Rich Roll on Growth, Greatness & Letting Go | Finding Mastery Podcast

Today’s guest needs no introduction - but I’m thrilled to do it anyway. Rich Roll is a world-renowned ultra-endurance athlete, plant-based fitness advocate, bestselling author, host of the hugely popular Rich Roll Podcast, husband, father.... and the list goes on.
He's also a good friend - this is Rich’s fourth time on the podcast. His episodes are often our most popular, and there’s a good reason for that. Rich’s humility and frank discussion of his sobriety and recovery - as well as his courage and commitment to exploring his limits - are an inspiration to me, and so many others.
In today’s conversation, we dive deeper into what it means to be present in every moment, the rewards of service and giving back, the distinctions between greatness and mastery, and the everyday search for moments of awe.
Then, you’ll want to stay tuned to the back half of our conversation, as we’re doing something a little different. We sourced your questions for Rich and I to wrestle with, and we had an absolute blast diving into those - they’re provocative, insightful, and surprising.
I think you’ll find that this conversation with Rich is - as always - compelling, inspirational, and full of hard-earned wisdom.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:26 Rich Roll's Journey and Inspiration
06:45 Sobriety and Recovery
08:12 Confidence and the Wherewithal to Say 'I Got This'
19:13 Finding Purpose and Passion
23:32 Creating Space and Finding Moments of Awe
34:48 The Pathway of Recovery and the 12-Step Program
45:45 Balancing Self-Care and Self-Absorption
55:27 Fighting Against Life?
58:41 Letting Go and Surrendering
01:00:27 The Path to Mastery
01:02:18 The Journey of Self-Discovery
01:04:12 The Power of Surrender
01:06:10 Knowing When to Take Action and When to Let Go
01:10:06 Different Forms of Greatness
01:11:35 The Dragon Within
01:12:39 Defining Greatness
01:19:24 Mastery of Self and Craft
01:27:59 Manifestations of Greatness
01:32:46 Cathedral Thinking
01:39:18 Fostering Better Humans for Future Generations

[@mariannewolf57]

So many of Rich Roll's words could (should) be chiseled in stone. As a follower from early on I keep learning from him- BIG THANK YOU for that!

[@JapherDude]

All my heros are in AA, thank you Rich for being you and carrying your message

[@DrBaharMD]

By far MG and RR are the best combination. The unique ability to harvest the intelligence on each other's minds, and surface the vulnerabilities and the truth is exceptional. I can see having a regular 1:1 - like a round table style and even bringing others into the mix would be a HUGE hit.

[@TheBadMoJoe]

I always feel like my vocabulary gets upgraded every time I listen to Rich Roll speak. Great conversation, much appreciated 🙏

[@vibrationoftheone]

Rich Roll such an inspiration especially for those over 40 who've seemed to give up on taking care of yourself showin you can get back into it any time you decide:)

[@TechOutAdam]

One of the best interview with Rich that actually feels new! ❤

[@MsHendrix5]

Rich Roll is and has been my hero and this made me remember why ❤

[@dwb197]

Rich! He’s the best. You two are my favorite podcasts. Would love a regular podcast series with you both. You definitely have a way of picking each other’s minds and bring out some amazing wisdom.

[@karonpowell750]

Rich, your new look is fabulous! Lol. I can't believe I'm even commenting about this.

[@vitalitymindbodymedicine2993]

Rich Roll is so creative in his words and how he articulates ideas. I could listen to him for hours. I also admire his humility. So grateful for the gift of Rich Roll!

[@mariannewolf57]

Same here!

[@adogandhergirl19]

So appreciated Rich’s explanation of surrender ❤ thank you!

[@andrewmerritt1667]

Amazing. ❤

[@ruthannlewis6471]

love rich!!!!

[@mariannewolf57]

Right?!

[@kirawest279]

Rich is always inspiring! Not sure what qualifies as a moment of “Ah”.

[@kevinw2569]

Brilliant Magellan 🎉 excellent

[@andreaprice1677]

I have been following Rich Roll since his first Podcast. Desperate for mentorship in this crazy world, he has helped me incredibly. Podcasts offer resources to people who may otherwise never have the opportunity to have these conversations revealed to them. The learning that is available through podcasts is why it has been so successful.

[@mariannewolf57]

Same here! So grateful for his amazing podcast!

[@rumfitmosey2072]

RESIST USING WORDS LIKE RECALCITRANCE WHEN RESIST WORKS JUST FINE AND IS MORE EQUITABLE FOR ALL, RICH!!! XO - CATHEDRALLY SPEAKING

[@RealSurfStories]

Thanks for the inspiration. Love it when you guys speak clearly like 11:36 Is speaking clearly/vocal fry contagious?

[@kazzz2510]

Really enjoyed this...topped up my crush on Rich in a different setting. lol BTW I also have struggled with my relationships with my parents (I'm 62) and now they have both passes away - mum more recently...I am still trying to gain there approval!?

[@carolgerber6375]

Rebecca Rusch asked a question! She's a mountain biker phenom!!! Wow!

[@The-Happy-Bricker]

You can not not love Rich. You don't see him as a guest in other podcasts that often and when he does I'm very exited. I do expected someone who can match his level.I don't feel like it was really the case here... The interviewer needs to put more time in doing his homework researching his guests.. Not knowing when Rich got sober, how long his podcast exists, how many books he publised... doesn't look very prepaired.. Anyway... I will finish this conversation.❤❤

[@veronicachikosi3224]

TBI can impact personality and behaviour, and have a negative impact on cognition ( memory, concentration etc). It seems that as a result of these consequences Rebecca as a part of her healing focused on self care. When does it become self obsession. How do we translate the self growth into service to others? This is my understanding of her question.

[@liverunboundless3345]

Love this podcast epoxide. Why can't we disagree and still get along?

[@lienpisters7646]

🎉🎊🎈

[@Anvita444]

Im stuck. Unable to forgive myself. How should I approach this? Thank you

[@JamesLaveryPhotography]

Work the 12 steps?

[@matthew4694]

Unable or unwilling? There is a quote I love that helped me in recovery: “Forgiveness is the release of all hope for a better past”.

[@IntuitiveCoachTheresa]

AA is a miraculous, God inspired program. It's so powerful because it's based on Biblical principals, from format to community structure to function. In this age of technology as god, people resist this fact about AA, but this is why it works and why it will not be taken down or highjacked by social impact market nonsense. Far out performs private rehabilitation programs. Truly the 12 steps are principals for living in their own right.

[@gtarptv_]

I agree. Anyone can apply the steps regardless of who and what they believe in

[@Bezugsperson]

No one can tell me, that it's not Tom Cruise here.. 😅

[@sheahillenbrand29]

Saying “I Got this” is the best thing you can say to yourself as a professional athlete. Your perspective on this is incorrect.