What I've learned at 50: Part 1
What I've learned at 50: Part 1
Guy Raz Newsletter – October 31, 2024
In nine days, I’ll turn 50.
Now, if you know anything about me, you will also know that I am very reluctant to be a lifestyle guru or a person who pretends as if I have the answers to what makes a meaningful life.
For each person, its different.
But I do have a happy life. And I am very lucky.
I work really hard to remind myself of this many times a day. Gratitude is an incredibly powerful tool to elevate mood and general disposition.
I find that when my mind drifts towards frustration, anger or even negativity…the antidote is almost ALWAYS enumerating the things I am grateful for.
I am grateful to turn 50. And I have learned many many important lessons on the path to getting here.
So this week and next, I plan to share a few of them. They aren’t meant to be read as aphorisms or absolute truths. These are my own reflections. Things I’ve come to believe at this point in my life:
+Its better to pursue the life you want to live rather than the status you think you should achieve
+Happiness is hard work. You have a considerable amount of agency when it comes to finding general happiness. But its very difficult to get there without moving your body, eating well, exercising your mind, and nourishing your soul in some form every day.
+Family is important. Life is too short for petty fights and disconnection.
+Time is so much more valuable than any possession.
+The most important part of my day is the period when I stop working to prepare dinner for my family. And then the time we spend eating together.
+I understand my parents so much better and appreciate the decisions they took now that I’m a parent myself.
+Getting better at anything takes time and consistency and patience. I hated stretching my body because I was so tight but I forced myself to stretch for 15 minutes every day for the past year and now I actually like it. And stretching has eliminated all of my weight-related injuries.
+Speaking of weights: I don’t lift heavy weight any longer. Instead, I do many more repetitions and I take them very slowly—concentric and eccentric. Time under tension works better as we age.
+Admitting you are wrong costs $0.
+Saying sorry costs $0.
+Saying thank you costs $0.
And the return on those few words is priceless.
Have a great week.
– Guy
On the Podcasts This Week!
Black Diamond Equipment: Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained
In 1989, Peter Metcalf took a leap that most would shy away from. He bought Chouinard Equipment—a struggling climbing equipment company—and built it into the iconic outdoor brand Black Diamond Equipment.
Peter was arguably the perfect person for this business. He was an adventurer himself—a climber who spent years scaling peaks and learning everything he could about the outdoors. This intimate knowledge of his craft gave him an edge when it came to running Black Diamond.
Peter understood the products, he understood the needs of his fellow climbers, and he knew what innovations could make a difference. And the timing was just right. The popularity of rock climbing began to grow beyond the pros, reaching enthusiasts and beginners alike.
But despite the growth of the sport, Peter and his team faced countless obstacles. From struggling to secure funding to facing off against big competitors, Black Diamond’s story was likely the biggest mountain Peter and his team learned to climb.
Peter's story is a lesson in understanding your craft deeply, taking calculated risks, and believing in your ability to create something great—even when the odds are stacked against you.
In Peter's words: “Nothing ventured, nothing gained.” Black Diamond's journey is proof that sometimes, taking that leap can lead to the most rewarding climbs.
HIBT Advice Line: Growing Smart
This week on the Advice Line, Guy is joined by Angie Hicks, co-founder of Angi (formerly Angie's List). Angie’s been at the forefront of helping people find trustworthy home services for nearly 30 years, and she’s the perfect person to help our callers tackle some tough growth challenges.
First up, Paige: When’s the right time to seek investors?
Paige and Kelly are behind McRey Motocross Co., a women’s motocross gear brand. They've successfully grown their sales by 50%, but now wonder when—or if—they should bring in external investors. Our advice: start small but consider expanding your niche!
Next, Dianne: How can I step away from leading my business?
Dianne founded Weston Table, a home goods e-commerce platform that’s thriving at $5 million in revenue. But she’s ready to step back from her CEO role and focus on her creative strengths. Finding the right partner is tough, so we recommend building a strong infrastructure that anyone can step into.
Finally, Keisha: How do I prioritize and grow efficiently?
Keisha runs Bridge the Gap Spanish, an online platform connecting adults with native Spanish speakers. Her business is growing fast, but managing all the moving parts is tough. We recommend calculating the long-term value of customers while also expanding to new marketing channels.
Angie reminds us that entrepreneurship is a journey of constant learning. Most of the worries you have won’t come to pass—so stay flexible, keep learning, and don’t forget to enjoy the ride.
If you would like to be featured on an upcoming episode, call and leave a 1-minute message at 1-800-433-1298 or send a voice memo to hibt@id.wondery.com
Lin-Manuel Miranda & Eisa Davis: Behind the Scenes of Creativity
This week, I sat down with two of the most exciting voices in hip-hop theater: Lin-Manuel Miranda and Eisa Davis. Together, they’ve taken on a bold project: turning the 1979 cult classic The Warriors into a concept album—and maybe, someday, into a stage production.
The Warriors tells the story of a New York City gang on the run, falsely accused of murder and forced to escape through the boroughs. Lin-Manuel and Eisa bring their love of the original movie—along with fresh, modern influences—into their new project.
They share how they spent Tuesday nights writing together, how hip-hop and NYC shaped the album, and how an iconic artist joined the project, bringing their own creative fire to the mix.
Lin-Manuel and Eisa also get real about juggling multiple projects, overcoming ‘writer’s block,’ and the highs and lows of bringing an idea to life.
This episode is an incredible behind-the-scenes look at the art of creating. I’m excited for you to listen. Enjoy!
Watch it on YouTube:
General Stanley McChrystal: The Hard Lessons of Leadership
This week, we revisit a candid conversation with General Stanley McChrystal, a man who knows the true cost of leadership.
Born into a family with a proud military legacy, McChrystal followed the path of service, ultimately rising to lead the Allied Forces in Afghanistan. But in 2010, a misstep made headlines and brought his career in the military to an abrupt end.
General McChrystal's story is one of resilience and introspection—facing a public fall from grace and transforming it into a powerful lesson about leadership. He shares how failure can sometimes be the greatest teacher, revealing the vulnerabilities and strengths that true leaders must embrace.
This episode is a masterclass in learning from setbacks. McChrystal’s reflections are a reminder that even the best leaders are still human, and it’s what they do after they fall that truly defines their legacy.
Science Podcasts for Kids!
That Volcano’s Got Rhythm!
We found a brand-new genre of music… LAVA TUNES! This week, me and Mindy are off to Ecuador to catch a private concert at the base of Volcano Cotopaxi, but it’s not your average show—this volcano is creating music of its own!
Scientists have discovered that the “tune” of the volcano actually changes depending on how much lava is inside. And the best part? These sounds can tell scientists whether or not an eruption might be on the way, keeping the hundreds of thousands of nearby residents safe!
Don’t miss out on this Wow in the World adventure!
Ready to Rock the Vote?
This week’s theme is all about the U.S. elections!
Do you know who was the youngest U.S. president elected? Or how many votes it takes to win the electoral college? Or… is it true that a president can serve more than two terms?
Join Guy, Mindy, and some special guests for a round of Two Whats?! And A Wow! as they break down the HOWs, WOWs, and surprising facts about election season.
From the Archives!
Angie's List: Angie Hicks
In 1995, Angie Hicks started Angie's List the old-fashioned way: by knocking on doors.
She went door-to-door trying to convince people to sign up for a new kind of home services referral business. It was a tough, grassroots effort, but Angie believed in her idea and refused to give up.
Slowly but surely, people started signing up. Angie built a directory of trusted plumbers, electricians, painters, and more, all based on verified customer reviews. It was a simple but powerful concept—helping people find reliable services in an industry often plagued by uncertainty.
Angie’s tenacity paid off. What began as a small project eventually turned into one of the most recognized brands in home services. By staying true to her vision, Angie grew Angie's List from a small, local directory into a service that connects millions of members to reliable professionals across the country.
Patagonia: Yvon Chouinard
In 1973, Yvon Chouinard founded Patagonia to solve a simple problem: he wanted climbing gear that no one else was making.
But what started as a passion project for better climbing gear grew into one of the world's most iconic outdoor brands—a company that set new standards not only in gear but also in business ethics.
Yvon Chouinard's leadership was anything but conventional. He rejected the idea that business should be solely about profit, instead focusing on sustainability and social responsibility long before they became buzzwords. Under his leadership, Patagonia grew with a commitment to minimizing environmental impact, supporting conservation, and making products meant to last.
In this episode, hear how Yvon's unconventional approach built a company that values purpose as much as profit, and how Patagonia became a role model for ethical entrepreneurship.
See you next time!
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