The Zack Arnold Podcast

“How can I break into Hollywood or advance in my creative career if I don’t know anybody?” is a common question I receive via e-mail, when I speak at events, or when I teach at USC or online. Whenever someone sends me an email or Facebook message and asks, “Can I buy you coffee and pick your brain?” this is inevitably their reason for reaching out.Unlike doctors or lawyers, the path to being a successful film editor, writer, visual effects artist, animator, actor, or any other creative career is not a linear path, but here’s the secret nobody tells you: There are very specific steps you can follow to be successful, but you have to be willing to put in the time and take action consistently. The key is not discovering the path and following it, the key is learning the proper steps to forge your own unique path.In this episode I dive deep into the topic of networking and what it looks like to do it right. My guest today is my assistant editor Chris Visser whom I met at a networking event a little over two years ago, and since then he has said all the right things and taken all the right steps to slowly build a relationship with me over time. And when the time was right he got “lucky” and ended up becoming a part of my team. But if you know me at all, you know I don’t believe in luck and think it’s simply when hard work intersects with opportunity.If you’ve ever thought to yourself “It’s all about who you know, and I don’t know anybody, so I just give up!” then this episode is great place to start because Chris and I break down the key steps to networking the right way so you don’t waste your time and end up walking in circles wishing you just magically knew people. It’s time to get out there and build your network.When you’re done listening to this episode, if you haven’t already I highly recommend checking out episode eleven, my two hour marathon interview with Norman Hollyn, former head of the editing track at USC.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Chris made it to HollywoodEliminating excuses and finding your own path to successHow to make an impression at your industry internshipProcessing and evaluating big career risksHow a brat and cheese gift basket got Chris a job in HollywoodBuilding a post-studio from the ground upWhen Chris met Zack at EditFest LAAsking the right questions to the people that matterHow to network without embracing the "sycophant rush"Knowing the mindset of the people you approachBreaking your career goals down into bite-sized action stepsChris' involvement with Blue Collar Post Collective (BCPC)Useful Resources Mentioned:EditFest Los AngelesBlue Collar Post CollectiveOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Facebook|TwitterBorn and raised in the land of Beer and Brats (aka Wisconsin), Chris has loved the craft of filmmaking since taking a movie-making class his freshman year of high school. While attending Marquette University, Chris was lucky enough to earn the 2011 Post-Production Internship with the Emmys Foundation. He graduated in May 2012, and moved to Los Angeles just weeks after to pursue a career in the film industry.His first few years were spent as an assistant editor at several post houses before becoming an online editor/colorist in January of 2015. After a year and a half of online-ing shows like Nellyville (BET) and Greatest Party Story Ever (MTV), he got the opportunity to really try for a spot in the scripted narrative world. Since July of 2016 he’s been the assistant editor on several digital series and features, and has recently transitioned into network scripted series.Chris is also heavily involved with the Blue Collar Post Collective, which just celebrated it’s 1 year anniversary in LA in June. He’s been an LA executive committee member since BCPCWest’s launch and in July of 2017 became the Vice President of BCPCWest. When not working, Chris loves to spend time with his fiancee and his two dogs, consume local ice cream, talk about movies and tv, and practice film photography (preferably all at once).Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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: ‘Tragedy’ doesn’t even begin to describe what it means for our industry to lose Norman Hollyn at the ridiculously young age of 66. He was quite possibly the kindest soul in Hollywood.I’m asked so often by so many, “What’s the secret to really making it in Hollywood?” And the answer is SO simple: Provide value to others.Norman proved through his actions, his never-ending kindness, and his generosity that the road to success is paved by simply providing value to others. It’s really that simple. He was a mentor and a friend who will be sorely missed.The following is an in-depth interview I did with Norman when this program first began that is an absolute manifesto on what it really takes to build a fulfilling career in Hollywood. It has been listened to thousands of times on six continents, and of all my episodes it has received more positive feedback than any other…by far.Rest In Peace Norman. Know that you left this world making a true impact on the lives of countless people, and your work will continue to make an impact for generations to come.I will never be able to “lean forward” again without thinking of you. Be well my friend.Zack Arnold---“How can I break into Hollywood or advance in my creative career if there is no set path to follow?” is by far the most common question I receive via e-mail, when I speak at events, or when I teach at USC or online. Whenever someone sends me an email or Facebook message and asks, “Can I buy you coffee and pick your brain?” this is inevitably the big question they seek the answer to. Unlike doctors or lawyers, the path to being a successful film editor, writer, visual effects artist, animator, actor, or any other creative career is not a linear path, but here’s the secret nobody tells you: There are very specific steps you can follow to be successful, but you have to be willing to put in the time and take action consistently. The key is not discovering the path and following it, the key is learning the proper steps to forge your own unique path.In this episode I dive deep into what it really takes to break into or advance in the Hollywood post-production industry with none other than USC professor and former head of the editing track, Norman Hollyn. This is a two hour marathon episode so get comfortable. This was one of the most downloaded and shared 2-part episodes of my former podcast, but I thought it beneficial to combined it into a single episode and feature it as part of the Optimize Yourself program so new people just discovering this show wouldn’t have to dig for it because people have told me firsthand this interview was the difference between them landing a job or not landing it. The advice Norman gives is seriously that universal and that powerful, and it can be applied far beyond jobs in post-production.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Develop your skill set and then build your network of peopleConsider looking for work and networking your full time jobUse online resources, industry magazines, etcHow to use Facebook and Twitter to help you make connectionsPut yourself out there and make yourself valuable to peopleMake sure you continue to hone your craft and advance your skill setFind out what you don’t know and get good feedback!Should you take free work?People skills and social skills are more important than you thinkPart of advancing in your career is being able to make choicesRe-evaluating your goals is growthBeing fiscally responsible will give you more choices and give you the freedom to take work that’s valuable to your career and not necessarily your bank accountTo be happy it’s important to acknowledge that third circle: Personal needsWrite down your intentions and focus -- no matter how many drafts it takes!Useful Resources Mentioned:Below the Line crew listingsA Classic Case of Post-Production BurnoutOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter|Facebook|LinkedInNorman Hollyn has been described as a “media expert,” a reference to his experience in a wide variety of media types – in both the old and new media worlds. He is the co-producer and co-host of the videocast 2 Reel Guys. He is a long-time film, television and music editor (HEATHERS, THE COTTON CLUB, SOPHIE’S CHOICE, Oliver Stone’s WILD PALMS), and is a Full Professor and Head of the Editing Track at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. He is an author of nearly 100 articles and his internationally translated book, THE FILM EDITING ROOM HANDBOOK, has just been published in a fourth edition. His previous book, THE LEAN FORWARD MOMENT, also from Peachpit Press/Pearson, has been attracting great reviews worldwide. He has taught worldwide, including several workshops for the Royal Film Commission in Jordan, and schools in Shanghai and Beijing, China. He has taught at the Sundance Film Festival, and consults and speaks at major corporations such as Dreamworks Pictures, Pixar Animation, Forbes and the Philadelphia Inquirer. He has worked as an expert witness in legal cases involving the aesthetics or history of editing, and is partner in an Internet development firm. He can be reached at norman@normanhollyn.com.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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

I don’t know about you, but I’m really confused by the endless amounts of information available regarding nutrition. All you have to do is spend a couple hours reading the heated (and sometimes outright vicious) debates about the latest hot Netflix documentary to see nutritional science is an emotional topic. And I’m just plain tired of the “My science is better than your science” argument.Luckily there are a few voices of reason, and one of them is Mark Sisson. Mark is the founder of the blog Mark’s Daily Apple which has hundreds of thousands of daily readers. He is also the founder of The Primal Blueprint, he’s developed an entire line of paleo-friendly foods via his Primal Kitchen brand, he’s a former world-class endurance athlete, and he’s one of the leading voices of the Evolutionary Health Movement. On top of all this he’s the author of numerous best-selling books with his latest being The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat Forever.In this interview Mark and I discuss how food specifically affects your energy and cognitive function, how the standard American diet is killing our creativity, and most importantly how your food choices affect your ability to focus for sustained periods of time. We also chat about why fats get such a bad rap and some of the latest science about fat as it relates to his new keto diet protocol.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The relationship between the food you eat and cognitive functionDo we really need sugar (glucose) to function?Why you need to know about ketogenic dietsHow the standard american diet is affecting our health and creativityRecognizing and preventing the effects of brain fogHow eating right can remove the need for coffee and energy drinks from your lifeBreaking the grip of continuous eating on your dayThe importance of turning your work space into a place of activityDebunking the myths surrounding fatUnderstanding the connection between fats and carbsUseful Resources Mentioned:The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat ForeverMogo StoolKneeling StoolMarksDailyApple.comPrimal KitchenPrimal BlueprintPrimal MayoMark's 16 Favorite Fat ResourcesThe Fat Burning Brain: What Are the Cognitive Effects of Ketosis?The Definitive Guide to KetoOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Facebook | Twitter | InstagramMark Sisson is the bestselling author of The Primal Blueprint, a former world-class endurance athlete, and one of the leading voices of the Evolutionary Health Movement. His blog, MarksDailyApple.com, has paved the way for Primal enthusiasts to challenge conventional wisdom's diet and exercise principles and take personal responsibility for their health and well-being.The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat ForeverLearn how to make perhaps the most profound health and weight loss boosting lifestyle change you will ever make—transforming your body from carbohydrate dependency to become a fat burning beast. In his new book, Mark Sisson, bestselling author of The Primal Blueprint and publisher of the popular health site and blog MarksDailyApple.com, reveals his proven effective ketogenic eating strategy for losing weight and improving health. When you go keto, you will reset your metabolism for effortless fat loss using a targeted ketogenic diet of high-fat, low-to-moderate protein, low-carb foods, and complementary lifestyle practices that help optimize metabolic and hormonal functions.Unlike other ketogenic plans, Sisson first teaches readers the real secret to rapid and sustained weight loss, which is in becoming "fat-adapted" before entering full nutritional ketosis. This process allows your body to learn to burn fat more efficiently, resulting in increased and sustained weight loss over the long-term. It takes as little as 21-days to reprogram your metabolism to burn fat for fuel, by ditching processed grains, sugars, and refined vegetable oils in favor of nutrient-dense, high fat, primal/paleo foods--and you'll see immediate results. Next, you’ll fine-tune with Intermittent Fasting and then foray into full ketogenic eating for a further weight loss boost and improved health. In this way, you will achieve the highest level of what Sisson calls metabolic flexibility—the key to health, weight control, and longevity.With The Keto Reset Diet, you can eat to total satisfaction by enjoying rich, high-satiety foods, and even weather occasional slip-ups with high carb treats or undisciplined vacation binges and not go into a tailspin. Instead, you can quickly recalibrate back to fat-adaptation, and use keto as a lifelong tool to stay trim, healthy, energetic, and free from the disastrous health conditions caused by the high carb, high insulin producing modern diet. With step-by-step guidance, daily meal plans and a recipe section with over 100 delicious keto-friendly recipes, this is the definitive guide to help the keto-beginner or the experienced health enthusiast understand the what, why, and how to succeed with ketogenic eating.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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

In today’s digital world of information overload, the most controversial topic that causes the greatest amount of conflict and confusion (politics aside, of course) is nutrition. Rarely do I post anything on social media or via my inner circle email newsletter about diet and nutrition that doesn’t elicit at least one hate-filled response.Who knew something as simple as food could divide us so much?Luckily when you strip away the noise you find wonderful people like Mira and Jayson Calton, the founders of Calton Nutrition and the authors of two of my favorite books on the topic of nutrition and food science, “Rich Food, Poor Food” and “The Micronutrient Miracle.” While I know these may not sound like edge-of-your-seat page turners, they actually are. In fact, I’ve only written one book review in my entire career, and it was for Rich Food, Poor Food because the book absolutely changed my life, especially how I approach what I eat, nutrition in general, and most importantly how to go food shopping the right way without losing your mind (or breaking the bank).In this nearly two-hour marathon episode from my Fitness In Post archives I do a deep dive with the Caltons about many nutrition-related topics including why the food pyramid we’ve been following for decades is complete BS, why calories in vs calories out is practically a dead science at this point and has been completely debunked, the science behind why fat isn’t the enemy we’ve always thought it was, and how the food companies use incredibly deceptive marketing tactics to get us to buy certain foods.If you’ve ever scratched your head while grocery shopping wondering what the difference is between “natural” or “organic” and you want a better, long-term strategy for eating better, this is the episode for you.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The toxicity in our current food supply and why were are micronutrient defficientThe difference between macronutrients and micronutrientsWhy the Food Pyramid is a bad nutrition guideHow much the science of nutrition has changed in the last 20 yearsHow your diet cab actually deplete your micronutrientsImproving the way we measure caloric intake when calories in vs. calories out doesn't cut itThe science behind high fat, low carb diets and how to do them properlyYour comprehensive guide to healthy grocery shoppingThe dangers of food billboards and buzzword nutrition marketingMaking sense of nutrition label informationWhat it means when food is labeled “organic”Understanding how the toxins and pesticides in food end up in your system3 foods you think are healthy that really aren’tThe 4 major flaws in the multivitamin marketThe ABC’s of optimal supplementationWhy Nutreínce is the holy grail of multivitaminsHow being micronutrient sufficient can literally reverse diseases like osteoporosis and macular degenerationUseful Resources Mentioned:Get your copy of Rich Food, Poor Food (the free version is no longer available, sorry)Calton NutritionThe ABC's of Optimal SupplementationBuy NutreínceBulletproof Coffee KitOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter | FacebookThe Caltons are among the world's leading experts on the topics of weight management, lifestyle medicine and micronutrient deficiency. Their high success rate working with adults and children to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse health and disease conditions has made their consultancy highly sought after by celebrities, athletes and top corporate executives around the world. It is their belief that becoming micronutrient sufficient is the first step towards preventing and reversing many of today's most prevalent health conditions and diseases.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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

Prioritizing sleep is absolutely essential if you want to consistently generate creative thoughts and stay focused (and no...caffeine and Red Bull are not adequate replacements). But what options do you have if you work insane hours and getting the right amount of sleep isn't always an option? The next step is finding way to improve the quality of your sleep. If you missed the episode with Shawn Stevenson I highly recommending giving that a listen first because it contains loads of information about why sleep is so important to your mental and physical health and it’s great for beginners who don’t know much about the basic science of sleep. It also has a lot of great suggestions to get started improving your sleep quality and quantity without a ton of effort or investment. In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with one of my favorite health resources on the planet, biohacker and fitness expert Ben Greenfield where we dive way deeper into the sleep rabbit hole and discuss advanced sleep hacks, wearables, and other crazy tech to take your sleep and your cognitive abilities to the next level. Some of the stuff he talks about in this episode blew my mind, so if you feel like you already have basic sleep hygiene under control, give some of these next-level options a try.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The problem with wearing your sleep deprivation badge of honorWhat does a healthy sleep cycle look like?Neurological, hormonal, and psychological benefits to healthy sleepIs it possible that you just need less sleep than everyone else?The relationship between sleep an weight gainHow light and temperature can alter your hormonal levelsWhy when you sleep is as important as how long you sleepBen's guide to creating your own sleep optimizing light setupLearn how to track and manage your sleepUseful Resources Mentioned:Ep123: The Solution to Your Sedentary Lifestyle | with Ben GreenfieldThe Power of WhenIris TechAwake and Alert BulbsMelatonin SupplementsNature CBDGABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid)OURA TrackerRe-Timer GlassesGunnar Blue-Light Filtering GlassesRuby Lux Red BulbKratom SupplementsSleepy Baby Sleep-Enhancing LED Nursery LampOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter|Facebook|InstagramAuthor of the New York Times Bestseller “Beyond Training“, Ben Greenfield’s balanced approach to fitness, nutrition and health comes from his extensive experience in the fitness and wellness industry as one of the country’s leading personal trainers and wellness consultants. In 2008, Ben was nominated by the NSCA as America’s top personal trainer, and in 2013 and 2014, Ben was voted as one of the top 100 most influential individuals in health and fitness. A frequent contributor to health and wellness publications and a highly sought after speaker, Ben’s understanding of functional exercise, nutrition, and the delicate balance between performance and health has helped thousands of people around the world achieve their goals and improve their quality of life.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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

In many creative industries it is not uncommon to wear a 'Sleep Deprivation Badge of Honor' to the office every morning and champion how hard you work despite barely getting any sleep. Let me put this simply...this needs to stop. NOW. There is nothing more detrimental to your energy levels, your productivity, your focus, and your creativity than sleep deprivation. And beyond how poor sleep affects your performance, the long term effects of sleep deprivation are downright terrifying. For example, did you know that if you get less than 6 hours of sleep your cognitive scores and reaction times are equivalent to being legally drunk? And that's just the beginning (unfortunately it gets WAY worse). In this episode I have an in-depth conversation about the science of sleep with Shawn Stevenson, author of 'Sleep Smarter' as well as the host of "The Model Health Show" which is routinely the #1 health & wellness podcast on iTunes. He's been featured in Forbes, Fox News, ESPN, The Today Show, Men's Health, and many other top publications. If you're interested in taking sleep seriously, Shawn is the guy to help you reach the promise land.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The detrimental effects the sleep deprivation has on your healthShawn’s history with degenerative disease and his path to healingPrioritizing good sleep above extreme workouts and dietsThe connection between sex and sleepThe importance of sleep quality over durationThe effects of working the night shift on your health (hint: It’s not good)How looking at a chromosome’s telomeres can tell you how sleep is affecting your lifespanDebunking the myths surrounding daylight’s effect on your sleep qualityThe importance of regular exposure to sunlightKnowing the balance of cortisol and melatonin in your bodyHow exposure to technology affects your sleep qualityEliminating white and blue light from your evening routines for better sleepHow alcohol affects your sleep cycleUseful Resources Mentioned:F.luxSleep Smarter BookDeskbound – Standing Up To a Sitting World | with Dr. Kelly StarrettOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Twitter|Facebook|InstagramShawn Stevenson is a bestselling author and creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the #1 Nutrition and Fitness podcast on iTunes. A graduate of The University of Missouri – St. Louis with a background in biology and kinesiology, Shawn went on to be the founder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance, a successful company that provides Wellness Services for both individuals and organizations worldwide. Shawn is also a dynamic keynote speaker who has spoken for TEDx, universities, and numerous organizations with outstanding reviews.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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

If you've ever found yourself stumbling to reach the finish line and you often fail to achieve your most important goals (don't worry, you're no different than the 92% of people who also don't achieve their goals), the problem isn't you, it isn't lack of "willpower," and it's not because you don't have any motivation. The problem is that you haven't properly defined your purpose.I’m incredibly excited about this interview because it’s with Tony Horton, one of the top personal trainers and fitness celebrities in the world who created P90X the most successful home fitness program on the planet. He also designed the rest of the P90X series, P90, and 22 Minute Hard Corps, just to name a few of his insanely popular Beachbody programs.But more importantly than his fitness accomplishments and business enterprises, I’m excited to have Tony on this program because he is one of the most inspirational people I know and one of the few "celebrities" that I actually consider a virtual mentor and admire. Rarely does a day go by when Tony’s work doesn’t influence me in one way or another whether it’s being inspired by his book “The Big Picture” to originally begin my podcast over 3 years ago, or getting yelled at by him at 6:30 every morning while doing burpees.In our conversation we talk all about another of Tony’s passions: Finding Your Purpose. We talk through the negative mindsets that many people create to stop them from achieving their goals and how to overcome those obstacles and barriers. Even if you have absolutely no interest whatsoever in taking on a fitness program, this conversation could change the way you approach your goals and inspire you to step outside your comfort zone to become a better version of you.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Finding personal guidance in a sea of guru adviceTony Horton's 11 Laws that will change your lifeRemaining accountable to your Action StepsHow personal growth becomes more difficult with ageKnowing when giving advice can create resentment in othersCuriosity's role in creating beneficial habits and ritualsThe importance of finding a mentorDetermining your "Why?" so your missteps can't derail youRefining your desires to practical goals and acting upon themIf you stick to even one Action Step, you are improving!Useful Resources Mentioned:Tony Horton Life (Tony's Personal Website)22 Minute Hard Corps Workout ProgramTH Care (Tony's AMAZING new skincare line of products)Sign up for Beachbody On DemandOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Facebook | Twitter | InstagramTony Horton is the wildly popular creator of the best-selling fitness series: P90X®, P90X2®, P90X3®, and Ten Minute Trainer®, P90® and most recently his 22-Minute military inspired workout, 22 Minute Hard Corps®. Tony is a world-class motivational speaker and the author of top-selling books “Bring It”, Crush It!” and his latest motivational book, “The Big Picture” 11 Laws that will change your life, which he has transformed to an in depth personal development course, Living Large with Tony Horton. He has appeared on countless television programs as a fitness and lifestyle expert to promote healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition. In keeping with Tony’s passion for a healthy lifestyle, he’s teamed up with the beauty experts at Ultimate Salon Professionals to create his new hair and skincare line, TH Care by Tony Horton, because he believes what goes on your body is just as important as what goes in it. For the past 25 years, Tony has used his unique brand of humor to change the lives of tens of million people through his incredible fusion of motivation, physical exercise, nutrition, and discipline. From worldclass athletes, pro sports teams, celebrities and the U.S. Military, to corporate executives, couch potatoes, and busy moms and dads alike, Tony has what it takes to reach and teach them all. Tony believes that real and lasting change can happen when we commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, whole foods, and the right mindset is the formula that leads to a vibrant, productive and full life for anyone who focuses on being the best they can be.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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

Grit. Determination. Perseverance. Are these qualities you can build, or are you just born with them? In today's episode I interview the founder and CEO of The Spartan Race Joe De Sena. We discuss his background starting several businesses (including being a pool boy for the mob as well as making women's clothing), why and how he started the Spartan Race, and most importantly, how to build obstacle immunity and apply it to anything in your life to become more successful.Even if you have no interest in obstacle course racing, this interview can and will inspire you to make changes in your life to better yourself and perhaps push you out of your comfort zone. If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeUseful Resources Mentioned:The Spartan RaceChristopher Rush, "The Ultimate Spartan"The Spartan Up! PodcastSpartan Up! The BookOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio: Twitter | Facebook | InstagramJoe De Sena is the founder and CEO of Spartan Race, Inc. De Sena has been an entrepreneur since his pre-teens. From selling fireworks at age 8, to starting a t-shirt business in high school, to building a multimillion-dollar pool business in college, to creating a Wall Street trading firm, De Sena is a living definition of "entrepreneur." De Sena is the New York Times bestselling author of SPARTAN UP! A Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Peak Performance in Life and SPARTAN FIT! 30 Days. Transform Your Mind. Transform Your Body. Commit to Grit. He is also the host of the Spartan Up! Podcast, available on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube. For information about a Spartan Race in your area, visit www.spartan.com.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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

I'm commonly asked, "How in the world do you balance so many different projects at once?" In this episode I give away my secret weapon and the foundation of my entire productivity system - GTD.In my never ending quest to eliminate as much busy work from my life as possible and take clear action towards my goals, I've spent years navigating the world of productivity and learning everything I can (hence my obsession with Trello). There are so many tools, apps, websites, and resources to help organize your to-do lists, but the fatal flaw of every single one of these tools is just that - they are just tools.If you are truly interested in learning how to not only get more things done, but also ensure that you get the RIGHT things done, you need more than a shiny tool or a fancy to-do list app: You need a system. And in my opinion, the system that is going to - help you clarify your goals, organize your next actions, and most importantly clear the cobwebs in your head so you free up space to be creative again - is the GTD system developed by my guest David Allen.Whether your tool of choice is Trello, OmniFocus, or even post-it notes, the GTD system can help alleviate tremendous amounts of stress and anxiety, avoid the never ending busy work, and get you on track to accomplishing your life's work.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Knowing the relationship between strength and relaxationDavid's path to studying Zen-spirituality and becoming a master of efficiencyThe art of being present and engaging with your worldHow treating your brain like a filing cabinet can be harmfulLearning to quantify and manage your tasks in a physical spaceHow you can fuel your brain to maximize creativityTaking the simple steps of the GTD system and freeing your mind form clutterFollowing the "Two-Minute Rule"Using batching to handle busy-work efficientlyThe importance of a "Someday, Maybe" knowing which tasks are most urgentKnowing how to factor @Contexts into your project organizationTrusting in the inevitability of mistakes and learning to grow through themUseful Resources Mentioned:TrelloGetting Things Done (GTD)Our Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:David Allen is an author, consultant, international lecturer, Founder and Chairman of the David Allen Company. The David Allen Company is a productivity training and consulting company that provides services designed to increase performance, capacity and aligned execution. They count among their clients some of the world’s most prestigious corporations, including over 40% of Fortune 100 companies.David Allen is widely recognized as the world’s leading authority on personal and organizational productivity. His 30 years of pioneering research, coaching and education of some of the world’s highest-performing professionals has earned him Forbes’ recognition as one of the “Top five executive coaches” in the United States, and as one of the “Top 100 thought leaders” by Leadership Magazine. Fast Company hailed David Allen “One of the world’s most influential thinkers” in the arena of personal productivity, for his outstanding programs and writing on time and stress management, the power of aligned focus and vision, and his ground-breaking methodologies in management and executive peak performance. David Allen was named one of the top ten business leaders of 2014 by the American Management Association.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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

If you work in a creative profession and put your heart and soul into everything you do, burnout (and ultimately depression) seems inevitable. You work crazy hours, you eat crap, your deadlines are insane, and you're stuck in front of a computer for what seems like an eternity. But creative burnout isn't as inevitable as you might think.Even though you may feel like you're spinning your wheels, you aren't getting any closer to achieving your goals, and your colleague with half the talent is getting paid twice as much and advancing twice as fast as you, there are specific things you can do to overcome creative burnout and make more significant progress towards achieving your true goals.In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with Eric Barker, author of "Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong" about why creative burnout is so common in our 24/7 technology addicted go-go-go society, and more importantly, what you can do about it.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Eric Barker's history tackling the concept of "success"Embracing a variety of paths towards and definitions for successPursing academic information in a creative industryThe cultural impact of High School ValedictoriansThe relationship between academic and personal successSeparating perfectionism from fulfillmentEnvironmental influences on creative burnoutThe importance of refining your specialtiesStrategic quitting and focusing on signature strengths"Happiness breeds success," not the other way aroundOptimism's role in the path to successThe cultural stigma of depressionUseful Resources Mentioned:www.bakadesuyo.com (Eric's blog)Our Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.Guest Bio:Eric Barker’s humorous, practical blog, "Barking Up the Wrong Tree", presents science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life. Over 310,000 people subscribe to his weekly newsletter and his content is syndicated by Time Magazine, The Week, and Business Insider. He has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic Monthly, and the Financial Times. Eric is also a sought-after speaker and interview subject, and has given talks at MIT, Yale, Google, the University of Pennsylvania, NPR affiliates, and on morning television.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love!The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).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