The Unmistakable Creative Podcast
Srinivas Rao
Timeless Practical Wisdom For Living a Meaningful LifeInspiring stories and practical advice from creatives, entrepreneurs, change-makers, misfits, and rebels to help you become successful on your own terms Our listeners say, “If TEDTalks met Oprah you’d have the Unmistakable Creative.” Eliminate the feeling of being stuck in your life, blocked in your creativity, and discover higher levels of meaning and purpose in your life and career. Listen to deeply personal, insightful, and thought-provoking stories from the world’s leading thinkers and doers including best-selling authors, artists, peak performance psychologists, happiness researchers, entrepreneurs, startup founders, artists, venture capitalists, and even former bank robbers. Former guests have included Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, Justine Musk, Scott Adams, Rob Bell, David Heinemeier Hansson, Elle Luna, Jordan Harbinger Brett Mckay, and Simon Sinek.Join The Unmistakable CollectiveThe Unmistakable Collective is a monthly membership for writers, bloggers, podcasters, and content creators that gives you access to workshops, AMA's, and accountability from other like-minded peers to help you accomplish any creative goals! Click here to become a member.Connect with Us On Social Twitter: @unmistakableceoInstagram: @unmistkablecreative Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
Oct 21, 2025 • 57min
David Brooks: Seeing People Deeply in a World of Shallow Interactions
In this insightful conversation, David Brooks, a New York Times columnist and bestselling author, delves into the art of truly knowing others amid today's distractions. He shares personal stories of growth through trauma and divorce, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability in relationships. Brooks introduces concepts like 'illuminators' who foster connection and the idea of 'accompaniment' in human presence. He argues that genuine connections surpass AI capabilities and critiques social media's impact on authentic interaction.
Oct 20, 2025 • 57min
Damon Centola: Why Change Spreads from the Edges—Not the Influencers
Damon Centola, a sociologist and author known for his research on social networks, challenges the notion that change is driven by influencers. He argues that real transformation emanates from peripheral clusters in networks. Discussing examples from social movements like Black Lives Matter, he emphasizes that weak ties and trusted connections play crucial roles in shaping behavior. Centola highlights the limitations of virality and presents actionable strategies for fostering substantial change by focusing on collective intelligence and network dynamics.
Oct 19, 2025 • 52min
Jennifer Wallace: Raising Resilient Kids in a Culture That Says They're Never Enough
Jennifer Wallace, a journalist, researcher, and mother of three, explores the toxic impact of achievement culture on children in her book *Never Enough*. In this engaging conversation, she discusses the effects of social comparison and perfectionism on mental health. Wallace advocates for redefining success through the lens of 'mattering' and shares practical strategies for parents to foster resilience. She also touches on the role of adult mental health in supporting kids and the dangers of tying self-worth to achievements in our competitive society.
Oct 18, 2025 • 1h 6min
Laura Huang: Creating an Edge in a World That Won’t Hand You One
In this enlightening discussion, Laura Huang, a Harvard Business School professor and author of *Edge*, reveals how to transform disadvantages into advantages. She shares her journey from an immigrant background to a successful academic, emphasizing the importance of reshaping perceptions. Laura introduces her four-part EDGE framework to help individuals flip bias and navigate privilege. She also discusses the myth of meritocracy, using the inspiring story of Dave's Killer Bread to illustrate second chances and the value of owning your narrative.
Oct 17, 2025 • 47min
Emily Fletcher: The Science and Simplicity of Unlocking Human Potential Through Meditation
Emily Fletcher, founder of Ziva Meditation and former Broadway performer, shares her transformative journey from the stage to meditation. She discusses how meditation enhances performance and mental resilience, debunking the myth that it’s only for monks. Emily introduces the Ziva Technique, designed for busy lives, emphasizing its benefits for high performers. Personal stories of resilience, including experiences during 9/11 and in Moscow, highlight her insights on control and happiness. Join her as she demystifies stress relief and unveils practical meditation strategies for everyday life.
Oct 6, 2025 • 50min
Courtney Harding: Building the Future of Human Connection Through XR, Education, and Digital Agency
Courtney Harding, founder of Friends with Holograms and a leader in spatial computing, shares her insights on the transformative power of VR and AR. She discusses how immersive tech can reshape education and facilitate social connections, particularly for marginalized communities. Challenging dystopian fears, she advocates for inclusive design and thoughtful regulation. Courtney explores VR's potential to enhance empathy, improve learning outcomes, and create new job opportunities in the metaverse, emphasizing the need for community-driven innovation.
6 snips
Oct 2, 2025 • 52min
Daniel Lieberman: Dopamine, Desire, and Why Enough is Never Enough
Dr. Daniel Lieberman, psychiatrist and author of *The Molecule of More*, dives into the neuroscience of dopamine and its impact on our desires. He reveals how our cravings for the unattainable can lead to dissatisfaction and impulsive decisions. Lieberman contrasts infatuation with true love, examines why people cheat, and discusses how drugs hijack our dopamine systems. He also emphasizes the importance of mindfulness and offers strategies like dopamine detox to cultivate genuine satisfaction and balance in our lives.
30 snips
Sep 30, 2025 • 1h 11min
Annie Duke: Why Knowing When to Quit Is a Superpower
Annie Duke, a bestselling author and decision strategist, explores the art of strategic quitting in her latest conversation. She dismantles the popular belief that grit is always virtuous, using examples from icons like Muhammad Ali and Dave Chappelle. Duke discusses how our fixation on persistence often blinds us to real opportunities and pitfalls. She introduces practical tools like turnaround times and kill criteria to guide better decision-making. Ultimately, she emphasizes that knowing when to walk away is a crucial skill for future success.
Sep 29, 2025 • 46min
The Science of Mastery: Anders Ericsson on Deliberate Practice
Anders Ericsson, a psychologist renowned for his groundbreaking work on deliberate practice, dives deep into the science of mastery. He highlights how expert performance is cultivated through structured efforts rather than innate talent, challenging the infamous 10,000-hour rule. Ericsson shares insights on applying deliberate practice across fields like writing and interviewing, stressing the importance of quality and focused training. He also discusses the vital role of teachers and strategies to optimize practice, making this a treasure trove for anyone aiming for excellence.
Sep 22, 2025 • 58min
The Operating System of Transformation: Salim Ismail on Exponential Thinking, Leadership, and Inner Engineering
Salim Ismail, founding executive director of Singularity University and author of *Exponential Organizations*, dives into the intricacies of leadership in a rapidly changing world. He explores the frameworks behind exponential growth and the essential inner transformations leaders must undergo. Salim highlights tools like NLP and flow-state techniques that can reshape our personal and organizational dynamics. He also discusses the importance of creating edge startups and adapting education to keep pace with skill demands, encouraging listeners to think big and act boldly.
