Mike Posner sat down with Rich Roll for a second episode on his podcast series, The Rich Roll Podcast. In this episode, Mike sings his song “Wide Open,” and discusses walking across America, summiting Everest, creating art, surpassing self-imposed limits, and then sings “Redemption Song.” Now available to listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify, or watch their full conversation in the video below!
Your Life Is Now: Mike Posner on Walking America, Summiting Everest & Crafting Hit Music
The core of every hero’s journey is a desire to step into the unknown, seek adventure, and above all, embrace metamorphosis.
For Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Mike Posner, that meant trading the comforts of Hollywood for a Mount Everest base camp—and ditching the tour bus to instead walk across America.Let me explain.
After skyrocketing to fame following the release of his debut song Cooler Than Me, Mike built a career writing infectious pop meditations (that have accrued billions of streams) for some of music’s biggest stars—people like Justin Beiber, Pharrell, Maroon 5, Tom Morello, Snoop Dogg, Nick Jonas, and Avicii. As follows, he also built a life on womanizing, partying, money, and fame.
In our last exchange back in 2019, Mike and I discussed his moment of awakening—the events that led him to give away all his possessions, buy a van, and live more simply. But much has changed for Mike since we last sat down. Over the last two-plus years, he’s walked 2000+ miles across America and followed it up this past year by summiting Mt. Everest, racking up a depth of experience-based wisdom along the way.
Mike moves through the world with such a beautiful, heart-centered perspective. I appreciate the way in which he wears his heart on his sleeve, his ability to lean into vulnerability, and the manner in which he confronts struggle with curiosity.
Today’s exchange is centered on his quest for meaning and authenticity. It’s about channeling pain into art, grief into gratitude, and above all, redefining yourself and self-imposed limits.
Note: Mike was kind enough to perform a few songs live in our studio, so please stick around to the very end, as he takes us out with a performance you will not want to miss.
The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.
I’m proud to help share my friend’s experience, wisdom, and infectious hope. It’s truly magical, and my hope is that you find it as moving as I did.
Rich Roll
Check out photos of Mike Posner and Rich Roll!
