The James Altucher Show

James brings back astrophysicist Brian Keating for a practical takedown of moon-landing conspiracy claims—and a wider lesson in how to reason when everyone has a microphone. From the Van Allen belts to “the flag waving,” Keating separates physics from folklore, explains what evidence actually looks like (hello, laser retroreflectors), and gives a playbook for engaging friends who’ve gone down the rabbit hole—without losing your mind.MAKE SURE TO WATCH: Brian Keating's Video Debunking the Moon Landing Conspiracy TheoryWhat You’ll Learn:A simple framework for arguing well: define the claim, demand specific evidence, check physics and history, and compare against competing explanations.Why the Van Allen belts don’t “fry” astronauts and how Apollo minimized exposure (trajectory + speed + shielding).How we still verify Apollo today (lunar laser ranging off Apollo-placed mirrors).How to spot trope-based arguments (appeals to vibes, selective papers, “we haven’t gone back, therefore it never happened”).Timestamped Chapters:[00:00] Opening: “What’s up with Candace Owens?” Setting the table: Bart Sibrel, viral platforms, and why this matters.[02:30] Rogan, Jesse Michels, and the megaphone effect. Platforms amplify doubt; why it sticks.[04:20] Thiel salons & the culture wars around ‘science.’ Belief, institutions, and physics “stagnation.”[06:15] The debate that never happened. Why Sibrel refused; what counts as a real debate.[15:45] Physics 101: Van Allen belts. Charged particles, trajectories, dose vs. time.[23:10] “We haven’t gone back” ≠ “we never went.” South Pole analogy; politics, cost, and program shifts.[30:00] Flag shadows, cameras, and remote control. Why the photo/camera myths fail basic engineering.[35:05] Apollo 1, the ‘lemon,’ and what actually happened. Tragedy, design fixes, and conspiratorial leaps.[44:10] Keating’s NASA work. Aviation safety, non-destructive evaluation, and why ‘NASA is useless’ is unserious.[57:10] Hard evidence you can measure: Apollo retroreflectors, seismographs, and international confirmations.Core references:Van Allen radiation belts — NASA overview. NASA ScienceLunar laser retroreflectors (Apollo 11/14/15) — NASA & background. NASASoviet Luna 15 crashed during Apollo 11 (context on USSR verification/competition). NASAPeople, platforms, and episodes mentioned:Buzz Aldrin vs. Bart Sibrel (2002 incident) — background. HISTORYBart Sibrel — Danny Jones episode featuring Charles Duke (context). YouTubeJesse Michels on The Joe Rogan Experience (recent appearance). YouTubeHistorical context:Apollo 1 fire & the “lemon” (hung on a simulator, not the flight capsule). SpaceCultural notes referenced in-episode:Celebrity moon-hoax chatter (recent coverage of the Kardashians’ comments). People.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today, we're sharing the recent episode of the Digital Social Hour Podcast by Sean Kelly. James Altucher joins the show to break down why the 10,000-hour rule is a myth, how to cheat your way into the top 1%, why obsession matters more than talent, and how AI is now the greatest mentor of all time.From entrepreneurship and failure… to mental health, chess mastery, comedy, and why losing millions hurts more than being broke — this episode goes deep.If you're chasing mastery, reinvention, or clarity in your career… this is the one.📘 What You’ll Learn 🧠 Why the 10,000-hour rule is outdated and how to shortcut mastery🔥 How to reach the top 1% by combining skills instead of grinding years🤖 How to use AI as your mentor, therapist, teacher & coach💭 Why thinking can’t fix depression — but action can💰 The 3 money skills: making it, keeping it, growing it🧩 How to rebuild identity after losing everything📈 The real mindset behind entrepreneurship & risk🎤 Why stand-up comedy teaches business better than business books♟️ Chess strategy that applies to life, business, and competition💡 How writing 10 ideas a day can change your brain & lifeCHAPTERS:00:00 – The 10,000-Hour Rule is BS02:30 – How to Enter the Top 1% Faster04:00 – AI as the Ultimate Mentor05:20 – Mental Health, Depression & Real Recovery07:00 – Losing Millions & Rebuilding From Zero09:20 – Idea Muscle: How Writing 10 Ideas Saved His Life12:00 – Entrepreneurship Reality (Not the Instagram Version)14:45 – Risk, Failure & Business Heartbreaks17:10 – Bitcoin, Wealth, and Why It’s Going to Millions19:40 – Politics, Social Media & the New Attention Economy23:00 – Comedy, Skill Stacking & Becoming World-Class26:40 – Chess, Mindset & Mental Toughness30:20 – Why Gen Z Might Be the Most Talented Generation Ever35:00 – Pressure, Self-Doubt & Finding Your Identity Again🎧 LISTEN ON🍏 Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5Jn7LXa...📸 Sean Kelly Instagram: @seanmikekellySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Tye Sheridan is one of my favorite actors. You might know him as Cyclops in the X-Men movies (Apocalypse, etc.) or as the lead in Ready Player One—which is not only a great movie but also one of my favorite sci-fi books. One of his first films was Mud with Matthew McConaughey.What I didn’t realize: since 2016, while still acting, Tye has also been a serious AI entrepreneur. He and Nikola Todorovic co-founded AI-powered VFX/CGI company, Wonder Dynamics, now an Autodesk company, that built AI tools to make visual effects more accessible.I wanted them both on to talk about how AI will change filmmaking—potentially letting someone like me make a movie that would normally cost hundreds of millions because of VFX—and, just as important, how Tye balanced being a movie star and an entrepreneur at the same time. I also wanted Nikola’s take on where AI is going and whether it will take jobs. Fascinating conversation ahead—here are Tye Sheridan and Nikola Todorovic.Episode Description:James sits down with actor–founder Tye Sheridan and VFX director Nikola Todorovic to unpack how their company’s AI tools (now part of Autodesk) are changing what small teams can pull off—and what that means for studios, budgets, and actual stories. They trace the path from stitching 360° GoPro rigs and a VR proof-of-concept… to a first demo for Steven Spielberg… to a platform that lets indies do big-look work without big-studio burn. You’ll hear clear, non-hyped answers on where text-to-video fits, why they focus on editable 3D over black-box 2D, and a candid take on the only moat that still matters: writing something people care about.What You’ll Learn:A workable cost model for VFX-heavy projects: where 10× savings can come from—and where they can’t.How to run “lean” on real productions: recruiting cross-disciplinary talent and sequencing funding without chasing hype cycles.3D pipelines vs. text-to-video: why pros need full control of lighting, camera, and performance—and how Sora-style tools can still complement the workflow.Story first, always: the audience forgives limited budgets—not lazy scripts.A pragmatic future for studios and indies: expanding voices without erasing human actors or craft.Timestamped Chapters:[00:02:00] “Hollywood is nervous”: James frames the AI anxiety he’s hearing in studio rooms.[00:03:01] A note from James: why Tye’s career (from Mud to Ready Player One) made him the right guest—plus Nikola’s VFX roots.[00:06:03] Tree of Life to tech startup: meeting on set, Chivo’s influence, and early curiosity about tools.[00:13:46] DIY 360° & the Spielberg audition: the VR demo, a $10k experiment, and a first product pitch to Steven.[00:20:12] The question everyone asks: will AI erase studio jobs—or expand what smaller teams can make?[00:24:00] Distribution changed—financing didn’t: presales, streaming, strikes, and why a bigger shift is still coming.[00:27:12] Reality check on budgets: VFX vs. SFX, and how a $100M effects bill could land near $10M.[00:36:02] Running lean + real backers: Founders Fund, MaC VC, Horizons; hiring for overlap (CV/ML/VFX/eng).[00:37:44] From waitlist to workflows: who used the platform first, and a TV case where weeks became days.[00:42:12] Sora vs. 3D pipelines: where text-to-video fits—and why pros avoid black-box 2D for final shots.[01:00:45] “A decade of procrastination”: the founders joke about building a company to avoid writing their own film—then set sights on making it.Additional Resources:Tye Sheridan — filmography and roles (Ready Player One, X-Men). WikipediaNikola Todorovic — Co-founder, Wonder Dynamics (Autodesk company). linkedin.comAutodesk acquires Wonder Dynamics — press release (May 21, 2024). Autodesk NewsAutodesk Flow Studio (formerly Wonder Studio) — product page & docs. AutodeskReady Player One (2018). WikipediaThe Card Counter (2021). WikipediaThe Tree of Life (2011) & Emmanuel “Chivo” Lubezki. IMDbSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Description:James sits down with astrophysicist Brian Keating for a candid, useful tour through three hot zones: how to think about AI (and where it actually helps), what’s broken in higher ed and admissions right now, and why outsourcing your mood to politics is a losing strategy. You’ll hear first-hand stories (from UC San Diego classrooms to New York City politics), specific ways James and Brian really use AI daily, and a simple framework for protecting your attention and happiness—even when everything feels polarized.What You’ll Learn:A practical AI workflow you can copy today (research prompts, personal “style” bots, and where LLMs fail at original insight). A filter for political noise that keeps 99% of your happiness anchored in health, family, friends, and work you control. What the UCSD admissions/placement findings really mean for preparation and standards (and why “remedial” can mask deeper gaps).A simple admissions/common-sense principle: standards matter; “portfolio” evaluation shouldn’t ignore basic skills. How to use AI without losing your own voice—James’ test for “write it in my style” and why generic outputs still fall short. Timestamped Chapters:[02:00] Loft event stories, comedy beats, and setting the tone for a heavy topic. [05:00] NYC politics, leadership, and the “why would they vote for him?” question. [07:32] Slogans vs. reality: chants, charters, and what words actually imply. [09:30] Economics that sound nice vs. incentives that ruin cities. [12:00] “Don’t outsource your happiness to politicians.” A sanity reset. [20:48] Inside UCSD’s placement data: how did calculus passers miss first-grade algebra? [30:02] Standards, SATs, and what “remedial” hides (plus grade inflation). [77:49] How James and Brian actually use AI; “mad-bot disease” and why voice still matters.Additional ResourcesBrian Keating's "Monday M.A.G.I.C." NewsletterBrian Keating — personal websiteLosing the Nobel Prize: A Story of Cosmology, Ambition, and the Perils of Science’s Highest Honor by Brian KeatingInto the Impossible: Think Like a Nobel Prize Winner by Brian KeatingInto the Impossible Volume 2: Focus Like a Nobel Prize WinnerUniversity of California, San Diego — Brian Keating faculty pageTopics & Documents MentionedUC San Diego Admissions/Placement Working Group report (PDF). UCSD SenateCoverage of UCSD preparedness findingsHamas charters (1988; 2017 update) & “Intifada” contextMatt Wolfe — AI tutorials (site & YouTube)Book.sv - AI book recommendations based on books you've read.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Are UFOs real or not? For 80 years there have been credible whistleblowers saying the government recovered craft—and even bodies. That’s why I wanted Kent Heckenlively on, the author of Catastrophic Disclosure: The Deep State, Aliens, and the Truth. I’m not here to decide for you. I want to hear the best evidence, ask the obvious questions, and have you help me figure out if we actually got closer to the truth. Let’s find out together. Episode Description:n this episode, James sits down with Kent Heckenlively—attorney, journalist, and coauthor of Catastrophic Disclosure: The Deep State, Aliens, and the Truth—to stress-test the most serious UFO claims on the table right now. Kent argues that humanity is on the brink of a “catastrophic disclosure” moment where long-hidden crash retrieval programs, nonhuman technology, and even bodies will be forced into the open. James plays the role he knows best: friendly skeptic who wants receipts, definitions, and clear thinking.Together they walk through recent congressional hearings, whistleblower testimony, the Yemen orb video, and those strange Peruvian mummies that look either like a bad hoax… or like something we truly don’t understand. They talk about how many people would have to keep secrets for decades, why the best deceptions are mostly true, and how scientific projects like Colossal Biosciences’ “de-extincted” dire wolves show both the promise and the hype of cutting-edge genetics. The result isn’t a verdict on whether aliens are visiting us. It’s a framework. James and Kent map out a way to think about uncertainty, spin, and incentives—whether you’re trying to decide what you believe about UFOs, pandemics, financial crises, or any other story where the truth lives behind NDAs, classified briefings, and very human motives.What You’ll Learn:James’s 85/15 rule for extraordinary claims—stay open without getting swept up. What makes the pilot/whistleblower testimony compelling—and what still doesn’t add up.How definitions and bureaucracy shape the narrative (e.g., how agencies say “not alien” without proving “explained”). A quick due-diligence checklist for wild stories (videos, “mummies,” pressers): provenance, incentives, cross-discipline sanity checks. Why institutional spin and media incentives matter—and how to discount them without becoming cynical. Timestamped Chapters:[00:00] Cold Open — “If big institutions lie once, what else are they hiding?” [02:00] Kent’s stance: 85% “probably real,” 15% “maybe psyop—or brain glitches” [03:00] A Note from James — from skeptic to curious agnostic [04:16] Campfire confessions: trusted friends and the triangle in the Texas sky [06:29] From CIA exposes to UFOs: why this book took two years [07:00] 2023 hearings and “catastrophic disclosure” (vs. “controlled disclosure”) [10:06] Who is David Grusch? Why his language puzzles lawyers and persuades believers [12:32] Congress vs. intel: Burchett, Luna, oversight, and stonewalls [13:50] 25 investigations and a “mushroom cloud” excuse—when reports insult your intelligence [16:06] Firsthand witnesses: Dylan Borland and triangle craft near a NASA hangar [19:15] The hair-split: “real programs, correct personnel—just not alien” [23:30] Definition games: why “not alien” can still leave you with anomalies [25:06] Peru’s three-fingered “mummies”: scans, DNA claims, and what science would need next [30:43] Where the bodies are (allegedly) stored; who’s gotten access [33:42] Genetics sanity check: bananas, chimps, and why 70% similarity is strange here [34:05] Secrets and scale: could thousands keep quiet for 80 years? Greer’s 700 accounts [39:55] Before Sputnik: “vanishing stars” and odd plates in old sky surveys [42:53] NDAs, treason clauses, and why real whistleblowers are scared [44:25] James’s middle path: optimistic skeptic, not a cynic [48:28] The “Yemen orb” footage: multiple sensors, a Hellfire, and unanswered physics [50:30] Contact across a tech gap: Aztecs, galleons, and cell phones in 1025 AD [52:22] Nukes, Trinity, and why someone might be watching our arsenals [53:29] Quantum wormholes or “witches’ spells”? The story vs. the proof [55:27] Living with real unknowns and resisting team-sports thinking [55:59] Lightning round: the 100,000-year alien road-trip question Additional Resources:Guest & BookCatastrophic Disclosure: The Deep State, Aliens, and the Truth — Amazon listing. AmazonKent Heckenlively author page (Amazon). AmazonHearings, Pilots & WhistleblowersCmdr. David Fravor’s written statement to House Oversight (Tic-Tac). House Oversight CommitteeRyan Graves — testimony & org. Congress.govHouse UAP proceedings (hearing materials hub). Congress.govNew Footage ReferencedCBS News recap of Rep. Eric Burlison presenting the “Yemen orb” video. CBS NewsProjects & People MentionedDr. Steven Greer — Disclosure Project site. Dr. Steven GreerVASCO Project (Vanishing & Appearing Sources). Vasco ProjectColossal Biosciences — Dire-wolf project (and scientific explainer). ColossalSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James:Wisdom Takes Work is Ryan Holiday’s fourth book exploring the Stoic virtues, and this time he’s taking on the big one — wisdom. His earlier books on courage, temperance, and justice were all great conversations, but this one hit me personally. I’ve often thought I had wisdom, only to realize later that I didn’t — or at least not as much as I thought.Ryan’s writing blends ancient Stoic philosophy with modern life in a way that feels both practical and timeless. We talked about how wisdom isn’t something you possess; it’s something you practice. It’s not about having all the answers — it’s about asking better questions, learning through experience, and staying humble enough to admit what you don’t know. Ryan’s back on the show — probably more than any other guest — and each time, I walk away seeing the world differently.Episode Description:James sits down with bestselling author and Stoic philosopher Ryan Holiday to discuss Wisdom Takes Work, the newest addition to his series on the cardinal virtues. Together they unpack what “wisdom” really means — not as a static trait, but as an ongoing practice of curiosity, humility, and doing hard things.The conversation ranges from the limits of AI (“great at knowledge, terrible at wisdom”) to the importance of reading history, counting names on a plaque instead of trusting bad data, and learning by doing. Ryan also shares new insights from his upcoming biography of Admiral James Stockdale, and how the act of challenging himself as a writer mirrors the Stoic pursuit of wisdom itself.What You’ll Learn:Why wisdom isn’t about knowing — it’s about learning, questioning, and doing.How AI amplifies knowledge but can’t replace human judgment or discernment.Why experience, pain, and humility are necessary ingredients for growth.How Ryan’s research on Admiral Stockdale is changing his approach to writing and life.Practical ways to cultivate wisdom — from reading and travel to mentoring and open-mindedness.Timestamped Chapters:[00:00] Introduction: The difference between knowledge and wisdom [02:54] A Note from James — Why wisdom is the hardest virtue [05:37] AI’s limits and the danger of overconfidence [08:57] “Wisdom takes work”: Stoic principles in action [11:35] The verbs of virtue — acting with courage, justice, and discipline [13:12] Ryan’s AI experiment and the Naval Academy plaque [16:10] Knowing what you don’t know — humility as wisdom [18:30] Parenting, ego, and learning to argue less [22:00] Why age doesn’t guarantee wisdom [25:10] The trap of resisting change and staying “the smartest person in the room” [27:00] Adapting to new generations and ideas [31:00] Is wisdom a talent or a learned skill? [34:00] How books and mentors shape a wise mind [37:00] Raising curious kids in the age of MrBeast and AI [40:20] Teaching curiosity and lifelong learning [42:25] Practicing wisdom: reading, travel, and mentorship [47:00] Learning by doing — the pain and reward of hard work [50:20] Writing, research, and the lesson of David McCullough [53:07] Why Ryan’s next book is his hardest yet — Admiral Stockdale’s story [55:50] Finding new mentors and growing past your comfort zone [57:14] Living the Stoic life — success, service, and perspectiveAdditional Resources:Ryan Holiday – Wisdom Takes WorkRyan Holiday’s other Stoic virtue books: Courage Is Calling Discipline Is Destiny Right Thing, Right NowAdmiral James Stockdale – U.S. Naval Academy BiographyRobert Caro – Working: Researching, Interviewing, WritingDavid McCullough – Truman and John AdamsRyan Holiday’s The Daily Stoic Podcast – SpotifySee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesTupac Shakur—one of the greatest rap artists ever—was shot and killed almost two decades ago. What else is there left to say about him? What new things can be said?Well, Jeff Pearlman’s new book, Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur, takes on that challenge. In our conversation, we talk about what Jeff uncovered in his research, why he wanted to write another Tupac book, and what made this one different.But first, a little story. Back in the ’90s, I was running a company that built websites. Around 1997 or ’98, Tupac’s mom wanted to release a new album of his music and build a website around it. I went in to pitch the project—$90,000, which would’ve covered payroll for another month. I needed that deal.So I show up, ready to impress. Tupac’s manager says, “Okay, here’s my computer. Show me what you’ve got.” And I realize—I’ve never used a Windows machine in my life. I’d only ever used Macs. I couldn’t even figure out how to turn it on.I had a computer science degree. I was a software engineer. I’d been running this company for years. But in that moment, I had to admit: “I don’t know how to use this machine.” He laughed me out of the room. Literally.That was the day I learned that even the smartest pitch can fall apart if you forget to check which operating system you’re using.Anyway—what else is there to talk about with Tupac Shakur? Jeff Pearlman and I figured it out.Episode DescriptionIn this episode, James sits down with bestselling author and journalist Jeff Pearlman (The Last Folk Hero, Showtime, Sweetness) to talk about his latest book, Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac Shakur.Pearlman explores the contradictions, brilliance, and tragedy of Tupac’s life—how a performing arts kid from Baltimore became the poetic voice of West Coast hip hop, and how his complex identity was shaped by the Black Panther movement, celebrity culture, and the rise of gangsta rap.James and Jeff unpack Tupac’s evolution from Digital Underground hype man to solo artist, his influence on music and film, and the deeper meaning behind songs like Brenda’s Got a Baby. They also trace the events leading up to his death, separating myth from reality, and reflect on what Tupac’s legacy might have become if he’d lived.What You’ll LearnWhy Tupac’s “gangster” persona was more performance than realityHow his upbringing under a Black Panther mother shaped his worldviewThe untold story behind Brenda’s Got a Baby—and how Pearlman found the real “baby” years laterThe truth about Tupac’s relationship with Biggie Smalls and the events that led to both of their deathsWhy Tupac might have gone on to become a political or cultural leader, not just a rapperHow hip hop evolved from the storytelling of the ’90s to today’s more fragmented soundTimestamped Chapters[00:00] Introduction – James shares his connection to Tupac’s world [02:43] A Note from James – The web pitch that went wrong [05:00] Why Jeff Pearlman wrote a Tupac book [07:00] The challenge of writing outside his comfort zone [09:00] Tupac’s background and the myth of the “gangsta” image [11:00] The evolution of rap from the ’80s to now [16:00] What made Tupac’s art different from his peers [18:30] Tupac as a natural actor—and how he almost won an Oscar [21:00] Was his “gangster” side authentic or performance? [23:30] The night Tupac was killed—what really happened [26:00] How the East Coast–West Coast rivalry became fatal [30:00] The origin of Brenda’s Got a Baby and the real-life people behind it [35:00] Tupac’s literal storytelling and emotional honesty [36:30] How he might have evolved as an artist—or politician [38:00] The conversation that inspired a future Newark city councilman [40:00] Hip hop’s intelligence, legacy, and misunderstood brilliance [45:00] From Ice-T to Death Row: how labels, power, and politics shaped the scene [49:00] Wrapping up with gratitude—and a little hair envyAdditional ResourcesJeff Pearlman – Only God Can Judge Me: The Many Lives of Tupac ShakurJeff Pearlman’s Official WebsiteTupac Shakur – Brenda’s Got a Baby (Official Video)Digital Underground – Same Song (Tupac’s first verse)FBI Case File: Death of Tupac ShakurFilm: Juice (1992), starring Tupac Shakur and Omar EppsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesOh my gosh—I was scared after this one. In this episode, I learned about what’s really on the dark web… and the even scarier stuff on what’s called the deep web.Eric O’Neill—who, by the way, is the former FBI agent who brought down Robert Hanssen, the biggest double agent in U.S. history—joined me for this conversation. Hanssen was the FBI’s top analyst on the Soviet Union, and at the same time, he was secretly working for the Soviet Union—for twenty-two years. Eric was the one who caught him. There was even a movie made about it—Breach (2007).Now Eric has written a book called Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime: Cybersecurity Tactics to Outsmart Hackers and Disarm Scammers. And honestly, it’s terrifying what’s out there right now—the dark web, the black markets, the cyberattacks, the scams that most of us have no idea are happening in the background of our digital lives.I’ll let Eric tell the stories.Episode DescriptionIn this episode, James talks with Eric O’Neill—former FBI counterintelligence operative and the man who captured the most notorious spy in U.S. history—about the unseen cyber battlefield shaping our world today. O’Neill explains how hackers, state actors, and scammers exploit human psychology far more than technology, and why every one of us is a potential target.From the lessons of his undercover work tracking Robert Hanssen to the rise of ransomware and AI-assisted phishing, O’Neill offers both a chilling reality check and a practical guide for staying safe in the digital age. He and James break down how modern espionage has moved online—and what ordinary people can do to protect themselves before it’s too late.What You’ll LearnHow Eric O’Neill captured Robert Hanssen, the most damaging spy in FBI historyWhy modern cybercrime depends more on human manipulation than hacking codeWhat really happens on the dark web and how it fuels global criminal networksHow AI is changing the speed and sophistication of digital attacksSimple but critical steps you can take right now to protect your data and identityTimestamped Chapters[00:00] Introduction — James sets the stage for a chilling conversation [02:15] Who is Eric O’Neill? The story behind capturing Robert Hanssen [07:45] The day Hanssen was caught — inside the FBI sting [13:10] From spycraft to cybercrime — how espionage went digital [17:30] The real difference between the dark web and the deep web [22:00] Why hackers target people, not systems [27:40] Social engineering and the psychology of manipulation [32:15] AI and the next generation of scams [37:55] How to recognize phishing and digital traps [44:20] Why cybersecurity starts with self-awareness [49:10] Lessons from the field — how espionage teaches us to think critically [54:05] The future of cyber warfare and personal protection [59:00] Final thoughts — the cost of complacencyAdditional ResourcesEric O’Neill – Spies, Lies, and Cybercrime: Cybersecurity Tactics to Outsmart Hackers and Disarm ScammersEric O’Neill – Gray Day: My Undercover Mission to Expose America’s First Cyber SpyFilm: Breach (2007) – starring Ryan Phillippe and Chris CooperFBI Official Case Summary – Robert Hanssen Espionage CaseEric O’Neill Official WebsiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesI first got really impressed with Steven Pinker when he wrote The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has Declined. He basically shows that over the past 10,000 years, every single century has been less violent than the one before it. You might think, “That can’t include the 20th century,” right? We had World War I, World War II, atomic bombs, the flu pandemic of 1920, Vietnam—all these massive wars. But when you look at violent deaths per capita, the 20th century was actually less violent than the 1800s, which were less violent than the 1700s, and so on. It’s a beautiful, data-driven argument for optimism.But it’s his latest book that really fascinated me: When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life. That subtitle alone—“common knowledge and the mysteries of money, power, and everyday life”—you can’t just skip past that. You have to know what it means.Take poker, for example. If someone bluffs you, you have to think: are they bluffing? Or are they making me think they’re bluffing, but they’re not? Or do they know that I think they’re bluffing, so now they’re actually not bluffing at all? That kind of circular reasoning—what philosophers call “common knowledge”—shows up in real life all the time.Like when you ask someone up for “a cup of coffee” after a date. You’re not really talking about coffee. But you’re also not saying what you actually mean. You’re hinting. You’re creating a safe, ambiguous space where both people know what’s being suggested without anyone having to say it outright. The same thing happens when you ask your boss, “Can we discuss taking on more responsibilities?” instead of saying “I want a raise.” We give partial information all the time, because being direct can change the relationship—or close off possibilities.Steven and I talked about why we communicate this way, how shared knowledge shapes everything from flirtation to power to money, and what happens when that balance breaks down.And by the way—if you’ve never seen Steven Pinker—he looks exactly like what you’d imagine a Harvard professor to look like. Long white hair, sharp blue eyes, and this kind of wild genius energy. Jay and I joked that he looks like Einstein meets Jimmy Page meets Beethoven. He’s the best-looking academic I’ve ever seen.Anyway, here’s our conversation on When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday Life, with my good friend Steven Pinker.Episode DescriptionIn this conversation, James and Steven Pinker explore how much of life runs on signals, innuendo, and the unsaid. Pinker explains how “common knowledge”—what everyone knows that everyone else knows—shapes everything from romantic attraction to political polarization to financial panics.They discuss why laughter matters, how game theory explains social awkwardness, and why being “brutally honest” all the time can destroy relationships. From Seinfeld to poker tables to the stock market, Pinker shows that our most human moments depend on the subtle art of leaving things unsaid.What You’ll LearnWhy subtle hints and shared assumptions keep relationships, negotiations, and societies stableHow laughter creates “common knowledge” and strengthens social bondsThe role of game theory and “recursive thinking” in everything from dating to diplomacyWhy total honesty isn’t always a virtue—and how “rational hypocrisy” preserves relationshipsHow stock market behavior, toilet paper hoarding, and bank runs all reflect the same hidden logicTimestamped Chapters[00:00] Introduction – When everyone knows that everyone knows [03:00] A Note from James: Why Pinker’s optimism matters [08:00] The hidden rules of communication and “weasel words” [10:00] Why we hint, wink, and avoid blurting the truth [13:00] “I love you” and the creation of common knowledge [16:00] How humor and laughter level the playing field [20:00] Politics, laughter, and social signaling [27:00] Bluffing, poker, and recursive thinking [31:00] Negotiation, honesty, and the limits of directness [38:00] Rational hypocrisy vs. radical honesty [42:00] Stock markets, speculation, and public knowledge [47:00] The toilet paper paradox: when panic becomes reality [56:00] Why intimacy can’t be legislated [01:00:00] Trade-offs, awareness, and flexible social norms [01:01:00] The “Sagan Curse” and being a public intellectual [01:04:00] The logic behind life’s unspoken rulesAdditional ResourcesSteven Pinker – When Everyone Knows That Everyone Knows: Common Knowledge and the Mysteries of Money, Power, and Everyday LifeSteven Pinker – The Better Angels of Our Nature: Why Violence Has DeclinedSteven Pinker – Rationality: What It Is, Why It Seems Scarce, Why It MattersSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesI’ve always loved books where a journalist gets so deep into a subculture that they become part of it. Magic Is Dead by Ian Frisch is one of those. He starts out covering a secret society of magicians—“The 52,” named for the cards in a deck—and ends up becoming one of them.It reminded me of other favorites like Word Freak (Scrabble), The Game (pickup artists), and Moonwalking with Einstein (memory champions). I love that genre of participation—when curiosity turns into obsession and then into mastery.Ian’s journey pulled me right in. He didn’t just report on the world of magicians; he lived in it, practiced card tricks until his hands hurt, and learned how obsession, storytelling, and performance shape every great craft. Talking to him made me think about how every one of us could benefit from being part of more than one “world”—to have different lives, different subcultures where we’re known and respected for something unique. That’s real diversification. Not just financial, but personal.Episode DescriptionIn this episode, James talks with journalist and author Ian Frisch about his book Magic Is Dead: My Journey into the World’s Most Secretive Society of Magicians and what it means to go all-in on obsession.They explore the underground network of modern magicians reinventing the art for the social-media age—tattoos, streetwear, viral videos, and all—and what these creative subcultures can teach the rest of us about mastery, storytelling, and risk.It’s a conversation about transformation: how curiosity becomes discipline, and how the principles behind sleight of hand apply to persuasion, business, and everyday life.What You’ll LearnWhy obsession—not balance—is often the key to getting great at somethingHow social media reshaped the art and culture of modern magicThe real psychology behind deception, storytelling, and human connectionHow magicians build trust with skeptical audiences (and what leaders can learn from it)Why belonging to multiple “worlds” or subcultures creates resilience and happinessTimestamped Chapters[00:00] Introduction — Obsession as a superpower [03:00] A Note from James — The journalist who became a magician [06:00] Participatory journalism and the power of total immersion [10:00] What makes this genre work: transformation and obsession [11:30] Discovering the new generation of social-media magicians [14:00] From top hats to tattoos: how magic reinvented itself online [18:30] The challenge of trust when magic meets video editing [20:30] The return of live magic and the human reaction [23:30] Subcultures, hierarchies, and belonging [26:00] Magic as a social tool for outsiders [29:00] How magicians train for a decade to master their craft [37:00] Ian’s own training: learning sleight of hand as an adult [40:00] The poker connection and card control secrets [44:00] Why mystery matters more than the trick itself [47:00] Storytelling, psychology, and reading people [52:00] Applying magician skills to real-world persuasion [54:00] Comedy, showmanship, and performance overlap [55:30] The secret societies of magic and “The 52” [58:30] Competition, creativity, and the economics of exclusivity [01:00:40] How Ian earned his place as the “Two of Clubs” [01:03:00] Inventing a new trick and becoming part of the storyAdditional ResourcesMagic Is Dead: My Journey into the World’s Most Secretive Society of Magicians by Ian FrischIan Frisch's WebsiteRelated titles discussed:Word Freak by Stefan FatsisMoonwalking with Einstein by Joshua FoerThe Game by Neil StraussThe Biggest Bluff by Maria KonnikovaMentioned magicians:Chris RamsayDaniel MadisonLaura LondonDoug McKenzieSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesI’m such a fan of this guy. I loved The Psychology of Money — it felt like he was writing directly about me. I’ve made a lot of money, lost it all, made it again, lost it again. Over and over. And Morgan gets it.His new book, The Art of Spending Money, hits even deeper. It’s not just about being rich; it’s about freedom, simplicity, and contentment — the real returns of life. Every word of this conversation is a reminder that money is never about money. It’s about independence.Episode DescriptionIn this episode, James sits down with bestselling author Morgan Housel (The Psychology of Money, Same as Ever, The Art of Spending Money) to explore how wealth, happiness, and identity intersect.They talk about why most people spend money to impress strangers who aren’t even paying attention, why saving isn’t “delayed gratification,” and why independence is the ultimate luxury.Housel and Altucher go beyond finance — into psychology, meaning, and what happens when your identity gets tied up in your success. This is one of the most personal and useful conversations you’ll hear about money this year.What You’ll LearnWhy the goal of money isn’t happiness — it’s contentment.How to “purchase independence” instead of possessions.The hidden trap of social signaling and lifestyle inflation.How to build a healthy “psychology of money” that lasts through boom and bust.Why compounding memories might be more valuable than compounding interest.Timestamped Chapters[02:00] “Saving is purchasing independence.”[02:29] Happiness vs. contentment — why wealth brings fewer bad days, not more good ones.[03:00] A Note from James: how Morgan’s books mirror his own financial rollercoaster.[04:01] The social trap of spending for admiration.[05:19] Why signaling is universal — and why we overestimate who’s watching.[06:29] The three skills of money: making, keeping, and growing it.[07:02] Saving as joy, not sacrifice: how independence is pleasure in the present.[09:08] Why wealth means fewer bad days, not more good ones.[10:00] The quest for the simple life — why simplicity equals freedom.[11:04] James’s minimalist experiment: life with one backpack.[12:00] The billionaire’s regret — Harvey Firestone and the mansion paradox.[14:15] The psychology of downgrades and why people can’t go back.[15:40] Who are you trying to impress? The six people who actually matter.[17:21] Money as a tool vs. money as a scoreboard.[18:35] Why the desire for status falls when you find meaning elsewhere.[21:30] The fear of losing freedom — and how it drives bad decisions.[23:00] Even billionaires worry about losing it all — why fear never goes away.[25:11] Are we wired to worry about money? Nature vs. nurture in financial behavior.[27:39] Envy as outsourced thinking — how jealousy hijacks your decisions.[30:00] The five-minute rule: happiness never lasts, contentment does.[32:00] Saving in your 20s — when it matters and when it doesn’t.[33:51] The habits that stick: why early saving teaches independence.[35:29] Why the best memories come when you have the least money.[37:07] Scarcity, gratitude, and why effort creates value.[38:35] Wiping the slate clean: how to escape identity traps.[40:00] Retirement, identity loss, and why former athletes struggle.[42:25] “Keep your identity small.” — lessons from Paul Graham and Tim Ferriss.[45:00] When obsession fuels creation — how James moves between identities.[49:22] Sticking with one thing vs. exploring many — the range paradox.[51:25] The barbell of wisdom: compounding stability vs. compounding experiences.[53:27] The compounding of memories — why they may outlast wealth.[55:15] Simplicity, location, and the emotional geography of memory.Additional Resources📖 The Art of Spending Money by Morgan Housel📖 The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel📖 Same as Ever by Morgan Housel📰 MorganHousel.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Bill O’Reilly’s new book, Confronting Evil, is both a history lesson and a warning. It’s a study of the most destructive figures in human history—from Hitler, Stalin, and Mao to Genghis Khan, Caligula, and even modern evildoers like Putin and the cartels.When I first picked it up, I thought it would be about the past. But after reading it, I realized it’s really about right now—about how evil mutates, reappears, and spreads when we stop paying attention.We talked about the psychology of evil, how it manifests differently in modern life, and why we all need to look inward at how we process fear and anger. The episode ends on a note of hope—but only if we’re willing to face what’s real.Episode Description:In this episode, James sits down with legendary journalist and author Bill O’Reilly to discuss his new book, Confronting Evil: Assessing the Worst of the Worst. Together, they explore how history’s darkest figures—Hitler, Mao, Stalin, Putin, and others—reflect modern patterns of violence, polarization, and moral decay.O’Reilly draws from decades of reporting and war correspondence to explain the difference between “personal evil” and “collective evil,” and why societies collapse when good people stop paying attention.The conversation also looks at free speech, mental illness, the internet’s role in radicalization, and why mercy for the guilty so often becomes cruelty to the innocent.What You’ll Learn:The 15 most destructive figures in world history—and why their patterns are repeating today.The two types of evil: personal vs. collective.How technology and echo chambers amplify hatred.Why ignoring small evils allows larger ones to grow.How to recognize and contain evil in a free society.Timestamped Chapters:[02:00] A Note from James: Introducing Confronting Evil[02:39] Are we living in a new age of violence or just a repeating cycle?[03:39] On partisanship, anger, and how fear disguises itself[04:57] Bill joins: marketing a book in the age of distraction[05:51] Why O’Reilly wrote Confronting Evil and how it differs from his “Killing” series[07:16] Putin, October 7th, and the eerie timing of the book’s release[08:20] Why today’s evil feels more personal than historic evil[09:39] Personal encounters with evil: chasing Ted Bundy[11:01] Witnessing atrocities: from El Salvador to Belfast[12:24] Could Hitler have been reasoned with? The psychology of the irredeemable[14:27] “Mercy to the guilty is cruelty to the innocent” — justice and accountability[15:36] The internet’s role in radicalization and digital “clubs for evil”[17:00] Echo chambers, hate speech, and how the free world handles extremism[19:02] Why confronting evil matters in a “free” but apathetic society[20:00] The October 7th attacks and why O’Reilly opens his book there[21:22] “Queers for Palestine” and the IQ of modern activism[22:00] How ignorance and apathy breed delusion[23:00] When does “necessary evil” cross the line into tyranny? Augustus and strongmen[25:10] The psychology of dictators: no remorse, no redemption[26:11] The Constitution as an anti-authoritarian framework[27:50] Polarization, Portland, and the fight over federal authority[29:00] How democracies correct themselves—eventually[31:31] Data over ideology: why extremists are still a minority[32:04] Can AI detect future Hitlers?[33:28] Why people cheer for evil—and how to walk away[34:46] The 15 who made the cut: why some evildoers were left out[35:36] The drug cartels as modern-day mass murderers[36:29] O’Reilly’s warning: mobilize the 85% before it’s too late[36:54] Ending on hope—why good still outnumbers evilAdditional Resources📖 Confronting Evil: Assessing the Worst of the Worst by Bill O’Reilly & Josh Hammer📚 BillOReilly.com – Official Site🎧 Related: The James Altucher Show – Charles Duhigg on Super CommunicatorsSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesMiesha Tate is one of my favorite people in the world. She’s an incredible athlete—the ultimate fighting champion of the planet at one point—but more than that, she’s someone who’s turned struggle, discipline, and excellence into wisdom.I was honored when she asked me to be on her podcast, Built for Growth. We talked about surviving turbulence in life, doing hard things, and why obsession can be both a gift and a curse. What I loved most was how different our paths have been, yet how much we connected.Episode DescriptionIn this crossover episode, James joins former UFC champion Miesha Tate on her podcast Built for Growth. They talk about the “idea muscle,” the myth of the 10,000-hour rule, how to teach kids outside traditional schooling, and why fulfillment—not money or titles—should be the ultimate goal.James opens up about losing everything, rebuilding from scratch with nothing more than a waiter’s pad, and why experimenting is often the shortcut to mastery. Miesha shares her journey through fighting, parenting, and building a new kind of education for her kids.This episode is about creativity, resilience, and the courage to experiment with life.What You’ll LearnHow to strengthen your “idea muscle” with the 10 ideas a day practice.Why obsession can be the deciding factor in becoming great at something.How experiments can shortcut the 10,000-hour rule.Why traditional schooling fails kids—and how learner-driven models work.The difference between happiness and fulfillment, and why fulfillment matters more.Timestamped Chapters[02:00] A Note from James: honored to be Miesha’s guest[03:10] Hair, insecurity, and how childhood shapes identity[05:00] Role reversal: Miesha puts James in the hot seat[07:00] Doing hard things: lessons from wrestling and life[08:17] The 10 ideas a day practice—why the brain “sweats” after idea #7[10:19] Goals vs. ideas: learning through lists[11:20] The struggle of doing less and finding presence[13:00] Why obsession fuels mastery and resilience[17:20] Building and losing a company, then starting over[19:22] How the idea muscle pulled James out of depression[22:00] Miesha on homeschooling, creativity, and unschooling[25:00] Why school fails—and what kids really need to learn[27:00] The college debt scam and alternative paths[33:00] Risk-taking, love vs. logic, and experimenting with ideas[35:00] Standup comedy: a bad idea that changed James’s life[38:20] Money, family, and creating financial stability while experimenting[41:25] Miesha’s dream: starting a homeschool business in Boise[44:33] Why you don’t need 10,000 hours—just experiments[49:22] From Star Wars to the Fosbury Flop: innovation through combination[51:00] School, grades, and why James only did what he loved[52:46] Happiness vs. fulfillment: the real goal of successAdditional Resources📖 Choose Yourself by James Altucher🎧 Built for Growth with Miesha Tate📖 Reinvent Yourself by James AltucherSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesThis might be the most insane chess story I’ve ever heard—not even really a chess story, but a cult story. It’s wild, intense, and ultimately inspiring. Danny Rensch grew up in a cult in Arizona. At just 10 years old, the cult leader noticed his chess ability, took him away from his parents, and he wouldn’t see his mother again for a decade.I first heard Danny’s story when we met at Norway Chess a year and a half ago. Over dinner, he told me pieces of what would become his book Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life. I worried later that I’d pushed him into podcast mode before he was ready, but Danny said he was actually grateful for the chance to practice sharing his story out loud. Now, with his book out, he’s ready to open up fully.Episode DescriptionDanny Rensch, Chief Chess Officer at Chess.com and author of Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life, shares the extraordinary story of how growing up in a cult shaped his childhood, his chess career, and his path to resilience.From being separated from his mother at age 10, to navigating indoctrination, hierarchy, and trauma, Danny explains how chess became both his prison and his salvation. This conversation is about more than chess—it’s about control, identity, purpose, and how to reclaim your life from the stories others force on you.What You’ll LearnHow a cult leader used chess as propaganda—and how Danny reclaimed the game as his own.The three pillars of cult life Danny experienced: like vibration, the process, and purpose.Why vulnerability and storytelling can be healing—but also how they can be weaponized.The psychological toll of being told your “purpose” at age 12—and how to build a new one.What Danny learned about resilience, family, and community after leaving the cult.Timestamped Chapters[02:05] A Note from James: introducing Dark Squares[02:34] Danny’s childhood in a cult and separation from his mother[03:40] How Danny first shared his story with James in Norway[05:09] Learning to talk about trauma without fear of judgment[07:00] The challenge of context—why cult stories get misunderstood[08:20] Headline version: growing up in the Church of Immortal Consciousness[10:18] Cult hierarchy, trance teachings, and the Shelby School chess team[12:12] Was it spiritual belief—or a scam?[14:15] The role of Trina and Steven Camp, cult leaders and channelers[17:00] How hierarchy and “like vibration” destroyed marriages and families[23:00] The three pillars: like vibration, the process, and purpose[32:28] “The process”: group confession, alcohol, and weaponized vulnerability[41:54] “Purpose”: how chess became Danny’s imposed destiny[46:41] What it meant to be told at 12 that chess was his life’s purpose[50:18] Family secrets, hidden paternity, and the dangers of indoctrination[55:20] Processing trauma as an adult and writing Dark Squares[02:05] A Note from James: introducing Dark Squares[02:34] Danny’s childhood in a cult and separation from his mother[03:40] How Danny first shared his story with James in Norway[05:09] Learning to talk about trauma without fear of judgment[07:00] The challenge of context—why cult stories get misunderstood[08:20] Headline version: growing up in the Church of Immortal Consciousness[10:18] Cult hierarchy, trance teachings, and the Shelby School chess team[12:12] Was it spiritual belief—or a scam?[14:15] The role of Trina and Steven Camp, cult leaders and channelers[17:00] How hierarchy and “like vibration” destroyed marriages and families[23:00] The three pillars: like vibration, the process, and purpose[32:28] “The process”: group confession, alcohol, and weaponized vulnerability[41:54] “Purpose”: how chess became Danny’s imposed destiny[46:41] What it meant to be told at 12 that chess was his life’s purpose[50:18] Family secrets, hidden paternity, and the dangers of indoctrination[55:20] Processing trauma as an adult and writing Dark Squares[63:28] Early aptitude signs: multiplication tables and ADHD focus[65:22] Childhood acting dreams and practicing “the eyebrow lift”[72:24] The most painful mother–son conversation: loyalty to the cult vs. family[73:39] Giving away belongings before leaving home—grieving his mother alive[87:31] Medical breakdown, ears exploding, and a failed chess career[88:16] Bedridden but discovering the internet: early lessons in tech and online chess[89:16] Buying domains, teaching online, and meeting Eric and Jay[114:25] On Magnus Carlsen: confidence, health, and the “Great White Shark” mindset[116:20] Chess.com and the post-COVID boom: making a living beyond world championshipAdditional Resources📖 Dark Squares: How Chess Saved My Life by Danny Rensch🌐 Danny Rensch on Chess.com🎥 Searching for Bobby Fischer (1993 film)See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesI’m really concerned about the level of discourse in this country. It’s almost a cliché to say that now, but especially after the Charlie Kirk assassination, the division feels overwhelming. I even got invited to speak at the Oxford Union—the most prestigious debate society in the world—but ultimately declined because I didn’t like how the whole situation was being handled.I can’t stand when anyone celebrates a death. Regardless of politics, it disturbs me. And every day, my social media feed is filled with more division and hatred. So I wanted to talk with Charles Duhigg. He wrote Super Communicators (now out in paperback) about how to actually connect with people in a world that seems torn apart. Even in a short conversation, I learned so much from him—things that made me think in new ways.Episode DescriptionPulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg (Super Communicators, The Power of Habit) joins James to explore how we can talk to each other in an age of polarization. From tragic political violence to everyday disagreements with family and friends, Charles explains why humans are wired for connection, how to ask better questions, and what it takes to turn conflict into understanding.This episode is a practical guide to becoming a better communicator—especially when the stakes are high.What You’ll LearnThe three types of conversations—emotional, practical, and social—and why mismatched conversations cause breakdowns.How to ask “deep questions” that uncover values and experiences, not just surface facts.Why mirroring, looping, and listening carefully make people feel truly heard.How to handle anger and cliches with curiosity instead of combat.Why disagreements don’t destroy democracy—bad communication does.Timestamped Chapters[03:08] James on division, Oxford Union, and why he turned down an invitation[06:06] Why James brought Charles Duhigg on the podcast[07:00] Political violence, polarization, and clashing conversations[10:42] What made Charlie Kirk an effective communicator[12:21] Communication as connection, not just information[13:21] Do both sides have to want connection?[15:20] Congress, partisanship, and performative politics[19:36] How “deep questions” build trust and reveal values[21:10] James on why he podcasts—and Charles’s analysis[23:39] Social reciprocity and feeling closer through vulnerability[24:23] History shows the value of disagreement done right[26:00] Why we reward bad behavior—and how to stop[27:09] James on gun control neutrality and frustration[29:00] Parenting lessons applied to political disagreements[30:00] “When you’re furious, get curious”[31:53] Moving past cliches by asking about personal experiences[33:08] Admitting confidence levels in arguments[34:19] Is Charles optimistic about America’s communication future?[34:50] A challenge for listeners: ask someone you disagree with “why does this matter to you?”[36:09] Closing thoughts: Super Communicators now in paperbackAdditional Resources📖 Super Communicators by Charles Duhigg📖 The Power of Habit by Charles Duhigg🌐 Charles Duhigg’s websiteSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesThis is a crazy story. Martin Suarez holds the record for the longest continuous undercover assignment in FBI history. He went undercover as a cartel drug lord—smuggling billions of dollars’ worth of cocaine while posing as “Manny.” At one point, the story even starts with a gun to his head, convinced his cover was blown.The book Inside the Cartel: A True Crime Tale of Espionage, Undercover Operations, and a War Against Billionaire Drug Lords—co-authored with journalist Ian Frisch—captures it all. Martin’s voice may be difficult to catch at times because he’s been battling ALS, but every word is worth hearing. Ian also joins to help tell the story. This conversation had me on the edge of my seat.Episode DescriptionFormer FBI agent Martin Suarez spent more than a decade living undercover inside Colombian cartels. Known to the underworld as “Manny,” he laundered money, smuggled cocaine, and survived assassination attempts—all while secretly working for the U.S. government.In this episode, James sits down with Suarez and his co-author Ian Frisch to explore how an ordinary Navy veteran became the FBI’s ultimate undercover agent, why deception works in high-stakes negotiations, and what lessons from cartel infiltration apply to everyday life.What You’ll LearnThe psychological techniques Martin used to maintain his cover for years inside violent cartels.How undercover work creates “alternate realities” to control narratives and shift blame.Why confidence and self-belief are critical in negotiation, business, and personal life.The role of deception and patience in both undercover work and real-world persuasion.How Martin and his family managed the risks and sacrifices of a life lived undercover.Timestamped Chapters[03:00] A gun to the head: the moment Martin thought his cover was blown[07:00] Surviving a cartel hitman[10:00] From Navy to FBI: the start of an undercover career[12:00] Why Martin was the “perfect” undercover agent[14:00] Smuggling versus intelligence gathering: the FBI’s strategy[16:00] How to move cartel shipments without breaking cover[18:00] The art of deflecting blame and creating alternate realities[22:00] Cartel power and control in Colombia[23:00] U.S. government ties and the Iran-Contra era[25:00] Using FBI agents as “girlfriends” to gather intelligence[27:00] Facing long-term risks—and the bigger battle with ALS[30:00] Marriage, trust, and sacrifice during undercover life[32:00] Art theft undercover operation in Europe[36:00] Fooling even the CIA with a perfect legend[41:00] How legends are built in the digital age[44:00] Negotiation, seduction, and cartel psychology[45:00] Ian’s lessons on confidence and self-convincing[47:00] Applying undercover strategies to everyday life[49:00] The role of greed in cartel decision-making[50:00] Marriage, grounding, and long-term support[51:00] Are cartel leaders truly evil—or just highly educated?Additional Resources📖 Inside the Cartel by Martin Suarez and Ian Frisch✍️ Ian Frisch’s journalism and other workSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode DescriptionRight after wrapping up their main conversation, James and Brian hit record again for a bonus session. What came out is an unfiltered talk on humility, arrogance, and the strange mix of traits needed to achieve great things. From the wisdom of the Talmud to the Dunning–Kruger effect, they explore why even Nobel Prize winners wrestle with imposter syndrome.James shares how writing books requires a mix of blind confidence and humility, while Brian connects scientific resilience to obsession, quests, and flow states. The two also talk candidly about the challenges of writing and publishing science books in today’s world—and Brian previews his bold new project exploring Jim Simons, “Chern–Simons Theory,” and the very arrow of time itself.What You’ll LearnWhy success requires balancing humility with courage—and sometimes arrogance with ignoranceHow Nobel Prize winners secretly struggle with imposter syndromeWhy writing books demands both blind confidence and ruthless editingThe difference between obsession and quest when pursuing successWhat “Chern–Simons Theory” reveals about time, space, and the structure of the universeTimestamped Chapters[02:00] Humility, chutzpah, and the Talmud’s two pockets[03:00] Writing, Dunning–Kruger, and the blindness needed for progress[05:00] Imposter syndrome—even after winning the Nobel Prize[06:00] Resilience, grad school, and the limits of Goggins-style toughness[07:00] Obsession vs. quest: two paths to achievement[08:00] Flow states, joy, and Nobel Prize winners at play[09:00] The cost of careers that don’t allow flow[10:00] The challenges of science publishing in the age of AI[11:00] James on downloads, inspiration, and writing talks in his sleep[12:00] The genius spirit, loneliness, and Hemingway’s advice[13:00] Why science books lean on unprovable ideas[14:00] String theory, quantum entanglement, and perennial sellers[15:00] Jim Simons, Chern–Simons Theory, and the arrow of timeAdditional ResourcesBrian Keating – Official WebsiteInto the Impossible: Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner (Volume 2) – AmazonDonna Strickland – Nobel Prize in Physics 2018 – Nobel Prize BiographyCal Newport – Deep Work – AmazonAli Abdaal – Feel Good Productivity – AmazonRyan Holiday – Perennial Seller – AmazonChern–Simons Theory (Mathematical Physics Overview) – WikipediaJim Simons Biography (The Man Who Solved the Market) – AmazonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode DescriptionJames sits down once again with cosmologist Brian Keating—longtime friend of the show and author of Into the Impossible: Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner. In this candid conversation, they challenge each other’s views on focus, curiosity, and the trade-offs of staying in your lane. Brian shares behind-the-scenes lessons from interviewing Nobel Prize winners, the thinking behind his new “Keating Test” for AI, and why communication matters as much as discovery in science.This episode isn’t about self-help clichés. It’s about real-world insights you won’t hear anywhere else—whether it’s why guarding your time is the most important skill, how to use flow states to sharpen your career, or why great breakthroughs depend on questioning the work of those who came before.What You’ll LearnWhy Brian created the “Keating Test” as a new measure for true artificial intelligenceHow Nobel Prize winners balance intense focus with curiosity across disciplinesWhy communication skills matter as much as scientific discovery for lasting impactHow to guard your time from “time bandits” and apply the power of saying “no”Practical ways to find your lane—or combine lanes—while still pursuing flow and masteryTimestamped Chapters[02:00] The Keating Test: AI, free will, and the act of survival[06:00] Humor, history, and reclaiming the “worst joke ever told”[08:00] Friendship, TEDx, and 11 years of conversations[09:00] Lessons from Nobel Prize winners: beyond self-help habits[10:00] Publishing with Scribe/Lioncrest and connections to James and David Goggins[12:00] Into the Impossible, Volume One: why distilling Nobel wisdom matters[13:00] Imposter syndrome, Alfred Nobel, and Volume Two’s focus[15:00] Donna Strickland, LASIK, and the power of saying no[18:00] Stay in your lane—or widen it? A debate on mastery and curiosity[23:00] Newton, Pascal, and the discipline of sitting in a room[26:00] Regrets, diversification, and finding flow[28:00] Crystallized vs. fluid intelligence in the age of AI[31:00] The importance of novelty—and the Lindy test[35:00] Math, reality, and the unreasonable effectiveness of ideas[38:00] Teaching quantum computing: bridging theory and life skills[43:00] From cryogenics to code: skills that outlast AI[47:00] Why communication defines success in science[50:00] Doing things that don’t scale: relationships, meteorites, and networks[52:00] The missed opportunities of office hours—and how to build relationships[54:00] Reading theses, genuine curiosity, and non-scalable networking[55:00] Into the Impossible, Volume Two: life lessons and scientific breakthroughs[57:00] How old is the universe? The cosmic controversy[59:00] Gravitational waves, BICEP2, and losing the Nobel Prize[61:00] Dust, data, and the Simons Observatory’s quest for origins[63:00] What comes next: Jim Simons’ legacy and Brian’s future bookAdditional ResourcesBrian Keating – Official WebsiteInto the Impossible: Focus Like a Nobel Prize Winner (Volume 2) – AmazonInto the Impossible: Think Like a Nobel Prize Winner (Volume 1) – AmazonLosing the Nobel Prize – AmazonDavid Goggins – Can’t Hurt Me – AmazonSteven Pressfield – The War of Art – AmazonArthur Brooks – From Strength to StrengthJim Simons Biography (The Man Who Solved the Market) by Gregory Zuckerman – AmazonSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesI’ve been on and off writing. From 2004 to 2021, I wrote one to two books a year, without fail. Since then, nothing. But I’ve been working on an idea: obsession. When I’m not obsessed, I can’t do much—sometimes not even the basics. But when I am obsessed, I can turn that energy into real outcomes: a business, a book, a skill, sometimes success, sometimes failure.This episode comes from a recent conversation I had with the Ventura Labs team. We talked about obsession, but also about AI, crypto, and how those obsessions have led to building TAO Synergies ($TAOX), a public company on Nasdaq. I’d love to hear your thoughts: should I write this as a book? Reach out on Twitter or anywhere.Episode DescriptionJames Altucher joins the Ventura Labs Podcast to explore the link between obsession, creativity, and execution. From contributing to IBM’s Deep Blue in the 90s to co-founding TAO Synergies, James shares how obsessions with chess, AI, and crypto have shaped his life and career.The conversation covers the philosophy behind decentralized AI, the rise of treasury strategies, and why writing down ten ideas a day can change everything. This episode isn’t about trends—it’s about frameworks: how to spot real opportunities, how to build around them, and how to know when obsession is worth pursuing.What You’ll LearnWhy obsession can be both a weakness and a superpower—and how to channel it productively.How Bittensor ($TAO) creates decentralized AI opportunities at a fraction of traditional costs.The mechanics of treasury companies and how TAO Synergies is building its playbook.The risks and rewards of subnet investing, and how tokenomics actually drive value.Lessons James learned from failure, from HBO web series experiments to company collapses, and why generating ideas daily can reset your career.Timestamped Chapters02:15 – Introduction02:58 – What is Bittensor06:24 – AI background and Deep Blue09:34 – Chess interest and journey11:46 – $TAOX inspirations and getting TAO-pilled14:09 – TAO Synergies origin story16:57 – Reaching 100M and playbook19:41 – Treasury strategies and validators22:02 – Launching TAO Daily25:51 – Bitcoin adoption and involvement29:32 – Subnet investing and analysis30:59 – Token warnings and TAO demand35:46 – Subnet proposals and increases37:36 – Successful sectors and examples40:04 – Yanez and Metanova43:17 – Decentralization benefits46:13 – AI jobs and countering fears49:34 – Beneficial sectors: AI and stablecoins53:59 – Bryan Johnson documentary55:17 – Starting podcast and interviews57:14 – Interests and obsessions01:00:56 – Daily writing obsession and origins01:03:47 – Confidence and opinions01:07:33 – Company failures and lessons01:10:42 – HBO series and 3AM show01:14:26 – Hesitancy, regrets, pivotal points01:17:38 – Advice on time and experimentsAdditional ResourcesTAO Synergies: @TAOSynergiesTAO Daily (community news hub): taodaily.ioNaval Ravikant – AngelList founder and Bitcoin advocateVentura Labs Podcast (YouTube): @VenturaLabsPodcastSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from JamesThe man, the myth, the legend—Rick Harrison. You know him as the star of Pawn Stars, the reality show based on the Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in Las Vegas. The show has been running for over 21 seasons, and Rick himself has become the godfather of the pawn business.I even joined Rick and Chumlee on their own podcast, Pawn After Dark, which was a blast. On this episode, Rick shares the ins and outs of the pawn world—why he thinks it’s the best business model ever, how it’s really the oldest form of banking, and why every object in his shop is more than just an item—it’s a story.Episode DescriptionRick Harrison didn’t just create one of the most successful reality shows of all time—he’s spent decades running the world’s most famous pawn shop. In this episode, Rick and James explore why pawn shops have been a cornerstone of finance for centuries, how collectibles get their value, and why storytelling is the real currency behind every object.From Rolex watches to cowboy hats with mobster histories, Rick breaks down how he decides what’s valuable, how emotions shape the market, and why gold has remained the ultimate store of value for over 6,000 years.What You’ll LearnWhy the pawn business is “the oldest form of banking” and how it still thrives today.How items gain value not just from material, but from the stories attached to them.Why so many Americans rely on pawn shops over banks and payday lenders.The economics of Rolex watches, diamonds, and gold in the pawn industry.How Pawn Stars became a global hit and what keeps the show fresh after 750+ episodes.Timestamped Chapters[01:00] A Note from James: introducing Rick Harrison[02:00] The legacy of Pawn Stars and 21 seasons on TV[04:15] Why Rick still loves his job after 750 episodes[05:30] Every object is a story: the cowboy hat with a mob connection[06:15] Pawn shops as the oldest form of banking[07:20] Why millions of Americans rely on pawn shops instead of banks[09:15] Rolexes, lawyers, and quiet transactions[10:30] How Rick values collectibles, art, and gold[11:45] Diamonds, divorces, and why jewelry stores buy from pawn shops[13:10] Charlie Chaplin’s pawn shop comedy and the stigma shift[14:00] Lab-grown diamonds, fakes, and what people really want[15:30] The emotions (and fights) inside pawn shops[17:10] Silverware, grandma’s heirlooms, and misplaced expectations[18:30] When sentiment meets market value[20:00] The most expensive items Rick has for sale[21:15] Civil War coins, rare history, and collectors’ obsessions[22:30] How U.S. money once carried fine art[23:00] Gold vs. silver: why gold endures as the ultimate store of value[24:15] The making of Pawn Stars and its runaway success[25:15] Why the show works: family-friendly, educational, and fun[26:00] Rick on Chumlee, drama, and why the show will keep goingAdditional ResourcesPawn Stars on History Channel – Pawn Stars Official SitePawn After Dark (Rick’s podcast) – Pawn After DarkGold & Silver Pawn Shop (Las Vegas) – gspawn.comCharlie Chaplin’s The PawnshopSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.