The Zack Arnold Podcast

Tell me if you’ve either heard or said the following phrase before: “It’s all about who you know.” Unfortunately this has become an excuse for many who think the barrier of entry to success in Hollywood (and many other creative industries) is knowing the right people. And of course only the privileged are a part of those prestigious circles…so you might as well give up, right?My guest today, Evita Zhou, is a film & tv editor who has worked in both documentary and narrative in both the United States and China. More importantly, Evita is the perfect example of why “It’s all about who you know” is not a valid excuse…because the solution to this problem is simply to get to know more people, and Evita could teach a masterclass on how to meet people and build relationships.I met Evita years ago at a networking event, and the story of how we first met is quite possibly my favorite Hollywood story of the almost twenty years I’ve been in this business. In our conversation Evita and I talk about how she has steadily built an editing career that she’s passionate about despite not going to film school, not speaking English as her first language, not being from the United States, not being a man, and not being [insert 100 more excuses here]. If Evita’s passion, tenacity, and confidence don’t inspire you to get out there and start building relationships (no matter how awkward, difficult, or scared you are of the networking process), then I suggest checking that you still have a pulse.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Evita’s journey from Hong Kong to success in L.A.Zack’s favorite L.A. Story and how he met Evita for the first timeThe difference in the value of editors in the U.S. vs ChinaHow Evita’s confidence and specificity in her networking introduction found her the job she wantedLearning to be clear about the things you want and need in your careerMaking peace with the fact that you will have to put in work to get on every project for the rest of your careerWhen to dump the project you’re working on to pursue the one you needOur 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:InstagramHer documentary credits include Making A Murderer Season 2 (Netflix), Loss Of Only Child (Guangdong TV), and 2019’s Confucian Dream, which premiered at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and won Special Jury Prize at the 54th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.Her documentary short Organizing Happiness was China’s official entry in the HIGH 5 Series at the 2018 BRICS Film Festival in Durban, South Africa.Evita’s narrative works have also screened around the world, including “Human Terrain”–AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, Shatterbox Short Film series Season3; “The Visit”– Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, 42nd Asian American International film festival, CAAMFEST; “Ablution”– Mill Valley Film Festival; Dances with Films etc. Her current project 26.2 to Life: The San Quentin Prison Marathon documents a marathon running club inside California’s oldest prison.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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

Here’s a hard truth few are willing to admit: Pigeonholing is not an accident. As frustrating as it might be to believe, “I keep getting pigeonholed,” the more accurate viewpoint is that you allow yourself to become pigeonholed. The process happens slowly over a period of years (or even decades) similar to the frog that doesn’t realize the water is slowly reaching a boiling point. But often by the time you realize the water is boiling…it’s too late. And the number one reason you ended up there is because you used the word ‘Yes’ way too often. Luckily pigeonholing can be avoided…if you know how to play the networking game.My guest today, Doc Crotzer, has avoided being pigeonholed his entire career. He’s edited such shows as Glee, American Horror Story, Sons of Anarchy, Impulse, and he recently transitioned from editing to directing on the show Good Behavior. Of all the people I know in Hollywood, nobody’s name comes up more than Doc Crotzer. I have met so many people that know Doc, I’ve begun teaching people the ‘Six Degrees of Doc Crotzer’ networking game, because everyone knows this guy.And here’s the thing…the fact that everyone knows Doc? That’s not an accident.In this conversation Doc and I talk about his rapid rise to stardom from a Midwestern college journalism major who landed an interview with Robert Zemeckis for his “student” documentary project about Back to the Future all the way until today. And more importantly, Doc and I break down what he calls the ‘Concentric Circle of Networking’ so you can connect with and build relationships with the right people on projects you’re passionate about…so you can ultimately avoid being pigeonholed as someone who can “only do one thing.”Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Building the right relationships and finding the right projectsHow to network without feeling lost in the processDoc’s early days cutting videos on tape decksHow Doc got interviews with Christopher Lloyd, Robert Zemeckis, and the boom operator on Back to the Future before he had even entered the film industryLearning how to take advantage of people’s desire to help youFiguring out if going to film school will help your craft or hinder itHow to make lasting connections with the people you just cross paths with in HollywoodPerfecting your craft so you can take the advantage of career opportunities and connections when they knock on your doorOur 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:Twitter | InstagramDoc Crotzer, ACE, is an editor, producer, and director. He started editing in the late ’80s when he hooked two VCRs together to duplicate a copy of Back to the Future he had first recorded off of a TV Broadcast. He honed his craft a few years later using the same VCRs to make one seamless version of all 3 Back to the Future movies as a 6-hour epic and has been editing ever since.His work includes Glee, Sons of Anarchy, the upcoming Apple show Truth Be Told and the upcoming film Chaos Walking.He doesn’t still use VCRs to edit.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

Roger Barton has edited and worked on some of the most iconic films of a generation such as Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Titanic, World War Z, Terminator: Genesis, and the last five ‘Transformers’ films (this is just the ‘short’ list). He has lived many long days in the cutting room with directors such as James Cameron, Michael Bay, George Lucas, Joe Carnahan, and more.And that’s what this episode is all about today: “Living” in the cutting room and what that can do to your mental health, your physical health, your relationships, and your well-being. Roger is no stranger to burnout on the job, and in this interview he was extremely candid, open, and honest about how his exploding career as a young up-and-coming feature editor cost him dearly in his personal life as well as with his health. If you’re curious about what it’s really like working with the biggest directors on the biggest film imaginable, Roger gives you a peek inside his cutting room.Because of Roger’s love for both his craft but also his family, he spent years wondering if there was a better way to collaborate with directors & producers whereby he wouldn’t have to disappear for months at a time and sacrifice time with his family. And luckily for every editor around the world who has desperately wished and prayed for a technical solution that would allow you to work from home while not inhibiting the collaborative process, Roger has not only found the solution…he’s helping to build it and make it better.And that solution is Evercast.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:How Roger’s initial exposure to the editing process totally re-routed his lifeThe common misconception that bigger movies are always more demandingHow Roger made it from That Darn Cat to TitanicThe lifestyle choices and sacrifices that come with working on the biggest movies ever madeWhat it’s like to work with Michael BayThe importance of having a director that understands the danger of burnout in post-productionThe dark personal toll that climbing the career ladder had on Roger’s familyUseful Resources Mentioned:EvercastOur 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|LinkedInRoger Barton began working in editorial on documentaries and made-for-TV movies including the Emmy award-winning “Indictment: The McMartin Trial.” He soon made the transition to motion pictures and in 1997 was an Associate Editor on the decade’s biggest blockbuster, “Titanic.”He quickly moved up the ladder, honing his skills at Jerry Bruckheimer Films on “Armageddon” and “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Since then, Barton has worked with Michael Bay on “Pearl Harbor,” “Bad Boys 2,” the Platinum Dunes release, “Amityville Horror,” “The Island,” and the last five “Transformers” films.During his career, Roger has cut for Hollywood’s leading filmmakers such as George Lucas on “Star Wars: Episode III”, the Wachowski Brothers’ “Speed Racer”, Jim Sheridan’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” and two films for Director Joe Carnahan, “The Grey” and “The A-Team.”Beginning in 2013, Roger edited three films for Skydance Entertainment, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” “World War Z,” and “Terminator: Genesis.” In 2016 Roger returned to with Jerry Bruckheimer on “Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Men Tell No Tales,” after which he joined the team cutting “Transformers, The Last Knight” which is his ninth collaboration with Michael Bay.In the summer of 2017, Roger began editing “Godzilla: King of Monsters” for Legendary Pictures but left when he became Co-Founder of Evercast — a live streaming creative collaboration platform. As more and more productions shoot out of town, Evercast is becoming widely adopted by Hollywood because keeping filmmakers connected maintains creative momentum, saves time, money and removes the need to travel post-production crews around the world for months at a time. While Roger was pitching Evercast to the Hollywood Studios, he also helped John Krasinski turn his 17 million dollar genre thriller “A Quiet Place” into a 334 million summer blockbuster.With Evercast gaining momentum of its own, Roger has returned to his passion of editing and is currently cutting “Six-Underground”, the most expensive Netflix project to date being directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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

Camille Virginia is the founder of ‘Master Offline Dating’ (as well as a returning guest to the show…click here for her first interview), and she’s the author of the brand new (soon-to-be) bestselling book The Offline Dating Method. Camille has taught more than 100 live workshops, worked with clients across six continents, and has followers in over 100 countries. Needless to say, Camille knows a thing or two about what it takes to connect and build meaningful relationships in the real world.Which brings me to the question you might be asking right now: Why is a dating coach on a podcast about career development? Well you’ve no doubt heard the adage, “it’s all about who you know” right? Guess what, getting to know people and building relationships in the professional world is IDENTICAL to the process of dating and building relationships…the only difference might be the benefits at the finish line. 🙂If you find yourself thinking, “I don’t know how to reach out to people,” or “I’m just bothering them,” or “Why would someone want to talk to me?” then you need to listen to this interview. Camille isn’t just about the theory, she provides practical action steps to help you start conversations with the right people and build relationships that can lead to mentorship opportunities, jobs, and long-lasting collaborative partnerships.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:How career relationships and dating relationships relate to each otherWhy ‘I’m just an awkward person’ is a bad excuse for avoiding networkingOvercoming the anxiety that comes with initiating a new relationshipThe shortfalls of building relationships onlineGrappling with your fear of rejectionHow to approaching a networking event with the goal of giving rather than receivingDressing yourself for the conversation you’re preparing to haveHow to draw yourself into positive interactions naturallyUseful Resources Mentioned:The Offline Dating MethodHow to Master “Offline” Networking at Live Events | with Camille VirginiaOur 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:FacebookCamille Virginia is the author of The Offline Dating Method, helping every human get the power to create meaningful in-person connections – whether for purposes of making a new friend, getting a date, or simply sharing a moment with a stranger to feel less lonely.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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

Hello and welcome to a special episode of the Optimize Yourself podcast where I provide my written articles in audio form so you have the opportunity to listen instead of read if that’s your preference. My hope is that you’ll use this opportunity to get up and step away from your desk to build the habit of moving more throughout your workday. Today’s reading is for an article I wrote for Frame.io that’s all about building a workflow so you can summon your creativity on demand. » Click here to read the article at Frame.io   FREE 'DEEP WORK' MASTERCLASS If your livelihood as a creative professional depends on your ability to stay focused and consistently make good creative decisions, especially for long hours, then the ability to focus is quite possibly the most important skill you have to master if you want a long and successful career. And luckily I have just the training for you. This week only beginning September 3rd through September 10th I’m offering you free access to my 4-part online Masterclass ‘How to Build the Habit of Deep Work.  In this 100% FREE Online Masterclass You'll Learn: How to better manage your creativity and train your focus like a marathon runner instead of a sprinter The #1 tool to master to skyrocket your creativity and productivity (Hint: It's not Trello or any other fancy productivity app on the planet...it's much simpler than you think) How to rearrange your work environment and daily work habits to summon creativity at the snap of a finger (without constantly waiting for super-tight deadlines so you can avoid procrastinating) Strategies to design your 'soundscape' and your work area to minimize distractions and interruptions The 'Back to One Technique' which will make it virtually impossible for you to get stuck staring at the dreaded 'Blank Timeline' ever again  Every tool and strategy I recommend to master the art of 'Time Blocking' You can join this masterclass anytime between Sep 3rd and 10th by visiting optimizeyourself.me/focus. I look forward to seeing you there! Be well. Zack ArnoldSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Author and productivity expert Matt Sandrini believes that time has no intrinsic value and is “essentially worthless.” Given that I have been saying for years that “Your time is your most important asset,” you’d think we wouldn’t have much to talk about in this conversation, right? On the contrary, by the end of this conversation Matt not only convinced me that our time is in fact worthless, but I’ll bet that we will convince you of the same.As the founder of Time Zillionaire and the author of Invest Your Time, Matt has coached business owners, CEO’s, and entrepeneurs around the world to take control of them time and boost performance. Therefore Matt is no stranger to using time as effectively as possible to achieve the most important goals in life. His story is very similar to mine in that he was a Type-A overachiever who hit a giant wall and burned out (more than once). As he emerged from the dark hole he assumed he needed to strive for “work-life balance” only to discover that was the last thing he should be searching for. In this conversation Matt and I discuss the true value of your time and how to use it most effectively (Note: Being ‘effective is much different than being ‘efficient’). We also discuss why creativity and structure are not enemies, and how to most effectively plan your week no different than you might budget your finances for the week or month. Most importantly, we dispel the myth that we should all be searching for some semblance of ‘balance’ and discuss what to cultivate and strengthen instead. If you’re interested in learning how to better balance and manage your time, this is the conversation for you. Matt was also kind enough to provide a link to his 7-Day Productivity Challenge which you can participate in for free by visiting timezillionaire.com/challenge. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How to plan your week as easily as planning your budgetThe true value of your time and how to use it effectivelyHow seeing time in a new light totally change Matt's lifeLearning how to have healthy interactions between structure and creativityHow the idea of finding a "perfect balance" is a mythThe difference between efficiency and effectivenessWays in which the same amount of time can have different levels of valueTreating time as a careful investment 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. This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me...it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order! Guest Bio:  Twitter|Instagram Matt Sandrini is the founder of timezillionaire.com. He works with top business owners and CEOs around the world to get the structure and clarity they need to double their business and take back control of their time. He privately coaches top entrepreneurs to take control of their time, boost their performance, and scale faster. His clients are active in sectors including cryptocurrency, real estate, electric cars, design, apps, fashion, food products, media, and more. His personal transformation started when he left the corporate world as a consultant, and launched his first business: He now travels and works remotely for 6 months of the year, and helps top performers take control of the only resource that is scarce—time. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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

Let’s get real: Making a major career transition is hard. You’ve spent perhaps a decade or more honing and perfecting your craft, building a network of contacts and clients, and you’re at the top of the ladder...only to realize you’ve climbed the wrong ladder.If you ask ten different editors who work in narrative television & features about how they broke in or transitioned from a different medium, you’ll get ten completely different answers about how they did it.Even worse, the business pigeonholes us and assumes we can only do ONE THING. Clearly if someone edits reality television (or trailers, or game shows, or YouTube videos, or whatever), they simply could never learn how to edit scripted narrative, right? Right?In today’s conversation I chat with not one but two seasoned reality editors at the top of their games, Phil Habeger and Toni Ann Carabello, who have decided they are done with reality and want to make a major transition in their careers to scripted.Except they have NO IDEA how to make the transition.Working with me in my Optimize Yourself Elite coaching & mentorship program, both Toni Ann and Phil have spent the last four months designing the path that makes sense for each of them. But unfortunately they both were working under the assumption that the only way to break into narrative television and features was to take a step “backwards” to become an assistant editor. This simply isn’t true, and in today’s conversation we do a live coaching call where I walk them through their various options so they can choose the path that makes the most sense for them.This is a unique glimpse “under the hood” of the process I use with all of my students to design their unique path to success.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Understanding that their is no single path to your perfect career transitionEvaluating your options (you have more than you think!) when looking for a big vocational upheavalFocusing on who you know, rather than just putting more work on your resumeHow someone else's lateral career move might be your promotionHow Toni and Phil fell into the world of editingWays in which your limiting beliefs are keeping you from pursuing the career you deserveRefining your goals so that you don't end up in an undesirable job that technically fit your criteria for a new positionWhat to do when the jobs that are finding you are the wrong onesUseful Resources Mentioned:To Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 1)To Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (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.This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me...it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order!Guest Bio:LinkedIn|InstagramToni Ann began her career in tv at 22 yrs old and got my first job as a PA at MTV. She was on the producing path, but after getting the opportunity to learn how to edit, her focus shifted.She went on to become one of the series producers/editor of MTV Cribs, where she was instrumental in developing the look and style of that show.She has since worked on many of the big reality shows out there, like multiple Housewives franchises, Say Yes to the Dress, Long Island Medium, 90 Day Fiancé, and Busy Tonight.Facebook|Twitter|LinkedIn |InstagramPhil Habeger was raised in Iowa, spent about 10 years in Boston and has been in Los Angeles for the last 10 years. He fell in love with editing the first time he touched an NLE in a college course in 1998, and has been editing ever since. Phil finds joy in bringing characters and story to life in the edit room and has no plans to ever retire from editing.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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

Gretchen Rubin is a NYT bestselling author who has sold over 3.5 million copies of her books, some of those titles which include Outer Order, Inner Calm, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and the book that we discuss in-depth in today’s conversation: The Four Tendencies.In my 10+ years of research, study, and implementation with productivity, focus, and human behavior and psychology, The Four Tendencies is quite possibly the most impactful and actionable concept I’ve come across. As we talked about in this conversation, understanding and using The Four Tendencies to better understand yourself (as well as those around you) is like becoming Neo and being able to see through the endless random numbers to read the Matrix of human relationships and behavior. Just be warned: In this episode I’m giving you the choice between the red pill or the blue pill, because once you understand The Four Tendencies, there is no going back. You will see the world and every single interaction in a completely different way.If you’re interested in understanding why you can or can’t take certain actions, why you procrastinate, or why you do or don’t get along with your friends, family, spouse, or colleagues, learning The Four Tendencies is literally a GAME. CHANGER.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Gretchen’s circuitous path towards professional writingWhy there are “four tendencies” of human nature and not “four types”Understanding how the four tendencies makes your work and relationships betterUsing your tendencies to help move your career forwardLearning the nuances of the tendencies as well as when categorization is doing more harm than goodTechniques for narrowing down your tendency if your feel torn between defining yourself as more than oneKnowing how your personal ways of sharing information can shut off other tendencies from having healthy motivationUseful Resources Mentioned:Gretchen RubinOur 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.This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me…it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order!Guest Bio:Twitter|Facebook|InstagramGretchen Rubin is the author of several books, including the block-buster New York Times bestsellers, Outer Order, Inner Calm, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and The Four Tendencies. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She makes frequent TV appearances and is in much demand as a speaker. On her weekly podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she discusses good habits and happiness with her sister Elizabeth Craft. Rubin started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. She lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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

Scott Young is the author of the soon-to-be bestselling book Ultralearning. He’s also a writer & blogger, a programmer, traveler, and as he puts it, “an avid reader of interesting things.” For the last ten years Scott has been experimenting to find out how to learn and think better. He is known for learning the 4 year curriculum at MIT (one of the toughest schools for science and technology in the world) in under 12 months without taking any classes there, he’s traveled the world and at one point challenged himself to go a year without English and in the process learned four languages in that year: Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Korean.Needless to say, Scott knows a thing or two about undertaking incredibly difficult learning challenges. And in our conversation Scott and I discuss the principles he outlines in his new book Ultralearning that you can follow to develop and master this skill and thus become better (and more effective) at learning just about anything you want or need to in order to achieve your most important goals.In today’s freelance economy where knowledge is a ubiquitous commoddity and employees are essentially disposable and replaceable within days, there is perhaps no more important skill than having the ability to learn new things quickly to adapt to the ever changing technology and landscape we face every single day. And that skill is ULTRALEARNING.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:How Scott’s difficulty with learning led him to become an ultralearnerThe method that you choose to learn with will change yours resultsPushing your learning bubble of comfortWhat beliefs do you have that re keeping you from chasing your goals?Approaching meta-learning concepts for the first timeMapping out how you are going to learn a new skill rather than approaching it coldThe path towards the same goal is different for different peoplePlacing yourself in a position with an invaluable skill, so that you have a say in how you are paid, and what your time is worthUseful Resources Mentioned:ScottthYoung.comScott’s BlogUltralearningOur 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:Instagram|Twitter|FacebookScott is a writer, programmer, traveler and avid reader of interesting things. For the last ten years he’s been experimenting to find out how to learn and think better.He rose to autodidact stardom when he learned MIT’s 4-year computer science curriculum in less than twelve months. Next, he taught himself four new languages in a year. Such extreme self- improvement projects may seem outside the realm of most of our capabilities, but Young believes that the principles and methods that he and other ultralearners employ are essential tools for anyone who wants a competitive edge in the fast-changing, aggressive workplace. In ULTRALEARNING: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, Young reveals how basic strategies that he and other ultralearners embrace can give anyone the edge in organizing and executing a plan to learn something new deeply and quickly—and without teachers or tuition.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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

Fil Eisler, one of today’s busiest and most diverse award-winning composers, has projects that range from big studio action pieces and comedies to gritty independent films and hit TV shows. I know Fil from working with him on the first two seasons of ‘Empire,’ and he has since exploded onto the scene working on multiple big studio productions.In this episode Fil and I talk a bit about his slow and steady rise to being an “overnight success” as a top composer, but more importantly we dive into his personal journey as an overworked composer with a young kid who decided enough was enough. He wasn’t going to let the entertainment business slowly kill him...and he decided to fight back.Fil’s story is a true inspiration and testament to what can be accomplished no matter how busy you think you might be. He’s the hardest working person I know, yet he figured out how to introduce better health into his routine not only for his child’s sake, but for his own as well.If you want to learn what finally compelled Fil to change his priorities, his routines, and his life and how to apply these strategies to do the same for yourself, this episode won’t disappoint.https://www.instagram.com/p/BnF-C92gafK/Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Fil finds all the time to keep himself healthy and productiveThe trials of breaking into the composing gameThe project that put Fil on the map, and the twenty years it took him to get thereBeing able to master tradition musical composition as well work in an entirely digital workspaceThe unique difficulties of dealing with producers and directors while composing musicTrusting yourself and learning when it's okay to improviseNot getting overwhelmed by the big picture and distilling your tasks to whatever you have to do nextLiving productively in Hollywood with childrenUseful Resources Mentioned:Fil Eisler's InstagramOur 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:InstagramFil Eisler is one of today’s busiest and most diverse composers, with projects that range from big studio action pieces and comedies, to gritty independent films and hit television shows. He has been nominee and recipient of numerous awards including the World Soundtrack Awards New Discovery, SXSW Best Soundtrack Award and multiple BMI Awards. Eisler’s ability to understand directors’ musical intent and his flexible approach to scoring has led to numerous collaborations with Hollywood heavy-weights such as Catherine Hardwicke, Marti Noxon, Lee Daniels, Phillip Noyce, Mc G and Ben Falcone.Eisler’s music for Showtime's Emmy-winning “Shameless” earned him the BMI Film and TV Award. The same year, he also won the BMI Award as both the composer and conductor for ABC’s breakout hit drama “Revenge.” Eisler also composed the main title theme and acted as co-composer and music director for the Peabody-winning documentary, “Newtown,” for which he organized and led an all-star line-up of over a dozen Hollywood composers, who each donated a piece of music for the film. Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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