now
Some of the things that are inspiring my work right now in the studio: tools, books, YouTube channels, podcasts and more.
Cape Cod National Seashore - September 2022
My wife and I took our first mini-vacation without kids in four years. We headed back to one of our favorite towns, Provincetown, Massachusetts to relax, recharge, and reconnect on the beach. The quiet of the beach was a welcome respite from our busy lives, but it was hard not to miss our boys which made the quiet feel - well, lonely too. This is a transition point for our family as we watch our oldest son build a new life on his own in college and our youngest need less and less of his parents. Excited for them and us, but wanting to hold on to it just a little bit longer. Whatever lay ahead, I hope to remain, always a student.
READING
The Checklist Manifesto - How to Get Things Right by Atul Gawande. I love lists. This is just more supporting evidence of how useful they are. Filled with practical examples and riveting storytelling, this is a fascinating read.
Tao te Ching Lao Tzu. A reminder that the world is much larger than the self.
The Four Hour Work Week by Tim Ferriss. Rereading (listening) to this seminal book. I read this originally in 2012 just prior to opening 30X40. It’s fascinating to compare the things that hit differently ten years later and the things that don’t resonate. Still an inspiring, actionable read.
LISTENING
Help I’m Alive Metric. Listening on repeat.
They're gonna eat me alive
If I stumble
Music for Animals Nils Frahm. Vintage + analog synth ambient music. Shortest track is 7m28s and average is 15+ mins. Perfect for focused, deep work.
Seth Godin on TF. It’s not often that I hit that save button on my podcast app. I’ve listened to it three times this week alone. Pure gold.
Casey Neistat’s Unrelenting Pursuit of Interestingness - via the Rich Roll Podcast. A discussion on creativity, influence, algorithms and the creator economy.
LEARNING
ChatGPT. I’m saving so much time using this AI tool to respond to email, draft outlines, edit my work. Notion has an integrated beta tool I’ve been testing as well. Video coming soon on all the uses for Architects + Designers.
Two Sides of FI. I’m learning how to podcast. Follow along as I pursue financial independence (FI is part of the FI/RE, financial independence, retire early movement).
Audible has helped me increase the number of books I’m able to ingest by listening. Join Audible and get my audio book for free here.