Designing Life On Purpose with David Schmeikal

"If pain is unavoidable, I'd rather suffer doing something I love." Michael Dargie reconnects with creative rebel and longtime friend David Schmeikal for a raw and deeply reflective conversation about creativity, permission, and building a life that feels right—not just looks right. This episode is sponsored by my new book BRANDJITSU, helping you find, shape, and share your story with the world. David talks about the many ways we get stuck doing things we don't love, believing that "someday" we'll earn the right to do what we really want. But what if that day never comes? From working on a travel-inspired card deck with Must Do Canada to producing personal story films, David is actively challenging old beliefs and making time for projects that align with who he is today—not who he was expected to be. They dive into themes of personal suffering, creative courage, and how pain is unavoidable—but we get to choose the kind that leads somewhere meaningful. David shares his experience painting murals with his wife, the reflective exercise that shaped their 10-year life plan, and why going deep with strangers can feel easier than opening up to people we know. This episode is for rebels who feel like they're living a "should" life—and are ready to start living a want life instead. Quotable Quotes "If pain is unavoidable, I'd rather suffer doing something I love." "We don't give ourselves enough runway." "We sedate ourselves to the point of oblivion." "We are humans being and doing—it's about intention." "Let's do some work and then let's dig in and start building." Episode Highlights Card Deck Project | Collaborating with Must Do Canada on an adventure deck Creative Boundaries | Only saying yes to projects that truly resonate Early Stories | Living with a belief that his ideas "aren't worth doing" The Film That Started It | Creating a personal film about his creative journey Redefining Pain | Choosing the pain that leads to growth 10-Year Vision | How a vivid life plan reshaped his priorities Permission to Create | How to start before you feel "qualified" Painting with His Wife | Joy in collaboration and art for art's sake Going Deep | Meaningful convos with strangers vs. small talk Advice to Creators | Start with what you want, then do the work LINKS FROM EPISODE David's Website (davidschmeikal.com) David's LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/davidschmeikal) David's Instagram (instagram.com/davidschmeikal) Get Your Copy of Michael's Book: "BrandJitsu™: Move Your Brand From 'Meh' To Memorable" Indigo | Barnes & Noble | MichaelDargie.com