5 Bullet Archive

Everything Tim Ferriss has recommended in 5-Bullet Friday — 2,095 books, articles, quotes, films, products and more, gathered from 480 issues since 2015. Browse by category, sort by what the community values or how often Tim has returned to it, and spend your 25 votes on what matters most to you. Each item's note is quoted from Tim's own words in the newsletter.

Most votedMost mentionedFirst mentionedRecently mentioned
🎲 Shuffle 5
0

Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder

Products & GadgetsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · amazon.com

Fellow Gen 2 Ode Brew Grinder. The Gen 2 Ode makes me think of the legendary Dieter Rams and his “10 principles for good design.” It’s one of the few devices that I absolutely love using every morning. The elegance—in aesthetics, function, and space efficiency—really tickles my OCD. All that said, please be forewarned that this beauty is very expensive. If you’re looking for a more economical option that still does the job, I also have this burr grinder in Austin. If you want a portable hand grinder, you might try this. All of these devices combine well with today’s P.S.— Tim Ferriss
0

Meet the Psychedelic Boom’s First Responders

ArticlesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Chris Colin · wired.com

“Meet the Psychedelic Boom’s First Responders” by Chris Colin for WIRED. This is one of the best articles related to psychedelics that I’ve read in a long time. It reinforces a very important, and often misunderstood, point. As mentioned in the piece: “Difficult is not necessarily bad.” Most classical psychedelics could be considered anti-escapist; if you want to avoid your problems, your addictions, your past trauma, the things you’re ashamed of, and so on, these are the wrong drugs. It should be no surprise that when these things are put into inescapable high resolution for anyone, it can be— Tim Ferriss
0

Sadie Farrell

PeopleTim featured this 1× · 2023 · en.wikipedia.org

Sadie Farrell, better known as “Sadie the Goat.” They just don’t make female NYC river pirates like they used to. Here’s a teaser from Wikipedia: “Upon encountering a lone traveler, she would headbutt, like a charging goat, a man in the stomach.” Her entry is short and definitely worth the read. Don’t gloss over the ear part. Thanks to N. for intro’ing me to this incredible character.— Tim Ferriss
0

The Filmmaker Says: Quotes, Quips, and Words of Wisdom

BooksTim featured this 1× · 2023 · amazon.com

The Filmmaker Says: Quotes, Quips, and Words of Wisdom. Short and sweet. I dog-eared a lot of pages in this book, which then inspired lovely twists and turns in my experiments with fiction and artwork. Here’s a short process video on the latter for those interested.— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“HAPPINESS. — A butterfly, which when pursued, seems always just beyond your grasp; but if you sit down quietly, may alight upon you.” — L. in The Daily Crescent (June, 1848)
0

Barr Hill Gin

Products & GadgetsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · barrhill.com

Barr Hill Gin. From the description: “Barr Hill Gin is distilled once in our custom-built, botanical extraction still with hand-crushed, organic juniper and then finished with raw honey from our region. The raw honey contributes botanical depth from the countless wildflowers foraged by the bees. How do we extract such complexity from simple raw materials? Our secrets are kept in the hive.”— Tim Ferriss
0

Blood from the shoulder of Pallas

ArticlesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · reddit.com

“Blood from the shoulder of Pallas.” For those who don’t recognize The Watchmen, it is considered the Citizen Kane of graphic novels. This excerpt is, I think, a beautiful reminder of how the mystical and measurable can intermingle.— Tim Ferriss
0

▶Mindjer dôce mel

MusicTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Eneida Marta · open.spotify.com

“Mindjer dôce mel” (Spotify, YouTube) by Eneida Marta (@eneida_marta).— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“I had broken myself of the habit of thinking in short song cycles and began reading longer and longer poems to see if I could remember anything I read about in the beginning. I trained my mind to do this, had cast off gloomy habits and learned to settle myself down. … I began cramming my brain with all kinds of deep poems. It seemed like I’d been pulling an empty wagon for a long time and now I was beginning to fill it up and would have to pull harder. I felt like I was coming out of the back pasture. I was changing in other ways, too. Things that used to affect me, didn’t affect me anymore.
0

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative

BooksTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Austin Kleon · amazon.com

Steal Like an Artist: 10 Things Nobody Told You About Being Creative by Austin Kleon (@austinkleon). This fast read is for anyone who’d like to be more creative. >From the description: “An inspiring guide to creativity in the digital age, Steal Like an Artist presents ten transformative principles that will help readers discover their artistic side and build a more creative life.”— Tim Ferriss
0

Global sperm counts are falling. This scientist believes she knows why

ArticlesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Sarah Neville · ft.com

“Global sperm counts are falling. This scientist believes she knows why” by Sarah Neville for the Financial Times. From the article: “The mystery is this. Since the late 1930s, sperm counts around the world appear to have dropped significantly. While the decline was initially observed in Western countries, there is evidence of the same phenomenon in the developing world, and it seems to be accelerating. Swan, a Berkeley-trained statistician-turned-epidemiologist, believes she knows why.” If you have issues reading with the above link, try this.— Tim Ferriss
0

Kings of Kings

PodcastsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · dancarlin.com

“Kings of Kings” (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast) on Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History podcast. I’m often asked what my favorite podcast is, and Hardcore History is always the answer. Just be aware that these are long-form masterpieces and not quick-fix sound bites. That’s what makes them so special. If you’d like to learn more about the amazing Dan Carlin and how he became arguably the most famous “I’m not a historian” storyteller of history, my vintage interview with him can be found here.— Tim Ferriss
0

▶still feel.

MusicTim featured this 1× · 2023 · youtube.com

“still feel.” (Spotify, YouTube) by half•alive (@halfaliveco). This is one hell of a feel-good track, and if you need an extra booster shot of smiles, watch their video. Special thanks to Queen BS for this gem!— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“I have learned that what I have not drawn I have never really seen, and that when I start drawing an ordinary thing, I realize how extraordinary it is, sheer miracle.” — Frederick Franck, The Zen of Seeing
0

Airalo

Apps & SoftwareTim featured this 1× · 2023 · airalo.com

Airalo. What to do for cellular data when traveling overseas? For a while, my answer was the app GigSky, but on a recent trip abroad, I had all sorts of problems, so I posted a plea for help on social media. Special thanks to Noah Kagan (@noahkagan) and everyone else who responded to my query in this Twitter thread. Airalo was extremely easy to use and did the trick. To avoid expensive roaming bills when traveling abroad and using data, you can install the Airalo app (iOS, Android) and buy a local eSIM. In minutes, you will have data at an affordable price. The app might be easiest, but I pers— Tim Ferriss
0

Hugh Howey: Winning at the Self-Publishing Game

PodcastsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Shane Parrish · fs.blog

“Hugh Howey: Winning at the Self-Publishing Game” on The Knowledge Project podcast by Shane Parrish of Farnam Street fame. I really enjoyed this episode, especially the last 20–25 minutes, which get into publishing deals, contracts, and specific deal points. From the description: “In this fascinating discussion, Hugh and I talk about the ancient art of wayfinding, why traveling is such a powerful way to connect to other people, and how it has impacted his worldview. Hugh then gives a masterclass in writing and publishing your own book. We talk about his writing routine, dealing with insecuriti— Tim Ferriss
0

The Pez Outlaw

DocumentariesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · amazon.com

The Pez Outlaw. This hilarious adventure is like a surreal blend of King of Kong, Man on Wire, and Best in Show. From the description: “In the 1990s, Pez dispensers were worth more, gram for gram, than cocaine or even gold. Steve Glew, from rural Michigan, spent 10 years smuggling Pez dispensers into the USA from Eastern Europe, making millions of dollars. It was all magical until... it wasn’t. His arch-nemesis, the Pezident, decided to destroy him.”— Tim Ferriss
0

How My Father and I Drew a New Life

ArticlesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Brian Frazer · nytimes.com

“How My Father and I Drew a New Life” by Brian Frazer for The New York Times. This is a truly remarkable essay with lessons for all readers. Short and easy.— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“The purpose of art is not the release of a momentary ejection of adrenalin but is, rather, the gradual, lifelong construction of a state of wonder and serenity.” — Glenn Gould
0

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain

BooksTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Betty Edwards · amazon.com

Drawing on the Right Side of the Brain by Betty Edwards. This isn’t just for “artists.” This book is for anyone who’d like to be more creative and see the world with fresh eyes. Try the upside-down drawing exercise once, and it might just blow your mind. As Betty puts it in the Introduction: “Many of my readers have intuitively understood that this book is not only about learning to draw, and it is certainly not about Art with a capital A. The true subject is perception. Yes, the lessons have helped many people attain the basic ability to draw, and that is a main purpose of the book. But the l— Tim Ferriss
0

The Mandibles: A Family, 2029–2047

MusicTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Lionel Shriver · amazon.com

The Mandibles: A Family, 2029–2047 by Lionel Shriver (best known for We Need to Talk About Kevin) and narrated by George Newbern. From the description: “With dry wit and psychological acuity, this near-future novel explores the aftershocks of an economically devastating US sovereign debt default on four generations of a once-prosperous American family. Down-to-earth and perfectly realistic in scale, this is not an over-the-top Blade Runner tale. It is not science fiction.” Before committing too hard to a near-term dystopian future, however, it’s a good idea to read the predictions in Market Wi— Tim Ferriss
0

▶Michelle Khare — Challenge Accepted

Misc VideosTim featured this 1× · 2023 · youtube.com

Michelle Khare — Challenge Accepted. It’s great to see someone finally make this premise work! Michelle puts the work in, and it makes a big difference. The production value is excellent. Here are two recent eps to give you a taste: I Tried Butler Academy and I Trained Like An Olympic Boxer. Sinix Design. Sinix has been saving my sanity, and keeping me focused, for the last few weeks of art practice. The video I’ve rewatched the most is How to Learn Digital Painting (Beginners). It’s not about lines, Ferriss! Shapes! Shapes! Shapes!— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“Don’t worry about people stealing your ideas. If your ideas are any good, you’ll have to ram them down people’s throats.” — Howard Aiken
0

▶Bora Passear

MusicTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Curumin · youtube.com

“Bora Passear” (YouTube, Apple Music, Spotify) by Curumin (@curumineosaipins).— Tim Ferriss
0

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners

FilmsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · netflix.com

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, created by Rafał Jaki (@GwentBro) and Mike Pondsmith, Cyberpunk ) universe creator. Thanks to Dr. Snapping Turtle for recommending this one. And to cover my ass upfront, a warning: this series is *very* intense. To be clear, Cyberpunk: Edgerunners isn’t all blood and guts. There’s some great character development and lots of well-designed plot twists, but… you gotta be able to handle extreme violence. What qualifies as extreme? Here’s the NSFW trailer, and you can judge for yourself. With my renewed interest in making art, it’s been fun to review Japanese while also stu— Tim Ferriss
0

Callipygian, “having well-shaped buttocks.” From Ancient Greek: κάλλος

MiscTim featured this 1× · 2023 · en.wiktionary.org

Callipygian, “having well-shaped buttocks.” From Ancient Greek: κάλλος (kállos, “beauty”) + πυγή (pugḗ, “buttocks”). To easily remember it, think of this word: calligraphy, “the art of beautiful writing, elegant penmanship,” 1610s, from Latinized form of Greek kaligraphia, from kállos “beauty” + graphein “to write.”— Tim Ferriss
0

Making: Jordan Peele

PodcastsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · wbez.org

“Making: Jordan Peele” (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast) on the Making podcast. How are polymaths made? Who was Jordan Peele before Key & Peele? This podcast is a hilarious ride that touches on both. Here’s the episode’s description: “Jordan Peele (@JordanPeele) is responsible for modern classics in the horror genre, including the films Us, Nope, and the Oscar-winning Get Out. Before all that, he was a self-described nerd. He majored in puppetry in college before dropping out with his friend Rebecca Drysdale to pursue a career in comedy. Hear from Drysdale, Peele’s early collaborator Brendan— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“Be regular and orderly in your life so that you may be violent and original in your work.” — Gustave Flaubert
0

Sea Salt Espresso Bites

Products & GadgetsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · bigislandcoffeeroasters.com

Sea Salt Espresso Bites. A delicious one-liner from the website: “A little salty, a little sweet, and decadently wild, this espresso bite is made with 100% Maui coffee and sprinkled with mineral-rich sea salt from Molokai.” Thanks to Jake Muise for bringing these goodies to Austin! Outside of cheat day, a single square right before podcast recording also gives me just the right cognitive boost without any jitters.— Tim Ferriss
0

Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death

BooksTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Yoel Hoffmann · amazon.com

Japanese Death Poems: Written by Zen Monks and Haiku Poets on the Verge of Death, compiled by Yoel Hoffmann. This was gifted to me by a dear friend and ultra-high performer. He and I both feel that getting more comfortable with death is a critical part of living fully. From the description: “Although the consciousness of death is, in most cultures, very much a part of life, this is perhaps nowhere more true than in Japan, where the approach of death has given rise to a centuries-old tradition of writing jisei, or the ‘death poem.’ Such a poem is often written in the very last moments of the po— Tim Ferriss
0

Why is consciousness something worth talking about?

PodcastsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · philosophizethis.org

“Why is consciousness something worth talking about?” (Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube) on the Philosophize This! podcast. “Consciousness” might seem esoteric, but this podcast does a great job of giving real-world examples of how assumptions about consciousness—even subconscious assumptions—strongly influence how we live our lives. I really enjoyed this one, and there’s a lot that will surprise you. From the description: “Today we talk about consciousness. The hard problem. Why it’s hard. The philosophical zombie thought experiment. What it’s like to be a bat. Blindsight. Hierarchies of cons— Tim Ferriss
0

Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical

PodcastsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Elvis · personalitymusical.com

Personality: The Lloyd Price Musical (@personalitymusical), written by podcast guest B. Jeffrey Madoff (@jeff_madoff), who became friends with Lloyd before his passing. I’m headed to Chicago to see this. Jeff introduced me to Lloyd Price in our 2021 conversation, and I ended up being both shocked (how could I not know this name?) and fascinated. First and foremost, it’s the story of an underdog overcoming unbelievable odds. Lloyd went from digging septic tanks in Louisiana in 1951 to becoming the first teenager ever to sell more than a million records in 1952. Lloyd’s influence ended up going — Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“I’m trying to find these rare moments where you feel completely illuminated. Facts never illuminate you. The phone directory of Manhattan doesn’t illuminate you, although it has factually correct entries, millions of them. But these rare moments of illumination that you find when you read a great poem, you instantly know. You instantly feel this spark of illumination. You are almost stepping outside of yourself, and you see something sublime.” — Werner Herzog
0

▶The drawing advice that changed my life

Misc VideosTim featured this 1× · 2023 · youtube.com

“The drawing advice that changed my life.” This video has great advice for anyone looking to expand their creativity. It also has pithy and powerful principles (alliteration!) for anyone looking to procrastinate less.— Tim Ferriss
0

Paperlike iPad Screen Protector

Products & GadgetsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · paperlike.com

Paperlike iPad Screen Protector. This makes using a stylus (e.g., Apple Pencil) on your iPad more like writing on paper. It provides more control and helps to prevent oversliding. I’m using Paperlike principally for learning to draw in Procreate, based on advice on YouTube from the incredible Sinix. Please note that you should watch this how-to video to install Paperlike correctly, and be SURE to use the credit card instead of your fingers.— Tim Ferriss
0

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza

Products & GadgetsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · amazon.com

Taco Cat Goat Cheese Pizza. You can learn how to play in less than a minute. The game is fast, fun, addictive, hilarious, and suitable for all ages. It scrambles brains to the delight of all. Hat tip to game Jedi Elan Lee (@elanlee) for introducing me to this gem!— Tim Ferriss
0

Something Is Killing the Children

BooksTim featured this 1× · 2023 · boom-studios.com

Something Is Killing the Children, created by writer James Tynion IV and artist Werther Dell’Edera. Colorist Miquel Muerto and letterer AndWorld Design also make the pages sing. Something Is Killing the Children was recommended to me by the incredibly talented Daniel Henriques (Thank you, Daniel!), whose work is definitely worth checking out. I highly suggest getting at least the first three volumes of this series, which only take a few hours to finish. That’s enough to build momentum, to enjoy key pieces of the story arc, and to leave you wanting more. This entire book is very elegant, IMHO. — Tim Ferriss
0

Annas Ginger Thins

Products & GadgetsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · amazon.com

Annas Ginger Thins. Be forewarned that you may eat an entire box in one sitting. Description: “Annas Ginger is the classic Swedish ginger thin that has spread happiness for generations. It’s the perfect choice for parties and traditional festivities or as an enjoyable treat anytime.” Goes very well with… ahem… coffee and a splash of cream.— Tim Ferriss
0

FTZ Coffee Blend

PodcastsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Four-Arrows Press · cockpunchcoffee.com

FTZ Coffee Blend by Four-Arrows Press. This is the first coffee I’ve ever produced myself! I now drink it every morning. I enlisted the help of world-class experts and tested dozens of variations over many months. After dialing in the sourcing, roasting, and more, this is the combo that finally made me say, “This is the one!” This first run of coffee is limited to 555 bags, and 100% of my proceeds go to the nonprofit Amazon Conservation Team. Check out our strange website. If a few terms are confusing (Varlata? Dalomai?), the answers can be found in my fantasy fiction podcast series. Very spec— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“If you can’t read and write, you can’t think. Your thoughts are dispersed if you don’t know how to read and write. You’ve got to be able to look at your thoughts on paper and discover what a fool you were.” — Ray Bradbury
0

Jura ENA 4

Products & GadgetsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · shopjura.com

Jura ENA 4 (Cost: $999). This was gifted to me by my friend Brad L. He is a die-hard coffee nerd and swore it was the best cup of coffee you could have without a professional barista. Just feed it whole beans, and it handles the rest. This attractive machine also imbues the coffee with a creamy texture that is hard to describe. AeroPress Original (Cost: The 4-Hour Chef: “This is now, bar none, my favorite brewing method. Remember the Aerobie, the amazing UFO-like disc that you could throw farther than a football field, 20 times farther than a standard Frisbee? Alan Adler, a mechanical engineer— Tim Ferriss
0

Tokyo Ghost

FilmsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Rick Remender · imagecomics.com

Tokyo Ghost, written by Rick Remender, drawn by Sean Murphy, and colored by Matt Hollingsworth. Lazarus #1, written by Greg Rucka, drawn by Michael Lark, and colored by Santi Arcas. Reckless, written by Ed Brubaker, illustrated by Sean Phillips, and colored by Jacob Phillips. I posted the covers on Instagram for those who’d like to take a gander.— Tim Ferriss
0

Finally started playing with Procreate

Apps & SoftwareTim featured this 1× · 2023 · instagram.com

Finally started playing with Procreate. This is my first attempt at a quick, original piece. My old friend Bacchus was kind enough to pose. I still have a LOT to learn, and I’m awkward with the tools, but it makes me really happy to start sketching again. Anyone have any favorite video tutorials for Procreate out there? If so, please do let me know in the comments here.— Tim Ferriss
0

Life After Death: the living coffin

ArticlesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · musingsmag.com

“Life After Death: the living coffin.” The idea of my corpse being sealed inside a coffin never sat well with me. I much preferred the idea of being cremated or, better still, being quickly and easily absorbed by the earth, feeding the soil and ecosystems that fed me during my lifetime. This is a possible step in that direction.— Tim Ferriss
0

Want an incredible rotating view of the QL or any other muscle you can imagine?

Apps & SoftwareTim featured this 1× · 2023 · apps.apple.com

Want an incredible rotating view of the QL or any other muscle you can imagine? Check out the Essential Anatomy 5 app for iOS and Android (note: some reviewers report the app crashing on Android). Monster drummer Dave Elitch shared this with me, and I’ve been nerding out ever since. For a taste of its capabilities, check out this short YouTube tutorial.— Tim Ferriss
0

Acumobility Massage Ball

Products & GadgetsTim featured this 1× · 2023 · amazon.com

Acumobility Massage Ball. Yes, this model looks like a pink nipple. The basics: I’m lying on the ground on my back and placing the nub where I am sorest on my “QL” (quadratus lumborum). Starting with my right side, I would then bring my right knee towards my chest, followed by extending the same leg straight and back to resting position. Repeat this motion, almost like a single-leg high march from the back, for 10 repetitions. Then switch sides. This is all easiest to follow by watching this short video. Personally, I’m placing the nub just above the crest of my hip, but you’ll find your most — Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“The poet Rilke looked at a statue of Apollo about fifty years ago, and Apollo spoke to him. ‘You must change your life,’ he said. When true myth rises into consciousness, that is always its message. You must change your life.” — Ursula K. Le Guin
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“Don’t aim to be the best. Be the only.” This is one of Kevin Kelly’s favorite maxims, and it was one of my favorite segments from our recent in-person conversation. I’ll be rereading my heavily highlighted copy of his Excellent Advice for Living often. For an additional taste of Kevin’s wisdom, read his short and powerful essay “1,000 True Fans.”
0

▶Infinite Chocolate Bar Trick

Misc VideosTim featured this 1× · 2023 · youtube.com

Infinite Chocolate Bar Trick. Special thanks to Simon Coronel, world champion of magic, for making me aware of this.— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“Pessimism is an indulgence, orthodoxy is the enemy of invention, despair an insult to the imagination.” — Wade Davis
0

Why AI Won’t Cause Unemployment

ArticlesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Marc Andreessen · pmarca.substack.com

“Why AI Won’t Cause Unemployment” by Marc Andreessen (@pmarca). Even if you don’t read this, take a second to look at the primary graph.— Tim Ferriss
0

The Last Question

ArticlesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Isaac Asimov · users.ece.cmu.edu

“The Last Question” by Isaac Asimov. This 10–15-minute read is really spectacular. DO NOT read anything about this story before digging in, as even a small spoiler can ruin it. Special thanks to Adam Robinson (@IAmAdamRobinson) for sending it to me.— Tim Ferriss
0

QuotesTim featured this 1× · 2023

“Most men pursue pleasure with such breathless haste that they hurry past it.” — Søren Kierkegaard
0

The age of average

ArticlesTim featured this 1× · 2023 · Alex Murrell · alexmurrell.co.uk

“The age of average” by Alex Murrell (@alexjmurrell). Lest you throw up your hands too early, here is a key line near the end: “But it’s not all bad news. I believe that the age of average is the age of opportunity.” Thanks to Matt T. for sending this to me.— Tim Ferriss