Robert Rodriguez and Susan Cain (#760)

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited.

The episode features segments from episode #98 “The ‘Wizard’ of Hollywood, Robert Rodriguez” and #358 “Susan Cain — How to Overcome Fear and Embrace Creativity.”

Bios of guests may be found at tim.blog/combo.

Please enjoy!

Listen to the episode on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Overcast, Podcast Addict, Pocket Casts, Castbox, YouTube, YouTube Music, Amazon Music, Audible, or on your favorite podcast platform.

This episode is brought to you by AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement, ExpressVPN high-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service, and LMNT electrolyte supplement.

Transcript for the full Robert Rodriguez episode | Transcript for the full Susan Cain episode | Transcripts for all episodes

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What was your favorite quote or lesson from this episode? Please let me know in the comments.

SHOW NOTES

• [06:08] Notes about this supercombo format.
• [07:12] Enter Robert Rodriguez.
• [07:39] Journaling as a crucial component of personal and professional life.
• [15:01] Keeping crew morale high during a project.
• [16:16] The magic that happens when creativity truly clicks.
• [20:47] How applied creativity dissolves the separation between work and play.
• [23:01] The legendary financing of El Mariachi.
• [25:56] From Bedhead to an unexpected big break.
• [30:57] Overcoming budgetary and technological constraints.
• [34:54] Maintaining momentum when lack of resources is no longer a creative driver.
• [39:33] Enter Susan Cain.
• [40:04] What initiated Susan’s lifelong fear of public speaking?
• [43:09] How Susan’s TED Talk opportunity arose, and its initial reception.
• [44:06] Introvert strategies for group dinners.
• [46:45] Reflecting on my sixth-grade self.
• [47:58] How Susan overcame her fear of public speaking.
• [50:35] Even seasoned speakers get nervous before TED Talks.
• [52:15] Susan’s progression to becoming a global public speaker.
• [54:08] Common traits of effective teachers and coaches.
• [55:45] Susan’s pre-speaking engagement rituals.
• [57:16] Public speaking as a skill multiplier.
• [57:57] How Toastmasters and chihuahuas helped me overcome speaking fears.
• [1:00:50] Preparation for my own TED Talk.
• [1:02:21] Adam Grant’s crucial pre-TED assistance.
• [1:04:00] The importance of rehearsing before live audiences.
• [1:04:49] My current level of nervousness before public speaking.
• [1:07:36] Time pressure in TED Talks.
• [1:08:51] Public speaking as a force multiplier and therapy.
• [1:11:32] Susan’s techniques for relieving worry.
• [1:12:57] Susan’s transition from law to writing.
• [1:16:07] Necessity vs. creativity in making a living.
• [1:18:10] Susan’s timeline and process for writing her first book.
• [1:20:20] Susan’s current writing process.
• [1:21:05] Susan’s note-taking and organization.
• [1:24:16] Preferences for writing software.
• [1:26:19] Susan’s enjoyment of the writing process.
• [1:27:05] Susan’s preferred writing time.
• [1:28:07] Susan’s writing schedule and break routine.
• [1:29:49] Night vs. morning writing and procrastination tactics.
• [1:31:51] Recommended books and resources on writing.
• [1:35:26] Serendipitous meetings that enabled first books.
• [1:40:16] Distinguishing introversion from shyness.
• [1:44:02] Books Susan frequently gifts.
• [1:45:09] My first meeting with Sam Harris.
• [1:47:37] Experiences with loving-kindness meditation.
• [1:49:24] Comparative effects of different meditation types.
• [1:55:35] Susan’s billboard.
• [1:56:45] Advice for deep connection with others.
• [1:57:33] Susan’s love for bittersweet music.
• [1:59:44] Parting thoughts.

SELECTED LINKS FROM THE EPISODE

Connect with Robert Rodriguez:

Twitter | Instagram

Connect with Susan Cain:

Newsletter | Quiet Life Community | Twitter | Facebook | LinkedIn  | Instagram

• Quiet: The Power of Introverts in A World That Can’t Stop Talking by Susan Cain | Amazon
• Bittersweet: How Sorrow and Longing Make Us Whole by Susan Cain | Amazon
• Susan Cain: The Power of Introverts | TED 2012
• Macbeth by William Shakespeare | Amazon
• Childhood Trauma and the Brain | Blue Knot Foundation
• ilili Restaurant, NYC
• Toastmasters
• Public Speaking Center of NY
• South by Southwest (SXSW)
• Tim Ferriss’ TED Talks
• Scrivener | Literature & Latte
• The 4-Hour Chef: The Simple Path to Cooking Like a Pro, Learning Anything, and Living the Good Life by Timothy Ferriss | Amazon
• When Is the Best Time of Day to Write? | Author Unlimited
• The Art of Nonfiction: A Guide for Writers and Readers by Ayn Rand | Amazon
• Draft No. 4: On the Writing Process by John McPhee | Amazon
• Bird by Bird: Some Instructions on Writing and Life by Anne Lamott | Amazon
• The 4-Hour Workweek: Escape 9-5, Live Anywhere, and Join the New Rich by Timothy Ferriss | Amazon
• Are You Shy, Introverted, Both, or Neither (and Why Does It Matter)? | Quiet Revolution
• Nobody’s Looking at You: Eileen Fisher and the Art of Understatement | The New Yorker
• Waking Up: A Guide to Spirituality Without Religion by Sam Harris | Amazon
• The Waking Up App
• Why Loving-Kindness Takes Time | Mindful
• Love for Imperfect Things: How to Accept Yourself in a World Striving for Perfection by Haemin Sunim and Lisk Feng | Amazon
• Metta Institute
• Joy on Demand: The Art of Discovering the Happiness Within by Chade-Meng Tan | Amazon
• Tools of Titans: The Tactics, Routines, and Habits of Billionaires, Icons, and World-Class Performers by Timothy Ferriss | Amazon
• Getting Started with Mindfulness | Mindful
• An Insight Meditation Center | Spirit Rock
• Why Sad Songs Say So Much | Quiet Revolution

PEOPLE MENTIONED

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The Tim Ferriss Show is one of the most popular podcasts in the world with more than one billion downloads. It has been selected for “Best of Apple Podcasts” three times, it is often the #1 interview podcast across all of Apple Podcasts, and it’s been ranked #1 out of 400,000+ podcasts on many occasions. To listen to any of the past episodes for free, check out this page.