The Rich Roll Podcast

“To identify with others is to see something of yourself in them and to see something of them in yourself — even if the only thing you identify with is the desire to be free from suffering.” Melanie Joy Why do we love dogs, but eat cows? Cooking up your golden retriever would be an unthinkable abomination. But barbecued beef? That’s about as normal as it gets. It’s just the way things are.  But why? The logic and social mechanisms behind why we eat some animals and not others is a behavioral inconsistency unexamined to the point of absurdity — both psychologically complex and strange — very strange indeed. Many guests on this podcast have elaborated on why we shouldn’t eat meat. This week I sit down with Melanie Joy, Ph.D, Ed.M to explain why we do eat meat. An idea she coined carnism, Dr. Joy’s work centers around the psychology of eating meat, what is known as the “meat paradox” – our irrational, inconsistent and species specific attitudes toward various animals – why we express affection towards certain animals while eating others – and the cognitive dissonance this entails. A Harvard-educated social psychologist, Dr. Joy is a celebrated speaker, organizational consultant, author of the award-winning book, Why We Love Dogs, Eat Pigs, and Wear Cows, and eighth recipient of the Institute of Jainology’s Ahimsa Award, which was previously awarded to Nelson Mandela and the Dalai Lama. Her work has been featured by numerous national and international media outlets, including the BBC, NPR, and the New York Times. And she is the founder of the non-profit Beyond Carnism, which challenges dominant ideologies around food choice and systems and promotes a more mindful approach to our consumer choices. I came across Dr. Joy’s work via her popular TEDx Talk, Toward Rational, Authentic Food Choices — a very intelligent and cogent exploration of our normative cultural behaviors and attitudes around the food we eat and why — and have wanted to get her on the podcast ever since. I only had a tight hour with Dr. Joy, so this is a very focused discourse on speciesism and the psychological defense mechanisms we employ to rationalize our food choices. It’s a conversation about the psychology of social change, and it’s about how to employ psychologically optimal strategies in the advocacy of positive cultural change. Specific topics explored include: * the concept of carnism * psychological defense mechanisms to eating animals * speciesism * carnistic justifications and “humane meat” * the rise of meat & dairy alternatives * the psychology of social change * the impact of the locavore movement * masculinity of meat & gender stereotypes * how to effectively advocate for veganism Whip smart, Dr. Joy peels back the fallacious facade of logic and exposes the denial that surrounds these cultural mores with keen intellect and grace. Irrespective of your dietary proclivities, my hope is that this provocative conversation will challenge assumptions and inspire you to make more informed consumer choices that more adeptly align with your core values as an empathetic and compassionate citizen. It was a pleasure to talk with Dr. Joy and I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange. Peace + Plants, Listen & Subscribe on iTunes |

“[E]go is the enemy of what you want and of what you have: Of mastering a craft. Of real creative insight. Of working well with others. Of building loyalty and support. Of longevity. Of repeating and retaining your success. It repulses advantages and opportunities. It’s a magnet for enemies and errors. It is Scylla and Charybdis.” Ryan Holiday Ask today’s guest and he’ll tell you our culture is currently mired in an unprecedented epidemic of ego — a societal blight of apocalyptic proportions precipitated by the advent of selfie-crazed social media, self-esteem parenting and spurious self-help gurus fomenting an illusory sense of entitlement. The result is a woefully misplaced celebration of ubiquity over meaningfulness: Of endless distractions over devotion to work ethic. Of self-congratulatory passion over fidelity to process. Of unbridled hubris over humility. And of rampant self-seeking over service. We often equate ego with confidence, self-assuredness and ultimately success. The domain of the great visionary.  But what if this notion is utterly false? A personality trait that, at every turn, thoroughly undermines that which we seek? And what if modesty, humility and self-honesty are not actual weaknesses but in fact our greatest asset? This week Ryan Holiday graces the podcast to explain. An autodidact of astute intellect that belies his 29 years, Ryan is many things — a voracious reader, prolific writer, shrewd observer of culture, media strategist and the author of four acclaimed bestselling books. Dropping out of college at 19, Ryan began his multi-faceted career as an apprentice under Robert Greene, the acclaimed author of The 48 Laws of Power. He went on to amplify the work of several New York Times bestselling authors before serving as the director of marketing for American Apparel – a job he held at the ripe age of 22. When he’s not penning books or thought pieces for The Observer or Thought Catalog, Ryan oversees Brass Check– a consultancy firm he founded that advises New York Times bestselling authors like James Altucher, Arianna Huffington and even Tony Robbins, as well as corporate clients that include Google, Casey Neistat’s video sharing app Beme, Creative Live, Complex and Refinery 29. About a year ago, Ryan and I went deep on his life and his heralded book, The Obstacle Is The Way– a primer on the functional applicability of stoic philosophy for turning modern-day obstacles into opportunities and adversity to advantage. Now translated into 17 languages, it’s a read that achieved cult status among some of the world’s most successful CEOs, political leaders, world class athletes and NFL coaches. One of my most popular episodes, I highly suggest you check out RRP 168 if you missed it the first time around. Today, Ryan drops in to talk about his new book, Ego Is The Enemy.

“I get plenty of protein just from the plants that I’m eating, and I think there is a huge misconception about how much protein we actually need.” Griff Whalen What do you get when you combine Underdog with the spinach-chomping Popeye The Sailor Man? Griff Whalen. Currently serving up wide receiver and punt return duties for the Miami Dolphins, today’s guest is the only (to my knowledge) 100% plant-based athlete currently active in the National Football League. But Griff’s unique nutritional protocol is only a part of a larger, more compelling narrative. An inspirational tale of determination, tenacity and self-belief. The story begins with a scrappy kid from Ohio with an insane dream — to one day play professional football. But at 5’11” and 190 pounds, Griff doesn’t strike the typical NFL pose. He’s quiet, studious and understated in a culture of brash egos. Undersized on a field of gargantuan colossuses. Merely fast on a field of lightning-footed Greek gods. Griff, be serious. It’s just not going to happen. Although a standout high school player, the phone wasn’t exactly ringing off the hook with scholarship offers to the big NCAA Division I programs. Undeterred, Griff enrolls at Stanford and joins the squad as a non-scholarship walk-on. Expectations were low. Nonetheless, Griff persists. Flouting his God-given limitations, he out-trains his teammates and competitors. He studies the game like his life depends upon it. And, most interestingly, he plies his erudite, scholarly nature to the white space — overlooked aspects of mental, emotional and physical self-development to gain that extra edge to enhance his performance both on and off the field. It works. Defying the odds (a consistent theme with Griff), he makes the Stanford roster as one of only 8 true freshman to see action in 2008. Improving year by year, Griff closed out a very successful collegiate career as a starting wide receiver alongside storied quarterback Andrew Luck — his roommate and best friend to this day. The 2012 NFL Draft comes and goes. Griff’s phone doesn’t ring. But because luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity, he nonetheless gets picked up as an undrafted free agent by the Indianapolis Colts. The dream becomes reality. But before he can even celebrate his most implausible life-long goal finally realized — just four months after being signed, Griff breaks his foot and gets placed on injured reserve. A crushing setback that would end the career of most, Griff doubles down, using the off-time to his advantage. Understanding that his career depended upon him identifying every conceivable means to overcome his injury and talent deficit, he turns his attention to nutrition and begins to keenly study optimal methods to enhance his body’s ability to recover from exercise-induced stress. It’s an inquest that ultimately lead him to adopt a plant-based diet — a radical vegan experiment he now credits as central to bouncing back in 2013 — shredded, stronger and faster — to make the Colts’ starting lineup alongside long-time pal Andrew Luck, the NFL’s $140 million man. Currently in his 4th year with the NFL, today Griff finds himself heading into the 2016-17 season in a brand new city playing with a brand new team – the Miami Dolphins. Exploring the hows and whys of Griff’s plant-based protocol, a big part of today’s discussion centers on dispelling nutritional myths related to athletic performance. But at its core, this is a conversation about conviction and resilience. It’s about the importance of coaches and mentors. It’s about managing time and setting goals. It’s about refusing to give up. It’s about going the extra mile to find that that performance edge.

“I’ve always felt the story of my life has been about being normal but on the fringes of abnormality, and it’s the fringes that separate my history from the rest.” Anthony Ervin Imagine winning an Olympic gold medal in swimming at age 19 at the 2000 Sydney Olympics. A feat never-before achieved by a swimmer of African-American descent, the frenzied media swarms. The only problem? You’re only half-black. You definitely don’t look black. And you know nothing about what it’s like to be part of the black experience. The unrelenting crush of public expectation to fulfill a role at odds with your private sense of self becomes so intense, you retreat from your Olympic experience not with any lasting sense of happiness, satisfaction and pride, but rather a numb confusion. This isn’t anything like I thought it would be… Over time, the confusion metastasizes into disillusionment. And it’s not long before depression sets in. Lost and lacking the tools to cope, life begins to pivot away from the dreaded black line at the bottom of the pool and towards a dreadlocked blur of rock ‘n roll, boozy, drug-fueled binges, rampant womanizing, cigarette haze, and death-defying motorcycle crashes. Nonetheless, over the next three years you continue to do the one thing you know how to do: swim. Not only do you continue to win, in 2001 you’re crowned the world champion in two events. But these results only magnify what is quickly becoming a profound crisis of identity. Who am I? Why am I doing this? What does it all mean? The answers continue to elude you until you find yourself so despondent, so desperate for relief, that you down a handful of tranquilizers. But the suicide attempt fails, fueling a sense of invincibility that only hastens the onset of an even more profound darkness. So, at the young age of 22, at the peak of his abilities, Anthony Ervin does what he has to — he walks away from the thing he used to love. The thing that gave him everything. The thing that made him a star. The thing that betrayed it’s promise of making him whole. In a Hail Mary attempt to discover and re-create his life, Anthony travels the world. He meditates at a Buddhist temple. He studies philosophy with a Sufi mystic. He reclaims his body with tattoos. He enrolls in graduate school but spends summers in Brooklyn, where he immerses himself in books, writes poetry, and even occasionally cross-dresses at parties. The denouement? Hawking his Olympic gold medal on eBay and donating the proceeds to the UNICEF tsunami relief fund. The only thing Anthony Ervin didn’t do during this time? Swim. Not one stroke. *  *  * The next eight years marked a complete divorce from anything and everything swimming. In fact, not one of Anthony’s new friends during this time had any idea he was even an athlete, let alone an Olympic champion. He was just another tattooed, guitar-playing Brooklynite seeking answers to the Universe in music, meditation, books and partying. But with funds dwindling, Anthony offhandedly takes a gig teaching New York kids how to swim. The experience of service begins to erode his jaded shell and ignites an unexpected spark of appreciation for his former life. A new sense of self worth begins to emerge, informing the why in Anthony’s quest for spiritual self-actualization. Suddenly, love for the sport he so thoroughly placed in his rearview begins to rekindle. In 2011, Anthony returns to the water. And almost overnight, the impossible occurs. Twelve years after Sydney, Anthony qualifies for the 2012 London Olympics — his second U.S. Olympic team. Despite his 31 years of age (ancient in the world of swi...

“We have the ability to be a part of the kind of world we want to have or to be part of the destruction that we say we’re against.” Andrew Morgan When I was a kid, shopping for new clothes was a treat. A special, infrequent occasion. Why? because even inexpensive garments challenged our middle-class family budget. By comparison, the mega-conglomerate retailers of today — Target, H&M, Gap, fill in the blank — allow the average, penny-pinching consumer to fill a closet for a $100 or less. How and when did clothing become an essentially disposable product? What exactly is going on? The answers to these questions will shock you. Andrew Morgan is the young, talented filmmaker behind the beautiful and heartbreaking documentary The True Cost. Premiering at last year’s Cannes Film Festival, it’s a movie about the untold story of fashion. It’s about the clothes we wear, the people who make them, and the impact the garment industry is having on the world we share. The film centers around the human rights and environmental implications of fast fashion — a term used to describe the increasingly rapid pace at which fashion houses push new trends at deflated prices made possible by global market ascendency and the comprehensive export of almost all manufacturing to the developing world. As a result, designer lines and trends once seasonal now move from factory to store shelves in a matter of mere weeks at a fraction of historical prices. It goes like this: prime the latent pump of consumer desire with hypnotic marketing campaigns featuring lithe models draped in the latest and greatist. Throw kerosene on the addictive must-have impulse with impossibly low prices. Obscure production transparency by shipping manufacturing to a far corner of the world. Then, before anyone discovers the product’s troubling genesis and poor quality, light a match, sit back and watch the shopping frenzy ensue. Repeat to the tune of $3 trillion annually. There’s only one problem — cheap is actually expensive. Because we’re ignoring the true cost. Any accurate accounting of fast fashion must include the priceless expense of systemic and severe worker exploitation rife across the developing world. It must take into consideration the incalculable environmental damage caused by its very processes of manufacturing. And it must contemplate the mistreatment and slaughter of billions of animals. Without a doubt, fast fashion is an extremely expensive, unmitigated free market failure. But Andrew isn’t interested in the good-guy-bad-guy narrative. He sees no purpose in shaming anyone nor pointing fingers. Andrew’s wish for us is simple: Ask better questions. Demand better solutions. Do I really need this? Who made this and how? What exactly went into this getting from wherever to here? In other words, what is the true cost of our daily and often subconsciously or unconsciously motivated consumer choices? I was quite impacted by Andrew’s stirring film; moved by this wise and thoughtful young man’s commitment to positively impacting the world. As such, it is my honor to share his important message with you today. This is a conversation about the inextricable connectivity that unites us all. It’s about our collective responsibility to be informed and to act. It’s about conscious capitalism over mindless consumption. And it’s about how every single day, every single one of us can make a tangible, positive difference in the world. Because in the words of Andrew, the greatest lie of all is that you can’t contribute. I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange. Peace + Plants, Listen & Subscribe on

“It’s about the ability to know yourself — to know your own personal limits and be inspired to push beyond those limits.” Colin O’Brady In documented history, only 44 people have successfully completed the extraordinary feat of adventure athleticism known as the Explorers Grand Slam — a challenge that encompasses scaling the highest mountain on each of the seven continents and treks to both the North and South Poles. Of these 44, only 2 have done it under a year. Not only is today’s guest the youngest person to conquer this most prestigious undertaking, Colin O’Brady absolutely smashed the world record by an incredible 53-day margin, completing the EGS in a mere 139 days. Along the way, he simultaneously broke the 7 Summits world record by two days. A Yale grad turned professional triathlete and Olympic hopeful, Colin is one very impressive young man. But perhaps more admirable than his mind boggling achievements is Colin’s commitment to service by way of his non-profit organization Beyond 7/2 – a directed mission to combat 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. If you are relatively new to the podcast, it’s worth noting that Colin and I sat down this past December on the eve of his world record attempt. In case you missed it, RRP 207 is great conversation about his unique upbringing on a commune, his experiences swimming for Yale, how he survived an almost lethal burn accident that left him unlikely to walk again, his phoenix like transformation into a professional ITU triathlete and Olympic hopeful, and how he morphed into a mountaineer with the audacity to attempt such an incomprehensible feat of adventure athleticism. Picking up where we left off, this conversation recounts the highs and lows of Colin’s extraordinary accomplishment. It’s a conversation about the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual fortitude required to push beyond the ceiling of perceived ability. It’s a conversation about facing and overcoming obstacles. It’s about life and death decisions. Risk. Limits. Fear. It’s about the indomitable nature of the human spirit to overcome and persevere. And its about the importance of giving back. Specific topics include: * completing The Explorer’s Grand Slam in world-record time * conquering Everest after the North Pole * sharing Colin’s experiences through social media * severe frostbite and the risks of amputation * attempting fastest ascent of the 7 Summits * rational fatalism & objectivity * 10,000 hours of deliberate practice * navigating risk & fear It was an honor to spend a couple hours with this extraordinary human. My hope is that this conversation will help you question your own internal limiters and confront you with the very real truth that we are all capable of so much more than we allow ourselves to believe. I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange. Peace + Plants, Listen & Subscribe on iTunes | Soundcloud | Stitcher |

“Nothing changes if nothing changes.” Unknown We’re back with what I like to call a mini-sode. Last week I posted a long-awaited installment of Ask Me Anything — RRP 232. That episode is about an hour in length, but the last several minutes were pretty great — pure gold. I realize not everyone has time to digest all the content I produce. So, in case you skipped it or didn’t make it to the end — and because I didn’t want you to miss the best part — I thought I’d make it easy by excerpting the most impactful 7 minutes out of that conversation and repurposing it here as a brief mini-sode experiment. It’s all about waking up, getting real and taking responsibility for your path, growth and evolution. It’s about resolving imbalance so that you can fulfill your mission. And it’s about devoting yourself to something greater than you — because we’re not in kindergarten anymore. It’s time to up your game. Enjoy the listen. Peace + Plants, P.S. – Julie and I are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our second retreat —Plantpower Tuscany October 1-8, 2016. As of the date of this post, there are 18 spots still available but they are likely to go quickly. So if you want to attend and experience a magical week in Italy exploring your inner landscape, please get in touch with us as soon.  For everything you need to know about the program, itinerary, pricing and accommodations please visit ourplantpowerworld.com Listen & Subscribe on  iTunes | Soundcloud | Stitcher | GooglePlay Check out Julie’s new podcast divine throughline SHOW NOTES Connect With Rich: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Connect With Julie: SriMati.com | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Background, Context & Reference: * Plantpower Tuscany October 1-8, 2016: ourplantpowerworld * Rich on YouTube: youtube.com/richroll * Follow Rich on Snapchat: iamrichroll * Julie’s music (aka SriMati) on CDBaby * Julie’s Jai Release Meditation * Finding Ul...

“Follow your passion. We all have fears…if you’re too afraid, find someone that will support you and help you do what you are passionate about — because if you follow your passions, you’re going to find a way to make it work.” Stephen Flynn Prepare yourself for a supernova blast of pure energy, unbridled positivity and infectious enthusiasm certain to inspire you to next level wellness. David & Stephen Flynn are the joined-at-the-hip identical twin brothers behind The Happy Pear. What is the Happy Pear you ask? Take a 30-minute drive south from Dublin to Greystones, a picturesque seaside town nestled along the Irish coast and you’ll stumble upon an impossible-to-miss family run natural food store overflowing with local, organic and seasonal produce. It’s also two whole food cafés as well as evening restaurant, where the brothers conduct wildly popular health education courses for the community. But venture beyond the welcoming Happy Pear storefront and you’ll quickly discover this isn’t just a veg shop — it’s an empire in the making. A vast and growing enterprise that encompasses a superfood sprout farm and a 14,000 sq. ft. facility aptly called Pearville where the twins’ team of 100 craft and distribute a prodigious line of organic, locally harvested plant-based products like granola, jam, hummus, pesto, fair trade coffees, smoothies, sprouted foods and even kombucha. To put it in perspective, I believe they are currently shipping about 30,000 healthy superfood bars a month. Relentless, selfless servants at the very center of Ireland’s healthy living movement, David & Stephen have synergistically authored two incredible cookbooks – The Happy Pear (of course) and the recently released World of the Happy Pear, which is already a runaway, smash bestseller across Ireland the UK. And when the super fit dads aren’t making pre-school breakfast picnics on the beach, engaging in impromptu handstand competitions, traveling extensively for public speaking or serving up kitchen duties on Jamie Oliver’s Family Food Tube (the largest foodie community in Europe), they enthusiastically guide a vast and devoted audience of wellness warriors across every social media platform from YouTube to Instagram to Snapchat with an endless stream of highly entertaining, quality nutrition and fitness tips, recipes, and daily slice-of-life vlogs with inspiration for miles. After our Italy retreat, Julie, Trapper & I spent an amazing few days with these boys. We got a spirited peek into their lives and advocacy. I even gave an evening talk at the restaurant, followed by an impromptu 5 am plunge in the chilly Irish Sea that drew over 100 keen participants (many of whom drove hours to attend), which speaks volumes about the brothers’ appeal and popularity. Not only are the inseparable David and Stephen Flynn positively the most charismatic and enthusiastic advocates for healthy living I have ever met, they are two guys who have cultivated incredible community and positivity and excitement around their powerful ideas related to living a healthy happy life. So what is The Happy Pear?  The Happy Pear is David & Stephen. It’s everything they do and are. But fundamentally, The Happy Pear is a movement.

“Always be yourself, express yourself, have faith in yourself, do not go out and look for a successful personality and duplicate it.” Bruce Lee We’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. However, today is a twist on the twist. Instead of listener submitted questions we focused on one core inquiry — how to reach escape velocity on your life to step into your most actualized self. At the outset, Julie and I spend some time recapping Plantpower Italia– our first retreat in Italy — as well as our experience spending time in Ireland with David & Stephen Flynn of The Happy Pear. Then the discussion turns to address the process required to live fully expressed. For me, this  journey boils down to one precept: Mastery is the ultimate growth hack. Enjoy the show! Peace + Plants, P.S. – Julie and I are thrilled to announce that we will be hosting our second retreat —Plantpower Tuscany October 1-8, 2016. As of the date of this post, there are 18 spots still available but they are likely to go quickly. So if you want to attend and experience a magical week in Italy exploring your inner landscape, please get in touch with us as soon.  For everything you need to know about the program, itinerary, pricing and accommodations please visit ourplantpowerworld.com P.P.S. – What do you think of the new theme music? Send me a tweet or shoot me a facebook post and let me know. Listen & Subscribe on  iTunes | Soundcloud | Stitcher | GooglePlay Check out Julie’s new podcast divine throughline SHOW NOTES Connect With Rich: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube Connect With Julie: SriMati.com | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook Background, Context & Reference: * Plantpower Tuscany October 1-8, 2016: ourplantpowerworld * Rich on YouTube: youtube.com/richroll * Follow Rich on Snapchat: iamrichroll * Julie’s music (aka SriMati) on CDBaby * Julie’s Jai Release Meditation *

“I do not fear death, I fear not to live fully.” Wim “The Iceman” Hof Today’s guest will challenge everything you thought you knew about human potential and leave you with one indelible, ineradicable truth: We are all sitting atop vast reservoirs of untapped, almost superhuman capabilities. Meet Wim Hof, aka The Iceman. A Dutch-born world record holder, adventurer, daredevil and human guinea pig, The Iceman is best known for his preternatural ability to withstand extreme cold. Perhaps more significant and compelling is his experimentation and experience with specific and teachable breathing techniques. Rooted in the ancient yogic tradition of pranayama and canonized for a modern audience as The Wim Hof Method, Wim asserts that he can “turn his own thermostat up” and consciously activate his sympathetic nervous system by using his mind through yoga. This may sound far-fetched. But get a grip on some of the crazy things this holder of more than 20 world records has accomplished: * shirtless adorned in nothing but shorts, Wim scaled above death zone altitude (22,000 ft) on Mount Everest; * barefoot, shirtless and again in nothing but shorts, Wim completed a full marathon above the polar circle in Finland; * he summited Kilimanjaro in less than 2 days, again in nothing but shorts; * above the polar circle, he swam a world record 66 meters under a meter of ice; * he can sit in an ice bath for almost 2 hours; and * in 2011, he ran a full marathon in the Namib Desert without water But there’s more. Under doctor supervision, In 2011 Wim voluntarily allowed himself to be injected with a poisonous E. coli endotoxin certain to make any human being very ill. The idea was to demonstrate that by using his meditation and breathing techniques he could effectively control his autonomic immune system response and nullify any deleterious health implications. Wim did not get sick. Beyond his countless feats of incredulity, he’s a long-time vegetarian who — for the last 30+ years — has refrained from eating any food before 6pm. All of this is seemingly insane. But Wim is hardly a carnival sideshow act — the physical stunts merely a means of attracting scientific community attention for purposes of study and documentation. Ask Wim and he will tell you that he is nothing special. He declares his feats replicable and his methods teachable — a curriculum that holds the potential to unlock a battery of human superpowers that extend well beyond extreme temperature tolerance to include control over a wide array of sympathetic nervous system and metabolic ‘reptilian brain’ functions previously thought to be beyond conscious manipulation. Case in point? After a mere 4 days of instruction, Wim led a group of brave, volunteering students through his endotoxin exposure experiment (again, under doctor supervision and scientific observation). Not one of them got sick. And he now routinely takes groups of students – most of which you would characterize as non-athletes — up Kilamanjaro. In nothing but shorts of course. An absolutely fascinating guy with charm and charisma for miles, my conversation with Wim is less about human biology than it is about belief systems. It’s an exploration of dormant biological and mental potential. It’s about yoga, grief, depression, change and the nature of consciousness. And it’s about the ever expanding event horizon of human potential that should push and challenge and nudge you out of your comfort zone to call into question the unnecessary limits we self-impose upon ourselves daily. Specific topics explored include: * how to awaken inner dormant ability * how to control metabolic pathways * the science behind the Wim Hof Method

“I so believe in unchecking all the boxes and then creating your own or just living in that fluid space where you’re redefining yourself everyday.” Robin Arzón It’s not that powerful female role models don’t exist. They do. They’re everywhere. We just don’t do a good enough job celebrating them. So this week, I’m pleased to shine a bright spotlight on one of my favorite examples of female self-empowerment. Meet Robin Arzón. At the height of her corporate law career, Robin fearlessly left it all behind to embark on new adventures in the health and wellness space. She soon discovered her passion for coaching athletes, bridge running New York City, tackling ultra-marathons (she just completed her first 100-mile run and once ran five marathons in five days across Utah) and hosting wildly popular indoor cycling experiences that bear more resemblance to after-party raves than your typical spin class. But it’s not what she does that makes Robin special. It’s who she is. There was the time she was kidnapped and held at gunpoint. Then there’s the recent Type 1 diabetes diagnosis that persistently threatens to sideline her active lifestyle. But Robin isn’t interested in playing the victim. She’s interested in telling a different story. A story writ large that involves constant reinvention and tenacious commitment to personal growth. A narrative that aims to redefine, reform, and rethink possibility through movement. Human performance art in motion, Robin is a powerhouse of positive vibes. Confident, colorful and courageous with a no bullshit attitude and NYC street cred for days, she is inspiration personified. And she’s got a message for you: sweat transforms lives. Now Robin can add author to her resume, because her incredible new book Shut Up and Run: How to Get Up, Lace Up and Sweat with Swagger hits bookstores everywhere June 21. Exploding with color, attitude and practical advice, Shut Up and Run is the ultimate embodiment of everything Robin. Equal parts fitness manual, self-help empowerment and coffee table photography book, it perfectly captures Robin’s ethos and aesthetic. Overflowing with tips, tricks, and most notably her welcome inviting hand, Shut Up and Run is an utterly unique breath of fresh air in a world of drab running manuals. A book screaming with attitude that beckons you to join her. I love Robin. She’s just an awesome person. And I really love her new book. So I was delighted to sit down with her once again and delve deeper into her fascinating life. Subjects explored include: * inclusivity & exclusivity within sports * commercialization of running * the evolution of social marketing * the courage to take the leap * trusting the journey * sacrifice & personal development * becoming the most authentic version of yourself * being yourself despite societal pressures * managing Type I Diabetes * Robin’s daily routine * Robin’s new book If you are a long-time listener, then you remember well her previous powerhouse appearances on the show —  How To Undo Ordinary (RRP 99) & Do Epic Sh*t (RRP 137). If you happened to miss these conversations, I highly suggest checking them out. I think you’re going to like this one. Enjoy the exchange. Peace + Plants,

“It’s so much bigger than whether or not you want to eat a bag of potato chips; it’s really about our world and the future of our environment.” Zoe Lister-Jones You’ve probably heard of GMOs. You might even have an opinion on the subject of genetically modified food. But I think it’s fair to say most of us are woefully under-informed when it comes to truly understanding and fully appreciating the vast extent to which this rapidly evolving science impacts all of us on a daily basis. 54% of all Americans polled know little to nothing about GMOs despite the fact that 80% of all processed foods currently contain GMO. Those statistics shock me. Even worse? To date there exists no long-term studies on the impact of GMO on human and environmental health. I’m no expert on the issue. But I do know we need to talk more about GMO. Because they were so great on their first appearance on the podcast ( RRP 191 ), I invited Daryl Wein & Zoe Lister-Jones to return to the show to bring us up to speed on the latest scientific and political developments in this incredibly important and rapidly evolving world. In case you missed our first conversation, Daryl and Zoe are the filmmaking dynamic duo behind Consumed, a dramatic thriller in the vein of Erin Brockovich and Traffic set in the incendiary world of genetically engineered food. You may also know Zoe from her prime time CBS comedy sit com Life In Pieces or her appearance in Confirmation, the new HBO drama about the Anita Hill scandal. Daryl and Zoe are not scientists and they don’t play ones on film or television. They are artists. That said, they are passionate and incredibly informed when it comes to the broader, long-term implications of toying with the genetic material that forms our biosphere. Few issues are as delicate, controversial or emotionally charged as GMO. It takes courage to tackle the subject on film. I applaud that. Today we pick up where RRP 191 left off and get granular, diving much deeper into what in my opinion qualifies as one of the most important subjects of our time. Specific topics explored include: * what are GMOs? * the conundrum of labeling * the need for long-term scientific study * factory farming awareness * the power of the people & affected change * widespread use of glyphosate in our food supply * industrialized agriculture & controlling the food source * consolidated capitalism * genetically engineered animals Also, Consumed was just released on demand. It’s available in certain territories on iTunes, Amazon and Google Play, but the best place to find it, stream it, download it, watch it and learn more is consumedthemovie.com. The film is really well done — impactful, earnest, thoughtful and entertaining. But it’s not a documentary. It doesn’t presuppose to answer questions, only ask them. As for questions, I’ve got a few of my own. So let’s get to the asking. I sincerely hope you enjoy the exchange. Peace + Plants, Listen & Subscribe on  iTunes | Soundcloud | Stitcher |

“All the instructions have been written for everybody on the planet. I just didn’t find an instruction book until I almost died.” Chris Davis This week we shift gears. I admit it. Having famous celebrity guests on the podcast is fun. If you had told me three years ago that people like Moby, Arianna Huffington and Russell Simmons would actually reach out to me to sit down for a long conversation, I would have said you were insane. More gratifying is introducing you to important people from my personal life. Anonymous and relatable everyday men and women who also happen to be extraordinary. I believe these people form the heart and soul of the RRP. It’s what truly distinguishes this show from the others. Chris Davis is one of those guys. He isn’t famous. He hasn’t written a book. He’s just a guy. A husband, father and worker among workers doing his best to navigate this messy labyrinth we call life just like the rest of us. But dig deeper and you’ll find an extraordinary man with an astonishing story. Because Chris Davis should be dead. From alcohol-fueled blackouts in Germany to crack-induced psychosis in Long Beach, Chris Davis was a lost cause drug addict / alcoholic on a crash course with jails, institutions and ultimately death. Miraculously, he recovered from what by all accounts was a hopeless and incomprehensible state of desperation and demoralization. His reward? A beautiful life. A family. The gift of helping countless achieve and maintain sobriety. Then liver cancer. The prognosis? 14 months. Get your affairs in order. But Chris had his own plan. This is a story about survival. It’s about the insanity of addiction and the miraculous mysteries of sobriety. It’s about human will, courage, faith and surrender. The story of Chris Davis is a hero’s journey worthy of Joseph Campbell himself. It’s a privilege to have this man in my life. It’s a privilege to call him friend. And it’s a privilege to share his story with you today. Peace + Plants, NOTE: just a heads up that there is a fair amount of foul language in this one. If the kids are around, pop in the earbuds or save it for later. Listen & Subscribe on  iTunes | Soundcloud | Stitcher | GooglePlay Check out our new online course: The Ultimate Guide To Conscious Relationships Check out Julie’s new podcast divine throughline Thanks to this week’s sponsors: 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 Harrys.com. MeUndies: Head to MeUndies.com/ROLL to get free shipping (in the U.S. & Canada) and 20% off your first order of the World’s Most Comfortable Underwear. SHOW NOTES

“I think the way we treat others is a pretty pure reflection of how we feel about ourselves.” Steve-O He’s set his head on fire, backflipped off buildings, snorted wasabi and leaped off a bridge from a moving car. He even stuck a fish hook through his cheek and put fireworks where they should never go. Don’t get me started on what he’s done with a stapler. Ever since he snatched a video camera from his father’s closet at age 15, Steve-O has lived for attention. And the Jackass star learned early and often that public adulation escalated in lock step with the outrageousness of his behavior. The equation was simple: the further he pushed the envelope, the more America’s favorite prankster felt loved and alive. Insanity ensues. Still, it wasn’t enough. It would never be enough. An insatiable hunger for wholeness that could never be sated. A spiritual hole he almost died trying to fill — first through external validation, then through substances. As insanely dangerous as his stunts had become, it was drugs and alcohol that ultimately brought Steve to his knees. To the brink of death. To the psych ward. To sobriety. It was March of 2008. A moment that broke him. A moment that saved him. Let’s back up. Steve-O knows how to play the idiot. But Stephen Glover is no moron. Growing up in five countries fluently speaking three languages, Steve has maintained household name status for almost two decades in an industry famous for it’s flash in the pans and also rans. He’s starred in a variety of television shows and movies, including (of course) three global blockbuster installments of Jackass. Sober since 2008, he wrote the New York Times bestselling memoir Professional Idiot, then reinvented himself as a successful stand-up comedian. On the heels of his recently released Showtime special Guilty As Charged, Steve has taken his unique blend of comedy, stunts, stories and performance art on the road, selling out venues across across the globe. I’ve known Steve for over seven years. When the camera is off, he’s far more grounded than you might imagine. Surprisingly self-aware, present, generous and contemplative are just a few descriptors that spring to mind. That’s the Steve I’m interested in. So this week we go beyond Steve-O to meet Stephen Glover — the human being behind the clown, comedian, stunt man and provocateur. The best part? We’re joined by Steve’s dad. Not only was this Ted Glover’s first podcast, I believe it’s the first time Steve and Ted have ever been interviewed together (at least on audio). The result is glorious. This is a conversation about health, environmentalism and ethics. It’s about the damage inflicted by addiction on loved ones. It’s about recovery, forgiveness and spiritual evolution. It’s about what used to drive Steve and what drives him now. But most of all it’s about the love between a father and son. This one’s special. Yeah Dude! Peace + Plants, Listen & Subscribe on  iTunes | Soundcloud | Stitcher Check out our new online course:

“The stuff that really delivers happiness is available to almost everybody and most of it is free or not very expensive—it’s the meaning we bring to it.” Moby Most know Moby as the eclectic and introspective DJ / musician behind Play — an album that sold over 12 million copies and elevated dance electronica from the clubs of lower Manhattan into a full-blown mainstream phenomenon. Far more interesting is the story of Moby himself. Reared in suburban poverty by a single mom, Moby was an awkward, alienated kid who turned early and often to music for comfort. Classical guitar and music theory morphed into high school punk efforts like the Vatican Commandoes and post college dropout stints DJ’ing at local Connecticut nightclubs. But traction eluded him. So in 1989, this poor, white, skinny, Christian, vegan teetotaler pilgrimaged south to lower Manhattan, thrusting his frail, wide-eyed self into the beautiful, hedonistic, harrowing life of art, music & impoverished squalor that defined the drug-fueled dance music scene of downtown New York City in the 1990’s. Cribbing from the flap copy of Porcelain, Moby’s arresting, magnificent new memoir hitting bookstores next week, “[h]e would learn what it was to be spat on, to live on almost nothing. But it was perhaps the last good time for an artist to live on nothing in New York City: the age of AIDS and crack but also of a defiantly festive cultural underworld. Not without drama, he found his way. But success was not uncomplicated; it led to wretched, if in hindsight sometimes hilarious, excess and proved all too fleeting. And so by the end of the decade, Moby contemplated an end in his career and elsewhere in his life, and put that emotion into what he assumed would be his swan song, his good-bye to all that, the album that would in fact be the beginning of an astonishing new phase: the multimillion-selling Play.” Not only was Play a multi-platinum smash success, it would soon become the soundtrack to our lives — a record that would shift culture and cement Moby as one of the most interesting and iconic musicians of our time. Wealth and fame arrived. Obsession followed. And Moby embraced it all. Mansions, lofts and country manors. Debauchery, blowouts and binges. Whatever, whenever. Anytime, all the time. It was always too much. It was never enough. And this is where things get really interesting. The story of Moby is one of fidelity to authenticity. It’s about a life defined by survival, perseverance and self-belief. It’s about losing one’s self to surrender to the higher self within. It’s about discovering what is most important in life. And the beautiful trudge towards clarity, purpose, satisfaction and service. Today we explore the remarkable life of a most extraordinary artist — a man as introspective as he is self-deprecating; and as serious as he is deadpan droll. I absolutely love this exchange. So press Play and enjoy. Peace + Plants, P.S. – If you find yourself in LA, Moby’s Little Pine is a must. It’s 100% vegan. 100% organic. And 100% of all profits are donated to animal welfare organizations. It just doesn’t get any better. Listen & Subscribe on  iTunes | Soundcloud |