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
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.
33 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.
Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 22min
Eric Barker: The Science of Relationships and Why Playing Well with Others Matters More Than You Think
Eric Barker, a bestselling author known for translating social science into practical advice, dives deep into relationships and connection. He shares insights from his journey in Hollywood and the video game industry, emphasizing the importance of personal networks in success. Barker debunks myths about marriage and friendship, illustrating how trust and rituals strengthen bonds. He also highlights how novelty can keep romance alive and discusses the need for healthy conflict in relationships. Ultimately, he encourages listeners to define their own success and embrace their unique strengths.
Nov 20, 2025 • 45min
Brea Starmer: Redefining Work Around Highest and Best Use, Not Hours Logged
Brea Starmer, founder of Lions and Tigers and a mother of three, reimagines work culture by placing value on 'highest and best use' over hours logged. She discusses her journey from corporate tech to entrepreneurship and the impact of being laid off while pregnant. Brea highlights the consequences of pregnancy discrimination, the chaos of parenting schedules, and how workplaces must adapt to support caregivers. Advocating for flexible work arrangements, she explains how companies can enhance productivity by focusing on outcomes rather than face time.
10 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 54min
Dylan Beynon: Building Mindbloom and the Science of Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy
Dylan Beynon shares his journey of creating Mindbloom, a groundbreaking at-home ketamine therapy platform driven by personal tragedy. He discusses how psychedelics like ketamine foster neuroplasticity, enabling profound mental health transformations with better outcomes than traditional meds. Navigating historical stigmas and FDA regulations, Dylan advocates for therapeutic psychedelics' acceptance. He explains the impact of addiction, the need for destigmatization, and how telemedicine can democratize access to mental health treatments.
Nov 18, 2025 • 57min
Douglass Vigliotti: Wrestling with Conviction and Why Creative Work Demands Uncomfortable Honesty
Douglass Vigliotti, an author and creative thinker dedicated to personal growth, dives deep into the creative journey's emotional labyrinth. He discusses the tension between doubt and conviction, revealing how his parents influenced his work ethic. Douglass argues that true growth often lies in discomfort and the importance of embracing challenging ideas for authentic creativity. He emphasizes the need for process over outcome, the impact of privilege on perspectives, and why facing life's uncertainties is essential for meaningful artistry.
