The New Rules Podcast

Adrian Crawford
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Helping you write New Rules no matter what place and space you find yourself.

  1. 6D AGO

    E114: Toxic V. Tough

    The world is changing faster than most people are prepared for. AI is reshaping the workforce. The pressure is increasing. And a lot of people feel stuck trying to keep up. But the real issue isn't what's happening around you. It's who you're becoming in response to it. In this episode, we break down why toughness, resilience, and adaptability are becoming the most valuable traits you can build—and why most people are avoiding them. We talk about: Why toughness is misunderstood in today's culture The difference between toxic environments and necessary pressure How AI is creating opportunity (not just fear) Why confidence is built through doing hard things What separates people who adapt… from those who fall behind If you've been feeling stuck or unsure of your next move—this episode will challenge you. Because the truth is: The world isn't slowing down. You just have to become someone who can keep up.   Pre-Order the Book This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One. Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 – Intro: The World Is Changing Fast 02:00 – What You Can Control 04:30 – Fear + Future Planning 06:30 – AI + Job Market Shift 09:30 – Opportunity in AI 10:45 – "Toxic Culture" Debate 12:00 – Why Toughness Matters 14:30 – Finding Yourself Is Hard 17:00 – Comfort vs Weakness 18:45 – Growth = Pain 20:30 – Confidence Comes From Action 22:30 – Building Toughness Daily 25:00 – Discipline (Athletes & Military) 27:00 – Pressure + Leadership 30:00 – Loving the Process 32:30 – Suffering Builds Connection 34:00 – Resilience Is Learnable 35:30 – Discomfort vs Danger 37:00 – What Real Toughness Is 40:00 – Emotional vs Physical Strength 43:00 – Handling Criticism 45:00 – Strength + Wisdom 46:30 – The Most Valuable Skill 48:00 – Creators vs Consumers 49:30 – Adapting to Change 50:30 – Being Present 51:30 – Who Will Win Next 53:00 – Final Challenge

    53 min

  2. APR 8

    E113: Little Rooms: Humble Beginnings

    What if the thing you're chasing… is the thing that will expose you? In a world obsessed with visibility, scale, and opportunity, we rarely stop to ask a better question: Are we actually ready for what we're asking for? This episode explores the idea of "little rooms"—the unseen, often overlooked seasons where real formation happens. Before the spotlight. Before the platform. Before the moment. There's a process. And most people try to skip it.     In this conversation, we unpack: Why the spotlight doesn't build you—it reveals you The danger of chasing exposure without formation How constraints actually unlock creativity Why small, unseen seasons matter more than big moments The tension between scaling and staying authentic What it really means to become before you perform     This isn't just about leadership. It's about identity. Because the real question isn't: "How do I get there faster?" It's: "Who am I becoming on the way?"     Whether you're leading, building, creating, or simply trying to stay grounded in a fast-moving world—this conversation is for you.   More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules  To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader! LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules 00:00 – Intro 02:12 – Entering the Creative Zone 03:06 – Creativity & Advancing Humanity 06:04 – Introducing "Little Rooms" 08:37 – Why This Chapter Matters 14:15 – Leaving Breadcrumbs for Others 16:22 – The Power of Humble Beginnings 17:46 – Constraints Create Creativity 18:53 – Outkast & "Little Rooms" Origin 22:12 – "Lightning in a Bottle" 24:19 – Regret & Presence 25:01 – Honoring the Process 28:59 – Spotlight Reveals You 30:12 – Skill vs Exposure 31:48 – Discovering Your Strengths 32:08 – Scaling vs Creativity Tension 34:26 – What Happens When You "Make It" 38:06 – Reading: Freedom of the Basement 39:24 – Become vs Perform 40:28 – Being Present in the Process 43:06 – Your Scoreboard Matters 44:41 – Scaling Without Losing Yourself 47:18 – Conviction Through Formation 49:02 – Authenticity vs Opportunity 50:41 – Writing New Rules 52:22 – Building the Next Generation 55:02 – Legacy Over Success 59:03 – Final Charge: Don't Despise the Little Rooms

    1 hr

  3. APR 1

    E112: The One Phone Call You Don't Want to Make

    What if the decisions you're making… aren't actually yours? In this episode, we unpack a question that exposes the hidden forces shaping your life:   👉 "If you failed… what's the one phone call you wouldn't want to make?" Because behind your ambition, hesitation, and even your success…there may be a voice you've never confronted. We explore: Why most people are driven by voices they don't even recognize  How fear disguises itself as ambition, caution, or even humility The story of a CEO whose decisions were being shaped by something deeper Why high performers still feel stuck or paralyzed under pressure How past experiences quietly control present decisions This is a deep dive into: Identity vs. conditioning  Awareness vs. autopilot Truth vs. internal narratives We also unpack: The "echo" inside your mind and how it forms Why self-awareness is the foundation of leadership How to separate your voice from fear, trauma, and expectation The cost of not doing internal work And why clarity starts with asking better questions   🧠 The Exercise Take 10–15 minutes. No distractions. Ask yourself:  👉 "If I failed… who is the one person I wouldn't want to call?" Then go deeper: Why them? What would they think? When did that fear start? How has it shaped my decisions?   This is where the work begins.   Pre-Order the Book This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One.   Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co   If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.   More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 – The question that exposes everything  00:20 – Intro + Oscars conversation  02:30 – Ambition vs ego  05:30 – Authenticity vs image  08:00 – Discipline behind greatness  11:00 – Enter "The Chisel"  12:00 – The one phone call question  13:30 – The CEO story (breakdown moment)  16:00 – Pressure, identity, and leadership  18:00 – Perfection vs uncertainty  20:00 – The hidden voice behind decisions  22:30 – Most people aren't aware of it  24:00 – Becoming self-aware  26:00 – Fear, shame, and past experiences  27:30 – What's actually shaping you  30:00 – Personal example (father + identity)  31:30 – The "echo" in your mind  33:00 – Why success requires emptying yourself  36:00 – The truth about sacrifice  38:00 – How to separate your voice  40:00 – The exercise explained  43:00 – This isn't about blame  45:00 – Clarity and alignment  47:30 – Final challenge

    49 min

  4. MAR 25

    E111: Magic, Identity, and The Search for Meaning

    What if the rise of astrology, "manifestation," and modern spirituality isn't random… but a response to something deeper?  In this episode, we dive into a conversation most people are afraid to have: Why are so many people turning to "magic" right now?  Is it really about spirituality… or something else?  Are we actually searching for identity, control, and purpose in the wrong places? And what's the difference between faith, self-discovery… and subtle forms of control?     This isn't a surface-level conversation. It's raw, honest, and explores the tension between: Faith vs. control  Identity vs. illusion  Truth vs. what feels true We also unpack:  The rise of astrology and "witch culture"  How social media has shaped identity and distorted self-perception Why humans are wired to seek something beyond themselves The tension between curiosity, superstition, and control  And whether we're all, in some way… living under a "spell"    Pre-Order the Book   Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co    More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader! LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules   00:00 – Intro & setting the stage 02:40 – "We're building something that doesn't exist yet" 04:40 – How social media reshaped identity 05:30 – Why people are turning to the supernatural 07:10 – Would that make Christians "magicians"? 12:00 – Why people are drawn to astrology 14:00 – It all comes back to control 16:00 – The desire to "become the source" 20:40 – Control, anxiety, and modern habits 25:00 – Superstition, obsession, and faith  35:30 – Faith vs. controlling outcomes  52:00 – Are we living under a "spell"?

    57 min

  5. MAR 18

    E110: THE SCALPEL: ASK YOURSELF WHY

    Why are you really doing what you're doing? Most people can explain what they do. Some can explain how they do it. Almost nobody can explain their real why. In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian Crawford and Breezy unpack one of the most powerful principles from Magnum Opus — The Scalpel. The practice of asking yourself "why" isn't soft self-help. It's surgical. It cuts through performance, press releases, and public image to expose the origin story underneath. Because here's the truth: The first answer you give is usually a press release. The real answer lives in the basement. We explore: Why most people are terrified of their real motives The difference between curiosity and interrogation How shame blocks self-discovery Why humans compromise themselves just to belong What happens when you disconnect from your origin story Why integration work creates freedom And how asking "why" can literally bring you back to life This conversation is vulnerable, layered, and honest — especially around topics like mission vs. family, superficial desires vs. deeper motives, and the pressure to give socially acceptable answers. If you've ever felt like: You're performing instead of living You're successful but not satisfied You're disconnected from your deeper motives Or you're tired of giving "marketing why" answers This episode is for you. Pre-Order the Book: This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One. Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co     If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.   More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules     00:00 – The Question That Sets You Free  01:06 – Why Most People Are Afraid of Their Real "Why" 02:24 – Where the "Why" Practice Came From (Therapy + Five Minutes of Real Time) 03:18 – Is This the Same as Simon Sinek's Start With Why? 04:38 – Poverty, Fear, and the Survival-Driven Career Path 07:16 – Why Asking "Why" Feels So Exposing 11:34 – The Scalpel: Why Is Surgical, Not Soft 17:26 – The Jordan Story: Origin Narratives & Superficial Desires 20:00 – Curiosity vs. Interrogation 23:39 – Overthinking Your Motives 26:13 – Should You Question Other People's Motives? 31:21 – Why We Give Press Release Answers 35:12 – What Happens When You're Disconnected from Your Why 39:40 – Common "Marketing Why" Responses 44:00 – Mission vs. Family (An Honest Conversation) 47:04 – What Happens When You Live Connected to Your Why 48:51 – "I Think I'm Alive Because of the Integration Work" 50:16 – Magnum Opus & The Long Game

    53 min

  6. FEB 25

    E109: THE UNBECOMING: METHOD ACTING 101

    We're living in a pivotal time. In a world that rewards performance, platforms, personas, and amplifies approval, it's easy to slowly drift away from who you actually are. In this episode, we explore "The Unbecoming." Not the act of becoming someone new — but the painful process of shedding the character you've been playing.     In This Episode: Why performance culture is exhausting How approval can slowly become a prison The difference between talent and performing for validation Guilt vs. shame ("I did something bad" vs. "I am bad") Why freedom always costs something The power of being able to walk away The question that changes everything: "Where are you?"     Pre-Order the Book This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One. Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co   If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it. And in the meantime — keep writing new rules. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules     00:00 – We're Living in a Pivotal Time 02:00 – Why Everyone Feels Exhausted 07:00 – The Character You Don't Know You're Playing 10:50 – Everything Is Performative 15:00 – Talent vs Performance 19:40 – Your Backstage Reality Gets Exposed 20:15 – The Lady Gaga "Unbecoming" Moment 23:00 – When You Realize You're Not Being Yourself 25:30 – How Performance Becomes a Prison 28:40 – The Role of Shame 33:40 – Guilt vs Shame 36:00 – Can Unbecoming Destroy Your Life? 38:20 – Changing the Scoreboard 39:50 – Freedom Is Dangerous 41:15 – The Cost of Authenticity 43:40 – Under Pressure, You Get Exposed 49:10 – Where Do You Begin? 55:10 – The Question: Where Are You? 59:10 – How to Start Rebuilding

    1h 1m

  7. FEB 18

    E108: FROZEN WATER: THE IDENTITY PARADOX

    Our whole lives we've been told two competing messages: be unique, but also fit in; be original, but make sure you're accepted. So which is it? In this episode, we unpack the tension at the heart of identity—the paradox of being completely one of one while still being made of the same "frozen water" as everyone else.  If these concepts and ideas have inspired you to begin your journey toward becoming one of one, we highly encourage you to pre-order a hardcover copy of Adrian Crawford's Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One. Purchase the book today!  https://www.newrulescollective.com/product-page/magnum-opus-the-art-of-becoming-one-of-one You are unique, but you're not superior. You're human. And learning to live in that tension may be one of the most important leadership skills of our generation. Authenticity vs performance Belonging vs fitting in Personal growth and self development The difference between finding yourself and becoming yourself Identity in an age of social media Confidence without ego Leadership rooted in humility Purpose, calling, and self awareness Why most people cosplay uniqueness How to stop performing and start becoming   If you've ever struggled with:   Comparison Feeling behind Trying to stand out Trying to fit in Losing yourself in success Chasing approval Wanting deeper meaning and purpose   This episode is for you. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   📲 To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules

    56 min

  8. FEB 11

    E107: Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One

    If you feel like the world is shifting faster than you can process… If you're exhausted from performing… If you know there's something deeper in you that hasn't fully come alive yet… This episode is your starting point. This week on The New Rules Podcast, we launch a brand-new season centered around one idea: Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One — your great work.  But not the kind you put on a résumé. The kind you become. In Episode 107, we unpack what it means to design your internal world instead of letting culture design it for you. As systems destabilize and predictability fades, the question is no longer, "How do I win the game?" — it's "Who am I becoming inside of it?" This conversation explores why so many feel misaligned and stuck in performance although it's exhausting, and how to begin the process of becoming "one of one." We introduce a powerful four-phase framework inspired by Adrian Crawford's powerful new book Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One. Echo – Discovering the inherited narratives, history, and internal patterns shaping you Chisel – Developing disciplines that bring your real self forward Fire – Integrating your gifts into the world with power and responsibility Work – Evaluating whether your life is producing real impact or just personal gain This episode dives into: How your internal world is being formed — whether you're intentional or not The mental and emotional cost of living disconnected from yourself How modern systems mass-produce performance instead of cultivating originality Why creativity feels rare in today's world The difference between being impressive and being integrated Why great work is formed in "little rooms" before it's seen in big ones How responsibility — not astrology, personality tests, or systems — shapes identity This isn't a "5 steps to success" conversation. It's an invitation. To slow down. To sit with deeper questions. To stop outsourcing your design. To take ownership of who you're becoming. Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One sets the foundation for a season focused on identity, leadership, creativity, and building something that outlives you. If you're ready to stop performing and start becoming, this episode is for you. More of a visual person?  You can WATCH today's episode on our Youtube Channel:  Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules   To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!   LinkedIn:  / adriancrawford-nrc  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules Purchase the book today: https://www.newrulescollective.com/product-page/magnum-opus-the-art-of-becoming-one-of-one

    48 min
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Helping you write New Rules no matter what place and space you find yourself.

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