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
9 snips
Nov 14, 2025 • 45min
Bjorn Ryan-Gorman: Coming Out as Gay in the Snowboarding World and Reclaiming Masculinity on Your Own Terms
Bjorn Ryan-Gorman, a professional snowskater, stand-up comedian, and LGBTQ+ advocate, shares his compelling journey of coming out in the competitive snowboarding world. He candidly discusses the mixed reactions from his family and the challenges of navigating identity and safety in rural spaces. Bjorn explores masculinity, playing with the concept of masculine drag in the bear community, and the need for broader LGBTQ+ representation. He also emphasizes treating coming out as a celebration, not a spectacle, and uses comedy to connect and reflect.
23 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 52min
David Epstein: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World
David Epstein, an investigative journalist and author known for his works on skill development, discusses why generalists outperform specialists. He challenges the belief that early specialization is essential for success, arguing that diverse experiences foster adaptability and innovation. Epstein shares insights from elite athletes and musicians, illustrating how internal motivation trumps parental pressure. He advocates for sampling various careers and emphasizes the importance of curiosity, lateral thinking, and embracing challenges to thrive in a complex world.
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 18min
Daniel Stillman: The Architecture of Conversations and Why Every Interface Shapes What We Say
Daniel Stillman, an author and conversation designer, explores the architecture of conversations and their profound impact. He discusses how physical and digital spaces shape what we discuss, emphasizing the importance of invitation in dialogue. Daniel unveils techniques to manage power dynamics and enhances group conversations with innovative facilitation methods. He also shares a five-step framework for transforming inner dialogue, illustrating how minor shifts in conversational structure can lead to dramatically different outcomes.
Nov 12, 2025 • 1h 7min
Ayelet Fishbach: The Science of Motivation, Why Fantasies Fail, and Balancing Abstract Goals with Concrete Plans
Ayelet Fishbach, a motivation researcher and professor at the University of Chicago, dives into the psychology of goal-setting and motivation. She reveals why New Year’s resolutions often fail, linking them to the pitfalls of fantasizing rather than planning. Ayelet emphasizes the importance of balancing abstract 'why' questions with actionable 'how' steps to sustain motivation. She also explores the significance of specific feedback, the dynamics of the motivation curve, and the role of incentives in achieving goals, providing valuable insights for anyone looking to boost their effectiveness.
Nov 11, 2025 • 1h 7min
Dandapani: Mastering Your Mind as an Operating System, Sexual Energy Transmutation, and the Monastic Path to Unwavering Focus
In this enlightening discussion, Dandapani, a former Hindu monk and author of *The Power of Unwavering Focus*, delves into the mind as an operating system that requires mastery. He contrasts a focused life with a purpose-focused life, emphasizing the importance of intentionality. Dandapani explores the concept of sexual energy transmutation, questioning what could be achieved if this energy were harnessed effectively. He also shares insights on daily routines for energy management and the essential need for self-awareness in achieving true purpose.
53 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 41min
Cal Newport: Slow Productivity, Escaping Pseudo Productivity, and the Three Principles for Sustainable Knowledge Work
Cal Newport, a computer scientist and author, dives into his framework for Slow Productivity, advocating for fewer tasks, natural pacing, and quality work. He critiques the concept of pseudo productivity, highlighting how modern technology can create a facade of busyness that diminishes real output. Newport discusses the potential of AI in customizing daily workflows and emphasizes the importance of deep work over performance metrics. He provides practical strategies for improving focus, reducing overhead, and ultimately crafting work that stands out.
8 snips
Nov 7, 2025 • 1h 6min
Alan Stein Jr: The Performance Gap Between Knowing and Doing, and What Elite Athletes Teach Us About Execution
Alan Stein Jr, a former performance coach for NBA legends like Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant, discusses the critical gap between knowing what to do and actually doing it. He shares insights on how elite athletes combine physical talent, mental resilience, and coachability to excel. Alan emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and mastering fundamentals over quick fixes. He also draws parallels between coaching principles in sports, business, and parenting, advocating for a focus on the process rather than just outcomes.
Nov 6, 2025 • 45min
Andrew Yang: Universal Basic Income and the Automation Crisis Remaking America
Andrew Yang, a former presidential candidate and entrepreneur, dives into the urgent issue of automation's impact on American jobs. He shares his journey from law to founding Venture for America, highlighting the economic devastation he witnessed firsthand. Yang advocates for Universal Basic Income, proposing a $1,000 monthly dividend to boost the economy and address job loss from AI. He discusses the need for significant policy changes and how UBI could transform America into a more equitable society, urging listeners to consider a future shaped by technology.
Nov 6, 2025 • 48min
Christy Tennery-Spalding: Building Political Homes and Redefining Self-Care Beyond Capitalism
Christy Tennery-Spalding, an activist and writer focused on climate justice and indigenous rights, shares her journey from political awakening in D.C. to her advocacy in San Francisco. She introduces the concept of informed consent in organizing and critiques the capitalist approach to self-care, revealing her own burnout from chasing wellness perfection. Christy emphasizes anti-capitalist self-care, defining worth beyond productivity, and promotes intentional rest as a radical act. Her insights challenge traditional views on self-worth, participation, and activism.
Nov 5, 2025 • 1h 10min
Andrew Bustamante: Inside the Mind of a Spy — Tradecraft, Trust, and the Cost of Secrecy
In a captivating discussion, Andrew Bustamante, a former CIA operative and founder of Everyday Spy, shares insights on the world of espionage. He delves into the nuances of spycraft, revealing how trust and empathy are critical for influence. Bustamante contrasts military discipline with personal freedom and explains the isolation faced by operatives. He highlights the CIA's recruitment of morally flexible candidates and the psychological toll of a life shrouded in secrecy. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of reading people, turning spy skills into everyday applications.
