The Rich Roll Podcast

Today's podcast guest is Baratunde Thurston—an Emmy-nominated writer, comedian, and cultural critic focused on the intersection of tech, democracy, climate change, and race in America. A generational voice in the media landscape, Baratunde is a former executive at The Onion, a writer for Puck News, the New York Times bestselling author of How To Be Black, and the host of both America Outdoors on PBS, and the podcast How To Citizen. Today we cover everything from the impact of technology and social media on society to the current perils of our democratic system. We also discuss the need for diversity and representation in media, the importance of community and belonging, nuanced conversation, and responsible media practices. We also address the rapid evolution of our media landscape and our declining trust in institutions across the country, what it means to be black in America, and how we can all become more active and informed citizens. I’ve been a fan of Baratunde and his work for many years. He is a witty

Kai Lenny is the greatest and most versatile waterman the world has ever known. A Maui-born and bred athlete of extraordinary skill, he pushes the boundaries of possibility at the highest levels in not just surfing—performing maneuvers and aerials never believed possible with regularity—but also as a kiteboarder, foiler, outrigger canoer, and as big wave rider. Kai doesn’t just ride the world’s most fearsome waves—he conquers them. Like a maestro of the ocean who channels nature’s ferocity into art, he carves down 80-foot plus cliffs of water with physics-defying maneuvers previously thought only possible on small waves with a flair, joy, and an intensity that can only be described as balletic. He’s the GOAT and he’s here today to let us in on his crazy world, the visualization and mindset tools he uses to hone his craft, and what the future holds both for himself and the sport of surfing. There’s a lot to be learned from Kai’s experience, his pursuit of mastery, and his approach to physical, mental, and emot

A relentless experimenter and master of productivity, Tim Ferriss is the mega-best-selling author of The 4-Hour Work Week, Tools of Titans, and Tribe of Mentors. He’s also the host of the wildly popular Tim Ferriss Show—where he deconstructs the tools, mindsets, and practices of world-class performers across business, sports, and more. While Tim is known and revered for his wisdom regarding optimization and productivity, it’s his arc as a human that impresses me the most. He’s been through a lot. He’s grown considerably. And he’s shared his personal and professional struggles with a laudable degree of courage and vulnerability. Today’s exchange centers on Tim’s inward journey. How he grapples with anxiety and depression. The ways he learned to face difficult emotions. And the various modalities he has explored from silent meditation and psychotherapy to psychedelics. I hope you find this conversation helpful, and that it reframes how you think about, manage, confront, and heal your own emotional wounds. Show

One of the most acclaimed filmmakers of his generation, today Judd Apatow graces the podcast to discuss his fascinating perspective on filmmaking, storytelling, creativity, and more. From directing This Is 40, Knocked Up, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin, to serving as producer for Anchorman and executive producer for Freaks and Geeks, Judd has made an indelible mark on Hollywood. Today we unpack the experiences, philosophies, and strategies that have shaped him into the unparalleled creator he is today. We explore his creative process, his approach to storytelling, the lessons he’s learned from working with some of the biggest names in the business, and how he pays it forward. This conversation left me with a newfound appreciation of comedy not only as an art form—but as a powerful means of grappling with the complexities of the human experience. I hope you enjoy this one as much as I did. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/RICHROLL Timeline Nutrit

Light Watkins is an expert meditation and spiritual teacher who gave up all his earthly possessions five years ago (save what he could fit into a small backpack) and proceeded to travel the world giving talks on happiness, mindfulness, inspiration, and meditation. Today he shares lessons learned from this experience, imparting wisdom that is equal parts profound and hyper-practical on how to prioritize and cultivate inner happiness, the importance of presence, following your curiosity, the joy of giving what you want to receive, and something he calls the “freedom of choicelessness” that declutters your life decisions. I love Light. He is a wise and gifted teacher. My sense is that this conversation will leave you with more than a few life-altering profundities to ponder and practice. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: AG1: http://drinkAG1.com/richroll Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RichRoll Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com

One of the first questions I was asked when I found myself in a treatment center for alcoholism was: do you want to change? Most sane individuals in my circumstances would respond of course I do. But only a mentally deranged addict like myself would need to pause before answering to consider the options. Luckily, I was blessed with pain so severe it eclipsed the very real fear I held about changing every facet of who I was as a person to get and stay sober. While in many ways pain makes the process of change easier, the truth is you don’t have to hit rock bottom to make a transformation. Change is always within your grasp if you can summon the willingness to ask for it—and most importantly, receive it. Today I venture out of my comfort zone once again to explore some thoughts on transformation in monologue format—sharing intimate details from my own personal story of addiction and lessons learned within the walls of rehab—in a podcast experiment I hope provides value.  Transformation demands a price—accountab

As rates of chronic disease continue to rise, What should I eat? has become one of the most important questions we can ask ourselves. Here to help us cut through the morass of diet confusion to provide clear and actionable counsel is the very wise and articulate Dr. Alan Desmond. Certified in both Gastroenterology and General Internal Medicine, Alan is a gut health expert specializing in the role diet plays in the prevention and treatment of digestive diseases—more specifically the overall health benefits, of a whole-food plant-centric approach to nutrition. Today he teaches us how we can harness the power of a healthy gut and optimize our overall well-being by simply eating more plants. We dive into the nitty-gritty of the microbiome, its relationship to digestive health, and the fundamentals of a healthy diet—in other words, what to eat and what to avoid. My hope is that this conversation leaves you with the information, strategies, and protocols you need to adopt better nutrition habits with staying power—

The shapeshifter of elite endurance sports, today’s guest is by far one of the world’s most remarkable all-around athletes. Meet Cam Wurf, an Aussie who has distinguished himself at the highest, most elite level, in three distinct sports. First in rowing where he represented Australia in the 2004 Athens Olympics. He then turned to professional cycling as a super domestique for Team Sky and now INEOS, where he played a crucial role in supporting guys like Chris Froome and Geraint Thomas, serving as a secret weapon to their Tour de France victories. Cam has simultaneously distinguished himself at the highest level of Ironman triathlon, collecting wins at IM Wales and IM Australia, and is most well known for setting and holding (until this past year) the bike course record at the IMWC in Kona. He can train and race with the best professional cyclists in the world, set bike course records at the world’s most prestigious Ironmans, and even run a 2:45 marathon after a 2.4 mile swim and 112-mile bike. He doesn’t see

How do we move with ease? Maintain flexibility as we age? And how do we counteract the physical effects of technology dependence, sedentary living, and other modern ways of life? Here to help us answer these important questions are movement experts and co-authors of Built To Move Kelly & Juliet Starrett. Dr. Kelly Starett is a globally renowned physical therapist and strength coach who consults with athletes from the NFL, NBA, NHL, and MLB the US Olympic Team—along with elite Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard forces. Juliet is a 3-time white water rafting world champion and CEO of The Ready State, the mobility coaching company they founded together. Today we cover everything from pain management to ideal recovery and post-workout practices, the essential elements of a home gym, and easy ways to change sedentary habits and integrate more movement into your daily life. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/RICHROLL BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/

Movement is inherent to our nature. It’s not a chore, a box to tick, or an obligation—we’re born to physically connect with the world around us in whatever capacity we can. The eighth in our ongoing series of deep dives, in today’s masterclass you’ll learn how to start a movement practice, the importance of mobility exercises, proper running and walking techniques, how to maintain and even improve your mobility as you age, pre and post-natal fitness, how to set and achieve your movement goals, and more. When we embrace movement, even in the smallest ways, we open the door to a world of possibilities. In my case, a walk led to a run which led to ultra-endurance racing and ultimately, to an entirely new life altogether.  My hope is that this masterclass gives you the education and inspiration you need to adopt a form of movement that brings you joy, a mobility routine that nourishes your body, and that you discover something new about yourself, your purpose, and your meaning along the way. Show notes + MORE Wa

Chris Paul is one of the greatest basketball players of all time: a 12-time NBA All-Star, an All-Star Game MVP, 2-time Olympic gold medalist. NBA Rookie of the Year, and Players Association President between 2013 - 2021. Off the court, Chris is a family man, entrepreneur, activist, and philanthropist. His new book "Sixty-One" hits bookstores everywhere this week. This is a conversation about work-ethic, grit, mentorship, and leadership. We discuss his grandfather's impact on his life, the demands of mastery, how to sustain elite performance over time, what leadership means, how Chris' plant-based diet has improved his performance, and the many ways Chris has leveraged his voice, platform, and resources for maximum social impact. It was an absolute pleasure and honor to talk with a man I respect tremendously. I hope you enjoy this powerful and valuable episode. Show notes + MORE Watch on Youtube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/RICHROLL Athletic Greens: http://drinkAG1.com/richroll Pea

How do we become more integrated and healed humans? Answering these questions is the life’s work of today’s guest Dr. Richard Schwartz, a psychotherapist who created a very interesting and effective therapeutic modality called Internal Family Systems (or IFS). IFS is premised on the idea that every person has different “parts” within them, each with its own unique characteristics and functions, separate from one’s true or core Self. Furthermore, emotional healing and greater well-being can be experienced by bringing these various parts into harmony with each other—integrating them, if you will—in a process many have found transformative. Dr. Schwartz has been practicing and teaching IFS for decades and has authored several books on the subject, including, You Are The One You’ve Been Waiting For and No Bad Parts. This episode covers many fascinating topics, including the fundamentals of IFS and how it works, Dr. Schwartz’s ‘many parts’ multiplicity of mind model, how to deal with our inner critic, how IFS oper

Buckle up because today, we are jetting across the universe, exploring metaphysical truths big and small, and getting granular on the spiritual laws of growth and transformation. At the helm of our starship is the legendary Guru Singh—a master of the Kundalini arts who presides over Kundalini University. He 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. Today’s exchange centers on the fundamental concepts of metamorphosis: the difference between striving and allowing, pushing and receiving, and the delicate balance between doing and being. We also explore the essential elements of lasting change and how to cultivate the inner awareness and strength needed to create a positive impact in our lives and the world around us. My hope is that this conversation will serve as a compass you can use to navigate the realms of personal growth

Not all heart attacks are fatal. But when your heart’s left anterior descending artery becomes 100% blocked, the result is a massive heart attack known as The Widowmaker. Few survive its fatal clutch. But today’s guest Timothy O’Donnell beat the odds. A professional long-course triathlete with over 50 podium finishes, including more than 25 wins at major events throughout the world, Tim is the 2009 ITU Long Distance World Champion, placed 2nd at the 2019 Ironman World Championships in Kona, and became the first American to finish that race in under 8 hours. Tim’s impressive 20-year athletic journey (and, more importantly, his life) nearly came to a tragic end in 2021 when he suffered a widowmaker heart attack in the middle of a half-ironman race. Somehow, Timothy was able to finish the race, placing 11th and making it to the hospital in time to make a full recovery. Tim’s journey is nothing short of astonishing. Today he opens up about the strange dichotomy between his elite fitness and near-death experience,

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

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: http://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 al

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 +

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/

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,