What do you do when the life and career you’ve built no longer work for you?

In this episode, I’m joined by Anna Holtzman, a former reality TV editor turned therapist, now life coach, who helps creatives and entrepreneurs release imposter syndrome and step into the next chapter of their careers. Together we share our own pivots and life quakes, and what it really takes to keep moving one step at a time. If you’re frozen in fear, stuck in the messy middle, or wishing life could go back to “normal,” this episode offers comfort, clarity, and the reminder you don’t have to do it alone.

Key Takeaways

• Discern where your cheese has moved. The story of chasing cheese is a reminder that the old path may no longer serve you.
• Embrace pivots as part of the path. Change can feel like failure, but it is often the exact step toward alignment and renewal.
• Start with the smallest silly step. Action leads to motivation, not the other way around. Even tiny wins unlock momentum.

Episode Highlights

• Parallel pivots that sparked a reunion and deeper conversation
• Life in the before times versus surviving the after times
• Unlocking journaling as a hidden practice of reflection
• Reimagine identity by shifting from one brand to the next
• Learn how to stop chasing the wrong cheese and pivot with courage
• Fear, scarcity, and the power of “you’re not alone right now”
• Face fear in your pivot and discover what opens on the other side
• Find inspiration in real stories of clients choosing courage in chaos
• How to build momentum with small silly steps that spark motivation
• Calm fear and create clarity through journaling dialogues

Recommended Next Episode

Navigating the Messy Middle of a Career Pivot | with Sandy Zimmerman

🎧 Listen on [Apple Podcast] [Spotify] [Amazon Music]

Useful Resources

Who Moved My Cheese

Pivot with Purpose

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Guest Bio

Anna Holtzman is a therapist-turned-coach who helps sensitive creatives and entrepreneurs move through the fear of visibility and finally launch the work that feels most true to them. After 15 years in TV and publishing—and many false starts on her own creative dreams—burnout and chronic pain led her to the nervous system tools that helped her unblock her voice and show up for the work she loves. Now she helps others do the same: melt through imposter syndrome, bring their creative visions to life, and share them boldly. She lives in Queens, NY with her husband, stepdaughter, and three orange cats, and she hosts the podcast How to Trust Yourself.

Anna’s Website, Instagram, Email, Podcast, Workshop

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

What if the emotions you’ve been taught to hide are actually the key to deeper connection?

In this episode, I’m joined by Sunil Joseph, mindfulness instructor, empathy coach, and former software developer. Sunil’s mission is to help us normalize all emotions so we can better process what we feel and connect more authentically with others. In our conversation, he guides me through this practice in real time, showing how naming and expressing emotions can shift everything. If you’ve ever struggled to understand or work through your feelings, this episode will give you tools to turn toward them instead of pushing them away.

Key Takeaways

• Shared humanity makes vulnerability safe. When you show your struggles, you create space for someone else to meet you with compassion.
• Prioritize emotional resonance over intellectual empathy. Understanding a person’s need at an emotional level changes the way they respond, making your interactions more effective.
• Balance logic and emotion to move forward. While logic reminds you of past successes, emotion brings fear; acknowledging both without judgment enables growth and action.

Episode Highlights

• When your dream life makes you unhappy, learn to chase meaning instead of following expectations.
• Learn to face hidden childhood wounds to understand your present and unlock freedom.
• Master the four steps of nonviolent communication (NVC): what happened, your feelings, your needs, and your requests.
• The power of shared humanity that turns empathy and vulnerability into daily practice and real connection.
• Learn the universal needs in NVC and stop confusing it with strategies, so you can meet what truly matters without blaming others.
• Understanding emotional needs builds real connection, but it takes consistent, lifelong practice.
• Use mindfulness to bridge the gap between stimulus and response, giving you space to choose your reaction.
• Discover how NVC revealed hidden feelings and unmet needs from my personal “ouch” moment.
• Serve the purpose, not the title: Skills are most powerful when aligned with the work or calling that matters to you.

Recommended Next Episode

Emotional Intelligence: What It Is, How to Improve Yours, and How It Makes You a Better Creative | with Robin Hills

The Benefits of Mindfulness & Therapy (and How to Know Which One You Need) | with Seth Gillihan

Useful Resources

Lisa Feldman

Marshall Rosenberg

We're all Doing Time

Viktor Frankl

List of Universal Human Needs and Emotions

The Center for Nonviolent Communication

GRIP: Guiding Rage Into Power

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Guest Bio

Sunil Joseph is a certified GRIP Facilitator, mindfulness instructor, and Nonviolent Communication coach. In 2018, he visited a GRIP class at San Quentin and was profoundly moved by the humanity and compassion in the room, a moment that transformed his path. He joined the program, eventually training to become a certified facilitator, supporting students in their growth, healing, and transformation through restorative justice. Sunil also leads weekly online meditation classes and NVC coaching sessions. With a Master’s in Computer Science and 25 years of software development experience, he brings a unique blend of technical expertise and human-centered insight to his work.

Sunil’s Website, LinkedIn

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

How can emotional intelligence give you an edge in a world full of AI?

In this episode, I talk with Robin Hills, Director of Ei4Change and an expert in emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience. Robin has a career full of varied experiences, but his superpower is turning complex ideas into practical lessons we can actually use. We dive into the five key components of emotional intelligence, how to stay motivated when your emotions are dragging you down, and how emotions impact your ability to reach flow. We also explore why imperfect action can be the antidote to creative paralysis. If you want to harness emotional intelligence to enhance your creativity and relationships, this conversation is for you.

Key Takeaways

• Challenge the societal bias that favors IQ over emotional intelligence. While IQ is static and easily measured, emotional intelligence is a lifelong journey of growth and can be developed over time.
• We are creating each other. Through empathy and emotional connection, we subtly change each other’s brains, showing that this human capacity is irreplaceable by machines.
• Imperfect action is better than perfect inaction. Just get out there and do it, even if it’s messy—taking any step forward builds momentum and overcomes fear or hopelessness.

Episode Highlights

• Defining emotional intelligence and how it goes beyond IQ to use your emotions wisely for better decisions, authentic relationships, and meaningful action.
• The five core components of emotional intelligence: self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, social skills, and motivation
• How focusing on emotional intelligence can transform you into a completely different person than you were 20 years ago.
• Why awareness is the most essential part of emotional intelligence, and how simple exercises can help you build self-awareness.
• Rethinking emotions as pleasant or unpleasant rather than positive or negative, changes how we use emotions to decide, relate, and move forward.
• How transferring emotion from your own experience to an audience in creative work ensures your relevance in ways machines can’t replicate.
• Exploring the four uniquely human components of emotional intelligence: creativity, empathy, ethics, and spirituality.
• The emotional side of flow and deep work, and how feelings shape creative focus.
• Understanding intrinsic motivation from within and extrinsic motivation from our environment, and how to harness both to stay driven across changing contexts and situations.

Recommended Next Episode

A New Approach to Relieving Stress & Anxiety (and Improving “Emotional” Health) | with Nick Wignall

Useful Resources

Daniel Goleman Books

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman Podcast Interview

Greg McKeown Podcast Interview

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Guest Bio

Dr. Robin Hills brings over 40 years of business and commercial experience helping executives and leaders enhance performance through greater self-awareness and understanding of others. He focuses on supporting personality and behaviour in business through the practical application of emotional intelligence and is Director of Ei4Change (Emotional Intelligence 4 Change), a company specialising in training, coaching, and personal development grounded in emotional intelligence, positive psychology, and neuroscience. His educational programmes on resilience and emotional intelligence are used in schools in South Africa and India, reaching over 500,000 students across 200+ countries.

Robin’s LinkedIn

Robin’s Books

Robin’s Emotional Intelligence Course with Free Resources

Ei4Change Website, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:

What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?

In this episode, I’m joined by Amie McNee, bestselling author of We Need Your Art, artist, creativity coach, and TEDx speaker who has become a beacon for creatives reclaiming their voice and self-worth. We talk about why art matters more than ever, how vulnerability keeps us human in an age of AI perfection, and why making “shitty art” might be your bravest act yet. If you’re feeling discouraged, disillusioned, or ready to give up, this conversation will remind you to keep creating.

*This conversation contains a significant amount of explicit language. Rather than bleeping everything out or editorializing, I preferred to share the raw, authentic version because we're all feeling all the feelings right now. And I didn't want to restrict our process in any way. Viewer discretion is advised.

Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?

→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.

Key Takeaways

• Create art when it matters most. In times of crisis, art isn’t optional—it’s vital for healing, connection, and helping communities make sense of a chaotic world.
• The bigger the dream, the lower your standards should be. Perfectionism and procrastination stem from fear—embrace terrible first drafts, face the fear, and keep creating.
• Claim your creative identity without waiting for permission. Be your own boss with firm structure and kindness, using small daily steps to build momentum toward your biggest goals.

Episode Highlights

• Why art matters more than ever in a world on fire.
• Vulnerability in creative work, especially for men amid hustle culture and stoicism
• How language shapes owning your art and creative identity
• Why too much time can be a Kryptonite for creatives and how setting restrictions creates space for making “shitty art”
• The struggle of being your own boss and the two essential things creatives must do to avoid burnout
• The power of being seen by another creative to reignite self-trust amid exhaustion
• Society’s myths about creatives and reclaiming the truth that art is essential
• Why now is the most important time to make art in a world flooded with AI perfection
• Why embracing mediocrity matters in a world obsessed with perfection.
• How setting boundaries allow mindful content consumption without hijacking creativity
• Creativity’s power to foster self-reflection and healing
• Why introvert fatigue is real and how to honor it without burning bridges or yourself
• A gentle path back to creativity through Amie’s “2 Week Reset”
• The soapbox moment every artist needs to hear

Recommended Next Episode

On Vulnerability and the Courageous Act of Creating From a Place of Truth | with Allison Sweet Grant

Useful Resources

Dr. Scott Barry Kaufman Interview

Jen Cellota Podcast Interview

Andrew Huberman

Bob Ross

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Guest Bio

Amie McNee is an author, artist and speaker dedicated to helping creatives build meaningful and fulfilling lives. McNee empowers people to challenge the narratives that hold them back and embrace the messy, magical process of creation. McNee’s books and speaking inspire thousands to break free from perfectionism, self-doubt and the belief that creative work isn’t “real work.”

Her nonfiction book, We Need Your Art, is a manifesto for the creative spirit in a world that undervalues artistry. She is also the author of historical fiction that explores the complexities of creativity, resistance and rebellion through vivid storytelling. Through her writing, podcast Unpublished and speaking engagements, McNee champions a life that is driven by vulnerability, purpose and unapologetic creative ambition.

Amie’s Instagram | Substack

Amie’s Book: We Need Your Art

Amie's TEDx Talk: "The Case For Making Art When the World Is On Fire"

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:

What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?

In this episode, I talk with Jay Clouse, founder of Creator Science and one of the leading voices in the creator economy. Jay has helped thousands of independent creatives turn their passion into sustainable businesses—not through hacks, but by showing up authentically and building trust. We talk about creating real value, choosing the right platform, and embracing the messy truth of your process. Jay also breaks down the three types of creators, and why not being an “expert” might actually be your biggest strength. If you’re caught between being a creative and being a creator, this conversation will help you be both.

Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?

→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.

Key Takeaways

• Serve before you sell. If you want to build a creative business, start by helping your audience. Content that provides clear value invites loyalty, trust, and opportunity.
• Focus your creative energy where you can be real. Skip the pressure to be everywhere. Your audience connects best when you're creating from a place of genuine interest and ease.
• Strengthen creative courage by failing where it’s safe. Use small, private experiments to test ideas, make mistakes, and learn so you're more resilient when it's time to show your work to the world.

Episode Highlights

• What’s the real difference between being creative and calling yourself a creative?
• The surprising way emotion travels from one brain to another through your work
• How creativity becomes a form of currency and what you’re actually trading
• Why picking the right platform might matter more than your talent
• What really happens when you stop curating perfection and start showing the mess
• The quiet reality of creators who thrive without chasing fame
• Which of the 3 creator types are you, and why it matters more than you think
• Why not being an expert might be the edge your content needs
• The human experience as your most powerful asset in an AI-saturated world
• Why creators and creatives are no longer optional allies—they’re essential to each other’s survival

Recommended Next Episode

How We are “Wired to Create”, What It Means to Be a “Creative”, and How We Can Leverage Our Unique Gifts | with Scott Barry Kaufman

Useful Resources

Mark Manson

Dodford

Bobby Fingers

Substack

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Guest Bio

Jay Clouse is the founder of Creator Science, a leading voice in the creator economy. Jay has helped thousands of creators turn their passion into sturdy businesses through observation, experimentation, and iteration. His work spans a newsletter, podcast, membership, and YouTube channel, reaching a global audience.

In 2023, Jay was named “Content Entrepreneur of the Year” by The Tilt, and the Creator Science podcast earned a 2022 Signal Award.

Jay has also invested in 10+ startups, including Kit, RightMessage, Maven, Carry, Kick, and Gumroad. Through the Creator Science Syndicate, he helps his audience invest in platforms that empower creators.

Before Creator Science, Jay built and sold a ticketing startup (Tixers) and later sold his community, Unreal Collective, to Pat Flynn and Smart Passive Income, where he designed membership and course programs.

Jay’s Youtube | LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Tiktok

Jay’s Website

Jay’s Podcast

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:

What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?

In this episode, I talk with Selena Soo, bestselling author of Rich Relationships and a top publicity strategist who’s helped creatives land features in Forbes, O Magazine, and on national TV. Selena shares how we can build genuine, lasting relationships without burnout or feeling transactional. We dive into her three-step approach to meaningful connection, how to give value sustainably, and why simply validating others can be a powerful way to build trust. If networking has ever felt overwhelming or inauthentic, this conversation offers a refreshing new approach.

Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?

→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.

Key Takeaways

• Invest in rich relationships that spark both creative flow and career momentum. Look for collaborators and mentors who share your values, elevate your work, and open doors with integrity and trust.
• Adopt the mindset of a rich giver—be generous with purpose and intention. Focus your energy on relationships with mutual alignment and win-win potential, where giving builds trust, goodwill, and sustainable creative momentum.
• Make it easy for others to help you with a thoughtful, clear ask. Start with gratitude, be specific in your request, and show them exactly how they can support your creative goals without added effort.

Episode Highlights

• How I used Selena’s own tactic to start a genuine connection
• Selena’s journey from struggle to a mission that amplifies others
• Learn the three steps to build rich relationships that actually matter 
• Recognize the three giver types and choose the one that builds lasting connections
• Hear how supporting one friend led to a million dollars in mutual success
• Pivot your career by identifying ten types of rich relationships to seek
• How to make the ask feel easy and even exciting to say yes to
• Why genuine appreciation might be the highest form of value you can give
• Discover why introverts hold the secret superpowers of relationship building
• Get actionable tips to give thoughtfully without exhausting yourself or others
• Why validating someone's life choices is the ultimate way to provide value
• Learn how showing up in the right rooms can build momentum in a tough creative job market

Recommended Next Episode

Networking (the Right Way), Mentorship, and Connecting with ‘Experts’ | with Troy Takaki, ACE

Useful Resources

Jen Mac

INFJ

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Guest Bio

Selena Soo is a publicity and marketing strategist for visionary entrepreneurs, experts, and authors who want to reach millions with their message.

She’s helped clients and students get featured in places like O, The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, and Inc., and land interviews on popular podcasts and national TV. Many of Selena’s clients have become industry leaders with 7-figure businesses, raving fan bases, and hundreds of thousands of followers.

Her signature approach comes down to building powerful and long-lasting relationships with influencers and the media in a thoughtful, authentic way.

Selena has been featured in magazines and websites like Forbes, Fast Company, Inc., Business Insider, Entrepreneur, Success, and The Huffington Post. She has been a guest on podcasts like Entrepreneur On Fire, Smart Passive Income, and Mixergy.

Selena’s Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Selena’s Book: Rich Relationships

Selena’s Book Launch

 

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:

What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?

In this episode, I talk with Kylee Peña, Sr. Product Marketing Manager at Adobe and longtime post-production expert. We explore how AI is reshaping the creative process, what it means for editors and storytellers, and how to navigate the tension between innovation and artistic integrity. Kylee shares how tools like Adobe Firefly aim to protect creatives through transparency, and why understanding AI—rather than avoiding it—is key to staying relevant, empowered, and truly creative in this next chapter.

Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?

→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.

Key Takeaways

• Stay ahead by keeping up with the speed of AI. Its explosive growth is outpacing legal, ethical, and creative frameworks—staying adaptable is your most important asset.
• Let AI handle the creative friction. Offload repetitive tasks so you can spend more energy on emotion, storytelling, and bold creative decisions.
• Use AI tools that prioritize ethics and transparency. Choose platforms trained on licensed data and commit to content credentials that clarify how media is made, altered, or sourced.

Episode Highlights

• Creative humanity or career survival—what’s really at risk?
• The detrimental effects to cognitive thought from outsourcing critical thinking to AI
• Learn how Adobe Firefly protects creatives and ensures transparency in the age of generative AI.
• Why this technological shift is different and how it's unfolding at an alarming rate.
• Explore the optimistic view on AI's role in storytelling and how it can empower creatives.
• Why human judgment and understanding remain critical in a world of endless AI-generated options.
• Is hyper-personalized content the future, and do we truly want it?
• Discover why high-end productions still shy away from generative AI for final deliverables and what that means for creative workflows.
• Why keeping up with AI and having your own AI perspective matters more than ever in this shifting landscape.

Recommended Next Episode

The Creative’s Guide to Understanding AI and Leveraging AI to Build Workflows & Optimize Your Creativity | with Rob Howard

Useful Resources

Adobe Firefly

Firefly Boards

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Guest Bio

Kylee Peña is Sr. Product Marketing Manager for Professional Editorial at Adobe. As a former editor herself, she’s a seasoned problem-solver who wants to bridge the gap between creative and technology for all kinds of storytellers. Kylee has over 15 years of experience in post-production and hundreds of television and film credits as both a creative and technical professional, including a long stint in creative technologies at Netflix. At Adobe, she is part of the team engaging with the professional post-production community to drive the future of Premiere Pro.

An industry thought leader, Kylee has been published across various journals and included on panels worldwide. She was named a TVN “Woman to Watch in Technology”, nominated for RISE Influencer Award, and part of the team honored for HPA Engineering Excellence Award for Text-Based Editing and Enhance Speech in Premiere Pro.

Kylee is an active member of the Television Academy’s Science and Technology peer group and Hollywood Region Governor for the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. She holds a bachelor's degree in media arts from Indiana University and a master’s degree in integrated design, business, and technology from University of Southern California. She is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Technology from Purdue University focused on managing innovation, AI, and storytelling.

Kylie’s LinkedIn | Instagram

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

At its core, I organized my 5 day virtual summit about Navigating the Future of Entertainment to help us creatives, artists, and storytellers answer two key questions:

What the hell is happening to our beloved film industry? And how can we shape the future of cinema?

With over 70 producing credits and 60 more as the former Co-Head of Movies at Amazon Studios, Ted Hope (connect with Ted here on Substack) has had a front-row seat to decades of disruption in Hollywood. In this conversation, Ted and I break down exactly why Hollywood’s business models are fundamentally broken and how that’s affected the quality (or lack thereof) in most movies today. Ted shares how the (broken) streaming business model has changed both our attention spans and also the way studios now prioritize content—shifting from quality to quantity. We also explore where storytelling is headed in the age of the creator economy, and what it means for filmmakers trying to do meaningful work in a shifting landscape.

Want lifetime access to ALL the Summit content?

→ Click here for lifetime access to all 15 interviews, bonus resources, and my 90 minute Masterclass to help you navigate the next act of your creative career.

Key Takeaways

• Create work that captures attention, not just clicks. In today’s “Age of Distraction”, you’re competing not just with films but with social media, games, and the endless scroll. To stand out, craft stories that demand intentional engagement and honor deep, nuanced storytelling.
• Embrace a generalist mindset and connect directly with your audience. With traditional gatekeepers fading, becoming entrepreneurial and deeply understanding your audience is key. Use new platforms like Substack to build your own community and distribution channels, essentially casting your own marketing and distribution teams.
• Harness the power of authentic, human-centered storytelling. Like the "garage band" era of music, today’s accessible tools—including responsible AI use—empower creators to share raw, idiosyncratic stories that connect deeply and explore complex emotions. This human touch will always set your work apart in a crowded landscape.

Episode Highlights

• How the indie film landscape has shrunk and what it means for filmmakers today
• The massive 40 to 60 percent “perceived value” gap forcing filmmakers to compromise on quality and sustainability
• Why films used to be “launched” with big campaigns but are now simply “dropped” by streamers with little fanfare
• How frustration with the movies of his youth became Ted Hope’s unexpected creative catalyst
• The rise of the “Clydesdale” creative — those workhorse artists committed to pushing the final 10 percent for timeless art
• Why the industry is pushing creatives back toward a generalist mindset with diverse skills for survival
• Hope’s optimism about cinema’s “garage band” moment as new tools and hunger for authentic stories ignite fresh voices

Recommended Next Episode

From Five Emmys to Trader Joe’s: The Realities of Working In Hollywood In 2025 | with Mark Keefer

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Guest Bio

Ted Hope describes himself as a "filmworker" and has over 70 producing credits to his name, 60 credits as a studio executive, and was the Co-Head of Movies at Amazon Studios where he led them to 19 Oscar nominations and 5 wins. Ted also helped launch the feature film careers of Ang Lee, Nicole Holofcener, Hal Hartley, Michel Gondry, and many others.

Ted’s Substack, Website, Facebook, Newsletter, IMDb

Ted’s Book: Hope for Film

Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

What would happen if you finally got the clarity and coaching you needed to take the next step in your creative career?

In today’s episode, part two of the live masterclass from my recent virtual summit, I’m sharing raw, unfiltered Hot Seat coaching sessions with three creatives facing different forms of uncertainty. From a veteran editor worried about job security, to a multi-talented storyteller struggling to break into producing, to a blocked creative paralyzed by fear and perfectionism, each story reflects a different but deeply familiar crossroads. If you’ve ever felt lost, stuck, or unsure how to move forward, their journeys will resonate, and I’ll walk them (and you) through practical, actionable steps to navigate change with clarity and confidence.

Key Takeaways

• Pursue your next dream job, not your ultimate one. In a saturated, uncertain market, aim for strategic lateral moves or slight steps back where your current experience gives you an edge.
• Reframe your story to match their needs. Rewrite your resume and cover letter to emphasize relevant achievements that align with the company’s priorities—even if from different industries.
• Procrastination is a fear response, not laziness. Overcome it by identifying your fear and facing it gradually—start by sharing work with trusted peers to build confidence.

Episode Highlights

• Bonus Hot Seat #1: After a decade editing full-time at Sesame Street, Ed Kulzer faces growing job insecurity and limited industry connections outside the show. We discuss how he can strategically pivot, build a more versatile portfolio, and expand his network without walking away from the security of his current role.
• Bonus Hot Seat #2: Alyssa Royce pivoted from leading a production team in sports to editing roles in tech, gaining better work-life balance but losing her upward momentum. Now, she wants to land producer or coordinating roles again, but feels stuck being seen only as “just an editor.” We explored how she can reframe her story and leverage relationships to break out of that box and be seen as leadership material again.
• Bonus Hot Seat #3: David McErlain opened up about feeling stuck in his creative journey—starting tutorials, but never finishing, paralyzed by perfectionism and fear of not being “good enough.” We unpacked how procrastination masks fear of being seen, and how sharing imperfect work in safe spaces can build creative courage
• Informal Q&A #1: Dave Kotwasinski asks what exercises or projects we should prioritize if we’re starting our creative career given a limited budget. We explore how building a strong network, gaining clarity on specific goals, and overcoming limiting beliefs can guide practical next steps toward meaningful progress and growth.
• Informal Q&A #2: Monica Daniel shared her challenge of balancing a full-time return to work, personal passions, and family life with unpredictable demands. We tackle on how to create an ideal calendar that reflects her true priorities, accepting that some things will need to be let go, and embracing strategic imbalance as a practical way to manage limited time.

Recommended Next Episode

Masterclass: Navigating the Next Act Pt1: To learn how to build a sustainable creative career, and how The Arnold Academy for Creatives can help you thrive in a fast changing world.

Navigating the Future of Entertainment: To learn more about the summit that was built to redefine your creative career.

Useful Resources

The Arnold Academy for Creatives

The Summit 2025

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Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content

What does it really take to build a sustainable creative career in an industry evolving faster than ever before?

For today’s episode, I’m sharing something different—a live masterclass I hosted at the end of my weeklong virtual summit. Over five days, I interviewed 15 brilliant minds—showrunners, entrepreneurs, AI experts, Oscar-winning filmmakers, and more—all centered around one question: how do we adapt and thrive creatively when the rules keep changing? The truth is, events like these can overwhelm you with ideas but leave you stuck on what to actually do next. That’s exactly why I created this masterclass: to cut through the noise, synthesize the insights, and help you take meaningful action—whether you’re pivoting, expanding your skill set, or charting a whole new path.

Key Takeaways

• Break free from limiting career myths. Let go of the idea that career pivots mean starting from scratch or that success only comes from insider connections. Your experience and relationships already carry value.
• Create balance between your work and your life. Align your work with your personal well-being and values. When life and work support each other, you protect both your energy and creativity.
• Build your path with support, not in isolation. Career growth isn’t meant to be a solo journey. Find your people—mentors, peers, and communities who can guide, challenge, and uplift you along the way.

Episode Highlights

• Explore how we must adapt to a world that won’t return to “normal,” where embracing our humanity alongside AI, investing in deep relationships, diversifying our skills, and creating meaningful, soul-driven work are essential to thriving in uncertain times.
• The future of entertainment lies at the intersection of legacy Hollywood and content creators, where shared purpose, emotional resonance, and evolving tools empower a new generation of storytellers to experiment, connect, and create beyond traditional boundaries.
• What once felt like a stable roadmap—specialization, security, and climbing the ladder—no longer serves us in a world reshaped by automation and AI, where survival now demands adaptability, a creative beginner’s mindset, and the courage to unlearn and start fresh.
• In a world where automation is replacing specialization, adaptability, agility, and the ability to pivot are now your most valuable skills.
• Learn to redefine your story by combining your diverse work and life experiences, unique interests, and character traits to create an "asymmetric advantage" and become a category of one in your field.
• Understand that while relationships are crucial, you can cultivate a powerful network by focusing on giving value to others, rather than just taking.
• Unlock sustainable productivity by managing time and focus like spinning plates, instead of trying to do everything at once.
• See how the Arnold Academy for Creatives empowers creative professionals through comprehensive courses, live coaching, and a supportive global community to navigate career pivots, build meaningful relationships, and achieve sustainable success without compromising their well-being.

Recommended Next Episode

Navigating the Future of Entertainment: To learn more about the summit that was built to redefine your creative career.

Useful Resources

The Arnold Academy for Creatives

The Summit 2025

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Show Credits

Edited by: Curtis Fritsch

Produced by: Debby Germino

Shownotes and published by: Vim Pangantihon

Music by: Thomas Cepeda

Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-zack-arnold-podcast/exclusive-content