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Not Overthinking

Not Overthinking

Ali & Taimur Abdaal 159 Episodes Nov 17, 2025

Not Overthinking is a weekly podcast hosted by Ali and Taimur Abdaal, exploring topics related to happiness, creativity, and the human condition. The brothers engage in thoughtful discussions about social interaction, lifestyle design, and mental models, aiming to help listeners think and do better. Occasionally joined by guests, they strive to make each episode a fun and interesting conversation.

Episodes

Life Updates and Personal Milestones Nov 17, 2025 3139 In this episode we catch up on life with a few big updates about the kids and what we’re learning as parents. We chat about the projects we’re working on at the moment, how we think about entrepreneurship, and why meeting people in the tech world still matters. We also explore some ideas around education, including homeschooling, and share a few thoughts from a book on the history of marr
Taimur Discovers the Value of History Mar 5, 2025 3075 This week, we dive into the world of history, why it matters, how it shapes our understanding of society, and why ignoring it can be a mistake. Taimur shares how he went from not caring much about history to realising its importance in making sense of the world. We chat about historical consciousness, the limits of a purely tech-focused mindset, and why context is everything. Hope you enj
Dad Life + Healthy Habits Feb 21, 2025 2807 This week, we’re talking about the early stages of parenthood and all the chaos that comes with it. Taimur shares what it’s really like dealing with sleep deprivation, and we chat about why daily walks help keep you sane. We also get into the idea of liminal spaces – those in-between phases of life where things feel uncertain – and why they’re not necessarily a bad thing. Plus, some thoug
Exploring the Meaning of Work Jan 16, 2025 3743 In this episode of Not Overthinking, Ali and Taimur sit down with Derek Sivers to explore the journey of entrepreneurship, the concept of 'enough', and the role of money in happiness. Together, they discuss true financial freedom, future aspirations, and finding purpose in work. Derek reflects on his experience after selling CD Baby, navigating feelings of loss, setting new goals, and emb
The Motivation to Grind Dec 24, 2024 4168 In this episode of Not Overthinking, Ali and Taimur dive into motivation, ambition, and the search for meaning in work and life. They chat about balancing personal fulfilment with financial success, the cyclical nature of ambition, and the challenges of staying motivated after reaching big goals. Along the way, they explore how community, values, and a clear vision can shape a meaningful
Ali’s having a baby + Taimur sells his company Dec 11, 2024 3723 In this episode of Not Overthinking, we discuss our morning routines, the excitement surrounding new book releases, and significant life updates, including Ali's upcoming fatherhood. We delve into the emotional aspects of parenthood, contrasting experiences, and share insights on Taimur's recent acquisition of his startup, Causal, exploring the implications for their work and future plans
Exclusive: Taimur Becomes a Father Oct 22, 2024 4546 In this episode of Not Overthinking, Taimur shares his recent experience of becoming a father, discussing the challenges and joys of the early days of parenting. He reflects on his role as a husband during this time, the adjustments he has made to his daily routine, and the emotional bond he is forming with his newborn daughter. The conversation also touches on societal perceptions of par
Lost in Ideology with Prof. Jason Blakely - Not Overthinking 🎙️ Oct 4, 2024 6176 In this episode of "Not Overthinking," Taimur and Professor Jason Blakely dive into what ideology means and why it’s a big part of modern life. They talk about the limits of data in politics and how the stories we believe shape our views. They also discuss the challenges of staying objective and how ideologies like liberalism and conservatism shape our thinking.(00:00) Introduction to Ide
Productivity Guilt and Hustle Culture - Not Overthinking Sep 26, 2024 3119 In this episode of "Not Overthinking," together with Mags, we explore the complexities of work-life balance, the pressures of productivity, and the cultural narratives surrounding success. We discuss the concept of being 'locked in' to work, the impact of societal expectations on personal goals, and the importance of finding fulfilment beyond traditional measures of success. The dialogue
Marriage, Burning Man and Life Updates Sep 10, 2024 3623 In this episode of "Not Overthinking," we cover a range of recent experiences and future plans. Ali talks about his recent marriage, honeymoon in Costa Rica, and his time at Burning Man, where he learned the value of living in the present and taking hobbies seriously. We also discuss Ali's move to Hong Kong, his plans to join local clubs, and our thoughts on aging. Our conversation touche
Slop for the Algorithm - a Walking Podcast Aug 7, 2024 3660 In this episode, Taim and I discuss health updates, workout plans, protein tracking, the impact of my book, creating original content, and the challenges of tailoring content to algorithms. We also talk about the changing creator economy, over-saturation of podcast formats, increasing competition, finding a niche, and the launch of VoicePal, my ghostwriting software. Finally, we touch on
The Correct Way to be Human Jul 26, 2024 5202 In this episode, we explore the insights from a DEXA scan, the benefits of walking, and the development of VoicePal software. Ali talks about tweaking his exercise routine and diet, while Taimur shares his evolving views on politics and the importance of staying informed. We also touch on the joy of keeping a fish tank and the significance of engaging with the world beyond our immediate c

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