Leah Goldstein Turns Pain Into Fuel (MINDSET SECRETS REVEALED) | Rich Roll Podcast

A former kickboxing world champion, special forces officer, and professional cyclist, at age 52 Leah Goldstein became the first woman ever to win the solo division of the 3000-mile Race Across America transcontinental cycling race, beating everyone (including the men). Today she shares her fascinating life story along with mindset secrets for achieving audacious goals. For more on Leah + full show notes, go here👉🏾bit.ly/richroll646
✌🏼🌱 - Rich
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/rrpitunes
Spotify: bit.ly/rrpspotify
Google: bit.ly/rrpgooglepods
Meal Planner: meals.richroll.com
Voicing Change Book: richroll.com/vc
Clips Channel: / richrollpodcastclips
Newsletter: bit.ly/rollcallemail
CONNECT WITH RICH
✩ Website - richroll.com​
✩ Rich Roll Podcast - richroll.com/all-episodes/
✩ Instagram - / richroll
✩ Twitter - / richroll
✩ Facebook - / richrollfans
✩ Strava - www.strava.com/athletes/14443...
✩ Memoir: Finding Ultra - www.richroll.com/shop/books/f...
✩ Meals - meals.richroll.com​
✩ Cook - The Plantpower Way - www.richroll.com/shop/books/t...
✩ Italian! - The Plantpower Way: Italia - www.richroll.com/shop/books/t...
✩ Support - / richroll
FILMED AND EDITED BY BLAKE CURTIS
www.blakecurtis.net/
00:00:00 - Intro
00:02:27 - Leah's Amazing RAAM Victory
00:03:23 - Leah's Unique Origin Story
00:04:48 - Boxing & Martial Arts Background
00:11:08 - Leah's Laser-Focused Discipline
00:13:09 - Leah's Dream to be James Bond | Joining the IDF at 18yr old
00:17:04 - Becoming a Krav Maga Instructor for Israeli commandos
00:22:27 - Working in a Counter-Terrorist Police Unit
00:28:08 - Almost Getting Recruited to be a Spy
00:33:01 - How Leah Got Into Cycling
00:35:38 - Retiring from the Police Unit Because it was too Dangerous
00:38:04 - Slogging Through the Beginnings of a Cycling Career in Leah's 30s
00:45:02 - Having a Breakthrough with Cycling at 38 until a Big Crash
00:51:58 - Rehabilitation from the Cascade Classic Crash
00:55:15 - Transitioning to Ultra Endurance Racing After Another Crash
00:57:47 - Leah's Superpower with Sleep Deprivation
01:00:36 - First RAAM in 2011
01:09:05 - RAAM in 2019
01:12:24 - Learning from 2019 Mistakes and Coming Back for 2021
01:16:56 - How Do You Prepare Mentally for RAAM?
01:17:35 - Learn to be comfortable while being uncomfortable
01:22:07 - The Goal for 2021 RAAM, Preparing for a Hot Year
01:26:29 - First Woman to Win the Whole Solo Division
01:32:54 - What Does Recovery Look Like?
01:34:04 - Leah Did It All Plant-Based
01:39:09 - How Do You Train in Canada?
01:41:35 - How Do Martial Arts and Ultra Endurance Compliment Each Other?
01:43:45 - Discipline and Consistency for Ultra Endurance Training
01:45:24 - What It's Like Working with a Crew
01:47:27 - The Rules and Regulations During RAAM
01:49:09 - No Limits Documentary
01:50:40 - Leah's Refusal to Quit
01:53:57 - Closing Thoughts
* * * * *
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:
bit.ly/otillonyt
bit.ly/vegansglam
I LOVE MAIL! SEND IT HERE:
29617 Agoura Rd.
Agoura Hills, CA 91301
#richroll #richrollpodcast

[@richroll]

Thanks for watching! For more on Leah + full show notes go here👉🏾bit.ly/richroll646

[@kevinjansa7775]

Thank you, good sir. I feel like my issues are insurmountable as of late. Running seems to make it all more manageable

[@gokulpnair]

Very nice one.Delighted to know she is vegan too.

[@evita1844]

@@kevinjansa7775 pA0pp

[@evita1844]

@@kevinjansa7775 P

[@kenlowgs8042]

🤩

[@dianeleirer9878]

Wow! Utterly fascinating. I felt like I was listening to the plot of a movie. So great that Leah Goldstein’s accomplishments and courage is being shared via Rich Roll’s podcast/ video.

[@dkandpal77]

She is really low key. I cant believe there is a story like this that exists. Thanks rich roll for sharing really appreciate it.

[@michelletorres308]

Wow!! She is the REAL Wonder Women!! ⭐️🤩 Rich, can you imagine talk with Lea and David Goggings at the same time? This could be amazing.😵

[@daveglick6920]

Simply one of the best, Rich. Time flew by while listening. Leah is one amazing and inspiring woman.

[@elahrairahz]

Heck, she is tough as nails. Even when she was describing injuries resulting from fall off her bike, I was thinking she is a force to be reckoned with. I haven't really heard of many people with her mental will to return to form but I am beyond impressed with her. Words can't really describe how much. What a life, what an exceptional human being.

[@_negentropy_]

Leah Goldstein is a legend. If I could emulate a fraction of her grit my life would be made. Thank you so so much for sharing her story.

[@joanowens7941]

You were the perfect person to interview her, Rich.

[@lilix101111111]

Your best podcast yet!!!! Amazing woman and incredible story. What an absolute legend!

[@sheri_LA_native]

What an inspiring woman! A true master of her reality! Great show. I look forward to her Doc

[@donnakinsey2053]

This shows you that when someone wants to do something they do it! “Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming "Wow! What a Ride!”

[@DemetriPanici]

*"Very little is needed to make a happy life; it is all within yourself, in your way of thinking." - Marcus Aurelius*

[@tracybrusman9538]

One of the most inspirational guest you have had on your podcast! What a Woman! Unbelievable!!

[@meseekingyah3041]

I'll be turning 53 next month, this amazing woman is so motivating!! I so appreciate your saying that her superpower is her refusal to ever give up. That says that it is a superpower we all can have, if we will choose to have it. Awesome interview, thank you so much!!

[@karlaschmid5676]

Rich is very good at laying the timeline out for the listener!

[@isabellajones8595]

Sure is!

[@betsysiwula]

Can't believe I've never heard of this woman! Amazing. I think her Very rich cultural background comes into play too, not just her training. Rich you offer THE most inspirational interviews hands down. You patiently and lovingly drill down while creating a very safe space for your guests. I do get the sense you "hold" them. TY, TY, TY for what you do and offer freely.

[@spiritualbeing2578]

I love her "I will show you what I can't do!" attitude. I can relate. Hats off to you Leah...proud Canadian fan of yours right here. Many blessings going forward.

[@noornoornoor23]

Dear Rich, really love the interviews you share with us and have learnt so many lessons from the stories of the amazing humans you introduce us to. But if I can share a thought... as a PhD student for whom this entire intellectual endeavour has been extremely challenging, I crave for some stories of how people like me have turned THEIR pain into fuel. Usually hearing things like, 'turn pain into fuel', some of the first images that the mind conjures up is of, well, of sportswomen/men/them and their achievements. Not to say that their challenges don't include them battling with mental demons. But at times I wish I could see more examples of achievers from non-sports backgrounds, particularly say, from academia, share how their awesome 'workouts' (mental) look like. Not share if I am making lot of sense but I hope you can fathom my thoughts. Thank you always :)

[@TCFD1]

Checkout Lex Fridman

[@teetertotter5787]

How am I only knowing about this amazing human now????? What an inspiration.

[@peterkempf5422]

Thank you Rich and Leah for an absolute riveting couple of hours. I can't wait for the documentary. We build them tough up here in Canada, lol.

[@belindabernard1276]

This woman ! OMG ! Beautiful strength and I enjoy her accent “you know”. Thank you for sharing

[@GreenVegan816]

Out of all the podcast I've listened to, this is the first one I had to watch all the way through. Leah's drive is mind blowing.

[@emilyw3010]

She raced RAAM when my husband was doing RAW and she was/is a HUGE inspiration to us all! Thank you for having her on the show! more of this!

[@wendyb235]

What an incredible woman and interview.. just what I needed to listen to this morning. Off the charts inspirational. Thank you!

[@beanburrito8903]

Wow this woman is amazing. I am inspired. I shall never complain nor quit.

[@joanowens7941]

Oh my god!! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time! What a woman!

[@katkafandli5140]

Fantastic interview. First, I started listening, but it was so powerful that I decided to buy a book, read it and then finish watching the interview. Thank you Rich for introducing Leah. Very inspiring!

[@msdaus14]

I’m 6 minutes in and I’m hooked.

[@kuntalsarma5106]

So many accomplishments and so little do people know about her. Saw a facebook post after she won 2021 RAAM and that's when I heard about her the first time. Looking forward to the documentary

[@adamkatz6532]

I love how she talks about “the friend thing” like it is a guilty excess. Really interesting.

[@adamkatz6532]

Does she have beckwith-wiedemann syndrome? Lol

[@ThereseHartmann]

So much about this podcast inspired me as well as stripped away any excuses I’ve had to not make improvements in strength training. I was put on permanent disability years ago and took myself off, choosing health at any cost. It’s worked but I’ve always had disability as an excuse to not push ahead. Not any more! After hearing this story, how could anyone have any excuses at all?!?

[@iolanisjourney4828]

What a badass!! Thanks for sharing her story with us.

[@returntoyehovahthelord6185]

Man. She is incredible. Where do you find these people to talk to? I love the way you do your interviews. They are enjoyable to listen to. Funny, compassionate and very interesting.

[@grubsnart]

I finally listened to this interview. In addition to being inspired in many ways, I LOVE that Leah mentioned "Kansas" a dozen times when speaking about RAAM, at least 10 times more than any other location in RAAM. Having crewed for someone who finished RAAM in 2005, I can attest to the fact that wide, flat, halfway-there Kansas is as hard as any part of the race (especially with a headwind!).

[@nancymello5246]

Wow...This woman is so amazing and inspiring.

[@dariabezhenar2923]

Thank you very much for all the work you do with this KZbin channel! I admire your efforts and so grateful to have a chance to plug into all these incredible knowledge you are sharing with us via your unique guests!

[@ellensoucek1914]

She's very strategic, efficient and laser focused and, of course, there's no competing with inner thoughts or her own will. Unwavering and task oriented; her solitary and singular drive is a force to reckon with.

[@catsteinhilb2880]

Absolutely amazing, what an incredible human! Inspiration is an understatement !

[@AndreaAvila78]

Wow this lady is fascinating!!!!! Excellent interview!!!

[@workingfrocks5121]

Wow! She's so amazing. Loved this interview. Warm, human and no holds barred (literally)!

[@drewe9514]

I like how Rich is letting his guests interrupt him more. He's getting better at respecting the balance.

[@traveler65]

Been following him for at least 4-5 years now. Don't ever remember that being an issue.

[@jinxterx]

A lot of times he doesn't listen to what they say though, which is annoying.

[@LizColville]

@@jinxterx bruh are we listening to the same person? i can think of 20 top-tier podcasters who do this before i'd even think to name rich.

[@jinxterx]

@@LizColville Bro, even Leah noticed it, watch the video.

[@siobhan1030]

Stellar interview with content and questions that kept me on the edge of my seat wanting more. Inspiring

[@lindavaillancourt6269]

What an interesting humble person!!! Thank you for interviewing her.

[@gabrielfraga1742]

the beard is back! Hell yeah!

[@dkpeters]

Thank you for introducing me to this remarkable woman! Can't wait for the documentary! So incredible!!

[@paccarcrap]

Thats inspiring, I'm 53 and she reinvents herself.

[@aplayonmoney]

I love this episode ❤!!! How inspiring 🙏👏

[@bretstevens262]

She is pretty cool! One badass individual! Thanks for bringing her to us! Great conversation!

[@andrejgrznar]

What a story. Incredible.

[@carbonc6065]

Awesome! Oh yeah, one of THE most inspirational people of all time!

[@evy684]

I absolutely loved this interview ! An amazing interview. She is so uplifting and positive. Very motivational.

[@jackyofalltrades9875]

I love your channel! All of your guests are amazing and inspiring. Love Leah Goldstein. Awesome!

[@juliesill8074]

This is now my favorite podcast! Leah is truly amazing!!

[@rosafaria4997]

Amazing podcast,amazing guest,thank you so mutch

[@karenscookingkorner]

Inspiring is an understatement! Thank you

[@AdrianaJCantu]

Such. A. Badass!!!!!

[@TweetDomecillo]

I really love this episode, Rich! Thanks for sharing this to the world 🌱☺️

[@dianapalacios6120]

Amazing conversation. Inspiring beyond words.

[@mishyfishy389]

hands down the best podcast episode I've ever seem WOW Leah what an absolute legend. feeling so inspired. and your smile and positive spirit is infectious. Rich Roll the way you steered this interview was fantastic. quality discussion and questions. THANK YOU! 🙌

[@dawndoster7025]

Wowzers!!! Just listened to this episode again for the second time!!! What amazingly inspiring human beings you both are! Thank you Rich for introducing us to Leah! She is a amazing! Cant wait to read the book and for the doc to be released! ♥️

[@forajc]

Love this interview. Leah Goldstein is so inspiring. Rich Roll has a warm way of interacting with his subject and audience. Keep up the good work Rich Roll, you are at least from this vantage point a wonderful human being.

[@nicolemitsi]

WOW. Thank you so much for sharing this... One of the most inspiring stories I've ever heard.

[@shelchicago8997]

Thank you for telling the story of this super woman!

[@thereseward7852]

Motion and determination- amazing woman!!! She is a power horse overcoming obstacles to reach her goals!!! Appreciate this hearing this - we all have obstacles to overcome. Go for it!!!

[@alassanejuniorkebe9256]

i love the intro Rich you're doing such amazing here!

[@suerospert5131]

WOW! Such an amazing woman!

[@compassionsix]

I did a trans Arkansas ride for fun. It got up to 106 F on several days. I can’t imagine crossing the entire US in that heat.

[@running4fun863]

I watched this interview and it is very inspering, I do everything to be positive , to better myself , educated at the highest level , driven , focused and determined but how do you deal with Racism. I am of mixed race ( mother white father black ) lived in and out of foster home , look and sound different , even though I spent 99% of my life in england but I am not White . I deal with Racism everyday more so now as an adult , moved to Australia and it is really , really bad . I am so so sad . how can I cope . I try not to think of the negative stuff and stay away from pople .

[@eljefe5536]

I think that Australia is one of the most racist country in the world. Been there two times, for months, across the island, and the way Aboriginal people are treated is a real shame. It's THEIR land. Greetings from France.

[@Vered.movement]

wow ! thank you for sharing Leah's incredible story, inspiring woman !

[@melrichardson2392]

Leah your the best and truly inspiring for everyone thanks for sharing your story, Always the best Mel .

[@clairevanproemeren]

So inspirational!

[@nicolakestel-lifestyleceo4040]

Speechless. EPIC 💥❣️

[@rudyleal5884]

What an amazing woman

[@jimwilkinson6421]

Wow. What a lady! Thanks for sharing her story with us, Rich.

[@ravenomega2443]

Sounds like she's the female David Goggins lol. Can't wait to watch this.

[@Mmmmkaaay]

This woman is a force to be reckoned with. Fantastic talk! 🔥❤️💪

[@jesshatchette]

Another excellent interview!

[@tywinkalandyk]

Such a great interview! Thank you

[@gokulpnair]

Wow man thank you both.

[@JaneASmyth]

Wow! Amazing woman indeed! Thank you both for a truly inspiring conversation.

[@mistygoldstone8068]

She is amazing! What an inspiration! 💜

[@sandram6913]

OMG!! So exciting!!!

[@pascallieblich3289]

Amazing, incredibly impressive!

[@Herbivorous_Mari]

enjoyed this conversation :-)

[@galegreyson4196]

Great inspiration.

[@carolgerber6375]

I love her! What an awesome story and human being!

[@ishaanmishra547]

Thank you Rich❤ and Leah 🌼😊

[@farahkesseiri3793]

Palestiniens are not terrorists, they are trying to be free like everyone else on this earth.

[@rogeremeadows]

Great interview! She is an inspiration!

[@jennifer8216]

Wow. What an amazing human being. Thanks.

[@MyBabyShara]

This was fun!

[@returntoyehovahthelord6185]

Fantastic interview! Edge of my seat the whole way. Then finally! At 11/2 hour mark we find out she’s been plant based! I figured bug had to hang on to find out. Phew! Glad she didn’t do all that eating meat and cheese! What an amazing lady. Thanks for another amazing interview Rich.

[@wendyt5003]

Perfection when Leah said " Tell your body what it can do !""

[@CFCMahomet]

Rehabbing an injury, riding the trainer, sucking, but can’t quit. No quitting. What’s amazing about the 2021 RAAM is that it wasn’t about who could physically do it better, but who could suffer more.

[@tf19701]

So inspiring! I’ve worked as a PT with so many who were told at the hospital they would never walk again and guess what, never say never! I think the medical staff just never see the end stages of rehab the only see they beginning and never get to see somebody really, really rehab.

[@MattAngiono]

Someone should tell her she can't stop climate change or the Great Reset! Amazing woman and fascinating discussion! 👏

[@angelatakano6072]

Awesome lady!

[@northtacomaninja]

This is good. I want to hear these ultra competitive people talk about their stories.

[@victoriaandreevna2658]

Wow. What a woman!

[@ReyRey.00]

I loved her .she is amazing

[@a_net5610]

What an absolutely amazing lady.