Episodes
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In this insightful Dave Pakos podcast episode of Just Keep Learning, Justin sits down with the former teacher turned online writer and solopreneur.
Dave shares his transformative journey from the traditional world of teaching to carving out a space for himself as a writer, freelancer, and business builder. Along the way, Dave dives deep into the challenges of pursuing an unconventional path, the value of personal development, and the importance of leveraging systems to create sustainable success.
Whether you’re an aspiring solopreneur, a creative looking to scale, or someone questioning the "safe" path society laid out for you, this episode is packed with actionable advice and inspiring takeaways.
From Teaching to SolopreneurshipDave’s story begins in the classrooms of Germany, where he taught English and Physical Education to students aged 13 to 18. While teaching is a noble profession, Dave found himself questioning if he wanted to spend the next 30 years doing the same thing. His curiosity and drive to explore other opportunities led him to learn animation, freelancing as a creator of explainer videos. Over time, he transitioned into online writing—a field that offered him the leverage and scalability he was seeking.
Key Lessons on Breaking Free From Traditional CareersDave emphasizes that transitioning from a traditional career to solopreneurship is rarely seamless. He shares two vital strategies that helped him along the way:
Start Before You Quit: Begin building your side hustle before leaving your primary job. Dave started taking on freelance animation projects months before he left teaching, giving him a head start.Build a Runway: Save enough money to cover 12 to 24 months of expenses. Having a financial safety net allowed Dave to navigate the early, uncertain months of freelancing without the pressure of immediate success.The Power of Writing OnlineAs Dave ventured into online writing, he discovered its unique ability to build leverage. Writing—whether in tweets, threads, or newsletters—enables creators to share ideas and reach thousands, even millions, with minimal input. However, he quickly realized that online writing is vastly different from academic or traditional forms of writing. Here are his top tips for aspiring writers:
Write Like You Speak: Ditch the jargon and keep it conversational.Inject Your Personality: Share personal stories and opinions to stand out in a saturated market.Always Make It About the Reader: Even when sharing your journey, tie your insights back to how they can help your audience.Navigating the Challenges of EntrepreneurshipDave candidly shares some of the mental roadblocks he faced, such as the discomfort of selling his services and overcoming "shiny object syndrome." These challenges are universal for many solopreneurs, but he’s learned to stay focused on his primary goal of building systems that allow him to spend more time with family while maintaining financial stability.
Inspiration for the Next GenerationDave’s advice for young people and anyone feeling stuck is simple but profound: don’t blindly follow the path society sets for you. Instead, take the time to figure out what you truly want. Reflecting on his journey, he encourages others to:
Question societal norms.Learn from mistakes and pivots.Build a life aligned with your values and interests.Advice for Aspiring CreatorsEmbrace Building in Public: Share your learning journey openly to connect with like-minded people and grow your audience.Focus on Just-in-Time Learning: Avoid consuming content you don’t need immediately. Instead, learn as you go and apply knowledge in real time.Take Action Over Perfection: The only way to grow is to start, even if you don’t feel ready.Memorable Quotes“You have to start to become great; you don’t have to be great to start.”
“If you want to stand out online, you have to share parts of your story.”
“Leverage allows you to do the same amount of work but multiply your output exponentially.
“Education should be free, but the packaging, speed, and accountability of paid courses are invaluable.”
Guest BioDave Pakos is a former teacher turned freelance animator and online writer.
His journey from the classroom to solopreneurship is a testament to the power of curiosity, self-education, and persistence. Today, Dave helps others navigate the transition to online writing and solopreneurship through social media, newsletter and creator business.
Be sure to follow Dave to learn more about his work and insights.
And check out this episode for a deeper dive into Dave’s journey and to glean wisdom you can apply to your own life and career!
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In this thought-provoking episode of the Just Keep Learning podcast, Dustin “the Dad” shares his personal and professional journey, blending wisdom on fatherhood, content creation, and the delicate balance between ambition and family life.
Dustin opens up about his experiences as a father, an anesthesiologist, and a podcaster, highlighting the lessons he's learned from juggling these roles. From the camaraderie of his podcast team to the life-and-death stakes of his medical career, Dustin brings a wealth of insight on staying present, building strong connections, and finding purpose in creative outlets.
Whether you’re a parent, a content creator, or someone striving for work-life balance, this episode offers a compelling mix of inspiration and actionable advice.
The Importance of Being PresentDustin emphasizes that being present is not just about physically showing up but giving your full attention to your loved ones. He shares how distractions like phones can diminish the quality of family interactions and recommends practical steps, such as keeping devices out of reach during family time, to foster deeper connections.
Building Community Through PodcastingDustin takes us behind the scenes of the Present Fathers Podcast, explaining how a casual group of friends evolved into a purposeful project. The show began as conversations among friends who wanted to support each other through the challenges of fatherhood. Over time, it grew into a platform for inspiring and educating dads on being more present, resilient, and intentional. Dustin reflects on how teamwork, camaraderie, and shared passion have fueled their success.
Lessons from Medicine and Emotional ResilienceAs an anesthesiologist, Dustin operates in high-stakes environments, making him deeply attuned to the importance of perspective and emotional intelligence. He talks about how these experiences have influenced his approach to fatherhood and relationships. Whether it's ensuring patient safety or being emotionally present for his family, Dustin emphasizes the value of staying calm under pressure and leading with compassion.
Juggling Careers and Content CreationDustin discusses the challenges and joys of balancing a demanding medical career with his passion for podcasting and content creation. He highlights the creative outlet that podcasting provides and explains how it helps him connect with others while also growing personally. His advice for aspiring content creators? Focus on improving your craft over time, and don’t get discouraged by slow growth. Instead, enjoy the process and let your audience grow naturally.
Advice for Aspiring Dads and CreatorsBe Present: Invest your full attention in your loved ones.Fill Your Own Cup: Balance self-care with family responsibilities.Work as a Team: Whether in podcasting or parenting, collaboration is key.Don’t Rush Growth: Take time to hone your craft and let your audience grow steadily.Value Connections: Foster meaningful relationships with your family and community.Memorable Quotes"The most loving thing you can give someone is your attention."
"Your phone can harm your relationships more than you realize—put it away and be present."
"Growth should be slow and steady. It’s about becoming deserving of your audience."
Guest BioDustin “the Dad” is a seasoned anesthesiologist, content creator, and co-host of the Present Fathers Podcast. Passionate about building connections and sharing wisdom, Dustin combines his professional expertise and personal journey to inspire others. From life-saving moments in the operating room to laughter-filled conversations on his podcast, Dustin is dedicated to helping others live intentionally and build meaningful relationships.
Be sure to check out Dustin’s work on the Present Fathers Podcast and connect with him on X (@Dustinthedad) for more insights and updates!
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Episodes manquant?
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Janis Ozolins has turned his passion for simplifying complex ideas into a thriving career as a visual storyteller and educator. Discover how he transitioned from a traditional 9-to-5 job into a life of creative independence, building a business that aligns with his values and serves an engaged audience.
In this inspiring episode of Just Keep Learning, Justin Nolan chats with Janis about the power of visuals in communication, the challenges of breaking into creative work, and the importance of intrinsic motivation. Janis shares his journey, from discovering his love for creating visuals to helping others find clarity and connection through his work.
Janis’ Journey to Visual StorytellingJanis began his creative journey while working in IT project management. Inspired by thinkers like Tim Ferriss and Jack Butcher, he explored the concept of explaining ideas visually, starting with scrappy experiments on Instagram. Despite facing years of low traction, Janis stayed consistent and eventually found his unique style—a clean, impactful method of distilling big ideas into simple visuals.
By focusing on creating value and building an audience ethically, Janis transitioned from his 9-to-5 to a thriving creative business, proving the power of persistence.
Overcoming Imposter SyndromeIn the early days of his creative journey, Janis struggled with the same doubts that hold many creators back. However, he believed in his ability to “figure things out” and stayed curious about learning and growth. This mindset helped him overcome roadblocks and discover his strengths, inspiring him to share his process with others.
The Business of VisualsJanis now offers a course on visual storytelling, helping aspiring creators and marketers bring their ideas to life. He emphasizes that you don’t need to be a professional designer to make an impact. Instead, focus on delivering your message clearly and authentically—an approach that has resonated with his audience.
For those interested in turning their visual skills into income, Janis highlights opportunities like freelance gigs, online courses, and even publishing books. His own journey includes a book deal, bringing his unique approach to a broader audience.
Lessons for Aspiring CreatorsStart Ugly: Don’t let perfectionism hold you back. Focus on getting your ideas out there and refining over time.Build Relationships: Collaborate with peers and connect with mentors to stay motivated.Stay Curious: Pursue the topics and styles that excite you—it will keep you intrinsically motivated to create.Leverage the Internet: The digital age offers limitless opportunities to build, share, and monetize your work.Memorable Quotes“I believe in my ability to figure things out. That belief kept me moving forward when I had no results.”
Guest Bio
“Focus on delivering the idea, not perfection. Ugly, scrappy visuals that communicate effectively can still be impactful.”
“If you build an audience ethically, there will always be ways to monetize.”Janis Ozolins is a visual creator and educator who helps others explain ideas visually. With a background in IT project management, Janis transitioned to creative work through years of experimentation and intrinsic motivation. He now teaches others to harness their creativity through his online course, visuals, and upcoming book.
Follow Janis OzolinsWebsite: ozolinsjanis.com
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Bob Gentle is a master of personal branding and a guide for introverts and outliers. Discover how he transformed a career in search and rescue into a journey of helping creators and entrepreneurs build impactful personal brands.
In this inspiring episode of Just Keep Learning, Justin Nolan chats with Bob Gentle about dreaming big, overcoming fear, and building a meaningful presence in the creator economy. Known for his expertise in personal branding and digital marketing, Bob shares powerful stories from his unique career path, offering actionable advice for creators at every stage of their journey.
Bob’s Journey to Personal BrandingBob began his career in the high-stakes world of search and rescue, where he spent 15 years confronting danger and embracing discomfort. This experience taught him invaluable lessons about teamwork, courage, and growth. Transitioning into the creator economy, Bob applied these lessons to help entrepreneurs and creators amplify their voices and build personal brands with clarity and authenticity.
Overcoming Fear and Embracing DiscomfortBob reflects on his early fears around visibility and content creation, sharing how he worked through self-doubt to build a thriving business. “Fear is just the unknown,” he explains. By leaning into discomfort and embracing challenges, Bob found not only personal growth but also the freedom to create authentically.
Building a Personal Brand with IntentionBob emphasizes the importance of being intentional with personal branding. Everyone has a personal brand—it’s what people think of you when you’re not in the room. By aligning your message with your goals and focusing on your strengths, you can create a brand that resonates deeply with your audience. Bob advises creators to focus on their unique voice and remain authentic, even when facing criticism.
Lessons in Collaboration and MonetizationDrawing from his background in search and rescue, Bob highlights the power of collaboration. “You can go far alone, but you go faster and further with others,” he says. He also shares insights into monetizing your personal brand, from high-value offers like workshops and retreats to creative collaborations that amplify reach and impact.
Best Practices for Aspiring CreatorsFor new creators, Bob’s advice is clear: start small, stay consistent, and don’t wait for perfection. “Big dreams don’t require a perfect plan. They require action,” he says. Whether you’re a writer, podcaster, or visual creator, focus on what lights you up and lean into areas that feel uncomfortable—that’s where the growth happens.
Bob Gentle’s journey is a testament to the power of resilience, authenticity, and dreaming big. This episode is packed with wisdom for anyone looking to build a personal brand, overcome fear, and make a meaningful impact. Dive into the episode, and start your journey to greatness today!
Memorable Quotes“One-third of people won’t like you, one-third won’t care, but one-third will love you. Focus on those people.”“Fear is simply the unknown. Make the unknown known, and it’s no longer scary.”“The hero doesn’t know the end of the journey. He becomes the hero because he starts traveling.”Guest BioBob Gentle is a personal branding expert, podcast host, and digital marketing consultant who helps creators and entrepreneurs amplify their voices in the digital space. With a background in search and rescue and a passion for helping introverts and outliers succeed, Bob brings a unique perspective to the creator economy.
Follow Bob GentleWebsite – Amplify Me
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LinkedIn – @justinnolanI'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main -
In this inspiring episode of Just Keep Learning, Justin Nolan sits down with Danny Miranda to discuss the path to podcasting success, embracing discomfort, and finding true freedom in both life and content creation. Known for his podcast The Danny Miranda Podcast, Danny dives into the mental aspects of podcasting, shares insights from his journey, and emphasizes the power of resilience and personal growth.
Danny's Journey to Podcasting
Danny began podcasting with a goal to reach 100 episodes, promising himself he’d re-evaluate after that milestone. Instead of quitting, he pushed forward and eventually surpassed 400 episodes, even when external validation was lacking. He shares his early struggles and how pushing through helped him build confidence in his craft, ultimately proving that persistence pays off.Overcoming Self-Doubt
Danny reflects on his journey of self-discovery, finding purpose in podcasting even when it didn’t seem like others understood his vision. His insights remind us that sometimes we need to press on, trusting that we’re on the right path—even if others don’t see it.Navigating Family Support and Challenges
Living with his parents during his early years of podcasting, Danny describes the challenges of explaining his non-traditional career to his family. Although supportive, his parents sometimes questioned his choices, adding another layer of complexity. Danny’s reflections on balancing family expectations with personal ambitions highlight the importance of perseverance and self-belief.Building Confidence as a Creator
Danny emphasizes the importance of leaning into discomfort, sharing that initially, he wasn’t comfortable on camera. Over time, however, he learned to embrace video as part of his podcasting process, eventually leading to interviews with high-profile guests like Gary Vaynerchuk. Danny’s experiences remind creators that pushing through discomfort can lead to new skills and opportunities.Lessons in Financial Sustainability
Danny also discusses the financial side of content creation, explaining that he took odd jobs while living at home to sustain his podcasting journey. His practical advice underlines that sometimes, it’s necessary to make sacrifices and find creative ways to support oneself when starting a passion project.Best Practices for Aspiring Podcasters
For new podcasters, Danny’s advice is simple: embrace the journey and identify where you feel uncomfortable. This discomfort is often an indicator of where you have room to grow. Danny believes that every creator should start by exploring their unique voice, even if it means taking on multiple roles—from editing to publishing—early on.Memorable Quotes
“Where are you uncomfortable in this process? Lean into it, because that's where freedom lies.”
“The story we’re acting out today may be important now, but life is full of seasons—your priorities will shift.”
“I want to be the emotionally intelligent father I felt I never had, and that drives my passion for connecting with others.”Guest Bio
Danny Miranda is the host of The Danny Miranda Podcast, where he interviews top achievers and unique personalities. Known for his genuine curiosity and thoughtful questions, Danny creates meaningful conversations that encourage listeners to find personal freedom and live authentically. Through his podcast, Danny is redefining what it means to be an interviewer in the creator economy.Follow Danny Miranda
Newsletter – The Danny Miranda Podcast
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In this episode of Just Keep Learning, Justin sits down with Aprilynne Alter, a multi-passionate YouTuber and content creator. They explore the journey of becoming a creator, what it means to be an anomaly, and the mindset required to go from a traditional career to building a brand online. From deep dives into YouTube strategies to life design principles, Aprilynne shares a wealth of practical advice for aspiring creators and entrepreneurs alike.
Guest BackgroundAprilynne Alter is a former Wall Street financial analyst turned full-time YouTube creator and educator. After an eye-opening internship in Silicon Valley, she realized that she didn’t want to follow a traditional career path. Now, she's on a mission to help other aspiring YouTubers find their voice, build their channels, and achieve success in the digital space. Aprilynne’s story is one of courage, self-belief, and the willingness to be different.
Key Topics DiscussedThe Power of Being an Anomaly
Aprilynne shares how she’s embraced the concept of being an anomaly. Inspired by a quote, possibly from Gary Vee, she explains that if you want a life that's different from the norm, you have to act differently. This mindset has driven her decisions to leave the traditional path behind and pursue a unique career as a creator. She emphasizes that being an anomaly isn’t just about being different—it's about giving yourself permission to create in a way that aligns with your true values.
From Wall Street to Content Creation
Aprilynne recounts her transition from working as a financial analyst on Wall Street to becoming a full-time YouTuber. A pivotal moment occurred when she realized what success looked like in her corporate environment—a Friday night call, her manager pushing aside family time to handle work issues—and she knew she wanted something different. She discusses the challenges of making that leap and the belief in herself that pushed her forward despite doubts and obstacles.
Finding Your Unique Advantages
When making the decision to leave Wall Street, Aprilynne focused on her unique strengths, such as writing, visual artistry, and community building. These were talents she wasn't utilizing in her traditional career, and she knew they could be leveraged to create a meaningful impact in the creator space. This section dives into the importance of identifying your own unique advantages and using them to differentiate yourself in the market.
Growing a Successful YouTube Channel
Aprilynne goes into detail about the importance of having a solid strategy when it comes to YouTube. She shares her experience of starting her first channel, having it blow up with an NFT-related video, and then pivoting to create a second channel that felt more aligned with her passions. She emphasizes focusing on quality vs. quantity, the importance of ideas, and how to structure a successful video.
Editing Tips for YouTube Creators
Editing is a major part of Aprilynne’s creative process. She shares her detailed approach, from scripting to annotating her videos with visual elements and examples, to making sure the content is engaging and educational. Her editing style is heavy on visuals and examples, which she believes are key for effective learning on YouTube.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Creator Economy
Aprilynne highlights some of the struggles creators face, such as dealing with burnout, learning new skills, and finding ways to monetize content. She discusses her vision for a creator accelerator program similar to Y Combinator—an incubator for creators to help them achieve their goals faster with proper support and resources.
Memorable Quotes“If you want to be an anomaly, then act like one.”“I realized that if success in my career meant sacrificing family time on a Friday night, that’s not the kind of success I wanted.”“Your unique advantages are like your creative superpowers—use them to differentiate yourself.”“Execution is hard, and it’s where most people give up, but it's also the key to finding success.”“I believe in small bets—trying lots of different things to see what works while increasing your luck surface area.”Practical Takeaways for Aspiring CreatorsAct Like an Anomaly: To achieve a unique life, you need to act differently from the norm and embrace your creative quirks.Identify Your Strengths: Know your unique advantages and find ways to integrate them into your content.Focus on Packaging: When creating for YouTube, your idea, title, and thumbnail are critical for attracting an audience.Balance Quantity and Quality: Start with quantity to build a habit, then shift to quality once you’ve developed a consistent workflow.Script and Annotate: Before filming, annotate your script with visual cues to streamline editing and avoid unnecessary reshoots.Find Your Niche: Have a focused niche that aligns across all your platforms, making it easier to build a brand and monetize.Think About Longevity: Don’t focus solely on short-term gains. Consider the long-term impact you want to make with your content.Aprilynne Alter’s journey is a powerful testament to the courage it takes to pursue a creative path, even when it means leaving behind a stable and traditional career. Her story is filled with valuable lessons about self-belief, identifying your strengths, and strategically building a brand that aligns with your passions. Whether you’re an aspiring YouTuber or a creator in any field, Aprilynne’s advice will help you take actionable steps toward your creative goals. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who’s ever felt the call to be an anomaly.
Guest BioAprilynne Alter is a YouTube creator and educator focused on helping aspiring YouTubers grow their channels. A former financial analyst on Wall Street, Aprilynne made a dramatic pivot to content creation, where she now teaches everything she’s learned through her own experiences. She runs a YouTube channel that shares deep dives into strategies, tactics, and tools for success on the platform. Aprilynne is also the creator of a YouTube course, providing a comprehensive guide for those who want to take their channels to the next level.
Links to Follow Aprilynne AlterYouTube: Aprilynne Alter's Channel
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
I feel like that’s sort of the same thing. Haha.They could probably be flipped too.
“The bravery to have courage”
On their own these things are easy to drop as buzzwords.
We could use them interchangeably in a way that pretty much everyone understands.
But understanding it is less than half the battle.You probably know that it’s helpful to be brave, I mean that’s kind of obvious.
You likely wouldn’t set a goal to be less brave.In the last episode I talked about the fact that there are hidden opportunities in every challenge we face.
But this isn't just about perseverance towards external goals.
It’s just as much, maybe more important to win the internal battle, too.
One of my favorite thinkers, Seth Godin, talks about how schools should focus on teaching courage and bravery.
That it’s critical we explicitly teach these skills in today's world.But how do you do it?
Winning the Battle WithinLife isn't just about chasing milestones like getting a million podcast downloads or reaching a business target.
Those are great. But, the real victory lies in how we handle the obstacles life throws our way.
Can we take heartbreak, failure, or grief and channel it into something positive? Can we remain kind, generous, creative, and full of energy, even when times are tough?
I used to get this wrong. I thought working harder and longer was the key.
But I’ve learned through experience and from conversations on my podcast, like the one with Taylor Simmons, that balance is critical.
It’s not about burning ourselves out to achieve external goals. True discipline comes from building a strong foundation of mental, physical, and spiritual wellness.
Then and only then layering our ambitions on top of that foundation.
But this isn’t as much fun.And thus why it’s a “battle” within.
Finding Balance Amid the HustleFellow podcaster Ali Abdaal often asks his guests whether work-life balance is possible when pursuing big dreams?
Can you achieve balance early on? Or is it something we only attain once we’ve "made it"?
What do you think?
Is it possible to achieve “work-life balance” throughout your journey?This is a bit of a trick question.
I believe we should always strive for balance from the beginning.There’s no reason not to.
I used to strive for hustle and hardwork like I was always going to battle.
Life can be a lot easier than this. Even with massive dreams.I have hundreds of goals.
Books to write, podcasts to record, business deals to close, but I’ve learned to prioritize my well-being.I used to pull all nighters, or go without proper water, or nutrition. But now I can shut ‘er down in favor of wellness.
That’s real discipline. That’s something to be proud of.It’s about saying no to the grind long enough to eat well, sleep well, and spend time with family and friends.
What Is The Path To Discipline?
Once we have that foundation, we can stack our dreams on top of it and use all other obstacles as stepping stones, not barriers.Discipline is another one of the beautiful, infinite, forever games.
Building mastery over this battle within requires a shift in mindset.
One of the things that really helped me was recognizing that I’ll never get all of my ambitions achieved and that rather than it being scary, this can be a relief. It’s just facts.
Here are a few other things that can help increase discipline:
Focus on what you can control: To preserve energy for the most important tasks.Detach from outcomes: Focus on the process and effort, instead of results.See setbacks as setups: To keep moving forward without being perfect.Embrace consistent action: So you don’t get stuck overthinking.Design routines: That will almost guarantee consistency.Build emotional control: To make better decisions.FOLLOW Justin
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
As I walked through the hospital today, I passed by a monitor displaying a message that caught my eye."Remember, mistakes are evidence that you're trying."
It made me smile, but it also made me think. How do we spread this message? How do we make sure everyone understands this? I already believe in it, but what about the people who don’t get it? The ones stuck in their comfort zones, afraid to step into the unknown?
Stop Chirping Post MaloneI recently heard people criticizing Post Malone for venturing into country music.
It’s hilarious to me because while he’s out there dropping an album that’s going to be a huge success, people are questioning his decision.
Why do they care? I’m sure Post Malone isn’t phased. He’ll probably jump into something completely different next—maybe a Nirvana tribute, spoken word poetry, or another experimental project.
What’s fascinating about him is his ability to ignore the noise and keep creating. I’d love to interview him to dive deeper into this mindset.
I imagine that if someone asked him why he decided to try country music, he’d probably shrug and say, “Why not?"
Why Not?That’s the question, isn’t it?
Why not? Why not try something new, even if people don’t understand?
We often feel the need to create within strict boundaries. But most of us don’t want to fit neatly into a category, we want to explore the gray areas. In a world full of rules, expectations, and fear of failure, stepping outside the box like this is a courageous act.
Someone asked me yesterday how I define creativity?
It's a simple question, but answering it takes courage.
Creativity is such a broad topic that it’s hard to pin down. But I think the most important thing is this: it’s not about what you make; it’s about your willingness to make something at all. It’s about pushing past the limitations that have been imposed on us—by society, school, by your family, friends, and your own inner critic. Pushing all that aside and doing the work anyway.
The Cage We BuildHere’s where things get real.
Most people, at some point, get stuck.
Between kindergarten and adulthood, we’ve been told too many rules, received too much negative feedback, and started believing that we’re not creative. I’ve been there. For years, I believed I wasn’t creative because I didn’t fit the mold. But there’s a turning point—a moment where you decide to uncage your creativity and reclaim it for yourself.
Stephen Pressfield talks about resistance in his book The War of Art, the invisible force holding you back from doing the work. It’s fear. It’s doubt. It’s the voice that tells you your ideas aren’t good enough.
But here’s the thing: creativity is like a statue covered in mud. It’s still there, buried under layers of grime. All you need to do is chisel away at it, bit by bit, clean it up and let it shine.
Sometimes we need prompts or constraints to get started, and that’s okay. But don’t let those tools become a crutch. True creativity comes when we stop relying on someone else’s template and start carving our own path.
The Trap of "Realism"A friend recently asked me if it was realistic to pursue both gaming and engineering.
This word—realistic—always catches my attention. Who gets to decide what’s realistic?
Will Smith once said that it probably seemed unrealistic for the Wright brothers to imagine flying a metal contraption into the sky. Edison? Unrealistic to think a small piece of plastic could light up a room. If you told someone 15 years ago that we’d be watching movies on tiny pieces of glass and plastic in our pockets, they would have laughed. But here we are…
The point is, we can’t be afraid of being unrealistic.
The world’s greatest innovations were once dismissed as impossible. If we constantly seek validation for our ideas—asking others if they think it’s realistic—we’re building an imaginary boundary for ourselves. Creativity doesn’t need boundaries.
Creativity Requires CourageThis brings me back to Post Malone.
He didn’t ask for permission to explore country music, and he certainly didn’t need validation from critics. He just did it.
And you can do the same with your ideas. Yes, there will be resistance. Society will always try to keep you within its boundaries, telling you to be realistic. But even a small step outside that box—one bold idea, one act of courage, putting a little of your own skin in the game—can change your life.
And who knows?
Uncaging Your Creativity
It might change someone else’s too.I actually spoke with the producers of a documentary I love called ‘Abstract’ about my own idea of producing a film called “uncaging creativity” where we follow people who lost their creative touch, but went on a journey to not just regain it, but thrive in a creative pursuit.
The whole concept is kind of based on my life. I stopped creating because I thought that was the “mature” thing to do.
But now I realize that I’m supposed to use the right side of my brain as much as possible. It’s who I am (for life).Now if I did it, you can too!
If you feel like your creativity is blocked, don’t worry. You can uncage it.I’ll share some bullet points, basically a checklist for regaining your creativity. But overall, start by recognizing that great ideas often seem crazy at first. You do not need validation. In fact, most people won’t get it, and that’s okay. You don’t need a perfect plan. If it was simple to understand, or easy to do then other people would be doing it. This is why it takes bravery, curiosity, and a willingness to explore your ideas, make mistakes and keep going further into the unknown.
A Checklist For Uncaging CreativityAction over words: Don’t just talk about your ideas—act on them.Embrace discomfort: Push through the fear of failure and take on difficult tasks.Build routines: Establish habits that make creativity a natural part of your life.Detach from outcomes: Focus on the process, not the result.Perseverance: Keep pushing forward, or pivot even when things get tough.Commit to self-improvement: It’s you vs you. Aim to get better, no matter where you start.There ya have it! Now I'd love to be able to support your work.
The world needs your unique voice, and it’s time to uncage your creativity.
So here’s my question for you: What will you create? What will you share?Be sure to actually reach out and let me know.
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In this Nate Kadlac podcast on Just Keep Learning we tackle what it means to be a multi-passionate designer, entrepreneur, and creator.
Nate dives into his journey in the creator economy, sharing insights on balancing multiple projects, collaborating with others, and building a strong personal brand.
His creative process, practical advice, and honest reflections provide actionable steps for anyone looking to thrive in the world of creative entrepreneurship. Whether you're a designer, solopreneur, or creative in any field, this episode is packed with valuable insights on navigating multiple passions while staying true to your vision.
The Challenge of Being Multi-PassionateNate discusses the common struggle between focusing on one thing versus being multi-passionate.
In today's creator economy, many entrepreneurs are told to "niche down," but Nate believes that embracing multiple interests can provide more fulfillment. He shares how he manages several different projects—like design, collaborations, and content creation—without feeling overwhelmed.
Nate emphasizes that the key to successfully juggling various pursuits is recognizing that each interest may grow at a different pace. While focusing on one thing might bring faster success, he values the slower, more meaningful growth that comes from pursuing multiple passions.
For creators struggling to pick just one path, Nate’s advice is to embrace what you love, but be prepared for the journey to take a bit longer.
The Power of CollaborationA major theme in Nate’s work is collaboration, which he sees as a way to amplify creativity and make work more enjoyable. He talks about his own experiences working on design projects and game development with friends, emphasizing how collaboration can breathe new life into a project. The joy of working with others not only helps to balance solo work but can also lead to unexpected growth.
Nate shares practical tips for approaching collaboration, including building genuine relationships first. He highlights the importance of understanding what each party brings to the table and ensuring that every collaboration is mutually beneficial. Whether you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or creator, Nate’s collaboration strategies are invaluable for anyone looking to build alongside others.
Building a Personal Brand Through DesignAs a designer, Nate understands the importance of building a brand that is authentically you. He stresses that design is more than just picking the latest trends—it's about creating a visual identity that reflects your true self. Nate’s process for helping creators make better design decisions starts with understanding their unique style and translating it into something cohesive across all platforms.
He explains the power of consistency in design and how using a few simple tools, like selecting the right typography, can make a huge difference in elevating your brand. Nate offers practical advice for creators, recommending that they focus on timeless design principles instead of following fleeting trends. His insights encourage creators to trust their own taste and build a brand that resonates deeply with their personal identity.
Practical Takeaways for Creators and EntrepreneursTrust Your Multi-Passionate Journey: It’s okay to pursue multiple interests, but be prepared for slower growth. Learn to balance and give yourself permission to move at your own pace.Collaboration Over Competition: Seek out collaborations that bring value to both parties. Be clear about expectations and ensure each person is contributing in a way that feels fair and enjoyable.Design With Intention: When building your personal brand, don’t just rely on templates. Invest time in understanding your aesthetic and design choices. Keep your design decisions consistent to reflect who you are.Memorable Quotes"The key to design is not creating something new, but finding what’s unique about your perspective and expressing that visually.""Reaching out to collaborate is less about asking for something and more about building genuine relationships.""Trust yourself. Your tastes and interests are what make your design decisions powerful."Guest BioNate Kadlac is a designer, entrepreneur, and creator with a passion for helping others make better design decisions. From web design to creating courses and collaborating on game development, Nate brings a wealth of knowledge to creative entrepreneurship.
Connect With NateWebsite Kadlac.Com
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In this Patrick Walsh Podcast episode, we dive deep into the world of ghostwriting, publishing, and storytelling.
Patrick is the founder of Publishing Push. With over 4,000 authors helped, Patrick brings unique insights into turning ideas into books that stand out in a crowded market. Whether you're an aspiring author or just curious about the book publishing process, this episode offers amazing advice on navigating the publishing process.
Patric is also known as “The Publishing Guy”. He creates content that helps with writing, living as an author and publishing as he is a seasoned expert in ghostwriting, packaging and marketing books as well.
Through his company, Publishing Push, he’s been instrumental in helping creatives across all genres—from children’s books to business guides—turn their stories into tangible, successful products.
His method revolves around capturing the authentic voice of the author and translating it into a compelling narrative. Patrick’s passion for storytelling shines through, and his expertise in the intricate world of publishing makes him the go-to person for anyone looking to write and publish a book.
Key Topics DiscussedThe Art of Ghostwriting: Patrick explains ghostwriting as a process of truly understanding the author’s voice and communicating their message seamlessly. Whether it’s social media content, a YouTube script, or a full-length book, his goal is for the audience to never question who the real author is. From extensive research into an author’s style to tailoring each chapter to match their tone, Patrick shares how this form of writing is both an art and a science.The Power of Storytelling: We explore how powerful stories create emotional connections with readers. Patrick emphasizes the importance of weaving personal stories into books to make them relatable and memorable. Even when writing business books, personal anecdotes make the content more engaging and impactful.Self-Publishing vs. Traditional Publishing: Patrick sheds light on the pros and cons of different publishing methods. From self-publishing’s growing popularity to the challenges and unpredictability of traditional publishing deals, he offers a balanced view on what aspiring authors should consider. One key takeaway: always have a clear goal for your book.Building a Successful Book in a Crowded Market: How do you ensure your book stands out among the thousands published every day? Patrick explains the importance of genre specificity, quality editing, and professional presentation. He also discusses the value of understanding your audience and crafting a book that speaks directly to their needs and interests.Memorable Quotes"Ghostwriting is about capturing someone's voice so perfectly that their audience never suspects it's anyone but them.""Personal stories are what make your book come alive. They create a connection that readers remember long after they’ve finished the last page.""Whether you're self-publishing or going the traditional route, editing is the single most important investment you can make in your book."Advice for Aspiring AuthorsPatrick advises aspiring authors to believe in their stories, no matter how big or small they think they are. Everyone has a story worth sharing, and sometimes, it’s about finding the right way to tell it. He also highlights the importance of partnering with the right team—whether it's hiring a ghostwriter, editor, or cover designer—to bring your vision to life professionally.
Guest BioPatrick Walsh is the founder of Publishing Push, a company that has helped over 4,000 authors successfully write and publish their books. With expertise spanning ghostwriting, editing, and marketing, Patrick has built a reputation as one of the most trusted names in the publishing industry. His passion for storytelling and helping others realize their dreams makes him a standout figure in the world of books.
Connect With PatrickWebsite: Publishing PushTwitter: @PublishingPushLinkedIn: Patrick Walsh on LinkedInInstagram: @PublishingPushCONNECT WITH JUSTIN
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
A couple weeks ago we were sitting on the couch, my wife and I trying to pick something on Netflix, or Prime, or Disney…But there’s just so much to choose from. It’s almost stressful because you can feel your watching time slipping away.
With so many choices we add stress to a relaxing activity.
Instead of choosing one and getting started, we scroll, debate and then it feels like we sort of “give up” and decide.
I love when real life stories like this connect to things I wanna talk about.
I was drifting off in thought about the fact that here we are sitting here.
Scrolling through streaming services looking for something to watch, it reminded me of the classic
Parable Buridan’s Donkey named after the 1300’s philosopher John Buridan.
A donkey is standing between two equally enticing nourishments.A pile of hay, or a bowl of water.
But, they lack reason and are overwhelmed by the decision.
The donkey, unsure of which to go for, ends up dehydrated and starving to death because they couldn't make up their mind.
The moral is that overthinking can lead to inaction, which is far worse than making either choice, even the “wrong one”.
Paralyzed By DecisionThis tale is a simple but powerful metaphor for how overthinking can paralyze us.
I try to remember it when it comes time to choose something.
But it’s not as important as what we can do about it to make decisions more likely.
In our case with the movies let’s say sometimes there are very strong reasons to choose.
For example I really wanna see Jelly Roll’s documentary, when Lewis Capaldi dropped his my wife and I both wanted to check it out and I loved the first Joker movie so when the second one is released I will be naturally motivated to check it out asap.
But where I get caught up in this phenomenon that actually matters (way more than trying to pick a movie) is deciding what to work on.
Just yesterday, I was talking with a creator friend of mine, Amanda Northcutt, founder of Level Up Creators. And she was asking about some of my ideas, wondering why I haven’t acted on them yet. Honestly, I didn’t have a great answer.
Trying to explain our thoughts out loud to others like this can help us realize how silly our excuses, or overthinking really is.What was holding me back?
While driving home, I started questioning whether I was just making excuses, or if something was getting in the way.
And I realized I had allowed shiny objects to creep back into my workflow because I had way too many choices.
I was working on live video, writing a book, long form blog posts, tweet threads, visual illustrations for social media, short videos, solo podcast episodes and interviews.
Damn, it’s crazy just writing it out like this.
Wild thing is there were like three other business ideas in the works.
Everything felt “equal”.
And so when I would sit down to tackle some work I would waste a lot of time.
Hick’s LawStates that having plenty of choices affect the decision-making time of an individual.
Too little choice and they feel restricted.
But a lot of choice and they actually feel worse.
Until a certain point, offering options is good. It provides freedom to choose. But there comes a point at which the availability of too many options makes it harder for a person to make up their mind. They grow confused, stressed and don’t make a decision at all.
I see this all the time with peopl e I coach as well.
The goal of giving people freedom and joy because they get to choose can actually rob them of feeling happy at all because they’re overwhelmed.They get trapped in overthinking.
Almost like staring at a computer with a hundred tabs open, or a restaurant menu with every option in the world—it’s overwhelming and chaotic.
Goldilocks Freedom Of ChoiceThere’s a lot of advice out there about decluttering your home and living more minimally.
And the same principles apply to decluttering your mind.
Simplifying your thoughts and getting started is the key to breaking free from overthinking.
But there is a Goldilocks sweet spot for everyone when it comes to choice.
And it evolves.Some people need to be told “write a story” some need a genre, a specific prompt, or fill in the blanks.
Either way it’s important to set your priorities, and then the next step is simply to get started, with any of them.
PrioritizationOnce you know the most important things to work on, then you can decide to focus on those.
So in my case right now it’s this podcast and the book.
I would love to work on all the other things and in some way, someday I will but for right now it’s the podcast and the book.
That’s step one, pick your priority.
But these are still huge projects.
So, how do I make up my mind about what to work on within those two priorities?
When we don’t have a strong reason to choose, that’s where we get stuck.
We feel like we’re damned if we do, damned if we don’t.
But here’s the secret. It can be the opposite.
We can thrive with any of the choices.
As long as we decide.
And this is why randomness can go a long way to declutter our minds.
RandomnessWhen we’re kids we just randomly choose what we want to do.
But as adults a lot of our rules and feedback lead us to “weigh our options”.
Sometimes this makes sense.
A list of pros, or cons, but then you gotta pull the trigger.
Randomness to make a decision removes some reason and logic, but that’s exactly what we need sometimes.
If two options are compelling we can not use reasoning skills to decide. Sometimes the best solution to a problem is to turn to chance.
For example, my book will have sixty some chapters.
I can’t think too long about which one to work on.
I just need to pick.
Within a chapter I have many ideas, I just need to pick one and write.
The podcast is similar.
I have a document with episode ideas which is over four hundred!
If I question which topic to tackle I run out of time (and motivation) to take on any of them.So I just need to pick one and go.
Sometimes it’s as easy as flipping a coin.
Actually related to movies (as well as restaurants) this is one of the tactics in our home.
Pull a name from a jar of movies you wanna watch, or restaurants you want to try, and what you get you get.
The moral here is all the same.Overthinking results in wasted time and missing out.
Simply choosing a direction and taking any action is far more effective.
List out your options, put ‘em all in a jar, shake it up, pull one out and get started.
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
The topic of being an influencer. I was at a party this summer and people were actually jokingly, but somewhat serious, giving me a hard time about being a quote unquote influencer, which pretty quickly got the topic away from me and on to everyone discussing what this idea of being an influencer means.And I didn't even really chime in in that situation, just made a mental note to make an episode about it later on.
But you see this on social media to people talking about the idea of being an influencer. Debating.
Whether it's a positive, or negative thing, anywhere in between.
And, to me, I think that regardless of what we think about the definition, we need to stop hating on the idea of influence.
Your Own Hero’s JourneyThis is such a fun topic because it’s tied to the entire theme of my book. I could do an entire episode, even a full podcast about going on your hero’s journey.
Essentially, in any good story, there’s a hero who needs or wants something.
They set out to achieve it, face struggles, and often need a guide to help them along the way.
Ultimately, they either succeed or fail, but in some way, they learn and return with newfound wisdom.
The hero’s journey is a great metaphor for life. The reason I’m writing my book is to help you go on your own hero’s journey.
A Hero Needs InfluenceSo, what does this have to do with influence?
It’s funny—“influencer” has gotten a bad rep.
People tend to picture someone with hundreds of thousands or millions of followers, posting about their lunch, their booty, or their biceps. But ironically, those people might have a huge following, but very little influence. Influence itself has become a misunderstood concept, and we need to reclaim it.
On the flip side, you could have just 100 followers and still wield tremendous influence over them. Possibly even changing the trajectory of their entire life.
That’s why being an influencer is pretty damn cool. Whether you’re leading a team at work, teaching a group of kids, or mentoring a few close friends, your ability to impact others is what makes you an influencer.
In fact, I’d go so far as to say we should all strive to be influencers in some way.
How Do You Influence?It’s a bit meta.
But basically, choose a topic.
Then go on your own hero’s journey, while sharing what you learn along the way.
Decide what you want to work toward, seek guidance, learn from the ups and downs, and then come back to help other people who are just getting started themselves.
That's a real influencer.
This is real influence.
I get why the term "influencer" can be cringe-worthy, or annoying. It’s become an overused buzzword.
On one hand, it could be jealousy that makes people resent the term.
On the other hand, even influencers with millions of followers sometimes hate the label.Well, language evolves, and terms start to take on random meanings.
But the reality is this: if you’ve impacted anyone else’s life, you are an influencer.
And I think most of us would find real joy in influencing others positively.When I think of influence, I’m reminded of classic books like Robert Cialdini’s Influence and Robert Greene’s 48 Laws of Power. We could go into those another day, but to keep things simple for now, let’s focus on this core idea: you have valuable stories to tell.
You likely have many experiences that shape your overall life narrative. The story you tell yourself and the story you tell others is incredibly worthwhile.
But it requires conscious effort.
You have to build and increase your influence by paying attention to your experiences. Actively seek out ways to connect those experiences to helping others.
And it doesn’t need to be many people. (It can be) but influence isn’t about the number of followers, it’s about the impact.
And that’s something worth striving for.
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
Can You Live Your Dream Life?I was doing some back-to-school shopping the other day with the kiddos, and something caught my attention that I wanted to share.
There are so many journals and diaries with inspirational quotes, they say things like "dream big" or "live your best life" – the kind of YOLO stuff we all recognize.
Now, I generally agree with the quotes, but the next day, I noticed a wagon filled with school supplies at a daycare, and one of the teacher’s journals said right on the front, "Live Your Dream." These things always catch my eye, and I feel like I want to take a picture to post them. Inspire some people in the process.
But this particular time it got me wondering: How much do people think about the message on the cover versus just flipping it open and using it as a pile of paper?
What Quotes Do You Live By?I imagine that when people are selecting journals, they probably pick one that resonates with them or aligns with something they feel. Maybe if they're shopping online, they even search for a journal with a specific phrase on the front.
But how many people actually live by the words on the journal?
For example, if a journal says "Own Your Dreams," do you think one in two people who buy that journal really own their big dreams? Or is it more like one in ten, maybe even one in a hundred? I don’t know, but I think most of us can relate to owning at least one of these journals and wondering how often we live up to the big ideas written on them.
I know I think about it often because I have a few such journals with inspirational quotes, and sometimes I feel like I’m not living up to those ideals. Other times, I think I’m doing a pretty good job.
Sell Yourself On The Dream, Not The HowI really try to create practical ways to live out my dreams, even though it’s tough. I recently talked about this with Maya Marcia Weider, who built her career teaching people how to own their dreams. She’s been successful with books, workshops, and courses, even ended up on Oprah’s couch teaching people to dream big.
She reminded me that while figuring out your big dream is difficult, the hardest part isn’t how to achieve it. It’s letting go of how it happens. She told me specifically to keep going with my podcast but also to promise that I won’t worry about how it all works out.
Go Easy On YourselfIf you're like me, or how I used to be, you might feel some regret when looking at those inspirational quotes.
You might not want to dwell on them because you’re not sure if you’re living your dream life yet. But maybe you’re confident you want to – you just don’t know what that life looks like or how to own it. It’s easy to feel like you’re behind or stuck.
The best way to handle this is by balancing pride in how far you’ve come with a focus on your future self. You need to hold onto that vision like a crystal ball you’re working towards, without getting lost in it. One of my heroes calls this "keeping the moon in the window" as you move toward your dreams. Even though you might get off course or have to make adjustments along the way, you keep pushing forward.
Ditch The Regret, Learn And Move OnOne of the biggest obstacles we face is holding onto regret.
Whether it’s regret over past experiences or missed opportunities, it can hold us back. I love the song "Move On" by Mike Posner because it perfectly captures this sentiment. Sometimes, you just need to move on.
We can learn from our past, but we shouldn't let it distract us from our current goals. Hanging onto regrets can be like quicksand, pulling us down instead of letting us move forward.
One challenge I find with discussions like these is that they often lead to a focus on productivity. (Which isn’t always the point).
What Gives You True Meaning?Having worked in mental health for most of my adult life, I’ve come to believe that the most important thing is finding meaning and living with vitality. Fun and productivity are both important, but they don’t have to be mutually exclusive. It’s okay to slow down and appreciate how far you’ve come, instead of always feeling like you need to do more.
If you ever feel like you’re stuck or not making enough progress, one helpful exercise is to look back at where you were a year ago, or even five years ago. You’ll almost always find that you’ve made significant progress, even if it doesn’t feel like it at the time.
Sometimes we’re too close to our own journey to see the growth, so it can be powerful to ask someone else to help you recognize how far you’ve come. And if I can help with that, feel free to reach out.
Another thing that holds people back is being out of alignment with what they truly want. It’s hard to celebrate progress when you’re not passionate about what you’re working on.
That’s why it’s important to realign with your current passion, purpose, or interests and choose a new direction if needed. You might find yourself feeling stuck again down the road, but when you look back, you’ll see how far you’ve come.
Decide On Your Next StepsFinally, it helps to get clear on your strengths, weaknesses, and the direction you’re headed.
I laugh when I think back to my college football days, where we had a report card system that ranked us on our skills. It was meant to give us feedback, which is proven to be one of the most important factors in learning.
If you want to grow, feedback is essential. For me, in my podcasting journey, I know I need to improve my storytelling and marketing strategies. I also know that looking back at how far I’ve come helps me realize that I’m making progress, even when it feels slow.
By taking a step back and reflecting on your journey, you’ll see that you’ve come much further than you think. The key is to keep moving forward, even when it feels like you’re stuck.
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LinkedIn – JustinI'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
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In this Yong Soo Podcast episode of Just Keep Learning, Justin sits down to talk with the entrepreneur and founder of multiple businesses. They dive deep into the mindset, strategies, and tools necessary for success in the creator economy.
From the critical role of the environment to the future of personal holding companies, Yong-Soo shares invaluable insights on entrepreneurship, business, and building a personal brand.
Through candid reflections, he reveals the challenges he faced, how he overcame them, and the philosophy that continues to drive him today. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your business to the next level, this episode is packed with actionable advice for founders navigating the rapidly evolving digital world.
The Power of Environment in Entrepreneurial SuccessYong-Soo emphasizes the importance of surrounding yourself with the right people and environment to foster growth. His decision to move from New York to San Francisco was a pivotal moment in his journey. He shares how immersing himself in an entrepreneurial community sparked his motivation to build companies in alignment with his passions.
By removing himself from the corporate mindset of New York finance, he was able to fully embrace the possibilities of the startup world. His message? Your environment plays a huge role in normalizing your ambitions. If you want to think like an entrepreneur, you need to be around entrepreneurs.
Building a Personal Holding CompanyOne of the most profound topics discussed is Yong-Soo's concept of a personal holding company, which he believes is the next wave of entrepreneurship. Unlike traditional holding companies that focus on financial ROI, a personal holding company is centered around creating businesses based on personal interests and passions.
Yong-Soo has successfully built businesses around his hobbies, from everyday carry items to dog boutiques, and emphasizes that entrepreneurship can be structured to serve your life and happiness. This approach allows for greater control, personal fulfillment, and the ability to leverage multiple streams of income without the constraints of investor expectations.
Navigating the Creator Economy and Building a Personal BrandYong-Soo also touches on the importance of building an audience and distribution. With platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok evolving, he discusses how entrepreneurs can maximize opportunities by paying attention to macro trends and doubling down on content creation. His practical advice encourages consistency and learning from each post, as growth often comes from repetition and improving over time.
For those worried about saturation, Yong-Soo’s advice is clear: it’s all about execution and trust. Building an authentic connection with your audience and providing consistent value are the keys to standing out in an increasingly crowded space.
Practical Takeaways for Aspiring EntrepreneursChange Your Environment: If your current environment doesn’t align with your goals, consider moving to a place where you can surround yourself with people who inspire and motivate you.Repetition Breeds Success: Start with quantity—consistently create and publish content. Over time, focus on improving quality while maintaining that consistency.Personal Holding Company: Consider building businesses around your hobbies and interests, allowing you to enjoy life while growing multiple streams of income.Execution Over Ideas: It’s not about access to tools or ideas anymore; it’s about execution. Focus on standing out through consistent effort and execution.Memorable Quotes"Your environment is constantly gathering information around you and normalizing what’s okay and what’s not. If your surroundings don’t align with your goals, it’s time to move."
"I believe the next wave of entrepreneurship is personal holding companies—building a portfolio of businesses centered around your own passions and interests."
"Repetition is the key to success. First focus on quantity, then quality, and finally master both."
Guest BioYong-Soo Chung is an entrepreneur, founder, and host of the First Class Founders podcast.
He is a serial entrepreneur bootstrapping his business from $0 to $20m in just over 8 years.
With four successful businesses, including Urban EDC Supply, Spotted by Humphrey, GrowthJet, and his creator-focused newsletter and podcast, he’s an expert in building brands. Yong-Soo advocates for the power of building personal holding companies—an approach where entrepreneurs align their business pursuits with their passions.
Now, he's on a mission to help other founders & creators. When you follow his content you learn proven strategies to build a loyal audience, create irresistible products, and grow your business sustainably.
Follow Yong-SooWebsite: FirstClassFounders.Com
X: @Yongsoochung
LinkedIn: @YongSoo
I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
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In this insightful James Fell Podcast episode on Just Keep Learning, we explore the mind of a tremendous author, speaker, and fitness expert.
This interview came at an incredible time because it was right when I was thinking about giving up on this very show.
Then I had my own Holy Shit Moment where I realized the motivation to make it a lifelong, infinite, forever project.
James Fell is renowned for his concept of the "Holy Shit Moment."
Authenticity and Profanity
Throughout the conversation, he shares his journey from fitness writing to history, while offering advice on finding instant motivation, writing with ADHD, and living a fulfilling life.Known as the sweary historian, a highlight is his candid discussion about using profanity to add humor and relatability to his writing.
We talk about swear words and how they have a powerful time and place in culture.
Drawing on his upbringing and career as a fitness writer, James explains how swearing allows him to connect with his audience in a unique, authentic way.
His controlled use of swearing is a key theme, demonstrating how being true to yourself can elevate your storytelling ability.
Writing with ADHDJames opens up about how being diagnosed with ADHD has influenced his writing process.
He describes how hyperfixation and the natural wandering of his ADHD mind help him create engaging and dynamic stories.
In this podcast episode, he shares his personal strategies for balancing creativity with daily life tasks, showcasing the importance of finding a workflow that suits individual needs, especially for creative professionals.
His Approach to Reading and Writing PracticeFor aspiring writers, this James Fell Podcast offers essential advice on honing your craft. James highlights the importance of reading widely and writing consistently, citing Stephen King's famous axiom, "Read a lot and write a lot." In this podcast episode, he shares how his extensive reading shaped his own writing style and encourages emerging writers to embrace their early failures as part of the learning process.
Building an AudienceOne of the key topics discussed is the importance of building an audience.
James reflects on how he grew his readership through social media platforms like Facebook and Substack.
In this episode, he emphasizes the evolving nature of social media and shares his journey of going from fitness writing to becoming a successful history writer.
His story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability in the face of changing trends.
The Journey From Fitness to Sweary HistoryJames talks about his pivot from fitness writing to history, recounting how he built his "sweary historian" persona.
He discusses how his irreverent and humorous take on history resonated with audiences and allowed him to truly embrace his passion for storytelling.
This episode offers valuable insights into how creatives can evolve and find success by exploring new avenues, even when starting in a completely different niche.
Advice for Aspiring CreativesHere a few practical pieces of advice listeners can take away when pursuing creative careers:
Embrace creativity: Let your mind explore different possibilities, even if it feels scattered.Be adaptable: Success often comes from evolving and trying new things over time.Build an audience: Start engaging with your followers and readers from day one, and don’t be afraid of slow growth.Keep improving: Whether through reading, writing, or learning from others, the key is to never stop growing.Memorable Quotes“Action is the antidote to despair.”
“Controlled authenticity is the key to being true to yourself while maintaining professionalism.”
“There’s value in learning about other people’s points of view and embracing people for their differences.”
Guest BioJames Fell is a Canadian writer known for his work in both fitness and history. He began his writing career by focusing on health and fitness, aiming to debunk common fitness myths and promote a practical approach to diet and exercise. His fitness writing was featured in several major publications like the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and Men’s Health. His first book, Lose It Right, advocated for a sustainable, slow-paced approach to weight loss and fitness.
In 2019, Fell published The Holy Sh!t Moment, which explored the psychology behind life-changing epiphanies and long-term transformations. However, his career took a new turn in 2020 when he shifted his focus to history, starting with daily posts on unusual historical events. These posts gained significant attention, leading to the publication of On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down, which became a best-seller in Canada.
Today, James Fell continues to write, focusing on entertaining and educating his audience through historical storytelling, while also sharing insights from his fitness journey and personal experiences.
Follow James FellWebsite:JamesFell.com
LinkedIn: @James--FellI'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS
Both my younger brothers died with beautiful dreams inside.Very close to the day they died I was discussing with them about how to take some next steps.
But for the most part they ran out of time.
Usually that's a cliche.
“Don't die with your dreams inside”A buzzword phrase we throw around.
But sometimes it actually happens.
I woke up a couple days ago and saw the news that Johnny Geaudreau and his brother Matthew had passed away.
Both died riding their bikes when hit by a drunk driver.
Having lost 2 brothers myself, it really put me in a difficult headspace for the day.
Not super negative.
Bringing back some pain and tears, but mostly a reminder of the fact life can end in an instant.Today I'm talking about two important things that I find help me channel grief and worry less.
**For the full written version of the episode see the transcript.
FOLLOW Justin
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LinkedIn – JustinI'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMSIn the last episode I talked about walking in Like The KING.
The fact that you should walk in as a boss because someday you will be there if you believe in it first.
And how anybody that we look up to as other big creators of success stories seem like overnight successes but actually figured out their belief and then built confidence over the last 10 to 20 years and they just kept going.
I want to build on that a little bit because Philosophically it's really helpful to realize that but how do we actually accomplish it?
You know the next time you post something, create a landing page, go into a meeting, or walk into your gym, or sports field, how do you walk in like you are the Queen, or King?
Swagger Sells, Humans Sell Too
You are a human right?
I know it’s a stupid question.
But if it’s true, then you are a salesperson.
Whether you like it or not you are selling who you are to the world.
You are selling what you believe in and the important messages that you need to share.
To sell is human.And this idea of showing up like a king, showing up with swagger sells better than anything else.
**For the full written version of the episode see the transcript.
FOLLOW Justin
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LinkedIn – JustinI'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMS"Walk Like The King or Queen: How Embracing Swagger and Confidence Can Transform Your Life and Brand"
Have you ever wondered why some people seem to radiate confidence, no matter the situation? In my latest podcast episode, I sat down with marketing expert Kyle Turk to explore the surprising overlap between great marketers and Hip Hop culture. We uncovered the secret behind building magnetic personal brands—and it starts with showing up like a king or queen, even if you don't feel like one. From NFL stars to pop icons, the most successful people all share this common trait: they walk with swagger. But this isn't just about being flashy; it's about believing in your worth and letting that belief guide your actions. Ready to learn how to harness this mindset and take your brand (and life) to the next level? Tune in to discover how you can start walking like royalty today.
**For the full written version of the episode see the transcript.
FOLLOW Justin
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LinkedIn – JustinI'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main -
In this insightful Just Keep Learning podcast episode, Leonard Kim shares his journey and wisdom from both his personal and professional life.
Leonard delves into the significance of personal branding, the power of storytelling, and how vulnerability can be a game-changer in the digital world. He also talks about his experience with depression, the process of doing his TED Talk, and how he transformed his struggles into strengths.
This episode is truly inspirational and also practical. There’s a lot of advice for anyone looking to navigate the complexities of life. Whether you're a content creator, entrepreneur, or just someone looking to build a personal brand, Leonard’s insights provide valuable lessons in resilience, adaptability, and the importance of staying true to oneself.
Setting Intentions and Being PresentLeonard emphasizes the importance of being authentic and vulnerable in building a personal brand. He shares how being true to oneself is crucial for meaningful connections and long-term success.
Journey in Content Creation and BeyondLeonard reflects on his journey in content creation, highlighting his initial struggles and the pivotal moments that led him to become a top writer on platforms like Quora. He discusses the challenges of growing an audience and the need for strategic thinking in content creation.
Overcoming Adversity and Embracing ChangeLeonard shares his personal challenges, including battling depression and going through a divorce. He talks about the importance of resilience, adaptability, and finding clarity through strategic mindset shifts.
Leveraging Personal Experiences in BrandingLeonard delves into how his personal experiences, including his TED Talk and the lessons from his struggles, have shaped his approach to personal branding. He emphasizes the value of sharing authentic stories to connect deeply with audiences.
Lessons from BloggingBlogging has been a significant part of Leonard’s life, teaching him valuable lessons about content creation, audience growth, and monetization. He discusses how blogging shaped his perspective and influenced his approach to building a personal brand.
Turning Content into a BusinessLeonard talks about the journey from creating content as a hobby to turning it into a profitable business. He shares insights on monetizing content through writing, consulting, and speaking engagements.
Advice for Aspiring CreatorsCommit to Personal Growth: Embrace continuous self-improvement and change.Be Authentic and Vulnerable: Share your true self to build genuine connections.Face Challenges Head-On: View obstacles as opportunities for growth.Leverage Personal Stories: Use your experiences to create relatable content.Seek Strategic Opportunities: Be strategic in your content creation and audience growth.Balance Work and Life: Prioritize wellness and relationships alongside professional ambitions.Embrace Change: Be adaptable and open to new directions in your career.Focus on Long-Term Growth: Build a brand that’s sustainable and true to who you are.Memorable Quotes“People don't really connect with polished brands; they connect with the real, authentic you.”
“Your personal brand is a mix of who you are personally and professionally. It’s about sprinkling your essence into everything you do.”
“No one's absolutely useless; you can always serve as a bad example.”
Guest BioLeonard Kim is one of the world's leading experts in personal branding, marketing, SEO, writing, and building confidence. He’s known for his TED Talk, his insightful blog posts, and his ability to turn personal experiences into powerful lessons. Leonard’s journey from struggling with depression to becoming a sought-after speaker and consultant is a story of resilience, strategic thinking, and the importance of staying true to oneself in the digital world.
Follow Leonard KimWebsite: LeonardKim.com
Instagram: @MrLeonardKim
LinkedIn: @MrLeonardKim
I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
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I WILL HELP YOU GET CLARITY, BUILD YOUR GROWTH MINDSET AND OWN YOUR BIG DREAMSEmbrace Your Life’s Pivots Before It’s Too Late
Do you ever feel guilty for wanting to try different things?
I certainly do. But the stuff I’ve been studying recently has really helped. I hope this helps you too.
If you know anyone else multi passionate, struggling to pick one thing, or decide on a niche, please send them my way.So I was thinking the other day about the idea of taking on many projects, and I remembered the first time I
learning the word “pivot”. I was like 8 years old maybe.
My Dad was coaching me in basketball and he was showing me the rules of the game.
When you pick the ball up you have to keep one foot screwed to the ground, but otherwise you can move around.
What a great metaphor for life.I've come to appreciate the power of this word pivot when it comes to life.
Once you have some safety & security (aka the foundation of wellness and self care), then feel free to go wild and try things out.
The reality is we can be scared of change, or we can find joy in change.
I think the scariest thing today is that this change can happen super fast.A pivot is about changing direction, reorienting yourself to face a new path. I suppose this appreciation is similar to what my friend Paul talks about in his book “The Pathless Path”.
A willingness to re-imagine how we see life as a lot more random and unpredictable in ways.
Instead of a straight, linear journey down one highway, you might find some joy you wouldn't have discovered otherwise by switching roads, or even vehicles all together.
Each pivot, or new path is a chance to discover new parts of you, or those you serve.
The Reality of Modern LifeIt might seem difficult to believe you can completely reinvent yourself.
But the reality is less and less of society is guaranteed these days.
As we move further away from a predictable schedule and work style society of the factory days to a much more interconnected, crazy, creative world, we can't really predict much.
Visualizing Life's JourneyLife milestones used to be pretty contained to a few major moments. Graduation, securing a career, buying a home, marriage, parenting, and well retirement.
But now, instead of five or six moments, we might have 20 or 30. A midlife crisis doesn't really need to be a thing. By midlife these days you could already have had multiple companies, traveled the world and collaborated with hundreds of people around the globe.
Embracing ChangeIn today's world, we often feel pressure to find one true calling. But the stories of people who did many things reminds us it's okay to take a side road, or change direction all together.
This could be in sequence, like a career change. It could be simultaneous like playing music at night and running an email newsletter by day.
It could be micro, like switching from X to Instagram as your go to social media platform to post to. Or it could be macro like becoming a graphic designer instead of a podcaster.
Insights from Barbara SherAs a multi-passionate person who struggles with things like “finding a niche” or “focusing” Barbara Sher's book, "Refuse to Choose!" is really helpful for feeling safe to make a pivot. For feeling sane instead of psycho. Man she’s another person I wish I could interview.
She calls us "Scanners," people with multiple interests and passions who often feel pressured to pick one path but just can not!
She encourages embracing all your interests and seeing this as a strength.
According to her, allowing yourself to pivot and explore different passions while controlling the chaos just enough leads to vitality.You know what I love telling people?
That most people get this full saying wrong:
Famous Real-Life Examples of Pivots
“A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes is better than a master of one.”Let's look at some famous real-life examples of pivots. And note these are just the major changes these folks made.
Arnold Schwarzenegger
They actually have a ton of other passion projects, too many to list.A classic example of someone who successfully pivoted multiple times.
Martha Stewart
From a Mr.Olympia bodybuilder to a wildly successful actor and eventually getting into politics.She began her career as a stockbroker on Wall Street but later pivoted to become a successful caterer.
Ken Jeong
This venture led her to write her first cookbook, launching her into the world of publishing.
And overall she continued to build a massive empire with hundreds of business pillars.This one is my kid’s favorite. Ken initially pursued a career in medicine, becoming a licensed physician.
Dwayne Johnson
However, his passion for comedy and acting led him to pivot big time. He began performing stand-up comedy and eventually became a superstar in TV and movie.“The Rock" began his career as a football player, then professional wrestler. He pivoted to acting, where he is one of the most beloved, highly paid actors ever. Not content with performing, he also ventured into business, launching many successful ventures.
Snoop DoggStarting as a rapper, Snoop quickly became a prominent figure in the Hip Hop industry. His smooth voice and unique style brought him fame, but he didn’t stop there. He pivoted into acting, and then big time into business. But the most fun thing? The dude is competing in track and field in his mid fifties!
Focus Is Important TooNow let me just mention something quickly.
This is not a public service announcement for “not finding focus”.
This doesn’t mean you need to make pivots.
Focusing is exactly what many people need. A single, predictable path is helpful to many of you.
What this is, is a reminder that for those of us who struggle to go super niche, or pick just one thing, you really can make big changes relatively quickly.
That we shouldn't feel guilty for wanting a change. Life’s literally too short for that shit.Life can be a straight line from birth to death, or a squiggly one, with a lot of twists and turns.
You get to choose.
**For the full written version of the episode see the transcript.
FOLLOW Justin
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Facebook – JustKeepLearning
LinkedIn – JustinI'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
Want to get every single secret, tip, or idea I learn about channelling our emotions into success in this new creator economy, be sure to subscribe to the newsletter: https://newsletter.justkeeplearning.ca/main - Montre plus
