The New Rules Podcast

For years, we've talked about purpose, leadership, identity, resilience, faith, and human flourishing. In this final episode of the Magnum Opus series, Adrian Crawford and Bri explore what it means to become "one of one" in a world built on comparison, conformity, and endless noise. From the rise of anxiety and fragmentation to the future of human development, this conversation dives into why authenticity isn't self-expression—it's integration. They discuss: Why modern life is creating fragmented people The difference between information and wisdom The cost of becoming your authentic self Why resilience matters more than ever The danger of bitterness Building a life that echoes beyond your lifetime The future of human flourishing This episode also marks the conclusion of this season of The New Rules Podcast as the team shifts its focus toward building the next chapter of their mission. If Magnum Opus has impacted you, share it with someone who needs it.   Pre-Order the Book Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co       If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.   For Libsyn:   More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 Introduction 01:18 Euphoria & Terror 04:54 Why We're Pausing The Podcast 07:02 The Problem With Constant Content 11:19 Magnum Opus As A Lifetime Work 16:03 Building Something World-Changing 21:23 Information vs Embodiment 24:15 Why Wisdom Is The Future 28:13 The Unreasonable People Who Change The World 31:20 Human Beings Are Fragmented 34:21 Why We're Building Authenticity 38:49 The Age Of Authenticity 44:18 Let Your Life Speak 48:41 The Pain Of Becoming Authentic 50:30 Discovery, Art & Transformation 55:14 What Echoes Into Eternity 57:13 You Are The Masterpiece 59:02 Don't Quit 01:01:20 Don't Get Bitter 01:04:58 Gratitude & Resilience 01:06:34 Rebellion Against The Status Quo 01:09:01 Magnum Opus Launch Announcement 01:10:17 Final Thoughts  

  What happens when a person becomes more committed to the persona than the person underneath it? In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian Crawford and Bri explore the tension between authenticity, fame, identity, art, culture, leadership, and emotional pain. Using Drake, Justin Bieber, Sam Altman, Jay-Z, and Søren Kierkegaard as case studies, they unpack how people create personas to survive pain — and what it takes to create a life that truly matters. This conversation dives deep into: Why people dissociate from themselves The emotional cost of fame and influence Drake's "villain era" and what it reveals about modern culture Why responsibility is essential for growth Art as therapy, meaning, and legacy The danger of creating for applause instead of truth How technology, AI, and power reshape identity The role suffering plays in becoming authentic What it means to make your life a work of art Why slowing down and reflecting matters more than ever This is a conversation about becoming who you actually are — not who the world rewards you for pretending to be. If this episode resonates with you, share it with someone who's wrestling with identity, purpose, creativity, or growth. #NewRulesPodcast #Authenticity #Drake #JustinBieber #SamAltman #Leadership #PersonalGrowth #Art #Identity #Culture #JayZ   Pre-Order the Book Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co   If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules. 00:00 – Welcome Back: The Art of Becoming One of One 01:09 – Drake's "Villain Era" & Emotional Disassociation 03:17 – Why Fame Doesn't Heal Insecurity 05:14 – Growing Up vs Staying Adolescent 07:19 – Responsibility, Masculinity & Modern Culture 13:54 – What Disassociation Actually Is 16:07 – Personas, Acceptance & Social Media Identity 19:08 – Justin Bieber, Healing & Facing Pain Publicly 23:05 – Let's Make Art 24:26 – Sam Altman, AI & Power Without Humanity 26:34 – Creating for Applause vs Creating for Meaning 28:25 – Adrian's Favorite Piece of Art: Jay-Z's Black Album 31:00 – Søren Kierkegaard & the Loneliness of Thinkers 35:07 – Making Your Own Life a Work of Art 36:14 – Rethinking Faith, Politics & Culture 41:02 – Becoming a Father to a Generation 43:20 – Architecture, Systems & Building Movements 46:18 – How to Start Reflecting on Your Own Life 49:19 – Final Challenge: What Bothers You Reveals You  

Most people think pressure is punishment. But what if pressure is actually the thing forming you into who you were created to become? In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian Crawford and Bri unpack the hidden relationship between pressure, belief, purpose, resilience, depression, faith, and becoming "one of one." They explore why pressure reveals what's already inside of you, why counterfeit people avoid resistance, and why greatness is impossible without pain, refinement, and internal transformation. This conversation dives deep into: Why belief matters under pressure The mental battle behind leadership How pressure reveals insecurity and purpose Why resilience is disappearing in modern culture The difference between counterfeit and authentic people Depression, hopelessness, and fighting for meaning Why becoming "one of one" requires fire If you're in a season where life feels heavy, uncertain, or overwhelming — this episode is for you.   Pre-Order the Book Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co       If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.   More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 – Pressure Will Crush You Without Belief 00:00:22 – Welcome Back to The New Rules Podcast 00:01:07 – Why Pressure Feels Like Punishment 00:02:46 – Raising Capital & Fear of the Unknown 00:04:03 – Delusion, Vision & Belief 00:05:17 – Pressure Builds or Crushes You 00:06:16 – What Should You Believe In? 00:07:05 – Kobe Bryant & Delusional Confidence 00:08:15 – Why Belief Attracts People 00:09:53 – Can Hard Things Be Enjoyable? 00:11:15 – Pressure Reveals the Real You 00:12:21 – The Story Adrian's Father Taught Him About Pressure 00:13:52 – What To Do With Unfair Pressure 00:15:12 – "Just Get Up and Don't Quit" 00:16:45 – Why Pressure Creates One-of-One People 00:17:37 – Burning the Boats 00:19:29 – The Internal War of Pressure 00:20:32 – How To Fight Hopeless Thoughts 00:22:29 – The Toughness Required To Live Fully 00:24:11 – How To Know If You're Facing the Right Pressure 00:28:24 – Faith Is Refined Through Pressure 00:29:07 – Counterfeit People Avoid Resistance 00:31:17 – Fake Jordans & Authenticity 00:33:04 – Adrian's High School Pressure Story 00:34:37 – The Bear, Expectations & Standards 00:38:27 – Depression, Purpose & Transformation 00:41:12 – Why Pain Is Necessary To Become One of One 00:42:17 – Why Magnum Opus Matters 00:44:16 – Keep Writing the Rules  

What if the most important decision you ever make isn't about your career, your goals, or your next move — but about who you let close enough to speak into your life? EPISODE OVERVIEW In this episode, BRI and PAC dig into the Dream Team chapter from PAC's book Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One — a deeply practical, architectural look at the five people every person needs in their corner to actually become who they're meant to be. This isn't a conversation about having friends. It's a conversation about building a board. And the difference between those two things might be exactly what's been missing. KEY THEMES EXPLORED Why hyper-individualism is a lie we've been sold — the best leaders are built in community, not in isolation Proximity breeds intimacy: why online mentors and thought leaders can't replace people who actually know you The five Dream Team archetypes: The Encourager, The Truth Teller, The Covenant Friend, The Specialist, and The Wise Sage What it really means to have a Covenant Friend — someone who doesn't love your potential, they love your person The difference between knowledge and wisdom — and why you need a Wise Sage who gives generously without needing credit Why you can predict someone's future by who has access into their life — and what that means for the relationships you're maintaining right now Dating apps, courage, and what in-person vulnerability has to do with the kind of person you're becoming   WHY IT MATTERS You can't become one of one in isolation. Every masterpiece is shaped by the hands that had access to it. The people you let into your life aren't just your support system — they are actively shaping your ceiling. This episode gives you the language and the framework to audit your circle, fill the gaps, and start showing up as the kind of person worth having on someone else's Dream Team. CLOSING INVITATION Your Dream Team isn't just a list — it's a mirror. Adrian and Bri don't just describe these archetypes. They name them, challenge you, and make you feel every gap. If this episode made you think about someone specific — reach out to them this week. That's the whole point. New episodes of the New Rules Podcast drop every Wednesday. Don't miss one. Pre-Order the Book This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One. Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co   If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules 00:00 - Intro 00:19 - The Giggles 01:06 - BRI Downloads Hinge 11:49 - Dream Team — Intro 13:02 - The Book: You Can Predict Someone's Future 15:24 - Online Mentors vs. People Who Know You 17:47 - Proximity Breeds Intimacy 23:10 - Why Trust Is Contagious 31:46 - Archetype 1: The Encourager 34:51 - Archetype 2: The Truth Teller 41:54 - Archetype 3: The Covenant Friend 46:09 - Archetype 4: The Specialist 52:21 - Archetype 5: The Wise Sage 57:04 - Honor, Wisdom & Harrison Ford 1:01:11 - Closing Thoughts

In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked concepts in personal growth: The return on investment of your character. Everyone understands investing money. Very few understand investing in who they're becoming. This conversation explores: Why doing the right thing often feels like losing The fear of being taken advantage of What it really costs to grow in character Why high-character people operate on a different scoreboard How long-term trust becomes your greatest return If you've ever questioned whether it's worth it to stay consistent, stay disciplined, or stay true to your values… this episode is for you.   Pre-Order the Book Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co     If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   0:00 – The tension between intention and direction 2:00 – Honest check-in: how we're really doing 3:00 – The Rule of 77 explained 5:00 – Investing in character vs investing in money 6:30 – What does ROI in character actually look like? 10:30 – Real example: letting someone go for their growth 13:30 – Why character growth feels painful 16:00 – Trust as the real return 20:00 – Fear of being taken advantage of 23:00 – You're playing a different game 26:00 – The problem with modern definitions of "winning" 27:00 – Purpose: everything to do with you, nothing to do with you 29:00 – Practical challenge: living out your values daily  

The Search for What's Real in a Noisy World In this episode, we start with culture—Coachella, music, nostalgia—and end up somewhere deeper: the state of the world, identity, and why so many people feel exhausted, confused, and disconnected right now. We explore: Why culture feels like it's repeating itself The tension between authenticity and performance How AI and information overload are reshaping how we think Why people are craving depth, simplicity, and truth The emotional and mental toll of constantly trying to "figure out what's real" How chaos and pressure can actually create clarity and purpose This conversation is for anyone who feels like: The world has gotten noisier It's harder to trust what's real Creativity feels harder than it used to Or you're trying to rediscover what actually matters We don't just talk about the problem—we point toward a path forward: simplify, think deeper, and build something real.   Pre-Order the Book Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co     If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 – Intro 01:25 – The Reality of Building Something New 03:24 – Fear, Risk, and Starting Again 05:06 – What Actually Makes It Worth It 06:17 – Coachella, Culture & Creative Trends 08:18 – Sabrina Carpenter vs Bieber: Performance vs Authenticity 10:20 – Kanye, Influence & Creative Genius 14:14 – Why Culture Matters More Than You Think 15:24 – Are People Craving Simplicity Again? 19:52 – The Problem With Comparison in Culture 21:00 – Nostalgia & Why 2016 Still Hits 23:20 – Why Everyone Feels Exhausted Now 25:08 – The Shift in Global Reality 26:07 – The Next Era of Creativity 28:08 – Artists vs Entrepreneurs: The Tension 30:14 – Selling Ideas vs Living Them 32:03 – Why Wisdom Is the Missing Piece 34:37 – Leadership, Trust & Disillusionment 38:59 – AI, Power & The Future of Creation 40:04 – "I'm Tired of trying to figure Out What's Real" 42:12 – Pressure Reveals What Actually Matters 43:18 – Why You Should Go All In 44:13 – Simplifying Your Life & Thinking Deeper 46:14 – Stop Consuming, Start Thinking 47:06 – Curiosity, Creativity & Following Ideas 48:37 – Final Thoughts  

The world is changing faster than most people are prepared for. AI is reshaping the workforce. The pressure is increasing. And a lot of people feel stuck trying to keep up. But the real issue isn't what's happening around you. It's who you're becoming in response to it. In this episode, we break down why toughness, resilience, and adaptability are becoming the most valuable traits you can build—and why most people are avoiding them. We talk about: Why toughness is misunderstood in today's culture The difference between toxic environments and necessary pressure How AI is creating opportunity (not just fear) Why confidence is built through doing hard things What separates people who adapt… from those who fall behind If you've been feeling stuck or unsure of your next move—this episode will challenge you. Because the truth is: The world isn't slowing down. You just have to become someone who can keep up.   Pre-Order the Book This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One. Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 – Intro: The World Is Changing Fast 02:00 – What You Can Control 04:30 – Fear + Future Planning 06:30 – AI + Job Market Shift 09:30 – Opportunity in AI 10:45 – "Toxic Culture" Debate 12:00 – Why Toughness Matters 14:30 – Finding Yourself Is Hard 17:00 – Comfort vs Weakness 18:45 – Growth = Pain 20:30 – Confidence Comes From Action 22:30 – Building Toughness Daily 25:00 – Discipline (Athletes & Military) 27:00 – Pressure + Leadership 30:00 – Loving the Process 32:30 – Suffering Builds Connection 34:00 – Resilience Is Learnable 35:30 – Discomfort vs Danger 37:00 – What Real Toughness Is 40:00 – Emotional vs Physical Strength 43:00 – Handling Criticism 45:00 – Strength + Wisdom 46:30 – The Most Valuable Skill 48:00 – Creators vs Consumers 49:30 – Adapting to Change 50:30 – Being Present 51:30 – Who Will Win Next 53:00 – Final Challenge

What if the thing you're chasing… is the thing that will expose you? In a world obsessed with visibility, scale, and opportunity, we rarely stop to ask a better question: Are we actually ready for what we're asking for? This episode explores the idea of "little rooms"—the unseen, often overlooked seasons where real formation happens. Before the spotlight. Before the platform. Before the moment. There's a process. And most people try to skip it.     In this conversation, we unpack: Why the spotlight doesn't build you—it reveals you The danger of chasing exposure without formation How constraints actually unlock creativity Why small, unseen seasons matter more than big moments The tension between scaling and staying authentic What it really means to become before you perform     This isn't just about leadership. It's about identity. Because the real question isn't: "How do I get there faster?" It's: "Who am I becoming on the way?"     Whether you're leading, building, creating, or simply trying to stay grounded in a fast-moving world—this conversation is for you.   More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules  To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader! LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules 00:00 – Intro 02:12 – Entering the Creative Zone 03:06 – Creativity & Advancing Humanity 06:04 – Introducing "Little Rooms" 08:37 – Why This Chapter Matters 14:15 – Leaving Breadcrumbs for Others 16:22 – The Power of Humble Beginnings 17:46 – Constraints Create Creativity 18:53 – Outkast & "Little Rooms" Origin 22:12 – "Lightning in a Bottle" 24:19 – Regret & Presence 25:01 – Honoring the Process 28:59 – Spotlight Reveals You 30:12 – Skill vs Exposure 31:48 – Discovering Your Strengths 32:08 – Scaling vs Creativity Tension 34:26 – What Happens When You "Make It" 38:06 – Reading: Freedom of the Basement 39:24 – Become vs Perform 40:28 – Being Present in the Process 43:06 – Your Scoreboard Matters 44:41 – Scaling Without Losing Yourself 47:18 – Conviction Through Formation 49:02 – Authenticity vs Opportunity 50:41 – Writing New Rules 52:22 – Building the Next Generation 55:02 – Legacy Over Success 59:03 – Final Charge: Don't Despise the Little Rooms

What if the decisions you're making… aren't actually yours? In this episode, we unpack a question that exposes the hidden forces shaping your life:   👉 "If you failed… what's the one phone call you wouldn't want to make?" Because behind your ambition, hesitation, and even your success…there may be a voice you've never confronted. We explore: Why most people are driven by voices they don't even recognize  How fear disguises itself as ambition, caution, or even humility The story of a CEO whose decisions were being shaped by something deeper Why high performers still feel stuck or paralyzed under pressure How past experiences quietly control present decisions This is a deep dive into: Identity vs. conditioning  Awareness vs. autopilot Truth vs. internal narratives We also unpack: The "echo" inside your mind and how it forms Why self-awareness is the foundation of leadership How to separate your voice from fear, trauma, and expectation The cost of not doing internal work And why clarity starts with asking better questions   🧠 The Exercise Take 10–15 minutes. No distractions. Ask yourself:  👉 "If I failed… who is the one person I wouldn't want to call?" Then go deeper: Why them? What would they think? When did that fear start? How has it shaped my decisions?   This is where the work begins.   Pre-Order the Book This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One.   Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co   If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.   More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 – The question that exposes everything  00:20 – Intro + Oscars conversation  02:30 – Ambition vs ego  05:30 – Authenticity vs image  08:00 – Discipline behind greatness  11:00 – Enter "The Chisel"  12:00 – The one phone call question  13:30 – The CEO story (breakdown moment)  16:00 – Pressure, identity, and leadership  18:00 – Perfection vs uncertainty  20:00 – The hidden voice behind decisions  22:30 – Most people aren't aware of it  24:00 – Becoming self-aware  26:00 – Fear, shame, and past experiences  27:30 – What's actually shaping you  30:00 – Personal example (father + identity)  31:30 – The "echo" in your mind  33:00 – Why success requires emptying yourself  36:00 – The truth about sacrifice  38:00 – How to separate your voice  40:00 – The exercise explained  43:00 – This isn't about blame  45:00 – Clarity and alignment  47:30 – Final challenge

What if the rise of astrology, "manifestation," and modern spirituality isn't random… but a response to something deeper?  In this episode, we dive into a conversation most people are afraid to have: Why are so many people turning to "magic" right now?  Is it really about spirituality… or something else?  Are we actually searching for identity, control, and purpose in the wrong places? And what's the difference between faith, self-discovery… and subtle forms of control?     This isn't a surface-level conversation. It's raw, honest, and explores the tension between: Faith vs. control  Identity vs. illusion  Truth vs. what feels true We also unpack:  The rise of astrology and "witch culture"  How social media has shaped identity and distorted self-perception Why humans are wired to seek something beyond themselves The tension between curiosity, superstition, and control  And whether we're all, in some way… living under a "spell"    Pre-Order the Book   Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co    More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader! LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 – Intro & setting the stage 02:40 – "We're building something that doesn't exist yet" 04:40 – How social media reshaped identity 05:30 – Why people are turning to the supernatural 07:10 – Would that make Christians "magicians"? 12:00 – Why people are drawn to astrology 14:00 – It all comes back to control 16:00 – The desire to "become the source" 20:40 – Control, anxiety, and modern habits 25:00 – Superstition, obsession, and faith  35:30 – Faith vs. controlling outcomes  52:00 – Are we living under a "spell"?