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- Title: Own the Day, Own Your Life: Optimized Practices for Waking, Working, Learning, Eating, Training, Playing, Sleeping, and Sex
- Author: Aubrey Marcus
- Narrator: Aubrey Marcus
- Length: 11:06:00
- Version: Abridged
- Release Date: 17/04/2018
- Publisher: HarperAudio
- Genre: Self Development, Health & Wellness, Instructional & How To, Fitness
- ISBN13: 9.78E+12
There’s a particular magic that happens when an author narrates their own work – a raw authenticity that no professional voice actor can quite replicate. As I listened to Aubrey Marcus’s “Own the Day, Own Your Life” while driving through the winding roads of Costa Rica’s cloud forest, I was reminded of those evenings in Oaxaca where wisdom was passed down through generations in unvarnished, passionate storytelling. Marcus brings that same intimate quality to his performance, making this not just an audiobook, but a personal mentorship session.
The book unfolds like a well-planned journey through a day in the life of your best self. From the moment you wake (with Marcus’s surprisingly gentle morning voice guiding you through optimal sunrise routines) to the way you wind down at night (his cadence slowing like the setting sun), there’s a rhythmic quality to both the content and narration that mirrors the natural cycles he advocates embracing.
What struck me most was how Marcus’s background as CEO of Onnit translates into practical wisdom. His voice carries the confidence of someone who’s tested every theory he presents – whether discussing the ideal shower temperature (his chuckle as he admits his own failed cold-plunge experiments makes this particularly endearing) or the neuroscience behind mindfulness practices. The audio format enhances these personal touches; you can hear the passion in his voice when discussing ancestral health practices, or the subtle frustration when debunking common fitness myths.
As someone who’s lived out of a backpack more often than not, I particularly appreciated the sections on ‘road warrior optimization.’ Marcus’s narration takes on an almost conspiratorial tone when sharing how to maintain routines while traveling – tips I’ve since used everywhere from Tokyo hostels to Moroccan riads. His discussion of ‘circadian hygiene’ resonated deeply as I recalled too many jet-lagged mornings staring at unfamiliar ceilings.
The audiobook’s structure mirrors its philosophy – each chapter is a discrete yet interconnected ‘stop’ on your daily journey. Marcus’s voice adapts beautifully to each: upbeat and energetic during workout routines, measured and calm during meditation guidance, even playfully suggestive during the (surprisingly thoughtful) sex optimization section. This vocal range keeps the listening experience dynamic over its 7+ hour duration.
Some standout moments:
– The ‘Morning Power-Up’ sequence, where Marcus’s voice gradually increases in energy alongside your theoretical cortisol levels
– His palpable excitement when explaining the science behind adaptogenic mushrooms (I could practically see his grin)
– The sudden seriousness when discussing digital detoxing, his voice dropping to emphasize the importance of unplugging
While the content is stellar, what makes this audiobook special is how Marcus’s narration embodies his philosophy. You don’t just hear about optimal living – you experience it through the careful pacing, intentional pauses, and vocal variety. It’s this synthesis of message and medium that had me (quite literally) pulling over to take notes on multiple occasions.
Compared to similar works like Mark Manson’s “The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F”uck” (which I also enjoyed), Marcus offers more actionable daily practices rather than broad philosophical frameworks. Where Manson’s audiobook feels like a provocative coffee chat, Marcus’s is more like an intensive workshop – complete with moments where you’ll want to hit pause and implement his suggestions immediately.
For travelers and digital nomads especially, this audiobook is gold. The sections on maintaining routines across time zones, optimizing hotel room workouts, and making healthy choices in unfamiliar places alone justify the listen. I’ve incorporated his ‘5-minute mobility flow’ into my pre-flight routine at airports worldwide, often smiling as I hear Marcus’s encouraging voice in my memory: ‘Wherever you are, whatever time it is – own this moment.’
If I had one critique, it’s that some listeners might find the comprehensive approach overwhelming. The sheer volume of optimizations could trigger analysis paralysis. But Marcus anticipates this, his narration frequently reminding us that ‘perfection is the enemy of good enough’ – a mantra I’ve since adopted when travel plans inevitably go awry.
May your days be as rich as the stories you collect along the way,
Marcus Rivera
