In 'Life Is What You Make It,' Peter Buffett shares his journey of self-discovery and the lessons he learned from his family and life experiences. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on substance over reward and creating one's own path to success and happiness. The book challenges readers to rethink their values and strive for a more fulfilling life by embracing their passions and persevering through challenges.
In this book, Michael Pollan delves into the history of psychedelic drugs, from their rise in the 1960s to their current resurgence in medical research. He combines historical and scientific analysis with personal narratives of his own experiences with psychedelics, such as LSD and psilocybin. The book explores how these substances are being used to treat conditions like depression, addiction, and anxiety, and discusses their potential to revolutionize our understanding of the human mind and consciousness. Pollan's work is a blend of science, memoir, and travel writing, offering a nuanced and engaging look at the therapeutic and spiritual benefits of psychedelics[1][2][4].
Chris Arnade's "Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America" is a poignant photo essay and narrative that explores the lives and perspectives of individuals often overlooked in society. Through powerful images and personal stories, Arnade captures the struggles, resilience, and dignity of those living on the margins. The book offers a nuanced understanding of the economic and social challenges faced by many Americans. Arnade's work challenges preconceived notions and fosters empathy for those often marginalized. It's a compelling exploration of the human condition and the search for meaning in difficult circumstances.
In this book, Dr. Bessel van der Kolk uses recent scientific advances to show how trauma reshapes both the body and brain, compromising sufferers’ capacities for pleasure, engagement, self-control, and trust. He explores various treatments, including neurofeedback, meditation, sports, drama, and yoga, which activate the brain’s natural neuroplasticity to aid in recovery. The book emphasizes the power of relationships in both causing and healing trauma and offers hope through descriptions of novel approaches to treatment. It is based on Dr. van der Kolk’s own research and that of other leading specialists in the field[1][2][5].
My guest today is Peter Buffett. Peter is a musician, composer, author, and philanthropist. Peter is an Emmy Award winner, New York Times best-selling author and co-chair of the NoVo Foundation. We discuss music, community, philanthropy, and finding one's note in life. This is a very different episode much more about life in general, with no business or investing discussed. Like his father Warren, Peter has the gene for phrasing ideas in memorable ways, and I think you’ll find many great phrases in this chat that will stick with you. I’ve been thinking about Peter's idea making sure those in your life are safe, seen, and celebrated ever since our chat.
Please enjoy.
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Sign up for the book club, where you’ll get a full investor curriculum and then 3-4 suggestions every month at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclub.
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Show Notes
1:27 - (First Question) – Welcome and small talk
1:35 – Why Peter is in Kingston and how it plays into his foundation work
4:01 – How moving from the city to the country changed Peter
6:27 – Seeing connections vs living abstractions
7:30 – What is the Nova Foundation
11:03 – Historical points that inform his views
13:51 – Identifying qualitative negative side effects and which ones they are attacking
17:51 – What makes for effective community
20:22 – Linkage between consumption and individualism
23:55 – The cultivation of work ethic, curiosity, and education
23:57 – Life Is What You Make It: Find Your Own Path to Fulfillment
27:22 – Early exploration of his curiosity
32:26 – What has music taught Peter about music that is unique to that experience
34:26 – Most memorable question a person has asked Peter at his concert and conversation series
36:46 – What makes for good relationships, in particular marriage
42:03 – What keeps people from putting in the work into a relationship
45:11 – What he has learned about being a good friend
46:29 – How does one person have a relationship with a large community
49:21 – Dark sides of the philanthropic world
49:54 – The Charitable-Industrial Complex
53:21 – Dignity: Seeking Respect in Back Row America
55:55 – What one spot would he send everyone to learn
57:48 – Traumas and helping people find their note
57:49 – The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
1:00:38 – How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us About Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence
1:02:24 – What is he most interested in right now: how to best use Nova’s funds
1:04:45 – Lessons from family
1:07:22 – Kindest thing anyone has done for Peter
Learn More
For more episodes go to InvestorFieldGuide.com/podcast.
Sign up for the book club, where you’ll get a full investor curriculum and then 3-4 suggestions every month at InvestorFieldGuide.com/bookclub
Follow Patrick on twitter at @patrick_oshag
Invest Like the Best with Patrick O'Shaughnessy 
