469 - How to Know What Work You Need to Focus On Now

Creative Pep Talk

1:14:43

Artificial intelligence is evolving at an unprecedented pace—what does that mean for the future of technology, venture capital, business, and even our understanding of ourselves? Award-winning journalist and writer Anil Ananthaswamy joins us for our latest episode to discuss his latest book Why Machines Learn: The Elegant Math Behind Modern AI . Anil helps us explore the journey and many breakthroughs that have propelled machine learning from simple perceptrons to the sophisticated algorithms shaping today’s AI revolution, powering GPT and other models. The discussion aims to demystify some of the underlying math that powers modern machine learning to help everyone grasp this technology impacting our lives, even if your last math class was in high school. Anil walks us through the power of scaling laws, the shift from training to inference optimization, and the debate among AI’s pioneers about the road to AGI—should we be concerned, or are we still missing key pieces of the puzzle? The conversation also delves into AI’s philosophical implications—could understanding how machines learn help us better understand ourselves? And what challenges remain before AI systems can truly operate with agency? If you enjoy this episode, please subscribe and leave us a review on your favorite podcast platform. Sign up for our newsletter at techsurgepodcast.com for exclusive insights and updates on upcoming TechSurge Live Summits. Links: Read Why Machines Learn, Anil’s latest book on the math behind AI https://www.amazon.com/Why-Machines-Learn-Elegant-Behind/dp/0593185749 Learn more about Anil Ananthaswamy’s work and writing https://anilananthaswamy.com/ Watch Anil Ananthaswamy’s TED Talk on AI and intelligence https://www.ted.com/speakers/anil_ananthaswamy Discover the MIT Knight Science Journalism Fellowship that shaped Anil’s AI research https://ksj.mit.edu/ Understand the Perceptron, the foundation of neural networks https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Perceptron Read about the Perceptron Convergence Theorem and its significance https://www.nature.com/articles/323533a0…

год назад 48:03

MP3•Главная эпизода

It’s difficult to know where to focus your creative energy. If you don’t know whether you should be learning a new skill, diving deep into a new project or marketing something you’ve already done, this episode is for you!

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SHOW NOTES:

Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller sophiemiller.co

Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones pendingbeautiful.co

Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? whywithaquestionmark.com

Dan Harmon, Story Circle https://boords.com/blog/storytelling-101-the-dan-harmon-story-circle

The Heroine's Journey by Gail Carrier https://gailcarriger.com/books/hj/

Also mentioned the Maureen Murdock book by the same name

SPONSORS:

Immaterial: 5,000 Years of Art, One Material at a Time a podcast by The Met - Each episode examines a material of art, like clay... stone... trash... and what they can reveal about history and humanity. You’ll get a sense of the meaningfulness of these materials, and see them in a whole new way.

Check out Immaterial here: https://bio.to/ImmaterialPodcast!PScreativepeptalk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

724 эпизодов

469 - How to Know What Work You Need to Focus On Now

Creative Pep Talk

76,210 subscribers

published год назад

MP3•Главная эпизода

--------

SHOW NOTES:

Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller sophiemiller.co

Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones pendingbeautiful.co

Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? whywithaquestionmark.com

Dan Harmon, Story Circle https://boords.com/blog/storytelling-101-the-dan-harmon-story-circle

The Heroine's Journey by Gail Carrier https://gailcarriger.com/books/hj/

Also mentioned the Maureen Murdock book by the same name

SPONSORS:

Check out Immaterial here: https://bio.to/ImmaterialPodcast!PScreativepeptalk

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

724 эпизодов

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495 - 3 Steps To Get Un-Lost As A Creative 46:24

3 часа назад46:24

46:24

Are you in survival mode? Do you feel like something is failing, broken, wrong? In this episode I talk through 3 things that help me when I'm feeling lost on the Creative Journey. Join our next Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com Mentioned/Referenced: Andy Mineo LOST EP Song 'Clarity' Oak Island tv show SPONSORS: SQUARESPACE Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
494 - The Paradoxical Key for Creative Habits, Career Path Models & More 1:05:54

7 дней назад1:05:54

1:05:54

Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk Special edition of Ask Dr. Pizza! Mega creative, long time listener Jen Kwok asks Andy questions around navigating transitions, parenting as a creative, getting stuff done and the key to keep longer projects interesting. SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com Jen Kwok https://www.jenkwok.com SPONSORS: SQUARESPACE Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
493 - Grief, Creativity, and Re-finding Your Magic with Rebecca Green 1:08:19

14 дней назад1:08:19

1:08:19

Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk Has an unexpected life event ever derailed your creative journey? When I reached out to illustrator Rebecca Green to join me on the podcast for the second time, she graciously volunteered to speak about a tragedy she had experienced in recent years, that brought her life to a complete stand still. Join us for a deeply vulnerable and inspiring conversation about this artist’s journey from grief to renewed creativity. Content Warning: this episode contains a conversation around the death of an infant. SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com Rebecca Green https://www.myblankpaper.com Rebecca’s blog: https://www.myblankpaper.com/blog Sufjan Stevens - Carrie & Lowell https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carrie_%26_Lowell Katherine May - Wintering https://katherine-may.co.uk/wintering Art Brand Alliance https://artbrandalliance.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
492 - 7 Steps I'd Take If I Was Starting My Creative Practice From Scratch in 2025 31:47

21 день назад31:47

31:47

Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk Things change fast these days. If I started my creative practice in 2025 I would do things very differently than when I started out over 15 years ago. Tune into this episode to hear the 7 sequential steps I would take if I was starting out today. SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com SPONSORS: SQUARESPACE Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
491 - Determining Your Current Creative Stage and Shifting Focus with Illustrator Chris Piascik 53:10

28 дней назад53:10

53:10

What should you focus your creative energy towards right now? It helps to tune into the creative stage you’re currently in. Today on the show we chat with Illustrator Chris Piascik about how he went from a daily drawing practice to shifting gears and focusing on building his YouTube to nearly 100k subscribers. If you’re feeling out of sync with your creative season or need inspo for reigniting your personal work, this episode is for you! Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com Chris Piascik https://www.chrispiascik.com https://www.youtube.com/@chris-piascik SPONSORS: SQUARESPACE Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
490 - An Unlock of Motivation in the Face of Chaos on Repeat 28:35

год назад28:35

28:35

If you’re struggling to find motivation in the face of bad habits and bad news, this episode is for you. Repeat episodes of burn out, procrastination or lack of progress can wear you down, so if you’re looking for a fresh perspective, check this episode out! THIS EPISODE IS INSPIRED BY MY LOVE OF THE SHOW SEVERANCE, BUT CONTAINS NO SPOILERS! Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com Severance https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Severance_(TV_series) Tim Ferriss 770 with Elizabeth Gilbert https://tim.blog/2024/09/26/elizabeth-gilbert-2/ SPONSORS: SQUARESPACE Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
489 - How to Make Your Work More Personal with Comedian Alice Fraser 1:12:45

год назад1:12:45

1:12:45

Andy sits down to have a joint podcast episode with master storyteller and comedian Alice Fraser for both of their podcasts. In this episode we explore: - Making work that’s more personal and meaningful - The things to consider when sharing elements of your personal life in your work - Being a parent when you have a creative practice - Navigating the different stages of life / the creative journey Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com Alice Fraser https://www.alicecomedyfraser.com SPONSORS: SQUARESPACE Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
488 - Frozen During Slow Times? How to Activate Self Starter Energy 37:50

год назад37:50

37:50

Freeze up during slow times? Waiting for a BIG IDEA to get started? Overwhelmed by the blank page? In this episode, we explore how to tap into your effortless creativity and get yourself to start TODAY. Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller SOPHIE MILLER Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones Pending Beautiful Collective Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? WHY? Institutional Validation https://www.tiktok.com/@faganchelsea/video/7275799035351452960 TEMI COKER Temi Coker on Substack Taika Waititi How Being Yourself Can Make You Hilarious | Taika Waititi on Filmmaking SPONSORS: SQUARESPACE Head to Website Builder — Create a Website in Minutes — Squarespace to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Miro Miro is a collaborative virtual workspace that syncs in real time for you and your team so that you can innovate an idea into an outcome seamlessly - Miro | The Innovation Workspace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
487 - Apathetic About Goals? Uncover A Different Source of "Infinite" Motivation 39:05

год назад39:05

39:05

If you’re struggling to create goals that feel motivating, this episode is for you! Goals have their place, but sometimes we need to tap into a more renewable motivation. In this episode I share a shift that freaking changed the game for me! For real! Hope you get the same boost from this that I did! Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk Albert Camus - Sisyphus https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Myth_of_Sisyphus Austin Kleon - Keep Going https://austinkleon.com/keepgoing/ Stephen Pressfield - The Artist’s Journey https://stevenpressfield.com/books/the-artists-journey/ Uri Shulevitz - Writing With Pictures https://www.amazon.com/Writing-Pictures-Write-Illustrate-Childrens/dp/0823059359 James P. Carse - Finite and Infinite Games https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Finite_and_Infinite_Games Simon Sinek - The Infinite Game https://simonsinek.com/books/the-infinite-game/ Sufjan Stevens https://thecreativeindependent.com/people/sufjan-stevens-on-songwriting-collaboration-and-the-myth-of-the-tortured-artist/ Brian McDonald https://writeinvisibleink.com Ira Glass https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ira_Glass Colin Rigsby https://www.instagram.com/vesperteen/?hl=en Clairo - Charm https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charm_(Clairo_album) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
486 - How to Transform Your Frustrations into Fertilizer in 2025 38:47

год назад38:47

38:47

Join our January Virtual Pep Rally by supporting on Substack or Patreon! andyjpizza.substack.com https://www.patreon.com/c/creativepeptalk --- If you’re struggling to find an exciting vision for your creative future this new year, this episode is for you. This is episode one of “The Grounding Series”. While others may be shooting for the sky this January, we start with the opposite: getting grounded. Let’s tap into what really matters and why we choose to create in the first place. If chasing sales, career or validation has got in the way, this episode will help you root yourself back in the joy of creating again. This is episode 1 of The Ground Series. SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com The Indie Rock Coloring Book https://www.amazon.com/Indie-Rock-Coloring-Book/dp/B008ISI14S Modest Mouse https://www.instagram.com/modestmouse/?hl=en “The Hidden Life of Trees” Illustrated Edition https://shop.readbirdiebooks.com/item/AS48k97jmWOOU7NcZAJOUQ Megalopolis https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Megalopolis_(film) Julian Glander’s “Boys Go to Jupiter” https://glander.co/filter/tunes/BOYS-GO-TO-JUPITER WHY? - The Well that I Fell Into https://whywithaquestionmark.bandcamp.com/album/the-well-i-fell-into SPONSORS: Uncommon Goods Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code PEPTALK for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.com Miro Miro is a collaborative virtual workspace that syncs in real time for you and your team so that you can innovate an idea into an outcome seamlessly - http://miro.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
485 - A 3 Question Year-End Reflection to Awaken Your Creative Spirit 53:40

год назад53:40

53:40

Prompts for reflection, intention and hope with Andy J. Pizza and Sophie Miller. Step back from the holiday hustle, consider your 2024 year of creativity and look forward into the year to come. In this fun Christmas Carol themed episode (not too Christmassy so don’t let that put you off!) we are visited by 3 Ghosts: Past, Present and Future. Each Creative Ghost asks a question and we each answer their prompts. There are themes of gratitude, growth, presence, inspiration for 2025. This episode has a downloadable worksheet Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
484 - Creativity vs Discipline: Finding Balance Between these Oppositional Forces with Andy J. Pizza 1:36:16

год назад1:36:16

1:36:16

10 Years of the Creative Pep Talk Podcast. Can you believe it? In this episode the tables get turned! Bestselling Author Katherine May interviews Andy J. Pizza about this ten year journey of a creative project. In this vulnerable behind the scenes chat we cover: How to unlock the creative discipline to keep showing up in your creative practice even when you may want to quit sometimes. Why you might want to include personal / vulnerable information in your work and how to think about what you want to share vs what you want to remain private Behind the scenes and creative journey details that Andy hasn’t shared before! We talk: Podcasting, ADHD and Storytelling. SHOW NOTES: Interview by Katherine May https://katherine-may.co.uk/ Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com SPONSORS: Miro Miro is a collaborative virtual workspace that syncs in real time for you and your team so that you can innovate an idea into an outcome seamlessly - http://miro.com Squarespace Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
483 - Artist Case Study: The Niche Shortcut with Olivia Rafferty 1:15:17

год назад1:15:17

1:15:17

How do you find a creative niche? It's become a Creative Pep Talk classic cliche! In this Artist Case Study episode we talk through the creative journey of Scottish Singer-Songwriter, Olivia Rafferty. Olivia is such a great example of an artist who has found a novel way to cut through the noise by stepping out of her industry and dipping into another. From the creative sparks, to all the confusing conflicting advice, to finding something that works for you and rolling with it. http://www.oliviarafferty.com/ https://www.instagram.com/olivia_rafferty/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Syuo0IkP7frpCdRuWJEpp https://oliviarafferty.bandcamp.com/ https://soundcloud.com/oliviarafferty SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller SOPHIE MILLER Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones Pending Beautiful Collective Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? WHY? SPONSORS: Squarespace Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK Miro Miro is a collaborative virtual workspace that syncs in real time for you and your team so that you can innovate an idea into an outcome seamlessly - Miro | The Innovation Workspace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
482 - The Key Ingredient for Maximizing Discoverability 38:05

год назад38:05

38:05

Episode 4/4 of The Journey of The True Fan Series How do you find an audience for your work? Does it feel like you're sat quietly with your fishing rod, just waiting patiently for something to bite? Have you really considered what you're hoping to catch and how best to get its attention? In this episode we explore the DISCOVERY of the 3 part plan: Discovery, Trust and Sell. We get into the essential purpose of your website too! This episode is in partnership with Squarespace! Head to https://www.squarespace.com/PEPTALK to save 10% off your first purchase of a website or domain using code PEPTALK SHOW NOTES: Co-Writing / Editing: Sophie Miller http://sophiemiller.co Audio Editing / Sound Design: Conner Jones http://pendingbeautiful.co Soundtrack / Theme Song: Yoni Wolf / WHY? http://whywithaquestionmark.com Mentioned: Seth Godin 'Be Remarkable' Immanuel Kant SPONSORS: Uncommon Goods Check out Uncommon Goods and use my code PEPTALK for a great deal: www.uncommongoods.com Miro Miro is a collaborative virtual workspace that syncs in real time for you and your team so that you can innovate an idea into an outcome seamlessly - Miro | The Innovation Workspace Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
481 - Get Lost and Found in Your Work, With Sarah Walsh 1:45:44

год назад1:45:44