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One thing I love about the Rich Roll Podcast is the fact that you can listen to an episode with a guest you seen on several different other podcasts and even read their books or follow their work and you still know that Rich is gonna go somewhere with it at some point or at several points where its worth a listen because he always makes it relatable to everyone who fights personal demons and want to act with integrity but still be somewhat practical. Thanks!

I purposefully practice boredom. When standing in lines such as the grocery store, rather than go for my phone to entertain or grab a magazine to Peruse, I simply stand there with nothing to distract me. I might watch what's going on but I am breaking the habit of seeking distraction and entertainment.

My addiction is podcasts. 😮

Dr Gabor Maté described addiction as a means to escape pain as you discuss. I agree. It has strengthened my compassion muscle and helped me to let go of some of my judgments. Still a work in progress.

46 years sober, for me biggest tool, contribution being there for others Bill said get sober, stay sober, help others. Your contribution is amazing thank you.

We probably don't need more apps, but more conversations about our inner worlds.

If you want truly discomfort, nothing better than being a caregiver 24/7 of a loved one with Alzheimer's. No need to read any book on comfort crisis. Take my word for it.

Surfing works for the scarcity loop theory. Good waves seem so limited so they’re really, really precious when you get one.

Rich just doesn’t disappoint! There is ALWAYS something in every single podcast I get inspired by, resonate with and can add to my personal development and healing toolbox! You rock Man!!

Food taste amazing after fasting for 3 days. Great way to reset uour appetite.. same idea

So rich Rich! Corny, I know. I shared this with my 3 sons The one that I thought could use this info said " Thanks!" I look forward to rewatching for a 3rd time to take notes. You both are filling this shaky time with hope & solution. Thank you!

If we seek to help solve problems for those who are struggling rather than seeking and/or creating chaos and drama for drama sake, life becomes so much more rewarding and fulfilling. These addictive apps, devices, and foods, are designed to exploit by predatory individuals. Thank you for these conversations, Rich.

Rich again you know exactly the right topic & guest to bring into our lives 🥰 excellent!!!

Really like how they're going deep with alcohol. Recommend the book Quit Like A Woman.

I’m loving all the information. It makes me so sad and I’m referring to myself. I’m very outgoing. I love to perform at a high-level. I’m 58. I love fitness health traveling, but I am still dealing with scarcity brain in so many areas. Thank you so much for this awakening!

Simply sounds like a life-changing podcast to me! Wow.

3 minutes in. Great guest. Love how he reframed his outlook on his Father ❤

Amazing, learned so much from your talk with Michael Easter. Great question, love the ideas of how to make changes and how our brains work. Thankyou

You just connect so well with your guests. What a great reminder.

One of the best podcasts. Great questions and depth.

Brilliant podcast Rich, thank so much!!

00:02 🧠 Our brains are wired to seek the easiest, most comfortable path due to our evolutionary history. 01:30 🍸 Michael Easter shares a personal story about his family's struggle with alcoholism, highlighting the impact on his own life. 03:21 🍺 Michael Easter describes his own battle with alcoholism and his journey to sobriety at the age of 27. 08:25 💪 Embracing discomfort is key to personal growth and improvement, as outlined in Michael Easter's book "The Comfort Crisis." 10:17 🥤 Modern lifestyles have removed many natural sources of discomfort, leading to health and happiness challenges. 14:37 🤝 Addiction should be viewed with empathy and understanding, recognizing that everyone struggles with some form of compulsivity. 16:56 🏃‍♂ Engaging in challenging activities like ultramarathons can provide deep rewards, reflecting humanity's innate value of hard-earned achievements. 19:31 🧠 Scarcity mentality stems from our evolutionary past where scarcity was the norm, leading to behaviors like overconsumption and craving. 20:50 🌍 Our modern world presents an evolutionary mismatch where our instincts don't align with what's best for us, leading to challenges with abundance. 21:30 💡 As the world improves, our perception of problems changes, leading to a constant search for new issues. 22:28 🤯 Experiencing discomfort can enhance our appreciation for comforts we take for granted, like the luxury of flying in an airplane. 23:39 🚀 Humans have a tendency to adapt quickly to improvements in their environment, diminishing the perceived value of comforts over time. 25:01 🔄 Prevalence-induced concept change suggests that as our world improves, we redefine what we consider problems, leading to a constant cycle of dissatisfaction. 26:10 💭 We're wired to seek out problems even when our lives are relatively problem-free, which can lead to trivial issues becoming significant concerns. 29:38 🔗 The concepts of the scarcity loop and the comfort crisis are closely intertwined, influencing behaviors like addiction and dissatisfaction with moderation. 34:29 🎰 The scarcity loop, seen in activities like gambling, exploits human instincts for opportunity, unpredictable rewards, and quick repeatability, influencing behavior in various domains. 36:48 🍽 Our tendency to engage in behaviors like gambling may stem from evolutionary adaptations related to seeking food in environments where it was scarce. 38:09 💡 Social media and gambling companies exploit the human brain's craving for unpredictability, offering quick and repeatable rewards to keep users engaged. 39:18 🎰 Sports betting companies increase engagement by allowing bets on in-game occurrences, exploiting the allure of quick bets and frequent opportunities to win. 41:06 🎰 Digitized slot machines introduced the concept of "losses disguised as wins," where players win less than their bet but still feel excitement, leading to more engaging and less boring gameplay. 42:55 🎰 Problematic gamblers are more driven by the anticipation of losing than by the prospect of winning, seeking to remain in the "zone of gambling" rather than focusing on monetary gains. 43:52 💊 Addiction can arise from a combination of population trauma, limited coping mechanisms, and the availability of substances to alleviate psychic pain, as seen in the rise of drug addiction in Iraq. 49:37 💊 Drugs and alcohol consumption fit into the scarcity loop, offering opportunities for short-term improvement, unpredictable rewards, and quick repeatability, leading to addictive behaviors. 52:26 💊 Addiction often involves a cycle where the substance initially solves problems and provides benefits, leading individuals to repeatedly seek its use despite long-term negative consequences. 55:08 💡 For some, abstinence is the most effective solution to prevent addictive behaviors, especially when dealing with substances like alcohol, where moderation may not be feasible. 57:18 🍽 Slowing down the rate of eating can reduce eating behavior, especially with unprocessed foods. 57:47 📱 Changing phone display to grayscale can reduce screen time by about 40 minutes daily, leveraging boredom as people don't use boring things as much as hyper-stimulating ones. 59:22 🧠 Approach eating habits with awareness, presence, and mindfulness instead of temporary diets for a healthier relationship with food, applicable to other aspects of life. 01:00:06 🔄 Developing an understanding of why we engage in certain behaviors can lead to more compassion towards oneself and a conscious effort to change habits. 01:01:30 🛠 Utilizing tools like apps that regulate screen time by imposing pauses and time limits can help in moderating addictive behaviors. 01:05:25 🎭 Inserting positive stimulation in life, like ultra-running or other rewarding activities, can counteract the need for stimulation from addictive behaviors. 01:06:34 🛑 Regulation of certain applications for teens might be necessary due to their changing brains, while regulation for adults becomes trickier and may need to be case-by-case. 01:08:26 🤔 Opt-in choices for engaging with technology rather than opt-out, with defaults set to minimal algorithmic acceleration, could offer a better balance in technology use. 01:11:50 🎭 Reintroducing boredom into life can lead to rumination, less stress, and the generation of good ideas, offering upsides that excessive digital engagement may suppress. 01:15:45 🧠 Creativity requires moments of solitude and boredom to foster original ideas, not just for artists but also for business innovation. 01:17:09 🔄 Humans tend to default to addition as a problem-solving method, often overlooking the option of subtraction, which can lead to more efficient solutions. 01:21:29 🛍 Society encourages a mindset of accumulation and consumption, but solutions to sustainability and happiness may lie in consuming less and innovating within constraints. 01:25:42 🏞 Embracing scarcity loops, like those experienced in outdoor activities, can lead to more rewarding and adventurous experiences, fostering creativity and problem-solving. 01:28:03 💡 Adopting a "gear, not stuff" mentality can help prioritize utility and purpose in possessions, reducing unnecessary consumption driven by status or boredom. 01:31:43 🔄 Constraints, such as limited resources, often drive greater creativity and problem-solving than having abundant resources, leading to unexpected and improved outcomes. 01:34:20 💡 As technology sharpens its ability to capture attention for profit, it may deepen humanity's reliance and constraints on it. 01:35:14 🌐 Adoption of technology often leads to the creation of rules and constraints, making it difficult to function in society without it. 01:36:49 🚨 Personal liberty in the digital age can paradoxically contribute to societal enslavement as it fosters the growth of systems that exert greater control over individuals' lives. 01:37:03 🌱 Reconnecting with nature and community, as seen in certain cultures and lifestyles, offers lessons for combating the negative impacts of technological progress. 01:39:36 😔 Excessive time spent online correlates with increased loneliness and unhappiness, contributing to a modern loneliness epidemic. 01:40:18 🌍 Balancing progress with maintaining connection to natural rhythms and community may offer a solution to modern societal challenges. 01:41:28 🔍 Reflecting on personal habits and their underlying benefits can foster empathy and understanding, aiding in overcoming addictive behaviors. 01:45:11 💪 Introducing challenge and adventure into life can serve as a curative measure against the negative impacts of technological abundance. 01:46:47 📚 Embracing change and transformation is possible through personal growth and adaptation, offering hope for a better future.

Fantastic podcast! What a legend!

Rich Roll and Michael Easter, blessed with a beautiful brain. Thanks for sharing !

I read The Comfort Crisis a while ago and it was amazing. I highly recommend it.

I was listening to the great podcast while cooking and your voices are so similar that I sometimes didn't know who was talking. Lol

Thank you for openly sharing your journeys about sobriety. Because of stories like yours, i am more geared up and prepared to help my self stop even occasional drinks as well as educate others on alcohol. My grandparents, father and a brother were alcoholics, they tried Coding but couldn't resist... And i guess there were no tools on proper recovery during withdrawal, such as nutrition and suplements, physical activities and so on. The saddest part is that my brother only lived till 30 and had a severe heart insufficiency and died drinking, he was a good soul... I was too young to help. I had aversion and hate towards alcohol for the longest time and now with occasional drinks i still hate the taste. I love listening to different stories on how people quit, it's so damn hard to do alone.

Also the end of this is the best of thought about subtracting..yes

This was a very nourishing conversation ❤

Loved the conversation

"what an amazing feed he had" 🤣

Great interview thanks!!!

51:00 for me the gambling aspect of my drinking problem comes from how it’s gonna hit me this time. Usually it’s predictable and often I dont even enjoy it. But once in a while I’ll hit the jackpot and its amazing

Awesome interview

Indeed gr8 guest and q's... in topic of picking up ultra marathons or climbing Mt. Everest. So, I'd be happy to take up this topic and propose that its actually not done by ppl as a to challnege themselves for sake of challenge, but to actually conquer a much larger pain of unprocessed trauma... whilst completing and training for a triatholon seems like an admirable task and goal... the dark truth of Why the person undertakes it doesn't see daylight. Some have admitted that after loosing someone they embark on very difficult journeys just try and process and deal w trauma of that loss as an example. So, my thesis is, that one should undertake 'boredom' as the guest memtions, than look for glory and pain in the undertaking. Many times, the person undertaking a goal to complete the triatholon puts them under many days of painful body pain exercise, so that the mind is occupied with body pain instead of whats unprocessed. Many dont want to ask for help, cause that renders them helpless in eyes of the other... hence its better to grind hard, make the body suffer, as a way of coping... pls comment, and of course there are those who are athletes that are pushing some boundaries of physical goals... many don't come home, bc the mind has a way of interrupting or processing trauma... many docs prove this. Hence, I still belive many THAT undertake ultra type goals, is to prove they can and rather see praise for that, rather than saying to themselves, I could use help to process this or that... like AA does as an example to deal with addiction. Etc. Cheers. RadicalCoach.😊

Thanks for another masterclass and the deep dive into the how and why providing practical tips we can do for ourselves to promote deeper self awareness- bless you and 12 step recovery! ❤ it was esp interesting to learn about the gambling aspect of not knowing bound to evolution and survival wowza 😮

i remember taking a bus from NY to Washiginton DC starving . When I got to the train station i purchased the only thing they had in a machine :a sliced white bread egg sandwich......best sandwich i ever had!

Had to look up Laura Zerra - yes, definitely a one of a kind human, living life her way. Thanks!

Thank you Rich, I really enjoy listening to the whole interview.

Fantastic stuff. Thank you both. Need to pick up this book!

Incredible episode.

Well Done!

Oh yes, I’ve been waiting this topic.

Excellent...

Rich, Your interviewing skills and preparation are the bomb! Thank you for providing so much thought provoking content intended to help us understand the human condition/ourselves! And thanks for showing your cache of daily supplements, which helped me to feel more 'normal' ... Lol. Cheers!

I’d probably entitle it “how to be happier” great interview

As I'm watching this, I realize that I am completely addicted to procrastination. I better start working the steps on it. Not even kidding. Maybe I'm addicted to comfort really.

The amount of times he's talked about hunting, does he forget he's on a vegan podcast.

Soooo good!

I live in a small flat in Angers 16m2, I have no tv, no smartphone, I do not go to pro sport game, I do no go to cinema, I do not go to amusement park, I avoid to to go the city center, I use my bicycle a lot, My life is plent yof time. But before those choice I worked in hospitality and catering during 10 years for the rich people. Le Manoir Great Milton Uk Ratyymond Blanc, Whatley Manor Malmesbury Uk, Wilks restaurant Bristol, La Mare aux oiseau France, La Chaîne thermale du Soleil Michel Guerard south west of France. I had a lot of time to listen people and make my choice.

56:50 Addiction to food. Disclaimer: I do not have any of the disordered relationships to eating that lead to anorexia or bulimia. But never has the addictive quality of food been so apparent as when I did a short extended fast. And that quick dose of abstinence really liberated me. Just knowing I could say, "No" and still be okay (and actually feel better) it was huge, to the point that I can understand becoming addicted to abstaining as well, sadly. But it helps me to actually think about what I am putting into my body, with sympathy and gratitude for the work that goes into converting food into energy. And when I picture 35 literal grams of raw sugar, I am not tempted to grab a spoon to eat it. I had to stop eating with taste at the top of my priority list, choose to be willing to eat less tasty but more nutritious food. Flavor is a pleasant bonus. But zero in on what the body actually wants and needs. And there is so much temptation but by now the commercials for junk food are actually gross, both morally and for culinary purposes.

Excellent

The fisherman parable is one of my favorites

I think I would like to hear the conversation of addiction when it comes to dating apps, how we get fixated on swiping and somehow you never really meet a person who complements you

this was a good listen

I’m going to go on a missionary trip to because of you guys! It’s scheduled. I’ll be getting my passport and I’m going in October. ❤

The fisherman parable is one of my favorites🙏

When compulsive eating is the addition, it takes self awareness, but I can still abstain from compulsive eating. And know the difference between compulsive eating and eating. Overeaters Anonymous taught me a lot about compulsive eating and obssessing over food. It's really not at all like just eating.

Hello and about to start this podcast and really looking forward to it both you Mr roll and your fantastic guest who I've heard in other places and I'm awaiting the arrival of his last book. Regardless QUESTION: is he able to disclose the name of the book his parents read which was mentioned at the beginning of this episode?

100%, almost everything can get us in trouble says Rich. Including Podcasts

I love that my first sponsor told me what SOBER stands for. Short-Of-Being-Entirely-Ready Cuz most who go to AA are usually, typically and often hiding another addiction to drugs. But in AA you can only discuss alcohol. My main reason for going to NA where we can share about all of our addictions. 😉🤙🏽🌱

That DFW reference ✨ "Everyone worships"

1:08:22 here’s a billion dollar idea - why doesn’t someone create another platform of social media with a mild algorithm? This is a perfect example of competition that brings about healthier products. Once you create that kind of platform, other providers will be tasked to offer more options. There were so many cigarette companies that had a foothold at one time and now a very low percentage of people smoke regularly.

The fact that we humans get used to experiences such as flying, although incredible. It is hard wired in us to not stay amazed because it’s not sustainable. You need to get used to things so that you can move forward and grow. If you are always amazed at everything that’s in our life now compared to people in the past then you’ll be in an amazed state 247. You need to get used to driving cars and then it becomes second nature.

Rich and Michael I am wondering how we can use the same elements of operant conditioning aka the scarcity loop to help us get "hooked" on recovery?

Thank you for the reminder to “want it”, whereas wants and desires fulfill needs; try! Embracing the journey is the victory (ujayi). Settling in for the win, as able. We all can try, try & try again!

Great episode! Hey Rich, u don't need more apps to "be more human" man! We need to make a serious conscioua decision about wanting to have these apps in the first place, the why. I will remove my insta from my phone after I back up a few interesting posts, that's it.

There is no real celebrating, most is not genuine or drug drowned (including sugar). Even sugar, me-we go to great lengths somehow deceiving ourselves and still thinking me-we are ok to do it. How do me-we do the 'I'm OK' song and dance of self-deceit? I am now wondering if this might also be related to a lack of remorse and loneliness. There could be, ought to be, maybe 'Golden Tears of Grief'. A loss so profound, me-we is driven to my knees. The tears fall uncontrolled, the memory is so enchanting. Me-we feels bitterness and loss. Do Me-we have a choice of where to swim? Either the rancid pit of bitterness or golden pond of tears. It is a terrible loss, undeserved, how can I ever show my appreciation??? For a time I had Impossible joy also undeserved. Me-we pick the WAY!

"what an amazing feed he had"

Does anyone know which app they were talking about for reducing screen time?

❤

Does anyone know the name of the screen time app he mentioned?

I appreciate the subject matter.balance is what we want ultimately, I don't believe we have the evolved brain ..our base self is more of our sin nature and we are given the capability of not giving in to these temptations which is like muscle training....there is certainly a means to build healthy habits ..which is great news for those who want to get off the hamster wheel and thrive.love the part of trying new things and keep at it.

So what’s the app for reducing screen time? I must have missed the name

What is the name of that app he talks about at 1:01?????? It has all the features I want!!!

Would be interested in knowing name of the app mentioned 1:01 by Michael Easter that can assist with time limits on apps "you have trouble moderating." Thank you.

Anyone know what book he was referencing regarding Bissell? Couldn’t find it.

Also eat alot of salt and patasium get the gates opening and closing

What is the name of the app to reduce screen time?

It would be interesting to see this guest be invited to one of Bryan Johnson’s think exercises.

Recommend the book Dopamine Nation, as a supplement to addiction comments.

Michelle Wie, if i remember correctly, did her college thesis on "How Google Makes Us Stupid"

Its call the Marfia ! Greatest business model corp. ever invented .

What was the point in killing a Carabu' if in fact you were successful in hunting one? (I get the deliberate suffering bit being in the cold).

17:07: Thomas Zentall, University of Kentucky

my mom used to cook the tastiest food when we were short on money

Such a shame we have to search for stimulation rather than living like humans evolved to live. What a world we have created for ourselves (or a completely different species!)

Correction: left to our own devices some small percentage of us WILL self regulate. As a child i noticed i was able to do this whereas most people around me were not. Why is this?

Does anyone know the name of the app he mentions at 1:01:01?

This guy seems to reference the book "Irresistible" a lot.

At 1:17:00 where he starts talking about how adding things to solve a problem is a human proclivity he's either wrong or I'm not human. When confronted with work my prerogative is to do as little work as possible so I can go mountain biking. Even my mountain biking has devolved to a simpler hard tail bike as it requires less time to service it. I think the problem with people that add complexity is as he says, they are bored!

To quote Tommy Shelby (Peaky Blinders), “Gambling is for mugs”.

Pickleball is addicting

It’s not true that food addiction is worse than alcoholism. We do still have to drink I drink, water, tea, orange juice, etc. I just had to stop drinking poison food addict got to keep eating they just need to quit eating poison.!! Same deal

As to the slot machines, it's like the movie dumb and dumber.. so your saying there's a chance. I always get creeped out by the energy of the people playing.. like mindless zombies.

How to rewire your habits clickbait title. Call your mom. 😂 Thanks for that info.

"we don't have to work for our food?!" 🤣🤣 Let me know where you get free food from man!

Something I don't get. All the people I know personally and all the people who are celebrities or have a public platform and who are in Alcoholics Anonymous, none of them abide by the "anonymous" part. They all love telling you about their alcoholic misdeeds, exploits, and adventures when they were on the sauce. They should start calling it Alcoholics Acknowledgment. 😄

For the comfort crisis don't spend time in the artic come to argentina, and stay for a while!!! LOL