This episode's special guest is Gary Hirsch, an incredibly creative Portlander who combines his art and improv skills to bring joy to people all over the world, and to help teams collaborate more effectively. Some of the topics covered include: • The origins of Gary's accidental global art movement, Botjoy • Letting go • Accepting everything as an offer Mentioned in this episode: • Botjoy • On Your feet • Meet Your Monster (TEDxConcordiaUPortland) • The Art of Co-Creating (Creative Mornings) IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

There are many reasons why we SHOULD be creating new things in the world... and perhaps we're already doing so whether we realize it or not! In this episode, Rob and Mark dive into a number of them. Some of the topics covered include: • The roots of the word "create" • Your creative output as a diary entry documenting this moment in time • Possible aftereffects of our creative work IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

We've spoken about the fear of failure. But what if you actually succeed but are then rejected? The fans, general public, family, friends, gatekeepers... what if they don't like what you created? Lots to dive into there. Hit PLAY and let's get into it! Some of the topics covered include: • Staying in flow state to avoid focusing on fear • Toxicity of the idea of "success" • Love and hate evening out IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

Interruptions come in so many forms: phone, computer, coworkers, your own brain. Always in search of ways around those distractions, Rob and Mark discuss a handful of ways to get away from it all and get into flow state. Some of the topics covered include: • Planning ahead • Being unreachable • The actual time and productivity loss that come with seemingly short breaks from flow state • Taking artist dates IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

We all get stuck, distracted, dragged away from our initial goals. The simple yet powerful concept of Beginning Again could often be the ticket to getting your focus back where you intended it to be. Some of the topics covered include: • The distinction between starting over vs. starting again • The white bear problem • Removing judgment and expectation • Getting back in touch with the feeling of inspiration Mentioned in this episode: • Waking Up with Sam Harris IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

No more dillydallying. It's time to tackle the nastiest task and get it out of the way. In this episode, Rob and Mark discuss some of the benefits of this approach as well as a few considerations to keep in mind as you set out to do so. Some of the topics covered include: • Getting to the good stuff • Being aware of your energy and willpower levels • Avoiding analysis paralysis IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

Do you tend to feel most creative and productive when working on your own? Or more so when teamed up with others? In this episode, Rob and Mark take a look at some pros and cons of both approaches. Some of the topics covered include: • The four stages of creation • External vs. internal judgment • The myth of the reclusive artist • Effects that the pandemic has had on isolated/collaborative creative work IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

Rock opera? Rap metal? Embracing the chaos and exercising your "idea muscle" in order to shorten the 10,000-hour rule? In this episode, Rob and Mark discuss a different form of creativity... especially for those who may not think of themselves as being creative at all. • James Altucher Brought to you by Revival Drum Shop IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

Shinrin-Yoku is as natural as a medicine can get. Rob introduced this idea to Mark recently and, in this episode, they dive a little deeper into the practice. Some of the topics covered include: • Benefits of exposure to nature • Soft Fascination vs. Hard Fascination • The ways that nature can affect your productivity and creativity • How you can integrate these ideas today, wherever you are Brought to you by Music Millennium IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support

Out with the old and in with the new! With 2022 upon us, Rob and Mark take a look at that age-old tradition of writing New Year's resolutions. Some of the topics covered include: • Setting S.M.A.R.T. goals. • Rob's "3 Ds" approach to goal setting. • Applying the business concept of OKRs to other areas of your life. • Top 5 2021 New Year's resolutions. • Why we often fail at accomplishing our resolutions. Statista survey that Mark mentioned >> https://www.statista.com/statistics/378105/new-years-resolution/ IgniterPod.com Support the podcast: https://anchor.fm/igniterpod/support