#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:

[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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