The New Workday Podcast

Be grateful, yet beware of its creative pitfalls. In this introspective episode, our host reflects on personal anecdotes and literary wisdom to explore a paradox: while gratitude can dispel fear, it might also dampen the creative urge. Delving into feedback from parents and insights from the likes of Stephen King and Tony Robbins, this journey examines the delicate balance between gratitude and th...

Haters will hate, but sometimes a good rant can be the compass pointing to our deeper values. This episode explores the idea that venting frustrations isn't just cathartic – it's a creative catalyst. From the nuances of essay writing to the quirks of everyday life, discover how a simple complaint can evolve into profound insights and unexpected transformations. Whether it's the absurdity of modern...

Trying to master the delicate dance between creation and analysis, this episode explores the fundamental dichotomy at the heart of creative work. Drawing on examples from Stephen King's writing approach to the design process and the OKRs framework in business, it delves into the necessity of separating the wild, unbridled act of creating from the meticulous task of analysis. It compares this balan...

Writers will be captivated by this introspective journey into the heart and mind of a creative. Explore the oscillating experiences of being a writer: from the euphoric heights of artistic flow to the daunting depths of self-doubt and practicality. This episode delves into the dual identities of a writer—artist and designer—illuminating the intricate dance between self-expression and market demand...

In this short poem, we delve into the profound impact of a simple, yet often unspoken, admission—and explore the rare intimacy and authenticity that these three little words can bring to a relationship, breaking down barriers and fostering a deeper understanding. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.thenewworkday....

Have you experienced the whirlwind emotions of a digital nomad? This episode takes you through the four fervent seasons of nomadic life: novelty, nirvana, niggles, and nostalgia. From the initial exhilaration of new surroundings to the eventual yearning for stability, discover how each phase shapes the unique journey of working travel. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with o...

Diana Nyad's extraordinary 110-mile swim from Cuba to Florida captured in 'Nyad', a Netflix biographical drama, raises profound questions about the cost of outsized ambition. This essay delves into the conflicts between personal vision and collective support, as witnessed by me during a recent writing course. Juxtaposing Nyad's relentless pursuit with my own experience, I reflect on the delicate b...

In this episode, I follow the journey of Jim, an Australian commercial artist turned creative mogul in Thailand. From crafting Buddha heads to luxurious staircases, his enterprise thrives until a puzzling challenge arises with a newly-acquired laser-cutting machine. Despite expert intervention, the solution lies closer to home, reminding us of the unexpected wisdom found in diverse experiences and...

This essay delves into the surprisingly profound world of food packaging frustrations. I reflect on the daily battles with ketchup packets and screw-top lids, proposing these challenges as opportunities for self-awareness and mindfulness. I argue that these minor inconveniences invite us to appreciate complex supply chains, practice delayed gratification, and resist mindless consumerism. It’s an a...

In this essay, I reflect on a friendship lost to divergent paths. While wandering through London's Primrose Hill Park, I received a life-altering phone call from my school mate, Tom, whose newfound Christian beliefs abruptly ended our 20-year friendship. This episode delves into the complexities of change, conviction, and the bittersweet realisation that sometimes, the qualities we admire in other...

In this thought-provoking essay, I delve into the transformative power of questions. Reflecting on personal experiences of anger and misunderstanding, I share how a simple question from a business coach unearthed deep-seated battles from my childhood. This revelation not only offered a new perspective on interpersonal dynamics but also catalysed a significant life change, transitioning from a busi...

Here, I delve into the increasingly prevalent phenomenon of 'sodcasting'—the act of playing music loudly on mobile phones in public spaces, examining the layers of irritation, cultural shifts, and the historical parallels that this behaviour evokes. From visceral fantasies of confronting sodcasters to poignant reflections on how private music consumption has evolved from boomboxes to the solitary...