# E166 - Tim Ferriss: The Hard Truth About Self-Improvement (After 25 Years of Experimenting)

An episode of [Know Thyself](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1633725927), 7 Oct 2025, 2 h 38 min.

Audio: https://traffic.megaphone.fm/APO1261395292.mp3

Tim Ferriss opens up about the inner evolution behind his outer success. He shares the practices and perspectives that have most transformed his life: from the art of asking better questions and setting meaningful goals, to the wisdom of subtraction — removing what no longer serves to make space for what truly matters. Tim reflects on how psychedelics, fasting, and deep self-inquiry have reshaped his understanding of sensitivity, healing, and purpose. He explores the balance between self-development and self-centeredness, revealing how real growth begins not in control, but in surrender. To get your free shilajit today: https://fractalforest.co/knowthyself 20% off Pique Life Tea: https://www.piquelife.com/knowthyself Andrés Book Recs: https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com/book-list ___________ 0:00 Intro 2:40 Trusting in What Can't be Controlled 6:45 Reviewing Your Life & Setting Goals 8:54 Why He Devoted His Life to Strategic Self Development 13:13 Asking Great Questions Leads to Great Results 19:12 A Question to Shift Your Perspective on Life 28:04 The Key for Growth: Addition vs Subtraction 38:09 Making the Space for Social Connection 44:14 The Power of Subtraction & Fasting 49:55 Ad: Fractal Forest 51:32 Self Development Without Being Self Centered 59:48 His Journey with Psychedelics 1:14:15 Ad: Pique Life 1:16:47 How Psychedelics Changed How He Sees Life & the Mystical 1:20:22 The Misuse of Psychedelics and How it Used to be Used 1:27:07 Why He started Working with Them 1:31:32 Red Flags & What to Watch Out For 1:37:35 How His Relationship to Sensitivity has Changed 1:46:50 Healing from Childhood Trauma 1:58:28 Creating A Life Worth Living 2:05:28 The Projects He Pours His Time Into 2:10:43 Coyote, a Game of Connection 2:19:50 Diversifying Your Business & Self 2:23:18 Rapid Fire Questions 2:36:20 Conclusion ___________ Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/timferriss/ https://www.explodingkittens.com/products/coyote https://www.instagram.com/andreduqum/ https://www.instagram.com/knowthyself/ https://www.youtube.com/@knowthyselfpodcast https://www.knowthyselfpodcast.com

Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them.