How to Achieve Peak Performance in Any Field: Chess GM Hikaru's Life Lesson

A Note from James:Charlie Hoehn has quietly become the go-to expert on self-publishing your book. Charlie has worked with some of the best authors out there, like Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, David Goggins, Ramit Sethi, and Cody Sanchez. Charlie has touched every part of the book-making process—from coming up with the right idea to marketing the book in the most efficient and high-quality way.I've been writing books for over 20 years, and in this one-hour podcast, Charlie gave me so many new ideas I had never thought of before. This is a must-listen for anyone thinking about writing a book. Share it with your friends who are authors or aspiring authors, and be sure to check out Charlie's site, charliehoehn.com, where you can subscribe to his newsletter and all his self-publishing tips. This is important stuff to listen to.Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher sits down with Charlie Hoehn, the self-publishing maestro who has helped best-selling authors like Tim Ferriss and Seth Godin bring their book ideas to life. Charlie shares his unique approach to self-publishing, offering insights that go beyond the traditional publishing route. He discusses the power of crafting compelling book titles, the importance of building a personal brand through your writing, and how to market your book effectively without a massive budget. Whether you're an established author or just starting, Charlie's strategies will help you rethink the entire book creation process and achieve self-publishing success.What You’ll Learn:How to effectively self-publish a book and the advantages over traditional publishing.The art of crafting compelling book titles that attract readers.Strategies for marketing your book on a budget.The importance of building a personal brand through your writing.How to use personal stories and experiences to create a powerful and relatable narrative.Chapters:[00:01:30] Introduction to Charlie Hoehn: The Self-Publishing Expert[00:02:47] Catching Up: Life Updates and Personal Challenges[00:05:21] The Quest: Rediscovering Chess Mastery[00:10:12] The Power of Play: Transforming Anxiety into Joy[00:20:35] The Art of Book Marketing: Testing Titles and Strategies[00:31:00] Navigating Criticism and Resilience[00:43:06] The Benefits and Challenges of Self-Publishing[00:58:25] Starting Your Book Journey[01:10:33] Structuring and Drafting Your Book[01:18:15] Writing for Your Former Self[01:23:50] Building a Tribe Through Your Book[01:32:40] Finding Your Unique Voice[01:40:17] The Power of Personal Experience[01:50:30] Additional Resources for Aspiring AuthorsAdditional Resources:Charlie Hoehn’s WebsiteJames' "How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days" CourseHelpThisBook.comINeedABookCover.comTim Ferriss's BooksSeth Godin’s BlogDavid Goggins's Book "Can't Hurt Me"Ramit Sethi’s “I Will Teach You to Be Rich” ------------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:Imagine you are dying or you're about to die. Let's say you were hit by a car, you're bleeding out, you're on the way to the hospital but you just have this sense that you're not going to live, and you see visions of someone you knew in the past, maybe a mother or a father, and they're saying, "Don't worry, we're here for you." Come down this light at the end of a tunnel. Does that change your experience of life if you then survive? Well, we're going to hear from Sebastian Junger, who wrote "In My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an Afterlife." And if you don't know who Sebastian is, he's written many books about being a war reporter, his experiences in war zones, and other intense situations. But this is perhaps his most intense book that I've read, where he's not talking about deaths on the battlefield or in a war zone, but his own experience of dying and what happened to him during that experience. It really makes you think. And I've been thinking about it a lot for personal reasons this past week. I hope everybody enjoys it. If you do, please retweet it, share it with your friends, and subscribe to the podcast so all the good little algorithms work for me. Thanks so much, and here is Sebastian.Episode Description:In this compelling episode, James Altucher converses with Sebastian Junger, acclaimed author and war reporter, about his harrowing near-death experience and his exploration of the afterlife in his latest book, "In My Time of Dying." Junger shares the profound and mystifying moments he faced at the brink of death, challenging his atheistic beliefs and scientific understanding. This episode isn't just about a personal encounter with mortality but dives into the larger implications of consciousness, the mysteries of the human mind, and what it means to truly live after facing death.What You’ll Learn:The profound impact of near-death experiences on one's worldview and beliefs.The intersection of scientific rationalism and mystical experiences.Insights into the psychological and emotional aftermath of surviving a near-death experience.Theories about consciousness and the potential for an afterlife from both scientific and experiential perspectives.Practical lessons on living a more appreciative and meaningful life after a brush with death.Chapters:00:01:30 - Introduction: Sebastian Junger's Near-Death Experience00:04:41 - The Moment of Crisis: Abdominal Hemorrhage and Medical Intervention00:09:00 - Encountering the Void and Seeing His Father00:14:22 - The Medical Miracle: Innovative Interventional Radiology00:24:26 - Rational Explanations vs. Mystical Experiences00:31:30 - Unexplained Phenomena: Quantum Mechanics and Consciousness00:41:29 - Personal and Philosophical Reflections on Life and Death00:52:30 - The Aftermath: Dealing with Anxiety and Fear00:56:35 - Finding Meaning and Appreciation in Life Post-Trauma01:02:15 - Writing About the Experience: Structuring the Narrative01:05:28 - Final Thoughts and TakeawaysAdditional Resources:Sebastian Junger's Official WebsiteIn My Time of Dying: How I Came Face to Face with the Idea of an AfterlifeTribe: On Homecoming and Belonging by Sebastian JungerWar by Sebastian JungerQuantum Enigma: Physics Encounters Consciousness by Bruce Rosenblum and Fred KuttnerBiocentrism: How Life and Consciousness are the Keys to Understanding the True Nature of the Universe by Robert Lanza ------------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:Today, we have a fascinating story of resilience, transformation, and triumph. Imagine being the second-best player in the world in your field, only to see your ranking plummet over the years. Hikaru Nakamura experienced just that in the world of chess. Once the number two player globally, he saw his ranking drop below the top 20. But Hikaru didn't let this define him. During the pandemic, he started streaming chess online, building a massive audience and diversifying his interests. And remarkably, he climbed back to number two in the world. How did he do it? What changes in mindset and strategy led to this incredible comeback? We'll cover all this and more in our discussion today. This conversation is not just for chess enthusiasts but for anyone looking to succeed and find balance in life. So, here is Hikaru Nakamura."Episode Description:In this episode of The James Altucher Show, James talks with Hikaru Nakamura about his extraordinary journey in the world of chess. Hikaru shares the ups and downs of his career, detailing how he went from being the second-best chess player in the world to falling out of the top 20. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Hikaru pivoted to streaming chess online, which not only revitalized his career but also brought him back to the top echelons of the chess world. This episode delves into the mindset shifts, strategies, and the role of diversification in achieving success and maintaining mental well-being. Hikaru's story is a testament to resilience and adaptability, offering insights that are valuable for anyone aiming to excel in their field.What You’ll Learn:The psychological challenges of being a top-ranked chess player and how to overcome them.How diversifying interests and income streams can alleviate career pressures.The impact of streaming and online presence on professional success.The importance of maintaining a balanced mindset in competitive environments.Strategies for turning setbacks into comebacks in any career.Chapters:00:00 The Rise and Fall of Hikaru Nakamura01:10 Hikaru's Streaming Journey Begins01:51 Return to Competitive Chess02:24 The Psychology of Chess05:23 The Impact of Computers on Chess10:57 Hikaru's Career Challenges24:14 The Turning Point: Streaming and the Pandemic35:57 Transitioning to Live Streaming36:17 Changing Perceptions of Chess Players37:21 Cultural Significance of Chess38:02 Making Chess More Accessible38:48 Strategic Decisions in Content Creation41:37 Engaging the Audience44:10 Pandemic and the Rise of Chess Streaming47:17 Building a Streaming Business55:26 Diversifying Income and Investments01:06:49 Maintaining Chess Skills01:10:45 Unexpected Opening Strategy01:11:13 The Power of Unpredictability01:11:47 Evolving Chess Study Methods01:13:20 Memory and Age in Chess01:14:22 Generational Gaps in Chess01:16:07 Impact of the Chess Boom01:18:02 Emotional Moments in Chess01:22:45 Future Aspirations Beyond Chess01:24:02 Dealing with Online Trolls01:26:01 Breaking Chess Rules with Computers01:29:55 Challenges of Modern Chess01:39:39 Final Thoughts and ReflectionsAdditional Resources:Hikaru Nakamura’s Twitch ChannelHikaru Nakamura’s YouTube ChannelThe Lex Fridman Podcast with Hikaru Nakamura“The Queen’s Gambit” on NetflixInternational Chess Federation (FIDE)This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding how to navigate the ups and downs of a professional career, leveraging new opportunities, and achieving personal growth. Tune in to hear Hikaru’s inspiring story and gain insights that could transform your approach to success. ------------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 DescriptionIn this riveting episode of "The James Altucher Show," James welcomes back futurist Jamie Metzl to explore the groundbreaking themes from his new book, Superconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform Our Lives, Work, and World. As one of the most frequent and insightful guests on the show, Jamie shares his expert perspective on the rapid acceleration of technologies that are reshaping our future. From the intersection of genomics and artificial intelligence to the ethical implications of human-engineered life, this conversation is packed with insights that you won't find anywhere else. Tune in to understand how these technological advancements will affect your health, the environment, and the global economy.What You’ll Learn:The concept of superconvergence and how it marks a pivotal point in technological evolution.The ethical considerations and potential risks of genome editing and AI.How AI and genomics are being used to tackle some of the most challenging health issues.The future of food production with lab-grown meat and genetically modified crops.Predictions for the next big breakthroughs in biotechnology and artificial intelligence.Chapters:00:01:30 – Introduction to Jamie Metzl and Superconvergence00:02:35 – The Most Exciting and Worrisome Future Technologies00:04:04 – Potential Dangers of Genomics and AI00:06:12 – The Convergence of AI and Genomics: A Tipping Point00:10:05 – Ethical and Societal Implications of Genome Editing00:19:06 – Lab-Grown Meat: Science and Ethical Concerns00:29:52 – The Debate Over GMOs and Misinformation00:39:30 – Breakthroughs in Genome Editing and CRISPR Technologies00:54:50 – Applications of AI in Healthcare and Beyond01:02:43 – Navigating the Future of Personalized Medicine01:13:05 – Predictions for the Future: Sustainable Innovations and Human-AI IntegrationAdditional Resources:Jamie Metzl’s websiteSuperconvergence: How the Genetics, Biotech, and AI Revolutions Will Transform Our Lives, Work, and WorldHacking Darwin: Genetic Engineering and the Future of HumanityAlphaFold by DeepMindJennifer Doudna’s work on CRISPR ------------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:Today, we've got a returning guest, a fan favorite, and someone whose work has consistently left a mark on this podcast—Ryan Holiday. We've talked about many of his books, from "Trust Me, I'm Lying" to his series on stoicism, including "The Obstacle is the Way". His latest work, "Right Thing Right Now: Good Values, Good Character, Good Deeds", is part of his Stoic Virtue series and is packed with insightful stories and practical advice on how to live a virtuous life. Ryan always brings fascinating examples and compelling narratives that not only entertain but also offer deep, actionable insights. So, let's jump right into it with Ryan Holiday.Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher sits down with Ryan Holiday, a prolific author and modern stoic philosopher, to discuss his latest book, "Right Thing Right Now". This book is a profound exploration of the virtues of good values, good character, and good deeds, and how these principles can be applied to everyday life to achieve peak performance and personal growth. Ryan shares powerful stories and historical examples that highlight the importance of doing the right thing, even when it's difficult. Listeners will gain unique perspectives on how to navigate challenges and make ethical decisions that benefit both themselves and society.What You’ll Learn:The Real Benefits of Virtue: Discover how practicing good values and character can lead to a more fulfilling and successful life.Historical Lessons: Learn from historical figures who embodied stoic principles and made significant impacts on society.Practical Stoicism: Get actionable advice on how to incorporate stoic virtues into your daily routine.Overcoming Modern Challenges: Understand how ancient wisdom can be applied to solve contemporary problems and improve personal resilience.Chapters:[01:30] – Introduction and Background on Ryan Holiday[03:15] – The Unique Dimensions of "Right Thing Right Now"[07:00] – The Evolution of Ryan’s Stoic Journey[14:26] – Thomas Clarkson and the Abolition of the Slave Trade[20:00] – Historical Parallels and Modern Applications[25:01] – The Importance of Community in Practicing Virtue[33:45] – Learning from Past Leaders: LBJ, Malcolm X, and More[45:13] – The Role of Storytelling in Spreading Wisdom[51:46] – Personal Reflections on Changing One’s Mind[01:03:00] – Concluding Thoughts and Future ProjectsAdditional Resources:Ryan Holiday's Official WebsitePurchase "Right Thing Right Now" on AmazonThe Obstacle is the Way by Ryan HolidayEpictetus' Discourses and Selected WritingsMarcus Aurelius’ Meditations ------------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:In this special episode of "The James Altucher Show," James shares his unique commentary on surprisingly impactful media that has imparted valuable life and business lessons. Through an in-depth analysis of scenes from iconic movies and insights from legendary figures, James reveals how these media moments have influenced his thinking and strategies. Listeners will discover practical and transcendent lessons that aren't typically found in conventional self-help resources. Whether it's the strategic use of cognitive biases in "8 Mile" or the unfiltered wisdom of Bill Murray, this episode offers a treasure trove of insights that can elevate your performance in life and business.What You’ll Learn:How cognitive biases can be leveraged in various aspects of life from negotiation to personal branding, exemplified by a scene from "8 Mile."The importance of embracing spontaneity and fearlessness, inspired by the life and career of Bill Murray.The enduring power of persistence and passion, illustrated by the longevity and success of The Rolling Stones.Essential storytelling techniques from Stan Lee that can enhance your communication and influence.The concept of the hero's journey and how to apply it to your own life challenges.Chapters:00:01:30 - Cognitive Biases in "8 Mile"00:09:42 - Life Lessons from Bill Murray00:15:35 - The Secrets of The Rolling Stones’ Longevity00:22:19 - Stan Lee’s Hero’s Journey: A Blueprint for SuccessAdditional Resources:Bill Murray on IMDbRolling Stones Official WebsiteStan Lee’s Hero’s Journey ExplainedEminem’s "8 Mile" on IMDb ------------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:Today, we have a very special guest, Steve Forbes, who is arguably the world's leading authority on billionaires. Each year, Forbes magazine publishes the Forbes 400, listing the 400 wealthiest people on the planet. Although I sometimes disagree with the list, Steve always provides fascinating insights into what it takes to become a billionaire. Our conversation covers various intriguing topics about wealth, success, and the unique traits that make these billionaires stand out. Let's jump into it.Episode Description:In this episode, originally recorded on August 10th, 2018, James sits down with Steve Forbes, the chairman and editor-in-chief of Forbes Media, to explore the traits and strategies that define billionaires. Steve shares his wealth of knowledge from years of curating the Forbes 400 list, offering a rare glimpse into the minds and habits of the world's richest individuals. This conversation is not just about money; it’s about understanding the relentless drive, innovative thinking, and strategic decisions that set billionaires apart. Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur, a business leader, or someone fascinated by success stories, this episode offers unparalleled insights you won't find anywhere else. What You’ll Learn:The key habits and mindsets that distinguish billionaires from millionaires.How billionaires maintain agility and innovation even as their companies grow.The role of passion and obsession in achieving monumental success.Insights into the economic and technological trends shaping the billionaire landscape.Real-world examples of how billionaires like Jeff Bezos and Warren Buffett manage their businesses.Chapters:01:30 - Introduction to Steve Forbes and the Forbes 400 list.03:12 - Why billionaires fascinate the public and insights on the self-made nature of most billionaires.05:00 - Discussion on Jeff Bezos hitting the $100 billion mark and the strategies of top billionaires.08:46 - The actual number of billionaires and their strategies for staying under the radar.13:10 - The differences in habits between millionaires and billionaires.18:14 - The importance of passion and seeing opportunities where others don’t.21:11 - The evolution of media and Forbes' approach to digital transformation.25:15 - Inflation, deflation, and the economic impacts of technology and productivity.29:26 - Potential billionaire candidates for the presidency and their political prospects.32:11 - Billionaire Blitz! Quick thoughts on notable billionaires featured in James's book "Think Like a Billionaire."Additional Resources:Forbes 400 ListThink Like a Billionaire by James AltucherI Love Capitalism! by Ken LangoneForbes MagazineThe Two Pizza Rule: How Amazon Delivers High-Impact ResultsTune in for an enlightening conversation that goes beyond the numbers to reveal the essence of what it means to think and act like a billionaire. ------------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: Today, we've got Andrew Gold back on the podcast. He's an investigative journalist and the author of "The Psychology of Secrets: My Adventures with Murderers, Cults, and Influencers" This book is riveting—every page dives into the intriguing world of secrets. What are secrets? What are the big secrets we know of? How do you tell someone’s secrets? From murderers to cults to influencers, Andrew’s insights are fascinating. He also runs the YouTube channel Heretics, which I highly recommend. But for now, let’s get into our conversation about the nature of secrets. Here's Andrew Gold.Episode Description:In this episode, James welcomes back investigative journalist and author Andrew Gold to discuss his latest book, "The Psychology of Secrets: My Adventures with Murderers, Cults, and Influencers." Andrew shares his deep insights into the nature of secrets and their impact on our lives. From the hidden doctrines of cults like Scientology to the subtle ways secrets influence our personal relationships, Andrew reveals the psychology behind why we keep secrets and how they shape our behavior. This conversation delves into the interplay between secrecy and storytelling, the social dynamics of secret-keeping, and the ethical dilemmas of radical honesty.What You’ll Learn:The psychological mechanisms behind why people keep secrets and how they affect our mental health.The role of secrets in cult dynamics, including how leaders manipulate followers by controlling access to secret knowledge.How secrets can both strengthen and destroy personal relationships.The ethical considerations and potential consequences of radical honesty.The impact of AI and data on uncovering and preserving secrets in the digital age.Chapters:01:52 The Fascinating Dynamics of Cults and Influence02:57 Navigating the Complexities of Public Appearances and Media05:51 The Ethical Dilemmas and Impact of AI on Truth25:40 Unveiling the Power of Secrets in Cult Dynamics39:15 The Enigmatic Influence of Secrets on Society and Individual Psyche42:18 The Intricacies of Secrecy and Society43:03 The Evolution of Secrets and Their Societal Impact45:08 The Power of Secrets in Personal and Social Dynamics54:56 Exploring the Psychology Behind Sharing Secrets58:23 The Complex Relationship Between Secrecy, Honesty, and Society01:06:42 Navigating the Challenges of Content Creation and Audience Expectations01:17:43 Reflections on the Journey of a Content CreatorAdditional Resources:Andrew Gold’s YouTube Channel: HereticsThe Psychology of Secrets on AmazonSam Harris' Book: LyingPeter Boghossian’s WorkTrigonometry Podcast  ------------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:Today, we have a remarkable guest, John Mackey, the founder of Whole Foods. Whole Foods is my go-to place for groceries, whether I'm shopping in-store or ordering via Instacart. John’s story is fascinating. He started as a young, hippie-ish guy living in a commune and working in a food co-op. One day, he thought, "Hey, I could do this," and opened his first store, Saferway, humorously named to poke fun at Safeway. Over time, this venture grew into the massive empire we now know as Whole Foods, which was eventually acquired by Amazon.John's journey is detailed in his new book, which captures the ups and downs of being an entrepreneur. Despite his seemingly hippie background, John evolved into an ardent capitalist, recognizing that innovation thrives on the competition capitalism inspires. In our conversation, we delve into how he evolved over the decades and the invaluable advice he shared with me.So, here’s John Mackey with the whole story: adventures in love, life, and capitalism.Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher welcomes John Mackey, co-founder of Whole Foods Market. John shares his inspiring journey from a young man living in a commune to building one of the most successful grocery chains in the world. This conversation offers a unique perspective on entrepreneurship, competition, and personal growth. John reveals his transition from a "hippie-ish" background to embracing capitalism, discussing how competition fuels innovation. Listeners will gain insights into John’s entrepreneurial spirit, his experiences with Whole Foods’ expansion, and the personal challenges he faced along the way. This episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone interested in business, personal development, and the philosophy of conscious capitalism.What You’ll Learn:The Origin Story: How John Mackey’s journey from a commune and food co-op led to the creation of Whole Foods.Entrepreneurial Insights: The transition from hippie to capitalist and how competition drives innovation.Cultural Integrity: The importance of maintaining a healthy company culture during rapid growth.Resilience in Business: How setbacks and failures can be opportunities for learning and growth.Future of Retail: John’s thoughts on the future of retail and holistic health with his new venture, Love Life.Chapters:00:01:30 - Introduction to John Mackey00:03:07 - Whole Foods Market headquarters and remote work trends00:04:22 - John Mackey’s departure from Amazon and thoughts on company culture00:06:32 - Love Life: John’s new venture and its holistic approach00:10:04 - Rebuilding after setbacks: The flood and the importance of resilience00:13:32 - The importance of culture in business growth and sustainability00:19:41 - Analogies between company culture and personal culture00:27:15 - Challenges and lessons from early partnership conflicts00:30:38 - The impact of personal relationships on business00:41:52 - Expansion instincts and entrepreneurial foresight00:46:53 - Current economic perspectives and the future of capitalism00:51:23 - Optimism, creativity, and the role of innovation00:58:22 - Recommended reads for understanding progress and optimism01:08:41 - Managing fear and focusing on personal contributions01:09:31 - Conclusion and John’s new venture, Love LifeAdditional Resources:The Whole Story: Adventures in Love, Life, and Capitalism by John MackeyEnlightenment Now by Steven PinkerSuperabundance by Marian TupyCapitalist Manifesto by Johan NorbergThe Rational Optimist by Matt Ridley ------------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've known Anthony Scaramucci for about 15 years. We had breakfast 15 years ago after his first book came out, and I had written a review of it in the Financial Times. At different times, we even thought about working together, about 10 or 15 years ago. He's always been a very interesting guy.Of course, I know him from the hedge fund world, but much later, he got involved in the political world. He became the Communications Director of the White House under Donald Trump for 11 days before he got fired. He later came on my podcast to talk about his time there, and by then, he was more aligned with Biden.Anthony has a problem: both sides of the aisle don't like him. Democrats remember him as a Trump guy, and Trump supporters hate him because he trashes Trump. I like it when people can't figure out what they really are, but love him or hate him, Anthony Scaramucci has been involved in top news events of the past 10-15 years. From Trump to being involved with FTX, where Sam Bankman-Fried tried to buy Anthony's firm SkyBridge and bought a stake in it, which is part of the bankruptcy proceedings.He just wrote a book, 'From Wall Street to the White House and Back,' the Scaramucci guide to unbreakable resilience. We started off by discussing why people either love or hate him. I pointed out that the worst thing you could have for a book is three-star reviews. You want a lot of five-star reviews and a lot of one-star reviews to show you had an impact on people. That's how he is as a person, and I feel like that's how I am sometimes. We had a good conversation.He's been a friend for a long time. Here's Anthony Scaramucci."Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher welcomes Anthony Scaramucci, a man who has worn many hats—hedge fund manager, White House Communications Director, and now author. Known for his controversial yet impactful presence, Scaramucci shares insights from his new book, "From Wall Street to the White House and Back," offering listeners a unique perspective on resilience, peak performance, and navigating the highs and lows of public and professional life. Whether you love him or hate him, Scaramucci's journey provides valuable lessons on maintaining integrity, finding purpose, and thriving amidst adversity.What You’ll Learn:Navigating Political and Financial Turbulence: How Scaramucci dealt with his brief yet tumultuous tenure in the White House and his involvement in the FTX debacle.Building Unbreakable Resilience: Insights from Scaramucci’s new book on how to cultivate resilience in the face of public and private challenges.Bitcoin and Crypto Insights: Scaramucci's perspective on the future of Bitcoin, the impact of the FTX collapse, and the importance of doing your homework in the crypto world.Balancing Integrity and Ambition: Lessons on maintaining integrity while pursuing ambitious goals in high-stakes environments.The Importance of Being Polarizing: Why having strong opinions that elicit love or hate can be more impactful than being universally liked.Chapters:00:01:30 - Introduction and Background00:04:00 - Early Career and Hedge Funds00:11:49 - Tenure in the White House00:22:27 - FTX and Crypto Insights00:39:30 - Bitcoin and Financial Strategies00:49:33 - Political Views and Voting Decisions01:00:53 - Philosophical Insights and Purpose01:03:34 - Closing Thoughts and Future PlansAdditional Resources:Anthony Scaramucci’s book: "From Wall Street to the White House and Back"SkyBridge CapitalBitcoin and Cryptocurrency Resources ------------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