Episode 173: Jon Levy – The Science Of Adventure (The 2 AM Principle)

Jon Levy is a behavior scientist, consultant, writer and keynote speaker best known for his work in the fields of Influence and Social Experience.

He has worked with countless brands and companies to support their efforts in consumer engagement, customer acquisition,and product development, by applying the latest behavioral research ranging from neuroscience and psychology to economics and biology.
This understanding spawned the creation of “Influencers”, a private community and dining experience for tastemakers and industry leaders. Members range across all industries from well-known actors and Olympians, to executives at major companies and royalty. Influencers has received a fair share of media including stories in The New York Times, Forbes, Fast Company, The Observer, to name a few. Combining years of experience running Influencers and research, Jon has developed a deep understanding in designing social experiences and creating influencer programs for brands.

After years of studying what has become known as “The Science of Adventure”, Jon was able to discern that every adventurous experience follows a predictable four stage processes. Each stage has specific characteristics that, when applied, make the experience exciting. His newest book is titled The 2 Am Principle: Discover The Science of Adventure.

In his free time, Jon works on outrageous projects. He spent a year traveling weekends to the world’s greatest events (Grand Prix, Art Basel, Sundance, Burning Man, Running of the Bulls, Cannes, etc.) and barely survived to tell the tale. Prior to that, taking control of his health and wellness, he was a before-and-after fitness model for a 90-day video training program. Other projects have included unscripted television, mobile apps, books and alcohol development, to name a few.

Episode 173: Jon Levy – The Science Of Adventure (The 2 AM Principle)

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The Learning Leader Show

“Your brain responds to novelty. If you want to have an exciting life, you need to get outside of your comfort zone.”

In This Episode, You Will Learn:

  • Update on “The Influencers” — In 8 cities, 2 countries, over 800 people hosted
  • Why Jon visited every continent in 2015
  • Novelty – Your brain responds to it. How to create it…
  • Why it’s great to travel alone
  • Travel – Do something remarkable with a level of perceived risk. It will bring growth
  • How to live this lifestyle if you are married with kids…
  • An example of an introvert traveling to Europe for the first time — A “How To” guide to have a great time
  • The Ben Franklin Effect… Stacking Favors
  • The “IKEA” effect — What it means and how it impacts all of us
  • The “science of optimal anxiety” — AKA Productive Discomfort.  Say yes to a lot of things to have a wealth of experiences
  • E.P.I.C. Model of Adventure
    • Establish – Put the right people and elements in place
    • Push Boundaries – Growth, talk to strangers
    • Increase – More
    • Continue – End in style… Close the keynote with something memorable. Humans remember the peak and how it ends
  • New ways to introduce yourself at conference – “I convince people to cook me dinner”
  • George Lowenstein and his impact on Jon
  • How to travel the world with little money

“Routine is the enemy of excitement.” – Jon Levy

Continue Learning:

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Episode 078: Kat Cole – From Hooters Waitress To President of Cinnabon

Episode 071: Nate Boyer – Green Beret, Texas Football, The NFL

Episode 073: Jay Bilas – World Class ESPN Basketball Broadcaster, Toughness, Fixing The NCAA

Episode 107: Simon Sinek – Leadership: It Starts With Why

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Episode edited by the great J Scott Donnell

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