Explore every episode of the podcast Derek Sivers interviews

Writers talking about writing. A community of authors talking about the process and craft, story telling vs raw truth, the business and purpose of writing, and a humble mindset for creators.

Marie Kondo your goals, mistakes are the fountain of youth, Buridan's donkey, suspending judgement, concise writing, your first thought is an obstacle.

Definition of success, philosophy of growth and challenge, whatever scares you go do it, developing rare skills, input vs output, simplicity, journaling.

conflicting ideas, independence vs. commitment, navigating uncertainty, wisdom in daily life

mastery, writing process, impact of quotes, beliefs exploration, personal utopia in business

choices for freedom, role models and influence, deep vs shallow happiness, self-reflection and values

parenting, confidence in sharing work, reflection and idea generation

monomaniacal philosophy, pursuing fears, goals and actions, personal interests and values, self-improvement

self-awareness, enthusiasm, balancing business and personal values, service to customers, India insights

minimalism, satisficing, fame and success, mentorship, learning, decision making, beliefs

CD Baby sale to charity, parenting, personal values and success, living in New Zealand

exploration, decision making strategies, parenting, travel with kids, satisficing vs. maximizing

sustainability leadership, personal exploration vs leadership, environmental impact of technology, open source philosophy, deep vs shallow happy

After 17 years of emailing, we talk about music, CD Baby, living an unusual life, useful not true, and more.

unconventional life choices, technology and automation, music and nostalgia, community and individuality, advice on facing fears

creative entrepreneurs, specialization in business, minimalism in design and coding, effective communication, niche marketing, decentralization of websites

self-identity, personal growth, unconventional life paths, travel and its impact, parenting, career reinvention

Ruby programming, simplicity in programming, PostgreSQL functions, OpenBSD usage, personal CRM system

customer-focused business, generosity in business, avoiding external funding, content creation

lessons from the circus, business philosophy and values, importance of customer service

writing books, personal motivation, life philosophy, starting a movement

journaling, minimalism, financial philosophy, long-term thinking, productivity, disconnecting from technology, book recommendations

philosophy vs self-help, framing life experiences, starting with no money, saying yes vs no, journaling and reflection

entrepreneurship, parenting, creativity and writing, first follower

Polish publisher of Anything You Want, about success, opportunity, timing, journaling, neuroplasticity, minimalism, musicians and programmers, Poland.

living simply and freely, minimalism and simplification, personal values and non-negotiables, financial independence, lifestyle choices

living abroad, cultural immersion, travel experiences, food and cultural differences

circus experience, musicians tip jar, creative business strategies, importance of gratitude, /now page

creativity in writing, personal storytelling, pricing model for books, engaging user experience

shifting from consumer to creator mindset, self-investment, long-term thinking, reinvention, taking action, nuanced and agile approaches to life

entrepreneurship, writing process, pragmatism, travel and cultural immersion

storytelling techniques, entrepreneurship insights, introversion strengths, creative writing process, alternative medicine beliefs

authority, authorship, conflicting life philosophies, choosing useful beliefs, questioning assumptions and norms

creativity and problem-solving, book writing process, charitable giving and philanthropy, independent music industry

“How to Live”, pursuing extremes, cognitive behavioral therapy, achieving goals, parenting, individualism vs. collectivism, file backups, digital minimalism, useful not true beliefs

Journaling, writing, personal agency, life experiments

wisdom preservation, posthumous autobiography, craft of writing and simplification, book publishing and distribution, mastery and practice in writing

single focus, conflicting philosophies in “How to Live”, balancing stability and novelty, lessons from professional musicians

music industry changes, touring musician challenges, Prince’s influence, music consumption habits

attracting intelligent audiences, resisting social media temptation, life as a paradox

self-publishing, intrinsic motivation, travel, cultural immersion, marketing, self-actualization, book selling model, reflection, journaling

moving for good, New Zealand experiences, breaking the rules, solitary socialite, daydreaming

importance of focus, decision-making, life after success, finding purpose, influence of books

How to Live, career strategies, networking, decision-making principles, portfolio career development

my early musician days, creative process, getting unstuck, music industry changes, handling criticism, transition to writing and public speaking

Anki, Vim, Calibre, Vibram Furoshiki shoes, Kensington trackball, Berkey, StudioBricks, OED, Great Courses, uBlock Origin, general-purpose computers

Generous host on applied generosity as applied to different aspects of my career: business and writing.

independent publishing, AI in creative writing, decentralization in publishing, personal growth through writing

success strategies for entrepreneurs, importance of customer service, beliefs, “How to Live”

heavy metal guitarists, writing process, minimalist style, social media rage, book distribution