Deep Survival: Who Lives, Who Dies, and Why is a 2003 book by Laurence Gonzales that examines how people survive life-threatening events. The book is divided into two main sections: the first explores how accidents occur, often due to bad habits and the brain's tendency to rely on past experiences rather than current conditions. The second section focuses on survival strategies, emphasizing the importance of clear and decisive action in chaotic situations. Gonzales uses real-life stories, including his father's experiences as a World War II pilot, to illustrate key survival principles such as adaptability, mental resilience, and the ability to manage fear and pain. He also discusses the physiological and psychological effects of stress and how these impact decision-making in critical situations[2][3][6].
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.
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.
Created by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt, this book shares their experiences and the health benefits of a plant-based lifestyle. It includes a variety of easy-to-prepare whole food recipes, such as hearty breakfasts, lunches, dinners, smoothies, juices, and desserts. The book is not just a recipe collection but a comprehensive guide to long-term wellness, body, mind, and spirit health, and a celebration of a simple and sustainable lifestyle.
Osher Günsberg's memoir, "Back After the Break," offers a raw and honest account of his struggles with addiction, mental health challenges, and the arduous path toward self-discovery. The book details his experiences with psychosis, substance abuse, and the emotional toll these battles took on him. It also highlights his journey of recovery, emphasizing the importance of seeking help and embracing vulnerability. Günsberg shares hard-earned lessons and insights, offering hope and inspiration to others facing similar struggles. The book's intimate and unflinching portrayal of mental health challenges makes it a powerful and moving read.
Even in the darkest moments, there exists the potential for redemption, rebuilding, and the reclamation of one’s life.
Today’s guest is a living embodiment of this truth.
Meet Osher Günsberg—one of the most celebrated television hosts and media personalities in Australia.
Longtime listeners may recall Osher’s first appearance on the podcast over nine years ago (episode #76) where we discussed his journey to the big stage and his transformation from being a chubby kid to a plant-powered, marathon-running host of Australian Idol. Shortly after that conversation, Osher experienced a public psychotic breakdown that left him terrified, distressed and convinced the world was coming to an end. But rather than hide this experience and internalize his struggles with his mental health and substance abuse, Osher bravely began to talk openly about his recovery.
Today he shares that terrifying experience in vivid detail, what happened, how he clawed his way back to sanity, and the hard-earned lessons he’s garnered along the way—which you can also read about in his powerful memoir, Back, After The Break.
Note: Today we discuss suicidal thoughts and ideation. If that subject is too confronting, perhaps skip this episode. If you are struggling, please raise your hand and reach out for help. You can call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP and if you are experiencing suicidal ideation, I encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1 (800) 273-TALK.
Osher demonstrated a huge amount of courage and vulnerability to share his story.
My hope is that his narrative serves as a powerful reminder that taking responsibility for your mental health is crucial, and the bravest thing you can do is ask for help.
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