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Episode

814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
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1:25:42
Published: Mon Jun 24 2019
Description

THE HARDEST THING TO DO WHEN YOU GET OLDER IS CHANGE A HABIT. There is a Buddhist metaphor of the elephant and the rider. We are all riding an elephant. We think that we are in control. We have the reigns. But the elephant could overpower us at any moment. No matter how much we use our minds, our emotions ultimately are more powerful. This applies to the way we eat. We become slaves to our cravings and desires. Sometimes it takes something big to get back in control of our “elephant.” On today’s episode of The School of Greatness, I talk about changing habits, being authentic, and what it takes to build the longest running act in Vegas with one of the world’s most famous magicians: Penn Jillette. Penn Jillette is a magician, actor, musician, inventor, television personality, and best-selling author best known for his work with fellow magician Teller as half of the team Penn & Teller. The duo has been featured in numerous stage and television shows such as Penn & Teller: Fool Us, and Penn & Teller: Bullshit!, and are currently headlining in Las Vegas at The Rio. He has published eight books, including the New York Times Bestseller, God, No!: Signs You May Already Be an Atheist and Other Magical Tales. Not many people can keep a marriage together for over forty years, let alone a working partnership. Penn is someone who shows up authentically every day. He isn’t afraid to express his thoughts and values even though they upset some people. So get ready to learn how to doubt yourself less and care about the things that matter on Episode 814. Some Questions I Ask: Why do we live in so much fear when we’re safer than ever? (8:00) What are you most proud of in the last few years? (9:00) Which of your parents is the most influential in your life? (47:00) What’s the lesson you still need to learn about yourself? (54:00) Is there anything you wish you would have done differently in the last years? (1:01:00) What is your superpower? (1:09:00) In This Episode You Will Learn: About the “mono diet” (20:00) Penn’s thoughts on religion (40:00) What makes Penn and Teller successful as a partnership (58:00) About “effective altruism” (1:13:00) How empathy makes a great magician and artist (1:19:00) If you enjoyed this episode check out the video, show notes and more at www.lewishowes.com/814 and follow at instagram.com/lewishowes

Chapters
Join magician, actor, musician, inventor, TV personality and author Penn Jillette as he discusses his career as half of the world-renowned magic duo Penn and Teller, including their Emmy-winning TV specials and longest-running show in Las Vegas.
00:00 - 02:33 (02:33)
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Penn Jillette
Summary

Join magician, actor, musician, inventor, TV personality and author Penn Jillette as he discusses his career as half of the world-renowned magic duo Penn and Teller, including their Emmy-winning TV specials and longest-running show in Las Vegas.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
In this episode, Lewis Howes talks with Penn Jillette about his weight loss journey, the importance of self-discipline, and the power of saying no.
02:34 - 03:37 (01:03)
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self-improvement
Summary

In this episode, Lewis Howes talks with Penn Jillette about his weight loss journey, the importance of self-discipline, and the power of saying no.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The rates of violence have been decreasing since the 80s, yet parents struggle to communicate this to their children.
03:37 - 08:59 (05:21)
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Violence
Summary

The rates of violence have been decreasing since the 80s, yet parents struggle to communicate this to their children. Scientists are still unsure as to the cause of this decrease.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
In this podcast, the speaker reflects on the current trend where people are quick to label others as "evil" rather than simply seeing them as wrong, and the impact this has on public discourse.
08:59 - 13:41 (04:42)
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Public Discourse
Summary

In this podcast, the speaker reflects on the current trend where people are quick to label others as "evil" rather than simply seeing them as wrong, and the impact this has on public discourse.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker recounts a conversation with a doctor who offered to help him lose weight, cautioning that only half of the advice could be trusted.
13:41 - 19:34 (05:53)
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Health
Summary

The speaker recounts a conversation with a doctor who offered to help him lose weight, cautioning that only half of the advice could be trusted. The doctor recommended weight loss to control high blood pressure.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
This podcast episode discusses the many ways to enjoy potatoes and challenges the negative perceptions some diets have towards potatoes.
19:34 - 21:35 (02:01)
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Potatoes
Summary

This podcast episode discusses the many ways to enjoy potatoes and challenges the negative perceptions some diets have towards potatoes.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker claims that eating 1,000 calories of potatoes a day makes you lose weight as it contains mostly water and salt, and reduces calorie intake.
21:35 - 23:27 (01:52)
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Weight Loss
Summary

The speaker claims that eating 1,000 calories of potatoes a day makes you lose weight as it contains mostly water and salt, and reduces calorie intake.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker talks about extreme weight loss methods, including a diet of only potatoes and frequent meals of high protein combined with intense exercise.
23:27 - 26:38 (03:11)
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Weight Loss
Summary

The speaker talks about extreme weight loss methods, including a diet of only potatoes and frequent meals of high protein combined with intense exercise.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The flora in our gut sends hormones to our brain, making a huge difference in cognitive dissonance and physical cravings for animal products.
26:38 - 31:37 (04:59)
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Veganism
Summary

The flora in our gut sends hormones to our brain, making a huge difference in cognitive dissonance and physical cravings for animal products. It may take up to 3 years on a vegan diet to mentally and physically distance oneself from the idea of consuming animal products.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The podcast host and guests discuss how their views on religion have evolved and how it has impacted their relationships with others.
31:37 - 37:40 (06:02)
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Religion
Summary

The podcast host and guests discuss how their views on religion have evolved and how it has impacted their relationships with others. They share personal experiences and insights on the challenges of questioning and challenging religious beliefs.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The fact that most religious people are good doesn't mean that God exists.
37:40 - 44:32 (06:52)
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Religion
Summary

The fact that most religious people are good doesn't mean that God exists. It's inaccurate to label all religious people as bad based on the actions of a small minority.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
After finishing the show at 11 P.M, a three-hour party ensues where people from the New York Times come and review the show, and if the review is positive, everyone is happy.
44:33 - 49:51 (05:18)
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Entertainment
Summary

After finishing the show at 11 P.M, a three-hour party ensues where people from the New York Times come and review the show, and if the review is positive, everyone is happy. The producer asks Penn's mother if the celebration makes her feel proud of her son.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The concept of pride is complex - there's pride in personal accomplishments, in your children and in your legacy.
49:51 - 52:15 (02:24)
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Pride
Summary

The concept of pride is complex - there's pride in personal accomplishments, in your children and in your legacy. This podcast explores the various forms of pride and the intricacies of this powerful emotion.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
Penn Jillette reflects on his long career in magic and showmanship, discussing the evolution of his style and the importance of being true to one's artistic vision.
52:15 - 56:45 (04:30)
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Magic
Summary

Penn Jillette reflects on his long career in magic and showmanship, discussing the evolution of his style and the importance of being true to one's artistic vision.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The idea of partnerships has been stigmatized by words like codependency, but it's important to find a way to enjoy where you are now and not get stuck in negative self-talk.
56:45 - 59:51 (03:06)
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Self-Worth
Summary

The idea of partnerships has been stigmatized by words like codependency, but it's important to find a way to enjoy where you are now and not get stuck in negative self-talk.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
Penn Jillette shares how he and Teller never doubted their success, but acknowledges that even icons such as Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Madonna and others have expressed the desire to be more successful.
59:51 - 1:05:59 (06:08)
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Success
Summary

Penn Jillette shares how he and Teller never doubted their success, but acknowledges that even icons such as Paul McCartney, Beyonce, Madonna and others have expressed the desire to be more successful.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The speaker discusses their desire to prioritize taking care of those closest to them, but also acknowledges the importance of caring for others on a larger scale, despite potential criticism.
1:05:59 - 1:12:05 (06:06)
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Care
Summary

The speaker discusses their desire to prioritize taking care of those closest to them, but also acknowledges the importance of caring for others on a larger scale, despite potential criticism.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
In a podcast episode on the topic of magic and empathy, the speaker discusses the importance of learning empathy through magic and the value of knowing things that others don't.
1:12:05 - 1:17:18 (05:13)
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Magic, Empathy
Summary

In a podcast episode on the topic of magic and empathy, the speaker discusses the importance of learning empathy through magic and the value of knowing things that others don't.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
The guest leaves behind three lessons which are important to him, including how his grandfather changed the spelling of his name and the topics of magic and philosophy.
1:17:18 - 1:20:25 (03:07)
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Inspiration
Summary

The guest leaves behind three lessons which are important to him, including how his grandfather changed the spelling of his name and the topics of magic and philosophy.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness
These podcast hosts are always looking for ways to give their listeners tools and inspiration to live a better life, and they find inspiration in those who show up every day in partnership to inspire others in their work and performances.
1:20:25 - 1:24:47 (04:22)
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Inspiration
Summary

These podcast hosts are always looking for ways to give their listeners tools and inspiration to live a better life, and they find inspiration in those who show up every day in partnership to inspire others in their work and performances.

Episode
814 Penn Jillette: Building the Longest Running Act in Vegas
Podcast
The School of Greatness