“Perfectionism is a mask for shame.”
Radim Malinic and I explore the art of daring differently — how to create with patience instead of pressure, embrace imperfection, and find meaning in a noisy creative world. It’s a conversation about slowing down, staying true, and rediscovering why we create in the first place.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Daring Creativity
02:33 The Importance of Starting and Overcoming Regret
05:44 Navigating Creative Insecurities and External Validation
08:18 The Evolution of Branding and Creative Expression
11:23 The Role of Technology in Creativity
14:04 Building a Future-Proof Creative Career
16:58 The Balance Between Creativity and Commercialism
19:45 The Journey of Self-Discovery in Creativity
22:33 The Role of Patience in Creative Growth
25:31 Finding Your Unique Voice in a Saturated Market
27:57 The Power of Collaboration and Community
30:52 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
Being & Becoming: Exploring Identity, Intuition, and the Work of Art
"Show up for your creativity."
In this episode of the Creative Odyssey Podcast, Pia and I explore identity, creativity, and the space between being and becoming. We talk about how expectations shape us, why intuition matters, and how to stay authentic under pressure. We also touch on AI, imperfection, and what it means to stay true to the human side of creativity.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creative Journeys
04:27 Exploring Identity and Being
09:15 The Balance of Being and Becoming
13:59 Navigating Creativity and Pressure
18:40 The Role of Intuition in Creativity
23:14 Embracing Imperfection in Creative Work
27:51 The Impact of AI on Creativity
32:26 Conclusion and Reflections on the Creative Odyssey
“The next generation of entrepreneurs won’t succeed by mastering hard skills alone—it’s their adaptability, optimism, and ability to collaborate that will shape the future.”
Florian and I talk about his journey as an entrepreneur, the importance of empowering young innovators, and how community, adaptability, and soft skills shape entrepreneurship. He shares insights on technology, critical thinking, and why optimism and collaboration are vital for the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Chapters
00:00 – Meet Florian Hoffmann
02:50 – Be Visioneers Fellowship
05:45 – What Young Entrepreneurs Really Need
07:50 – Three Tips for Getting Started
10:20 – From Academia to Action
12:20 – Supporting Startups and Corporates
15:20 – Skills for the Future
21:05 – Learning by Doing
29:50 – Staying Optimistic in Times of Change
47:00 – Final Thoughts & How to Apply
"An international mindset is essential for education in today’s interconnected world."
In this episode, Alexis Papathanassis, rector of the Bremerhaven University of Applied Science, shares his journey from a family background in tourism to becoming a leading researcher in maritime and cruise tourism. He reflects on the role of cultural exchange, technology, and AI in shaping modern travel, while stressing the importance of sustainability and an international mindset for the future of the industry.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Tourism and Personal Journey
03:21 Experiences in Unfamiliar Destinations
06:00 The Role of Technology in Travel Planning
10:17 The Evolution of Cruise Tourism
16:15 Research and Academic Contributions in Tourism
22:14 The Importance of International Mindset in Education
30:09 Leveraging AI for Educational Opportunities
32:26 Breaking Language Barriers with AI
33:25 The Role of AI in Language Learning
36:43 Understanding AI's Limitations
41:37 Sustainable Tourism: A New Perspective
49:16 The Intersection of Profitability and Sustainability
53:27 Navigating Knowledge: Journals vs. Books
"Your story might not feel unique because it's your story, but I promise to everybody else, it's unique."
In this episode we dive into the creative odyssey of Hamza Khan and Herbert Lui, exploring themes of creative freedom, personal storytelling, and the development of new material. Join us as we uncover the unique perspectives and experiences that shape their creative processes.
00:00 Introduction to the Trio
02:03 Creative Blocks and New Material
10:30 The Creative Odyssey
15:44 Reconnecting in New York
21:11 Introspection and Creative Freedom
29:14 Daily Writing Practices and Creative Flow
32:52 The Importance of Journaling and Introspection
39:29 Meditation and Grounding Techniques
51:41 The Balance Between Performance and Practice
"Your unfair advantage isn’t something you lack—it’s something you haven’t noticed yet."
Hasan and I talk about how recognizing your unique edge can change everything—from the way you build a business to how you write a book. We unpack the journey behind The Unfair Advantage, why starting before you feel ready matters, and how a strong concept can cut through the noise.
00:00 Introduction to Hasan Kubba and His Journey
03:10 The Path to Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Fear
06:17 The Birth of 'The Unfair Advantage' Book
09:18 The Writing Process and Publishing Journey
12:06 Success and Recognition of the Book
15:25 Helping Others Achieve Their Publishing Goals
18:15 Understanding Unfair Advantages in Business
21:14 The Importance of Trust and Resourcefulness
24:00 The Psychology of Clients and Business Management
27:20 The Role of an Entrepreneur as an Assembler
32:01 Exploring 'The Bear' and Restaurant Dynamics
34:27 The Journey of a Creator: Books and Beyond
38:14 YouTube Plans: Success Decoded and Storytelling
41:23 The Importance of Starting Before You're Ready
50:06 Lessons from Fiction: The Value of Stories and Culture
“You can always change it. You’re not stuck—and your calling won’t leave you behind.”
Joel and I talk about vocation, soul-aligned work, and why your career path might not be yours at all. We explore career archetypes, the multi-passionate mind, and the tension between calling and conformity. This one’s for anyone questioning the path they’re on.
00:00 Exploring Vocation and Philosophy
06:03 Navigating Traditional Paths vs. True Callings
12:11 The Importance of Work-Life Integration
18:08 Finding Your Path: Evidence and Confidence
24:15 Understanding Vocation vs. Career vs. Job
26:59 Embracing Change in Your Calling
33:16 Understanding Career Archetypes
38:12 The Multi-Passionate Identity
44:29 Integrating Passions into Your Path
51:39 Exploring New Paradigms of Work
52:11 Book Recommendations for Personal Growth
“There’s no right way to do creative work—the only wrong way is to not do anything.”
Herbert and I talk about creative blocks, confidence, and why shipping work beats chasing perfection. We dive into his book Creative Doing, his Prologue series, and what we can learn from Kanye West’s trajectory, the role of marketing, feedback, and collaboration in creative work.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Herbert Lui
03:11 The Prologue Interview Series
06:04 The Journey of Creative Work
09:26 Overcoming Creative Blocks
12:17 Herbert's Background and Influences
15:15 The Concept of Creative Doing
18:07 Insights on Kanye West
24:10 Reflections on Art and the Artist
29:52 The Impact of Relationships on Creative Success
36:27 Navigating Confidence in Creative Work
40:45 The Power of Participation and Authenticity
49:50 The Role of Collaboration in Creativity
https://herbertlui.com/
“Most organizations aren’t failing because people are incompetent—they’re failing because the system makes it impossible to succeed.”
In this conversation, Laksh Raghavan and I explore how cybernetics, systems thinking, and multidisciplinary insight help us make sense of organizational failure, innovation, and the messy reality of human behavior. From mimetic desire to randomness, we unpack what it really takes to build resilient, human-centric systems—in tech, business, and life.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Multidisciplinary Thinking
03:15 Understanding Cybernetics: First and Second Order
06:21 The Importance of Multidisciplinary Thinking
09:24 Applying Cybernetics in Everyday Life
12:23 The Role of Epistemology in Knowledge Construction
15:16 Organizational Dynamics and Bureaucracy
18:13 Innovation and the Startup Ecosystem
21:27 Human-Centric Business Models
24:14 The Complexity of Organizational Structures
27:16 Rethinking Management and Systems Thinking
33:16 The Unaccountability Machine
34:17 Exploring Cybernetics and Psycho-Cybernetics
35:12 Self-Exploration and Understanding Desires
36:14 Mimetic Desires and Human Nature
39:22 The Role of Anti-Role Models
40:10 The Complexity of Success
43:19 Randomness and Luck in Success
46:04 The Importance of Lifelong Learning
50:28 Balancing Optimism and Pessimism
51:19 Status Games vs. Value Creation
54:04 Trade-offs in Business and Sustainability
57:02 The Future of Manufacturing and Outsourcing
59:25 Recommended Reading and Closing Thoughts
"It's about building trust and skills."
In this episode, Luca Dellanna an me explored how writing can build trust, reputation, and meaningful opportunities over time. Luca unpacks the value of playing long-term games and the creation of positive experiences.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Luca Dellanna
03:14 The Journey of Writing and Publishing
06:13 The Strategy Behind Writing Books
09:23 Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing
12:17 Long-Term vs Short-Term Strategies
15:12 Building Trust and Skills
18:26 The Importance of Substance in Skills
21:29 Navigating Client Relationships
24:14 Balancing Promises and Deliverables
29:20 Understanding Service Value in Consulting
32:22 The Control Heuristic: Decision-Making vs. Action-Taking
36:21 The Role of Routines in Action-Taking
39:37 Creating Positive First Experiences
47:05 Understanding Learning Trajectories
52:44 Book Recommendations and Closing Thoughts
https://luca-dellanna.com/
“Aesthetics isn’t about making things pretty—it’s about how we experience the world, and that shapes everything.”
Philosopher Michael Spicher joins me to explore the role of aesthetics in our everyday lives—from beauty and well-being to business, design, and digital fashion. We unpack how aesthetic experience shapes how we feel, work, and connect in both physical and virtual spaces.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Aesthetics and Its Importance
06:22 The Role of Aesthetics in Human Experience
12:22 Aesthetics in Healthcare and Workspaces
18:21 Philosophical Perspectives on Beauty
24:19 Aesthetics in Business and Employee Well-being
34:11 The Aesthetic Influence in Business
40:19 Exploring Digital Fashion
44:17 The Future of Digital Fashion
49:12 Fashion's Evolving Aesthetics
59:16 Recommended Reads on Aesthetics
"Curiosity is really important in philosophy."
Philosopher Greg Sadler joins Emil Drud for a deep yet down-to-earth conversation on curiosity, creativity, and the real-world relevance of philosophy. Together, they explore how ideas come to life—from books and music to leadership and everyday thinking.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
03:23 Philosophy's Practical Applications
06:09 Curiosity and the Nature of Inquiry
09:21 The Importance of Language in Philosophy
12:19 Navigating Contemporary Philosophical Literature
15:14 The Challenge of Writing and Communication
18:15 The Evolution of Educational Content
21:24 The Role of Podcasts in Modern Learning
24:16 Performance and Authenticity in Communication
32:59 The Flow State of Creativity
35:08 Improvisation and Collaboration in Music
38:04 The Dynamics of Group Performance
39:50 Contrast and Engagement in Philosophy
42:39 Audience Interaction and Musical Experience
47:02 The Art of Metaphor and Persuasion
50:14 The Importance of Diverse Influences
54:29 Thoughtful Literature and Its Impact
58:09 Perception and Artistry in Music Production
01:02:04 Translating Artistic Vision
https://www.youtube.com/@GregoryBSadler
https://gregorybsadler.substack.com/about
"Intent does matter."
Emil Drud and Matthios explore how the unseen forces of environment, imitation, and intent influence our behavior, revealing why adaptability and conscious learning are key to personal transformation in a complex world.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Behavioral Science and Personal Journey
05:16 Transition from Marketing to Behavioral Analysis
10:10 Understanding Behavioral Principles in Everyday Life
15:15 The Role of Environment in Shaping Behavior
20:21 The Impact of Trauma and Personal Responsibility
25:23 Imitation, Mimetic Desire, and Social Behavior
34:44 The Complexity of Imitation and Learning
35:38 Behavior, Genes, and Epigenetics
37:03 Reinforcement: The Power of Positive vs. Negative
38:57 Conscious Reinforcement in Parenting
40:14 The Importance of Edifying Over Disheartening
41:40 Negativity Bias and Its Evolutionary Roots
43:46 The Role of Intent in Science and Knowledge
45:10 Exploring the Nature of Science and Truth
46:56 The Intersection of Myths and Science
49:05 Intent vs. Impact in Health and Wellness
50:53 The Balance of Knowledge and Adaptation
52:59 The Dangers of Overprotection in Evolution
54:48 The Adaptive Nature of Viruses and Fasting
57:08 Practical Knowledge vs. Absolute Knowledge
01:00:36 The Power of Intent in Healing
01:02:04 Creative Odyssey: Overcoming Challenges and Creating Good
http://matiosberhe.com/
https://www.thebehaviorlabco.com
"Business is always about people."
Emil Drud and Georg Meyer explore how tech, consulting, and human behavior intersect. From AI myths and the psychology of money to user-centric design and fractal art—this episode blends logic, creativity, and real-world insight.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Georg Meyer
02:41 The Role of AI in Business
05:19 The Importance of Coding Basics
08:04 Numeracy and Its Importance in Today's World
10:49 Insights from the Real World Risk Institute
13:14 Understanding BS in Business Models
15:31 The Psychology of Money
19:03 Social Influences on Financial Decisions
21:07 Marketing and Identity in Consumer Behavior
27:20 The Hoarding Phenomenon and Standardization
28:52 The Stagnation of Innovation in Technology
31:36 The Impact of Hardware on Software Development
33:02 The Evolution of Gaming and Creativity
34:06 Custom Software and Personalization
35:50 Communication Tools: Slack vs. Email
37:50 Exploring Fractal Art and Its Nature
40:52 The Artistic Value of Fractals
42:35 The Role of Technology in Human Experience
46:18 Navigating the Ethics of Technology and Sustainability
49:38 The Balance Between Generalization and Specialization
"Innovation is a tool, not the outcome."
Innovation veteran Costas Papaikonomou—aka The Grumpy Innovator—breaks down what innovation really is (and isn’t), why disruption is overrated, and how satire helps cut through corporate nonsense.
He shares insights from decades of consulting, writing, and navigating the absurdities of modern business strategy.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kostas Papaikonomou
02:58 The Grumpy Innovator: Origins of the Name
07:40 Understanding Innovation: A Tool, Not an Outcome
10:27 Types of Innovation: Protect, Grow, and Disrupt
18:13 The Misconceptions of Innovation
22:10 Sustainability in Innovation: The Market Dynamics
25:45 The Role of Satire in Business
35:05 From Grumpy Innovator to Tailwag Dog: The Evolution of Writing
39:37 Book Recommendations for Creative Minds
X :Â https://x.com/grumpyinnovator
LinkedIn:Â https://www.linkedin.com/in/costaspapaikonomou/
Grumpy books on Amazon:Â https://www.amazon.nl/s?k=thoughts+from+a+grumpy+innovator
Tail Wag Dog books on Amazon:Â https://www.amazon.nl/s?k=tail+wag+dog+paperback+papaikonomou
Or all books on Gumroad:Â https://grumpyinnovator.gumroad.com/?sort=price_asc
"The book is never done, will never be done. At some point, you just have to set a deadline."
Megan Preston-Meyer shares her journey from corporate life to becoming a full-time author, her writing process, and the inspiration behind Firebrand and her children's books FIFO safes the Day. She reflects on career shifts, creativity under constraints, and how storytelling shapes both fiction and real life. Plus, a glimpse into her upcoming sequel.
Links
https://meganprestonmeyer.substack.com/subscribe
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Megan Preston-Meyer
03:00 From Corporate Life to Authorship
05:52 Writing Children's Books: Simplifying Complex Topics
08:50 The Journey of Writing Firebrand
11:58 The Semi-Autobiographical Nature of Firebrand
14:58 The Contrast Between Education and Corporate Reality
17:48 Challenging the Corporate System
20:54 Surviving Corporate Life as a Creative
24:06 The Impact of Remote Work on Creativity
32:48 Navigating Remote Work and Writing
36:15 Finding Creative Time
38:42 Managing Distractions and Focus
42:01 Determining When Work is 'Done'
46:14 The Balance of Creativity and Perfection
52:07 Returning to Corporate Life: A New Perspective
"There is no one more powerful than someone who stops playing the status game and creates their own."
In this special episode, Through Conversations host Alex Levy takes the guest seat as Emil Drud interviews him about his book The Time Is Now. They discuss the evolving nature of work, embracing uncertainty, and aligning life with one's true self. Alex shares insights on intuition, purpose, and breaking free from the status game.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Alex and His Journey
03:00 The Future of Work and Personal Dissonance
05:57 Aligning Career with True Self
08:45 The Role of Serendipity in Career Paths
11:47 The Challenge of Strategizing Life and Career
15:06 Navigating Persistence and Spontaneity
17:56 The Importance of Following Intuition
20:58 Reflection on Decision-Making and Intuition
32:18 Navigating Life's Uncertainties
35:17 The Journey of Writing a Book
39:13 Embracing Imperfection in Creativity
46:07 Leveraging Emotions for Decision Making
49:59 Finding Purpose in the Age of AI
53:00 The Importance of Authenticity
57:30 Creating Your Own Game in Life
"The soft skills are the hard skills."
Michael Osburn shares his journey from construction to creativity, exploring how personal branding, timeless wisdom, and action shape his work. He discusses the balance between authenticity and online presence, the power of decisiveness, and the importance of legacy-building. From overcoming challenges to managing priorities, this conversation dives deep into creativity, adaptability, and the art of making meaningful connections.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Michael Osburn
01:50 From Construction to Creative Expression
03:25 Exploring Timeless Wisdom and Courage
05:22 Finding Your Unique Art Style
06:50 Creating for Yourself vs. Others
09:35 Book Recommendations for Personal Growth
11:53 Balancing Personal Branding and Business
14:30 Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
17:07 The Importance of Action
21:42 Building a Legacy Through Writing
25:37 Adaptability in a Changing World
28:07 Navigating Online and Real-World Interactions
30:21 The Importance of Authenticity in Conversations
32:11 Building Connections Through Technology
34:13 Understanding Complexity and Nuance in Opinions
36:23 The Art of Decisiveness in Construction
40:29 Prioritizing Decisions in Project Management
46:06 Balancing Online Presence with Real-World Engagement
51:24 Effective Time Management and Prioritization Techniques
"Technology alone won’t save languages—it’s the communities, their stories, and their pride that truly keep them alive."
Emil and Jack explore the critical issue of language preservation, focusing on endangered languages, cultural significance, and revitalization strategies. They discuss successful efforts with Basque and Catalan, the role of technology like Duolingo, and challenges faced by communities. Jack shares insights on his project, Lingua Aeterna, which leverages technology to support endangered languages, and the role of fellowships like OSV in fostering innovative initiatives. They also delve into the potential of machine learning in translation and the cultural impact of language dominance.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Language Preservation and Identity
06:00 Challenges of Endangered Languages
11:46 Case Studies: Basque and Catalan Languages
18:05 The Role of Technology in Language Learning
24:12 Personal Experiences with Language Learning
32:59 Language Learning Challenges and Technology
44:22 The Role of Fellowships in Language Preservation
57:40 Encouragement for Big Ideas and Innovations
"Beautiful software is the art of misdirection—hiding complexity behind clarity while making systems feel intuitive and human."
In this episode, I sit down with Sebastian Lees to explore the intersection of interface design and risk in software. We dive into usability, affordance, and the challenges of balancing complexity with simplicity—all while unpacking how to create resilient, human-centric systems. It's a deep dive into the art and philosophy of software design.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:55 The Evolution of Human-Computer Interaction
13:51 The Role of Affordance in Design
21:51 Micro Annoyances and Design Impact
30:37 Balancing Complexity and Simplicity in Software Design
39:14 Understanding User Experience and Reducing Friction
46:20 Navigating Software Risk and Its Implications
55:57 Embracing Anti-Fragility in Software Development