Ep 204 - RE-RELEASE (2023) The Wisdom of Not Always Knowing | Dr Carl Woods

For those of us living in a society that increasingly prioritises productivity, speed, efficiency and endless optimisation… this episode of the Run Culture Podcast feels more relevant now than ever.

Honestly, this is still one of my favourite conversations I’ve had on the podcast.

In a world overflowing with AI, ChatGPT, data, metrics, tests, strategies and endless “second-hand information”… I think this discussion with Dr Carl Woods is incredibly important listening.

Carl is a scientist and researcher at Victoria University who explores learning, skill and performance through an ecological and anthropological lens.

One idea from this episode that has really stayed with me:

“Certain non-western societies don’t use words like efficient, rapid or fast to describe expert performance… they use words like cautious, attentive and responsive.” That says a lot.

We discuss:

- the overload of “second-hand information” in modern sport.

- why lived experience and “inhabitant knowledge” still matter deeply.

- embracing uncertainty and the wisdom of not always knowing.

- slowing down enough to properly attend to the environment around you.

-what actually defines mastery, expertise and skill.

A lot of truly skilled performers aren’t just great information collectors - they’re deeply attuned to context.

They know what to pay attention to, when to act, and when to patiently wait.

I genuinely think this is one worth sitting down with over the weekend.

Thanks again Dr Carl Woods for such a fascinating conversation. It honestly feels even more relevant today!