The James Altucher Show

NBA's all-time leading scorer? Kareem Abdul Jabbar. Six-time NBA champion? Kareem Abdul Jabbar. 50 years of athleticism. THAT'S peak performance. Then he combined his career with activism, philanthropy (President Obama awarded him with "The Presidential Medal of Freedom," the nation's highest civilian honor.). He's also collaborated with HBO documentaries to create the highest rated sports documentary in history.   I don't know anything about sports. But I'm grateful I got to learn from Kareem. (And now you do, too). Show Notes:  "Becoming Kareem: Growing Up On and Off the Court" by Kareem Abdul Jabbar "Coach Wooden and Me: Our 50-Year Friendship On and Off the Court" by Kareem Abdul Jabbar becomingkareem.com Autobiography of Malcolm X I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltucher.com/podcast. Thanks so much for listening! If you like this episode, please subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Pod

PJ told me some unconventional ways to vote for president. "Who would you road trip with?" A lot of people might think they'd say Trump, "but think again," he said. I didn't vote. But I still wanted to know how it happened... (Also, this episode is airing just days before the one year inauguration of President Donald J. Trump.) Full show notes and links here. Show Notes: The National Lampoon, PJ was the Editor in Chief in the 70's (back in John Belushi days) "Parliament of Whores: A Lone Humorist Attempts to Explain the Entire U.S. Government" by PJ O'Rourke "Give War a Chance" by PJ O'Rourke "On The Wealth of Nations" by PJ O'Rourke Ezra Pound (poet) East Village Other (a competitor to The National Lampoon) The Village Voice (another popular magazine back in the 70's) NPR's debrief on Brexit My interview with Ron Paul - https://jamesaltucher.com/2016/05/ron-paul/ "The Art of The Deal" by Donald Trump Eisenhower's Farewell Address   Thanks so much for listening! If you like this episode, pleas

It's weird. Normally, the people I interview on this podcast are at the end of their career. Bill is just starting. He spent years in law school. And then made up his mind (after a day of fasting) that he's going to be a comedian. I wanted to know why... "I calculated it out," he said. "I figured I can out work a lot of these guys. I cultivated this really huge love for stand-up and it imbued my life with meaning the more I sacrifice for it and the harder I pursued it." I feel this podcast is filled with lessons on commitment and confidence, but mostly, on being true to your pursuit. And really choosing yourself... Show Notes:  "Choose Yourself" by me, James Altucher Bill's Quora page Bill's TED talk Bill's Show "If You Feel like Killing Yourself, Call Me" WTF with Marc Maron Podcast Nick Ogle "The Hidden Tools of Comedy: The Serious Business of Being Funny" by Steve Kaplan Ari Shafer youtube talk - 4 hours long The Lazy Philosopher (Bill's podcast) Thanks so much for listening! If you like this episode,

It's easy to just be an entertainer, but it's a lot harder to be an artist. Dov Davidoff is learning this. And he taught me how he's figuring out how to use his vulnerabilities to his advantage. To set him apart. For him, humor is a way of telling the truth (in an odd sort of way). I'll explain. The truth can be hard to hear. Even if it means trashing your wife on stage. This is Dov's interpretation of comedy. And here's how your vulnerabilities can be used to your advantage... Show Notes: "Road Dog: Life and Reflections from the Road as a Stand-up Comic" by Dov Davidoff The HBO Series, Crashing The NBC Series, Shades of Blue Dov plays characters on both shows! Also Mentioned Gotham Comedy Club Sanford and Son Stockholm Syndrome The 40 Year Old Virgin Freaks and Geeks The George Lopez Show Roseanne Cheers Friends The Comedy Cellar The Village Underground "Tribe: On Homecoming and Belonging" by Sebastian Junger   Thanks so much for listening! If you like this episode, please subscribe to "The James Altuc

Jeff is the bestselling author of "Real Artists Don't Starve." I've wanted him to come on this podcast for over a year. Because he knows the secret to become a "thriving artist." "That's somebody who makes money so they can make more art," he said. The key is to combine your art with a business sense (even if it's just the basics). Start with your natural talents. Turn those talents into skill (through practice). Develop a business sense (more on this in the podcast) and figure out "what does ownership" look like in your space. This is the guide to becoming a real artist. A wealthy artist. (You'll even learn HOW to ask for money.) Show Notes:  "Wrecked: When a Broken World Slams into your Comfortable Life" by Jeff Goins "The In-Between: Embracing the Tension Between Now and the Next Big Thing" by Jeff Goins "You Are a Writer (So Start Acting Like One)" by Jeff Goins "The Art of Work: A Proven Path to Discovering What You Were Meant to Do" by Jeff Goins "Real Artists Don't Starve: Timeless Strategies

Aaron Carroll is a pediatrician and the author of "Bad Food Bible: How and Why to Eat Sinfully". I threw every argument ever made about coffee, carbs, alcohol, MSG, BACON, antioxidants, the list goes on. He's about to dismantle the rumors. And give you your control back. Show Notes: Read Aaron's book "The Bad Food Bible: How and Why to Eat Sinfully" Aaron writes for the New York Times, read his articles here. "Awaken the Giant Within : How to Take Immediate Control of Your Mental, Emotional, Physical and Financial Destiny!" by Tony Robbins "Giant Steps: Small Changes to Make a Big Difference" by Tony Robbins My podcast interview with Dr. Sanjiv Chopra - Ep. 174 - The Art of Wellbeing "The Blue Zones: Lessons for Living Longer From the People Who've Lived the Longest" by Dan Buettner The Mediterranean Diet "A History of the World in 6 Glasses" by Tom Standage Brazil's Nutritional Guidelines The Man Who Saved a Billion Lives - Norman Borlaug who won the Nobel Peace Prize for inventing Dwarf Wheat "Don't

He had a panic attack on air. Live.  A meltdown in front of 5 million people.  Dan was struggling with PTSD, which led to drug abuse and depression. Then he found meditation. Show Notes:  "10% Happier: How I Tamed the Voice in My Head, Reduced Stress Without Losing My Edge, and Found Self-Help That Actually Works--A True Story" By Dan Harris  "Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics: A 10% Happier How-to Book" By Dan Harris Download Dan's App (10% Percent Happier) to Start Meditating today! Listen to Dan's podcast (10% Happier with Dan Harris) Watch the ABC World News Tonight story about the inspiration for Dan Harris' first book! Also Mentioned: The Ben Shapiro Show Pod Save America Thanks so much for listening! If you like this episode, please subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" and rate and review wherever you get your podcasts: Apple Podcasts Youtube Stitcher iHeart Radio Spotify   Follow me on Social Media: Twitter Facebook Linkedin Instagram Youtube ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to Ja

I'm celebrating my 300th episode. With a GIANT episode. I took all the best clips from years and years of podcast. And recorded some new "behind the scenes" thoughts and ideas about each clip (what I learned and why I loved this guest, how they helped me and how they can help you, too). You'll hear advice and EXCLUSIVE stories from Mark Cuban, Tony Robbins, Arianna Huffington, Sara Blakely, Tim Ferriss, Ryan Holiday and the list goes on. THIS is episode 300! And I can't thank you enough for listening.I'm celebrating my 300th episode. With a GIANT episode. I took all the best clips from years and years of podcast. And recorded some new "behind the scenes" thoughts and ideas about each clip (what I learned and why I loved this guest, how they helped me and how they can help you, too). You'll hear advice and EXCLUSIVE stories from Mark Cuban, Tony Robbins, Arianna Huffington, Sara Blakely, Tim Ferriss, Ryan Holiday and the list goes on. THIS is episode 300! And I can't thank you enough for listening. P.S. If wan

Why would anyone want to pursue a career in comedy? There are no benchmarks, no paychecks and definitely no guarantees. It's too risky. Unless you have that pull... the one that tells you, "this is the right thing. This is what you're meant for." Paul Reiser knew. And never looked back. That's what I want for everyone listening to this podcast. That's what I hope for you.   Show Notes: some of Paul's work: "Stranger Things" "My Two Dads" "Mad About You" (Paul was in 160 episodes!) "Diner" Paul's first appearance on "The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson" in 1982! "There's...Johnny!" (Paul wrote the Hulu Original Series) Paul also stars in the TV Series "Red Oaks," he describes it as Caddyshack meets "The Graduate" Read Paul's Books: "Couplehood" "Familyhood" "Babyhood" Also Mentioned: "2000 Year Old Man Record"   ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting

If I compete with you, I'm a loser. It means I'm not helping anyone in a new way. Ryan said, "Competition is for losers." He was quoting Peter Thiel. Instead, you have to invent your own category... here's how Show Notes: "Trust Me I'm Lying" by Ryan Holiday "The Obstacle is The Way" by Ryan Holiday "Ego is The Enemy" by Ryan Holiday "The Perennial Seller" by Ryan Holiday "The Daily Stoic" by Ryan Holiday "The Daily Stoic Journal" by Ryan Holiday A famous writing technique created and taught by Julia Cameron called "morning pages." You can read about it in her book "The Artist's Way" "Meditations" by Marcus Aurelius A phrase from Ryan's mentor, Robert Greene and author of "The 48 Laws of Power" (Ryan mentions "tactical hell" when everyone's just reacting all the time) A quote from Peter Thiel, founder of PayPal and bestselling author of "Zero to One" (Ryan quotes him saying, "competition is for losers") Ryan's article "Uncommon Advice To Any Young Man Wanting To Become Insanely Successful

"If you were on the outside looking in you'd probably think, 'This guy's got a really good life.' And on paper I did, but on the inside I felt like I was dying. I was depressed. I was unenthusiastic about my life because I knew I was in a career that was ill suited to me. But I just couldn't see my way out of it," Rich Roll said. He told be about the time he felt a tightness in his chest. He couldn't walk up the stairs. He had to take a break halfway up the flight. Rich was 39 and dying. Rich and I talked about his story before... how he transformed himself from a depressed and overweight alcoholic to a plant based, vegan eating, mega athlete / bestselling author / podcaster / writer and total peak performer. But THIS time we dove even deeper. "I was trying to force this round peg into a square hole for most of my life," he said. I wanted to understand the switch that led him to himself... He told me his secret. And I believe him. "Surrender." He went to rehab. And got help for a problem he couldn't handle on

We all have vulnerabilities. And I exposed mine to Linda because it's a free therapy session. She's a well-known psychologist and bestselling author born in Canada, living in the UK. I had to ask her about all her theories. And all her books. But mostly these 2: 1. "What Men Say, What Women Hear" 2. "Unfollow: Living Life on Your Own Terms" Because I am still outsourcing my self-worth to new measures. First, it was money. So I gave up Wall Street (for many reasons). And then it became book sales and now podcast downloads or laughs when I'm on stage doing stand up. And so I asked Linda "why?" Why am I sacrificing my art for identity? "We create because it's in," she said. "We're social beings and our identity is bound up in what we create. That identity needs to be confirmed by others, right? It's an interesting thing: identity. It's simultaneously what makes us different but it's also what binds us with a group" Then she told me about the evolution of acceptance. "Years ago you'd have a much smaller group val

"This guy tried to kill me. He had a gun to my head," Jon said.  "We were leaving the country.  We got intercepted." Wait. What? I was interviewing Jon Alpert.  He was trying to smuggle controversial footage out of Iraq. "I was basically a complete failure up until the moment that I started making films," Jon said. He was constantly trying to make his community a better place, but his attempts were always unsuccessful. "I want to make this country better. And I'm not a good soldier. And I'm not a politician. So I can't go represent in Congress, but I can be a good reporter," he said. He took two passions (camera and country) and combined the two to become creative in the intersection. His documentaries show aspects of social change that I've never seen anywhere else. There's this undercurrent of a larger problem... an issue or a cause that people are fighting for. I feel like, in talking to Jon, that I want to be fighting for something too. Jon had a core. A direction. And a destination. All in one. "The cam

I started to get really itchy. Inside my head. I didn't know how to scratch it. So I avoided it. Until I broke out into hives and finally forced myself on stage. I think it started when I interviewed Gary Gulman, one of the greatest comedians ever. It was over two years ago. And even though he was deeply depressed, I was jealous. Because he was living my dreams. He was scratching my itch. So I started to interview more comedians. And writers of comedy. I had so many questions. I interviewed Jim Norton, Nancy Cartwright (the voice of Bart Simpson!) Fred Stoller, Chris Smith (who worked with Jon Stewart), Paul Shaffer (the famous band leader on Jay Leno), Bonnie McFarlane. The list keeps growing. And there are so many branches of comedy: Stand up, voice overs, writers, monologue performers, sidekicks. And each branch has its own microskills. That's true for every skill. They all require you to learn hundreds of micro-skills. So getting started can be scary. Very scary. Some people die with itches unscratched. W

I like the idea of experimenting for two reasons. A) widen comfort zone B) become a better person. I'll tell you about A first then B. But first, let me reintroduce my good friend AJ. If you listen to this podcast then you already know who AJ is. But just in case, AJ Jacob's is a professional at experimenting. All his books are experiments. Four are bestsellers. He told me about one he did with the comedian Jim Gaffigan. They looked up the oldest jokes in the world. From hundreds of years ago. And told them to live audiences today. Sometimes Jim bombed, some jokes he skipped (because a lot of jokes were about lettuce... lettuce used to be thought as an aphrodisiac), but others worked. And he didn't know what to expect.   That's A) widening your comfort zone. So for this podcast, AJ and I came up with ideas to experiment with. And we want you to join us. You'll hear what we're testing right now. And what's next.  I found that if I do a new experiment a day or week, it becomes a micro step to creating a

Got to interview one of my favorite comedians for the podcast, Tiffany Haddish, star of "Girls Trip," her recent comedy special. "She Ready", and 20 years a stand up. I asked her what was the biggest change in her first few years of doing standup. (She's been doing it over 20 years). She said, "I learned to change the fear into fun". I think all of the above is great advice to achieve success in everything worth doing. I had a gift for Tiffany. It was a suitcase. I gave her a suitcase for the kids. Let me explain. Because a suitcase is an odd kind of gift. Tiffany was placed in foster care when she was 12 years old and stayed in the system until she was a legal adult. When she moved from home to home she didn't have a suitcase or any kind of bag to put her clothes. They make the kids put all their belongings in trash bags. And it made her feel like garbage. "You're garbage," she said. "Garbage moved around from house to house." "When I was 13, I said to myself if I ever get any sort of power, any sort of infl

If you're reading this, you probably don't know the name Stephen Tobolowsky. But I'll give you some hints. Ned Ryerson. (From "Groundhog Day") Jack Barker. (From "Silicon Valley") Sound familiar? Stephen Tobolowsky is one of the main characters and actors in one of my favorite TV Shows, Silicon Valley. He also plays the MOST annoying character in Groundhog Day. He's been in 200 movies and a thousand other things including Seinfeld, Thelma & Louise, Heroes and the list goes on. But he did something weird. He wrote a book. And when I read it I thought, "who the hell is this guy?" There are only two ways someone could write this book..." My Adventures with God". ONE: If they were incredibly broken as a human being somewhere in their lives and then they climbed back out of that hole by thinking all these intense and philosophical thoughts. TWO: They were just born this way... I still haven't figured out which one. I have to admit I didn't understand parts of Stephen's book. And not because it was bad, (I love

I wish I could take everything Ray Dalio said and turn it into a book. But he already did that. It's called, "Principles: Life and Work." And I'm going to be re-reading it for the rest of my life. He defines principles as "ways of successfully dealing with reality to get what you want out of life." And he's revealing how he used these principles to build BridgeWater Associates, (which manages $150 BILLION in assets. Globally.) He told me story after story. How he went broke. How he started over. How he built a community within the walls of business. How he wrote his book. Love his family, teaches his students, learns from life... "I think you're faced with choices. Those are the times that test your values..." "Being successful is hard," he said. "But it's a lot harder to live a life you don't want." Then he said, "habit is the main controller of all of us." And (for me) it all came down to one formula: He said, "Dreams + reality + determination = a successful life."   Show Notes: Principles: Life and Work

You may remember Amy, she came on my podcast a few weeks ago. We discussed her book, "13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do." I asked her why is it a book about what people DON'T do instead of SHOULD do. It seemed counterintuitive to me. But her reasoning made sense. The book wasn't written for other people. It was actually just a letter to herself at first. And then she put it online. And it became viral... that led to a book deal. The podcast was really popular. But I feel like you didn't get the full story... Amy's not just an author, therapist, social worker/mentally strong person. She's also an entrepreneur. She was making money in her sleep... "I've always had some sort of a side hustle usually something fun or strange," she said. I knew immediately I needed to have her back on the show. I wanted her to  share this with my listeners. Because these are "choose yourself" ideas. Simple, easy to execute, and anyone can do it.   "I had a friend who had a jewelry store," Amy said, "so I knew the markup

I got a call from my friend Mike Van Cleave a year ago. He told me had cancer. We hadn't spoken for years. "It's like mold in your refrigerator," he said. "All of a sudden you're like, 'What the hell happened? It's only been a week."   You never know who's going to call you out of the blue someday with cancer. It's scary, but luckily we don't live with these thoughts in our minds. We only think of ourselves. "Will I get cancer?" And that's important. These selfish thoughts keep us alive. I've always admired my friend Mike. I felt honored to have him on this podcast. He told me the science of his cancer (thyroid cancer) and the ways he's surviving every day. I'll take emotional pain over physical any day. So my bones can keep typing. "Do you have pain in your bones?" I asked him. He did. And it went away. "I have no bone pain right now. So there's a very good chance that all the bone metastasis is working," he said. That takes away 80% of the "badness". He spoke casually. And sometimes I laughed inappropriatel