Podcast Summary: How I Invest with David Weisburd – Episode E165: Hollywood Lessons on Risk, Reward, and Relationships with Alexander Ludwig

Release Date: May 20, 2025

In Episode E165 of "How I Invest with David Weisburd," host David Weisburd engages in an enlightening conversation with Alexander Ludwig, renowned actor and producer best known for his roles in "Vikings" and "The Hunger Games." The episode delves deep into Alexander's journey from a child actor to a successful figure in Hollywood, exploring his insights on risk, reward, and building meaningful relationships within the entertainment industry.

1. Alexander’s Philosophy on Acting

Alexander Ludwig opens the discussion by sharing his core philosophy on acting, emphasizing vulnerability and relatability. He underscores the importance of actors connecting with the audience on a personal level.

“Audiences don't come to see you. They come to see themselves. So you want actors that have that sort of vulnerability.” (00:00)

He elaborates that placing oneself on a pedestal can distance actors from the everyday person, making it harder for audiences to root for them.

2. Persistence, Luck, and Business in Hollywood

David and Alexander explore the parallels between Hollywood and business, discussing how luck and persistence play crucial roles in achieving sustained success.

“So much of luck is involved in this business and every business in a lot of ways. The only thing that really guarantees a semblance of success is persistence.” (01:28)

Alexander emphasizes that merely chasing money or fame can lead to disappointment, advocating for a genuine love of the craft as the foundation for longevity in the industry.

3. The Role of Coaching and Skill Development

Alexander highlights the significance of continuous skill development and the role of professional coaching in his career. He credits his coach, Ivana Chubbik, for refining his dialogue and performance.

“I work with her on literally every single word of dialogue, on everything I ever do, because she has seen it all.” (03:11)

This meticulous approach ensures that, regardless of external reception, he can consistently deliver his best performance.

4. Transition from Child Actor to Adulthood

The conversation delves into Alexander’s personal journey, detailing his early start in acting, his first major roles, and the challenges he faced transitioning from a child actor to an adult.

“I had been doing this since I was like nine years old... I felt like I could keep working.” (05:36)

He shares the highs and lows of his career, including the setbacks during his late teenage years and the eventual breakthrough with "The Hunger Games" and "Vikings," which facilitated his growth and maturity both personally and professionally.

5. Views on Media, Entertainment, and Storytelling

Alexander expresses his profound appreciation for storytelling and its impact on audiences. He believes that film and television are among the greatest arts due to their collective nature, involving numerous artists and disciplines.

“Film and television is one of the greatest arts... it's just magical.” (10:39)

He underscores the power of media to transport people to different worlds, evoke a range of emotions, and inspire introspection.

6. Impact of "Ego is the Enemy" and Managing Success

Discussing Ryan Holiday's "Ego is the Enemy," Alexander reflects on the importance of humility and gratitude in sustaining a successful career. He shares how the book reinforced his belief in staying grounded amidst success.

“Ego is the Enemy is a really important book to read... it's about being humble, grateful.” (15:22)

He recounts his experiences post "The Hunger Games," emphasizing that one major success doesn't guarantee future roles, highlighting the necessity of continuous effort and humility.

7. Approach to Money, Investments, and Business Principles

Alexander transitions to discussing his approach to money management and investments, drawing parallels between acting and business. He advocates for living below one's means and investing in assets rather than liabilities.

“Wealth is how much you keep. You just need to be very careful and not try to live like the, you know, Billionaire.” (26:26)

He shares personal lessons learned from early financial missteps, emphasizing the importance of responsible spending and investing in meaningful experiences.

8. Compounding and Focus in Career and Investments

The concept of compounding—both in financial investments and career development—is a focal point of the discussion. Neither David nor Alexander overlooks the value of long-term dedication and the cumulative benefits it brings.

“The harder you work, the luckier you get... compounding in your career and investments.” (33:16)

Alexander illustrates this with examples from his own career and investments, stressing that consistent effort over time leads to significant achievements.

9. Entrepreneurship: Alexander’s Jewelry Startup

Alexander introduces his entrepreneurial venture, a recycled gold and sterling silver jewelry company he founded with his wife in 2020. He explains the company's mission to create sustainable and affordable heirloom pieces while addressing environmental concerns related to electronic waste (e-waste).

“We noticed we didn't want to just create another jewelry company. We wanted it to stand on its own two feet.” (46:23)

He details the business model, emphasizing sustainable practices, reasonable pricing, and innovative approaches to recycling e-waste. The company has shown impressive growth, aiming for profitability by 2026 with a focus on long-term sustainability.

10. The Intersection of Passion, Mission, and Success

Both host and guest agree that true success is driven by passion and a deeper mission beyond mere financial gain. Alexander shares his hope that his endeavors not only bring him personal fulfillment but also contribute positively to the world.

“My hope is that they [billionaires] use it to do things that betters the world and help as many people as they possibly can.” (55:40)

He contrasts mission-driven individuals with those solely focused on accumulating wealth, advocating for the former as the true agents of meaningful change.

11. Lessons Learned and Final Insights

As the conversation winds down, Alexander imparts valuable lessons from his extensive experience in Hollywood and entrepreneurship. He advises focusing on the job at hand rather than obsessing over a long-term career, maintaining humility, and staying true to one's vision despite setbacks.

“Focus on the job, not the career... stay the course and have faith.” (61:56)

David echoes these sentiments, highlighting the importance of long-term planning balanced with immediate, focused actions to achieve sustained success.

Conclusion

Episode E165 serves as a compelling narrative of Alexander Ludwig's multifaceted career and investment philosophy. Through candid discussions, he imparts actionable insights on balancing passion with business acumen, the significance of persistence, and the value of maintaining humility in the face of success. Whether you're an aspiring actor, entrepreneur, or investor, Alexander's experiences offer valuable lessons on navigating the unpredictable terrains of both Hollywood and the business world.

Note: Timestamps correspond to the transcript provided for accurate referencing of notable quotes.