Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger

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 [http://words.paulollinger.com] . And, if you're so inclined, follow him on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_ollinger [https://www.instagram.com/paul_ollinger] 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Substack 02:48 Exploring Qatar's Influence and Ethics 06:02 Proposal for a Qatari Comedy Club 08:57 Corporate Life Lessons from Dogs 12:00 Navigating Career Changes and Authenticity 18:11 The Impact of Social Media on Identity 23:10 A Humorous Obituary for the Future

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. He opens up about childhood instability, military discipline, elite university culture, and his groundbreaking concept of “luxury beliefs”—status-signaling values held by the privileged that often harm the poor. This conversation is raw, eye-opening, and packed with insights about resilience, class, and what truly shapes success. Check out Rob's Substack: https://www.robkhenderson.com/ Read Paul's Subtack: http://words.paulollinger.com Follow Paul on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paul_ollinger

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 Simpsons, why Harvard wasn’t funny, how VCRs and fan feedback helped shape the show, and why the writers’ room was like a "kibbutz but more Jewish." It’s a deep dive into comedy, creativity, and the wild ride of creating a global phenomenon. Follow Mike's Substack: https://substack.com/@mikereiss Get Paul's Book: https://www.paulollinger.com/the-book

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 Feeding. The conversation also explores alcoholism in fine dining, working through shame, and the ethics of telling personal stories—alongside hot takes on The Bear, Lucky Charms, and how Batali allegedly didn't pay staff. This is a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the dark underbelly of fame, food, and finding your voice after chaos. Check out Laurie's podcast: https://www.instagram.com/carbfacepod/ Get a copy of Paul's book: https://www.paulollinger.com/the-book

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 powerful stories behind her new book The Ten. She discusses how her father’s fame created emotional distance, the collapse of her mother’s mental health, and how writing became both her refuge and rebellion. If you're into celebrity legacies, healing childhood wounds, or the grind of making it as a writer in L.A., this episode hits every note.