Judd Apatow on Money, Fame, and Adam Sandler (Encore)

Judd Apatow on Money, Fame, and Adam Sandler (Encore)

Author: Paul Ollinger December 13, 2023 Duration: 48:26
Judd Apatow is one of the most important figures in comedy and film today. But he just doesn’t care that much about money. This non-attachment to material goods leaves him more time to focus on what matters: writing, directing, developing talent, and getting his family together for dinner. Judd has accomplished so much in his career that, in retrospect, his success appears to have been pre-ordained. But despite his massive success in the past 20 years, he never forgets his early struggles. In this week’s encore episode from Feb ’22, I speak with the writer / director / producer behind iconic comedy films such as Anchorman, Trainwreick, This is 40, and The 40-Year-Old Virgin about:

Why Adam Sandler paid $50 more in rent than Judd when they were roommates

Why he didn’t worry too much about finances as a young comedian

How failure prepared him to handle success

Being creative during a pandemic

Buddhism and stuff


Catch Paul Ollinger live (or tell your friends to go):

Austin, Jan 11 - Buy Tickets HERE


San Francisco, Feb 22 - Buy Tickets HERE


Nashville, Feb 28 - Buy Tickets HERE


🔥Learn and laugh by reading Paul’s Substack here. 🔥

Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe

Paul Ollinger has worn a few different hats-stand-up comedian, tech executive, and now, the curious host of Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger. This isn't a lecture series or a dry self-help guide. Instead, it feels more like pulling up a chair for a series of genuinely engaging talks that wander into the places where our daily lives, careers, and inner worlds collide. The conversations, which feature authors, thinkers, and various creatives, are refreshingly candid. They dig into the practical and philosophical questions about what it actually means to build a life that feels both successful and satisfying. You'll find that each episode of this podcast approaches big themes-money, purpose, and the pursuit of contentment-with a blend of wit and thoughtful depth. The underlying idea isn't about finding a perfect, Instagram-ready version of happiness, but something more grounded and attainable. It's for anyone who's ever wondered if there's a smarter, more meaningful way to navigate the pressures of business and culture without losing sight of what matters. Tuning in, you get the sense that Paul is figuring it out alongside his guests, making the insights feel earned and relatable. The result is a consistently interesting exploration of how we can all aim for a life that feels reasonably, and authentically, well-lived.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Reasonably Happy with Paul Ollinger
Podcast Episodes
The Wealth Money Can’t Buy with Robin Sharma [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:48
Robin Sharma is a leadership expert, coach and author whose books have sold tens of millions of copies around the world. The author of The 5AM Club, The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari, The Everyday Hero Manifesto, and Who Wil…
America’s Government Teacher, Sharon McMahon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:56
Sharon McMahon is living her purpose. Via her wildly popular Instagram account @SharonSaysSo, she is fighting political misinformation and guiding her audience through “the fascinating world of democracy, politics, and h…
The Narcissist Next-door with Dr. Ramani Durvasula [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:02:36
Dr. Ramani Durvasula is a clinical psychologist and author of the New York Times best-seller It’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic People. In this insight-rich conversation, Dr. Ramani explains the trai…
TED's Chris Anderson on Infectious Generosity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:54
Chris Anderson is the Head Curator of TED and author of the new book, 'Infectious Generosity: The Ultimate Idea Worth Spreading' in which he argues that YOU and I can improve the world by embracing our natural inclinatio…
Mike and Paul’s Road Trip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:46:09
This episode is highlights of a conversation between Paul and Mike Carano, long-time friend and Crazy Money editor. It was recorded on a road trip between San Francisco where Paul had just performed at Cobb’s Comedy Club…
On Fire for Life with John O’Leary [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:06
When John O’Leary was 9 years old, he played with fire and got burned. Like really, really burned, over 99% of his body. Doctors gave him less than 1% chance to live and told his parents he would not survive. Yet thanks…
Paul Reads Money Essays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:21
In this special “where has Paul been?” episode, Paul reads three of his latest pieces from his Substack, Money and the Meaning of Life, so that you can drive or workout without reading. Latest posts include:Adventures in…
Race and Money with Coleman Hughes (Encore) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:34
Today’s guest is Coleman Hughes, a writer, podcaster, opinion columnist and self-described "Black man who does’t think everything is about race.” Coleman has a new book out this week called 'The End of Race Politics: Arg…
The Joys and Anxieties of Wealth (Encore) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:58
Paul Schervish studies very wealthy people: what worries them, what delights them, and what motivates them to give to charity. The Director of Boston College’s Center on Wealth and Philanthropy, Paul is the co-author of…