The Rich Roll Podcast

This week, I am joined by microbiologist Dr. Sarkis Mazmanian, the Luis B. and Nelly Soux Professor at Caltech, to discuss the microbiome's connection to human health—especially the gut-brain axis. Dr. Mazmanian discusses his research evolution from infectious diseases to the microbiome’s role in neurodevelopment and neurodegeneration, as well as how gut microbes influence neurological health, beh...

This week, I am joined by Andy Ramage, who co-founded the OneYearNoBeer to discuss the growing alcohol-free lifestyle movement and its impact on individuals, industries, and cultural shifts. We explore the personal journeys of transitioning to an alcohol-free lifestyle, navigating social settings, and the psychological aspects of behavior change. Andy expounds on intrinsic motivation, the stages o...

This week I am joined by Raghunath Cappo, a hardcore punk icon turned modern-day spiritual warrior and Bhakti yoga devotee, to discuss various facets of living a spiritual life. We talk about the transformative principles guiding the path of self-transcendence, examining cultural differences between India and America regarding spirituality and identity. We discuss the vital roles of mentors and th...

This week, I am joined by Tanya O’Callaghan, a musician, speaker, and activist, to discuss her unconventional journey from Ireland to a globally touring rock musician dedicated to advocacy. She talks about her roots volunteering at an animal shelter, her unexpected rise through LA’s music scene after a chance encounter with Maynard Keenan of Tool, and her commitment to a plant-based lifestyle even...

This week, I am joined by Jonathan Haidt, an NYU professor and best-selling author, to discuss the significant negative impact of technology and social media on young people’s mental health and well-being. This phenomenon was catalyzed between 2010 and 2015 when smartphones were introduced and platforms like Instagram and Snapchat rose in popularity. He explains the harmful effects of hyper-connec...

This week, I am joined by Scott Galloway, NYU professor, best-selling author, serial entrepreneur, and podcaster, to discuss the multifaceted challenges many young men face today. He underscores the lack of empathy and understanding many experience, attributing it to societal expectations and the impact of technology. Scott emphasizes the winner-take-most economy, which limits opportunities for ma...

This week, I am joined by Dr. Lloyd Minor, the Carl and Elizabeth Naumann Dean of the Stanford University School of Medicine and Vice President for Medical Affairs at Stanford University. Dean Minor talks about the transformative potential of AI in healthcare delivery, research, and diagnostics. We discuss its nuanced pros and cons, including impacts on accessibility, safety, and efficiency. Dean...

This week, I’m joined by Michael O’Brien, a former executive, and father of two who experienced a profound transformation after a life-altering cycling accident. Previously consumed by 65-hour work weeks, his perspective shifted when an SUV collided with him head-on. While being airlifted to medical care, he vowed to relinquish his pursuit of happiness, propelling him toward personal growth. Micha...

This week, I am joined by Dr. Daniel Amen, a world-renowned psychiatrist and bestselling author, as we delve into the intricacies of brain health and cognitive decline. From discussing the challenges of managing family health issues to exploring the pivotal role of brain imaging technology in diagnosis and treatment, Dr. Amen provides invaluable insights into fostering mental resilience and well-b...

This week, I am joined by Gisele Bündchen, one of the world’s most recognized faces—a world-renowned supermodel, philanthropist, New York Times bestselling author, and ardent wellness advocate. Gisele shares her personal transformation journey, transitioning from the pressures of the modeling world to prioritizing wellness and mindfulness. She candidly discusses battling anxiety and panic attacks,...

This week, I am joined by Kara Goucher. She bravely shares her experiences as an athlete, including injuries, financial struggles, and her time with the Nike Oregon Project. We delve into the weight management pressures and ethical dilemmas she faced regarding doping practices. Kara also opens up about the emotional impact of being assaulted by her coach and the struggle to speak out about it. We...

This week, I’m joined by Dr. Layne Norton for a deep dive into nutrition, fitness, and the psychology of positive lifestyle changes. Layne tackles health industry misinformation, stressing critical thinking in evaluating scientific claims. We discuss weight management, exercise’s role in appetite regulation, and the impact of dietary choices. Debunking myths on cholesterol, seed oils, and fiber, w...

Menopause, often overlooked yet profoundly impactful, marks a critical juncture in a woman’s life, reshaping the brain for half of the global population. This week I am joined by Dr. Lisa Mosconi, a leading neuroscientist in women's health, who challenges outdated perspectives on menopause, emphasizing its neurological significance and advocating for recognition as a neuroendocrine transition. In...

Roll On is Back! After a 6-month break, my trusty co-pilot Adam Skolnick and I reunite to talk shop and answer your questions. Specific topics include burnout, sabbaticals, the latest in AI, current fitness regimens & favorite movies of 2023 before announcing the release of Voicing Change III and answering listener questions. It’s been too long. We missed you and are delighted to return to your ea...

Cal Newport, a bestselling author and Computer Science professor at Georgetown University, advocates for a slower approach to productivity that enhances work-life balance and reduces burnout. His philosophy promotes a deliberate and measured approach to work that emphasizes simplicity, autonomy, and thoughtful task engagement. In a world constantly bombarded with communication channels, Cal challe...

Don’t forget the struggle, the streets, or your roots, and resist selling out—such is the message from today's guest, Toby Morse. Toby, the frontman of the hardcore punk band H2O and host of the One Life One Chance podcast, is here to dispense a rebellious prescription of Positive Mental Attitude (PMA). Inspired by the 1988 Lower East Side transgressive punk rock scene, Toby formed H2O, synonymous...

Conversation matters—but it only matters if you understand the nature of conversation itself. But how can we improve conversation to better connect and solve the problems we face? Charles Duhigg, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of The Power of Habit, shares insights on improving communication in his latest work, Supercommunicators. With degrees from Yale and Harvard Business School,...

In a world saturated with comforts, overstimulation, and the perpetual allure of convenience, a crisis has quietly emerged. It is the pervasive influence of the “Scarcity Brain” that wires our minds to crave more. Michael Easter, an author, investigative journalist, and UNLV professor, offers insights to rectify the craving mindset in his books, The Comfort Crisis and the New York Times bestseller...

Harvard’s renowned “Mother of Mindfulness,” Dr. Ellen Langer offers an insightful assessment: the root cause of global challenges lies in mindlessness. With an illustrious forty-five-year career and the distinction of being the first woman to attain psychology tenure at Harvard. Her extensive work spans diverse topics, including the illusion of control, mindful aging, stress, decision-making, and...

Last fall, Harvey Lewis captured the international spotlight at Big’s Backyard Ultra in rural Tennessee. The high school teacher broke a world record, running an astounding 450 miles in 108 hours—more than the distance from DC to Boston.  But—I implore you—don’t let his humility deceive you. Inside Harvey roams a myriad of animalistic tenacity ready to be unleashed. A beloved teacher at Cincinnati...

Amidst the growing concerns over nutritional safety, there is a pressing need for increased awareness about making informed choices and living in a healthy environment. But how can we guarantee the safety of our food, water, and consumer products? Today, I’m speaking with Ken Cook, the President and co-founder of the non-profit Environmental Working Group (EWG). We delve into the organization's pi...

Today we discuss, perhaps, the most audacious goal in the history of humanity and question: is death inevitable?  Bryan Johnson is a modern-day explorer who has dedicated significant resources over the last few years to arresting—and possibly even reversing—his biological age. In doing so, he is reframing the zeitgeist and revolting against our culture of self-destructive behaviors. Centered on Pr...

As the new year unfolds, resolutions often falter, particularly those related to food habits. Acknowledge this truth with gravitas—most diets fail most of the time. Neuroscientist Dr. Jud Brewer challenges conventional weight loss wisdom, exposing the myth of willpower from a neuroscience perspective. In his third podcast appearance (RRP episodes 471 and 586), Dr. Brewer, Brown University’s Mindfu...

Obsessive worry about what others think of you may keep you safe—but it will also keep you small. In our evolutionary past, belonging to a tribe was crucial for survival, as rejection posed a near-death peril. Although societal dynamics have evolved, our brains still assess how others perceive us, giving rise to the Fear of People’s Opinions. The crux of the fear hinges on the learned behavior of...

What do you do when the power goes out? You improvise and turn it into a creative act.  At the age of 22, confronted with a leukemia diagnosis amid the tumult beyond her control, Suleika Jaouad made a profound decision to embrace the art of journaling. Deliberately opting to distill insights from her affliction, she endeavored to endure her newfound residency in a Manhattan hospital in a meaningfu...