Today is a first:

I interview an octopus.

Just kidding… (kinda).

Today’s guest is Perry Knoppert, also known as “Dr. Octopus” and the founder of the Octopus Movement.

Not only is his STORY bonkers (like when he intentionally became homeless) but his VISION is beautiful and powerful.

Through the Octopus Movement, Perry is on a mission to build a network of 1 billion nonlinear thinkers to solve the unsolvable.

What is a non linear thinker?

From their website:

Non-linear thinking is thinking along unconventional, atypical lines or in a non-sequential manner. In non-linear thinking, people make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Non-linear thinkers draw conclusions and develop ideas, solutions, and innovations from experience gained in a variety of different fields. And they are more likely to innovate in surprising and world-changing ways.

In other words, the perfect mascot for this kind of thinker is an Octopus.

Octopi have 9 brains (each of their arms can think and act independently + they have their central nervous system), 3 hearts, and can do wild things like shapeshift, regenerate, and squeeze through the teeniest of spaces.

They are basically aliens.

What would happen if we could “unleash the octopus” on the world’s biggest problems?

And for you:

How might YOU leverage YOUR non linear thinking to accelerate the timelines on your project and goals?

Can’t wait for you to listen, this is a fun one!

Show Notes Generated With The Help of AI!

Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Perry Knoppert

In this captivating episode of Beyond Curious, Brandon Fong introduces listeners to Perry Knoppert, also known as "Doctor Octopus." Perry, the founder of the Octopus Movement, shares his remarkable journey from homelessness to creating a global network of nonlinear thinkers. This movement is built on the belief that embracing unique perspectives and unconventional minds can solve some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Brandon and Perry explore the power of curiosity, nonlinear thinking, and the story behind Perry’s transformation into a leading advocate for creative misfits across the globe.

Show Notes & Timestamps

00:00 - Introduction to Beyond Curious and today's guest, Perry Knoppert

Brandon introduces the concept of the show and today’s guest, Perry Knoppert, also known as Doctor Octopus, founder of the Octopus Movement. Brandon teases Perry’s engaging backstory and the topics they’ll explore, including his journey through homelessness and his philosophy of nonlinear thinking.

02:02 - Introducing Perry and the Octopus Movement

Brandon gives an overview of Perry's accomplishments, including the creation of the Octopus Movement. He explains how Perry's personal adversities shaped his commitment to building a global community of nonlinear thinkers. The Octopus Movement focuses on embracing diverse perspectives to solve complex problems, inspired by nature’s resilient systems like mycelium networks.

03:59 - Perry’s intentional decision to become homeless

One of the episode's key moments: Perry recounts the radical decision to become homeless, describing how it gave him clarity and led to the creation of the Octopus Movement. His story offers a profound look at detachment, personal transformation, and understanding the world in unconventional ways.

06:36 - The seeds of curiosity about homelessness

Perry talks about how his interest in the lives of homeless people led to the idea of exploring homelessness himself. He shares how this journey stemmed from a desire to truly understand what it feels like to be disconnected from material possessions.

09:08 - Perry’s first days of homelessness

Perry opens up about the emotional and mental struggles he faced during his first days as a homeless person, including doubt, fear, and confusion. He explains how his nonlinear approach to life helped him cope with the challenges.

12:12 - The shock of homelessness and societal responses

Perry explains the emotional toll of being homeless, including the reactions from his ex-wife, friends, and family. He touches on the harsh realities of how society views those who choose to live differently.

13:20 - The moment of clarity

Perry describes the exact moment when he gained radical clarity in his life during his homelessness. He discusses the “gut feeling” that set him on his path to creating the Octopus Movement and advocating for nonlinear thinkers.

16:03 - The birth of the Octopus Movement and nonlinear thinking

Perry details the moment he realized the importance of nonlinear thinking, how society often forces people into linear paths, and his mission to empower those who think outside these boundaries. He also introduces the octopus as the perfect metaphor for nonlinear thought.

19:23 - Perry’s research journey with Philips and the MRI machine

Perry talks about his unique quest to acquire an MRI machine from Philips to explore how his brain is wired differently. Although he didn’t succeed in getting the machine, his journey sparked important research into nonlinear thinkers and their potential.

24:25 - The octopus as the symbol for nonlinear thinking

Perry shares why the octopus is the mascot for nonlinear thinkers. With their multiple brains, hearts, and ability to escape any situation, octopuses represent the flexibility and creativity that define nonlinear minds.

27:11 - The octopus and mycelium connection

Perry introduces the concept of the “human mycelium” as a global, interconnected network of thinkers who collaborate organically. He compares it to how nature’s mycelium systems function and explains how the Octopus Movement embodies this connection.

35:03 - Nonlinear thinkers in action: The Octopus Movement Think Tank

Perry discusses the Octopus Movement’s Think Tank, where nonlinear thinkers from around the world collaborate on solving complex problems. He shares the process of balancing chaos with structure to harness the unique talents of creative minds.

42:33 - Redefining success and creation

Perry reflects on how nonlinear thinkers often face societal pressure to "focus" and "finish" projects, but how embracing chaos and curiosity has led to the success of the Octopus Movement.

50:50 - Solving real-world problems with nonlinear thinkers

Perry elaborates on how the Octopus Movement is using its Think Tank to solve global issues. From corporate challenges to startups, he explains how their unique approach generates innovative solutions.

Links & Resources:

• Perry Knoppert’s LinkedIn Page
• The Octopus Movement website
• Perry Knoppert’s PickMyBrain Profile
• My Octopus Teacher - Documentary: A beautiful documentary that inspired Perry to use the octopus as the mascot for his movement.
• Mark Rober’s Octopus vs Underwater Maze Video