Michael Easter

Michael Easter is a New York Times bestselling author of "The Comfort Crisis" and "Scarcity Brain." He serves as a contributing editor at Men's Health, a columnist for Outside, and a professor at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, where he co-founded and co-directs the Public Communications Institute. Easter's work in health, wellness, and behavioral science has appeared in more than 60 countries and has been published in Men's Journal, New York, Vice, Scientific American, Esquire, and other outlets.

Easter is recognized for his investigative journalism and immersive research methods. He has spent extended periods in the Arctic backcountry, hunted his own food, and traveled globally to interview researchers, athletes, and thought leaders. His reporting explores how modern comfort influences physical and mental health, drawing on insights from experts such as Nobel laureates and professional athletes. In "The Comfort Crisis," Easter examines the impact of convenience on well-being, arguing that contemporary lifestyles may contribute to pressing health challenges. His research has taken him to diverse locations, including NBA training facilities, Bhutan, neuroscience laboratories, and remote Alaskan wilderness.

In "Scarcity Brain," Easter investigates the psychological and neurological mechanisms behind human cravings, introducing the concept of the "scarcity loop." He draws on anthropology, neuroscience, and psychology, embedding with neuroscience labs, Army units in Iraq, and indigenous communities in the Amazon. Easter's findings have been utilized by organizations such as NASA, special forces, Fortune 500 companies, and professional sports teams.

Easter maintains a strong media presence, appearing on podcasts and television programs including The Joe Rogan Experience, NPR's Here & Now, The Rich Roll Podcast, The Huberman Lab Podcast, CBS Saturday Morning, and Good Morning America. He has delivered talks and provided consultation for universities, medical schools, corporations, government agencies, and nonprofit organizations. Easter's presentations focus on performance, resilience, and behavioral change, translating scientific research into actionable strategies for diverse audiences.

Easter also produces the wellness newsletter "Two Percent" and hosts the podcast series "Two Percent with Michael Easter" in partnership with iHeartPodcasts. The newsletter, which reaches a large subscriber base, and the podcast emphasize practical, incremental changes in health and performance, advocating for sustainable approaches to wellness and personal development.