Podcast Summary
Mike Posner's Commitment Saved Him on Mount Everest: Staying true to oneself and committed to a goal, even in dangerous conditions, can lead to personal growth and wisdom.
For Mike Posner, the desire to look cool or impress others on his journey to climb Mount Everest nearly cost him his life during an avalanche. Instead, it was his commitment to completing the challenge that kept him going despite the extreme conditions. This experience, along with his 2,000-mile walk across America, has given him a deeper understanding of life and wisdom he is now sharing. The importance of commitment and staying true to oneself, even in the face of danger, is a powerful lesson from Mike's journey. Additionally, the podcast episode is brought to you by On, a company innovating in the apparel space with next-gen premium fabrics and technology, and Go Brewing, a new sponsor offering alcohol-free brews without added sugar or artificial processing.
Exploring personal growth through coffee and meditation: Brewing perfection from Go Brewing and mindfulness resources from Waking Up offer opportunities for growth and connection
Both Go Brewing and the Waking Up app offer valuable experiences for personal growth. Go Brewing's commitment to brewing perfection makes their products worth trying, while Waking Up provides a wealth of resources for meditation, mindfulness, and self-improvement. Mike Posner's inspiring journey towards deeper meaning and authenticity serves as a reminder to lean into vulnerability and seek wisdom in unexpected places. Whether it's through a perfect cup of coffee or a guided meditation session, these resources offer opportunities for growth and connection. Listeners can explore Go Brewing with a discount at gobrewing.com using the code richroll, and try Waking Up for free for 30 days at wakingup.com/richroll.
Leading a healthy lifestyle: More than just macros and avoiding unhealthy foods: Consider the source and potential toxins, learn from experiences, and stay motivated by infectious advocates to fully commit to a healthy lifestyle
Leading a healthy lifestyle, as inspired by Doug Evans and his raw vegan approach, involves not only focusing on macros and avoiding unhealthy foods but also considering the source and potential toxins. This dedication to health can be infectious and lead to a more serious commitment, like a fully raw vegan diet. Overcoming obstacles, such as injuries, is a natural part of the journey, and taking that first step despite uncertainty is crucial. Learning from experiences and adapting, like dealing with plantar fasciitis, is essential for continuing the journey. The infectious energy and passion of advocates like Doug can inspire and motivate us to make positive changes in our own lives.
Overcoming Adversity with Determination: Through a life-threatening experience, the speaker learned to focus on living his life according to his commitments rather than excuses, and the importance of staying true to one's goals.
Despite facing numerous challenges and setbacks, including a life-threatening snake bite, the speaker chose to persevere and continue pursuing his goal. He made a decision to focus on living his life according to his commitment rather than his excuses, even when faced with the possibility of death. The experience brought him to a new perspective, appreciating the vibrancy of life and the importance of staying true to one's goals. The speaker's story highlights the resilience of the human spirit and the power of determination in overcoming adversity.
Fear and self-doubt can prevent us from pursuing our dreams: Don't let fear or self-doubt stop you from chasing your dreams, even if they seem crazy at first.
Sometimes, fear and self-doubt can prevent us from pursuing our dreams. Mike Posner shared his experience of wanting to walk across America for years but kept putting it off due to various obstacles and commitments. He eventually confided in a friend, who encouraged him to follow his dream, reminding him that great ideas often seem crazy at first. Despite the challenges and the difference between his initial expectations and the reality of the journey, Mike ultimately decided to go for it, reminding us all that there's never a perfect time to chase our dreams, and that the fear of failure or hardship should not hold us back.
From ocean to ocean: A journey of commitment and discipline: Commitment and discipline are crucial for achieving long-term goals. Keep a long-term perspective, stay engaged in new pursuits, and view accomplishments as checkpoints rather than endpoints.
Commitment and discipline are key to achieving even the most daunting goals. The speaker shares his experience of walking from the Atlantic Ocean to the Pacific Ocean, a journey that required extreme discipline and a daily decision to keep going despite feelings of sadness or exhaustion. He emphasizes that integrity and following through on commitments are essential, even when the going gets tough. Furthermore, he reflects on the importance of keeping a long-term perspective and viewing accomplishments as checkpoints rather than endpoints, which helps keep the ego in check and fuels a sense of possibility and curiosity for what's next. Finally, he highlights the importance of staying active and engaged in new pursuits after achieving a significant goal, as a way to maintain mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
Visualizing success and setbacks: Preparing mentally for challenges during long-distance journeys by visualizing both success and setbacks can help stay focused and determined.
Optimism and mental preparation are key to overcoming challenges during long-distance journeys. The speaker shared his experience of connecting with David Goggins, who emphasized the importance of visualizing both success and setbacks. Before embarking on a walk across America, the speaker practiced visualizing an injury and recovering from it. This mental preparation allowed him to stay focused and determined when faced with an actual injury. Additionally, the speaker encountered profound experiences along the way, including the Navajo Nation, where he received an outpouring of love and support from the locals despite being a white visitor. These experiences reinforced the value of staying open-minded and embracing unexpected moments during long journeys.
Overcoming judgment and connecting with valuable stories: Empathy and curiosity can lead to profound connections, even in unexpected situations. Ask deeper questions to understand others' experiences and value their stories.
Sometimes, our judgments and biases can prevent us from connecting with people who have valuable stories to share. The speaker shares an encounter with a young man named Rowan on an Arizona reservation, who opened up about his struggles with sobriety after losing his entire family to alcoholism. Despite the initial hesitation, the speaker asked a deeper question, which led to a profound connection and the exchange of a sacred gift. This experience highlights the importance of empathy and curiosity in forming meaningful relationships, even in unexpected situations. Furthermore, the speaker reflects on how the theme of loss and self-reflection has influenced his personal growth and the decisions he's made in his life.
The Power of Solitude: Embracing solitude can lead to profound personal growth and clarity. It's challenging to maintain this awareness in daily life, but returning to solitary retreats can help continue the journey towards presence and simplicity.
Disconnecting from the constant stimuli of modern life and embracing solitude can lead to profound personal growth and clarity. The speaker shares an experience of walking long distances with a man who chose to walk without headphones or tent, immersing himself fully in the experience. This experience led the speaker to reflect deeply on his relationships and simplify his life, resulting in a newfound presence and clarity. However, the speaker acknowledges that it's challenging to maintain this awareness in daily life after such experiences. To continue accessing this peace, the speaker returned to a solitary retreat at a Buddhist center. This experience underscores the importance of creating space for introspection and presence in our lives.
Quieting the mind for deeper connection: Practicing mindfulness meditation can lead to a quieter mind, allowing for increased creativity, awareness, and deeper connections to the world around us.
A quiet mind can lead to a sense of peace and clarity, allowing for increased creativity and awareness in everyday life. The speaker discovered this during a three-week solo hike, where he practiced mindfulness meditation and observed the patterns of his inner thoughts, or "Charlie." He realized that his mind is often negative and repetitive, but by focusing on the present moment and maintaining awareness of his physical sensations, he could quiet his mind and experience a deeper connection to the world around him. This practice has carried over into his daily life, making him more present and focused when working with artists and producing music. The quiet mind allows him to access a creative superpower, where he can tap into a sense of calm and openness, even in the midst of chaos or stress.
Quieting the mind for deeper connection: Recognizing and separating from thoughts allows for new perspective and understanding, leading to profound insights and a more fulfilling life.
Quieting the mind and being present in the moment can lead to a deeper connection with reality and oneself. The constant chatter in our heads, or "Charlie," as one speaker referred to it, can cloud our perception and prevent us from truly experiencing life. By recognizing and separating ourselves from our thinking minds, we can gain a new perspective and understanding of our higher consciousness. This practice is not easy and requires consistent effort, but it can lead to profound insights and a more fulfilling life. The ultimate goal is not to eliminate thoughts entirely, but to create a distance and awareness that allows us to choose which thoughts to engage with and which to let go. As one speaker noted, "retreat is about reentry," meaning that the goal of introspection and personal growth should be to bring positive changes back into the world and improve our relationships with others.
Mike Posner's Journey to Self-Discovery and Interconnectedness: Mike Posner's journey towards self-discovery involved letting go of ego, prioritizing others, recognizing the illusion of personal stories, and embracing interconnectedness for greater peace and fulfillment.
The artist Mike Posner's journey towards self-discovery and connection with the world around him involves a constant struggle to let go of the ego. This was evident in his decision to have a small, intimate party in Venice instead of a grand event, and in his approach to studio time where he prioritizes serving the artists he works with over personal gain. Posner also recognized that the stories and identities we hold in our heads are not real, and that we are deeply connected to the world and to each other. His experiences, from walking across America to climbing Everest, have led him to a deeper understanding of interconnectedness and the importance of shifting from an ego-centric perspective to a more expansive one. This realization has brought him a greater sense of peace and fulfillment in life.
A chance encounter leads to life-changing mentorship: Through dedication, passion, and the guidance of a mentor, one can overcome challenges and achieve remarkable personal growth, even when starting with no experience.
Passion and dedication, coupled with the guidance of an experienced mentor, can lead to remarkable personal growth and achievement. The speaker's chance encounter with a stranger during a walk transformed into a life-changing experience when the stranger invited him to climb Mount Hood. Despite having no prior experience, the speaker committed to the journey and was introduced to his coach, John Kudrowski. Over the next year and a half, they trained relentlessly, climbing various mountains and even traveling to different countries. The speaker learned valuable lessons, such as the importance of proper preparation and understanding the unique challenges of high-altitude climbing. The speaker's determination and unwavering commitment to his goal paid off when they successfully summited Mount Everest. The journey not only showcased the speaker's personal growth but also highlighted the significance of having a mentor who believed in his potential and pushed him to reach new heights.
Coping with the Challenges of Climbing an 8,000-meter Peak: The Wim Hof Method, which includes cold immersion and breathwork, can help climbers adapt to extreme conditions and improve their performance on 8,000-meter peaks.
Climbing an 8,000-meter peak like Everest presents unique challenges that go beyond physical preparation. The extreme altitude and harsh conditions can lead to exhaustion, dehydration, and a lack of sleep. Even with proper acclimation, the experience can be grueling and uncomfortable. One method that can help climbers cope with these challenges is the Wim Hof Method, which involves cold immersion and breathwork. By practicing these techniques, climbers can improve their ability to regulate their body temperature and breathe effectively in extreme conditions. The benefits of cold immersion, in particular, can help climbers acclimate to the cold temperatures they will encounter on the mountain. However, it's important to note that the process of becoming acclimated to the cold is ongoing and never truly becomes easy. Despite the challenges, the experience of climbing an 8,000-meter peak can be life-changing. The sense of accomplishment and the memories made along the way make the hardships worth it for many climbers. Overall, the key takeaway is that climbing an 8,000-meter peak requires a combination of physical preparation, mental fortitude, and the ability to adapt to extreme conditions. The Wim Hof Method can be a valuable tool for climbers looking to improve their ability to cope with these challenges and make the most of their mountain climbing experience.
Impact of commitment and mindfulness practices on perception and navigation: Commitment and mindfulness practices, like breathwork and meditation, enhance our ability to perceive reality and navigate challenges. They offer immediate peace and clarity, but safety measures and respect for nature's risks are crucial.
Commitment and mindfulness practices, such as breathwork and meditation, can significantly impact our perception of reality and help us navigate challenging situations. The speaker's experience at Everest Base Camp highlights the desensitization to danger and the importance of following through on commitments, especially when faced with external pressures and internal doubts. The power of breathwork, in particular, can provide an immediate and profound sense of peace and clarity, even in the most extreme environments. However, it's essential to remember that these practices are not a substitute for safety measures and respect for the natural world's inherent risks.
A close call with an avalanche on Mount Everest: Despite the risks and challenges, the commitment to completing the journey kept climbers going, requiring them to be responsible and adaptable in extreme conditions.
Climbing Mount Everest is a challenging and unpredictable experience. The speaker described an avalanche that destroyed their dining tent and narrowly missed their camp, leaving them feeling fortunate to be alive. The altitude's effects vary from person to person, making every step a struggle. Despite the risks and difficulties, the commitment to completing the journey kept them going. At Camp 4, they had a brief window to rest and prepare for the final push to the summit, but they had to manage their oxygen supply carefully. The speaker also shared an unusual experience of entering a trance-like state during their rest period, which gave them a new perspective on the journey. Overall, the expedition tested their limits and required them to be responsible and adaptable in the face of extreme conditions.
Reaching the summit of Mount Everest: A team effort: Successfully climbing Mount Everest requires pushing past comfort zones, taking calculated risks, and relying on the support of a team. The experience brings profound humility, gratitude, and awe for the natural world.
Climbing Mount Everest is a challenging and humbling experience. Despite the fear of the cold and the traffic of climbers, pushing past comfort zones and taking calculated risks can lead to success. However, it's essential to remember that the journey is not a solo effort, but a team effort. The support of Sherpas, guides, and fellow climbers plays a crucial role in reaching the summit. The moment of reaching the summit brings a profound sense of humility, gratitude, and awe for the natural beauty of the world. The experience often surpasses initial expectations and leaves a lasting impact. It's important to remember that mountains have shadows, and conditions can change rapidly, emphasizing the importance of preparation and adaptability.
Experiences as opportunities for personal growth: Strive for authentic presence, learn from experiences, and grow beyond them, rather than using them as escapes or getting stuck.
Experiences, whether they're adventurous or transformative, should not be used as escapes from reality but as opportunities for personal growth. The speaker shares his encounter with Ram Dass, who despite being in a wheelchair, exuded a deep love and connection that left a lasting impact. This experience inspired the speaker to strive for a similar presence in his own life, to make those around him feel loved and connected. Adventure junkies, who constantly seek new experiences, may be missing the point by avoiding the present moment and not delving deeper into gratitude, humility, and presence. It's essential to transcend experiences, learn from them, and continue growing, rather than getting stuck in a certain realm. The ability to transmit a vibration of love and wisdom comes from a deep understanding gained through experience, not just from reading books or imitating others. It's important to be authentic and not pretend to be something we're not, as the difference between a genuine and a charlatan.
The importance of authenticity and presence: Authenticity and presence matter more than titles or external incentives. Unexpected encounters and challenges on Mount Everest illustrate the importance of staying focused on the journey and maintaining a genuine, present mindset.
Authenticity and presence are more important than titles or external incentives when it comes to achieving greatness. The speaker shared an experience of encountering individuals without formal training but possessing the genuine qualities of a guru. The journey to climb Mount Everest was also discussed, highlighting the importance of endurance and adaptability in the face of unexpected challenges. The speaker emphasized that even after reaching the summit, there were still challenges to overcome, and the most dangerous part of the mountain was not the summit but the lower Khumbu icefall. Authenticity and presence were found in unexpected places, whether in the studio with a rapper or on the mountain with a climbing partner. The speaker's experience underscores the importance of staying present and focused on the journey, rather than being driven by external incentives or titles.
Experiences fuel deeper musical expression: Life experiences inspire unique musical expression and artists must adapt, balance living and creating, and explore new mediums to resonate deeply with audiences.
Experiences shape an artist's music. The deeper a person's experiences, the more profound their musical expression. These experiences can come from various aspects of life, including encounters with other artists or adventurous experiences. For instance, meeting Mike Posner in unexpected places or climbing mountains can inspire new perspectives. Quincy Jones' wisdom, "the deeper the human you are, the deeper the musician you are," holds true. An artist's life experiences provide the depth that sets their work apart. Moreover, the balance between living life and creating music is essential. While living rich experiences is crucial for inspiration, honing skills like guitar playing and songwriting is equally important. The quest for creating music that resonates deeply often involves exploring the depths of life experiences and finding the right medium to express them. In the ever-changing music industry, artists must be adaptable and open to new experiences, constantly pushing the boundaries of their art. The medium of a song, such as its structure and length, serves as a foundation for artistic exploration. Ultimately, the key to creating meaningful music lies in the intersection of life experiences and artistic expression.
Exploring new avenues in the music industry: Artists adapt to industry changes by focusing on trends, experimenting with new platforms, and finding joy in the present. Embrace authenticity and collaborate for growth.
The music industry has drastically evolved, with artists now focusing on trends on platforms like TikTok and drip-feeding songs instead of releasing full albums every few years. Some artists, like the speaker, are embracing this change by exploring new avenues like speaking engagements and collaborations. The speaker himself is experimenting with TikTok, focusing on authenticity and living in the moment, rather than worrying about what's next. He also emphasized the importance of finding joy in the present and sharing experiences with others. Additionally, the speaker mentioned his upcoming plans for a retreat and a potential collaboration with Tom Morello. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of adapting to industry changes while staying true to oneself and finding value in sharing experiences with others.
Staying committed and persevering despite challenges: Missing opportunities or facing personal challenges doesn't have to derail your goals. Keep pushing forward and stay open to new experiences.
Despite challenges like poor Wi-Fi connection and personal obligations, commitment and perseverance can lead to great achievements. The speaker shared an anecdote about a missed collaboration opportunity due to his expedition to Mount Everest, but they eventually finished the project. He also expressed admiration for a friend's authenticity and inspiring public persona. During the conversation, the speaker performed an original song about the complexities and uncertainties of life. The overall message emphasizes the importance of staying open and resilient in the face of adversity and continuing to pursue passions and collaborations despite obstacles.
Emancipate yourself from mental slavery: Free your mind from mental slavery and stand up against injustice, play a role in creating positive change
The powerful message of self-liberation and the importance of standing up against injustice. Bob Marley's lyrics from the song "Redemption Song" were a central theme, emphasizing the need for individuals to free their minds from mental slavery and not fear the future, even in the face of adversity. The discussion also touched on the idea that we all have a role to play in creating positive change and ending cycles of violence and oppression. To learn more about these ideas and to explore additional resources related to the podcast, visit the episode page at richroll.com. And remember, as Marley sang, "Emancipate yourself from mental slavery, none but ourselves can free our minds."
Have you thought about what kind of person you are right now vs. who you were, or who you want to be in the future? Join in with Sarah Elkins as she discusses the journey of finding relevance in YOUR life and how stories can have a lasting contribution
