#760: Robert Rodriguez and Susan Cain

This episode is a two-for-one, and that’s because the podcast recently hit its 10-year anniversary and passed one billion downloads. To celebrate, I’ve curated some of the best of the best—some of my favorites—from more than 700 episodes over the last decade. I could not be more excited. The episode features segments from episode #98 "The 'Wizard' of Hollywood, Robert Rodriguez" and #358 "Susan Cain — How to Overcome Fear and Embrace Creativity." Please enjoy! Sponsors: AG1 all-in-one nutritional supplement: https://drinkag1.com/tim (1-year supply of Vitamin D (and 5 free AG1 travel packs) with your first subscription purchase.) ExpressVPN high-speed, secure, and anonymous VPN service: https://www.expressvpn.com/tim (Get 3 extra months free with a 12-month plan) LMNT electrolyte supplement: https://drinklmnt.com/Tim (free LMNT sample pack with any drink mix purchase) Timestamps: [00:00] Start [06:08] Notes about this supercombo format. [07:12] Enter Robert Rodriguez. [07:39] Journaling as a crucial component of personal and professional life. [15:01] Keeping crew morale high during a project. [16:16] The magic that happens when creativity truly clicks. [20:47] How applied creativity dissolves the separation between work and play. [23:01] The legendary financing of El Mariachi. [25:56] From Bedhead to an unexpected big break. [30:57] Overcoming budgetary and technological constraints. [34:54] Maintaining momentum when lack of resources is no longer a creative driver. [39:33] Enter Susan Cain. [40:04] What initiated Susan’s lifelong fear of public speaking? [43:09] How Susan's TED Talk opportunity arose, and its initial reception. [44:06] Introvert strategies for group dinners. [46:45] Reflecting on my sixth-grade self. [47:58] How Susan overcame her fear of public speaking. [50:35] Even seasoned speakers get nervous before TED Talks. [52:15] Susan's progression to becoming a global public speaker. [54:08] Common traits of effective teachers and coaches. [55:45] Susan's pre-speaking engagement rituals. [57:16] Public speaking as a skill multiplier. [57:57] How Toastmasters and chihuahuas helped me overcome speaking fears. [1:00:50] Preparation for my own TED Talk. [1:02:21] Adam Grant's crucial pre-TED assistance. [1:04:00] The importance of rehearsing before live audiences. [1:04:49] My current level of nervousness before public speaking. [1:07:36] Time pressure in TED Talks. [1:08:51] Public speaking as a force multiplier and therapy. [1:11:32] Susan's techniques for relieving worry. [1:12:57] Susan's transition from law to writing. [1:16:07] Necessity vs. creativity in making a living. [1:18:10] Susan's timeline and process for writing her first book. [1:20:20] Susan's current writing process. [1:21:05] Susan's note-taking and organization. [1:24:16] Preferences for writing software. [1:26:19] Susan's enjoyment of the writing process. [1:27:05] Susan's preferred writing time. [1:28:07] Susan's writing schedule and break routine. [1:29:49] Night vs. morning writing and procrastination tactics. [1:31:51] Recommended books and resources on writing. [1:35:26] Serendipitous meetings that enabled first books. [1:40:16] Distinguishing introversion from shyness. [1:44:02] Books Susan frequently gifts. [1:45:09] My first meeting with Sam Harris. [1:47:37] Experiences with loving-kindness meditation. [1:49:24] Comparative effects of different meditation types. [1:55:35] Susan's billboard. [1:56:45] Advice for deep connection with others. [1:57:33] Susan's love for bittersweet music. [1:59:44] Parting thoughts. * For show notes and past guests on The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast. For deals from sponsors of The Tim Ferriss Show, please visit tim.blog/podcast-sponsors Sign up for Tim’s email newsletter (5-Bullet Friday) at tim.blog/friday. For transcripts of episodes, go to tim.blog/transcripts. Discover Tim’s books: tim