The Pathless Path with Paul Millerd

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Michael Ashcroft on Getting Lost and The Joys of Dad Life

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Dec 31, 2025

Guest

Michael Ashcroft

In this engaging conversation, Michael Ashcroft, a writer and teacher specializing in creativity and parenting, shares insights from his journey of self-employment and travel. He opens up about the joys and challenges of fatherhood, including the impact of major life events like surgeries and miscarriages. The duo discusses how embracing vulnerability can enhance emotional resilience in parenting while navigating the pressures of hustle culture. They also delve into the evolving landscape of online creation and AI’s role in creativity, sparking a thought-provoking dialogue.

01:11:34

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INSIGHT

Getting Lost To Redefine Identity

Michael Ashcroft realized skipping a wandering phase after leaving a job left his identity brittle and unmoored.
He needed a period of “getting lost” to dissolve old identities rather than transfer them into new grindy work.

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ANECDOTE

Refunding A Course For Integrity

Michael refunded his Playful Creativity course because he realized he couldn't in good conscience sell a product about play made through grinding.
He chose to wait and not produce from the wrong internal state, even amid shame and judgment.

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ADVICE

Choose Rest Over Forced Grinding

Avoid grinding when you lack access to effortless creative flow; choose rest instead of forcing poor-quality work.
Prefer not doing over grinding when non-doing (flow) isn't available.

Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode

Why getting lost mattered after quitting

00:58 • 4min

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Transitioning from employee to business owner

04:56 • 2min

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The practical sabbatical and travel choices

06:56 • 6min

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Family and surgery shaped 2025

13:13 • 2min

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Enforced rest revealing grind energy

15:12 • 2min

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Paul's year: dad mode and book launch

17:02 • 4min

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Becoming a present parent intentionally

21:30 • 7min

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Playfulness, boundaries, and nervous systems

28:14 • 6min

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Coping with miscarriages and stress

34:34 • 2min

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Balancing creative work and family rhythms

36:11 • 3min

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Hardcover launch: risk and reward

39:13 • 4min

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Uncertain next steps and publishing ideas

43:17 • 3min

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Michael considers writing with support

46:09 • 2min

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Frustration with the state of online creation

48:34 • 3min

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AI's role in creativity and motivation

51:05 • 6min

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Books and reading that inspired them

57:13 • 4min

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Questions for 2026: money, family, and experiments

01:00:59 • 5min

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English edition and promoting Angie's book

01:05:38 • 1min

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I chat with Michael on parenting, getting lost, the pathless path, hustle culture, travel, and more. This is his 4th appearance on the show.

Find more about Michael here: https://michaelashcroft.com/
Or explore his writings on expanded awareness: https://expandingawareness.org/

(00:00) - Introduction / Teaser
(02:37) - Introduction and Missing Guest
(03:26) - Podcast Plans and Initial Banter
(03:47) - Reflecting on Past Conversations
(04:36) - The Journey of Self-Employment
(13:10) - Life Updates and Health Challenges
(17:03) - Parenting Reflections and Future Plans
(20:36) - Balancing Work and Family Life
(24:56) - Navigating Challenges and Personal Growth
(31:00) - The Role of Fathers and Emotional Resilience
(34:33) - The Impact of Miscarriages and Moving Forward
(37:45) - Reflecting on a Challenging Project
(39:15) - Book Sales and Audience Insights
(40:55) - Future Plans and Creative Inspiration
(41:49) - The State of Online Creation
(51:19) - AI and Its Impact on Creativity
(01:01:02) - Balancing Work, Family, and Creativity
(01:06:24) - Fun and Games: Dictator or Hustle Bro?
(01:09:24) - Concluding Thoughts and Future Outlook

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