#760: Robert Rodriguez and Susan Cain
4Digest
This podcast episode delves into a variety of topics, starting with the importance of online privacy and security. The speaker emphasizes the use of VPNs like ExpressVPN to protect user data from tracking by ISPs. The episode then transitions to discuss AG1, a comprehensive nutritional supplement designed to support overall health and well-being. The conversation shifts to the topic of journaling, with filmmaker Robert Rodriguez sharing his extensive journaling practice and its benefits for capturing memories, reflecting on experiences, and tracking progress. Rodriguez also discusses his approach to maintaining morale and fostering creativity on film sets, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unexpected and finding creative solutions to challenges. The episode then explores the topic of public speaking, featuring insights from Susan Cain, author of "Quiet." Cain shares her journey from having a lifelong fear of public speaking to becoming a successful public speaker, detailing her process of overcoming her fear and the strategies she uses to manage her nerves. The conversation continues with a discussion about the challenges of transitioning from a career in law to a career in writing, highlighting the importance of protecting one's creative love from the pressures of financial survival. The speaker shares their writing process, emphasizing the importance of deep observation, note-taking, and finding uninterrupted time for writing. The episode concludes with a discussion about the distinction between introversion and shyness, the transformative power of loving kindness meditation, and the importance of deep connection with others. The speaker emphasizes the value of finding practices that resonate with individual needs and the potential of loving kindness to shift one's focus from the self to others.
Outlines
Online Privacy and Security & Nutritional Supplements
The episode begins with a discussion about the privacy and security concerns associated with internet service providers tracking user searches and browsing activity. The speaker highlights the importance of using a VPN to protect online privacy. The speaker then introduces AG1, a daily foundational nutritional supplement that supports whole body health.
Journaling and Creative Mindset
Robert Rodriguez, filmmaker, discusses his extensive journaling practice, which he started in college and has continued throughout his career. He emphasizes the importance of journaling for capturing memories, reflecting on experiences, and tracking progress. Rodriguez shares his approach to maintaining morale and fostering creativity on film sets, emphasizing the importance of embracing the unexpected and finding creative solutions to challenges.
Overcoming Fear of Public Speaking
Susan Cain, author of "Quiet," discusses her journey from having a lifelong fear of public speaking to becoming a successful public speaker. She shares her experiences with overcoming her fear and the strategies she uses to manage her nerves. Cain details her process of overcoming her fear of public speaking, which involved gradual exposure therapy, Toastmasters, and working with a coach. She emphasizes the importance of starting small and building confidence through practice. Cain discusses the importance of managing performance anxiety, even after overcoming a fear of public speaking. She shares her strategies for reframing her nerves as a sign of preparation and using them as an energetic asset.
Public Speaking as a Force Multiplier and Diagnostic Tool
The conversation begins with a discussion about the fear of public speaking, particularly the anxiety of exceeding time limits. The speakers share their personal experiences with Ted Talks and the pressure of delivering a concise and impactful presentation. The conversation shifts to the benefits of public speaking, highlighting its potential as a force multiplier for other skills and a valuable diagnostic tool for personal growth. The speakers discuss how public speaking can bring to the surface various aspects of one's personality and psyche, offering opportunities for self-reflection and development.
Leaving Law and Embracing Writing
The speaker shares their experience of leaving a career in corporate law to pursue their passion for writing. They discuss the challenges of transitioning to a new field and the importance of protecting their creative love from the pressures of financial survival. The conversation delves into the speaker's writing process, highlighting their meticulous approach and the importance of protecting their creative love from external pressures. They discuss the long time it took to complete their first book and the value of having a safety net to ensure their writing remains untainted.
Writing Routines and the Power of Deep Observation
The speaker describes their writing routines, emphasizing the importance of deep observation and note-taking. They share their unique method of gathering ideas and organizing them into a massive word document, which they later sort and synthesize into chapters. The conversation explores the importance of uninterrupted time for writing, particularly during periods of low cortisol levels. The speakers discuss how different times of day can influence creativity and the challenges of finding dedicated writing time amidst other obligations.
Influences on Writing and the Power of Structure
The speaker discusses the books and writers who have influenced their writing, highlighting the importance of structure and the psychological support provided by resources like "Bird by Bird." They share their experience with writers' groups and the value of feedback and camaraderie. The speaker shares their experience of finding a literary agent and the challenges of navigating the publishing world. They emphasize the importance of finding the right person who resonates with your work, even if it means facing rejection from others.
Introversion vs. Shyness & The Gift of Meditation
The conversation clarifies the distinction between introversion and shyness, emphasizing that introversion is a preference for lower stimulation environments, while shyness is a fear of social judgment. The speakers discuss how these two concepts can overlap but are not mutually exclusive. The conversation explores the speaker's experience with meditation and the transformative power of loving kindness. They discuss the importance of finding practices that resonate with your individual needs and the potential of loving kindness to shift your focus from the self to others.
The Billboard Question and the Importance of Connection
The conversation concludes with the "billboard question," asking what message the speaker would put on a billboard to reach millions of people. They choose the aphorism "Only Connect" by E.M. Forster, emphasizing the importance of deep connection with others, whether through personal interactions, music, or literature.
Keywords
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is a virtual private network (VPN) service that encrypts and reroutes internet traffic through secure servers, protecting users' online privacy and security. It allows users to access geo-restricted content and bypass censorship.
AG1
AG1 is a daily foundational nutritional supplement that provides a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and other nutrients to support overall health and well-being. It is designed to be a convenient and effective way to fill nutritional gaps.
Journaling
Journaling is the practice of writing down thoughts, experiences, and reflections in a personal journal. It can be used for self-reflection, memory keeping, goal setting, and emotional processing.
Public Speaking
Public speaking is the act of delivering a speech or presentation to an audience. It is a common form of communication that can be used for various purposes, such as informing, persuading, or entertaining.
TED Talk
TED Talks are short, powerful presentations on a wide range of topics, delivered by experts and thought leaders. They are known for their engaging content, inspiring speakers, and global reach.
Toastmasters
Toastmasters International is a non-profit organization that provides a supportive environment for individuals to develop their public speaking and leadership skills through regular meetings and practice sessions.
El Mariachi
"El Mariachi" is Robert Rodriguez's first feature film, a low-budget action film that launched his career. It is known for its innovative filmmaking techniques, its use of limited resources, and its unexpected success.
Freedom of Limitations
The concept of "freedom of limitations" suggests that creativity can be enhanced by imposing constraints or limitations on oneself. This can lead to more innovative and resourceful solutions.
Element
Element is a sugar-free electrolyte drink mix designed to support hydration and electrolyte balance, particularly for those following low-carb or ketogenic diets. It is formulated with essential minerals and electrolytes, without added sugar or artificial ingredients.
Q&A
What are some of the privacy and security concerns associated with internet service providers tracking user activity?
ISPs can track your searches, browsing history, and other online activity, potentially sharing this data with advertisers or government agencies. This raises concerns about privacy and the potential for misuse of personal information.
How does ExpressVPN protect online privacy?
ExpressVPN encrypts your internet traffic and reroutes it through secure servers, making it difficult for ISPs, hackers, or governments to monitor your online activity. This helps to protect your privacy and security while browsing the internet.
What are the benefits of using AG1 as a daily supplement?
AG1 provides a comprehensive blend of vitamins, minerals, probiotics, prebiotics, and other nutrients, supporting overall health, gut health, immune function, and stress management. It is a convenient way to ensure you are getting essential nutrients.
How did Robert Rodriguez overcome his fear of public speaking?
Rodriguez used a combination of gradual exposure therapy, Toastmasters, and working with a coach to overcome his fear of public speaking. He emphasizes the importance of starting small and building confidence through practice.
What are some strategies for managing performance anxiety?
Susan Cain suggests reframing performance anxiety as a sign of preparation and using it as an energetic asset. She also recommends deep breathing, focusing on helping others, and practicing under stressful conditions to build resilience.
How did Robert Rodriguez finance his first feature film, "El Mariachi"?
Rodriguez financed "El Mariachi" by participating in medical research studies, which allowed him to raise funds while keeping the budget low. He emphasizes the importance of resourcefulness and finding creative solutions to financial constraints.
What is the concept of "freedom of limitations" and how does it apply to creativity?
"Freedom of limitations" suggests that creativity can be enhanced by imposing constraints or limitations on oneself. This can lead to more innovative and resourceful solutions, as seen in Robert Rodriguez's filmmaking approach and the success of entrepreneurs like Jack Ma.
What are some of the challenges of transitioning from a career in law to a career in writing?
The speaker discusses the challenges of leaving a secure and established career to pursue a passion that may not provide immediate financial stability. They also highlight the importance of protecting their creative love from the pressures of needing to make a living from it.
What is the speaker's writing process like?
The speaker describes their meticulous approach to writing, which involves a year or two of deep observation and note-taking, followed by a period of organizing and synthesizing their ideas into chapters. They emphasize the importance of capturing their emotions and ideas as they arise, as they may not return later.
What are some of the benefits of loving kindness meditation?
The speaker discusses how loving kindness meditation can help shift your focus from the self to others, fostering compassion and reducing anxiety. They share their personal experience with the practice and its transformative effects on their mood.
What is the speaker's message for those who want to cultivate deeper connections with others?
The speaker emphasizes the importance of connecting with others on a deep level, whether through personal interactions, music, or literature. They believe that tuning into the sorrows of the world can be a source of strength and connection.
Show Notes
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.
[1:20:20 ] 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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