The Zack Arnold Podcast

We know that the life of a creative professional comes with passion and excitement and it also comes with challenges and uncertainties. When hard times hit, it’s important to have strategies, mindsets, and game plans in place to keep your creative juices flowing and your passion and excitement pumping.For the next five weeks, we are releasing our best conversations with experts on the topics of creativity, mindset, and career diversification. You will learn the laws of creativity, how to master change, how to design the life you want, avoid burnout, and how to manage the negative chatter in your mind that keeps you from thriving in your life and career. Stay tuned for this Top 5 Series called the Creative’s Guide to a Thriving Life & Career.If you haven’t already, make sure to visit optimizeyourself.me/podcast to download your very own customized podcast playlist based on your goals.Without further adieu, here is the third part of this five-interview series with award-winning artist, entrepreneur, best-selling author, and photographer Chase Jarvis. Chase and Zack discuss how to find your creative calling, how to surround yourself with the right people, and how to make your life and career thrive.You can find the original show notes for this interview at optimizeyourself.me/episode216.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

We know that the life of a creative professional comes with passion and excitement and it also comes with challenges and uncertainties. When hard times hit, it’s important to have strategies, mindsets, and game plans in place to keep your creative juices flowing and your passion and excitement pumping.For the next five weeks, we are releasing our best conversations with experts on the topics of creativity, mindset, and career diversification. You will learn the laws of creativity, how to master change, how to design the life you want, avoid burnout, and how to manage the negative chatter in your mind that keeps you from thriving in your life and career. Stay tuned for this Top 5 Series called the Creative’s Guide to a Thriving Life & Career.If you haven’t already, make sure to visit optimizeyourself.me/podcast to download your very own customized podcast playlist based on your goals.Without further adieu, here is the second part of this five-interview series with Brad Stulberg who is the best-selling author of Master of Change (among several other titles). Brad breaks down the science behind how we react to change and reveals a simple formula for how to manage it.The original show notes for this conversation can be found at optimizeyourself.me/episode231.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

We know that the life of a creative professional comes with passion and excitement and it also comes with challenges and uncertainties. When hard times hit, it’s important to have strategies, mindsets, and game plans in place to keep your creative juices flowing and your passion and excitement pumping.For the next five weeks, we are releasing our best conversations with experts on the topics of creativity, mindset, and career diversification. You will learn the laws of creativity, how to master change, how to design the life you want, avoid burnout, and how to manage the negative chatter in your mind that keeps you from thriving in your life and career. Stay tuned for this Top 5 Series called the Creative’s Guide to a Thriving Life & Career.If you haven’t already, make sure to visit optimizeyourself.me/podcast to download your very own customized podcast playlist based on your goals.Without further adieu, here is episode one of our five-part interview series with Joey Cafone, author of The Laws of Creativity. In this conversation, Joey and Zack dive deep into the details of his book and break down the components of optimizing and maximizing your creativity.The original show notes for this conversation can be found at optimizeyourself.me/episode214.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistMy guest today is Amy Gallo who is a workplace expert and cohost of Harvard Business Review's Women at Work podcast. Amy is also an author and speaker focusing on gender, interpersonal dynamics, difficult conversations, feedback, and effective communication. Today, we're delving into her book, Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People), because, like it or not, collaboration is an inevitable part of our professional lives.In our conversation, Amy challenges the common preference amoung creative introverts, like myself, that we work best in isolation. She explains why collaboration is essential and highlights the importance of developing the skill to get along with others to achieve our best work. We explore the various types of colleagues we may encounter, including the difficult ones, and discuss how to transform these challenging relationships into productive and collaborative partnerships.Amy's insights are invaluable, regardless of your industry or if you work independently. Given that interaction and collaboration with others is necessary it only makes sense to turn these into positive, productive connections.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How organizational strategies can collapse (even good ones) if people aren't getting alongWhy workplace relationships are more important than hard skillsHow creative introverts who think they work best alone are actually hindering their creativityKEY TAKEAWAY: The best idea didn't start as the best idea but as an idea that had some potentialThe importance of disagreements and creative friction to bring about the best possible productKEY TAKEAWAY: Healthy relationships lead to better creativityThe first question you ask when you're overwhelmed and how it can reduce your stressWhy people don't like to work with peopleKEY TAKEAWAY: Even difficult relationships can be valuableWhy it’s beneficial to be friends with people you work withWhat are the 8 archetypes of difficult people and how to deal with themKEY TAKEAWAY: The traits that bother you most often are the ones that are just like youHow to frame disagreements so you're all on the same side instead of competing with each otherGender differences and conflict: how to deal with biasesHow to deal with conflict brought about by generational gapsThe most important metaskill to learn: strategic empathyThe 9th archetype of difficult people that isn’t in the bookHow to know if it's time to quitUseful Resources Mentioned:How to Build Collaborative Cultures & Fix Toxic Creative Environments | with Chris DeaverHow to Know (Without a Doubt) If It’s Time to Quit | with Annie DukeAmy’s newsletterContinue to Listen & LearnOvercoming Communication Fears for Introverted Creatives | with Bridget SampsonMeetings Don’t Have to Suck: Learn a Better Way to Create and Collaborate | with Dr. Steven RogelbergUsing Humility to Cultivate Relationships and Land Your Dream Gig In Network TV | with Scott Powell, ACEFostering Better Relationships and Improving Team Culture | with Jason BargerOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianHow to Build Meaningful Relationships in the ‘Real World’ | with Camille VirginiaBuilding Skills, Relationships, and Weathering Industry Storms | with Shie RozowHow to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachOn the Vital Importance of “Being Nice” | with Jesse Averna, ACEImprove Your Networking Skills By Serving First (Instead of Selling) | with Liston WitherillGuest Bio: Amy Gallo  Amy Gallo is a workplace expert who writes and speaks about gender, interpersonal dynamics, difficult conversations, feedback, and effective communication. She is the author of Getting Along: How to Work with Anyone (Even Difficult People) and the HBR Guide to Dealing with Conflict, as well as hundreds of articles for Harvard Business Review. For the past three years, Amy has co-hosted HBR’s popular Women at Work podcast, which examines the struggles and successes of women in the workplace. She is frequently sought out by media outlets for her perspective on workplace dynamics, conflict, and difficult conversations. Her advice has been featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, Marketplace, and The Austin American-Statesman, as well as on WNYC, the BBC, and ABC (Australian BroadcastingShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

My guest today is Dr. Steven Rogelberg who is an organizational psychologist and author of the new book, Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings, and according to Adam Grant, Dr. Rogelberg "knows more about how to improve meetings than anyone on earth." He has helped a number of leading organizations including Google, Facebook, Amazon, Pfizer and Warner Brothers.Now, we all know that meetings often get a bad rap and according to Dr. Rogelberg, it's not just us. It's bad everywhere. In this episode, Dr. Rogelberg and I dive into the underlying reasons why we struggle at meetings and why we still need to crack the code to have better meetings. We also talk about why meetings are so important in any organization, including the creative space, despite our collective aversion to it. More importantly, Dr. Rogelberg shares how you can reclaim your time, energy, and creativity using different strategies to make meetings productive, engaging, and even (dare I say) enjoyable.Regardless of the industry you are in, my conversation with Dr. Rogelberg will help you transform your meetings from soul-sucking snooze-fests to dynamic hubs of productivity and collaboration so you can have the bandwidth to do great creative work.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Why we struggle at meetingsWhy it's hard to change the way we do meetingsWhat makes meetings for creatives essentially similar to other industriesThe connective tissue that universally makes us bad at meetingsWhy doing a round-robin in a meeting is a bad ideaThe alternative strategy to satisfy our need for genuine connection and why it worksHow to build team cohesion and have better meetings (versus the other way around)The reasons why not everything can just be an emailHow to figure out if a topic should be a meeting or an emailHow to have better meetings (for creatives)Why meeting about meetings (and training on meetings) is importantHow to help make better meetings as an attendeeUseful Resources Mentioned:Glad We Met: The Art and Science of 1:1 Meetings by Dr. Steven RogelbergParkinson's LawKairosContinue to Listen & LearnLegendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ YearsOptimizing Your Remote Post-Production Workflow (and Maintaining Your Sanity) | with Michael KammesRedefining What It Means to Be “Productive” (and Aligning Your Values With Your Time) | with Tamara TorresUsing the Athlete’s Mindset to Hone Your Creativity & Productivity | with Vashi Nedomansky, ACEFostering Better Relationships and Improving Team Culture | with Jason Barger6 Ways to Be More Productive and Creative with your FilmmakingBest Practices for Adopting a Remote Post-Production WorkflowLet’s Stop Talking About “Productivity” and Start Talking About Balance | with Mike VardyOptimizing Sleep, Productivity, & Creativity Using Ultradian Rhythms and Self-Tracking | with Dr. Azure GrantHow to Become ‘Indistractable’ | with Nir EyalGuest Bio: Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg Dr. Steven G. Rogelberg, an organizational psychologist, holds the title of Chancellor's Professor at UNC Charlotte for distinguished national, international, and interdisciplinary contributions. His last book, The Surprising Science of Meetings: How You Can Lead Your Team to Peak Performance (Oxford) was recognized by the Washington Post as the "#1 Leadership Book to Watch for" and featured on CBS This Morning, Freakonomics, HBR, NPR, WSJ, and BBC World. He was the inaugural winner of the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) Humanitarian Award and just finished his term as President of SIOP, the largest professional organization in the world for I-O psychology.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistToday's guest is Chris Deaver, the co-founder of BraveCore, a leadership consultancy dedicated to helping leaders embrace creativity and empowering creatives to become better leaders. Chris has worked with Fortune 500 companies like Apple and Disney, inspiring them to develop groundbreaking content through a culture known as co-creation.In today's corporate landscape, many companies stifle creativity and operate under toxic cultures, often without realizing it. As Chris and I discussed, this has been the norm for years because it worked. But now we've reached a tipping point where things are starting to fall apart, and the way we collaborate and build relationships needs to evolve. Chris and I explore what the culture of co-creation entails and how it has benefited early adopters like Apple. More importantly, he provides practical steps you can take to cultivate a culture of co-creation in your own environment.Even if you're not a manager or CEO, my conversation with Chris provides essential advice for anyone who is a creative collaborating with others.. It highlights the importance of changing how we communicate with each other to foster more nurturing relationships, regardless of our roles.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Why Chris left his job at Disney after meeting a 'successful' animatorHow the International Mentoring Network started and how it grewKEY TAKEAWAY: There isn't a single path but a set of building blocksWhat is co-creation and how it helps in collaborationWhy companies kill creativityThe concept of the beast versus the babyHow co-creation became an essential tool in the writing of Iron ManThe questions you can ask to activate your creativityThe toxic cultures that kill creativity (without us realizing it) and how to change themIf there are better ways to do things, why aren't we doing it?What are the four turnings and where we are now in the cycleHow to begin a culture of co-creationWhat are brave conversationsKEY TAKEAWAY: If you want to affect change, it has to start with you and the next person, not from the top down.The first step toward building a culture of co-creationHow to change behaviors and rethink relationshipsUseful Resources Mentioned:Brave Together: Lead by Design, Spark Creativity, and Shape the Future with the Power of Co-Creation: Deaver, Chris; Clawson, IanCreativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration: Catmull, EdThe Creative Act: A Way of Being: Rubin, RickWhat Is the Fourth Turning? Strauss and Howe's Theory of Crisis | Shortform Books First Follower: Leadership Lessons from Dancing Guyhttps://bravecore.coContinue to Listen & LearnOvercoming Communication Fears for Introverted Creatives | with Bridget SampsonFostering Better Relationships and Improving Team Culture | with Jason BargerOn Hiring Editors & AE’s, Fostering Creative Collaboration, and Managing Happy Post Teams | with Paul LeonardOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianBuilding Skills, Relationships, and Weathering Industry Storms | with Shie RozowUsing Humility to Cultivate Relationships and Land Your Dream Gig In Network TV | with Scott Powell, ACEHow to Build Meaningful Relationships in the ‘Real World’ | with Camille VirginiaHow to Live a Better Life Simply by Asking Better Questions | with Marc ChampagneLet’s Stop Talking About “Productivity” and Start Talking About Balance | with Mike VardyGuest Bio: Chris Deaver  Chris Deaver is cofounder of BraveCore, a leadership consultancy that helps leaders be more creative and creatives be better leaders. He’s influenced Fortune 500s from the inside, including Apple and Disney, creating breakthrough content like Different Together and Collaboration by Design, and inspiring teams shaping iProducts and Star Wars experiences.His clients also include other Fortune 500 companies, such as Amazon, Google, Microsoft, Coca-Cola, LinkedIn, Nike, and Lockheed Martin. He is the co-author of Brave Together: Lead By Design, Spark Creativity, and Shape the Future with the Power of Co-Creation that was published in December of 2023.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Author and leadership coach Bridget Sampson shares insights on overcoming communication fears, emphasizing the value of crafting a meaningful message. The discussion focuses on the journey from fear to confidence in public speaking, the importance of effective communication for building relationships, and the process of sharing valuable insights with the world.

Bestselling author Scott Young discusses information overload in our connected world and challenges traditional education for independent learning. He explores AI's impact on learning and the importance of mastering the skill of learning in today's digital age. Scott emphasizes seeking guidance from mentors to improve skills and reignite passion for learning.

Hollywood talent manager and business coach, Nelson Paredez Parks, shares insights on viewing your creative career as a business, time management strategies, and crafting a business plan. Learn about the importance of being a multi-hyphenate creative, seeking guidance, and networking for success in the industry.

Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?→ Click here for your customized podcast playlistMy guest today is Christina Rasmussen who is an acclaimed grief educator and counselor. She is the bestselling author of Second Firsts, Where Did You Go? And her new book Invisible Loss is the focus of our conversation today. Now you might be wondering why I’m talking to a grief counselor on a podcast about optimization. But you’ll quickly realize that living a fulfilling and rewarding life is hindered by “invisible losses.” These unrecognized losses leave us feeling like we’re not living the life we’re meant to live.Christina and I delve into the concept of the 'Thriver Self,' the part of us that's unhindered by fear, eager to try new things, looking for opportunities, and ready to take action. She argues that through an invisible loss, we lose our connection to our Thriver Self thus hindering our ability to move forward.You will hear Christina put me on the hot seat as the tables turn and I get vulnerable about the circumstances of my life over the last year and a half. Christina helps me connect to my Thriver Self and identifies a simple step I can take to restore what was lost. This practical approach that she calls Life Reentry, is a process that will help us move on and thrive in our new reality.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Christina's origin story of why she chose to become a grief counselor (she didn't lose anyone yet)Why Zack calls the COVID pandemic, The Great CorrectionWhy Zack decided to make a career transitionThe (untold) Christopher Rush storyHow Christina discovered invisible lossKEY TAKE AWAY: Invisible losses can be more catastrophic than recognized lossWhat is Mental Stacking and how is it doneThe Survivor Self and Thriver Self and why it's important to distinguish themMental stacking with Zack - finding and recognizing an invisible lossWhat's a 'plug in' and how can it help to reconnect with your Thriver SelfUseful Resources Mentioned:I Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About ItGO FAR: The Christopher Rush StoryThe Invisible Losses LibraryInvisible Loss bookContinue to Listen & LearnThe Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi WiensA New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick WignallHow to Reverse Depression, Anxiety, and ADD at the Genetic Level | with Dr. Ben LynchThe Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth GillihanThe Power of a ‘Mindfulness’ Practice | with Dr. Swati DesaiHow to Avoid Burnout and Live a More ‘Effortless’ Life | with Greg McKeownSeverance Is Not Only the Dystopian Future of Workplace Burnout…In Many Ways We’re Already ThereThe difference between exhaustion and burnout (and my dirty little secret)[CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss TerryThe Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen MaloneThe Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric BarkerReal Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael KammesUnderstanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de MelloGuest Bio: Christina Rasmussen  Christina Rasmussen is an acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author of Second Firsts (Hay House, 2013), Where Did You Go? (Harper One, 2018), and Invisible Loss (Sounds True, 2024). In 2010, four years after her thirty-five-year-old spouse passed away from Stage 4 colon cancer, she created the Life Reentry process, which launched her on a mission to bring compassion, grace, and validation to thousands, while simultaneously establishing an exit from what she termed the Waiting Room.Christina holds a master’s degree in guidance and counseling (University of Durham). She is currently finishing her master of fine arts degree in painting and drawing (Academy of Art). Her grief work has been featured on ABC News and in Women’s World, the Washington Post, and the White House Blog.In her spare time, she is learning to play the piano and planning her first trip to the edge of space. She works and lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband, Eric, and their two dogs.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content