Productive Flourishing Podcast

James Victore is a graphic artist, author, and activist who describes his art as “sexy” and strives to help people find their creative courage through talks and workshops. He has numerous high-profile clients and his posters have been displayed in places like the Museum of Modern Art in New York and the Library of Congress, among others. In addition to his life-changing talks and workshops, James also reaches people through his YouTube video series Burning Questions where he answers questions about life, love, and work. On top of all that, James also has a book out called Victore, Or Who Died and Made You Boss? He lives in Brooklyn and works with his wife, Laura. James joins Charlie on the show to talk about his life, work, and much more. Key Takeaways:02:27 – James’ first gig.04:26 – Moments in James’ career that made him realize he needed to do his own art and not try to be like somebody else.08:15 – Practicing creative courage.11:22 – Artists and designers understanding that their work is a gift.13:55 – The tension of wanting to create what you love but also having to pay the bills and work within the restrictions of a company.18:38 – James not conforming to what other people want, his “sexy” brand, and walking the line between sacred and profane.21:18 – Deciding when to take jobs and when not to and making those decision based on what makes you happy and not just because you need the money.26:45 – The idea of the reluctant hero.36:20 – The most unanticipated challenge James is currently facing.40:13 – When people ask James what he’s most proud of, it’s always his sons. Mentioned in This Episode:Burning QuestionsYouTubeMuseum of Modern ArtThe LouvreLibrary of CongressArt Directors ClubBrno BiennaleAdobeMailChimpStarbucksBobbi Brown CosmeticsAvedaTime and Esquire magazinesMoet & ChandonYohji YamamotoAbrams PublishingVictore, Or Who Died and Made You Boss?School of Visual ArtsJeffrey DavisMaslow’s hierarchy of needsJulian SchnabelJoseph CampbellStar WarsDead Poets SocietyWill SmithYour Work as a Gift Victory Lab This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Known as the Suitcase Entrepreneur, Natalie Sisson has been traveling the world and living out of her suitcase since 2006 while also running a successful online business from her laptop that generates a six-figure income. She is a number-one bestselling author, podcaster, speaker, and adventure and is on a mission to help entrepreneurs create true freedom in their lives by 2020. Natalie joins Charlie on the show today to discuss her adventuresome lifestyle, how she grew her business, upcoming changes, and much more. Key Takeaways:2:04 – How Natalie got started in entrepreneurship and what made her want to do it.4:35 – Natalie’s first business and what ultimately led her to leave and move on.8:37 – Challenges Natalie faced in the first years of Suitcase Entrepreneur and what she saw as the most challenging areas of business.12:11 – Spark moments in the first years of Suitcase Entrepreneur that let Natalie know she should keep going.13:20 – Something Natalie learned that she wishes someone had told her before she started.18:25 – The balance between always talking about yourself and your experiences but using that to help teach others.19:33 – The process Natalie took in writing and publishing her book.25:27 – Getting over the fear of asking people to support your work and help you.28:38 – Natalie’s views on freedom.31:41 – New things and changes coming up in Natalie’s life and work and what led to making those changes.36:33 – The most unanticipated challenge Natalie is facing right now.37:36 – Be true to yourself and comfortable with whatever decision you make at the time. Mentioned in This Episode:suitcaseentrepreneur.comFreedom Plan ProgramFacebookConnection Point SystemsFundRazrSeth GodinJonathan FieldsFresh in Fifteen podcastKickstarterScrivenerPam SlimThe Art of Asking, Amanda PalmerTim FerrissChris Guillebeau This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Sergeant Kevin Briggs is a retired California Highway Patrol officer who spent most of his time on the Golden Gate Bridge encouraging people not to commit suicide by jumping. He was nicknamed the guardian of the Golden Gate Bridge and has helped over 200 people make the decision not to end their life. After retiring, he continued his work by traveling worldwide to speak on the subjects of crisis management, suicide prevention, and leadership skills. He speaks and teaches at conferences and law enforcement departments, as well as consulting and advising major companies and corporations. His story has been featured in numerous magazines and newspapers, which includes him being a cancer survivor, dealing with heart issues, and going through a divorce. He is currently working on his autobiography set to release in July of 2015. Kevin joins Charlie on the show today to discuss his work and knowledge of crisis management, share some personal stories, and much more. Key Takeaways:02:35 – Kevin’s first encounter on the Golden Gate Bridge.06:01 – The little amount of training Kevin had received before taking his first suicide call and why that is.08:43 – The emotional journey Kevin goes through when taking a suicide call and how it changes his perspective on life.11:06 – Kevin’s second suicide encounter.12:57 – Handling compassion fatigue and vicarious trauma and Kevin’s own depression.15:55 – The importance of police officers and others in that field of work getting help for their stress and depression they may feel after seeing the things that they see.19:14 – What the Quality of Life Triad is and where that came from.21:43 – The importance of self-care and the resistance Kevin faces from fellow officers.25:14 – Why people are so reluctant to seek help.27:55 – Kevin’s RELEASE model.31:55 – Tips on how to listen to someone and help them without judging or telling them what they need to do.33:45 – Kevin’s own personal situation he dealt with when finding out his son was cutting.38:44 – The importance of communicating and talking with your family and friends. Mentioned In This Episode:The New Yorker MagazinePeople MagazineUSA TodayPivotal PointsQuality of Life TriadRELEASE model This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

The smartest thing Carla ever did with regards to writing her book is collaborating with a person who was just as emotionally involved as she was. She was so used to going full throttle all the time she needed to learn that you can ask for help or even quit it for a while and go back to it later. She found that using online collaboration tools allowed the words to flow and increased her and her partner’s productivity. The only part of the process she found difficult was when asking for blurbs, even when Venus Williams offered to write cover quote. Key Takeaways:[2:40] How Carla got to where she is today[4:20] Blogging is great because there is instant feedback[5:42] Simple teaching stemmed from simple learning techniques[6:55] My name was cutesy because that’s what bloggers did[9:04] People embraced my change[9:59] Struggle is universal, it’s more than fitness[11:30] Apologizing for what?[11:59] Being processed oriented versus outcome oriented[13:26] The smartest thing we ever did was become emotionally invested[14:40] Sorry this letter is so long. I didn’t have time to make it shorter[15:57] Splitting up the chapters helped us enjoy the tight deadline[18:12] This is how I flow now[19:53] Collaboration can open up so many ideas[20:41] The book was the easy part, the blurbs caused the friction[22:33] The cover quote was a reach[23:58] The Art of Asking[25:38] I rock the NO[26:27] It was the right time to write the book[27:20] Quitting and moving on doesn’t mean that you can’t go back to it[27:54] Well where to now? What’s next?[29:30] The beginning of the #wycwyc[30:18] All of our struggles are the same[30:59] Comfortability with yourself Mentions:CarlaBirnberg#wycwycTheArtofAsking - Amanda Palmer This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Ali Luke is an author, blogger, entrepreneur, and mother who blogs about writing on her website Aliventures. She is also the creator of Writers’ Huddle, a teaching community site for writers. She started writing online in 2008 and has since become a regular blogger on popular websites. She is also the author of Publishing E-Books For Dummies and the novel Lycopolis. Ali joins Charlie on the show today to talk about the challenges of being a working writer, mother, and entrepreneur, how having two small children has made her change the way she views her work and her business, offer advice for up and coming writers and bloggers, as well as much more. Key Takeaways:02:06 – How Ali got started in online writing.04:28 – Knowing that jumping to blog writing was going to work as a long-term career and launching her first e-book.05:58 – How easy it is to break into blogging.08:14 – What staff blogging is.09:18 – Why Ali enjoys waking up and writing every day.10:45 – Switching from writing blogs to e-books and also her novel.14:23 – How being pregnant and becoming a mother changed things in Ali’s career and writing.19:13 – The challenge of balancing being an entrepreneur and being a mother.25:04 – Some of the hardest aspects of going back to work after having children.27:05 – The difficulty of making the transition from one thing to another.34:49 – How the e-book world is growing and why that excites Ali.38:20 – The fear people have of putting their work out there for people to see.46:32 – The most unanticipated challenge Ali is currently facing.51:07 – If Ali can succeed in being a mom, author, blogger, and entrepreneur, anybody can. There should be nothing stopping you. Mentioned in This Episode:Publishing E-Books For DummiesLycopolisAliventuresWriters’ HuddleCopybloggerWrite to DoneMen with PensThe Creative PenProbloggerDaily Blog TipsProductive FlourishingWordPressStaff Blogging CourseBrian ClarkBuzzFeedDumb Little ManAmazonKoboMelissa DinwiddieNaNoWriMoStephen KingFifty Shades of Grey, E.L. James The Quotable Coach, Barry Demp This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Andrew Bennett is a former Fortune 500 corporate executive and started his career working as H. Ross Perot's personal assistant. Andrew teaches corporations his transformation framework, which he developed through his passion and understanding of magic. He uses three principles for incorporating change into a company – appear, disappear, and restore and in the episode he explains further how this framework has improved businesses and professional relationships. Andrew shares to Charlie his personal struggles and life story, finding meaning in his life, and his passion for magic. Key Takeaways:[2:05] Andrew talks about how he got started.[6:45] When we get comfortable, we will miss important life-changing opportunities.[10:10] Andrew talks about the first time he incorporated a magic trick in a business presentation.[12:55] When Andrew hit rock bottom and lost all of his material possessions and was bankrupt, he knew that he had a higher purpose.[20:30] We're not meant to 'just survive'. We're suppose to thrive and our scars enable us to thrive.[29:30] Good leaders focus on making their employees better people.[32:25] How has Andrew's magic helped him in business today?[37:40] Andrew's framework is appear, disappear, and restore.[39:40] What's Andrew's most unanticipated challenging that he's facing right now?[43:20] The final takeaway? People don't realize there's a lot of power in hope. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Melissa evangelizes that feeding your creative hungers is one of the fastest routes to happiness. As a happiness catalyst and creativity instigator Melissa empowers people to find and follow their callings, create their art and share their work because that’s how you will change the world.An artist in multiple forms Melissa models living a full color life and shares her writings, artwork and music on her blog, Living a Creative Life where you can also find her podcast Live Creative Now.  Key Takeaways:[1:04] Melissa lived in shades of gray and has transitioned to full color[3:11] The sustainable calligraphy business[4:48] A personal crisis that sent me into the gutter and then to create Living a Creative Life[8:00] The universe tell you when it’s time. If you don’t listen it will hit you with a 2x4[13:18] Understanding your creative process is key[15:25] Melissa hadn’t been given the business gene. She was in the wrong line[17:44] Even an abundance of praise can make you question your creativity. Mindset helps[23:00] I don’t care it’s crap. Live in a creative sandbox with your ridiculously achievable goals[24:47] How to work through the tension of achieving your goals and obtaining motivation[32:25] Ultimate value refers to personal value and not necessarily technical skills[36:25] Prolificness allows you to get it out there and then the ability to build upon it[38:15] Finding the challenges and needs of others can be extremely satisfying. Love your job![41:41] Delegating tasks and letting go of things seems hard but it can free you to be in the flow[46:29] Doing your creative thing is not self indulgent Mentions In This Episode:Mindset - Carol DweckTinyHabits - BJ FoggTheImperfectionManifestoCreativeSandboxRules750WordsRainmaker  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Charlie talks today on the show about what it means to be a creative giant and why he uses that term, challenges a creative giant may face, what it means and how to “stand tall,” and more. Key Takeaways:01:13 – What creative giants are.03:20 – The challenges creative giants face.07:52 – Why the term “giant”?09:05 – What usually happens when a creative giant goes to large events and conferences. 11:34 – Charlie’s fear of using the term “creative giant” publically. 12:21 – Being able to “stand tall.” Mentioned In This Episode:Productive FlourishingTheodore RooseveltMarianne Williamson This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Mary Trunk has many titles to her name including painter, dancer, choreographer, and filmmaker and has been making documentary films for over 20 years. Her first feature length film, The Watershed, screened at over 30 film festivals worldwide and has won numerous awards. She then spent seven years filming her latest documentary Lost in Living. Another short documentary, The Past is in the Present: At Home with Gunther Schuller, co-produced with her husband Paul Sanchez, is also touring the festival circuit around the U.S., and she is currently working on a new hybrid documentary project, which will be a reflection on her past dance career and how that has influenced everything she does. Mary has a new interactive website that she is working on and also teaches film and video at three different colleges in California. In addition to all of that, she is also a mother to one daughter and living in Los Angeles, California. Key Takeaways:02:14 – How Mary got started doing the work that she does.04:16 – The bridge of Mary’s dancing to making documentaries.08:50 – The relationship between choreography and filmmaking.13:36 – How Mary stuck with making a documentary that ended up being a seven-year project.18:11 – What Mary learned from the process of making Lost in Living.20:49 – Transitioning from Lost in Living to The Past is in the Present.24:51 – What Mary calls herself with all the different things that she does – businesswoman, filmmaker, etc.30:48 – How Mary balances all of her work and family priorities.37:38 – New projects Mary is working on.40:26 – The most unanticipated challenge Mary is currently facing.43:20 – We’re all struggling. Everybody has their story. Everybody has their issues. Mentioned In This Episode:The WatershedLost in LivingThe Past is in the Present: At Home with Gunther SchullerThis Woman’s LifeArt Center College of DesignLoyola Marymount UniversityMount St. Mary’s UniversityUC Santa CruzMy Mother Calls MeSan Francisco Art InstituteMarjorie SchlossmanSlamdance Film Festival  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe

Joan Sotkin is an author, coach, and businesswoman who helps people understand why they do what they do with their money and how to change their financial behaviors. In the 1980’s Joan built her own mail order business selling crystals and making over $30,000 a month, but her lack of business and financial skills led to her downfall and bankruptcy. This led her down the path of learning everything she could about business and financial management, even attending 12-step programs like Debtors Anonymous and Co-Dependents Anonymous. She eventually went on to start her website prosperityplace.com and write her book Build Your Money Muscles: Nine Simple Exercises for Improving Your Relationship with Money, which won two national awards. Joan joins Charlie on the show today to talk about what she has learned over the years and much more. Key Takeaways:01:51 – How Joan got started in her first business.03:25 – Joan reaching the point where she had to give everything away.06:39 – Things that led to Joan’s first business going under.10:13 – Going from being big into the mail order business to learning how to do business using the Internet.12:24 – Differences between starting a business with the Internet readily available and starting one before the Internet era.15:49 – How do we connect on a deep level so that we’re connected and we’re not alone?16:58 – Why it seems like as we becomes more technologically abundant our financial situations get worse.19:34 – The importance of discipline and conscious living in your spending habits. 22:17 – The identity factor. Why do people who are pretty smart make really stupid decisions?24:38 – How we know when our identity factor is kicking in.27:33 – Where all our emotions and feelings attached around money come from and steps we can take to change them. 30:50 – It’s not about the money. It’s about you, your relation to yourself, and your relationship with the world around you.31:15 – What area in Joan’s own relationship with money she is working on right now.32:45 – Why it’s easier for Joan to manage debt than it is for her to manage savings.33:47 – The most unanticipated challenge Joan is currently facing.37:04 – When you love, accept, acknowledge, and appreciate yourself, you will get paid, and you’re going to be living a rich life. Mentioned In This Episode:prosperityplace.comBuild Your Money Muscles: Nine Simple Exercises for Improving Your Relationship with MoneySanta Monica Civic AuditoriumWendy McClellandAOLAmazonGoogleMcKinseySCOREFacebookThe Millionaire Next DoorThe SecretUncertainty, Jonathan FieldsDebtors AnonymousCo-Dependents Anonymous  This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.productiveflourishing.com/subscribe