What’s the best way to grow old? Are we over-parenting our kids? And how can I strike the right work-life balance? These are just a few of the questions Ravi Patel was struggling with. So the actor, filmmaker, husband and dad decided to explore how foreign cultures grapple with them. The result is Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness, a docu-series in which Ravi enlists his friends and family in overseas adventures in search of answers to life’s questions. Perhaps you caught Ravi’s 2014 hit documentary Meet The Patels, a funny and touching first-person family adventure in which Ravi enlists his traditional Indian parents in his search for love, leading him down a rabbit hole into the world of arranged marriages. Streaming on HBO Max, the new show digs even deeper — a poignant and timely deconstruction of American exceptionalism that ventures beyond buddy travelogue tropes. Today Ravi shares his story — and the many lessons learned along the way. Hardly your ordinary actor, this conversation begins with an exploration of Ravi’s unique path. His past life in investment banking. His current interest in health and wellness. His grapple with identity and indoctrination. And his sundry adventures navigating the vicissitudes of Hollywood. We then pivot to the many nuggets of wisdom Ravi has gleaned from his personal journey. And we tug on the questions explored in his Pursuit of Happiness travels to Japan, Denmark, South Korea and Mexico: Why are Americans so unhappy? How can you be a good parent? How do you find work life balance? And how can we responsibly promote inclusion for all? Recorded pre-election, this conversation is equal parts light-hearted and profound — a mix of laughs and uppercase Truths on all things love, partnership, parenting, purpose, and passion. It’s also a friendship origin story. The first of what I anticipate will be more conversations to come. The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. I love this guy and everything he’s about. And I hope you find this conversation as refreshing and uplifting as I did. Peace + Plants, Listen, Watch & Subscribe Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts Thanks to this week’s sponsors Merryfield: Discover new brands and earn points every time your grocery receipt includes our participating better-for-you brands. Download the Merryfield iOS app today from the Apple App Store for free and stop missing out on points and free gift cards on brands you’re already buying. Merryfield: Shop clean. Get rewarded. Four Sigmatic: Nutritious and delicious mushroom brews and elixirs made with only the highest quality adaptogens and easy to take on the go. To try ‘em out visit foursigmatic.com/roll and use the discount code ROLL to get 10% off your order. Native: Safe, effective protection against odor & wetness. For both men & women, Native is deodorant that isn’t a chemistry experiment–no aluminum, parabens, phthalates or talc. Give the gift of Native by going to nativedeo.com/roll or use promo coderoll at checkout, and get 20% off your first order. Make sure you order before December 7th to get your products in time for Christmas! Squarespace: The easiest way to create a beautiful website, blog, or online store for you and your ideas. Save 10% on your first purchase at checkout when you visit squarespace.com/richroll and use the discount code RICHROLL at checkout. For a complete list of all RRP sponsors, vanity URLs & discount codes, visit Our Sponsors. SHOW NOTES Connect with Ravi: Instagram | Twitter | FacebookDocumentary: Meet The PatelsHBO Max: Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of HappinessIMBD: Ravi PatelDeadline: CNN Original Series ‘Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness’ Moves To HBO Max, Gets