The James Altucher Show

James Altucher

James Altucher interviews the world's leading peak performers in every area of life. But instead of giving you the typical success story, James digs deeper to find the "Choose Yourself" story - these are the moments we relate to... when someone rises up from personal struggle to reinvent themselves. The James Altucher Show brings you into the lives of peak-performers: billionaires, best-selling authors, rappers, astronauts, athletes, comedians, actors, and the world champions in every field, all who forged their own paths, found financial freedom and harnessed the power to create more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

  1. 2D AGO

    Stoicism with Ryan Holiday - Part 2

    A Note from James: We kept recording because the conversation wasn’t done. Part 1 was about writing and honesty. Part 2? It’s about consequences—what happens when people believe their own hype, when we confuse being loud with being right, and when storytelling gets weaponized. Ryan Holiday has written about ego, stillness, and obstacles. But this part of the conversation gets at something deeper: what happens when power and narrative collide. And how do we live with integrity when the tools we use to create can just as easily be used to manipulate? Episode Description: In Part 2 of their conversation, James Altucher and Ryan Holiday explore the darker side of influence—how public figures lose their grounding, how movements become cults, and how audience validation can steer creators away from their original purpose. They discuss RFK Jr., Jordan Peterson, and Tucker Carlson—not as political figures, but as case studies in how public personas evolve under the pressure of attention. Along the way, they wrestle with their own roles as communicators: when to speak, when to hold back, and what it really means to be useful in a world full of noise. What You’ll Learn: Why creators are vulnerable to audience captureThe line between healthy skepticism and conspiracy thinkingWhat separates honesty from manipulation in public discourseWhy power often comes at the expense of self-awarenessHow James and Ryan each wrestle with responsibility as public thinkers Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] Continuation from Part 1[01:00] How Personas Get Distorted Over Time[02:00] The RFK Jr. Conundrum[04:00] Audience Capture and Dopamine Loops[06:00] When Truth Becomes Optional[08:00] Jordan Peterson and the Burden of Symbolism[10:00] Platform Power vs. Message Integrity[11:00] What Happens When You Start Believing Your Own Brand[12:00] The "Edge" as a Career Strategy[13:00] The Slippery Slope from Insight to Grift[15:00] Building a Philosophy Business[16:00] How Stoicism Can Be Used or Abused[17:00] Tucker Carlson, Outrage, and Narrative Control[19:00] Being Useful vs. Being Loud[21:00] When You’re More Known Than You Are Understood[23:00] The Fear of Changing Your Mind[24:00] When Silence is the Most Ethical Choice[25:00] Creating in Public Without Losing Yourself[27:00] The Most Powerful Words: “I Don’t Know” Additional Resources: Ryan Holiday’s website: ryanholiday.netEgo Is the Enemy by Ryan Holiday: AmazonJames Altucher on Twitter: @jaltucherThe Daily Stoic podcast: Daily Stoic See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    43 min

  2. 6D AGO

    Stoicism with Ryan Holiday - Part 1

    A Note from James: Ryan Holiday is one of the few writers I consider a peer—not just because of the work he’s done, but because of the choices he's made along the way. We’ve both published a lot of books. We've both dealt with audiences, platforms, and the weight of having a “point of view” in a world that increasingly wants you to pick a side. This episode wasn’t meant to be a debate or an interview. It was just two people trying to make sense of the tension between creativity and truth, honesty and influence, and why sometimes the best thing you can say is nothing at all. Episode Description: In this candid and far-ranging conversation, James Altucher sits down with bestselling author Ryan Holiday to talk about the changing nature of creativity, writing, podcasting, and personal ethics in a polarized media landscape. They discuss the illusion of having to weigh in on every issue, the danger of algorithmic thinking, and how to stay true to your voice without becoming a prisoner to your audience. Whether you're a writer, a creator, or just trying to think more clearly in chaotic times, this episode offers real insight into the forces shaping our thinking—and how to resist them. What You’ll Learn: Why sharing too early can kill creative momentumHow social media shifted from expression to algorithm worshipWhy long-form podcasts might be bad for your brainHow writing differs from other art forms in its tension and permanenceThe tradeoffs between artistic freedom, platform growth, and audience expectations Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] Writing Without Talking About It[01:00] Why Book Ideas Need Time in the Dark[02:00] Creative Compulsion vs. Discipline[03:00] Stand-Up, Dopamine, and Daily Feedback[05:00] Point of View in a Binary World[06:00] Silence, Ethics, and Speaking Up[07:00] Noise as a Form of Violence[09:00] Political vs. Philosophical Disagreements[10:00] Social Media’s Shift to Opinion Farming[11:00] The Algorithm as Audience Puppet Master[12:00] When the Audience Has You[13:00] Podcasting’s Algorithm Problem[14:00] Are Podcasts Dangerous?[16:00] Podcasting vs. Books: Tension and Craft[18:00] The Rise of the Longform Grifter[20:00] RFK Jr., Bad Ideas, and No Fact Checks[22:00] Why Audiobooks Outperform Podcasts[23:00] Can the Medium Save Us?[25:00] When Podcasts Work (And When They Don’t)[27:00] Music and the Emotional Power of Simplicity[29:00] Songs vs. Culture War Commentary[30:00] Great Lyrics, Great Feelings[32:00] Bono, Stoicism, and Making You Feel Seen[34:00] The Parasocial Magic of Fame[35:00] Acting, Politics, and Emotional Truth[37:00] Writing as the Hardest Artform[39:00] Why Great Writing Still Matters Additional Resources: Ryan Holiday’s website: ryanholiday.netThe Daily Stoic by Ryan Holiday: AmazonJames Altucher on Twitter: @jaltucherRyan Holiday’s books on Amazon: Author PageOlivia Rodrigo – “Drivers License” (YouTube): Watch hereLed Zeppelin lyrics and discography: ledzeppelin.comU2 – “Sunday Bloody Sunday”: YouTube See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    42 min
  3. Crazy Finance: Episode 2 - Is College Still Worth It?

    JUL 23

    Crazy Finance: Episode 2 - Is College Still Worth It?

    A Note from James: When I first said that college was a scam, people thought I was joking—or worse. But I wasn’t. If you’re 18 and listening to this, don’t go to college. And if you’re a parent, don’t send your kid without doing the math. College doesn’t guarantee a better life anymore. In fact, it could cost you years of freedom, tens of thousands of dollars, and saddle you with debt you can’t escape. In this episode, Doug Hill and I talk about why the traditional path of “get a degree, get a job, live happily ever after” no longer holds up. Episode Description: In this second installment of the Crazy Finance series, James Altucher and Doug Hill challenge another major financial assumption: that college is necessary for success. James argues that skyrocketing tuition, guaranteed student loans, and outdated curricula make college a bad financial decision for most people. Doug, who sent four kids to college, shares his own experience and ultimately agrees—except in a few key professions. From alternative education paths to trade school opportunities, this episode breaks down the economics and psychology behind one of the most expensive decisions families ever make. What You’ll Learn: Why student loan debt is structurally predatory and practically inescapableHow government-backed loans have inflated tuition for decadesWhich professions still require college—and which don’tWhy trade schools and alternative education may offer better returnsHow personal development can happen outside the college system Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] Don’t Go to College (Seriously)[01:00] Why “Personal Finance” Advice Feels Generic[02:00] College as a Scam, Explained[03:00] When College Is Actually Worth It[04:00] Do Doctors Really Need 8 Years of School?[06:00] The Business Degree: What Did It Even Teach?[07:00] Entrepreneurship vs. Education[08:00] The Myth of Higher Earnings[09:00] Remedial Programming After Grad School[10:00] Why Tuition Keeps Rising[11:00] Government Guarantees = No Risk for Colleges[12:00] The Hidden Costs and Opportunity Costs[13:00] Who Actually Benefits From College?[14:00] Trade Schools and Skilled Labor[15:00] Electricians, Mechanics, and the Real ROI[16:00] Useless Courses, Forgotten Skills[17:00] Dropping Out and Getting Ahead[18:00] Sales Skills vs. College Classes[19:00] AI and the Future of Professional Work[20:00] Socialization: Real World vs. Campus[21:00] Google Certificates and Online Education[22:00] James Insults His Alma Mater (Again)[23:00] Who Really Wins in the College System? Additional Resources: James Altucher on Twitter: @jaltucherJames’s article archive on college: Altucher Confidential – Why College is a ScamCoursera Professional Certificates (Google, Meta, etc.): coursera.orgKhan Academy (Free Education): khanacademy.orgU.S. Department of Education – College Scorecard: collegescorecard.ed.govTrade School Info & Averages: Trade-Schools.netFederal Reserve Report on Student Loans: federalreserve.govSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    27 min
  4. Crazy Finance: Episode 1 – Why Buying a House Might Be the Worst Financial Decision

    JUL 18

    Crazy Finance: Episode 1 – Why Buying a House Might Be the Worst Financial Decision

    A Note from James: Owning a home has been sold to us as the American dream. But what if it's actually a financial nightmare? In this episode, I talk with my friend Doug Hill about why I think buying a house is a bad idea—not just a little bad, but one of the worst investments you can make. Doug and I disagree on some points, and that's the fun part. This isn't about being contrarian for the sake of it. It's about questioning assumptions that most people never even stop to think about. Episode Description: In this premiere episode of the Crazy Finance series, James Altucher and Doug Hill take on one of the most sacred cows in personal finance: home ownership. James argues that buying a house isn’t the milestone of success it’s made out to be—it’s an expensive, illiquid, and overrated investment. Doug offers a counterpoint rooted in emotional and lifestyle value. Together, they break down the numbers, psychology, and cultural narratives that shape the decision to rent or buy. If you’ve ever wondered whether you should buy a house—or regret that you did—this conversation challenges the conventional wisdom with real numbers and uncommon insight. What You’ll Learn: Why owning a home may be one of the least financially sound decisions you can makeHow homeownership locks you into inflexible geography and limits job mobilityThe hidden costs of maintenance, property taxes, and lost opportunityWhy emotional security often drives people to buy homes, not financial logicHow rental life can be financially and psychologically freeing Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] Homeownership Is a Scam?[01:00] Introducing the Crazy Finance Series[02:00] James’s 11-Item Airbnb Life[03:00] Why Freedom Costs Less Than You Think[04:00] The Myth of "Throwing Away" Rent[06:00] What Makes a House a Bad Investment[07:00] Real Estate vs. Diversified Assets[08:00] The Illusion of Home Equity[09:00] Historical Returns on Housing[10:00] "Found Money" and Forced Savings[11:00] When You Never Truly Own Your Home[13:00] Renting vs. Buying: Lifestyle Tradeoffs[14:00] James vs. Doug: Dominican Property Math[16:00] Renting as Freedom, Not Failure[17:00] The 40-Year Trap of the Down Payment[18:00] Recession Horror Stories[19:00] Emotions vs. Economics[20:00] Getting Stuck (Just Like Factory Towns)[21:00] Why James Still Owns a Home (Kind Of)[22:00] Gender, Culture, and Nesting Instincts[23:00] Listener Homework: Is It Really a Good Investment? Additional Resources: James Altucher on Twitter: @jaltucherU.S. Housing Returns Historical Data: Case-Shiller Home Price Index via FREDMortgage Interest Rates: Bankrate.comU.S. Property Tax Statistics: Tax Foundation – Property Taxes by StateChoose Yourself by James Altucher – Amazon See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    26 min
  5. Michelin Stars, Tragedy, and the Discipline to Be Great | Chef Curtis Duffy

    JUL 11

    Michelin Stars, Tragedy, and the Discipline to Be Great | Chef Curtis Duffy

    A Note from James: So Chef Curtis Duffy—he’s won Michelin Stars, a James Beard Award. He’s been on Netflix’s Iron Chef, was a judge on Top Chef season 21, and he’s even shown up in The Bear. He runs the Chicago restaurants Ever and Grace, and he wrote this incredible memoir called Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef. I could list all the accolades, but what really got me was his story—it's one of the most intense and heartbreaking I’ve ever read. The kind of story that stops you in your tracks. We talk about all of it—the trauma he lived through, the discipline he built, and what it takes to truly be great at anything. If you're chasing excellence in any part of your life, this episode will hit hard. Episode Description: James sits down with acclaimed chef Curtis Duffy for a raw and powerful conversation that goes far beyond the kitchen. From the trauma of losing both parents in a murder-suicide to earning multiple Michelin stars, Duffy shares the personal and professional disciplines that shaped his life. This isn’t just a story about food—it’s about resilience, focus, and the high cost of mastery. Whether you're building a business, learning a craft, or rebuilding your life, Curtis’s story offers something rare: clarity on what it really takes. What You’ll Learn: The difference between discipline and motivation—and why only one sustains greatness.How Curtis transformed personal tragedy into a lifelong drive for excellence.What separates a 2-star Michelin restaurant from a 3-star—and why consistency matters more than you think.Practical ways to develop expertise, even in everyday tasks (like boiling an egg).The importance of emotional control and quiet leadership in high-pressure environments. Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] Intro: Why Curtis Duffy’s story matters[01:45] Chef vs. metalhead: Black Sabbath and personal intensity[04:50] The family tragedy that shaped everything[10:30] Processing the unimaginable: police, negotiation, and aftermath[13:00] What Curtis wishes he had heard from his mother[15:45] Breaking the cycle of abuse[19:00] Leadership in the kitchen: discipline, not yelling[22:00] Hiring red flags and building the right team[26:00] The value of obsession and sacrifice[30:00] Curtis’s first spark of culinary creativity[32:00] What makes great chefs great[34:00] The science of boiling an egg—and why it matters[36:30] Developing "chunks" of expertise over decades[38:00] Talent vs. skill: what really wins[41:00] The role of discipline and why most people stop short[43:00] Going from chef to restaurateur and media personality[47:30] The pressure of competition shows vs. real kitchens[49:00] How to train consistency into a restaurant culture[52:00] Where restaurants are headed next[53:00] James gets BLT advice from a Michelin-starred chef[56:00] What makes a perfect baguette—and why most are awful[58:00] Final thoughts and how to connect with Curtis Additional Resources: 📖 Fireproof: Memoir of a Chef by Curtis Duffy🍽️ Ever Restaurant – Chicago🍷 Grace (Curtis Duffy’s former restaurant)🥁 Charlie Benante – Drummer for Anthrax Our Sponsors: Elevate your workspace with UPLIFT Desk. Go to https://upliftdesk.com/james for a special offer exclusive to our audience. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1 hr
  6. How UFC Champion Miesha Tate Overcame Rock Bottom with a Resilient Mindset

    JUL 8

    How UFC Champion Miesha Tate Overcame Rock Bottom with a Resilient Mindset

    A Note from James: Miesha Tate—at first, I’ve got to admit, I didn’t know much about UFC or MMA. But Miesha was the World Bantamweight Champion, and she fought Ronda Rousey—probably the most famous female fighter in the sport. I watched one of their fights, and honestly, I don’t know how I’d survive even a quarter of a second. But the conversation we had wasn’t what I expected. Miesha opened up about the mindset behind championship success, the weight of public expectations, and how depression can still hit even after you’ve reached the top. We talked about how personal growth sometimes means burning down everything and rebuilding. This wasn’t just about fighting—it was about resilience, reinvention, and figuring out what matters when the title belt doesn’t solve your problems. It was raw, honest, and eye-opening. I look forward to talking with her again. Episode Description: What happens when you reach the top of your field—and it still doesn’t fix what’s broken inside? Former UFC Bantamweight Champion Miesha Tate shares the brutal truth about chasing success, surviving toxic relationships, and rebuilding her life from rock bottom. In this candid conversation, Miesha and James explore the psychology of high performance, the danger of tying self-worth to achievement, and how to know when it's time to walk away—even from something you love. She tells stories from her early wrestling days to her UFC career, opens up about depression, and explains why learning to fail—and rebuilding—might be the most important skill of all. What You’ll Learn: Why reaching your ultimate goal might make you feel worse, not betterThe hidden costs of high achievement and fameHow to identify toxic environments and take back controlWhy learning to “rebuild your metaphorical home” is essential to resilienceHow Miesha used mindset—not just physical training—to fight through adversity Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] The Broken Nose That Started It All[03:00] High School Wrestling with the Boys[06:00] Early Lessons in Grit and Gender Barriers[08:00] From Wrestling to MMA: Embracing the Unknown[11:00] Chasing the Win, Fearing the Loss[13:00] Building the Metaphorical Home[17:00] Blood, Grit, and the First Amateur Fight[21:00] Getting Knocked Out and Coming Back[27:00] The Problem with Thinking Winning Will Save You[34:00] Fighting Ronda Rousey: Lessons in Obsession[39:00] Training for the Unexpected[45:00] When Success Doesn’t Fix Anything[50:00] Rock Bottom and a 10-Day Drive to Nowhere[55:00] Rebuilding from Scratch[59:00] Miesha’s Life Today: Mindset, Family, and Homesteading Additional Resources: Miesha Tate on InstagramMiesha Tate’s Podcast: Built for GrowthUFC Fighter Profile: Miesha Tate“The Weight of Gold” HBO Documentary Our Sponsors: Elevate your workspace with UPLIFT Desk. Go to https://upliftdesk.com/james for a special offer exclusive to our audience.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    1h 16m
  7. The Secret of Dave Barry’s Humor: Class Clown Memoir and Florida Tales

    JUL 1

    The Secret of Dave Barry’s Humor: Class Clown Memoir and Florida Tales

    A Note from James: One of the funniest guys I’ve ever spoken to—Dave Barry. I always love talking to him. He’s been America’s top humorist since the early ’80s with a syndicated column in 500 newspapers and a long list of bestselling books. This is his third time on the podcast, and his latest book, Class Clown: Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass, is out now. We get into everything—his process, his adventures, and his signature style of humor that’s made him a legend. It’s always fun with Dave. Episode Description: James sits down with Dave Barry to explore the surprising journey behind his new memoir, Class Clown. Dave shares how his humor evolved from playful everyman columns to a more personal, story-driven style. They talk about his outrageous adventures, from picking up his son in the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile to getting booed by telemarketers and dedicating a sewage station in his honor. They also break down the shifting landscape of writing, how syndication shaped Dave’s career, and why modern humor feels trapped in political silos. This is a rare chance to hear how one of America’s greatest humorists built a career by doing things to write about them—and why his readers became his closest allies. What You’ll Learn: Why Dave Barry was initially reluctant to write a memoir.How performing outrageous stunts became central to his writing.The critical role of reader engagement in building the success of his humor column.How the writing industry—and the path to building an audience—has radically changed.Dave’s candid perspective on modern political humor and why neutrality feels impossible today. Timestamped Chapters: [00:00] Introduction to Dave Barry[01:00] Writing a Memoir: The Journey Begins[02:00] The Humorist’s Approach: Balancing Persona and Reality[03:00] Adventures in Journalism: Creating Stories by Living Them[05:00] Tactical Humor: Rivalries, Stunts, and Getting Involved[08:00] When Humor Becomes the Story: Telemarketers and Public Reaction[12:00] Building a Community: How Dave Engaged His Readers[17:00] The Syndication Era: How Writing Used to Pay[23:00] The New Writing Economy: Substack and the Digital Shift[28:00] Assault Humor and the Loss of Neutral Comedy[31:00] What’s Next: Substack, Slowing Down, and Florida’s Wild Identity[35:00] Writing Novels vs. Columns: Dave’s Fast-Paced Storytelling Style[41:00] Stand-Up Comedy and the Influence of Nate Bargatze[44:00] Comedy Club Lessons: James on Bombing and Recovery[46:00] Criticism: Dave’s Approach to Bad Reviews[47:00] Farewell: Dave’s Thoughts on Humor, Writing, and Legacy Additional Resources: 📖 Class Clown: Memoirs of a Professional Wiseass by Dave Barry📖 The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini🎤 Nate Bargatze Official Website🎤 Jim Gaffigan Official Website🎤 Hunter S. Thompson’s Fear and Loathing on the Campaign Trail ’72🎤 P.J. O'Rourke’s Official Website (archived) See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    50 min
  8. How Chess Saved Danny Rensch’s Life: From Cult Roots to Chess.com’s Success

    JUN 28

    How Chess Saved Danny Rensch’s Life: From Cult Roots to Chess.com’s Success

    Notes from James: I had no idea this conversation would go where it did. I thought we’d talk chess. Instead, we talked about life, trauma, manipulation, redemption… and how one of the world’s most popular games can be both a tormentor and a savior. Episode Description: In this raw and powerful episode, I sat down with Danny Rensch—International Master, Chief Chess Officer of Chess.com, and author of the upcoming memoir Dark Squares—to uncover a story that’s anything but a typical chess tale. Raised in a spiritual cult obsessed with chess, Danny’s path to mastery involved trauma, isolation, and resilience. We go deep into the psychological aftermath of cult life, the beauty and torment of the game that saved him, and how he helped turn Chess.com into a global phenomenon with over 200 million users. This isn’t just an episode about chess. It’s about survival, identity, and how to turn pain into purpose. What You’ll Learn: How Danny’s obsession with chess began inside a controlling cultThe complicated relationship between talent, trauma, and identityHow being taken from his family at age 12 shaped his worldviewHow Chess.com exploded from 100k subscribers to millions after The Queen’s GambitWhy cheating in chess is a growing threat—and how they’re fighting itWhat the Hans Niemann scandal revealed about the future of the gameHow to build resilience and purpose from even the darkest beginnings Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction: A Unique Upbringing and Chess Obsession 00:43 The James Altucher Show: Welcoming Danny Wrench 00:58 Danny Wrench's Journey: From Chess Prodigy to Business Success 03:19 The Dark Side of Chess: Cult Life and Personal Struggles 12:38 Chess.com: Growth and Success 14:34 The Impact of COVID-19 and The Queen's Gambit 20:30 Cheating Scandals and Controversies in Chess 26:26 Future of Chess: Technology and Cheating 31:14 Conclusion: Living the Dream Our Sponsors: Pack up and go even further with the Defender 110. Learn more at LandRoverUSA.com/DefenderHead to rugiet.com/JAMES and use code JAMES to get 15% off today!Secure your online data TODAY by visiting ExpressVPN.com/ALTUCHER See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    28 min
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    4.6
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    About

    James Altucher interviews the world's leading peak performers in every area of life. But instead of giving you the typical success story, James digs deeper to find the "Choose Yourself" story - these are the moments we relate to... when someone rises up from personal struggle to reinvent themselves. The James Altucher Show brings you into the lives of peak-performers: billionaires, best-selling authors, rappers, astronauts, athletes, comedians, actors, and the world champions in every field, all who forged their own paths, found financial freedom and harnessed the power to create more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

    Information

    • Creator
      James Altucher
    • Years Active
      2014 - 2025
    • Episodes
      1.4K
    • Rating
      Explicit
    • Copyright
      © Copyright © 2002-2025 PodcastOne.com. All rights reserved.
    • Show Website
      The James Altucher Show

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