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

EPISODE · Nov 26, 2025 · 1H 28M

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

from RIDEOUT: The Other Side of Hard · host Ken Rideout

Rich Roll 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, and 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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rich Roll 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, and 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. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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

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This episode was published on November 26, 2025.

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Rich Roll 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, and lost friendships and family...

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