The James Altucher Show

Jason SurfrApp (formerly Jason Headsetsdotcom & Jason Sadler) is as unconventional a marketer and entrepreneur as you'll find anywhere. He's an idea machine who knows how to execute his ideas. He created IWearYourShirt, a company that used sponsored t-shirts to promote businesses on social media, and in 2012 and 2013, he auctioned off his last name to the highest bidders.  James and Jason dive into what it takes to really build a buzz, and talk about whether traditional PR companies are worth the money they charge. Jason has found a better way... He just asks. That may seem easy, but it's really a huge amount of work to do it right. Do you have a "trust circle"? James and Jason talk about how important it is to have one. Frustrated by the confusing landscape of book publishers and book agents, Jason chose himself by self-publishing and raising over $75,000 through sponsorships in his book Creativity For Sale before a single word was written or a single copy of the book sold.   ------------What do YOU thin

If you listen to only one podcast this year than this has to be the one.  James and Peter talk about Peter's brand new book Zero To One, which James says is the best business book, he's read in a long long time... But they cover so much more.   Where is the next technological innovation? How to utilizing the 10x rule What characteristics of PayPal led to the PayPal mafia? Why working with your friends OK What did peter see in Mark Zuckerburg? What it was like turning down a billion dollars The Chinese refrigerator rule Will Über be a success? Where would Peter put his retirement money?   "I think that when people come out of super successful companies like a Google or a Microsoft, they've often experienced business as too easy, and then they're set up to fail, whereas if you come out of a company that's completely blown up and failed, you often learn to set your sights lower and your expectations lower, and so I think failure is also somewhat overrated in our society because, you know, it actually does damage

Grammy Award-winning and multi-platinum artist Coolio joins The James Altucher Show to share his story of success.With more than 30 million records sold globally, Coolio gives a side to his story that most people don't know.Teacher? Psychologist? Author? There are many surprising career paths that Coolio he had interests in pursuing...You'll hear how his love of music and his ability to understand and connect with people enabled him to create hip-hop poetry unlike anyone else.Something that most people don't realize is that one of Coolio's biggest hits, "Gangsta's Paradise," caused him some career conflicts... and here you get all the details.What is truly inspiring is his passion for life and his ability to choose himself. From a rough childhood and being bullied to creating his career from scratch, you get the exclusive details from Coolio himself.He is living proof that believing in yourself is a skill, one that everyone can master if they put their minds to it. ------------What do YOU think of the show? H

Our guest this week has been featured on shows like NBC's Last Comic Standing and The Jay Leno Show.She has also worked with comedians like Amy Schumer, Keith Robinson, and Jim Norton.One of the hottest performers in the comedy scene, Marina Franklin, joins The James Altucher Show to talk about her successes, struggles, and life lessons.In more ways than one, comedy is all about timing...From her early childhood, to the start of her comedy career, to her dating life, you get to hear the real story behind Marina Franklin.You'll hear how she started out in acting, but quickly realized that her true passion was for comedy. Find out what drove her to pursue it to the fullest.Like many other professions, failure is something that most comedians face.How do you come back from failure? How do you move on and figure out your future?Today, Marina shares her personal struggle with failure and how she was able to overcome the "moments" and move on to a successful future.Her story is proof that we should never be afraid

If you are familiar with TruTV and their hit show Hardcore Pawn, then you already know todays guest.Seth Gold, a fourth generation pawnbroker joins The James Altucher Show to share his insight into the pawn business.Have you ever walked into a pawn shop?If you have, you probably didn't think of the establishment as a bank. But that is exactly what they are. They are banks for people that don't have bank accounts and Seth breaks down why the business is so lucrative.Could this be the industry for you to start a business in?Here you get the real story behind one of the most successful businesses out there.Today Seth demonstrates the art of negotiating in a way that you won't hear anywhere else.Starting at the very bottom and going on to be named the 2013 National Pawnbrokers Association Pawnbroker of the Year, you get to hear the real success story straight from the source.Seth is living proof that if you do what you love, and put in the time and effort, success will follow. ------------What do YOU think of the

Have you ever wondered who the brilliant minds are behind some of the biggest hits in the entertainment industry?Well, today we have a special treat for you...Today one of the masterminds behind several hit series including, "The Sopranos," "The Shield," and "Dexter," James Manos, joins The James Altucher Show.For the most part we can all say that we have enjoyed the "happily ever after" stories... But something has happened to the American culture that has altered the way we view entertainment.One event that has caused such a fluctuation to our culture according to James Manos was 9/11.You'll hear how reality has made a huge impact on the creativity behind the entertainment industry.HBO is known to have some of the best series... how do they acquire these "big hits"?Here, the truth behind one of America's favorite cable networks is revealed...Plus, if you have ever wanted to know how some of these successful writers were able to create such amazing careers?Well... look no further.James shares how all of his

James' guest this week not only wrote his favorite investment book, Get Rich Carefully, but has been a colleague and close personal friend for many years.Host of Mad Money & Co-Anchor of CNBC's Squawk on the Street, Jim Cramer joins The James Altucher Show, and displays a side of himself that many people never get the opportunity to see.If you are familiar with and enjoy Jim's commentary on finance and investing then get ready to hear an interview that reveals his confessions and successes in many different fields... James and Jim have not even talked to each other in about five years before doing this interview... so there is plenty to un-hash and dig out of the dark.It's all revealed and laid out for listeners... We hope you are ready because you won't get this kind of energy and enthusiasm about stocks and investments anywhere else! ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!A

The stories and headlines that we hear and see about North Korea could be enough to keep anyone from traveling to the country.Or even the simple fact that Americans are generally NOT welcomed would be a clear warning to never travel there.But for our guest this week, that only enticed her more.This week, Wendy Simmons, professional photographer and worldwide traveler of over 85 countries, joins The James Altucher Show to share what is really going on in North Korea.From the moment she entered the country to the day she left, she was assigned a handler to escort her every move.With a "military-first" policy and the basic idea that nobody has free will... It's hard to believe that anybody would venture willingly into such a country.Here you will hear Wendy's first-hand experiences and the truth of what she has encountered.Forget most of what you think you know... because in this interview, everything about the world's most militarized society is revealed in a new light. ------------What do YOU think of the show

If you are tired of living in the dark, being lied to, and sick of wasting your time... then this is the show you have been waiting for... Ramit Sethi, author of I Will Teach You to Be Rich, joins The James Altucher Show, to share his personal success story and how he has made a living out of doing what he loves most... inspiring others to find their passion.The workforce is being bombarded by recent college graduates that are materially ambitious yet financially clueless... Millions of jobs applications are filled out every day, but once you fill out that online application, what's next?Are you being proactive? Do you have control of your future? Have you even considered what other actions and responsibilities you should be doing in the meantime?HINT: There are MANY things that you should be doing.Ramit's book, I Will Teach You to Be Rich, has proven to be a practical and detailed approach on personal finance, banking, saving, budgeting, and investing. And today, you get to hear straight from the source what

James says it's his worst interview ever and that he has never felt more awkward or embarrassed.We think it could be one of the best yet!We decided to play off of the awkwardness and embarrassing moments in the interview and bring to you something we know you haven't heard anywhere else.Enter, Biz Markie, hip-hop legend and James' hero.If you are familiar with the hit song "Just a Friend" then you already know at least one of his many hits.From making it as one of the top names in hip-hop to "choosing himself" and losing 150 pounds... Biz shares it all!Most of people don't know about the many careers that Biz Markie has been able to master. He has gone from rapping to DJ-ing to acting to managing a business.But what is really remarkable about him is his attitude... doing what he loves and not worrying about making millions. Money should just be a side effect of doing what you are truly passionate about.For Biz, that is his many business ventures... He chose himself by having multiple sources of income to supp

Each week, we get to hear little snippets of James Altucher's life, but we never get the full story.Today that changes. Today, Claudia turns the tables on James and interviews HIM. If you know James, you have heard him say that he has lost and made millions back and at times mention that he felt as if he was going to die.So Claudia jumps right into the questions that so many of us want to know more about. "Why were you going to die?""People lose money every day... how many millions did you lose?""How did you lose it? How did you make it back again?" James reveals all the mistakes that led to his darkest moments... times where he thought he would never see the light again.Divorced, no job, completely broke, millions have been lost. When you feel that your children would be better off with your life-insurance policy instead of you... how do you come back from something like that?And... James reveals a HUGE secret that nobody else knows... not even Claudia.He has always been open and honest with his listeners an

Noah Kagan, an American Internet entrepreneur and founder of AppSumo, joins The James Altucher Show.Noah gets asked the same question every time he gives an interview... "Why were you fired from Facebook?"But today... he shares it all with James and you get to hear the real story.Noah shares two secrets that he hasn't ever told in an interview before.He was fired as one of the first employees of Facebook and he left probably $100,000,000 behind if he had stayed.He tells James exactly what happened. Why he was fired. What he did afterwards. And... what he's doing now (its genius).Then... the interview veers in a different direction that changes James' life and maybe it will change yours as well. Noah tells James that one of the first steps to success is to get over your fears.Noah presents James with a challenge. It may sound simple, but he encourages all of the listeners to go out and try it as well.IT'S UNCOMFORTABLE.Going outside the comfort zone will put you in THE ZONE. THE ZONE is much bigger than the co

Tim Ryan, U.S representative for the 13th district of Ohio and author of A Mindful Nation, joins The James Altucher Show.When you think of politics and Congress, meditation is not usually something that jumps out in your mind.But today, that is precisely the case. Tim joins The James Altucher Show to talk about how cutting stress... Being mindful and aware of others is the number one way to create a less chaotic nation.Just like James, Tim has created a daily practice for himself to exercise his idea muscle and figure out alternative routes to everyday problems.Tim presents listeners with a simple strategy that when applied and practiced can help with any problems that you may have... We live in a world where there is a pill for any problem. Do we want to live in a society where our children, politicians, teachers, family, and friends are heavily medicated?Or are there more effective and natural ways to heal our bodies and minds?James and Tim go through several techniques that everyone can use to better their

Today, James interviews his close friend and author of Happy Endings: The Tales of a Meaty-Breasted Zilch, Jim Norton.You may know Jim from his various appearances on shows or even his own stand-up routines. But what you don't know is the process behind all his achievements.Here is where you meet the real Jim Norton. You'll learn how he overcame the darkest part of his life and decided to rise above it all and "choose himself."Just like James, Jim found it difficult to perform in front of an audience, but he shares his strategy for connecting and building a quick rapport with a crowd.He gives several other tactics that have helped him overcome the anxiety and doubt that builds during his shows. His examples could be approaches that help you cure your own stage fright.Something that James and Jim both believe in is honesty. An audience responds to honesty and it's what will always work in your favor.Not only will it free you from guilt and stress, it will protect you if the truth is ever questioned in the futu

In today's interview Judy Joo tells us how she went from being a high-paid Wall Street analyst to a low-paid chef. ------------What do YOU think of the show? Head to JamesAltucherShow.com/listeners and fill out a short survey that will help us better tailor the podcast to our audience!Are you interested in getting direct answers from James about your question on a podcast? Go to JamesAltucherShow.com/AskAltucher and send in your questions to be answered on the air!------------Visit Notepd.com to read our idea lists & sign up to create your own!My new book, Skip the Line, is out! Make sure you get a copy wherever books are sold!Join the You Should Run for President 2.0 Facebook Group, where we discuss why you should run for President.I write about all my podcasts! Check out the full post and learn what I learned at jamesaltuchershow.com------------Thank you so much for listening! If you like this episode, please rate, review, and subscribe to "The James Altucher Show" wherever you get your podcasts: Apple

This week, Adam Braun, New York Times bestselling author and the founder of the charity Pencils of Promise, joins The James Altucher Show.  Today you will hear how Adam found his purpose in life and what near-disaster made him realize he was meant to live doing what he loved. "When you are pushed to your limit and you are faced with your own mortality, it's the expectation, almost knowledge that you have something more to live for." This is how Adam describes the moment that changed his life forever.  You probably haven't had a near death experience, but today you will learn that there is more than one way to find your purpose in life - Adam describes three. Adam has backpacked around the world, risked his life, and gained knowledge that led him to start an extraordinary charitable organization. This leads James to ask him... "Was it worth it to go to college, given that a lot of the impactful things that happened to you happened outside the classroom?"  You won't want to miss Adams response. You'll also find

This week, Kamal Ravikant, a serial entrepreneur and author of Live Your Truth, joins The James Altucher Show to talk about the secret to his success.Today's interview will reveal a side to Kamal that many people have not seen before. He shares his past... from his time in the military to the time he was bed-ridden. There are many life lessons and hardships that he has risen above... and it's here that you get the exclusive details.His experiences will remind listeners that everything can change in the blink of an eye. No matter how good or bad a situation is, it will change.Part of Kamal's success is his skillful investing techniques, and now you will hear what he specifically looks for when picking these enterprises.James asks Kamal to share the trends in the technology sector he is excited about (that nobody else knows about yet). Find out why he is excited about what he calls "the new Internet." He describes it as having no government, no private company, no middle man; it will be communication without ce

This week, Seth Godin, founder and CEO of Squidoo.com joins The James Altucher Show to talk about some of the ideas behind his many bestsellers. He'll also share how he got started on his entrepreneurial path.James starts the interview by asking Seth to introduce a side of himself that many people might not know about.You'll hear how his summer as a camp instructor was where he really discovered his passion for helping people. This time of his life also is where many of the themes of his books originated.Discover which two books were most influential to James while he was starting his internet business... they could be the inspiration that you have been looking for, as well.Then, James asks Seth to talk about what the first real big push into success was for him. It was a highly successful company that you have probably never heard of.You'll find out which company it was and why Yahoo was so impressed they decided to buy it.Just like James, Seth believes in the power of storytelling. You'll hear him break dow

Today's show is a little different. Aaron is out so James asked his wife, Claudia, to join as his co-host to talk about their new book, The Power of No.How many times have you heard yourself saying "yes" to the wrong things - overwhelming requests, bad relationships, time-consuming obligations? How often have you wished you could summon the power to turn them down?James and Claudia talk about how this book is a practical guide that helps you take back that power - and shows that a well-placed "no" can not only save you time and trouble... it can save your life.Drawing on their own stories as well as feedback from their readers and students, James and Claudia clearly show that you have the right to say no to:*    Anything that is hurting you*    Standards that no longer serve you*    People who drain you of your creativity and expression*    Beliefs that are not true to the real you"It's one thing to say no," the authors explain, "it's another thing to have the 'Power of No.' When you do, you will have a stron

This week, Adam Carolla, American comedian and host of The Adam Carolla Show, joins The James Altucher Show.You probably know Adam best from his show on Comedy Central, The Man Show. But what you might not know is how the show actually originated.Today, Adam reveals the secret to the show that may shock many listeners.Like James, Adam chose a more unconventional path in life.He was a college dropout who tried every job in the book. But with perseverance, he was able to go around the gatekeepers of the industry that he wanted to pursue. You'll hear all the struggles and hurdles that got Adam to where he is today.A humbling side of Adam is revealed as he shares the story of his first consistent paying job where the little things meant so much to him. Things as simple as sitting in air conditioning and getting paid to interview people... He says he just could not fathom the idea of it.Even when his ideas were shut down, he found incentive to move forward and continue building his idea muscle... Here, you'll lear