SmartLess Media Presents: Pretty Sure I Can Fly with Johnny Knoxville & Elna Baker

Make your bed to start your day off right. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? But the simple act of making your bed has bigger implications for your life than you may think. Former Navy SEAL William H. McRaven teaches you how this menial task leads to big rewards in his book, Make Your Bed. Using advice he gave graduating college students during a commencement address, McRaven develops 10 lessons for life learned during his time as a SEAL. Follow these lessons to lead a more meaningful life, and you just might change the world in the process.

Join renowned skateboarder Tony Hawk and Dr. Andrew Huberman in the latest episode of Huberman Lab, as they delve into Hawk's iconic career, his deep-seated passion for the sport, and the role of family and mentors in shaping his path to stardom. Tune into the raw discussions of overcoming early financial challenges and the harsh realities of newfound fame. The duo examines the impact of a supportive family, Hawk's unique talent nurtured during adolescence, and his resilience and grit that helped him bounce back from career-threatening injuries.

The conversation further encompasses the rich history of skateboarding, focusing on gender dynamics, age inclusivity and Hawk's excitement towards the sport making its Olympic debut. Listen as Hawk details the influence of music on his practice, the dark side of ceaseless fame, and his philanthropic commitment to fostering future talent through his non-profit, The Skateboard Project. As Hawk contemplates his future, he underscores a desire to continue giving back to the community that fueled his extraordinary journey.

Join comedy legends Dana Carvey and David Spade on "Fly on the Wall" as they welcome skateboarding maverick Tony Hawk for a heartfelt trip through his storied career and life beyond the half-pipe. From Hawk's formative years as a child enthralled by skateboarding for the sheer joy of it, to becoming a symbol of perseverance in the face of bullying, Carvey and Spade unpack the layers of an icon who transcended sport to impact entertainment and culture. The trio offers a rare glimpse into the technical and intense world of professional skateboarding, detailing Hawk's legendary maneuvers and the resilience required to continuously redefine the limits of the sport.

With anecdotes that weave through memories of shared entertainment ventures and insights into the philosophy that fueled Hawk's dedication, this episode is a profound reflection on fame, purpose, and the relentless pursuit of passion. As Hawk opens up about his profound influence on the next generation and his philanthropic efforts through the Skatepark Project, listeners are invited to a broader understanding of a man whose legacy extends far beyond his legendary 900 spin. "Fly on the Wall" not only pays homage to an extraordinary athlete but also celebrates the power of mentorship and community in high-risk sports like skateboarding, all while offering an engaging call to action for fans to become an integral part of their journey.

Louie Zamperini was one of the brightest prospects for the 1940 Olympics in track and field. But when WWII started, his life would take a much different path. The story of Louie’s struggles as a young loner, a rising star, a Pacific POW, and a man trying to reclaim his life after years of torment is as unbelievable as it is inspiring. Through Louie’s tale, the depths of the human soul and will to survive are examined. As Louie spirals out of control because of trauma and becomes obsessed with a plot to kill the man who tortured him, he learns that a man is not defined by his history, but rather by the manner in which he seeks a future. Unbroken reaches into the heart of terror and shines a light on what it means to triumph.

In his bestselling book The Sports Gene, David Epstein uses science to support the claim that our genes play a determining role in our success in sports. He opens by refuting the idea that enough practice is a virtual guarantee of success. He then spends the rest of the book citing research on genes and performance, taking the reader around the world and over evolutionary time, all to explain why the book’s title is an impossibility. There is no single “sports gene,” just as there is no “perfect athlete.” There are, however, fortuitous pairings of the right genes and the right circumstances in the right sports that together create the remarkable and diverse feats of athleticism that we see on the elite stage.

Our guide reorganizes the wealth of content in The Sports Gene by theme to help clarify Epstein’s major arguments. To provide more grounding, our commentary includes supplemental research as well as explanations of scientific concepts in the fields of genetics and evolution.

Nike co-founder Phil Knight urges young people and entrepreneurs to follow a calling, even if their idea seems crazy. In Shoe Dog, he discusses the story of how his own Crazy Idea turned into the globally recognized brand, Nike. He describes how he built Nike, offering insights into the difficult, imperfect process of starting a business.

In this guide, we’ll discuss the events that led to the creation of Nike (including Knight’s Crazy Idea, his first shoe company, and the challenges he faced) and Nike itself. We’ll also explore Knight’s advice and reflections on why Nike succeeded, such as creating a brand identity and surrounding himself with a great team. Along the way, we’ll offer perspectives from other entrepreneurs on success and overcoming obstacles.

Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis examines the spiritual and social decline of the Appalachian white working class through the life story of its author, JD Vance. Growing up in a post-industrial Ohio town, Vance encountered the symptoms of community and familial dysfunction—drug and alcohol abuse, unstable marriages, lack of education, and evasion of hard work—that underscore the failing values of the culture from which he came.

Although Vance eventually escapes the poverty and dysfunction of his roots, attending college and Yale Law School, he finds that even economic mobility can never permanently erase the social markers of his hillbilly upbringing.

Dive into the extraordinary life journey of John Lovell with host Shawn Ryan in the Shawn Ryan Show, as they uncover the pivotal moments and decisions that shaped Lovell's path from a Georgian suburb to the elite ranks of Army Rangers. Lovell candidly shares tales of his youth, a transitional phase marred by mischief that ultimately led to transformative discipline at boarding school. His candid conversation takes a deep dive into his spiritual awakening, revealing how a dawning faith became the bedrock of his identity, long before his military ambitions took hold.

In the realm of service and sacrifice, Lovell's story turns to his grueling indoctrination into the Army Rangers, a testament to his resolute spirit honed from high school wrestling days. The significance of events like September 11 offers a poignant backdrop to his military motivation, reinforcing the urgency of his training. Beyond narratives of personal dedication and elite training, the podcast also ventures into broader discussions – including Lovell's strong perspectives on national security issues, the importance of mental health support for veterans, and riveting combat recollections. Join Ryan and Lovell as they dissect these diverse topics, promising even more enthralling dialogue in future episodes.