A master-class in personal and professional development, ultra-athlete, wellness evangelist and bestselling author Rich Roll delves deep with the world's brightest and most thought provoking thought leaders to educate, inspire and empower you to unleash your best, most authentic self. More at: https://richroll.com
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Jay Duplass is an award-winning filmmaker, actor, and co-architect of the mumblecore movement. Michael Strassner is a comedian, actor, and the protagonist of Jay's new film "The Baltimorons." This conversation explores Jay's first solo directing effort in 14 years, Michael's journey from rock bottom to seven years of sobriety, and how they created a transcendent film for less than the cost of an LA permit. We discuss creative authenticity versus Hollywood cynicism, why early sobriety rarely gets...
This episode features top experts dissecting the human brain, exploring how lifestyle impacts Alzheimer's prevention and the genetic factors involved. It delves into the intricate neurochemistry of addiction, including the role of dopamine and the protracted process of withdrawal and recovery. The discussion also covers the emerging science of spirituality, its neural correlates, and the efficacious uses of hypnosis for mind-body control.
Journalist Olga Khazan shares her personal experiment in transforming her personality, moving from an anxious introvert to someone embracing new patterns. The conversation delves into the Big Five personality traits, the science behind personality change, and the importance of taking action and embracing discomfort. Khazan highlights her own struggles with control and self-blame, offering practical strategies like mindfulness and community engagement to foster personal growth and well-being.
James Frey is the author of "A Million Little Pieces," a book that spoke to the deepest, darkest parts of countless readers in early recovery. This conversation explores his journey to become literature's bad boy, his heroes like Baudelaire and Henry Miller, and his philosophy of "prowling with the panther." We discuss the intersection of creativity and the Tao, where inspiration comes from, and his unique approach to capturing vitality on the page. Along the way, James recounts a few things he'...
Roll On resurfaces from the chrysalis! Adam Skolnick and I unpack 90 days post-surgery, why the caterpillar needs a tortoise mind to become a butterfly, and the death of authentic podcasting. On tap: The state of Podcastistan, why I'm breaking up with viral culture, and the unexpected joy of moving at glacier pace. We explore Phil Stutz's three truths, Alaska's last frontier vibes, and why Deadwood still hits different. Plus: Movies are officially back, friends of the pod crushing impossible dis...
This conversation explores the war on science, the misdirection of the MAHA movement, and what's happening to public health while everyone argues about food dyes. We discuss how a $1.1 trillion healthcare cut happened under the radar, why "seed oils" didn't exist until TikTok invented them, and Jessica's systemic solutions for actually making America healthy. Additionally, she explains how health misinformation has become a profitable fear machine. Jessica brings compassionate clarity to the cur...
Jim Murphy is the author of "Inner Excellence," a book compelling enough that NFL players read it during playoff games. This conversation explores Jim's counterintuitive thesis that selflessness, not ego, is the foundation of fearless performance. We discuss his journey from mental breakdown to spiritual awakening, his five years of solitude in the desert, and why self-centeredness is our greatest obstacle to both peak performance and fulfillment. Along the way, Jim reveals my own attachment to ...
Dr. Mindy Pelz is a functional medicine expert, bestselling author of "Fast Like a Girl," and a specialist in women's hormonal health. This conversation explores why modern life creates an evolutionary mismatch for women, the hormonal hierarchy that controls everything, and why fasting isn't one-size-fits-all. We discuss metabolic switching, why your pre-period cravings are biological, and how menopause can be empowerment rather than decline. Mindy uncovers the fundamental flaws in our approach ...
Peter Carlisle is a veteran sports agent who has guided Olympic champions like Michael Phelps and Simone Biles. This conversation explores the hidden mental health crisis behind Olympic gold and the existential threat facing elite athletes when their careers end. We discuss the Weight of Gold documentary, why 90% of Olympians struggle post-competition, and how youth sports have become a destructive machine. He also shares how he almost passed on signing the greatest swimmer of all time. Peter is...
Jennifer Pastiloff is a bestselling author and creator of the viral "On Being Human" movement. This conversation explores her journey from childhood trauma to radical self-acceptance, her concept of silencing the "inner asshole," and why your want is enough to change everything. We discuss her father's death at eight, living in "the land of fine," and the revolutionary idea that you are your proof of life. She demonstrates how our deepest wounds become our greatest superpowers for connection. Je...
Featuring insights from Bryan Johnson, Andrew Huberman, and Matthew Walker, this episode delves into the fundamental importance of sleep for overall health, challenging the notion that sleep deprivation equates to productivity. It examines how circadian rhythms, light exposure, and meal timing profoundly affect sleep quality and discusses the significant consequences of chronic sleep loss on mental health, adolescent development, and long-term brain function. Practical strategies for optimizing sleep environment, managing anxiety, and understanding ancient sleep patterns are also shared.
Rich Roll interviews Whoop founder Will Ahmed about his journey from overtrained athlete to building a billion-dollar wearable tech company. Ahmed shares insights into Whoop's focus on recovery, the science of Heart Rate Variability, and navigating a competitive market. The conversation also explores the role of meditation and intuition in personal and entrepreneurial growth, and the profound future of AI in preventative health and its broader societal implications.
John John Florence is a three-time World Surf League Champion and one of the most naturally gifted surfers of his generation. This conversation explores John John's decision to step away from competition at his peak. We discuss his evolution from forcing outcomes to allowing flow, why mastery begins with surrendering control, and transforming pressure into presence. We delve into why external achievements can't heal internal wounds and his choice to prioritize fatherhood over fame. Through it al...
Leading experts Will Bulsiewicz, Tim Spector, and Robynne Chutkan delve into groundbreaking research on the gut microbiome's profound impact on health. They discuss how fiber significantly increases cancer survival rates, the discovery of microbiomes within tumors, and the critical role of gut bacteria in immune function and mental well-being, including how depression can be an inflammatory disorder. The episode also provides practical advice on navigating food choices, debunking diet myths, and understanding how cooking and food packaging affect health.
Dr. Laurie Santos is a renowned psychology professor at Yale University and creator of the most popular course in Yale's history: "Psychology and the Good Life." This conversation explores why our intuitions about happiness are spectacularly wrong and the mental health crisis plaguing young people. We discuss how our brains mislead us about well-being, the power of negative visualization, and evidence-based "rewirements" to overcome our natural biases. Along the way, she shares the stark reality...
Ethan Suplee is a renowned actor known for My Name is Earl, American History X, and The Wolf of Wall Street. This conversation explores the intersection of trauma, food addiction, and the false narratives of transformation. We discuss Ethan's journey through multiple relapses, the psychology behind sustainable change, and why "diet and exercise" is both completely true and profoundly dishonest. Along the way, Ethan dismantles the mythology of quick fixes and linear progress. Ethan is called to s...
Roll On returns! Brace yourselves! Adam Skolnick and I catch up on spinal fusion surgery, going slow to go slow, and what happens when the universe finally gets your attention. On tap: recovery realizations, walking very slowly, and the wild idea that maybe you're enough without all the doing. We dive into LA's current chaos, maintaining humanity, and why "dear one" isn't as cringy as it sounds. Last but not least, we explore worthiness, presence, and the art of sitting still when your whole ide...
Bob Roth is one of America's most experienced meditation teachers and executive director of The David Lynch Foundation. This conversation explores the intersection of ancient transcendence and modern necessity. We discuss Bob's 50+ year practice, David Lynch's final words about happiness, the neuroscience of "effortless meditation," and why accessing the fourth state of consciousness isn't a luxury, it's survival technology for the age of AI. He shows how 20 minutes rewires your brain, cuts cort...
Dr. Matthew Nagra is a Vancouver-based naturopathic doctor and nutrition researcher who tackles misinformation around diet and nutrition on social media. This conversation dismantles nutrition's most malevolent misconceptions—from seed oil hysteria to carnivore evangelism. We explore how tribal allegiances have replaced science, why plant proteins aren't inferior, and the rise of LDL denialism. Matt systematically debunks myths while exposing the cherry-picked studies fueling dietary tribalism. ...
Darin Olien is a wellness expert and protagonist of Netflix's "Down to Earth" with Zac Efron. This conversation explores the hidden dangers lurking in everyday products we assume are safe, from deodorant and dental floss to clothing and cleaning supplies. We discuss Darin's book "Fatal Conveniences," the toxic chemicals in our environment, why regulation is backwards, and simple swaps to protect your health. Darin also exposes the shocking truths about "forever chemicals" and why your morning ro...
Craig Mod is an artist, author, and photographer who has lived in Japan for 25 years, chronicling the country through thousands of miles of recent solo walks. We explore walking as inner cartography—a practice that transforms attention into meaning. We discuss Craig's journey from his best friend's murder in Connecticut to finding home in Tokyo, the ineffable Japanese concept of "yōyū," reconciling adoption trauma through movement, and how 300-mile walks without digital distraction became his pa...
Mike Birbiglia is a master storyteller, acclaimed comedian, and the creative force behind Netflix specials including "The Old Man & the Pool" and his newest, "The Good Life." This conversation explores the quiet architecture of story—how to shape it, live it, and share it in a way that matters. We talk about finding empathy for the parents who couldn’t fully show up, embracing feedback without losing your voice, and why the creative process might just be as simple and profound as “letting yo...
Dr. Matthew Walker is a world-renowned neuroscientist, sleep expert, and the bestselling author of “Why We Sleep.” In this conversation, we explore sleep not as a passive state, but as the biological foundation of life itself—the platform from which wakefulness emerges. We dive into the architecture of sleep, its vital role in immune function, disease prevention, memory, mood, and performance. We also touch on dreams, sleepwalking, and the hidden costs of even modest sleep disruption. I share my...
Stuart McMillan is an elite track and field coach who has guided 70+ Olympians to over 30 medals across nine Olympic Games. As CEO of ALTIS, a global leader in sports education, he's revolutionized how we understand human movement. This conversation is an exploration of speed—not just as a metric, but as a kind of alchemy. At the heart of Stuart's philosophy is a powerful paradox: the marriage of ferocity and fluidity. Precision and artistry. Intensity and grace. We unpack why sprinting may be t...
Dr. Judith Joseph is a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, clinical professor at NYU Medical School, and a renowned voice on high-functioning depression. In this conversation, we explore the paradox of achievement and anhedonia—the curious, often painful reality that success doesn't always equate to joy. Judith shares her clinical insights into why so many high performers feel emotionally flat, walking us through her integrative approach to mental health and her groundbreaking "5 V's" framework for re...
Paul Hawken is one of the great elder statesmen of environmentalism, a bestselling author, and the mind behind Drawdown and Regeneration . This conversation explores the biosphere's intrinsic intelligence through the expansive lens of Paul's latest book, Carbon: The Book of Life . We discuss carbon's improbable origins, examine the mycelial networks that function as Earth's connective tissue, and challenge our extractive relationship with nature. He methodically deconstructs our reductive approa...
Kate Courtney is a world champion mountain biker, Olympian, and the palmarès-rich face of American cycling. This conversation examines Kate's Olympic torch moment with Tom Cruise, her athletic philosophy, and her groundbreaking She Sends Racing initiative. We delve into mountain biking's Marin County roots, the tension between data and intuition, balancing Stanford studies with World Cup competition, and redefining success beyond traditional metrics. Weaving personal stories into meaningful insi...
Ky Dickens is the award-winning filmmaker behind "The Telepathy Tapes," the viral podcast phenomenon. This conversation explores the intersection of neurodiversity and consciousness as Ky shares her journey documenting non-speaking autistic individuals with apparent telepathic abilities. We discuss her transformation from pragmatic skeptic to someone witnessing replicable telepathic demonstrations, the concept of "The Hill" (where individuals telepathically gather), and how these discoveries cha...
Chip Conley is a hospitality maverick, founder of Modern Elder Academy, and the entrepreneurial sage who helped transform Airbnb from a startup to a global phenomenon. This conversation explores midlife as a chrysalis rather than a crisis—a transformative journey from ego to soul. Chip illuminates the path from horizontal achievement to vertical growth, addressing life's longest yet least understood phase. We discuss his near-death experience, the nature of wisdom, and why friendship becomes ess...
Dan Harris is the former ABC News anchor whose on-air panic attack catalyzed his transformation from skeptical journalist to meditation ambassador. This conversation explores Dan’s journey with meditation—from stress management tool to profound inquiry into consciousness and uncertainty. We discuss his practice evolving far beyond his bestselling book and podcast “10% Happier,” his transformative encounters with the Dalai Lama, and how Buddhist principles provided equanimity during his challengi...
