The Transformative Power of Practicing Gratitude

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 pioneering role in digital innovation. EWG’s user-friendly, science-driven tools empower American families to minimize exposure to potential hazards in food, water, cosmetics, and household products. Recognized as a prominent environmental critic, Ken sheds light on the influence of lobbying on environmental policy and the urgent need to rebuild trust in regulatory bodies.  Our discussion covers diverse topics, from harmful chemicals in personal care products to the divergent regulatory approaches between Europe and the US. Ken also addresses agricultural subsidies, the farm bill, and the pivotal role of consumer choices in driving positive industry changes. The episode concludes by highlighting EWG’s Dirty Dozen and Clean 15 lists, advocating conscious consumer choices, and recognizing the significant impact of young people in shaping a positive future. Additionally, practical guidance is provided for informed shopping decisions, encouraging using EWG’s valuable resources.  Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: INSIDE TRACKER: Get 25% OFF tests 👉insidetracker.com/RICHROLL ON: Enjoy 10% OFF 👉ON.com/RICHROLL EIGHT SLEEP: $250 OFF 👉EIGHTSLEEP.com/RICHROLL GO BREWING: 15% OFF with code RICHROLL 👉GOBREWING.com AG1: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 & 5 FREE AG1 Travel Packs 👉DrinkAG1.com/RICHROLL WAKING UP: FREE Month 👉WAKINGUP.com/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

5 Feb 20242h 3min

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 Project Blueprint and the ambition to halt and potentially reverse biological aging, he challenges cultural norms that tend towards self-destructive behaviors.  Despite my initial skepticism, Bryan’s mission emerges as humanitarian. His ventures include Kernel, a brain activity monitoring company, and OS Fund, a science and tech venture capital firm. We explore Bryan’s exodus from Mormonism and his AI-centric vision for the future.  Amid critical press, I urge listeners to approach with discernment as Bryan delves into longevity science with emotional depth. It prompts profound contemplation about aging and humanity’s role in an imminent, unimaginable future.  Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: INSIDE TRACKER: Get 25% OFF tests 👉insidetracker.com/RICHROLL ROKA: Enjoy 20% OFF 👉ROKA.com/RICHROLL BON CHARGE: 15% OFF 👉BONCHARGE.com/RICHROLL AG1: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 & 5 FREE AG1 Travel Packs 👉 drinkAG1.com/RICHROLL WAKING UP: FREE Month 👉WAKINGUP.com/RICHROLL This episode was brought to you by BetterHelp: enjoy 10% off your first month 👉BETTERHELP.COM/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

29 Jan 20242h 37min

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 Mindfulness Center director and School of Public Health and Psychiatry professor, delves into his latest book, The Hunger Habit. Drawing on two decades with thousands of patients, he advocates attention, mindfulness, and curiosity for healthier choices. Evolutionarily, our brains, seeking certainty, create habit loops with triggers, behaviors, and results. The reinforcing dopamine spritz forms a stubbornly resistant, recalcitrant loop. Dr. Brewer scientifically addresses breaking these habits. Today, we explore the neuroscience of habits, dopamine’s role, the absence of willpower in behavior change, and the importance of self-acceptance. Note: This discussion may be confronting for those with eating disorders; seek help at www.nationaleatingdisorders.org. Dr. Brewer’s blend of Eastern traditions and hard science provides practical solutions. This episode is a must-listen if you’re wrestling with cravings or food compulsions. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: SEED: Enjoy 25% OFF 👉 seed.com/RICHROLL ON: Get 10% off on.com/RICHROLL AG1: Get a FREE 1-year supply of Vitamin D3+K2 & 5 FREE AG1 Travel Packs 👉 drinkAG1.com/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

25 Jan 20241h 58min

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 identifying ourselves as separate selves—masquerading like we are individuals in a social world—rather than recognizing that we are social animals who have learned to identify as separate selves.  Here to guide our dance through this carnival of life is Dr. Michael Gervais.  Dr. Gervais, a leading expert in human performance psychology, returns for his fifth appearance to discuss his new book, The First Rule of Mastery: Stop Worrying About What People Think of You, which is all about liberating yourself from the opinions of others. The rubric is to turn the spotlight inward, understand your purpose and values, and create a structure that aligns with them, muting the extraneous noise of the outside world.  With decades of experience in high-stakes environments, Dr. Gervais is toppling the pathologized psychology model. His clients include the NFL’s Seattle Seahawks, Olympic medalists, MVPs from major sports, world record holders, musicians, and corporate leaders. Beyond this, he hosts the instructive Finding Mastery Podcast and has been featured by every major media outlet. Today’s conversation delves into Dr. Gervais’ transition from working with athletes to corporate leaders, emphasizing the power of vision and imagination, mental skills, the pervasive Fear of People’s Opinions, and the profound concept of purpose. I hope this conversation proves educational and formative on your intellectual journey. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Timeline Nutrition: TimelineNutrition.com/RICHROLL Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RICHROLL Momentous: livemomentous.com/RICHROLL Go Brewing: GoBrewing.com/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

22 Jan 20241h 59min

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 meaningful and aesthetically resonant manner while giving ink to the intricacies that proved profoundly challenging to articulate. What began as a daily journal evolved into Life, Interrupted, an Emmy award-winning column and video series showcased in The New York Times, chronicling Suleika’s experiences from her hospital bed.  Our conversation today revolves around her leukemia diagnosis at a young age, the relinquishment of independence and identity in the throes of illness, the transformative power of writing as both agency and healing, and the embrace of the tumultuous and uncertain in-between space that defines life post-illness. We also discuss her newly intimate Netflix documentary, American Symphony—a beautiful exploration of Suleika and her husband, John Batiste’s lives individually and together.  This is exchange is about what it means to live a creative life, to be in a creative, collaborative relationship, and how mindfully to navigate hardship.  I hope it will be a wellspring of inspiration for you. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: LMNT: drinkLMNT.com/RICHROLL ROKA: roka.com/RICHROLL AG1: drinkAG1.com/richroll This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

15 Jan 20241h 55min

What if we framed midlife not as a crisis but as a transformative chrysalis—a liminal period where profound awakenings unfold? What if we saw it as an opportunity to shed old layers, unfurl our wings, and share the pollen of our wisdom with the world? Guiding us from pupa to butterfly, we have the Monarch himself, Chip Conley.  Returning to the show for the second time (Chip first appeared on episode 681), Chip founded the Modern Elder Academy, the pioneering midlife wisdom school dedicated to transforming aging. He is also a New York Times bestselling author. In his latest book, Learning to Love Midlife: 12 Reasons Why Life Gets Better with Age, Chip retools conventional notions of life in our 40s, 50s, and 60s. Drawing from the latest social science research, moving anecdotes, and enduring wisdom, he unveils 12 compelling reasons why life becomes more prosperous and fulfilling as we age. Today’s conversation revolves around how we conceptualize and define life stages, the concept of Age Fluidity, the age curve of happiness, and the importance of cultivating regenerative communities. We also explore Chip’s personal journey with cancer, the distinction between showing up and showing off, the role of being a conduit for ideas and collaboration, the essence of being a Modern Elder, the concept of age apartheid, and the value of generational dinners. For individuals seeking to infuse greater purpose and satisfaction into their professional journey, especially those who have dedicated a significant portion of their career to a specific path and are now pondering fresh opportunities, this conversation is a must-listen. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Bon Charge: boncharge.com/RICHROLL  On: on.com/RICHROLL Whoop: join.whoop.com/roll.  Eight Sleep: EightSleep.com/RICHROLL  AG1: drinkAG1.com/richroll Peace + Plants, Rich

11 Jan 20241h 59min

Through the years, I’ve maintained transparency about my journey with alcoholism—a label I’ve embraced in the solitude of self-discovery. However, this characterization doesn’t resonate with most individuals. The majority of drinkers engage in a marginally excessive indulgence in alcohol. While this behavior may not be catastrophic in the traditional sense, it does raise discernible concerns. The persistent hangovers, lethargy, and resulting melancholy it begets become tiresome. The desire to desist is tangible, but the seamless integration of alcohol into social and professional settings renders the prospect of abstention seemingly insurmountable. Today’s guest found himself ensnared within precisely this behavior pattern. Ruari Fairbairns is a former oil broker from London who—after a falling out with booze—decided it was time to put the plug in the jug. The benefits were so profound that he later walked away from his career in finance to become a full-time advocate for an alcohol-free lifestyle. Ruari, alongside collaborator Andy Ramage (featured in episode 444 in 2019), co-founded a pioneering institution, One Year No Beer, in 2015, a subscription-based bastion of sobriety with over 100,000 global members. Beyond his role as co-founder, Fairbairns co-authored the UK bestseller The 28-Day Alcohol-Free Challenge. He also co-hosts the One Year No Beer Podcast, guiding listeners on a journey of wisdom and sobriety. In this episode, we delve into the gradual transformation of society’s relationship with alcohol, dissecting the negative repercussions on both mind and body. We explore the need for heightened awareness around alcohol, challenging the traditional narrative and embracing a healthier relationship with it. Ruari guides us through compelling discussions on stress, trauma, ADHD, emotional sobriety, and the pivotal role of community in the transformative journey. As we welcome the New Year and the possibilities it presents, I offer this conversation as an encouragement to consider the many ways in which alcohol continues to interfere with your health, hopes, and dreams. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: On: on.com/RICHROLL Go Brewing: gobrewing.com/discount/richroll  Birch:https://bit.ly/birchliving AG1: DrinkAg1.com/RICHROLL Squarespace: Squarespace.com/RICHROLL Peace + Plants, Rich

8 Jan 20242h 20min

To welcome 2024, I'm joined by recurring podcast favorite Simon Hill—a nutrition expert, physiotherapist & host of The Proof podcast—to introduce The Living Proof Challenge: a no-cost, science-based, habit-building protocol designed to optimize your physical and mental well-being, reduce your risk of chronic disease, and promote longevity. This free 12-week challenge focuses on improving the most important markers with a sustainable structure stress-tested to uplevel well-being with staying power. Today Simon explains how the Living Proof Challenge works, the science he relied on to create it, and how it will inform your health, fitness, and longevity. We also discuss the 10 most important biomarkers for long-term health, the four key systems of the body this challenge is designed to address, and how you can optimize this challenge based on your own unique biology. Now is the time to take action for yourself. New habits are the product of new decisions coupled with the best tools. And Simon has provided us with just that. The Living Proof Challenge begins on February 1st, 2024. To learn more and sign up, CLICK HERE. Show notes + MORE Watch on YouTube Newsletter Sign-Up Today’s Sponsors: Inside Tracker: InsideTracker.com/RICHROLL Eight Sleep: EightSleep.com/RICHROLL Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/RICHROLL AG1: DrinkAg1.com/RICHROLL BetterHelp: BetterHelp.com/RICHROLL Plunge: Plunge.com Peace + Plants, Rich

1 Jan 20242h 26min