The James Altucher Show

A Note from James:I have to say, this next guest has recently become one of my all-time favorite writers, presenting a very different style from what I'm accustomed to. I started reading one of his books, and it turned out to be "Table for Two," which includes some short fiction and a novella titled "Even Hollywood." At the time, I didn't know it was the sequel to his first novel, ""Rules of Civility."He also wrote "A Gentleman in Moscow," one of the best books I've ever read. In fact, by the time this podcast is released, it will have been adapted into a TV series starring Ewan McGregor, which looks amazing. All of his books rank among the best fiction I've ever encountered.I highly recommend "A Gentleman in Moscow," "Table for Two," "Rules of Civility," and "The Lincoln Highway." the latter of which I'm currently reading post-podcast. I hope to speak with Mr. Towles again, as I now have questions about "The Lincoln Highway." He was incredibly open about his writing process, which differs significantly from those of other writers I've discussed in my ten years of conversations. It was such a pleasure to delve into his experiences and how he crafts his books.I can't express enough how much I admire Amor Towles, author of "A Gentleman in Moscow" and the upcoming collection "Table for Two." I also recommend checking out the TV series adaptation of "A Gentleman in Moscow." Amor Towles' Books:"Rules of Civility""A Gentleman in Moscow""The Lincoln Highway""Table for Two" Episode Description: This discussion with Amor Towles offers a profound insight into his unique approach to writing, character creation, and thematic exploration across his notable works, including 'A Gentleman in Moscow' and 'Rules of Civility.' The conversation sheds light on Towles' years-long process of developing three-dimensional characters, reflecting on the societal roles and individual identities within his narratives. Towles discusses the influence of his investment background on his disciplined approach to writing, and the cultural impact of his work, including television adaptations. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, identity, resilience, and the authenticity of his characters, illustrating the nuanced interplay between an individual's role within society and their journey. Additionally, Towles shares insights on the contrasting crafts of novel and short story writing, and his transition from a career in finance to becoming a celebrated author, highlighting the ever-relevant nature of his thematic concerns in historical and contemporary contexts.Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to a Favorite Writer and His Works02:35 Diving Deep into the Writing Process with Amor Towles04:41 Exploring Character Development and the Art of the Novel17:03 The Craft of Writing: From Concept to Language28:53 The Richness of Language and the Writer's Knowledge38:24 Exploring the Art of Writing: Insights and Metaphors39:41 Character Development and the Power of Subconscious Creativity42:36 The Revision Process: Crafting and Refining a Story46:54 Navigating Historical Contexts and Character Perspectives57:52 The Complexity of Social Classes and Personal Identity01:04:40 Interconnected Stories and Characters Across Novels01:13:10 Exploring the Creative Process Behind a Novella01:13:47 The Noir Tradition and Writing Style01:15:43 The Unique Appeal of Short Stories01:17:10 Experimenting with Narrative Perspectives01:20:50 The Art of Surprise in Short Stories01:23:24 Personal Reflections in Writing01:28:57 Adapting Novels for Television01:33:10 The Aspirational Nature of 'A Gentleman in Moscow'01:35:06 Patience and Process in Writing and Investing01:42:20 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects ------------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... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Oh my gosh, every time, this is the second time I've talked to Gladys McGarey. Last year she was 102 years old, this year she's 103 years old. She wrote a book, The Well Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, and it's coming out in paperback.  And every time I read this book, I've read it twice now, and I talk to her, I almost feel like crying, and I don't really know why. It's almost as if she was born with wisdom, but then kept even growing for the next 102 years. Like she drove a Ford Model A car, and now she's talking to me through Zoom on the internet and going on podcasts, writing books. She was a doctor her whole life. She's been all over the world. She's had so many amazing experiences and also has suffered, of course, much loss. I don't think you're going to live to be that age and not have an incredible amount of loss that you have to learn to move past and still be positive and still live every day to its fullest. She had, she was riding a tricycle and it threw her off into the street and she broke three ribs. And she's now totally healed and on the podcast. I really look up to this woman a lot.Here's Gladys McGarey. We have a great conversation about all sorts of things and she's the author of The Well Lived Life.  Episode Description:In this profound and enlightening conversation, James revisits the remarkable life of Dr. Gladys McGarey, who, at 103 years old, shares her 'six secrets to health and happiness at every age' from her book 'The Well Lived Life'. Reflecting on a life rich with experiences, from caring for patients across the globe to handling personal loss and surviving a recent tricycle accident, Dr. McGarey embodies resilience and wisdom. She discusses the importance of facing challenges, the transformative power of love and life, and how her encounters with notable figures like Milton Erickson shaped her understanding of human potential. Dr. McGarey's perspectives on aging, happiness, and living a meaningful life offer invaluable insights, emphasizing the significance of community, love, and choosing one's path with intention. Episode Summary:00:00 Celebrating a Century of Wisdom with Gladys McGarey02:04 The Resilience of a 103-Year-Old: Tricycle Accidents and Recovery05:11 Finding Humanity and Overcoming Loss06:04 The Power of Love and Life: A Personal Journey14:44 Exploring the Mind's Influence on Reality16:31 The Magic of Connection: A Story of a Plant and Dementia25:39 Embracing Life's Adventures and the Quest for True Humanity31:29 The Philosophy of Life, Love, and Humanity36:07 Navigating Life's Challenges with Optimism37:47 The Power of Choice in Overcoming Adversity40:39 Turning Pain into Purpose: A Personal Journey41:47 Action as a Catalyst for Change42:23 The Interplay of Life and Love44:13 Embracing Aging with Grace and Wisdom46:33 The Impact of Stress on Health and Well-being47:47 Finding Meaning and Joy Amidst Loss50:42 The Importance of Memory and Presence56:42 Exploring Spiritual Growth and Self-Discovery01:02:05 The Role of Technology and Community in Modern Life01:06:32 Reflecting on a Life Well Lived ------------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... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Ryan Estis is potentially the most successful public speaker worldwide. I've known him for about a decade, thanks to our mutual friend Scott Cohen, who has appeared on this podcast several times and is an outstanding entrepreneur.Over the years, Ryan and I have developed a strong friendship, partly due to our connection with Scott. Ryan is an exceptional public speaker, known for his inspirational talks. He possesses a wealth of knowledge in business, sales, and global affairs, speaking at various events worldwide.Recently, he co-authored a book with his brother Chad, an executive with several sports teams, including the Cowboys. The book, titled "Prepare for Impact," features many compelling stories. I particularly recommend the "30 Steps to Success" section, which encourages readers to devise their strategies for success.I was curious to learn how Ryan became a top public speaker, including how he started his career, increased his fees, and gained the confidence to work independently. I also wondered about his future plans, especially how he intends to adapt his career as he ages and possibly reduce his travel for speaking engagements.These inquiries, while specific to Ryan, are relevant across all industries for professionals considering the future of their careers, wealth, and success.It was a great pleasure to speak with my friend Ryan Estis. His insights, shared in our conversation and in his book "Prepare for Impact," are sure to inspire many. Episode Description:This podcast episode features a comprehensive conversation with Ryan Estis, celebrated as one of the most successful public speakers globally. The discussion touches upon Ryan's journey from a prolific sales professional to a distinguished public speaker and author. James and Ryan explore the essence of Ryan's new book, 'Prepare for Impact,' co-authored with his brother Chad, who has an extensive executive background in sports management. The book encapsulates 30 steps to success, offering insightful advice on professional growth and human-centered leadership. Beyond discussing his literary work, Ryan delves into the nuances of public speaking, including his start, evolving fee structures, branching out on his own, and envisioning a future where he doesn't have to travel as intensely. They also discuss the implications of aging on career and life choices, reflecting on personal development and shifting from proving to giving back to the community. The conversation further explores Ryan's new venture, ImpactEleven, which aims to support and accelerate the growth of public speakers, and contemplates the transformative impacts of global crises on personal and professional reinvention. Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to Ryan Estis: The Public Speaking Prodigy03:07 The Art of Public Speaking: Ryan's Path to Mastery08:23 Navigating Career Transitions: From Sales to the Stage08:52 Building a Speaking Career: Strategies and Breakthroughs19:03 The Power of Free Gigs: Establishing Credibility and Demand26:40 Maintaining Integrity and Navigating Imposter Syndrome28:19 Navigating the World of Public Speaking29:37 Overcoming Stage Fright and Idolization32:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on a Speaking Career34:50 The Genesis of ImpactEleven: A New Venture36:10 Expanding Beyond Public Speaking48:13 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations54:12 The Evolution of Success and the Importance of Giving BackLinks:Check our Prepare for Impact Here: "Prepare for Impact"Official Website: ryanestis.comImpactEleven Official Website: ImpactElevenTwitter: Ryan Estis on TwitterLinkedIn: Ryan Estis on LinkedInInstagram: Ryan Estis on Instagram ------------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... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Yesterday, we talked all about how James Brandolino started a hedge fund, which was a fraud upon the scheme, all the illegal activity, and how he went from civil to criminal.  You could go back and listen to that, but also, dive into some of the details here. But most of all, this one starts with James Brandolino going to jail and what happened afterward.  Episode Description:Today, we conclude our interview with James Brandolino, a former hedge fund manager who turned himself in after running a fraudulent fund. Part Two begins with Brandolino's decision to face the consequences of his actions, including his incarceration and the aftermath of his fraud. He discusses his initial attempts to die by suicide, the moment of turning himself in, and the support he received from his family despite their being victims of his scheme. Brandolino talks about the challenges in maintaining a facade, the mechanics of creating fake audits, and how he was never caught by investors, despite many opportunities. The discussion also touches on the financial crisis of 2008, providing insights into how Brandolino could have used the situation to cover up his fraud. Brandolino shares the methodology of deceiving both savvy investors and due diligence processes, culminating in his realization of the wrongness of his actions, his time in prison, and his current efforts to prevent investment fraud. The interview explores the complexities of financial fraud from the perspective of someone who lived through it, offering unique insights into the signs of fraudulent activities and the psychological burden of committing fraud. Episode Summary:00:00 The Start of James Brandolino's Downfall01:16 The Emotional Toll and Decision to Turn Himself In03:43 The Complexity of Investor Trust and Fraudulent Audits13:25 Navigating Federal Prison: A New Reality21:21 The Journey of Rehabilitation and Reflection27:15 Unveiling the Complex World of Hedge Fund Audits27:47 The Intricacies of Financial Statements and Audits29:11 Real-World Examples of Financial Manipulation29:47 The Critical Role of Auditors in Detecting Fraud32:10 Navigating the Challenges of Hedge Fund Investments38:51 From Fraudster to Fraud Investigator: A Personal Journey45:18 The Importance of Due Diligence in Investment50:33 Life After Fraud: Redemption and New Beginnings  ------------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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:James Bandolino committed serious financial fraud - started a hedge fund which was a Ponzi scheme - went to jail for nine years, and we really dive into the details of his fraud, the psychology of it. What's critical is that not all frauds have the same flavor - all frauds are bad,  don't get me wrong. It is morally bad to be fraudulent. There's a reason why he went to jail. He wanted to go to jail. He tried to kill himself. It's amazing the story of how he failed to do that. But, before I give too much away we're going to discuss in detail the fraud and then tomorrow I'm going to release the story of him going to jail, what happened there, and how he came out the other side.So,  without further ado, let's dive into the details of the fraud that James Brandolino committed. Episode Description:This episode delves into the life of James Brandolino, a former hedge fund manager who crafted a Ponzi scheme leading to significant financial fraud. Brandolino pleaded guilty to mail fraud in August 2011 and was sentenced to 107 months in prison and ordered to pay $3,865,484 in restitution. It begins with an introduction to Brandolino's fraudulent activities, leading to his nine-year imprisonment. Altucher and Brandolino explore the psychology behind the fraud, emphasizing the gradual and unintentional entry into illegal activities. James Brandolino shares a detailed backstory of his trading career, starting with inspiration from the movie Trading Places and his progression in the financial sector, working at MF Global and creating a futures trading company. Initially, honest intentions led him to a Ponzi scheme when attempts to cover a minor initial loss spiraled out of control. The discussion includes technical aspects of his trading strategies and the choice to commit fraud to escape from admitting failure. In a dramatic turn, James attempts suicide but survives, leading to his voluntary surrender to authorities and incarceration. Episode Summary:00:00 The Intriguing Case of James Brandolino's Financial Fraud01:48 Diving Deep into the Psychology of Fraud02:26 The Early Trading Days and the Birth of a Scheme08:28 The Slippery Slope: From Legitimate Trading to Financial Fraud16:40 The Descent: Amplifying the Fraud and Facing the Consequences20:35 The Personal Toll of Financial Fraud21:18 The Isolation and Stress of Financial Deception24:00 Turning to Criminal Actions for Survival25:25 The High-Risk Attempts to Recover Losses28:05 The Psychological Battle and Trading Strategies36:12 Facing the Consequences and the Brink of Despair40:09 A Failed Suicide Attempt Leads to Redemption ------------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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Wylie McGraw, a very interesting guy. He was a soldier for many years. He went to Afghanistan. He went to Iraq. He's been in bloody military engagements, and he's also a kind of unique kind of performance coach who tries to be disruptive in a way that many coaches are afraid to be to help his clients.Improve and upscale their lives. And so we talk about both things. First, I want, I always want to know this, and I've spoken about this with Jocko Willink as well, like, are any wars ever justified? So we kind of talk first about his military experience. And I asked that question and we had a conversation about it.And then we talk more specifically about what he does and how he's built. Uh, I don't want to call him a coach. He doesn't call himself a coach, but basically, he's become a high-performance expert for CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and so on. I'm always curious about that business and industry and how I could perform at a peak level, which I don't often do.And I'm trying to get better, at least figure it out a little bit more. So here's Wylie McGraw, and it's a really engaging conversation on a bunch of different levels. Episode Description:This insightful conversation with Wylie McGraw, a former soldier turned high-performance coach, sheds light on the intersection of personal development and true fulfillment. McGraw's journey from military service to coaching high-profile clients reveals his unique approach to overcoming personal challenges and traumas for genuine performance. Through discussing the importance of confronting inner demons and finding foundational peace, McGraw critiques conventional self-help methods and shares his intensive, personalized coaching method. Limiting his client list to maintain quality, McGraw focuses on deep, transformative growth over superficial success. His candid discussion covers topics from happiness and stress to the impact of personal history on behavior, providing a profound look at achieving meaningful success and impact amid life's challenges. Episode Summary:00:00 Meet Wylie McGraw: Soldier Turned Performance Coach02:24 Diving Deep into Wiley's Military Background and Perspectives02:40 The Emotional Journey of Writing 'War Was My Vacation'04:32 From Childhood to Combat: Wylie's Personal and Military Life05:35 The Complexities of War and Its Aftermath07:58 The Legacy of Military Service in Wylie's Family10:03 Reflecting on the Impact of Military Decisions and Leadership24:51 Transitioning from Military to Bull Riding and Baseball31:51 Wylie's Unique Approach to Performance Coaching39:36 The Unconventional Journey of Transforming Lives39:40 Navigating the Complexities of High-Profile Client Relationships41:27 The Intimate and Confidential Nature of Personal Development42:02 Challenging the Status Quo: A Unique Approach to Personal Growth46:28 Confronting and Overcoming Deep-Rooted Issues51:00 The Impact of Personal Transformation on Professional Success01:01:09 The Challenges of a Unique Business Model in Personal Development01:11:54 Exploring the Future: Books and the Quest for Understanding ------------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... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Dave Asprey was this fat aging tech entrepreneur who realized he was going on a bad path and so he completely changed his life around. He kind of went to the scientific sources and did the research himself and practically started the field of biohacking, of doing experiments on himself with his diet, with the supplements, with the devices he uses. And now it's as if he's 20 years younger than he was 20 years ago.He started Bulletproof Coffee, which I'm sure many of you have heard of, and a new coffee company called Danger Coffee. You've probably listened to him on this podcast. And now he just wrote the book Smarter, Not Harder. I'll describe that in a second.I want to tell a story when Dave asked, but he's been on the podcast a bunch of times when he was on in 20, I think it was 2016, it happened to be coincidentally the first day I was trying standup comedy. So at the end of that episode, it might have even been after we shut down the cameras, at the end of that episode, I asked him, "Dave, I'm doing standup comedy for the first time tonight, and I'm really nervous. What's your advice?" I just wanted to, he's a smart guy. I respect him. I just wanted to put him on the spot a little bit and see what his advice would be. And he thought about it for about a second. And then he said, "When you get up there, love your audience." And that is the best advice for a standup comedy that I have ever heard before or since.And it's really worked well for me. And I would say the same holds true when I write, I always love my audience. And when I do public speaking or even this podcast, I always picture in my head loving the audience. So what does Dave write about in Smarter, Not Harder? Well, his very interesting point is that humans, from an evolutionary perspective, should be somewhat lazy.We need to have a lot of energy when our fight or flight reflex triggers. Like when you have to run from the lion that's chasing you, you have to use a lot of energy very quickly. And then, you rest. But Dave's point is that in our society, just staring at screens, we get that fight-and-flight response sitting still.And so our body and mind don't know what's happening. And his argument is the same for exercise. His point is, and he, and you know, we'll see a lot of people are going to have different opinions on this. His point is you might not need to exercise for hours at a time because. That's not what the human body is supposed to do. It exerts itself for very short spurts of time and then rests. So his whole book is kind of his biohack experiments on exercise, sleep, diet, and how you can live your life to perform more optimally. You know, it's an anti-aging book, so it's in that category. We've done a lot of anti-aging.Podcasts and they're always very fascinating to me and I ask him very, very specific questions about food, supplements, and exercise because I always want to know what I should do. The answers are always enlightening. So anyway, once again, here is Dave Asprey.  Episode Description:In a comprehensive discussion about biohacking for better health, Dave Asprey, the founder of Bulletproof Coffee and Danger Coffee, shares his journey from overcoming personal health issues to pioneering in the biohacking space. The conversation expands into Asprey's latest venture, Danger Coffee, and the release of his book Smarter Not Harder, offering insights into efficient exercise, debunking nutrition myths, and providing a deep dive into bodily and mental wellness. The episode covers a broad range of topics including the importance of dietary choices, quality animal proteins, managing stress, optimizing hormones, and the role of supplements like NAD+, zinc, and magnesium. Asprey also touches on technological advancements with an AI tool for supplement guidance, and the crucial balance of testosterone for health. Through personal anecdotes... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Cal Newport has written such great books about how to be more productive, more creative, the titles of the books speak for themselves: 'So Good They Can't Ignore You', 'Deep Work', and this latest one is called 'Slow Productivity'. It's about how you ultimately succeed in getting more productive by going slower and sometimes doing nothing. Cal tells us how and why and we always have an interesting conversation. So here is Cal Newport!Episode Description:This episode explores the nuanced concept of 'Slow Productivity,' as championed by Cal Newport, across an engaging dialogue that sheds light on achieving more by intentionally slowing down. Newport, making his fifth appearance on the podcast, underscores the counterintuitive productivity philosophy through his journey, inspirations from his books like 'Digital Minimalism,' and the pivotal role of mindful work habits. Referencing historical and contemporary figures like Benjamin Franklin and John Grisham, Newport articulates the significance of deliberate practice, the fallacy of equating busyness with productivity, and the benefits of focused work. Additionally, the interview captures a personal milestone of applying for full professorship, emphasizing the importance of scholarly impact and steady progress. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical wisdom, and critique of modern work culture's inefficiencies, the discussion advocates for a transformative approach to work and creativity that values depth, reflection, and the strategic delegation of tasks.Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to Cal Newport and His Work02:30 Cal's Journey as an Author and His Writing Process04:09 The Importance of Stories Over Studies in Books07:42 The Role of Workload in Productivity14:22 The Impact of Technology on Productivity14:52 The Shift to Remote and Hybrid Work20:30 The Importance of Structuring Your Day25:28 The Balance Between Hustle and Slow Productivity30:59 The Misconceptions of Young People About Work31:06 Balancing Grad School and Writing Books31:13 The Importance of Time Management32:03 The Reality of Workload and Social Interactions32:37 The Mythology of Speed in Work34:36 The Paradox of the Relaxed Rhodes Scholar35:12 The Role of Time in Productivity36:40 The Importance of Quality Over Quantity38:26 The Impact of Pseudo Productivity54:11 The Role of AI in Writing and Academia01:00:03 The Journey to Tenure and Beyond ------------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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Gosh, I can't believe the story Jackie just told about Jeffrey Epstein and Trump and Clinton and everything, but first: Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling wrote for many years, 15 years for Howard Stern, wrote for Rodney Dangerfield, is an awesome standup comedian. He's just an all-around good guy. I remember the last time Jackie was on the podcast was years ago and, we were talking about what constitutes a "dirty joke".And he sent me these two huge books, like academic books, about the history of the dirty joke. That's the kind of just generous, good guy Jackie is. He just sent these books and they're fascinating. Jackie and I got together today. We talked about his history and what's going on and the documentary, 'Joke Man'. It's his whole story. It's really interesting. And his whole career is interesting.Towards the end - he didn't really hold back - but, I got him to tell this story of his experience with Jeffrey Epstein - and he's innocent of anything, don't make any assumptions there -  but it was just a fascinating story.So here he is, Jackie "The Joke Man" Martling. Episode Description:The episode weaves together the intriguing personal and professional tales of Jackie 'The Joke Man' Martling, touching upon his comedy career, notable relationships, and memorable experiences with figures like Jeffrey Epstein, Donald Trump, and Bill Clinton. It also details the evolution of Martling's documentary, 'Joke Man,' portraying his comedic journey and life anecdotes. James and Jackie talk about the evolution of the music industry from the era of Columbia Record Club to the digital age, exploring the changing dynamics of music consumption and artist revenue. Jackie tells stories anecdotes about Willie Nelson, the effects of the pandemic on New York's entertainment scene, and ambitions for a new comedy venue are discussed, highlighting a profound passion for comedy, music history, and the art of storytelling. Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction and Background01:52 Reconnecting with Old Friends02:42 The Gymnastics Journey04:52 The Comedy Scene and Connections08:45 The Art of Joke Telling11:32 The Howard Stern Show Experience14:10 The Post-Show Life16:06 The Art of Networking17:12 The Comedy and Life Philosophy37:31 The Jeffrey Epstein Story44:17 Unexpected Dinner with Jeffrey Epstein44:48 The Power of Jokes and Humor45:21 A Glimpse into the World of Famous Personalities46:25 The Art of Comedy and Storytelling47:31 An Unusual Encounter with Jeffrey Epstein49:56 The Dark Side of Donald Trump51:08 Reflections on Jeffrey Epstein's Scandal52:42 The Unpredictable Nature of Fame55:02 The Journey of 'Joke Man' Documentary55:30 The Legacy of the Stern Show01:17:38 The Impact of a Controversial Article01:24:03 A Final Anecdote: Yogi Berra and Moonstruck ------------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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: I'm confused. There are so many national and international issues being debated on constitutional grounds lately. For example, issues at the Texas border and federal versus state powers-like the case of friends versus the state of Colorado. Does a state have the right to decide who appears on the national presidential ballot?Regarding COVID-19, I'm wondering if it was constitutional to close down all the businesses. It might have been the right decision, but does it infringe on our right to life, liberty, and property without due process? I posed these questions to a renowned constitutional expert, the author of "The Odd Clauses," who is also a professor of constitutional law at Boston University, Jay Wexler. He provided insights into which recent events were constitutional and which may not have been. Here's what he had to say.Episode Description:James leads an enlightening conversation with Jay Wexler, a professor of constitutional law at Boston University and author of 'The Odd Clauses'. They explore topics ranging from state rights in decision-making, such as Texas' border policies and Colorado's stance on the national presidential ballot, to significant constitutional debates such as the power of the Supreme Court, the implications of COVID-19 business shutdowns, and the increasingly prominent discussions around freedom of speech and presidential powers. Wexler provides deep insights into each topic, shedding light on the constitutional underpinnings and contemporary interpretations that inform these critical national discussions. The discussion also touches on potential constitutional conflicts and the nuanced understanding required to navigate these issues, with particular emphasis on the importance of Constitution's adaptability over time and the ongoing debate between originalism versus evolutionary interpretation. Episode Summary:01:00 Introduction: The Constitution in the News01:46 Interview with Constitutional Expert Jay Wexler02:33 The Life of a Law Professor03:13 Challenges of Teaching in the Digital Age04:49 Constitutional Battles in Recent Years06:16 The Power of the Supreme Court07:00 The Intricacies of Marbury v. Madison08:34 The Role of the Supreme Court in the Executive Branch11:38 The Texas Border Issue and Constitutional Merit24:46 The Power of States in Deciding Presidential Candidates33:18 Understanding the Qualifications for Presidential Candidates36:06 Exploring the Impact of COVID-19 on Businesses and Constitutional Rights37:34 The Lochner Era and its Influence on Business Regulations40:20 Religious Rights and Restrictions during the COVID-19 Pandemic44:22 The Controversial Topic of State Secession51:31 The Intricacies of Freedom of Speech and its Boundaries54:51 The Power and Limitations of Presidential Executive Orders01:05:51 The Unusual Third Amendment and its Interpretation ------------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 See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.