Do It Today

Trying to move forward but feeling sloggy or stuck? 1. Do something easy.2. Do something nice.3. Do something hard.And repeat until unstuck.Would love to know if you try this out...!

Meet the author of an inspiring new book I devoured in two days...Kara Cutruzzula talks to author and freelance writer Alyssa Ages, whose debut book Secrets of Giants is a deep dive into the science and psychology of why pushing our physical limits is so impactful — and a personal look at her own experience training for strongman competitions. Big moments include 5:30 a.m. workouts, the challenges of telling your own story, how coaches give her necessary external accountability, and why being strong makes you feel you can do anything. Plus, powdered bone broth!Where to Find AlyssaBuy Secrets of GiantsAmazonBookshopPenguin Random HouseAlyssa's websitehttps://www.alyssaages.comShow Notes00:23 Alyssa's Morning Routine01:07 Building a Garage Gym01:21 The Journey to Competitive Strongman Competitions03:59 The Impact of Strength Training on, Well, Everything06:04 Writing Process and Challenges13:37 Alyssa's Nighttime Routine13:52 The Importance of a Coach19:05 The Book Writing and Publishing ExperienceMentionsBone Brewhouse Instant Chicken Bone BrothDo It Today is created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalBuy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Special collaboration episode today with the wonderful Aransas Savas and The Uplifters Podcast! Aransas is a wellbeing and leadership coach, and her podcast highlights inspiring women and mindset techniques to create your biggest life. We talk about our weekly "Virtual Friday Therapy Runs," our creative practices and routines, closing open loops and finding deep work blocks, exercises from Do It (or Don't), avoiding overwork and burnout, and much more.Where to Find Aransas:Subscribe to The Uplifters Podcasthttps://www.theuplifterspodcast.com/Listen on Apple PodcastsListen on SpotifyWebsite: https://www.aransassavas.com/Show Notes00:02 Introduction 00:50 Defining an Uplifter01:36 Introducing The Uplifters Podcast02:36 The Power of Friendship and Regular Check-ins07:50 Importance of Self-Care and Relationships09:45 The Power of Choice and Setting Boundaries12:03 Being a High-Capacity Person and Managing Overwhelm13:38 The Role of Acceptance and Trust in Maintaining Flow24:31 Self-Respect and Setting Boundaries25:55 Admiration and Journaling26:20 Planning and Procrastination26:34 Podcast Growth and Challenges27:34 Overcoming Hesitation29:05 Reframing Sponsorship and Taking Action31:25 The Importance of Sounding Boards34:54 Planning and Prioritizing Tasks36:42 Closing Open Loops and Time Management39:55 Revisiting and Revamping To-Do Lists43:25 The Power of Community and ActivationDo It Today is created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalBuy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Hi friends! This conversation inspired me so much. I have a feeling Florencia's journey and persistence will inspire you, too...Kara Cutruzzula talks to Florencia Iriondo, a writer, performer, and showrunner, about her new one-woman musical South. Big moments include leaving the corporate world to pursue theater full-time, putting up the show, and lessons learned along the way. She shares how her ingenious "alarm strategy" — and watching Tick Tick Boom! — help organize her day. They also dive into the importance of deadlines, and Florencia's big goal of making a living from producing her own work.Buy tickets to South at SoHo Playhouse until Nov. 15Florencia's websiteShow Notes00:01 Introduction 01:01 The Role of Food in Florencia's Show02:15 The Evolution of South04:55 Florencia's Personal Journey and Career Transition06:39 The Challenges and Rewards of Self-Producing12:40 Florencia's Dual Identity and Skill Transferability15:54 Florencia's Daily Schedule and Pre-Show Rituals20:37 Florencia's Future Goals and AspirationsDo It Today is created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalBuy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Kara talks to Sara Wordsworth, a musical storyteller who has created shows for Broadway, television, arenas, cruise ships, and theme parks around the world. Big moments include making time for herself in the early hours of the morning, how to continue being vulnerable in your work, seeing feedback as a gift, and more.More about Sara on her website!Fun mentions in the episode: BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theatre Workshop Julia Cameron's book, The Artist's Way Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalBuy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Kara talks to professional organizer and coach Linda Samuels, founder of Oh, So Organized! and author of The Other Side of Organized, who facilitates change in her clients' lives. Big moments include creating a "success check-in" for the summer, advice for clearing a path for the new season, and why a slow start to her day is essential.Follow Linda and find more about her work: Website Blog The Other Side of Organized book  Newsletter Instagram @lindasamuels Facebook LinkedIn Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating Journal — out Sept. 12!Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Kara talks to Kat Jackson, the senior director of Audible Studios, who has worked in the storytelling space for two decades and oversees all production in the U.S. as well as Canada, Latin America and Brazil. She's also an educator, mother of two, and fierce Tough Mudder competitor. Big moments include how she found a career she loves, why "being good enough isn't good enough," how audiobooks encourage accessibility, and the inspiration and gratitude you experience while competing in an eight-hour obstacle course.Find your next favorite book on Audible! The Meaning of Mariah Carey, written and read by Mariah Carey Born a Crime, written and read by Trevor Noah I Can't Make This Up, written and read by Kevin Hart Fun people, stuff, and books mentioned: An assortment of things is called a klondike, according to Kat's grandma! Charles de Montebello, owner of CDM Sound Studios Maysoon Zayid, comedian, actress, writer, and disability advocate Find a Tough Mudder event near you The Tough Mudder Holy Grail Amelia Boone, obstacle racer and endurance athlete Sean Corvelle, Tough Mudder start line MC and motivational speaker Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Pre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalBuy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Kara talks to board-certified dermatologist Dr. Aegean Chan, who opened her own practice in Santa Barbara, California, has published in medical journals, and runs one of my favorite Instagram accounts with skincare advice. Big moments include balancing parenting with her career, her social media cutoff time, creating realistic to-do lists, and treating responsibilities like glass balls and plastic balls—and accepting you can't always juggle them all.  Visit Aegean's website Follow Aegean on Instagram @DrAegeanChan  Aegean's practice, California Dermatology Group Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Pre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalBuy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Kara talks with author Michelle Wildgen, whose newest book Wine People was published August 1. She's the editor of the food writing anthology Food & Booze, and the former executive editor of the literary journal Tin House. Michelle is also a freelance editor and creative writing teacher and co-runs the Madison Writers' Studio with novelist Susanna Daniel.Big moments include being in a no-reading writers' group, her hot take on prescriptive advice, the magic of a blank-page revision, field trips for Wine People, and why pasta is almost always the answer.More about Michelle:https://www.michellewildgen.com/Buy Wine People, published by Zibby Books, on Amazon and BookshopFun stuff mentioned: Madison Writers' Studio — they have virtual and hybrid sessions! "Thoughts on Editing and Being Edited" in Tin House "A Practice Guide to Starting a Group of Your Own" in Poets & Writers Chloe Benjamin's The Immortalists (Buy on Bookshop) The Wisconsin Institute for Discovery at University of Wisconsin-Madison Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Pre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalBuy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Kara talks to Tony Award-winning producer, manager, and educator Erica Rotstein, who's currently represented on Broadway as a co-producer of Parade and Just For Us. Big moments include embracing radical candor, the idea of emergent strategy and being able to pivot your plans, and why she wants to build all of her work around relationships. More about Erica Rotsteinhttp://ericarotstein.com/Take workshops on producing theater with Erica and her Business of Broadway partners Rachel Sussman, Heather Shields, and Sammy Lopez. (They're wonderful!) https://www.thebusinessofbroadway.com/Shows, books, and resources mentioned: The musical The Appointment at WP Theater Broadway-bound musical Water for Elephants, directed by Jessica Stone The book Radical Candor by Kim Scott Emergent Strategy: Shaping Change, Changing Worlds by Adrienne Maree Brown  Author, poet, and activist Sonya Renee Taylor Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalPre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Kara talks to Dorie Clark, a keynote speaker, consultant, and author of four books, most recently The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term World. She has been named one of the Top 50 business thinkers in the world by Thinkers50, and is a frequent contributor to the Harvard Business Review. Dorie is also a musical theater lyricist and member of the BMI Lehman Engel Musical Theater Workshop (where we met!). Big moments include a new fitness routine and myofunctional therapy, the power of four-way wins, how she uses forcing functions to make progress on her musical, and more.More about Dorie Clarkhttps://dorieclark.com/Follow Dorie on LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/doriec/Buy The Long Game: How to Be a Long-Term Thinker in a Short-Term Worldhttps://dorieclark.com/books/Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalPre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut

Kara talks to actor, singer, and writer Samantha Massell, who is starring as researcher Rosalind Franklin in the world premiere of the new musical Double Helix by Madeline Myers. Big moments include the four-year journey of Double Helix, treating creative projects like they're non-negotiable, her script for saying "no," and how plants and word puzzles create the structure of her day.More about Samantha: Visit her website Follow Sam on Instagram @smassellsings Double Helix tells the story of the race to discover the structure of DNA in the 1950s and follows the brilliant young researcher, Rosalind Franklin, as she contends with adversity, anti-semitism, and love to uncover one of life's great mysteries.Buy tickets for Double Helix, running May 30-June 18 at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor, New York New York Times article: Untangling Rosalind Franklin's Role in DNA Discovery, 70 Years On And Sam uses the app Planta to create her plant schedule! Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalPre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to certified professional organizer Julie Bestry, an expert in all aspects of organizing and time management, who writes articles and teaches seminars on how organizing can make your life more functional. Big moments include creating time blocks for your most meaningful work, her 1-2-3 system for moving through the day, and letting go of the stress, shame, and overwhelm of not doing "enough."More about Julie: Visit Julie Bestry's website Julie's article on Body Doubling for Productivity Julie turned the tables and interviewed me! Now Is the Right Time to Declare Bankruptcy on Your Projects Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalPre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to screenwriter and author David Koepp, who's written or co-written the screenplays for over 30 films, from Death Becomes Her and Jurassic Park to Mission: Impossible and his latest film Kimi. He's also a director and has written two novels, Cold Storage and Aurora, both of which are being adapted into films. Big moments include reworking a draft, how to respond to notes you may not agree with, and his method for fighting the number one enemy of work.Visit David Koepp's website Read his Script ArchiveBuy Cold StorageBuy AuroraDo It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalPre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to author, speaker, and personal finance expert Erin Lowry, who helps broke millennials get their financial lives together. Big moments include how to do a deep dive with your money, managing wildly variable income as a creative or self-employed person, and bucketing your accounts to reach your financial goals. More about Erin:Buy Erin Lowry's Broke Millennial booksSubscribe to her SubstackFollow her on Instagram Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of three motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalPre-order Do It (or Don't): A Boundary-Creating JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to author, TV writer, and journalist Carrie Seim about her day. Big moments include the release of The Flying Flamingo Sisters 2, how she overcame setbacks on her "wild and weird" creative path, why everyone needs lifeguard friends in their corner, her secret to finishing drafts, and how working on a gigantic project is like building a canoe. (Yes, a canoe!)More about Carrie: https://carrieseim.com/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ckseimInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/carriekseim/ Mentions in the episode: The Flying Flamingo Sisters 2, Carrie's brand-new sequel The Flying Flamingo Sisters, the bestselling Audible series Carrie's wonderful novel Horse Girl Carrie's New York Times article about people taking a creative hiatus (including the canoe story) And the canoe builder himself, Trent Preszler, whose excellent memoir is Little and Often The art of the TK The Groundlings Theatre & School in Los Angeles Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to composer, singer, and multi-instrumentalist Steve Wallace about his day. Big moments include working on the arrangements for a new musical adaptation of Animal Farm, how he avoids over-analyzing and gets stuff done, the faith that guides his creative vision, and more.More about Steve: https://stevewallacemusic.com/Twitter: @stevewstudioInstagram: @stevewstudio1 A developmental production of Animal Farm: The Musical — music by Steve Wallace, lyrics by Daniel Abrahamson, book by Sarah Mucek — is running at the BMCC Tribeca Performing Arts Center from Nov. 16-20 in New York City. More info here (it's free!).Mentions in the episode: Watch Hal King, a hip hop/R&B-style musical set in the jazz era of the late 1950s, based on Shakespeare's King Henry IV and V. Steve's first album, Come With Tha Real! Finale, the music notation software Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalSubscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to actor and singer Liz Callaway about her day. Big moments include releasing her live Sondheim album, realizing it's never too late to learn something new, creating your own breaks, the joys of starting before you're ready, her favorite reads on creativity, and more.More about Liz Callaway: http://lizcallaway.com/ Twitter: @LizGoesOnInstagram: @LizGoesOnFacebook: LizCallawayOfficialWatch Liz's YouTube channelBuy Liz's new album, To Steve With Love: Liz Callaway Celebrates SondheimListen to To Steve With Love on SpotifySee Liz and her sister Ann Hampton Callaway at 54 Below in November. Tickets hereBuy Liz's Christmas album, Comfort and Joy: An Acoustic ChristmasFollow Liz on Spotify: http://bit.ly/SpotifyLizCallaway Follow Liz on Apple Music: http://bit.ly/AppleMusicLizCallaway Mentions in the episode: Billie Jean King's book Pressure Is a Privilege Richard Maltby Jr and the BMI Musical Theater Workshop Jimmy Webb, Paul Williams, and Liz Callaway at Feinstein's in 2001 The organizational app Things David Allen's book Getting Things Done Circa Notebooks Austin Kleon's book Keep Going Jeff Tweedy's book How to Write One Song Listen to Stephen Sondheim's 1971 talk at 92nd Street Y Oliver Burkeman's newsletter The Imperfectionist James Clear's 3-2-1 newsletter Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal Subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to book editor Zack Knoll about his day. Big moments include how he protects his creative editing time, maintaining author relationships, fighting the three o'clock slump, and why he organizes his multi-folder inbox while watching Real Housewives.Follow Zack on Twitter: @zackknoll_Follow Zack on Instagram: @rack__rollMentions in the episode: Do It Today: An Encouragement Journal (which Kara wrote and Zack edited!) Abrams Books Turning on airplane mode and logging out of Outlook while editing Why he creates folders for each book project in his inbox Beating back the three o'clock slump by putting tasks on his calendar Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal Subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to Broadway stage manager, producer, and educator Cody Renard Richard about his day. Big moments include navigating a two-show day for Into the Woods, why he brings his full self to work, his "sh*t to get done" list, finding the path he was supposed to walk, and how he winds down after working long hours. More about Cody: https://www.codyrenard.com/ Follow Cody on Instagram: @codyrenardFollow Cody on Twitter: @codyrenardMentions in the episode: Parade at New York City Center The Cody Renard Richard Scholarship Program Into the Woods on Broadway Producing the Tony Award-winning musical A Strange Loop on Broadway Seeing Avenue Q and knowing he wanted to be a stage manager  The gateway musical power of Wicked And check out Cody's Tony Award, which arrived since we recorded this episode! Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal Subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to actor, audiobook narrator, and director Carlotta Brentan about her day. Big moments include prep work and book analysis, why she's devoted to 10-minute breaks, co-directing the new play Vatican Falls, and how she uses Airtable to organize her life.More about Carlotta: carlottabrentan.comFollow her on Twitter: @CarlottaBrentanListen to Carlotta's award-winning audiobook narration for New York Times and Audible bestsellers: http://carlottabrentan.com/audiobooksLearn about Fabler, Carlotta's audiobook publishing company for Italian-speaking audiences. Mentions in the episode: Goodreads Annotating books via iPad (mentioned in Do It Today episode one with Katie Horwitch) Vatican Falls, the play Carlotta is co-directing with its playwright Frank J. Avella. See it at The Tank from Oct. 27 to Nov. 20. Tickets here. Airtable (it's free!) Ice packs, ice vests, icy sports towels — anything to stay cool in the recording booth Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal Subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Artwork by Tyler Spangler and music by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to writer, editor, and freelance guru Tim Herrera about his day. Big moments include encouraging writers and self-employed folks to take time off, overcoming scarcity mindset, and leaving the New York Times to build his own business Freelancing with Tim. Follow Tim on Twitter @TimHerrera Subscribe to Freelancing with Tim on Substack: https://freelancingwithtim.substack.com/ Register for Freelancing with Tim workshops on improving your pitches, upping your personal essay game, learning how to build a longform narrative, improving your overall freelance business. Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Buy Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalBuy Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to actor and singer Ann Harada about her day. Big moments include one last vacation on Cape Cod, preparing for her Into the Woods return, how she says no to certain gigs, the anniversary of Avenue Q, working with Milky White, and more.Follow AnnInstagram: @iamannharadaTwitter: @annharadaMentions in the episode: Into the Woods on Broadway Schmigadoon! on Apple TV+ Encores! at City Center Avenue Q The Muny in St. Louis Milky White and Kennedy Kanagawa Falsettoland produced by National Asian American Theatre Co. in 1998 Cole Thompson singing "Giants in the Sky" (cast album available soon!) Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalPurchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to musical theater composer/lyricist Adam Gwon about his day. Big moments include building the foundation for a sequence song, becoming a morning person while on the road, writing advice he received from Lynn Ahrens, and more.More about Adam: adamgwon.comInstagram: @gwonsterTwitter: @adamgwonMentions in the episode: Adam's lyric writing classes at Primary Stages Adam's class at the Dramatists Guild Institute Witnesses, the musical produced in California Dramatists Guild Foundation Fellows program founded by Lynn Ahrens and Stephen Flaherty Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalPurchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to speaker and flow state expert Diane Allen about her day. Big moments include how to find your own state of flow, vanquishing your inner critic, setting email power hours, tuning out distractions, and more.More about Diane: dianeallen.comContact Diane at diane [at] dianeallen [dot] com for a free 15-minute flow strategy session! Mentions in the episode: Kara's TED Ideas interview with Diane: "The key to productivity is tapping into your flow state. Here's how" ​​Flow: The Psychology of Optimal Experience by Dr. Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi  Adam Grant's New York Times article, "There's a Name for the Blah You're Feeling: It's Called Languishing" Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalPurchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to Vanity Fair correspondent and Central Places author Delia Cai about her day. Big moments include her first public literary reading, how she wrote her book in two hours a week, and her middle school glory days writing Harry Potter fan fiction.More about Delia Cai: deliacai.com Twitter: @delia_caiInstagram: @deeeliacaiPreorder her book Central PlacesRead Delia's work for Vanity FairSubscribe to Delia's newsletter Deez LinksMentions in the episode: Rax King literary series at No Aloha Torrey Peters' book Detransition, Baby Quizilla (RIP) Delia's short story, "Big Fan" on Catapult Elaine Hsieh Chou  Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalPurchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to writer and email genius Laura Belgray about her day. Big moments include keeping open space on her calendar, her EFAB email method, procrastination, writing habits, her upcoming essay collection, and more.More about Laura: https://www.talkingshrimp.com/ Instagram: @talkingshrimpnyc Laura's mastermind group Shrimp ClubLaura's book Tough Titties is coming out June 13, 2023 from Hachette!Mentions in the episode: Laura's NextAdvisor story 11 Reasons I Wasn't Meant to Have a Business — But Did It Anyway Laura's Money story Here's a Genius Method for Writing Emails That People Always Open 750words.com O Cafe in the West Village Grady's cold brew coffee Suzanne Kingsbury, Laura's friend and editor-for-hire Terri Trespicio, author of Unfollow Your Passion: How to Create a Life that Matters to You  Susie Moore, author of Let It Be Easy: Simple Ways to Stop Stressing & Start Living Author Samantha Irby Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalPurchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to actor, writer, director, and composer Tyrone L. Robinson about his day. Big moments include strategies for hitting a major deadline, making theater more inclusive, connecting with people you admire, and the importance of your first draft.More about Tyrone: tyronelrobinson.comMentions in the episode: Soul Train Letters From May at the 2022 Sound Bites Musical Festival Wordle Colored notecards! NYU Graduate Musical Theatre Writing Program Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalPurchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to journalist and Let's Get Physical author Danielle Friedman about her day. Big moments include conducting rapid-fire interviews, discussing how to write pitches that editors want to read, and three types of story scoops she learned about from our former boss.More about Danielle: danielle-friedman.comTwitter: @dfriedmanwritesInstagram: @daniellefriedmanwritesPurchase her book Let's Get Physical: How Women Discovered Exercise and Reshaped the WorldMentions in the episode: Danielle's New York Times story about Pilates (published shortly after we recorded this interview!) Danielle's New York Times story about the healing power of strength training Lifting Heavy Things: Healing Trauma One Rep at a Time by Laura Khoudari Trint transcription service Shoutout to our former Daily Beast boss, Edward Felsenthal, editor-in-chief of TIME @efelsenthal Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalPurchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational Journal For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to Caveday cofounder, designer, and entrepreneur Jake Kahana about his day. Big moments include developing a killer morning routine, writing better emails, monotasking, and going into the cave to do your most important work.More about Jake: jakekahana.comSubscribe to Jake's Email Refrigerator, a wonderful monthly publication he sends to help readers think about their lives, relationships, and work more deeply. Resources mentioned: Caveday Recent New York Times article on Caveday's popularity The five sentences email habit Inbox When Ready Freedom website blocker Apple's Focus modes Notion Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/3A3PKz1Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3vHt5pJ  Purchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/3QnvDRN Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3vIYYyg  For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's daily newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to playwright and TV/film writer Will Arbery about his day. Big moments include "gutting" the draft of his TV pilot, learning how to listen in the Succession writers' room, and his ideal creative practice.More about Will: willarbery.comPlays mentioned:Evanston Salt Costs Climbing directed by Danya Taymor, opening this fall with The New GroupCorsicana at Playwrights HorizonsHeroes of the Fourth Turning at Playwrights HorizonsBonus! I highly recommend watching this Zoom seminar with Will from April 2020, which taught me so much about organizing your writing life. Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/3A3PKz1Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3vHt5pJ  Purchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/3QnvDRN Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3vIYYyg  For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's daily newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Kara talks to writer, speaker, mindset coach, and founder of WANT: Women Against Negative Talk Katie Horwitch about her day. Big moments include revising the manuscript for her first book, an editing trick we both happen to use, and a method for structuring her week that you'll want to steal.  Follow Katie:Website: katiehorwitch.comWANT: WANT: Women Against Negative TalkPodcast: The WANTcastBook: WANT YOUR SELF released in Fall 2023 by Sounds TrueInstagramFacebookTwitter Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's a musical theater writer, playwright, editor, and the author of two motivational journals. Preorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/3A3PKz1Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3vHt5pJ  Purchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/3QnvDRN Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3vIYYyg  For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's daily newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacutOriginal artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer Bjarke

Do It Today is a podcast created by Kara Cutruzzula. She's the author of two motivational journals and a musical theater writer, playwright, and editor.Original artwork design by Tyler SpanglerOriginal music composed by Kristoffer BjarkePreorder Do It Today: An Encouragement JournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/3A3PKz1Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3vHt5pJ Purchase Do It For Yourself: A Motivational JournalAmazon: https://amzn.to/3QnvDRN Bookshop: https://bit.ly/3vIYYyg For more daily encouragement, subscribe to Kara's daily newsletter: https://brassringdaily.substack.com/Visit www.karacutruzzula.com, or follow her on Instagram @karacut.