Episode · David Senra · 2026-08-09
Books mentioned on Michael Ovitz, Co-founder of CAA
Michael Ovitz is the co-founder of Creative Artists Agency (CAA), one of the most powerful and influential talent agencies in Hollywood history, built on a revolutionary approach to representation that fundamentally transformed the entertainment industry.
Michael Ovitz discussed Dracula by Bram Stoker and others and Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton. David Senra recommended Zero to One by Peter A. Thiel and others, Mind Your Own Business by Sidney Harman, and Make Something Wonderful by Steve Jobs, and discussed Shoe Dog by Phil Knight and others.
Books mentioned, in the order they came up
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Dracula
Bram Stoker's Dracula is a classic epistolary horror novel that established the modern literary vampire myth through a complex narrative told via journal entries, letters, and newspaper clippings.
Discussed“And you know, the original Dracula, the conceit of the story, the book, forget there was no movie in those days, the book was this constant quest for eternal youth, and you suck a young person's blood and it makes you young.”
Where to get it
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Jurassic Park
Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park is a thrilling science fiction novel that explores the catastrophic consequences of cloning dinosaurs through genetic engineering and the unpredictable nature of complex systems.
Discussed“It was fantastic to read Michael Crichton's rough draft of "Jurassic Park." It was a thrill, but it was a book, and there have been books since the invention of the printing press.”
Where to get it
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Shoe Dog
Shoe Dog by Phil Knight is a compelling memoir by the co-founder of Nike that chronicles the grueling journey and tenacity required to build a global athletic brand.
Discussed“Have you read Phil Knight's book, "Shoe Dog"?”
Where to get it
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Zero to One
Zero to One by Peter A.
Recommended“- I found one of my all-time favorite quotes when I was reading the book "Zero to One."”
Where to get it
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Mind Your Own Business
Mind Your Own Business by Sidney Harman is an autobiography detailing the life and multifaceted career of the prominent American industrialist and audio pioneer.
Recommended“- Yeah, he's got a great book. I think the autobiography is called "Mind Your Own Business."”
Where to get it
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Make Something Wonderful
Make Something Wonderful by Steve Jobs is a digital book compiling the speeches, emails, and writings of the legendary entrepreneur, offering a direct look into his thoughts in his own words.
Recommended“I just finished rereading "Make Something Wonderful," which is this book put out by his widow. It's an excellent book.”
Where to get it
