From James:  ?This guest  has sold  over a hundred million copies of his books. He's a thriller writer, he's a suspense writer, and his latest book, The Ghost Orchid: An Alex Delaware Novel just came out: Jonathan Kellerman. And I have to say this book  was riveting from the beginning to the end. You don't have to read any of his prior books to get completely what's happening. It's about a psychologist who also likes to solve crimes and Jonathan himself was a psychologist - he had a whole career in that, which he left behind when he started writing. We talk about everything from how to write a thriller to his career, the hard stuff along the way, and so much more. It was a great conversation and a great book.Here's Jonathan Kellerman. Episode Description:This podcast features Jonathan Kellerman, a bestselling author well-known for his Alex Delaware series, disclosing his transformational journey from a child psychologist to an acclaimed writer. He discusses his writing blueprint, emphasizing the importance of plot, pace, character development, themes, locations, time periods, and dialogue, and shares how he incorporates his psychology background to create suspenseful narratives. Kellerman shares enlightening insights on managing success and highlights that talent alone does not define successful writers. As a commentary on the rapidly evolving literary realm due to technological advances and shorter attention spans, Jonathan reflects on the struggles of transforming multifaceted novels into TV scripts and his inclination towards non-fiction as quintessential inspiration. More personally, he opens up about maintaining a balanced relationship with his wife, also a successful author.Episode Summary:01:00 The Art of Writing: From Office to Bestsellers02:08 The Journey of a Successful Author02:55 The Reality of Writing as a Career03:21 Transitioning Careers: From Psychology to Writing06:20 The Struggles and Triumphs of a Writer08:33 The Importance of Persistence in Writing11:42 The Art of Storytelling and Character Development14:48 The Challenges and Rewards of Writing18:38 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Writing21:47 The Role of Preparation and Discipline in Writing25:09 The Influence of Psychology on Writing27:50 The Unpredictability and Joy of Writing41:23 The Art of Character Development41:40 The Mystery of Motive: Writing a 'Why Done It'42:31 The Writer's Craft: Comparing Writing to Painting43:16 The Pressure and Pleasure of Writing a Series45:23 The Evolution of a Writer: From Fear to Publication47:33 The Influence of Age and Experience on Writing49:42 The Reality of Being a Bestselling Author51:45 The Power of Partnership: Writing as a Married Couple54:45 The Balance of Life, Work, and Writing01:06:53 The Unchanging Nature of Human Beings: A Writer's Perspective01:07:21 The Evolution of Reading and Writing in the Digital Age01:12:05 The Journey of a Writer: From Idea to Book01:14:50 The Ghost Orchid: An Alex Delaware Novel ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher...

From James: Oh, my God, I'm so excited about this, because Amy Morin she doesn't know it, but she's my therapist. Amy doesn't realize it, but whenever she comes on my podcast or I go on her podcast, it's like I'm going into a therapy session.Of course, you know her as the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, sold millions of copies. She's been on my podcast five or six times or more, and I'm really happy this episode is her interviewing me from her podcast. And it's me having a therapy session. Here we go!Episode Description:In this episode of Mentally Stronger, Amy Morin engages in a spirited discussion with James about the concept of quests and their transformative potential. They discuss how engaging in a quest, whether it's learning a new skill, exploring a hobby, or pursuing a wild idea, can invigorate life, foster creativity, and build mental strength. They also highlight how quests are journeys of learning, personal growth, and potentially surprising benefits, even if the end goal is not achieved. Additionally, they explore the necessity of shifting and changing quests as needed and the compelling connections between quests and mental strength.Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to the Concept of Quests01:56 The Importance of Goals and Quests in Mental Strength03:23 The Role of Quests in Personal Growth04:43 Exploring the Concept of Quests with James Altucher05:23 Defining a Quest and its Impact on Life10:32 The Quest of Visiting Every State in the U.S.15:14 The Quest of Interviewing People at 3am19:01 The Quest of Returning to Chess28:25 The Power of Pursuing a Quest28:32 The Role of Passion and Experimentation29:50 Exploring the World of Forged Artworks30:58 The Impact of Quests on Personal Growth31:47 The Challenges and Rewards of Chess Mastery32:14 The Importance of a Positive Mindset33:28 The Value of Safe Practice and Failure33:52 The Joy of Personal Achievement34:10 The Role of a Trainer in Achieving Goals35:17 The Journey of Learning and Improvement37:09 The Intricacies of Pursuing a Quest46:37 The Unexpected Adventure of Buying Greenland53:18 The Therapist's Take on Mental Strength-Building StrategiesEpisode Summary: ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn

From James: So this is part two of our interview with astrophysicist Brian Keating, but it's completely different from part one. Completely different topics, 100%. What this episode ultimately boiled down to is: When should you give up on something that's important to you? And we also talk about some BS that's been happening in college campuses lately and some things that have been personally hitting both of us. So, here's Brian Keating again. Enjoy!Episode Description:In part two of our interview with astrophysicist and UCSD Professor Brian Keating, the conversation turns away from physics and toward how Brian's visit to Israel at the time of a devastating terrorist attack plays a significant part in defining his year. Brian and James explore the recent tragic events in Israel, the devasting terror, the response of universities like UCSD, and the broader implications on global geopolitics and campus culture. The discussion also touches upon the experiences of Arab Israeli citizens and Brian's reflections on his career, research, and the significant impact of his podcast. Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates00:11 Reflecting on a Year of Achievements and Challenges00:45 Discussing the Impact of Terrorism in Israel01:14 Analyzing the Response of Universities to Global Events02:51 Debating the Complexities of the Israel-Gaza Conflict04:37 Exploring the Reality of Life in Israel06:31 Confronting Antisemitism and its Impact09:08 Navigating the Challenges of Campus Politics14:40 Reflecting on Career Progress and Future Projects20:15 The Struggles of Podcasting and Advertising21:05 The Purpose and Future of Podcasting21:18 The Power of YouTube and Subscriber Growth22:11 Meeting Influential People in the Industry25:07 The Journey of Chess Mastery27:20 The Struggle of Improvement and the Concept of Age32:46 The Importance of Numbers and the Balance of Fun35:27 The Future Plans and the Art of Writing36:29 The Conclusion and Future Collaborations Reflecting on Success, Challenges, and Pursuits | Part 2   ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn

From James: For the past 10 years, I have been dying for this guy to write a book. I think I've told him at least once a year, "Write a book already. You have so much interesting knowledge!" I still remember when he first came to my podcast in 2014, he gave me advice. I still do it to this day. And we talk about "The Coffee Challenge", as he calls it. And then he gave me more advice that I'm sure 10 years from now, I'm still going to be doing. So he just came out with Million Dollar Weekend: Noah Kagan. He was like the 12th employee at Facebook and the fourth employee at Mint, and he was fired from both places. He's had an incredible entrepreneurial journey but loves these challenges and experiments.You just got to listen to him talk!Episode Description:Join Noah Kagan, the creator of AppSumo and former employee at Facebook and Mint, in a straightforward talk about transforming fear into action and modest goals into profitable businesses. Drawing on insights from his book 'Million Dollar Weekend,' Kagan will discuss his experiences in starting and growing successful companies. He'll explain the 'coffee challenge' and his approach to the 'dollar challenge,' offering practical advice on developing and testing business ideas, focusing on customer needs, and measuring success by customer profits instead of just invested funds. Kagan will share stories from his diverse background, including playing chess with actor Jamie Foxx, to motivate you to face the fear of rejection and the uncertainty of starting something new. He'll emphasize the importance of consistent hard work, resilience, and learning from failures for entrepreneurial success.Episode Summary:01:38 Introduction02:04 The Long-Awaited Book: Million Dollar Weekend03:52 The Power of Asking: The Coffee Challenge04:45 The Art of Rejection and Negotiation05:46 The Journey of Starting a Business12:57 The Dollar Challenge: A New Perspective on Business15:39 The Importance of Getting Started and Sticking with It32:19 The Story of AppSumo: From Idea to Successful Business34:08 The Power of Software and the Art of Messaging35:08 The Art of Cold Emailing and Building Connections35:31 The Three W's of Business35:50 The Power of Asking and Leveraging Opportunities36:26 The Journey of AppSumo: From a Single Sale to a Million-Dollar Business36:40 The Importance of Validating Business Ideas37:03 The Power of Execution and Overcoming Fear of Failure37:39 The Story of Jake: Turning Dreams into Reality39:34 The Power of Feedback in Business40:34 The Importance of Understanding Your Business Model (1)40:34 The Importance of Understanding Your Market and Business Opportunity (2)43:25 The Power of Networking and Offering Value46:57 The Journey of Jake: Scaling His Golf Trips Business52:39 The Power of Testing and Investing in Business52:45 The Importance of Doubling Down on What Works01:05:01 The Power of Being Resourceful in Entrepreneurship01:07:02 Creating Business Opportunities from Personal Pain Points01:07:19 Exploring Business Ideas through Personal Interests01:08:48 Identifying Business Opportunities through Conversations01:09:33 The Importance of Validating Business Ideas01:09:58 The Journey of Becoming a Better Chess Player01:11:03 The Potential of a Chess Coaching Business01:11:54 The Challenges of Starting a Business01:13:08 The Power of Persistence in Business01:15:05 The Value of Entrepreneurship01:16:11 The Role of Mindset in Business Success01:17:21 The Importance of Asking for Money in Business01:19:07 The Impact of Personal Development on Business Success01:21:20 The Role of Fun in Business01:23:30 The Power of Networking in Business01:25:25 The Importance of Embracing Rejection in Business01:27:31 The Power of Saying 'Yes' in Business01:29:13 The Importance of Being Assertive in Business01:30:36 The Power of Solving Problems in Business01:32:06 The Role of Passion in Business Success01:33:31...

A Note from James: A fascinating guy, Chris Anderson has run the TED Talks for over 20 years, and he's the author of the new book, "Infectious Generosity". We talk all about the benefits of generosity - not only for the entire world but for you, the generous individual - and all of his adventures along the way with TED. Episode Description: In this engrossing conversation, TED curator Chris Anderson speaks about his new book, 'Infectious Generosity', and explains how it reframes generosity as a beautiful self-fueling cycle that can do good for the world in the connected age. Anderson shares insights about human psychology, the new science on generosity, and the psychological benefits of being generous. He draws upon personal experiences and shares inspiring stories of ordinary individuals displaying extraordinary generosity. He also presents a novel concept of forming 'generosity groups', highlighting how collective efforts can enable community development and create a global impact. The conversation also delves into the power of storytelling, the true significance of community, and how we can learn from the generosity showcased in various 'Blue Zones' around the world.Notable Topics: the contagious nature of generosity, shifting trends on the internet towards positivity, the link between generosity and longevity, and the idea of 'group efforts' generating significant community change.Episode Timeline (timestamps may not account for ads):00:00:00 Introduction and Welcoming Chris Anderson00:01:43 Discussing the Impact of TED Talks00:02:50 Exploring the Concept of Infectious Generosity00:03:15 The Connection Between Gratitude and Generosity00:04:59 The Role of Generosity in Happiness00:06:01 The Power of Generosity in Changing One's Perspective00:08:05 Discussing the Fear of Innovation00:09:07 The Need to Take Back the Internet00:11:59 The Shift from Social Networking to Social Media00:12:34 The Power of Generosity in Building Brands00:17:32 The Impact of Generosity on Reputation00:20:50 The Role of Generosity in Viral Content00:23:28 The Potential of Generosity in Changing Internet Culture00:24:09 Exploring Unique Ways to Practice Generosity00:32:02 The Power of Unreported Stories00:32:55 The Virality of Good News00:33:44 The Impact of Negativity00:34:33 Understanding Our Instincts00:34:55 The Influence of Media00:35:27 The Slow Progress of Good Things00:37:07 The Power of Positive Stories00:37:48 The Shift Towards Good News00:38:20 The Challenge of Changing Media Trends00:38:59 The Potential of Positive Media00:40:38 The Impact of Personal Stories00:42:50 The Power of Generosity00:44:54 The Infectious Nature of Generosity00:48:42 The Role of Community in Generosity00:55:39 The Potential of Local Initiatives01:02:13 The Future of Infectious Generosity ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn

One of the smartest people in history, the author of Losing the Nobel Prize and Think Like a Nobel Prize Winner - and he did almost win the Nobel Prize. Maybe he will one day do it. -  Professor Brian Keating, physicist extraordinaire!We've divided this conversation in two because first, I was really curious about black holes, wormholes, and the beginning of the universe. So we talk about that and he answers some of my questions, which I'm sure some of you might have as well, once you hear them. Next Friday, we have part two on just the weird things he's seen on college campuses lately. We also talk in general about when it is worth giving up on a goal or a life path. Here's part one, all about the mysteries of the cosmos with Brian Keating!------------Discussion on IQ and Intelligence [00:01:30]: The interview begins with a discussion about the perception of high IQ and its social implications, comparing it to questions on platforms like Quora.History of the Alphabet and Rosetta Stone [00:02:33 - 00:03:59]: They explore the history of the alphabet, particularly its Phoenician and Hebrew origins, and delve into the story and skepticism around the Rosetta Stone.Webb Telescope Discovery and Black Holes [00:03:59 - 00:05:44]: The conversation shifts to a recent Webb Telescope discovery of a massive black hole, discussing its implications for our understanding of the universe and the concept of primordial black holes.Concepts of Space-Time and Black Holes [00:05:44 - 00:08:01]: Keating explains the idealized form of a black hole and the inseparability of space and time in the context of Einstein's theories.Relationship Between Time and Gravity [00:08:01 - 00:12:37]: They discuss the complex relationship between time and gravity, particularly how it is influenced by the presence of massive objects like black holes.Theories of the Universe and Dark Matter [00:12:37 - 00:17:03]: The interview covers various theories about the origin and nature of the universe, including speculations on dark matter and its potential origins.Einstein's Theories and Mercury's Orbit [00:17:03 - 00:29:50]: Keating elaborates on Einstein's contributions to physics, particularly how his theories explained the peculiar behavior of Mercury's orbit.The Ether Theory and Propagation of Light [00:29:50 - 00:35:04]: The discussion turns to the historical ether theory and its role in understanding the propagation of light, leading to Einstein's revolutionary ideas.Wormholes, Black Holes, and Universe Theories [00:35:04 - 00:40:23]: They explore the concepts of wormholes and black holes, discussing various theoretical models about the universe, including multi-dimensional theories.Limits of Light Speed and Einstein's Relativity [00:40:23 - 00:44:19]: Keating and Altucher delve into why the speed of light is a fundamental limit and how Einstein's theory of relativity explains this.Future Research and Discoveries in Cosmology [00:44:19 - End]: The interview concludes with discussions on future research directions in cosmology, including the search for primordial waves of gravity and the oldest signals from the Big Bang.------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------Thank you so much...

"How is it possible to bring order out of memory?"This quote begins Beryl Markham's West with the Night, the memoirs of the first woman to fly solo across the Atlantic from East to West."I should like to begin at the beginning patiently like a weaver at his loom. I should like to say this is the place to start. There can be no other, but there are a hundred places to start."Today, James and Cal Fussman return for another episode of "Hooked on the First Line", where they each bring to the table books that had them hooked from page one.Cal Fussman and James Altucher engage in a deep exploration of the art of writing, examining how first and last lines, personal experiences, and storytelling techniques shape a writer's work and influence the reader's experience. They discuss specific examples from literature, including the works of Ernest Hemingway, and relate these concepts to broader themes like memory, personal growth, and the diversity of writing styles across different fields.-----------Episode Summary:Importance of First and Last Lines in Writing [00:00:30]: The discussion begins with the significance of the first and last lines in writing, their impact on readers, and the challenge of competing with modern distractions.Reflections on Personal Life and Chess [00:02:18 - 00:03:56]: Personal anecdotes about past relationships, chess playing, and the influence of sports and activities on personal growth are shared.Discussion on George Foreman and Muhammad Ali [00:03:56 - 00:09:10]: They delve into the lives and careers of George Foreman and Muhammad Ali, discussing their iconic fight and their impact on their careers and personalities.Peak Ages in Different Professions [00:09:10 - 00:10:54]: The conversation shifts to the concept of peak ages in various professions, including sports, mathematics, and writing, and the importance of experience in artistic fields.George Foreman's Career and Personal Transformation [00:10:54 - 00:14:30]: Fussman recounts George Foreman's career, his comeback in boxing, and how he transformed his public persona.Writing Craft and First Lines [00:14:39 - 00:16:11]: The discussion focuses on the art of writing, the importance of first lines, and how it sets the tone for a story or a piece of writing.Cal Fussman's Personal Writing Experiences [00:16:11 - 00:19:21]: Fussman shares his experiences with writing, particularly on significant events like 9/11, emphasizing the importance of both the first and last lines in storytelling.Analysis of Hemingway's Work and Other Literature [00:19:21 - 00:22:55]: The conversation shifts to Ernest Hemingway's work and his thoughts on other writers, including "West with the Night" by Beryl Markham and analysis of various books and their opening lines.Exploring Memory and Storytelling [00:22:55 - 00:28:51]: The interview touches on the themes of memory, storytelling, and how writers use their experiences to craft narratives.Discussion on Business Books and Writing Styles [00:28:51 - 00:57:12]: The dialogue expands to include different writing styles and the importance of craftsmanship in writing across genres. After a discussion about journaling, Cal discusses Harry Crews and his memoir "A Childhood: The Biography of a Place". They explore how the principles of storytelling and narrative structure apply to various forms of writing, including business and self-help genres."A Time of Gifts" by Patrick Leigh Fermor [00:45:10]: Fussman describes Fermor's journey from Holland to Constantinople in 1933 and the impact of this journey on the world and literature, noting that it took three books to capture the experience. The second book mentioned is "Between the Woods and the Water," detailing Fermor's travels from Hungary to Romania,Discussion on Business Books [00:54:25]: Towards the end of the conversation, Fussman reflects on business books, contrasting them with fiction, which...

?Jay tricked me... So as you know, Jay Yow is the producer of this podcast.  We were talking casually and he asked me about a lot of different things I've been obsessed with ever since I was a little kid and this "Power of Obsession" has driven my entire life for better and for worse.We're just casually talking about it and then I realized he's recording, so we made an episode about The Power of Obsession... You kind of hear in the beginning, I didn't want to do an episode on it. But, then I realized,  this has been an interesting thing for me, and this aspect, this Power of Obsession, has had an overall very positive effect on my life.So here we go-the Power of Obsession. ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn

?What a great book! For anyone who's ever been interested, even for a second in the personal development/ inspirational category, this book, Areté: Activate Your Heroic Potential by Brian Johnson... You have to visually see this book. It's 451 chapters, a thousand pages. It's almost like a little cube, but it's very fast to read because every chapter is just one or two pages and it's well done.It interweaves all these hundreds of stories and different authors and philosophers into one cohesive strategy for living your best life. The word Arate means, essentially, everyday living the best life. And this book is about how to do it.  There are hundreds of stories and examples.It's also Brian Johnson and his own stories, and we talk about it from various perspectives. In the very beginning, we're talking about how his son is super-interested in chess, which is coincidental to me. So we talk about how he's using Arate with his son, but then we dive into so many different subjects about what it means to activate your heroic potential.One of the funnest podcasts that I've done, I really recommend listening to this one. Thanks!Heroic | The Social Training PlatformAreté: Activate Your Heroic PotentialBrian Johnson (heroic.us)-----------Episode Summary[00:01:30] - James Altucher's chess journey and the improvement in his chess rating.[00:02:25] - Discuss chess, learning from the game, and dealing with losses.[00:04:54] - Brian Johnson talks about his son Emerson's chess training and the importance of physical fitness for mental performance.[00:06:03] - The role of energy and preparation in various fields, including chess and business.[00:07:11] - James Altucher and Brian Johnson discuss the importance of physiology in cognitive performance.[00:10:32] - Conversation on the impact of exercise and mental health.[00:13:10] - Discussion about the impact of positive affirmations and mental preparation.[00:16:22] - Emphasis on learning from mistakes and adopting a growth mindset.[00:17:38] - Introduction to Brian Johnson's book "Arate" and its significance.[00:19:37] - Discussion on various techniques for self-improvement.[00:21:04] - Brian Johnson explains why he is invited to speak at significant events, including with the U.S. Special Operations Command.[00:23:27] - The concept of "antifragile confidence."[00:26:27] - How to maintain and follow a personal protocol for success.[00:30:29] - Anecdotes about helping others develop their personal protocols.[00:33:31] - Specific examples of protocols and habits for high performance.[00:37:28] - The significance of doing tasks even when you don't feel like it.[00:39:26] - Differentiating extrinsic and intrinsic motivation.[00:41:31] - Brian Johnson's approach to synthesizing wisdom from various authors.[00:44:28] - Discussion on resilience, growth mindset, and the concept of 'grit'.[00:48:30] - The importance of doing and applying knowledge.[00:49:32] - Crafting a personal checklist for success.[00:54:07] - The role of physical fitness in various professional fields.[00:57:06] - The impact of posture and physical presence on performance.[01:00:01] - Brian Johnson's creative process and inspirations for his book.[01:00:01] - Brian Johnson talks about his creative process and inspirations for his book "Arate".[01:08:10] - Book release information and plans for additional volumes.[01:17:56] - Closing remarks, future engagements, and appreciation for the interview.What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line,...

?So much happening in crypto last yesterday. There was a flash crash, of Bitcoin when there was rumors that the Bitcoin ETF might not happen. But there's a lot of other news, a lot of other catalysts for big moves in crypto.  I brought on my good friend and super crypto expert, Omid Malekan. Omid is a professor of crypto at Columbia business school. He's written two books, The Story of the Blockchain, and his most recent book - which is a great book, I highly recommend it - Re-Architecting Trust, The Curse of History and the Crypto Cure for Money Markets and Platforms. He also was one of the first people to help guide Citigroup, the largest bank in the world on the topic of crypto.We talked about everything from the Bitcoin ETFs to the convergence of crypto and AI to the Ethereum upgrade, and all sorts of other catalysts for Bitcoin and crypto in general. So, a lot of topics. Here it goes! -----------Episode SummaryCrypto Writing and Teaching [00:01:30]: Malekan discusses his focus on writing about crypto and his fully enrolled class after a hiatus??.Crypto's Disruptive Nature [00:02:42]: He reflects on the fundamentally challenging, confusing, and disruptive aspects of crypto??.The Future of Money [00:04:14]: The conversation touches on the surprising lack of foresight in sci-fi literature regarding the future of money, despite advancements in other technologies??.Evolution of Money [00:05:50]: Altucher points out that major evolutions in money, such as the use of gold as currency, were always unexpected??.Crypto's Initial User Base [00:06:46]: Malekan agrees that all major monetary evolutions were unexpected and discusses how crypto's initial user base was tech-savvy, leading to some resistance as it became mainstream??.Expansion of Crypto [00:09:15]: The discussion covers the expansion of crypto beyond Bitcoin and Ethereum, highlighting the growth of the field since 2017??.Ethereum's Use Cases [00:11:04]: Malekan points out that Ethereum has opened the door to many new use cases, far beyond what was initially envisioned??.Killer App of Decentralized Cloud Computing [00:12:37]: He speculates on the potential 'killer app' for decentralized cloud computing, emphasizing that the best applications may not have been seen yet??.Digital Identity [00:14:03]: Malekan discusses the potential for blockchain in managing digital identities and the convergence of crypto and AI??.AI and Blockchain Intersection [00:16:51]: The conversation touches on the intersection of AI and blockchain, including decentralized computing for controversial AI models??.Advanced Cryptography for Data Protection [00:20:20]: Malekan highlights the need for advanced cryptography for secure data sharing and training AI models on encrypted data??.Complexity of Crypto Transactions [00:21:05]: The complexity and difficulty of buying Bitcoin, especially for non-tech savvy individuals, are discussed??.Challenges in Evolving Crypto [00:25:05]: Malekan points out the paradox at the core of evolving crypto, balancing decentralization with user-friendliness??.Radical Decentralization and ETFs [00:26:39]: The conversation shifts to the radical decentralized dream in crypto and the conflict it creates with the emergence of ETFs??.Crypto and Tax Laws [00:33:26]: Malekan discusses how new tax laws involving crypto are indicative of the government recognizing crypto as a legitimate form of payment??.Global Nature of Crypto [00:33:56]: The global nature of crypto is discussed, highlighting its potential as a global financial system and the reluctance of some US government officials??.Current Events and Crypto [00:35:04]: Altucher segues into current events, discussing the weaponization of the dollar and the potential of crypto as a global reserve currency??.Imminent Approval of Crypto ETFs [00:36:09]: Malekan talks about the imminent approval of crypto ETFs and the impact it may have??.Involvement...