The Zack Arnold Podcast

“Do whatever you can to have the power to take a break or say no.”- Michael AddisMichael Addis is a man who wears many successful hats as an editor, writer, director, and showrunner. If you’ve ever enjoyed shows such as Impractical Jokers or projects with actors such as Jamie Kennedy or Tom Green, there is a chance you’ve come into contact with Michael’s work. Some of his recent credits include Assembly Required, You Kiddin’ Me, Famous Food Truck, and Chopped U.In this Mastermind Q&A with my Optimizer coaching students Michael shared how he’s built a wide & varied career having so many different creatives roles that he calls himself (thanks to Tim Ferriss) a “specialized generalist,” which essentially means developing a massive toolbox of skills to be as involved as possible in every aspect of the creative process…but ultimately being great at one specific craft above all others.In our conversation together, Michael and I dive into the specifics of the differences between working in scripted and unscripted television, how saying NO leads you to your dream career faster than saying YES can, and how focus is the number one skill that will lead you to success in the 21st century.If you are someone who is looking to amplify your skill set in an effort to either change or dramatically advance your career, you’re going to love the sneak preview of our Mastermind Q&A.Want to attend future Mastermind Q&A calls like this live with our guests?→ Click here to learn more about joining the Optimizer coaching programWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How Michael has been so successful across a large number of roles in the entertainment industryHow much “luck” has to do with your successWho works harder? Scripted or unscripted editorsKEY TAKEAWAY: The more skill sets you have, the more valuable you becomeOne hack to having consistent employment in the entertainment industryHow to balance going back and forth between various job rolesHow to decide whether you should say yes or no to a projectThe curse of first season showsThe link between managing finances and the ability to say noKEY TAKEAWAY: You must get comfortable saying no if you want a fulfilling careerWhat it really means to be a Specialized GeneralistThe number one ‘super power’ that will make you successful in the 21st centuryHow to stay positive (and realize it’s a good thing) when you get firedThe downside of making your career your identityHow being a generalist helps you collaborate successfullyWhy industries don’t want to hire people with a single specialtyHow to market yourself across various genres of television when you only have experience in oneUseful Resources Mentioned:LinkedIn LearningMichael Addis' WebsiteCal NewportJim KwikTim FerrissContinue to Listen & LearnEp11: Making It In Hollywood as a "Creative" (What They Don't Teach You In Film School) | with Norman HollynEp141: Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Career (Instead of Checkers) - pt1Ep142: Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being (Pt2)I need help making a career transition | Optimize YourselfEp134: Leveraging Your Skills to Get Hired (When You Don’t Have the Experience) | with Steve Lang, ACE (pt1)Ep104: How to Keep Working As An Editor (After You’ve Made the Transition From AE) | with Susan Vaill, ACEEp80: How to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEEp126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianEp35: FOCUS: The Superpower of the 21st Century | with Cal NewportEp117: Carol Littleton, ACE on The Secret to Surviving 40+ Years Working In HollywoodEp131: How Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex Ferrari[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a PandemicGuest Bio: Michael Addis Michael Addis is an accomplished and in-demand comedy + reality showrunner/director/editor working in TV, film and the various platforms. He was the original showrunner and director for IMPRACTICAL JOKERS. He directed and/or produced on two Comedy Central shows: LEWIS BLACK’S ROOT OF ALL EVIL, THE SHOWBIZ SHOW w/DAVID SPADE, as well as HELL DATE, EXTREME MAKEOVER: HOME EDITION, THE NEW TOM GREEN SHOW and REALITY HELL. He also wrote for THE MAN SHOW.Most recently, Michael has directed/edited a series of digital content spots for DISCOVER CARD/SOUL PANCAKE and SOYLENT. He also showran/directed two series’ for Food Network (CHOPPED U and FAMOUS FOOD TRUCK w/HARLEY MORENSTEIN) as well as pilots for Nickelodeon, TBS, Bravo, Travel Channel and Fandango. And he Co-EP’d the series, YOU KIDDIN’ ME for Facebook Watch with Kim Kardashian West.His debut feature comedy, POOR WHITE TRASH (starring Jaime Pressly and Sean Young) was an underground hit that ended up making three times its budget. His follow up feature, HECKLER, is a documentary featuring 140 big comedians, sports legends, actors and filmmakers being interviewed about critics.With his own company, he produced/directed the one-hour stand-up special, JAMIE KENNEDY: UNWASHED, which he sold to Comedy Central to excellent ratings.He has also directed several national commercials, including work for Toshiba, Doritos, Mozilla and Audi.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

“I hope that we can all become more compassionate and empathetic towards other ways of thinking.”Simon Smith, ACESimon Smith, ACE is an award-winning editor whose most recent credits are the HBO series Chernobyl and the Disney+ series Star Wars: Andor. While Simon has been on many podcasts talking about his successful work as an editor, our conversation instead centers around neurodiversity in the workplace. Why? Because it was only recently that Simon was diagnosed as an adult with autism.Not only does Simon embrace his autism, he considers it to be one of his greatest assets when it comes to his successful career as an editor, and this is a mindset he inspires us all to adopt. Whether it’s mental, physical, circumstantial, noticeable to others or just to you, each and every one of us has some form of disability. No matter the disability that may be holding you back in your life, this conversation will give you the tools and inspiration you need to reframe your obstacles and transform them into your superpowers. It’s all about perspective.In this conversation, Simon shares with us that autism is nothing more than a difference in the way the mind works, and we discuss the importance of embracing all forms of neurodiversity in the workplace such that we can utilize everyone’s value. He provides a refreshing take on how we can open our minds to the fact that we don’t all think the same, nor should we! And as an added bonus, Simon and I geek out on the fallacy of striving for work-life “balance” and what we should be focusing on instead to live more fulfilling lives.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:KEY TAKEAWAY: Neurodivergent minds are highly effective and terms like ‘Autism’ mean nothing other than the fact that their brains work differently, not poorlyUnderstanding the main differences behind a neurodivergent mind and what tasks they are wired to thrive inHow to recognize and allow your neurodivergent mind to be your superpowerThe signals to look for in children and adults that might suggest they could be neurodivergentKEY TAKEAWAY: Everyone’s brain works differently, even for people with Autism. No two people with Autism have the same experienceHow the Autism spectrum really works (from the mind of an Autisic person)What companies are beginning to recognize people with neurodivergent minds are more successful at particular jobs than those who are notHow we can make the shift from seeing any disability as a negative and understand it’s true value and superpowerKEY TAKEAWAY: If we hired strictly by qualification, there would be far more people with Autism employed across many industries based off of the super abilities of their mindWhat you can do to work better with a neurodivergent person in the workplaceWhat you can do if you’re prone to feeling overwhelmed by too many (or too little) tasksHow work-life balance is a term of the past, and what we should be striving for insteadUseful Resources Mentioned:GO FAR: The Christopher Rush StoryExceptional Minds VFXContinue to Listen & LearnHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharLegendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ YearsManaging Limiting Beliefs, Imposter Syndrome, and all the “Chatter” In Our Heads | with Ethan KrossFOCUS: The Superpower of the 21st Century | with Cal NewportMaking It In Hollywood as a "Creative" (What They Don't Teach You In Film School) | with Norman HollynHow to Overcome Doubting Yourself When You Know You’re Meant For More | with Sandy Zimmerman, ANWReal Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael KammesUnderstanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression with Dr. Edison de MelloThe Science Behind Depression and Anxiety | with Dr. D and Dr. Michael MarkThe Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianGuest Bio: Simon SmithSimon Smith, ACE is an Editor, whose credits include the award winning HBO series CHERNOBYL, and the Disney+ series STAR WARS : ANDOR. He has three small children and lives by the coast in Brighton, England.As an adult, Simon was diagnosed as autistic, which he considers one of his greatest assets working as an editor.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

“I never wanted anything to stop me. Not even having a wooden leg.”- Erik StolhanskeErik Stolhanske is an actor, writer and producer probably best known for his role as ‘Rabbit’ in Super Troopers 1 and 2. And if you’re one of the many P90X junkies like me, you might also remember Erik as the guy with the prosthesis in the plyometrics video (yes…the guy with a wooden leg in the jumping workout!). No matter his role (and he has a lot), Erik always brings his unstoppable mindset and a tenacity to pursue the most challenging goals, no matter the obstacles. And given Erik was born with only one leg, he’s had to overcome a lot.Whether you are battling a physical, mental, emotional, or circumstantial disadvantage in your life, this episode will leave you feeling empowered to go after your own S.T.U.P.I.D. goals (and you’ll learn all about what that means). If you’ve ever felt as if a specific disability in your life has been sabotaging you from achieving the life you dream of, you’re going to love Erik’s advice on how to not only to accept your disability (and yes, we ALL have one) but how to turn it into your superpower.Erik will teach you how to better respond to every ‘no’ you encounter in your life (whether it’s coming from yourself or others) and frame it positively. We’ll discuss Erik’s ‘red light, green light’ game (and you’ll get to witness me in the hot seat) that is an exercise geared towards not only building resilience against the word ‘no’, but learning how to use it to activate new ideas, and you’ll also hear the inspiring story of how Super Troopers took a decade to become a reality. This is a light-hearted and humorous conversation that will no doubt leave you feeling inspired to make whatever the ‘wooden leg’ is in your life your superpower.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Erik’s story of what it was like growing up as a child with a wooden legThe mindset it takes to aim for toughest goals in life when you have a disabilityKEY TAKEAWAY: Everyone has a disability or something holding us back, but instead of letting that stop us we can find acceptance and even learn to use it as our superpowerWhy you shouldn’t believe you can actually do anything you set your mind toKEY TAKEAWAY: You are going to fail in life, and that’s okThe rise in “Toxic Positivity” and how it’s affecting us all negativelyWhat it means to set S.T.U.P.I.D. goals (and why we should all be doing it)How the movie Super Troopers went from an Independent Film to a Blockbuster hitThe two things it actually takes to reach your loftiest goals (neither of which is luck)The difference between a challenge and a disabilityThe one thing it takes to embrace your disability and make it your superpowerWhy Erik originally wanted to hide his wooden leg, and what happened to change thatThe story of how Erik got on p90x and how it helped him embrace his disabilityKEY TAKEAWAY: The only way to get big results is to go for big goals (and embrace big failures)How to make hearing ‘No’ a positive moment that only leads to more growthWhat the game “red light, green light” is, and how you can playUseful Resources Mentioned:P90XEric StolhanskeRed Light Green Light GameContinue 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 HortonGetting 1% Better Every Single Day | with Westley Silvestri, ANWUsing Fitness to Overcome Parkinson’s and Become a Ninja | With Jimmy Choi, ANWStop 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 Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearHow to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharPushing Yourself to Your Limits (When Quitting isn’t an Option) | with Evan PerperisHow to Reinvent Yourself at Any Age (And Become Badass) | with Scott MorganGuest Bio: Erik Stolhanske Erik Stolhanske is a Hollywood comedian, actor, writer, producer, and member of the Broken Lizard Comedy Group. He is best known as "Officer Rabbit" from the 2001 cult-classic comedy Super Troopers and the 2018 sequel Super Troopers 2. As one of the five principal members of the famed sketch comedy troupe, he has starred in all of the Broken Lizard films including Beerfest (2006), The Slammin' Salmon (2009), Club Dread (2004), and Puddle Cruiser, as well as performed in The Sweetest Thing (2002) and The Onion Movie (2008). On television, he can be seen on the HBO critically acclaimed series Curb Your Enthusiasm and Six Feet Under, as well as the Comedy Central special Broken Lizard Stands Up.Erik has written, produced and starred in all the Broken Lizard comedies, including all the Super Troopers films. Together, they collaborate on the screen-writing, acting and productions of all their films.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

“The idea that resting is productive sounds silly, but I think a lot of people in our hard working culture need to hear it.”- Dr. Azure GrantDr. Azure Grant is a researcher in metabolic and hormonal health, a post-doctoral researcher at Helen Wills Neuro Institute, UC Berkeley, a scientist-in-residence at Crescent Health where she is advising on measurements of energy levels and subjective sleep drive, an avid runner, and what might not come as a big surprise to you at this point…an avid self-tracker. And in today’s conversation we demystify sleep, circadian rhythms, ultradian rhythms, and how all three affect your ability to be more productive & creative.If endless sleepless nights and long hours have led to burnout, chronic brain fog, or you feel like you can just never catch up and feel rested again, Dr. Azure Grant is an amazing resource to help you better understand how to both collect the proper data about your health but also interpret it and make better lifestyle decisions. We talk about the specific rhythms and processes each of our bodies are going through in a 24-hour cycle (i.e. Ultradian rhythms), and how you can better organize your day to get more done when you have the energy but then use other portions of the day for busy work when you’re just not feeling it. We also dive deep into how you can use self-tracking to optimize your own unique daily rhythms by creating YOUR ideal schedule of productivity, movement, creativity, and ultimately rest.Whether you’ve been feeling the effects of too many tasks with too little sleep for weeks or decades, or you just want to nerd out on self-quantification, Dr. Grant will give you simple, practical steps to bring you back to balance by resetting your sleep and energy cycles. Her seemingly endless supply of information that comes from extensive, science backed research will give you all the tools and motivation you need to become a sleep ninja.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The hypocrisy that a vast majority of health professionals don’t have the time to manage their own self-careIs it really true that some people only need 6 hours of sleep per night?The surprising truth of what happens in our brains while the body sleepsThe damaging effects poor sleep has on your body both short term and long termHow to make sure you’re sleeping enough (and at the right time) for your bodyThe detrimental effects that occur when changing time zones or rapidly shifting schedulesThe science behind what makes someone a night owl vs a morning person (and to what extent you can shift it)How to balance your natural rhythms with the fixed 9-5 rhythm of societyKEY TAKEAWAY: The key to getting more done is energy management, NOT time managementHow to hack your body’s internal clock to make it work better for youThe downsides of self-tracking and why you shouldn’t rely strictly on wearablesKEY TAKEAWAY: Looking at long-term data and patterns, rather than daily numbers, is the key to self-tracking properlyWhich specific daytime behaviors can be affecting your sleep (or lack thereof) the mostWhat you should (and shouldn’t) be doing if you want to track your sleep schedulesThe very first step to take if you are burned out and sleep deprivedUseful Resources Mentioned:Azure Grant's websiteOura RingFitbitQuantified Self - Self Knowledge Through NumbersOne Sleep Tracker to Rule Them All…the Oura Ring | with Chuck HazzardLevels - Metabolic Fitness ProgramContinue to Listen & LearnHow to Boost Your Cognitive Performance with Sleep (according to a Navy Seal) | with Dr. Kirk ParsleyAdvanced Sleep Technology and Biohacking | with Ben GreenfieldHow to Sleep Smarter | with Shawn StevensonRedefining What It Means to Be “Productive” (and Aligning Your Values With Your Time) | with Tamara TorresPromoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACELegendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ YearsHow Modern Society Is Damaging Your Brain (and the Simple Steps to Reverse It) | with Dr. Dave JenkinsGuest Bio: Dr. Azure Grant Dr. Azure Grant is a researcher in metabolic and hormonal health, a runner, and a big fan of self-tracking. She studies connections among metabolism, reproduction, and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) to better understand these connections and, in the process, empower individuals to make more informed decisions about reproductive health, family life, and aging. She also helps individuals learn to ask and answer rational questions about their own bodies by developing methods of participatory research. She is currently a Research Design Lead at Levels Health and Scientist-in-Residence at Crescent Health.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

“The brain and the gut work like a key and a lock. One cannot function without the other.”Dr. Edison de MelloDr. Edison de Mello is a Board-Certified Integrative Physician and a licensed psychotherapist.He’s also the founder and chief medical officer of The Akasha Center in Santa Monica, CA where he treats patients using his signature East-meets-West approach. As he’s mentioned in previous interviews together, unlike many doctors in the traditional medical system, he doesn’t treat diseases or symptoms first, he treats the patient first. Today’s conversation centers around his new book Bloated? How to Reclaim Your Gut Health and Eat Without Pain.If you commonly experience bouts of brain fog, the inability to focus, lethargy and chronic fatigue, or even a lack of creativity and motivation, you might be surprised to learn how much your gut health (or lack thereof) could be responsible. Dr. De Mello’s expertise on how our gut impacts our physical, mental, and even emotional health will leave you with a better understanding of what’s really going on under the hood and provide you with practical, simple steps to start healing from the inside out.You’ll learn how the body has its own language and in Dr. de Mello’s words, that “language is symptoms.” Beyond discussing common digestion problems like bloating, stomach pain, and gas, we also dig a lot deeper into the emotional issues that often stem from the gut like depression. And even cooler we discuss how you can strengthen your intuition and ability to “follow your gut” simply by improving your digestion. Pretty cool eh? Oh yeah…we talk about farts too. I have no doubt you’ll love this light-hearted conversation that will not only provide you with a wealth of information regarding how to start assessing and addressing your gut health today, but will also have you laughing along the way.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How our process of elimination provides direct insight to our energy levels, creativity, and moods throughout the dayKEY TAKEAWAY: You are not alone if you experience gut problems and de-stigmatizing the shame around it is the first step to healingHow much gas you pass is directly related to how healthy your gut isCommon habits that lead to excessive amounts of gas (and which ones you do and don’t need to worry about)The consequences industrialization has had on our diets, eating habits and food qualityThe top mindset shifts to make that directly and positively impact your digestionHow to maintain positive eating habits without feeling like you’re torturing yourselfHow to start listening to your body in order to find the root cause of your symptomsWhy science refers to the gut as our ‘second brain’The link between gut health and mental health (and how your gut can heal your mind)Why the level of your happiness is reliant on the state of your gutThe downsides of antibiotics when it comes to the health of our bodiesWhat your gut needs in order for your body to function properlyA simple trick you can use to follow your ‘gut’ and make better decisionsHow your mindset and emotional state impacts disease (dis-ease)The one quality to look for when you’re searching for the right doctorThe very first step to take if you’re suffering from digestive distressUseful Resources Mentioned:Ep152: Understanding the Difference Between Integrative & Traditional Medicine | with Dr. Edison de MelloEp95: On the Frontlines with COVID-19, How to Boost Your Immunity, & Testing Safely | with Dr. Edison de MelloEp01: Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de MelloAkasha Center for Integrative MedicineBloated - How To Reclaim Your Gut Health And Eat Without Pain (Book)Continue to Listen & LearnWhy Supplements Are Worth the Investment (And The Ones You Can Trust)Ep28: The Science Behind Depression and Anxiety | with Dr. D and Dr. Michael MarkEp84: How to Use 'Intuitive Eating' To Change Your Relationship With Food | with Melissa CostelloEp122: 'Superfood Hunter' Darin Olien On How To Be Healthy, Fit, and Eternally AwesomeEp09: Everything You Need to Know About Food Shopping, Nutrition, and More | with Mira and Jayson CaltonRich Food, Poor Food: The Ultimate Grocery Purchasing System (GPS)The Top 10 (Healthy) Must-haves For Any Editing GigEp142: Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being (Pt2)Ep98: P90X Creator Tony Horton on Covid-19, Staying Healthy During Quarantine, Boosting Immunity, & MoreGuest Bio: Dr. Edison de Mello Dr. Edison de Mello, MD, PhD, is a board certified Integrative Physician by the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a licensed psychotherapist by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. He practiced psychotherapy for 13 years before entering medical training and now practices and teaches evidenced- based integrative medicine.Dr. de Mello’s PhD dissertation, entitled “Gut Feelings – A Psychosocial Approach to Gastrointestinal Illness,” inspired his conception of a center where psychology would be combined and fully integrated with Western and Eastern medicines. The de Mello Institute was formed in 1996 with the goal of employing safe and complementary approaches to healthcare while also addressing a person’s emotional and spiritual health and safe ed treatment. Fully committed to these goals, Dr. de Mello entered residency in 1999 at the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center Urban Family Residency program in New York City, including training at the Manhattan-based Center for Health and Healing. His training utilized a biopsychosocial model and offered innovative experiences in the integration of complementary medicine into the practice of Family Medicine. Upon completing his medical training, Dr. de Mello expanded the de Mello Institute and founded the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine.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

“If you get to a point where you’re not happy doing what you’re doing, you need to find something different. We all should be doing what we love to do.”- Jerilynn StephensJerilynn Stephens and Kimi Messina are both award-winning Hollywood hair stylists with over 60 years experience between the two of them. Jerilynn’s recent credits include Legendary, The Voice, and Shark Tank. And Kimi has worked on films such as Almost Famous, Pirates of the Caribbean, Master and Commander, and The Last Samurai. She’s also been the key hairstylist on Dancing with the Stars for 27 seasons and Legendary Seasons 2 and 3.Building a fulfilling career path in the entertainment industry is no easy feat (and often requires constant sacrifices). If you truly want to excel in a career you ENJOY (while also‌ having quality time & energy to enjoy your life outside of work), these two women demystify how to make this your reality. In this candid conversation Jerilynn and Kimi share their personal experiences of climbing the ladder in Hollywood and talk openly about how they have learned to place healthy boundaries around their work so that they can continue to love their jobs without sacrificing their lives in the process. We also discuss the importance of saying yes vs saying no to the right opportunities, and most importantly how the quality of your life is dictated by the quality of the problems you get to solve every single day.This conversation continues our Hollywood On the Record series where I speak to other guild members to learn what they do in various departments & crafts, understand the challenges they face, and how they’ve achieved high levels of success despite the exploitative nature of the entertainment industry. If you love what you do but you don’t want your career to destroy you, Jerilynn and Kimi can definitely guide you in the right direction!Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Jerilyn and Kimi’s two different pathways into becoming award winning Hollywood hairstylistsKEY TAKEAWAY: Loving your job comes down to knowing when to say yes and when to say noKEY TAKEAWAY: You know you’ve found the right job when you enjoy the problems you are required to solve every dayThe hidden job requirements of a hair stylist HINT: people skills are not optionalWho really sets the mood for the day on film and tv setsHow to do the job while still having energy for life outside of workA day in the life of a hair and make up stylistThe vast differences in hours and expectations between working in hair and makeup for Scripted and Unscripted showsHow IATSE’s latest contract has not improved the hours on set and the workarounds studios haveWhy staying physically fit will make you better at your jobKEY TAKEAWAY: Hard work is always behind every success storyAdvice from Kimi and Jerilynn to up-and-coming hair stylists that is good advice for anyone in trying to find a fulfilling careerThe one thing you can’t ever stop doing no matter how long you’ve been at your jobThe key element people miss when hearing about manifesting your dreamsUseful Resources Mentioned:Album - Wikipediawww.JerilynnStephens.comThe Five "F" Words To Manifesting Your Life: Stephens, JerilynnHollywood Hairstylist ✂️ (@jerilynnstephens) • Instagram photos and videosKimi Messina (@cutdrytease) • Instagram photos and videosContinue to Listen & LearnEp113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianDear Hollywood...We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing Cancer.Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal." Normal Wasn’t Working.Ep128: How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyEp168: Hollywood On the Record: What’s REALLY Happening On Set? | with Shay’La Banks and Nickolaus BrownEp126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianEp136: Promoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACEEp118: Legendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ YearsEp132: How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharEp117: Carol Littleton, ACE on The Secret to Surviving 40+ Years Working In HollywoodI Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.Guest Bio: Jerilynn Stephens Jerilynn Stephens is a two-time Guild Award-Winning and ten-time Emmy nominated hairstylist. She is the head hairstylist on Legendary, The Voice, Shark Tank & other top rated shows.She has worked as a hairstylist and or makeup artist for the past 27 years. She has attracted a personal client list that includes both celebrities and non-celebrities alike.Jerilynn's motto is “Dream Big or Don’t Bother." She loves sharing her experience of how five simple "F" Words transformed her world and helped her manifest the life of her dreams. She is the author of The Five "F" Words To Manifesting Your Life. Her mission is helping others to dream bigger than they ever thought possible and manifest the life of their dreams through The Five “F” Words. Kimi Messina Kimi Messina is a two-time Emmy and eight-time Makeup and Hair Guild Award winning hairstylist. She has worked as a hairstylist for 40 years and in the industry for 35 years.She has worked on films such as Almost Famous, Pirates of the Caribbean, Master and Commander, The Last Samurai, He’s All That and Anglyne in Peacock Streaming Service.She has been the key on Dancing with the Stars for 27 seasons, Legendary Seasons 2 and 3, and numerous TV sitcoms, single camera, and Nickelodeon shows throughout her career.Kimi’s motto is “Quality through continuous improvement”.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

Stephanie Filo, ACE is a two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning TV/Film Editor based in Los Angeles, CA and Sierra Leone, West Africa. She earned an Emmy win for her unscripted editing on the Mental State episode Separated (making herself and Nzinga Blake the first Sierra Leonean women to ever win an Emmy award). Most recently, she won a Primetime Emmy award for her work on HBO's A Black Lady Sketch Show, making her team the first all-women of color editing team to take home the award for Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming. This is just a tiny, tiny smattering of the credits and accolades which Stephanie has earned in her very young career (which doesn’t even begin to cover her social activism work in the documentary space).In short, if you’ve ever wondered if it’s possible to successfully build a fulfilling creative career jumping between multiple mediums and genres - from scripted, to unscripted, to docs, and beyond - then Stephanie Filo’s story is for you.In this conversation Stephanie shares how she has climbed to award-winning levels of both scripted and unscripted television…despite a lot of the barriers that unfortunately come with being a black woman in a white-male-dominated industry. She candidly opens up about how she has had to work harder to prove herself but also her own challenges around work-life balance and the sacrifices she’s made getting to this level in her career. This is a wide ranging conversation appealing to anyone looking to make a career transition, find purpose and fulfillment in life, and wanting better strategies for choosing the right projects to match both your lifestyle needs and your creative needs.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How the movie Seven influenced her decision to get into editingThe struggles she encountered growing up as a first generation Sierra Leone African in ColoradoWhy Stephanie as a black woman is a better fit for certain types of stories than I am as a white maleStephanie shares the struggles she's endured as a black female editorHow to avoid getting pigeonholedHow to transition from one genre or format to anotherHow to sell your skills as an unscripted editor so that they are valuable in the scripted worldIs scripted editing equivalent to paint by numbers?What Lee Daniels taught me about how my life experience informs my choices as an editorWhat the cost was to Stephanie in order to diversify her resumeThe toxic work-life balance culture that is pervasive in the industry and how to fight against itConsequences of putting up boundaries against unreasonable deadlinesAre scripted or unscripted editors respected more by producers?How scripted projects compare to unscripted projects in terms of pay and lifestyleKEY TAKEAWAY: You are interviewing the show as much as the show is interviewing youWhy Stephanie recently turned down a job that was offered to herStephanie’s go to interview questions to determine if a project is the right fit for herUseful Resources Mentioned:Cutting Comedy with "A Black Lady Sketch Show" - Frame.io Insider Emmy & Peabody Award Winning Editor, Stephanie Filo: Episode 2 of Post in Black Season 2 - YouTubeBoris FX | Ask the Artist with Stephanie Filo, TV/Film Editor Ep112: On Signing COVID Waivers, Kit Rental Fees, and Working Humane Hours | with Cathy Repola, MPEG National Executive DirectorContinue to Listen & LearnEp128: How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyEp168: Hollywood On the Record: What’s REALLY Happening On Set? | with Shay’La Banks and Nickolaus BrownEp113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianEp134: Leveraging Your Skills to Get Hired (When You Don’t Have the Experience) | with Steve Lang, ACE (pt1)Ep135: The “Playbook” For Building a Successful Career in Scripted TV | with Steve Lang, ACE (pt2)Ep80: How to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEEp126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianEp114: Breaking Into (and Making It) In the Industry as People of Color | with Mirra Watkins, Ariel Brown, and Isaiah CaryGuest Bio: Stephanie Filo Stephanie Filo, ACE is a two-time Emmy and Peabody Award-winning TV/Film Editor and activist based in Los Angeles, CA and Sierra Leone, West Africa. She serves on the board for Girls Empowerment Sierra Leone, a social impact and feminist-based organization for Sierra Leonean girls aged 11-16. She is one of the co-founders of End Ebola Now, an organization created in 2014 to spread accurate information and awareness about the Ebola Virus and its impact through artistic community activism.Aside from editing television and film, with a passion for bringing a voice to social issues and telling stories of the under-represented, Stephanie spends much of her spare time producing and editing social action campaigns and documentaries, primarily focused on the rights of women and girls worldwide. Some of her notable campaigns include her work with the United Nations, International Labour Organization, and the Obama White House Task Force's It's On Us campaign to combat campus sexual assault. Her charitable work has been featured in Forbes Magazine, Entertainment Tonight, Telegraph UK, Yahoo, Al Jazeera, XWhy Magazine, and various others. Her work on the news documentary series "Mental State" earned her an Emmy nomination for the episode "Aging Out" about youth aging out of the American foster care system. She earned an Emmy win for her editing on the Mental State episode "Separated" which covered ICE deportations, making herself and Nzinga Blake the first Sierra Leonean women to ever win an Emmy award. Most recently, she won a Primetime Emmy award for her work on HBO's "A Black Lady Sketch Show", making her team the first all-Women of Color editing team to take home the award for Outstanding Picture Editing for Variety Programming.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

“You are not networking to get jobs. You are networking to meet people. By knowing people you get jobs.” - Troy TakakiTroy Takaki, ACE is a Hollywood film & TV editor as well as the founder of the ACE Diversity Mentorship Program. His varied credits include feature films like Sweet Home Alabama, Hitch, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul and more recently the television series You on Netflix and Mr. Mercedes for Direct TV. He is also the author of the book Don't Miss Out On Any Avocado Milkshakes: The Art and Joy of being a Film Editor.As an editor, Troy has worked hard throughout his career to avoid becoming pigeonholed (Quick tip: You don’t actually get pigeonholed, you allow yourself to be pigeonholed…more on that in our conversation) such that he can go back and forth between cutting features, television, and even documentaries because as he says, "The more different kinds of stuff you edit, the better editor you will be."As a mentor (and one of the best in the business, I might add), Troy believes that mentoring is not only valuable for those who are being mentored, but arguably even more valuable to the mentor. We also dig even deeper into his meta concept of mentorship in which the mentees in his program are asked to become mentors from day one, no matter how little experience they might have. Because as I often like to say, “You are the world’s foremost ‘expert’ to whomever wants to do next what you are doing now.”If you struggle with building your network, finding a mentor, and reaching out to strangers you admire, this conversation will help you take your networking game to the next level so you can connect with any industry ‘expert’ in the biz.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Troy’s roundabout way into becoming an editorHow much of a role did luck play in Troy’s career path?The best parts of the editing process for TroyHow to assess what is fulfilling workBecoming an extrovert and the skills Troy learned to save his marriageKEY TAKEAWAY: Learning small talk can be a lot of fun once you break through the nervousness.How Troy is able to switch from editing features to television consistentlyKEY TAKEAWAY: Always be thinking two jobs ahead before accepting a jobKEY TAKEAWAY: You have to let people know what you want to work on.How Troy was able to write a book while continuing his editing careerThe number one reason Troy continues to mentor people. HINT: It’s not about the menteePRO TIP: If you want to connect with someone who has a resource (i,e., book, podcast, etc.), do your homework first.Mentoring: It's not about finding an expert, it's about finding YOUR expert.The ACE Diversity Mentoriship program and the three different types of mentorsKEY TAKEAWAY: Try to find someone at your level and one level above you to be your mentorKEY TAKEAWAY: Make sure you ask a question that gets you results.The most important thing you should NOT to do when looking for a mentor.Useful Resources Mentioned:Troy Takaki - IMDbDon't Miss Out On Any Avocado Milkshakes : Troy Takaki AceHow to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)Ben Franklin effect - WikipediaContinue to Listen & LearnEp141: Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Career (Instead of Checkers) - pt1Ep134: Leveraging Your Skills to Get Hired (When You Don’t Have the Experience) | with Steve Lang, ACE (pt1)Ep135: The “Playbook” For Building a Successful Career in Scripted TV | with Steve Lang, ACE (pt2)Insider's Guide to Writing Cold OutreachEp106: On the Vital Importance of "Being Nice" | with Jesse Averna, ACEHow to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)How to Go From Cold Contact to Your Ideal Mentor In Seven Simple StepsIMDbPro for Networking: The 10 Features That Will Take Your Outreach to a New LevelEp80: How to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACEThe Socially Awkward Introvert’s Guide to Networking with Industry “Experts”Ep126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianEp129: How to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachEp127: Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Akhtarr, ACEGuest Bio: Troy Takaki Troy Takaki, ACE is a top film editor who has cut such box office hits as Sweet Home Alabama starring Reese Witherspoon and Hitch starring Will Smith. He is one of the few picture editors that splits his time between features and television. He recently edited shows such as You for Netflix and Mr. Mercedes for Direct TV. He recently edited Cheaper By The Dozen for Disney Plus and the Dead Boy Detective pilot for HBO MAX.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

Evan "Ultra-OCR Man" Perperis is an active duty Army Special Forces Soldier with 44 months of combat deployments who is now a professional Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) athlete. He is best known for running insane multi-day, self-created (!!!) OCR endurance challenges to raise money for charity (and push him to his physical & mental limits). If you want to know what it really takes to overcome obstacles (or hundreds of them in a row), whether it’s out on a legit race course or just the everyday obstacles you encounter in life, Evan has the answers.What’s interesting is that Evan hasn’t always been the overachiever and ultra-extreme athlete that he is now. In fact, he describes himself as a clone of the main character in the Goldbergs, the stereotypical nerdy teen who was in high school musicals and not at all athletic. But when he joined the military, he knew he had to get himself in shape, and that became the first of many more obstacles to conquer and defeat. So it just goes to show that you can’t judge a book by its cover…especially someone who could rip that book in half with his bare hands.Evan’s simple, no-nonsense approach to extreme OCR racing very simply translates to practical mindsets you too can apply to any obstacle you encounter in life (and if there’s one thing life is throwing at all of us right now, it’s a lot of obstacles). Whether it’s simply getting into better physical shape so you have more mental & creative energy to kick ass at your job or training for your very first Spartan Race or Tough Mudder, the advice Evan shares in our conversation today is invaluable to anyone trying to level up their fitness goals, their career, or their entire life.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:What drives Evan to do the crazy endurance events that he doesThe power he found in being outside of his comfort zoneWhen personal development becomes an addiction as dangerous as any otherHow to balance family life with career and work obligations, including training for racesWhy racing for charity is so important to EvanHear how Evan transformed from nerdy musical kid to Ultra OCR guyThe mindsets that Evan finds essential for reaching his goalsThe eerily similar American Ninja Warrior failures that I share with EvanManaging the disappointment of unmet expectationsHow to reframe failure to continue perseveringThe incredible impact the OCR community has had on his lifeThe double edged sword of the “never say quit” mentalityFinding meaning in the combat losses he’s enduredAdvice Evan offers anyone looking to do their first obstacle course race HINT: Don’t wait until you ‘get into shape’Useful Resources Mentioned:David GogginEp74: How to Master the Metaskill of 'Ultralearning' | with Scott YoungEp182: Staying True to Your Core Values (When Hollywood Tries to Steal Your Soul) | with Sean CorvelleContinue to Listen & LearnEp165: How to Overcome Doubting Yourself When You Know You’re Meant For More | with Sandy Zimmerman, ANWEp122: 'Superfood Hunter' Darin Olien On How To Be Healthy, Fit, and Eternally AwesomeEp98: P90X Creator Tony Horton on Covid-19, Staying Healthy During Quarantine, Boosting Immunity, & MoreEp120: It’s Never Too Late to Get Stronger (and Become a Ninja) | with Ginny MacColl, ANWEp121: Breaking Down Impossible Obstacles to Make (Almost) Anything Achievable | with Jessie Graff, ANWEp06: Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony HortonEp68: How to Go From Couch to the (Spartan) Course | with Rose Wetzel, ANWEp60: Getting 1% Better Every Single Day | with Westley Silvestri, ANWEp49: Mastering The Mental Game of Focus | with Kevin Bull, ANWEp67: Using Fitness to Overcome Parkinson’s and Become a Ninja | With Jimmy Choi, ANWGuest Bio: Evan Perperis Evan "Ultra-OCR Man" Perperis is an active duty Special Forces soldier and professional Obstacle Course Racing (OCR) athlete. He's come a long way since his days in high school which were primarily spent acting in drama club/musicals and participating in Boy Scouts.He draws lessons on perseverance and overcoming obstacles from experience from 44 months of combat deployments, 17 years of service and appearances televised obstacle course events (including CBS's coverage of the 8 hour Toughest Mudder, Lebanon's Hannibal Race and American Ninja Warrior). These have helped him achieve success with more than 70 race podium finishes including a world championship title in the team division of the 24 hour long World’s Toughest Mudder, 3x individual top ten finishes at World's Toughest Mudder and 2nd place Pro Coed Team at North American OCR Championship.He’s best known in the obstacle course racing (OCR) world as “Ultra-OCR Man” where his self created endurance stunts like 24 hours of treadmill OCR, ultra-OCR at simulated 21,000 feet of altitude, 48 hour OCR and 8 days in a row of OCR marathons in winter have raised more than $26,000+ for the charity Folds of Honor (scholarship money for children whose parents were killed or wounded in military service). In 2021 he also started organizing the Tough Mudder 10 hour team building charity event Infinite Hero Honor Challenge which has raised more than $20,000 for Infinite Hero Honor Foundation.As an athlete and author, he has written 350+ articles, produced 180+ podcasts, written 7 books and owns the small business Strength & Speed.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

It was one of those things in my life that just clicked...boom. This is where I'm supposed to be, and I've been doing it ever since.- Sean CorvelleSean Corvelle has played a variety of different roles in his career as an actor, a comedian, and a television host. But for the last eleven years he has been inspiring and motivating athletes and weekend warriors across the world at the Tough Mudder starting line. He is also the host of Tough Mudder’s No Excuses podcast of which I was recently a guest on (you can hear my interview with Sean here.)Like most of us, Sean came to Hollywood with stars in his eyes hoping to build a career that would bring out the best in him - a career that fulfilled him while also allowing him to be creative, to perform, and to ultimately be successful. Similar to my own path, Sean discovered that the more success he attained in Hollywood, the further away he got from himself and his core values. The higher he climbed the ladder, the more it burned him out, and the less he wanted to be on the ladder at all. Tough Mudder became the unexpected calling that Sean never imagined.In today’s conversation Sean shares his advice, experience, and stories about what it took to listen to his soul in order to leave behind a career in Hollywood. If you have ever felt stuck or you’re unsure of the right path for you, get ready to be inspired and motivated to take just one small step towards forward progress today. Whether you have run an obstacle course race or not (or if you could honestly care less about mud runs), the lessons Sean shares in this conversation apply to every aspect of life.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How does Sean answer the question, "what do you do for a living?"How he got the job as Tough Mudder's starting line inspirational speaker.What Sean's first ever Tough Mudder starting line speech was like and how it evolved.Sean discusses the audition process in Hollywood from his perspective.Why it's important to not let success define you.How he became known as "The Mirror Man".Instrumental quotes from Tough Mudder and what Sean learned from the requests for them.Lessons learned from Hollywood.Why Sean believes our souls don't change, instead they just expand.How Tough Mudder is designed to be done together and what people learn from that experience.The two common excuses people use to avoid signing up for a race.How to overcome your hesitations to race.The lessons learned in Tough Mudder apply to every aspect of life even if you just show up to volunteer and not race.Inspiring stories of Tough Mudder runners never quitting.Sean’s advice to his younger self in his darkest moment.Useful Resources Mentioned:No Excuses Episode 61: Zack Arnold on How to Optimize Yourself - Tough MudderCarlos Alazraqui - Comedian/Actor/ProducerContinue to Listen & LearnEp165: How to Overcome Doubting Yourself When You Know You’re Meant For More | with Sandy Zimmerman, ANWEp122: 'Superfood Hunter' Darin Olien On How To Be Healthy, Fit, and Eternally AwesomeEp120: It’s Never Too Late to Get Stronger (and Become a Ninja) | with Ginny MacColl, ANWEp121: Breaking Down Impossible Obstacles to Make (Almost) Anything Achievable | with Jessie Graff, ANWEp06: Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony HortonEp68: How to Go From Couch to the (Spartan) Course | with Rose Wetzel, ANWEp60: Getting 1% Better Every Single Day | with Westley Silvestri, ANWEp49: Mastering The Mental Game of Focus | with Kevin Bull, ANWEp67: Using Fitness to Overcome Parkinson’s and Become a Ninja | With Jimmy Choi, ANWGuest Bio: Sean Corvelle Born in Annapolis MD, Sean Corvelle grew up partly in Baltimore and the other half of his childhood in the San Francisco Bay Area. It was soon after high school when he began his professional journey in the field of entertainment as a stand-up comedian. With his instant likability and fresh enthusiasm on stage he quickly became a favorite act in clubs across the country and eventually moved to Los Angeles where he also enjoyed success acting in commercials, hosting and guest starring in TV shows. The three highlights in his professional career that stood out for him are: hosting a travel show, guest starring in an episode of “Friends,” and now working with Tough Mudder.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