Memory GrandMaster Kevin Horsley on How To Have an Unlimited Memory
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Greetings, SuperFriends!
Today, we are joined by Kevin Horsley, a GrandMaster of Memory, world record holder, bestselling author, and public speaker who hails from South Africa.
For the past 25 years, Kevin has been working to better understand the mind and memory – overcoming his own difficult learning disabilities and going on to win the world record for the matrix memorization of 10,000 digits of pi – often referred to as the āEverestā of memory tests.
In this episode, we talk aboutā¦ you guessed itā¦ memory and learning. Just a warning: we go very deep very fast into the nitty gritty of many of the techniques, and how Kevin is innovatively using them. If you havenāt heard our past episodes on memory and learning with Anthony Metivier, Mattias Ribbing, Ron White, and a few more, you might want to listen to those ones first, because we do assume in this interview that you kind of understand basic mnemonic techniques by now. We talk about speed reading, methods for reviewing and retaining what you learn, memory palaces, and a lot more. Kevin holds nothing back and shares a ton of super valuable tips and ideas, and so I think youāre really going to enjoy it.
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This episode is also brought to you by my premium online training – The Become a SuperLearner Master Class. To learn more or check out a FREE trial with no credit card required, simply click the banner above!
In this episode, we discuss:
- Was Kevin Horsley always an effective learner?
- Some background on the learning disabilities Kevin Horsley struggled with as a child
- How did Kevin go from barely being able to read to reading 4-5 books a week?!
- Why and how did Kevin Horsley get involved in competitive memory sports?
- How did he become one of the first 5 International GrandMasters of Memory in the world?Ā
- A discussion of the world record that Kevin Horsley broke, and why it was considered “impossible”
- Is our memory really “unlimited?” What are the constraints on how much we can really learn?
- What is the role of organization in learning, and overcoming learning disabilities?
- How does Kevin Horsley organize his learning and knowledge in his mind?
- How can Google Maps help you create Memory Palaces? (cool idea!)
- In what ways is Kevin adapting the techniques in new and unique ways that other folks do not?
- What is the concept of “medium term” memory, and what does it mean to Kevin Horsley?
- A discussion of spaced repetition, and the unique way that Kevin overcomes this challenge?
- How does Kevin rely on technology and tools to “outsource” his memory – and why?
- How does Kevin apply Memory Palace Technique to reading books (common question)
- What causes people to fail in learning mnemonic techniques?
- What is the role of memory and creativity, and why does memory get a bad rap?
- What types of things has Kevin used his memory skills to learn over the last 20 years?
- Why is reading (and speed reading) such an important gift in Kevin's life?
- How does Kevin Horsley speed read despite having dyslexia?
- A discussion of our beliefs and psychology and how they effect learning and memory
- What other tools does Kevin use religiously?
- What are Kevin's routines and habits around training, diet, and exercise?
- Why don't the majority of Memory Champions use nootropics and performance enhancers?
- What is the #1 takeaway message that you should take away from this podcast episode?
Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
- Tony Buzan and his many books on memory, speed reading, and learning
- Unlimited Memory, Kevin's bestselling book
- ToDoIst
- EverNote
- Anki Spaced Repetition System
- DropBox
- CheckList+
- Plain Text
- The Kindle App for iPhone
- The CheckList Manifesto
- SuperMemory.co.za
- KevinHorsley.com
9 Comments
Thanks, I learned a lot of interesting things in past episodes.
loved th heart and the depth of the conversation. The way that Dr. Metivier shared from his enormous experience and insights was just amazing. Thank you Jonathan for doing this podcast!! š
Great interview with Dr. Greg Wells! He mentioned a doctor from Colorado around the 42:30 point of the podcast, discussing turmeric and black pepper. I couldnāt make out the doctorās name. Can you provide me with his full name and maybe his website or contact info. Interested in his products.
Thanks,
Rob
I am new here, and learning really fast.
Thank you.
Maybe oarts of the things he has to share are right, maybe not. If I look at him which impact his nurturing and living style has on himself I see a very old looking man! He is year 1973!! That is not old and he looks definitly much older!! If I would not know his birthyear I would guess that he is in his mid-60ies!! A bit concering for someone who claims his lifestyle is suitable for a long life, isn’t it?
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