Episode
#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
2:05:24
Published: Tue Sep 22 2015
Description
Scott Adams (@scottadamssays) is a famous cartoonist and the creator of the Dilbert comic strip, which has been published in more than 2000 newspapers in 57 countries and in 19 languages. In my conversation with Scott, we cover topics ranging from the rise of Dilbert's success, to how he uses affirmations to impact stock market decisions, success with women, and building his career. We also talk about Scott’s interest in hypnosis and its role in Dilbert's success. Plus, we dive into his current fascination -- Donald Trump. You'll also find out more about: Goals vs. systems, and how he has used them to get what he wants in life His first ever Dilbert paycheck The six dimensions of humor How he got into the best shape of his life at age 58 and much, much more. It is a really fun conversation. Scott is one hell of a character and a hilarious guy. Enjoy! Show notes and links for this episode can be found at www.fourhourworkweek.com/podcast. This podcast is brought to you by Vimeo Pro, which is the ideal video hosting platform for entrepreneurs. In fact, a bunch of my start-ups are already using Vimeo Pro. WealthFront uses it to explain how WealthFront works. TaskRabbit uses it to tell the company’s story. There are many other names who you would recognize among their customers (AirBnB, Etsy, etc.) Why do they use it? Vimeo Pro provides enterprise level video hosting for a fraction of the usual cost. Features include: Gorgeous high-quality playback with no ads Up to 20 GB of video storage every week Unlimited plays and views A fully customizable video player, which can include your company logo, custom outro, and more You get all this for just $199 per year (that’s only $17 per/mo.). There are no complicated bandwidth calculations or hidden fees. Try it risk-free for 30 days. Just go to Vimeo.com/business to check it out. If you like it, you can use the promo code “Tim” to get 25% off. This is a special discount just for you guys. This episode is also sponsored by 99Designs, the world’s largest marketplace of graphic designers. Did you know I used 99Designs to rapid prototype the cover for The 4-Hour Body? Here are some of the impressive results. Click this link and get a free $99 upgrade. Give it a test run… ***If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/iTunes? It takes less than 60 seconds, and it really makes a difference in helping to convince hard-to-get guests. I also love reading the reviews!For show notes and past guests, please visit tim.blog/podcast.Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (“5-Bullet Friday”) at tim.blog/friday.For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts.Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Visit tim.blog/sponsor and fill out the form.Discover Tim’s books: tim.blog/books.Follow Tim:Twitter: twitter.com/tferriss Instagram: instagram.com/timferrissFacebook: facebook.com/timferriss YouTube: youtube.com/timferrissPast guests on The Tim Ferriss Show include Jerry Seinfeld, Hugh Jackman, Dr. Jane Goodall, LeBron James, Kevin Hart, Doris Kearns Goodwin, Jamie Foxx, Matthew McConaughey, Esther Perel, Elizabeth Gilbert, Terry Crews, Sia, Yuval Noah Harari, Malcolm Gladwell, Madeleine Albright, Cheryl Strayed, Jim Collins, Mary Karr, Maria Popova, Sam Harris, Michael Phelps, Bob Iger, Edward Norton, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Neil Strauss, Ken Burns, Maria Sharapova, Marc Andreessen, Neil Gaiman, Neil de Grasse Tyson, Jocko Willink, Daniel Ek, Kelly Slater, Dr. Peter Attia, Seth Godin, Howard Marks, Dr. Brené Brown, Eric Schmidt, Michael Lewis, Joe Gebbia, Michael Pollan, Dr. Jordan Peterson, Vince Vaughn, Brian Koppelman, Ramit Sethi, Dax Shepard, Tony Robbins, Jim Dethmer, Dan Harris, Ray Dalio, Naval Ravikant, Vitalik Buterin, Elizabeth Lesser, Amanda Palmer, Katie Haun, Sir Richard Branson, Chuck Palahniuk, Arianna Huffington, Reid Hoffman, Bill Burr, Whitney Cummings, Rick Rubin, Dr. Vivek Murthy, Darren Aronofsky, and many more.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Chapters
Tim Ferriss promotes his popular email newsletter, Five Bullet Friday, which sends out short and interesting content every Friday to millions of subscribers.
00:00 - 01:24 (01:24)
Summary
Tim Ferriss promotes his popular email newsletter, Five Bullet Friday, which sends out short and interesting content every Friday to millions of subscribers.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast features Scott Adams discussing hypnosis and common misconceptions about it, how he used it to make Dilbert popular, his current fascination with Donald Trump and the business press missing out on his negotiating genius.
01:24 - 07:25 (06:01)
Summary
The podcast features Scott Adams discussing hypnosis and common misconceptions about it, how he used it to make Dilbert popular, his current fascination with Donald Trump and the business press missing out on his negotiating genius.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Tim Ferriss and Scott Adams discuss the technique of affirmations, and the potential power they can have over one's mindset and actions to help achieve success.
07:25 - 14:17 (06:51)
Summary
Tim Ferriss and Scott Adams discuss the technique of affirmations, and the potential power they can have over one's mindset and actions to help achieve success.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about the pressure to achieve high scores on standardized tests like the GMAT and GRE, in order to gain admission into top schools like Berkeley.
14:17 - 20:19 (06:02)
Summary
The speaker talks about the pressure to achieve high scores on standardized tests like the GMAT and GRE, in order to gain admission into top schools like Berkeley.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this episode, the speaker shares his view that humans are mostly programmed by their environment and how affirmations can help focus the mind and memory on achieving specific goals.
20:20 - 28:41 (08:21)
Summary
In this episode, the speaker shares his view that humans are mostly programmed by their environment and how affirmations can help focus the mind and memory on achieving specific goals.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the potential of affirmations in building an optimistic mindset and seizing opportunities in life.
28:41 - 33:53 (05:11)
Summary
In this podcast episode, the speaker discusses the potential of affirmations in building an optimistic mindset and seizing opportunities in life.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about how she had a sudden realization that all her strange thoughts were related, and could be woven together into one grand idea.
33:53 - 38:02 (04:09)
Summary
The speaker talks about how she had a sudden realization that all her strange thoughts were related, and could be woven together into one grand idea. She compares this idea to a game of Pictionary and wonders if she can capture the same feeling she had in the shower in a work of fiction.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
An elite coach gives advice on how to gain an edge in your career and personal life through strategies like pacing and mirroring techniques.
38:02 - 43:28 (05:25)
Summary
An elite coach gives advice on how to gain an edge in your career and personal life through strategies like pacing and mirroring techniques. The coach emphasizes that the individual must take control of the ultimately do the work to achieve success.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses how hypnosis can be utilized in various aspects of marketing and product design, such as using emotional triggers to make a lasting impact on consumers.
43:28 - 47:41 (04:13)
Summary
The speaker discusses how hypnosis can be utilized in various aspects of marketing and product design, such as using emotional triggers to make a lasting impact on consumers.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Dilbert creator Scott Adams discusses the relationships between hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming, and science.
47:42 - 54:20 (06:38)
Summary
Dilbert creator Scott Adams discusses the relationships between hypnosis, neuro-linguistic programming, and science. He also touches on the origins of NLP and its core principles.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The current evaluation of politicians and their policies regarding immigration reform are not realistic in their proposed form.
54:21 - 59:05 (04:44)
Summary
The current evaluation of politicians and their policies regarding immigration reform are not realistic in their proposed form. Practical solutions such as giving exceptions to individuals who spend X number of years in jail, pay taxes, and register may be a more feasible solution.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The constant demand for news and the need to continually fill time and space with content can detract from the accuracy and quality of stories produced by journalists who may be pressured to overlook important details in their rush to produce a story.
59:06 - 1:02:19 (03:12)
Summary
The constant demand for news and the need to continually fill time and space with content can detract from the accuracy and quality of stories produced by journalists who may be pressured to overlook important details in their rush to produce a story.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In a world where the future can't be predicted, focusing on a specific goal can lead to failure.
1:02:19 - 1:06:51 (04:31)
Summary
In a world where the future can't be predicted, focusing on a specific goal can lead to failure. Instead, a systems way of looking at the world, continually improving your odds in a favorable area, can lead to success and valuable experience.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker talks about goal-oriented approaches to different aspects of life, including diets and relationships.
1:06:51 - 1:10:37 (03:45)
Summary
The speaker talks about goal-oriented approaches to different aspects of life, including diets and relationships.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker explains his process of using small substitutions and satisfying his cravings in order to avoid using willpower for eating, while acknowledging that everyone's approach may differ.
1:10:37 - 1:15:13 (04:35)
Summary
The speaker explains his process of using small substitutions and satisfying his cravings in order to avoid using willpower for eating, while acknowledging that everyone's approach may differ.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The guest shares their experience of being one of the first to hear about the internet, as well as clarifies misconceptions that people have about cutting carbs.
1:15:13 - 1:21:08 (05:54)
Summary
The guest shares their experience of being one of the first to hear about the internet, as well as clarifies misconceptions that people have about cutting carbs.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The creator of Dilbert, Scott Adams, talks about the evolution and creation of the popular comic strip character, including his name and characteristics.
1:21:08 - 1:28:18 (07:09)
Summary
The creator of Dilbert, Scott Adams, talks about the evolution and creation of the popular comic strip character, including his name and characteristics.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker doesn't have a structured process for creative writing and drawing.
1:28:18 - 1:32:47 (04:29)
Summary
The speaker doesn't have a structured process for creative writing and drawing. He needs to be in a good physical and mental state with no distractions.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares their daily routine, which includes checking their webpage, Twitter, and Facebook feed before reading Business Insider; they also discuss moments of inspiration when thinking up new ideas.
1:32:48 - 1:39:01 (06:13)
Summary
The speaker shares their daily routine, which includes checking their webpage, Twitter, and Facebook feed before reading Business Insider; they also discuss moments of inspiration when thinking up new ideas.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The guest talks about his favorite comic strips, which includes F minus and Pearls before Swine.
1:39:01 - 1:44:36 (05:35)
Summary
The guest talks about his favorite comic strips, which includes F minus and Pearls before Swine. He also mentions his own personal struggle with ordering a Diet Coke.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The only two effective methods for treating spasmodic dysphonia are complete voice rest for several weeks or talking only in a humming voice for a prolonged period of time.
1:44:37 - 1:50:27 (05:49)
Summary
The only two effective methods for treating spasmodic dysphonia are complete voice rest for several weeks or talking only in a humming voice for a prolonged period of time. Despite its success, the latter method lacks credibility and commercialization due to the lack of scientific evidence.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The discussion centers on how removing stimuli in our environment can be beneficial to our health and mental clarity.
1:50:27 - 1:55:23 (04:56)
Summary
The discussion centers on how removing stimuli in our environment can be beneficial to our health and mental clarity. The speakers also recommend books to read to gain insight on how to minimize external distractions.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares a personal experience of overcoming a limiting belief by realizing the unnecessary steps he was taking to complete a task.
1:55:23 - 1:59:01 (03:38)
Summary
The speaker shares a personal experience of overcoming a limiting belief by realizing the unnecessary steps he was taking to complete a task. He emphasizes the importance of staying focused on being useful to the world and not getting caught up in unnecessary actions.
Episode#106: Scott Adams: The Man Behind Dilbert
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast features a discussion on how Elon Musk's knowledge, wealth, and resources could help revolutionize Africa, particularly in the area of fixing water supply issues.
1:59:02 - 2:05:22 (06:20)
Summary
The podcast features a discussion on how Elon Musk's knowledge, wealth, and resources could help revolutionize Africa, particularly in the area of fixing water supply issues. The discussion ends with details on how to reach out to the speaker and where to learn more about him.