The Zack Arnold Podcast

Are you stuck in the messy middle of life, wondering who you’re becoming on the other side?In this episode, the mic turns inward as today’s guest—well, it’s me, Zack Arnold —and I’m opening up about the newly rebranded Zack Arnold Podcast. Along with my podcast producer and fellow coach Debby Germino, we discuss why the changes go far beyond a new name, music, or artwork. Together, we dig into what’s shifting behind the scenes and the deeper purpose driving this evolution—not just for us, but for anyone navigating their own transformation.Key TakeawaysPurpose is the Key to Happiness: Connect your efforts to a purpose larger than personal success and let go of the toxic version of 'optimization' pushed by hustle culture.Make People Feel Something: Focus on how you make people feel, not just what you say or do to create an emotional connection and leave a deeper impact.Embrace the Unknown: We’re never starting over from scratch. We can always learn from past experiences and apply them to any new situation.Episode HighlightsWhy rebranding was necessaryWhat led to the change and how it took shapeLessons from past rebrand: Fitness in Post to OptimizeSpeaking to the emotional heart of the rebrandIntroducing the new Substack and vision behind itUnderstanding your purpose and its role in successFrom providing education to a building communityWhat this rebrand mean for the existing communityEmbracing the new Creator economyThe SummitBurnout prevention and protecting healthy habitsWhat’s next for the Zack Arnold PodcastFinal thoughts and how to stay connectedRecommended Next EpisodeOliver Burkeman: To dive deeper into what inspired our rebrand—and how I now approach goals, time, and priorities.Useful ResourcesZack Arnold PodcastZack Arnold’s Substack: Pivot with PurposeOliver Burkeman’s Book: Four Thousand Weeks Time Management for MortalsViktor Frankl’s Book: Man's Search for MeaningScott Barry Kaufman’s Beautiful Minds NewsletterAndy J. Pizza’s Podcast: Creative Pep TalkShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoShownotes and published by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, I wasn't afraid of losing my paycheck nearly as much as losing myself. If you enjoy this article and you're interested in reading more about navigating significant life transitions, finding meaning in your creative work, and what it means to be human in the age of AI. I invite you to subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Pivot with Purpose. To learn more and subscribe visit zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, I sold my soul for a paycheck. It led me to my purpose instead. If you enjoy this article and you're interested in reading more about navigating significant life transitions, finding meaning in your creative work, and what it means to be human in the age of AI. I invite you to subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Pivot with Purpose. To learn more and subscribe visit zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, The existential crisis that destroyed me and then changed my life. If you enjoyed this article and you're interested in reading more about navigating significant life transitions, finding meaning in your creative work, and what it means to be human in the age of AI, I invite you to subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Pivot with Purpose. To learn more and subscribe visit zackarnold.com/substackSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, Procrastinating? You're not lazy. You're probably just afraid. If you enjoy this article and you're interested in reading more about navigating significant life transitions, finding meaning in your creative work, and what it means to be human in the age of AI. I invite you to subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Pivot with Purpose. To learn more and subscribe visit zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

If you’ve been following along the last several months, then you may already know I’ve decided that it’s time to retire the Optimize Yourself brand and usher in a new era.If you live to create, meaning your work isn't just a job but an expression of who you are...If you create to live, as in your livelihood depends on your creativity...And if you love making cool shit (preferably left alone in small, dark rooms)...You’ll love the Zack Arnold podcast. Keep an eye out for new episodes coming soon.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 playlistEver feel like the ground beneath your career is shifting — like every step forward only leads to more uncertainty? Today, we're diving deep into the heart of creative survival during one of the most challenging periods for creatives in history.In this episode, I sit down with Lydia Hurlbut, a transformational business strategist who has defied the odds through a series of unexpected career pivots — from pediatric nursing to forensic investigation, from coaching to filmmaking. Lydia is not just a survivor of career pivots—she's mastered them, turning every uncertainty into opportunity.In our conversation, Lydia offers actionable insights to help you carve a new path forward, even when it feels like all doors are closing. We explore how to manage the emotional toll of career shifts, identify the transferable skills you might be overlooking, and find your center amidst the uncertainty. By tapping into your true potential, you’ll learn how to transform career chaos into opportunity with clarity and purpose.If you’re exhausted from feeling stuck and ready to regain control of your career, this conversation is your invitation to rethink what’s possible.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The impact of the huge retraction in entertainment industry jobs and opportunitiesHow self-care and paying attention to your body's signals can transform your well-being.KEY TAKEAWAY: Embrace imperfection while staying centeredNavigating career pivots and finding your specific transferable skillsLydia’s fascinating story of her many diverse career transitionsHow to make wise, thoughtful moves to maintain financial stability during career pivotsHow a former actor transitioned from shooting regional marketplace videos to creating multiple income streamsKEY TAKEAWAY: Listen to what people needManaging emotions and practicing self-care routinesRecognizing and breaking free from chronic stress (before it takes a toll on your health)What to do when your emotions are in the driver’s seatKEY TAKEAWAY: Trauma is a way to know yourself better.Channeled writing and walking meditation—your ultimate power tools for self-discovery.Why health hacks and the quick fixes may be deceiving youReiki energy healing and managing spiritual crisisKEY TAKEAWAY: What we focus on growsUseful Resources Mentioned:Filmmakers Academy (Type LYDIA20 during checkout to get $20 off when you join)Reiki Energy HealingThe Artist’s WayOvercoming “The Paycheck Paradox” (so you can make a living doing what you love)Continue to Listen & Learn[Case Study] From the FBI to Hollywood: Anatomy of An Unlikely Career Pivot | with Kathy RobinsonHow Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex FerrariNavigating The ‘Messy Middle’ of Life & Career Transitions | with Melissa Costello[CASE STUDY] How to Diversify Your Creative Skills and Experience to Build Multiple Income Streams | with Krysia SzyszloHow to Transition From ‘Technician’ to ‘Entrepreneur’ | Mastermind Q&A with Misha TenenbaumNavigating the Messy Middle of a Career Pivot | with Sandy ZimmermanThe Art of the Pivot: Going From Freelancer to Entrepreneur | with Nick MiloHow to Be a Multi-Hyphenate Creative and be the CEO of Your Creative Career | with Nelson Paredez-ParksHow to Reinvent Yourself, Pursue Your Dreams, and Change Careers at Any Age | with Marcelo LewinHow to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina Wallace[CASE STUDY] How to Make the Most of Slow Work Periods and Make a Career Pivot | with Malinda Zehner GuerraRamit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’How to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Mastermind Q&A with Monica DanielGuest Bio: Lydia Hurlbut Lydia Hurlbut is a Transformational Business Strategist and Co-Founder of Filmmakers Academy. With over 35 years of experience spanning healthcare, forensics, wellness, and business, Lydia Hurlbut is a catalyst for change in mindset consciousness and holistic leadership. Her journey from pediatric nurse to transformational coach was shaped by a life-altering health crisis, inspiring her to champion self-care integration in professional life. Co-creating Filmmakers Academy, Lydia blends her medical background, business strategy, intuition and Reiki skills to offer unique coaching programs. As a sought-after speaker and writer, she empowers individuals to overcome personal and business blocks, aligning actions with their highest potential. Lydia's innovative approach helps clients achieve sustainable personal and financial success, making her a transformative force in the entertainment industry.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 playlistWith everything that’s happened in the past few years—and the latest tragedies that have shaken the entertainment industry—it’s no surprise that many of us feel stuck, are questioning what’s next or even questioning what the point of it all is.In this episode, I sit down with Bevin Farrand, speaker, coach, author, and founder of the Take the DAMN Chance movement. Bevin knows firsthand what it means to navigate profound loss—after enduring a series of tragedies, one event ultimately turned her life upside down. This led her to develop what she calls the DAMN framework to help others move forward during difficult times. Together, we explore how to face hardship without getting stuck in it. We talk about what it really means to acknowledge grief and uncertainty, why toxic positivity can do more harm than good, and the first steps to take when you feel paralyzed by everything happening around you.Bevin also introduces the DAMN Manifesto—an anchor to help you regain clarity and direction when everything feels uncertain. Her approach isn’t just about vague motivation but real, actionable steps to help you break free from stagnation and start moving forward, even when it feels impossible.If you’re struggling to find your footing in the midst of uncertainty, this conversation with Bevin offers a fresh perspective on how to move forward, even in the hardest of times.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The events that led Bevin to the Take the DAMN Chance movementHow Bevin created the DAMN frameworkWhy it’s not always a good idea to think that bad things happen for a good reasonKEY TAKEAWAY: It’s okay to respond with sadness and griefKEY TAKEAWAY: Responses can shiftHow toxic positivity can get us stuckThe common mistake when talking to someone who’s having a difficult time and what to say insteadHow to move forward when you’re trapped in uncertainty and anxietyThe difference between fear and anxiety and how fear can be usefulWhat is the “pad method” to get out of anxietyWhy you need multiple “why’s”Bevin takes the Hot Seat to go deep into her origin storyKEY TAKEAWAY: There is no evidence to support that you "will never get through this."Why fighting reality can cause more sufferingHow people get stuck even after figuring out what they wantWhy you can’t wait for confidence or inspiration to take actionWhat is the DAMN manifesto and how it can help us push through when things get difficultUseful Resources Mentioned:"Your DAMN Manifesto": Free Book to Achieve Bold Dreams and Live IntentionallyMan’s Search for Meaning | Viktor FranklThe Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference | Malcolm GladwellHow Regular Movement Makes You Smarter | with Dr. John RateySpark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain | Dr. John RateyBevin Farrand | Free Meditation to Combat Anxiety and OverwhelmContinue to Listen & LearnHow to Keep Moving Forwards After You’ve Lost Everything | with Christina RasmussenOvercoming the Grief of “Invisible Losses” (Including Losing Your Job), and Getting Out of “Survival Mode” | with Christina RasmussenThe Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi WiensThe Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen MaloneReal Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael KammesUnemployed? Burned Out? Or Both? How to Manage a Career Break | with Laura NguyenHow to Become Resilient In the Face of Change (and Manage an Identity Crisis) | with Brad StulbergPushing Yourself to Your Limits (When Quitting isn’t an Option) | with Evan PerperisHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearFeeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David MeadFind Your Creativity by Finding Your Why | with Dr. Mark ShrimeGuest Bio: Bevin Farrand Bevin Farrand is an executive coach, brand strategist, and creator of the Do the DAMN Thing Method.In 2019, after an unexpected loss just 5 days after she returned from a whirlwind trip to France with her husband, Bevin Farrand founded the Take the DAMN Chance movement. Her DAMN framework has inspired thousands to connect with the people that they love, do the “crazy thing” that makes all the difference and, when given a choice, to take the damn chance. Additionally, she is a coach that supports entrepreneurs in growing their business to 5-, 6-, and 7- figures, and women in achieving their goals, even after going through deeply challenging experiences.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 playlistThe past two years have been relentless for creatives, and even in the first quarter of the year,, the losses keep piling up with no end in sight. Staying creative, hopeful, or even grounded feels harder than ever.In this episode, I sit down once again with acclaimed grief counselor and bestselling author Christina Rasmussen to talk about navigating loss in times of crisis. She shares valuable insight on how to cope when back-to-back losses shake the foundation of our creative lives, leaving us questioning who we are and what’s left to hold onto. Instead of the usual “power through” mentality, Christina offers a different approach—one rooted in self-compassion, asking for help, and finding strength in community. Together, we explore how to apply these ideas in moments of uncertainty and what it means to stay true to ourselves even when the industry feels unrecognizable.If you’re feeling overwhelmed by it all, this conversation is for you. It’s a reminder that even in the hardest times, you’re not alone—and that your creative voice still matters.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How life’s changes often come with unexpected losses—and why they matterKEY TAKEAWAY: Without losses we’d have no way to measure the gainsWhat “life re-entry” really means and how to move forward after griefThe important lesson Zack learned from losing his dadWhy community is essential—and why putting your head down and powering through isn’t enoughHow a lack of self-compassion can distort our perception of reality and keep us stuckWhat to do when losses start to feel overwhelmingOvercoming the fear and reluctance of reaching out for helpHow to stay true to your creative self even when everything is falling apartFinding fulfillment and staying creative in times of deep uncertaintyChristina puts me in the hot seat, challenging me to reflect on my own period of uncertaintyUseful Resources Mentioned:Overcoming the Grief of “Invisible Losses” (Including Losing Your Job), and Getting Out of “Survival Mode” | with Christina RasmussenChristina Rasmussen’s websiteContinue to Listen & LearnThe Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi WiensThe Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen MaloneReal Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael KammesUnderstanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de MelloA New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick WignallUnemployed? Burned Out? Or Both? How to Manage a Career Break | with Laura NguyenHow to Become Resilient In the Face of Change (and Manage an Identity Crisis) | with Brad StulbergChase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’Pushing Yourself to Your Limits (When Quitting isn’t an Option) | with Evan PerperisThe Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianThe Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth GillihanThe Mindful Editor | It’s Okay If You’re Not Ready to Be ProductiveGuest Bio: Christina Rasmussen  Christina Rasmussen is an acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author of Second Firsts (Hay House, 2013), Where Did You Go? (Harper One, 2018), and Invisible Loss (Sounds True, 2024). In 2010, four years after her thirty-five-year-old spouse passed away from Stage 4 colon cancer, she created the Life Reentry process, which launched her on a mission to bring compassion, grace, and validation to thousands, while simultaneously establishing an exit from what she termed the Waiting Room.Christina holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling (University of Durham). She is currently finishing her master of fine arts degree in painting and drawing (Academy of Art). Her grief work has been featured on ABC News and in Women’s World, the Washington Post, and the White House Blog.In her spare time, she is learning to play the piano and planning her first trip to the edge of space. She works and lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Eric, and their two dogs.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

In this discussion, Jennifer Kahnweiler, bestselling author and expert on introverts in the workplace, reveals how introverts can thrive in environments often geared toward extroverts. She shares insights on leveraging the strengths of introverts in leadership, networking, and sales. The conversation also covers practical tips for managing energy levels, creating introvert-friendly workspaces, and effective networking strategies. Jennifer emphasizes that success doesn’t require changing one's nature, highlighting the unique advantages introverts bring to the table.