Van Neistat Is The Spirited Man | Rich Roll Podcast

Sobriety

Van Neistat's journey through sobriety has profoundly shaped his life and creative outlook. He shares the challenges and triumphs of maintaining sobriety, emphasizing its importance as a top priority in his life. Van reflects on the magic of recovery, describing it as a transformative experience that has brought meaningful connections and a sense of community. Rich Roll echoes this sentiment, stating, "My life bears zero resemblance to what it was like before now. And it's purely a result of doing the thing the way that they tell you to do it." 1

   

Self-Discovery

The period following the Neistat Brothers was one of profound self-discovery for Van, as he sought to find his voice and direction in life. He spent years honing his craft, working with artist Tom Sachs, and exploring various aspects of storytelling. Van's dedication to his craft is evident in his commitment to the 10,000-hour rule, which he believes is crucial for mastering any skill. Van Neistat reflects on his journey, saying, "I got the 10,000 hours editing pretty seven years, probably. And then just recently so I'm 20 years in now, doing this, making every day, making these things." 2

   

Life Decisions

Van's path has been defined by challenging life decisions, prioritizing artistic integrity over financial security. He recounts the tough choices he made, such as leaving New York and pursuing his passion in Los Angeles. Despite the financial pressures, Van remained committed to his art, often finding himself in creative crises that tested his resolve. Van Neistat shares, "I thought we were just in the minor leagues trying to get the bigs... I thought the whole thing was like, make feature films, learn this whole thing of making these." 3