The Zack Arnold Podcast

Zack Arnold
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Apr 14, 2020 • 1h 21min

On the Frontlines with COVID-19, How to Boost Your Immunity, & Testing Safely | with Dr. Edison de Mello

Since the coronavirus global pandemic began there have been countless news stories that range anywhere from “It’s just the flu” to “They’re creating mass grave burial sites.”As we sit quarantined inside our homes watching the world unravel from our screens…What the hell are we supposed to believe?What can we do to feel in control in a world spinning so rapidly out of control?In this interview I have a very candid and honest conversation about what the coronavirus pandemic looks like on the frontlines from the perspective of one physician – Dr. Edison de Mello, the founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine (and yes, he is a “REAL Doctor”).This story is not THE perspective on current events, this is his perspective. And it’s an extremely educated and unbiased perspective of how to better understand what’s happening in different parts of the world, how we can prepare ourselves and strengthen our immune systems naturally, what the timeline really looks like before we go back to “normal,” and how testing factors into the equation as well.I can honestly say that after conducting this interview I feel more optimistic and less anxious about this whole situation since it all began. And I hope this interview has the same effect on you as well.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:What makes this SARS-COV2 coronavirus different and why we should take it seriously.Why it is affecting different regions of the world in different ways.Medical science reveals how this virus “aggressively” goes after your lungs.How to make sense of the seemingly high case fatality rate according to the COVID-19 Global Dashboard.What COVID-19 patient care looks like through the lens of a medical doctor.Why the notion that “young people don’t get it” is flawed.Gender differences: Why do men tend to be more susceptible & have more severe symptoms?Underprepared or Overreacting? Making sense of confusing news reports on hospital preparedness.The debate over Chloroquine, the risk of side-effects, and why it shouldn’t be used for prevention.How to strengthen your immune system to reduce the severity of symptoms should you come in contact with the virus.Calm your immune system & reduce stress: Practice gratitude, meditate, and laugh.Boost your immune system with Vitamin C and other recommended supplements (see below).Gargle 2 to 3 times a day. (The virus aggregates in your throat.)Use breath-work to open up your lungs and oxygenate the body. Add the “cupping exercise” for bonus points.Try a healthy diet and lower sugar intake (the virus loves sugar).Decrease dairy to reduce mucous in your lungs.Limit alcohol consumption.Stay hydrated. Adding a little bit of juice can help cell absorption.Warm your body: Get some sun exposure, use a thermal blanket or steam shower if available.Supplement list:Vitamin CZincAstragalusAkasha’s Immune SupportVitamin D3 (check your vitamin D levels)How to deal with emotional coping mechanisms (alcohol, emotional eating, & Netflix) which go against the advice above.We discuss how physical distancing is motivating social connection and healing divisiveness.What kind of a timetable Dr. D thinks we’re looking at before we go back to “normal”.Why we need to make testing cheap, fast, & easy to do from home.A counter-intuitive ‘silver lining’ found in the estimated ‘astronomical’ number of cases that aren’t reported.Trying to get COVID-19 news? Avoid misinformation and use science-based resources (links below):Useful Resources Mentioned:Coronavirus Daily DashboardCOVID-19: Can Asymptomatic Carriers Spread the Virus? What’s the Truth by Dr. de MelloJohns Hopkins Global Health Now COVID-19 newsletterECDC: European Centre for Disease Prevention and ControlOur World In DataSifting Through the Coronavirus Pandemic – Infodemic.blogWHO: World Health OrganizationCDC: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionSNOPES.COM: the internet’s go-to source for discerning TRUTH vs nonsenseMore Episodes with Dr. de Mello:Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de MelloThe Science Behind Depression and Anxiety | with Dr. D and Dr. Michael MarkOur 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:Edison de Mello, MD, PhD, is a board certified Integrative Physician by the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a licensed psychotherapist by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. He practiced psychotherapy for 13 years before entering medical training and now practices and teaches evidenced- based integrative medicine.Dr. de Mello’s PhD dissertation, entitled “Gut Feelings – A Psychosocial Approach to Gastrointestinal Illness,” inspired his conception of a center where psychology would be combined and fully integrated with Western and Eastern medicines. The de Mello Institute was formed in 1996 with the goal of employing safe and complementary approaches to healthcare while also addressing a person’s emotional and spiritual health. Fully committed to these goals, Dr. de Mello entered residency in 1999 at the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center Urban Family Residency program in New York City, including training at the Manhattan-based Center for Health and Healing. His training utilized a biopsychosocial model and offered innovative experiences in the integration of complementary medicine into the practice of Family Medicine. Upon completing his medical training, Dr. de Mello expanded the de Mello Institute and founded the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine.The Akasha Center on FacebookThe Akasha Center on TwitterShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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
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Apr 14, 2020 • 1h 22min

[CASE STUDY] How to Identify Your "One Thing" and Accomplish It Every Day | Mastermind Q&A

Whether or not it’s by choice...now that many of us are settling into our ‘new normal’ working from home for the foreseeable future, we’re realizing it’s a lot harder to manage a seemingly unlimited amount of “free time.” Remember all that time you’ve been begging to have to get all the stuff done on your ‘Someday’ list?Be careful what you wish for, right?First of all, I want to make it abundantly clear that everyone is working through their own emotional journey right now, and it’s okay if you’re not ready to be productive.However, if you are at the point where you really want to accomplish something meaningful with the time you’ve been given but you can’t figure out where to start...or how to organize your day...or how to set a goal...then today’s call will answer all of those questions for you.Today’s episode is a Community Q&A call with my ‘Optimizer’ coaching & mentorship community where I break down the process of identifying one member’s “One Thing” so she can build the habit of writing on a consistent basis during this pandemic. Whether or not you’re interested in using your time to write, learn a new skill, get organized, spend more quality time with your family (as opposed to staring at screens all day long), or whatever, this session should help you design a clear plan of attack and get at least that “One Thing” accomplished each day before you spend the rest of it simply surviving.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeOur 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).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content
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Apr 4, 2020 • 24min

Surviving Freelancer Unemployment [Part1]: How to Manage Your Budget In the 'Gig Economy' (Global Pandemic Edition)

Editor’s Note: The following is Part 1 of my 3 part series “The Freelancer’s Guide to Managing Your Money in the ‘Gig Economy’ (and Surviving Global Pandemics).” Here’s what’s covered in all three parts (Parts 2&3 publishing soon): Part 1: Creating Your ‘Triage Budget’ & Understanding Cash Flow Part 2: How to Generate Income (Even If You Can’t Find Work) Part 3: Reorganizing Your Finances For Stress-Free Unemployment [Read the full article]Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content
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Apr 2, 2020 • 1h 22min

How to Organize & Prepare Your Finances As a Freelancer | Mastermind Q&A

If you’re a freelancer in the entertainment industry, there’s a 95% chance you are unemployed³. Even worse, the remaining 5% who are fortunate enough to still be working right now will likely run out of work soon as current projects are finished and delivered.We’re staring down the barrel of nearly a 100% unemployment rate in Hollywood, and the chances of there being any sustainable work for us in the near future are slim to bupkis. Let’s face it: The cameras aren’t rolling again anytime soon.No matter your present financial circumstances, it’s time to accept that things aren’t going back to “normal”, and you need a financial plan to weather this storm.Having reached out to many people in the entertainment industry, those who subscribe to my newsletter, as well as after polling the members of my coaching & mentorship community, I’ve learned that the vast majority of people are far more fearful of the unemployment market than they are of our current global pandemic.In today’s episode I provide a candid look at the struggles many in the entertainment industry are facing specifically with their finances in an ‘All Hands On Deck’ Community Q&A call with my ‘Optimizers.’ We talk about the most pressing challenges many of us have with reorganizing our finances, having a clear picture of how long we have before running out of cash, and ways to better prepare for both the current circumstances as well as for the future.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeUseful Resources Mentioned:The ‘Profit First’ Financial System (That Gives You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ to the Wrong Gigs) | with Mike MichalowiczGovernment support for creative professionals impacted by COVID-19How To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Community Q&AHow to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby GerminoOur 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. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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
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Mar 30, 2020 • 1h 28min

Optimizing Your Remote Post-Production Workflow (and Maintaining Your Sanity) | with Michael Kammes

As we all begin to settle into what is becoming our “new normal,” one of the most common challenges we face is the inevitability of having to work from home...and ONLY from home...for the foreseeable future. For some like me who have practiced social distancing as an Olympic sport for the last fifteen years, it’s just another week. But for those who’s lives have been turned upside down amidst current events, this transition can be rough.If you work in the post-production industry specifically, your livelihood literally depends on whether your not you are able to manage large amounts of data, share it with a team, and most importantly collaborate with those who hired you to help them realize their vision. And if you can’t pivot quickly (or if your employer can’t), that might mean you’re out of work for a long time.In this episode I have an in-depth and candid conversation with workflow expert and tech guru Michael Kammes about all things remote workflow. We talk about the simplest ‘Band-Aid’ solutions just to stop the bleeding, some of the middle-of-the-road options to set up a more viable work-from-home workstation, and we also dive deep into the nuances of the bigger (i.e. more expensive) options available to larger teams, businesses, and studios.Most importantly, we also address the lesser focused on topic of protecting your mental health and sanity during this transition. It’s not just about managing media and assets, this is also about managing your well-being.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:TIP: Whatever application you’re using - make sure it’s the same version on both sides for compatibility.If working with different pools of media, that both sides have copies of the media. Transferring or syncing media can take a ton of time.Adopt a real-time collaboration tool and turn the video ON. Not only is this some of the only social engagement you’ll have in a work-day, but you need to be able to see each other’s response.Peer-to-Peer solutions (similar to torrents) like Resilio sync are a lot quicker to keep files in sync rather than syncing up to something like Dropbox and back down. Instead it syncs directly.File management is more important than ever. (If you were hit by a bus, can someone come behind you and figure out what you were working on?)Zack and Michael’s best tips on locking your active bins in a remote collaborative environment. Such as “Avid on Demand”.The challenges and benefits of using remote desktop software like Team Viewer to work on your office computer as if you were sitting in front of it.Why the old standards and security concerns of cloud storage and remote file sharing are overdue for an update.What does “Post-Production in the Cloud” really mean?Coming soon: Camera to Cloud instead of local storage.How much it costs to work in the cloud.What are the best remote collaboration options to review? Frame.io, Evercast, BeBop etc…Michael’s adjustment to working from home and some key takeaways from his experience.The importance of maintaining a schedule to separate work time/space from personal.How to deal with the social isolation and the depression that may come with it.Useful Resources Mentioned:MichaelKammes.comFrame.io: Best Practices For Adopting a Remote Post-Production WorkflowBeBop TechnologyFrame.ioEvercastOur 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:Facebook | TwitterMichael Kammes has designed and built thousands of production and post-production systems, workflows, and facility integrations during his nearly 20 years as a technology advisor in the media and entertainment industry. He is a frequent keynote speaker on trends, products, and workflows in production and post technology and his “5 THINGS” podcast draws an audience of industry insiders from around the world.Michael currently serves as the Director of Business Development at cloud solutions provider BeBop Technology in Los Angeles.In addition to the technical side of media creation, Michael’s creative work includes the roles of Dialogue Editor, SFX Editor, ADR Recordist & Editor, Re-Recording Mixer, and Supervising Sound Editor.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).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content
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Mar 27, 2020 • 35min

The Mindful Editor | It's Okay If You're Not Ready to Be Productive

Editor’s Note: The following is a guest article from film & television editor Debby Germino (Fargo, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Smallville, Genius) who is also the author of the blog Happiness In Training. She will be providing regular content to help us all become more ‘Mindful Editors.’ Click here if you’d like to submit a question for Debby (or me) to answer in a future Podcast Q&A session. So…I’m guessing I’m not the only one who feels blindsided from the Mack truck that crashed through life as we know it in the last couple of weeks? Not even two weeks ago my greatest concern was getting through producer notes editing the latest episode of Fargo. Then less than a week later I was put into self-quarantine having worked from a potentially contaminated office. And just like that…I’ve been laid off after production was shut down (along with the rest of Hollywood). To put it mildly…fear, stress, and anxiety are in the driver’s seat and running rampant in my brain. Luckily when things in our industry took a turn for the worst, Zack provided us with 5 practical steps to take back control of our mental health. As NYT bestselling author and ‘Happiness Expert’ Gretchen Rubin says: “Action is the antidote to anxiety.” With Zack’s easily laid out steps, I was ready to take action! Or at least I thought I was…. Listen to the complete article or read here: https://optimizeyourself.me/5-practices-reduce-pandemic-panic/Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content
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Mar 23, 2020 • 1h 21min

How To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Mastermind Q&A

Amidst the chaos and uncertainty, there is very little we can control right now. And the lack of control we’re all experiencing right now as a global community can quickly spiral downwards to anxiety, depression, and even paranoia.So what can you do?Fortunately there are still things we can control, and in this episode I do an “All Hands On Deck” call with members of my ‘Optimizer’ coaching & mentorship program community to discuss how we can take simple steps to reduce the fear and anxiety consuming us all.The first and most important thing we discuss as a group is how people are doing. It’s amazing how comforting it can be to hear the voices of others knowing the world hasn’t disappeared and we’re not alone in this. Beyond checking in on the group, we then dive into various strategies to better manage the things we can control, including:How to better manage our relationship with the news and current eventsTaking back control of our finances in turbulent times where so many of us have lost work for the foreseeable futureThe importance of movement now more than ever while working from homeNow that you are your own boss, how can you prioritize your time? What should you be working on? What comes next?How can you make the most of all of your free time and prepare for when the job market opens again?Simple breathing exercises to help calm your racing thoughts (especially if you’re struggling with sleep)Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content
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Mar 4, 2020 • 1h 2min

How to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby Germino

Picture this…it’s maybe a month or two before your next hiatus between shows. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and you can’t wait to catch up on the million-and-a-half things that aren’t related to your current job. Things I think of as “Life management.”– Unpaid bills (and laundry)– Cleaning and organizing your closet– Sending outreach emails and setting up networking lunches– Going to networking events– FINALLY putting together that diet & exercise routine (that you promise to stick to this time)But then when hiatus comes one of two things happens:You spend all your time freaking out about being unemployed and you frantically search for your next gig.Sleep, napping, more sleep…and a whole lotta Netflix.Luckily this habit pattern is reversible if you take some simple steps to plan ahead before your next hiatus and become more mindful of what’s stopping you from getting things done. And that’s just what I discuss in today’s interview with film & television editor Debby Germino.Debby Germino has worked on numerous television series such as Fargo, Agents of SHIELD, Genius, and the Netflix original feature XOXO. She has also trained for and run multiple triathlons, endurances races, and last November she finished her very first Tough Mudder. Debby is also passionate about her mindfulness practice as well as sharing strategies to become a more balanced, happier, and more mindful editor at her blog Happiness In Training, all of which we discuss in detail in this episode.Before we jump into today’s interview I wanted to give you a quick head’s up that by popular demand I will be reviving the Podcast Q&A format for an upcoming episode with Debbie as my new co-host, so if you have any specific questions you’d like to ask either Debby or me about how to survive the craziness of show business, whether it be about health, wellness, fitness, diet, sleep, productivity, or career advancement strategies and networking, please submit your question at optimizeyourself.me/podcastqa.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:The ‘Soft Skills’ that Debby credits with her success in the industry.What led to her beginning to write about work-life balance and mindfulness.“Work-life balance is not about balancing the scales or having everything equal… it’s about managing priorities.”How to stay productive during hiatus and the importance of maintaining foundational routines.The 4 most important habits she maintains whether she’s working or not.Great tips on remaining flexible and honoring your body while maintaining habits & rituals that keep you effective and creative.Zack and Debby’s advice for anyone about to start a month-long or longer hiatus.How we tend to react in the face of change and how to “build that transition period in” to your plans while on hiatus.The importance of acceptance and self-compassion when we expect a lot from ourselves.The fallacy of the “I’ll be happy when…” story we tell ourselves and learning to love “where we are now”.Tips to get started being more fully present in the moment.Useful Resources Mentioned:How to Sleep Smarter | with Shawn StevensonProtecting Your Vision Using ‘Iris’ | with Daniel GeorgievOne Sleep Tracker to Rule Them All…the Oura Ring | with Chuck Hazzard‘The Four Tendencies’ (aka The Matrix For Human Behavior) | with Gretchen RubinEverything You Always Wanted to Know About Time Blocking (But Were Afraid to Ask) | with Amber De La GarzaThe Myth of Work-Life Balance (And What to Strive For Instead) | with Apryl SchlueterWork-Life BalanceDebby's Email: debby@happinessintraining.comOur 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:Debby moved to Los Angeles in 2001 and landed her first job at a theatrical marketing agency in Burbank. It was there that she honed her Avid skills and learned the quick pace of trailer editing. But her real passion was to work on longer format editing and storytelling.She got her first job in television as an assistant editor on Smallville, where she was promoted to editor after two seasons and began her editorial career. Since then she’s worked on numerous television series, including Fargo, Agents of SHIELD, AMC’s The Son, National Geographic’s Genius, and the Netflix Original Feature XOXO.She has her own Medium publication called Happiness in Training where she writes articles about how to live a happier and more fulfilling life.When she is not editing or writing, she is busy training for triathlons & endurance races, and practicing mindfulness meditation. She frequently spends her time off in Mammoth with her boyfriend and dog, hiking, snowboarding, and cycling.Medium | Facebook | Instagram | Happiness in TrainingShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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
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Mar 3, 2020 • 27min

FEAR: How to Protect Your Mental Health From the Infection Far Worse Than COVID-19

Seriously…how the hell did we get here so quickly? Not even a week ago we were posting memes making fun of silly handshakes from the future and replacing our toilet paper with the ‘3 seashells.’ And now we have no NBA. MLB. NHL. NCAA March Madness. SxSW. NAB. Disneyland. Universal Studios. School of any kind. Or…well…anything. And don’t even get me started on my first thoughts upon hearing that Sheriff Woody was infected with the coronavirus. Listen, I’m just as guilty as everyone else. I’ve spent hours during this crisis absolutely frozen, blindly staring at my phone mindlessly scrolling through Twitter, Facebook, and various news sites with my jaw dropped whispering, “What in the holy f*ck is going on right now?” I’ve seen the pictures of the barren streets in Italy, the empty shelves with no hand soap, paper towels, or dry & canned goods, and the endless charts & statistics about the possible spread of the virus, the predicted infection rates, potential deaths, etc etc etc. But I’ve also looked out the window to see my neighbors walking their dogs. I’ve been to the grocery store to see there’s still plenty of food for everyone (even if it means impatiently waiting in lines wrapped around multiple aisles). I’ve been to the ATM and easily been able to withdraw the maximum daily amount without getting alert messages that all the money in the world is gone. For the vast majority of us in the 1st world, we still have water to drink, electricity to power our lights and devices, gas to heat our homes and cook our meals, food to eat, and air to breath. If you have access to the internet and you can read this article right now (and still receive Amazon Prime deliveries), things could be a lot worse. If you find yourself losing control and getting sucked into the black hole of anxiety and paranoia, this episode provides five simple suggestions (and a bonus) to weather this storm and begin taking back control of your mental health during this unprecedented global crisis. Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content
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Feb 26, 2020 • 1h 5min

How to Become a Production Assistant (and Keep Getting Hired) | with Aaron Schmidt

Building a fulfilling and lasting career in Hollywood definitely isn’t easy, but when you’re starting from the bottom rung of the ladder with zero contacts and just breaking in it can seem downright IMPOSSIBLE. But no matter who you are, where you come from, or who you do or don’t know, anyone can get their foot in the door using the right strategy. As today’s guest says,“It’s all about getting into people’s inboxes to make things happen.”My guest, Aaron Schmidt, is currently the Post Production Assistant on Cobra Kai who managed to land his position on a hit studio television show just months after graduating from college (which by the way is extremely unusual). Glancing at his resume as an Arizona State University cum laude graduate with Dean’s List honors and several credits on high profile studio projects while still in college, you’d probably never guess that Aaron began his education being placed in special ed because he was dyslexic. But Aaron has learned there’s a lot more to being successful and forging a path in Hollywood than just “getting lucky.”In today’s episode Aaron and I break down his experience on Cobra Kai, how he landed the gig in the first place, what his duties are as the post-production assistant (post PA), what he’s learned, and most importantly how he can improve so he lands his next gig (which by the way he already has..sorry, spoiler alert).Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:On breaking into Hollywood: How Aaron found no answers in film school and the intuitive insights that led him to chart his own path.Why Aaron thinks EntertainmentCareers.net is a “blackhole”.How he set himself up for a “lucky break” that led to his Post PA position on Cobra Kai.The 8 magic words that landed Aaron his first Post PA job after multiple failed interviews.Zack’s Interviewing Mindset Tip: “Demonstrate you have a very clear understanding of all of the challenges of the person interviewing you, why you are the best solution to those challenges, and why you are the person who is going to make their life easier.”What a Post PA actually does in studio television.How Aaron earned more responsibility for himself than his position required, making himself a more valuable member of the team and increased his chances of getting hired on the next project.KEY INSIGHT: Know what you want/where you want to be. Make it clear how people can help you. People are more willing to help than you’d expect – they just need clarity on HOW.How Aaron’s dyslexia actually helped him be more resourceful and attentive to detail.The importance of “crawling into the brain” of those you work with to anticipate their needs.Why “Leave your ego at the door” is sage advice, no matter your position.Useful Resources Mentioned:[CASE STUDY] Why People Don’t Respond to Your Cold Outreach (and How to Get a Response) | with Scott DavisCobra Kai…Inside the Edit Suite | with Jon Hurtwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden SchlossbergThe Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris VisserOur 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:Aaron Schmidt is a Chicago native who attended Arizona State University where he studied Film and Media Production. He graduated cum laude with Dean’s List honors and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Aaron has worked within many film and TV realms, stretching from his work with HBO’s television show Camping to Sony Pictures’s Cobra Kai and now working in development for TBS’s new show Obliterated. Aaron also has worked with independent film producers at Indy Entertainment on the films The Au Pair and Model Citizen. There he helped online and deliver final cuts of the films.When Aaron is not in the office helping make characters come to life, he is advocating for the Learn Disability community. Aaron has spoken at many Hyde Park Day School conferences, helping parents understand what it is like to be dyslexic. He has also been a sounding board for teachers trying to update their curriculums to better suit their dyslexic students. Aaron will continue to help students set themselves up for success.Aaron on InstagramShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!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

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