In 'Stolen Focus', Johann Hari delves into the reasons behind the collapse of our ability to pay attention. He discusses various factors contributing to this issue and provides strategies on how to think deeply again and reclaim our focus in a world filled with distractions.
Finding Ultra recounts Rich Roll’s remarkable journey from an out-of-shape, mid-life couch potato to one of the world’s top ultrarunners. The book chronicles his battle with alcoholism, his transformation into an elite endurance athlete, and his adoption of a plant-based lifestyle. It includes his experiences in the elite Ultraman competition and the EPIC5, five Ironman-distance triathlons completed in less than a week on different Hawaiian islands. The revised and updated edition provides practical tools, practices, and strategies for optimal performance, longevity, and wellness, making it a guide for anyone seeking to transform their life through self-discovery and a healthier lifestyle.
In 'Lost Connections', Johann Hari explores the increasing rates of depression and anxiety in the Western world. Through a 40,000-mile journey interviewing experts and visiting various communities, Hari identifies nine causes of depression and anxiety, all centered around the theme of disconnection. These causes include disconnection from meaningful work, other people, meaningful values, childhood trauma, status and respect, the natural world, and a hopeful or secure future. The book also delves into the role of genes and brain changes. Hari argues that traditional solutions focusing on chemical imbalances are insufficient and proposes alternative solutions based on reconnection, such as social prescribing, community engagement, and addressing societal issues like inequality and lack of social security.
Voicing Change is a culmination of Rich Roll's eight-year journey of interviewing unique thinkers and visionaries on his acclaimed podcast. The book distills the collective wisdom from these conversations into thoughtful essays and first-person wisdom, focusing on themes of intentional living, life lessons, and enduring inspiration.
In 'Chasing the Scream', Johann Hari delves into the origins and consequences of the war on drugs. The book spans nine countries, where Hari interviews a diverse range of individuals, including addicts, dealers, scientists, and policymakers. Hari explores the early figures in the drug war, such as Billie Holiday and Harry J. Anslinger, and discusses modern-day alternatives to prohibition, including decriminalization and legalization policies in countries like Portugal and Uruguay. The book argues that addiction is not a disease but an adaptation to environment and advocates for a shift from punitive measures to rehabilitation and connection-based solutions.
We are living in a time of upgraded technology and downgraded humans.
Our collective ability to resist distraction and sustain attention is in decline.
Although will power plays a role, this problem is not entirely our fault—it’s the by-product of powerful forces incident to modern life.
Disconnection from nature. Disrupted sleep. Toxic environments. Predatory tech.
What exactly does a focus-less future augur? And what can be done to reclaim our ability to truly concentrate?
Back for his second appearance on the show, our steward for these existential questions is journalist & multiple New York Times bestselling author Johann Hari, who, when confronted with his own deteriorating attention span, dove deep into the individual and systemic solutions to this dispiriting collective trend.
Johann has written for the LA Times, Le Monde, and many other outlets, has two of the most-watched TED Talks, and has been profiled in essentially every prominent media outlet. His books include Chasing The Scream and Lost Connections,, which explores the roots of addiction, and was the subject of our first exchange back on episode #416. But today, he’s here to share big lessons from his latest book, Stolen Focus: Why You Can’t Pay Attention, which is a provoking journey into the forces robbing us of our attention and a look at how we might begin to reclaim our minds, and our lives.
Today’s conversation focuses on the problematic impact of big tech, smartphone addiction and surveillance capitalism on our well-being and that of our children.
We discuss the specific factors contributing to attention decline–from reduced sleep, environmental pollution, and something called the switch/cost effect, to chronic stress, poor nutrition, lack of exercise, and disconnection from others and the natural world.
Beyond the many problems, we, of course, also address solutions—both systemic and individualistic—such that we may recapture our focus and be the best version of ourselves.
Johann is quite the entertaining storyteller, with humor that makes hard truths go down a little easier.
To read more, click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
This is a hopeful conversation about how to build a life of greater joy, enhanced personal fulfillment, and focus. My wish is that it serves and enlightens.
Enjoy!
Peace + Plants,
Rich
The Rich Roll Podcast 
