The Zack Arnold Podcast

The holidays are the time of year we’re all meant to slow down and recognize all the things in our lives that we are grateful for, but unfortunately with the crazy speed that life moves nowadays, the holiday season is most likely the most stressful time of the year. All most people (including myself) are often focused on is rushing to get projects done before the year ends, making travel plans, fighting the mad rush of holiday shoppers and traffic, and if there’s any spare time left in the day...maybe getting some sleep.Where in the world is there any time to slow down and be grateful?My guest today is Humberto Gurmilan, an Emmy award-winning producer, author, speaker, podcaster, and all-around inspiring guy. He is the founder of the Gurmilan Foundation which empowers individuals with disabilities in challenged communities, and until recently he was the sports anchor for Telemundo in San Diego where he also teaches communications at San Diego City College. But despite his many accomplishments, I didn’t invite Humberto on the show with me to discuss how he became successful.In this interview Humberto and I talk about the tragedy he experienced as a teenager when due to a freak surfing accident he became paralyzed from the chest down. Rather than thinking about what was taken away from him, instead Humberto decided to rise to the challenge and instead develop gratitude in the face of adversity and use his experience to inspire others to do the same.For those listening today who are frustrated with your present circumstances, I hope this interview allows you to reframe where you are in your life right now and take even a few minutes to be grateful for what you do have before embarking upon the madness of the holiday season.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Humberto's early life surfing in TijuanaProcessing a traumatic injury and the changes that come with becoming paralyzedThe healing love of family in the face of depressionThe power of seeing yourself within your own comeback storyTransitioning your perspective from "Why me?" to "Why not me?"Taking responsibility for your attitude towards the worldHumberto's pursuit of sports broadcasting and discovering his gift for public speakingTaking stock of the strengths you have so you can categorize your obstaclesLearning that you have way more talents than you think you doThe Three A's: Attitude, Accountability, ActionWrite down your goals. Once you do, you will be exponentially more likely to achieve that goal.Useful Resources Mentioned:Gurmilan FoundationOvercome PodcastOvercome TV seriesGO FARRewiring Your Brain to Be Happier | with Shane BurcawOur 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|YouTubeHumberto ("Beto") is an Emmy award winning Journalist and Producer with 13 years of experience in the media. He hosts the Overcome Podcast and Overcome TV series on Youtube. His life mission is to help others by sharing his experiences in overcoming adversity and living a fulfilling life.He founded the Gurmilan Foundation to help young people with disabilities become empowered and reach their full potential. He teaches broadcasting at San Diego City College and often speaks in the community to promote disability awareness and spread a positive message of hope and positivism.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 spend all day sitting in front of a computer, then you’ll no doubt relate to Todd Kopriva’s oh-so-familiar story of gaining over 70 pounds from working a sedentary job for over a decade as a software designer for Adobe. But even though the beginning of this story might sound familiar, the rest of it is anything but ordinary.During his final year before leaving Adobe, Todd had a stark realization about the direction his life was headed and decided he needed to make a major change. So that’s just what he did. He committed to changing his life...literally a single step at a time.After leaving Adobe, Todd spent the next year training for a once-in-a-lifetime journey most of us could only dream of including learning several skills he’d wanted to acquire his whole life: Martial arts training, as well as learning several foreign languages including Portuguese. And this journey also led him to South America to travel several hundred miles walking the famous Camino da Fé. In this episode Todd and I chat about his reasons for leaving a secure job in corporate America to experience life outside the cubicle.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Todd's realization that he was in middle age, that his time was limited, and that his life needed to changeThe frightening realization that Todd had gained 70 pounds over a decade working a completely sedentary job in softwareThe leap of faith required for escaping corporate americaLearning how to overcome the fear of developing socializing skills (which led Todd to becoming part of a government convoy)Todd's extraordinary hike over the 1,000km long Caminho da Fé in BrazilTodd's encounter with a Brazillian mayorFinding small places to implement movement, rather than just reducing your workUnderstanding the basic good and decency of humanity during very turbulent times in our countryThe difference that shifting his mindset had on the final year of working at Adobe before his journey even officially beganTodd's final fitbit stats:Useful Resources Mentioned:Why BrazilOur 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|InstagramTodd has recently been spending his time studying languages, training in Tsun Jo kung fu, and otherwise working on making himself healthier and happier. Before that, he worked for 17 years for various software companies, including almost 12 years at Adobe.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 one position all day long, whether sitting, standing, or otherwise, it's important to understand how gravity is negatively affecting your health when you are sedentary. We've all heard the phrase, "Sitting is the New Smoking," but it goes much deeper than that. My guest in this episode is Dr. Joan Vernikos, the former director of the Life Sciences Division at NASA and author of the book Sitting Kills, Moving Heals. She is one of the world's foremost experts on stress from a physiological perspective. Having worked on the team that helped put men on the moon as well as helping John Glenn return safely to Earth, she knows as much as there is to be known about how the human body is affected by gravity, both positively and negatively. If you have any intention of being healthy enough to play with your grandchildren someday, this episode is a must-listen and will blow your mind. Everything you thought you knew about exercise and movement will most likely change after learning what Dr. Joan has discovered in her 4 decades of research for NASA.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Joan's background studying the first astronauts at NASAThe physiological effects of gravityHow astronauts are affected by micro gravityThe problem with exercise in spaceWhy the circulatory system needs the stimulation of gravityThe surprising parallels between being sedentary and being in spaceHow your body is like an instrument that needs to be tunedMisdiagnoses of pre-diabetic symptomsWhy exercise does not guarantee healthy livingA few reasons why you should be standing instead of "waiting" when visiting a doctor's officeNEAT (Non-Exercise Activity) movementWhat moving every 30 minutes can do to improve overall healthHow to recognize the symptoms of being too sedentaryJoan's final experiment at NASA and how the body is stimulated by physical change5 practical ways to alter routines and maximize cognitive functionHow standing and sitting can be good for youJoan's upcoming book "Designed to Move""Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain" by John Ratey, MDUseful Resources Mentioned:Joan's WebsiteJoan's Book Sitting Kills, Moving HealsOur 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:FacebookBorn to Greek parents in Alexandria Egypt Joan Vernikos earned her PhD in pharmacology at the University of London before coming to teach Pharmacology to Medical Students at Ohio State University. Recruited in 1964 to join NASA’s Ames Research Center, CA because of her research expertise in stress, she later pioneered work on how living with minimal gravity in Space adversely affects the health of astronauts. This led to her formulate the similarities between living in Space and the aging process here on Earth. In 1998 as NASA’s Director of Life Sciences, she was instrumental in the return to space of American hero John Glenn at the age of 77. To bring her ideas to the public eye, Dr. Joan has published several books that present simple and effective plans for maintaining good health throughout life. They include The G-Connection: harness gravity and reverse Aging (1904), Stress Fitness for Seniors (2009) and Sitting Kills Moving Heals (2011) that launched awareness of the health problems of our sedentary lifestyles. Her latest books, Designed to Move, as well as, Stress Beyond 50 was published in 2016.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

Qualia is quite possibly the most revolutionary product I’ve come across in my decade-long quest of personal development and self-optimization. It’s as close as you’ll ever get to experiencing the ‘Limitless’ drug. Yes...it’s that good. I’ve been experimenting with it behind-the-scenes for several months now, and I’m finally coming out of the closet to share it with you because I’m now thoroughly convinced this product delivers exactly what it promises, and more.In today’s episode I have an in-depth conversation about why Qualia works so well and is so effective in increasing focus, concentration, empathy, reducing anxiety, and simply improving the human experience with Dr. Daniel Stickler, the medical director at Neurohacker Collective, the company that created Qualia.Dr. Stickler and I dive into understanding what really fuels your brain from a nutritional standpoint and why supplementation shouldn’t be the answer if you’re constantly experiencing procrastination, brain fog, anxiety, and you have trouble focusing. We talk about the types of foods that can help promote (and inhibit) your creative abilities, the different types of diets (e.g Vegan, Paleo, etc) and how they can help or hinder your ability to focus, and then we break down how Qualia was formulated and why it has a much higher success rate than most other nootropics and smart drugs on the market.That’s right...the ‘Limitless’ drug is finally here. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Medicine's focus on simply avoiding sickness rather than human enhancementDr. Stickler's experience with and expertise on integrative medicineTaking the biohacking "cure" mindset away from using optimizing supplementsSupplements are not a health solution but the enhancerHow you can naturally create new neural networks with dietary changesAltering your life through epigenetic modification (diet, exercise, meditation)The relationship between fat and the brainEverything you've learned about cholesterol is misinformedWhere you can fit beneficial fats into your diet"There is no perfect human diet."How Dr. Stickler came to realize how special Qualia really isHow Qualia is formulated differently than other nootropicsUseful Resources Mentioned:Apeiron Center for Human PotentialApeiron AcademyNeurohacker CollectiveIronman Executive PodcastQualia Nootropic (Use coupon code 'OPTIMIZE' for 10% OFF)Using HRV to Reduce Stress (and Master Your Nervous System) | with Ronda CollierFueling Your Brain For Optimal Creativity | with Mark SissonOur 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|Instagram|Apeiron CenterDr. Daniel Stickler is Medical Director of Neurohacker Collective, bringing decades of forward thinking medical knowledge in wellness optimization and whole systems science to our team.Dr. Stickler is a future-focused visionary and a thought leader in human potential. He is the cofounder of the Apeiron Center for Human Potential and the Apeiron Academy. Disheartened by our current “sick care” approach to health, Dr. Stickler created Human Potential Medicine- an integrated, biospherical systems-approach that combines the scientific grounding and expertise of modern medicine with leading-edge genetic/epigenetic science and neuro-psychophysiological modalities to expand human capacity. He also established the Apeiron Academy, which offers advanced education to a tribe of like-minded individuals determined to shift the health & wellness paradigm from the current sick-care model to one of optimized human potential.Dr. Stickler entered medical school with a vision of helping people create an optimized life and found very quickly that the training focused predominantly on treating disease to postpone our stepwise progression to death. This realization was the catalyst for a several decade journey to create a new way of living. An opportunity to one promote youthful longevity and the potential for limitless 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

HRV, or “Heart Rate Variability” is a term you might not be familiar with. It’s a biological measurement you should absolutely know just as you would your weight, your cholesterol, or you blood pressure. Simply put, HRV is the measurement of time between your heartbeats. While this sounds relatively simple, what is so profound about this measurement is how it can help you measure the strength of your nervous system, and more importantly how knowing it can help you predict your physical and mental performance based on a simple 5 minute measurement in the morning.In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with Ronda Collier, the CEO at SweetWater Health, LLC about what HRV is, how to measure it, and most importantly how to interpret these measurements to make improvements in your ability to manage stress and anxiety. This is one of my favorite episodes from very early in the ‘Fitness In Post’ podcast days, and I thought it beneficial to re-release it in advance of my next podcast which is all about Qualia from a company called the Neurohacker Collective, a new supplement that is as close to the Limitless drug as you’re going to get. In that episode coming later this week we talk about heart rate variability, and because it’s such an intriguing topic I wanted to make sure this episode was readily available to help you understand why HRV is something you should prioritize measuring every single day if you’re interested in optimizing your creative performance.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:What is Heart Rate VariabilityHow knowing your HRV can help you predict your physical performanceRonda's beginnings working tech in post housesRecognizing when your body goes into "fight-or-flight" modeHRV should be equal in importance to your weight, blood pressure, or cholesterolWays learning about HRV can enable you to combat stressLearn how to easily measure your HRVKnowing the difference between acting and respondingCreating a conscious response to your HRV drops with the Sweet Beat AppUseful Resources Mentioned:Ben Greenfield Fitness NatureBeat AppBulletproof Radio "Hacking Stress with HRV Sense"Ben Greenfield "Everything You Need to Know About HRV"Ben Greenfield FitnessOur 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|YouTubeRonda Collier, B.S.E.E., M.A. Psychology, is the CEO of SweetWater Health and has more than 25 years of experience in high technology product development with a proven track record of delivering leading edge consumer electronic products within both privately held startups and Fortune 500 corporations. She has spent the last 3 years as an independent scholar researching non-invasive health monitoring techniques to improve overall personal well being. This research led to the founding of SweetWater Health, L.L.C. in 2010.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

As of this week’s episode I have now recorded over 130 interviews with people all over the planet in many different industries with their own unique stories. But with all due respect to every single person I’ve ever interviewed, I can confidently say that talking today with Shane Burcaw was one of the highlights of my life. Rarely do you come across a human being that radiates such positivity, clarity, and confidence. If you don’t walk away from this interview feeling like you can overcome more than you thought you could, and if you don’t feel like you have a clear set of tools to make yourself happier without having to change the circumstances in your life at all, I recommend getting your ears checked because clearly you weren’t listening closely enough.Shane Burcaw is a co-founder of Laughing At My Nightmare, Inc., an organization dedicated to teaching people how humor can help them overcome their challenges, while also providing vital equipment to people living with muscular dystrophy. Shane is an award-winning author, Emmy-winning producer, and writer of a blog with over 600,000 followers. His nonprofit is responsible for over $60,000 in equipment provided to people living with muscular dystrophy. Shane and his business partner, Sarah, travel the country sharing the powerful idea that a positive mindset and a sense of humor can help anyone effectively overcome their challenges!And in case I haven’t mentioned it yet, Shane has lived with spinal muscular atrophy since shortly after birth and he’s quadriplegic. For those that don’t know what this means, we’ll talk about it more in today’s episode, but in short…Shane has little to no control of any of his four limbs and he has never walked.For my listeners that know my history, it’s probably no surprise that I’m so excited about having Shane on my show because I dedicated eight years of my life directing and producing the documentary film GO FAR: The Christopher Rush Story (narrated by Mark Hamill) about the first quadriplegic to become a certified scuba diver who was also one of the national poster children for the Muscular Dystrophy Association alongside Jerry Lewis back in the days of the Labor Day telethons. Christopher was not only the subject of this documentary, but he was also one of my closest friends who stood next to me at my wedding which unfortunately was the last time I saw him alive. But chatting today with Shane brought back so many memories of conversations I used to have with Christopher.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:The power of a willful mindset in the face of adversity"Everybody has a disability"How Shane uses humor to overcome difficult circumstancesEnabling yourself to realize when you are creating your own obstaclesShane's successful and occasionally unsuccessful athletic storiesProcessing hurtful media portrayals of physically handicapped individualsRecognizing when you have the power to improve your own situationsAccepting circumstances you can't control, so they don't end up controlling youLearning to ask yourself, "Is this going to matter in ten years?""Why not spend time loving as much as we can and exploring our passions? It's a hell of a better time to try and do good in the world."You don't have to feel guilty for not saving the world.What one thing made you smile today? When you are mindful of your joy, it will show up everywhere.Useful Resources Mentioned:GOFAR MovieShane Burcaw: Laughing at My NightmareMuscular Dystrophy AssociationOur 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|InstagramShane Burcaw is a co-founder of Laughing At My Nightmare, Inc., an organization dedicated to teaching people how humor can help them overcome their challenges, while also providing vital equipment to people living with muscular dystrophy. Shane is an award-winning author, Emmy-winning producer, and writer of a blog with over 600,000 followers. His nonprofit is responsible for over $60,000 in equipment provided to people living with muscular dystrophy. Shane and his business partner, Sarah, travel the country sharing the powerful idea that a positive mindset and a sense of humor can help anyone effectively overcome their challenges!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

Wes Plate is no stranger to adversity. On the surface it may appear that he is incredibly successful having founded the software company Automatic Duck, as well as worked for companies such as Adobe and Pinnacle, not to mention years of editing commercials and main title sequences for network television shows. On top of all that Wes is currently a product designer for a little tiny tech startup you may have heard of called Apple.Beyond Wes’ professional success is his personal achievements. If you scan through Wes’ Facebook or Instagram profiles you’ll see numerous pictures of him holding medals for marathons and ultra-marathons like they’re no big thing. But the story that you won’t see on Wes’ social media pages or on his website’s about page are the years of living with obesity, eating garbage, and worst of all living with alcoholism that not only almost cost him his family but also his life.In this episode we discuss how Wes went from a high school athlete to being hospitalized for alcohol abuse in his early 30’s, to then running his first Ultra Marathon (50K) with many half-marathons in between. His amazing journey will inspire you to find the strength to achieve your own health and wellness goals, regardless of the obstacles in your way.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Wes’ early career as an offline editor at an advertising agencyWhy Wes started Automatic Duck and how they became the “Switzerland” of the app worldHow going between different apps has changed in the last 15 years (...it hasn’t)Wes discusses how some of the bad habits he developed early in his career helped lead him down a path to alcoholismThe turning point in Wes’ life: Christmas of 2007Why he decided it was time to go to rehabHow a combination of tracking his weight and quitting alcohol motivated him to lose 40 lbs right after rehabWe discuss how breaking your goal into much smaller pieces (GO FAR framework) can help you succeedWe discuss overcoming mental barriers and how positive change can happen if you believe in yourself and your abilitiesWe discuss Wes’ “why” and the goal of becoming a responsible father and better role modelUseful Resources Mentioned:From Out-of-Shape to Running a 240 mile Ultra Marathon | with Wes PlateWes Plate's SiteWes' blog on overcoming alcohol abuseStrava Cycling and Running AppGarmin GPS watchHal Higdon Training ProgramsTony HortonOur 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|LinkedIn|InstagramWes Plate worked in Seattle as an offline editor at Pinnacle as well as freelance in the late 90s and early 2000s.In 2001 he co-founded Automatic Duck, a software company that became well-known for making timeline translation plug-ins for Avid, FCP and AE users. Today he works at Apple as a Product Designer in the Pro Apps group.Wes also edits with select clients on commercials, main title sequences and other short form projects.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

Billy Goldenberg is the Oscar-winning film editor of such films as Detroit, Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, The Imitation Game, several of the Transformers films, the National Treasure franchise, and many more. He’s done numerous collaborations with Michael Mann, Ben Affleck, Michael Bay, and he even won his Oscar the same year that his mentor Michael Kahn was nominated (if you’re not familiar with Michael Kahn, he’s Steven Spielberg’s longtime editor and collaborator). Needless to say, Billy Goldenberg knows a thing or two about what it takes to be successful in Hollywood.Sure, it’s easy to look at someone’s career like Billy’s from the outside and think, “Yeah it’s amazing what he’s done with his career, but c’mon, the guy was Michael Kahn’s assistant editor…there’s no way I’m going to be able to be as successful as he was!” there are actually fundamental steps you can extract from anyone’s career journey and apply to your own, and Billy is no different.In this episode rather than chatting about the ins-and-outs of film editing, Billy and I walk through his path from the beginning to where he is now and break down some of the lesser known skills necessary to be successful in any creative field where you collaborate with others on a regular basis.We discuss how important it is to respect the job you currently have and do great work at it while also being honest about what you want to do next, how honest you really should when giving your thoughts and feedback to producers and directors, the editor as the psychologist of filmmaking, and what it takes to move forwards given how demanding your current job probably already is, just to name a few examples.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Working hard at the job you're givenLearning to assess your place along your career ladderHow to to give honest criticism without creating bad work relationshipsWhen to trust the process and when to carve your own pathLearning how to take criticism and not take your creative work personallyHow to move up given the demands of working long hours as an assistantHow to approach your editor to cut your own scenesWhat it's like to work with Michael Mann and Michael BayStrategies to stay active and endure the long hoursWhen to draw the line on poor working conditionsThe importance of attitude!!!Useful Resources Mentioned:William's IMDb PageOur 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:William Goldenberg (born November 2, 1959) is an American film editor. He has more than twenty film and television credits since 1992. He won the Academy Award for Film Editing for the film Argo (2012), and has been nominated for The Insider (1999), Seabiscuit (2003), Zero Dark Thirty (2012) and The Imitation Game (2014). He has also received nominations for nine other editing-related awards Goldenberg has had an extended, notable collaboration with the director Michael Mann. Goldenberg has been elected to membership in the American Cinema EditorsShow 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 creative industries like film & television post-production, it's extremely common to see job listings for free or low paid work, but how do you know if it's worth it or if you should run for the hills? After all, would you ask for services for free in other industries?Just imagine walking into an upscale restaurant and saying, “I’d love to try out the most popular item on your menu, and while I won’t pay for it this time, if I love it there’s a high likelihood I’ll have business for you in the future.” Um, that would be a big giant NO. So why is it okay for people to exploit creative talent and imagination in exactly this way?In this archival episode from my ‘Fitness In Post’ days, Alan Bell and I discussed how to distinguish between whether or not a low or no paying job is worth the gamble for the bigger picture of advancing your career. We evaluate the many reasons that a specific job opportunity may be worth it based on the potential long-term payoffs, and we also talk about when it is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances to take on a job that is clearly looking to exploit your talents and experience (not that anyone would ever be interested in exploiting your creative talents).Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Why I decided to leave a high paying job to go cut a low paying indie filmAlan’s background and creditsThere is good kind of free work out there, you just have to watch for itYou can’t treat every film and every job posting the same wayNever take a free job if you’re not going to get something out of it: participation points, producing, new experience etcHow Alan got his start in the film industry with free workAlan’s work experience with Norman HollynHow I learned After Effects by working FOR FREEFree work that’s right for one person might not be right for anotherTake stock of where you are in your career and life before deciding to work for freeHow taking on a free web series (Bannan Way link..which site should this link to?) helped jump start my career in televisionBuilding relationships is a key component to finding quality workBring your own questions to an interview! Make sure the job is a good fit for youTake the work that’s good instead of taking the work that’s thereQuestions you should ask during an interviewKnow your own temperamentLearn how to spot the “catch phrases” and red flags of exploitative producersBe honest with yourself and surround yourself with honest peopleBe aware of your situation and decide what’s best for youUseful Resources Mentioned:How a Tentpole Hollywood Feature Editor Stays Healthy, Fit, and Sane | with Alan Bell, ACEWhy You Don’t Need to Go to Film School to Be Successful | with Eddie Hamilton, ACE [Pt 1]Mental Health is Not a Luxury…Even For “Top Guns” | with Eddie Hamilton, ACE [Pt 2]#SayNoToSpec VideoOur 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:Film editor Alan Edward Bell A.C.E., is best known for his work on (500) Days of Summer, ‘Water For Elephants’, ‘The Amazing Spiderman’, and the last three installments of the “Hunger Games” series. His resume spans 30 years in post-production, and includes a long list of credits in editorial as well as visual effects. Over the last 15 years he has been pushing the limits of what is possible in the cuttingroom by blending visual effects and editing techniques. Alan currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three sons.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

#AdvanceYourself month continues where we’re diving into the weeds talking about taking practical, boots-on-the-ground action steps to move your creative career forwards, or more specifically to this episode, how to transition from climbing one ladder to climbing a different one, even if that means taking one step back to take several forwards in the future.I’m incredibly excited for this episode because it’s with Wendy Calhoun who happens to not only be an incredibly decorated and accomplished writer and producer in Hollywood (here are her IMDB credits), but she’s also the very first person to hire me as a professional editor in Los Angeles.Wendy has worked on such gigantic network TV shows as Empire, Nashville, Justified, and Revenge, to name a few. She is also no stranger to adversity given she has climbed her way to the top in an incredibly competitive area of Hollywood - writing, executive producing, and now show running with upcoming projects such as No Place Safe for FX and Our Kind of People for Fox. And while great strides have been made in the past several years, let’s not beat around the bush. Making it as an accomplished writer/producer as either a female or an African-American is tough, but doing it as both is infinitely tougher. But regardless of the obstacles that stood in her way, Wendy forged ahead, changed her career path several times, overcame numerous obstacles (including a massive case of imposter syndrome), and defied the odds.In this episode we deconstruct Wendy’s unusual path to climb the ladder to the top to understand the basic fundamental steps that you can take to achieve the same levels of success, regardless of your circumstances.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Wendy's early theatrical writing and how it shaped her lifeProcessing your career goals when the path isn't clearHow Wendy and Zack came to know each otherTurning your creative passions into practiceDefining yourself by your desired vocation regardless of how you're getting paidHow writing for info-shows led Wendy to hits "Nashville" and "Empire"Learning to overclock the intensity and productivity of the writers roomWriting complicated, compelling, and honest female charactersHow producing Empire was "like a rainbow" for WendyThe importance of nurturing and giving opportunities to women and people of color in entertainmentHow Wendy plans to revolutionize inclusive production practices as a producer to tell the greatest storiesAdvice for up-and-coming writers and the importance of reaching your ten thousand hours of masteryUseful Resources Mentioned:Wendy Calhoun's IMDB PageOur 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|InstagramWendy Calhoun is a series creator developing content at multiple broadcast and cable studios. She’s currently writing and Executive Producing FX’s NO PLACE SAFE, a miniseries about the Atlanta child murders, to star Emmy winner Regina King. Her past credits include Co-Executive Producing and writing the historic first season of Fox’s hit series EMPIRE. In addition, she’s written and produced for ABC’S NASHVILLE, FX’s JUSTIFIED, ABC’s REVENGE, and NBC’s LIFE.Last summer, Calhoun wrote and directed the virtual reality short, LEFT BEHIND, sponsored by Google and honored as “Best in VR” at Digital Hollywood 2016. She received a 2010 Peabody Award and WGA Best New Series Nomination for JUSTIFIED. She received her second WGA Best New Series Nomination in 2012 for NASHVILLE.Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Calhoun studied film and television at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts.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