Episode
#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
1:32:44
Published: Mon Jun 25 2018
Description
In this podcast, I had the rare opportunity to interview three men in Level 4 maximum security at Kern Valley State Prison. There was no time to do homework on any of them, so I crossed my fingers and jumped in. It was incredibly nerve-wracking and, ultimately, incredibly rewarding and fun. Any expectations I might have had going in were exceeded.I owe special thanks to Cat Hoke, all the men who participate in Defy (the program Cat started), and all the staff and officers at Kern, including Chief Deputy Warden Goss who made it possible for me to bring recording equipment. Thank you for the help, sir!If you're interested in a similar prison visit after listening to this episode, Cat now has five more trips lined up. Simply email [email protected] for more details. If this episode moves you in any way, make sure to check out Defy and other groups doing this work and making an impact, like the Anti-Recidivism Coalition (ARC).Enjoy!This podcast is brought to you by Helix Sleep. I recently moved into a new home and needed new beds, and I purchased mattresses from Helix Sleep.It offers mattresses personalized to your preferences and sleeping style without costing thousands of dollars. Visit Helixsleep.com/TIM and take the simple 2-3 minute sleep quiz to get started, and the team there will build a mattress you'll love.Its customer service makes all the difference. The mattress arrives within a week, and the shipping is completely free. You can try the mattress for 100 nights, and if you're not happy, it'll pick it up and offer a full refund. To personalize your sleep experience, visit Helixsleep.com/TIM and you'll receive up to $125 off your custom mattress. Enjoy!This podcast is also brought to you by the Wondery network's Business Wars. Hosted by David D. Brown, former anchor of the Peabody award-winning public radio business program Marketplace, Business Wars shares the untold and very real stories of what goes on behind the scenes with the leaders, investors, and executives that take businesses either to new heights or utter ruin.I recommend starting with the first one, Sudden Death, which is the first of an eight-part series that chronicles the brutal business battle between Netflix and Blockbuster, and later HBO. Other episodes dig into epic face-offs that have shaped the landscape of what we buy and how we live, such as Marvel vs. DC, Nike vs. Adidas, Nintendo vs. Sony, and Hearst vs. Pulitzer. You can search for Business Wars on iTunes or your favorite podcast provider, or you can just go directly to wondery.fm/tim to start listening right now.***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? Please fill out the form at tim.blog/sponsor.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
In this episode, Tim Ferriss talks about his ability to run half a mile at a high altitude and answers personal questions.
00:00 - 01:03 (01:03)
Summary
In this episode, Tim Ferriss talks about his ability to run half a mile at a high altitude and answers personal questions. The episode also features an ad for Ferriss' email newsletter, Five Bullet Friday.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, host Tim Ferriss interviews Jim Collins – the author of the book “Good to Great”.
01:03 - 04:33 (03:30)
Summary
In this episode of The Tim Ferriss Show, host Tim Ferriss interviews Jim Collins – the author of the book “Good to Great”. Collins discusses the habits and routines of world-class performers across industries such as the military, entertainment and business.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The Step to the Line exercise at Defy Ventures, which involves volunteers listening to different business pitches from inmates, is a powerful tool that helps these men find new opportunities and sustain themselves after being released from prison.
04:33 - 11:00 (06:27)
Summary
The Step to the Line exercise at Defy Ventures, which involves volunteers listening to different business pitches from inmates, is a powerful tool that helps these men find new opportunities and sustain themselves after being released from prison.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Three incarcerated men share their life stories in a rare opportunity behind the wall of a maximum security prison, while the host reflects on the unique experience and questions it brings up.
11:00 - 16:28 (05:28)
Summary
Three incarcerated men share their life stories in a rare opportunity behind the wall of a maximum security prison, while the host reflects on the unique experience and questions it brings up.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A discussion about the conversations and moments that led to a change in direction, featuring a personal story about making tough decisions and taking responsibility for one's life choices.
16:31 - 21:00 (04:29)
Summary
A discussion about the conversations and moments that led to a change in direction, featuring a personal story about making tough decisions and taking responsibility for one's life choices.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
A former gang member shares his journey of pursuing a college education to prove that anyone can achieve it, despite their past.
21:00 - 29:10 (08:10)
Summary
A former gang member shares his journey of pursuing a college education to prove that anyone can achieve it, despite their past. He encountered comments that discouraged him but persevered, ultimately graduating with a degree in sociology, psychology, and philosophy.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The concept of human dignity helped the speaker change her approach towards people and situations, to solve challenges and problems effectively with morality and respect.
29:10 - 35:12 (06:02)
Summary
The concept of human dignity helped the speaker change her approach towards people and situations, to solve challenges and problems effectively with morality and respect. This change brought value to her personal and professional life.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The institutionalized approach to addressing certain issues may not always be effective, and sometimes a person's realization from their own experience is what is needed to truly overcome it.
35:12 - 41:10 (05:58)
Summary
The institutionalized approach to addressing certain issues may not always be effective, and sometimes a person's realization from their own experience is what is needed to truly overcome it. Too many programs and curriculums may not be beneficial in the long run.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast explores strategies for encouraging and promoting positive change in people, including repeated exposure and persuasive conversations.
41:10 - 45:03 (03:53)
Summary
The podcast explores strategies for encouraging and promoting positive change in people, including repeated exposure and persuasive conversations. The guest also shares personal experiences with close friends who have been through difficult situations like prison.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker discusses a program aimed at helping inmates transition back into society that involves using questions to guide them to the right answers.
45:03 - 50:27 (05:23)
Summary
The speaker discusses a program aimed at helping inmates transition back into society that involves using questions to guide them to the right answers. This program aims to show both inmates and society what the process of transitioning is like.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The speaker shares his thoughts on how to make the right decision when faced with life-changing situations, pointing out that it's essential to question ourselves before taking any action.
50:27 - 54:55 (04:28)
Summary
The speaker shares his thoughts on how to make the right decision when faced with life-changing situations, pointing out that it's essential to question ourselves before taking any action.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
In this excerpt, the speaker discusses how leading by example is a powerful way to manage anger and resolve conflicts without resorting to physical confrontation.
54:55 - 1:01:32 (06:36)
Summary
In this excerpt, the speaker discusses how leading by example is a powerful way to manage anger and resolve conflicts without resorting to physical confrontation.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
An anecdote about how words can be misinterpreted and misunderstood in prison.
1:01:32 - 1:06:02 (04:30)
Summary
An anecdote about how words can be misinterpreted and misunderstood in prison.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The discussion revolves around the daily occurrences in a prison yard and the common association of individuals with their crimes, disregarding their human nature.
1:06:02 - 1:15:24 (09:22)
Summary
The discussion revolves around the daily occurrences in a prison yard and the common association of individuals with their crimes, disregarding their human nature.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
The podcast delves into how people cope with difficult situations such as slip-ups and failures, and the strategies they adopt to overcome them.
1:15:24 - 1:21:48 (06:24)
Summary
The podcast delves into how people cope with difficult situations such as slip-ups and failures, and the strategies they adopt to overcome them. Guests like Tim Kennedy, a championship fighter, offer insights into what goes on in their minds during high-stress situations.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Developing a positive mindset doesn't necessarily mean becoming Mother Teresa overnight; it simply requires a tilt in a more positive direction.
1:21:48 - 1:26:56 (05:08)
Summary
Developing a positive mindset doesn't necessarily mean becoming Mother Teresa overnight; it simply requires a tilt in a more positive direction. There is always hope, even in the darkest of places.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Helix Sleep's personalized mattresses provide the best sleep possible, while Business Wars podcast takes you through the cutthroat world of business rivalries.
1:26:56 - 1:31:49 (04:53)
Summary
Helix Sleep's personalized mattresses provide the best sleep possible, while Business Wars podcast takes you through the cutthroat world of business rivalries.
Episode#323: Tim Ferriss Goes to Maximum Security Prison
PodcastThe Tim Ferriss Show
Take a two to three minute sleep quiz to get a personalized mattress or pillow from Helix Sleep, delivered for free within a week.
1:31:49 - 1:32:32 (00:43)
Summary
Take a two to three minute sleep quiz to get a personalized mattress or pillow from Helix Sleep, delivered for free within a week. Try it out for 100 nights, and return it for a full refund if unsatisfied.