From PRISON GUARD to MARATHON MASTER: Ken Rideout | Rich Roll Podcast

Crowned "World's Fastest Marathoner Over 50" by the NYT, Ken Rideout is a Jedi of mid-life athleticism and mindset here today to share his improbable story of self-transformation-overcoming a chaotic childhood, a stint as a prison guard, and the an opioid addiction that derailed his life. It's an epic saga for the ages, laced with practical wisdom and tools to tackle setbacks and chase audacious dreams. Read more about Ken👉🏾bit.ly/richroll701
✌🏼🌱 - Rich
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FILMED AND EDITED BY BLAKE CURTIS & DAN DRAKE
www.blakecurtis.net/
www.dandrake333.com/
00:00:00 - Intro
00:01:37 - Ken's Early Years
00:08:18 - College and Prison Guard Job
00:12:50 - Ken on toughness
00:17:47 - Where Ken's Confidence Comes From
00:19:26 - Wall Street
00:28:15 - New York After 9/11
00:30:46 - Addiction Enters Ken's Life
00:40:25 - Ken's Recovery + Lessons Learned
00:46:10 - Ken's Gratitude For His Life Now
00:46:54 - Ad Break
00:48:30 - Ken's Second Life As An Athlete
01:03:15 - What Ken Learned From Hiring Coaches
01:11:22 - Ken on Transferring His Addiction to Running.
01:19:02 - Ken's Mindset Tools
01:28:46 - Wrap Up
* * * * *
NEW TO RICH?
Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles:
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[@Quaffables]

I lost my wife to breast cancer 2 years ago this January. I never have been an athlete or care to run a race but after my wife passed, the only thing that helps me in any way is to go running. Running seems to be the only thing I can do that allows my anger, sadness, and loneliness to subside.

[@shaycarl04]

This guy is the real life person mark whalburg tries to portray in every film

[@DC-ih8bv]

Haha ! Nice ..I agree.

[@moniquecobb9051]

😂😂😂😂😂 straight up Bourne Identity

[@bobbyb2050]

I was thinking The real life Bobby Axelrod

[@anthonychanning3954]

Spot on!

[@BajeTiger]

​@@moniquecobb9051More like The Departed

[@leighburville2717]

"It's hard to talk about because it's mortifying." Well put! The word "mortifying" is profound. It explains something deeper than deep shame. My example is when I lived as a newcomer on the small island of St. John and my 19 year son was accused of breaking into a gift shop and stealing something. I was a new member of an art group and I sold my original hand-painted t-shirts to all the gift shops and I really had a very good high profile in the community, but after my son's crime, people shunned me the very day it happened and I felt so dirty I couldn't leave my own house for several weeks out of deep death-like shameful shock and deep mortification. It's been hard to find words for it. I've called it a shame attack but it a deep mortification attack. Nothing could coax, bribe or coerce me lo leave my house and face the judgmental people. I lost my income so I left everything I had worked for on the island and moved instantly to St. Marten on my last two hundred dollars. Mortification actually vanished until a new humiliation jumped on me. (This comment was inspired by the first 60 seconds of this video.) I apologize if it is inappropriately too off topic. I just had to write it. Thanks for reading it.... Best wishes to you.

[@christinawhitt7213]

Inspiring!!!!!

[@suzannadwyer3706]

So many lessons. He really shows us to kill our excuses.

[@Defeat_Doubt]

Awesome conversation! 🔥 I've found that endurance is an active meditation in which you have no choice but to listen to your thoughts. That in itself is a great step towards self healing.

[@tglatthard]

Inspiring interview. If you’re interested in getting stuff done listen to this.

[@sunflower-oo1ff]

You are so right Tobias, kind and wise words from Rich! 👍

[@Sh0n0]

@@sunflower-oo1ff you are so right sunflower!

[@joshk7051]

I can relate to this guys story in so many ways. Currently rebuilding myself and I'm determined to crush it at the top of the mountain. Or I'll die trying.

[@Timewaits4no1]

@ Josh K You're not alone, brother. The only way out is through. Keep grinding, keep digging, keep pushing. I'm right there with you

[@joshk7051]

@@Timewaits4no1 hell yeah brother.

[@moniquecobb9051]

Listened to this twice already. Unbelievably inspiring!

[@philippklober8463]

We need more people like Ken in this world. Listening to this wants you to tear down walls 💪

[@2011hwalker]

do we? Obsessive narcissicts?

[@philippklober8463]

@@2011hwalkerwhat’s narcissistic about him? In a world where most countries have 60-70% obesity rates, we need more Ken Rideouts as inspiration that a normal human can become such a strong inspirational athlete through commitment and consistency rather than a dad bot spending time overindulging and sitting on the couch all the day…

[@jenblied9193]

this guy is everything i love about the idea of just killing it everyday. i could listen to his interviews everyday. love this dude! 💪🏻

[@eugenemorrison2720]

Great interview, super interesting guy. Editing team: love the little transitions between sections. Breaks up the long interview in a subtle and pleasant way.

[@davidsimpson1905]

I found Ken to be so genuine and likeable in his recounting of stories. Such a cool guy, hope to see him again on the podcast!

[@Gabriel_99]

Thank You Rich and thank you Ken, your talk really inspired me and I'm gonna rewatch it every time I'll feel down or hopeless. Real stories real quality. Keep it up, a hug from Italy 🤝💪🏻

[@mrNashmann]

this guy scares me he is so focused ...different level .....would not want to betray him he is the real deal ....god bless him no flash no bs Hollywood just real

[@lisarussom5935]

Thoroughly enjoyed this interview. Real life, real people. Thanks Rich.

[@Is_brea_liom_tae]

Really enjoyed the podcast! Love that Rich is not scared to go deep and really ask those questions about motivation behind training etc. Interesting to listen to this level of conscious thought! Thanks 🙏

[@marygrogan6101]

Fascinating interview, especially the wisdom you showed in interviewing Ken.

[@veredgutriech5732]

So inspiring and authentic. Thank you for sharing 🙏

[@steveotatooed]

I love this guy Ken what an amazing human being

[@josefgatti9328]

Truly loved this interview!

[@samuelpfox]

thank you both for doing this

[@Danny-mr4em]

Great temperament, discussion, focus, and segaways. Rich, ty for probing Ken this was helpful. Thanks for your time and effort in these gems. 🎯

[@brookie_cuqui]

"You mess with the wrong person, you're gonna have a long day ahead of you."

[@toddriley376]

You dudes are the best!! Keep hammering!

[@MichaelLoweAttorney]

Memo Morales would also be a great interview for masters marathon runner.

[@creator_yo]

Ken is a great storyteller! Very impressive story he shared with us.

[@debbiemayberymaybery2506]

Fantastic inspiration for me. I am inspired to change my life through fitness and mental strength. Thank you so much.

[@GFraga-dk2hq]

This was an amazing convo. Thanks Ken and Rich.

[@logandaniel3742]

bangin podcast! great guest rich!

[@northtacomaninja]

Loved the pod rideout did with nick bare. I was waiting all day to watch this one

[@DavidChowlover]

I'm a big fan of Ken and Teddy Atlas. Ken ex prison guard, being around felons fighters, his love of sports and running expert, explain why i love Ken and Teddy!

[@rayana6304]

Thank you Rich for this episode.. Amazing

[@vondy6563]

I relate to this more than I care to admit.

[@joryiansmith]

You have to surround yourself with people you admire and respect. The one thing you can't control is what you do today. I consider myself a dopey kid just like anyone else that has made a ton of mistakes but I don't let it control me anymore. - Ken 🙏

[@travessiasape6020]

Inspiring!

[@robinkahle-solymos777]

AMAZING INTERVIEW! KUDOS!❣

[@FROCKLIFFE]

Damn this dude is so rad, would love for Rich to have on some former or current NHL players at some point

[@ShaneHarveyMusic]

I felt like i was sitting in a bar a couple stools over listening to Tommy Devito…

[@maramkraida1481]

He speaks out the authenticity

[@johnmcnulty1129]

Another Quality stream Rich

[@trainwellracewell]

God bless the spouses of all of us addicted endurance athletes

[@ThisCrazyLifeOfFive]

234 days sober and training for a 50k! Love this message!

[@whatevraa]

What a storyteller man!

[@claudiacorral4559]

Spotify version is different, has the adoption story very interesting too.

[@ballislife9989]

As a casual runner myself, I have all the respect in the world for guys like Ken, who are willing suffer in degrees 99.99% of people aren't willing to endure.

[@rickmanning8722]

Awesome cast Rich

[@doyouevennaturebro4593]

Interesting. I’m a teddy atlas fan. Looking forward to learning more about Ken.

[@rock-rq5eu]

Nice! watching from the Philippines

[@danielgnecco1662]

LFG Ken!

[@TechOutAdam]

I swear I thought this was Josh Brolin. I watch the video and still think it's Josh Brolin lol

[@lsunodnarb96]

Good one.

[@thenovelist7472]

15:51 without context ...this is hilarious 😂😂😂😂

[@dermlover1]

This guys is very interesting.

[@jpcecilio1]

I have never heard of this guy bit I get it lmao at welfare Camp!!! Camp Wing? Thanks for sharing coming out of Southie I feel it.

[@DavidChowlover]

I know Ken from his great fighting analysis with Teddy Atlas and his great running career. Ken is great, just ask Teddy and the fight fans!

[@xGenral10]

“In hindsight”

[@christophershouse2734]

Are the KZbin videos shorter than the audio podcast? Noticed this isn’t as long.

[@MIKE....100]

💯

[@joanolmstead1219]

curious what is the gold can product? that is in front of Ken

[@amyirene4081]

I looked it up, it is water. Liquid death sparkling water.

[@hollyc7539]

please get michael phelps on the pod

[@moniquecobb9051]

Ooooooooh good one!!!!

[@denoffitness3379]

❤

[@delphinelisabeth]

wait wait wait, I wanna know about Rich's stories of swimming at NYAthletic Club lollll WHAT happened? 53:00

[@thepoweroftarot4116]

Great interview!! Have really enjoyed your channel, Rich....too bad there are all the commercial interruptions...its hard to follow the flow of the conversation....will not be listening in the future , too disruptive.

[@motosmith6387]

He looks like Ray Liotta

[@orangejuiceproduction8243]

I’ve met ken in real life!

[@doddsalfa]

This guy is on testosterone

[@pete801]

Let's address the elephant in the room. 3 letters..... TRT.

[@steveotatooed]

MY God trading sounds like an AWFUL way to make a living

[@TheBennylicious]

He doesn't measure heart rate but wearing a WHOOP which bases all metrics around HRV. Product placement fail.

[@pompidoos4891]

i dont normally comment, but thought in this case it's a little warranted. Ken is absolute idiot. he's abrasive, rude and full of himself. i'm not entirely sure why you even got him on to your pod. he's everything people should strive not to be like.

[@bozbell9010]

Hated hearing his take on spending 2 weeks with “50” black kids - prison like, one or more black kids bullied him and tried to steal from him so they all must be thieves and bullies. In 2 weeks he wins all the awards while simultaneously not making any human connection with anyone else. Congratulations on turning your life around.

[@DistantTower]

That's not what he said though. It's important to remember that there are social realities and you can still be non-biased in every day life and appreciate other cultures without putting on blinders. To put it colloquially a poor white kid surrounded by a majority of poor black kids is not going to have a good time and likely vice versa as well on average. Nothing wrong with acknowledging that. Change the socioeconomic equation and you get a different outcome.

[@doyouevennaturebro4593]

I don’t understand. Why did you hate it?

[@boachile]

He has an african american beautiful daughter btw

[@beachnap]

Please understand that he was only a young child himself in that moment. He shared his story here as a vulnerable reflection of his lived experience. As a child, he felt the uncomfortable reality of his world; one in which his society, culture, community and economic status dictated the terms of race. He could not be blamed for those factors, and neither could the other children. He acknowledged that it was in fact racism which created the conditions in the first place (the fact being that the majority of children in a camp for poor inner city kids were black). And yet he can simultaneously recognize that racism was a force in his world and also still feel his own personal and valid discomfort at being thrust into that situation. He came out of that experience thinking that the key to "surviving" and making it through the camp was to be tough, to be competitive and to win as an individual. Like it or not, it obviously did influence who he is today.

[@doyouevennaturebro4593]

Yea, what this 👆 person who’s smarter than me has so eloquently stated. I’ll add that in my experience, applying the morals of today to previous time periods is not a productive exercise.