Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
Rick Rubin
In-depth interviews that may blow your mind.With Rick Rubin
Richard Prince
Richard Prince is one of the most influential, important, and controversial fine artists on the planet. Renowned for pioneering appropriation art, his “Untitled (Cowboy)” series of rephotographed Marlboro ads includes a piece that sold for $3.7 million, ranking among the most expensive photographs ever auctioned. In 2021, his “Runaway Nurse” painting sold at auction for an astonishing $12.1 million. In 2007, the Guggenheim Museum hosted “Richard Prince: Spiritual America,” a comprehensi
Adrien Brody
Adrien Brody is an Academy Award-winning actor. Known for his nuanced performances across a wide range of films, such as The Grand Budapest Hotel, Detachment, and multiple collaborations with film director Wes Anderson, he became the youngest recipient of the Academy Award for Best Actor for his role in The Pianist by age 29. In addition to his 2025 Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his performance as László Tóth in Brady Corbet’s The Brutalist, he has also earned the Golden G
Daron Malakian
Daron Malakian is a composer, guitarist, vocalist, and record producer, best known as a founding member of System of a Down. Introduced to heavy metal at four years old when he first heard Kiss, Malakian began playing guitar at 11, developed his own style by 15, and is now cited by Loudwire as one of the “Top 50 Hard Rock + Metal Guitarists of All Time.” Malakian also founded Scars on Broadway. Over the years, he has collaborated with bands like Metallica and Linkin Park, and he remains
Ky Dickens
Ky Dickens is an award-winning director, filmmaker, and host of the podcast, The Telepathy Tapes. Venturing into audio storytelling, she explores consciousness, human potential, and the profound abilities of telepathy among non-speakers with autism. Alongside neuroscientist Dr. Diane Hennacy Powell, Dickens travels the globe to learn more from non-speakers and their families, challenging preconceived notions about communication as we know it. Beyond her chart-topping podcast, her work i
Al Pacino
Al Pacino is a screen and stage actor. Emerging from New York’s underground theater scene in the 1960s, he refined his craft under mentors including Lee Strasberg and Charlie Laughton. Best known for his iconic portrayals in The Godfather trilogy, Scarface, and more recently, House of Gucci, he is cited as one of the most respected actors of his generation. In his career spanning over five decades, Pacino has earned an Academy Award for Scent of a Woman, two Tony Awards for his stage wo
UNEXPECTED CONVERSATION: Orson Welles
In this episode, Rick connects with writer, director, and actor Orson Welles. His work spanning the worlds of radio, television, film, and theatre, Welles is widely regarded as “the ultimate auteur.”
RZA
RZA is a rapper, producer, composer, actor, director, and the creative mastermind behind the hip hop group Wu-Tang Clan. Since the group’s classic 1993 debut, Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers), he has produced the most albums for the group and its respective members, pioneering a style rooted in stark booming beats, vintage soul samples, and gritty narratives. Beyond Wu-Tang, RZA launched the horrorcore group Gravediggaz and released music as his alter ego, Bobby Digital. His artistic ran
David Eagleman
David Eagleman is a neuroscientist at Stanford University and a bestselling author. His neuroscience research spans the areas of brain plasticity, sensory substitution, human perception, synesthesia, and beyond. As the co-director of the Center for Science & Law, he works at the intersection of neuroscience and the legal system, using new discoveries in neuroscience to inform lawmaking. Eagleman also applies his research findings through ventures including Neosensory, a company he c
Bruce Johnston
Bruce Johnston is a musician, singer, and songwriter, widely recognized for his influential role in the Beach Boys. Johnston began his musical career in high school, collaborating early-on with musicians including Eddie Cochran and Phil Spector. Joining the Beach Boys in 1965, Johnston was involved as a vocalist and keyboardist, and he continued to make occasional appearances on the Beach Boys albums from the mid-1970s until re-joining the band in 1978. With the group, Johnston co-produ
Mike Love
Mike Love is a singer, songwriter, and co-founder of the Beach Boys. In 1961, Love, alongside his cousins Brian, Dennis, and Carl Wilson, and their friend Al Jardine, defined the California sound of the 1960s as the Beach Boys, co-writing hits including “Good Vibrations,” “California Girls,” and “Fun, Fun, Fun,” while weaving the themes of youth, surfing, and romance into their songs. He was one of the band’s vocalists and lyricists for the entire career of the Beach Boys; Love played a
Víkingur Ólafsson
Víkingur Ólafsson is a world-renowned Icelandic pianist. Celebrated for his profound artistry and visionary programming, he has performed with premier orchestras such as the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Philharmonia Orchestra, and London Philharmonic Orchestra. In 2023, he performed his album of Johann Sebastian Bach’s Goldberg Variations on a world tour, showcasing his musicianship across six continents, totaling 88 performances. Ólafsson’s latest release, an EP entitled Continuum, is des
Peter Thiel
Peter Thiel is an entrepreneur and investor. He is the co-founder and former CEO of PayPal, started in 1998, redefining the world of secure and fast e-commerce. Shortly thereafter, Thiel was the first outside investor in Facebook in 2004. Additionally, he co-founded Founders Fund, which has backed transformative companies like SpaceX and Airbnb, With a background in law and finance, Thiel has consistently championed innovation, whether through his venture capital firm, Thiel Capital, or
Ben Greenfield
Ben Greenfield is a leading figure in health and wellness, renowned health consultant, New York Times bestselling author, and host of influential podcast, Boundless Life. Voted “America’s Top Personal Trainer” by the NSCA and named one of the “Top 100 Most Influential People in Health and Fitness” by Greatist, he combines cutting-edge research with practical strategies to connect mind, body, and spirit. Greenfield leverages his background as a collegiate athlete and 13-time Ironman tria
Pharrell Williams
Pharrell Williams is a Grammy-winning songwriter, producer, and performer. Getting his start in music alongside Chad Hugo as the production duo known as The Neptunes in 1992, Pharrell has produced chart-topping hits for artists including Britney Spears, Justin Timberlake, and Snoop Dogg. He has co-composed the music for the Despicable Me film franchise, including hit “Happy,” which became the best-selling song of 2014 and earned Pharrell an Oscar nomination. Pharrell’s collaborations wi
UNEXPECTED CONVERSATION: Richard Feynman
In this episode, Rick connects with the physicist and Nobel Prize winner Richard Feynman. Known for his groundbreaking contributions to quantum mechanics, Feynman’s work inspires curiosity and innovation in science.------Sign up to receive Tetragrammaton Transmissionshttps://www.tetragrammaton.com/join-newsletter
Brianna Wiest
Brianna Wiest is a bestselling author, speaker, and advocate for self-reflection and personal growth. Known for transformative works including 101 Essays That Will Change The Way You Think, The Mountain Is You, and her latest release, The Pivot Year, she has sold over 2 million copies of her books which frequently top global bestseller lists. Now based in Northern California, Wiest continues to inspire as a speaker at businesses, conferences, and bookstores worldwide, and as a partner a
Bjarke Ingels (Part 2)
Bjarke Ingels returns to continue his conversation in Part Two. Bjarke Ingels is one of the world’s leading architects as the founder and creative director of renowned architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). Recognized for his innovative approach to sustainable and futuristic design, Ingels has led transformative projects worldwide, including the Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art in China and groundbreaking urban plans like The Dryline in New York. A partner in multiple ventures, h
Bjarke Ingels (Part 1)
Bjarke Ingels is one of the world’s leading architects as the founder and creative director of renowned architecture firm Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG). Recognized for his innovative approach to sustainable and futuristic design, Ingels has led transformative projects worldwide, including the Suzhou Museum of Contemporary Art in China and groundbreaking urban plans like The Dryline in New York. A partner in multiple ventures, he co-founded Nabr, a consumer-first housing company, and collabo
Matthew McConaughey
Matthew McConaughey is an Academy Award-winning actor, producer, author, and professor of film, known for his captivating leading roles and versatility. He has appeared in more than 40 feature films, beginning with his breakout role in Richard Linklater’s Dazed and Confused, that have grossed over $1 billion. While he is most popular for his roles in films including Dallas Buyers Club, Interstellar, Free State of Jones, and the HBO television series True Detective, McConaughey is also t
David Whyte (Part 2)
David Whyte returns to continue his conversation in Part Two. David Whyte is a prolific Irish poet, philosopher, and speaker whose work that spans nearly four decades has resonated with audiences around the world. Beginning his career in 1986, Whyte has published three books of prose and ten volumes of poetry, including Still Possible and Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. Through his Three Sundays Series, he creates immersive experiences for
David Whyte (Part 1)
David Whyte is a prolific Irish poet, philosopher, and speaker whose work that spans nearly four decades has resonated with audiences around the world. Beginning his career in 1986, Whyte has published three books of prose and ten volumes of poetry, including Still Possible and Consolations: The Solace, Nourishment and Underlying Meaning of Everyday Words. Through his Three Sundays Series, he creates immersive experiences for his audience that invite reflection on the complexities of hu
Killer Mike
Killer Mike is an Atlanta-born rapper and actor. His music career began in 2003, with his solo debut, with the album Monster, reaching the Billboard Top Ten, and later gaining global recognition as part of the hip-hop duo Run the Jewels alongside El-P. Since the start of his career, Killer Mike has released seven studio albums, including Michael, for which he won the Grammy Award for Best Rap Album in 2024. Outside of music, he has established a career in television as the host of Netfl
UNEXPECTED CONVERSATION: Alfred Hitchcock
In this episode, Rick connects with Alfred Hitchcock, the legendary filmmaker known as the "Master of Suspense." Renowned for his innovative storytelling and groundbreaking techniques, Hitchcock's films remain a benchmark for suspense and psychological thrillers in cinema history.
Joaquin Phoenix
Joaquin Phoenix is widely regarded as one of the best actors of his generation, known for his intense and eccentric on-screen portrayals in period dramas, thrillers, and psychological films. He was raised among siblings who were largely involved in acting, including his late brother, River Phoenix, alongside whom he began his acting career in the 1980s. He made his big-screen debut in SpaceCamp (1986), and he earned his first starring role in the Cold War drama Russkies (1987). Phoenix
CLASSICAL: Tyler Cowen
Tyler Cowen has long nurtured an obsession with music. It’s one of the few addictions Tyler believes is actually conducive to a fulfilling intellectual life.In this bonus episode, a year after Tyler walked us through the world of the Avant-Garde, and his favorite pop music, Tyler guides us through some of the major pillars of Russian classical music—from Rimsky-Korsakov to Stravinsky.------Thank you to the sponsors that fuel our podcast and our team:Vivo Barefoothttp://vivobarefoot.com/
Tyler Cowen
Tyler Cowen is a world-renowned economist, professor, columnist, and co-author of the influential economics blog Marginal Revolution. Graduating from George Mason University with a Bachelor of Science in Economics, and later receiving his PhD in economics from Harvard University, he has developed a vested interest in the economics of culture, as he delves into topics including fame, art, and cultural trade in his 19 books. Alongside economist Alex Tabbarock, Cowen is passionate about ma
Jason Louv
Jason Louv is a bestselling author, journalist, and teacher of magick, meditation, and the occult. His career in journalism has been centered around surveillance, international trade, and technology, with his writing featured in publications such as VICE News, ESQUIRE, Boing Boing, and Motherboard. Through his online education portal, Magick.Me, and his eight books, including John Dee and the Empire of Angels, Louv empowers his audience to master transformation and self-discovery throug
Shane Smith
Shane Smith is a journalist, and he is the founder and Executive Chairman of international media company VICE Media. Since 1994, Smith has transformed VICE from a small, Montreal-based youth magazine into a global multimedia empire, spanning digital platforms, television, film production, and creative services. As a journalist, Smith has reported on the field in conflict zones including North Korea, Iraq, and Liberia. He grew VICE Media into a platform known for its cutting-edge content
Wes Lang
Wes Lang is a contemporary artist based in Los Angeles. His work is best recognized through symbols including skulls, horses, and the indigenous American, as he aims to convey themes of freedom, mortality, and the American Dream. Lang draws inspiration from his heroes–fallen country music icons and jazz musicians–to tap into the rugged spirit of post-pop Americana and inspire a sense of opportunity and mythic adventure. Lang’s artistic reach includes creating pieces for Kanye West and t
Jack Mallers
Jack Mallers is an entrepreneur, software developer, and founder of Strike, an application that focuses on making Bitcoin payments fast and easy. Introduced to Bitcoin in 2013 by his father, Mallers has since been a pioneer in the world of cryptocurrency. In 2020, he launched Strike, popularizing Bitcoin by leveraging the Lightning Network, which enables instant payments transactions across digital channels. His work focuses on transforming how people move money, and how to make financi
Joe Sabia
Joe Sabia is a filmmaker, digital creator, and celebrity interviewer. He began his career in media working across various platforms including television, film, and music videos. In his six years as Senior Vice President of Creative Development at Condé Nast Entertainment, he became a renowned multimedia storyteller, best known for the creations of Vogue’s 73 Questions, Vanity Fair’s One Year Later series with Billie Eilish, and Wired’s Autocomplete Interviews. This past year, Sabia dire
UNEXPECTED CONVERSATION: Jim Morrison
In this episode, Rick connects with Jim Morrison, the Lead singer of The Doors. The poet, writer, and filmmaker is cited as "one of the most influential frontmen in rock history."
Esther Perel
Esther Perel is a psychotherapist and a leading voice on modern relationships. Growing up in Antwerp and practicing in the United States, she began her career studying the impact of cultural transitions on human relationships. In addition to her therapy practice in New York City, she serves as an organizational consultant for Fortune 500 companies globally. Closely examining the mysteries of the human condition and sexuality, Perel gained international acclaim for her first book, Mating
Michael Cohl
Michael Cohl is an internationally acclaimed Emmy and Tony Award-winning live entertainment producer and concert promoter. In his 55-year career, Cohl’s expertise spans a broad range of live experiences, from music to sports, theatre, and film. He is the Chairman of EMC Presents and founder and CEO of S2BN Entertainment, which brings highly immersive and interactive live entertainment to global audiences, including music and film experiences, as well as the Harry Potter exhibition and P
Woody Harrelson
Woody Harrelson is a notorious television and film actor. After a brief stint in New York Theater at the start of his career, he made his on-screen debut on NBC’s “Cheers,” regarded as one of the best TV shows of all time. He has gained acclaim for his roles in movies like The People Vs. Larry Flynt, No Country for Old Men, and Three Billboards Outside Ebbings, Missouri. With over 60 movies in his portfolio, Harrelson acts across a range of genres, including comedy, drama, and thriller.
beabadoobee
Bea Laus, professionally known as beabadoobee, is a Filipino-English singer and songwriter. She wrote her first song on guitar in 2017, titled “Coffee,” which quickly gained over 300,000 views on YouTube and captured the attention of Dirty Hit Records. Pairing an introspective indie rock sound with intimate melodies on the guitar, Beabadoobee has captivated her largely Gen-Z fanbase with her music. She is the recipient of two UK Music Video Awards for Best Rock Video in 2021 and Best Po
Mark McAfee
Mark McAfee is the CEO and Founder of Raw Farm, the largest raw dairy operation in the world. On his family-owned farm, McAfee, a fifth generation farmer, works to offer nutrient dense dairy products that are unprocessed, living, and retain their beneficial bacteria. As the Chairman and President of the Board of the Raw Milk Institute, McAfee’s leadership is based on humane care of his cows and upholding high safety standards for raw dairy products. Off the farm, he lectures on the gut
Nate Silver
Nate Silver is a statistician, poker player, and political forecaster. Silver transformed his affinity for mathematics as a child into analyzing and predicting sports and elections alike. In 2008, Silver founded FiveThirtyEight, a polling aggregation website and blog. Soon after, he was named as one of the world’s 100 most influential people by Time Magazine, recognized for the remarkable accuracy of his election forecasting system. Delving into the world of probability, statistics, and
Es Devlin
Es Devlin is a renowned stage designer and artist known for her innovative work in theater, opera, dance, and concerts. Since 1999, she has created groundbreaking designs for the National Theatre, Royal Opera House, World Expo, and the United Nations. Her work, at the intersection of art, music, and technology, often features large-scale kinetic sculptures integrated with light, film, and AI generated images.
A lifelong reader and drawer, Devlin began developing her practice as a child with sk
Ben Patrick
Ben Patrick, known as the “Knees Over Toes Guy,” is the founder, president, and CEO of Athletic Truth Group (ATG) Online Coaching. Though a longtime basketball player in his youth, Patrick’s three knee surgeries by the age of 18 stopped his athletic career short. After struggling with pain medication addiction and depression, Patrick soon became devoted to physical fitness and rehabilitation, now boasting an NBA-like 42-inch vertical jump. He developed ATG Online Coaching, working to re
Ari Emanuel
Ariel Emanuel is the CEO of Endeavor and TKO Group Holdings. Emanuel co-founded the Endeavor talent agency in 1995 and has grown it into one of the most influential sports and entertainment companies in the world. Known for his dynamic and direct dealmaking style, Ariel has played a vital role in shaping the careers of high-profile clients and the entertainment industry as a whole.------Thank you to the sponsors that fuel our podcast and our team:Squarespacehttps://squarespace.com/tetra
Ezra Koenig (Part 2)
Ezra Koenig is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the band Vampire Weekend. He co-founded the group in 2006 while attending Columbia University. Vampire Weekend has released several critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, blending indie rock with elements of world music. Beyond his work with Vampire Weekend, he is the creator and host of the radio show “Time Crisis” on Apple Music’s Beats 1. He has collaborated with various artists across different genres, such as M
Ezra Koenig (Part 1)
Ezra Koenig is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter of the band Vampire Weekend. He co-founded the group in 2006 while attending Columbia University. Vampire Weekend has released several critically acclaimed and commercially successful albums, blending indie rock with elements of world music. Beyond his work with Vampire Weekend, he is the creator and host of the radio show “Time Crisis” on Apple Music’s Beats 1. He has collaborated with various artists across different genres,
John Sinclair
This interview with John Sinclair was recorded a few months before he passed away on April 4, 2024. John was an icon of the counterculture movement. In the late 1960s, he was sentenced to 10 years in prison for marijuana possession, sparking protests and rallies like the John Sinclair Freedom Rally, which featured performances by John Lennon and Stevie Wonder, among others. After a high-profile legal battle that challenged and ultimately reformed harsh marijuana laws, Sinclair was relea
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya
Dr. Jay Bhattacharya is a professor of medicine, economics, and health research policy at Stanford University, where he is also the director of Stanford's Center for Demography and Economics of Health and Aging. After dedicating much of his career to studying the economics of health care, when the COVID-19 crisis began, Dr. Bhattacharya shifted his research focus to the epidemiology of COVID-19, the lethality of COVID-19 infection, and the effectiveness and effects of lockdown policies.
Julie Greenwald
Julie Greenwald is a prominent music industry executive. She got her start at Def Jam Recordings in 1992, became president of Atlantic Records in 2004, and was elevated to chairperson and CEO of the Atlantic Music Group in 2022. Throughout her career, she has played a crucial role in the success of artists like Coldplay, Cardi B, Coldplay, Lizzo, Bruno Mars, Ed Sheeran, Jack Harlow, Wiz Khalifa, Twenty One Pilots, and countless others. Her leadership has helped establish Atlantic as one of the m
Michael Richards
Michael Richards is a multiple Emmy and SAG Award-winning actor best known for playing the iconic character Cosmo Kramer on the classic sitcom Seinfeld. After cutting his teeth on the Los Angeles comedy circuit alongside legends like Robin Williams, Sam Kinison, and Andy Kaufman, Richards landed minor film and TV roles throughout the 1980s, including the cultish late-night sketch comedy show Fridays and Weird Al Yankovic’s oddball comedy UHF, before exploding into pop cultural conscious
Robert Downey Jr.
Robert Downey Jr. is an actor and producer whose critically acclaimed performance as Lewis Strauss in Christopher Nolan's Oppenheimer earned him an Academy Award, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award. His newest project, The Sympathizer, an HBO miniseries based on the 2015 Pulitzer Prize-winning novel of the same name, has Downey Jr. taking on multiple roles simultaneously.Born into a family of filmmakers, Downey Jr. began acting as a child actor in his father's independent films, then ent
Tom O'Neill
Tom O'Neill is an award-winning investigative journalist and entertainment reporter. His book, Chaos: Charles Manson, the CIA, and the Secret History of the Sixties, is the culmination of a 20-year investigation, which unearthed information about the murders, the murderers, the prosecutors who tried them, and the complex web of connections between Charles Manson, the CIA's MKUltra program, the counterculture movement, and other powerful individuals during the 1960s. His investigative st
Serj Tankian
Serj Tankian is a Grammy-award-winning artist best known for being the frontman of System Of A Down. His powerful vocals and thought-provoking lyrics helped the group achieve wild success, including over 40 million records sold worldwide, multiple platinum albums, more than a billion YouTube plays, and multiple Grammy nominations (winning Best Hard Rock Performance in 2006 for "B.Y.O.B."). Beyond System Of A Down, Tankian has released five solo albums (Elect the Dead, Imperfect Harmonies, Haraki
Chris Pine
Chris Pine is a multifaceted actor with a Zen-like presence on screen. He’s perhaps best known for his charismatic portrayal of Captain James T. Kirk in the Star Trek reboot film series and Steve Trevor in Wonder Woman. He began his career with small roles in TV shows like ER and CSI: Miami before making his feature film debut in The Princess Diaries 2: Royal Engagement. He made his directorial debut with the 2023 movie Poolman, which he also co-wrote and starred in. Along with director Joss Whe
Marianne Williamson
Marianne Williamson is a bestselling author, speaker, political activist, and spiritual thought leader. She is the author of 15 books, including 5 New York Times Best Sellers (A Return to Love, A Woman's Worth, Illuminata, The Healing of America, and Illuminated Prayers), and the highly-anticipated forthcoming book presenting a new way of thinking about Jesus’ role and relevance in our everyday lives, The Mystic Jesus: The Mind of Love. A leader in the fields of spirituality and new thought, Wil
Golden Harper
Golden Harper is a lifelong runner, biomechanics expert, and the creator & founder of Altra Footwear & P.R. Gear. He ran his first marathon at age 10 (3:08:05) and holds the world’s best for a 12-year-old in the marathon at 2:45:34. After growing up working in his family’s running store (which he now co-owns), he studied Exercise Science (with a focus on running technique/injuries & foot pathologies) at BYU and BYU-Hawaii, where he was an All-American Cross-Country runner. His life experiences,
Jon Kabat-Zinn
Jon Kabat-Zinn is a pioneering figure in the field of mindfulness and its integration into mainstream Western medicine and psychology. He is Professor of Medicine Emeritus at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, where he created both the Stress Reduction Clinic and the Center for Mindfulness in Medicine, Health Care, and Society. Kabat-Zinn is widely recognized for developing the Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program, which incorporates mindfulness meditation to help peopl
Laird Hamilton
Laird Hamilton is an action water sports pioneer. The big wave surfing legend revolutionized the sport with his invention of tow-in surfing, stand-up paddling, and foilboard surfing. Laird is an inventor, author, occasional fashion and action-sports model, fitness and nutrition expert, husband and father. He is the co-founder and Chief Innovator of Laird Superfood, which makes plant-based, better-for-you food products. He and his wife, Gabby Reece, co-founded Extreme Performance Trainin
Chris Dixon
Chris Dixon is an entrepreneur, investor, General Partner at Andreessen Horowitz, and the author of Read Write Own: Building the Next Era of the Internet. He started and manages a16z crypto, a branch dedicated to investing in new internet technologies, managing over $9 billion across four specialized funds. Prior to his venture capital career, Chris co-founded and led two successful startups, SiteAdvisor, an internet security firm acquired by McAfee in 2006, and Hunch, a recommendation
Nicole Shanahan
Nicole Shanahan is an entrepreneur and fellow at Stanford’s Codex, where she developed AI for law and government. Born and Raised in Oakland with the help of government assistance. She excelled at school, earning degrees in Asian Studies, Economics, and Mandarin Chinese and a law degree from SCU. Nicole was a player in the rise of Silicon Valley’s golden age, and her work focuses on healthy reproductive longevity, childhood wellness, and regenerative agriculture.Relevant links:https://k
Merlin Sheldrake
Merlin Sheldrake is a biologist, writer, and speaker whose interdisciplinary expertise spans plant sciences, microbiology, ecology, and the history and philosophy of science. He is the bestselling author of Entangled Life: How Fungi Make Our Worlds, Change Our Minds, and Shape Our Futures, a thought-provoking exploration into the impact of fungi on ecosystems and human societies. Currently, Merlin is a research associate at Vrije University Amsterdam, where his research spans fungal biology, Ama
Dr. Jack Kruse and Bill Gifford
Dr. Jack Kruse is a neurosurgeon who had an awakening in 2007 after suffering a torn meniscus. This led to his study of physics, light, magnetism, and electricity. He ultimately concluded that modern medicine lacked a deep understanding of how humans function in relation to the natural world. Kruse lost 150 lbs. using his newly acquired understanding. He is CEO of Kruse Longevity Center, a health and wellness company dedicated to helping patients avoid the healthcare burdens typically e
Tremaine Emory
Tremaine Emory is a designer and creative director famous for mixing fashion, art, visual storytelling, and social issues in his designs. Emory is the founder of the collective “No Vacancy Inn,” as well as the clothing label “Denim Tears,” which blends streetwear with high fashion. He's collaborated with brands like Ugg, Stüssy, Champion, Converse, ASICS, and Dior, bringing themes of activism and social justice into his work. Along with brands, Emory has collaborated with some of the most influe
Eugene Jarecki
Eugene Jarecki is an Emmy and Peabody award-winning director of dramatic and documentary subjects. He has won the Grand Jury Prize at the Sundance Film Festival twice — for Why We Fight in 2005 and The House I Live In in 2012. His other films include the Emmy-Award Winning Reagan, The Trials of Henry Kissinger, Freakonomics, and The Cyclist. In 2010, Jarecki’s online video, Move Your Money, spurred a nationwide initiative to support local banks over larger institutions. As the founder of The Eis
4 Readings (Patricia Sun)
World renowned astrologer Patricia Sun performs four readings.
Patricia Sun
Patricia Sun is a pioneering thinker, philosopher, teacher, speaker, and world-renowned astrologer. With over 45 years of experience, she has addressed audiences worldwide on topics ranging from family dynamics to global peace. Patricia has engaged with over a third of a million people through workshops, keynotes, and media appearances across 40 countries. She holds degrees in Psychology and Conservation & Natural Resources From the University of California, Berkeley. Patricia's exp
Travis Barker
Travis Barker is a renowned musician best known as the drummer for the rock band Blink-182. His contributions to music extend beyond Blink-182; he is a member of the rap rock group Transplants, co-founded the rock band +44, and has been involved with Box Car Racer, Antemasque, and Goldfinger. Apart from music, he started his own clothing brand called Famous Stars and Straps in 1999 and created two record labels, LaSalle Records in 2004 and DTA Records in 2019. Travis shared his life story in a b
Adam Mosseri
Adam Mosseri is the head of Instagram, where he oversees all functions of the app including engineering, product, and operations. Adam has been at Meta (formerly Facebook) for more than 11 years. He was the company’s design director for mobile apps and then moved into product management, where he led the News Feed product and engineering teams for many years. Prior to Meta, began his career founding a design consultancy in 2003 with offices in New York and San Francisco that focused on graphic,
Richard Rudd
Richard Rudd is a renowned poet, mystic, and teacher. After earning a Master’s Degree in metaphysics and literature from Edinburgh University, he worked in the film industry in Australia, trained as a teacher of Chi Kung in Thailand, and sailed across the Atlantic Ocean on a small yacht. Then at the age 29, he had a transformative spiritual experience that led him to conceive The Gene Keys, a book that took seven years to write. Today, he teaches globally and was recognized in 2019 as one of The
Edward Norton
Edward Norton is one of the great actors of his generation. He has gained acclaim for his roles in movies like Fight Club, American History X, and Primal Fear. In all, he has written, directed, produced, or starred in over 50 movies. His off-screen interests and achievements in environmental activism and social entrepreneurship are just as substantial: he serves as the president of the American branch of the Maasai Wilderness Conservation Trust, an award-winning environmental conservation organi
Jason Blum
Jason Blum is an award-winning film and television producer known for his work in the horror and thriller genres. In 2000, he founded Blumhouse Productions, a production company specializing in low-budget horror and thriller movies, such as the highly successful Paranormal Activity franchise, which grossed over $890 million worldwide. He has also produced other popular films such as Insidious, The Purge, Get Out, BlacKkKlansman, and Whiplash. ------Thank you to the sponsors that fuel ou
James Perse
James Perse is a fashion designer from Los Angeles, California. The son of the founder of the innovative boutique, Maxfield, Perse grew up in a family connected to the fashion world. In 1994, he went out on his own, creating his eponymous brand, which today is famous for making clothes that are simple and comfy. He focuses on using soft materials like cotton and making high-quality clothes. From cozy t-shirts to nice dresses, his casual luxury designs are loved by people all around the world. Be
Marc Andreessen
Marc Andreessen is a prominent entrepreneur, investor, and software engineer best known for his key role in the development of the early internet. In the early 90s, Marc co-created Mosaic, a pioneering web browser, while a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign. In 1994, he founded Netscape, launching the popular Netscape Navigator browser. After selling Netscape to AOL in 1999 for $4.3 billion, Marc founded Opsware, selling it later for $1.6 billion. In 2009, he co-f
Daniel Kaluuya
Actor, writer, producer, and director Daniel Kaluuya is known for his groundbreaking role in "Get Out" and his Oscar-winning portrayal of Chairman Fred Hampton in "Judas and the Black Messiah," which also earned him BAFTA, Golden Globe, and SAG Awards. Born in London, Kaluuya honed his storytelling skills from a young age, beginning his career as a writer and then actor for the popular British series "Skins." His early journey encompassed sketch comedy and short films to notable performances in
Robert Greene
Robert Greene is an author known for his books on strategy, power, mastery, and seduction. The 48 Laws of Power, perhaps Greene's most famous book, found a particularly passionate audience among rappers and musicians, as the book resonates with the challenges and dynamics of the music industry. After 50 Cent read it, he approached Greene and the two collaborated on The 50th Law. It’s been mentioned in songs by Jay Z, Kanye West, UGK, Central Cee, MF DOOM, and Drake.------Thank you to th
Terry Gilliam
Terry Gilliam is the creative, comedic mind behind some of cinema's most imaginative and thought-provoking films.
The only American member of the legendary British comedy troupe Monty Python, Gilliam’s contributions to cinema include gems like Time Bandits (1981), Brazil (1985), The Fisher King (1991), Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas (1998), and The Brothers Grimm (2005).
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Tim DeLaughter of The Polyphonic Spree
Tim DeLaughter is an Emmy nominated singer, songwriter, performer, and producer of the musical group The Polyphonic Spree.
Formed in 2000 following a period of heartbreak, confusion, and uncertainty as his original band Tripping Daisy fell apart in 1999, Tim started over again. Accompanied by 23 other collaborators, draped in robes, and drunk on the natural exuberance of a new chapter, he introduced The Polyphonic Spree with the now-classic 2002 debut, The Beginning Stages of… The signature “Li
Steven Pressfield
Steven Pressfield wrote for 27 years before publishing his first book, the novel The Legend of Bagger Vance. His relentless pursuit of a writing career led him through a diverse array of experiences. Along the way, he held 21 different jobs in eleven states, embracing roles such as a schoolteacher, tractor-trailer driver, and advertising professional. His stint as a screenwriter in Hollywood allowed him to immerse himself in storytelling from a cinematic perspective, which later influenced his
Andrew Huberman, Ph.D.
Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., is a neuroscientist and tenured professor in the Department of Neurobiology and, by courtesy, Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford School of Medicine.
In 2021, Huberman launched the Huberman Lab podcast. By 2023, the podcast had become the 6th most popular podcast in the US on Spotify platforms, while his YouTube channel had 4.1 million subscribers and his Instagram account 4.2 million.
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Nick Cave
Nick Cave is a musician, songwriter, author, and actor, best known as the frontman of the band Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds, though is also beloved for his early group, The Birthday Party. Albums from The Boatman's Call (1997) to Skeleton Tree (2016) showcase Cave’s ability to craft emotionally charged and intellectually stimulating compositions filled with hauntingly poetic lyrics. Beyond music, Cave’s authored several books, including Faith, Hope and Carnage (2023), And the Ass Saw the Angel (1
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and Dr. Jack Kruse
Robert F. Kennedy Jr and Dr. Jack Kruse join Tetragrammaton to talk about water pollution, corruption vs. capitalism, spirituality, running for office, the privatization of natural resources, the death of Robert’s uncle John F. Kennedy, the history of SV-40, the medical industrial complex, the Monsanto trial, the chronic disease epidemic, and some of the things Robert would do as President. Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is an environmental attorney, activist, founder of the Children’s Health De
Jamie Byng
Jamie Byng is the CEO and publisher of the independent publishing firm Canongate Books.When Canongate was on the verge of bankruptcy in 1994, Byng, then in his mid-20s, bought it with a business partner. His first move in overhauling the company's image was to establish the ultra-hip Payback and Rebel Inc. imprints, dedicated to championing cult authors. Over a series of years, the publisher became a radical underdog success story not only publishing wonderful books by Miranda July and
Kenny Beats
Kenny Beats is a highly acclaimed music producer and songwriter known for his unique sound and creative approach to music production. With an impressive discography that includes collaborations with some of the biggest names in Hip Hop, Kenny has established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the industry. His distinctive style, blending trap and electronic music elements, has earned him a loyal fanbase and critical acclaim. From producing chart-topping hits to hosting his own popular web
Tyler Cowen: From Avant-Garde to Pop (Bonus DJ Episode)
Tyler Cowen has long nurtured an obsession with music. It’s one of the few addictions Tyler believes is actually conducive to a fulfilling intellectual life.In this bonus episode, an addendum to Rick’s conversation with Tyler, Rick sits with Tyler as he plays and talks through the music that moves him: from the outer bounds of the avant-garde to contemporary pop music and all points in between.
Tyler Cowen
Tyler Cowen is one of the top thinkers in the world: the thinkers’ thinker.A professor of economics at George Mason University, he has one of the most popular economics sites on the internet, Marginal Revolution, where he’s blogged every day for over 20 years. It also runs the online educational platform Marginal Revolution University. However, he may be best known for his popular podcast, Conversations with Tyler.Tyler is a New York Times bestselling author, having written 19 books, in
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the former governor of California, a bodybuilder, actor, businessman, philanthropist, and bestselling author.Moving from a small village in Austria to America, Schwarzenegger set out to conquer anything he could dream of. From his time as the world’s greatest bodybuilder, Hollywood’s leading action star, and the highest elected official in California, one mantra imparted by his dad helped him accomplish it all: “Be useful.” He distills the principles that lead h
Jack Johnson
Jack Johnson is a singer-songwriter, musician, filmmaker, and surfer from the shores of Hawaii.Propelled by his signature blend of laid-back acoustic folk-rock and his innate ability to craft soul-stirring melodies and lyrics, Johnson’s music career took flight with the release of his debut album, the critically acclaimed Brushfire Fairytales (2001).Following the success of his debut, Johnson continued to captivate audiences with albums like On and On (2003), In Between Dreams (2005), F
Carnivore Aurelius
Carnivore Aurelius is the pseudonym used by an independent health researcher. He’s found his life’s purpose in this research and also in sharing what he’s learned with his growing online audience across social media. Carnivore Aurelius is dedicated to becoming his healthiest and happiest self, using the tools endowed to us by nature, and isn’t afraid to buck conventional medical wisdom in the process.After a lifetime of suffering from health conditions ranging from skin issues to recurr
Ian Rogers
Beginning with being the webmaster for the Beastie Boys in the early 1990s, Ian Rogers’ career took off and helped forge the digital music landscape as we know it today.
In 2003, Rogers was plucked to head up Yahoo’s $140 million music service and spent the next twenty years bringing digital music to the mainstream—after Yahoo, with Beats and then Apple. In 2015, he helped launch Apple Music and Beats 1, their digital streaming channel. Soon after, he stunned the tech world when he left Apple to
Tom Hanks
Tom Hanks is one of the few actors who has succeeded enormously in just about every part of the silver and small screens: he’s written, directed, and produced; done summer stock theater, sitcoms, blockbuster movies, prestige TV, Broadway, and worked more than credibly in both drama and comedy. For his roles in movies like Big, Forrest Gump, Apollo 13, Cast Away, and Saving Private Ryan—that saw him paired with visionary directors like Steven Spielberg, Ron Howard, and Robert Zemeckis—Hanks is wi
Peter Asher
Peter Asher is a British musician, record producer, and manager.
After starting his music career in the 1960s as part of the British pop duo Peter and Gordon, Asher ran A&R at the Beatles’ Apple Records. Over the course of Asher’s prolific career as an executive and music producer, he’s worked with artists including James Taylor, Linda Ronstadt, Cher, and Bonnie Raitt.
He’s won two Grammy’s for Producer of The Year, Non-Classical (Simple Dreams, JT and Cry Like a Rainstorm, Howl Like the Wind) a
Whitney Cummings
Whitney Cummings is a comedian, actor, writer, producer, director, and host of the popular podcast Good for You.
In 2011, at the age of 29, Cummings created two sitcoms which were both picked up to series: Whitney, which she starred in as well, and the Emmy-nominated series 2 Broke Girls. She has since written and starred in numerous TV shows and films. Cummings regularly sells out her nationwide comedy tours, and she just released her fifth comedy special, Whitney Cummings: JOKES.
In this episo
Rory Sutherland
Rory Sutherland is a British advertising executive, author, and marketing visionary. He’s the UK Vice Chairman of Ogilvy, one of the world's largest and most renowned ad firms. Mad Men is largely inspired by the company and one of the firm’s founders, David Ogilvy.
Rory started Ogilvy’s behavioral science practice, pioneering the application of behavioral economics and evolutionary psychology to marketing and advertising.
Some of his counterintuitive theories on marketing and human behavior are
Judd Apatow
Judd Apatow is an American filmmaker, producer, writer, and comedian.
From his breakout directorial debut, The 40-Year-Old Virgin, to the hilarious Knocked Up, the introspective This Is 40, and the bittersweet Funny People, Apatow’s movies masterfully intertwine humor and emotional resonance.
In addition to his successful career in Hollywood, he has also directed several acclaimed documentaries, including May It Last: A Portrait Of The Avett Brothers and The Zen Diaries of Garry Shandling, expl
Paula Scher
Paula Scher is one of the most influential designers of all time.A partner at Pentagram since 1991, she began her career in 1972 at CBS Records, where she eventually became the art director for the cover department, designing more than 150 album covers a year.Additionally, she has worked with a host of clients – Bloomberg, Coca-Cola, and the High Line – crafting identity and branding systems, promotional materials, environmental graphics, packaging and publication designs.Her designs ar
Andrew Hickey
Andrew Hickey hosts the highly acclaimed podcast A History of Rock Music in 500 Songs.Using a single song as the centerpiece for each episode, Hickey is attempting to chart the history of rock from the beginnings of amplified guitars to modern music, with the 500th episode to draw from the year 1999.In addition to the podcast, Hickey has published more than twenty books on various subjects, ranging from novels about the occult to reference books on the 1960s series, ‘Doctor Who.’-------
Chris Chelios
Chris Chelios is a former professional ice hockey player, widely regarded as one of the greatest defensemen in the history of the sport.
Chris is a pioneer in sport for having helped popularize training for injury prevention and recovery—most famously, Chelios would stationary bike in a sauna. He played the seventh most regular season games (1,651) in NHL history.
After winning three Norris Trophies as the NHL's best defenseman and three Stanley Cup championships, Chelios was inducted into the H
John Mayer
John Mayer is an American songwriter, guitarist, and musician. He has won several Grammy awards, including Song Of The Year for “Daughters.”In addition to his successful solo career, Mayer is also a member of the band Dead & Company, which features former Grateful Dead members. He joined the band in 2015 and has since toured extensively with them until this summer when the band announced and just wrapped their final tour. Mayer's contribution to Dead & Company has been praised b
Will Smith
Will Smith began his entertainment career as the MC of the hip-hop duo DJ Jazzy Jeff & the Fresh Prince. The duo won the first-ever Grammy Award for Best Rap Performance in 1989 for their hit song Parents Just Don't Understand.
Will then transitioned into television, starring in the sitcom The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air. The breakout role launched Will into becoming one of the highest-grossing actors in Hollywood, with numerous blockbuster hits to his credit: Men in Black (and its sequels), Indepen
Andrew Henderson
Andrew Henderson is an educational YouTuber, investor, world traveler, entrepreneur, and the bestselling author of Nomad Capitalist.He dropped out of Arizona State University to start his first business and then four businesses later, he sold everything and decided to travel the world.With his current company, Nomad Capitalist, Henderson has helped hundreds of clients go offshore, keep more of their wealth and enjoy the benefits of global citizenship.Henderson's philosophy is simple; go
Rosalía
Rosalía is a 2-time Grammy Award and 12-time Latin Grammy Award-winning innovative recording artist and producer who has quickly leapt to the forefront of the global pop landscape on the strength of her musical fusions and distinctive style. She has repeatedly shattered barriers for both female and Spanish language recording artists while being widely hailed for her musicianship in and out of the studio.
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BattleBots: Greg Munson and Trey Roski
BattleBots is an American television series, founded by executive producers Greg Munson and Trey Roski, that features remote-controlled machines weighing up to 250 lbs, fighting to the death in a bulletproof glass arena. The robots are designed and built by teams of engineer enthusiasts who compete in intense and destructive battles against each other for the championship title. Since the show first aired in 2000, it has gained a large following of dedicated fans of all ages, and BattleBots cont
Trent Reznor
Trent Reznor is a musician, songwriter, and composer. As the creative force behind Nine Inch Nails, Trent has continuously pushed the boundaries of music, crafting powerful and innovative music that has captivated audiences worldwide. He has also scored numerous films, winning the Academy Award for Best Original Score and a Grammy for his work on both The Social Network and Soul.-------Thank you to the sponsors that fuel our podcast and our team:House of Macadamiashttps://www.houseofmac
Paul Heyman
Paul Heyman is one of the most influential people in professional wrestling. He started as a ringside photographer and later became a manager for some of the biggest names in the industry. Heyman also worked with WWE as a commentator and producer, and founded and led promotion for Extreme Championship Wrestling.
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Owen Wilson
Owen Wilson is an American actor, screenwriter, and producer.
Wilson's breakthrough came in 1996 with the film "Bottle Rocket," which he co-wrote with director Wes Anderson. The former college classmates have had a fruitful collaborative relationship, with Wilson starring in many of Anderson's films including "The Royal Tenenbaums," "The Darjeeling Limited," and "Fantastic Mr. Fox."
International movie stardom came with his roles in popular films such as "Wedding Crashers," "Zoolander," and "Car
Jack Harlow
Rapping since he was 12, early Jack Harlow mixtapes were the talk of his Louisville, Kentucky grade school. Not long after, he became a household name.Jack’s meteoric rise began with the release of his 2020 single, Whats Poppin. Then came the platinum debut studio album, Thats What They All Say (2020)The second album from Jack, Come Home the Kids Miss You (2022) included the lead single Nail Tech and the chart-topping single First Class.His third album Jackman was recently released on A
Dr. Joe Dispenza
Dr. Joe DispenzaDr. Joe Dispenza is a New York Times bestselling author and one of the most sought-after speakers in the world.His expertise is the intersection of the fields of neuroscience, epigenetics, and quantum physics.His books include You are the Placebo, Becoming Supernatural, Breaking the Habit of Being Yourself, and Evolve Your Brain.-------Thank you to the sponsors that fuel our podcast and our team:House of Macadamiashttps://www.houseofmacadamias.com/tetraGet a free box of
Jimmy Iovine
Jimmy Iovine is a music producer, record executive, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Interscope Records. In 2006, he co-founded Beats by Dre Electronics and Beats Music, which later became the framework for Apple Music.
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Dr. Jack Kruse and Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. (Part 2)
Jack Krusehttps://jackkruse.comDr. Jack Kruse is a neurosurgeon who had an awakening in 2007 when he suffered a torn meniscus in his knee at 6’2”, 357 lbs. This led to his further study of physics, light, magnetism, and electricity. He ultimately concluded that modern medicine lacked a deep understanding of how humans function in relation to the natural world.Kruse has written extensively on the Paleo diet and the brain-gut connection. In addition to being a neurosurgeon and author, Kru
Dr. Jack Kruse and Andrew Huberman, Ph.D. (Part 1)
Jack Krusehttps://jackkruse.comDr. Jack Kruse is a neurosurgeon who had an awakening in 2007 when he suffered a torn meniscus in his knee at 6’2”, 357 lbs. This led to his further study of physics, light, magnetism, and electricity. He ultimately concluded that modern medicine lacked a deep understanding of how humans function in relation to the natural world.Kruse has written extensively on the Paleo diet and the brain-gut connection. In addition to being a neurosurgeon and author, Kru
Alejandro G. Iñárritu
Alejandro G. Iñárritu is a five-time Academy Award-winning director, writer, and producer.
Iñárritu is known for his emotional explorations of the human psyche. Some of his most renowned films include Babel (which received seven Academy nominations), Birdman, which won the Oscars for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, and Best Cinematography and for which Iñárritu won Best Director, Co-Writer and Co-Producer; and The Revenant., for which he won his second Academy Award for Best Director.
In
Jerrod Carmichael
Jerrod Carmichael is a comedian, actor, writer, and director. He is most known for his breakthrough standup special “8” and his his newest, most talked about special “Rothaniel” both on HBO. "The Carmichael Show” sitcom on NBC was his first foray into television. In 2023, he hosted SNL and the Golden Globe Awards.
Phil Jackson
In this episode, Rick speaks with Phil Jackson. Phil Jackson is the head coach with the most NBA titles. His holistic approach to coaching, influenced by Eastern philosophy, led to his nickname, "The Zen Master,” and later to his induction into the Basketball Hall of Fame.
Welcome to Tetragrammaton with Rick Rubin
In-depth interviews that may blow your mind.With Rick Rubin