Tribalism is Dumb (w/Andrew Heaton)

Tribalism is Dumb (w/Andrew Heaton)

Author: Paul Ollinger July 30, 2025 Duration: 1:06:10
Andrew Heaton is the author of the new book Tribalism Is Dumb and the host of The Political Orphanage podcast. He sits down with Paul to unpack where tribalism comes from, how it is tearing us apart, and how we might fix it. With wit, warmth, and some surprisingly deep evolutionary psychology, Andrew explains how our ancient brains are wired to seek belonging—even if that means choosing teams over Truth. They cover everything from Dunbar’s number to the loneliness epidemic, from the comedy club to Capitol Hilll, and why political identity has become a poor substitute for real community. Whether you're center-left, center-right, or just tired of the noise, this conversation offers a refreshing dose of nuance, laughs, and insight into how we got here and where we could go. If you've ever felt politically homeless—or curious why shouting on Twitter feels like the new religion, this conversation is for you! Don’t miss the part where Andrew suggests that Paul change the name of his podcast to “Drinking Liberal Tears with Paul.” (It’s not going to happen, but just think of how popular it would be if we did!)

Subscribe to Paul’s Substack: http://words.paulollinger.com

Follow Andrew at https://mightyheaton.com/

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
Laurie Woolever- Dark Side of Celebrity Chefs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:08
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 suici…
E.A. Hanks - Famous Father, Troubled Mother [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:49
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 fo…
Jane Borden- Cults Like Us | Reasonably Happy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:59
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 e…
Too Woke to Joke w/ Jeff Maurer | Reasonably Happy Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:04
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 libe…
Bruce Vilanch: Hollywood Stories | Reasonably Happy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:23
🎭 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 funnies…
Gretchen Rubin: Happiness Hacks | Reasonably Happy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:34
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 powe…