On the Spirituality of Peak Athletic & Life Performance

After listening to this interview, you will never again rely on advancing age as an excuse for anything. Meet the unique force of nature known as Deborah Szekely — in so many ways, the Godmother of the Wellness Revolution, but also a tireless activist, philanthropist, writer, and friend of Presidents and Hollywood elite. At 91 years young, Deborah exudes the energy of someone 60 years her junior. In fact, I have met few people in my life that could match the drive, vision, commitment and boundless vitality she persistently demonstrates when it comes to improving the health and wellness of people across the globe. Let me paint the picture. Without Deborah, there is no Jack LaLanne. No 24-Hour Fitness, Gold's Gym, Equinox or Soul Cycle, let alone Canyon Ranch or Burke Williams day spas. In many ways, so much of what we take for granted as part of our daily health and fitness lifestyle experience can be specifically tracked back to the work Deborah and her husband Edmond started in the tiny village of Tecate, Mexico in 1940. Hailing from Brooklyn by way of Eastern Europe, Deborah's mother was a progressive raw foodist fruitarian and vice president of the New York Vegetarian Society. When the Great Depression hit, Deborah's garment business father moved the family to Tahiti, the land of abundant fruit, to live closer to nature — and persistently ahead of the curve. It's there that they met Edmond Szekely, a prophetic, highly educated and charismatic professor and author of Hungarian origin (then Transylvania) & Jewish heritage prone to long pontifications on the virtues of living in close connection with one's natural environment. In her late teens, Deborah became Edmond's secretary and ultimately his bride. They later settled in Los Angeles, but with World War II on the horizon and Edmond fearing deportation back to Eastern Europe due to citizenship issues, they decamped to Tecate, about an hour's drive from San Diego just over the Mexican border. Domiciled in a tiny cabin on a vast parcel of land at the base of a gorgeous mountain, in 1940 Edmond and Deborah opened their doors to the outside world — a summer camp they called Rancho La Puerta where visitors could convene for $17.50 per week, provided they brought their own tent. During the summer months, Edmond would lecture to groups on a number of topics, including the philosophy of The Essenes ; something he dubbed Biogenic Living; the ills of smoking (revolutionary at the time); and the virtues of a healthy diet, exercise and living close to nature. Bear in mind, this was decades before any of these subjects were in vogue. Not to beat a dead horse, but to say Edmond and Deborah were a step ahead is an understatement. Not enough? In his downtime, Edmond wrote books — over 80 titles all told — and printed them with his own printing press. Word got out about the interesting happenings of Rancho La Puerta. Hollywood took notice, and soon people like Burt Lancaster, Kim Novak, William Holden, and even Aldous Huxley could be found spending time at the Ranch. The Ranch quickly grew, and in later years, Rancho has hosted the likes of Madonna, Oprah Winfrey, Barbara Streisand, Martha Stewart and Arianna Huffington. The rest is history. In it's 73rd year, Rancho La Puerta set the stage for every wellness trend, spa and movement that would follow. Today the center boasts some of the best wellness programs, most beautiful facilities, finest food and appointed terrain in the world,

29 Okt 20131h 37min

Success isn't an accident – it happens by design. Today on the show I am pleased to host Dr. Jeff Spencer – life coach to Olympic champions and entrepreneurs and architect of a methodology he calls The Champions Blueprint – the good doctor's well researched and proven “crystal ball” process to unlock your internal personal power and unleash — and more importantly sustain — prolific peak performance, not to mention your best self. Break out your Moleskins people, because you are going to want to take copious notes. Class is in session! Whether on the playing field or in the board room, we often marvel at those few who seem able to effortlessly achieve — and again sustain — incredible results. I'm talking about people like Michael Jordan. Michael Phelps. Oprah Winfrey. And Richard Branson. Freaks of nature, right? Once in a lifetime talents that deserve our reverence, but simply cannot be emulated, let alone replicated. We all want this right? And yet it seems so elusive. A struggle that can seem impossible for the average Joe to realize. Why? Well. according to Dr. Spencer, this is because we lack one simple thing — a proper roadmap. In other words, beyond sheer talent there's a distinct, consistent method behind the innate gifts of the heroes we are so quick to worship that leads inextricably to achievement and keeps them on top. A method that indeed can be identified and repeated in everyone's life. A method that can set you up for long-term success in not only the goal you seek, but more importantly the legacy that is your life. Born from the pain he experienced watching his genius artist father die homeless, his work unrecognized, Dr. Spencer began to ask himself: why did this happen, and how can I help others avoid this peril? Informed by his prolific athletic career as a member of the 1972 US Olympic Team in track cycling and buttressed by his copious experience mentoring world class athletes as a 9-time Tour De France team doctor (chiropractor), Jeff came to truly understand and appreciate that no person succeeds without proper mentors and a supportive team. Thus he began to identify patterns of predictable human behavior, and how certain predictable behaviors can indeed be harnessed to achieve previously unimaginable heights of achievement. In turn, this ultimately led him to identify the 7 steps of what would become the foundation of The Champions Blueprint protocol – a curriculum he has used to help many achieve unparalleled, sustained legacy-worthy success. Here are those steps, which we discuss at length in today's episode: * Legacy: Start with the End in Mind * Mindset: View the world through the lens of your Legacy * Base: Get the Team, Equipment, Financing and Tangibles in Place * Climb the Wall: 1. Patience 2. Grind | Reach Break Out Performance * Elevation: Shift your Break out Performance to your Daily Program * Adaptation: Can you deal with the pressure of performing at the top? * Ride the Wave: Leaving a Complete Legacy as an Example for Others I am very proud of this conversation. Surely, one of my favorite interviews to date, and an exchange that becomes quite emotional at times. An episode worthy of more than one listen. Thank you Jeff for showing up and demonstrating the courage to be vulnerable. Wallow in the wisdom people! Finally – enjoying the music cues on the show? Thanks my 18-year old son Tyler Piatt — not only did he produce and edit today's show, he wrote, arranged and performed all the music as well. Thanks Tyler! Enjoy! Rich

21 Okt 20131h 44min

Let me be clear. Just because you are vegan does not mean you are eating a healthy diet. Today Julie and I sit down with the wonderful Chef AJ to talk about the enormous difference between a simple “animal product free” diet and a whole food plant-based diet. I knew AJ was an amazing plant-based chef. What I didn't know was her inspiring story of personal transformation. The story of an overweight, junk food vegan on the brink of serious health calamity who found salvation in the whole food plant-based lifestyle. Tune in and let her tell you how she overcame her food addictions to become the health advocate she is today. Her responses might surprise you. AJ is a kick in the pants. It was tons of fun chatting with her. I sincerely hope you enjoy the interview. And if you are in California and happen to stop in a Sharky's restaurant, ask for the AJ Burrito! Enjoy! Rich

8 Okt 20131h 51min

Now for something a little different. Meet Adam Dole- a White House Presidential Innovation Fellow currently studying the various ways technology can improve our healthcare system. Adam leverages an expertise in human behavior and sociology to help technology improve lives. A rare and specific skill set that landed him a coveted gig at NASA problem solving Mars mission human transport issues and subsequently led to various entrepreneurial stints at Silicon Valley start ups. A developing interest in health and wellness then found Adam spearheading technology innovation for the Mayo Clinic, more specifically a project he conceptualized called Blue Button — a healthcare software application empowering consumer access to healthcare and medical record information. The White House took notice. And before he knew it, Adam found himself in Washington as part of the prestigious Presidential Innovation Fellow program. Under the direction of White House CTO Todd Park, Adam spends his days (at least before the government shutdown!) studying the intersection of technology and our health care system with the purpose of identifying opportunities for cooperative collaboration between healthcare executives, government bureaucrats and technology entrepreneurs to identify and execute systemic, functional healthcare improvements for the benefit of the consumer. Adam is an energetic and fun guy. His enthusiasm and passion for his work is infectious. Work that is and will improve lives – no question. Adam gives me hope and optimism that we can conquer the challenges faced by healthcare. I truly enjoyed our conversation and think you will too. For a really nice feel for where Adam is coming from, check out this piece he co-authored for Fast Company Magazine: “Empathize Like A Doctor, Design Like An Entrepreneur” Now, put your earbuds in and enjoy the episode! Rich

7 Okt 20131h 42min

All hail the running carrot! Today on the show I'm joined by my pal Matt Frazier, the guy behind the wildly successful NoMeatAthlete.com– website, podcast and roadmap series of downloadable tools — an absolute go to resource chock-a-block with information for runners and triathletes of all abilities looking to take their athletic & nutrition game to the next level. Matt founded NoMeatAthlete in 2009, about the same time he went vegetarian. Six months later, Matt qualified for the Boston Marathon with a time of 3:09:59 at the Wineglass Marathon, over 100 minutes faster than his first marathon time seven years prior. In June 2010, Matt ran his first 50-mile ultramarathon, recently completed his first 100-mile race and has run several more ultras and marathons each year since. What's great about Matt is his sincerity, authenticity, transparency and relatability. He's not a world-class athlete, just a friendly, smart and resourceful guy who started experimenting with running and diet and wanted to share what he was learning. A site that started out as little more than a personal document of his experiment in food and fitness, NoMeatAthlete has morphed over the last few years into one of the web's leading resources when it comes to information relating to the intersection of running and plant-based lifestyle. The best part? Matt is genuinely a really nice guy. A guy you just want to see win. Like Rudy — a comparison that will put a smile of irony on your face when you hear our parting words at the end of the interview. Now Matt has taken all he has learned, and synthesized it into a new Book: No Meat Athlete: Run on Plants and Discover Your Fittest, Fastest, Happiest Self* — do yourself a favor and check it out. Let's support this guy! Finally – a note of thanks. Just a few days ago we surpassed ONE MILLION DOWNLOADS of the podcast. That's right. A cool million. That just blows my mind wide open. Does not compute. Surreal. It's all because of you. So thank you – for everything. There have been ups. There have been downs. And more recently, controversy (see comments on Episode 53 with Durianrider- holy smokes). I appreciate you for sticking around. I am truly humbled and more energized than ever to continue the mission. So much great stuff to come. I hope you enjoy the show! Rich

4 Okt 20131h 45min

Ask and ye shall receive. Today is Durianrider day on the podcast. And he has a message for you: Carb the f$%@ up! Aka Harley Johnstone, “Durianrider” is a self-avowed health vigilante committed to increasing public awareness of the benefits of a high carbohydrate, low-fat whole food plant-based lifestyle. A lifestyle modeled upon Doug Graham's book The 80/10/10 Diet*, or what is more commonly referred to as fruitarian — a dietary protocol based predominantly upon eating copious amounts of fruit. Let's just say it's not uncommon for Harley to proudly devour upwards of 70 bananas a day. In this regard, Harley is not alone. Although still on the fringe in terms of mainstream awareness and popularity, the 80/10/10 program is one that is gaining popularity (check out my podcast interviews with Michael Arnstein and Mac Danzig for more). But what distinguishes Harley from fellow healthy lifestyle advocates is his unique, personal style. Outspoken and unequivocal, Harley doesn't mince words. At times acerbic, and often on the perimeter of completely outlandish, Harley is a lightning rod for controversy — a role he relishes. Proponents of “fad diets” hawking unhealthy and unethical programs or snake oil products get called out. Taken to the mat. And on occasion, name-calling is involved. And don't even get him started on how he feels about the currently über-popular low-carb / no-carb / ketosis-based diets pushing high protein and copious amounts of fat. His fans are passionate. His critics equally so. But make no mistake — behind the larger-than-life personality, Harley is in many ways a regular guy leading a simple and active life, committed to helping people feel as good as he does, primarily via his YouTube channel. A guy frustrated by all the confusing and misleading health, diet and fitness information penetrating the internet, he's like Howard Beale (Peter Finch) in the 1976 movie “Network” screaming, “I'm mad as hell and I'm not going to take this anymore!” Durianrider may not be everyone's cup of tea. I get it. So does he. And he's fine with that. But regardless of any preconceived opinions you may harbor, I implore you to listen with an open mind. His message is powerful. And for the record – I like the guy. I hope you enjoy the show! Rich

30 Sep 20131h 52min

Ronnie Schildknecht may not be a household name. But he should be. Why? because nobody in history has logged a faster Ironman on the soil of this continent faster than Ronnie. This is a guy who won Ironman Florida in 2011 in 7 hours and 59 minutes. An Ironman in under 8 hours! Just how fast is that? After swimming 2.4 miles in the ocean in 51 minutes, imagine getting on your bike and riding 112 miles at an average pace of almost 26mph for 4 hours and 19 minutes straight. Then imagine getting off your bike and running a steady 6 minute to 6:15 pace to clock a blazing 2:43 marathon. Not enough for you? When Ronnie won Ironman Zurich this summer, he became the only athlete to have won a single Ironman race seven years in a row consecutively. Beyond his incomprehensible athletic achievements, Ronnie is a man of soft-spoken disposition and considerate nature. A guy more comfortable letting others bask in the limelight while allowing his race results speak on his behalf. Refreshing. What I found most compelling is how Ronnie's training has evolved over the last few years to a protocol that dispenses with the knee-jerk conventional wisdom of high volume and places more emphasis on high intensity quality work; recovery; mental preparation & visualization; and a protracted taper beyond his previous comfort zone. Ronnie's evolution into the elite athlete he is today has required developing a greater understanding of — and confidence in — what specifically works for him — irrespective of the opinions of others, recommended training protocols, or the flavor of the month diet or training plan. What works for him.  Powerful. And simple. Yet something that nonetheless can be so elusive and difficult to embrace. For Ronnie, it didn't come easy at first — his sub-par Kona performances since his blazing 4th place in 2008 attributable to overtraining and not listening to what his body was telling him. Why? Because trusting one's instincts can prove incredibly difficult without extreme personal confidence and practiced mental discipline. A strong internal compass capable of muting the outside world. Healthy boundaries. And a profound sense of self. Whether you are an athlete yourself or just a fan, Ronnie's message of personal responsibility and self-awareness is powerful — principles that transcend sport — applicable to life wherever you find yourself. And I have no doubt that after listening to this interview, like me you'll be a Ronnie fan, ready to cheer him on to Ironman victory in Kona. I hope you enjoy the show! Rich

26 Sep 20131h 52min

The lovely and powerful Julie Piatt– my sometime co-host and all-time wife — returns to the show today to share some interesting perspectives on children's education — more specifically, homeschooling. And even more specifically, the Unschooling method of homeschooling. I know. It's controversial. I get it. But the subject also brings to mind one of my favorite quotes from one of the brightest minds of Victorian England – scientist, philosopher and theologian Herbert Spencer. It appears in the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, and goes like this: “There is a principle which is a bar against all information, which is proof against all arguments and which cannot fail to keep a man in everlasting ignorance — that principle is contempt prior to investigation.” Translation – listen with an open mind. Because growth, change and expansion cannot occur without doing so. Other topics on today's episode agenda include: My recent speaking engagements in Toronto and Tucson ; My increased involvement in an exciting new documentary project entitled Game Changers about plant-based athletes, currently in production — produced by former podcast guest James Wilks ( Episode 16 ) and some of the people that brought you Forks Over Knives ; Witnessing Patrik Baboumian's world record-setting strongman lift & carry in Toronto; My impending visits to Karachi, Bahrain and Casablanca to spread the PlantPower message; Creating a PlantPower Halloween Movement; and Beyond Meat's quest to disrupt Big Food with its perfect plant-based chicken and beef alternatives. During our conversation, Julie references Sir Ken Robinson and his opinions about our education system. I can't urge you strongly enough to take a few minutes to watch his powerful TED Talk on how schools kill creativity. There is a reason it's the most watched TED Talk of all time (almost 18 million views), so please take the time to open your mind to this: And here's my view through my trusty GoPro of Vegan Strongman Patrik Baboumian carrying 1216 pounds for 10 meters, breaking a Guinness Book of World Record for most weight ever lifted by a human being – ever. Enjoy! Rich

24 Sep 20131h 55min