#157 Peter Berg - Exposing Big Pharma, Lone Survivor, and Hollywood’s Dark Side

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Jan 9, 2025

Peter Berg, a celebrated director known for films like "Lone Survivor", dives into the dark side of Hollywood and the shady practices of Big Pharma linked to the opioid crisis. He shares personal experiences that illuminate the emotional toll of military trauma and the struggles veterans face. Berg also discusses the transformative power of psychedelics in healing, recounting near-death experiences and their impact on self-awareness. Amid the serious themes, he reflects on the challenges of filming on location and the bonds formed during production.

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ANECDOTE

The Autopsy Report

Peter Berg describes meeting Danny Dietz's parents while preparing for Lone Survivor.
Dietz's father shared his son's autopsy report, highlighting the emotional weight of the project.

ANECDOTE

Gabe's Story

Shawn Ryan shares a story about his friend Gabe, a SEAL who struggled after a personal tragedy.
Gabe's experiences in Red Wings operation and Benghazi compounded his trauma, leading to addiction and death.

INSIGHT

Ownership in War

Berg recounts a conversation with a SEAL in Iraq who felt ownership over people's lives in the war zone.
This mindset highlights the difficulty of transitioning back to civilian life where such control isn't acceptable.

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Lone Survivor

The Eyewitness Account of Operation Redwing and the Lost Heroes of SEAL Team 10

Marcus Luttrell

This book is a firsthand account by Marcus Luttrell, the sole survivor of Operation Redwing, a secret military operation in Afghanistan. The story details the mission to capture or kill a notorious al Qaeda leader and the subsequent desperate battle that led to the largest loss of life in Navy SEAL history. Luttrell describes his brutal training, the relentless battle, and his survival against al Qaeda assassins. He also recounts how he was taken in and protected by a Pashtun tribe, highlighting themes of courage, honor, and patriotism. The book is a tribute to his teammates who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

The Four Agreements

A Practical Guide to Personal Freedom

Don Miguel Ruiz

The Four Agreements is a self-help book that provides a practical guide to personal freedom based on ancient Toltec wisdom. The book introduces four simple yet powerful agreements: Be impeccable with your word, Don’t take anything personally, Don’t make assumptions, and Always do your best. These agreements are designed to help readers break free from self-limiting beliefs, avoid unnecessary suffering, and achieve a happier and more fulfilling life. The book has been widely acclaimed and has become a New York Times bestseller for over a decade, translated into 53 languages worldwide.

Empire of Pain

The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty

Ricard Gil

Patrick Radden Keefe

Empire of Pain is a comprehensive and damning narrative about the Sackler family, who built their pharmaceutical empire through aggressive marketing and questionable ethics. The book traces the family's history from their early success with tranquilizers like Librium and Valium to the devastating impact of OxyContin, which contributed significantly to the opioid crisis. Keefe's work is based on extensive research and exposes the family's ruthless business tactics, their influence on medical and governmental bodies, and their attempts to evade accountability for the harm caused by their products.