The Rich Roll Podcast

Andrew Yang On Grace, Tolerance & Human-Centered Government

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

From Actor To Change Agent: Adrian Grenier On Creating Symbiosis With Self

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

Simon Hill On Proving Plant-Based Diet Positives

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

Julie Piatt: Wealth Is The Community You Keep

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

Ryan Holiday On the Pursuit of Virtue

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

Julie Lythcott-Haims On How To Be An Adult

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

Guru Singh On Intuition Over Impulse

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

Rainn Wilson & Reza Aslan On Living In The Questions

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

Joanne Molinaro Is The Korean Vegan: Lessons On Life, Identity, & Food

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

Roll On: Melding Passion With Purpose (+ Arctic Swimmer Lewis Pugh!)

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

Mel Robbins On Why Confidence Is A Habit

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

Jonathan Fields On Finding Meaningful Work

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

Roll On: The Plight Of Women In Afghanistan

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.

Paul Hawken: Ending The Climate Crisis In One Generation

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

David Choe On Finding Beauty in Brokenness

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

Roll On: Work Is a False Idol

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.

Maggie Baird Is The World’s Coolest Mom

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

Anna Lembke, MD on The Neuroscience of Addiction, Dopamine Fasting & The Opioid Crisis

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

Roll On: High Peaks, Cold Seas & Our Climate Code Red

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.

Sergey Young on The Science of Growing Young

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

Eric Adams: NYC's First Vegan Mayor On Why Healthy Food Is A Human Right

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

Roll On: The Mental Health Olympics

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

Courtney Dauwalter: Mindset Secrets From The World's Best Ultrarunner

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.

Bruce Friedrich On The Meatless Meat Moonshot

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

Roll On: A Little Bit of Everything All Of The Time

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

Daniel Humm: How The World's Greatest Chef Found Purpose (In Plants)

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

Rabbi Mordecai Finley: A Jiu-Jitsu Blackbelt On Moral Philosophy, Virtue & The Inner Pharaoh

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

Mastering The Mind: A Mental Health Deep Dive

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.

Hellah Sidibe Ran 3,000 Miles Across The USA (On Plants)— And Kept Going

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

Mary Cain Is Fixing Female Sports

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