The speaker enjoys Coelho's books, mentioning this one specifically, and uses it as an example of prioritizing the work over the person behind it.
"
I like Paulo Aquila books a lot. And he's famous for The Alchemist, but he's written a bunch of other little side quest books. I read Hippie recently and I thought, I don't know what this guy looks li...
— Episode: Mike Cernovich on Epstein, Demons & Spir...
Episode: Mike Cernovich on Epstein, Demons & Spirituality,...
The speaker enjoys Coelho's books, mentioning this one specifically, and uses it as an example of prioritizing the work over the person behind it.
"
I like Paulo Aquila books a lot. And he's famous for The Alchemist, but he's written a bunch of other little side quest books. I read Hippie recently and I thought, I don't know what this guy looks like.
The book was mentioned in passing as an example of someone being inspired to return to their roots after exploring the world. The speaker noted that the protagonist went out to the world and then found himself returning to a simpler life, which mirrored Laird's experience in returning to Kauai.
"
It's even if it's you know everything in life it's so true about like being like "The Alchemist" like I even see it with Laird it's like he went out into the world he's done all this stuff and there's...
— Episode: #1277 - Gabrielle Reece
Episode: #1277 - Gabrielle Reece
The book was mentioned in passing as an example of someone being inspired to return to their roots after exploring the world. The speaker noted that the protagonist went out to the world and then found himself returning to a simpler life, which mirrored Laird's experience in returning to Kauai.
"
It's even if it's you know everything in life it's so true about like being like "The Alchemist" like I even see it with Laird it's like he went out into the world he's done all this stuff and there's certain things we're doing in projects right back onto Kauai.
Episode: #2480 - Arsenio Hall
He mentioned that he had been stuck on page 12 of The Alchemist for a year and a half because it made him fall asleep on a plane.
"
The Alchemist I have been on page 12 for like a year and a half, you know Sit down on a plane And just read The Alchemist at the top of the page and I'm out
The book was highlighted by Dr. Luana Marquez, who recalled receiving it from her grandmother at age 16 and how a line about the universe conspiring for one's desires reshaped her view of personal capability and responsibility. She described the passage as a pivotal insight that encouraged her to pursue her ambitions, and the hosts presented it as a key lesson for success.
Highly Recommended
Episode: Harvard Professor Says THIS Is the Secret to Succe...
Dr. Marques's grandmother gave her "The Alchemist" at age 16; a sentence in the book, "whenever you want something, the whole universe conspires in having it," helped shift her perspective on her capabilities and taking responsibility for her narrative.
"
She gave me the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Oh, yeah. Uh huh. I'm sure you've read Alchemist.
there's a sentence in the book that says whenever you want something, the whole universe conspires in having it.
Episode: Harvard Professor Says THIS Is the Secret to Succe...
Mel Robbins's guest, Dr. Luana Marquez, recounted how her grandmother gave her "The Alchemist" at age 16. The book's message about the universe conspiring to help you achieve your desires shifted her perspective and encouraged her to pursue her ambitions.
"
She gave me the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
There's a sentence in the book that says whenever you want something, the whole universe conspires in having it.
The book was repeatedly highlighted as a transformative guide that shaped personal mindsets and creative work, with Russ describing it as a "bible" that inspired his album and helped him and his friend focus on goals. Lewis Howes recommended it for uncovering the treasure within oneself, and Kobe Bryant cited it as the single work with the biggest impact on his life. Across the episodes, the hosts and guests treated it as a legendary, must‑read title.
Highly Recommended
Episode: Russ ON: How to Change Your Self-Critical Mindset...
Russ mentioned "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, a book he read at age 17 or 18, and said it became like a bible to him. He reread the book in the summer of 2021 and it resonated deeply with him, influencing his new album, "Santiago."
"
The album Santiago is inspired by Paulo Coelho's Alchemist.
If you haven't heard of, I mean, you have to have heard of this book. Everyone's listening. If you haven't, it's a legendary book by a legendary author.
So Boogie is my best friend put that book in my hand when I was probably 17, 18.
And crazy books to read at that age.
And I was instantly like, it became like a Bible for me, you know?
Episode: RUSS ON: How to Focus Your Self-Determination to S...
Russ mentioned that he and his friend Boogies read this book at 17, which helped them with their mindset and commitment to their goals.
"
He put me on to Napoleon Hill. He put me on to the Alchemist.
Episode: Kobe Bryant: ON How to be Strategic & Obsessive to...
It was mentioned as the book that had the biggest impact on Kobe's life. It was mentioned in a quick-fire round of questions at the end of the interview.
"
The Alchemist.
Episode: Lewis Howes ON: How To Embrace Your Vulnerability,...
It was recommended as a book that explores the treasures within us and encourages readers to discover their inner legend.
"
The Alchemist, which I think is one of your favorite.
I think it comes back to the treasure in our heart and what's already within us and just discovering that and finding that.
Episode: Kobe Bryant: ON How to be Strategic & Obsessive to...
It was mentioned as the book that had the biggest impact on Kobe's life, though no details of what specifically was discussed.
The book was repeatedly cited as a parable of cyclical journeys and personal transformation, with the host drawing parallels to geopolitical conflicts and individual life paths. MrBallen explicitly recommended it as a guide that broadened his perspective, and other guests noted its impact during moments of existential questioning. Overall, the discussion highlighted the title’s ability to inspire self‑discovery and was presented in a strongly positive light.
Highly Recommended
Episode: #774 - MrBallen - Navy SEAL To True Crime: Insane...
Mr. Ballen recommended it, as it was a book that helped him get back on his feet.
"
It's called 'The Alchemist,' by Paulo Coelho. It's about this young man who's basically, you know, he's got to make a big decision in his life.
When you're in the middle of something, you're in your own little bubble. The book kind of made me look at life from a wider lens.
Episode: #828 - Dan Bilzerian - What Happened To Dan Bilzer...
The podcast host compared Dan Bilzerian's life journey to "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, where the protagonist goes through a transformative journey to discover his true self and purpose.
"
It's like "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho where you end up going all the way back around to just stick to your words, say things that you believe are true, do hard things when you can.
Episode: #833 - Eric Weinstein - Are We On The Brink Of A R...
The book was mentioned in the context of how stories can be encapsulated and remembered using a single word or phrase. It was said that if you've heard the story a couple of times, you remember what it is, you don't need to hear the story again. It was mentioned as an example of a parable.
"
The parable of the Mexican fisherman, if you've heard the story a couple of times you remember what it is, you don't need to hear the story again. You just hear the parable of the Mexican, oh yeah, of course it's the guy that over complicates his life and ends up coming back to the place where he began. The same stories you get in the alchemist by Paulo Coelho, etc. etc.
Episode: #694 - Sadia Khan - Why Is Modern Dating Such A Me...
The book was mentioned in the context of the guest's experience on Love Island, and how it helped him during an existential crisis and out-of-body experience.
"
I just read Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist as well. He was like the first book I'd read in probably a decade.
So I was kind of in this weird out-of-body experience for a good chunk of that time where all of these things were going on and there was story lines or whatever and all I was thinking about was this guy. If anyone's not read the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, there's this young shepherd boy going on a journey of self-discovery trying to find out who he is and that really, really spoke to me at the time.
Episode: #837 - Rory Stewart - The Truth Behind The Fall Of...
The podcast host mentioned "The Alchemist" to illustrate the cyclical nature of the Afghanistan conflict, comparing it to the protagonist's return to his original starting point after a long journey.
"
It's like The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. He could have just come back and in the yard outside of where he first started.
Episode: #974 - Joe Folley - Existential Philosophy, Nietzs...
The Alchemist was mentioned as a favorite book that conveys intuitive meaningmaking.
"
I know that a book that you like is the alchemist.
Episode: #961 - Mark Manson - 19 Raw Lessons To Not Mess Up...
The book was referenced as a metaphor for personal growth, illustrating the idea of circling back to where you started as part of the learning process.
"
the story of the alchemist, right?
Episode: #913 - Andrew Schulz - Why Does Modern America Fee...
He described it as a beautiful, easytoread fiction about Santiago's journey, calling it a trippy but meaningful story that everyone should read.
"
It's a really beautiful book and it's a, it's a fiction book. It's super easy to read. It's not a flex to say that you've read it, but it's kind of a bit trippy to read. It's this beautiful story about Santiago, this Spanish boy who goes on a journey and he comes back and spoiler alert. The treasure that he's looking for is in the backyard of the place that he started. And the story's takeaway is going on a journey to end up back where you began is not the same as having never left.
Episode: #1045 - Joe Hudson - How to Take Control of Your E...
The hosts referred to the story of PauloCoelho's novel The Alchemist while discussing the journey of personal transformation.
"
the story of Paulo Coelho as the alchemist
Episode: #1046 - Russ - Can Ambitious People Ever Have Bala...
He referenced the novel while reflecting on its themes of journey and selfdiscovery, noting how it related to his own album and personal quest.
"
Thinking about the Alchemist book and Santiago just getting to the oasis.
It's like thinking about the Alchemist book and how Santiago just gets to the oasis, only to realize the gold was inside you all along.
Episode: #1046 - Russ - Can Ambitious People Ever Have Bala...
He compared his artistic journey and the Santiago album to the novel's story, using it as a metaphor for personal growth.
"
It's kind of like the Alchemist book and Santiago just getting to the oasis
I think Paulo Coelho walked it and it's got to be related to his name
The book was referenced as an illustration that the ultimate answer we seek may already be where we started, emphasizing that a grand journey can end back in the garden.
"
And it's the same lesson as Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, which is this young boy goes on a huge, big journey and he finds out the thing that he was looking for was in the back garden all along.
— Episode: Chris Williamson: If You Don't Fix This...
Episode: Chris Williamson: If You Don't Fix This Now, 2026...
The book was referenced as an illustration that the ultimate answer we seek may already be where we started, emphasizing that a grand journey can end back in the garden.
"
And it's the same lesson as Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist, which is this young boy goes on a huge, big journey and he finds out the thing that he was looking for was in the back garden all along.
And the big lesson behind The Alchemist is going on a massive journey to end up back where you started is not the same as having never left.
Bill said he kept returning to The Alchemist during his entrepreneurial journey, noting its message that the universe conspires to help when one follows their life's mission.
"
As I get farther into the journey, I keep going back to, you know, the book The Alchemist.
— Episode: Athletic Brewing Company: Bill Shufelt
Episode: Athletic Brewing Company: Bill Shufelt
Bill said he kept returning to The Alchemist during his entrepreneurial journey, noting its message that the universe conspires to help when one follows their life's mission.
"
As I get farther into the journey, I keep going back to, you know, the book The Alchemist.
And I was obsessed with this book, The Alchemist, during my entrepreneurial journey.
D Smoke mentioned this book as one that changed his life. He expressed pride in creating what he considered a "hood alchemist" version.
"
Die Dinge, die mich am meisten beeindrucken, sind Bcher, die mein Leben verndert haben. Einer davon war der Alchemist. Ich wrde gerne glauben, dass ich den Hood-Alchemist geschrieben habe.
— Episode: The Best of Desus Nice as Guest Host
Episode: The Best of Desus Nice as Guest Host
D Smoke mentioned this book as one that changed his life. He expressed pride in creating what he considered a "hood alchemist" version.
"
Die Dinge, die mich am meisten beeindrucken, sind Bcher, die mein Leben verndert haben. Einer davon war der Alchemist. Ich wrde gerne glauben, dass ich den Hood-Alchemist geschrieben habe.
In the episode, Mayor Andre Dickens highlighted the book as a beloved fable he turned to whenever he faced major changes, noting its easy readability and that he had read it multiple times. He described it as a great, inspirational read that helped guide his decisions.
Highly Recommended
Episode: Solving Atlanta’s Challenges with Mayor Andre Dick...
It was described as a great fable that the mayor had read many times whenever he needed to make a significant change, noting its easy readability and repeated readings.
"
The Alchemist. It's a great book. It's a fable. I've read it. I read it every time I'm trying to make a significant change. You know, I've probably read it six or seven times now. It's an easy read too.
Episode: Solving Atlanta’s Challenges with Mayor Andre Dick...
He said it was a great fable that he rereads whenever he needed to make a significant change, noting he had read it six or seven times.
"
The Alchemist. It's a great book. It's a fable. I read it every time I'm trying to make a significant change. You know, I've probably read it six or seven times now. It's an easy read too.
Episode: Solving Atlanta’s Challenges with Mayor Andre Dick...
He described the novel as a great fable that he reads whenever he needs to make a significant change, noting that he has read it six or seven times and finds it an easy read.
"
The Alchemist. It's a great book. It's a fable. I read it every time I'm trying to make a significant change. I've probably read it six or seven times now. It's an easy read too.
The book, The Alchemist, was mentioned as the source of inspiration for the name of the aesthetics brand, Alchemy 43. The speaker was inspired by the definition of alchemy as a process of combination, creation, and transformation, as well as its historical association with the transformation of base metals into gold.
"
I came home from dinner with friends one night and I logged into Facebook and someone had quoted the book The Alchemist.
— Episode: The Business of Botox with Nicci Levy
Episode: The Business of Botox with Nicci Levy
The book, The Alchemist, was mentioned as the source of inspiration for the name of the aesthetics brand, Alchemy 43. The speaker was inspired by the definition of alchemy as a process of combination, creation, and transformation, as well as its historical association with the transformation of base metals into gold.
"
I came home from dinner with friends one night and I logged into Facebook and someone had quoted the book The Alchemist.
It was mentioned as one of the most widely read books of all time, a fable-like story that has inspired many people; the book's central theme is life as a pilgrimage and the importance of following one's personal legend.
"
There's a word that he learned from you that there's a redemptive power to make a choice rather than feeling like you are an effect of the things that have happened to you. And he said, I believe I ca...
— Episode: Paulo Coelho — The Alchemy of Pilgrimage
Episode: Paulo Coelho — The Alchemy of Pilgrimage
It was mentioned as one of the most widely read books of all time, a fable-like story that has inspired many people; the book's central theme is life as a pilgrimage and the importance of following one's personal legend.
"
There's a word that he learned from you that there's a redemptive power to make a choice rather than feeling like you are an effect of the things that have happened to you. And he said, I believe I can create whatever I want to create.
Episode: [Unedited] Paulo Coelho with Krista Tippett
It was mentioned that millions of people have read this book, and that Will Smith was galvanized by reading it. The speaker discussed how the book's message about the redemptive power of choice resonated with him.
"
When the alchemist was published in America. Well, of course, a foreign author who is this guy with such a difficult name to pronounce who will you.
And then one day I was in Portugal and I saw Bill Clinton with the book. And as my God, the president of the United States of America has my book in his hand.
So when my book went for the first time to the New York Times best-selling list, even after so many celebrities just talk about it, I'd like to take a just opportunity to thank my readers in America because thanks to them.
And you've written that your pilgrimage, your original pilgrimage was set in motion when you were participating in a small Catholic order that included some work with the nine magic.
There's a word that he learned from you that there's a redemptive power to make a choice rather than feeling like you are an effect of the things that have happened to you.
Episode: Paulo Coelho — The Alchemy of Pilgrimage
It is one of Paulo Coelho's most famous books, having been on the New York Times bestseller list for over 400 weeks and selling over 200 million copies worldwide. The podcast discussed its themes of pilgrimage and the personal legend, noting its impact on people like Will Smith.
"
There's a redemptive power to make a choice rather than feeling like you are an effect of the things that have happened to you.
When you want something, the whole universe conspires to help you.
Episode: [Unedited] Paulo Coelho with Krista Tippett
The Alchemist was mentioned numerous times; it was Paulo Coelho's most successful book, having sold millions of copies and remaining on the New York Times best-seller list for 310 weeks. Will Smith mentioned being inspired by it, and Coelho discussed its themes of personal legends and the universe conspiring in one's favor.
"
When the alchemist was published in America. Well, of course, a foreign author who is this guy with such a difficult name to pronounce who will you.
And then one day I was in Portugal and I saw Bill Clinton with the book. And as my God, the president of the United States of America has my book in his hand.
So when my book went for the first time to the New York Times best-selling list, even after so many celebrities just talk about it, I'd like to take a just opportunity to thank my readers in America because thanks to them.
And he said, this is what he said. He took away and it's a absolute paraphrase of the things you say.
There's a word that he learned from you that there's a redemptive power to make a choice rather than feeling like you are an effect of the things that have happened to you. And he said, I believe I can create whatever I want to create.
