Lessons Learned & Empathy Earned: The Story Behind The Story | Rich Roll Podcast

Thanks for watching! Read all about Rich Roll here 👉🏼bit.ly/richroll503
I had the privilege of being a guest on the Outside podcast - an honor I don’t take lightly. The interview perfectly captures how I explain and think about this wild journey I’ve been on - and what can be gleaned from it for the benefit of others.
So I’m doing what I’ve never done before and resharing it with you today.
If you’re stuck and can’t see the way forward, my hope is that this conversation will spark something in you. Inspire you to think differently and more openly about possibility.
This is my story.
Enjoy!
✌🏼🌱 - Rich
EPISODE 503 AUDIO PODCAST
Blog & Show Notes: bit.ly/richroll503
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST
Apple Podcasts: bit.ly/rrpitunes
Spotify: bit.ly/rrpspotify
Android: bit.ly/rrpgoogle
OUTSIDE MAGAZINE
www.outsideonline.com
/ outsidemagazine
/ outsidemagazine
/ outsidemagazine
OUTSIDE PODCAST
www.outsideonline.com/podcasts
Produced, Written, and Edited by Michael Roberts
Interview by Peter Vigneron
Music by Robbie Carver
Additional Audio Engineering and production by Jason Camiolo
* * * * *
CONNECT WITH RICH
✩ Website - richroll.com
✩ Pod: Rich Roll Podcast - bit.ly/richrollpod
✩ Memoir: Finding Ultra - bit.ly/rrfindingultrarev
✩ Meals - meals.richroll.com
✩ Cook - The Plantpower Way - bit.ly/rrppwbook
✩ Italian! - The Plantpower Way: Italia - bit.ly/rrppwitalia
✩ Support - / richroll
SOCIALS
✩ Instagram - / richroll
✩ Twitter - / richroll
✩ Facebook - / richrollfans
✩ Strava - / strava
NEW TO ME?
Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist at large. 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:
2630 Conejo Spectrum St.
Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 #richroll #mystory

[@94paul1]

When I listen to Rich I can sense the true depth of life. Thanks!

[@XX-gy7ue]

I LOVE THIS MAN SO MUCH ! ♥️🕊️💙❇️

[@CliffYates]

Attitude of gratitude brother ! It is important to stop and honor yourself, it's the best way to fully go forward and honor others. Love your story. Thanks for sharing Rich.

[@eileenhodgkinson8423]

Rich Roll is spiritual , super sexy , a heart of gold, I can’t get enough of listening to him , and watching him he’s motivated me to become a vegan I love him-- Thankyou Rich you are such an inspiration and just sooo charasmatic.

[@brendakane3888]

Genuine, authenticity. I listen carefully these words are timely, I hope more people pick up on RR...only good can come from this kind of thinking, thanks for sharing.

[@Itsunclegabby]

I think I'm just going to buy your book for my stepdad, give it to him with no explanation, cross my fingers and pray. Thanks for everything, Rich. I'm thankful for you.

[@Jan-nu6zc]

Did it work?

[@Itsunclegabby]

@@Jan-nu6zc No, but I know some seeds are planted! I'm trying to live by example and show him others that are doing the same.

[@ashutoshJMJK]

A TOOL fan and a Rich Roll fan? Right on man! You’re doing something right 😄🤘🏃‍♂️

[@timbo1476]

That book changed my life.

[@kevinmeaker4831]

Wow! Thx Rich for sharing your story. I'm very glad this video popped up on my recommended viewing. I listened to about a half dozen of your interviews before specifically because i was following your interviewee. I do enjoy your interviews, your calm vibe, IMO. Two things that really struck me in this was your telling of feeling and thinking yourself crazy for what you were doing to yourself and your family in the unsecure material realm and how your wife was able to bring a light of clarity from the other side of the coin and re-balance your perspective. So beautiful, pulled at my emotions. Secondly, your comments about self-help information downloading versus ensuring that I, for my part, am actually doing something with what I'm learning, ingesting mental and/or spiritually. Thx,again!!!

[@tracybrusman9538]

Here's to trusting those whispers! You are an inspiration! Thank you!

[@dainasworldnumbers88]

Awesome, Timeless, Sober.

[@kettigress]

When you say your podcast is far the largest, I think to myself the quality is what matters and the people you bring. Do not underestimate the impact you're making

[@Mookiethedog]

Yo, I've read your book twice and both times cringed every time you life got worse....listening to this it was the same. You're a role model to me and I love that you got yourself out of that huge hell hole to be who you are today. Peace, One Love

[@movingonandup322]

I love when someone dives deep and shares their journey, especially when they have a sensitivity and self awareness like Rich does. It is so beneficial and fascinating to me. It's also great to not feel so alone in my pain and struggle currently and in my past as well. Thank you for generously and courageously sharing with us all your experience and also your theories of the hidden "forces" (so to speak) that seem to be at play in guiding us Rich. Interesting stuff that needs light. The more we see them, the more they seem to guide.

[@sherrytowers2395]

Rich Roll for President!

[@RetroBusker]

Even better than that= Rich Roll for leading runner of World Health Organisation!! I'm eating my spicy bean vegan indian, frecking amazing! Meat eaters need to know yummy vegan meals exsit & is actually 60% cheaper $ than meat version

[@dawn7220]

Many times we minimize the importance of the role of wife. This podcast proves beyond a shadow doubt just how important the wife is.

[@creative-emptiness]

Thanks, thanks for all of it Rich Roll and team: the entire untangleable tangle of wonderous happenstance. Brilliant I say.

[@kityac9810]

This was really an amazing session. There was a rawness to it that I found refreshing, especially when you described your financial and emotional uncertainty as you transitioned from the life that you chased, into the life that you now have after finding yourself. The internal compass (that we all possess) is far more important than pursuit of material wealth, regardless of how much society have practically deified money. I'm so glad that you listened to yours instead of trying to "fight the wind". That took a lot of courage and I appreciated the post. It gave me a different perspective regarding my own life that was very helpful.

[@evelynbaron2004]

Hi Kitca C; loved your measure reply.

[@c.wander555]

I needed to hear this today.

[@lebleb9501]

Raw, real, loved it!

[@lisacalhoun8080]

How am I just discovering you now? Thank you for sharing your inspiring story and being so real. 💛

[@juliedavenport3611]

Love learning from Rich and his great guests and on the special occasion, better half, Julie P.

[@audrey3042]

Rich I am new to your channel. I have spent many hours early in the morning listening to you and your guests...such a great way to start my day! Your story is raw and inspirational. Thank you for sharing it so openly. I’m looking forward to the 2020 journey for all of us.

[@charles0312]

Thank you so much. Long time listener...inspiring.

[@MiraMyo]

Thank you! You are so rad. I love Outside Magazine

[@martaaltheide5146]

Living for the benefit of others, and our life will unfold as it should.

[@z.j.maayan8458]

You are an inspiration. Thank you

[@startingoverat43withnikkib58]

This was AWESOME!! So inspiring and encouraging.

[@lilianagriseldaszachury1843]

Congratulations, I love your podcast Rich Great story.... lots of consciousness....

[@catp.6182]

A thousand times YES...Thank you all for bringing this to my ears and as always RR rocks!...you have been in my life for a few years now and I appreciate all that you inspire in me!...Peace, Plants, Namaste...love you to bits...x

[@theunmobablespes6582]

Didn´t know your story up to this point but listened to your yt videos for several months now. Thank you so much for sharing your way up to this point. You´re doing great, youre one of the first podcasts i was listening to.

[@hnttakata713]

Rich, you ARE awesomeness.

[@famzini4424]

thank you for inspiring people... I extract lots of wisdom from this but 4 main things from your story and the way you share it. 1) all of us need to stop/change the habits that we know are bad for us and in time can cause serious suffering (they can go from addictions or some other from of being irresponsible). 2) we need to have the courage and faith to listen to the voice within, pointing us into the direction of who we really are (better sooner than later). 3) share with as many people as possbile your success story inspiring them to have the courage to get on this path also. 4) we must try and try untill we find a way to fully express what it is what we are, some of us can be like you thorugh a podcast but for everyone it´s different.

[@lornayoga]

Recently find this channel! Can’t get enough 💖💕🙏🏽

[@tamsjhickey]

Awesome Rich! Thanks!

[@denisebitz5459]

Love this so much!

[@MightyKern]

thank you for sharing your story. its meaningful

[@nueah]

Amazing, rich! Thanks always

[@RomyMacias]

I discovered your interview with Dr. Lisa Miller and now have found you here. Thanks for your openess in sharing your story. - Romy

[@suzannadwyer3706]

Fabulous. Listened for the second time and heard more than before.

[@ShaneHarveyMusic]

Thanks Rich. I got so much from this. God speed.

[@ryanevius]

Podcast starts at 10:25

[@redheadedearthchild4920]

More like 11:50

[@wspmjw]

Loved learning about who you were and who you are. Embracing the journey call my life and appreciate the encouragement to "take action". Light and Love to you Rich. BTW - Former marathon runner and current endurance cyclist so I "get" the attraction to what 'normal' people refer to as "crazy".

[@RetroBusker]

Fantastic!!! Ur podcast washed my mind clean from meat & Deans book inspired my marathon training back in them nastolgic learning days 5 to ten years ago 💨💖

[@22triggy]

Spark lit, thank you for your time to share this.

[@robertwaldron9283]

Thank you!

[@8schopra]

I can't wait to watch it . But in office right now✌️😘👍

[@TheMitchyevans]

Thank you, Rich.

[@boxeoneutral]

I wish there was content like this in Spanish. I discovered this channel on my 6 hr drive back home from dropping my dad at a rehabilitation clinic.

[@igans718]

I'm glad to download this one for my run today :)

[@jamief8836]

Loved it!!

[@paullemay3218]

Thank you for sharing. As always I have enjoyed this once again. ❤️🇨🇦

[@gerrisweeney4488]

What rehab in Oregon?? My son needs this right now. Thank you ❤️

[@rachelleo8881]

Love it. Thank you.

[@wephotogal]

I saw you on the cover of the magazine in the waiting room last week when I took my dad to his doctor appointment - it was so exciting! I shared it on IG.

[@evelynbaron2004]

we photo gals Please forgive but one didn't exist in some people's minds unless you were on the cover of something, or thought your personal experiences were being channelled though that person. One oxymoron is you become that person's biographer -- no worries, not talking about Rich Roll. Means nothing. I just now/knew a lot of well known people and never met one who wasn't damaged by that split between public/private personae. Inspiring podcast; I fell in love with one of my sister's well-known persons; he was a friend, had been through the wars, metaphorically; loved his wife, his dog; his grandchild; done with touring he still had a project. He died beforetime; what did that all get me? Sobriety. He was the one voice late at night when I nor he could sleep; first person I could tell anything to; of he course he did worse; an unconscious sponsor the 1st and still missed. \which brings us back to this video. When I did my 3rd 4th/5th step in AA I realized that in rock/papers/scissors, scissors trumps all. In the correct ending, I cut up my illusions. Am currently sitting with my best friend 15yrs in remission from cancer and now recovering from 3 thysts on one of her kidneys; one of the books she wanted to hear ws the Anatatomy of Melancholy which she finds hilarious when she;s not sleeping. Victor Frankle and Primo Levy it isn't always the most robust person who survives; it's the person who NEEDS to be alive because they have a story to tell, someone to find, as did my grandfather, shot down after he escaped, trying to bring my mum into safety. Wth me it's always overkill, I am sorry. Keep on being inspired by Rich Roll; it'll all work out. Just don't collect his sock or something :) Best wishes; a curmudgeon at the best of times; right now much more prickly than usually and no I'm far from always right. If you are sober or trying to be; The Fisher King really helped me. Took me a while; don't believe anyone is out of the woods, in that in the 12 steps the only thing you can do is don't pick that first drink/hit etc. And that 24 hr period gets longer and life gets better .. and harder because now you are accountable... Tx Rich once more. 3 currents merge in this podcast which are brilliant; sobriety and extreme sport and,well, trying reducing meant/dairy; take baby steps (I had a vicious boyfriend, vicious on drugs) who locked me in my bedroom without a phone and no imaginary past how do I look after my dog and cat. It took me a year and 3 policemen but even in AA I feel profoundly awake and alive; most younger dog who begins easy day with great! great! can I lick your nose? When can we go out!!!!! I register all this in 5min. and I have troubles (We 5 ;wasbeing nostalgic). So what about? When I woke this morning, you were on my mind... then find someone to tell this too who gets it but will give a leg up, still muck out stables at my local racetrack; not a bad addiction at all. best wishes; let's leave it here. the 12 steps are distilled; the real organic machine for living - apologize to Le Corbusier? Never going to happen.

[@evelynbaron2004]

Sitting with my friend; small keyboard;true; didn't read it over, also true. Hope some of my hope comes to you.

[@katis999]

beautiful story Rich, thank you for sharing it :)

[@SkiSurfHikeIt]

Always great to hear your story. Liked the part where you said you wanted to create a curriculum for people. Have you ever thought about tagging the episodes into categories? I have shared episodes with various friends who were interested in particular topics but had to do the organizing myself. Your content is so good and I feel like if someone wanted to do a deep dive into a topic it would be very useful to see all your episodes on it.

[@waynehepple3648]

Keep trudging the road of happy destiny Rich! ✌️

[@kathyfosterbooks7706]

Loved this Rich! I have told so many of my friends about you. I take away something great from each of your podcasts and want them to have the same opportunity to do the same. 🌞⭐️🌈

[@elizabethdesousa8290]

Nice to know a bit more about you. 🥰

[@juliesill8074]

As always Rich ... you cut right to the core. Thank you. Namaste 🙏🏻. Peace ☮️. Plants 🌱.

[@XX-gy7ue]

but , YOU ARE A SAINT !

[@amygarner1812]

Must be the best podcast series out there. It's like finding good nutrition in a sea of unsatisfying fast food. So happy I found the RRP.

[@rodrigocalandria1292]

Hola hermano Rich,ha sido maravillosa tu historia, es inspiradora y se parece un poco a mi vida en cierto punto , ahora tengo 31 hago música y pinto,seria genial que tu libro fuera traducido al español!!! Hazlo!!! Un abrazo fraterno desde Argentina!!🤞

[@laketolbert866]

💖💖💖

[@heidebateman5438]

You have helped me pull up my socks more times than I can count. Heide

[@Skemmm]

Richroll

[@mountainbabe]

❤️

[@evelynbaron2004]

Relaying the sentiments of a homeless member of one of my 2 homegroups; Tom Petty had photos taken of him all the time; never posed for one. Lots of great feedback; other people will write in in support of your inspirational podcasts. He was offended. Civil discourse …….

[@juliet298]

❤🙏

[@nancysueleske7819]

👍🏻❤️

[@flowstate6452]

👍

[@jacklonergan9991]

Rich your a new man.....the old you is dead and you really will never go back. You can’t repair anything

[@DD-hp9vo]

Started as a personal story, turned into a marketing campaign for razors, probiotics, etc.

[@lukin_io]

I'm OK about ADV to help run any business and podcasts as well. But damn, when you're listening something for 10+ minutes and it's still ADV - is this damn OK for 2020?

[@krikri3743]

What is the "name" of rehab facility Rich stayed for 100 days.

[@nickaoke]

I like your shoes. What are those? Seriously...

[@MrBirgerB]

Nick Aoke, you completely miss the point of his message.

[@nickaoke]

@@MrBirgerB Why? I listened to he whole thing and loved it. I also like his shoes. What's the problem with that?

[@gardenboots7464]

@@nickaoke I agree. Nice to know about good shoes (especially since I'm pretty sure that Rich Roll would be wearing them because they function well most of all :) I was wondering the same, and glad you asked, no shaming you here ! (As a several time marathoner - I appreciate knowing about quality gear .)

[@evelynbaron2004]

People get bashed for acknowledging their sponsors; juxtaposed with an inspiring life story which newcomers to my NA group worry about for 30 seconds; may be you need to explain why you need patreons' pockets full of $$$ for this particular podcast, although everybody needs to make a living. If you were starving in some kind of latter day financial attack/gutter -- I know you were there, been there, your wife would not have succumbed to T B; not Mimi; this is this successful spiritual woman in this material world; she's not Mimi. And yes I love all the permutations of La Boheme (southern French sp even without accent). I choose a sponsor with 25plus years so there will be no surprises; A young boy so far away from home, but so are we all. Of course in your deep bottom you were not actually homeless, didn't hide up a chimney when a 14 yr old jewish girl you were discovered by Russian soldiers, like Eva, my mum; gang-raped and left for dead. Or my sister who at 17 was in love with motorcycles and bikers and all it took was brute force and the back of a car. Yes I detest the MeToo movement and all the silliness and perniciousness of taking good people down with the real perpetrators. So deep thx from all of us. (Had my 12 step group -- it's small you didn't break your own rules we're still anonymous and ate a lot of convincing beef stew with preveviouly(sp) cooked and partial- pulsed lentils etc.; little onions and mushrooms and lentils and carrots and frozen baby zucchini homemade veg stalk, lot of other stuff; and you were that evening the topper of our small discussion meeting; paper plates, don't care. I have a friend dying of cancer; everyone in the group wanted to look after my dog; no way. My sponsor has my cat until a better roster can be found so here I am watching my friend die again --- rubbish -- she was her own person as tough as an old boot and her own story and I know no-one gets out of here alive, ok she's 73 but will always be too young; have a good feeling; don't talk the way you do (I don't need 3 syllable words and my syntax is immaculate) -- I'm just angry at everyone most of all at myself, so tx again for podcast; inspiring as always. And i'm sorry for writing that your wife pushed you around on this cheese is nuts video when she turned herself intro a sacred cow I know you love her and this woman isn't nuts and you are very protective of her and let's forget about how protective I was about my dad. No, my friend's not an addict. Or a vegan. Think of her because she and I were both Francophones stuck in English schools as … Catherine Deneuve in trouble without that parapet when silly French people rain down witty insults and surprisingly real-looking dead cows over the parapets in a Monty Python skit. Ok, I write stupid e-mails but on my journey from 3 yrs in a wheelchair to here, I had a lot of time to listen and compare. Carry on! The Joy of Movement was my favorite book and author personally. Almost there, and my anonymous friend Catherine will be all right for now.

[@katherinewong2901]

Geeeez! 20 min of commercials? 😕

[@EMillerphotography]

The commercial ruins it a bit :/

[@juliagrummel8884]

Edgars the advertisements support the show so that Rich can continue to create podcasts and earn a living. You can always skip them if you really don’t like it. I love being able to support Rich by listening to ads because his podcast has added so much value to my life.

[@kateamber9644]

The imaginary seagull biomechanically delay because grease really love out a organic field. boiling, versed anatomy

[@justinwhalen2949]

The tall oatmeal enzymatically live because semicolon inherently surprise over a alluring garden. evasive, grotesque march

[@katieevanovich1024]

The fragile ear likely pack because mail regionally boil anenst a long archeology. satisfying, green grey grieving locket

[@jaleotech5918]

Click bait! Commercial in a recording about giving thanks? lol making money anyway you can? It's like 20 minutes of commercials

[@xxdrleek10]

Oy vey! Typical 12 stepper, always in "treatment and 'recovery,'" never recovered. Stuck in your story. Glad you are sober, physically healthy, but move on already. You deserve it.

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

Everyone including me, can pickup on what 'seems' deep genuineness exuding from RR. Somethings missing though.. Clearly that police record file was given a wash. Thats when someone in charge gives permission to remove evidence from the file. This happens around the world everyday. Likely a member of the RR fam circle or Julies does a call & writes a check..& white justice happens. Theres the dilemma! My guess is this is the reason RR doesn't sleep well. Who could ? That & he's got his tent upon his homes roof. I dont imagine its a issue of snoring...its an issue of shame. If you look closely into his face...you'll see it.

[@richroll]

You have quite the wild imagination. First - not a single person in my family or circle friends even knew I had been arrested (and didn't find out until like a year later). Second, it would be years before I even met Julie. Third, your ideas around my sleep are pure projection. I'm highly aware that I am privileged. But I assure you that in this DUI scenario nobody pulled strings behind the scenes to rescue me. But hey, I guess you're entitled to your opinion.

[@lauren4434]

children and saints and dogs can sniff integrity in a person. I'm none of those things, but i catch integrity through and through, in everything I've read or heard by Rich Roll. So grateful to him.

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

@@lauren4434 Im truly admiring of Rich too...he's brought me to a better place in my own life. And i also would want my miss doings 'bought-paid-or manipulated ' if a went afoul with the 'man'.Prison..no thanks! That said...I still wonder about those eyes...maybe its all about stress. I wish Rich the best of life's riches 🌲

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

@@richroll - Thanks for your reply ...& I continue being an admirer . Theres much i admire about you including your steadfast gentlemaness.

[@richroll]

I appreciate that Canyon. Like I said - your opinions are your own. You are entitled to decide how you feel about me and my content. It's none of my business. I popped in only to speak to / correct factual stuff about my past and experience. All good. Cheers, r