Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger

In December 2020, Michigan Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson was decorating the family Christmas tree with her 5-year-old son when she heard a crowd outside her home chanting "Stop the Steal!" In the days and weeks that followed, Donald Trump harassed her on social media, calling for her arrest and accusing her of treason, Benson alleges. On this week's Reasonably Happy podcast, Benson--who is now...

This week, Paul reads his three most recent Substack posts, including: A very funny take on Qatar's bribery of pretty much every institution in America, How his dog's feel about castration, and Why many of us will have our TikTok handles on our tombstones. Please join Paul's Substack family by following here: http://words.paulollinger.com . And, if you're so inclined, follow him on Instagram: http...

Rob Henderson’s dad walked out when Rob was an infant. Not long after, Rob’s drug-addicted mother placed him into the foster care system and a near-constant cycle of neglect and displacement. According to his 2024 book, 'Troubled', Rob lived in nine different foster homes before his 8th birthday. This takes a toll on a kid, as Rob’s memoir reveals. “By the time I was four or five, my emotions had...

He was drinking by age five, shuffled through ten foster homes, and emotionally shut down by the time most kids are starting kindergarten — yet Rob Henderson clawed his way from chaos to Cambridge. In this powerful episode, Rob, author of Troubled: A Memoir of Foster Care, Family, and Social Class, shares his incredible journey from trauma and addiction to earning a PhD from Cambridge University....

The Simpsons writer and showrunner Mike Reiss shares behind-the-scenes secrets from 36+ years on the iconic animated series. From working with comedy legends like Sam Simon, Al Jean, and Conan O'Brien to writing for Johnny Carson and witnessing the wild beginnings of FOX, Mike recounts hilarious Hollywood stories and life lessons from his travels to 147 countries. He reveals the origin of the Simp...

Former personal assistant to both Anthony Bourdain and Mario Batali, Laurie Woolever, opens up about the untold truths behind celebrity kitchens, toxic food culture, addiction, and what ultimately drove Bourdain to suicide. From Mario Batali’s manipulative power plays to Bourdain’s romantic obsessions and lifelong depression, Woolever shares the unfiltered story behind her new memoir Care and Feed...

In this raw and revealing episode of Reasonably Happy, author and screenwriter E.A. Hanks opens up about growing up as the daughter of Tom Hanks, surviving a chaotic childhood with an abusive, mentally ill mother, and forging her own path in Hollywood. From hidden trauma and therapy breakthroughs to the price of fame and writing a memoir about family, identity, and the open road, Hanks shares powe...

Legendary sportscaster Jim Lampley joins Paul Ollinger on "Reasonably Happy" to share unforgettable stories from his 40+ year broadcasting career, covering everything from Olympic Games and Super Bowls to boxing icons like Muhammad Ali and Mike Tyson. Lampley reveals the behind-the-scenes drama of his rise at ABC Sports, recounts his emotional connection to the Miracle on Ice, and reflects on the...

In this thought-provoking episode of Reasonably Happy, Paul Ollinger sits down with journalist and author Jane Borden to unpack her explosive new book Cults Like Us: Why Doomsday Thinking Drives America. Together, they explore how apocalyptic beliefs, religious extremism, and cult-like behaviors have shaped American identity—from Puritan roots to modern political movements like MAGA. Jane reveals...

In this episode of Reasonably Happy, Paul Ollinger sits down with Fox News contributor and Raging Moderates co-host Jessica Tarlov for a wide-ranging conversation on politics, media bias, Israel, parenting, and the chaos of air travel. Jessica opens up about raising two young kids, finding peace in Jamaica, and holding her own as the lone Democrat on The Five. They dive into the latest national se...

In this episode of Reasonably Happy, comedian and writer Paul Ollinger sits down with former Last Week Tonight writer Jeff Maurer for a razor-sharp, no-holds-barred conversation on comedy, politics, and the state of liberal discourse. Maurer, now the voice behind the acclaimed Substack I Might Be Wrong, unpacks his journey from speechwriter to Emmy-winning TV writer, and why he left Hollywood to p...

In this episode of Reasonably Happy, host Paul Ollinger sits down with Anne Mahlum, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of Solidcore, the Pilates chain she sold for $100 million. Anne shares her incredible journey from starting a nonprofit running club for the homeless to building a fitness empire with over 100 locations. She dives into overcoming personal and business challenges, navigating...

🎭 Hollywood stories, comedy legends, and the pursuit of happiness! 🎭 In this episode of Reasonably Happy, host Paul Ollinger sits down with the legendary Bruce Vilanch—Emmy-winning writer, comedian, and one of the funniest minds behind Hollywood’s biggest events. Bruce spills the tea on outrageous celebrity encounters, wild award show moments, working with Joan Rivers, and the unpredictability o...

Bestselling author Gretchen Rubin joins Reasonably Happy with host Paul Ollinger for a deep dive into happiness, self-improvement, and personal growth. They explore habit formation, the psychology of motivation, the power of self-awareness, and why enjoying the process matters more than the outcome. Gretchen shares insights from The Happiness Project, her Four Tendencies personality framework, and...

"Love isn't enough." So says marriage expert Carolyn Sharp in her new book 'Fired Up: Four Secrets to Reigniting Intimacy and Joy in Your Relationship.' Paul talked with Carolyn (a college friend) this week and dove deep into the challenges of modern relationships, the importance of emotional connection, communication, and radical acceptance, and why love alone isn’t enough to sustain a lasting pa...

In this candid and insightful episode of Reasonably Happy, host Paul Ollinger sits down with Anthony Scaramucci—founder of SkyBridge Capital, former White House Communications Director, and author of From Wall Street to the White House and Back. Scaramucci shares unfiltered lessons on entrepreneurship, resilience, wealth, and personal growth, reflecting on his meteoric rise in finance, public fail...

Join Paul as he sits with the very funny Matt Ruby and discuss performing on psychedelic mushrooms, being raised by a bohemian mom who ran around New York City with Alan Ginsberg and more! Links to all things Matt Ruby including his newsletter, specials and more: https://www.mattrubycomedy.com/ Get Paul Ollinger's book Here: "Reasonably Happy: Essays on Money, Work and Other Things that Piss Me Of...

Join hilarious comedian and hater of all things technology Nathan Macintosh as he sits with host Paul Ollinger and discusses his love hate for tech, the overabundance of screens in socoiety and the fear of what AI will do to the world. Watch Nathan's latest 2 specials here: "Money Never Wakes" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sQd7kHYiNsQ&t=20s&authuser=1 "Down with Tech" https://www.youtube.com/wat...

Join legendary musician Paul Shaffer, famed as David Letterman’s long-time musical director, as he shares his extraordinary career journey—from his childhood in Thunder Bay to iconic roles on Saturday Night Live and The Blues Brothers. Shaffer sits with host Paul Ollinger and reflects on his early love for music, working alongside comedy greats like Martin Short and Bill Murray, and how rock and r...

Paul sits down to talk happiness with Deepak Chopra who is a world-renowned pioneer in integrative medicine and personal transformation alongside award winning author, professor, writer and speaker Dr, John Kaag. Visit Rebind at  https://s.rebind.ai/0PmPOV  and use the promo code reasonablyhappy to get 15% off your first Rebind book experience Get Paul's book Here: "Reasonably Happy: Essays on Mon...

Paul sits down with comedian and syndicated radio legend Rickey Smiley and talk about happiness in the face of grief after losing a son to opioid addiction, surviving being shot at point blank range and continuing a life in comedy in the face of tragedy. Check out Rickeys book: "Sideshow: Living with Loss and Moving Forward with Faith" https://www.amazon.com/Sideshow-Livin ... Get full access to R...

Paul is joined by SNL music director Eli Brueggemann to discuss everything from what landing a gig like Saturday Night Live does for a musician to how quickly a masters level university degree can become outdated because of simple technology. Follow Reasonably Happy host Paul Ollinger: https://www.instagram.com/paul_ollinger Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe

Paul sits down with the insanely funny comedian Mandal to discuss his rise, fall and rise again that lead him to be a go to opener for John Mulaney and performing at the world famous Hollywood Bowl. Paul and Mandel dive into the world of stand up comedy and how Mandel finds purpose and happiness and why it is the driving force in all of his artistic endeavors. Follow Reasonably Happy host Paul Oll...

Paul sits down with lawyer turned comedian Liz Glazer to discuss how a successful lawyer and law professor can find happiness by saying goodbye to a tenured career by pursuing a life in the arts. Follow Reasonably Happy host Paul Ollinger: https://www.instagram.com/paul_ollinger Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe

Join us for an insightful conversation with Adrian Brambila and Brad Klontz, authors of "Start Thinking Rich," as we dive deep into the mindset strategies that lead to success. Discover how your background, no matter the challenges, should never hold you back from achieving your goals. Learn practical tips and valuable lessons on how to develop a wealth-focused mindset, overcome obstacles, and lev...