

The Zack Arnold Podcast
Zack Arnold
Hi I'm Zack, and the purpose of my work is to help you find meaning and purpose in yours (without burning out...or selling your creative soul).If you've built your entire career around your creativity like I have, you may be asking the same question I am: Is there a future for us “creatives,” Or is it game over? I can't promise that I know what the future brings, but I do promise few are more dedicated to helping you find the answers than I am.You're in the right place if:You live to create. Your work isn't just a job but an expression of who you are.You create to live. Your livelihood depends on your creativity.You love making cool shit.Whether you identify as introverted or neurodivergent (or both, like me)...No matter if you're a misfit, a rebel, an outlier, or a troublemaker...If you've been called weird, nerdy, dorky, quirky, or awkward...Or if you’re an over-thinker, procrastinator, or perfectionist…You are welcome here. 😊Come join me as I have honest, authentic, and candid conversations with NYT bestselling authors, Oscar and Emmy winners, experts across many different industries, and ordinary humans achieving extraordinary things.
Episodes
Mentioned books

7 snips
Jan 13, 2020 • 59min
How to Become 'Indistractable' | with Nir Eyal
Productivity expert Nir Eyal shares insights on becoming 'Indistractable' by focusing on building traction rather than eliminating distractions. Learn about the 4 steps to becoming 'Indistractable', the premise of his book 'Indistractable', and the importance of managing internal triggers for increased focus and intentionality with time and attention.

Jan 6, 2020 • 51min
Mentorship, Networking, and Surviving Hollywood Blockbusters | with Dody Dorn, ACE
Finding a mentor in Hollywood is an elusive process that few really understand, but when you find a mentor that really understands your challenges and wants to help you succeed, it can change your career (and even your entire life).So then how do you find a mentor?In this episode I have the pleasure and honor of chatting with my very first mentor Academy Award nominated film & television editor Dody Dorn, ACE who has worked with such acclaimed directors as James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, Baz Luhrman, David Ayer, and Ridley Scott…to name a few. We talk about how and why I reached out to Dody in the first place, why she chose to respond and become my mentor, and how our relationship has worked as mentor & mentee over the last seventeen years.But more interestly, we also chat about the major transition in our relationship when Dody went from being the mentor to becoming the mentee after realizing that…“Keeping your head down is not the road to a healthy life”…and is in fact the path to an early death. Like so many in her field of editing blockbuster features, Dody struggled with major health challenges, both mental and physical, and we chat about the mindset shifts and lifestyle transformations she made to become more active, energetic, and creative.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:How Zack connected with Dody and cultivate a mentorship relationship with her.The tragic series of events that led to Dody calling Zack about “Fitness in Post” and work-life balance.Dody shares valuable insights with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight on her career in editing.Her flexible approach to gradually bringing more self-care into her busy schedule.How to stay connected to the rest of the world when internal and external pressures put you in front of a screen most of the time.Why “Keeping your head down” is not the road to a good, healthy life. In fact, it might be the road to an early death.The realities of ‘working in isolation’ and the impacts on our health, wellbeing and relationships.The “how to boil a frog” analogy and how easy it is to get so focused on work only to realize the negative health impacts once we’re already “boiling”.A key shift in mindset after working with a nutritionist for just one day that led to her losing 30 pounds without even focusing on weight loss but instead on lifestyle.On long hours: Dody shares valuable insights on how she overcomes the ‘gravity’ that draws so many of us into long hours at the expense of our wellbeing. HINT: We often have more control than we think we do.Why we editors are “horrible bosses” to ourselves.Dody’s process for preparing for the time when the director’s going to be in the room.On shooting ratios: How the shift to digital has led to “pushing the work to the other side of the camera”.The key to getting a mentor is simple. You need to ask and know what you’re asking for.Useful Resources Mentioned:Article: How I Became a Curmudgeon at 25 Years OldOur 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:Switching easily between blockbusters and independent art house cinema, Dody Dorn is one of the leading film editors in the United States. A native of Santa Monica, California, Dorn graduated from Hollywood High School. At the outset of her career she worked mainly as a sound editor, before moving on to film editing in the 1990s.She has collaborated on several projects with directors Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia) and Ridley Scott (e.g. Kingdom of Heaven). For Memento, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film Editing in 2002.Dody Dorn is a member of the board of Governors for the film editing branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) as well as a board member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG) and a member of the American Cinema Editors (ACE) . Dorn is a board member of the Avid Customer Association (ACA) and co-chair of the Friends of Residential Treasures (FORT).Dorn has spoken on numerous panels about the art of film editing including MASTERS IN MOTION (2017) ACE Edit Fest, the Lean in Moment (2015), keynote speaker for NAB adjacent Super Meet (2017) and FilmPlus in Cologne, Germany (2018). As an Academy member, Dorn has been a Branch Executive committee member for 7 years as well as a judge for the Student Academy Awards, and the UCLA Student Film Awards. She has given seminars and talks at numerous film schools and universities including USC, UCLA, and SFSU.Here is a partial list of Dorn’s film and television editing credits:ARMY OF THE DEAD (2020)COME AWAY (2019)I AM THE NIGHT (2019) 4 episodesPOWER RANGERS (2017)BEN HUR (2016)FURY (2014)ENLIGHTENED Season 2 (2012) – as Producer and EditorEND OF WATCH (2012)ENLIGHTENED Season 1 (2010) – as co-Producer and EditorTHE GOOD WIFE (2009) pilotAUSTRALIA (2008)YEAR OF THE DOG (2007)A GOOD YEAR (2007)KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (2005)MATCHSTICK MEN (2004)INSOMNIA (2002)MY LIFE WITH JUDY GARLAND (2001)MEMENTO (2000)GUINEVERE (1999)https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0233827/https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dody_DornShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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).

Dec 4, 2019 • 59min
How to Use 'Intuitive Eating' To Change Your Relationship With Food | with Melissa Costello
Counting calories. Balancing macros. High fat/Low carb. Low fat/High carb. Going Paleo. Or Vegan. Or Vegetarian. Or Keto. Or Whole 30.Seriously. Shoot me in the face.In today’s hyperconnected world of endless information, you’d think it would be easy to figure out how to eat healthy… but it’s become harder than ever. It’s nearly impossible to decipher the latest science that tells us one day that butter and bacon are miracle superfoods and the next day we’re told that eating any kind of fat will kill us all.I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the B.S.What if there were an easier, less stressful, and practically guilt-free way of eating that didn’t involve counting…well…anything? Can’t someone just tell me how to eat without doing math or measuring or feeling like every decision I make is the wrong one?My guest Melissa (Missy) Costello is a transformational eating coach, author, and holistic nutritionist who has completely changed my relationship to food. While I may have a reputation as someone who always makes healthy choices, the reality is anything but. I was raised on the 80’s standard American diet (SAD) of Fruit Loops for breakfast, Chef Boyardee for lunch, and Fruity Pebbles for dinner (I wish that was an exaggeration). And while I’ve reduced or eliminated many of my bad habits, what I’ve realized over the last few years is that the hardest habits to break have nothing to do with sugar or carbs or cravings…they have to do with my emotions.In this episode learn from Missy how you can change your relationship to food forever. While the journey isn’t necessarily easy, it’s a lot simpler than you might think.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:What ‘intuitive eating‘ is and how to gently & systematically change your relationship with foodUnderstand WHY we make the choices with food that we doHow to find a way of eating that works for YOUWhy 1% of diets actually succeed and 99% failThe truth about “Clean Eating” (HINT: “Clean Eating” is just another diet)How the Wellness industry is just another guise for the diet industryWhy the restriction mindset of dieting is a vicious cycle of judgement and self-defeating behaviorHow to unravel a lifetime’s worth of negative programming (shame) around “healthy” eatingHow to listen to your body (On an intuitive level, our bodies know what it likes and doesn’t like) – Hence the term: intuitive eating.The terrifying accountability assignment that Tony Horton gave to Zack which forced him to become more aware of his food choicesand how they aligned with his training for American Ninja WarriorHow to let go of the “starving children in Africa” program that compels you to “finish your plate” and the true cost of letting food go to ‘waste’What to do about the “all or nothing mentality” that keeps you on the dieting ferris wheelHow to uncover the “blindspots” we all have about our own behavior with foodThe various ways we use food to change our state or deal with negative emotionsThe simple ‘awareness’ habit to use when you reach for foodFour ways you can change your state in a more connected wayThe “sinking ship” analogy to breaking down the various areas you have challenges around food & the importance of tackling onechallenge at a timeOn wasting food… Do you want your body to be the garbage can? Or do you want to put the food in the garbage can where it belongs?How Melissa “cured” a client of her Diet Coke addiction in a week and a halfThe surprising difference between our desire to eat creamy/sweet foods vs. crunchy foods and their connection to our emotionsHow one television writer lost 100 pounds in a year – not by dieting, but by eating everything she craved (and listening to her body)The double-edged sword of social pressure with coworkers and the unique challenges of the entertainment industryThe all-too-common ‘Reward Mindset’ fallacy – Human versus DogWhy we feel like if we’re eating bad food, we’re a bad personThe problem with labeling food as “Healthy” or “Unhealthy”A deceptively simple “starting point manifesto” that will instantly change your relationship with foodWhy you should never eat in front of your computer againThe benefits of eating slower and paying attention to how your body feelsThe first ‘signal’ to look for when eating mindfully that will alert you when to stop eatingUseful Resources Mentioned:Melissa Costello’s KarmaChow.comFood Freedom Breakthrough Private FB Group (FREE)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:Melissa Costello is a Transformational Eating Coach, Author, Speaker and Holistic Nutritionist. Her years of work as a private, plant-based chef for celebrity trainer, Tony Horton creator of P90x organically led her to work with her clients on a much deeper level when she recognized the struggles they had with consistent, healthy eating and sustainable weight loss.Her mission is to empower busy professionals to stop the struggle with yo-yo dieting, weight loss and food obsession so they can live a life of freedom without restriction, deprivation or rules. Melissa’s in-depth training in Spiritual Psychology, Clinical Nutrition and holistic coaching along with her own personal struggles provides the foundation for her clients to experience powerful breakthroughs and sustainable, profound transformation. To learn more about Melissa and her coaching, visit www.karmachow.comMelissa Costello’s KarmaChow.comInstagram | Facebook | TwitterShow Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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).

Nov 7, 2019 • 1h 12min
How to Boost Your Cognitive Performance with Sleep (according to a Navy Seal) | with Dr. Kirk Parsley
Without question sleep is the most important physiological process we require as creative professionals (and humans) to function at an optimal level…yet it’s what our work culture prioritizes the least. Proper sleep slows the aging process, keeps us lean, restores our immune system, and it protects our memory. Much to the chagrin of ‘Type A’ over achievers, quality sleep is every bit as important as oxygen, food, and water.So then why do we proudly wear our “Sleep Deprivation Badges of Honor” on our sleeves and work ourselves to death even though every bit of research that points to chronic sleep deprivation destroying our ability to cognitively function at a level higher than being chronically drunk at work.Today’s guest is no stranger to the detriments of sleep deprivation. Dr. Kirk Parsley is a physician for the Navy Seals and a former Navy Seal himself. And there are quite possibly no two professions on the planet better known for chronic sleep deprivation than being a Seal or being a doctor. Having experienced firsthand the negative effects of chronic sleep deprivation, Kirk has now become and advocate for the health benefits of sleep and is now a world-renowned sleep expert who travels the world evangelizing sleep, wellness, and hormone optimization.Before you considering sacrificing “just a couple hours” of sleep today or this week to get just a little more work done (or to watch just “one more episode”), I encourage you to listen to this interview to better understand not only what sleep deprivation is doing to your creative brain but also more importantly what you can do about it.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Becoming aware of the negative aspects of the culture of sleepSleep’s relationship with your hormonesThe problem with sleep studiesComing to terms with your sleep deprivationFighting indifference towards your poor sleep habitsThe unprofitable nature of long-term health practicesHow to confront your accumulating sleep debtThe casual deception of concepts like bio-hackingUseful Resources Mentioned:Dr. Kirk ParsleyOur 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|Twitter|InstagramDr. Kirk Parsley is a former Navy SEAL, a physician for the SEALs, a health & sleep optimization consultant, and performance enhancement coach for some of the most driven achievers on the planet.Kirk is the creator of the Doc Parsley Sleep Remedy sleep supplement, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (since 2006), a worldwide expert speaker on sleep, wellness, and hormonal optimization, and the author of the internationally best-selling book, Sleep to Win.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Oct 24, 2019 • 1h 3min
Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael Kammes
Michael Kammes is the creator and host of the 5 Things tech series as well as the Director of Business Development for the startup BeBop Technology. Michael has also fought a lifelong battle with depression.Recently after an extended hiatus from his ‘5 Things’ YouTube series Michael posted this video where he was incredibly honest and open about his most recent battles with depression and burnout caused by a sudden death in the family compounded with a major career change.After watching this I immediately reached out to Michael because he understands the importance of being open and honest about mental health challenges. So few are willing to share which paradoxically is the reason why talking about mental health is so taboo.When you work a creative career it’s often a very solitary endeavor…alone…for hours, days, and weeks at a time…and probably in a small dark room. It’s so easy to get sucked into the trap of believing “it’s just you” because everyone else around you “seems to have it all figured out.” My hope is that after listening to this conversation you’ll understand that not only is it not just you…it’s all of us.If you are inspired to take away a single thing from today’s conversation, it should be that we are all battling this together, and if you feel overwhelmed, it truly is okay to ask for help.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:What Michael has been up to since his last appearance on the podcastThe challenges of working from home as an extrovertLearning to not assume that everyone knows how demanding your position isThe importance of learning to relate to other people as an up and coming creativeMichael’s history with ADD and DepressionConfusing being depressed with being an unmotivated personFinding the strength to function when you feel unable to keep goingReminding yourself that you are not alone in your strugglesTherapy as an essential confrontation practice with your depressionUseful Resources Mentioned:Michael Kammes“5 THINGS” PodcastBeBop TechnologyOur 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 Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Oct 10, 2019 • 57min
"It's All About Who You Know" Is Not a Valid Excuse | with Evita Zhou
Tell me if you’ve either heard or said the following phrase before: “It’s all about who you know.” Unfortunately this has become an excuse for many who think the barrier of entry to success in Hollywood (and many other creative industries) is knowing the right people. And of course only the privileged are a part of those prestigious circles…so you might as well give up, right?My guest today, Evita Zhou, is a film & tv editor who has worked in both documentary and narrative in both the United States and China. More importantly, Evita is the perfect example of why “It’s all about who you know” is not a valid excuse…because the solution to this problem is simply to get to know more people, and Evita could teach a masterclass on how to meet people and build relationships.I met Evita years ago at a networking event, and the story of how we first met is quite possibly my favorite Hollywood story of the almost twenty years I’ve been in this business. In our conversation Evita and I talk about how she has steadily built an editing career that she’s passionate about despite not going to film school, not speaking English as her first language, not being from the United States, not being a man, and not being [insert 100 more excuses here]. If Evita’s passion, tenacity, and confidence don’t inspire you to get out there and start building relationships (no matter how awkward, difficult, or scared you are of the networking process), then I suggest checking that you still have a pulse.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Evita’s journey from Hong Kong to success in L.A.Zack’s favorite L.A. Story and how he met Evita for the first timeThe difference in the value of editors in the U.S. vs ChinaHow Evita’s confidence and specificity in her networking introduction found her the job she wantedLearning to be clear about the things you want and need in your careerMaking peace with the fact that you will have to put in work to get on every project for the rest of your careerWhen to dump the project you’re working on to pursue the one you needOur 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:InstagramHer documentary credits include Making A Murderer Season 2 (Netflix), Loss Of Only Child (Guangdong TV), and 2019’s Confucian Dream, which premiered at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and won Special Jury Prize at the 54th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival.Her documentary short Organizing Happiness was China’s official entry in the HIGH 5 Series at the 2018 BRICS Film Festival in Durban, South Africa.Evita’s narrative works have also screened around the world, including “Human Terrain”–AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, Shatterbox Short Film series Season3; “The Visit”– Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, 42nd Asian American International film festival, CAAMFEST; “Ablution”– Mill Valley Film Festival; Dances with Films etc. Her current project 26.2 to Life: The San Quentin Prison Marathon documents a marathon running club inside California’s oldest prison.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Oct 3, 2019 • 1h 22min
How to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The 'Concentric Circles of Networking' & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACE
Here’s a hard truth few are willing to admit: Pigeonholing is not an accident. As frustrating as it might be to believe, “I keep getting pigeonholed,” the more accurate viewpoint is that you allow yourself to become pigeonholed. The process happens slowly over a period of years (or even decades) similar to the frog that doesn’t realize the water is slowly reaching a boiling point. But often by the time you realize the water is boiling…it’s too late. And the number one reason you ended up there is because you used the word ‘Yes’ way too often. Luckily pigeonholing can be avoided…if you know how to play the networking game.My guest today, Doc Crotzer, has avoided being pigeonholed his entire career. He’s edited such shows as Glee, American Horror Story, Sons of Anarchy, Impulse, and he recently transitioned from editing to directing on the show Good Behavior. Of all the people I know in Hollywood, nobody’s name comes up more than Doc Crotzer. I have met so many people that know Doc, I’ve begun teaching people the ‘Six Degrees of Doc Crotzer’ networking game, because everyone knows this guy.And here’s the thing…the fact that everyone knows Doc? That’s not an accident.In this conversation Doc and I talk about his rapid rise to stardom from a Midwestern college journalism major who landed an interview with Robert Zemeckis for his “student” documentary project about Back to the Future all the way until today. And more importantly, Doc and I break down what he calls the ‘Concentric Circle of Networking’ so you can connect with and build relationships with the right people on projects you’re passionate about…so you can ultimately avoid being pigeonholed as someone who can “only do one thing.”Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Building the right relationships and finding the right projectsHow to network without feeling lost in the processDoc’s early days cutting videos on tape decksHow Doc got interviews with Christopher Lloyd, Robert Zemeckis, and the boom operator on Back to the Future before he had even entered the film industryLearning how to take advantage of people’s desire to help youFiguring out if going to film school will help your craft or hinder itHow to make lasting connections with the people you just cross paths with in HollywoodPerfecting your craft so you can take the advantage of career opportunities and connections when they knock on your doorOur 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:Twitter | InstagramDoc Crotzer, ACE, is an editor, producer, and director. He started editing in the late ’80s when he hooked two VCRs together to duplicate a copy of Back to the Future he had first recorded off of a TV Broadcast. He honed his craft a few years later using the same VCRs to make one seamless version of all 3 Back to the Future movies as a 6-hour epic and has been editing ever since.His work includes Glee, Sons of Anarchy, the upcoming Apple show Truth Be Told and the upcoming film Chaos Walking.He doesn’t still use VCRs to edit.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).

Sep 26, 2019 • 59min
Balancing Health, Happiness, & Hollywood (and the Consequences When You Don't) | with Roger Barton
Roger Barton has edited and worked on some of the most iconic films of a generation such as Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Titanic, World War Z, Terminator: Genesis, and the last five ‘Transformers’ films (this is just the ‘short’ list). He has lived many long days in the cutting room with directors such as James Cameron, Michael Bay, George Lucas, Joe Carnahan, and more.And that’s what this episode is all about today: “Living” in the cutting room and what that can do to your mental health, your physical health, your relationships, and your well-being. Roger is no stranger to burnout on the job, and in this interview he was extremely candid, open, and honest about how his exploding career as a young up-and-coming feature editor cost him dearly in his personal life as well as with his health. If you’re curious about what it’s really like working with the biggest directors on the biggest film imaginable, Roger gives you a peek inside his cutting room.Because of Roger’s love for both his craft but also his family, he spent years wondering if there was a better way to collaborate with directors & producers whereby he wouldn’t have to disappear for months at a time and sacrifice time with his family. And luckily for every editor around the world who has desperately wished and prayed for a technical solution that would allow you to work from home while not inhibiting the collaborative process, Roger has not only found the solution…he’s helping to build it and make it better.And that solution is Evercast.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:How Roger’s initial exposure to the editing process totally re-routed his lifeThe common misconception that bigger movies are always more demandingHow Roger made it from That Darn Cat to TitanicThe lifestyle choices and sacrifices that come with working on the biggest movies ever madeWhat it’s like to work with Michael BayThe importance of having a director that understands the danger of burnout in post-productionThe dark personal toll that climbing the career ladder had on Roger’s familyUseful Resources Mentioned:EvercastOur 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|LinkedInRoger Barton began working in editorial on documentaries and made-for-TV movies including the Emmy award-winning “Indictment: The McMartin Trial.” He soon made the transition to motion pictures and in 1997 was an Associate Editor on the decade’s biggest blockbuster, “Titanic.”He quickly moved up the ladder, honing his skills at Jerry Bruckheimer Films on “Armageddon” and “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Since then, Barton has worked with Michael Bay on “Pearl Harbor,” “Bad Boys 2,” the Platinum Dunes release, “Amityville Horror,” “The Island,” and the last five “Transformers” films.During his career, Roger has cut for Hollywood’s leading filmmakers such as George Lucas on “Star Wars: Episode III”, the Wachowski Brothers’ “Speed Racer”, Jim Sheridan’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” and two films for Director Joe Carnahan, “The Grey” and “The A-Team.”Beginning in 2013, Roger edited three films for Skydance Entertainment, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” “World War Z,” and “Terminator: Genesis.” In 2016 Roger returned to with Jerry Bruckheimer on “Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Men Tell No Tales,” after which he joined the team cutting “Transformers, The Last Knight” which is his ninth collaboration with Michael Bay.In the summer of 2017, Roger began editing “Godzilla: King of Monsters” for Legendary Pictures but left when he became Co-Founder of Evercast — a live streaming creative collaboration platform. As more and more productions shoot out of town, Evercast is becoming widely adopted by Hollywood because keeping filmmakers connected maintains creative momentum, saves time, money and removes the need to travel post-production crews around the world for months at a time. While Roger was pitching Evercast to the Hollywood Studios, he also helped John Krasinski turn his 17 million dollar genre thriller “A Quiet Place” into a 334 million summer blockbuster.With Evercast gaining momentum of its own, Roger has returned to his passion of editing and is currently cutting “Six-Underground”, the most expensive Netflix project to date being directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

25 snips
Sep 19, 2019 • 58min
How to Build Meaningful Relationships in the 'Real World' | with Camille Virginia
Camille Virginia is the founder of ‘Master Offline Dating’ (as well as a returning guest to the show…click here for her first interview), and she’s the author of the brand new (soon-to-be) bestselling book The Offline Dating Method. Camille has taught more than 100 live workshops, worked with clients across six continents, and has followers in over 100 countries. Needless to say, Camille knows a thing or two about what it takes to connect and build meaningful relationships in the real world.Which brings me to the question you might be asking right now: Why is a dating coach on a podcast about career development? Well you’ve no doubt heard the adage, “it’s all about who you know” right? Guess what, getting to know people and building relationships in the professional world is IDENTICAL to the process of dating and building relationships…the only difference might be the benefits at the finish line. 🙂If you find yourself thinking, “I don’t know how to reach out to people,” or “I’m just bothering them,” or “Why would someone want to talk to me?” then you need to listen to this interview. Camille isn’t just about the theory, she provides practical action steps to help you start conversations with the right people and build relationships that can lead to mentorship opportunities, jobs, and long-lasting collaborative partnerships.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:How career relationships and dating relationships relate to each otherWhy ‘I’m just an awkward person’ is a bad excuse for avoiding networkingOvercoming the anxiety that comes with initiating a new relationshipThe shortfalls of building relationships onlineGrappling with your fear of rejectionHow to approaching a networking event with the goal of giving rather than receivingDressing yourself for the conversation you’re preparing to haveHow to draw yourself into positive interactions naturallyUseful Resources Mentioned:The Offline Dating MethodHow to Master “Offline” Networking at Live Events | with Camille VirginiaOur 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:FacebookCamille Virginia is the author of The Offline Dating Method, helping every human get the power to create meaningful in-person connections – whether for purposes of making a new friend, getting a date, or simply sharing a moment with a stranger to feel less lonely.Show Credits:This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Sep 4, 2019 • 24min
How to Be More Productive and Summon 'Creativity On Demand'
Hello and welcome to a special episode of the Optimize Yourself podcast where I provide my written articles in audio form so you have the opportunity to listen instead of read if that’s your preference. My hope is that you’ll use this opportunity to get up and step away from your desk to build the habit of moving more throughout your workday.Today’s reading is for an article I wrote for Frame.io that’s all about building a workflow so you can summon your creativity on demand.» Click here to read the article at Frame.io FREE 'DEEP WORK' MASTERCLASSIf your livelihood as a creative professional depends on your ability to stay focused and consistently make good creative decisions, especially for long hours, then the ability to focus is quite possibly the most important skill you have to master if you want a long and successful career. And luckily I have just the training for you. This week only beginning September 3rd through September 10th I’m offering you free access to my 4-part online Masterclass ‘How to Build the Habit of Deep Work. In this 100% FREE Online Masterclass You'll Learn:How to better manage your creativity and train your focus like a marathon runner instead of a sprinterThe #1 tool to master to skyrocket your creativity and productivity (Hint: It's not Trello or any other fancy productivity app on the planet...it's much simpler than you think)How to rearrange your work environment and daily work habits to summon creativity at the snap of a finger (without constantly waiting for super-tight deadlines so you can avoid procrastinating)Strategies to design your 'soundscape' and your work area to minimize distractions and interruptionsThe 'Back to One Technique' which will make it virtually impossible for you to get stuck staring at the dreaded 'Blank Timeline' ever again Every tool and strategy I recommend to master the art of 'Time Blocking'You can join this masterclass anytime between Sep 3rd and 10th by visiting optimizeyourself.me/focus.I look forward to seeing you there!Be well. Zack Arnold


