Optimize Yourself Zack Arnold

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My guest today is Bridget Sampson who is an author, leadership coach, and the founder and CEO of Sampson Coaching and Consulting. She is also a professional public speaker at TEDx and has written a book entitled, Communication Secrets for Success.
Now, before you dismiss this episode as something that's 'not for you' because you're introverted like me, I want you to understand that effective communication is essential for building relationships and expanding your network. In our conversation, Bridget and I explore how the fear of putting yourself out there is not only experienced by introverts like us but by everyone. Bridget even shares her own journey from being traumatized and terrified by early public speaking experiences to becoming a confident communicator. Bridget and I break down the mindsets needed to overcome that fear. More importantly, she reveals the process of crafting a thoughtful, meaningful message to share with the world.
If you find yourself struggling to communicate effectively to build relationships, I highly recommend listening to my conversation with Bridget. The insights she offers are incredibly valuable for developing your communication skills and achieving success.
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Here's What You'll Learn:How Bridget overcame her fear of public speaking and pursue a career in communicationWhy people are generally afraid of public speaking and how to overcome that fearThe three steps to coming up with a 'point'How important are the words that you actually useWhat you should focus on more when you want to deliver a messageKEY TAKEAWAY: It's easier to deliver a message with a lot of energy if you actually care about what you are talking about.The importance of emotions when conveying a messageProfessional speakers also experience the same pressure as everyone else when preparing to speak publiclyHow to start believing that you can put yourself out thereThe first steps you can take to developing your communication skillBridget's journey of having a transgender daughter revealed to her just before the pandemic happenedBridget and her daughter's Transgender School podcastThe thin line between therapists and coaches and knowing which one you needUseful Resources Mentioned:Communication Secrets for Success: Sampson, Bridget
Prof. Albert Mehrabian and The 7%-38%-55% Rule
Transgender School Podcast
Ep224: Managing & Alleviating Chronic Pain with…Creativity? | with Anna Holtzman
Sampson Coaching & Consulting
Continue to Listen & LearnEp212: The Science of Storytelling, Why We Need Stories, and How to Rewrite Our Own | with Will Storr
Ep205: Using the Hero’s Journey to Write Better Stories (and Live a Better Life) | with Chris Vogler
Ep44: How to Tell Good Stories | with Jeff Bartsch
Ep228: The Link Between Telling Your Story & Identifying Your Purpose (And How to Do Both) | with Dan Davis
Ep251: Building Skills, Relationships, and Weathering Industry Storms | with Shie Rozow
Ep246: Building a Career Beyond Your Job Title, Strategically Crafting Your Story, and Diversifying Your Career Portfolio | with Jeff Bartsch
Ep41: How to Master “Offline” Networking at Live Events | with Camille Virginia
Ep78: How to Build Meaningful Relationships in the ‘Real World’ | with Camille Virginia
How to Find the Right Type of Mentor For You (and When You Should Seek the Best)
Guest Bio: Bridget Sampson
   
As the Founder and CEO of Sampson Coaching and Consulting (SCC) for over 25 years, Bridget Sampson and her team have been designing and delivering transformative training, retreats, keynote addresses, and coaching programs on communication, mindset, leadership, and much more. SCC clients include Google, Mattel, Capi

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Scott Young is the bestselling author of the book Ultralearning which we covered extensively in his first appearance on this show. Today we dive deeper into the art of learning as we discuss his new book, Get Better at Anything. In our increasingly connected world, the biggest challenge we're facing isn't lack of information but rather information overload. Scott and I discuss how traditional education prepares us with structured learning, yet often fails to equip us for independent learning as we enter the real world.
In our conversation, Scott and I talk about how AI is changing the way we learn and how we can master the skill of learning in today's digital age. Scott also challenges the notion that self-directed learning is always the best approach and more importantly, reveals what we should do instead.
In an era defined by accessible and abundant information, the ability to distill, process, and learn is even more important than ever. This conversation will get you started and Scott’s new book, Get Better at Anything will help you reignite your passion for learning.
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Here's What You'll Learn:Revisiting the art of ultralearningWhat is the internet's double-edged sword effect when it comes to learningWhy Scott compares today's internet to fast foodIs there even a point of learning with AI aroundThe difference between how artificial intelligence works and standard computers.How the school system prepared us for structured learning but not for the real worldHow to learn when you are overwhelmed by all the optionsKEY TAKEAWAY: You can't get better at anything alone.What is the Tetris effect and why it's important to understand if you want to get better at anythingWhy it's difficult to self-learn by just using what's available on the internetWhy learning from seasoned professionals is not always the best approachThe advantage of learning from groupsKEY TAKEAWAY: Learn by asking the right questionsHow imitation can help you learn and create something originalWhat feedback really is (it's not only what other people are telling you)Why it's difficult to ask for feedback and what you should ask insteadUseful Resources Mentioned:Ep74: How to Master the Metaskill of 'Ultralearning' | with Scott Young
Ultralearning: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career
Gartner Hype Cycle Research Methodology | Gartner
Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You're Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker
Top Performer
Adam Grant — The Man Who Does Everything | The Tim Ferriss Show
Scott Young's website
Get Better at Anything book
Continue to Listen & LearnEp253: | Breaking Through Your Upper Limits and Living In Your Zone of Genius | with Gay Hendricks
Ep252: Find Your Creativity by Finding Your Why | with Dr. Mark Shrime
Ep217: How to Live a Better Life Simply by Asking Better Questions | with Marc Champagne
Ep214: What Creativity Is, How It Works, and the Laws to Learning It | with Joey Cofone
Ep65: Becoming a ‘Digital Minimalist’ | with Cal Newport
Ep55: How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear
Ep35: FOCUS: The Superpower of the 21st Century | with Cal Newport
Ep222: Is Artificial Intelligence Coming for Your Job? Maybe…and Here’s How to Prepare | with Michael Kammes
Ep86: How to Become ‘Indistractable’ | with Nir Eyal
Ep04: The Zen-like Art of ‘Getting Things Done’ | with David Allen
The Beginner’s Guide to Optimizing Yourself
Guest Bio: Scott Young
 
Scott H. Young is the Wall Street Journal bestselling author of Ultralearning, a podcast host, computer programmer, and an avid reader. Since 2006, he has published weekly ess

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My guest today is Nelson Paredez-Parks who is a Hollywood talent manager, entrepreneur and a life & business coach. Nelson has been helping actors shape their careers by equipping them with entrepreneurial spirit. He has also been sharing his business strategies to help businesses and entrepreneurs grow.
In our conversation, Nelson and I will help you learn how to view your creative profession as a thriving business, with you as the CEO. Nelson also shares how you can manage your time and energy that will allow you to grow while running your business. Then he shows you how you can craft your own business plan to help fuel your creative passion.
I highly recommend that you listen to my conversation with Nelson as it is packed with a lot of actionable strategies that translate perfectly to any field. The tools and mindsets he shares will equip you to become the CEO of your creative journey and take your career to the next level.
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Here's What You'll Learn:What the creative world looks like at the management levelThe difference between a manager and an agentWhy Nelson transitioned from being a talent manager to becoming a life & business coachKEY TAKE AWAY: Your life is dictated by the questions that you ask yourselfHow to ask the right questionsNelson's strategy to managing his time that gives room for growthWhy you need a CEO mindset no matter what your job isWhy understanding and integrating AI into your expertise has become essential in this ageThe importance of having an 'always half full' mindsetHow to craft your own business planThe importance of relationship planningWhy it's important to have a business plan no matter what your job isHow to get unstuck from 'I have one skill and I have one job' mindsetWhy some people are more miserable the more they become successfulWhat is 'Break for Breakfast'The importance of pausing to connect and build relationshipsUseful Resources Mentioned:https://helpandanswers.com
Ep253: | Breaking Through Your Upper Limits and Living In Your Zone of Genius | with Gay Hendricks
Ep36: How to Accomplish Your ‘One Thing’ Every Day | with Jay Papasan
https://theaixperts.com
Continue to Listen & LearnEp105: Ramit Sethi on Forging The Path Towards Your Own ‘Rich Life’
Ep245: How to Reinvent Yourself, Pursue Your Dreams, and Change Careers at Any Age | with Marcelo Lewin
Ep197: On Authenticity, Luck, and Designing Life (and Footwear) On Your Own Terms | with Xero Shoes CEO Steven Sashen
Ep250: The Creative’s Guide to Understanding AI and Leveraging AI to Build Workflows & Optimize Your Creativity | with Rob Howard
Ep217: How to Live a Better Life Simply by Asking Better Questions | with Marc Champagne
Ep101: How to Transition From ‘Technician’ to ‘Entrepreneur’ | Mastermind Q&A with Misha Tenenbaum
Ep175: Defining Your Own Version of Success & Overcoming the Loneliness of Being a Freelancer | with Michael Bauman
Ep199: The Business & Craft of Trailer Editing, Making Your Side Hustle Your Career, and Staying Motivated Along the Way | with Chris MacDonald
Ep43: How to Optimize Your Finances As a Freelancer or Small Business Owner | with Sylvia Inks
Ep241: How to Optimize Your Money to Buy You Time (and Experiences) | with Laura Vanderkam
Ep88: The ‘Profit First’ Financial System (That Gives You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ to the Wrong Gigs) | with Mike Michalowicz
Ep131: How Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex Ferrari
Guest Bio: Nelson Paredez-Parks
   
Nelson Paredez-Parks is a dynamo renowned for his eclectic skill set and embodying multiple roles. As an acknowledged expert in the entertainment industry, Nelson is known for his lea

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My guest today is Christina Rasmussen who is an acclaimed grief educator and counselor. She is the bestselling author of Second Firsts, Where Did You Go? And her new book Invisible Loss is the focus of our conversation today. Now you might be wondering why I’m talking to a grief counselor on a podcast about optimization. But you’ll quickly realize that living a fulfilling and rewarding life is hindered by “invisible losses.” These unrecognized losses leave us feeling like we’re not living the life we’re meant to live.
Christina and I delve into the concept of the 'Thriver Self,' the part of us that's unhindered by fear, eager to try new things, looking for opportunities, and ready to take action. She argues that through an invisible loss, we lose our connection to our Thriver Self thus hindering our ability to move forward.
You will hear Christina put me on the hot seat as the tables turn and I get vulnerable about the circumstances of my life over the last year and a half. Christina helps me connect to my Thriver Self and identifies a simple step I can take to restore what was lost. This practical approach that she calls Life Reentry, is a process that will help us move on and thrive in our new reality.
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Here's What You'll Learn:Christina's origin story of why she chose to become a grief counselor (she didn't lose anyone yet)Why Zack calls the COVID pandemic, The Great CorrectionWhy Zack decided to make a career transitionThe (untold) Christopher Rush storyHow Christina discovered invisible lossKEY TAKE AWAY: Invisible losses can be more catastrophic than recognized lossWhat is Mental Stacking and how is it doneThe Survivor Self and Thriver Self and why it's important to distinguish themMental stacking with Zack - finding and recognizing an invisible lossWhat's a 'plug in' and how can it help to reconnect with your Thriver SelfUseful Resources Mentioned:I Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It
GO FAR: The Christopher Rush Story
The Invisible Losses Library
Invisible Loss book
Continue to Listen & LearnEp254: The Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi Wiens
Ep237: A New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick Wignall
Ep42: How to Reverse Depression, Anxiety, and ADD at the Genetic Level | with Dr. Ben Lynch
Ep226: The Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth Gillihan
Ep26: The Power of a ‘Mindfulness’ Practice | with Dr. Swati Desai
Ep170: How to Avoid Burnout and Live a More ‘Effortless’ Life | with Greg McKeown
Severance Is Not Only the Dystopian Future of Workplace Burnout…In Many Ways We’re Already There
The difference between exhaustion and burnout (and my dirty little secret)
Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry
Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone
Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker
Ep82: Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael Kammes
Ep01: Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de Mello
Guest Bio: Christina Rasmussen
  
Christina Rasmussen is an acclaimed grief educator and bestselling author of Second Firsts (Hay House, 2013), Where Did You Go? (Harper One, 2018), and Invisible Loss (Sounds True, 2024). In 2010, four years after her thirty-five-year-old spouse passed away from Stage 4 colon cancer, she created the Life Reentry proces

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My guest today is Dr. Romie Mushtaq who is a board-certified physician who brings together more than two decades of leadership in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness. She is the author of the recently published book, The Busy Brain Cure.
Dr. Romie offers a fresh approach to understanding stress, anxiety, and burnout from the perspective of a brain doctor. In our conversation, Dr. Romie and I talk about what she calls 'busy brain,' a condition stemming from unchecked stress and burnout, and how these can lead to burnout without us even realizing it. We dive deep into the symptoms of a busy brain and I reveal the score I got when I took Dr. Romie’s Busy Brain Test. We discuss what circumstances led to that score and she introduces me to the concept of Caregiver Burnout which was revelatory to me.
Dr. Romie knows the science of the busy brain but she also shows her deep empathy for anyone who may appear to have it all together but inside you are falling apart. She wants you to know that you are not alone and there is help. Dr. Romie provides your next steps to understanding your own chronic stresses to help you create a personalized path to healing.
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Here's What You'll Learn:Dr. Romie's origin story and what led her to write her bookHow modern society repackages meditation, mindfulness, healing as some 'new age cure' without addressing the real problemThe difference between acute and chronic stressWhat is Hormetic stressThe Busy Brain TestThe differences between anxiety, depression and burnoutKEY TAKE AWAY: Only trained professionals can diagnose depression, anxiety, and burnout.The top reasons for depressionWhat are the symptoms of a busy brainHow medications can lead to stimulant-sedative cycleThe root cause of burnoutHow to practice non-attachment without detaching yourself from your goalsUseful Resources Mentioned:The Busy Brain Test
Ep188: How Your Gut Health is the Key to Unlocking a Healthier & Happier You | with Dr. Edison de Mello 
Ep152: Understanding the Difference Between Integrative & Traditional Medicine | with Dr. Edison de Mello 
Ep95: On the Frontlines with COVID-19, How to Boost Your Immunity, & Testing Safely | with Dr. Edison de Mello
Continue to Listen & LearnEp254: The Ugly Truth About Burnout (Even When You’re Unemployed), and How to Build Immunity From It | with Dr. Kandi Wiens
Ep237: A New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick Wignall
Ep42: How to Reverse Depression, Anxiety, and ADD at the Genetic Level | with Dr. Ben Lynch
Ep226: The Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth Gillihan
Ep26: The Power of a ‘Mindfulness’ Practice | with Dr. Swati Desai
Ep170: How to Avoid Burnout and Live a More ‘Effortless’ Life | with Greg McKeown
Severance Is Not Only the Dystopian Future of Workplace Burnout…In Many Ways We’re Already There
The difference between exhaustion and burnout (and my dirty little secret)
Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry
Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone
Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker
Ep82: Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael Kammes
Ep01: Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de Mello
Guest Bio: Dr. Romie Mushtaq
 
Dr. Romie Mushtaq is a board-certified physician who brings together more than two decades of leadership in neurology, integrative medicine, and mindfulness. She is an award-winning speaker working with

Want to continue learning from the world’s experts on time management, networking, career development, better sleep, overcoming burnout, and so much more?
→ Click here for your customized podcast playlist
My guest today is Dr. Kandi Wiens, Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Masters in Medical Education Program and co-founder of Big Sky Leadership Labs. But what brought her to my attention is her book, Burnout Immunity, and her perspective on the subject.
My conversation with Dr. Wiens starts deep and goes deeper with both of us admitting to feeling burned out right out of the gate. This isn’t two experts who have it all figured out spouting advice from the mountain top. This is a very real conversation talking about burnout from the trenches. Dr. Wiens takes us deep into the psychology of burnout to gain an understanding of its root causes. We explore why we tend to drive ourselves to burnout, even when we may be unemployed or underemployed. Dr. Wiens reveals how the term burnout is often overused and that sometimes, we might not be burned out at all. More importantly, Dr. Wiens and I talk about the strategies and tools you can use to develop burnout immunity so you can build resilience and heal your relationship with your work and live a more balanced, fulfilling life.
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Here's What You'll Learn:How Dr. Wiens personal experience led her from being a management consultant to studying burnoutHow past experiences affect how we deal with stress and also hold ourselves backWhat is Emotion Focus Coping and how we can shift away from it to taking 'control' of our stressThe root cause of burnout and why it's important to knowWhat drives us to burnout (without us realizing it)?Burnout versus Overextension and why it's important to know the differenceHow to know your degree of burnoutWhat are protective patterns when dealing with burnoutHow we can be burned out even without a jobWhat is Burnout Immunity and how to develop itHow to self-regulate and change your mindsetUseful Resources Mentioned:A Classic Case of Post-Production Burnout
I Was Tired of Putting My Kids to Bed via FaceTime Every Night. Here’s What I Did About It.
Are You Burned Out? Or Is It Something Else? 
Burnout Risk Assessment | Kandi Wiens
Ep224: Managing & Alleviating Chronic Pain with…Creativity? | with Anna Holtzman
kandiwiens.com
Continue to Listen & LearnEp170: How to Avoid Burnout and Live a More ‘Effortless’ Life | with Greg McKeown
Severance Is Not Only the Dystopian Future of Workplace Burnout…In Many Ways We’re Already There
Ep147: [CASE STUDY] From Total Burnout to Shooting for the Moon (Literally) | with David J. Turner
The difference between exhaustion and burnout (and my dirty little secret)
Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry
Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone
Ep03: The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker
How I burned out as a burnout coach (and then bounced back)
So You’re Burned Out…Now What? [7 Ways to Climb Out of the Hole]
7 Red Flags You Might Be Burned Out (Or You’re Headed There)
Ep82: Real Talk About Mental Health and Depression | with Michael Kammes
Ep01: Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de Mello
Guest Bio: Dr. Kandi Wiens

Kandi Wiens, EdD is the Director of the University of Pennsylvania’s Masters in Medical Education Program and the Penn Health Professions Education Certificate Program. As a sought-after international speaker, Dr. Wiens is co-founder and chief research officer of Big Sky Leadership Labs, where she leads and conducts evidence-based research on executive performance, emotional intelligence, burnout, and resilience. Her work has been prominently featured in the Harvard Busin