What I learned from reading Working by Robert Caro. ----Listen to one of my favorite podcasts: Invest Like the Best: Sam Hinkie: Find Your People ----[3:40] You can't get very deep into Johnson's life without realizing that the central fact of his life was his relationship with his father.[8:00] It was the hill country and his father's failures that taught him how terrible could be the consequences of a single mistake.[8:45] Lyndon Johnson wouldn't understand. He would refuse to understand. He would threaten you, would cajole you, bribe you or charm you. He would do whatever he had to do, but he would get that vote.[9:00] What mattered to him was winning because he knew what losing could be. What its consequences could be.[9:50] Robert Caro books I've read: The Power Broker The Path to PowerMeans of AscentMaster of The Senate (currently reading) [11:00] About what I wanted to do with my life and my books (which are my life)[11:40] I am a reflection of what I do. — Steve Jobs[23:20] There are certain moments in your life when you suddenly understand something about yourself. I loved going through those files, making them yield up their secrets to me.[24:10] Turn every page. Never assume anything. Turn every goddamn page.[27:50] Robert Caro snaps: No, that's not why highways get built where they get built. They get built there because Robert Moses wants them there.[28:15] Robert Moses had power that no one understood. Power that nobody else was even thinking about.[29:50] There are sentences that are said to you in your life that are chiseled into your memory.[34:00] Three of the editors took me to some fancy restaurant and told me they could make me a star. Bob Gottlieb said, Well, I don't go out for lunch but we can have a sandwich at my desk and talk about your book. So of course I picked him.[37:15] Robert Moses was a ruthless genius with savage energy.[38:30] Ambitious people are rare, so if everyone is mixed together randomly, as they tend to be early in people's lives, then the ambitious ones won't have many ambitious peers. When you take people like this and put them together with other ambitious people, they bloom like dying plants given water. Probably most ambitious people are starved for the sort of encouragement they'd get from ambitious peers, whatever their age.— Paul Graham’s essays. (Founders #275-277)[42:30] in a couple of sentences these two men —idols of mine — had wiped away five years of doubt.[42:50] There is not a more mysterious craft than entrepreneurship.[48:15] I now had a picture of Lyndon Johnson's youth, that terrible youth, that character hardening youth.[54:00] I wasn't fully understanding what these people were telling me about the depth of Lyndon Johnson's determination, about the frantic urgency, the desperation, to get ahead, and to get ahead fast.As if the passions, the ambitions that he brought to Washington, strong though they were, were somehow intensified by the fact that he was finally there, in the place where he had always wanted to be.I wanted to show the contrast between what he was coming from the poverty, the insecurity —and what he was trying for.[55:15] I wanted to make the reader see the contrast between what he was coming from and what he was trying for. Something on the way to work had excited him and thrilled him so much that he'd break into a run every morning.[56:15] And as Lyndon Johnson came up Capitol Hill in the morning, he would be running.Well, of course he was running—from the land of poverty to this. Everything he had ever wanted, everything he had ever hoped for, was there.----Join my free email newsletter to get my top 10 highlights from every book----“I have listened to every episode released and look forward to every episode that comes out. The only criticism I would have is that after each podcast I usually want to buy the book because I am interested so my poor wallet suffers. ” — GarethBe like Gareth. Buy a book: All the books featured on Founders Podcast

Robert Caro, Pulitzer Prize winning author of The Power Broker, discusses the major story beats and themes of his book with the hosts. Topics include the power dynamics and control of Robert Moses, the struggle for civil service reform, and the impact of power on individuals and communities. The episode also touches on the author's journey in writing the book and the human tragedy of forced displacement caused by road construction projects.

Pulitzer Prize-winning author Robert Caro joins the discussion, reflecting on his iconic biography of Robert Moses. He delves into the book's enduring legacy and its relevance to today's political landscape. Caro addresses the dramatic decline of Moses, exploring themes of ambition, power struggles, and personal loss. The conversation also touches on the complex dynamics between urban planning and public interest, highlighting how Caro's meticulous research has shed light on pivotal historical figures and their impact on modern society.

Robert Caro, a Pulitzer Prize-winning author renowned for his biographies, shares insights on his influential work 'The Power Broker' about Robert Moses, the unelected architect of New York City. He discusses how Moses's unchecked power shaped urban landscapes and the moral complexities behind his legacy. Caro also reflects on the art of nonfiction writing, emphasizing clarity and rhythm, and the unique challenges of biographical research. With a nod to literary influences, he highlights how storytelling transforms history into engaging narratives.

Guest Robert Caro, author of 'The Power Broker', discusses the captivating story of Robert Moses and his influence on New York City. The host announces a book club dedicated to reading and discussing the 1200-page book. Conan O'Brien's enthusiasm for Caro's work is also highlighted. The chapter explores Caro's dedication and meticulous approach. The idea of dedicating oneself to a cause is discussed, along with plans to read and discuss 'The Power Broker' in monthly bonus episodes.

Award-winning author Robert Caro discusses his iconic work 'The Power Broker' which explores city planner Robert Moses' immense influence over NYC. Caro shares his research techniques, interviewing methods, and the impact of political power on society. The podcast reveals fascinating insights into Caro's journalistic journey and his dedication to tackling monumental projects.

Mr Beast, a YouTube sensation known for his engaging viral videos, shares insights on content creation and metrics driving YouTube success. He discusses the importance of storytelling techniques like the 'Jenga method' to captivate viewers and the significance of click-through rates and view duration. Acclaimed biographer Robert Caro reflects on his seminal work, 'The Power Broker,' analyzing Robert Moses's impact on urban planning and political maneuvering. The conversation weaves together creativity, strategy, and historical influence in the digital and political landscapes.

Author Robert Caro discusses his biographical works on Robert Moses and Lyndon Johnson with Conan. They talk about getting into the shoes of his subjects, searching for a man who stole a Senate election, and draw parallels to today. Plus, Conan responds to a listener voicemail about the size of his skull.

Robert Caro, an influential historian renowned for his meticulous explorations of power and politics, discusses his landmark work 'The Power Broker.' He reveals how urban planner Robert Moses transformed New York while also ruining communities along the way. Caro shares his intensive research process and the power struggles between Moses and Mayor LaGuardia. He reflects on the duality of historical figures like Moses and Lyndon Johnson, emphasizing the complexities of their legacies and the importance of informed political engagement.

Renowned author and historian Robert Caro shares insights into the intriguing world of American political history while reading a passage about Lyndon B. Johnson. He humorously dives into pop culture portrayals of history and aging's absurdities. Meanwhile, traveler Simone provides a quirky perspective on rewriting commercials, blending Dutch culture with her hilarious stories. The light-hearted banter between guests sparks laughter as they explore themes of nostalgia, celebrity culture, and the whimsical chaos of everyday life.