The Zack Arnold Podcast

Author and productivity expert Matt Sandrini believes that time has no intrinsic value and is “essentially worthless.” Given that I have been saying for years that “Your time is your most important asset,” you’d think we wouldn’t have much to talk about in this conversation, right? On the contrary, by the end of this conversation Matt not only convinced me that our time is in fact worthless, but I’ll bet that we will convince you of the same.As the founder of Time Zillionaire and the author of Invest Your Time, Matt has coached business owners, CEO’s, and entrepeneurs around the world to take control of them time and boost performance. Therefore Matt is no stranger to using time as effectively as possible to achieve the most important goals in life. His story is very similar to mine in that he was a Type-A overachiever who hit a giant wall and burned out (more than once). As he emerged from the dark hole he assumed he needed to strive for “work-life balance” only to discover that was the last thing he should be searching for. In this conversation Matt and I discuss the true value of your time and how to use it most effectively (Note: Being ‘effective is much different than being ‘efficient’). We also discuss why creativity and structure are not enemies, and how to most effectively plan your week no different than you might budget your finances for the week or month. Most importantly, we dispel the myth that we should all be searching for some semblance of ‘balance’ and discuss what to cultivate and strengthen instead. If you’re interested in learning how to better balance and manage your time, this is the conversation for you. Matt was also kind enough to provide a link to his 7-Day Productivity Challenge which you can participate in for free by visiting timezillionaire.com/challenge. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How to plan your week as easily as planning your budgetThe true value of your time and how to use it effectivelyHow seeing time in a new light totally change Matt's lifeLearning how to have healthy interactions between structure and creativityHow the idea of finding a "perfect balance" is a mythThe difference between efficiency and effectivenessWays in which the same amount of time can have different levels of valueTreating time as a careful investment 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. This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me...it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order! Guest Bio:  Twitter|Instagram Matt Sandrini is the founder of timezillionaire.com. He works with top business owners and CEOs around the world to get the structure and clarity they need to double their business and take back control of their time. He privately coaches top entrepreneurs to take control of their time, boost their performance, and scale faster. His clients are active in sectors including cryptocurrency, real estate, electric cars, design, apps, fashion, food products, media, and more. His personal transformation started when he left the corporate world as a consultant, and launched his first business: He now travels and works remotely for 6 months of the year, and helps top performers take control of the only resource that is scarce—time. 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). 

Let’s get real: Making a major career transition is hard. You’ve spent perhaps a decade or more honing and perfecting your craft, building a network of contacts and clients, and you’re at the top of the ladder...only to realize you’ve climbed the wrong ladder.If you ask ten different editors who work in narrative television & features about how they broke in or transitioned from a different medium, you’ll get ten completely different answers about how they did it.Even worse, the business pigeonholes us and assumes we can only do ONE THING. Clearly if someone edits reality television (or trailers, or game shows, or YouTube videos, or whatever), they simply could never learn how to edit scripted narrative, right? Right?In today’s conversation I chat with not one but two seasoned reality editors at the top of their games, Phil Habeger and Toni Ann Carabello, who have decided they are done with reality and want to make a major transition in their careers to scripted.Except they have NO IDEA how to make the transition.Working with me in my Optimize Yourself Elite coaching & mentorship program, both Toni Ann and Phil have spent the last four months designing the path that makes sense for each of them. But unfortunately they both were working under the assumption that the only way to break into narrative television and features was to take a step “backwards” to become an assistant editor. This simply isn’t true, and in today’s conversation we do a live coaching call where I walk them through their various options so they can choose the path that makes the most sense for them.This is a unique glimpse “under the hood” of the process I use with all of my students to design their unique path to success.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:Understanding that their is no single path to your perfect career transitionEvaluating your options (you have more than you think!) when looking for a big vocational upheavalFocusing on who you know, rather than just putting more work on your resumeHow someone else's lateral career move might be your promotionHow Toni and Phil fell into the world of editingWays in which your limiting beliefs are keeping you from pursuing the career you deserveRefining your goals so that you don't end up in an undesirable job that technically fit your criteria for a new positionWhat to do when the jobs that are finding you are the wrong onesUseful Resources Mentioned:To Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 1)To Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 2)Our Generous Sponsors:This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me...it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order!Guest Bio:LinkedIn|InstagramToni Ann began her career in tv at 22 yrs old and got my first job as a PA at MTV. She was on the producing path, but after getting the opportunity to learn how to edit, her focus shifted.She went on to become one of the series producers/editor of MTV Cribs, where she was instrumental in developing the look and style of that show.She has since worked on many of the big reality shows out there, like multiple Housewives franchises, Say Yes to the Dress, Long Island Medium, 90 Day Fiancé, and Busy Tonight.Facebook|Twitter|LinkedIn |InstagramPhil Habeger was raised in Iowa, spent about 10 years in Boston and has been in Los Angeles for the last 10 years. He fell in love with editing the first time he touched an NLE in a college course in 1998, and has been editing ever since. Phil finds joy in bringing characters and story to life in the edit room and has no plans to ever retire from editing.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).

Gretchen Rubin is a NYT bestselling author who has sold over 3.5 million copies of her books, some of those titles which include Outer Order, Inner Calm, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and the book that we discuss in-depth in today’s conversation: The Four Tendencies.In my 10+ years of research, study, and implementation with productivity, focus, and human behavior and psychology, The Four Tendencies is quite possibly the most impactful and actionable concept I’ve come across. As we talked about in this conversation, understanding and using The Four Tendencies to better understand yourself (as well as those around you) is like becoming Neo and being able to see through the endless random numbers to read the Matrix of human relationships and behavior. Just be warned: In this episode I’m giving you the choice between the red pill or the blue pill, because once you understand The Four Tendencies, there is no going back. You will see the world and every single interaction in a completely different way.If you’re interested in understanding why you can or can’t take certain actions, why you procrastinate, or why you do or don’t get along with your friends, family, spouse, or colleagues, learning The Four Tendencies is literally a GAME. CHANGER.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:Gretchen’s circuitous path towards professional writingWhy there are “four tendencies” of human nature and not “four types”Understanding how the four tendencies makes your work and relationships betterUsing your tendencies to help move your career forwardLearning the nuances of the tendencies as well as when categorization is doing more harm than goodTechniques for narrowing down your tendency if your feel torn between defining yourself as more than oneKnowing how your personal ways of sharing information can shut off other tendencies from having healthy motivationUseful Resources Mentioned:Gretchen RubinOur 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.This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me…it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order!Guest Bio:Twitter|Facebook|InstagramGretchen Rubin is the author of several books, including the block-buster New York Times bestsellers, Outer Order, Inner Calm, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and The Four Tendencies. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She makes frequent TV appearances and is in much demand as a speaker. On her weekly podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she discusses good habits and happiness with her sister Elizabeth Craft. Rubin started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. She lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters.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.

Scott Young is the author of the soon-to-be bestselling book Ultralearning. He’s also a writer & blogger, a programmer, traveler, and as he puts it, “an avid reader of interesting things.” For the last ten years Scott has been experimenting to find out how to learn and think better. He is known for learning the 4 year curriculum at MIT (one of the toughest schools for science and technology in the world) in under 12 months without taking any classes there, he’s traveled the world and at one point challenged himself to go a year without English and in the process learned four languages in that year: Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Korean.Needless to say, Scott knows a thing or two about undertaking incredibly difficult learning challenges. And in our conversation Scott and I discuss the principles he outlines in his new book Ultralearning that you can follow to develop and master this skill and thus become better (and more effective) at learning just about anything you want or need to in order to achieve your most important goals.In today’s freelance economy where knowledge is a ubiquitous commoddity and employees are essentially disposable and replaceable within days, there is perhaps no more important skill than having the ability to learn new things quickly to adapt to the ever changing technology and landscape we face every single day. And that skill is ULTRALEARNING.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere’s What You’ll Learn:How Scott’s difficulty with learning led him to become an ultralearnerThe method that you choose to learn with will change yours resultsPushing your learning bubble of comfortWhat beliefs do you have that re keeping you from chasing your goals?Approaching meta-learning concepts for the first timeMapping out how you are going to learn a new skill rather than approaching it coldThe path towards the same goal is different for different peoplePlacing yourself in a position with an invaluable skill, so that you have a say in how you are paid, and what your time is worthUseful Resources Mentioned:ScottthYoung.comScott’s BlogUltralearningOur 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:Instagram|Twitter|FacebookScott is a writer, programmer, traveler and avid reader of interesting things. For the last ten years he’s been experimenting to find out how to learn and think better.He rose to autodidact stardom when he learned MIT’s 4-year computer science curriculum in less than twelve months. Next, he taught himself four new languages in a year. Such extreme self- improvement projects may seem outside the realm of most of our capabilities, but Young believes that the principles and methods that he and other ultralearners employ are essential tools for anyone who wants a competitive edge in the fast-changing, aggressive workplace. In ULTRALEARNING: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, Young reveals how basic strategies that he and other ultralearners embrace can give anyone the edge in organizing and executing a plan to learn something new deeply and quickly—and without teachers or tuition.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.

Fil Eisler, one of today’s busiest and most diverse award-winning composers, has projects that range from big studio action pieces and comedies to gritty independent films and hit TV shows. I know Fil from working with him on the first two seasons of ‘Empire,’ and he has since exploded onto the scene working on multiple big studio productions.In this episode Fil and I talk a bit about his slow and steady rise to being an “overnight success” as a top composer, but more importantly we dive into his personal journey as an overworked composer with a young kid who decided enough was enough. He wasn’t going to let the entertainment business slowly kill him...and he decided to fight back.Fil’s story is a true inspiration and testament to what can be accomplished no matter how busy you think you might be. He’s the hardest working person I know, yet he figured out how to introduce better health into his routine not only for his child’s sake, but for his own as well.If you want to learn what finally compelled Fil to change his priorities, his routines, and his life and how to apply these strategies to do the same for yourself, this episode won’t disappoint.https://www.instagram.com/p/BnF-C92gafK/Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Fil finds all the time to keep himself healthy and productiveThe trials of breaking into the composing gameThe project that put Fil on the map, and the twenty years it took him to get thereBeing able to master tradition musical composition as well work in an entirely digital workspaceThe unique difficulties of dealing with producers and directors while composing musicTrusting yourself and learning when it's okay to improviseNot getting overwhelmed by the big picture and distilling your tasks to whatever you have to do nextLiving productively in Hollywood with childrenUseful Resources Mentioned:Fil Eisler's InstagramOur 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:InstagramFil Eisler is one of today’s busiest and most diverse composers, with projects that range from big studio action pieces and comedies, to gritty independent films and hit television shows. He has been nominee and recipient of numerous awards including the World Soundtrack Awards New Discovery, SXSW Best Soundtrack Award and multiple BMI Awards. Eisler’s ability to understand directors’ musical intent and his flexible approach to scoring has led to numerous collaborations with Hollywood heavy-weights such as Catherine Hardwicke, Marti Noxon, Lee Daniels, Phillip Noyce, Mc G and Ben Falcone.Eisler’s music for Showtime's Emmy-winning “Shameless” earned him the BMI Film and TV Award. The same year, he also won the BMI Award as both the composer and conductor for ABC’s breakout hit drama “Revenge.” Eisler also composed the main title theme and acted as co-composer and music director for the Peabody-winning documentary, “Newtown,” for which he organized and led an all-star line-up of over a dozen Hollywood composers, who each donated a piece of music for the film. 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.

How does someone go from retiring as an NFL player with over $300,000 in the bank to offering his time and services for free (and surviving off less than $25k per year) just so he can “get his shot?” If this story sounds crazy, then you’ve haven’t met Akbar Gbajabiamila.Akbar Gbajabiamila is the host of American Ninja Warrior (alongside Matt Iseman) who is also a former NFL player for teams such as the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins, as well as the host of the NFL network’s highest rated show ‘NFL Fantasy Live.’ Akbar is also the author of the soon-to-be bestselling book “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams.”Whether you’re an athlete who aspires to be or who has already competed on Ninja Warrior, a weekend warrior who enjoys the occasional Spartan Race or triathlon, or a sedentary office worker looking for something to inspire you to get back in shape, Akbar’s story is one of the most compelling and motivating I’ve ever come across. From the outside it might appear his path to stardom just makes sense and was pretty simple, but once you break down the challenges he’s faced since the very beginning of his life growing up in ‘the hood,’ you realize Akbar’s career path is anything but ordinary.The biggest reason I’m excited about this interview and Akbar’s book is that it’s not just an inspirational story...it’s also a roadmap to help you overcome the mindsets, limiting beliefs, mental barriers, and outright excuses you might be making to stop you from pursuing something difficult and frightening.Get ready to step outside your comfort zone...because that’s where the magic happens.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Akbar got his first job in television even though he wasn't a "hall of famer"Taking a monetary loss for the sake of your ideal career planRealizing that the work you get paid more for might fail to fulfill youLearning to reject your circumstances and do what you can with what you haveCounteracting the negative narratives that you've been give about the cards you've been dealt in lifeHow to stop using the obstacles and low expectations in your life to keep yourself from improvingRecognizing when you're afraid of being successfulLearning how to accept and even take joy in failure without watering down how painful it is in the momentUseful Resources Mentioned:IAmAkbar.com Akbar Gbajabiamila's Ninja Warrior Run for Red Nose DayGO FAR Official Theatrical TrailerOur 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|InstagramAs one of television’s most compelling personalities Akbar Gbajabiamila reigns supreme as host NBC's 5-time Emmy® nominated, heart-racing obstacle course competition series American Ninja Warrior. In addition, a former NFL star player, Akbar hosts NFL Networks' highest rated show NFL Fantasy Live.His debut book “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams” will be published by Gallery Books (A division of Simon & Schuster) on May 7th of this year.Akbar is honored to leverage his formidable professional platform to inspire and motivate others as well as advocate for those in need. Currently, he serves on the board for the Asomugha Foundation, which provides pathways to college for disenfranchised youth, as well as for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He is also privileged to be a celebrity ambassador for Red Nose Day, which since its inception in 2015 raised more than $150 million dollars to fight child poverty. Moreover, Akbar is a strong proponent of financial literacy, lending his time and energy to educating young people and pro athletes.Akbar grew up in hard-scrabble South Central LA, one of seven children of Nigerian immigrants. A solid family foundation coupled with a natural athletic ability made him a stand-out high school student athlete, excelling in both basketball and football. Akbar went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies, while attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship and then spent five years in the NFL as a linebacker and defensive end with the Oakland Raiders, Chargers (San Diego), and Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2008.Akbar began his broadcasting career while still playing for the Chargers as a contributor to KLSD 1360 AM and as a co-host for Football Night in San Diego (NBC 7). He went on to serve as an analyst on the MountainWest Sports Network (formerly mtn.) and CBS Sports before joining the NFL Network.He and his wife live in Los Angeles where they are raising their family.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.

Today’s episode is part 2 of two-part case study (click here for part 1) that dives deep into the question that plagues so many trying to land their dream job in scripted entertainment:To assist, or not to assist: That is the question!In part 2 of this case study I chat with Wellington Harrison, an assistant editor with nine years experience in the post-production industry who’s worked across multiple genres and formats from drama to animation and beyond. Wellington is a unique case study in that he originally came from a completely different industry - architecture - and has been forging his own path to success in Hollywood ever since.After working with Wellington for 12 weeks in my one-on-one career coaching & mentorship program, Wellington has confidently come to the conclusion that at this point, the route that makes the most sense for him to build a fulfilling career and lead a happy life is pursuing work as an editor in independent features.There is no set path we can follow to success in our industry, but it is possible to design your own unique path if you know the right questions to ask and the right steps to follow. My purpose for sharing this case study with you is to demonstrate how Wellington designed his own path so you can then apply what you learn to your own journey.Here's What You'll Learn:Wellington's beginning in marketing and his journey through different industriesFighting film industry impostor syndromeThere is no correct or incorrect step towards your goal, only the one that you are able to makeDesigning your own career path through the industryRespecting your own journey to the work you want to be doingClarity's essential role in making sure your goals are achievableFinding the perfect goal using the "Goldilocks Principle"Useful Resources Mentioned:How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James ClearTo Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 1) | with Chris CavanaghOur 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|InstagramWith nine years experience in Post Production as an Assistant Editor, Wellington Harrison has actively pursued projects across multiple genres and formats. From Drama to Animation, Wellington continues to contribute with one overarching goal: To tell good stories that resonate with audiences. “In Post Production there are always multiple ways to achieve results. As Editors, it is our mission to be open and fearlessly take risks in order to tell the best story each and every time.” Wellington is a member of the Motion Picture Editor’s Guild and The Los Angeles Post Production Group.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.

Today’s episode is part 1 of two-part case study (click here for part 2) that dives deep into the question that plagues so many trying to land their dream job in scripted entertainment:To assist, or not to assist: That is the question!In part 1 of this case study I chat with Chris Cavanagh, a television and film editor who specializes in long-form unscripted storytelling. He’s worked on numerous shows in the docuseries, true crime, and reality spaces, and two years ago he moved from New York City to Los Angeles to make the terrifying transition from unscripted to scripted.Despite having an extensive resume of popular shows for top networks, Chris found it incredibly difficult to make the transition from unscripted to scripted because most in Hollywood unfairly believe that “People who do unscripted work can’t do scripted.” After working with Chris for 12 weeks in my one-on-one career coaching & mentorship program, Chris has officially made the transition into scripted television. He even landed the gig as my assistant editor on Cobra Kai, and he’s now moving onto one of the editorial teams for Star Trek: Discovery.There is no set path we can follow to success in our industry, but it is possible to design your own unique path if you know the right questions to ask and the right steps to follow. My purpose for sharing this case study with you is to demonstrate how Chris designed his own path so you can then apply what you learn to your own journey.Here's What You'll Learn:How Chris and Zack came to work with each otherApproaching networking in a way that isn't arrogant or anxiety-inducingWays in which creativity is birthed from necessityOvercoming the "non-scripted editors don't understand scripted work" mindestRespecting yourself and accepting career set-backs in order to find a better ladder to climbMaking a commitment to a goal is the difference succeeding and failingHow to pitch yourself confidently and avoid language that makes you sound unprofessionalUseful Resources Mentioned:The Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris VisserFeeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David MeadTo Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 2) | with Wellington Harrison"Give & Take" by Adam GrantChrisCavanagh.netOur 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|LinkedInChris Cavanagh is a television and film editor/ assistant editor with a passion for long-form story-telling. His job is to help bring stories to life on screen. It’s not just what-he-does-for-work. He creates human emotion for a living. As an editor it is his responsibility to engage the viewer in every moment from start to finish.He recently transitioned to scripted TV as an assistant editor for Season 2 of the hit show Cobra Kai to pursue his passion for editing scripted content.He is excellent at collaborating and more importantly establishing trust, because working with people is one of the most satisfying facets of his career.He specializes in drama because he loves exploring human motivation at its core and throughout every complex layer. Story shows us why people do something, or do not. And getting the story right is all about nailing the emotion.When he is not editing, he is playing with his two kids, or he is cooking dinner with his wife, or he is attempting to complete one of the 7,942 daily tasks required to exist as both a professional and a parent in 21st century Los Angeles.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.

Have you ever wanted be a fly on the wall in the edit suite of a high profile tv show to see what it’s really like working in the trenches?Have you ever wondered what it takes to get the attention of high profile producers and showrunners so you can build a relationship with them and possibly work on their shows someday?And if you do land the job working with your dream creators, have you ever wondered what steps you can take to not only do a great job but also build relationships for life so you are always invited to work on future projects?All these questions are answered (and a lot more) in my interview with Cobra Kai creators and showrunners Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg.In this episode we have a candid no-topics-off-limits conversation about the realities of editing and collaborating on a show like Cobra Kai. We discuss how in the world the Karate Kid saga ended up becoming a hit series on YouTube of all places, the psychology I used to land myself this job not having any previous relationships with Jon, Josh, or Hayden, and we also dive deep into the creative process on the show including managing the tight schedule, why then insisted on sending hundreds of pages of notes for every cut (and how I prioritized that work with the other obligations in my life), and ultimately what showrunners and producers are looking for in potential talent they might hire for future projects.If you want to work in scripted television or features someday, this is a masterclass on the psychology of networking and building relationships with high profile producers.Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How John, Josh, and Hayden pivoted from Harold and Kumar and American Pie to furthering the Karate Kid sagaWhy now is the perfect time for Cobra Kai to exist"Knowing what you want" as healthy alternative to perfectionismLearning who to trust when being given feedback on your workAdapting to the storytelling language of your showrunners in the edit bayHow you should be interviewing your interviewerAdjusting to the unique flow of your creative relationship with new executivesFinding the BEST story instead of clinging to ideas just because they're yoursKnowing when it's healthy for you to throw your creative instincts into the mixWhy you should be watching Cobra Kai Season 2!Useful Resources Mentioned:Click here to watch Cobra Kai Season 2Our 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:Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg have been close friends since they were teenagers. Their first collaboration together is YouTube Premium’s runaway hit COBRA KAI, the Karate Kid spinoff series that picks up decades after the original film ends. Heald, Hurwitz, and Schlossberg are the creators and showrunners of the series. They wrote and directed the bulk of the first and second seasons.Josh Heald is best known for creating and writing the cult classic, Hot Tub Time Machine – for which he earned the inaugural Comedy Award for Best Screenplay – and the sequel, Hot Tub Time Machine 2. He has produced and developed pilots across many networks and platforms.Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg are the writing/directing/producing team behind New Line Cinema's Harold & Kumar franchise. They penned Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, which garnered a legion of fans and was launched to immediate cult status. Two sequels followed: 2008’s Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, which became Hurwitz & Schlossberg’s feature directorial debut, and 2011’s A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. In 2012, they wrote and directed American Reunion for Universal Pictures, and worked again for the studio in 2018, producing the hit comedy Blockers.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.

Rose Wetzel is a 2-time American Ninja Warrior finalist, a professional obstacle course racer, a personal trainer, and a new mom (as if she wasn’t running around enough already). She has spent her whole life pursuing athletic endeavors including trying out for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials (coming just seconds short of making it), and she has literally run hundreds of Spartan races and other brands of obstacle course racing in her career. She is so good that she actually makes a living as a professional racer, something very few are able to accomplish.Rose and I chat today not about what it’s like being a kick-ass elite-level obstacle course racer (even though she is indeed a badass), but instead she and I discuss what it takes for someone who wants to run their very first Spartan race. Beyond just the physical side of training (which we touch upon), we dive much deeper into the mindset you need to develop to get over the fears and apprehensions that so many people face when thinking about registering for an event they most likely aren’t capable of finishing...YET. We talk about how to set the right goals and create a “Diversified Portfolio of Motivations” so no matter how you perform at the race (or during any given day of training) you are set up for success instead of failure. And we talk about how to focus on small progressions every single day rather than much larger goals.If you’ve ever been on the fence and thought to yourself, “Man it sure would be cool to run something like a Spartan Race, but I’m not ready yet. Maybe SOMEDAY…” then this is the conversation to inspire you to get off the couch and onto the course!Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeHere's What You'll Learn:How Rose became one of the top female obstacle course racers in the worldLearning to enjoy pushing yourself out of your comfort zoneReminding yourself that everyone has improvements to makeThe importance of focus and a dedicated mindset in a sport like obstacle course racingConfronting your fear by breaking daunting tasks into bite-sized piecesRose's race injury and how she pushed through the pain to finish despite itPlanning and preparing for your obstacles before they surprise youSetting performance goals, not weight goalsSign up for the race first, then let your fear drive you to prepare you for itUseful Resources Mentioned:RoseWetzel.comStackit Mamas Facebook PageOur 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|InstagramGrowing up in Seattle in a family of nine kids (could you imagine?!), Rose loved the feeling of running outside after tackling piles of dishes and laundry. Her love for running grew, and it landed her a track scholarship at Georgetown, where she met wonderful women she still calls her best friends, over a decade later. After college, Rose fulfilled a childhood dream of working at a summer camp before starting her own personal training business in order to encourage others to reach their health and fitness goals, while she tried to make the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. After coming up a couple seconds short in the 800 meters (half mile), Rose took a friend’s advice and tried a totally new challenge – an obstacle course race!A perfect match for her running background, strength skills, and love of adventure, Rose became a professional obstacle course racer (thanks to sponsors like Clif Bar), running up mountains in Spartan Races around the country and flying through obstacles on the hit show American Ninja Warrior.A year and a half ago, Rose and Tim, her husband, welcomed Baby Taylor Joi into the world, and after moving from Seattle to Boulder for more mountains and Ninja gym training options a couple months later, Rose battled post-partum depression for many months, finally emerging from the condition mentally stronger than ever. Her physical fitness recently caught up as she started the Spartan season strong last month, finishing Top 3 at the first Spartan National Series race, just one minute behind the reigning Spartan World Champion. She looks to race hard all year and inspire the moms out there to continue to chase their dreams if they so desire, and remember to make self-care a priority, through her Stackit Mamas program for new moms.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.