The James Altucher Show

A Note from James:This week, there’s a lot happening with Iran. Some strategies the U.S. has tried with them are just mind-boggling. My guest, Ken Timmerman, says it best: Iran is the biggest issue we face right now, and the closest we’ve been to World War III. What went wrong? What could go wrong next?Ken has been covering Iran and terrorism for 40 years. In this episode, we unpack his early days as a hostage of terrorists, the state of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and some downright shocking conclusions. I challenge Ken on some of his points, but his insights are hard to ignore. His new book, The Iran House, is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the history and future of this volatile situation. Here's Ken Timmerman, terrorism expert and author of The Iran House.Episode Description:James sits down with investigative journalist and war correspondent Ken Timmerman to discuss the ongoing threat posed by Iran and its nuclear ambitions. From being held captive by terrorists to winning a $6 billion court j

A Note from James:Oh my gosh. I always feel like my IQ goes up when I talk to Jim Rickards. He has so much knowledge about so many things, but particularly, he's been there, done that when it comes to all things in the economy. Some of his stories about what he's personally seen and done are tied to some of the most famous events in the economy over the past 50 years.Anyway, he wrote a new book, Money GPT, which is about the financial aspects of AI and how it could affect the economy. But we started off with the basics. I just wanted to ask him: What do you think is going to happen in this economy? And we go deep. So, we divided this into two parts.Part one covers everything you need to know about the current state of the U.S. economy. This was a real education for me, and I read a lot about this stuff. So, I’m excited to share it with you. The second part, which will come out later, is all about AI and its effects on the economy.Here's my friend Jim Rickards. I'm sure you're going to enjoy this as much as I

A Note from James:"So in a few hours, as I am saying this. The election of 2024 will begin. I'm doing this podcast on Monday evening, and I wanted to address a couple of important issues that people don't seem to know about in terms of how a presidential election in the United States works. And in particular, there are a couple of loopholes where I think it is possible to legally cheat in this election, and I'm not talking about either candidate but the big question that has been on my mind and on many people's minds, is it possible to quote-unquote, legally cheat in an election?"Episode Description:In this episode, recorded on the eve of the 2024 U.S. presidential election, I dive deep into the complexities of the U.S. electoral system and explore potential legal loopholes that might allow for what I call 'legal cheating' in an election. I clarify that this discussion is unbiased, focusing neither on Democrats nor Republicans specifically. I explain how the U.S. Constitution and state legislatures play key r

A Note from James:"That was insane. Kevin Shipp, 17 years with the CIA, then, he had some wild experiences that led to him leaving the CIA. He wrote, just published a book that he published without the CIA's permission. It's called Twilight of the Shadow Government. And I got almost scared during this interview that maybe I shouldn't even release this podcast episode. I don't want to say anything. He didn't say anything that was like crazy or off the deep end. I just got scared. And when you listen to the episode or, and read the book, you'll see why. So I'm just going to go right into it. And I'd love to hear your comments. Here it is. Twilight of the Shadow Government about the CIA."Episode Description:In this episode, former CIA officer Kevin Shipp sits with James Altucher to unravel secrets and operations that rarely see the light of day. With over 17 years in the CIA, Shipp shares personal experiences that highlight systemic issues, unexplained cover-ups, and the often unchecked influence of intelligence

A Note from James:“Oh my gosh. What a podcast with Naveen Jain. I first had Naveen on in 2014 or 2015, and he remembered it perfectly. That conversation was so fun, I still remember it like it was yesterday. It’s crazy because I’ve done over 1,500 episodes, but that one stuck with me.Back then, we talked about Moon Express and his journey building rockets to the moon. Now, almost ten years later, Naveen has built several other companies, including Viome, which uses cutting-edge technology to analyze your microbiome and help people live longer healthier lives. Today, we’re talking about his new book, The Youth Formula: Outsmart Your Genes and Unlock the Secrets to Longevity.At first, I’ll admit, I was tired of hearing about longevity—everyone seems to be saying the same thing—but Naveen has such a unique take on it. We got into everything: from the role of microbes in our health to fecal transplants (yes, really) and how bacteria can influence personality traits. It was fascinating. We even talked about how ch

A Note from James:"I do think that the most important use case for AI is in extending our lifespans. And I think if this isn’t five or ten years in the future—this is right now. Things are happening in AI that are going to change healthcare overnight. Today, I’m continuing my discussion with Hamed Shahbazi, founder of Well Health. This is a publicly-traded company in Canada, and it’s already impacting millions of lives by applying AI to healthcare.HealWell, one of Hamed’s companies, has processed over 18 million patient records. With this data, their AI can analyze symptoms and assist with diagnosis and treatment options faster than ever. Imagine calling your doctor, and before you even see them, AI has already pieced together potential diagnoses and suggested next steps. This is how we extend lives—prevention is the best cure, after all.In this episode, Hamed and I talk about healthcare AI and how it’s poised to save millions of lives. I’ll be sharing updates on AI and healthcare companies doing interesting

A Note from James:"Are you a member of the river or the village? That’s the question we’re diving into today. Nate Silver—yes, the Nate Silver from 538—joins us with Maria Konnikova, a master of poker and decision-making. Members of the 'river,' as Nate describes, are rational thinkers. They make decisions based on probabilities and data, not emotions. So, are you in the river or the village? Because today, we’re talking about how to think differently about risk—whether it’s betting on an election, making an investment, or even figuring out how to navigate life. Here’s what you need to know."Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher brings together two brilliant minds: Nate Silver, known for his predictive prowess, and Maria Konnikova, a renowned psychologist and poker player. The trio delves into how they make calculated decisions when the stakes are high. With examples from poker, elections, and everyday life, they discuss how we can all navigate a world full of uncertainty. What does it mean to b

In this episode, I engage in a detailed discussion on various geopolitical issues, reflecting my optimism even in challenging times. We revisit historical events such as the Great Recession and 9/11 and discuss the current global situation involving tensions between nations, particularly the roles of the U.S., Israel, Iran, Russia, and China in the context of emerging proxy wars. I express concerns about the potential for World War III, influenced by proxy conflicts and the global arms trade. Throughout, there's an emphasis on the need for strong leadership and innovation in the face of geopolitical challenges. The conversation features Brandon Webb, a Navy SEAL veteran and military content expert, who explores the complexities of modern warfare and international alliances. The dialogue touches on innovations and economic stability amidst ongoing global conflicts, stressing the importance of leadership in averting potential wars.Brandon Webb also highlights insights from his military and intelligence backgrou

A Note from James:Oh my gosh, every time, this is the second time I've talked to Gladys McGarey. Last year she was 102 years old, this year she's 103 years old. She wrote a book, The Well Lived Life: A 102-Year-Old Doctor's Six Secrets to Health and Happiness at Every Age, and it's coming out in paperback.  And every time I read this book, I've read it twice now, and I talk to her, I almost feel like crying, and I don't really know why. It's almost as if she was born with wisdom, but then kept even growing for the next 102 years. Like she drove a Ford Model A car, and now she's talking to me through Zoom on the internet and going on podcasts, writing books. She was a doctor her whole life. She's been all over the world. She's had so many amazing experiences and also has suffered, of course, much loss. I don't think you're going to live to be that age and not have an incredible amount of loss that you have to learn to move past and still be positive and still live every day to its fullest. She had, she was rid

A Note from James:You know, I first had Chris Voss on in 2016. Out of the 1500+ podcasts I’ve done, his is one of the few where I’ve really followed all the advice. His book Never Split the Difference wasn’t just any negotiating book—it’s a survival guide for life, built from his time as the FBI’s lead hostage negotiator. And trust me, if you’re going to take advice from anyone on negotiation, take it from Chris. His tactics don’t just work in life-or-death situations—they work in everyday business, personal relationships, and everything in between.Today, Chris is back on the show for the third time. We talk about his documentary Tactical Empathy, available on Amazon Prime, and what makes a truly great negotiator. Trust me, whether you’re selling a company or just trying to ask for a raise, you’re going to want to listen closely to this one. Negotiation isn’t just a skill—it’s a way of life, and you’ll learn why here.Episode Description:In this episode, James sits down with negotiation expert Chris Voss to di

A Note from James:"Oh my gosh, I am really interested in the history of the presidents of the United States. These are the guys who have not only shaped the country but to some extent have shaped the world. And I say 'these guys' because, let’s be honest, it’s been all men so far. Who knows? There’s a woman running for president now. We’ll see. Kamala Harris, right? Anyway, today I’m excited because we have someone on the show who knows a ton about presidents—Bill O'Reilly. He’s written about some of the most famous, from Kennedy to Reagan to Trump, and his latest book, Confronting the Presidents, gives a no-spin assessment of their legacies. Some of it’s scandalous, honestly, and it was fascinating to chat with Bill about who did what right and who really missed the mark. Plus, we dive into what’s happening in the political landscape today, from the current election to the economy. It’s a jam-packed conversation you don’t want to miss!"Episode Description:In this episode, James sits down with Bill O'Reilly,

Here’s a draft of your podcast show notes based on the Wilbur Ross episode:A Note from James:Wilbur Ross, the man, the myth, the legend. I’m going to be honest, back in 1999, I remember playing a lot of poker at the Mayfair Poker Club in New York City. There was a guy there who worked for Wilbur Ross, who was running huge private equity funds back then. I was jealous because I wanted to work for Wilbur Ross. He’s been a consistent feature in building businesses decade after decade. Most recently, he served as Secretary of Commerce for all four years of the Trump administration.Now, Wilbur has a new book out called Risks and Returns, about his 55-year career building businesses and his experiences in government. So, I can’t believe I had the chance to talk with him about this incredible journey.Episode Description:In this episode, James sits down with Wilbur Ross, one of the most influential business minds of our time. From running one of the largest private equity funds to serving as Secretary of Commerce, Ro

Here are the podcast show notes with all the chapters included:A Note from James:"Sometimes, if you just read the news, it doesn’t always seem like it, but being President of the United States is the highest calling. You have responsibility over the entire economy, the lives of millions, and the direction of the country in war and peace. I’m excited to talk to David Rubenstein today—he’s the head of the Carlyle Group, a $500 billion private equity firm. He also worked for Jimmy Carter, has had presidents work for him, and just published a book called The Highest Calling: Conversations on the American Presidency, where he talks to historians about U.S. Presidents, from George Washington to Nixon and beyond. It’s filled with fascinating insights. Let’s get started."Episode Description:In this episode, James interviews David Rubenstein about his latest book, The Highest Calling, which dives into the complexities of American presidents through interviews with historians and Rubenstein's own reflections. Rubenstei

Episode Description:In this episode, James sits down with Hamed Shahbazi, the CEO of WELL Health Technology, who has been pioneering advancements in healthcare through technology. Hamed shares how AI is not just a tool for the future but a current reality that is reshaping the healthcare industry. From predicting diseases to optimizing treatments, AI is making healthcare more personalized and proactive. Hamed’s insights reveal how these technological advancements are poised to dramatically improve patient outcomes, streamline medical processes, and ultimately save lives.This episode isn't just about the potential of AI in healthcare—it's about the actual changes happening right now. Hamed discusses the importance of data in healthcare and how AI uses this data to make life-saving decisions that were previously unimaginable. If you’re interested in the future of medicine, this episode offers a clear view of what’s coming and what’s already here.What You’ll Learn:The Role of AI in Diagnosing Rare Diseases: Disc

In this episode, I analyze the surprising decision of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to suspend his presidential campaign and endorse Donald Trump, examining the potential ripple effects on the upcoming election. I address several key questions, such as how this decision could influence voter behavior, affect fundraising dynamics, and reshape election strategies for both Trump and Kamala Harris. I delved into my personal experience with RFK Jr., including his appearance on my podcast where he discussed his contentious views on vaccines, which I initially chose not to release due to their controversial nature and my inability to fact-check them at the time.Additionally, I provide a historical perspective by examining past elections where third-party candidates acted as spoilers, such as Ralph Nader in the 2000 election and Theodore Roosevelt in the 1912 election. These examples highlight the significant impact a third-party candidate can have on election outcomes. The script further explores RFK Jr.'s speech and newly

A Note from James:"Marshall, you have the best name in the world for someone who’s going to write about leadership. I would hire you as a coach just for your name alone—Marshall Goldsmith, it just sounds perfect. For those who aren’t familiar, and I’ll do an intro, you’ve written an enormous number of successful leadership books, selling over 3 million copies. You’ve coached Fortune 500 CEOs, and you’re launching MarshallGoldsmith.AI, your new AI venture. Let’s get into what it means to be a good coach."Episode Description:In this episode of The James Altucher Show, James welcomes Marshall Goldsmith, one of the world’s leading executive coaches and a best-selling author. Marshall shares his insights on leadership, coaching, and the often-overlooked distinction between happiness and achievement. With a career that spans decades, Marshall’s wisdom is not just theoretical; it’s backed by his experience coaching some of the most successful leaders in the world.Listeners will discover why coaching isn’t just about

In this episode, I delve into the current political climate in anticipation of the 2024 election. We analyze the past eight years, focusing on key figures like Trump, Hillary Clinton, Biden, and Kamala Harris, and discuss crucial issues such as cybersecurity and election integrity. Scott Adams joins us to share insights from his 'Coffee with Scott Adams' show, evaluating media influence, polling, and the strategies of political parties. We also discussed the Livestream that Elon Musk did with Former President Trump on "X". Additionally, here are my takeaways from the livestream.We discuss the polarization of society, the role of mental health in politics, and leaders' decision-making processes influenced by impactful ideas. Additionally, we touch on the emergence of the 'Internet Dads,' a non-partisan group advocating for common-sense solutions, and provide tips to navigate fake news and connect with the electorate. Join us as we explore the complexities of today's political landscape and the possibilities fo

A Note from James:Is our military way behind other countries in terms of using the latest technology with AI, with drones, with biotech, with cybersecurity? I think for many years we know we're behind on supersonic weapons. Are we behind on AI? How did Hamas send undetected a thousand or so paragliders into Israel without Israel detecting it? Are we behind on the AI that's in sensors? What is going on?So, with the help of Chris Kirchhoff, who wrote the book "Unit X: How the Pentagon and Silicon Valley are Transforming the Future of War," we answer these questions and more.Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher hosts Christopher Kirchhoff to explore the critical question: Is the US military lagging behind in technology? They discuss the current technological shortcomings of the military, historical contexts, and how metrics of military power are evolving. Kirchhoff provides an insightful analysis of the Hamas attack as a case study to highlight technological vulnerabilities and failures. The conve

A Note from James:So, in 2006, I was starting this company called StockPicker. This random guy calls me out of the blue and says, "I want to be CEO of your company. I just sold Golf.com and now I'm figuring out what to do." So we meet for breakfast, and he gave me all these ideas that were great. I stole all of them, built up StockPicker, and sold it. This guy and his wife then started their own company, and eventually sold it for $800 million. We've been friends all along. Even though I rejected him and stole his ideas, I'm glad he did much better than if he had joined StockPicker. They decided to come on the podcast and share their secrets of entrepreneurship. So, here’s Michael and Kass Lazerow, two extraordinary entrepreneurs and friends.Episode Description:In this episode, James Altucher sits down with Michael and Kass Lazerow, the dynamic duo behind Buddy Media, a company they built and sold for $800 million. They share their journey from the early days of cold emailing and breakfast meetings to navigat

A Note from James:"So, you know, just like last week, I wanted to bring a somewhat neutral point of view to all the wild conspiracy theories, allegations, rumors, and actual facts about the Trump assassination attempt. I wanted to comment on the conspiracy theories. What are the facts? What could be our open questions? And just state the truth about what's going on without any BS political bias. The reason there's bias is that right from the beginning, we have an election coming up. Democrats want to win. Republicans want to win. They hate each other. And so, they keep throwing these weird accusations at each other. Some of which may be true, most of which are not.So now, we have Biden basically dropping out of the race. Kamala taking his place. What's being said? What is this being compared to? What has happened in the past? What are the conspiracies, and what's true and what's not? Someone actually wrote to me and said they were quite upset. I was taking a neutral point of view. I won't say what party this