Steven Pressfield, Aubrey Marcus

Date: 2013-10-15 | Duration: 2h 47m

Category: Arts & Entertainment, Health & Medicine

Episode Overview

Steven Pressfield and Aubrey Marcus dive deep into creativity, discipline, and the human experience in this episode. Pressfield shares insights from his writing journey, emphasizing the battle against resistance and the importance of "turning pro"—committing fully to one’s craft despite fear and self-doubt. He discusses how tools like psychedelic medicine and ancient wisdom help him tap into his authentic self, revealing a blend of practical discipline and metaphysical exploration that fuels his creativity. The conversation touches on Pressfield’s fascination with ancient Greece, contrasting it with other historical interests, and how storytelling connects us to timeless archetypes and personal transformation. Aubrey Marcus contributes perspectives on mental resilience, tribal instincts, and the pursuit of authenticity in modern life. They explore the role of silence, meditation, and altered states of consciousness in breaking through mental barriers. Both guests reflect on the challenges of maintaining focus and presence amid distractions, sharing memorable anecdotes about overcoming fear and embracing vulnerability. The discussion also touches on the power of momentum in activities like pool and golf, illustrating how flow states arise from disciplined practice and self-awareness. Together, they offer a compelling look at the intersection of history, creativity, and the inner battles that shape human potential.

About Aubrey Marcus

Aubrey Marcus is a multifaceted writer, entrepreneur, and adventurer known for blending philosophy, wellness, and personal development. As the founder of Onnit Labs, a health and nutrition company, he has made a significant impact in the wellness industry, promoting holistic approaches to fitness and mental clarity. An outspoken advocate for self-discovery, Marcus shares his insights through his platform, WarriorPoet.us, where he explores topics ranging from mindfulness to the human experience. His engaging explorations of life, combined with a commitment to pushing boundaries, make him a compelling figure in the realms of health and personal growth.

About Steven Pressfield

Steven Pressfield is a renowned author and screenwriter celebrated for his impactful contributions to literature and film. Best known for his motivational classic, "The War of Art," which has inspired countless creatives to overcome their internal obstacles, Pressfield also penned the acclaimed novel "The Legend of Bagger Vance," which explores themes of struggle and redemption in the realm of golf. With a diverse body of work that spans fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays, his latest offering, "Govt Cheese: A Memoir," set to release on December 6, promises to delve into his personal journey and insights. Pressfield’s candid exploration of creativity and the human experience makes him a captivating figure in the literary world, drawing readers and listeners alike to his wisdom and unique perspective. For more on his work, visit www.stevenpressfield.com.

Key Moments

– Creative Process
– Resistance
– Ancient Greece
– Psychedelic Medicine
– Authentic Self
– Dream Interpretation
– Writing Techniques
– Mental Discipline
– Tribal Instincts
– Flow State
– Overcoming Fear
– Storytelling
– Pool and Momentum
– Spartan Culture
– Isolation Tanks
– Personal Growth
– Memory and Forgetting
– Ancient Mythology
– Motivation
– Self-Sabotage
0:00:00 – Starting the show with commercials first
0:01:05 – Discussion on overcoming laziness and getting work done
0:04:46 – Mind function and dealing with personal issues
0:06:55 – The reality and role of the muse in creativity
0:10:31 – Writing The Legend of Bagger Vance and creative tools
0:16:49 – Greek underworld and memory loss after crossing
0:19:12 – Exploring healthy mind alteration and resistance
0:23:06 – Writing Gates of Fire about ancient Greece
0:26:23 – Discussion about wolves and primal instincts
0:31:33 – Old windjammer ships and historical context
0:37:57 – Qualities sought in podcast guests
0:53:26 – Overcoming fear to start writing
1:00:19 – Modern life lacks action and survival goals
1:07:28 – Having hardware but lacking software in life
1:17:45 – Introduction to ayahuasca and psychedelic tools
1:22:07 – Psychedelic experience and tapping into authentic self
1:50:02 – Weaseliness and Spartan discipline
1:53:00 – Near drowning experience and mental toughness
2:04:13 – Writing process and inspiration from Stephen King
2:32:27 – Pool game momentum and flow state
2:38:42 – Managing inner voice and pre-shot ritual in pool
2:41:03 – Invitation to return to the podcast

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 I like doing it this way. We should do it this way more often, where we get the commercials out of the way before the guests arrive. Starting point is 00:00:33 And Mr. Pressfield. Starting point is 00:00:49 and he said a long time ago Starting point is 00:01:05 guests would come over i would go community lazy bitch take this and go right go get something done Starting point is 00:01:41 Pre-Honit days. Starting point is 00:01:55 Everyone that I know. Starting point is 00:02:25 I've got to work out eventually. Starting point is 00:02:39 where all these other options come up, Starting point is 00:03:05 and it's a great exchange with the audience. Starting point is 00:03:31 and you'll try to work it out on stage and you'll eventually get there. But really what you need to Starting point is 00:03:59 There's definitely a lot of hard work behind the scenes, but there's also a lot of winging Starting point is 00:04:26 the better my mind works. Starting point is 00:04:46 It'll function without the regret of not being able to take care of whatever it is, whether it's a gambling issue. Starting point is 00:05:10 sort of a matter-of-fact way about what's this ethereal, sort of whimsical topic, the Starting point is 00:05:51 But yeah, pay attention. Starting point is 00:06:07 Some guy gets off on hearing his own voice. Starting point is 00:06:32 It's to listen to them without having to do them Starting point is 00:06:55 or notepad or whatever. The muse is some real shit, whatever it is. Starting point is 00:07:30 and I just want to smack them. Starting point is 00:07:56 I leave the window open. Starting point is 00:08:31 that's what john mayer that's how you say it mayor that's what john mayer saw all of a sudden Starting point is 00:08:58 that people have turned into your fiction, Starting point is 00:09:12 Dun, dun, dun. Starting point is 00:09:23 But it's like a good version of that. Starting point is 00:09:45 but I'm a big fan of history podcasts n...

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Frequently asked about this episode

Who was the guest on Joe Rogan Experience #405?

Steven Pressfield, Aubrey Marcus was the guest on JRE #405. This page includes the episode overview, topics discussed, and related resources.

What topics were discussed on JRE #405?

On Joe Rogan Experience #405 with Steven Pressfield, Aubrey Marcus, topics include Creative Process, Resistance, Ancient Greece, and Psychedelic Medicine.

Where can I read the transcript for JRE #405?

The full searchable transcript for Joe Rogan Experience #405 with Steven Pressfield, Aubrey Marcus is available on this page, along with key topics and timestamps.