Modern Wisdom Episode #901: Tom Segura - Why Does The Modern World Make No Sense?

Release Date: February 10, 2025

Hosts: Chris Williamson (A) and Tom Segura (B)

Introduction

In episode #901 of Modern Wisdom, host Chris Williamson engages in a candid and insightful conversation with comedian and podcast host Tom Segura. The discussion traverses a multitude of topics, from health and fitness transformations to societal shifts and personal growth, providing listeners with a deep dive into the complexities of navigating the modern world.

Health and Fitness Transformation

Addressing Continuous Self-Improvement

Tom Segura opens up about his decade-long journey toward better health and fitness. Reflecting on photos from ten years ago where he was noticeably larger, Tom explains that maintaining health is an ongoing process rather than a one-time fix.

Tom Segura [00:06]: "You just, you know, it's an always happening thing... it's something that you are just thinking about, I think, all the time."

The Allure and Limits of the "Gross Sack" Lifestyle

Tom reminisces about his former lifestyle characterized by smoking, late nights, and minimal self-care. While he acknowledges the perceived freedom in such a lifestyle, he emphasizes its unsustainable nature and the inevitable decline in physical and psychological well-being.

Tom Segura [01:50]: "When you're really in it, there's a kind of a freedom to being like, I'm a gross sack of... but I do think it has an expiration date."

Building Genuine Habits Over Quick Fixes

Discussing the pitfalls of relying solely on supplements like GLP-1 drugs (e.g., Ozempic) for weight loss, Tom warns about the loss of lean muscle mass and advocates for traditional methods involving proper nutrition and consistent training for sustainable results.

Tom Segura [08:18]: "People lose muscle mass and they're losing at a much higher rate than they think they are."

The Unteachability of Certain Life Lessons

Experiential Learning vs. Theoretical Advice

Both hosts agree that some life lessons cannot be fully grasped through books or external advice alone. Experiencing challenges firsthand leads to deeper understanding and personal growth.

Chris Williamson [03:26]: "The lesson is not gonna... It's not gonna affect you the way that actually experiencing it will."

The Limitations of Standard Advice

Tom expresses his reluctance to offer conventional advice to aspiring comedians or individuals striving for self-improvement, emphasizing the importance of personal experimentation and finding one's unique path.

Tom Segura [03:14]: "The way to do it is to do things you think you're supposed to do, and then you figure out how to actually do whether or not you're supposed to do them."

Societal Shifts: Body Positivity and Acceptance Movements

Critique of the Fat Acceptance Movement

Tom voices his frustration with the body positivity movement, particularly how it has sometimes led to contradictory messages about health and self-improvement. He argues that while acceptance is important, it should not negate the value of striving for better health.

Tom Segura [16:31]: "I hate the fat acceptance. The moment that you had an easy route out of being overweight, body positivity went out of the window."

Impact of Celebrities and Public Figures

The conversation touches on how public figures using medical interventions for weight loss are perceived. Tom points out the skepticism surrounding natural versus assisted weight loss, highlighting society's bias towards hard work over perceived shortcuts.

Tom Segura [22:25]: "You have to work at it. Whether you're going for the juice head that wants to be like super jacked or the person who's just trying to lose weight."

The Influence of Social Media Algorithms on Mental Health

Algorithmic Nudging and Preference Shaping

Chris introduces concepts from Stuart Russell about how algorithms not only predict user preferences but also nudge them towards more predictable behaviors. This dual influence can shape user preferences over time, often exacerbating mental health issues.

Chris Williamson [27:03]: "Algorithms nudge people's preferences so that they become easier to predict."

Strategies to Mitigate Negative Impacts

Both hosts discuss practical approaches to managing social media consumption, such as using "not interested" features and considering full algorithm resets to regain control over personal content consumption.

Tom Segura [28:35]: "I've actually utilized the thing a lot on Instagram. The not interested... hopefully just to get like something new."

Decline of Nightlife and Changing Youth Culture

Reduction in Alcohol Consumption Among Gen Z

Statistics reveal a significant decline in alcohol use among Gen Z, with more individuals opting for alternatives like marijuana and microdosing. This shift is attributed to greater awareness of health impacts and the availability of diverse recreational options.

Tom Segura [35:12]: "There's a lot more options... it's widely accepted today than it was 20 years ago."

Impact on Nightlife Industry

The hosts discuss the dwindling number of nightclubs, attributing it to the rise of smartphone use and the shift away from traditional partying culture. The permanence of online records makes nightlife behaviors far more visible and less forgiving.

Chris Williamson [37:07]: "Smartphones... now, that mess up the perception when you do something."

Rising Rates of Sexlessness Among Young Adults

Increasing Loneliness and Its Consequences

Tom highlights alarming statistics showing a rise in sexlessness among adults aged 22 to 34, linking it to broader issues of loneliness and social isolation. The conversation delves into how societal changes and cultural narratives contribute to this trend.

Tom Segura [40:03]: "There's a real, real pervasive issue of loneliness..."

Relationship Dynamics and Fear of Interaction

The discussion explores how contemporary social narratives, such as those stemming from the #MeToo movement, have instilled fear and hesitation in young men regarding interactions with women, further exacerbating loneliness and sexlessness.

Tom Segura [44:35]: "How can you have the strictest gun laws, but like, if you want a gun and you're like, I'm getting one..."

Communication and Self-Advocacy

Challenges in Expressing Needs

Both Chris and Tom emphasize the difficulty individuals face in advocating for themselves, especially when surrounded by internal self-criticism and societal pressures. They stress the importance of developing assertive communication skills to foster healthier relationships and personal well-being.

Chris Williamson [61:07]: "You go, well, you didn't fucking tell me."

Breaking the Cycle of Self-Loathing

The hosts discuss strategies to overcome negative self-talk, advocating for proactive actions over internal suffering as a means to achieve personal goals and improve mental health.

Tom Segura [68:19]: "Doing something is the way to getting where you want to go."

The Psychology of True Crime Fascination

Understanding Criminal Behavior

Tom expresses his fascination with true crime, delving into the psychological motivations behind criminal actions. He draws parallels between violent criminals and malignant narcissists, pondering the environmental and genetic factors that drive individuals to commit heinous acts.

Tom Segura [112:26]: "I'm fascinated by the fact that somebody does that... how somebody becomes that."

Empathy and Cognitive Dissonance

The conversation touches on the cognitive dissonance experienced when witnessing the cold, calculated behavior of criminals, juxtaposed with societal expectations of emotional responses, further deepening the intrigue surrounding true crime narratives.

Tom Segura [117:05]: "You have to have this weird power balance."

Cultivated Stupidity vs. Overthinking

Embracing Simplicity for Success

Chris and Tom explore the concept of "cultivated stupidity," advocating for simplicity and focused action over overcomplicating personal and professional pursuits. They argue that excessive self-analysis can hinder progress and lead to inaction.

Tom Segura [89:14]: "Like, solid flat line. The only thing you can be is the guy on the left."

The Midwit Meme and Intelligence Perception

The hosts discuss the "midwit meme," highlighting how individuals in the middle of the intelligence spectrum often complicate solutions, presenting themselves as smarter yet achieving less. They contrast this with highly competent individuals who, despite their skills, are perceived as cold or detached.

Tom Segura [83:47]: "Some people just don't know they're the guy on the left."

Personal Anecdotes and Reflections

Overcoming Personal Struggles

Tom shares personal stories about friends battling severe health issues and the complexities of supporting loved ones who resist self-improvement despite clear signs of need. These anecdotes underscore the challenges of fostering change in oneself and others.

Tom Segura [74:35]: "He just does it because he like, how you're wired."

Balancing Autonomy and Connection

In a deep dive into human psychology, Chris and Tom discuss the balance between autonomy and connection, referencing theories that suggest competence can sometimes be perceived as coldness, complicating interpersonal relationships and societal interactions.

Tom Segura [100:25]: "Competent people are seen as colder regardless of how friendly they are."

Conclusion

Episode #901 of Modern Wisdom with Tom Segura offers a rich exploration of personal growth, societal changes, and the intricate dance between self-improvement and mental well-being. Through candid conversations and personal anecdotes, Tom and Chris provide listeners with thoughtful insights into making sense of the often perplexing modern world.

Notable Quotes:

• Tom Segura [00:06]: "You just, you know, it's an always happening thing... it's something that you are just thinking about, I think, all the time."

• Tom Segura [08:18]: "People lose muscle mass and they're losing at a much higher rate than they think they are."

• Tom Segura [03:14]: "The way to do it is to do things you think you're supposed to do, and then you figure out how to actually do whether or not you're supposed to do them."

• Tom Segura [16:31]: "I hate the fat acceptance. The moment that you had an easy route out of being overweight, body positivity went out of the window."

• Tom Segura [40:03]: "There's a real, real pervasive issue of loneliness..."

• Tom Segura [68:19]: "Doing something is the way to getting where you want to go."

For a more comprehensive understanding, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.