Nassim Taleb | Why You Should Embrace Uncertainty

A Note from James: I want to congratulate my friend Tim Ferriss on the 10th anniversary of his podcast. It is such an excellent podcast. It's one of the few podcasts I regularly listen to and I highly recommend it if you don't already listen to it. He's been a great guy, and a great friend over the years. We don't always keep in touch, but I always count him among my long-distance friends, and congratulations to him on having the 10th anniversary of his podcast.I remember when he was first considering the podcast, he was calling around to other podcasters, including me, and he was doing his Tim Ferriss thing of researching and asking people as many questions as possible. And he thoroughly prepared and instantly became one of the. Top five podcasts out there.So congratulations, Tim. This is the first episode on my podcast where Tim was the guest. It brings back fond memories also from 10 years ago. So here's Tim Ferriss being an amazing guest on my podcast. Episode Description:Tim Ferriss has a life-changing surprise for you.It was expensive. I mean, it was expensive for him. It cost him a couple hundred thousand dollars to get. It also wasn't easy. He fought for a year and a half to get it.This is going to change our lives. Yes, both of us.Let me ask you this: What's the one skill you always wanted and don't have?Is it Brazilian jiu-jitsu? Flirting? Playing poker? How to get out of a hostage situation? Whatever it is, you can learn it.You just need to know how to learn. Learning is a skill.Tim Ferriss did a bunch of experiments and mastered learning. In today's show, he reveals the secret to gaining any skill you ever wanted.He FINALLY got digital rights to his TV show, The Tim Ferriss Experiment. It's about how to conquer fear in any skill at 10 times your learning speed. Think of it as MythBusters meets Jason Bourne."My job is to get people from zero percent to the top five percent in six months or less," he says, "The skill I'm refining is meta-learning. It's the toolkit."The best part is that he filmed all 13 experiments. Now it's a show. It's "MythBusters meets Jackass." Clearly, a must watch.I'm going to make my daughter binge-watch it today. Even if she has homework. This is more important. And more valuable.The best part? He's releasing all 13 episodes "House of Cards-style" today.They're available at iTunes.com/timferriss.In The Tim Ferriss Experiment, Tim goes around trying to learn the most difficult skills in the world.Sometimes, he's successful. Other times, he has to pull himself out of having an anxiety attack.In today's interview, Tim reveals why we suck at learning new skills. The best part is that it's not your fault. You can do anything you want. Think about it. People with no legs can run.Listen today to hear how to choose the best teacher, find an unorthodox mentor, alter your technique, and much more.In this episode, you will learn:•What's holding you back from learning the skills you want•How to present yourself in the best way possible•How to find unorthodox mentors and teachers•How to identify outliers•How to learn to learn•What examples you should study when practicing a new skillLinks and resources mentioned in the show:Tim Ferriss Book Club: http://fourhourworkweek.com/category/tim-ferriss-book-club/Extra footage from The Tim Ferriss Experiment: http://fourhourworkweek.com/tv/ Episode Summary:00:00 Celebrating Tim Ferriss: A Decade of Podcasting Excellence01:43 The Launch of Tim Ferriss' TV Show: Behind the Scenes03:52 The Art of Documentary Making: Tim Ferriss' Journey09:31 Navigating the Challenges of TV Show Cancellation13:53 Revolutionizing Content: Tim Ferriss' Strategy for Digital Rights17:31 Exploring the Episodes: A Deep Dive into Tim Ferriss' TV Show33:04 The Fascinating World of Urban Evasion and Escape33:34 Creating a Show: From Novice to Jason Bourne34:41 The Art of Escape: Learning to Outwit Kidnappers35:58 Mastering the Unthinkable: Escaping Duct Tape and Handcuffs37:20 Beyond the Show: The Science of Learning and Memory37:30 Golfing Miracles: From Novice to Pro with Biomechanics38:51 The Meta-Learning Journey: Enhancing Skill Acquisition49:53 Language Learning on Fast-Forward: The Tagalog Challenge54:32 Unconventional Training: Learning from the Unlikely Experts58:49 The Battle for Show Rights: A Lesson in Persistence01:00:41 Meta-Learning and Education: The Future of Skill Acquisition ------------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:"The Algebra of Wealth" is a very good book by Scott Galloway and I had a very good conversation with him about how to create wealth, along with all the mistakes he's ever made. He's started nine companies: two were super successful, and several were pretty successful. He's talked about entrepreneurship so much. He's a really smart guy and these lessons are about building wealth.  I wish I had known them when I was younger. I wish my kids would know them and I want your kids to know them. So pay attention to this conversation I'm about to have with Scott Galloway, Professor G. Episode Description:Today's interview with Scott Galloway focuses on financial security, investment strategies, and the interplay of personal life and professional ambitions. Galloway shares his journey of founding nine companies, the crucial role of location, network, character, and luck in achieving wealth, and the lessons learned from failures. He advocates for investing in low-cost index funds over stock picking or day trading, especially in a fluctuating economy, using Nvidia as an illustrative example. Additionally, he reflects on how New York City has shaped their careers and personal lives, providing a rounded perspective on achieving economic security amidst market uncertainties post the 2008 financial crisis. The conversation is a blend of professional advice on savings and investment, underscored by the importance of maintaining a balance for long-term success.Episode Summary:00:00 Introduction to 'The Algebra of Wealth'00:46 A Deep Dive into Scott Galloway's Life and Career Moves03:15 The Essence of Building Wealth and Embracing Opportunities11:34 Navigating the Complexities of Career Choices in Your 20s29:10 The Realities of Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Rejection33:05 The Journey of Entrepreneurship and Personal Growth33:31 The Power of Self-Belief and Persistence33:46 Navigating Relationships and Personal Happiness34:41 The Importance of Networking and Surrounding Yourself with Success48:06 Financial Strategies and the Value of Saving55:01 Career Choices and Finding Your Path57:13 Overcoming Failure and Building Resilience58:40 Wealth, Lifestyle, and Financial Freedom01:03:39 Investment Strategies for Long-Term Success01:06:13 Reflecting on Life Choices and the Future of New York ------------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 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