Every time I edit and produce one of our podcast episodes, I fall in love with the episode so that each one becomes my favorite. Clearly, I’m not impartial. But even so, THIS is a great episode because Vicki Atkinson and I were blown away by filmmaker, philanthropist and author, Peter Samuelson. Watch the small clip below and I think you’ll see why!
Peter produced films such as Return of Pink Panther and Revenge of the Nerds. He’s worked with Steve McQueen, Peter Sellers, and started four philanthropies, including one with Steven Spielberg.
And now he’s written this incredible book, Finding Happy, that combines the amazing and entertaining episodes from all those adventures with reflective lessons and learning. He tells us how he came to write this book, writing at 5am each morning to alternate between lessons learned on some days and anecdotes on others.
He tells us the story that sparked the first charity he founded, Starlight, granting wishes to sick kids and their families. Peter teaches a course called Random Acts of Kindness and Pay It Forwards. He explains the crossover between underprivileged kids and acts of service and tells some heart-grabbing stories.
We talk about Peter’s delightful father, Sir Sydney Samuelson and his infectious ability to talk to everyone. Peter relates a wonderful story about how his dad made a great connection to benefit his First Star foundation and how the ripple effect of Sir Sydney’s life continues on.
Peter tells us how he fell in love with his now wife of 40 years and gives some really solid advice about how to meet like-minded others.
Vicki and I were transfixed by Peter’s incredible energy and enthusiasm. His application of the 2nd law of thermodynamics will move you into wanting to make a difference. His stories will leave you smiling and charmed.
Finding Happy is a great book that launches on Tuesday, June 10th. It’s such a fun read for all, but especially young adults, and a perfect gift idea for dads and grads. Join us for this inspiring episode with the delightful Peter Samuelson.
We know you’ll love it!
Here’s a sneak peek of Peter telling how he wrote Finding Happy:
We know you will be as transfixed as we were. Here are some ways you can listen and watch the full episode:
In this episode of Sharing the Heart of the Matter, hosts Wynne Leon and Vicki Atkinson talk with novelist Deborah Brasket about her new book, This Sea Within, a sweeping historical novel that blends political intrigue, love,coming-of-age, and spiritual longing. Deborah shares how her world travels, deep research, and personal reflections shaped a story rich with danger, beauty, and purpose. Together, they explore the connection between the sensualand the spiritual, the power of story to illuminate history, and what it means to be called by something greater than yourself. If you love thoughtful conversations about books, creativity, courage, and the deeper currents that move our lives, this episode is for you.Links for this episode:When Things Go Missing, A Novel – Amazon,Bookshop, Barnes & Noble This Sea Within – Pre-order on Amazon Author Website and BlogSubstack NewsletterInstagramFrom the hosts:Vicki’s new book – a ghost story, Slivers. Her book about resilience and love: Surviving Sue; Blog: https://victoriaponders.com/Wynne's blog: Surprised by Joy and podcast: The Life of Try
He sounds like a man worth knowing about, and one with a strong personality of his own. You are both finding some unexpected voices and have spiced up your own group of guests. Congratulations, ladies!.
Your interview with Peter Samuelson was captivating. I perked up immediately when he discussed Stephen Fry. I’ve always been a fan of Fry and Laurie and their quirky humor. Peter’s work with foster children is impressive. His law of thermodynamics-impressive. Defining apologizing as a liberation statement-impressive. His advice to volunteer to meet great people-impressive. Peter Samuelson-impressive! Thanks Vickie and Wynne. 🙂
You really have a talent for hitting the highlights, Nancy! I wasn’t familiar with Stephen Fry before I talked with Peter Samuelson so I love hearing that you are fan too. Peter Samuelson is impressive indeed! Thank you so much for tuning in!
one of my fave conversations and guests of yours, and I’ve enjoyed them all, so that’s saying a lot. his kindness shows through his eyes. my love of films, teaching, volunteering, storytelling and empathy is what I share with Peter and I can’t wait to read his book. and now I know where to find my next date! I was just thinking this when sitting in my indivisible meeting talking about protesting and helping our local immigrant community, anyone who was there with me, is probably my kind of man, I don’t have to worry about them not being a compassionate person.
I love that you came to that conclusion about your indivisible meeting. I love hearing your take-aways, Beth. You are so right that his kindness shows through – he was so fun to talk with! Thank you for listening and sharing your thoughts — it’s so helpful!
Hi Wynne and Vicki. Boy, Peter is a natural-born storyteller. Everything he discusses in the interview is a story, sometimes a story within a story! I bet his book is going to be a page-turner for that reason. 😊I was deeply touched not only by his work with foster children, but the story he shared written by Jose about ADDING 10 dollars of his own money to make it $210.00, so he could save 3 dogs specifically. Wow. I’m going to remember that one. Thanks for sharing your excellent podcast with us. 💕
I love this comment, Melanie! You are so right about Peter being a natural storyteller. So interesting, isn’t he? And yes, I can attest that the book is a page turner!
That story about Jose — it touches me every time. Thank you so much for listening, friend!
That was such a great episode! I really loved the story about his class project- such a meaningful experience for everyone. Congratulations to both of you too for managing to interview these highly accomplished guests!
“You are the author of the story of the rest of your life.” Such a concise and wise nugget of advice to boost the start of my day! And I realize I’m not one of the youth intended for this advice but still works!
How very cool that you two got to speak with the producer of such iconic films. It makes sense now learning more about his life and philanthropic work how the themes of more marginalized youth appear in films, such as Revenge of the Nerds.
Giving youth, especially vulnerable youth such as those in foster care, a fighting chance is such valiant and admirable work. Best wishes with his book launch!
The Heart of the Matter 
I’m still smiling! Our chat with Peter was a delight. Thank you, Wynne! 🥰
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I’m smiling too. It’s a remarkable conversation with such an inspiring guest! Thanks, dear Vicki!
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Yes, yes! We could’ve spent hours with him! Peter has so much to share. Thank you, Wynne! 🥰
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He sounds like a man worth knowing about, and one with a strong personality of his own. You are both finding some unexpected voices and have spiced up your own group of guests. Congratulations, ladies!.
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What a lovely comment, Dr. Stein. Yes, it seems that we’ve made some good connections with some PR people who have interesting guests!
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Your interview with Peter Samuelson was captivating. I perked up immediately when he discussed Stephen Fry. I’ve always been a fan of Fry and Laurie and their quirky humor. Peter’s work with foster children is impressive. His law of thermodynamics-impressive. Defining apologizing as a liberation statement-impressive. His advice to volunteer to meet great people-impressive. Peter Samuelson-impressive! Thanks Vickie and Wynne. 🙂
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You really have a talent for hitting the highlights, Nancy! I wasn’t familiar with Stephen Fry before I talked with Peter Samuelson so I love hearing that you are fan too. Peter Samuelson is impressive indeed! Thank you so much for tuning in!
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The interview would also lend me to believe Samuelson’s “Finding Happy” is also impressive! 🙂
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So many smiles — thanks to you, Nancy! 🥰❤️🥰
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It’s a really interesting read, Nancy!
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Sounds like another really interesting episode!
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It is! Thanks, Pooja!
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You’re so welcome!
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one of my fave conversations and guests of yours, and I’ve enjoyed them all, so that’s saying a lot. his kindness shows through his eyes. my love of films, teaching, volunteering, storytelling and empathy is what I share with Peter and I can’t wait to read his book. and now I know where to find my next date! I was just thinking this when sitting in my indivisible meeting talking about protesting and helping our local immigrant community, anyone who was there with me, is probably my kind of man, I don’t have to worry about them not being a compassionate person.
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I love that you came to that conclusion about your indivisible meeting. I love hearing your take-aways, Beth. You are so right that his kindness shows through – he was so fun to talk with! Thank you for listening and sharing your thoughts — it’s so helpful!
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Hi Wynne and Vicki. Boy, Peter is a natural-born storyteller. Everything he discusses in the interview is a story, sometimes a story within a story! I bet his book is going to be a page-turner for that reason. 😊I was deeply touched not only by his work with foster children, but the story he shared written by Jose about ADDING 10 dollars of his own money to make it $210.00, so he could save 3 dogs specifically. Wow. I’m going to remember that one. Thanks for sharing your excellent podcast with us. 💕
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I love this comment, Melanie! You are so right about Peter being a natural storyteller. So interesting, isn’t he? And yes, I can attest that the book is a page turner!
That story about Jose — it touches me every time. Thank you so much for listening, friend!
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Happy to! 😊😊
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That was such a great episode! I really loved the story about his class project- such a meaningful experience for everyone. Congratulations to both of you too for managing to interview these highly accomplished guests!
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I love this feedback, Todd. Thanks for tuning in. Yes, isn’t that story so meaningful? He was a great guy to talk to!
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“You are the author of the story of the rest of your life.” Such a concise and wise nugget of advice to boost the start of my day! And I realize I’m not one of the youth intended for this advice but still works!
How very cool that you two got to speak with the producer of such iconic films. It makes sense now learning more about his life and philanthropic work how the themes of more marginalized youth appear in films, such as Revenge of the Nerds.
Giving youth, especially vulnerable youth such as those in foster care, a fighting chance is such valiant and admirable work. Best wishes with his book launch!
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I look forward to listening to this and getting to learn/hear more about Peter, he sounds like he has done and experienced some wonderful things!
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