James Altucher interviews the world's leading peak performers in every area of life. But instead of giving you the typical success story, James digs deeper to f...
How Anyone Can Make Their First Million, James Altucher on My First Exit
A Note from James:
You know what drives me crazy? When people say, "I have to build a personal brand." Usually, when something has a brand, like Coca-Cola, you think of a tasty, satisfying drink on a hot day. But really, a brand is a lie—it's the difference between perception and reality. Coca-Cola is just a sugary brown drink that's unhealthy for you. So what does it mean to have a personal brand?
I discussed this with Nick Singh, and we also talked about retirement—what’s your number? How much do you need to retire? And how do you build to that number? Plus, we covered how to achieve success in today's world and so much more. This is one of the best interviews I've ever done. Nick’s podcast is My First Exit, and I wanted to share this conversation with you.
Episode Description:
In this episode, James shares a special feed drop from My First Exit with Nick Singh and Omid Kazravan. Together, they explore the myths of personal branding, the real meaning of success, and the crucial question: “What's your number?” for retirement. Nick, Omid, and James unpack what it takes to thrive creatively and financially in today's landscape. They discuss the value of following curiosity, how to niche effectively without losing authenticity, and why intersecting skills might be more powerful than single mastery.
What You’ll Learn:
Why the idea of a "personal brand" can be misleading—and what truly matters instead.
How to define your "number" for retirement and why it changes over time.
The difference between making money, keeping money, and growing money.
Why intersecting skills can create unique value and career opportunities.
The role of curiosity and experimentation in building a fulfilling career.
Timestamped Chapters:
01:30 Dating Advice Revisited
02:01 Introducing the Co-Host
02:39 Tony Robbins and Interviewing Techniques
03:42 Event Attendance and Personal Preferences
04:14 Music Festivals and Personal Reflections
06:39 The Concept of Personal Brand
11:46 The Journey of Writing and Content Creation
15:19 The Importance of Real Writing
17:57 Challenges and Persistence in Writing
18:51 The Role of Personal Experience in Content
27:42 The Muse and Mastery
36:47 Finding Your Unique Intersection
37:51 The Myth of Choosing One Thing
42:07 The Three Skills to Money
44:26 Investing Wisely and Diversifying
51:28 Acquiring and Growing Businesses
56:05 Testing Demand and Starting Businesses
01:11:32 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Additional Resources:
Nick Singh and Omid Kazravan's Podcast: My First Exit
James Altucher's Book: Choose Yourself
Range: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World by David Epstein: Read Here
Tony Robbins’ Events: Official Site
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1:18:17
Peter Diamandis: How to Harness the Power of Mindset in The Longevity Guidebook
A Note from James:
I've done about a dozen podcasts in the past few years about anti-aging and longevity—how to live to be 10,000 years old or whatever. Some great episodes with Brian Johnson (who spends $2 million a year trying to reverse his aging), David Sinclair (author of Lifespan and one of the top scientists researching aging), and even Tony Robbins and Peter Diamandis, who co-wrote Life Force. But Peter just did something incredible.
He wrote The Longevity Guidebook, which is basically the ultimate summary of everything we know about anti-aging. If he hadn’t done it, I was tempted to, but he knows everything there is to know on the subject. He’s even sponsoring a $101 million XPRIZE for reversing aging, with 600 teams competing, so he has direct insight into the best, cutting-edge research.
In this episode, we break down longevity strategies into three categories: common sense (stuff you already know), unconventional methods (less obvious but promising), and the future (what’s coming next). And honestly, some of it is wild—like whether we can reach "escape velocity," where science extends life faster than we age.
Peter’s book lays out exactly what’s possible, what we can do today, and what’s coming. So let’s get into it.
Episode Description:
Peter Diamandis joins James to talk about the future of human longevity. With advancements in AI, biotech, and medicine, Peter believes we're on the verge of a health revolution that could drastically extend our lifespans. He shares insights from his latest book, The Longevity Guidebook, and discusses why mindset plays a critical role in aging well.
They also discuss cutting-edge developments like whole-body scans for early disease detection, upcoming longevity treatments, and how AI is accelerating medical breakthroughs. Peter even talks about his $101 million XPRIZE for reversing aging, with over 600 teams competing.
If you want to live longer and healthier, this is an episode you can't afford to miss.
What You’ll Learn:
Why mindset is a crucial factor in longevity and health
The latest advancements in early disease detection and preventative medicine
How AI and biotech are accelerating anti-aging breakthroughs
What the $101 million XPRIZE is doing to push longevity science forward
The importance of continuous health monitoring and personalized medicine
Timestamped Chapters:
[00:01:30] Introduction to Anti-Aging and Longevity
[00:03:18] Interview Start – James and Peter talk about skiing and mindset
[00:06:32] How mindset influences longevity and health
[00:09:37] The future of health and the concept of longevity escape velocity
[00:14:08] Breaking down common sense vs. non-common sense longevity strategies
[00:19:00] The importance of early disease detection and whole-body scans
[00:25:35] Why insurance companies don’t cover preventative health measures
[00:31:00] The role of AI in diagnosing and preventing diseases
[00:36:27] How Fountain Life is changing personalized healthcare
[00:41:00] Supplements, treatments, and the future of longevity drugs
[00:50:12] Peter’s $101 million XPRIZE and its impact on longevity research
[00:56:26] The future of healthspan and whether we can stop aging
[01:03:07] Peter’s personal longevity routine and final thoughts
Additional Resources:
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1:07:24
Quantum Computing 101 with Nicolas Alexandre Roussy Newton & Gavin Brennen
A Note from James:
"I have been dying to understand quantum computing. And listen, I majored in computer science. I went to graduate school for computer science. I was a computer scientist for many years. I’ve taken apart and put together conventional computers. But for a long time, I kept reading articles about quantum computing, and it’s like magic—it can do anything. Or so they say.
Quantum computing doesn’t follow the conventional ways of understanding computers. It’s a completely different paradigm. So, I invited two friends of mine, Nick Newton and Gavin Brennan, to help me get it. Nick is the COO and co-founder of BTQ Technologies, a company addressing quantum security issues. Gavin is a top quantum physicist working with BTQ. They walked me through the basics: what quantum computing is, when it’ll be useful, and why it’s already a security issue.
You’ll hear me asking dumb questions—and they were incredibly patient. Pay attention! Quantum computing will change everything, and it’s important to understand the challenges and opportunities ahead. Here’s Nick and Gavin to explain it all."
Episode Description:
Quantum computing is a game-changer in technology—but how does it work, and why should we care? In this episode, James is joined by Nick Newton, COO of BTQ Technologies, and quantum physicist Gavin Brennan to break down the fundamentals of quantum computing. They discuss its practical applications, its limitations, and the looming security risks that come with it. From the basics of qubits and superposition to the urgent need for post-quantum cryptography, this conversation simplifies one of the most complex topics of our time.
What You’ll Learn:
The basics of quantum computing: what qubits are and how superposition works.
Why quantum computers are different from classical computers—and why scaling them is so challenging.
How quantum computing could potentially break current encryption methods.
The importance of post-quantum cryptography and how companies like BTQ are preparing for a quantum future.
Real-world timelines for quantum computing advancements and their implications for industries like finance and cybersecurity.
Timestamped Chapters:
[01:30] Introduction to Quantum Computing Curiosity
[04:01] Understanding Quantum Computing Basics
[10:40] Diving Deeper: Superposition and Qubits
[22:46] Challenges and Future of Quantum Computing
[30:51] Quantum Security and Real-World Implications
[49:23] Quantum Computing’s Impact on Financial Institutions
[59:59] Quantum Computing Growth and Future Predictions
[01:06:07] Closing Thoughts and Future Outlook
Additional Resources:
BTQ Technologies Website
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1:10:37
Ranking U.S. Presidents: Who Truly Deserves the Top Spot?
A Note from James:
So we have a brand new president of the United States, and of course, everyone has their opinion about whether President Trump has been good or bad, will be good and bad. Everyone has their opinion about Biden, Obama, and so on. But what makes someone a good president? What makes someone a bad president?
Obviously, we want our presidents to be moral and ethical, and we want them to be as transparent as possible with the citizens. Sometimes they can't be totally transparent—negotiations, economic policies, and so on. But we want our presidents to have courage without taking too many risks. And, of course, we want the country to grow economically, though that doesn't always happen because of one person.
I saw this list where historians ranked all the presidents from 1 to 47. I want to comment on it and share my take on who I think are the best and worst presidents. Some of my picks might surprise you.
Episode Description:
In this episode, James breaks down the rankings of U.S. presidents and offers his unique perspective on who truly deserves a spot in the top 10—and who doesn’t. Looking beyond the conventional wisdom of historians, he examines the impact of leadership styles, key decisions, and constitutional powers to determine which presidents left a lasting, positive impact. From Abraham Lincoln's crisis leadership to the underappreciated successes of James K. Polk and Calvin Coolidge, James challenges popular rankings and provides insights you won't hear elsewhere.
What You’ll Learn:
The key qualities that define a great president beyond just popularity.
Why Abraham Lincoln is widely regarded as the best president—and whether James agrees.
How Franklin D. Roosevelt’s policies might have extended the Great Depression.
The surprising president who expanded the U.S. more than anyone else.
Why Woodrow Wilson might actually be one of the worst presidents in history.
Timestamped Chapters:
[01:30] What makes a great president?
[02:29] The official duties of the presidency.
[06:54] Historians’ rankings of presidents.
[07:50] Why James doesn't discuss recent presidents.
[08:13] Abraham Lincoln’s leadership during crisis.
[14:16] George Washington: the good, the bad, and the ugly.
[22:16] Franklin D. Roosevelt—was he overrated?
[29:23] Harry Truman and the atomic bomb decision.
[35:29] The controversial legacy of Woodrow Wilson.
[42:24] The case for Calvin Coolidge.
[50:22] James K. Polk and America's expansion.
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1:01:49
Inside the JFK Conspiracy: How Brad Meltzer Unearthed a Forgotten Assassination Plot
A Note from James:
Probably no president has fascinated this country and our history as much as John F. Kennedy, JFK. Everyone who lived through it remembers where they were when JFK was assassinated. He's considered the golden boy of American politics. But I didn't know this amazing conspiracy that was happening right before JFK took office.
Best-selling thriller writer Brad Meltzer, one of my favorite writers, breaks it all down. He just wrote a book called The JFK Conspiracy. I highly recommend it. And we talk about it right here on the show.
Episode Description:
Brad Meltzer returns to the show to reveal one of the craziest untold stories about JFK: the first assassination attempt before he even took office. In his new book, The JFK Conspiracy, Brad dives into the little-known plot by Richard Pavlik, a disgruntled former postal worker with a car rigged to explode.
What saved JFK’s life that day? Why does this story remain a footnote in history? Brad shares riveting details, the forgotten man who thwarted the plot, and how this story illuminates America’s deeper fears. We also explore the legacy of JFK and Jackie Kennedy, from heroism to scandal, and how their "Camelot" has shaped the presidency ever since.
What You’ll Learn:
The true story of JFK’s first assassination attempt in 1960.
How Brad Meltzer uncovered one of the most bizarre historical footnotes about JFK.
The untold role of Richard Pavlik in plotting to kill JFK and what stopped him.
Why Jackie Kennedy coined the term "Camelot" and shaped JFK’s legacy.
Parallels between the 1960 election and today’s polarized political climate.
Timestamped Chapters:
[01:30] Introduction to Brad Meltzer and His New Book
[02:24] The Untold Story of JFK's First Assassination Attempt
[05:03] Richard Pavlik: The Man Who Almost Killed JFK
[06:08] JFK's Heroic World War II Story
[09:29] The Complex Legacy of JFK
[10:17] The Influence of Joe Kennedy
[13:20] Rise of the KKK and Targeting JFK
[20:01] The Role of Religion in JFK's Campaign
[25:10] Conspiracy Theories and Historical Context
[30:47] The Camelot Legacy
[36:01] JFK's Assassination and Aftermath
[39:54] Upcoming Projects and Reflections
Additional Resources:
The JFK Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer
Clint Hill's Memoir, Mrs. Kennedy and Me
The Life Magazine Camelot Interview
Watch the 1960 Kennedy-Nixon Debates
James Altucher interviews the world's leading peak performers in every area of life. But instead of giving you the typical success story, James digs deeper to find the "Choose Yourself" story - these are the moments we relate to... when someone rises up from personal struggle to reinvent themselves. The James Altucher Show brings you into the lives of peak-performers: billionaires, best-selling authors, rappers, astronauts, athletes, comedians, actors, and the world champions in every field, all who forged their own paths, found financial freedom and harnessed the power to create more meaningful and fulfilling lives.