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Alcohol Addiction, 100-Mile Races & A Broken Back | Rich Roll

Ken Rideout

26,995 views

Rich Roll (‪@richroll‬) is a former Stanford swimmer and entertainment attorney whose life unraveled when alcoholism and unhealthy habits brought him to the brink of collapse. With two DUIs, a marriage that ended on the honeymoon, lost friendships and family relationships, Rich finally faced enough pain to motivate change.

This is the story of Rich’s reinvention through sobriety, plant-based nutrition, and an almost unbelievable immersion into endurance sports—transforming himself from an out-of-shape lawyer into one of the world’s fittest men. His journey is an extraordinary example of personal responsibility, spiritual growth, and the power of incremental change.

Rich is now a bestselling author, leading podcaster, and wellness advocate. His numerous personal transformations, along with those of his guests on The Rich Roll Podcast, have inspired millions of people around the world.

Subscribe to the podcast on other platforms: http://lnk.to/the-other-side-of-hardYT

Thank you to our sponsors
Ketone-IQ: https://ketone.com/rideout
Rho Nutrition: https://rhonutrition.com code RIDEOUT
Athletic Brewing: https://athleticbrewing.com code RIDEOUT
Athletic Nicotine: https://athleticnicotine.com/rideout

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Gratitude
00:27 Reflecting on Impact and Purpose
01:54 Discussing Hard Times and Overcoming Challenges
02:56 The Dark Days of Alcoholism
05:35 Consequences and Legal Troubles
07:30 The Turning Point and Seeking Help
10:23 Rehabilitation and Recovery Journey
11:15 Facing the Reality of Addiction
23:34 The Marriage That Wasn't Meant to Be
32:05 The Path to Sobriety
42:55 Reflecting on Life's Blessings
43:54 Gratitude and Sobriety
44:15 Helping Those Who Feel Stuck
45:15 The Reality of Alcoholism
45:49 Day-to-Day Survival in Sobriety
46:43 Building a Foundation of Sobriety
49:33 Endurance Sports as Therapy
50:36 Struggles and Triumphs in Endurance Sports
52:36 The Journey to Self-Acceptance
01:01:23 Back Surgery and Recovery
01:16:39 The Podcast Journey
01:24:26 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

#richroll #podcast

20 Comments

@richroll 10 months ago

Thanks for having me buddy. Hope anyone who comes across this finds value!

@ryanegan4413 1 month ago

Over preparedness is fear masked. What an eye opening statement. Loved this interview. Thank you fellas.

@atolman1 6 months ago

Rich Roll has given me hope and made me want to be a better person.

@piercemaxwell1668 2 months ago

Great episode

@ChristyMarshall-z3u 9 months ago

Appreciate the honesty and openness.

@1paulpisano 10 months ago

Wonderful conversation. First time that I've heard Rich tell that relapse story after the DNF at Ultraman. I greatly appreciate the vulnerability, wisdom, and positivity that you both continue to share publicly.

@kevinmcalpine6929 9 months ago

Im coming up on 5 years sober. For years I thought I was a functioning alcoholic because I went to work everyday and looked good from the outside. On the inside I was killing myself for years. Its sooo much better on this side! Going to meetings and sponsoring other guys keeps me sober instead of worrying about my damn self!!!!!

@apostolis_23 10 months ago

Ken, you over delivered with this episode buddy! Thank you.

@MsSheilaC 9 months ago (edited)

Thanks to both of you. Ive read Rich's book and found numerous ppl, including David Goggins (read his books too) because of Rich's long format podcasts and youtube. Also John Joseph, and I subsequently read his books too!

Rich has inspired many, and enriched lives through his work. Thank you

p.s. day 65 no alcohol ❤

@Jim_L 9 months ago

I really found this interview engrossing. I'd never heard before about Rich's later-stage alcohol relapse around the time of the release of his bestselling first book, and my takeaway is how simply human it made him come across. It was such a special moment in this talk. Great interview, you two! 👍

@Run4YourWhy 9 months ago

Love this conversation. Just received my 12 month chip yesterday and although it was given to me, it’s been the greatest gift I’ve ever given myself. I have so much empathy for those struggling through the same thing whether they’re aware of it or not. I have no regrets about the past as all of it shaped who I am today which is a man who sees the world through a lens of gratitude 🙏

@bretstevens262 9 months ago

Ken, you made us better! Thank you!

@namename6459 10 months ago

Great interview, and can we take a moment to recognize that they both have great hair? Amazing for their age.

@mic8026 5 months ago

Laid up with back issues too.... I think it's an important lesson in life to slow down and be present with yourself... He articulated this so well.... Quite humbling when you're grateful just to be walking

@officialforwardmovement 6 months ago

Man, I needed those last 4 minutes ….

@vanooshka9855 9 months ago

Really enjoyed this conversation. You are both an inspiration to a lot of people.

@davidfilar 9 months ago

Rich is the reason I discovered Ken's story, so the opening to this podcast was perfect for me. You both are massive inspirations and while I knew both of your stories, this podcast was a great refresh and listen. Appreciate you both. Subscribed!

@screendrem 10 months ago

Stellar conversation. I needed that.

@MatteaMaddison-re5zm 8 months ago

Work in the field of Addictions I have a sister who has 37 years and a brother who has seven❤️

@SeanLawn71 10 months ago (edited)

First saw Ken Rideout going beast mode running to Vegas with BPN. And who doesn’t know Rich Roll’s story as well. Huge inspiration to me. I’m going through it as well but I’m slowly rising out. Running trails has become my new addiction. Great stuff right here men!