The Rich Roll Podcast

Ross Edgley, a celebrated extreme adventurer and author, shares his incredible journey of swimming 510 kilometers down the Yukon River. He reveals fascinating insights about his unique physiological abilities and training alongside the Hemsworth brothers. Ross's approach to endurance highlights the importance of purpose in struggle, and he discusses consuming an astonishing 40,000 calories in just 24 hours. His captivating stories about swimming with sharks and discovering quick recovery methods keep the conversation thrilling and inspirational.

Rowdy Gaines, a three-time Olympic gold medalist and NBC's voice of swimming, shares his inspiring journey from a late-blooming swimmer to a legendary broadcaster. He discusses the resilience needed to overcome the 1980 Olympic boycott and his battle with Guillain-Barré syndrome. Rowdy dives into the evolution of competitive swimming, touching on technology's impact and the importance of water safety advocacy. He also offers insights on the upcoming Paris Olympics and the transformative power of mentorship in sports.

Dr. Edward Schaeffer, a world-renowned urologist and Chair of Urology at Northwestern University, dives deep into prostate health and cancer care. He discusses groundbreaking advancements in robotic surgery and the nuanced interpretation of PSA tests. The conversation tackles the importance of proactive health management, the impact of genetics on cancer risk, and debunks prevalent myths. Schaeffer also emphasizes lifestyle choices that can influence prostate health and the emotional aspects of treating patients facing cancer.

Tom Shadyac, the acclaimed director behind hits like "Ace Ventura" and "Bruce Almighty," shares his transformative journey from Hollywood wealth to meaningful service. He discusses his work empowering at-risk youth through Memphis Rox, the illusion of separation in human connections, and how community engagement fosters personal growth. Tom also challenges conventional views on success, emphasizing a balance between ego and contribution, and highlights the importance of storytelling in revealing deeper truths about identity and community.

Cody Simpson, a global singer-songwriter and Olympic hopeful, joins two-time Olympian Katie Hoff for an insightful discussion. They share their journeys of transitioning from music to competitive swimming and the balancing act of pursuing dual passions. The duo reflects on the emotional intensity of Olympic competitions and the camaraderie among athletes, while also offering humorous takes on cultural differences between Australia and the U.S. As they navigate the exciting landscape of the Paris Olympics, they explore the challenges and joys of their athletic and creative pursuits.

Join three-time Olympian Elizabeth Beisel, two-time Olympian Katie Hoff, and former Swiss Olympic coach Chris Morgan as they share their riveting tales from the Paris Olympics. They discuss the emotional rollercoaster of transitioning from athletes to broadcasters and the intense pressures faced in the Olympic Village. Discover the balance of nerves versus humor in competition, the camaraderie among rival swimmers, and the unique tranquility of Paris during the games. The trio also sheds light on mentorship within Team USA and the evolving landscape of social media for athletes.

David Manheim, creator of the Dopey Podcast and a key voice on addiction for This American Life, shares his inspiring journey from heroin addiction to recovery. He candidly discusses the importance of humor and vulnerability in healing, the profound impact of losing his co-host to overdose, and how that tragedy reshaped the Dopey Nation community. David emphasizes the power of raw storytelling and connection in recovery, while also touching on the complexities of ambition intertwined with addiction and the importance of self-care for families affected by substance use.

Dr. Gregor Reid, a world-renowned microbiologist and the authority on probiotics for the UN/WHO, shares his insights on the power of beneficial microbes. He discusses how probiotics can complement modern medicine and tackle health issues like gut disorders and chronic disease. The conversation highlights the importance of microbial diversity, the need for education on probiotics, and innovative applications in both health and agriculture. Reid's visionary perspective encourages a shift towards embracing microbes for better health outcomes and sustainability.

Chef Babette Davis, a 73-year-old vegan chef and fitness advocate, shares her inspiring journey from hardship to health. She discusses her philosophy of food as medicine and the transformative power of self-love. Babette highlights the importance of self-care and shares personal anecdotes from her life experiences, showing how humor and mindfulness can foster resilience. She also emphasizes the need for community awareness around nutrition and celebrates the healing potential of plant-based eating, all while impressively doing push-ups!

In this engaging conversation, Max Joseph, a filmmaker and former MTV Catfish co-host, dives into his creative journey. He candidly shares lessons from directing a Hollywood film and the emotional aftermath of its failure. Max explores the balance between traditional and digital media, discussing the evolving landscape of filmmaking. He reflects on the neuroscience of happiness, emphasizing the importance of connection and personal growth. With insights from his experiences and a transformative moment with the Dalai Lama, it’s a compelling exploration of creativity and fulfillment.