Zoe Lister-Jones: a writer, producer, director, and actor you likely already know from her many film and television appearances, recent guest Zach Braff’s film ‘A Good Person’ and Ari Aster’s recently released ‘Beau Is Afraid’ starring Joaquin Phoenix. Zoe wrote, directed, and produced the film ‘Band-Aid.’ She has also starred in films she co-wrote, including ‘Breaking Upwards,’ ‘Consumed, and ‘How It Ends,’ which she also co-directed. Today we dive into the creative process and philosophical inquiry behind Zoe’s newest creation, Slip—the binge-worthy comedy series with a bit of a surreal sci-fi twist that involves parallel realities and alternate identities. Not only did Zoe create the series. Not only does she star in it. Not only did she write all seven episodes, she also directed each and every one of those episodes, an absolutely stunning achievement. We dig into the messy terrain of love, marriage, fidelity, divorce, addiction, and self-discovery that Slip explores. We talk about what it’s like growing up in New York City in a family of artists, making deeply authentic work, the responsibility she shoulders to empower other women in the arts, and ultimately, how to quiet the hungry ghosts lurking within us all. Zoe is an artist in the truest sense of the word and I loved getting to know her through this conversation. It’s a privilege to share her story with you today. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Peak Design: PeakDesign.com/RICHROLL Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Express VPN: http://www.expressvpn.com/RICHROLL SriMu: SriMu.com/RRP Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to an old-school style of ‘Roll On’—the semi-regular version of the podcast where we ramble on matters of interest across culture, sports, art, literature, politics, self-betterment, and more. My co-host is Mr. Adam Skolnick, an activist, veteran journalist, author of One Breath, and David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me and Never Finished co-author. Today we exchange updates on personal goings on, tell highlights from recent travels, share streaming selects and media diet recipes, discuss listener inquiries, and more. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Timeline Nutrition: timelinenutrition.com/richroll SriMu: SriMu.com/RRP Peace + Plants, Rich

As Hippocrates said, food is medicine. But what food specifically for which person? Under what particular circumstances? And when? Thanks to some astonishing breakthroughs in medical technology, scientists are at the threshold of prescribing food to sidestep disease, predict diagnostic outcomes, promote longevity, and enhance well-being on a highly individuated basis. The era of personalized medicine is upon us. And at the tip of this revolution is today’s guest, Dr. Tim Spector. Arguably the world’s leading authority on the cutting edge of microbiome research, Tim is a globally-renowned epidemiologist and geneticist. He is also the bestselling author of several books, including The Diet Myth, Spoon Fed, and his latest work, Food for Life, an in-depth, scientific breakdown of what and when to eat, and ways we can all improve our own personal nutrition. This is a fascinating conversation that will leave you reframing the importance diet plays in your life—and what the near future holds for better health for all. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Seed: seed.com/richroll ROKA:  http://www.roka.com/ Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  Caldera Lab: http://calderalab.com/richroll SriMu: http://srimu.com/rrp

Everyone wants to be happy—but why does it feel so complicated? Today’s guest believes happiness lives in the small, simple, and often overlooked daily wins. But only if only we take a moment to appreciate them. Meet my new friend, Neil Pasricha. Neil is the author of nine books and journals, including The Book of Awesome, The Happiness Equation, and his newest offering, Our Book of Awesome—all of which orient around a spinning rolodex of simple pleasures originating from his 100-million-hit, award-winning blog 1000 Awesome Things. Neil shares the power of celebrating small wins and how intentionally noticing and appreciating small things, can train your brain to focus on the positive. Neil also shares the importance of taking a mindful, intentional approach to how you allocate your time and direct your attention and gives us a blueprint for building a life of more purpose. This is an uplifting exchange sure to brighten your day—and arm you with the tools you need to foster a happiness practice. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/RICHROLL Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Calm: http://www.calm.com/richroll BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

Why can some people change and others cannot? What are the determining variables that spark growth and expansion? Transformation—the how, when, and why of change—is a landscape of dichotomies. It is both an art and a science. It is both a mindset and a practice. It is action. But it is also stillness. It is both spiritual and practical. Today I venture out of my comfort zone once again to share some thoughts on transformation in monologue format—synthesizing 56 years on this planet and over 750 conversations with changemakers across the world—into a podcast experiment I hope provides value. Everything I am expressing here is a needed reminder to myself as much as to you. I am certainly no master. My hope is that this episode inspires you to take ownership of your own growth journey—and embody positive change on a daily basis. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Seed: seed.com/RICHROLL Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Whoop: http://www.whoop.com/ Native: nativedeo.com/rrp Peace + Plants, Rich

Today’s guest has a name for the pernicious ways in which the many products we routinely use are actually harming us in very real but often invisible ways: fatal conveniences. Everything from deodorant and denim to detergent and dental floss—even seemingly innocuous things like carpet, crayons, and candles, unbeknownst to most, are abound with chemicals either unproven safe or demonstrably harmful. And yet, these things are used ubiquitously in our daily lives without a second thought. Here to help us make sense of this insanity is wellness expert Darin Olien, returning for his fifth appearance on the show. If you are new to this superfood-hunting adventurer, Darin has devoted his life to advancing human health, ecological preservation, and sustainability. He’s the New York Times bestselling author of SuperLife and cohost of the Emmy™ Award Winning, #1 Netflix docu-series, Down to Earth with Zac Efron.  In case you’ve missed my previous conversations with Darin, be sure to check out episodes #153, #268, #382, and #542. Darin is a friend, a mentor, and my go-to counsel when it comes to better aligning my life with my values. This might be the most powerful and impactful of our conversations to date. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Birch Living: birchiving.com/richroll Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

Here to give us necessary life essentials is skilled navigator of uncertain times, Kevin Kelly. For those unfamiliar, Kevin is the co-founder of Wired magazine—widely recognized as the bible of the digital age. He is a renowned futurist, author, and public speaker whose insights into the world of technology and its impact on society have been widely sought after and deeply influential. Over the course of his career, Kevin has authored several seminal books, including Out of Control: The New Biology of Machines, Social Systems, and the Economic World and What Technology Wants. He has also been a prolific writer and commentator on a wide range of subjects related to technology, culture, and society, and has been a regular contributor to publications such as The New York Times, The Economist, and Scientific American. Kevin shares a hopeful vision of the future of technology, and how it will continue to transform our lives and our world for the better. We delve into the latest trends in artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and other emerging technologies, exploring their potential to shape the world in ways that we can scarcely imagine. But the center of today’s exchange is Kevin’ latest book, Excellent Advice for Living: Wisdom I Wish I’d Known Earlier. From setting ambitious goals, optimizing generosity, and cultivating compassion, this is a must-read gold mine for wisdom on careers, relationships, parenting, finances, and more. My hope is that Kevin’s words brighten your thinking about the future and above all, prepare you for the inevitable changes on the horizon. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Whoop: http://www.whoop.com/ BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Express VPN: http://www.expressvpn.com/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

We are approaching a significant tipping point for human and planetary health. Despite the breakneck pace of innovation and technology striving to solve these problems, I can’t help but feel the solutions we need continue to elude us. Today’s guest believes there is a better path forward—one that calls for spiritual evolution, and a profound reconnection with the natural world. Meet Zach Bush, MD, a triple board-certified physician, an internationally recognized thought leader, and a renowned educator on the microbiome as it relates to health, disease, and food systems. Today’s exchange traverses many important topics including the link between human biology and planetary biology, how the quality of our soil affects our microbiome, actionable ways to regenerate the Earth, how we can work together for a healthy future for people, animals, and the planet, along with many other fascinating topics. I’m grateful to Zach for his wisdom. And I’m proud to share it with you today. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: ROKA:  http://www.roka.com/ Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Calm: http://www.calm.com/richroll BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Peace + Plants, Rich

Travel allows you to experience different cultures, broaden your perspective, and gain a deeper appreciation for the world around you. But there is no denying that it also comes with massive environmental costs. Is it possible to travel in a completely sustainable way? And if so, how? What is the best way to move about the globe and make the most of experiences abroad? Welcome to Roll On 2.0, an experiment in documentary-style storytelling in which Adam Skolnick and I ask a big question, investigate that query with several experts, attempt to arrive at a reasoned conclusion, and hopefully entertain you along the way. Today we dive deep into the pillars of regenerative travel—a new movement that aims to heal the planet while exploring it—and ways we can all be better visitors to the places we explore. This episode makes use of Adam’s journalistic prowess, buffered by wisdom shared by experts in the field of sustainable tourism. Special guests featured in this episode include Amanda Ho, Kílian Jornet, Celeste Brash, Mehmet McMillan, Amanda Harris, Paul Feinstein, Robbie Balenger, Paul Hawken and Hugh Garvey. Thanks for your help in making this episode possible! Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Seed: seed.com/RICHROLL Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com

Our post-modern culture has largely dismissed faith and spirituality as a collective pursuit. But today’s guest has a different perspective. He argues that we need to find practical spiritual solutions to help humanity move forward. In other words, we need a total spiritual revolution—what he calls, a Soul Boom. Enter Rainn Wilson, the co-founder of the media company SoulPancake, co-host of the podcast Metaphysical Milkshake with Reza Azlan, and the author of the new book “Soul Boom: Why We Need A Spiritual Revolution”. Oh yeah, and he once played a character in a television show called 'The Office.' You might have heard of it. Today we discuss Rainn’s Bahá’í faith, his conception of the divine, the importance of finding meaning in life, the positives (and negatives) of religious belief, how to build a movement of change, finding the sacred in our everyday lives, and why the solutions to the existential problems we currently face require a spiritual revolution. This conversation is an equal parts fun and profound call to awaken our spiritual selves and engage in a deeper, more meaningful experience of the world around us. I hope you learn as much as I did. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll GoMacro: gomacro.com  BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Peace + Plants, Rich

Adolescence has always been a difficult phase of life, but today’s teenagers are navigating a world that is vastly different from any generation before them. From social media to cyberbullying, from political polarization to climate change, the challenges facing teenagers today are numerous and complex. So how do we equip teens emotionally with the tools they need to navigate our complex and ever-changing world? Here to help us answer this question is teen whisperer par excellence, Lisa Damour, PhD. Lisa is a Yale-educated psychotherapist with a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from the University of Michigan who specializes in education and child development. She is the author of three New York Times bestsellers: Untangled, Under Pressure, and The Emotional Lives of Teenagers—the latter being the subject of today’s exchange. We explore the impact of social media on mental health, the pressure to succeed academically and professionally, and the struggles that come with trying to fit in and find a sense of belonging. We also look at the ways in which the pandemic has exacerbated some of these challenges, and how teenagers are coping with the disruption to their lives. Lisa provides concrete, actionable strategies for teaching teens how to manage their feelings and overcome friction at home. If you are a parent of young humans trying to make the right moves, or just want to better understand how young people think and why they behave as they do, then this episode is appointment listening. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Birch Living: birchiving.com/richroll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

In this episode, I reflect on our evolving and complicated relationship with the digital world, the importance of logging off, investing in analog experience, and turning our attention instead to presence, growth, real connection, and bringing more conscious intentionality to our lives. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  Native: nativedeo.com/rrp Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Peace + Plants, Rich

Senator Cory Booker is the former mayor of Newark, New Jersey, a 2020 presidential candidate, and currently a leading voice in the United States Senate. My conversation with Cory covers his path to public service, the divided nature of modern politics, how to lead by example with love and faith, and a topic that is near and dear to both of our hearts: food policy reform. Senator Booker has been fiercely advocating to reinvent our food systems to address food insecurity and rising rates of lifestyle disease incident to poor nutrition. He also calls out the many ills of factory farming, including soil depletion, climate degradation, species extinction, animal suffering, and food injustice—working tirelessly to ensure that every American has access to healthy, affordable food. Ultimately, this conversation is all about embracing the power we all possess to catalyze substantive change—and shouldering that responsibility to drive change within ourselves, in our communities, and even on a national level. It was a true honor to spend time with Senator Booker. I have been inspired by his example as a public servant for many years—he is a man who truly walks his talk—and I was quite moved by what he shared in this exchange. I hope you find this episode as meaningful as I did. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Whoop: http://www.whoop.com/ Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Calm: http://www.calm.com/richroll Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.comNative: nativedeo.com/rrp Peace + Plants, Rich

What does the advent of artificial intelligence portend for the future of humanity? Is it a tool, or a human replacement system? Today we dive deep into the philosophical queries centered on the implications of A.I. through a brand new format—an experiment in documentary-style storytelling in which we ask a big question, investigate that query with several experts, attempt to arrive at a reasoned conclusion, and hopefully entertain you along the way. My co-host for this adventure is Adam Skolnick, a veteran journalist, author of One Breath, and David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me and Never Finished co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: House of Macadamias: https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/richroll Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/richroll  ROKA:  http://www.roka.com/ Salomon: https://www.salomon.com/richroll Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

We all face difficult experiences at some point in our lives: loss, grief, disappointment—feelings that can be overwhelming, confusing, and even paralyzing to confront. But what if we could transform our pain into something beautiful? What if we could use our creativity to process our emotions and, in turn, transmute them into something that speaks to others, serves as a communal salve, and illustrates that hope, help, and healing are possible? Today we explore the art of understanding, accepting, and processing emotion through the creative process with the incredibly talented actor, writer, director, and new friend, Zach Braff. Many of you may know Zach from the hit TV show 'Scrubs,' or his seminal directorial debut ‘Garden State’—a much-celebrated independent film he wrote, directed, and starred in alongside Natalie Portman. But today, we dive into the creative process behind Zach’s newest directorial effort, 'A Good Person,' a story about a young woman played by the eminently talented Florence Pugh whose world crumbles in the wake of surviving an unimaginable tragedy. In addition to discussing Zach’s background and his relationship with creativity, today we talk about what happens when you create with authenticity, find presence in pain, and make your own meaning. We also discuss Zach's own personal journey in bringing this story to life and the impact he hopes it will have on audiences. 'A Good Person' opens nationwide this Friday, March 24th— and how long it remains in the theatres is up to you. Let’s help him make this one a hit. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Thesis: takethesis.com/RICHROLL Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  JOOVV: Joovv.com/RICHROLL Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

Today we explore science-backed truths behind healthspan extension and healthy aging with Dr. Peter Attia. Peter is a graduate of Stanford School of Medicine, a former surgeon, and a world-renowned physician who has dedicated his life to understanding the science of human health and the art of living a longer, more fulfilling life. The occasion for Peter’s return is the publication of his new book, Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity—a groundbreaking primer that challenges the conventional medical thinking on aging and reveals a new approach to preventing chronic disease and extending long-term health. Today’s conversation offers a short overview of all of the subjects covered in the book including the roles that exercise, nutrition, and sleep play in preventing or delaying the onset of the primary conditions that unnecessarily end most people’s lives too soon. But in large part, we focus on the story of Peter’s emotional health during a dark time and the critical role that emotional well-being plays in the quest for a longer, healthier life. Note: As a gift to our listeners, Peter has generously offered 10 signed copies of this fascinating book for us to give away. So if you would like to enter to win a free copy, go to richroll.com/subscribe, join the mailing list (if you’re not already subscribed), and look for an email on or around April 3rd with further instructions. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll GoMacro: gomacro.com  BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Thesis: takethesis.com/RICHROLL Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

Imagine running 2,500 miles across Australia, in some of the most brutal conditions on Earth, in under 50 days. This is the remarkable story of today’s guest Nedd Brockmann. A charismatic young electrician apprentice with a legendary bleach blonde mullet and world-class personality, at just 23 years old, Nedd audaciously set out to become the fastest person to ever run across his native Australia–4000km (2,500 miles) from Perth to Bondi Beach in Sydney. This is a phenomenal conversation in which we unpack Nedd’s extraordinary and inspiring journey. We cover why he got into running, how he progressed so quickly, and the intrinsic motivation behind his trans-Australia adventure. Nedd shares how he grapples with hardship—including his post-run PTSD. But more than anything, today’s conversation is about what we can all learn from his example when it comes to human potential and the power we all have to do amazing things when the mind, body, and spirit are dialed in. I loved getting to know him—and I know you will too. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: ROKA:  http://www.roka.com/ Whoop: http://www.whoop.com/ Calm: http://www.calm.com/richroll Express VPN: http://www.expressvpn.com/RICHROLL Athletic Greens: http://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

What is our soul’s purpose here on planet earth? How do we catalyze experience into evolution? And how do we discover who we really are? To help us make sense of these important spiritual inquiries, enter Julie Piatt, otherwise summoned as the holy and ethereal Sri Mati. She is an accomplished yogi, musician, chef, and mom to our four children. She’s also the bestselling author of three vegan cookbooks, hosts the For The Life of Me podcast, lords over Water Tiger, her online spiritual community, and is the CEO and ‘Mother Arc’ of SriMu, the best plant-based cheese in the known universe. Julie has been a recurring source of spiritual wisdom on the podcast, dropping many a pearl over the years on everything from parenting and creativity to finding meaning, purpose, direction, grappling with love, grief, and everything in between. Today’s conversation centers on the ways we can all become more embodied, connected to the core of our beings, and find direction in our intuition. We talk about how to remove obstacles on your path to self-growth, face trauma, and how to cultivate self-love. Every podcast with Julie is sure to deliver some soul-nourishing magic—and this conversation is no exception. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Special SriMu Offer: in a gesture of gratitude for listening and watching, Julie is kindly offering a special discount on her SriMu plant-based cheese. Visit SriMu.com and enter code RRP20 at checkout and receive free shipping on orders over $127.  Today's Sponsors: Seed: seed.com/richroll Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  Birch Living: birchiving.com/richroll Native: nativedeo.com/rrp Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

What is consciousness? Where does it come from? What happens to consciousness when we die? And what is the nature of reality? It’s time to ask the big questions and tackle the hard problems that have perplexed humanity since the dawn of inquiry. Our guide for today’s journey is Philip Goff, PhD, a modern philosopher who has devoted his life to better understanding the qualities of reality. Philip is an associate professor of philosophy at Durham University who specializes in the nature of consciousness. He is a proponent of panpsychism—the controversial theory that everything material in our universe is imbued with some element of individual consciousness—which he beautifully captures in his fascinating book, Galileo's Error. This is a fascinating, awe-inspiring conversation about the science of mind, the nature of reality and consciousness, the meaning of the multiverse, artificial intelligence, and spirituality. A conversation that I must admit began to stretch past the boundary of my intellectual capabilities—but in the most enjoyable way possible Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/RICHROLL BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com Peace + Plants, Rich

What does it mean to be a good man? Furthermore, how do we combat toxic masculinity? And how do we find purpose in aging? Today we explore these topics and more with the world’s first male supermodel, John Pearson. John is a pioneer of the male modeling profession, and was the most sought-after male model through the 1990s, the face for some of the world’s biggest brands. But John is here today not so much because of his past—although it’s incredibly fascinating—but because of the very unique life he lives today. We discuss his wild career and the ways it has impacted his perspective on art, culture, the power of an image, and the modern world of influence. We also dive into his philosophy on parenting, mental health, and modeling healthy masculinity—themes that underscore his very cool lifestyle and self-improvement digital magazine, Mr. Feel Good. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube.  Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll Calm: calm.com/richroll JOOVV: Joovv.com/RICHROLL Native: nativedeo.com/rrp Peace + Plants, Rich

We all want to find peace. We all want to experience contentment. And most of all, we all want to be happy. So why are these states so elusive? From reducing stress and anxiety to improving immune function and sleep quality, meditation has been shown to positively impact our brain and body. But in this fast-paced, hyper-connected world, most people often struggle to find the time or the motivation to meditate. But, the reality is that meditation need not be a burden, but rather a way of life that can be seamlessly integrated into our daily routine. From learning how to cultivate a daily practice to exploring the neuroscience behind the benefits of meditation, this episode is packed with valuable insights and practical advice guaranteed to inform and enlighten the novice and the seasoned meditator. My hope is that you use this compilation episode as an inspiration and jumping-off point for further inquiry and, an ever-deepening practice. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Whoop: WHOOP.com  Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Calm: calm.com/richroll Peace + Plants, Rich

Meet ultra-legend Mike Wardian. From running seven marathons in seven days on seven continents to running across America, Mike has accomplished a staggering amount as a runner over the years. He holds FKTs all over the globe from D.C. to Israel, and won a 100k world championship silver medal. And he’s done all of this while holding a full-time day job and spending time with his wife and young children. In today’s conversation, we dive deep into Mike’s unique relationship with running, setting his world records, his experience running across America, and how he balances all of his athletic accomplishments with his responsibilities. We also talk about how his hobbies, like pickleball, chess, cycling, and CrossFit, complement his endurance training. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Seed: seed.com/RICHROLL Thesis: takethesis.com/RICHROLL Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll ROKA:  roka.com Peace + Plants, Rich

Robert McKee is a modern Aristotle of story and master of the form who wrote the definitive book on the subject, called, of course, STORY. Robert is a Fulbright scholar and the author of five books on storytelling, including Dialogue, Character, Action, and Storynomics, but he is best known as the most sought-after screenwriting teacher in the world. His students have collectively won 70 Academy Awards, 250 Emmy Awards, and 100 WGA (Writers Guild of America) Awards. My conversation with Robert centered on his philosophy of story, what stories are, why they’re important for humanity and so much more. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: House of Macadamias: https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/ Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  Thesis: takethesis.com/RICHROLL Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Salomon: https://www.salomon.com/richroll Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to the 2023 season premiere of ‘Roll On’, the version of the podcast where we indulge in some good-natured banter and ramble on matters of interest across culture, sports, politics, literature, art, self-betterment, and more. My co-host is Mr. Adam Skolnick, an activist, veteran journalist, author of One Breath, and David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me and Never Finished co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. Today Rich and Adam talk about the new ‘Roll On’ format, share their streaming selects, answer listener questions, and more. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/richroll  Native: nativedeo.com/rrp Calm: calm.com/richroll Birch Living: birchiving.com/richroll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

Meet legendary big wave king Garrett McNamara. Garrett is an internationally recognized big wave surfer who commanded global attention by surfing one of the world’s largest waves in Nazaré, Portugal, and popularizing Nazaré’s now famous surf break. He has also accomplished a myriad of other absolutely insane surfing feats like surfing waves generated by a 300ft glacier in Alaska, giant barrels breaking on shallow, jagged reefs, and on massive, open ocean hurricane swells. We dive into Garrett’s background—how he began surfing, his 100-foot wave quest, and the docu-series that captured it all. As an added bonus, Garrett’s wife Nicole—absolutely his partner in all things—joins the conversation at the end to enlighten us on the manifestation spiritual practice she and Garrett utilize to guide their decision-making and execute their goals. Garrett is he’s quite a character, truly one of a kind. My exchange with him and Nicole is one I won’t soon forget. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Whoop: WHOOP.com  LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/RICHROLL Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Peace + Plants, Rich

Today’s guest has dedicated his life to answering these questions with actionable, sustainable solutions. Meet the world’s most influential living philosopher, Peter Singer. The grandfather of both the modern animal rights and effective altruism movements, Peter is a Professor of Bioethics at Princeton and a Laureate Professor at the University of Melbourne, who has published several books on our moral responsibility to alleviate suffering. Since its original publication in 1975, his groundbreaking work "Animal Liberation" has awakened millions of people to the existence of speciesism—our systematic disregard of nonhuman animals—inspiring a worldwide movement to transform our attitudes to animals and eliminate the cruelty we inflict on them. His book "The Life You Can Save" and the nonprofit organization of the same name focus on how we should respond to extreme poverty and how doing good for others can bring fulfillment to your own life. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  InsideTracker:  insidetracker.com/RichRoll Voicing Change II: richroll.com/voicingchangeII Peace + Plants, Rich

Here to wax poetic on all things creativity, battling resistance, and answering your calling is wise master of the creative process Steven Pressfield, returning for his second appearance on the show (his first being episode #584). Steven is a prolific writer and thinker known for his profound insights into the creative process and the psychology of success. He has over 20 books to his name, and his works The War of Art, Do The Work, and Turning Pro have inspired and motivated millions of readers worldwide to embrace their creative compulsions and pursue their dreams with conviction and determination. Packed with actionable advice to inform your creative process, I have no doubt that Steven’s words will serve you no matter where you are on your creative journey. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Thesis: takethesis.com/RICHROLL Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Seed: seed.com/RICHROLL BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll Voicing Change II: richroll.com/voicingchangeII Peace + Plants, Rich

A force of nature, Chef Babette is the chef and owner of Stuff I Eat, a plant-based restaurant in Inglewood, California. After weathering an extremely challenging childhood, years addicted to drugs and processed foods, and suffering from a myriad of health issues, Babette managed to get clean and transform her life wholesale. From going plant-based in her 40’s, to starting a restaurant in her 50’s despite no experience, to becoming the very model of fit and radiant at 72 years young, Babette is a living testament to all late bloomers that it’s never too late to change. This conversation is about all that and more. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: House of Macadamias: https://www.houseofmacadamias.com/ Salomon: https://www.salomon.com/richroll Athletic Greens: https://www.athleticgreens.com/richroll Express VPN: https://www.expressvpn.com/RICHROLL Voicing Change II: bit.ly/voicingchangeII Peace + Plants, Rich

An absolute icon of modern music whose influence on culture has been nothing short of titanic, Rick Rubin is one of the greatest music producers of all time, noted for his unique—and some might say counter-intuitive—way in which he is able to help manifest the absolute best in every artist he works with. But lesser appreciated is Rick’s spiritual approach to artistry, explored in his newly released and completely transformative book, The Creative Act, which is all about cultivating the innate creativity that dwells within all of us. But more than that, creativity is a way of moving through the world. Enjoy. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Seed: seed.com/RICHROLL Calm: calm.com/richroll Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/richroll Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll  Thesis: takethesis.com/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

The co-founder of the companies Santara tech and Entalpi, Olav is a sports scientist and elite coach who helped to devise a protocol of testing and performance optimization, grounded in the scientific method, that is achieving undisputable real-world results as evidenced by the Olympic gold medals and championship victories of Kristian Blummenfelt and Gustav Iden. I had the honor to sit down with the Norwegian triathlon world champs Kristian and Gustav a few months ago. And while they earnestly answered every question I asked, I was still left wondering: what exactly is going on in Norway to produce such towering figures in the world of swim-bike-run? Here today, with the answers and practical training protocols, is the coach of The Norwegian Train himself. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/richroll  Whoop: WHOOP.com  Native: nativedeo.com/rrp Peace + Plants, Rich

Today’s guest wants to give you the tools to get started, overcome creative blocks, and get your work into the hands of the people you most want to help. His name is Seth Godin. He's the author of more than 19 international bestsellers, an entrepreneur, a speaker, and a climate activist. Through his work, Seth seeks to turn people’s lights on, inspire them to action, and teach them how to level up. And in today’s conversation we discuss creativity, writing, understanding the distinction between marketing and advertising, the pitfalls of modern education, and his most recent book, The Carbon Almanac, a one-stop-shop on everything we know about global climate change. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

My friend, coach, and frequent podcast guest Chris Hauth is joined by former Navy SEAL Ryan “Birdman” Parrott and former US Army Special Forces Alex Racey to discuss mindset tools for the new year, veteran mental health, the importance of doing hard things, and their impending 7x Project–7 marathons, 7 swims, and 7 skydiving jumps on 7 continents in 7 days. This conversion is equal parts inspiring and important, and I’m honored to share it with you all right now. So please hit that subscribe button, and enjoy. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Athletic Greens: athleticgreens.com/richroll  Whoop: WHOOP.com  BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/richroll. Birch Living: birchiving.com/richroll Peace + Plants, Rich

As 2022 comes to a close and a new year beckons, we are presented with an opportunity to reflect on the past twelve months. Explore new aspirations. And set intentions for the year to come. Allow me to indulge this truth by introducing Part Two of my annual yearbook—an auditory anthology of the year’s most compelling conversations. Enjoy the best of the year. Guest List + Full Episode Links: RRP 692: Malcolm Gladwell RRP 723: Mel Robbins RRP 715: Casey Neistat RRP 718: Whitney Cummings RRP 695: Peter Attia, MD RRP 678: Gemma Newman, MD RRP 702: Dr. Gabor Maté RRP 714: Robynne Chutkan, MD RRP 703: Max Fisher RRP 660: Sylvia Earle RRP 701: Ken Rideout RRP 694: Colin O’Brady & Jenna Besaw RRP 705: Paul Conti, MD RRP 670: Earthling Ed Winters RRP 681: Chip Conley Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

As the year comes to a close, I want to take some time to appreciate the unbelievable library of conversations we’ve recorded over the last 12 months. To celebrate all of these amazing episodes, we indulge an annual tradition on the podcast, ending each year with a 2-part compilation of the finest excerpts from the previous 12 months of the show. Enjoy. Guest List + Full Episode Links: RRP 666: Andrew Huberman RRP 687: Lisa Bilyeu RRP 676: Terry Crews RRP 654: Lisa Miller, PhD RRP 677: Brad Stulberg RRP 657: Jacqueline Novogratz RRP 680: Dr. Will Bulsiewicz RRP 689: Camille Herron RRP 658: Harvey Lewis RRP 699: Susan Cain RRP 664: Simon Hill RRP 710: Julie Piatt RRP 686: Steve Magness RRP 673: Mentalist Oz Pearlman Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

Last year, we debuted a new episode dedicated to compilations of stories sent in by our listeners. The result was Prophets Walk Among Us: Stories from Our Listeners, an incredible achievement that showcased the talent, drive, perseverance, and inspiration of the amazing humans that comprise the RRP multiverse. And if you haven’t listened to that episode yet, I highly encourage you to do so. After calling for more stories and curating the best responses, my team and I are proud to present to you: Prophets Walk Among Us, Part Two. Heartfelt stories of real-life transformations, tales of perseverance, and wisdom earned submitted by listeners of the show. I sincerely hope you enjoy this episode. It was made with love, for and by you. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

Back for her second drop on the podcast (her first being RRP #630) is my friend, Mel Robbins. Mel is the mega-bestselling author of The 5 Second Rule and The High Five Habit and is branching out into my territory with the launch of her brand new podcast, aptly titled The Mel Robbins Podcast, which has skyrocketed to one of the top shows in the world. Today we go deep into Mel’s recent breakthrough in her struggle with anxiety, what she learned and experienced during therapeutic MDMA sessions, along with marriage therapy, parenting advice, mindset, and so much more. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

Reaching your athletic peak is a laudable goal. But ambition extracts a physical and mental cost. How do you break free from cycles of burnout and injury and fall in love with running again? Today we cover this topic and more with legends Christopher McDougall + Eric Orton. In this conversation we dive deep into the world and stories of Christopher's book Born to Run, as well as talk with Christopher's running coach, Eric Orton, about the practical – naturalistic – running drills, principles, practices and philosophy to become bulletproof to injury – and set you up for a lifelong love affair with running. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

The U.S. is one of the most prosperous nations on the planet—and yet, our country has never been more unhealthy. Here to offer us a fact-based prescription for living longer and better is the intrepid Dan Buettner. A true renaissance man, Dan is an investigative journalist, a National Geographic Fellow, a legit, boots-on-the-ground longevity expert, an in-demand public speaker, a serial entrepreneur, and a world explorer with three endurance cycling world records to his name. A New York Times bestselling author many times over, he’s a seemingly constant presence on the TODAY show, has appeared on Oprah twice, and has been profiled on every respected global media outlet, from CNN to David Letterman. Today marks Dan’s fourth appearance on the podcast, and he’s presenting a gorgeous new offering: The Blue Zones American Kitchen. A must-read primer on healthy living, it’s a cookbook meets road trip in which he excavates the history of American cuisine and food culture and unearths the original, indigenous American diet, which, let’s just say, is very Blue Zones. It is with great pleasure that I share Dan’s wisdom with you today. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

Hormones are the body’s chemical messengers, signaling a slew of physiological processes, including your metabolism, mood, sexual function, and more. Here to help us understand this complicated endocrine language is hormone health specialist Kyle Gillett, MD. A dual board-certified physician in family medicine and obesity medicine, Kyle is an expert in optimizing hormone levels to improve overall health and well-being in both men and women. He earned his medical degree at the University of Kansas School of Medicine, practices at the Gillett Health Clinic in Olathe, Kansas, and is the host of The Gillett Health Podcast. In this wide-ranging conversation, we cover what hormones are, the key role hormones play in our overall health, and how we can leverage what Kyle calls the six pillars of health to optimize hormone health. Kyle explains how diet, exercise, sleep, stress management, sunlight exposure, and spiritual practice are more powerful than any medication or supplement out there. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

For the past year and a half, we’ve been creating quarterly episodes centered on a singular theme offered as an RRP Masterclass. These compilation episodes are derived from multiple past guests, and today, we focus our attention on plant-based nutrition. To gain the greatest insight into this topic, my team and I mined wisdom from the most esteemed doctors and the foremost experts in nutrition science that have graced the show—individuals who have direct experience with the impacts of a standard American diet, treatment protocols that include lifestyle changes toward plant fuel, the impact, and reversal of serious cardiovascular issues. The full guest list with links to their full episodes is below. Guest list: #678 – Dr. Gemma Newman #664 – Simon Hill #410 – Dr. Dean Ornish #79 – T. Colin Campbell #522 – Dr. Michael Greger #150 – Dr. Garth Davis #507 – Dr. Michael Klaper #492 – Dr. Neal Barnard #140 – Dr. Robert Ostfeld  #589 – Drs. Dean & Ayesha Sherzai #349 – Dr. Joel Kahn #325 – Dr. Kim Williams #541 – Dr. Alan Goldhamer Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

Whitney Cummings is a stand-up comedian, writer, actor, producer, and podcaster. You may know her from one of her five hilarious stand-up specials, her sitcom 'Whitney', as the co-creator of the CBS show '2 Broke Girls', or as host of the 'Good For You' podcast. Whitney’s charm and wit is legendary. But underappreciated is her knowledge and experience with mental health and emotional well-being—qualities earned from working through anxiety and and codependency disorders. All of this and more is chronicled in her hilarious and vulnerable book, 'I’m Fine …And Other Lies.' This conversation centers on mental health. We discuss codependency at length—what it is and what it isn’t—building self-esteem, creating confidence, navigating relationships, and healing from childhood trauma. We also talk about animal welfare, equestrian therapy, 12 step recovery, empathy, the importance of forgiveness, and tons more. Whitney is a blast. This episode is epic. I hope you enjoy it! Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Peace + Plants, Rich

Here to rewild us and reconnect us to that which is most essential is barefoot ultra running phenom Tony Riddle.  Returning for his 2nd appearance on the podcast (his first being over 3 years ago on episode #463), Tony is a natural lifestyle coach who has devoted his life to studying what makes us human and how to live naturally in the modern world. Today we pick things up where we last left off in an old school, no video, audio-only conversation convened during my recent visit to London that goes deeper into Tony's natural lifestyle practices. Tony and I cover his various endurance feats and training, his unique coaching philosophy, and the principles that underscore his new book Be More Human, a bible for deconstructing the ways of living that aren’t serving us, and reconnecting with new ways of living that are more in sync with our human biology. Show notes + MORE: bit.ly/richroll717 Watch on YouTube (audio only) Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.richroll.com/subscribe This conversation is packed with a battery of actionable practices and strategies to rewild and reboot your life. My hope is that you employ these strategies and they allow you to maximize your human potential. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to the 2022 season finale of ‘Roll On’, our semi-bi-weekly version of the podcast where we indulge in some good-natured banter and ramble on matters of interest across culture, sports, politics, literature, art, self-betterment, and more. Today Rich and Adam talk endurance news, concerning politics, streaming selects, answer listener questions, and more. Rich also expands on the lessons he’s learned after ten years of podcasting and the wisdom he’s gleaned from some of the brightest minds on the show. Watch on YouTube Show notes + MORE: bit.ly/richroll716 Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.richroll.com/subscribe Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Here today fourth appearance on the podcast—(his last appearance was nearly eight years ago) is the godfather of YouTube, Casey Neistat. One of the biggest and most popular filmmakers on YouTube with over 12.5 million subscribers, Casey rose to fame through a daily vlog he commenced in March of 2015 when he began uploading a new video every single day, elevating the vlog format with next level storytelling & production value that consistently went viral & captured the fascination of millions. In addition to being a friend and occasional running partner, Casey is also an entrepreneur, an angel investor, a husband, a dad, and the director of a new documentary entitled 'Under The Influence', which chronicles the trajectory of a young YouTube creator named David Dobrik from massive popularity to disgrace and the ugly, broader truths of the creator economy that incentivized his demise. Today Casey and I dive deep into what it means to be an artist. We dive into the foundational principles of creativity, filmmaking, and storytelling. We talk about the difference between external versus internal validation and the rewards each brings. If you enjoy our conversation today, check out our earlier exchanges on episodes 73, 144, and 174. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Multiple studies now confirm a dramatic link between the health of our microbiome and our ability to combat viral illness. Today we explore this connection, with tools to promote gut health, optimize your immune system & prevent disease. Our host for today's exploration is the queen of all things gut health, Robynne Chutkan, MD. Dr. Chutkan is a board-certified gastroenterologist serving on the Georgetown University Hospital faculty. She is the founder of the Digestive Center for Wellness, as well as the author of 4 books on the microbiome, including her most recent, The Anti-Viral Gut, which offers practical advice for optimizing diet, exercise, sleep, and time outdoors to boost the body’s defenses and our overall health. Appearing for the 2nd time on the podcast, my initial conversation with Dr. Chutkan 7 years ago (RRP #192) dove into the nuts and bolts of the microbiome: what it is, how it functions, and how we can care for it. Today we zoom in, focusing on the antiviral aspects of gut health, why it’s so important, and what you can do about it. We’ve talked a lot about the microbiome on this podcast, but this exchange is truly a masterclass within itself.  Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. I’ve known Robynne for many years—she is such a delightful presence. It was wonderful to have her back in the studio. Her expertise in communicating this subject matter is truly unparalleled, and I am excited to share this one with you. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

In today’s panoply of role models, rare is the story of an everyman transforming his life wholesale—then sharing his process openly and honestly with humility and vulnerability. Today I convene with one of these aspirational, endurance veteran and personal hero Gordo Byrn. Gordo is someone who greatly inspired and influenced my endurance career and mentored me from afar in ways beyond my ability to calculate. This conversation, long in the making, is thus personally special. A former private equity investment banker, Gordo metamorphosed into an elite ultra-endurance athlete, a student of human performance, an endurance coach, and, mostly, a devoted family man. He’s also the co-author of the endurance bible 'Going Long'—an incredible resource for any and all athletes seeking to better understand and apply the principles of endurance. A Web 1.0 blogger and podcaste, Gordo's humble guidance and wisdom was a consistent presence during my heavy training years, a tradition he continues today on Twitter (@feelthebyrn1)—a platform he uses to share his experience on everything from endurance training to marriage, personal finance and parenting. Meeting Gordo was like meeting a lost twin for the first time, and this conversation was everything I hoped it would be. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. The Swedish superstar and multiple Ultraman and Otillo champion Jonas Colting calls Gordo ‘Tony Robbins in a Speedo.’ I agree with this statement, and after listening to this one, you will too. Peace + Plants, Rich

There are professionals. There are Olympians. But rare is the athlete who is so entirely and utterly devoted to sport in mind, body, and soul, that they exceed titles all together. Today I am lucky to host two of these extraordinary individuals: Norsemen Gustav Iden & Kristian Blummenfelt. In an unprecedented period of just 9 months, Kristian was crowned Olympic champion in Tokyo and bagged the fastest Ironman performance ever in his debut. After winning the 2021 70.3 World Champion title, this year Gustav had a spectacular 2022 debut victory at the Ironman World Championships in Kona—a race in which Kristian placed 3rd—emerging from Kristian’s formidable shadow and smashing the overall Kona course record with a blistering 7:40:24. On top of that, he rewrote the marathon course record with a 2:36;15 26.2.  Racing in tandem until the very end, Gustav and Kristian gave mindboggling, paradigm-crushing performances at the 2022 Ironman World Championship this year. It was an unforgettable barnburner of a race, and today we dive deep into the metrics and mechanics of that epic day. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. Final Note: If you dig this conversation, look out for my upcoming podcast with their coach (and mad genius) Olav Aleksander Bu, which will be released in the not-so-distant future. The Norwegian Train is in the house. Tuck into that aero position, hammer some watts, and enjoy. Peace + Plants, Rich

This is a conversation about the science, neurobiology and use cases for clinical hypnosis with the world’s leading researcher and clinician in the field, Dr. David Spiegel. Dr. Spiegel is the associate chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford University School of Medicine, the director of the Stanford Center on Stress and Health, and has published over 480 journal articles, 170 book chapters, and a whopping 13 books on the subject of hypnosis and related topics. Hypnosis is unfortunately a loaded term, one I admittedly met with skepticism. But as you’ll soon discover, clinical hypnosis, as opposed to ‘stage’ hypnosis, is a genuine and efficacious therapeutic protocol that induces a unique brain state—one that can be leveraged to improve everything from sleep states to high performance. It can be a powerful tool against addiction. And hypnosis has proven efficacious in the alleviation of trauma-related symptoms such as anxiety, chronic pain, and more. In this episode, Dr. Spiegel explains hypnosis, distinguishes the ‘stage’ variety from the clinical definition, and dispels the many myths associated with the field. We discuss the many aforementioned efficacious use cases for hypnosis, and a process Dr. Spiegel calls 'tranceformation'.  Finally, we cover helpful tools for self-hypnosis, a simple test to gauge your own receptivity to hypnosis, and many other topics. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. For a special discount on the Reveri mobile app (iOs & Android), visit reveri.com/richroll where you will be entitled to purchase a yearly or lifetime membership at a reduced price. I receive no benefit or remuneration from this offer. Please enjoy what I think you will find to be a truly fascinating, potentially life-altering conversation. Peace + Plants, Rich

How do you navigate transformation? What does it mean to live with integrity? And why is it important to cultivate intuition? Joining me today to grapple with truths big and small is my in-house spiritual guide, Julie Piatt—aka SriMati. My partner in every definition of the word, Julie excels across an impressive variety of disciplines. She is a serial entrepreneur. She’s the founder and CEO of SriMu, her plant-based cheese enterprise, and soon-to-be empire. She’s a musician. An artist. A designer. A devoted mother to four. Most relevant to today’s conversation, Julie is also a yogi and lifelong, devoted pursuer of spiritual wisdom, which she insightfully practices and instructs by way of her online spiritual community, Water Tiger. In this exchange, Julie shares actionable ways to celebrate your lived experience, amplify your awareness, and elevate your consciousness as we emerge from the pandemic and the multitude of experiences that period wrought. Julie also shares ways to inject entrepreneurship with spirituality. With the holiday season soon upon us, we also discuss how to gracefully navigate the emotional complexity of family gatherings. We conclude with valuable business insights from the front lines of growing her *not* cheese brand. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. I think you’ll come away from this exchange inspired, enlightened, and armed with a few tactics to infuse your life with more purpose, passion, and joy. Julie tends to have that effect on people. Peace + Plants, Rich

Meet François D’Haene. One of the greatest (some say the greatest) ultra-distance trail runners in the world, French superstar François is a former physiotherapist turned winemaker who has collected 36 victories and 51 podiums across some of the most prestigious and challenging races in the world. His palmarès include taking victory at UTMB an astonishing four times, a record only recently matched by Kílian Jornet this year. In 2017, François clocked the fastest-ever traverse of the 210-mile John Muir Trail. And in 2021, he won the Hardrock 100, one of the most difficult trail ultras, breaking the overall record previously held by Jornet. Beyond the glow of ultra superstardom, François keeps things simple—a lifestyle that prioritizes his family as a dad to three. And an approach to sustained excellence that values community, connection, and nature over race results and rewards. It’s this disposition—a rare balance many athletes of his caliber struggle to master—that I find most compelling. And it’s the focus of today’s fascinating exploration. Today we explore the elements of François’ mastery. We parse his humble and grounded approach to craft—and how this mindset has contributed to sustained success and career longevity at the highest level of sport. In addition, we discuss the principles that drive him, the details of his training regimen, the allure of nature, advice for tackling your first ultra, and many other topics. But more than anything, this is a conversation about the tension between the rigors of pursuing mastery and the value of important life experiences beyond the parameters of sport. Read: Show notes. I should say up front that François’ French accent can be a bit thick at times, but if you listen closely and aren’t tempted to increase the playback speed, you should be able to follow him just fine. Captions are available on YouTube if you want to capture every word. Note: this conversation was recorded on June 30, 2022. On July 15, 2022, François placed 2nd at the Hardrock 100, 14+ minutes behind Kílian Jornet. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with François—may this exchange leave you equally enriched. Peace + Plants, Rich

On Monday, September 26th, Hilaree Nelson—one of the world’s most accomplished ski-mountaineers and adventure athletes—tragically passed away while descending mount Manaslu in Nepal after summiting the 26,781-foot mountain with her partner Jim Morrison. She was 49. Named one of National Geographic’s 2018 Adventurers of the Year, Hilaree was an adventurer at the absolute highest level—a giant who summited, explored & skied some of the most exotic and treacherous mountain ranges on Earth and served as an inspiration, mentor, and role model to many. In tribute to her extraordinary life, this episode is a re-release of our conversation from 2018 (RRP 364). It’s about risk, fear, resilience, potential, and the allure of the outdoors. But mostly, it's about placing yourself outside your comfort zone—and what that can teach us about potential, the preciousness of life, and what it means to be truly alive. Watch on YouTube Original Episode 364 Show Notes Rest In Power, Hilaree. Rich

If you’re someone who actually believes that people don’t change, prepare for a major mindset shift.Meet John McAvoy. Returning for his 2nd appearance on the podcast, John is positive transformation rendered in human form—and his story is one of the most compelling, improbable, inspirational, and cinematic tales you will ever be privileged to hear. The McAvoy name might ring a bell for longtime listeners. He first appeared on the show a little over four years ago on episode #379—a conversation that ranks among the most memorable and impactful in the ten-year history of the show. For those unfamiliar, John is a former high-profile armed robber, one of Britain’s most successful career criminals and most wanted men. His reckoning was delivered in the form of a double life sentence (the 2nd of 2 prison stints) on the notorious Belmarsh high-security wing—a space he shared with extremist cleric Abu Hamza and the 7/7 bombers. To the rational outsider, John’s future was bleak. But a chance encounter with prison gym indoor rowing machine would ultimately change his life forever. In short shrift, John ended up breaking a cluster of British and World indoor rowing records while incarcerated, and upon parole, began forging a new life as a professional endurance athlete. Today, John is a Nike-sponsored Ironman athlete living in the Alps, a vegan (not my doing—I promise), and a stalwart mouthpiece for prison reform who has testified at 10 Downing Street. But above all, he’s a staunch advocate for the inherent power we all possess to course correct the trajectory of our lives, no matter how dire the circumstances. I was in London recently and couldn’t resist the opportunity to reconvene with this legend. This episode is old school—no video, just two guys vibing across a kitchen table. We pick right up where we last left off four years prior and dive even deeper into John’s remarkable story to further mine the extraordinary, latent potential we all hold to better ourselves. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. As you’ll soon discover, John’s greatest heist isn’t a bank—it’s his life. Peace + Plants, Rich

For too long, the growing body of evidence showing that a spiritual practice is associated with better health and wellbeing has been dismissed by stoics and scientists. That is, until now. Welcome to our sixth masterclass episode, where we share big truths from some of my best podcast guests, honing in on a single theme or subject matter. Today we are diving deep on all things spirituality, sharing new perspectives, the latest scientific findings, some concrete and non-secular spiritual practices, and the value that an awakened state of being can add to your daily life. Whether you’re already part of a rich spiritual tradition or someone just beginning to seek a spiritual path, this one’s for you. I sincerely hope that after hearing all these perspectives on spirituality, you find yourself with an open heart, armed with new practices that can elevate your thinking and behavior toward a more spiritual consciousness—and ultimately, a more fulfilled life. If you’ve been inspired, then consider visiting the full, in-depth conversations with these esteemed guests. You can find links to each episode posted in the show notes below. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. Masterclass Series: Click here to listen to our first deep dive on the microbiome, here for our second on mental health, here for our third on addiction & recovery, here for our fourth on mindset, and here our fifth on longevity. The full episodes for all guests featured in this episode can be found in the show notes below. I sincerely hope you find this experiment helpful and instructive—and/or that you share the episode with those who could benefit from it. Enjoy! Rich

Meet the masters of resilience. 80’s metal trailblazers: Anvil. For those of you who bristle at the thought of heavy metal, set aside that resistance. Give this one a shot with an open mind and heart. And thank me later—because the story of Anvil—and the filmmaker who captured their tale—is nothing short of remarkable. At 14, Steve ‘Lips’ Kudlow and Robb Reiner made a pact to rock together forever. In 1982 they birthed a highly influential album that would inspire the likes of Anthrax and Metallica—and then proceeded to drop off the map, toiling in obscurity for decades while the bands they impacted rose to superstardom. Then, in 2006, filmmaker (and former Anvil roadie) Sacha Gervasi set out to find out what happened, discovering to his astonishment that 25 years later the band was still making music and remained steadfastly committed to the most impossible of dreams: making it big. Now this is a story, he thought. So Sacha grabbed a small camera crew and proceeded to follow the band as they persevered through obstacles, navigated a botched European tour, and recorded a thirteenth album. Despite rejection that would devastate the strongest among us, Anvil refused to give up on their dream—and never lost hope. Today we tell this surprisingly touching and remarkably inspirational story. And now, 50 years since the band debuted and 13 years after the rockumentary first premiered in 2008, the film is being re-released in 200 theaters across the US this week and later in theatres across Europe and beyond—a response to a new generation of enthusiastic young people who discovered and fell in love with the movie during Covid. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. Lips and Robb hold an unwavering conviction and extraordinary amount of courage that is nothing short of superhuman. They are inspiring examples of perseverance in the face of adversity, and I’m delighted to share their story. I hope you find it as touching and compelling as I did. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Dr. Paul Conti is a graduate of Stanford University School of Medicine. He completed his training at Stanford and Harvard, where he served as Chief Resident. He then served on the medical faculty at Harvard before moving to Portland, Oregon, and founding the Pacific Premiere Group—a clinical practice helping people heal and grow from trauma and other life challenges. Dr. Conti is also the author of Trauma, the Invisible Epidemic: How Trauma Works and How We Can Heal From It, which I feel strongly is required reading for everyone, particularly those of you looking to not only heal from your own trauma, and for anyone desiring to break cycles of generational trauma. This conversation is truly a master class on all things trauma. Dr. Conti begins by defining trauma, and explaining what trauma is and isn’t. We then look at the many ways in which unresolved trauma perniciously manifests in our lives, discuss the various ways in which the medical establishment fails us with respect to mental health, and explore a vision for how to improve it. And we close with tools available to effectively process, heal, and even prevent trauma from negatively impacting our lives and the lives of our loved ones. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. Dr. Conti’s wisdom on this important subject is profound. This conversation is appointment listening. And it was an honor to host such a bright mind. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to ‘Roll On’, the semi-bi-weekly version of the podcast where Rich Roll & Adam Skolnick indulge in some good-natured banter and ramble on matters of interest across culture, sports, art, literature, politics, self-betterment, and more. Today Rich reflects on what he has learned from his almost 10 years hosting this podcast, plus endurance news, recent episode recaps, streaming selects, listener questions and more. Watch on YouTube Show notes + MORE: bit.ly/richroll704 Newsletter Sign-Up: https://www.richroll.com/subscribe Peace + Plants, Rich

Max Fisher is a New York Times investigative reporter, Pulitzer Prize finalist, and author of the vitally important book: 'The Chaos Machine: The Inside Story of How Social Media Rewired Our Minds and Our World'—a referendum on Big Tech and the social media platforms that that have come to monopolize our attention, foment division and fracture our world. Today's conversation covers Max’s journey to reporting on social media and politics, the specific ways social media changes its users’ morality, and how algorithms can make users more prone to violence. We also dive into cutting-edge research on how social media inculcates a super-exaggerated feeling of outrage and intolerance, making users more likely to believe misinformation and the complicated role of free speech in it all. Finally, we discuss the implications of data harvesting human behavior—and why social media addiction is so terrifying. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. This is an admittedly scary but crucial conversation about how social media’s reach and impact run far deeper than we have previously understood. I hope you learn as much as I did—and adjust your screen time accordingly. Peace + Plants, Rich

In the most health-obsessed society ever, all is not well. At the root lies a sleeping giant: unhealed trauma. Here to help us further explore this profound insight is renowned speaker and bestselling author, Dr. Gabor Maté. Returning for his second appearance on the show (his first being RRP #188) Dr. Maté is an expert in a wide range of topics, best known for his work on the relationship between addiction and childhood development. If you are interested in truly understanding the nature of addiction, his book In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts is an essential read that has influenced me profoundly. Dr. Maté’s latest and most ambitious book to date is The Myth of Normal, a groundbreaking extrapolation of his addiction thesis that investigates the true causes of illness, the many ways in which our society breeds disease, and the pathway to health and well-being. Over the course of this conversation, Dr. Maté brilliantly illuminates what we can do to course correct and heal as individuals, and as a collective society at large. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. I have great reverence for this man, and my hope is that Dr. Maté’s words inspire you to rethink your own behavioral compulsions, redress your own unhealed pain, and in turn treat those who suffer with more compassion and understanding. Peace + Plants, Rich

The heart and soul of this podcast is personal transformation—and today’s story of metamorphosis is one of the most compelling, improbable, and inspirational tales I have ever heard. Narrating this epic saga is Ken Rideout, a guy who has transcended a litany of seemingly insurmountable obstacles to become one of the world’s pre-eminent master athletes. Now 51, he smokes his running competitors like a bad habit—and is only beginning to hit his stride. It’s a land mine littered path that didn’t come easy. A rough and chaotic childhood, a battle with addiction, learning harsh truths as a prison guard right out of high school, and later losing colleagues on 9/11 are just a few of the many obstacles he’s faced and overcome. Nonetheless, and without any formal experience, he somehow made it to Wall Street and beyond—and has been stacking goals ever since. Ken’s latest goal? To be crowned masters champion in all the world’s most prestigious marathons. Crowned “World’s Best Marathoner Over 50” by the New York Times (in an article written by friend of the podcast Matt Futterman), it’s fair to say this former boxer is already well on his way to achieving that goal. Today we walk through Ken’s journey, covering his early years reared in chaos, his time spent as a prison guard, and how he hustled his way against all odds to get to Wall Street. We also dive into the opioid addiction that nearly cratered his life, his mid-life renaissance as an athlete, his inhuman drive, his unique professional approach to training, and the mindset tools he’s leveraged to create improbable success—all of which are layered with a rare and colorful humility. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. Ken is truly one of a kind, and this one is packed with powerful lessons on discipline, self-accountability, and the importance of consistency. Get on board the rollercoaster—and prepare for a thrill. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to ‘Roll On’, the semi-bi-weekly version of the podcast where we ramble on matters of interest across culture, sports, art, literature, politics, self-betterment, and more. As always, my co-host is Mr. Adam Skolnick, an activist, veteran journalist, and David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is also the author of One Breath and still uses the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Today we celebrate episode 700 (700!) with an update on personal goings on, cover headlines from the world of endurance, share highlights from recent travels, banter on wealth inequality, answer a few listener questions, and more. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube Show notes:+ MORE: bit.ly/richroll700 Specific topics discussed in today’s episode include: Rich’s recent visit to London; centenarian Mike Fremont’s meal plan; headlines from the world of obscure sports: swimming, ultrarunning & freediving; thoughts on 20-somethings prioritizing experience over career; the cultural implications behind the recent attack of Salman Rushdie; wealth inequality (and the Sydney Sweeney backlash); culture war profiteering; the impact of the internet on journalism, discourse & focus; and fun In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you balance accomplishing your goals with meeting the needs of your loved ones and family? Is it unrealistic to look for a partner that aligns with all of your values? Today’s Sponsors: GoMacro:100% sustainably sourced plant-based ingredients, GoMacro bars are organic, vegan, gluten-free, and delicious.Visit gomacro.com and use the promo code RichRoll for 30% OFF plus free shipping on all orders over $50. LMNT: A science-backed electrolyte drink mix with everything you need and nothing you don’t. Right now LMNT is offering my listeners a free sample pack with any purchase—that’s 8 single serving packets FREE with any LMNT order. Try it out at drinkLMNT.com/RICHROLL Whoop: The world’s most powerful fitness tracker is now waterproof. Get the WHOOP 4.O at WHOOP.com and use the code RICHROLL at checkout to get 15% off. Birch Living: The best, most affordable, organic, and sustainable mattresses on the market with a 100-night risk-free trial. For 400$ off ALL mattresses visit birchiving.com/richroll. Thank you to Adam from Fort Collins and Anita From New Zealand for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at(424) 235-4626. Peace + Plants, Rich

Are you one of those people that finds solace and comfort in rainy days or melancholy music? It’s not quite sadness. It's more like longing. A beautiful ache that makes you feel more connected to the human experience. What is that specifically? And why does it compel us so? Former corporate lawyer turned author Susan Cain wondered the same—a query that launched a 7-year journey to better understand the complex and nuanced nature of all things melancholic. The result of Susan’s adventure is Bittersweet, her #1 New York Times bestselling book that ponders this quiet state of being and why embracing it paves a true path to creativity, connection, and transcendence. Bluntly put, quiet states of being are Susan Cain’s jam. Today we go delightfully deep on Susan’s transition from attorney to writer and how she came to write about introversion. We discuss the irony of being a public introvert, the power of honoring your inner introvert, and how to support introverted kids and co-workers. We also go deep on bittersweetness—and the how and whys behind cultivating it as a means of giving our lives more resonance and meaning and appreciation. If you protect your quiet like I do, this one's for you. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. Both introversion and bittersweetness are states that society doesn’t do a great job of encouraging, but Susan really encouraged my acceptance and embrace of these ideas as an introvert myself (and someone who scored pretty high on the bittersweetness scale) as powerful when nourished. My hope is that you will find this conversation equally nourishing. Peace + Plants, Rich

We as a global society currently face challenges—some of which are existential in nature—that simply cannot be solved with the mindset, institutions, and paradigms currently in place. Instead, these solutions require that we think beyond current economic, political, and social constraints—and even well beyond our individual life spans—to consider deeply the impact we will have on many generations into the future. Indeed, these solutions require an applied mindset that Ari Wallach calls Longpath—an active way of being that cultivates future-conscious thinking and behavior to build more hopeful visions of the future, turn those visions into action, and foster more meaning in our lives and legacy. Ari is a futurist (although he hates that term), a social systems strategist, and the author of a new book out this week, aptly titled (you guessed it) Longpath, which extends a discussion he began with his 2017 TED Talk, Short-termism is killing us: it’s time for Longpath which has been viewed over 2.5 million times. This conversation asks a simple question: how do we become great ancestors to our future descendants? The future is not a singular certainty. Nor is it solely fueled by technological advances in some far distant point in time. Instead, the future is manifesting now—and it is very much human. In this fascinating conversation Ari explains why. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. I really enjoyed talking to Ari. I think this one just might leave you reevaluating your path and priorities in a positive way. Peace + Plants, Rich

Today we explore health, fitness, longevity & the pursuit of meaning through the lived experience of a human who has been walking planet Earth for a full 100 years. Meet centenarian Mike Fremont, a retired engineer turned climate activist and life-long athlete who holds a slew of impressive age group world records in running, including the fastest recorded marathons for an 88-year-old, 90-year-old, and a 91-year-old. I was introduced to Mike by his running buddy elite ultra-marathoner and popular friend of the pod Harvey Lewis, who helped arrange today’s unique opportunity to learn and be inspired by someone who has not only been alive for so long but who has remained incredibly vibrant well beyond social expectations. For those of you who feel like it’s too late or you’ve missed the boat on being an athlete, this guy’s marathon career didn’t even kick into high gear until his 60’s—40 years ago! This conversation is my attempt to extract his testimony and counsel for younger generations. We dive into what he has learned about life, longevity, vitality, purpose, fitness, and setting and world records. We also discuss the WFPB diet (which he adopted 30 years ago in the wake of a colon cancer diagnosis) that fuels his training, keeps him spry, informs his climate activism, and in his words, is what has allowed him to thrive for decades beyond social expectations. It’s not often you get the opportunity to spend time with a centenarian. This is a small attempt to course correct mainstream culture's failure to appropriately appreciate our elders. I loved having Mike on the show, consider him a new friend, and I’m proud to share his voice with you. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes. Peace + Plants, Rich

What defines art? What makes one an artist? What does art teach us—and why does it matter? To help us make sense of a world elusive to many, today I convene with the singular Heidi Zuckerman. A woman I’ve known for over 30 years, Heidi has devoted her entire professional career to understanding art, the people who make art, and why we should care. Heidi currently serves as CEO and Director of the Orange County Museum of Art, where she is overseeing construction of a spectacular new building designed by legendary architect Thom Mayne of Morphosis, scheduled to open in October 2022. In addition, she hosts Conversations About Art (a podcast on which I was privileged to be a guest) and is the author of the Conversations with Artists book series. This is a conversation about art. In addition to tracking Heidi’s career arc, we discuss what defines art, what makes for great art, why we should care about art, and why artists matter. We discuss the barriers to accessing art. How art can and should be democratized. And the role of art and artists in this era of offense and content overload. On a personal level, this one is very meaningful given my long history with Heidi. I really enjoyed this conversation—I hope you learn as much as I did. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes Peace + Plants, Rich

Healthspan extension may pique your interest. But it’s the obsession of today’s guest, a physician and engineer focused on the applied science of longevity to reframe and improve how we live while challenging all we’ve been previously taught about the interaction of health, human performance, and medicine. Meet Peter Attia, MD. Peter’s current practice deals extensively with nutritional interventions, exercise physiology, sleep physiology, emotional and mental health, and pharmacology to increase lifespan (how long you live), while simultaneously improving healthspan (the quality of your life). Today’s conversation, the first in what I hope to be many, focuses on the following specific topics: Longevity. From a holistic perspective, discussing the physical, mental and emotional pillars required to erect the foundation for a long life well-lived, including how and why he is training (as all us of should be) for what he calls “The Centenarian Decathlon”. Metabolic health. What this actually means, how to optimize it, and the role a Continuous Glucose Monitor (or CGM) can play in engaging you with your own metabolic health. Strength, mobility and brain health. Zone 2 training. What it is, how to do it, and why it’s important. Peter is an utterly fascinating human with a clear grasp of science and how to effectively communicate it. I hope you enjoy this exchange as much as I was honored to host it. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes Peace + Plants, Rich

World-record setting adventure athlete and New York Times bestselling author Colin O’Brady returns for his fifth appearance on the podcast (RRP 207, 235, 439 & 519), this time alongside wife and partner in all things Jenna Besaw —the powerful engine behind everything they have accomplished together. Today we discuss what global exploration has taught Colin & Jenna about mindset. We talk about the transformative power of an all-day walk, the subject of Colin's new book, 'The 12-Hour Walk'. Packed with actionable takeaways ad incredible stories, this is a long one, but I implore you to stick around for the final hour— a harrowing first-person account of the trauma and tragedy of death on K2. Watch: YouTube. Read: Show notes Peace + Plants, Rich

After a brief hiatus, the boys are back with a classic "old school" edition of 'Roll On', the version of the podcast where we ramble on matters of interest across culture, sports, art, politics, self-betterment, and more. This might be the most Roll On Roll On of all Roll Ons. As always, my co-host is Mr. Adam Skolnick, an activist, veteran journalist, and David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Specific topics discussed in today’s episode include: Rich’s recent adventures in Colorado (and getting COVID—again); how Jim Thorpe was finally restored as sole winner of 1912 Olympics; Kaitlin Armstrong’s capture in Costa Rica; Francois D’Haene, Kilian Jornet & Courtney Dauwalter’s impressive Hardrock 100 results; Yoshihiko Ishikawa stunning performance at the Badwater 135; the importance of the Webb Telescope images; and  women’s healthcare rights and the future of abortion in America. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: Is an unbalanced life centered on work a rite of passage when it comes to success? How do you embody gratitude? What books changed your life? If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube. Show notes:+ MORE: https://bit.ly/richroll693 Peace + Plants, Rich

What are the limits of human performance? How can we reimagine sport to boost lifelong adoption? And what is the athlete’s role in moving culture forward? Today we explore these questions and tons more with the lord of all things overlooked and misunderstood, Malcolm Gladwell. I suspect most of you are very familiar with Malcolm. Perhaps you’ve listened to his sensational podcast Revisionist History, where every episode re-examines something from the past—an event, a person, an idea, even a song—and asks whether our collective stories got it right the first time. Or maybe you’ve read one of his six New York Times best sellers, such as The Tipping Point,Blink, Outliers, David and Goliath, and Talking to Strangers. Today’s conversation begins with running, extends to sport, broadens into a conversation about the role of athletes in moving society forward, and (of course) unearths other topics overlooked and misunderstood—all in true Gladwellian style. We talk about his latest podcast, Legacy of Speed, and why this terrain just might be his most Gladwellian project to date. Malcolm also shares several of his orthogonal ideas around education, publishing, the future of audio, creativity, and many more fascinating topics. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube. More about Malcom + show notes: https://bit.ly/richroll692a Malcolm is someone I’ve wanted on the show since day one, and I am thrilled to finally have made it happen. I hope you enjoy this exchange as much as I was thrilled to host it. Peace + Plants, Rich

Robin Arzón -- the inspiring and highly energetic self-proclaimed ambassador of sweat and swagger is back for her fourth appearance on the podcast. A former corporate lawyer with degrees from NYU and Villanova Law, Robin transformed herself into a global fitness icon and everybody’s favorite Peloton instructor—the company where she also holds the title of Vice President of Fitness Programming and Head Instructor. In 2020 Robin was named one of the most influential people on Fortune Magazine’s 40 Under 40 list. Robin is also a two-time New York Times bestseller of Shut Up And Run, and her latest book, Strong Mama. Finally, she recently launched a Master Class on all things mental strength. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube. More about Robin + show notes: https://bit.ly/richroll691 I adore Robin. She never fails to ignite the best in us all. If this conversation leaves you inspired, there is more where that came from in RRP #99, RRP #137 & RRP #230. Peace + Plants, Rich

When it comes to fasting, how do you parse fact from fiction? How do nutrition and lifestyle choices make or break disease? And how do we eat to live longer, healthier lives? To help us answer these questions, Dr.Valter Longo is back. Dr. Longo first graced the show back on RRP #367, where we covered the basics for fasting for longevity. Today we are getting granular on the science of longevity & nutrition, including an analysis of the latest research on fasting and what Dr. Longo calls the fasting-mimicking diet and its connection to healthspan extension & disease prvention, So today we pick up where we left off four years ago, covering: The latest research on fasting and his fasting-mimicking diet; the 5 nutrition pillars of longevity and various fasting strategies, optimal protein intake based on age, high fat versus low-fat diets, and how to think about and contextualize continuous glucose monitoring; the science around rapamycin, metformin and sirtuins; and many other topics. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube. Learn more + show notes: https://bit.ly/richroll690 Valter is one of the world’s brightest minds on the cutting edge of longevity science and this one is full of prescriptive advice. I hope you learn as much as I did. Peace + Plants, Rich

She collects world records with wild abandon. With each race, she narrows the gender gap, rewriting the rulebook on human capability with a broad smile and arms outstretched. Meet force of nature Camille Herron. Alongside 21 marathon victories, Camille won the Comrades Marathon in 2017, becoming the first athlete to win World Championship titles in the 50K, 100K and clocking the most miles in 24 hours (167.8 to be specific) of any woman in history. Just after turning 40, earlier this year Camille took home a big win at the Jackpot 100, beating all the men and besting her own 100-mile Road World Record. In addition, Camille is the youngest woman to reach 100,000-lifetime running miles and she holds my favorite world record—fastest marathon in a superhero costume—running 2:48 dressed head to toe as Spiderwoman. Today she shares her unique story, in her own unique way. How can a woman who commits herself to such hellish feats of physical performance remain so joyous? Today we dissect it all: Camille’s relentless positivity, her unique backstory, her unique, quality over quantity training style, how she thinks about closing the gender gap in ultra running, the importance of strength training, how blood work has impacted her focus on nutrition, the difference between trail running and road running, her near term goals and future ambitions. We also talk about how she manages being married to her coach Conor Holt, how running can be self-transcendent, and many other interesting topics. More about Camille + show notes: https://bit.ly/richroll689 Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: https://bit.ly/camilleherron689a Camille is an unbridled optimist, a super fun hang, and an inspiration for all—especially for those of us pondering our athletic capabilities as we age up. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to our fourth masterclass episode where we share big truths from some of my best podcast guests, honing in on a single theme or subject matter. Today we are diving deep into the subject of longevity, specifically: how to age healthfully, how to biologically promote longevity, how to embrace your innate potential for growth beyond the prescribed productive years, and how to cultivate a true life-long expansion of self. From science and technology to diet and mindset, there are choices you can make to access not simply the longest lifespan possible, but also the greatest health span your body is capable of. There are real, tangible, practical methods we can employ to get the maximum value out of our bodies and therefore our lives. As always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: https://bit.ly/Longevity688 Masterclass Series: Click here to listen to our first deep dive on the microbiome, here for our second on mental health, and here for our third on addiction & recovery. The full episodes for all guests featured in this episode can be found in the show notes here: https://bit.ly/longevity688 I sincerely hope you find this experiment helpful and instructive—and/or that you share the episode with those who could benefit from it. Peace + Plants, Rich

Here to illuminate truths big and small on all things self-confidence, relationships, mindset, and more is entrepreneur turned author Lisa Bilyeu. Lisa is the co-founder of Quest Nutrition a company she helped grow into a billion-dollar unicorn alongside her husband and friend of the pod Tom Bilyeu. She’s also co-founder and President of the digital-first media enterprise Impact Theory Studios, where among many other duties she hosts Women of Impact, a show that is all about empowering women to become the heroes of their own lives. In addition, Lisa is the author of the recently released Radical Confidence, a memoir and practical toolbox for developing a growth mindset and transcending what she calls the ‘purgatory of the mundane’. Our conversation covered quite a bit, including: the importance of intentional communication in marriage and relationships; developing a growth mindset—and why you don’t have to hit bottom to change; how gratitude can in some cases hold you back; thoughts on setting healthy boundaries, finding a mission, and many other topics. Lisa is a unique force of nature. She might be petite, but don’t be fooled. She definitely packs a punch. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: https://bit.ly/lisabilyeu687 More about Lisa + show notes: https://bit.ly/richroll687 If you feel stuck in a life scenario that isn’t serving you and looking for a constructive, empowering way forward, this one’s for you. Lisa is an absolute firecracker. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

A cornerstone of this podcast is exploring why we should all Do Hard Things—which just so happens to be the title of today’s guest’s latest book. Meet Steve Magness. Making his third (but first solo) appearance on the show, Steve is a former elite track and field athlete (4:01 miler), elite coach turned author, and world-renowned expert on all things high performance. In addition, Steve consults on mental skills development for professional sports teams—including some of the top teams in the NBA—and has coached numerous professional athletes to the Olympics and world championship level. Today Steve walks us through a new approach to unlocking true toughness and physical and mental resilience—and how to best lead others to optimal performance. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: bit.ly/stevemagness686 More about Steve + show notes: bit.ly/richroll686 This one is a combination of great stories and actionable takeaways—I hope you enjoy it as much as I did. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein Rich Roll and journalist & author Adam Skolnick riff on matters of interest across sports, culture, entertainment, and self-betterment.  Given the heartbreaking number of mass and school shootings this year—punctuated by the horrific events in Uvalde—today’s discussion centers on gun violence in America, culminating with a conversation with Senator Cory Booker, who joins via Zoom to help us understand why this problem is so intractable, and what we can do about it. Specific topics discussed in today’s episode include: Kristian Blummenfelt’s stunning Sub7 Project performance; the downfall of legendary UC Berkeley swimming coach Teri McKeever; the release of Robbie Balenger’s movie The Colorado Crush: 63 Days of Endurance; American gun culture, alarming statistics behind mass shootings, and the political barriers that make it difficult to enact stricter gun laws; and Senator Cory Booker’s take on what’s needed to change firearm legislation. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: https://bit.ly/rollon685 Peace + Plants, Rich

Drug trafficker. Kidnapper. Alcoholic. Addict. Gang member. International criminal turned sober screen star. Richie’s story is also the subject of his new book, The Gangster’s Guide to Sobriety—a chronicle of his descent into the abyss and the redemptive slog that followed. It’s a tale so absurd and darkly comic, that it’s currently being developed for television by the creators of the hit show Silicon Valley. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: bit.ly/richiestephens684 More about Richie + show notes: bit.ly/richroll684 Heads Up: This conversation is packed with expletives, profanity, and tales of violence. So just an alert that this episode is neither family-friendly nor workplace approved. So pop on the earbuds if you got kiddos in the backseat. And If you’re easily offended, perhaps this one isn’t your cup of tea. Chock-a-block with wall-to-wall stories that will blow your hair back, this conversation will make you realize that if Richie could go from where he was to where he is today, truly anything is possible. Peace + Plants, Rich

Author of the instant #1 NYT bestseller entitled From Strength to Strength—today Arthur C. Brooks shares the ​​roadmap for finding success, happiness, and deep purpose in our later years. A professional French horn player turned social scientist, Arthur served as president of the American Enterprise Institute think tank in DC for a decade—and is currently a professor of public leadership at the Harvard Kennedy School and professor of Management Practice at the Harvard Business School. In addition, he writes the popular How to Build a Life column at The Atlantic, which is also home to his podcast, The Art of Happiness. Needless to say, this guy and his work are featured in every prominent media outlet there is. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: bit.ly/arturbrooks683 More about Arthur + show notes: https://bit.ly/richroll683 Arthur is as charismatic as he is whip smart. This one is packed with priceless wisdom and actionable takeaways for everyone regardless of age. I hope you learn as much from Arthur as I did. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein Rich Roll and journalist & author Adam Skolnick riff on matters of interest across sports, culture, entertainment, and self-betterment.  Today we dissect top headlines from the world of endurance, celebrate the 10-year anniversary of Rich’s book Finding Ultra, and talk about what makes an impactful memoir. NOTE: This episode was recorded one day PRIOR to the Uvalde school shooting, so this topic is not discussed. Specific topics discussed in today’s episode include: the murder of star gravel cyclist Moriah ‘Mo’ Wilson ; the upcoming sub-7-hour Ironman triathlon project; advice from 90-year-old runners; pop star Cody Simpson making the Aussie World Championship Swimming Team; and what Rich learned about writing, publishing, life, and success on the 10th anniversary of Finding Ultra. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: https://bit.ly/rollon682 Peace + Plants, Rich

What if we reimagined aging not as something to fear—but rather as something aspirational? Rich's guest for this exploration is 'Modern Elder" Chip Conley. A hotelier and hospitality maverick, Chip is the founder of America’s second-largest boutique hotel company and former Strategic Advisor and Global Head of Hospitality for Airbnb, where he was instrumental in guiding the founders of this fast-growing start-up into the global hospitality brand it is today. In addition, Chip is a New York Times bestselling author and founder of Modern Elder Academy, the first midlife wisdom school dedicated to transforming aging. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: bit.ly/chipconley681 More about Chip + show notes: https://bit.ly/richroll681 To celebrate the 10th anniversary of 'Finding Ultra', Rich is giving away 50 personally inscribed copies. Enter to win by signing up for his mailing list HERE. Peace + Plants, Rich

One of the most popular guests in the history of this podcast, Dr. Will Bulsiewicz ‘Dr. B' joined me back on episode #538 for a deep dive on the gut and honing our immune systems. Today we dive even deeper with a comprehensive investigation of the microbiome, why it’s important, and how we can tend to it to sidestep disease and live our healthiest. Specific topics include: What COVID has taught us about the benefits of a plant-predominant diet The relationship between the microbiome, metabolic health, and weight management How the microbiome affects cognition, brain health, and mental health The adaptability of the microbiome What a carnivorous diet does to the microbiome How to train the gut to overcome food intolerances The rise of personalized nutrition And many other fascinating topics Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: bit.ly/Drbulsiewicz680 More about today’s episode and review the show notes, visit: https://bit.ly/richroll678 Final Note: As a compendium to this conversation, Dr. B created an impressively thorough document detailing all scientific references for this episode and many other helpful, additional resources. Download this free document HERE. Peace + Plants,

Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein Rich Roll and journalist & author Adam Skolnick riff on matters of interest across sports, culture, entertainment, and self-betterment.  Specific topics discussed in today’s episode include: Adam's latest NYT piece A Free Diver’s Training Partners: Sharks Outstanding performances from the Ironman World Championships A brief conversation with IMWC Kristian Blummenfelt & his coach Olav Aleksander Bu Should a 6 year old be permitted to run a marathon? Endurance wins: Jackie Hunt-Broersma & William Goodge the implications of overturning Roe v. Wade why Joe Biden's 'Ministry of Truth' is problematic thoughts on how to create sustainable growth; and check-in with coach Chris Hauth Thank you to Tristan from Utah for today’s listener question. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Group Page or, better yet, leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. Note: We will be recording a sleep specific AMA episode with Dr. Matthew Walker (RRP 600) in the near future. Please submit your seep questions for consideration by sending an e-mail to rrpstudio@richroll.com or leaving a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. Reminder that you can watch today’s podcast on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Today’s episode explores nutrition, lifestyle  and overall well-being with a particular focus on hormone health – particularly (but not exclusively) women’s hormone health, aging, and reproductive care – with Gemma Newman., MD. A Senior Partner at a family medicine practice in the U.K. and author of ‘The Plant Power Doctor’, Gemma is a graduate of the University of Wales College of Medicine with expertise in a variety of specialities, including elder care, endocrinology, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, psychiatry, general surgery, and urology. Today’s episode is also viewable on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5S3UzS5YhcA To read more about today’s episode and review the show notes, visit: https://bit.ly/richroll678 To pick up Rich’s latest book Voicing Change: Vol. II, visit: https://www.richroll.com/voicing-change-ii/ Final Note: As a compendium to this conversation, Gemma created an impressively thorough document detailing all scientific references for this episode and many other helpful, additional resources. I strongly encourage you to download this free document HERE. Peace + Plants, Rich

Ambition is laudable. But hustle culture extracts a cost. True, sustainable success demands groundedness. Here today to elaborate is Brad Stulberg—a writer and coach specializing in human performance and well-being. Returning for his third appearance (you can check out episodes #293 & #429). Brad is the author of three books: Peak Performance, The Passion Paradox, and his latest, the subject of today’s exchange, The Practice of Groundedness. His work has appeared in the NYT, WSJ, Sports Illustrated, Wired, Forbes, GQ, TIME, & Outside. He is the co-founder of The Growth Equation newsletter & podcast alongside elite track & field coach Steve Magness. This is a conversation about striving–not out of compulsion–but from a place of wholeness and love. It’s a state of mind and action Brad calls groundedness. In addition, we discuss in great detail the principles upon which to build sustainable success and a life grounded in meaning and fulfillment. Trigger Warning: We discuss a few intense mental health topics including suicidal ideation—in fairly graphic detail. So sensitive viewers please be advised. This conversation is overflowing with evidence-and-experience-based, practical, and actionable life counsel. You can also watch the magic transpire on YouTube. As always, the podcast streams free on Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Pick up Rich’s lates book VOICING CHANGE Vol. II HERE. For full show notes and to read more about Terry, go HERE. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich

In today’s episode, we explore masculinity—both toxic and healthy. Overcoming obstacles. How to confront your past, own your path, and ultimately step into your truest power and most self-actualized self. Our guide for this journey is star of screens big and small, Terry Crews. You may know him from films like Idiocracy and The Expendables. Or from his starring turn in television shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Everyone Hates Chris, America’s Got Talent or one of his many other projects. Terry’s latest book, and the focus of today’s conversation, is entitled Tough: My Journey To Power: a memoir that chronicles the trauma, challenges and unhealthy social programming he faced—factors that led to anger, addiction, selfishness, entitlement, and the many problems those dispositions invite. Today Terry shares his journey—warts and all. The visually inclined can watch the magic transpire on YouTube. As always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Pick up Rich’s lates book VOICING CHANGE Vol. II HERE. For full show notes and to read more about Terry, go HERE. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein Rich Roll and journalist & author Adam Skolnick riff on matters of interest across sports, culture, entertainment, and self-betterment.  Topics discussed in today’s episode include: Rich’s recent adventures in Miami (and getting COVID) Oz Pearlman’s Central Park FKT Robbie Balenger on ‘outlasting a Tesla’ Memorable performances from the Boston Marathon Why the Past 10 Years of American Life Have Been Uniquely Stupid Winners of the 2021 ‘Rollies’ Coaching check-in with Chris Hauth; and We field a listener question on how to make sense of catastrophic and heartbreaking losses If you want your query discussed in a future ‘Roll On’, leave it on our voicemail at (424) 235-4626. Note: We will be recording a sleep specific AMA episode with Dr. Matthew Walker (RRP 600) in the near future. Please submit your seep questions for consideration by sending an e-mail to rrpstudio@richroll.com or leaving a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. Reminder that you can watch today’s podcast on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

In today’s episode, cognitive neuroscientist & former Senior Advisor in the Obama White House, Dr. Maya Shankar joins Rich to talk about the science behind growth & transformation. This is a conversation about navigating change, igniting professional growth, and managing grief through the behavioral science lens of Maya’s personal experience and expertise. Maya shares the therapeutic benefits and empowerment from sharing hardships, grief and shame with those around you, and how to make meaning out of hardships and struggles. The visually inclined can watch the magic transpire on YouTube. As always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Pick up Rich’s lates book VOICING CHANGE Vol. II HERE. For full show notes and to read more about Maya, go HERE. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich

In today’s episode, Rich sits down with celebrity mentalist and ultramarathoner Oz Pearlman to discuss the art of mentalism, the ultra runner mindset, how to cultivate intuition, and leverage behavior for confidence, endurance & resilience. One of the world’s busiest and most in-demand entertainers, Oz is noted for his unique blend of magic and mentalism that always leaves the host and audience breathless. He has appeared in most major media outlets and his client list reads like a who’s who of politicians, professional athletes, A-list celebrities, and Fortune 500 companies. In addition, Oz is a 2:23 marathoner and has competed in some of the world’s most prestigious ultramarathons, including Badwater, WS100, and Spartathlon. The visually inclined can watch the magic transpire on YouTube. As always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Pick up Rich’s lates book VOICING CHANGE Vol. II HERE. For full show notes and to read more about Oz, go HERE. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich

Intelligence comes in many forms. Rational intellect is one such source. But intuition, feelings, and gut instinct have their place, and should not be ignored. Here to elaborate on this notion is Julie Piatt (aka SriMati) returning for her umpteenth microphone communion. For those new or newer to the podcast, Julie takes many forms. She’s a studied yogi, musician, vegan chef, and mom to our four children. She’s also the bestselling author of three vegan cookbooks. She hosts the For The Life of Me Podcast, is the priestess of Water Tiger, her online spiritual community, and is the founder & CEO of SriMu–the best plant-based cheese in the universe. Yes, I am biased. Nonetheless, it is a fact. Over the years, Julie has been a recurring source of spiritual wisdom on the podcast, dropping many a pearl on everything from parenting and creativity to navigating conflict, managing relationships, dealing with financial hardship, and many other subjects. Today she delivers the spiritual goodness you’ve come to love and crave, and then some. The video version of this episode is available HERE. Full show notes & additional information on this episode is available HERE. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

In today's episode of 'Roll On', Rich Roll & Adam Skolnick discuss Will Smith, Lia Thomas & Taylor Hawkins. Plus: nominees for the 1st annual "Rollies' awards, a coaching call check-in with Chris Hauth & much more. Vote for your favorite "Rollie' nominees HERE. To read more and to peruse the show notes, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To grab your copy of Voicing Change Vol. II, visit: https://www.richroll.com/voicing-change-ii/ This is a fun one—enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

In today’s episode, Rich discusses all things vegan with Ed Winters (aka ‘Earthling Ed’), a vegan advocate and animal rights activist, author, and content creator who has lectured at Cambridge, Harvard, Google, Facebook, and many other institutions. Ed’s new book is entitled, This is Vegan Propaganda (And Other Lies the Meat Industry Tells You). FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll670 The visually inclined can also watch ihis episode on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Peace + Plants, Rich

In today’s episode, psychologist Scott Barry Kaufman joins Rich to discuss the science of self-actualization and transcendence. Scott is a cognitive scientist and humanistic psychologist who has taught at Columbia, Yale, NYU, and Penn. He received his Ph.D. in cognitive psychology from Yale, a M. Phil in experimental psychology from the University of Cambridge and a B.S. in psychology and human computer interaction from Carnegie Mellon. He is the founder and director of the Center for the Science of Human Potential and hosts the #1 psychology podcast, The Psychology Podcast. His latest book is entitled Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization. The video version of this episode is available HERE. Rich’s new book, Voicing Change, Vol. II is available HERE. Full show notes & additional information on this episode is available HERE. Peace + Plants, Rich

In today's episode, Rich Roll & Adam Skolnick discuss the global effects of the war in Ukraine & the devastating floods in Australia—plus endurance headlines, listener Q's & more. Topics discussed in today’s episode include: The launch of Voicing Change II and the Golden Ticket Sweepstakes—where 6 lucky winners will take home a score of prizes valued over $1,100; Heidi Zuckerman's newest art book Conversations With Artists Volume III; Jesse Itzler's shotgun attempt at Ultraman Arizona on no formal training; The Russian invasion of Ukraine, the towering bravery of the Ukrainian people, and the war's global impact; and The apocalyptic floods devastating Queensland and New South Wales, Australia's relationship with coal & climate change, and how you can help. As always, we close things out by taking a few listener questions. Today we answer: How do you talk about addiction and sobriety with your kids? What advice do you have for someone navigating recovery and treatment? How do you maintain a relationship when one partner drinks and the other doesn’t? To read more and to peruse the show notes, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To grab your copy of Voicing Change Vol. II, visit: https://www.richroll.com/voicing-change-ii/ Peace + Plants, Rich

In this episode, Rich sits down with Peter Diamandis for a conversation about the science and philosophy of lifespan extension, education, AI, space exploration, and the importance of mindset. Named by Fortune as one of the “World’s 50 Greatest Leaders,” Peter is the founder and executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation and executive founder of Singularity University. He has degrees in molecular genetics and aerospace engineering from MIT and an M.D. from Harvard Medical School, and over the course of his career, has started over 20 companies in the areas of longevity, space travel, venture capitalism, and education. A multiple NYT bestseller, Peter’s latest book, which he co-authored with Tony Robbins, is entitled “Life Force”. To read more about Peter and to peruse the show notes, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

How does behavior affect your biology? What does neuroscience say about hypnosis, breath work, and meditation? Are behavioral tools more powerful than pharmaceuticals in changing your state and focus? Today we dig into these big questions and more with neuroplasticity overlord Dr. Andrew Huberman, back for a second, highly anticipated return to the show. Given that Dr. Huberman’s first appearance on the podcast (RRP #533) has amassed over 10 million views on YouTube alone, chances are you’re already familiar with this tenured professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford University School of Medicine, where he runs The Huberman Lab, which studies neural regeneration, neuroplasticity, and brain states such as stress, focus, fear, and optimal performance. Subsequent to our first podcast in January of 2021, Andrew launched The Huberman Lab Podcast, which has quickly become a sensation. Within a year of launch, it has ascended to one of the top, most listened to podcasts in the world. Today we pick up where we last left off, diving deep into a wide array of fascinating topics brimming with actionable takeaways, including: the emerging field of mind-body neuroscience; the neuroscience of ADHD, focus, hypnosis, and processing trauma; how to leverage light, temperature, breath, and sleep to better control your biology; several behavioral tools for achieving optimal performance states; how to cultivate learning states and the power of something called gap effects; and many other fascinating topics To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Andrew is a passionate man with an incredible facility for communicating complex scientific topics in a uniquely compelling and understanding way. For those keen on understanding how to better control your mind, neurochemistry, and all told biology—consider this episode appointment listening. SCIENCE! Peace + Plants, Rich

It’s easy to look at top performers, elite athletes, and those crushing outrageous achievements—and conclude that their success boils down to sheer genetic luck, supreme talent, or unlimited resources. While success can be significantly influenced by those variables, all things being equal, the difference between those who manifest their aspirations and those who hold themselves back comes down to one distinct element: you guessed it, mindset. What are the consistent mindsets that allow high-performers to push the boundaries of their physical prowess? How do you create a positive mindset shift amidst a shitty situation? And how do you leverage mindset to achieve your goals? Throughout the last nine years, I’ve compiled a powerful arsenal of potent, life-altering ideas, perspectives and tools on how to cultivate, embrace, and apply a new and more personally meaningful approach to life. Today I present you with our fourth master class installment, which is a compilation of 11 incredible and unique perspectives on mindset and habit change taken from previous conversations—think of it the crème de la crème of the best and brightest ideas on personal transformation ever shared on this show. This deep dive anthology is chock full of big truths on fostering a mindset for success, leveraging gratitude to overcome obstacles, the importance of embracing pain, and why discomfort is the price of admission for a meaningful life. Guests featured in this episode (all hyperlinked to their respective episodes) include: Leah Goldstein Dr. Andrew Huberman Courtney Dauwalter David Goggins Mel Robbins James Clear Mirna Valerio James & Sunny Lawrence Susan David, Ph.D Peter Diamandis: Episode Coming 3/14/2022! Tommy Rivs Masterclass Series: Click here to listen to our first deep dive on the microbiome, here for our second on mental health, and here for our third on addiction & recovery. This is a powerful, and dare I say potentially life-changing gold mine of wisdom. My hope is that it serves as a guide on your journey towards fostering a mindset that will ultimately improve every aspect of your life, and gear you towards a more fulfilling, self-actualized way of moving through the world. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

It’s one thing to go vegan. It’s another thing to go plant-based. But optimizing a plant-based diet for health, longevity and athletic prowess is another thing altogether. So today we dive deep into the finer specifics of fueling for peak well-being and performance. To help set us up for nutritional success, we reconvene with Simon Hill. Whereas our first conversation (RRP 638) was quite broad in scope, today’s nutrition science-intensive presents a more focused discussion on the tactics and practical details of optimizing a plant-predominant diet to conquer your athletic ambitions, live long and thrive. For those new to Simon, he plies his master’s degree in nutrition to help people make better diet and lifestyle choices. Outlets for said counsel include his popular Instagram feed (@plant_proof), the Plant Proof Podcast and blog of the same name. Simon is also the plant-based food contributor to Chris Hemsworth’s fitness app, Centr as well as the proprietor of Eden, hands down the best plant-based restaurant in Sydney, Australia. The culmination of Simon’s obsession with nutritional science is The Proof Is In The Plants,the ultimate evidence-based primer on the positive impact of a plant-based diet on human and planetary health—and an essential must-read for any and all interested in grounded nutrition science. If you enjoyed our initial exchange, you’re in for a treat because this one is even better—packed with actionable takeaways certain to upgrade every facet of your well-being. Today we pick up where we last left off, digging deeper into the latest and best nutrition science to deliver specific and practical advice on a variety of typical concerns while simultaneously course correcting common diet misunderstandings. We discuss the difference between caloric density versus nutritional density and turn our attention upon responsible supplementation, going deep on the role of specific nutrients, including iodine, calcium, iron, selenium, zinc, nitrates, lectins, and more. Of course, no discussion on plant-based nutrition would be complete without a discourse on protein. Today we evaluate its importance, how to meet our needs on plants, and the various hotly debated distinctions between animal and plant protein. Finally, we discuss what the latest scientific research indicates concerning the health implications of plant-based meat products, the best ways to transition to a more plant-forward diet, and specific fueling and supplementation strategies for building strength and athletic performance, among many other interesting topics. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I find Simon to be a highly credible authority with a very grounded and balanced perspective on a subject I think we would all agree can be at times quite emotionally charged. I appreciate the rigor he brings to this field, and this one is chock-a-block with important information and very actionable takeaways for anyone looking to level up their plate. Peace + Plants, Rich

Extreme political polarization. Weaponized misinformation. Media incentivized to divide. And growing inequality. Our democratic experiment has seen better days. How do we reimagine it for the betterment of all? Spiritual thought leader, activist, and political writer Marianne Williamson says it begins with love. You may know Marianne for her Presidential bid in 2020—the democratic candidate unafraid to ask the bigger questions about what matters most. But if that’s the sum total of your relationship with this human, prepare yourself for a force of nature that extends well beyond that singular life chapter. The author of 14 books (including four #1 New York Times bestsellers), Marianne has been a leader in spiritual and religiously progressive circles for over three decades. She is the founder of Project Angel Food, a non-profit that has delivered more than 14 million meals to ill and dying homebound patients since 1989. Marianne created the group to help people suffering from the ravages of HIV/AIDS. She has also worked on poverty, anti-hunger, and racial reconciliation issues throughout her career. In 2004, she co-founded The Peace Alliance and continues to support the creation of a U.S. Department of Peace. I first met Marianne at a fundraiser back in 2014 during her bid for Congress. Fascinated by her bold and unconventional presence on the Presidential stage—particularly her debate performances—I’ve followed her career closely for years and always admired her unique perspective on democratic principles and responsibility. Today’s conversation is about what’s required to solve our most urgent problems—from the perils of our entrenched government-media-industrial complex and the ills of corporate stranglehold on governance, to the legacy of 60’s activism, the role of spirituality in politics and the complex relationship between personal evolution and global change. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I really enjoyed spending a couple of very insightful hours with Marianne. I appreciate her voice, wisdom, and courage. May her words equally inspire you. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Marked by endless scandal and rampant corruption, the Olympics are in free fall. Today we explore how the world's most highly acclaimed brand has become corrosive, and what can be done to repair it. But fear not, we also celebrate a selection of inspiring athletic highlights from Beijing to Oahu, answer listener questions, share a few products that have caught our fancy, and more. As always, my co-host for today's rendition of 'Roll On' is ‘His Semi Deepness’ Mr. Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and still uses the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Topics discussed in today's episode include: the politics behind the declining global interest in the Olympics; bribery & corruption within the International Olympic Committee; how a Florida town with no ice rink produced three Olympic speedskaters; the backlash levied upon teenage freeskier Eileen Gu; speedskater Nils van der Poel's manifesto on Z2 aerobic base training; how Erin Jackson became the first Black woman to win individual Winter Olympic gold;  Kelly Slater's Pipe Masters win days before turning 50; and the benefits of using "dumb phones" in limiting screen time & phone addiction; and more As always, we close things out by taking a few listener questions. Today we answer: How do you cultivate optimism and gratitude as a natural cynic? How do you stay true to your goals? What advice do you have for young people navigating their twenties? Thank you to Brett from NYC, Bill from Crested Butte, and Evan from Iowa for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or, better yet, leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich

We are living in a time of upgraded technology and downgraded humans. Our collective ability to resist distraction and sustain attention is in decline. Although will power plays a role, this problem is not entirely our fault—it’s the by-product of powerful forces incident to modern life. Disconnection from nature. Disrupted sleep. Toxic environments. Predatory tech. What exactly does a focus-less future augur? And what can be done to reclaim our ability to truly concentrate? Back for his second appearance on the show, our steward for these existential questions is journalist & multiple New York Times bestselling author Johann Hari, who, when confronted with his own deteriorating attention span, dove deep into the individual and systemic solutions to this dispiriting collective trend. Johann has written for the LA Times, Le Monde, and many other outlets, has two of the most-watched TED Talks, and has been profiled in essentially every prominent media outlet. His books include Chasing The Scream and Lost Connections,, which explores the roots of addiction, and was the subject of our first exchange back on episode #416. But today, he’s here to share big lessons from his latest book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention, which is a provoking journey into the forces robbing us of our attention and a look at how we might begin to reclaim our minds, and our lives. Today’s conversation focuses on the problematic impact of big tech, smartphone addiction and surveillance capitalism on our well-being and that of our children. We discuss the specific factors contributing to attention decline–from reduced sleep, environmental pollution, and something called the switch/cost effect, to chronic stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and disconnection from others and the natural world. Beyond the many problems, we, of course, also address solutions—both systemic and individualistic—such that we may recapture our focus and be the best version of ourselves. Johann is quite the entertaining storyteller, with humor that makes hard truths go down a little easier. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is a hopeful conversation about how to build a life of greater joy, enhanced personal fulfillment, and focus. My wish is that it serves and enlightens. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

In the words of today’s guest, treat the natural world as if your life depends on it—because it truly does. Meet absolute living legend Sylvia Earle, Ph.D. A marine botanist, oceanographer, writer, lecturer, and one of the world’s top experts on ocean science and conservation, Sylvia is affectionately called “Her Deepness” by The New Yorker and the New York Times, and the “First Hero for the Planet” by Time magazine. Over the course of her 85 years, Sylvia has logged over 7,000 hours underwater, and not to mention, set a record in 1979 that still stands for the deepest untethered dive by a woman—1,250 feet. She was one of the very first National Geographic explorers-in-residence, served as the first female Chief Scientist at NOAA (The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration), has authored more than 20 books, is a pioneer of submersible engineering, and established Mission Blue, an organization dedicated to protecting marine areas identified as critical to the health of the ocean, or as she calls them, “Hope Spots.” You may very well have seen her appearance in Seaspiracy or have caught word of her fascinating new book entitled Ocean: A Global Odyssey, the subject of today’s exchange. This conversation focuses on the majesty of our oceans, the tragedy of their decline at the hands of humankind, and the urgency that we must marshal for their preservation. But it’s also a conversation about hope. The power we all possess to create the change we need and desire. While I love all my guests, I have to admit I’ve never met anyone quite like Sylvia. What can be said other than to recognize the honor, the gift of spending an afternoon with her, soaking in her wisdom and experience. I have such tremendous respect and admiration for her work. Her example sets the tone for us all. And my hope is that this one inspires you into your own form of action and activism—because it really does all come down to us. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. So here it is—me and Her Deepness, Slyvia Earle. Peace + Plants, Rich

After a seasonal sabbatical, ‘Roll On’ is back. And it’s time to hash out a bit of drama. After a two-month respite, Roll On returns with a discussion on ‘Moneyball-esque’ advances in sports science, the role of podcasting in the culture wars, the importance of taking a professional pause, how my sleep habits ended up as ‘news’, and so much more. As always, my magnanimous sidecar hype-beast and co-host Adam Skolnick joins me at the round table. Adam is an activist and veteran journalist known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. More specifically, topics discussed in today’s episode include: how the RRP community raised almost $500K for charity: water Adam’s recent NYT article on Norwegian triathlon dominance; the Joe Rogan and Spotify controversy and what it teaches us; lessons learned from Rich’s month-long sabbatical; the Alan Watts collection on the Waking Up app;  why Station Eleven is the best show on TV; and media reactions to Rich’s ‘tent story’ on the Tim Ferriss show. As always, we close things out by taking a few listener questions. Today we answer: How do you optimize zone two training in non-impact workouts? Who do you draw inspiration from when feeling down? What do you do when your motivation for working out runs dry? Thank you to Rebecca from Santa Maria, Sam from Baton Rouge, and April from Santa Monica for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or, better yet, leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich

What’s stopping you from living the life of your dreams? For many, it’s finances. Family obligations. Demanding careers. You get the picture. But today’s guest truly believes you can have it all. Meet Harvey Lewis. For more than 25 years, this Cincinnati-based high school teacher & plant-based running phenomenon has been competing in ultramarathons with relentless consistency, racking up 23 wins across 76 races (and counting). A 5-time member of the USA National 24-hour Team, it’s a journey that has taken him to 101 countries across seven continents. Along the way, he’s toed the line at most of the world’s most prestigious races, including ten Badwater 135 appearances, winning what many consider the globe’s most challenging foot race on two occasions. In addition to an impressive slew of victories, Harvey is also known for plying his talents to celebrate civil rights history. In 2008, he celebrated Gandhi by retracing his famous 240-mile Salt March—and followed it up in 2009 by running from Selma to Montgomery in honor of MLK. Ever the teacher. Now 45, you’d suspect Harvey would be slowing down. Instead, he’s found an entirely new gear, collecting breakthrough performances that include not only a second Badwater victory but an absolutely breathtaking win at the 2021 Big Dog’s Backyard Ultra. For the uninitiated, this is a last-person standing format race that entails running a 4-mile loop every hour on the hour until no one’s left. Harvey clocked an astounding, world record-setting 354 miles over an 85 hour period. 354 miles. On essentially no sleep. Today we cover it all. We discuss the hows and whys behind Harvey’s training and racing. His commitment to human-powered commuting. The daily run streak that remains unbroken since 2019. And the role his plant-based diet plays in all of it. Of course, we review his storied accomplishments—from the dirty details behind his backyard ultra breakthrough to becoming the fastest to run from Badwater Basin (the lowest point in North America) to the actual summit of Mt. Whitney (the highest point in the contiguous U.S.). We also talk about his FKT attempt on the Appalachian Trail, how it brought him closer to his father, who crewed the affair, and the documentary Like Harvey Like Son that tells the tale. In addition, we reconcile Harvey’s life as an elite ultramarathoner with the practicalities of his full-time occupation as a high school teacher—and how the two passions inform each other. But more than anything, this conversation is about the power of showing up with intention. Making room for the magic that comes with the rigorous, consistent, and patient pursuit of the thing you love. The importance of incremental improvement. And why the ability to push beyond the limits of what you perceive possible rests not in physical talents but instead in training your mindset. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Harvey is a beacon of infectious exuberance. He’s bursting with positivity and joy. He’s the teacher we all wish we had. And an example to us all. Peace + Plants, Rich

We all want to positively change the world. But where do you start? Today’s guest—a woman who has made an extraordinary impact on improving the lives of millions of people across the developing world—has dedicated the better part of her life to answering this question with actionable, sustainable solutions. Meet Jacqueline Novogratz. A former investment banker, Jacqueline walked away from Wall Street back in 1986 to co-found Rwanda’s first microfinance institution. Today she is the founder and CEO of Acumen,a novel, non-profit financial organization she conceived in 2001 that blends philanthropy with venture capital to invest in people, companies, and ideas solving the toughest issues of poverty. As a pioneer of impact investing, Acumen and its investments have brought critical services like healthcare, education, and clean energy to literally hundreds of millions of low-income people throughout the world. In addition to having four TED Talks under her belt, Jacqueline is also the New York Times bestselling author of The Blue Sweater: Bridging the Gap between Rich and Poor in an Interconnected World and her most recent book, Manifesto for a Moral Revolution, which delves into our pressing need to reimagine and rebuild new systems, and where to begin. Today she shares her powerful story. This is a deeply thoughtful conversation about what is actually required to change the world. It’s about the importance of cultivating moral imagination. Something called patient capital. And the humility and hard-edged hope necessary to tackle gigantic problems. It’s also a conversation about listening, immersion, asking questions, and the importance of transcending dualistic, non-binary thinking—skills critical to eradicating poverty, solving our planet’s biggest problems, and empowering those most in need. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. As you will soon discover, Jacqueline is wise and deeply soulful. I aspire to this new friend’s level of service—an example for us all. Peace + Plants, Rich

A cornerstone of this podcast is celebrating the power of a plant-based lifestyle. Today we do just that with one of the movement’s most influential founding fathers. That father is none other than the great Plantstrong pioneer himself, Rip Esselstyn—returning for his second appearance on the podcast for a continuing dissertation on all things plants. If you caught our first conversation in December of 2017 (RRP 336), you already know Rip and I go way back. As swimmers we crossed paths as teens, later as college rivals, then decades thereafter as plant-based athlete and advocate allies. From the outset of my journey, he’s been a steady source of inspiration, encouragement and wisdom. An incredible mentor. A lighthouse. A loyal friend. For those unfamiliar, Rip was a three-time NCAA All-American backstroker at the University of Texas. After graduation, he spent a decade as one of the premier triathletes in the world. He then joined the Austin Fire Department where he introduced his passion for a whole-food, plant-based diet to Austin’s Engine 2 Firehouse in order to rescue a firefighting brother’s health. To document his success he wrote the national bestselling book, The Engine 2 Diet, which shows the irrefutable connection between a plant-based diet and good health. Thus began an illustrious career as a multiple New York Times bestselling author, in demand public speaker, health advocate, and food entrepreneur—catapulting the fledgling plant-based movement into mainstream adoption. Not enough? At age 56, Rip broke the master’s world record in the 200-meter backstroke. Today we pick up where we left things in 2017. More Rip. More plants. More awesome. Given Rip’s OG status, it was only fitting that today’s exchange was conducted OG style. No fancy studio. No cameras. Just two guys and two mics seated at Rip’s breakfast table in Austin. An old school, back-in-the-day podcast. Of course, we discuss the many benefits of a whole food plant-based diet—the Planstrong lifestyle as he calls it. In addition, we review the exploding popularity of this movement. How to rewrite your relationship with food in the new year. Plant fueling strategies to perform athletically. And how to leverage the nascent power within to positively and sustainably change our lifestyles for the better. We also dissect his recent world record-setting swim. What the future of the plant-based movement looks like. And the story behind his brand new food company titled, of course, PLANTSTRONG. To read more, click here. You can also listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts & Spotify. Stick around to the end, because things take a compelling turn towards the spiritual and esoteric—personally my favorite part of this conversation. As you will soon discover, Rip is a good dude. A loyal, solid friend. And sincerely passionate about helping people eat and live better. Peace + Plants, Rich

As we grapple with a global pandemic, experiential climate change, mass species extinction, and many other dire calamities—it can feel like the world has lost its moral center. But every solution begins with hope—the antidote to what ails us. Famed primatologist, climate activist, and global icon Jane Goodall has devoted her life to better understanding our natural world and preserving its majesty. As one can expect, the 87-year-old has some thoughts about our enduring climate crisis—thoughts that don’t revolve around cynicism, anger or pessimism—but instead are all about hope. A hope that is fierce. A hope underscored by action, empathy, and optimism. How can someone who has studied the climate crisis for the better part of her life maintain such a positive disposition in the face of humanity’s self-destructive trajectory? What does hope even mean? And why is it desperately incumbent upon all of us to cultivate hope as a strategy to best evolve as humans and a global community? Today’s guest Douglas Abrams wanted answers to these questions. Needed answers. So he sought out Jane and spent countless curious hours with her, culminating in the Book of Hope, a beautiful and intimate look into the heart and mind of a woman who has truly revolutionized how we view the world around us. Returning for his second appearance on the show, Douglas is a literary agent, editor, author, and former Stanford classmate. He initially joined the podcast back in February 2017 (RRP 274) to discuss the first in his Global Icon series of books, The Book of Joy—an instant New York Times bestseller that beautifully synthesizes a series of conversations between Douglas, The Dalai Lama and Bishop Desmond Tutu on the nature of human happiness and suffering. A continuation of our former conversation, today, we pivot from joy to focus on hope. Hope as an antidote to helplessness. Hope as our greatest strength. And hope as the foundation upon which all solutions emerge. It’s also a conversation about the importance of empathy. Meeting resistance with patience. Obstinate grace. And what it means to completely devote yourself to what’s right. But mostly, this is a discussion about what we can all learn from Jane Goodall’s example. Why it’s incumbent upon all of us to shoulder an urgent but hopeful responsibility for the future of our planet. And how to best lead by example. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Douglas is an impressive intellect and a charming, curious conversation partner. I always leave time spent with him better than before. My hope is that this exchange will impact you similarly. Peace + Plants, Rich

The many benefits to cultivating a spiritual practice are obvious to those with experience—but it’s a pursuit too long dismissed by skeptics and scientists. That is, until now. Recent research in neuroscience, genetics, and epidemiology now establish that humans are not only universally equipped with a capacity for (and inclination towards) spirituality, but that our brains, when so awakened, become more resilient and robust—and our lives more meaningful and content. Here today to discuss the emerging and fascinating ‘science of spirituality’ is the woman who helped pioneer it, Lisa Miller, PhD. A leading generational psychologist on the benefits of spirituality, Lisa is a graduate of Yale University and the University of Pennsylvania, where she earned her doctorate in psychology. She is currently a professor of psychology and education at Teachers College, Columbia University, and is the Founder and Director of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute,the first Ivy League graduate program and research institute in spirituality and psychology. Dr. Miller is widely published in leading academic journals, has appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and Weekend Today as an expert, and her first book, The Spiritual Child was a New York Times bestseller. Her latest work (and the focus of today’s discussion) is The Awakened Brain, a groundbreaking exploration of the neuroscience of spirituality that sets a bold new paradigm for health, healing, and resilience. My exchange with Dr. Miller is centered on the intersection of hard science and spirituality—what neurology, neurobiology, genetics, epidemiology, and psychiatry can tell us about the mental health benefits of cultivating your own awakened brain. I think you will find her work fascinating, full of counterintuitive findings and practical advice on the many concrete ways to access your own innate spirituality—and more importantly, how this can be deployed to enhance things like grit, optimism, and resilience. In addition, we explore the many ways you can leverage the awakened brain to insulate yourself against addiction, trauma, and depression. Ultimately, this is a conversation about how to build a life of greater joy and enhanced personal fulfillment to better thrive and contribute to the greater well-being of all. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. An intellectual delight from start to finish, I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Dr. Miller, and I sincerely hope you enjoy the listen. Peace + Plants, Rich

Goals are great. But far more important is who you become in the pursuit of said goals. Focus on the inside work. Process over results. Craft over competition. Ritual over routine. Recalibration over resolution. And watch your world change. After an extended break, the ever-so-popular Coaches’ Corner edition of the podcast is back with not one Olympian, not two Olympians, but three Olympians on deck. Packed with past podcast faves, today’s panel features endurance legend and Coach’s Corner OG Chris Hauth, swimmer Caroline Burckle, and track and field turned marathon superstar (and my Malibu Triathlon relay teammate!) Alexi Pappas. For those new to the pod, Chris is a sub-9 hour Ironman champion, a former Olympic Swimmer and professional triathlete, a veteran of many an ultra-endurance challenge, my ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championship teammate, and one of the world’s most respected endurance coaches. Caroline (aka Burks) is a former elite competitive swimmer & Olympic medalist with 23 All American titles, 2 NCAA individual victories & NCAA Female Swimmer of the Year accolades to her name. She is the co-founder of RISE, a mentor program that pairs Olympic athletes with young elite athletes for support and guidance. And finally, Alexi is a runner, award-winning writer, poet, actor, and filmmaker. In addition to setting the Greek national record in the 10,000 meters at the 2016 Olympics, Alexi has co-written, co-directed, and co-starred in three feature films and authored the bestselling memoir Bravey, a primer on self-actualization, surviving trauma, and pursuing disparate dreams. Today Chris, Caroline, & Alexi share sage advice on everything from endurance, training, goal setting, and more. But this is not your average kick in the pants “new year-new you” narrative. Instead, it’s a collective effort to voyage beyond the tired tropes and well-trodden bullet points. Courtesy of Olympic, experience-based wisdom, it’s about leveraging fitness to evolve, grow, and live according to your values. Not only will this conversation set you on a better path to actualizing your goals, but—more importantly—it will put you on a healthy and sustainable, long-term trajectory to becoming the better, more self-actualized you within. To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Chris, Caroline, and Alexi are some of my favorite people. This trifecta is over the top. My hope is that their words inspire you to bust through analysis paralysis and any preconceived notions you have about who you are and what you’re capable of. Enjoy! Rich

We all have big dreams. But are you willing to pay the price required to make them manifest? There’s a big difference between those who quit and those who commit. At the core of that difference is one’s ability to tolerate discomfort. Discomfort is the price we pay for resilience. And resilience is the foundation of growth. Few grasp and practice this truth better than Spartan Race founder and CEO Joe De Sena, returning to the podcast to usher us into the new year correct and jumpstart our new year’s ambitions into action. Joe last graced the studio in December of 2020 (RRP #567), a conversation that probed his absolutely fascinating backstory and left us with powerful insights on the limits we impose on personal possibility. Continuing in the spirited annual tradition we have here to launch the new year with an uncomfortable kick in the pants, I thought it fit (literally) to invite Joe back for a more focused elaboration on the truths, mindset tools and motivation to translate ambition into positive results. For those new to Joe, he’s the entrepreneurial mastermind behind Spartan—the obstacle course racing series that became a global phenomenon, and the evil genius behind Death Race—perhaps the most absurd sufferfest ever conceived. He’s also an absolute endurance freak. Example A: in a mere week, Joe completed the Vermont 100 mile run, Ironman Lake Placid, and the Badwater 135. In addition, he crushed 50 ultramarathons and 14 Ironman events in a single year (a certain kind of insanity that must be some kind of record). And he’s the kind of guy who, on a whim, once ran from New York City to Vermont. Joe’s most striking talent is his facility for motivating the best out of people—a skill committed to print in his new book, 10 Rules For Resilience, which is a guide to developing mental toughness. Today we deconstruct resilience in all its forms—why it’s crucial to growth and how to cultivate it. We also go deep on discipline, courage, and discomfort. The importance of personal values in adhering to your goals. How to navigate failure. And why your reaction to challenging situations defines you. And finally, we explore the importance of imbuing these principles into our parenting. Joe is a force of nature—a bullshit-free and 100% authentic lunatic. But his heart is huge. His experience-based message is powerful. And paired with practical tools fundamental to shattering stagnation. To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. May his words propel you to craft your own challenge for this impending new year—something extraordinary. So let’s dive into it 2022 headfirst. Or, as Joe is fond of saying, fire, ready, aim. Peace + Plants, Rich

If there’s one thing we learned in 2021, it’s that conversation matters. Allow me to indulge this truth by introducing Part Two of my annual yearbook—a means to reflect upon the twelve months past by revisiting some of the year’s most compelling podcast guests. It’s been an honor to share my conversations with so many extraordinary people over the course of 2021. Second listens brought new insights—and more reminders that these evergreen exchanges continue to both inspire and inform. For long-time listeners, approach this episode as a refresher to launch you into 2022 with renewed vigor. For those new to the podcast, my hope is this anthology will stir you to peruse the back catalog and explore episodes you may have missed. Guests featured in this first of two total anthology episodes (hyperlinked to their respective episodes) are listed here: The Rich Roll Podcast: Best Of 2021: Part Two Compiling this auditory yearbook is both a joy and a challenge. I have great fondness for all my guests. I take no comfort in leaving anyone out. Should you find one of your personal favorites missing, I get it—please don’t @ me! Special thanks to Blake Curtis, Jason Camiolo and Dan Drake for the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting required to pull this two-parter together. To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you for taking this journey of growth alongside me. Here’s to an extraordinary 2022. Peace + Plants, Rich

As the Earth embarks upon another miraculous arc around the sun, let us prepare by taking space to pause, breathe, and reflect. A blank slate represents potential energy. Let us infuse the 2022 tabula rasa with the energy of hope and inspiration to catalyze your new year ambitions into reality. This process requires taking inventory of the twelve months past. Where you were this time last year. Celebrate your victories. Deconstruct your setbacks. Imagine yourself this time next year. Set your intention for that experience. Establish specific time-bound goals and the stepping stones to get there. Create accountability for those benchmarks. And vision the better self laying dormant within, yearning to be more fully expressed. But first, we pause. Because it is in quiet that we gain clarity—a crucial first step on the trudge towards self-actualization. It is in this spirit that we indulge a tradition here at the podcast—our annual ‘Best Of’ series—wherein we reflect upon the previous 12 months with a 2-part compilation of clips excerpted from a handful of the year’s most compelling guests. Think of it as a refresher course for the avid fans. An anthology or digest for those newer to the podcast. A love letter to my guests. And most importantly, a way of thanking you, the audience, for taking this journey of growth alongside me. Guests featured in this first of two total anthology episodes (hyperlinked to their respective episodes) are listed here: The Rich Roll Podcast: Best Of 2021: Part One Compiling this auditory yearbook is both a joy and a challenge. I have great fondness for all my guests. I take no comfort in leaving anyone out. Should you find one of your personal favorites missing, I get it—please don’t @ me! Special thanks to Blake Curtis, Jason Camiolo and Dan Drake for the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting required to pull this two-parter together. To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Here’s to an extraordinary 2022. Peace + Plants, Rich

Every week, I send a show out into the ether. But it’s you, the audience, who has taken what is nothing more than an inert digital file comprised of ones and zeroes—and turned it into so much more. When I think back on the history of the show to date, it’s crystal clear what is truly important. And most beautiful. Community. No matter what your goal or aspiration—irrespective of how solitary you believe its pursuit—you simply cannot truly score on your own. Everyone needs a team. Everyone needs a support network. Everyone needs help. And that is what this show has become: a place to connect over a myriad of ideas with one collective goal—be and do better. Together. That’s what this podcast does—it is here to serve and support you, the listener, in your journey of transformation. It is with this sensibility that I asked you to share such stories, and how this podcast and its myriad of guests have inspired you, and what you learned, practiced, and shared with others along the way. My team and I have taken these powerful stories and compiled them into today’s very special episode, packed with empowering tales of perseverance through adversity, sobriety, new beginnings and new identities; successes, losses, tears, and triumphs; heartfelt stories of real-life epiphanies and transformations. To be clear, this episode is not a personal pat on the back. In no way do I take credit whatsoever for anybody’s journey. This is about celebrating our power to transform individually and as a collective. Any improvements you made to your life, well that’s on you entirely. Hats off and head bowed in reverence. I just love the stories. It helps me feel more connected to you. It helps dry the cement on this community bond I am trying to foster—a bond over just being better. Thank you for your courage; for taking the leap and walking this journey alongside me. Thank you for putting wind in my sails by tuning in week after week. And thank you for giving me hope in the good—the promise of a better more fulfilling, legacy-worthy purpose here on Earth in this short life. But most of all, thank you for letting me serve. Because it is in service that I find purpose, meaning, and a sense of deep satisfaction that positively infuses every aspect of my daily life experience. And finally, I want to thank each and every one of you who have taken the time to reach out and share with me your challenges, victories and struggles. I cannot overstate the extent to which your experiences humble me; hold me accountable for my own actions; inspire me to do and be better, and ennoble me to soldier on in the face of whatever obstacles I may face. To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I sincerely hope you enjoy this special conversation. Peace + Plants, Rich

At any moment, your could life could turn upside down. When tragedy strikes, what do you do? How you navigate events beyond your control reveals character. And character is something today’s guest possesses in abundance. Faced with a rare form of deadly cancer, Tommy Rivers Puzey—affectionately revered across the world as ‘Tommy Rivs’—refused pity. Instead, he doubled down on gratitude. He chose to learn from his suffering, expand his capacity to love, and more than anything, see the pain he endured as a teacher. A poet of endurance and philosopher of the human spirit, Tommy is a highly credentialed elite marathoner and ultrarunner with many victories and accolades to his name. He’s also an anthropologist, linguist, doctorate of physical therapy, and massage therapist who has worked with some of the best endurance athletes in the world. But more than anything, he’s a man who is universally beloved for his kindness, generosity, and soulful grace. In the summer of 2020, Tommy fell gravely ill with an extremely rare and advanced form of lung cancer that very nearly killed him—and most likely would have killed anyone else. But Rivs isn’t just anyone. Rivs is Rivs. He survived. Today Tommy shares his potent story, beautiful perspective, and copious wisdom in a beautifully vulnerable and heart-centered conversation for the ages. Without mincing words, this is an extremely real conversation about what it’s like to approach death. It’s soulful, at times emotional, and overall, a celebration of the human spirit in all its boundlessness. It’s a reminder that life itself is an absolute miracle. And it’s a powerful testament that gratitude, positivity, service, community, and love—mostly love—are what life is all about. To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Note: This conversation was recorded on October 13th, 2021, and thus prior to Tommy’s most recent and perhaps most courageous and astonishing endurance feat to date. A mere year from having to relearn how to even walk, Tommy completed the NYC marathon. It took him over nine agonizing hours—7 hours longer than his 2:18 PR—but that nine hours was globally celebrated all over the world, including a must-read profile in the New York Times entitled, Cancer Nearly Took His Life. But the New York Marathon Awaited. Tommy is an exemplary human. A quiet and introspective mentor to many, he’s someone I aspire to emulate, a man who comports himself with an admirable degree of dignity, grace, humility, and generosity of spirit. It’s an honor to help share his powerful and inspiring story. Peace + Plants, Rich

Why is creativity vital? What is the nature of culture? And why is pursuing happiness futile? Today we tackle this terrain and so much more in today’s rendition of ‘Roll On,’ wherein myself and my undefeated podcast co-pilot Adam Skolnick ‘get back’ to our original old school format. Aside from serving as my magnanimous sidecar hype-beast, Adam Skolnick is an activist and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Today’s discussion includes the following topics: Remembering British photojournalist Tom Stoddart & Australian swimmer Jason Plummer; The ascent of Norwegian triathlon dominance; The Kyle Rittenhouse and Ahmaud Arbery verdicts; Oscar Pistorius’ prison transfer & restorative justice; Lawsuits involving Tyson Foods and Impossible Foods; Toby Morse’s new children’s book ‘One Life One Chance’; and ‘The Beatles: Get Back’ & ‘The Velvet Underground; documentaries As always, we close things out by taking a few listener questions. Today we answer: How do optimize your caloric intake for recovery when intermittent fasting? Is happiness something that can realistically be achieved?  How do you draw a line between people-pleasing and living a life of service? Thank you to Al from Washington D.C., Kendall from Boulder, Colorado, and Abby from Colorado for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich

What does it take to achieve the impossible? Don’t set limits. And never quit. Ever. The full embodiment of this ethos, today’s guest has never met an obstacle she couldn’t overcome, transcending every limit ever placed upon her. Her secret? Never give pain a voice. An extraordinary athlete and absolute force of nature, Leah Goldstein has lived one of the more interesting lives you will ever come across. After winning the Bantamweight World Kickboxing Championship at just 17 years old, Leah walked away from a bright future in competitive martial arts to join the Israeli Defense Force, becoming a Krav Maga specialist and the first female Elite Commando Instructor before a storied career as an undercover Special Forces intelligence officer. In yet another dramatic life pivot, Leah then embarked on a professional cycling career. A devastating crash ended her Olympic dreams, her pro career, and nearly her life. After being told she might not walk again and certainly would never race again, Leah remained undaunted, ultimately reinventing herself once again as an ultra-distance cyclist. In 2021, at age 52 (and entirely plant-based) she became the very first woman in the 39-year history of RAAM—the 3000-mile Race Across America transcontinental cycling race—to beat everyone, including all the men, and outright win the solo division. Today she shares her story. It’s a wild ride. Today’s conversation traverses the vast diversity of Leah’s life experiences and accomplishments—and the mindset that fuels her ability to face fear, overcome adversity, and transcend limits. It’s a conversation about grit, perseverance and work ethic. The importance of life pivots. How to expand your capacity to endure. And the ‘never quit’ drive required to do amazing things. It’s also about bullying, sexism, and channeling pain into achieving impossible goals. But more than anything, this exchange is about the importance of heeding your inner voice—and tapping the hidden reservoirs of potential that reside within us all to make audacious dreams manifest. To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Leah may be extraordinary. But the wisdom and experience she shares is applicable to all. May her story spark your flame—and elevate your life aspirations. Peace + Plants, Rich

The core of every hero’s journey is a desire to step into the unknown, seek adventure, and above all, embrace metamorphosis. For Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mike Posner, that meant trading the comforts of Hollywood for a Mount Everest base camp—and ditching the tour bus to instead walk across America. Let me explain. After skyrocketing to fame following the release of his debut song Cooler Than Me, Mike built a career writing infectious pop meditations (that have accrued billions of streams) for some of music’s biggest stars—people like Justin Beiber, Pharrell, Maroon 5, Tom Morello, Snoop Dogg, Nick Jonas, and Avicii. As follows, he also built a life on womanizing, partying, money, and fame. In our last exchange back in 2019, Mike and I discussed his moment of awakening—the events that led him to give away all his possessions, buy a van, and live more simply. But much has changed for Mike since we last sat down. Over the last two-plus years, he’s walked 2000+ miles across America and followed it up this past year by summiting Mt. Everest, racking up a depth of experience-based wisdom along the way. Mike moves through the world with such a beautiful, heart-centered perspective. I appreciate the way in which he wears his heart on his sleeve, his ability to lean into vulnerability, and the manner in which he confronts struggle with curiosity. Today’s exchange is centered on his quest for meaning and authenticity. It’s about channeling pain into art, grief into gratitude, and above all, redefining yourself and self-imposed limits. Note: Mike was kind enough to perform a few songs live in our studio, so please stick around to the very end, as he takes us out with a performance you will not want to miss. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. I’m proud to help share my friend’s experience, wisdom, and infectious hope. It’s truly magical, and my hope is that you find it as moving as I did. Peace + Plants, Rich

Across the world, untold millions fall prey to some form of addiction. If you or someone you know suffers in silence, there is hope. Today’s episode casts a light on this epidemic of darkness and paves a solution-based path towards hope. A recovering alcoholic myself, I’ve danced with that darkness. Tasted the desperation. And felt the loneliness. Time and again I failed at arresting a disease hell-bent on killing me. Until that is, I let go of everything I thought I knew about how to live, think and be—and let others help me. The solution required an education. Given the ubiquity of addiction, it’s an education I feel a responsibility to share. Towards that end, today’s episode—the third installment in our burgeoning, deep-dive Masterclass series—explores the nature of addiction, the misconceptions that perpetuate it, and the many solutions available for confronting and ultimately overcoming it. For those unaware of this new semi-regular format, today’s episode is a compilation of 10 incredible and unique perspectives on addiction and recovery taken from previous conversations. My hope is that these stories bring you greater understanding, empathy, and perhaps a modicum of peace—and for those currently suffering, tools and encouragement to finally arrest the beast and embrace help. The visually inclined can watch it all unfold on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Big thanks to Dan Drake for his instrumental help crafting this very special episode. Masterclass Series: Click here to listen to our first deep dive on the microbiome, and here for our second on mental health. The full episodes for all guests featured in this episode can be found in the show notes below. Final Note: This conversation traverses difficult emotional terrain. If you are struggling, please raise your hand and reach out for help. You can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP and if you are experiencing suicidal ideation, know you’re not alone. I encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1(800) 273-TALK. I sincerely hope you find this experiment helpful and instructive—and/or that you share the episode with those who could benefit from it. Peace + Plants, Rich

Conquering a historic feat of stratospheric proportions nobody thought possible, today’s guests will challenge every assumption you ever harbored about the outer limits of human capability. In 2010, Jason Lester and I were the first to complete EPIC5—5 consecutive iron-distance triathlons on 5 Hawaiian Islands in just over 6 days. I’m proud of that accomplishment. More proud that it has inspired others to rewrite their rulebook on personal possibility. But today’s guests James Lawerence—aka The Iron Cowboy—alongside his wife and co-captain Sunny Jo Lawrence, somehow makes my resume just sound…cute. In 2015, the father of five did something I was convinced was impossible when he completed 50 iron-distance triathlons in 50 states in 50 days—a stunning feat chronicled way back on episodes 149 & 166, in the documentary The Iron Cowboy: The Story of The 50.50.50, and in his book, Redefine Impossible. But as many of you already know, James recently topped that seemingly untoppable feat by completing truly one of the most astonishing achievements in the history of voluntary human endurance—101 iron-distance triathlons in 101 consecutive days. In case you don’t quite grasp the enormity of this truly epic feat, let me spell it out. Beginning in March of this year, James climbed out of bed, swam 2.4 miles, jumped on his bike and rode 112 miles, then completed 26.2 miles on foot, repeating this routine every day without missing a single day, for 101 days in a row. That’s 14,200 self-powered miles! Today James and Sunny tell the tale in a warts-and-all conversation that is not to be missed. In addition to breaking down the enormity of this feat—a team and family endeavor in every respect—James and Sunny drop a full-fledged masterclass on mental toughness. Where it comes from, how to strengthen it, and how to ignite the power we all possess to endure the unimaginable. We also discuss the critical role that leadership, family, teamwork, community building, and service play in accomplishing audacious goals and how presence and mindfulness hold the key to unlocking the impossible. This is a powerful conversation that just might forever change your perspective on human potential broadly, and personal possibility specifically. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. I have tremendous respect for these two. I love them dearly. And I’m proud to share this candid, behind-the scenes excavation of one of the most mind-bending experiences I’ve ever been privileged to witness. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Adventure begins when things start to go wrong. So stop looking for the shortcut. Embrace the difficult journey ahead. Few embody this ethos better than today’s guest Jason Caldwell. An extraordinary adventure athlete and beautiful beast of a human, Jason holds 11 world records set across 5 continents and 3 oceans, including a 320-mile unassisted traverse of the Namib desert (the longest desert trek across Namibia), captaining the fastest team to row across the Atlantic Ocean unsupported, and most recently, victory in the Great Pacific Race as captain of the fastest team to ever row from San Francisco to Hawaii, a feat Jason and his 3 teammates accomplished in just 30 days 7 hours, smashing the previous world record by an astonishing 9 days. In addition, Jason is the CEO of Latitude 35, an experiential leadership and high-performance team building consulting company. He’s a widely sought-after public speaker on the Fortune 500 circuit and has taught at some of the country’s leading business schools, including Wharton, Columbia, Berkeley & West Point. This is a conversation about what is required to tackle and accomplish audacious goals. It’s about cultivating resilience, perseverance, and risk-taking. It’s about honing the willingness to fail, leveraging drive, and celebrating humility. It’s also about ‘healthy quits’—the importance of knowing how, when and why sometimes it’s crucial to just call it a day. But more than anything, this conversation is about the critical nature of team building. It’s about leadership through experience. Why success is never a solo affair. And how to get the best out those in your orbit. If you’re into wild stories of adventure this one’s for you. But you don’t have to be the slightest bit athletic to gain significant value out of what Jason shares today. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. My hope is that this conversation inspires you to reevaluate your limits, find power in your community and invest more in adventure. Needless to say, Jason has lived a wild life. This conversation nearly passed 2.5 hours—and I feel like we only scratched the surface. Peace + Plants, Rich

Dadding. Surfing with Zuckerberg. Celebrating Ten Thousand’s glorious new FAR line with Robbie Balenger. And of course, the Adam-Brogan faceoff we’ve all been waiting for. Welcome to another hotly anticipated edition of ‘Roll On,’ wherein myself and my undefeated podcast co-pilot Adam Skolnick (and our intruding guest Brogan Graham) hone on matters of contemporaneous import, and more than anything, get a bit silly. Aside from serving as my magnanimous sidecar hype-beast, Adam Skolnick is an activist and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. This episode unfurls in a fashion unique. We start off with the half-cocked banter you’ve come to know and love. Adam and Brogan hash out their drama. We discuss the nuances of being a new dad. And the importance of showing up for your kids and partner. We then close things out with my conversation with ultra-runner and friend of the pod Robbie Balenger, which was recorded at Ten Thousand’s live event at the Legendary Explorer’s Club in NYC, where we celebrated the launch of my Free Association Run (FAR) kit—a collection of men’s running gear. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Listener Stories: There’s something potent and important about your journey that others can benefit from hearing. Learning is a communal act. And this podcast is merely a conduit. I’d like you to consider sharing your journey of transformation with me, specifically how this show has helped shape it. Leave us a voicemail at (805)-421-0057 to share your story and the wisdom you’ve gleaned from the podcast, and your message could very well be aired in a future episode. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Like many, I despair of our country’s division, which is rapidly expanding in lockstep with our inability to productively communicate alongside growing distrust in institutions and the media. Also like many, I want solutions. Much of this rests with us. But we also need leadership. Across the political landscape, most elected officials understand this problem and its gravity. However, very few proffer solutions beyond the beaten path. Even fewer demonstrate a good-faith willingness to tackle the dilemma with solution-based action. Today’s guest Andrew Yang is an exception to this pattern. For those unfamiliar, Andrew is an entrepreneur turned politician best known for his 2020 presidential run and subsequent New York City mayoral bid. He’s the man who pioneered a national conversation on the power of universal basic income (UBI) to address maladies produced by widening wealth disparity. And he’s a leader I find genuine in his commitment to the greater potential of our democratic experiment, bringing forth original and bold ideas to the national conversation—ideas not always in his best self-interest. Part memoir, part campaign trail exposé, Andrew’s latest book, Forward: Notes on the Future of Our Democracy, is an instructive read on the damaged state of politics and political media as well as the broadening national divide that is eroding our humanity. A roadmap on how to repair the broken spokes of our democratic system, it also serves to announce the creation of a new third party—the Forward Party—part of Andrew’s plan to redress democratic dysfunction by disrupting America’s two-party duopoly. Today Andrew shares his story and vision. This is a relatively partisan-fee conversation about how to reimagine the democratic experiment for the betterment of all. We discuss the merits of universal basic income, human-centered capitalism, the problems with our gerontocracy, and what we need to truly progress as a nation. In addition, we discuss the perils and merits of a third political party; the role of new media in politics; the advantage of open primaries and rank choice voting; the importance of grace and tolerance; and how to modernize government’s anachronistic bureaucracy. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This conversation was an absolute pleasure. I sincerely hope you enjoy it in the spirit in which it is offerred Peace + Plants, Rich

What happens when you’re massively rich, famous, and rewarded for living a life of over-indulgence? If you’re lucky, you awake one day to realize that a life of sex, drugs, rock & roll—a life you were convinced would make you happy—only leaves you empty. You then embark on a Victor Frankl-esque search for meaning that ultimately leads to spiritual awakening and a path towards purpose, self-actualization, and service. This is a story that recurs on this show in many forms. Today’s version of that story comes in the shape of Adrian Grenier. You know Adrian as an actor—he’s appeared in many films and television projects—but of course, most well known for his portrayal of Vinnie Chase in the HBO hit show Entourage, a dizzying and meta experience for Adrian that in so many ways came to parallel his own life. But Adrian has evolved past this archetype of adolescent id, trading Hollywood for a ranch outside Austin, Texas. He’s matured into a regenerative farmer, environmentalist, and founder of the Lonely Whale Foundation. He’s also an impact investor, leading DuContra Ventures as co-founder and Chief Experience Officer. A heart-centered community builder who cares deeply about our symbiosis with self, each other, and the natural habitat we share, today Adrian shares his worthy story. It’s about the hidden, ugly truths that lay beneath the modern American dream. It’s about the work required, and beauty to behold, in wrestling with the soul. It’s about endeavoring to connect with and express that which is more fundamental and meaningful. But most of all, it’s about finding ways to be in service to a better world. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This one is soulful—I hope it resonates with you as deeply as it did with me. Peace + Plants, Rich

Beyond politics and religion, few topics are more hotly debated than nutrition. But when we consider the totality of health—not just human health, but planetary, ecosystem, soil, and animal well-being—the science is irrefutable: a diet that is as plant-exclusive as possible is best. Nonetheless, misinformation fueled by emotions and ideological tribalism persists. Confusion propagates. Thus the average well-intentioned person remains stuck in unhealthy lifestyle habits that tragically lead to avoidable ailments and disease. Meanwhile, the planet suffers. To help us parse facts from fiction and guide us towards an evidence-based, rational model for nutritional health and well-being, today we convene with my friend Simon Hill. The host of the fantastic Plant Proof Podcast and blog of the same name, Simon plies his master’s degree in nutrition to objectively decipher scientific literature to deliver clear and actionable tools to help people make diet and lifestyle choices that actually promote optimal health and longevity. The culmination of Simon’s obsession with nutritional science is The Proof Is In The Plants,the ultimate evidence-based primer on the positive impact of a plant-based diet on human and planetary health—and an essential must-read for any and all interested in grounded nutrition science. Today we hit all the hot topics: tribal diet wars, what the science says and what it doesn’t, the environmental implications of our food choices, the truth about saturated fat, cholesterol, and oil. Not to mention the key things you can and should be doing to perform at your peak, sidestep disease, promote longevity, and live both optimally and consciously. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For so many reasons, Simon is the health and nutrition resource we need right now—and this one is packed with crucial, perhaps life-saving information. Break out pen and paper—you’re going to want to take notes. Final Note: Simon was kind enough to provide comprehensive evidentiary support for his many statement throughout the podcast. For those that desire to to dig deeper into the science, click the ‘References’ tab on this episode's web page here. Peace + Plants, Rich

It’s time to once again transcend the mortal coil to reconnect with matters ethereal and divine, truths both big and small. Our prophetess for this spiritual trip is healer, mother, and creator Julie Piatt. Longtime listeners are well acquainted with the one who goes by SriMati—my in-house guru and better half. A human who is very good at many things, Julie is an accomplished yogi, musician, chef, and mom to our four children. She’s also the bestselling author of three vegan cookbooks. She hosts the For The Life of Me podcast. She lords over Water Tiger, her online spiritual community. And she’s the CEO and ‘Mother Arc’ of SriMu, the best plant-based cheese in the known universe. Over the years, Julie has been a recurring source of spiritual wisdom on the podcast, dropping many a pearl on everything from parenting and creativity, to navigating conflict, managing relationships, dealing with financial hardship, and many other subjects. Today’s microphone communion with Julie is many things. It’s an unearthing of not only this podcast’s origin story, but also the catalyst that sparked the creation Julie’s cookbooks, SriMu, and the Water Tiger tribe. It’s a crash course in embracing neutrality and understanding the strength in letting go. And it’s an exploration of why suffering is the ultimate engine for growth. But most of all, this conversation is about the importance of relationships in all their forms. How to cultivate them. How to celebrate them. And most importantly, how to make them last. To read more click here. The visually inclined can watch the alchemy transpire on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

This cultural moment bears witness to a growing distrust of institutions unprecedented in our lifetime. With it comes an unraveling of healthy communication. Tearing others down has taken priority over rising ourselves up. And binary thinking, divisiveness, and fear-based behavior have supplanted sense-making, appreciation for nuance, and mutual respect. For Ryan Holiday, the antidote is the pursuit of virtue—specifically, the virtue upon which all other virtues sit, courage: the ability to rise above fear and to do what’s right. Returning for his 4th appearance on the podcast, Ryan is one of the world’s bestselling living philosophers globally lauded for adapting Stoicism to the mainstream. His books—including The Obstacle Is The Way, Ego Is the Enemy, The Daily Stoic, and Stillness Is the Key—have sold over 4 million copies and spent over 300 weeks on the bestseller lists. Ryan’s expertise in mining the modern-day practicalities of ancient philosophy to live more optimally is coveted by some of the world’s most successful CEOs, political leaders, world-class athletes, and NFL coaches, and he’s here today to help us make sense of this current moment through the lens of his latest book, Courage Is Calling. This is a conversation about the challenge of sense-making amidst our national divide. It’s about the application of time-tested wisdom, the nature of virtue and why doing the right thing is always the right thing. We cover it all: the perils of individualism, responsibility as a counter-balance to liberty, fear, courage, partisanship, tribalism, and why virtue is both a craft and an action verb. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I relish my conversations with Ryan—he is a compelling thinker about things that matter, and this one is chock a block with practical wisdom, things we can learn from philosophy and history to make sense of today, and most importantly, to live and be better humans and citizens. Peace + Plants, Rich

I love my parents. I grew up with a world-class education. And yet, nobody actually ever taught me how to be an adult. As a result, I made a ton of avoidable mistakes. I suffered far more than necessary. And I fumbled in the dark for years until eventually, I figured a few things out. Unfortunately, my experience is all too common. Today’s guest—a woman who spent years mentoring and advising some of the brightest young people in the entire world—would agree, so she decided to do something about it. Julie Lythcott-Haims is the former dean of freshmen and undergraduate advising at Stanford University, where she earned her B.A. (as my classmate) before obtaining a law degree from Harvard and a master’s in fine arts and writing from California College of the Arts. Today Julie is an author and authority on what we now call—in Millenial parlance—adulting. Her TED Talk 'How to raise successful kids without over-parenting' has over 5 million views, and her books include the New York Times bestseller, How To Raise An Adult and Real American—a memoir centered on coming to terms with her racial identity. Julie’s latest work and the focus of today’s conversation is Your Turn: How To Be An Adult. For those just emerging into the grown-up world, it’s a must-read life handbook. For parents, it’s a must-gift for your young ones entering their adult phase of life. All in all, it’s a guide I very much wish existed during my formative years. This conversation is packed with practical insights for both parents and young people alike. We cover the downfalls of being a helicopter parent, the importance of learning conversation skills, and why paying attention to what you like and don’t like is more important than finding a purpose. But more than anything, this conversation is about why diversity and inclusivity are vital in parenting, educating, and adulting. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is appointment listening for young people emerging into the world or parents striving to best guide their kids into maturity. But no matter your age, we can all use some wisdom about how to grow up a little bit more. Peace + Plants, Rich

Last week we dipped our toes into sacred waters both spiritual and metaphysical. This week we are diving off the deep end. In other words, welcome to another incarnation of Guru Multiverse, the latest in my ongoing series of communions with Guru Singh, my treasured friend and favorite sparring partner when it comes to matters heart and soul. Aside from being a modern-day Gandalf, Guru Singh is a master of the Kundalini arts, a celebrated spiritual teacher, a third-generation Sikh yogi, an author, accomplished musician, father, grandfather, and an overall gift to humanity who has been teaching and studying Kundalini yoga for the past 40-plus years who now holds virtual court at kundaliniuniversity.com. The Guru joins me in the studio to offer a dissertation on divining and discerning the delicate and detailed differences that differentiate: instinct, impulse, intuition, and intelligence—the four “I’s” if you will. This is a conversation about perspective, accountability, the willingness to solicit and receive feedback, and why growth depends upon the ability to truly understand and appreciate the nuances that distinguish these “I” words. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Make sure to stick around until the end. As has become his custom, Guru Singh closes things out with a song. This might be one of my favorite Vulcan mind-melds to date. So let us not waste another moment. Peace + Plants, Rich

Today we’re going take some of life’s biggest questions, toss them into a Vitamix, press hyperblend, and whip up a Metaphysical Milkshake. My sous chefs for this cosmic concoction are Rainn Wilson & Reza Aslan. Do I really need to introduce these two? Star of screens big and small, Rainn is best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on The Office. An OG in the online high-vibe content space, Rainn is also the founder of SoulPancake, a digital platform for people from all walks of life to discuss and question what it means to be human—a place to wrestle with the spiritual, philosophical, and creative journey that is life. Reza is a scholar of religions, a professor of creative writing, a television host, an Emmy-nominated producer, and the author of many bestselling books on religion, faith & spirituality. These two have teamed up on a fantastic new podcast worthy of your attention called (you guessed it) Metaphysical Milkshake. In a mild departure from my typical interview format, the idea for this episode was to tackle some of those big life questions, themes that recur on both of our shows, and have some fun doing it. So I wrote down various queries on a stack of index cards, wadded them up, tossed them in a bowl, and let Rainn and Reza take turns fishing them out for today’s round-table. Among the threads pulled today are: What does it mean to be human? How do you be a good person? Why are humans prone to spirituality? How do you reconcile science & rationality with faith & spirituality? Are we addicted to everything? What is the role of consciousness? To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Prepare to have your noodle bent—and have some laughs along the way. Good times! Peace + Plants, Rich

A central theme of my podcast is the power of a plant-based diet to enhance the quality of life for both the individual and the whole. Over time, the show has grown to embrace a wider variety of themes—art, entertainment, cuisine, entrepreneurship, spirituality, sports, social justice, creativity, equality, and more—each guest sharing his/her respective expertise and experience. Some conversations traverse more than one field. Only a select few impart powerful, impactful lessons across several. Joanne Molinaro is one such human—a  cultural phenomenon who goes by the moniker, The Korean Vegan. Born in Chicago to immigrant parents from what is today North Korea, Joanne is a (soon to be) New York Times bestselling cookbook author, food blogger, marathon runner, social activist and corporate law firm partner (although she just resigned last week) with millions of fans across a variety of social media platforms—including over 2.5 million on TikTok—obsessed with her wisdom-laced and thought-provoking food content, garnering her features on CNN, CBS, The Food Network and many other mainstream media outlets. Joanne’s audience isn’t just massive, it’s insanely engaged—a loyalty rooted in her wholesale re-imagination of the cuisine landscape. Her content is so fresh, so beyond nice photographs or the A-B-C food preparation tutorials to which we’ve grown accustomed, that it’s fair to say Joanne has pioneered an entirely new content genre altogether. Exquisitely captured in irresistible sixty-second short films with a penchant for virality, across her social channels Joanne masterfully entwines food, culture, education and self-improvement with incredibly honest, vulnerable, heartfelt stories about life, relationships, grief, family, divorce, surviving abuse, and the immigrant experience. Her deeply personal yarns tug on the universal—an authentic relatability that leaves most teary-eyed upon each’s film’s conclusion. One of my most memorable encounters of 2021, our conversation spans her remarkable career balancing corporate law firm partner duties with the full-court demands of her growing voice of public influence. We cover her path to veganism (a journey that ironically began with her husband reading Finding Ultra), her experience as a Korean woman living in the diaspora, the many ways in which food and social justice advocacy intersect, and the importance of humanizing the immigrant story. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is a powerful, potentially life-altering conversation on the importance of creativity, self-empowerment, and leveraging social media for good. May this extraordinary woman inspire you to think more deeply about your own story—and the indelible power inherent in sharing it. Peace + Plants, Rich

How do you meld passion with purpose? What makes you committed to your cause? And most importantly, what does your podcast do? In addition to philosophizing these questions and more, in today’s edition of ‘Roll On,’ Adam Skolnick and I trade fitness updates, engage in typical ribald banter, indulge you with a cameo from environmental activist, UN Patron of the Oceans, and arctic swimmer, Lewis Pugh. And that’s just the tip of the iceberg. Aside from being my fortnightly sidekick hype beast and favorite edgelord of words literary, Adam is a waterman, writer, and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently recycling the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Specific topics covered in this episode include: RRP Staff wins + a debrief on Rich’s experience in the Malibu Triathlon; Lewis Pugh’s unique relationship with environmentalism & swimming;  Rich’s reflection on his upcoming 9 year anniversary of podcasting; and thoughts on curiosity, purpose, and why conversation matters. In addition, we answer the following questions: What advice do you have for those new to multi-sport endurance events? How do you balance your commitment to social justice with your career?  How do you remain hopeful while living through the chaos of the climate crisis? Thank you to Hadar from San Francisco, Tyler from Florida, and Jason from Pasadena for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. To read more and listen click here. You can also watch on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

People ask me all day long for the secret ingredient to success and a comfortable way through personal transformation. My enduring answer: there is none. I believe in the individual potential for positive transformation. I’m also a self-help skeptic who greets most #lifehacks with profound hesitancy. There is a line between snake oil and efficacy—and that line is crossed more often than not. So if you struggle with self-confidence, making life changes, finding your purpose, or if the general vernacular that encircles self-improvement—words like motivation, inspiration, and passion—leave you more deflated than empowered, I feel you. Today’s guest, the queen of grounded, science-backed personal development is here today to help us sort things out. Meet the singular, multi-talented hyphenate Mel Robbins. A former lawyer turned CNN legal analyst, turned mega-bestselling author and talk show host, Mel is a powerhouse and one of the most widely booked public speakers in the world. Her work includes the global phenomenon The 5 Second Rule, four #1 bestselling audiobooks, the #1 podcast on Audible, and her videos have over a billion cumulative views, including her TEDx Talk  How to stop screwing yourself over—which has racked up over 27 million views alone. The official occasion for this conversation is Mel’s brand new book, The High Five Habit—a must-read primer on how to make believing in yourself a habit so that you operate more empowered and with greater confidence. However, this conversation is about so much more, packed with practical, life-altering, science and experience-based wisdom you (and myself included) need to hear. Nobody loves making a real difference in people’s lives more than Mel. Her energy is infectious. Her authenticity and earnestness is palpable. Everyone at the studio fell in love with her—and I know you will too. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. My hope is that Mel’s message will do for you what it has for me—remind you to celebrate the small wins, cultivate that bias for action, and get out of your own damn way of creating the life of your dreams. Peace + Plants, Rich

What am I here to do? What should I do with my life? What is my purpose? Today’s guest has devoted his life to helping people answer these important questions. Meet Jonathan Fields. Author of many a bestselling book, including How to Live a Good Life, Uncertainty, and Career Renegade, he’s the man behind the wonderful Good Life Project podcast and community, a sought after public speaker, father, and a dear friend and personal mentor of mine. He’s been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, FastCompany, Inc., Entrepreneur, Forbes, and USA Today, just to name a few.  Making his third appearance on the show, today Jonathan joins me in the studio to share his unique core belief and perspective, which is that everyone has an innate imprint for a certain type of work—work that makes you come alive. After many years of deep thought and research, he’s divined an evidence-based method for helping others discover meaningful careers, which is explored more deeply in his fascinating new book Sparked. This exchange is essentially an excavation of the self. We grapple with big life questions, break down the components of meaningful work, and what it takes to not just find, but create a fulfilling career. We also dive deep into Sparktypes, which is essentially the social psychology version of Human Design or the Enneagram. After surveying over 500,000 people and accruing 2.5 million data points, Jonathan has created a system to help you better understand your needs when it comes to finding purpose in your professional life. You can take the free quiz at sparketype.com. I love Jonathan’s focus on process over results. His emphasis on the journey over the destination. His deep understanding that authenticity is everything. My hope is that our conversation guides you towards work that suits you, fits your unique blueprint, motivates you, excites you, and fills you with purpose. Work that sparks you, and ultimately sets you on a trajectory to a life marked with more meaning, flow, and joy. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I adore this beautiful man for reasons you will soon discover. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

It’s time to grapple with the human rights issues ensuing in Afghanistan. To guide us in this important conversation are podcast alums Drs. Ayesha & Dean Sherzai. For those new to the show, ‘Roll On’ is typically our opportunity to shift focus from my traditional fare of evergreen conversations to instead hone in on matters of contemporaneous, time-sensitive interest. Today we do just that, but with a twist, spending the entire episode grappling with the very grave plight faced by the 18 million women in Afghanistan in the wake of the United States departure. Breaking down the grip of Taliban rule, this is an exploration and round table discussion led by Team Sherzai. Experts on brain health, Alzheimer’s, and neurodegenerative diseases, Drs. Sherzai have twice graced this show for deep dives on maintaining and optimizing cognitive function. But what most don’t know is that Dean & Ayesha have considerable experience with Afghanistan. In 2003 Dean was appointed the Deputy Minister of Health by President Karzai, creating the most successful post-conflict healthcare system with women’s empowerment at its core. Ayesha founded the Social Welfare Society for Afghan Refugees in medical school, volunteered with Doctors Without Borders’ in Afghanistan during her medical training, and co-founded the Afghan Health Initiative in order to empower the Afghan diaspora with their own health. My intention for this conversation is less political—we aren’t here to necessarily debate the political advisability of the U.S. withdrawal as much as the incomprehensibly botched manner in which we withdrew—and the downstream human rights implications of Afghan women in particular. Other specific topics discussed include: The history of women’s rights in Afghanistan; using healthcare as a catalyst for women’s empowerment; a breakdown of the imperative of the Taliban and how it functions; the role that fear plays in female oppression; what we can be done now to aid Afghan women; and how to support celebrated female artists, scientists, politicians & leaders in Afghanistan. To read more and listen click here. You can also watch on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is an important, pertinent, and heavy conversation. My heart goes out to those suffering. If possible, I highly encourage you to donate to programs like Restore Her Voice. Any amount can make a difference. Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the words of today’s guest, global warming is not a science problem. It’s a human problem. When it comes to taking meaningful steps to redress the climate crisis, so many of us are left crippled. It’s a problem so huge, so existential, most people feel powerless to make a difference. But in truth, there are many substantive onramps to participate in the solution, and today’s guest is a wonderfully gracious, charitable, experienced, and optimistic cipher to explore these various paths. Meet Paul Hawken, one of the environmental movement’s leading voices returning for his second drop on the podcast, the first being at our big live event with IN-Q. In addition to his profound work as a planetary change agent, Paul is an entrepreneur who founded both Erewhon Markets and Smith & Hawken. He’s also the author of eight books including the groundbreaking New York Times bestseller Drawdown, and his astonishing, beautiful new work entitled Regeneration: Ending The Climate Crisis in One Generation,which aims to guide, inspire and galvanize the burgeoning climate movement. This is an optimistic conversation about our greatest existential threat. A conversation that extends beyond statistics, blame, and fear to illuminate what each and every one of us can all do now to support what Paul calls regeneration: a call to action that weaves justice, climate, biodiversity, equity, and human dignity into a seamless tapestry of action, policy, and transformation to live more symbiotically with the planet that supports us us We cover everything from the current state of affairs of the climate crisis, to the actionable steps we can all take to foster regeneration and most importantly, the state of mind we all need to maintain to heal our earth and secure the future of humankind. Paul is a friend, a mentor, and lighthouse. He’s a man who has indelibly shaped my perspective and actions when it comes to ecological responsibility, and it’s an honor to host him today. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. My hope is that Paul’s message will do for you what it has for me—inspire and empower you to take action in your own way. Peace + Plants, Rich

Can art and happiness coexist? Is great art only forged through pain? And is suffering integral to creativity? These are just a few of the many questions explored in today’s colorful excavation of David Choe’s fascinating soul. I suspect many of you are already well familiar with this human and his art. Perhaps you watched his VICE special, Thumbs Up. You’ve seen him alongside the late Anthony Bourdain in Parts Unknown or the recent documentary Roadrunner. He’s also appeared on Howard Stern, Joe Rogan, and David Chang’s podcast. But for those unfamiliar, David is an extraordinarily unique and talented street artist, fine artist, performance artist, and muralist. He’s also a musician, journalist, writer, producer, fellow podcast host, a self-proclaimed liar, thief, altruistic narcissist, vagabond, and recovering sex and gambling addict. In other words, he’s a highly flawed human—just like the rest of us. Most of the conversations that swirl around David tend to revolve around his wealth (he took stock instead of cash for murals he painted on the walls of Facebook that would later enrich him to the tune of $200M) and the countless wild yarns he spins about his many well-documented adventures, escapades, and public scandals. Today we travel beyond the David of yore to meet a very different man. An artist and human who has grappled with his demons and emerged more complete. Grounded. And grateful. What interests me most about David has nothing to do with his wealth, fame or copious talent. Instead it’s his honesty—a rare and raw vulnerability that is both sweet and endearing. A reflection of his devotion to self-growth, the David of today is refreshingly open about his journey and failures. The result is a deeply empathetic, sensitive, caring, and thoughtful man in search of personal truth and connection—all of which is writ large and beautifully captured in his latest utterly unique creation, The Choe Show on FX. Today’s conversation centers on mental health, childhood trauma, and the many perils of addiction. It’s about identity, sobriety, creativity, and more broadly, the journey to self-acceptance and self-love. David is one of the few brave individuals who can shine a flashlight on the darkest places of his soul—a rare authenticity that somehow gives everyone else the green light to do the same. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Note: If this is your first rendezvous with David, this is not one for the kiddo’s ears. Explicits are dropped. You have been forewarned. I adore this conversation. It’s nothing short of magical, and I hope you find it helpful especially if you’re one of the many who are struggling or suffering right now. Peace + Plants, Rich

We live in a culture where identity is inextricably linked to our careers—but who we are is not what we do. And work is not a substrate for identity. In addition to philosophizing on capitalism, hedonistic altruism, and rest as resistance, in today’s edition of ‘Roll On’ Adam Skolnick and I trade fitness updates, perform a virtual reality show & tell, answer listener questions, and more. Aside from being my bi-weekly sidekick hype beast, Adam is a waterman, writer, activist, and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Specific topics covered in this episode include: an update on endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh’s ‘Code Red’ arctic swim; a recap of the Leadville 100, the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc, and Robbie Balenger’s Colorado Crush; Sania Sorokin record-breaking 24-hour race & Carl Meltzer’s completion of the ‘Most 100 milers in a calendar year’; the importance of Michael Muller’s virtual reality experience ‘Into the Now’; thoughts on life, careers, and the NYT piece, Work Is a False Idol; and Rich & Adam’s podcast, video, and other media streams of the week. In addition, we answer the following questions: How do you end self-sabotaging behaviors? What are the best ways to prepare for a 100K ultra race?  When exercising, what is the most efficient way to breathe? Thank you to Annie from Colorado, Brian from London, and Scott from Vermont for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. To read more and listen click here. You can also watch on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Parenting typical teenagers is no easy feat. Today’s guest parented two as they skyrocketed to bewildering fame—and kept them astonishingly grounded in the process. Today we explore the uncommon reality that is Maggie Baird’s life. A veteran actor, improv performer, and writer with a long list of screen credits to her name, Maggie is also a long-time vegan, animal rights and environmental activist, and the founder of Support And Feed, a non-profit that partners with restaurants across America (and soon the world) to provide plant-based meals to those experiencing food insecurity. She’s also the coolest mom ever to two of the biggest musicians in the world—7x Grammy Award winning 19-year old Billie Eilish and Billie’s equally talented brother and counterpart, 8x Grammy winning 23-year old brother Finneas O’Connell—all portrayed alongside Maggie’s husband Patrick O’Connell in the recent Apple TV+ documentary The World’s A Little Blurry. Although Billie serves as the film’s primary protagonist, the documentary paints a technicolor family journey portrait. The story behind the story of this uniquely gifted foursome is both surprising and deeply heartwarming—a narrative exploration of parents striving to consciously guide their talented kids through their trepidatious and vertigo-inducing ascent to superstardom. It goes without saying that this is a conversation about parenting, how to raise conscious kids, and the many benefits of homeschooling and unschooling. It’s about what happens when your children become unbelievably famous at a young age, seemingly overnight. And it’s about organizing your life and your family’s priorities around what is most important. It’s also about the challenges of pursuing an artistic life. The importance of finding your cause. And it’s a dive into Maggie’s particular cause, which is to solve food insecurity and make the music industry, concerts, and touring, more ecologically sustainable. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This one is chock-full of sage advice across many topics, and there’s something for everyone to learn from Maggie’s refreshing perspective. Wise and charming, Maggie is the mom we all wish we had. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

The relentless pursuit of pleasure always leads to pain. As the world evolves from one of scarcity to overabundance, we increasingly orient our lives around the pursuit of pleasure and avoidance of pain—an instinct that has produced a myriad of unprecedented types of addiction, and consequently, the pain we so desperately seek to avoid. To better understand this conundrum, I’m joined today by one of the world’s leading authorities on the neuroscience of addiction, Anna Lembke, MD. If that name sounds familiar, it’s likely due to her on screen presence in the Netflix documentary The Social Dilemma—a must-watch for anyone with a smartphone. Anna is a professor of psychiatry at Stanford University School of Medicine and chief of the Stanford Addiction Medicine Dual Diagnosis Clinic. She is widely published, has testified before Congress, and has authored two important books, Drug Dealer MD and her newest work, Dopamine Nation—a powerful primer on compulsive overconsumption in a world where feeling good has become confused with the highest good. This is an important and impactful conversation that explores: The nature, psychology, and neuroscience of addiction; the explosion in addiction in lockstep with technological advances; the opioid crisis & the fascinating history behind how we think about and treat pain; recovery protocols from 12-step & the latest science on psychedelic treatments; and how to manage & avoid addiction. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Whip-smart and radically empathetic. I can’t underestimate the importance of Dr. Lembke’s work, and this conversation is a must listen for any and all who suffer from some form of addictive compulsivity, or know someone who does (which is pretty much everyone). Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Melting ice caps. Raging wildfires. Record-breaking heat waves. The climate crisis is here, and we’re not doing enough about it. Suffice to say, no wonder Greta Thunberg is so pissed off. Aside from discussing burgeoning climate disasters, in today’s edition of ‘Roll On’ Adam Skolnick and I pontificate on the positives and pitfalls of perfectionism, arctic swimming, laundry done right and more, all rounded out with a cameo from renowned yoga instructor, endurance coach, and friend Ted McDonald. For those new to this segment of the podcast, aside from being my bi-weekly sidekick hype beast, Adam Skolnick is a waterman, writer, activist, and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Other topics covered in this episode include: lessons on productivity & workflow learned after Rich’s trip to Telluride; endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh’s 10km swim around Greenland; the chaos ensuing in Afghanistan & the arrogance and destruction of imperialism;  takeaways from The International Panel on Climate Change’s (IPCC) recent climate report; and why sustainable land management, regenerative agriculture, and reforestation are critical to saving the planet. In addition, we answer the following questions: What do you do when your self-care routine starts to feel stale? How do you find the right coach when training for an endurance race? As an athlete, how important is it to maintain a yoga practice? Thank you to Nate from Colorado and Heidi from Northern California for your questions, and Ted McDonald for your help answering them—including one of my own. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What if I told you that there was a Russian millionaire who wants to help you live to be 150-years-old? This isn’t science fiction—it’s ‘immortality science’. It’s the science of lifespan extension. The science of what today’s guest calls growing young. Meet Sergey Young, the exceedingly bright and optimistic chemical engineer turned investment banker turned venture capitalist committed to not only funding cutting-edge lifespan extension breakthroughs but also ensuring that such advancements are affordable and accessible to all. Named one of the Top 100 Longevity Leaders in the world, Sergey is an XPRIZE Foundation Board Member, the founder of the $100M Longevity Vision Fund, and a development sponsor of the Age Reversal XPRIZE, which is a global competition designed to find a cure for aging. Yes, you read that right—a cure. He’s also the author of the new book hitting shelves everywhere August 24, 2021 (and now available for pre-order) entitled, The Science And Technology Of Growing Young, which is a fascinating demystification of the longevity landscape, a primer on the science and technology developments aimed at healthspan enhancement, and a practical guidebook outlining the many things we all can and should be doing now to live vibrantly to 100 and beyond. Today we run the gamut on longevity, including near and long-term science & technological advancements like the advent of bio-tracking wearables, body digitization, and the role of artificial intelligence in revolutionizing medical diagnostics and early disease detection. We also cast a future gaze into the insanely wild far horizon of age-reversal science, digital avatars, telexistence, 3-D organ printing, and AI-brain integration. Pivoting to the immediately practical, we also converse about the many things we can and should all be doing now to extend not just our lifespan, but our healthspan—things like eating a plant-based diet, prioritizing exercise, sleep, relationships, and spending time in nature. But the most interesting aspects of this exchange are the moral and philosophical dilemmas that surface in the conversation around human lifespan extension—and the urgency with which we need to be thinking very deeply about the many profound implications of these advancements. Brilliant, charming, and quite funny, it’s an honor to share Sergey’s wisdom with you today. Break out the pen and notepad. You’re going to want to take notes on this one. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

We live in the most prosperous nation on Earth—and yet we’ve never been more unhealthy. 70% of Americans are obese or overweight. By 2030, 50% of Americans will be diabetic or pre-diabetic. Not only is chronic illness is killing us, it's bankrupting our economy. It’s insanity—and a reality that today’s guest lived, transmuted, and has committed his life to changing. Meet New York City’s next mayor, Eric Adams. At age 54, Eric woke up unable to read his alarm clock. Concerned about his vision and numbness in his extremities, he reluctantly went to the doctor, who delivered a grim diagnosis of advanced Type II diabetes. Progressive eyesight loss was inevitable. His nerve damage was leading him on a path to amputation. Going on a battery of medications for the rest of his life was a given. Refusing to believe his fate was sealed, Eric decided instead to take matters into his own hands. Rather than googling ‘living with diabetes‘, instead he searched ‘reversing diabetes’. What he found was a plethora of support, science, and experts—many of which have appeared on this show—that inspired him to ditch his lifelong allegiance to the standard American diet in favor of a whole food plant-based diet. Within weeks of this nutritional shift and without any medication whatsoever, Eric’s symptoms subsided and his diabetes indeed reversed. His vision returned. His nerves repaired themselves. In the months that followed, he lowered his cholesterol by 30 points. He dropped 35 pounds. And a new lease on life was signed. Now five years hence, Eric is the fittest he’s ever been. His remarkable transformation inspired him to create radical initiatives as Brooklyn Borough President to improve the nutrition, health, and lives of New Yorkers and beyond. A commitment he’s adamant about expanding as New York’s next mayor. Those who have followed this mayoral race closely know it’s been focused on one issue: law and order. Under-reported is Eric's incredible commitment to revolutionizing health policy, the direct result of his very personal experience with chronic lifestyle disease. So today we dive into Eric’s remarkable journey from ill to well, and the purpose-driven mission it has birthed within him to revolutionize health not just in NYC, but across America. I suspect you will end this exchange wanting to know more, in which case you should check out Eric’s book, Healthy At Last: A Plant-Based Approach to Preventing and Reversing Diabetes and Other Chronic Illnesses. I appreciate Eric for taking time out of his busy schedule to talk to me. We only had a tight hour—but we really made the most of it. To read more click here. You can also watch listen to our exchange on YouTube (audio only—we didn’t film this one). And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

We love to celebrate Olympians as superheroes. It’s important to remember they are human beings. In today’s episode of the podcast, Adam Skolnick and I trade thoughts on Tokyo 2020, great white shark sightings, kaatsu training and more. For those new to the show, Adam Skolnick is a waterman, writer, activist, and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Topics covered in this episode  include: Adam’s close encounter with a great white shark; endurance swimmer Lewis Pugh and the massive melting event in Greenland; Robbie Balenger’s Colorado Crush challenge; Timothy Olson’s recent FKT on the Pacific Crest Trail; Simone Biles’ choice to scratch Olympic events & the ensuing conversation around mental health and elite athleticism’ was Russia ‘actually’ banned from the Olympics?; and a look at blood flow restriction & ultra-short race-pace training;  In addition, we answer the following listener questions: What does it mean to ‘do the work’? What are Rich & Adam’s top five bands and albums? How do you set realistic physical goals as you age? Thank you to Justin from Minnesota, Jess from Illinois, and Bev from Denver for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. To read more click here. You can also watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

We tend to think of high-performance athletes as superhuman—a rare species with extraordinary strength and a preternatural ability to suffer. But if you ask today’s guest what distinguishes the elite athlete and everyone else, she’ll say nothing. For her, the secret to high-level performance isn’t about cutting edge training plans, coaches, or carefully honed nutrition. For her, it’s instead found in seeking out and celebrating the pain cave, that deep place of physical discomfort most go to great lengths to avoid. Meet Courtney Dauwalter, the world’s best female ultrarunner—and when it comes to races 200 miles and longer—arguably the best period. A humble mater of grit and boundary-busting physical prowess, Courtney is universally loved and admired for her winning smile, mental fortitude and intuitive training style (she doesn’t even have a coach). In addition to being named one of the 50 Fittest Athletes in the World by Sports Illustrated and a two-time Ultrarunner of the Year, among her countless accomplishments, Courtney: won the 2017 Moab 240 (including beating all the men) by an astonishing 10 hour margin; won the 2020 Big Dog Backyard Ultra by clocking 283 miles (again beating all the men); won the women’s division of 2018 The Western States 100; broke the Tahoe 200 female course record in 2018 by 18+ hours; and was the fastest female at the 2019 UTMB, considered the world’s most prestigious ultra Not bad for an athlete who didn’t even begin her professional running career until she was 32 years old. The thing about Courtney is that she lives in the moment. She’s a doer. She doesn’t overthink things. She trains on feel, eats what she wants, and does it all with joy and a laudable degree of humility and perspective. But behind it all is a very intentional human—an athlete of unparalleled mental fortitude with the drive required to test the very limits of human capability. Today we get into all of it. Courtney shares the mindset techniques and tactics that have propelled her superhuman accomplishments. She shares her perspective on career longevity. Her evolution as an athlete. How she approaches unlocking unprecedented performance. And the purpose that lives beneath it all. But if you extract anything from this conversation, may it be the importance of having fun. Why taking things lightly is strength and not a weakness. When you reframe pain as a destination rather than an obstacle, truly anything is possible. To read more click here. You can also watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. An athlete I’ve admired for many years, I aspire to Courtney’s unique blend of grit and joy. Yes, she is a badass. But she’s also a good sport. A better human. And an absolutely delightful hang. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Imagine a day when alternative protein is no longer alternative. Welcome to the moonshot for meatless meat. When it comes to meat, the news is both good and bad. On the one hand, alternative protein innovation is at an all-time high, with ever more options stocked at grocery stores across the country. However, despite the cultural ascension and mainstreaming of all things vegan & plant-based, the unfortunate reality is that globally, meat consumption is actually the highest it’s ever been. And according to the UN, global meat production is projected to double by 2050. So what gives? To address this conundrum and bring us up to speed on the cultivated and plant-based meat state of affairs, I’m once again joined by my friend & resident expert on all things meatless meat, Bruce Friedrich—returning for his third appearance on the show (catch RRP 286 & 402 if you missed them). Graduating magna cum laude from Georgetown Law with additional graduate degrees from Johns Hopkins and the London School of Economics, Bruce is the founder & president of The Good Food Institute, an international non-profit focused on facilitating the reimagination of meat production. He is also a TED Fellow, a Y Combinator alumnus, and a popular food innovation speaker at places like Harvard, Yale, Princeton, Stanford, and MIT. Bruce has been profiled in The New York Times and many other prominent outlets and has penned op-eds for The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Wired, and many other publications. Today we pick up where we left off almost three years ago to assess the current state of the union on all things alternative protein. We discuss advances in both plant-based and cultivated meat. We review how the latest technological breakthroughs in fermentation, 3D printing and funghi (or mycoprotein) harvesting are changing the game. And we cover the political and regulatory landscape that frames the alternative protein movement—and the policy changes we need to realize a better food system for all. In addition we discuss the many problems solved by a global pivot to alternative proteins—including zoonotic disease, greenhouse gas emissions, resource reduction, and animal suffering. Overall, this is an optimistic forecast of food system innovation—how technology, urgency, and popular demand are rapidly converging to create healthy, sustainable, and compassionate solutions to help solve our current food, health, and environmental crises. To read more click here. You can also watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. As you will soon discover, Bruce is super smart. This episode is our smartest yet. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Insane feats of endurance. Space-traveling billionaires. Dystopian musical comedy specials. Record-breaking freediving depths. And of course, UFOs. Today is a little bit of everything, all of the time. Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein myself and my podcast co-pilot Adam Skolnick break bread on matters high-minded and mildly entertaining. For those new to the show, ‘Roll On’ is about stories that deserve a brighter spotlight, buttressed with a bit of show and tell, wins of the week, and rounded out with answers to questions posed on our voicemail, which you can ring up at (424) 235-4626. Aside from serving as my magnanimous sidecar hype-beast, Adam Skolnick is an activist and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Some of the many topics covered today include: Richard Branson’s successful spaceflight and the billionaire race to space; the Pentagon’s efforts to de-stigmatize reporting UFO sightings and their recent release of unclassified reports on aerial phenomena; Our summer must-watch list; Robbie Balenger’s Colorado Crush & Timothy Olson’s PCT FKT attempt; Lachlan Morton’s Alt-Tour; a 2021 Tour de France wrap-up; and Vertical Blue freediving records In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you adjust to post-pandemic parenting? How do you create a healthier body image? Will there be future RRP gatherings and events? Thank you to Eric from South Bend, Zach from West Virginia, and Chris from Rockland, California for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll616 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon616 Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What happens when one of—if not the—greatest restaurants in the world suddenly goes 100% plant-based? For perspective, out of the 132 three-star Michelin star restaurants around the world, not a single one is vegan. Suffice it to say, most would say such a move is tantamount to financial suicide. But Chef Daniel Humm—the world-renown chef and owner of Eleven Madison Park—sees it as the greatest purpose-driven, creative challenge of his lifetime. Like most restaurants, when the pandemic hit Eleven Madison Park closed its doors and grappled with bankruptcy. But it was during this time that Daniel started thinking more deeply about purpose. What he stands for. How he could leverage his talent and resources to meaningfully participate in solutions to food insecurity and the inherently unsustainable nature of food systems more broadly. Bold leaps followed. He converted the EMP kitchen into a commissary to provide free meals to food-insecure New Yorkers. He kitted out a food truck to distribute those meals. He partnered with Rethink Food, a non-profit committed to creating sustainable and equitable food systems, to work on solving food inequality at scale. But his coup de grace involved re-opening the most revered restaurant in the world with a completely plant-based menu—and ensuring that every EMP meal enjoyed pays for five meals freely distributed to those in need. It’s a move that sent shockwaves throughout the food world. But Daniel’s bet is more than paying off, denoted by a waitlist that currently exceeds 15,000 people. On the very day Eleven Madison Park announced its new menu, I committed to making this podcast happen. My friend, past podcast guest, and former Esquire magazine Food & Drinks editor Jeff Gordinier connected the dots. In turn, Daniel agreed to do the show. But there was a condition: first I must dine at EMP. Deal. I immediately booked a flight to NYC. I joined Jeff for said dinner—an exquisite experience like no other—and the day following convened with Daniel for this exchange. This conversation is about why cuisine at the highest level—food as art—plays a vital role in moving culture forward. It’s about what makes a great chef. What pursuing a passion truly entails. And the magic of embracing constant reinvention. It’s also about the role that art, minimalism and essentialism have played in the evolution of Daniel’s craft and life philosophy. But more than anything, this is a deeply personal tale of evolution. It’s about the search for purpose beyond accolades—and what it means to devote your talents in service of a better world. Special Thanks to Daniel’s team for arranging this dining & podcasting experience and to Joseph Hazan at Newsstand Studio in Rockefeller Center for allowing us to record in his facility. Also, gratitude to photographers Sebastian Nevols (kitchen portrait) and Craig McDean (black & white portraits) for permitting use of their images. Now one of the most important and influential figures in the plant-based movement, it was a privilege to experience Daniel’s talents and company. And it’s an honor to share this fascinating exchange with you today. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll615 YouTube: bit.ly/danielhumm615 My hope is that his words inspire you to deeply rethink your personal capabilities—and to see that the answers you seek lie within. Peace + Plants, Rich

Our time is defined by a crisis of consciousness and broken spiritual connection. Driven by a materialist, zero-sum approach to everything, we seek answers in ego, money, power and consumption. It’s an addiction that’s wreaking havoc on the planet—and ultimately leaves us empty. Short of a spiritual reconciliation or outright revolution of the heart, I fear for the future well-being of humanity. It is this terrain that today we tread with spiritual psychologist, historian, philosopher, and the world’s only rabbi with a black belt in jiu-jitsu, Rabbi Mordecai Finley, Ph.D. The co-founder of Ohr HaTorah Synagogue in Los Angeles, Rabbi Finley holds a doctorate in Religion and Social Ethics from the University of Southern California. He’s taught Holocaust Studies, Talmud, Rabbinic Literature, Jewish Law and Ethics, and other courses at USC, USC School of Law, and Loyola Law School. And he is a founder and the former president of the Academy for Jewish Religion. Rabbi Finley’s gift lies in wisdom counseling, and today we are gifted just that. This is a rather extraordinary deep dive into the teachings of moral philosophy, spiritual psychology, skepticism, and stoicism. We deal with anger & fear, the relationships that divide ourselves and others, and what Rabbi Finley calls The Inner Pharaoh, the internal oppressor who keeps us trapped with the crushing persistence of an ancient Egyptian pharaoh. In addition, Rabbi Finley helps answer questions like: what does it mean to pursue a life of virtue, wisdom, depth, purpose, and meaning beyond the material? how do we parse our inner voice from the ego? how do we connect our inner consciousness to the divine? how do we end cycles of anger, disappointment, and dissatisfaction?  and most importantly, what is the role of spirituality in 2021? But the most powerful lesson imparted is the importance of thinking well. Exploring the depths of your motivation. And understanding that only you can heal yourself. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll614 YouTube: bit.ly/rabbifinley614 Rabbi Finley is a beautiful soul. I sincerely hope you find this conversation as powerful and fascinating as I did. Peace + Plants, Rich

For too long, talking about mental health has been a social taboo. Shame prevents confronting our struggles. The pressure of our daily lives exacerbates the problem. Compound that with society’s lack of mental health education and you create an epidemic of mental health disorders ranging from chronic stress and anxiety to loneliness and depression. PTSD. And of course, suicide. The solution to these problems is complicated. But it always begins with talking about them. Today we do just that. Introducing a masterclass on all things mental health, my second in a new ongoing series of compilation-based deep dives. The conversations excerpted for this episode feature some of the best, most inspiring exchanges I’ve had on the topic of mental health, with practical takeaways and bite-size chunks of advice that you can apply in your life today. The full episodes for guests featured in this episode can be enjoyed here: RRP 464: Lori Gottlieb: Stories From A Therapist In Therapy RRP 416: Johann Hari: On Lost Connections RRP 579: Alexi Pappas Is Bravey RRP 468: Quelling Stress With Rangan Chatterjee, MD RRP 565: Caroline Burckle On The Power Of Vulnerability RRP 584: Steven Pressfield On The War of Art RRP 330: Drs. Dean & Ayesha Sherzai RRP 393: Guru Singh On Disrupting Depression RRP 424: Sarah Lee On The War Inside RRP 557: Hakim Tafari On Reinvention FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll613 YouTube: bit.ly/mentalhealth613 Note: If you missed our first deep dive, a masterclass on all things microbiome, click here. Final Note: This conversation traverses difficult emotional terrain. If you are struggling, please raise your hand and reach out for help. For a catalog of resources, you can visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness and if you are experiencing suicidal ideation, know you’re not alone. I encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1(800) 273 – TALK. I sincerely hope you find this experiment helpful, instructive, and inspiring. Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How do you stay committed to your goals when sh*t gets hard? There’s an entire industry built on answering this question—and a litany of #lifehacks meant to assuage intolerance for hard work and discipline. But if you ask today’s guest, he’ll tell you the answer is found in consistently doing what you feel called to do—and doing it for something greater than yourself. It’s about making friendships along the way. And seeing the process of pursuing your dreams as a privilege—not just a self-serving opportunity. Meet Hellah Sidibe. Born in Mali, Hellah emigrated from to the States from West Africa when he was a teen, becoming a professional soccer player and now, a U.S. citizen and the first Black person to ever run 3,000 miles across America. It’s a truly extraordinary feat eclipsed only by his incredibly inspirational positive vibe and another noteworthy accomplishment: a 4+ year run streak. Hellah has run every single day, without missing one single day, for over 1500+ days in a row. I first came across Hellah’s story when my friend Robbie Balenger joined Hellah for a segment of his transcontinental run through the Navajo Nation. Captivated by Robbie’s Instagram Stories documenting the experience, I was immediately taken by Hellah’s energy. I followed his journey through the conclusion of his run in New York City, and immediately got to work trying to book him here as soon as I could. And so, here we are. We talk running of course, but this conversation is about so much more. It’s about reimagining your own personal potential. It’s about chasing dreams, taking risks, putting yourself out there, and of course, what it takes to accomplish seemingly outlandish goals. We also discuss Hellah’s decision to go plant-based. The impact this lifestyle has had on his running and, beyond that, his broader awareness. In addition, we talk about his work with Soles4Souls, a non-profit that provides repurposed shoes to empower the developing world. We discuss his relationship with social media, his growing YouTube presence, and the impact Casey Neistat has had on how he shares his personal perspective online. But mostly, this is about mindset. It’s about living with intention—and the beauty of sharing the journey to self-actualization unfiltered, in real-time. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll612 YouTube: bit.ly/hellahsidibe612 Hellah’s energy is infectious. It rubbed off on me. It will rub off on you too. Peace + Plants, Rich

A cornerstone of this podcast is the power of sport to catalyze personal and societal change, cultivate confidence, and ultimately transform lives. But what happens when sport breaks you? If you’ve listened to my conversations with Lindsay Crouse and Lauren Fleshman, you know this story is all too familiar within athletic institutions—particularly Nike. Today’s guest is busting this paradigm. Meet Mary Cain. Established as the fastest girl in a generation by the time she reached high school, Mary was only 16 when she qualified for the Olympic Trials. At 17, she became the youngest American track and field athlete to make a world championship, competing in Moscow in the 1500 meters. Olympic glory seemed a foregone conclusion. Until that is, she joined Nike’s elite Oregon Project team run by infamous coach Alberto Salazar. And that’s when everything changed. Under severe pressure from Salazar and others to lose weight, her mental and physical health began to crumble. Ultimately, her body collapsed—and her running career behind it. Then she just disappeared. Until November of 2019 that is, when Mary broke her silence on what happened and why, bravely exposing the abusive system that derailed her in a New York Times Video OpEd entitled, “I Was the Fastest Girl in America, Until I joined Nike”. Here’s the thing about Mary: she’s emerged from this whole experience stronger—both as an athlete and as an advocate resolute on creating positive change for the next generation of female athletes. Now 25, she continues to run while serving as the New York Community Manager for the running apparel brand Tracksmith. In addition, this podcast announces her new role as CEO of Atalanta, a new NYC-based elite running team & community non-profit Mary founded with the dual mission of promoting running community, inclusivity & diversity, while also rewriting the rule book on professional women’s athletics. Today we get into all of it. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll611 YouTube: bit.ly/marycain611 I have a ton of respect for this young woman. Her story is powerful. It’s instructive. And I’m proud to help share it. Peace + Plants, Rich

Success in all forms demands mental fortitude—a capacity honed through consistently placing yourself beyond comfortable confines. When practiced with daily rigor, an increasingly sturdy mindset becomes a superpower—and the foundation for the purpose-driven life you aspire to inhabit. Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein myself and master of pen, keyboard and dictaphone Adam Skolnick explore the concept of mental fortitude in contexts athletic and political through the lives of two individuals, James Lawrence (aka the ‘Iron Cowboy’) and Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. Beyond RRP hype-man duties, Adam Skolnick is an activist and journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently awash in his umpteenth draft of an untitled novel—slowly losing his mind in the process. This episode unfurls in a fashion unique. The balance of today’s discussion focuses on James Lawrence—the undisputed king of mental fortitude wrought in physical form—and his mind-bending completion of 101 iron-distance triathlons in 100 days. In addition, we cover a few notable stories, including The Woman Who Fell 2 Miles To Earth,  The Great Lakes Jumper and The Great Pacific Race. We also discuss the recent Supreme Court decision backing payments to NCAA student-athletes, wherein I go on a tear against the college-industrial complex. It is here that we depart from standard Roll On protocol and instead segue into my conversation with a man notable for a very different kind of mental fortitude, Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey. The most accomplished runner currently holding elected office (he’s a 2:16 marathoner!), it’s an exploration of the demands, discipline and disposition required to lead a fractured city through the treacherous terrain of social upheaval in the wake of George Floyd’s murder. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll610 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon610 Final Thought: this episode marks the one-year anniversary of ‘Roll On’ (and on-air bromance with Adam Skolnick). What started as an experimental but intentional response to the many historic moments that greeted us in 2020 has turned into an important RRP mainstay—and a success due in no small part to the incredible work that Adam has and continues to bring to the series. So thank you Adam. Show him some love on Instagram @adamskolnick. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A mysterious artist on the cusp of breakthrough success walks away from it all. Beyond the public’s gaze, he spends the next decade pursuing purity, beauty and truths both personal and universal. Then, like a Jedi returning from parts unknown, the artist resurfaces as ‘The Spirited Man’. And this ‘Spirited Man’ goes by the name Van. Van Neistat to be precise. The elder half of The Neistat Brothers, it’s a name that will ring familiar to many, a name typically associated with a superstar YouTuber, OG vlogger, and friend of the pod, Casey Neistat. In the Neistat Venn Diagram, Van and Casey overlap on many traits. Both are artists with an utterly distinct aesthetic. Both are exceptional filmmakers who honed their skills in the days before YouTube even existed. Both have a preternatural aptitude for storytelling, perfectionist dispositions, an appreciation for the analog, and extreme respect for detail. The list goes on. And yet, Van and Casey are also very different artists with disparate sensibilities. Back in 2010 after the Neistat Brothers HBO show wasn’t picked up for a second season, Casey went on to become, well Casey Neistat. Van on the other hand, embarked on a very different journey. An artistic journey of self-discovery—outside the public sphere—until recently. Now re-emerged by dint of his recently launched YouTube Channel, ‘The Spirited Man’, Van muses philosophical and explores questions large and small with a curious, introspective flare that is totally unique, utterly compelling, and just-so-perfectly Van. I was (and continue to be) thoroughly entranced by this series—and so curious about Van—that I reached out to Casey to connect us. Today Van shares his story, and it is wild. My plan was to unfurl ‘The Story of Van Neistat’ in a relatively linear fashion. That’s not at all what happened. And this exchange is better for it. Fluid and conversational, this is an excavation of the artist life. It’s as much about hardship and survival as it is about creativity and productivity. We discuss curiosity, sobriety, discipline, the value of being meticulous, and his commitment to preserving an analog life. We talk about why he didn’t continue making films with Casey and Van’s many collaborations with artist Tom Sachs. Finally, Van spins a few epic yarns featuring Werner Herzog, the Safdie Brothers, and the lore of 368 Broadway—a building in lower Manhattan that birthed many an amazing creative career in the early 2000s. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll609 YouTube: bit.ly/vanneistat609 Van is super awesome. I love this one. Hope you do too. Peace + Plants, Rich

How can you possibly excel as an athlete on a plant-based diet? Where do you get your protein? Don’t you need meat to be fit? If you’re a long-time whole food, plant-based enthusiast, chances are you’ve been asked these questions more times than you can count. For the rest of you, let’s put these questions to the test. My comrades for this inquiry are friends Matt Frazier & Robert Cheeke, here to testify on how to absolutely kick ass and take names as a plant-based athlete. The occasion for this conversation is the publication of Matt & Robert’s aptly titled new book, The Plant-Based Athlete—the ultimate primer on maxing peak performance the plant-based way, a drum you I’ve been beating for years. Long-time listeners will remember Matt from from RRP 54 in the early days of the podcast. A plant-based marathoner and ultrarunner, he’s the man behind everything NoMeatAthlete.com—the wildly popular community, blog, books, and podcast. Making his first and long overdue appearance on the show, Robert is a former champion vegan bodybuilder, public speaker, founder of Vegan Bodybuilding & Fitness, and a solid dude who’s been crushing it on nothing but plants for more than 25 years. Today, Matt and Robert bust myths and break down the basics of plant-based performance. We talk about optimizing athleticism from strength training to endurance. We discuss proper fueling and recovery techniques. We get into responsible supplementation, balancing macros, enhancing micronutrient intake, and the importance diversifying your microbiome. Plus, we dive into the latest science and research behind why plants reign supreme when it comes to peak gains. Of course, we also bust some common myths, including the big one: where do you get your protein? Whether you’re seeking to break a strength plateau, hit a PR, compete in your first ultra event, or simply lose a few, shape up and feel better—this is the intensive, in-depth, masterclass on plant-based performance you’ve been waiting for. And it might just change your life. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll608 YouTube: bit.ly/frazierandcheeke608 It was a blast hosting these awesome humans and long-time friends. I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange. Peace + Plants, Rich

It's been over a year since we dipped our toes in the rippling currents of the spiritual deep end. To make amends for this grievous and much delayed pause, today marks the the welcome return of my favorite wizard and sparring partner when it comes to matters mystical, Guru Singh —here to resuscitate another round of Guru Multiverse. The master of the Kundalini arts, now presiding over Kundalini University, Guru Singh has paid many a visit to this show. For those newer to the podcast, Guru Singh is a celebrated master spiritual teacher, third-generation Sikh yogi, author, accomplished musician, father, grandfather, and gift to humanity at large who has been teaching and studying Kundalini yoga for the past 40-plus years. Our last get-together focused on navigating grief. Today we extend and apply that theme to aid in processing this most unusual year. We discuss our addiction to the idea of normalcy. We explore the idea of a 'global reset' — the personal and planetary growth opportunity in the wake of what we have collectively weathered. And we weigh the pros and cons of incremental versus revolutionary change. Make sure to stick around to the end. As has become his custom, Guru Singh takes it out with a song. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll607 YouTube: bit.ly/gurusingh607 It's great to be back with my wise friend. I sincerely hope you enjoy this exchange. Peace + Plants, Rich

The godfather of integrative medicine and a true pioneer of health, today’s guest is a legend in the realm of mind-body healing. Meet Dr. Andrew Weil. Named one of the 100 most influential people in the world by TIME Magazine (among a zillion other accolades), Dr. Weil is a New York Times bestselling author of 15 books, the founder and director of the Andrew Weil Center for Integrative Medicine at the University of Arizona, and a man who’s spent the last 50+ years studying and evangelizing holistic wellness, under-appreciated healing modalities, medicinal plants, and the reform of medical education. As an entrepreneur, he is the founder of matcha tea brand Matcha Kari and a partner in True Food Kitchen, a chain of healthy food restaurants located all across the U.S. Dr. Weil has occupied a space in my consciousness for as long as I can remember. However, it wasn’t until I read Michael Pollan’s book How To Change Your Mind that I began to more fully appreciate the vast extent to which Dr. Weill has served as integrative medicine’s greatest pioneer. the legacy of integrative medicine can be traced to Dr. Weil’s breadth of this man’s contribution to introducing and mainstreaming so many ideas and practices he has been advocating since the 70’s. A long-time advocate of simple practices like breath work and healthy eating decades prior to it being vogue, Dr. Weil’s storied legacy also includes the evidence-based study of clinical applications for psychedelics, and marijuana. The nutritional properties of mushrooms. And the advisability of a variety of other alternative healing modalities that, back in the day, were considered anathema and ridiculed by the medical establishment. Simply put, integrative medicine would exist as it does today without the path courageously blazed by Dr. Weil. Today we explore this man’s extraordinary life. Counter-culture days at Harvard. And his convictions as a healer. We talk psychedelics, funghi, food and breath—and the best practices you can adopt to sidestep chronic lifestyle disease and thrive. We also explore what’s wrong with medical education. How to change it. And his quest to completely reinvent health care. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll606 YouTube: bit.ly/andrewweil606 This was a fun one. I learned a ton, and I know you will too. Final note: Dr. Weil was gracious enough to offer all of you a 15% discount on his Matcha Kari matcha tea. Let it be known this is not a sponsored thing, he’s just being a mensch. To avail yourself of this act of kindness visit matcha.com and use code RICH15 at checkout. This is a glorious conversation with one of the most wildly fascinating individuals of our time. I was honored to host it and more proud to share it. Peace + Plants, Rich

We all create imagined blueprints for how we want our lives to unfold—but what happens when things don’t go according to plan? Today’s guest knows a thing or two about managing pressure, prioritizing intention over expectation, and transforming disappointment into gratitude. Meet Olympic swimmer Katie Hoff. Dubbed, for better or worse, ‘the female Michael Phelps’ Katie is an 8x world champion that made her first Olympic Team at the ripe age of 15, the youngest member of the 2004 USA Swimming Team. She won 5 first place Olympic berths at the 2008 Olympic Trials, took home 3 medals in Beijing, and over the course of her career toppled more than a few American & international records, accruing 8 world championship titles along the way. But Katie’s story isn’t what you think it is. It’s not some totally unrelatable Olympic fairy tale, filled with empty platitudes and cliché mottos. It’s a story about not living up to the expectations the world set for you. What’s most interesting about Katie is that she’s an athlete that should have had a far more decorated career. So what happened? Today we explore her storied career, covering the complicated mental and emotional implications of elite performance, as well as the external forces beyond an athlete’s control. We dissect the vertigo-inducing success Katie experienced at such a young age. The insane pressure she faced that accompanied high highs, the bitter disappointment she experienced by failing to live up to unreal and unfair expectations, and the process of picking up the pieces and moving forward with life in the wake of dreams unrealized. And of course, the valuable and applicable life lessons extrapolated along the way, which she chronicles in her book, Blueprint: An Olympian’s Story of Striving, Adapting, and Embracing The Suck. Katie is an absolute delight and our exchange is littered with gems—big ideas on managing stress, expectations, and knowing when and how to push your limits. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll605 YouTube: bit.ly/katiehoff605 This was a fun one. I learned a ton, and I know you will too. Peace + Plants, Rich

Striving to achieve a ‘balanced life’ on a daily basis sets you up for failure. Approach it instead from a long-term perspective. Aim for self-awareness. Go all-in on what lights you up. Along the way, be gentle with yourself. We are here to follow our curiosity, not mercilessly judge ourselves. Awareness is key. Shame is counterproductive. Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein myself and Lord of the podcast manor Adam Skolnick wane and wax on philosophical, spiritual, and practical ideas both big and small. Beyond bantering sundry matters of varying interest, we play show and tell, share a few wins of the week, and round it out by answering listener questions deposited on our voicemail at (424) 235-4626. Beyond RRP hype-man duties, Adam Skolnick is an activist and journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently awash in his umpteenth draft of an untitled novel—slowly losing his mind in the process. Topics explored in today’s conversation include: the ultramarathon tragedy in China and why there must be better protocols and oversight in this growing sport; thoughts on Adam Grant’s recent NYT article, There’s a Name for the Blah You’re Feeling: It’s Called Languishing; Rich’s current approach to writing, motivation, and why balance is overrated; SriMu’s Father’s Day Special, 10% off not-cheese boxes for all hard-working dads; Hellah Sidibe’s impressive, history making ultra-run across the United States; an update on the Iron Cowboy’s history-making Conquer 100; Van Neistat’s The Spirited Man series on YouTube; the Malcolm Gladwell vs. Chris Chavez journalist / influencer 1-mile challenge; and the legacy of Duke Kahanamoku In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you create time to care for yourself without disappointing others? How do you avoid late-night hunger pangs following a day of rigorous training? What is the best way to transition from road to trail running? Thank you to Sierra (or Ciara) from Kalamazoo, Michigan, Kevin from Northern California, and Ben from Columbus, Ohio for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll604 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon604 Peace + Plants, Rich

How do you find purpose? What does it mean to live with intention? And why is it important to cultivate stillness? These questions are important. The answers are tricky. To solve these riddles to the human dilemma, you have to know where to look. Knowing Where To Look also happens to be the title of Light Watkins’ new book. Is it a sign or coincidence? The answer is up to you. In addition to being a good friend, a beautiful incarnation of the human form, a nomadic minimalist, and expert meditation and spiritual teacher, Light is also a prolific public speaker and the founder of The Shine (a groovy TED meets Self-Realization love child event series) and the author of three books: The Inner Gym, Bliss More, and of course, his latest work and the focus of our gathering, Knowing Where To Look. My third microphone communion with Light begins with a dive into his adventures in minimalism (every single thing he owns fits into a single carry-on bag) and what it’s like being a 50-year old ex-pat nomad living in Mexico City. We also touch on his experiences in meditation and mindfulness, and the impact of his activism on issues related to racial injustice. But mainly we focus on things like the power of kindness, the importance of patience and reflection, how to cultivate intuition, and how to have the courage to trust it. In a nutshell, this conversation is about how to put faith into action, and why the aspirational life is built upon a foundation of small gestures—tiny actions undertaken every day, every hour, every moment. If you’re new to the force of love that is Light Watkins, I suggest tuning up our earlier conversations, RRP #172 and RRP #357. Check him out in my book Voicing Change, which you can find here. Listen to his podcast At the End of The Tunnel and of course, pick up his new book, the choose-your-own-adventure style of daily inspiration that is Knowing Where To Look. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll603 YouTube: bit.ly/lightwatkins603 Light Watkins is one of my most favorite beings. My hope is that this conversation helps you find what you’re looking for. Light Watkins is one of my most favorite beings. May this conversation be a tuning fork for your gaze—and lead you closer towards what you’re looking for. Peace + Plants, Rich

Meet Brogan Graham.  Fitness fanatic. Extreme extrovert. Style icon. Force of Nature. Cool dad. Loyal friend and overall stellar human being. These are just a few of many labels I would pin to BG’s chest. An exceptional host during my April visit to Minneapolis (the whole thing was his idea), Brogan is the co-founder of November Project, a free and frenetic, open-to-anyone, grassroots sweat revival—a flashmob fitness revolution that counts over 250,000 lifetime members and dominates the pre-dawn urban landscape of 52 cities and nine countries spread across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and even parts of Asia.  Leveraging community, a simple sense of accountability, and open public spaces, the November Project motivates people of all ages, shapes, sizes and levels to move their bodies—welcoming everyone from Olympic medalists and professional athletes to complete fitness rookies and recent couch potatoes. Today’s conversation traverses many landscapes with a unique flair that can only be described as unapologetically Brogan-esque. Chronologically the first conversation recorded during my time in Minneapolis, we digest lessons delivered by a city and citizenship under duress—and why it’s necessary to never stop learning. We talk ‘dadding’, training, perfectionism, friendship, and the importance of getting outside your comfort zone—not just in the context of fitness but in all aspects of life. But the overall theme of this discussion is cultivating inclusivity. Why the path forward demands resisting the impulse to call people out. Instead, let’s call people in. As I’m fond of saying, prophets walk among us. Brogan isn’t just one such everyman prophet. He understands that to find these people, you need to always be on the hunt. You need to take swings at bat. You need to always be expanding your circle. And you need to develop the habit of reaching out to others, embracing your neighbors, and contributing to your community. This reflex begins with one simple word: hello. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll602 YouTube: bit.ly/brogangraham602 I urge all of you to absorb this conversation in its entirety. Whip out your pen and paper—this is essential, potentially life-altering listening for every human. And simply put, it’s everything I hoped it would be. Brogan is a beautiful dude. I wish he lived in Los Angeles. But I’ll take him however I can get him. May his words inspire you to reach out to someone new today. P.S. – This is Brogan’s second spin on the RRP flywheel. If you enjoy today’s episode then dig up his first appearance four years prior in RRP 277. P.P.S. – Special thanks to talented Minneapolis visual artists Bennie Wilson and Jordan Lundell for photographing today’s podcast. Peace + Plants, Rich

We live in a culture that glorifies the hustle. But the 24/7 grind mentality is actually anathema to long-term success. How do we break this paradigm and avoid the inevitability of burnout? You periodize your life as you would your training. Ditch the guilt and take time to rest. Choose your fallow chapters. And embrace your life in seasons. In the race of life, the tortoise always beats the hare. Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein myself and Sir Adam Skolnick corrupt your neurochemistry with ideas big and small. Beyond sundry matters of varying interest, we play show and tell, share a few wins of the week, round it out by answering listener questions deposited on our voicemail at (424) 235-4626. Beyond RRP hypeman duties, Adam Skolnick is an activist and journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently awash in his umpteenth draft of an untitled novel—slowly losing his mind in the process. Topics explored in today’s conversation include: the benefits of periodizing both your fitness and all aspects of your life; why fallow periods are essential to optimal creativity; an Iron Cowboy’s ‘Conquer 100‘ challenge update (and WTC’s tone-deaf response); the recent Laird Superfoods and Picky Bar acquisition; the HBO docuseries ‘Q: Into The Storm’; Rachel Kushner’s collection of essays, The Hard Crowd; Michelin star restaurant Eleven Madison Park‘s shift to a plant-based menu; and plant-based bodega start-up Plantega’s plan to eradicate food deserts In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you manage the financial risks that come with following your passion? How do you properly train for a Swimrun event without access to safe open water? How do you maintain relationships with people who have unhealthy drinking habits? Thank you to Greg from Virginia, John from Northern England, and Nancy from Santa Clarita, California for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll601 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon601 Peace + Plants, Rich

Why do we sleep? What exactly happens when we sleep and why is it so important? What are the implications of sleep deprivation? And what can we do to improve our sleep hygiene? Answering these questions is the life’s work Dr. Matthew Walker. Longtime listeners know that I am obsessed with sleep and the critical role it plays in every facet of health. This infatuation is driven in no small part by the incredible work of today’s guest, one of the world’s leading neuroscientists and researchers in the field of sleep science. Matriculating at Nottingham University where he studied neuroscience, Matthew earned his Ph.D. in neurophysiology from the Medical Research Council in London, subsequently became a Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School, and is currently a Professor of Neuroscience and Psychology at the University of California, Berkeley, where he serves as the founder and director of the Center for Human Sleep Science. In addition, Matthew hosts a MasterClass on the science of better sleep. His TED Talk, ‘Sleep is your superpower’ has over 20 million views. And his international smash bestselling book Why We Sleep—a must-read for anyone and everyone looking to live and feel better—provides the framework for today’s mind-blowing, slumber-focused primer. To put it rather bluntly, this conversation covers everything you need and ever wanted to know about sleep, including: why do we sleep? what happens to our bodies and minds when we sleep why is sleep so important? what happens when we don’t get enough? what is the deal with dreams, sleepwalking & sleep paralysis? what are the various stages of sleep (REM, deep, etc.)? what can we do to prioritize and improve our sleep?  In addition, Dr. Walker answers the questions like: how do caffeine and alcohol affect sleep? Why do our sleep patterns change across a lifetime? What is the relationship between sleep, immunity, weight gain, and mood? And most critical: how do we resolve the global sleep-loss epidemic? All told, this is an utterly fascinating masterclass on why you must rethink your relationship with sleep and the profound short and long-term impacts sleep has on every facet of our lives from learning to mood, productivity, energy, hormone regulation, longevity, and even susceptibility to cancer and other diseases. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll600 YouTube: bit.ly/matthewwalker600 I urge all of you to absorb this conversation in its entirety. Whip out your pen and paper—this is essential, potentially life-altering listening for every human. And simply put, it’s everything I hoped it would be. Peace + Plants, Rich

Time in nature is powerful. It’s healing. It fosters community. Humanity’s connective tissue, it shows you who you are and what you’re capable of becoming. The outdoors has played a transformational role in my personal evolution. In almost every way I am a different, better human because I make copious use of the untouched natural spaces available to me—spaces I access freely and have long taken for granted. However, the uncomfortable truth is that outdoor parks (nature in general) are places where historically not everyone has been entirely welcome. This is a paradigm we must diligently work to dismantle. It’s also the spark that illuminates the work of Anthony Taylor—an extraordinary human who has spent his life advocating for greater participation and access to outdoor environments, and the second guest to appear in my continuing series of conversations from my week in Minneapolis. The former Commissioner for Minneapolis’ Parks & Open Spaces and current Senior Vice President of Equity, Outdoors & Nature for YMCA of the North, Anthony is—at 62 years old—the very model of anti-aging. A skier, paddler, accomplished ultra-cyclist and overall outdoors enthusiast, Anthony serves on the League of American Bicyclists Equity Advisory Board as well as the board of the National Brotherhood of Skiers. He is also the founder of the Major Taylor Bicycling Club of Minnesota and the co-founder of Cool Meets Cause, an outreach program that teaches girls from North Minneapolis to snowboard. And he served as the Adventure Director for the Loppet Foundation—a program that provides year-round outdoor activities for youth in Minneapolis. This is a conversation about the nature of outdoor recreation to empower, enliven, and inspire. It’s a walk through Anthony’s origin story. And it’s an exploration of his love of nature and his accomplishments as a cyclist and adventurer. But the focus of this exchange is placed on Anthony’s important work as an activist and youth educator. It’s a history lesson on race, class, privilege, and gender in the outdoors. And the many ways we can eradicate the invisible boundaries that exist in these spaces today. Certain transformative lessons can only be learned through adventure—lessons imperative to youth development and deeper connection to our own innate humanity. Put bluntly, outdoor sports and time spent in nature aren’t just recreation—they are human rights. I guarantee this conversation will positively impact you in ways you may not expect. My hope is that it will help foster ways you can advance greater outdoor inclusivity within your community along the way. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll599 YouTube: bit.ly/anthonytaylor599 Special thanks to talented Minneapolis local photographers/videographers Bennie Wilson and Jordan Lundell for portraits & an upcoming video we are working on. Anthony is the leader we all need now. And this conversation is definitely a fave. Peace + Plants, Rich

This week we dive into the why behind my decision to visit Minneapolis and what I learned from the experience. Plus stories from the swimming vault and some epic show & tell before fielding a few running-centric listener questions. Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein myself and Adam Skolnick dissect matters of the day in a manner that is instructive and sometimes even entertaining. Aside from serving as my sidekick and hypeman, Adam Skolnick is an activist and journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. He writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Topics explored in today’s conversation include: The Envol Swimrun Battle & Running For Justice Virtual Run Challenge; an update on the Iron Cowboy’s ‘Conquer 100’ challenge; the intention behind Rich’s trip to Minneapolis & his experiences in the city; what it means to reimagine public safety to create a safer society; Rich’s partnership with Ten Thousand and the new ‘Distance Kit’; and the future of lab-grown, ‘cultured’ meat.  In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you stay motivated in your endurance challenges? What advice can you offer first-time marathoners? How can you hone your nutrition for large endurance races? Thank you to Steven from Charleston, Casey from Illinois, and Asha & Savannah from British Colombia for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. Ten Thousand ‘Distance Kit’ Giveaway: We’re giving away 5 Distance Kits from Ten Thousand! To enter: (1) subscribe to the Rich Roll Podcast YouTube channel; and (2) Leave a comment under today’s episode video. We will pick 5 winners who will receive the full kit (short, tank, and socks) and reach out to them. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll598 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon598 Peace + Plants, Rich

This month, events in Minneapolis captured the world’s attention. The recent death of Daunte Wright and the conviction of Derek Chauvin sound a significant shift in the civil rights movement and the country at large. Today, artist, activist, and politician Jeremiah Ellison is here to help us make sense of this historic moment. As some of you may know, I spent the week of April 13th, 2021 (pre-Chauvin verdict) in a very tense Minneapolis. Motivating my visit was an intention to better understand the events and circumstances that brought the world’s focus upon this city—not from what I read online or saw streaming endlessly on cable news—but rather from a first-hand, experience-based perspective. In addition, my objective was to conduct meaningful, nuanced conversations with Minneapolis civic leaders who are grappling with the important issues that have recently dominated national news coverage. Issues that include police misconduct and public safety reform; the roots of civil unrest and the purpose of protest; and of course the role social activism has played in all of this. This conversation, the first in a series of Minneapolis-themed episodes that I will be releasing over the coming weeks, is one powerful result of that good faith inquiry. Representing Ward 5 on the Minneapolis City Council, Jeremiah sits at the vortex of the many complicated issues that concern his community, and from the start has been one of the leading and most prominent voices calling for the reimagination of public safety. On the one hand, Jeremiah is a very unlikely elected official. An artist at heart and painter by trade, he’s both a muralist and a comic book illustrator. He’s into Silver Surfer. And Batman. On the other hand, he is the son of former 6-term Congressman Keith Ellison. Currently Attorney General for the state of Minnesota, the Ellison elder was also in charge of the Chauvin prosecution. In other words, it’s fair to say that Jeremiah was born for the role he currently inhabits. My week in Minneapolis was extraordinary. There were so many experiences I will never forget. I learned much. I’m better for the trip. And my time with Jeremiah has much to do with that. I’m grateful that he took the time to share his truth and for his trust in my ability to share it. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll597 YouTube: bit.ly/jeremiahellison597 This is a powerful exchange. My only ask is that you welcome Jeremiah and his testimony with an open mind and an open heart. P.S. – Special thanks to talented Minneapolis local photographers/videographers Bennie Wilson and Jordan Lundell for portraits & an upcoming video we are working on. Peace + Plants, Rich

Actress. Athlete. Activist. Entrepreneur. Fashion designer. Environmentalist & Plant-based icon. Maggie Q is the hero we all need. If you’re a fan of Mission Impossible, the Divergent films, Nikita, Live Free or Die Hard, Designated Survivor, and a slew of other films, then you’re already well-acquainted with this Hawaii native’s kick-ass, action screen presence. What you might not know is that she cut her thespian teeth in Hong Kong under the tutelage of martial arts master Jackie Chan. To this day, she’s known for performing all her own stunts. Off-screen Maggie is a passionate plant-based, animal rights activist and environmental activist. She’s a board member of Social Compassion in Legislation, a policy advocacy group fighting for animal welfare protection laws in California, such as the Cruelty-Free Cosmetics Act. And her work has been recognized and awarded by the City of Los Angeles, the State Senate of California, the California Assembly, PETA, Wild Aid, and many more organizations. In addition, Maggie is the creator of QEEP UP, an apparel brand made from entirely recycled and pre-consumer waste materials, and ActivatedYou a nutrition company and wellness resource that combines her passion for health with the expertise of podcast alum Dr. Frank Lipman (RRP #370), a renowned integrative medicine doctor. The question isn’t what can Maggie do — it’s what can’t she. Today, we walk through Maggie’s unique upbringing. We dissect her crazy career arc. Her work as an activist. And her passion for animals, human rights, and the ocean. She shares some epic Hollywood stories, including an epic, previously untold Tom Cruise yarn that gave me chills. We also discuss the importance of finding your cause. Fighting for it. And supporting others along their respective journeys. But more than anything, the lesson Maggie imparts today is the power of holding space for others—and why forgiveness is paramount to personal freedom. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll596 YouTube: bit.ly/maggieq596 Maggie is someone who is committed to self-growth and someone who knows a thing or two about catalyzing internal and external change. Wise and funny, she’s an excellent conversationalist. She brought her German Shepard, Romeo. By the end, our conversation turned into a therapy session. And for reasons you will soon discover, everyone here at the studio basically fell in love with her. Peace + Plants, Rich

Working out offers a healthy path towards self-actualization. But it can also be used to avoid ‘working in’, perpetuating denial of that which must be confronted. What’s the difference between the two? Ask Chris Hauth + Caroline Burckle and they’ll both agree: the answer is intention. Over the last few years, it’s been a tradition to host periodic performance fitness deep dives with my long-time coach, Olympian, former professional triathlete, and fellow endurance fanatic Chris Hauth in a series erstwhile referred to as Coach’s Corner. Unfortunately, the pandemic derailed the regularity of this institution, our last observance of this sacred ritual conducted exactly one year ago on Zoom. In apologetic atonement for this grievous oversight, today we restore balance to the Universe, graced with the presence of not one but two Olympians because Chris and myself are joined by Caroline Burckle—an audience favorite many of you will fondly recall from RRP #565 this past December. For those new to the show, Chris is a sub-9 hour Ironman champion, a former Olympic Swimmer, a veteran of many an ultra-endurance challenge, my ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championship teammate, and one of the world’s most respected endurance coaches. Caroline (Burks) is a former swimmer & Olympic medalist with 23 All American titles, 2 NCAA individual victories & NCAA Female Swimmer of the Year accolades to her name. She runs RISE, a mentor program that pairs Olympic athletes with young elite athletes for support and guidance. This is a super fun round table discussion on how to bring purpose and intention to our strength and endurance goals. It’s about how to create opportunities for personal growth, resilience, and the adaptability that athletic performance and this pandemic present and demand. It’s about the power of self-curated adventures in lieu of formal competition. It’s about what sport can teach us about patience, self-love, and discipline. And it’s about showing up and doing not only the physical work but also the internal work. In other words, it’s not just about working out. It’s also about working in. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll595 Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/rrpitunes Chris & Caroline are two of my favorite people. But the combo is over the top. This union is so charmed, what was once dubbed Coach’s Corner is now rebranded as Coaches’ Corner. Peace + Plants, Rich

How do you find life purpose? How do you challenge self-limiting beliefs about identity and potential? Before you can answer these questions, you must first find your tribe. Our instrument for this inward voyage is the voice and prophet of all things action sports, Selema Masekela. For the uninitiated, Selema cannot be defined as any one thing. He’s a badass surfer, snowboarder and skater. He’s a beloved television commentator and journalist, best known as the face and voice of ESPN’s X-Games, a show he hosted for thirteen years. He’s a filmmaker and Emmy-nominated producer who has collaborated with many a media outlet, including E!, NBC, ABC, NatGeo, RedBull Media and VICE. And he’s a social activist, passionate philanthropist and accomplished musician. But more than anything, Selema is a truly gifted storyteller. An extraordinary human with a truly unique and compelling backstory. And a relentlessly curious narrator of the human experience. Today we break bread. And let’s just say you’re in for a ride. This conversation recounts an extraordinary life well-lived. It’s about the confluence and influence of music, art, water, creativity, and storytelling. It’s about race and athletics. The progress many industries need to make to truly be accessible and equal to all. And how sport holds the power to break outdated paradigms. It’s also about giving voice to passion. Amplifying narratives less well told. And a love affair that spans a diversity of interests—from late night Birdland jazz session to dawn patrol barrels. But more than anything, this exchange is about carving out a life that aligns with your passion. It’s about community and the experiences shape who we become. And it’s about connection and the things that make us uniquely human. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll594 YouTube: bit.ly/selemamasekela594 Warning: Selema’s story is one for the ages. Peace + Plants, Rich

How do we equip kids with the tools they need to avoid substance abuse? How can we identify a teen who is at risk? And what can be done to prevent our young ones from developing dependency issues? Every parent is haunted by these questions, myself included. To get answers, I did what you do when you host a podcast—I turn to the experts.  Meet Jessica Lahey. Returning for her second appearance on the show, Jess is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts with a J.D. concentrating on juvenile and education law from the University of North Carolina. She’s an English and writing teacher, a commentator for Vermont Public Radio, and writes about education, parenting, and child welfare for The Atlantic, The Washington Post, and The New York Times.  Best known as the author of the New York Times bestselling book, The Gift of Failure—a non-negotiable must read for every parent and the focus of our first podcast (RRP #282)—Jess also co-hosts the popular #AmWriting podcast alongside fellow podcast alum KJ Dell’Antonia (RRP #396).  But the primary focus of today’s discussion is her hot off the press second book, The Addiction Inoculation: Raising Healthy Kids in a Culture of Dependence. This is a conversation about how to have those difficult conversations with your kids about alcoholism and drug addiction. It’s about how to effectively guide our young ones through the perils of substance exploration, dependency, and abuse. And most of all, it’s about arming parents with invaluable, evidence-based strategies and practical tools helpful in raising, supporting, and educating resilient, addiction-resistant children. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll593 YouTube: bit.ly/jessicalahey593 As someone who has done battle with the demons of alcoholism, and as a dad of four delicately parenting two teens, this terrain isn’t just a useful lens on developmental psychology, it’s of particular personal pertinence. Whether or not you’re a parent, chances are there’s at least one young person in your life currently in jeopardy for substance dependence. It’s thus incumbent upon all of us to better understand the nature of that risk—and how to effectively guide the young ones among us towards safe harbor. May this conversation serve that purpose—because Jess understands the delicate nature of this dynamic better than anyone I know. Peace + Plants, Rich

How do we end gun violence in America? What can we do to stop marine destruction? How do we untangle masculinity and meat-eating? Plus, we need to talk about that murder in Malibu Creek State Park, Rich’s backyard trail paradise. Welcome to another edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein myself and the always congenial and ponderous Adam Skolnick chew on matters of the day in a manner that is instructive and possibly even entertaining. As always, we share good news and bad. We do a bit of show and tell. And we answer your questions. Aside from serving as my bi-monthly sidecar hype-beast, Adam Skolnick is an activist and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Topics explored in today’s conversation include: the nuances of Zone 2 training & weightlifting; an update on the Iron Cowboy’s ‘Conquer 100’ challenge; the beginning of the Derek Chauvin trial & how to change public safety; mass shootings & the repercussions of America’s gun obsession; the new documentary ‘Seaspiracy’; the new podcast ‘Lost Hills’; and Robbie Balanger’s Central Park Loop FKT. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you manage relationships when your values change? How do we break the stereotype that meat-eating is masculine? How can we deconstruct masculinity and see vulnerability as a strength? Thank you to Kumaran from South Africa, Casey from Austin, and Cindy from New Hampshire for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll592 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon592 Peace + Plants, Rich

With great adventure comes great responsibility. It’s not enough to simply appreciate our natural world—we must also protect it. Preserve it. Regenerate it. All of us. And with our full attention. No one embodies this ethos quite like Alex Honnold. Renowned adventurer and global icon of athletic mastery, Alex is widely recognized for his death-defying ropeless ascent of El Capitan—a 3,600-foot sheer vertical rock face he climbed without a harness or any protective gear whatsoever. It was a feat that stunned the world. Landed it’s cinematic document Free Solo an Oscar. And cemented this unique and compelling individual as one of the greatest athletes of all time. While our conversation back in 2018 covered this incredible accomplishment, much has transpired in Alex’s life since the whole Free Solo affair. So this conversation takes a different tack, exploring a different side of Alex. We steer clear of the more well-trod terrain and topics he has exhaustively fielded at this point and instead venture into new life experiences and other interests post-Free Solo: Alex as storyteller, podcast host, climbing historian, environmentalist, activist, husband, and more. The crux of today’s exchange is Alex’s environmental work with The Honnold Foundation.The impact he’s made thus far. He’s intentions for the future. And the steps he intends to pursue to help reverse environmental degradation: the greatest existential threat to life on Earth. We talk about the challenges of combating the climate crisis and why his current passion is solar and renewable energy. We also discuss his new turn as a podcaster, co-hosting the newly released Climbing Gold, a special miniseries of climbing-centric stories that explore the past, present, and future of the sport. In addition, Alex shares some insight into climbing’s debut at the Tokyo Olympics. But overall, the most important lesson Alex imparts is the responsibility of the adventurer. To be a climber, skier, cyclist, runner, or outdoor enthusiast, you must also be an environmental steward—and take personal action to preserve and sustain nature’s finite offerings. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll591 YouTube: bit.ly/alexhonnold591 Alex is wise, remarkable, and someone I deeply admire. My hope is that this conversation will inspire you to think more deeply about how you can positively impact the world we all share. Peace + Plants, Rich

As a reminder that we are spiritual beings having a human experience, it’s time to reconnect with matters ethereal and divine. Enter Julie Piatt, prophetess of all things metaphysical, returning for another swim in the holy tides of matters otherworldly. Longtime listeners are well acquainted with the one who goes by SriMati—my in-house spiritual guru and better half. A human who is very good at many things, Julie is an accomplished yogi, healer, musician, chef, and mom to our four children. She’s also the bestselling author of three vegan cookbooks. She hosts the For The Life of Me podcast. She lords over Water Tiger, her online spiritual community. And she’s the CEO and ‘Mother Arc’ of SriMu, the best plant-based cheese in the known universe. Over the years, Julie has been a recurring source of spiritual wisdom on the podcast, dropping many a pearl on everything from parenting and creativity, to navigating conflict, managing relationships, dealing with financial hardship, and many other subjects. Today’s microphone communion with Julie is many things. It’s a dissection of our relationship within a global pandemic—and the powerful lessons we’ve learned throughout the year. And it holds exciting updates from SriMu and forthcoming offerings from Julie. But most of all, this is a conversation about the importance of knowing thyself. The transformative power of owning and standing in your truth. The courage it takes to face what you’re hiding (or hiding from). Finding peace through meditation and ritual. And forming a sacred relationship with yourself — while holding vision and space for the best in others. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll590 YouTube: bit.ly/juliepiatt590B Let’s take this wavelength higher, shall we? Peace + Plants, Rich

Alzheimer’s isn’t a genetic inevitability. A diagnosis need not come with a death sentence. In fact, many things can be done to prevent & ameliorate cognitive decline. So let’s talk about it. Today we dive deep into brain health. More specifically, how you can maintain and optimize your cognitive functionality and take an insurance policy out against succumbing to neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s. Our guides for this exploration are husband and wife neurology duo Drs. Dean and Ayesha Sherzai, returning for a second turn on the podcast (if you missed it, RRP #330 is a must-listen). Affectionately known as Team Sherzai, Ayesha & Dean are the highly credentialed co-directors of the Brain Health and Alzheimer’s Prevention Program at Loma Linda University Medical Center, where they study all things brain health, with a particular focus on lifestyle interventions to prevent cognitive decline and neurodegeneration. Because Alzheimer’s currently afflicts over 40 million people worldwide, I’m willing to bet most of you are directly or indirectly impacted by this affliction. The bad news is that there is currently no cure for Alzheimer’s. And incidence is predicted to triple by 2050. What most don’t realize, however, is that 90% of Alzheimer’s cases can be prevented. In fact, through simple diet and lifestyle changes, the Sherzai’s have experienced remarkable success in both preventing and significantly reversing the symptoms of Alzheimer’s, dementia and cognitive decline in many of their patients, adding vibrant years to their lives. The science behind dementia, the non-interventional means to optimize brain health, and the many strategies to prevent cognitive decline are robustly explored in The Alzheimer’s Solution (the focus of our first podcast) and the Sherzai’s latest book, The 30-Day Alzheimer’s Solution. The solution might surprise you. It’s not due to a breakthrough in surgical procedures. It’s not the result of new pharmaceutical trials. It’s about food. Exercise. Restorative sleep. Community. And maintaining a life of purpose. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll589 YouTube: bit.ly/teamsherzai589 Break out a pen and paper because this one is dense, in-depth and potentially life-altering. Peace + Plants, Rich

Cryptocurrency. Blockchain. Digital trading cards. Burnt Bansky & NFTs. And of course, flying cats with pop tart bodies. These are just a few of many internet developments dissected in today’s edition of ‘Roll On’, wherein Adam Skolnick and I usher you into the digital age with droll repartee, raillery, and shrewd observations on concepts, issues, and matters relevant and whimsical. We share good news and bad. We perform a bit of show and tell. We banter and blather. And as always, we answer your questions. Aside from serving as my cogitative, neighborly, and magnanimous sidecar hype-beast, Adam Skolnick is an activist and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam writes about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently using the ‘new dad’ excuse to avoid working on his novel. Other topics we explore in today’s conversation include: Adam and Jason’s 4 x 4 x 48 Goggins’ challenge recap; an update on the Iron Cowboy’s ‘Conquer 100’ challenge; Rich’s new cold plunge routine; NFTs and the way the internet is upending finance; Bitcoin, Ethereum, and the future of digital assets; and the nuanced ways in which human beings are becoming human avatars. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you stay motivated in your fitness journey? How can you be a lighthouse of conscious living for your children? What are the best ways to prepare for high-altitude endurance races? Thank you to Will from Portland, Oregon, Tanya from Lucerne, Switzerland, and Christopher from Boston, Massachusetts for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll588 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon588 Peace + Plants, Rich

Artificial Intelligence isn’t an imagined future. It’s right here, right now. So what are the perils of society’s rapid pivot to automation? How do we avoid displacement and dehumanization? And, most pressing, how do we find meaning in a world driven by algorithms? These are important questions we need to be asking. Today’s guest is the right guy to help answer them—one of my very favorite online follows for his insights on automation, online radicalization, cybersecurity, and digital wellness. A bestselling author and award-winning technology columnist for The New York Times, Kevin Roose specializes in technology and its effects on society—an interest that culminated in the mind-melting, must-listen podcast series Rabbit Hole, a story that exposes the many ways the internet influences our beliefs and behavior, often for the worse. A significant portion of today’s conversation focuses on artificial intelligence and the many ways in which our increasingly automated world impacts humanity. It’s also the subject of Kevin’s latest book, Futureproof: 9 Rules for Humans in the Age of Automation. Part A.I. primer part self-help survival guide, it breaks down the tools we need to be happy, successful humans in a world increasingly built by and for machines. As we usher in the age of artificial intelligence, more and more occupations are becoming automated. Social media algorithms not only frack our attention spans for clicks, but they have so thoroughly manipulated such that we now divest much of our decision-making and critical thinking skills (the things that literally makes us who we are) to technology. This is an important, potentially life-altering breakdown of the many ways the internet and AI-based algorithms are degrading us, locking us into information silos, inciting emotion for profit, and threatening our inherent humanity. It’s also a guide on surviving workplace automation, overcoming phone addiction, and protecting your time and attention. In addition, Kevin provides his insider take on a variety of other notable technology curiosities from Clubhouse to NFTs, the future of podcasting, and many other subjects that I know will pique your interest. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll587 YouTube: bit.ly/kevinroose587 Our most powerful trait is our innate humanness. My hope is that this exchange will serve as a reminder. Peace + Plants, Rich

The COVID-19 pandemic has been a perilous global moment that has indelibly changed all our lives. As we approach the one-year anniversary of societal shut-down, I find it opportune to reflect on how we are reacting, responding and adapting to it—for better or worse. In other words: How is your anxiety level? What habits, good or bad, have you formed in these past 12 months to cope with the insanity and uncertainty of having life upended and placed on indefinite hold? And most importantly—how are these habits serving or not serving you? I posit these questions as context for today’s conversation with my friend Dr. Jud Brewer—a psychiatrist and neuroscientist specializing in habit change who has extensively studied anxiety, and what science tells us about how we can break the cycle of fear and worry that affect all of us to some degree or another. Dr. Jud is the Director of Research and Innovation at the Mindfulness Center, a research affiliate at MIT, and an associate professor in Behavioral and Social Sciences and Psychiatry at the Schools of Public Health & Medicine at Brown University. You might have stumbled upon his TED talk, A simple way to break a bad habit (which has racked in 16+ millions of views) or caught him on 60 Minutes with Anderson Cooper. He’s also been featured in TIME magazine, NPR, Forbes and many other places. Our previous conversation (RRP 471) focused on addiction and how mindfulness can help us break bad habits. Today we extend that exploration to Dr. Jud’s latest book Unwinding Anxiety—an evidence-backed primer on understanding what causes everything from mild unease to full-blown panic, the relationship between anxiety and addiction, and the many ways we can actually train our minds to feel, perform and live better. This exchange provides actionable steps to help you uproot stress. Break habit loops. And end the cycle of fear-based decision-making. Most importantly perhaps, you will learn how to identify your triggers in order to respond mindfully rather than react impulsively. Dr. Jud is among the very best and brightest at the intersection of neuroscience and habit change — and given that hundreds of millions of people suffer from anxiety, my hope and instinct is that you will find this conversation quite useful. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll586 YouTube: bit.ly/judbrewer586 May Dr. Jud’s words serve, soothe, and inspire. Peace + Plants, Rich

This is a story of spiritual swindlers. Sober living scammers. Underground insurance fraud. And widespread institutional neglect. In today’s edition of ‘Roll On’, Adam Skolnick and I discuss the rampant corruption incident to unregulated addiction treatment centers—brutal truths brought to light by the new independent film Body Brokers. We share good news and bad. We perform a bit of show and tell. And as always, we answer listener questions. For those new to the podcast, Adam Skolnick is an activist and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many other topics explored in today’s conversation include: an update on Adam’s preparation for the Goggins’ 4 x 4 x 48 challenge; the Iron Cowboy’s ‘Conquer 100’ challenge; gravel cycling & Rich’s Specialized ambassadorship; the new documentary ‘Diving Deep’ and the life of activist Mike deGruy; Barack Obama’s new podcast and the future of the podcasting; the recent rise in Asian hate crime; and Lawrence Ferlinghetti’s impact on free speech—and what it means today. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: If you could have a conversation with three luminaries living or dead, who would you choose? How do you make time to pursue ultra-running without disrupting work and family balance? What books, podcasts, and other types of media do you consume? Thank you to Josh from North Carolina, Tara from Long Beach, and Emily from Minneapolis for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll585 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon585 Peace + Plants, Rich

We all experience it. That invisible, self-sabotaging force that lives between you and your most expressed self. Today’s guest calls it ‘Resistance’. He’s cracked how to overcome it—and the process required to birth your best work. Meet author Steven Pressfield—a man who has profoundly impacted my life and how I pursue creative expression. A former Marine, Duke graduate, and journeyman of countless jobs, Steven had been writing in obscurity for three decades before his first published novel became a smash success. Molded on archetypes lifted from the Bhagavad Gita, The Legend of Bagger Vance made it’s way all the way to the big screen, starring Matt Damon and Will Smith. Now revered for his creative prolificacy, Steven has 20 books to his name, including the military novels Tides of War and Gates of Fire, currently on the curriculum at the Naval War College and West Point. More relevant to today’s discourse, Steven has authored some of the most impactful books ever written on the fundamentals of pursuing a creative life. Collectively, The War of Art, Do The Work, and Turning Pro are books I’ve read and make a point to re-read annually. Practical treatises on the human relationship with authentic expression, they provide a disciplined approach to birth the work we were born to create. Steven’s latest offering, A Man At Arms, is a historical novel about the Roman Empire, a reluctant hero, and the rise of Christianity in First Century Jerusalem. Cinematic in it’s sweep, think Gladiator meets The Road Warrior. A personal hero, meeting Steven has always been a dream. Today he shares his story. And it’s everything I hoped it would be. Steven will tell you that creativity isn’t about talent. It’s about discipline. But it’s also about reverence for the mystical—courting The Muse to connect with that inimitable force that breathes beyond our conscious awareness. However, The Muse only shows up when you respect the grind as sacred. An excavation of this process, this conversation is an absolute masterclass on all things creativity, served up with a healthy dose of perseverance, persistence, patience, and the heavy lifting required to eliminate distraction and make manifest the dormant, authentic voice within. It’s also about dispelling the myth that great art is the purview of the chosen few. Or that it comes easy to those so touched. We all have something worthy to say. We can all benefit from learning how to better express our truth. “Our job in this life is not to shape ourselves into some ideal we imagine we ought to be, but to find out who we already are and become it.” The spirit of this exchange is to empower this ideal. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll584 YouTube: bit.ly/stevenpressfield584 Final note: Some unfortunate construction noise next door periodically invades the audio dojo. Apologies for the distraction. I hold Steven and his work in the highest regard. My hope is that this conversation will leave you feeling the same. Peace + Plants, Rich

Replace ego with the eternal. Trade selfishness for service—and self-absorption for unity. Together, let’s explore the spark of divinity that resides within us all. Meet Raghunath Cappo. Punk rock icon. Spiritual warrior. Bhakti yoga devotee. A teen in search of meaning, Ray Cappo fled his suburban Connecticut enclave for New York City—and found community among the misfits of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. He fell in love with punk rock, so he started a band and a record label. Success soon followed. By the late 1980’s, Youth of Today had thousands of fans, cementing Ray as a leading voice and trendsetter at the bullseye of hardcore culture. However, a growing existential itch led Ray to call it quits. At just 22, he walked away from his band and label and decamped for India—a spiritual pilgrimage that led him to the holy village of Vrindavan. It was there that Ray fell in love with the wisdom and traditions of Bhakti yoga. It was there that he would remain for the next six years, living as a monk. It was there that Ray became Raghunath. This is the incredible story of a modern day yogi. But it’s also about the search we all go on. The journey for personal meaning beyond the ego. And the quest for universal consequence beyond the material. It’s about the timeless that lives and breathes within all of us—that which is eternal, and past our limited senses. It’s about transcending the illusions that hold us back. What it means to truly devote oneself to greater truth. And the modern day challenges of trudging the path towards higher consciousness. All told, it’s about what it really means to be a spiritual being having a human experience. If you’ve enjoyed my conversations with musicians John Joseph & Toby Morse, spiritual leaders Guru Singh & Radhanath Swami, or modern seekers Andy Puddicombe, Jason Garner & Russell Brand, then I’m confident this will be your jam. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll583 YouTube: bit.ly/raghunathcappo583 Thank you to Robert Sturman, Perry Julien, Sherry Sutton & Davy Greenberg for the portraits & photo use permission. Let the Jedi Warrior training begin. Peace + Plants, Rich

Today we get esoteric on the things that matter most—ego, family, friendship, love, work, death, and the soul. The value of living an examined life. And how sharing our uniqueness gives glimpse into the universal. Returning for his third appearance on the podcast, our cipher for said exploration is one of my very favorite humans—a former social entrepreneur, human rights activist, and lawyer turned world adventurer, magazine publisher & mystic memoirist. Meet Jedidiah Jenkins. Several years ago, I stumbled across Jedidiah’s Instagram feed. His photos are always great, but it was his prose that altered my state. Enamored by his unique lens on the human condition, he quickly become my favorite follow. Determined to learn more, I invited Jedidiah on the show (RRP #186), wherein he shared insights gleaned from an epic sixteen-month, 10,000-mile bike journey pedaling from Oregon to Patagonia. This conversation remains one of my favorites to date. I then made him promise to return (RRP #395) upon completion of his first book, To Shake The Sleeping Self. A coming-of-age memoir set against the technicolor backdrop of his bicycle adventure, the book went on to become a New York Times bestseller, crowning Jedidiah as a new and compelling literary voice. An exquisite storyteller with an elegant gift for exploring the interior landscape, Jedidiah has continued to mature as a writer. His latest New York Times bestselling flex, Like Streams To The Ocean, is a touching and immersive deconstruction of the things that make us who we are and the decisions that shape our one and only life.  His best work to date, it’s a masterclass on leveraging the specifics of one’s experience as a vehicle to better connect with the universal the resides within us all. So here we are again. Me wanting to know more. This conversation isn’t about any one thing. It’s kind of about everything. We discuss the writing process. How to find a voice. And what it means to be an observer of both nature and people. We talk Enneagrams, the commodification of ‘authenticity’, and how to cultivate focus in a distracted world. It’s also about identity. Belonging. Finding meaning in work. And what it means to live a creative life. It’s about the empathy required to find common ground with people of divergent world views. And why cultivating community is critical. But more than anything, this is a meditation on who we are. Why we’re here. And the struggle to glean truth from the intangible. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll582 YouTube: bit.ly/jedidiahjenkins582 As brilliant in conversation as he is on the page, I relish our conversations. And this one does not disappoint. Let your love affair with Jedidiah begin! Peace + Plants, Rich

How does one best prepare for a fitness challenge? What is the real value of testing one’s outer limits? And what constitutes true endurance? These are but a few of the questions explored in today’s edition of Roll On, wherein Adam Skolnick and I blather on matters both pertinent and possibly irrelevant. We share good news and bad. We perform some show and tell. And as always, we answer listener questions. For those new to the podcast, Adam Skolnick is an activist and veteran journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues, and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today’s conversation include: David Goggins’ 4 x 4 x 48 challenge; proper endurance training; what endurance teaches us about ourselves; Rich’s Instagram mask controversy; the rise of Clubhouse and the future of audio talk shows; and World Surf League’s ‘We Are One Ocean’ campaign In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you release anger and resentment? How do you find a partner with a similar lifestyle and goals (within a pandemic)? What is your leadership philosophy? How do you show up for your team? Thank you to Adam from Santa Monica, Madeleine from Redondo Beach, and Elizabeth from Nanaimo British Columbia for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll581 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon581 Peace + Plants, Rich

Meet Adam Grant, an organizational psychologist who specializes in how we can find motivation and meaning in work, and live more generous and creative lives. After graduating from Harvard magna cum laude, Adam completed his master’s degree and Ph.D. at the University of Michigan in just three years. At 28 he became Wharton’s youngest-ever tenured professor, where he has been recognized as the top-rated professor for seven straight years, named one of the world’s 10 most influential management thinkers and listed among Fortune‘s 40 under 40. One of the world’s most-cited, prolific and significant researchers in business and economics, Adam is the author of several New York Times bestselling books that have sold millions of copies and been translated into 35 languages, including Give and Take, Originals, and Option B. His books have been named among the year’s best by Amazon, Apple, the Financial Times, and The Wall Street Journal and praised by J.J. Abrams, Richard Branson, Bill and Melinda Gates, Malcolm Gladwell, Daniel Kahneman, and Malala Yousafzai.  Certain to be another culture-tilting bestseller, Adam’s new book, and the focus of today’s conversation, is  Think Again: The Power of Knowing What You Don’t Know. In addition, Adam’s TED Talks on original thinkers and givers and takers have garnered over 20 million views. And when he’s not writing, teaching, parenting, or consulting on behalf of organizations like Google, the NBA, or the Gates Foundation, he hosts WorkLife, a chart-topping TED original podcast. Equal parts fun and powerful, this conversation is about the importance and power of interpersonal and collective rethinking.  We discuss strategies for engaging with others who see the world differently. And what we can learn when we lead not with argumentation but rather with curiosity and humility. In a time of entrenched polarization, Adam creates space for nuance. He teaches us to think critically and carefully. To ask questions. And to hold our views flexibly.  He also offers sage advice on work in the time of COVID, when so many people’s professional ecosystems have been turned upside down.  My hope is that this exchange encourages you to identify your own biases. Emboldens you to connect more meaningfully with those who see things differently. And inspires you to relish in being wrong. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll580 YouTube: bit.ly/adamgrant580 It was an honor to hold space with a luminary I have greatly respected from afar. And to make a new friend along the way. May this conversation leave you thinking more critically about your own beliefs—and more empathetically about others’. Peace + Plants, Rich

What happens when you have two very big but different dreams vying for your focus? Do you choose one? Or do you risk it all to pursue both? This was the dilemma faced by today’s guest—a woman who knows a thing or two about what it takes to execute at the highest level. Meet Alexi Pappas—Olympic athlete. Award-winning writer. Filmmaker. And so much more. An extraordinary runner, Alexi set the Greek national record in the 10,000-meters and competed for Greece at the 2016 Olympic Games. An equally noteworthy artist, her words have graced the pages of The New York Times, Runner’s World, Women’s Running Magazine, Sports Illustrated, The Atlantic, and Outside. Not enough? In the exact same year she competed in the Olympics, she also co-wrote, co-directed, and starred alongside Rachel Dratch in Tracktown, her first feature film. Executing on just one of these goals is an exceptional accomplishment. Doing both in parallel is downright superhuman. More recently, Alexi co-wrote and starred alongside Nick Kroll in Olympic Dreams, the first non-documentary-style movie to ever be filmed at the actual Olympic Games. Profiled in every major publication from Sports Illustrated to Rolling Stone, my interest was recently piqued by an amazing New York Times OpDoc (produced by friend of the pod Lindsay Crouse), which poignantly portrays the emotional toll of chasing an Olympic dream. In her excellent new memoir Bravey, Alexi dives deeper. An exuberant and unflinching primer on the struggle of self-actualization, it’s the beautiful story of surviving trauma and navigating disparate dreams—filmmaking and athletics—in competition for her attention. Why she refused to pick just one lane. And how, setbacks and deep lows aside, Alexi ultimately succeeds at both. How is possible that this human is so good at so many things simultaneously? And what is the cost (if any) of setting the bar so high? I needed to know more. This is a conversation about the courage required to blaze your own path. It’s about self-belief. And it’s about setting audacious goals and how to work towards them. It’s also about depression, loss and sacrifice. It’s about the intersection of athletics and art. And how to prioritize synergy over balance. But more than anything, this is about what Alexi calls being bravey. In Alexi’s case, trauma helped fuel her success. But it was in healing that trauma that she learned to thrive—and find the joy in the journey. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll579 YouTube: bit.ly/alexipappas579 This one’s for all the Braveys and soon-to-become Braveys seeking to replace can’t with maybe. Alexi is my new favorite person. Tune in and discover why. Peace + Plants, Rich

Perhaps you thought 2021 might bring some return to normalcy. So far we have the Capitol insurrection, GameStonk and Jewish Laser Beams. We need to talk. After a much-needed break, Roll On returns with my hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. We are also mixing up the format with two special guests, Arthur Jones & Giorgio Angelini, the filmmakers behind Feels Good Man (and RRP 576). Serving as our internet culture decoder ring, the lads join the show to help make sense of recent events insanity. Some of the many topics explored in today’s conversation include: the importance of taking a sabbatical; the Capitol insurrection & the impact on the GOP; how Reddit turned the stock market upside down; the future of stock market democratization; David Lynch’s absurd yet wonderfully soothing weather reports; Ultra-runner Jim Walmsley’s 100k American record; and How Nepalese climbers reached the summit of K2 in the winter for the first time. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do I focus & contribute when I’m so consumed by current events? How do I deal with colossal failure and set myself up for success? How did overcoming substance abuse change your mindset on fitness & life? Thank you to Kevin from St. Louis, John from the Sierra Nevada, and Sarah from Phoenix for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll578 YouTube: bit.ly/rollon578 It’s good to be back! Peace + Plants, Rich

How might your life be better with less? Not so many years ago, Joshua Fields Millburn and Ryan Nicodemus were mired in the corporate grind, banking six-figure salaries in pursuit of the American Dream. Expiating for the satisfaction their careers failed to provide, they did what most humans would: They bought stuff. Lots of stuff. When that didn’t work, they bought more. And when that didn’t work, they hit bottom. What came next was a search for meaning that would forever alter the trajectory of their lives—and ignite the spread of minimalism across the world. Known today as The Minimalists, Joshua and Ryan advocate for the pursuit of living less materially and more deliberately. Through their website, books, podcasts and films, they share practical, experience-based insights on how minimalism can lead to freedom—providing the foundation for a life built not on consumption, but instead on conscious purpose and mindful intention. With a devoted readership in the millions, they’ve written several books, given TED Talks and spoken at places like SXSW and Harvard Business School. They’ve been featured on every major television network and profiled in major publications like The New York Times, Wall Street Journal and TIME. In 2016, Ryan and Joshua made an unexpected splash when their Netflix documentary Minimalism enervated audiences around the world. Now they’re back with a brand new, must-see follow up, Less Is Now. Given what these fine young gentlemen represent, I will restrain inclinations verbose to simply say that this is a conversation about how to live with greater intention and purpose. It’s about creating more by consuming less. It’s about prioritizing experience over accumulation. It’s about growth, contentment and love. And it’s about the deep personal satisfaction that comes with contributing beyond ourselves. In other words, minimalism isn’t martyrdom—it’s freedom. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll577 YouTube: bit.ly/theminimalists577 Joshua, Ryan and their message is a gift. Receive it graciously. Then put it to work. Peace + Plants, Rich

In a spark of creativity, cartoonist Matt Furie created an innocent, loving frog he named Pepe. What came next is so insane, it literally bent reality. Filmmakers Arthur Jones & Giorgio Angelini wanted to understand how this sweet and relatively obscure indie comic book character morphed into an infamous symbol of hate—and a meme that changed the world. The result is Feels Good Man—a filmmaking triumph and one of the best documentaries I’ve seen in years. Premiering at last year’s Sundance, where it picked up the U.S. Documentary Special Jury Award for Emerging Filmmaker, it’s the surreal story of Pepe The Frog. How it migrated across the internet, evolving into an unwitting avatar of chaos and a lever for radicalization. It’s about its creator Matt Furie’s efforts to reclaim his creation. And Pepe’s slow transmogrification back into a hieroglyph of positivity. But beneath the surface, Feels Good Man is about artistic agency. It’s about the journey from passivity to participation. A sociological excavation of how culture spreads from mind to mind, it’s also an archeological dig into the indelible power of an idea. How a meme adopted by a regressive internet subculture spilled into the real world, shifted the political landscape, and ultimately tipped a presidential election. The film is an absolute must-see. I wanted to know more. So today Arthur and Giorgio take us behind the looking glass on Pepe’s Frankenstein-meets-Alice-In-Wonderland journey. This is a conversation about the complicated relationship between internet culture and the real world. It’s about the strange relationship between comic book artists, arch druids, data scientists, intellectual property lawyers, and alt-right mouthpieces. It’s about memetics—how memes drive cultural evolution in parallel with how genes influence human evolution. And, in this case, how one meme was perniciously coopted to democratize electoral engagement, enervating passive supporters into active participants. But more than anything, this is about the war between cynicism and hope. And why, to coin Matt Furie, you gotta go hardcore happy. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll576 YouTube: bit.ly/feelsgoodman576 I don’t understand why everyone isn’t talking about this movie and the ideas it presents. This conversation is my attempt to change that. Peace + Plants, Rich

Our bodies are comprised of about ten trillion cells. But only half those cells are human. The remainder comprise our microbiome—a vast and complex ecosystem of bacteria, viruses, and fungi that live in or on our bodies. Only now is science beginning to understand the profound impact of these microbes on human health. We choose to believe that we are fully sentient and self-governing, wholly responsible for our health, moods and decisions. But the truth is far different. In fact, to a large extent, our emotional state, propensity for disease, the nature of our cravings, and even some of our decision making can be traced back to the nature of our gut ecology. Most of these microorganisms are symbiotic. Maintaining a healthy culture of the right microorganisms is fundamental to good health. But should the quality of your microbiome go awry, health havoc ensues. To better understand the vital role these microorganisms play in our health and lives, today’s show is a veritable microbiome masterclass courtesy of the gastroenterologists, scientific researchers, and gut experts that have graced the show over the years. After 8+ years and 500+ conversations, I’ve compiled a vast library of bankable, timeless information and advice. As a steward of this archive, I feel a responsibility to convert the best of it into a more helpful, productive, accessible, and practical resource. As an initial step toward this goal, I will be periodically offering curated wisdom focused on a specific theme or subject (as opposed to a guest). This episode is an embryonic experiment in doing just that—the first in what will be an evolving series of deep dives, commencing with this microbiome intensive courtesy of the following collection of past podcast gut health expert guests (all hyperlinked to their respective full episodes): Robynne Chutkan, M.D. Ara Katz and Raja Dhir Zach Bush, M.D. Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D. Will Bulsiewicz, M.D. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll575 YouTube: bit.ly/microbiome575 I sincerely hope you find this experiment helpful and instructive. Peace + Plants, Rich

Unlike other land mammals, humans are not natural-born swimmers. Our evolutionary ancestors learned for survival. Now it’s one of the most popular activities in the world. So why do we swim? What is it about water that seduces us despite its dangers? A lifelong swimmer reared by swimming parents, this week’s guest couldn’t shake this question. What she discovered is far more compelling than you might imagine. Bonnie Tsui (@bonnietsui) is an alumnus of Harvard University, where she did not swim but instead rowed crew—and graduated magna cum laude in English and American Literature and Language. In 2009, her book American Chinatown: A People’s History of Five Neighborhoods won the 2009-2010 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature and was a San Francisco Chronicle bestseller and Best of 2009 Notable Bay Area Books selection. She has been the recipient of the Lowell Thomas Gold Award for travel journalism and the Jane Rainie Opel Young Alumna Award at Harvard University. In 2017, she was awarded the 2017 Karola Saekel Craib Excellence in Food Journalism Fellowship by the San Francisco Chapter of Les Dames d’Escoffier. She is also the recipient of a 2019 National Press Foundation Fellowship. A frequent contributor to The New York Times and California Sunday magazine, Bonnie’s latest book—and the focus of today’s conversation—is Why We Swim. Propelled by stories of Olympic champions, a Baghdad swim club that meets in Saddam Hussein’s palace pool, modern-day Japanese samurai swimmers, and even an Icelandic fisherman who improbably survives a wintry six-hour swim after a shipwreck, Bonnie dives into the deep, from the chilly San Francisco Bay to the South China Sea, investigating the ancestry and essence of water’s allure. Widely lauded, Why We Swim was named to TIME magazine’s list of 100 Must-Read Books of 2020. It’s also received praise from The New York Times, The San Francisco Chronicle, The Los Angeles Times, NPR, Buzzfeed, Bustle, Booklist, Kirkus, and more. Beautifully written and completely immersive, it definitely ranks among my 2020 favorites—I couldn’t put it down. So let’s talk about it. This conversation is a love letter to swimming—a sport, lifestyle and obsession that Bonnie and I share. It’s a deconstruction of humanity’s relationship with the transformative power of water—an archeological dig that unearths mankind’s historic and fraught yet undeniably alluring connection with the sea. It’s about swimming as a means of survival. It’s about swimming as a conduit for well-being, competition, and community. It’s about the unique power of water—when combined with breath—to produce that elusive state called flow. But underneath it all, this is a conversation about why to be a swimmer is to be a seeker. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll574 YouTube: bit.ly/bonnietsui574 It was an absolute delight to share space and passion with a woman who hopes, as Oliver Sacks writes in Water Babies, to “swim till I die.”  I concur with that idea. This conversation sheds light on why. Peace + Plants, Rich

You can’t grow if you don’t confront that which limits you. So face it. Ask for help. Have the hard conversations. Commit to the work. And I promise, your life will change. I’ve seen it come to pass countless times—in myself and many others. But few have more experience with personal transformation than Karamo Brown—a man who overcame tremendous adversity to enliven the best in others. The ‘culture’ expert on Netflix’s massive hit show Queer Eye, Karamo is a father, former social worker, and psychotherapist who was first introduced to audiences on MTV’s The Real World in 2004. He continued to build their trust as a host on Dr. Drew Live, HuffPost Live, and Access Hollywood Live. Karamo’s self-titled primer on emotional healing, Karamo: My Story Of Embracing Purpose, Healing, is an inspiring must-read for anyone grappling with adversity. In addition, he is the founder of 6in10, an organization that provides mental health support and education to the LGBTQ+ community, and the co-founder of Mantl, a skin-care line for bald men. Today he shares his powerful story, dropping pearls of guidance in the process. This is a conversation about culture beyond art museums and the ballet. It’s about how people feel about themselves and others, how they relate to the world around them, and how their shared labels, burdens, and experiences affect their daily lives in ways both subtle and profound. It’s also about the culture of Karamo. Raised in the South by a Jamaican father and Cuban mother in predominantly white neighborhoods, it’s a story of overcoming personal issues of colorism, physical and emotional abuse. Alcohol and drug addiction. And public infamy. But more than anything, this is a conversation about what holds people back. It’s about the importance of exploring our difficulties. And what’s required to transcend our past, move forward, and ultimately live our best lives. FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll573 YouTube: bit.ly/karamobrown573 I adore this man and I love this conversation. Peace + Plants, Rich

Growing surveillance states. Tech intrusions on privacy. Cyber warfare. International dissent. Assassination. In October 2018, beloved Washington Post journalist and Saudi citizen Jamal Khashoggi was brutally murdered and dismembered upon entering his country’s consulate in Istanbul. The perpetrator: the Saudi government. The reason: speaking truth to power. And yet, to this day, the Kingdom has yet to be held accountable for its actions. It’s a story that shocked the world. Filmmaker Bryan Fogel was compelled to better understand just how such an event could occur. What he discovered was truly Orwellian—and far more disturbing than you can possibly imagine. The result of this quest is The Dissident—a candid portrait of Khashoggi and the bone chilling events surrounding his murder that plays more like an international thriller than a documentary. Best known for Icarus—his Oscar winning exposé of Russia’s elaborate state-sponsored Olympic doping program—Bryan’s follow up is incendiary. Expanding on themes related to those explored in Icarus, it’s controversial. Placing himself and those portrayed on screen at great personal risk, it’s courageous. It’s also expertly crafted. Executed with precision. And a film more than deserving of Oscar consideration. Today Bryan takes us behind the scenes of The Dissident in a riveting tell-all conversation about the consequences of absolute power, global economics, citizen activism, and using your voice for change. Tracking Khashoggi’s trajectory from reformist journalist to dissident to target, this is a discussion about the sacrifice of human rights when they transgress the consolidation of economic and political authority. It’s about citizen activism. The rise of cyber warfare. And the weaponization of social media to both promote and commandeer global political narratives. It’s about Mohammad Bin Salman’s unchecked power in Saudi Arabia. And how international financial interests compromise political and economic relations with the Kingdom. Hollywood is not immune. In fact, Bryan is quite frank about how the industry that celebrated Icarus has snubbed The Dissident out of cowardice. Despite unanimous praise for the film after it’s Sundance premiere, every major distributor and streaming service (including Netflix, which released Icarus) declined to acquire the film due to the Kingdom’s influence over the entertainment business. Much like its protagonist, The Dissident was itself nearly dismembered. Nonetheless, the film will be available on-demand on January 8th. Not to be missed, it’s an Oscar-worthy documentary that demands your attention. One of the most important filmmakers of our time, it was an honor to reconvene with Bryan (check out our first conversation if you missed it). Strap in, because this conversation will leave you with more than a few important things to ponder. READ MORE: bit.ly/richroll572 WATCH: bit.ly/btyanfogel572 Peace + Plants, Rich

It’s hard to predict success in the real world. But there’s a reason why some people thrive — even when things get hard. But what exactly is that reason? Today’s guest became obsessed with better understanding what differentiates those who prevail from those who fail. What he discovered would forever change the game. Rich Diviney is a former Navy SEAL Commander who served up 13 overseas deployments over 21 years as an active member and officer of the armed forces’ most elite, secretive group. A group that shall remain unnamed—but one I suspect you might quickly surmise. Throughout his career, Rich was intimately involved in a specialized SEAL selection process, which whittled a group of hundreds of extraordinary SpecOps candidates down to a handful of the most elite performers. Oddly, which candidates washed out and which succeeded was often wildly unpredictable. Some could have all the right skills and still fail. Others more easily dismissible would ironically prove to be top performers. The seemingly objective criteria weren’t telling him what he most needed to know: who would succeed in one of the world’s toughest military assignments? Over time, Rich began to see that beneath obvious skills are hidden drivers of performance,surprising core attributes—including cunning, adaptability, courage, even narcissism—that determine how resilient or perseverant we are, how situationally aware and how conscientious. This epiphany evolved into a SpecOps training program called MindGym—the first of its kind scientifically devised to help elite soldiers perform faster, longer, and better in all environments—especially high-stress ones. In his new book, The Attributes: 25 Hidden Drivers of Optimal Performance, Rich defines and examines these various attributes to explain how we perform as individuals and as part of a team. As you may suspect, his military methodology is equally applicable to our personal and professional lives. Understanding the valence of one’s attributes not only promotes greater self-awareness, it provides a guiding rubric to train the characteristics that predict optimal performance in any situation—from parenting and sports to business and relationships. Diviney currently works as a speaker, facilitator, and consultant with the Chapman & Co. Leadership Institute and Simon Sinek Inc. He’s taught leadership and optimal performance to more than five thousand business, athletic, and military leaders from organizations such as American Airlines, Meijer Inc., the San Francisco 49ers, Pegasystems, Zoom, and Deloitte. Today he breaks it all down. This conversation continues our annual tradition of welcoming the new year with a Navy SEAL—and the bankable life advice you need to embrace 2021 correct. A must-listen for anyone looking for deeper self-understanding, this is an incredibly powerful primer on how your attributes determine life outcomes—and how you can train said disposition to create more optimal performance in all areas of your life. READ MORE: bit.ly/richroll571 WATCH: bit.ly/richdiviney571 I can think of no better conversation to harken in 2021. May it change your personal game. Because the new year is now upon is. And it requires everything we’ve got to give. Peace + Plants, Rich

We look skyward for answers. But prophets walk among us. Allow me to indulge this truth with yet more timeless and timely wisdom courtesy of the amazing individuals that grace this third and final installment of my annual yearbook. Once again, it’s been an honor to share my conversations with so many extraordinary people over the course of 2020. Second listens brought new insights—and more reminders that these exchanges continue to both inspire and inform. For long-time listeners, approach this episode as a refresher to launch you into 2021 with renewed vigor. For those new to the podcast, my hope is this anthology will stir you to peruse the back catalog and explore episodes you may have missed. Guests featured in this episode (all hyperlinked to their respective episodes) include: Erin Brockovich Matthew McConaughey Shane Parrish Chris Mosier Hakim Tafari Chris Hauth Doug Evans Kamal Ravikant Mirna Valerio Kevin Smith & Harley Quinn Smith Compiling this auditory yearbook is both a joy and a challenge. I have great fondness for all my guests. I take no comfort in leaving anyone out. Should you find one of your personal favorites missing, I get it—please don’t @ me! The visually inclined can watch it unfold on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you for taking this journey of growth alongside me. Here’s to an extraordinary 2021. Join me, and, as my friend Doug Evans would say, let’s make it the best year ever. Peace + Plants, Rich

Meaningful conversation matters. Now more than ever. Allow me to indulge this truth by introducing Part II of my annual yearbook—a means to reflect on the past twelve months by revisiting some of the year’s most compelling podcast guests. It’s been an honor to share my conversations with so many extraordinary people over the course of 2020. Second listens brought new insights—and more reminders that these evergreen exchanges continue to both inspire and inform. For long-time listeners, approach this episode as a refresher to launch you into 2021 with renewed vigor. For those new to the podcast, my hope is this anthology will stir you to peruse the back catalog and explore episodes you may have missed. Guests featured in this second of three total anthology episodes (all hyperlinked to their respective episodes) are as follows: Andrew Huberman, PhD Margaret Klein Salamon PhD Will Bulsiewicz, MD Darin Olien Dr. Alan Goldhamer Julie Piatt Chris Burkard Laird Hamilton Blake Mycoskie Caroline Burckle The visually inclined can watch it unfold on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you for taking this journey of growth alongside me. The third and final installment of this series will post on New Year’s Eve day. Here’s to an extraordinary 2021. Join me, and let’s make it the best year ever—together. Peace + Plants, Rich

It’s time to pause. Reflect on the past twelve months. Set new aspirations. And visualize the year to come. I think we can all agree it’s been a challenging year. All the more reason to optimize body, mind and soul to tackle 2021 correctly. In furtherance of that end, allow me to introduce what has become a tradition on the RRP—our annual ‘Best Of’ series wherein we reflect upon the previous 12 months with a 3-part compilation of clips excerpted from a handful of the year’s most compelling guests. Think of it as a refresher course for the avid fans. An anthology or digest for those newer to the podcast. A love letter to my guests. And most importantly, a way of thanking you, the audience, for taking this journey of growth alongside me. Guests featured in this first of three total anthology episodes (all hyperlinked to their respective episodes) are as follows: Chadd Wright Kelly McGonigal, PhD David Sinclair, PhD Rickey Gates Gregg Renfrew Zach Bush, MD Dan Buettner Byron Davis & Phil Allen, Jr. Charles Eisenstein Knox Robinson Compiling this auditory yearbook is both a joy and a challenge. I have great fondness for all my guests. I take no comfort in leaving anyone out. Should you find one of your personal favorites missing, I get it—please don’t @ me! The visually inclined can watch it unfold on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Here’s to an extraordinary 2021. Join me, and let’s make it the best year ever—together. Peace + Plants, Rich Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Do hard things. Become unbreakable. Let’s end the year on a high note. It’s time to turn quitters into people who commit, courtesy of one of the toughest people on the planet. Fire ready aim! If the name Joe De Sena strikes a familiar chord, it’s likely because he’s the entrepreneurial mastermind behind Spartan—the obstacle course racing series that became a global phenomenon. Fewer know he’s also the evil genius behind Death Race—perhaps the most absurd sufferfest ever conceived.  Under appreciated is just what an utter machine this guy is. An absolute endurance freak, in a mere one week period, Joe completed the Vermont 100 mile run, Ironman Lake Placid, and the Badwater 135. In addition, Joe knocked off 50 ultramarathons and 14 Ironman events in a single year (a certain kind of insanity that must be some kind of record). To top it off, on a whim, he once ran from New York City to Vermont. A man of questionable masochism, Joe knows hustle. But his relentlessness isn’t limited to athletics. It begins with business, servicing mafioso swimming pools as a Queens high schooler. It appears in academics. It took him four attempts to secure admission to Cornell. And, most importantly, it shows up in service. At his Vermont farm, Joe freely welcomes all who dare join in his legendary daily grind. Everything Joe does—be it Spartan, his books or public speaking—reflects his genuine commitment to helping millions of people live healthier more fulfilling lives. Today he shares his extraordinary story. This is a conversation about commitment to an ideal. How to manifest the better self within. And pay it back in service to others. It’s about Joe’s colorful life path. His Goodfellas-esque upbringing. His natural-born entrepreneurial inclinations. His insane endurance feats and unique relationship with suffering. And the impenetrable focus required to accomplish lofty dreams. But more than anything, this is about turning quitters into people who commit. It’s about why doing hard things makes you better, happier and healthier. And it’s about the potential we all possess to catalyze radical transformation. From the heart, Joe is bullshit-free and 100% authentic. His message is powerful. Entirely experience-based. And paired with practical tools fundamental to shattering stagnation. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. May his words propel you to craft your own challenge for this impending new year—something extraordinary. So let’s dive into it headfirst. Or, as Joe says, fire, ready, aim. Peace + Plants, Rich

Post-election thoughts. Managing stress and disagreement. Connecting to gratitude. Weekly wins. And, of course, listener questions. Welcome to another edition of Roll On. Commanding co-host duties as always is my hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today’s conversation include: What can be learned from the life + death of Zappos’ Tony Hsieh; The unpredictability of happiness; The antitrust campaign to break up the tech behemoths; Rob Bell lessons on writing + self-love; Our growing adoration of ‘Feels Good Man’; and Celebrating grassroots environmental activism In addition, we answer the following listener questions: Is pursuing a more authentic life path an ego trip? How can a person with low self-esteem and avoidance discomfort develop more intimacy? Does endurance racing in your 50’s pose health risks? Thank you to Joe from northern New York, Seth from Wisconsin, and Michael from Boulder, CO. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Peace + Plants, Rich

Becoming an Olympic medalist doesn’t tell the story. It wasn’t until the klieg lights dimmed that she was compelled to meet herself. The inner journey that ensued forged the amazing person she’s now become. Meet Caroline Burckle. Friends call her Burks. A fellow former competitive swimmer, today’s guest is a 23-time All American and 2-time NCAA Champion. In 2008, she was crowned NCAA Female Swimmer of the Year in recognition of breaking Janet Evans’ legendary 500 freestyle NCAA record—a seemingly impossible task and the oldest record on the books at the time. Later that same year, Caroline would qualify for the 2008 Olympic Games in Beijing, where she won bronze as a member of the women’s 4×200 freestyle relay. More interesting however, and certainly more relatable, is Caroline’s path post-swimming. A close cousin to my conversations with Olympians Anthony Ervin, Apolo Ohno and John Moffet, hers is a hard-wrought journey of self-discovery shrouded in institutional neglect and even, at times, abuse. Let’s just say she weathered some shit. But she faced it. She showed up and did the work. And she emerged at peace with her past and her self—now hellbent on helping forge healthier lives for the next generation of Olympians. Beyond the play-by-play of Caroline’s storied career, her experiences as a young swimmer, and what it was like to stand on the Olympic podium, this is a conversation about the psychological struggles she faced as a prodigious athlete. Her battle with depression. And her familiar addiction to people-pleasing. It’s also an alarming exposé on the harmful paradigms perpetuated by calcified athletic institutions—and what we must be done to better support the next generation of Olympians. But more than anything, this is a playbook on how to find power in vulnerability. How to listen to your body. And most importantly, how to use your voice. One of my very favorite people, Burks and I are buddies going back several years. A powerhouse and a humble empath, her energy is infectious. And I’m honored to share her story with you today. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. May her words inspire you to seek own your truth. To ask for help. Lean into vulnerability. And never stop learning. P.S. Links to a comprehensive collection of news coverage specific to the sensitive events discussed in this episode can be found in the show notes below. Peace + Plants, Rich

Legendary master of the big wave. Waterman god and sun-kissed global icon. Today one of the world’s greatest living athletes drops a master class on the value of pursuing adventure and embracing life as a work of art. Meet Laird Hamilton. Most are well-versed in the lore of today’s guest as perhaps the world’s greatest big wave surfer. Under-appreciated is his impact and legacy as a pioneer of crossover board sports that include tow-in surfing, stand-up paddle boarding and the more recent hydrofoil boarding explosion — passions that have earned Laird the title as surfing’s biggest innovator. An icon of fitness, longevity and well-being who has transcended the sport that made him famous, Laird and his wife Gabby Reece are the founders of Extreme Performance Training (XPT) — a unique fitness training and lifestyle program that includes dynamic water workouts, performance breathing, high-intensity and endurance training and more. He is also the founder of Laird Superfood, a purveyor of high-quality functional blends, proteins, coffee beans, snacks and more. Ubiquitous on grocery store shelves across the country, the company recently enjoyed a successful public offering. Profiled in every major media outlet across the globe, Laird has been featured in several films, including Riding Giants, an exquisite exploration of the history and art of big wave surfing. Finally, he is the author two books: Force of Nature, and his more recent New York Times bestseller, Liferider — both inspiring reads for anyone looking to elevate themselves beyond the ordinary to do extraordinary things. This is a conversation is about the internal Laird. What propels the relentless pursuit of adventure. His relationship with nature’s most intimidating elements. And how his fulfillment derives not from external validation but rather from competition with self — and accomplishing what even he questions possible. We explore his unique and always evolving training methods. His entrepreneurial journey. Marriage. Parenting girls. And turmeric. But the heart of this exchange is a deconstruction of fear. The wisdom gleaned from gliding on the edge of disaster. And why it is crucial to always seek out that which scares you most. Ask Laird and he’ll be quick to caution that we’re over-insulated from nature’s majesty. In turn, our intuitions have been muted. So, more than anything, this is a call to reconnect with that which makes us innately human — to constantly push beyond our limits, seek out fear, and ultimately, embrace our lives as an evolving and precious work of art. Not surprisingly, I found Laird to be both humble and wise — a function of hyper-connectedness to both self and the outdoors. But I was also delighted to discover a human with an endearing and beautiful child-like wonder — a trait we could all benefit from cultivating more. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I loved this experience. May it leave you seeking to more courageously explore yourself and the world that surrounds you. Peace + Plants Rich

Out of 743 riders on the World Tour, the highest tier of professional road cycling, only 5 are black. Today’s guest is devoted to changing that. I wouldn’t bet against him. Dubbed ‘the most important bike racer you don’t know’, Justin Williams is an 11-time U.S. National Champion and 14-time California State Road and Track Champion. A rare sprinting talent from the get go, Justin was already crushing criteriums across the state as a teen en route to becoming the Jr. Track National Champ and a member of the U.S. National Team. In 2009 he joined the coveted Trek Livestrong U23 Dev Team. A launchpad to the majors, Justin’s dream of competing on the World Tour was becoming real. However, despite Justin’s skyward trajectory and unbound potential, he quickly became disillusioned with the elitist aspect of the sport. Then he did the unthinkable: he quit.Departing Europe for home, he enrolled in college. Lived a civilian life. And let his bike collect cobwebs. For Justin, it seemed, cycling was over. However, Justin’s younger brother Cory — then making his own cycling waves — had other plans, enticing Justin’s return to the sport through fixie racing culture. Revitalized by this dynamic community, Justin would soon discover renewed purpose on the bike. As an athlete who still had races to win. And ultimately as an advocate on a mission to redefine the sport he loves. Thus was born Legion of Los Angeles: an independent elite cycling team dedicated to increasing diversity & encouraging inclusion in the industry. Translation: a launchpad for badass racers of varying ethnicities and backgrounds who don’t necessarily fit the status quo of the current whitewashed cycling program. Today we explore Justin’s extraordinary story — from his experience growing up in Los Angeles to immigrant parents through his blossoming love affair with the bike. We dissect the sport of cycling and the industry that supports it. What’s great about it. What must change. And how Legion is leading the way by smashing paradigms and setting a new standard when it comes to supporting athletes and promoting inclusivity. Wise beyond his years, Justin is passion in motion. A cycling hero. The embodiment of persistence. And a powerful reminder that what is most important about sport has nothing to do with podiums. Instead, it’s about the journey towards self-actualization. It’s about sharing experience. And above all, the impact you leave on others. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Equal parts important and entertaining, it was an honor to host this enlightening exchange with an athlete so devoted to positive change. Mad respect. P.S. Thanks Alonso Tal for permission to use your epic action images of Justin. Also, Knox Robinson may or may not have dropped by. Just sayin’. Peace + Plants, Rich

Post-election thoughts. Managing stress and disagreement. Connecting to gratitude. Weekly wins. And, of course, listener questions. Welcome to another edition of Roll On. Commanding co-host duties as always is my hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today’s conversation include: • The importance of actively creating a gratitude practice; • plant-based holiday ideas; • how to deal with family stress and disagreement; • Alex Hutchinson’s essay ‘COVID-19 is like running a marathon with no finish line’; • the new documentary, ‘Feels Good Man’ and how a meme turned into an alt-right mascot; • the terrifying capabilities of artificial intelligence; • Alenka Artnik’s 114m world record free-dive in Egypt. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you have real conversations in the era of smartphones and social media? How do you raise plant-based children? How do you balance work, parenthood, and marriage while still making time for personal passions? Thank you to Adrian from London, Daniel from Australia, and Carlos from Germany for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Peace + Plants, Rich

This is the story of a lifelong seeker. It’s about organizing your life around spiritual principles. Breaking the addiction to external validation. And always having the courage to fail. Meet Blake Mycoskie. Quite the change maker, Blake is most famously known as the founder of the wildly successful shoe company TOMS. He also pioneered the ‘One for One’ business model, donating a pair of shoes to a child in need for each pair sold. In turn, he sparked a generation of conscious consumers — and rebranded corporate responsibility as not only cool, but de rigueur. But Blake’s story neither begins nor ends with TOMS.  A natural-born entrepreneur, Blake started 5 other businesses before TOMS. And he’s since moved on from his shoe empire to launch Madefor — a ten-month program that applies key principles of modern neuroscience, psychology, and physiology to make your brain and body better. This is more than the story of an incredible entrepreneur. It’s about navigating the world through a spiritual lens. And the power of commitment to persistent personal growth. It’s less about TOMS and more about the kind of person that imagines TOMS. It’s about intuition. The stewardship required to scale an idea into a global phenomenon — and the ongoing commitment to service that led to Madefor. Blake is a very special human. It was an honor to finally spend some time with him. And a delight to share the experience with you. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. For those feeling stagnant or stuck, my hope is that Blake’s testimony — chock-full of sage business and life advice — ignites the inner change you seek most and guides you towards peace. Peace + Plants, Rich

What’s the best way to grow old? Are we over-parenting our kids? And how can I strike the right work-life balance? These are just a few of the questions Ravi Patel was struggling with. So the actor, filmmaker, husband and dad decided to explore how foreign cultures grapple with them. The result is Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness, a docu-series in which Ravi enlists his friends and family in overseas adventures in search of answers to life’s questions. Perhaps you caught Ravi’s 2014 hit documentary Meet The Patels, a funny and touching first-person family adventure in which Ravi enlists his traditional Indian parents in his search for love, leading him down a rabbit hole into the world of arranged marriages. Streaming on HBO Max, the new show digs even deeper — a poignant and timely deconstruction of American exceptionalism that ventures beyond buddy travelogue tropes. Today Ravi shares his story — and the many lessons learned along the way. Hardly your ordinary actor, this conversation begins with an exploration of Ravi’s unique path. His past life in investment banking. His current interest in health and wellness. His grapple with identity and indoctrination. And his sundry adventures navigating the vicissitudes of Hollywood. We then pivot to the many nuggets of wisdom Ravi has gleaned from his personal journey. And we tug on the questions explored in his Pursuit of Happiness travels to Japan, Denmark, South Korea and Mexico: Why are Americans so unhappy? How can you be a good parent? How do you find work life balance? And how can we responsibly promote inclusion for all? Recorded pre-election, this conversation is equal parts light-hearted and profound — a mix of laughs and uppercase Truths on all things love, partnership, parenting, purpose, and passion. It’s also a friendship origin story. The first of what I anticipate will be more conversations to come. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I love this guy and everything he’s about. And I hope you find this conversation as refreshing and uplifting as I did. Peace + Plants, Rich

Election week. Healing the national divide. Environmental progress. Weekly wins. And, of course, listener questions. Welcome to another edition of Roll On. Commanding co-host duties as always is my hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today’s conversation include: • Recapping our whirlwind election week; • Making sense of the 70 million votes for Trump and the implications this presents; • Understanding Biden and the presidency to come; • Bridging our cultural and political divide as a national imperative; • Rich’s latest Esquire piece and thoughts on the writing process; • Chris Nikic, the first athlete with Down syndrome to complete an Ironman Triathlon; • and Rich’s newest offering, Voicing Change. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: • How do you stay focused on your journey and minimize distractions? • How do you embrace change and take a step into the unknown? • How do you make time for your partner as parents to young children? Thank you to Frank from Southern California, Davin from South Florida, and Michelle from New Jersey for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

This is the story of an athletic prodigy. It’s also the story of heartbreak. And a hero that became a friend. Meet John Moffet. His journey begins at 11. To keep him out of trouble, John’s parents enroll him in swim lessons. Mere weeks later, it was clear he was special. Within a year, John was obliterating national age group records. By 16 he made his first Olympic Team, becoming the youngest male athlete on the entire U.S.A. squad. But America would boycott the 1980 Moscow Games, robbing John and so many athletes of the opportunity to share their gifts on the world’s largest stage. Four years later, John ascended the starting blocks at 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games as the world record holder and gold medal favorite in his specialty — the 100m breastroke. But a severe groin injury suffered in a preliminary heat would once again crush his dreams of Olympic glory.  It’s a story well told in Bud Greenspan’s Olympic documentary 16 Days of Glory — a legendary filmmaker who would later become John’s mentor in his subsequent career as a storyteller. It’s a career that began humbly in the pioneering days of reality television and would ultimately lead to John taking home three 3 Emmys as an executive producer of The Amazing Race. John’s latest creative pursuit is Sports, Life, Balance —  a new podcast about the many timeless lessons learned through sport and their transformative application to all areas of life. Launching around Thanksgiving, be sure to check it out and subscribe — this one’s worth it. As a daydreaming adolescent swimmer, god-like photos of John ripped from the pages of Swimming World magazine adorned my bedroom wall. So it was utterly surreal when my path delivered me to Stanford. The opportunity for this bright-eyed, 17-year old freshman to call John my teammate was a dream come true. And such began a friendship we have maintained for the last thirty-five years. This is a conversation about what happens when desire meets deeds. It’s about determination and perseverance. The power of storytelling. The importance of reinvention. And the courage to blaze your own unique path. It’s also a rundown of Olympic trials and tribulations — and the conglomerate of raw and historic athleticism that was the hallmark of Stanford in the mid-1980s. Packed with life lessons acquired by dint of John’s extraordinary athletic and professional career, it’s a master class on how to keep pushing when it matters most. When it’s okay to let go. And why aspiration is the master of destination. To read more and listen click here. You can also watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  One of my oldest and dearest friends, I love John and everything he is about. So it’s a long-overdue honor to share his story with you today. May you see in him what I always have. Peace + Plants, Rich

Although Hakim Tafari defies categorization, a few things are clear. This guy has light. And his journey of personal transformation is nothing short of remarkable. Hakim is a unique and gentle soul of many trades and traits. But fundamentally, he is a seeker. A journeyman of reinvention. An ambassador of running culture & mindfulness. A master of many a martial art from Kung Fu to Tai Chi. An herbalist, massage therapist, a vegan. And an ardent student and practitioner of several spiritual traditions from Buddhism to Daoism. Hakim’s life didn’t come easy. Nor was it delivered overnight. Instead it’s the hard-wrought product of devotion to progressive growth. To being just a little bit better today than yesterday. Today he shares his story. Paved with solid life lessons, this conversation is one man’s hero’s journey. It’s about transformation. It’s about finding peace in failure. Creating a mindfulness-based lifestyle. The call to blaze a spiritual path. And the pangs of growth. But more than anything, this is a dialog about finding freedom — in mind, body, and soul. I’ve had the pleasure of conversing with a diversity of extraordinary humans. But every blue moon I luck into a mind-meld that elevates an exchange into a higher gear. This is one such experience — a connection marked with heart and truth. Vulnerability and authenticity. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of Roll On—my bi-monthly deep dive into (semi) current events, topics of audience interest, and of course answers to your questions. Commanding co-host duties as always is my hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today’s conversation include: • The impending U.S. presidential election; • how the coast of Los Angeles was once a legal dumping ground for DDT, and the implications of this oceanic pollution; • the documentary ‘The Perfect Weapon’ and the rise of cyber warfare; • Nina Schick and her investigation into the world of Deepfakes; • thoughts on sustainability, stability, and the power of community; • and Rich's newest offering, 'Voicing Change’. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you manage burnout? How do you live in alignment with your values? How do you navigate body dysmorphia and eating disorders as a man? Thank you to Randall from Nebraska, Robel from Montana, and Evan from Fullerton, CA for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.  The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

One of the world's most compelling public figures, today Matthew McConaughey graces the show to share his incredible life story -- a journey laced with timeless wisdom & lessons on authenticity, character, integrity and what it means to be true to one's self. Do I really need to introduce this guy? Dazed And Confused. Dallas Buyers Club. Wolf of Wall Street. Interstellar. True Detective. You've seen them. You love 'em. And you love him. But over yonder -- far afield of the epic screen characters -- resides a mystic cowboy poet. A family man and father prone to ponderings profound. A seeker ever questing for adventure off the beaten path. A Texan on a four-dimensional vision quest, pursuing life in accordance with a homespun code. His is an experience-earned philosophy. Truths both personal and universal that he shares in his utterly unique way.  A way that can only be described as 100% McConaughey. Beyond the make believe, tactile Matthew is an active philanthropist through his Just Keep Livin’ Foundation. He's a professor at the University of Texas in his hometown of Austin, where he also serves up 'Minister of Culture' duties for the UT Athletic Department and the Austin FC Soccer Club, of which he is part owner. Matthew is also quite the writer. Inspired by a lifetime of journaling, his recently released Greenlights is a delightfully earnest self-mythologizing romp. It's also a surprisingly astute and philosophically profound love letter to life -- a beat generation inspired pastiche of journal entries. Hollywood nights. Teenage daydreams. Off-grid plots. Amazonian scraps. Monk-like retreats. And, of course, lessons learned -- all sprinkled with just the right amount of self-help fairy dust. I couldn’t put it down. And that doesn’t happen often. Don't let the hang-dog laconicism fool you. Matthew is a man with a world-class work ethic. Razor sharp focus. Bull-like tenacity. And full commitment to everything he does. A master of perseverance and resilience, Matthew is also one of the most spiritually attuned beings I have ever met. This conversation is an exploration of many things. It's about discernment. Making critical choices. Crafting your future with intention. And the importance of character. It’s about widening our aperture on life. How to effectively and consistently grow, learn and transform. And it's about how to hone intuition to connect (to coin Matthew’s phrase) “the autobahn between your mind and heart.” But overall, this conversation is about my favorite subject -- the hard-wrought journey to authenticity and self-actualization. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I know Matthew is making the legacy media and podcast rounds. But I think (and hope) we took this to a few places others haven't. Either way, this one is super fun -- and chock-a-bloc with timeless life wisdom. It was an honor. I sincerely hope you dig it. Peace + Plants, Rich

A treat for any and all with a bent for adventure and creative expression, today's guest is one of my very favorite visionaries of images still and moving. Meet Chris Burkard. A true artist in many forms, Chris is a photographer, filmmaker, world explorer, accomplished endurance athlete (last year he set the record for fastest man to circumnavigate Iceland by bike), dirtbag surfer extraordinaire, author, creative director, father, and man of faith.  But first and foremost, Chris is a storyteller --best known for his photojournalistic, humanizing approach to the farthest expanses of the Earth and capturing stories that inspire humans to consider our relationship with nature, while promoting the preservation of wild places everywhere. Chances are you follow Chris on Instagram — stacked with breathtaking landscapes and tales of adventure, his feed is a unique portal into other worlds that magnetizes 3.6 million people daily. Well established as a leading creative and man of global influence by the ripe age of 32 (now 34), Chris’ visionary perspective has earned him opportunities to work on global, prominent campaigns with Fortune 500 clients and brands like Apple, The North Face, Patagonia, Microsoft, Burton, Capitol Records, Quiksilver, and REI to name but a few. He’s spoken on the main TED stage, designed product lines, and published a growing collection of gorgeous books including, California Surf Project, At Glacier’s End, Boy Who Spoke To The Earth (children’s book), Distance Shores, and and High Tide: A Surf Odyssey.  Chris' lates offering is Unnar -- a short documentary that tells the story of Chirs’ friend Ellii, an Icelandic photographer, surfer, and kayaker whose perspective changed after surviving a near death experience. Premiering at the Tribeca Film Festival, Unnar is now freely viewable on Chris’ YouTube page. Don't miss it. Today Chris shares his story. I’ve been a huge fan and admirer of Chris for ages. This conversation was long in the making — and does not disappoint.  It’s a conversation about being present in the moment. Making art out of suffering. Taking big risks. And what's behind his love affair with Iceland. It’s also a glimpse into the creative mind of a true artist, laced with potent life lessons that will leave you thinking more broadly about your own path. But most importantly, it is about crusading against the mundane — and living a wanderlust lifestyle. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Chris is a very special human. We need more like him. I greatly appreciate his openness and perspective. And my hope is that this exchange will strengthen your reverence for the outdoors -- and inspire your own impulse for adventure. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of Roll On—my bi-monthly deep dive into (semi) current events, topics of audience interest, and of course answers to your questions. Commanding co-host duties as always is my hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today's conversation include: Ag-gag laws, animal agriculture surveillance, and media weaponization; the documentary 'A Life On Our Planet' — the legacy of David Attenborough; The problem of moderating social media content veracity & the impending election impact; thoughts on climate consciousness and social entrepreneurship. In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you set healthy boundaries with alcohol? How do you navigate your social life alcohol-free? How do you break into endurance sports and create a more adventurous lifestyle? Thank you to Cameron from Oahu, John from London, and Greg from Colorado for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.   The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Michael Muller is Hollywood's most in-demand photographer. But that title doesn't even begin to capture the breadth of his extraordinary, Hemingway-esque life. It's a path defined by his commitment to curiosity. An unquenchable thirst for adventure. Unbridled creativity. And an impulse to always, always move towards fear. Traveling to 60 countries before he even entered high school (a count that is currently at 200), Michael spent the greater part of his childhood living in Saudi Arabia. It was there that his passion for photography blossomed. The more he saw, the more he felt drawn to capturing his experiences in imagery. By his mid-teens that passion had already become a career, documenting the snowboarding & punk rock scenes across California. But he soon found himself behind the velvet rope in Los Angeles, documenting the next generation of silver screen superstars. But the ripe age of 22, Michael established himself as a leading Hollywood entertainment and fashion photographer.  Today Michael is the top dog in his game — a guy who has photographed everyone who is anyone for every prominent media outlet from Vanity Fair to Esquire: Joaquin Phoenix, Brad Pitt, Jeff Bridges, Robert Downey, Jr., Gwyneth Paltrow, Hugh Jackman, Bruce Willis, Scarlett Johansson, Nirvana, Leonardo DiCaprio. You get the picture. The question isn’t who has he photographed, it’s who hasn’t he.  That iconic photograph of Kobe Bryant bowing that graced the cover of TIME magazine in February? That’s Michael. That blockbuster movie poster or billboard you love? Chances are that’s Michael too -- the man behind countless studio campaigns from Marvel movies to Inherent Vice. But Michael’s truest passion — and a primary focus of today’s exchange — is sharks. Specifically, great whites. Documenting them on film. Understanding them. Educating others about them. And most importantly, preserving them. This conversation is about so many things. It’s of course a recap of Michael’s unbelievable life, which is more adventure novel than a resume. It’s about the nature of creativity. It’s about what drives him — his philosophies on work, passion, service — and the incredible power of the image to shape culture. It's about his relationship with fear. PTSD. And how swimming with sharks changed his relationship with himself and the natural environment we all share. It’s also keenly focused on preserving our oceans, specifically protecting our sharks, 100 million of which are killed every year. These apex predators are beyond vital to our ocean’s ecosystem, and without them, you’ll soon learn, our oceans will crumble. But more than anything, this conversation is about what the great whites represent: fear. It's about why the only way to overcome this debilitating emotion is to move towards it. To face it head-on. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Charismatic and larger than life, Michael is unlike any previous guest I've hosted on this podcast. This conversation is one for the ages. Peace + Plants, Rich

Today the wise & ethereal Julie Piatt -- my wife and partner for the last 20+ years -- returns for her umpteenth appearance on the podcast. But this time we try something different. As longtime listeners know well, Julie is a being of many talents. Although widely lauded for her series of bestselling plant-based cookbooks, the one who goes by SriMati is also an artist, musician, yogi, healer, mother of four and serial entrepreneur. In addition, Julie hosts the For The Life of Me podcast. She reigns over Water Tiger, her online spiritual community. And she’s the ‘Mother Arc’ (her term for founder & CEO) of SriMu, her plant-based cheese brainchild start-up. Over the years, Julie been a recurring source of spiritual wisdom on the podcast, dropping many a pearl on everything from parenting and creativity to navigating conflict, managing relationships, dealing with financial hardship, and countless other subjects. Today's episode, however, is something new -- an exploration of Julie as entrepreneur. Channeling my inner Guy Raz, I give Julie the ‘How I Built This’ treatment — tracing her background growing up in Alaska through her career in fashion. Building a garment line. The pain of shuttering it. The pivot into home construction and interior design. And how all of these experiences inform the business and culture of SriMu, her most successful start-up to date. You can call me biased. I am. But that doesn’t change the fact that she is poised for world domination with what truly is the best, next evolution of cheese. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Aside from the business bent, this conversation is centered on the power of meeting others — and yourself — in love. As humans, we self-identify with the stories we tell ourselves. We cling to illusions of safety and security. But this moment is challenging the firmness of the ground upon which we stand. Julie reminds us of the impermanence of everything. Embracing this vital truth will bring you greater peace. It will broaden your empathy for others. And help you identify the answers you seek. Hint: they have been inside you all along. Peace + Plants, Rich

How do world-class athletes, artists and top business leaders organize their inner lives to expand the edges of their potential? What are the frameworks and key mental skills needed to excel in those intense, all or nothing make-it-or break it moments? How do change-makers find peace, grounding, and even joy in the most intensely stressful, critical moments of their lives and careers? There is no human more well-suited to fielding these questions than world-renown high performance psychologist Dr. Michael Gervais -- returning for his 4th appearance on the podcast. A globally recognized authority on optimal human performance, Dr. Gervais has spent the last twenty years working in the trenches of consequential, high-stakes environments, where there is no luxury for mistakes, hesitation, or failure to respond. His clientele includes the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, countless Olympic medalists, MVPs from every major sport, world record holders, internationally acclaimed music artists, and corporate leaders. In addition, Dr. Gervais is the host of the popular Finding Mastery podcast. Alongside NFL coach Pete Carroll he founded Compete To Create, an online and live master class for the mind, and together they authored the recently released Audible Original also entitled Compete To Create -- a must-listen for anyone interested in raising the bar on their own potential. There's a reason he's been featured by NBC, ABC, FOX, CNN, ESPN, NFL Network, The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Outside Magazine, WIRED, ESPN Magazine, the Harvard Business Review and more:  Dr. Gervais is the sensei of human performance optimization. Unlike our previous episodes, today’s exchange is not about elite athletic performance. Nor is it about the demands of jumping out of a plane without a parachute. In fact, it's not really about sport at all. Instead, this is a conversation about how best to navigate the cataclysmic shit show we call 2020 -- and the years of political, pandemic and planetary turmoil likely to follow. It's about understanding trauma. Accepting pain. Working through it. And how suffering is integral to the human experience. It’s about the difference between purpose and vision. The role of sport in a world that's closed for business. And the importance of optimism in dark times. If you're new to the show, you're in for a treat. I adore this man. So prepare to fall in love. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you enjoy today's conversation, you might also dig Michael interviewing me in the most recent Finding Mastery episode (FM #244). And you can mine his three previous appearances on the RRP (episodes 120, 252, and 366). It’s hard being a human in 2020. Don’t underestimate the circumstances -- but know there is a light out there. Let's find it together. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of Roll On—my bi-monthly deep dive into (semi) current events, topics of audience interest, and of course answers to your questions. Commanding co-host duties is my hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today's conversation include: the documentary 'Kiss The Ground' -- underground econsystems; regenerative agriculture v. demand for meat; the documentary 'My Octopus Teacher' -- underwater ecosystems; New studies on the exponential growth of plastic waste; and thoughts on rugged individualism and commonwealth harm In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do we grapple with the contradicting values of the American culture? How do you balance training needs and social responsibility in a pandemic? How do you help loved one's transition to a plant-based lifestyle? Thank you to Heidi from Northern California, Adam from Toronto, and Tristan from British Colombia for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.   The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

At the root of our current political and cultural turmoil lies an unprecedented divisiveness. With all-or-nothing thinking fueled by tribalism, the result is a complete communication breakdown. And a predilection to convince rather than a willingness to listen and ultimately understand. Unhealthy and isolating, it's leaving us lonelier and angrier than ever. But more than anything, it's fracturing our humanity. So what do we do? Tom Scott says we need to talk about it. A graduate of Brown University with a Masters of Divinity from Yale, Tom is the founder of The Nantucket Project – an intimate ideas festival in the vein of TED — that brings together incredible leaders across a wide range of disciplines to talk story, with an eye on creating a better world. When the pandemic shuttered what would have been the 10th iteration of TNP, Tom decided to take his skills and curiosity on the road. Driven by a desire to engage with Americans first-hand, he enlisted his film crew on a slow route down the Mississippi River from Minneapolis to New Orleans, stopping in small towns daily to host get togethers with a wide variety of everyday people, chronicling difficult and at times painful discussions on politics, racism, and everything in between. What he discovered might surprise you. Returning for his second appearance on the podcast (catch RRP #360 if you missed it), today’s exchange with Tom begins with an honest acknowledgment of where culture currently sits. We discuss our fears and hopes for the future. And our shared concerns about the effects of quarantine on our kids and youth across the world. We shift gears to discuss The Neighborhood Project, an intentional conversation platform Tom and his team are creating for people to digitally gather, intentionally connect and share experience. Weaving clips into the edit lifted from his adventure down the Mississippi, Tom relates his effort to cultivate tactile, analog understanding between people who disagree. The wins. The losses. The glimmers of hope. And the challenges that remain. All told, Tom paints the picture of an imperfect America. But one that looks quite different from the highlight reel delivered by our respective social media feeds. Boots on the ground isn't twitter. And meaningful conversation matters. Therein lies promise. As someone I have known since 7th grade, my friendship with Tom runs deep. This conversation further cemented my admiration for this human. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. My aspiration is that you take this one on with a full heart and an open mind -- then find a way to better connect with your neighbor. Peace + Plants, Rich

Over 40,000 chemicals currently find their way into a litany of consumer products. Although many are toxic, less than 1% have been tested for human safety. Nonetheless, great quantities can still be found in our drinking water. How is this possible? Shouldn’t clean water be a fundamental right? These questions are both fair and important. Unfortunately, trusted regulatory bodies like the EPA often fail to adequately protect us. Science is often manipulated by companies that put profit over public health. And thus, industry pollution continues unsupervised -- and the consumer protection laws we do have in place remain unenforced. To better understand this reality -- how we got here and where to go from here -- I sat down with one of the most famous names in environmental activism. Meet the the singular and eminent Erin Brockovich. Best known as the legal file clerk who battled PG&E over polluted water in the town of Hinckley, CA, Ms. Brockovich was instrumental in architecting a case that resulted in the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in U.S. history. It’s a story that ended up on the big screen. Garnered Julia Roberts an Oscar for her portrayal of Erin under the direction of the great Steven Soderberg. And turned the name Erin Brockovich into not only a household name, but a verb. Today Erin delivers a master class on water, with one resounding takeaway: the problem is our's to solve. Simply put, we cannot rely on corporations or the government to protect us. An admittedly disheartening realization, it's also empowering -- a call to citizen activism to forge the better world we deserve. It's a theme Ms. Brockovich explores in her new book, Superman's Not Coming (and recently launched podcast of the same name), which both take a brutally honest look at how mismanagement, chemical spills, mishandling of toxic waste and sludge, and even fake studies have created the perfect storm in terms of damaging water systems in the United States. The result is making us sick. And destroying the environment along the way. This is a conversation about the outdated policies that perpetuate this pollution cycle, and the evil-overlord-level of deception that is happening in the corporations and government bodies we blindly trust. We discuss the regulatory landscape of clean water. How what most consider a human right has become politicized and weaponized. How to better educate yourself about your own water supply. And the actions to undertake in the event of an issue. In addition, we explore Erin’s upbringing. Her struggles with dyslexia. The experiences and mentors that fuel her perseverance. The case that brought her fame. And the vital work she has done since. Brimming with unexpected optimism, I think you will find Erin’s message a welcome break from the relentless apocalyptic doom presented by the 24-hour news cycle. A mighty, whip-smart and imposing force of nature, for many years I've deeply admired and respected Ms. Brockovich from afar. This conversation was an honor. And a powerful reminder of the indelible influence of the individual to create positive change and awaken a movement.  The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. My this one awaken you to action. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of Roll On—my bi-monthly deep dive into (semi) current events, topics of audience interest, and of course answers to your questions. Commanding co-host duties is my hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is also the author of One Breath, which chronicles the life and death of America's greatest freediver. He's also currently hard at work on a novel and just welcomed his newborn son into the world. Some of the many topics explored in today's conversation include: The new Netflix documentary, 'The Social Dilemma,' and the dangerous human impact of social media The mental health effects of the pandemic on teens Rich's exploration of barefoot running Ethan Hawke's new TED Talk, Give Yourself Permission To Be Creative 30 Day Single-Use Plastic Challenge Update The ÖTILLÖ Swimrun World Championship Tony Riddle's #3barepeaks challenge Maya Gabeira's big wave surfing world record  In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How do you balance climate consciousness with realistic needs? How do you know if you are living your purpose or should pursue a career change? How do we navigate professional relationships in the age of Zoom? Thank you to Mark from Germany, Josh from outside D.C., and Victoria from Ottawa for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.   The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

As 2020 continues to unfurl in a fashion beyond surreal, more and more are descending into the anguished abyss of distress. Awakening to acrid tangerine skies that have transformed sunny California into a Blade Runner dystopia, I myself vacillate between melancholia and a commitment to forge a better world. When the darkness descends, I find sanity in focusing only on those things I can control: my actions and reactions. Nonetheless, waves of anxiety -- and sometimes even despair -- continue to break on the shores of my consciousness. It is in these moments that I resort to a battery of simple but generally quite effective contrary actions. I spend time in nature. Double down on meditation and human connection. I eat better and move more. And I extend myself in service to others. To further explore the many practical and unexacting things we can all undertake during this stressful time to course-correct our emotional disposition, reframe our reality and sustainably serve our well-being, I'm joined by my friend Rangan Chatterjee, M.D. -- who today returns for a third spin on the RRP flywheel. One of the most influential doctors in the U.K., Rangan is a pioneer in the field of progressive, functional medicine. He is double board-certified in internal medicine and family medicine, holds an honors degree in immunology, and has appeared on seemingly every prominent media outlet from the BBC to The New York Times.  In addition, Rangan prevails over the wildly popular Feel Better, Live More podcast. His TEDx talk, How To Make Diseases Disappear, has been viewed almost 3 million times. And he is the author of three #1 Sunday Times bestselling books. The focus of today's conversation is his latest well-being tome, Feel Better In 5. A close cousin to my podcast with Atomic Habits author James Clear (RRP #401), today's exchange is all about habit change and habit formation. It's about the power of bite-sized actions. And how, when undertaken regularly, short and simple practices can rapidly and completely change your health and life. We discuss the difference between breaking bad habits versus crowding them out with new, better habits. We explore the realities of food addiction. Our epidemic of emotional eating. And Rangan's personal theory on cause and solution. We talk generally about holistic health and lifestyle medicine, and why progressive wellness should be accessible to all -- now more than ever. Interspersed throughout, Rangan shares how he has helped patients relieve stress, find fulfillment, and engender peace in these chaotic times. But most importantly, we explore his very simple, almost effortless, methods for building a new and sustainable lifestyle to serve our long-term health. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube (courtesy of Zoom). And as always, the conversation streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I always enjoy time spent with Rangan, even when it's remote. My hope is that you do as well -- and put his advice into action. Peace + Plants, Rich

Last week we went deep with an actual monk. Today we extend this exploration with a former monk -- a renounced renunciant who returned to relate the wisdom gleaned for the betterment of all. Meet Jay Shetty. If that name rings a bell, it's likely due to his social media omnipresence. With a global following in excess of 20 million people, Jay has a knack for creating what he calls viral wisdom -- snackable videos based on ancient tenets that have surpassed 7 billion views -- making him one of the most viewed people on the internet. A graduate of Cass Business school with an honors degree in Behavioral Science, Jay has been named one of Forbes magazine’s 30-under-30. He's been invited to keynote at companies like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook. He is the host of the popular On Purpose podcast. And the occasion for today’s conversation is Jay’s new book, Think Like A Monk --- a distillation of the timeless wisdom learned during his ascetic days on an ashram into practical tools we can all use to live a less anxious, more meaningful life. Today the man Russell Brand (RRP 448) calls 'a cat-eyed mystic' shares his story. This is a conversation about Jay's most unusual journey. His decision to shirk the predictable post-college path and instead move to India. The three-year exploration of austerity that indelibly changed his worldview. His decision to return home, fueled by a desire to make an impact. And the most remarkable path that followed. We discuss the insights he gleaned along the way -- and the many tools freely available to underscore our lives with greater meaning and purpose. Among many other subjects, we explore the plausibility of conscious capitalism. The double-edged sword of social media. And how to use commerce and attention for good. To spread love. Encourage laughter. And arouse souls from the waking dream that defines the lives of far too many. Note: This was taped pre-pandemic over 6 months ago, when the world was a very different place. Coronavirus delayed the original release of Jay’s book from Spring to Fall, so I agreed to hold on publishing this episode until now. You can watch it all go down (in my original home studio) on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This conversation is more than just whimsical ramblings. Jay’s methods for mindfulness and self-actualization are evidence-based and platitude-free. Just perceptions and practical takeaways you can adopt right now that will positively reconfigure your reality. I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange. Peace + Plants, Rich

As a reminder that we are spiritual beings inhabiting a material world -- wandering this rotating orb as it hurls across the multiverse — it's time to once again transcend the mortal coil to connect with all things ethereal. Our guide for today's celestial adventure is the candescent Radhanath Swami. A New York Times best-selling author, monk, philanthropist, activist and teacher, his Holiness Radhanath Swami is a man that radiates love, compassion and grace with a sweet and joyous disposition that has immeasurably impacted millions of souls across the world. Born Richard Slavin to middle-class parents in Chicago, he came of age amidst the strife and upheaval of the 1960s. A social activist, he slowly became disillusioned with the structural mandates of the western civilized way of life. So, still in his late teens, he left Chicago behind in search of greater meaning. After hitchhiking across the world, he felt called to India. There he met his spiritual teacher, catalyzing his transformation into the mystic he is today. Along the way, Radhanath Swami has founded multiple spiritual communities throughout the world, the most prominent of which is the Radha-Gopinath Ashram located in Mumbai, India. Under his inspiration and guidance, the project has grown to include hospitals, orphanages, a UN-awarded eco-friendly farm, schools, temples, emergency relief programs, and a food distribution program that feeds more than 300,000 children in India every single day.  In addition, he teaches Eastern philosophy and spiritually throughout Europe, Asia, and America. His wisdom has reached over 100,000,000 views on social media in the last year. He has been featured as a guest speaker at Oxford, Cambridge, Princeton, Harvard, Columbia and Stanford, and at corporations such as HSBC, Microsoft, Facebook, Google, Intel and Oracle. Along the way he has met with many a world leader, including Barak Obama and former Prime ministers Tony Blair, David Cameron and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Today he shares his story. This conversation is fueled by my concern for cultural cohesion -- a desire to help mend the vitriolic division and existential tension that is tearing us apart. Therefore, beyond exploring Radhanath Swami's story of origin, we spend the gravamen of our exchange examining what he calls 'the light'. It's about how to embody the space within ourselves that brims with compassion and empathy -- and why a committed spiritual practice is more important now than ever. I understand that some may recoil when it comes to topics spiritual. But this is not about religion. And it's not about dogma. Simply put, it's about why love is the answer. So look past the robe. Set aside preconceived opinions. Open your heart a crack. And be present to receive what this evolved human has to share. If you do, I think this powerful conversation will leave you feeling nourished, more hopeful and immensely more positive about our global predicament.  Today's mind meld is viewable (via Zoom) on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I hope you enjoy today's episode in the spirit in which it is offered -- with radiant love. Peace + Plants, Rich

Hot on the heels of Down To Earth -- the #1 hit Netflix series in which he co-stars alongside Zac Efron -- today my superfood hunting, brother-from-another-mother Darin Olien returns for his 4th appearance on the podcast to blow minds and drop wisdom on all things nutrition, hydration, ecological preservation, longevity, and living a high-vibration life. One of my most popular guests to date, Darin’s biography reads like a Hemingway adventure novel. Devoted to advancing human health, ecological preservation and sustainability, he's spent the better part of the last 20 years embedded in remote farming communities across the Himalayas, South Pacific, Latin America and Asia, scavenging for the most nutritionally potent plants, nuts, and seeds on the planet. His most recent obsession is Barùkas (aka the baru nut) -- an incredibly nutrient-rich superfood known to the indigenous tribes of the Brazilian Cerrado for millennia, yet virtually unheard of anywhere else. This discovery led to Darin to an epiphany: he could help preserve the Cerrado (which is a tropical savanna ecoregion three times the size of Texas) by employing its indigenous communities to harvest the native baru and importing them to North America. A win-win to preserve precious environmental resources, support indigenous communities, and simultaneously introduce North America to the healthiest nut on the planet. Everything Darin has learned over the decades is laid bare on the pages of Superlife, his New York Times bestselling primer on all things health and well-being. His 121Tribe.com app will put you on a 21-day lifestyle-changing diet and exercise program. And his recently launched podcast, The Darin Olien Show, is already killing the game. Down To Earth introduced to a broad, mainstream audience what I've always known about this incredible human: A man who truly walks his talk, Darin is the real deal. Picking up where we left off two years ago in RRP 382, Darin and I discuss all things Down To Earth. The show's origins. What it was like collaborating with a global superstar. May this conversation leave you understanding why Darin is the first person I turn to for advice not just on nutrition and fitness -- but on all manner of subjects related to living my best authentic life. For those new to me and Big D, we’ve logged about 6 hours of extraordinary back catalog conversation over the years. I highly suggest you visit those archived episodes, which you can find here: RRP 382, RRP 268, and RRP 153. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. It is with pride, love and gratitude that I share the wisdom of my friend and mentor with you today. Peace + Plants, Rich

When you hear the word ‘addiction’, our attention typically turns to mind-altering substances -- illicit drugs, alcohol, and prescription medications. Typically overlooked in this conversation? Food. But food addiction isn't just real, it just might be our biggest problem. In fact, the hyper-industrialized western world is firmly entrenched in an epidemic of dysfunctional eating, fueled by an outsized appetite for an ever-increasing array of highly processed foods that are scientifically designed -- with just the right amount of sugar, salt and fat -- to hijack our nervous system. Enslave us to compulsive habits that lead to illness. And ultimately render us wards of the pharmaceutical industry. So how does one effectively transition to a healthy diet sustained over time?  According to Dr. Alan Goldhamer, a great place to start is by fasting.  I'm not talking about a couple days of drinking juice. I'm talking about nothing but water for upwards of 40 days. Even with strict medical supervision it sounds like scary quackery. But over the last few decades, Dr. Goldhamer has successfully supervised over 20,000 patient fasts. Along the way, he has seen lives transformed wholesale. Unhealthy eating habit addictions broken. Medications ditched. And countless illnesses overcome. An iconoclastic pioneer in his field, Dr. Goldhamer is the founder of True North Health Center, one of the first (and largest) facilities in the world that specializes in medically supervised water-only fasting, along with medical and chiropractic services, psychotherapy and counseling, and more. Today he joins the podcast to walk us through all things fasting, food addiction, and the power of a whole plant diet to prevent and reverse the many chronic lifestyle ailments that unnecessarily impair millions of people across the world. We explore all things water fasting, from it's origins dating back thousands of years across many cultures and religious traditions to the protocol Dr. Goldhamer administers today. We discuss how fasting can create the foundation to transition to a sustainable, healthy whole food plant diet. And we explore why he advocates an 'SOS' (very low salt oil and sugar) version of that diet. But more than anything, this is a powerful discourse on our uncomfortable relationship with food. How most of us don’t realize we are killing ourselves with our fork and knife. How our food, and our food culture, is making us fat, sick, and frankly miserable. And how almost all of us, despite weight and health, use food as an emotional crutch.  I'm well aware that Dr. Goldhamer is controversial in certain circles. His approach represents a radical departure from our traditional western medical paradigm. But he also makes a lot of sense. And his results speak for themselves (I have several personal friends who have undergone his protocol). Final Note: Under no circumstances should anyone undertake a water fast of any length without the medical supervision of a trained professional. In other words, please do not try this at home. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. My hope is that Dr. Goldhamer will inspire you to think more deeply about the body's profound ability to heal itself when treated properly. That food freedom is possible. And that none of us need fall prey to chronic food-borne illness. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of Roll On—my bi-monthly deep dive into (semi) current events, topics of audience interest, and of course answers to your questions. Once again serving up co-host duties is hype man Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is also the author of One Breath, which chronicles the life and death of America's greatest freediver, and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today's conversation include: Heart rate zones, aerobic training, functional strength & dynamic workouts The Beirut explosion, Rich's experiences in Beirut & how you can help  The politicization of USPS & compromised integrity of our forthcoming election Finding mentors in our every day lives Bureo Hat & Net Positiva -- products from recycled fishing nets The 30 Day No Single Use Plastic Challenge What is going on with QAnon LeBron James & Patrick Mahomes tackle voter suppression In addition, we answer the following listener questions: How is creative expression related to well-being? How does one move forward post-breakup? If there is a through-line of sobriety, diet, and endurance, what is the universal truth that threads them together? And my thoughts on Joe Rogan moving from LA to Texas, and the mass exodus of digital workers in this age of work from home.  Thank you to Camille from Illinois, Gabriel from Puerto Rico, Josh from North Carolina, and John for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.   This is one of my increasingly rare audio-only podcasts — you can find it streaming wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of conversing with many an Olympian, each with a uniquely impressive journey from obscurity to heights most can’t fathom. But what happens after the medal ceremony wraps, the klieg lights shutter, and the career comes to a close? When your entire life is centered on a moment now passed, how do you then shift overnight from podium to pedestrian?  One would presume the many skills learned as an athlete -- mindset, focus, discipline, and teamwork -- would translate to seemless success in the civilian world. Ironically, that presumption would be misplaced. In truth, this transition is fraught, and has felled some the greatest competitors among us. We love to celebrate our Olympic heroes. We relish in the dissection of their habits, wrapt in what makes them tick; what makes them great; and what distinguishes the very best from everyone else -- all in service to that sliver of inspiration and applicability to our own lives. From private mental health struggles to debt, loss of identity and a lack of opportunities in retirement, the systems sending our athletes to the Olympics aren’t supporting them well in the long haul. And it’s gotta change. That change begins now, starting with the recently released HBO documentary, The Weight of Gold. Expanding upon a recurring theme of this podcast, the film presents a potent look at the mental health challenges our Olympians often face from their lived perspective. Executive produced and narrated by Michael Phelps, the world’s most athletically accomplished mental health advocate, it features a myriad of celebrated athletes, including today's guest. Meet Apolo Ohno, here to help untangle this dark thread that connects those who have stood in the spotlight. An eight-time Olympic medalist in short track speed skating, Apolo is the most decorated American Olympian at the Winter Olympics, and was inducted into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2019. He is a Twelve-time U.S. champion, a three-time overall World Cup champion and in 2008 he was Overall World Championship gold medalist. Despite his post-athlete career successes, Apolo knows well the mental perils of elite athleticism. Raised by a single dad, Apolo took his dream all the way to the very top. When it was over he didn't just face what might come next. For the first time he had to discover who he was off the rink--and reimagine his life wholesale. This is a conversation about what it’s like to have a passion with a shelf life. The mental health repercussions of Olympic pursuit. And the pitfalls of prodigious success at a young age. More broadly, it's a dialog about why we sabotage ourselves, and how to break this bad habit. And it’s about deconstructing those preconditioned beliefs we all have about who we are and what we are capable of achieving. Today, one of history's all-time great Olympians provides a master class in mindset and intention: how to use it to our advantage, and what it takes to break the mold of what is possible.  My hope is that this conversation will help you form a more holistic idea of who you are and what you seek to offer the world. I hope it encourages you to see the strength in vulnerability and the power in asking for help.  But more than anything, I hope it breaks whatever illusion you have about what an Olympic athlete is and what an Olympic athlete is not. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. May you receive Apolo with an open heart. Peace + Plants, Rich

We are living in a moment of compounding collective stress---personal, pandemic, economic, civic, and political. This trauma and tumult comes with side effects both physical and psychological.  How do we take care of our bodies during this incredibly stressful moment? Furthermore, how do we buttress our immune system to combat the virus? The answer, we are increasingly coming to understand, begins with the microbiome. In fact, you might be surprised to learn, the gut is home to 70% of our immune system. To glean a better understanding of what that means, I convened with Dr. Will Bulsiewicz, a lauded gastroenterologist & gut health guru whose life’s work is devoted to better comprehending the microbiome and the crucial role it plays in all facets of health, from brain function and hormone balance to weight management and everything in between. Affectionately known as 'Dr. B', Will is a graduate of Georgetown School of Medicine and a former chief medical resident at Northwestern Memorial Hospital and chief gastroenterology fellow at the University of North Carolina Hospitals. In addition, he received his Master of Science in Clinical Investigation (MSCI) from Northwestern University and a certificate in nutrition from Cornell University. He's authored more than twenty articles in the top American gastroenterology journals and his New York Times bestselling book, Fiber Fueled: The Plant Based Gut Health Program For Losing Weight, Restoring Your Health, and Optimizing Your Microbiome, is a must-read primer on why gut health is so crucial--and everything you need to know to optimize it. Since the beginning of the pandemic, I’ve lamented the mainstream media's lack of attention to caring for our immune system. So today we dive in. This is a conversation about all things microbiome and gut health. The mechanisms behind it and latest research findings. We discuss our epidemic of dysbiosis (lack of gut biome balance) and its relation to a litany of chronic diseases that unnecessarily plague too many.  We explore the gut-brain connection. The paramount need to increase the biodiversity in our bodies and our environments. And (sorry carnivores) why fiber is king. In addition, in this time of excessive sterilization and sequestration, Dr. B provides practical takeaways on how we can improve our gut flora and optimize our immune system, without putting ourselves and others at risk. And finally, we talk fecal transplants. Because, let's face it, I can’t have a gastroenterologist on the show and not ask about that. It was an honor to to converse with Dr. B--a fresh, new mind making big waves on the plant-based, microbiome scene. Passionate, empathetic and whip-smart, I enjoyed every minute. And I promise you will walk away from this episode armed to take your health to the next level. Note: I first came across Dr. B's work by way of his many appearances on my friend Simon Hill's wonderful Plant Proof Podcast (which you should all check out). The pandemic prevented an in-person exchange, so this conversation was recorded remotely a few months ago. Apologies in advance for any audio issues. We did the best we could. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of Roll On—my bi-weekly deep dive into (semi) current events, topics of audience interest, and of course answers to your questions. Once again serving up co-host duties is Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is also the author of One Breath, which chronicles the life and death of America's greatest freediver, and is currently hard at work on a novel. Some of the many topics explored in today's conversation include: An update on ultrarunner Tommy Rivs' battle with lymphoma; Endurance training first principles; Why building a Zone 2 base is critical; DHS failures & overreach; Cancel culture: the Harper's Letter & Bari Weiss; Gear review show & tell; and Wins of the week: Kai Lenny & Valarie Allman In addition we answer the following listener questions: How to live with an angry & abusive alcoholic? The paralyzing perils of self-help addiction Daily habits to thrive What changes should be made to public education? Is it worth writing and sharing your story? How to effectively work with your spouse or partner Thank you to Jake from Kansas City, Jackson from Wyoming, Adam from Alberta, Canada, Jeremy in Sant Michael, Minnesota, and Henry in Los Angeles for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.   The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

When you hear the words “professional runner” what image pops into your head? Most likely it's some version of a skinny white male in tiny shorts. Let’s just say Mirna Valerio is here to smash that stereotype — and completely redefine what it means to be an accomplished endurance athlete. She's not White. She's not a dude. And she isn't skinny. She is a total badass of her own design. Back for a long-awaited sequel to RRP #340, Mirna is back to drop truth bombs left and right on all things body inclusion, identity, and diversity in the outdoors. For those new to Mirna, aka the force of nature affectionately known as The Mirnavator, she is one of the most inspirational athletes I have ever met — a true ambassador of sport on a mission to empower humans of all shapes, sizes, colors and genders to proudly embrace their bodies, expand their horizons, and own their personal truth. Today’s conversation picks up where we last left off, spanning her evolution into a full-time sponsored running professional to her work as as a diversity and inclusion educator. We talk about identity, and the way in which we see ourselves as the lens through which we interpret the world. We discuss the difference between body inclusion versus body positivity and acceptance. We talk about everyday racism in the outdoor world and industry--and the work required to assess and overcome our own internalized unconscious beliefs. And it's about defining your values and embodying them in your actions--day in and day out. Mirna’s joyful self-acceptance is both real and rare. It’s authentic and bold. And it's as infectious as it is inclusive. She is totally unapologetic, far from sheepish, and 100% herself. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I must confess: after almost 130 days in relative quarantine, melancholy has crept up on me. But there is something about Mirna’s gleeful demeanor that cheered me up. I think she will cheer you up as well. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

In the words of today's guest, "we are in a moment of acute collective suffering." I couldn't agree more. From our nation’s current civil rights struggles to a metastasizing global pandemic, the pain is real, exacerbated by acurrent political system that seems hardwired to exacerbate problems, yet rather inept at actually solving them. Fomenting a collective sense of existential dread is the dark beast of climate change, an accelerating background hum that can leave even the most optimistic among us feeling powerless. Because we are not nearing the edge of a cliff. We have already flung ourselves off. Hitting the brakes isn't enough. We need to jam the engine into reverse. We need an immediate call to action. We need a 'Manhattan Project' scale approach to reckon with the objective truth of our dire predicament. Margaret Klein Salamon, PhD is here to guide us.  A Harvard graduate and self-dubbed “climate psychologist,” Margaret is the founder and executive director of The Climate Mobilization, a volunteer organization dedicated to initiating a transformation of the economy, politics, and society to respond to the climate emergency. She is also the author of  Facing the Climate Emergency: How to Transform Yourself with Climate Truth, an emotional guide to processing our impending apocalypse, and the subject of today's exchange. Recorded remotely in early June, this is a conversation about our emotional response to climate change, and tools for contributing to the positive change required of us. It's about the intersectionality of the climate crisis--it’s ties to the pandemic as well as the protests. It’s about the inherent conflict between capitalism and environmentalism--and how we must de-couple corporate self-interest from the public good.  And it’s about how to deal with weaponized media and the way in which we are being spoon-fed lies by conglomerated industry over-invested in maintaining the status quo. But more than anything, this is a discourse about effective altruism--and the actionable steps we can take now to backtrack from the global suicide we are nearing. It's normal to feel disheartened. Action seems futile. And 2020 has maxed out our collective bandwidth when it comes to crises and revolutions. But embracing the truth and finding a way to contribute to positive change is not only mandatory -- it’s a path to hope. To girding your life with more meaning, inclusion and empathy. This is one of my increasingly rare audio-only podcasts. You can find the is streaming wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Margaret’s ideologies have totally reframed how I perceive, address, and talk about the climate crisis. My hope is that her words offer you a perspective that is honest and hopeful. But more than anything, my hope is that it inspires you to do something. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to another edition of Roll On—my bi-weekly deep dive into (semi) current events, topics of audience interest, and of course answers to your questions. Serving up hype-man duties is Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, and Men’s Health. He is the author of One Breath, which chronicles the life and death of America's greatest freediver, and is currently hard at work on a novel. Today's conversation begins with a quick update on my forthcoming book Voicing Change and the subscription offering we are currently building. We then pivot to ruminations on goal setting based upon my personal experience and that of my many past guests. We talk about the latest coverage of the coronavirus, spikes across the country, the mask-authoritarianism debate, and the current constitutional crisis occurring in Portland. We honor the legacy of John Lewis, exploring his history and many accomplishments, including his pivotal role in the civil rights movement. We shoutout my friends Utkarsh Ambudkar and Darin Olien and their respective Netflix offerings: We Are Freestyle Love Supreme and Down to Earth--both mandatory quarantine viewing. We discuss the KFC-Beyond Chicken collaboration debut. And we send some love to legendary ultra runner Tommy Rivs — a beloved athlete and friend currently in the ICU (now in a coma since recording) suffering from undiagnosed COVID-like symptoms and severe respiratory distress. If you're able, please consider a donation to Tommy's GoFundMe to ameliorate medical expenses. A little goes a long way. And finally, we switch gears to answer a few questions submitted by audience members on our Facebook Group page and voicemail. How can we best ration our time between consumption and creation? What can we do to abate feelings of powerlessness and fatalism about the future of humanity and the planet? How do you maintain sanity while both working and being a parent and part-time teacher during this unique time in history? And How do you ease into running? The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Thank you to Patrick Dean, Bel Rumi, Joe from Pittsburgh, Bill Lawrence and Julie from Minnesota for your questions. If you want your query discussed, drop it on our Facebook Page, or better yet leave a voicemail at (424) 235-4626.  I'm digging this new format. I hope you find it equal parts entertaining and informative. Peace + Plants, Rich

You can’t teach an old dog new tricks. Past the ripe age of 25, we are fully cooked; calcified in our ways. So dispense with the idea of learning a new language, skill, or thought pattern—it’s just not happening. But what if that idea is simply false? What if I told you that you actually have the power to change your brain and reprogram your perception, irrespective of age? This is the life’s work of today’s guest, Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. A neuroscientist and tenured professor in the Department of Neurobiology at Stanford University School of Medicine, Andrew specializes in neuroplasticity--the brain's ability to reorganize and repair itself by forming new neural connections throughout life. In addition, his work in the Huberman Lab at Stanford has been featured on the pages of Science, Discover, Scientific American, Time, and the New York Times, not to mention countless peer-reviewed journals. First and foremost, this is a conversation about what it really takes to shift our thought patterns. A master class on all things neuroplasticity, Dr. Huberman walks us through the brain's inherent ability to modify itself based on experience and how we can advantageously leverage this process--through focus, mindfulness and restorative sleep--to not only learn new skills but also improve all essential aspects of well-being. We cover his research in self-motivation, and how we can hijack our dopamine systems and optimize stress to move forward in difficult situations.  We discuss the inner workings of our nervous systems and how we can use our physical bodies—our diaphragms and visual systems—to access and optimize certain states of mind. And we also explore Dr. Huberman’s personal transformation. How he transcended family dysfunction and his days as a punk rock skater truant. And the most unlikely path he blazed to becoming the celebrated scientist he is today. Andrew teaches us that to shift the way that you function, changing your behavior is the first step.  I just see it as the science backing my favorite mantra -- mood follows action. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The Appetizer: People seemed to enjoy my previous brief check-in segments with Mishka Shubaly and Nadia Bolz-Weber so I thought I’d do it again. Today’s main course warm-up comes courtesy of my friend Utkarsh Ambudkar, the linguistically dexterous musician, actor and rapper longtime listeners will recall from RRP #373. The occasion is the release of We Are Freestyle Love Supreme--a must see documentary that chronicles a tribe of über-talented artists--including UTK and one Lin-Manuel Miranda--from humble beginnings to Broadway superstardom. I love this film. Check it immediately on Hulu (and no, this is not a sponsored thing). I am super impressed by Andrew, his story and the crucial work he is doing. And grateful for the practical tools graciously shared today. May this exchange serve to expand your perception, capabilities, and worldview. Peace + Plants, Rich

A powerful primer on all matters pandemic pertinent, today Michael Greger, M.D., FACLM returns for his fourth appearance on the podcast to answer all your coronavirus queries and more. A graduate of Cornell University and Tufts University School of Medicine as well as a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Greger is the nutrition science wizard behind NutritionFacts.org — the world’s most authoritative, non-profit, science-based public service destination for all things nutrition, health and disease prevention. His massively popular books, including How Not to Die, How Not To Diet, and their cookbook analogues, all became instant New York Times Best Sellers and crowned Dr. Greger a media darling, his excitable face popping up everywhere from The Dr. Oz Show to The Colbert Report. Less well known is the fact that, prior to his focus on nutrition, Dr. Greger had an entire career as an internationally-recognized expert on public health. A specialist in emerging infectious diseases, he's been sounding the pandemic alarm for over a decade. Back then, nobody was listening. Now they are. To wit, Dr. Greger's latest release, How To Survive A Pandemic, now available in audiobook and kindle with a paperback version hitting the shelves August 18, forms the basis of today's conversation. Today's exchange is hyper focused on the public and political health disaster that is the novel coronavirus. The even more deadly impending H7N9 bird flu. And the common thread between these and other zoonotic diseases: humanity's broken relationship with animals. In general terms, I seize the opportunity to ask Dr. Greger his expert opinion on all my (and perhaps your) lingering questions about what exactly is happening. Where it started. Where it's going. How we prevent future pandemics. And how we survive this one. And perhaps the most fundamental question of all, how can we stop the emergence of pandemics in the first place? The answer begins with the dismantling of our industrialized factory farming infrastructure. Not only are America’s factory farms vile for the animals and the workers that slaughter them, but they are essentially breeding grounds for future pandemics. This is a call for the eradication of these systems--a moral imperative if we want to preserve not only our environment but the long-term viability of our species. This is an important, alarming, and downright terrifying moment of truth. So pay attention. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If you're new to the show and interested in exploring Dr. Greger's work in nutrition, jump back to RRP #7, #199, and #522. It’s scary out there folks, but Dr. G, ever the enthusiastic optimist, remains hopeful. That gives me hope. And hopefully gives you a little. hope too. In the meantime, be kind. Peace + Plants, Rich Roll

Welcome to the third installment of Roll On—my bi-weekly deep dive into (semi) current events, topics of audience interest, and of course answers to your questions. Serving up co-host duties is Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist is perhaps best known as David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, Men’s Health and many others; and he is the author of One Breath, which chronicles the life and death of Nick Mevoli, America's greatest freediver. Today's conversation begins with a few exciting announcements: an update on a new book I'm close to completing and a premium subscription offering I am currently contemplating. We then pivot to ruminations on a few noteworthy current events. Adam and I share thoughts on everything from writer’s block and cancel culture to the conspiratorial bent that is shifting the character of certain swaths of the wellness community. We talk Kanye, including my experience attending his Sunday Service. We explore the manner in which people become manipulated by the vicissitudes of the YouTube algorithm—and why we should all be on high alert when it comes to the quality of our media diet. And we each share a few tidbits of good news. We then switch gears to answer a handful of questions submitted by audience members on our Facebook Group page: How do you find purpose? What are the secrets to maintaining goals? How can we be more mindful?  What is the nature of cognitive dissonance and confirmation bias? The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Finally, I would love your feedback to help inform my thinking on a premium subscription offering (don't worry the podcast will always be free). Let me know your thoughts in the survey pinned to the top of our Facebook Group Page, where you can also submit questions for future episodes. We're also going to create a voicemail for future questions to be read on air. I'm having fun with this new format. I hope you find it equal parts entertaining and informative.  In the words of Guru Singh, right now more than ever we all need less emotion and more devotion. I challenge you to embody this. Peace + Plants, Rich

Over the last several episodes, I’ve endeavored to shoulder healthy and thoughtful conversations about what matters most right now — the pandemic, racial injustice, systemic racism, police brutality and food injustice. Today we shift from that somber gear for an interlude of reprieve. Enter entertainment’s ultimate plant-based father-daughter duo: Kevin Smith and Harley Quinn Smith. For the few unfamiliar among us, Kevin is an indie film making legend, actor, comedian, comic book writer, author and early podcast pioneer — a voice I credit as a huge influence on my personal career behind a microphone. In 1994, Kevin burst into prominence with his hyper low-budget comedy Clerks, a film he wrote, directed, co-produced, and filmed in the convenience store where he worked. Premiering at Sundance, it was fêted with the festival’s highest award before going on to become an indie cult classic. In addition to countless appearances in both movies and television, Kevin has created a litany of films, affectionately and collectively referred to by his many rabid fans as the View Askewiverse, a nod to Kevin’s production shingle, View Askew Productions. Returning to his roots (did he ever leave?), Kevin toured his latest film, Jay and Silent Bob Reboot (featuring names like Chris Hemsworth and Ben Affleck) to roadshow box office success, promoting it with pre-pandemic live events in over 60 cities across North America. An iconic and beloved character amongst indie film fans and comic book nerds, Kevin has always been immediately recognizable and famous for his hockey jerseys, backward hat and well, his weight.  But in February of 2018, Kevin had a near-fatal heart attack. A lifestyle change was needed. Desperately. Enter Harley. An actress, animal rights activist and bass player for the bubblegum punk band, The Tenth, Harley suggested —some might say coerced—Kevin to adopt her plant-based ways. Kevin obliged. In short, he dropped 50 pounds and kept the weight off. His blood work normalized. And the rest is history. Together they recently launched Vegan Abattoir—a daddy daughter podcast affair that provides plant-based answers to the vegan-curious questions they get from a meat-eating and dairy-drinking audience. Dare you enter? If so you can catch yours truly in episode 2. Picking up where I left off with Kevin in last year’s barnburner 2.5 hour Vulcan mind meld (RRP #433), Today’s discussion centers primarily on veganism and animal rights. What led Harley to adopt this lifestyle, the way it has transformed her life, and that of her Dad.  It’s about the many projects these two have up their sleeve, from restaurants to non-profits, to upcoming films. It’s a peek into the life of a Hollywood family, and the complicated dynamics of the movie biz and stardom — including a touching remembrance of Stan Lee and the story behind Harley landing a Manson girl part in Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood. The gleeful banter between Harley and Kevin is infectious. And while this conversation is light, I promise there is much to be gleaned — especially if you are new to the vegan world or perhaps contemplating a more-plant based approach to your plate and life. I’ve interviewed a lot of people. Few are as skilled as Kevin in the art of conversation. And Harley just made it all so much better. Enjoy! Peace + Plants, Rich

Today I reconnect with my friends John Salley & John Lewis to discuss the black experience, race in America, food injustice, and where we go from here. A legit living legend, John Salley is the first basketball player in history to win four NBA championships with three different teams -- the Pistons, Bulls & Lakers -- in three different decades. A long-time vegan, Salley is also a passionate animal rights and healthy nutrition advocate (which we discussed in RRP 180). In addition, he’s an absolutely relentless entrepreneur, involved in a myriad of enterprises from vegan wine to cannabis. A prominent, ultra-positive voice in the vegan movement, John Lewis -- aka The Badass Vegan -- is a public speaker, personal trainer, and entrepreneur who can now add filmmaker to the resume. In partnership with mutual friend Keegan Kuhn (RRP 91, 176, 278, & 397), the co-director behind Cowspiracy, What The Health, and Running For Good, John is inching towards completion of They’re Trying To Kill Us -- a powerful upcoming documentary that examines the impact of food & health injustice on disenfranchised African American communities (a subject I first explored with John in RRP 260). Today we break bread. Black Lives Matter. Police misconduct. The pernicious nature of systemic racism. How religious institutions embed white supremacy. We also discuss the importance of black leadership and entrepreneurship. And we close with thoughts on food injustice -- how our broken food system negatively and disproportionately impacts communities of color. But most of all, this is a conversation about what is necessary to make things right. What black and brown communities need from white allies. And the ways in which we can grow, change, and do better -- together. Note: Check out the recently released and incredibly compelling trailer for They're Trying To Kill Us. Then visit the film's Indiegogo campaign to learn how you can support the film. Language Advisory: This one is packed with expletives, so pop on the earbuds if you got kiddos in the backseat. Finally, I suspect this will be an uncomfortable conversation for some; maybe for many. I invite you to listen or watch with an open mind and heart.  Notwithstanding, these guys are a total blast. I love them both. I'm grateful for their friendship -- and their honesty. The visually inclined can watch our conversation on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.   Strap in. Peace + Plants, Rich

Welcome to the second installment of our newly-minted 'ask me anything' themed series, 'Roll On:' -- a twist on my usual format in which I share my thoughts on select topics and answer audience questions. Serving up co-host duties is Adam Skolnick, an activist and veteran journalist perhaps best known as David Goggins' Can't Hurt Me co-author. Adam has written about adventure sports, environmental issues and civil rights for outlets such as The New York Times, Outside, ESPN, BBC, Men’s Health and many others; and he is the author of One Breath, which chronicles the life and death of Nick Mevoli, America's greatest freediver. Today's conversation begins with a few thoughts on the current protests and a review of recent podcast feedback. We also discuss the intersectionality of food insecurity and social justice. And we examine the importance of healing our food deserts -- a featured theme in next week's episode with filmmaker John Lewis and NBA legend John Salley. The podcast then pivots to answer five relatively philosophical questions submitted by audience members on our Facebook Group page: How do we move past the stories that hold us back? When do you remain open and when do you stand your ground? How do you deal with imposter syndrome? How do you deal with conflict? And How do you discern truth from fiction in the era of fake news? It's about reclaiming your truth. Breaking down negative feedback loops. And crafting a gentler, more objectively honest narrative about who you are and what you're capable of. The visually inclined can watch our conversation on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.  This series (and recent episodes) is an experiment in venturing out of my comfort zone. An effort to grow. And a commitment to evolve the show. I appreciate you taking the leap with me. I hope you find the content valuable -- and in service to forging a stronger RRP community. Peace + Plants, Rich

 Against the backdrop of a global pandemic has emerged the most powerful civil rights movement of our lifetime -- an irrefutably historic moment that will indelibly shape the economic, political, and social fabric of our country for decades to come. To help us untangle the rhetoric behind our country's supercharged division, today Knox Robinson joins the podcast. Returning for his second appearance on the show (RRP #394 rests among my all time favorite episodes), Knox is a writer, athlete, national caliber runner, eponymous curator of running culture, and an astute student of black history, art, literature, music and poetry. Formally commencing under the tutelage Poet Laureate Maya Angelou at Wake Forest University, Knox's education has continued throughout the many chapters of his life. As a spoken word artist and music manager. As editor-in-chief of Fader magazine. And more recently as co-founder and captain of Black Roses NYC -- a diverse collective of running enthusiasts who routinely gather to hammer out intervals across Brooklyn & downtown Manhattan. Put plainly, urban culture is Knox's lifeblood. One of the most interesting and multi-faceted humans I have ever met, today Knox shares an important perspective on America's crossroads.  This is an investigation into the culture shifts caused by the pandemic and protests alike.  It's a conversation about the intersection of sport, politics and civil rights. Black American representation in athletics. And where we go from here. It's also about virtue signaling. Performative allyship. And why reading White Fragility simply isn’t enough.  But more than anything, this is a conversation about the power and poetics of running. Running as metaphor. Running as an act of rebellion — and the disturbing symbolism behind Ahmaud Arbery’s murder.  I left this exchange better for having had it.  The visually inclined can watch our conversation on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. This is a special conversation. I'm better for having had it. I hope you will be similarly impacted. Peace + Plants, Rich

Mass demonstrations continue to spread across the nation — and now, the world — for the 20th day and counting. For many, this has been a wake-up call. An uncomfortable reckoning with the vast extent to which misuse of power, police abuse, and racism (both overt and covert) are baked into the very fabric of our nation. But for black people, African Americans and people of color, that pain, violence, and fear is an everyday reality. On a personal note, I’m determined to better understanding this unfortunate dynamic. The history that led to it. The systemic nature of it. The institutions that perpetuate it. And the solutions required for its long-overdue undoing. Part of that commitment is sharing an increased diversity voices. Towards that end, today I reconnect with my friend Byron Davis, alongside Pastor Phil Allen, Jr. An O.G. podcast guest dating back to early 2013 (RRP #14), Byron is a former USA Swimming National Team member, American Record holder, UCLA All-American, and Ironman who holds the distinction of falling just three-tenths of a second shy of becoming the first African-American to make the USA Olympic Men's Swimming Team. Phil is a pastor, teacher, poet, and the filmmaker behind Open Wounds, a powerful documentary that delves into the reality of intergenerational trauma through the story of his grandfather’s murder and the police’s subsequent refusal to investigate it (now available on Vimeo on demand). Today Byron and Phil share their perspective on the protests. The BLM movement as a whole. And its potential to catalyze significant structural change.  Bluntly put, this is an important conversation about what it means to be black in America.  It’s about the economic history of slavery in the United States. It’s about the extent to which racism is perpetuated systemically — by way of policy, law, economics, politics & generations of socialization. It’s about the ways in which white supremacy is embedded into the bedrock of our institutions — from religious and political to educational and judicial. And it’s about confronting the pernicious manner in which racism lives, breathes, and persists — often completely unconsciously — within ourselves. This country has arrived at a critical crossroads. A choice to implode or heal. The higher path demands responsibility. The awakening requires we examine history from a different perspective. It demands we define our personal and national values. And it dictates that we align those values with action. To dismantle what is broken. To rebuild our institutions. To reframe our relationships -- and ourselves. I’m grateful to Byron & Phil for their openness, patience & vulnerability. For sharing their perspective on race, personal encounters with racism, and stories of pain. The visually inclined can watch our conversation on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I truly believe that conversations like this are crucial if we want to finally transcend our past, learn, grow, and lead by example. To echo Cornel West, what we don’t need are lukewarm folk. We don’t need 'summer soldiers’.  What we need are all season love warriors. It is this spirit that I offer today's conversation. May you receive it with an open heart. Peace + Plants, Rich

It feels wrong to talk about anything other than this current historic moment. So let's address it, head on. The first in what I anticipate will be an ongoing series of ask-me-anything themed episodes we're calling 'Roll On:', I'm joined today by Adam Skolnick to discuss all things Black Lives Matter. Best known as the co-author of David Goggins' juggernaut memoir, Can't Hurt Me, Adam is an activist and veteran adventure journalist who has traveled the world writing for The New York Times, Playboy, Outside, ESPN, BBC, Men’s Health, and many other prominent publications. You may recall his outstanding reporting on Colin O'Brady's historic solo Antarctica traverse in 2018 for The New York Times. And long-time listeners will fondly remember his 2016 appearance on the podcast (RRP #218), in which we discussed One Breath — his poetic biography of Nicholas Mevoli, America’s greatest freediver. Shifting roles from host to guest, today I share a perspective on race in America. Civil rights and social unrest. White privilege. And how I'm actively seeking to better myself — and this podcast as a whole. The RRP is not a news program. And it's not a political talk show. But it is a show about what is important. It's about having conversations that matter. And right now, no conversation matters more than redressing racial injustice. This is an exchange about our collective responsibility to act. To speak up for what is right. And to finally dismantle the systemic ills that have contributed to unspeakable harms that can no longer go unchecked. It's also a discussion about the history and mission of this podcast. My vision for the future. And goals set to broaden the inclusivity of my advocacy. But more than anything, this is a dissection of the untold history of racism in America. And the unprecedented opportunity this unique moment presents to evolve and heal. As individuals. As a nation. And as a global community. Note: This is the simply the first of many conversations to come on the theme of race. Over the upcoming weeks I will be sharing impactful conversations with a variety of people of color, including Byron Davis, Phil Allen, Jr., Knox Robinson, John Lewis (aka 'Badass Vegan'), John Salley, Shaka Senghor, Neil Phillips and many others. In the interim, I encourage you to explore the many copious resources listed in the show notes below. Read. Listen. Challenge yourself. Get active. Donate if you're able. The visually inclined can watch our conversation on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. To coin Cornel West's phrase, what we need right now is 'all season love warriors.' It is in that spirit that I offer this exchange -- with gratitude and respect for all my brothers and sisters. Peace + Plants, Rich

A recurring theme of this show is deconstructing peak performance. Over the years, I've shared the success equations of. Olympic champions, entrepreneurs, actors, artists and spiritual masters -- all roadmaps to better guide our collective trajectories. But failure is the crucible for wisdom. And the litmus test of character. What happens when you give every ounce of yourself to a creation, only to see it crumble?  Destruction can be our greatest teacher. How we move forward tells us who we are. After an epic public defeat, Doug Evans was confronted with this challenge. Not only did he survive, he emerged better for it. A serial health food entrepreneur, you may recall Doug as the Silicon Valley, juice-slinging mogul behind Juicero -- -- the infamous and futuristic wifi-connected, cold-press juicer start-up that raised $120 million from technology’s most high-powered VC’s before famously imploding in 2017.  What you may not know is that Doug has always been a natural food industry pioneer. He co-founded O.G. New York City juice bar chain Organic Avenue, one of the first exclusively plant-based retail chains in the country. Now writing his next chapter, Doug recently released The Sprout Book, a primer on the power of sprouts as an ultra-food for health, weight loss, and optimum nutrition. Four years from our first conversation (RRP 221), today Doug returns to the podcast to share the valuable lessons learned from his Juicero experience -- and his new focus on getting people excited about the planet's most nutritious foods. Admittedly somewhat asynchronous with the current news cycle, this is nonetheless a conversation about a root cause of socio-economic disparity -- and how to redress systemic food insecurity across impoverished food deserts nationwide. It's about the importance of taking your health and nutrition to the next level -- critical in the age of coronavirus. It's a show-and-tell on the unheralded, superfood benefits of sprouts. The ease and affordability of growing your own at home. And the power of this practice to economically revolutionize your relationship with nutrition. In addition, we of course discuss all things Juicero. What happened. What can be gleaned from its demise. And the lessons Doug learned to better inform the decisions faced by every entrepreneur and business owner. Note: My first in-person interview since the start of the pandemic, this conversation (recorded on June 1 after conducting on site antibody tests) preceded my ability to timely schedule African American community leaders to directly converse on the historic events of the current moment. That said, I can assure you that I will be conducting several conversations with such leaders over the coming weeks. The visually inclined can watch our conversation on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. If your familiarity with Doug is limited to hyperbolic Juicero headlines, I ask that you set aside whatever pre-conceived notions you may harbor -- and prepare to be delighted.  A dear friend for many years, Doug is a beautiful man. A wonderful character unlike any human I have ever met. And a true example of selfless service to others. May you be equal parts entertained and enlightened by our exchange. Peace + Plants, Rich

The dystopia is here. Chaos, confusion, fear and anger. Horrific racism. Generations of pain fueling rioting and violence. Death and illness. Faltering systems and leadership failures. Market crashes and jobs lost. Communities are divided. Home lives are disrupted. Meanwhile, cities all across America are literally on fire. How we can right the ship? Deal with these cataclysmic shifts? And move forward productively? We can crash and burn. Or we can adapt -- a remaking of society that begins with personal reinvention. James Altucher is a virtuoso of this process. A prodigious intellect and abundantly talented polymath, James is a comic, chess master, entrepreneur, investor and prolific writer with over twenty books to his name, including the Wall Street Journal bestseller Choose Yourself. He's also a fellow podcaster and an unconventional thinker with an idiosyncratic lens on pretty much everything from creativity to finances. James and his writing have appeared in major media outlets including The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, The New York Observer, Techcrunch, and The Financial Times. His blog, JamesAltucher.com, has attracted more than 20 million readers since its launch in 2010. And The James Altucher Show ⁠regularly appears in the top 100 podcasts on iTunes. On the subject of self-experimentation, James' latest unconventional move was releasing his latest self-published book, Think Like a Billionaire, on Scribd. Most compelling is James' relentless devotion to constant reinvention. Making his fourth appearance on the podcast, today we explore the importance of this trait ⁠and the habits that enable you to adapt and thrive in rapidly changing times ⁠— more critical now than ever. Recorded pre-pandemic in mid-February, this conversation is the last in my stash of episodes banked before quarantine. Nonetheless, I suspect you will find our discourse highly applicable to our current moment -- packed with tactics and strategies you can deploy to better acclimate to the rapidly changing circumstances that face us all. It's about how to make better decisions. And ultimately, how to create opportunity out of calamity. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. James is one of my most favorite people. He’s a natural and gifted conversationalist, his ideas are easily deciphered, and packed with the perfect amount of humor and data-backed insight. To some degree, we are all being called to reinvent ourselves right now. May this conversation help serve that process. Peace + Plants, Rich

When it comes to reliable nutrition information, the internet is a warn-torn, metastasizing mushroom cloud of toxic half-truths and misinformation. How do we sort through the tribal wars? How do we separate fact from fiction? Let's start with seeking out the experts. And the best, most objective science available. This is the life’s work of today’s guest and my friend, Dr. Michael Greger. Long time listeners are well acquainted with Dr. Greger, one of my very first guests back in 2012 (RRP #007). But it's been almost five years since his second appearance in 2015 (RRP #199). So let's put matters to rights. A graduate of Cornell and Tufts University School of Medicine as well as a founding member and Fellow of the American College of Lifestyle Medicine, Dr. Greger is a nutrition science wizard who with a library of scientific journal publications to his name. He has testified before Congress; lectured at countless symposiums and institutions; and was an expert witness in the infamous Oprah Winfrey meat defamation lawsuit. Appearing everywhere from the Dr. Oz show to The Colbert Report, his books: How Not to Die, the How Not To Die Cookbook, and How Not To Diet — the focus of today's conversation — all became instant New York Times Best Sellers. When Dr. Greger isn’t speaking, crafting high-level policy initiatives or penning bestsellers, he scours thousands of medical journals in search of the world’s best, most objective nutrition research to bring you free videos and articles every single day at NutritionFacts.org — the world’s most authoritative, non-profit, science-based public service destination for all things nutrition, health and disease prevention. Finally, it’s worth noting that 100% of all fees and proceeds he receives from speaking and book sales are donated to charity — his effort to avoid all conflicts of interest. Today’s conversation pivots on the optimal criteria to enable weight loss — and the actionable steps required to create and sustain healthy lifestyle practices. In addition, we explore how commercial influence corrodes nutrition science. How to parse the incredibly conflicting information we are spoon-fed daily by the media and celebrities alike. And finally, it’s about separating evidence-based science from confirmation bias. Note: This conversation was recorded in February, so it's coronavirus free zone. For Dr. G’s take on our current state of affairs, check out his new audiobook released this week, How To Survive A Pandemic — a breakdown on the origins of zoonotic disease, how to protect ourselves, and what we must rectify to reduce the likelihood of future catastrophes. Dr. Greger is truly one of the most delightful, relentless, passionate, and service-minded humans I have ever met. It's an honor to share this conversation. My hope is that it catalyzes a new perspective on nutrition for yourself and your loved ones. Peace + Plants, Rich

On May 21, 2020, the world lost a treasure. A beloved, 2-time RRP alumni, David Clark was one of the most courageous, resilient and authentic human beings I've ever met. A force for positive change. A model of service. The epitome of transformation, embodied. A loyal friend to many. And a man blessed with a preternatural gift for igniting the best in everyone he touched. Succumbing after complications incident to a herniated disc surgery, a chapter ends far too soon. But the story behind this accomplished ultra-endurance athlete, bestselling author, and father of three is a legend that will continue to be told -- and will never be forgotten. Today we honor the life and legacy of Dave Clark. Dave's steel was forged from hardship -- periodic homelessness and a poverty both financial and educational. Adulthood found him descending into the firm grip of alcoholism. He ate recklessly. He drank and drugged himself into oblivion. And continued his downward spiral until he was utterly lost. Completely alone. And hopeless. Tipping the scales at 320 pounds, Dave finally met his breaking point. Summing a will of superhuman proportions, he ushered the courage to finally face his demons. Hence began a process of implausible personal transformation. It's a staggering journey that would ultimately lead to breathtaking feats that defy possibility. And a laudable call to service that rivals anyone I've ever met. Dave didn’t just drop 150 pounds on a plant-based diet. Nor did he celebrate with a simple marathon. Instead, Dave would go on to on to crush a relentless list of the world's most challenging ultra-marathons, from Badwater to Leadville. He ran the Boston Marathon course four times without stopping. And he even ran across the entire United States. With uncompromising vulnerability, Dave recounts his inconceivable arc in his first book, Out There. In Broken Open, he faces the dark side of taking athleticism too far. Released just two weeks ago, Eat Sh*t And Die boldly tackles food addiction head on. I can't bring Dave back. Nor can I begin to measure his positive impact on myself and countless others. What I can do is honor his life and legacy. So today, RRP alums Mishka Shubaly and Josh LaJaunie -- both close friends of Dave -- join me to eulogize him, followed by a re-release of my first conversation with Dave, recorded in November, 2014 (RRP #113). More Dave Clark: If Dave's message resonates with you, check out RRP #290, my 2nd podcast with him published almost exactly three years ago. It's a banger. Dave was a sober warrior unlike any other. He wrung every last drop out of life. He was deeply loved and will be terribly missed. Let his story be a beacon. A reminder that when the body, mind and spirit align with faith, human potential is truly boundless. Run free, my friend. Run free. Peace + Plants, Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to another edition of Guru Multiverse — the latest in my ongoing series of spiritual deep dives with Guru Singh, my treasured friend and favorite wizard of all things mystical. For those newer to the show, imagine a modern-day Gandalf who rocks like Hendrix while dropping pearls of wisdom that beautifully fuse Eastern mysticism with Western pragmatism. A celebrated third-generation Sikh yogi, master spiritual teacher, author, and family man, for the past 40 years Guru Singh has been studying and teaching Kundalini Yoga. He is the author of several books, a powerful lecturer, and behind-the-scenes guide to many a luminary, including Fortune 500 CEOs, athletes, and artists. A peer of rock legends like Janis Joplin and the Grateful Dead, Guru Singh is also a talented musician who began his recording career on Warner Bros’ Reprise label in the 1960s. When he isn’t recordi