February 10, 2025 • 2hr 12min
#901 - Tom Segura - Why Does The Modern World Make No Sense?
Modern Wisdom
Key Takeaways
- Health and fitness transformation requires consistency and proper nutrition, not just relying on medications like Ozempic
- Cultivated stupidity - sometimes overthinking holds us back and we need to embrace simplicity
- True competence is often perceived as cold or threatening by others
- Gen Z trends show declining alcohol use but increased cannabis consumption
- Social media algorithms shape our preferences and worldview in profound ways
- True crime fascination stems from trying to understand how similar humans can act so differently
Introduction
Tom Segura, comedian and podcaster, joins Chris Williamson to discuss a wide range of topics including health and fitness, social trends among younger generations, the psychology of competence and success, and his fascination with true crime. The conversation explores how people navigate personal growth while dealing with self-doubt and overthinking.
Topics Discussed
Health and Fitness Journey (0:00)
Tom discusses his personal transformation and approach to health:
- Consistency is key - maintaining good habits is easier than trying to get back in shape after letting yourself go
- Proper nutrition was crucial - working with a nutritionist helped him realize he wasn't eating enough protein
- "I was probably having like 40 grams of protein a day, not even thinking about it, versus every day trying to get in 250"
- The importance of making sustainable lifestyle changes rather than looking for quick fixes
Ozempic and Weight Loss Culture (7:54)
Discussion of the growing trend of using GLP-1 drugs for weight loss:
- 37% of Gen Z plan to skip the gym and use Ozempic instead
- Concerns about muscle loss - up to 66% of weight lost can be lean mass
- The "body positivity" movement's hypocrisy when faced with an easy weight loss solution
- "People don't want to hear it and I actually don't... The older you get, the more you realize that it makes sense that you need to experience it"
Social Media and Algorithm Reset (24:35)
Instagram's new feature allowing users to reset their algorithm:
- The power of algorithmic recommendations in shaping our worldview
- How shared content can "infect" others' algorithms
- The challenge of breaking free from established viewing patterns
- Algorithms can both predict and shape preferences over time
Generational Changes in Social Behavior (33:23)
Discussion of changing trends among younger generations:
- More daily cannabis users than alcohol users in the US now
- Declining nightclub attendance partly due to social media documentation
- Increasing rates of sexlessness among young adults
- "If you mess up and s**t yourself in the middle of a nightclub in 2002, it's a story that you can deny the next day... if that happens in 2025, that's now concretized on the Internet"
The Psychology of Competence (1:23:18)
Analysis of how competence is perceived:
- The "Midwit meme" concept - simplicity versus overcomplexity
- How competent people are often perceived as cold or threatening
- The value of "cultivated stupidity" in certain situations
- People who are more competent are seen as colder regardless of how friendly they are
True Crime Fascination (1:52:26)
Tom's long-standing interest in true crime:
- The psychology behind criminal behavior
- How similar circumstances can lead to vastly different outcomes
- The role of environment and genetics in shaping behavior
- "I don't understand how somebody is not fascinated by how other human beings can act"
Guilt and Human Behavior (2:09:05)
Discussion of guilt as a psychological mechanism:
- Guilt levels correlate with perceived likelihood of being caught
- How this affects behavior in different situations
- The difference between rage-driven versus calculated criminal behavior
- How people react differently to emotional versus cold calculated actions
Conclusion
The conversation between Chris and Tom explores deep insights into human psychology, personal growth, and societal changes. Key themes include the importance of taking action over overthinking, the complex relationship between competence and social perception, and how technology is reshaping human behavior. The discussion highlights how understanding these dynamics can help us navigate personal and professional challenges more effectively.