Podcasts about sarah furie

Since the coronavirus global pandemic began there have been countless news stories that range anywhere from “It’s just the flu” to “They’re creating mass grave burial sites.” As we sit quarantined inside our homes watching the world unravel from our screens… What the hell are we supposed to believe? What can we do to feel in control in a world spinning so rapidly out of control? In this interview I have a very candid and honest conversation about what the coronavirus pandemic looks like on the frontlines from the perspective of one physician – Dr. Edison de Mello, the founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine (and yes, he is a “REAL Doctor”). This story is not THE perspective on current events, this is his perspective. And it’s an extremely educated and unbiased perspective of how to better understand what’s happening in different parts of the world, how we can prepare ourselves and strengthen our immune systems naturally, what the timeline really looks like before we go back to “normal,” and how testing factors into the equation as well. I can honestly say that after conducting this interview I feel more optimistic and less anxious about this whole situation since it all began. And I hope this interview has the same effect on you as well. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: What makes this SARS-COV2 coronavirus different and why we should take it seriously. Why it is affecting different regions of the world in different ways. Medical science reveals how this virus “aggressively” goes after your lungs. How to make sense of the seemingly high case fatality rate according to the COVID-19 Global Dashboard. What COVID-19 patient care looks like through the lens of a medical doctor. Why the notion that “young people don’t get it” is flawed. Gender differences: Why do men tend to be more susceptible & have more severe symptoms? Underprepared or Overreacting? Making sense of confusing news reports on hospital preparedness. The debate over Chloroquine, the risk of side-effects, and why it shouldn’t be used for prevention. How to strengthen your immune system to reduce the severity of symptoms should you come in contact with the virus. Calm your immune system & reduce stress: Practice gratitude, meditate, and laugh. Boost your immune system with Vitamin C and other recommended supplements (see below). Gargle 2 to 3 times a day. (The virus aggregates in your throat.) Use breath-work to open up your lungs and oxygenate the body. Add the “cupping exercise” for bonus points. Try a healthy diet and lower sugar intake (the virus loves sugar). Decrease dairy to reduce mucous in your lungs. Limit alcohol consumption. Stay hydrated. Adding a little bit of juice can help cell absorption. Warm your body: Get some sun exposure, use a thermal blanket or steam shower if available. Supplement list: Vitamin C Zinc Astragalus Akasha’s Immune Support Vitamin D3 (check your vitamin D levels) How to deal with emotional coping mechanisms (alcohol, emotional eating, & Netflix) which go against the advice above. We discuss how physical distancing is motivating social connection and healing divisiveness. What kind of a timetable Dr. D thinks we’re looking at before we go back to “normal”. Why we need to make testing cheap, fast, & easy to do from home. A counter-intuitive ‘silver lining’ found in the estimated ‘astronomical’ number of cases that aren’t reported. Trying to get COVID-19 news? Avoid misinformation and use science-based resources (links below): Useful Resources Mentioned: Coronavirus Daily Dashboard COVID-19: Can Asymptomatic Carriers Spread the Virus? What’s the Truth by Dr. de Mello Johns Hopkins Global Health Now COVID-19 newsletter ECDC: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Our World In Data Sifting Through the Coronavirus Pandemic – Infodemic.blog WHO: World Health Organization CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SNOPES.COM: the internet’s go-to source for discerning TRUTH vs nonsense More Episodes with Dr. de Mello: Ep01: Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de Mello Ep28: The Science Behind Depression and Anxiety | with Dr. D and Dr. Michael Mark [Podcast] Ep32: Supplementation 101 [Podcast] Ep07: Integrative Medicine, part 1 [Podcast] Ep08: Integrative Medicine, part 2 Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Edison de Mello, MD, PhD, is a board certified Integrative Physician by the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a licensed psychotherapist by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. He practiced psychotherapy for 13 years before entering medical training and now practices and teaches evidenced- based integrative medicine. Dr. de Mello’s PhD dissertation, entitled “Gut Feelings – A Psychosocial Approach to Gastrointestinal Illness,” inspired his conception of a center where psychology would be combined and fully integrated with Western and Eastern medicines. The de Mello Institute was formed in 1996 with the goal of employing safe and complementary approaches to healthcare while also addressing a person’s emotional and spiritual health. Fully committed to these goals, Dr. de Mello entered residency in 1999 at the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center Urban Family Residency program in New York City, including training at the Manhattan-based Center for Health and Healing. His training utilized a biopsychosocial model and offered innovative experiences in the integration of complementary medicine into the practice of Family Medicine. Upon completing his medical training, Dr. de Mello expanded the de Mello Institute and founded the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine. The Akasha Center on Facebook The Akasha Center on Twitter Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

If you’re a freelancer in the entertainment industry, there’s a 95% chance you are unemployed³. Even worse, the remaining 5% who are fortunate enough to still be working right now will likely run out of work soon as current projects are finished and delivered. We’re staring down the barrel of nearly a 100% unemployment rate in Hollywood, and the chances of there being any sustainable work for us in the near future are slim to bupkis. Let’s face it: The cameras aren’t rolling again anytime soon. No matter your present financial circumstances, it’s time to accept that things aren’t going back to “normal”, and you need a financial plan to weather this storm. Having reached out to many people in the entertainment industry, those who subscribe to my newsletter, as well as after polling the members of my coaching & mentorship community, I’ve learned that the vast majority of people are far more fearful of the unemployment market than they are of our current global pandemic. In today’s episode I provide a candid look at the struggles many in the entertainment industry are facing specifically with their finances in an ‘All Hands On Deck’ Community Q&A call with my ‘Optimizers.’ We talk about the most pressing challenges many of us have with reorganizing our finances, having a clear picture of how long we have before running out of cash, and ways to better prepare for both the current circumstances as well as for the future. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep88: The ‘Profit First’ Financial System (That Gives You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ to the Wrong Gigs) | with Mike Michalowicz Government support for creative professionals impacted by COVID-19 Ep91: How To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Community Q&A FEAR: How to Protect Your Mental Health From the Infection Far Worse Than COVID-19 Ep90: How to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby Germino Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Picture this…it’s maybe a month or two before your next hiatus between shows. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and you can’t wait to catch up on the million-and-a-half things that aren’t related to your current job. Things I think of as “Life management.” – Unpaid bills (and laundry) – Cleaning and organizing your closet – Sending outreach emails and setting up networking lunches – Going to networking events – FINALLY putting together that diet & exercise routine (that you promise to stick to this time) But then when hiatus comes one of two things happens: You spend all your time freaking out about being unemployed and you frantically search for your next gig. Sleep, napping, more sleep…and a whole lotta Netflix. Luckily this habit pattern is reversible if you take some simple steps to plan ahead before your next hiatus and become more mindful of what’s stopping you from getting things done. And that’s just what I discuss in today’s interview with film & television editor Debby Germino. Debby Germino has worked on numerous television series such as Fargo, Agents of SHIELD, Genius, and the Netflix original feature XOXO. She has also trained for and run multiple triathlons, endurances races, and last November she finished her very first Tough Mudder. Debby is also passionate about her mindfulness practice as well as sharing strategies to become a more balanced, happier, and more mindful editor at her blog Happiness In Training, all of which we discuss in detail in this episode. Before we jump into today’s interview I wanted to give you a quick head’s up that by popular demand I will be reviving the Podcast Q&A format for an upcoming episode with Debbie as my new co-host, so if you have any specific questions you’d like to ask either Debby or me about how to survive the craziness of show business, whether it be about health, wellness, fitness, diet, sleep, productivity, or career advancement strategies and networking, please submit your question at optimizeyourself.me/podcastqa. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: The ‘Soft Skills’ that Debby credits with her success in the industry. What led to her beginning to write about work-life balance and mindfulness. “Work-life balance is not about balancing the scales or having everything equal… it’s about managing priorities.” How to stay productive during hiatus and the importance of maintaining foundational routines. The 4 most important habits she maintains whether she’s working or not. Great tips on remaining flexible and honoring your body while maintaining habits & rituals that keep you effective and creative. Zack and Debby’s advice for anyone about to start a month-long or longer hiatus. How we tend to react in the face of change and how to “build that transition period in” to your plans while on hiatus. The importance of acceptance and self-compassion when we expect a lot from ourselves. The fallacy of the “I’ll be happy when…” story we tell ourselves and learning to love “where we are now”. Tips to get started being more fully present in the moment. Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep07: How to Sleep Smarter | with Shawn Stevenson Ep29: Protecting Your Vision Using ‘Iris’ | with Daniel Georgiev Ep56: One Sleep Tracker to Rule Them All…the Oura Ring | with Chuck Hazzard Ep75: ‘The Four Tendencies’ (aka The Matrix For Human Behavior) | with Gretchen Rubin Ep66: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Time Blocking (But Were Afraid to Ask) | with Amber De La Garza Ep37: The Myth of Work-Life Balance (And What to Strive For Instead) | with Apryl Schlueter Work-Life Balance Got Questions? Use this Podcast Q&A form » Debby’s Email: debby@happinessintraining.com Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Debby moved to Los Angeles in 2001 and landed her first job at a theatrical marketing agency in Burbank. It was there that she honed her Avid skills and learned the quick pace of trailer editing. But her real passion was to work on longer format editing and storytelling. She got her first job in television as an assistant editor on Smallville, where she was promoted to editor after two seasons and began her editorial career. Since then she’s worked on numerous television series, including Fargo, Agents of SHIELD, AMC’s The Son, National Geographic’s Genius, and the Netflix Original Feature XOXO. She has her own Medium publication called Happiness in Training where she writes articles about how to live a happier and more fulfilling life. When she is not editing or writing, she is busy training for triathlons & endurance races, and practicing mindfulness meditation. She frequently spends her time off in Mammoth with her boyfriend and dog, hiking, snowboarding, and cycling. Medium | Facebook | Instagram | Happiness in Training Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Building a fulfilling and lasting career in Hollywood definitely isn’t easy, but when you’re starting from the bottom rung of the ladder with zero contacts and just breaking in it can seem downright IMPOSSIBLE. But no matter who you are, where you come from, or who you do or don’t know, anyone can get their foot in the door using the right strategy. As today’s guest says, “It’s all about getting into people’s inboxes to make things happen.” My guest, Aaron Schmidt, is currently the Post Production Assistant on Cobra Kai who managed to land his position on a hit studio television show just months after graduating from college (which by the way is extremely unusual). Glancing at his resume as an Arizona State University cum laude graduate with Dean’s List honors and several credits on high profile studio projects while still in college, you’d probably never guess that Aaron began his education being placed in special ed because he was dyslexic. But Aaron has learned there’s a lot more to being successful and forging a path in Hollywood than just “getting lucky.” In today’s episode Aaron and I break down his experience on Cobra Kai, how he landed the gig in the first place, what his duties are as the post-production assistant (post PA), what he’s learned, and most importantly how he can improve so he lands his next gig (which by the way he already has..sorry, spoiler alert). Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: On breaking into Hollywood: How Aaron found no answers in film school and the intuitive insights that led him to chart his own path. Why Aaron thinks EntertainmentCareers.net is a “blackhole”. How he set himself up for a “lucky break” that led to his Post PA position on Cobra Kai. The 8 magic words that landed Aaron his first Post PA job after multiple failed interviews. Zack’s Interviewing Mindset Tip: “Demonstrate you have a very clear understanding of all of the challenges of the person interviewing you, why you are the best solution to those challenges, and why you are the person who is going to make their life easier.” What a Post PA actually does in studio television. How Aaron earned more responsibility for himself than his position required, making himself a more valuable member of the team and increased his chances of getting hired on the next project. KEY INSIGHT: Know what you want/where you want to be. Make it clear how people can help you. People are more willing to help than you’d expect – they just need clarity on HOW. How Aaron’s dyslexia actually helped him be more resourceful and attentive to detail. The importance of “crawling into the brain” of those you work with to anticipate their needs. Why “Leave your ego at the door” is sage advice, no matter your position. Useful Resources Mentioned: The Insider’s Guide to Writing Great Outreach Emails Ep87: [CASE STUDY] Why People Don’t Respond to Your Cold Outreach (and How to Get a Response) | with Scott Davis Ep69: Cobra Kai…Inside the Edit Suite | with Jon Hurtwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg Ep12: The Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris Visser Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Aaron Schmidt is a Chicago native who attended Arizona State University where he studied Film and Media Production. He graduated cum laude with Dean’s List honors and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Aaron has worked within many film and TV realms, stretching from his work with HBO’s television show Camping to Sony Pictures’s Cobra Kai and now working in development for TBS’s new show Obliterated. Aaron also has worked with independent film producers at Indy Entertainment on the films The Au Pair and Model Citizen. There he helped online and deliver final cuts of the films. When Aaron is not in the office helping make characters come to life, he is advocating for the Learn Disability community. Aaron has spoken at many Hyde Park Day School conferences, helping parents understand what it is like to be dyslexic. He has also been a sounding board for teachers trying to update their curriculums to better suit their dyslexic students. Aaron will continue to help students set themselves up for success. Aaron on Instagram Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Click to Download Audio “Why.” It’s an incredibly simple word that carries tremendous power when used correctly. But unfortunately ‘why’ is a question we are often afraid to ask of others because we don’t want it to look like we don’t know something. And more importantly, ‘why’ is a question we rarely ask ourselves because we either don’t know the answer...or we’re afraid of it. The chances are extremely high you can clearly explain WHAT you do for a living. “I’m a reality editor that works on competition shows.” “I’m a production coordinator for a local television station.” “I’m an online entrepreneur that teaches other entrepreneurs how to organize their business finances.” If you spend a little time thinking about it or referencing your own portfolio or resume, there’s also a good chance that you can clearly identify HOW you do your job. “I communicate clearly and effectively.” “I harness the raw emotion in every story I tell.” “I bring everything I have to every client I work with.” But now it’s time to ask yourself....can you clearly identify WHY you do what you do? While it might seem trivial, not having a clear understanding of why you do the work you do every single day can have a significant impact on the quality of your work, the energy and attitude you bring to your job every single day, and it can have a negative impact on your health as well. When the bullets are flying, deadlines are looming, and stress levels are at DEFCON 1 across your entire team, if you don’t enjoy your work or understand why it’s important work to you, it’s easy to get sucked into the black hole of overwhelm, depression, and burnout. In today’s episode I chat with David Mead, the ‘Chief Igniter’ at the organization Start With Why, and their sole mission is to inspire people to do work that inspires them. David is also the co-author of ‘Find Your Why’ which is a practical hands-on guide to help anyone find their deeper why and apply it to their work, their relationships, and their entire lives. David and I chat about the importance of defining your why, and then we walk through a very practical exercise helping me define my own why at a much deeper level than I already have in the past. If you’re struggling to find a deeper meaning behind your work or your relationships, this episode is a must-listen. And if you find this exercise helpful and you want to start building an action plan that will help you achieve the most important goals in your life that align with your deeper why, ‘finding your why’ is just one of the many exercises I teach in my Design Yourself program. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: People don't buy WHAT you do, they buy WHY you do it The concept of the Golden Circle and learning to articulate the "how", "why", and "what" you do Recognizing when you are headed for burnout "I've got to make money somehow" is not a strong or fulfilling enough "why" Why discovering the deeper meaning in your work is essential for health and creativity Living out your deepest and best self is not dependent on your job or paycheck If you don't know your deeper "why" then the "what" will never be truly satisfying How to properly interrogate your "why" by honing in on the driving themes of the stories your tell about your life Useful Resources Mentioned: Find Your Why Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. Guest Bio: David Mead is the co-author of Find Your Why, a practical guide on how to discover the Why for any individual, team or organization. He's also a guide of the online Why Discovery Course. David's 'Why' is to propel people forward so they can make their mark on the world. Specializing in organizational culture and leadership, David shifts perceptions about the reasons why organizations really exist, what leadership is and how human biology plays into it all. David started by developing content to help Simon Sinek (author of 'Start With Why) share his powerful ideas and in 2012 he began speaking and facilitating workshops to help shift people's perceptions about leadership and culture. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Click to Download Audio Depression. Burnout. Imposter Syndrome. I’ll take “3 Things I’d Rather Not Admit That I’ve Experienced” for $1000, Alex! In today’s society we are conditioned to believe that we have to show up to work every single day, all day, for ridiculously long days, and always be able to perform at an equally high level. The expectation is that we should be able to summon creativity on demand, and while it is possible to learn how to do so on a more consistent basis, it’s just not realistic to expect that you can push yourself at 100% capacity all the time. Subsisting off Red Bull, M&M’s, and pizza definitely doesn’t help either despite that being the standard diet in most creative office spaces. And if you’re a woman in a male-dominated field, let’s just say the deck is not stacked in your favor either. I’ve shared my story more than once about the many times I’ve experienced depression, burnout, and imposter syndrome throughout my career, and in today’s episode I’ll be sharing more of my experiences alongside my guest Genevieve Malone, the founder of The Inertia Project who is also a civil engineer as well as a competitor in the sport of female bodybuilding, specifically as a figure competitor. Genevieve founded The Inertia Project to empower other women to take control of their lives and habits, but if you’re a guy listening today, don’t let that scare you away. Even though Gen specializes in working with women, she has plenty of killer tips & tricks for the men out there as well. She focuses on fun, quick, effective workouts and incorporates behavior change techniques to make the changes stick. If after listening you’d like to start taking real action, Gen has been kind enough to provide a bonus for this episode. It includes: A shopping list with healthy recipes using food to stay alert and focused all day long 3 energizing workouts to sharpen your focus and prevent burnout Her “Crystal Ball Technique” to harness the power of visualization » Click here to download Gen's amazing Bonus Guide for this episode Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: What burnout looks like, the ugly side, especially when dealing with "Imposter syndrome" Going from a civil engineer to a female body builder Framing failure as a learning experience, especially if it leads to depression and burnout Habit stacking and visualization to go from unlikely behaviors to likely behaviors Dealing with common misconceptions around being a body builder Processing depression in the midst of becoming a public figure Evaluating the standards you define yourself by in the wake of burnout Relieving yourself of the obligation to help people and giving yourself permission to fail The simplest steps you can take to move towards health while in the throes of depression Useful Resources Mentioned: The Intertia Project Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. Guest Bio: Genevieve founded The Inertia Project to empower other women to take control of their lives and habits. She focuses on fun, quick, effective workouts and incorporates behavior change techniques to make the changes stick. On top of running TIP, she works full-time in a demanding field – so she knows a thing or two about living the Side Hustle life while trying to not go insane. Genevieve put together a special bonus for the Optimize Yourself listeners to help them in their journey – [click here for more!] Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Click to Download Audio "Easy left a long time ago." - Chris Anselmo The subject matter of disabilities, especially muscular dystrophy, is a subject matter near and dear to my heart. I spent eight years of my life producing and directing the documentary film GO FAR: The Christopher Rush Story about the first quadriplegic to become a licensed scuba diver who was also a former national poster child for the muscular dystrophy association. In addition to many additional accomplishments such as becoming an honorary NASA astronaut and earning a law degree, Christopher Rush was also one of my best friends. Sadly the world lost Christopher in 2007 before I ever got the chance to really sit down and talk with him about how he developed the mental strength and courage to overcome such a debilitating disease and live a full life with optimism every day. Luckily because of GO FAR I’ve met a lot of amazing and inspirational people, many of whom have reached out to me because of the film and how it inspired them. And this is what sparked today interview with my guest Chris Anselmo. Chris Anselmo is a writer living with an adult-onset form of Muscular Dystrophy called Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2B. But here’s the catch: For the first 21 years of his life, Chris was an able-bodied, active young adult. Then one day, while going for a run, he noticed his muscles tiring out faster than normal. Over the next ten years, Chris experienced progressive, unrelenting muscle weakness, and today uses a wheelchair to get around. In the beginning, Chris struggled to accept what was happening to him. In addition to getting weaker, he found himself depressed and questioning what he could still do in life. Over time, however, through trial and error, he was able to piece his life back together and learn how to dream again. And that’s what we’re going to dig into in this interview: How can you develop a positive outlook and continue forging ahead in life when faced with extreme adversity? Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Recognizing when life is showing you an open door or a closed one Learning and accepting that the dark years needed to happen The paradigm shift of realizing you can no longer support your own body weight Thinking forwards, not backwards (even if people think you're crazy) The unexpected power of asking for help Learning to love when life throws you curveballs How to seek out helpful role models in times of need Determining what goals you can accomplish and moving forward one step at a time Chris's framework for dealing with adversity and how to keep your struggles in perspective Useful Resources Mentioned: Chris's Blog: Sidewalks and Stairwells Steve Jobs: How To Live Before You Die OPT Podcast Ep20: Rewiring Your Brain to Be Happier with Shane Burcaw Our Generous Sponsor: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|LinkedIn Chris Anselmo is a 31-year-old Connecticut resident and writer living with an adult-onset form of Muscular Dystrophy called Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy Type 2B. For the first 21 years of his life, Chris was an able-bodied, active young adult. Then one day, while going for a run, he noticed his muscles tiring out faster than normal. Over the next ten years, Chris experienced progressive, unrelenting muscle weakness, and today uses a wheelchair to get around. In the beginning, Chris struggled to accept what was happening to him. In addition to getting weaker, he found himself depressed and questioning what he could still do in life. Over time, however, through trial and error, he was able to piece his life back together and learn how to dream again. Chris holds a BS in Marketing from Northeastern University and an MBA from Boston College. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Click to Download Audio If you work in a creative industry, you probably already know how difficult it can be to just making a living. But if you’re intention is to not only making a living but also feel proud of the work you do everyday...that’s a much taller order. It can seem hard enough to find extra time to perfect your specific craft, and it’s often even harder to find the extra time to meet the right people and build your professional network (especially if you’re a socially awkward introvert like me), but often times the barriers standing between you and landing your dream job in the entertainment industry have nothing to do with outside forces...instead the barriers are psychological. That’s right: YOU might be the biggest obstacle keeping you from greatness, and the number one barrier keep you from your dream job is the stories you tell yourself repeatedly every single day. In this episode I chat with Robert Hardy who is an indie filmmaker, writer, and entrepreneur based out of Tucson, Arizona. He currently runs Filmmaker Freedom, a site that helps ambitious filmmakers make work they're proud of and take control of their careers. We chat all about the step-by-step process you can take to become a successful filmmaker, but the key is first understanding how to define “success” for yourself. We also dive deep into the “limiting scripts” that we repeat on a daily basis that convince us we don’t have what it takes to make it and how to overcome them little by little. If you want to dive even deeper into the power of storytelling, specifically understanding the fundamental components of a good story, I recommend jumping back to my previous interview, part 1 in my ‘Storytelling’ series with Story Greenlight founder Jeff Bartsch. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Working in the filmmaking, entrepreneurial, and mental health spaces all at once How dropping out of film school led Robert to create Filmmaker Freedom and tread his own career path Don't just look at your career goals, ask yourself what you want your days to look like in the future Deconstructing your unattainable standards of success Learning how to know when you're climbing the wrong career ladder How to avoid peer pressure to stay in a job that makes you miserable Re-evaluating the "overnight success" myth Is it possible to skip steps on the filmmaker ladder of success? Designing your steps based on their stability rather than just their proximity to your goals Useful Resources Mentioned: Filmmaker Freedom “Empire” Editor Has 7 Steps to Network Successfully in Hollywood Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. Guest Bio:  Twitter|Facebook|Instagram Rob is an indie filmmaker, writer, and entrepreneur based out of Tucson, Arizona. He currently runs Filmmaker Freedom, a site that helps ambitious filmmakers make work they're proud of and take control of their careers. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Click to Download Audio If you do creative work for a living, you’re a storyteller. It doesn’t matter if you’re a film editor like me working in scripted television, maybe you work in online marketing, you are a director, writer, graphic designer, composer, or anything else creative: You tell stories. Whether it’s with a single image, a specific font choice on a poster, a music cue to increase emotional impact in a scene, or any other decision that impacts how someone perceives your work - you must understand how to make sure the story you’re telling has maximum impact. Even beyond telling stories in your work, the most important story that you need to be able to tell if you intend to be successful is your own story. If you tell other people’s stories for a living with ease but you have no idea how to translate your storytelling abilities into crafting your own story, it’s a good thing there’s now a place for that: Story Greenlight. Story Greenlight is the brainchild of Jeff Bartsch who is a multi-faceted author, teacher, and television editor based out of Los Angeles. He is the author of “Edit Better: Hollywood-Tested Strategies for Powerful Video Editing” and built his career editing television for ABC, NBC, Universal, Disney, Apple, and many others. (As a side note, Jeff edits American Ninja Warrior, so I might just be a tad bit biased!) Jeff is the founder of Story Greenlight, a virtual community that helps online video creators connect with their audience, turn up the impact of their message, and change people’s lives. Whether you create online content, you just want to perfect your elevator pitch or the about page on your website, or if you just want to better understand the fundamental building blocks of good storytelling, this episode is a must-listen. And after listening if you want to dive even deeper into the power of story, specifically understanding how to make a living telling stories that you are proud of and overcoming the psychological barriers that might be holding you back in your career, I recommend sticking around for part 2 in my “Storytelling” series with Robert Hardy, the founder of Filmmaker Freedom. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Learning how storytelling defines everything we experience and create Structuring your origin story What does storytelling look like in a reality show like American Ninja Warrior? Jeff Bartch's guide to telling compelling stories Understanding the most basic elements of story and their ubiquity in art You can't NOT tell a story, so learn how to do it engagingly The dangers of comparing your story to others instead of living your own If you're struggling, remind yourself that you are at the beginning of your story Stop making excuses and turn your problems into obstacles to be surmounted Don't worry about being original, learn to be authentic Useful Resources Mentioned: Edit Better: Hollywood-Tested Strategies for Powerful Video Editing Story Greenlight Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. Guest Bio: Jeff Bartsch is a multi-faceted author, teacher, and television editor based out of Los Angeles. He is the author of “Edit Better: Hollywood-Tested Strategies for Powerful Video Editing” and built his career editing television for ABC, NBC, Universal, Disney, Apple, and many others. Jeff’s commentary on the entertainment industry has been featured in TIME Magazine, USA Today, the Associated Press, and multiple textbooks. Jeff is the founder of Story Greenlight, a virtual community that helps online video creators connect with their audience, turn up the impact of their message, and change people’s lives. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Click to Download Audio If you work a demanding creative job and you love doing creative work like I do, then you can most likely identify with how much I hate dealing with money, finances, bills, and paperwork. While I understand all of them are “necessary evils” to running a business and being successful, on an emotional level I feel like when I’m reconciling transactions, creating invoices, or organizing paperwork to do my taxes, I’m simply wasting my time because I’m not creating. Any time when I’m not “making cool stuff” is time I’m wasting. Luckily I no longer have to manage mounds of unfiled paperwork, paying bills, or reconciling transaction thanks largely in part to crossing paths with my guest today Sylvia Inks. She’s the founder of SMI Financial Coaching where she’s a business and financial coach who helps entrepreneurs and small business owners learn the financial skills necessary to succeed. Even though you may have never thought about it this way before, even if you just jump from one freelance job to the next, YOU are a small business. So this episode is especially helpful for those who work with multiple clients even if you don’t technically have a “business” with your own employees. Sylvia and I dive into all of the necessary steps to organize your finances so you spend less time wading through paperwork and more time creating things you love. If after this interview you are inspired to get your financial life organized, Sylvia has created an amazing guide where you can follow along one simple step at a time to organize your business finances and make your life easier. Click to download her 'Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Business Finances.' Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Shifting your focus from being freelance to viewing yourself as a small business Preventing the "week of pain" before taxes are due Finding the expenses that you didn't know you could write off Making your finances as simple as possible with helpful software Taking control of your finances, not just to save money, but to find money you didn't think you had Getting into the mindset that time spent organizing your finances is not a waste of time Using Shoeboxed to digitize your important paperwork The distinctions between an accountant and a CPA Useful Resources Mentioned: Focus Yourself Sign-Ups Small Business Finance for the Busy Entrepreneur Freshbooks Invoice and Accounting SMI Financial Coaching Ultimate Guide to Organizing Your Business Finances Quickbooks Xero Accounting Software Due Shoeboxed Sylvia's Folder Structure Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|LinkedIn Sylvia Inks is a business and financial coach, who helps small business owners become confident by learning the business and financial skills to succeed in business, allowing them to spend more time and money on their family (and themselves). Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

It’s extremely common for people who are highly creative to also constantly battle with things like depression, anxiety, and attention issues. If you’ve listened to past episodes you know this is basically the story of my entire adult life, and I even delve into the link between depression and creativity in the very first episode of this show. For years I believed that I must just be a weak person, or maybe I was just doing the wrong things, or worst of all..maybe I was just “broken.” When my journey of overcoming depression and anxiety began there was no definitive diagnostic test that proved what I was battling was real, so it was easy to think (or have other people believe) that I was just “making this stuff up.” Luckily with some amazing advances in genetic testing over the last several years, depression and anxiety can be tested no different than whether or not you might have diabetes. More importantly, with the results of your genetic testing, you can make much more informed decisions about lifestyle changes that can significantly improve the quality of your life...possibly without the need for antidepressants (but please consult a medical professional before making any changes to your prescription medication, regardless of what you might learn in this interview). I’m very excited today to have the opportunity to speak with quite possibly the foremost expert on the entire planet when it comes to genetic testing, and more importantly interpreting the results of genetic tests from companies such as 23andme. My guest is Dr. Ben Lynch, the founder of the company Strategene, and he’s also the author of the book Dirty Genes: A Breakthrough Program to Treat the Root Cause of Illness and Optimize Your Health. In this episode we talk all about the genetic mutations that are very common for those dealing with mental health issues, and more importantly the simple lifestyles changes you can make to better manage (and even overcome) your mental health issues. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Understanding your personality from the perspective of genetics The "drive-thru" medicine approach and why it fails you We all have dirty genes (genes that aren't functioning at their best) Epigenetics and what it looks it looks like to take control of your body Your genes are more malleable that you've been lead to believe The importance of having a positive mindset when analyzing your genetic makeup Removing the negative stigma of genetic differences The importance of Methylation as the basis of all bodily functions Learning how to read and apply the results of a Strategene report Weaning yourself off of total reliance on your doctor for your health and well-being Your lifestyle choices' effects on the way your body functions Action steps that can help improve your symptoms without relying on trial and error medicine Useful Resources Mentioned: Dr. Ben Lynch 23 and Me Strategene Qualia Podcast Zack's Stratagene Report ABC's of Better Health (Dirty Genes Bonus Chapter) Our Generous Sponsor: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram Dr. Ben Lynch received his Cell and Moleular Biology, BS from the University of Washington and his ND from Bastyr University. His passion for identifying the cause of disease directed him towards nutrigenomics and methylation dysfunction. Currently, he researches, writes and presents worldwide on the topic of MTHFR and methylation defects. He is the author of Dirty Genes. You may learn more about Dr. Lynch and his work at www.drbenlynch.com. Dr Lynch is also the President & Founder of Seeking Health, a company oriented towards disease prevention and health promotion. He lives in Seattle, WA with his wife, Nadia, and three boys, Tasman, Mathew and Theodor. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Click to Download Audio Let’s face it...creative people like us are a bit weird. Being socially awkward is just part of the package. Sitting in a dark room for days at a time making cool stuff - piece of cake. But throw us into a large crowd and force us to speak to other human beings and it gets ugly fast. But networking is a necessary skill to master if you intend to thrive in your creative career because no matter how awesome your work, people can’t hire you if they don’t know you exist! I honestly can’t think of more than a small handful of people I know in my entire industry who are natural at “offline” networking (for those of you who spend all of your energy on social networking online, offline networking is in that vast terrifying space called “the real world.”) So for all of the socially awkward introverts out there like me, I’ve brought in an expert at offline networking to help you break the ice and start building your list of quality connections like a ninja. My guest in this episode is Camille Virginia, the founder of Master Offline Dating. She has a unique talent and incredible passion for creating instant, in­-person connections and building authentic relationships. Her specialty is helping singles who are burned out with online dating and apps to find love in their own lives by providing the key skills to boost social confidence, create connection, and find lasting commitment in the real world. Trust me...the skills she teaches in the dating world are equally as applicable to professional networking settings because the key to networking is building meaningful relationships. I highly recommend taking notes and trying out a few of these approaches at your next networking event. If you tried something that was successful from this interview, let me know! Drop me a quick note at contact@optimizeyourself.me, I read every single email I receive and do my best to respond if I’m able. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The universal building blocks of human relationships and social struggles Depersonalization and the pitfalls of online dating How can someone introverted have a successful networking presence? The similar mechanics of dating and networking How to approach strangers as "friends you haven't met yet" Introducing yourself to people confidently and authentically Processing the emotional toll of intense social interaction as an introvert "You have something in common with every person that you speak to" Speaking out of curiosity rather than just engaging socially acceptable topics Valuing the people you are meeting for the first time Useful Resources Mentioned: Dating App Detox: The ultimate guide to getting a date without going online Our Generous Sponsor: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter.   Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram Camille Virginia is the founder of Master Offline Dating. She has a unique talent and incredible passion for creating instant, in­-person connections and building authentic relationships. Through private coaching, online courses, and live workshops she helps singles who are burned out with online dating and apps to find love in their own lives by providing the key skills to boost social confidence, create romantic connection, and find lasting commitment in the real world. Get her FREE gift Dating App Detox: The ultimate guide to getting a date without going online: www.masterofflinedating.com/yourself   Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kelley Dixon is the Emmy-winning editor of such iconic shows as Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Shameless. She has been nominated for an editing Emmy every single year since 2012 (winning in 2013 for an episode of Breaking Bad), she has been nominated for an Eddie Award seven out of the last eight years, and she has received numerous other nominations as well. Needless to say, Kelley is a film editing badass. In part 2 of our conversation today (Click here for part 1 of this interview) we dive as deep as I’ve ever gone into all of the steps necessary to climb from the bottom of the ladder to the top in Hollywood. We go over all the details of Kelley’s “overnight success story” where it took her just short of 20 years of being an assistant editor before exploding onto the scene with Breaking Bad. We chat about the mindset necessary to persevere, how to build relationships with producers, directors, and your editors so you put yourself in a position to be promoted when the time is right, how to develop your skills as an editor even if you're buried with assistant work, and most importantly we talk about the importance of playing chess with your career and making the right strategic moves rather than always chasing after the next shiny object and playing a game of checkers. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How to know when you're ready to transition from being an assistant Kelley's long and twisty path to becoming an Emmy-winning editor Building good relationships in the industry The art of being a good conversationalist What to do when it's "your time" after being an assistant for two years The importance of reminding yourself that there is no one way to make it Finding good editing mentorship to learn more as well as recognize your own style The danger of moving up the career ladder too quickly Honing your editing craft by discussing subtext The right way to approach experts instead of always asking, "Can I take you out for coffee?" Useful Resources Mentioned: Kelley Dixon Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. This episode is made possible by StoryBlocks, my go-to resource for professional stock images for my sites. Use this link to download anything from their library of over 400,000 stunning photos, textures, images, and icons free for 7 days and get discounts on millions of more items. Guest Bio: Twitter Kelley Dixon grew up with a single mom who taught grade school on Chicago's South Side. After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Technical Journalism, Kelley's sights were set on a writing career in advertising. So it was WEST! To Los Angeles! And no openings in any of the ad firms of her dreams. So instead... Kelley landed a job in MGM's mail room, and there started a career in the film biz without going to film school! Kelley has spent the last 10 years editing Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Walking Dead, Preacher, HBO's Luck, and Shameless, among others. And has worked with some of her admired Directors and Producers and Editors. She has won 1 Emmy for Breaking Bad. And has received 9 Emmy Nominations and 6 ACE Nominations for her work. She wishes she had a better written bio than this and thinks talking about herself in the 3rd person is the most obnoxious arrogant thing and hopes you'll excuse it this time! Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Kelley Dixon is the Emmy-winning editor of such iconic shows as Better Call Saul, Breaking Bad, The Walking Dead, and Shameless. She has been nominated for an editing Emmy every single year since 2012 (winning in 2013 for an episode of Breaking Bad), she has been nominated for an Eddie Award seven out of the last eight years, and she has received numerous nother nominations as well. Needless to say, Kelley is a film editing badass. In our conversation today we dive as deep as I’ve ever gone into all of the steps necessary to climb from the bottom of the ladder to the top in Hollywood. We go over all the details of Kelley’s “overnight success story” where it took her just short of 20 years of being an assistant editor before exploding onto the scene with Breaking Bad. We chat about the mindset necessary to persevere, how to build relationships with producers, directors, and your editors so you put yourself in a position to be promoted when the time is right, how to develop your skills as an editor even if you're buried with assistant work, and most importantly we talk about the importance of playing chess with your career and making the right strategic moves rather than always chasing after the next shiny object and playing a game of checkers. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How to know when you're ready to transition from being an assistant Kelley's long and twisty path to becoming an emmy-winning editor Building good relationships in the industry The art of being a good conversationalist What to do when it's "your time" after being an assistant for two years The importance of reminding yourself that there is no one way to make it Finding good editing mentorship to learn more as well as recognize your own style The danger of moving up the career ladder too quickly Honing your editing craft by discussing subtext Useful Resources Mentioned: Kelley Dixon Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. This episode is made possible by StoryBlocks, my go-to resource for professional stock images for my sites. Use this link to download anything from their library of over 400,000 stunning photos, textures, images, and icons free for 7 days and get discounts on millions of more items. Guest Bio: Twitter Kelley Dixon grew up with a single mom who taught grade school on Chicago's South Side. After graduating from Colorado State University with a degree in Technical Journalism, Kelley's sights were set on a writing career in advertising. So it was WEST! To Los Angeles! And no openings in any of the ad firms of her dreams. So instead... Kelley landed a job in MGM's mail room, and there started a career in the film biz without going to film school! Kelley has spent the last 10 years editing Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul, The Walking Dead, Preacher, HBO's Luck, and Shameless, among others. And has worked with some of her admired Directors and Producers and Editors. She has won 1 Emmy for Breaking Bad. And has received 9 Emmy Nominations and 6 ACE Nominations for her work. She wishes she had a better written bio than this and thinks talking about herself in the 3rd person is the most obnoxious arrogant thing and hopes you'll excuse it this time! Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Smartphone addiction has become an epidemic. A study in 2015 found that Americans collectively check their smartphones upwards of 8 billion times...per day. That’s an average of 46 times per day for the average person (and this was over 2 years ago, it’s only getting worse). Want to be really shocked? Just one year later another research firm found that smartphone users engaged in 76 sessions per day (almost doubling in one year), and those same users touched their phones an average of 2617 times per day, and the top 10% of users exceeded more than 5400 touches per day. The prevailing statistic today is that smartphone users check their phones more than 150 times per day. 150...doubling AGAIN from the previous year. I don’t know about you, but when I’m on my deathbed, I highly doubt I’m going to think to myself, “I’m glad I kept up with all of those social media notifications.” To put it frankly: There is no single distraction more detrimental to your creativity than your smartphone. If you have any desire to thrive as a creative professional in the 21st century “attention economy” as dubbed by my previous guest Cal Newport, you have to learn how to manage your smartphone usage. In today’s episode I chat with Kevin Holesh, an app developer and the creator of what might possibly be the most life-changing app you will ever download: Moment. We talk all about his app, how his journey to develop this app simply began as a way to minimize his own smartphone usage, and the most importantly how you can use Moment to become aware of your own smartphone addiction (and yes, you have a smartphone addiction). This app has been featured in frankly just about every major publication and podcast known to man, a few examples being Wired, MacWorld, Mashable, The Huffington Post, The Wall Street Journal, Fast Company, and seriously at least 25 more that I don’t have time to mention. This app is Fitbit for your smartphone addiction, and it will change your life. Even if you don’t listen to this podcast, do yourself a favor and download the app here. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Distraction addiction and the ways that screen time sneaks up on you How much time are we really spending on our phones? Kevin's journey to developing the app millions of people didn't know they needed How moment is like MyFitnessPal or Fitbit but for phone usage Why boredom is essential for a fruitful, creative life The strange preconceptions that people have of productivity app designers Do you know what percentage of your life you are spending looking at your phone? Most frequently used apps are all social media related, not productivity based How's your phone hygiene? (and yes, it's a real thing) Useful Resources Mentioned: Focus Driving App Moment Screen Awareness App Move App for Office Movement Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. This episode is made possible by StoryBlocks, my go-to resource for professional stock images for my sites. Use this link to download anything from their library of over 400,000 stunning photos, textures, images, and icons free for 7 days and get discounts on millions of more items. Guest Bio: Kevin Holesh is an app developer and the creator of Moment.   Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Work-life balance. It’s the unicorn we all strive for and hope to achieve someday, but if you were put on the spot right now, would you be able to clearly define what work-life balance means to you? And to be frank, is balance something that even sounds appealing? Frankly, I think balance sounds plain boring. And I say that valuing nothing else in life above my family, my wife, and my two children. I’ll go even further and say that I believe work-life balance as we know it today is a myth, and if we stop perpetuating it and start striving for something else entirely, that’s when we’ll reach the sweet spot. The key is to start coveting presence over work-life balance. Have no idea what that means? Listen on and you will. In today’s interview I chat with Apryl Schlueter who is the Chief Energy! Officer of The Cheerful Mind, Inc. She’s a happiness and productivity coach, speaker, and the author of Finding Success in Balance: My Journey to The Cheerful Mind. Now hold on a second...I know what you’re already thinking: “Ugh. A life coach? No!!!!!” But Apryl is not any life coach. Her skillset ranges from being able to solder a digital circuit in her sleep (and engineer that same circuit from scratch thanks to her background in electrical engineering), compete at the highest level as a cheerleader AND trapeze artist, and she’s a total productivity and Trello nerd just like me. Needless to say, Apryl and I have a lot of strategies to share with you today about how to redefine your picture of what work-life balance really is, and more importantly, we provide several strategies to help get you there. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Growing up with the restrictions of a strict career mindset Defining what life balance actually means Communicating with family in the conversation on balance Establishing a healthy mindset and definition of balance before efficiency Teaching your brain to perform good habits on auto-pilot How focusing on process efficiency can impact every aspect of your life The off-putting myths of work/life balance Setting boundaries and saying "no" as a productivity tool Dealing with the most common "time suckers" The importance of regular reviews John Acoff book "Finish" Useful Resources Mentioned: Optimize Yourself - Cheerful Mind Finding Success in Balance: My Journey to The Cheerful Mind The Cheerful Mind, Inc. Focus Yourself Waitlist Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. This episode is made possible by StoryBlocks, my go-to resource for professional stock images for my sites. Use this link to download anything from their library of over 400,000 stunning photos, textures, images, and icons free for 7 days and get discounts on millions of more items. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|LinkedIn|Instagram Apryl Zarate Schlueter is the Chief Energy! Officer of The Cheerful Mind, Inc. -- a happiness and productivity coach, speaker, and the author of Finding Success in Balance: My Journey to The Cheerful Mind. After years of working in various industries, Apryl realized her true passion for helping people streamline their lives to make time for more joy, balance, and ease. She uses the strategies of productivity, goal-setting, and planning infused with personal development methodologies, stress management, and self-care to help curb overwhelm that results from a busy lifestyle, and helps people have more fun while getting stuff done! You can learn more about Apryl at www.thecheerfulmind.com. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Setting goals is easy. Everyone has done it. “I’m going to make ten million dollars this year.” “I’m going to lose 100 pounds.” “I’m going to live life to the fullest!!!!!!” Easy, right? I just set some goals. Yippie. The hard part is achieving the goals we set for ourselves. In fact, over 92% of New Year’s Resolutions fail, and it’s largely because people don’t know how to properly set their goals. And even more importantly, once they do set their goals, they have no idea where to put their FOCUS so they can take the proper actions to get things done. In today’s episode I chat in-depth about the concept of focus with Jay Papasan, a bestselling author who serves as Vice President and Executive Editor at Keller Williams Realty International. Jay has co-authored a series of books that have found their way to numerous bestselling lists, including those found on The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and The New York Times. His most recent work with Gary Keller on The ONE Thing has sold over half a million copies worldwide and garnered more than 250 appearances on national bestseller lists, including #1 on the Wall Street Journal’s hardcover business list. If you’re wondering why I would have a realtor on a podcast all about optimizing creativity and work-life balance, I can assure you Jay knows his stuff when it comes to prioritizing life and focusing on the “One Thing” that will lead to your ultimate success. I learned a ton from chatting with Jay that went well beyond his book, and I hope you learn something valuable as well. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The significance of focus and it's relationship with goal fulfillment Defining your priorities to understand your deeper why Granting your needs exclusivity so that they can contribute to greater goals AKA The Domino Effect Learning how to discipline your habits Overcoming the "death valley" stage of your new activity Finding your daily willpower peak and scheduling work for that time Identifying the tasks that contribute to your priorities Highlighting your "Big-impact" goals, and then ordering them by priority Re-evaluating how much you can get done in five years Feeling the pull of your "someday goals" Confronting and defeating the fear of chaos Useful Resources Mentioned: The 1 Thing 1922 Article OPT Podcast Ep35 Cal Newport OPT Podcast Ep07 Shawn Stevenson OPT Podcast Ep05 Joe de Sena Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. This episode is made possible by StoryBlocks, my go-to resource for professional stock images for my sites. Use this link to download anything from their library of over 400,000 stunning photos, textures, images, and icons free for 7 days and get discounts on millions of more items. Guest Bio: Facebook|Instagram|Twitter|LinkedIn Jay Papasan is a bestselling author who serves as Vice President and Executive Editor at Keller Williams Realty International, the fastest growing real estate company in North America. Jay has co-authored a series of books that have found their way to numerous bestselling lists, including those found on The Wall Street Journal, USA Today, and The New York Times. His most recent work with Gary Keller on The ONE Thing has sold over half a million copies worldwide and garnered more than 250 appearances on national bestseller lists, including #1 on the Wall Street Journal’s hardcover business list. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

In our 24-7 world of constant distractions, focus is quickly becoming the superpower of the 21st century. Your ability to get meaningful work done, become successful, and avoid the endless trap of busyness that we are so tempted to get sucked into is directly proportional to your ability to do ‘deep work’ and focus intensely on one important action at a time. In today’s interview I speak with one of the foremost experts in the world on the topic of focus. Cal Newport is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University. In addition to studying the theoretical foundations of our digital age, Newport also writes about the impact of these technologies on the world of work. His most recent book, Deep Work, argues that focus is the new I.Q. in the modern workplace and that the ability to concentrate without distraction is becoming increasingly valuable. For those of you who feel like you’re spinning your wheels all day but not getting anything done, only to jump on the hamster wheel the next day and do it again...this episode is a MUST LISTEN. Adopting just a few of the principles of this book can literally change the way you live your entire life. And if you haven’t already, I highly recommend listening to my previous episode with Greg McKeown, the author of “Essentialism” because these two topics complement each other extremely well. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: What do creativity and focus look like on a neurological level? Why your ability to focus is more important than your IQ level How to maintain your mental hygiene What is "deep work"? (Hint: It might just be a modern superpower) The current demand for focus and its relationship with our fragmenting technology Learn to break your brain's addiction to stimuli "You can choose between being busy or being remarkable. Not both." The benefits of scheduling your entire day How much are your phone glances at work really costing you? What is a flow state and how difficult is it to achieive? Deep work isn't about getting more work done, it's about getting the same work done faster How much good work can one person complete in a day? The ability to focus deeply is a skill and requires practice, not a set amount of time Useful Resources Mentioned: Cal Newport's Site Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. This episode is made possible by StoryBlocks, my go-to resource for professional stock images for my sites. Use this link to download anything from their library of over 400,000 stunning photos, textures, images, and icons free for 7 days and get discounts on millions of more items. Guest Bio: Cal Newport is an Associate Professor of Computer Science at Georgetown University. In addition to studying the theoretical foundations of our digital age, Newport also writes about the impact of these technologies on the world of work. His most recent book, Deep Work, argues that focus is the new I.Q. in the modern workplace and that the ability to concentrate without distraction is becoming increasingly valuable. He previously wrote So Good They Can’t Ignore You, a book which debunks the long-held belief that “follow your passion” is good advice, and three popular books of unconventional advice for students. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Less...but better. Sounds like an oxymoron, but I promise adopting this mantra can change your life. Modern technology has changed everything about our lives, and while in some ways it has simplified things, in other ways technology has massively complicated every hour of the day for us. We are no longer human beings, we have simply become extensions of our technology. Clients expect quicker turnarounds, we are surrounded by endless distractions, we take on more projects than we can handle, and the consequences are being endlessly busy (but less productive), stressed out, and losing the necessary time to think critically about our lives and what we want to accomplish during our short time here on earth. In this episode I speak with New York Times best-selling author Greg McKeown about his book “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” and how this simple philosophy can massively change the direction and quality of your life (as it has my own). As an added bonus, this episode will also teach you how to say ‘No’ and not feel guilty afterwards. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: What is essentialism? - The disciplined pursuit of "less but better" The root causes of non-essentialism (read: how we got so busy but less productive) Bragging about being busy and what that means The “busy-ness bubble” Do you remember what it was like to be bored? The three steps to applying essentialism The importance of journaling and making a prioritized list Stop saying “yes” and learn the magic word…. NO! Be selective with your time! “The key is to figure out what is essential and you utilize that...to negotiate non-essentials” How to apply essentialism to the freelance world Don’t just edit in the timeline...start editing your life! “The perks of being unavailable” and FOMO Finding a system for creating space to think and enjoy your creative endeavors “Protect the asset” and stop bragging about not getting sleep -- it’s just as bad as being drunk at work! It’s not about how many hours, it’s about how many GOOD hours (less but better) The difference between “ok” and “hell yes!” Don’t let others determine your schedule Useful Resources Mentioned: www.gregmckeown.com » Click here to add your name to the Focus Yourself waitlist and get a steep discount Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. This episode is made possible by StoryBlocks, my go-to resource for professional stock images for my sites. Use this link to download anything from their library of over 400,000 stunning photos, textures, images, and icons free for 7 days and get discounts on millions of more items. Guest Bio: Twitter|LinkedIn|Facebook|Instagram Originally from London, England, Greg McKeown is the author of the New York Times bestseller, “Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less” and the founder of THIS, Inc, a company with a mission to inspire millions of people to design their essential mission in life. Their clients include Adobe, Apple, Airbnb, Cisco, Google, Facebook, Pixar, Salesforce.com, Symantec, Twitter, VMware and Yahoo!. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  

I can’t believe I’m about to say this...but 2017 is just about to end (which seriously doesn’t even seem possible), which means it’s time to start setting some goals for 2018. If you missed my previous episode with high performance coach Jeanette Goodrich I highly recommend checking that out first because in that interview we talk a lot about setting high level goals and the steps that most people miss when setting their goals. As I mentioned in that episode, over 92% of people fail to achieve the resolutions and goals they set for themselves, and I want to do everything I can to help you become a member of the “8% club.” And that means not only setting high level goals but also getting dirty in the trenches and taking the right actions every single day to achieve your goals. Today’s interview is with Jim Bunch who is known as “The Ultimate Life Entrepreneur” and spent years working side-by-side with none other than the Tony Robbins. Jim's mission is to inspire happiness, health, and wealth worldwide. He is the founder of The Ultimate Game of Life, and in our chat today we dive deep into the topic of how to properly set daily habits that will help you achieve your goals as well as take control of the environments holding you back. Because the only way to achieve the change you desire is approaching your goals the same way you would eat an elephant: One bite at a time. As a bonus, this interview basically turns into a private coaching session for me personally to help me understand what beliefs and behaviors have held me back from achieving my own goals, so if you’d like a private glimpse into what the process of one-on-one coaching looks like, this is a great (and very intimate) example. If you’d like to learn more about The Game of Life after listening to this interview and attend Jim’s free ‘Year In Review’ webinar where you can supercharge your goals for 2018, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/gameoflife to learn more and register. I’m definitely attending because I always do a year-end review so by the time January 1st comes along I already have a clear picture in my mind of what my next year will look like. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Jim's background and how he became a lifestyle entrepreneur Grinding vs. Growth (Are you trapped in repetition?) What it's like to be a part of a personal development seminar SWAT team Subverting the saddening 90+% failure rate for goal achievement Changing your environments rather than relying on willpower alone Determining which daily habits will help you reach your goals Anchor one-habit a month to your environment How to single-out the obstacles that are keeping you from improving Avoiding the Five Hindrances The key to changing is changing gradually Useful Resources Mentioned: The Ultimate Game of Life Year In Review Webinar Game of Life iOs Game of Life Google Play  Game of Life Desktop Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram Jim Bunch is known as “The Ultimate Life Entrepreneur” whose mission is to inspire happiness, health, and wealth worldwide. As Founder of The Ultimate Game of Life Programs, he and his coaches have helped hundreds of thousands of people in 50 countries achieve major life and business results. His 2 passions are Technology and Transformation, so whether it’s launching a new business venture or helping an entrepreneur upgrade their life, there’s a common thread you’ll find in whatever Jim Bunch does – and that’s inspiring and bringing out the best in people. Most recently, Jim launched a social mobile technology company to transform the way people interact on the planet and gained 1Million users in 250+ countries in 79 days. He has over 19 years of professional speaking experience, and has given more than a thousand presentations on Business and Life transformation. Today he writes, lectures and serves as the Chairman of the Board with The US Green Chamber of Commerce. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Around this time every year a common word begins to resurface: “Resolutions.” And while we all have the best intentions of beginning the new year with all the energy and motivation to make positive changes in our lives, inevitably 92% of resolutions fail. It’s easy to make excuses and say that “Life got in the way,” but if you truly intend to achieve your goals in 2018 and make positive progress towards the life you truly desire, I promise you it’s gonna take a lot more than willpower and motivation. It will most likely require specificity, intentional action, and if you’re really serious - you’re gonna need a coach. In this episode I speak with Jeanette Goodrich, a former air force pilot and now one of the top high performance coaches on the planet who was trained by and works directly with Brendon Burchard, the world’s #1 most-watched personal development trainer and one of the top 100 most followed figures online, in addition to being the #3 highest earning high performance coach on the planet. Jeanette and I break down the simple but powerful steps anyone can take to reframe their goals in a more realistic manner, recognize and overcome the obstacles that have been stopping them in the past, focus on what truly matters, and take real action that get results. Most importantly, we talk about the number one factor that most people ignore when setting goals: Their deeper “Why.” Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Success is different for everybody -- where do you want to go?? Define your success with baby steps and build on that Find your why and the purpose behind your goal Jeanette’s story and her big why You can be successful every day What are “why stacks” and “benefit extensions”? Make sure your “why” goes deep enough The number one component to success is accountability to others The different types of fear and why they’re holding us back -- what are you really going to lose? The paradox of wasting time The only way you know if something will work is to TAKE ACTION How to focus on key areas of your goal Finding problems and learning to solve and move past them What you can evaluate each day It’s not about working 16 hours a day, it’s about being able to focus on what’s important How do you even know what goals to set? There is no one right answer for everybody! Try starting with improving your sleep -- it can make a real difference “Work smarter, not harder” How to review and stick with your goals How journaling and calendars can set you free Useful Resources Mentioned: www.JeanetteGoodrich.com Go Far trailer A Classic Case of Post-Production Burnout Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|LinkedIn As a Certified High Performance Coach, Jeanette Goodrich helps high achievers and high potentials get in alignment with who they are and what they want and achieve their goals 5-10 times faster WITHOUT sacrificing their health, their family, or their relationships. The most common results are deepened clarity, boosted confidence, more harmonious relationships, new levels of influence, and higher levels of efficiency and productivity. She trained and consulted for one of the fastest growing and prolifically successful teams in Beachbody. In that role, she developed top notch training programs to aid in the success of new network marketing entrepreneurs. Her military experience was probably the most life shifting 4 year time of her life. There, she developed leadership skills, problems solving abilities, resiliency, adaptability and quick thinking skills that are difficult to get anywhere else. She led and supervised high performing flight crews and office staff to ensure flawless execution of missions and objectives. She was the top in my class is a very competitive flight school and had a track record of excellence in all she did! Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

If you’re a keyboard monkey like me who loves to escape the dark room on weekends and get dirty in the real world, i.e. you consider yourself a “Weekend Warrior,” then you’ll love today’s episode as much as me because this interview blends two of my favorite passions: Creative work and obstacle course racing. My guest today is Nick Montgomery, a film editor who likes to run around in the mud and lift heavy things up hills for fun. He maintains that his lifestyle balance of pushing creative limits in storytelling with pushing physical limits in the outdoors and in the gym has been key to avoiding total burnout at both. Having lived most of his life as a world-class couch potato, Nick has experimented with many fitness, nutritional and workplace lifestyle trends to find the ones that work for him. While there is no “right” lifestyle for everyone, he believes that you can realistically achieve many of your goals in life without them interfering with one another, as long as you are honest and mindful of the path you must take. Nick and I dive deep down the rabbit hole into what it truly takes to prioritize regular exercise and balance it with a demanding day job, and furthermore we chat about the power of mapping out your priorities and living life with intention. No doubt more than you bargained for when listening to two nerds talk about running through the mud, right? As a special bonus for this episode, if you’re a weekend warrior getting ready for your first obstacle course race like a Spartan Race or Tough Mudder, I’ve put together an OCD-worthy checklist of everything you need to pack for your race. You can find the list at optimizeyourself.me/spartanchecklist. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The power of mapping out your day and being intentional OCR for mental resiliency Conserving mental energy to be more creative by planning Learning how to fail over and over again Developing resiliency to stress How to make space for training and how to train efficiently Useful Resources Mentioned: Tough Mudder Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order.   Guest Bio: Twitter|Instagram Nick is a film editor who likes to run around in the mud and lift heavy things up hills for fun. When he’s not working feverishly at a desk assembling horror movies and commercials, he is obsessively training in Obstacle Course Racing (OCR). He maintains that his lifestyle balance of pushing creative limits in storytelling with pushing physical limits in the outdoors and in the gym has been key to avoiding total burnout at both. A self-taught camera operator, vfx artist and (finally) editor, and having lived most of his life as a world-class couch potato, Nick has experimented with many fitness, nutritional and workplace lifestyle trends to find the ones that work for him. While there is no “right” lifestyle for everyone, he believes that you can realistically achieve many of your goals in life without them interfering with one another, as long as you are honest and mindful of the path you must take. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

It's no secret that my #1 productivity hack is movement throughout the workday. And everyone knows that exercise is good for us and can help us feel better, but who has the time to go running for 45 minutes every morning just to achieve the "Runner's High?" Luckily for working stiffs like us who live in front of computers, the benefits of simple exercises and movement reach far beyond what you might get from intense activity, and the full potential that exercise and regular movement throughout the day have on improving your overall health and brain power is more profound than you can imagine...with a much smaller investment than you might expect. In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with Dr. John Ratey, a clinical psychiatrist at Harvard Medical School, and the author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and The Brain about how regular exercise and movement can actually improve your brain power and even make you smarter (based on science, not opinion). We discuss the immense impact regular exercise can have on cognitive function, memory, attention issues, and stress. And on the flip side, we discuss how lack of exercise and movement are literally shrinking your brain and impairing your cognitive function. That's right, not only is your desk chair hurting your lower back and causing brain fog...sitting in it all day long might actually be making you dumber. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: John’s background and how he became interested in the benefits of exercise When scientists began to measure the effects of exercising on mood and other cognitive functions Exercising can help prevent the decline of cognitive function by 10-15 years How do activity, movement and exercise change our brains? When we move we are activating our “thinking brain” Exercise does the same thing as a little bit of Prozac and Ritalin combined Our brain cells grow as we use them and move around (read: you can make yourself smarter just by moving!) A Duke University study (and many others) found movement/exercise can relieve the symptoms of depression Once you exercise consistently for 2-3 weeks you will see a noticeable change in your mood Exercise builds enzymes that help reshape and build the brain How exercise can help mitigate the symptoms of ADD and other attention issues Continuous exercise and movement can help bring stress levels down to a manageable level BDNF is an antidepressant and antianxiety protein in our brain -- it grows with movement! Endocannabinoids may be more important than endorphins Studies on how children learn better when they move You don’t need to get to the gym! Short exercises throughout the day will do the trick Brain shrinkage: how being overweight and sedentary can actually shrink your brain This all comes down to: movement makes you smarter! When children were studied, those who tested higher on physical fitness tests were smarter When starting an exercise program don’t focus on long-term goals, focus on how you feel every day Easy wins to get you started: 7 minute exercise and make gradual progress Useful Resources Mentioned: www.johnratey.com Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain Driven to Distraction Delivered from Distraction FiP Blog Post: A Classic Case of Post Production Burnout The 7 Minute Workout Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: John Ratey, M.D. is the coauthor, with Edward Hallowell of the books Driven to Distraction, Answers to Distraction, and Delivered from Distraction. He is also the author of Shadow Syndromes. In 2001 he published the book A User's Guide to the Brain, in which he describes the human brain as a flexible muscle, which works on a "use it or lose it" basis. He is the author of Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain (2008), which describes the positive benefits that exercise can have for people with ADHD. In 2014 he coauthored the book Go Wild: Free Your Body and Mind from the Afflictions of Civilization with Richard Manning which discusses new evidence & case studies about the benefits of living according to the needs of our core DNA in the areas of: food, exercise, sleep, mindfulness, being outside, being with others, and our central nerve well-being. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

For those of us who spend most of our waking hours sitting in front of screens (i.e. ALL of us), we’ve learned a lot recently about the negative health effects of screen exposure, especially when it comes to eye health. I’ve seen a lot of activity in Facebook groups in the last few months especially about eye health and protecting yourself from blue light. I’ve done past podcasts with sleep experts such as Shawn Stevenson and Ben Greenfield about how to get better sleep in part by limiting exposure to blue light in the latter half of the day, but I’ve yet to have an expert on the podcast to talk specifically about what can be done to limit the health problems created by looking at computer screens all day. In this episode I chat with Daniel Georgiev, a young but extremely talented computer programmer from Bulgaria who created the software program Iris which is now an indispensable tool in my toolkit. I’ve talked about F.lux many times in the past and recommended it for years, but now my #1 recommendation for eye health if you work in front of a computer is Iris. I have it installed on every computer I own and can’t live without it. Daniel and I talk about how Iris works, why he created it, and more importantly what you can do to mitigate the negative effects on your eyes of working on computers for long hours. Daniel was also kind enough to offer an activation code for a free activation of either Iris Pro or Iris Mini Pro. He’s offering 100 activations of each, first-come first-served. Just use the coupon code "team-optimize" at optimizeyourself.me/iris to get your free license. NOTE: In order to activate, you must download the free version first and then activate the full version with your code. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How damaging can staring at a computer be? Eye exercises that combat eye strain What effects flickering LED displays have on your irises Daniel's experience with eye strain and extended exposure to monitor light How blue light an inappropriate times can cause macular degeneration Blue light's damaging effects aren't limited to just nighttime How Iris improves eye health over the course of the entire day Ways in which low monitor brightness can be just damaging as high brightness How typographical, color, and brightness standards are threatening our vision Useful Resources Mentioned: Iris Tech https://youtu.be/HN30fO2I2aU Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook Daniel Georgiev is a 21 year old computer programmer from Bulgaria. Before he learned to code, Daniel was a rower in his country's national team for more than 5 years, and participated in the 2012 World Rowing Junior Championship. Daniel is the creator of Iris - software for eye protection with more than 1 million users worldwide. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

When discussing depression and anxiety, it’s not uncommon to hear people say things like, “Why don’t you just snap out of it!” or, “You just need to get some sleep and you’ll be fine.” But unfortunately for many people like myself, depression and anxiety come part and parcel with being blessed with creative talents. There is no simple way to “snap out of” depression or “sleep off” anxiety if you have the genetic predisposition towards both of these ailments or if your biochemistry has been altered due to external events or circumstances. In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with not one but two experts on the topics of depression and anxiety, Dr. Edison de Mello and Dr. Michael Mark. We talk about the science and biology behind depression and anxiety which can hopefully help you understand why feeling depressed or anxious isn’t “all your fault.” More importantly, beyond simply understanding the neurobiology, we also discuss several treatment protocols that go well beyond simply “popping pills.” Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Why there is so much anxiety and “circumstantial" depression in the film industry How diet and psychology factor into treating depression beyond pharmacology What is cortisol, why you need it, and why too much is bad for you Using qEEG and LORETTA to measure neuroelectrical signals in the brain and identify depression or anxiety How depression and anxiety are quantifiable How to identify whether you need to see a professional or if you just need “a good night’s sleep” The cultural expectation that men can’t be “sad” and women can’t be “angry” The generalized picture of a introductory session in integrative medicine A generalized treatment protocol for a new patient who has anxiety or depression What an initial session looks like for neurofeedback to treat anxiety or depression Neurofeedback is just “playing a game, and your brain is the joystick” What a “default brain network” is in laymen’s terms The brain being a combination of fast & slow frequencies and how they relate to anxiety and depression Using biofeedback and Heartmath to reduce anxiety How to properly breathe from the belly to increase oxygen intake Useful Resources Mentioned: The Akasha Center NeuroEdge Centers What is a qEEG? What is LORETTA? Heartmath emWave Pro "Neurofeedback, pt1: My Journey" Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Dr. Michael Mark is a neuropsychologist, legal professional, and the co-founder of NeuroEdge Inc, a sports concussion and brain treatment center in Southern California. He holds degrees from UCLA and ABSI in Political Science and Neuropsychology, as well as a Juris Doctorate from Southwestern University. He has been an entertainment manager, a professional sports agent, and a lawyer for industry elites. But his current specialty is treating traumatic brain injuries, neurological disorders, and optimizing human performance. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  

The term “Psychoanalysis” comes with plenty of baggage, not the least of which is images of Freud asking someone about their relationship with their mother, or on the opposite end of the spectrum someone lying down on a couch expressing their innermost fears and desires only to have a practitioner passively responding with, “and how did that make you feel?” Ugh….shoot me. But despite some of the negative stigmas surrounding therapy and mental health in our society today, there’s a lot more to the science and art of psychoanalysis than you may know, and in this episode I dive deep into the therapy rabbit hole with Dr. Steven Isaacman who specializes in working with creative professionals who deal with mental health issues (myself included). This interview is a very candid look at the process of psychoanalysis using my own experiences as an example for others, and you’ll learn just as I did how powerful the scripts are we have in our mind that drive most of our behaviors. More importantly, as a creative professional you’ll understand how to rewrite your own script and your own story to drive your attitudes, perceptions, and behaviors in a very different direction if you’re willing to put in the hard work necessary to understand yourself. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Dr. Isaacman's career path and early experience in marital therapy What's the difference between therapy and psychoanalysis? Purging the negative stigma surrounding therapy and psychoanalysis The importance of communicating importance through metaphor Growing comfortable with your most emotionally raw self Rewriting the hindering scripts that dominate your life It's okay to not be prepared with a topic list when you come to therapy How preparedness can be an obstacle to psychological cleansing Learning to stop being ashamed of your unconscious self Knowing that we will always be in the process of growth and development Embracing the beautiful potential of failure Useful Resources Mentioned: The Ultimate Creative Guide Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Dr Isaacman is a licensed marriage and family therapist and a certified psychoanalyst in private practice since 1992 with an office in West Hollywood, CA. While he works with a broad variety of patients, he is particularly interested in working with curious and creative individuals, many of whom work in the entertainment industry. Dr Isaacman believes that the patient/therapist relationship can open possibilities for rich fulfillment in both personal and professional realms. Some people are eventually grateful for the symptom that brought them in, as learning about oneself can be profoundly joyous, even while being difficult. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

“Mindfulness” is a buzz word you see on the Internet all the time nowadays, but what does the term mindfulness actually mean? And do I need to wear sandals, eat organic hemp granola, and chant to the stars while somebody balances my chakras to authentically practice mindfulness? Luckily mindfulness requires nothing more than a willingness to hit the pause button on your life for just a few minutes a day and focus on the present moment. And in doing so it is scientifically proven to help you enhance focus and concentration, decrease anxiety, better manage stress, and improve cognitive function. Not bad for literally doing next to nothing for just a few minutes a day, right? In this episode (one of my favorite early interviews from my Fitness In Post days) I dive deep into the topic of mindfulness with Dr. Swati Desai, a psychotherapist and mindfulness and meditation expert. We discuss the benefits of developing a regular practice and how to easily apply it to your daily life, and for those who might be skeptical, we even chat a bit about the neuroscience behind mindfulness and meditation so you understand how it’s literally reshaping your brain and your neural pathways to help you become a happier, more relaxed, and more focused human being. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Swati’s background in mindfulness, meditation, and Buddhism The definition of “mindfulness” and how to apply it to your daily life Practicing mindful eating and reshaping neural networks Using mindfulness to reduce cravings for unhealthy foods Mindfulness for psychological eating disorders How practicing mindfulness can improve business ethics How the prefrontal cortex thickens with regular meditation practice The epidemic of burnout in the post-production industry Using biofeedback and acupuncture mats for better sleep An example of a quick yet effective meditation technique Concentration, Relaxation, Equanimity, Self-awareness, Taming your mind (CREST) Useful Resources Mentioned: 2 Meditate Together App Mindfulness In Plain English Savor: Mindful Eating, Mindful Life Benefits of Mindfulness Meditation via Harvard Medical School A sneak peak at the upcoming “2Meditate Together” Meditations Heartmath emWave Pro Bulletproof Sleep Mat Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|LinkedIn Dr. Swati Desai: I immersed myself in many worlds, the East and the West, the academics and the practical, the logical world of computer information systems and the non-linear world of human psyche, the rational world of scientific theories and the emotionally intense world of the Art and the psychology. Switching worlds, making personal mistakes, and helping clients led me to a way to make sense of the human predicament and to move towards strength and enjoyment in life. I call this method C-APT (See apt), Contemplate, Accept, Push a little, and Transition to a better place. It is a combination of psychological tools EMDR and Cognitive Methods with heavy emphasis on contemplative practice of Mindfulness Meditation. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

The holidays are the time of year we’re all meant to slow down and recognize all the things in our lives that we are grateful for, but unfortunately with the crazy speed that life moves nowadays, the holiday season is most likely the most stressful time of the year. All most people (including myself) are often focused on is rushing to get projects done before the year ends, making travel plans, fighting the mad rush of holiday shoppers and traffic, and if there’s any spare time left in the day...maybe getting some sleep. Where in the world is there any time to slow down and be grateful? My guest today is Humberto Gurmilan, an Emmy award-winning producer, author, speaker, podcaster, and all-around inspiring guy. He is the founder of the Gurmilan Foundation which empowers individuals with disabilities in challenged communities, and until recently he was the sports anchor for Telemundo in San Diego where he also teaches communications at San Diego City College. But despite his many accomplishments, I didn’t invite Humberto on the show with me to discuss how he became successful. In this interview Humberto and I talk about the tragedy he experienced as a teenager when due to a freak surfing accident he became paralyzed from the chest down. Rather than thinking about what was taken away from him, instead Humberto decided to rise to the challenge and instead develop gratitude in the face of adversity and use his experience to inspire others to do the same. For those listening today who are frustrated with your present circumstances, I hope this interview allows you to reframe where you are in your life right now and take even a few minutes to be grateful for what you do have before embarking upon the madness of the holiday season. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Humberto's early life surfing in Tijuana Processing a traumatic injury and the changes that come with becoming paralyzed The healing love of family in the face of depression The power of seeing yourself within your own comeback story Transitioning your perspective from "Why me?" to "Why not me?" Taking responsibility for your attitude towards the world Humberto's pursuit of sports broadcasting and discovering his gift for public speaking Taking stock of the strengths you have so you can categorize your obstacles Learning that you have way more talents than you think you do The Three A's: Attitude, Accountability, Action Write down your goals. Once you do, you will be exponentially more likely to achieve that goal. Useful Resources Mentioned: Gurmilan Foundation Overcome Podcast Overcome TV series GO FAR Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|YouTube Humberto ("Beto") is an Emmy award winning Journalist and Producer with 13 years of experience in the media. He hosts the Overcome Podcast and Overcome TV series on Youtube. His life mission is to help others by sharing his experiences in overcoming adversity and living a fulfilling life. He founded the Gurmilan Foundation to help young people with disabilities become empowered and reach their full potential. He teaches broadcasting at San Diego City College and often speaks in the community to promote disability awareness and spread a positive message of hope and positivism. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

If you spend all day sitting in front of a computer, then you’ll no doubt relate to Todd Kopriva’s oh-so-familiar story of gaining over 70 pounds from working a sedentary job for over a decade as a software designer for Adobe. But even though the beginning of this story might sound familiar, the rest of it is anything but ordinary. During his final year before leaving Adobe, Todd had a stark realization about the direction his life was headed and decided he needed to make a major change. So that’s just what he did. He committed to changing his life...literally a single step at a time. After leaving Adobe Todd spent the next year training for a once-in-a-lifetime journey most of us could only dream of including learning several skills he’d wanted to acquire his whole life: Martial arts training, as well as learning several foreign languages including Portuguese. And this journey also led him to South America to travel several hundred miles walking the famous Camino da Fé. In this episode Todd and I chat about his reasons for leaving a secure job in corporate America to experience life outside the cubicle. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Todd's realization that he was in middle age, that his time was limited, and that his life needed to change The frightening realization that Todd had gained 70 pounds over a decade working a completely sedentary job in software The leap of faith required for escaping corporate america Learning how to overcome the fear of developing socializing skills (which led Todd to becoming part of a government convoy) Todd's extraordinary hike over the 1,000km long Caminho da Fé in Brazil Todd's encounter with a Brazillian mayor Finding small places to implement movement, rather than just reducing your work Understanding the basic good and decency of humanity during very turbulent times in our country The difference that shifting his mindset had on the final year of working at Adobe before his journey even officially began Todd's final fitbit stats: Useful Resources Mentioned: Why Brazil Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter|Instagram Todd has recently been spending his time studying languages, training in Tsun Jo kung fu, and otherwise working on making himself healthier and happier. Before that, he worked for 17 years for various software companies, including almost 12 years at Adobe. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

If you work in one position all day long, whether sitting, standing, or otherwise, it's important to understand how gravity is negatively affecting your health when you are sedentary. We've all heard the phrase, "Sitting is the New Smoking," but it goes much deeper than that. My guest in this episode is Dr. Joan Vernikos, the former director of the Life Sciences Division at NASA and author of the book Sitting Kills, Moving Heals. She is one of the world's foremost experts on stress from a physiological perspective. Having worked on the team that helped put men on the moon as well as helping John Glenn return safely to Earth, she knows as much as there is to be known about how the human body is affected by gravity, both positively and negatively. If you have any intention of being healthy enough to play with your grandchildren someday, this episode is a must-listen and will blow your mind. Everything you thought you knew about exercise and movement will most likely change after learning what Dr. Joan has discovered in her 4 decades of research for NASA. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Joan's background studying the first astronauts at NASA The physiological effects of gravity How astronauts are affected by micro gravity The problem with exercise in space Why the circulatory system needs the stimulation of gravity The surprising parallels between being sedentary and being in space How your body is like an instrument that needs to be tuned Misdiagnoses of pre-diabetic symptoms Why exercise does not guarantee healthy living A few reasons why you should be standing instead of "waiting" when visiting a doctor's office NEAT (Non-Exercise Activity) movement What moving every 30 minutes can do to improve overall health How to recognize the symptoms of being too sedentary Joan's final experiment at NASA and how the body is stimulated by physical change 5 practical ways to alter routines and maximize cognitive function How standing and sitting can be good for you Joan's upcoming book "Designed to Move" "Spark: The Revolutionary New Science of Exercise and the Brain" by John Ratey, MD Useful Resources Mentioned: Joan's Website Joan's Book Sitting Kills, Moving Heals Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook Born to Greek parents in Alexandria Egypt Joan Vernikos earned her PhD in pharmacology at the University of London before coming to teach Pharmacology to Medical Students at Ohio State University. Recruited in 1964 to join NASA’s Ames Research Center, CA because of her research expertise in stress, she later pioneered work on how living with minimal gravity in Space adversely affects the health of astronauts. This led to her formulate the similarities between living in Space and the aging process here on Earth. In 1998 as NASA’s Director of Life Sciences, she was instrumental in the return to space of American hero John Glenn at the age of 77. To bring her ideas to the public eye, Dr. Joan has published several books that present simple and effective plans for maintaining good health throughout life. They include The G-Connection: harness gravity and reverse Aging (1904), Stress Fitness for Seniors (2009) and Sitting Kills Moving Heals (2011) that launched awareness of the health problems of our sedentary lifestyles. Her latest books, Designed to Move, as well as, Stress Beyond 50 was published in 2016. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.    

Qualia is quite possibly the most revolutionary product I’ve come across in my decade-long quest of personal development and self-optimization. It’s as close as you’ll ever get to experiencing the ‘Limitless’ drug. Yes...it’s that good. I’ve been experimenting with it behind-the-scenes for several months now, and I’m finally coming out of the closet to share it with you because I’m now thoroughly convinced this product delivers exactly what it promises, and more. In today’s episode I have an in-depth conversation about why Qualia works so well and is so effective in increasing focus, concentration, empathy, reducing anxiety, and simply improving the human experience with Dr. Daniel Stickler, the medical director at Neurohacker Collective, the company that created Qualia. Dr. Stickler and I dive into understanding what really fuels your brain from a nutritional standpoint and why supplementation shouldn’t be the answer if you’re constantly experiencing procrastination, brain fog, anxiety, and you have trouble focusing. We talk about the types of foods that can help promote (and inhibit) your creative abilities, the different types of diets (e.g Vegan, Paleo, etc) and how they can help or hinder your ability to focus, and then we break down how Qualia was formulated and why it has a much higher success rate than most other nootropics and smart drugs on the market. That’s right...the ‘Limitless’ drug is finally here. And here’s what’s even cooler, you have the chance to win a 1-month supply! Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Medicine's focus on simply avoiding sickness rather than human enhancement Dr. Stickler's experience with and expertise on integrative medicine Taking the biohacking "cure" mindset away from using optimizing supplements Supplements are not a health solution but the enhancer How you can naturally create new neural networks with dietary changes Altering your life through epigenetic modification (diet, exercise, meditation) The relationship between fat and the brain Everything you've learned about cholesterol is misinformed Where you can fit beneficial fats into your diet "There is no perfect human diet." How Dr. Stickler came to realize how special Qualia really is How Qualia is formulated differently than other nootropics Useful Resources Mentioned: Apeiron Center for Human Potential Apeiron Academy Neurohacker Collective Ironman Executive Podcast Qualia Nootropic (Use coupon code 'OPTIMIZE' for 10% OFF) OPT Ep21: Using HRV to Reduce Stress (and Master Your Nervous System) | with Ronda Collier FIP Ep36: Mark Sisson on the ‘Primal Lifestyle’ Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|Apeiron Center Dr. Daniel Stickler is Medical Director of Neurohacker Collective, bringing decades of forward thinking medical knowledge in wellness optimization and whole systems science to our team. Dr. Stickler is a future-focused visionary and a thought leader in human potential. He is the cofounder of the Apeiron Center for Human Potential and the Apeiron Academy. Disheartened by our current “sick care” approach to health, Dr. Stickler created Human Potential Medicine- an integrated, biospherical systems-approach that combines the scientific grounding and expertise of modern medicine with leading-edge genetic/epigenetic science and neuro-psychophysiological modalities to expand human capacity. He also established the Apeiron Academy, which offers advanced education to a tribe of like-minded individuals determined to shift the health & wellness paradigm from the current sick-care model to one of optimized human potential. Dr. Stickler entered medical school with a vision of helping people create an optimized life and found very quickly that the training focused predominantly on treating disease to postpone our stepwise progression to death. This realization was the catalyst for a several decade journey to create a new way of living. An opportunity to one promote youthful longevity and the potential for limitless life. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

HRV, or “Heart Rate Variability” is a term you might not be familiar with. It’s a biological measurement you should absolutely know just as you would your weight, your cholesterol, or you blood pressure. Simply put, HRV is the measurement of time between your heartbeats. While this sounds relatively simple, what is so profound about this measurement is how it can help you measure the strength of your nervous system, and more importantly how knowing it can help you predict your physical and mental performance based on a simple 5 minute measurement in the morning. In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with Ronda Collier, the CEO at SweetWater Health, LLC about what HRV is, how to measure it, and most importantly how to interpret these measurements to make improvements in your ability to manage stress and anxiety. This is one of my favorite episodes from very early in the ‘Fitness In Post’ podcast days, and I thought it beneficial to re-release it in advance of my next podcast which is all about Qualia from a company called the Neurohacker Collective, a new supplement that is as close to the Limitless drug as you’re going to get. In that episode coming later this week we talk about heart rate variability, and because it’s such an intriguing topic I wanted to make sure this episode was readily available to help you understand why HRV is something you should prioritize measuring every single day if you’re interested in optimizing your creative performance. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: What is Heart Rate Variability How knowing your HRV can help you predict your physical performance Ronda's beginnings working tech in post houses Recognizing when your body goes into "fight-or-flight" mode HRV should be equal in importance to your weight, blood pressure, or cholesterol Ways learning about HRV can enable you to combat stress Learn how to easily measure your HRV Knowing the difference between acting and responding Creating a conscious response to your HRV drops with the Sweet Beat App Useful Resources Mentioned: Support the Podcast & Win! Ben Greenfield Fitness NatureBeat App Ep 27: The Sitting Solution Bulletproof Radio "Hacking Stress with HRV Sense" Ben Greenfield "Everything You Need to Know About HRV" Ben Greenfield Fitness Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|YouTube Ronda Collier, B.S.E.E., M.A. Psychology, is the CEO of SweetWater Health and has more than 25 years of experience in high technology product development with a proven track record of delivering leading edge consumer electronic products within both privately held startups and Fortune 500 corporations. She has spent the last 3 years as an independent scholar researching non-invasive health monitoring techniques to improve overall personal well being. This research led to the founding of SweetWater Health, L.L.C. in 2010. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

As of this week’s episode I have now recorded over 130 interviews with people all over the planet in many different industries with their own unique stories. But with all due respect to every single person I’ve ever interviewed, I can confidently say that talking today with Shane Burcaw was one of the highlights of my life. Rarely do you come across a human being that radiates such positivity, clarity, and confidence. If you don’t walk away from this interview feeling like you can overcome more than you thought you could, and if you don't feel like you have a clear set of tools to make yourself happier without having to change the circumstances in your life at all, I recommend getting your ears checked because clearly you weren’t listening closely enough. Shane Burcaw is a co-founder of Laughing At My Nightmare, Inc., an organization dedicated to teaching people how humor can help them overcome their challenges, while also providing vital equipment to people living with muscular dystrophy. Shane is an award-winning author, Emmy-winning producer, and writer of a blog with over 600,000 followers. His nonprofit is responsible for over $60,000 in equipment provided to people living with muscular dystrophy. Shane and his business partner, Sarah, travel the country sharing the powerful idea that a positive mindset and a sense of humor can help anyone effectively overcome their challenges! And in case I haven’t mentioned it yet, Shane has lived with spinal muscular atrophy since shortly after birth and he’s quadriplegic. For those that don’t know what this means, we’ll talk about it more in today’s episode, but in short...Shane has little to no control of any of his four limbs and he has never walked. For my listeners that know my history, it’s probably no surprise that I’m so excited about having Shane on my show because I dedicated eight years of my life directing and producing the documentary film GO FAR: The Christopher Rush Story (narrated by Mark Hamill) about the first quadriplegic to become a certified scuba diver who was also one of the national poster children for the Muscular Dystrophy Association alongside Jerry Lewis back in the days of the Labor Day telethons. Christopher was not only the subject of this documentary, but he was also one of my closest friends who stood next to me at my wedding which unfortunately was the last time I saw him alive. But chatting today with Shane brought back so many memories of conversations I used to have with Christopher. If you’d like to learn more about my documentary you can visit gofarmovie.com, and you can also rent it for .99 cents right now on itunes, just go to gofarmovie.com/itunes to learn more. With over 250 5-star ratings, I promise you’ll get your money’s worth, and hopefully more. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The power of a willful mindset in the face of adversity "Everybody has a disability" How Shane uses humor to overcome difficult circumstances Enabling yourself to realize when you are creating your own obstacles Shane's successful and occasionally unsuccessful athletic stories Processing hurtful media portrayals of physically handicapped individuals Recognizing when you have the power to improve your own situations Accepting circumstances you can't control, so they don't end up controlling you Learning to ask yourself, "Is this going to matter in ten years?" "Why not spend time loving as much as we can and exploring our passions? It's a hell of a better time to try and do good in the world." You don't have to feel guilty for not saving the world. What one thing made you smile today? When you are mindful of your joy, it will show up everywhere. Useful Resources Mentioned: GOFAR Movie Shane Burcaw: Laughing at My Nightmare Muscular Dystrophy Association Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter|Facebook|Instagram Shane Burcaw is a co-founder of Laughing At My Nightmare, Inc., an organization dedicated to teaching people how humor can help them overcome their challenges, while also providing vital equipment to people living with muscular dystrophy. Shane is an award-winning author, Emmy-winning producer, and writer of a blog with over 600,000 followers. His nonprofit is responsible for over $60,000 in equipment provided to people living with muscular dystrophy. Shane and his business partner, Sarah, travel the country sharing the powerful idea that a positive mindset and a sense of humor can help anyone effectively overcome their challenges! Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Wes Plate is no stranger to adversity. On the surface it may appear that he is incredibly successful having founded the software company Automatic Duck, as well as worked for companies such as Adobe and Pinnacle, not to mention years of editing commercials and main title sequences for network television shows. On top of all that Wes is currently a product designer for a little tiny tech startup you may have heard of called Apple. Beyond Wes’ professional success is his personal achievements. If you scan through Wes’ Facebook or Instagram profiles you’ll see numerous pictures of him holding medals for marathons and ultra-marathons like they’re no big thing. But the story that you won’t see on Wes’ social media pages or on his website’s about page are the years of living with obesity, eating garbage, and worst of all living with alcoholism that not only almost cost him his family but also his life. In this episode we discuss how Wes went from a high school athlete to being hospitalized for alcohol abuse in his early 30’s, to then running his first Ultra Marathon (50K) with many half-marathons in between. His amazing journey will inspire you to find the strength to achieve your own health and wellness goals, regardless of the obstacles in your way. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Wes’ early career as an offline editor at an advertising agency Why Wes started Automatic Duck and how they became the “Switzerland” of the app world How going between different apps has changed in the last 15 years (...it hasn’t) Wes discusses how some of the bad habits he developed early in his career helped lead him down a path to alcoholism The turning point in Wes’ life: Christmas of 2007 Why he decided it was time to go to rehab How a combination of tracking his weight and quitting alcohol motivated him to lose 40 lbs right after rehab We discuss how breaking your goal into much smaller pieces (GO FAR framework) can help you succeed We discuss overcoming mental barriers and how positive change can happen if you believe in yourself and your abilities We discuss Wes’ “why” and the goal of becoming a responsible father and better role model Useful Resources Mentioned: Wes Plate's Site Wes' blog on overcoming alcohol abuse Strava Cycling and Running App Garmin GPS watch Hal Higdon Training Programs Tony Horton Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter|LinkedIn|Instagram Wes Plate worked in Seattle as an offline editor at Pinnacle as well as freelance in the late 90s and early 2000s. In 2001 he co-founded Automatic Duck, a software company that became well-known for making timeline translation plug-ins for Avid, FCP and AE users. Today he works at Apple as a Product Designer in the Pro Apps group. Wes also edits with select clients on commercials, main title sequences and other short form projects. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Billy Goldenberg is the Oscar-winning film editor of such films as Detroit, Argo, Zero Dark Thirty, The Imitation Game, several of the Transformers films, the National Treasure franchise, and many more. He's done numerous collaborations with Michael Mann, Ben Affleck, Michael Bay, and he even won his Oscar the same year that his mentor Michael Kahn was nominated (if you're not familiar with Michael Kahn, he's Steven Spielberg's longtime editor and collaborator). Needless to say, Billy Goldenberg knows a thing or two about what it takes to be successful in Hollywood. Sure, it’s easy to look at someone’s career like Billy's from the outside and think, “Yeah it’s amazing what he's done with his career, but c’mon, the guy was Michael Kahn’s assistant editor...there’s no way I’m going to be able to be as successful as he was!” there are actually fundamental steps you can extract from anyone’s career journey and apply to your own, and Billy is no different. In this episode rather than chatting about the ins-and-outs of film editing, Billy and I walk through his path from the beginning to where he is now and break down some of the lesser known skills necessary to be successful in any creative field where you collaborate with others on a regular basis. We discuss how important it is to respect the job you currently have and do great work at it while also being honest about what you want to do next, how honest you really should when giving your thoughts and feedback to producers and directors, the editor as the psychologist of filmmaking, and what it takes to move forwards given how demanding your current job probably already is, just to name a few examples. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Working hard at the job you're given Learning to assess your place along your career ladder How to to give honest criticism without creating bad work relationships When to trust the process and when to carve your own path Learning how to take criticism and not take your creative work personally How to move up given the demands of working long hours as an assistant How to approach your editor to cut your own scenes What it's like to work with Michael Mann and Michael Bay Strategies to stay active and endure the long hours When to draw the line on poor working conditions The importance of attitude!!! Useful Resources Mentioned: William's IMDb Page Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: William Goldenberg (born November 2, 1959) is an American film editor. He has more than twenty film and television credits since 1992. He won the Academy Award for Film Editing for the film Argo (2012), and has been nominated for The Insider (1999), Seabiscuit (2003), Zero Dark Thirty (2012) and The Imitation Game (2014). He has also received nominations for nine other editing-related awards Goldenberg has had an extended, notable collaboration with the director Michael Mann. Goldenberg has been elected to membership in the American Cinema Editors Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

In creative industries like film & television post-production, it's extremely common to see job listings for free or low paid work, but how do you know if it's worth it or if you should run for the hills? After all, would you ask for services for free in other industries? » Click here to download your 'Should I Take Free Work?' Assessment Tool Just imagine walking into an upscale restaurant and saying, “I’d love to try out the most popular item on your menu, and while I won’t pay for it this time, if I love it there’s a high likelihood I’ll have business for you in the future.” Um, that would be a big giant NO. So why is it okay for people to exploit creative talent and imagination in exactly this way? In this archival episode from my ‘Fitness In Post’ days, Alan Bell and I discussed how to distinguish between whether or not a low or no paying job is worth the gamble for the bigger picture of advancing your career. We evaluate the many reasons that a specific job opportunity may be worth it based on the potential long-term payoffs, and we also talk about when it is absolutely unacceptable under any circumstances to take on a job that is clearly looking to exploit your talents and experience (not that anyone would ever be interested in exploiting your creative talents). When I originally released this episode I also created a bonus document to accompany it that was an assessment questionnaire to help you break down step-by-step whether a specific job opportunity is worth it or not. Since releasing this I have received lots of great feedback from listeners who have said it helped them make the right decision with peace of mind about whether or not a potential job would make sense for their career. If you’d like to download this assessment questionnaire free of charge just visit optimizeyourself.me/episode17download. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Why I decided to leave a high paying job to go cut a low paying indie film Alan’s background and credits Is free work the right thing for your career? There is good kind of free work out there, you just have to watch for it You can’t treat every film and every job posting the same way Never take a free job if you’re not going to get something out of it: participation points, producing, new experience etc How Alan got his start in the film industry with free work Alan’s work experience with Norman Hollyn How I learned After Effects by working FOR FREE Free work that’s right for one person might not be right for another Take stock of where you are in your career and life before deciding to work for free How taking on a free web series (Bannan Way link..which site should this link to?) helped jump start my career in television Building relationships is a key component to finding quality work Bring your own questions to an interview! Make sure the job is a good fit for you Take the work that’s good instead of taking the work that’s there Questions you should ask during an interview Know your own temperament Learn how to spot the “catch phrases” and red flags of exploitative producers Be honest with yourself and surround yourself with honest people Be aware of your situation and decide what’s best for you Useful Resources Mentioned: FiP Podcast Ep40: Editing Hollywood Blockbusters FiP Podcast Ep61: Do You Really Need to Go to Film School? #SayNoToSpec Video Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Film editor Alan Edward Bell A.C.E., is best known for his work on (500) Days of Summer, ‘Water For Elephants’, ‘The Amazing Spiderman’, and the last three installments of the “Hunger Games” series. His resume spans 30 years in post-production, and includes a long list of credits in editorial as well as visual effects. Over the last 15 years he has been pushing the limits of what is possible in the cutting room by blending visual effects and editing techniques. Alan currently resides in Los Angeles with his wife and three sons. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

#AdvanceYourself month continues where we’re diving into the weeds talking about taking practical, boots-on-the-ground action steps to move your creative career forwards, or more specifically to this episode, how to transition from climbing one ladder to climbing a different one, even if that means taking one step back to take several forwards in the future. I’m incredibly excited for this episode because it’s with Wendy Calhoun who happens to not only be an incredibly decorated and accomplished writer and producer in Hollywood (here are her IMDB credits), but she’s also the very first person to hire me as a professional editor in Los Angeles. Wendy has worked on such gigantic network TV shows as Empire, Nashville, Justified, and Revenge, to name a few. She is also no stranger to adversity given she has climbed her way to the top in an incredibly competitive area of Hollywood - writing, executive producing, and now show running with upcoming projects such as No Place Safe for FX and Our Kind of People for Fox. And while great strides have been made in the past several years, let’s not beat around the bush. Making it as an accomplished writer/producer as either a female or an African-American is tough, but doing it as both is infinitely tougher. But regardless of the obstacles that stood in her way, Wendy forged ahead, changed her career path several times, overcame numerous obstacles (including a massive case of imposter syndrome), and defied the odds. In this episode we deconstruct Wendy’s unusual path to climb the ladder to the top to understand the basic fundamental steps that you can take to achieve the same levels of success, regardless of your circumstances. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Wendy's early theatrical writing and how it shaped her life Processing your career goals when the path isn't clear How Wendy and Zack came to know each other Turning your creative passions into practice Defining yourself by your desired vocation regardless of how you're getting paid How writing for info-shows led Wendy to hits "Nashville" and "Empire" Learning to overclock the intensity and productivity of the writers room Writing complicated, compelling, and honest female characters How producing Empire was "like a rainbow" for Wendy The importance of nurturing and giving opportunities to women and people of color in entertainment How Wendy plans to revolutionize inclusive production practices as a producer to tell the greatest stories Advice for up-and-coming writers and the importance of reaching your ten thousand hours of mastery Useful Resources Mentioned: Wendy Calhoun's IMDB Page Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter|Instagram Wendy Calhoun is a series creator developing content at multiple broadcast and cable studios. She’s currently writing and Executive Producing FX’s NO PLACE SAFE, a miniseries about the Atlanta child murders, to star Emmy winner Regina King. Her past credits include Co-Executive Producing and writing the historic first season of Fox’s hit series EMPIRE. In addition, she’s written and produced for ABC’S NASHVILLE, FX’s JUSTIFIED, ABC’s REVENGE, and NBC’s LIFE. Last summer, Calhoun wrote and directed the virtual reality short, LEFT BEHIND, sponsored by Google and honored as “Best in VR” at Digital Hollywood 2016.  She received a 2010 Peabody Award and WGA Best New Series Nomination for JUSTIFIED. She received her second WGA Best New Series Nomination in 2012 for NASHVILLE. Born and raised in Dallas, Texas, Calhoun studied film and television at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

'Advance Yourself' month continues where we’re diving into the weeds talking about taking practical, boots-on-the-ground action steps to move your career forwards, or more specifically in this episode how to transition from climbing one ladder to climbing a different one, even if that means taking one step back to take several forwards in the future. My guest today is Monica Daniel who has become somewhat of a legend on my former show. This interview was recorded a couple years ago and is the #1 most downloaded episode of my previous podcast ‘Fitness In Post’ because it answered the most common question asked out of complete and utter desperation in all of Hollywood: “How do I get out of reality television so I can work in scripted television instead?” Monica and I walk through the practical steps she took to decide if the transition was right for her, and then more importantly what steps she took to meet the right people and make sure she was in the right place at the right time. While the transition isn’t terribly easy, the steps are pretty simple. (Just to give you a quick head’s up, at the end of the episode we talk briefly about a bonus document summarizing her journey and that document is no longer available. But the good news is, it inspired me to create an Ultimate Guide that’s 10 times better, my brand new ‘Ultimate Guide to Making It In Hollywood as a Creative’) Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Monica’s background editing reality television How Monica first approached me at a networking event and why this was the RIGHT way to cold approach someone Some of the WRONG ways to cold approach someone How Monica was ashamed to share the type of reality work she did with those who work in scripted How focusing on her health was one of the key factors to making the transition The different “phases” of her career and how each one was important to leading Monica towards working in scripted The conversation that Monica struck up with an editor that built the relationship that got her the job interview How taking a free gig helped lead Monica to getting a fantastic recommendation for her scripted job How Monica’s various skills in reality helped her transition to scripted and helped sell her as a unique talent We break down the actionable steps anyone can take to make the transition to scripted (or any field for that matter) Useful Resources Mentioned: Going Postal Show Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter|Facebook Monica Daniel has edited various genres of television that have been broadcast worldwide over the last decade. She is known for her “sh*tting sparkles” slogan from her award show red carpet work. She recently transitioned from editing reality television into a high level scripted network show, and our conversation today breaks down her journey and how you can walk away with actionable steps to make the same transition, regardless of your situation. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  

Up until maybe the last three to five years, when hearing the term “Blue Collar” one would immediately picture a coal miner, a steel worker, people working in factories, or other types of physically demanding manual labor jobs. But as our society has progressed so rapidly due to advances in technology, a common question that has begun to arise is, “Are tech workers becoming the new ‘Blue Collar’?” While working in a coal mine or a steel factory might sound imminently more dangerous than sitting behind a computer, it actually isn’t. “The typical seated office worker has more musculoskeletal injuries than any other industry sector worker, including construction, metal industry, and transportation workers. Today, the World Health Organization ranks physical inactivity—sitting too much—as the fourth biggest preventable killer globally, causing an estimated 3.2 million deaths annually. In just the last 20 years, the simple act of sitting has leapfrogged to the top of the health killer charts globally.”1 I dive deep into this concept of tech workers and creatives like us who spend endless hours chained to a computer becoming the next blue collar with my guest today, the brilliant Maxim Jago, an award-winning filmmaker, editor, teacher, and futurist. This episode was inspired by an article in Wired Magazine titled, "The Next Big Blue Collar Job Is Coding." Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How having a sedentary job can be more unhealthy than working in a mine The game-ification of personal development Ways the mind influences physical healing The relationship between cognitive function and activity How expressive creativity affects physical and mental health The implications of a highly-automated future Maslow's hierarchy of needs How important is your emotional response to your work? Creation as necessity rather than commodity Changing your perspective of monotonous work from boring to meditative What will labor look like in twenty-five years? The importance of pursuing work that invigorates you Useful Resources Mentioned: Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Programming is the New Blue Collar Job 1Deskbound: Standing Up in a Sitting World Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram|LinkedIn Maxim Jago speaks on wide-ranging subjects exploring lessons learns from his work as a filmmaker, futurist, author, and media technology expert. He proposes an optimistic-realist attitude to future technologies and opportunities for growth in society, and in ourselves. As an award winning filmmaker and screenwriter, Maxim is currently engaged in three feature film projects that include true VR storytelling elements. As an Author, Maxim writes the official Adobe Premiere Pro Classroom in a Book - the standard text used by film schools all around the world. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

For those who work in the filmmaking industry, ‘Below the Line’ is a pretty common term, but in case you’re not familiar with it, it originated as an accounting term to separate the fixed costs of a film’s budget (actors, director, writers, and producers, etc) from the variable hourly, daily, and weekly costs of those working in various crafts such as editing, costumes, or the art department, just to name a few examples. Unfortunately ‘Below the Line’ has become much more of a social status symbol rather than just a simple accounting term. Today’s interview is one of my favorites from way back in the ‘Fitness In Post’ archives where I had an in-depth chat with editor Mike J. Nichols, otherwise known as the ‘Edit Doctor’ about an article he wrote titled “Is the Term Below the Line Hitting Below the Belt?” In this very candid conversation we talk about the rampant idea that creative workers, film editors like myself being the perfect example, have simply become an extension of our workstations and how this affects the way we are treated by others, as well as our emotional involvement in our work. We also talk about what we need to do collectively to start standing up for ourselves. If you feel as if you’re being treated like a pair of hands chained to your desk and you want to know what you can do about it, this episode provides plenty of action steps. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The rampant idea that we are a pair of hands chained to our desks Mike’s first encounter with the phrase “below the line” What is “below the line”? How the term went from an accounting term to a status term On getting emotionally involved in a project you have a limited say in On how the “below the line” status is felt differently in each subset of editing The feeling of your contributions being undervalued What do we do about this status term? Most people don't even know what editors do! Technology as a driving factor in our dwindling status as filmmakers The editor as the final writer -- especially in reality and documentary Where we can start with eliminating this “status” -- we need to stand up for ourselves and our health Search for the cause not just the symptoms We need to have a better perception of ourselves Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep. 53: From Rehab to Ultra Marathon with Wes Plate Whiteboard Discussion - Avid Editors of Facebook Group Whiteboard Discussion - Post Chat Kuleshov Effect Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter Mike J. Nichols – “A rare combination of artistry and technology – A young Walter Murch” – actor/director Larry Holden. As a teenager living in Ohio, Mike’s super-8 films garnered the attention of Frank Zappa’s son, Dweezil, who commissioned him for projects including work on a CBS network television series called, “Normal Life”. With the Zappa’s encouragement, Mike pursued film studies at Columbia College of Chicago winning two back to back short film first place awards which had never happened in the school’s student history. In Los Angles, Mike edited the award winning indie film, My Father’s House (directed by Larry Holden) which featured Cameron Diaz and Josh Charles. Martin Scorsese praised, “My Father’s House”, as one of his favorite independent films of that year. Alternately during this time, Mike’s anonymous editing work became famous in the Star Wars community with a video called, “Star Wars: The Phantom Edit”. “Star Wars: The Phantom Edit” became a phenomenon featured in numerous magazines, newspapers, and television news programs around the world. Chicago Tribune film critic, Michael Wilmington, wrote a 2 page review of Mike’s work summed up in the articles final thesis statement, “…done by someone with a gift for editing”. Chris Nolan’s film editor, Dody Dorn, was featured in a segment on NPR’s Studio 360 about the impact of Mike’s editing. J.J. Abrams gleamed about Mike’s edit to Entertainment Weekly and director Kevin Smith went on record in an interview calling it “Smart editing ”. HBO penned the largest syndication deal in history for their hit series, “Sex and the City” but editing out 9 minutes of show content proved to be a difficult endeavor. After two trial run episodes, Mike’s editing and attention to story integrity became the missing piece they were seeking and HBO wrote a exclusive contract making him PREditor for the original syndicated versions of “Sex and the City” . Musician Billy Joel and Exclusive Media/Spitfire Pictures were looking for a more narrative approach to their feature length documentary and Nichols was signed to be the Editor of “The Last Play At Shea” – written by Academy Award winning writer, Mark Monroe. “Last Play At Shea” featured three different stories editorially woven into one complete narrative and it premiered at the prestigious Tribeca Film Festival. “The Last Play at Shea’s” world premiere was the largest documentary opening in film history taking place at New York’s Citi Field Stadium for an audience upwards of 60,000 before playing in theaters around the country. In addition to hundreds of hours of broadcast film and television, Mike has also worked on the Emmy Award winning, “Vito: The Vito Russo Story”, AFI Audience Choice Award winner, “SpineTingler” and the editor on The Zappa Movie, a current film in production directed by Alex Winter. Mike is known throughout the industry as “The Edit Doctor”. He is an influential speaker regarding post production techniques and the “art of editing”. He has invented a new post production processes and currently has two patents for advanced post production techniques. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

“How can I break into Hollywood or advance in my creative career if I don’t know anybody?” is a common question I receive via e-mail, when I speak at events, or when I teach at USC or online. Whenever someone sends me an email or Facebook message and asks, “Can I buy you coffee and pick your brain?” this is inevitably their reason for reaching out. Unlike doctors or lawyers, the path to being a successful film editor, writer, visual effects artist, animator, actor, or any other creative career is not a linear path, but here’s the secret nobody tells you: There are very specific steps you can follow to be successful, but you have to be willing to put in the time and take action consistently. The key is not discovering the path and following it, the key is learning the proper steps to forge your own unique path. In this episode I dive deep into the topic of networking and what it looks like to do it right. My guest today is my assistant editor Chris Visser whom I met at a networking event a little over two years ago, and since then he has said all the right things and taken all the right steps to slowly build a relationship with me over time. And when the time was right he got “lucky” and ended up becoming a part of my team. But if you know me at all, you know I don’t believe in luck and think it’s simply when hard work intersects with opportunity. If you’ve ever thought to yourself “It’s all about who you know, and I don’t know anybody, so I just give up!” then this episode is great place to start because Chris and I break down the key steps to networking the right way so you don’t waste your time and end up walking in circles wishing you just magically knew people. It’s time to get out there and build your network. When you’re done listening to this episode, if you haven’t already I highly recommend checking out episode eleven, my two hour marathon interview with Norman Hollyn, former head of the editing track at USC. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How Chris made it to Hollywood Eliminating excuses and finding your own path to success How to make an impression at your industry internship Processing and evaluating big career risks How a brat and cheese gift basket got Chris a job in Hollywood Building a post-studio from the ground up When Chris met Zack at EditFest LA Asking the right questions to the people that matter How to network without embracing the "sycophant rush" Knowing the mindset of the people you approach Breaking your career goals down into bite-sized action steps Chris' involvement with Blue Collar Post Collective (BCPC) Useful Resources Mentioned: EditFest Los Angeles Support the Podcast & Win! Blue Collar Post Collective Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter Born and raised in the land of Beer and Brats (aka Wisconsin), Chris has loved the craft of filmmaking since taking a movie-making class his freshman year of high school. While attending Marquette University, Chris was lucky enough to earn the 2011 Post-Production Internship with the Emmys Foundation. He graduated in May 2012, and moved to Los Angeles just weeks after to pursue a career in the film industry. His first few years were spent as an assistant editor at several post houses before becoming an online editor/colorist in January of 2015. After a year and a half of online-ing shows like Nellyville (BET) and Greatest Party Story Ever (MTV), he got the opportunity to really try for a spot in the scripted narrative world. Since July of 2016 he’s been the assistant editor on several digital series and features, and has recently transitioned into network scripted series. Chris is also heavily involved with the Blue Collar Post Collective, which just celebrated it’s 1 year anniversary in LA in June. He’s been an LA executive committee member since BCPCWest’s launch and in July of 2017 became the Vice President of BCPCWest. When not working, Chris loves to spend time with his fiancee and his two dogs, consume local ice cream, talk about movies and tv, and practice film photography (preferably all at once). Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

“How can I break into Hollywood or advance in my creative career if there is no set path to follow?” is by far the most common question I receive via e-mail, when I speak at events, or when I teach at USC or online. Whenever someone sends me an email or Facebook message and asks, “Can I buy you coffee and pick your brain?” this is inevitably the big question they seek the answer to. Unlike doctors or lawyers, the path to being a successful film editor, writer, visual effects artist, animator, actor, or any other creative career is not a linear path, but here’s the secret nobody tells you: There are very specific steps you can follow to be successful, but you have to be willing to put in the time and take action consistently. The key is not discovering the path and following it, the key is learning the proper steps to forge your own unique path. In this episode I dive deep into what it really takes to break into or advance in the Hollywood post-production industry with none other than USC professor and former head of the editing track, Norman Hollyn. This is a two hour marathon episode so get comfortable. This was one of the most downloaded and shared 2-part episodes of my former podcast, but I thought it beneficial to combined it into a single episode and feature it as part of the Optimize Yourself program so new people just discovering this show wouldn’t have to dig for it because people have told me firsthand this interview was the difference between them landing a job or not landing it. The advice Norman gives is seriously that universal and that powerful, and it can be applied far beyond jobs in post-production. BONUS: If this episode inspires you to start taking some real action to get where you want to in Hollywood and land your dream job, I have great news because you ain’t seen nothin’ yet. I just released my brand new “Ultimate Guide to ‘Making It’ In Hollywood as a Creative” that is an absolute manifesto on the practical steps you can take to begin forging your own path to success. And if you’re not in Hollywood, trust me when I say that if these steps work here, they’ll work anywhere and apply to any creative field. This guide includes some of the exercises discussed in this episode as well as deeper dives into clarifying your goals, perfecting your craft, and expanding your social network so the right people know you’re awesome at what you do and beg you to work for them. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Develop your skill set and then build your network of people Consider looking for work and networking your full time job Use online resources, industry magazines, etc How to use Facebook and Twitter to help you make connections Put yourself out there and make yourself valuable to people Make sure you continue to hone your craft and advance your skill set Find out what you don’t know and get good feedback! Should you take free work? People skills and social skills are more important than you think Part of advancing in your career is being able to make choices Re-evaluating your goals is growth Being fiscally responsible will give you more choices and give you the freedom to take work that’s valuable to your career and not necessarily your bank account To be happy it’s important to acknowledge that third circle: Personal needs Write down your intentions and focus -- no matter how many drafts it takes! Useful Resources Mentioned: Below the Line crew listings A Classic Case of Post-Production Burnout Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter|Facebook|LinkedIn Norman Hollyn has been described as a “media expert,” a reference to his experience in a wide variety of media types – in both the old and new media worlds. He is the co-producer and co-host of the videocast 2 Reel Guys. He is a long-time film, television and music editor (HEATHERS, THE COTTON CLUB, SOPHIE’S CHOICE, Oliver Stone’s WILD PALMS), and is a Full Professor and Head of the Editing Track at the University of Southern California’s School of Cinematic Arts. He is an author of nearly 100 articles and his internationally translated book, THE FILM EDITING ROOM HANDBOOK, has just been published in a fourth edition. His previous book, THE LEAN FORWARD MOMENT, also from Peachpit Press/Pearson, has been attracting great reviews worldwide. He has taught worldwide, including several workshops for the Royal Film Commission in Jordan, and schools in Shanghai and Beijing, China. He has taught at the Sundance Film Festival, and consults and speaks at major corporations such as Dreamworks Pictures, Pixar Animation, Forbes and the Philadelphia Inquirer. He has worked as an expert witness in legal cases involving the aesthetics or history of editing, and is partner in an Internet development firm. He can be reached at norman@normanhollyn.com. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I don’t know about you, but I’m really confused by the endless amounts of information available regarding nutrition. All you have to do is spend a couple hours reading the heated (and sometimes outright vicious) debates about the latest hot Netflix documentary to see nutritional science is an emotional topic. And I’m just plain tired of the “My science is better than your science” argument. Luckily there are a few voices of reason, and one of them is Mark Sisson. Mark is the founder of the blog Mark’s Daily Apple which has hundreds of thousands of daily readers. He is also the founder of The Primal Blueprint, he’s developed an entire line of paleo-friendly foods via his Primal Kitchen brand, he’s a former world-class endurance athlete, and he’s one of the leading voices of the Evolutionary Health Movement. On top of all this he’s the author of numerous best-selling books with his latest being The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat Forever. In this interview Mark and I discuss how food specifically affects your energy and cognitive function, how the standard American diet is killing our creativity, and most importantly how your food choices affect your ability to focus for sustained periods of time. We also chat about why fats get such a bad rap and some of the latest science about fat as it relates to his new keto diet protocol. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The relationship between the food you eat and cognitive function Do we really need sugar (glucose) to function? Why you need to know about ketogenic diets How the standard american diet is affecting our health and creativity Recognizing and preventing the effects of brain fog How eating right can remove the need for coffee and energy drinks from your life Breaking the grip of continuous eating on your day The importance of turning your work space into a place of activity Debunking the myths surrounding fat Understanding the connection between fats and carbs Useful Resources Mentioned: Support the Podcast & Win! The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat Forever Mogo Stool Kneeling Stool MarksDailyApple.com Primal Kitchen Keto Reset Primal Blueprint Primal Mayo Mark's 16 Favorite Fat Resources The Fat Burning Brain: What Are the Cognitive Effects of Ketosis? The Definitive Guide to Keto Move Yourself Program Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram Mark Sisson is the bestselling author of The Primal Blueprint, a former world-class endurance athlete, and one of the leading voices of the Evolutionary Health Movement. His blog, MarksDailyApple.com, has paved the way for Primal enthusiasts to challenge conventional wisdom's diet and exercise principles and take personal responsibility for their health and well-being. The Keto Reset Diet: Reboot Your Metabolism in 21 Days and Burn Fat Forever Learn how to make perhaps the most profound health and weight loss boosting lifestyle change you will ever make—transforming your body from carbohydrate dependency to become a fat burning beast. In his new book, Mark Sisson, bestselling author of The Primal Blueprint and publisher of the popular health site and blog MarksDailyApple.com, reveals his proven effective ketogenic eating strategy for losing weight and improving health. When you go keto, you will reset your metabolism for effortless fat loss using a targeted ketogenic diet of high-fat, low-to-moderate protein, low-carb foods, and complementary lifestyle practices that help optimize metabolic and hormonal functions. Unlike other ketogenic plans, Sisson first teaches readers the real secret to rapid and sustained weight loss, which is in becoming "fat-adapted" before entering full nutritional ketosis. This process allows your body to learn to burn fat more efficiently, resulting in increased and sustained weight loss over the long-term. It takes as little as 21-days to reprogram your metabolism to burn fat for fuel, by ditching processed grains, sugars, and refined vegetable oils in favor of nutrient-dense, high fat, primal/paleo foods--and you'll see immediate results. Next, you’ll fine-tune with Intermittent Fasting and then foray into full ketogenic eating for a further weight loss boost and improved health. In this way, you will achieve the highest level of what Sisson calls metabolic flexibility—the key to health, weight control, and longevity. With The Keto Reset Diet, you can eat to total satisfaction by enjoying rich, high-satiety foods, and even weather occasional slip-ups with high carb treats or undisciplined vacation binges and not go into a tailspin. Instead, you can quickly recalibrate back to fat-adaptation, and use keto as a lifelong tool to stay trim, healthy, energetic, and free from the disastrous health conditions caused by the high carb, high insulin producing modern diet. With step-by-step guidance, daily meal plans and a recipe section with over 100 delicious keto-friendly recipes, this is the definitive guide to help the keto-beginner or the experienced health enthusiast understand the what, why, and how to succeed with ketogenic eating. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

In today’s digital world of information overload, the most controversial topic that causes the greatest amount of conflict and confusion (politics aside, of course) is nutrition. Rarely do I post anything on social media or via my inner circle email newsletter about diet and nutrition that doesn’t elicit at least one hate-filled response. Who knew something as simple as food could divide us so much? Luckily when you strip away the noise you find wonderful people like Mira and Jayson Calton, the founders of Calton Nutrition and the authors of two of my favorite books on the topic of nutrition and food science, “Rich Food, Poor Food” and “The Micronutrient Miracle.” While I know these may not sound like edge-of-your-seat page turners, they actually are. In fact, I’ve only written one book review in my entire career, and it was for Rich Food, Poor Food because the book absolutely changed my life, especially how I approach what I eat, nutrition in general, and most importantly how to go food shopping the right way without losing your mind (or breaking the bank). In this nearly two-hour marathon episode from my Fitness In Post archives I do a deep dive with the Caltons about many nutrition-related topics including why the food pyramid we’ve been following for decades is complete BS, why calories in vs calories out is practically a dead science at this point and has been completely debunked, the science behind why fat isn’t the enemy we’ve always thought it was, and how the food companies use incredibly deceptive marketing tactics to get us to buy certain foods. If you’ve ever scratched your head while grocery shopping wondering what the difference is between “natural” or “organic” and you want a better, long-term strategy for eating better, this is the episode for you. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The toxicity in our current food supply and why were are micronutrient defficient The difference between macronutrients and micronutrients Why the Food Pyramid is a bad nutrition guide How much the science of nutrition has changed in the last 20 years How your diet cab actually deplete your micronutrients Improving the way we measure caloric intake when calories in vs. calories out doesn't cut it The science behind high fat, low carb diets and how to do them properly Your comprehensive guide to healthy grocery shopping The dangers of food billboards and buzzword nutrition marketing Making sense of nutrition label information What it means when food is labeled “organic” Understanding how the toxins and pesticides in food end up in your system 3 foods you think are healthy that really aren’t The 4 major flaws in the multivitamin market The ABC’s of optimal supplementation Why Nutreínce is the holy grail of multivitamins How being micronutrient sufficient can literally reverse diseases like osteoporosis and macular degeneration Useful Resources Mentioned: Get your copy of Rich Food, Poor Food (the free version is no longer available, sorry) Calton Nutrition The ABC's of Optimal Supplementation Buy Nutreínce Bulletproof Coffee Kit Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter | Facebook The Caltons are among the world's leading experts on the topics of weight management, lifestyle medicine and micronutrient deficiency. Their high success rate working with adults and children to achieve sustainable weight loss and reverse health and disease conditions has made their consultancy highly sought after by celebrities, athletes and top corporate executives around the world. It is their belief that becoming micronutrient sufficient is the first step towards preventing and reversing many of today's most prevalent health conditions and diseases. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Prioritizing sleep is absolutely essential if you want to consistently generate creative thoughts and stay focused (and no...caffeine and Red Bull are not adequate replacements). But what options do you have if you work insane hours and getting the right amount of sleep isn't always an option? The next step is finding way to improve the quality of your sleep. If you missed episode number 7 with Shawn Stevenson I highly recommending giving that a listen first because it contains loads of information about why sleep is so important to your mental and physical health and it’s great for beginners who don’t know much about the basic science of sleep. It also has a lot of great suggestions to get started improving your sleep quality and quantity without a ton of effort or investment. In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with one of my favorite health resources on the planet, biohacker and fitness expert Ben Greenfield where we dive way deeper into the sleep rabbit hole and discuss advanced sleep hacks, wearables, and other crazy tech to take your sleep and your cognitive abilities to the next level. Some of the stuff he talks about in this episode blew my mind, so if you feel like you already have basic sleep hygiene under control, give some of these next-level options a try. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The problem with wearing your sleep deprivation badge of honor What does a healthy sleep cycle look like? Neurological, hormonal, and psychological benefits to healthy sleep Is it possible that you just need less sleep than everyone else? The relationship between sleep an weight gain How light and temperature can alter your hormonal levels Why when you sleep is as important as how long you sleep Ben's guide to creating your own sleep optimizing light setup Learn how to track and manage your sleep Useful Resources Mentioned: The Power of When Human Charger Iris Tech Awake and Alert Bulbs Melatonin Supplements Nature CBD GABA (Gamma Aminobutyric Acid) OURA Tracker Re-Timer Glasses Gunnar Blue-Light Filtering Glasses Ruby Lux Red Bulb Kratom Supplements Sleepy Baby Sleep-Enhancing LED Nursery Lamp FiP Ep29: Ben Greenfield, All Around Badass Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter|Facebook|Instagram Author of the New York Times Bestseller “Beyond Training“, Ben Greenfield’s balanced approach to fitness, nutrition and health comes from his extensive experience in the fitness and wellness industry as one of the country’s leading personal trainers and wellness consultants. In 2008, Ben was nominated by the NSCA as America’s top personal trainer, and in 2013 and 2014, Ben was voted as one of the top 100 most influential individuals in health and fitness. A frequent contributor to health and wellness publications and a highly sought after speaker, Ben’s understanding of functional exercise, nutrition, and the delicate balance between performance and health has helped thousands of people around the world achieve their goals and improve their quality of life. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

In many creative industries it is not uncommon to wear a 'Sleep Deprivation Badge of Honor' to the office every morning and champion how hard you work despite barely getting any sleep. Let me put this simply...this needs to stop. NOW. There is nothing more detrimental to your energy levels, your productivity, your focus, and your creativity than sleep deprivation. And beyond how poor sleep affects your performance, the long term effects of sleep deprivation are downright terrifying. For example, did you know that if you get less than 6 hours of sleep your cognitive scores and reaction times are equivalent to being legally drunk? And that's just the beginning (unfortunately it gets WAY worse). In this episode I have an in-depth conversation about the science of sleep with Shawn Stevenson, author of 'Sleep Smarter' as well as the host of "The Model Health Show" which is routinely the #1 health & wellness podcast on iTunes. He's been featured in Forbes, Fox News, ESPN, The Today Show, Men's Health, and many other top publications. If you're interested in taking sleep seriously, Shawn is the guy to help you reach the promise land. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The detrimental effects the sleep deprivation has on your health Shawn’s history with degenerative disease and his path to healing Prioritizing good sleep above extreme workouts and diets The connection between sex and sleep The importance of sleep quality over duration The effects of working the night shift on your health (hint: It’s not good) How looking at a chromosome’s telomeres can tell you how sleep is affecting your lifespan Debunking the myths surrounding daylight’s effect on your sleep quality The importance of regular exposure to sunlight Knowing the balance of cortisol and melatonin in your body How exposure to technology affects your sleep quality Eliminating white and blue light from your evening routines for better sleep How alcohol affects your sleep cycle Useful Resources Mentioned: F.lux How to Get the Best Sleep of Your Life Sleep Smarter Book Ep02: Deskbound – Standing Up To a Sitting World | with Dr. Kelly Starrett Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight…i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Twitter|Facebook|Instagram Shawn Stevenson is a bestselling author and creator of The Model Health Show, featured as the #1 Nutrition and Fitness podcast on iTunes. A graduate of The University of Missouri – St. Louis with a background in biology and kinesiology, Shawn went on to be the founder of Advanced Integrative Health Alliance, a successful company that provides Wellness Services for both individuals and organizations worldwide. Shawn is also a dynamic keynote speaker who has spoken for TEDx, universities, and numerous organizations with outstanding reviews. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

If you've ever found yourself stumbling to reach the finish line and you often fail to achieve your most important goals (don't worry, you're no different than the 92% of people who also don't achieve their goals), the problem isn't you, it isn't lack of "willpower," and it's not because you don't have any motivation. The problem is that you haven't properly defined your purpose. I’m incredibly excited about this interview because it’s with Tony Horton, one of the top personal trainers and fitness celebrities in the world who created P90X the most successful home fitness program on the planet. He also designed the rest of the P90X series, P90, and 22 Minute Hard Corps, just to name a few of his insanely popular Beachbody programs. But more importantly than his fitness accomplishments and business enterprises, I’m excited to have Tony on this program because he is one of the most inspirational people I know and one of the few "celebrities" that I actually consider a virtual mentor and admire. Rarely does a day go by when Tony’s work doesn’t influence me in one way or another whether it’s being inspired by his book “The Big Picture” to originally begin my podcast over 3 years ago, or getting yelled at by him at 6:30 every morning while doing burpees. In our conversation we talk all about another of Tony’s passions: Finding Your Purpose. We talk through the negative mindsets that many people create to stop them from achieving their goals and how to overcome those obstacles and barriers. Even if you have absolutely no interest whatsoever in taking on a fitness program, this conversation could change the way you approach your goals and inspire you to step outside your comfort zone to become a better version of you. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Finding personal guidance in a sea of guru advice Tony Horton's 11 Laws that will change your life Remaining accountable to your Action Steps How personal growth becomes more difficult with age Knowing when giving advice can create resentment in others Curiosity's role in creating beneficial habits and rituals The importance of finding a mentor Determining your "Why?" so your missteps can't derail you Refining your desires to practical goals and acting upon them If you stick to even one Action Step, you are improving! Useful Resources Mentioned: Tony Horton Life (Tony's Personal Website) 22 Minute Hard Corps Workout Program TH Care (Tony's AMAZING new skincare line of products) FiP Ep17: Tony Horton, the Mastermind Behind P90X Sign up for Beachbody On Demand Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight...i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Tony Horton is the wildly popular creator of the best-selling fitness series: P90X®, P90X2®, P90X3®, and Ten Minute Trainer®, P90® and most recently his 22-Minute military inspired workout, 22 Minute Hard Corps®. Tony is a world-class motivational speaker and the author of top-selling books “Bring It”, Crush It!” and his latest motivational book, “The Big Picture” 11 Laws that will change your life, which he has transformed to an in depth personal development course, Living Large with Tony Horton. He has appeared on countless television programs as a fitness and lifestyle expert to promote healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition. In keeping with Tony’s passion for a healthy lifestyle, he’s teamed up with the beauty experts at Ultimate Salon Professionals to create his new hair and skincare line, TH Care by Tony Horton, because he believes what goes on your body is just as important as what goes in it. For the past 25 years, Tony has used his unique brand of humor to change the lives of tens of million people through his incredible fusion of motivation, physical exercise, nutrition, and discipline. From worldclass athletes, pro sports teams, celebrities and the U.S. Military, to corporate executives, couch potatoes, and busy moms and dads alike, Tony has what it takes to reach and teach them all. Tony believes that real and lasting change can happen when we commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, whole foods, and the right mindset is the formula that leads to a vibrant, productive and full life for anyone who focuses on being the best they can be. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Grit. Determination. Perseverance. Are these qualities you can build, or are you just born with them? In today's episode I interview the founder and CEO of The Spartan Race Joe De Sena. We discuss his background starting several businesses (including being a pool boy for the mob as well as making women's clothing), why and how he started the Spartan Race, and most importantly, how to build obstacle immunity and apply it to anything in your life to become more successful. Even if you have no interest in obstacle course racing, this interview can and will inspire you to make changes in your life to better yourself and perhaps push you out of your comfort zone.  If it doesn't challenge you, it doesn't change you. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Useful Resources Mentioned: The Spartan Race FiP Ep19: "Becoming Weekend Warriors" FiP Ep22: "Spartan Race Wrap-Up" FiP Ep28: "Weekend Warrior Update" Christopher Rush, "The Ultimate Spartan" The Spartan Up! Podcast Spartan Up! The Book Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight...i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio:  Twitter | Facebook | Instagram Joe De Sena is the founder and CEO of Spartan Race, Inc. De Sena has been an entrepreneur since his pre-teens. From selling fireworks at age 8, to starting a t-shirt business in high school, to building a multimillion-dollar pool business in college, to creating a Wall Street trading firm, De Sena is a living definition of "entrepreneur." De Sena is the New York Times bestselling author of SPARTAN UP! A Take-No-Prisoners Guide to Overcoming Obstacles and Achieving Peak Performance in Life and SPARTAN FIT! 30 Days. Transform Your Mind. Transform Your Body. Commit to Grit. He is also the host of the Spartan Up! Podcast, available on iTunes, Stitcher and YouTube. For information about a Spartan Race in your area, visit www.spartan.com. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

I'm commonly asked, "How in the world do you balance so many different projects at once?" In this episode I give away my secret weapon and the foundation of my entire productivity system - GTD. » Click here to download a summary of the GTD system plus a visual flowchart In my never ending quest to eliminate as much busy work from my life as possible and take clear action towards my goals, I've spent years navigating the world of productivity and learning everything I can (hence my obsession with Trello). There are so many tools, apps, websites, and resources to help organize your to-do lists, but the fatal flaw of every single one of these tools is just that - they are just tools. If you are truly interested in learning how to not only get more things done, but also ensure that you get the RIGHT things done, you need more than a shiny tool or a fancy to-do list app: You need a system. And in my opinion, the system that is going to - help you clarify your goals, organize your next actions, and most importantly clear the cobwebs in your head so you free up space to be creative again - is the GTD system developed by my guest David Allen. Whether your tool of choice is Trello, OmniFocus, or even post-it notes, the GTD system can help alleviate tremendous amounts of stress and anxiety, avoid the never ending busy work, and get you on track to accomplishing your life's work. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Knowing the relationship between strength and relaxation David's path to studying Zen-spirituality and becoming a master of efficiency The art of being present and engaging with your world How treating your brain like a filing cabinet can be harmful Learning to quantify and manage your tasks in a physical space How you can fuel your brain to maximize creativity Taking the simple steps of the GTD system and freeing your mind form clutter Following the "Two-Minute Rule" Using batching to handle busy-work efficiently The importance of a "Someday, Maybe" knowing which tasks are most urgent Knowing how to factor @Contexts into your project organization Trusting in the inevitability of mistakes and learning to grow through them Useful Resources Mentioned: Trello Getting Things Done (GTD) FiP Ep23: Hacking Your Productivity with Zack Sexton FiP Ep38: Task Management and Establishing Rituals FiP Ep 51: Minimizing Paperwork to Maximize Creativity FiP Ep93: How to Escape Your Email (And Finally Achieve Inbox Zero) Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight...i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio:         David Allen is an author, consultant, international lecturer, Founder and Chairman of the David Allen Company. The David Allen Company is a productivity training and consulting company that provides services designed to increase performance, capacity and aligned execution. They count among their clients some of the world’s most prestigious corporations, including over 40% of Fortune 100 companies. David Allen is widely recognized as the world’s leading authority on personal and organizational productivity. His 30 years of pioneering research, coaching and education of some of the world’s highest-performing professionals has earned him Forbes’ recognition as one of the “Top five executive coaches” in the United States, and as one of the “Top 100 thought leaders” by Leadership Magazine. Fast Company hailed David Allen “One of the world’s most influential thinkers” in the arena of personal productivity, for his outstanding programs and writing on time and stress management, the power of aligned focus and vision, and his ground-breaking methodologies in management and executive peak performance. David Allen was named one of the top ten business leaders of 2014 by the American Management Association. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.  

If you work in a creative profession and put your heart and soul into everything you do, burnout (and ultimately depression) seems inevitable. You work crazy hours, you eat crap, your deadlines are insane, and you're stuck in front of a computer for what seems like an eternity. But creative burnout isn't as inevitable as you might think. Even though you may feel like you're spinning your wheels, you aren't getting any closer to achieving your goals, and your colleague with half the talent is getting paid twice as much and advancing twice as fast as you, there are specific things you can do to overcome creative burnout and make more significant progress towards achieving your true goals. In this episode I have an in-depth conversation with Eric Barker, author of "Barking Up the Wrong Tree: The Surprising Science Behind Why Everything You Know About Success Is (Mostly) Wrong" about why creative burnout is so common in our 24/7 technology addicted go-go-go society, and more importantly, what you can do about it. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Eric Barker's history tackling the concept of "success" Embracing a variety of paths towards and definitions for success Pursing academic information in a creative industry The cultural impact of High School Valedictorians The relationship between academic and personal success Separating perfectionism from fulfillment Environmental influences on creative burnout The importance of refining your specialties Strategic quitting and focusing on signature strengths "Happiness breeds success," not the other way around Optimism's role in the path to success The cultural stigma of depression Useful Resources Mentioned: www.bakadesuyo.com (Eric's blog) Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone interested in moving more at their height-adjustable workstation. Listen, standing desks are only great if you’re standing well, otherwise you’re constantly fighting fatigue and chronic pain. Not like any other anti-fatigue mat, the Topo is scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. And they’re really fun and a great conversation starter. This episode is made possible by the HumanCharger,  a revolutionary new light therapy device made specifically for people who spend long days in the dark and don’t get enough sunlight...i.e. You and me. Simply put in the earbuds for 12 minutes a day to receive your daily recommended dosage of UV-free white light. Doing so can drastically increase your energy, improve your mood, and increase mental alertness and focus.This device has literally changed my life and I use it every morning without fail. Use the code ‘OPTIMIZE’ to get 20% off your order. Guest Bio:       Eric Barker’s humorous, practical blog, "Barking Up the Wrong Tree", presents science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life. Over 310,000 people subscribe to his weekly newsletter and his content is syndicated by Time Magazine, The Week, and Business Insider. He has been featured in the New York Times, the Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic Monthly, and the Financial Times. Eric is also a sought-after speaker and interview subject, and has given talks at MIT, Yale, Google, the University of Pennsylvania, NPR affiliates, and on morning television. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Jakin Rintelman. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.