Send us a text

Why Poker Makes You a Better Thinker - Annie Duke on Decision Science

About the guest:
Annie Duke is a decision strategist, author, and former professional poker player known for her expertise in cognitive science and decision-making under uncertainty. Originally pursuing a PhD at the University of Pennsylvania, she shifted paths due to illness and went on to win a World Series of Poker championship, eventually becoming one of the most successful female players in the game’s history. Leveraging her background in cognitive science and poker, Annie transitioned into writing, speaking, and consulting, authoring acclaimed books such as Thinking in Bets, How to Decide, and Quit. She is also the co-founder of the Alliance for Decision Education, advocating for better thinking skills in K–12 education. Annie’s work bridges rigorous research with practical frameworks for better decisions in life and business.

Connect with Annie! https://x.com/annieduke?lang=en
Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
Connect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction & Life Pivot
03:38 Entering the Poker World
06:08 The Bridge Between Poker & Cognitive Science
09:00 Decision Education & Career Evolution
10:59 Forecasting in Personal Decisions
14:24 Qualitative vs. Quantitative Thinking
18:12 The Danger of “Going With Your Gut”
23:12 Aligning Internal & External Perspectives
25:48 Defining Terms & Clarifying Assumptions
34:01 The Myth of Mysticism in Decision-Making
40:43 Experience vs. Explicit Models
53:40 Closing Thoughts on Self-Improvement

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a text

About the guest:
Luke Thorburg is a digital advertising specialist and the founder of Thordigi Media, a firm dedicated to scaling businesses through strategic use of Facebook, TikTok, and Google Ads. Holding a data-focused master's degree from Saint Louis University, Luke applies analytical rigor to optimize advertising campaigns. His expertise lies in crafting data-driven strategies that drive growth across multiple industries.

Connect with Luke! https://www.instagram.com/lukethorburg/
Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
Connect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/

Chapters:
00:00 The AI Wild West
01:23 Rise of AI Integrators
02:10 $20M AI-Run Service Business
04:22 Mass AI Adoption & Internet Comparisons
06:22 Misuse and Gimmicks in AI Adoption
07:06 The Untapped Opportunity: LLM SEO
09:01 Agency Origins and Iteration
13:03 Offers, Niching, and Client Targeting
20:02 Brute Force Cold Outreach Tactics
26:08 From Cold Start to Scalable Momentum
29:49 AI, Personal Brands, and The Future of Work
36:46 Building 7-Figure Brands with Automation
43:00 Do the Unscalable to Become Scalable
50:03 Playing the Long Game with Clients
54:02 Digital Education: WAP, School, and the New University

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a text

The $100M Story Behind HydroFlask - Travis Rosbach

About the guest:
Travis Rosbach is an entrepreneur, inventor, and the founder of Hydro Flask, the award-winning reusable water bottle company that redefined the drinkware industry. Prior to launching Hydro Flask, Rosbach worked as a boat captain, scuba diving instructor, and commercial airline pilot, bringing a diverse and adventurous background to his business ventures. After exiting Hydro Flask, he founded the Tumalo Group, where he now advises startups and entrepreneurs across various sectors. Known for his practical mindset and passion for sustainability, Rosbach continues to influence product innovation and conscious entrepreneurship globally.

Connect with Travis! https://www.linkedin.com/in/travisrosbach/
Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
Connect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/

Chapters:
0:00 – The Renaissance Entrepreneur
3:30 – How Hydro Flask Was Born
8:30 – Going All-In: The China Gamble
12:30 – Resilience and Risk in Business
17:00 – From Farmer’s Markets to 100,000+ Units a Month
26:30 – The Cost of Scaling
33:00 – Stepping Away: Exit and Identity
37:00 – The Kundalini Awakening
43:00 – True Fulfillment vs Fake Success
51:00 – Learning, Books & AI Wisdom
59:00 – Final Wisdom & Book Gift

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a text

About the guest:
Massimo Pigliucci is a philosopher, author, and professor of philosophy at the City College of New York, known for his work in both evolutionary biology and the modern Stoicism movement. He is the author of numerous books, including the acclaimed How to Be a Stoic and The Quest for Character, which bridge classical philosophy and contemporary challenges. With a background in both science and philosophy, Pigliucci brings a unique interdisciplinary lens to questions of ethics, meaning, and personal development. His work has helped popularize Stoic thought for modern audiences, making timeless ideas both accessible and actionable.

Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
Connect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction: What Is Stoicism, Really?
00:30 Living According to Nature
02:45 Solving Anxiety Through Human Nature
05:15 Are Humans Really Different From Animals?
07:10 Why Stoicism Feels Practical
08:20 The Dichotomy of Control Explained
13:25 The Serenity Prayer & Stoicism
16:50 The Power of Reframing Your Thoughts
18:45 Stoicism & Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
22:10 Reacting Differently to Everyday Events
24:30 Stoicism Beyond Masculinity
28:00 Can You Be Stoic and Political?
30:45 Stoicism in Sports & Mental Toughness
33:55 Relaxed Concentration in Elite Performance
35:20 The Stoic Focus on the Present Moment
38:10 How to Be a Stoic in Practice
41:30 Cold Showers, Fasting & Stoic Discipline
43:40 Are “Mind Tricks” Bad If They Work?
45:50 Seneca’s Formula for Dealing With Anger
52:00 Preventing Anger Before It Starts
54:45 Massimo’s Journey Into Stoicism
58:40 Massimo’s Writing Routine & Reading Habits
01:02:40 Recommended Books & Final Thoughts

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a text

Today’s guest is Niraj Naik - a former pharmacist turned holistic health pioneer.

Connect with Niraj! https://www.instagram.com/nirajnaikofficial/?hl=en

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a text

Dave Nemetz is a media entrepreneur and digital innovator best known as the founder of Bleacher Report, a sports media powerhouse acquired by Turner Broadcasting for nearly $200 million. He also founded Inverse, a culture and science publication aimed at millennial and Gen Z audiences. With a track record of building audience-first media brands that thrive in the digital age, Nemetz is recognized for his forward-thinking approach to content, distribution, and monetization. He continues to advise and invest in the next generation of media and tech startups, influencing the evolution of how stories are told and consumed online.

About the guest:
Connect with Dave! https://x.com/davenemetz
Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
Connect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro – David Nemetz
0:28 Leverage & Content
2:02 AI & Media Future
4:32 Bleacher & Biz Lessons
17:10 Growth & SEO Tactics
22:53 TikTok, AI & Search
29:04 Modern Media Models
33:15 Paywalls & Audiences
41:10 Post-Exit Life & Health
46:00 Mindset & Mentors
59:20 Signing Off

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a text

The Worlds MOST Interesting Man Kevin Kelly

Kevin Kelly is the founding executive editor of Wired and one of the world’s most original technology thinkers. He’s known for his optimistic, mind-bending takes on the future, from AI to the “Technium” — a living system of technology. His books like The Inevitable and What Technology Wants have shaped how a generation thinks about innovation. Kelly also coined the iconic “1,000 True Fans” concept that predicted the rise of the creator economy.

Connect with Kevin! https://kk.org
Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala

Send us a text

About the guest:
Justin Glaser is the author of Sweat: Uncovering Your Body’s Superpower, a book that redefines how we think about perspiration. Blending science, storytelling, and health insights, he explores the evolutionary, physiological, and psychological roles of sweat in human performance and well-being. Known for making complex biology accessible and engaging, Glaser shines a light on one of the body’s most overlooked superpowers. Through his work, he invites readers to embrace sweat not just as a byproduct of exertion, but as a vital force in health and human potential.

Connect with Justin! https://www.instagram.com/justinglaser7/?hl=en
Connect with Ryan! https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala
Connect with Us! https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/

Chapters:
0:00 Intro – Justin on Sauna & Detox
0:41 Sweat, Sauna & Toxins
1:01 9/11 Survivors & Healing with Sauna
3:00 The Niacin Sauna Protocol
6:05 Environmental Toxins & Fat Storage
10:57 Heavy Metals, Chemicals & Health Risks
16:12 The Science Behind Detox & IQ Effects
19:25 Brain Fog, Energy & Sauna Benefits
20:30 Toxic Load & Long-Term Health
32:06 Who Should Try the Protocol?
39:12 Infrared vs. Dry Sauna
42:53 Making Detox Mainstream
46:55 Mold, Air Quality & Hidden Toxins
51:14 The Documentary & Spreading Awareness
52:09 Final Thoughts & Takeaways
52:27 Signing Off

Connect with Us!
https://www.instagram.com/alchemists.library/
https://twitter.com/RyanJAyala