
The James Altucher Show
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.
Latest episodes

6 snips
May 7, 2025 • 36min
Dr. Mehmet Oz (Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services) on Food, Medicine, and the Future of Healthcare
Dr. Mehmet Oz, a renowned television personality and former heart surgeon, now heads the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. He shares insights on the critical role of nutrition in healthcare and empowers patients to advocate for their health. Dr. Oz debunks myths about sugar, emphasizing the importance of understanding different types and their effects. He explores the connection between gut bacteria and overall health and discusses innovative dietary approaches like the Pegan Diet. With a fresh perspective on wellness, he aims to reshape how we view food and health.

9 snips
May 6, 2025 • 1h 30min
Everything Doctor's & Hospitals are Afraid to Tell You: FDA Commissioner Dr. Marty Makary on How to Negotiate Your Medical Bills, Advocate For Yourself & Restore U.S. Healthcare
Dr. Marty Makary, a surgeon and health policy professor at Johns Hopkins, shines a light on the flaws in the American healthcare system. He reveals that a staggering 11% of surgeries are unnecessary, driven by hidden costs and surprise billing practices. The discussion unveils the need for reforms and greater pricing transparency. Makary also emphasizes the importance of personal advocacy, the role of nutrition in health, and calls for a reimagining of medical education that focuses on empathy and real-world skills.

19 snips
Apr 30, 2025 • 39min
DataRepublican’s Mission: Uncovering Government Fraud to Save the Country with Determination
Dive into the shocking world of government fraud and corruption as an investigator known as DataRepublican shares her journey. Discover how taxpayer money weaves through complex lobbying networks and questionable funding practices of NGOs. Unpack the influence of former congressmen on foreign aid and the dark side of charity accountability. Hear a gripping personal tale of resilience following doxing and learn why confronting government waste matters now more than ever. This is an eye-opening exploration of financial black holes in our system!

33 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 1min
How to Succeed with Zero Qualifications
Peter Satton, a Moderator at the Full Stack Business Builder Conference, engages with James Altucher in a lively discussion about success without traditional qualifications. They tackle fears surrounding lack of credentials, emphasizing how passion and 'rational obsession' can drive achievements. James shares personal stories about overcoming financial losses through creativity and optimism. The conversation highlights the power of networking, embracing spontaneity, and finding opportunities while critiquing the value of conventional education.

9 snips
Apr 23, 2025 • 1h 28min
I got a 65-Year Jail Sentence. Then this happened... | Damon West's Story
A Note from James:Oh my gosh. This guy was thrown in jail for 65 years—and he deserved it. You'll hear about his crimes and misdemeanors. He started as a superstar quarterback, high school and college hero turned meth addict, and eventually became a hardcore RICO gang criminal. Sentenced to essentially life in prison, Damon's story is genuinely one of the most inspirational I've heard. He's got a bunch of books out—his latest, Six Dimes and a Nickel: Life Lessons to Empower Change, just came out and refers to the 65-year sentence he received. You need to read this book, which follows his memoir The Change Agent and The Coffee Bean, teaching a simple yet profound lesson about creating positive change. I could have talked to Damon forever about jail, prison fights, criminal life, meth addiction, and most importantly, the transformation that changed everything. By the way, this conversation will change your life, too—I really took a lot from his insights.Episode Description:Damon West was handed a 65-year prison sentence, effectively life behind bars, after spiraling from a promising college quarterback into meth addiction and becoming the leader of a burglary ring. This episode covers the dramatic highs and devastating lows of his journey, from his arrest and brutal introduction to prison violence to his profound transformation inspired by the "coffee bean" metaphor. James and Damon discuss deeply personal stories about addiction, identity, and redemption, offering listeners unique perspectives on overcoming profound adversity and using pain as a catalyst for extraordinary personal growth.What You’ll Learn:How identity can become an addiction, and strategies to rebuild after losing itThe "coffee bean" metaphor and how it can help you transform difficult situations into opportunitiesSpecific ways Damon earned respect and survived brutal prison conditions without joining a gangPractical insights from the 12-step recovery program applicable to anyone facing challenging circumstancesHow forgiveness and accountability can become powerful tools for personal changeTimestamped Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Damon's Story[01:27] Damon's Early Life and Downfall[02:40] Life of Crime and Addiction[17:02] The Arrest and Trial[29:06] The Verdict: 65 Years in Prison[30:25] A Mother's Ultimatum[31:06] Advice from Muhammad[32:19] Surviving Prison Fights[39:33] The Coffee Bean Story[41:38] First Day in Maximum Security[49:00] Earning Respect on the Rec Yard[51:08] Spiritual Awakening and Self-Improvement[55:38] Understanding the Eighth and Ninth Steps[56:31] Living Amends: A Path to Redemption[58:49] The Impact of Crime and Seeking Forgiveness[1:03:56] The Power of Forgiveness[1:10:29] Lessons from Prison: Servant Leadership and Community[1:15:41] The Journey to Freedom and Beyond[1:18:02] The Coffee Bean Message: From Prison to Global Impact[1:24:54] Final Thoughts and ReflectionsAdditional Resources:Six Dimes and a Nickel: Life Lessons to Empower Change by Damon WestThe Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life Transformed His World by Damon WestThe Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change by Damon West and Jon GordonAlcoholics Anonymous: 12-Step Recovery Programdamonwest.org X/Instagram: @damonwest7See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

21 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 43min
How to Write Your Own Best-Selling Autobiography: Part 2 – Crafting Your Life Story with Impact
Explore how to transform personal challenges into compelling autobiographical stories. Discover the significance of the hero's arc and narrative structure, with examples from 'The Lion King.' Learn the art of evocative writing, focusing on relatability and universal themes. Uncover the power of memory in storytelling, emphasizing authenticity and resilience. Plus, tips on blending personal narratives with broader insights enhance the impact of your autobiography.

18 snips
Apr 16, 2025 • 47min
Why You Should Write Your Autobiography (Part 1): Unveiling Your Unique Story
Discover the profound impact of writing autobiographies and how everyone's story holds value. The conversation reveals how personal narratives can heal and connect. Notable examples illustrate the success of intertwining personal tales with non-fiction. Explore the various forms of autobiographical writing, from traditional memoirs to hybrid genres, and learn why authenticity is key. Writing prompts and reflection questions provide a practical starting point for anyone ready to share their unique journey.

96 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 42min
Tariffs Are Freaking Everyone Out—Here’s Why I’m Not Losing Sleep
Dive into the fascinating world of tariffs, where confusion reigns despite their boring reputation. Discover how tariffs impact inflation, the economy, and your investments while comparing them to historical actions. Explore the unexpected global reactions and why current fears might be exaggerated. Uncover the intricate negotiations surrounding tariffs and their effects on U.S. interests, plus the surprising roles of AI and cryptocurrencies during economic turmoil. This discussion cuts through the noise and adds clarity to a hot-button issue.

38 snips
Apr 4, 2025 • 1h 16min
The Ultimate Guide to Smarter Living: All the Hacks with Chris Hutchins
Chris Hutchins, host of "All the Hacks," shares intriguing financial and life hacks that can genuinely transform your lifestyle. He discusses how to profit from buying gold bars at Costco and the secrets behind gift card arbitrage. Listeners learn innovative strategies for maximizing cashback and travel rewards, as well as actionable mindset shifts to foster better eating habits. With a focus on cutting costs and enhancing income, Chris offers unique insights that can lead to financial independence without the usual gimmicks.

16 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.