IN-Q Wants You To Inquire Within

As we navigate this perilous moment, may we find some sliver of grace. May we embrace beauty. Choose curiosity over rigidity. Compassion and fullness of heart over closed mindedness. And social connection over geographic isolation -- even if it be temporarily virtual. Difficult times across history have always resulted in explosions of creative expression. Art as a means of better understanding our shared human condition. Few people embody this ethos more thoroughly than today’s guest, one of my very favorite people breathing air on planet Earth. Generous, present and deeply curious, he goes by the moniker IN-Q. Long-time listeners will fondly recall our two previous sit-downs (RRP #81 & #118 back in 2014) and his appearance at our more recent live event (RRP #473). For those new to the show, prepare to be amazed. IN-Q is a National Poetry Slam Champion, award-winning poet, spoken word artist and multi-platinum songwriter who has shared the stage with everyone from Barack Obama to Eminem. Named to Oprah’s SuperSoul 100 list of the world’s most influential thought leaders, IN-Q is the first spoken word artist to perform with Cirque Du Soleil and has been featured on A&E, ESPN, and HBO’s Def Poetry Jam. Inspiring audiences around the world through his live performances and amazing storytelling workshops, his poetry videos have a habit of going viral, clocking over 70 million views to date. Following in the tradition of some of the world’s great poets, IN-Q crafts verse that not only entertains, but challenges listeners to take a deep look inward, and consider their place in the world, their impact on the environment, and to recognize the threads of loss, forgiveness, transformation, and belief that are woven into all of our lives.  Today he shares his story, wisdom, and unique gifts. The occasion for this particular conversation is Inquire Within, IN-Q’s long-awaited, wholly original, deeply authentic and inspiring new book. Hitting shelves everywhere this week, the book — and this conversation — is a contemplation of universal issues: love, loss, forgiveness, transformation, and belief. This conversation was recorded pre-pandemic. However, the wisdom is timeless. Shining a light on the shared human condition, IN-Q provides a dynamic lens through which to think about ourselves and the world -- something we need now more than ever. Today I shine that light on him. And what a glorious exchange it is. The visually inclined can watch it all go down on YouTube. In addition to the two poems performed during the podcast, we also filmed a third poetic performance post-podcast which you can view here. And as always, the audio version streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Provocative, entertaining and refreshingly honest, IN-Q is unlike any other. May his presence, wisdom, experience, and poetry help you reimagine your truth. Peace + Plants, Listen, Watch & Subscribe Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Spotify | Stitcher | Google Podcasts Thanks to this week’s sponsors Whoop: The world’s most powerful fitness membership. Get smarter about how you sleep, recover, and train, so you can unlock your best self. Go to WHOOP.com and use the promo code “Richroll” at checkout to save 15% off your order. Seed: Stewarding the future of how we will use bacteria to restore and sustain human and planetary health, Seed’s Daily Symbiotic combines 24 clinically-verified, naturally-occurring, probiotic strains with plant-based prebiotics. Head on over to seed.com/RICHROLL to learn more about their game-changing Daily Symbiotic. Note: One of the best ways to support the podcast is to support the sponsors. For a complete list of all RRP sponsors and their respective vanity url's and discount codes, visit my Resources page and click "Sponsors". SHOW NOTES Pick up IN-Q's new book, Inquire Within*Connect With IN-Q: Website | Facebook | Twitter | InstagramIN-Q Live: love.consciouscityguide.com/inqTED Institute: A poet’s plea to save our planetTEDxHollywood: A Poem About Saying YesForbes: IN-Q: What You Can Learn From A Poet About Career SuccessHuffPo: Multi-Platinum Winning Songwriter and Poet IN-Q Talks PoetryYouTube: The Wrong Side of History || Gun Violence... It's Time to Talk About ItYouTube: I Believe In SuperheroesYouTube: The Only Reason We're AliveYouTube: The Valentine's Day Poetry Bomb Everyone Needs to Hear Related Podcasts You Might Enjoy:RRP #081: IN-Q -- Reimagining Your Truth RRP #118: IN-Q: Have You Ever Been Excited For Now?RRP #473: Rich Roll LIVE with IN-Q & Paul Hawken Thanks to Jason Camiolo for production, audio engineering and show notes; Margo Lubin and Blake Curtis for video, editing and graphics; portraits by Ali Rogers; and theme music by Ana Leimma. *Disclosure: Books and products denoted with an asterisk are hyperlinked to an affiliate program. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. For 1000s of delicious, customized plant-based recipes & so much more, check out our Plantpower Meal Planner HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE PODCAST? Tell Your Friends & Share Online! Subscribe & Review:  iTunes | Spotify | Stitcher | Soundcloud | Google Podcasts Donate: Check out our Patreon account Support The Sponsors: One of the best ways to support the podcast is to support our sponsors. For a complete list of all RRP sponsors and their respective vanity url's and discount codes, visit my Resources page and click "Sponsors". See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.