OtherWell, the first thing that comes to mind is it's quiet. Uh so he can hear himself think. One thing I uh remember since forever is that uh my dad really needed silence, you know, he had a little office off the bedroom and stuff. He he really needed that uh I think hear the sound of his own voice essentially and and I think the uh the country, the simplicity, um all of that suits uh his his the way he likes to think. He uh needed his time and the quiet and the focus and that we were all um not so much in service to that, that's too strong a word, but certainly we we knew that that was necessary and uh had a feeling that supporting that was a good thing. He needed that time uh to hone his craft and his art uh and much like a musician you say, "Okay, that you are special in this way and we need to respect that." Uh it was um in retrospect now that I hear what life
Otherin retrospect now that I hear what life was like for so many other people, sort of freakishly idyllic. We really did get the uh 60s television world reflected back in a lot of ways where it was uh up in the morning and off to school and uh you know, encouraged to do well at school, but it also, you know, we I think all of us were fortunate that we we did okay in school so there weren't any real issues or friction in that regard. Come home, depending on the age, homework, watch cartoons, whatever it might be uh and then like clockwork my dad would come in the door. I want to say 5:30, I don't know exactly the time, but it but it was clockwork. Uh we'd hear the garage door close, I mean the yeah, the door to the garage close in the house. I'm home and he'd come in and we'd have dinner on the table. Uh and we'd all eat dinner together, which I think surprises a lot
Othertogether, which I think surprises a lot of people. Uh certainly no television at around the dinner table at all and no father who's distracted or traveling or any of that kind of stuff. We were all there together and so it felt like I said, you know, an idyllic uh childhood for for most or all of it really. I remember him, you know, talking about whatever was going on in any of our lives. Uh my sister probably tells a story uh that he would occasionally ask her in particular about this or that or maybe any of us and then later we realized he was doing some focus group work and seeing if we liked Coke over Pepsi or this or that or you know, so so there was some of that, uh but even then it it was about us in a way, you know, and and and uh what was going on. So no, I felt that that he was connected uh when he was present with the family essentially. Well, I think again there was
OtherWell, I think again there was uh it's interesting. I don't know whether culture drives people or people drive culture and and it's both and I think that that's what we were as a family is that we were a pretty solid representation of what the culture at the time was promoting, you know, which was the hardworking dad that went off every day, uh the nurturing uh mother as uh homemaker and support system uh and that's what we saw and my mom was that. I mean in spades. She really represented and was uh that loving, nurturing, you can count on me uh mom that um you know, a lot of people wish they had and we were lucky enough to have.
OtherThat's a great question uh because I think two things were at work. She was a very passionate, heart-connected, loving person that allowed those emotions to to uh to help her connect with people, people connect with themselves and with her. She had an
Otherwith themselves and with her. She had an uncanny ability to uhuncanny ability to uhuncanny ability to uh be sympathetic, uh empathetic and andbe sympathetic, uh empathetic and andbe sympathetic, uh empathetic and and emotional in a certain kind of way andemotional in a certain kind of way andemotional in a certain kind of way and at the same time I think she held someat the same time I think she held someat the same time I think she held some emotions back so that she could bestemotions back so that she could bestemotions back so that she could best essentially do her job, so that sheessentially do her job, so that sheessentially do her job, so that she could be the mom that she knew wecould be the mom that she knew wecould be the mom that she knew we needed,needed,needed, uh be the wife that her husband neededuh be the wife that her husband neededuh be the wife that her husband needed uh and be the person in the communityuh and be the person in the communityuh and be the person in the community that she wanted to be.that she wanted to be.that she wanted to be. Um I think there was a combination ofUm I think there was a combination ofUm I think there was a combination of both being in touch and connected toboth being in touch and connected toboth being in touch and connected to certain emotions and putting some ofcertain emotions and putting some ofcertain emotions and putting some of them on the shelf so she could be whatthem on the shelf so she could be whatthem on the shelf so she could be what she needed to be for others. And andshe needed to be for others. And andshe needed to be for others. And and again this is I think part of theagain this is I think part of theagain this is I think part of the cultural time, so a part of it iscultural time, so a part of it iscultural time, so a part of it is uh as an adult feeling kind of maybeuh as an adult feeling kind of maybeuh as an adult feeling kind of maybe frustrated that my mom kept herself infrustrated that my mom kept herself infrustrated that my mom kept herself in check a little bit for the sake of thecheck a little bit for the sake of thecheck a little bit for the sake of the family, but there's also a beauty infamily, but there's also a beauty infamily, but there's also a beauty in that. I think a lot of mothers do it. Umthat. I think a lot of mothers do it. Umthat. I think a lot of mothers do it. Um but it's a it's a tricky one because she
Questionerbut it's a it's a tricky one because shebut it's a it's a tricky one because she did I think put a lot of her owndid I think put a lot of her owndid I think put a lot of her own personal trajectorypersonal trajectorypersonal trajectory uh either on hold or just shunted it uhuh either on hold or just shunted it uhuh either on hold or just shunted it uh in order to give what she felt wasin order to give what she felt wasin order to give what she felt was necessary to the family.It it's funny because I got that feelingIt it's funny because I got that feelingIt it's funny because I got that feeling deeply from my mother when I was youngdeeply from my mother when I was youngdeeply from my mother when I was young and yet when I was young I didn'tand yet when I was young I didn'tand yet when I was young I didn't recognize the profundity of it. Yourecognize the profundity of it. Yourecognize the profundity of it. You know, I just knew that uh I felt specialknow, I just knew that uh I felt specialknow, I just knew that uh I felt special because my mom made me feel special andbecause my mom made me feel special andbecause my mom made me feel special and supported me in wayssupported me in wayssupported me in ways uh that again I didn't even recognize inuh that again I didn't even recognize inuh that again I didn't even recognize in myselfmyselfmyself uh and I think it it was exactly foruh and I think it it was exactly foruh and I think it it was exactly for that reason because uh my mom saw partsthat reason because uh my mom saw partsthat reason because uh my mom saw parts of herself in me and wanted to nurtureof herself in me and wanted to nurtureof herself in me and wanted to nurture that maybe because she didn't get tothat maybe because she didn't get tothat maybe because she didn't get to have some of those things for herselfhave some of those things for herselfhave some of those things for herself and so she said, "Look, I'm going toand so she said, "Look, I'm going toand so she said, "Look, I'm going to put that into my child and and he canput that into my child and and he canput that into my child and and he can enjoy some of the things that I put onenjoy some of the things that I put onenjoy some of the things that I put on the shelf."I have to say I was aware of both of myI have to say I was aware of both of myI have to say I was aware of both of my parents' musical talents growing up. Uh
Otherparents' musical talents growing up. Uhparents' musical talents growing up. Uh my mom uh more overtly to the world asmy mom uh more overtly to the world asmy mom uh more overtly to the world as she sang later in life and that sort ofshe sang later in life and that sort ofshe sang later in life and that sort of thing, um did do those things at home,thing, um did do those things at home,thing, um did do those things at home, played the piano and sang some, but Iplayed the piano and sang some, but Iplayed the piano and sang some, but I would say equally, you know, my dadwould say equally, you know, my dadwould say equally, you know, my dad would be playing the ukulele and singingwould be playing the ukulele and singingwould be playing the ukulele and singing around the house and whistling. He theyaround the house and whistling. He theyaround the house and whistling. He they they both really had an underlyingthey both really had an underlyingthey both really had an underlying uh musical thing that they expressed.I would say yes. I would say thatI would say yes. I would say thatI would say yes. I would say that thethethe unfoldingunfoldingunfolding self-expression of a culture again thatself-expression of a culture again thatself-expression of a culture again that came from the 60s and the 70s. So firstcame from the 60s and the 70s. So firstcame from the 60s and the 70s. So first you saw,you saw,you saw, you know, economic and social justice uhyou know, economic and social justice uhyou know, economic and social justice uh specifically for African-Americans, butspecifically for African-Americans, butspecifically for African-Americans, but then at that just bloomed intothen at that just bloomed intothen at that just bloomed into uh boy, there's a lot of us that haveuh boy, there's a lot of us that haveuh boy, there's a lot of us that have been quiet for a long time and I thinkbeen quiet for a long time and I thinkbeen quiet for a long time and I think we need to start speaking and uh so I Iwe need to start speaking and uh so I Iwe need to start speaking and uh so I I can't imagine that that didn't affectcan't imagine that that didn't affectcan't imagine that that didn't affect her in her own way uh as she got olderher in her own way uh as she got olderher in her own way uh as she got older for sure. By being in the the soup offor sure. By being in the the soup offor sure. By being in the the soup of this culture that was starting to say,
Otherthis culture that was starting to say, "Hey, wait a minute, you know, I think I've been quiet long enough and I need to find out who I am and how to express that." Uh it had to have absolutely affected her as she was getting into the the 70s and 80s. I would say I didn't understand it exactly but it wasn't entirely surprising as either because you know, when you're in a home you're feeling it as much as it's being told to you or described to you or it's shown to you and so I think there was a feeling in me that my mom was in fact uh diverting or shunting some aspect of herself for the greater good, which again is much to be which is uh you know, honored certainly, but when she did start to sing, when she did decide to move to San Francisco, when she did these things um uh you know, I could see uh the the if I thought about it, I could feel the
Otherthought about it, I could feel the reasons why. I it it made sense and and in fact, you know, only uh and this is extreme, of course, but uh I remember when I was a kid on our bookshelf I saw Maya Angelou's book I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and only recently have I gone, "Oh, okay, that's interesting." cuz there's a reflection there of my own mother's experience. Well, again in in the feeling realms, I think he probably did on a certain level and knew that my mom had given so much for everybody else in the family that there was a certain feeling that okay, it it is your turn to find yourself in your way and this is part of that process. Um I don't I don't think he liked it necessarily. I mean, he would have preferred that they stayed together. Um but he respected it. You know, he knew that there was there was something she needed to do and that he certainly was
Otherneeded to do and that he certainly was doing what he needed to do uh his entire life and that that she deserved it essentially.Just the idea that uh here are my parents that that on a certain level couldn't look more different. Uh you know, my dad's got this focused uh introspective uh deep directive and my mom's got this extroverted open loving everyone's included uh sense and uh and yet they really were the perfect sides of the same coin because in their hearts in their gut uh they both were deeply uh committed and connected to social justice and economic justice and uh so as a little kid in a house in 1964 you could feel something when they came together with that kind of passion and and feeling around that. And uh so it affected me deeply uh in ways that I'm only now really starting to fully see and understand. But the the feeling I got from her in terms of the necessity
OtherI got from her in terms of the necessity of this uh of this uh of this uh of the work around civil rights and and of the work around civil rights and and of the work around civil rights and and also the friends we had, the people we also the friends we had, the people we also the friends we had, the people we hung out with, the people that we would hung out with, the people that we would hung out with, the people that we would visit and uh the people she would have visit and uh the people she would have visit and uh the people she would have at the dining room table or the at the dining room table or the at the dining room table or the breakfast table really. When I would breakfast table really. When I would breakfast table really. When I would come home from elementary school for come home from elementary school for come home from elementary school for lunch and have my peanut butter and lunch and have my peanut butter and lunch and have my peanut butter and jelly sandwich, she'd be there at the jelly sandwich, she'd be there at the jelly sandwich, she'd be there at the table with somebody that didn't look table with somebody that didn't look table with somebody that didn't look like us, you know, in some way, shape or like us, you know, in some way, shape or like us, you know, in some way, shape or form and it was form and it was form and it was an extraordinary thing again in an extraordinary thing again in an extraordinary thing again in retrospect to watch her retrospect to watch her retrospect to watch her talk with somebody and learn from them talk with somebody and learn from them talk with somebody and learn from them and I really could see this person and I really could see this person and I really could see this person who essentially was showing me that who essentially was showing me that who essentially was showing me that everyone has something to teach. That if everyone has something to teach. That if everyone has something to teach. That if you listen, you ask the right questions you listen, you ask the right questions you listen, you ask the right questions uh and you open your heart, they will uh and you open your heart, they will uh and you open your heart, they will probably open theirs and you'll probably probably open theirs and you'll probably probably open theirs and you'll probably get something that is invaluable in get something that is invaluable in
Otherget something that is invaluable in terms of learning about human nature. And she had that in ways that very few people had. My dad has a story where uh the two of them were invited to a baseball game for some reason and that that's not something they normally would do. And um they're there with their friends uh and they're just in the the stands. They're not in some box or anything. They're in the stands. My dad goes to get a hot dog and by the time he returns uh the woman next to them that's a complete stranger is leaning into my mother saying I've never told anyone this before in my life. And that is the story of my mother. It's a fascinating study because it's true. Both of their fathers in particular uh and parents in general uh were large conservatives from everything I can uh read and tell about their lives and uh you know it's often said that you either rebel or
Questionerit's often said that you either rebel or adapt to your parents' behavior and I adapt to your parents' behavior and I adapt to your parents' behavior and I think that for whatever reason and think that for whatever reason and think that for whatever reason and again, it's beautiful they found each again, it's beautiful they found each again, it's beautiful they found each other because they both um they both other because they both um they both other because they both um they both loved their parents and were deeply loved their parents and were deeply loved their parents and were deeply connected to the fathers in particular connected to the fathers in particular connected to the fathers in particular who were these sort of almost fire and who were these sort of almost fire and who were these sort of almost fire and brimstone types. brimstone types. brimstone types. Um Um Um but they just knew it as a new day and a but they just knew it as a new day and a but they just knew it as a new day and a new time and that this was not how you new time and that this was not how you new time and that this was not how you think about other human beings. So it's think about other human beings. So it's think about other human beings. So it's a it really is a fascinating study a it really is a fascinating study a it really is a fascinating study because not only did they come from because not only did they come from because not only did they come from these strict conservative these strict conservative these strict conservative ideologues ideologues ideologues um um um but they had the power and influence uh but they had the power and influence uh but they had the power and influence uh in later in life to to not only, you in later in life to to not only, you in later in life to to not only, you know, change their views but shape uh know, change their views but shape uh know, change their views but shape uh culture to some extent. And it's culture to some extent. And it's culture to some extent. And it's amazing.
OtherWell, the the Well, the the Well, the the the deep memory I have is a moment at the uh end of Thanksgiving when they the uh end of Thanksgiving when they the uh end of Thanksgiving when they happened to both be at the back door. I happened to both be at the back door. I happened to both be at the back door. I don't know what was happening and it was
Otherdon't know what was happening and it was just the moment of insight into uhuhuh the the the deep pain that was the fundamental nature of their relationship. I I don't know the details of how it got to that point but just for a slice in time uh I saw how deep it went just in the inability uh to connect and to to have a short conversation and I I forget the details but again, it it what I felt was umumum uh uhuh uhuh uh like magnets opposite, you know, like this repelling nature that of what's powerful. Uh and only much later did my mom say, you know, "Did you notice how often dad would take a nap during Thanksgiving?" And and I hadn't noticed it, you know, but I realized that the difficulty of him being in the presence of his mom uhuhuh was was very real. As a kid it it wasn't heavy, you know, there was like that's why that little teeny moment of heaviness sticks out because it was
Otherof heaviness sticks out because it was just sort of the way things were and my my grandmother was never angry at me. I never felt it really. Uh I do remember as a teenager um I used to be this peace-loving little kid and I would say to my mom, you know, "What's the point of getting angry because you get over it eventually and it just hurts everybody, blah blah blah." And uh we're at my grandmother's house and my mom says, "Tell grandma how you feel about anger." Again, only in retrospect did I realize she was trying to make a point through me uh which was kind of funny and yeah, it was just Th- those were my only small experiences with
OtherWhat I saw first and foremost day in and day out was consistency. He was and is incredibly consistent and again in retrospect as a child, what do you want more than anything? You want to feel safe. And consistency is a great way to feel
OtherAnd consistency is a great way to feel safe, especially when it's solid, good, loving consistency. You know, again, he didn't come home mad at the boss and needing a drink and being angry. He loved what he did and he did it every day the exact same way. And so as a kid uh I could count on that and and having a father you can count on uh and and really not laying down a lot of rules. I mean, he let my mom do most of that. He did a little bit of it but what I've learned again is that by giving us the opportunity to make mistakes and to color outside the lines a little bit and but expect us to do well in school and and all these things he didn't you know, by not having a lot of rules, it puts a lot of the rules on you and it's a it's an interesting thing cuz people assume that you have to lay down the law, you know, to get kids to be this or that or
Otherknow, to get kids to be this or that or know, to get kids to be this or that or behave in a certain way. behave in a certain way. behave in a certain way. But the truth is if you give them a lot But the truth is if you give them a lot But the truth is if you give them a lot of rope of rope of rope they don't want to hang themselves, you they don't want to hang themselves, you they don't want to hang themselves, you know, they want to do well. They want to know, they want to do well. They want to know, they want to do well. They want to be, you know, to look good in your eyes be, you know, to look good in your eyes be, you know, to look good in your eyes and to live up to to expectations of of and to live up to to expectations of of and to live up to to expectations of of some form or another. So some form or another. So some form or another. So the kind of laissez-faire attitude that the kind of laissez-faire attitude that the kind of laissez-faire attitude that my dad had was I think a pretty my dad had was I think a pretty my dad had was I think a pretty spectacular parenting tool because it spectacular parenting tool because it spectacular parenting tool because it came with a certain kind of came with a certain kind of came with a certain kind of moral compass that he just exemplified. moral compass that he just exemplified. moral compass that he just exemplified. He didn't have to say anything. I would say an I would say an I would say an uh an even patience. uh an even patience. uh an even patience. Uh willingness to wait and um Uh willingness to wait and um Uh willingness to wait and um not not not not I you know, it's interesting cuz not I you know, it's interesting cuz not I you know, it's interesting cuz emotions are valuable emotions are valuable emotions are valuable uh but to also recognize that at times uh but to also recognize that at times uh but to also recognize that at times they may ride you a little they may ride you a little they may ride you a little harder than they should and and I think harder than they should and and I think harder than they should and and I think I've got that to the the kind of uh I've got that to the the kind of uh I've got that to the the kind of uh even-tempered patience that he has. You even-tempered patience that he has. You even-tempered patience that he has. You know, I always think we're we're born know, I always think we're we're born know, I always think we're we're born with our parents' DNA, of course and
Otherwith our parents' DNA, of course and like the uh strings on a harp, you know, if you're around that, it it you get sympathetic vibrations of those particular aspects of your own DNA, right? So you're picking up uh aspects of your parent that sort of resonate with you.
OtherWell, it's funny cuz it's aspect of the same thing in a way and I I think with her, it's that quality but also uh th-th-th- uh a certain humility that I think they both have actually and and recognizing that that everyone does have something to teach and and listening and learning from others, I think is the quality I have from my mom's.
OtherI I what they would both agree on is that money represents choice. And that's where they saw the value. That's really where my mother saw the value. She really recognized that the money gave us all and her choice in a lot of ways that a lot of people didn't have and
Otherpeople didn't have and people didn't have and and and my dad and and my dad and and my dad definitely saw it as the scorecard. I definitely saw it as the scorecard. I definitely saw it as the scorecard. I mean, it's just literally telling him that he made the right that he made the right that he made the right choice, right decision, right move in choice, right decision, right move in choice, right decision, right move in terms of an investment. But I think again, kind of back to the But I think again, kind of back to the But I think again, kind of back to the choice and the freedom of it. It did set choice and the freedom of it. It did set choice and the freedom of it. It did set my mother free to to do things not for my mother free to to do things not for my mother free to to do things not for her own interests, her own interests, her own interests, but to you know, but to you know, but to you know, the money is essentially just energy and the money is essentially just energy and the money is essentially just energy and if you're holding on to it, it doesn't if you're holding on to it, it doesn't if you're holding on to it, it doesn't do anybody any good and and so my mom do anybody any good and and so my mom do anybody any good and and so my mom like to release it and and help people like to release it and and help people like to release it and and help people in various ways to to have choices in in various ways to to have choices in in various ways to to have choices in their life that she knew she was lucky their life that she knew she was lucky their life that she knew she was lucky to have in hers. It's interesting to have in hers. It's interesting to have in hers. It's interesting because because because while the money in a sense doesn't mean while the money in a sense doesn't mean while the money in a sense doesn't mean anything to my dad. He doesn't have any anything to my dad. He doesn't have any anything to my dad. He doesn't have any utility for it. He's not buying houses utility for it. He's not buying houses utility for it. He's not buying houses and cars and all these things. and cars and all these things. and cars and all these things. But it does mean something to him. So But it does mean something to him. So But it does mean something to him. So it's this very interesting combination it's this very interesting combination
Otherit's this very interesting combination of being both meaningless and veryof being both meaningless and veryof being both meaningless and very meaningful because it is the scorecard.meaningful because it is the scorecard.meaningful because it is the scorecard. SoSoSo in some ways he does want to hang on toin some ways he does want to hang on toin some ways he does want to hang on to it because it keeps showing the Ait because it keeps showing the Ait because it keeps showing the A pluses, you know, all the time and so Ipluses, you know, all the time and so Ipluses, you know, all the time and so I think that's where the rub probably wasthink that's where the rub probably wasthink that's where the rub probably was is that my mom said what's the point ifis that my mom said what's the point ifis that my mom said what's the point if it's being held, you know, it needs toit's being held, you know, it needs toit's being held, you know, it needs to be released and things happen here. Butbe released and things happen here. Butbe released and things happen here. But but at the same time my dad was saying,but at the same time my dad was saying,but at the same time my dad was saying, yeah, but it's it's you know, what ayeah, but it's it's you know, what ayeah, but it's it's you know, what a good boy am I, you know, look what I'vegood boy am I, you know, look what I'vegood boy am I, you know, look what I've done with all of this. Sodone with all of this. Sodone with all of this. So so there's a little bit of friction inso there's a little bit of friction inso there's a little bit of friction in that.The assumption was he would she wouldThe assumption was he would she wouldThe assumption was he would she would outlive himoutlive himoutlive him and thatand thatand that all of the money would go to herall of the money would go to herall of the money would go to her foundation, the Susan T. Buffettfoundation, the Susan T. Buffettfoundation, the Susan T. Buffett FoundationFoundationFoundation and all the work that that foundationand all the work that that foundationand all the work that that foundation does now and would continue to do. Sodoes now and would continue to do. Sodoes now and would continue to do. So that was upended obviously when shethat was upended obviously when shethat was upended obviously when she passed away first, butpassed away first, butpassed away first, but the assumption was that that she would
Otherthe assumption was that that she would essentially inherit it all and that it would all go into the works that the foundation was doing. I think it was a temporary change as he was grappling with it. I mean, this was an unknown world for him. He didn't expect it and as any of us would, you know, with a new experience. Like I'm not sure what to do, how to do it, what I'm feeling, how to express those feelings. So I think it was essentially that. It was a smooth sailing for essentially his entire life and then a big bunch of rocks that he hit and was surprised by it and I think took the time to to heal from whatever he needed to but then pretty much picked up where he left off. Maybe like any of us who look back and and sort of handpick the things that remind us of how we got to where we are. I think that is why there's a certain reverence around the the newspaper work in particular and you connect it to
Otherin particular and you connect it to Berkshire Hathaway because there's a Berkshire Hathaway because there's a Berkshire Hathaway because there's a direct connection. I mean, there's a direct connection. I mean, there's a direct connection. I mean, there's a certain loyalty certain loyalty certain loyalty and consistency and morality to how we and consistency and morality to how we and consistency and morality to how we did it and the did it and the did it and the amount of work he could take on and the amount of work he could take on and the amount of work he could take on and then he could take on more and it it didn't he could take on more and it it didn't he could take on more and it it didn't bring him down. It made him even more bring him down. It made him even more bring him down. It made him even more determined to be the best and and to understand the numbers of it, you determined to be the best and and to understand the numbers of it, you determined to be the best and and to understand the numbers of it, you know, all the little pieces of the know, all the little pieces of the know, all the little pieces of the delivery work in particular, the paper delivery work in particular, the paper delivery work in particular, the paper delivery um delivery um delivery um really shine in terms of his later really shine in terms of his later really shine in terms of his later character and and so that that for him character and and so that that for him character and and so that that for him is a great example of is a great example of who he became, I think. You know, my dad who he became, I think. You know, my dad who he became, I think. You know, my dad doesn't really talk about his childhood doesn't really talk about his childhood doesn't really talk about his childhood too much. His sister does some, so we too much. His sister does some, so we too much. His sister does some, so we get some insight there for sure. But get some insight there for sure. But get some insight there for sure. But even not talking about it says even not talking about it says even not talking about it says something. um something. um something. um But But But you know, my mom says that early on when you know, my mom says that early on when you know, my mom says that early on when they would go to a social function, my they would go to a social function, my they would go to a social function, my dad could barely talk. I mean, he just
Otherdad could barely talk. I mean, he just wasn't either self-assured or comfortable in social surroundings or whatever it might have been, but but she really helped him in a sense grow up and out of a lot of the baggage, the traumatic experiences he had as a child. And you know, she may well have been the first woman he trusted you know, and it probably took years to establish that trust and the bond and the love that they had. I think which is why it held up even under the complexities of their later marriage because there was something forged in those probably first few years, five years uh that that my dad had never felt with another female. That of course speaks to my mom almost martyr status. I mean, saintly for sure, but it might go even a little further where she would give up herself for someone else's comfort or happiness or security and
Othersecurity andsecurity and and he was in fact that first personand he was in fact that first personand he was in fact that first person where where she said, I'm going to putwhere where she said, I'm going to putwhere where she said, I'm going to put myself aside and love this personmyself aside and love this personmyself aside and love this person because they are so damaged in a way.That's sort of what happens when you doThat's sort of what happens when you doThat's sort of what happens when you do get taken care of and you are someone'sget taken care of and you are someone'sget taken care of and you are someone's first patient. You you tend to not knowfirst patient. You you tend to not knowfirst patient. You you tend to not know how dinner is cooked andhow dinner is cooked andhow dinner is cooked and you know, where the grocery store is andyou know, where the grocery store is andyou know, where the grocery store is and and you know, he was protected. I mean,and you know, he was protected. I mean,and you know, he was protected. I mean, and I thinkand I thinkand I think personally, I wouldn't want that life. Ipersonally, I wouldn't want that life. Ipersonally, I wouldn't want that life. I would want to feel connected to realwould want to feel connected to realwould want to feel connected to real things, but he's not like the rest ofthings, but he's not like the rest ofthings, but he's not like the rest of us. You know, again, I I do liken it tous. You know, again, I I do liken it tous. You know, again, I I do liken it to aaa musical artist or even a sports star,musical artist or even a sports star,musical artist or even a sports star, you know, who's so good at something andyou know, who's so good at something andyou know, who's so good at something and so uniquely qualified for something thatso uniquely qualified for something thatso uniquely qualified for something that the rest of the world, you know, there'sthe rest of the world, you know, there'sthe rest of the world, you know, there's managers and agents and all these thingsmanagers and agents and all these thingsmanagers and agents and all these things for a reason. You know, the rest of thefor a reason. You know, the rest of thefor a reason. You know, the rest of the world sort of takes care of them and toworld sort of takes care of them and toworld sort of takes care of them and to some extent coddles them
Othersome extent coddles themsome extent coddles them and it to some extent it's warrantedand it to some extent it's warrantedand it to some extent it's warranted because there are special people thatbecause there are special people thatbecause there are special people that come into this world that don't havecome into this world that don't havecome into this world that don't have everything together, but they have aeverything together, but they have aeverything together, but they have a certain gift that allows them a littlecertain gift that allows them a littlecertain gift that allows them a little bit of a pass in some ways and and mybit of a pass in some ways and and mybit of a pass in some ways and and my dad's gotten a little bit of a pass anddad's gotten a little bit of a pass anddad's gotten a little bit of a pass and I think that's that's fair, but at theI think that's that's fair, but at theI think that's that's fair, but at the same timesame timesame time the people around him sometimesthe people around him sometimesthe people around him sometimes I don't think my dad ever took anybodyI don't think my dad ever took anybodyI don't think my dad ever took anybody for granted at all, but but you are afor granted at all, but but you are afor granted at all, but but you are a little bit blind, I think sometimes tolittle bit blind, I think sometimes tolittle bit blind, I think sometimes to what other people might be doing behindwhat other people might be doing behindwhat other people might be doing behind the scenesthe scenesthe scenes because you're able to focus.I think his comfort zone is theI think his comfort zone is theI think his comfort zone is the determining factor for his businessdetermining factor for his businessdetermining factor for his business decisions in terms of ofdecisions in terms of ofdecisions in terms of of you know, that's why he goes for brandsyou know, that's why he goes for brandsyou know, that's why he goes for brands like he does and and goes for thingslike he does and and goes for thingslike he does and and goes for things with the big moat around. You know, Iwith the big moat around. You know, Iwith the big moat around. You know, I mean, think about it. He's built a bigmean, think about it. He's built a bigmean, think about it. He's built a big moat around himself and both in anmoat around himself and both in anmoat around himself and both in an emotional way, in an economic way. He
Questioneremotional way, in an economic way. He can do it just the way he wants and so he understands what having a moat means. And so when he finds a business like Coke that has a big competitive advantage, he gets it on a certain kind of visceral level, I think and that's what attracts him to it. It's it's phenomenal and I think that is so much a key to his success is he hasn't he hasn't done things for anybody else. You know, he's done it so it works for him and and what's worked for him has of course worked for a whole lot of other people. You know, the shareholders are thrilled that he's built this this business around his own deep level of comfort and that's to be applauded because most people are doing things to say, look at me, look at what I've accomplished, look at you know, all these things that I'm taking on and all the rest of it. And if anything
Otherall the rest of it. And if anything again, it's it's a little bit like my own approach in music. I have friends who would work hard at learning more and getting more complex and technically harmonic and being able to fly around. If I could hit one note on the piano and I could speak everything that's what I would do. You know, so it's it's going for that resonance that that works for you and also can can work in the world.
OtherWell, he you know, the way I remember it is that I got a call from my sister and said, are you near a fax machine? Which tells you something about the era. It wasn't that long ago, but and out came a letter that was the beginnings of and it got tweaked a little bit here and there of the idea that we were going to get a significant amount of money to run a foundation and then the Gates Foundation and the Susan T. Buffett Foundation Um,
Otherand the Susan T. Buffett Foundation Um, it no conversation. I mean, it wasit no conversation. I mean, it wasit no conversation. I mean, it was actuallyactuallyactually hints of it. I mean, I remember my dadhints of it. I mean, I remember my dadhints of it. I mean, I remember my dad maybe at Christmas or something saying,maybe at Christmas or something saying,maybe at Christmas or something saying, "I think I'm going to do something kind"I think I'm going to do something kind"I think I'm going to do something kind of big and you know, it'sof big and you know, it'sof big and you know, it's going to be a few people upset and yougoing to be a few people upset and yougoing to be a few people upset and you know, so he would sort of hint aroundknow, so he would sort of hint aroundknow, so he would sort of hint around the edges, but we didn't know what itthe edges, but we didn't know what itthe edges, but we didn't know what it was going to bewas going to bewas going to be until it was written.until it was written.until it was written. Which in retrospect, I mean, my dadWhich in retrospect, I mean, my dadWhich in retrospect, I mean, my dad prefers things written down. So, he didprefers things written down. So, he didprefers things written down. So, he did it in the way he would have preferredit in the way he would have preferredit in the way he would have preferred it. And and in fact, it is helpful to toit. And and in fact, it is helpful to toit. And and in fact, it is helpful to to see, "Okay, this is the plan."see, "Okay, this is the plan."see, "Okay, this is the plan." But also very strange to not have aBut also very strange to not have aBut also very strange to not have a conversation about it. Andconversation about it. Andconversation about it. And so, that's that's really how it unfoldedso, that's that's really how it unfoldedso, that's that's really how it unfolded and that was we got that letterand that was we got that letterand that was we got that letter probably about 3 months before theprobably about 3 months before theprobably about 3 months before the actual announcement. And again, thereactual announcement. And again, thereactual announcement. And again, there were some tweaks to how it happened andwere some tweaks to how it happened andwere some tweaks to how it happened and various things, but basicallyvarious things, but basicallyvarious things, but basically we found out that way.
OtherHe was in Southern California and I was doing the show at the Paley Center there. And so, I said, "Hey, come on up." And and I honestly don't know whether it was his idea or my idea to play ukulele with me. Probably mine, but he could have offered. I mean, that's the kind of person he is with that kind of stuff. He loves to to ham it up a little bit and to be part of the fun essentially. And so, we worked that out, you know, in rehearsal a little bit and off we went, but it was very fun to to have that as a moment, right? Because they don't come often and yet it shows his willingness to get up there and say, "Let's do something together."
OtherWell, it's interesting because I didn't think about it at the time other than it was just nice that everybody came to our house. And for whatever reason that was true, you know, so we would have our own
Otheryou know, so we would have our own Christmas classic, you know, run down before everybody's up and then try and wake everybody up and be frustrated cuz your older brother and sister don't get up as early as you do. Wait around. And then slowly the cousins would come over and grandparents and all of that and we would have a big Christmas dinner at our place. And so, again, it was right out of a Rockwell painting or something and and it felt great. And to have the cousins there and again, that to grow up in not only a community of people who knew me in the neighborhood or at school, but to have my grandparents two blocks away, to have my cousins close by, it it was a it was like the old days when families probably all lived within blocks or a few miles of each other. And that's what Christmas was. Being the youngest, it was mostly just this kind of fantasmagorical
Questionerthis kind of fantasmagorical moment. It's like, "Wow, what?" But yeah, that and and you know, things like that didn't happen often I think in Omaha in general and and certainly at our house other than things like Christmas and things where we all gathered. But to have kind of a wild '60s party was a lot of fun. I mean, and especially because we had the minister of the church we went to and you maybe have a photograph of this you know, painting one of these girls in a bikini. It's just right out of I mean, it'd be horrible to think of doing that now, but then everybody was having a good time and it was yeah, it was a lot of fun. And of course, having a couple of friends over to spend the night that night was, you know, we felt pretty special.
QuestionerI think he is deeply competitive, but it's very well concealed. At least sometimes. Maybe it isn't. Maybe his success shows exactly that.
WarrenMaybe his success shows exactly that. But I think he has a very deep competitive quality to him. While I think he's he is deeply competitive, if I was a kid and he was playing some game with me, he would let me win. I mean, you know, so there's that side of it, too, for sure.
WarrenMy understanding is that when my mother left Omaha and went to San Francisco, my dad had a few friends including my mother's sister Dorothy. They would go to the movies together, that sort of thing. And a few other people that that he would spend some time with just to be social. And at some point early on, I don't know whether my dad was ill or just kind of lost a little bit in terms of how he was going to take care of himself, but my mom knew Astrid as we all did from the French Cafe in Omaha and suggested to her that she might go over there with some chicken soup or whatever it might be to to to help take
Otherwhatever it might be to to to help take care of him a little bit. And that's how they met. I know they talked constantly. And so, they they still had a certain kind of connection. And I'm not sure my mom ever felt that she could get into a certain place with my dad. I don't think my dad and that gets back to whatever trauma, whatever complexities he had in his own childhood. I think he decided to build a moat probably when he was about four or five, you know, and and I I would bet that that was built up enough to where my mom, what she did do is chip away at the the roughest part of that so that he could be in the world and of the world to some extent. But I don't think she ever could say that while she touched him in ways nobody else did, there's no question about that, that he would ever reciprocate in certain ways and come out of his own protective shell.
Otherof his own protective shell.of his own protective shell. Part of it is the time, you know, wherePart of it is the time, you know, wherePart of it is the time, you know, where there's always the woman behind the man,there's always the woman behind the man,there's always the woman behind the man, right? And which is umright? And which is umright? And which is um the way the '50s and '60s unfolded for athe way the '50s and '60s unfolded for athe way the '50s and '60s unfolded for a lot of people. And and I think they bothlot of people. And and I think they bothlot of people. And and I think they both took that role very seriously. And mytook that role very seriously. And mytook that role very seriously. And my mom reallymom reallymom really did in ways we'll never understand indid in ways we'll never understand indid in ways we'll never understand in terms of the very early years,terms of the very early years,terms of the very early years, umumum in a in a sense socialized my dad andin a in a sense socialized my dad andin a in a sense socialized my dad and and really give him the safety. Andand really give him the safety. Andand really give him the safety. And again, I think a lot of this is aroundagain, I think a lot of this is aroundagain, I think a lot of this is around his ownhis ownhis own complexities with his mother andcomplexities with his mother andcomplexities with his mother and probably with women because of it andprobably with women because of it andprobably with women because of it and that my momthat my momthat my mom shifted that feeling in him and gave himshifted that feeling in him and gave himshifted that feeling in him and gave him that safety and that nurturing that wethat safety and that nurturing that wethat safety and that nurturing that we all need and my mom provided. Umall need and my mom provided. Umall need and my mom provided. Um And that gave him the foundation, youAnd that gave him the foundation, youAnd that gave him the foundation, you know, that the basis to say,know, that the basis to say,know, that the basis to say, "Oh, okay. I'm I'm okay. I can do this."Oh, okay. I'm I'm okay. I can do this."Oh, okay. I'm I'm okay. I can do this. I'mI'mI'm getting confidence. I have someonegetting confidence. I have someonegetting confidence. I have someone behind me that believes in me."behind me that believes in me."behind me that believes in me." You know, who knows what kind of pep
OtherYou know, who knows what kind of pep talks were going on in those early years, but I'm sure there were a lot of them. And it did make him the person he is today, for sure. If I had to tell you right now, I would say she had that surgery for others because my dad needed her, other people loved her. And I you know, these are all real love and concern, but my mom would always and I think even in this case say, "Okay, I'll go through this." Cuz she knew it was going to be really difficult. She knew the recovery was going to be brutal. She knew that it would eventually come back, that this was not something that was going to be gone forever. So, unfortunately, I believe that a lot of her actions even in those stages were done for other people. It killed her essentially. I mean, it really did because she probably it started doing things too soon. I'm
Otherit started doing things too soon. I'm sure of it, you know, and she she would constantly be doing things because she felt other people needed her. He went dark essentially quiet and and inward for a certain amount of time. I forget exactly. Again, my sister being in Omaha would have a much better reference. Um but it was from the end of July, beginning of August um of 2004 until sometime later in the fall, winter, you know, it it's 6 months maybe. I'm not sure how long. Um what he did in that time, I can't tell you in terms of real coping mechanisms or the skills he may have had. He had some people around him a lot in the beginning. Um but he's a solitary guy and he had lived essentially a solitary life in a lot of ways. So, there wasn't the infrastructure there I think in a deep way to carry him through. So, he did what he does, which is he did it himself to some extent. And
Otheris he did it himself to some extent. And again, not that friends weren't there rallying around to do what they could, but I think it came down to him figuring out how he was going to get through this tunnel and get out the other side. It didn't surprise me too much because he can compartmentalize and he has protected himself. So, I think that that um however he does that for his needs, he did it and what else is he going to do? I mean, he is uh he's done this his whole life in terms of his work and and and the way he's done his work. Uh and the best thing he could do for himself is to get back and start doing it again. So, I I thought it was great and I was impressed actually that he was able uh to get through it and and get back into to who he was. I think for both of them uh it's uh you know, the deeply perfect because she doesn't want anything other than a
Otherdoesn't want anything other than a companion thatcompanion thatcompanion that uh allows her to feel safe and and thatuh allows her to feel safe and and thatuh allows her to feel safe and and that just that, you know, just just safe andjust that, you know, just just safe andjust that, you know, just just safe and connected and and my dadconnected and and my dadconnected and and my dad that's all he wants too. You know, Ithat's all he wants too. You know, Ithat's all he wants too. You know, I mean, they they really they found eachmean, they they really they found eachmean, they they really they found each other and uhother and uhother and uh it's beenit's beenit's been wonderful that they did get marriedwonderful that they did get marriedwonderful that they did get married after my mom passed. You know, I thinkafter my mom passed. You know, I thinkafter my mom passed. You know, I think that was a the complex time in terms ofthat was a the complex time in terms ofthat was a the complex time in terms of umumum Astrid giving so much and and sort ofAstrid giving so much and and sort ofAstrid giving so much and and sort of beingbeingbeing uh in waiting a little bit there. And uhuh in waiting a little bit there. And uhuh in waiting a little bit there. And uh so, I'm glad that that got consummatedso, I'm glad that that got consummatedso, I'm glad that that got consummated in that way and um yeah, they're they'rein that way and um yeah, they're they'rein that way and um yeah, they're they're a very unique match for sure in a gooda very unique match for sure in a gooda very unique match for sure in a good way.Yeah, I'm the one child that probablyYeah, I'm the one child that probablyYeah, I'm the one child that probably wasn't crazy about going to Lagunawasn't crazy about going to Lagunawasn't crazy about going to Laguna Beach. I might be wrong in that, but IBeach. I might be wrong in that, but IBeach. I might be wrong in that, but I uh you know, when we were young. I mean,uh you know, when we were young. I mean,uh you know, when we were young. I mean, it was this was 1963. I think the firstit was this was 1963. I think the firstit was this was 1963. I think the first time we went. So, I can't then I did. Itime we went. So, I can't then I did. Itime we went. So, I can't then I did. I mean, it was summer and we got to gomean, it was summer and we got to gomean, it was summer and we got to go someplace exotic compared to Omaha.
Othersomeplace exotic compared to Omaha. Uh and we rented a house for years, you know, consistently. Uh and and it was fun and I'd be able to bring friends out for a couple weeks or that kind of thing. Um but as actually right around the time we actually bought the house which I I forget 1971 or something like that. Um I was 13 and you know, no 13-year-old knows anything about who they are, where they want to be, or what they want to do. And I was no exception. And so, Laguna then felt like it wasn't me. I didn't really want to be there. Um it it it it didn't hold the same kind of memories I think it holds for most people in the family, frankly. Uh it's not that it was negative. It just it just wasn't it didn't do it for me. Music was such a big part of really all of our lives in some ways in terms of um I was the most musically inclined in some ways. I mean, I would just go to
Othersome ways. I mean, I would just go to the piano and play and make things up and hear songs in my head and just naturally took to it. But my sister loved music. She was a child of the '60s, right? So, she would bring home all sorts of stuff that I would soak up before I would otherwise be you know, exposed to it. But my mom did too. So, my sister would bring home the rock and my mom would bring home the soul. So, she brought home Aretha Franklin or she brought home uh you know, Sly and the Family Stone or something. So, she really uh pushed music out into our home in a big way. And uh so, it made sense when I would leave that she would find that as a certain solace and a place to go. And then when I would come home from college, I'd bring her records that I'd heard in college and we'd trade, you know, things we'd heard. So, it was a
Otherknow, things we'd heard. So, it was a big part of our uhbig part of our uhbig part of our uh communication. The the piece that thatcommunication. The the piece that thatcommunication. The the piece that that struck me immediately when we werestruck me immediately when we werestruck me immediately when we were talking about my compositions and andtalking about my compositions and andtalking about my compositions and and this documentary was the song New Westthis documentary was the song New Westthis documentary was the song New West that I wrote. I still remember sittingthat I wrote. I still remember sittingthat I wrote. I still remember sitting at the keyboard uhat the keyboard uhat the keyboard uh in probably the mid-'80sin probably the mid-'80sin probably the mid-'80s and feeling bothand feeling bothand feeling both uhuhuh a sense it's it's hard to put into wordsa sense it's it's hard to put into wordsa sense it's it's hard to put into words exactly. That's that's why it's music.exactly. That's that's why it's music.exactly. That's that's why it's music. UmUmUm but it's abut it's abut it's a it's a little bit of a longing and a ait's a little bit of a longing and a ait's a little bit of a longing and a a feeling of of loss in a way, but also umfeeling of of loss in a way, but also umfeeling of of loss in a way, but also um possibility and I mean, it hold thatpossibility and I mean, it hold thatpossibility and I mean, it hold that that particular song holds a lot ofthat particular song holds a lot ofthat particular song holds a lot of feelings inside of it uh because I thinkfeelings inside of it uh because I thinkfeelings inside of it uh because I think part of me as a kidpart of me as a kidpart of me as a kid uh felt a little bit in my own world. Iuh felt a little bit in my own world. Iuh felt a little bit in my own world. I was uh enough younger than my siblingswas uh enough younger than my siblingswas uh enough younger than my siblings uh to not quite have the same thingsuh to not quite have the same thingsuh to not quite have the same things going on in my life at the time. I thinkgoing on in my life at the time. I thinkgoing on in my life at the time. I think I felt my mom's longing in a certainI felt my mom's longing in a certainI felt my mom's longing in a certain kind of way that she had chosen a pathkind of way that she had chosen a pathkind of way that she had chosen a path in her life that that meant that she was
Otherin her life that that meant that she was going to shut down aspects of herself and I think that's in the song and I think I felt it as a kid. Uh but at the same time, there was love and nurturing and connection. And there were a lot of, you know, many wonderful things about uh being inside that container when I was growing up. And so, it's a combination of of uh feelings that really I don't have words for it, which is why I wrote the song. Searching for a place called home, which is another one that was uh played at her service. And by the title, it tells you a lot. I mean, it really is saying what is home, where is home, what does it mean to me, uh and how do I find it? And uh that song also has a certain quality of both um I mean, it's in a major and a minor key, right? In in different parts of the song. So, it has a certain uh
Otherof the song. So, it has a certain uh almost triumphant and andalmost triumphant and andalmost triumphant and and uh loving quality to it, but also a auh loving quality to it, but also a auh loving quality to it, but also a a longing and and who am I and where do Ilonging and and who am I and where do Ilonging and and who am I and where do I fit in quality to it.It was in the mid-'70s again when I wasIt was in the mid-'70s again when I wasIt was in the mid-'70s again when I was uh in my teens and so, I was focused onuh in my teens and so, I was focused onuh in my teens and so, I was focused on me a lot. So, I didn't know a lot aboutme a lot. So, I didn't know a lot aboutme a lot. So, I didn't know a lot about it. But it was clearit. But it was clearit. But it was clear thatthatthat uh working with Kay gave him a differentuh working with Kay gave him a differentuh working with Kay gave him a different kind of confidence again. I think upkind of confidence again. I think upkind of confidence again. I think up until then he was this nerdy kid inuntil then he was this nerdy kid inuntil then he was this nerdy kid in Omaha that was just had his head downOmaha that was just had his head downOmaha that was just had his head down and was doing his thing.and was doing his thing.and was doing his thing. And when he started have theAnd when he started have theAnd when he started have the relationship with Kay, my guess is thatrelationship with Kay, my guess is thatrelationship with Kay, my guess is that Kay reallyKay reallyKay really uhuhuh brought him into her world as sort of abrought him into her world as sort of abrought him into her world as sort of a trophy in a sense. And I don't mean thistrophy in a sense. And I don't mean thistrophy in a sense. And I don't mean this in a negative way, but like, look atin a negative way, but like, look atin a negative way, but like, look at this kid that I found in Omaha that'sthis kid that I found in Omaha that'sthis kid that I found in Omaha that's that's doing these amazing things thatthat's doing these amazing things thatthat's doing these amazing things that nobody's heard of and he's helping menobody's heard of and he's helping menobody's heard of and he's helping me tremendously and uh he's worth payingtremendously and uh he's worth payingtremendously and uh he's worth paying attention to. And so, my dad got thisattention to. And so, my dad got this
Questionerattention to. And so, my dad got this boost from uh being with her uh both personally and professionally, I think, or socially, whatever it might be. Um that he had never gotten before uh in that way and at that scale. Uh and what a time again with um with the Washington Post was becoming and what he was becoming and what Washington political society and New York society was uh you know, it was booming, I'm sure. Uh and he was the star and I think that was a tremendous gift to him.
QuestionerMy father's diet, the famous diet. Well, I I can tell you that I have been in the kitchen more than one time in the morning and seen him come down and open the freezer and eat ice cream for breakfast. So, that's that's a fact. Um and everything else is too. I mean, he has the diet of a 5-year-old, you know, he will uh eat what essentially whatever he wants. I mean, he he has perfected that thing that we were
Questionerhas perfected that thing that we were talking about before in in terms of being in his comfort zone and it working for him. And his diet is the best mind over matter um example that I could think of probably ever anywhere. I see him still being uh speaking of diet, you know, really energized and fed by the work he does and um quite frankly, the the adulation that that he gets and deserves, you know, I mean, I think he's now um and I don't mean that in a superficial way. I mean, you know, when kids come uh from a business school uh to speak with him and hear him talk, uh that that feeds him and and rightfully so. And so, I think those kinds of things actually keep him uh as young as I think he's ever been. I think that that is something uh it's funny because on my mother's side, her father was a preacher and a teacher and a coach and all these things. And I think uh he also had that on his side in
Warrenthink uh he also had that on his side in different ways. Uh and uh so, you know, we've watched him kind of grow into that, but something I think he's always loved to do. I mean, which is very different than the solitary nature of of a lot of the mid part of his life. But early on, he was teaching some uh and I think he really does enjoy that.
WarrenWell, she was cremated and so, her ashes are in various places. My sister overseas essentially have the bulk of them. And one thing you have to ask my sister if she's okay with me saying this before you actually put it in, but I think she did an extraordinary job when she spread a little bit of my mother's ashes in the Bergdorf shoe department. I think that was one of the most beautiful acts ever. But no, we all have a little bit of her that we carry with us, but yeah, that's where she is. Her parents are buried at
Warrenwhere she is. Her parents are buried at Forest Lawn in Omaha, Nebraska as is my grandmother on my well, my grandparents on my dad's side. And in fact I think everyone in the Buffett family at least immediately is there. And I'm embarrassed to say I don't know if she has a gravestone because that's that was never where the service was. I mean, you know, it's it's fun to go back to the house and realize that's the house you grew up in, right? So we only know one house. Now my sister and brother know a little bit more, but I was born about a month after God bless my mother. I don't know how she did it. After we moved into 5505 Farnam. So that's the only house I've known. So when I see images in the backyard, you know, we've added on a little here and there, but but it was an incredible life. I mean to have this home that was solidly yours
Otherhave this home that was solidly yours from the minute you came home from thefrom the minute you came home from thefrom the minute you came home from the hospitalhospitalhospital and have a big old backyard that youand have a big old backyard that youand have a big old backyard that you could run around in with friends and andcould run around in with friends and andcould run around in with friends and and have a neighborhood where everybodyhave a neighborhood where everybodyhave a neighborhood where everybody essentially knew each other.essentially knew each other.essentially knew each other. And you know, my siblings and I myAnd you know, my siblings and I myAnd you know, my siblings and I my sister and brother are in a way muchsister and brother are in a way muchsister and brother are in a way much closer because they grew up together incloser because they grew up together incloser because they grew up together in a lot of ways. I think 18 months aparta lot of ways. I think 18 months aparta lot of ways. I think 18 months apart or something. Andor something. Andor something. And and I was the the younger kid thatand I was the the younger kid thatand I was the the younger kid that my sister protected in a lot of ways,my sister protected in a lot of ways,my sister protected in a lot of ways, which was wonderful.I was always included in a way, but II was always included in a way, but II was always included in a way, but I also there's a little bit of aalso there's a little bit of aalso there's a little bit of a like I said before kind of a lonerlike I said before kind of a lonerlike I said before kind of a loner quality toquality toquality to tototo a lot of what I did. Buta lot of what I did. Buta lot of what I did. But but I enjoyed that. I mean that's whatbut I enjoyed that. I mean that's whatbut I enjoyed that. I mean that's what that was my nature in in a lot of ways.that was my nature in in a lot of ways.that was my nature in in a lot of ways. Butyeah, I'm trying to think ofyeah, I'm trying to think ofyeah, I'm trying to think of I can imagine the images that you'reI can imagine the images that you'reI can imagine the images that you're showing and it was basically probablyshowing and it was basically probablyshowing and it was basically probably just us all running around and having ajust us all running around and having ajust us all running around and having a good time. And
Othergood time. And and a lot of family. Again, cousins and aunts and uncles and grandparents. The fact that our house was the gathering place, which again my mom made sure that was the case was amazing. You know, it's like having a campfire where everybody comes around. And so to have those memories so solidly locked into a place I could still go to and visit is is pretty special. Surprisingly no, which is maybe the dumbest thing I've ever done in my entire life. But we were very fortunate. And you may know this history, but when his father died, he left all the grandchildren a farm. And my dad sold that farm and we all got Berkshire Hathaway stock. So in a sense he was doing the best thing he could have done for us financially before we even knew what finances were. And when I decided to leave school and pursue a music career, I did seek his
Otherpursue a music career, I did seek his advice in terms of likeadvice in terms of likeadvice in terms of like this is what I've got. What should I do?this is what I've got. What should I do?this is what I've got. What should I do? How should I spend it? What should I beHow should I spend it? What should I beHow should I spend it? What should I be careful of? You know, just the basicscareful of? You know, just the basicscareful of? You know, just the basics essentially becauseessentially becauseessentially because he was encouraging me to spend it to anhe was encouraging me to spend it to anhe was encouraging me to spend it to an extent, but of course not be foolishextent, but of course not be foolishextent, but of course not be foolish with it. And and so he gave mewith it. And and so he gave mewith it. And and so he gave me advice around which stuff to spend, whatadvice around which stuff to spend, whatadvice around which stuff to spend, what to keep, what to think about in terms ofto keep, what to think about in terms ofto keep, what to think about in terms of expenses, that kind of thing. And andexpenses, that kind of thing. And andexpenses, that kind of thing. And and that was probably about the only time Ithat was probably about the only time Ithat was probably about the only time I went to him. And it was partly to askwent to him. And it was partly to askwent to him. And it was partly to ask permissionpermissionpermission in a way or at least let him know thisin a way or at least let him know thisin a way or at least let him know this is what I was going to do and is I hopeis what I was going to do and is I hopeis what I was going to do and is I hope that's okay. And then partly again tothat's okay. And then partly again tothat's okay. And then partly again to ask the advice financially of kind ofask the advice financially of kind ofask the advice financially of kind of what should I do here. And I sort ofwhat should I do here. And I sort ofwhat should I do here. And I sort of followed it.
WarrenYeah, it's there was an article in theYeah, it's there was an article in theYeah, it's there was an article in the Omaha World-HeraldOmaha World-HeraldOmaha World-Herald in I think the late 60s. And I'm prettyin I think the late 60s. And I'm prettyin I think the late 60s. And I'm pretty sure it was on the front page and it wassure it was on the front page and it wassure it was on the front page and it was on the left-hand column
Questioneron the left-hand column that you could probably find that for the first time named the number of how much money he had. And that was a blip and I thought, okay, this is unique. But the the numbers didn't really mean anything. I was too young. And so truly the first time when I thought, okay, this is different and we're going to be treated differently because of it was the first time he was on and it may have been the first Forbes 400 list. And he was if not the richest, he was right up there and one of the richest people in the world. probably that day kind of laughing nervously like, wow, now people are going to think we're different than we are. And isn't that strange how we know us, we know how I grew up and all the rest of it. But now suddenly there's going to be all this projection and assumption and all those things. So and I was in my mid-20s probably, you
Otherand I was in my mid-20s probably, you know, or certainly early 20s, but probably mid-20s by then. So it really took that long to get a sense that something's a little different here.
OtherThat's a good question. I think it probably did, although she was very good at keeping a pretty low profile the best I think she could have been. I think she could have been.
OtherAnd she worked at that. You know, she didn't want to be Mrs. Warren Buffett if she could help it. And so I think she did pretty well at that.
OtherMe being in the music business, everybody thought I was related to Jimmy Buffett. So so it wasn't an issue for me until Jennifer and I moved to New York in 2005.
OtherAnd then it hit me like a ton of bricks. I mean think about that. I'm you know, much older by then. And that's the first time when I thought, wow, this is different and not comfortable and I don't like it. And it's of course because New York,
QuestionerAnd it's of course because New York, that's what they think about is is money and investing and financial things.
QuestionerWell, I think part of it might be to keep his brain sharp. I think a lot of it for him is a mental exercise that he loves to do. I mean it's both something he's done since childhood and he enjoys, but he also recognizes I think that it will keep him on point a little bit. That would be my guess. He's never said that, but I think that's probably true.
QuestionerAnd he you know, if he's going to pick a distraction, that's going to be it. Cuz he isn't really interested in distraction that much. But something that he knows and loves and can play, that's the thing for him. I think I think it's I mean it's interesting how he's taken to it. And then that's the only thing online he's probably interested in.
QuestionerWell, I you know, I'm doing the show. The show was born out of literally people saying, wow, you're Warren Buffett's son, you're
Questionerwow, you're Warren Buffett's son, you're so normal. And you know, and that struck me because of all the things we're talking about. Here I grew up in this loving place, wonderful neighborhood, all this stuff that is the soup of normalcy. And so to have these rather later in life projections and assumptions put on me because I am my father's son. And then to go out and sort of bust the the assumptions by saying, well, actually, you know, this is what it was like is a lot of fun for me because I do I like to kind of remind people that the real privilege is growing up in a home where you've got two parents that support you and love you. And you've got grandparents two blocks away. And you've got cousins and all these things. And so a lot of the early part of the show is about that. It's about setting the stage with both my parents, you know, front
Otherwith both my parents, you know, front and center and center and center with with what it means when you with with what it means when you with with what it means when you raise a child who feels safe and seen, raise a child who feels safe and seen, raise a child who feels safe and seen, you know, and and and how critical that you know, and and and how critical that you know, and and and how critical that is and how rare sadly that is for so is and how rare sadly that is for so is and how rare sadly that is for so many many many so many people in so many families. so many people in so many families. so many people in so many families. You know, we did the show at the Paley You know, we did the show at the Paley You know, we did the show at the Paley Center, but then the show developed Center, but then the show developed Center, but then the show developed quite a bit. And I performed in Lincoln, quite a bit. And I performed in Lincoln, quite a bit. And I performed in Lincoln, Nebraska. And he piled a whole bunch of Nebraska. And he piled a whole bunch of Nebraska. And he piled a whole bunch of people from the office into a van and people from the office into a van and people from the office into a van and came down to see the show. came down to see the show. came down to see the show. And and he did the same thing with my And and he did the same thing with my And and he did the same thing with my spirit show when it was on the mall in spirit show when it was on the mall in spirit show when it was on the mall in Washington. I mean he literally traffic Washington. I mean he literally traffic Washington. I mean he literally traffic was bad. He got out of the car and ran was bad. He got out of the car and ran was bad. He got out of the car and ran to make it to the event. to make it to the event. to make it to the event. He He He is a champion of each of us when when we is a champion of each of us when when we is a champion of each of us when when we need one. You know, I mean it's it's need one. You know, I mean it's it's need one. You know, I mean it's it's pretty extraordinary. And I felt that as pretty extraordinary. And I felt that as pretty extraordinary. And I felt that as a kid. I remember a kid. I remember a kid. I remember when I was buying my Volkswagen Rabbit when I was buying my Volkswagen Rabbit when I was buying my Volkswagen Rabbit and the dealer was being sort of jerky
Otherand the dealer was being sort of jerky about something. My dad just went hot. I mean I've never seen him get so angry. Honestly. And I thought, this is pretty cool. You know, my dad is coming to my defense. and I always feel that he would, and uh that he would come to cheer me on. You know, and my wife Jennifer would say she was sitting next to him at the spirit show, and he wouldn't really get it, but he'd look around and see everybody else getting it and cheering, so he'd cheer, too. And that's pretty great. I mean, uh you know, as as focused and and seemingly disconnected as he can be, uh he does know that that he's a dad and and can show up as one.