Good Work with Barrett Brooks

Jenny Wood, former Google exec turned NYT bestselling author and coach, blends leadership experience with writing on ambition and identity. She talks about trading relentless striving for aligned living. Conversations touch on flying and flow, obsession versus ease, quitting a secure career, parenting and presence, and building a new work mix that supports more freedom.

Jon McCormack, an environmental and tech leader who helped build the iPhone camera and founded schools in Kenya, reflects on a life bridging art and engineering. He talks about moving past camera snobbery, how photography fuels environmental stewardship, the unseen work behind meaningful images, and using technology to democratize storytelling. Short, reflective, and full of wonder.

Sam Vander Wielen, entrepreneur and author who turned legal expertise into a business for creators. She talks about grief colliding with success, how a food blog sparked a pivot from law, and the role of community and place in rebuilding life. Conversations cover survival strategies, nervous-system tools, customer-led product building, hiring for impact, and signing a book deal amid loss.

Tiago Forte, entrepreneur and creator of Building a Second Brain, shares a personal journey from productivity systems to somatic healing and life redesign. He talks about chronic pain prompting emotional work, choosing to wind down a successful business, relocating for family and presence, and how AI, community, and midlife shifts reshape meaning and creative priorities.

Michael Gendler, co-founder of UltraSpeaking and public speaking coach, shares his journey from a shy immigrant to a confident communicator. He unpacks the importance of self-acceptance over relentless striving, revealing how grit can transform into a cage. Listeners will learn about the power of flow in high-stakes communication, the psychological blocks that hold people back, and techniques for memorable speaking. Gendler's insights challenge traditional public speaking advice, emphasizing inner confidence and emotional connection over polished performance.

In a rich conversation, Parker Palmer, an 86-year-old author and activist, shares his journey from academia to community organizing and the profound insights he's gained along the way. He discusses the importance of solitude and inner work, especially during times of burnout. Parker highlights his belief that our hearts can break open to greater capacity rather than shattering with rage. He also emphasizes the value of authentic community and the role of nature in providing perspective. This dialogue reveals how deep reflection can inform our vocation and foster social change.

Jeff Sheldon, the designer and founder of Ugmonk, shares his journey of prioritizing craft over scale. He reveals why he declined a Shark Tank opportunity, emphasizing the importance of staying true to his vision. Sheldon discusses his creative roots from childhood and how perfectionism has shaped his work ethic. He delves into the emotional costs of mastery, the role of his supportive wife, and the deeper meaning behind his designs. Ultimately, he advocates for creating meaningful products that enhance daily life without sacrificing personal values.

In this conversation, Dr. Emily Anhalt, a clinical psychologist and founder of COA, dives into the hidden grief often carried by high achievers. She reveals how growing up in Silicon Valley shaped her understanding of success and emotion, and she reframes ADHD as a strength rather than a stigma. Emily discusses why traditional therapy may not suffice for high performers and explores the intersection of unresolved grief and ambition. She emphasizes the importance of emotional fitness, therapy’s role in growth, and building supportive communities amidst the pressures of success.

Mark Manson, bestselling author of The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F***, shares insights from his journey through success, loneliness, and personal fulfillment. He discusses the value of community and faith in combating feelings of isolation, and how deep friendships require sincerity over status. Mark reflects on the burnout of traditional media and his decision to focus on genuine creativity. He also highlights the importance of enjoying one's work and pursuing what truly matters in life, even when facing societal pressures.

In this engaging chat, National Geographic photographer Ami Vitale shares her incredible journey from a shy kid to a renowned visual storyteller. She reveals how embracing photography gave her a voice and transformed her approach to life. Ami discusses the emotional weight of conflict reporting and her pivotal decision to shift towards wildlife and hope. With captivating stories from her travels, she highlights the importance of community and dignity in storytelling, reminding us that wildlife narratives are deeply connected to humanity.