Lance Armstrong

Lance Armstrong, a cycling icon with a controversial past, joins David Canton, a history professor, David Epstein, a science journalist, and Domonique Foxworth, a former NFL player, to dissect the hidden factors of athletic success. They explore how genetics, mental toughness, and sheer luck shape elite athletes. The discussion dives into the financial barriers in youth sports and the emotional sacrifices athletes often make. They also reflect on unique journeys in competitive sports, emphasizing resilience and the often-overlooked paths to greatness.

Lance Armstrong, a seven-time Tour de France winner and a controversial figure in cycling, shares his incredible journey from battling testicular cancer to achieving fame. He opens up about the intense scrutiny he faced due to performance-enhancing drug use and reflects on his decision to come clean. Armstrong discusses the emotional toll of his public fall from grace, stories from his cycling career, and how personal growth has shaped his views. He also emphasizes the importance of finding joy in fitness at age 50, beyond just competition.

Everyone has highs. Everyone has lows.But few people on Earth have experienced the unimaginable level of success enjoyed by this week’s guest.Fewer still have undergone a more precipitous fall from grace.What exactly is it like to go from global hero to pariah overnight?This is the story of Lance Armstrong.One of the most decorated, fiercely competitive and controversial figures of our age, today Lance joins the podcast to mine the depths of his infamous dismantling. We explore the demands required to rebuild his life. And together we consider his journey forward.But first, allow me to contextualize.I am well aware that Lance is polarizing. Emotions run hot. And nobody lacks an opinion. Perhaps you have been eagerly awaiting this conversation. Maybe you’re outraged. Either way, I get it. If you hold a strong opinion, this conversation isn’t likely to change that – nor is it my goal.As an athlete immersed in the culture of multi-sport who has closely followed the Lance story for as long as I can remember, I grasp and appreciate better than most the issues and controversy that swirl around the world’s most famous cyclist.This podcast is about exploring humanity in all its incarnations. More than anything, I’m interested in what makes people tick — why they do what they do; what they have gleaned from their experiences both good and bad; and how we can collectively grow from examining the lives of others.Among my favorite conversations are those with convicted murderer Shaka Senghor; registered sex offender Joseph Naus; felonious insider trader turned FBI informant Tom Hardin; and a battery of reformed reprobates that include alcoholics, drug addicts, and drug dealers. I state this not to draw any comparison whatsoever to Lance, but rather to illustrate my interest in the complex, dualistic nature of the human condition in all its incarnations.I too was once broken and lost. I cannot begin to compare my experience to that of Lance’s, but I do understand what it's like to be dismantled. I know intimately what is required to confront and overcome one's past. And I have great empathy for the degree of difficulty required to rebuild a life.It is with this spirit that I approached this conversation – not as an investigative journalist, nor as judge and jury. But rather, with heart open — my only agenda to have an honest dialog with one of the most prominent figures of our time.Of course, we discuss his iconic rise, fall and efforts to move forward. But I also endeavored to explore terrain beyond the scandals – subjects like mindset and preparation that often get eclipsed in the grand conversation about Lance.We talk about therapy. We explore his history with anger. And we delve into the evolution of his hyper-competitive nature.We discuss the differences between training as a professional cyclist versus his preparation for Ironman and other ultra-distance events.I asked him what it’s like to contend with a $100 million lawsuit hanging over his head. We discuss common mistakes many athletes make and how he would approach coaching young professional athletes. And finally, I gauge his thoughts on the future of clean sport.This is not the definitive Lance interview. We only had an hour. There were plenty of subjects I wish I had more time to explore. That said, I found Lance to be both open and demonstrative. I think you will be more than intrigued by the discussion.Enjoy!Rich

Lance Armstrong, former pro cyclist and controversial figure, joins the conversation to share his insights on investing and the celebrity lifestyle. He discusses the evolution of corporate universities and the rise of experiential travel, particularly for cycling fans. The panel also dives into the challenges of investing in dying businesses and the impact of new credit card technologies on corporate training. Armstrong reflects on celebrity culture and the commercialization of fame, leaving listeners with a fresh take on the intersection of business and personal experiences.

In this engaging conversation, Lance Armstrong, the controversial former professional cyclist, opens up about his tumultuous journey through fame, triumph, and scandal. He shares insights into his determination to win, the secret world of doping, and the intimidation tactics he used against whistleblowers. Armstrong reflects on the moral dilemmas of his choices and the emotional toll of his downfall. The discussion also touches on his public apologies and the ongoing impact of his legacy on the sport and himself.