WIN OR DIE: Ken Rideout Has Zero Tolerance For Excuses 

Listening to this jet fuel at 6am with my morning coffee. Monday and I’m coming in hot.

I listened to this conversation after a day taking care of my mother, who has Alzheimer's. Walking and running in the night while listening was kind of soothing. Thanks both of you.

I could listen to this guy talk for days. What a great storyteller. I hope he comes back on again.

I had never heard of Ken prior to this podcast, but after listening to him, I love the guy! To be so raw and transparent takes some major balls. Amazing podcast, Rich! Keep up the great work!

This guy is crazy in the best possible way. Love this so much. Giggling through this whole interview.

What a great human. Humble and kind.

If there was one pod cast I had to listen for the rest of life is this one! Absolutely legendary. Thank you

I know Ken from his podcast with Teddy Atlas and Rich from his amazing running career and veganism. Very inspiring! I'm 65 and my training is far from this insane level but I am consistently getting stronger. 33+ years whole food vegan.

This might be the best guest ever. Love this dude. Had not heard of him before but.

This 56 (almost 57 yo WD) is so grateful for this kind of motivation and advice. Thanks, Rich! Thanks, Ken!

Being a Brit and new to this space, I was unaware of Ken, his back story and achievements. What a guy.

This guy is magnetic, smiling from ear to ear watching him. What a great guest!

We need more people like Ken in this world. Loved this interview (same as the first one from a year ago). Favourite part:”(…) you have to believe in yourself to the point where you’re willing to die to win… I’ll win this race or I’ll die trying.” Great footage from the Gobi desert race too 🖤🔥

It's one of the best podcasts ever. Life changing. So honest and so powerful 👏🏽

I love this interview. It’s one I’ll listen to several more times because Ken Rideout is a pretty fine example of what is possible. His message is inspiring because he’s the real deal.

"What the fuck about me tells you I need help?" I get a lot of unsolicited advice about running from people who aren't doin the thing, and that is exactly what runs through my head. I'm from Rhode Island. Ken, ya sound like home! Glad to see you so powerful and grateful. ☄️

You grow when you walk into the discomfort. Great inspiration from to badass men🌻👣

This dude is amazing. Love his humility and spirit.

Wow. I can relate to this so much and I’m nowhere near Ken’s level. I think I enjoyed this more than anything I’ve listened to in a long time. Very inspirational and thought provoking. Thank you.

Dang I really needed this, especially the lazy part. Used to be active, loved biking, hiking, walking, dancing but after losing my dad and uncle who were the last of my “rocks”, it totally changed me and I have more down than up days. The wind blows and I get off course for months at a time. I’m 61 with health issues, I have to get my big butt in gear, time is running out! Thank you both👊🏽

1:09:20 I think the question of "what is the psychological framework behind Ken's constant drive" is not nuanced enough or too nuanced in a way. Sometimes it's simply that our nervous systems have stimulus needs. Some people's CNS needs less than others. But Ken seems to have a high need for intense energy release to keep himself regulated. Many people are dysregulated because they aren't getting their physiological sensory needs met. It's not always psychological.

I've been listening to Rich Roll on a weekly basis for about 6 months, not quite sure. I haven't missed one podcast! So many incredible guests and Rich is such a great moderator. I'm a big fan of no excuses (I've listened to the book "No Excuses" by Brian Tracy 5 or 6 times and to say the least, it worked) so this one really hit home! It is hard to listen to people make excues and justifications for poor decision making and time management. Anyhow, I've been meaning to go back and write out this part that I really liked, so here it is: Q&A: Q: What would you say to someone who is like me, who is just lazy. I can’t get off the couch.. I can’t get myself in to that gear. A: I would say exercise like your life depends on it, because it does. And if you are lazy, then, hey, do your thing. Its like what would you tell someone who is addicted to drugs and deep in the thralls of addiction. I’d say when he is ready to get healthy, he will get healthy, but you can’t tell someone to get healthy. You can’t tell someone to get sober, you know this. And that is why they have interventions, and they usually don’t work. Because you can’t will somebody into willingness. Honestly, if this person was talking and said “dude I just don’t feel it” I’d say “then brother, then don’t do it for yourself - do it for your wife, do it for your children. Have some pride in yourself, dig deep man”. You don’t have to run marathons but you can’t fucking walk for 30 minutes a day? You can’t do 20 pushups? Those little things become contagious. It becomes a snowball rolling down a mountain. It will gain momentum. But its just straight physics. A body in motion will tend to stay in motion and a body at rest will tend to stay at rest, unless acted upon by an outside force, you. You’re in control of this like you only have one life, why would you, the only thing you are in control of is your body, why would you squander and neglect the fucking greatest gift you could ever receive.

I appreciate how vulnerable he gets . Especially about crying

What a humble, no BS guy. I’m really glad I hit play on this episode today and have taken so much from it. Listening to this is the best 2 hour investment I’ll make in myself today. Cheers Ken & Rich.

“You can’t be afraid to fail” …..what a great motto for life! Great interview and an inspiration. Well done peeling back some layers to go deeper into the drive of Ken. Awesome interview.

This was a really amazing and helpful conversation. Thank you gentlemen for sharing 🙏

Im just half way through, but you guys are so awesome. Im not into running and i didn't know Ken but i am so impressed with his energy and art of interisting and honest story telling. That was so good. Thanks Rich for the interview. Wich we have Podcasts like this here in Germany...

This is one of my fav RRP interviews. Thanks.

The question Rich asked at 1:08, who is Ken without running? Such a great thing for any of us to contemplate. Currently going through this with my husband as he navigates being newly disabled from a stroke. Prior to stroke, successful chiropractor, musician, golfer for 35+ years. Now that that's stripped away, he has the "opportunity" to explore who he really is. Difficult work, but also so insightful. In the moments when he feels useless because he can't do what he once did I encourage him to adopt a perspective of curiosity. Who could I be now? Inquiry seems to create opening for possibility. Shame always keeps us stuck. Love love love these conversations, Rich! Keep them coming!

Man, I love Ken Rideout. What a pace setter for all men.

Loved this, Ken you inspire, Rich these conversations are incredible, you’re gifted and a master of your craft.

Thank you for posting these I listen every day while I work out blessings

Insightful questioning here Rich.

Enjoyed this hugely. Thanks. Maybe ‘don’t die’ but understand the sentiment. “A body in motion will tend to stay in motion” 🙌🏼

What an awesome episode. I needed to hear this.

Thank you for your inspiring podcasts Rich, this is another of my favourites 🙏I love the connection and flow of conversation between you both. You are such lovely, humble and relatable beings.

The guy's a beast. Showing that age really is a state of mind and being natural is key.

Ken you are so inspiring. Literally every word that you say is so motivating. Rich your podcast are so valuable and important. Please bring Ken back on❤

So inspiring. I needed this. TY!

Awesome episode. Ken is inspirational and super affable. Thank you both.

Its so good to hear these inspiring stories! I am on a journey and have no idea of the outcome, but the dream is big and vision is clear. Rest will be defined by time and this was my gym workout podcast today

Ken is the FRICKIN’ MAN! Thanks Rich for digging in to this unit and giving him your platform

Thank you for the inspiration per usual - loved your last interview but loved this one even more. Keep growing and doing man ❤

Rich wow thank you so so so so so much!!! Been listening to your podcast since i started riding in 2013! And at the beginning of the year i started listening to your podcast about sobriety! And now I’m 7 months sober and everything is changing And now I’m making magic in my story bro thank

Incredibly motivating podcast with two inspirational superstars. Thank you

Great episode!

Ken is the real deal. Grateful for more of him.

Thanks for this great conversation and for sharing this epic story!❤‍🔥

Wicked coverage with Ken and you 😊 Great stories with amazing struggles

Great conversation! Thanks so much!!!

❤️🎉 Thank you 🎉❤

Oh my g wiz this is another level! Can’t wait to be 50 u all are crushin it!!!! Listening to his family life relationship with wife all so so so so powerful!

Awesome!! I had not heard of Ken... but so glad I listened to this interview. Great inspiration and words of wisdom. I'm (soon to be) 64 and still training daily for endurance sports - mainly triathlon (70.3) and long bike events. Rim to Rim to Rim is on the calendar for 2024. I shared this interview with my kids - hoping they can appreciate and absorb the wisdom that was shared. Thanks, Ken for sharing your journey - and congrats on all of your success - and thanks Rich for continuing to inspire! (Powered by plants!) 💪

Loved this episode so much. One of my favorites

Thank you very much for this excellent interview..

Ken is a source of inspiration..love him🔱💪

What an inspiration this Guy. Old school

Stellar pod RRP crew! Thanks

Awesome podcast, seriously enjoyed

This just popped up in my feed today, and damn what a timing! I am going for 100k for the first time tomorrow and really needed this advice!

Amazing content

Now i know why i am a fan of Ken Rideout and Teddy Atlas. Ken ex-prison guard,beat his opiod addiction, love of fighters,sports,running! Ken and Teddy, the best!

Spectacular guest. Many thanks

Love this pod

Nothing changes if nothing changes love it

Fantastic interview. So many great lessons. Can’t wait for him to come back to work through the comment obsession! What a great lesson about disrespecting the positive by responding to the negative. Also loved the segment about laziness-why squander the greatest gift we’ve been given when our bodies are capable of so much. The very real sentiment behind the YOLO expression. Love the podcast.

Best moment of interview was when Ken told Rich that he could have eaten half a cow

Good afternoon Rich and Ken I'm currently (I think) exiting mental health addiction nursing due to multiple diverse but mostly shocking and very unhappy hard reasons. This will and is the toughest thing I've done career wise anyway. Just don't know what I will choose to try next! Super distressing and exciting all at once. Just know after eighteen years of Nursing, this isn't and won't be easy. Super grateful for your shared experience and story. Super aspirational. 💜

Listened to this on a 10 mile run (fitting). Tony A’s original 12 steps (aca): we take a fearless and blameless inventory of our parents because in essence we had become them… great courage to face it/inventory the loss as well as identify those lingering childish, emotionally sensitive and grandiose behaviors. I cannot drink again but my self esteem can be restored. We move from hurting to healing to helping

Thank you for the message of perseverance. I so suck at swimming and I want to get better to do my first trialthon.

right now i'm feeling exactly the same as what Rich is talking about at 1:43:30 moving and using my body is part of my identity, i love to train and exercise, love sports, and i also choose to work with farming which require as well physical work because i love to keep my body active, i feel like is just really good for my mental health as well and keeps me happy, i just hate to feel stationary. but i've been dealing with many injuries since months and months, ankle inflamation and instability, elbow tendonitis and i'm waiting for my knee surgery. all of this has brought me down a lot and i don't feel the same anymore as a person in my whole, i'd give away all my savings for going back to normal again. feeling weak both physically and mentally and the frustration of not being able to express your potential. this is teaching me that there's nothing more precious than our functioning body, and it motivates me to get into even better shape and bless the luck of having a healthy body when i'm gonna heal from all of this. thanks rich for what you do with your interviews, is always inspiring hearing the stories of such commited and humble persons

Ken u r so frikn awesome I’m so excited to get to 50 🎉

Geez what a good fricken pod. Congrats guys.

Another good one! 👍…

This is so inspiring ! I have my shoes on !

☀️ 🐫 Brilliant pod guys ❤

This is Red pill knowledge!!!! Beautiful 🎉

I love this guy! 😂

I love this dude!

Wow, a headline with a little bit dangerous message. I have cfs. I got there by pushig my limits too much. Yes go out of your comfort zone, but only when you already know what your body needs to stay healthy. Looking after your self and staying healthy is also important. Not every body adapts to everything. And there are excuses that are valid. Enjoyed the interview anyway.

The most important story is the one that you tell yourself!

Wow, no messing around. RICH - Please look into spirituality author & international speaker (nonduality), Rupert Spira's work - youtube, & consider having him on your podcast. Incredible clarity & depth of understanding that he transmits flawlessly! Kind, humble, no ego & incredibly present. Reminds me of HH Dalai Lama, without the TB lingo.

Some one said jet fuel ! Absolutely loved it

• I love that that semi crazy Michael Jordan psyche is packaged within him ….but harnessed. It’s something that you almost have to use your imagination to relate to. And it could definitely hinder a person if it wasn’t reigned in etc. But he’s such an awesome disciplined person Plus his life’s trajectory is beyond honorable….I love when people start cookin after the age of 40.

Thanks Kenny, Heading out for some hill training and Ill kill a few extra thanks to you and RR ! passing this podcast around to the Sommerville crew and the Billerica House recovery unit! #boston_bob_balfour

Hi Rich! What kind of clear-framed glasses are those? Would love to get some. Roka Hamiltons? If so, are they the "vintage" color frame, or just clear? (sorry for the superficial question!)

00:00 🚀 Embrace discomfort for growth; failure is part of the journey. 01:08 🏆 Ken Rideout, an authentic and unapologetic individual, shares insights on mindset, discipline, consistency, and humility in pursuit of big dreams. 03:55 🤔 Ken's decision to join the challenging Gobi March Ultra was driven by a desire to confront discomfort and the belief in his ability to win. 08:43 🏕 Unexpected challenges, including rain, tent issues, and initial isolation, tested Ken's resilience and adaptability in the harsh Mongolian desert environment. 13:51 🏃‍♂ Ken's unique strategy for the Ultra included minimal sand or trail running but relied on his consistent daily training and the assumption of quicker recovery. 16:47 🩹 Despite setbacks, such as a broken backpack and a fall, Ken's ability to manage crises and maintain focus allowed him to recover and perform well in subsequent stages. 19:03 🏜 Ken's experience navigating challenging terrains, like rock climbing and sand dunes, highlighted the unexpected demands of the Gobi March Ultra, requiring adaptability and mental toughness. 19:18 🏜 Ken Rideout faced challenges during an adventure race, including treacherous sand dunes where rescue camels couldn't ascend. 20:17 🏞 In a 50-mile stage, Ken Rideout broke open the race with steady pacing over undulating terrain, creating camaraderie with a competitor. 21:55 🚰 During the race, Ken Rideout selflessly assisted a struggling competitor, giving him water and support in the desert. 23:20 🥇 Ken Rideout won the ultra race by a significant margin, earning a 90-minute lead and gaining immense confidence. 25:54 🌟 Ken Rideout felt a deep sense of community support, especially from his family, after winning the race. 26:49 🤔 Ken Rideout reflects on the mindset during challenging moments, emphasizing the temporary nature of difficulties and drawing inspiration from Special Forces training. 29:20 🏃‍♂ Ken Rideout discusses stepping directly into a multi-day ultra race instead of starting with shorter distances, embracing the discomfort and unpredictability. 34:51 🏆 Ken Rideout acknowledges the vast difference between elite professional runners and himself, maintaining humility and respect for their abilities. 37:20 🍺 Ken Rideout participated in the Beer Mile World Championships, facing elite athletes, and found the running easier than expected while struggling with the beer consumption aspect. 38:28 🌍 Ken Rideout reflects on a positive experience at Harvard after the Gobi race, emphasizing the kindness of people. 39:11 📺 Ken Rideout shares potential TV show opportunities with Wheelhouse Productions, expressing excitement about hosting a Prime Time network TV show. 40:15 🤔 Reflecting on the Gobi race, Ken Rideout discusses the importance of showing up and taking on challenges, highlighting the courage needed to commit to such endeavors. 41:40 🏃‍♂ Making the leap from marathoning to a multi-day race, Ken Rideout sees it as proof that individuals are capable of more than they believe, emphasizing the value of testing oneself. 42:32 🌱 Ken Rideout is working on a speech about the practice of perseverance, encouraging intentional exposure to challenging situations for personal growth. 43:44 💪 Discussing perseverance, Ken Rideout mentions the importance of being willing to look bad initially and embracing discomfort as a means of achieving personal growth. 46:18 🔄 Ken Rideout's concept of the practice of perseverance involves facing intimidating challenges and learning from the experience, comparing it to jumping into the ocean to reach an island. 47:26 🧠 Reflecting on growth mindset and fixed mindset, Ken Rideout emphasizes the capacity to weather grit and the importance of continually putting oneself in challenging situations for growth. 50:14 🕵 Ken Rideout shares a transformative experience at the Onsite Workshop, highlighting the impact on his mental health, relationships, and parenting approach. 56:59 🔄 Rich Roll acknowledges Ken Rideout's commitment to trauma work and discusses the significance of excavating past traumatic experiences to understand and overcome unconscious patterns. 58:23 🚪 Ken Rideout reflects on the fear of letting go of ingrained habits, realizing the dependence on achievements for self-validation. 59:06 💔 A turning point for Ken was recognizing the impact of his achievements obsession on his troubled relationship with his wife. 01:00:04 🛣 Ken's decision to attend therapy at Onsite was driven by a need for intense intervention, seeing it as more effective than weekly sessions. 01:01:44 🔄 The therapy experience led Ken to confront deep guilt and shame, transforming his perspective on himself and his relationships, especially with his wife. 01:02:54 🔄 Through therapy, Ken gained insights into breaking generational patterns, offering a chance to create a new narrative for his family and future generations. 01:07:02 🏃‍♂ Ken explores the connection between his intense competitiveness, fear of mediocrity, and the constant need for achievement, reflecting on the balance between ambition and contentment. 01:14:16 🌐 Ken's success in endurance sports has positively influenced his career in business, where relationships and a passion for health and wellness align with his interests. 01:17:44 🤔 Ken Rideout values being interested over being interesting; he emphasizes genuine curiosity in people. 01:18:25 😎 Ken Rideout acknowledges that people either love him or hate him, and he doesn't hide his feelings; he values authenticity. 01:19:06 🤝 Ken Rideout emphasizes strong friendships, expressing willingness to help friends in need, even if it means giving them money. 01:19:49 🏢 Ken Rideout reflects on his past in finance, highlighting the impact of surrounding oneself with the right people and the importance of a supportive partner. 01:22:10 🌟 Ken Rideout shares his journey from addiction and despair to sobriety, gratitude, and professional success. 01:25:38 🚀 Ken Rideout emphasizes the importance of taking action and not waiting for the perfect moment to pursue one's goals. 01:28:27 💪 Ken Rideout discusses the role of fear and the need to embrace failure as an essential part of the journey to success. 01:32:17 🤔 Reflecting on his motivations, Ken Rideout acknowledges a balance between exploring personal limits and addressing insecurities. 01:36:13 🏜 Marathon des Sables camp setup: Marathon des Sables provides a shelter, not dinner, and participants need to bring their own food. Boiling water for freeze-dried meals is also a self-done task. 01:38:04 🌙 Ken's supplement routine: Ken follows the Huberman protocol, taking tyrosine, alpha GPC, NN, and a variety of post-workout and nighttime supplements for recovery and sleep. 01:39:26 🤔 Aging and fitness: Ken, at 52, doesn't feel old and emphasizes not treating himself as an old man. He focuses on staying active and consistent in training for physical and mental well-being. 01:41:40 🚨 Health scare and genetic factors: Ken shares his concern about high LP little a and APO B levels, indicativeof potential heart issues. He's exploring options, considering lifestyle changes, and seeking advice from experts. 01:43:31 💪 Resilience and recovery: Ken attributes his resilience to a hybrid training approach, incorporating weightlifting, emphasizing sleep, and maintaining consistency in training. This contributes to his ability to recover and perform well. 01:50:01 🛋 Overcoming laziness: Ken advises those struggling with laziness to exercise as if their life depends on it, emphasizing the transformative power of small steps, building momentum, and changing the internal narrative. 01:54:48 🌍 Ken reflects on the evolving landscape of Master's athletes and the exploration of human capacity at older ages. 01:55:29 🙏 Endurance sports have given Ken profound gifts, helping him carve out a self-reliant and accountable life. 01:56:25 🤯 Ken discusses his unconventional work style, being unemployable in traditional finance, and his commitment to delivering results without adhering to structured processes. 01:58:01 🏃‍♂ Endurance sports teach valuable lessons: self-reliance, integrity, resilience, and the reflex towards action over fear of failure. 01:59:55 👍 Ken emphasizes the importance of focusing on positive comments and not letting negativity detract from the support received. 02:01:32 🚫 Ken discourages wasting time on negative comments, highlighting the unproductive nature of criticizing others, especially those actively pursuing personal growth and challenges.

Has Ken found out what the cause is for the negative values of the blood markers? And if so, what is he doing to reserve those values? Great podcast, btw!

If someone was lazy… send them to David Goggins… Now if someone was lazy… i would say actually send them to huberman. He was one of the important people that got me back…. The body needs light, movement in the morning. Some people do caffeine, i choose a small price of dark chocolate in my darkest hours! Now I’m sober Then i took out caffeine Then i added avocados and more dark chocolate And now I’m fasting everyday But even when i have a touch morning or I’m feeling it(soreness) or I’m just not feeling it. Something easy short start super small. Stretch, shoes, weights and walking let’s go easy morning routine ✌️🤓🙌

With these multiple day races, let's say you're the first one in on Monday night by an hour. At the start of Tuesday morning do you an hour head start? Or is the benefit of coming in first on Monday that you just get additional rest?

What’s the brand of backpack he found that worked for him?

What another level what do you even carry and eat everyday 😀😊

Remarkable interview of a fascinating and inspiration human being

Two guys just died in Ireland this year doing Ironman

The RRP - Always motivating. Always inspiring. Always learning. Thanks!! 🙏🏻

I want to like this guy....

He’s talking about living in a tent like he’s just got back from moon 😂

The Apo B conversation was the perfect depiction of the lunacy of Attia and the medical industrial complex!!! And the blind spot of plant based / pescatarian nonsense.

You should have suggested a plant-based diet to Ken to help him with his health issues and not to take statins.

TRT baby 💉💉💉💉