The Greg McKeown Podcast

Eric Ries is the creator of the Lean Startup method and the author of the New York Times bestseller The Lean Startup, The Leader’s Guide, and The Startup Way. As a founder, Eric has put his own ideas into practice through the Long-Term Stock Exchange (LTSE), Answer. AI, an AI R&D lab, Virgil, a legal services startup, and IMVU. On The Eric Ries Show, he talks with world-class technologists, though...

Dr. Eric Cole has worked in cybersecurity for over 30 years, helping organizations protect their data. He started as a CIA hacker who could access any internet-connected computer. Using this expertise, he built companies focused on defense. Dr. Cole has worked with Lockheed Martin, McAfee, and consulted globally for clients like Saudi Aramco, Nouryon, utility companies, nuclear sites, financial in...

Most of us walk into disagreements armed with arguments, ready to persuade, but Harvard behavioral scientist Dr. Julia Minson's research reveals that persuasion is actually the goal you're least likely to achieve. In this episode, she unpacks the hidden science of receptiveness: why the most influential people in any room aren't the loudest voices, but the best listeners. Julia Minson is a profess...

Melani Sanders is a digital creator and the fearless founder of the We Do Not Care Movement™. Her viral WDNC reels and posts capture the humor, heart, and chaos of perimenopause and menopause, midlife in general, motherhood, and real life. Get a copy of her book The Official We Do Not Care Club Handbook: A Hot-Mess Guide for Women in Perimenopause, Menopause, and Beyond Who Are Over It Greg McKeow...

William J. Doherty is an educator, researcher, therapist, speaker, author, consultant, and community organizer. He is Professor and Director of the Marriage and Family Therapy Program in the Department of Family Social Science, College of Education and Human Development, at the University of Minnesota, where he is also an adjunct Professor in the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health....

Today’s conversation is an invitation to recover a lost technology—the discipline of real understanding. We explore why our confidence in “getting” other people is often the very thing blocking connection, and how a more humble, rigorous form of empathy can change the quality of our relationships, our leadership, and even our society. This episode is about becoming less wrong—on purpose—and discov...

NFL legend Steve Young joins The Greg McKeown Podcast to discuss his book "The Law of Love," exploring a pivotal moment when Stephen Covey helped him shift from a transactional, self-focused mindset to one centered on unconditional love during his difficult early years replacing Joe Montana. The conversation delves into how reducing "transactional noise" in relationships—the need to be special, ac...

What do we do when logic isn’t enough? Greg sits down with Matthew McConaughey to explore poems, prayers, and the disciplined choice to believe—over cynicism, doubt, and apathy. Together they read new pieces from Poems & Prayers and unpack how language, rhythm, and ritual can metabolize suffering into meaning and forward motion. Buy the Book: Poems & Prayers by Matthew McConaughey Join Greg's week...

What if policing could move from reacting to crime to building trust before it begins? In this episode, I speak with Ward Clapham, the former Police Chief in Richmond, Canada, who pioneered the “positive ticketing program.” This simple idea—rewarding positive behavior instead of only punishing negative—transformed community trust and dramatically reduced crime. At the heart of Ward’s leadership wa...

In this conversation, I’m joined by Robert E. Siegel, author of The Systems Leader, to unpack the essential mindset shifts leaders must make in a complex, fast-moving environment. We explore the tensions leaders face—like balancing innovation with execution, and strength with empathy—and how the most effective leaders navigate these paradoxes with clarity and purpose. Drawing from real stories of...

What if the only thing standing between you and the life you truly want is the courage to begin? In this episode, I speak with Jenny Wood—former Google executive and author of Wild Courage—about what it means to pursue the essential with boldness. Jenny shares how she walked away from a high-powered role to write the book she felt called to create. We explore the power of being shameless, curious,...

Greg and guest Ben Greenfield continue in this Part 2 conversation about endurance training strategies, focusing on preparing for Ironman triathlons. Ben shares insights on pacing, nutrition, and psychological resilience, offering tips from the trenches for race day success. They explore the challenges of juggling athletic goals with personal life, emphasizing the importance of maintaining relatio...

Greg chats with Ben Greenfield, a trailblazer in health and human optimization, about unlocking potential and redefining personal limits. We put a magnifying glass onto Ben's journey from novice to Ironman, and discover two key breakthroughs: a time-efficient high-intensity training method and a game-changing nutrition strategy for optimal endurance. Gain insights into sustaining high performance...

Greg speaks with Derek Sivers, an entrepreneur and thinker, exploring the power of perspective in shaping life's outcomes. They explore the concept of "useful, not true," emphasizing the flexibility and mindset required to break away from limiting narratives. Sivers shares personal insights on journaling as a tool for processing thoughts and decision-making, highlighting its role in enhancing clar...

Drew and Linda Scott go into detail on their vastly different upbringings, and how their parents and families have molded them into the people they are today. Greg, Drew and Linda discuss how the world can be changed for the better, and the individual steps it takes each person along the way to create an effective and lasting change.  Join my weekly newsletter. Learn more about my books and course...

Greg speaks with Courtney Carver, author of the upcoming book "Gentle: Rest More, Stress Less, and Live the Life You Actually Want," exploring practices for simplicity and rest in a complex world. They discuss the crucial concept of resting first, creating personal rituals like Little Saturday, and using the metaphor of a circle to prioritize what is truly sacred. They also explore cultivating rad...

Greg engages with Jeffrey Sanow, a former CIA senior intelligence officer, to explore the nuances of decision-making under pressure and the art of interpersonal communication. Jeffrey shares insights from his career, highlighting strategies for effective manipulation and persuasion, the importance of understanding others, and the balance between professional skills and personal relationships. Foll...

Greg and Anna McKeown discuss the art of listening, exploring its transformative power in relationships. They discuss a pivotal moment from their dating history where effective listening shifted their connection and emphasized how empathic communication fosters understanding. Drawing insights from Carl Rogers' listening techniques, they share personal anecdotes about applying these principles in f...

Join Greg and Moses Kagan as they dive into an insightful discussion on entrepreneurship, intergenerational wealth, and the power of gratitude. Moses shares his journey from a tech startup to founding Adaptive Realty, emphasizing the importance of ownership and relationships. The conversation explores narrative, legacy, and the pivotal role of recognizing one's ancestors' struggles and successes....

Greg and Tim Ferriss dive into the art of prioritizing meaningful relationships and self-transcendence in this reflective conversation. They explore the concept of focusing on essential connections, sharing insights on setting priorities, fostering secure attachments, and tackling life's distractions. Tune in to discover how these thought leaders prioritize the "thousand X" relationships that matt...

In Part 1 of my conversation with Richie Norton, we discussed his countercultural but transformational approach to time management, program stacking and how they can help you generate huge results. In today's episode, Richie and I are picking up where we left off to talk about the importance of changing how you are paid. Listen in for the stories and actionable advice that will help you revolution...

Warren Berger is a bestselling author, journalist, and an expert in innovation and creativity. He is best known for his book, "A More Beautiful Question," where he explores the power of asking thoughtful, transformative questions to drive innovation and change. Warren has been featured in several publications including The New York Times, Wired magazine, and Fast Company. As a self-described "ques...

Have you ever felt like there were just too many tabs open in your mind? Today, I've invited Alison Jones, the author of Exploratory Writing: Everyday Magic for Life and Work. By the end of this episode, you will have the simplest of tools that can produce extraordinary results. You'll discover an idea so simple, you'll get it immediately, and yet you've probably never done it before in your life....

Join Greg as he introduces the Essentialism Planner, a tool designed to help individuals focus on what truly matters. Drawing from personal experiences and a decade of development, Greg guides listeners through key components of the planner, including the personal quarterly offsite, weekly design sessions, and the transformative power half-hour. Learn about the planner's bonus features, the 100-ye...

Dr. Nicole Cain is a respected authority in psychiatry, clinical psychology, and naturopathy, with extensive experience in both mental and holistic health care. She has authored a book addressing the treatment and prevention of panic—a subject deeply personal to her, driven by her battle with anxiety and her professional pursuit to empower individuals through their struggles. Dr. Cain serves as a...