The Adversity Advantage with Doug Bopst

Brian Koppelman - Feeling Stuck? Do This One Thing

Nov 16, 2020

Brian Koppelman, co-creator of Billions, shares advice on overcoming feeling stuck and following your passion. Topics discussed include journaling, gratitude, the power of evolving, the link between creativity and mental health, the transformative power of exercise, the early career grind, the importance of saying no, and taking small steps towards progress.

57:05

Creator website

Episode guests

Brian Koppelman

AI Summary

AI Chapters

Episode notes

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

Brian Koppelman shares his personal journey of transformation and highlights the importance of making time for creative work and finding a balance between personal and professional life.

Brian Koppelman discusses the lessons learned from the film Rounders and emphasizes the importance of focusing on the work rather than external validation.

Brian Koppelman explains the idea behind the TV show Billions, highlighting the examination of morality, power, and the gray areas of the financial world.

Deep dives

The Journey of Personal Evolution

Brian Coppleman shares his personal journey of transformation, from not initially seeing himself as a gifted artist to finally pursuing his passion for writing. He highlights the importance of making time for creative work and finding a balance between personal and professional life.

Introduction

2min

Brian Coppleman: From Billions to Personal Transformation

15min

Overcoming Feeling Stuck Through Writing and Taking Action

5min

The Transformative Power of Exercise

16min

The Misconception of Success and the Early Career Grind

12min

Knowing When to Cut Bait and Say No

2min

Taking Small Steps Towards Progress and Seeking Support

6min

If you are feeling stuck or uncertain right now, then you need to listen to this episode!

The television and film industry has definitely changed during this pandemic and my guest today is the co-creator, show runner and executive producer of one of the most popular shows there is right now, that like many had to pause production during COVID. The show I am referencing, Billions is also one of my personal favorites and a favorite to so many.

My guest today is Brian Koppelman. He is the co-creator, executive producer, and showrunner of Showtime's hit drama series, BILLIONS. Over the past two decades, Koppelman and his writing/producing/directing partner, David Levien, have created an influential and diverse body of work in both film and television. Some of their most noteworthy credits include Rounders, Ocean's Thirteen, Solitary Man, The Illusionist, Runaway Jury, Tilt, ESPN's 30 for 30 (This Is What They Want), and I Smile Back. Koppelman is the host and creator of the hit podcast, The Moment with Brian Koppelman.

If you are currently struggling and uncertain about your future, this is the perfect episode for you! He will give lots of advice about how to deal with the feeling of being stuck, and tips on how to be able to follow your heart’s desire and do what you really love.

Everything he is about to say in this episode is all based on his life experiences, and I’m sure that a lot of people, especially in these hard times can truly relate.

Brian’s Backstory:

Brian loved the arts, and he was in every play, and assistant directed all the plays at school, but he didn't think that he was a particularly gifted artist.

The hardest part of school for him was school itself because he had pretty severe ADHD.

Brian was always singled out as being smart, but being lazy or not willing to do what was necessary.

He was drawn to books and movies, and music and comedy.

He loves listening to people talk and then being able to repeat it and incorporate it in his own language. And he always could remember the dialogue and memorize movies.

He just didn't know that those are necessarily useful skills for his life as a writer, it just didn't connect for him for a very, very long time.

Since the show industry paused, how does Brian manage to go through that?

According to Brian, whatever the challenges are, with regard to dealing with the pandemic, and whatever uncertainty he is grappling with, he doesn't dwell on it. That’s his secret.

Brain’s life in the music industry:

Brain had a very successful career in the music industry. He was 30 years of age and his first child was born when he realized he’s not doing the real thing that he loves.

Listen to this episode to hear Brian’s story about his moment of clarity when he was listening to Counting Crows, and he was like “This isn't for me.”

Brian’s advice for somebody who's feeling stuck during these times:

Trying to find the reason you need to make the shift is very important. Once you know the reason, you will be able to do anything because the reason is strong — the reasons to make the change.

Brian’s health secret:

Brian will be talking about his transformation in his health and will share some of his tips based on his own experience that a lot of people could adapt into their day-to-day life.

Billions:

Get to know the backstory of the show “Billions”. You will learn the deeper reason behind everything, and why did they come up with the idea of creating this show.

Brian’s advice to the anyone who is currently struggling in different aspects of their life:

Remember that you have so much more power and personal agency than you think in your low moments. You can take some steps today — make a plan today.

To move forward, it starts with figuring out what you want.

Take out a piece of paper and tell yourself, you're not going to censor, and just write for a half hour.

Even if you're not a writer, grab a pen, and just write down everything that's going through your mind, and find the thread of where you want to go.

Let that be your North Star and just take a small step in that direction.

If you're really struggling, find somebody to call today and talk through it with them.

Don't suffer and struggle alone.

Connect with Brian:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/briankoppelman/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/briankoppelman

Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-moment-with-brian-koppelman/id814550071