Podcasts about Steven Pressfield

Welcome to episode 309 of the Spun Today podcast. In this episode, Tony Ortiz dives deep into the craft of storytelling, sharing the inside baseball of his own creative process—complete with writing stats, recent experiments with AI-powered ads, and a practical tool recommendation for overcoming writer's block. Through a detailed breakdown of Louis C.K.'s debut novel, Ingram, Tony Ortiz explores how character growth stems from small, meaningful lessons and how supporting characters, symbolic objects, and well-timed revelations fuel emotional storytelling. He also shares an inspiring writing tip from Steven Pressfield that invites creators to protect their work with the dedication of a parent. Plus, Tony Ortiz wraps up with a motivational free writing piece that challenges listeners to seize the present moment and move deliberately toward their creative goals. If you're a writer or creative looking for motivation, craft insights, and that extra push to get your words on the page, this episode is for you.   Check out all free-writing pieces at: spuntoday.com/freewriting.      The Spun Today Podcast is a Podcast that is anchored in Writing, but unlimited in scope.  Give it a whirl.      Twitter: https://twitter.com/spuntoday  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/spuntoday/  YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@spuntoday   Website: http://www.spuntoday.com/home  Newsletter: http://www.spuntoday.com/subscribe      Links referenced in this episode:     Writing Advice from: https://stevenpressfield.com/2026/09/warriors-and-mothers-2/   Ingram by Louis C.K. https://amzn.to/4yS5SPG   What's your next moment going to be? https://www.spuntoday.com/freewriting/your-next-moment   TOME (Writing Tool) Link: https://www.tomewriting.com/   Get your Podcast Started Today! https://signup.libsyn.com/?promo_code=SPUN (Use Promo code SPUN and get up to 2-months of free service!)   Check out all the Spun Today Merch, and other ways to help support this show! https://www.spuntoday.com/support     Check out my Books   Make Way for You – Tips for getting out of your own way ÁBRЕТЕ CAMINO: CONSEJOS PARA DEJAR DE SER TU PROPIO OBSTÁCULO (Spanish Edition) FRACTAL – A Time Travel Tale Melted Cold – A Collection of Short Stories   http://www.spuntoday.com/books/ (e-Book, Paperback and Hardcover are now available)   Fill out my Spun Today Questionnaire if you're passionate about your craft.  I'll share your insight and motivation on the Podcast: http://www.spuntoday.com/questionnaire/     Shop on Amazon using this link, to support the Podcast: https://amzn.to/4km592l      Shop on iTunes using this link, to support the Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewTop?genreId=38&id=27820&popId=42&uo=10   Shop at the Spun Today store for Mugs, Notebooks, T-Shirts and more: https://spuntoday-shop.fourthwall.com/   Music: https://www.purple-planet.com   Outro Background Music: https://www.bensound.com   Spun Today Logo by: https://www.naveendhanalak.com/   Sound effects are credited to: http://www.freesfx.co.uk   Listen on: ApplePodcasts | Spotify | Pocket Casts | YouTube | Website

“Tap into your own inner creativity. It's there. It's always has been there, and your story matters.” – Abbie Emmons Today's featured bestselling bookcaster is a writing coach, storyteller, and creator of YouTube's most-watched creative writing channel, Abbie Emmons. Abbie and I had a fun on a bun chat about her new book, “Make Your Story Matter: An Interactive Guide to Unlocking Your Brain's Storytelling Power and Writing a Book Readers Love”, her journey from teen blogger to published novelist, morning writing habits, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:How growing up in a creative and entrepreneurial family led Abbie to become an authorWhat helped her to generate a large number of initial reviews for her 1st book that now has over 2.2K reviewsThe key to creating relatable characters that resonate with readersHow writing nonfiction taught her the importance of simplifying complex topics and deciding what information to excludeThree major lessons she learned from starting, growing, and running her podcastAbbie's Site: https://abbieemmonsauthor.com/make-your-story-matterAbbie's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07RS9LBPF/allbooksAbbie's Podcast, “The Kate and Abbie Show”: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-kate-and-abbie-show/id1501883200The opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…242 – The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield (@James_Redfield): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/242-the-celestine-prophecy-by-james-redfield-james_redfield/1096 – Beating Resistance and Turning Setbacks Into Literary Breakthroughs with Steven Pressfield: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/beating-resistance-and-turning-setbacks-into-literary-breakthroughs-with-steven-pressfield-spressf/880 – Success Insights from a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author with Christopher Greyson (@Chris_Greyson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-880-success-insights-from-a-wall-street-journal-bestselling-author-with-christopher-greyson/477 – P.S. You're a Genius with Kelly Trach (@kellytrach): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-477-ps-youre-a-genius-with-kelly-trach-kellytrach/928 – The Little Book of Big Dreams with Isa Adney (@IsaAdney): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-928-the-little-book-of-big-dreams-with-isa-adney-isaadney/983 – How Neuroscience Can Fuel Your Book & Life Success with Sara Connell: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/saracconnell/1100 – The Burning Ground and the Courage to Live Your Greatest Story with Celinne Da Costa (@CelinneDaCosta): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/the-burning-ground-and-the-courage-to-live-your-greatest-story-with-celinne-da-costa-celinnedacost/965 – From Hollywood Writing Rooms to Writing Her Own Rules with Amy Suto (@Sutoscience): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-965-from-hollywood-writing-rooms-to-writing-her-own-rules-with-amy-suto-sutoscience/1029 – Unlock Your Creativity & Make Life Your Biggest Art Project with Pia Mailhot-Leichter (@pialeichter): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1029-unlock-your-creativity-make-life-your-biggest-art-project-with-pia-mailhot-leichter-p/#Bonus Ep. – From Idea to Finished Manuscript with Chandler Bolt (@self_pub_school): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-from-idea-to-finished-manuscript-with-chandler-bolt-self_pub_school/670 – The Bestselling Book Formula with Honorée Corder (@Honoree): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-670-the-bestselling-book-formula-with-honoree-corder-honoree/

What happens to a customer's words between the research readout and the campaign launch? Usually they survive in meaning and die in language. Every review cycle sands off a little more of the emotion that made the insight worth having, until the market no longer recognizes itself in what comes back.In this episode of The Trending Communicator, Dan Nestle welcomes back Dr. Matt Wilkinson, founder and CEO of Strivenn and author of The Buyer in the Loop. Matt's answer is the grounded synthetic customer: an AI representation built from a company's own interviews, CRM data, sales transcripts, and social listening that stays with the work from inception to launch and can trace every recommendation back to the evidence behind it.From there, the conversation turns to why an "act as" prompt can't stand in for real customer knowledge, and to the book cover Matt tested on a synthetic panel and on LinkedIn at the same time. Matt is candid about where synthetic customers stumble, with a Montblanc pen and New Coke along the way, and he closes with how communicators can build personas for investors and even the lobby groups working against them. He also makes the case that all of this should send teams back to their real customers more often.Listen in and hear about...Why organizational gravity can't be fixed one department at a timeThe difference between a one-page persona, an "act as" prompt, and a grounded synthetic customerHow a synthetic panel and a LinkedIn poll split the same way on three book covers, then agreed on a fourthWhy the half-life of customer research is shrinking in the era of zero-click searchWhere synthetic customers break down, from temporal drift to pricing and emotionHow communicators can model investors, stakeholders, and opposition groups before a message goes outNotable Quotes from Matt"The ability to create stuff, everybody has it now, but the ability to understand your customer is one of the few things that really sets us apart." - Dr. Matt Wilkinson [06:05 → 06:54]"Does the customer really care that you've been in business 20 years? Yes, they want a reliable partner to work with, but actually they probably want to know, what have you actually done for the industry? What have you changed? What problems have you solved?" - Dr. Matt Wilkinson [13:20 → 13:52]"The thing about the grounding is it's twofold. One, that it is grounded in evidence, but secondly, it's grounded in your evidence. And that's where the real moat comes in." - Dr. Matt Wilkinson [29:53 → 30:33]"It gives marketers the ability to start pointing at evidence rather than their gut feelings, because gut feelings are really hard to defend." - Dr. Matt Wilkinson [31:22 → 32:03]"Why would you spend five, six, seven figures on customer insight when all you're going to do is turn it into a report, share it, have a couple of meetings about it and then forget it?" - Dr. Matt Wilkinson [44:05 → 44:24]"People spend hundreds of dollars on buying a Montblanc pen. It performs the same service as a Bic Biro that maybe costs a dollar... The difference is how it makes you feel and how other people might perceive you using it." - Dr. Matt Wilkinson [47:39 → 49:27]Resources and LinksDr. Matt WilkinsonStrivenndrmattwilkinson.aiLinkedInThe Buyer in the Loop: How Synthetic Customers Stop Your Buyer Disappearing Between Research and MarketMentioned in this episodeYou're the Top of the AI Sandwich - with Brian Piper and Matt WilkinsonJim MacLeod, designer of the book coverTimestamps[00:00] Why many hands make flat work in comms and marketing[02:54] Matt returns to the show[04:24] The fireworks lecture that doubled undergraduate chemistry recruitment[06:05] When anyone can create, understanding the customer is the edge[07:18] Research-backed messaging that falls flat in the market[09:13] Organizational gravity as a force of nature, not a department problem[10:20] Naming the problem, and why good strategy stalls inside the organization[10:58] Building synthetic customers from everything you know about your buyers[12:20] Carrying the customer from inception to launch, and weighing legal's edits[13:20] The heritage line: what customers actually want to hear about longevity[17:27] Why "act as" prompts fall short[18:56] The persona spectrum, from one-page profiles to grounded synthetic customers[20:35] The persona workshop flip charts nobody ever sees again[22:24] Using AI to build customer archetypes from data[25:46] Backing up messaging decisions with 30 qualitative interviews[28:34] What "grounded" means, and why it's a moat[32:30] Testing the book cover on a synthetic panel and on LinkedIn[39:48] Organizational gravity as Steven Pressfield's resistance[40:49] Grounding as onboarding for AI models[43:13] Zero-click search and the shrinking half-life of customer research[46:15] Where synthetic customers break: temporal drift and knowledge gaps[47:39] Why synthetic customers struggle with pricing[52:28] Can synthetic personas model emotion? New Coke and asking the wrong questions[57:02] Where communicators start: investors, stakeholders, and lobby groups as personas[59:00] Wrap-up About The Trending CommunicatorThe Trending Communicator is a podcast about the future of communications and marketing, hosted by Dan Nestle. Each episode is a conversation with a communicator, marketer, author, or technologist about how the work is changing and what that means for the people doing it. The show launched in 2020 as The Dan Nestle Show and has published more than 150 episodes.About the HostDan Nestle (Daniel Nestle) is a communications strategist with more than 25 years of experience, including 16 years in Japan. He is co-founder and Chief Product & Intelligence Officer of Lilypath, the company behind the patent-pending Authority Intelligence™ platform, and founder and Chief Curiosity Officer of Inquisitive Communications, a strategic advisory practice. He received the 2022 Arthur W. Page Society Page Up Innovation Award, was named a PRWeek Dashboard 25 AI Pioneer in 2023 and 2024, and was named one of Propel's 100 Most Influential PR Tech Leaders Worldwide in 2025.Connect with DanThe Trending Communicator: https://trendingcommunicator.comSubstack: https://trendingcommunicator.substack.comLinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/nestleLilypath: https://lilypath.comInquisitive Communications: https://be-inquisitive.comInstagram: https://instagram.com/trendingcommunicator Show notes for The Trending Communicator are co-created by Human Dan, Claude, and Fireflies. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As we begin to wrap up The Coach's Journey Podcast after seven years, we're sharing some of our favourite episodes from the back catalogue…Sat atop a Welsh mountain in 2007 in a moment of depression and despair, Chris Joseph had the first in a series of instances of clarity that would eventually lead him to coaching. On the brink of a meltdown, he knew his Ph.D. in Computational Mechanics was no longer serving him. Buddhism, yoga and mediation became the elixir for him and soon he found he couldn't sleep with excitement at the discoveries he was making. His life changed when he trained to become a mindfulness teacher with Breathworks, and Chris went on to complete his Ph.D. and launch his first coaching practice. But it wasn't a success and in the end he gave it up. His extraordinary journey includes a multitude of highs and lows, from making £10,000 a month in passive income to losing it all to a fraudulent trader. Now he's back coaching and headed for a seven-figure year with his highly successful practice.In this episode, we talk about:Where his practice went wrong the first time round.Why the inner work is so important - understanding that you can only take people as far as you can go yourself.Why a true insight always comes packaged with an action - an ‘outsight' or an ‘outer action'.How to invite an individual to coaching - how to make it feel like a gift to the individual and not a request for yourself.Alongside the practical we get into some big topics: death, impermanence, the importance of play and the effects of all these on our lives. And it is a total pleasure to be in a space with Chris' beautiful open-heartedness.For more information about Chris, visit www.christopherjoseph.co.uk, find him on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/drchrisjoseph/ or on Facebook: www.facebook.com/chrisjoseph.uk/ For information about Robbie's wider work and writing, visit www.robbieswale.com. Read more about The Coach's Journey and sign up to our mailing list at www.thecoachsjourney.com.Download the free ebook, An Introduction to The Coaching Business Flywheel, at https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/the-coaching-business-flywheel Music by My Good Man William listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4KmeQUcTbeE31uFynHQLQgThings and people we mentioned (that you might be interested in):~ Alex Swallow on The Coach's Journey Podcast: https://www.thecoachsjourney.com/podcast/episode-62-alex-swallow-life-is-better-when-we-choose ~8: Rich Waterman: https://www.richwaterman.com/ ~10: The Happiness Hypothesis by Jonathan Haidt: https://www.happinesshypothesis.com/~12: Michael Neill: https://www.michaelneill.org/~12: Dick Bettinger: http://3principlesmentoring.com/index.html ~12: Sydney Banks: https://sydbanks.com/~14: Breathworks: https://www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk/~20: Unleash the Power Within with Tony Robbins: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/events/unleash-the-power-within/ ~25: Unleash the Power Within with Tony Robbins: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/events/unleash-the-power-within/~26: The Coaching Academy: https://www.the-coaching-academy.com~26: Richard Bandler: https://richardbandler.com~26: John LaValle: https://www.nlplifetraining.com/trainers/john-lavalle~26: The Prosperous Coach by Steve Chandler and Rich Litvin: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prosperous-Coach-Increase-Income-Clients/dp/1600250300 ~26: Breathworks: https://www.breathworks-mindfulness.org.uk/~27: Simon Coulson: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Prosperous-Coach-Increase-Income-Clients/dp/1600250300~27: Peter Thompson: https://peterthomson.com/ ~27: Michael Neill: https://www.michaelneill.org/ ~27: Project Kairos with Rich Litvin: https://richlitvin.com/kairos/~30: Steve Hardison video: https://youtu.be/0Tine-9dz-Y~32: Rich Waterman: https://www.richwaterman.com/ ~33: Three Principles: https://threeprinciplesfoundation.org/ ~33: Eckhart Tolle: https://eckharttolle.com/ ~33: Bryon Katie: https://thework.com/ ~33: The Coaching Academy: https://www.the-coaching-academy.com~33: Tony Robbins: https://www.tonyrobbins.com/ ~37: Crazy Good by Steve Chandler: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1600250343/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_JMAKFbP0PYJ7E ~43: The War of Art by Steven Pressfield and Shawn Coyne: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1936891026/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_xlBKFbG7XW11B~50: Loom: https://www.loom.com~1.11: Cardiff University: https://www.cardiff.ac.uk ~1.29: Wealth Warrior by Steve Chandler: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1600250408/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_EFCKFbY9VGH7M~1.29: Time Warrior by Steve Chandler: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1600250378/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_kICKFbB90WCJN~1.29: The Hero's Journey by Joseph Campbell: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1608681890/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_8RCKFbEEPT36Y~1.31: The Meaning Revolution by Fred Kofman : https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/1524760730/ref=cm_sw_em_r_mt_dp_BsSKFbKHQ773N~1.45: Chris's contact details: email address: chris@christopherjoseph.co.uk, LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchrisjoseph/, Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrisjoseph.uk/~1.50: Steve Hardison: https://theultimatecoach.com/ FULL BIOGRAPHY FROM CHRIS Dr. Chris Joseph is a sought-after coach and mindfulness trainer living in South Wales. He specialises in working with high-achieving coaches who are ready to play at the next level. His expertise is in helping people slow down, reconnect with themselves and then create the life that they truly want to wake up to every morning.In his coaching role, Chris works with a small number of clients each year, by invitation or referral. His clients have included the former marketing director of one of the most iconic brands on earth, a senior VP for a fortune 10 company, a woman who has worked in mission control, a former private investigator on Wall Street, a Wall Street attorney, an ex-personal advisor to the former Prime Minister of the UK, a London investment banker and business owners with multi-million dollar turnovers.As a mindfulness trainer, he creates original and impactful sessions on emotional resilience and mindful leadership for world-class companies. He has worked with Tesco, Tata Steel, Cardiff University, the NHS, Breast Cancer Care, Jacobs and MotoNovo Finance. Chris has a Doctorate from Cardiff University and is a qualified Breathworks Mindfulness Trainer and a Richard Bandler certified NLP practitioner.In his former career, he was a Civil Engineer, working in the contracting, consulting and research sectors. His work has been published in international journals.Chris has been featured on National Radio in Wales for his mindfulness work, has written over 20 articles on Mindfulness and is in the process of writing his first book on coaching.When he isn't coaching, training or writing, he is continually learning about play, creativity, fun and laughter from his children, Aled and Anwen. He also enjoys triathlon and has completed an Ironman, a 10km charity swim and a 70km ultra run!

A Few Minutes of Torah at Rabba Sara's Table. This week's episode is inspired by the Hineni prayer and Steven Pressfield's The War of Art,

Du hast dir vorgenommen, dich intern sichtbarer zu machen oder dich endlich auf eine neue Stelle zu bewerben.Aber du weißt noch nicht genau, welcher nächste Schritt der richtige ist.Also wartest du, bis du mehr Klarheit hast und dich wirklich bereit fühlst.Aus ein paar Wochen werden Monate, und es fühlt sich immer schwerer an, überhaupt anzufangen.Das liegt selten an fehlender Disziplin, sondern an einer falschen Annahme darüber, wie Fortschritt entsteht.Warum ambitionierte Ingenieure so oft feststecken und welche Frage du dir stattdessen stellen solltest – darüber spreche ich in dieser Folge.Show Notes:>> Der Club für Ingenieure: skool.com/mentorwerk>> No Zero Days – Buch für Ingenieure: nozerodays.de/buch>> Mentornotes Newsletter: mentorwerk.de/newsletter>> Tim bei YouTube: youtube.com/@schmaddebeck>> Tim bei LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/timschmaddebeck>> Tims Buchempfehlungen: mentorwerk.de/buecher>> Atomic Habits von James Clear: mentorwerk.de/go/atomic-habits>> The War of Art von Steven Pressfield: mentorwerk.de/go/the-war-of-artStichworte zur Folge:Momentum, Momentum aufbauen, ins Handeln kommen, Motivation, Motivation finden, Selbstmotivation, Prokrastination überwinden, Aufschieben, Trägheit überwinden, Stillstand überwinden, beruflicher Stillstand, Klarheit finden, Overthinking, Grübeln stoppen, Gewohnheiten ändern, kleine Schritte, Dranbleiben, Disziplin, Selbstführung, Ziele erreichen, Neustart nach dem Urlaub, Flywheel Effekt, Atomic Habits, James Clear, The War of Art, No Zero Days, Karriere Ingenieur, Persönlichkeitsentwicklung, Führungskraft werden, Podcast für Ingenieure

Send us Fan MailSteven Pressfield is the reason a generation of leaders finally put a name on the enemy inside them.He called it Resistance — capital R. The force that stops the founder from starting, the writer from writing, the leader from leading. He gave the language for it in The War of Art, and he's been at the desk fighting it every Wednesday for over 50 years. He's the author of Gates of Fire — required reading at West Point, Annapolis, and on the Marine Commandant's list — The Legend of Bagger Vance, Tides of War, The Virtues of War, A Man at Arms, and his newest work released this past May, The Arcadian, a novel following Telamon the immortal mercenary through fifteenth-century Spain and the central question: does justice exist in this world?At 82 years old, Pressfield still shows up. Every Wednesday. That is the discipline this episode is about.In this conversation, Josh Kosnick and Steven go into:• Resistance, capital R — what it is, how it shows up on a Tuesday morning, and how to recognize it before it wins• Steven's daily ritual after five decades of fighting Resistance — and how he shuts it off at the end of the day• The Legend of Bagger Vance — what it's like to have your work adopted by Hollywood• Gates of Fire and why military academies keep coming back to it — what civilian leaders miss• The Spartan covenant between mother and son — “come back with this or on it” — and what it teaches a modern leader about standards• The professional vs. the amateur — the single most important difference, and how a founder knows which side of the line they're standing on• Telamon and The Arcadian — what a hero carrying a centuries-old curse teaches a leader who is tired of dragging his own• Does justice exist in this world — where Steven has landed after 40 years of writing about war and virtue• AI and the writing world — what a legendary author sees coming for creativity• Writing Wednesdays — the discipline that keeps an 82-year-old at the desk• The one Spartan virtue Steven would install in every American boardroom tomorrow• Steven's unpopular belief — the answer to Josh's signature closing questionJosh's on-mic acknowledgment: The Kairos Code was directly shaped by The War of Art. Steven's language of Resistance, the unlived life, and the professional/amateur distinction runs through Josh's work — and this episode is Josh giving public credit to the man who gave him the language.CHAPTERS________________00:00 Intro01:04 Spartan mythology and the War of Art — the bridge for an operator02:27 Resistance, capital R — naming the enemy inside05:42 Steven's daily ritual after 50 years of fighting Resistance07:36 How Steven shuts it off at the end of the day10:17 The Legend of Bagger Vance and Hollywood13:33 Gates of Fire — why military academies require it16:52 What civilian leaders miss about the Spartans19:23 What drew Steven to Spartan culture in the first place22:34 The Shield — “come back with this or on it”27:16 The professional and the amateur — the line30:37 The Arcadian — Telamon and the curse a leader carries34:45 Does justice exist in this world36:06 This life or the next37:20 A word for the Christian operator39:42 AI and the future of writing45:55 Writing Wednesdays — the 82-year-old discipline51:02 The one Spartan virtue for every American boardroom54:35 Steven's unpopular belief55:13 Where to find Steven's workFOLLOW STEVEN PRESSFIELDWebsite & Writing Wednesdays: https://stevenpressfield.comThe Arcadian (2026, Norton): available wherever books are soldThe War of Art — the book every operator needs on their deskGates of Fire — the Spartan novel required at West Point, Annapolis, and by the Marine CommandantSUBSCRIBE TO SPARTAN LEADERSHIPhttps://www.youtube.com/@spartanleadershippodcast?sub_confirmation=1FOLLOW JOSH KOSNICKWebsite: https://joshkosnick.comThe Kairos Code (book + audiobook): https://joshkosnick.com/thekairoscodeBridge Builder Mastermind: https://www.joshkosnick.com/mastermindRate and review the Spartan Leadership Podcast wherever you listen. It's how the next operator finds the show.Remember, the good and great are the enemies of possible. Lead like a Spartan today.#SpartanLeadership #StevenPressfield #TheWarOfArt #GatesOfFire #TheArcadian #Leadership #KairosCodeCONNECT WITH ME HERE:FacebookInstagramLinkedInTwitterTikTokYouTubeSUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST HERE:Apple PodcastsSpotifyYouTube

In today's episode, we have the pleasure to interview Steven Pressfield, author of The Arcadian: A Novel.Steven is the bestselling author of The War of Art, Gates of Fire, and more than 20 other books spanning historical fiction, creativity, and the warrior ethos. Gates of Fire is taught at West Point, and his work has earned a devoted following among writers, entrepreneurs, athletes, and military leaders.In this episode, you'll learn why the work you're most afraid to pursue may be your true calling, why creative fear remains even after decades of success, and why Steven believes artists must resist the shortcuts offered by artificial intelligence. He also reveals how a quote he carried for 40 years became the foundation for The Arcadian, why fiction can reveal truths that nonfiction cannot, and what Telamon's endless cycle of violence teaches us about the battles within ourselves.Now get ready to learn and enjoy this incredible conversation with Steven Pressfield.If you want to learn more about Steven and buy his book, visit:Book: https://a.co/d/00aDGnfjWebsite: https://stevenpressfield.comhttps://www.instagram.com/steven_pressfield/?hl=enhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/stevenpressfieldhttps://www.youtube.com/@StevePressfieldhttps://www.facebook.com/StevePressfield/https://x.com/SPressfieldhttps://www.tiktok.com/@spressfield

Why do we bother doing what we do? What tone do you hear in that question? To bother: taking the trouble or effort to do something.To be bothered: to be affected by something and/or to care about it. I hadn’t really thought much about this phrase until it came up in a conversation related to stuckness a few days ago. And now I can’t stop thinking about it. https://youtu.be/SSCHoKd3tCc Someone shared that, despite having written a huge number of words, they felt self-doubt, uncertainty, and boredom were why they hadn’t yet managed to complete a draft of the novel they’d been working on for the past couple of years. Exploring the map, watching the videos, and using the reflection guide helped them realise there might be more to it than an internal issue. In reality, the publishing industry is going through a period of deep uncertainty, and it’s harder than ever to get into. That adds a very real obstacle to the stuckness. Stuckness Doesn’t Occur in a Vacuum Feeling stuck is often a dance between internal and external factors. And it always happens within a broader context. Unstable material conditions, unhelpful environments, and systemic inequalities make stuckness more than a mindset or attitude issue. I’ve known people struggling to stay afloat amid overwhelming busyness, grief, and health challenges, who believe they have the wrong attitude because they wish they could feel better and move forward. As if you haven’t got enough to deal with, there’s the added pressure of personal responsibility to respond positively to things beyond your control. A Mindset Fallacy The focus on mindset and positive thinking as a solution to stuckness can implicitly misdiagnose its source as lying squarely within the individual. It places us in charge of our own reality, a common position we’ve noticed throughout the history of the self-help movement. At its most extreme, this becomes the belief that we can literally manifest material wealth, health, and prosperity through the power of positive thinking. At one level, this way of thinking seems harmless enough. But when we peel back the layers, it reveals some more insidious assumptions. Not least, it assumes that if everything boils down to individual responsibility for the quality of our own life through positive thinking, then we are personally to blame for our suffering. This can be a really lonely place to be. We feel stuck because of the projected images we see from others who tell stories of self-made success. These tell us what we SHOULD want and aspire to. Then, when we struggle to get there, we beat ourselves up for not having what those successful people seem to have. A lot of smoke and mirrors surround those stories. When you believe that you’re the only one finding it hard, but that the result is necessary for your value as a human, you are more likely to act from desperation rather than curiosity. And the cycle continues. Why Bother? Good question. Glad you asked. These pressures subtly influence our response to the question. So do the ways we’re encouraged to measure value. I remember reading a blog post many years ago about the difference in quality between the amateur and the professional. It referenced Steven Pressfield’s archetypes of The Professional and The Amateur in The War of Art, his book about what he coined as The Resistance, the enemy force that derails a creative pursuit. I haven’t read it for about 15 years, but I remember it containing some helpful ideas and some that made less sense to me. In it he writes: “The word amateur comes from the Latin root meaning “to love.” The conventional interpretation is that the amateur pursues his calling out of love, while the pro does it for money. Not the way I see it. In my view, the amateur does not love the game enough. If he did, he would not pursue it as a sideline, distinct from his “real” vocation. The professional loves it so much he dedicates his life to it. He commits full-time.” I’ll save my greater exceptions for another day, perhaps. But at a basic level, and in response to “why bother?”, we can see the pressure potentially undermining Pressfield’s message. Although he presents the distinction as archetypes of attitude, it’s hard to escape the implication that the creative pursuit must provide a person’s main income (or full-time occupation) if the person truly loves it. Why DO I bother? When the thing becomes a means to an end, the end can begin to determine whether the thing itself feels worth doing. This can leave us feeling stuck. Confused about why we bother. I know people who have become derailed after being encouraged to take something they had great passion, love, and drive for and turn it into a source of income. They used to bother because they cared. It was a catalyst for creativity and imagination, providing a way to express themselves freely. They were curious, explored, and grew, pouring resources into their passion regardless of profitability. And they gave their time to it without a second thought. But when they went professional, things changed. Concerns about marketing, efficiency, avoiding waste, and so on meant their relationship with what they used to do out of habit and ease became something only worth doing if it yielded a profitable outcome. This isn’t to say it’s a bad idea to make something your profession. Rather, I think it’s a bad idea to assume that a professional is simply a more serious amateur. It’s a radically different position. In many cases, the amateur can maintain their connection, love, and raw, organic passion for what they do because professionalism brings separate pressures, not necessarily linked to quality and care for the work. The Overjustification Effect I know amateurs who love their work so much that they free it from market pressure and find other ways to fund a life they can dedicate what they love doing around the edges. And some are more skilled, passionate, and dedicated than their professional counterparts in the same field. It’s ironic that for all his talk of Resistance, Pressfield may have inadvertently introduced and exacerbated a source of it by drawing this distinction. This may also be linked to something psychologists call the overjustification effect. An external incentive, like money, praise, or professional status, can change our relationship with an activity we already do for love. External rewards can make us less interested in doing something for its own sake. Why bother? It’s only worth it if I see results. And when it feels like the odds are stacked against you, why bother? It would be easier to find another way to make a living. Bothering can become futile when the outcome we’ve attached to the endeavour becomes harder to achieve. And this can happen when we become less intrinsically connected to it. The Pressure To Stay Positive If things feel like a struggle, maybe business is slow, and external events are making it worse, we might hear someone say, “Why bother?” and try to help them stay positive. “Come on, you’ve got to have a positive mental attitude. You’ve got this. Don’t give up. Believe in yourself. You’ll get through it.” Maybe there’s a time and place for that. But sometimes there are immovable objects in the way, and the question “why bother?” asks something else of us. It’s also apparent that when we’re already struggling, another person’s extraordinary success story can leave us feeling more alone. We Need More Failure Stories While inspiring or motivational stories are meant to give us hope, hearing from people who tried just as hard and didn’t get the same result can be more grounding and encouraging. I love a good failure story. Yeah, I know I’m a bit odd. But survivorship bias gives us a rather skewed impression of the link between working hard and succeeding. But when we come together around these shared struggles, we can find a motivating energy far more powerful than hearing that it IS possible to win the lottery because, look, someone won it. They won millions of pounds. Why? Because millions of people didn’t win. The story of the collective experience is less romantic, but it’s much warmer. It’s the reminder that we’re not alone. This is just hard. Success isn’t guaranteed by hard work alone. No matter what we do, factors beyond our control limit our chances of succeeding. Well, that’s depressing…why bother then? I’m glad you asked… We can dig back into that question with a fresh perspective and a personal connection. We can rediscover why we want to do what I want to do. What sparks our care, passion, and creative drive. Knowing and accepting that sometimes things don’t work out. The book doesn’t get finished, let alone published. But it is worth it anyway. Why? Because there is something about the endeavour that brings you to life. That’s the bit that matters. And everything else is gravy. And there is something beautifully rebellious and defiant about being alongside others in this spirit. Rejecting the assumption that we are in it alone. And finding solace in our shared experiences of things not necessarily going to plan, yet being bothered enough to continue anyway. Growing In Circles That’s really what I’m hoping we get to experience in Pick The Lock: Growing In Circles. If you’d like to explore your own relationship with something you’re currently feeling frustrated or stuck around, you can find out more about the group and join us here.

Dr. Josh Schacter spent years as a high volume orthopedic surgeon, performing close to 1,000 surgeries annually and seeing 50 patients a day inside the insurance system. On this episode of Willpower, he joins Will Humphreys to talk about the internal and external transition that took him from burned out technician to integrative orthopedic physician running a cash pay practice built around deep patient connection.Dr. Schacter walks through the mindset shifts required to leave insurance behind, the limiting beliefs providers carry from medical training, and how a trip to Ecuador with the Ashuar people reshaped his relationship to stress and presence. He shares patient stories, including a man who avoided a hip replacement through regenerative therapy and a case of reversed Type 2 diabetes discovered during a knee visit, and explains why he believes over a million joint replacements can be prevented by 2042.Key takeaways:Dr. Schacter transitioned his practice to roughly 80% cash pay revenue within three months.He reduced his patient load from 50 per day to an average of 10, spending up to 90 minutes with new patients.Chronic pain has been linked to a 3 to 5 percent shorter lifespan, and 80 percent of patients report feeling rushed during medical visits.Dr. Schacter's integrative approach treats orthopedic issues alongside metabolic and psychological factors, including cases where diabetes was reversed through diet, nutraceuticals, and micro-dose GLP-1.His wife, Amber Schacter, serves as CEO of the practice and was the driving force behind the shift to a different care model.He references Steven Pressfield's The War of Art and its concept of "resistance" as a framework for understanding the internal beliefs that keep providers stuck in traditional systems.Dr. Schacter's long-term goal is to prevent over one million joint replacements by 2042 through earlier, deeper intervention.If you're a provider who feels stuck inside a system that wasn't built for deep care, this conversation is for you. Connect with Dr. Joshua SchacterWebsite: www.pinnacleorthowf.com FB and IG: @pinnacleintegrativeorthopedics, @drjoshuaschacter Tiktok: @drjoshuaschacter Youtube @DrJoshuaSchacter Send us Fan MailRockstars specialize in helping support or replace all non-clinical roles.Learn how a Rockstar can help scale your physical therapy practice.Subscribe here to our completely free Stress-Free PT Newsletter for your weekly dose of joy. 

Alan provides a new Thursday Thought episode. In today's Thursday Thought, Alan reviews excerpts from Steven Pressfield's book, The War of Art.  Alan reviews 3 aspects of The Big R - Resistance - described in the book. He discusses self-doubt, fear, and friends - who try to sabotage your work. Learn about how these affect you. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts, so you won't miss a single episode. Website: www.alanbeckley.com

Success isn't only threatened by failure—it's threatened by the forces that quietly convince you to stop doing the work. In this episode, inspired by Steven Pressfield's Do the Work, I break down three forces that can sabotage your progress: resistance, rational thought, and friends and family. Learn how to recognize when you're negotiating with yourself, giving in to comfort, or allowing other people's expectations to keep you where you are—and why staying committed to your process is the way forward.TEXT ME!Support the show

In today's episode, Ryan and Steven Pressfield discuss one of Marcus Aurelius' most striking lines: “Life is warfare and a journey far from home.” What begins with the epigraph to Steven's new novel The Arcadian turns into a conversation about the hero's journey, the ideas we carry with us for decades, and reincarnation.

My guest today is legendary, bestselling author Steven Pressfield, who's known for his work on creativity, self-discipline, and how to overcome the inner force of what he calls, "capital R" - Resistance.He's written 25 books including the wildly popular - The War of Art, Turning Pro, Do The Work, and Put Your Ass Where Your Heart Wants to Be - which have influenced tons of successful writers, thinkers, artists and entrepreneurs - including Ryan Holiday and Rich Roll.Steven wrote for 27 years before his first novel The Legend of Bagger Vance got published and made into a Robert Redford film starring Matt Damon and Will Smith. He's also written a memoir Gov Cheese and many historical novels like, A Man at Arms, Gates of Fire, and his latest, The Arcadian!I've been reading and recommending his work for years, so to have him on the show felt like such a full-circle, meant-to-be moment!Here's some of what Steven and I dive into in this episode:Resistance (with a capital R):That invisible, diabolical force that shows up every time you try to write the book, record the podcast, go to the gym, leave the job, or step toward your calling.“Resistance will kill you”:Steven shares why not following your creative or spiritual calling doesn't just make you uncomfortable… it can slowly kill your spirit, your self‑trust, and your life-force.Self‑​Discipline & ​Ritual:We talk about why discipline gets such a bad rap, how it actually becomes an act of self‑love, and what it looks like in real life to “put your ass where your heart wants to be.”Art as a Spiritual Practice:Steve and I dig into the idea that we're spiritual beings in a messy, beautiful, often painful world – and how making art (in any form) is one of the most powerful ways we can respond to and answer that.His new book, The Arcadian:He shares the 40‑year journey behind this story, karma, warriors, and what it costs a soul to live a life of violence… and try to find redemption.I also share a bit about my own writing journey with my memoir, and how bumping up against Resistance has pushed me deeper into my spiritual practice and creative life.This episode is for you if:

Welcome back to the show! Today I am talking about one of my favourite ideas from one of my favourite books - Resistance, from The War of Art by Steven Pressfield. I discuss how this applies to us procrastinating and putting off our fitness goals, and how to beat this enemy that lives in our headI hope you enjoy, and don't forget to share and tag me on insta @emma.currivan xoxo⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠CHAT TO ME ABOUT COACHING ON WHATSAPP⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠JOIN MY PATREON HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - just 5.99 a month hehe xTo submit a question for a Q&A episode⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠click here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Don't forget to subscribe to my YouTube channel!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Catch you in the next one xoChapters00:00 Introduction to the episode and main themes01:47 Emma's personal updates and upcoming plans08:10 Introduction to 'The War of Art' and the concept of resistance11:51 How resistance appears in everyday life and fitness17:06 Recognizing resistance as an external force, not personal failure23:06 The importance of turning pro and adopting a professional mindset30:03 Practical strategies to beat resistance and build habits34:50 The role of environment, decision-making, and momentum38:56 Emma's final thoughts and encouragement to act despite resistance

Every great artist from Caravaggio to Frida Kahlo has fought the same invisible war, and Stephen Roach makes the case that it is not a coincidence.In this solo reflection, Stephen traces a decade-long question that has haunted him: why does creative expression seem to attract so much internal and external opposition? Drawing on scripture, church history, and the lives of artists who battled addiction, trauma, and mental illness, he builds a case for why creativity and faith are so deeply intertwined, and why that connection makes artists a centerpiece in a spiritual battle. He highlights an uncanny parallel between the King of Tyre in Ezekiel 28 and the artisans in Exodus, then lands in the present moment, asking what it means to keep making human art in an age of artificial intelligence. Listeners will walk away with a framework for understanding creative resistance and a renewed sense of why their work matters.KEY TOPICS COVERED• Why creativity is rooted in the image of God• The historical pattern of struggle among great artists, from addiction to mental illness• The church's complicated relationship with the arts• What the rise of AI means for the future of human creativity• Why art may be the last human frontier in an automated worldABOUT THE HOSTStephen Roach is the host of Makers and Mystics, a podcast exploring the intersection of creativity, faith, and the human experience. He is an artist, curator, poet, and musician. He is currently writing How to See Invisible Things, a book exploring the inner life of art and faith. Stephen has spent over a decade advocating for creativity as a spiritual discipline.RESOURCES AND LINKS The War of Art by Steven Pressfield - referenced for its concept of Resistance and creative struggleSend us Fan MailSupport the showSign Up for Our Newsletter! http://eepurl.com/g49Ks1Connect with Makers & MysticsWebsite: https://makersandmystics.comPatreon: https://patreon.com/makersandmysticsInstagram: https://instagram.com/makersandmystics

“You're going to have either a book or an excuse of why you don't have a book.” – Alinka Rutkowska Today's featured USA Today and Wall Street Journal bestselling author is a mom, wife, speaker, entrepreneur, and the co-founder of Leaders Brands, Alinka Rutkowska. Alinka and I had a fun on a bun chat about her books, her transition from an unfulfilling corporate career to entrepreneurship, how she uses AI for her daily business operations, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Alinka to become a writerWhy her company embraces AI and prefers clients who are also forward-thinking and adaptable to new technologyWhat major setback led her to create more successHer writing routine for putting out good contentHow AI is not just a tool but should be native to business operations for maximum efficiencyAlinka's Site: https://www.leadersbrands.ae/Alinka's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B0040KKTUC/allbooksThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…835 – Turn Words Into Wealth with Aurora Winter, MBA: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-835-turn-words-into-wealth-with-aurora-winter-mba-aurorawintermba/1038 – From Bulgaria to Publishing Success by Finding Your Unique Voice with Katerina Stoykova (@Katya_Stoykova): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1038-from-bulgaria-to-publishing-success-by-finding-your-unique-voice-with-katerina-stoykova/983 – How Neuroscience Can Fuel Your Book & Life Success with Sara Connell: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/saracconnell/670 – The Bestselling Book Formula with Honorée Corder (@Honoree): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-670-the-bestselling-book-formula-with-honoree-corder-honoree/1071 – Self-Publishing Tips for A Successful Author Career with Wiebke Tasch: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1071-self-publishing-tips-for-a-successful-author-career-with-wiebke-tasch-wiebke_tasch/1096 – Beating Resistance and Turning Setbacks Into Literary Breakthroughs with Steven Pressfield: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/beating-resistance-and-turning-setbacks-into-literary-breakthroughs-with-steven-pressfield-spressf/880 – Success Insights from a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author with Christopher Greyson (@Chris_Greyson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-880-success-insights-from-a-wall-street-journal-bestselling-author-with-christopher-greyson/#Bonus Ep. – From Idea to Finished Manuscript with Chandler Bolt (@self_pub_school): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/bonus-ep-from-idea-to-finished-manuscript-with-chandler-bolt-self_pub_school/712 – When Your Heart Says to Leave a Legacy with Bridget Cook-Burch: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-712-when-your-heart-says-to-leave-a-legacy-with-bridget-cook-burch-inspiritwriter/837 – Make Your Author emPact with Stephanie Feger (@stephaniefeger): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-837-make-your-author-empact-with-stephanie-feger-stephaniefeger/216 – The Write Way with Amy Collins (@askamycollins): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/216-the-write-way-with-amy-collins-askamycollins/637 – The Rough Guide to Awesome Leadership with Elena Agaragimova): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-637-the-rough-guide-to-awesome-leadership-with-elena-agaragimova-elenaagaragi/1089 – Why You Need to Outsource Everything But Your Passion with Kelly Lorenzen, PMP: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/why-you-need-to-outsource-everything-but-your-passion-with-kelly-lorenzen-pmp/

Steven Pressfield is a bestselling novelist, nonfiction author, and screenwriter. He published his first novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, in his early fifties, launching him onto the literary map and leading to a 2000 film directed by Robert Redford. Pressfield's 1998 Spartan epic Gates of Fire became a modern classic of military historical fiction and is widely read in military circles around the world, selling over one million copies worldwide. He is also the author of the 2002 bestseller The War of Art and subsequent titles like Turning Pro and Do the Work, which have made him a key voice on the inner challenges of writing, work, and creative life. Steven Pressfield is a bestselling novelist, nonfiction author, and screenwriter. He published his first novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, in his early fifties, launching him onto the literary map and leading to a 2000 film directed by Robert Redford. His 1998 Spartan epic Gates of Fire became a modern classic of military historical fiction, widely read in military circles around the world and selling more than one million copies. His newest novel, The Arcadian, published in 2026, returns to the terrain of war and the warrior's inner life in a genre-bending story set in sixteenth-century Spain. Following the mercenary Telamon across time and lifetimes, the novel explores fate, violence, redemption, and whether a man made for battle can ever truly lay down his sword. Pressfield is also the author of the 2002 bestseller The War of Art and subsequent books including Turning Pro and Do the Work, which have made him a defining voice on resistance, discipline, and the inner challenges of writing, work, and the creative life. The War of Art Gates of Fire Tides of War The Arcadian  A Man at Arms The Legend of Bagger Vance ------ Thank you to the sponsors that fuel our podcast and our team: Anthropic ⁠https://Claude.com/tetra⁠ ------ AGZ ⁠https://DrinkAG1.com/tetra⁠ ------ Athletic Nicotine ⁠https://www.AthleticNicotine.com/tetra⁠ Use code 'TETRA' ------ LMNT Electrolytes ⁠https://DrinkLMNT.com/tetra⁠ Use code 'TETRA' ------ Lectio 365 ⁠https://Lectio365.com⁠ ------ Sign up to receive Tetragrammaton Transmissions https://www.tetragrammaton.com/join-newsletter  Follow Tetragrammaton: ⁠https://x.com/tetranow⁠ https://www.instagram.com/tetragrammaton.now Follow Rick: ⁠https://x.com/rickrubin⁠ ⁠https://www.instagram.com/rickrubin⁠

“Work tirelessly on the things that you love. Don't worry about ‘failing.' Don't worry about producing work that you don't think is any good, because that's an essential crucible that you have to get through.” – Scott Dikkers Today's featured #1 New York Times bestselling author is a keynote speaker, Peabody Award Winner, Thurber Prize winner for American Humor, and the founder of TheOnion.com, Scott Dikkers. Scott and I had a fun on a bun chat about his latest book, “Creativity Machine: How to Innovate, Brainstorm, and Hatch Great Ideas on Command”, his unconventional midnight writing schedule, mentoring talent, and more!!Key Things You'll Learn:What inspired Scott's new book, “Creativity Machine”Some of the common myths about creativityHow experience has improved his ability to connect with an audienceWhat setback led to Scott creating more successScott's Site: https://www.scottdikkers.com/Scott's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B001IGFMTE/allbooksScott's Substack: https://scottdikkers.substack.com/Scott's App: https://comedymastermind.com/The opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonYou May Also Like…944 – From Comedy Central to Crafting Thrillers in "What She's Hiding" with Art Bell (@ArtBellwriter): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-944-from-comedy-central-to-crafting-thrillers-in-what-shes-hiding-with-art-bell-artbellwr/1096 – Beating Resistance and Turning Setbacks Into Literary Breakthroughs with Steven Pressfield: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/beating-resistance-and-turning-setbacks-into-literary-breakthroughs-with-steven-pressfield-spressf/763 – The Improv Mindset with Keith Saltojanes (@keithsaltojanes): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-763-the-improv-mindset-with-keith-saltojanes-keithsaltojanes/721 – Rediscovering Permission to Play as an Adult with Mike Montague (@PlayfulHumans): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-721-rediscovering-permission-to-play-as-an-adult-with-mike-montague-playfulhumans/273 – Rewiring Your Brain For Manifestation Success with Bob Doyle: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/273-rewiring-your-brain-for-manifestation-success-with-bob-doyle-bobdoyle/1046 – Unlock Artistic Insight & Innovation Through CreativitRy with Dr. Stan Lai: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1046-unlock-artistic-insight-innovation-through-creativitry-with-dr-stan-lai/301 – Transformative Creativity with Firdaus Kharas (@Culture_Shift): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-301-transformative-creativity-with-firdaus-kharas-culture_shift/1069 – Keeping the Dream Alive with Greig Watts: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1069-keeping-the-dream-alive-with-greig-watts/1103 – AI and the Race to Save Democracy with Dr. Beth Simone Noveck (@bethnoveck): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ai-and-the-race-to-save-democracy-with-dr-beth-simone-noveck-bethnoveck/433 – Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes with Ira Rosen: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-433-ticking-clock-behind-the-scenes-at-60-minutes-with-ira-rosen/378 – Writing Adventures with The Dialogue Doctor with Jeff Elkins: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-378-writing-adventures-with-the-dialogue-doctor-with-jeff-elkins-jffelkins/884 – How to Go From Stuck to Unstoppable with Murielle Marie Ungricht: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-884-how-to-go-from-stuck-to-unstoppable-with-murielle-marie-ungricht/1 - Burn the Box with Shawn Purvis @shawnepurvis: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/1-burn-the-box-with-shawn-purvis-shawnepurvis/

Steven Pressfield is the author of over twenty books of fiction and nonfiction. Two themes emerge from his writings: self-help and creativity, and historical fiction and war. He wrote “The Legend of Bagger Vance”, which in 2000 was made into a major motion picture directed by Robert Redford and starring Will Smith, Matt Damon and Charlize Theron. He also wrote “Gates of Fire”, and “The Virtues of War” among others. “The War Of Art” focuses on procrastination. His works are widely read in military, creative, and leadership communities for their insights into discipline, resistance, and courage. He's a former Marine and a longtime student of classical history. He's known for blending historical accuracy with storytelling and philosophy. His newest book is “The Arcadian”. It's set in Spain and deals with the moral and spiritual costs of war. Which is particularly relevant today. My featured song is “Rough Rider”, one of my recent singles. Spotify link. —------------------------------------ The Follow Your Dream Podcast:Top 1% of all podcasts with Listeners in 200 countries! Click here for Start Here Click here for All Episodes  Click here for Guest List  Click here for Guest Testimonials Click here for Pillars Click here for Robert's Project Grand Slam Click here to Subscribe  Click here to receive our Email Updates Click here to Rate and Review the podcast —---------------------------------------- CONNECT WITH STEVEN:www.stevenpressfield.com —------------------------------------ ROBERT'S NEWEST RELEASE:“THE BUZZ” - Ft. Darius de Haas (vocals) and Dave Eggar (Celo). Short, Sweet and Totally Different CLICK HERE FOR OFFICIAL VIDEO CLICK HERE FOR ALL LINKS —-------------------------------------- Audio production: Jimmy RavenscroftKymera FilmsConnect with the Follow Your Dream Podcast:Website - www.followyourdreampodcast.comFollow Robert's band, Project Grand Slam, and his music:Website - www.projectgrandslam.com    

What if the thing standing between you and the life you were meant to live… isn't your circumstances, your resources, or your talent — but one invisible enemy inside your own mind? My guest today spent thirty years broke, overlooked, and grinding before the world ever heard his name. He drove trucks. He tended bars. He wrote scripts nobody bought. And then he sat down and wrote a book that redefined how artists, athletes, and entrepreneurs think about their own psychology. Steven Pressfield has one name for what's stopping you — and once he tells you what it is, you will never unsee it. Stay with us. This one is going to hit different. Follow Steven Pressfield:  Web / www.stevenpressfield.com IG / @steven_pressfield Facebook / https://www.facebook.com/StevePressfield     Follow Dr. JC Doornick and the Makes Sense Academy:► Makes Sense Substack - https://drjcdoornick.substack.com ► Instagram: / drjcdoornick ► Substack: / drjcdoornick ►Facebook:  / makessensepodcast ►YouTube:  / drjcdoornick     MAKES SENSE PODCAST Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast. This podcast explores topics that expand human consciousness and enhance performance. On the Makes Sense Podcast, we acknowledge that it's who you are that determines how well what you do works, and that perception is subjective and an acquired taste. When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Welcome to the uprising of the sleepwalking masses. Welcome to the Makes Sense with Dr. JC Doornick Podcast.   SUBSCRIBE/RATE/REVIEW & SHARE our new podcast. FOLLOW Podcast: You will find a "Follow" button in the top right. This will enable the podcast software to alert you when a new episode launches each week. Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/makes-sense-with-dr-jc-doornick/id1730954168 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1WHfKWDDReMtrGFz4kkZs9?si=003780ca147c4aec   Podcast Affiliates: Kwik Learning: Many people ask me where I get all these topics, which I've been covering for almost 15 years. I have learned to read nearly four times faster and retain information 10 times better with Kwik Learning. Learn how to learn and earn with Jim Kwik. Get his program at a special discount here: https://jimkwik.com/dragon OUR SPONSORS: Operly - Take Back Control of Your Work Day and Get Rid of All Your AI Apps - Welcome to the new world of Time Freedom and Unlimited Scaling and Success with Operly -  https://go.getoperly.ai/video?ref=jean-claude-claude-d-2a95 Blue Blinds Bakery - Handcrafted with all-natural ingredients - www.blueblindsbakery.com     0:00 - Intro: The Invisible Enemy / Resistance 1:40 - Steven Pressfield Today 4:57 - Before Success / Finding His Voice 7:02 - The Breakthrough Moment 9:01 - Calling and the Muse 11:08 - Resistance and the Arena 20:43 - The Wilderness / Hero's Journey 35:40 - Telemon, Arcadian, and the Fiction World 44:21 - What Humans Are Here to Do 47:47 - Legacy and Final Thoughts   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Episode Description:This is a From the Archive episode with one of my favorite guests: Steven Pressfield.Steven Pressfield has spent his career writing about war, creativity, discipline, storytelling, and the inner battle every artist faces. In this archive conversation, James and Steven explore how stories work—and why the same structures that power novels and movies also show up in real life.They begin with The Legend of Bagger Vance, which Pressfield built from the structure of the Bhagavad Gita. James connects that idea to his own writing, where ancient texts like the Yoga Sutras became frameworks for modern essays about entrepreneurship. Their point is simple: if a story has survived thousands of years, it probably contains a structure worth studying.From there, the conversation moves into the hero's journey. The ordinary world. The call to adventure. The refusal of the call. The mentor. The threshold. The extraordinary world. The tests, allies, enemies, ordeal, return, and gift.But Pressfield pushes the idea further. In real life, people do not always answer the call. Some people refuse it for years. Some cross the threshold and then run back. Some sacrifice security, status, money, family expectations, or even relationships to follow the deeper pull of their lives.James shares his own story of walking out of a finance job after three days, leaving his coat on the chair, taking the elevator down 40 floors, getting on a train, and never returning. Pressfield recognizes it immediately as a real-life threshold moment.The conversation then turns to The Artist's Journey. Pressfield explains that the hero's journey ends when the hero returns home with a gift. The artist's journey begins when the artist asks: What is the gift I am meant to give? What is my material? What is my voice? What am I here to make?They discuss Resistance as the real villain in every story, why the question “Who am I?” often drives the inciting incident, why villains often do not change, why opening and closing images matter, and why genres have rules that writers ignore at their own risk.This episode is a masterclass in story, but it is also a meditation on identity. The deeper question is not just how to write a story. It is how to recognize the story already trying to live through you.Editorial Note:This is a "From the Archive" episode. References to “new” or “upcoming” books, projects, or events reflect the timing of the original recording.What You'll Learn:Why Steven Pressfield built The Legend of Bagger Vance on the structure of the Bhagavad Gita.How ancient myths and spiritual texts can become frameworks for modern stories.Why the hero's journey begins only when the hero answers the call.What separates the ordinary world from the extraordinary world.Why Resistance appears immediately after the call to action.Why crossing the threshold changes how other people see you—and how you see yourself.How the artist's journey begins after the hero's journey ends.Why the artist's real question is: What gift am I bringing back?How to go deeper into theme instead of just telling a surface-level story.Why success, awards, money, and status can become forms of Resistance.How dreams, intuition, and recurring ideas can point toward a person's real work.Why every strong story creates a first pole and second pole: the question and the answer.Why the villain may be a person, a force, or Resistance itself.Why genre conventions matter, even for experienced writers.How opening and closing images can reveal the full emotional transformation of a story.Timestamped Chapters:[02:00] Steven Pressfield and the Ancient Structure of StoryJames introduces Pressfield through The Legend of Bagger Vance, The Authentic Swing, and the Bhagavad Gita.[03:33] Ancient Wisdom in Modern WritingJames explains how he used the Yoga Sutras as a hidden structure for one of his most popular entrepreneurship essays.[04:42] Stories That Have Been Tested for Thousands of YearsWhy myths, sacred texts, and ancient epics still work as storytelling engines.[05:00] Pressfield's Small Books on StorytellingJames introduces Pressfield's mini-books on how stories begin, what they are about, and how artists find their material.[05:31] Are You the Hero or the Red Shirt?James asks whether everyone is really the hero of their own story—or whether some people refuse the call.[07:13] The Call to Adventure and the Refusal of the CallPressfield walks through Joseph Campbell's structure: ordinary world, call, refusal, and threshold.[08:31] It Is Never Too Late to Answer the CallThe hero's journey can begin late, and people may have more than one journey in a lifetime.[09:08] Ordinary World vs. Extraordinary WorldLuke Skywalker, Star Wars, Christopher Vogler, Blake Snyder, and the moment a story crosses into Act Two.[10:45] Resistance at the Edge of the ThresholdWhy no one enters the extraordinary world without hesitation, fear, or circumstances forcing the break.[11:23] Mentors, Books, and Virtual TeachersJames questions whether every hero needs a mentor and describes books and podcast guests as his own collective mentors.[12:32] What Steven Gave Up to Become a WriterPressfield recalls sacrificing security, a marriage, and stable advertising jobs in order to keep writing.[13:25] The Temptation to Stay SafeThe boss offers the title, the office, the raise—and the artist has to decide whether to cross the threshold anyway.[14:15] James Walks Out of the Ordinary WorldJames tells the story of leaving a finance job after three days, taking the elevator down 40 floors, and never returning.[15:36] Real Life Follows the Hero's JourneyPressfield explains that threshold moments happen before we understand them as story structure.[16:44] The Books That Made Steven Pressfield a Creative MentorJames names The War of Art, Turning Pro, Nobody Wants to Read Your Sht*, The Knowledge, and The Artist's Journey.[17:36] How the Hero Becomes Known DifferentlyPressfield explains how crossing the threshold changes the hero's identity in the eyes of others and themselves.[20:26] Breaking Bad and the Discovery of the Real SelfWalter White becomes an example of a character realizing who he really is inside the extraordinary world.[21:08] What the Audience Sees Before the Villain DoesJames explains how the hero, villain, and audience may recognize transformation at different moments.[22:13] Crossing the Threshold Means Losing PeoplePressfield and James discuss how entering a new life attracts new people and repels old ones.[23:38] Real Life Is Messier Than StoryUnlike a focused screenplay, a life can contain many themes at once: parenthood, business, art, family, and identity.[24:36] Ignorance, Arrogance, and FaithWhy artists and entrepreneurs need enough irrational confidence to begin before they know whether they have anything to say.[26:53] Peeling Back the OnionJames and Steven discuss how artists move from surface ideas to deeper themes over time.[29:04] The Rolling Stones, the Beatles, and Artistic EvolutionHow great artists begin by imitating what they love and eventually discover what they are really trying to express.[32:08] What Are We Actually Talking About?Pressfield pauses the conversation to ask whether a theme is emerging from the discussion itself.[33:25] The Calling Is Already Inside YouPressfield argues that each person is born with a destiny, identity, or inner pressure that eventually wants to surface.[35:21] The Hero's Journey Across GenerationsJames and Steven discuss World War II, the Greatest Generation, the boomers, and social movements as mass threshold moments.[39:48] The Full Shape of the Hero's JourneyOrdinary world, call, mentor, inciting incident, trials, return, and the gift brought back to the people.[41:17] When the Artist's Journey BeginsPressfield explains that the artist's journey starts when the hero's journey ends.[42:33] What Is the Gift?The artist asks: What is my act? What is my material? What is my medium? Who am I?[44:20] Good Will Hunting and the Beginning After the EndingWhy the end of one story often marks the beginning of the artist's real work.[45:17] Catch Me If You Can and the Artist After the AdventureJames uses Frank Abagnale as an example of a hero's journey followed by a less cinematic but still meaningful artist's journey.[47:00] The Return Home and the Embedded SelfPressfield explains that the person at the end of the journey was already hidden inside the person at the beginning.[49:05] Who Am I?James identifies the core question behind the inciting incident: am I ordinary, or am I extraordinary?[51:28] Who Am I, Why Am I Here, What Do I Want?Pressfield connects story structure to Stanislavski's dramatic questions and real-life identity.[53:37] Taken, Jason Bourne, and the Hidden SelfThe extraordinary world reveals the self that was always there but could not appear in the ordinary world.[55:00] Why Stories Let Us Practice the ExtraordinaryJames describes storytelling as a safe space where people in ordinary life can rehearse crossing the threshold.[55:45] Steven Pressfield: Servant of the MusePressfield answers James's question “Who are you?” by describing himself as a servant of the muse.[56:31] Success, the Muse, and the Second Half of LifePressfield discusses process, hierarchy, status, Richard Rohr, and why chasing awards can become Resistance.[01:03:00] Becoming a Second-Half Person at Any AgeJames and Steven discuss moving past external goals earlier in life and clearing the channel for deeper work.[01:05:25] The 10,000-Hour Rule and Cross-PollinationWriting, advertising, finance, comedy, podcasting, and entrepreneurship all become grist for the mill.[01:07:16] Inventing Yourself as You GoPressfield tells James that he is creating something that has never existed before: the James Altucher version of the artist's journey.[01:08:20] How to Find the Extraordinary WorldPressfield advises people to listen to their dreams, journal them, and pay attention to the signals coming from the deeper self.[01:10:40] Inner Work and Learning to Hear IdeasSteven recommends Robert A. Johnson's Inner Work and describes creativity as the skill of noticing what is already arriving.[01:11:49] The First Pole and the Second PoleThe inciting incident creates a question the audience needs answered, as in The Bourne Identity: Who is he?[01:13:31] The Villain Is EverywhereJames and Steven discuss why villains keep returning and why Resistance may be the real villain in every story.[01:15:05] Does the Villain Ever Change?Darth Vader becomes an example of a character who may look like the villain but is really on another journey.[01:16:16] Opening Image, Closing ImageThe Godfather shows how a story can begin and end in similar places while revealing total transformation.[01:17:19] Why Everyone Can't Just Write a ThrillerEven with formulas available, genre rules and obligatory scenes still have to be understood and honored.[01:18:24] Rules, Genres, and Why Audiences Feel CheatedPressfield explains that if a genre's necessary beat is missing, the audience may feel the story is hollow.[01:18:42] Romance, Tragedy, and The Way We WereJames and Steven discuss romance structure and why a love story can still work when the couple does not end up together.[01:20:54] No One Is Born a ProJames reads a Pressfield line about falling before hitting bottom and connects it to the artist's journey needing the hero's journey first.Additional Resources:Steven Pressfield Official WebsiteSteven Pressfield BooksThe War of Art by Steven PressfieldTurning Pro by Steven PressfieldThe Artist's Journey by Steven PressfieldNobody Wants to Read Your Sht* by Steven PressfieldThe Authentic Swing by Steven PressfieldThe Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield“How Does a Story Start?” by Steven PressfieldThe Writer's Journey by Christopher VoglerSave the Cat! by Blake SnyderInner Work by Robert A. JohnsonFalling Upward by Richard RohrSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"It's not the concept that got us there. We were blessed to have created barbecue chicken pizza. But if we didn't know how to trust and empower and manage people, we would have died with one restaurant." Most people who know California Pizza Kitchen know the barbecue chicken pizza. Fewer know that the two men who built it were federal prosecutors who had never run a restaurant, borrowed a quarter million dollars, mortgaged their homes, and lost their first chef after one month. Rick Rosenfield, co-founder of California Pizza Kitchen, joins Nicky to tell the full story — from a single Beverly Hills location in 1985 to a 14,000-employee national brand sold in 2011. What he describes is less a business story than a people story: how two lawyers with no industry experience figured out, on the fly, that culture was the actual product. The barbecue chicken pizza brought people in the door. The R.O.C.K. values — Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness — brought them back, and kept 32 regional directors on board for an average of 14 years each. Rick and Nicky get into the mechanics of a 40-year partnership that worked, including the one rule Rick credits most: they never said "I told you so." They dig into high standards as a hiring filter, the decision to go non-smoking before any other national chain, what it means to be a work-with company instead of a work-for company, and why a great concept is not enough without the people to carry it. Rick closes with three pieces of advice drawn from four decades of building something real — all of them applicable well beyond the restaurant business. Live by R.O.C.K. — Respect, Opportunity, Communication, Kindness. Let these four values guide your hiring, your culture, and your daily decisions, not just your mission statement. 2. Commit to perseverance over momentum. The path is rarely a straight line — it stalls, crashes, and restarts. Stay true to your vision through the cycles rather than abandoning it when circumstances get hard. 3. Do the right thing. It is not always easy to do, but it is almost always easy to identify. Build the habit of acting on that knowledge even when it is costly. Learn more & connect: Rick Rosenfield: https://www.rickrosenfield.com The California Pizza Kitchen Story (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com Resources mentioned: The California Pizza Kitchen Story by Rick Rosenfield — https://www.rickrosenfield.com The War of Art by Steven Pressfield — https://www.stevenpressfield.com The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield — https://www.stevenpressfield.com Jack Carr (foreword author) — https://www.jackcarrusa.com R.O.C.K. culture framework — discussed in The California Pizza Kitchen Story Visit https://www.eCircleAcademy.com and book a success call with Nicky to take your practice to the next level.

Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with Ed Hinman, Marine infantry officer veteran, public figure protection specialist, historian, and author of The Barbarian in You. Ed shares how his time at the Naval Academy, deployments across Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Africa, and a pivotal reckoning with ego and identity led him to build a life around three core principles: vigor, wonder, and fellowship. Drawing on history, philosophy, and hard experience, Ed makes the case that living a full life is not about optimization — it's about reconnecting with the most primal, truest parts of yourself. The conversation weaves through the creative life, the craft of writing, the mentorship of Steven Pressfield, the wisdom of Montaigne, Emerson, and Marcus Aurelius, and the courage it takes to follow what resonates rather than what looks good on paper. Episode Highlights: 1:54 - Ed and Marcus discuss the mentorship of Steven Pressfield and the discipline required to show up for the creative life 29:44 - Ed introduces his three-part philosophy of vigor, wonder, and fellowship as a framework rooted in how pre-civilized humans actually lived 49:23 - Ed recounts his Marine Corps career, the ego-driven disappointment of deployments that went nowhere, and how psychosomatic pain forced him to ask what he actually wanted 58:58 - Ed and Marcus explore the idea of listening to intuition over empirical evidence, following resonance rather than a prescribed path, and why the barbarian in you is the truest version of yourself Ed Hinman served as an infantry officer in the United States Marine Corps, graduating from the Naval Academy and deploying five times across Iraq, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Africa before earning a master's degree in history and building a career in public figure protection with Gavin de Becker's firm. He is the author of The Barbarian in You and the founder of the Barbarian in You blog, where he writes about history, strength, friendship, and the philosophy of living with vigor, wonder, and fellowship. Visit barbarianinyou.com to find Ed's book, blog, and writings. Follow him on Instagram at ed_hinman. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

If you have a creative dream you keep putting off, bestselling author Steven Pressfield has nine words for you: "Put your ass where you heart wants to be." In this episode, he unpacks what that really means: from the simple act of showing up at your desk to the deeper spiritual commitment of moving from ego to soul. You'll also learn why Resistance with a capital R is actually a good sign, how to become a full-time creative in just one hour a day, and why the muse doesn't count hours - she counts commitment. If you prefer video or want closed captions, you can watch all our episodes on Youtube → http://www.youtube.com/marieforleo  COME SAY HI!! Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/marieforleo Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@marieforleo Facebook: http://www.Facebook.com/marieforleo X: http://www.x.com/marieforleo MORE RESOURCES FOR YOU: Get More Cash in Your Pocket with My FREE 5-Day Money Sprint → https://www.marieforleo.com/5-day-money-sprint/join Turn Your Passion Into Profit with B-School Now → https://www.marieforleobschool.com/enroll-now Build Your $250K Offer in Minutes Using my Proven Frameworks → https://checkout.marieforleo.com/build-your-250k-offer/  If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a review!

In this episode of the Builder's Bookshelf, we break down Steven Pressfield's The War of Art and translate “resistance” into the real world of construction leadership—where procrastination, perfectionism, fear, and busyness quietly keep us from doing the work that matters most. You'll learn how to “turn pro,” show up consistently, and take the next disciplined action even when the job is chaotic and motivation is nowhere to be found.Enjoy Episode 28 and #BeNEXT

Men may be looking for answers in all the wrong books. In this episode, Ryan is joined by bestselling author Steven Pressfield to talk about how great fiction can teach us about courage, honor, sacrifice, and the human experience in ways that facts and advice often cannot. Steven Pressfield is an American author of historical fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays. Steven wrote for 27 years before he got his first novel published. During that time he worked 21 different jobs in eleven states. Steven taught school, drove tractor-trailers, worked in advertising and as a screenwriter in Hollywood. He worked on offshore oil rigs, and picked fruit as a migrant worker. You can follow him on Instagram: @steven_pressfield and check out more of his work on his website: https://stevenpressfield.com/

Steven Pressfield is the bestselling author of titles such as Gates of Fire, Tides of War, and The Legend of Bagger Vance. He's also written numerous nonfiction books, such as The War of Art and Turning Pro. Collectively, his books have sold millions of copies and been translated into countless languages; Gates of Fire, in particular, is required reading at West Point and Annapolis and has been on the U.S. Marine Corps Commandant's Reading List for all ranks since 2002. But what I love about him is that he's incredibly open. He wrote for 27 years before he got his first novel published, and during that time, he worked 21 different jobs in 11 states. He taught school, drove tractor-trailers, worked in advertising and as a screenwriter in Hollywood, worked on offshore oil rigs, picked fruit as a migrant worker — you name it. His newest book is a novel called The Arcadian, and that's what we're getting into today. We're discussing the genesis of the book and how it maps onto many of the personal struggles we all overcome in our day-to-day lives, both as leaders and individuals. We also touch on a few topics that he's never really been asked before, as it pertains to his writing and why he can sometimes bounce in and out of writing both fiction and non-fiction. Regardless of your profession, you'll find something relatable here. He has a wonderful perspective and is a tremendous writer.   WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE: -Why fiction can be more effective at exploring deeper human truths than nonfiction when it comes to psychology, conflict, and motivation. -How great stories are effective because they keep the reader moving by planting breadcrumbs, small hints, and bits of information along the way. -How to improve your writing by honing your voice, finding the right voice for the project, and using a clear structure with recurring symbols and threads. -The things that still keep Steven curious and learning including the creative process, the Muse, and the idea that stories come from another dimension. -How he balances research with storytelling by grounding the reader in real details while still keeping the ideas organized and understandable   Follow Steven: https://www.instagram.com/steven_pressfield/?hl=en https://stevenpressfield.com/   Follow Us: Website: ArtofCoaching.com Instagram: @coach_brettb X: @coach_brettb

“For any endeavor or enterprise in the creative field, you have to think of it as a job. Even if you only can do it an hour, a day, or two hours a day, even if you have to get up really early in the morning and before the kids are awake.” – Steven PressfieldToday's featured New York Times Bestselling author is a screenplay writer, former US Marine, and longtime student of classical history, Steven Pressfield. Steven and I had a fun on a bun chat about his latest novel, “The Arcadian”, dealing with resistance as a creative, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:His remarkable journey to literary success after 30 years of perseveranceThe best way to fight resistanceHow Steven's routine has adapted over the years and the daily ritual that keeps him in a humble, creative mindsetWhat major setback led to Steven creating more successSteven's Site: https://stevenpressfield.com/home/Steven's Books: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B000AQ8R8Q/allbooksThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…242 – The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield (@James_Redfield): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/242-the-celestine-prophecy-by-james-redfield-james_redfield/1046 – Unlock Artistic Insight & Innovation Through CreativitRy with Dr. Stan Lai: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1046-unlock-artistic-insight-innovation-through-creativitry-with-dr-stan-lai/880 – Success Insights from a Wall Street Journal Bestselling Author with Christopher Greyson (@Chris_Greyson): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-880-success-insights-from-a-wall-street-journal-bestselling-author-with-christopher-greyson/960 – The Power of the Actor with Ivana Chubbuck (@ivanachubbuck): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-960-the-power-of-the-actor-with-ivana-chubbuck-ivanachubbuck/433 – Ticking Clock: Behind the Scenes at 60 Minutes with Ira Rosen: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-433-ticking-clock-behind-the-scenes-at-60-minutes-with-ira-rosen/670 – The Bestselling Book Formula with Honorée Corder (@Honoree): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-670-the-bestselling-book-formula-with-honoree-corder-honoree/332 – Her Perfect Life with Hank Phillippi Ryan (@HankPRyan): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-332-her-perfect-life-with-hank-phillippi-ryan-hankpryan/1029 – Unlock Your Creativity & Make Life Your Biggest Art Project with Pia Mailhot-Leichter (@pialeichter): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1029-unlock-your-creativity-make-life-your-biggest-art-project-with-pia-mailhot-leichter-p/301 – Transformative Creativity with Firdaus Kharas (@Culture_Shift): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-301-transformative-creativity-with-firdaus-kharas-culture_shift/#HolidayBonus Ep. – Wisdom Of The Men with Clint Arthur (@clintarthur): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/holidaybonus-ep-wisdom-of-the-men-with-clint-arthur-clintarthur/609 - The Film Director's Bag Of Tricks With Mark W. Travis (@MarkWTravis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/the-film-directors-bag-of-tricks-with-mark-w-travis-markwtravis/884 – How to Go From Stuck to Unstoppable with Murielle Marie Ungricht: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-884-how-to-go-from-stuck-to-unstoppable-with-murielle-marie-ungricht/983 – How Neuroscience Can Fuel Your Book & Life Success with Sara Connell (@saracconnell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/saracconnell/

We speak with Scott English, President and CEO of the Pritzker Military Museum and Library, which is located just west of Somers on County E. The museum has a couple of special exhibits in honor of our nation's 250th birthday, including "Among His Troops: George Washington and the Citizen-Soldier Tradition." We also talk about an important event coming up on July 8th featuring best-selling military author Steven Pressfield. We also get an update on a remarkable exhibit called "Above and Beyond," which consists of replicas of more than 58,000 dog tags - representing the Americans who died during the Viet Nam War. The exhibit is on track to open by th end of the summer.

Send us Fan MailSteven Pressfield, bestselling author of Gates of Fire, the War of Art, A Man at Arms, and The Arcadian, joins Joe to explore writing, resistance, and the soldier's long search for peace.This episode examines the story behind The Arcadian, Pressfield's latest novel featuring Telamon, a warrior cursed to live lifetime after lifetime as a soldier. Steve shares how the seed for the book began with a quote from Empedocles that he carried with him for more than forty years before finally discovering the story it was meant to become.Steve and Joe discuss why the idea of a cursed soldier resonates so deeply, especially with those who have served. Telamon's journey is not just a story about war, exile, or violence. It is about the burden many people carry, the search for redemption, and the hope that we can become something more than the roles we have played for so long.Steve also reflects on losing his home in the Palisades fire while working on the book and how writing became a refuge during that difficult season. What could have become another form of resistance instead became proof of the very ideas he has spent decades teaching: that the work can save us, steady us, and call us back to ourselves.Joe and Steve also discuss:The connection between soldiers, exile, redemption, and the search for peaceWhy “life is warfare and a journey far from home”Why animals and children often carry the divine in storiesWhy great stories often begin with the question “What if?”What it means to start over, kill the ego, and become an apprentice againWhy Steve believes nearly every great story is, in some way, a redemption storyThis episode is for anyone who has carried a burden longer than they expected, walked away from a life that once defined them, or wondered whether peace is possible after years of fighting. It is also for writers, leaders, veterans, and readers who believe that stories can help us make sense of exile, suffering, hope, and the long road home.Watch the full interview on YouTubeA special thanks to this week's sponsors!Dunedain Systems is a veteran-founded defense technology company building Warmind, an AI platform that accelerates military planning, operations, and document generation. Warmind connects to your unit's data and learns how your warfighting function operates, delivering outputs tailored to your SOPs and operational context rather than generic AI responses. Whether your team is building OPORDs, running intel workflows, or generating CONOPs, Warmind handles the heavy lift so your staff can focus on decisions, not paperwork. Built by combat veterans who lived the problem firsthand, Warmind is already in use across SOCOM and the broader DoD. The beta is free for anyone with a .mil or .edu email at dunedainsystems.com.Veteran-founded Adyton. Step into the next generation of equipment management with Log-E by Adyton. Whether you are doing monthly inventories or preparing for deployment, Log-E is your pocket property book, giving real-time visibility into equipment status and mission readiness. Learn more about how Log-E can revolutionize your property tracking process here!Meet ROGER Bank—a modern, digital bank built for military members, by military members. With early payday, no fees, high-yield accounts, and real support, it's banking that gets you. Funds are FDIC insured through Citizens Bank of Edmond, so you can bank with confidence and peace of mind. 

I'm revisiting one of my favorite conversations with bestselling author Steven Pressfield, whose wisdom on fear, resistance, and creativity has inspired millions. If you've been sitting on an idea, delaying your next move, or wondering why the work that matters most feels the hardest to begin, this episode will give you the perspective—and the push—you need.When Steven Pressfield published The Legend of Bagger Vance, many called him an overnight success. What they didn't see were the 30 years of failed novels, unproduced screenplays, and stretches of homelessness that came before it.Few conversations left an impact on me as this one did. Steven is now in his eighties and still creating, doing what he loves, and showing no signs of stopping. I never thought about fear the same after this podcast, thanks to Steven's words. Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/K3Z8bcnvNlU "It's like the old story of an overnight success that only takes you 30 years." ~ Steven PressfieldIn This Episode:- Finding your authentic creative voice- How to work with the muse- A simple process for developing great ideas- Why resistance means you're on the right path- Self-doubt as a sign of growth- What a shadow career really isAbout Steven PressfieldSteven Pressfield is the author of The War of Art, which has sold over a million copies worldwide and has become essential reading for writers, artists, and entrepreneurs. His debut novel, The Legend of Bagger Vance, was made into a film starring Matt Damon and Will Smith. His other novel, Gates of Fire, is required reading at West Point. Before his breakthrough at 52, he spent decades failing as a novelist and screenwriter, at times living out of his car. His latest novel, The Arcadian, was released in May 2026.IG: https://www.instagram.com/steven_pressfield/ X: https://x.com/SPressfield Website: https://stevenpressfield.com/ Where to find me:IG: https://www.instagram.com/jen_gottlieb/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jen_gottlieb Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Jenleahgottlieb Website: https://jengottlieb.com/ My business: https://www.superconnectormedia.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@jen_gottlieb

In this inspiring episode of The Greatness Machine, host Darius Mirshahzadeh sits down with legendary author Steven Pressfield to discuss his newest novel "The Arcadian" and dive deep into the creative process. Pressfield, author of over 20 books including "The War of Art," "The Legend of Bagger Vance," and "Gates of Fire," shares his journey from a 30-year struggle to published success at age 52. The conversation explores the spiritual and practical aspects of creativity, the concept of resistance, and the warrior mindset needed for artistic achievement. In this episode, Darius and Steven will discuss: (00:00) Introduction to Steven Pressfield (01:05) Steven's Origin Story and Journey to Writing (04:02) Reflections on Past Struggles and Regrets (06:57) The Creative Process and the Role of the Muse (10:02) Uncovering Ideas: The Artist's Journey (12:08) The Impact of 'The War of Art' and Resistance (15:01) Understanding Self-Sabotage and Resistance (18:00) The Spirituality of Creativity vs. Blue Collar Work (21:06) The Importance of Grit and Hard Work (23:54) Expectations vs. Reality in Creative Work (27:05) The Process of Writing and Overcoming Perfectionism (29:54) The Long View: Building a Body of Work (33:02) Channeling Creativity and Letting Go of Outcomes (34:21) The Power of Surrender and Channeling Creativity (37:34) Warrior vs. Mother: The Duality of Creative Virtues (41:58) The Arcadian: A Journey Through Time and Identity (46:31) Striving for Agency: The Artist's Quest (49:41) Making the Unconscious Conscious: The Role of Art (53:10) Reincarnation and Relationships: A Storytelling Device (55:05) Mortality and Legacy: Reflections on the Creative Journey (57:50) AI and Authenticity: The Future of Creativity (59:26) The Grind: Overcoming Barriers to Greatness Steven Pressfield is the bestselling author of The War of Art, with over a million copies sold worldwide. His historical novel Gates of Fire is required reading at West Point and on the recommended reading list of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. The author of more than 18 books, Pressfield lives and writes in California. Connect with Steven: Website: https://stevenpressfield.com/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/steven_pressfield/  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StevePressfield/  Connect with Darius: Website: https://therealdarius.com/ Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dariusmirshahzadeh/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/imthedarius/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Thegreatnessmachine  Book: The Core Value Equation https://www.amazon.com/Core-Value-Equation-Framework-Limitless/dp/1544506708 Write a review for The Greatness Machine using this link: https://ratethispodcast.com/spreadinggreatness.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"A good day is when the flow starts to happen and you kind of lose yourself in it. But you cannot count on those days. So I'm a real believer in grinding — just get in there and take what the defense will give you." — Steven PressfieldORDER THE ARCADIAN HERE: https://amzn.to/4nYHV5eSteven Pressfield is your favorite writer's favorite writer.But years before his best-selling hits like Gates of Fire and The War of Art, Steven Pressfield didn't sell his first novel until he was 52. After over two decades of trying!In Part 2 of our conversation, he and Rain dig into what kept him going, and what keeps him going still.From his daily gym ritual to his philosophy on the Muse, from building a catalog instead of betting everything on one book to his relationship with mentor Robert McKee, this episode is a masterclass in the long game of creative work.If you're in the weeds, struggling to finish, or wondering whether it's too late, this is the conversation you need to hear.In this episode, you will learn to:Build a daily creative habit that beats Resistance even when inspiration doesn't show upThink in catalogs, not single projects, to take pressure off any one piece of workUse physical movement and morning routines as momentum for the creative work that followsTrust the Muse over the market — your least commercial idea may be your most resonant oneEmbrace the long game and stop measuring yourself against overnight success storiesSpecial Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor for this episode, Vocatales → https://www.vocatales.comLinks & ResourcesFollow Steven Pressfield:Website → https://www.stevenpressfield.comInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/steven_pressfield/Book → The Arcadian by Steven Pressfield (out May 2025) https://amzn.to/4dA7yFJBook → A Man at Arms by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/4uvYojvBook → Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/4nVT5aTBook → The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/4tXWiYMBook → The War of Art by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/43wWTWnPerson Referenced → Robert McKeePerson Referenced → Randy Wallace (screenwriter, Braveheart)Person Referenced → Rick RubinPerson Referenced → Jack Carr (thriller writer)Nove/Film Referenced → Project Hail Mary (Andy Weir)For more storytelling tips and strategies, visit:Website → https://rainbennett.comPodcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow along at:TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with bestselling author and creative legend Steven Pressfield in Santa Monica for a wide-ranging conversation centered on Pressfield's new historical fiction novel, The Arcadian. The two explore the novel's ancient mercenary protagonist Telamon, the philosophy of resistance, the role of vulnerability in transformation, and what it means to keep doing the work — even after losing everything in a wildfire. Episode Highlights: 9:55 — The Magical Horse and the Hope of ReleasePressfield unpacks the inciting incident of The Arcadian — Telamon spotting a horse he recognizes from the year 70 AD bearing the brand of the 10th Roman Legion. The horse, appearing 1,400 years later, becomes a symbol of potential redemption and drives the entire story forward. 10:35 — Westerns, Vulnerable Characters, and Human TransformationPressfield reveals that The Arcadian is structurally a Western — like Unforgiven or Shane — and explains why the genre's conventions (a man of violence, a lawless landscape, a vulnerable character) are the perfect vehicle for stories about overcoming emotional isolation and finding humanity. 28:38 — Resistance, the LA Fires, and the Work That Saves You Pressfield opens up about losing his home in the 2025 LA wildfires, including a 40-year-old handwritten copy of the Empedocles quote. He reflects on how devotion to the work — and an acorn from Thermopylae returned by a Special Forces friend — helped hold him together. Steven Pressfield is one of the most influential American authors of the past three decades. Best known for The War of Art, Gates of Fire, and The Legend of Bagger Vance, Pressfield has built a body of work that spans historical fiction, nonfiction on creativity, and screenwriting. A former Marine and advertising copywriter, he spent years living in a Chevy van before finally breaking through as a writer. His concept of "Resistance" — the internal force that blocks creative work — has become a touchstone for artists, entrepreneurs, and warriors worldwide. His newest novel, The Arcadian, was released May 26, 2025. He publishes a weekly blog, Writing Wednesdays, at StevenPressfield.com. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven Pressfield spent 27 years writing before his first novel was published — enduring 21 jobs, living in 11 states, and at times out of his car. Finally, at age 52, Steve finally, what Joseph Campbell calls, “Seized the Sword”.Since then, he's written over 20+ books and sold millions of copies. His most famous works are: The War of Art, Turning Pro, Gates of Fire (Gates is on the US Marine Corps commandant's mandatory reading list), and he also wrote the 2000 Oscar-nominated film, The Legend of Bagger Vance. His newest book, The Arcadian, was just released May 26th.Steven comes on Men Talking Mindfulness to talk about the inner war every man is fighting — against Resistance, and the risks of actually Turning pro.IN THIS EPISODE:What Resistance is — and why it wants to kill you, not just stop youThe one question Steven asks at the end of every day — and why it changes everythingWhy warrior virtues and artist virtues are identicalThe Muse — what it is, where it comes from, and how to tune inAmateur vs. pro: the mindset shift that separates people who do from people who mean toThe authentic swing — Bagger Vance, the Bhagavad Gita, and your true callingRELATED EPISODES:Overcoming ProcrastinationThe Shadow Holds Your Power, Not Your Pain with Connor BeatonFinding Your PurposeCuriosity Is Key to Breaking Men Free from Judgment and RuminationPRE-ORDER THE ARCADIAN BOOK &FOLLOW STEVEN PRESSFIELD:stevenpressfield.comGET MORE FROM MTM:Text MTM to 33777 — free weekly newsletterSubscribe: mentalkingmindfulness.comA2A COURSE:Change is Possible, this is where it starts - 12 modules on attention, presence & performance. Self-paced.https://focusnowtraining.com/a2a-course- Maps to Module 2 of A2A: Observing Your Inner World Without Being Owned By ItBRING FNT TO YOUR TEAM:focusnowtraining.com/contactCo-produced by Robert Lopez cratesaudio.comHosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

► Ready to go deeper and work with Randy directly:https://randygage.com/breakthroughu/► Prefer audio? Get the podcast (and exclusive content):https://randygage.com/podcastWhat separates successful entrepreneurs from everyone else? In this episode, Randy sits down with bestselling author Steven Pressfield to explore why writing, storytelling, and building signal are some of the most valuable skills in business today.They discuss entrepreneurship, creativity, branding, market positioning, and the discipline required to create meaningful work in an AI-driven world. Steven also shares insights into his upcoming novel The Arcadian and the deeper mystical direction of the Telamon series.If you're an entrepreneur, creator, writer, or speaker looking to stand out in a crowded market, this conversation is packed with valuable insights.Key TakeawaysWhy writing is a superpower skill for entrepreneursThe difference between sales and building signalHow storytelling creates influence and market gravityWhy clear writing starts with clear thinkingThe importance of personal branding in today's worldShow NotesSteven Pressfield Website: https://stevenpressfield.com/Breakthrough U: https://randygage.com/breakthroughu/Wealth Without Apology: https://amzn.to/4tPAD4LWho is This Guy?Randy isn't some influencer who listened to a couple podcastsand started posting hot takes. He's the streetwise founder of Prosperity Factory, Inc., who has been building and scaling businesses for more than 40 years. Randy has authored 16 bestselling books, translated into 25+languages, including his latest—Wealth Without Apology—and spoken to more than 2 million people across 50 countries. He's been inducted into both the Speaker Hall of Fame and Direct Selling Hall of Fame.But none of that is why people follow him.They follow him because he calls BS…and says what most people are too afraid to admit. When he's not rocking the stage or building his next project, you'll probably find him coaching a softball team somewhere.Connect with Randy: Instagram: randy_gage Twitter: randy_gage Facebook: randygage

It turns out Steven's readers split into two camps with little overlap. I figure most listeners belong to the War of Art camp. If you haven't read the book and want to live a better life, I recommend it, in the top few percent of recommendations. It's powerful, engaging, memorable, and short.The other camp reads his fiction books. His latest is The Arcadian, which stands alone but connects with his last book A Man at Arms. I read both and now belong to both camps, proudly. One goal of this conversation is to entice listeners to join both Pressfield camps too.This podcast is about leadership applied to sustainability, not just personal leadership and art. Just because I like his books doesn't mean his fiction is relevant to this podcast. I found one part delivered a powerful gut punch that I found relevant to our lives.Blog readers will have seen my post about that part after reading The Arcadian Wounded Warriors, by Steven Pressfield, and Ourselves. That part describes what happens to people when we are induced to violate our values. Steven and I talked about that section. He described it as the core of the book.The situation warriors face and must deal with is more concentrated than we do, but their ways of handling it are similar to how we do, despite our violations being more diffuse. We would help ourselves handle our lives by facing that we are violating our values, even if, like the warriors, society rewards us for it. Only by facing it can we resolve it. In our case, we can change our culture to stop corrupting us.We can learn a lot from Steven. Not many people sell millions of books. Many followers is a top sign of leadership.Steven's home pageHis booksHis weekly blogMy recent blog post about The Arcadian, about the section of the book we talked about it: Wounded Warriors, by Steven Pressfield, and Ourselves Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Back for a second time on Open Books is a living legend: Steven Pressfield!!! He's spent his entire career writing about warriors, and what he told me in this conversation stopped me cold: the only way out of the cycle is through the pain, not around it. This is one of the great writers of our generation, and trust me, you do not want to miss this one. Steven Pressfield is the author of the best-selling novels Gates of Fire and Tides of War, as well as The Legend of Bagger Vance. He is also the author of the classics on creativity, The War of Art and Turning Pro. Get a copy of his brilliant new book, The Arcadian: A Novel. Anthony Scaramucci is the founder and managing partner of SkyBridge, a global alternative investment firm, and founder and chairman of SALT, a global thought leadership forum and venture studio. Pre-order my next book, All the Wrong Moves: How Three Catastrophic Decisions Led to the Rise of Trump, out on the 17th of September in the UK and the 22nd of September in the US: ⁠https://www.scaramucci.net/allthewrongmoves Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode, we welcome Steven Pressfield back to the show. He is an author of historical fiction, non-fiction, and screenplays. His notable works include: Gates of Fire, The Legend of Bagger Vance, A Man at Arms, The War of Art, Turning Pro, Do the Work, The Warrior Ethos, Tides of War, and over a dozen more. In this interview, we discuss how he is doing in the aftermath of losing his home during the California wildfires from 2025, how he is able to maintain his sanity and work ethic even though he lost his creative haven, why he decided to bring back the character of Telamon in his newest novel, how he decides whether or not to kill off a character or continue their story, how different it is writing fiction versus nonfiction, the reason why he feels the need to present a foil for intense characters that he creates, how the main character of The Arcadian relates to his own alter ego, what he is working on now, and much more. Let's get into it… Episode notes and links HERE. Donate to support our mission of equipping men to push back darkness. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

BASED ON A TRUE STORY (BOATS EP. 385) — Have you ever wondered how much of The Legend of Bagger Vance is rooted in history? Steven Pressfield, author of the 1995 novel that inspired the 2000 film, joins Based on a True Story to unpack the story's connections to the Bhagavad Gita, the real-life golfing legends Bobby Jones and Walter Hagen, and the choices Hollywood made when bringing the book to the screen. They also explore Steven's approach to writing historical fiction and his latest novel, The Arcadian.Guest LinksThe Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven PressfieldThe Arcadian by Steven PressfieldSteven Pressfield's WebsiteChapters0:00 Intro and movie synopsis2:43 Meet Steven Pressfield5:35 Is Bagger Vance based on history?11:32 Bobby Jones, Walter Hagen, and real golf history18:07 The missing 10 years after World War I27:18 What the movie changed from the book40:02 Writing historical fiction with Steven Pressfield52:06 The Arcadian and final thoughtsSupport my workSupport my sponsorsBecome a BOATS Producer (name in credits + ad-free episodes)Join the BOATS DiscordGet the BOATS email newsletterEmail me: dan@basedonatruestorypodcast.comGet my video podcasting classSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

"Sometimes you write a character that asserts himself—something you didn't plan. It's like he wanted to come back, and he brought his own story with him. It was kind of my job as a writer to ask myself what that story was." — Steven PressfieldORDER THE ARCADIAN HERE: https://amzn.to/4nYHV5eSteven Pressfield is your favorite writer's favorite writer.And in this episode, Rain sits down with him in person in Los Angeles to talk about the craft behind The Arcadian, the new novel in his Telamon series.What starts as a conversation about a centuries-spanning warrior with a karmic curse quickly becomes a writing advice masterclass in how great fiction actually gets made: through instinct, detail, observation, and a willingness to follow a character wherever he leads.Steven breaks down how he discovered Telamon's immortality only after writing him across multiple books, why physical and historical details are what make the impossible believable, and how a 2500-year-old quote from an ancient Greek philosopher became the seed of an entire novel.If you write anything—novels, screenplays, brand stories, or scripts—this conversation will change how you think about finding and following a story.In this episode, you will learn to:- Trust instinct over planning in your writing and follow your characters even when you don't understand where they're going- Use specific physical details to earn the reader's trust before asking them to believe the extraordinary- Find story seeds in quotes, lyrics, and observations, and let them percolate until the full shape emerges- Get the story first and research second to avoid using research as a form of Resistance- Move the camera inside your prose, shifting perspective the way a cinematographer would, to write vivid, immersive scenesSpecial Thanks to our Presenting Sponsor for this episode, Vocatales → https://www.vocatales.comLinks & ResourcesFollow Steven Pressfield:Website → https://www.stevenpressfield.comInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/steven_pressfield/Book → The Arcadian by Steven Pressfield (out May 2025) https://amzn.to/4dA7yFJBook → A Man at Arms by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/4uvYojvBook → Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/4nVT5aTBook → The Legend of Bagger Vance by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/4tXWiYMBook → The War of Art by Steven Pressfield https://amzn.to/43wWTWnFilm Referenced → Past Lives directed by Celine SongFor more storytelling tips and strategies, visit:Website → https://rainbennett.comPodcast → https://thestorytellinglabpodcast.comOr follow along at:TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@chiefstorytellingofficerTwitter/X → https://twitter.com/rainbennettInstagram → https://www.instagram.com/rainbennettFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/thestorytellinglabYouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@RainBennett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

There's a hidden force that is hurting your creative work.Steven Pressfield is the author behind The War of Art, Gates of Fire, and The Legend of Bagger Vance. After spending the past few years writing my own first book, I had a lot of questions for him about what actually gets in the way of creative work.In this episode, we talk about the difference between writing for ego and writing in service of something larger. I told him about the fear of success that crept in once my manuscript got close to being done, the dread of asking people for endorsements, and the strange grief of finishing a project you've lived inside for years.He shared things I didn't expect. The War of Art was a 10-year slow burn. He's been "terrified every minute" of his career and never gave in. He believes resistance is a real force with one job: to stop you. And he writes ninety pages into his next book before the current one ships.Read: The Arcadian: A Novel by Steven Pressfield: https://amzn.to/4ufrFhSYou'll learn:[00:00] Introduction[14:49] Two kinds of loneliness, and how spiritual grounding resolves both[20:29] Why writing alone doesn't feel lonely, and how the muse shows up in the creative space[34:54] Resistance, shadow careers, and addiction as misrouted creativity[56:34] Steven's pre-writing ritual: invoking the muse and checking ego at the door[1:04:45] Why over-editing is a form of resistance, and how to know when a work is done[1:07:49] Building a body of work instead of betting everything on one book[1:09:41] Creative discipline: why Steven distrusts breaks and why the muse likes knowing where to find you[1:14:10] Losing his home in the Malibu fire: detachment, grief, and what the goddess still has to offer[1:22:42] The Arcadian: karma, reincarnation, and whether the universe has a mechanism for justiceResources Mentioned:Read: A Horse Named Lonesome: Tales and Teachings to Reclaim Connection, Transcend Separation, and Discover the Divine Within by Luke Storey | BookRead: Govt Cheese: A Memoir by Steven Pressfield | BookRead: Animal Power: 100 Animals to Energize Your Life and Awaken Your Soul by Alyson Charles | BookRead: The War of Art: Break Through the Blocks and Win Your Inner Creative Battles by Steven Pressfield | BookRead: The Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield | BookRead: The Legend of Bagger Vance: A Novel of Golf and the Game of Life by Steven Pressfield | BookThe Joe Rogan Experience #1901 – Steven Pressfield | PodcastOprah's Super Soul #164 – Steven Pressfield: Unlock Your Creative Genius | PodcastRead: The Odyssey by Homer and T. E. Lawrence | BookRead: Lawrence of Arabia: The Authorized Biography of T.E. Lawrence by Jeremy Wilson | BookFull show notes at lukestorey.com/pressfield2Related The Life Stylist Episodes:Steven Pressfield: Overcoming Resistance to Discover Your Creative Genius | PodcastThe Heart/Mind Connection & Supernatural Healing With Dr. Joe Dispenza | PodcastFind more from Steven: Steven Pressfield | Website | Instagram | Facebook | X | TikTokFind more from Luke:Luke Storey | Instagram | Facebook | X | YouTube | LinkedInSUNLIGHTEN | Save up to $600 when you go to lukestorey.com/sunlighten and use code LUKESTOREY in the pricing form.BIOPTIMIZERS | Visit bioptimizers.com/luke and use code LUKE15 to save 15% off sitewide. Plus, get a free bottle of MassZymes while supplies last.LEELA QUANTUM | Go to lukestorey.com/leelaq and use code LUKE10 for 10% off your first order.REAL PROVISIONS | Visit realprovisions.com/luke and enter code LUKE to get a free bag of Venison Chips with your order.

Episode Notes The Wedding and the Marriage: On Creative Devotion and the Gift of the Slow Burn What does it actually mean to be devoted to your work — not the version of it you imagined, but the version that wants to exist? In this deeply personal episode, Michael reflects on the six-year journey of writing Resonance: The Art and Science of Human Connection — and the humbling gap between the grand launch he envisioned and the initiation the universe had in store. Recorded live from Tulum, Mexico, just weeks after the book's release, this is a raw and honest meditation on ego, surrender, patience, and what it means to stay in the work when the fanfare doesn't come. What You'll Hear in This Episode: The moment Michael nearly folded after five years — and the four-month ultimatum that changed everything Why he moved to Austin, found the right environment, and finally cracked the book's structure The emotional experience of recording the audiobook and hearing his "composition" for the first time How a crypto portfolio hit by 100% China tariffs wiped out his marketing budget — and what he did next The difference between the wedding (the launch) and the marriage (the lifelong commitment to the work) Why he stopped chasing the bestseller list and started thinking like Ryan Holiday's perennial bestseller What Esther Perel's Mating in Captivity and Steven Pressfield's The War of Art teach us about the slow burn The Miles Davis principle: music is what lives in the space between the notes Nelson Mandela's Long Walk to Freedom as a model for creative endurance How the principles of Resonance — listening, devotion, releasing transactional expectation — apply to your creative life, not just your relationships Key Themes: Creative initiation and the fire that forges you Releasing egoic expectation vs. listening to what wants to live The gift of the slow burn and the perennial work Environment as a creative catalyst Dissonance vs. resonance in relationships — and in your work What vision fasts and initiatory rituals teach us about patience and preparation Quotes From This Episode: "It's not about the night of the wedding. It's going to be about the years of commitment in the marriage." "How can I listen to what wants to live — and become an instrument for that song?" "Music is what lives in the space between the notes." — Miles Davis "I wasn't positive how the ideas came together in the most poignant way. But I knew it was in there." Referenced in This Episode: Resonance: The Art and Science of Human Connection by Michael Trainer — available wherever books are sold The War of Art — Steven Pressfield Mating in Captivity — Esther Perel Long Walk to Freedom — Nelson Mandela The Ryan Holiday perennial bestseller framework Connect with Michael:

What actually separates people who build lasting wealth from everyone else? Not the tips. Not the apps. The habits. Joe put the question to a panel of financial planners, coaches, and bloggers -- and turned it into a game. Seven habits, three rounds, two points up for grabs. Monica Scudieri, who paid off $257,000 in debt and reached financial independence in 10 years, joined OG and Jesse Cramer to find out how well the conventional wisdom matches what actually works.What You'll Walk Away WithThe seven millionaire habits Kiplinger identified -- and which ones the panel nailed, missed, and argued aboutWhy continuously educating yourself about money remains one of the highest-leverage habits at any income levelThe networking truth wealthy people understand that most people don't -- and why "who not how" changes everything about how you approach your career and financesMonica's story: how she turned a divorce, $257,000 in debt, and three rounds of unemployment into financial independence in a decadeWhy living below your means isn't about deprivation -- it's about creating the margin that makes every other habit possibleThe pay yourself first argument that actually holds up when your budget is genuinely tightWhy OG thinks waking up early is the worst advice in personal finance -- and what he thinks actually matters insteadThe book recommendations that shaped each panelist's financial philosophy -- including a deep dive on why passive investing still winsWhy diversifying your income streams landed on the millionaire habits list -- and what that looks like in practiceThe complete list of seven habits, revealed at the end -- including the two the panel never guessedWhy This Matters NowMillionaire habits get discussed constantly and followed inconsistently. The gap isn't usually knowledge -- it's the unsexy reality that these habits have to run in the background for years before the results become visible. This roundtable is worth listening to not because the list is surprising, but because the people talking about it have actually lived it.From the BasementJoe, OG, Jesse Cramer, and Monica Scudieri from Grab Your Slice play two rounds of the millionaire habits game while the year-long trivia competition quietly shifts -- Monica guesses closest on a 1940 McDonald's complete meal price and earns Paula Pant's first point in a while. OG extends his lead. Jesse goes 0 for the day and seems fine about it. Doug intervenes on the trivia question to add a milkshake, which turns out to be decisive.Resources MentionedGrab Your Slice of Financial Independence by Monica Scudieri -- available wherever books are soldMonica Scudieri financial coaching -- schedule a free 30-minute call at grabyourslice.comPersonal Finance for Long-Term Investors -- Jesse Cramer's podcast, wherever you listen; upcoming two-part series on the 14 risks retirees faceAutomatic Wealth by Michael Masterson -- recommended by Monica as her foundational bookA Random Walk Down Wall Street by Burton Malkiel -- recommended by JesseThe War of Art by Steven Pressfield and Essentialism by Greg McKeown -- recommended by OGThe Truth About Money by Ric Edelman -- recommended by JoeNetworking With the Affluent by Dr. Thomas Stanley -- referenced in discussionStacking Benjamins Vault -- stackingbenjamins.com/vaultStacking Benjamins Community -- stackingbenjamins.com/basementStacking Benjamins "Benjamins After Dark" Meetups -- stackingbenjamins.com/BADSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bestselling author Steven Pressfield on what it means to have a creative calling, battling resistance, the role of faith in writing, and his memoir Govt Cheese. A remastered version of episode #058. You'll learn: Why a typewriter sat untouched in the back of a van for seven years before becoming a career. How self-sabotage shows up at the finish line, not just at the start. A rule of thumb for telling resistance apart from legitimate doubt. Why the more important a project is, the more terrifying it should feel. When you can finally write about pain, and why distance matters more than rawness. How an idea for a book might arrive as a single sentence and refuse to leave. A one-page method for outlining a novel, and why one page is enough. What John Keats's concept of negative capability can teach a writer in the dark middle of a draft. The metaphor that reframes writers as delivery drivers rather than creators. Why faith in the muse matters most when the writing feels too good to be your own. Resources & Links

Marcus Aurelius Anderson sits down with technology entrepreneur and AI strategist Stephen Scott for a candid, practical conversation about artificial intelligence and how everyday people can use it to improve their lives. Rather than approaching AI as a threat, Stephen reframes it as a personal force multiplier — one that can help anyone navigate job searches, manage finances, optimize health, and make better decisions. The conversation covers the emotional anxiety surrounding AI, the coming digital divide, deepfake security threats, and why the best time to start engaging with AI is right now. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS: Use AI to Future-Proof Your Career — 7:22AI doesn't take jobs — people who know how to use AI replace those who don't. Stephen breaks down a practical step-by-step method for using AI to build a custom resume and cover letter optimized to beat Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and land more interviews. Build Personal AI "Folders" for Every Area of Life — 14:09Stephen shares how he uploads personal health records, financial statements, and life goals into AI platforms to get highly personalized guidance — essentially putting the world's most knowledgeable advisor on call 24/7 for your health, finances, and relationships. Don't Seed Your Intellect to AI — Challenge It — 17:36AI wants to please you, which means its first answer isn't always its best. Stephen explains his "daisy chain" method — bouncing responses between ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini — to converge on the highest level of truth and avoid AI hallucinations. AI Security: Deepfakes, Scams, and Protecting Your Family — 47:33From phishing emails that look indistinguishable from your bank to deepfake video calls impersonating your loved ones, Stephen outlines the growing threats and practical defenses — including using a family "cold word" to verify real communications. Stephen Scott is a technology entrepreneur, author, and builder of practical AI tools with more than two decades of experience in digital platforms and business development. He has worked extensively helping companies strategize AI implementation at the enterprise level, and now dedicates much of his work to helping everyday people humanize AI — using it to simplify work, strengthen relationships, and make smarter decisions in daily life. He is also a committed advocate for closing the global digital divide, connecting underserved communities worldwide to technology and education. Stephen works closely with author Steven Pressfield and can be reached directly through his website at stephenscott.us. Learn more about the gift of Adversity and my mission to help my fellow humans create a better world by heading to www.marcusaureliusanderson.com. There you can take action by joining my ANV inner circle to get exclusive content and information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Books That Matter for Photographers: John Szarcowski and ‘The Photographer's Eye' — The Thing Itself, The Detail, The Frame, Time, and Vantage PointIn this episode of Beyond the Lens, Richard revisits John Szarkowski's 1966 classic The Photographer's Eye for the latest episode in the Books That Matter series. Szarkowski spent nearly thirty years as Director of Photography at MoMA, studying thousands of images across every era and genre. What he discovered was a quiet internal logic that the best photographs share, regardless of style or subject.Richard breaks down all five of Szarkowski's core themes, including the tethering of photography to reality, the power of isolation and detail, and why a camera is, at its heart, an instrument of selection rather than invention.Notable Links: John Szarcowski The Photographer's Eye Beyond The Lens Episode 106: Steven Pressfield and 'The War of Art'  The Thing Itself essay on Substack The Frame essay on SubstackThis episode is brought to you by:Muench Workshops - Photography workshops and expeditions to the coolest places on the planet.Luminar Neo - Try Luminar Neo today at skylum.com, and use promo code "RICHARD" for a 15% discount, just for my listeners.Kase Filters - My listeners can get 10% off the Kase Filters Amazon page when they visit. beyondthelens.fm/kase and use coupon code BERNABE10 Follow Richard Bernabe:Substack: https://richardbernabe.substack.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernabephoto/Twitter/X: https://x.com/bernabephotoFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/bernabephoto

How did the Apostle Paul's letters inspire a novel about a "one-man killing machine" and the eternal battle for the human soul? Bestselling author Steven Pressfield joins Trey to discuss the historical and spiritual friction that ignites his novels, including his forthcoming book, The Arcadian. They explore the "atomic bomb" of the ancient world—the early Christian faith—and why life, both on the page and in our minds, remains a constant battle. The Arcadian will be available May 26, 2026, pre-order it HERE! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Discover all of the podcasts in our network, search for specific episodes, get the Optimal Living Daily workbook, and learn more at: OLDPodcast.com. Episode 3926: Nir Eyal reveals how inventing an imaginary adversary can help us overcome self-sabotage and reclaim control over our behavior. By understanding the psychology of scapegoating, reactance, and perceived powerlessness, he shows how we can channel resistance into fuel for focus, discipline, and lasting behavior change. When applied thoughtfully, this counterintuitive strategy can strengthen willpower and help us follow through on what truly matters. Read along with the original article(s) here: https://www.nirandfar.com/2017/02/goals-enemy.html Quotes to ponder: "Most of us have two lives. The life we live, and the unlived life within us. Between the two stands Resistance." "Resistance is always plotting against you." "The practice of imagining a villain that's conspiring against us, scapegoating can be an effective way to motivate ourselves and change our behaviors." Episode references: SuperBetter by Jane McGonigal: https://www.amazon.com/SuperBetter-Power-Living-Gameful-Life/dp/0143109774 The War of Art by Steven Pressfield: https://www.amazon.com/War-Art-Through-Creative-Battles/dp/1936891026 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices