The Zack Arnold Podcast

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 playlistIf you're a creative professional in the entertainment industry, you are probably feeling pretty discouraged by the lack of jobs popping up this year. At Optimize Yourself, we like to focus on the things we can control and set goals that we are empowered to achieve.While we can't control what jobs are out there or whether they are offered to us, we can put ourselves in positions where we will be the first to hear of jobs when they pop up. This involves building relationships with people.That's why today, I'm sharing this episode from the archives with editor and assistant editor Scott Davis, who, back in 2018, made a big move from New York to Los Angeles with zero contacts or connections. The strategies he used apply the same today as they did back then. I hope you find this useful and actionable so you can let go of what you can't control and take action on what you can control.→ Click here to see the original published episodeWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Scott’s ‘origin story’ from New York to Hollywood with no connections and ‘no idea what to do’ (sound familiar?)The terrifying feeling of trying to get into this ‘fortress of opportunity’ in Hollywood where the only way in seems to be from people inside who are working & too busy to help you.The dilemma of just 'finding the next gig to pay the bills' vs. ‘playing the long game’ to pursue the career path you really want.The counter-intuitive shift in focus that makes that effectively eliminates that so-called ’dilemma’. (Listen for this key takeaway!)Why there’s no more important skill than networking in this industry and the step-by-step path to networking for introverts.Discover the ’secrets’ to “cold emailing” / “cold outreach” and how Scott boosted his response rate from 5% to 75%.The REAL goal of sending an outreach email. (HINT: It sounds so easy it couldn’t possibly work.)How to ‘crawl inside the brain’ of the person you send an outreach email to and see it from their perspective.How to get people to OPEN your approach email and why doing a few minutes of research goes a LONG way.Why the idea of “nobody wants to help me” is just wrong and right way to tap into people’s natural tendency to WANT share their wisdom & experience with you.Connecting the dots: Scott’s story of turning rejections into opportunities.What it really means to “lead with value” and the power of ‘validation’.The momentum that builds when you invest in building relationships over time.Useful Resources Mentioned:Get The Insider’s Guide to Writing Great Amazing Outreach EmailsThe Optimizer Coaching & Mentorship ProgramContinue to Listen & LearnEp244: [CASE STUDY] How Marc Wiltshire Optimized His Cold Outreach Strategies (and Expanded His Network) to Land His Dream JobEp204: [CASE STUDY] How to Make Your Dream Project a Reality | with Matt Allen and Matthew GentileEp192: [CASE STUDY] How a Single Outreach Email Led to a Dream Job at Marvel | with Matthew FarrugiaEp172: [CASE STUDY] Landing Your Dream Job Isn’t About “Luck,” It’s About Strategy | with Fabian Corrado & Nick TowleWant a Response to Your Cold Emails? Then Every Message MUST Do These 5 ThingsWhy Writing Cold Emails Is the Most Important ‘Soft Skill’ You Must Master (Especially If You’re An Introvert)The 5 Most Common Mistakes You’re Making With Your Cold Emails (and How to Fix Them)Ep184: Networking (the Right Way), Mentorship, and Connecting with ‘Experts’ | with Troy Takaki, ACEGuest Bio: Scott DavisJ. Scott Davis is an editor, assistant editor, outdoorsman, hopeless introvert and constant seeker of knowledge."I lived and worked in NYC for over 10 years working with some of the greatest documentarians on some really great films like: “Makers: The Women Who Make America”, “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies”, “Wagner’s Dream” and “Outside the Bubble”. In the fall of 2018 I headed west to Los Angeles to escape bad weather, lack of sunlight, and 5th floor walk ups. The lifestyle change is glorious but the true joy is I am now pursuing a long held dream of working in scripted features and series."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 Rob Howard who is a professional software developer and the founder of Innovating with AI, a company that helps entrepreneurs harness the power of AI. As a veteran with over 20 years in the tech industry, Rob is here to help us demystify AI by giving us a glimpse of how Large Language Models (LLM) really work. Rob breaks down for us what makes AI tick and how understanding it can shift our perspective from fear to opportunity, as AI becomes another tool for unleashing more of our creativity so we can do great work.Rob also shares how you can start to dabble with AI so you can integrate it with your own unique talents and skills. Regardless of how you feel about AI, this conversation will open your mind and help you future-proof yourself in order to stay ahead in an ever-evolving landscape.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How being a Jack-of-all-trades can create robustness in what you do in life and in businessWhy Rob compares AI to a giant Plinko boardWhat tokens are and how are they used in Large Language Models (LLM)The math that makes AI workHow AI gives us decent answers and why it shouldn't terrify usThe big change AI brought us that we didn't think was possibleThe root cause of our fear of AI and why it's actually a good thingWhat will make you replaceable by AI, and more importantly, what won'tThe level at which AI fails and how to leverage it to do great workHow to innovate with AI without being a coderUseful Resources Mentioned:Plinko boardImage: Zombie crawling to the finish lineThe iron triangleInnovating with AIRob's No Code ToolkitContinue to Listen & LearnOpenAI’s Chad Nelson on How Artificial Intelligence Could Shape the Future of Creativity, Collaboration, and How We Can SurviveIs Artificial Intelligence Coming for Your Job? Maybe…and Here’s How to Prepare | with Michael KammesHow to Be an Irreplaceable Creative in the Emerging World of Artificial Intelligence | with Srinivas RaoEditFest 2023: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Art of EditingWhat Does The Future Hold for “AE’s” In the Age of “AI”? | LACPUG PanelWhat Creativity Is, How It Works, and the Laws to Learning It | with Joey CofoneThe Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will StorrBuilding a Career Beyond Your Job Title, Strategically Crafting Your Story, and Diversifying Your Career Portfolio | with Jeff BartschRedefining Your Career Path in a Post Generational Society | with Mauro GuillénHow to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina WallaceHow to Reinvent Yourself, Pursue Your Dreams, and Change Careers at Any Age | with Marcelo LewinGuest Bio: Rob Howard Rob Howard is a 20-year tech industry veteran, software developer, startup founder, investor and entrepreneur – and the creator of Innovating with AI.Rob’s story starts at age 12 – when he learned to code and built his first HTML websites. A few years later, his first online business was featured in Entertainment Weekly, and he was off to the races in a career that combined tech and entrepreneurship with journalism, public communications and a unique approach to building companies that make their customers and employees proud.Rob founded a 1-million-user cloud storage startup that was acquired in 2009, and since then he’s built, acquired and invested in a range of tech startups, including acquisitions of MasterWP and Understrap and the launch of EveryAlt, BusinessEnglish.ai and Inbox Autopilot, three AI-powered software-as-a-service platforms.Rob is the CEO of HDC, a web development firm that has served brands including Harvard University, MIT, The World Bank, and Marriott. His software powers more than 100,000 websites, including sites for Intel, Facebook and The Oscars.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 playlistArtificial intelligence is rapidly advancing and causing a stir among creative professionals that ranges from excitement at new possibilities to fear of rendering jobs redundant and unnecessary.As the responsibilities of assistant editors have morphed into highly technical tasks over the years, a disconcerting question emerges: are their roles at risk of being assumed by AI?At last year's LACPUG, I was honored to be the moderator of a panel that talked about this very topic. The distinguished panelists were Ashley McKinney, Assistant Editor (Gotham Knights, Shooter, The Last Movie Star); Scott Jacobs, Assistant Editor (Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, WandaVision, The Orville); and Richard Sanchez, Visual Effects Editor (Ahsoka, Bill & Ted Face the Music, She-Hulk: Attorney at Law).Whether you are an assistant editor or any creative professional in any industry, this conversation applies to you. AI is not going anywhere and the more we understand how it impacts every job and person we interact with, the more we can adapt and grow with it. Join us for a candid conversation about what this paradigm shift means for all creative professionals. This is a discussion you won't want to miss and I am immensely grateful to LACPUG for allowing me to publish it here.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Why it’s important to say Assistant Editor as opposed to AEShould we allow AI into the creative workflow?Where AI can be dangerous in the workflow and what we can do to avoid thatThe MovieLabs 2030 Vision Initiative and how it affects the assistant editors' worldEfficiency versus effectiveness and which one should you focus on moreWill there be a new path to becoming an editor?Understanding the limitations of AI and using that as leverageHow to protect your boundaries in the midst of efficiency brought about by AIWhere you can start to learn more about AIThe essential skills you need to develop to become irreplaceableUseful Resources Mentioned:EditFest 2023: Exploring the Impact of Artificial Intelligence on the Art of EditingThe 2030 Vision Initiative (MovieLabs)Continue to Listen & LearnEp249: OpenAI’s Chad Nelson on How Artificial Intelligence Could Shape the Future of Creativity, Collaboration, and How We Can SurviveEp222: Is Artificial Intelligence Coming for Your Job? Maybe…and Here’s How to Prepare | with Michael KammesEp221: How to Be an Irreplaceable Creative in the Emerging World of Artificial Intelligence | with Srinivas RaoEp214: What Creativity Is, How It Works, and the Laws to Learning It | with Joey CofoneEp212: The Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will StorrEp246: Building a Career Beyond Your Job Title, Strategically Crafting Your Story, and Diversifying Your Career Portfolio | with Jeff BartschEp232: How to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina WallaceEp245: How to Reinvent Yourself, Pursue Your Dreams, and Change Careers at Any Age | with Marcelo LewinEp231: How to Become Resilient In the Face of Change (and Manage an Identity Crisis) | with Brad StulbergMastermind Q&A: How to Successfully Be a “Specialized Generalist” | with Michael AddisShow 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 playlistWhen it comes to AI, I've made it pretty clear where I stand. I believe we are seeing the transition away from specialization and back to generalization when it comes to the value we bring to the workplace. And AI is only accelerating this process. As creatives, we can choose to embrace the possibilities of what AI can offer us while doubling down on our unique zone of genius that sets us apart from the machines or we can choose to be left behind.At last year's EditFest, I was one of 4 panelists invited to talk about the convergence of AI with the creative process, particularly related to the art of editing. My fellow distinguished panelists were Jon Dudkowski, ACE Editor (Star Trek Discovery, Umbrella Academy, Man in the High Castle) ; Chad Nelson, producer and creator of Critterz, an AI-generated short film; and Cristobal Valenzuela, co-founder and CEO of Runway (and named one of the top 100 most influential people in AI by Time magazine). The panel was moderated by Carolyn Giardina, tech editor at The Hollywood Reporter.I was honored to be part of a panel on this important topic and I am immensely appreciative to EditFest and Jenni McCormick for giving me permission to publish the talk here for all of you to experience. Please enjoy the 2023 EditFest Panel, Artificial Intelligence: Exploring the Technology and It's Impact on the Art of Editing.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:What generative AI is and how it worksWhat separates humans from machinesHow AI can be used in the cutting roomHow AI enhances the editing processWhere AI was used in creating the animated short film, CritterzWhat AI can't do and why the human mind is still essential in the creative processHow AI can help creativesThe Gartner Hype Cycle and where we are in terms of AI technologyWhat creatives can do to catch up with AIWhat mentoring in the edit bay can look like in the age of AIWhat makes humans irreplaceable (even actors and voice actors)How data sets that AI feeds on are used and maintainedUseful Resources Mentioned:The Age of Spiritual Machines: When Computers Exceed Human Intelligence by Ray Kurzweil匚尺丨ㄒㄒ乇尺乙 — An animated short created with AIThe Gartner Hype CycleEp233: Redefining Your Career Path in a Post Generational Society | with Mauro GuillénEp85: Mentorship, Networking, and Surviving Hollywood Blockbusters | with Dody Dorn, ACEThe Creativity Code: Art and Innovation in the Age of AI by Marcus Du SautoyContinue to Listen & LearnEp249: OpenAI’s Chad Nelson on How Artificial Intelligence Could Shape the Future of Creativity, Collaboration, and How We Can SurviveEp222: Is Artificial Intelligence Coming for Your Job? Maybe…and Here’s How to Prepare | with Michael KammesEp221: How to Be an Irreplaceable Creative in the Emerging World of Artificial Intelligence | with Srinivas RaoEp214: What Creativity Is, How It Works, and the Laws to Learning It | with Joey CofoneEp212: The Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will StorrEp246: Building a Career Beyond Your Job Title, Strategically Crafting Your Story, and Diversifying Your Career Portfolio | with Jeff BartschEp232: How to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina WallaceEp245: How to Reinvent Yourself, Pursue Your Dreams, and Change Careers at Any Age | with Marcelo LewinEp231: How to Become Resilient In the Face of Change (and Manage an Identity Crisis) | with Brad StulbergMastermind Q&A: How to Successfully Be a “Specialized Generalist” | with Michael AddisShow 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 playlistMy guest today is AI specialist Chad Nelson, who is also an award-winning creative director and technology strategist with over two decades of blending technology and entertainment seamlessly. Throughout his career, he has been at the forefront of emerging technologies and applying them to create new entertainment experiences. And this new era of AI is no different.Chad has recently created an animated short film, Critterz, with the help of AI. Though AI has created a lot of controversy in the creative space, Chad reveals a different perspective in which AI is just another tool that artists can use to let their ideas come to life. We go way beneath the surface of prompts and AI art to unravel why and how the creative human mind remains indispensable in any creative work. We also discuss the ethics involved in using AI as well as how creatives can harness AI to stand out from all the noise that, ironically, AI will create.As a creative myself, I too understand the fear that this age of AI can bring. But this conversation with Chad shines a new light on understanding AI and shows us how irreplaceable the creative human mind is.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Combining technology and experiences: Chad's origin storyHow playing golf while on vacation inspired a brilliant ideaThe mindset that Chad takes on to follow through with his ideasHow Chad created his first AI-generated image using a short promptUsing AI in the ideation phase of creative workThe cons (and pros) of replacing certain jobs with technologyWhere ethics draw the line between technology and peopleThe ethical use of AI in creative workThe pros and cons of democratization of creativity toolsHow to stand out in the midst of the rise of AIHow the creative human mind, education, and experiences still plays a vital role even in using AIUseful Resources Mentioned:EditFest 2023 AI PanelRemember These Free AOL CDs? They're Collectibles Now | Smart News| Smithsonian MagazineFirst AI generated image that Chad created using a short prompt匚尺丨ㄒㄒ乇尺乙 -- An animated short created with AIContinue to Listen & LearnIs Artificial Intelligence Coming for Your Job? Maybe…and Here’s How to Prepare | with Michael KammesHow to Be an Irreplaceable Creative in the Emerging World of Artificial Intelligence | with Srinivas RaoChase Jarvis On Building Your Network of ‘A-Gamers,’ Designing the Life You Want, and Fulfilling Your ‘Creative Calling’All Quiet On the Western Front Writer/Producer Lesley Paterson On Unleashing Your True Creative (and Athletic) PotentialWhat Creativity Is, How It Works, and the Laws to Learning It | with Joey CofoneThe Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will StorrBuilding a Career Beyond Your Job Title, Strategically Crafting Your Story, and Diversifying Your Career Portfolio | with Jeff BartschRedefining Your Career Path in a Post Generational Society | with Mauro GuillénHow to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina WallaceHow to Reinvent Yourself, Pursue Your Dreams, and Change Careers at Any Age | with Marcelo LewinGuest Bio: Chad Nelson Chad Nelson is an award-winning creative director and technology strategist with over 2 decades of experience combining the latest technologies and entertainment to create immersive experiences. He is a co-founder of Eight Cylinder Studios and WGT Media and has collaborated with Intel, Sony and Microsoft to name a few. Chad currently works with OpenAI as a creative collaborator.Chad's recent work is Critterz, an animated short film created with the help of OpenAI's DALL-E and was shown in festivals such as the Portland Festival of Cinema, Annecy International Animation Film Festival, Cannes Lion and Qld XR Festival 2023 where it was awarded Best in Creative AI.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 playlistMy guest today is Carole Kirschner who, after spending fifteen years as a television development executive, a former Vice President of Television for Steven Spielberg's Amblin Entertainment and a Comedy Development executive at CBS, decided to switch to the other side of the desk to help creative professionals build a thriving career in the entertainment industry. If there is anyone who has been on the studio executive side who 'gets us,' Carole is the one.In today's conversation, Carole shares the unadulterated reality of what it takes to have a successful creative career. We dive deep into the qualities you need to have as well as the right way to tell your story in order for you to stand out. Carole shares her strategies for networking to help you draw attention and leave a lasting impression, whether you're doing it in a mixer, cold outreach or through social media.My conversation with Carole is filled with strategies and mindsets from an executive’s perspective to set you on the path to creative success.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Why Carole transitioned from a successful career in the entertainment industry to becoming a coachWhy you need to have 'Entrepreneurial' in your list of qualificationsHow to structure your story so people will give you their timeWhat makes a story bad and how do you make it betterHow to make your story about the other person and not youWhy people hate networking and how to take the pressure off of youHow to make yourself memorable to peopleThe right way to provide genuine valueBuilding relationships via social mediaHow to make sure you're not killing yourself while going the extra mile at workUseful Resources Mentioned:How to Break Into Any Industry (Without Having Experience) | with Niceole LevyUsing the Hero’s Journey to Write Better Stories (and Live a Better Life) | with Chris VoglerThe Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will StorrBlink: The Power of Thinking Without Thinking by Malcolm GladwellBusiness card - WikipediaYouCanBookMeHow to ‘Get In the Room’ and Work with Producers Who Will Value & Respect You | with Matt NixCarole KirschnerContinue to Listen & LearnNetworking (the Right Way), Mentorship, and Connecting with ‘Experts’ | with Troy Takaki, ACEOn the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi ArmaganianMaking It In Hollywood as a “Creative” (What They Don’t Teach You In Film School) | with Norman HollynMentorship, Networking, and Surviving Hollywood Blockbusters | with Dody Dorn, ACEHow to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE[CASE STUDY] Landing Your Dream Job Isn’t About “Luck,” It’s About Strategy | with Fabian Corrado & Nick TowleOn the Vital Importance of “Being Nice” | with Jesse Averna, ACEHow to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Mastermind Q&A with Monica DanielHow to Build Meaningful Relationships in the ‘Real World’ | with Camille VirginiaHow to Master “Offline” Networking at Live Events | with Camille VirginiaThe Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris VisserHow to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin RexachGuest Bio: Carole Kirschner Carole Kirschner spent fifteen years as a television development executive. A former Vice President of Television for Steven Spielberg's first Amblin Entertainment and a Comedy Development exec at CBS, she’s had the privilege of working with some of the most respected writers in the industry.Switching to the other side of the desk she became a consultant and created and runs the CBS/Paramount Writers Mentoring Program. And has been the director of the WGA Showrunner Training Program since its inception.Carole, through her career coaching practice, Carole Kirschner Entertainment Career Strategies works primarily with screenwriters who are stuck or need help navigating the political landscape. She is also an international speaker and her book, Hollywood Game Plan: How to Land a Job in Film, TV and Digital Entertainment is taught in colleges across the country.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 playlistMy guest today is Troy DeVolld who is a reality television producer, author and speaker with dozens of credits on shows such as The Surreal Life, The Osbournes, The Bachelor, and Dancing with the Stars. Troy is also the author of the books Reality TV, One Hundred Poems about Los Angeles series and the book about the TV notes process, And Another Thing.In his more than 23 years in the industry, Troy has no doubt developed an in depth passion for his craft. Troy and I dive deep into some of the wisdom he gained from his experiences to be happy and fulfilled in his chosen craft, including diversifying your skills, setting boundaries while collaborating effectively, and even setting boundaries with yourself. Troy has so succinctly summarized our entire conversation into one short sentence:"I sacrificed my life to have a version of my life."No doubt that my conversation with Troy will inspire you to rekindle your passion for your craft while equipping you with the right tools and mindsets so you can stay happy, sane and well.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:How Troy went from an aspiring comic book artist to producing reality TVHow Troy 'fell into' writing for a Woody Woodpecker commercialWhat makes networking valuable to both you and the person you’re reaching out toThe advantages of being 'older' in the industryThe right way to 'do it all' when you have multiple passionsWhat makes all your past experiences and skills relevant and valuableThe difference between being exploited and caring for what you doHow to collaborate with people no matter what your working stye isWhy Troy wrote a book about how to handle studio and network notesHow to get out of your own way and let creativity flowReality TV: Ugly Stepchild of Hollywood?Why Troy decided to stay in the business even after having a strokeUseful Resources Mentioned:Allee WillisUsing the Hero’s Journey to Write Better Stories (and Live a Better Life) | with Chris VoglerTroy DeVolld's website & blogStoryExpo.comReality TV: An Insider's Guide to TV's Hottest MarketAnd Another Thing: A Beginner's Guide to the Television Notes ProcessContinue to Listen & LearnMichelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being (Pt2)How a Tentpole Hollywood Feature Editor Stays Healthy, Fit, and Sane | with Alan Bell, ACEHow to Maintain Health No Matter How “Busy” You Are | with Jeff GreenbergSetting Boundaries Between Work & Life (Even When You Work For Steven Spielberg) | with Sarah BrosharLegendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ YearsMaintaining Boundaries, Well-Being, and Sanity on Hollywood Blockbusters | with Jeffrey Ford, ACEMental Health is Not a Luxury…Even For “Top Guns” | with Eddie Hamilton, ACE [Pt 2]Life After 3 Heart Attacks in 24 Hours | with Marc Wielage[Hollywood On the Record] How to Create Your Dream Job by Setting Healthy Boundaries | with Jerilynn Stephens & Kimi MessinaPromoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACEBalancing Health, Happiness, & Hollywood (and the Consequences When You Don’t) | with Roger BartonMob Scene CEO Tom Grane on What It Takes to Succeed in Trailers & Marketing (Without Sacrificing Work-Life Balance)Guest Bio: Troy DeVolld Troy DeVolld began his career in Hollywood 23 years ago on the MTV series Fear and has been credited on shows like The Osbournes, The Surreal Life, The Bachelor and multiple seasons of Dancing With The Stars. He's a sought-after consultant in the reality space and a speaker at Story Expo and Masters of Story events. Books include Reality TV, And Another Thing and the One Hundred Poems About Los Angeles series.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 Jeff Bartsch who is a visionary storyteller and communication strategist at Story Greenlight. He has over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry and online business. Jeff has also been a guest on my podcast before, talking about storytelling and making a living out of storytelling.In our conversation today, we discuss the craft of storytelling from a strategic perspective. "Strategic" storytelling can change our human interactions in our daily lives. Storytelling is what really governs all human interactions whether you're starting a business, looking for a job, writing outreach emails, or even selling a product or service. We dissect what makes a story bad, and what makes it so powerful that it builds bonds between people. Jeff also shares candidly how understanding the psychology of storytelling revived his business from failure.No doubt that my conversation with Jeff will unravel the strategies you can use to reinvent the way you interact with people, no matter where you are in your career.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:What creativity really means and why understanding it can change your own creativityWhy a comment Jeff got as a kid changed the way he thought about creativityHow understanding your technical skills can take your creativity to the next levelWhat does Jeff mean by the 'thing underneath the thing' in your storyThe four elements of a story definition and how it governs all human interactionsThe difference between tactical storytelling and strategic storytellingHow bonds are formed between the storyteller and the audienceHow to construct your own story and apply it in your human interactionsJeff's business that (almost) tanked and how understanding storytelling revived itUseful Resources Mentioned:The Art of Asking: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Let People Help by Palmer, Amanda, Brown, BrenéA Million Miles in a Thousand Years: How I Learned to Live a Better Story by Donald MillerQuote by Steve Jobs: “Creativity is just connecting things. When you ...”Using the Hero’s Journey to Write Better Stories (and Live a Better Life) | with Chris VoglerThe Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will StorrLeveling Up Your Ability to Tell More Engaging Stories using EditMentor | with Misha TenenbaumMastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha TenenbaumPeter McKinnon - YouTubeStory GreenlightContinue to Listen & LearnHow to Reinvent Yourself, Pursue Your Dreams, and Change Careers at Any Age | with Marcelo LewinThe Link Between Telling Your Story & Identifying Your Purpose (And How to Do Both) | with Dan DavisHow to Rewrite Your Own Story | with Dr. Steven IsaacmanBuilding An Oscar-Winning Career…Without Sacrificing Your Values | with Paul RogersRedefining Your Career Path in a Post Generational Society | with Mauro GuillénHow to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina WallaceWhy Providing Value & Supporting Your Community is Essential | with Shiran Carolyn Amir, ACEIs Artificial Intelligence Coming for Your Job? Maybe…and Here’s How to Prepare | with Michael KammesWhat Creativity Is, How It Works, and the Laws to Learning It | with Joey CofoneAll Quiet On the Western Front Writer/Producer Lesley Paterson On Unleashing Your True Creative (and Athletic) PotentialGuest Bio: Jeff Bartsch Jeff Bartsch is a visionary storyteller and communication strategist at Story Greenlight. With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry and online business, Jeff has helped shape content for clients including ABC, NBC, Universal, Disney, Apple, and many others. Jeff’s commentary has been featured in major publications including Time Magazine, USA Today, and the Associated Press. Through Story Greenlight, Jeff and his team empower business experts and leaders to tell their stories, serve more clients, and expand their impact in the world. He believes that the power of story is within reach of everyone, and that human connection is everything.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 playlistMy guest today is Marcelo Lewin who considers himself a serial "accidental entrepreneur." What he means by that is that he creates websites around his passions, and in his own words, “somehow they turn into something other companies want.” He loves the intersection of business, productivity and creativity, and now, at the age of 56, he decided to switch careers to pursue his lifelong dream of filmmaking after 30+ years working in the tech industry. From an outside perspective, it might look like Marcelo can’t decide what he wants to do with his life, but in reality, he’s following passion and opportunity with great intention.In our conversation, Marcelo reveals that his career shifts were driven by his active choice to pursue them. We talk about why he keeps switching careers and the mindsets and strategies he applies to pull them off. We also discuss his views on failure, why he seems to always expect it, and the strategies he uses to manage it.This conversation is full of knowledge bombs that you can use on your own path whether you're transitioning to a new career or looking to excel on your current career path.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:Marcelo's origin of story of coming to the US with little moneyWhy Marcelo decided to shift careers from tech to filmmaking at the age of 56The mindsets and strategies Marcelo uses to shift careersWhy the entrepreneur mindset is important, even if you're working for someoneThe concept of Plan B and how to apply itHow to have a side project while working full timeThe key to learning something new and how to even beginKey mindsets and strategies to manage failureMarcelo's approach to AI while pursuing a career in filmmakingMarcelo's definition of the word 'success'Useful Resources Mentioned:Is it time to re-invent yourself? | LinkedInHow Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearHow to Become 'Indistractable' | with Nir EyalHow to Know (Without a Doubt) If It’s Time to Quit | with Annie DukeContinue to Listen & LearnHow to Future-Proof Your Creative Career, Avoid Burnout, and Build a Life Bigger Than Your Résumé | with Christina Wallace[CASE STUDY] How to Make the Most of Slow Work Periods and Make a Career Pivot | with Malinda Zehner GuerraDefining Your Own Version of Success & Overcoming the Loneliness of Being a Freelancer | with Michael BaumanHow to Reinvent Yourself at Any Age (And Become Badass) | with Scott MorganHow to Know What You Actually Want (and Find Support to Make It Happen) | with Philippe DanielidesHow to Create Your Own Opportunities to Pursue Dream Projects | with Richard Sanchez[CASE STUDY] Landing Your Dream Job Isn’t About “Luck,” It’s About Strategy | with Fabian Corrado & Nick TowleOn Pursuing Your Passion (Instead of Paychecks), and Finding the Right Mentor | with Joaquin ElizondoHow Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex FerrariOvercoming “The Paycheck Paradox” (so you can make a living doing what you love)Navigating The ‘Messy Middle’ of Life & Career Transitions | with Melissa Costello[CASE STUDY] Navigating a Difficult Career Transition | with Sam LavinGuest Bio: Marcelo Lewin Marcelo Lewin calls himself an "accidental entrepreneur" having created multiple websites around his passions, which later became small startups "by accident" and later were acquired, including My Internet Desktop, Pixel Heads Network, Filmmaking Webinars, How to Create VR and Headless Creator.He's been a Developer, Technical Architect, Project Manager, Podcaster, Blogger, Videographer, Designer, VP, and Director at many companies including NBC, Toyota, Walt Disney Imagineering and J.F. Shea Co, Inc.Marcelo is making a midlife career transition at the age of 56 from 30+ years in the tech industry to filmmaking to fulfill his dream of working in Post-Production. He is currently enrolled at the UCLA Extension Filmmaking Program focused on Post-Production and Editing.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 Marc Wiltshire who is a television editor and a valued member of the Optimizer community. Marc had been working on high profile shows like Star, Our Kind of People, Bel-Air and Wu-Tang: An American Saga. In our conversation, Marc shares his journey of living in Singapore for 4 years to study in film school, to moving to LA, knowing no one, to then getting consistent work on high profile projects.. From the outside perspective, we can say that Marc is just one 'lucky' person. But he played a big role in making his own luck.Marc is one of the many editors who decided to take the traditional path of becoming an Assistant Editor first before becoming an editor. But what's different is Marc's mindset, which allowed him to shorten his 5-year plan to 2 years. In our conversation, find out why Marc didn’t view taking an AE job as stepping down, but he actually considered a move up.You’ll also hear how Marc landed his dream job of cutting Wu-Tang with the help of the Optimizer program. We go in depth into the mindset shift he needed to nail one of the toughest interviews of his career.This student case study with Marc will show you all the necessary tools you need to create your own luck and keep landing your next dream job.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn:The role luck played in making Marc's job connectionsWhat gave Marc the confidence to say 'yes' to a high profile opportunityWhy Marc thinks the Assistant Editor route is what's best for himThe importance of narrowing down who you want to work withHow Marc shortened his 5-year plan of sitting in the editor's chair to just 2 yearsThe big difference between doing the hard work and allowing yourself to be exploitedThe importance of surrounding yourself with the right peopleThe course in the Optimize Yourself program that made Marc land his dream jobThe mindset shift Marc needed to help nail his toughest job interviewUseful Resources Mentioned:[CASE STUDY] How to Make the Most of Slow Work Periods and Make a Career Pivot | with Malinda Zehner GuerraTo Assist or Not to Assist…That Is the Question (pt 1) | with Chris CavanaghContinue to Listen & Learn[CASE STUDY] How to Make Your Dream Project a Reality | with Matt Allen and Matthew Gentile[CASE STUDY] How a Single Outreach Email Led to a Dream Job at Marvel | with Matthew Farrugia[CASE STUDY] Landing Your Dream Job Isn’t About “Luck,” It’s About Strategy | with Fabian Corrado & Nick TowleThe Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris VisserHow to Negotiate Your Real Value (and Advocate For Yourself) As an Assistant Editor | with Scott JacobsWhy Providing Value & Supporting Your Community is Essential | with Shiran Carolyn Amir, ACETo Assist or Not to Assist…That Is the Question (pt 2) | with Wellington HarrisonHow to Keep Working As An Editor (After You’ve Made the Transition From AE) | with Susan Vaill, ACETransitioning to Scripted Television (Without Becoming an AE) | with Phil Habeger & Toni Ann CarabelloBreaking “Bad” From Assistant to Editor | with Kelley Dixon, ACE (pt 1)Breaking “Bad” From Assistant to Editor | with Kelley Dixon, ACE (pt 2)Guest Bio: Marc Wiltshire Marc Wiltshire is a Film & Television Editor known for Wu-Tang: An American Saga, BEL-AIR, and Lee Daniels' STAR.Born in Montreal, Canada, now residing in Los Angeles, Marc initially found his passion for storytelling through writing, leading him to write and direct several short films. While editing his first short film on a 16mm Steenbeck, Marc discovered his passion for Film Editing. He is committed to making bold choices, protecting the story, and bringing the best version of the filmmaker's vision to life.An alumnus of NYU's Tisch School of the Arts Graduate Film Department, Marc worked closely with Oliver Stone and Todd Solondz in the making of his short film My Avatar, which premiered at the Fantasia Film Festival in 2011. His film Bullshit (2016) became a hit on the festival circuit, winning awards in Canada, the United States, and Australia.Prior to moving to LA, Marc lived in Singapore for four years editing dozens of short films, commercials, music videos, and documentaries.An avid cinephile and record collector, you can find Marc at the movies every week.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