This book presents a comprehensive method for artists to recover their creativity from various blocks such as limiting beliefs, fear, self-sabotage, and other inhibiting forces. It is designed to help individuals discover and develop their artistic potential, whether as writers, painters, poets, or musicians. The book emphasizes the connection between creativity and spirituality, providing step-by-step exercises to nurture creative expression as a consistent part of daily life.
In 'The War of Art', Steven Pressfield identifies the internal force of 'Resistance' that hinders creative endeavors. The book is divided into three sections: 'Resistance: Defining the Enemy', 'Combating Resistance: Turning Pro', and a final section that discusses the role of the muses and the battle between the Self and the Ego. Pressfield provides practical advice on recognizing and overcoming resistance, emphasizing the importance of professionalism, discipline, and continuous work in achieving creative success.
In 'Awaken the Giant Within,' Tony Robbins offers a comprehensive program for self-mastery, helping readers to discover their true purpose, take control of their lives, and harness the forces that shape their destiny. The book emphasizes the importance of understanding and changing one's belief system, values, and daily habits. It introduces concepts such as Neuro Associative Conditioning (NAC) and the three decisions that control one's destiny: what to focus on, what things mean, and what actions to take. Robbins provides step-by-step exercises and a seven-day challenge to reshape various aspects of life, including emotional, physical, relationship, and financial destinies. The book stresses that everything we do is driven by the need to avoid pain or gain pleasure and teaches how to use these forces to achieve personal goals and transform one's life.
In 'Quitter', Jon Acuff provides actionable advice and inspiring stories to help readers close the gap between their day jobs and their dream jobs. The book emphasizes the importance of not quitting one's day job prematurely, but instead, working hard at the day job while pursuing the dream job in spare time. Acuff shares his personal journey of transitioning from a corporate employee to a full-time writer and speaker, highlighting the need for patience, hustle, and a well-planned transition. The book also addresses the importance of balancing dream pursuits with family and social life, and the value of having a support network during this transition.
The Winter of Frankie Machine follows Frank Machianno, a retired San Diego mafia hitman, as he is pulled back into the dangerous world he thought he had left behind. When a hit is put out on him, Frankie must navigate his complex past to uncover who wants him dead and why. The novel explores themes of redemption, survival, and the inescapability of one's past.
In 'Beat the Reaper', Josh Bazell crafts a thrilling narrative that follows Dr. Peter Brown, a medical resident with a secret past as a hitman named Pietro Brnwa. The story unfolds as Brown's past catches up with him when a patient recognizes him, forcing him to navigate his dual identities amidst the pressures of a chaotic hospital environment. The novel blends dark humor, intense action, and medical drama, making it a unique and captivating read.
Today's guest was always creative, but never thought of himself of an artist.
Then Brian Koppelman shifted his mindset. He adopted consistent daily practices to nurture his voice. He finally gave that voice the respect it deserved. And his life was forever changed.
As direct result, this former music industry executive turned screenwriter, director, producer and showrunner has spent the last two decades churning out an avalanche of consistently great creative output as the co-writer (alongside lifelong friend David Levien) of iconic films like Rounders and Ocean's 13 and co-creator a little hit show you might have heard of called Billions on Showtime.
Today we convene for a fun and highly instructive conversation about the interior life of a master storyteller and modern day artist — and the lessons that can be gleaned from investing our own creative instincts.
We discuss how he discovered Tracy Chapman while still in college, facilitated her first record deal, and the hows and whys behind walking away from the music business to pursue his dream of being a writer.
We mine why devotion to process over results, mastery over success, and love of craft is the path to a meaningful life. We examine how to overcome negative self-talk and how Tony Robbins and Julia Cameron changed his life. And we dive deep into how his daily habits — journaling and meditation paramount among them — have paved his road to long-sustained success.
But, as a long time admirer of Brian, what strikes me most is his generosity. A source of personal inspiration for my own creative endeavors, Brian shares his copious experience freely (what works, what doesn’t and why) on his twitter feed (@BrianKoppelman) and as host of The Moment — his stellar podcast in which he shares conversations with all manner of successful creative people about the pivotal moments that fueled their fascinating careers.
I think of him as a benevolent mentor at large to anyone and everyone seeking to live more fully, creatively expressed lives of purpose and meaning.
So how does he do it? What can we glean from his example, habits and practices that can inform how we think about ourselves as creative beings? And why is this important?
Even if you don't consider yourself creative, Brian will leave you questioning this assumption. Because deep down, we are all artists yearning to be fully expressed in that which makes us uniquely who we are. When we engage this inclination, the world is a better place.
And we all deserve permission to do the work we want to do.
Final Note: This conversation took place a few months ago while visiting NYC. Alas, my film crew did not join me, so this episode is audio only.
Final Final Note: Season 4 of Billions returns to Showtime on March 17. If you’re new to the show, it's truly appointment viewing. So take the next week to get caught up. Season 3 was unreal and I can't wait to see what Brian, David and their amazing cast and crew have lingering up their sleeves. The only thing I know for sure is that we won't see it coming.
It's both a delight and honor to share today's exchange with a master storyteller. I sincerely hope you not only enjoy it, but that you put his sagacious wisdom to work.
Peace + Plants,
Rich
The Rich Roll Podcast 
