How I Rebuilt My Life By Rewiring My Obsession

Rich Roll

Mar 9, 2026

Episode description

Ken Rideout is a masters world champion marathon runner, recovering opioid addict, and author of the new memoir “Everything You Want Is on the Other Side of Hard.” We discuss childhood trauma, addiction, his wife Shelby's cancer battle, the tension between obsession and healing, and more. READ MORE👉🏼http://bit.ly/richroll972
✌🏼🌱 – Rich

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00:00:00 Intro
00:01:23 Obsession and Drive
00:04:21 Childhood Trauma and Therapy
00:05:50 Addiction, Running, and Coping Mechanisms
00:10:11 Therapy, Self-Awareness, and Recovery
00:12:49 Cancer in the Family
00:19:02 Crisis Response and Instincts
00:21:22 The Real Obstacle: The Self
00:22:19 Coaching, Mindset, and Self-Talk
00:23:19 Sponsor Break
00:26:15 Ken’s Life Story Recap
00:34:02 9/11 and Its Aftermath
00:39:33 Addiction, Relapse, and Recovery
00:52:08 Parenting and Leading by Example
00:54:21 Helping Others with Addiction
00:57:09 Sponsor Break
01:00:27 Win or Die Trying Mindset
01:04:11 Competition, Enemies, and Motivation
01:05:19 Advice for the Average Person
01:08:38 Discipline vs. Willingness
01:12:09 Pain, Suffering, and Willingness
01:15:46 Parenting, Pressure, and Emotional Struggles
01:20:12 Healing Childhood Wounds
01:24:22 Limits of Running and New Chapters
01:25:06 The Power of Small Steps
01:28:48 Relationship with Happiness and Peace
01:31:17 Family Trauma and Triggers
01:33:22 Current Emotional Challenges
01:34:52 Letting Go of Control and External Validation
01:40:02 Core Message of the Book
01:41:00 Root Cause: Seeking Validation
01:45:32 Spirituality and Shelby’s Cancer
01:52:31 Conclusion and Gratitude

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Thanks To The Team: Jason Camiolo, Dan Drake, Morgan McRae, Blake Curtis, Desmond Loh

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Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles:
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Mindsip insights from this episode:

Transform drive for validation into personal growth

The intense drive to win and be the best can be an extension of a deep-seated need for validation from a parent or the world in general.

#personal-growth

Confront your past instead of running from it

Running can be a coping mechanism for trauma, but eventually, you can't run fast enough to outpace your past, which will catch up to you.

#trauma

Recognize success doesn't equate to happiness

Even after achieving massive financial and athletic success, you can sink into depression and suicidal ideation, proving external achievements don't fix internal struggles.

#happiness

#success

Engage in trauma healing at Onsite Workshops for deep psychological work

For deep psychological work, Ken attended a five-day intensive at Onsite Workshops, a trauma healing center similar to the Hoffman Institute.

#healing

#trauma

Silence beta voice through consistent discipline

The tool used most frequently to stave off the internal 'beta voice' that tries to lead you astray is simple, consistent discipline.

#consistency

#routine

Transform childhood trauma into strength while managing vulnerabilities

The same relics of childhood trauma that become superpowers for survival and success can also be your Achilles' heel, capable of destroying everything you've built.

#resilience

#trauma

Utilize Vivitrol to block opioids and support recovery

To help with opioid addiction recovery, a shot of Vivitrol can act as an opioid blocker for 30 days, preventing the ability to get high and serving as a 'miracle drug' for staying sober.

#opioid

#recovery

Transition from endurance sports to new personal growth opportunities

After a certain point, endurance sports may no longer provide personal growth, signaling a need to find a new chapter for development beyond physical challenges.