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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The NFL’s David Carter On How A Plant-Based Diet Made Him A Better Player & A Better Human
“I can honestly say that being vegan is not only the most efficient way to be full-body strong, it’s also the most humane; everyone wins.”David CarterIt’s one thing to thrive on a plant-based diet as a skinny endurance athlete. But what about sports that place a premium on size, speed, agility, power, quickness and just plain brute force?Is it possible to compete at the highest level of the NFL not as a punt returner, not as a quarterback or even a running back, but as a defensive lineman – a position where only the absolute biggest, baddest, strongest and fastest survive?Meet David Carter — aka The 300 Pound Vegan.Introduced to the game at age 5, David began his football career playing Pop Warner. He made waves at Fontana's Kaiser High School in Southern California and went on to become a star player at UCLA. In 2011, he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the 6th round and has since been a bit of a journeyman defensive linebacker, playing for the Dallas Cowboys, the Oakland Raiders and most recently the Jacksonville Jaguars.Like most athletes, David grew up eating tons of meat, fully adhering to the conventional mythology that in order to become muscle you must consume muscle – the more the better.But as his career matured, David became plagued by a variety of persistent, chronic injuries including arthritis, tendonitis, nerve damage and chronic muscle fatigue. Not surprising given the nature of his job, but nonetheless devastating — ailments he simply could not overcome that left him sidelined despite the best sports medicine and rehabilitative resources of the NFL at his disposal.David soon realized that in order to continue playing, something had to change. He began researching the cause of his conditions, as well as alternative remedies to resolve them at the source. Heavily influenced by a series of documentaries that included Forks Over Knives and the holistic lifestyle habits practiced by his wife Paige, David arrived at a rather counter-intuitive conclusion for an athlete whose professional career relies entirely upon physical prowess and sheer brute force:all the nutrition he had been relying on to maximize his size and strength was actually killing him.Therefore, in February 2014, David made a rather radical and quite controversial decision: he adopted a 100% plant-based diet.Criticism came swift from all sides. Trainers, coaches, friends and fellow players all chimed the familiar refrain: it's impossible to maintain your weight and strength without meat!But David has remained steadfast and confident in his decision.Why? Because a battery of unexpected positive results came and came quickly. Eating entirely plant-based, David experienced more energy. His recovery time was profoundly accelerated. His stamina went through the roof. To the great surprise of his coaches, trainers and teammates, every single one of those nagging, persistent injuries mysteriously corrected themselves and ultimately vanished altogether. All his numbers in the weight room actually went up – this is a guy who can bench 470 and squat 660. Amazingly, he found himself quicker, more agile and responsive than ever. And perhaps most important to David, no living thing had to die in order for him to thrive.Through football and his off the field advocacy for healthier lifestyles, animal rights and the planet, David is now devoted to a cause greater than his on field performance — being an example of positive change in the world.There is quite a bit of feverish intrigue and anticipation about this episode. I'm happy to report this conversation does not disappoint. It's a special exchange with an exceptional human being that explores:* a typical day in the life of the NFL* a peek into the typical NFL diet See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
How To Cultivate Extraordinary Relationships & The Power of Neutrality In Navigating Conflict
“Remember that you cannot control what happens to you. But you can control who you are in the face of what happens to you.”Julie PiattI don't how long we've been together — 17 years? 16? — but I do know that Julie and I just celebrated our 12th wedding anniversary. It's been a wild, and at times astonishing ride.So suffice it to say, the subject of relationships is on my mind.So how does one attract, cultivate, nurture and sustain a relationship that isn't just healthy and intimate but is in fact extraordinary?This week's installment of Ask Me Anything is devoted to just this issue.This conversation explores:* the transformational aspects of relationships* destiny & fate in selecting a mate* human love versus divine love* prioritizing self-development* the primacy of commitment* the significance of complementary core values* the power of neutral compassion & observance* the practice of taking contrary actionSpecial thanks to Jeremy Bell for this week’s questions and Jason for his fan letter.The show concludes with I'm Here Now, written and performed by Julie (aka SriMati), accompanied by our sons Tyler & Trapper Piatt.I sincerely hope you enjoy the conversation.How do you define an extraordinary relationship? Let me know in the comment section below.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe: iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherFree iOS App: Listen to the entire RRP catalog by downloading the new, free (and bug free) version 1.01 of the Rich Roll App on iTunes!Thank you to this week’s show sponsor, Harrys: a superior shaving experience at a great price delivered right to you. Type in my coupon code “ROLL” at checkout for $5 off your first purchase. After using my code, you can get an entire month's worth of shaving for just $10. Start shaving smarter today!Production, music & sound design by Tyler Piatt. Additional production by Chris Swan. Graphic art by Shawn Patterson. End song I'm Here Now written and performed by Julie Piatt (aka SriMati), accompanied by Tyler & Trapper Piatt.SHOW NOTESConnect With Julie: SriMati.com | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookBackground, Context & Reference:* Check out Julie's music (aka SriMati) on CDBaby* Check out Julie’s Jai Release Meditation* 6 Ways To Experience Deeper Love & Intimacy In Your Marriage Or Relationship by Julie Piatt* Ultraman 2009: From The Spiritual Perspective of Julie See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Stephen Ritz On Transforming The Bronx & Generations of Kids By Turning His Classroom Into A Farm
“If you teach kids about nature they learn to nurture. And when children learn to nurture we as a society collectively embrace our better nature.”Stephen RitzInsurgent educator Stephen Ritz is truly one of the most inspiring game changers I have ever met. A South Bronx elementary school teacher and administrator, he has faced and overcome tremendous bureaucratic, political, and socio-economic odds to catapult generations of young, underprivileged at-risk students to unimaginable academic success and upwardly mobile employment — all while simultaneously reclaiming and rebuilding the Bronx from the inside out.The modality leveraged to serve this end? Food. Specifically, growing food.The personification of triple bottom line values and a staunch advocate of project-based, experiential learning, it all began when Stephen accidentally began growing plants in his classroom. The unexpected result was a level of student engagement even this maverick educator could not have predicted. So what began by fluke soon became Stephen's passion. It wasn't long before his Bronx classroom featured the first indoor edible wall in the entire New York City Department of Education — a wall that routinely generates enough produce to feed healthy meals to 450 students while also training the youngest nationally certified workforce in America.Stephen's classroom farm would soon expand, both in the classroom and out, spreading across a community in desperate need for healthy food options. Under his spirited leadership and the tireless efforts of his student and community growers, vacant lots and rooftops across the Bronx — fairly characterized as an urban food desert — have been literally transformed, now boasting bountiful gardens that have produced more than 30,000 pounds of vegetables. Food that feeds his students and the greater borough at large.In the Bronx public school system, student attendance and graduation rates are historically abysmal. But Stephen's passion and engagement with his students resulted in attendance skyrocketing from a mere 40 percent to 93 percent daily. Not to mention it helped create 2,200 youth jobs. And now he is committed to building the first ever independently financed National Health, Wellness and Biodiversity Center in a 100+ year old reclaimed Bronx public school library.The staggering success of Stephen's non-traditional teaching methods have captured the world's attention. His work has been featured in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, The Guardian, ABC, CNN, NBC, NPR and beyond. Accolades include being one of three Americans named a 2015 Top Ten Finalist for the prestigious Global Teacher Prize– teaching's Nobel Prize. He received the United States EPA Award for transforming mindsets and landscapes in New York City. And in 2014 he and his 4th and 5th grade students were invited to, and fêted by, none other than the White House.After viewing Stephen's super inspiring TEDxManhattan Talk, ranked in the Top 25 Food / Education TED Talks of all time, I knew I had to have him on the show.Stephen followed this up with another stunning TEDx Talk:And if that's not enough, this beautiful Upworthy short on Stephen and his work is sure to bring a tear to your eye:Stephen Ritz is the teacher you wish you had. The teacher every kid deserves. A true paradigm breaker, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
How Do You Define True Health? Plus: Ruminations On Aging, Death & The Importance of Open Communication
“Only you can tell the world what is locked inside your heart, what is yearning to come out. Eating plant-based and becoming healthy and understanding that you can clear yourself and connect with your authentic self by eating vital, vibrant healthy foods and taking care of yourself is the beginning step.”Julie PiattI'm hitting a groove.Although I definitely have some sustainability concerns about posting two weekly editions of the show (have I said how much work this is?), I'm keeping my promise. So here we are again with another installment of Ask Me Anything — a twist on my typical guest interview format where we answer questions submitted by you, the listener.But this week it's a twist on that twist.In addition to entertaining a few listener inquiries, I gave Julie the latitude to raise a few issues and themes currently on her mind. I think the recipe worked — it's quite a revelatory exchange.This conversation explores:* Appreciating Diversity Among RRP Guests* How To Define True Health* What It Means To Live In Balance* Eating In Harmony With Nature* Perspectives On Aging* Mindful Ruminations on Death* Cultural Objectification Of Women* Successful Marriage & Open CommunicationThe show concludes with Mother of Mine, written and performed by Julie (aka SriMati), accompanied by our sons Tyler & Trapper Piatt.I sincerely hope you enjoy our discussion.How Do YOU define ‘True Health”? Let me know in the comments section below.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe: iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherFree iOS App: Listen to the entire RRP catalog by downloading the new, free (and bug free) version 1.01 of the Rich Roll App on iTunes!Production, music & sound design by Tyler Piatt. Additional production by Chris Swan. Graphic art by Shawn Patterson. End song Mother of Mine written and performed by Julie Piatt (aka SriMati), accompanied by Tyler & Trapper Piatt.SHOW NOTESConnect With Julie: SriMati.com | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookBackground, Context & Reference:* Julie's music (aka SriMati) on CDBaby* Julie’s Jai Release Meditation* ALCAT Food Sensitivity & Intolerance Test*** Everybody Poops* by Taro Gomi* Lifeforce & Lifestyle Workbook on Living a Hypronic Life* by His Holiness Swami Vidyadhishananda* Abby Scoville Recovery Fund on GoFundMe: “Bring Abby Back... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
How Eating Raw Repaired My Health and Gave My Life Purpose With Fully Raw Kristina
“The coolest part about food is that it’s something that you get to eat. We get to eat color for a living. We get to eat color to bring us life. And so these things have all of these colors bring us life—and they have life—and that’s why raw food to me is so symbolic on a different level.”Kristina Carrillo-BucaramFor most of her young adult life, Kristina Carrillo-Bucaram was in and out of hospitals. Constantly sick, hyperglycemic, low on energy and losing hope that she could ever feel normal.Little did Kristina know that a chance encounter with a strange man at the grocery store would soon change everything, radically and permanently altering the trajectory of her life.This week I am delighted to sit down with the effervescent and passionate Fully Raw Kristina — as she is now popularly known on the internet – to hear all about how a raw vegan diet not only healed her body, but gave her life purpose.Boasting over 600,000 subscribers, many of you may know Kristina from her wildly popular YouTube Channel. For most, this would be an all consuming full time gig. But making videos is subservient to Kristina's first passion, which is running Rawfully Organic – the food cooperative she founded in 2007 at age 20. What began in her living room is now the largest raw organic produce co-op in the United States, providing affordable, healthy raw produce to over 6000 members across the Houston area weekly.Although I would not label myself as fully raw, it's fair to say that I eat tremendous amounts of raw plant foods every day and can personally attest to the importance of prioritizing a large variety of fresh raw produce on your plate at every meal.Nonetheless, I can hear you muttering under your breath: eating fully raw sounds so extreme! Is it possible to be healthy, vibrant and happy on raw plant foods alone? Won't I suffer nutrition deficiencies? To quell these questions, Kristina visited 2-time RRP alumnus Garth Davis, M.D. for a checkup. Here's how it went down:Forefront in today's conversation is of course diet and nutrition. A fun exchange that probes:* how eating raw resolved Kristina's hyperglycemia and repaired her health* the pros & cons of ‘mono-mealing'* how cultural traditions can lead us astray* why fruit is unfairly vilified* why we should support local, organic farming* tips & tricks to eating raw economically* the importance of falling in love with yourself; and* how to live your truth irrespective of public opinionI sincerely hope you enjoy our discussion & look forward to your thoughts in the comments section below.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherFind Tennis Lessons Near You! Thanks to today's sponsor Play Your Court, which sends top rated tennis instructors to your local court so you can take tennis lessons right in your neighborhood. To find an instructor near you and receive $10 off your first lesson or lesson package, visit playyourcourt.com/richroll or call 301.575.6112 and be sure to mention The Rich Roll Podcast to receive your first lesson discount.Production, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
How To Be ‘Self-Full': Co-Dependency, Navigating Fear & Connecting With Who You Really Are
“The reality is: if you’re not aligned in yourself, you’re not able to help. You’re really not in a place of being able to really be of service and that’s the beauty of going through a dark night or being pummeled a bit by life’s wonderful tumble-dry cycle.”Julie PiattTime to step it up.I am excited to announce that today marks my commitment to henceforth deliver two episodes of the RPP per week. Each week, from today forward I will post the show every Sunday night (as usual) plus every Wednesday night (late night Pacific Standard Time). Like today, sometimes it will be a Q&A episode; other times it will be the typical one-on-one guest format. Perhaps some of them will be topic-specific mini-sodes. Time will tell.To kick off this new and exciting growth phase, Julie and I are back with another installment of Ask Me Anything — a twist on my typical format where we answer questions submitted by you, the listener. I absolutely love this format, primarily because it connects me more deeply and authentically with the global community of people who enjoy the show. Because community is truly what it's all about.It's been an exciting time for us. In the last few months we launched The Plantpower Way and have been on the road spreading the word. Recently returned from an incredibly fruitful trip to New York City, Julie and I share a little behind the scenes and catch up on where things are headed with the podcast and our commitment to wellness advocacy.Then the conversation turns to listener submitted inquiries. A conversation that explores:* Substance Abuse, Co-Dependency in Relationships* The ‘Self-Full’ Mandate* Our perspective on Plant Medicine Ceremonies* Strategies to Uncover, Address & Conquer Fear* Connecting With The Authentic Self Within* Adding Site Resources & Community Forum* The Importance of Good DeedsThe show concludes with I'm Here Now, written and performed by Julie (aka SriMati), accompanied by our sons Tyler & Trapper Piatt.Thank you everyone who submitted the 100's of questions we reviewed. If we didn't get to yours (obviously chances are we didn't), don't be shy & keep them coming. Until we settle on a web-based means of collecting and organizing listener submitted inquiries (if you have ideas on the best way to do this I'm all ears), please send your questions to info@richroll.com and we'll do our best to answer!I sincerely hope you enjoy our discussion & look forward to your thoughts in the comments section below.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | StitcherProduction, music & sound design by Tyler Piatt. Additional production by Chris Swan. Graphic art by Shawn Patterson. End song I'm Here Now written and performed by Julie Piatt (aka SriMati), accompanied by Tyler & Trapper Piatt.SHOW NOTESConnect With Julie: SriMati.com | Instagram | Twitter | FacebookBackground, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Tucker Max Grows Up: How To Own Your Emotional Truth, Redefine Your Story & Find Happiness
“All life really boils down to, for humans, are the relationships with the people you love and the things you do that matter to other people.”Tucker MaxThis week I'm going out on a limb.When the opportunity arose to sit down with Tucker Max, I admit to a little discomfort and trepidation. On the one, hand, I was genuinely honored he was interested in doing the show. On the other hand, I wasn't convinced he was the right fit for what I do.To be sure, Tucker Max is a high performing super-achiever. He is incredibly bright. He is insanely accomplished. And he has millions of fans the world over. Nominated to TIME magazine's “100 Most Influential List” of 2009, Tucker's first book I Hope They Serve Beer in Hell* was a #1 New York Times Bestseller, spent 5 years on the list and ultimately sold over 2 million copies. He followed it up with two more books, both of which were also New York Times Bestsellers. Perhaps most impressive? Tucker is one of only three writers — along with Malcolm Gladwell and Michael Lewis — to ever have three books on the New York Times Non-Fiction Bestseller List at the same time.Tucker Max is a publishing juggernaut.Irrespective of whatever opinion you may hold about the content of those books, you cannot deny that is a towering achievement.However, it's these very books, the fratire genre he singlehandedly birthed, and Tucker’s very public persona as America’s foremost bro — well known for his healthy ego, brash opinions and candid chronicling of his outlandish partying exploits – that gave me considered pause.Do I really want to talk to a guy who wrote a book called Assholes Finish First?* It’s just not my scene. It's not what I’m about. I don’t support those ideas. I'm not interested in that guy. It’s not me.But what is interesting, and why I ultimately decided to go forward with this interview, is that's not Tucker either. At least not any more.The Tucker Max of today is not the same hard drinking, hard partying, womanizing Tucker Max that made him famous and rich.In the wake of his staggering success, Tucker woke up to realize that all the material benefits he worked so hard to attain just weren't quite all they were cracked up to be. None of it made him happy.So what then? Ego must submit to introspection. Entering a period of honest self-reflection, Tucker took inventory of his life. He underwent psychological analysis. He asked himself the hard questions. What is truly important?In a word, Tucker Max grew up.Emerging from that former guy far more self-actualized, Tucker is telling a new story. Retired from fratire writing and the partying lifestyle, Tucker is now happily married (yes, monogamous) with Bishop, his newborn son. Today he is an angel investor and start up entrepreneur with a successful and exciting new venture designed to democratize publishing called Book In A Box. He co-founded and co-hosts The Mating Grounds, a popular podcast designed to help men have successful relationships with women. And September marks the release of his new book See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Superfoods For Superlife: Traipsing the Globe In Search of Optimal Nutrition & Longevity With Darin Olien
“What am I supposed to eat? How can it be that every beast, every fish, every insect—every other critter on the face of the planet—can figure this out so easily, and yet here we are, still wondering?”Darin OlienWhat's it like to traipse the far outreaches of the globe in search of the the world’s greatest edible food sources for optimal health?Meet the Indiana Jones of Superfoods.This week my friend Darin Olien joins me to share insights and wisdom from his extraordinary adventure-based experiences as a widely recognized exotic superfoods hunter, wellness advocate & environmental activist.Darin's passion was seeded early. Attending his father’s lectures on agricultural business at the University of Minnesota birthed an early appreciation of whole food nutrition. But it wasn't until a football injury sidelined a frustrated young Darin that his curiosity in the relationship between food and health begin to truly take root. A curiosity that began with a simple question:There must be a better way to heal myself.The intrigue that evolved from that initial query has been an ongoing, twenty-year plus quest for better, more natural pathways to ultimate wellness. A journey that led Darin to study exotic, indigenous herbs and superfoods from every imaginable port of call across the developing world. Communing with thousands of rural farmers, growers and manufacturers in remote communities across Peru, Bhutan, the Amazon, the Himalayas, the South Pacific, Latin America and Asia, Darin now shepherds high-quality, fair-trade superfoods and herbal commodities to market through his company, Darin’s Naturals.Perhaps best known for his work with fitness company Beachbody, Darin was instrumental in the development and ongoing formulation of the wildly successful whole-food supplement, Shakeology. He chronicles his experience in his new book Superlife: The 5 Forces That Will Make You healthy, Fit & Eternally Awesome – as well as on his website Superlife.com – where he demystifies health, fitness, nutrition, and longevity into simple daily actions designed to promote life-long wellness.What is most intriguing to me isn’t just that Darin is a respected authority on the healing potential of food. And it isn't just that he has been instrumental in introducing these so called superfoods to western consumers. What is most interesting is his commitment to do it right. A deep rooted responsibility to fairly, sustainably and transparently support the grower communities and their long-term interests.Ripped and Malibu sun kissed, Darin more than resembles a plant-based version of his friend and workout buddy Laird Hamilton. So it would be natural to presume he has always been a model of health and fitness. But that presumption would be misplaced. Because for Darin it wasn't always this way. Like all of us, Darin has faced many challenging and relatable life obstacles on his path to living what I think is fair to characterize as his best, most authentic superlife.At the same time, the term superfoods is prone to cavalier overuse. Are these foods truly “super” or is it all just exaggerated marketing hype?This is a conversation that explores that issue and so much more.I sincerely hope you enjoy this exchange with a man who exudes positive energy, passion and enthusiasm for health. I look forward to your thoughts in the comments section below.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
How Josh LaJaunie Lost 200 Pounds, Ran An Ultramarathon, Transformed His Life Wholesale & Inspired His Community To Embrace Healthy Living
“Fixing the way I thought about myself and what is possible changed my life—more than plants, more than running, more than any of these things—it’s what went on inside my mind.”Josh LaJaunieJosh LaJaunie is perhaps the most inspirational everyman example of healthy, transformative living I have ever met.After 151 episodes of the podcast, our first initial conversation back in December of 2013 (RRP 63) is to this day one of the most popular, most downloaded episodes in the history of the show. If you missed it, please make a point of listening to this amazing exchange here.That conversation transpired on Skype. We had never actually met. Now we have. At Healthfest in Marshall, TX a few months back I had the opportunity to spend an entire weekend with Josh. It was a memorable experience that left me more impressed than ever with this fine young man. Not just because he has overcome tremendous obstacles to restore and maintain his health. Not just because he continues to impressively evolve as an athlete and runner. But because of the exemplary human being he has become. A big spirit who continues to grow. A giant heart and shining example of service — constantly educating and inspiring his loved ones and community at large.The story — as laid out in his self-penned manifesto “Free Josh LaJaunie”– goes like this:In November of 2013, this guy I had never heard of called Josh LaJaunie tweeted me his before and after pictures. The change was so astonishing, 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, handsome young man running with a big smile on his face.Chris Farley had morphed into Bradley Cooper. But how?On a lark, I invited him on the podcast. I had no idea his story — more importantly his ability to own and tell his story — would be so extraordinary. The experience left me and everyone who tuned in indelibly changed. Ever since, I have felt inexplicably bonded to a guy I never actually met.In short, 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 multiple marathons and more recently his first ultramarathon. He didn't just lose weight. And he didn't just keep the weight off. He became an athlete.A real athlete.Most impressive is 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 and quite joyously shares, permanently transforming the lives of everyone who crosses his path.Born & bred in southern Louisiana, Josh is a 100% genuine, authentic, self-avowed “swamp dweller” from Bayou Lafourche. A big kid with an even bigger heart surrounded by a loving nuclear and extended family united by their shared adoration of food. 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, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Zen of WuDe — Meditations on Buddhist Philosophy, Gratitude & The Art of Being
“If you don’t have the ability to celebrate what you have now, nothing you get—and I mean nothing; nothing material, nothing experiential, no amount information, no amount of experience, no amount of material possessions—is going to teach you how to celebrate.”WuDeToday my friend WuDe returns to the show to drop some mad Zen Buddhist wisdom.In case you missed it, I strongly encourage you to dial up our first conversation. RRP #87: Art & The Importance of Living Tea is a fascinating deep dive into the world, history, and ancient teachings of tea as a means to glean broader truths about health, healing, community, the environment, and oneness – the universal interconnectedness of everything.During that initial conversation, we barely scratched the surface with respect to the extensive knowledge and wisdom brimming from WuDe's soul. So when he returned for recent visit to Los Angeles, I jumped on the chance to have him back on the show. A rare opportunity to more fully mine the philosophy and the traditions of Zen Buddhism to help us better navigate our modern lives.Born in the United States as Aaron Daniel Fisher, Wude was drawn to the East from a very early age. After studying philosophy in college, he traveled the world and ultimately settled in Taiwan, where he has since become a Buddhist monk. A tea master. And the founder of Global Tea Hut– a school and center that harvests tea, educates all comers on the traditions surrounding tea, and welcomes people from all over the world to study the Dao of Tea as a method of spiritual cultivation.I said it in reference to our first conversation. I'll say it again.This just might be the most fascinating and soul expanding conversation you will hear all week.I sincerely hope you enjoy the conversation.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | Stitcher | TuneInProduction, music & sound design by Tyler Piatt. Additional production by Chris Swan. Graphic art by Shawn Patterson.P.S. - I appreciate all the questions you have been e-mailing me for upcoming Ask Me Anything editions of the podcast. However, it's extremely cumbersome to go through all the mail to find good questions. So I am trying something new. From this point forward, submit your questions HERE and upvote the existing questions you would like addressed. This will streamline and simplify the process on my end. Translation – more Q&A podcasts!P.P.S. – My friend Colin Hudon is the founder of Living Tea, which offers some of the finest, most amazing aged living teas and teaware in the world at amazingly affordable prices. Colin just returned from visiting WuDe in Taiwan with the motherlode of amazing aged tea and teaware, which he is currently uploading to the Living Tea website over the next few weeks. So if great tea is your thing (if it's not it should be), do yourself a favor and check it out. As a further aside, Colin is actively looking for commercial space for Living Tea in the Santa Monica or Venice, CA area. So if you're in the neighborhood and have ideas, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
Our Misplaced Obsession With Protein: Garth Davis, MD On High Fat, Low Carb Diets, Bad Science & How To Separate Nutritional Fact From Popular Fiction
“…that’s what medical school does – it teaches you to treat symptoms; it doesn’t teach you to treat a larger cause; it doesn’t teach food as medicine.”Garth Davis, MDThis week marks the return of Garth Davis, MD — a veteran weight loss surgeon who took it upon himself to determine exactly why so many people are plagued by obesity. A quest that led him down a deep research hole to identify the ultimate human diet to maximize and maintain weight loss; optimize human health; and prevent (and even reverse) lifestyle disease — both for himself and his patients (tune in to RRP 50 for our first conversation).About 7 years ago, the good doctor became his own patient. At the time, he was suffering from high cholesterol, high blood pressure and a fatty liver. In other words, he was downright sick; headed towards a future plagued by obesity and chronic illness. Ironic, yes. But not surprising given the demanding hours of the surgeon lifestyle, lack of exercise, a preference for salty, fatty foods, and the convenience of fast food options in the hospital cafeteria. In fact, there was a Wendy's in the University of Michigan hospital where Garth did his internship and residency, resulting in a daily dose of double cheeseburgers — a habit he maintained for years.Let's just say I can relate.Current conventional wisdom in his field is that overweight patients should adopt a very low carb, low to no fruit, high protein diet — hop on board the ketosis bandwagon. Like many, and without inquiring further, Garth simply bought into this idea as truth. He even wrote a book in 2007 advocating this approach to food, called The Experts Guide To Weight Loss Surgery*.The only problem? This approach to diet failed him and many other friends, colleagues and patients. He knew there had to be a better solution. And his patients needed help beyond knee-jerk surgery. Finally ready for a personal change, he took it upon himself to research — truly research — nutrition for the first time.His study became an obsession. The more he delved into the peer reviewed work, the more convinced he became that there is absolutely no legitimate science to back the long-term health claims surrounding the strongly held belief that if we want to be thin and healthy we should eat a high protein low carbohydrate diet.What did he find? If we want to prevent obesity and disease; attain and maintain ideal weight management; and achieve true optimal health and long-term wellness, we need to embrace our inner herbivore.Sound far-fetched? Before you balk, understand that (much like me) adopting a plant-based lifestyle absolutely revolutionized Garth's health beyond what he could have imagined. Not only did he drop the weight that plagued him for years, all of his blood markers suddenly and quite magically normalized. His allergies vanished. His sleep improved, his energy levels skyrocketed and he got off his statin medications. In short, he finally began to walk his talk. As his life began to turn around, he wanted to be an example to his patients. For the first time in his life, he began exercising.Then he did the extraordinary. Despite never having been an athlete, in 2011 he completed Ironman Texas in 12 hours and 6 minutes.His personal results nothing short of extraordinary, Garth has become a crusader intent on teaching people real nutrition. I encourage you to peruse his Facebook page for a litany of highly entertaining and informative r... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
50 Ironmans. 50 Days. 50 States: The Iron Cowboy’s Assault on Impossible — Musings on Limits, Conviction, Family & Service
“You can set as many goals as you want. But without belief and conviction, it won’t happen.”James “Iron Cowboy” LawrenceUPDATE: July 26, 2015. He did it. Yesterday I had the great honor and privilege of running the final marathon with James, and watching him cross the finish line on his 50th ironman in 50 states in 50 days to the deafening cheers of over 1,000 fans in attendance. What James has accomplished isn't just stunning — it's truly one of the greatest achievements in the history of (voluntary) human endurance. We made plans to do a follow up podcast today, but alas he lost his voice taking the time to talk to all his fans late into the evening last night. However, I promise we will reconvene very soon so I can bring you the full story, pillar to post. Until then, please enjoy this prefatory conversation.People roll their eyes in incredulity when I tell them about my experience completing 5 ironman-distance triathlons on five Hawaiian Islands in under a week. If you are one of those people, brace yourself. This week's guest will blow the lid off everything you thought you knew about human potential. The capacity to suffer. And the will to endure.James Lawrence — aka the Iron Cowboy — is a husband. A proud father of five kids. And an athlete with two Guinness World Records in triathlon: most 70.3 races in a calendar year (22 in 30 weeks) and most Ironman triathlons in a calendar year (30).Nonetheless, James is restless. He knows he is capable of so much more.So just two weeks from today, on June 6, 2015 the Iron Cowboy will strive for the seemingly impossible when he attempts a challenge so mind numbing I get delirious just thinking about it:50 Ironman courses, 50 consecutive days, through all 50 States.You read it correctly. James' impending adventure is literally 10x the magnitude and degree of difficulty of anything I have personally experienced — a challenge that will test James' mind, body and soul beyond anything I can personally fathom.The best part? He is inviting everyone to join with him.This week I sit down with James to sort it all out:* what inspired his lunatic fringe;* how he is preparing physically, mentally, emotionally;* the “whys” behind the hows and whats;* how he balances his training and racing with professional & family lifeI found James to be surprisingly grounded; extremely gracious; and quite large at heart. But if I am being completely honest, I have serious doubts about the plausibility of him succeeding in his 50/50/50 quest. I have no doubt James can do 50 Ironman-distance triathlons in 50 states. It's the 50 days part that gets me. Because it leaves absolutely zero room for error. None. And if there is one thing I know about adventures of this ilk, error is an indispensable part if the equation. It's not if something will go wrong. The question is when.Please don't misunderstand. I'm a fan. James is one of the good guys. Someone easy to pull for. I want to see him succeed and you will too. So let's get behind James and his extraordinary goal. Check out his website. Consider throwing him a donation on Indiegogo. Toss some love his way on Twitter and Instagram. Peruse his schedule and if/when he passes through your locale this summer, See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Mind of Daniel Pinchbeck: Evolving Consciousness To Reimagine Commerce, Community, Political Systems & The Environment
“Electronic culture created soulless replacements for connective rituals — television supplanted tribal legends told by the fire; ‘fast food’ consumed in distraction took the place of a shared meal. We substituted matter for Mater (feminine principle), money for mother’s milk, objects for emotional bonds.”Daniel PinchbeckPhilosopher. Author. Futurist. Counter culture provocateur.Described as a mashup of James Merrill, H. P. Lovecraft, and Carlos Castaneda, I was first introduced to Daniel Pinchbeck through his rather fascinating metaphysical study of prophesy in 2012: The Return of Quetzalcoatl*– a book that explored humanity's precarious balance between greater self-potential and environmental disaster.Raised by Beat generation parents — his mother dated Jack Kerouac around the time On The Road exploded on the scene – Daniel’s roots in the New York counterculture movement run deep. Throughout the 1990s, Pinchbeck matured into a member of New York's literary select. He wrote for publications such as The New York Times Magazine, Esquire, Rolling Stone and Harper's Bazaar.But slowly something happened. As he approached his late twenties, he describes falling into a deep spiritual crisis fueled by a frustration with the inherent shortcomings of mainstream media and a friend's sudden passing due to a heroin overdose. Despair ultimately led him to an investigation of shamanism. Embracing metaphysical belief systems, his psyche and body began to open to the mystical. His first book, Breaking Open the Head*, chronicled these experiences and observations from a first hand perspective and was heralded as the most significant on psychedelic experimentation since the work of Terence McKenna.Today, everything Mayan, shamanistic and post-modern psychedelia seems to always point to this uniquely perspicacious, probing mind. And I think it's fair to say that Daniel is considered a leading pioneer of the post-modern psychedelic movement, advocating a measured, responsible exploration of shamanistic cultural rites and the substances they employ to expand consciousness.If Daniel is anything, he is a maverick, persistently challenging social, political, economic and cultural paradigms. A man searching for answers both personal and global, his insights are both provocative and fascinating, and more often than not imbued with hope for a better (if not idealized) future world.A confession: Daniel has a prodigious intellect. I admit to being a bit intimidated. Moreover, I have no experience with psychedelics, and as a sober person in recovery it is unlikely I ever will. So I was unsure as to whether interviewing him would be a good idea or even appropriate for this show. But the opportunity arose and I couldn't imagine passing it up.I’m glad I didn’t. Much like my recent conversation with Tom Hardin, this episode marks a departure into new terrain for me. On a personal level, I found Daniel to be engaging, introspective and not surprisingly possessed with the rare ability to muse on a vastly diverse array of challenging themes.This is a fascinating — albeit at times challenging — mind-bender deep dive into Daniel's paradigm breaking vision that explores:* the raising of global consciousness;* the imperative for community building; See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Need For Speed: NASCAR Driver Landon Cassill’s Plant-Based, Triathlon Fueled Success Equation
“If you want to put yourself on the edge as an athlete, like I do in a race car or in training for a triathlon, you have to be treating the food that’s going in your body like rocket fuel. You can’t be putting garbage in your body and expecting rocket results.”Landon CassillIt's time to explore what it takes to be competitive in one of the most popular professional sports in the United States — NASCAR.Meet Landon Cassill.Driver. Triathlete. Husband. Plant-based.Racing as far back as he can remember, at just 19 years of age Landon burst onto the national scene as the 2008 NASCAR Nationwide Series Rookie of the Year. In 2013, he broke the track record at the famous Gresham Motorsports Park track. Now 25, Landon pilots the #40 Chevrolet SS for the Hillman-Circle Sport LLC team and the #01 Flex Seal Chevrolet for JDMotorsports in the NASCAR Nationwide Series.Beyond Will Ferrell's turn in Talledega Nights, NASCAR (make that auto racing in general) is a world I know close to nothing about. So it was really fun to sit down with Charlotte-based Landon to explore his personal story; the very specific and peculiar culture of NASCAR; what it really takes to professionally toe the line at prestigious races like the Daytona 500; and how diet and triathlon have come to play a crucial role in Landon’s daily success equation.Extremely likable and humble beyond expectation, I think it's fair to say this Iowa-bred young man is a fine living example of solid midwestern values and what can transpire when lifelong passion meets true drive, keen focus and a Malcolm Gladwell-esque 10,000+ hours of very hard work, sweat and determination.This is a great conversation that explores:* the athleticism, skill, technology and funding required to excel as a professional driver;* myth & reality behind NASCAR stereotypes;* the nexus between mindfulness and driving;* how triathlon informs driving performance;* swim training with Olympians Ryan Lochte, Cullen Jones & Tyler Clary;* his decision to go plant-based;* plant-based fueling for athletic performance;* strategies for optimal nutrition when traveling; and* what he drives when not racing (the answer will surprise you)On May 24, Landon will be racing the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway. After competing in NASCAR's longest and most challenging test of man and machine, Landon will pioneer an entirely new form of endurance multi-sport when he jumps out of his car post-race, laces up his running shoes and tacks on an additional 14 miles for the day with a run from Charlotte Motor Speedway to the NASCAR Hall of Fame. The Cassil 614 will kick off Snap Fitness’s “Snap Serves” summer campaign, which honors those who have served in the military and encourages people around the country to start their fitness journey.Between now and Landon's big day, do me a solid and let's pump him up for this challenge by giving him a supportive shout out on Twitter at @landoncassill.I genuinely hope you enjoy this glimpse into the passionate life of Landon Cassill — my version of Talledega Nights.Peace + Plants,Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.
The Plight of “Tipper X”: How Tom Hardin Became The Most Notorious FBI Informant in the Biggest Insider Trading Case in Decades — And The Long Run To Redemption
“I am my own undoing. But there have been many positives to come out of it.”Tom HardinThis week we explore some very new terrain.Let's kick it off with the Greek myth of Icarus.As the story goes, Daedalus — a master craftsman best known for building King Minos' labyrinth to trap the Minotaur — plied his talent to construct a pair of wax and feather wings to help him and his son Icarus escape from Minos' vendetta (it's a long story) and Crete altogether.Being the good father he was, Daedalus pled with his son not to fly too close to the sun for fear that the heat would melt the wings. But as sons are wont to do, Icarus ignored his father’s advice.The rest is history. The heat indeed melted Icarus' wings, sending him into a deathly free fall collision with the sea which today bears his name, the Ikarian Sea near Ikaria — ironically one of the Blue Zones as described in my recent podcast conversation with Dan Buettner.As most know, this is an age-old remonstration about ambition. A tragic allegory about the perils of hubris, particularly when fueled by a sense of entitlement, and perhaps sprinkled with a light dusting of denial.These are all very human traits of course. And if today's guest is anything, he is quite human indeed.Tom Hardin was a highly motivated young guy with a big bright future and Wall Street aspirations. After graduating from the prestigious Wharton School of Business, he was on track to achieve his dream when he landed in the fast paced hedge fund world and quickly rose through the ranks.But it wasn’t long before Tom felt he was falling behind – lacking that mysterious competitive ‘edge’ so many others seemed to freely enjoy (without repercussion) to their reward in untold millions.What was that edge? If you ask Tom, he will tell you the not so secret to success within the insular hedge fund world meant having a network of inside sources willing to share reliable confidential information about companies they worked for or with.Everybody's doing it. Nobody's getting caught. I'm falling behind.Then one day Tom got a call from an investor colleague named Roomy Khan – a woman with some pretty juicy insider tips.The timing was right. Tom was primed. And that fateful moment arose. That moment when you make a decision to take a very small step over a very important line. A decision you simply cannot undo. Not now, not ever.For Tom, it started with taking a few small crumbs off the table. An imperceptible insider trade here, another one there. Until one day, the previously unthinkable became easy. Almost too easy.Capitalizing on a handful of secrets fed by Khan and others about companies like Google, 3Com and Hilton Hotels, Tom's flight towards the sun escalated to the tune of $1.7 million in gains for his fund and $46K in personal profits.Then in July 2008, while dropping of his dry cleaning one morning, Tom felt a tap on the shoulder. A tap that would alter the trajectory of his life forever.Like a scene out of a movie, Tom turned to face two FBI agents boxing him in with with a Hobson's choice – either get in the back of the black sedan for a trip downtown, or start providing actionable information on those higher up the food chain.Panicked and heart pounding, he immediately opted for the latter.Ultimately, Tom became one of the most prolific informants in securities fraud history. Soon infamous as the mysterious, unnamed Tipper X, Tom spent the next several years wiretapping and documenting the illegal misdeeds of friends and c... See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.