The Zack Arnold Podcast

Latest Episodes:

**Mastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha Tenenbaum** Mar 23, 2021
Show notes

“Chess teaches you that losing is learning.”
- Misha Tenenbaum
To master anything, whether it's actually playing chess, training for (and becoming) an *American Ninja Warrior*, or climbing to the top of your chosen career, you have to know that failure is a HUGE part of the equation. And in fact failure should be embraced as part of the fun of achieving any difficult goal in life. Chess is not just a game, it’s also a mindset I believe you must adopt if you want to achieve anything difficult, because nothing worthwhile is easy. And doing hard things requires the right strategy (which is why one of the “Key Mindsets” I share with all the students in my **coaching & mentorship program** is to “Play Chess With Your Goals Instead of Checkers.”)
Today I’m sharing with you a very fun, in-depth, and candid conversation with my friend and fellow entrepreneur **Misha Tenenbaum**. Before founding **EditStock** and **EditMentor**, Misha was a film and television editor and AE who edited shows for the Speed Channel, Food Network, as well as indie films. He also worked as an assistant editor on shows like *American Horror Story*, *JOBS* (the biopic about Steve Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher), the Fox show Wayward Pines, and Quarry for Cinemax.
But instead of talking about Hollywood in this conversation, instead Misha and I dive deep into the meta skills necessary to achieve near-impossible (read: Ridiculous) goals. Misha grew up learning chess and spent several years in early adulthood climbing the ranks in the chess world. We discuss how the skills he's learned from spending years earning an 1800+ “Class A” ranking have transferred into many other aspects of his life. We also discuss the strange transformation that takes place along the path towards any goal where achieving that goal becomes irrelevant when you realize the journey is so much more valuable and rewarding.
Whether or not you have any interest in the game of chess whatsoever (Spoiler alert: I myself barely know how to play), there is a wealth of valuable information in this conversation that can help you apply a smarter strategy to achieving your own goals and mastering the art of failure along the way.
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?
**» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode**
**Here's What You'll Learn:**
The story of how Misha learned chess and his obsession with the game grew.
Not only is chess a game of strategy it is also a game of recognizing patterns.
If you don't understand the strategy or tactics you won't know how to play the game.
The differences between someone who memorized the patterns and someone who learns the strategies.
The rankings of chess players explained.
How to relate the levels of chess to editing or any other skill you want to master.
Becoming the best takes strategy and mindset shifts as well as dedicating your time and attention to that skill.
The story of Bobby Fischer and how the trends of chess change and recycle.
To break through a new level of your skill or craft, you have to innovate.
My story of deciding to train for American Ninja Warrior and the probability of it actually happening.
The side effects (read: benefits) of me FAILING at my goal to get on American Ninja Warrior.
The perseverance and dedication it takes to incrementally improve at any craft or skill you desire.

**Useful Resources Mentioned:**
**Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Career (Instead of Checkers) - pt1**
**Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being (Pt2)**
**The Queen's Gambit (TV Mini-Series 2020) - IMDb**
**EditStock | Practice Editing and Build A Demo Reel**
**The United States Chess Federation - Players & Ratings**
**Chess rating system - Wikipedia**
**Bobby Fischer - Chess, IQ & Death - Biography**
**American Ninja Warrior - NBC.com**
**Josh Waitzkin -- The Official Site of Josh Waitzkin & The Art of Learning**
**The Karate Kid (1984) - IMDb**
Continue to Listen & Learn
**How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear**
**On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi Armaganian**
**It’s Never Too Late to Get Stronger (and Become a Ninja) | with Ginny MacColl, ANW**
**Breaking Down Impossible Obstacles to Make (Almost) Anything Achievable | with Jessie Graff, ANW**
**Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony Horton**
**The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker**
**How to Go From Couch to the (Spartan) Course | with Rose Wetzel, ANW**
**Getting 1% Better Every Single Day | with Westley Silvestri, ANW**
**Mastering The Mental Game of Focus | with Kevin Bull, ANW**
**Using Fitness to Overcome Parkinson’s and Become a Ninja | With Jimmy Choi, ANW**
**Winning at The Ultimate Game of Life | with Jim Bunch**
**Our Generous Sponsors:**
Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? **Meet Evercast**
As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of **Evercast**, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.
**→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!**
This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the **Topo Mat** (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. **New Standard Whole Protein** is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.
**Guest Bio:**

Before founding **EditStock** and **EditMentor**, **Misha Tenenbaum** was a film and television editor. He edited shows for the Speed Channel, Food Network, and indie films. He joined the Editor's Guild in 2011 and worked as an Assistant Editor on shows like American Horror Story, JOBS, the biopic about Steve Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher, the Fox show Wayward Pines, and Quarry for Cinemax.
**Show Credits:**
This episode was edited by **Curtis Fritsch**, and the show notes were prepared by **Debby Germino** and published by **Glen McNiel**.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of **Joe Trapanese** (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

new standard whole protein — **Mastering the “Chess Mindset” to Achieve Any Difficult Goal (and Get Really Good at Failing Along the Way) | with Misha Tenenbaum** Mar 23, 2021
Show notes

“Chess teaches you that losing is learning.”
- Misha Tenenbaum
To master anything, whether it's actually playing chess, training for (and becoming) an *American Ninja Warrior*, or climbing to the top of your chosen career, you have to know that failure is a HUGE part of the equation. And in fact failure should be embraced as part of the fun of achieving any difficult goal in life. Chess is not just a game, it’s also a mindset I believe you must adopt if you want to achieve anything difficult, because nothing worthwhile is easy. And doing hard things requires the right strategy (which is why one of the “Key Mindsets” I share with all the students in my **coaching & mentorship program** is to “Play Chess With Your Goals Instead of Checkers.”)
Today I’m sharing with you a very fun, in-depth, and candid conversation with my friend and fellow entrepreneur **Misha Tenenbaum**. Before founding **EditStock** and **EditMentor**, Misha was a film and television editor and AE who edited shows for the Speed Channel, Food Network, as well as indie films. He also worked as an assistant editor on shows like *American Horror Story*, *JOBS* (the biopic about Steve Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher), the Fox show Wayward Pines, and Quarry for Cinemax.
But instead of talking about Hollywood in this conversation, instead Misha and I dive deep into the meta skills necessary to achieve near-impossible (read: Ridiculous) goals. Misha grew up learning chess and spent several years in early adulthood climbing the ranks in the chess world. We discuss how the skills he's learned from spending years earning an 1800+ “Class A” ranking have transferred into many other aspects of his life. We also discuss the strange transformation that takes place along the path towards any goal where achieving that goal becomes irrelevant when you realize the journey is so much more valuable and rewarding.
Whether or not you have any interest in the game of chess whatsoever (Spoiler alert: I myself barely know how to play), there is a wealth of valuable information in this conversation that can help you apply a smarter strategy to achieving your own goals and mastering the art of failure along the way.
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?
**» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode**
**Here's What You'll Learn:**
The story of how Misha learned chess and his obsession with the game grew.
Not only is chess a game of strategy it is also a game of recognizing patterns.
If you don't understand the strategy or tactics you won't know how to play the game.
The differences between someone who memorized the patterns and someone who learns the strategies.
The rankings of chess players explained.
How to relate the levels of chess to editing or any other skill you want to master.
Becoming the best takes strategy and mindset shifts as well as dedicating your time and attention to that skill.
The story of Bobby Fischer and how the trends of chess change and recycle.
To break through a new level of your skill or craft, you have to innovate.
My story of deciding to train for American Ninja Warrior and the probability of it actually happening.
The side effects (read: benefits) of me FAILING at my goal to get on American Ninja Warrior.
The perseverance and dedication it takes to incrementally improve at any craft or skill you desire.

**Useful Resources Mentioned:**
**Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Career (Instead of Checkers) - pt1**
**Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being (Pt2)**
**The Queen's Gambit (TV Mini-Series 2020) - IMDb**
**EditStock | Practice Editing and Build A Demo Reel**
**The United States Chess Federation - Players & Ratings**
**Chess rating system - Wikipedia**
**Bobby Fischer - Chess, IQ & Death - Biography**
**American Ninja Warrior - NBC.com**
**Josh Waitzkin -- The Official Site of Josh Waitzkin & The Art of Learning**
**The Karate Kid (1984) - IMDb**
Continue to Listen & Learn
**How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear**
**On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi Armaganian**
**It’s Never Too Late to Get Stronger (and Become a Ninja) | with Ginny MacColl, ANW**
**Breaking Down Impossible Obstacles to Make (Almost) Anything Achievable | with Jessie Graff, ANW**
**Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony Horton**
**The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker**
**How to Go From Couch to the (Spartan) Course | with Rose Wetzel, ANW**
**Getting 1% Better Every Single Day | with Westley Silvestri, ANW**
**Mastering The Mental Game of Focus | with Kevin Bull, ANW**
**Using Fitness to Overcome Parkinson’s and Become a Ninja | With Jimmy Choi, ANW**
**Winning at The Ultimate Game of Life | with Jim Bunch**
**Our Generous Sponsors:**
Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? **Meet Evercast**
As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of **Evercast**, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.
**→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!**
This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the **Topo Mat** (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. **New Standard Whole Protein** is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.
**Guest Bio:**

Before founding **EditStock** and **EditMentor**, **Misha Tenenbaum** was a film and television editor. He edited shows for the Speed Channel, Food Network, and indie films. He joined the Editor's Guild in 2011 and worked as an Assistant Editor on shows like American Horror Story, JOBS, the biopic about Steve Jobs starring Ashton Kutcher, the Fox show Wayward Pines, and Quarry for Cinemax.
**Show Credits:**
This episode was edited by **Curtis Fritsch**, and the show notes were prepared by **Debby Germino** and published by **Glen McNiel**.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of **Joe Trapanese** (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Marketing Yourself Properly With Your “About” Page | with Melanie Annan [HSF] Mar 19, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.

In the following hot seat session, community member Melanie Annan wants to market herself so that she attracts the types of directors and projects she’s most interested in working on, specifically editing dramatic independent films. She has a very clear idea of how she likes to work and what genres she’s passionate about, but her About page on her portfolio website is telling a very different story than what it needs to. Listen in on how we reword her story so she will win over the people she most wants to work with next.

Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!

→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format

Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?

→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

**Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Health & Well-Being - pt2** Mar 17, 2021
Show notes

How many times have you finished a job and felt like you had nothing left in the tank? You gave it everything you had 24/7 thinking to yourself, *“I’ll start taking care of myself when the next hiatus comes”* only to be cursed by the fact that you’re good at what you do...and that hiatus never appears. You repeat the cycle for months, years, or even decades wondering where all the time went.
When you imagine a high-profile award-winning editor like **Michelle Tesoro** you imagine burnout wouldn't be a problem - that’s just for people struggling to “make it,” right? Given her track record having worked on shows such as *House of Cards, Godless, On the Basis of Sex, When They See Us*, and most recently The Queen's Gambit, Michelle must have it all figured out. Right???
As you'll hear in part two of my conversation with Michelle, just like us she too often finds her tank completely empty at the end of a project. In part 2 of our conversation (**here’s part 1 if you missed it**), we specifically examine the question of what is leaving her so drained. Michelle is incredibly open, honest, and brave to share her challenges maintaining such a demanding career while balancing it with friends and family, and she even allows me to put her on the ‘Hot Seat’ to really dig into what is driving her to still work so hard at this level of her career (Spoiler Alert: Even she fears missing out on the next gig). One key takeaway from this interview that I hope everyone understands is that greater success does not make career and lifestyle decisions any easier. In fact, if anything, it's the opposite. It becomes harder to say no and the fear of missing out never goes away.
P.S. If you missed **part 1**, you don't need to listen to it first to understand this conversation. But I do recommend you listen to part one if you’d like to hear Michelle talk about her career path and what has driven her success.
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?
**» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode**
**Here's What You'll Learn:**
Michelle has come to realize that there is a balance between high profile projects and having a happy home life.
Three important priorities Michelle tries to balance.
The defining moment that gave Michelle a reality check about her priorities and where she spends her time.
How Michelle came to be on my email list and what attracted her to my work.
The piece of software that changed the way Michelle worked and gave her more balance in her life.
I put Michelle on the hot seat to uncover what is the source of her draining her tank on every project she takes
**KEY TAKEAWAY:** The fear of missing out is high even for someone like Michelle.
The process of restoring herself is always something that she struggles with.
**KEY TAKEAWAY:** Compressing creative time allows for better pacing of energy levels to work smarter not harder.
Michelle's process of working through a day of dailies.
The realization Michelle came to about her next gig.
Michelle's wish list of how she would love to spend her time.
Why she hasn't been able to commit to a long-term gig since the Queen's Gambit.
Michelle tries to answer which fear is greater: experiencing burnout from filling the gap or taking a break.

**Useful Resources Mentioned:**
**Twitter: @mtesorito**
**Instagram: @michtesoro**
**Michelle Tesoro's Website**
Continue to Listen & Learn
**How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE**
**Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACE**
**How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar**
**How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel Levy**
**[CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry**
**The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone**
**How Total Burnout Led to the Most Productive Year of My Life**
**How to Overcome Post-Production Burnout**
**Struggling to “Do” It All? Try “Being” First. (Three Strategies to Reclaim Your Time and Sanity When Working From Home)**
**Promoting Mindfulness, Well-Being, and Sanity In the Edit Bay | with Kevin Tent, ACE**
**Our Generous Sponsors:**
Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? **Meet Evercast**
As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of **Evercast**, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.
**→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!**
This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the **Topo Mat** (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. **New Standard Whole Protein** is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.
**Guest Bio:**

Cutting-edge film and television picture editor **Michelle Tesoro** is an industry rising star, known for seamlessly weaving narrative through the artful and elegant editing of a visual story.
Her most recent works include Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “When They See Us” directed and produced by Ava Duvernay, and Netflix’s hit limited series “The Queen’s Gambit” directed by Oscar-nominated Scott Frank.
Tesoro’s versatile slate also includes Focus Features’ biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “On the Basis of Sex” starring Felicity Jones, Bold Films and Participant Media’s “Shot Caller” starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “Godless,” directed by Scott Frank, and starring Emmy-winner Jeff Daniels, Michelle Dockery, and Merritt Weaver, Golden Globe-nominated show “House of Cards,” and the HBO’s series “The Newsroom”.
The Cinema Guild’s SXSW Grand Jury Prize-winning feature film “Natural Selection,” earned Tesoro the 2011 SXSW Award for Best Editing.
Tesoro’s unique perspective and refined expertise in composing striking narratives began early, growing up in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Whitney M. Young High School, studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Tesoro currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
**Show Credits:**
This episode was edited by **Curtis Fritsch**, and the show notes were prepared by **Debby Germino** and published by **Glen McNiel**.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of **Joe Trapanese** (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Reducing Neck & Back Pain at Your Computer | with Lando Cortes [HSF] Mar 12, 2021

Show notes

In the following hot seat session, community member Lando Cortes wants to know how to overcome feeling so crappy from being sedentary all day long. He is juggling three part time jobs that leave him chained to his computer for long hours, and it is taking a toll on his body. He consistently experiences neck and back pain and he wants to improve his energy levels while reducing the stress on his body. Listen in as I walk him through some simple steps he can take to build the habit of more consistent movement while living behind his computer that you too can incorporate into your busy and sedentary workday.

Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!

→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format

Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?

→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

**Michelle Tesoro (ACE) On Playing Chess With Your Career (Instead of Checkers) - pt1** Mar 09, 2021
Show notes

I’ve spent my entire career wondering what the difference is between those who simply string along one job after another to pay the bills and those who have extraordinary resumes, amazing credits, and award-winning careers. You might assume it's some combination of God-given talent, luck and hard work. If you've listened to me for any amount of time, you know I consider "luck" to be a four letter word (so that’s out), but I do believe talent and hard work absolutely play a role when it comes to success. However, I think the difference for those who reach the highest levels is that they are simply playing a totally different game than everyone else. Most people are playing a game of checkers...the best of the best are playing chess.
Today's guest, ACE editor, **Michelle Tesoro** has worked on critically acclaimed shows such as *House of Cards, Godless, On the Basis of Sex, When They See Us*, and most recently *The Queen's Gambit*. Rather than talk about her creative process editing *The Queen's Gambit,* Michelle and I take a different approach in this conversation and discuss the metaphor of chess as life and how you can apply a long-term, more strategic chess-like approach to your career.
Michelle and I had such an in-depth conversation that I've made it a two-part series. In this first part we discuss how Michelle chooses the projects & people she works with, and we discover how there is a common theme running through much of her work that keeps her engaged and passionate (despite the arduous nature of the projects she takes on). Michelle also shares what she believes to be her greatest assets and soft skills (outside the editing timeline) that have led to her tremendous success in Hollywood.
Finally, I am keenly aware that Michelle has been making the rounds on the podcast circuit, but rest assured no matter what you’ve listened to already this very candid conversation covers fresh ground with stories you definitely haven’t heard on other shows. And you don't want to miss part 2 next week where I put Michelle on the hot seat to discuss the challenge of balancing her career with the rest of her life.
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?
**» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode**
**Here's What You'll Learn:**
The first small moments Michelle realized that editing was for her.
How a street artist in New York helped her understand the power of editing and storytelling.
The similarities between Michelle and the lead character, Beth in *The Queen's Gambit.*
How Michelle has become comfortable being the only woman in the room.
The parallels Michelle can draw from the themes of *On the Basis of Sex* and her own mom and childhood.
Michelle shares one of the most valuable soft skills she possesses that helps her gain the trust of her collaborators.
How being clear about her goals early on in her career helped guide the decisions she made.
The word that Michelle has been practicing to use more often in her career. **HINT:** it’s not “Yes!”
**KEY TAKEAWAY:** The only way to confidently say no is if you know what the end goal is.
What Michelle learned from NOT getting the ACE Internship when she applied for it at the start of her career.

**Useful Resources Mentioned:**
**Art Of The Cut Podcast Eps. 87 (“The Queens Gambit” Editor Michelle Tesoro, ACE) by Filmtools - ProVideo Coalition**
**Defining Goals, Working With Good People, and Editing “The Queen’s Gambit” with editor Michelle Tesoro, ACE | Film & TV Editing Mentorship Program**
**Legendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ Years**
**Twitter: @mtesorito**
**Instagram: @michtesoro**
**MICHELLE TESORO**
Continue to Listen & Learn
**How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE**
**Chasing After the Next Gig vs. Building Your Career | with Kabir Ahktar, ACE**
**How to Pursue Fulfilling Work and Find Your ‘Calling’ | with Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar**
**On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi Armaganian**
**How Having a ‘Side Hustle’ Buys You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ | with Alex Ferrari**
**How to Cultivate a “Service-Centric” Mindset (and Why It Will Make You More Successful) | with Agustin Rexach**
**Carol Littleton, ACE on The Secret to Surviving 40+ Years Working In Hollywood**
**Our Generous Sponsors:**
Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? **Meet Evercast**
As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of **Evercast**, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.
**→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!**
This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the **Topo Mat** (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. **New Standard Whole Protein** is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.
**Guest Bio:**

Cutting-edge film and television picture editor **Michelle Tesoro** is an industry rising star, known for seamlessly weaving narrative through the artful and elegant editing of a visual story.
Her most recent works include Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “When They See Us” directed and produced by Ava Duvernay, and Netflix’s hit limited series “The Queen’s Gambit” directed by Oscar-nominated Scott Frank.
Tesoro’s versatile slate also includes Focus Features’ biography of Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg “On the Basis of Sex” starring Felicity Jones, Bold Films and Participant Media’s “Shot Caller” starring Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Netflix’s Emmy-nominated series “Godless,” directed by Scott Frank, and starring Emmy-winner Jeff Daniels, Michelle Dockery, and Merritt Weaver, Golden Globe-nominated show “House of Cards,” and the HBO’s series “The Newsroom”.
The Cinema Guild’s SXSW Grand Jury Prize-winning feature film “Natural Selection,” earned Tesoro the 2011 SXSW Award for Best Editing.
Tesoro’s unique perspective and refined expertise in composing striking narratives began early, growing up in Chicago, Illinois. She graduated from Whitney M. Young High School, studied at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and graduated from NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts.
Tesoro currently resides in Los Angeles, California.
**Show Credits:**
This episode was edited by **Curtis Fritsch**, and the show notes were prepared by **Debby Germino** and published by **Glen McNiel**.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of **Joe Trapanese** (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Overcoming Procrastination & Creative Blocks to Meet Tight Deadlines | with Sara Shaw [HSF] Mar 05, 2021

Show notes

In the following hot seat session, community member Sara Shaw is struggling with getting writing notes done for a looming deadline. This brief discussion is loaded with actionable tips to build better habits specifically related to your creativity and the process of deep work that will help you manage your time more effectively so you can work efficiently while still balancing the rest of your life. We also tackle the often overlooked psychological barriers that cause her to procrastinate and feel insecure about her creative work. If you’ve ever struggled to get important creative work done, then you will find this an eye-opening conversation.

Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!

→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format

Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?

→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program

**Using the Athlete’s Mindset to Hone Your Creativity & Productivity | with Vashi Nedomansky, ACE** Mar 02, 2021
Show notes

Many people assume that career goals and health goals have to be mutually exclusive (waiting for the next hiatus to start a diet or exercise program? That’s what I thought). What I have found through years of coaching students in the **Optimizer coaching & mentorship program** is that once a general baseline of health and good habits are set, lifestyle and career goals can absolutely work hand in hand.
Today's guest, editor **Vashi Nedomansky**, ACE lends a unique perspective on this topic. Before he was editing and consulting on projects such as *Sharknado 2,* *Deadpool*, *House of Cards*, and *Gone Girl*, he was playing professional hockey in the NHL for the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings. This unusual career path has taught him the skills and mindsets to keep his body and mind in top condition while also honing his creative and mental faculties to meet the demands of working in Hollywood editing bays.
This conversation reveals the similarities in maintaining a balanced life in two seemingly disparate professional careers while highlighting the common habits and routines necessary for that balance. If you are tired of sacrificing your health every time you are on a job, this episode is going to give you some easy tools and tips for building fitness into your workday. And if you are hoping to increase your value as an editor, gain speed to get the job done faster, and improve your mental energy so you have more time outside of work, Vashi is a wealth of information. That’s why despite this being an older interview pulled from the Fitness In Post archives I chose to share it with you because it provides just as much (if not even more) value today.
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?
**» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode**
**Here's What You'll Learn:**
Why he likes editing all different types of projects, formats, and genres.
Vashi's background of how he defected from Czech Republic with his parents as a kid and grew up watching movies with his mom.
How he simultaneously played hockey in high school and college while making short films with a VHS camera that weighed 40 pounds.
The uncanny similarities in Vashi's introduction to editing to my own personal story.
He always had the mindset that he had to train physically and mentally to expand his horizons and give himself options.
Vashi's process of consciously living with his footage before he even starts editing.
How the demands of professional hockey compare to film editing.
The one word that makes the difference in being successful in your career (HINT: it's not talent).
Ways to systematize your editing workflow to gain efficiency and speed.
Exercise is a way of life for Vashi and he prioritizes it every day.
The different ways he exercises his brain and keeps his mental skills up to task.
His role on Deadpool and Gone Girl helping to set up the Adobe Premiere Pro work flow.
He values sharing and showing things with no agenda.
**KEY TAKEAWAY:** You only need to focus on the NEXT most important thing to do.
How inner confidence plays a role in your career and your well being.
Fitness tools he keeps in his office to keep in shape during the day.
**PRO TIP:** 'Greasing the groove' by doing small bouts of exercise during the day will eliminate the guilt of not having time to do a "workout" after a long day of editing.

**Useful Resources Mentioned:**
**Vashivisuals.com**
**VHS player**
**FiP Podcast Ep60: Legendary Film Editor Walter Murch on Surviving 50+ Years In Post**
**How to Establish a Morning Routine**
**TED Talk: Amy Cuddy – Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are**
**‘Captain of Crush’ grip strengthener set**
**IRON GYM**
**Healthy You® Spiky Massage Ball 3.15" / 8cm - Orange**
**The Solution to Your Sedentary Lifestyle | with Ben Greenfield**
**Pavel Tsatsouline - Wikipedia**
**TopoMat**
**The Naked Warrior**
**Amazon.com : power tower pull up bar**
**What Happened When I Replaced Coffee With 30 Seconds of Exercise**
Continue to Listen & Learn
**How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel Levy**
**How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear**
**P90X Creator Tony Horton on Covid-19, Staying Healthy During Quarantine, Boosting Immunity, & More**
**The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker**
**Carol Littleton, ACE on The Secret to Surviving 40+ Years Working In Hollywood**
**It’s Never Too Late to Get Stronger (and Become a Ninja) | with Ginny MacColl, ANW**
**Breaking Down Impossible Obstacles to Make (Almost) Anything Achievable | with Jessie Graff, ANW**
**Our Generous Sponsors:**
Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? **Meet Evercast**
As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of **Evercast**, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.
**→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!**
This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the **Topo Mat** (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. **New Standard Whole Protein** is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.
[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]
**Guest Bio:**

**Vashi Nedomansky** is the first professional hockey player to become a Hollywood film editor with 9 feature films to date. Owner of **VashiVisuals.com** he shares his filmmaking experiences from the trenches and his love of cinema. Editor of Sharknado 2 and worked on Gone Girl, Deadpool and lover of exercise and potato vodka.
**Show Credits:**
This episode was edited by **Curtis Fritsch**, and the show notes were prepared by **Debby Germino** and published by **Glen McNiel**.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of **Joe Trapanese** (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

vashi-nedomansky-bio — **Using the Athlete’s Mindset to Hone Your Creativity & Productivity | with Vashi Nedomansky, ACE** Mar 02, 2021
Show notes

Many people assume that career goals and health goals have to be mutually exclusive (waiting for the next hiatus to start a diet or exercise program? That’s what I thought). What I have found through years of coaching students in the **Optimizer coaching & mentorship program** is that once a general baseline of health and good habits are set, lifestyle and career goals can absolutely work hand in hand.
Today's guest, editor **Vashi Nedomansky**, ACE lends a unique perspective on this topic. Before he was editing and consulting on projects such as *Sharknado 2,* *Deadpool*, *House of Cards*, and *Gone Girl*, he was playing professional hockey in the NHL for the New York Islanders and the Los Angeles Kings. This unusual career path has taught him the skills and mindsets to keep his body and mind in top condition while also honing his creative and mental faculties to meet the demands of working in Hollywood editing bays.
This conversation reveals the similarities in maintaining a balanced life in two seemingly disparate professional careers while highlighting the common habits and routines necessary for that balance. If you are tired of sacrificing your health every time you are on a job, this episode is going to give you some easy tools and tips for building fitness into your workday. And if you are hoping to increase your value as an editor, gain speed to get the job done faster, and improve your mental energy so you have more time outside of work, Vashi is a wealth of information. That’s why despite this being an older interview pulled from the Fitness In Post archives I chose to share it with you because it provides just as much (if not even more) value today.
Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?
**» Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode**
**Here's What You'll Learn:**
Why he likes editing all different types of projects, formats, and genres.
Vashi's background of how he defected from Czech Republic with his parents as a kid and grew up watching movies with his mom.
How he simultaneously played hockey in high school and college while making short films with a VHS camera that weighed 40 pounds.
The uncanny similarities in Vashi's introduction to editing to my own personal story.
He always had the mindset that he had to train physically and mentally to expand his horizons and give himself options.
Vashi's process of consciously living with his footage before he even starts editing.
How the demands of professional hockey compare to film editing.
The one word that makes the difference in being successful in your career (HINT: it's not talent).
Ways to systematize your editing workflow to gain efficiency and speed.
Exercise is a way of life for Vashi and he prioritizes it every day.
The different ways he exercises his brain and keeps his mental skills up to task.
His role on Deadpool and Gone Girl helping to set up the Adobe Premiere Pro work flow.
He values sharing and showing things with no agenda.
**KEY TAKEAWAY:** You only need to focus on the NEXT most important thing to do.
How inner confidence plays a role in your career and your well being.
Fitness tools he keeps in his office to keep in shape during the day.
**PRO TIP:** 'Greasing the groove' by doing small bouts of exercise during the day will eliminate the guilt of not having time to do a "workout" after a long day of editing.

**Useful Resources Mentioned:**
**Vashivisuals.com**
**VHS player**
**FiP Podcast Ep60: Legendary Film Editor Walter Murch on Surviving 50+ Years In Post**
**How to Establish a Morning Routine**
**TED Talk: Amy Cuddy – Your Body Language Shapes Who You Are**
**‘Captain of Crush’ grip strengthener set**
**IRON GYM**
**Healthy You® Spiky Massage Ball 3.15" / 8cm - Orange**
**The Solution to Your Sedentary Lifestyle | with Ben Greenfield**
**Pavel Tsatsouline - Wikipedia**
**TopoMat**
**The Naked Warrior**
**Amazon.com : power tower pull up bar**
**What Happened When I Replaced Coffee With 30 Seconds of Exercise**
Continue to Listen & Learn
**How to Have a Successful Career Without Sacrificing Family | with Farrel Levy**
**How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear**
**P90X Creator Tony Horton on Covid-19, Staying Healthy During Quarantine, Boosting Immunity, & More**
**The Science Behind Success and Creative Burnout (And Why You’re Approaching Both Mostly Wrong) | with Eric Barker**
**Carol Littleton, ACE on The Secret to Surviving 40+ Years Working In Hollywood**
**It’s Never Too Late to Get Stronger (and Become a Ninja) | with Ginny MacColl, ANW**
**Breaking Down Impossible Obstacles to Make (Almost) Anything Achievable | with Jessie Graff, ANW**
**Our Generous Sponsors:**
Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? **Meet Evercast**
As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of **Evercast**, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME.
**→ Click here to see a free demo of Evercast in action!**
This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the **Topo Mat** (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. **New Standard Whole Protein** is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you.
[optin-monster slug="u1u6n4yv97rxxz4icynf"]
**Guest Bio:**

**Vashi Nedomansky** is the first professional hockey player to become a Hollywood film editor with 9 feature films to date. Owner of **VashiVisuals.com** he shares his filmmaking experiences from the trenches and his love of cinema. Editor of Sharknado 2 and worked on Gone Girl, Deadpool and lover of exercise and potato vodka.
**Show Credits:**
This episode was edited by **Curtis Fritsch**, and the show notes were prepared by **Debby Germino** and published by **Glen McNiel**.
The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of **Joe Trapanese** (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Evercast vs. Zoom - Why the New Evercast Proves the Choice is Clear For Remote Collaboration [Evercast Review] Feb 23, 2021

Show notes

I was an early adopter using Evercast to collaborate remotely as early as September 2019 while cutting Cobra Kai season 3, well before any of us could have predicted the impending doom of the pandemic and the demise of in-person collaboration. At the time Evercast was in its infancy (an early build of version 2). The idea was there, and it was more than usable as a streaming collaboration platform in a pinch while I worked remotely with producers & directors on set in Atlanta. But admittedly there were latency issues, lagging, and the interface was a struggle for non-tech savvy producers to adopt pre-pandemic before we were all used to living on video chats all day long. To be perfectly honest it had tremendous promise, but it wasn’t quite ready for primetime.

This extensive Evercast review is frankly a long-time coming for that specific reason - I wanted to wait until Evercast had not only been through the ringer and was ready for game time but also had addressed many of the issues it experienced as an early startup. Let’s just say my hesitations experienced with the version 2 build have been addressed (and then some). Since the pandemic Evercast has experienced over 1400% growth, and that growth is not just evident on their balance sheets - it’s clear they’ve invested a tremendous amount of time, energy, and attention to their product with their focus not only on the present of remote collaboration but more importantly on the future.

» Continue Reading & Listening

Communication Strategies While Working From Home | with Jesus Silva [HSF] Feb 19, 2021

Show notes

Where I give you an insider’s glimpse into the world of my Optimizer coaching & mentorship program and what we call the ‘Hot Seat.’ What you’ll hear today is a recording of an actual live session with an Optimizer student where on the Hot Seat we tackle various questions about career transitions, productivity, workflows, networking, burnout, habit formation, resumes and websites, and any number of other work or life challenges that students bring to the table as they navigate their own path towards success.

In the following hot seat session, community member Jesus Silva and I discuss different strategies for communicating with his director while working from home. Jesus has found that he’s feeling burned out after a long day of editing and feeling obligated to write a lengthy email to his director relaying the work he did for the day. We discuss setting expectations and finding out what the director really wants rather than working off assumptions. For anyone who is dealing with work from home communication issues, this conversation will shed new light on how to handle it effectively. One quick caveat: The sound quality for this session is less than optimal because of a microphone malfunction on my end. My apologies for that, but I thought this session was so good and could be helpful to you that I decided to listen to the same advice I often give to my students: Don’t pursue perfect at the expense of good enough.

Want to provide your feedback on this new format? We'd love to hear from you!

→ Click here to let us know what you think of this format

Want to learn more about working with me and having your own Hot Seat session?

→ Click here to learn more about the Optimizer coaching & mentorship program