In this episode, Israa Nasir breaks down the toxic side of productivity and how it’s sabotaging your success. We unpack why the relentless drive for perfection leads to burnout, how social media fuels unhealthy comparisons, and why redefining productivity can help you reclaim your well-being.

Some highlights we cover:

• How toxic productivity keeps you stuck and unhappy.
• Practical ways to replace overwork with sustainable habits.
• Why an abundance mindset is the antidote to burnout.

Enjoy!

In this episode, Keith Ferrazzi returns to talk about his new book, Never Lead Alone: 10 Shifts from Leadership to Teamship, challenging the common myths around solo leadership. Known for his transformative ideas on collaboration, Keith discusses why success is truly a team effort and how leaders today need to harness the power of their teams. We dive into his insights on bold leadership, hybrid work dynamics, and the art of teamship.

Some highlights we explore:

• Moving from solo leadership to collaborative teamship

• Creating a culture of candid feedback and courage

• Integrating asynchronous tools to improve team dynamics

• Why celebration and gratitude are essential for high-performing teams

Enjoy!

In this episode, Austin Kleon dives into the concept of "creative discomfort" and how pushing outside our comfort zones drives authentic, impactful art. Austin, a bestselling author known for Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work, and Keep Going, shares his unique take on creativity as a process of problem-solving, subtraction, and friction. Together, we explore how the right amount of tension—whether in tools, routines, or mindsets—can spark the kind of genuine work that truly resonates.

We discuss the unexpected benefits of friction, whether it’s the rough feel of a pencil on paper, a challenging creative prompt, or even an intentional lack of convenience in day-to-day routines. Austin shares his journey back to writing books after a long hiatus and the unique way he keeps his process challenging by setting up creative “problems” for himself. From learning to ride a bike in his forties to adopting analog tools to enhance creative tension, Austin’s approach is a refreshing reminder that the best work often comes not from ease but from intentional, creative struggle.

Some highlights we explore:

• Comfort Work vs. Risk Work: Austin defines “comfort work” as creative tasks that feel safe and familiar, contrasted with “risk work” that pushes growth—like his switch to paid newsletters and return to book writing.
• The Power of Subtraction: By removing familiar tools or elements, Austin intentionally creates discomfort, a process he calls “discomfort by subtraction,” to spark fresh ideas and perspective.
• Friction as Fuel: Austin discusses how the right “friction” in tools, like rough pencil textures, gives essential feedback, enhancing his work's depth and authenticity.
• Constraint and Freedom: Using the metaphor of guitar strings, he explains how balancing freedom and constraint creates the ideal “tension” to unlock true creative potential.

Enjoy!

In this episode, Héctor García and Francesc Miralles, authors of books on Ikigai and Purushartha, talk about finding purpose and living meaningfully. They share how these ancient philosophies intersect and offer real ways to connect your passions, talents, and the needs of the world around you. From flow states and personal discovery to insights on genuine friendships and self-reflection, Héctor and Francesc explain how purpose is something built through experience, not stumbled upon.

Some highlights we cover:

• The Four Circles of Ikigai for aligning love, skills, profession, and impact
• How flow states and personal experiences guide you to what matters
• Reflective practices like journaling and connecting with friends as tools for self-discovery

Enjoy!

In this episode, Oliver Burkeman gets real with me about the power of embracing limits to unlock a richer, more productive life. We talk about his book, Meditations for Mortals, and unpack why so much of traditional time management is flawed. Instead of chasing perfection, Oliver shows how small, intentional steps and accepting our constraints can actually lead to more freedom and fulfillment. His take on “imperfectionism” and the value of presence offers a fresh way to tackle life’s demands.

Some highlights we explore:

• Shifting from private doubts to taking small, meaningful actions
• Using “imperfectionism” to overcome perfectionism’s trap
• Letting go of control to reduce stress and gain momentum

Enjoy!

Seth Godin returns to talk strategy and why getting the direction right is way more crucial than just moving fast. We chat about how creatives and entrepreneurs often confuse tactics with strategy and how fixing that could transform careers. Seth shares stories, insights, and the tough decisions he’s made to get better results, like firing major clients to create bigger opportunities. It’s all about finding your path and making the right moves for long-term success.

Some highlights we explore:

• Why most creatives mistake tactics for true strategy.

• How picking the right clients sets up your future.

• The role of empathy and tension in creating impactful work.

Enjoy!

In this episode, we unpack the concept of becoming a Supercommunicator. Charles Duhigg breaks down why effective communication isn’t about being naturally gifted—it’s a skill anyone can build through practice, self-awareness, and a few powerful techniques. We also share stories and insights that show how understanding different conversation types and adapting to digital communication can transform relationships and success.

Some highlights we explore:

• The 3 conversation types and how to match them to avoid conflict

• Using "looping for understanding" to create deeper connections

• Why non-verbal cues are critical, especially in the digital age

• And more!

Enjoy!

In this episode, I’m sharing a raw excerpt from Never Play It Safe and digging into how playing it safe nearly cost me everything. I’m talking about the times I abandoned my real passions—trading what I loved for the illusion of safety. From dropping art and soccer for “practical” careers, to walking away from a dream photography gig, these decisions came with some heavy consequences. But every setback taught me something and helped me get back on track. If you've ever felt the pressure to play it safe or second-guessed your dreams, you’ll relate to this one.

Some highlights we dig into:

• Why we give up on what we love for what’s “safe”

• The real cost of following someone else’s path

• How to course-correct when you’ve drifted from your true self

Enjoy!