The Zack Arnold Podcast

Mastering the Art of Doing Scary (and Often Hilarious) Shit | with Paul Beckman


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Ever feel stuck between playing it safe and going all in on your dream?

In this episode, I talk with filmmaker, actor, and real-life action hero Paul Beckman—whose story is equal parts hilarious, outrageous, and deeply inspiring. From sneaking into the World Series VIP section to facing cancer with grit and the mantra “This too shall pass,” Paul shows what it really means to take risks. We talk about walking away from comfort, facing fear, and pushing forward even when you’re unsure. If you’ve been holding back, this conversation might be the nudge you need.


Key Takeaways
  • Lean into the ideas that scare you—do them anyway. The gut feeling of fear is your cue that it’s worth trying, and it trains your mind and spirit for the bigger ones.
  • Decide to bring purpose with your presence. Your attitude and energy are choices—and they shape your experience and the experience of everyone around you.
  • Focus on what you can control and let go of what you can’t. Even in moments when outcomes are out of your hands, your time and growth are still yours.
  • Take one breath, one moment, one step at a time. Whatever you're facing will pass, and on the other side of it is everything you want.


Episode Highlights
  • Sneaking into the Dodgers World Series game
  • How confronting fear prepared him for life’s most pivotal moments
  • Cancer journey and the power of a positive mindset
  • The role of positivity and humor to navigate tough times
  • Facing fears: Sneaking into a stadium vs Sending outreach emails
  • Current pursuits, goals, and the ongoing journey
  • The value of having diverse skills and interests
  • How to leverage opportunities and balance multiple roles
  • Lessons learned from juggling many jobs and skill sets
  • Building authentic relationships and the importance of networking
  • Paul’s advice to his past self in the middle of chemo


Recommended Next Episode

Christopher Titus: To overcome a dark past, manage inner voices, turn pain into purpose and still find something to laugh about.


Useful Resources

Friedrich Nietzsche’s Twilight of the Idols

Half Dome Hike

The Groundlings


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Guest Bio

Paul Beckman is a Los Angeles-based actor, writer, and filmmaker known for bold, character-driven stories that blend action, comedy, and a touch of the surreal. A proud Texan, cancer survivor, and graduate of the University of Iowa, Paul brings grit, resilience, and a deep sense of adventure to everything he does—both on screen and in life. From performing at The Groundlings to starring in national commercials, he’s built a reputation for injecting sharp humor and emotional stakes into every project.

An Eagle Scout with a passion for climbing mountains and competing in obstacle course races, Paul gravitates toward stories about survival, justice, and transformation. His work often explores what it means to fight for something real—whether that’s a cause, a connection, or a second chance. With roots in improv and a vision for cinematic storytelling, Paul’s creative work explores what it means to fight, survive, and stand for something—often with a wink and a punch.

Paul’s FacebookInstagramFitnessYoutubeIMDBCasting Networks


Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Shownotes and published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda



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The Zack Arnold PodcastBy Zack Arnold

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