Shows
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP40 - "The Unfair Advantage: Finding the Edge That’s Already Yours" with Hasan Kubba"Your unfair advantage isn’t something you lack—it’s something you haven’t noticed yet."Hasan and I talk about how recognizing your unique edge can change everything—from the way you build a business to how you write a book. We unpack the journey behind The Unfair Advantage, why starting before you feel ready matters, and how a strong concept can cut through the noise.00:00 Introduction to Hasan Kubba and His Journey03:10 The Path to Entrepreneurship and Overcoming Fear06:17 The Birth of 'The Unfair Adv...2025-07-281h 00
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP39 - "Carving Your Own Path: The Art of Being Multi-Passionate" with Joel Uili“You can always change it. You’re not stuck—and your calling won’t leave you behind.”Joel and I talk about vocation, soul-aligned work, and why your career path might not be yours at all. We explore career archetypes, the multi-passionate mind, and the tension between calling and conformity. This one’s for anyone questioning the path they’re on.00:00 Exploring Vocation and Philosophy06:03 Navigating Traditional Paths vs. True Callings12:11 The Importance of Work-Life Integration18:08 Finding Your Path: Evidence and Confidence24:15 Unders...2025-07-1455 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP38 - "From Blocks to Breakthroughs: Why Participation Beats Perfection" with Herbert Lui“There’s no right way to do creative work—the only wrong way is to not do anything.”Herbert and I talk about creative blocks, confidence, and why shipping work beats chasing perfection. We dive into his book Creative Doing, his Prologue series, and what we can learn from Kanye West’s trajectory, the role of marketing, feedback, and collaboration in creative work.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Herbert Lui03:11 The Prologue Interview Series06:04 The Journey of Creative Work09:26 Overcoming Creative Blocks12:17 He...2025-06-3058 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP37 - "Cybernetics, Complexity & the Human Factor" with Laksh Raghavan“Most organizations aren’t failing because people are incompetent—they’re failing because the system makes it impossible to succeed.”In this conversation, Laksh Raghavan and I explore how cybernetics, systems thinking, and multidisciplinary insight help us make sense of organizational failure, innovation, and the messy reality of human behavior. From mimetic desire to randomness, we unpack what it really takes to build resilient, human-centric systems—in tech, business, and life.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Cybersecurity and Multidisciplinary Thinking03:15 Understanding Cybernetics: First and Second Order06:21 The...2025-06-161h 02
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP36 - "Writing, Trust & Winning Long-Term Games" with Luca Dellanna"It's about building trust and skills."In this episode, Luca Dellanna an me explored how writing can build trust, reputation, and meaningful opportunities over time. Luca unpacks the value of playing long-term games and the creation of positive experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Luca Dellanna03:14 The Journey of Writing and Publishing06:13 The Strategy Behind Writing Books09:23 Self-Publishing vs Traditional Publishing12:17 Long-Term vs Short-Term Strategies15:12 Building Trust and Skills18:26 The Importance of Substance in...2025-06-0255 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP35 - "More Than Looks: The Philosophy Behind Aesthetic Experience" with Michael Spicher“Aesthetics isn’t about making things pretty—it’s about how we experience the world, and that shapes everything.”Philosopher Michael Spicher joins me to explore the role of aesthetics in our everyday lives—from beauty and well-being to business, design, and digital fashion. We unpack how aesthetic experience shapes how we feel, work, and connect in both physical and virtual spaces.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Aesthetics and Its Importance06:22 The Role of Aesthetics in Human Experience12:22 Aesthetics in Healthcare and Workspaces2025-05-191h 03
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP34 - "Thinking in Layers: Philosophy, Creativity, and the Complexity of Life" with Gregory Sadler"Curiosity is really important in philosophy."Philosopher Greg Sadler joins Emil Drud for a deep yet down-to-earth conversation on curiosity, creativity, and the real-world relevance of philosophy. Together, they explore how ideas come to life—from books and music to leadership and everyday thinking.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background03:23 Philosophy's Practical Applications06:09 Curiosity and the Nature of Inquiry09:21 The Importance of Language in Philosophy12:19 Navigating Contemporary Philosophical Literature15:14 The Challenge of Writing an...2025-05-051h 05
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP33 - "Intent, Imitation & the Invisible: Unpacking Behavioral Science" with Matios Berhe"Intent does matter."Emil Drud and Matthios explore how the unseen forces of environment, imitation, and intent influence our behavior, revealing why adaptability and conscious learning are key to personal transformation in a complex world.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Behavioral Science and Personal Journey05:16 Transition from Marketing to Behavioral Analysis10:10 Understanding Behavioral Principles in Everyday Life15:15 The Role of Environment in Shaping Behavior20:21 The Impact of Trauma and Personal Responsibility25:23 Imitation, Mimetic Desire, and Social Behavior34:44...2025-04-211h 03
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP32 - "People, Patterns & Probabilities: Tech, Money & Meaning" with Georg Meyer"Business is always about people."Emil Drud and Georg Meyer explore how tech, consulting, and human behavior intersect. From AI myths and the psychology of money to user-centric design and fractal art—this episode blends logic, creativity, and real-world insight.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Georg Meyer02:41 The Role of AI in Business05:19 The Importance of Coding Basics08:04 Numeracy and Its Importance in Today's World10:49 Insights from the Real World Risk Institute13:14 Understanding BS in Business Models15:31 Th...2025-04-0752 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP31 - "Beyond Buzzwords: Innovation, Satire, and the Real Work of Staying Relevant" with Costas Papaikomonou"Innovation is a tool, not the outcome."Innovation veteran Costas Papaikonomou—aka The Grumpy Innovator—breaks down what innovation really is (and isn’t), why disruption is overrated, and how satire helps cut through corporate nonsense.He shares insights from decades of consulting, writing, and navigating the absurdities of modern business strategy.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Kostas Papaikonomou02:58 The Grumpy Innovator: Origins of the Name07:40 Understanding Innovation: A Tool, Not an Outcome10:27 Types of Innovation: Protect, Grow, and Disrupt18:13 The Mi...2025-03-2445 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP30 - "From Corporate to Creative: MBAs, Writing, Storytelling, and Firebrand" with Megan Preston Meyer"The book is never done, will never be done. At some point, you just have to set a deadline."Megan Preston-Meyer shares her journey from corporate life to becoming a full-time author, her writing process, and the inspiration behind Firebrand and her children's books FIFO safes the Day. She reflects on career shifts, creativity under constraints, and how storytelling shapes both fiction and real life. Plus, a glimpse into her upcoming sequel.Linkshttps://meganprestonmeyer.substack.com/subscribewww.supply-jane.comwww.alpinechalet...2025-03-1056 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP29 - "Honoring Your Time on Earth: Purpose, Intuition, and the Future of Work" with Alex Levy"There is no one more powerful than someone who stops playing the status game and creates their own."In this special episode, Through Conversations host Alex Levy takes the guest seat as Emil Drud interviews him about his book The Time Is Now. They discuss the evolving nature of work, embracing uncertainty, and aligning life with one's true self. Alex shares insights on intuition, purpose, and breaking free from the status game.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Alex and His Journey03:00 The Future of Work and Personal...2025-02-241h 02
Through ConversationsWhy Gen Z & Millennials Are Disrupting Work FOREVER!Grab your copy of The Time is Now and start your journey toward living a more intentional and fulfilling life -https://a.co/d/ij1R0FoIn this conversation, Emil Drud interviews Alex, the host of the Through Conversations podcast, discussing his journey, the themes of his book 'The Time Is Now', and the evolving nature of work and personal fulfillment. Episode Transcript - https://throughconversations.kit.com/2b7196ea9eChapters00:00 Introduction to Alex and His Journey03:00 The Fu...2025-02-241h 02
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP28 - "The Art of Action: Creativity, Legacy, and Authenticity“ with Michael Osburn"The soft skills are the hard skills."Michael Osburn shares his journey from construction to creativity, exploring how personal branding, timeless wisdom, and action shape his work. He discusses the balance between authenticity and online presence, the power of decisiveness, and the importance of legacy-building. From overcoming challenges to managing priorities, this conversation dives deep into creativity, adaptability, and the art of making meaningful connections.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Michael Osburn01:50 From Construction to Creative Expression03:25 Exploring Timeless Wisdom and Courage05:22 Finding...2025-02-2155 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP27 - "Reviving Endangered Languages: Innovation, Technology, and Cultural Identity" with Jack Connor"Technology alone won’t save languages—it’s the communities, their stories, and their pride that truly keep them alive."
Emil and Jack explore the critical issue of language preservation, focusing on endangered languages, cultural significance, and revitalization strategies. They discuss successful efforts with Basque and Catalan, the role of technology like Duolingo, and challenges faced by communities. Jack shares insights on his project, Lingua Aeterna, which leverages technology to support endangered languages, and the role of fellowships like OSV in fostering innovative initiatives. They also delve into the potential of machine learning in transl...2025-01-171h 04
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP26 - "Designing the Invisible: Interfaces, Risk, and the Art of Human-Centric Software" with Sebastian Lees"Beautiful software is the art of misdirection—hiding complexity behind clarity while making systems feel intuitive and human."
In this episode, I sit down with Sebastian Lees to explore the intersection of interface design and risk in software. We dive into usability, affordance, and the challenges of balancing complexity with simplicity—all while unpacking how to create resilient, human-centric systems. It's a deep dive into the art and philosophy of software design.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
05:55 The Evolution of Human-Computer Interaction
13:51 The Role of A...2024-12-061h 03
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP25 - "Relatable Creativity: Visual Storytelling, Solopreneurship, and Building Trust" with Janis Ozolins"Visuals can be a thing on its own."
In this episode, Janis shares his journey as a solopreneur, building an online presence through visual storytelling. He dives into creating relatable content, overcoming perfectionism, and the balance between creativity and business. Discover how authenticity, curiosity, and audience trust are key to thriving in the creator economy. Perfect for aspiring creators and solopreneurs looking for inspiration and actionable insights!
00:00
Introduction to Janis and His Journey
02:58
The Power of Visual Communication
05:45
Understanding Virality and Audience...2024-11-151h 00
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP24 - "Nordic Innovation, Health Tech, and Youth Entrepreneurship: How Bilbao Slush'D is Uniting Spain's Startup Ecosystem with Global Vision" with David Cabezon"It takes a village to build a leader."David Cabezon shares his journey from studying in Finland to becoming a biotech CEO and co-founding Bilbao Slush'D (https://www.bilbaoslushd.com/), emphasizing his passion for health tech and fostering youth entrepreneurship in Spain. He and Emil Drud discuss the upcoming Slush‘D event, highlighting Nordic-Iberian collaboration, innovative marketing, and the importance of niche talent in the startup ecosystem.Chapters00:00 Introduction to David Cabezon Egurrola03:06 The Journey into Health Tech and Entrepreneurship05:59 Navigating Incubators and Ac...2024-11-0158 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudRECAP#1 - Mindset Shifts, Iteration, and Authentic SuccessIn this episode of Creative Odyssey, Emil Drud recaps key insights from previous guests, focusing on themes of creativity, mindset, iteration, and self-confidence. He discusses overcoming creative blockages, the importance of sharing work, authentic selling, befriending inner fears, and the role of AI in creativity. Emil also provides practical tips for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the value of starting, focusing on interests, and enjoying the creative process.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Creative Insights
01:02 Overcoming Creative Dysregulation
04:13 The Importance of Shipping and Iteration
07:39 The Power of Sharing in Creativity2024-10-1822 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP23 - "Unlocking the Polymath Mindset: Creativity, Hip Hop, and Personal Development" with Naoufal Fillali"Follow your true genuine curiosity."
In this engaging conversation, Emil Drud interviews Naoufal Fillali, a tech salesperson and aspiring polymath, who shares his diverse interests ranging from art and music to sales and philosophy. They discuss the importance of embracing one's unique interests, the cultural differences in health and fitness, and the influence of hip hop on creativity. Naoufal emphasizes the significance of following genuine curiosity in reading and learning, while also navigating the balance between career and creative pursuits. The conversation concludes with insights on individuality in creativity and the impact of personal...2024-10-0454 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP22 - " Future of Creativity: Digital, Analog, AI, Books, Design Innovation" with Aaron Aalto"There's nothing that can replace pen and paper."
Aaron Aalto (https://www.aaraalto.com/), a New York City-based designer and artist, shares his passion for blending art, technology, and design. His project, Codex Society, curates books from his library, emphasizing their historical and physical significance. He highlights the balance between analog and digital tools in creativity and discusses the impact of AI on art, stressing the need to preserve important books for future generations.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Background
02:23 The Book Hook and the Importance of...2024-09-2058 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP21 - "Reading Habit, The Current State of Writing, Self-Improvement and Social Media" with Timo Jüptner (@timosnotes)"Read what you like, what drives your curiosity and then go for about 10 pages more or less."
Here's a shorter summary:
Timo (@timosnotes), a "bookstagrammer", discusses building a personal brand around non-fiction books on Instagram. He talks about content creation strategies, balancing reading quantity and quality, and the challenges of maintaining a social media presence. The conversation covers personal branding, influencer challenges, time management, self-publishing, and AI writing tools. It ends with book recommendations on writing.
00:00 Introduction and Timo's Journey
02:00 Building a...2024-09-061h 04
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP20 - "The Power of Challenges: Building Momentum in Creativity and Self-Belief" with Kelly Wilde-Miller"Creative dysregulation is another way of saying insecure attachment with creativity."
Kelly Wilde-Miller, a creativity coach and author, discusses the concept of creative dysregulation and its impact on the creative process. She shares her experience of writing and publishing a book in just five days as a way to overcome her own creative dysregulation. Kelly explains that creative dysregulation is the inner imbalances that arise when we say yes to our creativity, leading to blocks, stress, and self-doubt. She emphasizes the importance of secure attachment with creativity and authentic self-expression. Kelly also highlights the value of tangible creations and the...2024-06-2854 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP19 - "Sharing Work Online, Navigating Technological Development and AI" with JAKEJake shares his personal background, including his upbringing, sports, and entrepreneurial ventures. He discusses his interest in technology and its impact on humanity. The conversation also touches on the use of AI, the importance of sharing work online, and the potential for technology to free humans to pursue higher meaning.
00:00 Introduction and Background
08:09 The Impact of COVID on Entrepreneurship
13:31 The Role of Technology in Human Progress
26:05 Navigating the Risks of AI and Technology
38:30 The Power of Sharing Work Online
2024-06-1452 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP18 - "Somatic Coaching, Authentic Coaching vs. Fake-Gurus, Empowerment & Collaboration Pt.1" with Mike SimonIn this conversation, Emil Drud interviews Mike Simon, a somatic coach, about the practice of somatic coaching and its impact on personal development. Somatic coaching focuses on the mind-body connection and helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and sensations on a somatic level. It is a holistic approach that goes beyond traditional coaching by incorporating the body and emotions. Mike shares his journey from being a professional dancer to becoming a somatic coach and how his background in dance informs his current work. He also discusses the importance of empowerment in coaching and the dangers of...2024-05-3141 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP17 - "Transformative Coaching, Guidance, Authentic Selling, The Intersection of Art and Business, Consciousness in Being and Expression, Polymath Pathways" with Nik HunoIn this conversation, the multi-passionate creative Nik Huno discusses his role as a guide and the difference between guidance and coaching. He emphasizes the importance of intuition and presence in his work. Nik also shares his journey of moving away from manipulative sales tactics and embracing authentic selling. He highlights the significance of trust in building relationships with clients. Additionally, he talks about the connection between entrepreneurship and creativity, and how embracing his creativity has influenced his entrepreneurial journey. The conversation explores the topics of creativity, consciousness, and the intersection of art and business. The speakers discuss the importance...2024-05-1759 min
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP16 - "Befriending Inner Monsters, Cultivating Trust, How to Communicate Clearly, Belonging vs. Fitting In and Cohort-Based Learning" with Rick KitagawaWelcome to a compelling episode of "Creative Odyssey" with our thoughtful guests, bringing insights from the depths of self-awareness and the heights of collective experience. In today's exploration, we unravel the complexities of inner trust, clear communication, the essence of belonging, and the transformative power of learning together.
**Befriending Your Inner Monster: The Path to Self-Trust**
Embarking on a journey within, we discuss the pivotal role of self-trust. Unveiling the 'inner monsters' that reside in all of us, we delve into how confronting and embracing these aspects can lead to a profound foundation of trust in oneself.
**Transitioning to Clear...2024-05-031h 02
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudEP15 - "Exploring Paths from Academia to Marketplace: Writing, Self-Awareness, Philosophy, Iteration, and the Dynamics of Entrepreneurial Thinking" with Mahmoud Rasmi (@decafquest)Welcome to an exciting episode of Creative Odyssey with our special guest, Mahmoud Rasmi, also known as @decafquest. Today, we'll move from academic life to the exciting world of business, diving into creativity, the importance of making and improving, and how philosophy influences business ideas.
Transitioning from Academia to the Marketplace
Unpacking Mahmoud's journey from a structured academic environment to the dynamic marketplace.
Key insights on adapting to new roles and environments.
Finding Passion in Writing and Publishing
The discovery of writing as a passion and the journey to publishing.
Mahmoud's approach to storytelling and sharing knowledge.
The Importance of...2024-04-191h 03
Creative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey EP14 - "Value of Time and Time Management"In this brief episode I emphasize the value of time and how we can use our time effectively. 2024-04-0505 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP13 "Writing: A Creative Landscape"In today's special episode, I'm happy to share some thoughts from my latest essay, 'A Creative Landscape.' Here, I dive into the idea that creativity is all about seeing things in two ways at the same time, like looking at both sides of a coin. It's fascinating how those who make art, invent new things, or come up with fresh ideas are the ones who really push us all forward, making our world a more interesting place.
But that's not all – I'm also giving you a little preview of what I'm working on next. I've got another writing project in...2024-03-2906 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP12 "Idea to Output"In this episode, we delve into a topic that's often overshadowed by the usual discourse on creative blocks: the journey from ideation to realization. It's not just about having ideas; it's about the crucial step many of us miss - bringing those ideas into the public eye. I discuss the common pitfalls that prevent projects from seeing the light of day, offering practical advice and strategies to overcome these barriers. Join me as we explore the path to not only generating great ideas but also the fulfilling process of sharing them with the world, making this discussion a must-listen...2024-03-2006 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP11 "How to Avoid Surface-Level Content"In this episode, "How to Avoid Surface-Level Content," we'll share seven simple tips to make your content and products more interesting and meaningful. By doing this, you'll attract a more dedicated community and audience.2024-03-1509 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP10 "Leverage for Creativity"In this episode, we delve into the essentials of fostering creativity in today's world, touching on the role of AI, philosophy, and the power of small choices. Learn practical ways to amplify your creative capabilities and bring innovative ideas to life.2024-03-0813 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP09 "Effective Writing"Discover the power of writing as a tool for knowledge in this episode. I'll share top resources and tips that have improved my writing. Tune in to learn how to better connect the dots through writing.2024-03-0111 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP08 "Joy and Success from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant"How can one achieve both success and happiness? In this episode, I delve into my key insights on the intertwining of joy and success as explored in Eric Jorgenson's "The Almanack of Naval Ravikant". Naval Ravikant, a renowned entrepreneur and philosopher, offers profound wisdom on leveraging wealth, wisdom, and happiness to create a fulfilling life. I'll share how Ravikant's principles can be applied in daily life, emphasizing the importance of a growth mindset, the power of compound interest in personal development, and the art of making better decisions. Join me as we unpack the strategies that can lead not...2024-02-2011 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP07 "Creative Mental Models"Why do some people seem to effortlessly solve complex problems while others struggle? Episode 07, "Creative Mental Models," dives into the fascinating world of mental models, highlighting their utility in fostering clearer thinking and spawning creative solutions. Drawing insights from "Poor Charlie's Almanack" and the "Great Mental Models" series by Farnam Street, this episode is a treasure trove for anyone looking to enhance their decision-making and problem-solving skills.2024-02-1611 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP06 "The DNA of Ideas"In this engaging episode, we journey into the fascinating world of ideas—their connections, origins, and the intricate pathways they travel through the landscapes of our minds. Ideas are the seeds of innovation, but where do they come from, and how do they connect to form the breakthroughs that shape our world? We'll explore the hidden networks that ideas travel, the unexpected places they originate from, and how the synthesis of diverse thoughts can lead to novel solutions. This exploration isn't just academic; it's a practical guide to understanding how you can cultivate a mindset that's receptive to new id...2024-02-1311 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP05 "5 Ways to Boost Your Creativity"In this concise yet insightful episode, we delve into the art and science of enhancing your creativity. Unleashing your creative potential isn't just about waiting for inspiration to strike; it's about cultivating an environment and mindset that fosters innovation and originality. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, or anyone looking to infuse more creativity into their daily life, this episode offers five practical strategies that can help you break through creative blocks, stimulate your imagination, and elevate your projects to new heights. From embracing constraints to the power of collaboration, we explore how these techniques not only boost your creativity...2024-02-0905 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP04 "Information Overload and Creativity"How can we be creative when our minds are overloaded with information? How can we access creativity and focus? Why is boredom important?
In this episode, I talk and share a bit of perspective on these questions about information overload and creativity.
2024-02-0208 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP03 "Capturing Ideas"In this episode I talk a about the way I usually capture Ideas in a way that can be applied by almost everyone. 2024-01-3008 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP02 "Perfectionism and Improvement"In this episode I talk about perfectionism and improvement, the struggles that come with it, when you try your best and thoughts on how to overcome perfectionism, while still trying to perform your best. 2024-01-2509 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - EP01 "A Bit About Emil"In this episode, I'll talk a little bit about myself.
I'm Emil and I bring you "Creative Odyssey," a podcast about making it in the world of business and design. If you're someone who's starting a business, loves to create new things, or just wants to get better every day, this is for you.We talk about what it takes to build a successful business, how to make products that people love, and ways to think outside the box. Plus, we discuss how to keep improving yourself, because being great at what you do...2024-01-0909 minCreative Odyssey with Emil DrudCreative Odyssey - The Introduction (Trailer)I'm Emil and I bring you "Creative Odyssey," a podcast about making it in the world of business and design. If you're someone who's starting a business, loves to create new things, or just wants to get better every day, this is for you.We talk about what it takes to build a successful business, how to make products that people love, and ways to think outside the box. Plus, we discuss how to keep improving yourself, because being great at what you do also means being a great person.Join me on "Creative Odyssey" to pick...2024-01-0801 min