The Rich Roll Podcast

Sylvia Earle, a marine botanist and oceanographer known as "Her Deepness," shares her extraordinary insights on ocean conservation. With over 7,000 hours underwater and a passion for protecting marine ecosystems, she discusses the stark urgency of ocean health and the impact of human activities. Earle emphasizes the need for individual action, the importance of marine reserves, and the vital role of hope in fostering environmental change. Her new book, "Ocean: A Global Odyssey," highlights the beauty and fragility of our oceans, inspiring listeners to take action.

The hosts dive into the fascinating world of sports science, discussing 'Moneyball-esque' advancements in training technologies for triathletes. They reflect on a recent sabbatical and the personal lessons it brought. The drama surrounding free speech in podcasting, highlighted by the Joe Rogan controversy, generates thought-provoking insights. They also celebrate community efforts that raised nearly $500K for charity and explore the timeless wisdom of Alan Watts, alongside a discussion of the impactful miniseries 'Station Eleven.' Listener questions wrap up this lively discussion.

Harvey Lewis, a Cincinnati high school teacher and world-record-holding ultramarathon runner, shares his unique insights on balancing life and endurance athletics. He discusses the emotional aspects of ultra racing, particularly in finding purpose beyond the 300-mile mark. Listeners will be intrigued by his stories of resilience, teamwork, and the camaraderie of ultra races. Lewis also dives into the significance of nutrition, revealing how a plant-based diet fuels his extraordinary performances and underscores the power of community in overcoming challenges.

Jacqueline Novogratz, Founder and CEO of Acumen, shares her remarkable journey from Wall Street to pioneering impact investing aimed at alleviating poverty. She emphasizes the power of moral imagination and patient capital in fostering lasting change. The discussion highlights the importance of investing in entrepreneurs, the need for accountability in philanthropy, and how humility can drive impactful leadership. Novogratz advocates for solutions that empower rather than create dependency, calling for a collaborative approach to tackling global challenges.

Rip Esselstyn, a three-time NCAA All-American swimmer and passionate advocate for plant-based living, shares his journey transforming health and lifestyles with a whole-food, plant-based diet. He discusses the gut microbiome's crucial role in health, the intersection of personal well-being and environmental sustainability, and the challenges of maintaining a healthy plant-based diet amid processed options. Rip also highlights his commitment to community support and practical steps for embracing plant-based living, inspiring listeners to join the movement.

Doug Abrams, a literary agent and co-author of 'The Book of Hope' with Jane Goodall, discusses the crucial role of hope in facing global challenges. He explores how hope can combat feelings of helplessness and offers strategies for cultivating it through empathy and moral commitment. Insights from Goodall's legacy emphasize the interconnectedness of humanity and nature, illustrating how collective action can drive positive change. The conversation also highlights the importance of nurturing hope in younger generations as a pathway to resilience and progress.

Lisa Miller, PhD, a professor at Teachers College, Columbia University, and founder of the Spirituality Mind Body Institute, dives into the fascinating science behind spirituality. She reveals how spiritual practices enhance mental health and resilience, particularly in children. The discussion highlights the distinct benefits of spirituality, advocating for its integration into education and community support. Personal anecdotes underscore the transformative power of embracing spirituality in everyday life, offering a refreshing perspective on mental well-being.

Join endurance legend Chris Hauth, Olympic medalist Caroline Burckle, and multi-talented Alexi Pappas as they explore the transformative power of personal growth and community support. They emphasize rituals over routines and the significance of self-reflection in achieving goals. The trio discusses embracing joy in the journey, the balance between ambition and mindfulness, and how to navigate mental health in sports. Their insights on evolving personal values and the importance of living authentically make for an inspiring and engaging conversation.

Joe De Sena, founder of Spartan Race and author of "10 Rules for Resilience," dives into the power of discomfort as a catalyst for growth. He discusses the importance of setting ambitious goals and building resilience through challenges. Joe shares insights on parenting, emphasizing the need for children to face difficulties, and the balance between hustle and recovery. He highlights the value of aligning personal actions with core beliefs and how embracing discomfort can lead to profound personal transformation.

If there’s one thing we learned in 2021, it’s that conversation matters.Allow me to indulge this truth by introducing Part Two of my annual yearbook—a means to reflect upon the twelve months past by revisiting some of the year’s most compelling podcast guests.It’s been an honor to share my conversations with so many extraordinary people over the course of 2021. Second listens brought new insights—and more reminders that these evergreen exchanges continue to both inspire and inform.For long-time listeners, approach this episode as a refresher to launch you into 2022 with renewed vigor. For those new to the podcast, my hope is this anthology will stir you to peruse the back catalog and explore episodes you may have missed.Guests featured in this first of two total anthology episodes (hyperlinked to their respective episodes) are listed here: The Rich Roll Podcast: Best Of 2021: Part TwoCompiling this auditory yearbook is both a joy and a challenge. I have great fondness for all my guests. I take no comfort in leaving anyone out. Should you find one of your personal favorites missing, I get it—please don’t @ me!Special thanks to Blake Curtis, Jason Camiolo and Dan Drake for the behind-the-scenes heavy lifting required to pull this two-parter together.To read more click here. You can also watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.Thank you for taking this journey of growth alongside me. Here’s to an extraordinary 2022.Peace + Plants,Rich