Comments: 628 • Responses: 111  • Date: 

uhmmmm_crap289 karma

Ah jeez - I forgot what I was going to ask you.

BrainAthlete38 karma

Thank you for showing me this. I have NO IDEA why that happened but I will get my website guy on it asap! thank you!

commentpruning109 karma

The reason for this is listed as "Engaged in the use of misleading marketing tactics.". Your comment section (below the facebook comments) appears to have been pruned to showcase your website favorably by your marketing team.

It is running on WP-SpamFree, which markets itself as having "no false positives" in regards to spam. This is theoretically impossible except through comment pruning and selective bias. If they had managed to develop a way to have no false positives, Google and other major companies would play millions for that software.

How it really works is that only the comments that they want to show up will, and anyone who is honestly reviewing the product will be blocked as "spam".

I am interested in your IAmA, but I have to agree with WebOfTrust's assessment of marketing tactics.

p8ssword4 karma

I just looked up WP-SpamFree (http://www.polepositionmarketing.com/library/wordpress-plugins/wpspam-free/#wpsf_how_it_works). If I'm reading this right, all it does is make sure any commenter has JavaScript and cookies enabled, which will block unsophisticated bots. No human editing is needed.

WebOfTrust seems to go based on user reports.

BrainAthlete2 karma

Thanks for info! Very helpful!

BrainAthlete2 karma

Unfortunately I don't think most researched it as well as you did and just went with the easy answer. Thank you for the research!

fathairybeast103 karma

[deleted]

BrainAthlete78 karma

Here is my best advice for that! http://youtu.be/CHCV13Y4mps

LifelessPoo70 karma

I forget people's names literally 1/10th of a second after they introduce themselves. I believe that may be a memory record as well.

BrainAthlete94 karma

This is because you are not focusing and paying attention. When you are about to meet someone new ask yourself this question, 'What is their name?' It will force your brain to focus and also improve your retention of the name. It is impossible to forget a name in 1/10th of a second. Your problem is focus. I address that in the first few minutes of this video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m2GI0huaV5s&feature=share&list=UUrn5bzpRYOKVJoRoYvn8mPQ

earzzzz6 karma

Any tips for maintaining focus?

In the context of a name - it's easy (short to the point). Longer stuff takes more effort...

BrainAthlete2 karma

Sometimes diet and exercise can help focus. Good foods for the memory are spinach, blueberries, Omega-3, apples, pumpkin seeds and turmeric (which is found in curry)

Items that are bad for memory and hurt ability to focus are: sugar, excessive salt, alcohol, sleeping pills

LifelessPoo63 karma

Can you give us any memory tricks that will make us look super human?

BrainAthlete220 karma

Memorize 15 pieces of furniture in your house in order starting at the front door. For example, 1. front door 2. door mat 3. lamp 4. table 5. mirror etc After you have the 15 spots memorized then ask your friend to say 15 words pausing after each one. If they say 1 is dog then imagine a dog running in your door. Then if they say 2 is water imagine water pouring on your door mat. Then do this all the way through the 15 items in your house. you should be able to say the words back forwards or backwards!

BrainAthlete158 karma

Here is another. After you memorize the 15 or 20 or 30 spots (however many you want) then have someone give you a magazine. select 1 item for each page and imagine on your furniture. For example if on page #8 there is an airplane then imagine an airplane flying into your #8 piece of furniture.

Then give the magazine back to the person and they might say what was on page 8? page 21? page 30? etc

You should be able to tell them and appear Superhuman!!

bdcp4 karma

Will it work of you have a long number to memorize?

BrainAthlete9 karma

Yeah, here I am using it to memorize a 50 digit number http://youtu.be/fJUbzho-Tr0

[deleted]10 karma

Wow. How long would it take you to memorize my credit card number? Would just seeing it for the few seconds it takes me to hand it to the cashier be enough?

BrainAthlete2 karma

I have done it at a bar when someone put their card on the bar and by the time the bar tender had picked it up I had memorized it. It was fun but also freaked them out a bit...

TrackRunner3213 karma

Isn't this sometimes referred to as the memory palace method? My biology teacher told us about it once and had us memorize a list of names and what their profession was as we walked around the school.

BrainAthlete13 karma

yep! same thing!

BRNXB0MBERS52 karma

Have you ever grown out your beard in an effort to hide things in there in order to "memorize" them?

BrainAthlete38 karma

No, just grew a beard over the holidays and never shaved it. I will soon

ne0hybrid39 karma

Can you remember when The History Channel was about history?

BrainAthlete27 karma

That is a fact jack! It used to be all about history and it seems almost everything was World War II. I enjoy it now, a mixture of both. I do like Pawn Stars

borgfinkleton34 karma

Do you remember what is was like being on the show Superhumans?

BrainAthlete48 karma

It was GREAT! Daniel Browning Smith was an amazing host!! He is a great guy and a good friend to me. I saw him twist through a toilet seat at the Home Depot off camera!! (He is world's most flexible man)

borgfinkleton36 karma

It was a joke because of your memory. But I'm glad it was fun.

BrainAthlete33 karma

Ha! :)

usernamesuck30 karma

this is great, i loved that show and I remember you! What is your oldest/earliest memory?

BrainAthlete47 karma

My earliest memory is when I was 3 or 4 I remember standing at the front door with my mother as she talked to a neighbor. But my natural memory is probably no better than yours. I use a memory system to do what I do now

lolboonesfarm12 karma

Well darn it. I was hoping to ask if you knew any way to help recover memory. I don't seem to remember nearly as much as most people.

BrainAthlete19 karma

I don't know how to do that. Other than just staying relaxed. Stress is one of the worst enemies to your memory

TheSlimShady21 karma

[deleted]

BrainAthlete29 karma

YES! YES! YES! YES! YES!!!!!! Dude, constantly people are doing that and they think it is so fun! I just play along but it isn't original and gets old :) Thanks for asking and realizing that!

thekingh19 karma

Hey Ron, do you anticipate stiff competition at this year's USA Memory Championships from the current champ, Nelson Dellis? The man's superhuman. Also, what's your mindset against the kids from UPenn and Hershey High School?

Edit: I'm on Hershey High's team ;)

BrainAthlete29 karma

Nelson is a great guy and a good friend. Yes he is extremely good and has the best scores of anyone in the USA right now. I imagine that he will be very tough competition. The last 2 years I have come in 2nd place to him. He is a very good champion. I will do my best to be the champion this year though :)

UPenn and Hershey High School are great students and it is inspiring to see them at the tournament. Students like Michael Glantz and Sophia Hu are very inspiring. Michael has memorized 175 names in 15 minutes (and hold the US record for that) as well as the US record for Poetry. If he perfects memorizing cards....LOOK OUT!!

Sophia has the record for most words memorized 120 words in 15 minutes I think.

wouldnthitwithastick33 karma

Sophia has the record for most words memorized 120 words in 15 minutes I think.

You think?? You gotta remember this stuff!

BrainAthlete39 karma

nah....there is no point in trying to memorize everything...

AnaisAlais18 karma

What's the difference between memorising names and words? If Michael can memorise 175 names, can he not beat Sophia's 120 words?

BrainAthlete10 karma

He certainly might. It is possible.

hkhan949 karma

That kid Hannan Khan is a pretty cool fella as well

BrainAthlete7 karma

Agreed!

supertrash14 karma

When you did the store check-out memory test, why were you unsure and hesitating at the last item? I know there was a discrepancy with the cash register but supposedly you didn't know that. It was $10.19 in your head so why didn't you just say it? Was the whole thing just to build drama?

BrainAthlete47 karma

well...here is the truth behind that...

The 1st time through when I was done they said you missed 3. I said, 'I didn't miss any the computer missed 3.' They disagreed. So I asked if we could do it one more time and then each time there was a discrepancy we did a price check. So actually we did that THREE times. On the show it appeared it was the last item and the only time. This wasn't the case. If you watch the video again listen to Daniel Browning Smith when we do the price check. As soon as we get to the item he says, 'How does this keep happening!?' You can hear it on the show.

So it was the 3rd time :)

But the core of the segment was 100% true. I made no errors

mark_gober14 karma

I worked with this guy about 20 years ago. He would do these memory tricks back then and I thought "ah, it's a cool party trick", but fast forward 20 years and he's been on TV several times, has 2 MAJOR awards and I'm still just me.

BrainAthlete21 karma

I remember that guy Mark! And being you is very cool. You are one cool dude.

Also remember JFK said, 'and any man who may be asked in this century what he did to make his life worthwhile, I think can respond with a good deal of pride and satisfaction:'I served in the United States Navy'

Lyrdl12 karma

Aside from being on tv and such, how does being able to remember things really well help in everyday life?

BrainAthlete29 karma

Great question - Being able to remember names builds friendships. You meet someone today and 6 months later when you see them you remember their name

  • Being able to give speeches from memory makes you a better speaker

  • Memorizing notes for school works gets you better grades with less stress (like cheating almost!)

D_Adman11 karma

What is your opinion on nootropics?

BrainAthlete12 karma

I do believe in vitamins, omega 3, spinach, blueberries, etc but don't do anything illegal!

justmeisall10 karma

Do you remember meeting me?

BrainAthlete22 karma

That depends.....who are you?

Racksonracks9 karma

756288991030440099

Read this and re-type it from memory without looking!

BrainAthlete27 karma

actually I didn't see the # the first time! I am good at numbers I thought you were talking about your sentence 'read this...' ok I think the numberis 756288991030440099

but you probably think I cheated :)

Repeats_Le_Comment13 karma

What was the captcha you had to type in order to submit this post?

Serinus19 karma

It's not a natural thing. If he doesn't try to remember it, he generally won't remember it much better than we would.

It's actually pretty simple to do this stuff (until you get to competition levels). If it interests you, check out "Moonwalking with Einstein" by Joshua Foer. It's a good read.

BrainAthlete14 karma

Yep...couldn't have said it better myself

BrainAthlete4 karma

ha! don't know if I can...

PoemanBird9 karma

  1. How often do you walk into a room and forget why you went in there?

  2. What did you think of the book Moonwalking with Einstein?

BrainAthlete18 karma

I did read Moonwalking With Einstein. Joshua Foer is a friend of mine and a great guy. He autographed my copy. I really enjoyed reading his experience at the USA Memory Championship because he talked about a lot of my friends (Chester Santos, Ram Kolli, etc). I thought it was a great book and the fact that so many have read it is proof of that! In about a year, I will have a book coming out that tells my story.

I do walk into a room and forget stuff all the time! I had a great idea earlier today I was going to put in the book I am writing and now I can't remember what the great idea was! IRONY!!

Did you read Moonwalking With Einstein?

GhostofMrRogers8 karma

I met you through, Bianca. You almost helped me pick up two hotties at a bar once until I failed miserably by knocking one of their drinks over. Remember me? High five if you do haha

BrainAthlete9 karma

Dude! you rock! Yeah...let's go to Cantina Laredo some time! I texted Bianca just yesterday as a matter of fact

Art_of_Creation8 karma

Does your memory training technique help with studying? Subject like math, computer programming, pyshic, biology, etc?

Also, can you provide me a bunch of stuff on the web to learn memory training? Thanks.

BrainAthlete15 karma

It certainly does help with studying things. Because you requested here are some links: This is the basics - http://www.brainathlete.com/memory-palace/

Here is an example where I teach how to memorize the periodic table of elements: http://youtu.be/-dQXu3A0tu8

An example of a 6 year old using it to memorize the presidents http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAJkv-l_t_A&feature=share&list=PL358AA6813658DF87

Here is how to memorize a poem, quote or scripture http://youtu.be/jgyEBbQN0jU

How to memorize the bill of rights http://youtu.be/TuwBSlQBX3I

I hope this gives you some ideas! :)

Nate-Springs6 karma

For doing speed cards you use PAO? I created my PAO but I'm having a hard time with the Actions, it really slows me down. I have to stop and focus just on the actions. Did you have that problem when you started? Get easier with time or should I drop the actions?

BrainAthlete8 karma

The best thing you can do when trying to memorize a deck of cards fast is to TRUST YOUR MEMORY. In other words don't dwell too long on any action sequence. Make sure you actions are vivid like - throwing, smashing, crashing, fire, eating, etc

I would not drop the actions. It allows you to memorize 2-3 cards intead of just 1. I say keep practicing BUT just force your mind to keep moving. You will be amazed at how fast your brain can go.

For all those who don't understand Nate's questions here is an explanation of Character-Action-Object aka Person-Action-Object or PAO http://www.brainathlete.com/character-action-object/

Nate-Springs2 karma

Have you changed your PAO a lot?

BrainAthlete2 karma

I have not. 3-4 years ago I selected PAO for every number 00-99. Then I assigned those same PAO to cards (so I don't have 2 sets). It was too time consuming to construct in the first place to change them all the time. So I stick with what I started with. Very very minor changes along the way

Someone-Else-Else5 karma

Who's your archnemesis, and why has he sworn vengeance against you?

BrainAthlete11 karma

This guy on reddit that goes by 'Someone-Else-Else' we have been arch enemies for as long as I can remember with epic battles. That dude is tough though...respect him for that

iamaredditer5 karma

Did you get paid for your appearance?

BrainAthlete11 karma

Nope, never been paid for any appearance. They did cover my travel expenses and hotel but I did not get paid to be on the show.

trunks094 karma

Could you memorize all the usernames that comment on here?

BrainAthlete23 karma

I could without question. The project I am working on right now is I am memorizing 2175 names in order. So yeah I COULD but I am not going to!

SatelliteofLouvre4 karma

Did you get to meet Stan Lee?

BrainAthlete11 karma

I never met Stan Lee. At the end of the show he said, 'Wow, Ron really pushes his exceptional memory to the max!' It was cool to hear him say that but he never went out on any of the filming. He stayed in his office and the host did the shows. But he seems like a great guy!

Donniej5254 karma

The Memory Palace is awesome! I first learned about it after reading Joshua Foer's book, Moonwalking with Einstein back in 2011. After only a few days of practice I memorized a whole deck of cards! It felt awesome. I soon lost the time and effort to continue practicing, but the knowledge of mnemonics is incredibly valuable!

BrainAthlete5 karma

Totally agree! Joshua's book is fantastic! I encourage you to keep at it and one day maybe I will see you at the USA Memory Championship! This year it is March 16th and always in NYC

c_ross3 karma

[deleted]

BrainAthlete10 karma

Probably forgetting a past relationship..but on the other hand, I learned something so there is value. But forgetting makes it easier to move forward too!

finally_the_good_guy3 karma

What inspired you to do this?

BrainAthlete7 karma

When I was 18 I was a telemarketer for a company that cleaned chimneys. I was trying to sell the guy on a chimney cleaning and finally he said, 'You are a good salesman. Do you want to go to work for me? I sell memory seminars!' That is how it happened....22 years ago! WOW! Time flies...

ConleyM3 karma

How much money have you made playing Blackjack?

BrainAthlete13 karma

Zero....counting cards is different than memorizing cards. Counting cards is a math system. I lose at Blackjack!

roeko3 karma

Do you remember to pick up the garbage when you go out? cause my wife is bitching about this for as long as we're married.

BrainAthlete2 karma

I have no luck with remembering what the ladies want me to either!

Murphy1d3 karma

Did you leave the iron on?

BrainAthlete10 karma

Maybe so! I will be right back!!!

RedNapalm2 karma

Do you know a guy named Tansel Ali?

BrainAthlete6 karma

Yep, Tansil memorized the Australian phone book. We chat on Facebook sometimes but we have never met in person. We were going to at the World Memory Championships in December but I ended up not being able to make it. He has an amazing memory

PENGAmurungu2 karma

who came second?

BrainAthlete2 karma

when I won the USA memory Championship Ram Kolli came in 2nd. He has a great natural memory and was the 2005 champ

baileyjbarnes2 karma

What do you think was your most impressive feat of superhuman memory to date?

BrainAthlete1 karma

I just completed it this saturday. Here is the description. I memorized over 6,000 words in exact sequence http://youtu.be/fupc1MKv6Sg There will be a website in a few days www.americasmemory.com that will announce the 1st event (there is a website there now but no mention of the project for at least 24 more hours)

meghonsolozar2 karma

What is your favorite color?

BrainAthlete2 karma

Blue I suppose...Yours?

techiebabe2 karma

What are your top tips for improving your memory? Something that people can do every day.

Please can you include something other than visualising items in a 'story' etc, as I dont visualise pictures in my head so those tips never work for me.

Something new we won't have tried before? Thanks!

BrainAthlete1 karma

Do you dream? If you do you are seeing pictures

Visualization is what all the top memory competitors in the world use. It does work. Here is a description of how I build my mental journeys http://www.brainathlete.com/memory-palace/

EmClaw2 karma

Have you ever forgotten an anniversary or birthday?

BrainAthlete15 karma

The best way to remember your wife's birthday or your anniversary....is to forget it once...

Skadooshed2 karma

What was being born like?

BrainAthlete10 karma

I think you would probably know as good as me. My natural memory is equal to yours. What I use is a system. I don't remember everyday normal stuff any better than you without a system

BrainAthlete8 karma

BUT I do think I remember a lot of darkness and then LIGHT

no11132 karma

Hey, Ron. I've been using the Duel N-Back program from the Brain Workshop website, and I kind of feel like it's been working decently...or perhaps it might just be placebo. I don't know.

Are you familiar with it? It's said to stimulate neural pathways and help your brain.

Ever used it?

BrainAthlete2 karma

No I haven't. Just checked it out. If you feel good about it and it is working for you then awesome.

My opinion on stuff like this is it doesn't really show massive leaps in memory improvement. For example, if you used that website every day for a month and then I gave you a 100 digit number and asked you to repeat it I don't think you could. On the other hand, if you spent 2-3 hours with me I could have you memorizing a 100 digit number.

Those type of games are fun and maybe help your brain a little but you won't see massive leaps in your memory and that is just the truth

perche2 karma

Marilu Henner would destroy you.

BrainAthlete4 karma

Marilu Henner has what is referred to as an 'Auto-Biographical Memory'. It is apples and oranges

Stopher2 karma

Where the hell did I leave my keys?

BrainAthlete2 karma

They fell next to the stove!

Talksiq2 karma

Will you remember me asking you to remember the phrase, "Timmy cracked corn and nobody cares," in two years?

BrainAthlete2 karma

Honestly, probably not. My memory system only really works for things that I am trying to remember and I won't try to remember that

Talksiq2 karma

Curses! But could you?

BrainAthlete3 karma

I COULD....but I won't...

Nate-Springs2 karma

Who is your favorite baseball player of all time?

BrainAthlete2 karma

Nolan Ryan!! Is there another?!

Nate-Springs2 karma

My number 24 NR is Nolan Ryan punching Robin Ventura. Who is your current favorite player?

BrainAthlete2 karma

I like Craig Gentry (not well known but plays for Texas and can run FAST!) I also am a fan of David Murphy. Giancarlo Stanton is a beast. I am a big Joe Nathan fan too. No surprise most of mine favorites are Texas Rangers. I admire Jered Weaver, Justin Verlander, Mike Trout, Bryce Harper for their skills but I don't pull for them and they are not favorites!

You?

mike_trout2 karma

Don't lie, I'm totally your favorite.

BrainAthlete2 karma

Well you called me out! Indeed you are!

BurkyBig2 karma

you ever smoke reefer?

BrainAthlete4 karma

I have not....but I have friends who have and they have some amazing brains...

JacksLackOfTrust2 karma

What did you have for breakfast on Feb 15, 1985?

BrainAthlete1 karma

I don't know...I was probably in 7th grade class being a big nerd! Actually to remember what you do on a specific date is not the type of memory I have. My memory is a trained memory not a natural gift as that is. That is referred to as 'Auto-Biographical memory'

Historic2 karma

Memory retention is a curse.

BrainAthlete2 karma

I wouldn't say that....

Nate-Springs2 karma

How many journeys did you have when you won the us memory championships and how many do you have now? Also what's the longest one you've made?

BrainAthlete2 karma

For the USA Memory Championship I had: 2 for cards 2 for numbers For spoken words I just re-used the above journeys 5 for the tea party (one for each person) 1 for the final deck of card rounds

today, in 2013 I have 2200 files (no joke) and just used every single file for my most current project

ironicart2 karma

what's your earliest memory?

BrainAthlete2 karma

When I was 3 or 4 years old I remembering stand at the door with my mom. I have some memories of kindergarten as well as first grade. But my guess is that my natural memory is just average. The things I do today on tv and at tournaments is a result of training.

entbeard2 karma

[deleted]

BrainAthlete2 karma

Forgive and forget is what they say....some of the painful memories stick and I am not sure that I am not forgiving (but maybe I am not) but I am certainly not forgetting....that is a question I have NEVER been asked in 22 years....

corey03171 karma

What is your hiscore in simon

BrainAthlete1 karma

I need to play! I don't know. I haven't played in a while!

BrainAthlete1 karma

What is your high score?

tennmyc211 karma

Are you saying that you don't remember your high score from a while ago? Just kidding. Anyway, give that you probably hang out with a lot of people in these circles, are most of you pretty successful? And if so, how much of that success do you think can be attributed to your great memories? What is the biggest way your memory has helped you? What about hurt you? I always wondered if remembering things so perfectly could kind of hurt your creativity. Like, if you remembered solutions and what not so well that you could always recall these solutions as opposed to kind of be forced to think about new ones.

BrainAthlete1 karma

Well that is actually a good point about creativity. I honestly NEVER thought of that...hmmmm...

On the other hand, I would say the memory system helps with creativity because you are constantly imagining pictures in your head and that exercise your creativity in my opinion.

Has it ever hurt me? Only once I think but that was more my mouth than my memory! 15 years ago I saw a waitress driving on the highway that I knew from a restaurant. Without thinking about it I memorized her license plate. Then when I saw her I said, 'Hey I saw you on the highway last week!' She said joking, 'Oh! Do you know my license plate too!!?' Then...as stupid as I could be thinking she would be impressed with my memory I said it. DUMB...after that I went in her 'Stalker File'

My success as a memory speaker/trainer, etc has a little bit to do with my memory but I think it is more because I was a good salesman and I was always calling businesses asking if I could speak for their business. To be honest there are people out there who have a lot better memories but do not speak on memory as much as me because they lack the sales/business skills

The biggest way my memory has helped me is being able to give speeches without notes and remembering names

awesome questions!

chocolatesandwiches1 karma

Have you ever used your memory tricks to learn new languages? If so, how did it work out for you?

BrainAthlete1 karma

My goal is to become fluent in Spanish in 2013 with this system. We will know this time next year if it worked!

ThePoonChaser1 karma

Hey buddy, look forward to seeing you in March.

BrainAthlete1 karma

Agreed! Who is this? Not hat I don't recognize you by your screenname here...but I DONT! :)

alexbailie1 karma

I'm didn't not watch your video, but do you just have a very well trained memory, or do you have a photographic memory?

Also, can you remember specific surroundings from where you were at from say, June 17th 2009?

BrainAthlete1 karma

My memory is a trained memory and not a photograph memory. So I can memorize a string of words, numbers, playing cards, concepts, definitions, etc. But let's say you want to know what I did 3 weeks ago on a Tuesday I wouldn't know. I only remember what I consciously try to remember. What you are referring to is known as 'Autobiographical Memory'

StealthMarmot1 karma

Where the hell did I put my keys??

BrainAthlete1 karma

on the counter?

iammoomoo1 karma

Do you remember "Shazam!"??

BrainAthlete8 karma

Gomer Pyle?

Nate-Springs1 karma

How close are you to finishing the book Ron? Any plans for new cds?

BrainAthlete1 karma

Won't be finishing it anytime soon. But yes I do have a new CD and memory training product coming out. It will be the best memory product EVER. Not just my best product but THE best product ever. I realize that is a bold statement but it's true....Sometime in June or July

perche1 karma

Do you use this system?

0=s
1=t
2=n
etc.

That's the one what's-his-name uses.

BrainAthlete3 karma

Well that is referred to as the 'Major System' and most of the memory trainers for over 100 years have. You may be thinking of Dominic O'brien?

perche1 karma

I learned it from Harry Lorayne and Jerry Lucas books. I was wondering if they were who you learned your system from, but apparently not. From the few videos you posted, your systems seems pretty much the same as theirs.

BrainAthlete2 karma

Yeah...pretty much all memory systems use the 0=s 1=t 2=n

Harry Lorayne is a fantastic memory teacher and I did read his book and still own it. He did not develop the 0=s,1=t, etc either though. I have found it in books from the 1800s. A lot of memory teachers use/teach that system and it is a great method. And works! :)

BrainAthlete2 karma

some (such as Dominic O'brien) have made variations of this as well as others have made variations as well

gualdhar1 karma

Has there ever been a point where you remember something you wish you didn't? You can exclude trauma and similar experiences if you'd like - I'm talking about average events.

BrainAthlete4 karma

I am not sure about average events. If it is too average I think it will just fade from memory anyway over time. I will think about this and if I think of something I will come back and answer

TunaFied1 karma

For every new thing you learn or see, do you have to memorize it or does it just archive itself by your subconscious?

BrainAthlete1 karma

I have to consciously memorize it. If I don't my memory is just very normal. I have to focus on memorizing whatever I want to memorize

headinmyphones1 karma

What are your thoughts on moderate amounts of alcohol as a support for learning a new language? I've heard that a glass or two of wine in conversation can actually be an asset.

BrainAthlete1 karma

Well actually I wrote a blog on this before and I will link to it. Yes, I have heard that MODERATE alcohol can help with your memory/brain. However, for scientific reasons only (yeah right) I have experimented and found out that excessive alcohol consumption will hurt your memory in the short term (I am sure this is nothing new to you)

Here is the post I wrote on alcohol helping memory http://www.brainathlete.com/memory-benefits-moderate-drinking/

MMAMichael1 karma

I bet this came in handy in school! especially math! haha!

BrainAthlete2 karma

Yeah it is great for school. The only bad thing is I didn't learn it until I was out of school! But I teach it to students now all the time

scaryblackguy1 karma

Have you read that book "Moonwalking with Einstein"? Its about an "average joe" getting to the memory championships in a year

BrainAthlete2 karma

I have read Moonwalking With Einstein. It is a great book and Joshua is an awesome dude. We met each other in 2012 and he autographed a copy of it for me. He is a baseball fan and we talk baseball every now and then

Khaz191 karma

If heaven exists, what would you like to hear God say when you arrive at the pearly gates?

BrainAthlete2 karma

If heaven exists I would like God to say, 'Well done my good and faithful servant'

nitribbean1 karma

Could you help me memorize things for my history test on Monday?

BrainAthlete1 karma

Check out this http://brainathlete.com/memory-palace/ It is the core of my system. then check this 6 year old little girl out and see if it makes sense https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAJkv-l_t_A

PkMn_TrAiNeR_GoLd1 karma

Hope I'm not too late. I've got a lot to learn (A LOT) and a little time to do it in (LITTLE). Any tips that won't cost me an arm and a leg?

BrainAthlete1 karma

Check out this http://brainathlete.com/memory-palace/ It is the core of my system. then check this 6 year old little girl out and see if it makes sense https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PAJkv-l_t_A

does it work? Here I am using it for 6,000 words (no joke) http://youtu.be/fupc1MKv6Sg

If you do want a moderately priced memory program here is my basic package http://www.ronwhitetraining.com/products-2/memory-training-program-344.html

NeoBlueArchon1 karma

How many digits of pi do you have memorized?

BrainAthlete1 karma

3.14159 that is all I got!

One I thought I would memorize it to 80,000 digits and break a Guiness Record then I realized...this is going to take a YEAR! So I gave up. My current memory project is 6,000 words and more meaningful to me though. Here it is http://youtu.be/fupc1MKv6Sg

cbrcmdr1 karma

Where are your car keys and your television remote right now? ... No cheating.

BrainAthlete1 karma

My keys are in my pocket but if I didn't just walk in the door I might not know that! I don't know where the remote control is! ha. Did you take it?

People ask me what is the best way to remember where you put your keys and I tell them....put them in the same place every time :)

Says_obvious_stuff1 karma

Wait, so you remember lots of things really good?

BrainAthlete1 karma

You got!

globalchill1 karma

Do you believe the pyramids were built by aliens?

BrainAthlete8 karma

I watch a lot of Ancient Aliens on the History Channel and they make some good points but I am still skeptical of aliens. Right now I am going to have to say no. When I memorize an 800 digit # people think it is Superhuman. I tell them it is not and it just proves the average person doesn't know what the human brain is capable of. I think when we say things like the pyramids were built by aliens we aren't giving enough credit to the human brain. Just my 2 cents but I am certainly no authority on aliens or the pyramids

conepuncher4201 karma

How do you feel about the new brain training websites- real deal or cash grab?

BrainAthlete1 karma

I think the brain training websites where you are playing games or counting dots to improve your memory is JUNK. I honestly think it is deceptive and junk. You give me 1 hour with someone and I will have them memorizing 30 words after hearing each word only once. A person who plays games on those brain training websites could do those for 10 years and never be able to do that. Sorry for the such blunt answer...but yeah...if you just want fun and a challenge. The websites are GREAT! I like a challenge and games so I do them. But that is not how I improve my memory

EpicFapTime1 karma

What's one thing you wish you couldn't remember?

BrainAthlete1 karma

past relationship

Detectivemac1 karma

What is the most annoying smart ass comment people ask you?

BrainAthlete1 karma

Hey! What's my name?! (From someone I met once 3 years ago in a group of 200 people or something like that)

davis_texasranger1 karma

Is weed like the anti-christ to you? You know, seeing as how it is notorious (rightfully so or not) for destroying memory.....

BrainAthlete1 karma

Nah, I don't smoke it but I have a friend who does and his brain is beyond genius level. I don't have a problem with it but I don't do it myself.

singlereason1 karma

have you mastered any languages using your gift and if so how difficult was it?

BrainAthlete1 karma

I haven't yet but my goal is to use the system to become fluent in spanish in 2013

neweralt0 karma

What number am I thinking of right now?

BrainAthlete3 karma

3?

TheGreatAntlers0 karma

What were you doing at 1.35pm on April the 15th of 1997

BrainAthlete2 karma

Don't know. That is called 'autobiographical memory'. I don't have one of those. I have a trained memory and only remember what I consciously focus on

nspectre0 karma

Le memory glitch? :)

Day 16 – Learn to hear a 20 digit # once and retain it

Day 17 – More training in number

Day 18 – How to recall names and faces

Day 19 – How to recall names and faces

Day 20 – How to recall names and faces

Day 21 – How to recall names and faces

Day 22 – Learn to recall appointments and dates

BrainAthlete1 karma

Nah...names and faces is just very detailed so I spent a lot of time (or days on it) in that program

Gr1fter0 karma

Hey man, good to see you. You remember that time we got shitfaced and started lighting farts on your front lawn ?

BrainAthlete3 karma

Well I live in a high rise condo....so it is YOUR memory we probably need to work on! haha :)

lifeishowitis0 karma

Is it that palace thing?

BrainAthlete3 karma

Yep, I use the memory palace. Here is how I describe it http://brainathlete.com/memory-palace/

this_is_bananas0 karma

Did you have a great memory from an early age? Do you think you were born with this or is this something you really trained for?

BrainAthlete6 karma

There is no doubt that it is 100% training. I have a very average memory ability without training. I have put some links above on what I do but here is a short Youtube video on the system http://youtu.be/wuaqi28_j1k