The Zack Arnold Podcast

Len Ciccotello is an editor literally at the top of his specific craft: Video content marketing. This includes documentary shorts, long-form behind-the-scenes making-of documentaries, and all of the many cool bonus features you’ll find on Blu-Ray discs or even now on iTunes. He’s worked on such films as Bohemian Rhapsody, Avatar, Ready Player One, The Post, Deadpool, Argo, and several films in the X-Men Franchise, just to name a small few.Len came to me last year telling me he was ready to make a big transition in his career to editing scripted television and features...except he had no idea where to start. He’s driven, motivated, organized, and focused, but without a roadmap none of that mattered. He had no path and no idea where to focus his energy.Should he network? Quit his job first, or wait until he had a gig? Does he need to edit more scripted and build a reel? Become an assistant first? Jump right into editing? There were so many paths to choose, so over 12 weeks Len and I worked together one-on-one to design his unique path to success. And in fact he did so well that we had to cancel our last two sessions because he landed a job on his first scripted show by week 10!My purpose for sharing this case study is to help explain the process that Len and I worked through and the steps he took to make this transition happen and take a huge step forwards in his career, that way you can use some of the same ideas and techniques to move yourself forwards this year, whether or not you’re interested in one-on-one coaching. If after listening to this interview you want to learn more and apply for 'Optimize Yourself Elite,' enrollment is currently open but time slots are extremely limited since this program is extremely time-intensive for me.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:What to do when you're stranded on the wrong career ladderLen's 18-year career in video content marketingBeing willing to step out of your comfort zone when you're not being challenged anymoreHow to be patient with the chess game of healthy progressGenerating the motivation to get things done by establishing 'why' you want to complete themThe common pitfalls the occur when writing out your goalsFocusing on the things you can control rather than hoping for what you can'tOur 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:LinkedInLen’s career in post production started in New York City working for editor Hank Corwin’s commercial shop Lost Planet where he began as an intern. After 6 years at Lost Planet he moved to Los Angeles in 2000 to pursue working in film and television. For the past 15 years he has been a marketing and documentary editor, working most recently for Mob Scene Creative + Production. There he had the opportunity to work on documentaries for the Blu-ray releases of Avatar, Deadpool, Hidden Figures, Ready Player One and Bohemian Rhapsody. Recently, a constant desire to learn, challenge and improve his work lead him to take a step back to role of assistant editor in order to transition into scripted television.Len lives in Los Angeles with his wife and 2 dogs and works hard every day to bring love, joy and a sense of calm to those around him.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 tSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

My guest today is Allon Khakshouri, a sports agent who managed three of the world’s #1 tennis players including Novak Djokovic. He is also a best-selling author who specializes in high performance habits and helping ambitious entrepreneurs (and creative professionals) to feel more energized, productive, and inspired.Having worked with some of the world’s top athletes, Allon is a master at understanding the psychology behind the highest levels of performance, and this interview is SUPER dense with a ton of information. Our conversation hits a wide variety of topics, but at the core of our conversation is deciphering the fundamental differences between “amateurs” and “professionals.”What is it that makes top achievers so unique, no matter their field of expertise? Is it their skills? Their work ethic? Is it genetic? Or are they just luckier than everyone else?Do those at the highest level of their craft set goals differently than everyone else?Or do the most successful people simply have a different mindset? And if so, how can you cultivate the mindset of a true professional at the top of their game.If you have ever felt like you could be or should be further along in your career or your business and you want to break through to your next level of potential, Allon is definitely someone who can help you get there. If after listening to this interview you are inspired to dig even deeper, Allon has been kind enough to offer all of you listening a free copy of his 26,000 word ‘Ultimate Guide to High Performance’ which will show you how to accelerate your business or career growth and get more high value work done in a day than most people accomplish in a month.Here's What You'll Learn:Developing the ability to perform your best in those career defining momentsPushing yourself beyond your limits by embracing new challenges with optimismThe important differences between Amateurs and ProfessionalsBeing intentional and setting a clear vision for your goalsMastering skills so you can adjust to difficult tasks quickly and produce at an elite levelWhat it means to have a Growth Mindset vs. a Fixed MindsetHow your goals feed into your identity and your characterStarting meditation and training your focus as a skillLearning to rely on more that just your talentUseful Resources Mentioned:‘Ultimate Guide to High Performance’Allon KhakshouriOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by our proud supporters Adobe. Leave a review of this episode in iTunes or Apple Podcasts and you’ll be entered to win a yearly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, an essential package of video creation tools that I personally can’t live without. What’s so cool about creative cloud is how easily you can move from ingest to editing, and from color grading to 3D compositing, thanks to smooth integration between Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. To win yourself that yearly subscription, just leave an honest review of this show in iTunes or Apple Podcasts.You can also enter to win the 12 month 'Pro Plan' from our sponsor Frame.io, an amazing online collaboration tool where you can comment and interact directly with your videos providing instant feedback, rather than constantly going back and forth via endless email chains. (And you know how I feel about email and productivity.) Even cooler your comments can be imported directly into your editing software of choice, and it’s so intuitive, easy to use, and dare I say “pretty” that Frame.io won an Apple Design Award. Leave a podcast review in iTunes to be entered to win your 12 month 'Pro Plan.'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:Facebook|Twitter|InstagramAllon Khakshouri is a sports agent who managed three world #1 tennis players, including Novak Djokovic. He is also a best selling author and helps ambitious entrepreneurs introduce high performance habits and strategies to feel more energized, productive and inspired to become leaders of their industries. He is also a Member of the ATP Council.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

My guest today is Westley Silvestri, a two-time American Ninja Warrior, a highly decorated and award-winning real estate professional, a Spartan Racer, a Tough Mudder, the creator of ‘Ninja Beach’ in Santa Monica, CA, and he’s also a former golfer and stand-up comedian. Using Westley’s own words, he has “Professional ADD” and wants to do everything...but also do it well!Westley also happens to be one of my primary ninja warrior training partners who has inspired me to push past my abilities and become a stronger and more well-rounded human being. There are few people I’ve met in my life who are more positive, energetic, and encouraging...all while being brutal and relentless all at the same time.In our conversation today Westley and I focus on what it takes to become 1% better every single day. We talk about the hardship he’s faced in his life including waking up one morning to find his roommate dead, and battling a year of depression because of this. And we dig into the idea of being intentional about progress...because it’s not just about “putting in your 10,000 hours,” it’s about WHAT YOU DO with those 10,000 hours that actually counts.Here's What You'll Learn:Finding your way off the hamster wheel of modern lifeYou find out who you are when you're faced with hardshipIncremental improvement as the true path to changeBeing intentional about progress and getting better instead of "just putting in your 10,000 hours"The importance of running your own raceIt's not about how many hours or days you work, it's HOW you do those hours and WHAT you accomplishWestley's "try something new every week" philosophyIf you're not pushing yourself out of your comfort zone, you won't growOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by our proud supporters Adobe. Leave a review of this episode in iTunes or Apple Podcasts and you’ll be entered to win a yearly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, an essential package of video creation tools that I personally can’t live without. What’s so cool about creative cloud is how easily you can move from ingest to editing, and from color grading to 3D compositing, thanks to smooth integration between Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. To win yourself that yearly subscription, just leave an honest review of this show in iTunes or Apple Podcasts.You can also enter to win the 12 month 'Pro Plan' from our sponsor Frame.io, an amazing online collaboration tool where you can comment and interact directly with your videos providing instant feedback, rather than constantly going back and forth via endless email chains. (And you know how I feel about email and productivity.) Even cooler your comments can be imported directly into your editing software of choice, and it’s so intuitive, easy to use, and dare I say “pretty” that Frame.io won an Apple Design Award. Leave a podcast review in iTunes to be entered to win your 12 month 'Pro Plan.'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:Facebook|InstagramWestley Silvestri was born Feb. 4, 1986 in Glendale CA. He was the first born son to Jan and Brian Silvestri. His baby brother, Tyler would join the family a couple of years later. They lived quite modestly in several homes the east San Gabriel Valley. By 7th grade, his parents divorced and Wes moved to Glendora with his mom and brother and a couple of years later to Saugus.After high school, Wes attended COC for one semester and then transferred to New Mexico to seek a degree in Multi Media Communications. At 18 he bought his first home while working full time and carrying 18 units of college courses.In 2013, Wes and his best friend Ian, wrote a sitcom and were in the process of pitching it to various networks when Ian died suddenly in his sleep. This knocked Wes into a severe depression for a year.As he emerged from the effects of this tragedy, Wes examined his life goals and earned his CA real estate license. He was honored as the Rookie of the Year at HomeSmart NCG. After only 3 in the business, Wes has closed over $35M in real estate transactions! His aspiration is to become a broker and open the first of it's kind, Ninja Real Estate Office. Wes admits to a severe case of “Professional ADD,” and wants do everything; but do it well!Always the adrenaline junkie, Wes is currently in training for Ninja Warrior and enjoys hiking, cliff jumping, snowboarding, surfing, rock climbing, scuba diving, and wake boarding. He has also participated in 25 obstacle course races such as Tough Mudder, Spartan Race, Gladiator Run, and Warrior Dash. Wes loves to catch these and many other life events on film and edit the movies for family and friends.Wes believes in paying it forward and helping those in need. He is a Sobriety Coach and helps others deal with their alcohol addiction through exercise. In 2015, Wes produced and participated in stand-up comedy events which raised over $55,000 for local charities and people in need. These include New Leash on Life Animal Rescue, Bridge to Home Homeless Shelter, Feed the Children (a local food bank) and financial assistance for a close friend with Stage 3 breast cancer as she goes through chemo and radiation.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

Joe Trapanese is a friend, colleague, and film composer who has worked on some of the coolest project and film scores of the last 5-10 years including The Greatest Showman, Jean Claude Van Johnson, Straight Outta Compton, Tron: Legacy, Oblivion, Only the Brave, Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac and the Notorious B.I.G., and The Raid series (which is my #1 secret weapon as a film editor). Rarely is there an episode of TV where I don’t use a track from The Raid if I’m working with a fight scene or a suspense sequence. It’s MONEY.In this interview Joe and I break down his path from a kid in New Jersey to moving out to Los Angeles and how he climbed from nowhere to the top of his profession in record time. In addition, Joe and I also do a deep dive into the creative process of collaborating with composers.If you have ever wondered how composers approach their work, or more importantly if you’re an editor like me and you want to know some cool tips for working with composers, this is an incredibly useful and insightful interview.Win a One 1-Yr Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud or Frame.io» Click here to leave a review of this episode in iTunes (or Apple Podcasts)Here's What You'll Learn:Focusing on what is in your controlIt's about who you know, so start meeting peopleEstablishing relationships rather than networking for jobs"You won't get hired until you are the solution to someone's problem."Confidence vs. arroganceKeeping your cool in the reputation-driven world of professional composingHow to searching for the best solutions in collaboration, rather than just inserting your ownDedicating yourself to a specific career ladderHow to know when you're not getting enough in return for your work"Talking about music is like dancing about architecture"Useful Links:Joe Trapanese's IMDb PageOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by our proud supporters Adobe. Leave a review of this episode in iTunes or Apple Podcasts and you’ll be entered to win a yearly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, an essential package of video creation tools that I personally can’t live without. What’s so cool about creative cloud is how easily you can move from ingest to editing, and from color grading to 3D compositing, thanks to smooth integration between Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. To win yourself that yearly subscription, just leave an honest review of this show in iTunes or Apple Podcasts.You can also enter to win the 12 month 'Pro Plan' from our sponsor Frame.io, an amazing online collaboration tool where you can comment and interact directly with your videos providing instant feedback, rather than constantly going back and forth via endless email chains. (And you know how I feel about email and productivity.) Even cooler your comments can be imported directly into your editing software of choice, and it’s so intuitive, easy to use, and dare I say “pretty” that Frame.io won an Apple Design Award. Leave a podcast review in iTunes to be entered to win your 12 month 'Pro Plan.'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:Facebook|Twitter|InstagramJoseph Trapanese is best known for his sleek score work for blockbuster films like “Tron: Legacy,” “Straight Outta Compton,” “Oblivion,” and the “Raid” series. As a composer, arranger, and producer for movie, television, theater, and video game music, he has collaborated with a number of mainstream musical acts. His first major break came in 2010 when he worked with Daft Punk on the sweeping digital soundtrack to Disney's “Tron” reboot/sequel. Trapanese followed that success by creating a score with Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park for the American release of the 2011 Indonesian martial arts film “The Raid: Redemption” (he would continue without Shinoda in 2014 with “The Raid 2”). That same year, he helped with arrangements on a handful of tracks for M83's breakthrough hit “Hurry Up, We're Dreaming,” which led to the pair's collaboration on the 2013 Tom Cruise sci­fi epic “Oblivion”. For 2017’s “The Greatest Showman,” Trapanese worked alongside Pasek & Paul and John Debney, producing songs and co­ composing the score.Notable solo scores include “Only The Brave” (2017), the landmark rap biopic “Straight Outta Compton” (2015), the second and third installments of the “Divergent” series, “Insurgent” (2015) and “Allegiant” (2016); “Earth to Echo” (2014); USA’s “Unsolved” (2018); Amazon’s “Jean­Claude Van Johnson” (2017); ABC’s “Quantico” (2016­17) Freeform’s “Dead of Summer” (2016); EA’s video game “Need for Speed Payback” (2017); and Ubisoft’s video game “The Crew” (2014).In the studio and in concert, in addition to Daft Punk, M83, and Mike Shinoda, he has worked with Dr. Dre, Dierks Bentley, Zedd, Kelly Clarkson, Mike Shinoda, Kendrick Lamar, Moby, Aloe Blacc, Alessia Cara, Haim, The Glitch Mob, Active Child, Halsey, Sohn, John Newman, Dia Frampton, 3OH!3, Steven Price, and James Newton Howard. Born in New Jersey, Trapanese earned his B.A. in classical composition from the Manhattan School of Music. He went on to study at UCLA for his M.A. in music for visual media and taught electronic music composition at the school from 2008­2011. In 2016, he became a member of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He is a founding member of The Echo Society.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

Kyle Long is a Hollywood feature film and television writer, producer, and the showrunner of the recent limited series 'Unsolved: The Murders of Tupac & the Notorious B.I.G.' He has also worked on the popular USA series 'Suits.'For those who may already know, I edited the pilot, the finale, and two more episodes of the series Unsolved, and Kyle and I spent A LOT of time together working on a very complex story for months on end. And during that time we both learned a lot about each other. And what I was most impressed about with Kyle was his work ethic...not to mention his creative abilities, his ideas, and his unwillingness to compromise when he knew exactly what he wanted. And that’s what we talk about in this interview today:What does it take to get something made in Hollywood?What does it take to become a successful writer?What is the magic formula for delivering high quality work project after project?Hint:The answer to all three is just one thing. Consistency.Kyle and I talk about the whole process of going from brainstorm to idea to pitch to being in production on a multi-million dollar tv series. We also chat about his habits and systems for consistently writing every single day. And we also talk about the cost of prioritizing work above everything else including sleep, wellness, health, and even family.Here's What You'll Learn:Getting a film from spec to being madeThe importance of consistency in writingThe tension between working long hours and doing good workAppreciating negative and positive aspects of the creative processDeveloping productive writing habitsHow losing sleep is sabotaging your own workMortgaging and blocking your timeUseful Resources Mentioned:Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted WorldOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by our proud supporters Adobe. Leave a review of this episode in iTunes or Apple Podcasts and you’ll be entered to win a yearly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, an essential package of video creation tools that I personally can’t live without. What’s so cool about creative cloud is how easily you can move from ingest to editing, and from color grading to 3D compositing, thanks to smooth integration between Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. To win yourself that yearly subscription, just leave an honest review of this show in iTunes or Apple Podcasts.You can also enter to win the 12 month 'Pro Plan' from our sponsor Frame.io, an amazing online collaboration tool where you can comment and interact directly with your videos providing instant feedback, rather than constantly going back and forth via endless email chains. (And you know how I feel about email and productivity.) Even cooler your comments can be imported directly into your editing software of choice, and it’s so intuitive, easy to use, and dare I say “pretty” that Frame.io won an Apple Design Award. Leave a podcast review in iTunes to be entered to win your 12 month 'Pro Plan.'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:TwitterKyle has made a living -- sometimes good, sometimes far from it -- in film and television for almost twenty years. If you know him at all, it is for creating the USA show Unsolved or working on the Queen's favorite show Suits.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

My guest today is Noah Arnold, a veterinarian and business owner who runs his own veterinary clinic in Shorewood, Wisconsin in a very unique way, to say the least. Before going any further, if you’re wondering why in the world I would interview a veterinarian on a podcast that’s all about reaching your full creative potential, trust me. This is one of the best and most inspiring stories you will ever hear, especially if you’re a freelancer or small business owner struggling to build your own niche.Noah did all the right things, took all the right classes, got the right degrees, and landed the right jobs. He had 2.4 kids (well actually 3), a car payment, and a mortgage. He was doing everything he was told to do in order to be happy...except he was miserable. Needless to say, living the life that he was “supposed to” live was slowly killing Noah. In order to get to the point where he had the freedom to build a business his way so he could pursue his passion and fulfill what he believes is his true purpose in life (serving animals and serving people who love animals), he had to summon the courage to escape his old life of desperately trying to conform and fit into the corporate world of animal medicine. In our discussion today Noah gives us an incredibly candid look into his journey and what inspired him to give up a life of comfort and security to take a huge risk, bet it all, and pursue his dream.If you’ve ever felt stuck, lost, or asked yourself, “Is this all there is?” then you don’t want to miss this interview. I’ve released over 180 podcasts, and I can honestly say this is the first interview that ever brought me to tears. I challenge you to make it through without choking up at least once.Finally as a full disclaimer, similar to my previous interview with world-renowned Instagram street photographer Daniel Arnold (which is episode 54 if you’re interested), Noah also happens to be my cousin...and he’s Daniel’s younger brother. Needless to say, I am extremely blessed to have such passionate, creative, and wonderful people in my family.Here's What You'll Learn:How rejection can fuel perseveranceLetting go of the necessity of comfort"The trick to success is not focusing on the success but being authentic"Creating a clinic that feels as safe as your living roomFacing your own desperation to be a person you're not"There's no reason you should be waking up every day unhappy"Being terrified to take the leap to independenceUseful Resources Mentioned:"Guitars at the Vet: Dr. Noah puts his own riff on pet medicine"Dr. Noah Arnold Sings to Animals to Relax Them Before ProceduresOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by our proud supporters Adobe. Leave a review of this episode in iTunes or Apple Podcasts and you’ll be entered to win a yearly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, an essential package of video creation tools that I personally can’t live without. What’s so cool about creative cloud is how easily you can move from ingest to editing, and from color grading to 3D compositing, thanks to smooth integration between Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. To win yourself that yearly subscription, just leave an honest review of this show in iTunes or Apple Podcasts.You can also enter to win the 12 month 'Pro Plan' from our sponsor Frame.io, an amazing online collaboration tool where you can comment and interact directly with your videos providing instant feedback, rather than constantly going back and forth via endless email chains. (And you know how I feel about email and productivity.) Even cooler your comments can be imported directly into your editing software of choice, and it’s so intuitive, easy to use, and dare I say “pretty” that Frame.io won an Apple Design Award. Leave a podcast review in iTunes to be entered to win your 12 month 'Pro Plan.'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:FacebookI was born in Madison, WI and moved to the East Side of Milwaukee when I was two. As a kid I stole birds from their nests and bunnies from their moms, misconstruing it as a rescue, and fed them by hand till they flew away or hopped off. I read books about boys with pet raccoons and dreamed of a far away life where people and animals and nature were interconnected.When I was 12 we moved to the North Shore of Milwaukee so I could attend Nicolet high school (where I graduated in 2000 with the esteemed award of class clown). I spent my free time volunteering at nature preserves, caring for the animals on display, and shadowing local vets during surgeries. I received a bachelor’s degree in biology from UW Milwaukee and spent two years studying Animal Science at the University of Minnesota, Twin Cities. In 2010 I graduated from the University of Wisconsin, Madison as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine.After vet school I worked for 6 years as a small animal veterinarian at Spring Harbor Animal Hospital in Madison and The Thiensville-Mequon Small Animal Clinic in Milwaukee’s North Shore. I married the girl of my dreams (we’ve been together since I was 15 and she was 34. Just making sure you’re paying attention… she was also 15), and had 3 beautiful, terrible, lovely children (Sadie, 5, Amelia, 3, and Elliot, 8 months). I have a brown tabby cat named “The Little Boy” and a wooly beast of an Alaskan Malamute, “Bella.” I write sad songs on guitar and piano and play locally on a regular basis. If I didn’t have so many diapers to change I would hike and canoe and explore.What I really want you to know about me is that I love animals and I love people and I love people who love animals. My goal is not to be rich and famous. I want to create a family where people and pets feel loved and listened to and receive the highest quality of care.If you’re still reading this, thanks… I am long winded and as much as you’re willing to read, I’m willing to write.I use my Facebook to share stories and I’ve included a few posts that tell about my pets over the years. Follow my Facebook page for my daily adventures.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

Whether you do intense creative work every single day, or intense athletic training, or if you happen to do both like me, the most overlooked aspect of life is often RECOVERY.If you don’t recover, you can’t focus or solve difficult creative problems (especially with tight deadlines).If you don’t recover, you can’t train harder.And if you don’t recover, you’ll eventually burnout.Thanks to the Oura Ring (use the coupon code 'Optimize' for $75 off!), recovery is now as measurable as your weight, your height, or your daily step count.My guest today is Chuck Hazzard, an entrepreneur and expert when it comes to wearable technology and biohacking, and he is currently the VP of sales at a company called Oura based in Finland but taking the US by storm with it’s device the Oura Ring.If you’re not familiar with the Oura Ring, it’s probably because you’d never recognize that someone else is even wearing one (that’s part of its brilliance). It’s easy to spot Apple Watches, Fitbits, and the countless other trackers people wear today, but the Oura Ring is as inconspicuous as they come because it essentially looks like a very simple wedding band. But despite its design simplicity, there is no question it’s the best sleep tracker on the market today.If you have any interest in measuring and improving the quality of your sleep at a level so detailed your doctor would be envious, then you need to listen to this interview.Chuck and I take a deep dive into the sleep quantification rabbit hole in this interview and discuss the many kinds of medical-grade measurements the Oura Ring takes while you sleep including your resting heart rate, your heart rate variability (HRV), your respiration rate, your body temperature, and more. And more importantly, we talk about how all this data is only meaningful if you know how to interpret it and modify your daily behaviors so you are better rested and have recovered enough to take on whatever today’s challenge might be.P.S. Chuck was kind enough to offer a coupon code worth $75 off your order (no that’s not a typo - $75 OFF!!!!), but it’s only available until January 1st. So if you have a stocking to stuff this upcoming holiday season (whether someone else’s or your own), use the coupon code ‘OPTIMIZE’ for $75 off your Oura Ring.Disclaimer: I am NOT an affiliate for Oura Ring, I do not earn a single cent in commissions if you choose to buy one with or without the coupon code. I simply believe in this technology and I want to help you succeed.Here's What You'll Learn:The keys to understanding your sleep dataBreaking down Heart Rate VariabilityDecoding your circadian rhythm (sleep chronotype)The variability of individual's sleep needsYour 'Readiness score' is the one number to rule them allHow activity works and it's impact on your waking (and sleeping) lifeInfrafred vs optical sensors during the day (and why HRM is still necessary)Useful Resources Mentioned:Chuck HazzardOura RingHeart Rate Variability PodcastOur 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|TwitterChuck Hazzard is an entrepreneur and technology expert, with a current focus on the wearable industry. In the past, Chuck has designed and built computer networks, developed software applications for large corporations, helped build a successful telecommunications business from the ground up, and more recently, helped a large telecommunications company develop and bring to market products and services yielding an additional $500M in annual revenue.Chuck earned his BA in Computer Science and Mathematics from the University of Maine, where he also earned his JD at their School of Law. Chuck is also a graduate of the FDN program and is a licensed Heartmath Provider.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

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 titled “The Ten Commandments of Working with Editors.” » Click here to read the whole article at Frame.io Curmudgeon. Loner. Keyboard monkey. Cave dweller. Hermit. These are just a few of the choice names many have come to associate with those of us who edit for a living. And they’re not 100% wrong. Stereotypes often emerge from a grain of truth. There’s no question that editors are unique creative creatures that are often misunderstood by producers, directors, and clients: We more often than not prefer to work alone. We don’t get a whole lot of sun (not familiar with “The Sun?” Here, let me Google that for you). We can be ridiculously OCD about “our way” of doing things. We don’t like to be told what to do. And we get really snappy when you touch our keyboards (sorry about that, it’s nothing personal). If you’re a producer or client sitting on the couch in an edit suite struggling to understand what makes your editor tick, and you’d like a better understanding of how we operate, I hope the following “commandments” will give you some important insights. [Author’s Note: I totally get that “editor” encompasses a wide range of job types. For those of you specifically in the Fortune 500 agency world, for example, it may be routine for the editor and producers to sit together during a session. I assure you, whether you’re with your editor every day in his or her suite, or collaborating cross-country with a tool like Frame.io, you will have a superior working relationship with your editor if you adopt the spirit of these commandments—which will yield a superior end product. And that’s something we all want.] The Ten Commandments of Working with Editors Thou shalt respect each editor’s unique personality. Thou shalt understand the creative process takes time. Thou shalt be patient and understand that “we will get there.” Thou shalt not micromanage the process. Thou shalt understand we report to multiple people. Thou shalt maintain the position of “collaborator.” Thou shalt not “play around” with our cuts (or touch our stuff). Thou shalt accept that editors are not technical wizards. Thou shalt accept that not everything can be “fixed in post.” Thou shalt accept that editing is our career and our passion—but it’s not our life.  Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

"You do not rise to the level of your goals, you fall to the level of your systems."- James ClearMy guest today is James Clear, an author and speaker who specializes in habits, decision making, and continuous improvement. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Entrepreneur, Time, and on CBS This Morning, just to name a few. In addition, his website receives millions of visitors each month, and he has hundreds of thousands of subscribers to his popular email newsletter which you can find at JamesClear.com. On top of all of his writing, James is also an accomplished speaker having spoken regularly for Fortune 500 companies, and much of his work is used by teams in the NFL, NBA, and MLB.In short...James is one of the world’s foremost experts on habits and the impact of small behaviors on your health & well-being.In today’s interview we do a deep dive into James’ brand new bestselling book Atomic Habits. We talk about how good and bad habits form in the first place, and how to break down seemingly impossible goals (losing weight, breaking bad habits, moving forwards in your career, etc) so you can make small but continuous improvements every single day.If you’re ever wanted to make any kind of positive change in your life but you weren’t sure where to start, or even worse you just can’t make yourself give up bad habits, James is THE guy to get you where you want to be.Win a One 1-Yr Subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud or Frame.io» Click here to leave a review of this episode in iTunes (or Apple Podcasts)Here's What You'll Learn:How to get 1% better each dayRetouching a painting, upgrading a portion of yourself (through behavior)Creating goals that actually have actionable stepsRapid transformation is not achievable for most peopleHow to deny to intrusive desire to slack off 1% every dayBreaking down the phrase "atomic habits"Conquering habit formation by preparing for the "plateau of latent potential"Observing how your expectations influence your behaviorHow to build a habit based on identity rather than just outcomesWays in which your descriptions of your habits can make them impossible to changeUseful Resources Mentioned:JamesClear.comAtomic HabitsThe Habits AcademyOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by our proud supporters Adobe. Leave a review of this episode in iTunes or Apple Podcasts and you’ll be entered to win a yearly subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud, an essential package of video creation tools that I personally can’t live without. What’s so cool about creative cloud is how easily you can move from ingest to editing, and from color grading to 3D compositing, thanks to smooth integration between Premiere Pro, After Effects, and Audition. To win yourself that yearly subscription, just leave an honest review of this show in iTunes or Apple Podcasts.You can also enter to win the 12 month 'Pro Plan' from our sponsor Frame.io, an amazing online collaboration tool where you can comment and interact directly with your videos providing instant feedback, rather than constantly going back and forth via endless email chains. (And you know how I feel about email and productivity.) Even cooler your comments can be imported directly into your editing software of choice, and it’s so intuitive, easy to use, and dare I say “pretty” that Frame.io won an Apple Design Award. Leave a podcast review in iTunes to be entered to win your 12 month 'Pro Plan.'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:Facebook|Twitter|InstagramJames Clear is an author and speaker focused on habits, decision-making, and continuous improvement. His work has appeared in the New York Times, Entrepreneur, Time, and on CBS This Morning. His website receives millions of visitors each month and hundreds of thousands subscribe to his popular email newsletter at JamesClear.com. He is a regular speaker at Fortune 500 companies and his work is used by teams in the NFL, NBA, and MLB.Through his online course, The Habits Academy, Clear has taught more than 10,000 leaders, managers, coaches, and teachers. The Habits Academy is the premier training platform for individuals and organizations that are interested in building better habits in life and work. You can learn more at habitsacademy.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

(Author's Note: If you'd like to submit a question for an upcoming article, don't hesitate to reach out and send me a message. I read every single email I receive.)On a weekly basis I receive emails, Facebook messages, and tweets from people all over the world who work in creative fields. Some people send me pages worth of their life stories, others are looking for quick tips to optimize something very specific in their lives, but most often the messages I receive are from people frustrated with where they are in their career who don’t know where to go next.The question below from Matt is a common concern many people have who are passionate about breaking into feature film editing but not sure if they're willing to pay the price necessary to achieve success. If you're not interested in feature film editing specifically, the advice below applies to just about any other creative field in the entertainment industry.Dear Zack,I'm Matt, 27, a video editor from England. I've been lucky enough to work as an editor for Manchester United and for brands like Adidas, but the dream inside me is big feature film editing. I've edited a couple of lower budget projects and love the creative challenge. I've been a film nerd since however long I can remember and when I see a great film I always think how awesome it would be to have had a creative part in that.I know you address this in the podcast but...I'm wondering if pursuing this goal is worth it in terms of the sacrifice knowing the long hours involved and what it can do to your social and family life...and health. I enjoy editing and feel I have a talent in crafting edits and storytelling but I also like my social life and traveling and having adventures with friends.Is it realistic to be able to work 6 months on 6 months off given the financial gain of working at that level and the intensity of a project like...the Avengers? It's probably only a question I can answer but any thoughts you could offer would truly be most appreciated.Thanks,MattHi Matt,The hard truth is that there's no right answer to this question. You already hit the nail on the head when you said, "It's probably only a question I can answer." But that having been said, I have provided three questions below that you can ask yourself that will hopefully help you clarify your true purpose and whether the cost of you pursuing your goal is worth the sacrifice.1. Do you have a deep understand of WHY editing feature films is the right creative profession for you?Before determining what the true sacrifices are if you want to become an A-list feature film editor of huge films like The Avengers, the first step you must take is identifying and understanding your deeper "Why's." The answer to this question might come simply to you at first, but the deeper you get, the more complex your answer becomes very quickly.Think of this process like peeling the layers of an onion.Start simply by asking yourself:"Why do I love editing?"And your answer can be as simple as:"It's fun cutting shots together with music."Now ask yourself, why is it fun cutting shots together with music?"Because I get an adrenaline rush when the perfect shot comes together at the right moment with a moment in the music."Okay...so why is that so important?"Well I guess when I think about it, I know if I feel a rush at that moment, the audience will too. So I guess that means I love making other people feel something."Okay...so why is that so important?"Making people feel something is important to me because I want the work I do every day to have a positive impact on others and thus on the world."NOW we're getting somewhere. You no longer want to edit big budget feature films because "It's fun cutting shots together with music," your deeper WHY is that you really want to make people feel something so you have a positive impact on the world.Only after you've spent the time to define your deeper WHY will you then be able to more closely align your career path and your job choices with what truly matters to you (more on aligning your needs with your employer's needs below).Action Step: Set aside a minimum of 1 hour to clearly define your most important 'Why's.'Before spiraling down the rabbit hole and questioning whether or not you should pursue your true passion (or ditch it altogether) despite the tremendous personal sacrifices, spend some time thinking deeper about why working on big films like The Avengers is your ultimate goal.Here are some additional resources to help you define your 'Why's':Ep48: Feeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David MeadSimon Sinek's TED Talk about 'The Golden Circle'Start With Why: How Great Leaders Inspire ActionEnroll in my 'Design Yourself' program (which contains an entire module dedicated to the process of 'Defining Your Why')2. Are you excited about the process, not just the outcome?In your message above Matt you mention, "When I see a great film I always think how awesome it would be to have had a creative part in that."Having a "creative part in that" comes at a price.One of the biggest mistakes I see people make in the entertainment industry is focusing so much of their effort on the outcome while completely losing sight of the process.Hopefully after taking the necessary time as I suggested above to 'Define Your Why' this question becomes moot, but it's important to ask yourself if you're intimately familiar with the process of editing huge tentpole films like The Avengers?Or are you chasing the outcome of success?Sure it would be amazing to go out with friends, tell them you edit huge Marvel films, and see amazed and impressed looks on their faces. How cool are you!Of course it would be awesome to give speeches, win awards, and be at the top of your profession (and command a HUGE weekly rate).And how fantastic would it be going to bed every night knowing that literally tens of millions of people across the globe watched and loved your work?Everyone living the life I just described has had to pay their dues for decades to reach that outcome:They have spent tens of thousands of hours behind a computer in a dark room (probably with no windows)They have sacrificed countless nights & weekends away from their familiesThey have missed dance recitals, holiday shows, and birthday partiesThey have put their health on the back burner many times to meet deadlinesThey have endured a creative career with no certainty from job to job, often spending months (or even years) earlier in their careers where it was extremely tough to find steady work at allIf you're chasing film editing because you're interested in the glamour, consider 99% of your life will be spent behind a computer, and 1% will be schmoozing at fancy parties.Is it worth it?If the 99% excites you more than the 1%, you're on the right path.If the 99% sounds absolutely miserable, you'll never get the opportunity to experience the 1%.Action Step: Prioritize time to weigh the true cost of becoming an A-list feature film editor against what you would receive in return.If the cost of spending the next 2-3 decades climbing the ladder to the top of the feature world is worth it and then some, pursue your dream! But if giving up your social life and sacrificing time and adventures with your friends is non-negotiable, this career path might not be the best fit for you. Proceed below to go even deeper down the rabbit hole of defining your own needs versus the job requirements.Here are some additional resources to help you understand what it really takes to edit feature films at the highest level (and calculate the true costs):Ep105: Jeffrey Ford's Secret Weapon to Editing (and Surviving) Marvel FilmsEp50: EditFest 2018 Panel 'The Extended Cut: How to Survive and Thrive In Editorial'Ep18: Surviving the Insanity of the Edit Suite | with Billy Goldenberg, ACEEp60: Legendary Film Editor Walter Murch on Surviving 50+ Years In PostEp40: Editing Hollywood Blockbusters | with Alan Bell, ACEDear Hollywood: We Create Entertainment For a Living...We're Not Curing Cancer3. Taking into account the career ladder you want to climb, have you considered whether or not your future employers' needs align with your own personal needs?One of the most common mistakes many people make in the entertainment industry is taking any work that comes their way because, "You never know when the next job will come around." But if the work you're taking builds a resume and a contact list that doesn't align with your own personal needs over the long term, in a decade you'll end up hating your profession and want to transition to something else (e.g. everyone who is desperately trying to get out of reality and transition to scripted television right now).I have very clearly defined my own personal needs. By doing so, I have created a "filter" so to speak that allows me to either consider or politely decline offers and opportunities that either align or do not align with my needs.Here is a small list of my own personal needs:Commuting drives me bonkers, so I will no longer accept work with a commute longer than 60 minutesWith two kids (8 and 6) I prioritize weekends just for them. So I won't accept jobs that expect me to routinely work 6 or 7 day weeksI'm focused on building my website, my private coaching program, and training for American Ninja Warrior, so I won't accept jobs that expect me to work more than 10+ hours a day (with an allowance for crunch time here and there)Having clearly defined my own 'Why,' I won't accept projects or work with toxic people that don't align with my deeper motivation for editingI've very efficient with my time, so I won't work with a team that micromanages my process or forces me to work without internet (not having access to Trello would be a deal breaker!)Because all of the needs listed above are paramount to my own well-being and long-term health, I'm very firm when approached with jobs that don't align with these needs.Action Step: Listen to my podcast interview with Norman Hollyn where we discuss the process of aligning your needs with your employers' needs using the Venn Diagram below.Make a minimum of two columns.In column #1 list your employer's needs and expectations (refer to the resources in question #2 if you aren't familiar with those expectations).In column #2 list your own personal needs over the long term.Where do they intersect?To Summarize...Unfortunately there is no clear cut answer to your question Matt. Only you can determine if the sacrifices will be worth attaining your ultimate goal of editing huge feature films. But to make the process a little easier on you:Define your deeper 'Why's' so you understand what drives you and motivates you every single dayDetermine whether you are more excited waking up every single morning to embrace the process or simply enjoy the outcomeClarify whether your own personal needs align with your employers' needsAnd to answer your final question, "Is it realistic to be able to work 6 months on 6 months off given the financial gain of working at that level?" there's no question editing huge Marvel movies like The Avengers will pay a generous weekly rate...but is that rate enough to compensate you for the sacrifices necessary to reach that level in your career?If the answer is yes...then go for it!Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content