Today we are bringing back one of our all-time favorite episodes with James Altucher. 

Dave sits down with James, an entrepreneur, bestselling author, and master experimenter, to uncover why the 10,000-hour rule might just be holding you back. Instead of grinding your way to expertise, James reveals his 10,000 Experiment Rule—a game-changing approach to mastering any skill faster than you thought possible. 

From comedy stages to boardrooms, James has redefined success through relentless experimentation and bold pivots. In this electrifying conversation, he exposes the toxic allure of “failure porn” and why glorifying failure might be sabotaging your growth. You’ll learn why skipping the line isn’t just possible—it’s essential for thriving in a world obsessed with rigid rules. 

This episode dives deep into the power of curiosity, the art of experimentation, and the strategies James uses to crush the myth of conventional wisdom. Whether you’re stuck in a career rut, looking to start something new, or just want to optimize your life, James delivers unfiltered insights to help you rewrite the rules. 

What You’ll Learn: 

• Why the 10,000-hour rule is outdated—and what actually works 

• How “failure porn” is dragging you down (and how to escape it) 

• The 10,000 Experiment Rule that accelerates skill mastery 

• Bold strategies to break through limits and skip the line in any industry 

• Why curiosity is the ultimate superpower for growth and success 

• Practical steps to monetize your passion and build a life you love 

Resources:  

2025 Biohacking Conference – https://biohackingconference.com/2025 

James Altucher’s Website – https://www.jamesaltucher.com 

The James Altucher Show Podcast – https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-james-altucher-show/id794030859 

Danger Coffee – https://dangercoffee.com 

Dave Asprey’s Website – https://daveasprey.com 

Dave Asprey’s Book: Smarter Not Harder – https://daveasprey.com/books 

Dave Asprey’s Linktree – https://linktr.ee/daveasprey 

Upgrade Collective: Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live – https://www.ourupgradecollective.com 

Own an Upgrade Labs – https://ownanupgradelabs.com 

Upgrade Labs – https://upgradelabs.com 

40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement – https://40yearsofzen.com 

Sponsors 

-Calroy | Head to https://calroy.com/dave for an exclusive discount. 

-Viome | Go to https://viome.com/dave to save $110 on the Full Body Intelligence Test. 

Timestamps: 

00:00 Introduction to The Human Upgrade Podcast 

00:38 Meet James Altucher: Entrepreneur and Author 

01:02 The Comedy Journey: From Advice to Stage 

02:06 The Controversial New York Article 

03:42 Facing Backlash and Public Reaction 

10:46 The 10,000 Experiment Rule 

15:44 Skipping the Line: Challenging Conventional Wisdom 

23:35 The Importance of Loving What You Do 

31:30 A Chance Encounter with Howard Schultz 

32:11 The Plus Minus Equals Technique 

33:26 Applying Techniques to Chess Mastery 

34:43 The Importance of Curiosity 

36:30 Experimenting with Comedy 

38:44 The Concept of Failure Porn 

40:39 The Hero’s Journey in Business 

44:42 Living an Experimental Life 

47:10 Frame Control in High-Stakes Situations 

53:43 Advice for Parents and Kids 

55:29 Conclusion and Book Promotion 

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