The James Altucher Show

Round two with A.J. Jacobs and it's a trip down the democracy lane, but with a twist! A.J. throws a quirky curveball - randomocracy. It's democracy's distant cousin, the one that shows up uninvited but makes the party unforgettable. We dissect it, play around with it, and wonder, could this be a real alternative? A.J., with his Constitution-living lens, breaks down randomocracy's nuts and bolts, and I gotta say, it's tickling the brain. It’s weird, it’s fascinating, and it’s a hearty meal for thought. We're not just thinking outside the box; we're kind of tearing the box apart. And hey, I'm all ears and now I'm handing the mic to you. What do you think about stepping into a randomocracy? Tweet me @JAltucher, share the episode, and let's stir the pot.------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go

Unleashing a realm of curiosity and amusement, this episode of the James Altucher Show welcomes the ever-inventive A.J. Jacobs, who brings along a treasure trove of puzzles from his new daily podcast, "The Puzzler". As A.J. shares the essence behind his latest venture, James steps into the playful challenge, answering sample anagrams and audio rebuses on the spot.The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about A.J.'s upcoming book on living according to the U.S. Constitution, offering a quick glimpse into his boundless exploratory spirit. Soon, the spotlight shifts to "The Puzzler," where A.J. and James immerse themselves in a playful yet insightful interaction. The fun escalates as the episode extends into two bonus segments of "The Puzzler." In the first bonus episode, "Pan in Panama", Jeopardy! legend Ken Jennings - host of the "Omnibus" podcast and lots more - joins as the special guest puzzle solver.Following suit, the second bonus episode, "Moment of Zen", features writer and activist Baratunde Thu

3 years ago when Suzanne Somers came on the podcast to discuss her book A New Way to Age, I was blown away by her depth of knowledge and personal results in the field. Suzanne passed away this week, 23 years after her cancer diagnosis. Today, we're re-airing her episode about living a vibrant life._____________Suzanne Somers has sex twice a day.She’s 73.“I’m horniest on the 12th day of the month,” she said. “When there’s a full moon.”“I’ll never look at a full moon the same ever again,” I said.She laughed. And told me why she’s feeling younger… even though she’s getting older. Which she writes about in her new bestselling book, “A New Way to Age: The Most Cutting-Edge Advances in Antiaging.”Some might say “an actress” isn’t qualified to write a scientific book about aging.But that’s stupid. One: she’s human. With human problems that lead her to see real doctors. The best doctors. With cutting-edge formulas to beat aging.She told me, “I’ve beat cancer three times,” she said. And now she plans to live into her

Real Good examines current and historical barriers to equal opportunity in finance and highlights people in the non-profit and for-profit worlds who are working to remove those barriers. In candid, 60-minute conversations, host Faith Salie (CBS Sunday Morning, NPR) and U.S. Bank Chief Diversity Officer Greg Cunningham invite guests to share their work and challenge listeners to think differently about the steps needed to create opportunity for all.Today, we share an episode of the Real Good podcast with acclaimed filmmaker Rudy Valdez. Valdez entered filmmaking with a desire to find his voice. The Emmy-winning documentarian spoke with hosts Faith and Greg about the importance of diverse subjects and storytellers in film. The crew also discusses behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Rudy’s recent project Translators, and how language can improve access and break down barriers.-----------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor

James welcomes Shane Parrish, the mind behind Farnam Street—a platform committed to enhancing decision-making and self-improvement! The focal point of their discussion is Shane's recent book, "Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results," which encapsulates the essence of making well-informed decisions amidst life’s daily challenges.Shane Parrish is the entrepreneur and wisdom seeker behind Farnam Street and the host of The Knowledge Project Podcast, where he focuses on turning timeless insights into action. Parrish’s popular online course, Decision by Design, has helped thousands of executives, leaders, and managers around the world learn the repeatable behaviors that improve results. Shane’s work has been featured in nearly every major publication, including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results.James, an admirer of Shane’s work, navigates through the

James, Robyn, and Jay navigate reflective questions originally curated by Dushka Zapata, a writer known for her profound questioning and shared prominence with James on Quora. What unfolds is a contemplative discussion that offers a break from the routine; listeners should take the opportunity to ponder along and, perhaps, find resonance with their own experiences.The episode begins with a light-hearted inquiry into their Sunday afternoon routines, gradually moving on to more thought-provoking questions about past relationships, deep friendships, and trust. The spontaneous and honest responses from James, Robyn, and Jay, craft a narrative that’s both engaging and reflective, providing a space for listeners to introspect on similar facets of their own lives.-----------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcas

The episode unfolds with James Altucher welcoming back Jocko Willink, a seasoned veteran and a recurrent esteemed guest on the show. They dive straight into the heart of Jocko’s newly expanded edition of his Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual, a bestseller that resonates with many aspiring and established leaders alike. Through a series of hypothetical problem scenarios presented by James, Jocko demonstrates how the principles in his book can be applied to overcome various leadership challenges, providing listeners with practical takeaways. With Jocko’s adept articulation and James’ probing inquiries, listeners are in for an enlightening discussion filled with practical leadership nuggets and a clearer understanding of the complex world of international defense.-----------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your ques

In this enlightening episode, James sits down with legendary NFL defender and now-author, Malcolm Jenkins, supporting his new book What Winners Won't Tell You: Lessons from a Legendary Defender.With a football career that boasts two Super Bowl wins and numerous accolades, Malcolm shares his perspective on game strategies and developments in performance analytics. But his triumphs don’t end on the football field. Malcolm dives into his forays into the business world, specifically his 20+ QSR franchises (on their way to 100), media endeavors under Malcolm Inc. and Listen Up Media, and his foray into the "human performance" field by investing in Nestre.Transitioning into one of the most critical discussions of our time, Malcolm also speaks about his symbolic role in the racial justice movement, detailing his stance during the NFL National Anthem demonstrations and the cultural imperative of the George Floyd protests during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the dialogue concludes, Malcolm sheds light on his dedication to

Today, we speak to a gambler with a 36-year winning streak, the man who is arguably the most successful and controversial gambler alive, Billy Walters!From his roots in extreme poverty to his rise as a revolutionary figure in sports betting, Billy Walters has broken the norms, setting unparalleled records and redefining the realms of sports wagering. He’s now sharing his extraordinary experiences and tightly-guarded secrets of his betting system in his revealing memoir "Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk". The conversation follows Walters’ ascent from an innovative and enterprising car salesman to becoming a revolutionary figure in sports betting, breaking records, overcoming addictions, and his skirmishes with organized crime. We gain a detailed understanding of his proprietary betting system, getting a glimpse of the formulas, point systems, and principles he has refined over the decades. Billy also provides a plethora of advice for aspiring sports wagerers, focusing on maximizing the wealth of informatio

James  is joined by the multifaceted Scott Adams. Adams' journey from a cartoonist and writer to a divisive political commentator is as intriguing as his insights into human behavior and mindset. The two explore the transformative concepts from Scott's latest book, "Reframe Your Brain: The User Interface for Happiness and Success", where he presents more than 160 counterintuitive reframes aimed at shifting perspectives and shaping a life of happiness and success. The episode is packed with practical examples, putting these reframes into real-world contexts, and providing listeners with actionable steps to reshape their own realities.Later, James and Scott venture into the terrain of public opinion, addressing Scott’s recent experiences with social media backlash and the phenomenon of ‘canceling.’ They discuss the impact and implications of public scrutiny and the ways in which reframing can be a powerful tool in navigating such situations.Throughout this enlightening conversation, Scott shares invaluable insi

In this insightful episode of "Ask Altucher," James delves into a pivotal query from a recent college graduate, seeking wisdom on navigating life and career paths in the uncertain times of early adulthood. James provides comforting advice, stating it's normal not to have it all figured out in your early twenties, and emphasizes the value of embracing experiences and increasing the surface area of luck.Reflecting on his journey from being a grad student in computer science to embracing varied roles like a stand-up comedian, a hedge fund manager, a podcast host, and a father, James shares the significance of saying 'yes' to experiences and following one's curiosity. He suggests that rather than hoarding savings, spending on life experiences can yield greater dividends in personal growth and happiness in the long run.This episode is filled with rich anecdotes from James's diverse experiences. It is a treasure trove of advice for anyone standing at the crossroads of life, pondering over career and existential dil

In part one, we delved into Chris Ullman's fascinating journey as a four-time International Whistling champion. Now, we're pivoting to explore Chris's other passion: a career that has positioned him next to some of the world's wealthiest and most influential people. In part two of this extraordinary series, James and Chris explore the life lessons and success strategies outlined in Chris's latest book, "Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant."The book is segmented into eight overarching strategies that are crucial for achieving success and fulfillment in life: Be Purposeful, Innovate & Accomplish, Build Bridges, Be Productive, Solve Problems, Be Authentic, Think of Others, and Be Humble. Through autobiographical examples, Chris paints a vivid picture of working with some of the biggest names in finance and politics, such as David Rubenstein, Bill Conway, and Daniel A. D'Aniello of the Carlyle Group, Orlando Bravo of Thoma Bravo, former Governor of Ohio John Kasich, and Arthur Levitt, former Chairman of

When you think of someone in the inner circle of billionaires and political giants, you don't usually imagine them whistling Duke Ellington tunes in corporate meeting rooms. Chris Ullman defies that stereotype; a virtuoso whistler, he has performed in venues as diverse as the Oval Office and the top of the Washington Monument. Join James Altucher in part one of this extraordinary interview as they delve into Chris's passion for whistling, which he explored in his book "Find Your Whistle."From a young age of 13, Chris committed himself to whistling. He credits his father for the initial inspiration, but becoming a champion took hard work and unique sacrifices—like abstaining from kissing 24 hours before a performance. Chris and James discuss the perception of whistling as a "novelty," contrasting it with other forms of art and sports. Yet, Chris believes that whistling is the great equalizer; it's a universal joy that resonates with everyone from grandparents to billionaire bosses. In fact, this underestimated

Is it important to leave a legacy? Should your life's mission revolve around creating something that outlasts you? Episode #6 of "Ask Altucher" grapples with these questions as Jay and James offer contrasting perspectives. Jay strongly believes that leaving a legacy should be a driving force in life. James counters with a cautionary note, arguing that the pursuit of a legacy beyond your immediate family can lead to discontentment, as you'll never experience the benefits after you pass away.The conversation takes an even deeper turn when James raises the concern about one legacy he would NOT want to leave: death by suicide and the collateral emotional damage inflicted upon family and friends. This poignant moment adds another layer to an already complex debate, making listeners ponder the legacies they are consciously or unconsciously leaving behind.But the duo doesn't stop there. Jay ups the ante by introducing two philosophical dilemmas that challenge conventional thinking: "Would you choose immediate suicid

Join James Altucher and Jeremy Fall, the entrepreneurial polymath who has worn hats as varied as restaurateur, nightclub and bar owner, and digital NFT artist. Known for his groundbreaking breakfast-for-dinner concept restaurant in L.A., Jeremy has collaborated with big names like Jay Z and Quincy Jones. His latest venture, the book Falling Upwards: Living the Dream, One Panic Attack at a Time, details how he navigated the complexities of anxiety disorder, a subject James can relate to. It’s not just about the restaurants; it’s about breaking the mold and charting a path through the often anxious world of creativity and business.Jeremy has always been one to defy expectations. He started with a concept that turned dining norms upside down in the restaurant business. That innovative spirit extended to his collaborations in nightlife and even into the digital art world, where he was commissioned by CNN. His book encapsulates this multi-faceted journey, offering insights into how he copes with anxiety disorder w

Chris Tucker is a former air traffic controller who was working in New York City on 9/11. Tucker spent the whole day trying to keep the passengers of two hijacked planes safe. This episode is his story. It's heroic, and it saved lives. But as Chris says, "I was just doing my job."Episode Notes:I welcome Chris Tucker on the show. The reason I had him on is because I heard him speak at an event. And it was riveting. Chris spoke about his personal experience trying to keep the passengers of two hijacked planes safe – [2:55]I tell Chris my experience that morning. I was a hedge fund manager. It was one of the most beautiful days in New York City. I saw the plane. And my business partner thought it was the president. The plane flew over us. Everyone ducked. It was so loud. And so fast. And we watched the plane go right into the building – [4:06]Chris says why he became an air traffic controller – [6:56]Why New York City is too stressful to live in – [8:02]How Chris’ solo sailboat trip gave him clarity. And helped

Step into the world of the 1987-88 NBA season with author Rich Cohen as he discusses his new book, "When the Game Was War: The NBA's Greatest Season," with James. In this seminal season, Hall of Famers spanned the entire history of the league, from Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who played with players that existed before the NBA, to young talents like Reggie Miller and Scotty Pippen. It was also the time when Cohen fell in love with pro basketball, ignited by game six of the 1988 NBA Finals. The Detroit Pistons were on the brink of closing out the Lakers and making history, but Isaiah Thomas had other plans. Despite rolling his ankle, he delivered a performance for the ages, scoring an incredible 25 points in the third quarter alone—a playoff record that still stands.The core of the book narrows down to four games that encapsulated the era's four dynasties—Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers, Larry Bird’s Boston Celtics, Isiah Thomas’ Detroit Pistons, and Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls. These teams went to "war" with e

You've heard the saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket," but have you ever considered applying it to your career? James Altucher, a man of many hats—software guy, writer, standup comedian, and more—dives deep into this concept with Bruce Feiler, an author who has spent years researching people who have successfully made dramatic transitions in their lives. From discovering a new passion in your 40s to switching industries without a safety net, Bruce offers a practical guide for those ready to pivot and change direction. So, if you're tired of the straight and narrow and curious about carving out your unique zig-zag path, this episode is for you.Both James and Bruce challenge the conventional wisdom that says you must stick to one thing to be successful. They explore not just the 'why' but also the 'how' of life reinvention, drawing on real-life stories and actionable advice. Whether you're contemplating a career switch or just want to add more strings to your bow, tune in to find out how you can live

Welcome back to "Hooked on the First Line," where James and master storyteller Cal Fussman dig deep into what makes the opening lines of novels so captivating. Today's focal point is the notoriously controversial but beautifully penned 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov. "Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta." These opening lines are as alluring as they are unsettling, a fitting introduction to Nabokov's tale.The episode doesn't stop at 'Lolita'; it branches out into the first lines of Nabokov's 'Ada' and 'Laughter in the Dark,' showing that the author's skill in gripping the reader is not a one-off but a recurring theme in his work. James and Cal talk about the stylistic elements, the melody in the words, and the ethical conundrums posed right from the first sentence. How do these lines affect our perception of the characters and the unfolding story? And how does Nabokov

Frank Shamrock calls himself "The First Super Athlete" in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Some might say that Frank lacks humility, but he was the first UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and retired undefeated from the organization. He revolutionized MMA and went deeper than anyone else, studying the body and optimizing his performance. While others focused on technical fighting, Frank dug into the biomechanics and became a force to be reckoned with.But get this, Frank didn't start off as a fighter. Actually, he found MMA while he was in jail at the tender age of 11. Frank had left his abusive home and turned to crime as a way to protect himself and get out of his situation. Sad, but true.Fast forward a bit, and Frank is in prison at 17 for 3 and a half years. That's when he had his big "aha" moment. He realized that he had ruined his life with 20 felonies, no education, and a baby to support.Frank understood that he had hit rock bottom, but he wasn't going to let that hold him back. He learned that chang