Mike Rowe: How DISCOMFORT and BOREDOM Can Make You HEALTHIER | Michael Easter | The Way I Heard It

On this episode of "The Way I Heard It," the professor, adventurer, and author of the The Comfort Crisis speaks about his 33-day trip off the grid in the arctic tundra and how he learned to embrace silence, boredom, and uncomfortableness.
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[@ericanderson6655]

One of the best reasons to hunt, for me, is not just getting a clean meat source but sitting in silence away from man made stimuli, its very therapeutic.

[@jamesrobinson9176]

I love the silence of new snow in winter

[@lizcoombe4888]

I was talking about that with a friend! That first snowfall and the utter HUSH that is…one of my favorite things about snowfall!

[@obamagate4887]

I spent 4yrs out in the middle of nowhere. The first year was hard getting used to my thoughts and silence. After that, it was the best time of my life. Miss those days now.

[@debbiem.3128]

Worked on the North Slope (Cape Sabine) in the late 90's, incredibly hard work, flown in and out on a Cessna, no roads, no traffic, just an occasional unexpected visit from the Inuit who arrived via boat and literally walked in without knocking. Live in NW MT now where you can hear ravens' wings cutting through the air. It's always important to have places you can feel your heart grow quiet. #NurtureLife

[@OrganicMommaGA]

I think of how different it is now versus how it was when I was growing up. I'm 51 years old, and if I said, "I'm bored" when I was a child, my parents would give me a farm chore or household chore to complete or point me to one of our many books. Definitely better for my well-being than pointing me at a television instead.

[@susanjohnson9795]

Remember after 9/11 ? I lived in Colorado at the time and it was deathly quiet. But 2 jets, from the Air Force in Co Springs, flew over, patrolling, I'm sure . They were so loud. But, they made me feel safe. I do remember the silence. No planes or traffic really.

[@AnneMcClary]

I definitely remember. One of the things I noticed most. In the suburbs of Chicago with my young children at the park. NO airplanes.

[@lizcoombe4888]

For four days that silence haunted me. We have a fair amount of air traffic over our property. I will never forget that day/week/year. Americans put their politics aside and “we the people” were United as Americans, and THE WORLD STOOD BY US too!

[@johneverett3947]

Growing up I was blessed with being able to go backpacking many times in the northern CA wilderness areas. Peace and quiet, relying on your self brings the important things into focus. 😊😊

[@johnnyg3103]

I often reflect cross country skiing in Fairbanks wilderness and stopping to crunch the snow with my skis because it is so quiet out there! Sometimes it was so quiet that it felt like roaring in my ears straining to hear any sound! Great days!

[@jenniferkiefaber6568]

I just finished this book and as someone who was diagnosed with dipolar years ago it has really put things in perspective for me as to what causes my highs and lows. I’ve cut a lot of things out of my life and feel much more centered, including only looking at KZbin a few times a week. 😊😂

[@mikecamrcplus3057]

Lucky to live in Manitoba and able to take a trip each year both with my kids and by myself. Spent 11 days backcountry camping where cell phones don't work and you might not see another person for a week which is what I experienced this year. I will state I don't agree on the silence. Even wind in the tall grass and trees makes noise. Wildlife makes noise. I heard on my trip wolves, otters, fish, bald eagle, golden eagle, songbirds, spruce grouse and in the middle of the night a great horned owl in the tree beside my tent. Many others as well. It's very therapeutic.

[@christaverduren690]

As an extreme introvert- THIS sounds like heaven!

[@leminpudding6512]

(wife of lemonpudding here) I agree mostly. As a kid I loved walking in the woods by myself and just hearing the sound of nature. Still do. But as an adult I am very aware of my Maker when I look around at nature and the miracle of even being here to be able to look at the miracle that is all around us. I Highly recommend Doug Giles to anyone more interested in a outdoorsy tough guy who loves Jesus :)

[@buckyes6749]

I dropped my last 50 pounds (of many more) - working on a house remodel for the last 7 months. I know it is because of all the various tasks done and muscles used. I am 56 and know I HAVE to use my body as much as possible from here on out. Great video!

[@Wood-In-My-Eye]

I know you don’t read these, for good reason. Yet I love you man! I do you have such an amazing outlook on things. Your vocabulary is refreshing and invigorating. Your thoughts and views push me to do better things in life. This is one great part of the internet. Being able to get advice to questions we can’t ask others. Either due to the lack of others or the fact that they are no longer on this beautiful planet. So thank you! Thank you for your views guests and sharing your insights!

[@michaelbaumgardner2530]

I've always enjoyed being alone.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

"Extraordinary" as "usual". Thanks Mike.

[@Solhai]

I'm very lucky that as a child we couldn't afford a television until I was about eight years old. I got to be bored and quiet and now much older I see how other adults struggle around me and I can just stand somewhere and be at ease. I agree that discomfort brings accomplishment. It raises the bar of what can bother someone. We're built for challenges and work. I have a room in my house that has no electronic in it on purpose. It is the small quiet room and I'm so grateful I have the space to dedicate to it now.

[@SavingsMinusDebt]

1 hour of complete silence a day is mandatory for me. I look forward to it.

[@SuperBrinav]

When we were in Calgary we sat on an overlook and the only sound we could hear was the rustling of leaves when the wind blew... it felt so strange, like we were removed from the world in this naturally quiet environment.

[@lloydbell5380]

Thanks, Mike, for this affirming video. Throughout my life, I have found myself wanting to get away from the noise of society. I thought perhaps I was weird. Now that I'm retired, I get away a lot more. I find it satisfying to just sit in my car - preferably somewhere secluded - and enjoy quiet. Being alone with God and good cigar.

[@mailleweaver]

I used to be in a caving group before White Nose Syndrome started causing caves to be closed to protect bats. The thing I miss the most is the silent darkness. The times when I could spend away from the group, sitting still with my flashlight off, were always too short. We can't find any chances to experience silence or darkness these days. There's always a fan running, a car passing, a plane flying, and even the night sky is covered by the light of our cities for miles and miles beyond the city. I'm fully aware of how much all the noise stresses me out.

[@mjinba07]

I suspect that, often, the "boredom" we experience without constant stimuli is an artifact of mental habit. Craving what we're used to and experiencing a sense of emptiness when it's absent. But all that stimuli can also be a powerful distraction from the anxiety, or depression, or lack of direction lurking beneath it. A form of addiction. I've done some extended solo time in remote locations, and some winter camping on the U.S./Canadian border. Family and friends thought I was nuts to do that. But I learned that it's easy to get lazy and complacent when we don't push our own limits, and then we lose confidence, and then we're afraid to. For most of humanity's time on earth we've had no choice but to be frequently "pushed." It was a condition of survival. Now, commercial interests have discovered that it's extraordinarily profitable to enhance our addiction to stimuli. So for the first time in human history, the average person can make a choice.

[@Theunhurriedhippie]

Man, he kinda hid the SOBRIETY secret in the end there. Hell yeah! 18 months today myself and I can definitely agree… it’s changed my life!

[@pontiac411]

I love the quiet, it's interesting in the winter how loud a pilot light is.

[@jaydemay7]

Precisely why I live in Colorado on a mountain. Far from anyone. I can't see anything man made except what I've built here. Love the "silence" and the natural sounds of nature.

[@jackwalsh1468]

Hey Mikey! I liked this episode very much. A refreshing and welcome guest speaker. As for you Mikey and your "Boy Scout" days. "Green Bar Bill" would be proud of you. Kudos to your team and you, too. Mikey. Cheers, Mate.

[@mitdec2179]

I may just do this. Im always terrified of my own thoughts so I avoid silence. But lately I've neen yearning for silence. I work by myself in a quiet office so imstead of reading or watching a video during my down time, I may just sit in silence today and force myself into an uncomfortable situation.

[@mjinba07]

Keep at it. If your thoughts are disturbing you'll be able to sort out healthy solutions. Eventually it'll be a very nice personal retreat. - speaking from experience.

[@aliciafranklin4275]

Thanks for sharing Mike ❤️

[@marciallie4388]

They did a planned power outage on my grid but I didn’t get the memo. Woke up and everything was off. No lights, no Wi-Fi and not even freeway noise. I laid there soaking up the quiet. It was eerily amazing. The next morning everything was back on including the ringing in my ears.

[@kevinwallis2194]

When I was installing fire sprinklers I was happy to find a 5 gallon bucket to sit on at break or lunch.

[@forrhs8430]

Amazing episode..hit me like a ton of bricks...

[@robthewaywardwoodworker9956]

Anyone that has spent time in a jungle or forest know about surrounding noise. Nature is not particularly silent unless you're in an uninhabitable and thus uninhabited locale.

[@PackinGravs]

Lol what? Every night I get home from work I enjoy the silence of 80 natural acres

[@sonnydavis7339]

Awesome new prospective in understanding the new world.

[@neilschristensen9143]

Elijah heard much noise in the cave but then God Spoke in a still soft voice.

[@westcoastsupertrucker]

Iam always interested to see what for big words Mike can come up with next lol

[@ringohaze3881]

Test out your own theories. Brilliant !!

[@3henry214]

I remember my first outing to camp with a friend in a remote area of the Sierra. Upon arrival, my first hour was spent marveling at the utter silence. How many of you have heard the expression "the silence was deafening" ? Well, it was certainly true fro me. Suddenly deprived of the sounds of the modern day urban environment that I was used to, the "echoes" of that was still in my head, and out in the middle of no where, I still heard all of that reverberating in my brain for days, until I got acclimated to the silence. I then started to hear the sounds of the wilderness... I never knew the sound of a flying insect could be so danged loud. It was pretty amazing, and I equated it to the experience that amputees have after the loss of a limb. Until the mind re-adjusts to it it, they still feel the sensation of the missing limb. The mind is just so used to having the sensation of the missing limb that it hasn't realized yet that it's gone... the so called phantom limb syndrome.

[@BraskHouseConcerts]

Solo backpacking trips. ❤ I never allowed a watch or electronic device on any trip I went on. Alone with yourself. 😮

[@deannamadrigal7503]

People don't know how to be alone and by themselves. It takes a different kind of person to live in the wilderness. I live off the gird completely immersed in nature. Your senses become highten. People don't understand how healing nature can be. We are so cut off from are spiritual nature. I do no social media at all. Don't own a TV. KZbin is the only source of connection to the chaotic crazy world out there right now. how people watch TV day in and day out is mind-boggling to me, again it comes back to being able to sit with yourself and not needing to be entertained and just being

[@pmchamlee]

Been both places [numerous {77 yrs old} times. 15 continuous months on the USAF base closest to the DMZ in RVN / / / and frequently many totally secluded week-long trips into the W TX and NM dessert.] I much prefer the silence. Joy to you.

[@ladylladnek5281]

...only KZbin...hmmm

[@shawnmann9491]

@@ladylladnek5281. Ah yes, YT is social media.

[@blakehahn-atlantaga8510]

Fantastic- I will read this book!

[@tristanconnolly5675]

Nice.

[@franburns-yv5pt]

Just bought Michael Easter's book. Thank you for this episode.

[@daurissacrank3270]

I was just reading this book!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I "work" in silence more often than not.

[@bbbbb816]

I've never been enamored with "celebrity.". That said I wish Mike Rowe was a close friend.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Enamored of not with.

[@cliffdavis5244]

Big fan❤

[@raygrimes3575]

That cacophony you spoke about is why I often go without my hearing aids. I find most noise to be unnecessary.

[@The-Real-Blissful-Ignorance]

As someone with tinnitus, I never experience silence.

[@LisaMaeSV650S]

I've heard that those who come back from combat between those who have lost their sight versus those who lost their hearing BY FAR the unhappiest of the choice of one or the other are the ones that list their hearing

[@robdegoyim4023]

Cool book advert

[@BusterBronco1987]

I once spent 35 seconds in a quiet room, it was pure hell

[@fostercathead]

Hi Mike!

[@sharontabor7718]

Noise - I tune it out. However, I was reared by puritanical, depression-era parents where idol time was wasted time. Art was restricted to practical use, ie quilting, knitting, embroidery, sewing, etc. Watching TV required handwork that produced practical results. Now in my mid-60s, the only noise in my house is street traffic and computer streaming, books on audio, movies, music, etc, while I working on a project (genealogy, lacework, quilting, fiber art, etc.) All notifications are turned off on my phone. Minimal to no noise in my world. I imagine my male ancestors would read to the family in the evening by dim light while the others quietly worked.

[@larrycutting4514]

Standing in a mine is similar. Added to those symptoms, turn your light off, and in time you don't know which way is up as you can't see anything. No sound and no light changes your perspectives. I've worked on the AK North Slope on different projects. On remote projects similar to what this guy describes.causes you to think about where you're at and why.

[@opdycke42]

Mike and Theo🤙

[@richb313]

I am sitting on my couch yet agree with it all.

[@Shep01]

As I sit here working at a computer listening to this and watching the weather on the TV.... and causally browsing online shopping for items I want....... might have a point

[@david_heffner]

I lived in NYC and Los Angeles for many years. Most people don't know their neighbors lol

[@cherub112361]

Okay Mike, the boy scout out in the woods was a bit TMI but it gave me a visual that I will never unsee . . .but given that I think you and your mom are both awesome I'll let it go! After hearing this, I'm going to get one of those "nature sound" machines. It will remind me of sleeping with my window open when I was younger. If I opened my window now, I'll hear the trains that are 2 streets to the west of me. God Bless all of you!!!!!

[@AT-os6nb]

For all those who haven't seen or subscribe to the alliance for Responsible citizens check it out. A great start to ARC..... Thankyou Jordan Peterson and all the others involved in bringing this alliance to the world. This (ARC) is what we desperately need. Genuine facts and leadership. Now it is up to us, the public, to do our part. Spread the word, help grow the "Alliance for Responsible Citizenship", and do YOUR part to help bring about a better more positive world for all of humanity. Put an end to the distopian vision offered by the elites of Davos and the WEF gang. Bring individual Freedom and responsibility back to the forefront of a free and prosperous society. Thankyou.

[@geoffkeller5337]

Great video and thank you for sharing. The guy sounds like Bert from Sesame Street. 😂

[@saintamata1841]

The concept of needing to be hungry to lose weight is wrong. Low calorie dense foods - vegetables - can be eaten in substantial quantities. The discomfort while losing weight should not be hunger, but instead, training your palate to eat a significant quantity of vegetables. The absence of vegetables in our diet is why we are too heavy to be healthy in the first place. Beyond that, vegetables provide so much in the way of healing for the body; nutrient dense, and of course, the fiber! There is so much value in this change of mindset.

[@mchristr]

For a short season I tried a backrest on my Harley touring bike. After trashing the backrest and upping my core workout I could ride all day without back pain.

[@clamsoup]

I lived in a place that was extremely remote in the Alaska Range. Sadly, it was tasked for weather reports and so there was a generator that ran 24/7........ but you could jump on a snow machine and go find the real quiet in short order.

[@danburnes722]

People benefit greatly engaging with nature devoid of manmade stimulus. Hope all is well Mike.

[@raganusmc]

I remember spending two nights on the 4 corners area there's nothing out there

[@conniewojahn6445]

I'm deaf in one ear, have 70% hearing in the other. People keep trying to get me to get hearing aids. Aside from the fact my loss is due to physical impairment and cannot be helped by hearing aids, I simply do not want to hear everything around me. I've always been comfortable with silence with emphasis on natural sounds. Man made sound really, really annoys me because it interferes with my hearing natural sounds.

[@kevinknapp6837]

Daytona Beach is definitely NOT silent...

[@SpringoStar]

Lucid dreaming and deep meditation are key to surviving suburban living. Mark my words. Make sure you have a room without any electricity as best as possible. Meditate in it often if you do not have an outdoor place. A safe place to meditate in nature without electricity, is also key even if infrequent. If you cannot balance this out, you won't be allowed to see the beauty in silence. :) I've studied Buddhism and practice it since I was 17, now 43. It taught me to enjoy the silence, because you will always hear the truth. Also, Mike, you have always been one of my hero's. This lady stands for hard work and discomfort. That's how you learn to live.

[@DadInFastForward]

For us Catholics we just go to adoration. Silence, alone, quiet, just you, Jesus and your busy frenzied mind.

[@sh4dowst3p]

Money, it’s money

[@anissah161]

Works for me. I've used a stool for years.

[@neilschristensen9143]

Be still and know that I am God. That's what Scripture says.

[@janettebaker4034]

I think it's all about balance. I live 2 miles from another human and I can hear a leaf drop the majority of the day. Too much of either life is not good.

[@kbit09]

Do the 12 hours of screen time include work hours?

[@jamesgargoyle847]

Donnie is a great guy.

[@TFrank2]

Should be Michael Easter not Eastman

[@PackinGravs]

Mike Rowe knows best, don’t question it

[@darklight4815]

🙏💪🇺🇲

[@brothernorb8586]

To be clear, people sit on their sacrum and it messes up the joints above.

[@eworks9828]

Had me until i heard "full stop" and I am not sure why, but hearing people say it turns my stomach.

[@forrhs8430]

What is the name of the book?

[@gimmeaford9454]

I wish I could enjoy silence. I have horrible tinnitus from working on aircraft so I get to hear good ole ringing over silence

[@juaerez69]

Me too, except from unprotected gunfire. I think I’m lucky though, in that I don’t notice it anymore during the day. You’re right though, it’s at night when it’s quiet that it can get irritating. I’ve gotten pretty good at ignoring it.

[@gimmeaford9454]

@@juaerez69 that's awesome you can ignore it. I wish I could. White noise freaks me out, reasons, and I have to have a TV or something with dialog on in the background or I will never get sleep or keep my sanity.

[@paulgarner5629]

I heard on Australian ABC Radio a PHD student who did their thesis on boredom. Very interestingly in countries where boredom is not in their language, the people do not get bored. Mostly these were what “we” would call third world countries. Beggars the question, who is actually the richer?

[@tagyoureit2364]

Work safey is not a personal responsibility issue.

[@shawnmann9491]

Work safety is absolutely a personal responsibility issue, as is our own personal safety while out and about in our daily activities. Additionally, “you are your brother’s keeper” is also applicable to the workplace. You are responsible for your own safety and the safety of others. Having worked in three very hazardous professions for over forty years has taught me this fact.

[@TX-biker]

Forgive my ignorance: who is your “co-host” down in the lower right corner? His presence is interesting, but confusing to me💁🏽‍♂️

[@probuilder961]

That's Mike's producer, Chuck Klausmeyer. Cool guy

[@preshisify]

😷☕

[@dvdavid4677]

Tinnitus in black room. Put fan on voices come up if I have illness from outside cat shots. My nerves hurt and dream dream vivid mares

[@newviolets8489]

Why is Steve Bannon on with you

[@Phoenix407]

Do you think this might be part of a reason why camping is popular turn down the volume

[@KarenDubois-ji1io]

Is the author’s name Easter or Eastman?

[@dvdavid4677]

Because we need to stand, walk, move stretch, anything family doc would say. If you can talk the problem that listen, right?

[@anneturner2018]

Seek Discomfort……

[@llamedosr7843]

Are bar stools good for you? I hope so

[@ValenceFlux]

Don't renovate a cruise terminal without a mask for one... lmao

[@RealMTBAddict]

What does a mask do?

[@mikeb.4356]

I participate in a project called Silencio. It is world wide project to record decibel levels where you live. Will help you know where you might prefer to live, shop, or eat. I have been walking around my city for last six months recording decibels on my streets, restaurants, and stores. Do my part to make this world a better place for everyone 👍

[@peeverlogging9950]

Buddy I work 12 hrs a day

[@charlesurrea1451]

The din. The awful din.

[@teddywyze8957]

FACT! Humans started with no Shoes. Take the time out of your day and go about your day BAREFOOT for like an hour.

[@Rembrant65]

We can not know what we do not know. It sounds simple and obvious, but the problem with that is we do not know how profound our ignorance is. It doesn't help that we can't tell the difference between discomfort and pain.

[@user-vh7ki7xu7o]

Chinese office chairs can explode and shoot the shaft right through somebody. You think it’s not dangerous 😂