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June 16, 2025 73 mins

Here's what to expect on the podcast:

  • Peter's unexpected journey from Hollywood film producer to full-time philanthropist.
  • How Peter founded life-changing nonprofits, such as Starlight Children's Foundation and First Star.
  • Stories that highlight the power of compassion in action.
  • Insights from Peter's book Finding Happy and how it guides young adults through chaos toward purpose.
  • And much more!

 

About Peter:

Peter Samuelson is a veteran film producer behind MORE THAN two dozen feature films, including cult classics like Revenge of the Nerds, Tom & Viv, and Arlington Road. He is a trailblazing philanthropist and a social entrepreneur who has spent decades using storytelling and innovation to change lives.

He has founded 7 groundbreaking nonprofits, including cofounding the Starlight Children’s Foundation and Starbright World Online Network. He is the founder of  First Star Academies, that partners with universities and local CPS to house, educate, inspire, and enable foster youth while in high school and to prepare them for college and to self-advocate. He also launched EDAR, the “Everyone Deserves A Roof” initiative, to provide shelter for the unhoused, and ASPIRE — a media training academy for undergraduates outside of traditional film schools, built on the values of social responsibility.

And now, he’s added “author” to the list. His new book, Finding Happy: A User’s Guide to Your Life, With Lessons From Mine, is part memoir, part life manual — offering hard-won wisdom for millennials, Gen X, and anyone looking to live more meaningfully in a chaotic world.

Peter has been married to his wife Saryl for 35 years and continues to fight every day for those less fortunate, chief among them abused and neglected children.

 

Connect with Peter Samuelson!

Website: https://www.samuelson.la/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/petersamuelson/

First Star: https://www.firststar.org/

Check out Peter’s book, Finding Happy: A User's Guide to Your Life, with Lessons from Mine, on Amazon! https://tinyurl.com/5fx4k4dw

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Connect with Candice Snyder!

Website: https://www.podpage.com/passion-purpose-and-possibilities-1/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/candicebsnyder?_rdr

Passion, Purpose, and Possibilities Community Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/passionpurposeandpossibilitiescommunity/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/passionpurposepossibilities/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/candicesnyder/

Shop For A Cause With Gifts That Give Back to Nonprofits: https://thekindnesscause.com/

Fall In Love With Artists And Experience Joy And Calm: https://www.youtube.com/@movenartrelaxation

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