The KEY To Building Lasting Friendships | Toby Morse | Rich Roll

Added: Feb 26, 2024

Living the Ethos of Punk Rock

The conversation delves into Toby's commitment to living the ethos of punk rock and hardcore, which includes being drug-free his entire life and not consuming animal products since 1988. THe shares how he was introduced to the straight edge movement at a young age and how it influenced his decision to stay away from drugs and alcohol. He also talks about his early days in the punk rock scene and how bands like Minor Threat and Bad Brains inspired him to adopt a vegan lifestyle and become an advocate for animal rights.

Involvement in the New York Hardcore Scene

The discussion shifts to Toby's involvement in the hardcore scene in New York and the enduring legacy of bands like Agnostic Front and Suicidal Tendencies. Despite the changing landscape of music and culture, Toby finds inspiration in the younger generation's interest in punk and hardcore music. He acknowledges the transgressive nature of the scene in the past and the shift towards a more inclusive and diverse community today.

DIY Approach

Rich highlights Toby's DIY approach to his music career, where he takes on tasks such as designing merch, handling pre-orders, and personally shipping out orders. Toby's hands-on involvement in every aspect of his band's operations reflects his commitment to authenticity and connection with his fans. He values the direct interaction with fans and takes pride in providing a personal touch to every order.

His Son Joining the Band

Toby's son, Max, has also joined the band as a drummer, bringing a new energy and perspective to the group. Despite growing up around punk rock, Max has developed his own musical interests and brings a fresh perspective to the band's dynamic. Toby is excited about the new direction the band is taking with Max on board and looks forward to collaborating on new music together.

Toby's Enthusiasm

The conversation touches on Toby's positive and enthusiastic demeanor, which is a hallmark of his personality. While he acknowledges moments of darkness and sadness, Toby's overall outlook is one of optimism and gratitude. He credits his lifestyle choices, such as exercise and a positive mindset, for helping him maintain a youthful spirit and energy.

Balancing Personal Life With a Music Career

Rich and Toby discuss the challenges of balancing personal life with a music career, especially in a city like Los Angeles. Toby reflects on the importance of family and the support he receives from his wife, who has been a constant source of strength throughout his career. Despite the demands of touring and performing, Toby values the friendships and connections he has made in the punk rock community.

Transitioning to a healthier lifestyle

While Toby has been plant-based for many years, he decided to level up his well-being by making some significant changes to his diet and exercise routine. He shares how he went gluten-free and cut out processed foods, fake meats, and gluten from his diet, which has helped alleviate his stomach issues and improve his overall health. He also started incorporating more whole foods, such as quinoa, kale, beans, tofu, and nuts, into his diet, along with supplements like athletic greens and blackstrap molasses for iron and B12.

Embracing a holistic approach to well-being

In addition to dietary changes, Toby has also embraced a holistic approach to well-being by incorporating regular exercise, cold plunges, and sauna sessions into his daily routine. He talks about how he built a cold plunge and sauna in his backyard, which has become a central part of his well-being practice. He shares how the cold plunges help him stay calm, improve his sleep, and provide a sense of relaxation and rejuvenation. He also discusses his newfound love for running and weight training, which have helped him stay active and balanced.

Finding inspiration in music and activism

Toby draws inspiration from musicians like Sinead O'Connor, whom he considers one of the most punk rock artists in the pop world. He admires her courage to speak out and challenge the status quo, even at the cost of being canceled and facing backlash. He shares how he has been a longtime fan of Sinead O'Connor and how her music and activism have influenced his own beliefs and values. He also reflects on the impact of her recent passing and the legacy she leaves behind.

Veganism and Berlin as the Vegan Capital

Toby discusses how Berlin is considered the vegan capital of the universe, with numerous vegan grocery stores and a thriving vegan community. He emphasizes the importance of responsible supplementation, acknowledging that even with a well-rounded diet, supplements can help address deficiencies. He mentions using Athletic Greens as a supplement and highlights the benefits of incorporating supplements into one's routine.

Maintaining Positivity in a Chaotic World

The conversation shifts to the challenges of staying positive in a world filled with negativity, especially on social media platforms. Toby acknowledges the darkness and tension present in current events and expresses his frustration at the state of the world. He reflects on the importance of focusing on what he can control and making a positive impact in his own life and the lives of those around him.

Family and Parenting

Rich and Toby delve into Toby's role as a father and his close relationship with his son, Max. Toby shares how he and his wife have created an open and loving environment for their son, allowing him to explore his interests and passions. He highlights the unique experience of playing music together and the joy it brings to their relationship.

Therapy and Self-Exploration

Toby opens up about his decision to start therapy, a step he took after being inspired by a guest on his podcast. He admits to initially feeling apprehensive about delving into past traumas and unresolved emotions but acknowledges the importance of addressing these issues for personal growth. He reflects on his fear of death and his struggles with processing the loss of his father at a young age, as well as his evolving understanding of his mother's actions during that time.

Embracing Vulnerability and Growth

Through his therapy sessions, Toby confronts deep-seated emotions and explores the impact of his childhood experiences on his adult life. He grapples with feelings of resentment towards his mother and the complexities of navigating relationships and parenthood. He discusses how his mother's relationship with his father influenced his views on love and relationships. He reflects on his family's protective nature and how they would run off any boyfriends his mother had after his father passed away.

Podcasting and Deep Conversations

Toby and Rich discuss the therapeutic nature of podcasting and how it allows for deep, meaningful conversations. Toby highlights his recent interview with Travis Barker, where they delved into topics that Travis doesn't typically discuss publicly. He praises Travis for his authenticity and shares how the podcast allowed him to showcase a different side of the rock star beyond his celebrity persona.

Liquid Death Brand and Marketing

The conversation shifts to Toby's involvement with the brand Liquid Death, a water company known for its unique marketing strategies. Toby discusses the brand's innovative approach, including turning negative reviews into music and engaging in creative collaborations with artists like himself.

One Life One Chance Nonprofit

Toby briefly mentions his nonprofit organization, One Life One Chance, which focuses on promoting positive lifestyle choices and values. He expresses his desire to resume his public speaking engagements at schools and connect with young audiences.