Hello Reader, from your friend Nick in Austin, Texas.

I went to a dinner party last night with a neat theme: it was a "blind taste test" of brisket from some of the best Texas BBQ. The host also asked us to prepare conversation topics from a list of questions. See photos on my Instagram story.

Today I'm going into the studio to start recording the audio for my party hosting handbook. My paperback and ebook will launch on June 14th.

In this issue: an interview with Palmer Luckey, how to guarantee a life of misery, seven-minute workout song, the struggle of living in NYC, my favorite new song on TikTok, stuff I use from my friend Paul, and a bunch more.

Why you’re getting this: I'm Nick Gray and this is my Friends Newsletter. I send this every month to interesting people I’ve connected with and friends I want to keep in touch with! You can un-subscríbe any time and I won't be mad.

---

Random Links

😥 How to Guarantee a Life of Misery by Charlie Munger​

I went to the Berkshire meeting and Charlie Munger gave a printed copy of this speech to some VIPs as a gift.

💪 7 Minute Workout Song (w/timer) | Tabata Songs​

This is still one of my favorite workouts when I'm in a pinch for time. I should do it now. Free YouTube video.

⭐ 60"×80" Picnic Blanket w/Stakes for $10 on Amazon​

Just a good picnic thing to have. Cheap and works well. I've owned one for years. The stakes are what make it. You need stakes for any picnic blanket, because if it gets windy, or people rustle around...

☠ Researchers Pinpoint Reason Infants Die From SIDS | BioSpace​

This is great, right?? They found the cause of SIDs! The cause of 37% of infant deaths. Pretty big news.

🎵 "Crypto Boy" song from TikTok compilation​

My favorite viral thing from the internet in many months. I've listened to this song dozens of times. The guy at the end is my favorite.

⚡ Stuff I Use by Paul aka Stammy​

My friend Paul is very smart and has a very good list of his tech gear on his personal blog.

💰 The Rich Are Not Who We Think They Are. And Happiness Is Not What We Think It Is, Either.​

"Rich people own." Unsexy businesses like car dealerships and beverage distribution companies.

🏠 Spite buildings: when human grudges get architectural - in pictures​

Neat pictures, via Benedict Evans.

---

Ask: Book Launch Advice

Have you launched a book recently? Was it awesome? I’m launching my book 📕 on June 14th.

I AM SO EXCITED AND THIS WILL BE MY NEXT BIG THING, I THINK.

Do you have any specific and tactical advice for my launch week to juice the Amazon algorithm? I am not focusing on pre-sales. Just launch week.

Also: do you have a blog or newsletter? Or a podcast that has show notes and active listeners? If yes: Can I send you a copy of my manuscript, and if you like it, maybe you'll host your own party? Or interview me for your blog or podcast? Reply back and say Hi and send me your mailing address. USA only (or I will send digital international). I will tell you how I can help your readers or listeners, just like I helped Tyler in this story.

---

Nick and The Met: Video portraits

My friend Noah Kalina made these beautiful video portraits of me inside the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2015.

See my animated GIFs: Nick at the Met

---

What is Investor Relations?

What does an Investor Relations firm do? And why does a company need an Investor Relations team?

I’ve got the answer. Or at least: I’ve got a good starting point for you.

I wrote an article about it because I was curious to learn.

​

IR firms take care of:

• SEC filings
• Managing analyst expectations
• Quarterly conference calls
• Hosting special investor days

What is Investor Relations?

---

Quotes

"Wearing suits for men went from being a high status thing to a low status thing." - @coopsinnyc​

​

"Imagine living in 1940 and saying, I don't want jets! Because jets are developed by millionaires! And who needs jets, we already have trains! And jets aren't even impressive, we've had planes for 40 years! So many have lost their thirst for progress and innovation." - @shaunmmaguire​

​

"Pro tip for winners: The rule of texting someone busy and asking if they are free for a call is to be free for the next 15-30 minutes immediately after you send the text, and indicate if you want that “now works, should be a quick call.” - @davidu​

​

"Me when a study confirms my prior: I knew it!

Me when a study disconfirms my prior: Hmm, what's the sample size/power of this study, are there any possible confounders...?" - @alexhillphd​

​

"We need a new category of books that are 40 pages, excellent and tight, instead of forcing authors to stretch valid/interesting concepts into 220 page reaching crappy books." - @finnscave​

​

"Once again I am recommending that Coinbase buy Peloton for cheap and use the energy output from its riders to power bitcoin mining." - @anothercohen​

---

The End

Thanks for reading my Friends Newsletter.

OK! Literally running out to go start recording my audiobook now.

I AM SO PUMPED to share what I think can really, truly help people. To make new friends and build big relationships. It is easy. I'll show you how. Just host a little happy hour for your friends and neighbors.

LMK if you have a blog or newsletter or podcast, and I will tell you how I can help your readers or listeners.

Have a great weekend.

🤠 Nick Gray

​