The James Altucher Show

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 Revisit

00:35 The Power of Cold Emails: Life-Changing Connections

02:04 Nassim Taleb: A Mind That Shaped My Worldview

02:51 Exploring the Impact of Technology Through the Lens of Anti-Fragility

04:18 The Evolution of Communication: From TV to Social Media

04:47 The Paradox of Technological Progress: A Historical Perspective

05:43 Disruptive Innovations and the Cycle of Technology

08:41 Personal Anecdotes and the Philosophy of Email Communication

09:24 The Intricacies of Responding to Emails and Setting Boundaries

10:56 Journalism, Social Media, and the Quest for Authenticity

15:27 Understanding Fragility vs. Anti-Fragility: A Deep Dive

26:07 The Role of Variability and Stressors in Evolution and Health

31:49 Applying Anti-Fragility to Diet, Exercise, and Lifestyle

49:43 The Importance of Political Variability and the Unpredictability of Life

51:40 Exploring the Anti-Fragile Lifestyle

52:00 The Power of Walking and Creative Thinking

54:22 Embracing Natural Elements for Health

55:06 Rethinking Medicine and Personal Health Strategies

57:30 Navigating Social Relationships and Disruption

01:00:31 The Essence of Anti-Fragility in Life and Work

01:09:34 Understanding the Financial System and Its Fragilities

01:12:33 The Role of Entrepreneurship and Risk in Society

01:29:51 Reflecting on Writing, Publishing, and Intellectual Pursuits

01:41:37 Closing Thoughts and Future Directions

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• 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!

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• 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

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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: 

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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 Works

02:35 Diving Deep into the Writing Process with Amor Towles

04:41 Exploring Character Development and the Art of the Novel

17:03 The Craft of Writing: From Concept to Language

28:53 The Richness of Language and the Writer's Knowledge

38:24 Exploring the Art of Writing: Insights and Metaphors

39:41 Character Development and the Power of Subconscious Creativity

42:36 The Revision Process: Crafting and Refining a Story

46:54 Navigating Historical Contexts and Character Perspectives

57:52 The Complexity of Social Classes and Personal Identity

01:04:40 Interconnected Stories and Characters Across Novels

01:13:10 Exploring the Creative Process Behind a Novella

01:13:47 The Noir Tradition and Writing Style

01:15:43 The Unique Appeal of Short Stories

01:17:10 Experimenting with Narrative Perspectives

01:20:50 The Art of Surprise in Short Stories

01:23:24 Personal Reflections in Writing

01:28:57 Adapting Novels for Television

01:33:10 The Aspirational Nature of 'A Gentleman in Moscow'

01:35:06 Patience and Process in Writing and Investing

01:42:20 Concluding Thoughts and Future Projects

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• 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 Podcasts
• iHeart Radio
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Follow me on social media:

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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 McGarey

02:04 The Resilience of a 103-Year-Old: Tricycle Accidents and Recovery

05:11 Finding Humanity and Overcoming Loss

06:04 The Power of Love and Life: A Personal Journey

14:44 Exploring the Mind's Influence on Reality

16:31 The Magic of Connection: A Story of a Plant and Dementia

25:39 Embracing Life's Adventures and the Quest for True Humanity

31:29 The Philosophy of Life, Love, and Humanity

36:07 Navigating Life's Challenges with Optimism

37:47 The Power of Choice in Overcoming Adversity

40:39 Turning Pain into Purpose: A Personal Journey

41:47 Action as a Catalyst for Change

42:23 The Interplay of Life and Love

44:13 Embracing Aging with Grace and Wisdom

46:33 The Impact of Stress on Health and Well-being

47:47 Finding Meaning and Joy Amidst Loss

50:42 The Importance of Memory and Presence

56:42 Exploring Spiritual Growth and Self-Discovery

01:02:05 The Role of Technology and Community in Modern Life

01:06:32 Reflecting on a Life Well Lived

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• 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: 

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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 Prodigy

03:07 The Art of Public Speaking: Ryan's Path to Mastery

08:23 Navigating Career Transitions: From Sales to the Stage

08:52 Building a Speaking Career: Strategies and Breakthroughs

19:03 The Power of Free Gigs: Establishing Credibility and Demand

26:40 Maintaining Integrity and Navigating Imposter Syndrome

28:19 Navigating the World of Public Speaking

29:37 Overcoming Stage Fright and Idolization

32:50 The Impact of COVID-19 on a Speaking Career

34:50 The Genesis of ImpactEleven: A New Venture

36:10 Expanding Beyond Public Speaking

48:13 Reflecting on Personal Growth and Future Aspirations

54:12 The Evolution of Success and the Importance of Giving Back

Links:

• Check our Prepare for Impact Here: "Prepare for Impact"
• Official Website: ryanestis.com
• ImpactEleven Official Website: ImpactEleven
• Twitter: Ryan Estis on Twitter
• LinkedIn: Ryan Estis on LinkedIn
• Instagram: Ryan Estis on Instagram

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• 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: 

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Follow me on social media:

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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 Downfall

01:16 The Emotional Toll and Decision to Turn Himself In

03:43 The Complexity of Investor Trust and Fraudulent Audits

13:25 Navigating Federal Prison: A New Reality

21:21 The Journey of Rehabilitation and Reflection

27:15 Unveiling the Complex World of Hedge Fund Audits

27:47 The Intricacies of Financial Statements and Audits

29:11 Real-World Examples of Financial Manipulation

29:47 The Critical Role of Auditors in Detecting Fraud

32:10 Navigating the Challenges of Hedge Fund Investments

38:51 From Fraudster to Fraud Investigator: A Personal Journey

45:18 The Importance of Due Diligence in Investment

50:33 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 Podcasts
• iHeart Radio
• Spotify

Follow me on social media:

• YouTube
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• Facebook
• LinkedIn