Listen free for 30 days

  • The Third Door

  • The Mindset of Success
  • Written by: Alex Banayan
  • Narrated by: Alex Banayan
  • Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (271 ratings)

1 credit a month, good for any title to download and keep.
The Plus Catalogue—listen all you want to thousands of Audible Originals, podcasts, and audiobooks.
$14.95 a month plus applicable taxes after 30 day trial. Cancel anytime.
The Third Door cover art

The Third Door

Written by: Alex Banayan
Narrated by: Alex Banayan
Try for $0.00

$14.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel anytime.

Buy Now for $35.09

Buy Now for $35.09

Pay using card ending in
By confirming your purchase, you agree to Audible's Conditions of Use and Amazon's Privacy Notice. Tax where applicable.

Publisher's Summary

Forbes #1 Career Book to Read in 2018

The National Best Seller

The larger-than-life journey of an 18-year-old college freshman who set out from his dorm room to track down Bill Gates, Lady Gaga, and dozens more of the world’s most successful people to uncover how they broke through and launched their careers.

The Third Door takes listeners on an unprecedented adventure—from hacking Warren Buffett’s shareholders meeting to chasing Larry King through a grocery store to celebrating in a nightclub with Lady Gaga—as Alex Banayan travels from icon to icon, decoding their success. After remarkable one-on-one interviews with Bill Gates, Maya Angelou, Steve Wozniak, Jane Goodall, Larry King, Jessica Alba, Pitbull, Tim Ferriss, Quincy Jones, and many more, Alex discovered the one key they have in common: they all took the Third Door.

Life, business, success...it’s just like a nightclub. There are always three ways in. There’s the First Door: the main entrance, where 99 percent of people wait in line, hoping to get in. The Second Door: the VIP entrance, where the billionaires and celebrities slip through. But what no one tells you is that there is always, always… the Third Door. It’s the entrance where you have to jump out of line, run down the alley, bang on the door 100 times, climb over the dumpster, crack open the window, sneak through the kitchen—there’s always a way in. Whether it’s how Bill Gates sold his first piece of software or how Steven Spielberg became the youngest studio director in Hollywood history, they all took the Third Door.

©2018 Alex Banayan (P)2018 Random House Audio

What the critics say

“Exhilarating and empowering... If you care about your success, you have to read The Third Door.” (Tony Robbins, entrepreneur, New York Times best-selling author, philanthropist, and the nation’s number one life and business strategist)

“From redefining success with Steve Wozniak to staring death in the eyes with Jessica Alba, this book is packed with adventure, drama, and remarkable lessons the whole way through. Whether you‘re an executive or a recent college graduate, you’ll find inspiration and wisdom in The Third Door.” (Arianna Huffington, founder of The Huffington Post and New York Times best-selling author of Thrive)

"The Third Door is at once a spirited coming-of-age story and a hard-headed examination of what it takes to succeed at the highest levels. Alex Banayan has cracked the code of the world’s most successful people and shown he will soon join their ranks.” (Daniel H. Pink, New York Times best-selling author of When, Drive, and A Whole New Mind)

What listeners say about The Third Door

Average Customer Ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    216
  • 4 Stars
    39
  • 3 Stars
    14
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    1
Performance
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    193
  • 4 Stars
    30
  • 3 Stars
    15
  • 2 Stars
    1
  • 1 Stars
    2
Story
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
  • 5 Stars
    196
  • 4 Stars
    25
  • 3 Stars
    14
  • 2 Stars
    4
  • 1 Stars
    1

Reviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars

A clip show that lacks depth...

I bought this because it popped up as a suggestion and seemed to be a best seller, I thought it might be motivating..However, it’s simply a guide to coat-tail riding and boot kissing ones way to the top of the heap. I guess this guy is a great marketing expert..He lacks education, experience and life experience (his father’s cancer sadly excepted).
Life lesson; if you are pushy enough, maybe there is room for you too on the yacht of someone else’s business success..
Guy reminds me of a millennial that comes in for an interview and requests the Boss’s job..

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

3 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Ses
  • 2018-07-26

Not enough to be useful

should not be in business category. this story is more personal perception of the reality than ready to be useful book to share.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
  • KC
  • 2023-10-05

Great Story Teller

Hi Alex,
I loved your book; what a remarkable story. It is well written, and you are a gifted storyteller. Thank you for sharing!
I have recommended your book to many friends and co-workers.
I learned about you when I sat beside a lady on a plane when leaving LA. I told her that the purpose of our trip had been to go to the Price is Right. She said, "Do you know about Alex Banayan?" I had no idea who you were. Once home, I researched and am super happy I downloaded your book. It brought me laughter, tears and validation!
Keep spreading stories and your love!
Cheers,
Kena

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

A great read. Please read!

This book will have you intrigued! Without a doubt one of my favourite books. Period!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Great story

I wouldnt say its a business book, but it does have some great lessons to think about and the story is very well told!!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

very inspiring

I really enjoyed this book! It was well written and well read. Although at first I thought the book was not diverse enough, Alex made a good effort at the end to increase the diversity over the people that he interviewed, which was very nice. The story line is amazing and you struggle to stop listening to it. It feels like you're getting a bunch of subtle advice from friends. I'd recommend this book to anyone who's often unsure about how to take the first step to a big project. :)

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

highly recommend

One of the best books I've read. The end moved me so much that I burst into tears.
When there's a will, there's a way.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

Gold

I rarely finish books in 2 days, but this one is so well written that you just can't stop.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

get this audiobook and thank me later

absolutely incredible Alex is a phenomenal storyteller. his story will reignite that ember that is burning inside of your belly. 10/10

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars

second time was better than the first!

it was easier to listen and get into the second time. I'm sure the third will be even better!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Laurimar Melendez
  • Laurimar Melendez
  • 2018-07-08

This story saved my future...

I’m a 23 years old female studying advertising design, dying inside for not feeling like I was fulfilling my purpose or any of my dreams. As I came through this book (by a very random way) I started listening to it non stop... To make the long story short, I finally found what I’ve been looking for throughout all these years: a savior to my future. But not a person specifically, instead, a life long experience’s story kind of savior... It showed me that life is better when you always enter by “the third door”, and that possibilities are those that you make yourself.

Thank you Alex for being brave enough to take on this journey. I’m forever grateful.

Cordially,

Laurimar Melendez

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

20 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    2 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Guztavo
  • Guztavo
  • 2019-05-05

Never gets to the point

Too long with unimportant details about how he tried to get interviews with people. Where are the ACTUAL interviews with all these people? That is what i bought this book for.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

14 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for .
  • .
  • 2019-10-15

Memoirs of a 19 year old

He wanted to write a book, so he tells us his journey and what it took.
The stories of successful people are buried and seem like an afterthought in spite of what the title suggests.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

13 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Tate
  • Tate
  • 2019-08-05

Should have read a few more reviews

Overly dynamic, unnecessary yelling and fabricated excitement. Tried to tough it out the the 2nd chapter and just had to stop.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for RV
  • RV
  • 2018-06-19

A must listen for every millennial

This book is a must read for any and all millennials. The story and lessons covered in this book are AMAZING. As an aspiring entrepreneur this book has inspired me beyond belief to accomplish this life. The fact that the author narrated this book, I believe, made it even more impactful as you get the true emotion and makes feel like you are on the journey right along side him.

The acknowledgment section became very real and emotional for me as I thought of my late grandfather and my still living father. The lessons learned about relationships and true friendships brought me to tears. This is a book that I will share with my children as they get older and live life.

Thank you, Mr. Banayan for your sacrifice and inspiration. Thank you for creating and sharing this masterpiece with the world.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

10 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for MC
  • MC
  • 2018-06-23

Highly Recommend

What a great book this was to listen to on my commutes to and from work. While I do not typically choose books of this nature, I was drawn to download The Third Door after hearing Alex on The Rich Roll podcast; and, I am so glad I did!

The story had me crying and laughing along and each chapter only seemed to get better than the last, which is impressive considering who all was interviewed along his journey. I can’t recommend it enough and hope you will gain as much from it as I have!

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

8 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    4 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Anton Lopez
  • Anton Lopez
  • 2019-02-06

Not so informative.

I was expecting it to be more informative just like how Alex was marketing it. If you were expecting to get detailed insights and learnings from the people he interviews. This isn't it, this is more of a story about how he went about interviewing these famous people and only dispensing 1 or 2 learnings from that. I wish this included more information and details about the said interviews. But never the less this was a great story.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

6 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    2 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    4 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    1 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for ARosen
  • ARosen
  • 2018-08-09

Less advice book and more journey to get advice.

I was hopeful to hear the interviews and insight from the amazing list of interviewees, but this book was all about the author and his journey. This is more novel than self help.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for EK
  • EK
  • 2018-06-22

A must read (listen)!

I bought this book after hearing Alex Banayan on The Rich Roll Podcast. Even though I’m about the farthest you can get from the demographic this book was originally intended (a 42 year old mom and wife content in her career and life) I was so drawn in by Alex’s storytelling and experience I wanted to hear more. I’m SO glad I did! Beautifully read by the author, Alex Banayan, The Third Door is engaging from the start. I bought the book in the morning and listened to every minute until it was finished, I couldn’t put it down. A combination of amazing storytelling, beautiful reflection, and the power of possibility, this book is full of entertainment and insight no matter your career, passion, or place in life. It’s infused with what’s possible when we believe in that which moves us and take action towards our mission with knowledge, failure, growth and purpose. But for me the greatest take away is the power within us all to help and connect to one another, to be door openers and window finders, to move and be moved towards our own mission and in service of others. I loved this book and cannot recommend it enough.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

5 people found this helpful

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for deborah rodriguez
  • deborah rodriguez
  • 2018-08-11

All.

The books is enjoyable. And inspiring. and All. I experience some emotions I don't want to say but they were felt so deeply. I will cherish this book and remembered all my life. thank you very much.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

4 people found this helpful

Sort by:
Filter by:
  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    5 out of 5 stars
  • Story
    5 out of 5 stars
Profile Image for Key H
  • Key H
  • 2023-07-13

Amazing experience

Inspiring and Captivating from end to end. It’s my favorite audible experience to date. Thanks Alex for the performance and the heart you put in this.

Something went wrong. Please try again in a few minutes.

You voted on this review!

You reported this review!

1 person found this helpful