Brogan Graham Is A Friend Hunter

May 17, 2021

Brogan Graham, co-founder of November Project and a fitness enthusiast, shares his vibrant energy and passion for community building. He discusses the inception of this grassroots movement that motivates countless individuals to get outdoors and connect through fitness. The conversation dives into fatherhood, the importance of inclusivity, and navigating social issues like racial justice. With humorous anecdotes about ice fishing and personal growth, Brogan emphasizes the value of friendship and stepping outside of comfort zones in all aspects of life.

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ANECDOTE

Rich Roll's Minneapolis Visit

Brogan Graham convinced Rich Roll to visit Minneapolis.
Roll is surprised he is there, especially given the recent snow.

INSIGHT

Relevance of Discussion

Rich Roll questions the relevance of two white dads discussing racial justice.
Brogan Graham acknowledges the optics but emphasizes the value of conversation.

INSIGHT

November Project's White Privilege

Brogan Graham reflects on November Project's origin and inherent white privilege.
He acknowledges that two black men likely couldn't have started it the same way.

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Meet Brogan Graham.

Fitness fanatic. Extreme extrovert. Style icon. Force of Nature. Cool dad. Loyal friend and overall stellar human being.

These are just a few of many labels I would pin to BG’s chest.

An exceptional host during my April visit to Minneapolis (the whole thing was his idea), Brogan is the co-founder of November Project, a free and frenetic, open-to-anyone, grassroots sweat revival—a flashmob fitness revolution that counts over 250,000 lifetime members and dominates the pre-dawn urban landscape of 52 cities and nine countries spread across North America, Europe, the United Kingdom and even parts of Asia.

Leveraging community, a simple sense of accountability, and open public spaces, the November Project motivates people of all ages, shapes, sizes and levels to move their bodies—welcoming everyone from Olympic medalists and professional athletes to complete fitness rookies and recent couch potatoes.

Today’s conversation traverses many landscapes with a unique flair that can only be described as unapologetically Brogan-esque.

Chronologically the first conversation recorded during my time in Minneapolis, we digest lessons delivered by a city and citizenship under duress—and why it’s necessary to never stop learning.

We talk ‘dadding’, training, perfectionism, friendship, and the importance of getting outside your comfort zone—not just in the context of fitness but in all aspects of life.

But the overall theme of this discussion is cultivating inclusivity. Why the path forward demands resisting the impulse to call people out. Instead, let’s call people in.

As I’m fond of saying, prophets walk among us. Brogan isn’t just one such everyman prophet. He understands that to find these people, you need to always be on the hunt. You need to take swings at bat. You need to always be expanding your circle. And you need to develop the habit of reaching out to others, embracing your neighbors, and contributing to your community.

This reflex begins with one simple word: hello.

FULL BLOG & SHOW NOTES: bit.ly/richroll602

YouTube: bit.ly/brogangraham602

I urge all of you to absorb this conversation in its entirety. Whip out your pen and paper—this is essential, potentially life-altering listening for every human. And simply put, it’s everything I hoped it would be.

Brogan is a beautiful dude. I wish he lived in Los Angeles. But I’ll take him however I can get him.

May his words inspire you to reach out to someone new today.

P.S. – This is Brogan’s second spin on the RRP flywheel. If you enjoy today’s episode then dig up his first appearance four years prior in RRP 277.

P.P.S. – Special thanks to talented Minneapolis visual artists Bennie Wilson and Jordan Lundell for photographing today’s podcast.

Peace + Plants,

Rich