Ravi Patel's Pursuit Of Happiness

Nov 16, 2020

Ravi Patel, an actor and filmmaker known for his documentary work, shares his journey of exploring happiness through various cultures. He dives deep into the challenges of over-parenting, the significance of resilience, and the contrasts between American and foreign parenting styles. Patel reflects on navigating identity and the pressures of Hollywood, while also emphasizing the importance of community and meaningful relationships. He shares insights from his travels in Japan and Denmark, tackling everything from work-life balance to the impact of social media on mental health.

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ANECDOTE

Making "Meet the Patels"

Ravi and his sister, Geeta Patel, co-directed "Meet the Patels," a documentary about his search for love.
The filmmaking process, similar to marriage or starting a business, tested their relationship, leading to personal growth and acceptance.

INSIGHT

Authenticity in Storytelling

Rich Roll praises the authenticity of "Meet the Patels," likening it to modern vlogging culture.
He feels a sense of knowing Ravi due to the film's intimate and honest storytelling.

INSIGHT

Keys to a Strong Marriage

Ravi emphasizes kindness, loyalty, and commitment as the most crucial elements for a successful marriage.
With these foundations, couples can navigate life's challenges and build a strong partnership.

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What’s the best way to grow old? Are we over-parenting our kids? And how can I strike the right work-life balance?

These are just a few of the questions Ravi Patel was struggling with. So the actor, filmmaker, husband and dad decided to explore how foreign cultures grapple with them. The result is Ravi Patel’s Pursuit of Happiness, a docu-series in which Ravi enlists his friends and family in overseas adventures in search of answers to life’s questions.

Perhaps you caught Ravi’s 2014 hit documentary Meet The Patels, a funny and touching first-person family adventure in which Ravi enlists his traditional Indian parents in his search for love, leading him down a rabbit hole into the world of arranged marriages.

Streaming on HBO Max, the new show digs even deeper — a poignant and timely deconstruction of American exceptionalism that ventures beyond buddy travelogue tropes.

Today Ravi shares his story — and the many lessons learned along the way.

Hardly your ordinary actor, this conversation begins with an exploration of Ravi’s unique path. His past life in investment banking. His current interest in health and wellness. His grapple with identity and indoctrination. And his sundry adventures navigating the vicissitudes of Hollywood.

We then pivot to the many nuggets of wisdom Ravi has gleaned from his personal journey. And we tug on the questions explored in his Pursuit of Happiness travels to Japan, Denmark, South Korea and Mexico:

Why are Americans so unhappy? How can you be a good parent? How do you find work life balance? And how can we responsibly promote inclusion for all?

Recorded pre-election, this conversation is equal parts light-hearted and profound — a mix of laughs and uppercase Truths on all things love, partnership, parenting, purpose, and passion.

It’s also a friendship origin story. The first of what I anticipate will be more conversations to come.

The visually inclined can watch our exchange on YouTube. And as always, the podcast streams wild and free on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.

I love this guy and everything he’s about. And I hope you find this conversation as refreshing and uplifting as I did.

Peace + Plants,

Rich