Hooked on the First Line: The Sensual Syntax of Nabokov's 'Lolita,' 'Ada,' and 'Laughter in the Dark'
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
The Making of a Legend: How a Criminal Became a Champion | Frank Shamrock
Frank Shamrock calls himself "The First Super Athlete" in the sport of Mixed Martial Arts (MMA). Some might say that Frank lacks humility, but he was the first UFC Light Heavyweight Champion and retired undefeated from the organization. He revolutionized MMA and went deeper than anyone else, studying the body and optimizing his performance. While others focused on technical fighting, Frank dug into the biomechanics and became a force to be reckoned with.But get this, Frank didn't start off as a fighter. Actually, he found MMA while he was in jail at the tender age of 11. Frank had left his abusive home and turned to crime as a way to protect himself and get out of his situation. Sad, but true.Fast forward a bit, and Frank is in prison at 17 for 3 and a half years. That's when he had his big "aha" moment. He realized that he had ruined his life with 20 felonies, no education, and a baby to support.Frank understood that he had hit rock bottom, but he wasn't going to let that hold him back. He learned that changing his mindset and taking action was the first step to rebuilding his life. Now, Frank is an inspiration to all of us.A former criminal who became a champion, Frank Shamrock's journey and lessons can inspire anyone, whether they're fighters or not. It's all about having the right mindset and taking action to overcome any obstacle.Links and Resources:Follow Frank on TwitterCheck out Frank's WebsiteAlso Mentioned:"Bound by Blood" DocumentaryEgo is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday------------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.
1 Sep 20231h 11min
Deciphering the Global Economic Puzzle | David Rubenstein
What's really going on in the world economy? James Altucher turns to David Rubenstein-manager of the Carlyle Group, one of the world's most significant private equity funds-for answers. With half a trillion dollars in investments and a deep involvement in the global economy since the '70s, David offers unparalleled insights into pressing questions like the future of the U.S. dollar, oil markets, and potential recessions. The conversation doesn't just skim the surface; it dives deep into the mechanics of financial systems, interest rates, and unemployment figures. Whether you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or someone simply trying to understand the economic maze, this episode promises a comprehensive look at where things stand and where they might be headed.------------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.
30 Aug 202339min
Hooked on the First Line | 'One Hundred Years of Solitude' with Cal Fussman
James Altucher is back, this time with an exciting new sub-series called "Hooked on the First Line," where he and his guests dive deep into the world of storytelling through the lens of a novel's opening sentence. Today's episode kicks off with Cal Fussman, an expert storyteller and interviewer, as they explore the first lines of "One Hundred Years of Solitude" by Gabriel García Márquez and "The Satanic Verses" by Salman Rushdie.Imagine if you could predict a book's richness, complexity, and emotional highs and lows just by its first line. James and Cal explain why a well-crafted first line is like a seductive whisper inviting you into a world that you'll never want to leave. They go on to discuss how these opening lines are a microcosm of the themes, characters, and questions that the book poses. In this episode, you'll gain insights not only into the craft of writing but also into the art of storytelling itself-how it captures our attention, holds us hostage, and ultimately transforms us.------------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.
26 Aug 202319min
Unmasking Shadows with Chuck Palahniuk | Fight Clubs, Killer Families, and Deep Reflections
In this candid episode, James Altucher welcomes back Chuck Palahniuk, a guest who never ceases to inspire introspection long after the conversation has wrapped. As they unpack the twisted humor and darkness of Palahniuk's new book, "Not Forever, But for Now", listeners are invited into a world of professional killer families and the burdens shouldered by young successors. But it doesn't end there. In an episode filled with profound insights and electric dialogues, James and Chuck paint a vivid tapestry of how writing mirrors life, its joys, and its abysses.------------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.
22 Aug 20231h 8min
Locked In & Breaking Out | Ian Bick - Part 2
By age 21, Ian Bick's life took a sharp detour from the world of nightclubs and parties to the harsh realities of prison and 'Diesel Therapy'. The disorienting experience of being constantly moved from one correctional facility to the next was just the beginning. Ian opens up about the mental and emotional challenges of enduring six long months in solitary confinement, an experience that could break even the most resilient. Yet, his spirit wasn't quashed.Emerging from his prison sentence, Ian navigated his return to society, a world that was vastly different from the one he remembered. In the digital age, he discovered new platforms to tell his story, eventually launching his hugely popular YouTube channel, "Locked In with Ian Bick". His candid tales of life behind bars, coupled with his insights on personal growth and redemption, also resonated with the masses on TikTok and Instagram. Dive deep into the second chapter of Ian Bick's life, exploring the dark corners of his past and the bright lights of his present, only on the James Altucher Show.Watch Ian's Podcast on YouTube: Locked In with Ian BickListen to Ian's Podcast: Locked In with Ian Bick | Podcast on SpotifyVisit Ian's Website: Ian Bick------------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.
17 Aug 202336min
Risky Business: A Teen, A Nightclub, and a Ponzi Scheme | Ian Bick - Part 1
Before he could legally drink, Ian Bick was already in the thick of the nightclub scene, not as a patron, but as the owner of Tuxedo Junction in Connecticut. Drawing from the excitement of youthful partying, Bick's events were anything but your typical high school get-togethers. But when the glitz started to fade, and the revenue wasn't flowing as he'd imagined, desperation knocked on his door. Instead of seeking advice or potentially shutting down, Bick veered down a dangerous path, one that entangled him in a web of deceit, old debts, and new investors. On this episode of the James Altucher Show, hear from Ian Bick himself - how youthful ambition can quickly take a wrong turn, and how a teenager found himself running a $500,000 Ponzi Scheme. From the highs of Tuxedo Junction to the lows of a prison cell, Bick's tale is a cautionary one, now featured on HBO Max's "Generation Hustle."Listen to Ian's Podcast: Locked In with Ian Bick | Podcast on SpotifyVisit Ian's Website: Ian Bick------------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.
15 Aug 202351min
Beyond Stars and Conspiracies | A Cosmic Chat with Brian Keating
Ever wondered just how vast our universe truly is or if there's any truth to those compelling space conspiracies? In this episode of the James Altucher Show, James sits down with Brian Keating, a renowned astrophysicist, to delve deep into the cosmos. They chat about the groundbreaking findings from the James Webb Space Telescope, providing an intriguing glimpse into the universe's origins. But it's not all about distant galaxies; James throws in some of the most captivating space-related conspiracies he's come across, and with Brian's expertise, they sift fact from fiction. Plus, tune in to hear about the recent developments in the world of superconductors and the possibility of a room-temperature stable variant.From the enigma of extra-terrestrial life to the truth about the universe's beginning, this episode promises to be a blend of scientific insight and casual banter. Whether you're a science enthusiast or just someone who loves a good conspiracy theory, there's something in it for you!https://BrianKeating.com/listhttps://twitter.com/DrBrianKeatingBrian's Books and Brian's Blog, Listen to the Into The Impossible podcast,Check out Brian's YouTube channel, with a following of 140k followers and growing. ------------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.
10 Aug 20231h 32min
