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

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

Infinite Loops