The Zack Arnold Podcast

Hi I'm Zack, and the purpose of my work is to help you find meaning and purpose in yours (without burning out...or selling your creative soul).

If you've built your entire career around your creativity like I have, you may be asking the same question I am: Is there a future for us “creatives,” Or is it game over? I can't promise that I know what the future brings, but I do promise few are more dedicated to helping you find the answers than I am.

You're in the right place if:

You live to create. Your work isn't just a job but an expression of who you are.
You create to live. Your livelihood depends on your creativity.
You love making cool shit.

Whether you identify as introverted or neurodivergent (or both, like me)...

No matter if you're a misfit, a rebel, an outlier, or a troublemaker...

If you've been called weird, nerdy, dorky, quirky, or awkward...

Or if you’re an over-thinker, procrastinator, or perfectionist…

You are welcome here. 😊

Come join me as I have honest, authentic, and candid conversations with NYT bestselling authors, Oscar and Emmy winners, experts across many different industries, and ordinary humans achieving extraordinary things.

Careers Self-Improvement Mental Health Business Education Books Health & Fitness Arts How To Visual Arts Entrepreneurship

Update frequency: every 6 days
Average duration: 57 minutes
Episodes: 455
Years Active: 2017 - 2025

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Why the Relentless Pursuit of Optimization Is a Journey to Nowhere | with Zack Arnold

Are you stuck in the messy middle of life, wondering who you’re becoming on the other side?

In this episode, the mic turns inward as today’s guest—well, it’s me, Zack Arnold —and I’m opening up about …

01:29:22 | Wed 30 Apr 2025

I wasn't afraid of losing my paycheck nearly as much as losing myself. (3 of 3)

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, I wasn't afraid of losing my paycheck nearly as mu…

00:07:55 | Fri 25 Apr 2025

I sold my soul for a paycheck. It led me to my purpose instead. (2 of 3)

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, I sold my soul for a paycheck. It led me to my pur…

00:07:22 | Thu 24 Apr 2025

The existential crisis that destroyed me, then changed my life. (1 of 3)

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, The existential crisis that destroyed me and then …

00:07:28 | Wed 23 Apr 2025

Procrastinating? You're not lazy. You're probably just afraid.

Hey there, it's Zack. And for today's mini episode, I'd like to share with you an audio reading of a recent article that I wrote on Substack titled, Procrastinating? You're not lazy. You're probably …

00:09:59 | Sun 20 Apr 2025

Coming Soon: The Zack Arnold Podcast

If you’ve been following along the last several months, then you may already know I’ve decided that it’s time to retire the Optimize Yourself brand and usher in a new era.

If you live to create, meani…

00:01:33 | Wed 02 Apr 2025