Blood Meridian is a historical novel that depicts the brutal reality of the American West in the mid-19th century. The story follows a 14-year-old runaway from Tennessee, known as 'the kid', who joins the Glanton gang, a historical group of scalp hunters. The gang, led by John Joel Glanton and the enigmatic Judge Holden, is contracted to kill and scalp Native Americans but soon devolves into indiscriminate violence against various groups. The novel explores themes of brutality, the loss of innocence, and the harsh realities of human nature, with Judge Holden serving as a central figure embodying philosophical and sadistic elements. The book is known for its unflinching portrayal of violence and its allegorical exploration of human existence[2][3][5].
Set in 1949, 'All the Pretty Horses' follows John Grady Cole, a 16-year-old cowboy, and his friend Lacey Rawlins as they leave their home in Texas to find work as cowboys in Mexico. Along the way, they encounter Jimmy Blevins, a troubled young runaway, whose actions lead to significant consequences. The novel explores themes of love, loss, and the disappearing cowboy way of life, as Cole and Rawlins face the harsh realities of the Mexican justice system, cultural differences, and personal betrayals. McCarthy's vivid prose captures the beauty and brutality of the American West, highlighting the loss of innocence and the complexities of the adult world[2][4][5].
He’s back! One of the most fascinating and popular guests to grace this platform, Today Zach Bush, MD returns for a third mind-altering bend around the multiverse.
For the uninitiated, Zach's varied interests belie attempts to properly define him — but I'll give it a try. One of the few triple board certified physicians in America with expertise in Internal Medicine, Endocrinology and Metabolism, and Hospice/Palliative care, he is the founder and director of M Clinic integrative health center in Virginia.
In addition to his experience in functional medicine, longevity, autism, gut health, cancer, and many other areas of medicine, he is an avid environmentalist and activist involved in a multitude of projects that focus on ecology, regenerative agriculture, farmer well-being and spirituality.
To advocate for soil health & food independence, Zach is also the creator of Farmer's Footprint. Seen through the lens of farmers and their communities, it's a documentary series & grassroots movement that evaluates the impact of monocrop farming and pesticide reliance on chronic disease and planetary health — while simultaneously exploring evidence-based solutions to rebuild living biodiversity and ultimately reverse climate change.
But more than anything, Zach is a healer. A master consciousness. A gift to humanity. And someone I am very proud to call friend.
Zach's initial appearance on the podcast (RRP 353) blew minds across the world. Our second conversation (RRP 414) was one of the most moving conversations of my life. So it just seemed right to invite Zach and his holistic health coach, consultant and yoga teacher wife Jenn Perell Bush to join us on our recent retreat in Italy.
If you listened to either of our previous conversations, it would be reasonable to expect this discussion to further explore the impact of industrialized food systems on human and ecological health. However, that assumption would be wrong.
Instead, we delve inside to explore our individual and collective experience with pain, both psychic and physical.
We deconstruct our unhealthy obsession with comfort.
We stress test the stories we craft that form our identity, stunt our evolution, and ultimately hold us hostage.
And we explore a new path to freedom — liberation from that which ails us so that we can self-actualize, and together embrace our inherent divinity.
Akin to the recent episode with Gemma Newman, MD (RRP 449), this exchange was recorded before a live audience of retreat attendees in Italy (thus audio only) and concludes with Zach leading a meditation, edited down for time and the sake of the listener.
In closing, I want to express gratitude for our extraordinary Plantpower Italia community, who were collectively moved to donate $81,000 towards Zach’s Farmer’s Footprint organization and docu-series. On behalf of Zach, Jenn and the organization, thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
Peace + Plants,
Rich
The Rich Roll Podcast 
