The Rich Roll Podcast Rich Roll

There’s nothing I love more than tales of ordinary people accomplishing extraordinary things.
But nobody who achieves the extraordinary is ordinary—and while upon first glimpse this real-life Forrest Gump may present as an everyman, he is anything but.
Not only did today’s guest dare to best one of the world’s most impressive endurance records, he downright decimated it—and somehow made it all look ‘easy’.
In 2021, the Iron Cowboy James Lawrence completed 101 iron-distance triathlons in 101 consecutive days—a record I both witnessed and couldn’t fathom being broken in my lifetime. And yet not too long after, Sean Conway, a dad of two young kids from a small town in Wales by way of Zimbabwe, proceeded to complete 105 consecutive iron-distance triathlons, claims he could have kept going, and believes he could have done 200.
In case you don’t quite grasp the enormity of this feat: Sean swam 2.4 miles, then proceeded to ride 112 miles on his bike, then ran a full marathon—26.2 miles, repeating this routine every day without missing a single day, for 105 days in a row.
Moreover, Sean didn’t even begin his endurance career until age 30—a career in which he has quietly eclipsed more records than most realize.
Today we unpack Sean’s extraordinary accomplishments, his 'terrier mindset', the 'ten pillars of endurance’, why he doesn't celebrate small wins, his unique lens on failure, and his reasoning for never, ever having a backup plan.  
Sean is quirky, totally authentic, and chock-full of ludicrous stories lifted from a life that prioritizes adventure over security. 
My hope is that his example inspires you to transcend self-imposed limitations and craft a challenge that is meaningful to you.
Because we’re all capable of transforming our lives from ordinary to extraordinary.

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Peace + Plants,

Rich

How do you ignite evolution? How do you find your purpose? And how do you have the confidence to pursue it?
Here to imbue our lives with more joy, glitter, and play is the highly inspiring and energetic Alexi Pappas, back for round two on the podcast.
If you missed her standout first appearance back in early 2021, Alexi is a former Olympic track and field athlete and Greek national record holder in the 10,000 meters. She’s also a poet, a performer, an award-winning filmmaker, and author of the critically acclaimed bestselling memoir Bravey.
Her feature film resume includes some variation of writing, co-writing, directing, and/or starring in Not an Artist with RZA, Olympic Dreams with Nick Kroll, and Tracktown with Rachel Dratch. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times, Outside Magazine, and Sports Illustrated. And she’s recently penned a new version of Bravey (Adapted for Young Readers).
My first exchange with Alexi centered on what it takes to execute at the highest level of sport and art simultaneously and the challenges she faced pursuing two very different dreams.
Today we go further, exploring her new relationship with running as a former pro, her goals as a professional in the creative arts, and her soon-to-be-released new podcast, Mentor Buffet.
We also discuss how she’s inspiring women and girls to fall in love with movement, mental health in sport, and how mentorship has informed her life and career. Alexi also drops some wisdom gold—sharing actionable tools for growth like her ‘blank whiteboard rule’, something she calls ‘glop’, and many more mindset gems.
Alexi is a delightful and wise role model—and this conversation is more than time well spent.

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Peace + Plants,
Rich

This is one of the most powerful conversations on the subject of addiction and redemption I’ve been honored to host in the eleven-year history of this show.
Left untreated, addiction decimates everything in its path. I’ve lived through it. I’ve borne witness to its wrath in countless others. And I’ve walked the wreckage it inevitably reaps. But my story pales in comparison to what Chris Herren has endured—and survived to now share in service of helping others.
Lauded as one of the greatest basketball players of his generation before he even graduated high school, Chris graced the cover of Sports Illustrated during his freshman year playing point guard for Boston College. Ousted courtesy of his outsized partying led him west to Fresno State, where he flourished for a flash under legendary coach Jerry Tarkanian, leading to stints in the NBA with the Denver Nuggets and Boston Celtics. It didn’t last (it never does) so he took his game across the European and Asian circuits, a ticking time-bomb awaiting detonation.
Basketball simply couldn’t compete with alcohol, cocaine, and heroin. So it wasn’t long before Chris’ nightmare turned him into into roadkill—an overdose he barely survived that would, inelegantly and eventually, lead to a rebirth and redemption.
What has transpired in the 14 years since Chris got sober is a remarkable, phoenix-like journey of recovery and redemption that has transformed his life from utterly craven to one of extraordinary purpose, meaning, and selfless service as a leading voice on the topic of substance use prevention.
Note: This conversation traverses difficult emotional terrain. If you are struggling, please raise your hand and reach out for help. You can find information about Alcoholics Anonymous (and meetings near you) at AA.org and Narcotics Anonymous at NA.org. You can also contact SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP. If you are experiencing suicidal ideation, know you’re not alone. I encourage you to call the Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1(800) 273-TALK.
If you are suffering from some form of addiction, this episode is a must-listen. Even if you’re not an addict, I encourage you to embrace this conversation as a means to better understand the affliction, as chances are you probably know someone in need of help.

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Peace + Plants,
Rich

How do you evolve into an unbreakable champion? Never set limits. Welcome pain. And be ready to die to win.
This is the ethos of Ken Rideout, returning to the podcast to arm you with the tools you need to chase huge dreams and transform your life wholesale anytime, and at any age.
An absolute force of nature, Ken overcame seemingly insurmountable obstacles—a rough and chaotic childhood and later a battle with opiate addiction—to become one of the world’s pre-eminent master athletes.
He consistently takes the podium at prestigious marathons, including a recent age group world champion title at the Chicago Marathon plus wins in the 50+ division of the New York City, Boston, and Tokyo Marathons.
This summer Ken debuted his ultra career by not only completing the Gobi March, a grueling 155-mile, self-supported, 7-day stage run across the harsh desert terrain of Mongolia, but outright winning it by over 84 minutes.
Today we unpack Ken’s extraordinary Gobi March win, his unique strategy in the race, and what motivates his beast-like drive.
We also discuss the mindset tools, discipline, consistency, and humility that fuel his growth and help him get better, faster, and stronger in his 50s.
Ken is one of a kind, bullshit-free, and 100% authentically himself. His vulnerability is refreshing. His perseverance is remarkable. And his message is powerful: nothing good happens when you’re comfortable.

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Peace + Plants,

Rich

The James Bond of filmmaking, Louie Psihoyos is an Academy Award winning documentarian with a track record of putting his life at risk to create weapons of mass instruction designed to thrill—and forge positive change.
One of the most interesting people I have ever met, Louie took home the Oscar for The Cove, an Ocean's 11-esque thriller that powerfully exposed the gruesome underbelly of the Japanese dolphin trade. Louie also documented the rise of the plant-based athlete in the James Cameron produced Netflix hit, The Gamechangers and powerfully drew attention to mass species extinction in 2015's Racing Extinction.
Today he shares his remarkable story. Why he puts his life on the line for causes most urgent. And what he hopes to achieve as a result.
This is a conversation about harnessing the power of story to spark action, ignite social change, and challenge cultural norms.
It's an honor to share Louie's powerful perspective with you today—may it incite you to action.
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Peace + Plants,

Rich

How can you consciously evolve long-term relationships?
Returning to answer this question and other spiritual, romantic, and philosophical inquiries is the high priestess herself, Julie Piatt.
Longtime listeners are well-acquainted with my wife’s mystical ways with wisdom, but if this is your first introduction to the one who goes by SriMati, she is an accomplished yogi, musician, chef, and mom to our four children.
She’s also the bestselling author of three vegan cookbooks, hosts the For The Life of Me Podcast, provides spiritual counsel via her Water Tiger community, and is the founder & CEO of SriMu, the best and only plant-based cheese you need to concern yourself with.
Today’s conversation centers on intimacy in relationships.
Through the lens of our twenty-three years together we discuss how to intentionally evolve a long-term relationship beyond calcified habits, routines, expectations, and projections—and summon the courage to truly see and allow yourself to be seen by and with your partner. We also discuss lessons learned from the front lines of start-up entrepreneurship through Julie’s SriMu adventures—plus thoughts on Wilco, Memphis, and more.
But at its core, this exchange is about redefining how we relate to our loved ones so that we can experience the best of our relationships. 
Special SriMu Offer: In a gesture of gratitude for listening and watching, Julie is kindly offering a special discount on her SriMu plant-based cheese. Visit SriMu.com and enter code RRPFAM13 to receive your 13th box FREE when you sign up for an annual subscription to any of SriMu’s 8-box offerings. You can also receive 22% OFF the new Ceremony Box which includes two 8-ounce Maclay chocolate mousse cakes, SriMu’s newest and first dessert offering, with the code MACLAY22.

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Timeline Nutrition: TimelineNutrition.com/RICHROLL
Indeed: Indeed.com/RICHROLL
Birch: birchliving.com/RICHROLL
Inside Tracker: InsideTracker.com/RICHROLL
Whoop: whoop.com/RICHROLL
Momentous: LiveMomentous.com/RICHROLL
Roka: Roka.com/RICHROLL

Plant Power Meal Planner: https://meals.richroll.com

Peace + Plants,

Rich