We often feel behind because we see "tiger" stories of early success, but the data suggests that a sampling period is actually the norm for elite performers. This conversation explores the tension between optimizing for a head start and building the broad foundation necessary for long-term mastery.

Best-selling author David Epstein joins the show to discuss why the most impactful innovations come from "lateral thinking with withered technology" and how we can all become better learners. He explains why the "end of history illusion" causes us to underestimate how much we will change, and why prioritizing the needs of your future self requires a willingness to pivot.

• The difference between "kind" learning environments like golf and the "wicked" environments of the real world.
• Why "desirable difficulties" such as interleavin ...