The Zack Arnold Podcast

This mini-episode taken from my latest article in the Digital Essentialism Series on Substack pulls back the curtain on the likes, comments, and compulsive urge to reach for your damn phone 205 times a day, all to uncover a deeper question: What might you be avoiding with your attention? From digital essentialism to deep work rituals, from messy garages to meaning, we dig into why we avoid the blank page, why we panic when life pauses, and why being “CrAAAAAAAAAAzy busy!!!!!” keeps us from confronting purpose, values, and meaningful goals. If you can only call something a distraction when you know what it’s distracting you from — do you really know?If you enjoyed this article and you don't want to miss my future essays, my actionable insights, and my soapbox rants about navigating the world as analog humans in today's digital hellscape, make sure to subscribe at zackarnold.com/substack.wdqSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

In today’s Hot Seat, I’m talking with Joe Dobson, who’s feeling stuck trying to balance earning paychecks with actually building his career. He’s been organizing his time and putting in the work, but still feels unclear about direction and how to network strategically. In this conversation, I guide him through accepting that you’ll never get it all done — but you can choose what truly matters. Together, we explore how to stop chasing work-life balance and instead practice deliberate, strategic imbalance that aligns with your goals and values.Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about The Arnold Academy coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

In today’s Hot Seat with one of the students in the Arnold Academy, Brandon Holmes, we dig deep and talk about some really existential stuff, moving far beyond just setting goals to explore the vision for the next phase of work and life. As we unpack his mind maps and scattered intentions, the real reason behind his uncertainty becomes clear. This reframing will help you shift your mindset so you can finally make progress on what you want to accomplish.Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about The Arnold Academy coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

In this mini-episode, I unpack my 2198-word “old man yells at cloud” rant about how algorithms are the new cigarettes, diving into the sighs, huzzahs, and head scratches it sparked while exploring our global dilemma of knowing social media is engineered to farm our attention and fuel tribalism, rage, envy, jealousy, shame, inadequacy, and over-consumption, yet still relying on it for community, connection, and “what’s the haps,” leading into my mission for part two of this series where I break down how I’m reshaping my relationship with technology as a content consumer through my rules, boundaries, and guardrails rooted in digital essentialism so I can extract genuine value without this toxic ecosystem costing me my soul.If you enjoyed this article and you don't want to miss my future essays, my actionable insights, and my soapbox rants about navigating the world as analog humans in today's digital hellscape, make sure to subscribe at zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

In today's conversation with my longtime student and even a former team member, Julie Fahrbach, we talk all about her relationship with social media and it's very complicated, both as a content consumer and a content creator. This conversation was born from my recent article Algorithms are the new cigarettes. Julie opens up about her current crossroads, asking whether she can throw social media in the trash can and still grow her business, and what it really means to build sustainably without getting pulled back into the feed.Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about The Arnold Academy coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Hey, there, it's Zack. Remember me? Well, if you've been a long time listener and follower of The Zack Arnold Podcast, of my newsletter, or even a member of The Arnold Academy, you've probably been wondering the last couple of months, what in the world is going on and where is the podcast?Well, the shorter answer is, I have a much longer answer to that question that I'm going to be explaining in my upcoming article series on Substack, and today is going to be the first of those articles, and this is going to be a mini episode that is going to be the reading of my latest article that is titled, Algorithms are the new cigarettes. Is it possible to quit cold turkey? Now if you enjoyed this article and you don't want to miss my future essays, my actionable insights, and frankly, my soapbox rants about navigating the world as analog humans in today's digital hellscape, make sure to subscribe at zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Anna Holtzman, a former reality TV editor and now a life coach, specializes in guiding sensitive creatives through career pivots and imposter syndrome. In this conversation, Anna and Zack delve into the challenges of starting over, emphasizing the importance of embracing change and taking small, actionable steps. They discuss the metaphor of chasing cheese to highlight adaptation, the power of journaling for reflection and clarity, and share inspiring client stories of courage amidst chaos. Tune in for insights on overcoming fear and finding your path.

What if the emotions you’ve been taught to hide are actually the key to deeper connection?In this episode, I’m joined by Sunil Joseph, mindfulness instructor, empathy coach, and former software developer. Sunil’s mission is to help us normalize all emotions so we can better process what we feel and connect more authentically with others. In our conversation, he guides me through this practice in real time, showing how naming and expressing emotions can shift everything. If you’ve ever struggled to understand or work through your feelings, this episode will give you tools to turn toward them instead of pushing them away.Key TakeawaysShared humanity makes vulnerability safe. When you show your struggles, you create space for someone else to meet you with compassion.Prioritize emotional resonance over intellectual empathy. Understanding a person’s need at an emotional level changes the way they respond, making your interactions more effective.Balance logic and emotion to move forward. While logic reminds you of past successes, emotion brings fear; acknowledging both without judgment enables growth and action.Episode HighlightsWhen your dream life makes you unhappy, learn to chase meaning instead of following expectations.Learn to face hidden childhood wounds to understand your present and unlock freedom.Master the four steps of nonviolent communication (NVC): what happened, your feelings, your needs, and your requests.The power of shared humanity that turns empathy and vulnerability into daily practice and real connection.Learn the universal needs in NVC and stop confusing it with strategies, so you can meet what truly matters without blaming others.Understanding emotional needs builds real connection, but it takes consistent, lifelong practice.Use mindfulness to bridge the gap between stimulus and response, giving you space to choose your reaction.Discover how NVC revealed hidden feelings and unmet needs from my personal “ouch” moment.Serve the purpose, not the title: Skills are most powerful when aligned with the work or calling that matters to you.Recommended Next EpisodeEmotional Intelligence: What It Is, How to Improve Yours, and How It Makes You a Better Creative | with Robin HillsThe Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth GillihanUseful ResourcesLisa FeldmanMarshall RosenbergWe're all Doing TimeViktor FranklList of Universal Human Needs and EmotionsThe Center for Nonviolent CommunicationGRIP: Guiding Rage Into PowerWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioSunil Joseph is a certified GRIP Facilitator, mindfulness instructor, and Nonviolent Communication coach. In 2018, he visited a GRIP class at San Quentin and was profoundly moved by the humanity and compassion in the room, a moment that transformed his path. He joined the program, eventually training to become a certified facilitator, supporting students in their growth, healing, and transformation through restorative justice. Sunil also leads weekly online meditation classes and NVC coaching sessions. With a Master’s in Computer Science and 25 years of software development experience, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered insight to his work.Sunil’s Website, LinkedInShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

How can emotional intelligence give you an edge in a world full of AI?In this episode, I talk with Robin Hills, Director of Ei4Change and an expert in emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience. Robin has a career full of varied experiences, but his superpower is turning complex ideas into practical lessons we can actually use. We dive into the five key components of emotional intelligence, how to stay motivated when your emotions are dragging you down, and how emotions impact your ability to reach flow. We also explore why imperfect action can be the antidote to creative paralysis. If you want to harness emotional intelligence to enhance your creativity and relationships, this conversation is for you.Key TakeawaysChallenge the societal bias that favors IQ over emotional intelligence. While IQ is static and easily measured, emotional intelligence is a lifelong journey of growth and can be developed over time.We are creating each other. Through empathy and emotional connection, we subtly change each other’s brains, showing that this human capacity is irreplaceable by machines.Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction. Just get out there and do it, even if it’s messy—taking any step forward builds momentum and overcomes fear or hopelessness.Episode HighlightsDefining emotional intelligence and how it goes beyond IQ to use your emotions wisely for better decisions, authentic relationships, and meaningful action.The five core components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivationHow focusing on emotional intelligence can transform you into a completely different person than you were 20 years ago.Why awareness is the most essential part of emotional intelligence, and how simple exercises can help you build self-awareness.Rethinking emotions as pleasant or unpleasant rather than positive or negative, changes how we use emotions to decide, relate, and move forward.How transferring emotion from your own experience to an audience in creative work ensures your relevance in ways machines can’t replicate.Exploring the four uniquely human components of emotional intelligence: creativity, empathy, ethics, and spirituality.The emotional side of flow and deep work, and how feelings shape creative focus.Understanding intrinsic motivation from within and extrinsic motivation from our environment, and how to harness both to stay driven across changing contexts and situations.Recommended Next EpisodeA New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick WignallUseful ResourcesDaniel Goleman BooksDr. Scott Barry Kaufman Podcast InterviewGreg McKeown Podcast InterviewWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioDr. Robin Hills brings over 40 years of business and commercial experience helping executives and leaders enhance performance through greater self-awareness and understanding of others. He focuses on supporting personality and behaviour in business through the practical application of emotional intelligence and is Director of Ei4Change (Emotional Intelligence 4 Change), a company specialising in training, coaching, and personal development grounded in emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience. His educational programmes on resilience and emotional intelligence are used in schools in South Africa and India, reaching over 500,000 students across 200+ countries.Robin’s LinkedInRobin’s BooksRobin’s Emotional Intelligence Course with Free ResourcesEi4Change Website, Facebook, Instagram, YoutubeShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?In this episode, I’m joined by Amie McNee, bestselling author of We Need Your Art, artist, creativity coach, and TEDx speaker who has become a beacon for creatives reclaiming their voice and self-worth. We talk about why art matters more than ever, how vulnerability keeps us human in an age of AI perfection, and why making “shitty art” might be your bravest act yet. If you’re feeling discouraged, disillusioned, or ready to give up, this conversation will remind you to keep creating.*This conversation contains a significant amount of explicit language. Rather than bleeping everything out or editorializing, I preferred to share the raw, authentic version because we're all feeling all the feelings right now. And I didn't want to restrict our process in any way. Viewer discretion is advised.Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.Key TakeawaysCreate art when it matters most. In times of crisis, art isn’t optional—it’s vital for healing, connection, and helping communities make sense of a chaotic world.The bigger the dream, the lower your standards should be. Perfectionism and procrastination stem from fear—embrace terrible first drafts, face the fear, and keep creating.Claim your creative identity without waiting for permission. Be your own boss with firm structure and kindness, using small daily steps to build momentum toward your biggest goals.Episode HighlightsWhy art matters more than ever in a world on fire.Vulnerability in creative work, especially for men amid hustle culture and stoicismHow language shapes owning your art and creative identityWhy too much time can be a Kryptonite for creatives and how setting restrictions creates space for making “shitty art”The struggle of being your own boss and the two essential things creatives must do to avoid burnoutThe power of being seen by another creative to reignite self-trust amid exhaustionSociety’s myths about creatives and reclaiming the truth that art is essentialWhy now is the most important time to make art in a world flooded with AI perfectionWhy embracing mediocrity matters in a world obsessed with perfection.How setting boundaries allow mindful content consumption without hijacking creativityCreativity’s power to foster self-reflection and healingWhy introvert fatigue is real and how to honor it without burning bridges or yourselfA gentle path back to creativity through Amie’s “2 Week Reset”The soapbox moment every artist needs to hearRecommended Next EpisodeOn Vulnerability and the Courageous Act of Creating From a Place of Truth | with Allison Sweet GrantUseful ResourcesDr. Scott Barry Kaufman InterviewJen Cellota Podcast InterviewAndrew HubermanBob RossWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioAmie McNee is an author, artist and speaker dedicated to helping creatives build meaningful and fulfilling lives. McNee empowers people to challenge the narratives that hold them back and embrace the messy, magical process of creation. McNee’s books and speaking inspire thousands to break free from perfectionism, self-doubt and the belief that creative work isn’t “real work.”Her nonfiction book, We Need Your Art, is a manifesto for the creative spirit in a world that undervalues artistry. She is also the author of historical fiction that explores the complexities of creativity, resistance and rebellion through vivid storytelling. Through her writing, podcast Unpublished and speaking engagements, McNee champions a life that is driven by vulnerability, purpose and unapologetic creative ambition.Amie’s Instagram | SubstackAmie’s Book: We Need Your ArtAmie's TEDx Talk: "The Case For Making Art When the World Is On Fire"Show CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content