
The Zack Arnold Podcast
Hi I'm Zack, and the purpose of my work is to help you find meaning and purpose in yours (without burning out...or selling your creative soul).If you've built your entire career around your creativity like I have, you may be asking the same question I am: Is there a future for us “creatives,” Or is it game over? I can't promise that I know what the future brings, but I do promise few are more dedicated to helping you find the answers than I am.You're in the right place if:You live to create. Your work isn't just a job but an expression of who you are.You create to live. Your livelihood depends on your creativity.You love making cool shit.Whether you identify as introverted or neurodivergent (or both, like me)...No matter if you're a misfit, a rebel, an outlier, or a troublemaker...If you've been called weird, nerdy, dorky, quirky, or awkward...Or if you’re an over-thinker, procrastinator, or perfectionist…You are welcome here. 😊Come join me as I have honest, authentic, and candid conversations with NYT bestselling authors, Oscar and Emmy winners, experts across many different industries, and ordinary humans achieving extraordinary things.
Latest episodes

9 snips
Sep 5, 2023 • 1h 17min
How to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina Wallace
Christina Wallace, entrepreneur and Senior Lecturer at Harvard Business School, discusses the outdated specialization model and the need to focus on building a portfolio life. They also explore challenges in achieving the American dream, the disparity between productivity and wages, and the importance of reframing failure and embracing discomfort.

Aug 29, 2023 • 1h 6min
Becoming a Master of Change in All Aspects of Your Life | with Brad Stulberg
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistBrad Stulberg is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness as well as the upcoming book, Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything is Changing, which we will be discussing in our conversation today.Brad and I nerd out on the science behind how we react to changes and why change can cause stress, anxiety and even depression. Brad reveals a simple and effective formula for relating to change and how to apply it in every day life. We cover the reasons why contentment can be such a sticky and loaded topic. Plus, you’ll learn some therapeutic theories and tools such as the arrival fallacy and behavioral activation, to help you understand and work with anxiety and depression..Our conversation then pivoted to the latest change that the creatives in the entertainment industry are encountering now. Brad provides concrete steps and questions we can ask ourselves to help us deal with the strike and the developing world of Artificial Intelligence. If you’ve been feeling a shift in your identity, or some form of an identity crisis, there are some helpful ideas for managing this change.This is a timely conversation that will be relevant for years to come due to the everlasting nature of change and our evolving relationship to it.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:What is groundedness and how does it apply to us?Homeostasis vs Allostasis (and why the difference is important to know)How our brain reacts to changes and the reason we are so resistant to themThe two neural pathways our brains can take when experiencing changeHow to accept where you are especially when there is resistanceWhat is behavioral activation and how we can use it in the face of changeWhy behavioral activation works even if we don't get the result we expectThe concrete steps to follow when a big change occursUnderstanding the hype cycle and why the hype about AI might be outweighing the gravity of what it really isThe more important thing we should focus on that's more robust and less fragile to changeHow to manage an identity crisisThe real life story of an athlete who shifted from being a "specialist" to "generalist"Why your core values matter particularly in shifting identitiesWhy "positive thinking" doesn't always work (and what evidence based tool does)The two types of fatigue and how to identify each of themUseful Resources Mentioned:Master of Change: How to Excel When Everything Is Changing - Including You How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharChase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline | Federal Communications CommissionCrisis hotlines and resourcesBrad Stulberg | Author, Executive Coach, and Speaker | Official SiteRange: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized WorldYou are a “Jack of All Trades” AND a master of one (you just don’t know it yet)Continue to Listen & LearnIDENTITY (Weathering the storm…without losing yourself)This isn’t just an economic crisis…it’s an identity crisis.The Link Between Telling Your Story & Identifying Your Purpose (And How to Do Both) | with Dan DavisHow to Manage An Identity Crisis (Especially When You Know You’re Meant For Something More) | with Erica Wernick[BONUS] Mastermind Q&A: How to Successfully Be a “Specialized Generalist” | with Michael AddisIs Artificial Intelligence Coming for Your Job? Maybe…and Here’s How to Prepare | with Michael KammesHow to Be an Irreplaceable Creative in the Emerging World of Artificial Intelligence | with Srinivas RaoSurviving AI requires changing our relationship with the “F-word”The Performance Paradox – How Only Focusing On Performance Leads to Performing Worse | with Eduardo BriceñoWhy Providing Value & Supporting Your Community is Essential | with Shiran Carolyn Amir, ACEStaying True to Your Core Values (When Hollywood Tries to Steal Your Soul) | with Sean CorvelleHow to ‘Get In the Room’ and Work with Producers Who Will Value & Respect You | with Matt NixTerrified to Make a Big Change In Your Life? Start By “Showing Up Small” | with Eddy RocheDefining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony HortonGuest Bio: Brad Stulberg Brad Stulberg researches, writes, and coaches on health, well-being, and sustainable excellence. He is the bestselling author of The Practice of Groundedness and co-author of Peak Performance. Stulberg regularly contributes to the New York Times, and his work has been featured in the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, The New Yorker, Sports Illustrated, Outside Magazine, Forbes, and other outlets. He also serves as the co-host of The Growth Equation podcast and is on faculty at the University of Michigan’s Graduate School of Public Health. In his coaching practice, he works with executives, entrepreneurs, physicians, and athletes on their mental skills and overall well-being. He lives in Asheville, North Carolina.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Aug 23, 2023 • 8min
Weathering the storms...without losing yourself
Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/mondays.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Aug 22, 2023 • 1h 15min
The Performance Paradox - How Only Focusing On Performance Leads to Performing Worse | with Eduardo Briceño
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistEduardo Briceño is a global keynote speaker that has been guiding many of the world’s leading companies in developing cultures of high performance and effective learning. He is the author of the book, THE PERFORMANCE PARADOX: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action (to be released on September 5th) and is an absolute powerhouse of information on what the growth mindset actually is and how you can achieve it.In our conversation, Eduardo and I dive deep into the science of how the human mind learns at different ages, and why understanding this is the key to unlocking your ability to learn more deeply in ways that are far more fulfilling (as opposed to our previous conditioning at a young age that learning sucks). Eduardo explains how you can avoid what he calls the Performance Paradox, where high performing individuals become in danger of being stuck due to the fact that they are no longer learning, they are just doing what they know best over a long period of time.If you’re looking to not only advance your current level of success, but maintain that success long term (or get un-stuck if you feel as if you’re running in place), this conversation is for you. Eduardo completely reframes the process of learning and reaching your own peak level of high performance in ways that are both simple to understand and fulfilling to practice. The insights you'll learn from our discussion are invaluable in order to help you grow not only in your career, but your life in general.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:What a growth mindset really is (it's not what many people think) and why knowing this is so crucial to your growthThe danger of the belief that we belong in specific groups (e.g. being 'gifted' in an area)How the brain learns in different age groups and how understanding this can boost your learning abilityHow you can make learning fulfilling (and not something you dread)What the performance paradox is and why understanding it is so crucial to your growthThe difference between the Learning Zone and Performance Zone and the right time to be in eachThe 4 types of mistakes and how you can learn from each of themWhy having experience in an area doesn’t guarantee your success (and what does)How to diversify your skills the right wayHow to create time for growth when your calendar is already full of to do listsEduardo’s simple 4-step framework to achieve high performance and effective learningUseful Resources Mentioned:TED Talk: How to Get Better at the Things You Care AboutTEDx Talk: The Power of BeliefThe Performance Paradox: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action - Eduardo BriceñoMindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck, Ph. D.RANGE: Why Generalists Triumph in a Specialized World – David EpsteinPeak: Secrets from the New Science of Expertise - Anders Ericsson, Robert PoolDunning–Kruger effectContinue to Listen & LearnHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearWhat Creativity Is, How It Works, and the Laws to Learning It | with Joey CofoneHow to Accomplish Your ‘One Thing’ Every Day | with Jay PapasanChase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’All Quiet On the Western Front Writer/Producer Lesley Paterson On Unleashing Your True Creative (and Athletic) PotentialHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharMastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha Tenenbaum[BONUS] Mastermind Q&A: How to Successfully Be a “Specialized Generalist” | with Michael AddisWinning at The Ultimate Game of Life | with Jim BunchUsing the Athlete’s Mindset to Hone Your Creativity & Productivity | with Vashi Nedomansky, ACEGuest Bio: Eduardo Briceño Eduardo Briceño is a global keynote speaker and facilitator who guides many of the world’s leading companies in developing cultures of learning and high performance. Earlier in his career, he was the co-founder and CEO of Mindset Works, the first company to offer growth mindset development services. Previously, he was a venture capital investor with the Sprout Group. His TED Talk, How to Get Better at the Things You Care About, and his prior TEDx Talk, The Power of Belief, have been viewed more than nine million times. He is a Pahara-Aspen Fellow, a member of the Aspen Institute’s Global Leadership Network, and an inductee in the Happiness Hall of Fame. He is the author of THE PERFORMANCE PARADOX: Turning the Power of Mindset into Action.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Chris Orsi, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Aug 18, 2023 • 1h 13min
The Note Underneath the Note: What Separates Editors From the Machines
Learn about the value of career diversification in editing and the importance of diversity beyond resumes. Explore the significance of learning different editing tools and styles and the valuable skills that editors in the unscripted world bring. Discuss the potential impact of artificial intelligence on editing and storytelling. Discover the challenges and limitations of AI in TV and film editing and the importance of embracing discomfort and seeking new experiences for better storytelling.

Aug 16, 2023 • 9min
You are a "Jack of All Trades" AND a master of one (you just don't know it yet)
Explore the shift towards career diversification and its impact on redefining identities. Discover the power of generalization and its relationship with artificial intelligence. Understand the potential effects of advanced language models and generative AI on jobs and creativity. Learn how to diversify your specialty and develop career resilience.

Aug 15, 2023 • 1h 16min
Why Providing Value & Supporting Your Community is Essential | with Shiran Carolyn Amir, ACE
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistShiran Carolyn Amir, ACE is a film and television editor, who is also actively involved in the Motion Picture Editors Guild. She's worked on projects such as 9-1-1, Z-Nation, Chucky, Fear The Walking Dead, The OA, and Love Victor. What’s unique to Shiran’s success story is the method she has used in order to reroute her career and pursue her dream work. Counterintuitively, it involves not working at all. In our conversation today, Shiran shares with us the strategy she uses to step away from work so that she can dive all into pursuing what is most fulfilling to her (which is helping others).Beyond her unique strategies for developing a fulfilling life and career, Shiran is also here to share with us how providing genuine value is the key to strengthening your community and creating a strong, supportive network. In a world where there is no shortage of highly skilled workers, providing value is how Shiran went from zero connections in the industry to working as an editor with an Eddie nomination. While Shiran’s career path might look like a string of “luck”, as you’ll learn today, it came after she focused on providing value, not as a strategy, but as a heartfelt human desire.If you’re interested in expanding your network, looking to extend your reach in the world, or, want more fulfillment in your life, this conversation is for you. Shiran’s strategies are simple enough that anyone can apply them (and clearly effective enough that you should). Beyond learning some great new strategies, you’ll hear all about Shiran’s unique life story that is sure to leave you feeling inspired.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How Shiran landed her first gig in Hollywood with zero connections (and no, it wasn’t an impressive resume)The strategy Shiran used (more than once) that allowed her to quit her job while she took time to pursue her dream jobWhy Shiran decided to turn down Assistant Editor work and what she did insteadThe indie film that was Shiran’s breakthrough into editing workHow Shiran managed to make the jump to editor at a company she previously worked for doing something elseThe most annoying advice from Zack that Shiran followed when she felt stuck (and why it worked)The project Shiran started for the benefit of the union that earned her the nickname “healthcare gal”Why just doing great work isn’t enough (and what else Shiran did that led to her being nominated for an Eddie)Why Shiran believes you don’t have to be at the “top” to make changesHow genuinely helping the community benefits you and everyone around youUseful Resources Mentioned:Become a volunteer (MPEG)Continue to Listen & LearnImprove Your Networking Skills By Serving First (Instead of Selling) | with Liston WitherillOn the Vital Importance of “Being Nice” | with Jesse Averna, ACEHow to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianHow to Build Meaningful Relationships in the ‘Real World’ | with Camille VirginiaHow to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Mastermind Q&A with Monica DanielHow to Become Oscar-level Successful (Without Being a Dick) | with Peter RamseyNetworking (the Right Way), Mentorship, and Connecting with ‘Experts’ | with Troy Takaki, ACEHow to Build Your Community, Intuition & Resilience in Order to Succeed as an Artist | with Kristina SnyderGuest Bio: Shiran Carolyn Amir, ACE Born in NY and raised in Israel, Shiran Carolyn Amir, ACE served as an Avid Editor during her mandatory 2 year military service in the Israeli Air Force Filming Unit. After moving to LA she transitioned between genres and worked her way up over 13 years. Prior projects include Fear The Walking Dead, The OA, Love Victor, and Chucky. In 2022 she was nominated for an ACE Eddie award for her editing on the indie narrative film, Lupe. Currently she's an editor on season 6 of the show 9-1-1 for Fox. Shiran volunteers her time helping the post production industry within the Motion Picture Editors Guild, serving on its Board of Directors as an Editor representative, is the Co-Chair of its Young Workers Group, and participates on various committees.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Chris Orsi, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Aug 10, 2023 • 9min
This isn't just an economic crisis...it's an identity crisis.
Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/mondays.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Aug 8, 2023 • 1h 14min
The Link Between Telling Your Story & Identifying Your Purpose (And How to Do Both) | with Dan Davis
Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistDan Davis is the founder and CEO of Stiry, as well as an award winning documentary filmmaker of over 250 films (yes, you read that correctly). If you’re wondering how Dan has the time and energy to make all of these films, we'll definitely be answering that for you in our conversation! For the majority of our conversation today, however, Dan and I will be discussing his inspiring life story of overcoming multiple health conditions (including undergoing a last minute life saving surgery) that in turn fueled his calling to help others uncover their own unique purpose.Through Dan’s incredible experience, he learned the power that telling your story has when it comes to self-discovery and identifying your deeper calling. By creating Stiry or “stories that stir”, as well as writing his book This Is My Story, Dan provides as many people as he can with the tools it takes to not only better identify their deeper calling, but learn how to share that with others through the power of story.If you’ve been feeling as if you’re unsure of your real purpose, or perhaps you know what that is but are unclear on the steps necessary to transition to that role, this conversation is for you. Dan and I dive deep into the steps he outlines in his book (which is also a workbook) so that you can get started uncovering your own answers. As I mentioned in my interviews and articles, we're in COVID 2.0 right now (minus the COVID) and there’s no better time than now for you to listen to Dan’s advice and get started clarifying your next steps towards where you really want to be in life.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Dan’s story of the life saving surgery that inspired him to create his companyHow Dan used his time of unemployment (after quitting several jobs) to discover his purposeThe reason it’s so important to undergo your own self-discovery and uncover your own storyHow telling your story benefits both yourself and the people around you3 simple steps that will help you uncover your own storyWhat simple actions you can be doing while you uncover your story (and purpose)The real questions you should be asking yourself…The end result of uncovering your story (and what this process will do for you)What the company Stiry both is and what it can do for youUseful Resources Mentioned:StiryThis is My Story: See Your Story Differently and Let It Move YouContinue to Listen & LearnThe Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will StorrUsing the Hero’s Journey to Write Better Stories (and Live a Better Life) | with Chris VoglerHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharHow to Live a Better Life Simply by Asking Better Questions | with Marc ChampagneFeeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David MeadChase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’How to Know What You Actually Want (and Find Support to Make It Happen) | with Philippe DanielidesHow to Manage An Identity Crisis (Especially When You Know You’re Meant For Something More) | with Erica Wernick[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a PandemicWriting Your Own (Unique) Path to the Top | with Wendy CalhounGuest Bio: Dan Davis Dan Davis is an award winning film producer, director, and the founder of the documentary film company Stiry (‘stories that stir’). Dan has successfully run multiple multi-million dollar film production companies and produced and directed over 250 films across the globe.His inspired efforts through film have proved to be instrumental in raising millions of dollars for charities worldwide and helping thousands find their own story, a testament to Dan's focus on storytelling as a tool for change.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Aug 3, 2023 • 14min
The Hollywood suits may hate us. But they will always need us.
Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/mondays.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content