The Creative Giant Show with Charlie Gilkey

Jonathan Fields joins me for a second time today to discuss his new book, How to Live a Good Life. The journey of writing this book has been a particularly interesting one, for the process required him to step into a very uncomfortable role at the same time as it required him to immerse himself in literature that he had dismissed. We discuss this evolution as well as the places lot of people struggle with living a good life. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [0:54] Charlie introduces Jonathan and his media venture project, the “Good Life Project”. [3:45] The shift from writing about entrepreneurship and the creative process to a style more akin to personal development literature. [6:40] The journey of writing was transformative in itself, both for the content and nature of the book as well as for the author. [8:05] Wisdom and the capacity for reflexion really does seem to increase with each passing year. [9:00] Jonathan admits to always having had a negative bias in terms of personal development literature. [11:04] “How to Live a Good life” both embraces and diverges from the more theologically inclined books in the field. [14:15] Jonathan explains that this may be his most personal book yet, the one that conveys his voice in the most intimate way. [20:05] As are attorneys and philosophers, host and author are trained to use language to beguile and obscure things, a training that must be deconstructed to connect more authentically with the audience. [21:05] At one point in your career it becomes more important to actually change people’s lives rather than change the world. [24:41] Jonathan touches on how this book was many many years in the making and that the what he initially sold to his publisher was not “How to Live a Good Life”. [27:20] Despite his initial reluctance for the genre, Jonathan had to read massive amounts of self help literature, to better position his own book and serve his audience. [30:57] The difference between explanatory and exploratory styles of writing as well as the creative constraints required by certain genres are explored. [34:00] Although genre structures and writing guidelines are generally followed, Jonathan expands on the importance of going his own way for this book. [40:00] Peanuts!! [40:29] Of the three buckets: vitality, connection and creativity, which tend to suffer first for creative types? [44:45] The vitality bucket, as you age, may be the most challenging to replenish as your body’s needs evolve and change. [49:19] Jonathan hints at some of the ideas he wants to delve into for his coming projects, including the relationship between money and happiness. [54:50] Ultimately, all a guide can do is point to the different categories of things that have made people happy and encouraging you to try them and see. [57:34] The challenge is issued to “Give Thirty”: in the next 24 hours, take 30 opportunities you have to give or to help somebody in less than 30 seconds.   Mentioned in This Episode: Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert The Good Life Project Creative Giant Campfire Facebook Group

Today’s episode is a reading of a previously published post on Productive Flourishing named “What I’m Here to Do”. The post shares some stories that have informed why I show up in the world the way I do — I’m a bridge builder that helps people flourish. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [00:46] Follow Charlie as he remembers his arrival at the elite United-States Military Academy (West Point) and the leadership lesson he picked up from the yelling cadet. [03:55] A dangerous search and rescue mission at boy scout camp sets up the tone for understanding what it is that Charlie does. [12:08] How years of experience gathered through teaching philosophy, as a logistics officer in the army and as an entrepreneur, have given Charlie the broad understanding required to build effective bridges. [14:25] If canned answers will not do for you, unconventional, tailor-made, human scale bridge building is what Productive Flourishing offers.   Mentioned in This Episode: Sanebox.com/Giant Productive Flourishing West Point Creative Giant Campfire Facebook Group

In today’s episode, Jason Van Orden joins me and shares what he’s learned about influence and helping others become top influencers in their field. Given that we often teach what we most need to learn, we also discuss what his work has revealed for him and the surprising tensions that have come up for him on his thought leadership journey. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [00:48] Charlie introduces Jason, summarizing his vast experience teaching and studying the psychology and strategies used by successful internet influencers. [02:12] Charlie opens up the discussion with Jason about what influence actually is, and how it differs from manipulation. [06:57] Because of hyper connectivity and information overload, people need to step up and become influencers in order to facilitate the organisation of knowledge in meaningful ways. [12:06] How the increase in individual generated content on the internet (“noise”) forces people to find their own unique voice, and fosters creativity. [18:12] What are some of the first steps to take when people want to come out as an influencer? [22:00] The difference between analytically understanding someone and understanding them emotionally. [27:30] Oftentimes, we teach about the things we really need to learn — Charlie asks Jason how teaching about influencing is helping him. [31:03] The more experience you gain, the more challenges you take on and the more you end up dealing with the imposter syndrome — you need to cut yourself some slack and move through it. [40:45] Jason shares how he was recently reminded of the importance of being engaged and continuing to innovate, even if change is intimidating. [48:15] There is little talk about sufficiency in business — where your business meets your needs and doesn’t need to continuously grow and scale. [50:20] What is the most surprising or unanticipated challenge Jason is currently facing? [53:40] Remember that you need to be okay with the fact that there will not be a one size fits all answer and that you need a strategy that fits you.   Mentioned in This Episode: Sanebox.com/Giant Creative Giant Campfire Facebook Group Episode 14: Write, Publish, Repeat With Johnny B. Truant Episode 5: Making Changes With Jonathan Fields The Hero’s Journey by Joseph Campbell Kant's Categorical Imperative To Sell is Human by Daniel H. Pink Louder than words by Todd Henry The Fascination Advantage by Sally Hogshead Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs Bossypants by Tina Fey

Angela joins me on today’s episode to learn how to align your goals and projects with your seasonal energy. This is a bit of a follow up from episode 102 with Megan Roop, based on questions readers have been asking us. But, it’s also prompted by the transition from summer to fall that we’re currently in, here in the Northern hemisphere. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [00:52] SaneBox will save you hours of time, and bring you peace of mind. Try it out with the link below! [01:55] Charlie welcomes Angela to the show and introduces some fresh approaches being considered for the podcast. [03:35] As we approach October, Charlie and Angela’s energies tend to shift. Today they address some relevant questions on how that looks to them and ways to acknowledge those changes. [08:05] It’s key to make note of energy shifts within a team, as each member adds another variable to the energy dynamic. Talk to your team about it! [08:45] Institutions and cultures have based schedules around these energy cycles for a long time, and for good reason. [10:30] Creative Giant listener, Laura, asks Charlie to expand on the idea of living with the seasons as discussed on Episode 102 with Megan Roop. [17:09] Angela notes that late August and early October is a great time to leverage Charlie’s higher energy and have him work more with the team. [18:20] It’s important to consider our monthly cycles, including open conversations about women’s menstrual cycles, as well as recognizing the moon cycle’s impact on us. [25:25] We tend to approach the way that we plan and make commitments as if we were robots — as if in a slice of time in the future we’re going to feel a certain way. [28:45] For those way down on the “woo” spectrum, Charlie cuts the horsesh!t and gets down to the science! [30:25] Nadia from the campfire sessions asks how Charlie and Angela personally prioritize activities, and especially schedule time for restorative activities.  [38:57] Angela touches on how she prepares for anniversaries of significant events that come about at certain times of the year. [43:20] If this conversation is interesting to you, please let Charlie and Angela know and they’ll jam another session on our “seasons of life”.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox/Giant Creative Giant Campfire Facebook Group Episode 102: The Nourishing Nature of Being in Nature with Megan Roop

Angela joins me for this Q&A to discuss how to form a success pack, how to brainstorm your goals, and the biggest leadership lesson I’ve learned in business. We made the switch to Angela joining me on this because it’s way more fun doing these with someone else and you’ll soon hear how much better the answers are. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [0:47] Clean up your Inbox with SaneBox! [2:20] Q1 from Kat is on how to form a success pack. [4:55] Q1 Answer — Make it super easy for your guide, have a clear project, have a clear goal, show why they’re relevant, and then be clear in what you’re asking them to do. [14:56] Charlie’s tip on finding a guide for your success pack — make sure you have an aligned mission with that person, otherwise they shouldn’t even be your guide. [15:32] How to find a peer for your success pack. [20:08] Q2 from Shanna is on how to brainstorm your goals. [22:17] Why mind mapping is a great tool, especially for creative people. [25:51] Q2 Answer — Separate the creative mess from the analytical processing, and recognize it’s going to take multiple passes. [32:14] Q3 from Patricia is on the biggest leadership lessons Charlie has learned in business. [32:42] Q3 Answer — Biggest lesson Charlie has learned is how to be authentic and transparent with teammates and the value of giving positive feedback. [38:36] How having a feelings-conscious business means you have to be ready to have a conflict-free business at the same time. [42:24] Thank you to Kat, Shanna and Patricia for contributing to this Q&A with their insightful Qs.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com How to Write Brief Emails Without Being a Jerk Mind Mapping by Tony Buzan MindNode MindMeister How to Set SMART Goals Asana Hackpad

Thanks so much for joining me on this quick episode. On this solo riff, I talk about why productivity gets a bad rap, and how instead of focusing on all the reasons why productivity is bunk, we’re better off focusing on finishing the stuff that matters. Ready? Let’s do this!      Key Takeaways: [0:25] SaneBox can help sort your mail for you, so email can finally make sense again! [1:28] Why productivity gets a bad rap these days! [2:12] Why people feel torn between being productive & enjoying quality time with family. [2:32] What it means to be a thriving person. [3:03] What separates talented creatives from everybody else? [3:39] All the reasons for why productivity is bunk are wrong. So, what is productivity really about? [4:21] Let’s not focus on why others think productivity is bunk and focus instead on finishing the stuff that matters! [5:03] Until next time, talk less about productivity, start finishing the stuff that matter, and stand tall!   Mentioned in This Episode: www.SaneBox.com Creative Giant Campfire Facebook Group

In today’s episode, Arna Baartz joins me to share her journey, from a child of creative parents to an artist who teaches people to become more emotionally intelligent. Along the way, we discuss how she weaves in being a mother of 8 children, and her discovery and exploration of the art of Kundalini. Ready? Let’s do this!    Key Takeaways: [0:48] SaneBox can help sort your mail for you, so email can finally make sense again! [1:50] Find out more about Arna Baartz. [3:19] How did growing up in an artistic family influence Arna’s artist career? [9:56] Arna talks on the art of Kundalini, how she found her way to it, why she calls her art Kundalini, and other sources of her artistic expression. [18:25] Arna embraces the mistakes that happen in her art―instead of trying to cover them up. She explains why! [24:55] What is emotional intelligence to Arna? [26:34] Why would we want to become more emotionally intelligent? [31:42] How does Arna maintain her creative spirit while also running a business and raising 8 children? [35:41] If Arna could go back to one moment in her creative career and do something different―what would that moment be & what would she do differently? [37:20] What the one message Arna would like to leave the listeners with.   Mentioned in This Episode: www.artofkundalini.com www.arnabaartz.com @ArnaBaartzArtist on Facebook Episode 15: Cultivating Creativity During Motherhood with Lucy Pearce Episode 36: Write Your Own Future with Ali Luke

Thanks for joining us today! In this special episode of The Creative Giant Show, Charlie does a Q&A session with topics ranging from: triggers, the root of people’s resistance, and how to reconcile one’s innate nature with what seems to be an almost unnatural act of being an employee. Are you ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [00:54] SaneBox can help sort your mail for you, so email can finally make sense again! [01:57] Nadia emailed and asked for some follow up from my article, The Guided Business Review. She asked, “What are the triggers to let you know you're facing one of these challenges? Triggers - can you explain with some examples?” [04:56] The second question is about uprooting your own resistance. MeMuna asked, “Specifically, I’m interested in gaining clarity about the perspective you talk about in the quote from the article, ‘It’s hard to beat a monster who’s fueled by the very energy you’re trying to muster to beat it’.” [08:08] The third question comes from another Nadia. “I’d like to know as an entrepreneur and Creative Giant, how does one reconcile one’s innate nature with what seems an almost unnatural act of being an employee, and working for someone else? Specifically, when this is a situation of one’s own choosing due to it leading to the fulfillment of a larger goal that does fit in with one’s nature. But, in the moment, on a day-to-day basis, seems to fly in the face of who you are and what you stand for.” [12:10] To have your questions appear on the next Q&A, email us at support@productiveflourishing.com!   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant ProductiveFlourishing.com/guided-business-review/ ProductiveFlourishing.com/are-you-the-root-of-your-own-resistance/ Man’s Search for Meaning Email: support@productiveflourishing.com

Srinivas Rao returns to The Creative Giant Show to jam about his new book, Unmistakeable: Why Only Is Better Than Best. We dive right in and discuss how ‘only’ isn’t enough, how the myth of easy creativity keeps us from doing our unmistakeable work, and the neurotic creative process the Unmistakeable Team goes through to ship their work. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [00:52] SaneBox can save you hours of time by sorting your email for you! [01:55] Introduction to Charlie’s guest, Srinivas Rao. [03:05] There are two main drivers from Unmistakeable - Srinivas unpacks these concepts. [05:45] Ask yourself, “What is the emotional response that I’m trying to elicit from an audience?” [07:00] We’re at an inflection point in our history where we have the ability to approach things as artists, and be more expressed and personal in what we create. [07:30] There’s an odd paradox - the barrier is so low, yet the bar is so high. [09:10] What motivates folks that don’t need to work to keep working? [11:58] How many days should you invest in something before you should quit? [13:02] At first we make our habits, and then our habits make us. [13:18] What is meant by deliberate practice? [17:20] It’s not that hard to be third string. [19:30] Srinivas walks us through his personal and company’s creative processes. [24:15] The secret to winning every time is to calculate expectations and exceed them. [25:49] Frequency is a key to becoming unmistakable. How does Srinivas thread frequency and quality into his process? [28:00] Which principles from the book does Srinivas find most challenging to practice? [31:39] Srinivas shares his hardest challenges of writing long-form content while writing the new book. [36:03] What is the one thing that Srinivas wants listeners to take away?   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant Unmistakable Creative Episode #3 with Seth Godin Leave a rating for the show!

Megan Roop joins Charlie today to talk about how quiet adventures helped her find herself battling the pursuit of being perfect. Along the way, she’s woven her experience with the Peace Corps, selling outdoor equipment, teaching yoga, and helping people overcome eating disorders, into a unique body of work. Listen in as we discuss the nourishing nature of being in nature, and how honoring the seasons helps you honor your changing nature.   Key Takeaways: 00:58 SaneBox advertisement. 02:00 Who is Megan Roop and what is Quiet Adventures? 02:55 Megan shares her path to starting the company, and how she came to reconcile seemingly disparate ideas of finance and personal growth into a culmination of activities  that work for a greater good. 09:29 For many years, Megan devoted her energy to achieving “perfection” as a woman, that led to struggling with an eating disorder and eventual burnout. She shares how that weaves into her current endeavors. 11:11 When did Megan recognize the socialization of women was truly impacting her personally? 13:56 Just because society tells us there’s a way to be living life doesn’t mean that it’s going to work for you. Charlie and Megan elaborate. 16:05 What are some of the ways Megan has worked with women getting clear on what they’re willing to accept, and what they need to build a boundary around? 20:00 When women strip away the nonessentials, and get to the core of who the are, they start to see they do have gifts and they have a lot to give. 21:00 What tends to happen when out in nature that helps women connect with themselves? How does connecting to the seasons help one seeing the changing nature in life? 24:15 Women and creatives have internal seasonal changes frequently, and embracing that can make life easier to navigate. 27:36 What are some of the small ways people can be more intentional about their connection to nature? 30:04 Charlie opens a dialogue on the intersection of community and nature. 31:30 The Upside of Your Darkside suggests we have a comfort addiction. Do humans deeply bond over comfort as they do in times of struggle? 34:28 Megan shares a story of a moment when she realized she was in the right place, doing the right thing. 37:30 Contrastly, Charlie asks for a negative, pivotal moment on Megan’s journey. 39:20 What is Megan’s most unanticipated challenge currently? 41:00 What is the big takeaway Megan wants people to remember? 42:00 For more great info on connecting with nature, check out Episode #80 Reclaiming Wild Men with Jonathan Mead and #15 with Cultivating Creativity During Motherhood with Lucy Pearce   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant Quiet Adventures From Wood to Water The Upside of Your Darkside Episode 80: Reclaiming Wild Men with Jonathan Mead Episode 15: Cultivating Creativity During Motherhood with Lucy Pearce  

In this special edition of The Creative Giant Show, Charlie reads from the Productive Flourishing blog post, Get Up and Take Care of Your People. This gripping story tells of how a combat experience in the military revealed to him both parallels and valuable lessons in leadership, which apply today in the battleground of business.   Key Takeaways: [00:51] SaneBox™ Email Management‎ advertisement. [01:32] Visit SaneBox.com/Giant for $25 credit on top of the 2 week free trial! [01:52] Charlie reads his popular blog post, Get Up and Take Care of your People.   Mentioned in This Episode: Offer: SaneBox/Giant Blog: Get Up and Take Care of Your People

The tables are turned in this episode, as Andrea J. Lee puts me in the spotlight. The questionnaire becomes the questioned. This one is coming right after I started sharing more of my thoughts on race, identity, equality and justice. So, a good bit of the conversation focuses on how we might show up as our full selves in our work. If you find yourself at a loss for how to engage with the world, while still doing your work, you might find some useful ideas in here. And yes, it’s really weird to create the intro for your own interview - I’m just saying, we live in interesting times! Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:03] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #100. [2:06] Charlie introduces Andrea J. Lee, who interviews him on this episode. [3:01] Andrea joined us on episode #91, which resulted in her volunteering to this reverse podcast interview. [4:24] What does it mean to be A Creative Giant, in the times we are in? [7:59] Charlie shares his internal processes and the idea of creative constipation. [10:36] The external and internal outcomes of the discourse Charlie is creating around social change. [15:31] Charlie’s social media responses indicate he has touched a nerve on how to have discourse. [16:26] How lack of dialogue gets us in no-win positions. [19:32] The discourse about discourse is one of the most opaque things we have. How is Charlie’s background as a soldier influencing his approach? [23:47] There are the harms we cause by doing things, and there are the harms we cause by not doing things. [27:16] The fundamental and weird aspects of Humanity.  [29:23] Getting stuck in epic goals. [32:11] What does Charlie think about the Language Police? [40:51] How do we expand these great ideas? How do we go ‘there’? [46:55] How to lean into gathering, rather than isolating; and how to flourish in creative partnerships. [52:55] Charlie’s final thoughts on this episode’s topic!   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant www.facebook.com/groups/PFCampfire/

Whether we’re content creators, managers, leaders or customer service reps, we’re all in the teaching business. Breanne Dyck joins me again, to continue the conversation about making better learning experiences that work for our learners and work for us. Hint - it’s not about the content. A quick plug here - come join us at The Creative Giant Campfire, our free Facebook group.  We’ll be having conversations about podcast episodes there as well as other micro-post prompts, and the occasional Facebook Live Broadcast. You can find it by searching “creative giant campfire” on Facebook. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:04] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #99. [2:04] Breanne joined us on episode #30, which is definitely worth listening to. [4:53] Let’s talk Before and After Infobesity [aka information overload]. [11:57] Breanne is experimenting with Facebook Live right now & shares tips on how to get people to take action after a video. [15:12] Breanne explains Bloom’s Taxonomy of Learning. [16:48] How to get into that higher level learning zone in the quick slices of time we have available. [24:31] It’s not about content, it’s about context and what you’re gonna do within that context.    [29:27] What’s the next wave in the online space?  [35:20] Do’s & don’ts of the current state of learning. Breanne shares many insightful tips here. [46:47] Let’s talk about problems consultants run into and transmedia content production. [55:18] Pick up a game, teach it to someone & have fun, because it’s the best vehicle for learning how to make learning work.    Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant mnibconsulting.com Breanne Dyck on The Creative Giant Episode #30 Bloom’s taxonomy How the World Sees You by Sally Hogshead Million Dollar Consulting by Alan Weiss

In this episode, Lisa Robbin Young and I discuss the blog post she wrote for Productive Flourishing on the 3 Types of Creative Entrepreneurs. Even if you don’t consider yourself creative or an entrepreneur, this is worth the listen because we’re really talking about different modes of creativity and why it’s important to lean into the kind of creative that you are. And by the way, if you’re human, you are creative. There’s also a discussion happening on this in our free Facebook group, The Creative Giant Campfire. Come join us there if you’d like to stand tall together with other Creative Giants. You can find it by searching creative giant campfire on Facebook. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:07] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #98. [2:13] Find out more about Lisa Robbin Young, founder of Ark Entertainment Media, a business incubator for creative entrepreneurs. [3:45] Lisa shares how creating her business emerged from a personal business problem. [8:20] There are 3 primary creative types: chaotic, linear and fusion; and then there are the cusp types. [10:10] Take Lisa’s quiz - What’s Your Creative Freedom Entrepreneur Type? Chaotic, Fusion, or Linear? [15:43] How to notice your creative mode switching and be aware of the support you need when you’re doing your creative projects. [18:53] Discover the strengths and disadvantages of each creative type - linear, chaotic and fusion. [30:18] The power of knowing, embracing and leaning into your creative type along the spectrum. [36:33] What would Lisa say to someone who comes to her with the problem of being a certain creative type and feeling they’re in the wrong career? [42:47] What’s the main reason Lisa calls this “the creative entrepreneur spectrum”? [44:07] Lisa’s challenge on the next step to take after listening to this episode.   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant The Secret Watch by Lisa Robbin Young The Fine Line by Lisa Robbin Young A Whole New Mind by Daniel Pink Take Lisa’s Quiz: What’s Your Creative Freedom Entrepreneur Type? Chaotic, Fusion, or Linear?

A common growing pain for Creative Giants is the pressure to be just one thing in the world. To just be a doctor or a writer or a programmer or CO or whatever it is. The truth of it is that we’re all multi-dimensional, so resisting that only leads to us living less rich lives. Dusti Arab joins me today to share her Creative Giant journey and how she’s weaving it all together. A quick plug here, a quick plug - we just opened up the Creative Giant Campfire, our free Facebook Group. We’ll be having conversations about podcast episodes at the campfire, so come join us there if you’d like to stand tall together with other Creative Giants. You can find it by searching “Creative Giant Campfire” on Facebook. Ready? Let’s do this!   Key Takeaways: [1:14] Thank you to SaneBox.com for sponsoring episode #97. [2:16] Learn more about Dusti Arab, the CEO and Creative Director of thinkCHARM. [4:29] How Dusti got started in Copywriting and secured her first gig. [7:50] The difference between copywriting and ghostwriting. [12:55] Dusti talks Princess Parties. [16:54] Dusti shares her brand story. [20:25] Let’s talk 3-5 years from now. [23:34] People put too much pressure on themselves to meet these arbitrary deadlines. [25:49] Dusti’s biggest and most unanticipated challenges. [31:19] Changing gears is OK!   Mentioned in This Episode: SaneBox.com/Giant Creative Giant Campfire on Facebook thinkCHARM Dusti Arab @dustiarab on Instagram