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 playlistMike Vardy- also known as "The Productivityist” - is a highly-acclaimed productivity strategist and the creator of the productivity philosophy and framework known as TimeCrafting. He is considered to be one of the top thought leaders in the personal productivity and time management space and his work has been featured in Lifehacker, Fast Company, HuffPost, Inc., and Forbes.Now you might be thinking that Mike and I are going to nerd out over productivity hacks, strategies, and apps in an effort to help you fill every second of your day with activities so you can get more sh*t done (and trust me, we could). But this conversation has a refreshingly different agenda: re-defining what it means to be “productive” and exploring the ways in which we can maintain momentum towards - and reach - our personal and professional goals while remaining balanced.If you’re tired of feeling like the only way you can reach success is through packing on even more work to your agenda, this conversation is for you. Not only will Mike help you shift your mindset on what it really means to be productive, he’ll share simple and practical ways in which you can achieve your most important goals while remaining present, balanced, and SANE (all without using a single time management app).Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Why the era of using systems and apps in order to maintain high levels of productivity is endingThe mental shifts necessary to break away from the “productivity cult” that helps you create more space in your day…only so you can fill it with more productivityWhy using productivity tools can actually make you less productiveWhy you need to understand the difference between work-life balance and work-life presenceHow you can prioritize the tasks of your day in a way that involves balance (without losing momentum towards your goals)The two factors you need to know about that will determine the level of your successWhy taking short breaks to move can one of the most impactful productivity hacks imaginableWhat it means to create “themes” during your week…and why this will save your sanityWhy we need to stop putting all of our focus on “time” when we build our schedule, and start factoring in our levels of energy throughout the dayWhy Mike calls journaling the most undervalued productivity and time management tool we have (and how you can get started building that habit today)Useful Resources Mentioned:The Four Tendencies QuizTime Crafting Starter KitContinue to Listen & LearnThe Zen-like Art of 'Getting Things Done' | with David AllenRedefining What It Means to Be “Productive” (and Aligning Your Values With Your Time) | with Tamara TorresHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearHow to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyDear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal." Normal Wasn’t Working.Guest Bio: Mike VardyMike Vardy – also known as "The Productivityist" – is a highly-acclaimed productivity strategist and the creator of the productivity philosophy and framework known as TimeCrafting. He's considered to be one of the top thought leaders in the personal productivity and time management space, with over 15 years of expertise under his belt and having coaching hundreds of clients over that timespan.His work has been featured in Lifehacker, Fast Company, HuffPost, Inc., and Forbes. Vardy is a renowned international speaker and has taught productivity practices on popular online education platforms CreativeLive, Skillshare, and LinkedIn Learning where his courses are among the most popular in the business category. He also hosts A Productive Conversation with Mike Vardy, a conversational podcast that has featured guests such as Seth Godin, Brian Tracy, Keith Ferrazzi, and Gretchen Rubin – and has been downloaded over 5 million times since its inception.Mike lives in Victoria, Canada with his wife, daughter, and son.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

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 playlistFor the last 200 episodes of the Optimize Yourself podcast, I’ve been speaking with world class authors, artists, athletes, and just plain inspiring humans. It has been an incredible honor to not only have these conversations, but share them with you as you design the more balanced, more productive, more fulfilling (and creative) life that you deserve. For today’s episode, however, I’m flipping the script and sharing an interview with none other than…well, myself.In this episode, Optimize Yourself Podcast Producer, Debby Germino, puts me on the hot seat by digging deep into my story of creating the podcast, the coaching & mentorship program, and all of the personal and professional struggles I’ve experienced along the way. You’ll hear the deeper influences my first 200 podcast interviews have had on my life personally, as well as how those mindset shifts are built into the Optimize Yourself coaching & mentorship program so that we all have a chance to embody the wisdom of these amazing guests. You’ll also learn my own personal ‘Why’ that keeps me going no matter what obstacles present themselves on my journey to inspire others to not only comprehend, but reach their fullest potential.If you’re interested in getting a sneak peak behind the curtain, you’re in for a treat. Beyond learning where I’ve been on my journey to create this business, you’ll also learn where Optimize Yourself is headed in the future. And be prepared to hear some embarrassing stories along the way, like the time my Imposter Syndrome was so severe I had to do a webinar on my knees to prevent myself from passing out. Yeah. That happened.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The specific moment (and reason) I decided to start my original podcast, Fitness in Post, and what happened that influenced me to later change it to the Optimize Yourself podcastThe two words someone said to me that ignited a paralyzing case of Imposter Syndrome (no really, I almost quit everything)The ONE thing that keeps me going, no matter how difficult building the Optimize Yourself podcast and coaching & mentorship program getsThe real struggles of having a podcast that no one talks about (and the reason most people quit after 5 episodes)How to use “exposure therapy” to prevent your biggest fears from getting in the way of your grandest dreamsWhat it means to make your fear “manageable” (and the massive benefits of doing so)Why failing as quickly and as often as possible truly is the fastest way to reaching successThe one common factor that ties all of my podcast guest together, despite the fact that they are so drastically different (yes…sleep experts, Directors, and Ninjas do have something in common)The specific mindset tools I personally use to consistently push myself outside of my comfort zone in my effort to inspire others to do the sameWhy I don’t believe in just selling courses online and making “passive income” (even though it’s an incredibly popular way to make ‘easy’ money these days)Useful Resources Mentioned:A Classic Case of Post-Production BurnoutFind Your Why by Simon SinekThe Laws of Creativity by Joey CofoneHow to Overcome Doubting Yourself When You Know You’re Meant For More | with Sandy Zimmerman, ANWManaging Limiting Beliefs, Imposter Syndrome, and all the “Chatter” In Our Heads | with Ethan KrossHow to Sleep Smarter | with Shawn StevensonContinue to Listen & LearnMichelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Career (Instead of Checkers) - Pt1Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being - Pt2Mastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha TenenbaumThe Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric BarkerShow 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

As the new year approaches, you may be thinking about how the past year went and what the new year will bring. Maybe you’re happy with the direction your life and career are headed…or maybe you’re ready to make some changes? As 2022 winds down, I understand how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays and fall into the trap of thinking “I’ll just write December off as a loss and start fresh in the new year.”Rather than simply take a hiatus during the month of December, my team and I want to set you up for success when 2023 rolls around so you can consistently and sustainably take action towards your most important goals all year long. That’s why we’ve carefully reviewed our entire podcast library of over 200 interviews to bring you what we believe are the top 5 best conversations to help you design the more balanced, more productive, and more fulfilling (and creative) life that you deserve.Without further adieu, here is the final part of this five interview series with Dr. Tal Ben Shahar, bestselling author, lecturer and founder of the Happiness Studies Academy, where we discuss what it takes to really design a more fulfilling career and whether or not success and happiness have to be mutually exclusive.→ Click here to go to the original episode show notes of the interview with Dr. Tal Ben Shahar→ Click here to learn more about working together to transform your dreams into your new realitySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

As the new year approaches, you may be thinking about how the past year went and what the new year will bring. Maybe you’re happy with the direction your life and career are headed…or maybe you’re ready to make some changes? As 2022 winds down, I understand how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays and fall into the trap of thinking “I’ll just write December off as a loss and start fresh in the new year.”Rather than simply take a hiatus during the month of December, my team and I want to set you up for success when 2023 rolls around so you can consistently and sustainably take action towards your most important goals all year long. That’s why we’ve carefully reviewed our entire podcast library of over 200 interviews to bring you what we believe are the top 5 best conversations to help you design the more balanced, more productive, and more fulfilling (and creative) life that you deserve.Without further adieu, here is the fourth part of this five interview series with David Mead, co-author of the book Find Your Why written alongside legendary bestselling author and expert on leadership Simon Sinek where we discuss how you can discover your true purpose and find more meaning and fulfillment in your work.→ Click here to go to the original episode show notes of the interview with David Mead→ Click here to learn more about working together to transform your dreams into your new realitySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Expert in managing limiting beliefs and imposter syndrome, Ethan Kross, discusses strategies for overcoming self-doubt, managing internal chatter, and utilizing mindfulness. The podcast explores the impact of mindset, positive self-talk, and tools to combat self-sabotage. Additionally, it touches on the benefits of active sitting chairs and self-experimentation for overcoming anxiety and imposter syndrome.

As the new year approaches, you may be thinking about how the past year went and what the new year will bring. Maybe you’re happy with the direction your life and career are headed…or maybe you’re ready to make some changes? As 2022 winds down, I understand how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays and fall into the trap of thinking “I’ll just write December off as a loss and start fresh in the new year.”Rather than simply take a hiatus during the month of December, my team and I want to set you up for success when 2023 rolls around so you can consistently and sustainably take action towards your most important goals all year long. That’s why we’ve carefully reviewed our entire podcast library of over 200 interviews to bring you what we believe are the top 5 best conversations to help you design the more balanced, more productive, and more fulfilling (and creative) life that you deserve.Without further adieu, here is the second part of this five interview series with Tamara Torres, the founder of Optima Results Coaching, where we discuss how to redefine what it really means to be productive and how to better align your time with your values.→ Click here to go to the original episode show notes of the interview with Tamara Torres→ Click here to learn more about working together to transform your dreams into your new realitySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

As the new year approaches, you may be thinking about how the past year went and what the new year will bring. Maybe you’re happy with the direction your life and career are headed…or maybe you’re ready to make some changes? As 2022 winds down, I understand how easy it is to get caught up in the chaos of the holidays and fall into the trap of thinking “I’ll just write December off as a loss and start fresh in the new year.”Rather than simply take a hiatus during the month of December, my team and I want to set you up for success when 2023 rolls around so you can consistently and sustainably take action towards your most important goals all year long. That’s why we’ve carefully reviewed our entire podcast library of over 200 interviews to bring you what we believe are the top 5 best conversations to help you design the more balanced, more productive, and more fulfilling (and creative) life that you deserve.Without further adieu, here is the first part of this five-interview series with the legendary Tony Horton, creator of the best selling home fitness program in history P90X, who has also been my ninja mentor for the last four years as well as a friend. This interview is from way back in the Optimize archives at the very beginning of our relationship where Tony went in depth about how to define your purpose and start living large.→ Click here to go to the original episode show notes of the interview with Tony Horton→ Click here to learn more about working together to transform your dreams into your new realitySupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/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 playlistRalph Macchio is an actor, producer, and director obviously most well known for his portrayal of Daniel LaRusso in the Karate Kid films and now the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai. He has also appeared on both stage and screen in notable credits including The Outsiders, Crossroads, and My Cousin Vinny. Most recently, he has also added ‘NYT bestselling author’ to his credits after releasing Waxing On: The Karate Kid and Me which I can not recommend enough (it probably comes as no surprise I read the entire book in one sitting).In one of the few rare occurrences where Ralph has made himself available for a long form conversation (as opposed to doing the rounds on the talk shows for a few minutes at a time), Ralph and I dive deep into his life, his successes, and his failures along the way far beyond just his role as Daniel LaRusso in The Karate Kid and Cobra Kai (but for all you diehard fans don’t worry…we definitely discuss that too). Ralph shares his challenges with maintaining authenticity in both his performances but also who he is as a person, father, and husband. Given his personal relationship with Pat Morita offscreen that translated to his relationship with Mr. Miyagi onscreen, we discuss mentorship and how it has shaped him. We honestly discuss how Ralph has managed the challenge of being pigeonholed as a single character his entire acting career. And most importantly, this wouldn’t be a proper conversation without discussing how to live a life defined by balance.Whether The Karate Kid was your Star Wars or you’re literally hearing of Ralph Macchio for the first time, there’s no better way to say it: Today’s conversation will inspire the shit out of you.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How we can define work-life balance in a day & age where the lines are so blurred between the two, they feel like the same thingHow we can manage and face our deepest fears when we know they’re standing between us and the best version of ourselvesThe real reason Ralph says Cobra Kai has been such a success (and it’s not just The Karate Kid)How remaining authentic paves the way for success both in your career and personal lifeHow Ralph Macchio defines what a “Miyagi mentor” is in real lifeUnderstanding the difference between when you can avoid being pigeonholed, and when it’s time to embrace the mark you’ve madeThe importance of knowing when to strive for balance, and when to fully commitHow fully committing to the present moment allows for a more successful and fulfilling personal life and careerHow to maintain healthy relationships when you are forced to go through periods of work that require your absenceWhat Ralph is planning next after Cobra Kai…Useful Resources Mentioned:Waxing On: The Karate Kid and MeWax On, F*ck Off with Ralph MacchioHow to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)Continue to Listen & LearnHow to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyHow to Reinvent Yourself at Any Age (And Become Badass) | with Scott MorganMaking It In Hollywood as a "Creative" (What They Don't Teach You In Film School) | with Norman HollynOn the Vital Importance of "Being Nice" | with Jesse Averna, ACEHow to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEThe power of finding the right mentor (and how to make it happen)How to Go From Cold Contact to Your Ideal Mentor In Seven Simple StepsGuest Bio:Ralph MacchioAn actor, producer, director with an extensive list of credits, Ralph Macchio is best known for his celebrated performance as Johnny in Frances Ford Coppola’s The Outsiders; the hit film My Cousin Vinny; and most notably for the title role in the popular classic The Karate Kid and its successors. Expanding further on the Karate Kid Universe, Ralph continues to reprise his iconic role of Daniel LaRusso in the hit Netflix series Cobra Kai. He lives on Long Island with his family.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

Chris MacDonald is an experienced veteran trailer editor who has worked at Universal Pictures and other major studios such as Sony, Disney, Paramount, and trailer houses such as MOcean and Aspect (to name a small few). Chris is also the co-founder of the wildly popular online editing school, Film Editing Pro, and today’s discussion balances a combination of understanding how to build a career as a trailer editor as well as making the transition to building your own business if that is the right path for you.Whether you work in a creative industry as a craftsperson, or if you’re an entrepreneur running your own company (no matter how big or small), you are the CEO of your business. In today’s gig economy where the next job is never promised, you must learn the necessary skills and mindsets to run your business and present your services effectively in order to survive. And in today’s conversation with Chris he and I discuss perhaps the most important key mindset to learning, growing, and succeeding whether you are a craftsperson or entrepreneur - “The Beginner’s Mind.”Given that Chris and I both agree the fastest path to success is failure and having a willingness to accept there is always more to learn, we dive deep into navigating the politics of the trailer world, managing studio & network notes, better understanding how to approach the creative process, and the best (and WORST) parts of working in advertising. Then we discuss his path from trailer editing to teacher, mentor, and entrepreneur - specifically how he became the creator of one of the leading schools in the world teaching the creative side of editing both short form and long form. But of course none of this came without its share of doubts, obstacles, and a raging case of imposter syndrome, all of which you’ll hear about today.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The key differences between long form editing, short form editing and cutting trailers (that aren’t so obvious)The one thing that marks the difference between a good trailer editor and GREAT trailer editorThe percentage Chris says you should be working hard (it’s not 100%)How you can tell a lesser experienced trailer editor from a more experienced one (and it has nothing to do with skill)The one thing you can do that will make your work, no matter what it is, betterHow to deal with imposter syndrome while working to advance your career or side hustleWhat it takes to keep working towards your side hustle when you’re out of motivationWhy maintaining a ‘beginner’s mindset’ leads to success more than being an expertThe importance of maintaining relationships through all networks, even if you expand out into a separate side businessThe importance of being a ‘do it all’ when you begin entrepreneurship before hiring staffWhy you should never let steep competition deter you from starting your own businessUseful Resources Mentioned:Tim Ferriss and The 4-Hour WorkweekRamit Sethi Podcast Interview on Forging Your Own Rich Lifefilmeditingpro.com/zack - Free Giveaway of an hour’s worth of courses on the websiteFilm Editing Pro YouTube ChannelContinue to Listen & LearnDefining Your Own Version of Success & Overcoming the Loneliness of Being a Freelancer | with Michael BaumanHow to Transition From 'Technician' to 'Entrepreneur' | Community Q&A with Misha TenenbaumMastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha TenenbaumManaging Limiting Beliefs, Imposter Syndrome, and all the “Chatter” In Our Heads | with Ethan KrossHow Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex FerrariChasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACEGuest Bio: Chris MacDonald Chris MacDonald started his career in entertainment fresh from college and held various jobs in the industry before working his way up to staff editor at Universal Pictures.He then held positions throughout Hollywood, focusing primarily on trailer editing for studios like Sony, Disney, Paramount and many more. With 15+ years editing experience, he’ll be the main voice and guide throughout the training courses at Film Editing Pro.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

Eddy Roche is a serial entrepreneur and fitness instructor on a mission to make the world a fitter, healthier, and happier place. He has created not just one but two highly successful businesses - one being the largest outdoor fitness community in Los Angeles, and the other being the largest organic whole food delivery service in Los Angeles. But plot twist…despite his outward confidence, Eddie almost didn’t pursue either of these opportunities because he was overwhelmed by both judgment from his peers and also a debilitating case of imposter syndrome. (Yes, even people with 8-packs have imposter syndrome.)As Eddy previously felt - and many of us currently feel - it can be downright terrifying when making a major change in your life because we can be seen by our peers as a “beginner.” But as Eddie will discuss today, no matter how big we want to succeed, we all have to start small - which also means being willing to be perceived as small. Whether you're looking to make a major lifestyle change by getting in shape, you want to start a business, or you’re pursuing a more authentic and fulfilling career path, Eddy will inspire you to take the most important step: Just getting started.I have no doubt that Eddy’s immense amount of positivity and as he calls it, “irrational optimism” will motivate you to take the first small steps towards something much bigger in your life. By letting go of your fear and embracing your “Beginner’s Mind”, there is an entirely new world waiting for you where you can move beyond worrying about how others judge you and experience the joy of living more authentically.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The importance of shelving overplanning (another form of procrastinating) and just getting startedOne simple mindset you can embrace that will make fitness a regular component of your life (even if you hate it)Why you should create an enjoyable fitness lifestyle rather than rely on short term programs just to ‘get fit’Eddy’s top 3 recommendations if you are ready to start your fitness journey (whether it’s for the first or 12th time)What Eddy changed that made his current businesses so successful when his previous 10+ had failedThe one piece of advice Eddy has for his younger self that applies to anyone starting a businessWhy you should focus more on passion than ‘reinventing the wheel’How to move beyond caring what others think and start creating success in ways that are meaningful to youKEY TAKEAWAY: It’s not about how you compare (people care far less than we think), it’s about how much effort you put in towards your authentic self, passions and personal goalsKEY TAKEAWAY: It doesn’t matter what stage of life you are in, it is always possible to start over and create a new lifeUseful Resources Mentioned:How to Reverse Depression, Anxiety, and ADD at the Genetic Level | with Dr. Ben LynchUnderstanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de MelloDMN8Continue to Listen & LearnHow to Overcome Doubting Yourself When You Know You’re Meant For More | with Sandy Zimmerman, ANWDefining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony HortonStop Waiting For Permission to Make Sh*t Happen | with Mark GanttManaging Limiting Beliefs, Imposter Syndrome, and all the “Chatter” In Our Heads | with Ethan KrossHow to Reinvent Yourself at Any Age (And Become Badass) | with Scott MorganGuest Bio: Eddy Roche Eddy Roche is an entrepreneur on a mission to make the world a fitter, healthier and happier place.He created two businesses - one being the largest outdoor fitness community in Los Angeles and the other being the largest organic whole food delivery service in Los Angeles.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