787 - Chuck Palahniuk (Part 1): The Art of Writing

A Note from James:I particularly want to reverse my aging. I'm not concerned about being able to run a mile or anything like that; I just want to reverse the aging of my brain. I feel there's a definite difference between my brain now and when I was younger. By the way, culturally, we acknowledge that the brain ages. Not only medically, but culturally, you have to adapt to being the wise older person rather than the sharp young person.We had a great conversation with Arthur Brooks about this. He wrote an excellent book, which I can't recommend enough, called "From Strength to Strength." That podcast with Arthur Brooks changed my life in how I view my brain aging. Additionally, several podcasts with David Sinclair about the aging process have also been life-changing.I have used the supplements he recommended and made the lifestyle changes he suggested back in 2019. David has conducted a lot of research in the five years since his book "Lifespan" was released, and I wanted to see what the current state of his research was. So, he came on the podcast.I'm very grateful; he doesn't do many podcasts. He shared some incredible discoveries and new information, giving me real insight. We discussed everything related to what he's doing in anti-aging and what he's discovered since the last time I had him on. At the special request of our listeners, I also asked him about testosterone.Towards the end of the podcast, I asked him about that, and his answer was very interesting. Here’s David.Episode Description:Today, James discusses personal motivations for wanting to reverse aging, specifically targeting brain aging. The conversation moves into the broader cultural and scientific understandings of aging, touching on insights from Arthur Brooks and David Sinclair's research. Sinclair's work on anti-aging, including lifestyle changes and supplement use recommended by him, is highlighted, mentioning his book 'Lifespan' and the progress in his research over the past five years. Key discussions include the information theory of aging, the role of DNA and epigenetics in aging, and the concept of age reversal through maintaining or restoring the epigenome's integrity. The episode covers the potential of using Yamanaka factors for age reversal, the challenges in translating these findings from mice to humans, and regulatory considerations for human trials. Sinclair also touches on his ongoing work in developing chemical cocktails for age reversal, comparing lifestyle changes to these scientific advances.  Episode Summary:00:00 The Quest for Age Reversal: Personal Motivations and Influential Conversations01:11 Diving Deep into David Sinclair's Research on Anti-Aging02:24 Exploring the Information Theory of Aging and DNA's Role04:30 The Potential of Epigenetics in Reversing Aging07:14 The Challenges and Ethics of Age Reversal Technologies09:01 The Future of Anti-Aging: From Gene Therapy to Accessible Pills10:53 Debunking Myths and Addressing Controversies in Anti-Aging Supplements15:13 The Cutting-Edge of Aging Research: Yamanaka Factors and Epigenetic Reset25:05 The Philosophical and Practical Implications of Rejuvenation Research27:57 Unveiling New Breakthroughs in Cellular Biology28:19 Decoding the Mystery of Emanarcha Factors29:18 Exploring the Potential of Yamanaka Factors in Age Reversal29:43 The Future of Age Reversal: From Theory to Practice30:52 Innovative Approaches to Rejuvenation and Safety Measures31:52 Understanding the Complexity of Aging Across Different Organs34:57 The Fascinating World of Epigenetic Aging and Brain Plasticity37:20 Pushing the Boundaries: Chemical Cocktails for Rejuvenation39:46 Comparing Lifestyle Factors and Chemical Interventions in Aging40:56 Exploring the Possibilities of Reversing Menopause in Mice45:09 Navigating the Path to Human Trials and Regulatory Approval49:18 The Potential and Ethics of Off-Label Uses for Gene Therapy53:53 Personal Insights and Experiments in Anti-Aging ------------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

A Note from James:"In this episode, Tim Collins and I discuss what I believe is a great business idea that could solve the main problems of the world, including student loan debt and possibly even inflation. It's a very interesting concept, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on it.Additionally, we have a call for participants in this episode. So here we go: the ultimate business idea that solves every problem in the world." Episode Description:In this podcast episode, the hosts discuss a groundbreaking business idea with the potential to solve significant world problems, including student loan debt, debt in general, and possibly inflation. They explore the concept of meme coins, like Dogecoin, and their underlying technology, highlighting their dependency on cultural value while lacking intrinsic utility. The conversation shifts to the innovative use of 'runes' on the Bitcoin blockchain to create more efficient and cost-effective digital currencies. Additionally, they delve into the notion of tokenizing future income as a novel solution to the student loan crisis, suggesting a business model where individuals can sell a percentage of their future earnings. This system could gamify career prospects and provide a more dynamic way of dealing with student debt. The episode concludes with a call to action for participants interested in being part of this pilot project, aiming to test and refine this business idea. Episode Summary:00:00 Kicking Off with a World-Changing Business Idea00:44 Exploring the World of Meme Coins and Cryptocurrency14:08 The Potential and Pitfalls of Tokenizing Future Income22:10 Brainstorming the Future of Tokenized Careers and Student Loans25:19 Reflecting on OJ Simpson's Legacy and the Future of Tokenization29:46 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead ------------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

A Note from James:"Okay, two things. One is Tim Collins tells me all about getting pitched the ultimate AI porn business and how AI is going to change the porn industry. From both a business perspective and an AI perspective, I do think it's interesting how every industry is basically going to change. Because then, when we started with this...Tim, who I've worked with for a long time—like 20 years or so—recently I found out he is a writer of horror novels and he's writing a horror graphic novel, but using MidJourney for the graphics part. Now, I've always been fascinated by graphic novels, but I figured I couldn't ever do one because I can't draw or paint or anything. But now, you can use AI to make your own graphic novel.So, Tim describes that. Then we talk about the AI porn industry. That's this episode. Even more fascinating is the next episode, which is more like a mini-episode. I'll describe that one briefly, but we explore the ultimate business model. Don't steal it, or you can steal it if you want, but it's fascinating.So, first, stay tuned for this one, about how to use AI, how AI is changing every industry, particularly the porn industry, and how you can make your own graphic novel." Episode Description:This episode discusses the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) across various industries, with a focus on porn and graphic novels. Tim Collins shares insights on an AI-driven business model aimed at revolutionizing the porn industry, highlighting the technology's ability to generate realistic models and interactive experiences. Furthermore, Collins, a writer of horror novels and an emerging horror graphic novelist, elaborates on his use of the AI tool Midjourney to create the artwork for his graphic novel, leveraging AI to maintain consistency in character designs and scenes. The conversation navigates the technicalities of using AI for creative processes, the societal implications of AI in adult entertainment, and personal anecdotes, concluding with reflections on the broader impact of AI on creativity and commerce. Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to AI's Impact on Industries00:04 Exploring AI in the Porn Industry00:29 The Creative Process of Making a Graphic Novel with AI01:28 Deep Dive into AI-Generated Graphic Novels05:00 Innovations and Challenges in AI for Horror Content05:52 The Future of AI in Adult Entertainment08:05 Personal Reflections and Ethical Considerations08:58 Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes ------------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

Episode Description:Today's episode features part one of a 3-part detailed discussion on the emerging trends of inscriptions and ordinals in the Bitcoin blockchain, positioning them as exciting new forms of collectibles with real historical significance and potential for value appreciation. James is joined by financial advisors Timothy Collins and Benjamin Republic (Co-Founder & CEO at SatRepublic), who bring their expertise on the subject matter, explaining the technical aspects, comparisons to NFTs on Ethereum, and the intrinsic value of certain Satoshi's due to historical transactions or rarities defined by ordinal theory.The episode covers the potential use cases, like digital art and collectibles with immutable provenance, leveraging the security and permanence of Bitcoin's blockchain, far beyond traditional NFTs stored on more volatile platforms. They delve into how ordinals create a new market for Bitcoin enthusiasts to engage actively with their holdings through creative inscriptions and the anticipation around the Bitcoin halving event that could significantly impact this emerging space. Listeners are guided on how to participate, buy, and potentially create their inscriptions, underscoring the novelty and speculative opportunity ordinals represent in the broader context of cryptocurrency innovations.Ben Honig:https://twitter.com/nftsupplyhttps://twitter.com/SatScribeXYZhttps://twitter.com/SatRepublic Episode Summary:00:00 Diving Into the World of NFTs, Inscriptions, and Ordinals00:37 Introducing the Experts: A Deep Dive into Bitcoin's New Frontier02:21 The Historical Significance of Bitcoin Transactions06:54 Exploring the Rarity and Value of Satoshis21:51 The Fascinating World of Inscriptions on Bitcoin26:54 Exploring Recursive Inscriptions and Digital Ownership27:51 Warren Buffett and the Value of Inscribed Picks28:42 Artistic and Practical Uses of Satoshi Inscriptions29:02 The Evolution of NFTs and Blockchain Certifications30:14 The Future of Digital Collectibles and Community Support36:27 Building a Community and the Importance of Early Support44:17 The Potential of Inscriptions Beyond the Crypto Community52:36 Navigating the Marketplace: Buying, Selling, and Holding Rare Sats ------------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

Episode Description:James shares a personal story from his early days as an entrepreneur, focusing on a critical lesson learned during a business pitch involving Tupac Shakur's posthumous album. Initially detailing the misconceptions about entrepreneurship, he narrates his journey from working at HBO while simultaneously running his first company, Reset, which specialized in creating websites, notably in the entertainment sector. A significant opportunity arose with Tupac Shakur's manager and mother planning to release a new album and greatest hits collection, which promised Reset a $90,000 deal. However, due to James’s unfamiliarity with Windows-based PCs, the pitch meeting with the manager went disastrously wrong, leading to the loss of the project. Despite this setback, he lied to his employees about the meeting's outcome to maintain morale. This experience taught him the importance of preparation, reliability, and displaying confidence as a leader. He concludes by reflecting on the broader challenges of entrepreneurship and the idea that entrepreneurial skills are valuable both as a business owner and within a larger organization.Episode Summary:00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey Begins: Lessons from Tupac Shakur00:20 The Reality of Entrepreneurship: Myths vs. Facts01:01 Launching My First Company: The Early Days of Reset01:57 The Hustle: Balancing HBO and Reset03:44 The Wu-Tang Clan Project: A Turning Point05:45 Expanding the Portfolio: From Hip-Hop to Corporate Websites07:51 The Tupac Shakur Project: A Meeting to Remember25:51 Lessons Learned: The Importance of Preparation and Reliability30:58 Reflecting on Entrepreneurship: Growth, Challenges, and Mentorship31:46 Closing Thoughts and Encouragement for Future Entrepreneurs ------------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

A Note from James:I am thrilled to celebrate the 10th anniversary of my podcast. Occasionally, I'll feature some timeless episodes as if they're brand new, sharing those that have greatly impacted me. One such figure is Nassim Taleb, whom I consider one of the smartest people on the planet.I've learned so much from Nassim, and I'm not sure he realizes or cares just how influential he's been on me. I was extremely grateful when he agreed to appear on my podcast. There's an interesting backstory to his appearance: he joined my show a few years ago, and we are airing that episode now, though he might not be aware of the whole story.Back in 2002, I was desperate—I was broke, struggling, losing my house, and my family was falling apart. I wrote to 20 influential individuals, including well-known investors and writers like Warren Buffett and Carl Icahn, expressing my desire to meet them. Only three responded.Jim Cramer was one of them. I had sent him ten ideas for articles he could write for TheStreet.com. To my surprise, he responded positively and encouraged me to write the articles myself, which kickstarted my career as a writer. From financial columns, I expanded into other topics.Victor Niederhoffer also replied because I sent him software programs tailored to his trading style, offering them for his and his traders' use and my assistance if needed, with no pressure to respond.Nassim Taleb was another who responded. I had reached out to him because I admired his book "Fooled by Randomness" and wished to meet him. Although he was willing to meet, I never followed up. However, many years later, he came on my podcast, bringing everything full circle, for which I am immensely grateful.Now, I am honored to reintroduce one of the smartest men in the universe, Nassim Taleb. Episode Description:In this episode, we explore Nassim Taleb's influential ideas, specifically his thoughts on antifragility, the unpredictability of life, and the beneficial role of trial and error in diverse areas such as technology, health, and business. As we mark ten years of learning, the host shares transformative conversations with Taleb, revealing how chaos and uncertainty can fortify systems, people, and industries. We examine Taleb's key principles: reducing interference, valuing variability, and the necessity of personal investment in outcomes. We also look at concrete examples. Further, we discuss how embracing errors and innovation can lead to breakthroughs in sectors like drug development and business ventures, and address the negative impacts of excessive rescue measures and regulatory constraints. Through a blend of personal anecdotes and theoretical exploration, this episode encapsulates the essence of antifragility as a pathway to resilience and fulfillment. Episode Summary:00:00 Celebrating a Decade of Podcasting: A Special Revisit00:35 The Power of Cold Emails: Life-Changing Connections02:04 Nassim Taleb: A Mind That Shaped My Worldview02:51 Exploring the Impact of Technology Through the Lens of Anti-Fragility04:18 The Evolution of Communication: From TV to Social Media04:47 The Paradox of Technological Progress: A Historical Perspective05:43 Disruptive Innovations and the Cycle of Technology08:41 Personal Anecdotes and the Philosophy of Email Communication09:24 The Intricacies of Responding to Emails and Setting Boundaries10:56 Journalism, Social Media, and the Quest for Authenticity15:27 Understanding Fragility vs. Anti-Fragility: A Deep Dive26:07 The Role of Variability and Stressors in Evolution and Health31:49 Applying Anti-Fragility to Diet, Exercise, and Lifestyle49:43 The Importance of Political Variability and the Unpredictability of Life51:40 Exploring the Anti-Fragile Lifestyle52:00 The Power of Walking and Creative Thinking54:22 Embracing Natural Elements for Health55:06 Rethinking Medicine and Personal Health Strategies57:30 Navigating Social Relationships and Disruption01:00:31 The Essence of Anti-Fragility in Life and Work01:09:34 Understanding the Financial System and Its Fragilities01:12:33 The Role of Entrepreneurship and Risk in Society01:29:51 Reflecting on Writing, Publishing, and Intellectual Pursuits01:41:37 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions ------------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

A Note from James:I have to say, this next guest has recently become one of my all-time favorite writers, presenting a very different style from what I'm accustomed to. I started reading one of his books, and it turned out to be "Table for Two," which includes some short fiction and a novella titled "Even Hollywood." At the time, I didn't know it was the sequel to his first novel, ""Rules of Civility."He also wrote "A Gentleman in Moscow," one of the best books I've ever read. In fact, by the time this podcast is released, it will have been adapted into a TV series starring Ewan McGregor, which looks amazing. All of his books rank among the best fiction I've ever encountered.I highly recommend "A Gentleman in Moscow," "Table for Two," "Rules of Civility," and "The Lincoln Highway." the latter of which I'm currently reading post-podcast. I hope to speak with Mr. Towles again, as I now have questions about "The Lincoln Highway." He was incredibly open about his writing process, which differs significantly from those of other writers I've discussed in my ten years of conversations. It was such a pleasure to delve into his experiences and how he crafts his books.I can't express enough how much I admire Amor Towles, author of "A Gentleman in Moscow" and the upcoming collection "Table for Two." I also recommend checking out the TV series adaptation of "A Gentleman in Moscow." Amor Towles' Books:"Rules of Civility""A Gentleman in Moscow""The Lincoln Highway""Table for Two" Episode Description: This discussion with Amor Towles offers a profound insight into his unique approach to writing, character creation, and thematic exploration across his notable works, including 'A Gentleman in Moscow' and 'Rules of Civility.' The conversation sheds light on Towles' years-long process of developing three-dimensional characters, reflecting on the societal roles and individual identities within his narratives. Towles discusses the influence of his investment background on his disciplined approach to writing, and the cultural impact of his work, including television adaptations. He emphasizes the importance of empathy, identity, resilience, and the authenticity of his characters, illustrating the nuanced interplay between an individual's role within society and their journey. Additionally, Towles shares insights on the contrasting crafts of novel and short story writing, and his transition from a career in finance to becoming a celebrated author, highlighting the ever-relevant nature of his thematic concerns in historical and contemporary contexts.Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to a Favorite Writer and His Works02:35 Diving Deep into the Writing Process with Amor Towles04:41 Exploring Character Development and the Art of the Novel17:03 The Craft of Writing: From Concept to Language28:53 The Richness of Language and the Writer's Knowledge38:24 Exploring the Art of Writing: Insights and Metaphors39:41 Character Development and the Power of Subconscious Creativity42:36 The Revision Process: Crafting and Refining a Story46:54 Navigating Historical Contexts and Character Perspectives57:52 The Complexity of Social Classes and Personal Identity01:04:40 Interconnected Stories and Characters Across Novels01:13:10 Exploring the Creative Process Behind a Novella01:13:47 The Noir Tradition and Writing Style01:15:43 The Unique Appeal of Short Stories01:17:10 Experimenting with Narrative Perspectives01:20:50 The Art of Surprise in Short Stories01:23:24 Personal Reflections in Writing01:28:57 Adapting Novels for Television01:33:10 The Aspirational Nature of 'A Gentleman in Moscow'01:35:06 Patience and Process in Writing and Investing01:42:20 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects ------------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

A Note from James:Oh my gosh, every time, this is the second time I've talked to Gladys McGarey. Last year she was 102 years old, this year she's 103 years old. She wrote a book, The Well Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, and it's coming out in paperback.  And every time I read this book, I've read it twice now, and I talk to her, I almost feel like crying, and I don't really know why. It's almost as if she was born with wisdom, but then kept even growing for the next 102 years. Like she drove a Ford Model A car, and now she's talking to me through Zoom on the internet and going on podcasts, writing books. She was a doctor her whole life. She's been all over the world. She's had so many amazing experiences and also has suffered, of course, much loss. I don't think you're going to live to be that age and not have an incredible amount of loss that you have to learn to move past and still be positive and still live every day to its fullest. She had, she was riding a tricycle and it threw her off into the street and she broke three ribs. And she's now totally healed and on the podcast. I really look up to this woman a lot.Here's Gladys McGarey. We have a great conversation about all sorts of things and she's the author of The Well Lived Life.  Episode Description:In this profound and enlightening conversation, James revisits the remarkable life of Dr. Gladys McGarey, who, at 103 years old, shares her 'six secrets to health and happiness at every age' from her book 'The Well Lived Life'. Reflecting on a life rich with experiences, from caring for patients across the globe to handling personal loss and surviving a recent tricycle accident, Dr. McGarey embodies resilience and wisdom. She discusses the importance of facing challenges, the transformative power of love and life, and how her encounters with notable figures like Milton Erickson shaped her understanding of human potential. Dr. McGarey's perspectives on aging, happiness, and living a meaningful life offer invaluable insights, emphasizing the significance of community, love, and choosing one’s path with intention. Episode Summary:00:00 Celebrating a Century of Wisdom with Gladys McGarey02:04 The Resilience of a 103-Year-Old: Tricycle Accidents and Recovery05:11 Finding Humanity and Overcoming Loss06:04 The Power of Love and Life: A Personal Journey14:44 Exploring the Mind's Influence on Reality16:31 The Magic of Connection: A Story of a Plant and Dementia25:39 Embracing Life's Adventures and the Quest for True Humanity31:29 The Philosophy of Life, Love, and Humanity36:07 Navigating Life's Challenges with Optimism37:47 The Power of Choice in Overcoming Adversity40:39 Turning Pain into Purpose: A Personal Journey41:47 Action as a Catalyst for Change42:23 The Interplay of Life and Love44:13 Embracing Aging with Grace and Wisdom46:33 The Impact of Stress on Health and Well-being47:47 Finding Meaning and Joy Amidst Loss50:42 The Importance of Memory and Presence56:42 Exploring Spiritual Growth and Self-Discovery01:02:05 The Role of Technology and Community in Modern Life01:06:32 Reflecting on a Life Well Lived ------------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

A Note from James:Ryan Estis is potentially the most successful public speaker worldwide. I've known him for about a decade, thanks to our mutual friend Scott Cohen, who has appeared on this podcast several times and is an outstanding entrepreneur.Over the years, Ryan and I have developed a strong friendship, partly due to our connection with Scott. Ryan is an exceptional public speaker, known for his inspirational talks. He possesses a wealth of knowledge in business, sales, and global affairs, speaking at various events worldwide.Recently, he co-authored a book with his brother Chad, an executive with several sports teams, including the Cowboys. The book, titled "Prepare for Impact," features many compelling stories. I particularly recommend the "30 Steps to Success" section, which encourages readers to devise their strategies for success.I was curious to learn how Ryan became a top public speaker, including how he started his career, increased his fees, and gained the confidence to work independently. I also wondered about his future plans, especially how he intends to adapt his career as he ages and possibly reduce his travel for speaking engagements.These inquiries, while specific to Ryan, are relevant across all industries for professionals considering the future of their careers, wealth, and success.It was a great pleasure to speak with my friend Ryan Estis. His insights, shared in our conversation and in his book "Prepare for Impact," are sure to inspire many. Episode Description:This podcast episode features a comprehensive conversation with Ryan Estis, celebrated as one of the most successful public speakers globally. The discussion touches upon Ryan's journey from a prolific sales professional to a distinguished public speaker and author. James and Ryan explore the essence of Ryan's new book, 'Prepare for Impact,' co-authored with his brother Chad, who has an extensive executive background in sports management. The book encapsulates 30 steps to success, offering insightful advice on professional growth and human-centered leadership. Beyond discussing his literary work, Ryan delves into the nuances of public speaking, including his start, evolving fee structures, branching out on his own, and envisioning a future where he doesn't have to travel as intensely. They also discuss the implications of aging on career and life choices, reflecting on personal development and shifting from proving to giving back to the community. The conversation further explores Ryan's new venture, ImpactEleven, which aims to support and accelerate the growth of public speakers, and contemplates the transformative impacts of global crises on personal and professional reinvention. Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to Ryan Estis: The Public Speaking Prodigy03:07 The Art of Public Speaking: Ryan's Path to Mastery08:23 Navigating Career Transitions: From Sales to the Stage08:52 Building a Speaking Career: Strategies and Breakthroughs19:03 The Power of Free Gigs: Establishing Credibility and Demand26:40 Maintaining Integrity and Navigating Imposter Syndrome28:19 Navigating the World of Public Speaking29:37 Overcoming Stage Fright and Idolization32:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on a Speaking Career34:50 The Genesis of ImpactEleven: A New Venture36:10 Expanding Beyond Public Speaking48:13 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations54:12 The Evolution of Success and the Importance of Giving BackLinks:Check our Prepare for Impact Here: "Prepare for Impact"Official Website: ryanestis.comImpactEleven Official Website: ImpactElevenTwitter: Ryan Estis on TwitterLinkedIn: Ryan Estis on LinkedInInstagram: Ryan Estis on Instagram ------------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

A Note from James:Yesterday, we talked all about how James Brandolino started a hedge fund, which was a fraud upon the scheme, all the illegal activity, and how he went from civil to criminal.  You could go back and listen to that, but also, dive into some of the details here. But most of all, this one starts with James Brandolino going to jail and what happened afterward.  Episode Description:Today, we conclude our interview with James Brandolino, a former hedge fund manager who turned himself in after running a fraudulent fund. Part Two begins with Brandolino's decision to face the consequences of his actions, including his incarceration and the aftermath of his fraud. He discusses his initial attempts to die by suicide, the moment of turning himself in, and the support he received from his family despite their being victims of his scheme. Brandolino talks about the challenges in maintaining a facade, the mechanics of creating fake audits, and how he was never caught by investors, despite many opportunities. The discussion also touches on the financial crisis of 2008, providing insights into how Brandolino could have used the situation to cover up his fraud. Brandolino shares the methodology of deceiving both savvy investors and due diligence processes, culminating in his realization of the wrongness of his actions, his time in prison, and his current efforts to prevent investment fraud. The interview explores the complexities of financial fraud from the perspective of someone who lived through it, offering unique insights into the signs of fraudulent activities and the psychological burden of committing fraud. Episode Summary:00:00 The Start of James Brandolino's Downfall01:16 The Emotional Toll and Decision to Turn Himself In03:43 The Complexity of Investor Trust and Fraudulent Audits13:25 Navigating Federal Prison: A New Reality21:21 The Journey of Rehabilitation and Reflection27:15 Unveiling the Complex World of Hedge Fund Audits27:47 The Intricacies of Financial Statements and Audits29:11 Real-World Examples of Financial Manipulation29:47 The Critical Role of Auditors in Detecting Fraud32:10 Navigating the Challenges of Hedge Fund Investments38:51 From Fraudster to Fraud Investigator: A Personal Journey45:18 The Importance of Due Diligence in Investment50:33 Life After Fraud: Redemption and New Beginnings  ------------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