A Phil Svitek Podcast - A Series From Your 360 Creative Coach

A school of thought exists that believes in order for your art to be pure and transcendent, you must do it for the love of the craft, not the money. If you do things because of money, you’re a sell-out. The idea of money poisoning the creative well is fascinating to me in today’s landscape, namely because of Hollywood’s attitude towards China. Many companies pander to Chinese censorship in order for their movies or TV shows to be played there. Doing so means money. And a lot of it. Many times, the Chinese box office defines whether a film is profitable or not. When you’re spending hundreds of millions of dollars on a creative project, that’s pressure for sure. So you can understand why people succumb to those demands. And so in this episode, I want to explore the question of whether or not you can be a content creator and a capitalist without selling out? Thanks for tuning in.

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/can-you-be-a-creative-and-a-capitalist-without-selling-out

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Forbes Article on How Stress Kills Creativity: https://www.forbes.com/sites/work-in-progress/2012/09/05/employee-brain-on-stress-can-quash-creativity-competitive-edge/#a91c262b3e91

Kevin Kelly’s 1,000 True Fans: https://kk.org/thetechnium/1000-true-fans/

Elaine Pofedlt Interview: https://philsvitek.com/earn-one-million-dollars-as-a-standalone-business-even-if-youre-an-artists-an-interview-with-elaine-pofeldt/

Master Mental Fortitude Non-Fiction Book: http://mastermentalfortitude.com

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

FOLLOW THE PODCAST TEAM:

Phil’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/philsvitek

Juliet’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/bonjourjuliet

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115

There’s a myth that’s perpetuated among artists, which I’ve bought into myself earlier in life, that says in order to be a successful artist, you have to be miserable. Some people term it as you have to suffer for your art. By the mere fact I’ve called it a myth, should tell you that I don’t agree with this notion. But more importantly than that, how does one become successful and maintain happiness? That’s the question I explore in this lesson. After hearing my thoughts, please comment below and let me know if you agree or disagree with everything I’ve presented. Thanks for tuning in.

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/is-it-possible-to-be-a-happy-artist

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Happy Artists (Psychology Today Article): https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/zig-zag/201409/happy-artists

Do You Have to Be Miserable to Be An Artist Article: https://thoughtcatalog.com/ryan-frawley/2012/04/do-you-have-to-be-miserable-to-be-an-artist/

Master Mental Fortitude Non-Fiction Book: http://mastermentalfortitude.com

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115

I don’t know about you, but I’ve noticed that whenever someone finishes a creative project and they’re being interviewed about it, that person always gets asked the cliche question of: where did you get your inspiration? And most times the creator doesn’t offer up too much of an answer. Or at least an answer than you can replicate. For example if I tell you that the inspiration for my first fiction book came from my childhood spent in Slovakia then it’s not something you can suddenly go and do, right? Which begs the question, how can you find inspiration for your creative work? Well, that’s exactly what this lesson tackles! And I pull references and inspiration from people such as Steven Pressfield, Neil Gaiman, Stephen King and the book called YouTube Secrets. After watching, if there’s anything other techniques you use, please let me know. I’d love to read them. Thanks for tuning in.

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/how-to-find-inspiration-for-your-creative-work

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

YouTube Secrets Book: https://www.amazon.com/YouTube-Secrets-Ultimate-Following-Influencer-ebook/dp/B07GL48G7L

Neil Gaiman Interview with Tim Ferriss: https://tim.blog/2019/03/28/neil-gaiman/

How to Get Out of a Creative Rut Lesson: https://philsvitek.com/how-to-get-out-of-a-creative-rut/

Master Mental Fortitude Non-Fiction Book: http://mastermentalfortitude.com

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

Here’s a Sophie’s choice type of question for you - would you rather be gifted or would you rather be hard working? Consider carefully because what you choose will define you in ways you can’t even imagine. To find out the implications of your thinking, check this episode out where I highlight a principle called the locus of control. I only recently learned about it and it shed a lot of light on my life. It can help you in yours. Thank you for tuning in and comment with your thoughts please!

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/what-is-your-locus-of-control

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

PLATFORMS TO ACCESS SHOW:

Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-phil-svitek-podcast/id1211417581?mt=2

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd-Q6qZNFcQ9MJLXMMpSCJcjPAq-5lepX

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/phil-svitek

Facebook: http://facebook.com/philippsvitek

Google Podcast: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82ZGIwYWEwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ac7WjgaGaIAmc4nEZJFIY

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/a-phil-svitek-podcast

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/phil-svitek

FOLLOW THE PODCAST TEAM:

Phil’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/philsvitek

Juliet’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/bonjourjuliet

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115

Ken Napzok is a friend of mine who I’ve known for 6, almost 7 years. He’s been a producer for many digital juggernauts over the better part of the last decade, including Schmoes Know, Popcorn Talk, Screen Junkies, Collider, etc. In addition to having worked with those brands, Ken has also appeared in front of the camera many times, whether it be hosting his own The Ken Napzok Files podcast, talking about Star Wars or doing stand-up. In this special interview, I get to catch up with Ken and ask him questions on topics he normally doesn’t talk about often. One thing rings true, Ken has developed a good foundation in order to walk the fine line of laziness and self-criticism in order to find joy in the work he does. Because of it, he’s returned to creative passions that he previously had put a pause on. I learned a lot from Ken in our wide ranging conversation and so I know you will too! Thank you for tuning in and comment with any thoughts please!

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/ken-napzok-interview

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Ken Napzok’s Website: http://kennapzok.com

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

FOLLOW THE PODCAST TEAM:

Phil’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/philsvitek

Juliet’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/bonjourjuliet

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115

Every story you’ve ever consumed, no matter the medium, deduces life into a series of moments to convey its message and theme. As story consultant Robert McKee says, “Whereas life separates meaning from emotion, art unites them. Story is an instrument by which you create such epiphanies at will, the phenomenon known as aesthetic emotion...Life on its own, without art to shape it, leaves you in confusion and chaos, but aesthetic emotion harmonizes what you know with what you feel to give you a heightened awareness and a sureness of your place in reality.” I don’t know about you but the quote is inspiring and frightening all at the same time. It’s inspiring because every story creates a blueprint of how to live life. It’s frightening because there’s a whole lot of parts missing. The plotting of a story very much involves which aspects of the characters’ lives to show and which to omit. That leaves a hell of a lot on the proverbial cutting room floor. I know this from my own experience in writing film scripts and a novel. Every scene in a story must move the plot forward. If it does not, it gets eliminated. Unfortunately in life, we can’t do the same. We can’t skip parts of life that are boring. And neither can we rewind and simply re-live the sections that we found exciting. And yet some people do try to live in the past, a star high school athlete who’s entering a mid-life crisis because he no longer has the same fame from before. And lastly, we also can’t speed up certain hard events via montages. We have to live life in real time. You might think, “well, no kidding.” And you’re not wrong. But I find that most people today, including myself, have an ever increasing need for instant gratification. That presents a major problem because it means we require a constant heightened sense of emotion, even though that’s not good for us. We need the quiet just as much as the loud and exciting. And if you don’t learn to live in the quieter moments of life, you’re doomed. This lesson aims to give you such tools. Thank you for tuning in and comment with your thoughts please!

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/life-after-the-adventure

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

FOLLOW THE PODCAST TEAM:

Phil’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/philsvitek

Juliet’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/bonjourjuliet

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115

Strange as it may seem, I’ve always been fascinated by death. For one, I used to work at the first hospice in America for four years, starting when I was 15 years old. For another, because I’ve suffered major losses in my life and you can’t help but reflect upon it. We look at death as the final act, at least in the physical plain. And whenever we talk about someone’s life, we inevitably bring up their age. It’s a very easily measurable aspect of a person’s life. How long they lived. But what about a person’s width of life? What is that and how do we measure it? I have a theory based on studying a tea bag. Sounds crazy, I know, but I promise there’s merit to it and can impact your life. Thank you for tuning in and comment with your thoughts please! PS: I’d like to dedicate this episode to my grandmother who recently passed away.

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/what-is-the-width-of-life

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Psychology Today Article on Shoulding Yourself: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/inviting-monkey-tea/201304/stop-shoulding-yourself-death-0

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

FOLLOW THE PODCAST TEAM:

Phil’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/philsvitek

Juliet’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/bonjourjuliet

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115

In this episode, I read a truncated version of a speech that author David Foster Wallace gave in 2005 called “This is Water”. It is considered by many as one of the most impactful speeches in the last century. It certainly had a profound effect on me. I revisit this speech multiple times a year and I hope you gain the same wisdom from it as I have. After listening to it, I’d love to hear your thoughts on it.

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/this-is-water-a-reading-of-david-foster-wallaces-speech/

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

David Foster Wallace’s Full Speech: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8CrOL-ydFMI

This Is Water Book: https://www.amazon.com/This-Water-Delivered-Significant-Compassionate/dp/0316068225

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

PLATFORMS TO ACCESS SHOW:

Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-phil-svitek-podcast/id1211417581?mt=2

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd-Q6qZNFcQ9MJLXMMpSCJcjPAq-5lepX

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/phil-svitek

Facebook: http://facebook.com/philippsvitek

Google Podcast: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82ZGIwYWEwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ac7WjgaGaIAmc4nEZJFIY

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/a-phil-svitek-podcast

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/phil-svitek

FOLLOW THE PODCAST TEAM:

Phil’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/philsvitek

Juliet’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/bonjourjuliet

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115

In this lesson, I wanted to read a Charles Bukowski poem that I often revisit. It’s had a lot of impact on my and whenever I read it to someone else, it has the same level of significance, although perhaps in different ways. The poem is extremely short, but there’s power in its brevity. After listening to it, I’d love to know what you thought of it. To review in text form, the poem goes:

there are worse things than

being alone

but it often takes decades

to realize this

and most often

when you do

it's too late

and there's nothing worse

than

too late.

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/oh-yes-reading-of-a-poem-by-charles-bukowski

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c

PLATFORMS TO ACCESS SHOW:

Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-phil-svitek-podcast/id1211417581?mt=2

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd-Q6qZNFcQ9MJLXMMpSCJcjPAq-5lepX

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/phil-svitek

Facebook: http://facebook.com/philippsvitek

Google Podcast: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82ZGIwYWEwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ac7WjgaGaIAmc4nEZJFIY

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/a-phil-svitek-podcast

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/phil-svitek

FOLLOW THE PODCAST TEAM:

Phil’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/philsvitek

Juliet’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/bonjourjuliet

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115

Ever feel like right when you start to get a grip on things life decides to throw a curveball your way? And let’s be honest, it’s never just one curveball. There’s an old expression that when it rains it pours. Sure can feel like that where you experience hurdle after hurdle and no matter what you do. Bad events stick to you like glue. So what’s the solution? How do you prevent this from happening to you? Well, that’s exactly what I (Phil Svitek) explore in this lesson along with the help of some Rocky Balboa and Gandhi quotes. I explore how to handle life’s adversities!  Thank you for tuning in and comment with your thoughts please!

TRANSCRIPT:

https://philsvitek.com/what-to-do-when-life-comes-at-you-fast-and-hard 

SELECTED LINKS FROM EPISODE:

Rocky Movie Collection: https://amzn.to/2P5u1kE 

Recognizing Patterns of Causality vs Simple Correlation Lesson: https://philsvitek.com/recognizing-patterns-of-causality-vs-simple-correlation/

Why Cause and Effect is Bullshit! Lesson: https://philsvitek.com/why-cause-and-effect-is-bullshit/

Not Twice T-Shirt Campaign: http://nottwice.org 

A Very LA Birthday Short Film: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b9SHJaepE0c 

PLATFORMS TO ACCESS SHOW:

Apple Podcast: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/a-phil-svitek-podcast/id1211417581?mt=2 

Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLd-Q6qZNFcQ9MJLXMMpSCJcjPAq-5lepX 

SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/phil-svitek 

Facebook: http://facebook.com/philippsvitek 

Google Podcast: https://www.google.com/podcasts?feed=aHR0cHM6Ly9hbmNob3IuZm0vcy82ZGIwYWEwL3BvZGNhc3QvcnNz

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0Ac7WjgaGaIAmc4nEZJFIY 

Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/podcast/anchor-podcasts/a-phil-svitek-podcast

Anchor: https://anchor.fm/phil-svitek 

FOLLOW THE PODCAST TEAM:

Phil’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/philsvitek 

Juliet’s Instagram: http://instagram.com/bonjourjuliet 

SUPPORT THE SHOW:

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/philsvitek 

Merchandise: https://shop.spreadshirt.com/phil-svitek---360-creative-coach/

Adorama Affiliate Link: https://www.adorama.com/?utm_source=rflaid914115