Why Optimization Isn’t the Answer (and How to Make the Most of the Four Thousand Weeks We Have) | with Oliver Burkeman

What happens when your creative career no longer pays the bills—but you’re still called to create?In this episode, I talk with award-winning editor Mark Keefer, whose nearly 30-year career spans Disney, Netflix, and Warner Bros. A simple LinkedIn selfie in a Trader Joe’s uniform went viral after he shared he'd taken his first non-creative job in decades to support his family. We talk honestly about identity, resilience, and what it means to pivot when your career path changes. Mark shares the advice that shaped him, the power of being a generalist, and how letting go of titles can open surprising new doors.Key TakeawaysFind purpose in showing up with care no matter the role. Taking a moment to make others feel seen and valued can turn ordinary work into meaningful contribution.Hard work grounds you. Stepping into physically demanding, honest work can reset your perspective and reconnect you to the resilience of others.Don’t rely on just one creative “instrument.” In an unpredictable world, versatility isn’t optional, it’s survival. The more tools you have, the more ways you can adapt, create, and thrive.Episode HighlightsThe LinkedIn post that went viral — why share a photo he almost kept secret?How a Hollywood editor found unexpected fulfillment stocking shelves, and why the mindset behind it mattersOn résumés that makes no sense, and how every twist reveals a deeper story of reinventionLetting go of the sunk cost fallacy — how he pivoted careers without feeling like a quitterStill working at Trader Joe’s while getting back into editing and how he manages bothWhat’s the way forward for mid-career creatives who are trained to do only one thing?The impact and wisdom from his father that still echoes through every career decision he makesRecommended Next EpisodeChristina Rasmussen: If you too are struggling with the anxiety and potentially even the grief associated with losing your job (or even your identity)Bevin Farrand: If you’re looking for the courage to summon strength in your darkest momentsUseful ResourcesLinkedIn PostTrader Joe'sRabbit of SevilleSkywalker SoundTom MyersDan MolinaGlen KeaneOver the MoonThe Garfield MovieHouse of DavidArt & Fear: Observations On the Perils (and Rewards) of ArtmakingWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioMark Keefer is a five-time Emmy-winning and three-time Golden Reel-winning film editor whose credits include “The Garfield Movie,” Netflix’s “Over the Moon,” Disney’s “Planes,” and the “VeggieTales” franchise. Beyond his professional achievements, Mark remains passionate about music and continues to play and record, drawing inspiration from his musical background.Mark’s Instagram, LinkedIn, IMDbShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoShownotes and published by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Ever feel stuck between playing it safe and going all in on your dream?In this episode, I talk with filmmaker, actor, and real-life action hero Paul Beckman—whose story is equal parts hilarious, outrageous, and deeply inspiring. From sneaking into the World Series VIP section to facing cancer with grit and the mantra “This too shall pass,” Paul shows what it really means to take risks. We talk about walking away from comfort, facing fear, and pushing forward even when you’re unsure. If you’ve been holding back, this conversation might be the nudge you need.Key TakeawaysLean into the ideas that scare you—do them anyway. The gut feeling of fear is your cue that it’s worth trying, and it trains your mind and spirit for the bigger ones.Decide to bring purpose with your presence. Your attitude and energy are choices—and they shape your experience and the experience of everyone around you.Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t. Even in moments when outcomes are out of your hands, your time and growth are still yours.Take one breath, one moment, one step at a time. Whatever you're facing will pass, and on the other side of it is everything you want.Episode HighlightsSneaking into the Dodgers World Series gameHow confronting fear prepared him for life’s most pivotal momentsCancer journey and the power of a positive mindsetThe role of positivity and humor to navigate tough timesFacing fears: Sneaking into a stadium vs Sending outreach emailsCurrent pursuits, goals, and the ongoing journeyThe value of having diverse skills and interestsHow to leverage opportunities and balance multiple rolesLessons learned from juggling many jobs and skill setsBuilding authentic relationships and the importance of networkingPaul’s advice to his past self in the middle of chemoRecommended Next EpisodeChristopher Titus: To overcome a dark past, manage inner voices, turn pain into purpose and still find something to laugh about.Useful ResourcesFriedrich Nietzsche’s Twilight of the IdolsHalf Dome HikeThe GroundlingsWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioPaul Beckman is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer, and filmmaker known for bold, character-driven stories that blend action, comedy, and a touch of the surreal. A proud Texan, cancer survivor, and graduate of the University of Iowa, Paul brings grit, resilience, and a deep sense of adventure to everything he does—both on screen and in life. From performing at The Groundlings to starring in national commercials, he’s built a reputation for injecting sharp humor and emotional stakes into every project.An Eagle Scout with a passion for climbing mountains and competing in obstacle course races, Paul gravitates toward stories about survival, justice, and transformation. His work often explores what it means to fight for something real—whether that’s a cause, a connection, or a second chance. With roots in improv and a vision for cinematic storytelling, Paul’s creative work explores what it means to fight, survive, and stand for something—often with a wink and a punch.Paul’s Facebook, Instagram, Fitness, Youtube, IMDB, Casting NetworksShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoShownotes and published by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

What if the way you see your struggles is the key to overcoming them?In this episode, I talk with motivational speaker and all-around awesome human Aaron Welty—moderator of the Council of Nerds film series, former Two Geek Soup co-host, and Senior Legislative Assistant in the U.S. House of Representatives. Born with cerebral palsy, Aaron brings a powerful lens to storytelling, shaped by his love of movies and his lived experience with disability. But instead of seeing himself as a victim, he calls his condition a “terrible privilege” and lives as the hero of his own story. We dig into how the stories we tell ourselves shape our mindset—and how rewriting that narrative can help us face life’s hardest challenges.Key TakeawaysHow can your terrible privilege help you serve others? We all carry something painful we wish we didn’t but it can become the very thing that equips us to make an impact.Learn how to suffer well. Know how to go from suffering to perseverance, perseverance to deeper character, and from that deeper character to a place of hope.Choose the bigger life. Heroes are shaped not by the pain they face, but by the choices they make in response to it.Episode HighlightsAaron’s origin story and early lifeWe all have a disability in certain contextsHow to turn your ‘disabilities’ into superpowersExploring fandom: Star Wars, Marvel, and comic books as more than entertainmentFinding meaning beyond yourself and transforming challenges into purposeThe power of storytelling to influence and transform livesThe importance of modern mythology for a new generationThe impact of artificial intelligence on human dignity in entertainmentHow will AI change the way we engage with filmsEmbracing the idea that suffering isn’t optionalRecommended Next EpisodeWill Storr: Dive even deeper into the science of storytelling and why our brains are wired for narrative.Useful ResourcesGo Far - The Christopher Rush StoryPodcast with Christina RasmussenViktor Frankl's The Man's Search for MeaningThe Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph CampbellThe Writer's Journey by Chris VoglerPodcast with Chris VoglerWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioAaron Welty was diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy as a newborn. He overcame those early years of low expectations and a presupposed poor quality of life to graduate from Cedarville University and serve as a Senior Legislative Assistant in the House of Representatives, wherein he worked on a variety of policy issues. Presently he lives and works in Washington, DC.An avid fan of comic books superheroes and Star Wars, Aaron has shared his story with outlets such as NBC Nightly News, Facing Life Head On, Roll Call, The Daily Signal, and various radio programs. His writing has been featured by a variety of publications and presented at conferences and conventions.He is the creator and/moderator of the Council of Nerds film discussion series at the Miracle Theatre in Washington, DC and served as a co-host for the Two Geek Soup podcast, focused on the intersection of faith and geek culture.Aaron’s Website, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TwitterShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoShownotes and published by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

What if your greatest creative strength is the part of you that never quite fit in?In this episode, I talk with Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman, psychology professor at Columbia University and host of The Psychology Podcast, to explore why creativity isn’t a rare talent but a way of being—one that thrives when we embrace what makes us different. We discuss how to reframe “disabilities” as strengths and how owning your uniqueness can unlock your creative superpowers. If you’ve struggled to share your work or felt like you don’t belong, this conversation might shift how you see yourself—and your creative potential.Key TakeawaysBoost creativity with boredom: Boredom activates the default mode network that helps with creativity.Embrace laughter: Most creative ideas often sound ridiculous at first. Fear of failure blocks creativity.Hope is a skill you can learn: You can’t choose your struggles, but you can always choose your response.Episode HighlightsScott’s origin storyDifference between doing creative work and being a creativeBrain networks (and how it leads to creativity): Imagination, Executive and SalienceScheduling boredom and incubationRelationship between creativity and mental healthImportance of flow state on your well beingBalancing high sensitivity with creativityCorrelation between creativity and neurodivergenceHow to overcome the victim mindset and empower yourselfChanging your default response from helplessness to hopefulnessStrength-based approach to disabilitiesRedefining what it means to be intelligentThe language that we use in our own mindsRecommended Next EpisodeEthan Kross: If you’re curious to keep exploring the inner workings of the mind—and the inner critic that so often holds you back.Useful ResourcesScott’s Book: Wired to Create: Unraveling the Mysteries of the Creative MindScott’s Book: Transcend: The New Science of Self-ActualizationScott’s Book: Rise Above: Overcome a Victim Mindset, Empower Yourself, and Realize Your Full PotentialScott’ Beautiful Minds NewsletterThe Psychology Podcast with Scott Barry KaufmanThe Amazing Dr. ScottIt’s Not You: Identifying and Healing from Narcissistic PeopleMarc Brackett Yale Center for Emotional IntelligenceWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioDr. Scott Barry Kaufman is a psychologist, coach, professor, keynote speaker, and best-selling author who is passionate about helping all kinds of minds live a creative, fulfilling, and self-actualized life. He is a professor of psychology at Columbia University and director of the Center for Human Potential. He hosts The Psychology Podcast which has received over 30 million downloads and is widely considered among the top psychology podcasts in the world.Dr. Scott's Website, Podcast, Substack, Youtube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Show CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoShownotes and published by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaNote: 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.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, Are we becoming Generation Xtinct?. If you enjoy this article and you're interested in reading more about navigating significant life transitions, finding meaning in your creative work, and what it means to be human in the age of AI. I invite you to subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Pivot with Purpose. To learn more and subscribe visit zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

What if happiness wasn’t the reward for success but instead the foundation for it?Jackson Kerchis is here to share the science and psychology of happiness—not as an abstract, feel-good concept, but as a practical tool for navigating uncertainty, overcoming career challenges, and unlocking creativity. From the neuroscience behind gratitude and mindfulness to why we’re so bad at predicting what will make us happy, Jackson offers real, actionable strategies to reshape our thinking—and our lives.Key TakeawaysMaster the 3 Ingredients of Happiness: Strengthen your physical health, improve your mental clarity, focus on building quality relationshipsBuild Momentum Through Micro Habits: Start before you're ready and focus on tiny, repeatable actions.Redefine Productivity on Your Own Terms: Productivity isn’t about grinding—it’s about aligning your time and energy with what really matters to you.Episode HighlightsHow to Define HappinessJackson’s Thoughts on Productivity, Being a Neurotic Overacheiver and a Zen MonkAchieved Happiness vs. Cultivated HappinessSet Point of Happiness and Practices that Change the BrainThe Ingredients of Happiness in a ChecklistRethinking Productivity through Habits & SystemsBuilding Self-EfficacyOvercoming the Self-Defeating CycleScientific Research and Benefits of Gratitude PracticeHappiness and Performance in High-Stress EnvironmentsSlowing Down in a Fast-Paced WorldResources for Learning More about HappinessRecommended Next EpisodeDr Tal Ben Shahar: To learn even more about the psychology of happinessJames Clear: To dive even deeper into the habit formation rabbit holeEthan Kross: If you’re struggling with all the negative voices and chatter in your headUseful ResourcesGratitude Letter | Greater Good Science CenterThe Science of Happier Work CourseHappiness Means BusinessWarrior Leader TrainingBeyond Profit & Productivity – AmazonWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioJackson Kerchis is a former strategy and operations leader, startup executive, and Zen monk. He’s the co-founder of Happiness Means Business and Warrior Leader Training, where he helps business and military leaders solve people problems through the lens of psychology and well-being. Jackson created the world’s first college major in Happiness at the University of Alabama and is the author of Beyond Profit & Productivity, an Amazon bestseller on workplace culture. He brings a grounded, research-backed approach to helping individuals and teams thrive—without the hustle-and-grind mentality.Jackson’s Website | Linkedin | Instagram | Youtube Show CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoShownotes and published by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

What if striving for more is actually giving you… less?In this episode, Zack sits down with bestselling author Oliver Burkeman—known for Four Thousand Weeks and Meditations for Mortals—to unpack the trap of productivity and the illusion of the perfect to-do list. Together, they explore why the constant chase for achievement might be keeping us from truly living, and how embracing the unfinished parts of life could actually set us free.Key TakeawaysAccept the kind of defeat that grounds you: Not as resignation, but as clarity, so you can move forward more empowered, relaxed, and effective.Embrace imperfectionism: Accept that you’ll never have full knowledge or control, and move forward anyway, knowing you’re always learning and evolving.Ask what life is asking of you now: Not in terms of destiny or perfection, but in terms of what is actually doable in your current reality.Episode HighlightsThe impact of the book Four Thousand Weeks on time managementRethinking self-optimization and unlocking your creative potentialThe liberation of letting go of impossible goalsOvercoming imposter syndrome: Why waiting to feel ready is holding you backWork-Life Balance vs Strategic Imbalance and Work-Life IntegrationImperfectionism and the Kayak vs. Super Yacht ApproachThe difference between efficiency and effectivenessDefining life tasks and personal valuesAcceptance, grief and mortality: Dealing with life's limitationsThe power of embracing oneselfRecommended Next EpisodeGreg McKeown, Laura Vanderkam, Nir Eyal: To learn more about how to better manage your time and alignment with your valuesZack’s Substack Article: If you’re interested in learning more about why we often don't do the things that we know we should be doingUseful ResourcesOliver’s Book: Four Thousand WeeksOliver’s Book: Meditation for MortalsOliver’s Book: The AntidoteThe Courage to be DislikedCarl JungBruce TiftWant to Hear More Episodes Like This One?» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episodeGuest BioOliver Burkeman is the New York Times and UK Sunday Times bestselling author of Four Thousand Weeks, about embracing limitation and finally getting round to what counts, and of the newly released Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts. His other books are The Antidote: Happiness for People Who Can't Stand Positive Thinking and Help! How to Become Slightly Happier and Get a Bit More Done. For many years he wrote a popular column for the Guardian, 'This Column Will Change Your Life'. In his email newsletter The Imperfectionist, he writes about productivity, mortality, the power of limits and building a meaningful life in an age of distraction. After a decade in Brooklyn, he now lives in the North York Moors in England.Oliver’s Website, NewsletterShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoShownotes and published by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Are you stuck in the messy middle of life, wondering who you’re becoming on the other side?In this episode, the mic turns inward as today’s guest—well, it’s me, Zack Arnold —and I’m opening up about the newly rebranded Zack Arnold Podcast. Along with my podcast producer and fellow coach Debby Germino, we discuss why the changes go far beyond a new name, music, or artwork. Together, we dig into what’s shifting behind the scenes and the deeper purpose driving this evolution—not just for us, but for anyone navigating their own transformation.Key TakeawaysPurpose is the Key to Happiness: Connect your efforts to a purpose larger than personal success and let go of the toxic version of 'optimization' pushed by hustle culture.Make People Feel Something: Focus on how you make people feel, not just what you say or do to create an emotional connection and leave a deeper impact.Embrace the Unknown: We’re never starting over from scratch. We can always learn from past experiences and apply them to any new situation.Episode HighlightsWhy rebranding was necessaryWhat led to the change and how it took shapeLessons from past rebrand: Fitness in Post to OptimizeSpeaking to the emotional heart of the rebrandIntroducing the new Substack and vision behind itUnderstanding your purpose and its role in successFrom providing education to a building communityWhat this rebrand mean for the existing communityEmbracing the new Creator economyThe SummitBurnout prevention and protecting healthy habitsWhat’s next for the Zack Arnold PodcastFinal thoughts and how to stay connectedRecommended Next EpisodeOliver Burkeman: To dive deeper into what inspired our rebrand—and how I now approach goals, time, and priorities.Useful ResourcesZack Arnold PodcastZack Arnold’s Substack: Pivot with PurposeOliver Burkeman’s Book: Four Thousand Weeks Time Management for MortalsViktor Frankl’s Book: Man's Search for MeaningScott Barry Kaufman’s Beautiful Minds NewsletterAndy J. Pizza’s Podcast: Creative Pep TalkShow CreditsEdited by: Curtis FritschProduced by: Debby GerminoShownotes and published by: Vim PangantihonMusic by: Thomas CepedaSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, I wasn't afraid of losing my paycheck nearly as much as losing myself. If you enjoy this article and you're interested in reading more about navigating significant life transitions, finding meaning in your creative work, and what it means to be human in the age of AI. I invite you to subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Pivot with Purpose. To learn more and subscribe visit zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, I sold my soul for a paycheck. It led me to my purpose instead. If you enjoy this article and you're interested in reading more about navigating significant life transitions, finding meaning in your creative work, and what it means to be human in the age of AI. I invite you to subscribe to my Substack newsletter, Pivot with Purpose. To learn more and subscribe visit zackarnold.com/substack.Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/zackarnold/exclusive-content