The Rich Roll Podcast

Dr. John W. Price, a depth psychotherapist and co-founder of The Center for Healing Arts & Sciences, dives deep into modern masculinity and the crisis of male loneliness. He discusses how suffering can serve as a vital initiation rather than a sign of pathology. Price introduces the concept of "sacred refusal," addressing harmful adaptations that once protected us. They explore the need for rites of passage, the importance of community in healing, and how reshaping personal narratives can lead to transformation.

Dr. Lisa Mosconi, a neuroscientist focused on women's brain health, reveals how estrogen impacts cognitive function and dementia risk. Dr. Neal Barnard discusses plant-based diets for hormonal balance and their role in alleviating menstrual pain. Dr. Robin Berzin highlights the need for personalized hormone therapy and recovery protocols for postpartum mothers. The conversation addresses the gaps in women's health research, dietary interventions, and the crucial timing for hormone replacement therapy to optimize metabolic and cognitive health.

Dara Torres, a five-time Olympian and 12-time Olympic medalist, explores her groundbreaking journey in competitive swimming. She reveals how she broke American records post-pregnancy and why her revolutionary training methods faced indifference from the swimming community. The conversation touches on her battles with bulimia, age-defying fitness strategies, and the importance of mentorship for young athletes. Dara’s insights into recovery, nutrition, and maintaining a competitive edge at 58 provide inspiration for both athletes and casual fitness enthusiasts.

In this enlightening conversation, Dr. Marc Brackett, a professor at Yale and founder of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence, shares insights from his work on emotional literacy. He discusses the vital importance of recognizing and naming our emotions to navigate life effectively. Listeners learn about the RULER framework, strategies for emotional regulation, and the significance of embracing all feelings for personal growth. Marc even assists in unpacking emotional patterns in real-time, making this an engaging and relatable exploration of emotional wisdom.

In this captivating discussion, bestselling author Elizabeth Gilbert shares her harrowing journey through addiction and recovery. She candidly reflects on losing her partner to relapse while grappling with her own struggles and codependency. The conversation touches on radical honesty as a path to healing, the challenges of celibacy for self-care, and the importance of community support. Through her vulnerability, Elizabeth inspires listeners to embrace their own journeys and find strength in vulnerability.

Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the brilliant minds behind Good Mythical Morning, delve into their four-decade friendship and what it means to navigate life as both best friends and business partners. They explore their journeys away from evangelical Christianity, revealing how this deconstruction ultimately strengthened their bond. The duo discusses the challenges of adapting to YouTube's ever-changing algorithm and the importance of authenticity in content creation while sharing insights on maintaining creativity and humanity in a competitive media landscape.

Jay Duplass, an award-winning filmmaker, discusses his new film 'The Baltimorons' after a long directing break. Michael Strassner, a comedian and star of the film, shares his journey from rock bottom to seven years of sobriety. They dive into the importance of authentic storytelling, particularly emphasizing the need for narratives around early sobriety. Their candid exploration reveals how flawed characters resonate more than superheroes, and underscores the power of creativity and connection in overcoming personal challenges.

Andrew Huberman, a neuroscientist at Stanford, joins forces with Dean Sherzai, an expert on Alzheimer's prevention, psychiatrist Anna Lembke, spirituality pioneer Lisa Miller, and hypnosis researcher David Spiegel. They dive into how lifestyle choices can prevent cognitive decline and unravel the complexity of addiction, driven by dopamine. The discussion spans the interplay of spirituality and mental health, along with how hypnosis can heal. These insights reveal the brain's incredible adaptability and underscore the profound connection between mind, body, and spirit.

Join Olga Khazan, a staff writer for The Atlantic and author of "Me, But Better," as she explores the fascinating world of personality transformation. Hear about her journey from anxious introvert to a more liberated self and her reflections on the Big Five personality traits. Discover how everyday frustrations can catalyze significant change and the importance of establishing boundaries in relationships. Olga discusses the interplay of genetics and environment in shaping our identities, and the power of mindfulness and self-acceptance in personal growth.

James Frey, the controversial author of "A Million Little Pieces," joins the conversation, diving into his tumultuous journey as literature's 'bad boy.' He shares insights on the intertwining of addiction, creativity, and authenticity in writing. James reflects on fame's impact and the media's influence, while advocating for 'muscular books' that challenge societal norms. The discussion touches on the balance of art and commerce, Taoist principles in creativity, and the complexities of truth in storytelling, making for a thought-provoking dialogue.