833 - Trung Phan: Why are Doritos So Addictive!?

A Note from James:My main issue going into this conversation was simple: is there really that much fraud and waste in government? How does it happen, and who benefits? I approached this from a place of curiosity, not cynicism. And then I found DataRepublican. She’s built systems to track government spending, flagged insane misuse of funds, and all while navigating the world as someone who is deaf and fiercely independent. This isn’t a conspiracy theory episode—it’s a breakdown of how influence, lobbying, and bureaucracy create real financial black holes. I wanted to hear her personal journey, how she started digging into this, and what she’s discovered. I learned a ton—and I think you will too.Episode Description:James Altucher sits down with the anonymous data investigator known as "DataRepublican" to explore government waste, corruption, and influence networks that operate in plain sight. From bizarre examples of foreign aid spending to powerful NGOs and their entanglement with corporations and Congress, this episode unpacks how taxpayer money circulates through a tangled web of lobbying, insider boards, and private interests. DataRepublican also shares her origin story, from analyzing charities like the Girl Scouts to building AI tools that track federal awards—and the personal fallout of being doxed for her work. If you've ever wondered where your tax dollars actually go, this is an eye-opening conversation.What You’ll Learn:How private corporations use lobbying and advisory boards to steer government spendingWhy USAID and its partner NGOs may be central hubs for inefficiency and influenceThe real reason massive companies like Disney and Land O'Lakes receive taxpayer moneyHow DataRepublican’s AI tools help trace connections between government officials and private interestsWhat you can do to research and report suspicious spending yourselfTimestamped Chapters:[00:00] Introduction: Uncovering Government Waste and Fraud[00:43] The US Global Leadership Council (USGLC) and Its Influence[01:54] Corporate Funding and Government Aid[03:14] The Complex Web of Lobbying and Influence[08:03] Egregious Examples of Misallocated Funds[10:30] The Role of NGOs and Former Government Officials[18:26] Personal Journey: From Charity Analysis to Government Oversight[20:57] Exploring Government Fraud and Waste[22:07] Charity and Government Spending Issues[22:36] Department of Defense and Misallocated Funds[23:20] Congressional Conflicts of Interest[24:38] Social Security and Identity Issues[25:58] Personal Journey and Overcoming Challenges[26:53] Naked Wines Sponsorship[29:38] Future Projects and Doxing Incident[32:18] Addressing Government Waste and Solutions[35:14] Final Thoughts and Call to ActionAdditional Resources:DataRepublican on TwitterUSGLC: U.S. Global Leadership CoalitionUSAID (U.S. Agency for International Development)Naked Wines - Use Code “James”To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/JAMES and use code JAMES for both the code AND PASSWORD.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

30 Apr 41min

A Note from James:So I gave a little talk at the Full Stack Business Builder Conference. Basically, a conference for entrepreneurs, VCs, technologists, aspiring entrepreneurs. It was more of a Q&A, where the moderator, Peter Satton, asked me questions, but also took questions from the audience.A big concern for many people was, what if I have no qualifications at what I'm interested in doing? And I have to admit, I've probably never been qualified for anything I've ever done. I described how that's actually helped me achieve certain goals and ambitions of mine, even though I had no qualifications.I also talk about the importance of obsession—let's call it rational obsession—and how to find those things you're passionate about. Among other things, I shared a quasi-religious belief I hold dear and attribute much of my success to.I hope you have as much fun listening to this as I did talking about it. Definitely, there are some new and interesting stories, as well as experiences I wanted to share. Here it is.Episode Description:In this fireside chat recorded at the Full Stack Business Builder Conference, James Altucher addresses a fundamental concern for entrepreneurs: succeeding without traditional qualifications. James candidly explores his journey through immense financial losses and recoveries, emphasizing the critical role optimism and creativity have played. He shares practical insights into leveraging idea generation as a way out of depression and stagnation. James illustrates how choosing oneself, rather than waiting for validation, opens unprecedented opportunities. From starting businesses with no experience, to unexpected pivots that lead to multimillion-dollar successes, James underscores the power of actionable optimism and consistent discipline.What You’ll Learn:How rational optimism and creativity are key tools to overcome financial and emotional setbacks.The discipline of daily idea generation as a foundational practice for entrepreneurial success.The practical meaning of "choosing yourself" in a digital age where traditional gatekeepers are irrelevant.Strategies to effectively network by being useful, rather than asking for favors.Deciding when to persevere or pivot in business, guided by passion and market response.Timestamped Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to the Talk[01:48] Starting the Fireside Chat[02:36] Recovering from Financial Losses[05:24] The Power of Ideas[12:30] Choosing Yourself in the Modern World[19:13] Networking and Building Relationships[29:34] Maintaining Internal Integrity[32:46] The Importance of Sleep in Tournaments[33:26] Mental and Emotional Preparation[33:59] The Role of Luck and Probability[35:10] Networking and Socializing Strategies[35:49] Overcoming Introversion[36:39] Standup Comedy Journey[39:28] Starting a Business with Northwest Registered Agent[41:06] Passion for Standup Comedy[45:29] Building Meaningful Business Connections[49:58] Deciding When to Persevere or Pivot[58:03] Is College a Scam?[62:44] Conclusion and Final ThoughtAdditional Resources:Full Stack Business BuilderDan Carlin's Hardcore HistoryGeorge Lois – "Damn Good Advice (For People with Talent!)"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

25 Apr 1h 4min

A Note from James:Oh my gosh. This guy was thrown in jail for 65 years—and he deserved it. You'll hear about his crimes and misdemeanors. He started as a superstar quarterback, high school and college hero turned meth addict, and eventually became a hardcore RICO gang criminal. Sentenced to essentially life in prison, Damon's story is genuinely one of the most inspirational I've heard. He's got a bunch of books out—his latest, Six Dimes and a Nickel: Life Lessons to Empower Change, just came out and refers to the 65-year sentence he received. You need to read this book, which follows his memoir The Change Agent and The Coffee Bean, teaching a simple yet profound lesson about creating positive change. I could have talked to Damon forever about jail, prison fights, criminal life, meth addiction, and most importantly, the transformation that changed everything. By the way, this conversation will change your life, too—I really took a lot from his insights.Episode Description:Damon West was handed a 65-year prison sentence, effectively life behind bars, after spiraling from a promising college quarterback into meth addiction and becoming the leader of a burglary ring. This episode covers the dramatic highs and devastating lows of his journey, from his arrest and brutal introduction to prison violence to his profound transformation inspired by the "coffee bean" metaphor. James and Damon discuss deeply personal stories about addiction, identity, and redemption, offering listeners unique perspectives on overcoming profound adversity and using pain as a catalyst for extraordinary personal growth.What You’ll Learn:How identity can become an addiction, and strategies to rebuild after losing itThe "coffee bean" metaphor and how it can help you transform difficult situations into opportunitiesSpecific ways Damon earned respect and survived brutal prison conditions without joining a gangPractical insights from the 12-step recovery program applicable to anyone facing challenging circumstancesHow forgiveness and accountability can become powerful tools for personal changeTimestamped Chapters:[00:00] Introduction to Damon's Story[01:27] Damon's Early Life and Downfall[02:40] Life of Crime and Addiction[17:02] The Arrest and Trial[29:06] The Verdict: 65 Years in Prison[30:25] A Mother's Ultimatum[31:06] Advice from Muhammad[32:19] Surviving Prison Fights[39:33] The Coffee Bean Story[41:38] First Day in Maximum Security[49:00] Earning Respect on the Rec Yard[51:08] Spiritual Awakening and Self-Improvement[55:38] Understanding the Eighth and Ninth Steps[56:31] Living Amends: A Path to Redemption[58:49] The Impact of Crime and Seeking Forgiveness[1:03:56] The Power of Forgiveness[1:10:29] Lessons from Prison: Servant Leadership and Community[1:15:41] The Journey to Freedom and Beyond[1:18:02] The Coffee Bean Message: From Prison to Global Impact[1:24:54] Final Thoughts and ReflectionsAdditional Resources:Six Dimes and a Nickel: Life Lessons to Empower Change by Damon WestThe Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life Transformed His World by Damon WestThe Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change by Damon West and Jon GordonAlcoholics Anonymous: 12-Step Recovery Programdamonwest.org X/Instagram: @damonwest7See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

23 Apr 1h 32min

Notes from James:I don’t care if you’ve never written a word before—if you’ve lived, you have a story worth telling. The people who write the most impactful books aren’t the most famous or the best trained. They’re the ones who tell the truth with clarity and heart.In this episode, I show you how to do exactly that. You’ll learn how to structure your life story for emotional and commercial impact, and how to weave in other stories, research, and personal growth without losing the power of your own voice.Episode Description:This episode picks up where Part 1: Why You Should Write Your Autobiography left off. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I highly encourage you to go back and start there first—it lays the essential groundwork for what we’re doing here.In this (Part 2) episode, I walk you through how to identify the core of your story, pick the right style of memoir or hybrid book, and build your narrative around proven storytelling frameworks like the arc of the hero. I also introduce my “Six U’s” checklist for great autobiographical writing—so every page you write is unique, useful, urgent, unforgettable, uplifting, and universal.Whether you’re writing a classic memoir, a hybrid self-help book, or an autobiographical novel, this episode gives you the exact structure you need to make it work.Also—if you’re serious about writing and publishing your own book, check out my full course: Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days. It’s everything I’ve learned from writing over 25 books that have sold millions of copies.This is the blueprint I’ve used for every bestselling book I’ve written. You’ve got the raw material. Now it’s time to build.What You’ll Learn:How to turn intersecting life moments into a compelling narrativeWhy your story needs to follow the arc of the hero (and how to do it)The Six U’s of great memoir writing—and how to apply them on every pageHow to protect real people in your story without sacrificing truthWhy memory doesn’t matter as much as you think when writing your life storyHow to turn your autobiography into a nonfiction bestseller (with examples from Limitless, Choose Yourself, Atomic Habits, and more)Timestamps00:00 Introduction to Autobiographical Writing00:28 Finding Your Core Story01:34 Types of Autobiographical Works02:32 Example: Craig Stanley's 'Blank Canvas'05:24 The Hero's Journey in Autobiography14:23 The Six U's of Compelling Writing21:58 The Universality of Autobiographical Stories23:32 The Six U's of Autobiographical Writing25:03 Analyzing a Memoir: Prozac Nation26:31 Turning Your Autobiography into a Hybrid Book34:08 The Importance of Memory in Autobiography36:08 Ethical Considerations in Writing Autobiography39:55 Using AI for Research and Inspiration42:53 Final Encouragement and Next StepsBooks MentionedBlank Canvas by Craig StanleyThe Things They Carried by Tim O’BrienThinking in Bets by Annie DukeMan’s Search for Meaning by Viktor FranklThe Puzzler by A.J. JacobsExtreme Ownership by Jocko WillinkThe Power of No by James AltucherThe Liars’ Club by Mary KarrThe Art of Memoir by Mary KarrQuiet by Susan CainA Million Little Pieces by James FreyChoose Yourself by James Altucher13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy MorinLosing the Nobel Prize by Brian KeatingThe Art of Clear Thinking by Hasard LeeWhen Breath Becomes Air by Paul KalanithiProzac Nation by Elizabeth WurtzelLimitless by Jim KwikThe Talent Code by Daniel CoyleAtomic Habits by James ClearLove Yourself Like Your Life Depends on It by Kamal RavikantSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

18 Apr 44min

Notes from James:Here’s the truth: if my great-great-great grandfather had written anything—just 10 pages about his daily life—I’d treasure it like gold. And I promise, your great-grandkids will feel the same about your story.You don’t need to be a celebrity to write something that matters. You just need to be honest. Whether you're sharing how you survived grief, learned to say no, built new habits, or rebuilt your life after failure—your story could help someone else. And it could help you just as much.Episode Description:In this part one of a two-part episode, I walk you through the frameworks I’ve used in books like Choose Yourself and The Power of No, and show you how other authors—AJ Jacobs, Annie Duke, Susan Cain—infused autobiography into books that went on to change people’s lives.I also break down the different types of autobiographical books—from traditional memoirs and mini-memoirs, to autobiographical fiction and nonfiction hybrids—and I explain how bestselling books like Atomic Habits, The Puzzler, and Man’s Search for Meaning are all, at heart, autobiographies.This episode is part motivation, part masterclass in storytelling, and part therapy. If you’ve been sitting on a life story, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for.Oh, and yes, I’ll even give you writing prompts and reflection questions to help you actually start.I also created a book-writing course: How to write and publish a book in 30 days.If this episode gets you thinking, share it with someone who has a story to tell.What You’ll Learn: Why writing a memoir isn’t about being famous—it’s about being authentic How to turn life events, trauma, and setbacks into powerful narrative fuel The 5+ major types of autobiographical books (and how to pick yours) Why adding personal stories makes your writing more marketable, memorable, and meaningful The exact questions to ask yourself before you start writingTime Stamps00:00 Why Write an Autobiography?00:47 The Value of Personal History02:46 Memoirs and Mini Memoirs10:21 AI and Autobiographical Writing17:14 Unique Perspectives and Philosophies21:07 Opportunities Through Writing28:03 Defining Your Mission and Purpose30:22 Reflecting on Life's Important Events38:52 Overcoming Adversity and Difficult Situations45:16 Crafting Your Unique AutobiographyAdditional ResourcesHow to write and publish a book in 30 days.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

16 Apr 48min

A Note from James:I can't think of anything more boring to talk about than tariffs, but right now, I can't think of anything more interesting either. Tariffs are dominating the news, stock markets are crashing, and everyone is scared. Are tariffs good or bad? Is Trump wrecking the economy or saving it? I'm going to address these questions, looking at what tariffs aim to achieve, their impact on the economy, the stock market, inflation, and even Bitcoin. Let's set aside politics and try to understand what's truly happening.Episode DescriptionIn this episode, James Altucher takes a clear, unbiased look at the recent tariff measures, exploring their economic implications without the usual political spin. He explains the genuine reasons behind the tariffs, evaluates whether they’re achieving their stated goals, and breaks down how these measures compare to historical tariff actions. James also explores the surprising reactions from global markets and discusses why the current public fear might be overblown.What You’ll Learn:The real objectives behind the latest tariffs and whether they're likely to succeed.Historical insights on tariffs under previous presidents and their economic outcomes.How tariffs actually affect inflation, the economy, and your investments.The surprising truth about market fears and economic uncertainty indices.Practical insights on navigating your investments during times of economic turmoil.Timestamped Chapters:[00:00] Tariffs: The Most Boring Yet Interesting Topic Today[02:00] Uncertainty Index at Historical Highs[06:00] What Exactly Is a Tariff?[10:00] Trump's Goals with Tariffs Explained[15:00] Immediate Reactions from Global Partners[23:00] Interest Rates, Inflation, and Economic Implications[28:00] The Real Reason the Stock Market Is Falling[34:00] AI, Crypto, and Opportunities Despite the Market Drop[37:00] How to Invest During a Potential RecessionAdditional Resources:Federal Reserve Uncertainty IndexSmoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930"The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin GrahamNucor Steel CompanySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9 Apr 43min

A Note from James:Jay, remind me, I've gotta send this episode to my kids because I cannot believe what that guy just told us. Chris Hutchins, he has the "All the Hacks" podcast and so many interesting things at his website, allthehacks.com. But I don't like the word life hack. A lot of that stuff is just BS.But this was legit—from buying gold bars at Costco to making money off gift cards. He has so many weird, interesting financial and life hacks that can genuinely help you make a living and improve your life. It seemed like he was doing great with all this stuff. What you're about to hear is weird, interesting, and potentially financially lucrative—or at least thought-provoking.Let's start the episode.Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher sits down with Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast "All the Hacks," to uncover some surprising yet practical ways to enhance your financial life. Chris shares actionable tips that can genuinely increase your income, cut down costs, and shift your mindset around everyday decisions—without resorting to gimmicks. From arbitraging Costco gold bars and credit card rewards to smart relationship strategies and travel tricks, Chris offers practical solutions that anyone can start using immediately.What You'll Learn:How to make money arbitraging gold bars from Costco.Simple mindset shifts to improve your eating habits without feeling deprived.Why you should never pay full price at major retailers and how to consistently save money.How to efficiently leverage credit card rewards and cashback offers.A strategy to reduce relationship stress by changing how you "keep score" with your partner.Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Credit Card Insights01:06 Life Hacks and Personal Stories02:24 Mindset Shifts for a Better Life04:47 Travel Hacks and Airbnb Experiences06:16 Gold Arbitrage and Financial Strategies21:54 Gift Card Arbitrage and Credit Card Rewards36:55 Credit Card Strategies and Limits37:23 Creative Uses of Credit Cards and Points38:23 Gift Card Arbitrage and Business Ideas39:13 Early Entrepreneurial Ventures41:09 Career Shifts and Financial Hacks45:54 Unclaimed Money and Privacy Concerns52:42 Podcast and Newsletter Business01:01:05 Travel Agency Ventures01:05:49 Book Publishing Advice01:10:56 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsAdditional Resources:All the Hacks PodcastCostco Executive RewardsBilt RewardsGCX Raise – Gift Card MarketplaceCardPointers AppThe 80/80 MarriageDeleteMe – Privacy ServiceUnclaimed Money FinderThis episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/jamesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

4 Apr 1h 17min

A Note from James:Sahil Bloom is one of probably the wisest people I've had on the podcast. Young guy just wrote the book, The Five Types of Wealth, and he's talking about time wealth, social wealth, mental wealth, physical wealth, and of course, financial wealth. He’s developed content and techniques he's shared in his newsletter and on Twitter, offering concise, easy-to-understand ways for increasing your wealth in each of these categories. This episode has immense value—one I definitely plan to share with my kids.Sahil introduces this concept of asymmetry: small actions that yield outsized rewards, applicable across career, social, financial, mental, and physical wealth. Like consistently fetching coffee for your boss, leading them to trust you with larger responsibilities. It's these small but impactful steps that can dramatically improve your wealth in each category.Here's Sahil Bloom, author of The Five Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life.Episode Description:In this episode, Sahil Bloom breaks down his transformative ideas about wealth—going far beyond financial success to include time, social connections, mental health, and physical wellbeing. Sahil shares his personal journey from a lucrative career in private equity to discovering a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction. He emphasizes finding asymmetrical actions—small, manageable steps that can deliver significant positive changes. Listen to learn how Sahil redefined success, discovered his true north, and how you can too.What You’ll Learn:How to identify and leverage asymmetrical actions for massive gains in personal and professional life.Practical strategies for mapping out your strengths and passions to build a life filled with purpose.Why taking control of your physical health can immediately boost confidence and life direction.How genuine social connections profoundly impact your mental and emotional wellbeing.Concrete steps to redefine success on your own terms rather than society's.Chapters:[01:00] Leveraging Social Media for a Book Deal[03:00] Why Success Stories Are Often Misleading[06:00] The Authenticity Behind Sahil’s Writing[09:00] Grappling with the Finite Nature of Time[12:00] Realizing Time Wealth Through Personal Experience[17:00] Identifying Poverty in the Five Types of Wealth[22:00] Making a Radical Life Change[27:00] How to Find Your Purpose[31:00] Practical Steps for Finding Direction[36:00] The Power of Physical Activity[40:00] Creating Financial Wealth by Adding Value[47:00] Social Wealth: The True Measure of FriendshipAdditional Resources:The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil BloomSahil Bloom's NewsletterTim Urban’s "The Tail End" EssayCarlo Rovelli on the Nature of Time"Cool Runnings" Film QuoteThis episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/jamesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

2 Apr 1h 1min