Alan Watts' "This Is It" is a collection of essays offering profound insights into various aspects of life, consciousness, and spirituality. Watts' unique style blends Eastern philosophies with Western thought, making complex ideas accessible to a wider audience. The book explores themes of self-discovery, acceptance, and the interconnectedness of all things. It encourages readers to question their assumptions and embrace a more holistic perspective on life. Watts' work challenges conventional thinking and inspires readers to live more authentically.
In *The Universal Christ*, Richard Rohr offers a profound reinterpretation of the concept of Christ, suggesting it represents a universal, cosmic reality that transcends religious boundaries. Rohr argues that recognizing Christ in all things can restore hope and meaning to our lives by connecting us with the divine presence in every aspect of creation. This book invites readers to contemplate a broader understanding of faith and spirituality.
This Naked Mind offers a new, positive solution to alcohol dependence by presenting the psychological and neurological components of alcohol use based on the latest science. Annie Grace reveals the cultural, social, and industry factors that support alcohol dependence and provides guidance on how to align one’s subconscious brain with their conscious desire to quit drinking. The book includes personal anecdotes, scientific insights, and practical advice to help readers break free from alcohol’s grip without feeling deprived or miserable.
In *Ego Is the Enemy*, Ryan Holiday delves into the concept of ego and its detrimental effects on personal and professional success. The book is divided into three sections: Aspiration, Success, and Failure, each offering valuable lessons and perspectives. Holiday draws on a vast array of stories and examples from literature, philosophy, and history, featuring figures such as George Marshall, Jackie Robinson, Katharine Graham, Bill Belichick, and Eleanor Roosevelt. These individuals achieved great success by conquering their own egos, and their strategies and tactics are presented as models for readers. The book emphasizes the importance of staying grounded, continually learning, and embracing a mindset of growth rather than letting ego hinder development.
In Love Wins, Rob Bell tackles one of the most contentious issues in faith – the nature of hell and the afterlife. With a hopeful and insightful message, Bell argues that eternal life does not start after death but begins right now. He challenges traditional views of hell, suggesting it is more often a self-created prison on earth rather than a literal lake of fire. The book emphasizes that heaven is not just a future reward but something to be worked towards every day. Bell's central thesis is that God's love is so profound that everyone who wants to spend eternity with God can and will, even if they find the right path after death[3][5][6].
Be Here Now is a seminal book on spirituality, yoga, and meditation written by Ram Dass. The book is divided into four sections: 'Journey', which details Ram Dass's transformation from a Harvard psychologist to a spiritual seeker; 'From Bindu to Ojas', a core section that includes spiritual themes and inspirational quotes; 'Cookbook for a Sacred Life', a manual for conscious living with practical advice on meditation, yoga, and diet; and 'Painted Cakes (Do Not Satisfy Hunger)', a list of recommended books for further spiritual exploration. The book emphasizes the importance of living in the present moment, shedding ego and material attachments, and finding unity with the divine through unconditional love and mindfulness[2][4][5].
Comedian! Writer! Author! Spiritual seeker!
One of my favorite people, Pete Holmes needs no introduction. But I'm going to give it to you anyway.
A stand up veteran with a cornucopia of comedy specials, television shows and late night appearances to his name, Pete is best known as the creator and star of the semi-autobiographical HBO show Crashing, a riotous and touching series he executive produced alongside Judd Apatow loosely based on Pete’s life in the early days of his comedy career.
In addition, Pete hosts You Made It Weird – hands down one of my absolute favorite podcasts (I was honored to be a guest) — and is the author of the brilliant and just released Comedy Sex God*. Part autobiography, part philosophical inquiry, part sacred quest, I can't recommend this book more highly. Equally hilarious and profound, it hits bookstores everywhere this week. Pick it up immediately*. Read. Ponder. Thank me later.
A long-time fan of Pete's, we were first introduced by our mutual friend (and former podcast guest) Rob Bell. From that moment forward I have yearned to get this fellow traveler on the show. It finally happened. And the experience is everything I hoped it would be.
Comedy. Sex. God. And everything in between. We cover it all.
We discuss his evangelical upbringing and how his failed attempt to live up to picture perfect standards forced him to question his faith and re-examine long-held beliefs, catalyzing the soul-seeking journey he has pursued ever since.
We talk comedy and creativity. How he squares Christianity with alternative faith modalities. And what he has learned spending time with spiritual savants like Ram Dass and experimenting with psychedelics.
We explore how fatherhood has impacted his spiritual and professional perspective. What it's like working with Judd Apatow. The experience of being a celebrity with a big show on HBO. And, more importantly, what happens when that show suddenly goes away.
But mostly, this is a beautiful exploration of the messy, confusing, wonderful, mysterious, disorienting thing we call life.
You can watch the entire conversation on YouTube at bit.ly/peteholmes441 (please subscribe!)
As Pete would say, GET INTO IT!
Peace + Plants,
Rich
The Rich Roll Podcast 
