Thanks for watching! To read more about Tommy and peruse the show notes, visit: bit.ly/richroll648 - also the NYT article I mentioned can be read here: www.nytimes.com/2021/11/08/sports/tommy-rivers-puzey-marathon.html
Truly powerful . God Bless Tommy Rivs with continued ROBUST health and a complete recovery to LIVE disease free. All power, health and strength to you and your family !
I have followed his entire journey since this began, the incredible and beautiful things his wife has posted since the beginning. Absolutely incredible story
The "urgency of now"/"happiness is to see it as its happening" Buddhism, Stoicism, Tolle, etc.... its universal. Ive been listening to RR for over 6 yrs almost every episode, I loved this one, made me emotional and I have so much gratitude and love for Tommy. Hope he stays well
So true, they all point to the same thing, the present moment. I love the idea that heaven and hell both exist simultaneously, we always have a choice.
This has been the most moving interview I have EVER watched. Tommy Rivs helped me fall in love with running again day by day on my treadmill, running with him in some of the worlds most beautiful places. You can tell just by his coaching that he’s a beautiful soul. I had no idea about his journey and I’m an emotional wreck. Tommy you ARE LOVED! You ARE AMAZING! I wish nothing but beauty and peace for you, your family, and your life. You are a very special human. And thank you Rich. As always, you’ve provided me with a completely moving experience and inspired growth in my thoughts and mindset. ♥️
I've written and deleted a bunch of attempts here to try and get across how meaningful you both have been to me, but it really just boils down to THANK YOU. Rivs and Rich, you've made some real impacts on me individually - and now together - and I just want to extend my sincere appreciation - thank you!!
years ago. tommy rivs was the reason i started trail running for mental health. also the reason why i bought altras etc. i cant get enough of this dude. his story is incredible.
I could not love this interview any more than I do. And, I think the experience is heightened by seeing Tommy while he is talking. That light in his eyes, that ever-permanent smile of his transcends all space and suffering and it comes from within. I am lifted and filled with hope, thanks for an awesome interview, Rich. And, for your gift of time, Tommy. #rageon #stoutheart #eyesup
He has it in person too. I don’t know him personally but I saw him in Haleiwa recently. Radiated light, smiled at me, a stranger, and changed my day with it
This man…So I had stroke in mid Oct 21 from a torn internal carotid artery. I’ve been recovering since. Part of recovering was realizing I needed a treadmill for days when the weather bad because I have to walk everyday so I bought a NordicTrack. I’ve recently discovered Tommy. And I’m basically on my road to recovery with him. He is utterly inspiring. He’s amazing. Just his survival story is so inspiring but he brings so much to the table. He’s well read. Thoughtful. He offers both intellectual and physical knowledge. I feel privileged to go through his road to recovery with him. Also what this man had to endure is crazy on his health journey. I cannot imagine. The fact that he’s still with us is a miracle and the fact that he’s an Ifit trainer is such a bonus. I just have so much gratitude. Thank you. You are blessed.
Beautiful🙌 I rarely ever comment but I wanted to express how much this conversation touched me. It’s hard to find the words to express just how impactful it was. I admire Tommy’s light and exuberance for life and will take with me so many ideas for how I want to live each day and parent in the future. Thank you Rich for the gift of yet another deeply moving interview!😊
I met Tommy by chance last September in flagstaff while he was training. I myself went through a cancer scare a few years back and can somewhat relate to his experience. Meeting this person and seeing his beautiful attitude towards life, his wife and kids brought me to tears later that day while I was reflecting on how lucky we're to still be here.
I have been a TRP fan since I began with iFit. Seeing who he is, what he has gone through (and is still going through), and how he is still so positive, gives me hope. Thank you, Rich Roll, for doing this podcast with TRP! Much love and God bless…🙏
I’ve never heard of Tommy before but what an incredible human being, so insightful and there’s so much to take from his experience as ultimately it’s also our experience too. Interesting how Tommy talks about how he absorbs other peoples emotions and used running as an outlet for that. There is pretty substantial evidence that suppressing emotion and pleasing others all the time can have a very detrimental effect on one’s physical health and can cause serious ailments such as cancer and other autoimmune conditions. Wishing him good health and thanks for uploading ❤
What a beautiful soul this man has. It was a real pleasure to be able to hear his story from him. He has a soft comforting way of speaking that had me holding on to every word he had to say. This is one of my favorite episodes! Thank you and to Tommy too!
Hi Tommy, Aug 2020 I was diagnosed with CHL stage 4, although my Lymphoma story isn’t as bad as scary as yours with the lights going out, it had spread to my lungs. It’s indeed hard pre diagnosis to accept what’s going on as anything malevolent. I was 30, very fit and didn’t understand the rapid decline in my health. All the weight fell off, I was also coughing blood daily and I remember the moment when i realized I had lost control of what might become of me. Fortunately 4 months of a rare concoction of chemo drugs BEACOPDAC. I came back. You talk about the gratitude for nurses and I often reflect on these people as no less than angels. I wish you all the best in your recovery, to end this on a positive, 9 months after my last infusion I somehow ran a 30mile trail race and placed 15th when 9 months before I cried in the hallway of my apartment block because I couldn’t make the stairs. Cancer is a strange experience, something that’s been true for me is that in many ways it’s a year that made me feel the value of life like no other. Thanks Rich for the conversation. Hearing this story has helped me feel less alone with some of my experiences. Chris.
Thank you, Rich and Tommy. As a parent myself, and a survivor of terminal cancer, I can relate to everything Tommy said. There is not one emotion that he mentioned that I have not experienced in the last 2 years. I look in my child's eyes and I know that I can't go yet. This was an inspirational, raw and real interview. Thank you... millions of times.
I had a kidney operation and emaciated from all the infection afterward. and Tommy's recovery training from his bout with cancer led me back to running again. Thank you, Tommy.
This is easily one of the most powerful discussions I’ve heard on your show, Rich. Tommy, you’re a wonderful human and am so thankful for your wisdom and sharing of your experience. 🙏
Thanks for sharing. Definitely an OR story with more trauma than my own. I, too, felt dehumanized while having a baby cut out of my stomach while awake after 24 hours of labor. Catheterized, cut open while awake, told to relax while paralyzed from the waist down yet shaking off the table and freaking out inside and exhausted, emotionally giving up inside. It was all very traumatizing, even though it was "a fairly common procedure"...it's hard for others to understand this. I went on to complete 2 Ironmans though!
Respect and heartfelt thanks for the courage and compassion to share this story Tommy Ris ! Amazing interview Rich Roll, hard not to have tears in the eyes!
One of our world's most beautiful, engaging, insightful, inspiring and loved human; thank you for bringing Tommy and his journey thus far, to your audience.
I have watched many amazing interviews and interactions on this podcast, but nothing has touched me so deeply as this. Thank you, both of you, for this gift.
We are ifit members and Tommy Rivs is one of our favorite world class trainer. Thank you for having him as your guest. His experiences with cancer and speaking about it is truly humbling. He has a beautiful presence, he is very grounded, pure and his resilient through it all. He is an inspiration. May he stay strong and live a long life. We love you Tommy. Stay vertical.😍🙏
A huge thanks to Tommy for expressing with so much love his feelings of his experience and how it has so profoundly affected him. Thank you Rich Roll for always bringing the most amazing guests into our lives to share their wisdom and experiences.
Tommy has been part of my running journey for sure - Going from hating running to tolerating it then enjoying it and now finally feeling like an actual runner. TY TR for helping me with my journey
This one hit like none-other. I followed this journey on instagram, seeing him speak to it, a completely different experience. I’ll be sitting with this for a long time. 🙏🖤
"# 1 rule dont get dead.. stay vertical" Tommy Rivs. inspirational i was doing all this workouts in ifit treadmill following his philosophies and i didnt now my trainer was going trhough this.. got me from barely able to walk for 5 minutes to running 5k everyday and is only the start ..i will run a marathon one day i dont care how long it will take me..
Tommy Rivers is a special human being. Thank you so much for taking the time to interview and allow us to share in his life and his precious perspective. I’m an ifit fan who has run all over the world with Tommy. During that time he taught me something phenomenal. He taught me that I can set goals towards being a better person. In so many ways, I came to believe that my personality was fixed, a product of family, environment, etc full of redundancy…intractable. He taught me so much more than running (which has been life altering), he taught me a new perspective. I’ve come to think that there’s a reason why this human being was given such a huge stage and audience. His running was spectacular but his leadership in showing love, empathy, compassion, delight, and of sharing hope is God (or whatever term resonates) inspired. The world is a better place with Tommy in it.
What a beautifully authentic and loving human being Tommy Rivs is. Truly awe inspiring. All the very best to you and yours. With love and gratitude from Ireland.
I found Rivs on Ifit a few years ago. I repeat his programs because I can’t run with anyone else. I’d give my left arm to actually run with him in person! What a great dude.
This was great, Rich. I’ve been following Tommy’s story, but I loved hearing more details about the challenges. I enjoyed the way the talk slowed down and you two got deep and dissected the story together. It didn’t feel rushed. I appreciate that. Thanks for sharing!
I watched his wife Stephs interview first and had to watch Riv's. Both very inspirational and real about their life and journey. The last couple of months I have been so grateful and thankful for everyday. We all have a story. Reading the comments shows so much kindness and compassion we have for other people🌻👣
Can´t thank you enough for this beautiful conversation. It give me so much hope and touched my soul on so many levels. I am so grateful for honest and open souls like you. The lightness you two verbalize such hard topics is mind-blowing. Thank you.
Really powerful stuff. This was one of the most interesting shows in a while imo. I'm not super spiritual, but his insights are beautiful and very thought-provoking. My dad died on a ventilator; it makes me wonder if he was in a similar place during that time. I wish this dude nothing but the best.
My mother died on a ventilator as well and that was my exact thought when listening to this. I love the way he expresses his version of the state he was in
Incredible that Tommy is alive and able to speak about his experience so vividly. Excellent interview Rich! Thanks for getting together with Rivs and having this discussion. You both are inspirations!
oh my god... this is a dream... I love you two and is incredible you are toghether now.. I follow you Rich from Italy everyday since almost one year,, you change my life thankyou
Rich and Tommy, Thirty years ago my brother was hit by a drunk driver in a coma for three months ( in Buffalo New York) we’re from Canada. My parents had to sell everything to pay for his hospital bills. My brother experienced many of the same things Tommy did. This hits home!! Every word Tommy said is the truth!!! My brother sustained a major head injury and could not live without assistance ever again. Tommy I feel for you, your wife and your girls. I thank you for your words, heart, grief and live!!!! You are great!!! Keep going!!! Please write a book!!! Wow, I feel every vocal inflection and heart ache. I’m so glad you’re here and you can tell your life story to others!!❤😘
This man! I’ve never commented before on anything & have been sitting here deciding what to say & it all doesn’t seem strong enough. This man has been my road to recovery when I didn’t know I needed recovery from anything in particular. I spend more time with Rivs (on the treadmill) than I do with anyone outside my wife and kids. My wife and I absolutely love you. Your strength, determination, and amazing soul is beyond compare. Thank you for being the person you are and the life coach you’ve become. Stay strong Tommy! Team Rivs forever ❤
I first came across Tommy's story in last month's Outside Magazine issue. As someone who is battling an incurable autoimmune disease, for which I also had reset/rebooted my immune system via a new approach with a bone marrow transplant, I know all too well the struggles to survive and remain optimistic. I am an endurance cyclist and appreciate what a challenging disease can do to derail your training. Godspeed Tommy.
His story about him still being conscious during the surgery is haunting and kind of shines a light to the idea that someone in a coma may not be responsive, but they're just a conscious human being stuck in this shell that they can never get to work with them. Reminds me of the song "One" by Metallica, you're just a person stuck inside of yourself, but you have no way of ever communicating with the outside world. It's really eerie. Tommy is an absolutely specimen of a human. One of the best podcasts I have ever listened to.
I am just new to the iFit platform this week and therefore new to Tommy. This interview is so beautiful and I know I will come back to it again and again. There is so much to take from it and learn from Tommy. Great interview, Rich!
I needed this. I have one more round of chemo in 12 days and it has been one helluva year fighting Non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tommy encapsulated and expressed so much of some of the struggles, feelings of getting through this. I appreciate both of your being able to articulate "the battle" with humility and grace. 12 years ago I was on the summit of North America, climbing Denali and in the best shape of my life. Now, I feel blessed beyond measure to fight alongside men like him (although his experience was much more visceral than mine).. Truely inspirational.
I listened on Spotify and had to rewind and listen again to parts of this amazing interview. Thank you so much Tommy and RR you rise to greater hights in terms of the deep love and sharing your interviews embody. ⭐
What’s amazing is I listened to this thinking he was still very weak, gaunt and possibly ill. That the road to recovery was long ahead. Watching it he’s vibrant, alive, seems happy, and healthy. Keep goin Rivs!
Tommy, Your life and how you have lived it is amazing! I have run 65 ultra marathons and know how transformative our loved sport is. Prayers to God for your continued recovery and inspiration that you give all of us.
Wow....this was an amazing podcast. I took so many notes. "Write something true everyday, embrace suffering, be in the moment, let's not dissipate renewed inspiration", so much gold in this podcast. Thanks Rich
my heart. sending love to you and your partner and girls. the message of strength, kindness, realism, truth, compassion, human engagement, purpose, and priorities--can all be used in the mantras in our lives. thank you for this sweet reminder. your soul vibrates beauty.
Thanks for watching! To read more about Tommy and peruse the show notes, visit: bit.ly/richroll648 - also the NYT article I mentioned can be read here: www.nytimes.com/2021/11/08/sports/tommy-rivers-puzey-marathon.html
Use photos
💗
Where is the link for his go fund me?
Agreed.
This is, by far, the greatest podcast episode I've ever listened to... Inspiring. Heartbreaking. Life Changing.
AGREE!!!!!
Truly powerful . God Bless Tommy Rivs with continued ROBUST health and a complete recovery to LIVE disease free. All power, health and strength to you and your family !
What a beautiful human!
This wasn't just coma. He had a spiritual experience....you can see and feel it in every fiber of his being💛 Thank you Rich this was epic!!
I have followed his entire journey since this began, the incredible and beautiful things his wife has posted since the beginning. Absolutely incredible story
Same
The "urgency of now"/"happiness is to see it as its happening" Buddhism, Stoicism, Tolle, etc.... its universal. Ive been listening to RR for over 6 yrs almost every episode, I loved this one, made me emotional and I have so much gratitude and love for Tommy. Hope he stays well
I agree. All lead us to awareness and consciousness.
I agree 100%
So true, they all point to the same thing, the present moment. I love the idea that heaven and hell both exist simultaneously, we always have a choice.
This has been the most moving interview I have EVER watched. Tommy Rivs helped me fall in love with running again day by day on my treadmill, running with him in some of the worlds most beautiful places. You can tell just by his coaching that he’s a beautiful soul. I had no idea about his journey and I’m an emotional wreck. Tommy you ARE LOVED! You ARE AMAZING! I wish nothing but beauty and peace for you, your family, and your life. You are a very special human. And thank you Rich. As always, you’ve provided me with a completely moving experience and inspired growth in my thoughts and mindset. ♥️
When Tommy says “Don’t get Dead” he means it and leads by his own example!!! Love you Tommy!!
Rich, what an incredible interviewer you are, and Tommy is a true warrior..
Amen. 100000000%
I've written and deleted a bunch of attempts here to try and get across how meaningful you both have been to me, but it really just boils down to THANK YOU. Rivs and Rich, you've made some real impacts on me individually - and now together - and I just want to extend my sincere appreciation - thank you!!
years ago. tommy rivs was the reason i started trail running for mental health. also the reason why i bought altras etc. i cant get enough of this dude. his story is incredible.
I could not love this interview any more than I do. And, I think the experience is heightened by seeing Tommy while he is talking. That light in his eyes, that ever-permanent smile of his transcends all space and suffering and it comes from within. I am lifted and filled with hope, thanks for an awesome interview, Rich. And, for your gift of time, Tommy. #rageon #stoutheart #eyesup
He has it in person too. I don’t know him personally but I saw him in Haleiwa recently. Radiated light, smiled at me, a stranger, and changed my day with it
Good god. Blown away by this. Amazing guest and the perfect host. Rich you were born for this. You handle these like a pro. I’m in awe
This man…So I had stroke in mid Oct 21 from a torn internal carotid artery. I’ve been recovering since. Part of recovering was realizing I needed a treadmill for days when the weather bad because I have to walk everyday so I bought a NordicTrack. I’ve recently discovered Tommy. And I’m basically on my road to recovery with him. He is utterly inspiring. He’s amazing. Just his survival story is so inspiring but he brings so much to the table. He’s well read. Thoughtful. He offers both intellectual and physical knowledge. I feel privileged to go through his road to recovery with him. Also what this man had to endure is crazy on his health journey. I cannot imagine. The fact that he’s still with us is a miracle and the fact that he’s an Ifit trainer is such a bonus. I just have so much gratitude. Thank you. You are blessed.
Beautiful🙌 I rarely ever comment but I wanted to express how much this conversation touched me. It’s hard to find the words to express just how impactful it was. I admire Tommy’s light and exuberance for life and will take with me so many ideas for how I want to live each day and parent in the future. Thank you Rich for the gift of yet another deeply moving interview!😊
I met Tommy by chance last September in flagstaff while he was training. I myself went through a cancer scare a few years back and can somewhat relate to his experience. Meeting this person and seeing his beautiful attitude towards life, his wife and kids brought me to tears later that day while I was reflecting on how lucky we're to still be here.
I swear these ultra athletes have the best stories.
I have been a TRP fan since I began with iFit. Seeing who he is, what he has gone through (and is still going through), and how he is still so positive, gives me hope. Thank you, Rich Roll, for doing this podcast with TRP!
Much love and God bless…🙏
Same
That’s one of the most powerful conversations I’ve ever witnessed. I moved me deeply.
Agree
Don't get dead, Tommy! Dude is a legend!
I’ve never heard of Tommy before but what an incredible human being, so insightful and there’s so much to take from his experience as ultimately it’s also our experience too. Interesting how Tommy talks about how he absorbs other peoples emotions and used running as an outlet for that. There is pretty substantial evidence that suppressing emotion and pleasing others all the time can have a very detrimental effect on one’s physical health and can cause serious ailments such as cancer and other autoimmune conditions. Wishing him good health and thanks for uploading ❤
What a beautiful soul this man has. It was a real pleasure to be able to hear his story from him. He has a soft comforting way of speaking that had me holding on to every word he had to say. This is one of my favorite episodes! Thank you and to Tommy too!
Hi Tommy, Aug 2020 I was diagnosed with CHL stage 4, although my Lymphoma story isn’t as bad as scary as yours with the lights going out, it had spread to my lungs. It’s indeed hard pre diagnosis to accept what’s going on as anything malevolent. I was 30, very fit and didn’t understand the rapid decline in my health. All the weight fell off, I was also coughing blood daily and I remember the moment when i realized I had lost control of what might become of me. Fortunately 4 months of a rare concoction of chemo drugs BEACOPDAC. I came back. You talk about the gratitude for nurses and I often reflect on these people as no less than angels. I wish you all the best in your recovery, to end this on a positive, 9 months after my last infusion I somehow ran a 30mile trail race and placed 15th when 9 months before I cried in the hallway of my apartment block because I couldn’t make the stairs. Cancer is a strange experience, something that’s been true for me is that in many ways it’s a year that made me feel the value of life like no other. Thanks Rich for the conversation. Hearing this story has helped me feel less alone with some of my experiences. Chris.
Thank you for sharing. I wish you all the best!
All the best to you, you are not alone
How are you doing now brother?
Thank you, Rich and Tommy. As a parent myself, and a survivor of terminal cancer, I can relate to everything Tommy said. There is not one emotion that he mentioned that I have not experienced in the last 2 years. I look in my child's eyes and I know that I can't go yet.
This was an inspirational, raw and real interview. Thank you... millions of times.
A great example, Tommy is. So is Rich. Seeing you two together is awesome.
I cannot think of anyone I respect more than Tommy Rivs.
The smiles from Tommy 👍just an amazing human being. What an incredible interview so motivating 🙏
I had a kidney operation and emaciated from all the infection afterward. and Tommy's recovery training from his bout with cancer led me back to running again. Thank you, Tommy.
This is easily one of the most powerful discussions I’ve heard on your show, Rich. Tommy, you’re a wonderful human and am so thankful for your wisdom and sharing of your experience. 🙏
Thanks for sharing. Definitely an OR story with more trauma than my own. I, too, felt dehumanized while having a baby cut out of my stomach while awake after 24 hours of labor. Catheterized, cut open while awake, told to relax while paralyzed from the waist down yet shaking off the table and freaking out inside and exhausted, emotionally giving up inside. It was all very traumatizing, even though it was "a fairly common procedure"...it's hard for others to understand this. I went on to complete 2 Ironmans though!
Wow what a story and super inspiring. It’s amazing that he survived and was able to run a marathon again.
Respect and heartfelt thanks for the courage and compassion to share this story Tommy Ris ! Amazing interview Rich Roll, hard not to have tears in the eyes!
Absolutely the best conversation - thank you both for sharing it with us! 🖤
One of our world's most beautiful, engaging, insightful, inspiring and loved human; thank you for bringing Tommy and his journey thus far, to your audience.
I have watched many amazing interviews and interactions on this podcast, but nothing has touched me so deeply as this. Thank you, both of you, for this gift.
No words..incredible human with an incredible heart. Excellent hosting Rich!
I just love Rivs. Everything about him is incredible. Enjoyed every second of that interview. Thank you for sharing.
We are ifit members and Tommy Rivs is one of our favorite world class trainer. Thank you for having him as your guest. His experiences with cancer and speaking about it is truly humbling. He has a beautiful presence, he is very grounded, pure and his resilient through it all. He is an inspiration. May he stay strong and live a long life. We love you Tommy. Stay vertical.😍🙏
Thank you for sharing! Such as amazing story! Rich, thanks for letting Tommy speak freely. This conversation flowed so well!
This was, without a doubt, the best RR episode yet. So moving and beautiful.
A huge thanks to Tommy for expressing with so much love his feelings of his experience and how it has so profoundly affected him.
Thank you Rich Roll for always bringing the most amazing guests into our lives to share their wisdom and experiences.
Tommy has been part of my running journey for sure - Going from hating running to tolerating it then enjoying it and now finally feeling like an actual runner. TY TR for helping me with my journey
This one hit like none-other. I followed this journey on instagram, seeing him speak to it, a completely different experience. I’ll be sitting with this for a long time. 🙏🖤
"# 1 rule dont get dead.. stay vertical" Tommy Rivs. inspirational i was doing all this workouts in ifit treadmill following his philosophies and i didnt now my trainer was going trhough this.. got me from barely able to walk for 5 minutes to running 5k everyday and is only the start ..i will run a marathon one day i dont care how long it will take me..
Tommy Rivers is a special human being. Thank you so much for taking the time to interview and allow us to share in his life and his precious perspective. I’m an ifit fan who has run all over the world with Tommy. During that time he taught me something phenomenal. He taught me that I can set goals towards being a better person. In so many ways, I came to believe that my personality was fixed, a product of family, environment, etc full of redundancy…intractable. He taught me so much more than running (which has been life altering), he taught me a new perspective.
I’ve come to think that there’s a reason why this human being was given such a huge stage and audience. His running was spectacular but his leadership in showing love, empathy, compassion, delight, and of sharing hope is God (or whatever term resonates) inspired. The world is a better place with Tommy in it.
What a beautifully authentic and loving human being Tommy Rivs is. Truly awe inspiring. All the very best to you and yours. With love and gratitude from Ireland.
The kindness in this man's eys is overwelming
I found Rivs on Ifit a few years ago. I repeat his programs because I can’t run with anyone else. I’d give my left arm to actually run with him in person! What a great dude.
This man deservs a movie!
This was great, Rich. I’ve been following Tommy’s story, but I loved hearing more details about the challenges. I enjoyed the way the talk slowed down and you two got deep and dissected the story together. It didn’t feel rushed.
I appreciate that. Thanks for sharing!
Tommy you are a Warrior and so much love beams from your words. Thank you for sharing your story. 😍
My favorite interview of your Rich. As a two time cancer survivor, I can relate to this in so many ways. Thanks for sharing your story Tommy!
I watched his wife Stephs interview first and had to watch Riv's. Both very inspirational and real about their life and journey. The last couple of months I have been so grateful and thankful for everyday. We all have a story. Reading the comments shows so much kindness and compassion we have for other people🌻👣
Can´t thank you enough for this beautiful conversation. It give me so much hope and touched my soul on so many levels. I am so grateful for honest and open souls like you. The lightness you two verbalize such hard topics is mind-blowing. Thank you.
Really powerful stuff. This was one of the most interesting shows in a while imo. I'm not super spiritual, but his insights are beautiful and very thought-provoking. My dad died on a ventilator; it makes me wonder if he was in a similar place during that time. I wish this dude nothing but the best.
Don’t waste the suffering
My mother died on a ventilator as well and that was my exact thought when listening to this. I love the way he expresses his version of the state he was in
Incredible that Tommy is alive and able to speak about his experience so vividly. Excellent interview Rich! Thanks for getting together with Rivs and having this discussion. You both are inspirations!
*To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment*
We often prayed for Rivs as a family as he went through this. I can't imagine how hard it was! Inspirational!
It's about endurance for life. Amazing interview!
This is such a powerful conversation. I don't think a more real conversation exists on the internet.
I was able to have a moment or two with Tommy at Mile 19 of NYC Marathon. What a gracious human being and human doing.
An awesome interview! This is well worth listening to again. Love the deep insights. Love his bravery.
oh my god... this is a dream... I love you two and is incredible you are toghether now..
I follow you Rich from Italy everyday since almost one year,, you change my life
thankyou
Rich and Tommy, Thirty years ago my brother was hit by a drunk driver in a coma for three months ( in Buffalo New York) we’re from Canada. My parents had to sell everything to pay for his hospital bills. My brother experienced many of the same things Tommy did. This hits home!! Every word Tommy said is the truth!!! My brother sustained a major head injury and could not live
without assistance ever again. Tommy I feel for you, your wife and your girls. I thank you for your words, heart, grief and live!!!! You are great!!! Keep going!!! Please write a book!!! Wow, I feel every vocal inflection and heart ache. I’m so glad you’re here and you can tell your life story to others!!❤😘
Such a fascinating man and interview. So much wisdom in that episode. A thousand thanks to both of you for the privilege to watch and hear this !!!
Ohh, I was so wishing for this. Thanks and peace
This is the most impactful interview i’ve ever gotten the privelage to see. Thank you both so much
This man! I’ve never commented before on anything & have been sitting here deciding what to say & it all doesn’t seem strong enough. This man has been my road to recovery when I didn’t know I needed recovery from anything in particular. I spend more time with Rivs (on the treadmill) than I do with anyone outside my wife and kids. My wife and I absolutely love you. Your strength, determination, and amazing soul is beyond compare. Thank you for being the person you are and the life coach you’ve become. Stay strong Tommy! Team Rivs forever ❤
Beautiful interview. Inspiring, emotional, sentimental and deeply moving. Thank you Tommy and Rich. #heroes
I first came across Tommy's story in last month's Outside Magazine issue. As someone who is battling an incurable autoimmune disease, for which I also had reset/rebooted my immune system via a new approach with a bone marrow transplant, I know all too well the struggles to survive and remain optimistic. I am an endurance cyclist and appreciate what a challenging disease can do to derail your training. Godspeed Tommy.
Thank you for fighting to come back, you were meant to share your story and we’re all the better for it.
Thank you Tommy and Rich, you keep us going with a wider perspective of what life is all about. 🙏🏾🙏🏾
Wishing you well Tommy.
He is a modern day poet. When words escape him, I felt that. Philosophically beautiful in human form. 💕
His story about him still being conscious during the surgery is haunting and kind of shines a light to the idea that someone in a coma may not be responsive, but they're just a conscious human being stuck in this shell that they can never get to work with them. Reminds me of the song "One" by Metallica, you're just a person stuck inside of yourself, but you have no way of ever communicating with the outside world. It's really eerie. Tommy is an absolutely specimen of a human. One of the best podcasts I have ever listened to.
I am just new to the iFit platform this week and therefore new to Tommy. This interview is so beautiful and I know I will come back to it again and again. There is so much to take from it and learn from Tommy. Great interview, Rich!
Tommy Thank you for being so forthright. You are a beautiful human being!!
Rich did an unbelievably incredibly job at just letting Tommy speak. That is the best skill to exhibit.
How does this have so few views? Easily one of the most profound podcasts and discussions in existence.
I was praying and believing for God to bring you through Riv. Thankful that you made that choice to come back! God bless
What a wonderful human. Beautiful, moving conversation. I'm so grateful. Health. Peace.
What a beautiful man. Thank you Rich, thank you for existing Tommy. You both are a gift.
I needed this. I have one more round of chemo in 12 days and it has been one helluva year fighting Non Hodgkin's lymphoma. Tommy encapsulated and expressed so much of some of the struggles, feelings of getting through this. I appreciate both of your being able to articulate "the battle" with humility and grace. 12 years ago I was on the summit of North America, climbing Denali and in the best shape of my life. Now, I feel blessed beyond measure to fight alongside men like him (although his experience was much more visceral than mine).. Truely inspirational.
55:35 - absolutely heartbreaking. What an episode. Tommy is a legend.
I listened on Spotify and had to rewind and listen again to parts of this amazing interview. Thank you so much Tommy and RR you rise to greater hights in terms of the deep love and sharing your interviews embody. ⭐
Thank you Tommy for sharing with us. Wishing you many years of happiness with your family and friends.
This was an incredible conversation. So glad to see Tommy doing so well
I prayed intently for Tommy when he went into the hospital. God is good and Tommy is a blessed man. So thrilled to watch this.
What a deeply moving interview with Rivs! The beauty of his words, his honesty and generous way of being in this world are a gift. Thank you! 🖤
What’s amazing is I listened to this thinking he was still very weak, gaunt and possibly ill. That the road to recovery was long ahead. Watching it he’s vibrant, alive, seems happy, and healthy. Keep goin Rivs!
This is so moving. Sending him and his family lots of love. Great interview! Thank you!
Such an incredibly inspiring human being and love his choice to see the good in everything and everybody - thanks sharing this 🤗
Tommy, Your life and how you have lived it is amazing! I have run 65 ultra marathons and know how transformative our loved sport is. Prayers to God for your continued recovery and inspiration that you give all of us.
Incredible! Inspirational and awesome. There are no other words for this interview. Thank you Rich!
What an incredible interview. This completely pushed me to train harder today and be present at work...thank you!
So much raw honesty here. I loved this podcast to my core. Thank you, Rich and thank you Tommy & Steph for sharing your story.
Wow....this was an amazing podcast. I took so many notes. "Write something true everyday, embrace suffering, be in the moment, let's not dissipate renewed inspiration", so much gold in this podcast. Thanks Rich
my heart. sending love to you and your partner and girls. the message of strength, kindness, realism, truth, compassion, human engagement, purpose, and priorities--can all be used in the mantras in our lives. thank you for this sweet reminder. your soul vibrates beauty.
Truly a beautiful soul describing incredible truths. Thank you Rich and Rivs!! ♡♡♡♡
God bless him for holding on not sure I would have been so strong.
Top shelf podcast listen. One of my favorites, very inspirational and spiritual. This one stayed in my body for days. I feel it in my runs.
Man I didn’t know about his cancer battle but I do respect and appreciate him . He taught me how to run through Ifit .
Emotional from the moment he began to speak. Such a beautiful spirit.