[Bonus] - Ryan Deiss: How to Believe in Your Idea Enough to Take the First Step (and Other Business Advice)

A Note from James:For 20 years, I've been writing about how much I think people should not go to college, and that college is not the only solution for a career. It could be the worst solution because  tuition has risen faster than inflation every single year for the past 50 years.And why is that? Because student loans are a big scam and the government backs them, college presidents always know they're getting their money. They keep raising tuition even faster than society is raising the prices of anything else. James Keyes, former CEO of multibillion-dollar company 7-Eleven, has been CEO of many companies, including Blockbuster, and he wrote a book about the importance of education: Education is Freedom: The Future Is in Your Hands.So guess what? We decided to debate. And I'll admit I'm the sort of person who tends to agree with whoever the last person I speak to is, but he presented some very good arguments and I have to, I have to give them all credit for that. But I'll let you hear the conversation and it's well worth listening to, particularly if you've been wondering about this issue.So, here he is.  Let's talk about college.Episode Description:James and corporate leader Jim Keyes debate the relevance of a college education for career success, attributing rising tuition costs and impractical skill sets to modern colleges' downsides. The importance of degrees as a differentiator in the job market is emphasized, with the debate also covering emerging alternatives such as Google certificates. The two later shift to discuss learning and education in the context of business evolution, specifically detailing challenges faced by 7-Eleven in maintaining "freshness" and the role of technology in overcoming these. Episode Summary:00:00 The Value of College Education: A Conversation with James Keyes01:45 The Business of Convenience: The 7-Eleven Story04:52 The Evolution of Blockbuster and the Future of Streaming07:03 The Impact of Technology on Global Education08:42 The Importance of Learning and the Role of College08:50 The Debate: Is College Worth It?09:46 The Role of College in Career Advancement13:52 The Future of Education and the Global Economy21:47 The Power of Self-Investment and the Value of a Degree24:07 The Practical Reality of College Education29:16 The Entrepreneurial Path vs. College Education36:22 The Impact of Self-Doubt and the Confidence from Education37:51 The Role of Society in Learning38:18 The Importance of Discipline in Self-Learning38:45 The Social Aspect of Education39:02 The Value of Collaboration in Learning39:32 The Impact of Real-World Experience on Learning40:12 The Comparison Between Formal Education and Self-Learning41:31 The Role of Professors in Learning42:05 The Power of Self-Learning42:52 The Debate on College Degree vs Google Certificate46:11 The Importance of Broad Education49:14 The Future of Education01:02:25 The Impact of Fear on Learning01:08:23 The Future of Economy01:15:31 The Importance of Freshness in Business01:17:15 The Power of Knowledge ------------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 to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

27 Feb 20241h 19min

A Note from James:Civil war... Honestly, I had an Uber driver the other day and he asked me, in the middle of the drive, "Hey, do you have your go bag?" And I'm like, "What's that?" And he said when the civil war starts - "and it's going to start any day, definitely before the 2024 election," he said - "you need to have your go bag. So wherever you are, you can just go right up into the mountains. Put up your tent, get your plasma lights, get your almond butter and seeds and honey. And you better learn how to like forage for vegetables and hunt and start a fire." I'm like, "What are you talking about?" And he pointed to the passenger seat next to him.He had a go bag ready in the Uber car. He said it could happen anytime where he just can't, you can't go back to the city. You can't go back to your home because the Civil War has started. And I got nervous. I think as I get older, I really don't want the status quo to change that much. And, there's a movie coming out, "Civil War", Texas and the federal government are having these conflicts and you're about to hear more about that.So let's get right into it...A few years ago, a guy who's a regular guest on the podcast - has been since 2014. I can't believe this is the 10th year I'm doing this, but I love doing it. But one of my first guests, anyway, he came on in 2020, he said, "James, you're hearing it from me. Now there's going to be a civil war."I said, "no way it's impossible," but now it's like in the news. I still don't believe there's going to be any kind of civil war at least one where people are shooting at each other with guns, which sounds ridiculous to me, but now at least it's the, in the public discussion and there's a movie coming out and people are nervous about this upcoming election.So here we go. Tucker Max, coming back on the show to explain a little bit more why he predicted this, what he predicts now, and what will lead up to a potential civil war in 2024. The conversation didn't make me that happy, but I always prefer to be informed than not informed. So here we go. Episode Description:Tucker Max discusses a civil war prediction within the United States, made by an Uber driver who believes it would happen before the 2024 election. Max talks about the current political climate and the possible scenarios that could lead to a civil confrontation, mentioning that the war has already started in some respects. He also discusses the recent developments with states ignoring federal mandates or creating their own laws, leading towards a more decentralized form of governance. Additionally, the conversation shifts to personal memoirs, where Max discusses his work teaching others how to write memoirs and understanding their truths. He suggests that memoir writing is a constant process of truth discovery and self-acknowledgement. Episode Summary:00:08 Introduction: An Unexpected Conversation with an Uber Driver01:23 The Civil War Prediction: A Guest's Insight02:47 Interview with Tucker: A Deep Dive into Predictions02:59 The Texas Scenario: A Civil War Starting Point03:31 The Cultural Divide: Left vs Right04:28 The Communist Threat: A Discussion on Ideologies08:20 The Shift in American Politics: A Historical Perspective11:17 The Border Crisis: A Constitutional Battle14:50 The Future of America: Predictions and Possibilities29:57 The 2024 Election: A Potential Flashpoint32:14 The Power of Propaganda and Tribalism33:12 The Shocking Reality of COVID-1933:48 The Ongoing Civil War38:14 The Future of Elections and the Potential for Conflict41:47 The Collapse of Empires and the Importance of Community43:12 The Current State of Safety and the Fragility of the System49:01 The Importance of Self-Reliance and Personal Responsibility57:37 The Challenges of Writing a Memoir01:02:00 The Power of Truth in Memoir Writing01:04:28 The Launch of the Memoir Mastermind ------------What do YOU think... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

22 Feb 20241h 7min

A Note from James: ?Sometimes I think I'm a pretty good communicator, but sometimes I'm just awful. It's really important to have good skills at communicating - I've done lots of kind of communicating. I've been a public speaker. I've been in sales. I've been an entrepreneur. I've been a standup comedian and I've been a podcaster, but my biggest communications have been with writing and you really always have to put yourself in the shoes of the other person.Fortunately, I just read an incredible book - I highly recommend it -  called Supercommunicators by my good friend, Charles Duhigg. You've previously seen him on the podcast for Smarter Faster Better and his book The Power of Habit.All of his books have been great. But this one just blew me away. I invited him on the podcast. And I had a ton of questions for him. And here he is. Episode Description:The discussion navigates Charles Duhigg's transition from The New York Times to The New Yorker and how it shaped his perspective on communication. He introduces the concept of practical, emotional, and social conversations and how understanding these can improve one's communication proficiency. The conversation also addresses the importance of systematizing communication and how pre-preparation lessens anxiety. Key highlights include the art of negotiation, maintaining a nonjudgmental attitude, and harnessing curiosity for effective interaction. Duhigg also introduces his book 'Supercommunicators', a culmination of three years of work, where he explores these principles in detail. The program encourages audience interaction and asserts that everyone can become a 'supercommunicator' with awareness and technique. Episode Summary:00:01 Introduction and Career Transition to The New Yorker01:18 The Writing Process and Balancing Multiple Projects01:49 The Journey of Writing 'Supercommunicators'02:08 The Art of Writing Books and Stories02:46 Personal Growth and Self-Improvement03:24 The Struggle of Communication and Its Importance04:49 Understanding Different Types of Conversations05:52 The Power of Matching in Conversations07:12 The Role of Authenticity in Communication08:16 The Art of Asking Deep Questions09:35 The Impact of Authenticity and Vulnerability in Conversations13:39 Navigating Difficult Conversations15:16 The Power of Understanding in Conversations22:10 The Art of Recruiting in the CIA29:10 The Importance of Authenticity in Difficult Conversations39:49 Understanding the Power of Communication40:27 The Art of Active Listening40:53 The Importance of Genuine Understanding41:15 The Power of Perspective Sharing41:28 The Impact of Authenticity in Communication41:56 The Role of Empathy in Difficult Conversations42:57 The Pitfalls of Trying to Convince Others43:02 The Power of Motivational Interviewing43:51 The Importance of Shared Concerns in Communication44:37 The Power of Facts in a Common Ground45:07 The Role of Neural Entrainment in Communication45:21 The Power of Connection in Communication45:38 The Importance of Genuine Conversation in Relationships47:50 The Power of Self-Awareness in Communication49:02 The Role of Communication in Influencing Others51:08 The Importance of Understanding Communication Channels53:36 The Power of Authenticity in Online Communication56:22 The Role of Communication in Public Speaking59:07 The Power of Curiosity in Communication01:12:14 The Importance of Respect in Communication01:16:25 The Role of Communication in Building Relationships01:17:56 The Power of Communication in Personal Growth ------------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 to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

20 Feb 20241h 22min

Episode Description:The podcast episode of 'My Favorite Things' explores various movies such as 'Lean on Me' and 'Argyle', and TV series like 'pen15' and 'Atlanta'. James also shares two websites, ACX and Text Broker, recommending them as platforms to earn money from home. The discussion transitions to financial freedom and the concept of having a 'number' for comfort in life. Jay and James suggest people consider how to grow their wealth through calculated investments for a more secure future. They conclude the episode with book recommendations for gaining financial freedom and better decision-making.Episode Summary:02:20 Introduction to My Favorite Things02:43 Movie Recommendation: Lean on Me03:00 Appreciation for Bill Withers05:07 Movie Discussion: Argyle06:26 Reflections on Technology and Outsourcing07:00 Exploring Spy Comedy Films08:00 Movie Recommendations Continued10:02 TV Series Recommendations: Pen15 and Atlanta17:58 Exploring Online Money-Making Opportunities23:34 Discussing the Book 'How to Satisfy a Billionaire'27:36 Experimenting with Writing and Publishing32:27 Reviewing 'How I Found Freedom in an Unfree World'33:34 Understanding the Concept of 'Boxes' in Life37:59 Exploring Other Interesting Reads39:01 Discussing Personal Financial Goals41:21 Calculating the 'Retirement Number'50:14 Understanding the Importance of Investing51:02 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward ------------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 to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

17 Feb 202446min

Episode Description: Jeremy Ryan Slate delves into the history of Ancient Rome, dissecting the transition from Republic to Empire, and the events that unfolded during the era. He also discusses the lives and reigns of significant figures like Julius Caesar, Marcus Aurelius, and Augustus. Jeremy makes comparisons to modern America, highlighting lessons that can be learnt relating to monetary policy, government structure and wealth distribution. They also explore narratives around power, perceived freedom and its restrictions, and the link between upward mobility and satisfaction in a nation's citizens.Links:Command Your Brand: bestpodcastbook.comJeremy Ryan Slate - YouTubeThe Create Your Own Life Show on Apple PodcastsJeremy Ryan Slate | Top-Rated Podcaster | PR ExpertEpisode Summary:00:00 Introduction and Apologies00:06 Discussing Email Overwhelm02:01 YouTube Success and Challenges02:37 Exploring JFK Assassination Theories09:30 Unraveling the Mystery of the Roman Empire10:07 Diving into Alexander the Great's History28:59 Understanding the Wealth and Power of Rome30:03 The Art of Propaganda and Ruler Worship30:43 The Influence of Literature in Shaping Perception31:09 The Tactics of Pompey and Caesar31:59 Augustus: The Master of Positioning32:39 The Expansion of Rome: Republic vs Empire33:04 The Impact of Hadrian's Wall33:57 The Fall of the Western Empire34:23 The Longevity of Rome and the US in Comparison34:48 The Mystery Years of the US35:17 The Importance of Narrative in History37:12 The Decline of the US and the Roman Empire: A Comparison38:01 The Crisis of the 3rd Century45:38 The Fall of the Byzantine Empire48:39 The Impact of Modern Economy on Masculinity51:04 The Importance of Upward Mobility in a Society51:52 The Role of Monetary Policy in an Empire's Stability54:20 The Future of the US Economy  ------------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 to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

14 Feb 202458min

In this podcast episode, James Altucher is joined by Jay "The Engineer" Yow to share their favorite things, covering diverse themes including his favorite TV show, Instagram accounts, AI websites, Kung Fu movies, Twitter accounts, books, comedians, and much more. He discusses the details of why these particular favorites have made an impact on him and why he recommends checking them out. Co-host Jay also chimes in with his favorite sitcom and Kung Fu film.  Here are the links that you should check out!Favorite IG Accounts: @emonthebrain and @codiesanchezFavorite AI Websites: Suno.ai and pixite.aiFavorite Books: Jesus' Son by Denis Johnson, and Creativity by Mihaly CsikszentmihalyiFavorite Mashup: Wu-Tang Clan x Led Zeppelin  by Curious GeorgeFavorite Kung Fu Movies: Ip Man 1, 2, 3, 4Favorite Comedian: Greer Barnes Also, check out the episode with Codie Sanchez: How to Build Wealth Buying Boring Businesses | Codie Sanchez-------------00:00 Introduction to My Favorite Things00:31 My Favorite Social Media Accounts00:51 Discussion on Favorite Instagram Accounts02:57 Exploring Favorite Neuroscience Instagram Account04:41 Favorite Business Instagram Account06:18 Favorite YouTube Mashup08:00 Favorite AI Websites10:41 Favorite Comedian13:47 Favorite Twitter Account13:52 Favorite Books17:22 Favorite Kung Fu Movies22:33 Favorite AI Website Revisited24:45 Favorite Sitcoms25:57 Conclusion ------------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 to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

11 Feb 202426min

From James:  ?This guest  has sold  over a hundred million copies of his books. He's a thriller writer, he's a suspense writer, and his latest book, The Ghost Orchid: An Alex Delaware Novel just came out: Jonathan Kellerman. And I have to say this book  was riveting from the beginning to the end. You don't have to read any of his prior books to get completely what's happening. It's about a psychologist who also likes to solve crimes and Jonathan himself was a psychologist - he had a whole career in that, which he left behind when he started writing. We talk about everything from how to write a thriller to his career, the hard stuff along the way, and so much more. It was a great conversation and a great book.Here's Jonathan Kellerman. Episode Description:This podcast features Jonathan Kellerman, a bestselling author well-known for his Alex Delaware series, disclosing his transformational journey from a child psychologist to an acclaimed writer. He discusses his writing blueprint, emphasizing the importance of plot, pace, character development, themes, locations, time periods, and dialogue, and shares how he incorporates his psychology background to create suspenseful narratives. Kellerman shares enlightening insights on managing success and highlights that talent alone does not define successful writers. As a commentary on the rapidly evolving literary realm due to technological advances and shorter attention spans, Jonathan reflects on the struggles of transforming multifaceted novels into TV scripts and his inclination towards non-fiction as quintessential inspiration. More personally, he opens up about maintaining a balanced relationship with his wife, also a successful author.Episode Summary:01:00 The Art of Writing: From Office to Bestsellers02:08 The Journey of a Successful Author02:55 The Reality of Writing as a Career03:21 Transitioning Careers: From Psychology to Writing06:20 The Struggles and Triumphs of a Writer08:33 The Importance of Persistence in Writing11:42 The Art of Storytelling and Character Development14:48 The Challenges and Rewards of Writing18:38 The Impact of Personal Experiences on Writing21:47 The Role of Preparation and Discipline in Writing25:09 The Influence of Psychology on Writing27:50 The Unpredictability and Joy of Writing41:23 The Art of Character Development41:40 The Mystery of Motive: Writing a 'Why Done It'42:31 The Writer's Craft: Comparing Writing to Painting43:16 The Pressure and Pleasure of Writing a Series45:23 The Evolution of a Writer: From Fear to Publication47:33 The Influence of Age and Experience on Writing49:42 The Reality of Being a Bestselling Author51:45 The Power of Partnership: Writing as a Married Couple54:45 The Balance of Life, Work, and Writing01:06:53 The Unchanging Nature of Human Beings: A Writer's Perspective01:07:21 The Evolution of Reading and Writing in the Digital Age01:12:05 The Journey of a Writer: From Idea to Book01:14:50 The Ghost Orchid: An Alex Delaware Novel ------------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 to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

6 Feb 20241h 17min

From James: Oh, my God, I'm so excited about this, because Amy Morin she doesn't know it, but she's my therapist. Amy doesn't realize it, but whenever she comes on my podcast or I go on her podcast, it's like I'm going into a therapy session.Of course, you know her as the author of 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don't Do, sold millions of copies. She's been on my podcast five or six times or more, and I'm really happy this episode is her interviewing me from her podcast. And it's me having a therapy session. Here we go!Episode Description:In this episode of Mentally Stronger, Amy Morin engages in a spirited discussion with James about the concept of quests and their transformative potential. They discuss how engaging in a quest, whether it's learning a new skill, exploring a hobby, or pursuing a wild idea, can invigorate life, foster creativity, and build mental strength. They also highlight how quests are journeys of learning, personal growth, and potentially surprising benefits, even if the end goal is not achieved. Additionally, they explore the necessity of shifting and changing quests as needed and the compelling connections between quests and mental strength.Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to the Concept of Quests01:56 The Importance of Goals and Quests in Mental Strength03:23 The Role of Quests in Personal Growth04:43 Exploring the Concept of Quests with James Altucher05:23 Defining a Quest and its Impact on Life10:32 The Quest of Visiting Every State in the U.S.15:14 The Quest of Interviewing People at 3am19:01 The Quest of Returning to Chess28:25 The Power of Pursuing a Quest28:32 The Role of Passion and Experimentation29:50 Exploring the World of Forged Artworks30:58 The Impact of Quests on Personal Growth31:47 The Challenges and Rewards of Chess Mastery32:14 The Importance of a Positive Mindset33:28 The Value of Safe Practice and Failure33:52 The Joy of Personal Achievement34:10 The Role of a Trainer in Achieving Goals35:17 The Journey of Learning and Improvement37:09 The Intricacies of Pursuing a Quest46:37 The Unexpected Adventure of Buying Greenland53:18 The Therapist's Take on Mental Strength-Building StrategiesEpisode Summary: ------------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 to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple PodcastsiHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on social media:YouTubeTwitterFacebookLinkedIn See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

1 Feb 202458min