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How many megapixels is your camera? What about your phone? What about the camera you used ten years ago? If you’re anything like me, you...

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Today we release our first self-hosted Auphonic Speech Recognition Engine using the open-source Whisper model by OpenAI!
With Whisper, you can now integrate automatic speech recognition in 99 languages into your Auphonic audio post-production workflow, without creating an external account and without extra costs!

Whisper Speech Recognition in Auphonic

So far, Auphonic users had to choose one of our integrated external service providers (Wit.ai, Google Cloud Speech, Amazon Transcribe, Speechmatics) for speech recognition, so audio files were transferred to an external server, using external computing powers, that users had to pay for in their external accounts.

The new Auphonic Speech Recognition is using Whisper, which was published by OpenAI as an open-source project. Open-source means, the publicly shared GitHub repository contains a complete Whisper package including source code, examples, and research results.
However, automatic speech recognition is a very time and hardware-consuming process, that can be incredibly slow using a standard home computer without special GPUs. So we decided to integrate this service and offer you automatic speech recognition (ASR) by Whisper processed on our own hardware, just like any other Auphonic processing task, giving you quite some benefits:

• No external account is needed anymore to run ASR in Auphonic.
• Your data doesn't leave our Auphonic servers for ASR processing.
• No extra costs for external ASR services.
• Additional Auphonic pre- and post-processing for more accurate ASR, especially for Multitrack Productions.
• The quality of Whisper ASR is absolutely comparable to the “best” services in our comparison table.

How to use Whisper?

To use the Auphonic Whisper integration, you just have to create a production or preset as you are used to and select “Auphonic Whisper ASR” as “Service” in the section Speech Recognition.
This option will automatically appear for Beta and paying users. If you are a free user but want to try Whisper: please just ask for access!

When your Auphonic speech recognition is done, you can download your transcript in different formats and may edit or share your transcript with the Auphonic Transcript Editor.
For more details about all our integrated speech recognition services, please visit our Speech Recognition Help and watch this channel for Whisper updates – soon to come.

Why Beta?

We decided to launch Whisper for Beta and paying users only, as Whisper was just published end of September and there was not enough time to test every single use case sufficiently.
Another issue is the required computing power: for suitable scaling of the GPU infrastructure, we need a beta phase to test the service while we are monitoring the hardware usage, to make sure there are no server overloads.

Conclusion

Automatic speech recognition services are evolving very quickly, and we've seen major improvements over the past few years.
With Whisper, we can now perform speech recognition without extra costs on our own GPU hardware, no external services are required anymore.

Auphonic Whisper ASR is available for Beta and paying users now, free users can ask for Beta access.
You are very welcome to send us feedback (directly in the production interface or via email), whether you notice something that works particularly well or discover any problems.
Your feedback is a great help to improve the system!

We're thrilled to introduce our Automatic Shownotes and Chapters feature. This AI-powered tool effortlessly generates concise summaries, intuitive chapter timestamps and relevant keywords for your podcasts, audio and video files.
See our Examples and the How To section below for details.

Why do I need Shownotes and Chapters?

In addition to links and other information, shownotes contain short summaries of the main topics of your episode, and inserted chapter marks allow you to timestamp sections with different topics of a podcast or video. This makes your content more accessible and user-friendly, enabeling listeners to quickly navigate to specific sections of the episode or find a previous episode to brush up on a particular topic.

Shownotes are also very likely to boost your show's Search Engine Optimization and eventually its popularity, leading to an increase in listeners.

However, especially structuring the content and finding useful positions for chapter marks is a very time-consuming process, that can be fully automated with our new feature.

Besides the obvious use of creating shownotes and chapters for podcasts, you can also use our new feature to easily generate an abstract of your lecture recording, take the summary of your show as the starting point for a social media post, or choose your favourite chapter title as the podcast name.

What happens behind the Scenes?

When the Automatic Shownotes and Chapters feature is selected, the first step is speech transcription by either our internal Auphonic Whisper ASR or any integrated External ASR Service of your choice.

Some open source tools and ChatGPT will then summarize the ASR resulting text in different levels of detail, analyze the content to identify sections with the different topics discussed, and finally complete each section with timestamps for easy navigation.
Beginning with the generation of a Long Summary, the number of characters is further reduced for a Brief Summary and from the brief summary a Subtitle and some Keywords for the main topics are extracted.

Depending on the duration of the input audio or video file, the level of detail of the thematic sections is also slightly adjusted, resulting in a reasonable number of chapters for very short 5-minute audio files as well as for long 180-minute audio files.

How to automatically generate Shownotes and Chapters in Auphonic

If you are a paying or beta user, you can automatically generate shownotes and chapters by checking the Automatic Shownotes and Chapters Checkbox in the Auphonic singletrack or multitrack Production Form with any of our ASR Services enabled.
Once your production is done, the generated data will show up in your transcript result files and in the well-known Auphonic Transcript Editor above the speech recognition transcript section.
By clicking on a chapter title in the Chapters section of the transcript editor, you can jump directly to that chapter in your transcript to review and edit that section.

Unless you have manually entered content before, the generated data will also be automatically stored in your audio files' metadata as follows:

• Generated Long Summary stored in metadata field Summary.
• Generated Subtitle stored in metadata field Subtitle.
• Generated Keywords stored in metadata field Tags.
• Generated Timestamps for thematic sections stored as Start Time of Chapters Marks.
• Generated Headlines for thematic sections stored as Chapter Title of Chapters Marks.

Please note that not all of our supported Output File Formats are designed to use metadata.
For details see our previous blog posts: ID3 Tags Metadata (used in MP3 output files), Vorbis Comment Metadata (used in FLAC, Opus and Ogg Vorbis output files) and MPEG-4 iTunes-style Metadata (used in AAC, M4A/M4B/MP4 and ALAC output files).

Example

As a real-life example, we automatically generated shownotes and chapters for the Lex Fridman Podcast #367: "Sam Altman: OpenAI CEO on GPT-4, ChatGPT, and the Future of AI".

Check out our transcript and generated shownotes:
LexFridmanPodcast367-transcript.html

Conclusion

The automatic generation of shownotes and chapters is a huge time-saver for podcasters and video creators, as it speeds up the tedious process of manually structuring and summarizing your content.

For now it is available for all paying or beta users. If you would like to become a beta user, or have any questions or feedback, please do not hesitate to contact us!

We all know the problem: the content is perfectly prepared, and everything is in place, but the moment you hit the record button, your brain freezes, and what pops out of your mouth is a rain of “ums”, “uhs”, and “mhs” that no listener would enjoy.
Cleaning up a record like that by manually cutting out every single filler word is a painstaking task.

So we heard your requests to automate the filler word removing task, started implementing it, and are now very happy to release our new Automatic Filler Cutter feature. See our Audio Examples and Usage Instructions below.

What is removed?

While the definition of filler words is not the same, depending on who you ask, some words can be used as filler as well as content. For example, “like”, “well”, “you know”, etc. cannot be removed without the risk of removing also content and destroying sentences, even if those words are used as filler words in some cases.

Therefore, we decided to focus on the removal of the obvious fillers, namely any kind of “ums”, “uhs”, “mhs”, German “ähm”, “äh”, “öh”, French “euh”, “euhm” and similar.

Audio Examples

1. English Male Speaker

The first audio example is an excerpt from the interview “From Racing Failure to Red Bull Champion: The Untold Christian Horner Story”. Our algorithm found and removed a remarkable ten filler words in this 45-second snippet:

Screenshot of the Auphonic Audio Inspector: each pale red shaded area corresponds to a cut-out filler word.

2. Austrian-German Female Speaker

The following example is an interview with the Austrian Ex-Foreign Minister, Karin Kneissl, who uses seven filler words within 26 seconds:

Usage Instructions

To use the Auphonic Automatic Filler Cutter feature, you just have to create a production or preset as you are used to and select “Cut Fillers” for “Automatic Cutting” in the section “Audio Algorithms”:

When your production is done, all cut-out filler words will appear as pale red shaded areas in the Auphonic Audio Inspector on the production status page, as you can see in the upper screenshot of the Audio Inspector.

If you want to remove silent segments from your audio as well, please also enable our Automatic Silence Cutting feature.

NOTE: Our Automatic Cutting features (for filler and silence) are not available for video files!

Behind the Scenes

For the training of our Automatic Filler Cutter AI-Algorithm, we created datasets that contain manually labeled audio files, collected from 'real world' audio data. So far, we have labeled, trained, and tested the system with English, German, Spanish, and French data.

However, in the Auphonic Web Service, you can activate and test the Automatic Filler Word Cutter for all languages. We would be very happy to hear how the filler removal works out for completely different-sounding languages from, e.g., the Asian, African, or Slavic language families.

Please send us feedback on any problems or error patterns you discover! This will help us generate specific data for the training to improve the algorithm and eliminate your problems.

Conclusion

Automatic filler word cutting is a powerful tool for podcasters looking to enhance the quality of their content. It boosts clarity and professionalism, all while making your editing process more efficient. Some users, however, see a touch of authenticity in filler words within podcasts. So, we leave it up to you to enable or disable the Automatic Filler Cutter feature for your next Auphonic production, depending on your desired style.

We are currently working on filler word cutting optimizations for more languages, so watch our channels to get all the news on our upgrades!

If you have any feedback for us – how the filler cutter is working in your language, what you do or don't like, what you miss, what else you would want to remove from your audio besides silence and filler words, etc. – you are welcome to contact us via email or directly comment on our production interface!

Responding to your feedback, we are now proud to present new separate parameters for noise, reverb, and breath reduction to give you more flexible control for your individual, best output results.
Find all the new parameters below and listen to the Audio Examples to get a closer impression of the upgrade.

What's the update about?

Before

Previously, you could only set the Denoising Method and one reduction amount, that was used for all elements.
Depending on the selected method, you were already able to decide whether music, static, or changing noises should be removed, but there was no setting to keep the typewriter sound effects while removing the reverb, for example.

Now

With our latest upgrade, you can now set the reduction amounts separately for noise, reverb, and breathing sounds.
For example, you could completely remove the background noise while reducing the reverb just a little to enhance speech intelligibility but keep the atmosphere. Like we did in Audio Example 1.
Many of you have also asked about the possibility of slightly reducing breath sounds rather than eliminating them completely. In Audio Example 2 we demonstrate how you can prevent your audio from sounding strange and unnatural by reducing instead of eliminating all breathing sounds.

To all of you who are happy with the results and don't want anything to change, relax:
If you don't change the default settings, the noise reduction algorithms work exactly the same as before.

Note: As the 'Static Denoiser' removes only stationary noise, there are no 'Remove Reverb' and 'Remove Breathings' parameters available for this denoising method.

New Parameters

Screenshot of the new Noise Reduction Parameters in the production form.

In order to use the new noise reduction features, you may separately set the following parameters:

• Denoising Method: (unchanged) Select what kind of noise you want to remove.
  [Dynamic Denoiser (default), Speech Isolation, Static Denoiser]
  Note that the parameters 'Remove Reverb' and 'Remove Breathings' are NOT available for Static Denoiser!
• Remove Noise: Select the amount of noise you want to remove.
  [100 dB (default), Disable Denoise, 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]
• Remove Reverb: Select the amount of reverb you want to remove.
  [100 dB (default), Disable Deverb, 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]
• Remove Breathings: Select the amount of breathings you want to remove.
  [Off (default), 3 dB, 6 dB, ..., 100 dB (full)]

Feel free to experiment with all the options to find your preferred parameter settings! Editing and reprocessing existing productions does not cost any additional credits as long as you don't change the input file.

Listen to the results:

1. Reverb reduction with full noise elimination

For the first audio example by conduitministries.com we set the 'Remove Noise' amount to 100 dB (full) and varied the 'Remove Reverb' amount starting from 0 dB (Off) to 12 dB (medium) and to 100 dB (full). Listen to how first the noise is gone and then step by step the reverb is lower:

2. Breathing sound reduction

In the breathing reduction audio example by LibriVox.org we used the 'Remove Breathing' amounts increasing from the original audio with 0 dB (Off) to 12 dB (medium) and to 100 dB (full) reduction.
In the result files you can hear, that the 100 dB (full) elimination leads to weird, unnatural-sounding pauses, that can be prevented by just reducing the breathing sounds:

Try it now on auphonic.com!

Feedback

We hope you like our upgraded version of the Noise Reduction Algorithms with new parameters for more control.
If you have more feature requests or feedback for us, please let us know! You can also leave a comment in the feedback section on the status page of your specific production. We're looking forward to hearing from you!

As a portrait photographer, you know that the heart of your business beats in the rhythm of capturing souls through lenses. But here’s something not many will tell you: there’s an art to portrait photography pricing too.

Just think about it. How do you put a price on immortalizing someone’s personality in a snapshot? You’re not just pressing buttons; you’re creating magic!

You might be wondering, “How can I create my own masterpiece when it comes to setting prices?” Or perhaps thinking, “I don’t want to undersell myself or scare away potential clients.”

Understanding Portrait Photography Pricing

If you’re a professional photographer or someone considering getting into the photography business, it’s essential to grasp portrait photography pricing. Figuring out portrait photography pricing may appear complicated at first, yet with some knowledge of the business’ fundamental principles and procedures it will all start to become clear.

The number one thing to avoid when pricing your photography is spending more than you make. You need to price your images based on time spent behind the lens and editing them post-shoot as well as the market value of your work.

Just imagine, you’ve launched a brand-new online store filled with products that you know are just perfect for your target audience. You’re excited and ready to make those sales, but there’s one piece of the puzzle missing – high-quality product images. And then it hits you: “How much is this going to cost me?”

No doubt, we all appreciate visually stunning product photos when shopping online. Have you ever considered what goes into producing those eye-catching product images? Or how their quality can dramatically impact your sales?

The truth is, professional-looking visuals can significantly influence purchasing decisions – upping conversion rates while fostering trust with customers. Yet finding an experienced product photographer within budget who also understands your vision isn’t always straightforward.

Let us help you.

Understanding Product Photography Pricing

Navigating the realm of product photography pricing can be like trekking through a jungle without a map. You’ll find rates that range from surprisingly affordable to astonishingly high-end, making it tough for businesses to get their bearings.

The cost of product photography is dependent on a variety of elements,

There’s something magical about family beach photos. They capture the sun-kissed smiles, playful moments in white sands, and heartwarming family bonds against a backdrop of azure waters. But how do you shoot these stunning images?

I remember my first attempt – it was far from perfect. Harsh shadows obscured faces, squinting eyes ruined expressions, and don’t get me started on those tan lines! I knew I had to strive for improvement.

Over time, through trial and error (and some embarrassing outfit choices), I learned the art of beach photography. Mastering golden hour light for that dreamy glow in every shot…coordinating outfits for a cohesive look…choosing ideal locations with just enough privacy…

Let’s dive into what it takes to make your family beach photos memorable and appealing.

Basics of Family Beach Photography

Taking family beach photos is a delightful task that blends the beauty of nature with precious familial bonds. But it requires some essential knowledge to get right, from choosing the perfect location to dealing with different lighting conditions and capturing natural moments.

Choosing the Right Beach for Your Family Photo Session

Picking an ideal location can make or break your photo session.

Picture a scene where the main act is not just what fills the frame, but also what doesn’t. That’s negative space photography, a technique that turns emptiness into expression and silence into storytelling.

In this deep dive, we’re peeling back layers to reveal how much weight nothingness can hold in your shots.

You’ll grasp why every photographer needs to give their subjects some breathing room and learn how empty areas are not missed opportunities but rather essential for creating balance and drawing attention right where you want it.

We’ll explore ways to use plain backgrounds or blurred surroundings as powerful tools that add feelings of calm, tension, or intrigue—all by letting less say more.

The Essence of Negative Space in Photography

Negative space photography, often seen as the quiet hero of composition, plays a crucial role in how an image is perceived. It’s not just about what you capture—it’s also about what you leave out. This technique can make your main subject pop by simply giving it more breathing room.

Defining Negative Space and Its Role in Visual Composition

Negative space refers to the area surrounding the main subject—or positive space—of a photograph.

Wave riders and shutterbugs alike, gather around. Mastering surf photography is a bit like surfing itself—it’s all about balance, timing, and having the right gear. I remember when I first waded into the ocean with my camera; each breaking wave was an invitation to capture something epic.

We’ll dive into picking cameras that won’t buckle under the saltwater spray and lenses that bring distant surfers up close. Think high-speed chases—you need a fast shutter speed for those action-packed moments where every droplet counts.

You’re set to discover composition tips that make viewers feel they’re riding along and advanced techniques for shots so sharp they cut through your viewer’s attention span. By the end of our journey together, you’ll be snapping surf photos worthy of magazine covers or at least some serious bragging rights.

Choosing the Right Camera and Lens for Surf Photography

If you’re looking to capture the raw power of a barreling wave or the finesse of a surfer shot, having top-notch gear is key. So, let’s talk about surf photography equipment.

Cropped Sensor vs. Full Frame Cameras

For starters,

Picture this. You’re hosting the event of a lifetime, and you want every magical moment captured perfectly. It’s no surprise that finding the right photographer is high on your list. But how do you navigate through event photography pricing?

You might assume that requesting a quote is as straightforward as dialing the number…but be prepared to be surprised! The cost can be influenced by factors like experience level or type of event – there’s more to consider than meets the eye. You can also use this guide as a new photographer to figure out how much you should charge for different types of events.

In this guide, we’ll delve into everything from understanding why photographers charge what they do, to examining costs associated with different types of events such as weddings or corporate gatherings. We’ll also take an exciting journey exploring common pricing structures used by photographers and breaking down additional services and costs that may sneak up on you when hiring an event photographer.

Understanding Event Photography Pricing

If you’ve ever wondered how event photography pricing works, this section will shed some light on it.

Hey there, fellow shutterbugs! It’s your favorite AI-obsessed photographer here, ready to spill the beans on how to use Artificial Intelligence to make money in photography. I know, I know – I used to be the loudest anti-AI voice in the room. But then I realized: if you can’t beat ’em, join ’em (and make some cash while you’re at it)!

So, I dove headfirst into the world of AI-generated/modified images, and let me tell you, it’s been a game-changer. No more hours spent editing and retouching – now, I can create stunning, sellable images with just a few clicks. And the best part? The money’s rolling in like never before.

Ready to join the AI revolution and start raking in the dough? Let’s get started!

How to Make Money with AI-Generated Photography

AI art is taking the world by storm. And if you’ve got a knack for creating stunning visuals with AI tools, you might be wondering how to turn your passion into profit. Well, I’ve got good news for you. There are plenty of ways to monetize your AI-generated photography skills.

There’s a dance of light and shadow you can’t quite grasp until you’ve seen a lighthouse cut through the fog. Mastering lighthouse photography means capturing that silent symphony between nature and human ingenuity, each photo telling its own epic tale.

I remember setting up my tripod on rocky shores, waiting for that perfect moment when the sun dips low enough to paint everything in gold. You’ll get why timing is crucial, how early morning or late afternoon gives your shots character with just the right color wash over stunning structures.

This journey will equip you with gear know-how—like picking out wide-angle lenses for grand scenes or telephoto ones for details—and dive into camera settings so those beams look as majestic in photos as they do slicing through ocean mist.

Capturing the Romance of Lighthouses Through Photography

Lighthouse photography captures more than just a structure; it seizes the tales of human ingenuity and nature’s raw beauty. These coastal sentinels have long stood against time, their beams slicing through fog and darkness, guiding sailors home.

The Allure of Coastal Sentinels

There’s something inherently romantic about lighthouses.

Imagine a photograph where time and space seem to bend and warp, creating surreal, elongated images that defy reality.  This is the world of slit scan photography, a fascinating technique that has captivated artists, filmmakers, and scientists for decades.

Slit scan photography is a unique method that captures motion over time, resulting in images that appear stretched or distorted. This technique first gained prominence in the nineteen sixties, most notably in Stanley Kubrick’s iconic film two thousand and one A Space Odyssey.  The mesmerizing Stargate sequence in that film was created using slit scan photography, introducing audiences to its mind-bending visual effects.

Slit scan photography is a captivating and unconventional technique that produces striking, abstract images that defy traditional photography. This method involves capturing a scene or subject through a narrow slit, which moves across the image sensor or film, creating a unique, distorted representation of reality.

​

History

Slit scan photography has a rich and fascinating history that spans over a century, with roots in early scientific and astronomical photography. From its humble beginnings to its modern applications,

Bokeh. Have you heard this term used in conversations while looking at a photo, listened while someone proclaimed that the bokeh in a photo was good or bad, but you’ve been too embarrassed to ask just what it is? Its something every photographer should understand because it affects your image. And whether you know it or not, you’ve probably evaluated the bokeh in your own photos.

Well hide your shame no longer. After reading this article, you will be able to hold your head high and raise your nose as you talk about the bokeh in your next photo.

Table Of Contents:

• What is Bokeh?
• Camera Lens Factors
• Camera Type Factors
• Interplay Between Lens and Camera
• Examples of Bokeh
• Common Mistakes When Trying to Achieve Good Bokeh
• Causes of Bad Bokeh in a Lens
• Fixing Bad Bokeh
• Using Bad Bokeh Creatively
• I’m on a budget. Can I still achieve good bokeh with cheaper lenses?

In a world that often emphasizes grand gestures and monumental achievements, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact of small actions. Yet, it’s these minuscule steps that are the true catalysts for change and progress in our lives. “Tiny Experiments.” I keep these words on a Post-It note on my monitor, a daily reminder that the key to unlocking my potential and propelling myself towards my desired future lies in the willingness to take small, manageable actions. Now, you might be skeptical. What can you really accomplish in just a few minutes? The answer is—a lot more than you think. Examples of Tiny Experiments Here are some of the tiny experiments I’ve integrated into my routine: A Ten-Minute Run: It’s short, yes, but it boosts my energy and clears my mind, making me more productive. One Strategic Email: Something as simple as sending an email can advance my projects, like moving forward with an upcoming TV series. Fifty Pushups: This quick burst of physical activity increases my physical stamina and mental toughness. Ten-Minute Meditation: Helps me center my thoughts and combat the stresses of daily life. A Five-Minute Call: Reconnecting with a friend or family member, like my mom, nurtures...

The post Tiny Experiments: How Little Moments Influence Your Life first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Tiny Experiments: How Little Moments Influence Your Life appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from interviewing hundreds of high-performers and change-makers on the Chase Jarvis LIVE show, it’s that the most successful entrepreneurs and creators share a unique trait: they view challenges not as barriers but as incredible opportunities for growth and innovation. Unlike many of us who might view problems as burdensome obstacles, they tend to see them as opportunities to learn, to grow, to improve, and to adapt in ways that leave them better positioned than they were before. This perspective isn’t just about maintaining a positive attitude—it’s about harnessing the power of each setback to propel oneself forward.  Why Problems Are Your Launchpad for Innovation Problems are inevitable, no matter what we do in life, but as creators and entrepreneurs we can get more than our fair share. It’s par for the course when it comes to breaking new ground and pushing boundaries. But here’s the kicker: when you start to view these problems as crucial growth opportunities, they suddenly become less daunting – more like puzzles waiting to be solved rather than monsters lurking in the dark. This mindset not only reduces the stress associated with challenges but also opens up your creative process...

The post How to Find Opportunity in Everything first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post How to Find Opportunity in Everything appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

It’s incredibly easy to settle into the comfort of the familiar—the same routines, the usual habits, and the paths well-trodden. But somewhere in the back of your mind, isn’t there a small voice urging you to shake things up, to take a risk, to venture into uncharted territory?  Maybe you’ve experienced this feeling while watching someone fully immerse themselves in their craft on stage—whether through music, dance, or a bold stand-up routine. Isn’t it absolutely thrilling? I’ve always been captivated by those moments. There’s something magnetic about witnessing someone throw caution to the wind and dive headfirst into their passion. It’s like watching a rockstar being born right in front of your eyes. This bravery, this unfiltered expression of self, isn’t just reserved for the few. It’s something we all possess. But it demands that we stop playing it so damn safe. Step Outside Your Comfort Zone The truth is, comfort zones are often padded with fear—fear of failure, fear of judgment, fear of the unknown. Yet, every major breakthrough in creativity and personal growth sprouts from stepping beyond these boundaries. Jon Batiste, a maestro of emotion and authenticity, once expressed the dual reality of embracing potential failure with unwavering...

The post Playing It Safe? How to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Playing It Safe? How to Step Outside Your Comfort Zone appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Entrepreneurs are a different breed of people. Where others squirm at the thought of making self-managed business endeavors a sole source of income, we see an opportunity for uncapped riches and prosperity. It takes a certain mind to be willing to ignore what society says about breaking the mold and pursue big ideas against difficult odds. Yet folks like John Mackey prove that a defiant spirit can indeed lead to abundant success. I’m excited to have the 44-year CEO of Whole Foods back on the podcast once again. In this episode, our discussion focuses on the spiritual journey of entrepreneurs – that doesn’t get talked about nearly as much as it should – and explores his first-hand experience traveling it as the founder of one of America’s most iconic grocery chains. Incorporating Personal Values Into Work John’s personal values were deeply influential in shaping the development of Whole Foods Market from its early days. He believed strongly in the importance of staying true to one’s principles and letting them guide decision-making and actions as an entrepreneur. It’s a smart strategy – you aren’t going to get very far with a business idea unless you genuinely believe in it and are...

The post The Spiritual Journey of Entrepreneurs (that Nobody Talks About) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The Spiritual Journey of Entrepreneurs (that Nobody Talks About) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In the midst of a creative marathon, the sprint towards the finish line can feel all-consuming. For me, that’s been the reality as I hammer out the final chapters of my next book. Picture it: weeks of rewrites, a direction that felt “off” until it was nearly scrapped and started anew. It’s a doozy of a process, one that demands the lion’s share of my attention and energy as I push to wrap things up for my publisher. Yet, amid this whirlwind of deadlines and word counts, I’ve stumbled upon a not-so-secret secret to maintaining not just my sanity, but also my creative spark: Play. Yes, play. Those moments of uninhibited, carefree joy that seem diametrically opposed to the seriousness of looming deadlines. But here’s the thing—integrating brief, playful breaks into your work routine can be incredibly rejuvenating and is often the overlooked ingredient in making great stuff. Harnessing the Power of Play During this intense writing phase, I’ve found solace in a few key activities, which, while they might seem like diversions, are actually vital to my process. For starters, music has been a cornerstone of my creative life, notably during the early days of the Chase Jarvis LIVE...

The post Surprising Secret to Boosting Productivity first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Surprising Secret to Boosting Productivity appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Stephanie Harrison’s story starts with a mindset similar to many in their early 20s. Gainfully employed, ambitious, and with all of New York City at her feet, she was exactly where she wanted to be. On paper. Something felt missing, even though her longtime dream of living independently in the Big Apple had been achieved. She recalls being miserable without a clear idea of why. Eventually, ignoring the problem took its toll. Her body began to rebel with physical symptoms – rashes, sores, and panic attacks that left her feeling lost and desperate for answers. So she found them by reading up on the science of happiness. Years of research and reflecatino later, Stephanie has found the hack. Thousands areound the world now seek to learn it through her philosophy-led company, The New Happy, which has been recognized by the likes of CNBC, Fast Company, Forbes, and Harvard Business Review. In this episode of the podcast, we have a candid conversation about what true fulfillment looks like and how to achieve it in a world that prioritizes productivity and external markers of success over inner peace. Question What People Say About Happiness The first, most direct way anyone can fix...

The post Stephanie Harrison: How Hacking Happiness (Actually) Works first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Stephanie Harrison: How Hacking Happiness (Actually) Works appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Do you ever feel like you’re stuck in a loop, endlessly waiting for that burst of motivation to strike? You’re not alone. The fear of wasted potential and the desire for meaningful progress haunt creators and entrepreneurs alike. But here’s the hard truth: motivation is unreliable. It’s fleeting. It can vanish as quickly as it appears. If you’re tired of waiting for that perfect moment to take action, it’s time to shift your focus. What if I told you that momentum, not motivation, is the true driver of success? A Whisper of Intuition You know my story. From a young age, I betrayed my true passions, suppressing my creativity in favor of playing it safe. It wasn’t until my grandfather’s sudden passing left me with his cameras that I listened to that inner voice. It was a nudge, barely louder than the noise around me, but I took the leap. Following my gut instead of my conditioned safety net changed my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined. Just like that Chinese proverb: the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is now. This isn’t just true for me; it’s true for all...

The post 5 Proven Ways to Get Things Done (No Motivation Required) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post 5 Proven Ways to Get Things Done (No Motivation Required) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, New York Times bestselling author, A.J. Jacobs shares his fascinating approach to interpreting America’s foundational document in his latest book, “The Year of Living Constitutionally: One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Constitution’s Original Meaning”. An acclaimed journalist known for his unorthodox social experiments, A.J.’s work blends memoir, science, humor and a dash of self-help. In our conversation, A.J. takes us on a hilarious yet insightful journey into his attempt to understand the Constitution by living as closely as possible to its original meaning. We delve into his personal experiences, the larger debate about how the Constitution should be interpreted, and the Constitution’s relevance in today’s world. Some highlights we explore: Learn more about A.J. Jacobs’ unique experiments Tips on how to generate creative ideas and how to choose the right ones Learn more about what living 18th-century life is like in modern times How to apply the constitution, two-party system, and founding fathers into this experimental life What A.J. learned from leading this experimental life and his thoughts post-experiment And more… Enjoy! FOLLOW A.J. JACOBS: Facebook | twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe  

The post AJ Jacobs: Can You Live Fully by the Constitution in 2024? first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post AJ Jacobs: Can You Live Fully by the Constitution in 2024? appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Ever find yourself chasing after more, only to feel emptier than before? It’s a paradox many of us live: the more we strive for, the less satisfied we become. When does what you do and what you have become enough? It’s a question we rarely ask ourselves. Our society pushes the myth that having more—more money, more stuff, more accolades—is the ultimate path to happiness and success. But here’s the thing: it’s a myth, and like all myths, it’s worth challenging. The Illusion of More We’re bombarded daily with messages that glorify the hustle and celebrate accumulation. Social media feeds us a never-ending stream of highlight reels, making it seem like everyone else has it all. This constant chase for more often leads to a sense of emptiness rather than fulfillment. The Problem with Always Wanting More Our desire for more is deeply ingrained in our culture. We’re never satisfied and always want more—more money, more clothes, more toys, more square feet, more followers. This insatiable pursuit creates a cycle of never-ending wants and desires. No matter how much we accumulate or achieve, there is always something more to strive for, making true contentment elusive. Our natural state is one...

The post Why Chasing More Is Leaving Us Empty first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Why Chasing More Is Leaving Us Empty appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, Ryan Holiday explores the timeless wisdom of Stoicism and its relevance to contemporary challenges. A frequent guest and renowned author, Ryan discusses his latest book, “Right Thing. Right Now.: The Necessity of Doing What’s Right – Even When It Isn’t Easy,” the third installment in his Stoic Virtue series. Emphasizing justice as the cornerstone of courage, wisdom, and self-discipline, Ryan draws on historical examples from Marcus Aurelius to Gandhi to illustrate the transformative power of ethical living. Some highlights we explore: How to make a meaningful impact by focusing your efforts on specific problems. The development of the Stoic Virtue series and its modern relevance. Practical advice for navigating ethical decisions in complex situations. How to make stoic principles more relatable. How one balances speed and quality in the creative process. And much more! Enjoy! FOLLOW RYAN HOLIDAY: instagram | twitter | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe  

The post Ryan Holiday: Stoic Values to Change Your Life first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Ryan Holiday: Stoic Values to Change Your Life appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Imagine you’re gazing out at the vast expanse of possibility before you. On one side lies the safety of the familiar, and on the other, the allure of growth and the uncertainty that comes with chasing your dreams. What would you choose—honestly? It’s a decision we’re faced with every day, in both big and small ways. Do we play it safe, sticking to the well-trodden path, or do we venture into uncharted territory, risking failure in pursuit of something greater? This choice will define who you are and who you eventually become. Because here’s the truth: growth demands courage. It asks you to stretch beyond your limits, to face your fears head-on, and to embrace discomfort over and over again. But while growth can be bumpy sometimes, choosing growth over safety comes with its own kind of power that you can’t find anywhere else. This is when we feel the most alive. The Illusion of the Comfort Zone Let’s talk about the comfort zone. It’s that cozy little bubble where everything feels safe and predictable. You know the drill, you have your routines, and there’s little risk involved. But here’s the kicker—the comfort zone is an illusion. It gives you...

The post Is Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back? first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Is Your Comfort Zone Holding You Back? appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

In this episode, Cal Newport shares his revolutionary approach to productivity from his new book, Slow Productivity: The Lost Art of Accomplishment Without Burnout. Cal, a computer science professor at Georgetown and author of Deep Workand Digital Minimalism, explores how principles from historical figures like Newton, Galileo, and Jane Austen can help us thrive in today’s fast-paced world. We discuss his ‘lost art’ approach, debunk the myth of multitasking, and examine how technology impacts our focus and mental well-being. Some highlights we explore: How Newton’s work habits can be integrated into modern productivity practices. Why focusing on single tasks is more effective than multitasking. Advice on reducing social media’s impact to regain focus. Techniques from Cal’s new book to accomplish more without burning out. And more! Enjoy! FOLLOW CAL NEWPORT: twitter | youtube | website Listen to the Podcast Subscribe  

The post Cal Newport on The Dark Side of Modern Productivity first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Cal Newport on The Dark Side of Modern Productivity appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

What if the secret to unlocking your best creative self was as simple as putting yourself first? There’s this catchy phrase in finance called “Pay Yourself First,” which means setting aside savings before paying any bills. But I believe this concept extends far beyond finances. When we’re constantly pulled in a million directions, learning to quote “pay yourself first” is a simple reminder: Don’t forget about you. Why We Feel Burned Out As creators, our lives are filled with endless projects, tight deadlines, and the constant pressure to innovate. It’s exhilarating but can also be exhausting. How many times have you put off the things you truly want to do—or need to do—for yourself until the end of the day when you’re already tired and wasted? We push ourselves to the brink, squeezing our passions and self-care into the leftover minutes of our days, and then wonder why we feel burned out, unfulfilled, or exhausted. Signs You’re Putting Yourself Last Let’s talk about the signs that you’re caught in this trap of self-neglect. Feeling constantly tired, even after a full night’s sleep, is a big one. Struggling to fall asleep or waking up frequently throughout the night might also ring...

The post Signs You’re Putting Yourself Last (+ How to Fix It) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Signs You’re Putting Yourself Last (+ How to Fix It) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Payam Zamani’s journey from refugee to tech mogul is a masterclass in resilience and innovation for creators and entrepreneurs. At 16, Payam fled religious persecution in Iran, arriving in the U.S. with just $75 in his pocket. Within 11 years, he had founded AutoWeb, a company he would later take public for over a billion dollars. His story is not just about success against the odds, but about transforming challenges into catalysts for growth and innovation.For creators and entrepreneurs in their 30s and 40s, Payam’s experiences offer valuable insights on how to leverage adversity. Here are seven ways you can turn challenges into your greatest business assets: 1. Embrace Difficult Journeys as Opportunities for Growth Payam’s harrowing escape from Iran taught him to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. In business, this mindset can help you navigate market volatility and emerge stronger from crises. Action Step: When faced with a setback, ask yourself, “What can I learn from this? How can this experience make me and my business stronger?” 2. Cultivate Hope as a Driving Force Despite facing extreme adversity, Payam maintained hope for a better future. This hope became a powerful motivator, driving him to pursue opportunities and...

The post 7 Ways to Turn Adversity into Your Greatest Business Asset first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post 7 Ways to Turn Adversity into Your Greatest Business Asset appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Let’s talk about something we’ve all faced – that dreaded creative slump. You know the feeling – ideas just aren’t flowing, everything feels stale, and you’re wondering if you’ve lost your mojo. I’ve been there, and I want to share how I broke through and reclaimed my creative fire. Even better, I’ll give you 8 actionable boosters you can start using today. 1. Master Your Craft (But Don’t Stop There) First things first – there’s no substitute for honing your skills. Whether you’re a photographer, writer, musician, or any other type of creator, dedicating time to improve your technical abilities is crucial. But here’s the kicker – don’t let that be your only focus. Try: Set aside 30 minutes each day to work on a specific aspect of your craft. Maybe it’s lighting techniques, chord progressions, or narrative structure. Track your progress over a month and see how it impacts your overall work. 2. Cross-Train Your Creativity This is a game-changer, folks. Just like athletes cross-train to become more well-rounded, we creators need to flex different creative muscles. If you’re a photographer, try your hand at writing. Musicians, pick up a paintbrush. Try: The 30-Day Creative Cross-Training Challenge Week 1:...

The post How I Reclaimed My Creative Spark (Try these 8 boosters) first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post How I Reclaimed My Creative Spark (Try these 8 boosters) appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

We often think of creativity and meditation as separate practices – one active and expressive, the other quiet and introspective. But what if these two seemingly different pursuits are actually deeply interconnected, each enhancing and amplifying the other? This fascinating relationship between creativity and meditation was at the heart of my recent conversation with Henry Shukman, an award-winning poet, author, and Zen master. Henry’s unique background bridges the worlds of artistic expression and contemplative practice, giving him profound insights into how meditation can unlock our creative potential. The Creative Benefits of a Quiet Mind One of the core benefits of meditation is learning to quiet the constant chatter of our minds. As Henry explained, this mental stillness creates space for new ideas and inspirations to emerge: “When we meditate regularly, we’re training our minds to be less caught up in the constant stream of thoughts and worries. And in that spaciousness, creativity has room to flourish. Novel connections and insights can bubble up from our subconscious.” This aligns with what many great artists and innovators have reported – that their best ideas often come during moments of mental quiet and relaxation. By cultivating a meditation practice, we’re essentially preparing fertile...

The post The Deep Connection Between Creativity and Meditation first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post The Deep Connection Between Creativity and Meditation appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Does this scenario sound familiar? You’ve poured countless hours into creating something amazing—perhaps a product, website, artwork, or work presentation. With anticipation, you release it to the world, sharing it with your intended audience. Then… silence. No response, no engagement. It’s as if no one cares. Frustrated, you might find yourself enviously eyeing other creators, wondering how they manage to gain traction while your equally impressive work struggles for attention. You review your process, searching for mistakes, but find none. After all, you followed advice from experts, books, and industry gurus. You meticulously planned, designed, and executed your strategy. Moreover, you promoted extensively, creating accounts on every social platform and using all the right hashtags—yet still, crickets. So what’s the missing piece? Why are others succeeding where you’re not?While it’s tempting to blame factors like bigger budgets or larger teams, these aren’t the real culprits. Although such resources can be helpful, the true key to gaining traction is simpler: building an audience.Fortunately, I’m here to help. Let’s explore five crucial steps to effectively build and grow your audience: 1. Balance Creation and Promotion As creators, we often focus solely on producing content. However, to make a real impact, it’s essential...

The post Build Your Audience with These 5 Key Strategies first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Build Your Audience with These 5 Key Strategies appeared first on Chase Jarvis.

Arthur C. Brooks, a Harvard professor and happiness expert, reveals that the real reason you're not happy has nothing to do with external achievements. Instead, it lies within you. Learn the science and philosophy behind true happiness and uncover the steps you can take to find lasting contentment. By following these insights and practices, you can start your journey toward a happier, more fulfilling life. Remember, happiness is not a destination but a direction. Start walking that path today.

The post Arthur Brooks: The (Real) Reason You’re Not Happy first appeared on Chase Jarvis.

The post Arthur Brooks: The (Real) Reason You’re Not Happy appeared first on Chase Jarvis.