Arnold Schwarzenegger Is The Influencer We Need Right Now | Rich Roll Podcast

Added: Oct 2, 2023

Schwarzenegger begins by emphasizing the importance of personal growth and change, stating that every day is an opportunity for improvement. He believes that individuals have the power to change their circumstances and should not feel stuck in their current situation. He shares his own experiences of constantly striving for improvement and never feeling like he has fully arrived.

The conversation then delves into Schwarzenegger's relationship with ambition and ego. Despite his immense success, he maintains a grounded ego and sees himself as just one of the crew, whether it be on a movie set or in the political arena. He attributes this humility to never feeling like he has fully achieved his goals and always seeing room for improvement. He also acknowledges the importance of joy and entertainment in his career, drawing inspiration from Muhammad Ali's showmanship and ability to find joy in his sport.

Schwarzenegger's upbringing in challenging circumstances, including a father with PTSD and a lack of basic amenities, shaped his resilience and determination. He credits his parents for their support and the positive moments they shared, which balanced out the tough times. He also discusses the pain point of his past and how he has chosen not to dwell on the negative aspects, instead focusing on the positive and using his experiences to motivate himself and others.

The conversation then shifts to the current cultural climate and the prevalence of victimhood. Schwarzenegger expresses his belief that individuals need to be strong, tough, and willing to face hardship and adversity. He criticizes the trend of excessive sensitivity and pampering, advocating for a balance between sensitivity and resilience. He encourages people to embrace challenges and not shy away from pain and suffering, as these experiences build character and strength.

Schwarzenegger's role as a social media influencer is discussed, with a focus on his use of the platform to inspire and empower others. Despite his larger-than-life achievements, he remains relatable and authentic, connecting with people on a personal level. He shares his thoughts on the power of positivity and the importance of taking responsibility for one's own life. He believes that by improving oneself, individuals can make a positive impact on the world and find fulfillment and purpose.

The conversation then turns to Schwarzenegger's collection of sculptures, including a bust of Lenin, Stalin, and other Soviet leaders. He explains how he acquired these sculptures and the significance they hold for him. He also discusses his relationship with Russia and his efforts to promote equal opportunities and inclusion for all.

Schwarzenegger's evolution from a self-oriented pursuit of goals to a focus on service is explored. He acknowledges that initially, he had to build himself up before he could give back to others. He shares his experiences working with Special Olympics and promoting health and fitness in schools. He emphasizes the importance of using one's platform and influence for positive change and helping others.

The conversation continues with a discussion on the importance of open-mindedness and learning from others. Schwarzenegger shares anecdotes about his experiences with mentors and the valuable lessons he learned from them. He emphasizes the need to be curious, ask questions, and actively seek out opportunities for growth and education.

Schwarzenegger continues by discussing his childhood in Austria and how he was inspired by his father, who was a police officer and a strict disciplinarian. He talks about his early interest in bodybuilding and how he used it as a way to escape the limitations of his small town. Schwarzenegger explains how bodybuilding taught him discipline, goal-setting, and the importance of hard work.

The conversation then shifts to Schwarzenegger's transition into acting and his success in Hollywood. He reflects on the challenges he faced as an immigrant and how he used his unique accent and physique to his advantage. Schwarzenegger also discusses his passion for action movies and how he used his roles to inspire others and promote positive values.

The discussion then turns to Schwarzenegger's time as Governor of California. He talks about the challenges he faced and the lessons he learned during his tenure. Schwarzenegger explains that he was initially unaware of the overcrowding and overload in the prison system and how he had to quickly learn about the complex issues and listen to various perspectives to find solutions. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration and bringing people together to solve problems.

Roll and Schwarzenegger then discuss the perception of Schwarzenegger as an action star and how he surprised people with his enthusiasm for policy and problem-solving. Schwarzenegger explains that he embraced the challenges of governing and enjoyed the process of learning and finding solutions. He also discusses the importance of communication and finding common ground to bring people together.

The conversation then shifts to Schwarzenegger's passion for the environment and his involvement in the documentary "The Game Changers." He explains how his friend, filmmaker James Cameron, influenced his decision to adopt a more plant-based diet and how he became an advocate for reducing meat consumption for health and environmental reasons.

Schwarzenegger concludes the interview by discussing his new book, and his desire to motivate and inspire people to improve themselves and pursue their goals. He emphasizes the importance of having a vision, not being afraid of failure, and constantly seeking personal growth.