The James Altucher Show

Nick Shaw, an executive coach who has faced the unimaginable sorrow of losing a child, joins James to discuss his profound journey and the insights he shares in his book My Teacher, My Son: Lessons on Life, Loss, and Love. This conversation is not just about coping with grief but about the transformative lessons that can emerge from it. Shaw's reflections offer a poignant look at how personal loss can inform and deepen one's approach to life and work.Shaw's narrative begins with a day that turned from idyllic to tragic, resulting in the loss of his nine-year-old son, William. In the throes of mourning, Shaw experienced a moment of revelation: his son had been his teacher all along, imparting wisdom that would carry him forward. "My Teacher, My Son" is more than Shaw's memoir—it's a guidebook for anyone grappling with the complexities of being present, letting go, and seeking connection in the wake of loss.Throughout the episode, we explore the themes of resilience, the search for meaning, and the ways in whic

Best-selling author and host Shawn Stevenson, once a victim of a dire diagnosis of degenerative spine disease in his early twenties, faced a battle not just for mobility, but for his very life. The hidden culprit? The ultra-processed foods silently wreaking havoc on countless Americans. Shawn fervently believes that these foods are the stealthy assassins of our modern age. Yet, amidst this bleak landscape, there emerged a beacon of hope: a diet shift that Shawn credits with literally saving his life. Discussing his newest book, the "Eat Smarter Family Cookbook," Stevenson reveals how ditching these deadly foods and embracing whole, nutritious alternatives not only reversed his seemingly irreversible condition but also restored vitality to his body and soul. If you ever doubted the lethal power of processed foods or questioned the life-giving force of a truly wholesome diet, this episode will leave you both shaken and inspired. Join us for a narrative that’s as alarming as it is redemptive, and discover the di

 The Age of Prediction is such a fascinating book! After reading it, I really do think the job people should be preparing for is “data analyst” or “predictor”, because that's going to be used in every single industry, more than prompt engineers or AI coders - because AI is going to write its own code. Being able to understand what data to look at and why and how to make use of it, whether it's the medical industry or sports or stocks or insurance or art, this is going to be such a valuable skill to have, and it's a just beginning field. The creativity there is going to be amazing.The Age of Prediction: Algorithms, AI, and the Shifting Shadows of Risk by Christopher Mason and Igor Tulchinsky is like a guidebook to what's happened, what's going to be happening, and all the different ways people use will prediction technology.Igor has a $7 billion hedge fund, which analyzes millions of pieces of data around the world to predict stocks, whether something will happen tomorrow, or an hour from now, or 10 seconds fr

James is joined by the brilliant minds behind the Jack Reacher series, Lee and Andrew Child. The conversation navigates through the evolution of the iconic series, focusing on the latest installment, 'The Secret,' and the transition of authorship from Lee to Andrew. Lee reflects on his three-decade-long journey, sharing the stage with his brother, who is set to continue the Reacher saga.Lee’s candid revelation about the importance of a personal touch in writing resonates as a central theme of the discussion. He emphasizes that a book thrives on the unique imprint of its author's imagination, a lesson that underpins his passing of the torch to Andrew. The collaborative essence and the distinct fingerprint of individual creativity on 'The Secret' are explored, setting the stage for Andrew’s solo venture into the Reacher realm.The episode encapsulates the spirit of creative freedom and the enduring allure of the Jack Reacher series, promising a fresh yet familiar journey for its avid readers as Andrew takes the

Join James in conversation with Bill O'Reilly, exploring the dark and tumultuous period of the Salem Witch Trials as depicted in O'Reilly's newest addition to the "Killing" series, "Killing The Witches." The dialogue plunges into the chaotic world of Salem, where the accusations of young girls led to a horrific chain of events - a somber chapter of American history that saw 20 individuals executed and hundreds jailed based on dubious testimonies.The narrative takes an intriguing twist as a young Benjamin Franklin steps onto the scene. Intrigued by the unfolding hysteria, Franklin's interaction with the notorious witch hunter, Cotton Mather, leads him to a profound realization about the destructive force of unchecked religious fervor. This episode illuminates how the grim events of Salem resonated through the psyche of one of America's founding fathers, potentially influencing the ethos of a budding nation.As James and Bill dissect the intricate details, they venture beyond the surface-level horrors of the wit

Round two with A.J. Jacobs and it's a trip down the democracy lane, but with a twist! A.J. throws a quirky curveball - randomocracy. It's democracy's distant cousin, the one that shows up uninvited but makes the party unforgettable. We dissect it, play around with it, and wonder, could this be a real alternative? A.J., with his Constitution-living lens, breaks down randomocracy's nuts and bolts, and I gotta say, it's tickling the brain. It’s weird, it’s fascinating, and it’s a hearty meal for thought. We're not just thinking outside the box; we're kind of tearing the box apart. And hey, I'm all ears and now I'm handing the mic to you. What do you think about stepping into a randomocracy? Tweet me @JAltucher, share the episode, and let's stir the pot.------------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 direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go

Unleashing a realm of curiosity and amusement, this episode of the James Altucher Show welcomes the ever-inventive A.J. Jacobs, who brings along a treasure trove of puzzles from his new daily podcast, "The Puzzler". As A.J. shares the essence behind his latest venture, James steps into the playful challenge, answering sample anagrams and audio rebuses on the spot.The episode kicks off with a lively discussion about A.J.'s upcoming book on living according to the U.S. Constitution, offering a quick glimpse into his boundless exploratory spirit. Soon, the spotlight shifts to "The Puzzler," where A.J. and James immerse themselves in a playful yet insightful interaction. The fun escalates as the episode extends into two bonus segments of "The Puzzler." In the first bonus episode, "Pan in Panama", Jeopardy! legend Ken Jennings - host of the "Omnibus" podcast and lots more - joins as the special guest puzzle solver.Following suit, the second bonus episode, "Moment of Zen", features writer and activist Baratunde Thu

3 years ago when Suzanne Somers came on the podcast to discuss her book A New Way to Age, I was blown away by her depth of knowledge and personal results in the field. Suzanne passed away this week, 23 years after her cancer diagnosis. Today, we're re-airing her episode about living a vibrant life._____________Suzanne Somers has sex twice a day.She’s 73.“I’m horniest on the 12th day of the month,” she said. “When there’s a full moon.”“I’ll never look at a full moon the same ever again,” I said.She laughed. And told me why she’s feeling younger… even though she’s getting older. Which she writes about in her new bestselling book, “A New Way to Age: The Most Cutting-Edge Advances in Antiaging.”Some might say “an actress” isn’t qualified to write a scientific book about aging.But that’s stupid. One: she’s human. With human problems that lead her to see real doctors. The best doctors. With cutting-edge formulas to beat aging.She told me, “I’ve beat cancer three times,” she said. And now she plans to live into her

Real Good examines current and historical barriers to equal opportunity in finance and highlights people in the non-profit and for-profit worlds who are working to remove those barriers. In candid, 60-minute conversations, host Faith Salie (CBS Sunday Morning, NPR) and U.S. Bank Chief Diversity Officer Greg Cunningham invite guests to share their work and challenge listeners to think differently about the steps needed to create opportunity for all.Today, we share an episode of the Real Good podcast with acclaimed filmmaker Rudy Valdez. Valdez entered filmmaking with a desire to find his voice. The Emmy-winning documentarian spoke with hosts Faith and Greg about the importance of diverse subjects and storytellers in film. The crew also discusses behind-the-scenes anecdotes from Rudy’s recent project Translators, and how language can improve access and break down barriers.-----------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor

James welcomes Shane Parrish, the mind behind Farnam Street—a platform committed to enhancing decision-making and self-improvement! The focal point of their discussion is Shane's recent book, "Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments into Extraordinary Results," which encapsulates the essence of making well-informed decisions amidst life’s daily challenges.Shane Parrish is the entrepreneur and wisdom seeker behind Farnam Street and the host of The Knowledge Project Podcast, where he focuses on turning timeless insights into action. Parrish’s popular online course, Decision by Design, has helped thousands of executives, leaders, and managers around the world learn the repeatable behaviors that improve results. Shane’s work has been featured in nearly every major publication, including the New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and Forbes. He is the New York Times bestselling author of Clear Thinking: Turning Ordinary Moments Into Extraordinary Results.James, an admirer of Shane’s work, navigates through the

James, Robyn, and Jay navigate reflective questions originally curated by Dushka Zapata, a writer known for her profound questioning and shared prominence with James on Quora. What unfolds is a contemplative discussion that offers a break from the routine; listeners should take the opportunity to ponder along and, perhaps, find resonance with their own experiences.The episode begins with a light-hearted inquiry into their Sunday afternoon routines, gradually moving on to more thought-provoking questions about past relationships, deep friendships, and trust. The spontaneous and honest responses from James, Robyn, and Jay, craft a narrative that’s both engaging and reflective, providing a space for listeners to introspect on similar facets of their own lives.-----------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 direct answers from James about your question on a podcas

The episode unfolds with James Altucher welcoming back Jocko Willink, a seasoned veteran and a recurrent esteemed guest on the show. They dive straight into the heart of Jocko’s newly expanded edition of his Leadership Strategy and Tactics: Field Manual, a bestseller that resonates with many aspiring and established leaders alike. Through a series of hypothetical problem scenarios presented by James, Jocko demonstrates how the principles in his book can be applied to overcome various leadership challenges, providing listeners with practical takeaways. With Jocko’s adept articulation and James’ probing inquiries, listeners are in for an enlightening discussion filled with practical leadership nuggets and a clearer understanding of the complex world of international defense.-----------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 direct answers from James about your ques

In this enlightening episode, James sits down with legendary NFL defender and now-author, Malcolm Jenkins, supporting his new book What Winners Won't Tell You: Lessons from a Legendary Defender.With a football career that boasts two Super Bowl wins and numerous accolades, Malcolm shares his perspective on game strategies and developments in performance analytics. But his triumphs don’t end on the football field. Malcolm dives into his forays into the business world, specifically his 20+ QSR franchises (on their way to 100), media endeavors under Malcolm Inc. and Listen Up Media, and his foray into the "human performance" field by investing in Nestre.Transitioning into one of the most critical discussions of our time, Malcolm also speaks about his symbolic role in the racial justice movement, detailing his stance during the NFL National Anthem demonstrations and the cultural imperative of the George Floyd protests during the COVID-19 pandemic. As the dialogue concludes, Malcolm sheds light on his dedication to

Today, we speak to a gambler with a 36-year winning streak, the man who is arguably the most successful and controversial gambler alive, Billy Walters!From his roots in extreme poverty to his rise as a revolutionary figure in sports betting, Billy Walters has broken the norms, setting unparalleled records and redefining the realms of sports wagering. He’s now sharing his extraordinary experiences and tightly-guarded secrets of his betting system in his revealing memoir "Gambler: Secrets from a Life at Risk". The conversation follows Walters’ ascent from an innovative and enterprising car salesman to becoming a revolutionary figure in sports betting, breaking records, overcoming addictions, and his skirmishes with organized crime. We gain a detailed understanding of his proprietary betting system, getting a glimpse of the formulas, point systems, and principles he has refined over the decades. Billy also provides a plethora of advice for aspiring sports wagerers, focusing on maximizing the wealth of informatio

James is joined by the multifaceted Scott Adams. Adams' journey from a cartoonist and writer to a divisive political commentator is as intriguing as his insights into human behavior and mindset. The two explore the transformative concepts from Scott's latest book, "Reframe Your Brain: The User Interface for Happiness and Success", where he presents more than 160 counterintuitive reframes aimed at shifting perspectives and shaping a life of happiness and success. The episode is packed with practical examples, putting these reframes into real-world contexts, and providing listeners with actionable steps to reshape their own realities.Later, James and Scott venture into the terrain of public opinion, addressing Scott’s recent experiences with social media backlash and the phenomenon of ‘canceling.’ They discuss the impact and implications of public scrutiny and the ways in which reframing can be a powerful tool in navigating such situations.Throughout this enlightening conversation, Scott shares invaluable insig

In this insightful episode of "Ask Altucher," James delves into a pivotal query from a recent college graduate, seeking wisdom on navigating life and career paths in the uncertain times of early adulthood. James provides comforting advice, stating it's normal not to have it all figured out in your early twenties, and emphasizes the value of embracing experiences and increasing the surface area of luck.Reflecting on his journey from being a grad student in computer science to embracing varied roles like a stand-up comedian, a hedge fund manager, a podcast host, and a father, James shares the significance of saying 'yes' to experiences and following one's curiosity. He suggests that rather than hoarding savings, spending on life experiences can yield greater dividends in personal growth and happiness in the long run.This episode is filled with rich anecdotes from James's diverse experiences. It is a treasure trove of advice for anyone standing at the crossroads of life, pondering over career and existential dil

In part one, we delved into Chris Ullman's fascinating journey as a four-time International Whistling champion. Now, we're pivoting to explore Chris's other passion: a career that has positioned him next to some of the world's wealthiest and most influential people. In part two of this extraordinary series, James and Chris explore the life lessons and success strategies outlined in Chris's latest book, "Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant."The book is segmented into eight overarching strategies that are crucial for achieving success and fulfillment in life: Be Purposeful, Innovate & Accomplish, Build Bridges, Be Productive, Solve Problems, Be Authentic, Think of Others, and Be Humble. Through autobiographical examples, Chris paints a vivid picture of working with some of the biggest names in finance and politics, such as David Rubenstein, Bill Conway, and Daniel A. D'Aniello of the Carlyle Group, Orlando Bravo of Thoma Bravo, former Governor of Ohio John Kasich, and Arthur Levitt, former Chairman of

When you think of someone in the inner circle of billionaires and political giants, you don't usually imagine them whistling Duke Ellington tunes in corporate meeting rooms. Chris Ullman defies that stereotype; a virtuoso whistler, he has performed in venues as diverse as the Oval Office and the top of the Washington Monument. Join James Altucher in part one of this extraordinary interview as they delve into Chris's passion for whistling, which he explored in his book "Find Your Whistle."From a young age of 13, Chris committed himself to whistling. He credits his father for the initial inspiration, but becoming a champion took hard work and unique sacrifices—like abstaining from kissing 24 hours before a performance. Chris and James discuss the perception of whistling as a "novelty," contrasting it with other forms of art and sports. Yet, Chris believes that whistling is the great equalizer; it's a universal joy that resonates with everyone from grandparents to billionaire bosses. In fact, this underestimated

Is it important to leave a legacy? Should your life's mission revolve around creating something that outlasts you? Episode #6 of "Ask Altucher" grapples with these questions as Jay and James offer contrasting perspectives. Jay strongly believes that leaving a legacy should be a driving force in life. James counters with a cautionary note, arguing that the pursuit of a legacy beyond your immediate family can lead to discontentment, as you'll never experience the benefits after you pass away.The conversation takes an even deeper turn when James raises the concern about one legacy he would NOT want to leave: death by suicide and the collateral emotional damage inflicted upon family and friends. This poignant moment adds another layer to an already complex debate, making listeners ponder the legacies they are consciously or unconsciously leaving behind.But the duo doesn't stop there. Jay ups the ante by introducing two philosophical dilemmas that challenge conventional thinking: "Would you choose immediate suicid

Join James Altucher and Jeremy Fall, the entrepreneurial polymath who has worn hats as varied as restaurateur, nightclub and bar owner, and digital NFT artist. Known for his groundbreaking breakfast-for-dinner concept restaurant in L.A., Jeremy has collaborated with big names like Jay Z and Quincy Jones. His latest venture, the book Falling Upwards: Living the Dream, One Panic Attack at a Time, details how he navigated the complexities of anxiety disorder, a subject James can relate to. It’s not just about the restaurants; it’s about breaking the mold and charting a path through the often anxious world of creativity and business.Jeremy has always been one to defy expectations. He started with a concept that turned dining norms upside down in the restaurant business. That innovative spirit extended to his collaborations in nightlife and even into the digital art world, where he was commissioned by CNN. His book encapsulates this multi-faceted journey, offering insights into how he copes with anxiety disorder w