Turning Down Oprah? Michael Perry on Infinite Loops (Ep. 289)

Turning down Oprah? You won’t hear many interviews with Mike as far-ranging as this one: Michael Perry Joins Jim O’Shaughnessy on his Infinite Loops podcast.

You can watch the interview here or on YouTube.

You can also listen on Apple Podcasts and Spotify,

From host Jim O’Shaughnessy:

“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 managing to still make a few calls with the local volunteer fire and rescue service.

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 this conversation as much as I did. We’ve shared some highlights below, together with links & a full transcript. As always, if you like what you hear/read, please leave a comment or drop us a review on your provider of choice.

— Jim”

The post Turning Down Oprah? Michael Perry on Infinite Loops (Ep. 289) appeared first on SneezingCow.com.

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Published on November 07, 2025 13:14
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