Ep. 112 - Goblin Mode Activated: Perfectionism, Play, and Permission Slips

We’re back in the new year and checking in — resolutions, realities, and all the weird little habits that follow us into January. Theo and Kel kick things off with Sparks of Inspiration, diving into video games as healthy escapism, rediscovering Doctor Who, filling the Severance-shaped void with mysterious TV, and finding joy in actually finishing long-form games instead of doom scrolling into oblivion.   In the mental health portion, we do a real New Year check-in: what’s working, what isn’t, and why “baby steps” might be the most sustainable way forward. From cutting back on energy drinks to navigating therapy, medication adjustments, gratitude practices, and creative momentum, this episode is about being honest without being harsh.   We also tackle perfectionism — how it shows up in our art, our homes, our bodies, and even the clothes we wear to the grocery store — and ask what might happen if we loosen the grip just a little. That conversation leads us straight into Goblin Mode: giving ourselves permission to rest, create imperfectly, be cozy, play games, make messes, and exist without constantly performing productivity.   This episode is about letting go, tuning back in, and remembering that progress doesn’t have to be loud or polished to be real.   Just cause you’re feeling a little strange — you’re not alone. 🖤 Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

Welcome back to Well Being, caught right in that strange liminal space between Christmas and New Year’s — aka Twixmas. The days feel blurry, productivity is optional, and next year’s problems can absolutely wait.   We kick things off with our Sparks of Inspiration, swapping holiday highlights, comfort media, and creative joys — from Disneyland dreams and Stranger Things discourse to Hades II, Star Wars games, Doc Martens conversions, and the quiet magic of returning to things you love.   From there, we ease into the mental health portion, unpacking what resolutions actually mean in a world that feels heavy, loud, and demanding. Instead of rigid goals and toxic self-optimization, we explore resolutions as guiding lights — promises rooted in compassion, creativity, movement, and sustainability. We talk fitness without shame, creativity without burnout, work-life balance, planting seeds for future growth, and learning to love making art both alone and together.   Then we drop fully into Goblin Mode 🧌 We shed shame, confess our goblin behaviors, laugh through messiness, doomscrolling, food choices, jacket piles, and creative chaos — all while questioning perfectionism and the unrealistic standards we’ve been taught to uphold.   This episode is cozy, honest, funny, and reflective — a permission slip to enter the new year without pressure, without punishment, and without pretending you’ve got it all figured out.   As always: Be well. Don’t let them tell you to change — just because you feel a little strange. Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

It’s the season of exhaustion, hibernation fantasies, and doing the best we can with what we’ve got — welcome back to Well Being.   This week, the crew leans into Sparks of Inspiration fueled by video games, television binges, unexpected freelance shoots, fog machines that refuse to die, and the reminder that sometimes the tools you already have are exactly the ones you need. From Red Dead Redemption and Cult of the Lamb to Vince Gilligan’s newest Apple TV obsession, inspiration shows up in strange and comforting places.   In the mental health portion, we dig into Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act: A Way of Being, unpacking chapters on distraction, collaboration, and imperfection. What’s the difference between distraction and procrastination? Why are we never actually creating alone? And how do fear, perfectionism, and age quietly convince us to stop sharing our work?   The conversation turns deeply reflective as we talk about: Fear of releasing art into the world Perfectionism vs. progress Losing (and finding) your creative voice The pressure of age, careers, grades, money, and expectations Why imperfections don’t ruin great work — they often define it   From Pulp Fiction focus pulls to Star Wars wet-hair continuity, from early 20s fearlessness to mid-30s self-doubt, this episode is a reminder that art doesn’t need permission to exist — and neither do you. Be well, foolios. Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

After a whirlwind holiday week full of food, family, and brutal winds, the trio returns to Well Being feeling… well, mostly refreshed. Sparks of Inspiration kick us off with Kel rediscovering the joy of baking and hyping up a Subtronix 360 show, Theo launching a new Redbubble shop and tumbling down a retro–gaming rabbit hole, and Andy searching for something—anything—to qualify as a spark as he pushes through a packed work schedule.   From there, the crew dives deep into this week’s mental health focus: imperfection, pressure, and the stories we tell ourselves. Using Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, they unpack perfectionism, self–doubt, the fear of the audience, and how creative paralysis sneaks up on all of us. They explore embracing flaws, the weird beauty of “happy accidents,” and how the pursuit of perfection can stall projects, dreams, and sometimes entire eras of creativity.   The conversation hits everything from abandoned edits to old sketches, from behind-the-scenes memories to unfinished films waiting for a second chance. The gang gets vulnerable, honest, and surprisingly motivational as they explore how to stop chasing “perfect” and instead chase completion, joy, and the messy fun of making art.   Then it’s back into the campaign with a chaotic showdown, questionable decisions, a portable hole, and the party once again diving into trouble faster than Theo can shout “Wait two minutes!”   If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, creatively blocked, or crushed under your own expectations — this episode is a warm, funny, slightly chaotic reminder that imperfections aren’t just okay… they’re part of the magic.   Be well, foolios. Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

This week on Well Being, Theo, Andy, and Kel gather in the calm-before-the-storm—right on the edge of Thanksgiving chaos and Black Friday madness. Sparks of Inspiration kick things off with everything from chaotic LA concert adventures in torrential rain, to mindless comfort-TV binges, to Theo consuming comics, audiobooks, and absolutely stuffing the creative vessel.   Then the trio dives deep into this week’s Mental Health portion, exploring Rick Rubin’s wisdom on creative environments, intuition, and the ever-lurking specter of self-doubt. The conversation flows into perfectionism, artistic fear, the pressure of numbers, relationship-shaped insecurities, and the courage it takes to make art “just for you.” There’s reflection, honesty, and—of course—a healthy dose of spite-fueled motivation.   Finally, we roll back into the campaign as our crew faces unexpected company: Liberty Strike Rangers, Copper Butterfly gang members, and a rising sense of aberrant danger. With detect magic, gang lore, and uneasy alliances in play, the team must decide whether to push forward or take the long way around. The world expands, the tension builds, and the story continues to evolve with every choice.   ✨ Sparks of Inspiration. 🧠 Mental Health in Action. 🎲 Campaign Chaos. All wrapped up in the signature Well Being blend of humor, honesty, world-building, and soul. Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

This week on Well Being, the trio shows up tired but determined — sparked by surprise concerts, fresh vinyl pickups, classic monsters, and a little unexpected holiday cup magic. Those moments of inspiration kick off a deeper dive into Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, where Theo, Kel, and Andy explore the inner landscapes we overlook, the subconscious wells we ignore, and the ever-present creativity hiding just behind the clouds.   In the mental health portion, the gang reflects on how we consume information — intentionally or accidentally — and how it shapes our creative lives. From dream journaling to media detoxing to simply letting life come to you, they unpack ways to realign the inflow so it feeds your art instead of draining your energy.   Then it’s back into Campaign Session 16, where the sewer water rises, the dome goes up, and four mysterious figures lurk just outside the safety of Jelly’s tiny hut. Caltrops are dropped, accusations are made, and once again the Gang wonders why they never take the non-stinky route.   Be well, foolios — and maybe reconsider your algorithm. Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

The gang returns from a short break as Theo shares stories from DreamHack Atlanta, while Kel and Andy bring Sparks of Inspiration ranging from Over the Garden Wall to the Dodgers’ World Series win, and even a Freddy Krueger Halloween rave adventure.   This week’s mental health portion dives into Rick Rubin’s The Creative Act, exploring what it means to immerse yourself in greatness, to see nature as a teacher, and to notice the constant flow of change in ourselves and the world around us. The trio reflect on how what we consume shapes our creativity, our moods, and our inner balance—with a few tangents on Pokémon hunts and Harry Potter thrown in for good measure. Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

Theo and Andy return—sans Kel, who’s apparently trapped in a Doc Brown toilet situation—to spark inspiration from Pokémon Legends ZA, Resident Evil rants, and a full-blown Keanu Reeves deep dive. From The Replacements to Point Break, it’s a love letter to all things Keanu before diving into the mental health side of “Goblin Mode.”   They unpack what it really means to lean into your inner goblin—balancing self-care and chaos, setting boundaries with overbearing parents, and learning to show up as your true self (even if that self is still in pajamas at 3 p.m.). Then, it’s back into the sewers for more campaign madness, lizard fights, and a questionable collection of thumbs.   🎮 Sparks of Inspiration: Pokémon Legends ZA, The Replacements, Resident Evil 5 🧠 Shadow Work: Finding your balance in Goblin Mode ⚔️ Campaign: Sewer battles, thumb trophies, and the scent of adventure   Be kind, embrace the chaos, and don’t forget—work to live, not live to work. Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

This week on Well Being, Theo, Andy, and Kel dive into the Rick Rubin-inspired art of paying attention — and knowing what not to pay attention to. From doomscrolling detoxes to discovering creative sparks in the randomness of life, the trio reflects on curating your inner algorithm and guarding your mental bandwidth.   Theo shares how filtering his Instagram into a haven of art and inspiration reshaped his mindset, Kel faces off with screen-time stats and the challenge of being present-Kel, and Andy tries to balance Pokémon launches, Dodger wins, and a critical look at creative content intake.   The conversation wanders through horror shows, Resident Evil, and even a $10-million-dollar thought experiment that reframes the value of waking up each day. It’s a blend of humor, honesty, and mindful rebellion — all before the crew jumps back into their chaotic campaign for another round of invisible rings, fire spells, and questionable rolls. Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod  

This week on Well Being, sparks of inspiration fly from San Bernardino to the stars! Kel preps for a Halloween music fest as Obi-Wan (complete with poi battles and pixel whips),and gets lost in the Ed Gein Netflix series. Andy re-binges Firefly, and Theo dives deep into horror flicks and Peacemaker hype.   In the mental health segment, the trio explores The Creative Act by Rick Rubin—talking “The Vessel and The Filter,” and how creativity flows through us like cosmic data. They share actionable ways to stay inspired: random art roulette, mindful walks, and even Audible deep dives into Good Omens and Jurassic Park.   Then, it’s back into the campaign where chaos erupts underground—tentacles, poison, and some very questionable dice rolls.   ✨ Whether you’re an artist, gamer, or just creatively curious, this episode reminds us: the true instrument is you. Take the listener survey to help shape the next chapter of Well Being: SURVEY! Theme by Affektiv https://open.spotify.com/artist/2dkwCQLY61JvqMmiiBvps3?si=N97bAnDqQkqcSSxVZA0C0Q https://soundcloud.com/affektiv Email us: [email protected] YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@WellBeingpod