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2022/02/15

Russell Brand What's the point in practicing a spiritual life?

(9) Watch | Facebook

Russell Brand

What's the point in practicing a spiritual life? …

Well here's some scientific research that reveals why you should...

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=437208303870735

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Comments

Alexis Smith

Greatly timed .. a peek into “what could ensue” in the coming years .....only to find 2 years in..... who knew we would be here now like this and our looming fate be almost set! 💙🦋🐝💩

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Julie Angelica Lafkas

Grateful for this share. It is refreshing how you look at the bigger picture, and these topics are very relatable these days. These view points are very appreciated. The spiritual life, and being present. Well said.

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She Beshe

Thank You so much. Ever since long ago i saw you DEAR RUSSELL BRAND on the media and was enthralled by your eloquence. You are gifted with a style so cogent that I often listen to what you have to say. Personally it does resonate with me. When others are interested in any form of self development or awareness I am compelled to recommend your 'work'.

Glad I am to have come across your advisory vids; moreso I am amazed and definitely inspired through the substance of your oratory, your ability to transmit knowledge and vision to us earth beings in a world of witnessed struggle and turmoil.

A contemplative and very spiritual person as I am, my utmost intention is to live by the principals of KINDNESS, RESPECT, REGARD and LOVE of all creatures great or small in every relative sense of the word. Simply to adhere the golden rule.

Your musings are so enlightening that they offer me an unexpected sense of complete fulfillment, reiterate my standings, my beliefs, my observations and analysis of this

earthly existence and all the possible forces in the vast universe.

Sustained through inner peace, I readily can relate to your

teachings. You ponder on a level that is gladly understandable fto me and presumably to a majority of your viewers/listeners.

Surrounded by the masses in a world full of chaos, hurt, pain, and disconnect for all the obvious causes that effected such it

feels right not to live in a proverbial vacuum and not to ignore

my environment yet placing worth on my necessary self-care.

Please accept my APPRECIATION and THANKS for the wonderful means of transcendence that you devote yourself to imparting.

.Constantly on hearing you expound this reservoir of KNOWLEDGE, LOGIC, AWARENESS and PHILOSOPHICAL insight, thankfulness overcomes me in my ever awakening soul making me find myself detached from vileness and insiduosness.

In such a state of chosen calm and alignment I render myself content and quite in oneness.

Yours is considerably a.o.n also an extension of the spirit of my dearly beloved grandmother who has instilled the many principals of JOY, EMPATHY, AWAKENING, PURITY of LOVE

and LEARNING to UNDERSTAND into her offspring from day one.

My childhood journey has been of kind and caring moulding. The other part of my adult route is still constructed of personal care and carefulness on a path filled with the most nonsensical external stumbling blocks and artificial hindrances of projected envy, jealousy, hatred, discrimination etc. by contemporaries, colleagues or strangers who have not or yet not grasped their true purpose in the realisation that we are all connected and that it would be sensible to break the cycle of hurt people hurting people.

People who are not reflected that they cannot ever contend - whether consciously contemplated or irrationally conjectured- that no one being has any granted power to place themselves higher than another mortal being whichever species of nature.

Within this faith and not in search of any false hope, I am absolutely convinced that there can be no societal contentment, no closure nor individual happiness of peoples who intentionally inflict varying forms of hurt or harm to others.

People who think their are justified as of their own accordance, their indoctrined rearing, uncontrollable habitus i.e most likely their inability to reflect reason, cause or effect in their actions and not for an instant gravitate towards healing, seeking help for their problems, trauma and then implementing those learnt methods for effective healing procedures.

In a befitting manner, I sincerely strive in showing love, regard and respect for/towards most wanton beings wherever i may be.

In appreciation on myself I manage to enjoy me, not in an nonchalant way, yet fully aware of all mortality. The art of learning to let go and accept the given circumstance(s).

It is so well- being to consciously as well as unknowingly inspire people whom one encounter no matter how fleetingly.

Seeking my blessing and gratitude in never self-harming, never going overboard to unwanted extremes but also not tolerating situations nor people who may want to impose toxicity and destructive life patterns in ones relationships/dealings with them.

All these learning processes are mandatory yeah inevitable in gaining and or retaining some semblance of inner and outer peace ergo contentment.

One more gracious aspect of your shared wisdom is that I could reaffirm or simply adhere to much thereof and be further transcended into a state of wholly and holy light-hearted stillness.

May your blessings be more and more abundant and may your encounters and those who surround you also inspire and uplift your mind, body and soul as you likewise do.

Your Work is immeasurable and necessarily helpful.

PEACE be to everyone of us ALL THE BEST possible TO YOU.

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Jules Potter

Anyone read this?

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Donald McLeod Keefer

I'm as much an appreciator of malapropisms (accidental verbal comedy and/or poetry) as anyone, but Mr. Brand, really, if you don't want to do it yourself, somebody else with an education needs to proofread your subtitles -- You don't really advocate being a "Spiritual Sucker," do you? (a recovering journalist and English teacher, I'm willing to offer my own services, if necessary: just make the checks out to "Brutus Grammaticus"). While on the subject of words, and a propos of the fools' gold of materialistic philosophies, let me add this about the linguistic roots of some key terms: "Success" originally meant "to follow" (as in "lines of succession"); "Ambition" carried the connotation of wandering, or walking about aimlessly (as in "ambulatory" and "ambulance"); "Career" meant "to run" (as in race course, or cursive writing); and "Talent," as has surely been borne out in your own case, was synonymous with money -- specifically, ancient Rome's silver "dollar" (as in Jesus being betrayed for 30 talents, and the supposed Biblical injunction against frittering away of what you have: "He who wastes a Talent will be damned")

Reply32 w

Kage Takao Reyes

Someone who comes from a Christian family can tell that you can be blind to believe everyone is good and can be taken advantage! A lot outsider are more common to see changes due to the trauma they’ve faced. Also shocking a lot of them claim of seeing god when coming my father is a example as he was a drug addict, alcoholic and abusive. He change his ways and recover but also is due to luck he found a love one! (Let’s ignore the part that he abandoned the family he torn apart by his actions) another down factor to this spiritual a lot find mental health to be a lied! So you can say I given up in spiritual. I always been a empathetic/Sympathy but all I learned this years is kindness in this world it’s a weakness not strength and to get where you need you sometimes have to step on people to get their! After all we do live in America!

Reply36 w

Deborah W Sheppard

They set upon us locasts but they also helped open higher Concienceness in the human race. I dont believe they realise what there ignorance has done, through our tears we have come out liberated, blinkers off and we see you, system, governments bankers for who and what you truly are. NOTHING.

Reply39 w

Deborah W Sheppard

Russel, have u not notticed how the goverment have used spiritual words since covid 2020? Its as if they know we dont follow religion anymore and r trying to tap into our terminology, lol, someone should tell them u have to feel it too, lol, luv ur chats,

Reply39 w

Laurie Werner Bleecker

russell has exceptional EQ. emotional intelligence. its his gift to us. its calming to hear him share 💛

Reply29 w

Tara Wakefield

Thank you Russell, my awareness of my spiritual journey began when I was 13, I have gone through trauma and pain, still am. I'm currently trying to avoid a drug dealers daughter and my narcissistic ex, which isn't easy, as most people are co denpendant, an will do anything for free drugs. Iv looked at what parts of myself associated with the predicament, healed myself. But still it continues. I have tried to keep one step ahead, technology does hinder this. I have empathy and compassion, complete surrender to the universe daily, for what my soul and highest self need from me. My next step in asking the universe for direction and help, was to be aware of your spiritual nature, an ask if you had any ideas? 😊Love and light x

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Jennifer Baron Alfini

Wow, I don’t think you left anything out. You went from the shallow to the deep, in what seems like, 1 breath. Impressive and well done. Thank you for sharing.

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Thomas J Lucignano

I literally have no idea what people mean by spiritual. Everyone seems to define it differently, but often vaguely religious. I'm sure it must be quite a nice place to be

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Patricia Surmon

Do wish that the translation from vocal to written language would not include phrases like “ spiritual sucker “....just wishing and hoping...

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Jason Heaps

So to be spiritual you must first wear the same loose fitting shirt every day without washing it. Everything else will come with time.

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Dirk Schubert

Just missed you at Silent Awakenings. I went 7 years in a row as I loved Dr Simon deeply, but they removed him from the event and I simply could not abide that. Cheers!

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Sara Uzzell

My spiritual journey began when I became comfortable with me

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Betsey Flynn

So interesting to see this for the first time today! You are so right. People like myself who are spiritual have a sense of ease with life. I have no fear of death. I went through a tremendous amount of trauma. Died, saw myself on the ER table...I knew instantly that your soul is separate from the physical form you are inhabiting right now in earth. I went into the light causing a OBE & NDE. Those moments I went there I witnessed something that is beyond any words in our vocabulary to describe it exactly as it was.

It was brilliant, warm unconditional love & I wanted to get to the end of the tunnel. But was met by my deceased grandfather, who told me I had to go back to help my father. I came back not knowing why, but I do now. My mother passed away last week. 8 years after my experience. I am more compassionate than I was before, I am unable to swallow caffeine, processed foods or junk food. My life changed, my outlook on life, what’s truly important in life & my unconditional love to accept everyone for who they are. Because I feel every single person I meets pain. That’s why we are here...to take care of each other, because we are all ONE energy ❤️

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Cindy Aguiar

I love that there is no mention of religion. Not that religious people can’t be spiritual, but as an atheist in the program, I have always believed that it is possible to be spiritual without it.

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Heidi J Goodman

So wonderful to listen to you Russell speaking about all of this. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing you live in Brisbane recently.

I find it fascinating and truthful that we are all connected and yet all divinely at our own point on our journey, exactly wh… See more

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Glynis Roberts

I love your honesty, love listening to what you have to say. I am trying very hard to become more and more spiritual every day. Thank you Russell🙏

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Jim Cogan

A six string banjo but he made it sound like a 5. ?

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Frank Mastroianna

One thing that you ommited was that contentment goes hand in hand with gratitude. You cannot be truly thankful unless you are content.

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Nina Keating

Lovely! I'm spiritual. People always thought I was a bit weird when I took time off to greet the sun in the morning and say goodbye and thank you to it in the evening.

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Loraine Mitchell

This is a Beautiful film produced by British filmmakers. It is a film & 8 part docu-series that explores spirituality from a broader global perspective and what it can offer us in these challenging times. 💕

http://www.timeofthesixthsun.com/#home

Time of the Sixth Sun

TIMEOFTHESIXTHSUN.COM

Time of the Sixth Sun

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Elaine Sikes

No ghost in this old flesh and blood bodies time will erase us all.

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Gwen Grunder

I love every talk one can only touch people if you experienced life they way you did. Each of us have a path to follow to help others awaken. Love you and your love wife and family to bits. You are a blessing from God Oud Father and the Angels / Spirit. Shalom

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Teresa Jarman

Russell Brand you were quite prophetic here in what was yet to come regarding the pandemic. Very insightful.

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Melissa Hughes

I though you were supposed to be a comedian?

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Moira Aberdeen

Oh I saw this for the second time today and am present to the sadness of not having the opportunity to see you in person when the WELLINGTON NZ show had to be abandoned, and gratitude for the live postings you do virtually. Be well and happy Russ 💥🙏⭐️

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Natalie Roberts

I need to seriously work on my lust !!! i am trying to concentrate on what youre saying but my youre an attractive man grrrr ! Ok im gonna listen with my eyes closed now

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Carl Knight

out of truma spiritual growth occurs. to the outside world we look mad but infact its yee whos mad. since time began people didn't understand or didn't wanna understand this is why enlightenment spirituality is a lonely place for those touched by its blessings

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Dianne Wofford McPherson

Jesus Christ was born, lived, died, and resurrected for our sins. He is The Truth , The Way, and The Life❣️ He IS the light of the world and in Him is no darkness. Ask Jesus into your heart and save you. You will never be the same. Left the Hippie Days of false love and found The Savior and True Love Jesus❣️✝️🙏🏻

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David Acreman

Loss is the seed of sentiment and grief is not just a feeling for someones passing .

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Anna Rogers Curvin

Being afraid to live in gratitude....thanks for sharing that. It has become for me that feeling good doesn’t feel good/right.

Reply1 y

Cole Van Dais Singer

Thank you Russel Brand. We think exactly alike and I am so grateful for each day, every person, every opportunity to learn and grow, and appreciate you sharing your videos. That in itself is a great act of charity sharing of your inner knowledge and uplifting people 😘

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Lynne Findley

It’s not a choice, do you think? If anything was less a choice in my life, I don’t know what it is.

You might as well extoll the benefits of being able to sing.

Reply1 yEdited

Andy Cippico

Wow, what has happened to Russell? He’s calmed down and starting to speak of fundamentally important things. Impressed!

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Rose Elkin Lee

Because in words of Dr Kay Fairchild, “we are Spirit slowed down to visibility”. We are one. We are more alike than not alike. Thanks Russel Brand for your insights today.

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Roxanne Bailey

we are Two beings. 1. physical 2. spiritual. i prefer the spiritual but my physical often wins the argument

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Mary L Murphy

Thank you Russell Brand I have lived through much great trauma and the effects of it are ongoing in my life, I am now 100% a spiritual person and practice gratitude every day, meditate almost every day,am thankful every day many times a day, live and give compassion, have deep empathy with others and even though I (naturally) trigger into anger sometimes I am quickly able to pass through it and then often able to see the purpose/the lesson of whatever/whoever it was that triggered the angry/other response in me and then move on, be forgiving and be thankful for the lessons being presented in that moment. I have a deep sense of peace almost all of the time and most importantly I am here I am present and I am thankful to be alive, loving your short films and watching your own progress

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Andy Bithell

I class myself far from spiritual, but I have compassion,belief, and understanding to everything and everyone, yep I’m an atheist, but I still believe in the good of people ❤️

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Anne Richardson Casey

For me being spiritual, is the absence of need of things outside of yourself. As the bible quotes: be still and know thyself. If you are happy with yourself and know who you are then you can be at peace and no longer live in fear.

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Matthew Aittama

The Holy Spirit of Jesus Christ is the only way there is no other door those that remain in their sins a servant to them they remain forgiveness in Christ is free give your heart to him now your father loves you

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Robert Ritchie

I feel this same way ..I fell an hit my head in 2008 an they said it was a Siezure .. I was 38 it happen on Halloween night .. They sent me to all these docs an all I ever got was there pills ... Before it was where I quit going .. My Therapists said they had me on a suicide script .. Not to mention others .. But I came to realise by this that it wasn't for me .. I try to stay healthy an when I got out more an started enjoying the beauty out doors an all the world has to offer I said .. There are alt better things out there ... By sons agreed too !! Been good for 12 years !!✌😎

Reply1 y

Trisha Renteria

I absolutely love this one.! My husband and I were talking about spirituality.. actually I was doing most of the talking to him and 2 of my kids . I’m sharing this with them

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Andre Cutforth

You wasn’t very gracious when you bullied Andrew Sachs daughter with your partner in crime Jonathon Ross. So stop your preaching. You will never be spiritual not in a month of Sundays.

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Samuel Fuentes

Give this man a tabacco pipe some slippers robe set him up in front of books sometime in the 20th century and bingo is his namOoo

Reply1 y

Kristin Schneider Gubala

Years ago, when I was seeing a counselor to deal with struggles and depression, she asked me what it would look like to me to live my life as a “spiritual being”- not a physical person, but solely a spiritual being. She then gave me my ‘homework’ for the week:

“Conduct yourself as you would if you were a spiritual being, without the confinement of your body or thoughts.”

I couldn’t wrap my mind around the concept at the time (of course I was still using and abusing substances then, and had no intention of giving all of that up). I couldn’t do it.

Shortly after that session I stopped seeing her and never went back.

In the past years I’ve learned (since getting into recovery for my addictions over 7 years ago and now working with others who struggle with theirs)what that counselor was attempting to convey to me:

What would it look like to live each day with compassion, a willingness to help others, and a desire to live a peaceful existence?

So, I try to practice each day to follow a spiritual path, through either meditation, service of others, or gratitude and reflection. Some days I fail miserably and I’m self serving and thoughtless and lacking patience. And some days are pretty amazing.

The spirituality aspect is crucial, I believe, to becoming what we were intended to be: Happy, free and at peace. 💗💕

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Linda Galloway

Wonderful. I only question one if the things you said. I relate to everything else and maybe I misunderstood you. You said something about death being the end. I haven’t believed that since I was a child and had indoctrination via bible class that I personally searched out. To me death is just a beginning of a new adventure that is amazing and familiar once you take the journey. Ok I’m done. Thank you love to hear you talk. You definitely know what your talking about. Namaste

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Marzena Miarka

Thank you Russell, I live my life in constant state of gratitude- I’m elated for some reason/ the problem is- not everyone in my surroundings is as I am, therefore I bounce off of the wall all the time

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Amanda Gallagher

THANKYOU RUSSELL I AM NOW A SPIRITUAL PERSON I WAS BROUGHT UP CATHOLIC WITH IRISH BACKGROUND THERE IS SO MUCH HATE MY GRANNY WAS LEFT TO BRING UP 5 CHILDREN ON HER OWN FOR 2 YEARS MY GRANDFATHER WAS ARRESTED FOR BEING IN THE IRISH REPUBLICAN ARMY BY HIS NEXT DOOR NEIGHBOUR' THEY WE SO CALLED FRIENDS BUT ANYWAY RIVERS RUN DEEP 🐺🐺🐺🍄🍄🍄

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Andrew Kenny

Nice one Russell. Read A.W.Tozer 'The Pursuit of God'. An excellent read my friend.Be blessed.

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Joanne Dunlay

💖💖💖just love your teachings of things I’ve never been taught or known about 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼thankyou so much . I am very spiritual also . Sorted me out totally . Meditation, crystals clarity and peace n space to myself ... I I’ve my life now , listening to you woke me up to a lot of good things in my life that we’re not great 💖💖💖

Revelation: Connecting with the Sacred in Everyday Life by Russell Brand | Goodreads

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Revelation: Connecting with the Sacred in Everyday Life

by Russell Brand

3.95 · Rating details · 625 ratings · 90 reviews

Russell Brand takes a deep, earnest, yet witty dive into the meaning of life, death, and the sacred space in between in this compelling Audible Original.

An Aussie woman living alone in a forest, at one with nature and technology. A former addict celebrating an anniversary in recovery with friends - all ex-addicts - at a humble community center in LA. A man, no stranger to personal tragedy, training others to swim in arctic waters. The mortality of a close friend, a beloved pet cat, and - ultimately - ourselves. Russell Brand finds the sacred in all these people, locations, and experiences and advocates for discovering and embracing the sacred that is in all that surrounds us. Not an easy task in a world filled with the distractingly profane and our culture’s high value of emptier qualities, like celebrity and wealth, often at the expense of kindness and connection. Unsparing of himself, and with insights that are sure to resonate with any listener, Revelation sets a context for our need for the sacred - especially now, given current societal fragmentation and the dearth of mitigating social and political ideas. This Audible Original will truly change your perspective and, in the process, your life. (less)

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Cindy Rollins

Mar 30, 2021Cindy Rollins rated it really liked it

Shelves: 2021, audiobooks

This is going in the 19 for 2021 reading challenge in the outside-my-comfort-zone category.

While I don’t come close to agreeing with Brand, I appreciated hearing his story. Like Jordan Peterson he is a voice of hope in a confused culture.

I loved his storytelling voice and his wonderful vocabulary and his British accent. If you have a loved one with addictions then you would also appreciate this book.

flag19 likes · Like · 7 comments · see review

Samuel

Mar 31, 2021Samuel rated it really liked it

Shelves: non-fiction, mindfulness, favourites

“There is no end or separation, merely new notes played in the ongoing symphony of existence in which we all play our part.”

flag17 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review

Jolanta

Apr 16, 2021Jolanta rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-books

I love Russell and always will, and this audiobook is definitely worth your audible credit. If it was a physical book, I’d underline it all - it is incredibly spiritual, intelligent and humorous at the same time. I’ll definitely be coming back to it.

My only issue with the book is that I wish he had stayed on the spirituality. He passionately jumps from one topic to another, and there were moments when I lost the thread and forgot what the audiobook is actually about. Like, one moment he examines the spirituality, and the other - the social impact of covid and politics. Not like I wouldn’t agree with him on any of the topics or ideas. I just think that his train of thought could have been structured better.

Nevertheless, very enjoyable, insightful and thought provoking audiobook. Highly recommend!!! (less)

flag12 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review

Rob Dircks

Apr 27, 2021Rob Dircks rated it it was amazing

WTF did I just listen to?

Wow - I did NOT expect that. I bought this title because I'm somewhat into the spirituality/self-help thing, and I like Russell Brand as a comedian/actor, so I figured this would be an interesting celebrity take on how to get connected to spirit. But it's not that. It's a crazy, hilarious, all-over-the-place roller coaster ride through Brand's life, and addictions, and beliefs, and observations, and more. And I LOVED it. No, it doesn't teach you how to connect with the sacred in everyday life, at least not in a step-by-step way. Rather, through telling the stories of his life, he shows how HE connects, and for me that was more than enough. The whole thing felt like an intimate conversation, with laughs (I rarely laugh at books/audiobooks but this one had me laughing in my car many times), and absolutely genius meandering asides and whispered self-deprecating jokes, and touching moments of compassion, and head-scratching questions that might not have answers, and love. And on top of that, what a great writer - his use of language and imagery was way beyond what I expected.

(Note to potential readers/listeners: in case it's not obvious from the above, if you're looking for any kind of structure, or step-by-step advice, this is not the book for you.) (less)

flag10 likes · Like · comment · see review

Brandon

Mar 29, 2021Brandon rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: spirituality

Brand’s style is pithy, passionate, and poetic, evoking snickers, tears, and contemplation, all the while making a compelling case for finding meaning through a deeper connection with the divine. Perhaps connecting with this sacred “oneness” is the way forward in our disconnected, materialistic, cynical world ... perhaps it is our only hope for salvation.

flag5 likes · Like · comment · see review

Anna Bendewald

Jun 23, 2021Anna Bendewald rated it it was amazing

I purchased Russell Brand's REVELATION on Audible and listened to it in this fashion: Listen to a chapter, repeat, repeat, and proceed to the next chapter. When I was at the end I started back at the beginning and listened to it all the way through. I know I'll re-listen to it for many years to come even as the changing world he uses as a reference for me (as he acknowledges that references depend on what prism you employ to look through) changes minute by minute.

As someone in recovery, the way in which Russell connects with the 12 Steps resonates with me, and while I got so much from this book -- and feel perhaps I've gained an IQ point from brushing up against his intellect in this small way -- and I know that continuing on my own path of revelation has been changed by what he points out in REVELATION. (less)

flag4 likes · Like · 1 comment · see review

Maria Tizon

Mar 25, 2021Maria Tizon rated it it was amazing

Russell Brand is a revelation! He never fails to move me and make me laugh and think and feel. I love listening to his books.

flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review

Latasha

Jun 20, 2021Latasha rated it it was amazing

Shelves: books-i-own, audio-books, magickal

I loved this book. We need this in e-book or actual book because I need to highlight and make notes! Russell Brand is hilarious. I enjoyed listening to him for 2 days. I would listen to more of his books.

flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review

Amee B

Mar 30, 2021Amee B rated it liked it

I feel like the book was just a bunch of ramblings.... But the eulogy about his cat was wonderful.

flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review

Craig Thompson

Apr 03, 2021Craig Thompson rated it really liked it

Russell jumps around from poetic to profane revealing his mental battles with honesty and highlighting what’s wrong with society and how we can fix it with common values and shared beliefs.

There are some genuine laugh-out-loud moments and some truly touching moments from his dealings with down and outs, the homeless and addicts.

I can totally identify with Russell’s struggle with addiction. Growing up in a Christian environment however I defaulted to emotional eating my way to obesity and playing 100s of house of video games per week. Nevertheless whenever I hear people speak about their depression, suicidal ideations and additions it resonates with me on a deep level. People like Russell are role models and proof to me, shining lights, beacons, lighthouses in the dark and cold night that it is okay to struggle and that there is a way through and practices that will help the awakened individual cope. I really enjoyed the section where Russel and Bear went to stay with Wim Hoff. I had no idea of the dark hole that Wim got into after his family’s tragedy and how he literally breathed himself out of it. These men who are now so powerful and looked up to by Hollywood stars, sports stars and broken people like me were once on the very same edge.

My favourite passage from the book I clipped the was from Chapter 10. And if you listen to the audiobook 04:01:10 into the book had me laughing out loud but god it’s so true.

Russell’s view of religion and spirituality is so accessible and real to me it’s something everyone should accept into their life. I love how he draws a line too between the Professor Trewlaney mad divination crystal rubbish and actual thousand year old techniques the likes of Wim Hoff have rediscovered.

It’s easy for people to dismiss Russell Brand I may have done myself - I didn’t like the old Russell. But the new Russell, the Russell reborn is an essential voice in troubled times. (less)

flag2 likes · Like · comment · see review

Sarah Pizzichemi

Apr 01, 2021Sarah Pizzichemi rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I really, really enjoyed this audiobook (read by the author). Russell Brand writes with both eloquence and a rawness that is truly touching. This is part memoir, part philosophical thought during pandemic, part self deprecating romp.

Brand has an intimate sense of his own limitations and acknowledging them that few people I know possess or are willing to openly admit to. The immediacy in his writing opens the doors for so much emotion as a reader/listener. I physically cried twice while listenin ...more

flag3 likes · Like · comment · see review

Teresa

Aug 26, 2021Teresa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2021

Beautiful. I suppose in part I enjoyed this because RB draws upon his luxuriously large and impressively deep well of vocabulary, and damn he manages to be funny and profound as he weaves together the most extraordinarily complex sentences.

I know that there are people that simply give an eye roll to the mention of his books, but I'm not one of them. Because for all the high falutin' language he is honest, self aware of his persona, and committed to bringing about good through his writing (podcasts too). Addiction and recovery are constant themes in his writing and that is how he keeps his sobriety. The 12 steps are wedged into this book, and not in an awkward way.

The book deserves a second reading, and I wish it were in print form, for the ease of copying quotes, of which there are many, that call for my further reflection and self assessment.

In the end, we all die, and hopefully we have had the kind of awareness in life that RB highlights. To leave here without the knowledge of our oneness and compassion for the other lives that share this planet in the way that RB has grown to embody would be sad.

With humor and enlightened humility, RB never takes himself too seriously and shows that all the insecurities can bubble up in an instant, he just knows how to get past them more deftly now. (less)

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David

Apr 05, 2021David rated it liked it

As entertaining listening A+. Love Brand's brand of witty humor and long florid sentences. As meaningful life philosophy, it's not so great. He is as obsessed as ever (perhaps rightly so) with 12 step recovery philosophy and seem to promote a religious world view which is "I feel, therefore god exists." I'm very happy for him for the direction his life has taken. And I love for how self aware he is about the frequent silliness of modern spirituality, but I'm less convinced about its validity. The book is also the first I've read that tackles the pandemic head on and the spiritual challenges and growth it brought him. It was nice to reflect on that whole thing as I've experienced it in a way I haven't been able to do before. (less)

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Sheryl

Apr 06, 2021Sheryl rated it really liked it

Shelves: religion-spirituality

⭐4.5 I love and adore Russell Brand, and think he’s one of the greatest minds of the 21st century. We’re only 21 years in, so I feel like I can get away with that. His writing is very similar to CS Lewis (another of my very favorite authors) though the spiritual trajectory is a bit different.

Even when I don’t agree with what Russell (we're on a first-name basis) is saying, I still love everything he says, because to me it feels like he expends all his effort in seeking truth. In this world filled with elegant lies of every form, how many things can you say that about? He’s like a scruffy, vegan Don Quixote on a quest to find what makes humans whole and connected. (I know that’s over the top. Don’t care. There are too few things I’m unapologetically enthusiastic about— so you can put your cynicism in your pipe and smoke it.)

Were it an option, I'd shave off half a star, because I think it needs a bit of editing. At the very least, it needs chapter titles to accompany the epigraphs. In any case, do spend the audible credit, because he’s both an excellent writer and narrator. (less)

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Karen

Nov 24, 2021Karen rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

Russell Brand is much smarter than I'd initially thought years ago. His insights are interesting.

As with other recent Russell Brand titles, I found Revelation thought provoking. I found the bit about his very ill cat to be very moving.

I listened to the audiobook which was narrated by the author. Definitely recommend the audio format over print/Kindle. (less)

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Irene

Jan 11, 2022Irene rated it it was ok

The book feels like a bit of a ramble, and I had difficulty following it. It left me scratching my head in parts as my concentration waned, and I would find my mind wandering during it.

There was some gold though. The end chapter, a eulogy for his cat, was beautiful, and reduced me to tears.

And I still love Russell's sense of humour, so will always have a go at his books even if I don't always grasp what he's talking about. Maybe that says more about me than him. (less)

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Nicole

Apr 11, 2021Nicole rated it really liked it

3.5 rounding up to 4 because of his last attempt to show the sacredness of life in the last chapter (mainly because it sucker punched me from my own past experiences). I love Russell Brand. Always have and probably always will. This was less about practicing sacred living, but more of a starting point to finding the divine and the sacred in literally life...or living...and sometimes death. Seeing the sacred in addicts, Wim Hof, struggle, pain, and grief. His perspective is always interesting, probably because of the accent, but at the end of the day it’s nothing more than Brand’s typical linguistic gymnastics routine. (less)

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Niki Walters

Apr 17, 2021Niki Walters added it

I would have preferred that it wasn't audio only but I really enjoyed the "book." He broke down the AA traditions which I've always found boring and the AA promises which I LOVE. The final chapter is an explicit description of letting go of his dying cat that was heart breaking but I'm grateful that it was said. (less)

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Candace

Apr 27, 2021Candace rated it it was ok

If you are looking for a book to point out where you can find and connect with a higher power in everyday life, skip this one. I so badly wanted to love this book. I wanted my mind to be opened to a point of view from someone who is so different from me. I did get some interesting stories and I don't feel like my 5 hours of listening time were wasted. But I would not recommend. (less)

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Mike

Apr 06, 2021Mike rated it really liked it

We see a lot of things the same way, Russell and me, so I appreciated the validation and added a number of new quotes and points of view to my toolset here.

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Angela Mcowan

May 14, 2021Angela Mcowan rated it really liked it

Shelves: audio-book

I enjoyed this audiobook and kept rewinding because I didn’t want to miss anything. It gave me a lot to think about in terms of spirituality and finding meaning, and his use of language was almost poetic. But a week on from finishing it, I’m finding that it hasn’t stayed with me as strongly as I would have predicted. But definitely worth reading, and I’ll go back to it at some point.

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Bethany Cobb

Mar 31, 2021Bethany Cobb rated it liked it

It was definitely his normal speaking style, however I felt it was definitely more an examination of spirituality through the lens of politics and societal issues, rather than a true examination of spirituality and everyday life. I was a bit disappointed

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Scott Charlesworth

Apr 14, 2021Scott Charlesworth rated it it was amazing

As one who has never taken drugs, let alone been addicted almost to the point of death, I couldn’t easily relate to Russell’s story. But the way in which he weaves language through novel metaphor and poetic alliteration, delivered in a profound, yet authentic oratory style, was a delight to listen to. I preferred the narrative elements over the sometimes rambling philosophical musings, but given that I came to the book as an existing fan of Russell’s sense of humour and perspective on the nature of existence, I grew to appreciate the audiobook the more I listened. The heart string-tugging conclusion failed to have what I imagine to be the desired effect, as I didn’t end in a puddle of tears, however I will admit that it did slightly shift my opinion of cats. I know Russell Brand will likely be too hippy-dippy for some (most), but if you claim to have an open mind, it’s worth giving his ideas some thought. (less)

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Brian Sachetta

Jun 14, 2021Brian Sachetta rated it liked it

It took me a while to figure out how I felt about this production, overall, as there were some things I really liked about it as well as things I didn’t like so much.

On the positive side, this is a really well-produced Audible original. The sound quality is super good, and Brand puts on what I’d call a poetic performance throughout it. It’s definitely not your standard “book,” and that comes across from the get-go.

In addition, Brand is open and honest about his life, feelings, and outlooks. He says we must connect with the divine in order to prosper in this strange and materialistic world, and he comes back to this theme, sporadically, throughout the work. Moreover, many of his stories and philosophical points are interesting, enlightening, and uplifting.

On the less positive side, however, the performance is a bit of a stream of consciousness. Though a lot of the content is good and captivating, it doesn’t feel cohesive most of the time. I really liked his theme of connecting with the divine, and I wish there were most substance around it or time dedicated to it.

In addition, Brand suggests, several times, that our countries and their systems are broken and irredeemable, and, as such, must be destroyed or uprooted entirely. Politics aside, I didn’t expect to hear such content in this one. I would’ve preferred that it was left out, and I think the production would have been just fine without it.

Thus, overall, I’m somewhere in the middle on this one. I had no idea Brand was such a profound dude (I’ve really only watched some of his comedy movies), and I loved seeing this other side of him. I think it would be super fun to chat or get dinner with him, and I may give some of his other productions a shot, but I can’t help but feel like this one missed the mark just a bit.

-Brian Sachetta

Author of “Get Out of Your Head” (less)

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Chels Patterson

Jun 28, 2021Chels Patterson rated it it was amazing

Revelation by Russell Brand is only available via audible, but it may be worth it. The book is specifically made to be heard. Brand specifically addresses this issue, about the cosmic vibrations and along with the benefits that come with it being made to be heard, like explaining kundalini breathing, he does it. He also puts on voices with such range, that I honestly thought different people were lending their voices.

The only issue I’ll address is that it’s almost everyone he mentions, except the Elizabeth Gilbert, his wife, a lady in Aussie outback, it’s very male centric. Like even the use of mankind, was a lot. Perhaps it’s just Brand’s perspective. But it was odd for someone so woke.

Despite this the journey in this book is interesting. Found some great moments and good quotes. And Brand speaks to many good even great people, but the book is grounded in reality. Not the hocas pocus that believes in crazy new age/ anti-vaxx craziness. Even he address the stupidity of someone like Wim Hoff telling Brand there is no techniques when asked, and then later going over what is essentially a technic. Much of what he talks or interprets is based on his life as an addict. And his search to silence his inner thoughts and feeling of inadequate-ness. Brand spoke about feeling the need to use his fame to as a shield and what happen when it disappears. Like when he spoke to 12-17 year old homeless kids. The ending talk about the death of his cat Morrison was intelligent and raw. And powerful for those dealing with loss, or a formative change. (less)

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Matt

Jun 11, 2021Matt rated it did not like it

This book was interesting and I laughed a few times. I respect the author I just couldn’t possibly disagree with him more. I listened to this book because one of the reviewers called him a modern day C.S. Lewis. I guess maybe if C.S. Lewis was a recovering heroine addict that believed that civilized society should be completely undone and that we should return to small self sustaining tribes. So yeah, not C.S. Lewis at all.

I find it ironic when wealthy people speak about the evils of capitalism because of the “inequality” that is causes. I would like to see people like Brand express a little gratitude for the absolute miracle that capitalism has created for all of us. Without capitalism people don’t create or innovate on anything like the scale that we have seen in the last 150 years. Without capitalism we are at best subsistence farmers struggling to get by and dying young. Sounds awesome right? Well maybe we would somehow be more fulfilled as we are sick and starving.

The reality is we have a choice. We can either have capitalism which creates unequal prosperity or socialism which as Churchill said results in “the equal sharing of misery.” Utopian tribes that operate on perfect democracy where everyone acts for the greater good and no one ever tries to create a better situation for himself or his family exist only in Brand’s formerly heroine addled mind. (less)

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Christina

May 02, 2021Christina rated it really liked it

I enjoyed listening to this book (although it did not change my life or perspective in any way, as the summary proclaims). Russell Brand is extraordinarily funny and I laughed out loud many times while walking and listening.

The tale sort of rambles around - he talks about a need for a complete societal change and perhaps creating a society based on 12 steps ideology (or maybe I misunderstood that part). I am not sure what, if any, conclusions were drawn on how to actually execute this theoretical better society.

There were many brilliantly told stories and he was refreshingly honest and human, but the thread of topics jump all over the place. I did conclude that we should cherish our relationships (to everything) as the sacred things they are, and that we are (and are surrounded by) miracles.

Did I mention how funny Russell is? I just love his sense of humour.

P.S. I highly respect Russell for not taking ayahuasca even though I’m certain he would have more insights than the average person. I have heard of some people doing many many ayahuasca sessions, so it does seem like it has the potential to elicit addictive behaviour. (less)

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Kimberley

Aug 15, 2021Kimberley rated it really liked it

Shelves: books-i-own

While I may not agree with everything Brand says, I absolutely enjoyed this Audible original. It was interesting to hear about his life and his philosophy in vignette type stories. This isn't an autobiography or a memoir, it's more like learning about the sacred through the stories and examples from a man who is completely honest about his failings and his own ego. I say "completely honest" because I can't imagine anyone admitting these kinds of truths about themselves if they weren't true.

One of the things that strikes me is how he tells about his constant struggle to stay in the moment, to seek out the sacred in everyday life. He doesn't claim to be all knowing, he claims to be always seeking and always learning. I respect that in a way that is difficult to explain. And I have to say, the man is an excellent writer and has a way of putting a string of words together that causes me to rewind and listen again. I wish this book was in printed format.

If you approach this Audible with an open mind and heart, you will not be disappointed. Seek and learn. An intelligent mind knows it is possible to entertain a thought without accepting it, if that is your choice. (less)

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Michael Fedora

Feb 11, 2022Michael Fedora rated it really liked it

I wasn't going to give this book (audiobook) a score, but... English isn't my first language and majority of Russell's ramblings - because a lot of this book is his ramblings - and as much as enlightening some of those long-winded monologues are, a lot of them, simply, just went over my head. I do love and enjoy, Russell's almost poetic writing style and his delivery, but sometimes this multileveled, multilayered writing gets me lost. Not sometimes, even, most of the time. What changed my mind about giving this book a score, AND a review is the eulogy to his cat Morrissey. I remember when during the first lockdown, here in the UK, he posted about this on his YouTube channel, and I remember I was deeply touched. I'm a 36 year old bloke and even thinking about having to, one day in the future, say goodbye to one of my best furless friends (they're Sphynx cats, hence furless) that for quite few years have kept me sane and helped me through some of my worst times - even thinking about it brings tears to my eyes. So if that eulogy were the only thing I understood, and at some level could personally relate to, I would still give this book at least 4 stars. (less)

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Curly Wurly

Apr 18, 2021Curly Wurly rated it really liked it

If you’ve read any of his others books, you’ll find this a bit repetitive, but if you’re listening via audiobooks, the revelations along with Russell’s accent is definitely worth listen to.

Russell Brand has a very unique sense of reframing reality in a manner that is both blatantly rude yet also humorously true. His perceptions on life often leave readers double-thinking their own belief systems and willingness to explore alternative ways of interpreting this world and why people behave a certain way.

Overall, Russell’s reputation is often influenced by his own history of addiction and critics then either come to love or hate his reflections based on those experiences. However, as an author, he has an ability to capture the essence of human curiosity in a manner that is BEYOND just his own personal journey, thereby making the content both relatable and interesting to almost anyone whom is bold enough to challenge their own insights on current affairs in order to develop a life that’s based on meaning and valuable choices. (less)

Mentors: How to Help and be Helped - Brand, Russell | 9781509850884 | Amazon.com.au | Books

Mentors: How to Help and be Helped Hardcover – 29 January 2019

by Russell Brand (Author)

4.5 out of 5 stars 632 ratings

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Could happiness lie in helping others and being open to accepting help yourself?

Mentors - the follow up to Sunday Times number one bestseller, Recovery - describes the benefits of seeking and offering help.

'I have mentors in every area of my life, as a comic, a dad, a recovering drug addict, a spiritual being and as a man who believes that we, as individuals and the great globe itself, are works in progress and that through a chain of mentorship we can improve individually and globally, together... One of the unexpected advantages my drug addiction granted is that the process of recovery that I practise includes a mentorship tradition.

I will encourage you to find mentors of your own and explain how you may better use the ones you already have. Furthermore, I will tell you about my experiences mentoring others and how invaluable that has been on my ongoing journey to self-acceptance and how it has helped me to transform from a bewildered and volatile vagabond to a (mostly) present and (usually) focussed husband and father.' Russell Brand

Mentors: How to Help and Be Helpeddescribes the impact that a series of significant people have had on the author - from the wayward youths he tried to emulate growing up in Essex, through the first ex-junkie sage, to the people he turns to today to help him be a better father. It explores how we all - consciously and unconsciously - choose guides, mentors and heroes throughout our lives and examines the new perspectives they can bring.

PRAISE FOR MENTORS

"Compact book with a huge heart" Guardian

"A manifesto for making mentoring mainstream" Sunday Times Magazine

"A book about how to work together and help each other - we are not meant to do it on our own." Marie Claire

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112 pages

Language

English

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Compact book with a huge heart -- The Guardian

A manifesto for making mentoring mainstream -- Sunday Times Magazine

A book about how to work together and help each other – we are not meant to do it on our own. -- Marie Claire

Review

Could happiness lie in helping others and being open to accepting help yourself? Mentors - the follow up to Sunday Times number one bestseller, Recovery - describes the benefits of seeking and offering help.

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Product details

Publisher ‏ : ‎ Bluebird (29 January 2019)

Language ‏ : ‎ English

Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 112 pages

ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1509850880

ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1509850884

Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 13.5 x 1.1 x 20.5 cm

Best Sellers Rank: 23,208 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

26 in TV Shows (Books)

50 in Twelve-Step Programs (Books)

55 in Biographies of Social Activists

Customer Reviews: 4.5 out of 5 stars 632 ratings

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Russell Brand

Since rising to fame in 2003, Russell Brand has established himself as one of one of the world’s most celebrated stand-up comedians.

Aside from stand-up, Russell is also a phenomenally successful author, broadcaster, actor, podcaster, columnist, political commentator and mental health & drug rehabilitation activist.

He has 2 cats, a dog, a wife, a baby, 10 chickens and 60 thousand bees, in spite of being vegan curious.

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS

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Khurram

Feb 20, 2019Khurram rated it really liked it · review of another edition

A good book. Don't judge this book by its size, this book. This book contains some condensed in some cases summarised versions of his book Recovery, but it is not the same book.

This is part Russell's thank you to people who have mentored him, and mainly the importance of mentoring and finding the correct mentor. He goes through the characteristics needed, as well as what he learned and then passed on to people he has mentored.

Their is a great chapter on his experience of parenthood, as well as dealing with every parents worst nightmare.

If you are looking for a quick easy read this is not the correct book. It is deep in some places, light hearted in others. Unlike in Revolution where Brand spoke of a revolution to come, but himself was not sure where he was not sure which side he would be classed on when it did come, he know exactly where he stands on the topic of mentoring. How important it is, what people should look for, and it works. He uses himself as an example to illustrate what mentoring has done for him and allowed him to do for others. Like a good teacher, a good mentor not only guides, but never stops learning from those he is helping. (less)

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Kylie

Jan 30, 2019Kylie rated it it was amazing

Look, lets get this out of the way first - Russell Brand is wordy. He strings out a sentence that could be condensed down into three words, but he does it in such a way that you know his brain has been slow cooking the thoughts for such a time that the meat of the sentence is falling off the bones and can only be held together with poetic expanse and entropic tangential lines of thought.

Oh, it seems I am a bit wordy too.

I really liked this one, I did not read Recovery, despite my addiction to writing longer sentences than necessary and my obsession with needing to know everything, I didnt think it was applicable to me. I may have to go back and read it, because if asked, I would have thought Mentors didnt apply to me either, but I got a lot out of it. I read the book in the same month that I started listening to Under the Skin, and so there was a bit of crossover. But the relationships he mentions that were either mentor or mentee at various stages of his recovery or his life, were beautiful to experience. Whether spiritual, physical, psychological or just based in friendship, Brand explores the people that have inspired him to become the bearded bastion of philosophy that is today.

I think fatherhood has had an enormous impact on Brand's view of the world, and it comes through in his recollections of past relationships and present experiences. The knowledge that the ultimate role of mentorship has been thrust upon him forever has given him insight into what it takes to allow yourself to be helped or guided by the wisdom of others, and what it means to pay that forward.

This is a book for everyone, and serves as a reminder to stop and think about the people that have - deliberately or not - become mentors to you on your own journey. Russell Brand is becoming one of my favourite voices in this mixed self-help/philosophy/motivation genre. (less)

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Naaz

Feb 20, 2019Naaz rated it really liked it

I didn't read it, rather I listened to it - which is my preferred method when it comes to Russell Brand. He is wordy, which is to be expected. But he is also insightful, self-aware, endearingly flawed and full of fresh perspective. I enjoyed it and will probably give it another listen. (less)

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Sam

Apr 03, 2019Sam rated it it was ok

Brand discusses the importance of mentors both in our lives and being one to others. He begins by suggesting that this book will suggest how to help and be help and understand the process of being a mentor and how to improve it. This is where my expectations laid a path to ruin. If you’ve ever listened to Russell Brand he often talks in a convoluted way which sounds fancy but contains very little substance. I doubt he does this intentionally but essentially he’s just a waffler. This book is essentially a self-indulgent tour through Brand’s life and the few minor experiences he’s had with his own mentors and being a mentor himself. I went back over the chapters and essentially each one contains about one sentence of use and thus the book’s wisdom could be condensed to a pamphlet. If Brand had advertised this book as a memoir I’d be more forgiving in this review; don’t claim to delve into mentorship if you just want to talk about yourself. The nuggets of wisdom he did posit are as follows: trust a mentor and be open minded to being vulnerable and talking about your feelings; they often have something you want and thus know more than you do. A mentor can be someone who fulfils a role for you such as a nurturing presence or someone who asks questions that allow you to self-sufficiently reveal your truth and whose comments give you insight that you wouldn’t come to on your own. We all need mentors in our life to override our own neuroses as they provide us with different views to help override our default programming, such as the possibility of asking someone ‘should I do this? What do you think I should do?’. We need mentors in our intimate relationships to understand what we feel our role is and what we need the role of our partner to be, and how to communicate this vulnerability in a positive way. Essentially mentors show us how to behave, guide us with their words and give freely what was given to them and thus so should you to those who seek your mentorship. (less)

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Nada Majdy

Sep 04, 2019Nada Majdy rated it really liked it

Agree with him or not, you can't help but respect this man's effort to reach the truth. Russell, you're one of my mentors, thank you so much for this book. (less)

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Anshuman Domah

Mar 10, 2021Anshuman Domah rated it liked it

Heads-Up: Much contrary to the title, this book is not a self-help book about Mentors.

The issue that I find myself having with Russell Brand is that ultimately every piece of work that he produces or releases into the ether is essentially about one person and one person only: Himself. At first, stumbling on this book with such a title shelved under Self-help Books, I thought that I was about to try my very first non-biography from him. I couldn't have been more wrong. This book moonlights as a memoir, but with Russell's astute observations about his own mentors. For this reason, I have both loved it and had my aversions about it ... but, more precisely, I did not hate it.

When it comes to self-improvement books and manuals, I have witnessed a general consensus among readers to be embarrassed for delving into them. Rarely do readers or intellectuals admit to liking self-help because we all love to label ourselves as educated and self-aware while letting our fragile egos portray an air of all-knowingness... When we hear any kind of mawkish, self-congratulatory snake-oil rhetoric, we tend to see right through it and tag it as figuratively radioactive. The Jay Shettys, Robin Sharmas, Deepak Chopras of the world release books as their main source of promotion (or self-promotion) and these books contain more unsubstantiated theories than they do useful information.

Paradoxically, avid readers love to hate books of such kind, for, their very nature entails as a medium for these self-appointed mentors. What Russell has so skilfully, yet unwittingly, done here with this project is to interweave one of these so-called manuals with his own insights and experiences ... but without presenting himself as a Mentor to the reader.

Allow me to re-iterate: this book is not a self-help book about Mentors. As Russell so clearly points it out, it describes his steps towards nourishing the damaged inner child he still carries with the help of some key personalities he met, trudging along through life... Anyone who relates to that (i.e. everyone) could draw parallels to his/her own life and have similar epiphanies in finding his/her very own mentors. The human condition is basically a series of impulses on a spectrum of time and we are all nursing a damaged inner child in some form or the other.

This book serves as a mere mental lubricant in the quest for the sovereignty of the self. Basically, I mean: we’re all fucked and this book is about how Russell Brand is unfucking himself with the help of mentors. Why am I using all the big words and high flown language for a simple review? That is exactly the contagious style that Russell writes in. His use of language is so precise that he is like a watchmaker presenting you his work. Each sentence is built with unparalleled lexical accuracy. He is not only disarmingly comfortable with the power of language that he wields but also very comfortable in letting his personality flow through his words.

If you're all about self-help and want to inform yourself about actual Mentors that would help you out, this book will only help you achieve that to about 10% of your expectations. If you want yet another memoir about Russell Brand, this is a pretty okayish memoir (he does lead an incredible life, but it’s like his thousandth autobiography). BUT, all of that being said, what is good about this book is what eventually draws me back to content created by Russell Brand. It is witty, funny, extremely well-written, full of beautiful concepts and amazing prose. If that is what floats your boat, then by all means, grab this book and enjoy yourself a few hours of Russell-Brandish-reality. (less)

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yenni m

Jul 23, 2021yenni m rated it liked it

3.5

I'm glad this was short. It started great on a city walk but got long-winded and repetitive. I like Russell Brand. I'm happy to continue seeing him publish, explore and share. Simplicity might find him as he ages. Otherwise he'll continue as he is, doing honest and humble work. I feel he's a good cis male to respect and for the things he says to consider in my lifetime. (less)

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Emma

Mar 28, 2019Emma rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I came to this inspired by Russell Brand's recent podcasts, especially those with Gabor Maté and Fearne Cotton. I respect Russell's openness about his addictions, recovery path, and spiritual challenges. This book builds on that, illustrating how we do better at life if we go through it with others and allow ourselves to be guided by appropriate teachers (or mentors). Although the overall focus is Brand showing gratitude to the eight mentors featured, he also gives insight into his everyday struggles and how he has learned from his past.

Some of my favourite quotes from the book:

On mentors: "I can only guess that they, like me, when invited to fill the role of guide, access an aspect of themselves not only unsullied by failure but elevated by it."

On Pete, who would never, "yield to self-pity or rage" and had an, "incredible aptitude for positivity . . . I hold Pete in my mind as an antidote to self-pity. Perhaps if we spend time around positive people, being positive to one another, we can raise our common frequency as well as our individual well-being."

"Radhanath Swami, like Amma, has entirely rejected the possibility that the material world can bring satisfaction. He prioritizes eternal principles such as compassion and integrity over temporary phenomena like prestige and haircuts. I need to study this as I still have a foot in each camp."

"The word 'swami' means 'he who is with himself' . . . "

"By being open to suggestion, by letting go of my will in favour of the will of others, I begin to change. . . . If you learn how to listen to your fear, how to recognize your uncertainty, you can then invite the superior consciousness of a mentor into your life."

". . . a mentor, well chosen, can guide you to the frontiers of your Self." (less)

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chantel nouseforaname

Aug 26, 2019chantel nouseforaname rated it it was amazing

Shelves: cultural-commentary, favorites, high-impact-reads, self-improvement

Russell brand is actually really insightful. He seems like a greaseball but he’s more insightful than one might think. This book was concise and really really down to earth. There something that I love about his honesty and his self awareness. He highlights the importance of looking inward and analyzing the reasons why you might find yourself downward spiralling with this openness that acknowledges and tries to make peace with the ugliness within. He simultaneously guides you towards the reasons why you should look outside yourself when you feel lost and seek assistance from people who are capable and in the right space/frame of mind to help provide it to you.

This book made me think about the great things about some of the different mentors I’ve had in my life. Mentors also made me realize that the times where mentorship was not successful with me, and that has happened, it was because I wasn’t ready and that’s OK. When I was ready, I really did benefit from a non-judgmental approach and the knowledge of somebody who had experience of what I was going through. This book is special.

Highlights also include: his approach surrounding cutting people the fuck off and eliminating the toxicity from your life. Especially when you’re the one who put them folks and that toxicity there. It’s a great read. (less)

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Imogen

Feb 04, 2019Imogen rated it really liked it

I loved Recovery by Russel Brand and what a brilliant book to follow it. It is very wordy and he rights exactly as if he is speaking directly to you which I liked. I think we tend to think of people having mentors for specific skills or moments in their life but this book shows that at any point we all need and can be mentors. I also particularly enjoyed his statement that mentors do not need to be perfect, that they can have just one quality that you are learning from them.

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Sam Williams

Mar 04, 2019Sam Williams rated it it was amazing

As a disciple of Russell's "Trews" on YouTube and Under The Skin podcast, it's likely I'm being biased, but it seems every book Russell writes gets better and better; and this is no exception. Absolutely loved it. (less)

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Siobhan Caulfield

Mar 15, 2019Siobhan Caulfield rated it really liked it

I love Russell Brand and his unique way of communicating his truths , very insightful, interesting and honest. Enjoyed very much

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Onceinabluemoon

Apr 13, 2019Onceinabluemoon rated it really liked it

3.5 rounding up because I just like the guy! Since drug addiction he is constantly working on himself and very introspective, I admire that in him.

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Robert Jan

Dec 16, 2019Robert Jan rated it did not like it · review of another edition

Shelves: startup-books

For a book about mentors, the word "I" is in there a bit too much. (less)

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Aria

May 10, 2019Aria rated it liked it · review of another edition

---- Disclosure: I received this book for free from Goodreads. ----

Firstly, the reworking of the 12 steps he throws in at the end is f'ing fab. That's what they need to officially be changed to, as Brand's version is much more realistic & helpful than the standard/traditional form. So say I, anyway.

This book is one that needed to be written, I think. Brand has created a work that is accessible to many types of people, but particularly to those who have had to go through some sort of long-term, intentional work toward personal growth. Such experiences are always unique to the person, but certain necessary characteristics are normally required for such work to be successful. That being the case, it is therefore possible to talk about generalities of certain types one would find in that process, i.e. the mentor(s) & the mentee(s). More or less, that's what he does in this book. It is not a self-help book, a how-to guide, or any other such thing. It is also decidedly different from his past books, those being full of anecdotes regarding drug use, sex as a drug, rides on the roller-coaster of fame, etcetera. This is more a discussion about the roles of different people involved on both sides of any intentional learning process, which in Brand's case, is also a recovery & maintenance process. All kinds of people come in to play in such an experience, & the parts played by those people, deliberate or not, is what this book is about. Expecting otherwise from this book will only lead to dissatisfaction.

I won the cd’s & they were fine, but I have the advantage of having consumed a load of programs from the UK. As such, a lot of the terms he throws around were not completely foreign to me, but I can see how differently-exposed people might have some (slight) trouble w/ it. That being the case, for more, shall we say, insular persons, I recommend a print version that will allow one to easily re-read bits, & to read at one’s own pace. Brand occasionally gets into a quick rhythm that can really throw a listener off if they are unfamiliar w/ the terms & references to the UK-local names he whips about. To be clear though, the content is such that even if a term or name is not known to the reader/listener, it doesn’t really affect one’s ability to gather the point of what Brand is saying. It’s easy to let such things slip by & still carry on forward w/ the book. I’d sum it up as cultural flavor that could be confusing only if one allowed oneself to get hung up on not quite fully grasping the reference, rather than just letting it go by & staying focused on the overall idea or theme of what he’s getting at. Really, it’s no big deal. I just thought I’d mention it, being that a wide variety of people from all walks are going to come across this & make format choices.

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Ryan

Jul 24, 2019Ryan rated it it was ok

One of Brand's lessons for readers is to acknowledge when they have a problem, believe that things can improve, and ask for help. For some readers, this book will go deep for that framework alone. While I usually enjoy stories about guides, teachers, and mentors, these ones mostly dragged for me. Thankfully, the book is short. For Brand, mentorship is not necessarily about learning or being taught so much as a relationship that allows the mentee to realize themselves on a deeper level. Brand is candid about his experience as an addict, but he also discusses mentors that helped him to navigate relationships or athletics. It's obvious that Brand is grateful to his mentors and that he is trying to pay it forward by helping younger men with their addiction. I mostly know him from his role in Forgetting Sarah Marshall, and it occurs to me now that he may have been type cast. (less)

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Mark Farley

Feb 10, 2019Mark Farley rated it really liked it

As an additional adjacency to his brilliant self-help tome, Recovery, Russell introduces us to the many different characters in his life that has aided and abetted him (so to speak) throughout his spiritual improvement over the last decade or so. From sages to ex-addicts such as himself to business and medical professionals who guide and impart their wisdom, Mentors is full of great advice along with Brand's trademark wit. It's inspiring and thoughtful, tragic and sad in parts, but most of all, clever and impactful. (less)

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Anastasia Baka

Jul 14, 2019Anastasia Baka rated it liked it · review of another edition

Very few people, especially ones that I don’t know personally, have affected my life as deeply as Russell Brand. First with his YouTube videos, then with his podcast, his live shows, his books, Russell’s output and his progression of character (or better his regression to Self) have accompanied and fuelled hours of introspection. Be it politics, religion, quantum physics, the meaning of existing in a corrupt, neo-liberal, capitalist system, he’s provided me with nuggets of critical thinking, philosophical aphorisms and brotherly advice. I am so grateful for his service and his beautiful soul. (less)

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