Hot Seat Friday: How to grow your business outside the social media grind

In this mini-episode, I unpack my 2198-word “old man yells at cloud” rant about how algorithms are the new cigarettes, diving into the sighs, huzzahs, and head scratches it sparked while exploring our global dilemma of knowing social media is engineered to farm our attention and fuel tribalism, rage, envy, jealousy, shame, inadequacy, and over-consumption, yet still relying on it for community, connection, and “what’s the haps,” leading into my mission for part two of this series where I break down how I’m reshaping my relationship with technology as a content consumer through my rules, boundaries, and guardrails rooted in digital essentialism so I can extract genuine value without this toxic ecosystem costing me my soul.If you enjoyed this article and you don't want to miss my future essays, my actionable insights, and my soapbox rants about navigating the world as analog humans in today's digital hellscape, make sure to subscribe at zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

In today's conversation with my longtime student and even a former team member, Julie Fahrbach, we talk all about her relationship with social media and it's very complicated, both as a content consumer and a content creator. This conversation was born from my recent article Algorithms are the new cigarettes. Julie opens up about her current crossroads, asking whether she can throw social media in the trash can and still grow her business, and what it really means to build sustainably without getting pulled back into the feed.Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?→ Click here to learn more about The Arnold Academy coaching & mentorship programSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

Hey, there, it's Zack. Remember me? Well, if you've been a long time listener and follower of The Zack Arnold Podcast, of my newsletter, or even a member of The Arnold Academy, you've probably been wondering the last couple of months, what in the world is going on and where is the podcast?Well, the shorter answer is, I have a much longer answer to that question that I'm going to be explaining in my upcoming article series on Substack, and today is going to be the first of those articles, and this is going to be a mini episode that is going to be the reading of my latest article that is titled, Algorithms are the new cigarettes. Is it possible to quit cold turkey? Now if you enjoyed this article and you don't want to miss my future essays, my actionable insights, and frankly, my soapbox rants about navigating the world as analog humans in today's digital hellscape, make sure to subscribe at zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

What do you do when the life and career you’ve built no longer work for you?In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Holtzman, a former reality TV editor turned therapist, now life coach, who helps creatives and entrepreneurs release imposter syndrome and step into the next chapter of their careers. Together we share our own pivots and life quakes, and what it really takes to keep moving one step at a time. If you’re frozen in fear, stuck in the messy middle, or wishing life could go back to “normal,” this episode offers comfort, clarity, and the reminder you don’t have to do it alone.Key TakeawaysDiscern where your cheese has moved. The story of chasing cheese is a reminder that the old path may no longer serve you.Embrace pivots as part of the path. Change can feel like failure, but it is often the exact step toward alignment and renewal.Start with the smallest silly step. Action leads to motivation, not the other way around. Even tiny wins unlock momentum.Episode HighlightsParallel pivots that sparked a reunion and deeper conversationLife in the before times versus surviving the after timesUnlocking journaling as a hidden practice of reflectionReimagine identity by shifting from one brand to the nextLearn how to stop chasing the wrong cheese and pivot with courageFear, scarcity, and the power of “you’re not alone right now”Face fear in your pivot and discover what opens on the other sideFind inspiration in real stories of clients choosing courage in chaosHow to build momentum with small silly steps that spark motivationCalm fear and create clarity through journaling dialoguesRecommended Next EpisodeNavigating the Messy Middle of a Career Pivot | with Sandy Zimmerman🎧 Listen on [Apple Podcast] [Spotify] [Amazon Music]Useful ResourcesWho Moved My CheesePivot with PurposeWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioAnna Holtzman is a therapist-turned-coach who helps sensitive creatives and entrepreneurs move through the fear of visibility and finally launch the work that feels most true to them. After 15 years in TV and publishing—and many false starts on her own creative dreams—burnout and chronic pain led her to the nervous system tools that helped her unblock her voice and show up for the work she loves. Now she helps others do the same: melt through imposter syndrome, bring their creative visions to life, and share them boldly. She lives in Queens, NY with her husband, stepdaughter, and three orange cats, and she hosts the podcast How to Trust Yourself.Anna’s Website, Instagram, Email, Podcast, WorkshopShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

What if the emotions you’ve been taught to hide are actually the key to deeper connection?In this episode, I’m joined by Sunil Joseph, mindfulness instructor, empathy coach, and former software developer. Sunil’s mission is to help us normalize all emotions so we can better process what we feel and connect more authentically with others. In our conversation, he guides me through this practice in real time, showing how naming and expressing emotions can shift everything. If you’ve ever struggled to understand or work through your feelings, this episode will give you tools to turn toward them instead of pushing them away.Key TakeawaysShared humanity makes vulnerability safe. When you show your struggles, you create space for someone else to meet you with compassion.Prioritize emotional resonance over intellectual empathy. Understanding a person’s need at an emotional level changes the way they respond, making your interactions more effective.Balance logic and emotion to move forward. While logic reminds you of past successes, emotion brings fear; acknowledging both without judgment enables growth and action.Episode HighlightsWhen your dream life makes you unhappy, learn to chase meaning instead of following expectations.Learn to face hidden childhood wounds to understand your present and unlock freedom.Master the four steps of nonviolent communication (NVC): what happened, your feelings, your needs, and your requests.The power of shared humanity that turns empathy and vulnerability into daily practice and real connection.Learn the universal needs in NVC and stop confusing it with strategies, so you can meet what truly matters without blaming others.Understanding emotional needs builds real connection, but it takes consistent, lifelong practice.Use mindfulness to bridge the gap between stimulus and response, giving you space to choose your reaction.Discover how NVC revealed hidden feelings and unmet needs from my personal “ouch” moment.Serve the purpose, not the title: Skills are most powerful when aligned with the work or calling that matters to you.Recommended Next EpisodeEmotional Intelligence: What It Is, How to Improve Yours, and How It Makes You a Better Creative | with Robin HillsThe Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth GillihanUseful ResourcesLisa FeldmanMarshall RosenbergWe're all Doing TimeViktor FranklList of Universal Human Needs and EmotionsThe Center for Nonviolent CommunicationGRIP: Guiding Rage Into PowerWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioSunil Joseph is a certified GRIP Facilitator, mindfulness instructor, and Nonviolent Communication coach. In 2018, he visited a GRIP class at San Quentin and was profoundly moved by the humanity and compassion in the room, a moment that transformed his path. He joined the program, eventually training to become a certified facilitator, supporting students in their growth, healing, and transformation through restorative justice. Sunil also leads weekly online meditation classes and NVC coaching sessions. With a Master’s in Computer Science and 25 years of software development experience, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered insight to his work.Sunil’s Website, LinkedInShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

How can emotional intelligence give you an edge in a world full of AI?In this episode, I talk with Robin Hills, Director of Ei4Change and an expert in emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience. Robin has a career full of varied experiences, but his superpower is turning complex ideas into practical lessons we can actually use. We dive into the five key components of emotional intelligence, how to stay motivated when your emotions are dragging you down, and how emotions impact your ability to reach flow. We also explore why imperfect action can be the antidote to creative paralysis. If you want to harness emotional intelligence to enhance your creativity and relationships, this conversation is for you.Key TakeawaysChallenge the societal bias that favors IQ over emotional intelligence. While IQ is static and easily measured, emotional intelligence is a lifelong journey of growth and can be developed over time.We are creating each other. Through empathy and emotional connection, we subtly change each other’s brains, showing that this human capacity is irreplaceable by machines.Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction. Just get out there and do it, even if it’s messy—taking any step forward builds momentum and overcomes fear or hopelessness.Episode HighlightsDefining emotional intelligence and how it goes beyond IQ to use your emotions wisely for better decisions, authentic relationships, and meaningful action.The five core components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivationHow focusing on emotional intelligence can transform you into a completely different person than you were 20 years ago.Why awareness is the most essential part of emotional intelligence, and how simple exercises can help you build self-awareness.Rethinking emotions as pleasant or unpleasant rather than positive or negative, changes how we use emotions to decide, relate, and move forward.How transferring emotion from your own experience to an audience in creative work ensures your relevance in ways machines can’t replicate.Exploring the four uniquely human components of emotional intelligence: creativity, empathy, ethics, and spirituality.The emotional side of flow and deep work, and how feelings shape creative focus.Understanding intrinsic motivation from within and extrinsic motivation from our environment, and how to harness both to stay driven across changing contexts and situations.Recommended Next EpisodeA New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick WignallUseful ResourcesDaniel Goleman BooksDr. Scott Barry Kaufman Podcast InterviewGreg McKeown Podcast InterviewWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioDr. Robin Hills brings over 40 years of business and commercial experience helping executives and leaders enhance performance through greater self-awareness and understanding of others. He focuses on supporting personality and behaviour in business through the practical application of emotional intelligence and is Director of Ei4Change (Emotional Intelligence 4 Change), a company specialising in training, coaching, and personal development grounded in emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience. His educational programmes on resilience and emotional intelligence are used in schools in South Africa and India, reaching over 500,000 students across 200+ countries.Robin’s LinkedInRobin’s BooksRobin’s Emotional Intelligence Course with Free ResourcesEi4Change Website, Facebook, Instagram, YoutubeShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?In this episode, I’m joined by Amie McNee, bestselling author of We Need Your Art, artist, creativity coach, and TEDx speaker who has become a beacon for creatives reclaiming their voice and self-worth. We talk about why art matters more than ever, how vulnerability keeps us human in an age of AI perfection, and why making “shitty art” might be your bravest act yet. If you’re feeling discouraged, disillusioned, or ready to give up, this conversation will remind you to keep creating.*This conversation contains a significant amount of explicit language. Rather than bleeping everything out or editorializing, I preferred to share the raw, authentic version because we're all feeling all the feelings right now. And I didn't want to restrict our process in any way. Viewer discretion is advised.Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.Key TakeawaysCreate art when it matters most. In times of crisis, art isn’t optional—it’s vital for healing, connection, and helping communities make sense of a chaotic world.The bigger the dream, the lower your standards should be. Perfectionism and procrastination stem from fear—embrace terrible first drafts, face the fear, and keep creating.Claim your creative identity without waiting for permission. Be your own boss with firm structure and kindness, using small daily steps to build momentum toward your biggest goals.Episode HighlightsWhy art matters more than ever in a world on fire.Vulnerability in creative work, especially for men amid hustle culture and stoicismHow language shapes owning your art and creative identityWhy too much time can be a Kryptonite for creatives and how setting restrictions creates space for making “shitty art”The struggle of being your own boss and the two essential things creatives must do to avoid burnoutThe power of being seen by another creative to reignite self-trust amid exhaustionSociety’s myths about creatives and reclaiming the truth that art is essentialWhy now is the most important time to make art in a world flooded with AI perfectionWhy embracing mediocrity matters in a world obsessed with perfection.How setting boundaries allow mindful content consumption without hijacking creativityCreativity’s power to foster self-reflection and healingWhy introvert fatigue is real and how to honor it without burning bridges or yourselfA gentle path back to creativity through Amie’s “2 Week Reset”The soapbox moment every artist needs to hearRecommended Next EpisodeOn Vulnerability and the Courageous Act of Creating From a Place of Truth | with Allison Sweet GrantUseful ResourcesDr. Scott Barry Kaufman InterviewJen Cellota Podcast InterviewAndrew HubermanBob RossWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioAmie McNee is an author, artist and speaker dedicated to helping creatives build meaningful and fulfilling lives. McNee empowers people to challenge the narratives that hold them back and embrace the messy, magical process of creation. McNee’s books and speaking inspire thousands to break free from perfectionism, self-doubt and the belief that creative work isn’t “real work.”Her nonfiction book, We Need Your Art, is a manifesto for the creative spirit in a world that undervalues artistry. She is also the author of historical fiction that explores the complexities of creativity, resistance and rebellion through vivid storytelling. Through her writing, podcast Unpublished and speaking engagements, McNee champions a life that is driven by vulnerability, purpose and unapologetic creative ambition.Amie’s Instagram | SubstackAmie’s Book: We Need Your ArtAmie's TEDx Talk: "The Case For Making Art When the World Is On Fire"Show CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?In this episode, I talk with Jay Clouse, founder of Creator Science and one of the leading voices in the creator economy. Jay has helped thousands of independent creatives turn their passion into sustainable businesses—not through hacks, but by showing up authentically and building trust. We talk about creating real value, choosing the right platform, and embracing the messy truth of your process. Jay also breaks down the three types of creators, and why not being an “expert” might actually be your biggest strength. If you’re caught between being a creative and being a creator, this conversation will help you be both.Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.Key TakeawaysServe before you sell. If you want to build a creative business, start by helping your audience. Content that provides clear value invites loyalty, trust, and opportunity.Focus your creative energy where you can be real. Skip the pressure to be everywhere. Your audience connects best when you're creating from a place of genuine interest and ease.Strengthen creative courage by failing where it’s safe. Use small, private experiments to test ideas, make mistakes, and learn so you're more resilient when it's time to show your work to the world.Episode HighlightsWhat’s the real difference between being creative and calling yourself a creative?The surprising way emotion travels from one brain to another through your workHow creativity becomes a form of currency and what you’re actually tradingWhy picking the right platform might matter more than your talentWhat really happens when you stop curating perfection and start showing the messThe quiet reality of creators who thrive without chasing fameWhich of the 3 creator types are you, and why it matters more than you thinkWhy not being an expert might be the edge your content needsThe human experience as your most powerful asset in an AI-saturated worldWhy creators and creatives are no longer optional allies—they’re essential to each other’s survivalRecommended Next EpisodeHow We are “Wired to Create”, What It Means to Be a “Creative”, and How We Can Leverage Our Unique Gifts | with Scott Barry KaufmanUseful ResourcesMark MansonDodfordBobby FingersSubstackWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioJay Clouse is the founder of Creator Science, a leading voice in the creator economy. Jay has helped thousands of creators turn their passion into sturdy businesses through observation, experimentation, and iteration. His work spans a newsletter, podcast, membership, and YouTube channel, reaching a global audience.In 2023, Jay was named “Content Entrepreneur of the Year” by The Tilt, and the Creator Science podcast earned a 2022 Signal Award.Jay has also invested in 10+ startups, including Kit, RightMessage, Maven, Carry, Kick, and Gumroad. Through the Creator Science Syndicate, he helps his audience invest in platforms that empower creators.Before Creator Science, Jay built and sold a ticketing startup (Tixers) and later sold his community, Unreal Collective, to Pat Flynn and Smart Passive Income, where he designed membership and course programs.Jay’s Youtube | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | TiktokJay’s WebsiteJay’s PodcastShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?In this episode, I talk with Selena Soo, bestselling author of Rich Relationships and a top publicity strategist who’s helped creatives land features in Forbes, O Magazine, and on national TV. Selena shares how we can build genuine, lasting relationships without burnout or feeling transactional. We dive into her three-step approach to meaningful connection, how to give value sustainably, and why simply validating others can be a powerful way to build trust. If networking has ever felt overwhelming or inauthentic, this conversation offers a refreshing new approach.Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.Key TakeawaysInvest in rich relationships that spark both creative flow and career momentum. Look for collaborators and mentors who share your values, elevate your work, and open doors with integrity and trust.Adopt the mindset of a rich giver—be generous with purpose and intention. Focus your energy on relationships with mutual alignment and win-win potential, where giving builds trust, goodwill, and sustainable creative momentum.Make it easy for others to help you with a thoughtful, clear ask. Start with gratitude, be specific in your request, and show them exactly how they can support your creative goals without added effort.Episode HighlightsHow I used Selena’s own tactic to start a genuine connectionSelena’s journey from struggle to a mission that amplifies othersLearn the three steps to build rich relationships that actually matter Recognize the three giver types and choose the one that builds lasting connectionsHear how supporting one friend led to a million dollars in mutual successPivot your career by identifying ten types of rich relationships to seekHow to make the ask feel easy and even exciting to say yes toWhy genuine appreciation might be the highest form of value you can giveDiscover why introverts hold the secret superpowers of relationship buildingGet actionable tips to give thoughtfully without exhausting yourself or othersWhy validating someone's life choices is the ultimate way to provide valueLearn how showing up in the right rooms can build momentum in a tough creative job marketRecommended Next EpisodeNetworking (the Right Way), Mentorship, and Connecting with ‘Experts’ | with Troy Takaki, ACEUseful ResourcesJen MacINFJWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioSelena Soo is a publicity and marketing strategist for visionary entrepreneurs, experts, and authors who want to reach millions with their message.She’s helped clients and students get featured in places like O, The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, and Inc., and land interviews on popular podcasts and national TV. Many of Selena’s clients have become industry leaders with 7-figure businesses, raving fan bases, and hundreds of thousands of followers.Her signature approach comes down to building powerful and long-lasting relationships with influencers and the media in a thoughtful, authentic way.Selena has been featured in magazines and websites like Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Success, and The Huffington Post. She has been a guest on podcasts like Entrepreneur On Fire, Smart Passive Income, and Mixergy.Selena’s Website | Facebook | Instagram | TwitterSelena’s Book: Rich RelationshipsSelena’s Book Launch Show CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?In this episode, I talk with Kylee Peña, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Adobe and longtime post-production expert. We explore how AI is reshaping the creative process, what it means for editors and storytellers, and how to navigate the tension between innovation and artistic integrity. Kylee shares how tools like Adobe Firefly aim to protect creatives through transparency, and why understanding AI—rather than avoiding it—is key to staying relevant, empowered, and truly creative in this next chapter.Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.Key TakeawaysStay ahead by keeping up with the speed of AI. Its explosive growth is outpacing legal, ethical, and creative frameworks—staying adaptable is your most important asset.Let AI handle the creative friction. Offload repetitive tasks so you can spend more energy on emotion, storytelling, and bold creative decisions.Use AI tools that prioritize ethics and transparency. Choose platforms trained on licensed data and commit to content credentials that clarify how media is made, altered, or sourced.Episode HighlightsCreative humanity or career survival—what’s really at risk?The detrimental effects to cognitive thought from outsourcing critical thinking to AILearn how Adobe Firefly protects creatives and ensures transparency in the age of generative AI.Why this technological shift is different and how it's unfolding at an alarming rate.Explore the optimistic view on AI's role in storytelling and how it can empower creatives.Why human judgment and understanding remain critical in a world of endless AI-generated options.Is hyper-personalized content the future, and do we truly want it?Discover why high-end productions still shy away from generative AI for final deliverables and what that means for creative workflows.Why keeping up with AI and having your own AI perspective matters more than ever in this shifting landscape.Recommended Next EpisodeThe Creative’s Guide to Understanding AI and Leveraging AI to Build Workflows & Optimize Your Creativity | with Rob HowardUseful ResourcesAdobe FireflyFirefly BoardsWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioKylee Peña is Sr. Product Marketing Manager for Professional Editorial at Adobe. As a former editor herself, she’s a seasoned problem-solver who wants to bridge the gap between creative and technology for all kinds of storytellers. Kylee has over 15 years of experience in post-production and hundreds of television and film credits as both a creative and technical professional, including a long stint in creative technologies at Netflix. At Adobe, she is part of the team engaging with the professional post-production community to drive the future of Premiere Pro.An industry thought leader, Kylee has been published across various journals and included on panels worldwide. She was named a TVN “Woman to Watch in Technology”, nominated for RISE Influencer Award, and part of the team honored for HPA Engineering Excellence Award for Text-Based Editing and Enhance Speech in Premiere Pro.Kylee is an active member of the Television Academy’s Science and Technology peer group and Hollywood Region Governor for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. She holds a bachelor's degree in media arts from Indiana University and a master’s degree in integrated design, business, and technology from University of Southern California. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Technology from Purdue University focused on managing innovation, AI, and storytelling.Kylie’s LinkedIn | InstagramShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoPublished by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content