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
Jul 23, 2025 • 27min
Crazy Finance: Episode 2 - Is College Still Worth It?
In this engaging discussion, finance expert Doug Hill shares his personal journey of sending four kids to college, ultimately concluding that college may not be worth the investment. He and James Altucher tackle the staggering costs of tuition and student loans, arguing that many alternatives like trade schools offer better returns. They explore how the traditional pathway to success is evolving and dissect the predatory nature of student loan debt. Listeners are encouraged to reconsider the true value of a college degree in today's economy.
25 snips
Jul 18, 2025 • 26min
Crazy Finance: Episode 1 – Why Buying a House Might Be the Worst Financial Decision
In this engaging discussion, Doug Hill, a friend of James Altucher who often presents alternative views, challenges the notion that homeownership is the ultimate American dream. They dissect the hidden costs and emotional aspects of buying a home versus renting. Doug argues that emotional security can drive home purchases, while James highlights the financial pitfalls. Their lively debate questions traditional beliefs, offering fresh insights on whether owning a house truly makes sense in today’s economy.
17 snips
Jul 11, 2025 • 1h
Michelin Stars, Tragedy, and the Discipline to Be Great | Chef Curtis Duffy
Chef Curtis Duffy, a Michelin-starred culinary talent and author of 'Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef,' shares his gripping journey from personal tragedy to triumph. He discusses the transformative power of discipline over motivation and how he turned immense loss into a relentless drive for excellence. Delving into the high-stakes world of fine dining, Curtis highlights the crucial traits of resilience and teamwork in achieving culinary mastery. His insights on the emotional dynamics of kitchen leadership and the pursuit of greatness inspire anyone chasing their own aspirations.
10 snips
Jul 8, 2025 • 1h 16min
How UFC Champion Miesha Tate Overcame Rock Bottom with a Resilient Mindset
Miesha Tate, former UFC Bantamweight Champion, reflects on her journey through the highs and lows of her career. She candidly discusses overcoming adversity and toxic relationships, revealing how success didn’t shield her from personal struggles. Miesha emphasizes the importance of resilience and the psychological challenges athletes face, including depression. She shares transformative experiences, underlining that true fulfillment often requires rebuilding from rock bottom and the need for self-discovery beyond achievements.
Jul 1, 2025 • 50min
The Secret of Dave Barry’s Humor: Class Clown Memoir and Florida Tales
In this lively conversation, humorist Dave Barry, known for his iconic columns and bestselling books, shares insights from his memoir, Class Clown. He recounts outrageous tales, like driving the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile and his unique approach to humor that combines personal stories with absurdity. Barry discusses the evolution of his comedic style, the challenges of modern writing, and how engaging with readers shapes his work. He reflects on the quirky charm of Florida and the importance of embracing one's flaws in storytelling.
Jun 28, 2025 • 33min
How Chess Saved Danny Rensch’s Life: From Cult Roots to Chess.com’s Success
Danny Rensch, International Master and Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com, shares his gripping story from a troubled childhood in a spiritual cult to becoming a chess authority. He discusses how chess was both a refuge and a source of trauma. Danny reveals the psychological challenges he faced, the explosive growth of Chess.com fueled by 'The Queen's Gambit,' and the implications of recent cheating scandals. This candid conversation dives into the essence of resilience and transforms pain into purpose, all through the lens of a game he loves.
26 snips
Jun 25, 2025 • 1h 9min
The Stoic Capitalist: How Rational Thinking Creates Success | Robert Rosenkranz
Robert Rosenkranz, a billionaire investor and author of 'The Stoic Capitalist', discusses how stoic principles have shaped his remarkable career. He shares candid tales from high-stakes business moments and emphasizes the importance of rational thinking over emotional reactions. Key topics include distinguishing rational risks from fears, the role of stoicism in decision-making, and adapting to rapid AI changes. Rosenkranz also touches on the significance of supportive partnerships in navigating career challenges.
33 snips
Jun 22, 2025 • 32min
How to Master Anything—at Any Age: Lessons from World Chess Champion Viswanathan Anand
Viswanathan Anand, a five-time World Chess Champion, shares his incredible journey to mastery in chess and life. He discusses overcoming self-doubt at any age and highlights the importance of confidence over skill early on. Vishy emphasizes how to navigate plateaus and adapt to change while remaining at the top for decades. He encourages lifelong reinvention and reflects on how youth's 'inaccurate self-confidence' can be a powerful ally. His insights inspire anyone striving for greatness, whether in chess or their own pursuits.
38 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 10min
Gary Vaynerchuk: The Brutal Blueprint for Real Freedom
In a compelling conversation, Gary Vaynerchuk, a renowned entrepreneur and author, shares his insights on achieving true freedom through entrepreneurship. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity, patience, and learning from failures in building a successful brand. Gary discusses the balance between grand aspirations and practical steps, along with the significance of self-awareness in personal growth. He offers actionable strategies for navigating the business landscape, including community engagement and content creation, making this dialogue essential for aspiring entrepreneurs.
33 snips
Jun 15, 2025 • 1h 4min
Obsession, Chess, and the Myth of Mastery | James & Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam on the "New in Chess" Podcast
Dirk Jan ten Geuzendam, Editor of New In Chess magazine, shares his deep passion for chess and the journey of rekindling that obsession after nearly 30 years. He and James explore the dual nature of obsession—as a source of mastery but also a potential disruptor of life balance. Their conversation delves into how wisdom often outweighs raw skill, the emotional complexities of mastery in chess, and the unique revelations that come with age. They reflect on personal narratives, community influences, and the joy found in one's lifelong pursuits.
