it, too.

In the first ever 5-Bullet Friday newsletter, I recommended my favorite all-purpose sandals, and more than 100,000 people clicked on the link within the first 48 hours (!). This type of click-through assault was nicknamed “the hug of death” by one Facebook fan. It crashes websites, wipes out inventory (e.g. Mizzen+Main, sardines at Whole Foods), creates nutty pricing spikes (e.g. used books going for $1,000 after the Sacca podcast), etc.

Below are 10 recent purchases that have given me—and continue to give me—value, joy, or both.

They are from a handful of 5-Bullet Friday newsletters (here’s a full sample). For the data nerds out there, I’ve listed the below products in descending order of click-through rate.

I’ve provided two sets of links for each. The first link (usually the name of the item) is often an Amazon affiliate link, if you’d like to chip in a few pennies to support my compulsive gear-testing habit. The second link, labeled “non-affiliate link,” is exactly that—a plain old link where Uncle Tim gets to fend for himself in the wild. I’m cool with either. Some items lack affiliate links altogether, as I was too lazy to search.

Here we go… (and what the hell is it with you guys and shoes?)

Vans Unisex Classic Slip-On (Gumsole) Skate Shoe (Non-affiliate link)

This makes me seem like one of the grups, but I love these shoes. Not for skating. My criteria: great for airports, zero-drop soles for restoring Achilles mobility, usable at semi-casual but nice dinners, and small enough to pack in carry-on luggage. I’ve worn these for everything from business meetings to canyon hiking (in a pinch), and they’ve held up beautifully.

My elixir for warm-weather sipping

Here’s one of my favorite rosé wines in the US, perfect for summer sipping: The Wolffer Estate Rosé from Long Island (many years are good).

[I’ll also give you a cold-weather alternative: YakTrax, for modifying normal shoes when you need to walk on snow and ice. They are amazing and fit in a jacket pocket. I bought the basic “Walk” model, but there are many options.]

My preferred oddities…

Many of you have asked, so here’s my favorite gear for podcasting, coffee, everyday carry, and survival gear (some ridiculous).

Rumble Roller (travel size) (Non-affiliate link)

I’ve tried every foam roller imaginable, but this is my new favorite for opening up hamstrings and IT band prior to AcroYoga and other gymnastics practice. That front lever is still eluding me, but I’ll keep at it. WARNING: This will smash you 10x more than smooth rollers. I got overzealous my first session and, the next day, felt like I’d been leg kicked by Buakaw (my fave kickboxer, BTW).

Mini parallettes (“p-bars”) for travel (Non-affiliate link)

These are small enough to stick in carry-on luggage. I use them primarily for pushups, planche leans, and L-sits for time. If you want to make a homemade version out of PVC that can live in your garage or living room, here’s another option.

Original Buddha Board (Non-affiliate link)

A zen-minded Etch-a-Sketch. Use the included brush to paint designs onto the board with water. As the water evaporates, your image fades, all within 30-60 seconds. This is a great tool for learning to let go… or rekindling your artistic side. If you have 60 seconds a day, you have time for the Buddha Board.

Audio-Technica ATR2100-USB mic (Non-affiliate link)

I had to highlight this one. This is the best bang-for-the-buck USB mic I’ve found. I use it for all phone interviews for my podcast, The Tim Ferriss Show. It’s traveled with me around the world. With this, ear buds, and ECamm Call Recorder, you’re set. For my more complete gear list, see the podcast bullet above from Kit.com.

Wild Planet Canned Sardines in Olive Oil (Non-affiliate link)

I’m sitting in the Bahamas as I type this [back in December, at least], and 24 cans of sardines are sitting next to me in my suitcase. That’s my MO. I open one can upon waking, drizzle about half the oil over my dog’s kibble (which she sometimes refuses to eat dry), and then consume the fish myself. My skin and her coat have never looked better. Hat tip to the incredible biochemistry beast Dom D’Agostino, PhD for intro’ing me to these beauties.

Epsoak Epsom Salt (39.5 Lbs.) (Non-affiliate link)

I take hot baths every night when at home in SF. Nearly always, I add epsom salt (typically 4-8 cups), which facilitates muscular relaxation and recovery. Rather than buy small boxes at CVS or Safeway, I buy in bulk and store it in rolling dog-food containers. This is a good use of Amazon Prime.

Nayoya Gymnastic Rings (Non-affiliate link)

These are super portable (easily fit in a small backpack) and incredibly durable for the price. I’m using them for mostly dips and muscle-up progressions. The Nayoya allow me to leave the rings outdoors. BUT: If you’re going to travel without chalk, I highly suggest wooden rings.

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So… do you enjoy these types of recommendations?

Would you like to get a short e-mail from me every Friday with the five coolest things I’ve found that week? It often includes gadgets, books, supplements, albums, articles, new hacks, and — of course — random, useful stuff I find around the world.

Achtung! You can only get “5-Bullet Friday” if you subscribe to my free e-mail newsletter.

Why not test drive it for a week? You know it’s making your temples tickle, and you can unsubscribe anytime. Click here for a taste of why “5BF” (5-Bullet Friday) usually has a 70%+ open rate.

If you have any special requests for what you’d like see more of in the newsletter, please let me know in the comments.

The post My 10 Favorite Purchases in 10 Months appeared first on The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss.

Recommendations and Resolutions for 2016 (#129)

Tim Ferriss — Sun, 03 Jan 2016 22:27:57 +0000

(Image from Fanpop)

This episode is ~99% serious recommendations and resolutions for 2016. But I am joined by tech entrepreneur and investor, Kevin Rose, so it’s at least 1% shenanigans.

[Here is the Stakes resource/PDF I mention in this episode]

The conversation is also a new experiment for The Random Show. O-tanoshimi dane! Stream below, or you can listen in iTunes or right-click (“save as”) here for MP3. Enjoy…

You can find the transcript of this episode here. Transcripts of all episodes can be found here.

#129: Recommendations and Resolutions for 2016 - Kevin Rose and Tim Ferriss

For all previous episodes of The Random Show, including the infamous China Scam episode, click here.

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If anyone would like to add show notes with links in the comments, I’ll choose the best 1-2 early submissions and thank you with a link back to your site.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What would you like to hear in future episodes of The Random Show? Please let us know in the comments!

This episode is brought to you by Headspace, the world’s most popular meditation app (more than 4,000,000 users). It’s used in more than 150 countries, and many of my closest friends swear by it. Try Headspace’s free Take10 program — 10 minutes of guided meditation a day for 10 days. It’s like a warm bath for your mind. Meditation doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive, and it’s had a huge impact on my life. Try Headspace for free for a few days and see what I mean.

This podcast is also brought to you by Wealthfront. Wealthfront is a massively disruptive (in a good way) set-it-and-forget-it investing service, led by technologists from places like Apple and world-famous investors. It has exploded in popularity in the last 2 years and now has more than $2.5B under management. In fact, some of my good investor friends in Silicon Valley have millions of their own money in Wealthfront. Why? Because you can get services previously limited to the ultra-wealthy and only pay pennies on the dollar for them, and it’s all through smarter software instead of retail locations and bloated sales teams.

Check out wealthfront.com/tim, take their risk assessment quiz, which only takes 2-5 minutes, and they’ll show you—for free–exactly the portfolio they’d put you in. If you want to just take their advice and do it yourself, you can. Or, as I would, you can set it and forget it. Well worth a few minutes: wealthfront.com/tim.

The post Recommendations and Resolutions for 2016 (#129) appeared first on The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss.

The Random Show: Okinawa, Pee on the Head, "Medicinal Spirits," and Jedi Force Tiki Toss

Tim Ferriss — Tue, 22 Sep 2015 05:41:04 +0000

This episode of The Random Show is full of accidental sexual references. There are dozens of topics covered in this wine-infused session of scatterbrained nonsense.

Like what? To start off: Okinawa, new diets, dog training, booze finds, accidental golden showers, tech, recommended books, people to follow on Twitter, and much more. O-tanoshimi dane!

For all previous episodes of The Random Show, including the infamous China Scam episode, click here.

Can’t see the video above? Click here.

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If anyone would like to add show notes with links in the comments, I’m happy to thank you with a link to your site. I’ll choose the best 1-2 people who are among the first to post.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: What would you like to see in future episodes of The Random Show? Please let us know in the comments!

The post The Random Show: Okinawa, Pee on the Head, "Medicinal Spirits," and Jedi Force Tiki Toss appeared first on The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss.

The Random Show – Booze, Biohacking, and Bloody Messes (on Camera)

Tim Ferriss — Wed, 29 Apr 2015 00:04:32 +0000

This episode of The Random Show is fueled by whisky and biohacking. There are dozens of topics covered in this bromantic session of scatterbrained nonsense.

Like what? To start off: my new approach to blood testing, Kevin’s new obsessions (and projects), gifts, books we’re reading, excessive sexual awkwardness, and much more. O-tanoshimi dane! If the ridiculous blood drawing mistakes get boring, just skip forward 3-4 minutes.

To see the tactical shooting TV episode we talk about (where we compete against each other), plus all 13 episodes of The Tim Ferriss Experiment, please click here!

It’s currently the #1 TV across all of iTunes, beating even Game of Thrones, Mad Men, and Downton Abbey!

If you want to buy the entire season on iTunes for 40%+ off ($14.99), grab the “season pass” here while you can, which includes HOURS of bonus footage and extended how-to scenes.

Can’t see the Random Show video above? Just click here.

QUESTION OF THE DAY: If you could master any skill you’ve previously given up on, what would it be and why? Please share in the comments!

Enjoy

The post The Random Show – Booze, Biohacking, and Bloody Messes (on Camera) appeared first on The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss.

The Random Show: Hating Tech, Hidden Japanese Gems, Sexual Awkwardness, and More (#46)

Tim Ferriss — Wed, 26 Nov 2014 01:30:39 +0000

Ep 46: Hating Tech, Hidden Japanese Gems, Sexual Awkwardness, and More

This episode of The Random Show is a mind snack… fueled by wine. There are dozens of topics covered in this bromantic session of scatterbrained nonsense.

Like what? To start off: hidden gems in Japan, hating tech, Kevin’s new obsessions (and projects), gifts, books we’re reading, excessive sexual awkwardness, and much more. O-tanoshimi dane!

For all previous episodes of The Random Show, including the infamous China Scam episode, click here.

Can’t see the video above? Click here.

Want audio to listen on the go? Here you go…

Listen to it on iTunes.
Stream by clicking here.
Download as an MP3 by right-clicking here and choosing “save as”.

You can find the transcript of this episode here. Transcripts of all episodes can be found here.

This podcast is brought to you by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results.

This episode is also brought to you by ExOfficio, which I’ve personally used since 2005 or so. They make ultra-lightweight, quick drying, antimicrobial clothing for men and women. Here’s my own ultra-light packing list (scroll down for video), which went viral.

QUESTION(S) OF THE DAY: What should other people be more grateful for this Thanksgiving? Perhaps something regularly overlooked? Please share in the comments.

Scroll below for links and show notes…

Enjoy!

Do you enjoy this podcast? If so, please leave a short review here. It keeps me going…

Subscribe to The Tim Ferriss Show on iTunes.

Non-iTunes RSS feed

Selected Links from the Episode

Learn more about Kevin’s new company, North
Watch-Curious? Check out WatchVille.co
Blue Plate San Francisco – Suggestions: Meatloaf, Fried Chicken and/or Key Lime Pie
Zero to One by Peter Thiel
Refinery29: Style Stalking by Piera Gelardi and Christene Barberich
Refinery 29 – The largest independently-owned fashion and style site
The Art of Robert E. McGinnis by Robert E. McGinnis
The Gibson Girl and Her America by Charles Dana Gibson
Epicureans and Stoics by Axios Institute
The Magic of Thinking Big by David J. Schwartz
Hidden Tokyo Coffee Shop — Chatei Hatou Pour-Over Coffee
Lisn Inscense – Japanese Organic Incense
SOG Throwing Axes
Looking to invest in startups? See Tim and Kevin‘s deals on AngelList
MD Insider
How to Win Over 30 Consulting Offers in 30 Days – AngelList Tips
Influence by Robert B. Cialdini
Too Many Cooks

Abbreviated Show Notes

Thoughts on WatchVille [5:00]
The environment and new book recomendations [11:50]
Fermented coffee beans [18:45]
Tips for ice baths [24:45]
Tim’s next big thing (or not) [40:15]
How to get involved in the tech scene without tons of capital [42:25]
On Influence by Robert Cialdini [45:15]
Too Many Cooks video recommendation [49:35]
Gratitude this coming Thanksgiving [50:50]

People Mentioned

The post The Random Show: Hating Tech, Hidden Japanese Gems, Sexual Awkwardness, and More (#46) appeared first on The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss.

The Random Show — Gut Bacteria, Meditation, Startups, and More (#24)

Tim Ferriss — Fri, 22 Aug 2014 07:05:04 +0000

If you can’t view the above video, please click here or here. To download the audio as an MP3, just right-click here and choose “save as.”

There are dozens of topics covered in this bromantic episode of scatterbrained banter.

Like what? To start off: tracking gut bacteria, favorite documentaries, keys for novice meditators, startup lessons, Kevin’s new obsessions, and more. O-tanoshimi dane!

The last few blog posts have been rather serious, so this is intended as an informal (but still informative) mind snack.

For all previous episodes of The Random Show, including the epic China Scam episode, click here.

Enjoy!

You can find the transcript of this episode here. Transcripts of all episodes can be found here.

Select show notes and links are below. Some good stuff in this episode’s resources…

LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

- Visit the Tim Ferriss Book Club to find a new book each month (or so) that’s changed my life
- Interview with Kelly Starrett and Dr. Justin Mager on performance enhancement, athletics, and wine
- uBiome – Explore your microbiome and optimize it…

My No-Soap, No-Shampoo, Bacteria-Rich Hygiene Experiment – NY Times article
How to Keep Feces Out of Your Bloodstream – Article by Robb Wolf
DonorsChoose.org
The 30-Day Challenge: No Booze, No Masturbating (NOBNOM)
Lift – The app that help you reach your goals
Headspace meditation app
Calm meditation app
Sam Harris, PhD on Spirituality, Neuroscience, Meditation, and More
www.SamHarris.org
Drugs and the Meaning of Life
Sup App – Explore the world through one-way live video!
Lumosity -Brain Games & Brain Training
Oculus Rift
Foundation.kr
Foundation Episode 36: Tony Fadell
www.Hodinkee.com – Top wristwatch blog
Swatch SISTEM51 wristwatch

Movies and Documentaries:

Screenplays:

Books Mentioned in the Episode

Grain Brain by David Perlmutter
Antifragile: Things That Gain from Disorder by Nassim Taleb
The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb
Fooled by Randomness by Nassim Taleb
Jesus’ Son: Stories by Denis Johnson
Snow Crash by Neal Stephenson
Cat’s Cradle by Kurt Vonnegut

What would you like us to talk about in the next episode? Anything we should test out and report back on?

Please click here and let us know in the comments!

The post The Random Show — Gut Bacteria, Meditation, Startups, and More (#24) appeared first on The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss.

The Random Show, Episode 24: Porn Attacks, Eating Insect Protein, Tech Finds, and More

Tim Ferriss — Tue, 06 May 2014 01:07:47 +0000

There are dozens of topics covered in this tea-infused, bromantic episode of scatterbrained nonsense.

Like what? Well: porn (including select picks), taking an “alcohol vacation,” fixing low testosterone, the wonders of insect protein, start-up talk, and much more. O-tanoshimi dane!

Please note: The 100 free spots for Exo protein bars filled up in less than 15 minutes! Hope to do more giveaways next month, but — in the meantime — you can get Exo here, while inventory lasts. My favorite flavor right now is cacao nut.

This edition of The Random Show was recorded and edited by Graham Hancock(@grahamhancock). For all previous episodes, including the epic China Scam episode,click here.

Enjoy!

Show notes are below, courtesy of kind reader Wayne Patton (Thanks, Wayne!):

1. Unicorn Peppermill at 1:10 – good for all kinds of herbs/spices, not just pepper. Tim’s favorite (and perhaps Amazon’s favorite) peppermill.

2. Benefits of turmeric tea and longevity beginning at 2:11

3. Diet of the world’s “oldest” city per capita at 5:00

4. Kevin on why you shouldn’t push down elderly folks at 6:25

5. The 30-day challenge beginning at 9:30

7. Low testosterone conversation at 13:25 & 16:20

8. Tim’s favorite porn at 16:05

9. The bet between Kevin and Tim at 19:08

*Commercial: Donate to http://www.donorschoose.org

10. Crypto currencies like Dogecoin and micro-transactions at 21:00 (side note: Tim only invests if he has an “informational advantage”)

11. At 26:30 Kevin begins talking about http://www.ethereum.org and how it could have a decentralizing effect on the internet and cryptographic currencies

12. Protein from crickets at 31:00 – http://www.exo.co

13. First 100 people get a free cricket bar at 38:45 [NOTE: These slots filled up within 15 min of this post going live]

14. What Kevin’s excited about (hint: recycling furniture) at 40:18 –http://www.moveloot.com

15. At 43:15 Kevin talks about http://www.misfitwearables.com and how much he likes the product

16. On meditation and the effects at 44:39

17. Dopamine vs. serotonin and building habits at 47:20 – stay tuned at http://www.summertomato.com

18. The effects of heat on the body (and magnesium oxide) at 48:45

19. Magnesium deficiency and the effects at 51:00

20. Tim’s podcast at 54:00 – Don’t podcast drunk and edit sober.

21. Tim on taking illustration classes at Filoli Gardens in Woodside, CA (http://www.filoli.org) at 57:15

22. Slaine The Horned God graphic novel by Pat Mills & Simon Bisley at 58:15

23. Subscribe for Tim’s quarterly subscription package –http://quarterly.co/tim – and why it’s so much fun for Tim

24. Kevin’s dream about a Bonsai style orange tree at 1:01:20

25. Titanium sunglasses at 1:02:03 – http://www.williampainter.com

The post The Random Show, Episode 24: Porn Attacks, Eating Insect Protein, Tech Finds, and More appeared first on The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss.

The Random Show, Episode 23 — New Year's Resolutions, Firearms, Start-up Finds, Zelda, and Obscene Thoughts on Grey Hairs

Tim Ferriss — Thu, 06 Feb 2014 20:48:09 +0000

There are dozens of topics covered in this wine-infused, bromantic episode of scatterbrained nonsense.

Like what? Well, plans for 2014, firearms, tech finds and start-up talk, the goodness of Zelda, favorite recent books, and much more. O-tanoshimi dane!

One special offer:

If you sign up as one of the first 100 beta testers for Shyp (click here) and ship anything — I suggest a book for a friend or family member — you’ll get the following:

A $10 credit
A free copy of The 4-Hour Workweek, signed by yours truly! Limited to first 100 to ship.

This edition of The Random Show was recorded and edited by Graham Hancock (@grahamhancock). For all previous episodes, including the epic China Scam episode, click here.

Special thanks to reader Jonathan Hsieh of ClickPlayCEU for the show notes below, which include links to almost everything we mention…

Hat tip to everyone who put notes in the comments!

SHOW NOTES — Random Show 23

Kevin

Commitment this year: Once per month doing something that I look back on and say – “That was an amazing life experience.”

The Bay Lights

http://thebaylights.org/

Mag Tactical – Kevin’s Trigger Cage for AR

http://www.magtacticalsystems.com/

3-day Meditation Retreat

http://noetic.org/ (Tim’s rec)

Some of Tim’s commitments this year:

– See the Northern Lights

– Fly fishing, potentially in Montana

– Surfing in Costa Rica

– Heli-skiing in Alaska or elsewhere

AngelList — See what Tim and Kevin invest in, and how you can invest alongside them:

https://angel.co/tim

https://angel.co/kevin

Shyp

http://shyp.com/

http://shyp.com/tim

VentureHacks

http://venturehacks.com/

Target Gold Tipped Socks

http://www.target.com/p/auro-a-goldtoe-brand-men-s-3pk-dress-socks-assorted-colors/-/A-14517495

Kevin’s upping his game: CK boxer micro briefs (amazon) –

http://www.amazon.com/Micro-Boxer-Brief-Black-Medium/dp/B004IYIMQI/

Bill Harlan – Harlan Estate

http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304176904579111312431229306

http://www.harlanestate.com/

Mascot Wine

http://mascotwine.com/

The Essential Scratch and Sniff Guide to Becoming a Wine Expert

http://www.amazon.com/Essential-Scratch-Sniff-Becoming-Expert/dp/0544005031

Bulleit Bourbon

http://www.bulleit.com/

2007 Clos de los Siete, from Mendoza

http://www.klwines.com/detail.asp?sku=1044442

Fobo

http://www.fobo.net/

Tim Ferriss 3-Minute Breakfast

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fd-7a_wdVZk

Zelda a Link Between Worlds (3ds)

http://zelda.com/link-between-worlds/

Tim Ferriss Book Club

Vagabonding

https://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2013/11/11/vagabonding/

Daily Rituals

https://www.fourhourworkweek.com/blog/2013/12/15/daily-rituals-mason-currey/

The Name of the Wind (Kingkiller Chronicles, Day 1)

http://www.amazon.com/The-Name-Wind-Kingkiller-Chronicles/dp/0756404746

Enjoy!

Tim

The post The Random Show, Episode 23 — New Year's Resolutions, Firearms, Start-up Finds, Zelda, and Obscene Thoughts on Grey Hairs appeared first on The Blog of Author Tim Ferriss.

The Random Show, Episode 22 – Home Defense, Start-ups, Raccoon Throwing, Public Stock Investing, and Mail-Order Urine

Tim Ferriss — Tue, 13 Aug 2013 04:25:09 +0000

There are dozens of topics covered in this wine-infused, bromantic episode of scatterbrained nonsense. Some of it might improve your stock picking or even save your labradoodle from being eaten alive. Or you can just choose to waste tons of money on awesomeness. O-tanoshimi dane!

This special edition of The Random Show was recorded and edited by Graham Hancock (@grahamhancock). For all previous episodes, including the epic China Scam episode, click here.

Below are all the show notes and links, courtesy of kind reader Jonathan Wu. Thanks, Jonathan!

FULL SHOW NOTES:

1) St Vincent’s Restaurant SF

2) Taser Dual-Shot Pistols

3) Chef Steve Rinella

4) The Scavenger’s Guide to Haute Cuisine by Steve Rinella

5) Pee Mart

6) Deer RedLight Deterrent

7) Surefire LED Defender

8) Foundation.kr (David Copperfield)

9) Theory 11 Magic Trick Online Guides

10) Every Day Carry (EDC)