#25 - Scott Harrison: transformation, finding meaning, and taking on the global water crisis

Scott Harrison's personal story and transformation are incredibly inspiring. Despite having different religious beliefs, Peter Attia is moved by Scott's conviction and sense of purpose in life. Scott has dedicated his life to helping others through his charity, Charity Water, and has built an efficient and transparent financial model. His book, "Thirst," covers some of the topics discussed in this conversation and he donated his sizable advance to the charity. Scott is known for his captivating speaking skills and magnetic personality. Peter Attia encourages listeners to give this episode a chance, as they will likely come away feeling inspired and gaining a glimpse of happiness from Scott's journey.

Giving meaningful gifts can create special connections and make birthdays more memorable. Peter Attia's wife surprised him with a watch that he had discussed with Scott Harrison during their car ride to the airport. Later, Peter decided to give the watch to Scott because he felt it was meant to be. This act of generosity surprised both Scott and Peter's wife. They discussed how giving gifts can bring joy and how birthdays can be an opportunity to shower loved ones with presents. The conversation ultimately shifted towards more profound topics, allowing them to connect on a deeper level. This story emphasizes the significance of thoughtful gestures and the power of meaningful conversations in building connections.

Efficiency and metrics matter in the nonprofit space. Peter Attia was impressed by the efficiency with which Scott Harrison worked and realized the importance of understanding which metrics matter in making a difference. While many nonprofits are doing great work, some are achieving staggering efficiency. Scott's background also plays a significant role in his journey. He grew up in a gray, drab house where a faulty heat exchanger caused a carbon monoxide gas leak. This resulted in Scott's mother falling seriously ill and developing multiple chemical sensitivities. This personal experience shaped Scott's understanding of the importance of clean water and the effects of environmental toxins. Understanding metrics and personal experiences drive Scott's work in the nonprofit sector to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Exposure to carbon monoxide can have long-lasting and severe health effects. In Scott Harrison's case, his mother's carbon monoxide levels were shockingly high, leading to debilitating symptoms and ultimately impacting the entire family's well-being. This highlights the importance of regular testing for carbon monoxide levels in homes and workplaces to prevent such situations. Additionally, it emphasizes the need for immediate action if any suspicion arises, despite reassurances from professionals. Scott's father's persistence in investigating the issue ultimately led to the discovery of the faulty gas appliance, saving their lives. This story serves as a reminder to prioritize safety and take necessary precautions to protect ourselves and our loved ones from potential harm.

Stress plays a significant role in health and recovery. Peter Attia highlights the importance of focusing on getting better rather than pursuing a lawsuit, as it can hinder the healing process. He also acknowledges the tendency in medicine to dismiss patients who don't fit into a clear diagnosis, labeling them as crazy or psychosomatic. This can lead to individuals like Scott Harrison's mother falling through the cracks and struggling to find the right treatment. Attia emphasizes the need for a more comprehensive approach to medicine, avoiding the use of terms like "idiopathic" that imply a lack of understanding. Ultimately, this conversation underscores the importance of addressing stress and treating patients with empathy and open-mindedness.

Environmental sensitivity and the impact of toxins on our bodies can have a profound effect on individuals and their loved ones. Scott Harrison shares his experience growing up with a mother who suffered from severe sensitivities to various substances. This led to a strange and challenging childhood, with precautions such as baking books to remove the smell of new print and wearing special clothes washed in baking soda. Despite the difficulties, Harrison's father remained a steadfast support for his mother, showing the importance of understanding and compassion in relationships. Additionally, finding a community of others who shared similar experiences provided comfort and validation. This story highlights the need for awareness and empathy towards those with environmental sensitivities and the importance of supporting one another through difficult circumstances.

Scott's childhood was anything but normal, as he was forced into an adult role at a young age. This enmeshment, or being deeply involved in caring for his sick mother, deprived him of a carefree adolescence and led to feelings of frustration and rebellion. Scott recalls how his friends were not allowed inside the house and how his mother was unable to participate in typical motherly activities. Despite the pain and limitations, his mother coped with unwavering faith and a belief that her suffering had a greater purpose. This extreme version of stoicism taught Scott the power of staying positive in the midst of adversity. However, as a teenager, Scott started questioning religion and the strict rules imposed by the church.

Sometimes life presents us with a lot of rules and limitations, but it's important to find ways to adapt and find joy amidst the challenges. Scott Harrison's mother, despite her health struggles, found solace sitting outside in her yard, protected from the wind, with her little igloo cooler and mask. This shows that even in difficult circumstances, we can find moments of peace and comfort. Additionally, this conversation highlights the complexities of family dynamics and how illness can tear families apart, even when no one is to blame. It reminds us to approach such situations with empathy and understanding. Finally, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing when we need a change and taking steps to create a better environment for ourselves, just as Scott Harrison did when he insisted on transferring to a public high school for a more challenging academic experience.

Scott Harrison, despite falling in with the wrong crowd and being tempted by drugs and vices, managed to hold on to his virtue and resist getting involved. He found solace in playing music and being part of a community with his bandmates. They played at legendary venues and even had the possibility of securing a record deal, which was an exciting prospect at the time. Despite his rebellious nature and disinterest in school, Scott managed to graduate high school, albeit barely. He did not have any plans for college, as he believed that getting a record deal was his path to success. This highlights the importance of staying true to oneself and finding passion in positive pursuits, even amidst challenging circumstances.

Scott Harrison's decision to forgo his college education and pursue a music career with a record deal initially caused tension with his parents. Although they had saved over $100,000 for his education, Scott saw the record deal as an opportunity to achieve his dreams without the need for a college degree. However, circumstances changed when the band manager advised Scott to attend NYU part-time and make use of his dad's savings, eventually leading him to get a communications degree. This decision turned out to have a significant impact on Scott's life, as he later became recognized and celebrated by NYU, despite his original intent to take the minimum path to appease his father. It highlights how unexpected choices and opportunities can shape one's journey in unforeseen ways.

Scott Harrison's transition from being a musician to a club promoter was driven by the realization that he was always on the wrong side of the equation as a performer. He noticed that the club owners had the power to decide who gets in and who doesn't, and he was intrigued by that control. To fill the venue with paying customers, he had to network and build connections with people, getting their phone numbers and later their email addresses. Before the prevalence of email, Scott relied on phone calls, voicemails, and beepers to communicate with potential clubgoers. Once email became popular, he embraced it and built one of the first email lists in clubs, achieving an extraordinary open rate.

People's behavior can change based on perception and value. Scott Harrison highlights how in the past, receiving an email from a company like Apple was considered a special event and people would eagerly open it. He then shares his experience of running a successful R&B show at Nell's, where iconic musicians like Stevie Wonder and Prince would perform. The club became popular because of the talent it hosted, attracting a crowd that enjoyed the music. However, as the focus shifted to the fashion and model scene, bottle service and inflated prices became the norm. Despite the high costs, there was still perceived value in having drinks at one's table rather than constantly going to the bar. This conversation highlights how perception and convenience can alter consumer behavior and pricing strategies.

Scott Harrison's experience in the night club scene involved attracting beautiful girls to clubs and wealthy men paying for their presence. However, it was not a transactional relationship based on money in exchange for sex. Instead, the focus was on providing a great experience for everyone involved. Harrison explains that they would build relationships with modeling bookers and agency heads, ensuring the models had a good time. The club acted as a matchmaking service, with screening based on wealth and beauty. The ultimate goal was to bring together a group of young, fun, and wealthy individuals who would continue attending the parties around the world. Night club promoters would earn a cut of the overall business for the night. It's worth noting that most of the clubs mentioned in the conversation no longer exist, showcasing the transient nature of the industry.

Scott Harrison's journey from a clean-living teenager to a night club promoter led him down a dark path of substance abuse and destructive behavior. He started with smoking and drinking, then progressed to sex, gambling, and various drugs like cocaine, marijuana, ecstasy, and special K. However, he drew the line at heroin after witnessing the devastating effects it had on others. Scott's lifestyle was far from healthy, filled with late-night dinners and parties, surrounded by beautiful people. Despite accumulating markers of success, like expensive cars, luxury items, and high-profile relationships, he eventually realized that material possessions did not bring him true happiness.

The lifestyle of constant partying and substance abuse took a toll on Scott Harrison's physical and emotional well-being. He grew tired of the repetitiveness and emptiness of his lifestyle, where he had to constantly invite people to parties and engage in late-night activities. The excessive smoking, drug use, and lack of sleep resulted in numbness in his body and a fear of something being seriously wrong. This served as a wake-up call for him to make a change. The story highlights the negative consequences of a self-destructive lifestyle and the importance of prioritizing one's health and well-being.

Moments of self-reflection can lead to profound realizations about one's life. Scott Harrison's experience at the New Year's Eve party made him question the way he was living and the meaning behind his actions. The extravagant party and material luxuries were no longer fulfilling, and he began to search for something deeper. This caused him to reflect on his relationships, spirituality, and moral compass. Furthermore, he noticed that even those who appeared to have everything were not truly happy. This realization made him understand that material wealth and external success do not guarantee fulfillment or contentment. Ultimately, this conversation highlights the importance of self-reflection and questioning societal norms to find true happiness and purpose in life.

Scott Harrison had a change of heart and realized that he needed to find his way back to spirituality and the moral foundation he grew up with. He felt broken and dirty, realizing that his current lifestyle wasn't working for him anymore. Through a spiritual lens, Scott sought to reconnect with his beliefs and values, which included virtues like purity, service to the poor, and absolute love. He recognized that these virtues were not exclusive to religion and that they were universally admirable. Scott's journey was a solitary one, as he struggled internally without confiding in anyone, even his girlfriend. This takeaway highlights the importance of self-reflection and finding a path that aligns with our values and brings us fulfillment.

Sometimes, in order to make a significant change in our lives, we need to walk away from our vices and start serving others instead of ourselves. Scott Harrison, after experiencing a cry for help and realizing the unhealthy environment he was in, decided to take a break and go on a journey of self-discovery. He rented a car and traveled north, contemplating the opposite of his current life and what it would look like. It struck him that serving the poor and engaging in humanitarian work could be the clean break he needed. He filled out applications to volunteer at various organizations, willing to go anywhere and do anything. He then decided to commit to a year of humanitarian service, inspired by the concept of the tithe, where he would give back 10% of his time and effort to others. This story teaches us the importance of introspection, finding purpose beyond ourselves, and making a positive impact on the world.

Sometimes, our past experiences and choices can limit our opportunities in the future. Scott Harrison had spent years working in nightclubs, which made it difficult for him to be taken seriously when he applied for volunteer positions abroad. The rejection letters started pouring in, and it seemed like nobody wanted a "party boy" on their mission. However, Scott's determination and willingness to prove himself paid off when he applied to be a photojournalist for Mercy Ships. Despite their initial reservations, they agreed to meet him, and Scott convinced them that he was genuinely committed to making a positive impact. This story reminds us that it's never too late to change and pursue a meaningful path, even if our past choices might create initial obstacles.

Scott Harrison made a drastic and life-changing decision to leave his old lifestyle behind when he joined a mission in West Africa. Despite being known for his skills in nightlife and having an extensive list of influential and wealthy contacts, Scott chose to give up gambling, drinking, smoking, and other destructive habits. He decided to go all in and quit everything at once, making a clean break from his former life. This decision brought challenges, particularly the struggle with nicotine withdrawal, but it allowed him to embrace a new path and make positive changes. Scott's story highlights the power of determination and the possibility of transforming one's life for the better.

Changing one's environment can have a significant impact on overcoming addiction and embracing a new norm. Scott Harrison's transition from a smoking environment to one filled with Christian doctors and medical professionals who were dedicated to helping others played a crucial role in his ability to quit smoking and start a new life. The new norm for him was being healthy and saving people's lives, which provided a sense of purpose and fulfillment. The supportive and inspiring environment gave him the opportunity to create a completely new story for himself as a humanitarian. This story highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences and like-minded individuals when trying to make significant life changes.

There is a drastic shortage of medical resources and facilities in certain countries, leading to a desperate need for help. Scott Harrison, during his mission in Liberia, discovered that the demand for medical services far exceeded their capacity. While they initially planned to provide surgery for 1500 people, they were met with over 5000 individuals waiting for treatment. The lack of doctors and medical facilities in Liberia was alarming, with a ratio of 1 doctor for every 50,000 citizens compared to 1 doctor for every 300 Americans. The heartbreaking reality that Scott witnessed, such as children suffering from debilitating tumors and individuals with rotting flesh, highlighted the urgent need for medical assistance and resources in these communities.

Witnessing the transformative power of medical interventions can inspire a profound desire for positive change. Scott Harrison, a former club promoter turned humanitarian photographer, found purpose through documenting surgeries and witnessing the incredible impact they had on people's lives. From a young boy whose face was reconstructed to a blind woman who regained her sight, Harrison saw firsthand the life-altering effects of medical interventions. These experiences ignited a fire within him, making him reconsider his own path and contemplate a career in medicine. The simplicity of certain procedures, like cataract surgery, highlighted the potential for anyone to contribute and make a difference in healthcare.

Sharing powerful stories with impactful images can lead to profound transformation and inspire others to take action. Scott Harrison's decision to leave his former life behind and embark on a humanitarian journey allowed him to witness incredible acts of sacrifice and generosity by doctors and donors. By sharing these stories and pictures of life-changing surgeries and medical conditions, he was able to move people and evoke a desire to be part of the cause. The combination of storytelling and imagery created a powerful feedback loop, connecting individuals emotionally to the mission and prompting them to contribute financially or in other ways. This highlights the importance of visuals in conveying messages and driving meaningful change.

Scott Harrison's experience with a nonprofit organization taught him the importance of autonomy and taking ownership of one's work. Despite facing challenges and bureaucracy within the charity, Scott's boss allowed him to have creative freedom and take on multiple responsibilities, which ultimately drove him to excel. This experience taught Scott the value of being a "one-stop shop" and the power of working around the clock to achieve his goals. Furthermore, when he was removed from the distractions and temptations of his old life, Scott realized that his new direction brought him instant happiness and fulfillment. This highlights the importance of creating a new life and environment when breaking destructive habits.

Scott Harrison's experience with organizing a gallery show and raising money for charity highlights the power of personal transformation and the importance of staying committed to a new path. Despite facing temptations to revert back to his old lifestyle, Scott chose to remain focused on his mission and keep his "new set of clothes" clean. This analogy, inspired by the parable of the prodigal son, serves as a reminder that change is possible and can lead to a better life. Scott's success in raising funds for Mercy Ships and his decision to start his own charity demonstrate the impact of personal growth and the potential for individuals to create meaningful change in the world.

Scott Harrison's journey of documenting the lives of people living in impoverished conditions led him to uncover the water crisis in Liberia. Witnessing firsthand the contaminated and filthy water that people were drinking, Harrison realized the significant impact that clean water could have on improving their health. With the encouragement of his mentor, Doctor Gary Parker, Harrison recognized that ensuring access to clean water for everyone would be a crucial step in bringing health to the world. This revelation prompted Harrison to shift his focus from raising money for hospital ships to advocating for clean water for all. His experience highlights the importance of taking action and using personal passion and skills to address global challenges.

Scott Harrison faced challenges and rejection when he first started his mission to bring clean drinking water to everyone in need. Despite the initial setback, he was determined and driven to make a difference. He educated himself by reading, traveling, and meeting with water organizations. Initially, he relied on personal funds and early donations that were not even tax-deductible to fund his charity. However, he soon realized the lack of trust people had in charities and the skepticism surrounding how donated money was used. This led him to prioritize building trust and transparency in his organization to ensure donors knew their contributions were truly making an impact.

While there may be skepticism and distrust towards charities, there are ways to combat this and ensure that donations reach the intended beneficiaries. Scott Harrison, the founder of Charity Water, discovered that many people didn't trust charities due to stories of high overhead costs and scandals. To address this, he created a model with two bank accounts - one for funding water projects directly, and another for raising overhead costs separately. This way, 100% of the donations received would be used for the intended programs. Peter Attia also emphasizes that overhead is not a dirty term and shares his own decision to support charities with 100% overhead. By being transparent and accountable, charities can regain the trust of donors and make a significant impact on those in need.

The approach to charity and raising funds can vary, depending on the individual and the organization's goals. Peter Attia emphasizes the importance of supporting and believing in the people behind the charity, which means allocating funds to salaries and support staff. On the other hand, Scott Harrison believes in separating financial streams and raising overhead costs separately through a different set of donors. Both approaches have their merits, but what remains crucial is finding individuals who believe in the cause. Moreover, Scott's innovative idea of paying back credit card fees and using technology to track where every dollar goes adds transparency and accountability to the process. Overall, the key lesson here is that there are different strategies to make a difference, and finding the right approach is integral to the success of a charitable organization.

Charity branding and marketing should be done in a way that is unlike traditional tactics of shame and guilt. Scott Harrison, the founder of Charity Water, wanted to create an epic, beautiful, and inspiring brand that would connect people to the impact of their donations. He believed that traditional charity marketing, filled with images of suffering children and language of "giving back," perpetuated unhealthy feelings of shame and obligation. In contrast, commercial brands like Doritos were able to successfully market their products with sophistication. Moreover, the nonprofit world faces a challenge in attracting top talent, as the perception that talent should work for free in the nonprofit sector persists. Understanding the importance of branding and attracting talent is crucial for nonprofit organizations.

Perception plays a crucial role in how people support a cause or brand. Scott Harrison emphasizes that people's perception of him and his organization strongly influences their willingness to contribute. He provides examples of how driving a Toyota versus a Mercedes or wearing a certain watch can affect how others perceive his credibility and intentions. He argues that just like successful companies like Nike, charities should inspire and believe in the potential greatness within individuals. Instead of coercing donations through guilt or obligation, charities should tap into people's capacity for compassion and generosity. Additionally, he highlights the importance of empowering local communities to lead and sustain efforts, ensuring cultural appropriateness and long-term success. This open-minded and inclusive approach has positioned Harrison's organization, charity: water, as a transformative force in the world of philanthropy.

Charity organizations need to prioritize transparency and impact in order to gain support and funding. Scott Harrison emphasizes the importance of giving away 100% and showcasing a transparent money flow to prove to donors what their money is being used for. He also highlights the significance of building an inspiring and hopeful brand that resonates with people. Harrison shares his experiences of using various strategies, such as partnering with luxury retailers and organizing outdoor exhibitions, to raise awareness and funds for his organization, Charity Water. Despite facing challenges and moments of almost insolvency, the organization has successfully raised $330,000,000 from over a million people globally. By sharing their story and inspiring others, Harrison hopes to encourage individuals to start their own causes and make a difference in the world.

Scott Harrison is dedicated to making a positive impact through providing clean water to those in need. His work is motivated by a desire to help others and live a virtuous life. He finds inspiration in books that teach about surrendering oneself to others and building character through virtues like kindness, generosity, and integrity. Scott's commitment to his mission stands out among a crowd of impressive individuals and serves as an inspiration to others. The conversation also highlights the importance of his book, which provides insights into his journey and the work he's doing. Ultimately, Scott's work and passion are admirable and have the potential to change countless lives for the better.