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
Dec 22, 2025 • 48min
Justin McRoberts: Mortality, Meaning, and Giving Away Everything You've Got
Justin McRoberts, a musician, pastor, and author, reflects on how facing mortality early shaped his creative journey and faith. He emphasizes the importance of living fully by confronting death rather than adhering to cultural narratives of invincibility. McRoberts advocates for taking creative risks and sharing your gifts now, rather than waiting for the 'right' moment. He explores the power of narrative, the value of relationships over perfection, and how dead ends can spark creativity. His insights challenge conventional beliefs about art and responsibility.
9 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 51min
Jeff Wald: Navigating the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Why Personal Responsibility Defines the Future of Work
Jeff Wald, author of The End of Jobs and former CEO of WorkMarket, shares his insights on the fourth industrial revolution driven by AI and automation. He debunks the myth of lifetime employment, revealing that job tenures have significantly shortened. Wald discusses the need for individuals to master either technical skills or uniquely human abilities like creativity to thrive. He emphasizes the importance of lifelong learning and addresses rising income inequality and responsibility, urging a reevaluation of unions and education to adapt to changing labor dynamics.
Dec 8, 2025 • 43min
Jeff Spencer: The Champion Blueprint and the Eight Inevitable Steps to Peak Performance
In this engaging conversation, Jeff Spencer, a former Olympic cyclist and renowned performance coach, shares insights from his journey of resilience and achievement. He unpacks his eight steps to peak performance, emphasizing the importance of clarity in legacy, vision, and mindset. Jeff explains that rest is a competitive advantage and that focusing on critical success factors is essential to avoid burnout. He also discusses the importance of mentors and the role of a 'corner man' in high-stakes situations, providing invaluable lessons from his experience with elite athletes.
Dec 5, 2025 • 49min
Jason Naylor: The Psychology of Color and Why Bright Hues Unlock Positivity, Memory, and Human Connection
Jason Naylor, an artist and author of 'Live Life Colorfully,' shares how his upbringing as the second of seven in a Mormon family influenced his creative journey. He dives into the psychology of color, explaining how vibrant hues trigger positivity and short-term memory while muted tones linger in long-term recollection. Naylor reveals why fast food chains use specific colors for branding and offers tips on color selection to enhance personal presence. He also highlights the joy connected to colorful experiences, such as balloons and murals, reinforcing the power of brightness in our lives.
23 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 51min
Jacob Sager Weinstein: The Memory Palace Method and Why You Cannot Synthesize What You Do Not Remember
Jacob Sager Weinstein, a comedy writer and author of 'How to Remember Everything,' explores the art of memory in an age of information overload. He shares his privileged upbringing in D.C., highlighting how it shaped his worldview. Jacob emphasizes that true synthesis requires personal knowledge, not just what one finds online. He introduces the memory palace method for visualizing complex information and discusses spaced repetition as a technique to combat forgetting, making memory retention both fun and effective.
Dec 3, 2025 • 53min
Hillary Weiss: The Danger of Just Mindset and Why Imitation Is a Trap for Finding Your Golden Thread
Hillary Weiss, a brand strategist and positioning coach, shares her journey from quirky Florida schoolgirl to savvy entrepreneur. She critiques conventional mindset advice, highlighting how privilege influences risk-taking in business. Weiss introduces her elevator framework to help uncover one's unique 'golden thread' and warns against the pitfalls of imitation without self-awareness. She also discusses the importance of honing creative confidence and embracing polarizing ideas to stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Nov 27, 2025 • 59min
Gautum Mukunda: The Paradox of Leader Selection and Why Unfiltered Presidents Are a Dangerous Gamble
Gautam Mukunda, a Harvard professor and author, dives into the complexities of leader selection in this engaging discussion. He reveals that the more effort put into selecting leaders, the less it matters who is chosen, highlighting the risks of unfiltered presidents like Obama and Trump. Mukunda explains how charisma can amplify both the strengths and weaknesses of leaders, and the dangers posed by narcissism in governance. He suggests reforms to improve leadership selection and emphasizes the importance of safeguarding against potential failures.
35 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 1h 7min
Cal Newport: Why Social Media Is Big Tobacco Not Big Oil and the Steam Whistle Theory of Attention
Cal Newport, a computer science professor and author of 'Digital Minimalism,' argues that social media is more like big tobacco than big oil—a cultural ill that needs rejection. He discusses how social media drains creative energy, comparing tweets to steam whistles that sap focus. Newport emphasizes the importance of authentic connections over self-promotion, and he promotes the value of structured work and real-life interactions. He also shares insights on improving attention and productivity through mindful tech habits.
6 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 55min
Ethan Kross: Mastering Your Inner Voice Before It Masters You
Ethan Kross, a psychologist and bestselling author of *Chatter*, dives deep into the intricacies of our inner voice. He discusses how this voice can shape our identity and impact our wellbeing, often leading to rumination and anxiety. Kross shares tools for managing negative self-talk, emphasizing the importance of normalizing emotions. He critiques toxic positivity and highlights how our teenage years amplify these struggles. By exploring the connection between introspection and creativity, he offers insights into fostering a healthier relationship with our minds.
27 snips
Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 7min
Cal Newport: Cognitive Athleticism and Why Elite Performers Protect Their Attention
Cal Newport, a computer science professor and bestselling author, dives into the importance of cognitive fitness for elite performance. He shares insights from his work with NBA teams, emphasizing that attention control is as vital as physical prowess. Newport debunks the myth that social media is crucial for success, advocating for craft over constant promotion. He introduces "analog social media" for meaningful connections and explores how automation can enhance focus. Newport also discusses the real harms of digital overuse and the value of solitude and boredom in fostering creativity.
