I weird alternative universe where I am a newscaster or a CEO which is followed by a weird short story about a fictional Universe. This may or may not have actually happened.

In this episode we talk about VTTRPG, T.A.S.K.S. AI Development and News of Ai developments around the world.

In this pivotal episode of CEO SPEAKS, N8 makes a dramatic shift away from the comfortable distance of fantasy worldbuilding and metaphorical discussions to address the raw political and cultural realities of our current moment. Speaking from his position of educated privilege in the Deep South, he acknowledges that the time for hiding behind elaborate fictions has passed, and declares his intention to use his platform to speak directly about the systematic dismantling of democratic institutions and the normalization of cruelty in American political discourse.

The episode explores the connection between creative authenticity and civic responsibility, as N8 discusses his decision to strip away the technological layers and trend-chasing from his Living Room Music project, choosing instead to simply play piano as his authentic self each evening. He draws parallels between the way we process our creative voices through multiple filters and the way we've learned to translate our political observations into socially acceptable euphemisms, arguing that both approaches ultimately silence our authentic expression.

N8 confronts the cost of silence and complicity, particularly for those with platforms and resources, while examining how the fear of losing one's voice through collaboration or social pressure can become more terrifying than the consequences of speaking truthfully. He makes clear that this shift represents not despair but a commitment to honest diagnosis as the foundation for meaningful action, refusing to let creative work serve as a substitute for civic engagement.

This episode marks a fundamental evolution for CEO SPEAKS, moving from business strategy discussions to direct political commentary and cultural criticism, while maintaining focus on authentic expression and the responsibility that comes with having a voice. N8 acknowledges this may mean smaller audiences and more controversy, but argues that the alternative - continuing to hide behind comfortable fictions while society deteriorates - has become unbearable.

This is an episode recorded early in the morning before heading out to production work on a concert. Half of it is just about doing the episode. The other half is avoiding using the script I had prepared and talking off the rails. So listen at your own risk!

Nathan Eckenrode opens the show with his signature candid tone, reflecting on a day split between intense technical rigging work at the Moran theatre and valuable time spent with creative peers at Shantytown. He finds grounding in hands-on, physical work, noting how it provides a refreshing contrast to the abstract demands of his ongoing projects in software and artistic creation. The balance between physical effort and genuine human interaction serves as a reminder of the importance of community, even for those whose work often lives in the digital realm.

Shifting gears, Nathan recounts his experience with the Anthropic platform, making full use of a $250 credit to push the limits of Claude Code for his T.A.S.K.S. project. He describes both the excitement of experimentation and the frustration of elusive satisfaction in the development process. Despite diligent efforts, he feels a lingering sense that something essential is missing from his approach—a gap he’s eager to bridge as he seeks clarity for his ambitious vision. This theme of striving for genuine fulfillment in creative work recurs throughout the episode.

Nathan delves deeper into the delicate dance between skill specialization and generalization, especially as it applies to the architecture of T.A.S.K.S. He draws parallels between achieving true simplicity in software and the sculptor's process: exploring many ideas, then ruthlessly editing to reveal the essential. He underscores the ongoing challenge of transforming flashes of innovation into systematic progress, emphasizing the need to log and analyze those breakthrough moments that propel his work forward.

In closing, Nathan ties together these threads—technical challenges, creative ambition, and the struggle for simplicity—with a message of persistence and self-reflection. He openly acknowledges the hurdles ahead but remains optimistic about the potential growth on the horizon. Encouraging listeners to join the Discord community and subscribe to the newsletter, he reaffirms the value of shared exploration and continuous inquiry in the creative journey. The episode concludes on a hopeful note, inviting the audience to keep searching for insight and never shy away from digging into the process.

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Nathan Eckenrode dives into the evolving nature of his morning routines, reflecting on shifting sleep patterns and the creative cycles driven by both consistency and chaos. He shares insights on how fragmented rest is shaping his workflow, highlighting the necessity of adapting habits as life changes. Nathan connects this to the reality of juggling high-pressure technical responsibilities at the theatre, where he oversees intricate rigging operations—a blend of engineering precision and creative orchestration. The day’s rhythm, from creative planning to hands-on execution, feels like a Rube Goldberg machine set in motion by necessity and improvisation.

In this episode, listeners are brought inside the creative process behind Orbis, Nathan’s growing digital narrative project. While scene writing took a backseat yesterday, the mental decluttering ritual of organizing archives led to rediscovering older module versions—proof that creative work sometimes means tidy groundwork rather than direct output. Drawing surfaces as a parallel outlet, offering catharsis and unlocking memories that fuel the stories being built. Nathan candidly discusses the emotional weight carried by these sketches, the push-and-pull between the analog and digital as he returns to physical sketching amidst the loss of his digital tools.

Nathan explores big questions around collaboration, creative integrity, and the tension between artistic vision and practical demands. He’s upfront about his inclination for solo creation—even as he acknowledges how digital tools like a new iPad Pro could streamline both his analytical routines and his creative output. The morning pages analysis pipeline, feedback loops with blog posts and music cues, and the ever-present drive for innovation are dissected. Strategies for balancing logistical realities with artistic purity are discussed, emphasizing the importance of knowing when to compromise and when to guard the heart of a project.

To close, Nathan brings listeners up to speed on the current trajectory of Orbis, Living Room Music by N8K99, and a new, still-secret endeavor shaping up behind the scenes. The episode is a reflection on creative resilience—embracing change, finding inspiration amid nostalgia, recognizing productive rituals, and championing authentic self-expression. Listeners are invited to join the conversation in the Discord community chat and to subscribe to the newsletter for deeper connection and insight into future projects.

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Nathan Eckenrode opens the latest "CEO Speaks" episode with candor and humor, sharing his current struggle with a disrupted sleep cycle and the feeling of being caught in perpetual morning fog. He reflects on the challenge of maintaining a consistent routine amid a busy schedule full of creative and logistical responsibilities, noting the need to recalibrate both his energy and caffeine intake before an upcoming theatrical call. This segment sets a personal tone, emphasizing the ongoing effort involved in balancing productivity, wellness, and professional commitments.

The conversation turns to the Radio Poets—a collaborative music project that recently enjoyed a remarkably smooth rehearsal. Nathan expresses joy at the band's synergy, even when he wasn't fully prepared with every lyric. He describes the magic that arises from trusting the group and embracing the musical process, highlighting a quirky intro that was perfect in the moment despite being hard to recall afterward. The experience reinforces his appreciation for shared creativity and the connections formed within such collaborations.

Nathan then discusses progress on his novel, including fresh sketches and ideas from the previous day. He feels the push to continue developing new chapters and considers how the evolving "Chapter Booklet" might fit into his broader creative endeavors and supporter perks. He ponders whether the booklet itself could be the primary product or if access should be limited, exploring questions around creator tier rewards and long-term value for his audience. These reflections underscore the complexity of managing creative output and audience engagement in parallel.

In wrapping up, Nathan thoughtfully explores the pursuit of balance between intense creative focus and adequate self-care. He shares a personal anecdote about taking a walk for perspective and mild social interaction, while acknowledging a preference for solitary creative work over frequent socializing. The band offers a valuable sense of camaraderie without the pressure of unrelated social obligations. He closes by considering practical strategies for growing his content model, scheduling, and connecting with listeners, inviting them to join the discussion through multiple community channels.

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• Support the Show

Nathan Eckenrode starts the episode with his trademark self-effacing humor, admitting the struggles of adapting to a new morning routine after a late start despite best intentions. The personal update sets the stage for a review of recent wins, including writing three new scenes for his novel and successfully streamlining the technical aspects of his chapter booklet process by installing Homebrewery locally on his studio machine. These practical changes, such as setting up shortcuts for images and publishing the first chapter booklet, symbolize forward progress despite a still-evolving schedule.

The focus shifts to novel development, where Nathan is actively honing both the writing regimen and the story’s depth. He reflects on the importance of building out compelling antagonists like the Big Bad Evil Guy (BBEG), acknowledging the need for hierarchy and nuance rather than simple villainy. Nathan’s creative process involves deliberate plotting for the BBEG and interweaving these challenges into the broader world of Orbis, enhancing both conflict and realism for readers. He also addresses the challenge of maintaining momentum in both writing and publication across his projects.

Nathan then explores the incorporation of AI into his workflow, describing how technologies like Ghost and custom assistant TASKS help with drafting blog posts, generating lore, brainstorming character details, and streamlining creative decisions. AI acts as both a collaborator and productivity booster, helping surface ideas while keeping human guidance central. As Nathan describes it, the role of AI is to augment, not replace, his creative work—speeding up brainstorming and revealing possibilities he might not have thought of on his own.

Closing out the episode, Nathan considers the evolution of his creative processes and the value of collaboration. He shares lessons learned from refining workflows, reducing friction, and ultimately accelerating creative output. Looking forward, he expresses a desire for an Artistic Director to help elevate the chapter booklets with richer imagery, even in the face of practical constraints. Nathan wraps up with a call to his community, inviting listeners to join him in the creative journey, subscribe for updates, and participate in discussions on Discord, all while encouraging persistence and enthusiasm in their own creative pursuits.

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Nathan Eckenrode opens the latest "CEO Speaks" episode with candor and humor, sharing his current struggle with a disrupted sleep cycle and the feeling of being caught in perpetual morning fog. He reflects on the challenge of maintaining a consistent routine amid a busy schedule full of creative and logistical responsibilities, noting the need to recalibrate both his energy and caffeine intake before an upcoming theatrical call. This segment sets a personal tone, emphasizing the ongoing effort involved in balancing productivity, wellness, and professional commitments.

The conversation turns to the Radio Poets—a collaborative music project that recently enjoyed a remarkably smooth rehearsal. Nathan expresses joy at the band's synergy, even when he wasn't fully prepared with every lyric. He describes the magic that arises from trusting the group and embracing the musical process, highlighting a quirky intro that was perfect in the moment despite being hard to recall afterward. The experience reinforces his appreciation for shared creativity and the connections formed within such collaborations.

Nathan then discusses progress on his novel, including fresh sketches and ideas from the previous day. He feels the push to continue developing new chapters and considers how the evolving "Chapter Booklet" might fit into his broader creative endeavors and supporter perks. He ponders whether the booklet itself could be the primary product or if access should be limited, exploring questions around creator tier rewards and long-term value for his audience. These reflections underscore the complexity of managing creative output and audience engagement in parallel.

In wrapping up, Nathan thoughtfully explores the pursuit of balance between intense creative focus and adequate self-care. He shares a personal anecdote about taking a walk for perspective and mild social interaction, while acknowledging a preference for solitary creative work over frequent socializing. The band offers a valuable sense of camaraderie without the pressure of unrelated social obligations. He closes by considering practical strategies for growing his content model, scheduling, and connecting with listeners, inviting them to join the discussion through multiple community channels.

Newsletter

Support the Show

In this episode of "CEO Speaks," Nathan Eckenrode offers a candid, stream-of-consciousness reflection on both creativity and the realities of running Eckenrode Muziekopname. The morning begins with Nathan wrestling through his notes and musings on corporate culture, the fictional reports and roadmaps fueling the EM journey, and the ongoing challenge of balancing bold ambitions with daily progress. He shares tangible updates—including printing the first ten scenes of his novel “Prophesy of The Mark,” setting up information tiers in Discord, and structuring chapter releases—while reflecting on the complexities and motivations behind this experimental creative enterprise.

Nathan delves deeper into the personal and psychological dimensions shaping his work: from a preference for solo projects fueled by past experiences and hearing issues to the paradoxical use of storytelling for simulating social connection. He explores the creative freedom of worldbuilding for tabletop RPGs, his instinct to iterate publicly despite uncertainty, and the ongoing ebb and flow of creative and business priorities. The novel itself serves as both a vessel for character arcs and a landscape for exploring relationships, opposition, and emotional journeys—sometimes mapped, sometimes discovered on the fly.

Wrapping up, Nathan shares his hopes for engagement from the community, inviting listeners to join the Discord, subscribe to the newsletter, and look out for chapter booklets as the creative and business worlds continue to blend and unfold. The episode is equal parts honest self-reflection and energetic call to action, offering a window into the messy, exhilarating process that drives both EM and the “Prophesy of The Mark” project.

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