Infinite Loops

Jim O'Shaughnessy

Every Thursday, join Jim O'Shaughnessy and his favorite people as they arm you with the tools & fresh perspectives required to upgrade your HumanOS and thrive in our messy, probabilistic world. Visit our Substack at newsletter.osv.llc for full transcripts, highlights, weekly doses of timeless wisdom, and a bounty of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm that's interesting!"

  1. 3H AGO

    Guy Spier — Wealth, Wisdom & Enlightenment (Infinite Loops CLASSICS)

    Happy Holidays! We're taking a short break from new episodes this week so you can focus on finishing that Christmas dinner. We'll be back next Thursday with something new. In the meantime, why not tuck into this conversation with Guy Spier from January 2024, which remains one of my favorites. Enjoy! _________________ Guy Spier runs the Aquamarine Fund, an "investment partnership closely modeled on the original Buffet Partnerships." He is also a podcast host, YouTube creator, author of The Education of a Value Investor and the host of the annual investment gathering VALUEx. He describes his life's project as "a quest for wealth, wisdom and enlightenment." Guy joins the show to discuss the differences between Switzerland and the US, how to unlock the British class system, what he learned from Warren Buffett, and MUCH more! Important Links: Guy's Website Guy's Twitter Guy's YouTube Channel 3Blue1Brown (YouTube Channel) Numberphile (YouTube Channel) Show Notes: The Differences Between New York, Switzerland & Paris Exploring the Dark Underbelly of New York Nightlife Psychedelics, Guns & Regulation The Advantages of Swiss Democracy Don't Short the United States The Branding Skill of the Royal Family Unlocking the Rules of the Class System Life Paths & Premeditation Luck, Opportunity & Non-Canonical Science Jim's Music Taste Mathematical Shenanigans Guy as Emperor of the World MORE! Books Mentioned: How to Change Your Mind: What the New Science of Psychedelics Teaches Us about Consciousness, Dying, Addiction, Depression, and Transcendence; by Michael Pollan The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (a Little) Craziness and (a Lot Of) Success in America; by John Gartner Write It Down, Make It Happen: Knowing What You Want and Getting It; by Henriette Anne Klauser Invest Like The Best; by Jim O'Shaughnessy Outside, the Sky is Blue: The story of a family told with searing honesty, humour and love; by Christina Patterson

    2h 2m
  2. Vik Muniz — The Art of Perception (EP.294)

    DEC 17

    Vik Muniz — The Art of Perception (EP.294)

    What if the invention that truly made us human wasn't the wheel, language, or even agriculture — but art? In this episode of Infinite Loops, we sit down with internationally renowned artist Vik Muniz to explore a radical and deeply human idea: that art — the ability to represent the world — may be humanity's most important invention after fire. Born in São Paulo and now collected by major museums around the world, Muniz reflects on his own life journey — from growing up in a Brazilian favela to redefining what art can be — and explains why the artwork is only ever half complete. The viewer finishes it.   #Art #Creativity #VicMuniz #Perception #Photography #Innovation #Documentary #Mindset #VisualArt #InfiniteLoops   Important links: Substack: https://newsletter.osv.llc/ Vik's website: https://vikmuniz.net/

    1h 35m
  3. Marc Dennis — Painting the Punchline (EP.293)

    DEC 11

    Marc Dennis — Painting the Punchline (EP.293)

    Artist Marc Dennis joins Jim O'Shaughnessy to explore the intersection of hyper-realism, humor, and the "meta-narrative." Marc shares his incredible non-linear journey—from accidentally starting a forest fire at age seven to becoming a tenured professor and eventually betting it all to become a full-time artist with no plan B. They discuss why the "key to failure" is trying to please everyone, how humor acts as a survival mechanism, and the crucial difference between perception and reality. Marc also offers a masterclass on intention, explaining why he plants hidden stories within his paintings and sharing the profound realization that you cannot love others until you love yourself. This conversation is a deep dive into the creative mind, offering insights on resilience, identity, and the art of betting on yourself. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm, that's interesting!", check out our Substack.   #Art #Creativity #Hyperrealism #Philosophy #MentalModels #Resilience #Humor #Psychology   Important Links: Substack: https://newsletter.osv.llc/ Marc's Website: http://www.marcdennis.com/ Marc's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darcmennis/ Books mentioned: Meditations by Marcus Aurelius The Twelve Caesars by Suetonius

    1h 59m
  4. Ariel Meyerowitz — Navigating the Art World (EP. 292)

    DEC 4

    Ariel Meyerowitz — Navigating the Art World (EP. 292)

    Professional art advisor Ariel Meyerowitz joins Jim O'Shaughnessy to demystify the complex world of art. Ariel provides an essential guide for aspiring collectors, explaining where to begin, how to develop your eye, and why buying what you love is the most important first step. They explore the inner workings of galleries, auctions, and art fairs, contrasting the emotional value of art with the often-fickle investment market. Ariel also shares her philosophy on patronage, the psychology of collecting, and the profound, stress-reducing impact of living with art. This conversation is a perfect starting point for anyone looking to break into the art world, offering a clear path from intimidation to appreciation. #Art #ArtCollecting #Investing #Culture #Creativity #MentalModels #Innovation #Design #Psychology #Philosophy   Important Links: Substack: https://newsletter.osv.llc/ Ariel's Website: https://www.arielmeyerowitz.com/   Books mentioned:  The Painted Word by Tom Wolfe

    1h 36m
  5. Adam Moskowitz — The Way of the Cheesemonger (EP.291)

    NOV 27

    Adam Moskowitz — The Way of the Cheesemonger (EP.291)

    Adam Moskowitz is the King of Cheese—but his path to the throne was anything but straight. In this delicious episode of Infinite Loops, Adam shares his wild journey from a failed rap career and a battle with addiction to becoming one of the most influential figures in cheese and the host of A Cheese Course. Whether you are a foodie, a creator battling gatekeepers, or just someone who loves a good comeback story, this episode will remind you to bet on yourself—and maybe eat some better cheese while you're at it. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm, that's interesting!", check out our Substack. Show Notes: The "Cheese Quake" origin story and the failed rap career Why "Creamy" is a texture, not a flavor The Artisan Cheese Illuminati Creating a documentary when gatekeepers said "No" The "Olive Garden" insult that fueled a fire Is the "Banana on the Wall" actually art? Cognitive diversity and why echo chambers kill creativity The "Time Horizon is Infinite" philosophy Leaders Lead & Lead with Love Books & Ideas Mentioned: My Dinner with Andre (Movie) Candide by Voltaire (Dr. Pangloss) Kubla Khan by Samuel Taylor Coleridge Claude Shannon (Information Theory)

    1h 14m
  6. Todd Rose — Escaping the Trap of the Standard Path (EP.290)

    NOV 20

    Todd Rose — Escaping the Trap of the Standard Path (EP.290)

    From a 0.9 GPA in rural Utah to the faculty of Harvard, Todd Rose's life is a testament to the idea that the "standard path" is a myth. In this return appearance on Infinite Loops, Todd opens up about the gritty, unvarnished reality of his origin story—a journey that includes ten minimum wage jobs, a stint administering enemas for a living, and the life-changing intervention of a department secretary named Marilyn Diamond. We dive deep into the "Dark Horse" mindset and why the pursuit of fulfillment, rather than the pursuit of excellence, is actually the most reliable driver of success. We also bond over our mutual disdain for Frederick Taylor, explore the devastating impact of "average-based" thinking on human potential, and discuss why dignity is the bedrock of a free society—illustrated by a heartbreaking personal encounter with a jar of chunky peanut butter. If you've ever felt like a square peg in a round hole, or if you're looking for a roadmap to navigate the coming cultural shifts in the age of AI, this conversation is essential listening. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm, that's interesting!", check out our Substack. Show Notes: The 0.9 GPA and the "Correct Answer Machine" Ten minimum wage jobs and the advice to "get longer gloves" Marilyn Diamond: The improbable mentor who saved Todd's education The "No Average Brain" discovery in neuroscience Why we both despise Frederick Taylor and Scientific Management Dark Horses: Ignoring the destination to find the path Degrees of Freedom: How Todd hacked the GRE The "Chunky Peanut Butter" story and the importance of dignity Resentment, trust, and the future of AI The "Rainy Day Club" and how paradigms actually shift Books Mentioned: Collective Illusions; Todd Rose The End of Average; Todd Rose Dark Horse; Todd Rose Improbable Mentors; Mike Perry The Principles of Scientific Management; Frederick Taylor The Structure of Scientific Revolutions; Thomas Kuhn The Wealth of Nations; Adam Smith Man's Search for Meaning; Viktor Frankl Dignity; Chris Arnade Capitalism, Socialism and Democracy; Joseph Schumpeter

    2h 4m

  7. NOV 13

    George Mack — The Game of Life (Infinite Loops CLASSICS)

    Hello everyone, Jim here. We're taking a brief break from new episodes to spotlight a golden oldie from the Infinite Loops archive. This conversation from December 2023 remains one of my favorites. Fresh episodes return next week, but first, enjoy this conversation with the inimitable George Mack. _________________ Writer, marketer, entrepreneur, and master of mental models, George Mack returns to discuss the top 0.1% of ideas he's ever come across, from treating life as a video game to spotting high-agency individuals. Important Links: George's Twitter The Lindy Library Roy: A Life Well Lived (Rick and Morty) How to Spot High Agency People The Mack Meditation What is ignored by the media — but will be studied by historians? The Early-Late Razor Show Notes: Treating Life as a Video Game Finding the Important Metrics Embrace Momentum; Embrace Constraints How to Spot High Agency People How to Increase Your Agency The Mack Meditation & Silence as Alpha Why Pessimism vs Optimism is the Wrong Debate The Future of Media What is Ignored by the Media but will be Studied by Historians? The Reddit to Facebook Continuum George's Most Midwit Opinion Randomness & Feeding the Algorithm How to Retain Curiosity George as Emperor of the World Books Mentioned: The Hypomanic Edge: The Link Between (a Little) Craziness and (a Lot Of) Success in America; by John Gartner Happy: Why More or Less Everything is Absolutely Fine; by Derren Brown What Works on Wall Street; by Jim O'Shaughnessy The Secret; by Rhonda Byrne Gödel, Escher, Bach: an Eternal Golden Braid; by Douglas Hofstadter The Beginning of Infinity: Explanations that Transform the World; by David Deutsch

    1h 44m

  8. NOV 6

    Michael Perry — Improbable Mentors and the Art of Midwestern Storytelling (EP. 289)

    What happens when a shy farm kid from rural Wisconsin who never dreamed of being a writer becomes one of America's most beloved storytellers? Michael Perry joins Infinite Loops to share his remarkable journey from cleaning calf pens to pitching scripts at Universal Studios, all while maintaining his day job as a volunteer firefighter and EMT in his hometown. This conversation is a masterclass in authentic storytelling, practical wisdom, and the power of staying true to your roots while navigating an industry that often values credentials over character. Perry shares unforgettable stories about turning down Oprah (yes, really), why he sells hundreds of books to "people who don't read" at firefighter conventions, and how his nursing background taught him the most important skill for any writer: human assessment. We explore his philosophy of "kindness is not weakness," the difference between cash and cachet, and why sometimes the best career move is knowing when not to move at all. Whether you're a writer, entrepreneur, or simply someone who believes in the power of authentic storytelling, this episode will remind you that sometimes the best way forward is to embrace your own improbable path and never stand behind a sneezing cow. I hope you enjoy the conversation as much as I did. For the full transcript, episode takeaways, and bucketloads of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm, that's interesting!", check out our Substack. Important Links: Michael Perry's website Substack - Michael Perry's Voice Mail Michael's X / Twitter LinkedIn Instagram Michael Perry's Mailing List Show Notes: Connections with Mark Twain The NFL Friend & First Investment Mark Twain's European Fame & American Diplomacy Blue Collar vs. Capital 'A' Art Flying Under the Radar Midwestern Wisdom & Family Stories Charity, Humility, & Fundamentalist Upbringing The Positive Side of Imposter Syndrome Happy Tangents vs. Detailed Blueprints Publishing Industry Frustrations EMT Requires Pulse & Driver's License The Oprah Story First Mover Disadvantage Brothers, Guns, & Material Sources Mortality & Perspective The Gimlet-Eyed Drive Visiting Tom The Reality of Writing Today Pragmatism & Adaptation Voltaire & Historical Perspective Mike as Emperor of the World Books Mentioned: A Tale of Two Cities; Charles Dickens Mark Twain; Ron Chernow Improbable Mentors and Happy Tangents; Michael Perry Population: 485; Michael Perry Visiting Tom; Michael Perry Truck: A Love Story; Michael Perry Million Billion; Michael Perry 40 Acres Deep; Michael Perry Montaigne in Barn Boots; Michael Perry The Peter Principle; Laurence J. Peter What Works on Wall Street; Jim O'Shaughnessy Invest Like the Best; Jim O'Shaughnessy How to Retire Rich; Jim O'Shaughnessy Greatness Cannot Be Planned; Ken Stanley The Bible All Quiet on the Western Front; Erich Maria Remarque Tao Te Ching; Laozi Gone With the Wind; Margaret Mitchell Serpico; Peter Maas Candide; Voltaire

    1h 53m
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Hosts & Guests

4.6
out of 5
169 Ratings

About

Every Thursday, join Jim O'Shaughnessy and his favorite people as they arm you with the tools & fresh perspectives required to upgrade your HumanOS and thrive in our messy, probabilistic world. Visit our Substack at newsletter.osv.llc for full transcripts, highlights, weekly doses of timeless wisdom, and a bounty of other goodies designed to make you go, "Hmm that's interesting!"

Information

  • Creator
    Jim O'Shaughnessy
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2025
  • Episodes
    301
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Show Website
    Infinite Loops

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