Share

cover art for The Danger of Hindsight | Exercise Your DNA

Good Life Project

The Danger of Hindsight | Exercise Your DNA

Good Life Riff: Ah, hindsight! As they say, it really is 20-2o. When we look back at some decisions, we think, "wow, that was such a great call, I'm pretty smart." But, then there are those other decisions. You know, the ones where a year or two down the road, you look back and think, "what is wrong with me?! That was a terrible decision. How could I not have seen this terrible outcome coming?"

Then, there's THE TRUTH. We did the best we could "at the time." But, we don't see that, because of a quirky cognitive bias known as "Outcome Bias." In this third episode in our series on cognitive bias - aka - the weird things out brains subconsciously do to make us do thing that make no sense - we dive into this one particular quirk that leads up mired in self-doubt and crippled confidence.

Incidentally, you can check out the two earlier episodes in the Cognitive Bias series here and here.

Well, it turns out, there's funky little cognitive bias that

Good Life Science: And, in our Good Life Science segment, we're diving into some fascinating new research on how exercise activates your genes, turns on and tunes up those sparkly little power-plants of the cell -- the mitochondria -- that we tend to shed with age (causing all sorts of not-good things). Turns out, especially for those a bit later in life, moving your body in a very specific way just might them back on, grow a bunch of new ones and light up your genes in a good way. And, as always, for those want to go to the source, here's a link to the full study.

Rockstar Sponsors: 

Are you hiring? Do you know where to post your job to find the best candidates? Unlike other job sites, ZipRecruiter doesn’t depend on candidates finding you; it finds them. And right now, GLP listeners can post jobs on ZipRecruiter for FREE, That’s right. FREE! Just go to ZipRecruiter.com/good.

ShipStation: Do you sell on Amazon? Ebay? Shopify? Your own website? Then you need ShipStation. It’s

the fast and easy way to manage and ship your orders- all from one place. Now, you can try ShipStation FREE for 30 days, plus get a special bonus. Visit ShipStation.com, click on the microphone at the top of the homepage and type in GOODLIFE.

Casper is a sleep brand that continues to revolutionize its line of products to create an exceptionally comfortable sleep experience, one night at a time. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting casper.com/GOODLIFE and using GOODLIFE at checkout.


More episodes

View all episodes

  • Turning Down Tinnitus

    41:11|
    How I made peace with the sound in my head, turned my inner tormentor into one of my greatest teachers, learned to live with uncertainty, and tamed relentless anxiety.Through his story, Jonathan reveals how an unexpected approach became not just his salvation but a powerful tool for living well amid uncertainty, offering listeners both inspiration and practical guidance—including a special guided meditation practice to bring peace and open your heart.Episode TranscriptCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Healing Shame, When Nothing Seems to Be Working | Dr. Zoe Shaw

    56:34|
    What if the shame you carry isn't just from one event, but layers of experiences that typical healing approaches can't touch?Dr. Zoe Shaw reveals why some people remain trapped in patterns of shame despite outward success, and shares a revolutionary framework for healing what she calls "complex shame" from her book "Stronger in the Difficult Places: Heal Your Relationship with Yourself by Untangling Complex Shame." Learn why traditional advice about vulnerability sometimes falls short, how shame lives in your body, and practical steps to transform your relationship with yourself and others.You can find Zoe at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Lori Gottlieb about understanding your emotional narratives and rewriting the stories you live by.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Attention Grown-ups: If You’re Not Playing, You’re Likely Paying a Big Price. | Cas Holman

    49:23|
    Toy designer and RISD professor Cas Holman shows how rediscovering play can help adults build resilience, spark creativity, and forge deeper connections in an achievement-focused world.In this revealing conversation about her book "Playful: How Play Shifts Our Thinking, Inspires Connection, and Sparks Creativity," Holman shares practical ways to embrace uncertainty through play and explains why putting down our phones might be the first step toward reclaiming our natural capacity for joy.You can find Cas at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Debbie Millman about designing a life through creativity and story.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Hope, Not Fear: New Conversations on Cancer Breakthroughs | Future of Medicine [Ep. 6]

    54:12|
    From breakthrough AI diagnostics to personalized immunotherapy treatments, cancer care is undergoing a revolution that's already saving lives.Dr. Ross Levine, Chief Scientific Officer at Memorial Sloan Kettering, shares how new technologies are helping doctors detect cancer earlier, treat it more effectively, and transform what was once untreatable into manageable conditions. Whether you're navigating cancer personally or professionally, this conversation offers crucial insights into the future of medicine and why there's unprecedented hope in cancer treatment today.You can find Ross at: Website | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, don't miss a single conversation in our Future of Medicine series, airing every Monday through December. Follow Good Life Project wherever you listen to podcasts to catch them all.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • The Relationship Rules Keeping You Stuck (and how to fix them) | Stephanie R. Yates-Anyabwile

    52:50|
    What if the secret to a stronger relationship is breaking the "rules" everyone says you should follow?In this paradigm-shifting conversation, renowned therapist Stephanie Yates-Anyabwile reveals why sleeping apart, living separately, and other unconventional choices might actually deepen your connection. Learn why preventative relationship work matters more than crisis management, how to navigate family resistance to unconventional choices, and why giving your partner "the benefit of the doubt" could transform your relationship.If you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Julie and John Gottman about the science of lasting love and what makes relationships truly thrive.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes 
  • What Your Body is Secretly Telling You: A Guide to Wearable Tech | Future of Medicine [Ep. 5]

    58:05|
    Imagine a tattoo that changes color to warn you of health issues, or a watch that knows you're getting sick before you do.In this fascinating episode, we explore breakthrough biosensor technology with Imperial College's Ali Yetisen and precision medicine pioneer Michael Snyder, who reveal how real-time health monitoring is transforming from science fiction to reality. Learn how new technologies like smart tattoos, wearable devices, and advanced blood testing are revolutionizing healthcare, shifting us from treating illness to preventing it entirely through continuous, personalized health tracking.Episode TranscriptYou can find Michael at: WebsiteYou can find Ali at: WebsiteIf you LOVED this episode, don't miss a single conversation in our Future of Medicine series, airing every Monday through December. Follow Good Life Project wherever you listen to podcasts to catch them all.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • A Guide to Living Fully After Loss | Spotlight Convo

    01:17:44|
    Three wisdom-keepers reveal how to navigate life's most devastating losses and emerge transformed.Death doula Alua Arthur, grief therapist Claire Bidwell Smith, and community builder Cyndie Spiegel share powerful insights on finding meaning after loss, creating healing rituals, and discovering unexpected moments of joy even in darkness. Learn practical tools for processing grief, supporting others through loss, and transforming pain into deeper connection with life.Episode TranscriptYou can find Alua at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with AluaYou can find Claire at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with ClaireYou can find Cyndie at: Website | Dear Grown Ass Women | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with CyndieCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Beyond Diet & Exercise: Radical New Ways to Protect Your Heart | Future of Medicine [Ep. 4]

    58:56|
    Discover how artificial intelligence is revolutionizing heart disease prevention and treatment with Dr. Ami Bhatt, Chief Innovation Officer at the American College of Cardiology.From AI-powered early detection tools to personalized risk prediction, learn how new technologies are making quality cardiac care more accessible while preserving the essential human element of medicine. Dr. Bhatt shares fascinating insights about the innovations transforming cardiovascular health today and her vision for even more remarkable advances coming in the next five years.You can find Ami at: Website | LinkedIn | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, don't miss a single conversation in our Future of Medicine series, airing every Monday through December. Follow Good Life Project wherever you listen to podcasts to catch them all.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes
  • Elizabeth Gilbert | The Weekly Practice That Changed Her Life

    01:05:16|
    In this soul-stirring conversation, bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert reveals the transformative practice of "Letters from Love" - a simple yet profound writing ritual that helped her emerge from her darkest moments and has since touched thousands of lives. Liz shares how to access unconditional love through pen and paper, offering a practical pathway to self-compassion that cuts through the noise of self-judgment and opens the door to genuine self-acceptance.You can find Liz at: Website | Letters From Love with Elizabeth Gilbert | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode, you’ll also love the conversations we had with Elizabeth Gilbert about navigating love and loss and finding lightness again.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes