Book Is the Hook

Do you need to know everything about your book before you start writing? Jean Hanff Korelitz says no, and in fact, knowing too much might be the problem. In this live, in-class conversation, bestselling novelist Jean Hanff Korelitz shares a clear and often contrarian perspective on writing, creativity, and the reality behind finishing a book. Jean explains why over-planning kills surprise, why most people only have a “four sentence idea” rather than a real book, and how writers must learn to tolerate constant doubt and self-criticism. We also talk about where ideas come from, how long they can take to develop, and why writing is less about control and more about discovery. This episode is especially valuable for writers who feel stuck waiting for clarity, or trying to “figure everything out” before they begin.

How do you write a character that readers can’t stop thinking about, even when they shouldn’t like them? In this live, in-class conversation, novelist Caroline Kepnes shares how she developed the voice behind You, and why character begins with perspective, not plot. Caroline talks about her path from journalism to television writing to novels, how each medium shaped her craft, and why writing often requires unlearning what you’ve been taught. We also explore the role of short stories in developing voice, the importance of rewriting, and how small, specific moments create emotional impact. This episode is especially valuable for fiction writers and anyone trying to create characters that feel real, complex, and unforgettable.

Great storytelling isn’t about charisma. It’s about empathy. In this live, in-class conversation, Miri Rodriguez, storytelling leader at Microsoft and author of Brand Storytelling, explains how writers find their voice, connect with audiences, and design stories that actually land. Miri shares what it was like launching her book during the pandemic, negotiating marketing support with her publisher, and writing under intense constraints while working full-time. She also introduces a powerful origin story exercise, explains why every story has a mission, and shows how design thinking can help authors communicate with more intention and emotional truth. This episode is essential for writers building books, brands, and messages that matter.

Why do some books quietly spread for years, while others disappear after launch week? In this live, in-class conversation, Bob Burg, co-author of The Go-Giver, explains why stories and parables connect on a deeper level than traditional how-to books, and why the most successful messages travel heart-to-heart. Bob shares his approach to writing benefit-driven titles, building genuine relationships before launching a book, and why you can’t “growth hack” trust. We also talk about the long game of promotion, why singles matter more than home runs, and how books become cultural artifacts when people start gifting them to others. This episode is essential for authors, entrepreneurs, and creators who want their work to spread through generosity and real connection.

Why do some ideas catch on, while others disappear? In this live, in-class conversation, Jonah Berger, author of Contagious and The Catalyst, breaks down the real mechanics behind virality, influence, and change. We talk about Jonah’s STEPS framework, why “customer focus” matters more than originality, and why writers need to understand their audience before they fall in love with their topic. Jonah also shares his own writing process, how frameworks evolve through teaching, and why feedback is the only way to make an idea stronger. This episode is essential for authors, creators, and entrepreneurs who want their work to actually land, not just exist.

Writing is solitary. Revision is relentless. And you have to be able to sit with your own work long enough to make it better. In this live, in-class conversation, comedian and author Maysoon Zayid shares an unfiltered look at what it actually takes to write with honesty, humor, and resilience. We talk about how to take criticism without breaking, why memoir can be harder than fiction, and why Maysoon dictated her entire book the way she tells stories on stage. She also reflects on disability, representation, and the hard-earned mindset behind her mantra: if a dream turns into a nightmare, find another dream. This episode is hilarious, sharp, and deeply real.

What does it mean to be free, even after unimaginable suffering? In this live, in-class conversation, Dr. Edith Eger, Holocaust survivor, psychologist, and author of The Choice, shares profound wisdom on trauma, healing, and the power of response. She explains why “the opposite of depression is expression,” why you cannot heal what you don’t feel, and why perfectionism keeps people imprisoned long after the external danger is gone. Dr. Eger also reflects on writing her first book at age 90, the tears behind every page, and why it’s never too late to tell the story you lived. This episode is for anyone carrying pain, carrying a story, or trying to find the courage to begin.

Writing a book doesn’t come with a progress bar.   In this live, in-class conversation, Dan Pink explains why long projects feel so disorienting, how writers lose their sense of momentum, and what actually keeps people motivated over months and years.   He shares how his research into motivation shaped his own writing habits, why routines matter more than inspiration, and the simple end-of-day ritual he uses to stay grounded in progress.   This episode is especially helpful for writers and creators who feel stuck in the middle of big projects and need a clearer way to measure forward motion.

Most advice sounds good on paper. But that doesn’t mean it works for you. In this live, in-class conversation, Gretchen Rubin explains why universal solutions fail, why habits need to be customized, and how self-knowledge is the real foundation of behavior change. She breaks down her Four Tendencies framework, shares how she uses her own experience as a testing ground, and explains why trying things yourself matters more than following expert rules. This episode is especially useful for writers, creators, and high-achievers who’ve tried every system and still struggle to make progress.

What happens after you achieve the dream you trained for your entire life? In this live, in-class conversation, Apolo Ohno, the most decorated Winter Olympian in U.S. history, shares what it was really like to compete at the highest level, and what came next when the Olympic chapter ended. Apolo talks about the mundane, repetitive road behind elite performance, the identity crisis that follows retirement, and why reinvention requires speed, experimentation, and self-honesty. He also reflects on writing his book Zero Regrets, the role of storytelling in processing experience, and why deep focus is harder, and more important, than ever in the age of distraction. This episode is for anyone navigating a pivot, writing a book, or trying to build the next version of themselves.

Creative blocks aren’t a lack of talent. They’re usually a lack of permission. In this live, in-class conversation, Julia Cameron, author of The Artist’s Way, explains why simple, repetitive practices like Morning Pages are still the most effective way to unblock creativity. She breaks down how perfectionism shuts writers down, how the inner critic loses its power through daily practice, and why starting exactly where you are matters more than finding the perfect system. This episode is especially valuable for writers and creators who feel stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly afraid of getting it wrong.

Most people think success starts with a great idea. Marc Randolph, co-founder of Netflix, says that’s wrong. In this live classroom conversation, Marc breaks down why ideas rarely survive first contact with reality, how iteration actually works in the real world, and why the best founders and authors learn by trying things that don’t work. He also shares how writing his memoir forced him to confront distorted memories, survivorship bias, and the temptation to tell a flattering story instead of an honest one. This episode is for anyone building something long-term, a company, a book, or a body of work, who wants a clearer picture of what the process actually looks like.

Writing isn’t about talent, motivation, or finding the right system. In this live, in-class session, Seth Godin challenges the way most people think about writing. He explains why writer’s block is a myth, why bad writing is part of the process, and why committing to a practice matters more than waiting for clarity or confidence. Rather than focusing on publishing or outcomes, Seth pushes writers to do the work that actually leads somewhere, showing up, writing things worth standing behind, and shipping creative work even when it feels uncomfortable. This episode is especially relevant for writers, creators, and thought leaders who know they have something to say but haven’t built the habit of saying it yet.

Writing a book is hard, and Simon Sinek thinks that’s the point. In this conversation, Simon joins Eric Koester for a candid, unscripted discussion about what separates meaningful books from forgettable ones. He breaks down why most ideas don’t deserve book-length treatment, why chasing bestseller lists misses the mark, and why depth, not speed, is the real value of authorship. They also explore how writers actually find their rhythm, why “writer’s block” is often a signal to change your approach, and how Simon thinks about worthy rivals, long-term impact, and writing books that still matter ten years later. This episode is especially relevant for first-time authors, thought leaders, and anyone who wants their book to do more than spike sales for a few weeks.

Most people wait for the “right time” to tell their story. That’s usually the reason it never lands. In this episode, Eric Koester sits down with Roy Choi, acclaimed chef, television personality and the author of L.A. Son, to talk about what actually makes a personal story work, and why forcing meaning onto your past almost always backfires. Roy shares how his darkest periods didn’t become useful material until he stopped trying to make them inspiring and started telling the truth without performance. The result wasn’t just a better book, it was clarity about who the story was really for. This conversation is for anyone who feels called to write but is stuck between oversharing and self-protection, or polishing a story that no longer feels honest. In this episode, we cover: Why timing matters less than readiness How your history shapes your voice, whether you acknowledge it or not The difference between vulnerability that builds trust and vulnerability that repels it What Roy actually thinks about while shaping a memoir that feels lived-in, not curated Writing your story isn’t about exposure. It’s about choosing the version of the truth that creates movement, for you and for the reader.

Most people don’t fail because they aren’t talented. They fail because their ego can’t survive the early stages of being bad at something. In this episode, Eric Koester talks with Matt Thomas, world champion in chessboxing and founder of Brawl for a Cause, about what actually creates commitment when the work gets uncomfortable. Matt has taken hundreds of everyday people through a 90-day fight program built on the hero’s journey. He’s seen the same pattern over and over: when the goal is status, people quit. When the goal is purpose, people get gritty. They also dig into a wild personal story, Matt goes from losing to an eight-year-old at speed chess to winning a world championship in India, by mastering the one skill most people ignore: the transition between intensity and focus. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to build commitment that survives embarrassment The difference between purpose and performative ambition How to use the hero’s journey as a real execution system A practical approach to worst-case thinking (stoicism) The transition skill: shifting from chaos to clarity on command This one’s for anyone building something that scares them, a book, a business, or a new identity.

Most people don’t fail at big projects because they lack talent. They fail because they never protect their attention. In this conversation, Eric Koester sits down with Cal Newport, Georgetown professor and author of Deep Work and Digital Minimalism, to break down what it actually takes to finish meaningful, career-defining work in a distracted world. Cal explains why passion is overrated, why constraints quietly create momentum, and why two to three hours of real focus consistently beat twelve hours of scattered effort. They also unpack why most people misunderstand productivity, and how attention has become the scarcest resource in modern knowledge work. If you’re trying to write a book, launch a podcast, or make real progress on a long-term project that keeps getting delayed by “busyness,” this episode gives you a better system. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why attention is more valuable than time How constraints force higher-quality work Why professional writers don’t write all day How to build a deep work rhythm that fits real life Why “follow your passion” is bad advice for serious projects Big projects don’t get finished by motivation. They get finished by systems that protect attention.

Tyler Hayes built and sold startups, then went all-in on building a mission-driven company in public. In this conversation, we break down the real “cheat codes” behind productivity and creative output, not hustle fluff. We talk about why focus beats more hours, how constraints create speed, and why audience and distribution matter as much as the work itself. If you’re writing a book, launching a podcast, or building a platform, this episode is a blueprint for moving faster without burning out.   In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “motion beats direction” when you’re stuck How the 20% check-in prevents wasted months The “1 hour / 1 day / 1 week” method for speed Why building in public attracts capital, partners, and talent The real formula: content is useless without distribution

Chuck Palahniuk doesn’t believe authority comes from research. He believes it comes from saying the thing everyone knows but nobody has dared to say out loud. In this conversation, the author of Fight Club explains why emotional truth has replaced factual expertise, how writing scenes like songs creates momentum, and why reading your work out loud to real people is the fastest way to improve it. We talk about how Fight Club started as a short story written in one afternoon, why workshops matter more than credentials, and how writers can stop trying to “fix the world” and instead model a new possibility. This episode sets a real standard for writers who want their work to hit harder. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why “emotional Wikipedia” is the new authority How Fight Club grew from scenes, not outlines Why writing in chunks beats writing linearly The feedback that actually matters (and how to get it) Why modeling possibility beats preaching solutions If you want your writing to feel raw, real, and unforgettable, this is required listening.

We’re taught the same job-search script: polish your resume, apply online, wait. It’s also the script that keeps smart people stuck. In this episode, career specialist and recruiter Kate Johnson breaks down what actually moves careers now: portfolio proof, real relationships, and the ability to market yourself without sounding desperate. You’ll learn: Why “applying online” rarely works, and what to do instead How to use a book (or any project) as a credibility engine The difference between transactional outreach and relationship-building How to explain job moves without looking flaky A simple way to turn conversations into introductions If you’re trying to switch industries, level up, or stop feeling invisible in the job market, this is the playbook.

Riley Sager didn’t break out by writing more books. He broke out by writing differently. After three novels that barely sold, Riley changed his approach to story, structure, and momentum. Final Girls became the inflection point, and it started with one decision most writers avoid, designing the ending first. In this conversation, we go deep on the craft and the business of writing thrillers: outlining, twists, revision cycles, and the pen name strategy that reset his career. This episode is especially valuable if you’re early in your author journey and trying to build real momentum, not just finish drafts. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Riley went from obscurity to bestseller Why he outlines heavily (and when he breaks the rules) How to design plot twists with emotional payoff The revision process behind a publishable thriller What most writers misunderstand about publishing How to keep writing through imposter syndrome and perfectionism If you want a behind-the-scenes look at how commercial fiction actually gets built, this is the blueprint.

Charlie Hoehn graduated into the worst job market in a generation and discovered something most writers never learn. Waiting doesn’t work. Instead of applying for jobs, Charlie started creating value for people he admired, without asking for permission or payment. That approach led to collaborations with Tim Ferriss, Seth Godin, Ramit Sethi, and the foundation for multiple bestselling books. This conversation isn’t about hustle or working for free forever. It’s about using free work as leverage to build credibility, relationships, and momentum when you’re unknown. We cover: Why rejection is part of the job, not a verdict How to give work away without getting exploited The difference between “free work” and strategic value creation How authors can build relationships before they have an audience Why unconventional career paths outperform conventional advice If you’re early in your writing career and tired of waiting for permission, this episode shows you how to create your own opening.

Vishen Lakhiani didn’t “find his purpose” in a clean, inspirational way. He got wrecked first. After the dot-com crash, he was broke, depressed, and getting told to “fuck off” on cold calls all day. Then he took a meditation class that taught him to access an altered state, and it changed everything. It doubled his sales, rewired his decision-making, and became the seed of what turned into Mindvalley. In this conversation, Vishen goes behind the scenes on two things most authors never learn: how to write with intuition and flow, and how to design a book people actually finish. In this episode, you’ll learn: How Vishen uses an “altered state trigger” to switch on creativity What “perceptual diversity” is, and why great creators rely on it A simple 10-chapter, 50-part outline method that makes writing feel doable How to build “stickiness” so readers keep going (open loops, tension, completion bias) Why great books must create love and hate, not apathy How Vishen approached research, interviews, and rewriting to earn credibility If you want your book to get read, finished, and talked about, this is a masterclass.

Most writers think they need more confidence. Terri Trespicio says that’s the wrong goal. In this episode, Terri explains why the inner critic isn’t the enemy, why criticism feels so destabilizing, and how attachment to being “good” or “liked” quietly sabotages creative progress. We talk about writing as identity, not output, why passion alone doesn’t carry you through hard drafts, and how to keep working even when the voice in your head won’t cooperate. In this conversation, we cover: Why the inner critic never actually goes away How writers accidentally train themselves to stall What criticism is really triggering underneath the surface Why confidence doesn’t finish books A more sustainable way to stay in motion If you’re tired of fighting yourself every time you sit down to write, this episode gives you a smarter frame, and a lot less self-drama.

Jason Feifer doesn’t believe in “launches.” He believes in relationship capital. As Editor-in-Chief of Entrepreneur, Jason has watched thousands of books fight for attention. The ones that win don’t market harder, they’ve already done the work years earlier. In this conversation, Jason breaks down how he quietly builds goodwill, tracks favors, and earns trust long before he ever asks for blurbs, coverage, or support. He explains why most authors misunderstand networking, why blurbs are rarely about the book, and how a simple system can turn relationships into long-term leverage. This episode is for authors who want momentum without begging. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why favors compound like interest if you track them How Jason’s “good contacts” system works in practice The mistake most authors make when asking for help How to build credibility before your book exists Why patience beats visibility in the long run If you want your book to change your trajectory, not just your bio, this episode shows how the work really gets done.

Rejection isn’t a failure signal. It’s part of the job. Jason Starr is a New York Times bestselling crime novelist and graphic novelist whose work spans novels, comics, and iconic characters like Batman, Wolverine, and The Punisher. But before any of that, he learned rejection the hard way, working telemarketing jobs where a “good day” meant hearing no a hundred times and still dialing. In this conversation, Jason breaks down what actually keeps writers in the game long enough to win. We talk about rejection as training, why empathy matters even for villains, and how writing ordinary people in extreme situations creates stories readers can’t shake. This episode is for writers who want longevity, not overnight success. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why rejection is a skill you can build How Jason uses empathy to write dark characters Why routines matter more than inspiration How to stay productive through doubt and discouragement When feedback matters, and when to ignore it If you want to write work that lasts, and build a career that doesn’t collapse at the first setback, this is the playbook.

How do you write something original when it feels like everything’s already been done? Austin Kleon (bestselling author of Steal Like an Artist, Show Your Work, and Keep Going) explains why originality isn’t invention, it’s selection. You take influence, you filter it through your taste, and you ship. We cover: The right way to “steal” ideas, structure, and style Why titles can wreck your creativity, and verbs fix it Consistency as a volume game (not a motivation game) How to document your process without turning into a content robot The input/output ratio most writers ignore If you’ve been stuck in perfectionism, comparison, or “this idea already exists,” this episode will get you moving again.

Daniel Handler, best known as Lemony Snicket, has sold over 70 million books worldwide, yet his writing process is built on bad pages, cheap notebooks, and long stretches of loneliness. In this episode, Daniel explains why loneliness isn’t something writers should escape, but something they should use. He shares how he moves from fragments and notes to full chapters, why inspiration is overrated, and how beginners can build a sustainable creative practice without waiting for permission. You’ll learn:  • Why loneliness is at the heart of the literary tradition  • How Daniel goes from notes and ideas to finished chapters  • Why bad pages are unavoidable, even for bestselling authors  • How to build your own creative canon  • What it means to actually enjoy the act of writing If you’ve been waiting to feel “ready” to write, this episode will convince you that readiness is a myth.

David Meltzer believes books work best when you stop trying to sell them. In this episode, David shares why giving your book away for free can unlock more opportunity, more influence, and more meaningful work over time. He explains how value compounds, why generosity creates leverage, and how creators can build communities instead of chasing short-term wins. David is the co-founder of Sports 1 Marketing, host of The Playbook, and a three-time international bestselling author. His work focuses on helping people create impact by leading with service, consistency, and long-term thinking. This conversation is especially relevant for authors who want their book to open doors, not just sit on shelves. In this episode, you’ll learn: Why books create leverage when you stop guarding them How giving value away builds trust and momentum Why most people quit before compounding starts working How to turn ideas into long-term opportunity The mindset shift behind building a mission-driven audience Your book isn’t the end goal. It’s the beginning of the pull.

Most writers aren’t stuck because they’re lazy or unmotivated. They’re stuck because they don’t have a clear internal compass. Mario Armstrong built a career in media, publishing, and entrepreneurship by creating clarity before credentials, momentum before permission. In this episode, we explore what it actually means to find direction as a writer, especially when the traditional path doesn’t fit.   You’ll learn: Why clarity beats motivation every time How to move forward even when the destination is fuzzy The real reason writers procrastinate How to turn passion into progress instead of pressure What “authenticity” looks like when you’re still figuring things out This episode is for writers who feel capable, ambitious, and restless, but don’t want to drift another year hoping things click.

Debbie Millman explains why confidence is overrated and why courage is the real starting point for creative work. In this episode, Debbie shares how confidence is built through repetition, why writer’s block often signals resistance rather than incapacity, and why the only creative failure that doesn’t heal is regret. They explore procrastination, rejection, creative identity, and what it really means to work like a professional, even when the work feels uncomfortable. This conversation is essential listening for anyone writing a book, building a body of work, or trying to move past fear and hesitation. You’ll learn: The difference between courage and confidence Why repetition builds creative trust How professionals keep working without inspiration Why regret is harder to metabolize than failure How to design a sustainable creative practice

Arianna Huffington has lived the high-achievement treadmill, and she crashed hard. Now she’s built Thrive Global to help people stop treating burnout like a status symbol. We talk about what that looks like for writers, especially when writing has to happen alongside a job, school, family, and nonstop news cycles. Arianna shares: Why she doesn’t believe in “balance,” and what she believes in instead How she creates first drafts, including why she started dictating books The focus habits she uses (music, candles, and zero notifications) The one thing writers can’t afford in the pandemic era, constant interruption Why raw vulnerability matters if your book includes your own story If you’re writing a book while managing life, this episode is a reset.

Jim Kwik didn’t grow up “gifted.” He grew up labeled. After multiple childhood brain injuries, he struggled to read, got bullied, and was literally called “the boy with the broken brain.” Comic books became his escape, and eventually his training ground. That path turned into a 30-year career teaching memory, focus, and accelerated learning to high performers. In this episode, Jim frames writers as superheroes, and the obstacles we face as villains, especially the modern ones powered by technology. In this episode, you’ll learn: How to beat imposter syndrome by changing the label, not “finding confidence” Why loneliness affects your brain, and how community becomes a performance advantage The 4 digital villains hurting your focus (and what to do about them) Why multitasking is really task-switching, and how it quietly destroys output The “dominant question” that’s running your attention, mood, and identity Simple habits that restore energy, attention, and consistency, without becoming a monk If you’re writing a book while fighting distractions, doubt, and burnout, this conversation gives you a clean mental operating system.

It's easy to put your ideas out there -- we're one click away from posting a tweet, sharing a video or publishing a blog post.  But in a world where it's so easy to create content, how do you create the depth to make your voice count. On this episode we go inside Ross Baird's journey to make 'Arguments with Integrity.'  As he shared, good ideas don't always win; but shared ideas will.  Hear how he intentionally used his venture firm and his book to build a community behind some powerful shared ideas he's convinced will change the world. Ross developed the Village Capital concept in 2009, and has led the development of programs worldwide.  He's the author of The Innovation Blind Spot: Why We Back the Wrong Ideas—and What to Do About It (includes forward by Steve Case). Before launching Village Capital, he worked with First Light Ventures, a seed fund focused on impact investments. Prior to First Light, Ross worked on the development of four education-related start-up ventures: the Indian School Finance Company in Hyderabad, India, the National College Advising Corps in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, and two ventures using technology to promote civic participation. He has a MPhil from the University of Oxford, where he was a Marshall Scholar, and a BA from the University of Virginia, where he was a Truman Scholar and a Jefferson Scholar.

"There are three steps to mastering your internal triggers and becoming an indistractable author. We have to reimagine the task, reimagine the trigger, and reimagine our temperament." Nir Eyal writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. The M.I.T. Technology Review dubbed Nir, “The Prophet of Habit-Forming Technology.” Nir founded two tech companies since 2003 and has taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford. He is the author of the bestselling book, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. In addition to blogging at NirAndFar.com, Nir’s writing has been featured in The Harvard Business Review, TechCrunch, and Psychology Today. Nir is also an active investor in habit-forming technologies. Some of his past investments include Eventbrite (NYSE:EB), Refresh.io (acquired by LinkedIn), Worklife (acquired by Cisco), Product Hunt, Marco Polo, Presence Learning, 7 Cups, Pana, Kahoot!, Byte Foods, FocusMate, and Anchor.fm (acquired by Spotify). Nir attended The Stanford Graduate School of Business and Emory University.

"It's painful to watch yourself on camera or listen to yourself interview someone on a podcast... but it's the single best way to get better." Jason Nellis had dreams of stardom on the big screen as a theatre major in college... but it took a little while (and many twists along the way) to land him on the screen as the host of Unboxed TV and head of marketing at Packagd.  His career in tech began as a bit of an accident when he got his first job at Hulu long before people really knew that it would be THE Hulu and then to his own agency as an entrepreneur. Along the way, Jason became the ultimate "learner" - but he learned by doing: - Launching a podcast - Helping create and run a conference - Developing a new daily video show - Even helping me develop my first 'book' class On our fun conversation we talk about the power of "learning out loud" -- trying things, getting it out there for feedback and improving.  And I loved hearing how he got past the 'I hate watching myself' and 'I hate listening to myself' to learn how to improve his performances. #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein

"I realized I learn differently." Dale Stephens has already had an incredible journey in his 20s, dropping out of elementary school (it's a great story), dropping out of college, becoming a Thiel Fellowship winner, launching a company, raising millions in venture capital and writing a book along the way.  You may look at that and think: "He's unique" or "That's not something I could do." But the interesting thing about Dale is his belief that all of us learn differently, and we just need to find the *best* way for each of us whether that's how we learn in traditional colleges or universities, how to learn on our own through new methods or how we dive into experiences that'll open our eyes in new and surprising ways.  Creation events are just another way to learn -- and in our conversation we talk about the power of 'meaty' and 'meaningful' experiences like books, podcasts, events, and others to really force us to learn and level up.  Link to full episode in the comments. #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein

In my today's podcast you have the chance to hear story of Alana Muller - a networking coach, consultant, workshop facilitator, keynoter and lecturer. Like she would say - she loves to connect with people around the world and to share stories on topics such as networking, entrepreneurship and women in business. She has been a contributor to Forbes, The Huffington Post, CNBC and other publications and was a featured speaker at TEDxOverlandPark. #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein #CNBC #forbes #huffingtonpost #TEDx

"Do things with no right answer." Tina Seelig is an award winning Stanford University professor, serial author and speaker focused of creativity. And for her this "problem" was one that she didn't  truly discover until she was a doctoral student working in the field of Neuroscience. Like most of us, she'd been learning how to find the right answer - and excelled at each step of the way. But she quickly realized that the most powerful way to learn is when things *don't* have a right answer. Discovering is where we are the most vulnerable and experience the most growth. In this intriguing discussion, Tina shares her insights and experiences teaching creativity (yes it can be taught and learned) and offers a unique look into the emerging science of creativity, discovery and learning.  She offers a powerful framework to unlock our creativity - something that had me pondering for days after our chat. #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein

What are you waiting on? Jeff Morris Jr. is one of the top voices on building products as the director of product revenue at Tinder and investing in them through his own VC fund. But less than five years ago he couldn't get high potential startup companies to give him a second look. So he decided he'd learn to code through a General Assembly program.Only issue was the program didn't start for a few months... so he needed something to do. He thought he'd put this extra time to work and try to build a few things *without* knowing how to code. Over the next two months, those little mini-experiments resulted in him launching three #1 rated products on Product Hunt. Oh and he never wound up taking that coding bootcamp. On our fascinating conversation (as you'll hear, I am a huge huge fan of him), Jeff and I talk about our time together at Zaarly, Inc, his transition through the startup ecosystem and how through it all he's found a way to create his own path rather than waiting for someone to give him permission.  #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein #tinder #dating #app #venturecaptiral #vc     #creatorinstitute hashtag #product hashtag #vc hashtag #dating hashtag #producthunt

I royally screwed up the start of my interview with Scott Gerber. Thankfully he's a friend and a nice enough guy that he used it as a teaching lesson. My gaffe?  I called him "the ultimate networker." He politely corrected me... "Does anyone *want* to be known as networker?" And he's right.  On our fascinating conversation we dive into the very question -- how you can build real connection and collaboration today, something Scott has done with The Community Company.  Today more than ever before it's about rising above the noise, being authentic and trying to judge your 'network' on the number of people who'd really go to bat for you based on what you've done together, not how many tweets they retweeted.  #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein #networking

Startup Weekend legitimately changed my life. Yes, a single weekend did that. (I *did* just happened to do many many of these weekend events because I loved the experience so much). The experience was powerful because of the people and community I met.  Startup Weekend let me truly collaborate with people who changed my entire trajectory - Scott Case, Shane Mac, T. A. McCann, Brad Feld, Bo Fishback, Ian Hunter, Greg Gottesman, Steve Case, Mary Grove, Nick Seguin, Adam Hofmann, Franck Nouyrigat and many more. At the center of the experience was a way to create and build something with others - in a safe, collaborative & educational way. And for me it's what actually inspired my goal to teach through creation (like books, podcasts and more).  #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein   In this conversation, I chat with Marc Nager who lead the charge to transform entrepreneurship around the globe by building Startup Weekend into the force it is today.  We talk about why creating something *together* is at the core of this DNA. (Full conversation linked in the comments.)     #creatorinstitute hashtag #creators hashtag #community hashtag #entrepreneurship hashtag #startups

Tiffany Norwood is a global serial entrepreneur with a career spanning 30 years, seven start-ups, two IPOs and a patent. In her 20s, she raised $670 million to fund a global satellite radio start-up called WorldSpace, within a couple of years XM Radio was born and still exists today as part of Sirius XM. Tiffany is considered one of the pioneers of digital broadcasting. She personally did some of the first ever digital content licensing deals in the 1990s with Michael Bloomberg (Bloomberg News) and Phil Kent (CNN). Also, she was an early collaborator with the Fraunhofer Institute and their MP3 and MP4 technologies, spending many nights at their labs in Germany more than 20 years ago. Check out her story!  #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein

"I basically wrote a children's book so my kids could meet Elon Musk." Evan Loomis is the definition of an entrepreneur in everything he does. From founding multiple companies, investing in emerging startups and being a leading voice in Austin's startup scene, he's committed to the entrepreneurial life. When his kids began to get old enough to read bedtime stories, Evan realized that there weren't enough stories of real people that could inspire his children.  And in particular he found there weren't any stories about entrepreneurs to teach his kids to dream bigger. So he decided to write one about Elon Musk, the ultimate big-dreamer. "Elon Musk: This Is a Book About Rockets" has received tons of praise and excitement from parents, plus gave him a project to collaborate on with his kids.  Hear how it turned out to be WAY more work than he thought, what Elon said (or didn't) and what he learned along the way.  Find the link to our conversation below. #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein #elonmusk #rocketman     

On today's show I talked with Katherine Waldock - she's an Assistant Professor of Finance at the McDonough School of Business and holds a courtesy joint appointment with the Georgetown Law Center. She and Luigi Zingales are co-hosts of Capitalisn't, a podcast about what's working (and what isn't working) in capitalist societies. She received a Ph.D. in Finance from the NYU Stern School of Business and a B.A. in Economics from Harvard University. Her primary research interests are in corporate bankruptcy, law and finance, small businesses, and financial institutions. Also, Kate has worked as an intern for Lehman Brothers Inc. and the Office of Financial Research, and as a consultant to the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation. Her writing has been featured in the Huffington Post and WalletHub.  #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein

On today's episode of the Creator Institute podcast, let me introduce you to Brian Wong - the co-founder and CEO of Kiip (pronounced “keep”), a category-creating mobile rewards network that is redefining mobile advertising through an innovative platform that leverages “moments of achievement” in games and apps to simultaneously benefit users, developers and advertisers. Backed by American Express, Interpublic Group, Hummer Winblad, Relay Ventures, True Ventures, Verizon Ventures, and others, the company has raised $15.4 million in funding to date. Kiip has been listed by Forbes as one of the 4 Hot Online Ad Companies to Watch, Fast Company's 50 Most Innovative Companies in the World, and been named to the Dow Jones FasTech50 List. Hear his story! #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein

What do you do if your boss tells you "no" -- no you can't launch a podcast or book or video show on your own time? For Aaron Watson, his first step in being told "no" that he couldn't launch his podcast (well actually he said "no, and we can revisit in 3 years) was to go out to his car and scream. But from there, he stepped back, refocused and built a new plan that has led him to become a dynamic force in media and content through his agency Piper Creative, his own podcast and his Going Deep annual conference. On this conversation we look at the emerging craft of Podcasting, particularly through the lens of a 20-something building his own voice, and he shares some of his core takeaways when life doesn't turn out the way you'd planned.  Link to the full episode in the comments. #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein  

What's your hedge?  How can you be more strategic about covering your downside?  For Justin Nguyen, on the surface he looks like a gigantic risk taker. But dig a little deeper and you'll see its quite the opposite.  He's leveraged the 'strategic hedge' to build his own path. Today he's become one of the top voices on LinkedIn, runs his own firm and produces content on his podcast and beyond.  So why does hedging often get a negative impression? Justin joined me on the podcast to chat about his own path and how he's leveraged content creation to convince himself (and his parents) that what looks like the risky path is the right path.  It's a fun conversation and big thanks to him for sharing his story. Full episode linked in the comments. #creatorinstitute #entrepreneur #content #podbean #podcast #spotify #itunes #podcasting #soundcloud #youtube #podcasts #stitcher #podcastlife #applepodcasts #radio #podcaster #radioshow #radiopersonality #googleplay #podcasters #music #tunein

On this bonus "library" episode, you'll hear what Harry Campbell -- CEO of Durrie Vision and Author for Get-Real Leadership/Culture -- is reading, writing and thinking about creating next.

Harry S. Campbell has raised nearly $750,000 for cancer research. When his wife was diagnosed with brain cancer, Harry felt helpless. He didn't know what to do. He wanted to help. So he decided to raise money to support cancer research -- and took stock of how best to do it. He decided he could raise money for cancer research organizations by giving speeches -- and if he had a book people would pay him more. So he wrote a book -- not about the cancer -- but about what he knew: authentically leading high performing people across his time a multiple billion dollar companies. He's donated every penny from the book and speeches to cancer research raising nearly $750,000. Having this important reason for writing a book about leadership pushed him to write a better book, to share the message further and to continue to "support" both his wife and the cause near to them both. It's a powerful lesson about why we create -- for Harry it was to showcase his commitment to his spouse, to raise money for something he cared about and spread his message. You really can win with Generosity.