The James Altucher Show
James Altucher
James Altucher interviews the world's leading peak performers in every area of life. But instead of giving you the typical success story, James digs deeper to find the "Choose Yourself" story - these are the moments we relate to... when someone rises up from personal struggle to reinvent themselves. The James Altucher Show brings you into the lives of peak-performers: billionaires, best-selling authors, rappers, astronauts, athletes, comedians, actors, and the world champions in every field, all who forged their own paths, found financial freedom and harnessed the power to create more meaningful and fulfilling lives.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 2min
How to Challenge Moon Landing Hoax Theories: Insights from Brian Keating
Astrophysicist Brian Keating, a former NASA scientist renowned for his work in cosmology, joins to debunk moon-landing conspiracy theories. He explains how platforms amplify skepticism and why the Van Allen belts don't pose lethal risks to astronauts. Keating unveils how lunar missions are still verified today using laser retroreflectors. He tackles tropes like the absence of returned missions and utilizes evidence from lunar rocks and international tracking to bolster his claims, making a compelling case for the reality of the Apollo program.
Dec 6, 2025 • 58min
Digital Social Hour Podcast by Sean Kelly: Why Gen Z Might Be the Most Talented Generation in History
James Altucher, an author and entrepreneur known for his 'Choose Yourself' philosophy, joins the conversation to explore why Gen Z may be the most talented generation yet. He debunks the 10,000-hour rule, emphasizing obsession over talent in achieving mastery. Altucher shares how AI is revolutionizing mentorship, serves as a vital tool for mental health, and accelerates learning. He reflects on overcoming financial losses, the reality of entrepreneurship, and the importance of taking action for mental well-being. This engaging discussion highlights Gen Z's unique advantages in a fast-paced digital world.
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 4min
How AI Will Change Hollywood Forever: Tye Sheridan & Nikola Todorovic on AI, VFX, and the Future of Filmmaking
Tye Sheridan, known for his roles in Ready Player One and X-Men, and Nikola Todorovic, a VFX director with deep expertise in AI tools, share insights on transforming filmmaking. They discuss their venture, Wonder Studio, which democratizes visual effects technology, enabling indie filmmakers to produce cinematic-quality works on smaller budgets. Tye reveals the balancing act of acting and entrepreneurship while Nikola addresses concerns about AI replacing jobs in Hollywood, emphasizing storytelling as the heart of cinema.
25 snips
Nov 22, 2025 • 1h 41min
AI That Helps, Schools That Don’t, and How Not to Go Crazy with Prof. Brian Keating
Join astrophysicist Brian Keating as he unwraps his experiences and insights. He shares practical AI workflows that enhance productivity while maintaining personal voice. Brian critiques the broken state of higher education, revealing alarming findings on basic skills in math. He warns against outsourcing happiness to politics, emphasizing the importance of focusing on health and relationships. Dive into fascinating anecdotes from UC San Diego and NYC politics, and learn how to use AI effectively in daily life.
13 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 2min
Kent Heckenlively on Catastrophic Disclosure: UFO Whistleblowers, Government Spin, and James’s 85% Rule
Kent Heckenlively, an attorney, journalist, and author, dives into the enigmatic world of UFOs and government secrecy. He discusses the evidence from recent congressional hearings and the credibility of whistleblower testimony. Kent explores controversial subjects like the mysterious Peruvian mummies and their potential link to extraterrestrial life. They analyze why certain classified information remains hidden and debate how many people could keep such vast secrets. Join their engaging conversation as they dissect the reality of what might be lurking beyond our skies.
58 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 2min
Wisdom Takes Work: Ryan Holiday on What AI Can’t Teach You
Join bestselling author and modern Stoic Ryan Holiday as he explores the multifaceted nature of wisdom. Dive into why true wisdom is a practice rather than a possession, emphasizing humility and experience. Holiday discusses the limitations of AI, showcasing its knowledge but lack of human judgment. He also reflects on the importance of history, mentorship, and hands-on learning. Furthermore, he shares insights from his upcoming biography of Admiral Stockdale, illustrating the challenges and growth that come with the journey toward wisdom.
11 snips
Nov 5, 2025 • 52min
Jeff Pearlman on Tupac Shakur: The Myths, the Music, and the Man Behind the Legend
Jeff Pearlman, a bestselling author and journalist renowned for his in-depth biographies, dives deep into the life and legacy of Tupac Shakur. He discusses the unique challenges of capturing Tupac's story as a white writer and contrasts 90s rap with today’s hip-hop. Their conversation touches on Tupac's dual passions for music and acting, the authenticity of his gangster persona, and the tragic details surrounding his death. Pearlman even reconnects a real-life inspiration from Tupac's poignant song, 'Brenda's Got a Baby,' adding layers to the legend.
20 snips
Oct 29, 2025 • 58min
Former FBI Agent, Eric O’Neill on Spies, Lies, and the Cyber Wars We’re Already Losing
In this enlightening discussion, Eric O'Neill, a former FBI counterintelligence operative known for capturing the notorious spy Robert Hanssen, reveals chilling insights about the dark and deep web. He explores the terrifying realities of cybercrime, including human trafficking and ransomware-as-a-service. Eric emphasizes how hackers exploit human psychology and the need for robust cybersecurity measures, like two-factor authentication. His gripping tales from undercover work and the constant threat of digital compromise will leave you questioning your online safety.
29 snips
Oct 23, 2025 • 1h 8min
I Know that She Knows that I Know that She Knows: Steven Pinker on the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life
Cognitive psychologist Steven Pinker dives into the fascinating world of common knowledge and social behavior. He unpacks how clues in poker and subtle hints in dating convey deeper meanings. The discussion explores the role of laughter as a social signal and how it fosters equality. Pinker explains how misunderstandings, like toilet paper hoarding, arise from collective expectations. He emphasizes the importance of balancing honesty and politeness in relationships and argues that true wisdom lies in acknowledging our self-deceptions.
39 snips
Oct 16, 2025 • 1h 26min
Obsession, Secrets, and Sleight of Hand: Inside the Hidden World of Modern Magicians with Ian Frisch
Ian Frisch, a journalist and author of *Magic Is Dead*, dives into the clandestine world of modern magicians. He shares how obsession fuels mastery in magic and reveals the impact of social media on the art form. Discover the evolution from traditional performances to today's creative, streetwear-clad magicians. Ian narrates his journey into the secretive society known as 'The 52', the crafting of tricks, and the significance of live experiences. He connects magic’s storytelling principles to business skills, blending showmanship with personal growth.
