Episode · The Rich Roll Podcast · 2021-05-27
Books mentioned on Roll On: Why Balance Is Overrated
Striving to achieve a ‘balanced life’ on a daily basis sets you up for failure. Approach it instead from a long-term perspective.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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The Plantpower Way
The Plantpower Way by Rich Roll and Julie Piatt is a plant-based cookbook and lifestyle guide featuring recipes designed to support athletic recovery, vitality, and health.
Discussed“immediately after my workout, I'll have a high calorie plant-based recovery smoothie, like one of the recipes in The Plantpower Way.”
Where to get it
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On the Road
On the Road by Jack Kerouac is a seminal autobiographical novel that chronicles the cross-country road trips of its protagonist and captures the restless energy of the Beat Generation.
Recommended“Without reading On the Road by Jack Kerouac. Are you even allowed to go on a four month road trip as a young man? Without having read On the Road?”
Where to get it
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Man's Search for Meaning
Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor E.
Recommended“Why not A Man's Search for Meaning by Viktor Frankl. Tops everybody's list who's grappling with these ideas, I think.”
Where to get it
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Autobiography of a Yogi
Autobiography of a Yogi by Yogananda Paramahansa is a spiritual classic that chronicles the author's life, his encounters with various saints and mystics, and the introduction of Eastern meditation and Kriya Yoga to Western audiences.
Recommended“And one of my favorites also, Autobiography of a Yogi by Paramahansa Yogananda.”
Where to get it
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The Dharma Bums
The Dharma Bums by Jack Kerouac is a classic Beat Generation novel that follows characters exploring Zen Buddhism, nature, mountaineering, and alternative lifestyles across the American landscape.
Discussed“My Kerouac of choice is The Dharma Bums. I, On the Road was very important to me”
Where to get it
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Island of the Blue Dolphins
Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell is a classic children's survival novel inspired by the true story of a Nicoleño woman stranded alone for years on an island off the coast of California.
Recommended“Island of the Blue Dolphins by Scott O'Dell is a classic for around here. It's about, it's actually about a little Chumash girl”
Where to get it
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Evening in paradise
Evening in Paradise by Lucia Berlin is a collection of short stories showcasing the author's sharp eye for human struggle, vivid characterizations, and overlooked experiences.
Recommended“And Evening in Paradise by Lucia Berlin. who's an overlooked short story author.”
Where to get it
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The Good Lord Bird
The Good Lord Bird by James McBride is a celebrated historical fiction novel that won the National Book Award for Fiction, blending humor and drama in a tale set against the backdrop of the American Civil War era.
Discussed“"Good Lord Bird." "Good Lord Bird." Sorry about that. "Good Lord Bird." Based on an amazing book.”
Where to get it
Other mentions in this episode (1) — ad reads, self-promotion and passing references, never counted
“Beyond RRP hype-man duties, Adam Skolnick is an activist and journalist best known as David Goggins’ Can’t Hurt Me, co-author.”