The Zack Arnold Podcast

Last year writer/director Sam Lavin came to me because she had never felt more scattered. Amidst unemployment and managing the pandemic she said to me: “I’m typically a very ambitious person, but I’m finding it hard to stay on projects and get things done. I’m not motivated because I don’t know what I should be doing.”As an award-winning DGA director, assistant director, and writer who has worked on film and television projects including Lucifer, The Mayor, and Criminal Minds, she came to me as a 2nd AD with hopes of transitioning to the directing chair. Like many hit with a generous dose of perspective when the pandemic hit, Sam realized she was stuck and didn’t want to be a 2nd AD anymore...but she had no idea what to do next - and that lack of certainty left her paralyzed. She was dreaming of making her next major career transition into becoming both a 1st AD on major tv shows as well as a writer & director (and she knew she was ready!), but she had no clear path or next steps to make her vision become her reality. This led to wasted days of scattered attention and feeling “busy” but not “productive.”After joining the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program, Sam was able to design a plan that led her to firmly landing in the 1st AD position on a major streaming show for Apple, and she’s now poised to finally become a director. In today’s conversation we talk about the practical steps she took to work through the mental barriers that were stopping her from being productive and moving her career forwards, how she has become a focus machine getting more done in a few months than she had accomplished in years, and most importantly how you can apply the same principles to build momentum in your own career and life.No matter the career transition you are hoping to make next, even if the rungs of the ladder you want to climb might be different than others, the path is almost universally the same for all of us. You first need clarity about your next steps so you don’t inadvertently waste years of effort climbing the wrong ladder. Then you need to develop and hone the skills necessary to do the job you want next. And thirdly you need to build the right network of people so you can leverage those skills and convince them you can do the job, even if you might not have the experience yet. Simple...but far from easy. Learn how Sam did it and how you can do it too.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:What brought Sam to the Optimizer community and her career leading up to now.Sam's daily routine before she became a student in the Focus Yourself program.How we helped settle Sam's scattered mind and anxiety about where her career was headed.The obstacles Sam encountered when trying to find focus and clarity in her life.The mindset change that helped Sam make the transition from 2nd AD to 1st AD.How the Focus Gym helped her finish her pilot that she hadn't been able to complete before.The piece of feedback she received that changed her mindset about becoming a director.How the cancellation of an AFI program she had applied for gave her confidence to network more.KEY TAKEAWAY:  Your beliefs about yourself have the power to transform your life.Networking saved Sam from doing unnecessary steps to transition her career to the next level.Sam breaks down the skills necessary to become a director and what you can and can't learn by being a 1st AD.What positions most commonly get to the director's chair from film and television crews.The goal every 1st AD has to keep in mind when on set.How the politics of being a woman as an AD has made it tricky to navigate her career.Understanding the difference between confidence and arrogance and how to apply it to your career.How applying logic to networking was the key to helping Sam shift her mindset to make it work for her.What is the magic formula for networking and how it relieves the anxiety of reaching out.Sam's advice to anyone who feels like she did a year ago before she started the program. Useful Resources Mentioned:Work With Me | Optimize YourselfContinue to Listen & LearnI need help making a career transition | Optimize YourselfInsider's Guide to Writing Cold OutreachHow 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, ACEEp104: How to Keep Working As An Editor (After You’ve Made the Transition From AE) | with Susan Vaill, ACEEp126: 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 Ahktar, ACEOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Sam Lavin is an award winning DGA director, assistant director and writer who has worked on film and television projects including “Lucifer”, “The Mayor” and “Criminal Minds”.Samantha adapted and directed the British play “Key Change” in its West Coast premiere. It received an LA Times 99 Seat Beat Critic’s Pick for its innovation and raw staging of a story highlighting women in prison.Samantha wrote and directed the film, "In Memory of Me" which screened at over 40 festivals worldwide, winning awards including Panavision’s New Filmmaker Grant. She also created a television show called "Out of the Frying Pan" which was optioned by NBC/Comcast.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 episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success. In the following hot seat session, community member Sam Lavin faces the inevitable decision that is so common in the entertainment industry, especially for freelancers: which job do I say yes to, and which is a no? At some point, we all have to decide between multiple job offers. It’s easy to see this as an enviable problem, but nonetheless it’s a problem that should be handled with careful consideration. Sometimes advancing your career forwards requires the courage to say no to the obvious opportunity and yes to the better fit that might not be as easy to commit to in the short term. Listen in as Sam and I discuss the many factors that go into helping her debate between upcoming opportunities and where to place her focus and energy. Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you! → Click here to let us know what you think of this format Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session? → Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

In my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program I teach my students that in order to enjoy their work (and not end up burning out) it’s imperative that they learn how to work smarter and not harder. Most people who teach “productivity” are simply sharing strategies that allow people to run on the hamster wheel faster and more efficiently. I prefer to teach people how to be more effective with their time and energy so what they have on their to-do list actually matters.Today's guest, Tamara Torres, is the founder of Optima Results Coaching (I swear the name similarity is all coincidence!) where she teaches practical solutions to improve habits, increase productivity, and create time and energy for what matters most. Her background in psychology, integrative medicine, and meditation give her a holistic approach to not only coaching clients to successful careers but teaching them to also build more fulfilling, well-balanced lives beyond their jobs.In our conversation Tamara shares her insights and strategies for aligning your values with your time and explains how they are ultimately much more connected to your productivity than your apps, to-do lists, or your calendar. As an added bonus you'll hear her turn the tables when she puts ME on the hot seat! I share how my habit of always searching for a better way has led to great success but also great detriment. She offers her analysis and some important questions for me to consider to more accurately align my (exceedingly high) expectations with reality.If you’re looking for a better way to manage your day, your energy, and your life to find a version of “productivity” that works for you, this is the place to begin.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How the death of Tamara's father led to her becoming a productivity coach.Why Tamara’s diverse background in health and her naturopath degree helped shape her coaching style.What Tamara means when she talks about Productivity with Heart.Why your values are connected to productivity.Using your calendar to check that your values are aligned with your time.Why scheduling intentional time with family is critical for building strong relationships.Defining the difference between quantity of time and quality of time.What a time audit is and why you should try it for two weeks.What is a season of sacrifice and how can you apply it to your life?How setting proper expectations can help alleviate stress in the family and at work.KEY TAKEAWAY: Create a ritual at the end of your workday to smooth the transition to family.Understanding your chrono type and how to make it work for you.How I learned to manage my energy and time to get my work done on Cobra Kai.KEY TAKEAWAY: Be willing to say no to things that aren't in alignment with your values.What is Parkinson’s law and how can you use it to your advantage?The power of the Pomodoro Method and time blocking your day.How I overcame perfectionism and reset my circadian rhythmsI put myself on the hot seat and Tamara coaches me on my workaholic tendencies.KEY TAKEAWAY: Perfectionists should work on progress over perfection and practicing gratitude can help alleviate the perfectionist tendency. Useful Resources Mentioned:Happier in Hollywood - A podcast with Liz Craft and Sarah Fain • Happier in HollywoodGretchen RubinThe Four Tendencies Quiz - The Four Tendencies QuizEp75: The Four Tendencies’ (aka ‘The Matrix’ For Understanding Yourself & Others) | with Gretchen RubinWhat is a Key Performance Indicator (KPI)?Toggl Track: Time Tracking Software for Any WorkflowLaura Vanderkam | Writer, Author & Speaker | Time ManagementThe Pomodoro Technique ExplainedI Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.How to Conduct an Annual Review (2020 Edition!) 🗓 : The Art of Non-ConformityContinue to Listen & LearnEp136: Promoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACEEp113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace TashjianEp128: How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyEp55: How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearEp132: How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharEp126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianEp105: Ramit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’Ep84: How to Use 'Intuitive Eating' To Change Your Relationship With Food | with Melissa CostelloHow to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby GerminoTired of Holding it Together All the Time? Here are Five Basic Needs to Get You Back On TrackOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Tamara Torres founded Optima Results Coaching to help busy professionals take their lives to the next level without sacrificing balance. She draws on a background in psychology and integrative medicine, along with 10,000+ coaching interactions and 20 years of meditation practice. Tamara teaches practical solutions to improve habits, increase productivity, and create time and energy for what matters most.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 episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success. In the following hot seat session, community member Matthew Farrugia finds himself struggling with anxiety about his career. He is constantly worrying he’s not doing enough to further himself and catastrophizing when he doesn’t get immediate responses from people he reaches out to. Whether you are at the start of your career or firmly established already, this is a topic we can all empathize with deeply. Listen in to hear how we help Matthew find some relief to this very relatable problem. Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you! → Click here to let us know what you think of this format Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session? → Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

“Chess teaches you that losing is learning.”- Misha TenenbaumTo master anything, whether it's actually playing chess, training for (and becoming) an American Ninja Warrior, or climbing to the top of your chosen career, you have to know that failure is a HUGE part of the equation. And in fact failure should be embraced as part of the fun of achieving any difficult goal in life. Chess is not just a game, it’s also a mindset I believe you must adopt if you want to achieve anything difficult, because nothing worthwhile is easy. And doing hard things requires the right strategy (which is why one of the “Key Mindsets” I share with all the students in my coaching & mentorship program is to “Play Chess With Your Goals Instead of Checkers.”)Today I’m sharing with you a very fun, in-depth, and candid conversation with my friend and fellow entrepreneur Misha Tenenbaum. Before founding EditStock and EditMentor, Misha was a film and television editor and AE who edited shows for the Speed Channel, Food Network, as well as indie films. He also worked as an assistant editor on shows like American Horror Story, JOBS (the biopic about Steve Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher), the Fox show Wayward Pines, and Quarry for Cinemax.But instead of talking about Hollywood in this conversation, instead Misha and I dive deep into the meta skills necessary to achieve near-impossible (read: Ridiculous) goals. Misha grew up learning chess and spent several years in early adulthood climbing the ranks in the chess world. We discuss how the skills he's learned from spending years earning an 1800+ “Class A” ranking have transferred into many other aspects of his life. We also discuss the strange transformation that takes place along the path towards any goal where achieving that goal becomes irrelevant when you realize the journey is so much more valuable and rewarding.Whether or not you have any interest in the game of chess whatsoever (Spoiler alert: I myself barely know how to play), there is a wealth of valuable information in this conversation that can help you apply a smarter strategy to achieving your own goals and mastering the art of failure along the way.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The story of how Misha learned chess and his obsession with the game grew.Not only is chess a game of strategy it is also a game of recognizing patterns.If you don't understand the strategy or tactics you won't know how to play the game.The differences between someone who memorized the patterns and someone who learns the strategies.The rankings of chess players explained.How to relate the levels of chess to editing or any other skill you want to master.Becoming the best takes strategy and mindset shifts as well as dedicating your time and attention to that skill.The story of Bobby Fischer and how the trends of chess change and recycle.To break through a new level of your skill or craft, you have to innovate.My story of deciding to train for American Ninja Warrior and the probability of it actually happening.The side effects (read: benefits) of me FAILING at my goal to get on American Ninja Warrior.The perseverance and dedication it takes to incrementally improve at any craft or skill you desire. Useful Resources Mentioned:Ep141: 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)The Queen's Gambit (TV Mini-Series 2020) - IMDbEditStock | Practice Editing and Build A Demo ReelThe United States Chess Federation - Players & RatingsChess rating system - WikipediaBobby Fischer - Chess, IQ & Death - BiographyAmerican Ninja Warrior - NBC.comJosh Waitzkin -- The Official Site of Josh Waitzkin & The Art of LearningThe Karate Kid (1984) - IMDbContinue to Listen & LearnEp55: How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearEp126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianEp120: 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 HortonEp03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric BarkerEp68: 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, ANWEp33: Winning at The Ultimate Game of Life | with Jim BunchOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Before founding EditStock and EditMentor, Misha Tenenbaum was a film and television editor. He edited shows for the Speed Channel, Food Network, and indie films. He joined the Editor's Guild in 2011 and worked as an Assistant Editor on shows like American Horror Story, JOBS, the biopic about Steve Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher, the Fox show Wayward Pines, and Quarry for Cinemax.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 episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success. In the following hot seat session, community member Melanie Annan wants to market herself so that she attracts the types of directors and projects she’s most interested in working on, specifically editing dramatic independent films. She has a very clear idea of how she likes to work and what genres she’s passionate about, but her About page on her portfolio website is telling a very different story than what it needs to. Listen in on how we reword her story so she will win over the people she most wants to work with next. Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you! → Click here to let us know what you think of this format Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session? → Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

How many times have you finished a job and felt like you had nothing left in the tank? You gave it everything you had 24/7 thinking to yourself, “I’ll start taking care of myself when the next hiatus comes” only to be cursed by the fact that you’re good at what you do...and that hiatus never appears. You repeat the cycle for months, years, or even decades wondering where all the time went.When you imagine a high-profile award-winning editor like Michelle Tesoro you imagine burnout wouldn't be a problem - that’s just for people struggling to “make it,” right? Given her track record having worked on shows such as House of Cards, Godless, On the Basis of Sex, When They See Us, and most recently The Queen's Gambit, Michelle must have it all figured out. Right???As you'll hear in part two of my conversation with Michelle, just like us she too often finds her tank completely empty at the end of a project. In part 2 of our conversation (here’s part 1 if you missed it), we specifically examine the question of what is leaving her so drained. Michelle is incredibly open, honest, and brave to share her challenges maintaining such a demanding career while balancing it with friends and family, and she even allows me to put her on the ‘Hot Seat’ to really dig into what is driving her to still work so hard at this level of her career (Spoiler Alert: Even she fears missing out on the next gig). One key takeaway from this interview that I hope everyone understands is that greater success does not make career and lifestyle decisions any easier. In fact, if anything, it's the opposite. It becomes harder to say no and the fear of missing out never goes away.P.S. If you missed part 1, you don't need to listen to it first to understand this conversation. But I do recommend you listen to part one if you’d like to hear Michelle talk about her career path and what has driven her success.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Michelle has come to realize that there is a balance between high profile projects and having a happy home life.Three important priorities Michelle tries to balance.The defining moment that gave Michelle a reality check about her priorities and where she spends her time.How Michelle came to be on my email list and what attracted her to my work.The piece of software that changed the way Michelle worked and gave her more balance in her life.I put Michelle on the hot seat to uncover what is the source of her draining her tank on every project she takesKEY TAKEAWAY: The fear of missing out is high even for someone like Michelle.The process of restoring herself is always something that she struggles with.KEY TAKEAWAY: Compressing creative time allows for better pacing of energy levels to work smarter not harder.Michelle's process of working through a day of dailies.The realization Michelle came to about her next gig.Michelle's wish list of how she would love to spend her time.Why she hasn't been able to commit to a long-term gig since the Queen's Gambit.Michelle tries to answer which fear is greater: experiencing burnout from filling the gap or taking a break. Useful Resources Mentioned:Twitter: @mtesoritoInstagram: @michtesoroMichelle Tesoro's WebsiteContinue to Listen & LearnEp115: How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACEEp127: Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACEEp132: How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharEp128: How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel LevyEp64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss TerryEp47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen MaloneHow Total Burnout Led to the Most Productive Year of My LifeHow to Overcome Post-Production BurnoutStruggling to “Do” It All? Try “Being” First. (Three Strategies to Reclaim Your Time and Sanity When Working From Home)Ep136: Promoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACEOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Cutting-edge film and television picture editor Michelle Tesoro is an industry rising star, known for seamlessly weaving narrative through the artful and elegant editing of a visual story.Her most recent works include Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “When They See Us” directed and produced by Ava Duvernay, and Netflix’s hit limited series “The Queen’s Gambit” directed by Oscar-nominated Scott Frank.Tesoro’s versatile slate also includes Focus Features’ biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “On the Basis of Sex” starring Felicity Jones, Bold Films and Participant Media’s “Shot Caller” starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “Godless,” directed by Scott Frank, and starring Emmy-winner Jeff Daniels, Michelle Dockery, and Merritt Weaver, Golden Globe-nominated show “House of Cards,” and the HBO’s series “The Newsroom”.The Cinema Guild’s SXSW Grand Jury Prize-winning feature film “Natural Selection,” earned Tesoro the 2011 SXSW Award for Best Editing.Tesoro’s unique perspective and refined expertise in composing striking narratives began early, growing up in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Whitney M. Young High School, studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.Tesoro currently resides in Los Angeles, California.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 episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success. In the following hot seat session, community member Lando Cortes wants to know how to overcome feeling so crappy from being sedentary all day long. He is juggling three part time jobs that leave him chained to his computer for long hours, and it is taking a toll on his body. He consistently experiences neck and back pain and he wants to improve his energy levels while reducing the stress on his body. Listen in as I walk him through some simple steps he can take to build the habit of more consistent movement while living behind his computer that you too can incorporate into your busy and sedentary workday. Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you! → Click here to let us know what you think of this format Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session? → Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

I’ve spent my entire career wondering what the difference is between those who simply string along one job after another to pay the bills and those who have extraordinary resumes, amazing credits, and award-winning careers. You might assume it's some combination of God-given talent, luck and hard work. If you've listened to me for any amount of time, you know I consider "luck" to be a four letter word (so that’s out), but I do believe talent and hard work absolutely play a role when it comes to success. However, I think the difference for those who reach the highest levels is that they are simply playing a totally different game than everyone else. Most people are playing a game of checkers...the best of the best are playing chess.Today's guest, ACE editor, Michelle Tesoro has worked on critically acclaimed shows such as House of Cards, Godless, On the Basis of Sex, When They See Us, and most recently The Queen's Gambit. Rather than talk about her creative process editing The Queen's Gambit, Michelle and I take a different approach in this conversation and discuss the metaphor of chess as life and how you can apply a long-term, more strategic chess-like approach to your career.Michelle and I had such an in-depth conversation that I've made it a two-part series. In this first part we discuss how Michelle chooses the projects & people she works with, and we discover how there is a common theme running through much of her work that keeps her engaged and passionate (despite the arduous nature of the projects she takes on). Michelle also shares what she believes to be her greatest assets and soft skills (outside the editing timeline) that have led to her tremendous success in Hollywood.Finally, I am keenly aware that Michelle has been making the rounds on the podcast circuit, but rest assured no matter what you’ve listened to already this very candid conversation covers fresh ground with stories you definitely haven’t heard on other shows. And you don't want to miss part 2 next week where I put Michelle on the hot seat to discuss the challenge of balancing her career with the rest of her life.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The first small moments Michelle realized that editing was for her.How a street artist in New York helped her understand the power of editing and storytelling.The similarities between Michelle and the lead character, Beth in The Queen's Gambit.How Michelle has become comfortable being the only woman in the room.The parallels Michelle can draw from the themes of On the Basis of Sex and her own mom and childhood.Michelle shares one of the most valuable soft skills she possesses that helps her gain the trust of her collaborators.How being clear about her goals early on in her career helped guide the decisions she made.The word that Michelle has been practicing to use more often in her career.  HINT: it’s not “Yes!”KEY TAKEAWAY: The only way to confidently say no is if you know what the end goal is.What Michelle learned from NOT getting the ACE Internship when she applied for it at the start of her career. Useful Resources Mentioned:Art Of The Cut Podcast Eps. 87 (“The Queens Gambit” Editor Michelle Tesoro, ACE) by Filmtools - ProVideo CoalitionEp. 15 – Defining Goals, Working With Good People, and Editing “The Queen’s Gambit” with editor Michelle Tesoro, ACE | Film & TV Editing Mentorship ProgramEp118: Legendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ YearsTwitter: @mtesoritoInstagram: @michtesoroMICHELLE TESOROContinue to Listen & LearnEp115: How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACEEp127: Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACEEp132: How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-ShaharEp126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianEp131: How Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex FerrariEp129: How to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachEp117: Carol Littleton, ACE on The Secret to Surviving 40+ Years Working In HollywoodOur Generous Sponsors:Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet EvercastAs work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.Guest Bio: Cutting-edge film and television picture editor Michelle Tesoro is an industry rising star, known for seamlessly weaving narrative through the artful and elegant editing of a visual story.Her most recent works include Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “When They See Us” directed and produced by Ava Duvernay, and Netflix’s hit limited series “The Queen’s Gambit” directed by Oscar-nominated Scott Frank.Tesoro’s versatile slate also includes Focus Features’ biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “On the Basis of Sex” starring Felicity Jones, Bold Films and Participant Media’s “Shot Caller” starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “Godless,” directed by Scott Frank, and starring Emmy-winner Jeff Daniels, Michelle Dockery, and Merritt Weaver, Golden Globe-nominated show “House of Cards,” and the HBO’s series “The Newsroom”.The Cinema Guild’s SXSW Grand Jury Prize-winning feature film “Natural Selection,” earned Tesoro the 2011 SXSW Award for Best Editing.Tesoro’s unique perspective and refined expertise in composing striking narratives began early, growing up in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Whitney M. Young High School, studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.Tesoro currently resides in Los Angeles, California.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 episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success. In the following hot seat session, community member Sara Shaw is struggling with getting writing notes done for a looming deadline. This brief discussion is loaded with actionable tips to build better habits specifically related to your creativity and the process of deep work that will help you manage your time more effectively so you can work efficiently while still balancing the rest of your life. We also tackle the often overlooked psychological barriers that cause her to procrastinate and feel insecure about her creative work. If you’ve ever struggled to get important creative work done, then you will find this an eye-opening conversation. Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you! → Click here to let us know what you think of this format Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session? → Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content