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Built by creative professionals for creative professionals, <strong>at Optimize Yourself we believe it is absolutely possible to love what you do for a living…without having to sacrifice your health, relationships, or sanity in the process.</strong> Creative burnout is NOT inevitable!In a nutshell this podcast is a combination of Tim Ferriss meets Ted Lasso (minus the mustache). Hosted by Zack Arnold (ACE) - an award-winning Hollywood editor, producer, and director, a career coach, an American Ninja Warrior, and most importantly a father - these raw, honest, and candid conversations will both provide you with the necessary tools to optimize your creative potential as well as inspiring you to believe that you can.Whether it’s American Ninja Warrior superstar Jessie Graff (Zack’s ninja trainer), P90X creator Tony Horton (Zack’s fitness trainer), or Ramit Sethi (Zack’s business mentor)...or perhaps industry legends such as Walter Murch, Jeffrey Ford, Roger Barton, or Eddie Hamilton…or productivity gurus such as David Allen (GTD), Cal Newport (Deep Work), or James Clear (Atomic Habits),…<strong>we’ll provide you with the strategies, resources, and mindsets to help you design a clear path towards the more balanced, more productive, and more fulfilling life you deserve.</strong></p>
Today’s mini-episode is the latest edition of my Case of the Mondays newsletter, a free newsletter I send out exclusively to my subscribers every Monday morning with my latest thoughts, strategies, and tips for better managing the crazy balancing act between work & life. I don’t know about you, but I’d rather design a career where I’m excited about Mondays instead of dreading them. To be the first to receive next week’s newsletter, to read today’s episode in addition to listening, and for access to all of the past newsletters in the Case of the Mondays archives, simply visit optimizeyourself.me/newsletter.
In this Hot Seat session, community member Mark Carr is looking to re-engage a valuable contact he reached out to a few months ago. Knowing the person was previously too busy to respond, Mark wants to follow up in a way that’s both respectful of their time and likely to get a response. Together, we break down the art of a well-crafted follow-up, exploring subtle strategies that go beyond a simple nudge and aimed at making his outreach feel timely, genuine, and worth reading.
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In this Hot Seat session, community member Leonardo Oliveira seeks guidance on refining his weekly planning. He often ends up not being able to finish everything he planned for the week and finds himself "stealing" time from other tasks to keep up. Together, we explore the mindset shifts and practical strategies that can help him better manage his time and energy, while building more flexibility into his schedule.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format
Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
Since May of 2014 I’ve done my best to release a brand new long form conversation on a weekly basis, and between my original show Fitness In Post and now Optimize Yourself, I’ve now released just short of 400 episodes. But eventually this thing called life gets in the way. And I had to make the difficult choice to pause recording new interviews for the time being, hence the lack of new long form conversations. But rest assured we’ll be returning in early 2025 better than ever with new guests, new conversations, an updated format, and who knows….maybe even a brand new show altogether (wink, wink, nudge nudge). I won’t say anymore at this point, but needless to say we’re only hitting the pause button for now, certainly not the stop button.
Having said that we’ll continue to release a Hot Seat Friday episode every week for the remainder of the year to give you an insider’s glimpse into how we do things in the Optimizer community so we can continue to help you design the more rewarding, the more fulfilling, and the more sustainable creative career (and life) that you ultimately deserve.
In the meantime you’re welcome to enjoy the over 250 episodes in our archives. And we look forward to being back in your earbuds in early 2025. Thanks so much for being a devoted listener and longtime member of this global community of creative misfits. Take care, and be well.
In this Hot Seat session, community member Michael Addis brings his series pitch deck to the table. He wants to refine it so he can capture the interest of the executives. Together, we crawl into the brains of the busy decision-makers to understand how they process ideas, ensuring that he can convey his vision clearly and effectively giving Michael the best chance of making his idea a reality.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
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Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
In this Hot Seat session, I sit down with community member Tristan Felberg for a mock interview to help him craft a compelling response to the classic "tell me about yourself" question. We explore what interviewers are really looking for and how Tristan can shape his answer to draw them in, keeping the conversation flowing. We also dive into a key strategy to stay confident and natural, even when the conversation takes unexpected turns. This hot seat is packed with practical tips to help you navigate interviews with ease and take control of the dialogue.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format
Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
In this hot seat session, I sit down with community member Kalika Sharma, whose work has kept her creatively fulfilled. But with so much happening at once, Kalika has lost sight of what her future looks like and how to prepare for it. Together, we take time to pause so she can paint a clearer picture of what it is that she really wants for her future, mapping out the steps to help her find clarity and direction towards where she's going.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format
Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
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
Moni Salazar is a Mexican assistant editor (and now editor) for feature films who has been KILLING IT since she moved to Los Angeles. In fact her first feature film as an editor, Honey Boy, is about to screen at Sundance! As an assistant editor she has also worked on such films as Netflix’s All Day and a Night, The Beach Bum, and Zoe. In addition to the many hours she spends in dark rooms, she is also the Vice President of Blue Collar Post Collective.
Moni approached me last year because she found it nearly impossible to focus on creative tasks. She was constantly distracted by little things that kept her from doing the creative work that she loved, so much so at one point she didn't get her Visa application done in time...and she was forced to move back to Mexico! We worked together one-on-one for the next 12 weeks to help her clarify her goals and find the most important ‘One Thing’ in her life that she had to accomplish every day in order to get focused, avoid constantly procrastinating, and get her life organized!
My purpose for sharing this case study is to help explain the process that Moni and I worked through and the steps she took to get her life more organized and establish daily habits to help her increase her focus and productivity while actually creating more time in her day to relax. That way you can use some of these same ideas and techniques to move yourself forwards this year, whether or not you’re interested in working with me one-on-one in my coaching program.
If after listening to this interview you do want to learn more and apply to work with me for the next several months and beyond, enrollment is currently open but time slots are extremely limited. To apply just visit optimizeyourself.me/elite-apply.
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Ep36: Finding Your "One Thing" with Jay Papasan
This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat.
This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me...it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order!
Mónica Salazar is a Mexican editor and assistant editor for feature films. She enjoys crafting stories on a daily basis, and is usually found hidden in the darkness of an editing room with a cup of coffee serving as her safety blanket. Her editing credits include Honey Boy set to premiere at Sundance in 2019, and the Los Angeles Emmy award winning documentary Montage: Great Film Composers and the Piano. Mónica has also worked as an assistant editor for various films, including Netflix’s All Day and a Night, The Beach Bum, and Zoe.
Monica also serves as the Vice President of Los Angeles for Blue Collar Post Collective, an accessible and focused grassroots non-profit organization that supports emerging talent in post production.
Mónica takes pride in her taco-expertise and has found the best pastor tacos in LA.
This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
In this hot seat session, community member Brett Williams tells his story of how he lost his creative job and is now working a temporary role to support his family. Brett is eager to return to the work he loves but faces the challenge of balancing that dream with providing for his loved ones. Together, we explore strategies to help him transition back to his creative career, drawing from my own experiences of moving from a job that paid the bills to one that truly fulfilled me. Along the way, we uncover the key mindsets and practical steps Brett can take to get his career back on track while meeting his family’s financial needs.
Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!
→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format
Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?
→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program
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
Having spoken to and worked with hundreds of people worldwide over the years, if there’s one constant to the ever-changing landscape of this age, it’s that the global pandemic has been a magnifying glass amplifying every tiny little detail about our lives (and society at large) that just wasn’t working. For many this intense awareness has been paralyzing while for others it’s been a motivating call to action.
So what’s the difference for those who feel stuck versus those who take action and see results?
Maybe you’re sick of being stuck on the wrong career path and feeling desperate to pursue your true passion, but you’re too afraid to take action because you’re waiting to “see how things work out?”
Maybe you’re anxious about work swallowing up what semblance of life you have outside your career…especially now that you’re stuck working from home?
Or maybe you are so overwhelmed about all the uncertainties and unknowns that you feel paralyzed and unable to focus on anything but just getting through another day. Yes, pandemic-induced procrastination is indeed a thing.
If any of these sound like you, I have three amazing guests on today’s show that know exactly how you feel. Ariel Fujita is an unscripted editor making the transition to colorist. Maxton Weller is a sound editor and composer for films and video games, and Kristi Shimek is an indie film editor transitioning to scripted television. This episode is a case study where I speak candidly with all three who are members of my 'Optimizer' coaching & mentorship community who have successfully navigated the challenges of being an introvert, who have battled the perfectionism that holds us back from accomplishing our goals, and who can relate to how imposter syndrome keeps us stuck in the wrong career path. And we discuss the strategies and methods they all implemented to work through these common pitfalls to feel confident and clear, not only about what they want in life but more importantly, how to actually live it. All three guests have recently completed my coaching & mentorship program, put in a lot of hard work, and have achieved amazing results…
...while, by the way, living through a global pandemic.
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Enroll in the ‘Optimizer’ Coaching & Mentorship program
'Insider's Guide to Writing Great Outreach Emails'
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The 5 Most Common Mistakes You’re Making With Your Cold Emails (and How to Fix Them)
Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry
[CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a Pandemic
Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone
Ariel Fujita
Ariel Fujita is an editor with 15 years of experience in unscripted post production television. She got her start as a Post Production Assistant and has taken on many different roles throughout her career: Post Production Coordinator, Assistant Editor, Off-line editor, and On-line Editor. Ariel’s editing credits include Are You The One? (MTV), America’s Next Top Model (VH1), and Last Call With Carson Daly (NBC).
After working primarily in off-line post production, she has recently made the transition to on-line editing and she hopes to eventually pursue a career as a colorist for scripted television and independent films.
Ariel lives in Los Angeles with her wife and their five cats. When she’s not working, she enjoys watching horror films and she makes a killer mac and cheese.
Kristi Shimek
Kristi Shimek is a Los Angeles based Film and Television Editor. Within her first year of moving to Hollywood, she was cutting indie features in the LA circuit with stars such as Lou Diamond Phillips, Danny Trejo, Lea Thompson, and Nicolas Cage.
Recently, Kristi has edited on two breakout feature film successes. The Night Clerk , a character based thriller directed by Michael Christofer (Original Sin, T he Witches of Eastwick ) and starring Tye Sheridan, Ana de Armas, and Helen Hunt, which reached #5 on Netflix’s Top Ten List in June 2020. And Inheritance, a narrative commentary on patriarchy and privilege directed by Vaughn Stein (Terminal) and starring Simon Pegg and Lily Collins, which was featured at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival.
In addition to films, Kristi has just finished editing on her first network television show, NEXT, a near-future tech based drama created and executive produced by Manny Coto and starring John Slattery, which is set to debut on October 6th on Fox.
Maxton Waller
Maxton Waller is a composer and multi-instrumentalist living in Los Angeles, California with a formidable output and unparalleled work ethic. He has been writing and performing music professionally since the age of 10.
In 2007, he moved to Los Angeles and got his start in good old-fashioned rock and roll. After a few cross-country tours, he leapt to film/interactive and never looked back. You can hear his work across television and the internet; the Hulu Original Series “RocketJump: The Show”, Stan Lee’s animated series “Cosmic Crusaders”, Nickelodeon’s animated series “Rainbow Rangers”, and literally (not metaphorically) dozens of YouTube videos with views in the hundreds of millions.
In addition to this, Maxton has written songs placed in the Netflix Original Series “Marvel’s The Defenders”, CBS’ reboot of “MacGyver”, “Video Game High School”, “Sons of Anarchy”, The MLB network, and countless others.
He has studied at some of the greatest schools in the country; The Musician’s Institute and the Berklee College of Music. Maxton is highly-regarded for his deep understanding of audio, easy-going personality, and fast turnaround.
There’s a reason you’ll see the same studios hire him repeatedly - Maxton is a musical force of nature and he elevates every project he works on.
This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).
Amanda is a wife. A mother. A blogger. A Christian.
A charming, beautiful, bubbly, young woman who lives life to the fullest.
But Amanda is dying, with a secret she doesn’t want anyone to know.
She starts a blog detailing her cancer journey, and becomes an inspiration, touching and
captivating her local community as well as followers all over the world.
Until one day investigative producer Nancy gets an anonymous tip telling her to look at Amanda’s
blog, setting Nancy on an unimaginable road to uncover Amanda’s secret.
Award winning journalist Charlie Webster explores this unbelievable and bizarre, but
all-too-real tale, of a woman from San Jose, California whose secret ripped a family apart and
left a community in shock.
Scamanda is the true story of a woman whose own words held the key to her secret.
New episodes every Monday.
Follow Scamanda on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen.
Amanda’s blog posts are read by actor Kendall Horn.
