The Rich Roll Podcast

A master-class in personal and professional development, ultra-athlete, wellness evangelist and bestselling author Rich Roll delves deep with the world's brightest and most thought provoking thought leaders to educate, inspire and empower you to unleash your best, most authentic self. More at: https://richroll.com

Latest episodes

Dec 23, 2013 • 2h 19min

How One Man Overcame Incredible Obstacles, Lost 200 lbs & Transformed His Life Wholesale

This interview is like nothing you have heard before on this show.It will move you. It will inspire you. It will erase whatever obstacles and excuses you rely on that perpetuate bad habits, keep you stuck, and reinforce denial. By listening, my hope is that you will realize that no matter what your circumstances or environment, we all have the power to implement profound personal change beyond our collective imagination in miraculous and fantastic ways.A couple weeks ago, a guy called Josh LaJaunie tweeted me his before and after pictures, thanking me for helping him along his journey of total transformation. Bear in mind, I get many such images sent to me. I absolutely love this stuff – It's why I do what I do. But something about this post was different. The change was so astounding, my first thought was, “Can this be real?” The 400+ pound guy on the left bore almost no resemblance to the guy on the right, a super fit, super handsome young man running with a big smile on his face. And yet when I looked closely, I could indeed determine that it was in fact the same person. I was stunned.Chris Farley had morphed into Bradley Cooper. But how?I had to find out. I reached out to him, and we exchanged a few e-mails. Then he sent me a document, with a title that says it all.“FREE JOSH LAJAUNIE”A manifesto on life transformation, it's the detailed personal account of how Josh accomplished what some would deem impossible, dropping over 200 pounds and a life-long addiction to unhealthy foods & lifestyle habits to discover a passion for running. A journey that led him to completing a half-marathon and preparing for his first marathon. He didn't just lose weight — he became an athlete.But what truly struck me wasn't just the weight loss or his discovered passion for running. It was the story of how he faced, battled and overcame astounding, impossibly entrenched cultural obstacles to change everything about how he lives his life. A gift he now freely shares, transforming the lives not just of his family members, but his beloved community at large. At that moment, I knew I needed to share his story with you.Born & bred in southern Louisiana, Josh is a 100% genuine, authentic, self-avowed “swamp dweller” from Bayou Lafourche. Someone who shirks at the label “cajun” as too highfalutin, and “proud to sound like a coonass”. A big kid surrounded by a loving nuclear and extended family united by their shared love of food — a regional imperative — Josh was a standout high school football player, recruited to play college ball. But disillusioned by college life in Arkansas, he dropped out of school, only to return home, aimless and unmoored. He found work in the family construction business, but lived for the weekend – time spent hunting, fishing, cheering for his beloved New Orleans Saints, feasting on his favorite local delicacies — po boys, jambalaya & barbeque. And partying. Lots of partying. It's just what you do down in Bayou Lafourche.The weight escalated. As did the despair. His embarrassment and shame escalating in equal measure to his declining self-esteem. Not to mention an almost certain future of diabetes and heart disease.Then something happened. In 2010, Josh's beloved Saints achieved the impossible, winning the Super Bowl. It seems a small thing. But to Josh it was everything. Forever altering his perception of what is possible, he began to question the limits he imposed upon himself.Read more HERE...Enjoy!Rich

Nov 25, 2013 • 1h 27min

Meatonomics: How the Bizarre, Rigged Economics of the Meat and Dairy Industries Co-Opt Consumer Choice

Sometimes I feel like some kind of fringe conspiracy theorist. I didn't used to be this way, I promise. But the more I delve into how things work — truly work — the more amazed I am by what I discover.I don't care if you are vegan, locavore, pescatarian, paleo, primal, high-carb, low-carb, or slow-carb. Everyone deserves to be optimally informed when it comes to how our food is harvested, distributed and marketed. And yet, quite unfortunately, most consumers lack even a basic awareness of the dynamics at play, let alone a working understanding of the formidable economic protocols that function behind the production of meat, fish, eggs, and dairy.It is incumbent upon all of us to take personal responsibility for educating ourselves about the economic machinations that dominate and drive our food system. Why? Because these forces affect all of us, irrespective of dietary preference. And because informed choice is power. Today on the show I am pleased to introduce David Robinson Simon, attorney, advocate for sustainable consumption, and author of the newly released Meatonomics* — an important, groundbreaking and astoundingly revelatory deep dive into the potent economic, marketing, regulatory & legislative forces that support the meat and dairy industries' masterful ability to influence and downright undermine informed consumer awareness and decision making when it comes to what — and how much — to eat.David's thesis is that such consumer decisions aren't just misplaced, but in fact manipulated and compelled — often on an unconscious level — by the behemoth animal food producers who effectively co-opt consumers’ buying choices with artificially-low prices fueled by out-of-whack farm subsidies; ubiquitous, powerful but misleading marketing campaigns; and heavy control over legislation and regulatory policy at the highest echelons of government.Over the course of our conversation, David provides vital insight into how the economics of institutional animal food production hold sway over our spending, eating, health, prosperity, economy, environment and longevity. A perfect storm of almost conspiratorial circumstances that serve — in the macro — to exponentially increase (among other things):* Annual US taxpayer dollars spent to subsidize meat & dairy;* The rapid depletion of our forests & soil;* The level of greenhouse gas emissions that catalyze irrevocable climate change; * The collapsing of wild fisheries;* The proliferation of “farmed” fisheries;* US dietary cholesterol intake;* The incidence of cancer, diabetes and heart disease related to meat and dairy consumption* Healthcare costs allocated to treat US cases of diseases related to meat and dairy consumptionFor a quick source-supported primer, check out David's Meatonomics Index– 40 facts and figures that paint a picture of how our meat and dairy intake has spiraled out of control since 1935.Food for thought.Thanks for checking out this post and the episode, and I hope you enjoy the conversation.Rich

Nov 18, 2013 • 2h 10min

On Addiction, Recovery & Achieving Happiness Through Service

If you know my story, you know it involves a descent into alcoholism, followed by a hard fought battle to achieve and maintain sobriety. Recovery saved my life, straight up, no exaggeration. To this day it remains — and will always remain — my number one priority.I don't talk it about it often on the podcast, but I think it's an important subject to raise and discuss, particularly as we head into the holidays — an acutely perilous time for the millions who, alone, isolated and ashamed, privately battle these demons.Meet Khalil Rafati, founder of Sunlife Organics– friend, fellow recovery warrior and amazing living example of the profound resiliency of the human body, mind and spirit. Not only has Khalil overcome unimaginable obstacles to survive, he has defied all odds and miraculously repaired his life wholesale. A soul now devoted to the service of others, his primary focus on giving back what was so freely given him.Prepare to have your mind blown.Khalil's tale is nothing short of astounding. From the depths of absolute despair, homeless & hopelessly gripped by heroin addiction, Khalil was hell bent on dying. And yet somehow, by way of a grace outside himself, Khalil came out the other side. Not just intact, but repaired. He didn't just find sobriety. He found his true life purpose.Today I am so proud to share my friend's journey. Behind all the raw intensity and earnest honesty and vulnerability, it is a story I think we can all celebrate. A story of the impossible. And at its heart, the story of true redemptive power of the human condition.Open your mind and heart and let Khalil inspire you. I can guarantee that after listening to this profound and at times extremely intense conversation, you will understand that all the illusory excuses that imprison and prevent you from growth, health and self-actualization will seem trivial.For those that are suffering, this one's for you. Please know that all is not lost. There is a solution. And there is hope. Always hope.NOTE: In addition to the extreme intensity of the subject matter discussed, this episode also contains a few instances of explicit language. So if you're listening with the wee ones or at work, pop in the ear buds. Nothing to crazy, just a head's up for the more sensitive members of the audience.And should you find yourself in Los Angeles, do me a solid. Drop by one of Khalil's Sunlife Organics juice bars (on Pt. Dume in Malibu and in Thousand Oaks at The Lakes), order a green juice (or the Wolverine smoothie — my favorite) and give Khalil a high five.I sincerely hope you enjoy the show. I'm really proud of this one.Rich

Nov 11, 2013 • 1h 56min

How To Maintain Healthy Nutrition & Optimal Physical, Emotional & Spiritual Health During The Holidays

I've got news for you people. Like it or not, the holiday season is upon us.That special time of year when we tend to overeat, overspend and simply overindulge in everything across the board, all in the name of celebratory merriment. When we're not charging it on the card or spread paper thin desperately trying to fulfill all the expectations presented, we find ourselves weathering an unnatural battery of social engagements, not to mention the myriad of emotionally hyper-charged landmines presented by extended family get togethers.The result? A massive and unnatural outpouring of energy that leaves us utterly depleted — spit out the other side physically and emotionally exhausted to the core, all too often overweight and riddled with unnecessary debt.What if we could approach and experience the holiday season differently? What if we could revel in the pure joy of the season and emerge in January not just intact but truly enriched — optimistic, feeling great and energized for all the challenges and adventures presented with the birth of a new year?Today on the show, Julie and I sit down to hash out all things holiday season with a focus on providing helpful, experience-based strategies to assist in managing the financial pitfalls, dietary challenges, precarious social environments and heightened emotional states presented by this unique time of year. In my experience, these are issues common to us all. And yet issues we go to great lengths to avoid dealing with internally, let alone discussing outwardly — typically out of fear, shame or simply a profound need to keep up appearances — all of which ultimately leaves us feeling alone and isolated in what for many can become a state of true emotional crisis. In truth, the exact opposite of what the holidays should be all about.So rather than deny or repress, let's talk about it. Get it all out in the open. And work on a strategy for a different, positive and uplifting experience. On today's agenda:* How to avoid spending money you don't have;* How to maintain a healthy PlantPowered Diet throughout the season;* How to experience gift giving with children in a different way;* How to navigate and avoid emotional landmines with extended family;* How to say “No” to certain social obligations; and* How to nuture and preserve your physical, emotional & spiritual well being under pressure.Enjoy the show!Rich

Nov 4, 2013 • 2h 2min

Nutrition, Fitness, Online Entrepreneurism, Homeschooling & What Happened When He Trained for an Ironman on a Low Carb / High Fat Ketosis Diet

For fans of Ben Greenfield, this is Ben like you've never heard him before.For longtime listeners and fans of health & fitness podcasts, Ben Greenfield needs no introduction. Self-avowed training guinea pig, ardent nutrition student, accomplished multisport athlete, podcast host, blogger and health entrepreneur at Ben Greenfield Fitness and all around good dude.Ben and I have been acquainted for some years — but only through the internet. He was an early guest on this show ( RRP #11 ), I have guested on his podcast as well as his Endurance Planet podcast ( HERE ), we did a nutrition-oriented Spreecast with Vinnie Tortorich back in February ( HERE ) and he has written about my exploits a bit as well ( HERE ).And yet surprisingly, we had never met in person. So it was a pleasure to finally sit down with the guy one-on-one so we could dig a bit deeper. Skype interviews are great, but there is just no substitute for sitting across from someone when you want to have a proper chat. And this interview gets it done in spades.Today on the show we talk about a multitude of things, including:* How he turned his passion for health and fitness into a thriving online business* Some keys for entrepreneurial online success;* His experience training for and racing an Ironman on a high fat / low carb ketogenic diet;* His plan for putting on 30lbs of muscle during the upcoming winter months;* Our experiences interviewing Durianrider;* What the lifestyle “hack” (as in #lifehack or #biohack) actually means;* His experience as a homeschooled child and how he homeschools his children;* How his dietary regimen is often misunderstood, his passion for plants & his vegetable garden; and* Ben's Upcoming Human Performance Course on CreativeLive.Like many of my guests, I don't agree with all points & issues raised. But I truly like and respect Ben, particularly his willingness to engage in all forms of self-experimentation and his transparency when it comes to openly sharing his results.I hope you enjoy the conversation!Rich

Oct 29, 2013 • 1h 44min

The Godmother of Wellness On Pioneering Healing and the Future Health of the Planet

After listening to this interview, you will never again rely on advancing age as an excuse for anything.Meet the unique force of nature known as Deborah Szekely — in so many ways, the Godmother of the Wellness Revolution, but also a tireless activist, philanthropist, writer, and friend of Presidents and Hollywood elite. At 91 years young, Deborah exudes the energy of someone 60 years her junior. In fact, I have met few people in my life that could match the drive, vision, commitment and boundless vitality she persistently demonstrates when it comes to improving the health and wellness of people across the globe.Let me paint the picture. Without Deborah, there is no Jack LaLanne. No 24-Hour Fitness, Gold's Gym, Equinox or Soul Cycle, let alone Canyon Ranch or Burke Williams day spas. In many ways, so much of what we take for granted as part of our daily health and fitness lifestyle experience can be specifically tracked back to the work Deborah and her husband Edmond started in the tiny village of Tecate, Mexico in 1940.Hailing from Brooklyn by way of Eastern Europe, Deborah's mother was a progressive raw foodist fruitarian and vice president of the New York Vegetarian Society. When the Great Depression hit, Deborah's garment business father moved the family to Tahiti, the land of abundant fruit, to live closer to nature — and persistently ahead of the curve. It's there that they met Edmond Szekely, a prophetic, highly educated and charismatic professor and author of Hungarian origin (then Transylvania) & Jewish heritage prone to long pontifications on the virtues of living in close connection with one's natural environment.In her late teens, Deborah became Edmond's secretary and ultimately his bride. They later settled in Los Angeles, but with World War II on the horizon and Edmond fearing deportation back to Eastern Europe due to citizenship issues, they decamped to Tecate, about an hour's drive from San Diego just over the Mexican border.Domiciled in a tiny cabin on a vast parcel of land at the base of a gorgeous mountain, in 1940 Edmond and Deborah opened their doors to the outside world — a summer camp they called Rancho La Puerta where visitors could convene for $17.50 per week, provided they brought their own tent. During the summer months, Edmond would lecture to groups on a number of topics, including the philosophy of The Essenes ; something he dubbed Biogenic Living; the ills of smoking (revolutionary at the time); and the virtues of a healthy diet, exercise and living close to nature.Bear in mind, this was decades before any of these subjects were in vogue. Not to beat a dead horse, but to say Edmond and Deborah were a step ahead is an understatement.Not enough? In his downtime, Edmond wrote books — over 80 titles all told — and printed them with his own printing press.Word got out about the interesting happenings of Rancho La Puerta. Hollywood took notice, and soon people like Burt Lancaster, Kim Novak, William Holden, and even Aldous Huxley could be found spending time at the Ranch. The Ranch quickly grew, and in later years, Rancho has hosted the likes of Madonna, Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Streisand, Martha Stewart and Arianna Huffington.The rest is history. In it's 73rd year, Rancho La Puerta set the stage for every wellness trend, spa and movement that would follow. Today the center boasts some of the best wellness programs, most beautiful facilities, finest food and appointed terrain in the world,

Oct 21, 2013 • 1h 51min

On Achieving Prolific Peak Performance & Optimizing Your Best Self With The Champions Blueprint

Success isn't an accident – it happens by design.Today on the show I am pleased to host Dr. Jeff Spencer – life coach to Olympic champions and entrepreneurs and architect of a methodology he calls The Champions Blueprint – the good doctor's well researched and proven “crystal ball” process to unlock your internal personal power and unleash — and more importantly sustain — prolific peak performance, not to mention your best self.Break out your Moleskins people, because you are going to want to take copious notes. Class is in session!Whether on the playing field or in the board room, we often marvel at those few who seem able to effortlessly achieve — and again sustain — incredible results. I'm talking about people like Michael Jordan. Michael Phelps. Oprah Winfrey. And Richard Branson. Freaks of nature, right? Once in a lifetime talents that deserve our reverence, but simply cannot be emulated, let alone replicated.We all want this right? And yet it seems so elusive. A struggle that can seem impossible for the average Joe to realize. Why?Well. according to Dr. Spencer, this is because we lack one simple thing — a proper roadmap. In other words, beyond sheer talent there's a distinct, consistent method behind the innate gifts of the heroes we are so quick to worship that leads inextricably to achievement and keeps them on top. A method that indeed can be identified and repeated in everyone's life. A method that can set you up for long-term success in not only the goal you seek, but more importantly the legacy that is your life.Born from the pain he experienced watching his genius artist father die homeless, his work unrecognized, Dr. Spencer began to ask himself: why did this happen, and how can I help others avoid this peril? Informed by his prolific athletic career as a member of the 1972 US Olympic Team in track cycling and buttressed by his copious experience mentoring world class athletes as a 9-time Tour De France team doctor (chiropractor), Jeff came to truly understand and appreciate that no person succeeds without proper mentors and a supportive team. Thus he began to identify patterns of predictable human behavior, and how certain predictable behaviors can indeed be harnessed to achieve previously unimaginable heights of achievement. In turn, this ultimately led him to identify the 7 steps of what would become the foundation of The Champions Blueprint protocol – a curriculum he has used to help many achieve unparalleled, sustained legacy-worthy success. Here are those steps, which we discuss at length in today's episode:* Legacy: Start with the End in Mind* Mindset: View the world through the lens of your Legacy* Base: Get the Team, Equipment, Financing and Tangibles in Place* Climb the Wall: 1. Patience 2. Grind | Reach Break Out Performance* Elevation: Shift your Break out Performance to your Daily Program* Adaptation: Can you deal with the pressure of performing at the top?* Ride the Wave: Leaving a Complete Legacy as an Example for OthersI am very proud of this conversation. Surely, one of my favorite interviews to date, and an exchange that becomes quite emotional at times. An episode worthy of more than one listen.Thank you Jeff for showing up and demonstrating the courage to be vulnerable. Wallow in the wisdom people!Finally – enjoying the music cues on the show? Thanks my 18-year old son Tyler Piatt — not only did he produce and edit today's show, he wrote, arranged and performed all the music as well. Thanks Tyler!Enjoy!Rich

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