The James Altucher Show

Notes from James: Most people get stuck at the idea stage. That’s why I’m sharing frameworks—so you’re not staring at a blank screen. These techniques have helped hundreds of people (including me) go from idea to published book in just 30 days. Episode Descriptions: In Part 5 of my 30-day writing series, I unveil four of the most powerful book-writing frameworks I’ve ever used or taught—and they’ve helped hundreds of people write their first book in just a month. These aren’t theoretical. They’re real-world, repeatable methods that have led to bestsellers, media appearances, consulting gigs, and new careers. From the "101 List Technique" to the "Jesus Diet" method, each framework simplifies your creative process, helps you structure your ideas fast, and shows you how to turn your interests into income. I even share how you can write a book using past podcast interviews or unreadable academic research. If you’ve ever thought, “I have an idea, but I don’t know how to turn it into a book,” this episode gives you the blueprint—four times over. What You’ll Learn: Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Excitement 00:17 Bonus Framework: The Podcast Technique 04:43 Framework 1: The 101 Technique 13:30 Framework 2: The Habits Technique 18:30 Framework 3: The Jesus Diet Technique 27:37 Framework 4: The Academic Research Technique 33:00 Conclusion and Encouragement P.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Episode Description: James reconnects with entrepreneurs Michael and Kass Lazerow, whose journey spans selling Golf.com for $24 million, launching and pivoting Buddy Media into a $700 million Salesforce acquisition, and now investing in breakout brands like Liquid Death. This episode isn’t about startup clichés—it’s about emotional resilience, firing with kindness, how marriage can (barely) survive co-founding, and how to spot a trend before the world does. They break down their “Go Gauge,” the six-part test they use before investing in a company. They talk about the trauma of being betrayed by family. And they reveal the surprisingly simple cheat codes they’ve used to keep building—and keep loving each other—across decades of risk. Whether you're building a business, looking for one good idea, or wondering what failure really feels like behind closed doors—this episode will give you a few new answers. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Shoveling Sh*t: A Love Story About the Entrepreneur’s Messy Path to SuccessLiquid DeathSliceCommonwealthVan Leeuwen Ice Cream See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Notes from James: Let’s be honest: most people who write a book never make money from it. Why? Because they stop at the last page. I want you to go further. In this episode, I show you how I turned my books into speaking gigs, consulting work, investment deals, and more. You don’t need a big publisher or a massive budget—just the right strategy. Episode Descriptions: In Part 4 of my 30-day writing series, I tackle one of the biggest questions aspiring authors face: Should you self-publish or go the traditional route? I’ve done both—some of my books were published by big-name houses, others I put out myself. This episode breaks down the pros, cons, and misconceptions of each approach—and how to make the smartest decision for your goals. You’ll also learn exactly what to do after the writing is done. I cover how to market your book, build buzz, land media, grow your audience, and ultimately make your book work for you—financially, professionally, and personally. Whether you're writing your first book or your fifth, this episode lays out the modern publishing roadmap and how to turn your words into real-world results. What You’ll Learn: andbeforeTimestamps 00:00 Traditional vs. Self-Publishing: The Debate Begins 00:41 The Evolution of Self-Publishing 01:10 Benefits of Traditional Publishing 03:17 Challenges with Traditional Publishing 06:58 The Power of Self-Publishing 15:09 Steps to Professionally Self-Publish 16:34 The Importance of Audiobooks 21:15 Marketing Your Book: An Overview 21:53 Building and Utilizing an Email List 24:48 Leveraging Online Platforms for Book Promotion 27:08 The Power of Podcasts and Public Speaking 32:31 Maximizing Social Media for Book Sales 38:47 Final Thoughts on Book Marketing P.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Well, you can't get more information about tariffs and the economy than what I just got and you're about to listen to. Wilbur Ross, who was Secretary of Commerce under the first administration of Trump, just came on the podcast. I got to ask any question I wanted—about tariffs, the economy, everything. Don't forget, in Trump’s first administration, we saw steel and aluminum tariffs, and there were all the same concerns—about the economy, inflation, political blowback. Wilbur Ross was right at the center of it. And now, he’s giving me the full picture on what’s happening today and where it’s all heading. This is a guy who built entire industries, served in the Cabinet, and is worth billions. He’s also the author of Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and Life, which I highly recommend. He’s an economic and business inspiration. I learned a lot from this conversation—I’m sure you will too. Please share this episode with anyone who wants to better understand what’s really going on with tariffs and the economy. Enjoy! Episode Description: James sits down with Wilbur Ross, former Secretary of Commerce and seasoned investor, for a candid and highly detailed discussion on tariffs, China, inflation, pharmaceutical policy, and the state of the U.S. economy. Ross offers a firsthand look at the economic strategies being proposed for a possible second Trump administration—explaining why blanket tariffs might make sense, what’s really going on with China and rare earths, and how executive power is being used to bypass bureaucratic gridlock. Listeners will get a rare window into how economic policy is being formed, the political forces shaping it, and what it all means for growth, inflation, and American manufacturing. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Risks and Returns: Creating Success in Business and LifeLegal summary on IEEPAhttps://www.nakedwines.com/james See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: So I’ve been podcasting for, gosh, 11 years—over 1500 episodes. And through that whole journey, PodcastOne always stood out to me. They recently went public, and today I’ve got Rob Ellin and Kit Gray joining me. What’s the future of podcasting? If you're thinking about starting a podcast—or wondering how to grow one you already have—this episode's for you. These guys helped shape the entire industry, and they're sharing what works now, what doesn't, and how creators and networks can stay ahead. Episode Description: James Altucher sits down with Kit Gray and Robert Ellin, the powerhouse duo behind PodcastOne, to explore where podcasting is headed next. From YouTube’s dominance to AI-driven analytics, they dissect the changing landscape of content creation, monetization, and brand-building. They also discuss PodcastOne’s public market journey and how creators can turn niche ideas into multi-platform empires. Whether you're a podcast listener, creator, or investor, this episode gives you a real look at how podcasting is evolving from bedroom hobby to billion-dollar business. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: PodcastOne – Official SiteNorthwest Registered AgentBetterHelp Online TherapyLand Rover DefenderEntrepreneurs on Fire by John Lee Dumas This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/james See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Notes from James: This is where a lot of people quit—but you won’t. This episode is about pushing through the dip that comes when writing gets tough. I give you tools I’ve used across 25+ books to keep going, stay motivated, and write better. Episode Descriptions: This is Part 3 of my 30-day writing series—and we’re getting into the real tools that will make your writing not just better, but publishable. If you’ve ever stared at a blank page and felt overwhelmed, stuck, or unsure of where to go next, this is the episode that will break that wall down. I walk you through the “6 U’s” that every chapter—and especially your book introduction—must follow to grab readers, hook them emotionally, and sell the value of your book. You’ll also learn the “Warren Buffett 5/25 Rule” and how it helps you figure out exactly what to write about, plus a little-known editing tool (the Flesch-Kincaid score) that will instantly improve your writing’s clarity. If you’ve hit writer’s block, feel stuck mid-draft, or need structure to keep going, you’ll find every tool you need right here. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/JAMES and get on your way to being your best self. What You’ll Learn: Timestamps: 00:00 Crafting a Compelling Book Introduction 01:58 The Six U's of Selling Your Book 07:52 Applying the Six U's to Your Writing 09:34 The Warren Buffett 5/25 Rule for Focus 22:01 The Importance of Readability: Flesch-Kincaid Score 28:27 Introduction to Overcoming Writer's Block 28:54 Nine Techniques to Overcome Writer's Block 36:33 Additional Writing Techniques and Tips 47:57 The Importance of Storytelling in Writing 51:07 Frameworks for Writing and Publishing Your Book P.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Notes from James: The biggest lie about writing is that it takes years. I’ve written multiple books in less than a month—including bestsellers. With the right system, anyone can do this. In this episode, I break down how to structure your first book and why your life experience, not your grammar, is your superpower. You’ll also hear my take on AI writing, and why your personal story is something no algorithm can ever replicate. Episode Highlights: Yes, you really can write and publish a great book in 30 days. In Part 2 of this writing series, I walk you through the actual systems that make it not only possible—but repeatable. You’ll learn four powerful “meta-outline” frameworks you can use to organize any non-fiction book quickly and clearly. I’ll show you how I wrote Think Like a Billionaire in under 30 days using one of these frameworks, and how authors I know have launched entire careers with similar methods (some even in just three days). I also dive deep into one of the most important—but most overlooked—parts of writing a book: your first sentence. You’ll hear legendary first lines from some of the world’s best authors and learn why they work. This episode is a blend of process and artistry—because writing a great book requires both. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/JAMES and get on your way to being your best self. What You’ll Learn: Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: Writing a Book in 30 Days 00:54 The Four Frameworks for Writing 02:03 Example: Think Like a Billionaire 05:10 Overcoming Writing Myths 13:14 AI and the Future of Writing 20:47 The Power of a Strong First Line 23:51 Exploring the Opening Lines of Iconic Novels 24:14 Ralph Ellison's Invisible Man: A Civil Rights Era Classic 25:04 Jack Kerouac's On the Road: A Journey of Rediscovery 27:23 Gabriel Garcia Marquez's 100 Years of Solitude: A Nobel-Winning Masterpiece 30:54 Kurt Vonnegut's Slaughterhouse-Five: A War Story with a Twist 34:20 Jennifer Egan's Welcome to the Goon Squad: A Pulitzer Prize Winner 35:25 Charles Bukowski's Post Office: A Tale of Mistakes and Realities 38:57 William Gibson's Neuromancer: The Birth of Cyberpunk 40:16 The Importance of First Lines in Storytelling 42:36 Crafting Relatable and Vulnerable Narratives P.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Notes from James: I’ve written 25 books—some huge hits, some total flops—and what I’ve learned is this: anyone can write a book, but not everyone gives themselves permission to start. This episode is the foundation. I break down the mindset, motivation, and structure you need to go from blank page to published book—even if you’ve never written a word before. So you want to write a book. Where do you even start? In this kickoff to my new series on writing and publishing a book in just 30 days, I walk you through everything you need to know before you ever touch the keyboard. This episode isn’t just for aspiring authors—it’s for anyone who’s ever wanted to turn an idea into something real, something lasting, and maybe even something that launches a new career. I’ll tell you exactly why writing a book is more important (and more achievable) than ever, and how your book can become a business card, a personal legacy, and a gateway to new opportunities—even if you’re not a “writer.” I also introduce the one structure that every great story (fiction or nonfiction) follows: the arc of the hero. It’s the single most powerful tool for crafting stories that actually move people. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/JAMES and get on your way to being your best self. What You’ll Learn: real Timestamps 00:00 Introduction: The Power of Writing a Book 00:37 Why Write a Book? 01:18 My Journey as an Author 03:39 The Importance of Knowing Your 'Why' 08:46 Common Myths About Writing 15:39 The Arc of the Hero in Storytelling 19:35 Star Wars: A Hero's Journey 22:17 The Timeless Tale of Moses 28:16 Walt Disney's Heroic Arc 32:52 The Arc of the Hero in Nonfiction 35:25 Romance Novels: Love's Heroic Journey P.S. Want to go deeper? Check out my full course on Udemy or visit chooseyourselfacademy.com: How to Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days – available now. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Sunny Ray is working on an incredible project involving Bitcoin and his company, Matador. They’re digitizing gold—turning it into crypto—and he’s a Bitcoin maximalist. That’s different from my stance: I think there are many crypto tokens that are useful for specific purposes. But Sonny’s view is clear—Bitcoin is the foundation. We talk about what digital gold really means, why tokenization is so important, and how the biggest institutions in the world—like BlackRock—are embracing this shift. We also get into why exchanges are hard to use, the future of Ethereum, how gold works culturally in places like India, and why Matador is building its entire strategy on top of Bitcoin. This is a replay from a crypto call I recently held with subscribers. If you have questions, ask me on Twitter: @jaltucher. Episode Description: In this episode, James talks with Sunny Ray, president of Matador, a public company digitizing gold using the Bitcoin blockchain. Sunny shares insights from his early days at Kraken and his experiences launching India’s first Bitcoin exchange, Unocoin. They cover the challenges of crypto adoption, the promise of tokenization, and how Bitcoin may be the most durable digital asset of our time. This episode goes beyond the usual headlines—it’s a grounded, strategic look at where Bitcoin is heading, how real-world assets like gold are being brought on-chain, and what institutional moves (like BlackRock’s) mean for the next phase of crypto. Whether you’re a skeptic, a casual investor, or a hardcore maxi, this conversation offers real insight into the future of money. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Matador Public CompanyTicker: MATAFBitcoin Whitepaper (original)This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/james See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: So Dr. Oz—television personality turned government official—this is such an interesting thing. He's going to be the new administrator of the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS. He’s going to be in charge of all Medicare and Medicaid. What does he know or think about these parts of our government? Medicare and Medicaid, combined with Social Security, make up the biggest part of government spending. So it'd be interesting to know what he thinks. On his show, he’d talk about everything from medicine to alternative medicine to other healing methods. I want to know how he's going to handle things in the government. This is a republishing of a past podcast I did with Dr. Oz, but it still describes his approach to medicine. And I think, as a citizen, this is useful. That’s why I wanted to share it again. He’s going to be working closely with RFK Jr. and Marty Makary (who’s also been on this podcast and is now head of the FDA). So here’s Dr. Oz. Episode Description: In this re-released conversation, James speaks with Dr. Mehmet Oz about his philosophy on medicine, self-care, and the critical role nutrition plays in overall well-being. As Dr. Oz steps into a major government role as the head of CMS, this episode offers valuable insight into the beliefs and strategies he may bring to one of the most powerful positions in U.S. healthcare. Together, they cover the power of second opinions, why most people misunderstand sugar, how gut bacteria drive health, and what it means to choose yourself when it comes to well-being. They also unpack highlights from Dr. Oz’s book Food Can Fix It, including practical strategies for brain health, stress, and weight loss. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Food Can Fix It Additional Resources: Food Can Fix It by Dr. Mehmet OzYuval Noah Harari's SapiensHarvard School of Public Health: Omega-3 Fatty AcidsDr. Oz's Website See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Marty Makary is the new head of the FDA, but he is also an old friend of the podcast. He's been on several times, and it's really important to know how this is going to be a new and different FDA, and it's going to be molded by Marty's very specific opinions about healthcare and the medical industry—and here they are. Episode Description: In this episode, James reconnects with Dr. Marty Makary, now heading the FDA, to discuss what’s broken in the American healthcare system—and what can actually be done about it. Marty pulls back the curtain on the realities of medical pricing, why unnecessary surgeries happen more often than most suspect, and how medical education is failing future doctors and patients alike. They explore the origins of Marty’s bestselling books, the TV adaptation of Unaccountable, and why your hospital bill may have little to do with actual care. This conversation is a rare window into what’s really happening inside hospitals and policy rooms—and what the future of smarter, more humane healthcare could look like. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: UnaccountableThe Price We Pay Additional Resources: Dr. Marty Makary’s websiteUnaccountable by Marty MakaryThe Price We Pay by Marty MakaryThe Resident (TV Series)Healthcare BluebookRestoring Medicine See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: My main issue going into this conversation was simple: is there really that much fraud and waste in government? How does it happen, and who benefits? I approached this from a place of curiosity, not cynicism. And then I found DataRepublican. She’s built systems to track government spending, flagged insane misuse of funds, and all while navigating the world as someone who is deaf and fiercely independent. This isn’t a conspiracy theory episode—it’s a breakdown of how influence, lobbying, and bureaucracy create real financial black holes. I wanted to hear her personal journey, how she started digging into this, and what she’s discovered. I learned a ton—and I think you will too. Episode Description: James Altucher sits down with the anonymous data investigator known as "DataRepublican" to explore government waste, corruption, and influence networks that operate in plain sight. From bizarre examples of foreign aid spending to powerful NGOs and their entanglement with corporations and Congress, this episode unpacks how taxpayer money circulates through a tangled web of lobbying, insider boards, and private interests. DataRepublican also shares her origin story, from analyzing charities like the Girl Scouts to building AI tools that track federal awards—and the personal fallout of being doxed for her work. If you've ever wondered where your tax dollars actually go, this is an eye-opening conversation. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: DataRepublican on TwitterUSGLC: U.S. Global Leadership CoalitionUSAID (U.S. Agency for International Development) Naked Wines - Use Code “James”To get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to NakedWines.com/JAMES and use code JAMES for both the code AND PASSWORD.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: So I gave a little talk at the Full Stack Business Builder Conference. Basically, a conference for entrepreneurs, VCs, technologists, aspiring entrepreneurs. It was more of a Q&A, where the moderator, Peter Satton, asked me questions, but also took questions from the audience. A big concern for many people was, what if I have no qualifications at what I'm interested in doing? And I have to admit, I've probably never been qualified for anything I've ever done. I described how that's actually helped me achieve certain goals and ambitions of mine, even though I had no qualifications. I also talk about the importance of obsession—let's call it rational obsession—and how to find those things you're passionate about. Among other things, I shared a quasi-religious belief I hold dear and attribute much of my success to. I hope you have as much fun listening to this as I did talking about it. Definitely, there are some new and interesting stories, as well as experiences I wanted to share. Here it is. Episode Description: In this fireside chat recorded at the Full Stack Business Builder Conference, James Altucher addresses a fundamental concern for entrepreneurs: succeeding without traditional qualifications. James candidly explores his journey through immense financial losses and recoveries, emphasizing the critical role optimism and creativity have played. He shares practical insights into leveraging idea generation as a way out of depression and stagnation. James illustrates how choosing oneself, rather than waiting for validation, opens unprecedented opportunities. From starting businesses with no experience, to unexpected pivots that lead to multimillion-dollar successes, James underscores the power of actionable optimism and consistent discipline. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Full Stack Business BuilderDan Carlin's Hardcore HistoryGeorge Lois – "Damn Good Advice (For People with Talent!)"See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Oh my gosh. This guy was thrown in jail for 65 years—and he deserved it. You'll hear about his crimes and misdemeanors. He started as a superstar quarterback, high school and college hero turned meth addict, and eventually became a hardcore RICO gang criminal. Sentenced to essentially life in prison, Damon's story is genuinely one of the most inspirational I've heard. He's got a bunch of books out—his latest, Six Dimes and a Nickel: Life Lessons to Empower Change, just came out and refers to the 65-year sentence he received. You need to read this book, which follows his memoir The Change Agent and The Coffee Bean, teaching a simple yet profound lesson about creating positive change. I could have talked to Damon forever about jail, prison fights, criminal life, meth addiction, and most importantly, the transformation that changed everything. By the way, this conversation will change your life, too—I really took a lot from his insights. Episode Description: Damon West was handed a 65-year prison sentence, effectively life behind bars, after spiraling from a promising college quarterback into meth addiction and becoming the leader of a burglary ring. This episode covers the dramatic highs and devastating lows of his journey, from his arrest and brutal introduction to prison violence to his profound transformation inspired by the "coffee bean" metaphor. James and Damon discuss deeply personal stories about addiction, identity, and redemption, offering listeners unique perspectives on overcoming profound adversity and using pain as a catalyst for extraordinary personal growth. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Six Dimes and a Nickel: Life Lessons to Empower Change by Damon WestThe Change Agent: How a Former College QB Sentenced to Life Transformed His World by Damon WestThe Coffee Bean: A Simple Lesson to Create Positive Change by Damon West and Jon GordonAlcoholics Anonymous: 12-Step Recovery Program See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Notes from James: I don’t care if you’ve never written a word before—if you’ve lived, you have a story worth telling. The people who write the most impactful books aren’t the most famous or the best trained. They’re the ones who tell the truth with clarity and heart. In this episode, I show you how to do exactly that. You’ll learn how to structure your life story for emotional and commercial impact, and how to weave in other stories, research, and personal growth without losing the power of your own voice. Episode Description: This episode picks up where Part 1: Why You Should Write Your Autobiography left off. If you haven’t listened to Part 1 yet, I highly encourage you to go back and start there first—it lays the essential groundwork for what we’re doing here. In this (Part 2) episode, I walk you through how to identify the core of your story, pick the right style of memoir or hybrid book, and build your narrative around proven storytelling frameworks like the arc of the hero. I also introduce my “Six U’s” checklist for great autobiographical writing—so every page you write is unique, useful, urgent, unforgettable, uplifting, and universal. Whether you’re writing a classic memoir, a hybrid self-help book, or an autobiographical novel, this episode gives you the exact structure you need to make it work. Also—if you’re serious about writing and publishing your own book, check out my full course: Write and Publish a Book in 30 Days. It’s everything I’ve learned from writing over 25 books that have sold millions of copies. This is the blueprint I’ve used for every bestselling book I’ve written. You’ve got the raw material. Now it’s time to build. What You’ll Learn: LimitlessChoose YourselfAtomic Habits Timestamps 00:00 Introduction to Autobiographical Writing 00:28 Finding Your Core Story 01:34 Types of Autobiographical Works 02:32 Example: Craig Stanley's 'Blank Canvas' 05:24 The Hero's Journey in Autobiography 14:23 The Six U's of Compelling Writing 21:58 The Universality of Autobiographical Stories 23:32 The Six U's of Autobiographical Writing 25:03 Analyzing a Memoir: Prozac Nation 26:31 Turning Your Autobiography into a Hybrid Book 34:08 The Importance of Memory in Autobiography 36:08 Ethical Considerations in Writing Autobiography 39:55 Using AI for Research and Inspiration 42:53 Final Encouragement and Next Steps Books Mentioned Blank CanvasThe Things They CarriedThinking in BetsMan’s Search for MeaningThe PuzzlerExtreme OwnershipThe Power of NoThe Liars’ ClubThe Art of MemoirQuietA Million Little PiecesChoose Yourself13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t DoLosing the Nobel PrizeThe Art of Clear ThinkingWhen Breath Becomes AirProzac NationLimitlessThe Talent CodeAtomic HabitsLove Yourself Like Your Life Depends on ItSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Notes from James: Here’s the truth: if my great-great-great grandfather had written anything—just 10 pages about his daily life—I’d treasure it like gold. And I promise, your great-grandkids will feel the same about your story. You don’t need to be a celebrity to write something that matters. You just need to be honest. Whether you're sharing how you survived grief, learned to say no, built new habits, or rebuilt your life after failure—your story could help someone else. And it could help you just as much. Episode Description: In this part one of a two-part episode, I walk you through the frameworks I’ve used in books like Choose Yourself and The Power of No, and show you how other authors—AJ Jacobs, Annie Duke, Susan Cain—infused autobiography into books that went on to change people’s lives. I also break down the different types of autobiographical books—from traditional memoirs and mini-memoirs, to autobiographical fiction and nonfiction hybrids—and I explain how bestselling books like Atomic Habits, The Puzzler, and Man’s Search for Meaning are all, at heart, autobiographies. This episode is part motivation, part masterclass in storytelling, and part therapy. If you’ve been sitting on a life story, this is the sign you’ve been waiting for. Oh, and yes, I’ll even give you writing prompts and reflection questions to help you actually start. I also created a book-writing course: How to write and publish a book in 30 days. If this episode gets you thinking, share it with someone who has a story to tell. What You’ll Learn: authentic Time Stamps 00:00 Why Write an Autobiography? 00:47 The Value of Personal History 02:46 Memoirs and Mini Memoirs 10:21 AI and Autobiographical Writing 17:14 Unique Perspectives and Philosophies 21:07 Opportunities Through Writing 28:03 Defining Your Mission and Purpose 30:22 Reflecting on Life's Important Events 38:52 Overcoming Adversity and Difficult Situations 45:16 Crafting Your Unique Autobiography Additional Resources How to write and publish a book in 30 days. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: I can't think of anything more boring to talk about than tariffs, but right now, I can't think of anything more interesting either. Tariffs are dominating the news, stock markets are crashing, and everyone is scared. Are tariffs good or bad? Is Trump wrecking the economy or saving it? I'm going to address these questions, looking at what tariffs aim to achieve, their impact on the economy, the stock market, inflation, and even Bitcoin. Let's set aside politics and try to understand what's truly happening. Episode Description In this episode, James Altucher takes a clear, unbiased look at the recent tariff measures, exploring their economic implications without the usual political spin. He explains the genuine reasons behind the tariffs, evaluates whether they’re achieving their stated goals, and breaks down how these measures compare to historical tariff actions. James also explores the surprising reactions from global markets and discusses why the current public fear might be overblown. What You’ll Learn: Timestamped Chapters: Additional Resources: Federal Reserve Uncertainty IndexSmoot-Hawley Tariff Act of 1930"The Intelligent Investor" by Benjamin GrahamNucor Steel Company See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Jay, remind me, I've gotta send this episode to my kids because I cannot believe what that guy just told us. Chris Hutchins, he has the "All the Hacks" podcast and so many interesting things at his website, allthehacks.com. But I don't like the word life hack. A lot of that stuff is just BS. But this was legit—from buying gold bars at Costco to making money off gift cards. He has so many weird, interesting financial and life hacks that can genuinely help you make a living and improve your life. It seemed like he was doing great with all this stuff. What you're about to hear is weird, interesting, and potentially financially lucrative—or at least thought-provoking. Let's start the episode. Episode Description: In this episode, James Altucher sits down with Chris Hutchins, host of the podcast "All the Hacks," to uncover some surprising yet practical ways to enhance your financial life. Chris shares actionable tips that can genuinely increase your income, cut down costs, and shift your mindset around everyday decisions—without resorting to gimmicks. From arbitraging Costco gold bars and credit card rewards to smart relationship strategies and travel tricks, Chris offers practical solutions that anyone can start using immediately. What You'll Learn: Chapters: Additional Resources: All the Hacks PodcastCostco Executive RewardsBilt RewardsGCX Raise – Gift Card MarketplaceCardPointers AppThe 80/80 MarriageDeleteMe – Privacy ServiceUnclaimed Money Finder This episode is sponsored by/brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/james See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Sahil Bloom is one of probably the wisest people I've had on the podcast. Young guy just wrote the book, The Five Types of Wealth, and he's talking about time wealth, social wealth, mental wealth, physical wealth, and of course, financial wealth. He’s developed content and techniques he's shared in his newsletter and on Twitter, offering concise, easy-to-understand ways for increasing your wealth in each of these categories. This episode has immense value—one I definitely plan to share with my kids. Sahil introduces this concept of asymmetry: small actions that yield outsized rewards, applicable across career, social, financial, mental, and physical wealth. Like consistently fetching coffee for your boss, leading them to trust you with larger responsibilities. It's these small but impactful steps that can dramatically improve your wealth in each category. Here's Sahil Bloom, author of The Five Types of Wealth: A Transformative Guide to Design Your Dream Life. Episode Description: In this episode, Sahil Bloom breaks down his transformative ideas about wealth—going far beyond financial success to include time, social connections, mental health, and physical wellbeing. Sahil shares his personal journey from a lucrative career in private equity to discovering a deeper sense of purpose and satisfaction. He emphasizes finding asymmetrical actions—small, manageable steps that can deliver significant positive changes. Listen to learn how Sahil redefined success, discovered his true north, and how you can too. What You’ll Learn: Chapters: Additional Resources: The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil BloomSahil Bloom's NewsletterTim Urban’s "The Tail End" EssayCarlo Rovelli on the Nature of Time"Cool Runnings" Film Quote This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/james See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A Note from James: Is it possible to travel around the world, live around the world, do remote work anywhere you want, and spend just $75 a day or less? When I was younger, I wish I'd tried this. Back then, you probably could have done it for even less, maybe $30 a day! Today's guest, Matt Kepnes—better known as Nomadic Matt—has spent decades traveling the globe on a budget. Ten years ago, he wrote How to Travel the World on $50 a Day, and he's just updated it with How to Travel the World on $75 a Day or Less. It's definitely possible. I'm even sharing this episode with my daughters because there's a perception that travel is too expensive. Matt has tips on everything from finding cheap flights and accommodations to securing remote work opportunities. Travel opens your mind without the stress that comes with age and responsibility. If you travel cheaply, you'll not only have amazing experiences but also become more successful and open-minded. I wish I had traveled more when I was younger—I didn't think I could afford it, but as Matt explains, you certainly can. Episode Description: Matt Kepnes, aka Nomadic Matt, returns to discuss the realities of traveling the world cheaply in 2025. With inflation and changes since COVID-19 dramatically affecting costs, Matt explains how traveling on just $75 a day is not only possible but easier than you think. You'll learn practical tips for finding cheap flights, affordable accommodations, and even ways to make money while traveling. Matt also shares personal insights into how decades of constant travel impacted his life, friendships, and perspectives. What You’ll Learn: Chapters: Additional Resources: How to Travel the World on $75 a Day by Matt KepnesGoing.com (Flight Deals)Workaway.info (Work Exchange Opportunities)Blablacar (Ride Sharing)Travel Ladies App (For Female Travelers)Nomadic Matt's WebsiteDie with Zero by Bill Perkins See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.