The James Altucher Show

In today's episode, James invites Case Kenny, a mindfulness mentor and the host of the "New Mindset, Who Dis?" podcast, to explore the topic of the "law of attraction" and whether it is a legitimate concept or just pseudoscience. The "law of attraction" is a belief that the universe responds to your thoughts and feelings, and by focusing on positive energy, you can attract positive outcomes in your life.During the conversation, James and Case delve into the practice of mindfulness and how it can be used to cultivate self-fulfillment. They discuss the power of journaling or self-storytelling as a tool for introspection and self-discovery, and how this practice can help people to better understand themselves and their goals. Additionally, they explore the importance of taking pride in your work, and how this mindset can lead to a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment.Finally, the pair discuss Case's series of journals, used by a community of over 300,000, including The 60 Day New Mindset Journal, Single is Y

The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the global workforce and reshaped the way businesses operate. Many companies have turned to freelance contractors as a way to manage costs, increase flexibility, and access a wider pool of talent. This has led to a surge in demand for freelancers, with many professionals turning to online platforms like Freelancer.com to find work.Matt Barrie, the CEO of Freelancer.com, has been at the forefront of this trend. With over 66 million users worldwide, Freelancer.com is the largest freelancing marketplace in the world. On today's show, Matt discusses the impact of the pandemic on the freelance contractor market and shared insights on the future of work.According to Matt, the pandemic has accelerated the adoption of freelance work by businesses of all sizes. With remote work becoming the new norm, companies are no longer limited by geographic constraints when hiring talent. This has created new opportunities for freelancers to work with clients from around the world, expanding

Today, James sits down with Sabrina Ricci and Garret Kruger, the hosts of the popular "I Know Dino" podcast, to discuss how they have built a successful niche podcast and turned it into their full-time job.Sabrina and Garret have been running their dinosaur-focused podcast for eight years, and during the interview, they share their insights into how they have been able to grow their audience and leverage their niche topic to their advantage.They talk about the genesis of their show, which was born out of their shared love for dinosaurs, and discuss the challenges they faced in the early days of the podcast, such as finding their voice and building an audience. However, their passion for the topic kept them going, and they continued to produce high-quality content.Through hard work and dedication, Sabrina and Garret have turned their passion into a full-time job, using multiple monetization strategies, including Patreon, ad revenue, merchandising, and promotional opportunities. Sabrina and Garret have found th

Bryan Johnson has been many things in his life, but the founder of Braintree Venmo's current passion is being - in his parlance - a "Professional Rejuvenation Athlete". Over the past two years, Bryan developed Project Blueprint, a comprehensive health regimen designed to reverse the aging process and increase longevity. After struggling with unhealthy eating habits, Johnson "fired himself" and dedicated his time to researching and experimenting with different health and wellness techniques. He used data-driven approaches to optimize his diet, exercise, and other lifestyle habits, with the goal of improving his overall health and extending his lifespan.In his first year of following Project Blueprint, Johnson achieved remarkable results, reducing his epigenetic age by 5.1 years in just seven months. This amounts to an average age reversal of .73 years per month, a significant accomplishment in the field of anti-aging research.One of the unique aspects of Johnson's approach is his gamification of the age-revers

In this episode of the James Altucher Show, James sits down with Tim Urban, author of the popular blog "Wait But Why" to discuss his latest book What's Our Problem? A Self-Help Book for Societies.Tim Urban is known for his ability to explain complex topics in a relatable way, and this interview is no exception. James and Tim explore a variety of societal issues, including the increasing polarization of American society in the past decade. They delve into the reasons behind this polarization, including the concept of societal echo chambers versus idea labs.One of the key insights that Tim shares from his book is that there are two games being played in the socio-political world. The first game, which Tim calls "Political Disney World", is the game that both the left and the right are playing with each other. In this game, each side views themselves as heroes and the opposition as villains, with no middle ground. The second game, which is the unspoken nuance that many individuals silently agree with but are sca

Dr. Leroy Hood and Dr. Nathan Price, with over a century of combined experience in the industry, have written a book titled The Age of Scientific Wellness: Why the Future of Medicine is Personalized, Predictive, Data Rich, and in Your Hands. The book explores cutting-edge technology that can help people live longer, healthier lives regardless of age. In today's interview, they discuss the role of AI in improving human lifespan, immunotherapy, NMN, gene editing, Alzheimer's, and other related topics. No 'stupid question' of James' goes unanswered!They also share insights about their personal experiences, including stories about Dr. Hood's one-on-one experience as a graduate student of  Richard Feynman while Feynman was compiling his classic 3-volume Lectures on Physics. The Age of Scientific Wellness is an excellent resource for readers interested in learning more about modern medicine.------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help

The US financial system has been going through a period of uncertainty, with various factors contributing to this state of affairs. One major issue that has been in the news recently is the occurrence of bank runs and mid-size bank insolvencies. These events have caused concerns about the stability of the banking sector and the broader financial system.Another factor that has contributed to the current uncertainty is the massive fluctuation of cryptocurrencies. The prices of popular cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum have seen significant fluctuations, with prices soaring to record highs at times and plummeting to new lows at others. This volatility has raised questions about the role of cryptocurrencies in the financial system and their potential impact on traditional banking and finance.In addition to these domestic issues, there is also growing concern about China's increasing influence as an international deal broker. As China's economy continues to grow and expand, it is seeking to play a greater

In this podcast episode, James talks to our producer Jay Yow about the show's first ten years, James' experience with interviewing before starting the podcast, and his podcast goals for the next decade. This conversation comes after James has conducted 1300 interviews over nearly a decade.James has a rich and varied background in media and entertainment, which has informed his approach to podcasting. Prior to launching his show, James worked at HBO, where he developed and produced the web series "3 AM." This project, which followed the lives of New York City night owls, was ahead of its time and was an early example of the kind of storytelling that would come to define podcasting.After leaving HBO, James went on to help other creators launch successful podcasts, including Tim Ferriss, whose show has become one of the most popular and influential podcasts in the world. James' experience with Ferriss helped inform the importance of having a strong point of view and being willing to take risks to create somethin

Today's guest is Professor Robert Waldinger, who has been in charge of an 80-year study at Harvard University, tracking the happiness and well-being of a group of 724 people and their descendants. In his viral TED Talk, which has garnered over 40 million views, Professor Waldinger shared some of the insights he's gained from this long-term study, and in his new book, The Good Life: Lessons from the World’s Longest Scientific Study of Happiness, he goes even deeper into the factors that contribute to a fulfilling life.As a psychiatrist and Zen priest, Professor Waldinger brings a unique perspective to the study of happiness and well-being. In this episode, we'll explore some of the key findings from his research, including the role of relationships, community, and purpose in leading a good life. We'll also delve into practical strategies for cultivating happiness and meaning in our own lives, and discuss the challenges we face in today's fast-paced, technology-driven world.Tune in as we explore the secrets of

Today, James welcomes Kelly Richmond-Pope, a forensic accountant and professor at DePaul University, to discuss her new book Fool Me Once: Scams, Stories, and Secrets from the Trillion-Dollar Fraud Industry.The book explores the world of financial fraud and provides insights into how fraudsters operate, the damage they cause, and the techniques used to catch them. James and Kelly dive into some examples from the book to examine the three types of financial fraudsters: Intentional Perpetrators, Righteous Perpetrators, and Accidental Perpetrators.Intentional Perpetrators are those who knowingly commit fraud for personal gain. Kelly shares some fascinating stories about individuals who engaged in elaborate schemes to defraud others, including the city comptroller of Dixon, IL (population: 16,000) who embezzled over $53.7m from the town's coffers.Righteous Perpetrators, on the other hand, believe that they are acting in the best interest of others when they commit fraud. Kelly provides examples of individuals who

In this episode, James welcomes back Matt Ridley, an acclaimed author & journalist who co-wrote the book Viral: The Search for the Origin of COVID-19. The book delves into the origins of the COVID-19 pandemic and explores the various theories that have emerged about how the virus started.With recent reporting suggesting that the Department of Energy and FBI are now considering the possibility that the pandemic began from a lab leak, Ridley returns to the show for the third time since the book's release to discuss this development in depth. He will explore the evidence and arguments that support or refute the idea that the virus originated from a laboratory.Ridley's extensive knowledge of the subject and his ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in an accessible way make him an ideal guest to discuss this topic. Listeners can expect to gain a deeper understanding of the pandemic's origins and the potential implications of a lab leak theory being confirmed. They will also get insights into the

Are you tired of always losing arguments? Do you find it challenging to persuade others to your point of view? Look no further than today's episode with Mehdi Hasan, renowned news anchor and author of Win Every Argument: The Art of Debating, Persuading, and Public Speaking.Mehdi reveals the secrets to mastering the art of persuasion using the proven techniques from the book, emphasizing the importance of empathizing with your audience and tailoring your arguments to their needs and desires. By using phrases like "I understand how you feel" and "Let's work together to find a solution," you can create a sense of rapport and trust that will make your argument more convincing.Mehdi also emphasizes the importance of backing up your claims with facts and evidence, using words and phrases like "research shows" and "studies have proven." Additionally, he explains how the power of storytelling can captivate your audience and make your argument more memorable.This conversation is not just for those interested in politi

In this episode of The James Altucher Show, James sits down with producer Jay Yow to discuss eight fascinating and unusual facts James learned that day. From tips on marriage and happiness to surprising historical trivia and neuroscience, this conversation is packed with exciting and thought-provoking tidbits that are sure to spark your curiosity.The duo begins by discussing the declining birth rate in many countries and what it means for their future. They then dive into statistics on various accidents, including the number of Tesla deaths in 2023.Next, James shares Gottman’s 7 Principles for Making a Marriage Work, offering his own insight on marriage. They then explore the science behind a Duchenne smile and how it can help reduce stress, even if you're faking it!Additionally, James shares an anecdote about a pitch email he received from a publicist, concluding that most people don't care about their job. They then delve into neuroscience, discussing how to activate your brain's dorsomedial prefrontal cort

In today's episode, James is sharing some great tips on how everyday people can write interesting books that really grab their readers' attention.  Everyone has a really interesting story to tell, and personal narratives are the most powerful stories out there. He goes on to stress the importance of not relying solely on scientific proof to make your point, and instead focusing on crafting a compelling story that your readers can connect with. To illustrate this point, James talks about how Annie Duke used her experience in the world of poker to connect decision-making concepts to statistics, creating a really powerful narrative that resonated with readers.James talks about the necessity of adding to the frontier of knowledge. He explains why it's so important to say something new and different in your writing, rather than just repeating the same old ideas. He mentions Ryan Holiday and Robert Greene as experts at making old ideas new and relevant again.Finally, James gives us some tips for becoming a better w

Today's episode is going to be incredible because we have a very special guest: Jonah Berger, author of "Magic Words: What to Say to Get Your Way" Are you looking for ways to improve your persuasion skills, whether in business or your personal life? Then you won't want to miss this one!During this episode, James and Jonah will be revealing the seven magic words that are proven to be highly persuasive. Imagine being able to use words like "you," "because," "free," "imagine," "if," "how," and "instantly" to influence and engage the people around you. And what's even more exciting is that Jonah will be sharing how he uses these same words to motivate and engage his children as a parent.But that's not all - James and Jonah will also dive into the psychology behind language and why certain words are more contagious than others. They'll discuss the role that emotions, social identity, and culture play in shaping our linguistic preferences and habits and share practical tips on how to become better communicators and

“You have the ideal life,” I said. “You think about things. And people pay attention. And you get paid for it.” I was talking to Jordan B. Peterson. His YouTube channel has tens of millions of views. He’s a clinical psychologist, professor, and author of 12 Rules for Life: An Antidote to Chaos, and now a guest on this podcast.People stop him on the street. They say “Thank you.” They say, “You’ve changed my life.”“What did you say that helped their life?” I asked.But I already knew the answer…Because it’s true for me too.He told them what they were ready to hear. That’s it. And they acted. Sometimes people thank me. And I tell them “You did it.” Then we take a picture and I feel happy.I asked Jordan about his “12 rules for life.”“I tried to lay out the phenomenal logical landscape of humanity in this book,” Jordan said.I interrupted.“What’s phenomenal logical?”“It’s life as experienced. Ya know, you think, ‘What’s reality?’ Well, there’s material reality, but that isn’t the reality you live. You live a reality

In 2003, Jason Wright was feeling utterly miserable after spending six years job-hopping through corporate America. Wanting more out of life, he decided to become his own boss and operate his own small business. At the age of 28 and with no clue where to start, Jason was determined to make it happen.After a year of hard work, Jason successfully purchased an existing real estate company without any money down. His secret? A compelling story as to why he was the right buyer and an ability to convince the seller they'll get their money. Now, two decades later, Jason is a writer, teacher, podcaster, and coach still persevering in that same Texas town.In this new sub-series of unfiltered mentoring calls, James Altucher and Jason engage in an openly vulnerable conversation where Jason shares his journey of escaping corporate America and becoming a successful entrepreneur. Join us as we listen in on this fly-on-the-wall conversation and learn from Jason's valuable insights.https://www.jasonwrightnow.com/The Jason Wr

Steven Kotler believes that middle-aged adults are better learners than kids, and he has the Ivy League studies to back it up.In this episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Kotler, the bestselling author of Gnar Country: Growing Ould, Staying Rad, and a true expert in the field of peak performance and human potential.In Gnar Country, Kotler explores the world of extreme sports and the science behind what drives these athletes to push themselves to their limits. But what's really interesting is how this knowledge can be applied to all of us, no matter our pursuits.During our conversation, Kotler introduced the concept of "dynamic deliberate play," which involves taking on new challenges and exploring the unknown with a sense of curiosity and creativity. He also talked about how this kind of play can lead to a state of "flow," which is when we're completely absorbed in the activity we're engaged in and time seems to fly by.Kotler also discussed the idea of "peak performance aging," which is the notion th

Frank Shamrock calls himself "The First Super Athlete" in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Some might say that Frank lacks humility, but he was the first UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and retired undefeated from the organization. He revolutionized MMA and went deeper than anyone else, studying the body and optimizing his performance. While others focused on technical fighting, Frank dug into the biomechanics and truly became a force to be reckoned with.But get this, Frank didn't start off as a fighter. Actually, he found MMA while he was in jail at the tender age of 11. Frank had left his abusive home and turned to crime as a way to protect himself and get out of his situation. Sad, but true.Fast forward a bit, and Frank is in prison at 17 for 3 and a half years. That's when he had his big "aha" moment. He realized that he had ruined his life with 20 felonies, no education, and a baby to support.Frank understood that he had hit rock bottom, but he wasn't going to let that hold him back. He learned that

To be the best in the world at something requires a lot of skill, some talent, and a lot of hard work. In this episode, James sits down with Grand Master Avetik Grigoryan, the founder of ChessMood.com, to explore the importance of mindset in achieving peak performance at work. Avetik shares his experience as a professional chess player and coach, poker player, and entrepreneur, highlighting the role that mindset plays in achieving success on and off the board.As the founder of ChessMood.com, Avetik is committed to helping others master their mindset and unlock their full potential. [Side note: Chess Mood is incredible. It's hundreds of hours of videos and it really helps, no matter what your level is. Today also happens to be Chess Mood’s fifth year anniversary and they're unlocking all their courses for free.]Whether you're a professional athlete, a CEO, or someone looking to improve your performance at work, this episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for mastering your mindset and unlocking yo