Episode Summary
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!Sponsors:AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: https://drinkag1.com/tim (1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase.)ExpressVPN high-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service: https://www.expressvpn.com/tim (Get 3 extra months free with a 12-month plan)LMNT electrolyte supplement: https://drinklmnt.com/Tim (free LMNT sample pack with any drink mix purchase)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: