Why is it so difficult to make choices our future self will thank us for? In this episode, Ethan sits down with engineer and educator Dr. Ricardo Valerdi to break down the principles of effective decision-making. Drawing from sports, tech, and aerospace,

Dr. Valerdi explains how recognizing cognitive biases, embracing failure, and defining clear metrics can help us escape mental ruts. Ethan shares lessons from his own weight-loss journey, highlighting the importance of personal ownership, shifting perspective, and assembling a trusted support team.

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SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - Introduction and Welcoming Dr. Ricardo Valerdi

01:18 - Present Self vs. Future Self in Decision-Making

04:02 - Decision Principles from Sports, Tech, and the Military

05:33 - Critical Thinking and Challenging Personal Biases

08:05 - Stoic Philosophy: Suffering in Imagination vs. Reality

13:26 - Spotting Blind Spots and the Need for Honest Feedback

16:38 - Taking Ownership of the Path Forward

20:00 - Playing the Hand You Are Dealt

22:00 - Lessons from SpaceX: Learning Fast from Failure

26:30 - Incremental Habits vs. Transformational Change

30:10 - Setting Clear Metrics and Redefining Self-Worth

36:58 - The Five-Tool Team: Why Nobody Succeeds Alone

An intensely moving and ultimately hopeful memoir about addiction, fame, and decades of extreme weight gain and loss, from a man who broke free from cycles of misery and shame to become who he is today – actor, podcaster, and author Ethan Suplee.

Pre-order from:

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ethan-suplee/glutton/9780306835100/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ever feel stuck in your health journey or worry too much about what other people think? Ethan sits down with Paige Dorian to explore how small, consistent actions can help you break old patterns, build lasting habits, and move forward without waiting for motivation.

They discuss finding the balance between self-compassion and accountability, embracing discomfort, and learning to stop seeking approval from others. Plus, Ethan answers listener questions about weight loss and health benefits, fitting exercise around family life and sleep, gym music, and managing food portions without counting calories.

SHOW HIGHLIGHTS

00:00 - How to Get Unstuck and Start Making Changes

05:27 - Asking for Help and Being Open to Advice

09:34 - Breaking the Cycle of Dieting and Regaining Weight

13:32 - Setting Realistic Goals and Making Sustainable Changes

17:36 - Balancing Self-Compassion with Accountability

20:08 - Finding Balance Between Enjoying Food and Making Healthy Choices

23:50 - Setting Realistic Expectations for Long-Term Change

27:47 - Making a Plan and Staying Consistent

31:12 - Why Lasting Change Requires More Than One Solution

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special bonus episode of American Glutton, Ethan announces his upcoming book, Glutton, published by Hachette and releasing on March 23, 2027. While often asked how he turned his life around and maintained it, the complete answer traces back through his childhood, career, relationships, and parenting. Written for anyone confronting addiction, disordered eating, or negative headspace, the book aims to offer perspective and hope.

Tune in for an exclusive excerpt as Ethan reads a memory from the third grade about an intense classroom silence exercise and learning the art of disappearing.

Episode Highlights

• The Book Announcement: Ethan shares the story behind writing Glutton, releasing March 23, 2027, through Hachette.
• The Full Journey: Why answering how he turned his life around required examining his entire path through childhood, career, relationships, and parenting.
• A Message of Hope: Hopes that sharing this story helps anyone struggling with disordered eating, addiction, or negative headspace.
• Exclusive Excerpt Reading: Ethan reads a story from third grade about sensory overload, classroom panic, and trying to stay unnoticed.
• Pre-Order Information: Details on securing a copy today ahead of release.

Pre-Order Details

Glutton is available for pre-order now at:

https://www.hachettebookgroup.com/titles/ethan-suplee/glutton/9780306835100/?lens=grand-central-publishing

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.