Smart and Simple Matters Podcast: Simplify, Organize, and Be Money Wise

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)Emilie Wapnick is someone you should know. Especially if you’re like me and have resisted the push to “specialize” all your life. Or if people think you have ADD because you jump from one interest to another, and then to another… and then back to that passion from a decade ago. “Multipotentialite” probably isn’t a common word for you, but you’ll be glad it’s in your vocabulary after listening to this episode. You’ll also dig this Smart and Simple Matters classic if you’re on the lookout to become a happier, well-rounded, better integrated business person. This is more than a conversation about being a stellar generalist, scanner, or slasher (the good kind). This is a chat that explains why everyone can’t be a specialist and what could be potentially more rewarding. As you’ll hear her say: I stopped beating myself up about this [scanner] pattern and I started celebrating it to find a way to make it work. – Emilie Wapnick And while you’re rockin’ your multipotentialite world, Emilie has resources to: * Build your confidence toolbox (http://puttylike.com/why-every-multipotentialite-needs-a-confidence-toolbox/) * Simplify your goal-setting and goal achieving * Help you combine the things you love into an income-generating dynamo If ever there was a person qualified to bridge seemingly separate topics like simplifying, organizing, and being money wise, Emilie’s the one. And just wait until you hear how Emilie turns the tables on me like no guest ever has. It’s fun, insightful, and reveals a personal story that very few people know. In This Episode You’ll Learn About: * How to evolve from a dabbler to a multipotentialite maestro. * What it’s like to be a “leader of the weirdoes and dorks.” * What happens when you try to specialize … and you’re so not a specialist. * How to effectively (and enjoyably) “smoosh” your interests into an umbrella business. * Why you should set a launch date for any personal or professional project. * Using positive accountability as a motivational force. * Why stifling your multipotentialite nature is a crime. * How to flip the switch between focus time and scanner time. * What the original Value of Simple website name was supposed to be (I’m blushing). Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: * Puttylike (https://puttylike.com/start-here/) * The Puttytribe (http://theputtytribe.com/) * Puttylabs (http://www.puttylabs.co/) * Nerd Fitness (http://www.nerdfitness.com/about-2/) * Marketing for Hippies (http://marketingforhippies.com/about-marketing-for-hippies/) * Resources: * Puttylike terminology page (http://puttylike.com/terminology/) * Legalzoom (http://valueofsimple.com/Legalzoom) (affiliate link) * Books: * Renaissance Business (http://valueofsimple.com/rb) (affiliate link) * Undeclared for Life (http://puttylike.com/undeclared-for-life-manifesto/) * The War of Art (http://www.stevenpressfield.com/the-war-of-art/) * Articles * Can’t Settle on a Niche for Your Business? Not a Problem (http://puttylike.com/cant-settle-on-a-niche-for-your-business-no-problem/) * How You Get the Puttylike Snowball Effect (http://puttylike.com/how-you-get-the-puttylike-snowball-effect/) * Why Specific Goals Matter Less than You Think (http://www.jonathanfields.com/blog/goals-matter/) * Etc.: * Joel’s personal renaissance (http://valueofsimple.com/my-story) Topics * [07:55] Emilie’s seeds of awesomeness * [16:31] What a multipotentialite is and how you know if you’re one * [21:40] How to overwhelm overwhelm * [29:09] Positive accountability * [35:20] Fighting internal resistance and finding focus * [39:20] Finding your overarching theme to bridge your passions * [43:59] Joel tells the origin story of Value of Simple Awesome Ways to Subscribe to the Show

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) Ka-boom! That was the sound of my podcast publishing schedule blowing up to make way for a special dude and a special book. In this episode of Smart and S...

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) This happens a lot lately. Someone launching a new product, service, book, or website will reach out and ask me to do something for them or with them. But Adam’s email was different. His intro was, “Heyyyy Joel” and instantly pulled me in with stories about growing a mullet and fighting bulls. Now, that’s how you do it, folks. And as soon as I read this, I knew I wanted to know more about Adam: In a world that wants to take your money, it’s essential that people are smart; that they make educated decisions about how to spend their money; and that they still manage to enjoy their lives in the process. Those are the words of Adam Shepard. He’s an author, a public speaker, an experimenter, and a counter-cultural beacon swimming against the current. Plus, he’s a super generous guy. You’ll know what I mean once you listen to the episode. Because that’s where the details are about how to win a free copy of his new book One Year Lived (http://valueofsimple.com/OneYearLived) (affiliate link) … and one lucky person will have it signed by Adam and shipped anywhere in the world. I’m super jazzed about how this episode turned out, but I shouldn’t be surprised. Everywhere that Adam talks, people listen. And then they start to question why they think the way they do. Why they make certain decisions and how acting differently might lead to more fulfillment for them and health for everyone else. This episode is a sock-knocker-offer in a number of ways and you gotta listen to understand the context of these words from Adam: I would have played in Lithuania for $500 a month and I would have gone hunting for my own food. I didn’t care. I just wanted to play. So join us to learn, explore … and find out how to win your free copy of One Year Lived. In This Episode You’ll Learn About: * How to reinvent yourself when the one thing you were destined to do just isn’t happening. * Why Adam happily spent seventy days in a homeless shelter. * Some intriguing, unconventional views about what is (and isn’t) a sacrifice. * The stellar benefits of not being awesome at video games. * What Adam would take $500, a trip to Lithuania, and a bow and arrow to be able to do. * Why budgeting is sexy (hint: think momentum and victories). * The one purchase that put everything into perspective for Adam (and it was under $10). * How to rapidly reframe our misfortune to benefit us. * Why it’s so important to have people that hold you accountable. * How minimalism can lead to you fighting bulls in Nicaragua. * The opportunity costs of a year traveling around the world. * Why the most rewarding experiences come from stepping out of your comfort zone. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: * One Year Lived (http://www.oneyearlived.com/) * Resources: * Scott Dinsmore’s Goal Setting and Action Workbook (http://liveyourlegend.net/free-2013-goal-setting-guide/) * Books: * One Year Lived (http://valueofsimple.com/OneYearLived) (affiliate link) * Scratch Beginnings (http://valueofsimple.com/ScratchBeginnings) (affiliate link) * Nickel and Dimed (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nickel_and_Dimed) * Articles: * Daily Money Manager: The Most Important Job You've Never Heard Of (http://valueofsimple.com/daily-money-management-handguide) * Picutres * Adam’s Thailand mullet (http://oneyearlived.com/uploads/galleries/522013200759_602X394.JPG) * Adam’s “Mustachio Bashio” ‘stache (http://oneyearlived.com/uploads/galleries/522013192547_602X394.JPG) Topics * [06:39] Adam’s seeds of awesomeness * [12:40] Adam’s scratch beginnings * [15:46] Budgeting (and it’s sexy) * [21:20] Making sacrifices and what a sacrifice really is * [26:43] How to reframe our misfortune to benefit us * [30:46] How Adam practices minimalism

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)You know how some people tie their happiness into seeing other people create dreams, achieve goals, and realize success? Robin Good is like that. Thousands of people have deep respect for who Robin is and what he does. And just as many love why he’s become a master curator around a number of topics. His life trajectory has ranged from thinking he wanted to be a classically trained biologist to knowing he needed to be an “informational nurse” for people around the world. I guess we can expect as much from a guy who describes himself as a citizen of the world. You’ll love this conversation if you’re interested in new media tools, storytelling, marketing, vivid verbal imagery and, of course, curating. And you’ll see in the links below that he’s all over the place. That’s a good thing because Robin likes to engage people on different platforms, through different mediums, and on many topics. Both he and I share a love for the spoken word, though. But we do differ on some key ideas. For example, we differ on how much you need to laser target a specific niche to be successful online. And we also disagree about the usefulness of Seth Godin’s books (I’m in the minority on that one, though). Come get your curating on and let Robin be your DJ in this unpredictable, motivational chat! What You’ll Learn Robin’s no one-trick-pony and he proves it over-and-over. In this episode you’ll learn about: * How you can be someone’s bow and let them be their own arrow. * Why 1975 was a very good year for Italy (and for Robin). * Why money inspires greed … at corporations and non-profits. * How Robin moved his newsletter online and started to make money hand over fist. * How you can be an “informational nurse” for your community. * Why relying on Google search results is like relying on a Big Mac to make you healthy. * The three-step process to get your own “P.I.E.” * How to develop power in alliances with similarly passionate people. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: * Masternewmedia.org (http://www.masternewmedia.org/about.htm) * Robin’s Scoop.it Presence (http://www.scoop.it/u/RobinGood) * Resources: * Robin’s Infographic Resume (https://cvgram.me/robin.good) * Robin’s online curation tools mind map (http://www.mindmeister.com/55395228/content-curation-tools-the-newsmaster-toolkit-by-robin-good-2012) (it loads slow, but it’s worth it) * Articles: * Robin’s Transformation from Communication Consultant to Independent Media Publisher (http://www.masternewmedia.org/from-communication-consultant-to-independent-media-publisher-my-reasons/) * Why Curation Will Transform Education and Learning: 10 Key Reasons (http://www.masternewmedia.org/curation-for-education-and-learning/) * Videos: * Experience Curating: Filter, Organize, and Share Your Way to Insane Value and Kicking Butt (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HbgfEmu3_MQ) * Etc.: * Robin on Twitter (https://twitter.com/RobinGood) * Robin everywhere else (http://about.me/robingood) Topics * [00:30] Joel’s Ignite “Experience Curating” talk recap and an update on his upcoming book * [10:11] Robin’s seeds of awesomeness * [16:48] Robin’s transition into becoming an independent media publisher * [26:15] Why a good curator is like an awesome DJ * [31:30] How curating gives you god-like powers to shape your environment * [36:02] Robin’s recommendations about search engines and starting in independent publishing * [46:42] Robin’s tips for using your voice to make an impact Awesome Ways to Subscribe to the Show If you’re not already subscribed for automatic notifications of a new show, please do so with one of the links below. * Click here to subscribe with iTunes * Click here to subscribe via RSS (http://feeds.feedburner.com/ValueOfSimplePodcast)

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)This is the reason I created Smart and Simple Matters: so I could have meaningful conversations with amazing people that improve your life. And my guest for this episode truly falls into the amazing category. He has a ton to offer to everyone (including me) looking to simplify, organize, and be money wise. It’s Joshua Becker from Becoming Minimalist (http://www.becomingminimalist.com/becoming-minimalist-start-here/), one of my go-to resources on intentional living and practical ways to be a great minimalist … without sacrificing what’s most important to you. Joshua knows how to ask the right question at the right time like… I bought that and I don’t need it. What was the disconnect between what I was thinking was true and what really is true in life? …and offers insight with clarity and brevity. Intentionality for me is just taking the time to question the assumption that we base our life upon. [Tweet this (http://clicktotweet.com/Wv3La)] Those things that you can't possibly measure are the things that we should be chasing the most. [Tweet this (http://clicktotweet.com/efB9F)] Minimalism [for me] has never been about subtraction for the sake of subtraction. [Tweet this (http://clicktotweet.com/ndc7L)] What I found was that the chasing of possessions, and even in some ways the unintentional allowing of them to absorb my life and resources, was distracting me and keeping me from becoming what I most wanted to be. If that doesn’t get you fired up and ready to make some changes, I don’t know what will! Joshua and I talk about a lot, including his best-selling books, subtle catalysts that turn into transformational moments, and the problems with (or opportunity in) competition. Have a listen and discover why hundreds of thousands of people care about what Joshua says through his website, newsletter, public speaking events, and social media. What You’ll Learn In this episode you’ll learn about: * Joshua’s flashpoint for living intentionally … and how you can too. * Why you should just be the best “you” that you can be. * How many Goodwill donation trips it takes before asking yourself some hard questions. * Why comparison is always unfair. * How to lead your kids to a lifestyle without forcing them. * Realizing that struggles don’t always go away and don’t always need to be overcome. * Whether Joshua wants to celebrate Thanksgiving with me … on May 27th. * Why pursuing passionate work comes sooner with a big dose of simplicity and minimalism. * How to resolve destructive competition… even if you’re just competing with yourself. * What the greatest hurdle is for starting your entrepreneurial dream (you might be surprised). * Why competition drove me into a rage and to violently swinging a hammer. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: * Becoming Minimalist (http://www.becomingminimalist.com/becoming-minimalist-start-here/) * Zen Habits (http://zenhabits.net/start/) * Be More with Less (http://bemorewithless.com/about/) * The Minimalists (http://www.theminimalists.com/start/) * Resources: * How Minimalism Is Changing Entrepreneurship (http://schedule.sxsw.com/2013/events/event_IAP5711) * The Becoming Minimalist Newsletter (http://www.becomingminimalist.com/newsletter-sign-up/) * Joshua’s Ignite Phoenix Talk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ou3ynsiQ4J4) * Books: * Inside-Out Simplicity (http://valueofsimple.com/InsideOutSimplicity) (affiliate link) * Simplify (http://valueofsimple.com/JoshuaBeckerSimplify) (affiliate link) * Living with Less (Simply for Students) (http://www.amazon.com/Living-Simply-Students-Joshua-Becker/dp/0764486608/ref=la_B0065BARJM_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1366645226&sr=1-1) * Articles: * Stop Comparing Your Life. Start Living It

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) Are you familiar with suitcase entrepreneurs? Natalie Sisson is… because she happens to be an original suitcase entrepreneur

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) I could never see Tammy Strobel walk into a room, not get something she wants, and then proclaim, “Do you know who I am?!” She’s way too kind and humble for that. However… I can definitely see myself walk to the far corners of the Internet, find people who don’t know who Tammy is, and then declare, “What?! You don’t know who Tammy Strobel is or what RowdyKittens (http://rowdykittens.com/portfolio/) is all about?” That’s exactly what I’m doing with this episode of Smart and Simple Matters. Tammy is a lot of things to a lot of people, but she’s also not a lot of things that most people are. And to me and the many people who follow her journey, that’s a very good thing. In shorter terms, her mission is all about “going small, thinking big, and being happy.” It’s something that I can get behind, and so can the people who have heard about Tammy in places like USA Today, The Huffington Post, The New York Times, and The Today Show. In our chat, Tammy and I talk about some of the themes from her book – You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608680835/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rowdyk-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1608680835) – but we also go beyond happiness. We talk about creating space in your life. How kindness and empowerment work together to become something even more powerful. We talk about… well… we cover a lot. Here’s a glimpse of Tammy’s thoughtfulness: I didn’t realize how much the “stuff” was weighing down my mental state. With a lot of stuff, you have to keep track of it [and] that takes up a lot of space in your brain. - Tammy This was such a good conversation that even I said something useful. It's fun to be consumed when you're consumed with the right things. - Joel [Tweet This] Tammy even complimented me on my curating via spreadsheets, so instantly, she gets bonus points. But don’t let my light-heartedness obscure the serious – and seriously awesome – message that Tammy has for us all. You can read more about it below and I’d encourage you to click on some links if you normally don’t do that. What You’ll Learn Besides increasing mindfulness, creating space in all facets of your existence, and learning to use empowerment, you’ll get a ton from this one. In this episode you’ll learn about: * How to use your personal story to help people find their own happiness. * Why empowerment is so powerful … and can eliminate the feeling of being controlled. * How to have more physical (and mental) space for the things that matter. * Why “should” and “have to” should lead to you judging less. * How to push people towards happiness without shoving them unwillingly. * The strange, wonderful link between photography and simplicity. * How a morning ritual can help you slow down and be grateful. * Acting from a place of kindness and not making assumptions about people. * Approaching the roadblocks on a simplicity journey with a “beginners” mindset. * A double rainbow other than the YouTube guy’s one. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: RowdyKittens (http://rowdykittens.com/portfolio/), Tiny House Blog (http://tinyhouseblog.com/about/), Tiny House Design (http://www.tinyhousedesign.com/about/), Be More with Less (http://bemorewithless.com/about/), Tammy on Instagram (http://instagram.com/rowdykittens) * Resources: Resources for Life: Small House Society (http://www.resourcesforlife.com/small-house-society/about), Scrivner (http://www.literatureandlatte.com/scrivener.php) (for writers), the Refuge of Simplicity (http://valueofsimple.com/newsletter) * Books: You Can Buy Happiness (and It’s Cheap) (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1608680835/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rowdyk-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=1608680835)

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) This is a special episode of Smart and Simple Matters for many reasons. The first reason is the topic, namely the Continuous Creation Challenge (http://valueofsimple.com/ccc). This is our insane (and insanely beneficial) challenge where – for a period of time – you shift all your energy from many forms of consumption into channeled creation. There’s huge flexibility in your planning and doing of the Continuous Creation Challenge (CCC) – including how long, when, what consumption to eliminate, and what projects to create – but it’s disruptive enough to the status quo to open your eyes to what could be possible. You’ll hear the full origin story of the CCC in this episode, but I never intended for anyone else to do one when I experimented with it in April 2012. But now? I’m passionate about having 100,000 people create their own awesomeness (http://valueofsimple.com/ccc) during a CCC before the end of 2014. Is this my most ambitious goal yet? Probably. And I’ll need your help to pull this off. By the time you’re done listening to this episode, I bet you’ll be interested and motivated enough to help not just me, but to help yourself achieve an experience that many people would only dream about. What You’ll Learn I’m giving you the full who, what, when, where, and why in this show. Make sure to listen to the end for all the quirky, funny, and thoughtful commentary on this Continuous Creation Challenge business (http://valueofsimple.com/ccc)! In this episode you’ll learn about: * How to stretch yourself to the point of discomfort … and liberation from the status quo. * What the heck a Continuous Creation Challenge is (kind of important, no?). * The best practices of planning and doing your CCC so you can rock it. * Why I intentionally fast for 72 hours and have tried to go even longer. * How you can (and may want to) help with my super-ambitious CCC goal. * Some funky FAQs (like whether sex is allowed during your CCC). * How to destroy your limiting beliefs and clarify what you’re capable of. * Major unexpected benefits of a CCC like enhanced self-awareness. * Who knows the “right” way to do a Continuous Creation Challenge. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Resources: * The Continuous Creation Challenge Resource Page (including the Resource Kit) (http://valueofsimple.com/ccc) * Articles: * The 72 Hour Continuous Creation Challenge (No Consumption Allowed) (http://valueofsimple.com/72-hour-continuous-creation-challenge) * The 120 Hour Continuous Creation Challenge (http://valueofsimple.com/120-hour-continuous-creation-challenge) * The 120 Hour Continuous Creation Challenge Recap (http://valueofsimple.com/120-hour-continuous-creation-challenge-recap) Topics * [02:18] Intro to the Continuous Creation Challenge * [05:33] The origin story of the CCC * [09:17] I tell you how this CCC dealio actually works * [19:08] My previous CCC plans vs. what I actually experienced * [24:54] What you can create in 72 hours or 120 hours with focused intention * [31:50] What other people have created in their CCC * [36:28] The planning process for a smooth and rewarding CCC * [42:28] Basic troubleshooting and some FAQs * [48:59] Recap and a request for help Awesome Ways to Subscribe to the Show If you’re not already subscribed for automatic notifications of a new show, please do so with one of the links below. * Click here to subscribe with iTunes * Click here to subscribe via RSS (http://feeds.feedburner.com/ValueOfSimplePodcast) * Click here to subscribe via Stitcher (http://stitcher.com/s?eid=22879980&refid=stpr) Transcript The transcript will not be available until I find a new transcriptionist (if you know someone good, let me know). I’m Grateful for Your iTunes Reviews!

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) Mike Vardy brings a lot to the party. Or show. Or event. Or the Internet in general. In this episode of the Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) show, I welcom...

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) James Clear is all about helping people be healthy. And after digging into JamesClear.com (http://jamesclear.com/) and listening to him speak, I have no doubt that his movement is on solid ground. Not only that, but he’s successful in helping people achieve and maintain their own version of optimal health. This shouldn’t be a surprise. The communities exploding around fitness and health – online and offline – have a number of stellar people rocking their niche within this massive movement. But as you’ll find, his concept of health is very different from the traditional mindset. After listening to James talk, you might be convinced that not getting your butt in gear (my words, not his) is a sure way to limit your happiness, health, curiosity, and ability to connect with others. Now, some of you may already know James or have seen his words and photos online. His creations have been featured on US News & World Report, Travel & Leisure, Yahoo, Lifehacker, and the Flickr homepage. But he offers us a slice of his philosophy and resources you won’t find anywhere else. Just from our chat, here are some words I’m reflecting on: When you push yourself physically, it reveals what you’re made of mentally … and you solidify your sense of self-worth because you understand exactly what you can do. - James Clear *** The people you surround yourself with is not a business decision. It’s a life decision. - James Clear To see James’ abundance mindset even better, he is the first guest on Smart and Simple Matters that offered to package up the resources we spoke about (meaning I didn’t have to). Ummm … awesome! Thanks for doing that, James! Everyone can find those resources you’ve packaged up just for the SASM community at JamesClear.com/VoS (http://jamesclear.com/vos). One more thing before we get into what you’ll learn from our chat. Check out what this impressive fella has to say about the beauty of spreadsheets: That spreadsheet’s always there for me to look at and say, ‘You know what? You’re still making progress every week. So there’s no reason to stop now … The numbers don’t lie.’ Are you stoked yet? I know I am! What You’ll Learn In this episode you’ll learn about: * When to watch out for “getting so healthy that you’re unhealthy.” * How to be your family’s first entrepreneur…and rock it right out of the gate. * Where you could find the seeds of curiosity, exploration, and experimentation. * What James would have happily turned down a million dollars to continue doing. * Why James practices intermittent fasting … and how. * The link between spreadsheets and doing 100 push-ups in a row (seriously). * The abundance mindset and not being afraid to give. * What James was born and bred to be. * Why  relationships are the ultimate form of capital (even more than money and time). Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: JamesClear.com (http://jamesclear.com/), PassivePanda.com (http://passivepanda.com/), HappierHuman.com (http://happierhuman.com/start-here/) * Resources: James special package for Smart and Simple Matters listeners (http://jamesclear.com/vos), The Value of Simple Declaration (http://valueofsimple.com/declaration), The Refuge of Simplicity (http://valueofsimple.com/newsletter) * Other Articles Discussed: 24 Networking Tips That Actually Work (http://passivepanda.com/networking-tips) Topics * [02:59] The seeds of awesomeness (a.k.a. stories from James’ youth) * [05:54] The mission and cause that’s bigger than any one person * [15:41] Why James practices intermittent fasting and how * [18:43] Measuring your progress in physical training and overall health * [22:32] What an “abundance mindset” looks like to James * [30:28] Being a practitioner of happiness and gratitude Awesome Ways to Subscribe to the Show

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) It's time to get unleashed in this episode of Smart and Simple Matters (SASM). The topic is relationships and this one is both deep and wide. Maybe you can tell the difference in tone, clarity, and impact between this episode and other solo episodes I’ve done? SASM 005 about curating and SASM 009 about investing were written up and read line-for-line. But I’m taking a new approach to my solo shows and just rolling with an outline. I’d love to know if you dig the new approach and what kind of impact it had on you (positive or negative)! At one point, I was afraid this episode was going to turn into an R.E.M. song (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ2yXWi0ppw). That I was going to talk for an hour and not have anything to show for it. You know … Oh no, I’ve said too much. I haven’t said enough. But by the time I got to the end, I was singing a new tune (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XI7YzUKE_wI). I knew somewhere amid all this distraction, was a little less talk and a lot more action. Yes, that was an R.E.M. and Toby Keith reference in the same breath. That’s how I do things. I hope you weren’t playing a drinking game for this episode where you chug every time you hear the word “relationship,” “genuine,” “intentional,” “instrumental,” or “deeply.” You’d be awfully hammered. But I do want you to take my words that resonated and take action as a result. This episode was requested and inspired by Erin (http://remadebyhand.com/welcome-to-remade-by-hand/), Sally, Tohami (http://midwaysimplicity.com/about/), and those of you who have noticed the vibrant relationships I’ve developed. I’m extremely grateful for them and wanted to explain why I approach relationships the way I do and how you might be more intentional with creating and cultivating yours. Here’s a sample of some words about peer development (among the other topics related to relationships): Don't wait for someone to wave a white flag, surrender to the world and say ‘please help me.’ Go out and try and help the people who may not even say they need it, but do it anyway because that's part of who you are. If that speaks to you, then other segments of this episode will speak to you too. What You’ll Learn From why we don’t tell the people we love “I love you” to who my relationship gurus are, you’re in for a treat. In this episode you’ll learn about: * The simplest, most direct path to self-awareness. * How to weave your own rich tapestry of friends and allies. * Why I intentionally limit my influence to spend time lifting other people up. * What being a “multipotentialite” can do when combined with a snowball effect. * Why I want to start some conversations with “I love you.” * How many of my eighty-one recurring business tasks are relationship related. * Why peer development can get you father than self-development. * The many ways to put out your “I want to be your friend” sign. * Why the time I schedule for relationships is sacred. * The surprising way I got invited to contribute to The Huffington Post. * What my mom, Keith Ferrazzi, Scott Dinsmore, and my friend Erika have in common. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: Midway Simplicity (http://midwaysimplicity.com/about/), {re}made by hand (http://remadebyhand.com/welcome-to-remade-by-hand/), Live Your Legend (http://liveyourlegend.net/start-here/), JamesClear.com (http://jamesclear.com/blog), Happier Human (http://happierhuman.com/start-here/), Advanced Riskology (http://advancedriskology.com/start-here/), Puttylike (http://puttylike.com/start-here/) * Articles: Invaluable 2nd Year Blogging Lessons (http://valueofsimple.com/second-year), How You Get the Puttylike Snowball Effect (http://puttylike.com/how-you-get-the-puttylike-snowball-effect/), Practicing Dying to Simplify Living (http://valueofsimple.com/practicing-dying),

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) Let me just get this out of the way. Dan and Vanessa Hayes of Simple Life Together (http://simplelifetogether.com/) are my kind of people. They come at life in an authentic, vulnerable, candid, and generous way. And if Keith Ferrazzi writes a third book (fingers crossed), they would be a perfect case study in the philosophy Keith shares in Never Eat Alone and Who’s Got Your Back. Vanessa and I started interacting after she left a comment on my Professional Organizers article (http://valueofsimple.com/professional-organizers-guide) and offered to help get me featured on Lifehacker (like she has been). Well, it turns out that both she and Dan listen to Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) and this set the stage for one of my coolest experiences at New Media Expo (http://valueofsimple.com/New-Media-Expo-Recap-2013) (NMX). I was chatting with some folks at NMX when I heard a voice from behind me ask, “Joel?” I turned around to see a guy who I didn’t recognize, but he had a warm smile on his face. “Hey, I’m Dan Hayes”, he said and still it didn’t click. “You know, Vanessa Hayes’ husband”, he continued. Click. The light bulb went off and the connection was made. Dan didn’t recognize my bald head from behind and think, “I bet that’s Joel.” He recognized my voice from listening to SASM. I gotta say, that was pretty cool! I knew I wanted to have Dan and Vanessa on the show after chatting with him for about fifteen minutes. Their story was so good, their mission was so persuasive, and their attitudes were so cheery that it seemed impossible to not have a good time and generate a ton of value on SASM. The podcasting set up they have for their show made it really easy to record my first episode of SASM with two guests. When it comes to a dynamic duo that knows a ton about simplifying and organizing, you’ll want to turn to them for help. So it’s time for you to discover more about and from this cool couple. If you like creating order and simplifying – not to mention laughing and great storytelling – then this is the one for you. What You’ll Learn Spreadsheets are no joke (http://valueofsimple.com/spreadsheets-and-you), but joking about spreadsheets is fun. You’ll learn much more than original spreadsheet jokes in this show. I wasn’t sure what they [spreadsheets] were. I took the linen out of the closet and laid it around the bed. I called that spreadsheets. – Dan Hayes In this episode you’ll learn about: * How many hundreds of thousands of items the average American household has … * … And what this says about our relationship with “stuff.” * Ways other than 162 items on your fridge to honor what’s important. * Why most people need to organize and simplify their physical space before they tackle their digital landscape. * How getting into “listen mode” leads to less resistance and better results (in Professional Organizing and life). * How the OODA loop helps with your clutter and chaos issues. * Why digital file organization should be taught in school. * The problems of being overly-orderly and simple ways to combat it. * How to be the catalyst for starting your own community and movement. * Who’s the “Director of Common Sense” and why you need one. * Why I got reprimanded for not talking about spreadsheets and curating. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: * Get Simplifized (http://getsimplifized.com/about-get-simplifized) * National Association of Professional Organizers (http://www.napo.net/) * Becoming Minimalist (http://www.becomingminimalist.com/) * Resources: * Edit & Forget It, 2013 Fewer Things in 2013 (http://eepurl.com/tx1Xb) * The Refuge of Simplicity (http://valueofsimple.com/newsletter) * UCLA’s Life at Home in the Twenty-First Century Study (http://newsroom.ucla.edu/portal/ucla/trouble-in-paradise-new-ucla-book.aspx)

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)I brought Steve Rosenbaum on with me for this episode of the show and … man! I’m not sure why I sound tired near the end, but it’s probably because Steve overwhelmed my intellect with his awesomeness and original thinking. To give you some context (like any good curator would), here are some of Steve’s bonafides: * Author of a popular book called Curation Nation (http://curationnation.org/) * Had a TEDxTalk (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iASluLoKQbo) about curating * Has been granted the title "Entrepreneur At Large (http://www.nycedc.com/press-release/nycedc-announces-steven-rosenbaum-serve-first-ever-entrepreneur-large)" for New York City's Economic Development Corporation. * Is the CEO of Magnify.net (http://www.magnify.net/) * Contributor for Forbes, The Huffington Post, Mashable, and other prominent places * Winner of an Emmy for his documentary film 7 Days In September (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0348816/) about the attacks of 9/11 * Creator of the MTV show UNfiltered (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/UNfiltered) Without all that to his name, he’s still an impressive fellow. If you’re even remotely interested in curating, storytelling, entrepreneurship, or dealing with the fire hose of the Internet, this will be like brain candy to you. Where else are you going to get original thoughts like this one? Robots don’t curate. Robots don’t write music, they don’t write poetry, they don’t write plays, they don’t paint pictures, they’re not artists, and they don’t choose sophisticated, interesting collections of ideas. - Steve Rosenbaum There will be more groovy curators on Smart and Simple Matters in the future, but I’m super stoked that Steve was the first. Let me know in the comments if you have other insightful curators that you think I should bring on the show. What You’ll Learn Besides knowing whether there will ever be an algorithm that can replace me (*gulp*), you’ll get all this out of our chat. In this episode you’ll learn about: * How 800 people begged Steve to tell their story … and the simple mind shift that sparked it. * The primary reason that curation came to be (it’s not what you think). * Whether you should be a curator or find curators you can trust to filter the Internet fire hose. * How to look spiffy in your physical clothing and digital clothing. * The big change on the horizon of how content gets into our brains. * If people truly want more information or generally believe that less is more. * How many hours a day I curate (and what I spend it on). * A shocking stat about employees checking email in the middle of the night … * … And the crazy relationship between sleep, email, and the curating mindset. * The current and future balance of power between content creators, distribution platforms, and curators. * The responsibility that curators have to their craft and to their terminology. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: Magnify.net (http://www.magnify.net/), Jason Hirschhorn’s Media ReDEFined (http://www.mediaredefined.com/), Brain Pickings (http://www.brainpickings.org/)   * Resources: Steve’s TEDxTalk in Grand Rapids (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iASluLoKQbo) * Books: Curation Nation * Movies: 7 Days In September * Where to find Steve: @magnify (https://twitter.com/magnify) * Etc.: The Clinical Advisor videos (case study) (http://video.clinicaladvisor.com/), Joel’s initial episode in the curating series (http://valueofsimple.com/smart-and-simple-matters-podcast-005-curating-part-1), Steve’s curating article for Mashable (http://mashable.com/2010/05/03/content-curation-creation/), Entrepreneur At Large (http://www.nycedc.com/press-release/nycedc-announces-steven-rosenbaum-serve-first-ever-entrepreneur-large) Topics * [02:13] The two consistent themes of Steve’s work over the years

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg) I brought a bit of Nevada home with me after returning from New Media Expo (http://valueofsimple.com/New-Media-Expo-Recap-2013) in Las Vegas. My guest for this Smart and Simple Matters episode is financial decision pro Todd Tresidder of FinancialMentor.com (http://financialmentor.com/). Todd lives up the road from Vegas in Reno, NV and we met at New Media Expo. I gotta tell you, his personality is magnetic. You know how, once in a while, you meet a person and can immediate cut past the small talk into meaningful conversation? Todd’s like that. He’s deep, well-spoken, a wealth of experience (pun intended), and has lots of great stuff to share. What kind of stuff? You’ll have to listen to this episode to really get it. But one thing he said that instantly made its way into my “Sayings” spreadsheet (http://valueofsimple.com/spreadsheets-and-you) was this: If I associate my self-worth with my stuff, that’s just a dangerous road to take my brain down. Some of what Todd deals with on Financial Mentor is advanced wealth building strategies. Yet, he has something for you, regardless of philosophy or level of personal finance knowledge. Like, have you seen his eighty free financial calculators (http://financialmentor.com/calculator) for pretty much everything under the sun? That’s just the start. He and I love quotes and you’ll find the man is a living quote playground. From his website to his computer monitor, there are powerful quotes and power words emanating from Todd. Join us in this (dare I say?) profound and action-packed chat about…well, a bit of everything. What You’ll Learn We covered a ton of ground in this one and there are many highlights. In this episode you’ll learn about: * What Todd’s “next step” is in personal finance and money independence. * How to motivate people to see money as boring, rational, and unsexy. * Why being a college kid with very little wealth can be super rewarding. * What steps you can take to generate extraordinary value at attractive price points. * How getting kicked in the butt builds mindfulness. * Why giving away value can be a great business model … and how to smartly do it. * What the ultimate insult is to people who create for a living. * How the human mind is tremendously feeble at financial decisions. * The insightful quotes at the bottom of Todd’s computer monitor. * How to create plans that don’t require unpredictable assumptions. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: * FinancialMentor.com (http://financialmentor.com/) * Resources: * Todd’s Awesome Financial Calculators (http://financialmentor.com/calculator) * Seven Steps to Seven Figures (http://financialmentor.com/educational-products/seven-steps-to-seven-figures) * FinancialMentor.com Newsletter (http://financialmentor.com/free-stuff/investment-newsletter) * Books: * How Much Money Do I Need to Retire? (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0093CPJ9S/) * The 4% Rule and Safe Withdrawal Rates In Retirement * Etc.: * Todd’s interview with Jaime Tardy of Eventual Millionaire (http://www.eventualmillionaire.com/blog/2011/05/millionaire-interview-todd-tresidder-financial-coach-and-owner-of-financialmentor-com/) * Andy Puddicombe’s TEDTalk about Mindfulness (http://www.ted.com/talks/andy_puddicombe_all_it_takes_is_10_mindful_minutes.html) * Cashflow 101 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cashflow_101) Topics * [07:04] Thoughts about financial restraint and its origins * [15:00] The sparks for moving from hedge fund manager to meaningful, targeted work * [19:44] How one-on-one coaching isn’t necessarily a business model unto itself * [25:38] Preparing and experiencing “leveling up” your personal finance skills * [29:41] The motivation of kicking butt at managing your money and financial decisions

(http://valueofsimple.com/wp-content/uploads/Smart-and-Simple-Matters-Cover-200x200.jpg)My timing was awesome for a change. After months of coordinating details for a Smart and Simple Matters (SASM) episode with one of our Simple Sages – Scott Dinsmore – we got to chat shortly after Scott starts blowing up the Internet. It’s not just his recent How to Connect with Anyone (http://howtoconnectwithanyone.com/joinus/) course/community launch or his powerful TEDx Talk on How to Find and Do Work You Love (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jpe-LKn-4gM). He’s on Zen Habits, Smart Passive Income, and just about everywhere else I look. I’ve been following Scott’s journey at Live Your Legend (http://liveyourlegend.net/) for three years and I see why he’s taking off like a rocket. The clarity and impact behind his message resonates because of statements from our SASM episode like these: Doing work you love, doing work that is you…is a right. – Scott Dinsmore and I believe the purpose of most of us trying to help people is to inspire possibility. – Scott Dinsmore I’ve been fortunate to have other Simple Sages like Pat Flynn, Courtney Carver, and Colin Wright on the show. Adding Scott to the lineup fills me with gratitude and his words are going to help a ton of folks. Scott and I have much in common like our shared passion for the power of “why,” building amazing relationships, and doing the impossible. But we have different approaches to a number of things. For example, Scott has investors outsource responsibility to him for growing their money while I empower others to insource their investments through Start Investing with $100 (http://www.startinvestingwith100.com/). Both are principled positions with the same goal, yet we help people meet a need in very different ways. With that said, I can’t wait for you to listen to these 45 minutes of awesomeness. Like the other Simple Sages on SASM so far, there was much more I wanted to cover. But I’m super proud of the value we generated in the time we had. Just make sure you check out the resources from this episode I link to below. There’s a ton of great stuff waiting to be discovered, so please click a link or two after listening. If you want my curated list of Scott’s greatest Internet hits as well, let me know in the comments. As I say in the intro to the show, get ready for some serious fireworks baby! What You’ll Learn What will you learn in this one? Geez, where do I start? I’ll give it a shot though. In this episode you’ll learn about: * Scott’s definition of success and how it leads to remarkable relationships. * Why you want to “brainwash the impossible” (and how you do it). * What event in Scott’s life was the ultimate 80/20 return on investment. * How much bigger your “why” can be than your “how” and "what." * What Warren Buffett knows a ton about besides investing. * The formative event that sent Scott down the path to success. * What relationship step out of twenty being connected via social media is. * How to build a habit of "controlling what you can control." * What’s in the Passionate Work Framework (and why you want it). * Reciprocal inspiration and how it starts. * Why field learning is more powerful than classroom learning. Resources and Items Mentioned in This Episode Include: * Websites: * Live Your Legend (http://liveyourlegend.net/) * How to Connect with Anyone (http://howtoconnectwithanyone.com/joinus/) * Western States 100 (http://www.wser.org/) * Resources: * Live Your Legend Passionate Work Toolkit (http://liveyourlegend.net/email-updates/) * Start Investing with $100 * The Personal User Guide (http://valueofsimple.com/newsletter) * Books: * What Color is Your Parachute? (http://www.jobhuntersbible.com/) * Start With Why (http://www.startwithwhy.com/) * Videos: * Scott Dinsmore's TEDx Talk How to Find and Do Work You Love