The Zack Arnold Podcast

As we’ve learned over the last several weeks (or is it months? Or years? I’ve lost track), there is very little we have control over in life. But if there’s one meta-lesson I hope to take away from current events it’s that although we have no control over what happens around us, the one thing we do have control over is how we react to the circumstances in our lives.And now more than ever, we could all use an injection of inspiration!Dr. David Fajgenbaum, the author of ‘Chasing My Cure,’ is no stranger to adversity. As a former Division I college quarterback, a state-champion weightlifter, a holder of multiple degrees such as BS from Georgetown University, an MSc from Oxford, an MD from The University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from The Wharton School of business, you’d think that David simply has it all (not to mention that he’s been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNN, The Today Show, amongst others).But what you wouldn’t know simply from reviewing David’s accolades is that he was stricken with a deadly disorder known as “Castleman Disease” during medical school that nearly killed him not once, not twice, but five separate times. And when you’ve spent this much time contemplating death, you spend an equal amount of time contemplating life.In this episode David and I talk about his harrowing experience being on death’s door, but more importantly we take an optimistic approach to understand how his circumstances can help us rewire our own perspective on what is truly important in life (and how to tackle the problems we can control while no longer wasting energy on those we cannot)NOTE: This interview was conducted shortly before the pandemic struck (early March, 2020), so as you’re listening keep that in context when we briefly discuss the virus.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Dr. Fajgenbaum’s “Santa Claus Theory of Civilization” and why it’s so fundamental to many of the challenges we face in society.The incredible story of how David went from the pinnacle of health (a champion weight lifter) to being so frail that laughing too hard might kill him.How a rare disease led to FIVE near-death experiences.The moment he realized there was no drug out there to save his life and how that led to him dedicating his life to identify treatments for the disease.How living in “overtime” - knowing the clock is ticking has helped him focus on what’s most important.Why constantly being so close to death not only gave him clarity, but also manage his fear in ways we can all learn from.3 lessons he learned in his pursuit of a cure that could help you overcome almost anything.Why it’s so important to take ownership of your own health care.Practical advice on how to talk with your doctor and what questions to ask.How David became such a good storyteller. (His book is superbly well-written! A real page turner.) Useful Resources Mentioned:Chasing My Cure: A Doctor’s Race to Turn Hope Into ActionCastleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN)Our Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc is one of the youngest individuals ever appointed to the faculty at Penn Medicine and the author of Chasing My Cure: A Doctor's Race to Turn Hope Into Action. After spending months hospitalized in critical condition, having his last rites read, and having four deadly relapses of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) during medical school, David decided to fight back by conducting research and creating the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN).He is now in his longest remission ever thanks to a treatment that he identified and began testing on himself. One of the top 1 percent youngest grant awardees of an NIH R01, he has dedicated his career to discovering new treatments for deadly disorders like iMCD and spreading the CDCN's 'collaborative network approach' as a model for other diseases.Dr. Fajgenbaum has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a cover story by The New York Times as well as by Good Morning America, CNN, and the Today Show. Dr. Fajgenbaum earned a BS from Georgetown University, MSc from the University of Oxford, MD from the University of Pennsylvania, and MBA from The Wharton School. He is a former Division I college quarterback, state-champion weight lifter, and co-founder of a national grief support network.ChasingMyCure.comFacebook | Twitter | InstagramShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

With the unemployment rate over 95% in the entertainment industry1, it’s common to have had the following thought in the last several weeks:"If my entire livelihood depends on other people’s ideas and projects, maybe my livelihood shouldn't depend on other people’s projects anymore?"This has become a very common thought amidst the pandemic. Here’s what a member of our community had to say:"Ultimately I love what I do. But I'd also love a lot more flexibility. I feel like you always have to say yes to a job, and I'd love to have the flexibility to turn the job down unless it's something that I'm really interested in."In today’s Community Q&A I invited special guest, TV editor Monica Daniel, to speak very candidly about her desire to find alternate ways to generate income besides editing television. As a single mother with a special needs child her time is limited to build her own empire, yet Monica has tremendous knowledge and value to share with the world.Is it possible for her to monetize her knowledge and build a business that can generate additional income aside from her regular career?And more importantly can she overcome the psychological fears, the imposter syndrome, and the many limiting beliefs that are most likely the only thing stopping her from taking the next steps towards financial freedom?Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Our Optimizers group's thoughts on where we left off last week regarding providing value to others, starting a side-hustle, and making money during the global pandemic while we're all stuck at home.A quick update from our favorite "hot seat contestant", Debby Germino on her progress. (HINT: She's been taking massive action.)The Big Question: "How can I provide value that people are happy to pay for in ways I may not have thought about before now that I’m under quarantine?"How editor, Krysia Szyszlo is leveraging her Psychology degree and personal interests into a side hustle as a dating and relationship coach. She even has clients already!Listen as Zack puts Monica Daniel in the "hot seat" for a live laser coaching session. He helps reveal astonishing insights into what's holding her back from monetizing her valuable knowledge, experience, & assets (such as her online following who hang on her every word).Monica's compelling reason WHY she's pursuing a more flexible & independent way of earning income.The story of Monica's "Internet celebrity" status (wink) and how a random Facebook post inspired her to create a workshop on Assistant Editing in Scripted Television for BCPC that sold out in 40 minutes!The "magic question" she asked people which made her realize that she has a unique voice, perspective and relatability that appeals to aspiring assistant editors in a way that sets her apart from mentors with prestigious credentials.Why Monica believes the old adage "you have to pay your dues" is B.S. which can discourage talented creatives. And why her thinking about how to approach a career gives people the hope and reassurance they need to succeed.A transformative coaching experience happens in real time: Don't miss the powerful, paradigm shifting questions Zack asks which affirmed Monica's value and breaks down her limiting belief around monetizing the knowledge she shares.How giving some stuff away for free turns out to be a great way to attract people willing to pay you. (When you do it right.)Why it's actually good for people when they have to pay for your services as a mentor, coach, or trainer. HINT: How much more committed are you to following through with a training program when you've invested your hard-earned money into it versus when it's free?2 industry examples of people who monetized their knowledge in totally non-exploitative ways:Lori Jane Coleman who wrote the ‘bible’ for working as an assistant editorNorman Holland who traveled the world getting paid to teach“Who am I to charge people for this?” - How to overcome 'imposter syndrome' and the emotional drivers that cause it.Key mindset: “Don’t pursue perfect at the expense of good enough.”Zack’s biggest transformation after 6+ years of doing this: The first time somebody gave him $97Huge takeaway: “It’s not even about making money, it’s about teaching myself that I’m worthy of the value I’m asking from others.”The group goes into more questions such as:“What if I don’t know where to start? How do I even find an idea?”“What are the things I already enjoy where I feel like I can provide value?”“What if I’m not an expert?” Useful Resources Mentioned:Previous Q&A - When Are We Going Back to Work? And How Can We Earn Income Now? | Community Q&AMonica’s Going Postal podcast on Apple PodcastsMonica’s video from the BCPC presentationMore Episodes with Monica Daniel:Transitioning From ‘Reality TV’ to Scripted Drama | with Monica DanielGuest Bio:Twitter | FacebookMonica Daniel has edited various genres of television that have been broadcast worldwide over the last decade. She is known for her “sh*tting sparkles” slogan from her award show red carpet work. She recently transitioned from editing reality television into a high level scripted network show, and our conversation today breaks down her journey and how you can walk away with actionable steps to make the same transition, regardless of your situation. Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Tony Horton is a legend and the most influential name in the world of health & fitness. He’s the creator of the P90X at-home extreme fitness series, he’s a motivational speaker, a bestselling author, he’s been on countless television programs, he’s traveled the world training hundreds of thousands of people…...and he’s stuck at home just like you and me.I am extremely fortunate to say that over the last two and half years of pursuing my own personal goal of becoming an American Ninja Warrior, Tony has become my mentor and friend. And today’s conversation is simply two guys chatting about how to better manage the mental and physical stress that comes from living through a global pandemic.If you logically understand that focusing on your fitness, diet, and health are more important now than ever...but emotionally you’re struggling to find the motivation to exercise without your workout buddies, or you’re stress eating, or you don’t like working out at home, or you’re distracted by family, or you find it nearly impossible to maintain any level of consistency...Tony is here to help you get back on track.And remember when all else fails...do your best...and forget the rest!Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How is the legendary Tony Horton doing while stuck at home during the COVID-19 quarantine?What it's like now that he can’t get together in person with people and how that has affected not just his business & healthy routines, but most likely yours as well in similar ways.What the American Ninja Warrior training group has been doing in lieu of getting together at the practice course.How to maintain your workout consistency (or get back into it) without your workout buddies and circle of accountability.Why it’s more important than ever to exercise consistently.Taking refuge in food? Tony’s simple question may be the antidote to emotional eating.How the lockdown is revealing our true character and who we are as human beings.Tony’s observations about some of the positive things that he’s seen due to the lockdown.What does he anticipate the ‘new normal’ is going to be like?Why Tony is concerned about our very short collective memory. Will we, as a society learn from all this and be better prepared next time?Is this whole situation really "unprecedented"? Here's a healthy dose of perspective (56:47)2 things you can control which give you a greater capacity to deal with things that are out of your control. Useful Resources Mentioned:Tony Horton on FB LiveShawna’s post on the opportunities to be found in this "unprecedented" situationDefining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony HortonOn the Frontlines with COVID-19, How to Boost Your Immunity, & Testing Safely | with Dr. Edison de MelloHow To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Community Q&AOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:Tony Horton is the wildly popular creator of the best-selling fitness series: P90X®, P90X2®, P90X3®, and Ten Minute Trainer®, P90® and most recently his 22-Minute military inspired workout, 22 Minute Hard Corps®. Tony is a world-class motivational speaker and the author of top-selling books: “Bring It”, Crush It!” and his latest motivational book, “The Big Picture” 11 Laws That Will Change Your Life, which he has transformed to an in depth personal development course, Living Large with Tony Horton. He has appeared on countless television programs as a fitness and lifestyle expert to promote healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition. In keeping with Tony’s passion for a healthy lifestyle, he’s teamed up with the beauty experts at Ultimate Salon Professionals to create his new hair and skincare line, TH Care by Tony Horton, because he believes what goes on your body is just as important as what goes in it.For the past 25 years, Tony has used his unique brand of humor to change the lives of tens of million people through his incredible fusion of motivation, physical exercise, nutrition, and discipline. From worldclass athletes, pro sports teams, celebrities and the U.S. Military, to corporate executives, couch potatoes, and busy moms and dads alike, Tony has what it takes to reach and teach them all. Tony believes that real and lasting change can happen when we commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, whole foods, and the right mindset is the formula that leads to a vibrant, productive and full life for anyone who focuses on being the best they can be.Tony Horton on Life websiteInstagram | Facebook | TwitterShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

How can we prepare for whatever the new job market holds? And when do we think it will even open again? And how can we make money in the meantime?With all of the speculation going around the interwebs right now about when Hollywood is going to roll camera again, I and the Optimizer coaching & mentorship community decided to have a frank conversation about when we honestly believe production will ramp up again - and more importantly, what will our jobs in post-production look like when that time comes?How important will it be to have remote workstations ready to go?What are the new skills that will make us hireable & desirable?How can we set ourselves apart when the flood gates open and hiring becomes a meat market?Can we expect to go back to work earning the same rate if budgets are going to be cut everywhere?We do believe there is A LOT you can do to prepare for when the job market opens again. If you’re still emotionally working through everything that’s going on right now, don’t worry - it’s okay if you’re not ready to be productive (but that ship is about ready to sail..just saying).If you do want to accomplish something meaningful with the time you have available to you (besides catching up on Tiger King and Ozark that is), this is required listening for all of us.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:While in COVID-19 lockdown, what can we do to stay motivated when there’s no external pressure to get things done?What can we be doing to prepare for when the job market opens back up? And what will it look like?If the industry shift more towards remote work, what will happen to our editor’s guild & unions? How much of an advantage will it be if we’re already setup to work from home when studio’s come back online?Hot tip: Since we’re not going to be doing in-person meetings any time soon, one of the most important skills you can improve on is digital communication.How long will it be before Hollywood reopens?What happened with Zack’s PPP application? (tragically funny story)Why the editors that will be in highest demand will be the ones who are adept at building better remote workflows.Is it safe to assume that if we were working before the pandemic that they’ll just hire us all back? (HINT: It’s complicated)Should we expect a more competitive job market that drives down wages?What are the positive changes we hope to carry forward into a post-pandemic job market?What jobs are most likely to be replaced very soon by automation and AI?What service can I provide that AI is not going to replace in the near future?In what specific ways can we improve our digital communication skills?Learn to better manage emailLearn alternative communication tools and how to organize them to maximize productivityLearn digital project management with tools such as Trello for paperless workflowsSince we don’t know how long this is going to last, should we look for other sources of income?Have you ever thought, "Maybe my livelihood shouldn’t depend on other people shooting footage for me"?How can I provide value to other people? And how can I deliver it more consistently?How do we discover the value we have provided to others that we may not realize people would pay us for?Useful Resources Mentioned:Reopening Hollywood: From Insurance To Testing, Crowd Scenes & Craft Services, Here Are The Pandemic Problems Studios Are Trying To Solve Before The RestartOptimizing Your Remote Post-Production Workflow (and Maintaining Your Sanity) | with Michael KammesMaking Sense of the Unemployment + Small Business Loans Train Wreck | Community Q&ASurviving Freelancer Unemployment: How to Manage Your Budget For the ‘Gig Economy’ (Global Pandemic Edition)Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

As the COVID-19 global pandemic plods along one day at a time, I and the Optimizer coaching & mentorship community have been monitoring the latest developments as they pertain to freelancer unemployment as well as applying for small business loans (via the EIDL and PPP loan programs). And let’s just say that so far...things are a train wreck.Very little of what we’ve been promised thus far by the CARES Act has actually come to fruition (at least as of recording this episode), and in this community Q&A episode we talk through some of the finer details, we examine the challenges that all of us are having getting any assistance whatsoever, and then we dive back into some productivity strategies to keep us (somewhat) productive despite the world throwing every distraction at us that we can possibly handle and more.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:First, we check in with our Optimizers on how they’re doing with obtaining their stimulus checks & other financial assistance. Here are some of the topics covered:Is now a good time to start a business? With over $350 billion in loans & grants available in the U.S. stimulus bill, people want to know.Does anyone really know what’s going on with unemployment? We take a dive into the state we know the most about, California which recently released information.When can we expect our additional $600/wk in unemployment benefits if we’re already receiving benefits?What is this new “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” website for freelancers and others who aren’t represented on the standard unemployment website form?What if I was already receiving unemployment benefits and they’re almost used up? Are they extending it and will I get the additional $600/wk?What happened to the $10,000 grant?What is the SBA disaster (EIDL) loan and what has changed?Can we apply for and get EIDL grant and Paycheck Protection Program and unemployment?Next, we check in with Debby Germino on how she’s doing with her “One Thing” - writing (see last week’s Community Q&A episode).On prioritizing our time: Why does it seem like we have all this time on our hands and we’re still not doing what we want to get done with it?How can we adapt our productivity strategies like time blocking when our schedule can get “blown up” at any time?Don’t miss the amazing “laser coaching” session with Debby at INSERTTIMESTAMP.Useful Resources Mentioned:Surviving Freelancer Unemployment: How to Manage Your Budget For the ‘Gig Economy’ (Global Pandemic Edition)How to Organize & Prepare Your Finances As a Freelancer | Community Q&A[CASE STUDY] How to Identify Your “One Thing” and Accomplish It Every Day | Community Q&AHow To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Community Q&AOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

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

Whether or not it’s by choice...now that many of us are settling into our ‘new normal’ working from home for the foreseeable future, we’re realizing it’s a lot harder to manage a seemingly unlimited amount of “free time.” Remember all that time you’ve been begging to have to get all the stuff done on your ‘Someday’ list?Be careful what you wish for, right?First of all, I want to make it abundantly clear that everyone is working through their own emotional journey right now, and it’s okay if you’re not ready to be productive.However, if you are at the point where you really want to accomplish something meaningful with the time you’ve been given but you can’t figure out where to start...or how to organize your day...or how to set a goal...then today’s call will answer all of those questions for you.Today’s episode is a Community Q&A call with my ‘Optimizer’ coaching & mentorship community where I break down the process of identifying one member’s “One Thing” so she can build the habit of writing on a consistent basis during this pandemic. Whether or not you’re interested in using your time to write, learn a new skill, get organized, spend more quality time with your family (as opposed to staring at screens all day long), or whatever, this session should help you design a clear plan of attack and get at least that “One Thing” accomplished each day before you spend the rest of it simply surviving.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Editor’s Note: The following is Part 1 of my 3 part series “The Freelancer’s Guide to Managing Your Money in the ‘Gig Economy’ (and Surviving Global Pandemics).”Here’s what’s covered in all three parts (Parts 2&3 publishing soon):Part 1: Creating Your ‘Triage Budget’ & Understanding Cash FlowPart 2: How to Generate Income (Even If You Can’t Find Work)Part 3: Reorganizing Your Finances For Stress-Free Unemployment [Read the full article]

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

As we all begin to settle into what is becoming our “new normal,” one of the most common challenges we face is the inevitability of having to work from home...and ONLY from home...for the foreseeable future. For some like me who have practiced social distancing as an Olympic sport for the last fifteen years, it’s just another week. But for those who’s lives have been turned upside down amidst current events, this transition can be rough.If you work in the post-production industry specifically, your livelihood literally depends on whether your not you are able to manage large amounts of data, share it with a team, and most importantly collaborate with those who hired you to help them realize their vision. And if you can’t pivot quickly (or if your employer can’t), that might mean you’re out of work for a long time.In this episode I have an in-depth and candid conversation with workflow expert and tech guru Michael Kammes about all things remote workflow. We talk about the simplest ‘Band-Aid’ solutions just to stop the bleeding, some of the middle-of-the-road options to set up a more viable work-from-home workstation, and we also dive deep into the nuances of the bigger (i.e. more expensive) options available to larger teams, businesses, and studios.Most importantly, we also address the lesser focused on topic of protecting your mental health and sanity during this transition. It’s not just about managing media and assets, this is also about managing your well-being.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:TIP: Whatever application you’re using - make sure it’s the same version on both sides for compatibility.If working with different pools of media, that both sides have copies of the media. Transferring or syncing media can take a ton of time.Adopt a real-time collaboration tool and turn the video ON. Not only is this some of the only social engagement you’ll have in a work-day, but you need to be able to see each other’s response.Peer-to-Peer solutions (similar to torrents) like Resilio sync are a lot quicker to keep files in sync rather than syncing up to something like Dropbox and back down. Instead it syncs directly.File management is more important than ever. (If you were hit by a bus, can someone come behind you and figure out what you were working on?)Zack and Michael’s best tips on locking your active bins in a remote collaborative environment. Such as “Avid on Demand”.The challenges and benefits of using remote desktop software like Team Viewer to work on your office computer as if you were sitting in front of it.Why the old standards and security concerns of cloud storage and remote file sharing are overdue for an update.What does “Post-Production in the Cloud” really mean?Coming soon: Camera to Cloud instead of local storage.How much it costs to work in the cloud.What are the best remote collaboration options to review? Frame.io, Evercast, BeBop etc…Michael’s adjustment to working from home and some key takeaways from his experience.The importance of maintaining a schedule to separate work time/space from personal.How to deal with the social isolation and the depression that may come with it.Useful Resources Mentioned:MichaelKammes.comFrame.io: Best Practices For Adopting a Remote Post-Production WorkflowBeBop TechnologyFrame.ioEvercastOur Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.Guest Bio:Facebook | TwitterMichael Kammes has designed and built thousands of production and post-production systems, workflows, and facility integrations during his nearly 20 years as a technology advisor in the media and entertainment industry. He is a frequent keynote speaker on trends, products, and workflows in production and post technology and his “5 THINGS” podcast draws an audience of industry insiders from around the world.Michael currently serves as the Director of Business Development at cloud solutions provider BeBop Technology in Los Angeles.In addition to the technical side of media creation, Michael’s creative work includes the roles of Dialogue Editor, SFX Editor, ADR Recordist & Editor, Re-Recording Mixer, and Supervising Sound Editor.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel.The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).