Episode 57: Starting Over with Gregory David Roberts
November 3, 2021
Something that often stops people in their tracks is that feeling that it’s “too late.” Fear tells us that it’s too late to start over; too late to change. As you transition away from work, you might find yourself wondering how to start fresh again.
If that’s the case, I think you’re going to be blown away by today’s guest. It’s an honor to have Gregory David Roberts join us on Chapter X. He’s authored three incredible books (and a new album) that have touched me deeply over the years, including the bestseller Shantaram.
He is a former drug addict and convicted bank robber who escaped from prison in 1980, spending the next ten years on the run. Once caught, he began serving out a six-year prison sentence, and facing the consequence of his actions became a defining moment. His story is one of growth—trying to separate from one’s mistakes to evolve into something bigger, better and more meaningful.
We discussed:
- How a year imprisoned in solitary confinement led to a journey in self-discovery
- The unconventional teacher who was the catalyst to jumpstart GDR’s spiritual path
- Why the destruction of social contracts has created a collective sense of identity loss
- The significance of finding ways to continue to give after employment ends
- Two key steps to discovering fulfillment and purpose in Chapter X
- Why spending time in nature boosts our energy (and reconnects us spiritually)
- What it means to have an “innocent mind” — and why it matters for inner peace
