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
Jun 28, 2025 • 28min
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 3min
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 • 24min
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.
58 snips
Jun 19, 2025 • 1h 1min
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 2min
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.
10 snips
Jun 12, 2025 • 53min
Michael Dell vs. Wall Street: Dorm Room to Billion-Dollar Battles
In this engaging discussion, Michael Dell, the visionary founder and CEO of Dell Technologies, shares his journey from building computers in his college dorm to leading a multibillion-dollar enterprise. He reveals insights from his battles against Carl Icahn and offers wisdom on maintaining innovation in large companies. Dell discusses the transformative impact of AI and genomic technology on the future, the importance of a startup mindset, and lessons learned in leadership and risk-taking throughout his remarkable career.
26 snips
Jun 5, 2025 • 34min
Part 5: How to Write and Publish Your First Book in 30 Days - The Four Book Frameworks
Discover effective writing frameworks that can help you transform ideas into a published book in just 30 days. From the engaging '101 List Technique' to the intriguing 'Jesus Diet' method, these strategies simplify the creative process. Learn how to turn old podcast interviews into compelling narratives and tap into academic research for rich content. Explore the art of structured writing, find your niche, and unlock new income streams with your storytelling. Shorter books can be just as impactful!
21 snips
Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 3min
Shoveling Sh*t: Entrepreneurs’ Secrets to a $700M Exit with Michael & Kass Lazerow
Michael and Kass Lazerow, entrepreneurs known for co-founding Golf.com and Buddy Media, dive deep into the gritty truths of building businesses. They discuss their emotional struggles, including family betrayal and near bankruptcy, emphasizing the importance of resilience. With insights into their 'Go Gauge' for vetting investments, they share the art of firing with empathy. Their unique marketing strategies that helped launch brands like Liquid Death demonstrate how humor can captivate customers. This candid conversation blends entrepreneurial lessons with personal anecdotes about balancing marriage and business.
57 snips
May 30, 2025 • 35min
Part 4: How to Write and Publish Your First Book in 30 Days – Self-Publishing, Traditional Deals, and Making Real Money
Discover the truth behind self-publishing versus traditional publishing. Learn how to turn your book into income through speaking gigs and consulting. Explore the importance of effective marketing strategies—like leveraging social media and building an email list. Uncover innovative monetization tactics, including unique payment methods. Plus, get practical tips on post-draft editing and the booming audiobook market. Celebrate your writing journey and strategically grow your audience for lasting success!
8 snips
May 28, 2025 • 47min
Trump’s 2025 Tariff Revolution? Wilbur Ross Spills the Dirty Secrets on Trade, China, and Your Money!
Wilbur Ross, former Secretary of Commerce and seasoned investor, shares his insider insights on tariffs and the economy. He discusses the potential for blanket tariffs in a future Trump administration, addressing their impact on trade relations with China. Ross elaborates on the shifting landscape of manufacturing, especially concerning iPhones moving to India, and the geopolitical consequences surrounding rare earth minerals. He also analyzes the effects of tariffs on inflation and consumer behavior, making the complex topic engaging and accessible.
