Guest appearances
Henry OliverEvery podcast appearance, updated as new ones drop
Podcast guest — appeared on It's Another Sunday Podcast, The Booking Club and 26 other shows.
- Episodes
- 30
- Shows
- 28
- Hours
- ~28
Tracked from 28 Aug 2022 to 9 Jun 2026
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GuestVine has tracked 30 episodes across 28 shows, with links to the original publisher audio.
Podcasts Henry Oliver has appeared on
The shows with the most detected Henry Oliver guest appearances.
- It's Another Sunday PodcastLatest appearance: 31 May 20262 episodes
- The Booking ClubLatest appearance: 17 Apr 20252 episodes
- The Street Porter and the PhilosopherLatest appearance: 9 Jun 20261 episode
- Conversations with TylerLatest appearance: 4 Mar 20261 episode
- The Curiosity Dividend PodcastLatest appearance: 8 Oct 20251 episode
- A Year of BachLatest appearance: 2 Jun 20251 episode
- Goals, Grit, and Some Woo Woo Sh*tLatest appearance: 20 May 20251 episode
- The Hope Axis by Anna GátLatest appearance: 4 Mar 20251 episode
Appearance timeline
How often Henry Oliver has guested over time — by quarter, from tracked appearances.
Recent guest appearances
Show 30 episodes — hide
- Chaïm Soutine and the Extremes of Art with Celeste Marcus
Welcome to the fifth episode of our new podcast season about liberalism and the arts. Celeste Marcus, executive editor of Liberties and author of the first English-language biography of Chaïm Soutine, joins Henry Oliver to discuss Soutine's life and work. They explore his journey from a small village near Minsk to the center of the Paris art world, his obsession with artistic originality, and the extremes of his work from carcasses to tenderness. Along the way, they discuss Rembrandt, Dostoevsky, the idea of the ‘art monster’, and the relevance of Soutine's success to the promise of liberal society. <b...
- Episode 204 - Singer Henry Oliver
Send us Fan Mail This week we welcome back to the show Henry Oliver! He is a singer and songwriter from West Yorkshire, England, known for his warm, retro‑influenced vocal style and his modern revival of classic pop, early rock ’n’ roll, and 50s–70s standards. He has built a dedicated and fast‑growing audience through YouTube, Spotify, and Patreon, where he performs faithful, heartfelt renditions of songs by artists like Bobby Darin, Neil Sedaka, the Everly Brothers, Engelbert Humperdinck, and Connie Francis. His YouTube channel, which features more than 13,000 subscribers and multiple videos with hundreds of thousands of views, showcases both polished covers and original material. We know you will really enjoy listening to this episode and to one of Henry's original songs! The links to find Henry Oliver on Social Media are listed below! TikTok: henryoliver_21 IG: officialhenryoliver FB: Henry Oliver Thanks for listening! Debbie and Gerry
- Henry Oliver on Measure for Measure, Late Bloomers, and the Smartest Writers in English
Sign up for the Chicago CWT Listener Meetup. Henry Oliver is the preeminent literary critic for non-literary nerds. His Substack, The Common Reader , has thousands of subscribers drawn in by Henry's conviction that great literature is where ideas "walk and talk amongst the mess of the real world" in a way no other discipline can match. Tyler, who has called Henry's book Second Act "one of the very best books written on talent," sat down with him to compare readings of Measure for Measure and range across English literature more broadly. Tyler and Henry trade rival readings of the play, debate whether Isabella secretly seduces Angelo, argue over whether the Duke's proposal is closer to liberation or enslavement, trace the play's connections to The Merchant of Venice and The Rape of Lucrece , assess the parallels to James I, weigh whether it's a Girardian play (Oliver: emphatically not), and parse exactly what Isabella means when she says "I did yield to him," before turning to the best way to consume Shakespeare, what Jane Austen took from Adam Smith, why Swift may be the most practically intelligent writer in English, how advertising really works and why most of it doesn't, which works in English literature are under- and overrated, what makes someone a late bloomer, whether fiction will deal seriously with religion again, whether Ayn Rand's villains are more relevant now than ever, and much more. Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links, or watch the full vi deo on the new dedicated Conversations with Tyler channel. Recorded January 12th, 2026 . This episode was made possible through the support of the John Templeton Foundation. Other ways to connect Follow us on X and Instagram Follow Tyler on X Follow Henry on X <a class="c-link" href="https://mercatus.tfaforms.net/5060931" target="_blank" rel= "noopener" data-stringify-link="https://www
- Episode 23 - Henry Oliver
Henry Oliver is a writer, thinker and critic. He writes the popular literary Substack The Common Reader and his excellent 2024 book Second Ac t is a study of late-blooming talent. We discuss why the humanities matter, stoicism, separating great writing from the writer, routes to truth, and reading literature as a great way of thinking. Henry reads some poetry beautifully and I mangle some Chaucer. Henry Oliver The Common Reader This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thecuriositydividend.substack.com
- The Expectation of Astonishment: Henry Oliver on Bach and the Hunger for Seriousness
Episode 1 of the Year of Bach Podcast features Henry Oliver, author of the Substack The Common Reader, and the excellent book Second Act, a study of late bloomers in business and the arts. Our open-ended conversation touches on Bach, Shakespeare, late blooming, and the pleasures and problems of Glenn Gould. Henry describes the “expectation of astonishment” in music and literature, and names his favorite recordings. Links & references * Henry’s Substack – The Common Reader * Henry’s post on his favorite Bach pieces . * The Second Act (Amazon) * Selected recordings, with YouTube links: * Henry’s favorite: Gould playing the Sinfonias live in Moscow * My cantata gateway album: Lorraine Hunt Lieberson singing “Ich Habe Genug” * My ‘dark horse’ record: Peter Schreier (tenor) and Karl Richter (organ) perform BWV 487 - “Mein Jesu, was für Seelenweh” Support & subscribe * Get the full transcript and future episodes straight to your inbox: * Please share the show and rate it! Intro music: Adagio of BWV 974, performed by your host on his home piano. Transcript: The Expectation of Astonishment: Henry Oliver on Bach and the Hunger for Seriousness Evan Goldfine: Welcome everyone to the premiere episode of the Year of Bach podcast. This series features a set of conversations with artists and writers who have a deep and personal connection to the music of J.S. Bach and how this music inspires and moves them throughout their lifetimes. Today my guest is Henry Oliver. I. Author of the recent bestseller, the Second Act, a Study of Late Bloomers in Business and the Arts. He also writes the excellent Substack, the Common Reader, where he advocates for people to read the great classics of literature with a special emphasis on the works of Shakespeare and Jane Austen. He's also a great fan of Bach and a supporter of my substack from its earliest days, and I'm glad to have a readership that overlaps so strongly with his. So, Henry, thank you for being my first guest, and I'm excited to talk to you about Bach today. Henry Oliver: Oh, I'm delighted. This is, this is gonna be one of my favorite podcasts. Evan Goldfine: You're setting me up. Okay. So Henry, why do you keep returning to Bach [00:01:00] throughout your lifetime? Henry Oliver: Oh, because the best, the human, the human spirit loves what is best. We love beauty, we love excellence. We love virtue. Bach embodies all of these things. You can hum him. You can have raptures about him. He can be fun, he can be serious. He’s the Shakespeare of music, right. Evan Goldfine: Clearly. Do you, do you find it to be a more intellectual or emotional experience or both? Henry Oliver: , more emotional. I think maybe that's because I don't understand music to, to a great degree, but I feel that Bach is able to find deep expressions of human feeling. I prefer the word feeling than emotion, deep expressions of human feeling and very subtle expressions of those things. So I think one reason why the cello suites are so, so universally popular is because they give [00:02:00] voice to a set of moods that have not really been expressed quite in that level of finery before or maybe since. Evan Goldfine: Is there something there also about it being solo pieces along with the violin sonatas al
- Plot Twist! Reinventing Your Life Halfway Through It with Henry Oliver
Send us Fan Mail You ever get that nagging voice saying, This isn’t it ? That “oh crap” moment where you realize you’ve been climbing the wrong mountain? That’s exactly what happened to my guest today, Henry Oliver—former policy wonk turned style blogger and unapologetic vibe curator. Yep, Henry ditched the government life to dive headfirst into what actually lit him up: writing, personal style, and, let’s be real, loafers. This episode is a total permission slip to pivot hard, even if you’ve invested years (or decades!) going in one direction. We get into why midlife reinvention doesn’t have to be a crisis—it can be a party. And Henry breaks down the subtle but powerful difference between asking, “What do I want to do? ” vs. “Who do I want to be? ” If you’ve ever felt stuck or like your life is technically fine but secretly soul-sucking—this one's for you. You’ll laugh. You’ll think. You’ll probably Google “good tweed jackets.” Henry’s got that effect. What’s Inside: How Henry made a major midlife career pivot (and what helped him finally take the leap) The identity crisis that can come with “success” Why style isn’t shallow—it’s a portal to authenticity A powerful reframe for asking, “What do I really want? ” So, real talk— Are you living a life that actually feels like you ? Or are you just playing a role you fell into 10 years ago and forgot to question? If you’ve been craving a fresh start—or even just a fresh vibe —this episode might be the sign you needed. I want to hear your thoughts: if you could change one thing about your life right now, what would it be? DM me on Instagram and let’s talk plot twists. Mentioned In This Episode: Henry Oliver’s blog (The Common Reader) The Second Act Registration is now open for the Membership Experience Oonagh Duncan (@oonaghduncan) on Instagram Fit Feels Good Goals, Grit and some Woo Woo Shit with Oonagh Duncan
- What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life, with Henry Oliver
Our society tells us over and over that if we're going to achieve anything, we'd better do it while we're young. We fixate on stories of prodigies; we put our children in piano lessons or language classes as toddlers, hoping to give them the best shot at success we can. As for ourselves, too many people feel it's too late to change the course of their own lives. Whether we are at the start of our careers and sense we're on the wrong path, or feeling unsettled in our late or middle years, we all wonder how we can reinvent ourselves? Is it too late? This book by Henry Oliver has answers. Late bloomers - individuals who experience significant success later in life - offer lessons for people who feel frustrated. This book encourages people to think about themselves as potential late bloomers and to discover and encourage and advocate for late blooming in others. After all, it's never too late to discover our hidden talents and our accomplish our goals - the road to success is never as straightforward as we are lead to believe. Julia Child didn't discover that she loved to cook until she was thirty-seven. Vera Wang started her design business at forty. And Michelangelo painted The Last Judgment in his sixties. This inspiring, passionate book combines wonderful story-telling with fascinating new research, to shift expectations around our life trajectories. You'll discover a range of blueprints for self-reinvention, pairing the newest insights from psychology and neuroscience with late bloomers' remarkable life stories. Henry meets Jack at Ye Olde Chesire Cheese on Fleet Street. Follow and subscribe to The Booking Club: YouTube: @bookingclubpod Twitter/X: @bookingclubpod Blue Sky: @bookingclubpod.bsky.social Instagram: @bookingclubpod TikTok: @bookingclubpod This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jackaldane.substack.com/subscribe
- What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life, with Henry Oliver
Our society tells us over and over that if we're going to achieve anything, we'd better do it while we're young. We fixate on stories of prodigies; we put our children in piano lessons or language classes as toddlers, hoping to give them the best shot at success we can. As for ourselves, too many people feel it's too late to change the course of their own lives. Whether we are at the start of our careers and sense we're on the wrong path, or feeling unsettled in our late or middle years, we all wonder how we can reinvent ourselves? Is it too late? This book by Henry Oliver has answers. Late bloomers - individuals who experience significant success later in life - offer lessons for people who feel frustrated. This book encourages people to think about themselves as potential late bloomers and to discover and encourage and advocate for late blooming in others. After all, it's never too late to discover our hidden talents and our accomplish our goals - the road to success is never as straightforward as we are lead to believe. Julia Child didn't discover that she loved to cook until she was thirty-seven. Vera Wang started her design business at forty. And Michelangelo painted The Last Judgment in his sixties. This inspiring, passionate book combines wonderful story-telling with fascinating new research, to shift expectations around our life trajectories. You'll discover a range of blueprints for self-reinvention, pairing the newest insights from psychology and neuroscience with late bloomers' remarkable life stories. Henry meets Jack at Ye Olde Chesire Cheese on Fleet Street. Follow and subscribe to The Booking Club: YouTube: @bookingclubpod Twitter/X: @bookingclubpod Blue Sky: @bookingclubpod.bsky.social Instagram: @bookingclubpod TikTok: @bookingclubpod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- Henry Oliver: How to Build a Literary Canon?
Writer, literary critic, and the man behind the great The Common Reader (https://www.commonreader.co.uk) blog, Henry Oliver joined me to gossip about literature and then dive in and build our own Western Canon. Enjoy!We talked about good literature and bad literature, Tolstoy and Shakespeare, Woolf, Bloom… Romanticism, quests, Goethe, Tolkien... And most importantly we built a from-scratch Western Canon for visiting aliens...Henry's Canon:1) The King James Bible2) The Odyssey3) The Aeneid4) Dante's Inferno5) Petrarch's Canzoniere6) Malory's Le Morte d'Arthur7) The Canterbury Tales8) Tartuffe9) A Winter's Tale10) The Pilgrim's Progress11) Montaigne's Essays 12) The Gargantua-Pantagruel series13) Gulliver's Travels 14) The Sorrows of Young Werther15) Emma16) Fathers and Sons17) The Death of Ivan Ilyich18) Chekhov: The Seagull19) The Lord of the Rings20) The Last Samurai
- Henry Oliver: The Literary Moment
Henry Oliver is the author of The Common Reader newsletter and Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life. Find Henry: https://www.amazon.com/Second-Act-Bloomers-Success-Reinventing/dp/1399813315 https://x.com/HenryEOliver Mentioned in the episode: https://medicine-opera.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/D-e-Quincy-On-the-Knocking-at-the-Gate.pdf https://www.poetryfoundation.org/poems/44272/the-road-not-taken https://en.wikisource.org/wiki/The_Works_of_Voltaire/Volume_36/The_Temple_of_Taste https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Hollow_Crown_(TV_series) https://www.amazon.com/Deceit-Desire-Novel-Literary-Structure/dp/0801818303 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.fromthenew.world/subscribe
- Henry Oliver on Embracing Second Acts
In this episode, host Samuel Arbesman speaks with the writer Henry Oliver . Henry is the author of the fantastic new book Second Act . This book is about the idea of late bloomers and professional success later in life, and more broadly how to think about one’s career, and Sam recently reviewed it for The Wall Street Journal. Sam really enjoyed this book and wanted to have a chance to discuss it with Henry. Henry and Sam had a chance to talk about a lot of topics, beginning with how to actually define late bloomers and what makes a successful second act possible, from experimentation to being ready when one’s moment arrives. They also explored why society doesn’t really accept late bloomers as much as one might want it to, how to think about the complexity of cognitive decline, what the future of retirement might look like, along with many examples of late bloomers—from Margaret Thatcher to Ray Kroc. Produced by Christopher Gates Music by Suno
- Rewriting Life’s Script with Henry Oliver (Author of "SECOND ACT: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life")
Henry Oliver’s life journey is a testament to the power of reinvention and embracing one’s unique path. A writer and speaker based in Southeast London, Henry’s early career was shaped by talent attraction marketing and insightful essays on literature and history. However, it was during a challenging period of illness and time away from work that his perspective shifted, sparking the idea for his book, Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life. Reflecting on his own life experiences, Henry recognized the profound potential in those who may not yet have achieved greatness but are quietly preparing for their moment. His work blends biography, social science, and thoughtful exploration, celebrating late bloomers like Eisenhower and Katherine Graham while emphasizing the value of persistence, quiet preparation, and the transformative power of failure. Through his book and The Common Reader Substack newsletter, Henry continues to inspire others to see reinvention as an opportunity to write their own remarkable second acts. Starring: Michael Newborn ( @michaelnewborn ) John Ballenger ( @john-ballenger53 ) Guest: Henry Oliver https://substack.com/@henryoliver https://www.henry-oliver.co.uk/ Network/Produced by: Seltzer Kings ( @seltzerkings ) ( seltzerkings.com ) Theme Music by Saint Josh Listen Here: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/71Uji4fPLsnGEJjeAqomiJ?si=77e3d7bb636c422a Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john/id1707412739 Amazon: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a6b369bb-36a9-47ab-9f22-1bacfcff6166/the-second-act-with-michael-and-john iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-second-act-with-michae-123242148/ Socials: Linktree: linktr.ee/secondactmovement Instagram: @secondactmovement LinkedIn: @secondactmovement Facebook: @secondactmovement YouTube: @secondactmovement Website: michaelandjohn.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- A Conversation With Henry Oliver About Late Bloomers
A few months ago, I interviewed Henry Oliver about his book, Second Act , which is my book of the year. Second Act offers wonderful in-depth biographies and analyses of late blooming luminaries like Katharine Graham, Maya Angelou, Chris Gardner, Samuel Johnson, Ray Kroc, Margaret Thatcher, Frank Lloyd Wright and others. He also delves into less-heralded but no less instructive personalities, such as Audrey Sutherland, who began her solo kayaking adventures of the Arctic after age 60. It also includes shorter, snippet-like lessons from Grandma Moses, Dwight Eisenhower, Winston Churchill, Vera Wang, Norman Maclean, and many others. (Alas, Henry had to cut a chapter on Dwight Eisenhower. Here it is . Pair it with my biography of General Fox Conner , Eisenhower’s great mentor, and my interview with Steven Rabalais , who wrote the best biography of Conner.) During our interview, Henry’s revelations about the commonalities among the late bloomers and features unique to one fascinated me. Like the book, I learned so much from Henry’s wisdom during our discussion. Some Points to Ponder * I appreciated Henry’s research into people who found success later in life. In the modern age, we have such a fascination with and devotion to youth and achievements of the young. I’m glad Henry has finally given this topic the research and treatment it deserves. * I came away with a much deeper appreciation of how we might view “success.” Audrey Sutherland fulfilling her dream of solo canoeing the waters of the Arctic, after age 60, counts as a remarkable success. Even if she’d never written about her adventures, doing them marks such a massive success. Henry David Thoreau died not having sold half the copies of Walden he paid to have printed. Was he a failure? * We seem to struggle mightily to learn from people we disagree with or dislike. In my case, I’ve never read a biography of Napoleon because, well, he was a despicable human being. Margaret Thatcher seems woefully under-appreciated in today’s liberal European milieu. Henry’s book suggests we would do well to take a look at people we disagree with or dislike. They might have valuable lessons to tell. * Henry notes the importance of The Club to Samuel Johnson’s success. Do you have a group of peers cheering you on? Helping you become better at whatever challenges you face? If you don’t, finding such people would make a huge difference in your work and life. * I simply loved the conversation. Henry has so much knowledge, thoughtfulness, and wisdom about so many topics — old and new. I’ve gone back to listen to our talk several times — new joys pop out every time. Tell me about the origin of the book? How did you come up with the idea for this book? Also, how did you meet Tyler Cowen and get connected with the Emergent Ventures grants? My day job was in marketing, but we did not do advertising for chocolate bars or trainers or white goods. We did advertising for employment. All major companies, organizations, even mid-level places, have an advertising agency for their products and services. And then another one for their jobs. You have to go out to market and appeal to candidates and explain to people: “Why is this a good culture? Why is this a good place to work?” I was the research guy thinking about “Where is the talent
- Henry Oliver: The Essential Guide to Late Blooming Success
We live in a world where early achievements are celebrated, but what if some of your greatest successes were to come later in life? On this truly provocative episode, we sit down with the brilliant Henry Oliver, author of “Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life.” Our conversation is packed with uncommon insights that will challenge your perspectives on career success, personal growth — & surprisingly, networking! In our fast-paced society, we often feel pressured to reach the top quickly, making us overlook the value of continuous growth & evolution. Henry’s book, “Second Act,” shifts this narrative, celebrating those who achieved remarkable success in the second half of their lives. Henry argues that as we live longer, healthier & more productive lives, the potential to become a late bloomer is within all of us. In this episode, we delve into the mindset of late bloomers. Henry emphasizes the importance of preparing for the unknown, the unexpected, & the unstated. This isn’t just about having a plan, but about being open to where our journey might lead over the next 10, 20, or even 30 years. He introduces the concept of an “Odyssean education” — the value of intentionally placing ourselves in new contexts & environments in order to broaden our understanding & develop unique skills, rather than sticking to what we already know. Henry’s book has not gone unnoticed. It has received a glowing review from the Wall Street Journal, which highlighted key insights that resonate deeply with readers. What motivates someone to study late bloomers? For Henry, it’s about uncovering the lessons we can all learn from these extraordinary individuals. He shares the driving forces behind his research, the inspiration from famous late bloomers, & what he hopes readers will gain from his work. We discuss the life stories of several world-famous late bloomers & how their preparedness for luck played a significant role in their success. Steve Jobs, the man who made Apple a global phenomenon – in his second go-round as CEO – is just one example of how late bloomers can seize opportunities in ways that early achievers might not. With a rich background & years of meticulous research, Henry offers exceptional insights that are bound to inspire you. This episode is a must-listen for anyone considering a new direction in their career, or simply wanting to understand the power & potential of their blooming later in life. The post Henry Oliver: The Essential Guide to Late Blooming Success appeared first on Mark C. Crowley .
- The Orthogonal Bet: Embracing Second Acts with Henry Oliver
Welcome to The Orthogonal Bet, an ongoing mini-series that explores the unconventional ideas and delightful patterns that shape our world. Hosted by Samuel Arbesman . In this episode, Sam speaks with the writer Henry Oliver . Henry is the author of the fantastic new book Second Act . This book is about the idea of late bloomers and professional success later in life, and more broadly how to think about one’s career, and Sam recently reviewed it for The Wall Street Journal. Sam really enjoyed this book and wanted to have a chance to discuss it with Henry. Henry and Sam had a chance to talk about a lot of topics, beginning with how to actually define late bloomers and what makes a successful second act possible, from experimentation to being ready when one’s moment arrives. They also explored why society doesn’t really accept late bloomers as much as one might want it to, how to think about the complexity of cognitive decline, what the future of retirement might look like, along with many examples of late bloomers—from Margaret Thatcher to Ray Kroc. Produced by Christopher Gates Music by George Ko & Suno
- 43. Henry Oliver - The Common Reader
Send us Fan Mail Would V.S. Naipaul have made a good venture capitalist? Join us for a whirlwind episode with prolific British writer, Henry Oliver as we tackle thought-provoking inquiries surrounding the age of heroes, cities as imaginary spaces, the tragedy of unique talent and, the late bloomer. Imaginary Cities To best describe a place you hold dear, you must leave it. Or perhaps you find it oppressive to your ideas. Again, you must leave it. Henry describes cities written by icons like Joyce as meta-physical spaces, distinct from their geographical analogs, but often more real. We all experience a city differently, but those who step out of it can best perceive and concretize those collective experiences. Has the age of heroes ended? We theorize that the Great Man Theory of History may be to blame, or rather its rejection. Henry attributes this shift to a backlash against the idea that history is shaped solely by individual actors, emphasizing the importance of systems and broader forces. This "impersonalisation" of history from the common man has removed the reverence once attributed to various figures and barred new ones from joining their ranks. But perhaps it is time to give the relevant thinkers their laurels once more. The Tragedy of Talent The right people, with the right ideas, at the right time, can change the course of history. Take Paul Kagame, the savior of modern Rwanda. Can we replicate his genius elsewhere or even again within Rwanda to continue his legacy of forward momentum for one of Africa's fastest-developing economies? What does the theory of personalities have to tell us about the rare harmonization of variables necessary to produce such development? And what of talent, whose capabilities present themselves later in life? Are we doing a disservice to the workforce by disregarding the late-bloomer? Shouldn't the collective experiences of those who find calling in non-traditional phases of life count towards their contribution potential within organizations?
- HENRY OLIVER: Your Next Starts Now
If you’ve ever felt like you’ve missed your moment, this conversation with writer and journalist Henry Oliver is a must-listen. Known for his cultural analysis and thoughtful perspectives, Oliver dives deep into the idea that success and growth aren’t reserved solely for the young. In his book Second Act , he champions the concept of late blooming, emphasizing that thriving in the second half of life is not only possible—it’s a journey filled with reinvention and resilience. In this episode, Oliver breaks down the myths surrounding age and success, shedding light on how persistence, openness, and exploration can lead to profound changes. He challenges the “tyranny of averages” by reminding us that everyone’s path is unique, and that growth can happen at any stage. From redefining what success looks like to taking small yet powerful steps toward new goals, his insights serve as a beacon of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by societal pressures or personal setbacks. Oliver’s wisdom is a refreshing reminder that life is a marathon, not a sprint. Whether you’re navigating a career shift, exploring new passions, or simply seeking a fresh perspective on aging, this episode offers both a reality check and a source of encouragement. Let go of the constraints of timelines and keep pushing forward—because it’s never too late to reinvent yourself and flourish. Find links and complete show notes: doublewinshow.com/16 Watch this episode on YouTube: youtu.be/Ih5UHyGvTOM Take your FREE LifeScore Assessment at doublewinshow.com/lifescore . Join Michael Hyatt for his free webinar: Land More Coaching Clients, Transform Lives, & Stand Out in a Crowded Market. Visit doublewinshow.com/coach to reserve your seat. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info .
- Sometimes late is the perfect time: Henry Oliver defends late bloomers
In a culture that fetishizes youth and too often fails to appreciate the wisdom and experience elders have to offer, Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Success and Reinventing Your Life is a welcome relief. In this episode, Meghan Murphy speaks with author Henry Oliver about why being late can be better than being early. The Same Drugs is a fully independent, listener-supported, non-Russia-funded podcast. Please consider supporting us with a donation , becoming a patron , or subscribing on Substack . You can watch select clips and episodes of The Same Drugs on YouTube . Full videos are available on Substack , Patreon, and to YouTube channel members. You can support The Same Drugs on Spotify by clicking the "support" button or you can donate directly via Stripe . The Same Drugs is on X @thesamedrugs_ . Meghan Murphy is on X @meghanemurphy and on Instagram @meghanemilymurphy . Find The Same Drugs merch at Fourthwall .
- How to Reinvent Your Life? with Henry Oliver
Join Atlas Society CEO Jennifer Grossman for the 220th episode of The Atlas Society Asks where she interviews writer, speaker, and brand consultant Henry Oliver about his new book "Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life," which encourages people to think about themselves as late bloomers and realize that it is never too late to discover our hidden talents and accomplish our goals. Henry Oliver is a writer, speaker, and brand consultant. Oliver writes regularly for outlets like The New Statesman, The Critic, and UnHerd, and writes The Common Reader Substack.
- The People Who Never Quit with Henry Oliver
What did Ray Kroc, Maya Angelou, Margaret Thatcher, and Malcolm X all have in common? (Don’t worry - this isn’t a dirty joke!) They were all opsimaths, i.e. a person who blooms late in life. In his new book SECOND ACT: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Success and Reinventing Your Life, author Henry Oliver shares the stories of well-known people whose greatest accomplishments happened in or past middle age. In other words, there’s still hope for you! Maybe you’re 45 and haven’t written the great American Novel yet. There’s still time! You’re 55 and haven’t made your first million or billion? There’s still time! You’re 65 and havne’t gotten elected to political office? Well, let’s not push it, but you never know. If you are indeed an opsimath, you’ll keep working toward your goal for the sake of the thing and not in hope of any extrinsic rewards. In this informative and sometimes humorous conversation, Henry and I—two urbane gentleman that we are—discuss the following: Fluid intelligence v. concrete intelligence Why motivation is the closest thing we have to magic. How and why to stay in the game as you get older The commonalities among late bloomers include hard work, intrinsic motivation and a willingness to keep trying and learning. The similarities between Ray Kroc’s relationship with the McDonald brothers and Mark Zuckerberg’s relationship with the Winklevoss twins. How Katharine Graham’s family’s suffocating wealth both helped and hindered her development Pre-order Henry's book here. Subscribe to his Substack here. WAIT - don’t go until you’ve done 2 out of these 3 things: 💰Rate and review Crazy Money here. 💰 🔥 Register for Paul’s incredible newsletter here.🔥 🎤 See Paul LIVE for telling of comedy jokes here. 🎤 About Paul Ollinger and Crazy Money After working as one of Facebook’s first 250 employees, Paul retired from the corporate world at 42, only to find himself bored, lonely, and driving his wife crazy. Today, he’s a standup comic, captivating audiences with his unique blend of humor and insight, performing alongside a diverse group of comedy powerhouses and iconic musicians, including Norm Macdonald, Dave Attell, Chelsea Handler, Styx, and Collective Soul. In 2019, Paul started this podcast, Crazy Money to explore the connection between money, happiness, work, and meaning. In one-on-one conversations with some of the world's most interesting people, he helps uncover the true sources of happiness in life and what wealth, success, and fame can (and can't) do for us. Previous guests include LL COOL J, Judd Apatow, Moby, and winners of the Nobel Prize, Heisman Trophy, PGA Championship, and Olympic gold medals. Paul is always on tour and coming to a comedy club near you. Check dates here. This episodes Keywords: late bloomers, success, age, intelligence, motivation, hard work, meandering path, passion, experience, network, late bloomers, success, reinventing life, Ray Kroc, McDonald's, Katharine Graham, Washington Post, David Duffield, Workday, internal motivation, careers, second careers, reinvention Get full access to Reasonably Happy at words.paulollinger.com/subscribe
- Henry Oliver - How To Find Success in Midlife
We're told repeatedly that if we’re going to achieve anything, we’d better do it while we’re young. But society is wrong. With armfuls of examples from from Olympic athletes, sitcom stars and titans of architecture who rewrote the rule book for midlife, writer Henry Oliver shares the lessons for seizing upon the truest versions of ourselves later in life and asks, what part of your goal can you achieve today? Tune in to discover a range of blueprints for self-reinvention, tips for rebuilding your confidence, and the power of the word 'perhaps'. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- Henry Oliver
Henry Oliver is the author of the book "Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Success and Reinventing Your Life" and prolific blogger on literature. -- Timestamps (0:00:00) Intro (0:00:38) Late Bloomers (0:07:28) Great Man theory of history (0:16:14) The Common Reader (0:20:56) Rear Window (0:22:58) Literature vs film or music (0:26:41) Mimesis (0:30:07) Artistic themes (0:38:11) Knausgaard, Bolano, Ferrante (0:39:27) Misreading (0:42:54) Harold Bloom (0:45:47) Art and economic growth (0:47:25) LLMs (0:50:55) Hayek (0:52:20) Keats (0:54:35) Literature vs philosophy (0:57:25) Morality (0:59:11) Nepotism (1:00:00) Shakespeare (1:06:57) Henry’s output -- Links - Henry’s Substack - Henry’s book, “Second Act” - Follow Henry on X - Follow Dan on X - Subscribe to Undertone on YouTube , Apple , Spotify , or Substack - Watch or listen to previous episodes of Undertone with Tyler Cowen , Vitalik Buterin , Scott Sumner , Samo Burja , Steve Hsu , and more - I love hearing from listeners. Email me any time at dan@danschulz.co - Share anonymous feedback on the podcast: https://forms.gle/w7LXMCXhdJ5Q2eB9A
- Henry Oliver
Henry Oliver discusses with Ivan six things which should be better known. Henry Oliver is a writer, speaker, and brand consultant. He writes regularly for outlets like the New Statesman, The Critic, and UnHerd. He writes the popular Substack The Common Reader, which was recently mentioned in the Atlantic. His book Second Act is about late bloomers. In 2022, he was given an Emergent Ventures grant. Izaac Walton https://newcriterion.com/article/the-right-angle/ Wren churches https://sixinthecity.co.uk/news/2023/03/51-wren-churches/ Lyrics of Noel Coward songs https://www.lrb.co.uk/the-paper/v45/n13/rosemary-hill/mushroom-cameo Lichfield https://www.historic-uk.com/HistoryMagazine/DestinationsUK/The-City-of-Lichfield/ Byron Janis Bach recording https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LdL3-xwoFik Elizabeth Jenkins https://www.theguardian.com/books/2010/sep/07/elizabeth-jenkins-obituary This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm
- Henry Oliver: Late Bloomers, Second Act, Hidden Talent, Biography, John Stuart Mill
A conversation with Henry Oliver, author of 'A Second Act', exploring the concept of late bloomers. Transcript here. Oliver elaborates on societal pressures, hidden talents, and how these impact individual successes at various life stages, advocating for a broader recognition of potential beyond conventional timelines. The dialogue includes themes such as the significance of networks, the role of luck, and the historical context of late blooming, challenging prevailing notions of talent and achievement. Following this, the conversation delves into the philosophical contributions of John Stuart Mill, particularly focusing on his expansion of utilitarianism and its inadvertent influence on contemporary moral behaviors like vegetarianism. It contrasts Mill’s stance on liberty and value measurement with other philosophers and highlights the importance of engaging with diverse perspectives for personal growth. The chat connects Mill’s philosophies to present-day issues. We end on Henry’s advice: the importance of personalized approaches to absorbing content, seeking expertise, the application of tailored advice over generic guidance; and to ignore those who do not have recent advice experience. On Hidden Talents and Societal Barriers: "So in the case of someone just happens to emerge later, and in the case of someone has been held back, I would call that hidden both times. Because very often when you've been held back by your circumstances, people like actually cannot see your talents. And so they are hidden, not in the sense that you've kept them in, or you were scared, or whatever, but in the sense that, you could have put it on your t-shirt and people wouldn't have realized." On Overcoming Historical Bias and Recognizing Talent: "And obviously historically, very often that was to do with if you were a woman, if you were a person of color people just aren't going to, people literally aren't going to take that seriously. But that, to me, is interesting, it's an interesting demonstration of the fact that, You can be very confident that you know how to find talent, and that you know who's a good chap and who would be good at this job, and be completely blind to what is right in front of you." Contents: 00:13 Learning from Henry’s mother 01:01 Exploring Hidden Talents and Societal Constraints 03:34 The Nuances of Midlife Crises and Opportunities for Growth 07:45 The Power of Networks and Circumstances in Shaping Late Bloomers 10:23 Margaret Thatcher: A Case Study in Late Blooming 16:20 Seizing Luck and the Importance of Being Prepared 21:32 The Role of Networks in Realizing Potential 30:20 Addressing Societal Biases and Embracing Equality of Opportunity 34:29 Rethinking Talent: Early Bloomers vs. Late Bloomers 42:55 The Fluidity of Intelligence and the Potential for Growth 45:29 Exploring Misunderstood Characters in Literature 45:56 Audrey Sutherland: The Unrecognized Kayaking Legend 47:09 Malcolm X: A Misunderstood Figure in History 48:46 The Ones That Didn't Make the Cut: Missed Profiles 51:28 The Writing Process: Insights and Personal Habits 54:51 The Fascinating World of London's Churches 59:36 Underrated and Overrated: A Deep Dive into Mindsets and Philosophies 01:18:23 Current Projects and Life Advice
- Henry Oliver on Late Bloomers
In this episode, Henry Oliver , a writer, speaker, and brand consultant based in London, discusses his new book, " Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Reinventing Your Life ." Oliver begins by explaining what he means by a "late bloomer" and what their stories can tell us about success. He discusses many historical examples of late bloomers, describing their similarities and differences. And he shares some strategies about achieving success later in life that we can glean from their examples. Oliver is on Twitter at @HenryEOliver . You can also subscribe to his Substanck The Common Reader . This episode was hosted by Brian L. Frye , Spears-Gilbert Professor of Law at the University of Kentucky College of Law. Frye is on Twitter at @brianlfrye . Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
- The Future of Making It Late In Life | Henry Oliver
In this episode of Jimmy's Jobs of the Future, we explore the surprising connections between Francis Ngannou, Michelangelo, and the concept of late bloomers. Our guest, Henry Oliver, embarked on a remarkable journey from studying English at Oxford University to advising major corporations like HSBC, Easyjet, and Volkswagen on talent acquisition strategies. Henry's latest book, "Second Act: What Late Bloomers Can Tell You About Success and Reinventing Your Life," delves into the stories of influential individuals who achieved success later in life. With endorsements from luminaries like Tyler Cowen and Matt Clifford CBE, Henry's insights challenge conventional notions of talent and success. Join us as we uncover the lessons and wisdom behind Henry Oliver's journey and explore how late bloomers can redefine success in our ever-evolving world. Henry's Book: Check out Henry's Book Follow us on socials! Youtube Instagram Tiktok Twitter / X Linkedin Want to come on the show? Get in touch Sponsor the show or Partner with us: Get in touch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
- 101: Henry Oliver - Late Bloomers Success Stories
Upcoming Event! How Can Mindfulness Help You Reach Financial Independence? Do you want to reduce money anxiety, but don’t know who to trust? Would you like to learn how to set up and manage your own retirement plan? Do you want to know how we create a passive income stream you can’t outlive? If yes, join us and learn how to answer the 4 critical financial independence questions: Am I on track for financial independence? What do I need to do to get on track? How do I design a mindful investing portfolio? How do I manage that portfolio and my income over time through changing markets? Learn more: https://courses.mindful.money/financial-independence-bootcamp In this episode, I speak with Henry Oliver, a man whose passion for celebrating life's late bloomers is both infectious and deeply insightful. We dive into the rich narratives of those who've found their stride well beyond the conventional timelines of success, and Henry, with his upcoming book "Second Act," provides a beacon of hope for anyone questioning their path. It's a chat that truly resonates with me, as we discuss the beauty of self-discovery that doesn't adhere to society's script and the potential that lies within a life lived at one's own pace. Henry's personal journey is a testament to the theme of our talk – it's never too late to pivot and embrace the talents that have been simmering beneath the surface. As we share stories of historical late bloomers and the influence of serendipity in our lives, I'm reminded of the power of readiness to meet opportunity. This conversation is an invitation to you, the listener, to rethink achievement, explore the uncharted terrains of your own capabilities, and hold fast to the idea that your curiosities might just be the key to unlocking a fulfilling new chapter, no matter your age. 📺 Watch on YouTube https://youtu.be/izqERFEmnA4 Key Takeaways 00:00 Late Bloomers and Financial Mindfulness 03:09 Exploring Views on Life Success 07:54 Late Bloomers and Talent Development 13:55 Variation in Intelligence and Life Paths 23:22 Encouraging Multiplicity and Late Bloomers 28:35 The Role of Luck and Readiness 36:38 Embracing the Second Act Tweetable Quotes "There are other people like that and once you write a short post saying, 'oh, there's a thing here,' all of a sudden you see it everywhere, and you're like, 'oh my God, late bloomers is such a thing.'" "I want to get you to perhaps think differently because we don't know how many more people could be late bloomers. If we find another six like the people I've profiled, another Frank Lloyd Wright, another Margaret Thatcher, that's great, let's have them." "You don't spot talent by what persistently happens to them, but by what they persist at. There is something that you have been persisting at in your life, something. That's your route, that's your thing. It never turns on the head of a pin without that quiet preparation." Guest Resources LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/henry-oliver-5165b189/ Website - https://www.commonreader.co.uk/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/HenryEOliver Mindful Money Resources For all the free
- 567. Henry Oliver, Author of Second Act, on The Secrets of Late Bloomers
Show Notes: In this discussion, Will Bachman interviews Henry Oliver, author of the forthcoming book Second Act about late bloomers. Oliver has a background in English literature and marketing. He worked for an MP and later in employment marketing. Defining a Late Bloomer Henry's interest in late bloomers came from his work in employment marketing, and during his research, he found a wealth of talent in an older demographic. During the course of his research, he found that cognitive ability is the number one predictor of job performance regardless of age. A late bloomer is someone who is no longer expected to achieve anything significant. However, Henry states that many people start a successful career late in life. Henry's book is structured as a series of short biographical sketches that illustrate themes such as the right people, networks, influence, being at the right place, the right time, and meandering career paths that many high profile leaders, including Margaret Thatcher, are prime examples of the late bloomer. The Focus on the Book His decision to focus more on the biographical sketch approach was influenced by his background as an A talent and employment brand consultant. He believes that the book should be focused on more than just the social science approach, as it allows him to explore the complexity of life. The concept of inefficient preparation, as discussed by Henry, is a concept that has been gaining attention in recent years, especially with the emergence of AI. He talks about the meandering career path of Calvin Coolidge. He explains that many people are considering how to prepare for different careers. However, he emphasized that this approach is not necessarily always the best career strategy, as it can lead to inefficient outcomes. One example of this is Dwight Eisenhower, who was a young soldier during World War One and was kept in America to train on tanks. Despite the shrinking army and the lack of pay at the end of the war, Eisenhower continued to study military strategy and find mentors, which eventually paid off with the advent of World War Two. Henry mentions that many people have a meandering inefficiency in their careers, and if they can find a way to switch into a more challenging job, it can pay off well. This combination of a wait-and-see approach and serious planning can help individuals make the most of their time and achieve their career goals. How to Make Networking Work Henry talks about the problem of focusing on building a network and why it's important to find the person with the right influence for whatever it is you want to do right now. He shares an example of this with the story of Margaret Thatcher's leadership election in the conservative party. Henry discusses the importance of corporate culture in shaping one's career trajectory, and how the culture helps or hinders how you work. He cites studies of young men sent to the Second World War. The study found that a more ambitious, fast-paced environment with strong leadership and opportunities for development can lead to better performance. He also talks about the detrimental effects of a toxic environment. The discussion turns to putting yourself in the right place in today's work environment. The most fundamental piece of research that Henry found is about hot streaks, where people produce their best work over a long period of time.The study found that people have an explorer phase, where they try out different ideas and move around the world. This is followed by the exploit period when they take action to take steps connected to their primary interest. In today's world, there are no universally-accepted answers to what constitutes an "exploit phase." It depends on the individual's career goals and the circumstances they are in. Steve Jobs, for example, was an example of someone who dropped out
- Episode 98 - TikTok Star Henry Oliver
Send us Fan Mail This week Debbie and Gerry head over to the UK to talk to Henry Oliver, a young man who is quickly making a name for himself on TikTok with his music and his videos. They go behind the scenes with Henry and discuss his life and how he got to where he is today with more than 150,000 followers in a short period of time. They also play several of Henry's songs for the listener as well. Henry Oliver is a rising young star that could be part of the next British Invasion here in the US. Give it a listen. We know you will like it! Debbie and Gerry Links: TikTok: henryoliver_21 IG: officialhenryoliver YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/HenryOliver
- Henry Oliver: On the Art of Reading Novels
In this episode, host Linus Lu talks to Henry Oliver, the writer of The Common Reader newsletter. We chat about his upcoming salon series on How to Read a Novel, the value of the English department, the advantages of film over writing, and about Henry’s current project on late bloomers. Link to Henry's salon series, "How to Read a Novel": interintellect.com/series/how-to-read-a-novel/ Henry Oliver: twitter.com/HenryEOliver Linus Lu: twitter.com/Linus_Lu
Henry Oliver has appeared on 30 recent podcast episodes across 28 different shows. GuestVine keeps this list complete and up to date — new appearances are added automatically and delivered to the podcast player you already use.
Frequently asked
- What podcasts has Henry Oliver been on?
- Henry Oliver has appeared on 30 recent podcast episodes across 28 shows, including It's Another Sunday Podcast, The Booking Club, The Street Porter and the Philosopher.
- What is Henry Oliver's latest podcast appearance?
- The latest detected appearance is “Chaïm Soutine and the Extremes of Art with Celeste Marcus” on The Street Porter and the Philosopher, published 9 Jun 2026.
- How many hours of Henry Oliver podcast interviews are there?
- GuestVine has tracked about 28 hours of Henry Oliver guest appearances across 30 episodes, going back to 28 Aug 2022.
- How does GuestVine keep this list updated?
- GuestVine tracks delivered guest appearances, excludes own-show episodes where possible, and links back to the original publisher audio. New appearances are added automatically as they are detected.
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