The Zack Arnold Podcast

How does someone go from retiring as an NFL player with over $300,000 in the bank to offering his time and services for free (and surviving off less than $25k per year) just so he can “get his shot?” If this story sounds crazy, then you’ve haven’t met Akbar Gbajabiamila.Akbar Gbajabiamila is the host of American Ninja Warrior (alongside Matt Iseman) who is also a former NFL player for teams such as the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins, as well as the host of the NFL network’s highest rated show ‘NFL Fantasy Live.’ Akbar is also the author of the soon-to-be bestselling book “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams.”Whether you’re an athlete who aspires to be or who has already competed on Ninja Warrior, a weekend warrior who enjoys the occasional Spartan Race or triathlon, or a sedentary office worker looking for something to inspire you to get back in shape, Akbar’s story is one of the most compelling and motivating I’ve ever come across. From the outside it might appear his path to stardom just makes sense and was pretty simple, but once you break down the challenges he’s faced since the very beginning of his life growing up in ‘the hood,’ you realize Akbar’s career path is anything but ordinary.The biggest reason I’m excited about this interview and Akbar’s book is that it’s not just an inspirational story...it’s also a roadmap to help you overcome the mindsets, limiting beliefs, mental barriers, and outright excuses you might be making to stop you from pursuing something difficult and frightening.Get ready to step outside your comfort zone...because that’s where the magic happens.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Akbar got his first job in television even though he wasn't a "hall of famer"Taking a monetary loss for the sake of your ideal career planRealizing that the work you get paid more for might fail to fulfill youLearning to reject your circumstances and do what you can with what you haveCounteracting the negative narratives that you've been give about the cards you've been dealt in lifeHow to stop using the obstacles and low expectations in your life to keep yourself from improvingRecognizing when you're afraid of being successfulLearning how to accept and even take joy in failure without watering down how painful it is in the momentUseful Resources Mentioned:IAmAkbar.com Akbar Gbajabiamila's Ninja Warrior Run for Red Nose DayGO FAR Official Theatrical TrailerOur 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|Twitter|InstagramAs one of television’s most compelling personalities Akbar Gbajabiamila reigns supreme as host NBC's 5-time Emmy® nominated, heart-racing obstacle course competition series American Ninja Warrior. In addition, a former NFL star player, Akbar hosts NFL Networks' highest rated show NFL Fantasy Live.His debut book “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams” will be published by Gallery Books (A division of Simon & Schuster) on May 7th of this year.Akbar is honored to leverage his formidable professional platform to inspire and motivate others as well as advocate for those in need. Currently, he serves on the board for the Asomugha Foundation, which provides pathways to college for disenfranchised youth, as well as for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He is also privileged to be a celebrity ambassador for Red Nose Day, which since its inception in 2015 raised more than $150 million dollars to fight child poverty. Moreover, Akbar is a strong proponent of financial literacy, lending his time and energy to educating young people and pro athletes.Akbar grew up in hard-scrabble South Central LA, one of seven children of Nigerian immigrants. A solid family foundation coupled with a natural athletic ability made him a stand-out high school student athlete, excelling in both basketball and football. Akbar went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies, while attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship and then spent five years in the NFL as a linebacker and defensive end with the Oakland Raiders, Chargers (San Diego), and Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2008.Akbar began his broadcasting career while still playing for the Chargers as a contributor to KLSD 1360 AM and as a co-host for Football Night in San Diego (NBC 7). He went on to serve as an analyst on the MountainWest Sports Network (formerly mtn.) and CBS Sports before joining the NFL Network.He and his wife live in Los Angeles where they are raising their family.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

Today’s episode is part 2 of two-part case study (click here for part 1) that dives deep into the question that plagues so many trying to land their dream job in scripted entertainment:To assist, or not to assist: That is the question!In part 2 of this case study I chat with Wellington Harrison, an assistant editor with nine years experience in the post-production industry who’s worked across multiple genres and formats from drama to animation and beyond. Wellington is a unique case study in that he originally came from a completely different industry - architecture - and has been forging his own path to success in Hollywood ever since.After working with Wellington for 12 weeks in my one-on-one career coaching & mentorship program, Wellington has confidently come to the conclusion that at this point, the route that makes the most sense for him to build a fulfilling career and lead a happy life is pursuing work as an editor in independent features.There is no set path we can follow to success in our industry, but it is possible to design your own unique path if you know the right questions to ask and the right steps to follow. My purpose for sharing this case study with you is to demonstrate how Wellington designed his own path so you can then apply what you learn to your own journey.Here's What You'll Learn:Wellington's beginning in marketing and his journey through different industriesFighting film industry impostor syndromeThere is no correct or incorrect step towards your goal, only the one that you are able to makeDesigning your own career path through the industryRespecting your own journey to the work you want to be doingClarity's essential role in making sure your goals are achievableFinding the perfect goal using the "Goldilocks Principle"Useful Resources Mentioned:How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearTo Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 1) | with Chris CavanaghOur 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|Twitter|InstagramWith nine years experience in Post Production as an Assistant Editor, Wellington Harrison has actively pursued projects across multiple genres and formats. From Drama to Animation, Wellington continues to contribute with one overarching goal: To tell good stories that resonate with audiences. “In Post Production there are always multiple ways to achieve results. As Editors, it is our mission to be open and fearlessly take risks in order to tell the best story each and every time.” Wellington is a member of the Motion Picture Editor’s Guild and The Los Angeles Post Production Group.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

Today’s episode is part 1 of two-part case study (click here for part 2) that dives deep into the question that plagues so many trying to land their dream job in scripted entertainment:To assist, or not to assist: That is the question!In part 1 of this case study I chat with Chris Cavanagh, a television and film editor who specializes in long-form unscripted storytelling. He’s worked on numerous shows in the docuseries, true crime, and reality spaces, and two years ago he moved from New York City to Los Angeles to make the terrifying transition from unscripted to scripted.Despite having an extensive resume of popular shows for top networks, Chris found it incredibly difficult to make the transition from unscripted to scripted because most in Hollywood unfairly believe that “People who do unscripted work can’t do scripted.” After working with Chris for 12 weeks in my one-on-one career coaching & mentorship program, Chris has officially made the transition into scripted television. He even landed the gig as my assistant editor on Cobra Kai, and he’s now moving onto one of the editorial teams for Star Trek: Discovery.There is no set path we can follow to success in our industry, but it is possible to design your own unique path if you know the right questions to ask and the right steps to follow. My purpose for sharing this case study with you is to demonstrate how Chris designed his own path so you can then apply what you learn to your own journey.Here's What You'll Learn:How Chris and Zack came to work with each otherApproaching networking in a way that isn't arrogant or anxiety-inducingWays in which creativity is birthed from necessityOvercoming the "non-scripted editors don't understand scripted work" mindestRespecting yourself and accepting career set-backs in order to find a better ladder to climbMaking a commitment to a goal is the difference succeeding and failingHow to pitch yourself confidently and avoid language that makes you sound unprofessionalUseful Resources Mentioned:The Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris VisserFeeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David MeadTo Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 2) | with Wellington Harrison"Give & Take" by Adam GrantChrisCavanagh.netOur 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|LinkedInChris Cavanagh is a television and film editor/ assistant editor with a passion for long-form story-telling. His job is to help bring stories to life on screen. It’s not just what-he-does-for-work. He creates human emotion for a living. As an editor it is his responsibility to engage the viewer in every moment from start to finish.He recently transitioned to scripted TV as an assistant editor for Season 2 of the hit show Cobra Kai to pursue his passion for editing scripted content.He is excellent at collaborating and more importantly establishing trust, because working with people is one of the most satisfying facets of his career.He specializes in drama because he loves exploring human motivation at its core and throughout every complex layer. Story shows us why people do something, or do not. And getting the story right is all about nailing the emotion.When he is not editing, he is playing with his two kids, or he is cooking dinner with his wife, or he is attempting to complete one of the 7,942 daily tasks required to exist as both a professional and a parent in 21st century Los Angeles.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

Have you ever wanted be a fly on the wall in the edit suite of a high profile tv show to see what it’s really like working in the trenches?Have you ever wondered what it takes to get the attention of high profile producers and showrunners so you can build a relationship with them and possibly work on their shows someday?And if you do land the job working with your dream creators, have you ever wondered what steps you can take to not only do a great job but also build relationships for life so you are always invited to work on future projects?All these questions are answered (and a lot more) in my interview with Cobra Kai creators and showrunners Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg.In this episode we have a candid no-topics-off-limits conversation about the realities of editing and collaborating on a show like Cobra Kai. We discuss how in the world the Karate Kid saga ended up becoming a hit series on YouTube of all places, the psychology I used to land myself this job not having any previous relationships with Jon, Josh, or Hayden, and we also dive deep into the creative process on the show including managing the tight schedule, why then insisted on sending hundreds of pages of notes for every cut (and how I prioritized that work with the other obligations in my life), and ultimately what showrunners and producers are looking for in potential talent they might hire for future projects.If you want to work in scripted television or features someday, this is a masterclass on the psychology of networking and building relationships with high profile producers.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How John, Josh, and Hayden pivoted from Harold and Kumar and American Pie to furthering the Karate Kid sagaWhy now is the perfect time for Cobra Kai to exist"Knowing what you want" as healthy alternative to perfectionismLearning who to trust when being given feedback on your workAdapting to the storytelling language of your showrunners in the edit bayHow you should be interviewing your interviewerAdjusting to the unique flow of your creative relationship with new executivesFinding the BEST story instead of clinging to ideas just because they're yoursKnowing when it's healthy for you to throw your creative instincts into the mixWhy you should be watching Cobra Kai Season 2!Useful Resources Mentioned:Click here to watch Cobra Kai Season 2Our 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:Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg have been close friends since they were teenagers. Their first collaboration together is YouTube Premium’s runaway hit COBRA KAI, the Karate Kid spinoff series that picks up decades after the original film ends. Heald, Hurwitz, and Schlossberg are the creators and showrunners of the series. They wrote and directed the bulk of the first and second seasons.Josh Heald is best known for creating and writing the cult classic, Hot Tub Time Machine – for which he earned the inaugural Comedy Award for Best Screenplay – and the sequel, Hot Tub Time Machine 2. He has produced and developed pilots across many networks and platforms.Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg are the writing/directing/producing team behind New Line Cinema's Harold & Kumar franchise. They penned Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, which garnered a legion of fans and was launched to immediate cult status. Two sequels followed: 2008’s Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, which became Hurwitz & Schlossberg’s feature directorial debut, and 2011’s A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. In 2012, they wrote and directed American Reunion for Universal Pictures, and worked again for the studio in 2018, producing the hit comedy Blockers.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

Rose Wetzel is a 2-time American Ninja Warrior finalist, a professional obstacle course racer, a personal trainer, and a new mom (as if she wasn’t running around enough already). She has spent her whole life pursuing athletic endeavors including trying out for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials (coming just seconds short of making it), and she has literally run hundreds of Spartan races and other brands of obstacle course racing in her career. She is so good that she actually makes a living as a professional racer, something very few are able to accomplish.Rose and I chat today not about what it’s like being a kick-ass elite-level obstacle course racer (even though she is indeed a badass), but instead she and I discuss what it takes for someone who wants to run their very first Spartan race. Beyond just the physical side of training (which we touch upon), we dive much deeper into the mindset you need to develop to get over the fears and apprehensions that so many people face when thinking about registering for an event they most likely aren’t capable of finishing...YET. We talk about how to set the right goals and create a “Diversified Portfolio of Motivations” so no matter how you perform at the race (or during any given day of training) you are set up for success instead of failure. And we talk about how to focus on small progressions every single day rather than much larger goals.If you’ve ever been on the fence and thought to yourself, “Man it sure would be cool to run something like a Spartan Race, but I’m not ready yet. Maybe SOMEDAY…” then this is the conversation to inspire you to get off the couch and onto the course!Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Rose became one of the top female obstacle course racers in the worldLearning to enjoy pushing yourself out of your comfort zoneReminding yourself that everyone has improvements to makeThe importance of focus and a dedicated mindset in a sport like obstacle course racingConfronting your fear by breaking daunting tasks into bite-sized piecesRose's race injury and how she pushed through the pain to finish despite itPlanning and preparing for your obstacles before they surprise youSetting performance goals, not weight goalsSign up for the race first, then let your fear drive you to prepare you for itUseful Resources Mentioned:RoseWetzel.comStackit Mamas Facebook PageOur 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|Twitter|InstagramGrowing up in Seattle in a family of nine kids (could you imagine?!), Rose loved the feeling of running outside after tackling piles of dishes and laundry. Her love for running grew, and it landed her a track scholarship at Georgetown, where she met wonderful women she still calls her best friends, over a decade later. After college, Rose fulfilled a childhood dream of working at a summer camp before starting her own personal training business in order to encourage others to reach their health and fitness goals, while she tried to make the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. After coming up a couple seconds short in the 800 meters (half mile), Rose took a friend’s advice and tried a totally new challenge – an obstacle course race!A perfect match for her running background, strength skills, and love of adventure, Rose became a professional obstacle course racer (thanks to sponsors like Clif Bar), running up mountains in Spartan Races around the country and flying through obstacles on the hit show American Ninja Warrior.A year and a half ago, Rose and Tim, her husband, welcomed Baby Taylor Joi into the world, and after moving from Seattle to Boulder for more mountains and Ninja gym training options a couple months later, Rose battled post-partum depression for many months, finally emerging from the condition mentally stronger than ever. Her physical fitness recently caught up as she started the Spartan season strong last month, finishing Top 3 at the first Spartan National Series race, just one minute behind the reigning Spartan World Champion. She looks to race hard all year and inspire the moms out there to continue to chase their dreams if they so desire, and remember to make self-care a priority, through her Stackit Mamas program for new moms.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

Jimmy Choi is a motivational speaker, an advocate for Parkinson’s research, an ultra-endurance athlete, a Parkinson’s patient, and a 2-time American Ninja Warrior. But most importantly he’s a father of two, a devoted husband, and a friend to many.Jimmy was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s at the age of 27 (in 2003), and for the first 8 months he lived in complete denial. So much so, in fact, that he didn’t even tell his wife for months. He spent the next several years of his life ignoring the problem hoping a single pill would make his disease go away, and at one point he gained over 70 pounds, topping out at a whopping 240 pounds.Then one day a single event changed Jimmy’s life forever, and ultimately the lives of thousands of people along with it. On that day when Jimmy literally hit rock bottom, he decided something needed to change. And since that moment he has transformed from an obese person with Parkinson’s disease who could barely walk (even with a cane) without repeatedly falling over to a decorated ultra-endurance athlete, obstacle racer, and ninja warrior.Jimmy’s secret is incredibly simple: His only goal is to be ‘Better than yesterday.’ And in this episode you’re going to learn the mindsets and tools that Jimmy uses every single day to make incredible progress despite what should be a debilitating disease.     View this post on Instagram         People are always asking about how I balance nutrition with exercise. It’s simple, balance your food while doing exercise! #pistolsquats #fupd #fitness #nutrition #balance #training #ocr #anw #anw11 #breakfast #eggs #legdayA post shared by Jimmy Choi (@jcfoxninja) on Feb 8, 2019 at 5:59am PSTParkinson’s Disease or not...this is friggin’ HARDWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Processing a Parkinson's diagnosisMisconceptions about Parkinson's diseaseLearning that everything you do should have a purposeThe moment when Jimmy learned that he needed to take control of his lifeSetting goals that are not overwhelming but still inspiringTaking pride in even the smallest progressRe-evaluating our excuses for the things we can't doFind a way to tell your storyUseful Resources Mentioned:The Fox NinjaJimmie's Tedx TalkChanging CourseOur 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|Facebook|TwitterJimmy Choi, a member of The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) Patient Council, was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson's Disease at the age of 27 in 2003. With symptoms rapidly affecting his daily life, he “did nothing” for the next 7-8 years and just went through the motions. One day while carrying his infant son, they both fell a full flight of stairs which triggered fear of the future and fear for his family. He vowed to himself that he would do what it takes to take back control of what Parkinson's has taken from him physically, mentally, and emotionally.Jimmy transformed into a new person with an action-minded positive mindset using exercise to manage Parkinson’s Disease.In 2012, joining Team Fox, the grassroots fundraising arm of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research and completed his first marathon - and he hasn’t stopped! a 2-time competitor on American Ninja Warrior, showing all that Parkinson’s does not define him. He continues to share his story to spread awareness andfundraise towards high impact research that will lead to a cure in his lifetime.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

Productivity Specialist Amber De La Garza discusses time blocking benefits, managing tasks, avoiding procrastination, and boosting creativity. Experts emphasize intentional planning, focusing on high-impact activities, and setting boundaries. Learn about energy management, personal rhythms, and optimizing productivity through time blocking.

Cal Newport is an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University, and he’s also the author of six (amazing) books including Deep Work and So Good They Can’t Ignore You. You will NOT find Cal on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or any other social media platforms. And if you’re wondering why, you’ll learn a lot more in today’s interview when we discuss his brand new book Digital Minimalism: Choosing a Focused Life In a Noisy World.In my previous conversation with Cal we did a deep dive into his area of expertise: Deep work. And what Cal discovered after publishing that book is that one of the main distractions keeping people from regularly getting into ‘the zone’ and accomplishing deep work was social media. This led him down the path of learning more about how social media affects our lives, our attention spans, our emotions, and our psyche. And what he has discovered is not good.Beyond simply breaking down in very clear terms the detriments of spending too much time on social media, Cal has taken the step of creating a philosophy for technology use that has already improved the lives of thousands of people that have implemented it.If you have the nagging suspicion that your smartphone and social media are commanding far more of your time, energy, and attention than you would like, perhaps adopting a little digitial minimalism isn’t such a bad idea. Learn how to drastically reduce your addiction to social media and your smartphone and live a more calm, distraction-free, and present life from the expert himself in this interview.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Creating a philosophy of digital use, not just tips & tricksIs there still a healthy place for social media?Do you need to digitally declutter or digitally detox?How to do a 30-Day declutterMaximalist vs. Minimalist view of embracing technologyThe mental health detriments of social mediaHow to healthily reintroduce technology into your lifeThe designs and intentions of social media companiesUseful Resources Mentioned:CalNewport.comDigital Minimalism BookDaily Rituals: How Artists WorkLead Yourself First: Inspiring Leadership Through SolitudeFOCUS: The Superpower of the 21st CenturyOur 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:Cal Newport is an associate professor of computer science at Georgetown University and the author of six books, including Deep Work and So Good They Can't Ignore You. You won't find him on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram, but you can often find him at home with his family in Washington, DC, or writing essays for his popular website calnewport.comShow 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

Chryss Terry is an Emmy-nominated documentary and unscripted television editor who began her career editing independent feature films (that have played at the Toronto, Sundance and Berlin film festivals). But after recently discovering her true life’s purpose - to use her challenging upbringing to create scripted television that inspires women worldwide to lean into adversity - she has begun the transition into the role of narrative assistant editor.Chryss is driven, ambitious, motivated, and a borderline workaholic (like me). And while all of these character traits have served her extremely well in her career, they haven’t exactly done wonders for her mental or physical health. A few years ago Chryss hit a giant wall in her career that had very little to do with her talent and lack of opportunities. Instead it was her mindset holding her back which included a vicious bout of imposter syndrome that led to fear, anxiety at work, and eventually burnout.In this case study Chryss and I talk through the mindset shifts she made so she could approach her work, her goals, her health, and her career differently so she could stop always chasing after the next accomplishment and instead begin patiently playing ‘the long game.’ In short, you’ll learn how Chryss stopped playing checkers and started playing chess.My purpose for sharing this case study is to help explain the process that Chryss and I worked through together in my one-on-one career coaching & mentorship program, ‘Optimize Yourself Elite.’ That way you can use some of these same ideas and techniques mentioned in our conversation to move yourself forwards this year, whether or not you’re interested in working with me one-on-one.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Overcoming the fear of both success and failureStopping yourself from setting overly ambitious goals that lead to burnoutHandling anxiety rising due to imposter syndromeTime management leading to perfectionism leading to not meeting deadlines...Breaking down big goals into single action stepsThe power of 'the 3 words'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:Twitter|LinkedIn|FacebookChryss Terry is an Emmy-nominated documentary and unscripted television editor (Lost In Transition, Little People, Big World, Vanderpump Rules) who began her career editing independent feature films that have played at the Toronto, Sundance and Berlin film festivals.After recently discovering her true life’s purpose—to use her challenging upbringing to create scripted television that inspires women worldwide to lean into adversity—she has begun the transition into the role of narrative assistant editor in order to work with some of her most admired writers, showrunners and editors; those who are changing people’s lives in this “New Golden Age” of television.Chryss lives in Los Angeles with her boyfriend and two dogs, Amelia and Quigley. She continues to work on stress management and self-care while learning more about personal development; she shares everything she’s learned with friends, family and co-workers. You can learn more about Chryss at chryssterry.com.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

Moni Salazar is a Mexican assistant editor (and now editor) for feature films who has been KILLING IT since she moved to Los Angeles. In fact her first feature film as an editor, Honey Boy, is about to screen at Sundance! As an assistant editor she has also worked on such films as Netflix’s All Day and a Night, The Beach Bum, and Zoe. In addition to the many hours she spends in dark rooms, she is also the Vice President of Blue Collar Post Collective.Moni approached me last year because she found it nearly impossible to focus on creative tasks. She was constantly distracted by little things that kept her from doing the creative work that she loved, so much so at one point she didn't get her Visa application done in time...and she was forced to move back to Mexico! We worked together one-on-one for the next 12 weeks to help her clarify her goals and find the most important ‘One Thing’ in her life that she had to accomplish every day in order to get focused, avoid constantly procrastinating, and get her life organized!My purpose for sharing this case study is to help explain the process that Moni and I worked through and the steps she took to get her life more organized and establish daily habits to help her increase her focus and productivity while actually creating more time in her day to relax. That way you can use some of these same ideas and techniques to move yourself forwards this year, whether or not you’re interested in working with me one-on-one in my coaching program.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Practicing focus and awareness during work hoursLearning when it's okay to say 'no'Recognizing when you are creating your own obstaclesMoving forward with your necessary tasks even when they seem overwhelmingHow time blocking enhances your creativity even if it feels like having a schedule will restrain itWhat's the 'one thing' you need to focus on to complete your goals?The domino method of task managementDefining the qualities you want to see in yourself before anything elseUseful Resources Mentioned:www.monisalazar.comFinding Your "One Thing" with Jay PapasanOur 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| InstagramMónica Salazar is a Mexican editor and assistant editor for feature films. She enjoys crafting stories on a daily basis, and is usually found hidden in the darkness of an editing room with a cup of coffee serving as her safety blanket. Her editing credits include Honey Boy set to premiere at Sundance in 2019, and the Los Angeles Emmy award winning documentary Montage: Great Film Composers and the Piano. Mónica has also worked as an assistant editor for various films, including Netflix’s All Day and a Night, The Beach Bum, and Zoe.Monica also serves as the Vice President of Los Angeles for Blue Collar Post Collective, an accessible and focused grassroots non-profit organization that supports emerging talent in post production.Mónica takes pride in her taco-expertise and has found the best pastor tacos in LA.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