

5 Questions With Dan Schawbel
Dan Schawbel, #1 Bestselling Author, Speaker, Entrepreneur
New York Times bestselling author Dan Schawbel distills the most actionable and tangible advice from a variety of world-class humans including entrepreneurs, authors, Olympians, politicians, billionaires, Nobel Prize winners, TED speakers, celebrities, astronauts and more.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Jul 23, 2023 • 9min
Episode 249: Brian Michael Bendis
My guest today is comic book writer and artist, Brian Michael Bendis. Brian is best known as the co-creator of the comic book characters Miles Morales, Riri Williams, and Jessica Jones, and for creating the Marvel storylines “Secret War”, “Secret Invasion”, and “Age of Ultron”. We talk about his comic book career, and new auto-bio graphic novel “Fortune & Glory: The Musical”, during this episode.
This interview was conducted before the SAG/AFTRA strike.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
What inspired you to get into comics as a teenager and why do you continue to work in the industry?
While you’ve worked on many characters over your career, you helped introduce Miles Morales to the world in Ultimate Fallout #4. What went into the creation of the character, why do you think he resonates and what is his future?
Why did you decide to create the weekly comic Fortune & Glory: The Music and how does it relate to your previous work?
What is the process of partnering with illustrators to bringing characters to life and how do you know when to include which character in which medium like comics, video games, TV, and film?
What is your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
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Graphic novel
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Facebook

Jul 17, 2023 • 5min
Episode 248: Annie Murphy
My guest today is actress, Annie Murphy. Annie is best known for her starring role as Alexis Rose in the sitcom Schitt’s Creek. More recently, she stars in Freeform’s animated debut “Praise Petey”, premiering on Friday, July 21st at 10:00 pm ET with two back-to-back episodes. We talk about her career, and new show, during this episode.
This interview was conducted before the SAG/AFTRA strike.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
Who or what inspired you to pursue a career as an actress?
Why did you almost quit acting and how did your role in Schitt’s Creek help revive your career?
How is starring in the new animated comedy series Praise Petey a challenge for you as an actress?
What inspiration and lessons do you think the audience will take away from your character while watching the show?
What’s your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
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Show
Instagram

Jul 9, 2023 • 10min
Episode 247: Gillian Flynn
My guest today is bestselling author, screenwriter, and producer, Gillian Flynn. Gillian is best known for her bestselling thriller and mystery novels including Gone Girl, Dark Places, and Sharp Objects. More recently, she launched Gillian Flynn Books, an imprint of Zando, with its first book “Scorched Grace” by Margot Douaihy. We talk about her writing career and new imprint, during this episode.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
How was reading and writing an escape for you as a kid?
What are the unique challenges of writing a movie script compared to a book?
How did your experience writing your novels make you want to start your own imprint?
What does it take to make a book successful now compared to when your first book came out in 2006?
What is your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
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Books
Website
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram

Jul 2, 2023 • 6min
Episode 246: Kevin Jonas
My guest today is musician, actor, investor, and author, Kevin Jonas. Kevin is one-third of the Grammy-nominated, multiplatinum pop band Jonas Brothers. His sixth studio album is entitled “The Album” and his new book, which he co-authored with his wife Danielle is called “There’s a Beach in My Bedroom.” We talk about the book, his family, and more during this episode.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
What advice and inspiration did you get from your parents growing up?
What was the process of teaming up with your wife on a series of children’s books?
What are the lessons children can learn from your books that will help them overcome adversity and have a more joyful life?
What are your and your brother’s unspoken rule when it comes to parenting and why did you come up with them?
What’s your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
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Book
Album
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Tik Tok

Jun 26, 2023 • 9min
Episode 245: Ted Leonsis
My guest today is entrepreneur, author, and philanthropist, Ted Leonsis. Ted is founder, chairman, principal partner, and chief executive officer of Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which owns and operates the Washington Capitals, Washington Mystics, and Washington Wizards. We talk about his entrepreneurship journey, and what he’s learned along the way, during this episode.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
Why did both your high school guidance counselor and father think you were going to work in a grocery store?
What education and experience did you receive while working at AOL for 13 years that has helped you as a businessman and entrepreneur?
What do most people get wrong about networking that you didn’t, and how has proper networking led to new opportunities for you?
What are some of the guiding work-life principles you’ve given your children that have led to their happiness and success?
What’s your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
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Website
Company
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn

Jun 19, 2023 • 10min
Episode 244: Jaren Lewison
My guest today is actor, Jaren Lewison. Jaren is best known as portraying Ben Gross in Mindy Kaling’s hit Netflix show “Never Have I Ever”, which is watched by more than 40 million people globally. We talk about his career as an actor, and the 4th season of the show during this episode.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
How did you get started as an actor at age five?
What were the challenges of filming Never Have I Ever as a full-time college student?
What do people have to look forward to for the next season?
Why do you think you and the show resonate so much with Gen Z?
What’s your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
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Jun 12, 2023 • 10min
Episode 243: Nick DiGiovanni
My guest today is chef and author, Nick DiGiovanni. Nick was the youngest-ever finalist on the 10th season of MasterChef. More recently, he wrote the cookbook “Knife Drop”. We talk about the book, his career, and his cooking during this episode.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
How did you develop a passion for food growing up and then eventually turn it into a career?
How did you decide what recipes you wanted to include in your book Knife Drop and is there one recipe that’s caught on the most with your followers?
What are the foundational tools that someone inexperienced in the kitchen can use to start preparing great food?
What is your process for collaborating with celebrities like Tom Brady and The Jonas Brothers on food-related content?
What’s your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
Follow Nick’s journey:
Website
Book
YouTube
Instagram
TikTok
Twitter

Jun 5, 2023 • 8min
Episode 242: Andy Grammer
My guest today is singer, songwriter, and record producer, Andy Grammer. Andy is known for his hit songs “Keep Your Head Up”, “Fine by Me”, and “Honey, I’m Good”. His upcoming album is called “Behind My Smile” and his new spoken word song is called “I Need A New Money”. We talk about his life as a musician, the inspiration behind his music, and more during this episode.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
What inspired you to start playing instruments as a child and then write songs as a teenager?
What do you think made you stand out and get discovered as a street performer in LA?
What’s the meaning, purpose, and inspiration behind your new song “I Need A New Money”?
Why does your new album Behind My Smile focus on personal empowerment, uplifting music, and why is it relevant right now?
What’s your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
Follow Andy’s journey:
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YouTube
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Facebook
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May 29, 2023 • 10min
Episode 241: Jasmine Cephas Jones
My guest today is actress, singer, and producer, Jasmine Cephas Jones. Jasmine is best known for playing the dual roles of Peggy Schuyler and Maria Reynolds in the Broadway musical Hamilton. More recently, she stars in Season 2 of the STARZ show Blindspotting. We talk about the show, Hamilton, her career, and more during this episode.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
How did your parents, who were also in the entertainment industry, influence your career?
What was the biggest highlight during your time as a Hamilton cast member?
How does your background in theater impact your storytelling and performance in Blindspotting?
How has this show and role pushed you as an artist and what have you learned from the experience?
What is your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
Follow Jasmine’s journey:
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May 22, 2023 • 10min
Episode 240: Rainn Wilson
My guest today is actor, comedian, and author, Rainn Wilson. Rainn is a three-time Emmy-nominated actor best known for his role as Dwight Schrute on NBC’s The Office. More recently, he wrote the book “Soul Boom” and is hosting the Peacock travel docuseries “Geography of Bliss”. We talk about these new projects, as well as his views on mental health, spirituality and happiness during this episode.
This episode is proudly sponsored by isolved, a complete workforce management solution. Go to isolvedhcm.com for more information.
The 5 questions I ask in this episode:
How did your parents shape who you are, the career you chose, and the topics that you’ve explored?
Why do you think we need a spiritual revolution right now and how is your approach to achieving it both unique and achievable?
How did traveling to different countries for your Peacock series “Geography of Bliss” help you change your perspective on life and deal with your mental health issues?
What did you discover about the secret of happiness during your travels and what daily habits did you add or change as a result?
What’s your best piece of career advice?
Video interview:
Follow Rainn’s journey:
Docu-series
Book
Instagram
Facebook
Twitter