#760: Robert Rodriguez and Susan Cain

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast
recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion
downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the
best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the
last decade. I could not be more excited.


The episode features segments from episode #98 "The
'Wizard' of Hollywood, Robert Rodriguez" and #358
"Susan Cain — How to Overcome Fear and Embrace
Creativity."


Please enjoy!


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Timestamps:


[00:00] Start


[06:08] Notes about this supercombo format.


[07:12] Enter Robert Rodriguez.


[07:39] Journaling as a crucial component of personal and
professional life.


[15:01] Keeping crew morale high during a project.


[16:16] The magic that happens when creativity truly clicks.


[20:47] How applied creativity dissolves the separation between
work and play.


[23:01] The legendary financing of El Mariachi.


[25:56] From Bedhead to an unexpected big break.


[30:57] Overcoming budgetary and technological constraints.


[34:54] Maintaining momentum when lack of resources is no longer
a creative driver.


[39:33] Enter Susan Cain.


[40:04] What initiated Susan’s lifelong fear of public speaking?


[43:09] How Susan's TED Talk opportunity arose, and its initial
reception.


[44:06] Introvert strategies for group dinners.


[46:45] Reflecting on my sixth-grade self.


[47:58] How Susan overcame her fear of public speaking.


[50:35] Even seasoned speakers get nervous before TED Talks.


[52:15] Susan's progression to becoming a global public speaker.


[54:08] Common traits of effective teachers and coaches.


[55:45] Susan's pre-speaking engagement rituals.


[57:16] Public speaking as a skill multiplier.


[57:57] How Toastmasters and chihuahuas helped me overcome
speaking fears.


[1:00:50] Preparation for my own TED Talk.


[1:02:21] Adam Grant's crucial pre-TED assistance.


[1:04:00] The importance of rehearsing before live audiences.


[1:04:49] My current level of nervousness before public speaking.


[1:07:36] Time pressure in TED Talks.


[1:08:51] Public speaking as a force multiplier and therapy.


[1:11:32] Susan's techniques for relieving worry.


[1:12:57] Susan's transition from law to writing.


[1:16:07] Necessity vs. creativity in making a living.


[1:18:10] Susan's timeline and process for writing her first
book.


[1:20:20] Susan's current writing process.


[1:21:05] Susan's note-taking and organization.


[1:24:16] Preferences for writing software.


[1:26:19] Susan's enjoyment of the writing process.


[1:27:05] Susan's preferred writing time.


[1:28:07] Susan's writing schedule and break routine.


[1:29:49] Night vs. morning writing and procrastination tactics.


[1:31:51] Recommended books and resources on writing.


[1:35:26] Serendipitous meetings that enabled first books.


[1:40:16] Distinguishing introversion from shyness.


[1:44:02] Books Susan frequently gifts.


[1:45:09] My first meeting with Sam Harris.


[1:47:37] Experiences with loving-kindness meditation.


[1:49:24] Comparative effects of different meditation types.


[1:55:35] Susan's billboard.


[1:56:45] Advice for deep connection with others.


[1:57:33] Susan's love for bittersweet music.


[1:59:44] Parting thoughts.


*


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