Host Jeremy C. Park talks with comedian, speaker, podcaster, and writer, Paul Ollinger, who reflects on his time in Memphis at Rhodes College, how he leveraged success in the tech industry to help launch his career in comedy, and what led him to start a podcast and write his new book, “Reasonably Happy: The Skeptics Guide to Achievable Contentment.“
During the interview, Paul shares how he was recruited to play football at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tennessee, and how his time at the school led to lifelong friendships. He discusses how his career in tech started and ultimately led him to become one of the first 250 employees at Facebook after moving to the West Coast to pursue becoming a comedian. He touches on those early days at Facebook and the power of social media, along with how it has and continues to evolve to create opportunities for creatives to connect with audiences around the world. Paul then talks about some of his favorite moments as a nationally-touring comedian who has done over 1,000 shows. He discusses his podcast, recently rebranded from the Crazy Money podcast to Reasonably Happy, and shares which interview stands out as a personal favorite among the hundreds of episodes, along with insightful takeaways from a recent guest. Paul wraps up highlighting his new book, which is now available on Amazon, “Reasonably Happy: The Skeptics Guide to Achievable Contentment.” The book is a collection of thought-provoking, funny, and sometimes touching essays about the sources of true fulfillment in life. He shares some of the key takeaways and lessons he hopes readers take away from the book, and how he hopes it will help make a difference in redefining the connection between money, happiness, work, and meaning in life.
Visit https://www.paulollinger.com/ to learn more about Paul Ollinger and his new book.
About Paul Ollinger: Fusing humor with profound lessons about the nature of success and fulfillment, Paul Ollinger keeps audiences laughing as they learn. After working as one of Facebook’s first 250 employees, Paul retired at 42, only to find himself bored, lonely, and driving his wife crazy. Wondering why the wealth he had so long pursued didn’t deliver the contentment he expected, Paul launched the Crazy Money podcast (recently re-branded as Reasonably Happy), on which he explores the connection between money, happiness, work, and meaning through the lens of his guests’ unique professional journeys. His keen intellect and sincere curiosity have attracted guests like LL COOL J, Nobel Laureate Sir Angus Deaton, Olympian Apolo Ohno, author Ryan Holiday, and film impresario Judd Apatow. Paul also took that post-Facebook opportunity to launch the stand-up comedy career he had always dreamed of. In just a few years, he headlined the legendary Caroline’s on Broadway in New York City, opened for the rock band Styx, and earned a finalist’s spot at the Boston Comedy Festival. This rare combination of comedy chops and high-level business experience gives Paul a unique point-of-view into personal and professional growth. His impactful keynotes about purposeful living produce lasting change and an unforgettably entertaining experience that will leave attendees refreshed and ready to implement. Testimonials from his talks at YPO, Coca-Cola, TURNER, and Cox Automotive are available upon request. He also earns top reviews when hosting corporate and charity events, including Facebook’s Discover Growth conference, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta’s Hope & Will Ball, and the THINK LA (the Los Angeles Ad Club) Awards dinner at the Beverly Hilton. Having been given the chance to define work on his terms, Paul has dedicated himself to seizing the day and giving back. He and his wife, Stacey, are committed to empowering financial autonomy among the economically disadvantaged. They dedicate significant time and treasure to job skills and literacy programs. Paul majored in Business and Economics at Rhodes College where he was President of the Honor Council. He earned his Masters of Business Administration from Dartmouth’s Tuck School where his classmates elected him Student Investiture Speaker. The Ollingers live in New York with their two teen children and French bulldogs.
