How Long Gone 937. - Paul W. Downs
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Apr 29, 2026 
Paul W. Downs, creator, writer, and star of Hacks, shares wild personal anecdotes and career stories. He talks improv and competitive swimming, auction finds and Picasso plates. Hear tales of Cinnabon cravings, outlet Gucci, filming Hacks in Vegas and France, on-set magic discomfort, and balancing big HBO deals with family life.
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Childhood Mochalatta Chill Addiction And Glow Nut Pivot
- Paul confessed a childhood Cinnabon addiction to the Mochalatta Chill and later switching to healthier 'glow nut' snacks.
- He described getting the drink in elementary school and how it hooked him on sugar and caffeine.
Package Your Passion Instead Of Buying Distressed Brands
- Consider packaging a passion into a consumer business rather than buying a distressed brand; start from scratch and find investors to scale.
- Chris and Jason suggested using agency packaging and creators to launch niche CPG products.
Paul Newman Started Dressings In His Bathtub
- Chris Black recounted Paul Newman's origin story: making salad dressings in his bathtub and Martha Stewart encouraging him to start a business.
- They used it to explain celebrity product lines and philanthropy, referencing Newman's success and charity angle.