Podcast Summary
Rich's new role as a 'baby secret service agent' and the new clips channel: Rich and Adam discussed their recent experiences, encouraged listeners to sign up for a swim run event, and shared some good news. Listeners were invited to leave questions for future episodes.
Rich Roll and Adam Skolnick discussed various topics on their podcast, including their recent experiences, good news, and listener questions. Rich shared that he has transitioned into being a "baby secret service agent" to keep an eye on his crawling baby, Zuma. They also mentioned their new clips channel, where they upload two clips every day, and encouraged listeners to sign up for a swim run event organized by team Envol, where participants earn points for completing swim runs and a portion of the fees go to Sea Shepherd. The event aims to provide a platform for swim runners who have been frustrated by cancellations due to the pandemic. The podcast also featured some show and tell and good news segments, with Rich sharing his recent trip to the wine country and Adam becoming a property owner. They ended the episode by inviting listeners to leave questions for them to discuss on future episodes.
Envol Coaching's Swimrun Event: The 'Big Battle': Envol Coaching introduces a swimrun event with points and bonuses, sponsors provide high-performance gear and alcohol-free brews, catering to a niche swimrun audience.
The Envol coaching program offers points for completing swimruns, with additional bonuses for longer distances, starting June 1st. This event, known as the "big battle," allows participants to engage in small distances of swimming and running, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals. Envol coaching's niche focus on swimruns is unique in the journalistic world, with few mainstream articles on the subject. The team, including the speaker, has been instrumental in bringing awareness to this sport. On, a sponsor of the podcast, is a leading innovator in apparel technology, offering high-performance running gear. Go Brewing, a new sponsor, provides alcohol-free brews, allowing individuals to enjoy their favorite beverages without the negative effects of alcohol. The podcast aims to further cater to its specific audience by focusing on the needs and interests of those involved in swimruns and an alcohol-free lifestyle.
Exploring Personal Growth through Coffee and Meditation: Invest in experiences and resources like high-quality coffee and meditation apps that promote personal growth and well-being. Go Brewing offers discounted coffee and Waking Up provides a free trial and scholarship program for their meditation app.
Both Go Brewing and Waking Up offer valuable resources for personal growth. Go Brewing provides high-quality coffee and the opportunity to try it for yourself through their website, using the code "richroll" for a discount. Waking Up, on the other hand, is a meditation app with a robust catalog of daily meditations and an extensive library of mindfulness resources, including courses on various topics like stoicism, cognitive behavioral therapy, and time management. The app also offers a free trial and a scholarship program for those who cannot afford it. Additionally, a new project in New York City involves building a floating pool in the East River, which not only provides an Olympic-sized pool for swimming but also includes a technologically advanced filtration system to clean the river. These discoveries highlight the importance of investing in experiences and resources that contribute to personal growth and well-being.
Feeling of languishing after pandemic: Many people feel unmotivated and blah despite returning to normal activities due to pandemic's impact on psyche, requiring acknowledgement and effort to adjust.
The collective experience of the pandemic and its aftermath has left many people feeling a sense of languishing – a state of feeling blah and unmotivated, despite emerging from isolation and returning to normal activities. This feeling, as described by Adam Grant in a recent article, is a common experience for many, despite the varying degrees of hardship people have faced throughout the past year. The isolation, political turmoil, and stress of the pandemic have collectively impacted our psyches, and it's essential to acknowledge and work through these feelings as we transition back to normal life. The reentry process can be challenging, with a sense of hesitation and a feeling that previous experiences were more intense and meaningful. It may take time to adjust and find joy in everyday activities again.
Embracing Emotions and Finding Joy: Despite societal dissonance and personal emotional challenges, focus on enjoying life and finding joy in the moment.
Emotions are constantly changing, even when we feel stuck in them. The speaker reflects on his own emotional journey over the past year and encourages listeners to focus on their own experiences and enjoy life despite the current dissonance and vitriol in society. The conversation also touches on the topic of the "Brogan situation," where the speaker addresses concerns from listeners about his treatment of a past guest. He clarifies that his comments were made in jest and assures listeners that Adam's job is secure. Another topic discussed is a tragic ultra marathon race in China where extreme weather killed 21 participants, highlighting the importance of being prepared for unexpected conditions. Overall, the conversation emphasizes the importance of embracing emotions and finding joy in life despite challenges.
Deadliest Ultra Marathon in History: 21 Runners Perish in China: The 2021 Tamok Lake Ultra Marathon resulted in the deaths of 21 runners due to extreme weather and altitude, highlighting the importance of safety measures and organizers' responsibility in extreme conditions.
The 2021 Tamok Lake Ultra Marathon in China saw a tragic event with the death of 21 runners due to extreme weather conditions and altitude. This is believed to be the deadliest multi-sport event in history. The race, which attracted both experienced and novice runners, took place despite warnings of approaching weather and was eventually called off due to the worsening conditions. Several runners sought refuge in caves and were saved by locals, while others perished. The incident has sparked a conversation about safety measures and the responsibility of race organizers to ensure prophylactic safety in extreme conditions. The tragic event has left the trail running community in China and beyond in mourning. The investigation into the incident is expected to focus on the safety measures put in place by the race organizers. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of being prepared for extreme conditions in ultra-running and the need for organizers to prioritize safety.
The Iron Cowboy's Challenge: A Community Effort: The Iron Cowboy's endurance challenge is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the support of loved ones.
The Iron Cowboy's endurance challenge is not only an individual feat but also a community effort. His family plays a significant role in his success, with his wife leading the support team and his children handling media relations and sponsor relationships. His spirits are high, and he's making progress, with his body acclimating well to the rigors of the challenge. Despite the challenges, his community's support keeps him going. The Iron Cowboy's journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, determination, and the support of loved ones.
The struggle of finding balance in life: Despite the challenges, it's important to keep pushing towards goals and maintain a balance in life, taking small steps when needed.
Finding balance in life can be a challenging journey. The swimmer Adam, who has been inspiring many with his 100-day swimming challenge, shared an emotional moment about the struggle of starting a new day. His exhaustion was evident, but he rallied back with renewed energy. This experience resonates with the idea of balance, which is a recurring theme in the podcast. The host, Rich, is currently working on a team project and feels guilty for not contributing due to his inability to start. He recognizes the importance of balance, yet finds himself becoming consumed by the project once he finally begins. These stories illustrate the delicate dance of balancing various aspects of life and the importance of taking small steps towards goals, even when it feels overwhelming.
The pressure of deadlines can lead to better work: Deadlines can ignite intense focus and immersion, leading to breakthroughs and creative insights despite long hours and guilt
The pressure of a deadline and the resulting immersion in a project can lead to better work, even if it means long hours and periods of paralysis. Both the speaker and the interviewer, who are writers, relate to the fear of starting a project and the relief and momentum that comes once they begin. The speaker acknowledges the guilt and shame that comes with their all-or-nothing approach, but also the importance of immersion in their creative process. They have learned to rationalize their work habits as necessary for producing their best work. The process may not be perfect or consistent, but the speaker believes that the intense focus and immersion that comes with working under pressure can lead to breakthroughs and creative insights.
Striving for balance may lead to failure, focus on being the best in the moment instead: Instead of aiming for perfect balance, focus on being fully present in each area of life and toggling between them
Striving for a perfectly balanced life may set us up for failure. Instead, focusing on being the best version of ourselves in the moment and toggling between different areas of our lives can be a more realistic and sustainable approach. The speaker acknowledges her own struggle with this, as she's wired to push herself hard and grind it out, but recognizes that this isn't the healthiest or most sustainable way to live. She admires those who seem to effortlessly create and produce consistently, but understands that it's not necessarily effortless for them either. The key is to let go of the guilt and shame that comes with feeling like we can't do it all and instead embrace our unique predispositions. Balance isn't about doing everything well every day, but rather investing ourselves fully in what we're doing in the moment and then switching gears to the next thing. It's important to remember that multitasking is a misnomer and that we can't truly focus on multiple things at once. Instead, we should toggle between them, giving each our full attention when possible.
Understanding individual strengths and weaknesses for achieving balance: Find balance by recognizing personal strengths and weaknesses, creating a lifestyle that suits them, and being compassionate throughout the journey.
The concept of balance in life is subjective and can be achieved differently by different individuals. Some people may excel at multitasking and switching between tasks frequently, while others may find their balance by focusing on one thing at a time. It's essential to understand one's strengths and weaknesses and create a lifestyle that accommodates them, rather than feeling guilty for not meeting unrealistic expectations. Balance can also be evaluated over a more extended period, allowing for periods of intense focus and experiencing flow, rather than trying to achieve it every day. Additionally, striving for self-awareness and understanding one's core values can help in making informed decisions and finding a sense of balance in life. Ultimately, finding balance is a personal journey, and it's essential to be compassionate with oneself throughout the process.
Embrace discomfort and self-doubt for personal growth: Focus on completing projects with self-awareness, mindfulness, and acceptance of the present moment, while recognizing the importance of progress and the natural desire to explore other experiences.
Creating a balanced and fulfilling life involves pushing through discomfort and self-doubt in both personal and professional pursuits. This can be compared to the experience of being in a flow state during athletic activities. However, just because the process feels uncomfortable or even painful at times doesn't guarantee the end result will be of high quality. It's important to tune out both positive and negative thoughts to focus on completing the project. Self-awareness and mindfulness practices can help in this regard. The idea of equanimity, or being fully present and accepting of the present moment, can also be beneficial. Remember, nature doesn't rush, but it still gets things done. It's essential to accept our current nature and approach projects with self-acceptance, without falling into self-destructive patterns. Lastly, it's crucial to recognize that it's natural to feel like we're missing out on other experiences while focusing on one project. This is not a grass-is-greener mentality, but a reminder to appreciate the present moment and the progress we're making.
The Intersection of YOLO and FOMO: Enjoy the present without FOMO by trying affordable luxuries like SriMu's cheese subscription or reading Simon Hill's book for plant-based nutrition insights.
Living in the moment, or YOLO, can sometimes lead to a fear of missing out, or FOMO. This means that while we may want to fully engage in the present, we can't help but feel anxious about the experiences we're missing out on. This intersection of YOLO and FOMO can be overwhelming and unproductive. However, there is hope. SriMu, a plant-based cheese company, offers a solution with their new, more affordable two-wheel subscription box. This allows consumers to enjoy a taste of luxury without breaking the bank. Additionally, Simon Hill's book, "The Proof is in the Plants," is now available in Australia and will soon be released in the US. Hill's advocacy for plant-based nutrition and his ability to navigate online nutrition debates make him a valuable resource for those looking to make the switch to a plant-based diet. So, while it's important to live in the moment, it's also crucial to take care of ourselves and not miss out on opportunities for growth and self-improvement.
New YouTube Channel 'The Spirited Man' by Van Nystaten gains popularity with unique, philosophical content: In a short time, Van Nystaten's new YouTube channel 'The Spirited Man' has amassed over 380,000 subscribers with its introspective and philosophical short stories, offering depth on topics like repair and the human condition, and resonating with viewers due to Van's uncorrupted perspective as someone not active on social media.
Van Nystaten, the older brother of YouTube sensation Casey Neistat, has recently launched a new YouTube channel called "The Spirited Man," which has gained rapid popularity due to its unique, philosophical, and beautifully rendered short stories. With over 380,000 subscribers in just a few weeks, each video serves as a standalone curio, reflecting on the human condition. Van's uncorrupted perspective, as someone not active on social media, adds a sense of purity to his content. His series, The Spirited Man, offers depth and introspection on topics like repair and the human condition, resonating with viewers and earning comparisons to classic works like Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. Van's upcoming appearance on the podcast promises further insight into his worldview and the meaning behind his journey as The Spirited Man.
Exploring the Spirit of the Unconventional: Individuals who challenge norms and push boundaries inspire us with their determination and unique perspectives.
The spirited man or woman is an individual who challenges the status quo and feels compelled to fix or correct things in their environment. This concept was discussed in relation to a spirited horse and a man who swims with an old-fashioned diving mask. The spirited man's use of a mask allows him to decide between swimming and diving at any moment, making him out of step with the typical swimming community. Another example given was the Duke Hanamoku biography, which highlights the life of a 3-time Olympic swimmer who didn't get to compete at his peak due to World War I. The spirited man or woman is often a hero who defies expectations and pushes boundaries, inspiring those around them. Whether it's through a unique swimming mask or a compelling biography, the spirited man's determination and individuality shines through.
The Fascinating Life of Duke Kahanamoku: Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary swimmer and surfer, overcame challenges and became a cultural icon. His story serves as a reminder of the importance of finding meaning beyond athletic careers.
Duke Kahanamoku, a legendary figure during the birth of the nation who was not only the greatest swimmer but also the greatest surfer of his era, transcended sports to become a cultural icon. His life was marked by incredible feats, such as saving lives during a 20-foot wave at Newport Beach, battling money problems, and even becoming the sheriff of Oahu. Despite his many accomplishments, it's surprising that there hasn't been a movie made about him, given his captivating story. The book "Waterman" by David Davis provides a fascinating look into his life, and the old TV show "This Is Your Life" offers a 30-minute primer. Duke's story is a reminder of the challenges athletes face in finding meaning beyond their athletic careers, as their lives often peak at a young age and the adulation of the world can be hard to top.
Ignorance towards environment in Hawaii's history: Despite past environmental negligence, individual determination and community support can lead to inspiring achievements
The history of development in Hawaii, and in many colonized places, involves a lack of understanding and care for the environment. This was exemplified by the draining of estuaries and the placement of garbage dumps in wetlands, which was likely done without consideration for their importance to the ecosystem. However, there are also inspiring stories of individuals who have accomplished extraordinary feats and brought positivity to their communities, like Hella Sidibe, who recently completed a cross-country run across the United States. Sidibe's journey was supported by friends and sponsors, and he even proposed to his girlfriend at the finish line. Sidibe's determination and positive attitude serve as a reminder of the importance of perseverance and the power of community support.
Malcolm Gladwell proves age is just a number in a mile race: Malcolm Gladwell, at 58, surprised everyone by beating a 27-year-old track announcer in a mile race, inspiring us to never judge based on age.
Age is just a number when it comes to determination and competition. Malcolm Gladwell, at 58 years old, proved this by challenging Chris Chavez, a 27-year-old track and field announcer, to a mile race. Despite the age difference and Malcolm's reputation as a "sandbagger" who downplays his abilities, he managed to overtake Chris during the New York City qualifier race, finishing with a time of 5:15. The race, which took place in front of a field of elite athletes, was watched by many online, making it a memorable internet experience. Malcolm's ability to perform at a high level despite his age serves as an inspiration to never underestimate someone based on their age.
Experimenting with unique sports formats can attract wider audiences: Unconventional events in sports can captivate viewers and bring new energy to the sport, even for those not typically interested.
Experimenting with different formats and events in sports can make them more engaging and interesting to a wider audience, even for those who are not typically interested or knowledgeable about the sport. The example given was the unique running mile event between Malcolm Gladwell and Chris Chavez, which attracted attention and excitement beyond the track and field community. The race's unconventional format, with experienced runners competing against younger, faster ones, added an element of surprise and suspense that captivated viewers. This approach can help bring new energy and excitement to sports and encourage more people to engage with them.
Balancing multiple areas of life can lead to exhaustion and lack of self-care: Recognize signs of overexertion, prioritize self-care to prevent burnout, and address underlying tendencies towards codependence to maintain joy in personal growth.
Maintaining a balanced and sustainable lifestyle is a continuous challenge, especially for individuals who are dedicated to excelling in multiple areas. The speaker's experience of juggling work, studies, teaching, and personal goals while dealing with feelings of exhaustion and lack of self-care is a common predicament. The road to personal growth and improvement can be narrow, leading to new challenges that require deeper introspection. It's essential to recognize the signs of overexertion and prioritize self-care to prevent burnout and maintain joy in the pursuit of one's passions. Additionally, it's crucial to recognize and address any underlying tendencies towards codependence and prioritize pleasing oneself in a healthy and balanced way.
Prioritize Self-Care for Long-Term Success: Evaluate time spent, simplify life, and prioritize self-care to optimize opportunities for personal growth and success.
Prioritizing self-care and focusing on what truly matters in your life is essential for personal growth and success, especially in the long run. Marcus Aurelius once said that people value others' opinions more than their own, and this can lead to suffering when we try to please everyone and neglect ourselves. To overcome this, it's important to evaluate how we spend our time and identify areas where we can simplify our lives and let go of less important tasks. By taking care of ourselves first, we can optimize our opportunities to develop our talents and nurture our creativity, ultimately leading to greater fulfillment and success. In the case of someone trying to become a clarinet performer while juggling multiple jobs and being a full-time student, it's crucial to prioritize self-care and protect the time and energy needed to focus on their passion. This may involve evaluating how time is spent, letting go of unnecessary tasks, and finding a balance between work, school, and personal development. It's a challenging equation to solve, but necessary for long-term success.
Under-fueling your body affects sleep quality: Eating larger, balanced meals earlier in the day and ensuring enough caloric intake can help prevent late-night hunger and improve sleep quality for those following a plant-based diet and working out regularly.
Under-fueling your body, especially if you're following a plant-based diet and working out regularly, can lead to feelings of hunger and agitation, making it difficult to fall or stay asleep. This is because plant-based foods, while rich in nutrients, often don't provide enough calories to sustain energy demands. Additionally, consuming large amounts of fiber, especially before bed, can interfere with digestion and sleep quality. To address this issue, it's recommended to eat larger, more balanced meals earlier in the day, and to ensure that caloric intake meets or exceeds energy expenditure. This can help prevent late-night hunger and improve overall sleep quality.
Choices for a Good Night's Sleep and a Successful Trail Run: Consider complex carbs for dinner before bed for better sleep, address anxiety and establish a routine, choose proper footwear and adjust gradually for trail running, and select a book for a road trip based on personal preferences.
While pasta can be filling, it may not be the best choice before bed due to the energy it provides and the potential for disrupting sleep. Instead, complex carbohydrates like potatoes, sweet potatoes, rice, beans, and avocados are recommended for their satiating effects. Additionally, addressing any anxiety or mental/emotional factors contributing to sleep issues and establishing a consistent pre-sleep routine may also improve sleep quality. For runners transitioning from pavement to trail running, proper footwear, gradual adjustment, and focusing on form and terrain awareness are important tips. Lastly, a road trip can be an exciting opportunity for exploration and growth, and the choice of a book for such a journey may depend on personal preferences, from adventure and self-help to fiction and biographies.
Exploring the world and oneself through reading: Reading 'On the Road' by Jack Kerouac and 'Man's Search for Meaning' by Viktor Frankl, along with a personal encounter with Paramahansa Yogananda, can inspire and provide insights for those seeking self-discovery and introspection.
For someone embarking on a journey of self-discovery and introspection, reading "On the Road" by Jack Kerouac is a must. This seminal book, often associated with Gen X and Boomers, provides inspiration and insight for those seeking to explore the world and themselves. Additionally, Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning" is a recommended read for those grappling with life's deeper questions. A personal anecdote about meeting the head of the Self-Realization Fellowship and experiencing a profound sense of presence from Paramahansa Yogananda further emphasizes the importance of exploring the mystical and expanding one's sense of possibility. Overall, these books offer valuable perspectives and insights for anyone on a journey of self-discovery.
Exploring the connection between literature and running: Embrace the present moment during running, find meaning in the journey through literature and running.
Literature and running can intersect in meaningful ways. The discussion touched upon various books, including works by Jack Kerouac and Lucia Berlin, which explored themes of self-realization, mindfulness, and survival. Kerouac's "Dharma Bums" is particularly noteworthy for its influence on bringing Eastern practices into the Beat Generation. Additionally, the conversation emphasized the importance of embracing the present moment during trail running, encouraging a shift from focusing on metrics to enjoying the experience and immersing oneself in the environment. Whether through literature or running, the key message is to appreciate the journey and find meaning in the experience.
Stay alert on trails: watch for hazards and take safety precautions: Trail running requires vigilance for potential hazards, light footwork, essential safety measures, and the use of apps for trail discovery and safety.
Running on trails requires increased awareness of your surroundings and taking necessary safety precautions. This means being vigilant about potential hazards like rocks, roots, and wild animals. It's important to let the trail work for you by bounding from rock to rock and being light on your feet during descents. Safety measures such as carrying a phone with cell service, broadcasting your location on apps like Strava, and having a hydration pack are essential. Additionally, the AllTrails app can help make trail discovery easier. Overall, trail running offers an extraordinary experience, but it requires extra preparation and caution.
The Power of Community and Collaboration: Success relies on a strong network of supportive individuals. Follow passions, pursue personal projects, set goals, and be persistent.
The importance of community and collaboration was a recurring theme in this episode. From discussing the production of short films with Brogan Graham and his team, to the behind-the-scenes efforts of Jason Camiolo, Jessica Miranda, Grayson Wilder, DK, and Tyler, Trapper and Harry, it's clear that the success of the Rich Roll podcast relies on a strong network of supportive individuals. Additionally, the conversation touched on the benefits of following one's passions and pursuing personal projects, even if it means stepping out of one's comfort zone. The episode also highlighted the power of setting goals and being persistent, as evidenced by Adam's commitment to his mask-wearing challenge and the Iron Cowboy event. Overall, the message was one of unity, creativity, and determination.
