Ever feel like certain rules or systems just don’t fit you? In this episode, I explore how the more different you are from those who created the rules, the more critical it is to question and adapt them. From science (where studies often default to men as the standard) to societal norms, we dive into why it’s essential to think critically about the frameworks we live in—and how to pave your own path when they don’t work for you.

Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we explore The Five Wishes of Mr. Murray McBride by Joe Siple, a heartwarming and emotional story about finding meaning, friendship, and purpose in unexpected places.

Imagine how much kinder and more united we’d be if every American traveled to all 50 states. In this episode, I share my thoughts on why a nationwide program to fund state-by-state travel for students—from elementary to high school—could transform how we see each other.

Uncertainty isn’t something to fear—it’s the only certainty. In this episode, I share the wisdom of Dr. Ellen Langer, often called the “Mother of Mindfulness,” who spoke about this powerful concept on a recent episode of PRETTYSMART. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/reversing-aging-and-rethinking-health-what-harvards/id1550883345?i=1000683284555.

In this episode, I reflect on my latest project—a 2D animated film that I simply cannot make alone. It’s been humbling to lean on my team as we get creative to secure funding and navigate the global film market. I share some key lessons I’ve learned along the way, from the challenges of indie filmmaking to the strategies we’re exploring to bring this ambitious project to life.Then, I shift gears to talk about a troubling trend I see: the rise of clickbait-style social media promotion for podcasts. I explain why I think this approach may be doing more harm than good when it comes to fostering meaningful conversations.Lastly, I dive into the importance of sitting down and defining what you want your legacy to be—and how that clarity can shape your choices. Plus, a candid discussion on the often-overlooked costs of keeping employees who may no longer be the right fit.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠

United States radio host Bernard Meltzer, known for his advice call-in show that ran from 1967 to the 1990s, shared a powerful quote that remains relevant today:

In a world that often feels disconnected, building a strong local community of support is more vital than ever. Your community—friends, neighbors, colleagues, and like-minded individuals—can provide encouragement, resources, and opportunities to help you thrive personally and professionally.

FreeFileSync is an incredible, open-source tool that simplifies file synchronization and backup. In this episode, I dive into the benefits of using FreeFileSync, from its efficiency and reliability to its ability to save time and prevent data loss. While this isn’t a step-by-step tutorial, I’ll provide an overview of what makes it a go-to tool for file management and why it’s worth exploring for both personal and professional use. If you’ve been searching for an easy way to manage your files across devices, this episode has you covered!

Charles Bukowski’s poem Dinosauria, We is a haunting reflection on humanity’s path toward destruction. With vivid imagery and raw honesty, Bukowski warns us about societal decay, environmental collapse, and the dangers of apathy.

The past week and a half have been a whirlwind as I navigated the chaos of the LA wildfires. In this episode, I share my personal experiences of what happened, how I’m processing the aftermath, and the strange journey of returning to normalcy. It’s been surreal, and I’m reflecting on the challenges, the lessons learned, and what might lie ahead. Join me for an honest and heartfelt look at this life-altering event.Don't forget to like, share, and subscribe! Yours truly,Phil SvitekFilmmaker, author, podcaster & 360 Creative Coach⁠http://philsvitek.com⁠