What I learned from Captivate by Vanessa Van Edwards

In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we explore the hidden science behind first impressions, connection, and conversation—drawing from Vanessa Van Edwards’ powerful book Captivate. You'll learn why people make snap judgments in under 2 seconds, how your hands, posture, and eyes send powerful social cues, and the real key to being memorable (hint: it's not about you).

We’ll break down:

The “Triple Threat” of first impressions

The psychology of microexpressions and body language

Conversation openers that spark real connections

The exact gestures that increase trust and likability

What to watch for if you think someone’s lying

Whether you're walking into a job interview, meeting new friends, or just want to level up your presence, this 20-minute crash course gives you science-backed tools to connect more deeply and confidently—with anyone.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a simple set of techniques you can apply immediately to leave a stronger impression and build more meaningful relationships.

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My Key Takeaways from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant By Eric Jorgenson

In this episode of Uncommon Excellence, we dive headfirst into the wisdom of Naval Ravikant, unpacking 50 of his most powerful maxims that can transform the way you think about wealth, happiness, and life itself. Naval, the co-founder of AngelList and an early investor in companies like Uber and Twitter, has spent decades mastering the art of living wisely and working intelligently. His insights are a guide to building true wealth—not just money, but freedom.

This isn’t just theory—it’s a practical roadmap for anyone who wants to live a life of purpose, freedom, and excellence. Whether you’re a founder, a creator, or someone hungry to level up, these 50 maxims will challenge you to think bigger, act bolder, and design a life worth living.

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Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book

In this special AMA episode, I break down the single quote that reshaped how I approach life, work, and personal growth. This isn’t just a motivational line — it’s a mental operating system. I share where I found it, how it hit me at just the right time, and the specific ways I’ve applied it to make better decisions, stay focused, and raise my standards.

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Official Sponsors of Uncommon Excellence:

Readwise helps me retain the most powerful ideas from every book, article, and highlight—so I can apply them, not just admire them. If you’re serious about learning at the level of the greats, Readwise is non-negotiable. Start your free trial at Readwise

Join the Uncommon Excellence Notes for my notes for every podcast episode and my Top 10 Highlights of each book