The Zack Arnold Podcast

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/the-zack-arnold-podcast/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 Dr. Romie Mushtaq who is a board-certified physician who brings together more than two decades of leadership in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness. She is the author of the recently published book, The Busy Brain Cure.Dr. Romie offers a fresh approach to understanding stress, anxiety, and burnout from the perspective of a brain doctor. In our conversation, Dr. Romie and I talk about what she calls 'busy brain,' a condition stemming from unchecked stress and burnout, and how these can lead to burnout without us even realizing it. We dive deep into the symptoms of a busy brain and I reveal the score I got when I took Dr. Romie’s Busy Brain Test. We discuss what circumstances led to that score and she introduces me to the concept of Caregiver Burnout which was revelatory to me.Dr. Romie knows the science of the busy brain but she also shows her deep empathy for anyone who may appear to have it all together but inside you are falling apart. She wants you to know that you are not alone and there is help. Dr. Romie provides your next steps to understanding your own chronic stresses to help you create a personalized path to healing.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Dr. Romie's origin story and what led her to write her bookHow modern society repackages meditation, mindfulness, healing as some 'new age cure' without addressing the real problemThe difference between acute and chronic stressWhat is Hormetic stressThe Busy Brain TestThe differences between anxiety, depression and burnoutKEY TAKE AWAY: Only trained professionals can diagnose depression, anxiety, and burnout.The top reasons for depressionWhat are the symptoms of a busy brainHow medications can lead to stimulant-sedative cycleThe root cause of burnoutHow to practice non-attachment without detaching yourself from your goalsUseful Resources Mentioned:The Busy Brain TestHow Your Gut Health is the Key to Unlocking a Healthier & Happier You | with Dr. Edison de Mello Understanding the Difference Between Integrative & Traditional Medicine | with Dr. Edison de Mello On the Frontlines with COVID-19, How to Boost Your Immunity, & Testing Safely | with Dr. Edison de MelloContinue 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: Dr. Romie Mushtaq  Dr. Romie Mushtaq is a board-certified physician who brings together more than two decades of leadership in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness. She is an award-winning speaker working with Fortune 500 companies, professional athletes, & global associations. Her brainSHIFT programs improve mental well-being and help to build a culture of wellness. Dr. Romie serves as Chief Wellness Officer for Evolution Hospitality, where she scaled a mindfulness & wellness program to over 7,000 employees. Her expertise is featured in the national media, such as NPR, NBC, TED talks, and Forbes. Her first book, The Busy Brain Cure is published by Harper Collins in January 2024.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/the-zack-arnold-podcast/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 Dr. Kandi Wiens, Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Masters in Medical Education Program and co-founder of Big Sky Leadership Labs. But what brought her to my attention is her book, Burnout Immunity, and her perspective on the subject.My conversation with Dr. Wiens starts deep and goes deeper with both of us admitting to feeling burned out right out of the gate. This isn’t two experts who have it all figured out spouting advice from the mountain top. This is a very real conversation talking about burnout from the trenches. Dr. Wiens takes us deep into the psychology of burnout to gain an understanding of its root causes. We explore why we tend to drive ourselves to burnout, even when we may be unemployed or underemployed. Dr. Wiens reveals how the term burnout is often overused and that sometimes, we might not be burned out at all. More importantly, Dr. Wiens and I talk about the strategies and tools you can use to develop burnout immunity so you can build resilience and heal your relationship with your work and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How Dr. Wiens personal experience led her from being a management consultant to studying burnoutHow past experiences affect how we deal with stress and also hold ourselves backWhat is Emotion Focus Coping and how we can shift away from it to taking 'control' of our stressThe root cause of burnout and why it's important to knowWhat drives us to burnout (without us realizing it)?Burnout versus Overextension and why it's important to know the differenceHow to know your degree of burnoutWhat are protective patterns when dealing with burnoutHow we can be burned out even without a jobWhat is Burnout Immunity and how to develop itHow to self-regulate and change your mindsetUseful Resources Mentioned:A Classic Case of Post-Production BurnoutI Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.Are You Burned Out? Or Is It Something Else? Burnout Risk Assessment | Kandi WiensManaging & Alleviating Chronic Pain with…Creativity? | with Anna Holtzmankandiwiens.comContinue to Listen & LearnHow 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 There[CASE STUDY] From Total Burnout to Shooting for the Moon (Literally) | with David J. TurnerThe 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 BarkerHow I burned out as a burnout coach (and then bounced back)So You’re Burned Out…Now What? [7 Ways to Climb Out of the Hole]7 Red Flags You Might Be Burned Out (Or You’re Headed There)Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael KammesUnderstanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de MelloGuest Bio: Dr. Kandi Wiens Kandi Wiens, EdD is the Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Masters in Medical Education Program and the Penn Health Professions Education Certificate Program. As a sought-after international speaker, Dr. Wiens is co-founder and chief research officer of Big Sky Leadership Labs, where she leads and conducts evidence-based research on executive performance, emotional intelligence, burnout, and resilience. Her work has been prominently featured in the Harvard Business Review and in several Harvard Business Review Press books.A Senior Fellow at Penn, Dr. Wiens is Academic Director of the PennCLO Master’s Program and teaches various graduate-level and executive-format courses. She has designed and delivered over 2,000 leadership development programs focused on helping leaders build and leverage their emotional and social intelligence to amplify their positive impact and protect themselves from burnout.Dr. Wiens holds a doctorate from the Penn Chief Learning Officer executive doctoral program at the University of Pennsylvania, an M.B.A. from the University of Oregon, and a B.S. in business administration from Montana State University.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/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Psychologist Gay Hendricks discusses breaking through the Upper Limit Problem to reach the Genius Zone for personal growth. Strategies to overcome self-sabotage, embrace creativity, and live a more fulfilling life are explored. The importance of recognizing and overcoming self-imposed limitations, enhancing productivity, and navigating personal growth challenges are highlighted in the conversation.

Dr. Mark Shrime, a surgeon and author, discusses finding your purpose and living a fulfilling life. He highlights moral injury, decision-making paralysis, and aligning actions with passion. Dr. Shrime shares his origin story, epiphany moments, and the importance of living in alignment with your 'why'. The conversation touches on overcoming expectations, defining success, and the transformative power of finding purpose in your career.

Given the vast uncertainty in the job market over the last year, it can feel near impossible to both structure your time so you actually feel productive and also manage your finances so you have the confidence you’ll weather this storm.That’s why the Optimizer team & I have put together this Top 5 series the Creative’s Guide to Time & Financial Freedom. We have chosen my most relevant conversations with some of the world’s experts on both time & financial management to help you gain a little more control in a world that feels very out of control. These episodes are packed with actionable tips from brilliant minds who understand the unique challenges faced by freelancers and creatives, both inside and outside, of the entertainment industry. 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 final part of this five-interview series with Silvia Inks. She’s the founder of SMI Financial Coaching where she helps people organize their finances so they can sleep easy at night and focus on the things they love instead of worrying about their money. You can find the original show notes for this interview at optimizeyourself.me/episode43.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Given the vast uncertainty in the job market over the last year, it can feel near impossible to both structure your time so you actually feel productive and also manage your finances so you have the confidence you’ll weather this storm.That’s why the Optimizer team & I have put together this Top 5 series the Creative’s Guide to Time & Financial Freedom. We have chosen my most relevant conversations with some of the world’s experts on both time & financial management to help you gain a little more control in a world that feels very out of control. These episodes are packed with actionable tips from brilliant minds who understand the unique challenges faced by freelancers and creatives, both inside and outside, of the entertainment industry. 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 fourth part of this five interview series with financial expert, Mike Michalowicz. Mike is the author of Profit First, which is an essential guide to organizing your finances, especially if you are a freelancer in the gig economy. This conversation breaks down his financial system designed specifically for freelancers & entrepreneurs, and this is the same system I use to manage all of my money, both business and personal. It’s game changing stuff…You can find the original show notes for this interview at optimizeyourself.me/episode88.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Given the vast uncertainty in the job market over the last year, it can feel near impossible to both structure your time so you actually feel productive and also manage your finances so you have the confidence you’ll weather this storm.That’s why the Optimizer team & I have put together this Top 5 series the Creative’s Guide to Time & Financial Freedom. We have chosen my most relevant conversations with some of the world’s experts on both time & financial management to help you gain a little more control in a world that feels very out of control. These episodes are packed with actionable tips from brilliant minds who understand the unique challenges faced by freelancers and creatives, both inside and outside, of the entertainment industry. 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 author and productivity expert, Matt Sandrini. Matt and I discuss how you can invest your time just as you would invest your money and why the idea of work-life balance is a myth (and what you should aim for instead).You can find the original show notes for this interview at optimizeyourself.me/episode77.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Given the vast uncertainty in the job market over the last year, it can feel near impossible to both structure your time so you actually feel productive and also manage your finances so you have the confidence you’ll weather this storm.That’s why the Optimizer team & I have put together this Top 5 series the Creative’s Guide to Time & Financial Freedom. We have chosen my most relevant conversations with some of the world’s experts on both time & financial management to help you gain a little more control in a world that feels very out of control. These episodes are packed with actionable tips from brilliant minds who understand the unique challenges faced by freelancers and creatives, both inside and outside, of the entertainment industry. 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 Laura Vanderkam who is the author of All the Money in the World: What the Happiest People Know About Wealth. Despite the book being ten years old, the information is timeless and this conversation will help you see the relationship between time, money, and happiness in a whole new way.The original show notes for this conversation can be found at optimizeyourself.me/episode241.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content