
My Favorite Things My Favorite Things Episode 3: Ed Roberson
Nov 20, 2025
Ed Roberson, a podcaster and adventurer, shares insights from his life and creative influences. He reveals how Jimmy Buffett's liner notes ignited his love for literature and the outdoors. Ed reflects on the impact of 'The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt,' embracing a 'strenuous life,' and battling melancholy through discipline. He discusses Winslow Homer's evocative painting, 'The Gulf Stream,' as a symbol of purpose. Additionally, Ed highlights the importance of community explored in Sebastian Junger's 'Tribe' and celebrates the enduring appeal of the film 'Road House' with its mix of humor and life lessons.
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Liner Notes That Led To Lifelong Reading
- Ed Roberson discovered Jimmy Buffett's reading recommendations in 1990s liner notes and used them to learn about Buffett's influences.
- Those books launched Roberson's lifelong habit of reading to understand people and shape his podcast approach.
The Strenuous Life As An Operating System
- Reading The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt introduced Roberson to the 'strenuous life' as a personal operating system of focused intensity.
- That idea reshaped his habits, work ethic, and led him to stop drinking to avoid being at the mercy of hangovers.
Act Fast And Remove Anchors
- When stuck, choose focused action: start a task and commit to doing it with full attention to gain momentum and clarity.
- Cut out habits that consistently undermine performance, like drinking that causes frequent hangovers.








