Ep. 229 - Brandon Webb: Becoming The Master of Your Own Fate

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 the SEC.Whether it's navigating the world of high-stakes private equity or working on Capitol Hill, the wisdom Chris has gleaned is universally applicable. The episode concludes with a stirring performance of Duke Ellington's "Take the A Train," connecting the dots between the joy of whistling and the fulfillment of a life well-lived. Don't miss this episode that not only provides a blueprint for creating a life of wealth, health, and happiness but also encapsulates the multifaceted nature of success.-----------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 jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------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 PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------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.

21 Sep 20231h 7min

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 art has brought Chris "more joy than he could have ever imagined."This conversation sets the stage for part two, where James and Chris will discuss Chris's latest book, "Four Billionaires and a Parking Attendant." But for now, enjoy this deep dive into an art form that's both ancient and modern, simple and intricate, and understand how Chris Ullman has built a life around spreading joy and inspiring others to find their own "whistle."-----------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 jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------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 PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------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.

19 Sep 202340min

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 suicide to save the planet?" and "Given the choice only for immediate death or immortality, which would you pick?" These thought-provoking questions elevate the episode from a simple discussion on legacy to a broader contemplation of life, death, and the ethical considerations in between.Whether you've contemplated your own legacy or never given it a second thought, this episode offers a compelling dive into what it means to leave something behind, the cost of doing so, and the moral complexities that come with it. A must-listen for anyone pondering the bigger questions of life.------------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 jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------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 PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------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.

16 Sep 202339min

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 while thriving in a range of creative endeavors.The episode is a smorgasbord of topics: creativity, food, anxiety, and business. It's an inspiring and refreshing talk that tackles not only the taste buds but also the heart and mind. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur, a foodie, or someone who struggles with anxiety, this episode will offer a hearty serving of inspiration, coupled with a dash of mental health awareness.------------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 jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------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 PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------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 Sep 20231h 3min

Chris Tucker is a former air traffic controller who was working in New York City on 9/11. Tucker spent the whole day trying to keep the passengers of two hijacked planes safe. This episode is his story. It's heroic, and it saved lives. But as Chris says, "I was just doing my job."Episode Notes:I welcome Chris Tucker on the show. The reason I had him on is because I heard him speak at an event. And it was riveting. Chris spoke about his personal experience trying to keep the passengers of two hijacked planes safe - [2:55]I tell Chris my experience that morning. I was a hedge fund manager. It was one of the most beautiful days in New York City. I saw the plane. And my business partner thought it was the president. The plane flew over us. Everyone ducked. It was so loud. And so fast. And we watched the plane go right into the building - [4:06]Chris says why he became an air traffic controller - [6:56]Why New York City is too stressful to live in - [8:02]How Chris' solo sailboat trip gave him clarity. And helped him see what he wanted to do with his life. He said, "The nice thing about being in the middle of the ocean with no one else around you is that you can find some clarity that for some bizarre reason is not attainable when you're in the normal world." - [8:57]I ask "How long does it take to get a pilot's license?" He breaks down the process. - [9:54]"Flying is, in general, very safe, but that having been said, airplanes can find ways to kill you that you can't even dream of." - [12:18]Chris' scariest moment aboard a plane. He says it was very similar to what happened to JFK Jr. - [12:32]How Chris transitioned from pilot to air traffic controller - [16:37]I ask Chris, "How close can two jets get before they start to affect each other?" - [19:33]Chris gives an example of how two aircraft accidentally impacted each other. And caused turbulence. "That aircraft had to make an emergency landing. But that's extremely rare," he said. [22:13]Chris Tucker's training: he does 3 months and is in the top 40%. He moves to New York and starts apprenticing. It took 3 and a half years to become fully certified. "And the very first day was terrifying." - [22:45]Chris gives some background information. This helps set the setting for September 11. So we can understand what makes being an air traffic controller so stressful - [23:40]How private jets and small planes impact regular planes - [26:33]Why there's a 0% chance I'll get a pilot's license... Chris tells a story about a time he almost crashed directly into another plane - [29:20]In 1981, Ronald Reagan fired 11,345 air traffic controllers who had a union strike. I ask Chris, "Why did he think he could do that? And why did we survive that?" - [32:06]Chris Tucker starts to tell us about his day on September 11, 2001 - [33:58]Chris was working departures out of JFK airport. And he explains the structure he has to follow to make sure arrivals and departures don't conflict with each other - [34:45]"I had a lot of work to do," Chris says as he explains the number of planes he has to vector before ever learning about the hijacked planes - [37:20]The moment Chris finds out there's a hijacked plane... - [39:13]Everyone was experiencing denial. Chris explains why they didn't believe there was a real hijack at first... and how that changed - [40:00]The controllers in Boston could hear the hijackers making announcements to the passengers - [41:12]Things change... the hijackers turn off their transponder. "Now we can't see the altitude the aircraft is broadcasting." - [43:01]I ask if the military could have intervened in any way. - [45:03]"One of the flight attendants on board called American Airlines and told them that the aircraft had been hijacked and that they had murdered the pilots." - [46:23]Chris says what they thought the hijackers were going to do... and why they didn't think a crash was possible... See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

12 Sep 20231h 41min

Step into the world of the 1987-88 NBA season with author Rich Cohen as he discusses his new book, "When the Game Was War: The NBA's Greatest Season," with James. In this seminal season, Hall of Famers spanned the entire history of the league, from Kareem Abdul Jabbar, who played with players that existed before the NBA, to young talents like Reggie Miller and Scotty Pippen. It was also the time when Cohen fell in love with pro basketball, ignited by game six of the 1988 NBA Finals. The Detroit Pistons were on the brink of closing out the Lakers and making history, but Isaiah Thomas had other plans. Despite rolling his ankle, he delivered a performance for the ages, scoring an incredible 25 points in the third quarter alone-a playoff record that still stands.The core of the book narrows down to four games that encapsulated the era's four dynasties-Magic Johnson's Los Angeles Lakers, Larry Bird's Boston Celtics, Isiah Thomas' Detroit Pistons, and Michael Jordan's Chicago Bulls. These teams went to "war" with each other, their skirmishes defining the era. By the time you get to the fourth game in the book, Cohen promises you'll know every player on the floor. This episode offers a deep dive into the emotional gravity of the season that connected fans like never before.Whether you're an ardent NBA follower or a casual fan, this episode with Rich Cohen is a must-listen. It will evoke nostalgia, inspire you with stories of perseverance and skill, and offer a masterclass on the art of storytelling and sports history.------------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 jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------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 PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------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.

7 Sep 20231h 12min

You've heard the saying, "Don't put all your eggs in one basket," but have you ever considered applying it to your career? James Altucher, a man of many hats-software guy, writer, standup comedian, and more-dives deep into this concept with Bruce Feiler, an author who has spent years researching people who have successfully made dramatic transitions in their lives. From discovering a new passion in your 40s to switching industries without a safety net, Bruce offers a practical guide for those ready to pivot and change direction. So, if you're tired of the straight and narrow and curious about carving out your unique zig-zag path, this episode is for you.Both James and Bruce challenge the conventional wisdom that says you must stick to one thing to be successful. They explore not just the 'why' but also the 'how' of life reinvention, drawing on real-life stories and actionable advice. Whether you're contemplating a career switch or just want to add more strings to your bow, tune in to find out how you can live a life less ordinary.Read Bruce's new book on the topic: The Search: Finding Meaningful Work in a Post-Career World------------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 jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------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 PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------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.

6 Sep 20231h 12min

Welcome back to "Hooked on the First Line," where James and master storyteller Cal Fussman dig deep into what makes the opening lines of novels so captivating. Today's focal point is the notoriously controversial but beautifully penned 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov. "Lolita, light of my life, fire of my loins. My sin, my soul. Lo-lee-ta: the tip of the tongue taking a trip of three steps down the palate to tap, at three, on the teeth. Lo. Lee. Ta." These opening lines are as alluring as they are unsettling, a fitting introduction to Nabokov's tale.The episode doesn't stop at 'Lolita'; it branches out into the first lines of Nabokov's 'Ada' and 'Laughter in the Dark,' showing that the author's skill in gripping the reader is not a one-off but a recurring theme in his work. James and Cal talk about the stylistic elements, the melody in the words, and the ethical conundrums posed right from the first sentence. How do these lines affect our perception of the characters and the unfolding story? And how does Nabokov manage to lure us into complex emotional landscapes with just a few words? Discover the craftsmanship behind some of literature's most iconic opening lines.------------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 jamesaltucher.com/podcast.------------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 PodcastsStitcheriHeart RadioSpotifyFollow me on Social Media:YouTubeTwitterFacebook ------------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.

5 Sep 202323min