NSP #021 // Keith Johnson, an LA-based standup comic, actor, and writer.In this conversation, Keith shares his journey from considering law school to pursuing a career in comedy.He talks about taking risks, resisting the pressure to take a more stable job, and constantly working towards his goals.Keith discusses the discovery process of finding his comedic voice and the importance of confidence on stage. He also shares his perspective on success, which includes having access to resources and funding for his projects.Later in the conversation, we get into the balance between being a featured comedian and building a show for someone else.Keith talks about the importance of being authentic and true to oneself in the entertainment industry and shares his experiences of rebranding his comedy and the challenges of dealing with criticism.Lastly, he also reflects on memorable wins in his career and offers advice to his younger self. Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

Questions“I’ll be curious to learn about what’s been the most surprising part of your writing experience?" From: B.C.--“3 books everyone should read?” From: Russ Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

* Overcoming Jealousy and Comparison * Apologizing and Moving On * The Creative Process * Documenting Ideas * Developing Your Own Voice * Finding Joy in the Present * Dealing with Impatience and LongevityDetailed Show Notes & Takeaways: https://suhawn.substack.com/podcast Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

* Identity and Work Ethic in Comedy * Learning to Work and Be a Pro * Committing to Stand-Up Comedy * Losing Attention and Regaining Control * Internal Dialogue and Addressing the RoomDetailed Show Notes & Takeaways: https://suhawn.substack.com/podcastGet full access to NSP Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

The book in 3 bullets* We should measure our life by what actually matters to us and not by job/career accomplishments.* Finding fulfillment is different for each person but there is a framework for guidance.* What you think brings happiness vs what actually brings happiness are different.Who is it for?* If you are not fulfilled with your job or your life as a whole.* If you’ve attained a certain level of success but still haven’t attained true happiness.* If you are not sure what truly matters in your life long term. Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

Erika Ayers Badan CEO of @food52, First CEO of @barstoolsports, Author of ‘Nobody Cares About Your Career’ Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

*Taking risks and making radical life decisions can lead to personal growth and unexpected opportunities. * Entrepreneurship requires hard work, constant innovation, and the ability to handle the freedom and responsibility that comes with it. Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

* Follow your instincts and be confident in yourself when making life decisions.* Know when to quit and move on to the next chapter in your life. * Immerse yourself in different cultures and perspectives through travel to become a better human.* Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

SummaryIn the age of unlimited access to information, we often find ourselves overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of information available. While basic information is readily accessible, deeper knowledge and expertise require filtering and curation.This is especially true in the context of an MBA education, where access to filtered information becomes crucial. The availability of foundational information is copious, but accessing more specialized and advanced knowledge can be challenging.It is important to prioritize and spend the premium on filters, such as curated reading lists and expert guidance, to navigate the overwhelming amount of information.Access to filtered information is a privilege that comes at a cost. The cost of gaining access to professors or guest speakers can be quite high, such as the tuition at NYU. However, there are various ways to spend that money, from buying luxury items to starting a business or investing in knowledge.Knowledge, like money, compounds over time and has the best return on invested capital in the long term. It is a deeply personal decision on how much to spend on filtered information, but it is an investment that pays off. 1 Quote"We should spend the premium on filters."Takeaways* Unlimited access to information can lead to information overload.* Basic information is readily available, but deeper knowledge requires filtering and curation.* Access to filtered information becomes crucial in specialized fields like MBA education.* Curated reading lists and expert guidance can help navigate the overwhelming amount of information. Access to filtered information is a privilege that comes at a cost* There are various ways to spend money, from luxury items to investing in knowledge* Knowledge, like money, compounds over time and has the best return on invested capital in the long term* Spending on filtered information is a personal decision and an investment that pays off Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe

Book Club: Everything I Know About Love: A MemoirThe book in 3 bullets* Preserving a friendship through changing lives.* Heartbreak and self-forgiveness through 20s and 30s. * Learning the difference between intensity and intimacy.Who is it for?* If you are in the midst of changing dynamics in a friend group (i.e. career, love, etc.).* If you would like to become a better friend to someone and to yourself.* If you want to learn more about meaningful love within friendship.Why did I read it?* It was an accident. I’ll save the details for the Audio Deep Cut. I kept reading it anyway.* I wanted to know how I could preserve some of my friendships as people’s lives were changing via marriage, careers, etc.* I wanted to know what I should be doing to adapt to these new dynamics and the introduction of people I didn’t account for (i.e. lovers of my friends).What does it help with?* Learning to become a better friend through thick and thin.* What matters in a relationship? Both platonic and romantic. * How to be independent as you spend more time without your friends.What I got out of it* How to appreciate the new dynamics within an old friendship. * What it means to be at peace with yourself and the relationships around you.* Learning the difference between intensity and intimacy.Top 7 Quotes* How her value increased, the more history we shared together, like a beautiful, precious work of art hanging in my living room.* I know what it is to love someone and accept that you can’t change certain things about them;* More often than not, the love someone gives you will be a reflection of the love you give yourself. If you can’t treat yourself with kindness, care, and patience, chances are someone else won’t either.* Breakups get harder with every year you get older. When you’re young, you lose a boyfriend. As you get older, you lose a life together.* It is no person’s job to be the sole provider of your happiness.* The older you get, the more baggage you carry. When you date at twenty-five, everyone walks into the bar with a very neat, light carry-on.* “Is what all life is?” Margaret asked soothingly, putting her arm around her. “Fucking . . . Tottenham Court Road and ordering shit off Amazon,” she replied.Su Hawn’s Potent Mix (Books to read together)* Everything I Know About Love: A Memoir* The Fault In Our Stars* Mating In Captivity Get full access to No Syllabus Diary at suhawn.substack.com/subscribe