Summary of "ROLL ON: Embracing Stillness, Recovering From Surgery & Going Slow To Go Slow"
Episode Information:
- Title: ROLL ON: Embracing Stillness, Recovering From Surgery & Going Slow To Go Slow
- Release Date: June 19, 2025
- Host: Rich Roll
1. Introduction to the Episode
In this episode of The Rich Roll Podcast, host Rich Roll delves into a deeply personal narrative about his recent spinal fusion surgery and the ensuing journey of recovery. The conversation seamlessly transitions from nostalgic discussions about changing cultural phenomena to the profound challenges and insights gained from confronting physical limitations.
2. Rich Roll’s Decision to Undergo Spinal Fusion Surgery
Rich opens up about his long-standing battle with chronic lower back pain, suffering from spondylolisthesis for over a decade. Despite numerous attempts to manage the pain holistically through physical therapy, acupuncture, and other modalities, his condition only worsened, leading to severe nerve pain and numbness in his left leg.
Rich Roll [07:23]: "For over a decade at this point, I've been suffering from chronic lower back pain that... continued to get worse... nerve pain... nearly numb."
Diagnosed by his chiropractor, Shei Shani, Rich was advised that spinal fusion surgery was the only viable option to prevent further deterioration and potential complications like drop foot.
Rich Roll [07:23]: "He took an X-ray of my spine... recommended surgery as the clear-cut solution."
3. The Surgery Procedure and Initial Recovery
Rich provides a detailed account of the surgery performed on May 8, highlighting the complexity and invasiveness of the procedure. The surgery involved two main approaches:
- Abdominal Approach: Inserting a metal cage filled with synthetic bone grafting material between the L5 and S1 vertebrae to stabilize the spine.
- Posterior Approach: Securing the cage with screws and posts to ensure proper alignment and facilitate bone fusion.
Rich Roll [17:15]: "They insert this little metal cage... a synthetic material... then they open me up on the back and put two screws on each side of L5 and S1."
The procedure lasted approximately six hours and marked a significant turning point in Rich’s physical health journey.
4. Post-Surgery Recovery: Physical and Emotional Challenges
Post-surgery, Rich underestimated the intensity of the pain and the arduousness of the initial recovery phase. He experienced extreme pain, necessitating heavy pain management with medications like Dilaudid and Oxycodone.
Rich Roll [20:40]: "I completely underestimated the acuteness of the pain... alternated between intravenous Dilaudid and then Oxycodone."
The physical constraints limited his mobility severely, restricting him to short walks and making daily activities excruciatingly painful. This period felt akin to an intensified COVID lockdown, exacerbating feelings of isolation and frustration.
Rich Roll [30:30]: "It's like COVID lockdown, except worse... I just really can't move in the ways that make me feel like myself."
5. Emotional and Mental Growth Through Recovery
Amidst the physical pain, Rich embarked on a journey of self-discovery and emotional growth. Forced to slow down, he confronted deep-seated notions of self-worth tied to his identity as an ultra-endurance athlete. This introspection led him to embrace the concept of being present and redefining his value beyond external achievements.
Rich Roll [37:11]: "This is the lesson that I'm trying to learn and lean into right now... being okay with who you are irrespective of external reward or influence."
He grappled with the realization that his sense of worth was heavily reliant on his achievements and external validations, challenging him to find intrinsic value and unconditional self-love.
Rich Roll [38:35]: "You are enough as it is."
6. Philosophical Insights on Presence and Slow Living
Rich explores the philosophical dimensions of his recovery, drawing inspiration from mindfulness teachings and the importance of stillness. He reflects on the necessity of slowing down not just as a means to regain speed but as an end in itself, fostering deeper self-awareness and inner peace.
Rich Roll [59:57]: "What if the point of going slow is to go slow?... What could you learn about yourself?"
This period of enforced stillness became a vital space for mental and emotional healing, allowing Rich to disconnect from the relentless pace of his former lifestyle and reconnect with his authentic self.
7. Reflections on Self-Worth and External Validation
Rich delves deeper into the challenges of maintaining self-worth without the constant engagements of his ultra-athletic endeavors. He questions the sustainability of his previous identity markers and contemplates the essence of his value beyond performance and productivity.
Rich Roll [42:36]: "What are you going to make of that?... Am I worthy outside of the things that I do in the world?"
This introspection is coupled with discussions on unconditional love and the importance of redefining personal success and fulfillment.
Rich Roll [40:16]: "Love is something that you should give and receive unconditionally...
So it's about... love is whatever you need it to be."
8. Brief Engagement on Current Political Events
Towards the latter part of the episode, Rich and his co-host transition into a discussion about current political issues, particularly focusing on immigration policies and recent events in Los Angeles. They express concern over the rise of authoritarian measures and the impact on immigrant communities, highlighting personal anecdotes that underscore the human cost of such policies.
Co-host [66:22]: "Because if you are an American, unless you're a Native American, you are an immigrant from somewhere."
The conversation emphasizes the importance of maintaining humanity and compassion in the face of political unrest and societal challenges.
Rich Roll [82:16]: "We need to take a much more human view... Our response to this cannot be hate."
9. Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The episode concludes with Rich reflecting on the balance between maintaining his podcast's integrity and addressing critical societal issues. He acknowledges the emotional toll of voicing political opinions but underscores the necessity of speaking up against injustices.
Rich Roll [84:42]: "That's why I decided to have this second half of this podcast be about this."
Rich reiterates his commitment to internal growth and the ongoing journey of embracing stillness and presence, even amidst external chaos.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps:
-
Chronic Pain and Diagnosis:
Rich Roll [07:23]: "For over a decade... continuing to get worse... nerve pain... nearly numb." -
Surgery Decision:
Rich Roll [07:23]: "He was very clear... this is a very clear-cut case." -
Surgery Details:
Rich Roll [17:15]: "They insert this little metal cage... a synthetic material... then they open me up on the back." -
Post-Surgery Pain:
Rich Roll [20:40]: "I completely underestimated the acuteness of the pain... heavily medicated." -
Emotional Challenges:
Rich Roll [30:30]: "It's like COVID lockdown, except worse." -
Self-Worth Reflection:
Rich Roll [38:35]: "You are enough as it is." -
Philosophical Insight:
Rich Roll [59:57]: "What if the point of going slow is to go slow?" -
Political Concern:
Co-host [66:22]: "Because if you are an American, unless you're a Native American, you are an immigrant from somewhere." -
Humanity Over Hate:
Rich Roll [82:16]: "We need to take a much more human view... Our response to this cannot be hate."
Conclusion
In this episode, Rich Roll offers an intimate look into his personal struggles with spinal surgery and recovery, intertwining it with broader reflections on self-worth, presence, and societal issues. The candid and heartfelt discussion provides listeners with valuable insights into overcoming adversity, embracing stillness, and finding intrinsic value beyond external achievements.