Can Discomfort Be the Key to a Better Life? With Ken Rideout

不适是否是美好生活的钥匙?——与肯·里德奥特对话

Intelligence Squared

2026-04-05

36 分钟
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单集简介 ...

Dr Radha Modgil is joined by endurance athlete, investor and author Ken Rideout for an inspiring Intelligence Squared conversation on what it really takes to transform your life. Drawing on the ideas in his book Everything You Want Is On The Other Side of Hard, Rideout argues that growth, confidence and fulfilment are only found by deliberately choosing discomfort over ease. Together, they explore why so many of us avoid difficult challenges, how modern life conditions us to seek convenience, and what is lost when we do. Rideout shares lessons from his own journey—from addiction and adversity to elite-level endurance sport—and explains how discipline, accountability and doing “hard things” can reshape not just your mindset, but your entire future. Blending personal storytelling with practical insight, this episode offers a clear, uncompromising perspective on resilience, mental toughness and the pursuit of a more meaningful life. ...  Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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单集文稿 ...

  • Welcome to Intelligence Squared, where great minds meet.

  • I'm producer Mia Sorrenti.

  • In a world built for comfort and convenience, what happens when we choose the harder path?

  • Could discomfort itself be the key to building resilience, confidence, and a more meaningful life?

  • On today's episode, Ken Rideout, endurance athlete, investor, and author joins Dr. Rada Modgil.

  • To discuss his book, Everything You Want is on the other side of hard,

  • and why deliberately embracing challenge can reshape how we think, act, and live.

  • Let's join our host, Dr. Radha Modgill, now with more.

  • Hello and welcome to Intelligence Squared with me, Dr Radha Modgil.

  • Our guest today is Ken Rideout, the fastest marathoner in the world,

  • over 50, and a former prison guard, Wall Street trader and opioid addict.

  • His life story has been chronicled in such publications as the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal and Outside.

  • Since getting sober more than a decade ago, he has won some of the world's toughest races,

  • including, at the age of 52, the Gobi March,

  • a 155-mile self-supported race across the sweltering Gobi Desert in Mongolia,

  • and a few months later, the Masters 50-plus Marathon World Championships.

  • His new book, which we'll be discussing the themes of today, is Everything You Want is on the Other Side of Hard.

  • Ken, welcome to the podcast.

  • It's an absolute thrill to have you here.

  • Thank you for having me.