The Zack Arnold Podcast

There are few moments scarier in life than when you examine where you are in your career and say to yourself:“I don’t want to be doing this anymore.”Whether you’ve been pigeonholed your entire career and you hate the kinds of projects you work on today, or because you can’t financially afford to say ‘No’ to the wrong gigs, or because you’re afraid of building something on your own because it’s easier to work for others, or [insert your excuse here], it’s hard coming to the realization that you need to make a major change in your life. The only thing harder than that moment...is the years of hard work that comes after it.What differentiates those who successfully make major life transitions versus those who continue to stay stuck? What differentiates the “winners” from everyone else? Whether you are pursuing your ‘dream job’ or building your own business, how can you put yourself in the financial position to have greater freedom over your future career choices, global pandemic or otherwise?And most importantly, how do YOU define your version of a “Rich Life?”In today’s podcast interview I have the pleasure of chatting with one of the world’s foremost experts on all of these topics. Ramit Sethi is the founder of I Will Teach You to Be Rich, and author of the New York Times bestseller, "I Will Teach You To Be Rich." He writes about money, business, and psychology for 1 million+ readers every month. And he is also my business mentor and the #1 influence that helped me transition from being “just an editor” to making a living on my terms by podcasting, coaching, & mentoring.Get ready for 60+ minutes of knowledge bombs, because this podcast could change the direction of your entire life. And if you don’t believe that’s possible, my entire life changed five years ago the first time I heard Ramit Sethi on a podcast, and I wouldn’t be here today had I not listened, taken notes, and most importantly...taken action.Interested in starting your own business and learning from the best?» Click here to learn more about Ramit's 'Earnable' programWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The story behind the (scammy sounding) “I Will Teach You To Be Rich” brand name. Why Ramit called it that and how he responded to pressure to change the name.How frustrating it can be when you really want to help people and know you’re good at it, but people don’t want to listen. And how that frustration can lead to your first ‘pivotal moment’ as a potential entrepreneur.How Ramit started his financial blog with no expectation of making money at it.The big break that changed the trajectory of his life, and how Ramit works to engineer the ‘good luck’ that attracts those opportunities.Why professional freelancers & business owners are often better equipped to handle economic uncertainty. (Like the "unprecedented" COVID-19 pandemic we're currently living through.)Ramit’s advice for people who don’t want to rely on someone else’s projects for income and want to start a business of their own, but don’t know where to start.Try this powerful exercise: “If you had prepared for a pandemic what would that look like?”The importance of saying “no” to gigs that don’t align with your goals as a freelancer. And how so many of us find ourselves running in place or pigeonholed because we keep saying “yes” to the wrong projects.What does it really mean to pursue a rich life?How to take this pandemic as an opportunity - even when it looks like a huge setback.Ramit Sethi’s “C.E.O.” model of creating a rich life.The “Ah-Ha!” moment when Zack realized: “There’s a limit to what I can cut, but no limit to what I can earn.”Why most of us are asking the wrong financial questions. Discover the kinds of questions we should be asking instead.How to overcome the fear: “Who do I think I am? How dare I try to start a business and ask people for money in exchange for my services?”How to create a system to organize your finances with multiple bank accounts and set yourself up for ‘guilt-free spending’. (Learn more in chapter 5 of Ramit’s book.)How Zack’s ‘guilt-free spending’ account might have saved his marriage. Useful Resources Mentioned:Ramit Sethi's Earnable programRamit Sethi's book: I Will Teach You To Be RichEp88: The ‘Profit First’ Financial System (That Gives You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ to the Wrong Gigs) | with Mike MichalowiczEp43: How to Optimize Your Finances As a Freelancer or Small Business Owner | with Sylvia InksSurviving Freelancer Unemployment: How to Manage Your Budget For the ‘Gig Economy’ (Global Pandemic Edition)Ep93: How to Organize & Prepare Your Finances As a Freelancer | Community Q&AEp96: Making Sense of the Unemployment + Small Business Loans Train Wreck | Community Q&AEp97: When Are We Going Back to Work? And How Can We Earn Income Now? | Community Q&AEp99: How to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Community Q&A with Monica DanielMy Review of Ramit Sethi's "Zero to Launch" CourseGuest Bio:Ramit Sethi is the founder of I Will Teach You to Be Rich (www.iwt.com), and author of the New York Times bestseller, I Will Teach You To Be Rich. He writes about money, business, and psychology for 1 million+ readers every month. Follow him on Twitter (@ramit), Instagram (@ramit), and Facebook.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

So many working in post-production around the world are obsessed with making the transition from being an assistant to being an editor. But does the journey end once you’re sitting in the editor’s chair? Or has the journey just begun?Editor and director Susan Vaill, ACE (Space Force, Gray’s Anatomy, This Is Us) has been helping to answer these questions as a mentor to many in scripted entertainment in Hollywood, and she’s become so passionate about the subject of helping assistant make the transition (and stick the landing, so to speak) that she even recently lead an Editor’s Guild panel titled “Bumped Up: The Leadership Workshop for New Editors.”So what are the most important questions that assistants who’ve recently been promoted into the editor’s chair don’t know to ask? What surprises might come their way they aren’t prepared for? What politics should they be aware of? What soft skills are necessary to build relationships and get invited back to jobs in the future?And if you haven’t made the transition yet but you are oh so close!!!, then what differentiates you from other people vying for the same position (especially if they have more experience than you)? What can you do to stand out?NOTE: This interview was conducted shortly before the pandemic struck (early March, 2020), so as you’re listening keep that in mind as we discuss her upcoming panels and general networking strategies.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The fun story of how Susan and her twin sister ended up in a classic Double Mint Gum commercial in the ’80s.Susan’s amazing origin story and how just ONE experience with deck to deck editing in high school gave her the power to “see the matrix” and recognize editing ‘tricks’ in films & television shows early on in life.How a documentary job 20 years ago directly led to her working on Space Force today.The pivotal moment where Susan realized she had a lot more to offer than what was on her resume. And how she leveraged her unique perspective, background, and personality to make her resume so compelling that it jumpstarted her career.Hot Tip: Inject your personality into your resume!How Susan’s passion and life experiences motivated her to spearhead the panel on moving from Assistant Editor to Editor called ‘Bumped Up: the Leadership Workshop for New Editors’.Why the most common question she gets at her panels may surprise you.What compels Susan to put on these panels and give back to people in the industry.How she thinks about the difficulty of Assistant Editors moving to Editor in the current environment where they aren’t really gaining the creative skills it requires.Why Editors have to be proactive about mentoring their Assistant Editors to get the next generation ready to be our peers.The benefits of making a habit of getting away and taking lunch together.Why it’s so important to create a really comfortable, safe working place of your edit bay.F.A.I.L. = First Attempt in Learning.NOTE: Susan’s panel is limited to 30 participants, but they’ll do them every 3 months. Keep an eye on MPEG's events calendar page.Useful Resources Mentioned:Ep69: Cobra Kai…Inside the Edit Suite | with Jon Hurtwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden SchlossbergEp85: Mentorship, Networking, and Surviving Hollywood Blockbusters | with Dody Dorn, ACEEp70: To Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 1) | with Chris CavanaghEp39: Breaking “Bad” From Assistant to Editor | with Kelley Dixon, ACE (pt 1)Ep40: Breaking “Bad” From Assistant to Editor | with Kelley Dixon, ACE (pt 2)Our Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:Susan Vaill, ACE, is an editor of both comedy and drama series, including This Is Us, Lodge 49 and the upcoming Space Force on Netflix. She has edited six television pilots and helped launch five shows in their first season.Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susan appeared with her twin sister Sarah in an ‘80s Doublemint gum commercial and the Hal Ashby film Bound For Glory. She studied film theory and art history at Williams College and got an MFA in film production at USC. After assistant-editing documentaries and feature films like The Last Samurai, Susan edited over 70 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy which won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2008. Susan also directed three episodes of the series, in which Loretta Devine gave a guest performance that earned her an Emmy in 2011.More recently, Susan turned to comedy, editing the half-hour series Grandfathered, Me, Myself & I, and the upcoming comedy Space Force, created by Greg Daniels and Steve Carrell. She also edited the legal drama Doubt, the award-winning mega-hit This Is Us, and the critically acclaimed AMC dramedy Lodge 49. Two of Susan’s episodes of Lodge 49 earned spots on The New York Times’ and Entertainment Weekly’s year-end lists of Best Episodes of Television of 2019.In 2018, Susan was elected to the society of American Cinema Editors, and in 2019 she spearheaded ‘Bumped Up: the Leadership Workshop for New Editors’, co-sponsored by ACE and the Editors Guild, which she leads 2-3 times a year. Susan’s interests include golf and music-driven story-telling, and her favorite karaoke song is “I’m On A Boat” by The Lonely Island.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Having directed and produced such shows as Jack Ryan, Hunters, For All Mankind, Hell On Wheels, Legion, Waco, Goliath, and frankly too many others films and shows to count...Dennie Gordon is no stranger to working with giant crews on massive sets. Having also directed a feature film in China during the SARS outbreak, I think it’s safe to say that Dennie knows something about keeping her crew members safe despite the risks.And not more than 2 minutes into our interview, Dennie rolled the following grenade into the middle of the room:“I think the cameras are going to start rolling again when there’s a vaccine.”Whoah.So what does that mean for everyone who’s livelihoods depend on cameras rolling? On needing makeup and hair done, sets to be designed, built, and painted...lights to be set up, focused to be pulled, costumes to be purchased and fitted, and in the case of most of my listeners...footage that needs to be cut.What’s the plan if cameras don’t roll again until we have a vaccine? And are there alternatives? Will production flee to other states or other countries that are willing to take the risks? Are crew members going to have to choose between unemployment or signing death waivers?There are a lot of questions right now, and neither I nor Dennie promise to have the answers. But we do our best to discuss all of the various options out there so all of us can make more informed decisions about what comes next.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Despite the “when there’s a vaccine” grenade Dennie rolled into the room, she assures us the Industry is putting protocols in place to make sets as safe as possible. But we have a long road ahead.Why she thinks talk shows, game shows, stage studio events will come back much sooner. Location set pieces won’t come back for a while.The astonishing story of Dennie Gordon's experience working on a feature film in China DURING the SARS-COV2 outbreak.Insurance. Waivers. Liability… Who’s really going to take this on at the end of the day?What should we expect working on set to look like before a vaccine?How do we tell good stories while following physical distancing guidelines?How can creative professionals continue building their careers? After all, we never learn anything when we’re not working.How will we be able to collaborate at the same level as before? For example, if writer’s rooms are meeting on Zoom calls instead of in person, how much gets lost in the creative process?Why not create stories that reflect the reality we’re living in with COVID-19?Dennie’s thoughts on having everyone live on set as a closed community where everyone is tested. (Example: Tyler Perry who built a set on a former army barracks.)Does she think people will be willing to live in a quarantined set, isolated from family and friends for months just to have a job again?What about reality shows? Will they resume before scripted?People in some countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Czechoslovakia, Iceland, & South Korea have already started shooting. What opportunities does that present?How do you navigate production when one state says they’re not ready to start shooting because it’s unsafe and in the next state, they’re saying “We’re already making television, what are you guys doing over there?”Since it’s going to be more expensive for productions to operate and doing so with less people, and considering that so many people will want to work and do it for less money, what effect do you expect that downward pressure on wages to have and what would you hope to see?What are we going to do about post-production or are they in a good enough position with remote workflows?Can you still tell the same quality stories if you never meet your post-production crew in person?What does pilot season look like? Do we think the structure of the way we do the business side of things is going to change?What do you think is going to happen to television in general considering the expected reduction in the volume of shows that will be produced?What are some of the ideas you’ve come up with to pivot and be innovative when it looks like you may not be able to go back to directing for a year or two?Does it make sense for you to provide value in other ways such as mentorship? And what does mentorship and networking look like in the time of coronavirus?Dennie Gordon’s words of wisdom: “Use this time. When this is all over, people will be able to define themselves by how they used this time.”Why Dennie expects us to have to get much better at communicating their ideas to each other.Do you think we’ll end up going towards making features and not doing episodic T.V. for a long time because it’s just so hard to sustain the level of production T.V. requires?Can we expect a resurgence of small indie movies? Useful Resources Mentioned:How The World’s Biggest Producers Are Plotting Their Way Out Of The PandemicReopening Hollywood: From Insurance To Testing, Crowd Scenes & Craft Services, Here Are The Pandemic Problems Studios Are Trying To Solve Before The RestartReopening Hollywood: Kurt Sutter On How To Bring Back TV Dramas After Coronavirus ShutdownWhat’s needed for Hollywood to get back to work safely?Ep85: Mentorship, Networking, and Surviving Hollywood Blockbusters | with Dody Dorn, ACEEp97: When Are We Going Back to Work? And How Can We Earn Income Now? | Community Q&AOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:Dennie Gordon has been a trailblazing female director her entire career; spanning the worlds of feature films, television series, mini-series and branded content. Her range of genre busting entertainment spans an unusual spectrum of comedy and drama.After being one of the first women to graduate from Yale's School of Drama with an MFA in Directing, Gordon first gained recognition when A HARD RAIN was chosen by Showtime's Discovery Program. Thanks to Steven Spielberg, a rough cut of her film attracted the attention of George Lucas who donated thefilm's mix at Skywalker Ranch.A HARD RAIN, which Gordon also wrote, went on to win dramatic awards at the British Short Film Festival and the Hampton's Film Festival. This film also caught the eye of David E. Kelley who enlisted Gordon to helm multiple episodes of his television series including GOLIATH, (where she was Co EP) PICKET FENCES, CHICAGO HOPE, ALLY MCBEAL, and THE PRACTICE. Gordon has directed over 100 hours of network television including such critically acclaimed series as LEGION, which was on many critic’s lists as a top 10 show of 2017, with the “astounding direction of Dennie Gordon and her twisted visionary imagery taking the X-Men universe to a whole new level”.Her other work includes BLOODLINE, RECTIFY, EMPIRE, KINGDOM, POWER, HELL ON WHEELS, GRACE & FRANKIE, THE OFFICE, 30 ROCK, Aaron Sorkin’s SPORTS NIGHT, and HBO's TRACEY TAKES ON, for which Gordon won the DGA Comedy Award. Gordon recently completed the mini-series WACO, JACK RYAN Season 2 FOR ALL MANKIND for Apple, and THE HUNT starring Al Pacino.Gordon directed the comedy cult hit JOE DIRT starring David Spade, and Christopher Walken, and WHAT A GIRL WANTS starring Oscar Winner Colin Firth, Dame Eileen Atkins, and Jonathan Pryce. Gordon was the first American woman to direct a film for the domestic Chinese market, called MY LUCKY STAR. The2013 film starred Oscar nominee Zhang Ziyi and Wang Leehom and was filmed in China and Singapore in the summer of 2012. MY LUCKY STAR was the number one film in China for 4 weeks on 5000 screens.Gordon is a sought after commercial director having completed campaigns for Honda, Toyota, Tsingtao beer and Xcel energy as well as campaigns with Jimmy Fallon, Betty White, Adam Devine and Don Cheadle. She recently completed a short dramatic film for Huawei, which was shot in Prague. She is repped by Little Minxand CAA.Dennie Gordon's websiteDennie in the L.A. Times article: What’s needed for Hollywood to get back to work safely?Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

“It’s okay to look at others and say, that’s not my path.”- Richard SanchezAs creative professionals in the gig economy, it’s virtually impossible for all of us to follow a single path that leads to success. We are not doctors and lawyers. Even if we put in the work and do as we’re told, we can end up miserable on the same projects year after year after year as opposed to working on projects that creatively fulfill us. Heck, we can seemingly do all the right things (and even invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in advanced education and degrees) and still end up fetching people’s coffee!So what’s the difference between those working consistently on dream projects they love versus those who spin on the hamster wheel of projects and dead-end jobs that go nowhere?There are those who wait for opportunities to come to them, and then there are those who create their own opportunities.Assistant editor (and co-creator of the Master the Workflow program) Richard Sanchez has belonged to both camps. In the past he found himself taking the same jobs over and over that didn’t really move him forwards. But after listening to my podcast interview with the creators of Cobra Kai where I systematically broke down my process to create my own dream job, something inside Richard changed.Richard realized the only thing standing between him and his dream project was himself. This realization was step one in a series of steps that slowly changed the direction of his career and led him to working on his dream project, ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music.’Listen to learn more about what specific steps Richard took to open the right door at the right time and create his own opportunities so that you can follow the same steps to create your own path to a more fulfilling career.NOTE: This interview was conducted shortly before the pandemic struck (early March, 2020), so as you’re listening keep that in mind as we discuss things like going out for lunches, meetings, etc.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Richard Sanchez’s unique origin story that led to him working on Bill & Ted Face the Music (his dream gig from childhood).How he transitioned from reality to scripted on scripted/reality hybrid shows. One of which he discovered on EntertainmentCareers.net of all places.Richard’s take on 'luck': “Luck might get you the interview, it will not get you through the interview.” How my Cobra Kai podcast episode inspired him to seek out the Bill & Ted gig and the grit, tenacity, & resourcefulness that enabled him to overcome the obstacles along the way.The humble beginnings of Master the Workflow, a course that didn’t exist 5 years ago, quickly became the ‘industry standard’ for editors transitioning into scripted.Never lose an interview because of jargon or terminology: If someone asks you if you know something, never tell them “no”. Here's what to say instead [at 43:26]The most common questions Richard gets after his members complete Master the Workflow and the great advice he gives everyone who is just starting out.Why it’s okay to jump back and forth between scripted and your previous work until you get settled in. Useful Resources Mentioned:MasterTheWorkflow.comRichard Sanchez on FacebookEp69: Cobra Kai…Inside the Edit Suite | with Jon Hurtwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden SchlossbergWriting Great Outreach EmailsIt Is Possible to Be Both Successful and Kind At the Same TimeDear Hollywood…We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing Cancer.Cobra Kai ReviewOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:Richard became interested in editing while majoring in theatre at the University of California Irvine. Getting his start in unscripted television, he eventually worked his way into scripted television and feature films.Richard's television work include The Good Place and I'm Dying Up Here, having recently finished VFX editing on Catch-22 for Hulu, and is currently working on the upcoming feature film: Bill & Ted Face the Music.MasterTheWorkflow.comFacebook | TwitterShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Who am I to think I can start a business?If I did start a business, what would I even sell? Or teach? Or do?And do I need a ton of money to start something?What if I don’t want to change my whole life and give up on my career...but I still want to develop a ‘side hustle’? Is it possible to do both?These are all incredibly common questions for anyone who’s been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. As the pandemic continues to plod along and we continue to wonder when work will return, it’s become very common for people to come to the realization “Maybe it’s time I rely less on other people’s projects and I start creating my own income sources.”In today’s Optimizer community Q&A we welcome special guest Misha Tenebaum, the CEO and Founder of EditStock and EditMentor. As a former assistant editor in scripted television, Misha is no stranger to balancing long hours working for others while trying to get his own ideas off the ground. He struggled at first building his business while balancing it with a demanding career, and it took him years to become an “overnight success story.” But it’s no accident that Misha is now the industry-leader in providing educational content for aspiring editors. There are certain key decisions Misha made that kept him moving forwards, and more importantly there are certain mindsets that ensured Misha would follow through with his business ideas to make the full-time transition from technician to entrepreneur.If you’re interested in using your time wisely, you could do a lot worse than listening to Misha and our coaching & mentorship community talk about what it takes to start your own business….even during a global pandemic.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How do we generate some form of income during this pandemic?Misha describes the humble beginnings of EditStock and what it took for him to overcome fear of failure.Why ideas in themselves aren’t valuable. And how to think about sharing your idea with people so that you get useful feedback that can shape your idea into a winner.How to think about pricing what you offer and avoid making false comparisons with other businesses.Why all of us creative professionals are ‘businesses’ and why we could all benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial mindset.Key Point: “Fail as fast as possible.”Misha’s transition from editor on a network show to doing EditStock full time.Debby’ returns for another short ‘hotseat” where we talk about the lack of structure of starting a new business from scratch, working with your strengths, and how to deal with overwhelm.How to get better feedback and get more of it.Misha’s “goal setting trick” and breaking down big ideas into manageable steps. Useful Resources Mentioned:[FiP] Ep90: Creating a Kick-Ass Demo Reel with Misha TenenbaumEditStock.comEditMentor.comEp99: How to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Community Q&A with Monica DanielEp97: When Are We Going Back to Work? And How Can We Earn Income Now? | Community Q&AOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio:Misha is the founder of EditStock.com, a site that provides professional quality film footage for editors to practice with.EditStock.comEditMentor.comShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

As we’ve learned over the last several weeks (or is it months? Or years? I’ve lost track), there is very little we have control over in life. But if there’s one meta-lesson I hope to take away from current events it’s that although we have no control over what happens around us, the one thing we do have control over is how we react to the circumstances in our lives.And now more than ever, we could all use an injection of inspiration!Dr. David Fajgenbaum, the author of ‘Chasing My Cure,’ is no stranger to adversity. As a former Division I college quarterback, a state-champion weightlifter, a holder of multiple degrees such as BS from Georgetown University, an MSc from Oxford, an MD from The University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from The Wharton School of business, you’d think that David simply has it all (not to mention that he’s been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNN, The Today Show, amongst others).But what you wouldn’t know simply from reviewing David’s accolades is that he was stricken with a deadly disorder known as “Castleman Disease” during medical school that nearly killed him not once, not twice, but five separate times. And when you’ve spent this much time contemplating death, you spend an equal amount of time contemplating life.In this episode David and I talk about his harrowing experience being on death’s door, but more importantly we take an optimistic approach to understand how his circumstances can help us rewire our own perspective on what is truly important in life (and how to tackle the problems we can control while no longer wasting energy on those we cannot)NOTE: This interview was conducted shortly before the pandemic struck (early March, 2020), so as you’re listening keep that in context when we briefly discuss the virus.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Dr. Fajgenbaum’s “Santa Claus Theory of Civilization” and why it’s so fundamental to many of the challenges we face in society.The incredible story of how David went from the pinnacle of health (a champion weight lifter) to being so frail that laughing too hard might kill him.How a rare disease led to FIVE near-death experiences.The moment he realized there was no drug out there to save his life and how that led to him dedicating his life to identify treatments for the disease.How living in “overtime” - knowing the clock is ticking has helped him focus on what’s most important.Why constantly being so close to death not only gave him clarity, but also manage his fear in ways we can all learn from.3 lessons he learned in his pursuit of a cure that could help you overcome almost anything.Why it’s so important to take ownership of your own health care.Practical advice on how to talk with your doctor and what questions to ask.How David became such a good storyteller. (His book is superbly well-written! A real page turner.) Useful Resources Mentioned:Chasing My Cure: A Doctor’s Race to Turn Hope Into ActionCastleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN)Our Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc is one of the youngest individuals ever appointed to the faculty at Penn Medicine and the author of Chasing My Cure: A Doctor's Race to Turn Hope Into Action. After spending months hospitalized in critical condition, having his last rites read, and having four deadly relapses of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) during medical school, David decided to fight back by conducting research and creating the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN).He is now in his longest remission ever thanks to a treatment that he identified and began testing on himself. One of the top 1 percent youngest grant awardees of an NIH R01, he has dedicated his career to discovering new treatments for deadly disorders like iMCD and spreading the CDCN's 'collaborative network approach' as a model for other diseases.Dr. Fajgenbaum has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a cover story by The New York Times as well as by Good Morning America, CNN, and the Today Show. Dr. Fajgenbaum earned a BS from Georgetown University, MSc from the University of Oxford, MD from the University of Pennsylvania, and MBA from The Wharton School. He is a former Division I college quarterback, state-champion weight lifter, and co-founder of a national grief support network.ChasingMyCure.comFacebook | Twitter | InstagramShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

With the unemployment rate over 95% in the entertainment industry1, it’s common to have had the following thought in the last several weeks:"If my entire livelihood depends on other people’s ideas and projects, maybe my livelihood shouldn't depend on other people’s projects anymore?"This has become a very common thought amidst the pandemic. Here’s what a member of our community had to say:"Ultimately I love what I do. But I'd also love a lot more flexibility. I feel like you always have to say yes to a job, and I'd love to have the flexibility to turn the job down unless it's something that I'm really interested in."In today’s Community Q&A I invited special guest, TV editor Monica Daniel, to speak very candidly about her desire to find alternate ways to generate income besides editing television. As a single mother with a special needs child her time is limited to build her own empire, yet Monica has tremendous knowledge and value to share with the world.Is it possible for her to monetize her knowledge and build a business that can generate additional income aside from her regular career?And more importantly can she overcome the psychological fears, the imposter syndrome, and the many limiting beliefs that are most likely the only thing stopping her from taking the next steps towards financial freedom?Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Our Optimizers group's thoughts on where we left off last week regarding providing value to others, starting a side-hustle, and making money during the global pandemic while we're all stuck at home.A quick update from our favorite "hot seat contestant", Debby Germino on her progress. (HINT: She's been taking massive action.)The Big Question: "How can I provide value that people are happy to pay for in ways I may not have thought about before now that I’m under quarantine?"How editor, Krysia Szyszlo is leveraging her Psychology degree and personal interests into a side hustle as a dating and relationship coach. She even has clients already!Listen as Zack puts Monica Daniel in the "hot seat" for a live laser coaching session. He helps reveal astonishing insights into what's holding her back from monetizing her valuable knowledge, experience, & assets (such as her online following who hang on her every word).Monica's compelling reason WHY she's pursuing a more flexible & independent way of earning income.The story of Monica's "Internet celebrity" status (wink) and how a random Facebook post inspired her to create a workshop on Assistant Editing in Scripted Television for BCPC that sold out in 40 minutes!The "magic question" she asked people which made her realize that she has a unique voice, perspective and relatability that appeals to aspiring assistant editors in a way that sets her apart from mentors with prestigious credentials.Why Monica believes the old adage "you have to pay your dues" is B.S. which can discourage talented creatives. And why her thinking about how to approach a career gives people the hope and reassurance they need to succeed.A transformative coaching experience happens in real time: Don't miss the powerful, paradigm shifting questions Zack asks which affirmed Monica's value and breaks down her limiting belief around monetizing the knowledge she shares.How giving some stuff away for free turns out to be a great way to attract people willing to pay you. (When you do it right.)Why it's actually good for people when they have to pay for your services as a mentor, coach, or trainer. HINT: How much more committed are you to following through with a training program when you've invested your hard-earned money into it versus when it's free?2 industry examples of people who monetized their knowledge in totally non-exploitative ways:Lori Jane Coleman who wrote the ‘bible’ for working as an assistant editorNorman Holland who traveled the world getting paid to teach“Who am I to charge people for this?” - How to overcome 'imposter syndrome' and the emotional drivers that cause it.Key mindset: “Don’t pursue perfect at the expense of good enough.”Zack’s biggest transformation after 6+ years of doing this: The first time somebody gave him $97Huge takeaway: “It’s not even about making money, it’s about teaching myself that I’m worthy of the value I’m asking from others.”The group goes into more questions such as:“What if I don’t know where to start? How do I even find an idea?”“What are the things I already enjoy where I feel like I can provide value?”“What if I’m not an expert?” Useful Resources Mentioned:Previous Q&A - When Are We Going Back to Work? And How Can We Earn Income Now? | Community Q&AMonica’s Going Postal podcast on Apple PodcastsMonica’s video from the BCPC presentationMore Episodes with Monica Daniel:Transitioning From ‘Reality TV’ to Scripted Drama | with Monica DanielGuest Bio:Twitter | FacebookMonica Daniel has edited various genres of television that have been broadcast worldwide over the last decade. She is known for her “sh*tting sparkles” slogan from her award show red carpet work. She recently transitioned from editing reality television into a high level scripted network show, and our conversation today breaks down her journey and how you can walk away with actionable steps to make the same transition, regardless of your situation. Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Tony Horton is a legend and the most influential name in the world of health & fitness. He’s the creator of the P90X at-home extreme fitness series, he’s a motivational speaker, a bestselling author, he’s been on countless television programs, he’s traveled the world training hundreds of thousands of people…...and he’s stuck at home just like you and me.I am extremely fortunate to say that over the last two and half years of pursuing my own personal goal of becoming an American Ninja Warrior, Tony has become my mentor and friend. And today’s conversation is simply two guys chatting about how to better manage the mental and physical stress that comes from living through a global pandemic.If you logically understand that focusing on your fitness, diet, and health are more important now than ever...but emotionally you’re struggling to find the motivation to exercise without your workout buddies, or you’re stress eating, or you don’t like working out at home, or you’re distracted by family, or you find it nearly impossible to maintain any level of consistency...Tony is here to help you get back on track.And remember when all else fails...do your best...and forget the rest!Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How is the legendary Tony Horton doing while stuck at home during the COVID-19 quarantine?What it's like now that he can’t get together in person with people and how that has affected not just his business & healthy routines, but most likely yours as well in similar ways.What the American Ninja Warrior training group has been doing in lieu of getting together at the practice course.How to maintain your workout consistency (or get back into it) without your workout buddies and circle of accountability.Why it’s more important than ever to exercise consistently.Taking refuge in food? Tony’s simple question may be the antidote to emotional eating.How the lockdown is revealing our true character and who we are as human beings.Tony’s observations about some of the positive things that he’s seen due to the lockdown.What does he anticipate the ‘new normal’ is going to be like?Why Tony is concerned about our very short collective memory. Will we, as a society learn from all this and be better prepared next time?Is this whole situation really "unprecedented"? Here's a healthy dose of perspective (56:47)2 things you can control which give you a greater capacity to deal with things that are out of your control. Useful Resources Mentioned:Tony Horton on FB LiveShawna’s post on the opportunities to be found in this "unprecedented" situationDefining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony HortonOn the Frontlines with COVID-19, How to Boost Your Immunity, & Testing Safely | with Dr. Edison de MelloHow To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Community Q&AOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:Tony Horton is the wildly popular creator of the best-selling fitness series: P90X®, P90X2®, P90X3®, and Ten Minute Trainer®, P90® and most recently his 22-Minute military inspired workout, 22 Minute Hard Corps®. Tony is a world-class motivational speaker and the author of top-selling books: “Bring It”, Crush It!” and his latest motivational book, “The Big Picture” 11 Laws That Will Change Your Life, which he has transformed to an in depth personal development course, Living Large with Tony Horton. He has appeared on countless television programs as a fitness and lifestyle expert to promote healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition. In keeping with Tony’s passion for a healthy lifestyle, he’s teamed up with the beauty experts at Ultimate Salon Professionals to create his new hair and skincare line, TH Care by Tony Horton, because he believes what goes on your body is just as important as what goes in it.For the past 25 years, Tony has used his unique brand of humor to change the lives of tens of million people through his incredible fusion of motivation, physical exercise, nutrition, and discipline. From worldclass athletes, pro sports teams, celebrities and the U.S. Military, to corporate executives, couch potatoes, and busy moms and dads alike, Tony has what it takes to reach and teach them all. Tony believes that real and lasting change can happen when we commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, whole foods, and the right mindset is the formula that leads to a vibrant, productive and full life for anyone who focuses on being the best they can be.Tony Horton on Life websiteInstagram | Facebook | TwitterShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

How can we prepare for whatever the new job market holds? And when do we think it will even open again? And how can we make money in the meantime?With all of the speculation going around the interwebs right now about when Hollywood is going to roll camera again, I and the Optimizer coaching & mentorship community decided to have a frank conversation about when we honestly believe production will ramp up again - and more importantly, what will our jobs in post-production look like when that time comes?How important will it be to have remote workstations ready to go?What are the new skills that will make us hireable & desirable?How can we set ourselves apart when the flood gates open and hiring becomes a meat market?Can we expect to go back to work earning the same rate if budgets are going to be cut everywhere?We do believe there is A LOT you can do to prepare for when the job market opens again. If you’re still emotionally working through everything that’s going on right now, don’t worry - it’s okay if you’re not ready to be productive (but that ship is about ready to sail..just saying).If you do want to accomplish something meaningful with the time you have available to you (besides catching up on Tiger King and Ozark that is), this is required listening for all of us.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:While in COVID-19 lockdown, what can we do to stay motivated when there’s no external pressure to get things done?What can we be doing to prepare for when the job market opens back up? And what will it look like?If the industry shift more towards remote work, what will happen to our editor’s guild & unions? How much of an advantage will it be if we’re already setup to work from home when studio’s come back online?Hot tip: Since we’re not going to be doing in-person meetings any time soon, one of the most important skills you can improve on is digital communication.How long will it be before Hollywood reopens?What happened with Zack’s PPP application? (tragically funny story)Why the editors that will be in highest demand will be the ones who are adept at building better remote workflows.Is it safe to assume that if we were working before the pandemic that they’ll just hire us all back? (HINT: It’s complicated)Should we expect a more competitive job market that drives down wages?What are the positive changes we hope to carry forward into a post-pandemic job market?What jobs are most likely to be replaced very soon by automation and AI?What service can I provide that AI is not going to replace in the near future?In what specific ways can we improve our digital communication skills?Learn to better manage emailLearn alternative communication tools and how to organize them to maximize productivityLearn digital project management with tools such as Trello for paperless workflowsSince we don’t know how long this is going to last, should we look for other sources of income?Have you ever thought, "Maybe my livelihood shouldn’t depend on other people shooting footage for me"?How can I provide value to other people? And how can I deliver it more consistently?How do we discover the value we have provided to others that we may not realize people would pay us for?Useful Resources Mentioned:Reopening Hollywood: From Insurance To Testing, Crowd Scenes & Craft Services, Here Are The Pandemic Problems Studios Are Trying To Solve Before The RestartOptimizing Your Remote Post-Production Workflow (and Maintaining Your Sanity) | with Michael KammesMaking Sense of the Unemployment + Small Business Loans Train Wreck | Community Q&ASurviving Freelancer Unemployment: How to Manage Your Budget For the ‘Gig Economy’ (Global Pandemic Edition)Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

As the COVID-19 global pandemic plods along one day at a time, I and the Optimizer coaching & mentorship community have been monitoring the latest developments as they pertain to freelancer unemployment as well as applying for small business loans (via the EIDL and PPP loan programs). And let’s just say that so far...things are a train wreck.Very little of what we’ve been promised thus far by the CARES Act has actually come to fruition (at least as of recording this episode), and in this community Q&A episode we talk through some of the finer details, we examine the challenges that all of us are having getting any assistance whatsoever, and then we dive back into some productivity strategies to keep us (somewhat) productive despite the world throwing every distraction at us that we can possibly handle and more.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:First, we check in with our Optimizers on how they’re doing with obtaining their stimulus checks & other financial assistance. Here are some of the topics covered:Is now a good time to start a business? With over $350 billion in loans & grants available in the U.S. stimulus bill, people want to know.Does anyone really know what’s going on with unemployment? We take a dive into the state we know the most about, California which recently released information.When can we expect our additional $600/wk in unemployment benefits if we’re already receiving benefits?What is this new “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” website for freelancers and others who aren’t represented on the standard unemployment website form?What if I was already receiving unemployment benefits and they’re almost used up? Are they extending it and will I get the additional $600/wk?What happened to the $10,000 grant?What is the SBA disaster (EIDL) loan and what has changed?Can we apply for and get EIDL grant and Paycheck Protection Program and unemployment?Next, we check in with Debby Germino on how she’s doing with her “One Thing” - writing (see last week’s Community Q&A episode).On prioritizing our time: Why does it seem like we have all this time on our hands and we’re still not doing what we want to get done with it?How can we adapt our productivity strategies like time blocking when our schedule can get “blown up” at any time?Don’t miss the amazing “laser coaching” session with Debby at INSERTTIMESTAMP.Useful Resources Mentioned:Surviving Freelancer Unemployment: How to Manage Your Budget For the ‘Gig Economy’ (Global Pandemic Edition)How to Organize & Prepare Your Finances As a Freelancer | Community Q&A[CASE STUDY] How to Identify Your “One Thing” and Accomplish It Every Day | Community Q&AHow To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Community Q&AOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared 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).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content