The Zack Arnold Podcast

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 playlistWhile I fully understand the reasoning behind feeling threatened by the rapid rise of AI in our society, I also believe that we can use this tool to our advantage and advance our careers by embracing it. And that’s exactly what my guest, Srinivas Rao, and I geek out on today. Srinivas is the host and founder of The Unmistakable Creative podcast where he has interviewed more than 1,300 people, from bank robbers to billionaires, including myself (I definitely fall somewhere in the middle of that spectrum).In our conversation, Srinivas and I go deep into the rabbit hole of all things AI, discussing and demonstrating all of the work it is capable of. We examine the specific reasons AI couldn’t actually replace humans and more importantly, how we can use AI as leverage to further advance our careers. Srinivas believes that AI is the greatest equalizer since the industrial revolution and shares many of his own personal experiences utilizing it.Whether you’re fully onboard with AI and excited to use this tool to further develop your career, or you’re fully against AI and afraid of the careers it could replace, I highly recommend listening to our conversation. Beyond learning more about AI in general, you’ll gain a clearer understanding of how you can make your craft irreplaceable - whether you use AI or not.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The important difference between being creative and being “a creative”Why Srinivas couldn’t get a job with an MBA and what he did about itWhat Srinivas means when he uses the term “unmistakable creative”The difference between using authenticity as strategy, versus just being authenticWhat the “creativity technology gap” is and why it’s importantWhy Srinivas considers AI to be the great equalizer of our time since the industrial revolutionWhy AI is largely dependent on human skills (and why that’s good news)How to actually use AI in your career in order to advance yourselfWhy you should never be afraid of AI replacing you (no matter what the internet says)How AI is the solution to many of our problems and why we need to stop viewing it as a threatUseful Resources Mentioned:Mosaic (web browser)Netscape NavigatorDial-up InternetMiddle Men movieScott Young's principles of accelerated learningNothing, Forever (AI generated Seinfeld parody)Moore's LawMemUnmistakable InsightsThe Artificially Intelligent CreativeBuild a Second BrainMaximize Your OutputContinue to Listen & Learn Optimizing Your Remote Post-Production Workflow (and Maintaining Your Sanity) | with Michael KammesChase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’How to Master the Metaskill of ‘Ultralearning’ | with Scott YoungManaging Limiting Beliefs, Imposter Syndrome, and all the “Chatter” In Our Heads | with Ethan KrossAll Quiet On the Western Front Writer/Producer Lesley Paterson On Unleashing Your True Creative (and Athletic) PotentialWhat Creativity Is, How It Works, and the Laws to Learning It | with Joey CofoneThe Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will StorrWhat I’ve Learned About Life From 200 Interviews with Amazing Human Beings | with Zack ArnoldGuest Bio: Srinivas Rao Srinivas Rao is the host and founder of the Unmistakable Creative podcast, where he has interviewed more than 1000 people ranging from bank robbers to billionaires. Guests have included Danielle Laporte, Glenn Beck, Tim Ferriss, Elle Luna, Seth Godin, and many insanely interesting people. His self-published book The Art of Being Unmistakable was a Wall Street Journal bestseller and he was featured on the Netflix documentary, Indian Matchmaking.He has a business degree from UC -Berkeley and an MBA from Pepperdine University. Before becoming an author and podcast host, Srini held sales and marketing positions at several software and market research companies, including Intuit and Nielsen. He is a keynote speaker on the topics of innovation, creativity, and productivity, delivering keynotes at events such as the International Live Events Association, the ASAE Great Ideas Conference, Podcast Movement, and the Experiential Marketing Summit. He's also the creator of Maximize Your Output with Mem, a course that teaches you how to use Mem to organize, store, and access information quickly and easily. Media outlets such as the New York Times, Forbes, and Inc. have featured his work, and organizations such as UPS, Citibank, and Lockheed have invited him to speak.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/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

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 playlistMy guest today is William Zabka who is best known for his portrayal of Johnny Lawrence both in Cobra Kai and the Karate Kid movies. While Johnny is the quintessential 80's bully, William is the complete polar opposite of that character. The bully you love to hate is actually a passionate filmmaker and dedicated family man who has overcome the challenges and obstacles of the wildly fickle entertainment industry.We discuss his commitment to sticking to his values and what he did during the seemingly big gap in his career from Karate Kid to more than 30 years later resurfacing in Cobra Kai. He talks openly about the tough decisions to turn down jobs that weren’t a good fit while struggling with feelings of doubt.Throughout our conversation, William shares his first hand experiences on some of the principles I teach in the Optimizer Coaching and Mentorship program like shifting your mindset to work in your favor, staying authentic to your values, facing your fears head on. And having said that, I hope this conversation will leave you inspired to pursue your biggest dreams.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How William manages to make Johnny Lawrence’s character feel so authentic and his ‘purging’ process to disconnect from the character after each shooting season.How William deals with the ‘droughts’ in his career.The award-winning short film that William co-wrote and co-produced that was met with seemingly impossible odds.Why William decided to say ‘no’ to acting roles when he was at the height of his success.The work culture in Cobra Kai: The best idea wins no matter who it belongs to.How William ascertains whether an opportunity is good or bad.How William balances being a dad with his busy career in the entertainment industry.What made William decide to go back to acting and play the role of Johnny Lawrence again.William’s mic-drop advice to his fellow creatives to find fulfilling work.Useful Resources Mentioned:Most (2013) - Short film co-written and co-produced by William ZabkaA Tiger's TaleSweep the Leg by No More Kings music videoThe Equalizer TV SeriesEdward WoodwardContinue to Listen & LearnHow I Landed My Dream Job Editing ‘Cobra Kai’ | with Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden SchlossbergRalph Macchio ‘Waxing On’ About Authentically Living a More Balanced and Fulfilling LifeCareer & Life Advice from The Office Director & Producer | with Jen CelottaTired of Life Kicking Your Ass? Learn to Fight Back Like a True ‘Cobra Kai’How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyMaking It In Hollywood as a “Creative” (What They Don’t Teach You In Film School) | with Norman HollynHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEOn the Vital Importance of “Being Nice” | with Jesse Averna, ACEHow to Create Your Own Opportunities to Pursue Dream Projects | with Richard SanchezBuilding a Fulfilling Career Across Multiple Mediums (Without Getting Pigeonholed) | with Stephanie Filo, ACEGuest Bio: William Zabka William Zabka is an Academy Award nominated producer, screenwriter, director, actor, cultural icon, and one of entertainment's most beloved artists. Born in New York City to a father who was assistant director on Johnny Carson’s The Tonight Show, Zabka developed an early love and appreciation for all aspects of entertainment, both in front of and behind the camera. At 18, Zabka landed the infamous role of Johnny Lawrence in The Karate Kid, which would cement him in cinema history as one of the most iconic villains of all time. After The Karate Kid, Zabka went on to star in the comedy Just One of the Guys (1985), the sequel National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985), and the Rodney Dangerfield classic Back to School (1986). He also reprised his role as Johnny Lawrence in 1986’s The Karate Kid, Part II. Zabka also co-starred on the hit CBS crime drama TV series The Equalizer (1986-1989) as the son of the title character, Edward Woodard. He’s currently starring in the hit Netflix TV show Cobra Kai.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/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Given the vast amounts of fear & uncertainty surrounding not only the job market in general but specifically in the entertainment industry with the writer’s strike, we figured now is the perfect time to evaluate where you are in your career path, identify your unique strengths, and make the changes necessary to take you one step closer, if not all the way, to your dream job.That’s why for the month of May we’ll be releasing one of our most popular top 5 podcast playlists where I’ve narrowed down over 200 of my podcast conversations down to the 5 best authors and experts who can help you design the more balanced, more sustainable, and more fulfilling creative career that you deserve. In this top 5 series you will hear a range of topics covered such as how to navigate difficult career transitions, finding your why, how to be happy and successful at the same, how to overcome creative burnout, and how to effectively tell your own story.If you haven’t already, make sure to visit optimizeyourself.me/podcast to download your very own customized podcast playlist based on your goals.Without further adieu, here is the final part of this five interview series with Chris Vogler, a Hollywood story consultant and author of the wildly popular guidebook to mythic structure for storytellers, The Writer’s Journey. Whether you’re interested in learning how to apply the Hero’s Journey to your own work, or if you’re looking for ways to better understand (and rewrite) your own personal story, this conversation is for you.You can find the original show notes for this interview at optimizeyourself.me/episode205.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Given the vast amounts of fear & uncertainty surrounding not only the job market in general but specifically in the entertainment industry with the writer’s strike, we figured now is the perfect time to evaluate where you are in your career path, identify your unique strengths, and make the changes necessary to take you one step closer, if not all the way, to your dream job.That’s why for the month of May we’ll be releasing one of our most popular top 5 podcast playlists where I’ve narrowed down over 200 of my podcast conversations down to the 5 best authors and experts who can help you design the more balanced, more sustainable, and more fulfilling creative career that you deserve. In this top 5 series you will hear a range of topics covered such as how to navigate difficult career transitions, finding your why, how to be happy and successful at the same, how to overcome creative burnout, and how to effectively tell your own story.If you haven’t already, make sure to visit optimizeyourself.me/podcast to download your very own customized podcast playlist based on your goals.Without further adieu, here is the fourth part of this five interview series with Eric Barker, author of Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong. In this episode, we do a deep dive into the epidemic of creative burnout, what the signs are, and what you can do to get yourself out of it. You can find the original show notes for this interview at optimizeyourself.me/episode03.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Given the vast amounts of fear & uncertainty surrounding not only the job market in general but specifically in the entertainment industry with the writer’s strike, we figured now is the perfect time to evaluate where you are in your career path, identify your unique strengths, and make the changes necessary to take you one step closer, if not all the way, to your dream job.That’s why for the month of May we’ll be releasing one of our most popular top 5 podcast playlists where I’ve narrowed down over 200 of my podcast conversations down to the 5 best authors and experts who can help you design the more balanced, more sustainable, and more fulfilling creative career that you deserve. In this top 5 series you will hear a range of topics covered such as how to navigate difficult career transitions, finding your why, how to be happy and successful at the same, how to overcome creative burnout, and how to effectively tell your own story.If you haven’t already, make sure to visit optimizeyourself.me/podcast to download your very own customized podcast playlist based on your goals.Without further adieu, here is the third part of this five interview series with bestselling author, lecturer and founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar where we have a candid discussion about whether happiness and success are mutually exclusive and the differences between a job vs a career vs a calling.You can find the original show notes for this interview at optimizeyourself.me/episode132.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Given the vast amounts of fear & uncertainty surrounding not only the job market in general but specifically in the entertainment industry with the writer’s strike, we figured now is the perfect time to evaluate where you are in your career path, identify your unique strengths, and make the changes necessary to take you one step closer, if not all the way, to your dream job.That’s why for the month of May we’ll be releasing one of our most popular top 5 podcast playlists where I’ve narrowed down over 200 of my podcast conversations down to the 5 best authors and experts who can help you design the more balanced, more sustainable, and more fulfilling creative career that you deserve. In this top 5 series you will hear a range of topics covered such as how to navigate difficult career transitions, finding your why, how to be happy and successful at the same, how to overcome creative burnout, and how to effectively tell your own story.If you haven’t already, make sure to visit optimizeyourself.me/podcast to download your very own customized podcast playlist based on your goals.Without further adieu, here is the second part of this five interview series with David Mead, co-author of Find Your Why written alongside legendary bestselling author and expert on leadership Simon Sinek, where we discuss the importance of just that - finding your why - and how it will help you clarify your career path so you can find more purpose and fulfillment in your work.You can find the original show notes for this interview at optimizeyourself.me/episode48.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Given the vast amounts of fear & uncertainty surrounding not only the job market in general but specifically in the entertainment industry with the writer’s strike, we figured now is the perfect time to evaluate where you are in your career path, identify your unique strengths, and make the changes necessary to take you one step closer, if not all the way, to your dream job.That’s why for the month of May we’ll be releasing one of our most popular top 5 podcast playlists where I’ve narrowed down over 200 of my podcast conversations down to the 5 best authors and experts who can help you design the more balanced, more sustainable, and more fulfilling creative career that you deserve. In this top 5 series you will hear a range of topics covered such as how to navigate difficult career transitions, finding your why, how to be happy and successful at the same, how to overcome creative burnout, and how to effectively tell your own story.If you haven’t already, make sure to visit optimizeyourself.me/podcast to download your very own customized podcast playlist based on your goals.Without further adieu, here is episode one of my five-part interview series with the bestselling author and founder of I Will Teach You to Be Rich, Ramit Sethi, who is also my business mentor and the reason I have been able to transition from “editor” to “entrepreneur”. Ramit is an expert on helping people design their own rich life, and if you haven’t caught it already, I highly recommend checking out his brand new Netflix show which was a top 10 show how t Get Rich. The original show notes for this conversation can be found at optimizeyourself.me/episode105.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Philippe Danielides is a former Wall Street lawyer and corporate communications consultant turned professional life and career coach. He is the author of The Lawyer’s Guide to Freedom: A Six-Step Plan to Discover What You Actually Want and co-creator of The Garden - a group learning retreat in Greece inspired by the teachings of ancient Greek philosopher Epicurus on the art and practice of living well. Needless to say, Philippe and I have a fascinating conversation spanning a wide range of topics (burnout, sailing, the meaning of life…).Today Philippe shares with us the story of his own drastic and unexpected career shift, which came as a result of reaching burnout, unfulfillment, and illness despite having "reached the pinnacle of success." Through his journey towards building a life of fulfillment and health, he has acquired a wealth of knowledge and tools that he generously shares with us. Philippe provides not only practical steps to identify what you really want to do with your life but also inspiration and encouragement to start walking the path towards fulfillment and embrace the support of others along the way.Whether you are considering your own drastic career shift and need support managing self-doubt and criticism (coming from yourself or those around you), are wondering how to find the right community to help you advance your existing career, or are even looking for guidance in determining what it is you actually want to do with your life, this conversation is a must-listen.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The shocking similarities between lawyers and creatives…How to navigate a massive career transition when faced with doubt (from yourself and others)The importance of seeking community and asking for helpHow to break away from our cultural definition of success (and why that’s crucial)The first essential step to take if you’re struggling to decide what to do with you lifeWhy the western struggle for individualism is working against youThe two biggest fears that keep us stuck in careers that don’t serve usThe first two steps you can take if you’re ready to change your realityThe 3 ingredients to happiness (that you might not expect)The changes you can make to if you don’t want to leave your job, but want to enjoy it moreUseful Resources Mentioned:The Blue Pen ProjectThe GardenThe Lawyer’s Guide to Freedom: A Six-Step Plan to Discover What You Actually WantContinue to Listen & LearnHow to Build Your Community, Intuition & Resilience in Order to Succeed as an Artist | with Kristina SnyderThe 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 Know (Without a Doubt) If It’s Time to Quit | with Annie DukeI need help making a career transitionGuest Bio: Philippe Danielides Philippe Danielides is a former Wall Street lawyer and corporate communications consultant turned professional coach, and the author of The Lawyer’s Guide to Freedom: A Six-Step Plan to Discover What You Actually Want.His coaching is focused on helping lawyers and other habitual high-achievers to live more engaged and energized lives by answering one critically important question, and then providing them with the strategic and practical support to translate that answer into a reality. That question is, “What do I actually want?”And for reasons explained by what he calls The Red Pen Problem, it is a particularly daunting and challenging question for many lawyers to answer, and why it’s so often set aside (albeit unintentionally) in favor of answering more achievable yet ultimately unsatisfying questions like “What should I want?” or “What do I realistically think I can get?”Philippe holds a Bachelor of Arts from Middlebury College and received his JD from Georgetown University Law Center. He’s a native New Yorker and somehow, also, a slow walker, which continues to annoy his fast-paced New York friends and family.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/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Chris Salters is a freelance editor working on brand films, commercials and documentaries, as well as a long time member of the Optimize Yourself Coaching and Membership program. While we could spend multiple episodes talking about Chris’ success in both his career and the coaching program, instead, today we’re talking about how Chris reached out to me after “dropping the ball” and being fired from work.Being a veteran in the industry, Chris is no stranger to difficult tasks, challenges, shifting timetables, and high levels of stress. However while in this particular situation, despite the confidence Chris had that he could manage it, he ultimately failed. Today we dive deep into the situation and discuss how failure is a positive aspect in all of our lives despite what it may seem, and that even having a ton of “experience” in a particular field does not exempt you from encountering a moment of failure.Chris shares the difficulties of dealing with failure (despite the encouraging words surrounding him) and we break down ways in which you can use these heavy emotions to in turn feel more motivated. We are ALL going to experience failure (and quite frankly, already have) and my conversation with Chris will not only help you better embrace the experience when it happens, it will help you understand there is no faster catapult towards success.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Why being fired affected Chris so deeply, despite being a veteran to the stress and challenges of his professionThe real reason you should be upfront about the skills you lack (that benefits you)The key difference between inspiration and motivation and why you should know the differenceThe words of encouragement Chris received from his spouse that helped him throughHow failure changed Chris’ workflow for the betterThe benefit of negative emotions and how you can use them for motivationWhy Chris’ instinct to charge less after being fired was a harmful and bad ideaThe specific “human skills” you can bring to the workplace that make you more valuable than technical skillsWhat Chris did that made the producer of the job that fired him reach out to work together againThe ONE thing Chris would have done knowing what he knows now (and it’s not doing the job better)Useful Resources Mentioned:Mindset: The New Psychology of Success – Carol S. Dweck, Ph. D.Continue to Listen & LearnEp218: How to Know (Without a Doubt) If It’s Time to Quit | with Annie DukeEp194: How ‘The Great Resignation’ Caused Us to Question Everything About the Way We Work (and How to Quit if It’s Time to Move On) | with Anthony KlotzEp216: Chase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’Ep148: “I Was Fired For Requesting a Single Mental Health Day” | with Jim PageEp113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace Tashjian7 Red Flags You Might Be Burned Out (Or You’re Headed There)Severance Is Not Only the Dystopian Future of Workplace Burnout…In Many Ways We’re Already There[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a PandemicTired of Holding it Together All the Time? Here are Five Basic Needs to Get You Back On TrackGuest Bio:CHRIS SALTERS   Chris Salters is a freelance editor, working on brand films, commercials, and documentaries. He’s based in Dallas-Fort Worth, TX, father of 2, likes woodworking, triathlons, and copious amounts of coffee.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/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

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/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content