The James Altucher Show cover image

The James Altucher Show

Latest episodes

undefined
Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 16min

Living Better for Less: Chris Hutchins on Life-Changing Hacks

A Note from James:Jay, remind me, I've gotta send this episode to my kids because I cannot believe what that guy just told us. Chris Hutchins, he has the "All the Hacks" podcast and so many interesting things at his website, allthehacks.com. But I don't like the word life hack. A lot of that stuff is just BS.But this was legit—from buying gold bars at Costco to making money off gift cards. He has so many weird, interesting financial and life hacks that can genuinely help you make a living and improve your life. It seemed like he was doing great with all this stuff. What you're about to hear is weird, interesting, and potentially financially lucrative—or at least thought-provoking.Let's start the episode.Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher sits down with Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast "All the Hacks," to uncover some surprising yet practical ways to enhance your financial life. Chris shares actionable tips that can genuinely increase your income, cut down costs, and shift your mindset around everyday decisions—without resorting to gimmicks. From arbitraging Costco gold bars and credit card rewards to smart relationship strategies and travel tricks, Chris offers practical solutions that anyone can start using immediately.What You'll Learn:How to make money arbitraging gold bars from Costco.Simple mindset shifts to improve your eating habits without feeling deprived.Why you should never pay full price at major retailers and how to consistently save money.How to efficiently leverage credit card rewards and cashback offers.A strategy to reduce relationship stress by changing how you "keep score" with your partner.Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Chris Hutchins and All the Hacks[01:00] Skepticism About Life Hacks[02:00] Simple Food Hack for Healthier Eating[03:00] The Inspiration Behind Financial and Lifestyle Hacks[04:00] Mindset Shifts and Relationship Hacks[05:00] Travel Hacks: Saving on Rentals[06:00] Gold Arbitrage at Costco[09:00] Credit Card Rewards and Signup Bonuses[19:00] Paying Rent with Points Through Bilt[23:00] Gift Card Arbitrage[28:00] Never Pay Full Price on Amazon[32:00] Gift Card Brokers and Fraud Management[47:00] Unclaimed Money and Privacy Concerns[52:00] Protecting Your Privacy[55:00] Podcast and Newsletter Business ModelAdditional Resources:All the Hacks PodcastCostco Executive RewardsBilt RewardsGCX Raise – Gift Card MarketplaceCardPointers AppThe 80/80 MarriageDeleteMe – Privacy ServiceUnclaimed Money FinderThis episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/jamesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
undefined
15 snips
Apr 2, 2025 • 1h

Discover Sahil Bloom's Secrets: How to Transform Your Life with 5 Types of Wealth

Sahil Bloom, author of 'The Five Types of Wealth,' dives deep into transformative concepts that go beyond just financial gain. He outlines five key wealth categories: time, social, mental, physical, and financial. Sahil emphasizes the power of small, asymmetrical actions that can lead to significant life changes. He shares personal insights into balancing these wealth types, the impact of genuine friendships, and the evolving nature of modern relationships. Listeners are encouraged to redefine success and pursue a more meaningful, purposeful life.
undefined
Mar 27, 2025 • 58min

"Nomadic Matt" Kepnes on Traveling the World for $75 a Day

Nomadic Matt, a travel expert and author of "How to Travel the World on $75 a Day or Less," shares his extensive knowledge on budget travel. He reveals practical tips for finding cheap flights and accommodations while exploring the benefits of remote work. Matt emphasizes that travel can be affordable, highlighting low-cost destinations like India and Portugal. He recounts his transformative journey from a corporate job to a nomadic lifestyle, encouraging others to embrace the adventure without breaking the bank.
undefined
Mar 20, 2025 • 1h 14min

Infiltrating Hate: The Secret World of the FBI undercover | Scott Payne

A Note from James:As you listen to this episode, ask yourself: would you do what my guest Scott Payne did for 28 years? He’s a retired undercover FBI agent who spent nearly three decades infiltrating some of the most dangerous groups in America—white supremacist organizations, outlaw biker gangs, and domestic terror cells. His new book, Code Name: Pale Horse, reveals the harrowing details of his undercover life, including moments where he was seconds away from being exposed and killed.Scott spent 18 months embedded with the Outlaws motorcycle gang. In one chilling moment, they decided to strip-search him while he was wired up, a scenario that could have ended him on the spot. He also infiltrated the KKK in Alabama, adopting the codename Pale Horse to penetrate a violent neo-Nazi cell known as The Base, which was actively planning attacks and preparing for a so-called race war.This is raw, unfiltered, and straight from the front lines of America’s most dangerous extremist groups. Scott took unimaginable risks to save lives and bring criminals to justice—all while balancing a wife, two daughters, and his faith. This episode is an unmissable look at the dark corners of our country and the people working to expose them.Episode Description:What does it take to spend 28 years undercover, living among America’s most dangerous criminals? Scott Payne knows firsthand. As an FBI agent, he infiltrated violent white supremacist groups, outlaw biker gangs, and domestic terror cells. In this conversation, Scott shares never-before-heard stories from his career, including how he convinced extremists that he was one of them, how he barely escaped being exposed, and the mental toll of living a double life.Scott’s new book, Code Name: Pale Horse, pulls back the curtain on his undercover operations. He details how groups like The Base aren’t just talking about hate—they’re planning violence, training for guerrilla warfare, and actively trying to accelerate societal collapse. This episode provides a rare look inside these organizations and the tactics used to dismantle them.We also discuss the modern landscape of extremism, the role of AI in radicalization, and what everyday citizens can do to spot warning signs before it’s too late.What You’ll Learn:The chilling reality of undercover work inside violent extremist groups.How Scott Payne survived a strip search while wired up by an outlaw motorcycle gang.The tactics white supremacist accelerationists use to create chaos and violence.How radicalization is happening online—and why it’s spreading faster than ever.The psychological toll of pretending to be someone else for nearly three decades.What law enforcement and the public can do to stop domestic terrorism.Timestamped Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Scott Payne's Undercover Life[01:32] Infiltrating the Outlaws Motorcycle Gang[02:15] The Strip Search Incident[04:01] Navigating Undercover Risks[21:35] Balancing Personal and Professional Life[24:23] Understanding Modern White Supremacist Groups[35:32] Misconceptions About Terrorist Profiles[36:15] The Role of Technology in Monitoring Threats[36:59] Balancing Privacy and Security[38:10] Challenges in Identifying Domestic Terrorists[39:04] Infiltrating Hate Groups[40:35] The Reality of Undercover Work[42:48] The Threat of Radicalization[48:47] The Importance of Communication and Vigilance[51:12] The Psychological Toll of Undercover Operations[01:06:14] The Future of Law Enforcement and Counterterrorism[01:10:01] Conclusion and Future EndeavorsAdditional Resources:Code Name: Pale Horse by Scott PayneLife After Hate – Organization helping people leave extremist groupsEradicate Hate Global SummitP.S. The CBC is running a companion podcast that is starting, It’s the second season to their mega-hit “White Hot Hate” podcast. https://app.magellan.ai/listen_links/palehorsepodSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
undefined
Mar 12, 2025 • 1h 51min

Being Authentic as F*ck with Sun Yi

A Note from James I had such a great conversation with my good friend, Sun Yi on his podcast, called Authentic as F*ck, and I felt like I had to say the full name of the podcast because I wanna be authentic. Authenticity is complex, and being yourself isn't always straightforward. With friends, I'm different than when giving a talk or doing a podcast. But authenticity involves knowing who you are in different contexts and what you value. Sun Yi and I explored this in-depth, discussing why being truly authentic often means embracing controversy, taking risks with your content, and understanding that the truth of who you are can change based on the context. Episode Description James speaks with Sun Yi, host of Authentic as F*ck, about the nuances of personal branding, vulnerability, and authenticity. This candid conversation explores why true authenticity can lead to both rejection and opportunity, emphasizing the importance of publishing ideas that genuinely scare you. Listeners will learn why radical openness about successes and failures can be both costly and rewarding, and how traditional perspectives on success and failure often overlook essential lessons about humility and resilience. What You’ll Learn: How authenticity can lead to controversy but also open new doors. Why publishing content that genuinely scares you is crucial for meaningful impact. The surprising benefits—and real costs—of being fully transparent about your experiences. How traditional ideas about success and failure can be misleading. Understanding the complexities behind creating content that truly resonates and why some content unexpectedly goes viral. Timestamped Chapters [00:00] Introduction to Authenticity and Personal Branding [01:10] The Complexity of Being Yourself [02:35] Building a Personal Brand Naturally [04:06] The Importance of Vulnerability and Authenticity [05:14] Challenges of Being Authentic [08:29] Niching Down vs. Broad Interests [10:29] Controversial Opinions and Their Impact [18:32] The New York City Article Controversy [23:23] Handling Negative Reactions [37:02] The Value of Authentic Writing [41:03] Deep Dive into Favorite Authors [41:55] Balancing Podcast Topics and Growth [45:17] Understanding Success and Failure [45:22] The Importance of Networking [47:50] Testing Business Ideas [50:56] Learning from Failure [56:16] The Role of Humility in Success [01:00:21] The Journey to Becoming a Writer [01:13:09] The Dot-Com Boom and Bust [01:14:58] Reflecting on the Early Days of Web Design [01:15:47] The Evolution and Current State of AI [01:17:59] AI's Role in Creative Fields [01:32:52] The Future of AI in Healthcare and Other Industries [01:40:18] Political Polarization and Historical Context [01:42:32] Closing Thoughts and Optimism for the Future Additional Resources: Sun Yi's Podcast: Authentic as Fuck Khan Academy Coursera – Online Education Platform  See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
undefined
15 snips
Mar 6, 2025 • 25min

The Truth about Tariffs: The Ultimate Guide to Busting Inflation Myths

Dive into the world of tariffs and their surprising link to inflation. Bust myths surrounding trade policies and discover why tariffs don’t drive prices up as commonly believed. Explore modern practices versus historical strategies, including the infamous Smoot-Hawley Tariff. Unpack Trump’s strategic approach to tariffs and their effects on the economy. Plus, enjoy a personal tale about a Cybertruck incident and the growing resentment toward Elon Musk. Get ready for an enlightening and spirited discussion!
undefined
Feb 26, 2025 • 27min

How The US can Immediately Eliminate the IRS and get rid of personal income taxes

Imagine never paying personal income taxes again! The discussion centers on eliminating the IRS and funding the government through a progressive sales tax system. With necessities taxed at just 5% and luxury items at 50%, the economy could thrive while citizens keep 100% of their earnings. Historical funding methods are explored, revealing how shifts in taxation have influenced government spending. The impact of taxes on money velocity showcases how personal spending drives job creation, making a compelling case for radical reform.
undefined
Feb 21, 2025 • 31min

Is Fort Knox Empty!? | News You Might Have Missed

Curiosity sparks as a viral tweet raises questions about the gold reserves at Fort Knox. What if the U.S. gold isn't really there? The discussion delves into the history of the gold standard and the transition to paper money in 1971. It also considers the implications for inflation, the economy, and national debt. The conversation extends to the peculiar relevance of pennies in modern currency and the future of money, including Bitcoin as a digital alternative to gold. Innovative ideas, like supersonic travel, also pop up along the way.
undefined
Feb 18, 2025 • 51min

From Dreamer to Doer: Who Better Than You? Movie Producer, Will Packer on How to Build Success and Resilience in life.

Will Packer, a renowned film producer behind hits like Girls Trip and Straight Outta Compton, shares his journey from a college student to industry titan. He emphasizes the importance of targeting the right audience and how authentic storytelling resonates widely. Packer discusses the evolving producer role, balancing creativity with project management, and navigating Hollywood's changing landscape with the rise of streaming and AI. He also reveals strategies for building self-confidence, likening it to a muscle that can be developed through practice.
undefined
9 snips
Feb 14, 2025 • 1h 13min

How Anyone Can Make Their First Million, James Altucher on My First Exit

In this engaging discussion, Nick Singh, co-host of My First Exit, and Omid Kazravan delve into the myths surrounding personal branding and the essence of true success. They explore the crucial question of retirement—what's your number and how it can evolve. The duo emphasizes the power of intersecting skills over narrow specialization, advocating for authenticity in professional journeys. They also share entrepreneurial insights on money management, navigating financial goals, and the significance of passion in achieving holistic success.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode