The James Altucher Show

A Note from James I’m really concerned about the level of discourse in this country. It’s almost a cliché to say that now, but especially after the Charlie Kirk assassination, the division feels overwhelming. I even got invited to speak at the Oxford Union—the most prestigious debate society in the world—but ultimately declined because I didn’t like how the whole situation was being handled. I can’t stand when anyone celebrates a death. Regardless of politics, it disturbs me. And every day, my social media feed is filled with more division and hatred. So I wanted to talk with Charles Duhigg. He wrote Super Communicators (now out in paperback) about how to actually connect with people in a world that seems torn apart. Even in a short conversation, I learned so much from him—things that made me think in new ways. Episode Description Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg (Super Communicators, The Power of Habit) joins James to explore how we can talk to each other in an age of polarization. From tragic political violence to everyday disagreements with family and friends, Charles explains why humans are wired for connection, how to ask better questions, and what it takes to turn conflict into understanding. This episode is a practical guide to becoming a better communicator—especially when the stakes are high. What You’ll Learn Timestamped Chapters Super Communicators Additional Resources Super Communicators by Charles DuhiggThe Power of Habit by Charles DuhiggCharles Duhigg’s website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James This is a crazy story. Martin Suarez holds the record for the longest continuous undercover assignment in FBI history. He went undercover as a cartel drug lord—smuggling billions of dollars’ worth of cocaine while posing as “Manny.” At one point, the story even starts with a gun to his head, convinced his cover was blown. The book Inside the Cartel: A True Crime Tale of Espionage, Undercover Operations, and a War Against Billionaire Drug Lords—co-authored with journalist Ian Frisch—captures it all. Martin’s voice may be difficult to catch at times because he’s been battling ALS, but every word is worth hearing. Ian also joins to help tell the story. This conversation had me on the edge of my seat. Episode Description Former FBI agent Martin Suarez spent more than a decade living undercover inside Colombian cartels. Known to the underworld as “Manny,” he laundered money, smuggled cocaine, and survived assassination attempts—all while secretly working for the U.S. government. In this episode, James sits down with Suarez and his co-author Ian Frisch to explore how an ordinary Navy veteran became the FBI’s ultimate undercover agent, why deception works in high-stakes negotiations, and what lessons from cartel infiltration apply to everyday life. What You’ll Learn Timestamped Chapters Additional Resources Inside the Cartel by Martin Suarez and Ian FrischIan Frisch’s journalism and other work See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Description Right after wrapping up their main conversation, James and Brian hit record again for a bonus session. What came out is an unfiltered talk on humility, arrogance, and the strange mix of traits needed to achieve great things. From the wisdom of the Talmud to the Dunning–Kruger effect, they explore why even Nobel Prize winners wrestle with imposter syndrome. James shares how writing books requires a mix of blind confidence and humility, while Brian connects scientific resilience to obsession, quests, and flow states. The two also talk candidly about the challenges of writing and publishing science books in today’s world—and Brian previews his bold new project exploring Jim Simons, “Chern–Simons Theory,” and the very arrow of time itself. What You’ll Learn Timestamped Chapters Additional Resources Brian KeatingOfficial WebsiteInto the Impossible: Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner (Volume 2)AmazonDonna Strickland – Nobel Prize in Physics 2018Nobel Prize BiographyCal Newport – Deep WorkAmazonAli Abdaal – Feel Good ProductivityAmazonRyan Holiday – Perennial SellerAmazonChern–Simons Theory (Mathematical Physics Overview)WikipediaJim Simons Biography (The Man Who Solved the Market)Amazon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Description James sits down once again with cosmologist Brian Keating—longtime friend of the show and author of Into the Impossible: Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner. In this candid conversation, they challenge each other’s views on focus, curiosity, and the trade-offs of staying in your lane. Brian shares behind-the-scenes lessons from interviewing Nobel Prize winners, the thinking behind his new “Keating Test” for AI, and why communication matters as much as discovery in science. This episode isn’t about self-help clichés. It’s about real-world insights you won’t hear anywhere else—whether it’s why guarding your time is the most important skill, how to use flow states to sharpen your career, or why great breakthroughs depend on questioning the work of those who came before. What You’ll Learn Timestamped Chapters Additional Resources Brian KeatingOfficial WebsiteInto the Impossible: Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner (Volume 2)AmazonInto the Impossible: Think Like a Nobel Prize Winner (Volume 1)AmazonLosing the Nobel PrizeAmazonDavid Goggins – Can’t Hurt MeAmazonSteven Pressfield – The War of ArtAmazonArthur BrooksFrom Strength to StrengthJim Simons Biography (The Man Who Solved the Market)Amazon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James I’ve been on and off writing. From 2004 to 2021, I wrote one to two books a year, without fail. Since then, nothing. But I’ve been working on an idea: obsession. When I’m not obsessed, I can’t do much—sometimes not even the basics. But when I am obsessed, I can turn that energy into real outcomes: a business, a book, a skill, sometimes success, sometimes failure. This episode comes from a recent conversation I had with the Ventura Labs team. We talked about obsession, but also about AI, crypto, and how those obsessions have led to building TAO Synergies ($TAOX), a public company on Nasdaq. I’d love to hear your thoughts: should I write this as a book? Reach out on Twitter or anywhere. Episode Description James Altucher joins the Ventura Labs Podcast to explore the link between obsession, creativity, and execution. From contributing to IBM’s Deep Blue in the 90s to co-founding TAO Synergies, James shares how obsessions with chess, AI, and crypto have shaped his life and career. The conversation covers the philosophy behind decentralized AI, the rise of treasury strategies, and why writing down ten ideas a day can change everything. This episode isn’t about trends—it’s about frameworks: how to spot real opportunities, how to build around them, and how to know when obsession is worth pursuing. What You’ll Learn Timestamped Chapters 02:1502:5806:2409:3411:4614:0916:5719:4122:02TAO Daily25:5129:3230:5935:4637:3640:0443:1746:1349:3453:5955:1757:1401:00:5601:03:4701:07:3301:10:423AM01:14:2601:17:38 Additional Resources @TAOSynergiestaodaily.ioNaval Ravikant@VenturaLabsPodcast See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James The man, the myth, the legend—Rick Harrison. You know him as the star of Pawn Stars, the reality show based on the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. The show has been running for over 21 seasons, and Rick himself has become the godfather of the pawn business. I even joined Rick and Chumlee on their own podcast, Pawn After Dark, which was a blast. On this episode, Rick shares the ins and outs of the pawn world—why he thinks it’s the best business model ever, how it’s really the oldest form of banking, and why every object in his shop is more than just an item—it’s a story. Episode Description Rick Harrison didn’t just create one of the most successful reality shows of all time—he’s spent decades running the world’s most famous pawn shop. In this episode, Rick and James explore why pawn shops have been a cornerstone of finance for centuries, how collectibles get their value, and why storytelling is the real currency behind every object. From Rolex watches to cowboy hats with mobster histories, Rick breaks down how he decides what’s valuable, how emotions shape the market, and why gold has remained the ultimate store of value for over 6,000 years. What You’ll Learn Pawn Stars Timestamped Chapters Pawn StarsPawn Stars Additional Resources Pawn StarsPawn Stars Official SitePawn After DarkPawn After DarkGold & Silver Pawn Shopgspawn.comCharlie Chaplin’sThe PawnshopSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James I’m honored to have today’s guest: Tristan de Montebello, a finalist in the World Championship of Public Speaking. He also co-founded UltraSpeaking (ultraspeaking.com/james), where he teaches techniques to improve communication through games and real-world practice. We even played some of those games during this episode, and they surprised me with how much they revealed about my own speaking. Public speaking isn’t just about giving a good talk—it’s about understanding who you are, what you stand for, and how you connect with others. I’ve been speaking for more than 25 years, but I’m still always looking for ways to improve. At the end of the day, sharing ideas—through writing, storytelling, or speaking—is how you can change the world. This conversation with Tristan is fascinating because he’s gone from zero experience to becoming one of the best in the world, all while reverse-engineering what it takes to truly connect with an audience. Episode Description How does someone go from a complete beginner to a world-class speaker in less than a year? Tristan de Montebello did exactly that—and in the process, he uncovered the strategies, mindsets, and training methods that make communication powerful. In this episode, James and Tristan break down the mechanics of storytelling, humor, vulnerability, and flow in speaking. They explore why audiences respond the way they do, how to use analogies to create connection, and why mindset is the foundation of every great communicator. Whether you’re on a stage, in a meeting, or simply trying to share an idea with friends, these lessons will change the way you approach communication. What You’ll Learn Timestamped Chapters Additional Resources UltraSpeakingultraspeaking.com/jamesToastmasters InternationalRich Dad Poor DadAmazon linkEight MileIMDbSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James What does it take to make a discovery that changes the world? Think about landing on the moon — a true moonshot. Along the way, countless technologies were invented that reshaped life back on Earth. My guest today, Astro Teller, has been part of that same kind of world-changing work. At X — Alphabet’s Moonshot Factory — he’s led projects that gave us self-driving cars, Google Brain, drone delivery, augmented reality with Google Glass, and much more. We even talk about quantum computing, drones that bring your groceries to your backyard, and the mindset it takes to believe in something that once sounded like science fiction. Astro and I first crossed paths when I visited Google X back in 2012 or 2013. He was on this podcast in 2015, and now, ten years later, he’s back to talk about his own show — The Moonshot Podcast — and the latest bold projects that could shape our future . Episode Description Astro Teller, Captain of Moonshots at Alphabet’s X, joins James to share how impossible-sounding ideas become real. From Waymo’s self-driving cars to Wing’s drones, from the birth of Google Brain to breakthroughs in quantum networking and modernizing electric grids, Astro explains the engineering mindset that drives innovation. This episode goes beyond technology — it’s about how to think like a moonshot maker. You’ll hear how X chooses projects, why systems engineering often matters more than pure science, and how to break down massive problems into solvable steps. What You’ll Learn systems engineering Timestamped Chapters Moonshot Podcast Additional Resources The Moonshot Podcast with Astro Teller (YouTube)X, the Moonshot FactoryWaymo (Self-Driving Cars)Wing (Drone Delivery)Google BrainProject Tapestry – Grid ModernizationPJM Interconnection (Eastern US Grid)Calico (Alphabet’s Longevity Research)Verily Life SciencesSandbox AQ (Quantum & AI)Carnegie Mellon University School of Computer Science See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James There’s always been debate about whether college is worth it. But what if there’s a better alternative—one that actually prepares you to become the person you want to be? My good friend Matt Smith just wrote a book with Doug Casey called The Preparation. It’s not theory—he’s been putting his own son through it as a real-world experiment. Instead of college, Maxim has spent the past two years learning skills like EMT training, firefighting, building houses, working cattle, and even launching a business. This is a practical roadmap for turning those years of 18–22 into a hero’s journey. I loved this conversation, and I’m sending the book to all of my kids. Episode Description James talks with entrepreneur and writer Matt Smith about his new book The Preparation, co-authored with Doug Casey. The book lays out a four-year alternative to college built around “cycles”—three-month intensive experiences designed to build practical skills, personal codes, and real-world wisdom. From earning an EMT license to fighting wildfires, training in Muay Thai, or running a small business, these cycles are designed to help young people become independent, capable, and resilient. James and Matt discuss why the traditional college path often fails, how to build a personal code of values, and why the future belongs to “expert generalists” who know how to learn across disciplines. What You’ll Learn personal codeexpert generalist Timestamped Chapters The PreparationThe Preparation Additional Resources Matt Smith & Doug Casey — The PreparationDoug Casey’s Take (Podcast)YouTube ChannelDoug Casey’s Official Siteinternationalman.comThe Shelter Institute (Learn to Build a House)shelterinstitute.comMuay Thai Training in Thailand (Example School)Santai Muay Thai GymFlorence Cooking School ExampleApicius International School of HospitalityStripe Press (Books mentioned by Matt)stripe.pressDoug Casey’s Classic Book — Crisis InvestingAmazonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Description James sits down with Case Kenny, author of The Opposite of Settling and host of New Mindset, Who Dis?, to talk about how our expectations around relationships shape the way we date and commit. Case shares the research, stories, and mindset shifts that helped him go from avoiding commitment in his twenties to finding fulfillment in a relationship that amplifies his independence. This episode challenges old narratives about “settling down” and offers a practical framework for building relationships that energize rather than diminish. What You’ll Learn liking gapdating to be seenplayfulness and humor Timestamped Chapters The Opposite of Settling Additional Resources Case Kenny — The Opposite of SettlingPenguinRandomhouse.comCase Kenny — Single Is Your SuperpowerNew Mindset, Who Dis?New Mindset, Who Dis?Apple PodcastsThe Gottman Institute — “Bids for Connection”Gottman InstituteResearch — “The Liking Gap”Clark Relationship LabExplainer — Peak–End RuleThe Decision LabCase Kenny on X (Twitter)@thecasekenny See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Description: Hosted by James Altucher (serial entrepreneur, bestselling author of "Choose Yourself," podcaster, hedge fund manager, chess master, and investor in over 20 companies, with expertise in crypto and AI) and Joseph Jacks (founder and general partner of OSS Capital, the world's first VC firm dedicated to commercial open-source software; early-stage investor in AI and open-source tech, previously Entrepreneur-in-Residence at Quantum Corporation). In the premiere episode, James and Joe explore Bittensor's decentralized AI ecosystem, contrasting it with centralized giants like xAI's Grok 4. They discuss subnets providing GPUs, datasets, and models; proof-of-useful-work mining; building custom AI agents; and Bittensor's potential to outpace Big Tech in achieving superintelligence. Plus, tokenomics, real-world apps, capitalism parallels, and bold predictions on TAO's future value. Key Timestamps & Topics: Key Takeaways: Resources & Links: Follow Hosts: @jaltucher & @josephjacks_ on X Subscribe for more on Bittensor subnets, AI building, and crypto trends! Leave a review and share your thoughts. #TheTaoPod #Bittensor #DecentralizedAI #TAO Today's Advertisers: ExpressVPN.com/ALTUCHERhttps://upliftdesk.com/jamesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: "Anatomy of a Con Artist. The 14 red flags to spot scammers, grifters, and thieves". This is a book—an amazing book—by Johnathan Walton. Check out his podcast Queen of the Con, and his new one Cocaine Air. We talk about both in this episode. But his book, Anatomy of a Con Artist, is just dead on. Johnathan shares how he got conned out of nearly $100,000 by someone posing as an Irish heiress. He breaks down not only that story but others—showing how all these professional con artists use the same tricks. The red flags are universal. And honestly, I’ve felt conned before. Reading this book really opened my eyes. The stories are incredible, and Johnathan’s a fantastic storyteller. You’ll hear it for yourself. Episode Description: James talks with Johnathan Walton—TV producer turned con artist hunter—about the psychology, tactics, and red flags of professional scammers. After being conned out of nearly $100,000 by someone posing as an Irish heiress, Walton went public, brought his scammer to justice, and began investigating other cases. Together, they unpack how emotion—not intellect—is the con artist’s favorite tool, and how even smart, skeptical people can be taken in. Walton explains the 14 red flags every scammer throws up, why victims rarely report what happened, and how shame and silence help cons thrive. Plus: the untold story of Walton’s family losing millions to a Jamaican Ponzi scheme, how Satanists helped him track a fugitive scammer, and why AI will never replace the twisted brilliance of the human con. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources with Working Links: BookAnatomy of a Con ArtistAnatomy of a Con ArtistAnatomy of a Con Artist Podcast: Queen of the ConQueen of the Con (Apple Podcasts) Podcast: Cocaine AirCocaine Air (Apple Podcasts) Movie: SharperSharper (Apple TV+)Sharper (Wikipedia page) Today's Advertisers: ExpressVPN.com/ALTUCHERhttps://upliftdesk.com/james See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: I was honored to be on the Smart Humans Podcast. I’m a big fan of the show, and I was happy they asked me on—especially since I got to talk about things I don’t usually cover here. We discussed my specific predictions for investments like Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tau, and stablecoin-related tokens like Curve and Aave. We also explored AI’s role across industries, habits that have helped me build and sell companies, and bad habits that cost me millions. This episode is packed with my thoughts on investing, crypto, AI, and the lessons from going broke—twice. I hope you enjoy this conversation as much as I did. Episode Description: In this special crossover episode, James Altucher joins Slava Rubin on the Smart Humans Podcast to talk investing, entrepreneurship, and the habits that make (and lose) fortunes. James shares his journey from early internet entrepreneur to hedge fund manager, bestselling author, and crypto investor—and the times he lost it all along the way. They dive into today’s hottest investment themes, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tau, stablecoins, and the intersection of crypto and AI. James also explains why he avoids bonds and real estate, the power of his “10 ideas a day” practice, and the economic trends he’s watching over the next three years. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Smart Humans PodcastWebsite@jaltucherChoose YourselfAmazoncurve.fiaave.comethereum.org Today's Advertisers: rugiet.com/JAMES JAMES15% offExpressVPN.com/ALTUCHERhttps://upliftdesk.com/jamesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: We kept recording because the conversation wasn’t done. Part 1 was about writing and honesty. Part 2? It’s about consequences—what happens when people believe their own hype, when we confuse being loud with being right, and when storytelling gets weaponized. Ryan Holiday has written about ego, stillness, and obstacles. But this part of the conversation gets at something deeper: what happens when power and narrative collide. And how do we live with integrity when the tools we use to create can just as easily be used to manipulate? Episode Description: In Part 2 of their conversation, James Altucher and Ryan Holiday explore the darker side of influence—how public figures lose their grounding, how movements become cults, and how audience validation can steer creators away from their original purpose. They discuss RFK Jr., Jordan Peterson, and Tucker Carlson—not as political figures, but as case studies in how public personas evolve under the pressure of attention. Along the way, they wrestle with their own roles as communicators: when to speak, when to hold back, and what it really means to be useful in a world full of noise. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: ryanholiday.netEgo Is the EnemyAmazon@jaltucherThe Daily StoicDaily Stoic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Ryan Holiday is one of the few writers I consider a peer—not just because of the work he’s done, but because of the choices he's made along the way. We’ve both published a lot of books. We've both dealt with audiences, platforms, and the weight of having a “point of view” in a world that increasingly wants you to pick a side. This episode wasn’t meant to be a debate or an interview. It was just two people trying to make sense of the tension between creativity and truth, honesty and influence, and why sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing at all. Episode Description: In this candid and far-ranging conversation, James Altucher sits down with bestselling author Ryan Holiday to talk about the changing nature of creativity, writing, podcasting, and personal ethics in a polarized media landscape. They discuss the illusion of having to weigh in on every issue, the danger of algorithmic thinking, and how to stay true to your voice without becoming a prisoner to your audience. Whether you're a writer, a creator, or just trying to think more clearly in chaotic times, this episode offers real insight into the forces shaping our thinking—and how to resist them. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: ryanholiday.netThe Daily StoicAmazon@jaltucherAuthor PageWatch hereledzeppelin.comYouTube See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: When I first said that college was a scam, people thought I was joking—or worse. But I wasn’t. If you’re 18 and listening to this, don’t go to college. And if you’re a parent, don’t send your kid without doing the math. College doesn’t guarantee a better life anymore. In fact, it could cost you years of freedom, tens of thousands of dollars, and saddle you with debt you can’t escape. In this episode, Doug Hill and I talk about why the traditional path of “get a degree, get a job, live happily ever after” no longer holds up. Episode Description: In this second installment of the Crazy Finance series, James Altucher and Doug Hill challenge another major financial assumption: that college is necessary for success. James argues that skyrocketing tuition, guaranteed student loans, and outdated curricula make college a bad financial decision for most people. Doug, who sent four kids to college, shares his own experience and ultimately agrees—except in a few key professions. From alternative education paths to trade school opportunities, this episode breaks down the economics and psychology behind one of the most expensive decisions families ever make. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: @jaltucherAltucher Confidential – Why College is a Scamcoursera.orgkhanacademy.orgcollegescorecard.ed.govTrade-Schools.netfederalreserve.govSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Owning a home has been sold to us as the American dream. But what if it's actually a financial nightmare? In this episode, I talk with my friend Doug Hill about why I think buying a house is a bad idea—not just a little bad, but one of the worst investments you can make. Doug and I disagree on some points, and that's the fun part. This isn't about being contrarian for the sake of it. It's about questioning assumptions that most people never even stop to think about. Episode Description: In this premiere episode of the Crazy Finance series, James Altucher and Doug Hill take on one of the most sacred cows in personal finance: home ownership. James argues that buying a house isn’t the milestone of success it’s made out to be—it’s an expensive, illiquid, and overrated investment. Doug offers a counterpoint rooted in emotional and lifestyle value. Together, they break down the numbers, psychology, and cultural narratives that shape the decision to rent or buy. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should buy a house—or regret that you did—this conversation challenges the conventional wisdom with real numbers and uncommon insight. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: @jaltucherCase-Shiller Home Price Index via FREDBankrate.comTax Foundation – Property Taxes by StateChoose YourselfAmazon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: So Chef Curtis Duffy—he’s won Michelin Stars, a James Beard Award. He’s been on Netflix’s Iron Chef, was a judge on Top Chef season 21, and he’s even shown up in The Bear. He runs the Chicago restaurants Ever and Grace, and he wrote this incredible memoir called Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef. I could list all the accolades, but what really got me was his story—it's one of the most intense and heartbreaking I’ve ever read. The kind of story that stops you in your tracks. We talk about all of it—the trauma he lived through, the discipline he built, and what it takes to truly be great at anything. If you're chasing excellence in any part of your life, this episode will hit hard. Episode Description: James sits down with acclaimed chef Curtis Duffy for a raw and powerful conversation that goes far beyond the kitchen. From the trauma of losing both parents in a murder-suicide to earning multiple Michelin stars, Duffy shares the personal and professional disciplines that shaped his life. This isn’t just a story about food—it’s about resilience, focus, and the high cost of mastery. Whether you're building a business, learning a craft, or rebuilding your life, Curtis’s story offers something rare: clarity on what it really takes. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef by Curtis DuffyEver Restaurant – ChicagoGrace (Curtis Duffy’s former restaurant)Charlie Benante – Drummer for Anthrax Our Sponsors: https://upliftdesk.com/james See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Miesha Tate—at first, I’ve got to admit, I didn’t know much about UFC or MMA. But Miesha was the World Bantamweight Champion, and she fought Ronda Rousey—probably the most famous female fighter in the sport. I watched one of their fights, and honestly, I don’t know how I’d survive even a quarter of a second. But the conversation we had wasn’t what I expected. Miesha opened up about the mindset behind championship success, the weight of public expectations, and how depression can still hit even after you’ve reached the top. We talked about how personal growth sometimes means burning down everything and rebuilding. This wasn’t just about fighting—it was about resilience, reinvention, and figuring out what matters when the title belt doesn’t solve your problems. It was raw, honest, and eye-opening. I look forward to talking with her again. Episode Description: What happens when you reach the top of your field—and it still doesn’t fix what’s broken inside? Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate shares the brutal truth about chasing success, surviving toxic relationships, and rebuilding her life from rock bottom. In this candid conversation, Miesha and James explore the psychology of high performance, the danger of tying self-worth to achievement, and how to know when it's time to walk away—even from something you love. She tells stories from her early wrestling days to her UFC career, opens up about depression, and explains why learning to fail—and rebuilding—might be the most important skill of all. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Miesha Tate on InstagramMiesha Tate’s Podcast: Built for GrowthUFC Fighter Profile: Miesha Tate“The Weight of Gold” HBO Documentary Our Sponsors: https://upliftdesk.com/jamesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: One of the funniest guys I’ve ever spoken to—Dave Barry. I always love talking to him. He’s been America’s top humorist since the early ’80s with a syndicated column in 500 newspapers and a long list of bestselling books. This is his third time on the podcast, and his latest book, Class Clown: Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass, is out now. We get into everything—his process, his adventures, and his signature style of humor that’s made him a legend. It’s always fun with Dave. Episode Description: James sits down with Dave Barry to explore the surprising journey behind his new memoir, Class Clown. Dave shares how his humor evolved from playful everyman columns to a more personal, story-driven style. They talk about his outrageous adventures, from picking up his son in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to getting booed by telemarketers and dedicating a sewage station in his honor. They also break down the shifting landscape of writing, how syndication shaped Dave’s career, and why modern humor feels trapped in political silos. This is a rare chance to hear how one of America’s greatest humorists built a career by doing things to write about them—and why his readers became his closest allies. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Class Clown: Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass by Dave BarryThe Kite Runner by Khaled HosseiniNate Bargatze Official WebsiteJim Gaffigan Official WebsiteHunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72P.J. O'Rourke’s Official Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.