Personal Development

Robert Rodriguez and Susan Cain (#760)

8 August 2024
Bourahima


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

Listen onApple Podcasts
Listen onSpotify
Listen onOvercast

#760: Robert Rodriguez and Susan Cain

This episode is brought to you by AG1! I get asked all the time, “If you could use only one supplement, what would it be?” My answer is usually AG1, my all-in-one nutritional insurance. I recommended it in The 4-Hour Body in 2010 and did not get paid to do so. I do my best with nutrient-dense meals, of course, but AG1 further covers my bases with vitamins, minerals, and whole-food-sourced micronutrients that support gut health and the immune system. 

Right now, you’ll get a 1-year supply of Vitamin D free with your first subscription purchase—a vital nutrient for a strong immune system and strong bones. Visit DrinkAG1.com/Tim to claim this special offer today and receive your 1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase! That’s up to a one-year supply of Vitamin D as added value when you try their delicious and comprehensive daily, foundational nutrition supplement that supports whole-body health.

This episode is brought to you by ExpressVPN. I’ve been using ExpressVPN to make sure that my data is secure and encrypted, without slowing my Internet speed. If you ever use public Wi-Fi at, say, a hotel or a coffee shop, where I often work and as many of my listeners do, you’re often sending data over an open network, meaning no encryption at all.

A great way to ensure that all of your data is encrypted and can’t be easily read by hackers is by using ExpressVPN. All you need to do is download the ExpressVPN app on your computer or smartphone and then use the Internet just as you normally would. You click one button in the ExpressVPN app to secure 100% of your network data. Use my link ExpressVPN.com/Tim today and get an extra three months free on a one-year package!

This episode is brought to you by LMNT! What is LMNT? It’s a delicious, sugar-free electrolyte drink mix. I’ve stocked up on boxes and boxes of this and usually use it 1–2 times per day. LMNT is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and perfectly suited to folks following a keto, low-carb, or Paleo diet. If you are on a low-carb diet or fasting, electrolytes play a key role in relieving hunger, cramps, headaches, tiredness, and dizziness.

LMNT came up with a very special offer for you, my dear listeners. For a limited time, you can get a free LMNT Sample Pack with any purchase. This special offer is available here: DrinkLMNT.com/Tim.

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

PEOPLE MENTIONED

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.