So-Called Discoveries

Anthony Azzi
  • 5.0 (5)
  • EDUCATION

Welcome to So-Called Discoveries, where we discuss stories, knowledge, and insights from somewhere, and try to learn something

  1. How to Do Great Work (Paul Graham) | EP19

    03/19/2025

    How to Do Great Work (Paul Graham) | EP19

    In this episode, we explore Paul Graham’s essay, "How to Do Great Work", a deep dive into the principles behind meaningful, high-impact work. How do you choose the right field? How do you push through obstacles? What role do curiosity, originality, and mindset play? We'll break it all down into four key segments, offering practical insights and clear takeaways. Paul Graham is a programmer, entrepreneur, and co-founder of Y Combinator, a startup incubator that has helped launch companies like Airbnb, Dropbox, Stripe, and Reddit. His essay outlines a framework for identifying the right work, overcoming resistance, staying creative, and sustaining long-term motivation. Topics in This Episode: Choosing Your Frontier: Finding the right work by following curiosity and recognizing opportunitiesGetting the Work Done: Overcoming procrastination, focusing deeply, and maintaining consistencyOriginality, Creativity, and Breaking Rules: Embracing creativity, questioning assumptions, and identifying unconventional ideasMindset, Morale, and Environment: The role of optimism, resilience, and relationships in doing great workAsk yourself: What’s one thing you can do today to move closer to doing great work? If you enjoy So-Called Discoveries, subscribe, enable notifications, and rate it up to 5 stars! Connect with So-Called Discoveries: Instagram (@socalleddiscoveries) LinkedIn Email: Anthony@SoCalledDiscoveries.com All Platforms: https://socalleddiscoveries.com Read Paul Graham’s Essay: https://paulgraham.com/greatwork.htm Related Episodes of So-Called Discoveries: (Links are to Spotify; for all platforms, visit https://socalleddiscoveries.com) The Effective Executive: Book Discussion | EP2 Reflecting on The Effective Executive, Time Tracking, Focus Tactics, and Success in New Jobs | EP3 The War of Art: Book Discussion (Part 1/3) | EP4 The War of Art: Book Discussion (Part 2/3) | EP5 The War of Art: Book Discussion (Part 3/3) | EP6 Wealth, Knowledge, and Leverage in the Modern Economy | EP8 Wisdom for Modern Life: Exploring "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran | EP18 TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (02:26) Choosing Your Frontier (finding your field, reaching the frontier, and noticing gaps) (07:55) Getting the Work Done (beating procrastination, deep work, and consistency) (15:25) Originality, Creativity, and Breaking Rules (the right kind of crazy ideas) (20:06) Mindset, Morale, and Environment (optimism, avoiding formality, and resilience) (25:51) Conclusion Stay Curious. Keep Learning. See you next time!

    28 min
  2. Wisdom for Modern Life: Exploring "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran | EP18

    03/11/2025

    Wisdom for Modern Life: Exploring "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran | EP18

    In this thoughtful solo episode, Anthony explores one of the most beloved works of poetic wisdom ever written: Kahlil Gibran's "The Prophet". Structured as a series of poetic teachings shared by the prophet Almustafa, this iconic book covers universal themes, including love, marriage, parenting, work, sorrow, and death. Throughout the episode, Anthony reads selected excerpts from the text, offers reflective commentary, and relates the timeless wisdom of “The Prophet” to our modern lives and personal experiences. Subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review! If you find this content valuable, please rate it up to 5 stars and consider leaving a review. Your feedback helps So-Called Discoveries provide you with even more insights and reflections. Instagram (@socalleddiscoveries): https://instagram.com/SoCalledDiscoveries LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/socalleddiscoveries All platforms: https://socalleddiscoveries.com Buy the book, "The Prophet" by Kahlil Gibran: https://amzn.to/43AM8Ub (Purchases from some links may earn So-Called Discoveries an affiliate fee) TIMESTAMPS: (00:00:00) Introduction (00:01:29) Kahlil Gibran & "The Prophet" (00:04:24) The Coming of the Ship (00:10:26) On Love (00:12:39) On Marriage (00:14:47) On Children (00:18:15) On Giving (00:22:52) On Eating and Drinking (00:25:15) On Work (00:28:59) On Joy and Sorrow (00:32:05) On Houses (00:33:29) On Clothes (00:34:53) On Buying and Selling (00:36:43) On Crime and Punishment (00:38:47) On Laws (00:41:06) On Freedom (00:43:59) On Reason and Passion (00:46:37) On Pain (00:49:30) On Self-Knowledge (00:53:16) On Teaching (00:55:40) On Friendship (00:57:30) On Talking (00:59:52) On Time (01:01:18) On Good and Evil (01:04:58) On Prayer (01:06:12) On Pleasure (01:08:23) On Beauty (01:09:39) On Religion (01:11:36) On Death (01:14:20) The Farewell (01:23:23) Conclusion Thanks for listening! I hope that you learned... something!

    1h 25m
  3. Chasing Dreams with Detroit Small Businesses | EP17

    04/21/2023

    Chasing Dreams with Detroit Small Businesses | EP17

    In this episode of So-Called Discoveries, I walk into small, independent businesses in Midtown Detroit and spontaneously interview the individuals behind them! Subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review! Connect on all platforms: https://socalleddiscoveries.com Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1dJdRxt9qOY BUSINESSES INTERVIEWED: RUNdetroit: https://www.run-detroit.com Source Booksellers: https://www.sourcebooksellers.com Marcus Market: https://www.instagram.com/marcusmarket Casa de Fleur: https://www.instagram.com/_casadefleur_ Bangkok 96: https://www.b96streetfood.com David Vintage: https://www.davidvintage.com TIMESTAMPS: (00:00) Introduction (03:14) RUNdetroit (07:32) Source Booksellers (14:22) Marcus Market (17:34) Chasing your dream (18:36) Detroit Shipping Co. (20:50) David Vintage (part 1) (18:34) Casa de Fleur (22:32) Bangkok 96 (29:20) David Vintage (part 2) (35:08) Conclusion

    37 min

  4. 02/23/2023

    Emotion, Feeling, Vision: Catherine Cruveillier (Planet Emotions) | EP16

    In this episode, we learn from emotional intelligence and leadership coach, Catherine Cruveillier! Catherine is the founder of Planet Emotions, which guides innovative leaders and their teams into extraordinary performance, higher profit, and net positive impact. Our wide-ranging chat features discussion on emotions, feelings, vision, personal development, darkness, fear, empathy, and compassion. Subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review! Connect: https://socalleddiscoveries.com Connect with Catherine: https://www.linkedin.com/in/catherinecruveillier Planet Emotions: https://planetemotions.com Timestamps:  [0:00:00] Welcome [0:01:20] Catherine Cruveillier [0:19:01] Emotions, attraction, patterns, behavior [0:24:55] Is this good or bad? [0:27:50] Catherine's education and early professional experience [0:37:07] Planet Emotions, dreams, personal development stages, strategic planning, vision [0:51:35] Planning your perfect day [0:54:10] Feelings, discomfort, messages, moving on [1:01:57] An existing example [1:12:53] Feeling, thinking, communication [1:19:09] Fear [1:23:30] Darkness, empathy, compassion [1:30:33] Final words from Catherine

    1h 33m
  5. BREEZE & SA’BREE of IMMENSE FILMS | EP15

    02/14/2023

    BREEZE & SA’BREE of IMMENSE FILMS | EP15

    In this episode, I sit with Breeze and Sa'bree, the owners of Immense Films! We discuss their writing, directing, acting, and overall film experience. I watched a couple films they've worked on ("Red Flagz" and "Chasing the Ghost") and give my thoughts. We learn the filmmaking process, from script to distribution, and hear the Immense vision driving the independent duo. We discuss advice for creatives and people with ideas, as well as being open to receiving in life.  Subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review! Connect: https://socalleddiscoveries.com Connect with IMMENSE FILMS: immensefilmss@gmail.com https://www.instagram.com/immensefilms https://www.instagram.com/breezethedirector https://www.instagram.com/nzuri__ Stream films discussed: Nasty: https://tubitv.com/movies/714158/nasty Red Flagz: https://tubitv.com/movies/693212/red-flagz Chasing the Ghost: https://tubitv.com/movies/697474/chasing-the-ghost Detroit theaters discussed: https://belairluxurycinema.com https://www.cinemadetroit.org Timestamps:  [0:00:00] Welcome [0:02:17] SA’BREE & BREEZE of IMMENSE FILMS [0:17:42] Genre [0:20:25] Pushback [0:26:41] ENERGY script, preproduction, funding story [0:32:55] Receiving, openness, partners [0:35:30] LiT TV [0:39:03] Casting, rehearsals, filming, editing [0:47:34] Premieres, Detroit theaters, streaming [0:51:15] The IMMENSE FILMS vision [1:00:34] Quick rant on Instagram guidelines [1:01:54] Affirmations for black girls and boys [1:03:35] Advice for creative people with ideas [1:10:17] He who opens himself to GOD [1:12:00] Final words from BREEZE & SA’BREE [1:13:00] This will go down in HISTORY

    1h 14m

  6. 02/08/2023

    So-Called Strangers (NYC) | EP14

    In this episode, I approach So-Called Strangers in New York City and ask for quick conversations. The results were lovely! The final few minutes feature a behind-the-scenes chat with a couple former strangers, captured by their video camera and sent to me. Photos of the So-Called Strangers from this episode: https://www.instagram.com/socalleddiscoveries Behind-the-scenes chat (video): https://youtu.be/xS8rbeTfdAY Subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review! Connect: https://socalleddiscoveries.com Timestamps:  [00:00] Introduction [02:11] Skater girls, just do it, protect your peace and energy [05:25] Superhero, life is beautiful, keep going, never stop [06:33] Find a cute animal, or at least some joy [09:09] Questions on my finances from a finance influencer, invest in your financial education [12:34] Chess in the park, learn openings and endgames, do what you are good at AND what you love [15:53] A new enterprise in an emerging industry [18:47] Find something that gets you moving [21:22] Meow [24:29] Skater boys, follow your dreams, don't give up [27:29] Feed the birds, live free [32:09] A quick aside... [33:12] BONUS: behind-the-scenes chat on So-Called Discoveries

    43 min

  7. 01/30/2023

    Ali Beydoun from Sicily's Pizzeria | EP13

    In this episode, I visit my favorite Detroit pizza shop, Sicily's Pizzeria! I sit with the owner, Ali Beydoun, and discuss his immigrant journey from Lebanon to Southwest Detroit, The American Dream, and the perfect pizza experience. We also discuss hard work, commitment, passion, pride, and being well-equipped in this world. Subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review! Connect: https://SoCalledDiscoveries.com ~ Connect with Sicily's Pizzeria ~ 3554 Vernor Hwy, Detroit, MI 48216 https://sicilysdetroit.com https://www.instagram.com/sicilysdetroit/ https://www.facebook.com/sicilysdetroit/ ~ Timestamps ~ [00:00] Introduction [01:38] Welcome to Sicily's Pizzeria [02:16] Ali knows his customers [04:05] The perfect pizza experience [09:41] Sicily's sourdough, cheese, and other high quality ingredients [13:11] Growing up in Lebanon [17:45] Ali's American Dream over time [20:06] Ali's start in the U.S. [22:16] Take life seriously and have pride in what you do [26:49] The path to pizza [31:15] Passion can bloom from hard work and commitment [33:58] Words of wisdom, and Ali's hopes for his daughters [39:07] A wholesome moment [39:50] Conclusion

    41 min

  8. 01/15/2023

    Dr. Paul Thomas from Plum Health | EP12

    In this episode, we learn about direct primary care and Plum Health from Dr. Paul Thomas! Dr. Thomas is a board-certified family medicine physician practicing in Corktown Detroit. His practice is Plum Health DPC, a Direct Primary Care service that is the first of its kind in Detroit and Wayne County. His mission is to deliver affordable, accessible health care services in Detroit and beyond. He has been featured on WDIV-TV Channel 4, WXYZ Channel 7, Crain's Detroit Business, and CBS Radio. He has been a speaker at TEDxDetroit. He is a graduate of Wayne State University School of Medicine and now a Clinical Assistant Professor. Finally, he is an author of two books: "Direct Primary Care: The Cure for Our Broken Healthcare System" and "Startup DPC: How to Start and Grow Your Direct Primary Care Practice". Subscribe, enable notifications, rate, and review! Connect: https://SoCalledDiscoveries.com ~ Connect with Dr. Thomas & Plum Health ~ https://www.plumhealthdpc.com https://www.instagram.com/plumhealthdpc https://www.youtube.com/@PlumHealthDPC https://twitter.com/PlumHealthDPC https://www.facebook.com/PlumHealthDPC https://www.linkedin.com/company/plum-health-dpc ~ Dr. Thomas's books (affiliate links) ~ Direct Primary Care: The Cure for Our Broken Healthcare System: https://amzn.to/3IL3mnE Startup DPC: How To Start And Grow Your Direct Primary Care Practice: https://amzn.to/3kn3pvS ~ Timestamps ~ [00:00] Introduction [01:58] What is Plum Health and how is it different? [05:05] How patients save money through direct primary care [06:37] Retail pharmacy markups [08:12] Direct primary care impacts physician incentive [09:17] Elaborating on the Plum Health DPC experience [11:09] Plum Health origin story [16:09] Being in Corktown, Detroit [18:42] Dr. Thomas's early business ventures [19:55] How Dr. Thomas gained business skills and knowledge [21:01] Future of Plum Health [23:49] Advice for students and physicians [27:07] Final words from Dr. Paul Thomas [28:32] Conclusion

    30 min
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About

Welcome to So-Called Discoveries, where we discuss stories, knowledge, and insights from somewhere, and try to learn something

Information

  • Creator
    Anthony Azzi
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2025
  • Episodes
    19
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Anthony Azzi
  • Show Website
    So-Called Discoveries