The Humanist Chad Prevost

Chad Prevost and James Dawson discuss their experiences with burnout in startup culture, emphasizing the importance of self-care and setting realistic expectations. They also explore the intersection of neuroscience and personal growth, and share their personal experiences with cold water plunging. The conversation highlights the role of perspective and gratitude in shaping our experiences and relationships, and emphasizes the need for earned dopamine in avoiding burnout and building successful startups.
High Notes:Entrepreneurship, burnout, and self-awareness.James Dawson reflects on his entrepreneurial journey, from granola subscriptions to tech startup.Early 20s startup journey.Struggles with self-shame and feeling like you're not good enough.
Burnout in the startup world and how understanding work types can prevent it.The evolution of psychology and mental health awareness, from Freud and Jung to current trends in Gen Z and millennials.Safe spaces for venting and letting out emotions, as well as the limitations of past therapeutic methods.Despite neglecting his own well-being, James succeeded in launching a cashflow-positive business from a napkin note, with a team of 10-15 people.
Burnout, productivity, and self-care strategies.Chad Prevost and James discuss burnout and the need for strength-based leadership, emphasizing the importance of earning dopamine through meaningful work rather than relying on fake dopamine from media.The idea of moving towards discomfort and how it can help alleviate pain.James shares their personal experience with cold water therapy and how it helped take away their burnout-related pain.
The benefits of cold water plunging and reframing pain as a necessary part of growth.Doing cold water plunges for over a year, consistently in winter.Pain is a signal to address root issues, rather than avoid it.
Personal growth, trauma, and self-talk with a focus on ice plunging and breathwork.Emotional pain rooted in self-relationship, seeking self-improvement.Adler and Kahneman agree: trauma shapes our memories and stories.Self-care and positive self-talk to overcome trauma.
Cold plunging, gratitude, and authenticity.James shares their personal experience with cold plunging and its benefits for mental health, community, and personal growth.Chad reflects on his initial hesitation to participate in cold plunging but ultimately found value in the experience, including community, nature, and confronting limiting beliefs.The power of gratitude and its opposite, letting go, in a cold water challenge.The practice of gratitude is inspired by Wim Hof and involves naming what one is thankful for and letting go of something unwanted.
Find out more about Big Self School:
Big Self School seeks to democratize wellbeing and happiness. Our methodology is rooted in science and ancient wisdom to help clients improve their outcomes and design their dream life. We are innovating the way coaching is currently practiced. We’re building a community to serve in a variety of high impact ways from coaching to in-person trainings to even using AI. Let's dream of a better future for everyone. Lead yourself first. Others will follow. bigselfschool.com
Download our free book, What Do You Expect? Discovering Methods for Deep Calm.
Learn more about the May 11, 2024 event: Men's Mental Health Matters
Brandon Clift froma...

This episode's conversation revolves around the themes of creativity, vulnerability, and personal growth. Genesis emphasized the importance of practicing vulnerability in creative endeavors, and with Chad Prevost and Ben Cake, they discussed the need for radical new ways to understand and practice humanism. This includes sharing experiences with embracing risk and failure, and the importance of staying open-minded and connected to the world around them to maintain a genuine and fulfilling creative practice. They also reflect on the nature of fear and how overcoming it can lead to new adventures and experiences.
Genesis the Greykid is a fine artist/creative that has sold artwork all over the country and internationally. His passions are people, places, and memory....and feels the best way to speak of this love, is through his gift with art and poetry. He's worked with some of the most talented creatives in the world and hopes to continue doing this the rest of his life. 
Top Shelf Ideas:Vulnerability, creativity, and ego in art and life.Vulnerability and authenticity in life and conversation.Genesis shares insights on creativity, fulfillment, and his new restaurant venture.Tthe importance of leaving space for other perspectives, avoiding the mistake of assuming everyone thinks alike.
Art and personal growth through pain and relationships.Chad discusses how people interpret their art, sometimes without their input.The collaboration and interpretation of their work by others.On values empathy and connection, sharing personal stories of grief and growth.
Creativity, isolation, and artistic expression.Genesis discusses isolating himself for almost a year in New York, feeling the need to focus on his work and ideas without distractions.On the desire to be vulnerable and open about personal struggles in poetry workshops and mediums.Unexpected connections and sales, highlighting the importance of trusting one's artistic vision.Letting his unique style and personality shine through in his interactions with others, leading to meaningful relationships and art sales.
Creativity, relationships, and money with an artist.The importance of process in creativity, worrying that technology shortcuts may deprive artists of the necessary time and effort to develop their skills and ideas.Genesis's fluid relationship with writing, which has become an extension of their body and mind, allowing him to create without needing to be alone or around people.Relationship with money has shifted since achieving commercial success, with mentors helping to reframe perspective.
The philosophy of money and creative freedom.Money is not real, and creative freedom is key to success.Creative confidence through spirituality and taking risks.
Art, business, and authenticity.The intersection of art and business, finding beauty in the dance of commerce.Building a business with a focus on authenticity and enjoyment.
Creativity, selflessness, and success as an artist.Personal insights on creativity, spirituality, and pushback from others.Invoking the muse and pleasing God through creativity and selflessness.Insights on letting go of pride and success to move forward in life.Reflections on the shelf life of success and creative ideas, wondering if holding onto past accomplishments can hinder growth.The importance of tapping into the "flow" or "zeitgeist" in their creative work, finding inspiration both...

The central focus of the first month's theme for The Humanist is understanding Authenticity. Why? Partly because the title of the podcast almost featured authenticity in the first place. Partly because authenticity seems to be having "a moment" culturally, and we aim to find out what's going on: How authentic is authenticity really when it comes to ways it's used an understood?
Chad Prevost and Ben Cake discuss the creative process and flow states, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unknown and not over-strategizing. They also explore the concept of compromise in relation to living an authentic life, highlighting the need for individualized metrics and prioritizing self-awareness and sustainability in personal growth.
Later, they discuss the challenges of balancing creative aspirations with practical considerations, emphasizing the importance of setting terms with oneself about what success looks like and embracing a creative life without compromise or shame. They also address the fear of failure and pressure to constantly produce content.
SummaryCreativity, flow states, and the source of inspiration.Chad Prevost and guest discuss creativity as a vehicle for a higher power, drawing on Rick Rubin and Elizabeth Gilbert's ideas.Ben Cake experiences flow state when nearing project completion, feeling momentum and possibility.
Compromise and taking one for the team, with insights on self-doubt and fantasies.
Ben discusses compromises made in pursuit of authentic life, framing them as pragmatic decisions rather than losses of faith.The importance of framing compromises in a way that reduces shame and increases positive outcomes.The idea of "taking one for the team" and how it can be a form of self-sabotage, where individuals prioritize the needs of others over their own goals.Examine your own stories and decisions, and to ask if you are holding yourself back from pursuing your true desires.
Living a creative life, overcoming fear and shame, and finding sustainability through self-care and personal growth.Chad discusses living a creative life without compromise, experimentation, and freedom to try new things.Ben argues that setting terms with oneself about success can limit creativity, leading to a different definition of success.The importance of living a fulfilling life, and the need for sustainability and balance in daily activities.Ben describes an ideal day, including self-care, family time, intellectual conversations, and a business meeting, highlighting the importance of nurturing various aspects of oneself.
Creativity, authenticity, and overcoming fear and shame in the creative process.The importance of authenticity in personal growth and transformation coaching.Chad discusses how creating an intentional creative life can lead to positive results, but acknowledges the potential for idealized metrics.The importance of taking action and showing up to create opportunities for success.Stop overthinking and debating, and instead, start doing something to manifest luck and success.Embracing discomfort and overcoming shame and fear in creative pursuits.
Find out more about Big Self School:
Big Self School seeks to democratize wellbeing and happiness. Our methodology is rooted in science and ancient wisdom to help clients improve their outcomes and design their dream life. We are innovating the way coaching is currently practiced. We’re building a community to serve in a variety of high impact ways from coaching to in-person trainings to even using AI. Let's dream of a better future for everyone. Lead yourself first. Others will follow. bigselfschool.com
Download our free workbook,...

The central focus of the first month's theme for The Humanist is understanding Authenticity. Why? Partly because the title of the podcast almost featured authenticity in the first place. Partly because authenticity seems to be having "a moment" culturally, and we aim to find out what's going on: How authentic is authenticity really when it comes to ways it's used an understood?
Chad Prevost and Ben Cake discuss the challenges of maintaining authenticity in creative pursuits and leadership roles. They explore how advertising and marketing can perpetuate idealized versions of life, and the impact of judgment from others on one's creative identity.
They also discuss the balance between artistic integrity and commercial success, using examples from various art forms. They explore the importance of living authentically and being willing to make changes to ensure satisfaction in one's creative pursuits.
In the end, they don't arrive at hard conclusions, but the discussion itself does seem valuable.
Authenticity, creativity, and snapshots in life.Ben Cake discusses authenticity, creativity, and the struggle to stay engaged with life.Speaker discusses how snapshots can be harmful, leading to unrealistic expectations and suffering.Exploring and acknowledging snapshots can help improve self-awareness and authenticity.
Leadership, self-awareness, and the importance of following one's passions.Chad and Ben discuss the importance of leading oneself before leading others.Rick Rubin's success was due to luck and not planning.
The value of persistence in creative fields despite lack of recognition or financial success.Chad admires writers who persist in publishing despite lack of recognition.Chad and Ben discuss the concept of mastery in writing and the challenges of achieving it.Ben argues that pursuing expertise can lead to a paradox where one becomes so focused on pleasing a narrow audience that they neglect to appeal to a broader one.Chad suggests that artists may feel sad or frustrated when they pour their heart and soul into their work, only to find that it goes unappreciated or unnoticed by a wider audience.
Creativity, ambition, and judgment from others.The idea of commitment to art and family, and admiration for authors who commit to their craft despite potential regrets.On judgment from others and its impact on authenticity.
Creative identity, authenticity, and career changes.On peaking early in their career and the challenges that come with it.The impact of criticism on one's self-narrative and identity.
Find out more about Big Self School:
Discover the transformative power of Big Self School, where personal growth meets professional development. Unlock your full potential and achieve your wildest dreams through our innovative courses, workshops, and coaching programs. Led by industry experts and thought leaders, Big Self School empowers you to break free from limiting beliefs, cultivate a growth mindset, and become the architect of your own success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or simply seeking to live your best life, Big Self School provides the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive. Join our vibrant community of like-minded individuals and experience the life-changing impact of investing in your personal and professional growth with Big Self School.
Book a discovery call here
Order a copy of Chad’s a...

Subscribe now and start your journey to a more authentic life.
Find out more about Big Self School:
Discover the transformative power of Big Self School, where personal growth meets professional development. Unlock your full potential and achieve your wildest dreams through our innovative courses, workshops, and coaching programs. Led by industry experts and thought leaders, Big Self School empowers you to break free from limiting beliefs, cultivate a growth mindset, and become the architect of your own success. Whether you're an entrepreneur, executive, or simply seeking to live your best life, Big Self School provides the tools, strategies, and support you need to thrive. Join our vibrant community of like-minded individuals and experience the life-changing impact of investing in your personal and professional growth with Big Self School.
Book a discovery call here
Order a copy of Chad’s book Shock Point or order an ebook here.
Leave us a review and subscribe on Apple iTunes or Subscribe on Spotify.
Find us at bigselfschool.com

Hey there, Big Self Show listeners!
We want to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for your unwavering support and loyalty throughout our incredible journey together. It's been an absolute pleasure exploring the depths of personal growth, self-discovery, and transformation with you.
As we evolve and grow, so too does our podcast. We're thrilled to announce that we're embarking on a new and exciting chapter, and we'd love for you to join us on this next phase of our adventure.
Now, we could have just replaced the Big Self Show with The Humanist and kept these thousands of downloads and all the benefits that come with that, but this is more than a rebrand. This is a whole new show. We’re going to let Big Self Show live on as it is and as it was. 
So, we’re are excited to direct your attention to The Humanist - a brand new podcast dedicated to helping you live your most genuine, purposeful, and fulfilling life. We'll be diving even deeper into the realms of psychology, spirituality, and creativity, bringing you the latest insights, tools, and strategies to help you unlock your full potential and become the architect of your own reality.
A lot of what you came for already, yes, but with a more specific focus.
Get ready for thought-provoking interviews with renowned experts, immersive solo episodes, and actionable wisdom you can apply to your daily life. We're committed to being your trusted companion on the path to self-actualization and authentic living.
While the Big Self Show may be coming to a close, the spirit of our mission lives on in Authentic Life. We can't wait to continue this transformative journey with you.
So, be sure to subscribe to Authentic Life wherever you listen to your podcasts. Follow us on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and to join our vibrant community of like-minded individuals.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for being a part of the Big Self Show family. We look forward to welcoming you to The Humanist and continuing to grow, learn, and thrive together.
Until then, remember: your authentic self is waiting to be unleashed. Tune in to The Humanist and let's make it happen!