The Troublemakers

It's human nature to seek comfort. It's how we know we're safe and secure. But now that we're no longer being chased by lions, this comfort actually works against us, especially when it comes to creativity and creative development. In this episode we expand on Christian Erickson's mantra of getting comfortable with being uncomfortable, talking about what it means and how to leverage it for creative growth. • • • • •   SHOW NOTES Stealing Fire by Steven Kotler and Jamie Wheal can be secured here. Ask us a question on Twitter or Instagram. Stay up to date & buy some freakin' schwag here: Beatroublemaker.com    

Christian Erickson is a father, husband and a creative and partner at Zeus Jones in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (A “not an advertising agency” advertising agency.) A member or former member of a lot of bands with super cool names including, but not limited to: Astronaut Wife, Fairchord & Fixer, Blue Sky Blackout, Judgement of Paris and The Sevateem. He’s also a massive Dr. Who fan as well as someone who can, in his own words, recite 90% of Robo Cop the movie from memory … which we have to say was pretty dope when it first came out. Beyond his eclectic creative resume, Christian has the best sounding mic we have every heard on the show. Join us as discuss a wide range of topics, including getting comfortable with being uncomfortable and the anxiety-reducing concept of “planned happenstance.”   • • • • • SHOW NOTES   The Caves — A Rock Opera based on Christian's favorite episode of Dr. Who can be listened to here: https://thesevateem.bandcamp.com/album/the-caves All proceeds from streaming and sales will benefit Doctors Without Borders! For updates on live performances of The Caves, follow Christian on Twitter here: https://twitter.com/TheSevateem/status/1056205843941785600 Need an advertising agency that isn't really an advertising agency, or just want to work somewhere that isn't so rulsey, go here: https://zeusjones.com Ask us a question on Twitter or Instagram. Stay up to date or buy a freakin' hoodie here: Beatroublemaker.com

The Penske File is code for "working on something when you're supposed to be working on something else." Also known as "side hustle," this episode breaks down some actionable tips we've used to help with our own creative side projects. Hopefully you'll find them as useful as we have. SHOW NOTES Seinfeld The Penske File Ford's Film/Penske File: The Village Barbershop Ask us a question on Twitter or Instagram. Beatroublemaker.com

Elliot Kotek is a man with a humbling resume. For starters he comes with a law degree and a BS in Pharmacology & Toxicology from Monash University in Melbourne, Australia. He also studied acting at the acclaimed Lee Strasberg Theater Institute in New York, is a published poet, journalist and photographer. Currently, he’s the Editor in Chief of Beyond Cinema Magazine and the current CEO of the Nation of Artists, a social impact production company dedicated to helping people through a unique brand of storytelling. Beyond his resume, Elliot is one of the nicest guys we’ve ever met. Join as we hear about his insanely creative background, his 4P’s for finding your creative way and how he’s using creativity to drive social impact. SHOW NOTES The Nation of Artists Beyond Cinema Magazine Project Daniel The AFLAC Duck for Children’s Cancer Ask us a question on Twitter or Instagram. Beatroublemaker.com

We're making this up as we go along, but here's an idea we like. How about every guest driven episode is followed up with an episode about putting our guest's advice into action? We're calling these episodes The Inbetweens. Episode 2 is the first and it digs into Toby Barlow's early creative process which he refers to as "Making the Stock." The episode also proves the age old creative maxim - the work is never done - as we've changed the name of the podcast from Grab the Lightening to The Troublemakers. A nod to the great Chiat/Day Apple commercial Think Different along with the observation that to be truly creative, you can't be afraid to break the rules. SHOW NOTES David's favorite inspirational site (with a less than inspirational name) - designspiration.net A Technique for Producing Ideas by James Webb Young Ask us a question on Twitter or Instagram. Beatroublemaker.com

Toby Barlow is the critically acclaimed author of Sharp Teeth and Babayaga, both of which were written while working 80+ hour weeks as a high-level advertising creative director and raising two girls. This conversation covers a wide range of topics. Everything from Toby’s upbringing in an Adirondack artists' colony in New York to his writing his debut novel in free verse to his efforts to help rebuild Detroit through creativity, community and collaboration.   SHOW NOTES: Toby Barlow, Author of Sharp Teeth and Babayaga Help support Write A House Toby's Huffington Post Work Paul Wellstone’s interesting ads. MUSIC: Thanks to Nicholas DeMatteo beatroublemaker.com