Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
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Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
Why Tim Grahl Had To Kill His Old Business to Find Real Success
Good Work with Barrett Brooks
1 hour 46 minutes
1 year ago
Why Tim Grahl Had To Kill His Old Business to Find Real Success
This week, I talk with Tim Grahl, CEO of Story Grid and author of The Shithead, a novel that’s both thrilling and deeply personal. Tim made a name for himself as a book marketer who landed multiple titles on the New York Times Bestseller list at the same time. Tim’s work with Story Grid, alongside his partner Shawn Coyne, has guided hundreds of aspiring authors in mastering the essential elements of storytelling, helping them transform “I hope I can write a book someday” into a published reality. We cover a range of topics, from Tim’s journey as a book marketer to his insights on the power of structure in storytelling. We also dive into his personal experiences, including the impact of therapy on his growth as both a person and a professional. Tim’s work ethic and passion for meaningful storytelling are infectious, and I think you’ll find our conversation both inspiring and thought-provoking. Let’s get to it!
In this episode:
(00:00) - Intro
(05:06) - Tim's perfect vacation
(11:54) - Doing work that people don't understand
(15:19) - The "secret" to Tim's success
(20:34) - The moment Tim knew his business was broken
(31:06) - What is an object of desire?
(34:10) - The problem with online courses (and how to fix it)
(01:03:47) - Behind the scenes of writing a meaningful book
(01:13:37) - Success and the half warm beer theory
(01:18:03) - Reflecting on regret
(01:24:28) - How therapy changed everything
(01:32:58) - Chasing insight vs integration
(01:38:19) - Tim's beautiful future
(01:42:47) - Who Tim is becoming
Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com.
Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks.
Good Work with Barrett Brooks
Good Work is a curated exploration of the inner journey of outward success. Through deeply researched, long-form conversations with founders, authors, artists, and adventurers, host Barrett Brooks goes beyond surface-level stories to uncover the psychology of meaningful work. Each episode gives you rare access to the courage, identity shifts, and lessons that shape remarkable lives—insights you can use to navigate your own path with greater clarity and purpose.
