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 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
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Crafting The Future of Food With Matthew Kenney
“I’m doing everything possible to make sure that chefs really see themselves as responsible for delivering not just taste, but health. Chefs can be drug-dealers—some of the food they’re putting out there is worse than drugs—or they can be healers.”Matthew KenneyHe's written twelve cookbooks. He's opened dozens of restaurants. And he's teaching a new generation of culinary talent across the globe. But Matthew Kenney isn't just another celebrity chef. Matthew Kenney is crafting the future of food.Beyond the kitchen, Matthew is a public speaker, educator, and entrepreneur specializing in plant-based food. He has authored 12 cookbooks and is the founder of Matthew Kenney Cuisine, an integrated lifestyle company as well as the Matthew Kenney Culinary Academy, a series of state-of-the-art education centers offering vegan culinary courses both online and in person that emphasize the use of whole, organic, unprocessed, plant-based foods to achieve healthy, aesthetically refined and flavorful cuisine.Over the years, Matthew has launched a panoply of eating establishments ranging from the hautest of haute cuisine to take-out casual — everything from Santa Monica's M.A.K.E. and New York's Pure Food & Wine (both now closed), to Plant Food & Wine in both Venice and Miami,Make Out in Culver City, California and the recently opened and utterly amazing 00 + Co. plant-based pizzeria in New York City's East Village. When in Belfast, Maine visit The Gothic.Plant Café is coming to Bahrain this fall and Matthew has something brewing for summer in Montecito, California.It's one thing to cook great food. It's another thing to cook great plant-based food. But it's astonishing to please the masses with incredibly delicious and nutritious plant-based meals without cooking anything at all. However, what most impresses me most about Matthew is not his culinary talent. It's his commitment to changing the cultural conversation around food. And in turn, change the world.Today I sit down with Matthew in the wine room behind Plant Food & Wine Venice to get to the bottom of everything except the wine (don't worry I didn't drink any). Specific topics explored include:* misconceptions of the raw food lifestyle* the benefits of the raw food lifestyle* Matthew's journey to embracing the raw food lifestyle* what Matthew learned working in NYC's best kitchens* the challenge of preparing raw cuisine for modern clientele* the practicality of eating raw; and * how to increase plant-based awareness through better educationBut at its core, this is a conversation about the future of food — and the incredible influence a high profile chef has on forging public opinion and taste when it comes to cuisine, culture and health.I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherCheck out our new online course: See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
How To Sleep Smarter With Shawn Stevenson
“A good night of sleep starts the moment you wake up in the morning.”Shawn StevensonYou cannot underestimate the value of an incredible night's sleep.On the rare occasion I awake from 8 hours of dead to the world slumber, everything is better. I am more present, alert and productive. The quality of my interactions with family and friends is significantly enhanced. Colors are brighter. My mood is sunnier. And physically, I feel amazing. So I can't help but wonder:what would my life be like if I could sleep that well every night?Intellectually, we all know sleep is super important. But most — including myself — fail to acknowledge just how crucial sleep is to every aspect of our daily lives. Traditionally, sleep is the first thing I compromise when I get busy.Sleep is for whimps!But I've completely changed my tune on this issue. As I age, achieving optimal sleep quality has become increasingly elusive. And I have become more attuned to the extent to which my day is negatively impacted by sub-optimal sleep. So I have recently committed to experimenting with a number of techniques and strategies (some obvious, some not) to improve what I now understand and appreciate is absolutely essential to living a balanced, healthy and optimally productive life.I'm happy to say it's working.This is a long way of saying that I have been thinking alot about sleep lately. So I'm excited to share this conversation on the subject with sleep expert Shawn Stevenson. A wellness evangelist and host of the Model Health Show podcast, Shawn also recently authored Sleep Smarter: 21 Essential Strategies to Sleep Your Way to A Better Body, Better Health, and Bigger Success*.I had a great time on Shawn's podcast about a year ago (click here to listen), so it was fun to explore his compelling personal journey with wellness and dive deep into the subject of sleep. Specific topics include:* Shawn's struggles with health & depression* hitting rock bottom as a catalyst for change* environmental epigenetics* strategies to combat preventable illnesses* the effects of sleep on your daily life* sleep as a force multiplier* the relationship between cortisol & melatonin* the benefits of early morning activities on cortisol levels* sleep & temperature regulation* optimizing cortisol rhythm through light therapy* sex & sleep* the health impact of sleep deprivation* magnesium & melatonin supplements* addressing chronic insomniaShawn is a great guy with a velvety voice custom made for podcasting. But more importantly, this conversation is packed with practical advice, powerful tools and helpful information that will enhance your appreciation for sleep and just might impact your daily life experience profoundly. So pay attention. Take notes. And enjoy.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherCheck out our new online course: See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Adam Skolnick’s One Breath: The Spiritual Allure of Freediving Through the Life & Death of Nick Mevoli, America’s Greatest Talent
“It’s interesting how the ocean can attract us, repel us, nourish us, and hurt us—I don’t think there’s anything else quite like it.”Adam SkolnickImagine plunging headfirst hundreds of feet below the ocean surface — undulating ever further downward to a place where light cannot penetrate; and life hangs in the balance of a quickly diminishing singular breath.Competitive freediving—a sport built on diving as deep as possible on a single breath—tests the limits of human ability in the most hostile environment on earth. The unique and eclectic breed of individuals who freedive at the highest level regularly reach such depths that their organs compress; and one mistake could kill them.To freedive is to flirt with death, driven by an almost inexplicable spiritual quest to go further, deeper and beyond the imagined limits of human capability.But freediving is also an opportunity to be free. It's a search for the authentic. An opportunity to commune with the infinite.Today on the podcast I sit down with author and adventure journalist Adam Skolnick, who immersed himself in this extreme yet poetic subculture to tell the story of Nicholas Mevoli, America's greatest freediver and the protagonist of Adam's masterfully crafted new book, One Breath: Freediving, Death, and the Quest to Shatter Human Limits*.Even among freedivers, few have ever gone as deep as Mevoli. A handsome young American with an unmatched talent for the sport, Nick was among freediving’s brightest stars. He was also an extraordinary individual, one who rebelled against the vapid and commoditized society around him by relentlessly questing for something more meaningful and authentic, whatever the risks. So when Nick Mevoli arrived at Vertical Blue in 2013, the world’s premier freediving competition, he was widely expected to challenge records and continue his meteoric rise to stardom.Instead, before the end of that fateful competition Nick Mevoli had died, a victim of the sport that had made him a star.Traveling the world writing for The New York Times, Playboy, Outside, ESPN.com, BBC.com, Salon.com, Men’s Health, Wired, and Travel + Leisure, Adam was on site to cover Vertical Blue when he became a direct witness to Nick's passing. His first-hand account landed on the front page of The New York Times, quickly went viral and set the stage for One Breath — a remarkably engaging exploration of Nick's unforgettable story and the sport which shaped and ultimately destroyed him.In the vein of Into The Wild and Born To Run, One Breath is one of the best books I have read in a long time. And I read a lot of books.Today we unpack this mysterious subculture and the remarkable athleticism of its inhabitants. But at it's core, this is a quite compelling conversation about passion. An examination of obsession, escapism, and the spiritual yearning for authenticity.I really love this one. So sit back, inhale one deep breath, and submerge yourself in the world of Adam Skolnick.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherCheck out our new online course: See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Gary Vaynerchuk Works Harder Than You Do
“You've got to know what you are good at — that’s the game. If I had a potion that could allow somebody to become fundamentally self-aware and know what they’re good at, they would all win.”Gary VaynerchukNobody works harder — and smarter — than Gary Vaynerchuk.That's because the maniac known online as Gary Vee operates on one mode and one mode only: full blast. Gregarious, confident and incomparably charismatic, Gary is never at a loss for opinions on everything from the future of social media and the preeminent importance of authenticity to his almost antiquated but refreshing take on the importance, power and relevance of a committed work ethic – a welcome breath of fresh air that stands in stark contradiction to our pervasive, myopic lifehack culture — a regrettable, technocrat popular trend that woefully overvalues false promise short cuts to success over passion, service and fidelity to the journey.Internet omnipotent with over 1.2 million followers on Twitter, 500K+ Facebook friends and a vast and loyal YouTube subscriber base, I suspect many of you are already daily consumers of Gary's persistent, relentless feed of videos, blog posts, social media updates, Snapchat stories and live casts.For those unfamiliar, Gary is a Belarus-born entrepreneur, venture capitalist and CEO of NYC-based VaynerMedia, one of the fastest growing digital ad & marketing agencies in the world.A mainstay on YouTube, Gary hosts the hugely popular #AskGaryVee Show and dons protagonist duties on #TheDailyVee, a surprisingly hypnotic, behind the scenes gander into Gary’s everyday business life.You've seen him profiled in the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, GQ, Time and Fortune's annual list of 40 under 40. You've watched him on Late Night With Conan O’Brien and Ellen. And maybe you've even read one his three New York Times bestselling books, Crush It*,Jab, Jab, Jab*, Right Hook*,The Thank You Economy* and now #AskGaryVee* – his newest offering which hits bookstores everywhere March 8. A compelling and entertaining distillation of practical, timeless workplace advice on entrepreneurship and management for anyone launching their own company, working in digital media, starting their first job or simply seeking inspiration, Gary's fourth book is certain to be a massive, ubiquitous success.A legitimate marketing & business genius, Gary is a kick in the pants – loud, irreverent and unconventional. But he’s also incredibly warm, personable and quite giving when it comes to freely sharing a seemingly endless stream of good ideas, tools and strategies he credits as part and parcel of his personal success equation.Conversing with Gary is a bit like trying to wrangle a wild horse, so this one is a bit all over the place. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Jason Wachob On How To Build A Life, Not A Resumé
“I believe in the power of small wins—whatever you are looking to do, whether you are looking to improve your relationship, your diet, work—focus on little things, win, and move from there.”Jason WachobIntellectually, we all know that true happiness is not a function of material status. Nonetheless, we all catch ourselves repeating the mantra, if I only had X, then I would be happy.Nonsense. Not only can you be happy now, it's your birthright. Because the good life isn't about your bank account, it's about your lifestyle. And lifestyle is a choice.This is the subject of my wellness entrepreneur friend Jason Wachob's new book, Wellth: How I Learned To Build A Life, Not A Resumé*, which hits bookstores everywhere March 1. In addition to being a beautiful personal memoir, its about how to cultivate a lifestyle where happiness is attainable, health is paramount, work is purposeful, friendships are deep and plentiful, and daily living is about abundance and joy.But how? By redefining what it means to live successfully based upon the non-financial currency of wellbeing.As co-founder and CEO of MindBodyGreen.com, the internet's biggest online destination for all things wellness, Jason is one of the movement's most prominent, leading voices. But Jason himself was not always well. After a successful basketball career at Columbia University, he took his competitive spirit to Wall Street. Workaholism, stress and poor lifestyle habits rewarded his bank account and lionized his caricature on the walls of the famous Palm steakhouse. But happiness, personal satisfaction and well-being eluded him.Jason's faced-paced, sedentary lifestyle led to chronic back pain every surgeon said could not be resolved short of surgery. Against medical advice, Jason instead began to explore yoga, which miraculously resolved his persistent, painful condition. Amazed by the body's ability to heal itself when treated properly led to an interest in exploring other aspects of wellness, including diet, mindfulness and sustainability. The lights went on, sparking his innate entrepreneurial flair.MindBodyGreen was born, and the rest is history.I have been great friends with Jason and his wife Colleen for over six years. We have collaborated beautifully on a number of projects. And I have a sense of personal pride that we have both grown so much since our initial meeting back in 2008. He was one of my very first guests on the podcast, and today's conversation picks up where RRP 32 leaves off.Specific topics covered include:* Jason's personal journey with wellness* healing through food and lifestyle* the genesis of MBG and other content providers* how he turned MBG into a premier lifestyle media brand with 10-15 million uniques per month* how he balances start up CEO duties with personal wellness* Jason's morning routine* Jason's business & wellness mentors* current trends in wellness* the importance of practicing mindfulness* misconceptions about soul mates* why he decided to write a book* how Wellth is accessible to all* advice for entrepreneurs* and why you should always think three moves aheadI love this guy and have tremendous respect for his mission, what he has built and how he lives his life on a daily basis.Enjoy the conversation.Peace + Plants, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Do What You Love — PLUS BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!
“The most authentic thing about us is our capacity to create, to overcome, to endure, to transform, to love and to be greater than our suffering.”Ben OkriWe're back with another long-awaited installment of Ask Me Anything — a twist on my normal format where we answer questions submitted by you, the listener.Today we update you on everything happening at our emerging commune before turning to listener questions. Topics include the internal journey required to translate passion into profession, plus the emotional awakening to be expected when you begin the practice of yoga and meditation.BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!www.ourplantpowerworld.comJulie and I are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our first retreat —Plantpower Tuscany May 21-28, 2016.Imagine an immersive 7-day wellness experience with myself, Julie and a select group of just 40 people communing in a beautiful villa in the hills between Florence and Sienna. This is not a luxury vacation — it's a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform your life, reset your path, dial up your plate, unlock your creativity, connect with your authentic voice and cultivate your best relationship with yourself, your partner and the world. Together we will dine on incredible plant-based cuisine, practice daily meditation & yoga, and roll up our sleeves and get to work on ourselves through a series of intensive workshops we have specifically designed to optimize your wellness and unlock your best, most authentic self.This is the retreat Julie and I have been dreaming about for years. We are beyond excited to finally offer this unique experience to you.For everything you need to know about the program, itinerary, pricing and accommodations please visit: ourplantpowerworld.comSpace is limited to just 40 attendees, so if this opportunity sounds like the fit you've been looking for, please get in touch with us as soon as possible by sending an e-mail via the e-mail portal on ourplantpowerworld.com (not the e-mail portal on this site please).Enjoy the conversation and hope to meet you in Italy!Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherThanks to Chris Swan for production assistance and to Shawn Patterson for his graphic wizardry.SHOW NOTESConnect With Rich: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTubeCheck out Julie's New Podcast: divine throughlineConnect With Julie: SriMati.com | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookBackground, Context & Reference:* Plantpower Tuscany: ourplantpowerworld* Rich on YouTube: youtube. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Mishka Shubaly On Writing: Faith, Guilt, Stubbornness, Abandonment, Revenge, Forgiveness & Why He Swears He’ll Make It Up To You
“We imagine memory to be something that records or preserves the truth and that’s not what it does at all—it transforms what happened.”Mishka ShubalyDevoted listeners are well-acquainted with the gravelly voiced, predictably disheveled, typically homeless, chronically self-deprecating, sometimes tortured, but always charming, self-avowed nomadic povertarian commonly known as Mishka Shubaly – back on the podcast for a record-breaking 7th appearance.A writer oozing talent from his already overactive sebaceous glands, Mishka pens true stories about drink, drugs, disasters, desire, deception, and their aftermath. He began drinking at 13 and college at 15. At 22, he received the Dean's Fellowship from the Master's Writing Program at Columbia University. Upon receipt of his expensive MFA, he promptly moved into a Toyota minivan to tour the country nonstop as a singer-songwriter, often sharing the stage with comedians like Doug Stanhope and musical acts like The Strokes and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs.But mostly he drank.It sounds glamorous. It wasn't. At 32, Mishka hit bottom, got sober and laced up a pair of running shoes. In between ultra marathons, he began publishing a string of #1 bestselling Kindle Singles – short non-fiction novellas — through Amazon. The Long Run*, his mini-memoir detailing his transformation from alcoholic drug abuser to sober ultrarunner, to this day remains one of the best-selling Kindle Singles in Amazon history.Today, Mishka's on the cusp of releasing his very first book book. I Swear I’ll Make It Up To You – A Life On The Low Road* hits bookstores everywhere March 8, 2016.Brutally honest, fiercely emotional and muscular in its prose, it's the booze-fueled, opiated account of a precocious young underachiever trying to be good (and failing and failing) until one day he succeeds. It's about serial abandonment, school shootings, alcoholism, loneliness, artistic frustration, faith, guilt, sobriety, running, relationships, resentment, revenge, music, art, and creativity. It’s about one man’s attempt to reckon with the wreckage of his past and his journey to reconcile his relationship with his family, and most importantly, to forgive the father that jettisoned him.I love Mishka like a brother. I love this book. And I love this conversation.Peace + Plants,P.S. – If you're new to this podcast, dig the Mishka vibe and want to hear more, check out RRP episodes 27,31,65,95,104, and 171. That's about 11 hours of Mishka to keep you all warm and fuzzy.P.P.S. – If you are an aspiring writer, consider taking Mishka's writing course at Yale University this summer.Listen & Subscribe on See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Joseph Naus’ Straight Pepper Diet: How A Sex Addicted Lawyer Who Lost Everything Found Salvation
“On Tuesday, I was a successful lawyer making six-figures. On Wednesday, I woke up handcuffed to a hospital bed charged with attempted murder. And then it got worse.”Joseph NausAddiction is a common theme on this podcast.But this week we sail into previously unchartered waters to tackle a dark and difficult subject:Sex addiction.Few taboos remain in our hyper-extroverted, selfie-fueled modern culture. But I think it's safe to say this remains one of them.And yet 18 million – 24 million people in the U.S. alone suffer from this incredibly destructive affliction — that's 6-8% of the population. But because this particular topic is so taboo, most locked in the grip of this prurient form of addiction are too terrified to reach out for help and thus suffer in isolation, silence and profound shame.Joseph Naus was one of them.Raised in hardscrabble poverty by a young, single mom — a heroin addict turned shut-in depressive — Joseph was desperate to find a way out. On sheer determination he succeeds, graduating Pepperdine Law School to become a respected lawyer.However, at age 32, his American Dream became a nightmare when his secret life as a sex addict collided with his not so secret alcoholism to destroy every aspect of his life with the explosive force of an atomic bomb.Convicted of a felony and disbarred, Joseph has spent the last twelve years learning humility the hard way: making a living doing everything from picking up the trash on film sets to selling outdoor kitchens at home shows for a former client, all while cleaning up the wreckage of his past and building a new life.Joseph's tale is one of darkness, desperation and demons. It's horrifying and it's cautionary. But it's also about redemption. Forgiveness. And the journey to find wholeness. A story laudably chronicled with distressing honesty and harrowing detail in Straight Pepper Diet: A Memoir*.I understand that some may cringe at the prospect of tuning in for this one. I get that. But on a personal level I feel a responsibility to tackle the subject. My aspiration is that this conversation provides a glimmer of hope for those imprisoned by this lonely, soul-eroding compulsion.It took courage for Joseph to sit down with me to openly share his story. I applaud that. So set aside your preconceptions and lend him your ear.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherCheck out Julie’s new podcast divine throughlineSHOW NOTESConnect With Joseph: Website | Facebook | TwitterCheck out Joseph’s new book: Straight Pepper Diet: A Memoir*Background, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Our Broken Plate: Disrupting Nutritional Science, Intermittent Fasting & How He Helped Penn Jillette Lose Over 100 Pounds
“Let’s change our dialogue about food. Let’s change our dialogue about exercise. Let’s look at this stuff and let’s change the way we actually do research.”Ray CroniseIf you enjoyed my conversation with Dr. Rhonda Patrick, you're going to love today's conversation with my new friend Ray Cronise.A passionate innovator, disrupter and scientist, Ray began his career as a Materials Scientist at NASA’s Marshall Space Flight Center, where he worked for 15 years in Physical and Analytical Chemistry and Biophysics as Assistant Mission Scientist on four Spacelab missions and projects like the impact of microgravity on biophysics; and space station environmental life support systems.I have no idea what any of that means, but it sounds impressive.Ray went on to co-found ZERO-G– the world’s first private parabolic flight operation – with XPRIZE creator Peter Diamandis. Otherwise known as vomit comets, ZERO-G flights produce weightlessness and approximate space flight conditions for purposes of scientific research, cinema and entertainment.But it wasn't until Tim Ferriss' The 4-Hour Body* featured Ray's pioneering work with cold stress therapy as as a tool for fat loss that Ray began popping up everywhere as the man behind the Metabolic Winter Hypothesis.Results motivated this prodigious scientific mind next to peer keenly into the chemistry, physiology, mechanics and research methodology behind human nutrition — specifically, what is wrong with current nutrition research and how to fix it. After copious investigation, analysis and self-experimentation, he has arrived upon a well supported but perhaps contrarian conclusion: a whole food plant-based diet is optimal for long-term health and wellness.Despite decades spent struggling to manage his own weight and stay fit, for the past six years Ray has kept the weight off using a combination of cold stress, healthful sleep cycles, and a plant-based nutritional regimen.Mainstream culture would deem Ray's ways extreme. But ask Ray and he will tell you that the way most people live and eat today is actually a radical departure from our natural state and is likely the root cause of our epidemic of chronic lifestyle illness.After listening to this guy you will realize one thing – he did not arrive at his conclusions lightly. Conclusions soon to be explored in his upcoming book, Our Broken Plate, which aims to change the way people look at all diets so they can make lasting lifestyle changes that improve what Ray calls healthspan.Over the course of an amazing 3 hours, we cover an absurd amount of territory, including:* Ray's upcoming book ‘Our Broken Plate'* the insanity of our protein obsession* the “over nourishment” of America* the impact of caloric & protein restriction on longevity & cancer* the impact of thermogenesis on diet and exercise* the importance of separating diet and exercise* telomeres and aging* nutrient deficiencies, supplements, instinctive eating; and* exactly how Penn Jillette lost 100 poundsRay is next level when it comes to truly understanding how the body functions, and the profound impact of nutrition on physiological processes. So please enjoy this compelling deep dive into the mind and experienc... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Russell Simmons: The Yogi Path From Hip Hop Mogul To Happy Vegan
“It’s okay to get along with people you disagree with; in fact, it’s critical that we all try to put ourselves in other people’s shoes because I believe we all have the same hopes, desires. We are all inspired by the same kinds of things—we want to love and be loved.”Russell SimmonsIt's rare to find a pop culture icon as devoted to raising consciousness as the man they call Rush.Hip hop impresario, entrepreneur extraordinaire, devoted yogi and long-time meditation practitioner, Russell Simmons is truly one-of-a-kind — incredibly warm, always quick with a captivating story you won't soon forget and authentically committed to spreading awareness concerning important issues of our time — the horrors of animal agriculture, the declining state of human health (particularly in African American and lower socio-economic demographics) and the disastrous state of our planet’s dwindling environmental health.Most are familiar with Russell's background, but in case his name is new to you, let’s break it open.Alongside Rick Rubin, in 1984 Russell co-founded Def Jam Recordings and quickly established himself as a prominent, guiding force in the quickly growing cultural revolution that became hip hop. Championing its breakout stars, Def Jam became the label by signing the movement's ground-breaking forerunners – acts like the LL Cool J, Public Enemy, and The Beastie Boys.But Def Jam was just the first step in Russell's empire building quest. Before selling the label to Universal Music Group in 1999 for $100 million, he formed RUSH Communications and quickly expanded his reach into artist management, apparel, and film & television projects like The Nutty Professor, Krush Groove, Gridlock'd and Def Comedy Jam.Russell's current holdings include a vast array of entrepreneurial interests and philanthropic efforts, including All Def Digital, Argyleculture, RushCard, Global Grind, The Foundation For Ethnic Understanding and Tantris, a yoga & lifestyle destination currently in development.All of this is fascinating. But what interests me most about Russell is his personal journey. How discovering yoga and meditation led to his embrace of a vegan lifestyle. And the tremendous extent to which his commitment to cultivating an inner life based on the spiritual principles of ahimsa — a Sanskrit term for no harm — has impacted both his private and public life, his approach to business and his commitment to service and advocacy.Today we unpack all of it.This episode is definitely my most unique to date. Generally, I endeavor to architect the basic trajectory of my conversations; I know where I want to start and I know where I want to go. Suffice it to say this did not happen with Russell. Within the first 5 seconds of our conversation one thing was clear — I was not in control. Russell's show, Russell's flow.When the dust settled, all I could think was, what just happened?That's charisma. This one's different. But I loved every minute of it.Topics explored include:* yoga, meditation & consciousness* the karmic debt of animal agriculture* the ecological havoc caused by food systems* the health implications of the American diet* Russell as agent for change* happy vs. angry vegans* using cryotherapy to revitalize* animal cruelty in factory farming* raising awareness from the top down* the benefits of meditation* the primacy of service* parenting & privilege* the effect of branding on consumer choice* empathy and compassion for othersNote: This episode is chock-a-block with expletives. I typically run a clean, family-friendly show, but it's more important to me to allow my guests to be who they are. See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Elite Spartan Athlete Hunter McIntyre On How Obstacle Course Racing Saved His Life
“You'll never know the highest highs until you’ve experienced the lowest lows. I’ve been there.”Hunter McIntyreAt odds with the world seemingly since birth, the future wasn't looking so bright for Hunter McIntyre.A misfit kid with uncontrollable attention deficit disorder, Hunter realized early and often he functioned on one mode no sedative or bipolar medication could possibly curb: full blast.Discovering drugs and alcohol at 14 give his ill-at-ease nature comfort, but trouble soon follows. A downward spiral that invites increased school suspensions; escalating run-ins with Johnny Law; and even a short-lived, unsuccessful stint at military school in West Virginia.Facing jail time or rehab for a drug-fueled senior year prank gone terribly awry, Hunter's despairing parents ultimately ship him off to outpatient care in Montana, hoping clean air and big skies will bring grounding and perspective to young Hunter's errant ways. But dirty drug tests follow, leading to incarceration-type rehab stays in Nevada and New Mexico.Ultimately Hunter's sobriety officer intervenes, hooking him up with a logging job back in Montana.Hunter bulks up. Sober up? Not so much.The next chapter finds Hunter in Los Angeles, failing upward with lucrative modeling gigs for companies like J. Crew and Abercrombie and Fitch while setting his sights on becoming a celebrity personal trainer. But life goals are eclipsed by an ever-escalation in partying. Living the sun-drenched frat boy lifestyle in a Malibu bro-house, days and nights revolve around girls, ecstasy, mushrooms, acid, more girls and even more alcohol.A spontaneous booze-fueled, chest-pumping whim leads to Hunter and his Malibros challenging each other to sign up for a local Spartan Race — unchartered terrain for all involved. But come race day, only Hunter is able to drag his hung over body out of bed. Despite several beers enjoyed that morning, he nonetheless finishes ninth overall, just eight minutes behind world champion and 2:16 marathoner Hobie Call.And just like that, the lights turn on. It's the wake up call Hunter needed. The rest is history.Immediately parting ways with his partying ways, purpose and focus take center stage. Almost overnight, Hunter morphs into the man they call The Sheriff, transforming himself into one of the world's best obstacle course racers. A rare talent with the body and size of a cross fitter who not only excels at strength, speed and agility but also boasts the endurance of a Kenyan.Sponsorship offers soon follow. Magazine cover stories abound. And notoriety ensues, outpaced only by The Sheriff's now famous, quickly growing ego.Full blast finally found a life.If you know anything about Hunter, you know he has a huge, at times controversial personality. But there is a thoughtful, far more contemplative side to this brash, outspoken athlete than meets the eye. I think you will be surprised by our conversation. I know I was.Specific topics explored include:* Hunter's colorful past* what is OCR?* replacing superficiality with performance* Hunter's typical training day* ego rightsizing* the importance of meditation* exploring the vegan lifestyle * Hunter's Achilles heel* Hunter's daily routine* the SEAL dream* advice to the younger self* Joe DeSena & the Death Race* the importance of surrounding yourself with selfless people I sincerely hope you enjoy our exchange. I really enjoyed my time with Hunter and I think you will too.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Longevity, Epigenetics, Microbiome Health & The Difference Between Eating for Long-Term Wellness Versus Performance
“We’re actually on the verge of serious antibiotic resistance cropping up, and that is scary. It’s absolutely terrifying.”Rhonda PatrickThis episode is a geeky deep dive into the hardcore science behind everything from telomeres and the mechanisms behind aging and longevity to the primacy of maintaining microbiome health; oxidative stress and the relationship between inflammation and chronic disease; epigenetics and genetic disposition versus expression; and of course nutrition – divining truth from myth, the impact of micronutrient inadequacies, focused supplementation and the difference between eating for optimal wellness versus performance.Today's guide through this byzantine labyrinth of crucial biological processes is my brilliant friend Rhonda Patrick, Ph.D.A Ph.D in biomedical sciences, Dr. Patrick is an expert in nutrition, metabolism and aging. She has done considerable research in all of these fields, including research on cancer and the effects of mineral and vitamin supplementation on metabolism, inflammation and aging. She did her graduate research at St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, where she focused on cancer, mitochondrial metabolism and apoptosis. In addition, she conducts clinical trials and has performed extensive aging research at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies.Beyond the fact that Rhonda is whip smart (and totally amazing), through her Found My Fitness blog,podcast and YouTube channel, she expertly translates the complexities of clinical research and physiological processes in understandable terms, adeptly communicates their implications and provides actionable real life practices and applications aimed at maximizing overall health and longevity.It's time to put on the propellor hat and get out your pen and paper, because you're going to want to take notes for this one.We cover a ton of material in this conversation. Specific topics include:* identifying the biomarkers of aging* the biological impact of oxidative stressors* acute inflammation vs. chronic inflammation* why we should forget about protein and focus on fiber* the importance of cultivating a healthy microbiome* the leading causes of chronic inflammation* the benefits of exercise-induced inflammation* the benefits of curcumin* stress adaptation and immune system response* why Omega-3 is important & how to get it* circadian rhythm and bright light exposure* stress reduction techniques* the benefits of meditation* DNA damage and telomerase* the importance of Vitamin D* Rhonda's recommended supplements* gene polymorphisms* nutrition/lifestyle & athletic performance vs. long-term wellness/longevityRhonda fascinates me and this conversation is an absolute mind-blower. I sincerely hope you enjoy our exchange.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherThanks to this week’s sponsor:Harrys.com: A superior shave at an affordable price. Type in my coupon code “ROLL” at purchase for $5 off your starter set and get an entire month’s worth of shaving for just $10 when you visit See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Don’t Compromise: Living An Expansive Life, The Divine Throughline, Thoughts on Bowie & Why All Roads Lead To Meditation
“I'm just an individual who doesn't feel that I need to have somebody qualify my work in any particular way. I'm working for me.”David BowieTechnically this is another episode of Ask Me Anything. But this week we don't actually answer listener questions. This week we riff.This is a conversation about embracing the journey of becoming more of who you truly are. It's about the commitment to evolve into your most authentic expression. It's about the beauty and power of living an uncompromising, expansive, creative existence.There was a man who exemplified this ethos like no other. A man who never compromised. A man who expressed his creative truth with every fiber of his being, all the way down to his final breath.That man is the singular David Bowie. May you rest in peace, Ziggy Stardust.Today we reflect back on a remarkable life. From his example we mine the path to unlocking your own personal truth. And we weave our way back to one immutable truth — all roads to personal growth lead back to your commitment to you.As a related aside, and in case you missed it, enjoy this short movie about my recent visit to Beirut, Lebanon to run the marathon. I didn't run for time. I ran for peace. An experience that uplifted me, then broke my heart. That's what travel does — it breeds empathy.2016 is all about video for me. So if you enjoyed this little movie, subscribe to my YouTube Channel. I'll be uploading a new video every week, so lots of cool stuff soon to come. For fun daily videos on my morning routines, nutrition, training, podcast behind the scenes and random musings, add me (iamrichroll) on Snapchat!In any event, enjoy the conversation.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherProduction & sound design by Tyler Piatt. Additional production by Chris Swan. Graphic art by Shawn Patterson. The show concludes with Beloved, written and performed by Julie — aka SriMati – accompanied by our sons Tyler & Trapper Piatt.Thanks to this week’s sponsors:Squarespace.com: The easiest way to create a beautiful website, blog, or online store for you and your ideas. Save 10% at checkout when you use the coupon code “ROLL” at checkout. Visit squarespace.com. Squarespace. Build it Beautiful.The National Academy of Sports Medicine: Get paid to stay in shape while helping others reach their fitness goals. Go to MyUSATrainer.com for a free 14-day trial of their fast & fun online program.SHOW NOTESCheck out Julie's New Podcast: divine throughlineConnect With Julie: SriMati.com | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookBackground, Context & Reference:* YouTube: Running For Peace* Follow Rich on Snapchat: iamrichroll See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Colin O’Brady’s Attempt On The Explorers Grand Slam World Record
“For me it’s always been about the journey, about the adventure & about living my passion—that’s been enough reward for me.”Colin O'BradyAs I write this entry, it's Sunday evening, January 10 around 8pm. Less than one hour ago, after days spent slogging across Antarctic desert in -30 celsius temperatures, 30-year old pro triathlete turned mountaineering adventure athlete Colin O'Brady reached the South Pole — the first stop on his world record quest to become the youngest and fastest human to ever complete the Explorers Grand Slam — an adventurers challenge to summit the highest mountain on each of the seven continents as well as trek to both the North and South Poles.Only 44 people in documented history have successfully completed the challenge. Of these, only 2 have done it under a year.Colin's goal? Get it done in five months.If that's not amazing enough, consider that just eight years ago, Colin faced the very real possibility he would never walk again.After graduating from Yale in 2006, Colin left to explore the world on a backpacking trip. While in Thailand, he suffered a tragic accident and was severely burned in a fire. His injuries covered nearly 25% of his body, causing potentially irrevocable damage to his legs and feet.Determined to beat the odds, he set a seemingly outlandish goal to not just walk again, but to complete a triathlon following his recovery. Colin didn't just finish a triathlon. In his first attempt he won — stunning the multisport community with an overall amateur title at the prestigious 2009 Chicago Triathlon less than two years post-accident and after only a few months of training.On the day immediately following his victory, Colin turned pro, quit his job as a commodities trader, hopped a flight to Australia and spent the next five years representing the United States in triathlon competitions all over the world with a keen eye on landing an Olympic berth.Insane. And yet despite his amazing success, Colin sensed something missing from his life. He wanted more. A compulsion to more deeply explore uncertainty and precariousness that fatefully gave birth to the expedition he calls BEYOND 7/2.His inspiration isn't fame, but pure adventure, buttressed by a conviction to land a blow to childhood obesity by raising $1 million on behalf of the Alliance For A Healthier Generation, a non-profit founded by the American Heart Association and the Clinton Foundation dedicated to helping kids to develop healthy habits.From his hippie upbringing to life at Yale, organic farming on Kauai, and the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fortitude required to succeed in his world record attempt, this is an incredibly inspiring conversation with a young man courageously embracing fear to meet his absolute limits in search of meaning, place and giving back.We cover a lot of ground in today's confab, including:* Explorers Grand Slam history* the logistics behind Beyond 7/2* how to manage fear, risk & unknowns* the difference between poles vs. peaks* climate change impact on the North Pole* the desire to combat childhood obesity* Colin's tragedy in Thailand* Colin's remarkable recovery* Colin's Olympic dream* the discipline of swimming as a springboard* lessons learned from world champions* physical/mental preparation* Colin's daily meditation routineI sincerely hope you enjoy this exchange with a remarkable human. Colin needs all the support we can give so let's put some wind in his sails by taking a moment to send Colin a positive message on social media (links b... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
I Forgot To Die: Khalil Rafati’s Journey From Homeless Junkie To Wellness Entrepreneur
“I’m a high school dropout. I’m a convicted felon. I can’t spell. I can’t type. I was homeless. I shot dope into my veins and I am not ashamed of any of that stuff because that’s what I had to do to survive… Whatever it is that you are suffering from, you can change. And you can change in such a profound way that within a short period of time you wont even recognize yourself anymore.”Khalil RafatiToday my good friend Khalil Rafati returns to the podcast.Most would call Khalil a successful wellness entrepreneur. SunLife Organics, his growing chain of organic juice bar cafés, can be seen popping up all over Southern California with more on the horizon.But it wasn't that long ago that the only thing Khalil was successful at was getting high in the dark underbelly of the City of Angels.Addicted to shooting heroin and smoking crack, Khalil was soon overtaken by paranoia and psychosis and written off by friends and family. When he finally hit bottom, Khalil was 33 years old and 109 pounds, a convicted felon, high school dropout, and homeless junkie living in a cardboard box on the infamous Skid Row in downtown L.A.At the time, Khalil was hell bent on dying. But God, the Universe or whatever you want to call it had different plans. He didn't just live — he repaired his life wholesale. A miracle of sobriety. Miracle.So how does someone with nothing, who feels like they deserve nothing, and who just wants to end it all turn their life around?Khalil’s story is nothing short of astounding, trumped only by his ability to tell it. So if you missed his first appearance on the show, listen up here.Today he drops by the podcast studio to pick up where we left off — a tale recently canonized in his recently released memoir I Forgot To Die* — an incredible true story of pain, suffering, addiction and redemption and how one man ultimately conquered his demons and wrote himself a new life story.So let's hear all about it. I sincerely hope you enjoy this conversation with one of my favorite people.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherSHOW NOTESConnect With Khalil: FacebookNow available— I Forgot to Die* is an incredible true story of pain, suffering, addiction and redemption.SunLife Organics is a juice bar offering organic juice, smoothies, frozen yogurt, coffee, supplements, superfood snacks and more. To learn more visit SunLifeOrganics.com & follow on Instagram.Background, Context & Reference:* Book: See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.