In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. Harry Cohen, a leadership consultant and author of Be the Sun, Not the Salt. In this uplifting conversation, Harry unpacks how small moments of positive energy can have massive ripple effects—and how each of us can show up as a force for good in our relationships, teams, and communities.

In this episode, we explore:

• The Heliotropic Effect in Human Behavior: Just like plants gravitate toward sunlight, people naturally respond to warmth, encouragement, and positivity.
• How to Be the Sun: Harry shares practical ways to radiate positivity—through micro-moments of kindness, presence, and energy that elevate others.
• Avoiding the Salt: We discuss how sarcasm, negativity, and small acts of dismissiveness (a.k.a. “salt”) can quickly erode connection and morale.
• Leadership and Character: Whether in the workplace or at home, being the sun is about leading with integrity, empathy, and consistent warmth—not force or charisma.
• Training Your Impact: Harry explains how being the sun is a skill that can be developed with intention, awareness, and repetition.

This conversation is a heartfelt and practical reminder that you don’t have to change the world to make a difference—you just have to change how you show up in it.

Learn more about Harry’s work at drharrycohen.com, and get the book Be the Sun, Not the Salt wherever books are sold.

Connect with Erik:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is Powered By:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Make sure to grab Shortcasts from Beyond The To-Do List by Blinkist. A Shortcast is a 7-10 min version of a podcast where you get the core takeaways. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, we’re revisiting one of our most impactful conversations—with Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and bestselling author Charles Duhigg, about his latest book Supercommunicators: How to Unlock the Secret Language of Connection. In a world where remote work, digital communication, and polarized conversations are the norm, knowing how to truly connect is more important than ever. This episode couldn’t be more timely.

In this updated revisit, we explore:

• The Secret to Better Conversations: Charles explains why so many discussions go off-track—often because we don’t recognize what kind of conversation we’re actually having.
• Three Types of Conversations: We break down the crucial distinction between factual, emotional, and values-based conversations—and how misalignment can cause friction.
• Supercommunicator Habits: Charles reveals practical skills used by great communicators, from mirroring and labeling to vulnerability and listening with intention.
• How to Build Psychological Safety: Learn how to create space for trust, openness, and productive dialogue, especially in high-stakes work or family conversations.
• Why This Matters Now: As digital communication accelerates and meaningful connection becomes harder to come by, these tools aren’t just helpful—they’re essential.

Whether you’re leading a team, navigating personal relationships, or just trying to be a better listener, this conversation is packed with insight on how to communicate with empathy, clarity, and intention.

Learn more about Charles and his work at charlesduhigg.com, and pick up Supercommunicators wherever books are sold.

Connect with Erik:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is Powered By:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Make sure to grab Shortcasts from Beyond The To-Do List by Blinkist. A Shortcast is a 7-10 min version of a podcast where you get the core takeaways. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Pat Flynn returns to the show to share insights from his newest book, Lean Learning: How to Achieve More by Learning Less. In a world overflowing with content, Pat offers a powerful solution for those overwhelmed by endless podcasts, videos, and inspiration rabbit holes. Instead of more input, Lean Learning is about acting on just the right information at the right time—and ditching the rest.

In this episode, we cover:

• Inspiration Overload vs. Just-in-Time Learning: How consuming too much content becomes disguised procrastination—and how to escape it.
• The Power of Doing Less to Learn More: Pat breaks down his strategy of “learning on demand” instead of hoarding knowledge you may never need.
• The Inspiration Matrix: A tool to audit where your energy is going—and reclaim it.
• Why Mistakes Are Your Best Teachers: Pat shares how micro-mastery, force functions, and “Power 10s” lead to rapid growth.
• Letting Go of FOMO: How to opt out with purpose and double down on what truly matters.
• Real-Life Lean Learning in Action: From ebooks to public speaking to Pokémon cards, Pat reveals how focused experimentation leads to big wins.
• The Role of Mentors and Community: Why surrounding yourself with champions is a productivity superpower.

Pat’s approach is perfect for anyone stuck in a loop of constant learning but little action. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by too many ideas, this episode will help you reclaim your focus—and finally move forward.

Find Lean Learning wherever books are sold and learn more about Pat’s work at SmartPassiveIncome.com.

Connect with Erik:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is Powered By:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Make sure to grab Shortcasts from Beyond The To-Do List by Blinkist. A Shortcast is a 7-10 min version of a podcast where you get the core takeaways. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this Shortcast edition, Alan Gannett, author of The Creative Curve, demystifies the myth that creativity is an inborn talent. Instead, he lays out how great ideas emerge at the intersection of familiarity and novelty—and how anyone can train themselves to consistently produce creative work.

• The Creativity Curve Explained: Alan introduces the “creative curve”—the balance between what’s familiar and what’s new—and how it influences what ideas catch on.
• Exposure Breeds Creativity: Why intentional, repeated exposure to relevant content is one of the strongest predictors of creative output.
• Practice Over Prodigy: Alan emphasizes that behind every creative genius is a structure of routines, research, and iteration.
• Why Your Idea Might Flop: He explains how being too far ahead of the market—or too derivative—can tank even the best ideas, and how to find the sweet spot.
• Learnable Creativity: Alan provides hope for all of us: creativity is a skill, not a gift. And like any skill, it improves with deliberate practice and the right strategy.

Find more ⁠Shortcasts like this one on Blinkist here⁠. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Michael Long is a bestselling author and speechwriter who co-wrote Taming the Molecule of More, the follow-up to the hit book The Molecule of More. In this conversation, we dive into how dopamine—the brain’s “molecule of more”—drives distraction, craving, creativity, and productivity, and how we can train it to serve us instead of sabotage us.

In this episode, we cover:

• What Dopamine Actually Does: Michael explains the two dopamine systems—desire and control—and how they influence everything from addiction to ambition.
• Why Modern Life Overstimulates Us: From doomscrolling to shopping, we unpack why the digital world hijacks our dopamine and attention.
• How to Tame Your Dopamine Urges: Michael offers realistic, science-based ways to break the cycle of overstimulation—including dopamine fasting and behavioral resets.
• The Power of Presence: We discuss how returning to the “here and now” neurotransmitters (like through music, sunshine, or human connection) can help balance the dopamine system.
• Why Meaning Matters: Michael shares how understanding your values and aligning your work with them can bring lasting motivation and joy—not just temporary dopamine hits.
• Tools and Therapies That Help: From CBT and ACT to promising medical treatments like GLP-1 drugs, Michael explores practical supports for change.

Michael’s insights offer a fascinating look at how your brain’s reward system can either keep you stuck in distraction or fuel your best creative work—depending on how you manage it.

Learn more at TamingTheMolecule.com

Connect with Erik:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is Powered By:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Make sure to grab Shortcasts from Beyond The To-Do List by Blinkist. A Shortcast is a 7-10 min version of a podcast where you get the core takeaways. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Professional organizer Ingrid Jansen, co-author of Reset Your Home, explains why clutter is more about emotions than “stuff,” why decluttering is a process (not a project), and how to start small—think kitchens, cupboards, and daily resets—to build your “decluttering muscle” over time. 

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Process over project: Decluttering is never “done”—as things come in, things must go out. 
• Start in the kitchen: Fewer emotions than books/photos; clear storage first, then put surfaces away. 
• Daily resets: 10–30 minute habits (dishes, bins, wipe counters, a load of laundry) that prevent weekend pileups. 
• “If in doubt, keep it”: Build capacity with easy wins; you’ll be ready to let go on a later pass. 
• Don’t buy more bins: The problem isn’t storage—it’s volume; work with what you have. 
• Decide by favorites: Pull everything out, match lids, pick what you use and love first; the rest gets easier. 
• Clutter personalities: From “harassed housekeepers” to “nostalgic knee-deeps”—self-awareness beats shame. 
• Why this pays off: Less hunting, faster cleaning, smarter grocery runs—time and money saved. 

Links & resources:

• Book: Reset Your Home — Ingrid Jensen, Lesley Spellman
• The Declutter Hub (podcast, book, membership, community): declutterhub.com 

Connect with Erik:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is Powered By:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Make sure to grab Shortcasts from Beyond The To-Do List by Blinkist. A Shortcast is a 7-10 min version of a podcast where you get the core takeaways. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Bill McGowan, author of Speak Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience, shares practical ways to make your ideas stick—on stage, on Zoom, and in any high-stakes moment. We get into dynamic delivery, smarter structure, and memorable language devices you can use immediately.

In this conversation, we discuss:

• Dial it up (a bit): Why what feels “over the top” on video usually plays just right.
• Story over stats: Using Francis Ford Coppola’s “three best things” idea to craft stronger openings and closings.
• Primacy & recency: Designing beginnings and endings people actually remember (and skipping the dreaded agenda slide).
• Cliffhangers > previews: Start with something engaging—don’t promise you’ll be engaging later.
• Slow beats filler: How pacing reduces “uh/you know” and helps you choose better words.
• Slides with a point: Lead each slide with a clear statement of value; know your closing line before you advance.
• Be your own brutal editor: Cut 25% from emails and presentations to boost clarity and punch.
• Levity, not jokes: Use a light touch to build trust and retention; avoid risky stand-up and overdone self-deprecation.
• Seven memorable devices (highlights): Analogy/metaphor, “creative labels” (e.g., the “toothbrush test”), mirror pairs, original definitions, simple equations/ratios, and smart cliché twists (“survival of the quickest”).

Links & resources:

• Book: Speak Memorably: The Art of Captivating an Audience — Bill McGowan
• Connect with Bill on LinkedIn

Connect with Erik:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is Powered By:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Make sure to grab Shortcasts from Beyond The To-Do List by Blinkist. A Shortcast is a 7-10 min version of a podcast where you get the core takeaways. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this episode, Paul Kirby, author of The FUSE Pathway: How to Find and Lead a Fulfilling Life, shares how to identify your core passions, combine them into a unique vision, and build a realistic, evolving plan to pursue them. Drawing from his own experience of designing a robot that paints, Paul explains the FUSE framework—Find, Upgrade, Start, Evolve—and how it can guide anyone toward a life filled with purpose and creativity.

In this conversation, we explore:

• The Concept of Fusion: Paul introduces the idea of “fusion”—combining multiple passions into a single, compelling life vision that lights a fire inside you.
• The FUSE Framework: We walk through the four-step FUSE process—Find your passion, Upgrade your skills, Start (gradually or boldly), and Evolve as you grow.
• Self-Discovery Through Journaling: Paul shares a powerful exercise involving “yellow verbs” to uncover consistent, lifelong themes in your behavior and interests.
• Pursuing Autotelic Goals: We discuss the importance of doing things for internal fulfillment rather than external approval—and how this mindset unlocks deeper purpose.
• Examples from His Life and Book: Paul tells stories from his journey of building a painting robot and weaving together interests in art, technology, design, and mechanics into one integrated vision.

Paul’s FUSE model is an encouraging and actionable guide for anyone feeling stuck, scattered, or uncertain about how to bring their passions together into a life that truly fits.

Connect with Erik:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is Powered By:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Make sure to grab Shortcasts from Beyond The To-Do List by Blinkist. A Shortcast is a 7-10 min version of a podcast where you get the core takeaways. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Dr. Zorana Ivcevic Pringle is a leading researcher in creativity psychology and author of The Creativity Choice: The Science of Making Decisions to Turn Ideas into Action. In this episode, she unpacks how creativity isn’t just a moment of inspiration—it’s a series of choices. Whether you think you’re creative or not, Zorana shares how motivation, attention, risk tolerance, and constraint shape the process of turning ideas into reality.

In this episode, we cover:

• Creativity Is More Than Ideas: Zorana explains how we’ve culturally over-glorified the spark of inspiration and ignored the decision-making and execution behind it.
• The Myth of the “Creative Type”: Creativity isn’t just for artists—it’s about original, effective solutions in any domain.
• Why Constraints Boost Creativity: Contrary to popular belief, creativity often increases when we have guardrails that focus and challenge our thinking.
• The Role of Risk in Creative Work: Zorana breaks down intellectual, emotional, and social risks—and how to increase your tolerance over time.
• The Two Engines of Creativity: Motivation provides energy, while attention directs it. You need both to make progress on creative projects.
• Problem Finding vs. Problem Solving: Zorana introduces this lesser-known concept as a key to identifying where creativity can be applied.
• The Goldilocks Zone of Challenge: Learn how to find the sweet spot between too easy and too hard so your ideas actually move forward.
• How Social Conditioning Kills Creativity: Early messaging about what counts as “creative” can cause many to opt out before they begin.
• Building Creative Momentum in Small Steps: Zorana shares her own journey from writing blog posts to eventually publishing her book—and how each step built risk tolerance.
• Why Total Freedom Can Backfire: New research shows that creativity thrives not in total freedom, but with a balance of structure and autonomy.

Whether you’re stuck at the idea stage or afraid to start, this episode will help you reframe creativity as a process anyone can engage with—and show you how to make progress one decision at a time.

Learn more about Zorana’s work at ZoranaPringle.com and find The Creativity Choice wherever books are sold.

Connect with Erik:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠LinkedIn⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠Threads⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Bluesky⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

This Podcast is Powered By:

• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Descript 101⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Castmagic⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ecamm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Podpage⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Rodecaster Pro⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠
• ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Top Productivity Books List⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Make sure to grab Shortcasts from Beyond The To-Do List by Blinkist. A Shortcast is a 7-10 min version of a podcast where you get the core takeaways. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In this shortcast edition of Beyond the To-Do List, Jeffrey and Jamie Downs, creators of the Streaking method and authors behind streakingmastery.com explore how laughably simple daily habits can help you build momentum, boost confidence, and turn goals into long-term identity shifts.

• Why Simplicity Wins: Simple actions are doable even on your hardest days, ensuring consistency over time.
• How Streaking Builds Self-Credibility: Each completed action is a commitment kept—with yourself.
• Patience as a Superpower: Daily repetition teaches you to stop expecting overnight change and instead trust the slow, steady build.
• The “Cal Ripken Effect”: Consistency becomes inspiring—when others notice, celebration fuels even more momentum.
• Examples in Action: From running streaks to walking daily, small actions lead to transformation when stacked.
• Why You Shouldn’t Skip the Walk: When life gets busy, a one-mile walk still counts—and builds your streak.

If you’ve ever struggled to maintain momentum or felt overwhelmed by ambitious goals, this episode will give you a new lens for creating daily progress that sticks.

Find more ⁠Shortcasts like this one on Blinkist here⁠. 

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.