The Rich Roll Podcast

Mark Manson, a renowned author and cultural critic, dives into the paradox of self-help culture. He shares his journey from personal struggle to impactful change, challenging the notion that intelligence often complicates growth. Manson emphasizes that effective solutions are often mundane yet transformative. He critiques the spiritual narcissism in self-help trends and underscores the power of genuine connections over flashy seminars. Expect a blend of wit and wisdom as he navigates the complexities of true self-improvement.

In this concluding chapter of our “Best Of” 2024 series, we share wisdom from an extraordinary group of changemakers who challenged our assumptions and expanded our possibilities. From a septuagenarian fitness icon to Spider-Man himself, from free solo climbers to modern mystics—each guest illuminated different facets of human potential. Their stories of courage, creativity, and conscious living remind us that transformation is always possible. I’m deeply grateful to our guests for their vulnerability, to my team for their dedication, and to our sponsors for their continued support. But most of all, I’m grateful for you, the listener. Your willingness to grow and transform alongside us makes this journey meaningful. Thank you for sharing another remarkable year. Here’s to an extraordinary 2025.Show notes + MOREWatch on YouTubeNewsletter Sign-UpToday’s Sponsors: On: High-performance shoes & apparel crafted for comfort and style 👉on.com/richrollNordic Track: Learn more about their next-level tech and machines 👉nordictrack.com/rich-rollAirbnb: Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much 👉airbnb.com/hostCheck out all of the amazing discounts from our Sponsors 👉 richroll.com/sponsorsFind out more about Voicing Change Media at voicingchange.media and follow us @voicingchange

We are here to grow. We are here to transform. This is our birthright. This is our purpose. As the year ends, I want to honor this truth by sharing insights from some of the most remarkable voices who joined us in 2024. In this first of our two-part Best Of series, we revisit conversations that challenged and inspired us to reach higher. From stories of survival and rebirth, to breakthroughs in longevity science and brain health, to raw conversations about athletics and consciousness—each guest illuminated different paths to living authentically and purposefully. I’m deeply grateful to our guests for their candor, to my team for their dedication, and to our sponsors for their continued support. But most of all, I’m grateful for you, the listener. Your presence and engagement make this journey worthwhile. I never take that for granted. Thank you for growing with us. Here’s to an extraordinary 2025.Show notes + MOREWatch on YouTubeNewsletter Sign-UpToday’s Sponsors: On: High-performance shoes & apparel crafted for comfort and style 👉on.com/richrollAG1: Get a FREE 76$ gift when you subscribe 👉drinkAG1.com/richrollAirbnb: Your home might be worth more than you think. Find out how much 👉airbnb.com/hostCheck out all of the amazing discounts from our Sponsors 👉 richroll.com/sponsorsFind out more about Voicing Change Media at voicingchange.media and follow us @voicingchange

Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, a prominent physician and author, shares insights on lasting personal transformation. He introduces the groundbreaking concept of 'minimal reliance' as a tool for breaking free from unhelpful habits. The conversation delves into understanding internal drives for sustainable change, the importance of embracing discomfort, and the role of environment in forming healthy habits. Chatterjee also emphasizes daily introspection for connecting with one’s intuition, offering practical strategies to enhance self-trust and resilience in the journey of personal growth.

Harley Finkelstein, President of Shopify and a serial entrepreneur who started his first business at 13, shares his insights on the transformative nature of entrepreneurship. He discusses how anxiety can fuel success and why now is an ideal time for aspiring business owners. The conversation dives into the importance of democratizing entrepreneurship, the impact of immigrants on the startup ecosystem, and the vital role of storytelling and mental health in leadership. Finkelstein emphasizes that purpose-driven ventures define true success.

Josh Szeps, a renowned broadcaster and host of Uncomfortable Conversations, dives into the importance of authentic dialogue in today's polarized society. He highlights the challenges of misinformation and media partisanship, emphasizing the need for grace in discourse. Szeps explores the impact of COVID-19 measures on personal liberties in Australia and the U.S., and critiques the Democratic Party's struggles with identity politics. This engaging discussion advocates for empathy and understanding as vital tools to bridge societal divides.

Dr. Charan Ranganath, a leading neuroscientist and UC Davis professor, dives deep into the captivating world of memory. He reveals how memories are more like impressionistic paintings than snapshots, constantly reshaped by our emotions and contexts. The conversation covers the impact of memory on identity and healing, the malleability and unreliability of recollections, and how modern distractions like smartphones dilute our memory formation. Ranganath also explores techniques for improving memory retention and how emotions play a crucial role in encoding and retrieval.

David Roche, an iconoclastic ultrarunner, broke the Leadville 100 record on his very first try. He discusses his unconventional methods, emphasizing scientific precision and the importance of mental resilience. Roche shares how embracing vulnerability in both running and life led him to unexpected achievements. He also delves into innovative training techniques, including the use of bicarbonate, and the significance of Zone Two training for endurance athletes. His journey illustrates a new era in human performance that encourages athletes to push boundaries and redefine possibilities.

Kristian Blummenfelt, an Olympic champion and sub-7-hour Ironman record holder, dives into the mental struggles and resilience needed after setbacks in high-stakes races like Kona. He shares insights on the emotional toll of failures and why losing can hurt more than winning feels rewarding. Blummenfelt also discusses the importance of adaptable training strategies and reflections on his transition from Olympic racing to Ironman, revealing how science-driven methods elevate performance in endurance sports.

Dr. Robin Berzin, Founder and CEO of Parsley Health, is revolutionizing primary care with her focus on functional medicine and root-cause treatment. She discusses her innovative 'Brains, Bones and Booty' protocol tailored for women's longevity. Berzin delves into the importance of personalized health insights and technology in improving overall well-being. She highlights the need for systemic change in healthcare, particularly in addressing multi-chronic conditions and women's unique health challenges. Tune in for a glimpse into the future of holistic health!