Endurance Poet Tommy Rivs SURVIVES Cancer & Runs Again | Rich Roll Podcast

[@richroll]

Thanks for watching! To read more about Tommy and peruse the show notes, visit: bit.ly/richroll648 - also the NYT article I mentioned can be read here: www.nytimes.com/2021/11/08/sports/tommy-rivers-puzey-marathon.html

[@amysims7298]

Use photos

[@gypsylotus108]

💗

[@TheKylaferg]

Where is the link for his go fund me?

[@weareourownheroes_10xoscar4]

Agreed.

[@michaelmast_nomadicthrive]

This is, by far, the greatest podcast episode I've ever listened to... Inspiring. Heartbreaking. Life Changing.

[@BarbecueElementary]

AGREE!!!!!

[@jafrasar1]

Truly powerful . God Bless Tommy Rivs with continued ROBUST health and a complete recovery to LIVE disease free. All power, health and strength to you and your family !

[@carolgerber6375]

What a beautiful human!

[@CqmiCa]

Tommy is such a great man, incredible ! so much kindness and empathy.

[@heartdawg]

This wasn't just coma. He had a spiritual experience....you can see and feel it in every fiber of his being💛 Thank you Rich this was epic!!

[@Nich87]

I have followed his entire journey since this began, the incredible and beautiful things his wife has posted since the beginning. Absolutely incredible story

[@dapsign]

Same

[@DP-sh3nk]

The "urgency of now"/"happiness is to see it as its happening" Buddhism, Stoicism, Tolle, etc.... its universal. Ive been listening to RR for over 6 yrs almost every episode, I loved this one, made me emotional and I have so much gratitude and love for Tommy. Hope he stays well

[@ivanrojas7218]

I agree. All lead us to awareness and consciousness.

[@ruthmcfadzean966]

I agree 100%

[@twillsJKZ]

So true, they all point to the same thing, the present moment. I love the idea that heaven and hell both exist simultaneously, we always have a choice.

[@archies077]

When Tommy says “Don’t get Dead” he means it and leads by his own example!!! Love you Tommy!!

[@BryanDore]

I've written and deleted a bunch of attempts here to try and get across how meaningful you both have been to me, but it really just boils down to THANK YOU. Rivs and Rich, you've made some real impacts on me individually - and now together - and I just want to extend my sincere appreciation - thank you!!

[@thesumofourpieceshmk993]

This has been the most moving interview I have EVER watched. Tommy Rivs helped me fall in love with running again day by day on my treadmill, running with him in some of the worlds most beautiful places. You can tell just by his coaching that he’s a beautiful soul. I had no idea about his journey and I’m an emotional wreck. Tommy you ARE LOVED! You ARE AMAZING! I wish nothing but beauty and peace for you, your family, and your life. You are a very special human. And thank you Rich. As always, you’ve provided me with a completely moving experience and inspired growth in my thoughts and mindset. ♥️

[@tommyp4728]

years ago. tommy rivs was the reason i started trail running for mental health. also the reason why i bought altras etc. i cant get enough of this dude. his story is incredible.

[@torinoherrera]

I had a kidney operation and emaciated from all the infection afterward. and Tommy's recovery training from his bout with cancer led me back to running again. Thank you, Tommy.

[@prbr7095]

Rich, what an incredible interviewer you are, and Tommy is a true warrior..

[@tblightningbolt8902]

Amen. 100000000%

[@mfdzl]

I cannot think of anyone I respect more than Tommy Rivs.

[@catthompson1217]

This man…So I had stroke in mid Oct 21 from a torn internal carotid artery. I’ve been recovering since. Part of recovering was realizing I needed a treadmill for days when the weather bad because I have to walk everyday so I bought a NordicTrack. I’ve recently discovered Tommy. And I’m basically on my road to recovery with him. He is utterly inspiring. He’s amazing. Just his survival story is so inspiring but he brings so much to the table. He’s well read. Thoughtful. He offers both intellectual and physical knowledge. I feel privileged to go through his road to recovery with him. Also what this man had to endure is crazy on his health journey. I cannot imagine. The fact that he’s still with us is a miracle and the fact that he’s an Ifit trainer is such a bonus. I just have so much gratitude. Thank you. You are blessed.

[@TheSingingRN]

I could not love this interview any more than I do. And, I think the experience is heightened by seeing Tommy while he is talking. That light in his eyes, that ever-permanent smile of his transcends all space and suffering and it comes from within. I am lifted and filled with hope, thanks for an awesome interview, Rich. And, for your gift of time, Tommy. #rageon #stoutheart #eyesup

[@Halogalandwanderer]

He has it in person too. I don’t know him personally but I saw him in Haleiwa recently. Radiated light, smiled at me, a stranger, and changed my day with it

[@tblightningbolt8902]

Good god. Blown away by this. Amazing guest and the perfect host. Rich you were born for this. You handle these like a pro. I’m in awe

[@jpprr]

I met Tommy by chance last September in flagstaff while he was training. I myself went through a cancer scare a few years back and can somewhat relate to his experience. Meeting this person and seeing his beautiful attitude towards life, his wife and kids brought me to tears later that day while I was reflecting on how lucky we're to still be here.

[@Hijackd-tv3ey]

Tommy has been part of my running journey for sure - Going from hating running to tolerating it then enjoying it and now finally feeling like an actual runner. TY TR for helping me with my journey

[@alyssamoore9136]

Beautiful🙌 I rarely ever comment but I wanted to express how much this conversation touched me. It’s hard to find the words to express just how impactful it was. I admire Tommy’s light and exuberance for life and will take with me so many ideas for how I want to live each day and parent in the future. Thank you Rich for the gift of yet another deeply moving interview!😊

[@ekaterinamarinova1851]

Thank you, Rich and Tommy. As a parent myself, and a survivor of terminal cancer, I can relate to everything Tommy said. There is not one emotion that he mentioned that I have not experienced in the last 2 years. I look in my child's eyes and I know that I can't go yet. This was an inspirational, raw and real interview. Thank you... millions of times.

[@vtork2012]

"# 1 rule dont get dead.. stay vertical" Tommy Rivs. inspirational i was doing all this workouts in ifit treadmill following his philosophies and i didnt now my trainer was going trhough this.. got me from barely able to walk for 5 minutes to running 5k everyday and is only the start ..i will run a marathon one day i dont care how long it will take me..

[@hopemullins1699]

What a beautiful soul this man has. It was a real pleasure to be able to hear his story from him. He has a soft comforting way of speaking that had me holding on to every word he had to say. This is one of my favorite episodes! Thank you and to Tommy too!

[@jamori7203]

I have been a TRP fan since I began with iFit. Seeing who he is, what he has gone through (and is still going through), and how he is still so positive, gives me hope. Thank you, Rich Roll, for doing this podcast with TRP! Much love and God bless…🙏

[@veronicab2088]

Same

[@pierre-luclebel6136]

That’s one of the most powerful conversations I’ve ever witnessed. I moved me deeply.

[@natmccallum8885]

Agree

[@TheRealJohnMadden]

His story about him still being conscious during the surgery is haunting and kind of shines a light to the idea that someone in a coma may not be responsive, but they're just a conscious human being stuck in this shell that they can never get to work with them. Reminds me of the song "One" by Metallica, you're just a person stuck inside of yourself, but you have no way of ever communicating with the outside world. It's really eerie. Tommy is an absolutely specimen of a human. One of the best podcasts I have ever listened to.

[@Curious_Jen]

Tommy Rivers is a special human being. Thank you so much for taking the time to interview and allow us to share in his life and his precious perspective. I’m an ifit fan who has run all over the world with Tommy. During that time he taught me something phenomenal. He taught me that I can set goals towards being a better person. In so many ways, I came to believe that my personality was fixed, a product of family, environment, etc full of redundancy…intractable. He taught me so much more than running (which has been life altering), he taught me a new perspective. I’ve come to think that there’s a reason why this human being was given such a huge stage and audience. His running was spectacular but his leadership in showing love, empathy, compassion, delight, and of sharing hope is God (or whatever term resonates) inspired. The world is a better place with Tommy in it.

[@juliannedonald3413]

Rich and Tommy, Thirty years ago my brother was hit by a drunk driver in a coma for three months ( in Buffalo New York) we’re from Canada. My parents had to sell everything to pay for his hospital bills. My brother experienced many of the same things Tommy did. This hits home!! Every word Tommy said is the truth!!! My brother sustained a major head injury and could not live without assistance ever again. Tommy I feel for you, your wife and your girls. I thank you for your words, heart, grief and live!!!! You are great!!! Keep going!!! Please write a book!!! Wow, I feel every vocal inflection and heart ache. I’m so glad you’re here and you can tell your life story to others!!❤😘

[@jackfussell9963]

A great example, Tommy is. So is Rich. Seeing you two together is awesome.

[@twillsJKZ]

I’ve never heard of Tommy before but what an incredible human being, so insightful and there’s so much to take from his experience as ultimately it’s also our experience too. Interesting how Tommy talks about how he absorbs other peoples emotions and used running as an outlet for that. There is pretty substantial evidence that suppressing emotion and pleasing others all the time can have a very detrimental effect on one’s physical health and can cause serious ailments such as cancer and other autoimmune conditions. Wishing him good health and thanks for uploading ❤

[@dougbopst1]

Wow what a story and super inspiring. It’s amazing that he survived and was able to run a marathon again.

[@rachshirley552]

One of our world's most beautiful, engaging, insightful, inspiring and loved human; thank you for bringing Tommy and his journey thus far, to your audience.

[@unmappedtails]

Don't get dead, Tommy! Dude is a legend!

[@TR3V4130]

This is easily one of the most powerful discussions I’ve heard on your show, Rich. Tommy, you’re a wonderful human and am so thankful for your wisdom and sharing of your experience. 🙏

[@ximenacpm]

Amazing and beautiful human being. Wish him the best for him and his family 💚

[@jasminaina8707]

The kindness in this man's eys is overwelming

[@suzannecrone5897]

What a wonderful human. Beautiful, moving conversation. I'm so grateful. Health. Peace.

[@richyvauzz5706]

A huge thanks to Tommy for expressing with so much love his feelings of his experience and how it has so profoundly affected him. Thank you Rich Roll for always bringing the most amazing guests into our lives to share their wisdom and experiences.

[@hollyp4642]

Thank you for fighting to come back, you were meant to share your story and we’re all the better for it.

[@chadbrown5929]

The smiles from Tommy 👍just an amazing human being. What an incredible interview so motivating 🙏

[@lunchboxpictures5672]

Respect and heartfelt thanks for the courage and compassion to share this story Tommy Ris ! Amazing interview Rich Roll, hard not to have tears in the eyes!

[@cyndybeaudoin1157]

Absolutely the best conversation - thank you both for sharing it with us! 🖤

[@keithyoung4838]

What a beautifully authentic and loving human being Tommy Rivs is. Truly awe inspiring. All the very best to you and yours. With love and gratitude from Ireland.

[@OpenRehearsal]

Hi Tommy, Aug 2020 I was diagnosed with CHL stage 4, although my Lymphoma story isn’t as bad as scary as yours with the lights going out, it had spread to my lungs. It’s indeed hard pre diagnosis to accept what’s going on as anything malevolent. I was 30, very fit and didn’t understand the rapid decline in my health. All the weight fell off, I was also coughing blood daily and I remember the moment when i realized I had lost control of what might become of me. Fortunately 4 months of a rare concoction of chemo drugs BEACOPDAC. I came back. You talk about the gratitude for nurses and I often reflect on these people as no less than angels. I wish you all the best in your recovery, to end this on a positive, 9 months after my last infusion I somehow ran a 30mile trail race and placed 15th when 9 months before I cried in the hallway of my apartment block because I couldn’t make the stairs. Cancer is a strange experience, something that’s been true for me is that in many ways it’s a year that made me feel the value of life like no other. Thanks Rich for the conversation. Hearing this story has helped me feel less alone with some of my experiences. Chris.

[@philipwalter87]

Thank you for sharing. I wish you all the best!

[@simini1837]

All the best to you, you are not alone

[@mpqw]

How are you doing now brother?

[@davidfilar]

This is such a powerful conversation. I don't think a more real conversation exists on the internet.

[@LR-ym4im]

I just love Rivs. Everything about him is incredible. Enjoyed every second of that interview. Thank you for sharing.

[@heidikeller50]

Thanks for sharing. Definitely an OR story with more trauma than my own. I, too, felt dehumanized while having a baby cut out of my stomach while awake after 24 hours of labor. Catheterized, cut open while awake, told to relax while paralyzed from the waist down yet shaking off the table and freaking out inside and exhausted, emotionally giving up inside. It was all very traumatizing, even though it was "a fairly common procedure"...it's hard for others to understand this. I went on to complete 2 Ironmans though!

[@ravenomega2443]

I swear these ultra athletes have the best stories.

[@healingwithnatureandyoga]

I have watched many amazing interviews and interactions on this podcast, but nothing has touched me so deeply as this. Thank you, both of you, for this gift.

[@Cindyscrossstitch]

I watched his wife Stephs interview first and had to watch Riv's. Both very inspirational and real about their life and journey. The last couple of months I have been so grateful and thankful for everyday. We all have a story. Reading the comments shows so much kindness and compassion we have for other people🌻👣

[@jimmelsilva7540]

We are ifit members and Tommy Rivs is one of our favorite world class trainer. Thank you for having him as your guest. His experiences with cancer and speaking about it is truly humbling. He has a beautiful presence, he is very grounded, pure and his resilient through it all. He is an inspiration. May he stay strong and live a long life. We love you Tommy. Stay vertical.😍🙏

[@jackt.1717]

This man! I’ve never commented before on anything & have been sitting here deciding what to say & it all doesn’t seem strong enough. This man has been my road to recovery when I didn’t know I needed recovery from anything in particular. I spend more time with Rivs (on the treadmill) than I do with anyone outside my wife and kids. My wife and I absolutely love you. Your strength, determination, and amazing soul is beyond compare. Thank you for being the person you are and the life coach you’ve become. Stay strong Tommy! Team Rivs forever ❤

[@samuelphophi3290]

Thank you Tommy and Rich, you keep us going with a wider perspective of what life is all about. 🙏🏾🙏🏾 Wishing you well Tommy.

[@jenfleming715]

This was, without a doubt, the best RR episode yet. So moving and beautiful.

[@BassTonix]

No words..incredible human with an incredible heart. Excellent hosting Rich!

[@TheShannigans]

He is a modern day poet. When words escape him, I felt that. Philosophically beautiful in human form. 💕

[@ishitamalik8638]

What a beautiful man. Thank you Rich, thank you for existing Tommy. You both are a gift.

[@bradleytillotson3626]

I needed this. I have one more round of chemo in 12 days and it has been one helluva year fighting Non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tommy encapsulated and expressed so much of some of the struggles, feelings of getting through this. I appreciate both of your being able to articulate "the battle" with humility and grace. 12 years ago I was on the summit of North America, climbing Denali and in the best shape of my life. Now, I feel blessed beyond measure to fight alongside men like him (although his experience was much more visceral than mine).. Truely inspirational.

[@VroomHikeVroom]

Rich did an unbelievably incredibly job at just letting Tommy speak. That is the best skill to exhibit.

[@SamArcsVibe]

Thank you for sharing! Such as amazing story! Rich, thanks for letting Tommy speak freely. This conversation flowed so well!

[@paultellier2147]

I prayed intently for Tommy when he went into the hospital. God is good and Tommy is a blessed man. So thrilled to watch this.

[@jeremiahhowe2956]

I found Rivs on Ifit a few years ago. I repeat his programs because I can’t run with anyone else. I’d give my left arm to actually run with him in person! What a great dude.

[@normanralph3730]

This one hit like none-other. I followed this journey on instagram, seeing him speak to it, a completely different experience. I’ll be sitting with this for a long time. 🙏🖤

[@jancksLC]

Incredible that Tommy is alive and able to speak about his experience so vividly. Excellent interview Rich! Thanks for getting together with Rivs and having this discussion. You both are inspirations!

[@rodfriesen4370]

We often prayed for Rivs as a family as he went through this. I can't imagine how hard it was! Inspirational!

[@louklein7143]

I was able to have a moment or two with Tommy at Mile 19 of NYC Marathon. What a gracious human being and human doing.

[@claudieharris9046]

Such a fascinating man and interview. So much wisdom in that episode. A thousand thanks to both of you for the privilege to watch and hear this !!!

[@lalochina7786]

Tommy you are a Warrior and so much love beams from your words. Thank you for sharing your story. 😍

[@matteodorigo4909]

oh my god... this is a dream... I love you two and is incredible you are toghether now.. I follow you Rich from Italy everyday since almost one year,, you change my life thankyou

[@magdalenahruskova8347]

Can´t thank you enough for this beautiful conversation. It give me so much hope and touched my soul on so many levels. I am so grateful for honest and open souls like you. The lightness you two verbalize such hard topics is mind-blowing. Thank you.

[@preciousrusting]

55:35 - absolutely heartbreaking. What an episode. Tommy is a legend.

[@gabrielaradu2970]

He's been through so much pain, but look at his eyes, they're always smiling.

[@JoeysPainCave]

My favorite interview of your Rich. As a two time cancer survivor, I can relate to this in so many ways. Thanks for sharing your story Tommy!

[@heartdawg]

Tommy Thank you for being so forthright. You are a beautiful human being!!

[@DoItNutrition]

This was great, Rich. I’ve been following Tommy’s story, but I loved hearing more details about the challenges. I enjoyed the way the talk slowed down and you two got deep and dissected the story together. It didn’t feel rushed. I appreciate that. Thanks for sharing!

[@coolhatadventures8111]

Tommy, Your life and how you have lived it is amazing! I have run 65 ultra marathons and know how transformative our loved sport is. Prayers to God for your continued recovery and inspiration that you give all of us.

[@juwaybhalla76]

Such a heartfelt dialogue, so much wisdom, so much pain, so resilient, so much growth from near death experience and I am just wondering, I don’t wish this on Tommy but is this the second chapter of your life where both, Steph and Tommy will just go on to influence people to see ‘life ad a miracle’. Am in the midst of a really challenging family trauma but so often, I fail to remember how fleeting time is and that even this suffering is a gift like Tommy quoted here towards the end of this dialogue. I could sit with a notebook and truly take notes of this dialogue that which will be so helpful during this challenging time of our lives. Tommy says, hell and heaven is happening in life all the time and it’s so so bloody true and that how easy to focus on the hell experience and use all the positive energy and lose so much time. Such a delight to hear Tommy speak so softly and such gratitude. Just amazing. I came across Steph’s dialogue n then this one followed and this last 24 hrs have taught me so much. So grateful I feel to all three of the authors for such wisdom! Will be following you all on your next chapters n how you serve humanity with your life lessons.

[@quantumdecoherence1289]

I first came across Tommy's story in last month's Outside Magazine issue. As someone who is battling an incurable autoimmune disease, for which I also had reset/rebooted my immune system via a new approach with a bone marrow transplant, I know all too well the struggles to survive and remain optimistic. I am an endurance cyclist and appreciate what a challenging disease can do to derail your training. Godspeed Tommy.

[@MARKO-ls2kt]

This man deservs a movie!

[@johnd2143]

What’s amazing is I listened to this thinking he was still very weak, gaunt and possibly ill. That the road to recovery was long ahead. Watching it he’s vibrant, alive, seems happy, and healthy. Keep goin Rivs!

[@stephaniebrown8974]

So much raw honesty here. I loved this podcast to my core. Thank you, Rich and thank you Tommy & Steph for sharing your story.

[@pattyohare6611]

my heart. sending love to you and your partner and girls. the message of strength, kindness, realism, truth, compassion, human engagement, purpose, and priorities--can all be used in the mantras in our lives. thank you for this sweet reminder. your soul vibrates beauty.

[@privateequityguy]

*To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment*

[@ewabator8019]

love Tommy..... the best episode Ever!!!!! I listen to it over and over.... absolutely incredible !!!! Thank You Rich

[@jakemasters4361]

Really powerful stuff. This was one of the most interesting shows in a while imo. I'm not super spiritual, but his insights are beautiful and very thought-provoking. My dad died on a ventilator; it makes me wonder if he was in a similar place during that time. I wish this dude nothing but the best.

[@kaybyrne5312]

Don’t waste the suffering

[@binky_22]

My mother died on a ventilator as well and that was my exact thought when listening to this. I love the way he expresses his version of the state he was in

[@natmccallum8885]

Thank you Tommy for sharing with us. Wishing you many years of happiness with your family and friends.

[@tonyg5684]

Beautiful interview. Inspiring, emotional, sentimental and deeply moving. Thank you Tommy and Rich. #heroes

[@jstephenson5014]

I am just new to the iFit platform this week and therefore new to Tommy. This interview is so beautiful and I know I will come back to it again and again. There is so much to take from it and learn from Tommy. Great interview, Rich!

[@774A0ŦS]

This is the most impactful interview i’ve ever gotten the privelage to see. Thank you both so much

[@MichaelDrowley]

I was praying and believing for God to bring you through Riv. Thankful that you made that choice to come back! God bless

[@desiral.hagger3950]

Wow....this was an amazing podcast. I took so many notes. "Write something true everyday, embrace suffering, be in the moment, let's not dissipate renewed inspiration", so much gold in this podcast. Thanks Rich

[@triapromagtri68]

this is more than podcast or an interview, it is deep, i didn't listen with my ears but with my soul

[@suzannadwyer3706]

An awesome interview! This is well worth listening to again. Love the deep insights. Love his bravery.

[@surgeb9150]

Man I didn’t know about his cancer battle but I do respect and appreciate him . He taught me how to run through Ifit .

[@YarnKilla54]

Bless his 💜 … Tommy you’re an amazing human being w/ such grace & gratitude…. You’re the reason I run. Stay strong & stay vertical my man! Much love 💕 to you, Steph & the girls… RAGE ON!💪🏻

[@Grace8381]

Emotional from the moment he began to speak. Such a beautiful spirit.

[@mcpheeters4]

What a deeply moving interview with Rivs! The beauty of his words, his honesty and generous way of being in this world are a gift. Thank you! 🖤

[@anet6867]

when our family signed up for ifit subscription in 2018, Tommy became our favorite trainer right away! we are so glad to see him survive the ordeal he went thru in 2020. He continues to inspire! thank you for this podcast/interview :)

[@Bezugsperson]

Ohh, I was so wishing for this. Thanks and peace

[@zildian1983]

His honesty throughout this interview is much appreciated and respected.

[@iamstunner]

How does this have so few views? Easily one of the most profound podcasts and discussions in existence.

[@hnttakata713]

Hey Tommy, hang in there, you are a beautiful soul and your story reminds the rest of us how to be appreciative of our blessings. Blesss you.