First Principles
Business & Finance
About
First Principles isn't another business podcast recycling the same startup stories. Adrian Wells takes the fundamentals that actually matter and breaks them down like you're having coffee with the smartest professor you ever had. Wells spent twelve years teaching philosophy and critical thinking before ditching the lecture hall for the microphone. Turns out, the same principles that help you think clearly about ancient Greek ethics also work pretty well for modern business decisions. Who knew? Every episode strips away the latest trends and buzzwords to focus on the core ideas that don't change. How to actually evaluate evidence when everyone's throwing around statistics. Why most "revolutionary" business advice is just old wine in new bottles. The thinking patterns that separate smart decisions from lucky guesses. You won't get hyped-up success stories or flavor-of-the-month strategies. Instead, you'll learn how to think through problems the way philosophers have for centuries, applied to the stuff that matters in your work and life right now. Multiple new episodes drop daily, so there's always something fresh when you need it. Follow now if you're ready to think better, not just think faster. Multiple new episodes daily—follow now!
Episodes
- The 10,000 Hour Rule Is BS: What Top Performers Actually Do Instead
Adrian Wells discusses the "10,000-hour rule" myth and explores how peak cognitive performance is achieved through deliberate practice and optimizing daily habits. The episode covers biological focus windows and the impact of morning routi…
- Yuval Harari: AI Companies Are Lying To You About The Real Danger
Adrian Wells discusses historian Yuval Harari’s concerns regarding AI safety claims, artificial general intelligence (AGI) timelines, and the impact of AI-generated disinformation on democratic institutions. The episode highlights discrepa…
- Dr. Gad Saad: Why Men Are Biologically Programmed to Cheat (It's Not What You Think)
Adrian Wells interviews evolutionary psychologist Dr. Gad Saad on the podcast First Principles to discuss research regarding male infidelity and biological influences on reproductive strategies across different cultures. The conversation e…
- The Gym Industry Doesn't Want You to Know This (Dr. Israetel's 3-Day Method)
Dr. Michael Israetel challenges common fitness industry advice, explaining that less time in the gym can lead to more muscle growth. He details a 3-day training method focusing on optimal workout length, frequency, and crucial recovery per…
- The Gottman Doctors: Why Affairs Save Some Marriages (And Kill Others)
Adrian Wells discusses the Gottman Method's research on infidelity, including statistics on marriage recovery and predictors of divorce. The episode covers key relationship concepts such as the Four Horsemen, the 5:1 conflict ratio, and co…
- Why Eating Dessert First Actually Controls Your Blood Sugar Better
Adrian Wells discusses research indicating how meal order, such as eating vegetables before carbohydrates, can help stabilize blood sugar levels. The episode also explores the benefits of post-meal walks, vinegar consumption, and protein t…
- Konstantin Kisin: Why America and Britain Are Collapsing (What He Saw)
Konstantin Kisin joins Adrian Wells on First Principles to discuss his perspective on the cultural shifts and declining institutional trust he observes in America and Britain. Kisin shares insights from his background as an immigrant and t…
- The Anti-Obesity Doctor: If You Don't Exercise, This Is What's Happening To You
Dr. Gabrielle Lyon explains the physiological impacts of sedentary behavior and the importance of resistance training. The episode covers muscle mass loss with age, the effects of inactivity on cellular health, and the relationship between…
- Harvard Psychiatrist: We're Creating Millions of Addicted, Purposeless Men
Dr. K discusses research on the rise of loneliness, smartphone addiction, and the importance of purpose for mental health. The episode explores how modern society and technology impact individual well-being based on case study data.
- Why Your Eye Doctor Lied About Those Floaters (Shocking Truth)
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells discussing eye floaters and blue light glasses. He addresses common beliefs about eye health, digital eye strain, and the blue light industry.
- Cancer Doctor: This Food In Your Kitchen Is Feeding Your Cancer Right Now
This episode of First Principles features a cancer specialist discussing the relationship between diet and cancer. Topics include glucose metabolism in cancer cells, the impact of blood sugar levels on treatment outcomes, and the role of w…
- What Boris Johnson Just Revealed About Virus Engineering Will Shock You
This episode discusses Boris Johnson's claims regarding virus engineering and government bribery attempts related to the pandemic response. It also examines the political motivations behind these revelations.
- The $250K Renting vs Buying Myth That's Costing You (Ramit Sethi Breaks It Down)
Adrian Wells and Ramit Sethi discuss personal finance, including the renting versus buying myth and money psychology. They also cover relationship advice related to money and investment automation.
- Trevor Noah: Why My ADHD Diagnosis Finally Explained My Depression
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells discussing Trevor Noah's ADHD diagnosis and its connection to his depression. The episode explores the relationship between ADHD and depression.
- The NoFap Trap: Why 73% Relapse And What Scientists Just Discovered
Adrian Wells explores the reasons behind high relapse rates in the NoFap movement. He discusses scientific findings on how adult content consumption can impact brain function and outlines evidence-based strategies for addressing this issue.
- Divorce Expert: Why Kids-First Parents Are 3x More Likely to Split Up
This episode discusses how prioritizing children over the marital relationship can increase the likelihood of divorce. It presents research on why some common parenting approaches may lead to relationship decline and explores strategies fo…
- The $2.3 Billion UFO Program the Government Tried to Hide
Former Pentagon official Luis Elizondo discusses a classified government UFO investigation program. This episode explores the government's transparency regarding unexplained aerial phenomena.
- NYU Professor's Math: Trump Has 1 in 3 Chance of Dying as President
NYU Professor Scott Galloway calculated a 1 in 3 chance that Donald Trump will not survive his presidency, based on his age and health data. This episode explores the statistical realities, historical precedents of presidential mortality,…
- Why This Investing Expert Says 2032 Will Change Everything
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells breaking down Raoul Pal's predictions for 2032. Pal, a former Goldman Sachs executive, believes economic and technological forces will reshape work, investment, and life within six yea…
- Dr Sampson: The Mouth Bacteria That's Secretly Destroying Your Brain
This episode discusses the connection between bacteria in the mouth and brain health. It explores how certain oral bacteria may be linked to cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease.
- Eric Schmidt's Terrifying AI Warning: Why We Need Emergency Stop Buttons
This episode features former Google CEO Eric Schmidt's warning about the potential for AI to be used in creating biological weapons. It covers the concept of “emergency stop buttons” for AI and current efforts to restrict dangerous AI mode…
- No.1 Toxicologist: These 3 Products Were Making Me Infertile (You Have Them Too)
This episode of First Principles discusses the impact of common household products on fertility. A toxicologist shares insights on hormone disruptors and how they can affect health.
- Jaspreet Singh: If You're Under 45, You Won't Get A Pension (Here's What To Do)
This episode of First Principles features financial expert Jaspreet Singh discussing the current state of retirement planning. He examines the challenges faced by individuals under 45, citing issues such as Social Security shortfalls, the…
- Birth Control Is Rewiring Your Brain: What Doctors Don't Tell You
This episode of First Principles discusses research on how birth control may affect women's brains. Topics include stress response, hypothalamus changes, and altered attraction, along with hormonal shifts.
- Ex-CIA Spy: China's 2030 Plan Will Shock You (And We're Ignoring It)
This episode of First Principles features an ex-CIA analyst discussing China's strategic planning. Topics include China's STEM education, its dominance in 5G patents, the Belt and Road Initiative, and its manufacturing capabilities.
- Brian Keating: I'm Spending $200 Million To Prove God Exists Through Science
Astrophysicist Brian Keating discusses his $200 million telescope project and his approach to blending science with spiritual curiosity. He explores how the Simons Observatory will map cosmic background radiation and the fine-tuning argume…
- The 20-Minute Rule Sex Therapists Don't Want You To Know (Changes Everything)
This episode of First Principles discusses the biological reality behind intimacy, focusing on a 20-minute pre-intimacy routine to improve physical connection. It covers how stress hormones impact arousal, women's arousal patterns, and min…
- Why People Secretly Dislike You: 5 Body Language Signals You Miss
This episode of First Principles discusses body language mistakes that can lead to others disliking you. It covers how people form impressions, detect insincerity, and react to different non-verbal cues.
- MrBallen: Why I Almost Quit After Navy SEALs (And How I Turned It Around)
This episode features John Allen (MrBallen) discussing his journey from the Navy SEALs to becoming a successful storyteller. He shares insights on how he used strategic thinking and a specific mindset to build a large audience on YouTube.
- Why Reid Hoffman Thinks You're Staying In Your Job Too Long (LinkedIn CEO)
Reid Hoffman, founder of LinkedIn, shares his framework for career timing and discusses the growth of LinkedIn. He also expresses concern about potential political targeting under a future Trump administration, stemming from a $7 million p…
- Dr. Martha Beck: Why Your Anxiety Gets Worse When You Try to Think Your Way Out
This episode of First Principles features Dr. Martha Beck, who discusses an approach to managing anxiety and processing trauma by focusing on the body rather than solely on thought. The conversation covers the vagus nerve, a 3-step techniq…
- Why Your Brain Stores Trauma in Your Eyes (And How to Release It)
This episode of First Principles discusses EMDR therapy as a trauma treatment. It explains how eye movements can help reprocess painful memories and the neurological basis of its effectiveness.
- Why Your Body Language Is Sabotaging Your Success (Behavior Expert Reveals)
This episode of First Principles features behavior expert Chase Hughes, who shares insights on body language, micro-expressions, and deception detection. He discusses his system for understanding non-verbal cues and how it can be applied t…
- What Alcohol Is Actually Doing to Your Dopamine (The Truth Will Shock You)
This episode features Adrian Wells discussing the effects of alcohol on the brain's dopamine system. It explores how dopamine influences pleasure, motivation, and habit formation, and how this understanding can lead to better decision-maki…
- Why Your Period Workouts Fail (And The 4 Supplements That Fix Everything)
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells, who explains the biological reasons why workouts can be difficult before and during menstruation. Wells also discusses four supplements that are suggested to address the body's changi…
- Why Your Doctor Lied About Low Libido: The Truth That Changes Everything
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells and Dr. Khera discussing various aspects of sexual health, including low libido and erectile dysfunction. They explore common issues, such as declining testosterone levels and the impa…
- Why Modern Men Are Creating A Sexless Society (Peterson's Brutal Truth)
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells discussing Jordan Peterson's perspective on why modern relationships are failing. It covers topics such as the increase in sexless marriages, divorce statistics, and the impact of thes…
- I Used Daniel Priestley's 7,11,4 Method for 30 Days. Here's What Happened.
Adrian Wells explores Daniel Priestley's 7,11,4 method for business. The episode covers the psychology behind '7 touches,' an 11-day positioning strategy, and a 4-step process for generating income, based on a 30-day experiment.
- What Trump's Victory Just Revealed About The UK's Coming Collapse
This episode discusses how Trump's victory may reveal underlying issues in the UK's economy and institutions. It examines the UK's debt crisis, NATO spending, and global trade with China in relation to these developments.
- Why Your Chewing Habits Are Making You Fat (Scientists Finally Prove It)
This episode of First Principles explores the impact of chewing habits and meal timing on weight loss. It covers topics such as insulin sensitivity, fat storage, and how the body processes food differently throughout the day.
- Paul Brunson: Women Are Sabotaging Their Love Lives With These Impossible Standards
This episode of First Principles features Paul Brunson discussing how dating standards may be sabotaging women's love lives. He shares data on partner selection, three non-negotiable traits for relationship success, and the importance of e…
- What Your Voice Reveals About Why You're Rejected Before You Speak
Adrian Wells discusses how non-verbal cues and voice can influence first impressions and lead to social rejection. The episode explores the psychology behind charismatic communication and the traits that make some individuals more magnetic.
- What Your Glucose Monitor Reveals About Your Fat Storage (Doctor Explains)
This episode features Adrian Wells discussing the connection between insulin, glucose, and fat storage. He explains how glucose monitoring can reveal when the body switches into fat-storage mode, detailing factors like insulin sensitivity,…
- Young Men Are Checking Out: The $2.3 Trillion Crisis Nobody's Talking About
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells discussing a $2.3 trillion economic crisis. The crisis is linked to young men disengaging from education and the workforce, impacting the economy and society.
- Corrupt Cop: I Had Sex With Girls In My Police Car, Then Sold Drugs I Stole
This episode of First Principles features a confession from a former police officer regarding sexual misconduct, drug theft, and drug sales. It explores how unchecked power can lead to corruption and discusses institutional failure.
- Peter Attia: Muscle Loss After 50 Is A Death Sentence. Here's Why
This episode of First Principles features Peter Attia discussing the importance of muscle mass after age 50. The discussion focuses on how muscle loss impacts aging, independence, and mortality risk, along with strategies for muscle preser…
- Why Your Arms Are Sabotaging Every First Impression You Make
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells discussing how body language, specifically arm movements, can affect first impressions. The discussion covers nonverbal communication and its role in social interactions.
- No.1 Nitric Oxide Expert: The Anti-Aging Molecule Your Doctor Won't Tell You About
This episode of First Principles features Adrian Wells discussing nitric oxide with a leading researcher. The conversation covers how nitric oxide contributes to anti-aging, its decline with age, and practical steps to increase its levels.
- Mo Gawdat: AI Will Create Hell Before Heaven (Google X Insider Reveals All)
In this episode of the First Principles podcast, former Google X executive Mo Gawdat shares his prediction of a 15-year period of AI-driven chaos preceding a time he refers to as "heaven on earth." He discusses his experiences at Google X…
- The Psychological Trick That Turns $0 Into $100K (Financial Experts Hate This)
Adrian Wells explains a four-step psychological framework for building wealth, suggesting that making the first $100,000 is not complicated. The discussion covers strategies for becoming a millionaire, including compound interest, setting…