Scott and I make the case that creativity is a way of being—one that thrives when we let go of the fear of judgment and embrace the parts of ourselves we’ve been told don’t fit the mold.
Why the Pursuit of Success Is Making Us All Miserable (and How to Flip the Script) | with Jackson Kerchis
Today Jackson and I are talking about the science and psychology of happiness and not as some abstract feel-good concept, but instead as a practical tool for navigating uncertainty and even unlocking your creativity.
Why Optimization Isn’t the Answer (and How to Make the Most of the Four Thousand Weeks We Have) | with Oliver Burkeman
Oliver and I dive deep into why chasing productivity is a trap, how to stop waiting for life to begin “someday,” and why there might be freedom in not only accepting that we’re never going to finish our to-do lists, but ultimately we’re going to die without having accomplished all of our goals.
Why the Relentless Pursuit of Optimization Is a Journey to Nowhere | with Zack Arnold
In today’s episode, my podcast producer and fellow coach Debby Germino and I peel back the curtain on why we decided to rebrand the show, what’s shifting behind the scenes, and what we’re hoping to create moving forward—not just for ourselves, but for you.
How to Pivot, Adapt, and Keep Going (Your Creative Career Isn’t Over) | with Lydia Hurlbut
Lydia and I explore how to manage the emotional toll of career shifts, identify the transferable skills you might be overlooking, and find your center amidst the uncertainty.
From Setback to Comeback: Finding Strength in the Hardest Moments | with Bevin Farrand
Bevin and I talk about what it really means to acknowledge grief and uncertainty, why toxic positivity can do more harm than good, and the first steps to take when you feel paralyzed by everything happening around you.
How to Keep Moving Forwards After You’ve Lost Everything | with Christina Rasmussen
Christina shares valuable insight on how to cope when back-to-back losses shake the foundation of our creative lives, leaving us questioning who we are and what’s left to hold onto.
How to Thrive As an Introverted Creative (In a World Designed For Extroverts) | with Jennifer Kahnweiler
Jennifer reveals that success doesn’t have to come at the cost of changing who you are. We explore how introverts can thrive on their own terms, not by forcing themselves to be extroverted, but by fully embracing their strengths.
Navigating the Messy Middle of a Career Pivot | with Sandy Zimmerman
Sandy shares the mindset shifts that gave her the confidence to take the leap, along with the strategies she still relies on to overcome challenges, stay focused, and continue growing in her new career.
[Case Study] From the FBI to Hollywood: Anatomy of An Unlikely Career Pivot | with Kathy Robinson
Kathy opens up about the fears she had to overcome to pursue a completely new career and how she found her “tribe” through the Optimizer community.
[CASE STUDY] How to Diversify Your Creative Skills and Experience to Build Multiple Income Streams | with Krysia Szyszlo
Krysia highlights the parallels between dating, networking, and job hunting, offering practical advice and fresh perspectives that resonate across both personal and professional journeys.
How to Approach Difficult Conversations In Polarizing Times | with Justin Jones-Fosu
Justin shares actionable strategies and mindset shifts from his book, offering a way to approach disagreements that prioritize respect, collaboration, and mutual understanding.
Unemployed? Burned Out? Or Both? How to Manage a Career Break | with Laura Nguyen
Laura and I delve into why even a lack of work can lead to burnout—how the uncertainty, panic, and self-doubt that follow job loss can weigh just as heavily as being overworked.
The Dumpster Fire of 2024, Predictions for 2025, and The Future of Creativity | with Zack Arnold
I, Zack Arnold, the usual host of Optimize Yourself, step into the guest seat to give you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at what 2024 was like for me and my team.
The eight words that shape my approach to life (especially when the shit hits the fan)
Happy New Year, my friend. I hope this message finds you as well as can be under the chaotic circumstances we’ve endured the last several …