What Works

In this episode, the host reflects on beliefs about quality of life influenced by Star Trek's Data, discussing technoableism, self-judgment, and narratives of overcoming. They explore societal expectations, identity, and disabilities, raising thought-provoking questions. The episode ends with an introduction to a transformative course on reshaping perspectives on work-life balance and success.

The proliferation of derivative nonsense on various social media platforms begs the question: Is it possible to make a TikTok video, Instagram post, or LinkedIn update that's remarkable? Is it possible for repetition to be an asset? For repetition to even be remarkable?In this episode, I take a deep dive into gimmicks—the formulaic and repetitive media that can help us think in new ways. Specifically, I'm looking at Frankie's Cultural Observations. If you don't know the series, I'm delighted to share it with you today!This is the 3rd in my series, What Makes This Remarkable, where I break down remarkable content I come across to give you new perspectives on your own work (creative or otherwise). Premium subscribers also get "Remarkable Homework"—prompts for thinking differently about your projects—and the chance to ask questions or discuss that week's lessons. Upgrade your subscription to join in!Footnotes:What Makes This Remarkable (60 Songs That Explain the '90s, Savior Complex)Frankie's Cultural Observations on YouTube"Observing Frankie McNamara's Observations" by Brandon Tauczik in Paper MagazineSandwiches of History on YouTubeGirl with the Dogs on YouTubeWorking definition for the gimmick as a medium: A gimmick is a nonsequential series of works that utilize a novel scheme, angle, or device to explore a network of ideas."Why Write In Form?" by Rebecca Hazelton via The Poetry FoundationAmusing Ourselves to Death by Neil PostmanHyperculture by Byung-Chul HanTed Nelson & "intertwingularity"The Cluetrain ManifestoAll new episodes are available in written essay form at whatworks.fyi***If you’re questioning your relationship to work but finding it difficult to make lasting changes, I’d love to help.I’m committed to helping you confront and deconstruct big assumptions that compete with your good intentions. And that’s exactly what we’re doing in my new 8-week cohort-based course, Rethink Work.We’ll examine the beliefs, stories, and systems that keep us hustling—even when it hurts—so you can make changes that last and create a more sustainable approach to work. (00:00) - Gimmicks (00:08) - Introduction (02:20) - What Makes This Remarkable: Gimmicks (03:52) - Frankie's Cultural Observations (08:37) - The Gimmick as a Medium (14:23) - Gimmicks are like Poetry (17:24) - Citing Theorists to Think About TikTok (21:33) - Intertwingularity and Hyper-rationality (24:33) - New Media Influence How We Think (26:08) - Conclusion (27:32) - You're invited to Rethink Work ★ Support this podcast ★

This podcast episode explores the changes in content promotion online, the ineffectiveness of self-promotion in digital content, and the importance of meaningful and engaging media beyond promoting oneself. It introduces the concept of 'in shitification' and the three R's of digital content - respecting the medium, respecting the audience, and redistributing the idea.

Layers. Unless we're talking about cake, you can have too many layers. In today's episode, I share a recent metaphorical revelation I had about sound and sensory sensitivity. And then, I introduce you to a different way of thinking about stress that can help you identify better ways to manage it.Footnotes:Rethink Work: an 8-week cohort-based courseThe Highly Sensitive Brain by Bianca AcevedoStress: A Brief History by Cary Cooper & Philip DeweStress, Appraisal, and Coping by Richard Lazarus and Susan FolkmanEvery episode of What Works is also published in essay form at whatworks.fyi! (00:00) - Layers (00:06) - Layers of Sound (03:12) - Overstimulation and How I Cope (05:01) - Sensory Overload and Work Stress (07:31) - A New Model for Understanding Stress (Richard Lazarus & Susan Folkman) (10:50) - The Layers of Work Stress (12:58) - 6 Categories of Work Stress (18:16) - Managing Stress by Removing Layers or Asking for Accommodation (22:07) - Course Info & Credits ★ Support this podcast ★

Explore the stress and challenges of creative and knowledge work. Rethink the outdated factory model. Introduce a new course to challenge outdated beliefs about work.

Explore the outdated mental code we operate on, how beliefs shape reality, and the impact on work-life balance. Dive into parental anxiety, gender roles, decision-making, and reprogramming beliefs for better productivity.

Meet Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a nerdy, wire-rimmed-glasses-wearing badass of a German pastor. Explore his radical writings and resistance group in Nazi Germany. Understand the relevance of Christianity in modernity and the challenges of understanding God amidst technology and oppression. Embrace uncertainty and navigate complexity by accepting unknown variables. Discover Dietrich Bonhoeffer's concept of God as a working hypothesis and the importance of human relationships. Support the podcast and its indigenous production team.

The podcast explores the perception of time, including how pets and mice perceive time. It discusses the complexities of time in various aspects of our lives, the influence of time on productivity and creativity, and the value of experience and attention over productivity. It suggests embracing the non-linear nature of time and incorporating the end-of-year experience into our year-round experience.

This is the 3rd edition of Cold Pitch, an experimental project from YellowHouse.Media exploring media, curiosity, and identity. I'll be sharing one more episode from this project next week before returning to the usual What Works program in 2024!How do you feel about "showing up" in online spaces? What fears or anxieties do you have about hitting the publish button or connecting with strangers on social platforms? My husband and YHM partner Sean has long avoided the public side of working online. But that's changing.In this edition of Cold Pitch, I ask him about his fears, where they come from, and how he's getting on now that he's been a bit more public with him work. Plus, I offer some analysis on how recognition—or perhaps more importantly, misrecognition—shapes our identities. The conversation ends up in a place that neither he nor I expected but were glad to have arrived at.Footnotes:Find out more about YellowHouse.MediaDial Sean's phone tree: 1-406-200-8460Learn more about artist Tamar Ettun"The Politics of Recognition" by Charles TaylorRead the essay version of this edition ★ Support this podcast ★

Planners and project management apps reinforce linear, chronological thinking. What if we used a completely different medium to plan for growth?I'm hosting a workshop on Thursday, December 14 at 12:30pm ET/9:30am PT for premium What Works subscribers. If you'd like to learn more about planning as a learning process and make a syllabus for your next learning project, upgrade for just $7 per month: http://whatworks.fyi/subscribe ★ Support this podcast ★