We Should Be Working

Season Finale! Reflecting on Work, Life, and 12 Episodes of the Pod | WSBW 12

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Jeff Finley, Zach Hendrix) — Tue, 21 May 2024 17:06:15 +0000

Season finale of We Should Be Working! Zach and Jeff reflect on the podcast and discuss future plans. They finish up the road trip conversation and bring us up to present day. We have really loved having you along for the ride and listening to us explore our relationship with work, life, and what inspires us.

Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/tuKP3opY3oA

Find Us:

🎙️ Podcast Website: https://we-should-be-working.simplecast.com
🖥️ Jeff’s Website: https://jefffinley.org
📺 Jeff’s YouTube: https://youtube.com/jeff_finley
🐠 Zach’s Website: https://fightingfish.studio

Sexual Healing and Healthy Masculinity Outside of Work and Women | WSBW 11

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Jeff Finley, Zach Hendrix) — Tue, 14 May 2024 16:45:51 +0000

Zach and Jeff continue to discuss Jeff's time in Austin and his decision to go backpacking in Europe for 3 months In 2017. They discuss Jeff's fleeting aspirations to be a professional cuddler and sexual healer, touching on topics like The Red Pill, Manosphere, and a healthy masculinity outside of women and work.

▶️ Watch us on Youtube: https://youtu.be/-0UbE3P0nn0

Links Mentioned in this Episode

📺 Previous WSBW cuddle episode

💆🏻‍♀️ Jeff’s post on Professional Cuddling and Sexual Healing

💬 Nonviolent Communication

🤗 Cuddlist - professional cuddler certification

🌀 Jeff’s soul retrieval experience

📚 Book: Kelly La Sha - Liquid Mirror

📝 Jeff’s blog post about the end of his time in Austin

🌍 Jeff’s blog post about his Europe trip

📖 Book: How to Travel the World on $50 a Day

🚐 Book: How to Live in a Van or RV and Find True Freedom

📖 Jeff’s book Maker/Mistaker

👽 Book: Meet the Hybrids (on alien hybrid children)

🙌 Jin Shin Jyutsu book: The Touch of Healing

📸 Jeff’s nature photos on Unsplash

📖 Iron John - A Book About Men

🎙️ Jeff’s podcast on The Red Pill, Alpha Males

🛍️ Jeff’s Etsy Shop: Starseed Supply Co

🌷 Mother’s Day Lawn Transformation

🚗 Auto Detailing Transformation

🔍 Integral Guide for Healing

🎥 Interview with Levi of Integral Guide

🎬 Boy Kills World movie

🦌 Baby Reindeer on Netflix

Chapters

00:00 Intro
00:42 Jeff's Journey in Austin: Cuddle Parties and New Age Experiences
09:03 Reevaluating Professional Cuddling and Exploring Sexuality
12:28 The Final Boss of the Sexual Healing Journey
15:19 Jeff's Trip to Europe
38:02 Exploring Masculinity and The Red Pill
54:30 Work Taking a Backseat, Guilt, and Over-Responsibility
01:17:30 Inspirations of the Week

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Cuddle Parties, Astral Projection, and Lucid Dreaming | WSBW 10

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Jeff Finley, Zach Hendrix) — Tue, 7 May 2024 17:03:56 +0000

Episode 10 of We Should Be Working! Zach and Jeff talk shop, web design, and motion graphics meetups. Zach asks Jeff about his Cuddle Party experiences in Austin in 2016. Then they talk about astral projection, lucid dreaming, and out of body experiences. It was a great conversation you don't want to miss!

Watch the podcast on YouTube.

Links Referenced in this Episode:

🧑‍💻 Jeff's post: Website Redesign - Is WordPress Still Good?
🐠 Zach's Studio Website
💕 Samantha Hess - Professional Cuddler
🎙️ Jeff's Podcast with Samantha Hess
🤗 Samantha Hess - CuddleUpToMe
📚 Book: Beyond Cuddle Party by Monique Darling
🌟 Monique Darling, Everyday Tantra
🤗 Cuddlist - Professional Cuddling Certification
💬 Relating Games
🧘 Orgasm Inc - The Cult of OneTaste
🔒 The Vow (NXVIVM Cult)
💫 Betty Martin - The Wheel of Consent
🌌 Jeff's Personal Guide to Astral Projection
📚 Book: Journeys Out of the Body by Robert Monroe
🎬 Waking Life movie
🌌 Book: Lucid Dreaming: Gateway to the Inner Self
⚡ WordPress Speed Build Challenge
🤲 Why We Pick Our Skin (Animated Short)
🗓️ Colorado Motion Meetup
🎨 Greyscale Gorilla (Resources for 3D Artists and Animators)
🎓 School of Motion
🍺 Ratio Beerworks

Episode Summary:

During this part of the conversation, Jeff and Zach discuss their experiences with web design and the challenges they face in creating and maintaining their websites. They also touch on the topic of physical touch and intimacy, including Jeff's experience with cuddle parties and the importance of safe spaces for exploring touch and healing from trauma. In this part of the conversation, Jeff Finley discusses his experiences with attending events related to personal growth, sexuality, and astral projection. He reflects on the potential for cult-like dynamics in these communities and emphasizes the importance of consent and trusting one's own feelings. He also shares his experiences with astral projection and the blurred boundaries between the dream realm and the astral realm. Jeff describes the process of astral projection and the potential for false awakenings and parallel realities. In this final part of the conversation, Jeff shares his personal experiences with astral projection and how it has transformed his perception of reality. He discusses how he overcame his fear of sleep paralysis and night terrors through meditation and observation. Jeff also explores the purpose of astral projection and the profound sense of exploration and self-discovery it offers. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of night terrors on Jeff's life and the potential influence of different environments on astral projection experiences.

Chapters:

00:00 Intro and Web Design Chat
12:16 Work Updates
17:00 Jeff's "Cuddle" and "Sex Party" Adventures
40:58 Jeff's Astral Projection Adventures
1:12:44 Inspirations of the Week

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Can We Ever Get a Break From Work? | WSBW 09

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Jeff Finley, Zach Hendrix) — Wed, 1 May 2024 03:49:01 +0000

Zach finally lands a new job and Jeff talks about the need for solitude for spiritual practice and creative work. He mentions the idea of a secular monastery or hermitage to give western spiritual seekers a place of refuge away from the working world to focus on life's biggest questions.

Links Mentioned:

🎵 Jeff's BOXOMYLK music ALL 12 Albums LIVE!
🌐 Jeff's website
🎸 Garbage - Live in 2023
🎸 ZZ Top Live
📺 Seinfeld - J. Peterman
🎤 Jack Conte, Founder of Patreon - SXSW 2024 Keynote
🤲 Jeff's Article on the Simian Line in Palmistry
🦥 Secular Monasteries - The Wise Sloth
🧘 Secular Monasteries for an Awakened Public
🐦‍⬛ Raven's Bread Ministries
📺 Severance TV Show
🌳 Avatar Movie
👁️ John Berger's Ways of Seeing (1972)
🎥 Brainwashed: Sex Camera Power (2023)
📚 John Berger: Why We Look at Animals
🍽️ Pêche Restaurant in Palisade, CO

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up
15:40 Jeff's Freelance Scam
26:28 Zach Gets a New Job!
35:30 The Pressure on Men to Work and Provide
45:40 Authenticity in the Work/Life Balance
48:35 Solitude, Retreats, and Secular Monasteries
1:05:05 Jeff's Spiritual Quest and Road Trip Inspirations
1:16:56 Inspirations for the Week

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Punk Rock Spiritual Awakening | WSBW 08

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Jeff Finley, Zach Hendrix) — Tue, 23 Apr 2024 15:00:54 +0000

Zach and Jeff talk about the pitfalls of perfectionism and how the youthful DIY punk spirit can help you overcome it. Then Zach gets curious about Jeff's epic road trip in 2015 after his spiritual awakening. They discuss synchronicity, lucid dreaming and astral projection, relationship dynamics, and the law of attraction and repulsion.

Episode Link: https://we-should-be-working.simplecast.com/episodes/08

Links Mentioned in this Episode

Chapters

00:00 Intro and the Frustrations of Perfectionism
14:30 Embracing the Punk Rock Spirit: Creating Without Perfectionism
40:22 Jeff's Road Trip: Embarking on a Journey of Self-Discovery
57:55 The Dynamics of Seeking Relationships
01:05:51 The Importance of Being Open to Experiences

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Waking Up to What Really Matters - WSBW 07

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Zach Hendrix, Jeff Finley) — Tue, 16 Apr 2024 15:13:40 +0000

Episode 7 of the We Should Be Working Podcast. Zach updates us on his job search and Jeff talks about his awakening experience in 2013 that changed his life. They discuss depression, habit change, morning routines, meditation, and the decision to leave his old life behind.

Episode Summary

Zach and Jeff go over personal work updates including Zach's frustrations with his job search and his unique skill set in marketing and training. Jeff shares his own job search experiences and the difficulties he encounters in finding the right opportunity. They discuss the importance of being persistent and the boundaries of professional communication. The conversation also touches on managing stress and anxiety, as well as the different approaches Zach and Jeff take in dealing with their racing thoughts. Finally, Jeff reflects on his journey and the decision to leave Go Media. Jeff's talks about his experience with feeling overwhelmed and depressed, the impact of work and personal life on his mental health, finding support and coping mechanisms, and the inspiration he has found in books and other content for personal growth. Thrash on!

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Discussion of March Madness
10:29 Jeff's Creative Accomplishments and Financial Insecurity
29:41 Living in the Present Moment and Seeking Support
37:18 Overcoming Overwhelm and Apathy
46:16 Biting Off More Than You Can Chew
53:01 The Power of Meditation and Morning Routines
59:48 Inspirations of the Week

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

Find Us:

What Happens After We Die (Air Guitar?) and Other Questions | WSBW 06

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Zach Hendrix, Jeff Finley) — Tue, 9 Apr 2024 14:48:02 +0000

Get to know a little bit more about us. We catch up on Zach's work situation and discuss the challenges music artists face with streaming platforms. The conversation then shifts to personal questions, such as their first concerts and what happens when we die. Thrash on!

Links Mentioned in this Episode:

🔗 Jeff's BOXOMYLK music on Bandcamp - https://boxomylk.bandcamp.com/
🔗 Benn Jordan: Spotify's Phony War on Bots - https://youtu.be/kVY7-Ti77UQ
🔗 Starbound Renegade - https://starboundrenegade.bandcamp.com/
🔗 Design By Humans - https://www.designbyhumans.com/
🔗 Jeff's Newsletter: https://jefffinley.ck.page/
🔗 Columbia House CD commercial: https://youtu.be/iIJjeq1gCt4
🔗 American Juggalo documentary - https://vimeo.com/29589320
🔗 Five Iron Frenzy band - https://youtu.be/zeyiBKsYQXQ
🔗 Awana Christian Club 1993 - https://youtu.be/g6VBXw7lHVk
🔗 Jeff's Guide on Astral Projection - https://jefffinley.org/obe
🔗 Near Death Experience Archive - https://www.nderf.org/
🔗 The Monroe Institute - https://youtu.be/ZBbWCUoSPBg
🔗 William Buhlman - Adventures Beyond the Body book - https://amzn.to/3U7AGKG
🔗 William Buhlman - The Secret of the Soul book - https://amzn.to/4d14LDk
🔗 William Buhlman - Adventures in the Afterlife book - https://amzn.to/43T15iL
🔗 Pixar's 'Soul' Movie - https://youtu.be/xOsLIiBStEs
🔗 Wayne Bush analyzes the movie 'Soul' - https://www.trickedbythelight.com/tbtl/Soul.html
🔗 Defending Your Life Movie (1991) - https://youtu.be/oZEbLVD72hY
🔗 Zach's Air Guitar video - https://youtu.be/JVuojra6eaY

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction and Zach's Job Hunt

03:04 Challenges in the Music Industry

07:15 Authenticity and Finding Your Voice

12:28 A Teacher Looking for Students

31:30 First Concert

33:58 Favorite 90s Band

41:34 Did You Grow Up Going to Church?

50:26 What Happens When We Die?

55:33 What Are You Best At?

57:54 Where were Your Childhood Family Trips To?

01:02:29 What is Your Worst Injury?

01:09:29 What is Your Favorite Food?

01:10:52 What is Something You Want to Learn?

01:13:54 What was Your First Car?

01:19:38 What Should You Be Working On?

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Contradictions With Work & Money | WSBW 05

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Zach Hendrix, Jeff Finley) — Tue, 2 Apr 2024 16:01:56 +0000

Zach and Jeff get into the contradictions, pressures, and dysfunctional dynamics around work and money.

The conversation explores the challenges and complexities of work, unemployment, freelancing, and the creator economy. It delves into the pressure of being a provider, the impact of childhood experiences on work and parenting, and the love-hate relationship with work. Jeff and Zach touch on struggles with mindset and self-worth, the elitism of the creative industry, and experiences of being ghosted. The conversation explores the dislike for marketing, contradictions with money, the value of friendships, the challenges of corporate America and marketing, the ethics of marketing vulnerable services, charging for useful services, access to helpful resources, pricing and value perception, a music collection project, and an exploration of pessimist philosophy. Thrash On!

Links Mentioned in This Episode

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Motivation
03:05 The Challenges of Unemployment and Freelancing
06:24 The Pressure of Being a Good Provider
09:19 The Impact of Childhood Experiences on Work and Parenting
13:02 The Rise of the Creator Economy
20:43 Struggles with Mindset and Self-Worth
24:49 The Challenges of Freelancing and Pricing
27:13 Balancing Honesty and Self-Sabotage
31:33 The Elitism of the Creative Industry
34:53 Experiences of Being Ghosted
38:11 Navigating Endorsements and Compensation
43:20 Contradictions with Money
46:16 The Value of Friendships
55:17 Charging for Useful Services
01:03:05 Music Collection Project
01:09:06 Exploring Pessimist Philosophy

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Design, Work, Hustle, Burnout | WSBW 04

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Zach Hendrix, Jeff Finley) — Tue, 26 Mar 2024 11:00:00 +0000

Zach and Jeff talk about Jeff's time at Go Media including the fun and success but also the challenges with burnout and life balance. They talk about the challenges of finding a job in a competitive market. Jeff shares his thoughts on transitioning from freelancing to working at Go Media and the decision to bring his freelance clients into the company. They also discuss the launch of the Arsenal and its impact on the design community. This part of the conversation explores the genesis of the Arsenal, the popularity of Go Media's work, the ethics of stock art, and the impact of Go Media's style. It also delves into the office environment at Go Media, the challenges of balancing work and personal life, and the impact of work on relationships. In this conversation, Zach Hendrix discusses the challenges of balancing work and personal life, particularly in his younger years. He reflects on the struggles he faced in his relationships and the difficulty of finding a work-life balance. Jeff also shares his experiences of working with his wife at Go Media and the tensions that arose from it. He delves into the pressure to succeed and the impact it had on his mental health, leading to burnout and depression. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the evolution of punk rock bands and the paradox of fame.

Takeaways

The popularity of Go Media's work led to the overuse and saturation of their design elements in the industry.
The impact of work on relationships and personal lives was a significant factor in the dynamics of the team at Go Media.
Finding a balance between work and personal life is crucial for overall well-being and healthy relationships.
It is important to communicate and work together with your partner to navigate the challenges of working together.
The pressure to succeed can sometimes lead to burnout and mental health struggles.
Identity should not solely be defined by work, and it is important to explore and embrace other aspects of life.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Intro Music

03:20 Job Search and Desperation

09:34 Transitioning from Freelancing to Go Media

23:35 Launch of the Arsenal and Impact on Design Community

29:20 Discovering Graphic Design

31:12 Working at Go Media

35:28 The Impact of Go Media's Work

38:47 The Diminishing Integrity of Design

41:40 Balancing Different Types of Work

45:03 The Office Environment

47:57 Leading Two Different Lives

55:03 Finding Inspiration at Go Media

56:28 The Impact of Work on Relationships

01:02:14 Tension between Work and Personal Life

01:03:43 The Pursuit of Creative Arts

01:05:05 The Decision to Leave Go Media

01:09:20 The Pressure to Work and Succeed

01:13:08 The Paradox of Success and Mental Health

01:16:58 Navigating Work Identity in Conversations

01:18:25 Inspiration from Music and Music Videos

01:22:38The Punk Rock Journey

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Freelance Origins: Art School to Band Merch Design | WSBW 03

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Jeff Finley, Zach Hendrix) — Tue, 19 Mar 2024 11:10:00 +0000

Zach and Jeff discuss the impact of AI on the creative industry and the future of creativity. They explore the challenges of job searching in a competitive market and the increasing demand for specialized skills. They reflect on their experiences in art school and the importance of collaboration and camaraderie. Overall, they contemplate the evolving landscape of creativity in the face of advancing technology.

Jeff discusses his journey from being inspired by gig posters to transitioning to freelance work in the design industry. He shares how he built a network and found clients through online platforms and personal connections. Jeff also reflects on his time at Go Media and the origins of his brand, Mylkhead. The conversation concludes with a discussion on sports fandom and the impact of personal computers in the workplace.

Takeaways

- The job market for non-entry level creative positions can be challenging, with many employers seeking candidates with highly specific skills.

- AI tools have the potential to revolutionize the creative industry, allowing for faster and more accessible content creation.

- While AI can enhance creativity, it also raises concerns about the future of human creativity and the impact of algorithms on artistic expression.

- Art school provides a valuable environment for experimentation and collaboration, allowing artists to develop their skills and find their creative direction.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Catching Up

01:10 Job Search Frustrations

05:21 The Impact of AI on the Creative Industry

07:47 The Democratization of Creativity

10:09 The Future of AI and Creativity

11:35 The Impact of AI on the Entertainment Industry

13:55 The Role of AI in Creative Expression

20:24 The Experience of Art School

22:19 The Importance of Collaboration and Camaraderie

26:04 The Value of Experimentation in College

29:46 The Evolution of Computer Technology

31:38 The Influence of Music on Artistic Direction

42:30 Transitioning to Freelancing

45:15 Building a Network and Finding Clients

48:44 The Challenges of Finding Authenticity in the Creative Industry

52:30 Joining Go Media and Transitioning to a New Chapter

01:00:08 The Origins of Mylkhead and Its Influence

01:05:26 Exploring the Concept of Authenticity

01:09:10 Sports as a Religion and the Fascination with Fandom

01:15:18 Personal Computers to Work

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Growing Up Creative, Mentors, School Dayz | WSBW 02

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Jeff Finley, Zach Hendrix) — Tue, 12 Mar 2024 19:34:41 +0000

Zach and Jeff share what they're working on and reflect on the beginnings of their creative career. They explore what inspired them as kids to pursue a career in the arts and what it was like going to art/film school.

They discuss their creative projects, including music composition and Zach coaching his kids' hockey teams. They explore the importance of mentorship in the arts and share their experiences with art teachers and mentors. They also reminisce about their early experiments with video and animation, which sparked their interest in film school. The conversation explores the early influences and introduction to film, the shift in interests during college, the challenges and realities of the industry. In this conversation, Zach and Jeff discuss the challenges of the creative arts industry, and the importance of finding inspiration and authenticity in their work. They also deconstruct spirituality and religion, and share their favorite TV shows and movies for inspiration. The conversation concludes with a reflection on the pride and pressure of hard work and the importance of tailoring the experience to know your audience. Thrash on!

Takeaways

Perfectionism can hinder progress and lead to self-criticism. Embracing imperfections and learning from mistakes is essential for growth.
Coaching and mentoring can be fulfilling and provide opportunities for personal and professional development.
Art teachers and mentors play a crucial role in nurturing artistic talent and providing guidance in the creative process, Or do they?
The traditional film education system may not always provide the necessary guidance and support.
The industry can be competitive and job prospects may not align with initial expectations.
Different 3D animation programs can be subject to elitism and attitudes. Choosing the right film school is important, but financial mismanagement can lead to the downfall of even reputable institutions.
The creative arts industry can be challenging, with a lack of support and a resistance to change.
Finding inspiration and motivation can be difficult, especially when faced with financial pressures.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Reflection on Podcasting

02:30 Working on Music

05:21 The Fascination with Creative Processes

06:21 Leaving a Job and Figuring Out Next Steps

09:41 The Dichotomy of Passion and Income

13:52 The Importance of Mentorship

19:01 The Impact of Art Teachers

20:56 Art Education and Projects

22:21 Recognition and Awards for Artwork

23:46 Artistic Reputation and Social Dynamics

25:12 Commissioned Artwork and Collaborations

26:10 Early Experiments with Video and Animation

27:36 Transition to Film School

32:24 College and Shifting Interests

34:20 Losing Passion for Traditional Film Education

38:08 Realities of the Industry and Job Prospects

40:29 Early Experiences with 3D Animation

44:43 Elitism and Attitudes Towards Different 3D Programs

56:17 Lack of Mentors in College

01:00:53 Choosing a Film School

01:03:17 Lack of Support for Filmmakers

01:04:10 The Business Model of a 3D Studio

01:06:01 The Changing Landscape of the Creative Arts

01:07:53 Resistance to Change in the Industry

01:09:19 This Weeks Inspiration

01:15:29 The Pressure to Find Inspiration and Make Money

01:20:04 The Interview Experience at Go Media

01:25:42 Tailoring the Experience to Know Your Audience

01:29:00 The Punk Rock Vibe of Go Media

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First Episode! The Creator Economy, Punk Rock Mentality, Corporate Culture | WSBW 01

jeff82finley@gmail.com (Jeff Finley, Zach Hendrix) — Tue, 5 Mar 2024 23:31:00 +0000

In this episode, Zach and Jeff discuss their backgrounds and how they came up with the name 'We Should Be Working' for the podcast. They explore the pressures and uncertainties they face in their careers and the struggle to find their true paths. They delve into the grind and burnout of creative work, the soul-sucking nature of resumes, and the transition from punk rock to corporate culture.

They also discuss the complex relationship with money and the importance of people in work. Overall, the podcast aims to challenge conventional notions of work and explore alternative paths to fulfillment. The conversation explores themes of growing up in poverty, the pursuit of the American Dream, the burden of responsibility, the grind of work, imposter syndrome and self-doubt, the dedication and sacrifices of successful individuals, questioning the traditional path, critiquing marketing and promotion in the online business world, struggling with self-promotion and undervaluing oneself, and future plans for the podcast. Thrash On!

Takeaways

The pressure to make money and find a 'real job' can lead to uncertainty and fear in career transitions.
Creative work can be fulfilling but also exhausting, leading to burnout and mental health challenges.
The traditional job application process can feel soul-sucking and dehumanizing, reducing individuals to products in the marketplace.
The transition from a punk rock, DIY mindset to corporate culture can be disheartening and lead to a loss of passion and purpose.
The relationship with money is complex, and finding a balance between financial stability and personal fulfillment can be challenging.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:26 The Name 'We Should Be Working'

06:33 The Pressure to Make Money

09:21 Rejecting the Conventional Path

10:15 The Grind and Burnout of Creative Work

13:41 The Soul-Sucking Nature of Resumes

21:41 The Search for Fulfillment in Work

23:35 The Complex Relationship with Money

26:00 The Importance of People in Work

29:22 The Stress and Responsibility of Work

30:50 The Influence of Work Ethic

31:20 Growing up in poverty

34:09 The American Dream and high achievement

38:45 The burden of responsibility

39:43 The grind of work

43:07 Imposter syndrome and self-doubt

46:59 The dedication and sacrifices of successful individuals

50:54 Questioning the traditional path

53:13 Critiquing marketing and promotion in the online business world

55:00 Struggling with self-promotion and undervaluing oneself

58:16 Future plans for the podcast