The Journeyman of Reinvention: Hakim Tafari | Rich Roll Podcast

Thanks for watching! Read all about Hakim Tafari here 👉🏼bit.ly/richroll557
Yogi, meditator, martial artist, tai chi expert, vegan running & cycling spiritualist Hakim Tafari joins the show to share his remarkable life story, along with thoughts on mindfulness, transformation, inclusivity, and spiritual growth.
My hope is that Hakim’s words inspire, enliven, and guide you towards a more meaningful way of life - and a total reimagination of your personal truth.
✌🏼🌱 - Rich
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HAKIM TAFARI
https: veganboyfresh.com
IG: / hakstao
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* * * * *
CONNECT WITH RICH
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✩ Memoir: Finding Ultra - bit.ly/rrfindingultrarev
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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:
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2630 Conejo Spectrum St.
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00:00:00 Intro
00:01:58 How Hakim and Rich Met
00:02:38 Conrad Anker
00:07:07 Start of Hakim's Story
00:17:10 Moves to Brooklyn
00:22:54 Moves to Austin
00:26:44 Start of His Music Career
00:33:55 How He Found Veganism, Tai Chi, & Kung Fu
00:49:21 Begins Studying Shiatsu Massage and Eastern Medicine
01:07:21 Gets Married & Has First Child
01:16:12 Divorce
01:19:53 Beauty in Suffering
01:20:46 Depression, Suicide and Mental Health
01:22:15 Discovers Buddhism & Meditation
01:37:20 Starts a New Relationship
01:47:28 Moves to Los Angeles
01:54:38 Becomes Running Captain KRC Running Group
02:03:05 Running is Liberation
02:11:57 Thoughts on Advocacy & Transformation
02:24:48 Current Events & Black Rights
02:36:09 Vegan Boy Fresh
02:43:50 The Journey is Worth it
02:48:38 Closing Remarks
#richroll #richrollpodcast

[@margarett_b]

I've never enjoyed such a long conversations in my life as much as this one. Honestly, it was THE ONE. Rich, Hakim - this exchange was just something different and I feel like It has changed my life. Thank you so much for all the stories, pearls of wisdom and tips. You're just incredible human beings! . Lots of love for you both an your closest ones! Stay safe and sound in all the craziness happening in the world at the moment!

[@jjmwari]

What an inspiring story. One minute into this podcast and I instinctively knew I'd relate with Hakim. As a Kenyan woman living in the US rediscovering running especially trail running in my late 40s, I am truly grateful for this podcast Rich Roll. I look forward to your podcasts but this and Mirna's stories have been treasures for me. Thanks Rich. Hakim, I am a new fan!!

[@donatelalarosa2947]

I don't know how I got this podcast, it's a very interesting conversation, I'm a new fan.

[@rosiedhillon947]

Just as a tiny seed holds a full banyan tree; the phrase crawl walk run towards what looks like the size of pin prick will transform into sun holds the same value. What a powerful massage . Thanks to rich and the amazing guest . Simply the best !!

[@klaraeickhoff7472]

We humans have so many sides to us and it is so beautiful when you hear someone like Hakim exploring them instead of settling in one. What a legend.

[@zezty4295]

Range.david Epsteins book describes this man and many others alike and helped me in too many ways to type here but stories like this guys are proof that people shouldn't define themselves as one thing or say that's not me without truly knowing is sad but some folks like surgeons should probibly focus most of their time in that area and not doing too much side stuff lol.

[@Itsunclegabby]

I love when I'm listening to your podcast and think, "This is what I needed to hear". I check the progress bar and there's more than half a video left. Hell yeah. 😁

[@pakamisampuzi3008]

Rich Roll is so consistent in delivering that moment.

[@reneej7431]

This was a fantastic interview on every level. Please have Hakim on again. I learned so much from him. Thank you for so much honesty, authenticity, and guidance on how to go from broken to keep getting up again.

[@marilyn48ful]

Love hearing about people that come from other countries and hear how they discover America is hard too. He is a strong guy and glad he is still with us.

[@indo3000]

Going vegan last year after watching ‘game changer’ was one of the best decisions I have ever made.

[@freedomyogini255]

Me too!

[@jbww0813]

Good for you! I did the same Nov 1, 2019 never felt better!

[@hubertmosiej]

How’s it going? Real question. I’m looking to transition into veganism myself.

[@Itsunclegabby]

It was the most effective thing against my anxiety and depression, and completely healed my body.

[@Itsunclegabby]

@@hubertmosiej It's been since St. Patrick's Day, 2015. It's going great! To say that veganism changed the trajectory of my life and changed me as a person - that's not an exaggeration. I don't think I'd be here without it.

[@anthonyfox477]

One of the best RR episodes ever - such a cool cat with lots of wisdom.

[@sarahjordan348]

This podcast was so engaging.. this guy has got a gift of telling even mundane things in such a way that you can listen to him like forever.. 2 hours passed in a jiffy .. so inspirational and so gifted this man is

[@davidgarcia-ma]

I love this episode. I have listened to it at least 5x since it first aired. I pick up something new each time. So inspiring.

[@KonradvanderHorst]

I’ve been running for 2 years now and what Hakim said about turning everything off and use it as a meditation just blew my mind. I’ve been obsessed with my time and documenting my runs and my progress. I recently ran my first marathon and got hurt. I didn’t run for almost 2 months. I want to use my runs as a way for me to grow spiritually. Thank you Rich too. Your book was recommended to me when I first started and it inspired me so much.

[@mtollmaster3747]

Wow... This dude is really great to listen to. I connected on so many levels. Just when you think you’re all alone in your suffering... Thanks so much for getting him on. Really comforting and eye opening for me. I needed that badly.

[@dannyj1983]

So many times I meet someone new through this podcast and my ego wants to tell the story that says "Who's this person? I'm not sure they have any lesson for me." Then I lean in a little and boom! They rock my world. Hak is a friggin' guru. The poignancy in this conversation at this exact moment in my life changed my trajectory. Tomorrow I'm going to run with the watch, but it's going to be out of sight. I'm going to leave the headphones at home. I'm going to tune in. When we tune in, we create a wavelength that puts us in the places we need to be with the people who inspire us. I've learned that here, on the RRP because I leaned in to listen. Thank you.

[@Lordfartpod12]

Rich, your story, books, and channel that you provide for your fans is irreplaceable and has dramatically changed my life. I am in recovery as well, this channel always relates, always informing and powerful, thank you.

[@TheVibeMindset]

Your discussion on running was awesome. I've never been a runner because one of my feet doesn't lift up so i trip a lot. I said screw it at the beginning of Covid and running put me into a meditative state where an ida for a new business came into my mind. This inspired me to become a runner and now I have a new business and lost 31 pounds since the drama started in March 2020! Running is my new fuel. Thanks for the reminder!

[@markbaxter3506]

This is top 10 RRoll. Man you two nailed it. This Canadian kid is grateful . Thank you. Haken eh, what a beaut.

[@RiikkaIivanainen]

This was excellent! Good reminder that if you do what you believe in it will eventually turn into something that makes sense. Might not happen overnight, but perhaps some day.

[@matthewjamesmiller]

Such a deep, humble and profound story. Hakim you are an inspiration.

[@VEE-rd7cu]

Thank you again, Rich. You bring the best of the best to your show. I felt alone minus a few friends until I found you. Mahalo nui.

[@FYP8888]

Hakim you ROCK! This was so worth watching all the way thru. Hakim, you helped bring a lot of clarity to my own life. Thanks for your gorgeous authenticity. -I went vegan after watching "Game Changers" last November. Thx Rich for your podcast and and the awesome work you do!!!

[@juttaannalamusic]

Thank you for your podcast! Love the lengthiness and how thorough they are. It usually takes me days to finish an episode because I have to stop in between to reflect, let the messages sink in and listen how things resonate. Somehow in sync and pushing me to be honest with... everything. You're doing amazing job. As side note I found running some time ago. 10 years ago doctors banned running and jumping from me because of my bad hips (birth defect), but it turned out that slow trail running eases my pains and corrects my posture. I listened my calling not doctors.

[@angiebshouse]

I enjoy so many of your podcasts, but this has got to be one of my favorites. Hakim’s message of the silent protest resonates in the same spirit as Gandhi. It also resonates many of the values this country was founded on.

[@jameylewis8121]

my man! i met Hakim over 20 years ago, and he's always been an inspiration!

[@tedhamilton4527]

I am relating completely with this interview. I'm a Black man reinventing myself. Thank you. By the way, you said that you were going to bring more people of color on your podcast. I appreciate this.

[@saralu3025]

This is by far my favorite episode to date. You blow my mind on a regular basis Rich but this one is up there with the truly special ones. Mahalo ❤️

[@danieltsuedo334]

one of the best podcast I have ever listened to..., a lot of us have lived many lives within one., glad to hear his story.

[@vanhoudtshoorn]

Beautiful gem. So inspiring and uplifting your story Hakim. Genuine, authentique and yes there are beauty in suffering. Thank for sharing🤗

[@kvk1]

Profoundly beautiful conversation. Thank you both.

[@jilldenkinger8540]

💗💗💗. What an amazing interview with such a genuine, beautiful soul!!! I thoroughly enjoyed this podcast in its entirety. Thank you! I’m also a new Hakim fan.

[@YRivera1]

This was by far my favorite Rich Roll episode.

[@TheGoofygirl67]

This gentleman speaks to me on so many different levels 🙏🏼. I’m from a town near Ipswich too. What a beautiful soul ❤️🙏🏼 Xx

[@simplyrik1496]

What an amazing being Hakim is, thank you for bringing him to us.

[@mauiswift6391]

Incredible story teller with a compelling story with which you can easily relate to.

[@davidgoldstein7393]

Thank you both for sharing. Your story is very relatable. What a breath of fresh air.

[@oregonwoodelf]

Damn...this was such a great listen. I could relate so much with all the life changes, becoming a jack of many trades, and not always knowing your "purpose", but just plowing ahead. Hitting a very dark patch, but having faith that there is always a light inside you and to never give in to total darkness. There is ALWAYS a way forward and you will become more powerful than ever when you do move through it. Thank you both for this ✌🌱

[@Megalomaniart]

Thank you gentlemen... You have no clue how important this talk was for me to listen to... Perfect timing.

[@jamessmetana822]

Rich this is the highlight podcast of 2020 so far for me. Amazing person he is. As another who has "Risen like a Phoenix" I found a lot of truths in his words. He adds to the list of the Prophets who walk among us. Many thanks for this one...

[@robynwilliams611]

Rich, I just want to thank you for doing this interview. I am a 33 yo Black woman living in Austin, TX and it was so cool to hear about Hakim's connection to the city and SXSW. I am working on deepening my Ashtanga yoga practice and this was the perfect thing for me to hear going into 2021. Subscribed.

[@jackstaub9221]

This podcast in particular is of perfect timing in my life right now, in the midst of a dark suffering period where I am just now getting glimpses of light again I am getting so much hope and my mind and imagination are being fed so much right now, thanks guys!

[@yungteach]

I hope ya doin well Jack, keep up the PMA!

[@dudeinthecrowd]

To start running as healing is so true. And applying this simple activity can pull out many people if they feel bad or devastated by the circumstances in their lives.

[@odomtimon]

Amazing Journey! Growth and healing and vibration....amazing!

[@WeMeditateAsOne]

Thank you Rich Roll for having Hakim Tafari on your podcast. What a wonderful interview. Everything thing you spoke of resonates with me in some way. Really needed to hear this. Thank you 🙏🏼🤎🌻

[@davidsimpson1905]

Thank you for carefully choosing and always bringing out the best in your guests Rich! Never stop. Thank you. ✌🏻🌱

[@irmgardkuchernig1156]

I feel empowered now. Thank you! What a beautiful life everyone can find in strengthening self-belief yourself or being inspired by someone who cares, putting the words in your mind: I can do this! I can make it! builds a bridge of hope, faith and inner strength. Love it! Great orientation for the mind, body and heart. Truly, soul consciousness coming alive by finding peace within and without. Ready to share the treasure with the world you have dug deep out from inside and became in your embodiment, in every single cell. Wow. Keep vibrating.

[@dominik633]

One of the best Podcasts i've ever heard!!! THANKS A LOT!!!

[@cinthyalc1162]

This has been my all time favorite rich roll podcast! A million thanks for this!

[@BarbaraNutrition]

Possibly my favorite RR podcast and that's saying something. Hakim's journey is beautiful. What a great spirit!

[@Shotmakeracademy1]

What a great cover picture. Made me want to listen.

[@mfit7110]

@@8schopra wrong....

[@jorgeromera3861]

"You can't be a phoenix without the ashes". Wow! Cool, man.

[@costarussu1886]

I'm not vegan or on a special kind of trendy diet, but I'm human and I love the VIBE that Rich has in his studio

[@pinkiepinkster8395]

Won't you join us and go vegan for the animals, the planet and your health.

[@jaimefazackerley]

Veganism isn't a diet, it's a lifestyle which seeks to exclude animal exploitation and abuse. If you're against animal abuse but eat and use animals, you're vegan by values but not by actions.

[@Shameilia2004]

Thank you Rich for bringing Hakim to tell his story. I feel that I am going through my own "divine moment."

[@wr9331]

Another deep meaningful exchange. Thank you!

[@monetl3315]

thank you for bringing his story to us.... you can feel the genuine love & compassion between you both

[@michaelbahl3306]

great to hear others are embracing the solitude and peace of enjoying the state of "being". I see so many people connected to devices(speakers, phones, earbuds) on runs/hikes in the wilderness and wonder how we can give people a glimpse into what they are missing. Thank you, looking forward to learning more about Hakim!

[@jdt8983]

We all have our own unique paths even though we're presumably all sourced from the same stuff. My spiritual journey can't and shouldn't mirror his but I appreciate the enthusiasm towards in depth health

[@hsghatora]

sometimes i feel there is so much negativity in this world and channel like this just balances things. bless

[@annaripoll3433]

It has been a pleasure listening to both of you, beautiful men and souls. Thanks for sharing your strenght and vulnerability (the ultimate strenght :) !) I wish you a long spiritual path ahead.

[@Avi-iq7em]

Sensational! You did it again Rich, really enjoyed listening to you both ❤ your podcast is truly the best! His story is very relatable on so many levels. Thank you!

[@Houthiandtheblowfish]

Beard game is strong on this one

[@RichieWarbucks]

One of the best videos I’ve seen on KZbin. Super inspirational.

[@karenelton8210]

What a wonderful man

[@Nexuswateralchemy]

Possibly the best and most powerful of your interviews...had me in tears and feeling so much love

[@melindaalexander2806]

Phenomenal story. In awe of this guy.

[@inspirationalpostbyleverso6263]

Amazing inspiration and insightfulness.

[@vishnubishnoipodcast3505]

Amazing conversation and thanks for this, but i want to listen more his story , please bring him back.

[@gabrielmendoza7834]

This episode helped save my life.

[@beeblebomb]

This was so refreshing! It’s so easy to dump on yourself when really, life happens to everyone and it’s how you develop on yourself through all of it and come out of it. The movies make things so quick, like any struggle is only a week and then all of a sudden, bam! Shit gets better. I love these kinds of stories that are positive reminders of what life really is and how what the eb and flow really is

[@madeline6043]

He blew my mind!!!!!! I dont know who this dude is but I'm gonna google-research him, he sounds interesting + he has a very pleasant calm voice haha thanks for the talk x

[@Itstwistedroots]

I absolutely enjoyed this conversation! Two amazing men, coming together to appreciate each other and appreciating life. I love it.

[@sherrysalem2456]

loved this interview, can relate on so many levels. Thank you for the perspective.... xoxo

[@learnwithjahsun]

LOVE HAKIM

[@gloriamitchell3518]

I am a fan at 70 of you both.🦋

[@MsMkk29]

I can't believe this was 3 hours! It was such a compelling discussion...as though I was in the room with my brothers, only I happily didn't bother to get a word in. I especially loved hearing about his spiritual journey... and that one never 'arrives' but just keeps learning.

[@shellywelly30]

So inspiring, I went to art school too! In Norwich which is close to Ipswich best days of my life! Follow your dreams!

[@ruthannamarteifio9069]

Rich, your podcasts are always mind-opening----- This one w/ Hakim is exceptional, though. Thank you both so much!

[@wendywendy3718]

Thank you for sharing this gentle man with us!

[@ChassieNix]

Thank You 🙏🏼 For being inspiring and for being so honest about your experiences. It gives me a new outlook on life and even some writing points. I’m thirty six and still figuring out what my passion/mission is. To know that you are finding yours at 46 gives me a lot of enthusiasm for my life.

[@raryan11]

Thanks Rich! Great Show!

[@raryan11]

@@8schopra I meant great show in general (all the eps). Watching this now 😀

[@Michalwawrykowicz]

I want to live in the feeling this episode gave me

[@nomzalicious8075]

So grateful to hear Hakims story...what a beautiful story even the difficult patches...l've been running from that suffering for a long time but weekly l am reminded that l need to address 'it'. Funny enough l have family btwn Ipswich & Norwich...l could relate to his beginnings. God bless you both 🙏🏾

[@atturnec360]

This one hits home brotha. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably 🙏🏽

[@robertmelendez6677]

What a beautiful interview! I listened to it on Spotify and will watch it on KZbin later. Thank you for delivering such an awesome guest!

[@starrrkkk]

Thank you so much Rich, This has literally lit the fire in me again!

[@daniellemendes1371]

Its so beautiful to see humans find themselves despite all of life's attempts to make us one thing.

[@andreg1048]

Yes it is 🎉🎉🎉🎉 I’m going to tell you a story about Buddha....one walking down from the mountains Through a little village Buddha was asked if he was a god he said no then they asked are you a angel he said no so finally they asked so what are you ???? He said AWAKE 🙏🏿 Cheers love 💗

[@remedium-podcast]

This episode will be my favorite. This gonna make me always in perfect mood. Thanks gentlemans.

[@victormcmanus8725]

the amount of good vibes i am receiving. much love

[@hubertmosiej]

Shawn Oldham you say. That’s the name of the doctor who helped me and my parents when I was very young. Bare in mind I lived in Poland so if this is the same doctor this is crazy!!!

[@hakimtafari9569]

Same Doc, small world

[@stephenwilson2074]

Long time listener, first time caller. Great interview. Love the show. Thanks!

[@gldnsnlt37]

This is AWESOME!!! Thank you Rich 🙏

[@mariajoseibizacoach6946]

Thank you RR for another beautiful, sweet and real conversation... you guys make cursing sound sweet :):):) Life journey, So true in the suffering part...

[@sibs124]

Thank you for the time stamps!

[@robperry1019]

Loved this Podcast Rich! Hak had some good words of advice! This is a fav for sure. Thank you!!...☕️🏃🙏

[@charliehobson33]

Made it to the end, two part listen. interesting chap, liked his philosophy on running and his role in the running movement. Will check out more of the yada yada he mentioned!

[@happydelappy3950]

This is definitely one of my favorite ones so far!

[@tashimango]

beautiful conversation to watch, two curious open minds vibing. this is the wavelength I want to get on! inspired 👍

[@estevanpatino2046]

My brother!!!!🔥🔥🔥💯💯💯

[@hakimtafari9569]

Thank you Brother

[@lakithefreedomwriter1753]

This was awesome.Thank you so much for sharing your experiences...very inspiring.

[@juliesill8074]

What an amazing journey !!!! By far a cool deep dude. Related to this deep dive.

[@MrJmbj]

#sankofa #hero’s-journey #wounded healer #modern-shaman #modernsangoma #finding-ultra excellent interview Rich! enough said!