# ERAN THOMSON is "The Joy Pusher"™ / Official Site

> Eran Thomson is creative leader, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, course creator, and reliable raconteur who makes the world a better place by pushing joy.

### Eran Thomson on the Left of Center Podcast: Caribbean Correspondent

We cover a wide range of topics from beating cancer to a "Yes, and" challenge - and even play a speed round of Song Saga!
Eran Thomson on the Left of Center Podcast
The Left of Center Show is hosted by Thomas  "Mayor Tom" McDermott, Jr., a long-time Midwest Democratic mayor and U.S. Senate candidate, along with his attorney and political strategist, Kevin Smith.

Based in Indiana, they discuss politics, policy, sports, and various topics with a candid and insightful approach. Listeners can typically expect engaging conversations that blend local and national issues, reflecting their deep ties to the Midwest.

Or in this case, stories from San Franciso, Sydney, Australia, Mt Everest, and Barbados.

Listen now here, or wherever you find podcasts.

You might enjoy some of my other guest appearances if you liked this.

https://youtu.be/as9fnnwr5is

 

Excerpt: Mayor Tom and Kevin chat with Eran Thomson about beating cancer, going to Mt. Everest, the "Yes, and" challenge, and play a speed round of Song Saga.

### World’s First Surf Wax Library Launches in Barbados!

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="The World’s First Surf Wax Library Launches in Barbados!" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_column_text css=""]If you surf, you know how much it sucks to need wax and not have any.

If you don't surf, wax is what surfers put on their boards for traction - without it, we'd slip right off. But the bigger problem is that surf wax comes in small, soap-sized bars that seem to magically disappear when you need them most.

So we came up with a solution. I'm pretty stoked about this idea and excited to see it spread around the world.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/Rj_dmPvpc-I?si=qI7qg3YRzNgauxLN" css=""][vc_column_text css=""]
Press Release
World’s First Surf Wax Library Launches in Barbados!
Surfers know the struggle: you’re amped to hit the waves, but your board’s traction is shot, and no one around has any extra surf wax you can borrow. That ends today with the launch of the world’s first Surf Wax Library, a simple yet revolutionary solution brought to life by CORUS Sparkling Rum Punch. (Photos)

Inspired by the free book exchange libraries seen on sidewalks worldwide, the CORUS Surf Wax Library is a small, weatherproof wooden box - like a birdhouse for surf wax - where surfers can use some, leave some, and never be waxless again. The first-ever Surf Wax Library is now open at Drill Hall Beach, a beloved local surf spot, colloquially known as Brandends, Brandon's, or Branden’s” Beach by surfers in Barbados. (Map)

The concept was developed by Eran Thomson, Creative Director of CORUS, and Alex Weetch (Strategy Lead), in partnership with, Last Resort Surf Co, who will help keep the Surf Wax Library stocked.

“With the Surf Wax Library, we’re solving a problem every surfer knows too well - not having enough wax when you need it most,” says Eran Thomson. “But beyond convenience, this is about building a stronger surf community. CORUS exists to elevate the vibe everywhere we go, and this is just one small way we’re making life a little better for surfers.”

Alex Weetch, Head of Strategy at CORUS adds, "Brandends Beach is my regular pre-work surf spot and it makes me happy to be able to contribute something like this to the local surf community - I hope the idea spreads worldwide!”

The Surf Wax Library is a community effort. Surfers are encouraged to contribute their own bars of wax - new or used - to help keep it stocked. Partially used bars are welcome, "even the tiniest bit of extra wax can help take someone's surf session from sad to full stoke," says Thomson.

The best part? The Surf Wax Library is open source. CORUS will publish DIY build plans on their website so other surf communities can put up wax libraries at their favorite breaks. More wax, more waves, more joy. (Plans)

Surf media, beverage industry media, creative advertising/marketing media, lifestyle bloggers, local news outlets, and all surfers are invited to experience the Surf Wax Library firsthand at its official launch event on February 23, 2025, at Brandons Beach (Drill Hall, Barbados) as part of the Surf Club's "Unconventional" Surf Competition. Interviews, images, and additional details are available upon request. [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Corus Sparkling Rum Punch launched the world’s first Surf Wax Library in Barbados!

### Portfolio 101 - A New Guide for Creative Pros by Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]
If you have an online portfolio, get this book and...
Instantly discover 101 ways to transform your folio into a guaranteed gig-getter.
 

Instantly discover 101 ways to transform your online portfolio into a guaranteed gig-getter.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_column_text css=""]Over a decades-long career, I’ve looked at thousands of portfolios and helped hire hundreds of creative professionals.

And I am 100% confident that the 101 tips in this book can help any creative professional create a perfectly crafted portfolio that gives them the best chance of taking their career where they want it to go.

Inside you will discover practical and tactical things you can do right now to transform your online creative portfolio into a guaranteed gig-getter. Including how to...

• Fix the top 3 mistakes most people make

• Implement easy tech tips

• Land a (better) job[/vc_column_text]	Get the 101

	[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: If you're a creative pro, get this and instantly discover 101 ways to transform your online folio into a guaranteed gig-getter.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Kicking the Chicken Bucket

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 13 - Kicking the Chicken Bucket
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

Riding a bicycle with your eyes closed is never a good idea. You probably already know this.

I had to learn it the hard way.

By my junior year of college, I had become an expert mountain biker. I trained every day, competed in races regularly, and I was confident and cocky. My bike was worth more than my car, and I rode it everywhere. Mainly because parking was a bitch on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus, but also because it's harder to get arrested for drinking and driving on a bike.1Campus cops and town police tried more than once, but they could never catch me.

One evening, I was cycling home from a party and decided to stop for a late-night snack. Back then, hungry Tar Heels with the munchies at 3 am had two options: Hector’s and Time Out.

Hector’s was famous for its Greek Grilled Cheese sandwich, but those in the know opted for the Double Cheeseburger on a pita with chili. On weekend nights, you’d see a line down the street. But you hardly ever saw anyone eating there during the day. So that tells you the kind of place it was.2I always wondered if Hector’s would be good sober, so one day I went there for lunch (sober) and I can report that it was actually not horrible. But six Blue Cups, the famous 32-ounce draft beers sold at He’s Not Here, an iconic UNC watering hole, are an ideal appetizer.

Time Out, on the other hand, was busy late-night, but could also pull a breakfast and a lunchtime crowd. Their specialty? Southern-style biscuits. And their signature menu item was the Chicken n Cheddar biscuit. A fluffy square of buttery goodness filled with gooey orange cheese and chunks of greasy fried chicken. Perfect for soaking up the booze in your belly after a night out.

But people went to Time Out for more than the food. They went to get roasted by the guy serving it. On any given night between 11 pm and 4 am, you’d see Billy Ray Penny behind the counter doling out insults and serving up huge helpings of verbal abuse.

And the patrons ate it up. People would wait in long lines just to be insulted by Billy. Sure, some of them would sling shit back, but he always gave better than he got, keeping even the rowdiest revelers in check with quick quips and tons of ‘tude. Seinfeld’s Soup Nazi had nothing on Billy.

Late night at Time Out was a hilariously unhealthy scene. People would be passed out on the benches. Ketchup squirt bottle fights would send everyone diving under the tables or running outside. Frat boys would dare each other to sneak into the kitchen to try and steal food. Sorority girls would pretend not to be puking in the corner. And anyone who snuck in some booze would inevitably send their empty bottle clattering across the floor.

All this action played out night after night under eye-piercing fluorescent lights and Billy’s watchful gaze. No matter how bad things got, he took it all in stride, laughing as he collected your cash at the till.

Behind the counter, it was another story. Billy and his team served up the snacks at speed - like the well-oiled machine they were. Steaming hot biscuits came out of the kitchen like clockwork. Empty trays of mac n cheese, french fries, and grits would be swapped for full ones the second the last scoop was got. And chickens flew in and out of the fryers with precision.

They were fast and efficient, with one exception: They would carve the birds so quickly that a lot of meat was left on the bones. Their solution was to throw all the bones in a big paper bucket, and when it got full, sell it to some drunk fool for a dollar.

If you were low on funds and couldn’t convince one of your friends to spot you, a bucket of bones was an attractive alternative. But you had to finagle your place in line just right so that you arrived at the counter the exact second the bucket was full. Otherwise, someone else would snag it and you’d have to wait for another bucket to fill up.

As far as I can tell, there were only three reasons anyone bought a bucket of bones.

As a joke.
To use as food fight ammo.
Or because they were broke.

I was the latter. So my plan that night was to get a bucket, get home, and get greasy.

I timed my entry, scored a bucket, and got back on my bike. So far, so good. It was an easy ride home, and the last stretch was about two miles down a steep hill. I’d bombed this hill millions of times at speeds over thirty miles per hour, and since I was in such a good mood, I decided to ride hands-free.

I let go of the handlebars, sat up, spread my arms wide, and embraced the breeze. I had a buzz. I had a bike. I had bones… I was invincible. And since it was so late and there was no traffic, I veered into the middle of the road and did the dumb thing.

I closed my eyes.

I was tempted to open them constantly, but I didn't. I wasn’t just going to eat chicken; I was playing chicken. Testing myself. Just a little bit further.

One more second.
One more second.
One more second.

I had ridden this road so many times I thought I knew exactly where I was. And just when I was certain I was about to pass the fire station, I opened my eyes to check, and…

BLAM!

My front tire hit the curb straight on. I Supermanned off my bike into a deep ravine. When I finally hit the ground, I tumbled and bounced to the bottom, where I slammed into a tree.

I’m winded, blurry-eyed, and a little bit bloody, but my immediate concerns, in this order, are bones, bike, body.

I scrambled up the slope and quickly realized three things:

One, the fire station was directly across the road.
Two, all my bones are scattered on the street.
Three, the three-second rule3A food hygiene myth that states a defined time window where it is safe to pick up food (or sometimes cutlery) after it has been dropped and potentially exposed to contamination. is in effect, and I have to hustle and salvage my snack.

It was a late-night snack emergency!

I knew this because just then the alarms started ringing at the fire station. Lights flashing. Firemen scrambling. And before I could collect any chicken off the road, firetrucks were pulling out and headed right at me.

I frantically crawled around the street, elbows and knees dripping blood, bent over like the Hunchback from Notre Dame, scooping bones into my beat-up bucket.

I was fast, but the firetrucks were faster. Honking angrily as they rolled right over much of my meal. The sound of tiny bones crunching under giant tires cut through the siren's wails.

They blare off into the night, leaving me behind, battered and bloody, sitting on the curb next to my bent-up bike, holding a half-full bucket of befouled bones.

I gnawed the remaining meat off every single one of them right there and then. But there’s not that much on them, to begin with, and I’d only managed to save half the bucket, so I was still hungry.

The other half of my meal was still on the street.

Flat.
Roadkill.
Theoretically edible.

Eating food that’s been run over by a truck is never a good idea. You probably already know this.
Life Pro Tips

 	If you're ever in Chapel Hill, NC, and in need of a late-night feed, Time Out is the call.
 	If your food gets run over by a firetruck or any other vehicle, don't eat it.
 	Don't ride a bike with your eyes closed. Duh.

 


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Excerpt: I took some chicken for a drunken bike ride, by the time we got home, we both were fried.

### 2KINDS - a Street Series from Eran Thomson

There are two kinds of people in the world...
and you’re probably one of them.
2KINDS is a series of street interviews that explores how, despite our differences, we’re all more alike than we are different.

Each episode starts by asking a stranger how they would complete the following statement:

There are two kinds of people in the world: blank and blank
"There are two kinds of people in the world: _____ and _____."
From there, we explore what’s behind their thinking and dig deeper into personal transformation.

One thing is for sure, there really are two kinds of people in the world:

People who subscribe to this series, and those who should.

Find 2KINDS now on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok #2kinds

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLk186xoUynmrYUKe7p_fqjzodpEowrEUa&si=80Bht4eClCZS4DkV

 

Excerpt: There are two kinds of people in the world - and you’re probably one of them.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - The House of Prime R.I.P.

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 12 - The House of Prime R.I.P.
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

Shortly after college, I moved to San Francisco to kick off my career as an advertising copywriter.

My first job was at The House of Prime Rib. This is not a clever name for an ad agency. It’s a restaurant and I was a bartender.

Breaking into the ad industry had proven harder than I’d hoped, and I needed to pay rent. So I ended up at The House of Prime Rib, one of San Francisco’s oldest and most well-loved institutions.

Established in 1949, it’s been consistently clogging arteries ever since. But that hasn’t stopped herds of hungry people from showing up.

Ask any local and they’ll tell you it’s a landmark, an icon, a “must-experience” destination dining.

I didn’t know this when I applied. It was just close to my apartment and the valet4Be advised: If you leave roaches in your ashtray or drugs in your glovebox, many valets will remove them for you free of charge. always seemed to be parking fancy cars, so I figured it was expensive, which meant bigger tips.

As soon as you step into the place you get a rich sense of history. Which weirdly skews more Old English than gold rush, despite opening at a time when the call of manifest destiny was in the air and millions of men were heading west in search of shiny nuggets.

What many of them found instead was salty meat and old-school kitsch. Lots of bright brass, polished wood, red leather, and low light. The maitre’d, Gus, is a legend.5Gus Stathis died in 2018. He worked at the House of Prime Rib for 63 years. A short, Greek gentleman in an Armani suit who could palm a twenty smooth as butter off a hot knife. All the wait staff and bartenders are pros too.

But the stars of the show are the Carvers. These are the people wearing white toques on top who mill about the place armed with giant knives while pushing stainless steel carts that look like metal zeppelins sailing toward their victims.

Inside these vessels are slabs of steaming hot prime rib ready to be carved up and plopped on your plate. There aren’t many choices on the menu, but you can choose your preferred cut.

There’s the thin English Cut (the menu notes "some feel that a thinner slice produces the better flavor"); the thicker House of Prime Rib Cut; the thickest King Henry VIII Cut; and the more modest City Cut ("a smaller cut for the lighter appetite"). My favorite was the “secret menu” End Cut which is salty, crusty, and the only piece of meat you can get that isn’t pink and fatty.

When I worked there, the menu was huge - physically huge. Opening it was like unfolding a giant poster. They were so big everyone at the table couldn’t have theirs open simultaneously. And there are only six things on it: Caesar salad, mashed or baked potato, Yorkshire pudding, creamed spinach, and prime rib. That’s it. Seven things, if you count the fish option which is always salmon.

There was a dessert menu too, but hardly anyone ever ordered it. By the time most people cleaned their dinner plates, if they even could, they’d already loosened their belts or undone the top button on their pants. Dessert was a forgone conclusion.

Customers routinely joked about never being able to eat again. And for some, it was in fact, their last meal. More than a few times while I worked there a customer would be casually carted across the dining floor on a gurney by EMTs. Cause? Cardiac arrest. Every time. It happened so frequently, I’m pretty sure they had an ambulance on standby.

Fatty meat and buttery taters aside, the main reason for concern was the creamed spinach. I ate it every shift for about 6 weeks. I figured spinach made Popeye strong, so it was probably my healthiest option. Until one night I saw the cooks throwing what looked like blocks of butter into a giant mixer.

You know what they say about seeing how the sausage is made? It might surprise you to know the key ingredient in creamed spinach isn’t spinach. Or cream. Or butter. It’s lard. There’s hardly any spinach in it. Just enough to tint the lard green.

If you worked five or six nights a week and took full advantage of the free employee meals, you surely upped your risk of high blood pressure and heart disease. So I stopped eating at work after that. But if the food didn’t get you, the stiff cocktails could.

I bartended my way through college, which mostly meant slinging beers, mixing vodka tonics, and pouring tequila shots. Anyone could have done it. The bartenders at the House of Prime Rib, on the other hand, were real pros and I had much to learn.

I paid my dues by cutting limes and lemons, restocking wines, and filling endless ice buckets. In return, the two lifers, Peter and Paul, patiently taught me the craft of cocktails.

I learned to make, among other things, the perfect Margarita, Manhattan, daiquiri, Negroni, Old Fashioned, and Bloody Mary - just ask any of my friends. But most of the time people sat down at the bar to sip one of their famous double martinis.

In theory, a martini is a simple beverage. After all, there are only three ingredients: gin, vermouth, and the garnish. But there are endless theories and much disagreement about how these three elements should be brought together, and how they should be served.
All I can tell you, with absolute certainty is, I know the right way.6All of them.

On slow nights I’d memorize page after page of the Boston’s Guide7The definitive cocktail-making guide for professional bartenders. and invent schemes to get people to tip me more. My most successful tactic was Bill Ball, a game that involved putting a bunch of crumpled-up one-dollar bills in a hurricane glass, inserting one crisp bill to serve as sort of a backboard, and then placing the glass on the back shelf of the bar where everyone could see it.

The idea was to get people to throw money into the glass. If their Bill Ball went in, they could have a drink on me. If they missed, the money was mine. It was a real conversation starter and some nights I’d have people throwing money at me like I was a stripper.

The busiest nights were whenever the San Francisco 49ers football team had a home game. The players would all come in after, win or lose. And their favorite drink? Strawberry daiquiris. Big tough guys with pink foofy drinks.

It was funny, but it wasn’t fun. Once a waiter walks through a restaurant with a strawberry daiquiri on their tray, everyone thinks “Ooh that looks good!” and you’re on blender duty all night long.

Aside from daiquiri nights, it was a good gig. Go in for a few hours, and go home with $200-300 in cash. More if I worked late.

One night I was walking home after a long shift and saw some sketchy-looking dudes up ahead on the sidewalk. My spidey sense told me they were trouble, but there weren’t any other people out, and I was too close to cross the street without it being obvious.

I had to think fast. No way these dudes were taking my tips. So I slowly added an awkward limp to my walk. Then I cranked my arms up into a Tyrannosaurus Rex-type vibe, transforming myself into a truly helpless cerebral palsy victim.

I was hoping they’d think I was too pitiful to rob. That such an easy mark would be a slight to their street cred. I’m not proud of this. It was just the first thing I could think of to do.

As I shuffled past, my neck crooked at an odd angle, I couldn't believe what I was doing. And they couldn’t believe what they were seeing.

“Daaaaamn. Homey is fucked… up.”

“He doin’ the Scooby shuffle yo.”

They blocked my path, checking me out. Thinking fast again, I twisted my head up at them Stephen Hawking style and said “hello” trying my best to sound brain-damaged.

“Yo, we gonna let you go on by my brutha.”

“Yeah, you need to get on home homie.”

They stepped aside and allowed me to hobble past. As soon as I got to the corner I made like Keyser Söze in The Usual Suspects and ran for it.

This wasn’t a near-death experience. At least I don’t think it was. They probably would only have roughed me up and taken my money.

No, the real close call was the creamed spinach.
Life Pro Tips

 	If you’re ever in San Francisco, treat yourself to a martini and meal at The House of Prime Rib, just don’t go too often.
 	If you ever think you might be about to get mugged and feel your only option is to pretend to be handicapped. Don’t. It’s an insult to handicapped people and yourself. Just give them the money and move on with your life.
 	Remember: One martini is heaven. Two martinis is bliss. Three martinis is fucking stupid.

 


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Excerpt: I was about to be robbed, by guys who were strapped, so I pretended to be, handicapped.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Gumballsy

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 11 - Gumballsy
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

After the very tall, very emasculating white Russian, I started dating a girl much shorter than me.

Her name was Mary and she was unreliable, untrustworthy, unfaithful, and undeniably attractive.

Our relationship wasn’t based on much more than size and fit. I’m not sure we even really liked each other, but the attraction was animalistic.

Our pattern was: make each other mad, make up, repeat.

If the Russian had made me feel inadequate in bed, Mary more than made up for it.

Showers were steamier.  Sleep impossible. And carpet burn became a chronic problem.

One time she asked me to tie her up on the couch. Which was fun until I got up to get a can of Reddi Whip and while standing naked in front of the fridge, my two roommates came home.

They were very happy to sit and make friendly conversation while Mary wriggled.

I shooed them off, but Mary and I argued for a while after that.

It was during this down period that I got a phone call from a Barney Phife-sounding cop asking if I knew her.

I assumed it was a friend playing a prank until they asked me if the license plates were still on my car.

I looked outside and sure enough, they were gone.

Turns out Mary had so many unpaid speeding fines, she couldn’t renew her registration, so she’d “borrowed” my plates without asking me so she could drive North to visit her parents.

The cop asked me if I was going to come bail her out and I reluctantly agreed, provided they gave me a number for any other cops to call in the event I got pulled over for driving without plates.

Mary got caught speeding in a notorious North Carolina speed trap town about three hours away, which was plenty of time for me to think about how unhealthy our relationship was.

When I arrived, Barney Phife informed me she’d been charged with speeding, driving an uninsured and unregistered vehicle, driving a vehicle with an expired safety inspection, and driving with a suspended license.

As such, her car had been impounded and she was behind bars. To get her out I needed to come up with $200 cash.

This was a lot of money to me back then, and after driving all that way, a real surprise.

I opened my wallet: fifty-five bucks. I held it up to the officer, hopeful.

"Nope. Two hundred dollars."

I asked him where the nearest bank was and set off, not feeling good about Mary’s odds of finding freedom any time soon.

I walked around the block and found the ATM. Available funds: $140. This left me five bucks short. Surely the cop would take pity on a struggling student and this would be enough.

"Nope. Two hundred dollars."

I headed back to my car to scrounge around in the ashtray for coins. I looked under the seats and carpet for whatever I could find and miraculously came up with another $4.85. This left me just fifteen cents short.

I walked back into the podunk police station and plonked my pile of cash and coins on the counter. Barney tallied it up. I was feeling optimistic, $199.85 had to suffice.

"Nope. Two hundred dollars."

Now, I’ve just handed this cop all the money to my name to bail out a girl I’m sure I don't like anymore and he’s being a stickler over fifteen measly cents.

Barney smirks at me from behind his glass wall and disappears to wherever they keep the doughnuts.

I plop down on a pine bench to assess the situation. I start thinking of solutions. Bang on the glass and beg? Go out to the street and beg? Go home and leave this entire mess behind me?

And then, out of the corner of my eye, behind the door, I see an old red 5¢ gumball machine. I look around. Barney is nowhere to be seen. No other cops. No cameras.

I try to lift it. Cast iron base. Super heavy. I slowly drag it out from behind the door and out of the police station, shielding it as best as I can with my body. Once outside, I pick it up, run behind the building, and smash it against the brick wall.

Gumballs and coins roll everywhere.

I grab three nickels, walk back into the station, bang on the glass, and slam all my cash and coins down on the counter.

"Two hundred dollars."

Barney takes the money and gives me Mary.

By now I’m not that happy to see her. And I think she should be a lot happier to see me than she seems.

We walk out of the station, silent.

"Hey, boy!"

It's Barney. I'm sure I’m busted. My life is over. Now Mary is going to have to bail me out.

I turn around, ready to confess my crime and accept whatever punishment Barney gives me.

And what Barney gives me, is my license plates.

A flood of relief flows through me as I take them from his outstretched hand and agree to drive safely.

Mary still isn’t speaking as I screw the plates back on my car.

And she still isn’t speaking as we start to drive away. But when I make a U-turn back towards the station she speaks up.

“Where are you going?”

"I forgot something."

I jump out of the car, engine idling, grab the busted gumball machine, and toss it in the trunk.

She gives me a look.

"What the hell is that?"

I pop a stale gumball in my mouth.

"A souvenir."

When I got home I replaced the glass, filled it with fresh gumballs, and collected bags of nickels from my roommates.

I kept that machine for years.

But the second we got home, I let Mary go.
Life Pro Tips

 	Crazy lovers are lots of fun until they're not. Get out before they get you in jail. Or worse.
 	These days cameras are everywhere, which makes this sort of mischief almost impossible. Sadly. So if this ever happens to you, just go ask a stranger for 15¢.
 	Reminder: You don't have to almost die for your life as you know it to end. One stupid stunt might be enough.

 


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Excerpt: A criminal I dated, needed bail. So I stole from the cops, to get her out of jail.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Belyy Russkiy

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 10 - Belyy Russkiy (White Russian)
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

“Deeper!”

The one word a man never wants to hear when he’s loving a woman with all he’s got.

But I heard it.

And in a Russian accent too, which made it sound more like a threat than a passionate request.
How did I get myself into such a situation?
By channeling my inner Big Lebowski.8If you haven’t seen the film The Big Lebowski, put this book down now and go watch it.

I worked my way through college waiting tables and bartending, and had been expanding my repertoire of cocktails.

I think everyone who appreciates alcohol goes through various cocktail phases.

Vodka Tonics are a common entry point that might lead to Margaritas.

Then perhaps someone hands you a Jack and Coke.

From there you might evolve to Manhattans or Old Fashioneds.

Next thing you know you're sipping Negronis and contemplating the nuances of various amaros.

Maybe.

At this particular point in my life, I was in a White Russian phase.

For those who don’t know, a White Russian consists of vodka, Kahlua, and cream over ice. It’s surprisingly good, but like Martinis,9I had a Boss who shared this valuable advice: “One martini is heaven. Two martinis is bliss. Three martinis is fucking stupid.” one or two is probably enough.

I was so enjoying the novelty of this fine beverage that I suggested to my roommates that we should have a White Russian-themed party. I figured it'd be a nice break from beer and we could wear fur hats and talk in funny accents.

Besides, we’d just moved into a cul-de-sac in a new neighborhood, and this would be a great way to meet our neighbors and have some fun.

They got on board and we immediately planned a covert mission to the liquor store and then spilled the secret about what we were up to.

That's when we found out the guys two doors down were having a keg party on the same night.

And in college, nothing beats a keg party.

But now we had a fridge full of cream and cases of Kahlua and vodka. I tried to convince my roommates to stick around. Surely some people would still want to come to our place for a cocktail. Besides, we had a bathtub full of ice. Let’s make some drinks!

But in college, nothing beats a keg party.

Well, I wasn’t about to let all those undrunk White Russians go to waste. So I consumed as many as I could out of spite.

But drinking alone is sad, especially when you’re pretending to be a KGB agent and there’s nobody around to arrest.

So I fixed myself a to-go cup, put on my fur hat, and begrudgingly headed across enemy lines and down the street to the keg party.

Because in college, nothing beats a keg party.

Miraculously, the first person I met was a white girl from Russia. An exchange student. And gorgeous, but also a giant. Full Amazonian. It was like she’d been scaled up by 30%. Plus, she was in high heels which put her ample bosom at my eye level.

I quickly became convinced that she and I were meant to hook up because, after all, I’m drinking White Russians, and she is a white Russian, do the math.

But it turns out that White Russians, (the drink), are not so popular in her motherland and she’d never actually tasted one.
“This will not stand man.”
I did the honorable thing and immediately invited her back to my place for a little cultural exchange. And next thing you know she was diminishing my manhood in her sexy accent.

And at that moment I wanted to die. But it wasn’t to be.

It was the hangover that nearly killed me.

After she left, I spent the next three days trying to get rid of all the White Russians still hanging around in my gut. I could feel the cream congealing into cheese and the pain was severe.

I knew I had alcohol poisoning and was guzzling gallons of water in hopes that I could pee or puke it all out. But nothing was working.

I was sure I was dying. I needed to get myself to a hospital and be put on a saline drip. But my masculinity had already taken such a beating, I couldn't bring myself to do it.

Instead, I suffered in my room, groaning in bed, alone, regretting my poor life choices and contemplating the fall of communism.

Finally, on the fourth day, all the curdled cream emigrated out of my "belyy" and into the toilet.

And I never drank White Russians again.10This is a lie.
Life Pro Tips

 	White Russians (the drink) can be a lovely change of pace as long as you adopt the right pace, which, in my opinion, means no more than two a night.
 	White Russians (the people) can be a lot of fun as long as they’re not spies, hackers, or 30% bigger than you (unless you’re into that). 
 	If you drink so much alcohol that the next day you literally cannot move and cannot pee no matter how much water you drink, get professional help for your physical problem - and possibly for an emotional one.

 


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Excerpt: My manhood was diminished, by a Communist, who despite her beauty, I shouldn't have kissed.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Sea World

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 9 - Sea World
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

You can’t have tequila lockout parties all the time and expect to keep your lease.

Of course, we got kicked out. What made it worse was we had to move in the middle of the academic year when all the good places close to campus were already rented.

So my roommates and I ended up in a house on the far edge of town.
The good news: It was big and cheap. The bad news: It was deep in the heart of the ghetto.
The place was on a corner and had wrap-around windows on all sides so we could see everything and everyone could see us. We were so exposed it was like living in a fishbowl.

So we named our new home "Sea World."

We eventually chipped in and bought bamboo blinds, but they were the kind that if you squinted you could still see through them.

And there was always something to see.

Across the corner from us was a drug dealer. He never tried to hide it. Blatant sales in broad daylight. We never scored from him and he never offered. But plenty of people would roll up at all hours to get their goods.

The family across the street had more kids than we could accurately count. And they were constantly outside crying, screaming and being annoying.

The parents weren't much better. It seemed like they must have had a “no fighting in the house” rule because they were always yelling at each other out where we could see them.

We never met the person who lived right next door, but his name was almost definitely Leroy.

I know this because one day I was sitting on the porch when a maroon 1983 Monte Carlo screeched around the corner and parked across the street. The driver got out, opened the trunk, pulled out a double-barrelled shotgun, leaned over our fence, and stared shouting...
Leroy! Lee-roy?! LEE! ROY!
Then, chick-chick, followed by... Bang! Bang!
Buckshot flew past my face and obliterated our neighbor’s front door.
I didn’t move. Not because I was scared, although clearly, I should have been. I think we had just gotten so used to seeing weird shit out on the street that it never occurred to me to leave my seat. It was like watching a movie.

But then the shooter broke the fourth wall, looked right at me, muttered “motherfucker,” walked back to his car, put his gun back in the trunk, and peeled out.

When I told my roommates about it, they joked that maybe we should get guns too.

And then a few weeks later a friend who needed a crash pad for a few weeks moved in - and he had one.

It was a Red Ryder BB gun. So we didn’t exactly feel like we were winning the neighborhood arms race. Nor did we feel any safer.

Our new roommate, we’ll call him “Q,” set up beer cans for target practice in our living room. We all had a shot, and for a while, it was kind of fun and funny to have our own private indoor shooting range.

The school term dragged on. And we eventually grew bored of the domestic disturbances, drug deals, and dangerous drivers screeching around our corner. The novelty of Sea World had worn off. And just like performing porpoises, we were anxious to be free from that place.

We managed to survive a second semester but agreed we should find somewhere new to live. But, Sea World was a big house and anywhere we could afford in a nicer part of town was sure to be smaller. Some downsizing was in order.

All of us put stuff up for sale. Beer lights, redundant furniture, bikes. One of the things I listed in the classifieds was a king-size waterbed I had long fallen out of love with.

I drained the thick vinyl mattress, folded it up carefully and put it in a cardboard box along with all the other parts for the frame, filler tubes etc. I took apart the wood frame and then stacked everything up in the corner of our living room where it sat for a few weeks until someone finally bought it.

The guy who came to pick it up was a young redneck with a yeehaw accent. We loaded everything into his pickup, the kind with a shotgun mounted in the rear window. He handed me two hundred in cash. And I never saw him again.

But around 2 am he called me.

Hello?

“God-damn you mutha fucka. You done sold me that water bed, and I done put the dang thing together and filled it up and now there’s water spraying all over my god-damned trailer! And it’s my god-damned honeymoon. Watch you gonna do bout it?”

I am sleepy and confused but I knew the bed was fine when I dismantled it and the mattress was folded and packed carefully. So I told him I had no idea there was a hole in it and I’m certain there wasn’t a hole in it when I sold it to him.

“It ain’t one hole mutha fucka. It’s a shit ton. It’s like a gold-damned lawn sprinkler in here!”

I asked him if anything in his truck might have poked through the mattress while he was driving home - a rake? Some nails? Anything?

“Hell no, but there were a bunch of BBs in the box when I took it out.”

Fucking Q and his Red Ryder.

Q was long gone by this point. We had come home from class one day and caught him shooting through the bamboo blinds at the little kids playing across the street. He was far enough away that they never got hurt, but they definitely would have got confused.

If anyone had worked out what he was doing we surely would have been shot ourselves - and with something a little more hurtful than a BB.

So we kicked Q out immediately. But now it was obvious he’d been using my waterbed mattress box for target practice too.

I’d survived all the dangerous driving and drug dealing that went on around Sea World, and now I was at risk of seeing a second shotgun up close, this time wielded by a wet, angry newlywed.

I apologized profusely and offered him his money back. He told me we were long past that.

I asked him if he found the included patch kit in the box. I heard him rustling around and when he came back on the line all he said was “Yep.” and hung up.

And that was the last I heard from the soaking wet groom honeymooning in his trailer. If he ever came around looking for revenge, I wouldn’t know.

Because we moved out of Sea World the very next day.
Life Pro Tips

 	If you’re thinking about getting a water bed, don’t.
 	If you’re thinking about getting a roommate with a gun, don’t.
 	If you’re thinking about getting bamboo blinds and you live in a bad neighbourhood, don’t.

 


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Excerpt: I sold a waterbed, that had been shot with a gun, to a redneck whose honeymoon, had just begun.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Mexican Thunderdome

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 8 - Mexican Thunderdome
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

If you know what a “tequila lockout” is, you can thank me. I invented it.

If you don’t know, your liver can thank me.

I paid my way through college by working in bars and restaurants where I learned the ins and outs of the hospitality industry. So naturally, I got good at throwing parties.
One of my most popular parties was the tequila lockout.
It worked like this: Your ticket into the party was a “handle” of tequila. A full handle is a half-gallon (1.75 liters), or 39 shots.

Your ticket out of the party was an empty handle.

But here’s where it gets interesante. One full handle got two people in. One empty handle got one person out. So half the people who came were inevitably trapped inside.

Two men enter. One man leaves. It was our version of Terrordome.

But we weren’t fighting to the death. We were drinking toward it.

Tina Turner never showed up, but Jose Cuervo always did.

As you can imagine, inside the Tequila Dome it was madness.

Whenever a bottle got close to empty, people would wrestle for it, the winner guzzling whatever was left and holding their handle up like it was the Stanley Cup.

A popular strategy was to try and hold onto your handle with an iron grip and quickly pour shots for other people. Of course, lots of people were doing this, so it helped to show up with the good stuff. And back then this meant Cuervo Gold.

When the Cuervo was gone, an empty bottle was still gold, but if you put it down for even a second to dance, go to the bathroom, or anything else, you’d never get your hands on it again.

Sometimes people would manage to get a hold of an empty, but not be ready to leave, so they’d stash it. We’d find bottles days, even weeks later in the backs of closets, in the toilet cistern, on top of kitchen cabinets.

If you couldn’t find an empty bottle to get out and go home, you were in for a long night.

At some point, we always served a spaghetti dinner, which always ended in a food fight.

And in the morning we served a pancake breakfast.

So getting locked in wasn’t the worst. Unless you just had to get out.

And one night I just had to get out. I needed to puke but the bathrooms were in constant use, so I made my way through a raging party towards the front door. This is where I encountered a big burly dude I didn't know who had taken it upon himself to be the bouncer at my party.

He put his hand on my chest. “Where’s your empty handle bro?”

I explained that he was a guest at my party and I needed to get outside immediately. But he wasn’t having it.
“No handle. No exit bro.”
Rules are rules, but by now I can taste the tequila worm crawling up my esophagus. And I for sure don’t want to puke inside my apartment.

So I jammed my face into the tiny gap between the door frame and the open door, made a funnel around my lips with my hands, and set José free.

The bouncer let me out after that. I promptly stumbled across the street and spent some quality time face-down under a tree on our neighbor’s lawn.

By the time I woke up and got all the grass out of my mouth, the party was going off. The burly bouncer was gone, since replaced by my roommate so my bottle-less reentry was easy.

I headed for our top-floor balcony where I saw this girl I liked. And for some reason, I thought it would be hilarious to act like I was going to throw her off. So I scooped her up and held her over the railing, pretending to drop her, repeatedly.

She was laughing, but I went into a sort of trance. While she was dangling perilously close to death, or at least severe bodily harm, I was having a vision. I can only describe it as looking into a two-headed periscope with each tube looking up and out to a different future.

On the left, I saw myself in jail. Not a literal death per se. But a creative life cut short.

On the right, I saw myself living an adventurous life free of the guilt and constant remorse that would come if I dropped her.

I saw at that moment that I was one dumb, drunken accident away from ending my life as I knew it. And possibly hers.

I was at a fork in the road, a sliding door moment, and whatever I did next would determine which way my life went. If I’d slipped there was a good chance she could have died, and an even higher one she would have been injured or paralysed.

I carefully pulled her back over the railing, put her down gently, and apologized profusely.

She told me she thought I was hilarious, but I knew how close we’d both come to having our lives changed forever.

But I wasn't laughing.
Life Pro Tips

 	Don't have a tequila lockout party.
 	Always make sure the bouncer at your party knows it's your party.
 	Don't get drunk and hold someone over the balcony and pretend to drop them.

 


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Excerpt: I spent too much time, hanging with José. And nearly did something, that could've put me away.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Morons Who Drive Like I Used to Drive

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 7 - Morons Who Drive Like I Used to Drive
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

My Dad told me I drive angry.

He’d come over to Sydney, Australia where I had been living for a few years for a visit. And I was showing him around in my favourite terrible car.

No, not a Corolla, and not an MG Midget. A short-wheel-base Land Rover Series 3 with a soft top. I love these old workhorses so much that I’ve owned three.

However, they’re built to dominate on a paddock, not twisty paved roads let alone a highway.
There are so many reasons not to own a Land Rover.
But I love them.

My father, on the other hand, was less impressed.

As I sped through town taking him on a tour of Sydney’s beautiful beaches, he became increasingly uncomfortable. This is saying a lot considering how uncomfortable Landies are, to begin with.

“You drive angry,” he said.

He didn’t ask me to slow down or say he felt unsafe, but at that moment I became acutely aware of the following facts:

Series 3 Land Rovers have terrible brakes.

Terrible seat belts.

Terrible handling.

No headrests.

No airbags.

No modern safety equipment of any kind.

Mine didn’t even have a roof.

And my dad maybe had a point.

“What are you angry about?” he asked.

I didn't have a good answer. I certainly didn't feel angry. But at my core, I knew he was right.

So I slowed down and did a lot of personal development work. Through this process, I discovered that, at that moment in my life, I felt like everyone and everything was in my way. That other people, and maybe even the world, were preventing me from getting what I wanted.

This negative belief manifested itself in my driving.

To get closer to what I wanted I had to drive aggressively to get around all the idiots blocking my way.

Turns out, I was the idiot.

As Raylan Givens11Timothy Olyphant’s character in the TV series “Justified” says...
“If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole.”
So I did the work.

And now I drive differently.

I also don’t have that Landie anymore. In this story, I was driving something even less safe: a Vespa.

In cars, I used to be an offensive driver, but when you’re on two wheels you learn to become a defensive driver, fast.

There’s a term for motorcyclists who don't: organ donors.

And while on my license it says I am one, I’d prefer to wait as long as possible to deliver.

So when I’m on a motorbike, I concentrate on keeping safe and keeping the rubber down.

I've had several motorcycles and several close calls, but this one stands out because I was nearly killed by an idiot, driving like I used to drive.

I was cruising along a two-lane road, and slowing down to make a right-hand turn into my friend Rudy’s place. This is in Australia, so I was driving on the left and had to cross the right lane to make my turn.

Behind me was a white Toyota van, and behind him was the idiot in a grey VW Golf GTI.

But I couldn’t see the idiot and he couldn’t see me. All he saw was the van slowing down to a near stop. So he swerved out and sped around it just as I was turning right.

I squeezed the brakes hard and the distance between us, as they say in Oz, was a bee’s dick.

It happened so fast, that I hardly clocked it.

But the van driver saw it.

Two women on the sidewalk saw it.

And a young couple waiting to cross the street saw it.

I made my turn, parked, and got off the Vespa. The stunned van driver looked at me and shook his head in disbelief.

The pedestrian witnesses gathered around to see if I was OK.

I knew it had been close, but what scared me most was the shock on their faces.

What I had missed was obvious to them: my survival was a miracle.
Life Pro Tips

 	Old cars should be driven like old people drive, slowly.
 	Don't let your limiting beliefs loose on the road.
 	Look both ways, twice. Especially on any kind of motorbike.

 


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Excerpt: I rode my Vespa, it was always a thrill, but one wrong turn, almost made me roadkill.

### I'm Not Jealous You Are

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="I'm Not Jealous You Are" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/g2ep_QXvWZU?si=vGb-EsH-SsOQMSOw"][vc_custom_heading text="L.S. - Writer" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]There's lots to like in this folio and loads we can learn from it.

So strap in, and see how your portfolio compares - and be honest with yourself about it.

Because chances, are you can pick up a few things here that will make it stronger.

Full disclosure, I was always probably going to like this folio. Not only is the writer a fellow improv nerd (I founded LMA and PowerProv), but we have both written the occasional magazine article and screenplay - and we both worked at BBH, so I was expecting good things.

And I found them.

On the "about" page he says he is working with brilliant collaborators. I like that he acknowledges that this is a team sport. I would have liked to see a little more visual hierarchy on this page, but it's clean and functional.

It appears that, in addition to generating ideas, he is also working with Art Directors and/or Designers to create unique visual assets that make his folio shine.

One example is the case study videos. Could they be shorter? Yes. But nobody wants to read. And these are a nice way to explain the ideas, without filling a page full of text.

Another is the large key images he's got for each section that show a lot of information in a way that's digestible - and playful.

I also really like how he shares links to all the press his work has gotten, and the awards lists in each section are a nice touch too.

Creatively, there is a wonderful diversity of ideas, but not much traditional work. I'd have liked to see a couple of killer print campaigns in the mix.

There are also several instances of work for the same client. I recommend choosing the best one. This isn't always possible but showing different work for different brands is almost always going to work harder than showing different work for one brand.

I like that despite the clean navigation you can see some of his personality peeking through. The extra non-ad work in particular helps me get a better sense of who they are as a person.

And the Esquire Magazine work helps cement his credibility as a wordsman. Esquire! I am jealous.

And not-so-secretly hoping they can make an intro to an Editor in exchange for this free review. I got samples!

Next time I'm in Singapore, we're getting chicken rice.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

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Excerpt: Good work. Good ideas. Good presentation. This one has it all. Almost.

### Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/nxTKP2Ld80c"][vc_custom_heading text="R.R. - Writer" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]This person's name is cool as hell.

So I apologise for saying it completely wrong in this review.

With that out of the way, there's a lot we can learn from this one.

For starters, the navigation is clean and simple with the only two things most hirers want to see: Work and About.

And the "About" section is great. A nice short, funny story that speaks to their character in a way that makes the reader like them. That's the Holy Grail, and this writer found it.

I do wish the brand experience section linked to work on the site.

There's a good mix of work without overwhelming the viewer. I like that there are only nine panels on the front page. This, as we've seen in other reviews, can be deceiving, and hide a ton of work nobody has time to click through. But in this case, good restraint was shown.

Workwise, there's a lot of TV. These days that can make you seem old-school. So having more print, OOH, and/or social stuff would help.

I love that there's radio here too - I wish the spots took full advantage of the format to deliver the clever audio experiences that a brand like Frank's Hot Sauce deserves.

I tell people all the time to only put their best work in their folio.

And there are times here when it's hard to know if this person knows what their best work is. Two of the Jamie Foxx spots are so much stronger than the 3rd, it makes me wonder why they included it.

The same goes for Kroger - the double plates are great and something we've never seen before. The holiday spots, while beautifully executed, lack enough cheer (originality) to land a spot in this folio.

There are also a few sections that seem to have work that's unrelated to what I clicked on.

This happens more often than you might think. Always check when you publish a post or page on your site that it appears where you want it to.

Overall, this folio gets most things right. It's purely functional, without any superfluous bells and whistles.

But it would be nice to see just a bit more personality come through.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: The mix of great and less-great work in a portfolio might make a viewer wonder if you know the difference.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Twisting in a Tree Tunnel

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 6 - Twisting in a Tree Tunnel
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

I never did get my MG Midget convertible.1See Chapter 4

But I have owned two Toyota Corollas. Turns out my wise professor stepdad was right. Cheap, reliable, easy-to-fix cars are a great idea.

Especially when you’re paying your own way through college.
My weekly budget freshman year consisted of $5 for gas, four-for-a-dollar hot dogs, six-for-a-dollar instant mac n’ cheese, and whatever was left was for beer.
The basic staples.

I did most of my shopping at Circle K.2A chain of gas station convenience stores. Their .99¢ fake cheese nachos were also not horrible.

Nobody really needs a car in New York, so I’d sold the hotted-up Corolla back in Brooklyn, but now I was in North Carolina and I needed wheels to get to campus. And more importantly, get to the beach.

Having experienced the reliability of boring cars, I saved up and bought myself another. Same exact model, same exact price ($700) but five years newer.

This time I didn’t do anything to make it cool except install a good stereo and a sunroof.

I ended up in North Carolina because my best friend from high school, Rob, ended up going to college at Duke.

I was still figuring out what I wanted to do and he was just figuring out that he hated Duke, so he invited me down to crash in his dorm room and hang out.

On my first night there we ate mushrooms and discovered you can use cardboard boxes as sleds on steep grassy hills. Until they break and you end up spilling down to the bottom where the stars in the sky soak up your soul.

People saw us having fun and started searching for things they could slide on too. The next morning the hill was littered with broken boxes, orange cafeteria trays (fast), and garbage cans (more of a roll than a slide).

And I was deemed cool enough to earn an invite on Rob’s fraternity pledge trip, even though I wasn’t pledging, let alone even a student.

Rob’s future frat boy brothers had rented a bunch of apartments down in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and immediately upon arrival two full kegs of beer were tapped and mayhem ensued.

We formed teams; freshmen and sophomores vs. juniors and seniors. Whoever killed their keg first “won.” I joined the freshmen and we set to work. It wasn’t until after we’d proudly pulled out the tap, waving it like a trophy, that we realized the other team wasn't even trying.

I wasn’t technically in college, but already I was learning a lot.

One thing I knew nothing about was LSD. I have never dropped acid, but some of the guys on the trip were self-proclaimed experts. And not knowing then what I know now I thought it would be hilarious to fuck with them.

One of the seniors who had been goading us on during the keg competition went outside to sit on the seawall and have a smoke. And me, being the practical joker that I am, happened to have some exploding cigarette loads with me.

So I sat down next to him hoping to exact some mild form of revenge. I could tell he was tripping by the way he was staring at, and talking to the sea.

I surreptitiously slipped a load into one of his smokes and teased it out of the box so that when he went for another, it would be the obvious one to pull from the pack.

And then I waited. And waited. And waited.

And then, finally, he goes to spark one up. I watch out of my peripheral vision, anticipation at an all-time high.

He moves slower than a sloth.

Reaches for the pack. Pause and a big breath.

Opens the pack. Pause and a big breath.

Pulls out a smoke (the right one!) Pause and a big breath.

It’s like every movement of his body exhausts him.

He grabs his lighter. Pause and a big breath.

Holds the lighter up to his face. Pause and a big breath.

This is ridiculous. Does he know? Is he fucking with me?

Then, a flick of the Bic and his face lights up in a golden glow. Pause and a big breath.

Finally, he moves the flame to the tip of his smoke and…

BANG!

It’s perfect. The end of his cigarette blows up. Bits of brown tobacco fly everywhere. The white paper at the tip curls up like in a cartoon.

He doesn’t flinch. Doesn’t make a noise. Doesn’t say a word. Just slowly puts the cigarette back down and stares out at the sea.

I don’t know how he interpreted this experience. Maybe I cured him of a horrible habit. Maybe he’s in a psych ward.

Maybe he’s reading this, and if so, all I can say is, that was real, it really happened, and I’m sorry.

The next day we decided to cure our hangovers by having lunch at a place called Gabby’s Ribs. Gabby’s was a total tourist joint that served up all-you-can-eat chicken, chops, steak, and, of course, ribs.

Freshman and sophomores vs. juniors and seniors again. Who can eat the most? But this time everyone was playing to win.

Nobody had time for garlic bread, baked potatoes, or salad. This was a carnivorous competition and the plates were stacking up.

As gross as it was, it got grosser the longer we played the game. The first plate of food at Gabby's was fresh off the grill, juicy, tender, and delicious. But every time we asked our waitress for more, what she brought back was increasingly dry, tough, and gristly.

If it’s even possible to eat yourself to death, we came close.

We spent the next 12 hours curled up on the carpet, moaning and groaning, many of us seriously contemplating permanent veganism.

When I could finally move, I jumped in the Corolla and headed back to North Carolina to a place called Wrightsville Beach which I’d heard had decent surf.

By now my parents were starting to freak out that I wasn't in college. As much fun as I’d had with Rob at Duke, I knew it wasn’t for me. So I enrolled myself at the University of North Carolina Wilmington, highly renowned as a party school with a terrible graduation rate.

This did not make my parents feel much better. But I loved it.

Surfing, partying, making new friends. We even formed our own fake fraternity called Phi Fucka You3Despite our best intentions, after I left UNCW, ΦFƱ eventually went “legit” and became the Mu-Zeta chapter of the Kappa Sigma fraternity. which became famous for throwing the best parties.

And it was on my way home from one of these parties, cruising in my Corolla, where I came close to croaking.

I shouldn’t have been driving. Let’s start with that. I knew better. But it was too far to borrow a bike, and it was raining.

A friend of a friend heard I was heading back to the beach and asked if he could bum a ride.

We took back roads to avoid the cops which meant there were no streetlights. The words “dark and stormy night” could not be more apt.

This road, this night, this situation demanded full concentration. Hands at three and ten. Eyes ahead. Music off.

My drunken car companion on the other hand was not amused by my intentional focus and desire to get home alive and un-arrested.

Ten minutes into our trip, as we headed towards a section of road where trees on both sides extended symmetrically to create a leafy tunnel, he broke the silence with a simple question.
“Do you know what an e-brake is?”
I didn’t, and in case you don’t either, I’ll elaborate.

An e-brake or handbrake turn (also known as a bootlegger's turn) is a driving technique used to deliberately slide a car sideways so it can skid through a tight turn.

Rally car drivers are pretty much the only people who should ever be doing these, but my navigator didn’t get the memo.

So as we headed into the tunnel of trees he yanked up my emergency brake, hard.

And time. Slowed. Down.

If you’ve ever been in a car accident before, you may have experienced this feeling.

We skidded in slow motion as the Corolla spun like a carnival teacup ride.

But instead of going in circles, we spun forward in a straight line through the tree tunnel.

One spin.

Two spins.

Three spins.

And then, impossibly, maybe even magically, the car straightened out.

We didn’t flip. We didn’t crash into a tree. We didn’t even come close to another car.

We just kept going as if nothing happened.

Both of us knew we’d come right up to the edge of our mortality.

If you’ve ever seen a small child play with a toy car, you know the impossible, physics-defying twists and turns a Matchbox can make when guided by their hand.

That night we discovered what it felt like to be in a car like that. Not guided not by a child, but maybe guided by God.

Definitely driven by an idiot.

So we continued our journey, slowly, safely, in silent contemplation.
Life Pro Tips

 	Don’t drink and drive and make sure drunk passengers sit in the back.
 	Don’t go to Duke (I eventually transferred to, and graduated from, UNC-Chapel Hill).
 	Don’t eat your body weight in meat in one sitting.



 


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Excerpt: I learned the hard way, giving a lift to a drunk. If I do it again, they'll ride in the trunk.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Foodfellas

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 5 - Foodfellas
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

My first job that wasn’t babysitting was in the Sharples dining hall at Swarthmore College.

In the main cafeteria, there is a slot in the wall that people would slide their dirty food trays through when they were done eating.
I worked on the other side of that slot. And it sucked.
Trays came through loaded with half-eaten grub, spilled drinks, nasty napkins, greasy plates, crusty silverware, and all sorts of other grossness.

And my job was to sort it all out as the trays came down a long conveyor belt.

Big plates go in this rack. Little plates in that rack. Forks, knives, and spoons in that other rack. Glasses over here, coffee cups over there. You get the idea.

My stepdad was a professor and he’d put in a good word to get me this bad gig so I did my best to make the most of the mundane by inventing little games.

One of them was called “Fruit Fork.”

See, sometimes an uneaten piece of fruit would come in and whenever that happened Fruit Fork was on. The rules were simple: Send a rack of silverware down the belt and wait as long as you could before throwing the fruit and landing it on the upward-facing jangle of forks and knives before the rack disappeared through the steam-belching doors of the dishwasher.

The closest shot to the dishwasher won and meant you got to swap spots with someone in a less gross position down the line

It was an epic hook shot with an orange that got me fired. But the Manager must have recognized my potential because he offered me my job back the next day. I decided to stay as long as it took me to get another, better gig.

Which wasn’t long. My stepdad hooked me up again. One of his students was the part-time manager of an ice cream parlor called the Village Porch and in an effort to get in good with the Prof, got me in.

This job was much better. For starters, I got all-you-can-eat ice cream for free. Every shift I would scoop out fresh flavors for cones, cups, sundaes, and shakes from behind the counter. And in between customers, I’d stuff my face.

I soon discovered ice cream addiction is real. My weekly schedule was Tuesday and Thursday nights, and every week, even long after I stopped working there, I would have a craving just around the time my shift was supposed to start.

Over time I observed that the waiters seemed to make more money than the scoopers. But wait shifts were coveted and hard to come by. If I was ever going to be able to pay for the new Sharp EF777 boombox I wanted, I needed a way to get noticed and move up the ranks.

And then one day a couple dined and dashed. Their waiter came to the front counter to complain he’d been stiffed on a $40 tab. I ran out onto the sidewalk and as soon as the culprits clocked me, the chase was on. I pursued them through the parking lot, back along a row of shops until I saw them make a costly mistake. They’d run down an alley I knew was a dead end. I slowed to a stroll and found them trapped, wild-eyed and dismayed.

They admitted defeat, explained it was just a prank, and sheepishly forked over two twenties.

“What about the tip?” I asked.

I returned to the Village Porch, money held high in a triumphant fist. Surely, I thought, this heroic move would get me in good with the waiters enough for them to welcome me into their ranks. And it did.

I got trained up and was ready to take orders at tables. However it was nearly impossible to get wait shifts that suited my school schedule, so I began to look for other opportunities.

This time my stepdad didn’t help me. All it took was a “Help Wanted” sign outside an Italian restaurant in the Springfield Mall.

This place was everything you think of when you think of a classic Italian joint. Brown wood booths, red and white checkered tablecloths, bad murals of Sicily on the walls, plastic ivy on the ceiling, chianti bottle candle holders - the kind wrapped with woven straw.

The only thing that didn’t fit the stereotype was the Manager. A massive queen with frosted tips, a John Waters mustache, and the limpest of wrists. He hired me on the spot and assured me the waiter job was mine.

On my first day, I washed dishes.

This was, as Mr. Manager explained because I needed to understand the business in the back of the house before I could sell in the front. He promised I would advance quickly and true to his word he promoted me to Assistant Chef. Then Head Chef. Then Junior Waiter. Then Head Waiter.

This happened over the span of a month.

That tells you something about the staff turnover in the place. And how much Mr. Manager appreciated my assets.

He never laid a hand on me, but he must have laid a hand on someone, or maybe somebody complained about all the gay porn he used to leave around his office because right after I got promoted, he got fired. Fortunately, for me, the new manager kept everybody’s schedule the same. And I could keep slinging spaghetti and cheap chianti.

Now, there are lots of ways you can get hurt or even killed in a restaurant. But in an Italian restaurant, if it’s not cholesterol, it’s a cliché. There’s a reason made guys sit with their backs to walls in every mafia movie ever made - so they can see the guy with the gun coming.

And there were definitely made guys who came into our joint. A few weeks after I quit, the place got shot up and closed down. But at the time I never even considered the place might be unsafe. Until one day this heavy-looking mafioso walked in. He arrived with his entire extended family in tow: a big momma, brothers, cousins, wives, and a cute baby girl.

They jostle and scooch themselves into a corner booth. All eleven of them in a space made for eight. Wearing enough bling to costume an entire Bollywood production. Most of them are plus-sized too, so they are really crammed in there with the little baby next to them happily cooing in a high chair.

It’s obvious to everyone that Mr. Mafioso is the man. He’s a real “kiss the ring” type of guy and his entire entourage is laughing at his jokes and deferring to him like he’s god.

One of the things you learn when you’re waiting tables is to identify the person who’s probably paying the bill. When you’re working for tips you want to figure that out fast and make sure they feel special.

But none of the other wait staff wanted to wait on him or his crew. I didn’t want to either, but I’d just been promoted to Head Waiter. So I had to.

I walk over, welcome them, hand out menus, run through the specials, and take their drink order.

 	Milk x 1
 	Orange Juice x 1
 	Chianti carafe x 3
 	Coke x 5
 	Prosecco x 1
 	Water x 11

I know, who drinks orange juice at an Italian restaurant?

Anyway, I gather up all their drinks at the bar and arrange them on a giant oval serving tray, grab a tray stand, and make my way to their booth.

I expertly flick the stand open and just as I am about to swing the tray with all the drinks on it down from my shoulder onto the stand, the little baby throws her arms up in the air and smacks the edge of my tray.

Life suddenly switched into slow motion:

Carafes of chianti wobble.

A glass of prosecco tips over.

I quickly try to rebalance the tray.

The milk tips over.

The Cokes tip over.

The orange juice tips over.

I lean forward to try and save what’s left.

The three carafes of chianti tip over.

And then every-single-drink spills straight onto big momma’s head.

And down her white shirt.

And it’s horrible.

By the time I look up from big momma’s clearly defined bra and boobs, I realize nobody is looking at her. They’re all looking at The Don to see what he’s going to do. And I’m pretty sure that whatever he’s going to do, a weapon will be involved.

Nobody moves.

He looks at me. He looks at his wife. And after what feels like forever, bursts out laughing.

Everyone else immediately starts laughing too. At this point, I’m still not sure if I’m out of the woods yet, but I spring into action with fistfuls of cloth napkins trying to absorb the mess I’ve made.

I don’t think I’ve ever said the word “sorry” more in one day.

Big momma shrugs it off and says she saw the baby hit the tray. Not to worry.

Big Don is still cracking up. He can’t stop. He doesn’t stop laughing the whole meal.

And in the end, he tipped me a hundred bucks.

Way better than a bullet.

But for a minute, it felt like it could've gone either way.
Life Pro Tips

 	If you bring a baby to a restaurant they will make a huge mess. Tip accordingly.
 	Never dine and dash, but if you do, know your escape plan, and carry enough cash in case you get caught.
 	Don’t get a job in a known Mafia hangout. Unless you’re in the Mafia, and even then it’s questionable.

 


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Excerpt: I could have got shot by a mafia don whose fat wife I spilled a tray of drinks on.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - When Cops Are Too Stupefied to Speak

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 4 - When Cops Are Too Stupefied to Speak
New here? Start at the beginning.
 
The first car I ever wanted to buy that I could afford was an MG Midget convertible.
The first car I ever bought was a used Toyota Corolla.
How did this happen?
Professorly wisdom.

As I was turning 16 and about to get my driver's license, I spent hours reading about and researching cars. And I had my heart set on a classic British motoring masterpiece.

In those days you could find a decent used MG for around $2000 (because they are totally unreliable and nobody smart wants one). I’d saved up $3000 so I figured I’d have enough extra cash to fix everything and get myself on the road in style in time for Prom.

My stepdad, however, was totally against this idea. Mainly due to the fact that he’d had an MG when he was in college and it was, in fact, totally unreliable.

He knew, from first-hand experience, that the only thing MG’s consistently do is break down. They leak oil, the gorgeous chrome spoked wheels come out of true, the carburetors are virtually untunable, the convertible tops couldn’t keep spaghetti out, and the Lucas electronics will inevitably short circuit leaving you lost in the dark.

And I wanted one more than anything.

Every week I eagerly circled possible prospects in The AutoTrader. After quizzing sellers on the phone I’d immediately begin scouring the JC Whitney catalog for any parts I thought I’d need, and tally up the cost. Negative reviews be damned! I had tools, I could do the work myself.

But my Professor stepdad implored me not to go this route.
“You want something you can count on to get around in. Something that’s not going to cost you thousands and thousands of dollars in imported British parts and specialized labor when things go wrong.”
He left “Consumer Reports” magazine articles about the most reliable used cars money can buy on my bed. Xeroxed ANCAP car safety ratings magically appeared on the breakfast table.

I read them all and continued to want my MG. So he continued to make his case.
“You want girls to like you for you, not your car. Besides, if you do find a girl that likes you enough to go to prom, you’re gonna want to be able to afford to take her to dinner first.”
In the end, his practical wisdom4He later co-authored a book with this title. It’s called Practical Wisdom by Ken Sharpe and Barry Schwartz  prevailed and I became the slightly unproud owner of a $700 copper-coloured Corolla.

It didn’t stay copper-colored for long, I still had $2300 to burn and the first thing I did was spend $199 of it on a bright yellow Earl Scheib paint job.

Then I got out my jigsaw, cut a hole, and installed a sunroof.

Then I bolted on 5-spoke racing mags.

Then I installed a kick-ass stereo.

Window tint, seat covers, racing mirrors, this car had it all. I’d done all the work myself and there was only one final, glorious detail left to add.

A rubber and chrome race car steering wheel.

But stock steering wheels are impossibly hard to remove. This makes perfect sense. After all, nobody wants their steering wheel to come off while they're driving.

So car manufacturers use all sorts of tricky engineering to keep steering wheels on, and you safe. If you really want to remove one, you have to buy a special tool remarkably called a “steering wheel puller.”

Now I was getting down to the last of the $2300 I’d saved by not buying an MG and didn't want to spend money on a stupid steering wheel puller that I’d only use once.

So there I was in the front seat using a crowbar, hammer, screwdrivers, and various wrenches to try and loosen up the complex assortment of nuts, lockrings, and steel tabs all designed to prevent me from doing the very thing I was trying to do.

The irony is, once you get a stock steering wheel off, putting a custom one on is as simple as tightening a big bolt and snapping a horn cover on top of it.

But getting the original wheel off was proving to be impossible. After three unsuccessful days of failed attempts, I decided it was time to drive to the mall and buy a steering wheel puller.

And on the way to the mall, my steering wheel finally came off.

Around a sharp curve.

I remember the steering wheel coming up off the column, floating freely in my hands, like when a child pretends to be driving.

I remember frantically trying to push it back down onto the now-exposed steering column.

And I remember the sound. Crunch! Right into a telephone pole.

When the cops showed up I was still sitting in the car, sad, shocked, and confused. An officer stuck his head in my window and asked me what happened.

I waved my steering wheel in his face.

He just stood there, eyes shifting back and forth between my steering wheel and my bloody face as if trying to make sure what he was seeing was real.

After what felt like an eternity, he simply walked away and returned to his car.

The good news is my wise professor stepdad had made sure I got good insurance which paid for the telephone pole, plus the parts I needed to do the bodywork and repairs myself.

I installed a new fender, a new radiator, and a new bumper. And applied gallons of Bondo. This required so much sanding and painting that even Mr Miyagi would have suggested I take a break.

But in the end, I survived.

The Corolla survived.

And the new steering wheel was hot.
Life Pro Tips

 	Always use the right tool for the job. For example, if you want to replace your steering wheel, get a steering wheel puller.
 	If you don’t have much money, get a reliable car. Classic cars are cooler, but they cost more. If you gotta have one, make sure you have the money to keep it running. Talk to a mechanic who works on the make and model you want before you buy one. They can tell you what to watch out for and what things cost to repair.
 	Insurance. Have it.
 	Seatbelt. Wear it.



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Excerpt: I crashed my car, the route was unplanned, when a loose steering wheel came off in my hand.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Hola Muerto Su Nombre es Autobús

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 3 - Hola Muerto Su Nombre es Autobús
New here? Start at the beginning.
 
Most parents fight over who gets the kids during a divorce. My parents let me choose.
Stay in Bumfuk with Dad or go to Mexico City with Mom?

I was only nine years old and it took me exactly .001 seconds to decide to go to Mexico. A decision that had nothing to do with my Mom or Dad and everything to do with the fact that Mexico was not Bumfuk.

I think both my parents wished I’d chosen differently, but they’d decided to let me decide, and to their credit, they honored my decision.

So it was that a few weeks later I found myself running loose with the locals in the Distrito Federal de la Ciudad de México.

Before we left, my parents were afraid that I’d struggle to fit in, especially since the only Spanish I could speak was “hola” and “adios.” But for me, after years of not fitting in at all, I was finally so different, being the lone Gringo in my school, that most of the other kids were curious about me, and generally welcoming and friendly.

Except for one time when some kids tried to set me on fire. But they were just kidding. I think.

And that other time when they convinced me to throw water balloons at the heavily armed school guards.5They had AK-47s, so this was a very bold move, but it was a hot day and they laughed it off.

Or that other time when I asked the kid next to me how to say “May I please be excused from class to use the bathroom?” in Spanish.

He whispered the words to me, and I repeated them out loud in front of the whole class. Perfectly.

“Profesora eres una gran puta gorda?”

Which, if you no hablo Espanol, means I asked the teacher if she was a big fat whore.

This got a lot of laughs from everyone but my Maestra who immediately had me expelled. I was sent home crying without knowing what I’d said or done.

And without a chance to use el baño.

I tried explaining what happened to my stepdad and he just could not believe they’d kick me out of school for something so innocuous as interrupting class to ask to use el baño.

We discussed what happened over and over until he asked me to repeat the exact words I used. I’ll never forget his face when the peso dropped.

Despite the hijinks, this was one of the greatest and most influential periods of my life. And it wasn’t all mischief and mayhem. Much of who I am today is in some way influenced by this period of my life.

Mexico is where first I learned girls liked me.

In fact, it’s where I met my first girlfriend. My parents used to send me on grocery runs to the Commercial Mexicana, a giant supermercado about a 15-minute walk from our house. After I had picked out all the items on their list, the deal was I could spend any leftover dinero on things I wanted. This typically included sweet treats from the bakery and Tikal chocolate bars.

And it was in the candy section that a much older señorita (she was 11) asked me if I would be her boyfriend. I said “si” and we kissed in between the aisles. I was a lot more excited about going for groceries after that. I looked for her on all my subsequent shopping trips, but I never saw her again. I’m still working through the resultant trust issues.

Mexico was where I first knocked someone out with a single punch.

Family friends from the US came down to stay with us for a few weeks, and they had two daughters, one of them my age. We fought constantly. We were driving the adults crazy and, in a desperate attempt to stop the bickering, they came up with the brilliant idea of setting up a boxing match in the living room so that we could settle our differences once and for all.

We faced off, someone tapped a fork against a glass, and it was on. I took a swing and the next thing I knew she was face down on the carpet and not moving. I thought I’d killed her and started to cry. When she eventually came to, we never fought again. So, our parents' plan worked, in spite of its absurdity. And I’ve mostly avoided coming to fisticuffs with anyone ever since.

And Mexico was where I first learned I could learn hard things.

Like multiplication. I was never great at math and for me, mastering the multiples up to 12 x 126144. was one of the hardest challenges of my young life. All I really wanted to think about was soccer. But one day I accidentally kicked my ball over a wall that was covered with shards of broken glass, never to be seen again.

The adults said the only way to get a new one was by memorizing some math. Flipping flashcards became my new after-school activity. Pop quizzes became routine. And finally, I got them down. Rewards for achieving goals are still a part of how I get things done. And I have not lost a soccer ball since.

It was a wonderful time. I was just nine years old and free to run around like a little Mexican bandito. And like any bandito, I needed accomplices, and I found mine in two brothers, twins, named David and Jorge.

David and Jorge didn’t go to my school, but they lived in my neighborhood. I don’t remember how we met, I just remember we became instant amigos. They showed me how to shoot a slingshot, sneak into the fenced-off soccer fields, and ride on the backs of buses for free.

They also helped me burn my face off. Anyone who knows me knows I love my hot sauce. And my zest for fiery foods began while carousing the markets with David and Jorge.

The chile vendors at the mercado would arrange their stalls so the peppers they sold went down the row increasing in heat from mild to deadly. David and Jorge would convince the women to give us free samples, and every weekend we’d munch whole chilies competing to see how far down the row of stalls we could get. The game ended when someone finally said “no mas.”

It was highly competitive and hard work, and I eventually beat the Mexicans at their own game, but not without consequences, and lots of tears and laughter.

But it wasn’t the hot peppers that nearly killed me. It was the city buses.

None of us had bicycles, so the way we got around was by jumping on the backs of buses. We’d wait for one to start pulling away and then run after it, hop up, jam our fingers into the engine bay vents, and cling on as we tried to find a place to stick our feet on the slippery sloped bumpers.

Catching a bus this way wasn't an uncommon sight and while we did it for fun, we were often joined by other freeloaders who couldn't afford a ticket.

The drivers usually knew we were there and would occasionally stop to chase us off. But we’d just jump right back on or wait for another smoke belcher to come along and take us where we wanted to go.

Sometimes the metal engine vents would be burning hot, or smeared with grease (intentionally, as a deterrent) or covered by remnants of an old advertisement and we’d slip off, running hard to avoid a faceplant. But most of the time it was pure adventure.

And oh so dangerous. I can calculate at least three likely ways we could have died.

 	Inhaling leaded fuel exhaust fumes (slow death)
 	Falling off and cracking our skulls or getting run over (quick death)
 	Ending up in a bad barrio and being cooked into carne asada when your Mom doesn’t pay the ransom. (delicious death)

These days, in the age of helicopter parents, the idea of letting a nine-year-old boy loose in Mexico City seems scandalous and estupido.

Yet, somehow, I survived, with a taste for fiery chilies, a fondness for the scent of leaded gas, and a much improved Spanish vocabulary.

Gracias a Dios.
Life Pro Tips

 	The seeds are the hottest part of any chile pepper. If you want to increase your chances of survival, decrease the amount of seeds.
 	Chicharones are crunchy and delicious. They are also made from fried pig skin. If you’re cool with that, fine. But you deserve to know.
 	Don’t jump on the back of a moving bus.



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Excerpt: Falling off buses and burning my face, just proved to me that Mexico was my place.

### Wooly Mammoth - Extinct Animal Interviews

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Extinct Animal Interviews
Wooly Mammoth
New here? Start at the beginning.

Coming soon.


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Extinct Animal Interviews
Wooly Mammoth
New here? Start at the beginning.

What is your name and where were you from?
I don't have a name as you do, but you can call me Hurgle. I am from the cold tundra of modern-day Eurasia.
You’re very hairy. Do you ever wish you could shave or get laser hair removal?
That would be quite a challenge with my thick, woolly coat. But in the frigid landscapes where I’m from, fur like this is essential if you don’t want to freeze to death. So, no, I never wished for such modern grooming techniques.
Is your fur actually wool?
No, it’s just hair, but it starts to look like wool after a few years on the tundra.
What was the world like before you went extinct?
Ah, the world back then was a vast, frigid wonderland. Glaciers dominated the landscape. There was plenty of space with endless plains and towering ice sheets. I loved it.
What’s so great about living in the cold?
For starters, it helps preserve our food sources, like grasses and shrubs, making them available year-round. And it keeps most other predators away. If you’re not fat and hairy, you don’t last long on the tundra.
What caused you to go extinct?
Humans came after us for our meat, bones, and tusks, and this was the beginning of the end. Also, the expansion of their settlements destroyed much of our habitat, so we started to run out of places to live. Climate change also didn’t help. Something humans are only starting to take seriously. Trust me, don’t sleep on that.
Do you blame humans for your extinction?
Blame is a complex notion. While humans hastened our extinction, it was ultimately all a part of the natural order of things. I’m not resentful, but hope that humanity can learn from our story and take better care of the Earth and its remaining inhabitants.
That’s very Zen of you. Did you ever kill or eat any humans?
I never did, but I heard stories. But we were herbivores remember? So, to me at least, humans never seemed like they’d be that tasty. Everyone I know, or knew, mostly tried to avoid rather than harm humans. Maybe that was a mistake.
What is your favorite food?
I could eat grasses, shrubs, and sedges all day. Like, literally. All day.
What’s a sedge?
It’s kind of like grass except in the spring it grows little spikey flowers that are delicious.
Which do you like better: sedges or pizza?
I never had a chance to try pizza. Plus I’m basically vegan and gluten intolerant.
They have vegan pizza now.
Ooh! Too bad I can’t try it.
What was your life like before humans showed up?
It was a life of survival and looking after each other. But it was beautiful. We lived in close-knit family groups and mostly just foraged for food and explored the icy plains.
Do you miss having a family?
I still have them, we just exist in a different realm now.
Can you tell me more about that realm?
We’re not really allowed to talk about it.
What’s the worst thing about being extinct?
The feeling of disconnection from a world that once thrived with life. Watching life on Earth continue without us and getting worse, while we remain frozen in time. It sucks.
Frozen in time. I see what you did there. When did you go extinct?
Oh gosh, must be around 10,000 years ago now. Right at the end of the last ice age.
If you could come back from extinction, what’s the first thing you’d do?
Go to my favorite spot in Siberia and just enjoy being back on the land - on Earth. I’d probably try one of those vegan pizzas you mentioned. Can you get them with sedges on top?
Probably. Who was your best friend?
We don’t define friendship the way you do, but I had a great relationship with the leader of our group. He fell down a rock cliff and broke one of his tusks. Snapped it right off. He was so angry! We used to call him Snaggleface. I helped him dig for sedges once when the snow was deep and we sort of hit it off after that.
What is something you would like all humans to know?
The balance of nature is delicate and their actions have had a massive impact on the world. Mostly not good.
Anything else you’d like to share?
If you’re headed to the tundra, fatten up first. And grow some freaking hair!

 


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Excerpt: My interview with a very hairy Wooly Mammoth is coming soon. Subscribe now.

### Tasmanian Tiger - Extinct Animal Interviews

Extinct Animal Interviews
Thylacine (Tasmanian Tiger)
New here? Start at the beginning.

Coming soon.
 


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Excerpt: My interview with a handsome Tasmanian Tiger is coming soon. Subscribe now.

### Dodo Bird - Extinct Animal Interviews

Extinct Animal Interviews
Dodo Bird
New here? Start at the beginning.

Coming soon.
 


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Excerpt: My interview with a pair of lovely Dodo Birds is coming soon. Subscribe now.

### Use Your Skills to Sell Yourself

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Use Your Skills to Sell Yourself" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/kYisL-maqyI"][vc_custom_heading text="J.S. - UX/UI Designer" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]There's only one reason to create an online portfolio...

To show off your skills and get work.

The more precise and pointy you can be about who you are and what you do, the more likely it is that someone will hire you to do it.

But if you claim to have skills and you don't fully demonstrate them, then your folio won't be working as hard as it should.

Here we have a UX/UI Designer whose site is missing crucial navigation (a work section), doesn't follow best practices (the logo does not link to the homepage), and most important of all, hardly shows any UX/UI work in the folio section.

This is a huge missed opportunity.

I appreciate that this site appears to be hand-coded (i.e. not WordPress or Squarespace) but you still gotta get the fundamentals right.

The decision to use images for large blocks of text throughout the site goes against most UX/UI best practices. It's not searchable, not readable on small screens, and loads slower than HTML.

If you want to get hired as a UX/UI Designer then your online folio should have super functional - and ideally super cool UX/UI.

This is your chance to show the world what you can do - without any client constraints.

And right now, I think this folio is selling itself short.

Disclaimer[/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

		Take My Creativity Course

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Excerpt: A UX/UI Designer's online folio should ideally have super cool UX/UI. This one sells itself short.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - No Sleep 'til Brooklyn

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 2 - No Sleep 'til Brooklyn
New here? Start at the beginning.
 
I took a year off between high school and college and spent most of it in New York City.
My Dad went to Dartmouth and my step-father was a professor at Swarthmore, so I understood the importance and value of a college education. I just wasn’t clear on where I wanted to go or what I wanted to study.

So while all my high-school friends were applying to universities, I was applying to summer camps. I figured working as a counselor would be a good way to get out of town and earn some money in a place that came with free room and board.

I got a great gig at a great camp. But halfway through the summer, I hooked up with the head counselor's girlfriend and he fired me.1There is no denying this was a dumb move. In my defense, it was summer camp and everybody was hooking up with everybody. Her best friend’s parents lived in Brooklyn and had an extra room in their house, so I packed up all my stuff and drove from the woods of Vermont to the concrete jungle.

The first night there everything I owned got stolen out of my car. So I needed a job. And quick.

Other than “fired camp counselor” my only previous work experience that wasn’t in restaurants was in clothing stores. I had mastered the art of the perfect fold at Benetton and learned how to lose friends by getting promoted to Assistant Manager at The County Seat.2This was not a government job. The County Seat was a mall chain similar to The Gap.

This experience helped land me a job at the most famous used clothing store in New York: The Antique Boutique. Mecca for club kids, punk rockers, and bad boys who dealt drugs in the basement.

Needless to say, my mom and stepdad were slightly concerned that perhaps I wasn’t living up to my potential. So they came for a visit.

They both love the Big Apple, so we went into Manhattan to museum hop and explore. And it was then that we walked past a cool-looking clothing store called The Loft.

I went in for a look and came out with a job. My parents were stunned. I was stoked.

That gig was a major uptown upgrade - from SoHo to 76th and Amsterdam

Turns out the store catered mostly to wealthy gay men. They sold high-end clothing that I loved.3I got voted “best dressed” in high school. True story. They also sold gay porn and poppers in a hidden upstairs alcove. That, I didn’t love.

I didn’t know this when I applied. But the incremental improvement in my paycheck and wardrobe was worth it. As was my immediate immersion into gay culture.

Every day at work was filled with stories about partners who popped too many poppers, AIDS scares, celebrities who were still in the closet, celebrities who should know better than to wear that, the latest person to get outed against their will, drag queens, and more.

I learned a lot about fashion, how to be a bit braver with your wardrobe, how to accessorize, and how to always choose clothes you can dance (or run away) in.

I learned why we stocked and sold so many colored bandannas.4Turns out there is a secret gay man’s hanky code. It’s not so secret anymore, and I think AIDS put a curb on sales, but you can still learn a lot about a person by the color of their kerchief.

And I learned enough that I could comfortably say things like “that’s so gay” and not only be right but be celebrated for having the balls to say it.

I had been made an honorary member of a club for which I didn’t technically qualify. And it was illuminating.

Working at The Loft created a bunch of interesting opportunities, including a brief modeling career, and, more memorably, a chance to work the lines at some of the hottest nightclubs in the city.

There was one other straight guy who worked at The Loft and we hit it off much to the disappointment of the other employees who were not so secretly hoping to turn us.

My straight brother got me a gig working for one of the city's biggest party promoters. Back then if you wanted to get into a superclub like Danceteria, Limelight, Studio 54, Red Parrot, or any of the others, there were some pretty standard rules.

Firstly you had to be cool. Or at least look cool.

Secondly... actually that was pretty much the only rule.

But there were some standard protocols.

The first of these was getting past the door bitch. Armed with a sometimes bogus guest list, quick wit, discerning taste, and tons of ‘tude. If they didn’t like your look, it didn’t matter who you knew or how much cash you flashed.

Once you got past the door, you’d have to wait in the invite line, then the coat check line, then the payment line, and then finally you’d be in. And waiting in the bar line.

It could be really annoying to jump through all these hoops when you just wanted to get in, get a drink, and get dancing. But there was a method to the madness.

If you got past the door bitch and into the invite line, it meant you seemed or looked cool. That’s quality control.

At the invite line, you were asked if you had an invite. This was my job. People who had an invite were usually connected in some way to the promoter and got a discount. Head to the left. That’s looking after your best customers.

No invite? No discount. Head to the right.

Both lines led to a coat check where you had to tip someone to make sure your shit would still be there when you came back for it. It also meant that you were less likely to balk at the entry fee once you got to the front of the payment line.

In behavioral science, they call this “loss aversion.” By the time you get to the part where you pay to get in, you’ve already made a substantial investment of time, patience, and money. So almost nobody turned around, no matter how shocking the entry fee was.

Despite all the money club promoters made in those days, I was paid a little in cash and a lot in drink tickets. And I wasn’t even old enough to legally drink.

My shift was typically from 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. Sometimes I would try and sell my drink tickets, and get home. Other times I’d stick around and get my groove on.

And one time I got blind drunk downing vodka shots with Rick James. We drank a lot, but not enough to qualify for a near-death experience.

It was the trip home that nearly killed me.

You wouldn’t know it to ride the NYC subway system today, but back in the day it was not a safe place at any time, let alone 3 am.

In fact, over 250 felonies were committed every week in the ’80s, making the New York Subway the most dangerous mass transit system in the world.

So there I was, a well-dressed white boy, passed out on the hard orange fiberglass seats of a Bronx-bound 6 train.

I didn’t know it but I had been drifting well out of my comfort zone and deep into the danger zone.

A slap to the face woke me up.

I opened my eyes to see a gang of menacing mofos staring down at me, one of them was pinching at my pockets.

“What’s up?” I asked. Trying to be cool as I wobbled up into a seated position.

“Boy,” the biggest and hardest-looking one said, “you done missed yo stop.”

I looked around. We were pulling into the 138th Street station. No one else on the train but us.

They looked at each other. One of them showed me a kitchen knife in his waistband. His mom was probably wondering where it went.

“Loan me a dollar?”

The train squealed to a stop. The sliding doors opened. They circled, blocking my exit.

It is here that I would like to introduce to you the concept of the “throw roll.”

A throw roll is a wad of small denomination dollar bills, folded or rolled to make it look like more money than it is. The idea is to stash most of your cash in a sock or shoe and keep the throw roll handy in your front pocket. If anyone tries to mug you, just hand over your throw roll or toss it on the ground as a distraction and make your escape.

The P.A. blared. “Next stop Brook Avenue.”

One of the gang waved a box cutter in my face.

“Yo I need a dollar too.”

The wheels screeched to a stop. The doors banged open. I slowly stood up, reached into my pocket, and pulled out my throw roll. Their eyes lit up.

The P.A. blared again. “Watch the closing doors please.”

This was the do-or-die moment.

I dropped the decoy to the floor. As they turned to watch my money roll between their legs and down the car, I made a break for it, the rubber seal of the sliding doors just catching my foot as they closed.

I yanked free and watched them wave their blades at me as the train pulled away.

I don’t know why they didn’t try harder to stop me. Maybe they weren't as hard as they looked. Maybe they were just surprised. Or maybe they thought I was gonna run some Bernard Goetz-type shit on them.5Goetz, dubbed the "Subway Vigilante" by the New York press, came to symbolize New Yorkers' frustrations with the high crime rates of the 1980s after he shot and wounded 4 black men he claimed were trying to mug him. He was both praised and vilified in the media and public opinion.

But as I made the long sobering trip home down through Manhattan and back into Brooklyn, I kept thinking, that throw roll might have been the best $5 investment I ever made.

Back then, people died on trains.

And I was pretty sure I was almost one of them.

 
Life Pro Tips

 	If you want to skip to the front of the line at a club, dress cool, be cool, and ask them what the odds are of you getting in early so you can dance. Clubs love people who come in and start dancing right away since it sets the vibe. Palming the door bitch a $20 never hurts either.
 	If a celebrity wants to party with you, go for it, just remember their tolerance is definitely higher than yours.
 	If someone is hitting on you and they have a hanky, ask them what the color means. It could save you both a lot of time.
 	If you’re on a train and afraid you might fall asleep or pass out and miss your stop, set a timer on your phone to wake you up. Also, sometimes springing for a taxi is worth it.
 	If you’re going to a place where you might be mugged, carry a small amount of easy-to-access cash that you’re willing to trade for your life. Note that some experts say to avoid eye contact, and hand it over instead of throwing it on the ground which could just make your mugger angry.



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Excerpt: I nearly got stabbed on a Subway train, but I escaped with just emotional pain.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Bees in Bumfuck

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Chapter 1 - Bees in Bumfuck
New here? Start at the beginning.
 
My parents moved to Bumfuck.
Some people also know the place as Gilmanton, New Hampshire.

Go ahead, look it up. I’ll wait.

Told you. Bumfuck.

That’s where my Dad bought a chunk of land on a large hill and planned to build a house on it.

The property was in and surrounded by dense forest. Before we could build anything we had to clearcut a road to the top, and then clear the land to build on.

Because it was in Bumfuck, there weren't a lot of people around to help. So that meant my Dad taught me to use tools from a young age.

I could use a saw, hammer, drill, chisel, or any other hand tool well enough to be more of a help than a hindrance on a job site. And I had enough confidence, imagination, and scrap wood that it was often easier to make my own toys rather than wait for Santa to disappoint.

I learned to use a chainsaw before most kids learn to ride a bike. This on its own might have qualified as a near-death experience, but my

Dad was mostly safe and smart when it came to working with wood, and he taught me well.

We cut down tons of trees and the plan was to use them to build a log cabin where they once stood.

Once the main logs were cut, de-barked, and notched, I would use an axe and maul to split the offcuts and stack up cords of firewood. When the hard work was done, I would often climb on top of the pile and pretend it was a pirate ship sailing back to civilization.

We lived in our new cabin while we built the “real” house further up the hill.

The real house was an old post and beam structure that a nearby farmer no longer wanted on his land. It was so old that it was held together with mortise and tenon joints and wooden pegs. No nails.

This meant that the house could technically be disassembled, loaded on my Dad’s old International Harvester truck, and reassembled on top of our hill.

It was a lot of work, but it was a glorious structure.

Clearing the land to reassemble it on was less glorious.

I remember long hot days spent chopping down trees, digging out stumps, cutting off branches, hacking at brush, and being equally annoyed and thrilled at the occasional discovery of a wild, thorny blackberry bush.

One day when we were piling things up for a bonfire, I picked up a log that turned out to be a beehive.

I got stung 287 times. There was no space on my 7-year-old body for even one more sting.

And no hospital nearby. No nothing nearby. We’re in Bumfuck, remember?

My Dad quickly carried me back to the partially built house and frantically picked dead bees out of my clothes, hair, and skin. Once most of the stingers were out, he dressed the sores with a poultice of water and baking soda.

I was so swollen I looked like a mummified baked potato.

For most people, a single bee sting is a bummer. And two-hundred-eighty-seven stings is unfathomable.

If you’re allergic, one sting can kill.

If you're not, then the generally accepted theory is that anything over 10 stings per pound of body weight can be deadly.

As a 47lb kid, I was over 60% of the way there.

But it felt closer to a hundred.
Life Pro Tips

 	If you see a beehive anywhere, leave it alone.
 	If it absolutely has to be removed, get someone else to do it, and be far away when they do.
 	If you’re being swarmed, don't swat. When crushed, some bees, wasps, and hornets emit a hormone that alerts other nearby stingers to attack.
 	Find out if you're allergic before you get stung.



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Excerpt: I got attacked while chopping trees. Not by beavers, but by hundreds of bees.

### Rad & Bad Ads: Career Builder & Seek

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1681464662741{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads No. 23-006" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1685931824884{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#000000" css=".vc_custom_1699331966145{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Career Builder" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/bWoycv_HAwE" align="center"][vc_column_text]When this ad came out there had never been anything like it.

And I don’t think there’s been anything like it since.

It stands out in a sea of sameness.

By using a relatable hook.

By using a relatable hook and a completely unique structure.

By using a relatable hook, a unique structure, and attention-grabbing visuals.

By using a relatable hook, a unique structure, attention-grabbing visuals, and hilarious casting.

By… you get the idea.

It’s genius in its apparent simplicity.

And yet, like so many things that appear simple, it’s craftsmanship that makes it so.

The perfectly timed dialogue.

The exaggerated characters.

The art direction and set design.

The layered humor.

(You saw the guy in the background blending gold bar smoothies right?)

It’s wall-to-wall wit.

Sure, the logo is awful.

And I don’t think it needs “as a rule” at the end.

But the idea is so good.

That even if it was executed badly.

It would still be great.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925983187{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681469039277{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 1vh !important;padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925994054{padding-top: 1vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Bad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Seek" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/ce5752dLWFA" align="center"][vc_column_text]This seems like an idea that started out great but lost its soul on the way to the screen.

And once a great idea gets watered down, it doesn’t matter how well you execute it.

Even if you have a two-million-dollar production budget and a shit-hot director.

Like this ad allegedly did.

A cult-like conference for people who can’t find work is kind of funny.

Especially one led by a Tony Robbins-esque self-help con artist.

The direction, casting, and production design are flawless.

And I love the sound guy’s contributions to the comedy.

But revealing someone's salary when they clearly wanted to keep it quiet is a dick move.

And there’s something oxymoronic about a guy who doesn’t want people to know he’s using Seek, but he’s got “The Seekret” in huge letters behind him on stage.

Not to mention using the app and pretending it doesn't exist at the same time.

It doesn’t make sense.

Does he represent Seek or not?

And that sign on stage gives away the gag too soon.

Plus, Seek isn’t exactly a secret.

It's one of the largest job sites around.

Word on the street is this spot was originally about a health and fitness guru played by Jennifer Coolidge.

So maybe this is a case of a script getting watered-down revision after revision.

Like the new Tree Milk ad, it is very well made.

And frustratingly close to being rad.

But the power of positive thinking won’t fix this one.

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Coulda Shoulda Woulda" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text]I never like to say an ad is bad without offering some thoughts on how it might be improved.

After all, judging is easy and ideas are hard.

One little tweak could have saved this.

What if a self-help guru who allegedly has the secret to getting jobs suddenly has to look for one?

Open in a giant auditorium.

A cheesy self-help guru is on stage

Behind him hangs a giant religious-looking banner: Find Job.

He moves energetically and speaks with the confidence of a megachurch evangelist.

He points to a haggard-looking woman in the audience.

GURU: You mortgaged the house!

The woman nods proudly.

The guru points to a guy wearing tight Lycra.

GURU: You sold the car!

The cyclist holds up his helmet and takes a bow.

The guru points to a guy holding an I.V. drip.

GURU: A kidney!

The I.V. drip guy waves and winces in pain.

GURU: Whatever you had to do to get the twenty grand it took to be here, it was worth it because now you're one step closer to… job.

The Guru’s sound guy plays an emotional note to emphasize the word and whispers into his mic.

SOUND GUY: Job.

GURU: Repeat after me, I’m employable!

The audience repeats his words back to him drearily - in monotone.

GURU: I’m valuable!

The audience mumbles his words back to him.

GURU: I'm…

Suddenly, a door in the back of the dark auditorium opens letting in a beam of light.

A young woman steps in, her bright, cheery voice cuts through the sea of sadness.

WOMAN: I’ve seen the light!

Everyone turns to look, but the door shuts and the auditorium goes dark.

She holds up her phone - the Seek app is on the screen.

WOMAN: And it’s right here - in the Seek app!

Security men drag her away, but it’s too late.

WOMAN: (shouting) There’s jobs for everyone!

The dark auditorium lights up as people start downloading the Seek app on their phones.

Now everyone is hugging and embracing each other.

Hallelujah! They really have found… Job!

As everyone leaves the auditorium the Guru realizes he’s out of work now.

The sound guy whispers over the mic.

SOUND GUY: What do we do now?

The Guru is already looking for a new job on the Seek app.

He shows his phone to the sound guy.

Zoom in on his screen and transition to an end frame.

SUPER: Seek. And ye shall find.

Seek logo and URL.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2="Agree? Disagree?" h4="Have a Rad or Bad Ad to share?" txt_align="center" shape="square" style="custom" custom_background="#00ff00" custom_text="#000000"]The comment section is yours.[/vc_cta][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe to Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it's Career Builder & Seek.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Introduction

A Laugh Threatening Situation
Introduction
New here? Start at the beginning.


I’ve nearly died forty-seven times.
I know what you’re thinking.

You’re thinking one of three things:

This guy must be the biggest idiot ever. (Possible).

This guy must be the luckiest idiot ever. (Also possible).

Or, hopefully…

I need to read this idiot’s book. (Definitely).

Before this book was a book it was a one-man comedy show that premiered at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival.

Back then I scared myself by remembering and recounting seventeen times I’d almost died.

But then friends began to remind me of things. Things that I had long forgotten.

Things they could never forget.

So now the number is up to forty-seven. And it could go higher.

Not because I haven’t learned anything, but because somebody somewhere is probably going to read this and remember something we did together that scarred them emotionally. 

Or physically. 

Or both.

On opening night I shared a handful of stories to a packed house and despite some technical issues, the audience laughed at the right moments, and I was inspired to share more.

Hence this book.

In it, you will discover epic tales of survival written to help you avoid a dumb death. You will laugh at my many missteps, mistakes, and occasional madness. You will learn how to navigate your life safely and smartly.

And you will come to appreciate the miraculous close calls and near misses so many of us experience with frightening frequency.
The sooner this is over the safer we’ll all be.
I believe the things we spend time thinking about are the things we attract.

So I suggest you read fast.

That said, my hope is that you might learn one or two things that could maybe save your life someday.

So don’t read too fast.

However fast or slow you read, somewhere along the way you may come to the conclusion that I have a death wish.

You may think I’m risky, naive, or even stupid. And I have been all those things.

Sometimes all three at the same time. Sometimes all three at the same time, and drunk.

But I don’t have a death wish. I have a life wish. I want to see, feel, taste, explore, try, and do everything.

And sometimes I get a little carried away is all.

After more than 43 near-death experiences, you still can’t tell by looking at me.

Sure, I’ve got my share of scars and possible brain damage, but the reality is I've got a lot to be thankful for.

And with that in mind, I want to acknowledge the friends, family, spirits, entities, angels, gods, doctors, safety equipment, forces of nature, four-leaf clover, upside-down horseshoes, crossed fingers, rabbit’s feet, and lucky dice that have kept me here this long.

Thank you.

And thank you too, dear reader.

My life is in your hands.


▶ Subscribe to get new chapters in your inbox and join me for readings on YouTube.

Excerpt: I've nearly died 47 times. That makes for lot of bad situations and good stories.

### Show me your portfolio. I'll show you the way.

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Sign up for one of my free creative portfolio reviews." use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1754727974847{padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]
Polishing and presenting your creative portfolio can be time-consuming and sometimes a bit daunting.
All the most successful creative pros have at least one other pair of eyes look at their work before sharing it with the world.

So I am offering free and paid portfolio reviews to help copywriters, art directors, and anyone else working in the communication arts, transform their folios into guaranteed gig-getters.

Can you afford not to let me have a look?[/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

	[vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_column_text css=""]For any creative professional a hard-working online portfolio is their most important money-making tool.

But most portfolio websites are filled with mistakes and often work against the person they're designed to help.
Get your free 10-minute creative portfolio review.
Throughout my career, I’ve looked at thousands of portfolios and helped hire hundreds of creative professionals like you. 

I am confident I can help you create a perfectly crafted portfolio that gives you the best chance of taking your career where you want it to go. [/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="28655" img_size="full" style="vc_box_shadow" onclick="custom_link" link="/portfolio-reviews"][vc_column_text] I will provide detailed notes – if I have any – to help you make your work and/or folio even stronger.

And get the job of your dreams.

Why? Because making it as a creative person can be hard.

Especially right now in this current economy.

And even more so if you don’t have a mentor or boss who has time to help you take your work to the next level.

And also because these days creatives who are looking for work almost never get direct feedback on their books anymore.

You email a link, and if it doesn't go to spam, and the person you sent it to clicks it, likes what they see, and is hiring at your level, maybe they call you.

But that call is usually about availability and money - not the quality of your ideas or work.

The face-to-face folio review feels like a thing of the past. And without them, how are you supposed to get your book good enough to get a gig?
“Just finished portfolio school and currently applying and taking interviews. It’s tough out here! Even getting feedback alone seems impossible.” – Eric Remme
If you’re already in a role, chances are you don’t get much face time with your CD. Especially now that so many people are working remotely.

If you’re in the office two or three days a week, I can pretty much guarantee your CDs are busy for all of them with little to no time for meaningful mentorship and creative guidance.

The quality of work suffers, and so does morale. Creative people need creative feedback and so I am here to share it.

Doing these reviews makes me better too – each one forces me to say more than just “I like this” or “I don’t like that.”

I have to explain why and how they might be improved which helps keep my own creative brain in shape.

The free portfolio review is called the Bronze Boomerang and you can catch yourself one right now.

I’m also offering paid reviews and creative coaching - you can check those options out here:
Silver Skillet, Gold Gull, and Titanium Torch.

Or if you just want to chat about the business and strategies for success, you can book the Red Whistle.

The bottom line is, I am here to help.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Working on your creative portfolio is hard. The pros get guidance before sharing their work with the world. Is yours up to scratch?

### A Menace I'd Like to Meet

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="A Menace I'd Like to Meet" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" css="" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/Kdrj5-9Wuck"][vc_custom_heading text="L.O. - Associate Creative Director/Copywriter" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]If you’re a copywriter then all the copy in your portfolio should be great.

And in this one, all the copy I saw is.

It rewards the reader and makes them want to know more.

Not just about the work, but also the person who did it.

And that is the sign of a winning portfolio.

The reality is, at a certain level, everyone expects the work to be good.

But when the personality of the person who did it comes through in a cool, playful, and fun way, that just makes you even more employable.

Or at the very least makes people want to meet you.

And that’s really what any online folio needs to do.

I like how she starts her folio with the most impressive piece of work - Michelle Obama!

It’s a smart way to make a strong first impression that frames how people perceive the rest of the work.

And even though she uses a lot of copy to explain her work which I typically suggest people don’t do, the copy is good enough that she gets away with it.

There are a few things I noticed that might help her folio work harder.

But they are mostly small design tweaks that are more related to the website than the work on it.

In this free and short Bronze Boomerang review I didn’t get to see enough work to get a sense of where L.O. is in her career.

Or judge the quality of her ideas.

But I do know that her personal style, character, and craft come through.

And she seems like someone I’d like to work with.

And maybe share a whisky sour with when the work is done.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: If you’re a copywriter then all the copy in your portfolio should reward the reader and in this one it does.

### Surf and Style's Up

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Surf and Style's Up" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/Q8CLHhXD3E0"][vc_custom_heading text="Person's name - discipline" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]This folio has some slick features and cool UX.

But some of it might be hurting more than it helps.

My suggestion is don’t be overly clever for clever’s sake.

The work is more important than how you present it.

Think of your website as a frame and your work as the art.

You don’t want your frame to be more interesting than what it holds.

There are also a few UX things that I’d normally let slide except when someone says they’re a UX designer.

Load more buttons that don’t load more for example.

This person has talent and skills, but the choices she’s made when it comes to showing them off could probably be stronger.

For example, there are lots of social media tiles, but those follow a strict format and may not be the best medium to show off your design chops.

There are also a few things I notice on lots of folio sites that are easy fixes.

These include…

 	Cleaning up (simplifying) hero thumbnail images.
 	Making images with text on them big enough to read or clickable to show a larger image.
 	Showing only your best work, not all your work.
 	Showing the work first, and any explanations second - if you need them.

That said, the short intros she uses are good, but I still think showing more and telling less is the way.

I like how T.N. has her bio in the footer and it’s nice and short.

And also that she’s chosen to put a credibility-building “Who I’ve worked with” on the home page - this can be nice, especially for freelancers.

There’s a of nice stuff here and with some polishing, this folio could be even more professional.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

		Take My Creativity Course

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Excerpt: Think of your website as a frame and your work as the art and make sure the frame isn't more interesting than what it holds.

### Screenwriter vs. Copywriter

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Screenwriter vs. Copywriter." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/2avBkZ7FKHc"][vc_custom_heading text="S.B. - Screenwriter/Copywriter" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Most great writers can write more than one type of thing.

But that doesn’t mean all writing is created equal.

And in this instance, having screenwriting and copywriting on the same site may not be the best way forward.

For better or worse, people want to put you in a box.

And both film people and ad people can be snobs about what they do.

So my strong suggestion is to separate these two disciplines onto two separate websites.

And then direct the right people to the right site for the work they might want to hire you to do.

My favorite thing on the copywriting side is a spec TV ad.

I love the initiative he takes to write, produce, and film a fake ad for a fake product that actually seems viable.

This is the sort of thing that might convince a CD to give you a shot.

But there are a number of things getting in the way.

Over-explaining work that doesn’t need explaining.

Using puns instead of coming up with a great idea.

Showing only one ad for each idea instead of campaigns.

Not showing enough ideas.

And telling us your ideas are great when really, it’s up to the viewer to decide that.

For juniors trying to break in, it can be super tough.

Especially if you are competing against people who have just come out of a years-long training program.

My biggest piece of advice is to crank out more ideas, be ruthless and choose only the best, and find an art director to collaborate with who can help you make them look great.

Lastly, if you're not hearing back from agencies, it might be because there isn't a contact form or email on your site.

That's what I'd fix first.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: Most great writers can write more than one type of thing. But that doesn’t mean all writing is created equal.

### Pretty Face/Busy Mind.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Pretty Face/Busy Mind." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/xdqmhdHBYIc"][vc_custom_heading text="N.S. - Junior Copywriter" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]This folio starts off with a nice clean presentation.

I love the simple navigation and the choice to limit it to just six sections.

But behind each of those six misleading homepage tiles is a ton of stuff.

Almost all of it is over-explained and not all of it is worth showing.

Writing lots of copy about what the project was, and why, makes your folio un-skimmable.

Busy CDs want to flick through first and read second.

Whenever possible start with the work, then explain it or add a case study to back it up.

The hierarchy matters.

The other thing this folio reminded me of is this:

When you are doing spec work, it not only needs to be better than anything the brand does for real, it needs to seem like it could be real.

I always tell people, when it comes to spec ads, don't compete with the award winners.

Don’t try and out Nike, Nike.

And don’t take the easy options - hot sauce, condoms, beer etc.

If you can’t do a great ad for those, you shouldn’t be doing ads.

So a choice like Outward Bound is perfect.

But if the messaging of your spec ads feels off-brand, it may not matter how good they are.

Unless they are really, really, great.

The good news is the beginnings of a good portfolio are here.

N.S. makes some common mistakes I see over and over again:

 	Putting everything you ever did in your book.
 	Putting things in exactly as they were produced instead of the best version of what was produced.
 	And not making small work feel big.

But with some more crafting - and editing - we can whip this bad boy into shape.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: This folio is clean and simple, but behind each of those homepage tiles is a ton of unnecessary stuff.

### Perfectly Unready for Prime Time.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Perfectly Unready for Prime Time" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/F1YUU1tGN0A"][vc_custom_heading text="V.S. - Social Media Creative?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]This folio isn’t ready for prime time.

And that’s perfect.

It’s part of the reason why I’m doing this.

I want to help you build the best version of your portfolio possible.

And you have to start somewhere.

There are a lot of quick and easy fixes we can make with this one.

Before we get into the quality of the work and ideas.

But the biggest issue is I can’t tell what this person really wants to do.

Or what I should hire her for.

It’s unclear who they are and what they love to do.

So my number one suggestion is to make it easy for someone who does not know you to put you in a box.

Then, if you need or want to, expand the box.

Do this carefully and in a well-considered manner.

Consider how you might use navigation, sections and sub-sections, color, or even separate websites to keep different disciplines and skills clear to a potential customer.

It’s confusing now because there are way too many things.

 	Too many types of work.
 	Too many repeated headings.
 	Too many fonts.
 	And too many spelling errors.

(There was only one that I noticed, but that’s still too many.)

And the very long Canva link is unattractive and unprofessional.

I would start by fixing the easy stuff.

Then figuring out what you want to do and how to communicate that.

And then showing only the best work that proves you can do it.

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: You have to start somewhere and there are a lot of quick fixes we can make with this one.

### Rad & Bad Ads: Epuron & Wind Energy

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1681464662741{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads No. 23-005" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1684235455527{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#000000" css=".vc_custom_1681466172482{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Epuron" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/6BUE1l5bqok" align="center"][vc_column_text]This is one of my all-time faves.

The casting is incredible.

His look, his height, his wardrobe, his accent - that hat.

The music sets a sombre tone.

It primes you to feel bad for this guy even when he’s being a jerk.

The physical comedy is perfect.

Funny enough to keep you watching, but not so over-the-top that it feels forced.

The voiceover is emotional.

And leads you on a wonderful journey without giving away the destination.

The “curiosity engine” hums.

Why is he doing this? And what will he do next?

The cinematography is worthy of an Academy Award.

This is an ad that looks like a movie.

The moment of connection is pure joy.

Finally! Someone sees him!

And the payoff…

The model of a windmill that was right there behind him the whole time.

The whole time!

And you didn’t notice - until you did.

The pièce de résistance?

A short, simple line that pays off the idea perfectly.

He’s the wind.

And he’s a winner.

PS I used shots from this ad as reference for my very first short film. See if you can spot them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925983187{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681469039277{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 1vh !important;padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925994054{padding-top: 1vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Bad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Wind Energy" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/KEhRiSdJPjE" align="center"][vc_column_text]This spot, on the other hand, blows.

Why is a modern Irish wind energy company using an old American President to sell its services?

Because he came and spoke to them once?

Using other people's words usually means you can’t think of anything to say yourself.

It’s borrowed interest.

And they’re borrowing from someone who hasn’t been interesting since the 60s.

For a brand that’s all about the future, this is old hat.

Couldn't they have written something only this company could say, and then gotten an Irish person say it?

Not only is this slideshow boring as hell, there's also almost no reason to watch.

There's too much reading.

It's too long for too little of a reward.

And the overuse of mismatched stock imagery diminishes the perception of the brand.

Before we even know who it is.

Once we do, another thing becomes clear…

They put as much thought into this ad as they did when naming their company.

And no matter how you spin it, it's bad.

PS If you’re wondering what the hell the Dáil is, let me save you some googling.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Coulda Shoulda Woulda" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text]I never like to say an ad is bad without offering some thoughts on how it might be improved.

After all, judging is easy and ideas are hard.

But I don’t know if you can really fix this sort of thing.

Whoever made this made at least one creative choice.

The way the words blow off screen as if by a gust of wind.

But it looks like a cheap iMovie effect rather than a crafted animation.

The vignette helps tie things together, but the image choices are uninspired.

And “the power to power ourselves” tagline sounds like it's for an energy drink.

Would “The power to power our planet” work better?

It’s less patriotic and personal, but also less confusing.

If I had to polish this up, I’d tighten the edit so there aren’t long bits of black between shots and to make the speech shorter.

I’d color grade all the stock imagery so it felt like one cohesive piece.

I’d put more dynamic moves on the images to make it more energetic and visually arresting.

Wherever possible I'd use videos instead of photos to help it be less of a slideshow.

And I’d intercut archival footage of Kennedy making this speech.

That way you could get rid of the supers at the start.

And it would be infinitely more powerful.

PS. It is possible to make decent ads using stock imagery. It’s hard, but possible. One of my most famous ads is proof.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2="Agree? Disagree?" h4="Have a Rad or Bad Ad to share?" txt_align="center" shape="square" style="custom" custom_background="#00ff00" custom_text="#000000"]The comment section is yours.[/vc_cta][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe to Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it's Epuron & Wind Energy

### Getting Lucky in Las Vegas.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Getting Lucky in Las Vegas." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A SILVER SKILLET creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/hyMi7HQnKaw"][vc_custom_heading text="M.E. - Designer/Art Director" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]I believe you can do great work anywhere if you have the right amount of gusto and guidance.

Some of the best work I ever did in my career was at a small agency in North Carolina.

Nobody had ever even heard of it until the owner's nephew left NYC to become the CD.

One year later we were in every single award show, featured in CA, and AdAge’s Southeast Agency of the Year.

You make your own luck, and that’s what I think Matt is doing in Las Vegas.

The casinos create all sorts of opportunities and it’s clear he’s got the chops to deliver great work for them.

And perhaps a few local small clients.

I love the few pieces where I can see his personal style coming through in the work.

But he’s surrounded the great work in his folio with less great work.

And that can make people wonder if you know what great is.

Just because it got produced doesn’t mean you have to show it.

Or show it the way it ran if there’s a better version.

If you’re in a job and you’re going to shoots and getting assets, but the final ads/designs didn’t turn out great, use them to make something for your book that is.

As part of this SILVER SKILLET review, I’ve given Matt a ton of ideas on how to improve his folio, things to potentially remove, and written some headlines to make some of the ideas even stronger.

Some general takeaways that will be applicable to anyone are…

 	If you use Vimeo your file names appear in the embed. If you haven’t chosen good ones, they look bad. I suggest either renaming them or paying for Vimeo Pro and taking advantage of the customisation options to make things look nice.
 	Also, make sure your videos are as high-res as you can get.
 	For both video and print, remove superfluous logos, fine print, and legalese. Keep things clean - you don’t need them in the folio versions of your work.
 	Make your images clickable to reveal a larger version so people can read the copy.
 	If you have multiple disciplines, consider separating them. In this case, some of the work is obviously graphic design only, and the rest of it is ads. They don’t really belong together in the same folio.

Thanks for sharing your portfolio![/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Watch the Follow Up Review - 85% Changed!" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/XF1TCHIx3vY"][vc_column_text]See all the feedback M.E. took on board and be amazed by the dramatic changes and improvements in his portfolio.

He told me he took around 80-85% of my suggestions on board and that number seems about right.
"Following your advice I have a book I think is a bit bolder, more reflective of the work I want to do and tighter."
But he also snuck in a bunch of new work and some of that could use tweaks.

Overall this folio has had a major makeover and there are learnings here that will apply to everyone.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Choose the review that's right for you:" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682910926667{padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"]
		
															
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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

		Take My Creativity Course

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Excerpt: If you surround the great work in your folio with less great work it might make people wonder if you know what great is.

### Delicious design in a tidy package.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Delicious design in a tidy package." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/Ab3NNfNy_bI"][vc_custom_heading text="J.B. - Designer" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]James gets a lot of things right.

He doesn't overwhelm you with too many projects and examples of his work.

There's plenty of white space so even though he shares a lot of info, there's no visual overload.

And his work is gorgeous.

He claims to specialise in sustainability which I love.

But he doesn't ever show how he delivers on this which is a missed opportunity.

It would be cool to see if he can do something like what Low Tech Magazine do to prove his positioning.

I really like that he has pricing packages on his site to pre-qualify customers.

And I also like how he uses his testimonials to show more work that isn't in the main "projects" section of his site.

Put those in the nav! And keep your nav consistent.

The order across the top should match the order in which you present things on your home page.

Also, the nav is a bit glitchy in places which could be a limitation of Squarespace, but it's worth looking into.

Another thing to consider: Do you want to present yourself as a solo freelancer?

Or a design agency?

The decision to call it "Public"  and use the word "Haus" implies agency.

But a lot of the copy on the site uses "I" instead of "we."

Decide which you want to be perceived as.

And then work with a copywriter to update the language to match and tighten everything up.

Next time I'm in Glasgow I will be sure to smash a McLeod's cider and a Jamiesons' potato scone.

Thanks for sharing your portfolio James.[/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, started an agency that got acquired - and freelanced everywhere, man.

You can shred my folio or roast my reel using the buttons below.

And learn more about me using the links in the footer.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

		Take My Creativity Course

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Excerpt: The work is gorgeous and, even better, claims to be sustainably designed but it's not clear how which is a missed opportunity.

### Disco dancing in Ideatown.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Disco dancing in Ideatown" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/FLx6SW32jIE"][vc_custom_heading text="J.B. - Art Director" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]In a world of perfectly-polished portfolios, Jay's website stands out.

It's playful, and fun, and really lets his personality shine through.

There are some navigation issues to work out and being consistent with how and where he presents information will help.

The work itself shows creative thinking, but in many cases, he doesn't quite close the loop on the ideas.

By adding a missing logo here, and a better tagline there, his work will get better.

Much of the work is a result of briefs he's gotten from school or award show competitions.

These can be good if you win and the work is great.

But sometimes the asked-for outputs don't match what CDs will be looking for (or really want to see) in your folio.

And if it's a big comp. then whoever you're showing your work to will likely have seen other people's ideas for it already.

Which makes your folio stand out less.

I strongly recommend finding some local brands, products, or services to do campaigns for.

This will provide experience working with clients, put unique work in your folio that no one else has, and possibly get you paid and/or winning awards.

Since Jay is also a photographer, I'm suggesting he shoot and art direct some campaigns for his folio too.

Take initiative and use all the skills you have to get yourself noticed!

And soon you'll be dancing your way into a job.

Thanks for sharing your portfolio Jay![/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, started an agency that got acquired - and freelanced everywhere, man.

You can shred my folio or roast my reel using the buttons below.

And learn more about me using the links in the footer.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

		Take My Creativity Course

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Excerpt: This folio is playful, fun, and demonstrates creative thinking, but in several cases it could work harder to close the loop on the ideas.

### Illuminating the way for a lighting artist.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Illuminating the way for a lighting artist" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/bPQaR8-9Brw"][vc_custom_heading text="D.F. - Photographer" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]David is a self-proclaimed "lighting artist."

And from the work on his site, I'd say that's a fair title.

Especially when you look at some of his fashion portraitures.

The quality of his work is high, but his website needs work.

To be fair, he did tell me he was still tweaking it.

So some of the nitpicky stuff I point out might already be fixed by the time you see this.

There are little things like not having a favicon, or using inconsistent language in navigation.

And more important things like how to organise all the different types of work he can do.

And finding the best way and order to present it.

There's no real hierarchy and it's hard to tell which of the many things he can do, he really wants to do.

It's also hard not to notice that his personal brand doesn't match the quality of his images.

The layout, graphics, and copy could all be improved, and I think some more craft here would go a long way.

Most photographers get around this in one of two ways:

 	They remove all personal branding and simply let the photos speak for themselves.
 	Or they work with a designer and copywriter to create a look and feel that represents them well.

My suggestion is if you want to go the second route, embrace the first while you figure things out.

(An easy short-term fix might be to make the background of the site black or white to create a better "frame" for the photography and use blue for your logo.)

I like how David has used the fewest words possible to make the biggest impression in his bio.

He's worked with some big brands!

But they're missing from his site and this seems odd.

Here's my last suggestion, if you're shooting for ads, show the ads in your folio.

The ad nerds (like me) will love you for it.

Thank you for sharing your portfolio with me.[/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, started an agency that got acquired - and freelanced everywhere, man.

You can shred my folio or roast my reel using the buttons below.

And learn more about me using the links in the footer.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

		Take My Creativity Course

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Excerpt: A self-proclaimed "lighting artist" demonstrates a broad range of skills, but it's hard to know what he really wants to focus on.

### Less personality. More productivity.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Less personality. More productivity." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/1AETeZrvGuI"][vc_custom_heading text="E.R. - Copywriter" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Starting out is such an exciting time in your career.

Especially when it comes to your portfolio.

This is the one time when nobody expects you to have produced "real" work in your folio.

You can do anything, for any brand.

As long as it's great.

No restrictions. No client to say "no." Anything goes.

Bonus points if you pick challenging brands to do spec ads for.

And Eric has.  He's resisted the temptation to do all-to-common and easy ads for condoms, hot sauce, and beer.

Which I applaud, but some of the ideas feel like first thoughts rather than deep creative explorations.

And there aren't that many of them.

I'd suggest aiming for around 12 pieces at a minimum in your folio. As long as all of them are great.

I really like Eric's willingness to put himself out there with regard to all the personal info he shares on his site.

I think it's important to present your work in a way that helps people get a sense of who you are.

But it's also possible to overdo it and confuse your message and personal brand as a result.

If someone is looking at your site, it's because they want to see your work first.

And decide if they like you second.

So my advice is to lead with the work, not the bio.

Unless the bio relates directly to why you do what you do.

Thanks for sharing your portfolio![/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, started an agency that got acquired - and freelanced everywhere, man.

You can shred my folio or roast my reel using the buttons below.

And learn more about me using the links in the footer.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: When you're a Junior nobody expects you to have produced "real" work in your folio. You can do anything. As long as it's great.

### Ik wou dat ik Nederlands kon spreken.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Ik wou dat ik Nederlands kon spreken" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H6ouurK_9Cg"][vc_custom_heading text="S.V. - Art Director" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]The heading of this post translates as "I wish I could speak Dutch."

And I wish I could because I get the sense that there are some good ideas here that I'm not able to understand.

Of the work I do understand, there's quite a broad range.

There are some brilliant ideas that have been executed well.

And some things that don't quite live up to the high bar set by the brilliant stuff.

One of the hardest things to do is edit your own portfolio. I struggle with this too.

In this folio the good work is so much better than the less good work, the less good work drags it down.

And potentially confuses a client or CD about what you think is good.

Less is almost always more and I'd rather see fewer things that are all great, than a bunch of stuff that's mixed.

I really love how Sjoerd explains what made him want to work in advertising - the passion comes through.

Although it would be a good idea to let people know what he does - I'm guessing copywriter, but I shouldn't have to.

(Update: Sjoerd messaged me that he's an Art Director. I love when an AD has radio in their folio - it shows that they can think and create ideas that go beyond the visual.)

And even though he didn't ask me to review it, his joint folio site with his creative partner is one of my all-time faves.

Check it out: sjoerdistan.com.

Thank you for sharing your folio with me![/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, started an agency that got acquired - and freelanced everywhere, man.

You can shred my folio or roast my reel using the buttons below.

And learn more about me using the links in the footer.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: I wish I could speak Dutch because I get the sense there are some good ideas here. The stuff I do understand is nice.

### A beautifully split personality.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="A beautifully split personality" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/0SSdpZN_CZ8"][vc_custom_heading text="P.M. - Artist/Art Director" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]There is so much eye candy on this site (or sites) and I want to see it all.

But it's all over the place.

One thing we can all learn from this folio is to put all your stuff on the same site.

Don't link out to Adobe's InDesign hosting, Behance, YouTube, Vimeo, etc.

Use embeds and make it easy, fast, and low friction for people to see your work.

Phillip has such a unique and, in my opinion, cool personal style reflected in his artwork.

But he has yet to demonstrate how he might apply this talent in an advertising/marketing context.

I think he has it in him and I can't wait to see how his work and art both evolve.

Thanks for sharing your portfolio Phillip.[/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, started an agency that got acquired - and freelanced everywhere, man.

You can shred my folio or roast my reel using the buttons below.

And learn more about me using the links in the footer.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: There is so much eye candy on this site (or sites) and I want to look at all. But it's all over the place.

### Jar Jar Binks gets a bullet.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Jar Jar Binks gets a bullet" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/uptZdXsLeKI"][vc_custom_heading text="P.B. - Designer/Art Director" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]There is a ton of stuff to look at here. Probably too much.

It's easy to want to put everything you've ever done in your portfolio.

Especially if it's produced, or "real." I struggle with this too.

But the reality is sometimes (usually) less is more.

And it always makes sense to put your best stuff in no matter if it's spec or not.

I like that Paul's sense of humour comes through in some of the work - and I'd like to see more.

In my opinion, Paul has some work to do, but the bones are there.

And I can't wait to see how his folio gets better - and braver - over time.

Thank you Paul for sharing your portfolio with me.[/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, started an agency that got acquired - and freelanced everywhere, man.

You can shred my folio or roast my reel using the buttons below.

And learn more about me using the links in the footer.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: It's normal to want to put everything you've ever done in your portfolio. But you really shouldn't.

### An overwhelming abundance of words.

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="An overwhelming abundance of words" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A creative portfolio review" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/HjWlxMuyotM"][vc_custom_heading text="N.A. - Designer/Creative Director" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]One of the biggest things we can learn from Nicole's site is not even design related.

It's to make sure you have an SSL installed wherever your site is hosted.

That's what puts the little lock icon in your browser address bar and lets people know your site is safe.

Without one some people may not be able to look at it.

Others might see a malicious site warning and choose not to proceed.

Nicole told me her site doesn't look great on mobile.

I didn't check, but then I saw that she has a section on her site for UX.

That's another thing that needs to be fixed and she's already on the case.

I like the way Nicole has created sections for each item in her folio - this makes it easy to scan.

But there are inconsistencies with how she uses them.

And there is waaaaaay too much copy in my opinion for a designer. Or anyone.

There's some nice work here and mostly it just needs a bit of a tidy-up and edit.

Thank you Nicole for sharing your portfolio with me.[/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

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[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, started an agency that got acquired - and freelanced everywhere, man.

You can shred my folio or roast my reel using the buttons below.

And learn more about me using the links in the footer.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

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Excerpt: I'm a writer and even I think there is way too much copy in this folio - especially for a designer.

### Rad & Bad Ads: Miracle Flights & Absolut Vodka

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1681464662741{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads No. 23-004" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1683532243695{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#000000" css=".vc_custom_1681466172482{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Miracle Flights" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"]					
													
																		
																																												
																	
															
																		
																																												
																	
															
																		
																																												
																	
											
						[vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text]This campaign is so clean and clever you can almost forgive the imperfections.

The body copy is clunky.

Two of the three maps look like antiques which make it feel out of date.

It’s also the same idea with the same headline and the same copy repeated three times.

I would have loved to see the idea more fleshed out.

For example, using three different shaped bandages.

Or maybe one could have used surgical tape and gauze to hold two state maps together.

And the third could have used one of those children’s Band-Aids with cartoons on it.

I also think these could have been stronger if they’d been more intentional about where the ends of the bandages land.

Do they only fly in the US? Or also internationally?

With more thinking, they could have made this campaign even more of a soaring success.

Instead, it’s a one-shot repeated three times.

But the idea is so good you forgive the clunky copy.

And everything else.

Because like most great ads, if all you do is look at the image and the brand name or logo, you get it.

Despite the lack of elevated craft, the idea doesn’t get lost.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925983187{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681469039277{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 1vh !important;padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925994054{padding-top: 1vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Bad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Absolut Vodka" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
			
			
			
		
			
					
	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text]Religion and Politics.

Two things you want to avoid in your Christmas dinner conversation.

And in your work.

Unless you’re doing ads for a candidate.

Or Jesus.

Or a candidate who thinks they’re Jesus.

The point is these are heated topics.

There’s no reason to stir up trouble if you don’t have to.

And Absolut absolutely didn’t have to.

They’ve created one of the most iconic print campaigns of all time.

Sure, sometimes it can be hard to live up to your own high bar.

But this one execution specifically for Mexico offended people both south and north of the border.

And the Swedes, for once, showed bad taste.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Coulda Shoulda Woulda" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text]I never like to say an ad is bad without offering some thoughts on how it might be improved.

After all, judging is easy and ideas are hard.

I’ve already suggested ways we might have made the rad ad even more rad.

As for Absolut...

Here are ten ideas off the top of my head.

Nine of them would have been better than the one they ran.

Absolut Mexico:

 	A bottle wearing a sombrero and a serape
 	Aztec calendar with bottle in the middle
 	Mariachi suit with a bottle woven into the embroidery
 	Serape with a bottle woven into the pattern
 	Mayan temple with a bottle-shaped entrance
 	Lucha Libre mask with a bottle design
 	Brick of cocaine with a bottle stamped on it
 	Tortillas strewn on a colourful tablecloth make a bottle shape in the negative space between them
 	Broken sections of concrete sidewalk that make a bottle shape (if you’ve been to Mexico City then you know)
 	A group of saguaro cacti that create a bottle shape

But what do I know?

I actually freelanced on this campaign and none of my ideas ever got made.

Maybe because my drink of choice is tequila.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2="Agree? Disagree?" h4="Have a Rad or Bad Ad to share?" txt_align="center" shape="square" style="custom" custom_background="#00ff00" custom_text="#000000"]The comment section is yours.[/vc_cta][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe to Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it's Miracle Flights & Absolut Vodka

### Rad & Bad Ads: Red Bull & ZOA

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1681464662741{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads No. 23-003" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1683095462130{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#000000" css=".vc_custom_1681466172482{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Red Bull" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/XKrabMBirxU" align="center"][vc_column_text]There’s nothing special about this other than it’s fucking nuts.

Just like all the other nutty things Red Bull does.

And has consistently done for decades.

They set the bar for branded content high.

Literally. Like, edge of the atmosphere high.

They paved the way for brands to build their own media platforms before it was cool.

And somehow, they keep coming up with more incredible, possibly dumb, sometimes illegal, usually dangerous, and always very insane shit.

You can’t look away.

Sure, they have the obligatory shot of a guy in a helmet taking a sip.

Which to me always feels contrived.

But you have to hand it to them.

They consistently make ads that don’t feel like ads.

And deliver heart-pounding work.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925983187{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681469039277{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 1vh !important;padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925994054{padding-top: 1vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Bad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="ZOA" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/_s3fWW49BPU" align="center"][vc_column_text]When you hit a certain level of fame it seems like two things sometimes happen.

One: Just about anything you put your face or name to can make money.

Two: People stop giving you honest feedback.

The Rock has made over $100M selling this stuff.

So he probably thinks this ad is rad.

Someone should have told him before he paid to run it during the Superbowl.

Dwayne seems like a nice guy, and I like his idea of an energy drink “for the everyday warrior who chooses to be strong, healthy, positive.”

That is a nice sentiment.

And not one I can recall seeing in this category before.

But instead of showing everyday warriors, they show beefcakes in the gym.

With giant chains around their necks.

Is that what people do at gyms now?

I wouldn’t know. I work out at home.

But I do know this ad isn’t for me.

And it’s probably not for most people.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Coulda Shoulda Woulda" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text]I never like to say an ad is bad without offering some thoughts on how it might be improved.

After all, judging is easy and ideas are hard.

Most of the everyday warriors I know aren’t battling big chains.

They’re fatigued by never-ending Zoom calls, tantrum-throwing kids, and rising interest rates.

All of them would love a little more pep in their step.

Especially if it comes with less crap in it than some of the other monstrous beverages around.

So why not show them powering through relatable silly and stupid situations thanks to Zoa?

Or here’s a better idea.

I’m guessing the tribal mask on the label is a nod to Dwayne’s Samoan heritage.

Or his childhood in New Zealand where, perhaps he was influenced by Maoris.

Either way, that is potentially a very cool market differentiator.

Could one of the ingredients (Camu Camu perhaps?) have been used by ancient tribes to power them through battles, days-long festivals, or long paddles between islands?

The Rock could have uniquely and authentically owned that space.

Anyone can go to a gym and lift heavy things.

Sure, some can lift heavier things than others.

But when all your trying to do is get people to raise a few ounces of flavoured caffeine water to their lips...

It helps to give them a powerful reason.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2="Agree? Disagree?" h4="Have a Rad or Bad Ad to share?" txt_align="center" shape="square" style="custom" custom_background="#00ff00" custom_text="#000000"]The comment section is yours.[/vc_cta][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe to Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it's Red Bull & ZOA.

### Rad & Bad Ads: Milk & Milk

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1681464662741{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads No. 23-002" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925972188{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#000000" css=".vc_custom_1681466172482{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="California Milk Processor Board" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/FJF9fQI2Wks" align="center"][vc_column_text]This campaign is famous for a bunch of reasons.

Brilliant strategy based on human truth.

Brilliant ideas that capture moments when only milk will work.

Brilliant execution that entertains.

All summed up with a seemingly simple tagline that delivers everything it needed to.

And nothing more.

I'd argue they're flawless in every regard.

They're so rad it's hard to pick a fave.

"Don't eat the cake" is a contender.

As are "Priest" and "Heaven or Hell?"

But "Aaron Burr" stands out as one of my all-time faves.

Real fans may recall the song on the radio in this spot was performed by the Vienna Wood Orchestra.

Which may have foreshadowed things to come.

But nothing will ever beat the Battle for Milkquarious.

Nothing.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925983187{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681469039277{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 1vh !important;padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682925994054{padding-top: 1vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Bad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Milk Processor Education Program" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/1Tl9SOqyJLY" align="center"][vc_column_text]This ad is as good as they could have made it.

And it's downright funny.

The strategy is what makes it bad.

We get it. Nut milks are kicking dairy milk in the udders.

But there are lots of good reasons for this.

And this spot does nothing to address them.

Also, in case anyone forgot, almonds, cashews, and macadamias grow on trees.

So the joke doesn’t quite land.

And it will do nothing to convince non-dairy milk drinkers they should reconsider what goes in their tea or Trix.

This feels like a first thought that relies on star power rather than a great idea or insight.

Aubrey is brilliant despite the hate.

The script is brilliant despite all the showing what you say and saying what you show.

Kudos for squeezing in a dick joke.

And the execution is brilliant.

Except for the double taglines at the end.

But the bogus premise of a celeb investing in something they didn’t know wasn’t real?

Cringe.

Did I miss the joke?

Nope. I got it.

It just doesn’t live up to “Got Milk?”

And that’s just sad.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Coulda Shoulda Woulda" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text]I never like to say an ad is bad without offering some thoughts on how it might be improved.

After all, judging is easy and ideas are hard.

For this one, maybe if it had been acorn milk that would have helped.

Or pine cone milk.

At least those would be more like the nut milks regular milk is trying to compete with.

Or else go fully ridiculous - Battery Milk for long-lasting energy.

Feather Milk for weight loss.

Eggshell Milk for strongish bones.

Shit so dumb it could never be milk, milk.

Aubrey could talk about how these days it seems like people will make milk out of just about anything.

But should they?

Do those other milks have enough vitamins to keep you strong and healthy?

Because there's only one real milk.

And it's the only one with the nutrients you really need.

I feel like the creatives got given the wrong brief.

Here's a new insight I just made up.

People who don’t drink real milk might be low on certain vitamins that help keep them healthy.

Then we could show people who don't drink Moo Milk suffering.
A kid bites into a piece of cake and their teeth crack.
A dog humps a man's leg and his tibia breaks.
A Mom runs out of energy and gets stuck halfway up the stairs.
Or forgets what she was doing in the middle of doing it.
Someone hands them a carton of real milk, they take a sip, perk up, and life is good again.
Slap that iconic "Got Milk?" end frame up there and you're done.

Or maybe my brain isn't working.

Because I mostly drink oat milk.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2="Agree? Disagree?" h4="Have a Rad or Bad Ad to share?" txt_align="center" shape="square" style="custom" custom_background="#00ff00" custom_text="#000000"]The comment section is yours.[/vc_cta][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe to Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it's Milk & Milk.

### Rad & Bad Ads: Progressive & ModiBodi

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1681464662741{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads No. 23-001" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682926091916{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#000000" css=".vc_custom_1681466172482{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Progressive Insurance" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/OAdTkpFeXis" align="center"][vc_column_text]Psst. Your strategy is showing.

The creative brief behind these ads is blatantly obvious.

Typically when this happens the ads are bad.

But in this case, they've embraced it and made it work.

Brilliantly.

They are so watchable you can't help but wait for the next one.

And the next one.

And the next one.

Is it as good as the very famous and seemingly endless Allstate Insurance campaign?

Their "racoon" ad is one of my all-time faves.

But Dr Rick is rad too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682926103085{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681469039277{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 1vh !important;padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682926113750{padding-top: 1vh !important;}" link="url:%2Frad-and-bad-ads%2F"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Bad" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:15vw|text_align:center|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Modibodi Clothing" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/TE2a1Z-B4D4" align="center"][vc_column_text]The first YouTube comment on this video is "wtf?"

And I couldn't agree more.

Even ChatGPT couldn't write a script as nonsensical as this.

I tested it and the AI version is better.

Here's the client's version:
Comfort is being prepared even if you're not ready.
It's looking after yourself while looking out for the planet.
It's the night you feel like you again after your first baby.
Comfort is more than just a feeling, it's life-changing.
WTF does any of this even mean?

I thought maybe it was a female thing.

So I showed it to some women I know who enjoy comfort.

Their collective response?

WTF.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Coulda Shoulda Woulda" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681464446905{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text]I never like to say an ad is bad without offering some thoughts on how it might be improved.
After all, judging is easy and ideas are hard.
Selling comfortable clothes that give women confidence is a good thing and this may have been a good brief.

As far as I can tell, the way most women's clothing is sold is almost always fashion over function.

Comfort and confidence aren't touted often.

So I like where they are (trying) to come from.

Perhaps a more anthemic, personal, and empowering VO would have helped.

Using the existing, slightly weird, video imagery, something like this might work:
Whatever the day brings.
We'll help you face it.
With confidence.
With comfort.
With style.
With everything that makes you proud to be a woman.
Modibodi.
Comfortable confidence.
This is still a long way from rad.

But at least it makes sense.[/vc_column_text][vc_cta h2="Agree? Disagree?" h4="Have a Rad or Bad Ad to share?" txt_align="center" shape="square" style="custom" custom_background="#00ff00" custom_text="#000000"]The comment section is yours.[/vc_cta][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe to Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it's Progressive Insurance & Modibodi Apparel.

### Open AI, ChatGPT, and the Future for Writers

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]There's been a lot of buzz lately about the power of AI and what it can do.

Especially with the recent 3.5 release of Open AI's ChatGPT.
Q: Should writers be afraid of AI?
The MidJourney prompt for the featured image on this post was "Should writers be afraid of AI?" and while this particular result wasn't that impressive, when I asked the Open AI chat the same question, the answer was frighteningly good.

It's pasted below, but the TL;DR is yes.

A college professor acquaintance says AI is capable of writing papers worthy of an A- grade. That's better than most people.

And faster. All the prompts I've been testing have taken mere seconds to generate a response.

If it's already this good, what kind of jobs are at risk? More specifically, will there still be a role for writers (like me) in the near future?

Forbes Magazine says "AI is not going to replace writers anytime soon," but this article was published 6 months before the most recent ChatGPT release.

That's a lifetime the way things are going. And I think they might be wrong.

I asked it to write me short stories, a novel, screenplays, character descriptions, interviews with fictitious people, and a whole myriad of other things that would have taken me hours if not days to create, and it did them all nearly instantly.

And really, really well.  Sure, they all needed editing and proofreading, but everything written does.

A two-year study by Mckinsey indicates that intelligent agents and robots could replace up to 30% of the world's current workforce by 2030. And that around 400-800 million jobs could be displaced by then, forcing nearly 375 million people to retrain and look for other kinds of work.

On the other side, Will Robots Take My Job? seems to think writers only have an 8% chance of being replaced and that our jobs are "totally safe."

A prevailing opinion seems to be that, humans win when it comes to creativity, humour, and clever wordplay. For now.

I hope that stays true.

Man vs. Machine c.1977

But I remember when chess champion, Garry Kasparov played IBM's Deep Blue, and won. Humanity cheered. We mattered. Then they played again and tied, and in a third match, Kasparov lost - in 19 moves.

A few years later Google's Alpha Go project beat all the Go world champions and we realised the machine was smarter than us. But at least it was only one machine built to play one obscure game.

Now, an entirely new level of intelligence is on every and any machine - or will be. And it's as good or better than most of us at nearly everything.

And it's going to get a lot better. Fast.

GPT version 3 has 175 billion parameters. Version 4 is coming in early 2023 and will likely have 100 trillion parameters. That's around 500x more powerful.

As a multipotentialite and someone with a broad skillset, I'm cautiously optimistic.

AI's role in writing and creativity is inevitable, so I'm choosing to keep a positive perspective.  And I'm excited about all the new jobs AI could create that don't exist yet.

These could include nonlinear storytelling, writing for Augmented Reality, gaming, the metaverse and more.

And if you've played around with AI tools like ChatGPT, MidJourney, or Dall-E, then you know that inputs are everything.

It takes a certain mastery of art, design, and language - and how to put words and ideas together -  not to mention life experience and wisdom, to get the best results out of these tools.

So perhaps instead of writers, we'll become "Prompt Shepherds" or "Input Directors."

Either way, there's a lot to learn, a lot to be excited about, and maybe a little to fear. If you're a writer (or anything else) you better start upskilling now.

Sash MacKinnon of Mino Games has a whole team of people dedicated to discovering new ways to use AI. He told me "AI will compress 500 years of learning into one year - next year."

If he's right, that gives us 365 days to get comfortable with AI and what it can do.

And what it can't.

https://youtu.be/AXn2XVLf7d0

 
Q: Should writers be afraid of AI?
A: (Written by Open AI) Whether or not writers should be afraid of AI depends on how they view the potential impact of AI on their profession. On the one hand, some writers may be concerned that AI will eventually be able to write as well or better than humans, potentially leading to job losses and other negative consequences. On the other hand, others may see AI as a tool that can enhance and support their work, rather than replace it.

It is true that AI has the potential to automate certain writing tasks, such as data analysis and summarization, which could potentially lead to job losses in the writing industry. However, it is unlikely that AI will be able to completely replace human writers, at least in the foreseeable future. Writing is a complex and creative task that requires a deep understanding of language, culture, and human emotions, which AI systems currently lack.

In fact, some writers may find that AI can actually enhance and support their work. For example, AI-powered writing tools and platforms can help writers to generate ideas, organize their thoughts, and improve their writing style and grammar. AI can also help writers to research and analyze data, which can provide valuable insights and support for their work.

Overall, whether or not writers should be afraid of AI depends on how they view the potential impact of AI on their profession. While it is true that AI has the potential to automate certain writing tasks, it is unlikely to replace human writers completely. Instead, writers can choose to see AI as a tool that can enhance and support their work, rather than a threat to it.
TL:DR: Yes.
If you want a user-friendly intro to Open AI's ChatGPT, then this article about The Largest Neural Network Ever Created is a good place to start.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][mailerlite_form form_id=3][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Q: Should writers be afraid of AI? A: Yes. Especially with the recent 3.5 release of Open AI's ChatGPT. And V4 will be even more capable.

### Throwing a Good Punch - Eleven Tips for Newcomers to Australia

When you first arrive in Australia you'll immediately notice things that make it feel like a different country.

But depending on where you came from, things can also feel familiar enough that it’s easy to think you understand more about the culture than you really do. Especially if you came from America or the UK.

There are loads of articles, blogs, and websites dedicated to translating Australian slang and explaining Aussie’s many mannerisms. But you'll never know how accurate they are until you get here.*

When I first got here, I wanted to fast-track the acclimatization process, so I spent the first few weeks asking everyone this question:
“What are three things I need to know about living in Australia that aren’t immediately obvious?”
Below are some of the most memorable and useful answers to that question. If you’re new to Australia, I hope these help. If you’ve been here for a while, back me up or add your own tips in the comments.
Eleven Tips for Newcomers to Australia
Burgers & Beetroot
This is the very first tip someone gave me and it paid off almost immediately. If you order a burger, check to see if they put a slice of beetroot on it. This may be controversial, but I’m fairly sure most non-Aussies would agree, beetroot has no business on a burger. The same goes for pineapple or fried egg, which are also not uncommon. Sometimes a burger will come with all three. You don’t want to find this out on your first bite. Check under the bun first.

Store Bought Sausages
While we’re on the subject of meat, backyard BBQs (barbies) are a big part of Australian culture. If you’ve been invited to one, it’s customary to show up with something to chuck on the grill. But here’s the thing, you may be quietly judged by what you bring. And one thing you never want to bring is store-bought sausages. Always get your snags from a butcher. They’re bigger, better, and come with cred. Bring some beer too. Also, it's "prawns" not "shrimp," no matter what Crocodile Dundee says.

https://youtu.be/7hgIyiHEx1g

 

Light Beer
The CFO at my first job in Australia got an opportunity to go work in the US office, so he flew over to San Francisco to meet the team. As a way to get to know each other, the C-suite peeps took him to a baseball game where he promptly got shitfaced and had to be put in a cab before the top of the sixth. The next day they asked him “What happened? We thought Aussies could drink.” He was embarrassed and confused, explaining that he had no idea how he could have gotten so drunk when he drank light beer the whole game. Here’s what he learned the hard way: in Australia “light beer” means less alcohol. In America, it means less calories. And yes, he got the gig.

Pub O’Clock
When I was in New York it wasn’t uncommon to leave the office at 9 pm and have dinner at 10 pm. When I got to Sydney people would sometimes go to the pub for lunch and never come back. This confused the hell out of me. If the work/life balance in NYC was in the red, in Sydney it was well and truly in the black. If you’re ambitious and used to working long and hard, this can be a weird adjustment. Just know you don’t always have to go, you can drink light beer if you have things to do after, but whatever you do, don’t miss your shout. And make sure you understand all the beer glass sizes in Australia before you order. From largest to smallest, it goes Pints, Schooners, and Midis. In most places.

Tall Poppy Syndrome
If you're more driven than thirsty, remember that outward ambition can be seen as a negative in Australia. Tread carefully and keep your head down. I’ve written about this before and even spoken about it on TV. It’s real and you’ll be better off being aware of it.
https://youtu.be/Yme3TY0YhvA

 

Don’t Date
There was a time when I was single on the sunny shores of Sydney and curious about dating. This was pre-Tinder, so I asked an Aussie mate about it and they told me “Australians don’t date. They get drunk, root, and then spend the next three months trying to work out what happened.” I found this to be true. Dating apps may have since made things better, or worse. But don’t be surprised if your one-night stand turns into a three-month clusterfuck.

Throwing Punches
If someone tells you that “you look like you could throw a good punch,” don’t hit them. This is a term of endearment. It means they think you look like you’d be good in bed. It’s terrible and hilarious and I still don’t know what the right way to respond is. If you hear these words spoken to you, good luck. Just remember, if you do take a swing, you could end up in a three-month clusterfuck.

“Good on ya mate”
I went to the dentist recently and while he was digging around in my face hole, he and the hygienist chatted cheerfully about maxillofacial surgery. Turns out Queensland is a great place for oral surgeons to train because there are so many bar fights. Guys come in with broken jaws every weekend. So if you find yourself in a situation where someone seems like they want to throw an actual punch, use these magic words: “Good on ya mate.” Keep saying this over and over and odds are they’ll eventually leave you alone. I don’t know why this works, but it could keep you out of the dentist's chair.

Rubbish, Garbage & Trash
I’ve been here nearly 20 years and I still can’t work out what the difference between them is. I just know there is one. It’s all recycling to me.

Plan Your Holidays
There’s no room for spontaneous holidays in Australia. If you decide to wing it and find a place to stay when you get there, the place you’re most likely to stay is in your car. There’s not a lot of inventory when it comes to accommodation and everything books out. I once booked a place three years in advance. So book ahead. This applies to hotels, motels, Airbnbs, and even campgrounds. Most National Park camping areas are beautiful except for the fact that all the sites are right next to each other. This is to help prevent bush (forest) fires. It makes sense, but I can pretty much guarantee you will have drunk bogans six feet to either side of your tent. If you were hoping for a quiet night under the stars camping down under may disappoint. If you know what you’re doing, camping illegally on your own is the go, but you didn't hear that from me.

America has everything. Australia has a lot.
Australia may look big on the map, but it has the population of New York State and the economy of California. Once you understand this, some things start to make more sense. It’s still very much an island, and like most other islands I’ve been to, it can sometimes be hard to find what you’re looking for. Your options are: Accept. Improvise. Or order online. And above all else, be patient.

The flip side is that the natives are mostly friendly, the lifestyle can be idyllic, and things are getting better here all the time.

So, if you’ve just landed in Australia, welcome. Hopefully, these tips will fast-track you to fitting right in.

But if you find yourself struggling and want a fellow ex-pat to commiserate with, you know where to find me.
*I've only heard "fair dinkum" legitimately spoken out loud once in nearly twenty years.

Excerpt: Depending on where you come from, Australia can feel familiar enough to make you think you understand the culture better than you actually do.

### "Hacks" Season 3 Episode 1 written by Eran Thomson

Do yourself a favor, if you haven't seen the HBO Max show "Hacks" yet, go watch it now.

The show is fantastically well written and it's got the Emmy Awards to prove it.
HACKS Season 3, Episode 1 - written by Eran Thomson
"Hacks" is exactly the kind of show I'd love to write for. So much so, the day after Season 2 ended I started writing Hacks Season 3.

In industry parlance, this is known as a "spec." In other words, nobody paid me to write this.

I wrote it out of love, and to test myself against what I consider to be some of the best writing talent around, but mostly because I wasn't ready for Season 2 to end.

https://youtu.be/q6ke-bfXSBg

 

The good news is the show has been renewed, so there will be a Season 3, but if like me, you can't wait til next year, you can always read my take on how it could kick off.

For real fans, there are several inside jokes that only super nerds and the creators of the show might get.

If you think you know what they are, hit me up in the comments.

Read my Hacks script here or check out some of my other scripts.

Excerpt: "Hacks" is exactly the kind of show I'd love to write for. So much so, that the day after Season 2 ended I started writing Season 3.

### Eran Thomson on the Super Sonic Chat Podcast: Song Saga FTW

Another awesome podcast, but this time instead of just talking about Song Saga, we actually play it.
Eran Thomson on the Super Sonic Chat Podcast
The boys at Super Sonic Chat podcast love to think differently and deeply about all things music and art.

In this episode, Adrian Wauchope (major record label executive and podcast question lord), and Leon Loreaux (visual artist, teacher, and podcast provocateur) explore the music and memory game, Song Saga.

Together, we discuss what it takes to bring a game to market, the Song Saga origin story, and perhaps most fun of all, play three rounds of the game.

We have a lot of laughs and share some stories you've probably never heard before, no matter how well you might know us.

Listen now here, or wherever you find podcasts.

If you enjoy this, you might like to listen to, or watch some of my other guest appearances.

https://youtu.be/aqhrDkVyKWo

Excerpt: The boys at Super Sonic Chat love to think deeply about all things music and art, so playing Song Saga on their show made perfect sense.

### Eran Thomson on the Music Junkies Podcast: Giant Lips!

If you like storytelling and lots of different kinds of music, you'll enjoy this episode.
Eran Thomson on the Music Junkies Podcast
I've been a guest on dozens of podcasts.

Here are 5 reasons why you should listen to this one.

 	Killer playlist
 	Great stories
 	You could win a free copy of Song Saga
 	Annette's Canadian accent
 	You like me (or will)

https://youtu.be/AIldxawE7jQ

 

We cover so much ground in such a short time.

I won't spill all the beans, but some of the many things listeners will discover include why having a paper route sucks, why people call me The Joy Pusher, all the ridiculous things my wife says, why I had to run far away from the biggest lips known to man, and the very ironic and very true story of how I broke my foot break dancing.

And the playlist is pretty fantastic too. You can see a tracklist below.

I invite you to dive in deep with Annette and me, and as you listen, think about what 15 songs you might choose.

And if you have stories to go with them, you must get yourself a copy of Song Saga.

Hit me up for a discount code or subscribe for your chance to win a copy.



 










View this post on Instagram






















 
A post shared by Annette Smith | Music Podcast (@music.junkies_)

Excerpt: The Music Junkies Podcast is one of my faves because it combines songs and storytelling just like the fun music game Song Saga.

### Eran Thomson on the Enhance Life with Music Podcast Ep.135

The Enhance Life with Music podcast is “a holistic look at the power of music in our everyday lives.”
Enhance Life with Music Podcast Hosted by Mindy Peterson
I think we all instinctively understand the impact music can have on us. Cindy Peterson's podcast does a great job of exploring how with a wide variety of engaging guests who approach the topic from different angles.
“Art is how we decorate space, music is how we decorate time.” – Jean-Michel Basquiat
When you've been a guest on as many podcasts as I have, you can tell when your host is a pro.

And Mindy Peterson is a pro. She doesn't ramble or go off-topic. She asks great questions. She sticks to the format. And she ends every episode with a Coda. (More on this below).

And she also happens to love Song Saga, the music and memory game my wife and I created.

Needless to say, we had a great chat.

Listen to the whole show below or check out Mindy Peterson's "Enhance Life with Music" wherever you find podcasts.

https://youtu.be/TXnMhcGNM-k

 

One of my favorite things Mindy does in her podcast is to ask each guest to contribute the episode's Coda by sharing a song or story about a moment that music enhanced their life.

This is pretty much exactly what Song Saga is all about. So yeah, this was fun. If you want to hear some examples, check out my 30 Cards in 30 Days.

In my Coda, I talk about the meaning and significance of May 5th (Cinco de Mayo) to me. I also sing the G. Love and Special Sauce song, "Baby's Got Sauce" - badly. You can hear how it's supposed to sound below.



We're doing a giveaway too. So if you want to enter to win a copy of Song Saga, head over here and enter "Enhance Life with Music."

Mindy's crew with the green box that rocks.
Connecting generations with Song (Saga); with Chief Rocker and Joy Pusher Eran Thomson
The Enhance Life with Music podcast is hosted, created, and produced by Mindy Peterson, a Nationally Certified Teacher of Music. The show is in Chartable’s Top 200 Music Podcasts for USA and Global; has downloads in over 100 countries, and is in Listen Score’s top 10% of global podcasts.

Excerpt: In this episode, I sing "Baby's Got Sauce" (badly), we talk about Song Saga, the power of music as a mnemonic device, and Cinco de Mayo.

### Eran Thomson on Love Soul Radio with Phyllis Foundis

Welcome to the Love Soul radio show hosted by the lovely Phyllis Foundis.

In this episode, we talk live, on-air about my upcoming book, A Laugh Threatening Situation, my collection of super weird dreams, a self-promotional piece I wrote to get a job at Apple, the universe conspiring for your success, Song Saga, word comas, and more.

And perhaps best of all, Phyliss endows me with a new moniker. Maybe.
Joy Pusher or Hope Alchemist?
Listen to an edited version of our conversation below, or head over to Eastside Radio 89.7 to listen to the full show.

https://youtu.be/7BwqLz5ZCjw

Love Soul Radio with Phyllis Foundis
Here's the complete Eastside Radio 89.7 playlist:

 	Prince : Musicology Musicology, Warner Bros.
 	Brand New Heavies : Dream on Dreamer Brother Sister, FFRR Records
 	The Whispers : It's a Love Thing, And the Beat Goes on Sanctuary
 	Skipworth & Turner : Thinking About You, Single Warner Records
 	Al Green : I Can't Get Next to You, Al Green Gets Next to You Warner Bros.
 	Marvin Gaye : Mercy Mercy Me, Tamia
 	Angie Stone : Life Story, Black Diamond BRM Records
 	Stevie Wonder : Love's In Need of Love Today, Thankful BMG Music

 

[mailerlite_form form_id=3]

Excerpt: Welcome to my interview on the Love Soul radio show hosted by the lovely Phyllis Foundis. Good tunes and good conversation coming up next.

### Apple Think Different Posters and My Hire Different Self-Promo

I've worked as a freelance Creative Director for years.

But a while back Apple was looking for a Creative Director and if I was ever gonna leave the freelance Creative Director "lifestyle," this was a gig that might get me to do it.

Since my first job in Australia was working on Apple as a Group Creative Director at TBWA I thought I'd be a good candidate.
Hey Apple, Think Hire Different.
I know the brand. I know the product. I even know their marketing guidelines.

But then I saw that over a thousand people applied.

So I whipped up this version of the famous Apple Think Different posters to try and stand apart from the pack and get noticed.

You would have hired me, right? Click to read it big.

It's a classic.

People loved it. And you can hear me tell the story of what happened in my Love Soul Radio interview.

I recently stumbled across it while doing a hard drive clean and thought I'd share it again.

https://youtu.be/vsR6_4owluY

This is not the first time I've created a unique self-promo.
When I was a Junior trying to break into the ad industry I created a set of fake Mad-Libs style reference letters from advertising legends like Lee Clow, Tom McElligott, and Dan Wieden.

Each letter had the company logo at the top, a forged signature at the bottom, and all the blanks were filled in with words touting my clever creative capabilities.

Those letters landed me my first job and later won creative awards.

But the place I wanted to work most was called Goodby, Silverstein, and Partners.

They're the agency behind some of the most iconic and funny ads of all time including "Got Milk?," the Budweiser frogs, and more.

The thing was, everybody wanted to work there. Heck, I'd still love to work there.

I tried all kinds of embarrassing things to get noticed by their Head Recruiter including mailing her a new spec ad every week for months and delivering my portfolio in a blue fur-lined Halliburton case.

When those didn't work, I sent a case of beer to her husband with a note begging him to tell his wife to give me a shot.

Did I cross a line?

All I can say is self-promotion is hard.

But here's the thing: It's really all about the work.
Just focus on the work.
Because if you do great work, the great agencies will come looking for you.

That's how I ended up at BBH, arguably one of the best agencies of all time.

And it's how I've subsequently built a successful career as a freelance Creative Director all these years.

That's not to say you don't have to put yourself out there.

Like me now, with this post.
Freelance Creative Director. Available now.
If Apple, Media Arts Lab, or anyone else sees this and wants to hire me, I'm still freelance, and I'd be happy to chat.

[mailerlite_form form_id=3]

Excerpt: When I heard Apple was looking for a Creative Director, I tried to convince them to "Hire Different" with a bit of on-brand self-promotion.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Preface

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]
A Laugh Threatening Situation
Preface
New here? Start at the beginning.
 

I'm writing a book about all the times I've almost died. It's called...
A Laugh Threatening Situation.
If that made you giggle even a little, then you're gonna love it.

In the coming months, I'll be sharing early drafts of chapters and I welcome your honest critique.

Each chapter is a short story so it doesn't matter what order you get them in.

But to get them (before they're published) you need to subscribe here and/or on my YouTube channel.

Together we can make A Laugh Threatening Situation less risky for a publisher.

And if you subscribe, I'll add your name to the acknowledgments - and my Wall of Fame.

The mustache is not real, but the stories are.

 
Welcome to A Laugh Threatening Situation.
According to Wikipedia, only 5% of people have ever had a near-death experience.
In my life (so far) I've nearly died over 43 times.
I may not have floated through a tunnel of light, seen Heaven, or spoken to God every time, but over the years I have repeatedly and unintentionally proven to myself and others that you don’t have to flatline to learn life’s most important lessons.

Coming close can often do the trick. And I've had more close calls than three cats combined.

These include stealing bail money from cranky cops in the Carolinas, partying with 80’s rock stars on Mt. Everest, getting lost in the snowy backcountry of Japan, seeing ghosts while surfing in Costa Rica, subway muggers in New York, the entire myriad of things that can kill you in India, people with guns, bad drivers, erupting volcanoes, dodgy drug dealers, and hilarious stuff like Leukemia, to name a few.

In this life-changing book, I recount them all in harrowing and humorous detail. You will enjoy every page.

Assuming you live long enough.

The good news is humans are living longer than ever. Thanks to science, modern medicine, better diet, better health care, and autonomous vehicles.

The less good news is there are still plenty of dumb ways to die.

Part autobiography, part survival guide, A Laugh Threatening Situation will be filled with short stories and Life Pro Tips to help people learn from my many missteps, mistakes, and occasional madness. Readers will learn to navigate their lives safely and smartly.

And maybe avoid a dumb death.

Maybe.


▶ Subscribe to get new chapters in your inbox and join me for readings on YouTube.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Strap on your helmet and buckle up for some very silly and stupid stories ahead.

### ScoMo was Here

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]I did a number two in the Prime Minister’s private airport loo.

It was very unglamorous and I have bigger claims to fame, but given Scott Morrison just got ejected, this seems like as good a time as any to share.
Scott Morrison's private airport bathroom. Where the PM has a BM.
Turns out the writing was on the wall.

 

I was at the Sydney Airport directing a TV ad for Virgin Airlines. The only place where we could position a plane and put a film crew around it was in the Prime Minister’s private parking spot. So they moved his plane (possibly to Hawaii) and put ours in its place.

Nearby is a small, unremarkable brown building where the sitting Prime Minister can go to “freshen up” after a flight, before addressing any waiting press. Inside is a meeting room, a makeup station with a well-lit mirror, and a tiny bathroom.

I snuck inside between takes to do my business because there was nowhere else to go except on the plane we were filming in. And I did not want to be responsible for stinking up the set.

But stinking up the PM’s airport outhouse didn’t bother me at all.

This was not the only time my advertising career has crossed paths with Prime Ministers.

My first Boss in Australia was Neil Lawrence at TBWA who came up with the punchy, if not obvious, “Kevin 07” campaign slogan.

Not long after Kevin Rudd was elected, I wrote and directed an ad encouraging him to not let his name become a dirty word by embracing coal at the Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen.

https://vimeo.com/133817692

 

And then a few years later Scott Morrison walked into Parliament with a lump of coal in his hand and told everyone “don’t be afraid, don’t be scared, it won’t hurt you. It’s coal.”

There are at least two lumps in this photo.

 

The first time I became aware of “Scotty from Marketing” he was proudly taking credit for the worst tourism advertising in Australia’s history.

If you don’t remember it, the campaign was built around the slogan “So where the bloody hell are you?” Which for anyone outside of Australia and the UK might have seemed like an invitation to a horror theme park.

Devils welcome.

 

“Bloody” may be an acceptable alternative to “heck” or “hell” down under, but to the rest of the world, it's more descriptive than expletive.

No surprise the campaign failed. And anyone in marketing with half a brain should have been able to predict that.

So now there's a new government in Australia.

Scott Morrison got wiped out. A teal wave of independents and climate-conscious Greens helped put Tony Albanese in power as the 31st PM of Australia.

https://vimeo.com/135211217

 

I like to think that in some small way I helped with this Gruen Greens ad I directed (and co-wrote it with my friend Ben) years ago. It won awards and still gets talked about today.

After all, climate change was arguably the key issue in this election. With all the fires and floods in recent years, this should have been obvious to ScoMo.

It wasn’t. So he had to go.

Australia finally had enough of his shit.

Now that he's no longer PM, that private airport toilet will be closed to Scotty.

But I'm pretty sure the Engadine Maccas will be open.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text][mailerlite_form form_id=3][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I snuck into Scott Morrison's private airport loo to do a #2 while working on an ad. I have bigger claims to fame.

### Eran Thomson Writes for the Here Lies Your Story Exhibition

I was invited by the legendary Fenella Kernebone to write some short (50 words max) stories for her public artwork, Here Lies Your Story, sponsored by the City of Sydney's Art&About program.
Here Lies Your Story, or in this case, Stories.
Here Lies Your Story is a text-based mural with its words collected from across the Kings Cross community.

When curated together, these short stories and memories create a unique picture of a place unlike any other.

Photo credit: Abril Felman

If you're in Sydney, you can find the exhibition from 5 Apr — 16 May 2022, alongside the Potts Point Hotel, where Springfield Avenue and Earl Place meet.


https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Stories-for-Fenella.mp3
Listen to three of my 50-word stories here
Below are the five "Here Lies Your Story" stories I submitted.

Three got recorded which you can listen to above. And two made the final edit, ending up on display.

All of them are based on things that really happened in or around The Cross / Potts Point part of Sydney.



Rap Battle
Two guys with a drum machine and a mic were standing on this corner rapping. I had just come from a party and was pretty pissed, so I challenged them to a rap battle. Turns out drunk freestyle rapping is my superpower. They got smoked, packed up, and left. It's my corner now.

Barron's Bar
There used to be a terrible bar near here full of career drinkers and druggies. And we loved it. Especially late at night when it was full of kooky characters. You had to hike three flights of stairs to get in, but the harder journey was always getting back down.

Pimp Slap
I got slapped in the face by a stranger on this street. The slapper was a pimp who thought I was disrespecting his employees. I wasn't. I was just watching the street show, but I guess in some parts of town you need a ticket for that.

Meddling Meth-Heads
My friends moved over from London and lived around the corner from here. They wanted to be where the action was. See the "real" Sydney they said. But after about two weeks they broke their lease and moved to Bondi. The Cross was just a little too real for them.

Damo's Presents
We met near here to celebrate a friend's 40th. At the end of the night, we loaded our inebriated mate into a cab and put his presents in the boot. He never got his gifts out when he got home. Some of them were expensive. Mine not so much.

See (or listen to) all the other stories and learn more about Fenella Kernebone's artwork at hereliesyourstory.com.

 

 

Excerpt: I was invited to write short stories for "Here Lies Your Story," a public artwork sponsored by the City of Sydney's Art & About program.

### Eran Thomson on The Kids in the Room Podcast: Are You in a Word Coma?

In this wide-ranging chat, I discover the concept of "word comas" and what it means to be in one.
Is Joe Rogan in a "word coma?" Are you?
If you're wondering what a word coma is, don't feel bad. I didn't know either.

Here's the basic gist. If you spend enough time around a group of people who use specific language, expressions, or terms, odds are those words will become part of your vocabulary and you will start saying them too.

The problem is sometimes those words can be inappropriate, offensive, or unclear when spoken outside of that particular peer group.

This happens frequently with jargon, acronyms, or abbreviated terms across all sorts of industries, cultures, and sub-cultures.

I share an example in this episode about a time when I was working in a men's clothing store. I was the only straight guy on staff and one day I blurted out, "That's so gay."

It was a record scratch moment. Thankfully, my actually gay friends agreed.

But in the awkward silence, before they all laughed,  I woke up from a word coma.

https://youtu.be/cuAHww4erwo

 

Have a listen to the rest of our chat where we discuss whether Joe Rogan might be the victim of a word coma, the prevalence of guns in Rio, my grandfather (a famous inventor of flowers), screenplays that never get made, and more.

Excerpt: If you spend time around people who use specific words, odds are you will start saying them too. And that isn't always a good thing.

### Eran Thomson SHOUTOUT LA Interview 4/4

Remember traveling?

Once upon a time, before COVID, I used to go back and forth between The Village (Sydney) and The Show (LA), and The City (New York) for work, inspiration, and a decent taco.
Eran Thomson - The Shoutout LA interview
I'm not saying those days are over, but nothing about getting on a plane sounds good right now, except getting off it in a new city.

Covid has kept many of us trapped in place for years now. So it was nice to mind-travel a bit with ShoutOut LA during this interview.

Especially since I'm pretty much stuck on "The Island" (Australia) for the next little while.

The beaches here are arguably nicer than those in LA, but I'd trade the fires and floods for an army of taco trucks in a heartbeat.

Click below to read the entire interview.

https://shoutoutla.com/meet-eran-thomson-the-joy-pusher/
Transcript:
We had the good fortune of connecting with Eran Thomson and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Eran, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

I used to work in New York City, in advertising. There, the work-life-ometer was all the way to the right – and in the red. We came into the office early and we stayed late. Dinner at 10 pm was the norm.
Then I worked in Sydney, in advertising and almost none of my team got to the office before 10 am. If the surf was good, most of them were gone by 3 pm. Pub lunches that extended into dinner were the norm. The work-life-ometer was well and truly in the black.

Things have changed a lot since then. One big reason is what I call the employee vs employer mindset. I often joke about how you can tell who has a job and who has staff by how fast they walk. Employees walk slow. Entrepreneurs move fast.

When I was an employee I went surfing nearly every day. Now that I have multiple businesses and projects I might get in the water once a month. I have to constantly remind myself to take breaks, exercise, meditate, do yoga, or go catch the occasional wave.

Clearly, I have more to learn.

One of my favorite things about LA is that here, the needle on the work-life-ometer feels like it’s pretty much straight up and down. People hustle, but they aren’t killing themselves. You can be ambitious and have a social life.

And great tacos.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I’ve always been interested in lots of things and my career reflects this, but at my core, I’ve consistently been about writing, ideas, and creativity.

The throughline for everything I’ve done is joy. This is how I earned The Joy Pusher moniker.

A while back I was reexamining my personal brand and reflecting on all the roles I’ve had, projects I’ve been involved with, and businesses I’ve founded.

At first, I couldn’t see a clear connection between them all. Initially, they felt like disparate endeavors that had no relation other than perhaps creativity, storytelling, or marketing.

It was actually my wife who pointed out that all the things I’ve devoted time and energy to over the years have helped bring joy to people.

This was certainly true with Laugh Masters Academy – the improv and sketch comedy school I founded in 2012 which has brought joy to thousands of people.

And PowerProv, the corporate training business I set up helps teams communicate, collaborate, and innovate more effectively and joyfully.

My entire career in advertising and marketing has always led to work that was engaging and entertaining. And whenever appropriate, comedic, so again, joy.

Even the fintech I founded, Zuper superannuation, was designed to help people have more money which can sometimes be a cause for joy.

The game I invented, Song Saga is intentionally designed to bring about joyful connection and recollection.

And right now I’m writing a book about all the silly and dumb things I’ve done that almost got me killed. It’s called “A Laugh Threatening Situation”

If you giggled even a little at the title, then it’s already brought you a tiny bit of joy – and you haven’t even read it yet.

So yeah, I’m the Joy Pusher, and (sticking with the drug dealer analogy) my product is high-grade moments of meaningful connection.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?

If I had an out-of-town friend visiting me in LA I guess we’d start in Venice, but mostly so I can explain to them how much cooler it used to be.

Maybe a quick breakfast at Flake. For lunch, I can’t go past the turkey burger at Hinano. If we’re on Abbot Kenny then a meal at Gjelina is a must. While we’re in the hood, I’d take them to the 3rd Street Promenade because that’s where I’ve consistently seen celebs, and for first-timers that can be a thrill.

Then maybe we’d head over to visit my friends who own the Westside Comedy Theater and see a show. The Grove and Farmers Market seem like touristy but obligatory stops. LACMA and The Getty for sure. Hollywood Bowl if someone great is playing. But the main thing I’d show someone new to LA is all the amazing taco joints around town – Cactus Taqueria #1 and Guisados are a couple of faves.

Once we’d stuffed our faces, I’d suggest burning off the queso calories with a hike in Runyon Canyon or the Charlie Turner Trail to Griffith Park. That or a surf in Malibu. For nighttime antics perhaps some blues at Harvelle's, or drinks downtown at The Wolves.

But most of all I’d try and be spontaneous and let the good times unfold naturally.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Nope. I did it all myself.

Joke. My wife of course. She’s been a great classmate in the school of life and we keep learning, growing, and changing together. Her, faster than me, but I keep up. Barely.

The book A NEW EARTH by Eckhardt Tolle helped me reframe my relationship with life and put me on a transformational path that I’m still on to this day.

And all the funny writers, comedians, improvisers, and collaborators I’ve been lucky and unlucky enough to work with. I learned from you all.

Excerpt: Covid has kept many of us from traveling so it was nice to mind-travel with ShoutOut LA during this interview where we talk work/life balance and tacos.

### Eran Thomson on the Arts for the Health of It Podcast: Joyful Connection and Recollection

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Listen as we unravel the mystery behind The Joy Pusher and share the joy of the hit music and memory game, Song Saga.
Eran Thomson on the Arts for the Health of It Podcast
In this two-part conversation, Richard Willmore and Eran Thomson first discuss the origin story of The Joy Pusher moniker and then return to discuss what makes the music and memory game, Song Saga, so special.

Listen to the full episode or watch the show below.

https://youtu.be/GOOlX0a2jV8

 

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Excerpt: A two-part chat where I explain the origin story of The Joy Pusher and what makes the music and memory game, Song Saga, so special.

### Getting Postcards from The Village People is the Best

Village People YMCA is back in heavy rotation.
One of my favorite things about Song Saga is how it sparks memories of the music and moments that make you who you are.

Every time you play, memories and music you may have forgotten or not thought about in years, rise to the surface.

Sometimes you don't even have to open the box for this to happen.

Felipe Rose aka the Indian signs an autograph for a young Brett.
What was your first concert?
The other day I handed a copy of Song Saga to a new friend, Brett, and as soon as he flipped the box over and saw the sample cards on the back, the sparks began to fly.

Inspired by "First concert," Brett shared an incredible story about how he went to see the Village People as a young kid, chaperoned by his parents, who took him to meet the band at an autograph signing session after the show.

There he struck up a conversation with Jeff, aka the Cowboy, and asked him where they were playing next.

Turns out it was Las Vegas.

"Ever been to Vegas?" the Cowboy asked.

"Nope."

"I'll send you a postcard."

A few weeks later, Brett got a postcard from Vegas - from the Village People!

And then the postcards kept coming, from all over the world. Wherever the band played, they'd pop a postcard in the mail to Brett.
"First concert? For me, it was the Village People. After the show, my Mum took me to an autograph signing and the Cowboy, Jeff, said he'd send me a postcard from tour. I couldn't find the original postcard that the Village People sent me from Vegas, but here is one from their Sydney show."

- Brett
You can't make this stuff up.

There's so much to love about this story, but what I love most is after Brett shared it, he said he'd hardly ever told this story to anyone.

And I think you'll agree, this is a story that deserves to be heard.

Along with the song "YMCA" of course.

https://youtu.be/CS9OO0S5w2k
Wouldn't you love to get postcards from these guys?

This is the magical power of Song Saga.
It helps us all reconnect with the music and memories of our lives, but perhaps more importantly, helps us share them with each other.

There's no better bonding experience than one where you get to learn new things about the people you're with. Things they might otherwise never have shared.

In fact, a customer recently told me she'd learned more about her husband in one night playing Song Saga than in all the years they'd been married.
Song Saga creates hours of casual conversation and authentic storytelling accompanied by a killer soundtrack.
It will have you learning new things about your friends (even your closest ones) and discovering or rediscovering some great tunes to boot.

And maybe even doing the YMCA dance.

So get yourself a copy of Song Saga now. It's scientifically proven to make you feel good!

Excerpt: The Song Saga story of how one "young man" started getting postcards from the Village People.

### Eran Thomson on the This Is It Actually Podcast: Leave the Lucky

"This is it Actually" is a storytelling podcast that draws on personal experiences to help others share theirs.
Eran Thomson on the This Is It Actually Podcast
The show host, Jeni B, reached out and invited me to get involved.

About ten minutes into this episode I share a very abbreviated version of a story from my forthcoming book, "A Laugh Threatening Situation," about how a drunken promise in college led to a sailing trip around the world. Sort of.

Listen to the full episode on Jeni's site/below or skip to the ten-minute mark to hear my contribution.

https://youtu.be/BnasBoeDDko

 

Excerpt: A very abbreviated version of a story about a drunken promise that led to an aborted sailing trip around the world.

### Eran Thomson on the Polymath Podcast: Pushing Joy in all Directions

If you're a multipotentialite or a polymath, or if you have no idea what those words mean, you might enjoy this delightful conversation with Dustin Miller on his excellent Polymath podcast.
Eran Thomson on the Polymath Podcast
We cover a lot of ground in true polymath style and bookend the conversation by exploring the gap and the gain, looking back and then forward 5 years.

https://youtu.be/Y0IutICHPPI

 

In the middle, we talk about getting in touch with your authentic self, 10 years of improv, polymathic ego and the beginner's mind, personal rebranding, micro and macro focus, my near-death experience book, the origin of Song Saga, "Multipotentialitis," the multidisciplinary spectrum, influencing education, getting beaten by Mt. Everest, what it means to be a polymath and strategies for coping.

Watch our conversation above or on the Polymath YouTube channel or listen to the episode on the Polymath site or wherever you find podcasts.

Watch my interview with Perry Knoppert mentioned in this episode.
What is a polymath?
A simple definition is a person of wide knowledge or learning.  If you're curious to know more about multipotentialites, check out this post or read the manifesto I wrote for The Octopus Movement.

Excerpt: If you're a multipotentialite or polymath, or if you have no idea what those words mean, you will enjoy this episode of the Polymath podcast.

### Should we kill the "Suicide" card?

I attended eleven different schools by the time I graduated from high school.
Contrary to what you might think, I didn’t get repeatedly expelled.

My parents just moved around a lot. And when they got divorced I lived one year with Mom, one year with Dad, and they were always in a new place.

So I was always in a new school.

By ninth grade, I’d had enough. I put my foot down, demanding that one of my parents stay in one place for my last 4 years of schooling, and my Mom agreed.

This meant I could do something that had been hard to do when you’re always the new kid.

Make friends.

And one of my first friends was Daniel. We bonded over music. We could tell what each other listened to because we both drew amazingly accurate band logos on our brown paper bag school book covers.

Van Halen, Styx, Aerosmith, and Rush were on heavy rotation.

We used to roam the streets listening to our Walkmans, trading cassettes and turning each other onto new bands.

He started to drift towards indie rock - The Smiths were a fave. I started to drift toward rap, bought a boombox, and became a breakdancer. But we kept our friendship and we kept trying to convince each other our own musical taste was better.

One of our favourite spots to hang out was on top of this weird, modern art sculpture on a nearby college campus. We used to climb up and lay down on our backs, rocking out, dreaming of bigger lives beyond our small town.

It became an after school routine to meet up there with a new tape or two to share.

And then one day Daniel didn’t show.

And the next day at school I learned about suicide.

Before that day, it never occurred to me that staying here on Earth was a choice. And it never occurred to me that Daniel was about to make a different one.

The sculpture is gone now. Taken down to make room for a new building. But I can still see it in my mind. And Daniel is there too.

So that’s the story.

The song is The Boy with a Thorn in His Side by The Smiths.


Why am I sharing this?
We created Song Saga to help people form deeper connections by sharing the songs and stories of their lives. And to spark memories of the music and moments that matter to us most.

Recently we had a major retailer tell us they didn’t want to stock the game because of the suicide card. They felt it might be triggering for some people and they didn’t want to risk it.

I can see their point, and I’m wondering how you feel.

Should we keep this card? Or remove it in the next edition?

I invite you to share your thoughts in the comments.

Excerpt: A retailer told us this card might trigger some people so they won't stock Song Saga. I've got a song and story to share about that.

### One Word Suggestion: Dolphins

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Dolphins


Welcome to One Word Suggestion

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




OK, so, dolphins.

Dolphins are widely agreed to be one of the most intelligent species on the planet. Anyone who's seen the TV show "Flipper" knows that their level of individual intellect - and sense of humour - is high.

They have been known to save the lives of other animals and stranded swimmers, they know how to use shells and sea sponges as tools, and they've even run secret missions for the US Navy.

But part of what makes dolphins so super smart is they almost always choose to hang out in pods. Like experienced improvisers, they understand that together they have a better chance of thriving and surviving.

By having each other's backs (or dorsal fins as the case may be) and supporting each other in their own undersea world.

As a group, they can find more fish, warn each other about predators in nearby waters, and when necessary, find safe harbour.

Most of the time when we see dolphins they're surfing waves with glee. Or enjoying a feeding frenzy amongst a pool of less fortunate fish. Or showing strong leadership skills at the bow of a boat.

Despite the ever-increasing number of threats to their existence like plastics, petroleum, JetSkis, ghost nets, and hungry sharks, they continually play to the top of their intelligence.

Above the sea, we humans have our own challenges. So what can we learn from Dolphins?

We're better when we work together - good communication and collaboration skills are critical.

We're better when we learn together - sharing knowledge, experience and expertise without ego is key.

We're better when we play together - unstructured adult playtime is critical to our happiness and success.

And if we get good at these things, we'll thrive together - by supporting each other's actions, choices, and ideas.

The life of a dolphin may look playful and carefree, but under the waves, they tackle daily challenges just like we do. But by arguably having an improvisational ensemble mindset they vastly increase their odds of survival and success as a species.

Predators and problems will always be round, but by using their collaborative powers dolphins are able to navigate through the sea of life and arrive in their happy place.

And so can you.

Thanks for all the fish.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au

Eran Thomson is the Founder of Zuper Superannuation, Laugh-Masters Academy, PowerProv, Comedy & Co, and the Australian Improv Festival.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Despite the ever-increasing number of threats to their existence like plastics, petroleum, JetSkis, ghost nets, and hungry sharks, they continually play to the top of their intelligence.

### One Word Suggestion: Candy

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Candy


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




When it comes to candy, things can go from good to gross real fast.

Halloween is proof of this. And some of us (ahem) have to learn the same lesson every year. Too much of a sweet thing corrupts.

I'll buy an entire bag of mini Snickers and demolish the entire thing before any of the kids I bought it for come around in costume.

I don't feel bad for them. They got bag loads of candy. I feel bad for me. Because now I have to do something good and healthy, fast, like yoga or hitting the gym to offset the inevitable belly bulge.

The challenge is to not stop off at the store and get a new bag on the way home.

Because one of the things I love the most about the candy aisle is the diversity of choice. So many flavours, coatings, crunches, nuts, fillings, shapes, sizes, colours. It can be overwhelming to see them all sitting there. Sometimes you know exactly what you're looking for, other times making a choice can be hard.

One thing is for sure, just as there are endless types of candy, they are also endless types of people who love it. And love it differently. We all have different tastes formed by our unique cultural experiences and differences.

You love Violet Crunch? I think it tastes like Styrofoam. I like Reese's peanut butter cups. You might think they taste like waxy sludge. But there are enough people who like them both to keep them stocked on shelves around the world.

Because every candy bar has something unique to offer the world. Just like the people who consume them.

The trick is to get good at appreciating and understanding the differences. (Almost Joy's got nuts, Mounds don't.) Then you can start to make informed choices. But until you've tried all the flavours, you can't assume you know or understand what each candy is all about.

The same goes for the people you work with every day. Sure some of them might be sweet and easy to enjoy spending time with. And others might be a bit sour and less to your liking, but they all have something unique to offer.

This is never more clear to me than in every single improv class ever. Without fail, every class starts with strangers and ends with best friends. Because improv creates a safe space where people can reveal their authentic selves. And authenticity is the sweetest of all human traits.

So look for the sweetness in yourself and each other. And if you need help, an improv workshop can create a safe space where you and all your staff can discover, appreciate, and enjoy all the different personalities in your office. And just about everywhere else.

Except maybe the dentist.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: One thing is for sure, just as there are endless types of candy, they are also endless types of people who love it. And love it differently. We all have different tastes formed by our unique cultural experiences and differences.

### One Word Suggestion: Taxes

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Taxes


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




The wealthiest man in the world, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, allegedly paid zero tax in 2020.

But rich people don't pay less tax because they're cheaters. They pay less because they know how to play the game.

Or at least their accountants do. Navigating the ever-changing and complicated world of tax law is a full-time job. So if you've got the money, it makes sense to hire someone to help you keep more of it, legally

Whether this is fair is another story. The point is, you have to know the rules before you can take advantage of them.

In business this applies to profit as well as to your most valuable asset of all, people.

The basic rules of human behaviour around communication, collaboration, teamwork, listening, and building on each others' ideas, can be almost as complicated as tax law.

But once you have a clear understanding of how things can work, unforetold riches abound.

And one of the best ways to grow your people is to train them in the art of improvisation. Hiring an improv trainer is like hiring a good accountant. The best ones will help you make more, save more and keep more of what (or who) you already have.

These days unhappy staff are less likely to revolt and more likely to quit. And when they go your IP goes out the door with them, no matter how good an NDA they may have signed.

And the cost to replace them is high, as much as 33% of their salary on average, and over 150% in some C-suite instances.

Advertising, recruiting, interviewing, screening, hiring, onboarding, and training add up.

But the cultural cost can be even higher. Whenever someone leaves, others take time to ask why. And if things start to snowball, it can be disastrous.

The bottom line is improv training can improve your bottom line. Especially when everyone from the top down participates.

And it will make work more fun for everyone. Yes, I know "fun" may not be your main objective, but happy employees are more healthy, productive, creative, and collaborative.

The labor market is tight and employee retention has never been more important. Building a fun and functional workplace will help attract talent, keep talent, and reduce your productivity tax.

Navigating the ever-changing and complicated world of humans, especially humans that work together is a full-time job. So if you've got the money, it makes sense to hire someone to help you keep more of it, legally.

There are lots of companies who claim their business workshops are the best. But if you want real results you can see on your balance sheet, and you don't want to set your company up as a "double Irish with a Dutch sandwich," PowerProv is a great place to start.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: The basic rules of human behaviour around communication, collaboration, teamwork, listening, and building on each others' ideas, can be almost as complicated as tax law.

### One Word Suggestion: Election

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Election


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




When George Bush Junior was elected President of the United States, I was in Bali, happy to be far away as political power was passing from father to son.

On the day after the election, I was in a cab headed to meet a friend for breakfast. And as one often does, found myself discussing politics with my driver.

I shared that I was surprised by the election results to which the cabbie responded, "the whole world understands. Most countries have leaders who do not represent the needs, wants or wishes of their nation's people."

He went on, "but if America elects him to a second term, you will lose the respect of the world."

Fool me twice hey?

My Balinese driver was right. In recent years, America has, by many accounts become less of a government of the people, by the people, and for the people.

In fact, the "people" doing best in America these days aren't people at all. They're corporations with the same legal rights as people. And as such they have lobbied and bought their way into politics and elections, putting profits before people and planet.

Factor in social media meddling and the odd bit of kompromat and the election discourse can quickly devolve into a meaningless mess. Love him or hate him, Trump is proof of this.

When I wrote this Trump had just become the first US president to be impeached twice, COVID 19 was and still is on a killing spree, and the planet is in peril. Now more than ever we need elected officials who can bring people together. Who can work together. And who can make meaningful and fast change.

Most governments, I hope we'd agree, should strive to make the world a better, easier, and happier place for their people. To create communities where everyone can thrive, contribute meaningfully, and reach their fullest potential. And at the very least, feel safe.

But the mechanisms required to keep any form of government in place, in power, and operating in the interests of the people, or at least pretending to, are complex and often confusing.

And if you look around the globe, you may observe that most elected officials don't appear to be doing a very good job.

Representation of the people by the people, for the people, is a withering ideal. And in many parts of the planet, the concept has yet to even sprout.

The need for personal power and control is so strong, it all too frequently usurps common sense, and prevents politicians from putting aside their differences and working together for the common good.

One solution might be to teach the skills of communication and collaboration early. Make learning to say "Yes, and" as important as learning the Pledge of Allegiance. Make learning to listen a requirement for high-school graduation. And ingrain the idea that "We" is always more powerful than "Me."

These are some of the basic takeaways of improvisation training. Am I claiming that an improv workshop could help save the world? Yes, I am.

The idea of improvisational leadership doesn't mean everyone makes stuff up, or worse, lying. It means behaving authentically, truthfully and confidently. And working together to tackle our greatest challenges from pandemics to a planet in peril.

The impending demise of democracy demands it.

Imagine if, like an ensemble of trained improvisers, our political leaders could actively listen to each other.

Imagine if they could accept and build on our suggestions.

Imagine if they could incorporate and align the agendas of other elected officials with their own.

Imagine if they could embrace failure as an opportunity for growth and development, rather than blame and cover-ups.

Imagine if our elected representatives could agree to always make each other look good, support each other's actions, choices and decisions, and work collaboratively for the benefit of all, not just themselves. Or their donors.

The men and women we elect form part of a large ensemble (link) whose job is to perform for the people. And politicians, like all performers, need skills and training to do their job well.

The same goes for the people playing politics inside your business.

That person who puts everyone else's work down to big up themselves. Or the person who constantly interrupts. Or the group of gossipers who are definitely talking smack about you.

Little cancers like these, like Trump's big lie, can eat away at psychological safety and destroy your business from within. And one of the best ways to get everyone communicating, collaborating, and moving forward as an ensemble toward a brighter future is improv training.

And that's something I think we can all vote for regardless of political party.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]


If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au

Eran Thomson is the Founder of Zuper Superannuation, Laugh-Masters Academy, PowerProv, Comedy & Co, and the Australian Improv Festival.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Now more than ever we need elected officials who can bring people together. Who can work together. And who can make meaningful and fast change.

### One Word Suggestion: Tickles

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Tickles.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.



Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Do you like being tickled?

Turns out people are pretty evenly divided on the subject. One-third hate it, another third are meh, and a third are really into it.

But what's the point of humans being ticklish if two-thirds of people just don't like being touched that way?

One theory is that it's a way for us to learn self-defence from a young age. some of the most ticklish places on the body also happen to be the most vulnerable areas during hand-to-hand combat. So ticklishness might confer an evolutionary advantage designed to help us protect our vital organs.

But no matter how good one might get at fighting off fists and feathers, there have been times throughout history when tickling was intentionally used as torture.

The Chinese reserved tickle torture as punishment for nobility since it left no marks and a victim could recover relatively easily and quickly. The Japanese would allegedly dip victim's feet in salt water and let goats lick them. And the Nazis used goose feathers to tickle their unfortunate prisoners.

Even my parents were tickle torturers. When I was a kid they used to hold me down and tickle me as punishment. They called it the "Hermie Fermie," and even though I was laughing, I hated it. A spanking might have been preferred.

For this reason, I got good at turning my ticklishness off. Which at least one girlfriend has been less than impressed by. Why? Because aside from torture, tickles can be a playful, fun, and even sexy way to make a connection.

Even if we don't want tickles, we crave connection, not just in the bedroom, but everywhere. Perhaps most of all where we spend most of our time. At work.

I'm definitely not suggesting you go around tickling people at the office. But there are lots of little ways you can make meaningful, and even playful connections with your colleagues.

The easiest way to start is not with a feather but with your eyes - eye contact.

Another one that can take more practice than you might think is listening.

A third is learning to laugh at your mistakes and embrace failure as an opportunity to move forward together with your team.

And guess what? PowerProv's fun team building workshops will help you and your colleagues get great at all three.

Our specially trained facilitators will deliver a workshop filled with tools, ideas, insights and of course laughter. No feather required.


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If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au

Eran Thomson is the Founder of Zuper Superannuation, Laugh-Masters Academy, PowerProv, Comedy & Co, and the Australian Improv Festival.


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About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: No matter how good one might get at fighting off fists and feathers, there have been times throughout history when tickling was intentionally used as torture.

### One Word Suggestion: Batteries

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Batteries.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




This suggestion actually came in a few weeks ago, but I saved it up for today because we have some news. This podcast has, up until this episode, been brought to you by LMA Professional Development - Australia's best improv-based corporate training.

But, LMA recently rebranded to PowerProv, and so, you know. Batteries. Power... you get the idea. So if you're a long time listener, or just checking out your first episode, head on over to powerprov.com to see all the fun team building activities on offer, including new online workshops for business teams.

And with that, let's get back to "batteries."

In this modern age, it's easier than ever to learn how to do just about anything and everything. Just Google a how-to guide, find a tutorial on YouTube, or sign up for Skillshare. And there are a hundred more ways to learn and develop a new capability.

But just because you can doesn't always mean you should. Learning to do everything on your own takes time, energy, and definitely drains your batteries.

These days we tend to wear fatigue, stress, and busy-ness as a badge. But all it really means is we're not using our personal power wisely, and perhaps have become powerless to focus on what we really want to do or change that deserves our attention and energy.

Instead, I suggest you find the thing or things you're great at, and focus on those. Dan Sullivan from Strategic Coach calls this your "Unique Ability."

Focus energy on your positive strengths, not your negative weaknesses. To do this effectively it helps to have other people around you with different strengths and unique abilities.

Even people who appear outwardly to be successful solo mavericks have teams of people collaborating and contributing their power to a shared common goal.

Bill Gates didn't make the worlds most famous operating system alone. Elon Musk isn't on the factory floor wielding a wrench. And Zuckerberg could not have built the shittiest social media platform without thousands of helpers choosing to give their energy to his disappointing vision.

The point is real power is collective power. When you work together as an ensemble you really are stronger.

So remember, how you spend your power or energy is important. Who you spend it with is important. And what you spend it on is important. Don't deplete your batteries by focussing on the wrong things.

To quote Dan Sullivan again, ask yourself who, not how. Who can help you get things done, instead of how you can get it done, or how you can learn something new to get it done yourself.

No matter how big your goal, learning to work with your team, to communicate and collaborate effectively, will make you more powerful. Like an entire field full of Tesla batteries.

And nothing recharges your communication and collaboration skills like PowerProv's fun team building activities.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Just because you can doesn't always mean you should. Learning to do everything on your own takes time, energy, and definitely drains your batteries.

### Are You Ready for the Future of Work?

The future of work is right behind you.
I just finished reading my second favourite book* of the month, AI Superpowers by Kai-Fu Lee.

In it, he addresses the fear many people have about robots and artificial intelligence taking over their jobs.

The good news is most artificial intelligence isn't that great.

The (maybe) bad news is it's getting better, fast.

Many of the top AI experts, including Kai-Fu, agree that new technology will eventually decimate blue-collar jobs.

However, Kai-fu Lee takes it a step further, predicting that the coming wave of Chinese and American innovation will have an impact on white-collar jobs as well.

Not just in China and America, but globally.

Which begs the question, what skills will we need to beat the robots, stay relevant, and for those that want to work, stay employed?
What skills will I need to work in the future?
McKinsey & Co. just released results from their recent survey of 18,000 people in 15 countries. The big news is they identified 56 foundational skills that will help you thrive in the future of work.

See how you stack up and where you might want to skill up in the chart below.

Sadly, "Jet pack navigation" is not on the list, but I'm hoping to learn anyway.

How many Deltas do you rate yourself for? Let me know in the comments.
I'm ready-ish for the robots now.
I can confidently say I'm capable in 39 of the 56 Deltas, about 70%.

I attribute this to my broad experience and multipotentialite ways.

Admittedly, my self-assessment was biased, but it was also binary. I asked myself  "Am I good at this? Yes or No?"

Easy "Yes's" got marked with a green dot above. Everything else was a "No."

Some Deltas were difficult. For example, people have told me I'm a great role model, but I feel like there have to be better ones.

As a founder and entrepreneur, time management and prioritization are a must, as is work plan development, but I am also very capable of periodically losing focus. Have you seen the internet? It's super distracting.

And while I frequently find myself negotiating, resolving conflicts, and motivating different personalities, they don't rate as high on the list.

I'm OK with that. It's the stuff that's low on the list that makes me scratch my head.

Despite me being on-call tech-support for friends and family, coding more websites than I can count, and being a semi-regular reader of Wired, my Digital quadrant is looking mighty <p></p>.

(That's an "empty" HTML tag for all you non-nerds).

At this stage in my life, I wonder if 70% is enough.

Should I upskill? Or keep playing to my strengths?

If you knew there was a robot right behind you, what would you do?

 
* My #1 favourite book I read this month is The Orphan Masters Son. Do yourself a favour.

Excerpt: A recent McKinsey survey identified 56 skills needed to thrive in the future of work. I have 39, but with robots and AI coming for our jobs, is that enough?

### Eran Thomson on the Label Free Podcast: Un-label-able

The whole point of the Label Free podcast is to help remove the labels that hold us back, whether we put them on ourselves or others apply them to us.

And, as the lovely host, Deanna Kuempel says, "to live your best life, live label-free."
Eran Thomson on the Label Free podcast with Deanna Kuempel
We live up to that promise in this wide-ranging and nearly impossible to categorise (or label) podcast episode.

Our quick conversation bounces from beating cancer, to being The Joy Pusher, to climbing Mt. Everest, to making fun of my wife, and we even play a round of my music and storytelling game, Song Saga.

https://youtu.be/VsBr5OoMuyU

 

It was a joyful chat and I invite you to have a listen.

Subscribe to the Label Free podcast here.

 

Excerpt: Deanna Kuempel says, "to live your best life, live label-free." We live up to that ideal in this nearly impossible to categorise episode of Label Free.

### The Octopus Movement Manifesto

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]I was recently invited to join the Board of Inspiration in the newly formed Octopus Movement founded by Perry Knoppert. One of our first actions was to write a defining manifesto which I am pleased to share here.

If you've ever felt like you can't or don't want to be put in a box, or that you're talented at too many things. Or that you're more of a generalist than a specialist, then there's a place for you in The Octopus Movement.
The Octopus Movement is a global coalition of non-linear thinkers and multipotentialites united by a desire to create positive change in the world.
We are here to drive acceptance and awareness of the awesome abilities of atypical thinkers and embed our diverse experience, expertise, and polymathic skills inside institutions ready and willing to tackle the trickiest challenges of today and tomorrow.
What we believe
The world is over-specialised. We live in a society dominated by specialists who tend to want to put everyone into a box. But many non-linear thinkers can’t be, or don’t want to be defined by a single label on a single box.

Labels and boxes inhibit us all from reaching our true potential. Specialists are valuable and important, but when overly specialized thinking divides us, opportunities are missed and the world suffers. Together we are stronger.

Non-linear thinkers work differently and capably. We are uniquely interested and able to focus on, and acquire expertise in, many areas. We are multi-specialists who sometimes defy the norms of a nine-to-five world.

It’s time for specialists to recognize our value. Every skill we acquire is a form of currency. Non-linear thinkers deserve to be taken seriously by employers, HR departments, and of course, specialists.

We have the collective power to change the world. Non-linear thinkers are an awesome but underutilized and often misunderstood resource. We need and deserve a bigger presence in organisations, businesses, and governments that are champions for positive change.
What The Octopus Movement members are great at
Idea Synthesis. We are great at combining two or more fields and creating something new at the intersection. Our natural appreciation for novelty and variety leads us to have a wide range of interests we can draw from for inspiration.

Rapid Learning. We are unafraid to try new things and comfy outside our comfort zone. We bring everything we’ve learned to everything we do and our skills are transferable across disciplines so we’re never starting from scratch.

Adaptability. We draw on vast experience and expertise to morph into whatever we need to be based on the situation. Translating between modes of thought is second nature. Fast Company calls this the #1 most important skill in the 21st century.

Solution Finding. We instinctively try and solve problems. Always. Connecting dots in all directions in search of new or better ways of doing things is how we roll. Innovation and ideas are our passion.

Collaboration. We get interested and go hard, enthusiastically. We generate lots of ideas without being precious. And we instinctively empathise with a broad set of people and cultures making us exceptional leaders.
Why The Octopus Movement matters
The world needs non-linear thinkers now more than ever.

Look at the state of things today and you will see an epidemic of disinformation, pandemic disease, democracies faltering, healthcare and education costs rising, a growing gap between the 1% and everyone else, the influence of AI, and perhaps most important of all, a planet in peril.
The challenges humans currently face on Earth are the most extreme and important in history. Change is constant and accelerating. To succeed and survive, new perspectives and creative ways of working are vital.
But non-linear thinkers are only part of the solution. To create the brighter future we all desire, we must combine forces with specialists to form super teams of innovators and problem solvers.

The solutions aren’t on Mars. They’re right here on Earth, swimming in a wide sea of specialists and the collective minds of The Octopus Movement.
Join The Octopus Movement
If you identify as a non-linear thinker or a multipotentialite, join the movement.

If you recognize the value non-linear thinkers and multipotentialites offer, support the movement. Tap into an underutilized resource and hire us to tackle your biggest challenges.

And no matter who you are, listen to our podcast, pre-order our book, or sign up to be first to watch our documentary.

Learn more at: theoctopusmovement.org
Why an octopus?
The octopus is our amazing mascot for many reasons:

 	They have nine brains giving them high intelligence and unique problem-solving skills.
 	They have eight arms each able to move independently which makes them able to test, learn, and do multiple things at once.
 	They have three hearts pumping blue blood which helps them thrive in uncomfortable waters.
 	They use camouflage to quickly adapt to fit into any situation.
 	And they have their own unique DNA, often described as alien which resonates with those of us who may feel like we don’t fit in.

🐙
Our Definitions:
Non-linear thinking is thinking along unconventional, atypical lines or in a non-sequential manner. In non-linear thinking, people make connections between seemingly unrelated concepts. Non-linear thinkers draw conclusions and develop ideas, solutions, and innovations from experience gained in a variety of different fields. And they are more likely to innovate in surprising and world-changing ways.

Multipotentiality is a psychological and educational term used to describe people who display aptitudes across multiple disciplines. Multipotentialites are generally bright, driven individuals who have a diverse skill set (as opposed to simply diverse interests), and an increased capacity to learn. They have a unique way of seeing the world and are known to possess strong intellectual and creative curiosity as well as above-average IQ.

Neurodiversity applies to a community of people whose members are neurodivergent. The conditions of ADHD, Autism, Dyspraxia, and Dyslexia make up “Neurodiversity.” Neuro-differences are recognised and appreciated as a social category on par with ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender, or disability status. Not all neurodiverse people are non-linear thinkers, nor mulitipotentialites.[/vc_column_text][vc_message message_box_style="solid" style="round" message_box_color="grey"]The Octopus Movement manifesto has been translated into over 7 languages and was covered by Forbes Magazine![/vc_message][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: If you've ever felt like you can't be put in a box or that you're talented at too many things, there's a place for you in The Octopus Movement.

### Multipotentialites are Many Things

So, what do you do?
This question used to make me anxious.

Depending on the person asking, and the context, the answer could be half a dozen different things.

Simon Sinek writes and talks about the importance of finding and defining your "why," but this can be hard when you have more than one.

We live in a society dominated by specialists who tend to want to put everyone into a box. A box with a simple, easy-to-understand label.

But if you're a multipotentialite like me, being in a box might make you uncomfortable.

There are so many interesting boxes!

People who are interested and excel in multiple areas can often be accused of being distractable, unfocused, or not serious, despite the many superpowers we have.

So, how do we reframe ourselves to a world that wants to put us in a box? How do we convince specialists we should collaborate?
Multipotentialite Definition
The word "multipotentialite" is seemingly so new it can't be found in the Merriam Webster dictionary (yet). So, until recently, people with many interests and creative pursuits moved around under many monikers:

Polymath, renaissance person, transdisciplinary thinker, scanner, generalist, or my personal fave, slashie.

Every time I type "multipotentialite" spell check tells me it's wrong, but at least Wikipedia has a definition:
"Multipotentiality is an educational and psychological term referring to the ability and preference of a person of strong intellectual or artistic curiosity to excel in two or more different fields."
Multipotentialites: Jack of all trades, master of many.
If you self-identify as a multipotentialite, chances are you saw Emilie Wapnick's TED talk, or perhaps read Refuse to Choose by Barbara Sher.



 

For me, watching this talk was the first time where I felt like I could make sense of the way my brain works and the projects I'm involved with.

In the past, I used to believe that being interested in many things was a problem. I should focus more. Do less, better. Time and energy are not infinite. You can't do everything.

But, as it turns out, multipotentialites can do a lot.
Three multipotentialite superpowers
In her talk, Emelie shares three multipotentialite superpowers. These instantly resonated with me. Having them explained and validated from the TED stage was liberating.

 	Idea Synthesis - We are great at combining two or more fields and creating something new at the intersection.
 	Rapid Learning - We get interested and go hard. Adopting a beginners mind means we are less afraid of trying new things and comfy outside our comfort zones. And our skills are transferable across disciplines and we bring everything we've learned to everything we do. So we are almost never starting from scratch.
 	Adaptability - We can morph into whatever we need to be based on the situation. Fast Company says this is the #1 most important skill to have in the 21st century. Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers got nothing on us.

I would add a 4th:

Solution-Oriented. We instinctively try and solve problems. Always. Finding new or better ways to do things is how we roll. Innovation is our addiction.
A narrowly focused life is right for some people
I love specialists.

There is nothing more engaging than someone who is passionate about what they do. In fact, I'm often envious of anyone capable of singular, laser-like focus.

But sometimes, when all you have is a hammer, everything looks like a nail.

The best specialists usually find the best hammer for the job they do and once they get confident wielding it, they stick to it.

Multipotentialites on the other hand, have lots of hammers, and they know how to use them for all sorts of things.

And often those things are outside their intended purpose. Using an old tool in a new context can yield amazing results.

The point of this heavy-handed metaphor is that specialists and multipotentialites make great teams.

The mix of deep and diverse expertise combined with curiosity and creativity is where the magic happens.
A specialist in generalism
So "what do I do?" First and foremost, I'm The Joy Pusher.

But depending on the person asking, and the context, the answer could be half a dozen different things.

And now I have a new word, a new framework, and maybe even a comfy new box to be in.

Multipotentialite.

But if that's too many syllables for your mouth-hole, slashie will do.

Want to know more? Check out my interview with The Multipotentialite Dude.

Read the manifesto I wrote for The Octopus Movement.

Or check out this article about us in Forbes Magazine!

🐙

Excerpt: Finally, I found a box I fit in with a label that makes me proud to be a "specialist in generalism."

### Eran Thomson on The Multipotentialite Dude: A New Box

I only recently discovered I am a multipotentialite, thanks to Perry Knoppert, aka The Multipotentialite Dude and Founder of The Octopus Movement.
Another Multipotentialite Dude?
Perry may be the OG podcast host, but I'm down with the discovery that there's finally a box I fit in with a label that makes sense to me.

In this excellent chat, we discuss what it means to discover you're multipotentialite, and what it means to be one.

If you're interested, the TED Talk we mention is by Emellie Wapnick and worth a watch.

https://youtu.be/ucm8B4ck3G8

 

If you enjoyed this chat, check out Perry's YouTube channel for more.

And check out my multipotentialite blog post where I share what it's like to be a "specialist in generalism" and why we should work together.

🐙

Update: I've joined The Octopus Movement's Board of Inspiration.
Job #1 was to write The Octopus Movement manifesto - now translated into over 7 languages!

Update 2: The Octopus Movement and our manifesto has been covered by Forbes Magazine!

Excerpt: Perry Knoppert and I chat about what it means to discover you're multipotentialite, and what it means to be one.

### Eran Thomson on Balance the Grind: My Success Ritual

Interview: Eran Thomson on Balance the Grind
Note: This is the complete and unedited transcript of my interview on Balance the Grind.
To kick things off, could you tell us a little about your career background and current role?
My current focus is spreading joy with my new party game for adults, Song Saga.

I'm also writing a book based on my One Word Suggestion podcast, and another based on a Melbourne International Comedy Festival show I performed about all the times I've almost died called The Near Death Experience.

I started my career in advertising as a copywriter and rose through the ranks to become a creative director at some awesome agencies.

I have since used the skills acquired in Ad-Land to start interesting businesses including a comedy school, a corporate training company, and even a superannuation fin-tech called Zuper which got acquired in 2020.

Check out this interview on the Balance the Grind website.
What does a day in the life look like for you? Can you take us through a recent workday?
Last year I got frustrated that I wasn't getting where I wanted the way that I wanted.

So I made a list of people who I thought were successful and wrote down all the things they said in books, articles or interviews that they claimed helped get them where they are today.

When I looked at the final list there were several things they all had in common so I circled those and created my own amalgamated "success ritual."

I'll save you a bunch of time and research. Here's what it looks like:

 	Wake up, drink a glass of water, and go for a walk (or some kind of exercise) - every morning.
 	Practice gratitude - make a choice to express gratitude over dissatisfaction.
 	Meditate - or just sit in silence with or without a goal or something to solve.
 	Don’t read emails or look at social media before breakfast or before bed.
 	Stop procrastinating - if you're procrastinating it usually means you are missing information or a skill, so go get what you need to keep moving.
 	Do yoga - 4 x week minimum
 	Cold showers (I don't care what Wim Hof says, this sucks)
 	Spend time each week connecting and reconnecting with friends - ideally in-person or over the phone.
 	Journal Daily - write three things you're grateful for and three things you can do today that will get you closer to your goals.

Every workday is different, but this routine mostly doesn't change.
Does your current role allow for flexible or remote working? If so, how does that fit into your life and routine?
I have an office, but most days I work from home. It's quieter, the snacks are better, and the commute is great.

But it's a double-edged sword since the line between home and work, or work and play gets confused. And if you're not careful you just end up working all the time.

I've had to develop new habits. For example when my wife comes home, as soon as she opens the door I immediately close my laptop.

Sometimes.
What does work-life balance mean to you and how do you work to achieve that goal?
Historically I've been terrible at work-life balance.

My old routine was to work sixteen hours a day including weekends until I burnt out. And then I would collapse on the couch for 2-3 days binge-watching things. Once I had de-fragged my brain, the cycle would repeat.

This is unsustainable of course, so this year, I made some major changes.

I used to be a night owl and work into the wee hours. Now I'm almost always asleep by 10:30 pm and writing by 6 am.

I used to work weekends as a rule. Now I see how few times if any, I can open my laptop on weekends. This means I'm reading books more, playing outside more, spending time with my wife more, exercising more.

It may seem obvious to anyone with a 9-5 job, but if you're an entrepreneur or work for yourself, then the idea of a weekend without work might seem impossible.

It's not. And they're great.
In the past 12 months, have you started/stopped any routines or habits to change your life?
Thanks to COVID I stopped going to the yoga studio every day. I know I can do online classes at home, but they're not the same. Is that a cop-out? Yes. Am I less fit now? Also yes. I'll get back there.

Another thing I stopped doing is staring at social media. Just get off it if you can. And if you can't, limit yourself. It's bad for you. Bad for democracy. Bad for everything. If you don't already know what your old friends from high school are doing, you don't need to know now.

Also, get off your computer. I don't know about you, but my laptop is everything. I use it for email, messaging, video calls, to listen to music, to watch TV and movies, to write, to read, to design, to collaborate... everything.

The only thing I don't use it for is eating and exercise.

Actually, I do look up recipes online and reluctantly take the occasional online yoga class, so yeah, it's my everything.

But you have to step away from the screen sometimes.

Go outside. Breathe fresh air. Stretch the legs.
Do you have any favourite books, podcasts or newsletters that you'd like to recommend?
I recently read The Circadian Code by Satchin Panda. He's the guy who did the research about how blue light affects the brain and the reason why our computers and phones have night mode. His book will teach you how to lose weight and stay healthy just by paying attention to lighting and when you eat. It's kind of amazing.

I love the How I Built This podcast with Guy Roz, Dan Sullivan from Strategic Coach is great, and since I still harbour hope my screenplays will get made someday, I keep up with Hollywood by listening to KCRW's The Business.

Dysexlic.com is comedy gold.
Are there any products, gadgets or apps that you can’t live without?
I discovered Notion last year and have more or less moved my entire digital life onto it. All my staff use it now too.

Noise-cancelling headphones are a game-changer and a lifesaver.
If you could read an interview about work-life balance by anyone, who would that be?
When I was doing my success ritual research I read a lot, so I don't know anyone off the top of my head who I haven't already tried to learn from.

Maybe Bob Hurley? My wife met him once and he told her that he wasn't good at anything except for finding people who were great at something and pulling them together to build amazing businesses.

With all the ideas I have, I think I could learn a lot from him. And if I can find other people to help make things happen, that means I'm not doing them. Which means more balance.

In theory.
Do you have any last thoughts on work, life or balance that you’d like to share with our readers?
Focus on your unique ability. Find the thing that you are best at and do that.

Anything else might be a waste of time. The exceptions are learning and activities that bring you joy.

Choose your business partners carefully.

Don't drink coffee after 3 pm.

And above all else, always trust your gut.

Read this interview on balancethegrind.com.au

Excerpt: Discover my amalgamated "success ritual" in this unedited interview transcript from "Balance the Grind."

### Eran Thomson on The Cuppa of Life Show: Feel the Power

I was invited to be a guest in the Cuppa of Life virtual cafe to chat about beating cancer, starting a comedy school, and the many benefits of developing an improvisational mindset.
Cuppa of Life is your morning dose of inspiration
I love what Luke Cook and Jill Covitz have created with "Cuppa." It's a lovely format designed specifically to help people connect in times of uncertainty and isolation.

Every week they host a variety of incredible talent who share stories, inspiration, and motivation. It was an honour to spend time with them.

Cuppa of Life continues to expand as an opportunity to inspire, connect and uplift a growing community every morning.

If you haven't yet been to the Cuppa of Life cafe, subscribe to their YouTube channel, or sign up on their website.

https://youtu.be/zhGvGtnuJKM

 

Download the Takeaway Menu from our session.

Excerpt: I visit the Cuppa of Life virtual cafe to chat about beating cancer, starting a comedy school, and the benefits of developing an improvisational mindset.

### Eran Thomson on the You Really Shouldn't Have podcast: Worst. Gift. Ever.

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The You Really Shouldn't Have podcast with James Warwick. Episode 47: Eran Thomson
All of us have received a bad gift.

This means lots of us are guilty of giving bad gifts and probably have no idea.

That's the brilliantly simple idea behind James Warwick's wonderful bad gifts podcast, You Really Shouldn't Have.

It's a great hook, but James' show goes deeper than just bad gifts. We cover a long list of topics in a short amount of time and he's a thoughtful host.

In preparation for our chat, I not only thought about what my worst gift story might be, but I also explored my own behaviour and beliefs around the giving and receiving of gifts.

Exhibit A

My wife will tell you I used to be bad at accepting gifts, even good ones, earning me the moniker of "Mr. Particular."

Part of this is because I had long-held negative beliefs about not being able to have what I wanted.

When you grow up poor you get used to disappointment. And if I ever did get exactly what I'd hoped for, it was hard to believe there wasn't a catch.

I also learned that getting exactly what you hoped for can still be a bummer.

This is because one year for Christmas I told my parents that all I wanted was a chemistry set. So that year for Christmas the only present I got was a chemistry set. Nothing else. Nada. Zilch.

So yeah, I had gift issues.

The story I share in the podcast scarred me for much of my life and made me super hard to shop for.

Thankfully I'm over all that now and if anyone wants to gift me a Singer Porsche 911, I will happily take the keys.

Any colour is fine.

This was one of my fave interviews and I think you'll enjoy the episode. Thanks for listening.

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Excerpt: Learn how one of my best gifts became the worst, the origin story of Laugh Masters Academy and Song Saga, and more.

### Don't Eat Hummus Before a Long Run - Runners Poop is Real

Has this shit ever happened to you?
You're out for a run, feeling good, then all of a sudden, out of nowhere, there's a rumble.

Next thing you know panic sets in.

Next level sweat starts to pour out.

You could have gone at home, but back then you were fine.

Now you're frantically scanning the street to see how many people are around.

Wondering if you could get away with an act of offensive conduct.

The space behind every tree, wall, and parked car starts to look like it might be the perfect spot to pop a squat.

And by perfect I mean terrible.

The perfect place to drop a deuce is at home, on your toilet, scrolling through your phone, leisurely catching up on the news.

But now you're out and about, far from home and closer than ever to brown town.

Maybe you could knock on a stranger's door.
Sorry to bother you but I can please destroy your bathroom real quick?
There's a brown spot somewhere on that green line.

If it was you at my door, I'd say "yes."

Because I'm familiar with the discomfort and fear that gave you the guts to knock and ask.

But I don't have the heart to go stank up a stranger's home.

At least not yet.

Should I run faster? Try and get home to my own throne?

Nope. That's not gonna work.

Walking.

Walking is how we get home now. Slow and in control.

Concentrate on the breath.

Breathe in. Breathe out. We got this.

Or do we?

Nope. Shits about to get real, and I got nowhere to go.

And by nowhere I mean somewhere.
Runners Poop is real.
Dogs do it right there on the footpath. All. The. Time.

But I'm not about to bare my bum on the sunny sidewalk.

Bushes!

Bushes are my new favourite thing. I love bushes. I love them so much I am scrambling inside them.

I love them so much I fertilize them. Fiercely.

It's euphoric. The relief hits like a hot shot of adrenalin.

Nature really does call. And then clarity and calm set in. I take in my surroundings and realise what I've done.

And also my next problem.

These bushes have tiny leaves.

I do a quick people check: Coast is clear.

Now I'm doing the Poo Shuffle.

Shorts down by my ankles, I scramble for a few fallen leaves. Not exactly Charmin, but they get the job done.

I stand up and casually emerge from the bushes hoping hard that some kid I haven't seen hasn't been filming me on his phone.

I don't want to go viral. I just want to go home.

But I'm only half-way through this 10k run.

At least the hardest part of the day is behind me.

 



Don't let this happen to you.
runners poop, runners diarrhoea, runners trots, runners poop stories, runners poop stories reddit, funny runners poop stories, 

Excerpt: Runners Poop is real. If happens to you, and you can't head home, head for the bushes.

### Eran Thomson on the Off Topic Podcast: Clearing Your Plate

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The Off Topic Podcast with Perry Ramsey: Eran Thomson
I recently read Matthew McConaughey's book "Greenlights" and in it, he writes about overcommitting and taking on too many projects.

At one point he was running 5 different companies.

Then one day his phone rang. It was his own production company calling and he found himself not wanting to pick up the phone.

The next thing Matthew did was call his lawyer and instruct them to shut down his production company and music label.

Because, he writes...
“I was tired of making B’s in five things. I wanna make A’s in three things.”
I can relate.

This idea of clearing our plate and making room for the things that matter most to us is how we kick off this episode of Perry Ramsey's Off Topic podcast.

For me juggling a comedy school, a corporate training business, writing, directing, podcasting, and freelance advertising work - all while pimping the #1 hit music and storytelling party game, was a few too many things I was getting B's in.

So like Matthew, I'm working on clearing my plate so I can play to my unique ability and start getting straight A's.

Because focusing on less means we can achieve more.

On the show, we also talk about the power of developing an improvisational mindset, the entrepreneurial myth, Song Saga, the lyrical nature of Schenectady, New York, and the theme song of your life.*

Listen below, on the Off Topic site, or wherever you find podcasts. And if you have a podcast and are looking for guests, I'd love to be considered.



*Mine is below if you got some dance in your pants.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="24335" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://off-topic-pod.captivate.fm/episode/ep-10-eran-thomson"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: In this episode, we chat about making room for the things you're great at and the things that matter to you most, and more.

### Eran Thomson on The Light Inside Podcast: Purple Trees Are Real

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="24267" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" link="https://thelightinside.us/eran-thomson"][vc_column_text]
The Light Inside Podcast: Eran Thomson - Improvisation: Just Wing It!
I think we can all agree it was great to say goodbye to the year that was 2020.

In a year filled with so much disorder, disease, and possible de-evolution of the human species, it was a nice final highlight to sit down for a chat with Jeffrey Besecker on his The Light Inside podcast.

We cover a range of topics ranging from personal development and change, the many values of having an improvisational mindset, purple trees, and we even play a few rounds of Song Saga.

Listen below or wherever you find podcasts. And if you have a podcast and are looking for guests, I'd love to be considered.

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Excerpt: Listen as we chat about personal development, change, improv, purple trees, and why Jeffrey Besecker can't get no satisfaction.

### Eran Thomson on the My Favorite Mistake Podcast: Dishwasher 1. Eran 0.

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="24218" img_size="full" style="vc_box_shadow" onclick="custom_link" link="https://www.markgraban.com/episode-21-eran-thomson-on-starting-a-business-for-the-wrong-reasons-with-the-wrong-people/"][vc_column_text]What a pleasure to chat about "favourite" mistakes with author and podcaster, Mark Graban.
My Favorite Mistake Podcast: Reflections From Business Leaders
We talked about starting businesses for the wrong reasons with the wrong people, about trying to do everything yourself, and when you should persevere versus when you should give up, or get help.

And we finished by playing a quick round of Song Saga.

Listen below or wherever you find podcasts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]https://youtu.be/Z1_6iJ0su08[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="24208" img_size="full" onclick="custom_link" link="https://www.markgraban.com/episode-21-eran-thomson-on-starting-a-business-for-the-wrong-reasons-with-the-wrong-people/"][vc_custom_heading text="Starting businesses with Eran Thomson and Mark Graban" font_container="tag:h6|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: In this episode, a broken dishwasher becomes a metaphor for what to do, and not to do, in life and work.

### Waving a Flag Doesn't Make You a Patriot

These days you can't turn on the news without seeing someone waving the stars and stripes in your face.

They fly the flag proudly, often aggressively, but many Americans seem to have forgotten what the star-spangled banner stands for.
Waving a flag doesn't make you a patriot.
It's how you embody what the flag represents that makes you a patriot.

For most Americans, the Pledge of Allegiance is one of the first things we learn and memorise as children. And if you had to sum up those stanzas in one word, most people would agree, it's freedom.

Freedom.

People fought wars and died for it. And we have outdated laws that say we can keep guns around just in case we have to fight for it again.

But is America still the home of the free? Is it really a place where liberty and justice can truly be enjoyed by all? Was it ever, really?

Your answer may depend on who you are and where you are.

White southerner? Yes. Black southerner? Hell no.

In fact, people of all ethnicities, races, and religions may never have felt less free in America then they do right now.

Everyone feels persecuted. Even white men. Especially white men.

Don't believe me?

Look at the fear, worry, and concern that just about every Republican Senator regularly espouses on Fox News. And then look at the people who voted for them.

By 2060 it is predicted that there will be no viable ethnic (and possibly religious) majority in America. In other words, America is going to be a lot less white.

Perhaps then might be the time to change the colours of the flag to red, beige, and blue "for which it stands."

There have been 27 versions of the American flag over the years. And just like the flag, the fabric of America is changing. And that body of old, white Senators who wrestle (often illegally) for political control can't do anything to stop it.

In the meantime, let's all try to remember what freedom and liberty and justice for all really means. Because when you wave the flag you're not just waving it for yourself. You're waving it for me. You're waving it for every American.

Whether you mean to or not.
If you really want to help make America great, put down that flag and pick up some patriotism.
Because a true patriot understands that disagreements don't have to divide us. And that our flag is a symbol of what unites us.

A true patriot does what's right for the country and flies the flag proudly for "we the people." All people, not just the ones we like.

A true patriot knows, trusts, believes and accepts that America is the home of the free. One nation, indivisible, where liberty and justice exist for all.

And if it ever feels like it doesn't, then a true patriot fights to fix it.

In his book "A Promised Land," Barack Obama writes, that the United States is a nation capable of doing what “no other nation has ever done” if we can only find a way to “actually live up to the meaning of our creed.”

I hope we can. But it's going to take a lot more work than simply waving a flag.



If you enjoyed this post you might also enjoy this podcast episode.

Excerpt: It's fine to fly the flag proudly as long as you don't forget what, and who, it stands for.

### Business Improv Book Excerpt #1: Something Horribly Magical

The following excerpt is from the introduction to my forthcoming business improv book "One Word Suggestion" based on the podcast of the same name. Subscribe below for more previews and sneak peeks.



Back in 2011, I was in Los Angles writing a screenplay when I decided to take an improv class at The Second City.

I've always loved comedy and thought I was funny. And some of my friends agreed.

So I signed up thinking I would be awesome at it.
Right away I learned two very important things about improvisation:
1. Improv is not about being funny and
2. If you try to be funny in class, you're the asshole.
(I was the asshole.)

So I recalibrated, and took more of a beginner's mind approach to the whole thing and quickly fell in love.

We had plenty of laughs of course, but it was not the laughter that hooked me. It was the soft skills. Learning to listen, use eye contact, accept and build on other people's ideas. And generally have conversations that flowed easily and productively.

Eight weeks later I turned in a draft of the screenplay and returned home to Sydney. I looked around for local improv schools, hungry to continue my education in this (new to me) art form. I knew improv training had the potential to make me a better writer. And I also knew it could be a powerful business tool everyone and anyone could use.

But there weren't any training centres around. At least none that offered the same calibre of instruction I'd gotten in LA. So naively and selfishly I decided to fly a teacher from LA down to Australia to run a series of weekend workshops.

Listen now wherever you find podcasts.

My plan was to try and sell some corporate workshops to help underwrite the cost. The facilitator fee, flights, hotels, meals, transportation etc. added up. I hustled hard and finally convinced the HR person at Cisco to take a punt on the opportunity I was offering.

With that locked in, I went from salesman mode into producer mode. Organising flights, hotels, venues. And then I switched again. This time into pitchman mode. I spent weeks hyping the weekend workshops and all the reasons why people should sign up for them.

It was a ton of work, but it was exciting. If I couldn't move back to LA to improve my improv skills, I was going to bring LA to me, and it seemed to be working.

Our teacher came for 11 days. This was enough time to run two weekend workshops. One in Sydney and one in Melbourne. The idea was to fill the week in the middle with more corporate workshops. But I only managed to sell the one. On the upside, this meant my guest had plenty of time for sightseeing.

The first weekend workshop in Sydney was great. The corporate workshop for Cisco was great. And the Melbourne weekend workshop was great too. But by the end of it all, I was exhausted.

The whole exercise had ended up costing me money. More than it would have cost me to have flown myself back to LA for a weekend workshop. And by the end of the last day, I vowed that I would never do anything like this again.
But then something horribly magical happened.
I overheard two women discussing the workshop. It was during the last break on the last day of the last workshop, and they didn't know I was right behind them. And since they didn't know I was there they said exactly what they thought about their experience.

They loved it.

They could not believe how powerful it was. How transformative, how inspiring, how eye-opening, and how useful. They could take what they were learning and apply it at work and in their personal lives. They would never be the same again!

And I was like, "Damn. I have to keep doing this."

Eight years later, (in 2020) Laugh Masters Academy is Australia's largest comedy community. We currently offer improv and sketch comedy classes in three cities. We launched the Australian Improv Festival. And our students have gone on to perform at comedy festivals all over the world.

PowerProv (the corporate training arm of the business) has grown too. Our facilitators have helped thousands of people in hundreds of companies. And we are consistently voted the #1 best team training in Australia and the Asia Pacific region.

Through it all, I've learned more than any amount of weekend workshops could have taught me. I've met interesting, smart and funny people from all over the world. And I remain convinced that improvisation is a powerful skill that anyone can learn. And that everyone can use, not just at work, but in every aspect of life.

If you're reading this then you've already taken the first step. I encourage you to keep going. Get out of your comfort zone. Try something new. Improv will change how you think, work, (and play) for the rest of your career and life.

Excerpt: This is an excerpt (introduction) from my forthcoming business improv book "One Word Suggestion" based on the podcast of the same name.

### Death Metal Wake Up Call! 12 Hats Radio Podcast with Eran Thomson

It was a pleasure to sit down with Dave Monk from the 12 Hats Radio podcast.

I like his show title:
Death Metal Wake Up Call! 12 Hats Radio Interview with Eran Thomson from Song Saga
You'll have to listen to understand what it means.

Listen now below or at 12 Hats.

Excerpt: Death Metal Wake Up Call! This and other things will be explained on this episode of the 12 Hats Radio podcast.

### Writing Skills to Pay the Bills

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Do you know what your unique ability is?" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]Some people spend their whole lives trying to figure out what they're good at.

Me? I'm good at a lot of things but truly great at three.[/vc_column_text][vc_progress_bar values="%5B%7B%22label%22%3A%22Writing%20%26%20Storytelling%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22100%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%2C%22customcolor%22%3A%22%2300ff00%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Staring%20into%20the%20Fridge%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2297%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Baking%20Sourdough%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2219%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_red%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Burrito%20Eating%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22100%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%5D" bgcolor="custom" options="striped,animated" units="%" custombgcolor="#00ff00"][vc_column_text]
It might seem obvious to play to your strengths, but not all of us do.
My whole life I've known I was a writer, but it took me a long time to finally accept it.

The universe gave me clues from the very start.

I skipped ahead two grades in English. I won writing contests. I assigned myself research papers to write for fun. I started a magazine. I got straight A's in nearly every class where the grade was determined by an essay.

But I never accepted myself as a writer.

Even after I wrote a letter to the Dean of one of the best Journalism schools in America explaining why they should accept me when my grades said they shouldn't - and got in.

Even after being called out as exceptional in every screenwriting class I ever took.

Even after writing tons of award-winning ads for the world's most creative agencies.

I never accepted myself as a writer.

Even after years of people directly telling me what a great writer I was, or that I "should be a writer."

As obvious as it was to others, it took me half a lifetime to fully embrace my unique ability.

I used to think this was because my parents frequently sent me to my room to write stories as punishment.

But the real reason why was fear. I knew I was good, but I was afraid of being unsuccessful.

So I spent much of my career doing other things. Advertising, starting a comedy school, a corporate training business, I even founded a fin-tech.

The penny-drop moment came when one of my business coaches asked me a simple question:
If you've always known the thing you were best at was writing, but didn't pursue it because you were afraid of not being a success, what made you think you could be successful at something you're not the best at, like starting a fin-tech?
It was a good question and a painful one to answer.

So why am I telling you this?

Because by publicly declaring myself to be a writer, I remind myself that I have crossed over a threshold into a new perspective, a new career, and a new life.

And also because I don't want anyone else to avoid doing the thing with their life they know they should be doing.

If something is holding you back, be it fear, finances, or family, prioritise yourself and get going.

Whatever your "thing" is, acknowledge it, celebrate it, own it, and take it to the world. Don't wait.

As Joe Polish says, your "unique ability is the set of natural talents you’re already amazing at, that gives you energy, and that you love doing. When you spend more and more time working in your Unique Ability, you’ll start to see that’s where growth and money lie."

In other words, do what you're great at and enjoy doing.

This is not to be confused with doing what you love. I love eating burritos but trying to go Pro is a deliciously bad idea.

But there's hope for my writing.

I'm 13 chapters into my next book and I'm starting to pay more attention to my long-abandoned blog. And it feels (forgive me) "right."

If you're wondering what your unique ability is, Dan Sullivan from Strategic Coach has some tips.

I've known my whole life what mine was, but knowing isn't enough. You have to accept it and then share it with the world.

This is me sharing mine.

I can't wait to see you sharing yours.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column]	
		
			Snowboarding
			85%
		
	
		
		
		
		
			House Painting
			15%
		
	
		
		
		
		
			Idea Generation
			100%
		
	
		
		
		
		
			Creative Direction
			90%
		
	
		
		
		
		
			Dancing
			80%
		
	
		
		
		
		
			Writing
			100%
		
	
		
		
	[vc_progress_bar values="%5B%7B%22label%22%3A%22Writing%20%26%20Storytelling%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22100%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%2C%22customcolor%22%3A%22%2300ff00%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Dancing%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2281%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Baking%20Sourdough%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2219%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_red%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Snowboarding%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2288%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Idea%20Generation%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22100%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Creative%20Direction%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2296%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Mixing%20Cocktails%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2283%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Film%20Direction%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2288%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Freestyle%20Rapping%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2279%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Staring%20into%20the%20Fridge%22%2C%22value%22%3A%2297%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%2C%7B%22label%22%3A%22Burrito%20Eating%22%2C%22value%22%3A%22100%22%2C%22color%22%3A%22bar_blue%22%7D%5D" bgcolor="custom" options="striped,animated" units="%" custombgcolor="#00ff00"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Find your unique ability and use it before its too late. Mine is definitely not baking sourdough bread.

### Screenwriter for Hire

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_single_image image="28138" img_size="full" alignment="center" style="vc_box_shadow_3d" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" css=".vc_custom_1682477063851{border-top-width: 1px !important;border-left-width: 1px !important;padding-right: 1px !important;border-left-color: #dbdbdb !important;border-top-color: #dbdbdb !important;}" link="https://writeranddirector.com/written-by-eran-thomson-screenplays-scripts/"][vc_column_text]
I’ve written a lot of screenplays.
If you're looking for someone to write a script for you, or with you, get in touch.[/vc_column_text]	Read Scripts

	[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]
I’ve written more than a few screenplays.
Projects include:

 	“Stiffed,” a buddy flick about a dude who fakes his own death to save his family home.
 	“The Midas Flush,” a teen comedy about a guy who poops gold. Think modern Mother Goose.
 	“Star Words,” a mockumentary about that famous scrolling Star Wars type.
 	“Bloody Over,” a twist on the vampire genre set in the world of cricket (the sport not the critter).
 	“White Light,” an action drama about terrorists who get trapped in a tunnel they blew up.
 	“The C & Borracho Show,” a comedy series about two Mexican puppets who cross the border to make it big in Hollywood.
 	And more.

If you're looking for someone to write a screenplay or script for you, or with you, get in touch.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you're looking for someone to write a screenplay or script for you, or with you,

I am one of the lucky few who has leveraged an award-winning advertising career as a copywriter into writing for the screen.

Coming from a long history of creating very, very short films (i.e. thirty-second TV commercials), I now enjoy longer-form content and have written multiple feature film scripts, both spec and commissioned.

As a screenwriter, my range is diverse and usually revolves around comedy.

My screenwriting skills are a result of time spent studying at the UCLA Writer’s Studio as well as parental punishment. I am also a trained Journalist – graduating from the top-tier School of Journalism at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill).

In his previous career, Eran was an award-winning advertising Copywriter and Creative Director at prestigious agencies TBWA, BBH, and others, where he learned to have lots of ideas fast - without being precious.

His passion for ideas and their execution, coupled with his high pedigree as a wordsmith gives Eran the experience, strategic insight, client management skills, and creative stewardship necessary to ensure your next project is a success.

Recent features include: “The Midas Flush” a teen comedy, “White Light” an action drama, “Stiffed” a buddy flick, “Feathered Front,” an animated family movie, “Star Words” a mockumentary, “Bloody Over,” a twist on the vampire genre set in the world of cricket (the sport not the critter), and “The C and Borracho Show,” a puppet-based comedy web series.

As a Commercial Writer/Director my comedy reel contains work for MTV, VH1, Greenpeace, Keep Australia Beautiful, Kidney Health Australia, Foot Locker, Razer Gaming and more.

For script requests please get in touch.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Eran is an award-winning screenwriter in Australia." font_container="tag:h2|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I’ve written more than a few screenplays. At least two are really good and should be made into movies.

### Smiling at Strangers

I was snowboarding in Lake Tahoe and felt a strange sensation on my face.
Was it the wind? Snow? Part of my jacket?

Turns out it was my grin.

It had been so long since I smiled with joy and delight that when I finally felt one cross my face it was weird.

It shouldn't be.

Look around and count how many joyful faces you see. (If you can find anyone who isn't staring at a screen). Sadly, odds are the number is low.

It shouldn't be.

Phones have so magnetized our attention that looking up from yours to see a stranger smiling at you can be a shock. Confusing even.

It shouldn't be.

We are social animals. And by "social" I don't mean likes, followers, or right swipes. I mean we are in-person, eye-to-eye, emotional connection makers. (And when appropriate, physical connections can be nice too.)

But instead, we smile more at ourselves in selfies than we do at other people.

It shouldn't be.
We as a species are losing the art of a friendly smile.
So this morning on my walk I decided to try an experiment. I would smile at all the people I passed.

I could tell women were wondering if I was flirting. Men wondered too. Others looked away. Others returned a smile fleetingly. The whole thing was odd.

It shouldn't be.

I tried a new strategy. Instead of smiling at people, I held a smile the whole time. Now anyone I passed saw a smiling person looking at them. Not a person smiling at them. A small but important difference.

People smiled back. It was less weird. And I noticed I felt happier, more joyful, and inspired to keep the smile on my face for as long as I could. But it was a challenge.

It shouldn't be.

A smile is the simplest gesture of human recognition. It doesn't have to mean anything more than "I see you." We smile at babies with ease. But we smile at adults with discomfort. Smiles are socialized out of us as we grow up.

It shouldn't be.

What if we could get back to a place where smiles from strangers were the norm? Expected even.

I invite you to give it a try. Smile at someone. Share a tiny bit of joy. Make a tiny connection. Maybe make someone's day. Maybe even make your own day.

You might think something as simple as sharing an infectious smile with a stranger is too weird, too awkward, or too hard.

But it shouldn't be.

Excerpt: You might think something as simple as sharing an infectious smile with a stranger is too weird, too awkward, or too hard, but it shouldn't be.

### #7 Gratitude - Thanking Dr Nelson Chao

It's not often you get to thank someone for saving your life.
Anyone who knows me probably knows that I've had a ton of near-death experiences.

In fact, I did an entire comedy show about it.

Anyone who knows me really well will also know that one of them was coping with cancer.

It's been so long I hardly ever even think about Leukaemia anymore. Even my oldest friends forget I had it, and new friends are always surprised to find out.

But I had a little reminder last week from, of all places, Linkedin.

Not the sort of thing you get to write every day. Thankfully.

When I was first diagnosed I was determined to hire the best doctor in America to help me win the fight. I went all across the country meeting with various oncologists and visiting bone marrow transplant hospitals.

I met multiple smart, caring, and clever people and they all told me the same thing:

That I was young, in good physical shape (aside from the, you know, cancer) and that if I could find a decent match a Bone Marrow Transplant was the best option for me.

I was lucky and found a donor, and survival rates at the time were considered "good" at 25-65%.

But something in my gut told me a BMT was not for me. I kept checking out more doctors and kept getting the same answer.

Then a friend got me an introduction to Nelson Chao at Duke University. As a UNC-Chapel Hill grad, going over to Duke for any reason other than to watch the Tarheels trounce the Devils was against the rules.

My life depended on it, so I made an exception and headed over into enemy territory.

Nelson was the only doctor to suggest that I hold off on a transplant. He used the following cryptic words, "some very interesting things are coming."

I tried to get him to explain more, and he refused, saying it was too early for him to share anything solid.

But the sleuth in me immediately went to work. I started researching, looking for whatever it was that he might have been alluding to.

My sleuthing led me to the American Society of Hematology (ASH) Conference abstracts. And it was there in tiny print that I first saw the term "STI-571," a new type of drug being trialled specifically for Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia.

Eureka! This had to be what Nelson was talking about, and to make a long story short, it was.

STI-571 came to market as Gleevec and I was one of the first people in the world to take it. And I was one of the first in the world to get a 100% remission without any molecularly detectable disease. And I was also one of the first people in the world to stop taking it and stay in remission.

My case was so successful I became the literal poster child for the drug.

And thirteen years later I finally heard the "C-word" from my hematologist: Cure.

But I didn't hear it from Nelson Chao. He wasn't my doctor. Sadly my health insurance seemed to lean more Tarheel than Devils. Duke was out of network.

So it wasn't until Linkedin recently decided to let me know that Nelson Chao was having a work anniversary that he and this story came to mind for the first time in a long time.
I expressed my gratitude right there in the comments.
Congrats Nelson - you may not remember me, but you arguably saved my life many years ago. 
You were the only doctor at the time to tell me to hold off on a BMT knowing that STI-571 was coming. 
What you may not know is I was one of the first people in the world to take Gleevec - and then stop. 
I haven't taken it in thirteen years and during my most recent hematologist visit, they finally used the "C" word: Cure. 
I am never not grateful to you for putting me on that path. 
Thank you (from a Tar Heel no less!)
I'm one of the lucky ones.

But sadly a cancer diagnosis is a very common occurrence despite the great work of Dr Nelson Chao, Brian Druker, and the many other heroes like them.
One out of three women and two out of three men will likely get a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime.
If you happen to know someone who was recently told this sort of bad news, then send them a link to this article.

It just might help save their life.

And in the meantime, I'm grateful to Nelson Chao for helping save mine.

It's good to still be here learning, loving... and living.

 

 

 

Excerpt: It's not often you get to thank someone for saving your life.

### Stuff My Wife Says aka Dysexlic.com

You Won't Believe the Shit My Wife Says
My wife is smart and sassy.

But sometimes she gets her mixed words up.

We think it’s funny. Maybe you will too.

Read all the latest humdingers here.

We deliver new Word Salad every Wednesday!

If you're wondering how this even happened, the answer is sleep.

The lack of it.

She works hard and her brain is fine, but every once in a while the synapses fire too fast, too slow, or misfire altogether and we get comedy gold.

I started writing them down because they cracked me up.

New nonsense every Wednesday. Subscribe now.

And then all these posts from "Stuff my Dad says" or "Shit my Dad says" started appearing in my social feed and I figured we had the goods to play along.

So I set up a blog, added some of my own commentaries, and then told exactly one person: my wife.

Since then "Dysexlic.com" (Changed to tiSh My Wife Says) has grown into a wonderful compendium of literary masterpieces that bring joy to an ever-increasing audience.

I invite you to join us and subscribe. We publish new posts every week on Word Salad Wednesdays.

Or connect with @tishmywifesays on social.

And if you're interested in having either of us or both of us on your podcast, drop me a note.

 

 

Excerpt: My wife is smart and sassy. But sometimes she gets her mixed words up. We think it’s funny. Maybe you will too. Read all the latest humdingers here.

### Song Saga: 30 Songs & 30 Stories in 30 Days

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Thirty Song Saga cards = 30 Stories in 30 Days.
I invented a party game that get's people sharing the stories and soundtracks of their lives.
It's called Song Saga and every time you play it's like taking a musical trip down memory lane.
To help people understand how much fun it is, I'm playing 30 cards in 30 days.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLpghzrv9lRaO__BnmpKkFfSBwqm44ZLrg
 
What's this mean for you?
You get to see my smiling face and watch me pull a random Song Saga card from the box and use it to spark a memory of a song and a completely unrehearsed story.
Play along by sharing your own songs and stories in the comments!
The playlist is above and will be updated each day with a new song and story.
But wait, you ask, how did you even come up with this idea?
The origin story is pretty cool.
If this looks fun to you, I encourage you to play along in the comments here or on Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, or YouTube.
Or better yet, get the box that rocks.

The #1 Hit Party Game
 
PS. You can also play Song Saga now for free with the Snap Lens on your phone or use the Snap Camera app to play online.

It's a great way to fill your next Zoom, Meet, or Teams meeting with songs and stories!
#songsaga #30cards30days
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="30 stories in 30 days" font_container="tag:h6|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I'm playing 30 Song Saga cards in 30 days to help people understand how much fun it is. Play along in the comments!

### Eran Thomson on the Not From Here Podcast: An American Entrepreneur In Sydney

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Eran Thomson interview on the Not From Here podcast
It was an honour and a pleasure to chat with Esha Thaper. She's a thoughtful host, asks great questions, and managed to get some decent answers out of me.



Listen at notfromhere.com.au
Show Notes
Eran moved from New York to Sydney, and built several businesses here - but it hasn't been easy. We talk about the Australian tall-poppy syndrome, the work ethic in Australia compared to the US, why Australians love it when their leaders drink beer, superannuation, and so much more. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to start a business as an American in Australia, then click play for some valuable insights.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: We chat about tall-poppy syndrome, the Australian work ethic, and why Aussies love it when their leaders drink beer.

### Eran Thomson on the Finding the Frothers Podcast: From Improv to Impact

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Eran Thomson interview on the Finding the Frothers Podcast
It was an honour and a pleasure to sit down with Mr. Benny Wallington for a chat last December. We covered a lot of frothy topics including improv, entrepreneurship, Zuper superannuation, what Spotify thinks my #1 fave musical artist is, and more.

https://youtu.be/yIwoNo1NvbM

Listen on Anchor FM
Show Notes
Once upon a time, two ex-ad humans sat down to yarn about how creativity is an integral part of frothing and doing good stuff in the world. 

Eran Thomson is a speaker, director, creative, social entrepreneur, not to mention improv aficionado, and the word prolific comes to mind, as he seems to take all of this in his stride. 

This jam ranges around the place from heart-centred memories existing in tokens left behind, to laughter being not only the best medicine, but also the best strategy for thriving humans in business. 

Eran is a max chiller among the many professions and we chat about the inspiration that comes from our own sporting adventures with good humans, to drawing inspo from extreme sports athletes and business focused mentors alike. 

If you're interested in improv, or how to engage in dare I say it, serial entrepreneurship, then guess what - they go hand in hand.  

Eran is a genuinely wholesome human, so regardless of your frothy intention for listening to this episode, I'm sure like me, you'll take away some banging insights. 

Woop woop!

And if you'd like to connect with Eran and his radness:

 	Personal site
 	Laugh Masters Academy
 	PowerProv (fka LMA Professional Development)
 	Zuper Super

[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Finding the frothers podcast, the best podcast to listen to. Click here." font_container="tag:h6|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: We cover frothy topics including improv, entrepreneurship, superannuation, and who Spotify thinks my fave musician is.

### Win Your Next Creative Pitch

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Eran Thomson can help you win your next creative pitch.
I've run creative pitches for some of the world's best creative agencies and I've helped bring in over $1 billion in client billings.

I've pitched film and TV ideas in Hollywood and helped raise millions of dollars for startups. I bring nearly 20 years of experience into the room and will bring clients into your business.

From silly to smart, I can help you formulate an existing pitch or craft one from a kernel of an idea. If you don't have a creative pitch idea yet, I'll get a winner for you.

And I can stay involved after the work is won to ensure what was promised is delivered.

"If you want to pitch an idea and have your client buy it, you want E.T. on your team."

My background as an award-winning Creative Director, improviser, storyteller, writer and director means I can make anyone see an idea in their mind's eye and, in most cases, fall in love with it.

I don't pretend to know how to do a perfect pitch every time, but I can count the pitches I've lost on one-and-a-half hands.

Pitching is expensive and can cost more than just head-hours. Morale can suffer when teams are working hard and long, and especially if they're working hard and long and losing.

Let me help you get where you want to go. And sell the work you want to make.

Get in touch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: From silly to smart, I can help you formulate an existing pitch or craft one from a kernel of an idea. If you don’t have an idea yet, I’ll get a winner for you.

### Eran Thomson Freelance Writer Writing Samples

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Eran is an award winning freelance writer, contributing writer and has one of the best writer websites. Check out some writing samples and subscribe today!" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][vc_column_text css=""]
I wasn't always this good.
→ Skip to samples

When I misbehaved as a kid, my parents sent me to my room to write stories.

As punishment.

I was bad a lot. But I got good at words.

This resulted in me skipping several grades in school, winning some writing competitions, and scoring scholarship money to attend Journalism School at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

From there I began an award-winning career as an advertising copywriter. After nearly two decades of writing for magazines, websites, TV, film, radio, newspapers, products, brands, and more, it's safe to say I've got more than 10,000 hours under my belt.

If you need more samples, drop me a line.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Eran Thomson, Freelance Writer Writing Samples" use_theme_fonts="yes" el_id="samples"][vc_column_text css=""]→ Download samples as PDF

One Word Suggestion
A weekly 3-minute podcast for PowerProv.

Advice for the Recently Diagnosed Cancer Patient from Someone Who Beat It.
Twelve things that might save your life.

Tall Poppy Syndrome
A 2-minute rant for the inaugural episode of the Sky News TV Show "Entrepreneurs."

Vipassana Boy
I snuck pen and paper into a 10-day meditation retreat where nobody is allowed to talk.

Screenplays
I've written several feature film scripts.

eran.co
My advertising portfolio, in case you want to read funny headlines and clever copy.

The E.T. Blog
All the new things can be found here.

Hunter S. Thompson photo by Paul Chesley
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Depending on what you're looking for, I may be able to share examples of writing that matches your project or publication. For now, take a look at some of these.

### One Word Suggestion: Ankle

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Ankle.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.



Of all the miracles of the human body, one of the most overlooked is the ankle.


Ankles are unique in that they are made up of three different bones and joints. And all three must all work together to keep you standing, jogging, snowboarding or dancing, ideally, without falling over.

This assembly of bones and joints is held together by an intricate series of tendons. But what's really cool, and may come in handy at your next trivia night, is that the ankle is the only "mortise and tenon" joint in the human body.

A mortise and tenon generally being known as a woodworking term for a tab and slot, or hole and peg method of joining two pieces of wood together.

But chances are you've never cared about of any of this.

Unless you've twisted, sprained or rolled your ankle. In which case you may have an old x-ray laying around somewhere showing exactly what I just described.

In fact, of all the major joints in the human body, the ankle is the most commonly injured.

Despite all it's complexity and capability, sometimes your ankles need a little extra support.

This is why basketball players wear high tops, mountaineers wear hiking boots, and gymnasts use lots of tape.

Less demanding activities, like the ones you might do around the office, require a different, but equally important type of support.

Wouldn't it be great to walk into the office every day trusting, knowing and believing that your peers want you to succeed? That they won't hesitate to make you look good, because doing so makes them look good too? Or that everyone has your back, and will encourage you to keep trying, learning, and improving?

Or that you have the freedom to experiment - and fail without judgement?

A supportive environment like this is critical to business success.

And a fantastic way to create that kind of environment is with improv training.

Once everyone on your team has improv skills then that's when things really get going.

Because you're all listening to each other.

Because you're all building on each other's ideas.

Because you're celebrating each other's unique abilities and contributions.

Because you're working collaboratively towards your common goal.

Because you're all supporting each other.

Just like the intricate parts of your ankle work together to keep you moving forward, so too can all the various processes and people in your business.

You just need to surround yourself with a team you can trust to support each other as you run your race.

As they say, teamwork makes the dream work.

And improv training can give you and your team the confidence to stand on your own two feet, and the courage to leap into the future.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Basketball players wear high tops and gymnasts use lots of tape, but less demanding activities, like the ones you do around the office, require a different, but equally important, type of support.

### One Word Suggestion: Hippos

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Hippos


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Most everyone knows who Pablo Escobar is, but what many people don't know is that his enduring legacy has less to do with cocaine and more to do with hippopotamuses.

In the late 1980s, the infamous Colombian drug lord smuggled four African hippos into a private menagerie at his palatial residence in the town of Puerto Triunfo. After Escobar's death in 1993, the hippos were deemed too difficult to seize and move, and so they were left to roam freely on the untended estate.

Twenty-five years later, their numbers had multiplied. Nearly seventy hippos were reported. All from the original four belonging to Escobar.

The beasts have since taken over the entire area. And without management, the population size is likely to more than double in the next decade. The situation is so serious, National Geographic made a documentary about it called "Cocaine Hippos."

Sadly there are no scenes of hippos getting high on Pablo's supply.

In addition to being an expert animal smuggler, another thing people may not know about Pablo is that he was also a fantastic improviser.

One day he was mixing cocaine with fish paste so it would go undetected by sniffer dogs. The next he was modifying planes to secret away more stash, or building stealthy submarines. When he got caught, he designed his own jail, (that he later escaped from). And he was always coming up with new ways to launder money - and to bribe everyone. He even influenced politicians to make extradition from Columbia near to impossible.

Every time the DEA or CIA would get close he'd improvise a new way forward.

Just like any good improviser he was constantly reacting to unexpected situations, adapting to deal with new information, and communicating revised plans to his team.

And people loved him for it. Not just party people, but a nation.

When he died, twenty-five thousand people attended his funeral. Despite all the lives he ruined, he was Robin Hood-esque when it came to enriching the lives of Columbians, most famously for building schools in poor towns.

Like Puerto Triunfo.

Most people in Pablo's old neighbourhood have since grown fond of their hippo interlopers. Despite an isolated instance where a couple of rowdy beasts chased a few locals around, the arguably cute animals have transformed the town into a tourist destination, creating a thriving new economy and local environmentalists are campaigning hard to protect the herd.

And in the meantime, they continue to expand their numbers.

Sort of like improvisers.

Because word is getting out. People are discovering the joy of improv, not only as a theatrical art form, but as a tool for life.

The soft skills that come as a by-product of improv training are powerful.

For listening, for collaboration, for innovation, for communication, for thinking on your feet, for being in the moment, for being more comfortable sharing your authentic self with the world, and more.

It's no wonder our herd is expanding too.

And if you're not already, I invite you to become a part of it.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: If a cocaine sniffing hippo starts chasing you, run in a zig-zag because they can only run in a straight line.

### One Word Suggestion: Parasite

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Parasite


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Unless you've been hiding in a dark basement for the past couple weeks, you've probably heard about Bong Joon-Ho's amazing award-winning film, Parasite.

It got lots of pre Oscar buzz winning the Palm D'or at Cannes and then went on to break all sorts of records, including winning 4 Oscars. Most impressively, for Best Picture, the first non-English-language film in Oscar history to do so.

Also, before I get too far, I should warn you, if you haven't seen the film, and you should, there are spoilers ahead.

In very simplistic terms, the film is about a poor family, the Kims, who infiltrate a rich family's household, the Parks.

The story kicks off when the Kim family's son, Ki-woo gets given a gift by his friend - the chance to work as an English tutor for the Park's daughter.

Ki-woo accepts the offer and then "Yes, ands" the situation, eventually bringing his sister, father and mother in to work as staff in the wealthy Park family household.

And for a while, things seem to be going pretty well, until they aren't and the film takes a turn towards the terrific, in the deepest sense of the word.

So what does this have to do with improv?

Well, families are nothing if not ensembles (see episode 7), and the Kims must continually improvise to keep their scam alive. Especially when they encounter a strange man living in the Park's secret basement bomb shelter that they never knew existed.

But what I want to focus on is the moment that started it all - the offer made to Ki-woo to tutor the Park's daughter.

The film's entire premise hinges on that single gift. And in improv, there's an expression which is "give gifts."

Paul Vaillancourt, an improv teacher, and co-founder of iO West, writes about gifts in his book, The Triangle of The Scene.

Vaillancourt explains that the best way to set your partners up for success is to make statements that not only include specifics, but also include information that gives them clues about character, attitude, setting, and/or the situation.

On stage, it's the difference between...

Hi Mom.

and

Mom, I can't believe you won't let me eat ice cream in the car. You're the meanest person in the world!

The first offer is an empty box. The second gives the other person the who, what, and where of the situation as well as the relationship and attitude of the people in the scene. Lots of gifts.

In real life, it's often as simple as being more specific.

It might be the difference between...

Do you have that report ready?

and

Do you have today's TPS report ready? I need you to present it at the 5:30 pm board meeting.

The added specificity is a type of gift you can give your colleagues. The more info they have, the less likely something will get lost in translation, and more likely you'll both come out looking good.

So if you want to succeed on the improv stage, give big, playable gifts to your partner to create improv scenes with rich characters.

And if you want to succeed at work, be specific, share whole information, and be a giver.

Not a taker, or, a parasite.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Do you have parasites at the office? People who take credit for other people's efforts, or who bring snacks and coffee to meetings, but never share any ideas? Improv can help.

### One Word Suggestion: Parachute

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Parachute


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.



What's the thing that scares you most?



For a good friend of mine, it was heights. So we did the obvious thing: we went skydiving.

I was nervous. My friend even more so.

But we committed. We got on the plane. Jumped out into the unknown. Pulled a ripcord. And watched our parachute billow up as we floated down. Screaming and laughing the whole way with relief, joy and exhilaration.

As soon as we were safely back on terra-firma we immediately signed up to go again.

That's how quickly something that at first terrifies you can become a thing you love.

For me, my biggest fear was deep water, so in university, I learned to surf, scuba dive and sail. Activities I still enjoy to this day. And for this and many other reasons, I'm a big fan of facing your fears.

There is a saying in improvisation, attributed to the legendary improv teacher Del Close:

Follow the fear.

According to a Huff Post article by Mike Bonifer, Del didn't only say this to neophyte improvisers afraid of performing without a script. Del taught the best there was. Bill Murray, John Belushi, Tina Fey, Gilda Radner, Mike Myers - his former students are the improv comedy hall of fame.

What he said is that you can use your fear as a kind of divining rod. Do what makes you uneasy, he taught. Do the thing that scares you most. There, Close told his students, you will discover new worlds.

For a very large percentage of the population, their number one fear isn't deep water or heights, it's public speaking. Being centre stage. But despite living in a world where everyone wants to be famous for nothing (thanks Paris Hilton) our classes and workshops are full of people who think they could never stand up in front of a group and say anything that makes sense.

But just like jumping out of a perfectly good aeroplane, once they realize they can. They sign up for more.

Because its exhilarating, fun, and confidence-boosting. And because the experience, is proof of their personal growth.

And that's why I often refer to improv as "mental skydiving."

If your fears are deep water or heights, I encourage you to jump right in, or out, as the case may be.

But if your fears are presenting, selling, or speaking confidently in front of a crowd, then get yourself or your team into an improv class or workshop.

And follow the fear. Out of it, you will grow.

Plus, won't need to wear a helmet or silly goggles, and I promise you will be 100% safe.

Safer, in fact, than any activity that requires you to wear a parachute.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Use your fear as a divining rod. Do what makes you uneasy. Do the thing that scares you most, and discover new things about yourself. Just do it safely.

### One Word Suggestion: Firetruck

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Firetruck.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Of all the miracles of the human body, one of the most overlooked is the ankle.

Ankles are unique in that they are made up of three different bones and joints. And all three must all work together to keep you standing, jogging, snowboarding or dancing, ideally, without falling over.

This assembly of bones and joints is held together by an intricate series of tendons. But what's really cool, and may come in handy at your next trivia night, is that the ankle is the only "mortise and tenon" joint in the human body.

A mortise and tenon generally being known as a woodworking term for a tab and slot, or hole and peg method of joining two pieces of wood together.

But chances are you've never cared about of any of this.

Unless you've twisted, sprained or rolled your ankle. In which case you may have an old x-ray laying around somewhere showing exactly what I just described.

In fact, of all the major joints in the human body, the ankle is the most commonly injured.

Despite all it's complexity and capability, sometimes your ankles need a little extra support.

This is why basketball players wear high tops, mountaineers wear hiking boots, and gymnasts use lots of tape.

Less demanding activities, like the ones you might do around the office, require a different, but equally important type of support.

Wouldn't it be great to walk into the office every day trusting, knowing and believing that your peers want you to succeed? That they won't hesitate to make you look good, because doing so makes them look good too? Or that everyone has your back, and will encourage you to keep trying, learning, and improving?

Or that you have the freedom to experiment - and fail without judgement?

A supportive environment like this is critical to business success.

And a fantastic way to create that kind of environment is with improv training.

Once everyone on your team has improv skills then that's when things really get going.

Because you're all listening to each other.

Because you're all building on each other's ideas.

Because you're celebrating each other's unique abilities and contributions.

Because you're working collaboratively towards your common goal.

Because you're all supporting each other.

Just like the intricate parts of your ankle work together to keep you moving forward, so too can all the various processes and people in your business.

You just need to surround yourself with a team you can trust to support each other as you run your race.

As they say, teamwork makes the dream work.

And improv training can give you and your team the confidence to stand on your own two feet, and the courage to leap into the future.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Even if you plan for a bushfire, it is not going to go to plan. When the wind changes direction there has to be a new plan. And when plans fail, you must improvise.

### One Word Suggestion: Pineapple

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Pineapple.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




These days pineapples are pretty easy to get, whether you're eating them on a pizza with ham (gross), or slurping one down in a piña colada (yum). But it wasn't always this way.

According to the Mother Nature Network, pineapples were first brought into the mainstream during the colonial era. This was back when explorers like Christopher Columbus would return to Europe with rare crops from the “New World.”

But pineapples were so perishable, they became a symbol of luxury, nobility, and wealth throughout Europe. A single pineapple could fetch a fortune. And so, the host who was able to present freshly cut pineapple to his or her guests was the one with money, power, and connections.

In fact, people used to rent pineapples to display at parties. They were literally too expensive to eat.

These days we can all agree that pineapples are affordable and edible. And we can also agree they are truly a unique looking fruit.

And there's an interesting reason for that.

Turns out pineapples don't grow on trees, or bushes as many people think, but rather from a plant. And the fruit is actually made up of dozens of flowers that all come together to make a single pineapple. In fact, each of the spikes on the outside skin of a pineapple is - or was - once an individual flower.

I know it sounds crazy. Hit pause and google it if you don't believe me.

Anyway, this got me to thinking, the way all those flowers come together to make something so lovely and delicious is similar to how an improv ensemble works.

There's a whole other episode of this podcast based on the word "ensemble," so I won't spend too much time on it here, but the basic gist is that as a group of people you agree to have each other's backs.

You agree to support each other's ideas, actions, choices and decisions - and to always try and make each other look good. And to accept failure as an opportunity to learn, to pivot and to move forward, together towards your common goal whether that be selling a million widgets or just putting on a great improv show.

When you see a team working well together like this, different people joining forces and doing their part selflessly, confidently and un-competitively, it's a beautiful thing.

But what about when someone is not playing along.

Sticking with the pineapple metaphor, if you're the kind of person who sometimes comes across as a bit prickly on the outside, but the people who know you think you're sweet, then you might just be a bit of a "social pineapple." That's a thing. I know because I made it up.

So how do you cut away the rough stuff so people can see all the goodness inside you?

Improv training can help.

By getting you comfortable with being uncomfortable, and letting go of ego. By creating an environment where you trust the people around you to have your back and that they want you to succeed. And where you can trust yourself to be able to confidently react, adapt, and withstand whatever comes at you.

All this, including the ensemble stuff, is what we teach every day at both our school and in our corporate workshops.

Just like the pineapple that used to be exotic and unique, a whole new, sweeter, more delicious you is now easily obtainable - and at a very reasonable price.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: If you're the kind of person who sometimes comes across as a bit prickly on the outside, but the people who know you think you're sweet, you might be a "social pineapple."

### One Word Suggestion: Freedom

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Freedom.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




One of the things I love about improv is the freedom it provides. Freedom to play, to explore, to grow, to connect with new people, to connect with ourselves, and to experiment - and that it gives us permission to fail gloriously and succeed hilariously. And with that freedom comes all sorts of side benefits that go well beyond simply being funny.

And it is for these reasons that I’ve always thought it would be wonderful to teach improv to inmates. It has been a long-time goal of mine and after nearly 8 years of trying, last week we finally broke into prison.

I’m not allowed to say where or with who, but I can tell you it was one of the most, if not the most, challenging experiences I’ve had since founding LMA back in 2012.

Once we completed our induction and got through all the gates we ran a full day of workshops for groups of male prisoners aged 16-22. Each group had 15 inmates and 3 guards. No two groups were the same, and while we weren’t told who was in for what, we do know the charges for people in our groups included things like terrorism, larceny, gang-related activities, and worse.

My hope was that in addition to bringing some levity to their otherwise dull days, we might impart some useful communication and other soft skills they could use to aid in their own transformation out of jail and back into society.

I don’t know if we succeeded.

If laughter was the only metric by which to measure success, then we killed. Err… did really well. But it wasn’t easy. Keeping and holding their attention took some real alpha male antics on my part, and as soon as we tried to instil any insights, they’d either ignore us, interrupt us, or ask us to start the next exercise.

The tension and posturing were omnipresent. And while they didn’t seem interested in learning how improv could help them, once we got going they were eager to laugh and play.

David Evans, one of LMA’s first teachers calls improv “unstructured adult playtime” and given that these young men live in a world driven by routine, rules, and loads of structure, it’s no wonder they just wanted to revel in every bit of creative freedom they could.

Processing any type of learning in that environment is always going to be hard. There’s so much surface stuff in the way. Defenses are up from go and vulnerability is not an option for these guys.

Yet there is irony in the fact that while many of them portrayed a level of toughness, bravado, street smarts, and constant wise-crackery, when it came time to jump into the unknown world of an improv exercise, many of them were afraid.

Or perhaps just shy. I know you can't judge a book by its cover, or an alleged criminal by their appearance, but a lot of these guys just seemed too young, too timid, too soft, and even too innocent to be in jail.

When I questioned a guard about this, they agreed. Many of the inmates were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time, with the wrong person - usually their older brother. It happens so often they have a name for it: Big Brother syndrome. I’d guess at least half our students were caught up in the system before they even understood what it meant to be a part of it.

If you know anything about improv, it’s probably “Yes, and.” It’s arguably the cornerstone of all improv, and one of the first things we teach. Given the rampant ADD that seemed to afflict every participant in our workshops, we decided to simplify our approach and start by having them go around in a circle and simply say a “Yes, and” statement.

It went something like this:

Yes, and it’s hot in this room.
Yes, and I want to leave this hot room.
Yes, and I want to go home.
Yes and I also want to go home.
Yes, and I want to go home too.
Yes, and I’ll never get out of here.
Yes, and you’re never going home.

This got a lot of laughs, but my heart was broken.

Even when they do get out, they don't enjoy their freedom for very long, if at all. There’s an 85% recidivism rate. Sadly for many of these young men jail is a better option than whatever awaits them at home, if they even have a home to return to.

Some of them we were told, spend their first day of freedom waiting to smash a shop front window or throw a stolen bicycle into the street as soon as a police car drives by. Two days later they’re back behind bars with their bros, eating bad food and picking up more bad habits.

Michelle Obama writes in her book Becoming that “failure is a feeling long before it becomes an actual result.” And even though we use improv to teach people to embrace failure, to see it as an opportunity for growth and learning, to evolve and excel, in this case, failure just felt like failure.

I went into prison hoping to help the people inside find some joy and arm themselves with tools for survival on the outside. The feedback we got has been great, but the emotional hangover is still with me.

You’ve seen the scene in movies a million times. A lonely prisoner watching, waving goodbye through the gates as their visitor steps out into the free world. But as I watched this scene unfold in real life, it was clear we were far from a happy ending.

Despite my short stint inside, I’m still a firm believer in the power of improv to improve people’s lives, and I’m thrilled LMA was able to, hopefully, make some sort of a meaningful impact in this manner. But please don’t commit crimes just to attend one of our workshops. Our regular term classes and corporate training programs offer lots more creative – and literal – freedom.

In fact, on the outside improvisers of all levels typically discover newfound confidence, tune into their authentic selves, get better at thinking on their feet, collaborating, learning to listen and understanding other people’s point of view, and a whole slew of other wonderful things that are perhaps less about comedy and more about personal growth.

Our improv theatre classes, children’s camps, and corporate training programs work off unique curriculums that not only give people more exposure to improv as a dramatic art form, but also set them up with the life skills future generations will need to help create meaningful change in the world. Not to mention great entertainment. I like to think of what we do as an investment in all our futures.

And because of that, and because of the many students, teachers, clients and amazing people who have been a part of our community or touched by LMA over the years, I have hope. Optimism that in a world where little brothers can end up in jail for things their big brothers did, that a little bit of improv can help things get a little bit better.

As we passed the final gate of the prison, we saw a young man being escorted out. He cheerily waved goodbye to our handler and told us he was being released today and that he’d just become a father. I couldn’t help wondering if he’d be back. After all, the odds are against him.

Our handler was hopeful, “who knows?” she said, “Becoming a parent can change a man.”

So as we head into 2020, I encourage you to take a moment to appreciate your own ability to change, and your freedom. To choose how you want to live. And the kind of person you want to be. To go where you want, when you want. To walk through any door. Enjoy any meal. And maybe take an improv class or book a workshop for your team.

It’s a great way to kick off the new year and set yourself up for success.

And celebrate your freedom.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: We went in hoping to help inmates find some joy and arm themselves with tools for survival on the outside. I don't know if we succeeded.

### One Word Suggestion: Lipstick

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Lipstick.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




As you can probably guess lipstick is not part of my daily beauty routine, which basically consists of shower and soap and not much else. But for this podcast, I’ve decided to try some on.

Lipstick, in improv terms, is essentially “yes, anding” your face. Accepting the reality and building on it, working with what you have to make something even better - maybe. I suppose it depends on the colour and if it matches your outfit.

We all want to look our best and science proves there's a correlation between looking good and feeling good. How we dress and our appearance can affect how people see us and how we see ourselves.

And it's been proven that changing your appearance can impact not only perception but performance. That might mean a new outfit, haircut, or using whitening toothpaste. But unless you make real, meaningful change within, the clothes and colour will fade and you will eventually be exposed for who you really are and what you really have to offer.

Chris Rock does a great bit about liars. “You wearing high heels? You ain’t that tall. You got on makeup? Your face don’t look like that. You got a Wonderbra on…” you get the idea.

However small a lie lipstick may seem to Chris, the reality is none of us are perfect. Not me. Not you. And the more we learn to accept this, the better we’ll all get along. And no amount of covering up will hide your negative beliefs or personal issues. As one of our students, Susan Zheng said, “people have personal issues that they think are business problems.”

Just because you try to hide your flaws does not mean they’re not there. You can hire consultants and strategists to makeover your business, or redo your logo, but unless you actually have tools for change, and use them, you won't change, and your business won't change.

So how can you apply lipstick to your business? The answer is by teaching everyone on your team to be the lipstick for each other. To make each other look good by developing an ensemble mindset and an environment where everyone is focused on helping and supporting each other.

Sometimes what we really need is less colour and more of a balm - something to soothe and heal, and help us feel better and more comfortable with who we are.

And there’s nothing like improv training to give people and teams more authenticity and confidence when it comes to sharing ideas and putting their best face forward.

The truth is you’re perfect just the way you are. So choose not to hide behind a mask of insecurity and fear, the real you is what people want to see and will connect with.

But if you’re feeling less fabulous than normal, a little improv lipstick could give you that extra bit of confidence you need to face the day.

And leave your mark, not just on a wine glass, but on the world.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: In improv terms, is essentially “yes, anding” your face. Accepting the reality and building on it, working with what you have to make something even better.

### One Word Suggestion: Pizza

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Pizza.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




I’d like to start this episode by thanking you for listening and sharing your words and feedback and letting me know you’ve subscribed. It means a lot. And I’d also like to ask you a favour, and that is, in a word “share.” If you’re enjoying One Word Suggestion share it with one friend. The link is one word suggestion dot net.

And in the meantime, one of the things I’ve heard from some of you is that many of the one-word suggestions so far have been a little bit too serious. So for this episode, I've chosen an extremely serious word… Pizza.

Ever think about what it takes to make a pizza?

First, there’s all the people involved - farmers, butchers, cheesemakers, truck drivers, marketers, chefs, delivery drivers and of course, customers.

And then there are all the processes involved. Let’s start with the crust. It’s made mostly of flour - from wheat grown by a farmer, milled by a miller, packaged by someone else, transported by someone else, sold by someone else yet again, before it eventually gets used by Luigi.

And Luigi also bought eggs that ended up in the dough as a result of yet another set of collaborators including a different farmer, a refrigerated truck driver, a bunch of other people, and of course chickens. This goes for the salt, yeast and all the other ingredients it takes to make a decent pizza crust.

And we haven’t even started on the sauce and toppings

The level of collaboration, communication and shared expertise it takes to make a pizza is staggering. And putting together a pizza is deliciously simple when compared to say, putting together a Boeing 747.

Whatever your business, whatever your product, chances are there are people and processes involved and if those people and processes don’t work together, can’t communicate effectively, or innovate efficiently - your pizza will taste like cardboard, and your plane will crash.

But what does pizza have to do with improv?

Well, if you wanted to invent a new pizza you could use “yes, and” or divergent thinking to come up with all the toppings that haven't tried yet, and then use convergent thinking to land on the next big pizza trend, anchovy and beetroot for example.

Whether not that sounds delicious is irrelevant. As Peter Diamandis famously said, “the day before something is a breakthrough, it's a crazy idea. And crazy ideas are very risky to attempt.”

Improv teaches you to take risks, to experiment, to embrace failure, and explore what’s possible. Trying new things on a pizza, the stakes are low. But on the job, we tend not to take risks at all because if things go wrong, we get burned. But if you don’t try, you’ll be stuck eating boring old Margheritas for the rest of your career.

Speaking of which, even how we eat pizza is a lesson in improvisation and working together as an ensemble. Who gets the slightly larger slice? Who gets the last slice? Who will pay for it? If it’s getting delivered who will answer the door and who will set the table? Who will grab the beers? Is there gonna be salad? The point is, an improvisational approach to teamwork can even make mealtime a lot more pleasant, let alone work time.

To take this analogy to its final conclusion, if you’re not making delicious pizza in your business, or the crust keeps burning, or the distribution of toppings feels inequitable, or nobody can agree on which kind to order in the first place, maybe your team needs new tools for communication and collaboration.

And if you think anchovy and beetroot pizza sounds good, maybe you need new tools for innovation too, because those two things do not belong together.

Just like an improv show, a simple slice of pizza is the result of a multitude of people and processes playing together to deliver the whole.

Just don't expect me to eat it if its got anchovies and beetroot on top.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Improv teaches you to take risks. Trying new things on a pizza, the stakes are low. But on the job, we tend not to take risks at all because if things go wrong, we get burned.

### One Word Suggestion: Authenticity

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Authenticity.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




You can always tell when you see or meet someone who is truly authentic and living comfortably and openly with who they are.

Sometimes it’s obvious just by their behaviour, other times it's more of a gut feeling, but either way, you know it when you’re around people who are living their truth.

And usually, they’re our most favourite people to be around. Because there's no pretence, no BS, so self-inflated ego, exaggeration or misleading behaviour.

Mike Robbins, author of Be Yourself, Everyone Else is Taken, says in his TED Talk that authenticity is different than honesty or expressing opinions. It’s about being willing to be vulnerable and let others know who you really are and what you really feel - instead of worrying about how you look or come across.

It can take a long time to truly discover and get comfortable with your authentic self. I’ve been big into the self-improvement space for over a decade and I think I’m just now, finally, maybe getting to grips with who I am.

Vulnerability and also confidence are definitely part of the equation so if you haven’t already, check out episode two for more on this.

Mike’s analogy is that people are like icebergs. We often just see the tip, but underneath the surface, there’s so much more of what makes us who we really are that rarely gets seen.

So, if you’re an iceberg and you want to get more comfortable sharing your authentic self, then you gotta learn to lower your waterline. And for a lot of people the first time they get comfortable with this is through improv training.

At LMA we’re awesome at creating a safe, warm, and welcoming environment where anyone can learn, play, take risks, fail gloriously – and succeed hilariously, and ultimately become more authentic human beings, unafraid to share their soul.

The strong friendships our students make, in every class, are based on genuine human connection. Not on the type of work people do, where they went to school, or how much money they make, or where they were born. The glue is authenticity.

And as scary as it may sound to show the whole iceberg, that’s when the magic happens. The more “you” you are, the more people will embrace it.

Because authenticity is powerful - it liberates us and it touches and inspires the people around us.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: You can always tell when you see or meet someone who is truly authentic and living comfortably and openly with who they are.  And usually, they’re our most favourite people to be around.

### One Word Suggestion: Teamwork

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Teamwork.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




There’s an exercise we run in some of our workshops called "One Word Story." The object of the exercise is, as you can probably guess, for people to stand in line and tell a story together one word at a time. It doesn't have to be a good or funny story, but it does have to make sense.

It sounds deceptively easy, and it can be if everyone is listening actively, speaking clearly, and working together. Part of the trick is for people to understand that sometimes they may need to say a boring word like “the” or “and.” These connecting words may not influence the plot of the story being told, but they are crucial to the story being told well.

In one group we had a CEO who really wanted to win the adulation and respect of his staff and to be seen as a funny and cool guy. So every time it was his turn to say a word he would say "bananas” and ruin the story.

He thought he was being hilarious but his team were getting more and more frustrated. Especially since the Facilitator kept asking them to start over and Mr. CEO kept on saying “bananas.”

Finally, after several false starts, the CEO said the word that was most needed to make the most sense, and make the story work - and everyone cheered and high-fived in celebration.

He got what he was looking for, not by trying to be funny, but by doing what was necessary to tell a great story and make the whole group look good instead of just worrying about himself.

In every situation, whether it’s getting a product to market on time, delivering a campaign, meeting a client deadline, or telling the story of Sammy the Shark, it takes teamwork. And teamwork gets easier when everyone is operating with an ensemble mindset.

(For more on the ensemble philosophy check out episode seven.)

Improved collaboration and communication start when everyone understands that the shared wins are more important, and usually more fun. And that by making the people around you look good, you look good.

This unique approach to teamwork is a huge part of what we teach at LMA - and it's powerful with huge potential for positive change inside an organization.

And if you’re thinking “yeah yeah, but I’ve got some real challenging characters at my work,” then I encourage you to drag them to an improv class or book a corporate workshop for your team. Then wait and see how things improve.

I promise you the results will be bananas - but in a good way.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Get what you want, not by trying to be bossy, funny or cool, but by doing what's necessary to make your whole group look good instead of just worrying about yourself.

### IITYWYBMAB

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Excerpt: IITYWYBMAB - Curious? Confused? Think you know but looking for confirmation? Ask Eran Thomson. He'll set you straight... if you say yes.

### One Word Suggestion: Uncertainty

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Uncertainty.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




I think we’d all agree that it’s important to have goals in life – to be focused, driven, and always working towards what you want.

But it’s also important to let go, let loose, and allow yourself to just explore and play. Sometimes the most important realizations occur when we’ve temporarily quieted our stream of consciousness and allowed ourselves to simply breathe and exist.

For many of us, this can be a lot harder than it sounds. We’ve been programmed to deal with facts, make plans, and expect the people around us to behave rationally.

And yet facts often change, plans go awry, and people surprise you in both bad and good ways. For some of us, the uncertainty of it all can be terribly unsettling.

Tony Robbins, has this great quote which I love. He says, “the quality of your life is directly correlated to the level of uncertainty you can comfortably live with.”

Another slightly less famous guy said it this way: “Ambiguity is not something to be feared but a given… We never have complete and perfect information. The best way to succeed is to revel in ambiguity.”

That’s from John Boyd who is described by some as the greatest military strategist in history. And his most famous contribution to wartime philosophy is a strategic tool called the OODA Loop - OODA being an acronym for Observe, Orient, Decide, Act.

We have our own version of this in improv, a slightly shorter acronym, RAC, for React, Adapt and Communicate.

Nation-states and businesses around the world use both of these approaches to help them thrive in volatile and highly competitive economies, get comfortable with uncertainty and make decisions.

In fact, many leaders are lauded just because they know how to make a strong decision and communicate it with their teams. Sometimes that’s the only thing they’re good at, but with so much uncertainty in the world, being around someone who can confidently say “this is what we’re doing, let’s do it.” may bring a certain level of comfort.

Death, taxes, and maybe the sun coming up tomorrow are the only things we can be certain of. Everything else is up for grabs. That's why we respond so well to clear, confident, truthful choices.

And one of the tricks to communicating your choices is to be specific. Because specificity kills ambiguity.

As a leader It's not people’s job to know what's going on in your head, it's their job to react to what you say. And a little bit of confidence and clarity can help your team live a lot more comfortably with uncertainty.

And if you want to get even more comfortable with uncertainty, I’m 100% certain that one of the best things you can do is take an improv class. Because on an improv stage nothing is planned. All you have to rely on is your wits, your teammates and your training.

You may think you could never be comfortable with that. But I’m also 100% certain you can.

Learning and practising the fundamentals of improv will help you develop a world-view where everything, even things that don’t go as planned, are seen as opportunities for growth and learning. You will begin to trust your instinct and intuition, and the people around you. You will operate with intention - but without attachment.

And you will learn to comfortably live with uncertainty.

And when you can do all that, you can survive just about any situation you find yourself in - with grace.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Ambiguity is not something to be feared but a given… We never have complete and perfect information. The best way to succeed in life is to revel in ambiguity.

### One Word Suggestion: Watching

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Watching.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




I don’t know about you, but one of my favourite things to do is people watching,

Actually, I’m gonna guess that I do know about you and that you love people watching too. I’d even go so far as to say that it’s a National pastime - no matter where you live.

Because we all do it. On the bus, the train, in line to get coffee, while we’re sitting at a cafe drinking coffee… on our way home from getting coffee.

We can’t help it. It’s in our DNA. At a basic level watching other people is how we learn, about relationships, about fashion, about culture, about what’s funny, and about all the dumb things other people do, say or wear that we would never do, say, or wear.

Our ability to observe people and situations and translate those observations into useful opportunities for personal growth and development is wonderful.

I was thinking about this during a recent yoga class. Everyone in the room was doing the exact same thing with their bodies or trying to. And even though the teacher was giving us verbal instructions from the front of the room, almost everyone was gauging their progress and checking to see if they were doing the asana correctly, by watching the people next to them.

I call this type of observation “listening visually.”

At LMA we spend a good chunk of time teaching people to listen visually or become what we call “active listeners.” This means learning to use your mouth less, and your ears and eyes more. And in particular, to watch for what isn’t being said.

Learning to read body language may be slightly helpful in a yoga class, but it’s crucial in almost every situation in life. In Amy Cuddy’s excellent TED Talk she speaks about “non-verbals” and how what we see or watch - in ourselves and in others can have a dramatic impact on our lives if we learn to pay attention in those moments.

Cathy Salit calls those moments “offers,” and in her excellent Inc. Magazine article she writes, “in every conversation, you're presented with all kinds of offers. Even if the opposite appears to be the case. A colleague ignoring your question is an offer. Your team getting the research that you asked for done early is an offer. A client saying he's not interested in whatever you have to sell is an offer. A laugh at your joke is an offer. Your boss not looking up at you when you come into her office is an offer. All of this -- the good, the bad, and the to-be-determined -- they're all offers that you can create with, if you hear them.”

Learning to listen visually and watch for unspoken offers or opportunities can be a game-changer. And if you want to get better at seeing them, an improv class or workshop is a great place to start.

And in the meantime, get some dark sunglasses, and don’t be creepy.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Our ability to observe people and situations and translate those observations into useful opportunities for personal growth and development is wonderful.

### The Near Death Experience

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_message message_box_style="solid" style="round" message_box_color="black"]
"The Near Death Experience" is coming for you... as a book.
Subscribe below for updates.
[/vc_message]	
			
			
		
					
	[vc_empty_space height="5%"][vc_custom_heading text="The Near Death Experience
Eran Thomson at the Melbourne International Comedy Festival" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1573959457047{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1614211915482{padding-top: 3% !important;}"]Master Storyteller, The Moth Finalist, and Founder of Australia’s fastest-growing comedy school, Eran Thomson, takes to the stage to recount all 17 times he’s nearly died (along with a few close calls) in his action-packed hour-long Australian debut.

According to Wikipedia, only 5% of people have ever had a near-death experience. In his life (so far) Eran has survived seventeen. Which means he’s either the biggest idiot you’ve ever seen (possible). Or the luckiest. (also possible).

Either way, that’s nearly double the number of lives a cat gets. From surviving cancer to a few too many mushrooms, to malfunctioning motors, to literally dodging a bullet, he either has really bad luck or extremely good luck.

And Eran will tell you all about it in harrowing and humorous detail.
Assuming he lives long enough.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column width="1/6"][/vc_column][vc_column width="2/3"]					
													
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
															
																																									
											
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Excerpt: Master Storyteller, The Moth Finalist, and Founder of Australia’s fastest-growing comedy school, Eran Thomson, takes to the stage to recount all 17 times he’s nearly died (along with a few close calls) in his action-packed hour-long Australian debut.

### One Word Suggestion: Mindfulness

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Mindfulness.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Take a second and look up from whatever you’re doing right now. Is everyone around you staring down at their phones? Were you?

Unless everyone is using Headspace or one of the many other meditation apps, chances are they’re being anything but mindful. More likely they are all filling their brains with clickbait headlines, pictures of people showing off the glossiest version of their lives, and an endless scroll of meaninglessness.

There’s more computing power in most phones today than was used to run the Apollo 11 mission to the moon. And what do we use that awesome power for? Levelling up on Candy Crush and willfully ignoring the world around us, and ourselves.

People have become so preoccupied with their phones they not only become less mindful, they become dangerously mindless - easily manipulated by algorithms and fake news - and so lost in their heads that they can't even drive or walk across the street safely.

Pedestrian deaths are on the rise and cities are now installing street-level red lights at intersections so people who can’t seem to look up, can see indicators down by their feet that say “stop.”

So you could argue that our collective mindfulness is at an all-time low.

And as powerful and amazing as your shiny new phone may be, the truly amazing computer and the one we all need to start paying more attention to is the one between our ears.

According to Robin Sharma who wrote The 5 am Club, “phones are costing you your fortune. You need to get away from the world if you want to change it, or even just change yourself.”

Part of the problem is that most people have not yet learned to be comfortable with themselves. Or with silence. Because it's in the quiet moments when you start to realize what’s going on in your mind, and for many people, this can be very confronting. So they numb out with a TV that’s always on in the background at home, or the radio in the car, and by staring at their phones everywhere else.

But here’s the thing: the present moment is where everything happens, the past and future only exist as noise that should, for the most part, be tuned out. So how do you fight the algorithms of phone apps and social media that have been specifically designed to steal your energy and life force?

Learning to get comfortable with silence, and quiet our minds is the key. Meditation can help. Walks in nature can help. Long showers can help. In fact, lots of things besides turning off your phone can help. Including improv.

One of the many great skills improv training gives you is becoming consciously aware of thoughts, feelings and environments - and not just your own. Everyone’s. Improv also teaches you that if you ever get stuck in life or on stage, all you have to do is connect to the present moment and the people around you and the answers will come.

In previous episodes, I spoke about Focus and Editing, which also have a role to play in mindfulness, so I invite you to check those out if you haven’t already.

And in the meantime, I’ll leave you with this little trick I learned from a monk who taught me it’s possible to practice mindfulness every day. The goal is to start small and eventually train yourself to be conscious of every decision and action you make.

Being in the present moment is the key, and the trick involves identifying a task, something you do frequently (that’s not on a phone or a computer) and treating it as mindful meditation. The only job is to do the job with complete focus and without letting any other thoughts or distractions get in the way.

For me, it’s doing the dishes. So whenever I’m standing at the sink, soapy sponge in hand and my thoughts are running wild, I ask myself, are you doing the dishes?

Or are you doing. the. dishes?


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams. Brought to you by PowerProv.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Suggest a word
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: People have become so preoccupied with themselves and their phones they're not only becoming less mindful, they're becoming dangerously mindless.

### One Word Suggestion: Criticism

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Criticism.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




As it turns out, there’s an LMA alum and current performer who also happens to be a feedback expert.

And that person is Associate Professor Phillip Dawson, at Deakin University and he says “how we deal with criticism is one of the biggest influences on learning, creativity, and productivity.”

In fact, one of the major findings at the Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning where Phillip works is that the ability to deal with criticism can be considered a superpower, because it unlocks opportunities for learning, and help us stay resilient.

Personally I learned this early in my career as a Creative Director. A huge part of that job is to critique other people’s ideas. Ideas they may have spent weeks and weeks of long days and nights developing, and most of which will never get made.

That’s the brutal truth about creative agencies. Ninety-nine per cent of the work is criticised to death. But the 1% of ideas that do survive are gold - and the key to keeping them alive is constructive criticism that pushes those ideas to the edge of greatness and beyond.

I would argue that criticism is critical to growth and improvement. Without it, everything becomes harder, new skills take longer to learn, nobody improves, work stays average or in many cases gets worse because people become dejected and lose confidence.

Part of the secret is to accepting criticism is to start by assuming positive intent on the part of the person delivering it. Chances are they really do just want to help. The other part is something I’ve noticed that most people who take criticism well all have in common:

They don’t interrupt, defend, protest or explain - they just listen. And maybe take notes.

This doesn’t mean you have to take any or all feedback on board. But if over time, you start to hear the same thing over and over, you might want to pay attention. Or as I like to say, “if people keep telling you that you have a tail, sooner or later, you’re gonna have to turn around and take a look.”

If someone has asked you for feedback, start by asking them what type of response they want.

To quote Phillip again, “too often we hear people say ‘can you give me some feedback on this?’ which is a really vague request. Are they after an evaluation of how good their work is? Or coaching on how to improve? Or do they just want recognition of the work they’ve been doing? When you’re clearer with your feedback requests you’ll get more of the feedback you really want.” And the feedback you need to improve.

And if you’re giving feedback to someone who hasn’t asked for it, be sensitive and always frame it gently and fairly. Remember that you can’t know what's going on for the person or group on the receiving end. They could be open and eager to improve and welcome your opinions, or they could be insecure, fearful, or even feeling like an imposter.

In over 20 years working as a leader in creative industries, I’ve only ever had one person respond badly to my compassionate criticism - and that was a CEO who burst into tears and ran out of the room. So you never know what's going on in someone’s life or how they will respond.

The point is, we never really get taught how to deal with criticism, or that it’s something we should seek out. But it’s crucial for learning, productivity, creativity, and wellbeing.

Of course, criticism can sometimes be hard to hear, but it doesn’t have to hurt. If it’s delivered with good intentions and a genuine aspiration to help, the receiver will probably pick up on that, and be more open to hearing it.

And if you are able to share some solutions instead of just pointing out the problems, you’ll be loved for it.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: If people keep telling you that you have a tail, sooner or later, you’re gonna have to turn around and take a look.

### One Word Suggestion: Courage

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Courage.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




However old you are right now, that’s how many years things in your life things have been at least mostly OK.

Or, as Mel Bernstein says in the movie Scarface, “every day above ground is a good day.”

But for those of you out there who feel like a lack of courage is holding you back from living the truly good days you wish for, I’m here to tell you, fear is an illusion.

In life or on stage, unless you’re face to face with a grizzly bear, or in Tony Montana’s case, the DEA, one-hundred percent of fear is in your head.

Most fears are a combination of limiting beliefs you inherited from your parents, your culture, or maybe your religion. And unless you’re super self aware, you might struggle to identify those negative beliefs, let alone connect them to a lack of courage.

So how can you create courage? Part of the answer is to have faith. In yourself, in your tribe, in the world - however hard that can be some days.

Martin Luther King said “faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” And sometimes, that courageous first step can be as simple as bravely saying “yes.”

People who say “no” to things live life in the comfort of their own safety and security. People who courageously say “yes,” live lives filled with glorious adventure.

So you have a choice. You can choose courage over comfort. You can say “yes.”

If you’re struggling, try what Dale Carnegie suggests in his famous book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” Ask yourself: What is the worst that can happen? If you can accept the worst, then you’ve got everything to gain by trying to improve from there.

Any emotions that get in the way and make it hard for you to say “yes” aren’t necessarily negative or positive, they are either empowering or disempowering, and as you develop awareness of them, that awareness will give you choice, and choice gives you freedom.

Kim Quindlan writes on the Thought Catalog blog, “the moment someone decides to step out of the box is the moment when everything suddenly becomes really interesting. So if you’re drowning in the never-ending monotony of your own life, try mixing things up for a change. Do something exciting, inspiring, or educational that you wouldn’t normally do.”

I would add, do something courageous. In episode eight of this series, (the word was “Fear,”) I said “if something scares you, go towards it. That’s where the learning lives.” And I meant it.

And don’t worry about being perfect. As John Assaraf says, if you’re “interested or committed to achieving your dreams, choose progress over perfection and G-O-Y-A.” (That’s his acronym for “get off your ass.”

When it comes to personal growth and organisational improvement, there are limitless opportunities for learning. For saying “yes.” and being courageous.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: For those of you out there who feel like a lack of courage is holding you back from living the truly good days you wish for, I’m here to tell you, fear is an illusion.

### One Word Suggestion: Acceptance

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Acceptance.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




This week’s word, “acceptance” was suggested by Tania.

However old you are right now, that’s how many years things in your life things have been at least mostly OK.

Or, as Mel Bernstein says in the movie Scarface, “every day above ground is a good day.”

But for those of you out there who feel like a lack of courage is holding you back from living the truly good days you wish for, I’m here to tell you, fear is an illusion.

In life or on stage, unless you’re face to face with a grizzly bear, or in Tony Montana’s case, the DEA, one-hundred percent of fear is in your head.

Most fears are a combination of limiting beliefs you inherited from your parents, your culture, or maybe your religion. And unless you’re super self aware, you might struggle to identify those negative beliefs, let alone connect them to a lack of courage.

So how can you create courage? Part of the answer is to have faith. In yourself, in your tribe, in the world - however hard that can be some days.

Martin Luther King said “faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” And sometimes, that courageous first step can be as simple as bravely saying “yes.”

People who say “no” to things live life in the comfort of their own safety and security. People who courageously say “yes,” live lives filled with glorious adventure.

So you have a choice. You can choose courage over comfort. You can say “yes.”

If you’re struggling, try what Dale Carnegie suggests in his famous book, How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” Ask yourself: What is the worst that can happen? If you can accept the worst, then you’ve got everything to gain by trying to improve from there.

Any emotions that get in the way and make it hard for you to say “yes” aren’t necessarily negative or positive, they are either empowering or disempowering, and as you develop awareness of them, that awareness will give you choice, and choice gives you freedom.

Kim Quindlan writes on the Thought Catalog blog, “the moment someone decides to step out of the box is the moment when everything suddenly becomes really interesting. So if you’re drowning in the never-ending monotony of your own life, try mixing things up for a change. Do something exciting, inspiring, or educational that you wouldn’t normally do.”

I would add, do something courageous. In episode eight of this series, (the word was “Fear,”) I said “if something scares you, go towards it. That’s where the learning lives.” And I meant it.

And don’t worry about being perfect. As John Assaraf says, if you’re “interested or committed to achieving your dreams, choose progress over perfection and G-O-Y-A.” (That’s his acronym for “get off your ass.”

When it comes to personal growth and organizational improvement, there are limitless opportunities for learning. For saying “yes.” and being courageous.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: People who say “no” live in the comfort and security of their own world. People who say “yes” go on to live lives filled with glorious adventure.

### One Word Suggestion: Assholes

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Assholes.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.



At first I was going to write this suggestion off as inappropriate and off-topic, but the reality is all of us probably know or work with at least one person who is, in fact, an asshole, and I got to thinking, one of the things that makes an asshole an asshole is the need to always be right.


In their excellent book, Yes, and,” Tom Yorton and Kelly Leonard from Second City Works write “The need to be right among individuals, institutions, and organizations is one of the biggest barriers to creativity and innovation.”

If you know someone who always needs to be right, I’m guessing you hate dealing with them.

Because they’re difficult. Because they don’t listen. Because they behave like they’re the smartest person in the room, or the world’s best subject matter expert, even when they can’t possibly be.

Because they're an asshole.

The thing is most assholes don’t even realize they’re the problem. As Raylan Given said in the TV series, “Justified,” "If you run into an asshole in the morning, you ran into an asshole. If you run into assholes all day, you're the asshole."

And assholes usually behave the way they do because they’re insecure, have some deep-rooted conflict within themselves, or simply lack solid social skills.

And it’s a problem because it doesn't matter how smart or “right” you are, if you’re not “people smart” you’ll never go far in life.

In public speaking guru Michael Port’s “Book Yourself Solid” he writes:

“Understanding the concepts people use to make sense of their social relations can help you improve your social awareness, presence, authenticity, clarity, and empathy.

Bottom line: you’ll be more attuned to the needs and desires of others, which will make you more relevant and influential.”

And less of an asshole

I had a former colleague who used to go around all the time telling anyone who would listen that people are stupid. He proved this to himself by exaggerating and overselling his own talents and abilities, while knocking down others, and always being right. Even when he wasn’t.

It’s true there are people out there who are “educationally deprived,” but I maintain that even though we may not all be Einstein, we are all doing our best.

People aren’t stupid, they’ve just had different life experiences.

And once we get comfortable with that - and with ourselves, life gets a whole lot easier.

So my suggestion is, if you can, avoid them, if you can’t, learn to deal with them. Because the reality is even assholes have something to say, so it’s on you to be like Buddha and practice patience, presence, authenticity, clarity, and empathy.

And of course I’m going to say that improv can teach you all of those things, and it will.

The soft skills we teach in our Level 1 classes and corporate training workshops will absolutely help you learn to deal with assholes.

And stop you from being one.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I was going to write this suggestion off as inappropriate and off-topic, but the reality is all of us probably know or work with at least one person who is, in fact, an asshole.

### One Word Suggestion: Panic

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Panic.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.



We’ve all probably experienced panic at some stage in our life. And the first thing to do if you start to panic - in any situation - is to just breathe.


Dionna Griffin-Irons, Director of Diversity and Inclusion at The Second City says:

“Panic, like the kind that creeps in right before you’re about to perform in front of a huge audience (or your boss), happens when we get too in our heads.

And the result of that is we stop breathing, either as deeply as we should or, in some cases, altogether.

What I’ve learned is that, if you can, just get your breath back; that will awaken the nervous system and, therefore, your brain. Do that and you’ll be back to thinking, ‘I got this’ again in no time.”

So yeah, breathing is important. The second thing to do is move your body. Some teachers will tell you that if you’re panicking it’s because you’re stuck in your head. I’ve even seen teachers shout "Don't be in your head!" which, guess what, puts you right in your head.

The way out is to use your body. If you get stuck start moving. Use your physicality to buy time or to find something to say.

The third thing to try is taking some time. Take a second to accept your reality before reacting to it.  Move fast, but think slow.

Even if your partners or colleagues are playing or working fast, Take ten seconds to figure out what's going on.

Give yourself that gift.

And remember, the pauses in your head are always longer to you than they are to an audience.

Another thing you can try if you’re stuck in a scene specifically is to look for answers. Not knowing what's going on in a scene means someone needs to declare something - usually who, what or where.

Don't confuse silence for a lack of dialogue. Pay attention to the physicality. A tapping foot can say more than words.

Jonathan Pitts taught me that if you’re on stage freaking out and don't know what to do or say, look your scene partner in the eyes. The answer is there.

His other suggestion is to ask yourself questions like: why is this happening? How long have we known each other? How many times has this happened before? Is this the first, tenth or 100th time your scene partner’s character has said this?

Remember: No one person can discover the whole scene. You have to explore and find the why of your scene together.

And if you’re really lost, it’s OK to ask your scene partner for more information or simply say “I'm sorry I don't know what you mean.” Remember that playing to the top of your intelligence means responding authentically on stage as you would in real life.

And lastly, learn to accept the worst. As Dale Carnegie wrote in his famous book, “How to Stop Worrying and Start Living.” if you can accept the worst case scenario, and get comfortable with that, then anything else that happens is probably gonna be OK.

But mainly, just breathe.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: We’ve all probably experienced panic at some stage in our life. And the first thing to do if you start to panic - in any situation - is to just breathe.

### One Word Suggestion: Success

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Success.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.



No matter what stage of life you’re in, it’s easy to feel unsuccessful - you don’t have to look far to find someone who drives a fancier car, owns their home instead of rents, has more friends, has more followers, has more fame, has helped more people, has better hair, better boobs, better shoes, takes more holidays - whatever.



And while these are all nice things, it’s important to remember that none of them needs to define you - and that only you can define what success is for you.

If you already know, awesome! Own that shit. But if you’re still struggling, then you owe it to yourself to do some deep digging and figure it out.

It might be: being a good dad, or selling your startup, or living off the grid, or owning a Tangerine coloured 1967 Porsche 911 with a factory sunroof and Fuchs 7R wheels…

Someday.

The point is, it’s entirely up to you.

Sometimes we get caught up in the trappings of success only to realize later in life that those things didn’t define it for us at all. I remember back when the movie “The Secret” was all the rage, I made a mood board of all the things at the time that I thought would make me feel successful.

And one of the things on it was a Panerai wristwatch. I loved this watch, and I swore I’d get one someday, and then one day a few years later I realized that if I really wanted it, I could actually just go get one…

and that’s when I realized that every watch I’d ever owned before I’d broken or lost, that I had a perfectly good time teller on my phone, and the Panerai was so big and heavy it made me walk funny.

I didn’t really want the watch. I wanted the opportunity to have the watch. I wanted the choice. And once I realized that, everything on that old mood board came off.

Except for the Porsche. That’s still on there.

So how does this relate to improv? Well, without getting too hippy-dippy, I believe the universe conspires for your success. And when things go wrong that’s the worlds way of letting you know you have something you need to learn still before you can get what you want.

And I believe that when you are on stage, audiences conspire for your success. They are rooting for you, not against you. They want you to be awesome and entertain them. And as long as everyone on stage with you is present, aware, and understands the rules of the game you’re playing, and is committed to supporting each other, well, you're gonna succeed.

And in business, it’s similar, but not quite as simple, even if all those things still apply.

The stakes are higher. Jobs and livelihoods are on the line, but just like on the stage where a good show is the result of good training, so is good business.

And the skills you learn at LMA, either in one of our school classes or corporate training workshops will help set you up for success, no matter how you define it.

As for my definition? It’s always evolving, but at the core, it has to do with how many people’s lives and businesses I can positively impact and improve.

And maybe, whether or not I can drive a sweet 1967 Porsche on my way to do it.




You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au

Eran Thomson is the Founder of Zuper Superannuation, Laugh-Masters Academy, PowerProv, Comedy & Co, and the Australian Improv Festival.



[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Sometimes we get caught up in the trappings of success only to realise later in life that the things we thought would make us feel successful don't define it for us at all.

### One Word Suggestion: Balance

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Balance.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.



I probably shouldn’t be saying this because we’re still building the improv community here in Australia, but there is more to life than improv.



On his blog “Improv Nerd,” Jimmy Carrane says “doing things outside of improv only makes you a better improviser.”

And I agree. Get out there and try stand up, storytelling, clowning, rock climbing, finger painting… anything.

The point is, if you’re all improv, all the time, there’s a chance your life could be a bit out of balance.

The fact that Jimmy has a successful blog called Improv Nerd should tell you something about how fanatical people can get about it. Especially in America, and in particular, Chicago - the birthplace of long-form improv.

Chicago has tons of theatres and there are more shows than you can possibly see every night of the week. And there’s an exponentially expanding list of places to play, and watch friends play.

In fact, I’m pretty sure “Hey you coming to my improv show?” has replaced “Hey, yo!” as the local greeting.

If you’re not careful, improv can overtake your life and consume you. Ask any Chicagoan how many friends they’ve “lost” to improv.

It’s not all bad. After all, I wouldn’t be running an improv comedy school or improv based corporate training business if I didn’t believe in the power of improv to positively transform and improve people’s lives.

The point is, doing other things besides improv will give you a rich library of perspectives and experiences that you can draw from on stage and in life.

And by joining or studying other cultures, subcultures, or just people watching, you will fill the well with things you can draw upon to make your improvised characters richer and more interesting to watch.

In Australia, the long-form improv scene is just beginning to bloom. We don’t yet enjoy the same level of, or exposure to, improv as they do in cities like Chicago, New York, or LA, but I’m working on it.

The school continues to enjoy organic growth and our amazing community of students and teachers continues to pursue their passion in a way that never ceases to inspire me.

Who knows? Maybe one day we’ll have shows every night of the week, and “Hey you coming to my improv show?” will replace “G’day mate” as the local greeting.

Until then, in the unlikely event you’re suffering from improv burnout, remember that it’s OK to take breaks and keep the balance.

Just come back, because we’ll miss you.




Festival.



[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I probably shouldn’t be saying this because we’re still building the improv community here in Australia, but there is more to life than improv.

### Hooked on Hopium

ARE YOU HOOKED ON HOPIUM?
“Hopium” is when you HOPE the marketing materials you invest in will actually “work” without a strong rationale or understanding of why they should. When they do work, you feel great, look good in front of your Boss and peers… and you want more of it.
But when things don’t work, the comedown is hard. Symptoms include feeling horrible, looking lousy and a big hurt on your bottom line. And then there’s the shame. Now you have to spend again to get the result you were “hoping” for the first time.


HAVE YOU EVER:

 	Produced an ad campaign and then wondered why customers aren’t buying?
 	Or asked for a new logo without knowing exactly what that logo was meant to achieve?
 	Or commissioned a website re-skin only to see your metrics stay the same?

You might be hooked on Hopium.
Don’t feel bad. You’re not alone. In our experience, many clients struggle with the effects of Hopium, but the ones who survive are smart enough to ask for help, because the first step to kicking the Hopium habit is admitting you have a problem.

When things aren’t working one of the first reactions is to blame the existing marketing tools (logo, ads, website, packaging etc.) and try to alter their look. It’s a natural starting point and sometimes they do need to change, but this alone will not necessarily get results.
Here’s why: Most business problems don’t exist solely at the public-facing surface level.
The good news is Monogram can help. Our patented 12-Step program* will help you kick the Hopium habit in no time. Soon you’ll be on your way to achieving your business goals with wise, strategic investments that will do more than just make you look and feel good.
Knowing what to change, and why, is the key. Some business problems can be solved simply, with small shifts to existing materials instead of spending huge.
Two examples:

 	Hoping that a $60-80k re-skin of your website will get you more brand awareness. Suggestion: Putting $20K towards a dynamic and relevant blog that communicates on a regular basis with your audience might achieve better results.
 	Hoping that a $100k new brand look will increase sales.
Suggestion: Maybe all you need is to change the messaging and tone of voice using your current look.

The point is, you don’t necessarily need to spend big. You need to spend smart.
THE ROAD TO RECOVERY
Just remember, Hopium is sneaky. If you take your eye off the ball, it will creep into your marketing plan and start wreaking havoc. Don’t let this happen to you.
Keep Hopium at bay by asking yourself these questions before you start your next project:

 	Define the business problem and the benchmark:

 	what do we need to achieve in our business right now?
 	and how is this a problem for us?
 	what will we get from having more of this in our business?
 	what’s the ideal outcome or result?


 	Once you have identified the true business problem and clarified the benchmark with which to measure success, it’s time to think about your audience:

 	who are our clients, customers, or prospects?
 	what are their needs, wants and desires?
 	what will our offer get for them (i.e.- solve their problems better, cheaper, faster than anyone else?)
 	when does our audience need this offer?


 	Remember to:

 	Limit one major business problem per communication or risk confusing your audience and diluting your message.
 	Arrive at a hierarchy of information, what you want the consumer to see first, second, third.



At Monogram we hate Hopium.

We’ve seen its devastating effects all too often, and we’re here to help. We pride ourselves on delivering successful results for well defined and researched problems. We’re experts at figuring out which medium, which message and what budget is the correct one for the job. And we provide advice on whether the time is right for a complete overhaul or a small and powerful fix.
*We don’t really have 12-Steps exactly, but we do have a process that’s painless and proven.




Read this post on Monogram's blog

Excerpt: “Hopium” is when you HOPE the marketing materials you invest in will actually work without a strong rationale or understanding of why they should.

### One Word Suggestion: Intelligence

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Intelligence.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Most of the time when we think of intelligence we probably think of I.Q. tests, Stephen Hawking, or pipe smoking professors, but there’s more to intelligence than just being good at science and math. In fact, speaking of pipe smoking professors, in 1983 a Harvard professor and cognitive research psychologist named Howard Gardner outlined nine different types of intelligence in his now famous book, “Frames of Mind”.

These include: Naturalist, Musical, Logical, Existential, Interpersonal, Intra-personal, Kinesthetic, Linguistic, and Spatial Intelligence.

On the Adioma blog, Mark Vital writes: What other psychologists thought were just soft-skills, such as social skills, Gardener realized were types of intelligence. It makes sense. Just as being a math whiz gives you the ability to understand the world in a certain way, being “people smart” gives you the same ability, just from a different perspective.

Gardner’s work has inspired humanity to embrace the idea that there is more than one way to be smart. And I’m very grateful to him because I’m terrible at math.

But I’m not terrible at improv, and what I love about the improv classes and the improv-based corporate training we run at LMA, is they both bring people together who all have different types and levels of intelligence with a view to helping them coalesce as an ensemble.

And the best ensembles, or teams, find ways to leverage each person's unique abilities with a view towards achieving a common goal.

And as long as each person is performing at the top of their intelligence, then odds are the end goal will be achieved. And by the way, to quote our friend Bob Kulhan who literally wrote the book on this stuff, “performing at the top of your intelligence is a lot different from flying by the seat of your pants.”

When you understand how to use the tools of improv, you become able to tap everything that’s already inside you in an instant. To quote Bob again:

“Improvisation is not a creation of something out of nothing, it’s the creation of something out of everything.”

In UCB’s Comedy Improvisation Manual, they describe playing to the top of your intelligence as simply responding truthfully. It’s not about rattling off obscure facts or trivia or being overly clever. It’s about being genuine.

And when people aren’t being genuine, it's usually because they suffer from self-doubt, insecurity, or a lack of confidence - all things improv training can give you. Along with all the EQ or emotional intelligence and soft skills, employers are always looking for.

So if you want to get better at thinking on your feet, or learning to use all your inherent abilities, experiences, and knowledge to get more out of your work and life in general, then I think one of the most intelligent things you can do is take an improv class.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Most of the time when we think of intelligence we probably think of I.Q. tests, Stephen Hawking, or pipe smoking professors, but there’s more to intelligence than just being good at science and math.

### One Word Suggestion: Teachers

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Teachers.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.





In the Dalai Lama's wonderful book, The Art of Happiness, he tells a story about Buddha and his annoying assistant. And I don’t remember exactly how it goes, but the gist of it is something like this:

Buddha decides to head out on a long journey to spread his message of peace, love and meditation across the land, so he hires a porter to be his assistant along the way. And as it turns out the porter he hires is widely known to be the most cranky, lazy, miserable, and useless porter in the history of porters.

And everywhere Buddha goes people scratch their bald monk heads in disbelief that the Buddha himself could have made what was so obviously a terrible choice.

Finally, after months on the road, one of the monks can’t take it anymore and he asks Buddha, “why in the hell did you hire this annoying guy? There are so many better porters!” And Buddha says...

“Oh him? He’s my teacher.”

In this instance the lessons were patience, tolerance, empathy and more - all good things to learn. The good news is when it comes to learning and applying the principles of improv, you don’t need to be as disciplined as Buddha, and you’re pretty unlikely to encounter an annoying teacher, especially at LMA. But that doesn't change the fact that every person you meet has something to teach you - no matter how annoying - or lovely - they are. And no matter how much you already know - or think you know.

You just have to be willing to learn.

To benefit from great teachers, you need to be a great student, and, sticking with the theme here, there’s a Zen Buddhist term I love called “Shoshin” which means "beginner's mind." Which essentially just means having an attitude of openness, eagerness, and lack of preconceptions when studying a subject, even when studying at an advanced level.

A friend of mine recently got a trick bicycle that goes left when you turn the handlebars right and right when you turn them left just so he could re-experience the beginner's mind state at a visceral level.

The point is, to be great at anything you have to keep learning. Always. And to be a great teacher you have to be a good student. Always.

One of our advisors at LMA is Jonathan Pitts - a guy who was at The Second City in Chicago from the beginning, a guy who ran The Chicago Improv Festival for 20 years, a guy who makes his living travelling the world teaching improv (and eating cake) - and even he still takes classes.

So I'm always shocked by students who come out of our program after completing a few levels and think they’re done. They’re an improviser now. Tick. Done. Bye!

Here are some facts: You can’t learn without patience and practice. You might not need Malcolm Gladwell’s ten thousand hours, but it’s something to strive for if you want to be great.

You can’t learn without listening and, ironically, improv can teach you how to become an active listener.

You can’t learn without curiosity and an open mind. And if you’re listening to or reading this, then you can probably tick that one off.

And lastly, you can’t learn without making mistakes - which is why at LMA we teach people to celebrate failure.

Like Thomas Edison said about his many attempts to create the light bulb:

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that don't work."

As for me personally, all I know is, the more I learn, the more I realise how little I know. So if you’re up for it, come teach me something! Just try not to be annoying about it.



[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: The point is, to be great at anything you have to keep learning. Always. And to be a great teacher you have to be a good student. Always.

### One Word Suggestion: Stereotypes

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
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One Word Suggestion: Stereotypes.


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.





OK, I might get some pushback for this, but I’m gonna say that the reason stereotypes exist, and persist, is because they are based in some amount of truth.

But that doesn't make it necessarily OK to reinforce them, whether they apply to you or not.

As far as improv goes, performers often find themselves relying on stereotypes and assumptions surrounding gender that are commonly portrayed in the media.

This happens because they are being spontaneous and reaching for an easy choice that is quickly gettable by an audience. This is understandable, and in most instances, even forgivable, but it’s worth paying attention to.

In a school as diverse as LMA you’re bound to train or play with someone who comes from a different cultural background than you. And that’s part of what makes it so great.

Every class we run is filled with people from all walks of life, who most likely would never have crossed paths if it weren't for improv. And despite a wide range of socioeconomic and cultural diversity, we all find that we have more in common than we do different. And we learn to see beyond the stereotypes we may have inadvertently held.

On Mike’s secret improv blog he writes: Improv is about saying yes and accepting offers. It’s a place where all people are accepted and tolerance is practiced. But sometimes racial, cultural and gender stereotypes and cheap jokes at the expense of those with less privilege get rewarded.

It can be very hard for people affected by this to confront those who are making the jokes without being told they are being ‘over-sensitive’ or ‘it’s just a joke man’.

But for many people, those ‘jokes’ aren’t funny and they’re the same thing they’ve heard time and time again and they may go to the very heart of their identity.

Why would such a person stick around to perform with people who perpetuate the shittier aspects of an oppressive society?

Why would an audience want to stay and watch stories that play out the oppression they see and experience every day when they could be watching something that transcends it?

These are good questions - and they apply as much in real life as they do on stage. So my advice is don’t put people into boxes. And avoid making general assumptions about an individual with little or no personal knowledge about them.

Look beyond race, gender, age, marital status and family responsibilities.

Focusing on differences like these is often the root cause of stereotyping and may result in tension on stage - and in the workplace, where it can be particularly harmful, and hamper your ability to work well with others. Not to mention put you in a position to miss everything that makes someone the beautiful person they are.

Remember, a powerful CEO can be (or be played on stage by) anyone – a straight white man, a gay Latina woman, a young African American transgender woman, the possibilities are endless. So I encourage you to make more unconventional choices.

And if you find yourself reaching for a stereotype, try to at least give it a fresh take.

For example, what’s more memorable? A cop with a dozen doughnuts or a cop with a dozen kale smoothies?

Just do me a favour, if you’re a man playing a woman, try not to be a Mom. And if you’re a woman playing a woman, try not to be a mom! And if you don’t know what I’m talking about, you need to see more improv shows.



[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I might get some pushback for this, but I’m gonna say that the reason stereotypes exist, and persist, is because they are based in some amount of truth.

### One Word Suggestion: Connections

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Connections


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




According to the world-renowned psychologist Abraham Maslow, all humans need to feel a sense of belonging and acceptance among social groups.

In fact, he thought it was so important he put Social Belonging right in the middle of his famous hierarchy of needs.

Maslow’s idea of social connections includes: Friendships, Intimacy, and Family. And if you’ve ever been part of an improv class, then you already know, the connections you make there can lead to all sorts of new friendships, a community that feels like, or in some cases feels even better than, family, and every once in a while people even find a bit of intimacy.

In fact, one of our teachers recently got engaged in an LMA improv show. So you never know what kind of connections you’ll make.

And while not everyone who takes a class at LMA is likely to find their perfect partner, it’s my intention that they do find themselves in a safe, welcoming, community where they can fail gloriously and succeed hilariously.

And if you ask any student who has taken a class at LMA, or teacher who works here, they’ll tell you I’m always going around saying that even though we’re the fastest growing comedy school in Australia, at our core, we’re about community first, and comedy second.

The great thing is, if we do our jobs right, the connections and community take care of themselves. I see proof of this in every level one class we run - where a room full of complete strangers transforms into a group of great mates over eight weeks, which I think just proves Maslow was right.

All of us want to connect with others and find the easily found common ground. And when we realise we’re all more alike than we are different, man that feels good.

Creating this culture of community and connection is important for us as a school, but it's also important for any business that wants to succeed. If your people aren’t able to communicate, collaborate and move towards a shared agenda without ego and trust issues, let alone embracing each other's unique talents and abilities, you’re only going to go so far.

The improv for business workshops we run will help any company create a safe space where people feel wanted and respected - and adhere to an ensemble mindset where everyone has each other’s backs. And when your teams feel connected with each other, it's more likely they’ll be able to make real-world connections with your customers.

And that’s why I think our improv based corporate training has been so successful. We deliver real ROI on any HR or L&D training budget, and we do it in a way that is fun - and without any powerpoint or trust falls.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: All of us want to connect with others and find the easily found common ground. And when we realise we’re all more alike than we are different, it feels really, really good.

### One Word Suggestion: Insults

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Insults


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.





This week’s word, “insults” was suggested by Roberto and you know what? Insults is a stupid word and Roberto must be a total moron!

I’m kidding, (Sorry Roberto, you’re not a moron) but I am surprised by this suggestion because as far as I’m concerned, with the exception of comedy roasts, which are done from a place of love and respect, there’s no need for insults in improv, or anywhere else.

The truth is, putting other people down will not make you look better. In fact, putting other people down only makes you look worse.

Now I might be super biased because when I was a kid I received more than my fair share of insults. This was because I had what some considered to be a girl’s name, and because my parents moved around a lot and I was always the new kid at school.

Two things helped me get through it. One - the girls liked me. And, two - humour

These days I love a good burn as much as the next guy - especially when I’m at the pub with my mates. But there’s no place for insults in business, or on stage. Or in the audience, I’m talking to you hecklers!

So if you find yourself being insulted by someone, my advice is to cut that person out of your life (or edit the scene) and move on.

Some improv teachers I’ve interviewed say insults are OK on stage, as long as they’re part of a character’s world view. And I do appreciate where they’re coming from.

However, at LMA we teach our students to always strive to make their teammates look good - on stage and at work - because when they make their teammates look good, they look good. And we’ve found insults don’t typically play a role in that.

One thing I will say is that improv teaches you how to think fast on your feet, so with training, you’ll always be quick with a comeback. And you'll be less likely to walk away thinking about what you should have said. You’ll have said it! But usually, that’s a lose/lose situation no matter how good a retort you come up with.

The real secret is to never accept an insult in the first place.

There’s a story about Buddha, who is well known for his ability to respond to evil with good, and in the story he is being repeatedly insulted by some guy, and finally Buddha turns around and says, “If someone gives you a gift and you don’t accept it, who has the gift?”

Or as I put it, “I’m rubber, you’re glue. Whatever you say bounces off me, and sticks to you.”



[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: The truth is, putting other people down will not make you look better. In fact, putting other people down only makes you look worse.

### One Word Suggestion: Focus

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Focus


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




I don’t know about you, but focus has certainly been one of my greatest challenges in life.

I’ve always been excited by ideas, by potential, and by problems to solve… and sometimes I get excited about too many things. And because of that, along with a ton of optimism about what I can achieve, I have in the past, and occasionally still, find myself struggling with where to place my attention.

And I’m not alone. Even with all the to-do apps, calendar tools, and project management software in the world, it can still be hard to find focus and keep it - especially when we have the whole wide world to explore online.

Factor in open plan offices, email, text, and all the other things fighting for our attention, and it's no wonder doctors are prescribing Ritalin and Adderall like crazy.

The thing is neuroscientists and behavioral scientists have proven that with training we can actually rewire our brains and become better at honing our attention. And one of the things that helps is improv training.

When you’re on the improv stage nothing is planned, rehearsed or written. All you can do as a performer is be present, aware, actively listen, and react to whatever happens. It takes hyper-focus to make unscripted shows seem like Aaron Sorkin was secretly involved.

Learning to pay attention to whoever or whatever is directly in front of you will greatly improve your performance on stage - and at work, no matter what it is that you do for a living.

This is a big part of what we teach at LMA in our classes and in our corporate training workshops. Because you can’t be a good improviser, and maybe even a good, or at least successful, person, if you can’t focus - at least some of the time.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Learning to pay attention to whoever or whatever is directly in front of you will greatly improve your performance on stage - and at work, no matter what it is you do for a living.

### One Word Suggestion: Sincerity

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Sincerity


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Along with patience and compassion, sincerity is one of those qualities we all probably wish we had more of — or at least wish other people had more of. And I think we all know insincerity when we see it, but what exactly does it mean to be sincere?

A short answer might be the absence of pretense, deceit, or hypocrisy combined with a mix of seriousness, honesty and just being straight up with people.

You can’t be sincere if you say you love Vegemite when you actually hate it. Or if you praise someone, but really you don’t like them or their work.

Learning to recognize - and be comfortable with your beliefs can help you become a more genuine person, which in turn can help you become more sincere in your dealings with others.

One of my favorite things about improv is that it creates a safe place where everyone can feel comfortable being themselves. And when people are behaving authentically, there’s no posers. And if people aren’t posing, they’re probably being sincere.

Most improv teacher’s I’ve worked with agree that it’s generally more important to be sincere on stage than it is to try and be funny. The comedy comes from authenticity and truth.

Now, I’m no Freud, but I have a theory that this is why we laugh at stand-up comics - because they give themselves permission to say things we ourselves have thought, or think, but would never say out loud. So we laugh with unconscious recognition. But I digress.

On stage, I think characters can be insincere, but players should never be. If you filter your decisions through your character’s truth and portray that, then that’s maybe the one time where I think insincerity is ok.

But a place where it’s never OK is in the real world, especially in business where you so often need to be able to understand another person's point of view.

Improv training gives you the self-confidence to let go of ego and listen. You can “yes, and…” someone you disagree with without giving up your truth - or being insincere.

This type of soft skill is becoming crucial to effective leadership - especially in an age where we can so easily respond with a snarky comment or hastily typed out text message.

Like I said at the start, I think we all know insincerity when we see it, and most of us don’t like it. So if you want to work on becoming more sincere, improv training is a great place to start.

And I really mean that.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Along with patience and compassion, sincerity is one of those qualities we all probably wish we had more of — or at least wish other people had more of.

### One Word Suggestion: Kindness

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Kindness


Welcome to One Word Suggestion

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Mark Twain once said, “Kindness is the language the blind can see and the deaf can hear.”

Now, I’m not sure what that means other than everyone likes to be treated kindly, which, no disrespect to Mr. Twain, is pretty obvious.

That said, we do live in a world where it sure seems like a lot of people aren't being very kind to each other.

From wars to nationalism, to government corruption and sabotage, there’s all kinds of unkindness going on.

What’s the solution? Well, part of it just might be an improv class. Because the building blocks of improvisation include things like listening, agreement, acceptance, putting others before yourself, empathy, trust, and having each other's back.

And I think you’d agree these all fall into the “kind behavior” category.

On stage or off, applying the building blocks of improv can help you become an even kinder person. And it’s pretty clear to me that’s something the world needs right now.

So if you want to be the kind of person that people want to play and work with, try putting some of these things into practice.

Kindness at home? That’s usually pretty easy with our loved ones. Kindness at work? Where we spend 80% of our time? That can be a bit more of a challenge.

As an experiment, try being as friendly and compassionate towards everyone you come into contact with today, as you are with your loved ones - including yourself.

Or you could give up on trying to be a good person, and just focus on being a better person, as suggested by Dolly Chugh in her recent TED talk.

Either way, if you find yourself getting frustrated with your fellow man, take a deep breath and then go google “improv classes.”

Because kindness just might be the thing that saves us all.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Kindness at home? That’s usually pretty easy with our loved ones. Kindness at work? Where we spend 80% of our time? That can be a bit more of a challenge.

### One Word Suggestion: Editing

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Editing


Welcome to One Word Suggestion

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




One of the most famous improv schools in the world is UCB, the Upright Citizens Brigade, and when you walk into their New York offices, one of the first things you’ll see is a giant poster that says: Don’t Think

They’re famous for coining this expression and it’s important to understand that they’re not saying turn your brain off, they’re saying trust your instincts. Say or do the thing in the moment that feels right because it probably is. At least, that’s how I interpret it.

Looking at this from a behavioural science perspective what “don’t think” really means is don’t edit.

Editing is that little voice in your head:

“Should I say this? If I do will people get it? Will I look stupid? What if I’m not funny? What if I get it wrong? Maybe I’ll just stand here and keep my mouth shut.”

And that little voice will mess you up every time. As David Razowsky once said, “Fuck your brain, it’s a liar and an asshole.”

Or, as I say: trust your gut.

The opposite of editing is auditing, and again from a behavioral science perspective what this means is just being present and aware in the moment, observing what’s going on around you, listening actively and taking it all in, looking for opportunities to add your own perspective when appropriate.

Put more simply: Get out of your head and get into this very moment.

And improv training can help you get better at doing this. Whether you want to perform on stage or perform at work, learning not to edit can help you move forward, build self-confidence, and get better at trusting your gut.

As for editing scenes on stage, I’m going to assume if you’re watching this you have a good idea already of what it means and how to do it. If you don’t… come take a class!

And in the meantime, stop listening to that voice in your head… unless it's telling you something important, like put on some pants, or that might be a shark, or ice cream!


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Editing is that little voice in your head: Should I say this? If I do will people get it? Will I look stupid? What if I’m not funny? What if I get it wrong? Maybe I’ll just stand here and keep my mouth shut.

### One Word Suggestion: Fear

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Fear


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Have you seen the movie Atomic Blonde?

If you haven’t, It’s cold war era spy movie, set in Germany while the wall is still up.

It stars Charlize Theron, and there’s a scene in a nightclub where you can see a neon sign which says: "Everything you want is on the other side." I thought this was an allusion to The Berlin Wall and the perfect life people imagined might exist for them on the other side of it.

Later in the movie, there’s a wider shot and the whole sign is revealed where we can see it actually says:

"Everything you want is on the other side OF FEAR."

By this time Charlize is kicking some serious ass, but all I could think about is where can I get one of these signs made?

Because I love the expression and I think it’s absolutely true. If something scares you? Go towards it. That’s where the learning lives.

Fear often manifests itself when there’s something we know we want to do, but we’re hesitant to try because we might fail, get rejected, be disappointed, or whatever.

So if something keeps popping up in your brain and causing your stomach to drop – whether it’s applying for a new job, moving to a new city, asking someone out on a date, or taking an improv class – it’s usually a sign that you should be going for it.

How does all this relate to improv? For starters, improv is a great place to get comfortable facing fears. Maybe its public speaking, presenting, getting comfortable in your own skin, showing your authentic self to strangers…

Whatever it is, long-form improv and the ensemble philosophy create an environment where you will feel fully safe and supported to make bold choices, experiment, and explore. Improv dissolves fear. And that’s magical. Powerful. Life altering.

In a corporate context, fear is debilitating.

Innovation suffers, change takes forever or doesn’t happen at all, people don’t share their ideas, communication collapses and culture withers.

By incorporating some of the fundamentals of improv into a corporate context, you can help your team be less fearful of mistakes and more likely to succeed.

At LMA we always say “follow the funny,” but I think a good corollary to that just might be “follow the fear.”

If there's something you’re afraid of right now, and it's not life-threatening, then it just might be your soul trying to tell you something.

My advice is to listen to it. Take a deep breath and jump right in.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Fear often manifests itself when there’s something we know we want to do, but we’re hesitant to try because we might fail, get rejected, or be disappointed.

### One Word Suggestion: Ensemble

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Ensemble


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




I love this word. It represents so much of what we believe in, and teach and live at LMA - at both the school and our corporate training arm.

In Kelly Leonard and Tom Yorton’s great book, “Yes, and” they write about using the word “ensemble” instead of “team” because they think “team” is too loaded – often equated with lousy team building experiences or associated with competition, where one group wins and another loses. Ensemble, by contrast, implies cooperation, collaboration, and unconditional support.

And the “ensemble philosophy” is one of the fundamental differences between short form improv like Whose Line is it Anyway, Thank God You’re Here, or TheatreSports - and long-form improv which what our school and business are built on.

Those shows are all fun to watch, and fun to be in, but if you pay close attention you'll see that everyone is trying to be funnier than each other, and be their own star - and it’s often competitive.

Long-form, on the other hand, is all about being collaborative. My only job as part of an ensemble is to have your, and everyone else’s back, And their job is to have mine. And together we validate each other’s choices, ideas and actions and make them make sense.

The whole idea is that when you make others look good, you look good.

My favourite story that beautifully exemplifies the idea of the ensemble came from one of our Teachers Sophie Long.

She was in Chicago, the birthplace of improv, doing some training. And at the end of her course, they had a grad show.

Now the theatre they were performing in had entrances to the stage from the left and the right and they decided as a group to enter one at a time from alternating sides of the stage and meet in the middle in a line to start their show.

But the first guy to run out slipped and fell and banged his chin on the stage and the audience gasped in horror. So what do you think Sophie and her team did next?

They all ran out, one at a time, falling even bigger and more crazily than the last until they were in a big pile and the audience were on their feet giving them applause - and they hadn't even started the show.

This was not the plan. But they did what every great improviser knows how to do: react, adapt and communicate.

On stage or in everyday life - using the tools of improv when the unexpected happens can help you win. And having an ensemble you can trust to have your back is gold.

So to me, ensemble is about a group of people working together and supporting each other to achieve their best. To make each other look good, and serve something bigger than just themselves.

But the best definition of "ensemble" I ever heard was a poem attributed to Muhammad Ali and it goes like this:

We, not Me.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: The word “team” is often equated with lousy team building experiences or associated with competition. Ensemble, by contrast, implies cooperation, collaboration, and unconditional support.

### One Word Suggestion: Passion

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Passion


Welcome to One Word Suggestion

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




I don’t think there’s anything more infectious than watching joyful people do what they love.

When you can plainly see someone’s enthusiasm, care, curiosity and fascination about something (or someone) it’s awesome. Even when it’s something that doesn’t necessarily interest or affect you.

TED talks are a great example of this - every talk is a demonstration of a person’s passion. And passion can make boring things like bread, seem like the most amazing thing ever.

And it can make less boring things like improv pretty amazing too.

Part of the reason I think people get so passionate about improv is because of the safe, warm, welcoming space it creates.

People come to play knowing that they will be accepted, failure is OK - if it even exists at all, and that they can further their personal growth in a way that doesn't feel like work.

In his book FLOW, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi says: “There’s lots of things that can make you feel happy. But ‘flow' is the state of involved enchantment you feel in moments when you are fully absorbed in an activity that has meaning to you.

When you are in flow, you 'forget' yourself and lose track of time. In these moments, you feel strong, alert, unselfconscious and at the peak of your abilities.”

These exceptional moments provide flashes of intense living against the dull background of everyday life. They create a different type of happiness, of your own making, that is truly fulfilling and ultimately helps you develop a stronger sense of who you really are.

If you've ever seen a great improv show or been in one yourself then you know improv is an addictive way to feel the flow. Our very first full-time teacher, David Evans calls it unstructured adult playtime.

So it's no wonder people are passionate about improv. Some people may be a little too passionate. I mean, unless you run an improv school and an improv based corporate training business, there’s more to life.

Maybe. I wouldn’t know. I run an improv school and an improv based corporate training business.

The point is people get excited about improv and it’s that very fact that has kept me and LMA going and growing over the last few years.

There have been more than a few times when I wanted to throw in the towel and shut the businesses down. But then I’d overhear a comment about how a class changed someone's life. Or read a review where someone describes the transformative experience they had and how they will never be the same again. And I think - we have to keep going.

And to keep what we do going (or anything else really) takes drive and determination, but it’s passion that makes it all possible.

The teachers here, the support staff, and all the students do this because they love it.

And their passion is contagious and inspiring. And their passion, drives mine.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: People come to play knowing that they will be accepted, failure is OK - if it even exists at all, and that they can further their personal growth in a way that doesn't feel like work.

### One Word Suggestion: Integrity

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Integrity


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




The other night I was walking home and saw an empty pizza box lying open on the footpath. It was two feet from a recycling bin so I picked it up and put it in its place.

Right after I did I looked around hoping someone saw my good deed, but alas, my planet-saving actions went unobserved.

So what’s this got to do with integrity? Well, one definition of the word is “Doing the right thing even when nobody's watching.”

And even though I do remember being just a little bit disappointed, it probably shouldn’t have mattered, because in the end, it was a simple effort that was more about me living my code and honouring my values than what anyone else thinks.

Having integrity means you are true to yourself and won't do anything that demeans or dishonors your beliefs - or anyone else's, on stage or in real life.

In many ways, it's about respect. Of yourself and the people around you.

On stage, this could mean letting go of your idea and serving the scene. In a business setting, it could be more about creating an environment where everyone feels welcome, wanted, and supported, and as if they can share any idea without judgment.

It can also mean never giving anyone the impression that you don't care when improper actions are taking place. Operating with integrity means speaking up whenever you see unethical behavior slipping in.

If you see a scene or a situation going rogue, call it out, edit, do something… Just remember that not everyone's ethics may match your own. So be tactful.

Living with integrity isn’t always easy. Sometimes we’re just tired or in a hurry or distracted and we don’t do things the way we should. Someone else can pick up the pizza box!

But if your heart is in the right place and you’re at least aware of your actions and choices, then you’re probably on the right track.

And in the meantime be patient with others, and be patient with yourself, because sometimes the right thing to do isn't always the thing you want to do - and that’s ok.

As long as you do it. Even when nobody's watching.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Having integrity means you are true to yourself and won't do anything that demeans or dishonours your beliefs - or anyone else's, on stage or in real life.

### One Word Suggestion: Feelings

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Feelings


Welcome to One Word Suggestion.

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




Much loved Chicago improviser and coach Jason Chin once said: ‘’it’s our emotions that tell us who we are.’’

And yet I think many of us reject, push down, or don’t listen to our feelings in everyday life.

One of our Melbourne Teachers, Ella Lawry wrote an entire blog post about how we try to avoid our emotions, reject negative feelings and, feel ashamed when we’re not in control of them.

She says the way you react to people, situations and events will tell you so much about your values, and that examining, rather than avoiding them, is an important and worthwhile pursuit. And I agree.

The world of improv creates a rich and safe context within which to explore your feelings and emotional truths with other people. And it does it in a way that reveals insights possibly more profound than those gathered through normal conversation or in situations where we might feel inclined to keep our guard up.

I’ve seen it in every single improv class we teach or corporate training workshop we run at LMA.

On the outside, each participant is having a nearly identical experience, but on the inside, in their minds, they are all feeling different things and all kinds of amazing new connections are being made.

For more advanced improvisers, one of the most important things to remember is to just say what you feel. Feeling emotions in improv enables audiences to enjoy a deeper level of connection and comedy - and so scenes become way more captivating to watch. This is why the best movies, stories or memories, have a strong tie to an emotional hook.

Just remember to go deeper than sad, glad, mad. These get tired after a while. If you’re struggling in a scene, think back on a strong memory.

Your grandma’s kitchen, your first apartment, your favorite bar - all of these things elicit emotion, which leads to the memory of smells, details, and environments that you can use to bring new dimensionality to your scenes.

By exploring your real emotions and using those feelings to drive authentic and entertaining reactions you give audiences more of what they came for.

Offstage, I encourage you to just be you. As we grow up we get taught to hide our feelings, put on a mask of strength, but to feel is to be real. To feel is to be human.

And improv, if anything, is filled with some of the most feeling, caring, and wonderful humans you'll ever come to know.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: The way you react to people, situations and events will tell you much about your values, and examining, rather than avoiding them is a worthwhile pursuit.

### One Word Suggestion: Vulnerability

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Vulnerability


Welcome to One Word Suggestion

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.





Have you ever been to a stand-up comedy show where the comedian is bombing? Or in a client presentation where things just aren’t going as planned?

When it comes to watching a performer struggle on stage, or someone giving Powerpoint a bad name, I’m pretty sure most people would be glad it's not them up there.

In fact, a lot of people feel that way even when a comic kills or the client loves the work. They would never want to be on stage, exposed, and all alone.

But here’s the thing about long-form improv. It revolves around what we call the ensemble philosophy.

The idea is that as a group, we decide and commit to having each other’s backs and supporting each other's ideas, actions and choices no matter what.

So while standups choose to live and die alone, improvisers always have a group of people supporting them, and when you know your team has your back, it becomes so much easier to be vulnerable and open to whatever comes without letting your own fears, agenda or ego get in the way.

In our corporate training work we see this all the time: “I don’t want to look stupid, or for people to see the real me… what if they don't like what they see? What if I come across as weak?”

But guess what. Vulnerability is the truest demonstration of strength - being vulnerable by choice means you have enough confidence in yourself and your peers to see you through whatever comes at you.

Vulnerability makes you strong, not weak. When we show vulnerability with confidence we share ourselves without hesitation, comfortable whether we are accepted or not, committed to accepting others whether we are accepted or not.

And if being vulnerable does make you feel week, then that just means you’ve lost touch with your own personal power. The solution is to aim for openness.

Being vulnerable means that you don’t put your guard up—that you force yourself to be open to whatever happens on stage, at the office, in life. It is at the root of spontaneity.

If we’re afraid to show the depth of our personality or our emotional core, we deny the scene, our fellow players, our team, the audience, and even our friends and family, the power inherent in our details, our reactions and ourselves.

The trick is to foster an environment where people feel enabled and empowered to not only live their truth, but encourage others to live theirs as well. Only then can you draw from real life, embrace the awkwardness, and be real.



[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Vulnerability makes you strong, not weak. When we show vulnerability with confidence we share ourselves without hesitation and accept ourselves and ideally, others, fully.

### One Word Suggestion: Honesty

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Listen to the podcast version of this article below or wherever you find podcasts.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
One Word Suggestion: Honesty


Welcome to One Word Suggestion

Most people think improv is just for comedy or jazz music. But, really, it’s a tool for life. For each article in this series I use a single word, suggested by you, as a leaping off point to explore how having an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level, both personally and professionally, whether you have a career on or off the stage.




So, when it comes to honesty I think we can all agree that being truthful in life, and on stage is important.

And in general, being open, authentic, and honest will get you much further than always trying to be the funniest or smartest person in the room. Not that there’s anything wrong with that.

In their book “Improvisation At The Speed of Life,” T.J. Jagodowski and David Pasquesi talk about honesty in improv and they say something like: “Honesty is a deceptively simple endeavour that involves as much not doing (not panicking, not bluffing, not doubting) as it does doing (being present, listening, and paying attention).”

They believe fear holds most improvisers back from being honest on stage – fear of being vulnerable, fear of looking stupid, fear it won’t get laughs.

In real life that same kind of fear can lead us to exaggerate our experience, lie about our age, or hold back even though we think we might have a great idea.

The secret is, I think, to be comfortable with, and confident in yourself and the people you surround yourself with.

If you do the work to get those right, then staying true to your point of view (or your characters) with real integrity, openness and honesty become the default.

And improv training is a great way to peel back the onion layers and find your inner truth. Most people stay on the surface, but improvisers? They go deep because they quickly learn, that’s where the good stuff is - the stuff that people connect with instinctively because it's genuine.

That’s why so many people who meet in an improv class end up being friends for life!

Being smart is great. Being funny is great. But at the end of the day, we all just want to be around people who are authentic, people who actually want to hear what we have to say, and people who are more concerned with making a genuine connection than they are with showing off.

So to me, honesty is more than just not being a liar, it’s about operating with integrity and being truthful to yourself, to your peers, and to the world.


[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]If you want to suggest a word for next week, or add your perspective, drop me a note in the comments or in a review. I’m making one of these every week, for a year, so definitely subscribe, like, share, and all that jazz.

Or better yet, listen to the podcast.

And in the meantime, if you’re interested in improv for personal growth, professional achievement, or just for fun, my suggestion is to get yourself into an improv class or book a corporate training workshop for your team.

You can learn all about PowerProv’s programs at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
About One Word Suggestion
The One Word Suggestion series is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you use the power of improvisation to craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Available as articles, a podcast, and soon, a book filled with powerful exercises for teams.
The One Word Suggestion Podcast with Eran Thomson
In each 3-minute episode, Eran uses a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

 	🎧 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts.
 	Follow on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter
 	Get notified when a new episode drops
 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin | Twitter
 	Book a workshop

Like what you hear? Listen to Eran's guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite him to speak at your next event.

Learn about the best improv training for teams at PowerProv.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Honesty is more than just not being a liar, it’s about operating with integrity and being truthful to yourself, to your peers, and to the world.

### Eran Thomson on SKY News Entrepreneurs TV Show: Tall Poppy Syndrome Rant

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Tall Poppy Syndrome - The top-rated ``rant`` on Sky News' Entrepreneurs TV Show with Jack Delosa" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1726683315720{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]Eran Thomson is a Writer/Director who, in a previous life, founded of Zuper Superannuation, Laugh-Masters Academy, and PowerProv. This is a transcript of his "The Rant" segment on the Sky News TV Show "Entrepreneurs."[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yme3TY0YhvA" align="center" css=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text css=""]I love Australia. I moved to Sydney over 15 years ago from New York and made it my home. This country has so much to offer the world, but there's one cultural phenomenon that really frustrates me: Tall Poppy Syndrome.

In the US success is desired and celebrated. The original version of the American Dream is that anyone with enough hard work can achieve it. And if someone we know has any level of success at all, we try and get as close to them as we can.

To be inspired.

To learn.

To better understand how to achieve our own dreams.

To make a real impact.

And be rewarded for our efforts.

 

America is the home of many a success story, and now Australia has the chance to show the world what we can do, but we’re getting in our own way. If you work hard here and rise up in any way - professionally, financially, but most of all, visibly...

You get the chop.

I'm not talking about braggers, or posers exhibiting audacious displays of wealth - those kinds of people are annoying. I’m talking about the Doers. I’m talking about the people who get up and grind every day to manifest their destiny. I’m talking about the backyard innovators, the entrepreneurs, and the business owners who form the backbone of the Australian economy.

These are the people going the hard yards and battling to build something new. They create jobs, start movements, revolutionise industries. And despite enduring some of the slowest internet in the world, they help keep this lucky country moving forward.

The problem is if you’re the type of person who really wants to make something of yourself and build something great, chances are you won’t stay in Australia. You'll go to Silicon Valley, or London or New York - or anywhere else where people celebrate success. Brain drain is real.

We may be winning on “lifestyle,” but it’s not a good look when your best and brightest have to go overseas to blossom. This is a real shame because I know lots of people would love to live here, be successful as entrepreneurs, and take their ideas to the wider world.

But we put a limit on our own success. The elements are not in place financially, or culturally, and did I mention the slow internet? As a result not only are we losing talent, but we have a hard time attracting it.

The good news is we can choose to change how we think about Tall Poppies and start giving them a fair go. And now is the time to make that change. We’re no longer a nation isolated by distance. Technology and the digital economy mean we can play on the global stage. But to win there we have to level up and be competitive with everyone - everywhere.

This takes confidence, determination, and a huge drive to succeed. And we should be supporting and championing the people who stick their necks out because their success enables our own.

The plague of cultural insecurity that, in my opinion, is the root cause of Tall Poppy Syndrome has got to go. For real progress to occur, we need to collectively create an economic and cultural climate where bravery, creativity, and achievement are celebrated and serve to inspire a nation to rise up to its fullest potential.

And the first step towards making this happen is to stop chopping our tall poppies down.

And start watering them.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Watch Eran Thomson's infamous Tall Poppy Syndrome rant as seen on Sky News' Entrepreneurs TV Show with Jack Delosa and discover how blossom to your full potential.

### Eran Thomson on the Shaw Show Podcast: What Makes Zuper Super?

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_message message_box_style="solid" style="round" message_box_color="black"]Update: Zuper has been acquired! More details to follow.[/vc_message][vc_column_text]
What's the craziest thing you ever did?
I've done a lot of crazy things in my life and one of the most outrageous has been taking on the $2.3T (That's "T" for trillion) superannuation industry.
The Shaw Show Podcast: Eran Thomson and Jess Ellerm on what makes Zuper super.
People who know me well often wonder why I started a superannuation company.

But people who know me really well understand my passion for potential and enthusiasm for helping others get ahead, personally, professionally and, now, financially.

On this podcast, I and our new CEO, Jess Ellerm, share a bit about the business and what we hope to achieve.

Listen below, on the Shaw Show site, or wherever you find podcasts. And if you have a podcast and are looking for guests, I'd love to be considered.

[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Eran Thomson, Founder and CCO, and Jess Ellerm explain why and how Zuper superannuation exists.

### Why I Started Zuper Superannuation

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_message message_box_style="solid" style="round" message_box_color="grey"]Update: Zuper has been acquired![/vc_message][vc_message message_box_style="solid" style="round" message_box_color="grey"]Update 2: Zuper has been closed.[/vc_message][vc_custom_heading text="Super-whaaa?" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]When I first moved to Australia 15 year ago, I’d never heard of superannuation. So when I saw nearly 10% of my first pay-check going towards it, I just thought it was some sort of Australian tax.

I found out I was wrong the hard way. And I certainly never imagined that I’d one day be a Founder of a superannuation business.
For my American friends, superannuation, or “super” as its colloquially called, can be best described as a combo of Social Security and a 401k. It’s a government-mandated, forced retirement savings scheme where a percentage of your pay (currently 9.5%, but slated to rise as high as 12% over the next few years) is put into a “super fund.” Once in this fund, you more or less can’t touch it until you’re 65, and so the money will just sit there and, theoretically, benefit from the magic of compounding returns, doubling every 7–11 years, until you’re ready to retire.



 	

It’s time to retire superannuation as you know it.


Great idea. Poor execution.
Back in 1992 when super was first introduced it was widely celebrated as a great way to ensure the well-being of all Aussies as they headed into their golden years. And in theory, it is, however at the time it was deemed by the government that the industry best suited to manage this new program was insurance. This created a situation (that still exists) where insurance companies could potentially maximise their own returns with a conflicted model that pays your hard-earned money into their funds and policies.
In spite of this, customers typically think they’re getting a good deal because they don’t have to pay for these policies with cash (the premiums come out of that 9% “tax”). For this reason, most people never really question if they’re overpaying for insurance or really need all the various policies they’re often sold, or given by default. And while some people really may be getting a good deal, there’s no doubting the negative effect multiple fees have on compounding returns over time.
Now factor in that many super funds have Fund Managers who are essentially gambling with your money, and they get paid — by you — whether they win or lose. This makes little sense when there’s a plethora of index funds and passive ETF’s that can do the job at a fraction of the price, and will statistically outperform actively managed funds over time. If you don’t believe me, ask Warren Buffet.
On top of all that, most employers usually have their own preferred superannuation providers. This means every time you change jobs, you’re likely to have your super put into a new, different fund. Over the course of a career, you might end up with several super accounts — paying insurance and management fees out of all of them. This makes it even harder to get the money you’ll need when you’re older.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jy8zNxTNtsc

 
Archaic Technology
Then there’s the fact that most superannuation companies were founded before the internet even existed. A lot has changed since then. Chances are your current super is run on ancient computer programs that can barely keep up with today’s technology. The world of FinTech moves fast, and for the most part, the superannuation industry hasn’t been keeping up. If you’ve ever been asked to sign a form and then fax it somewhere you know exactly what I mean. As a result, it’s possible you’re missing out on all sort of efficiencies and savings. And you’re almost definitely not getting the service or tools you deserve to maximise wealth.
Managing the Managers
That hard lesson I mentioned up top? A few years ago I got a letter from a super fund I didn’t know I had saying they were closing my account. On my final statement, they charged me $387 to “manage” the last $402 left in the account.


It’s time to stop feeding the fat cats.
The research revealed I had at one time over $10,000 in this fund, and nearly all of it had been wiped out by fees and insurance premiums that I didn’t know anything about until it was too late. I had been paying a Fund Manager I’d never met, let alone spoken to, or asked to manage my money. And he managed it right out of my account into his.
The sting never really wore off, and that’s part of the reason why I jumped at the chance to disrupt the industry when I met my co-founders. I may not be George Soros, but I do know right from wrong. I know what a good customer experience feels like. And after nearly 20 years in the advertising industry, I know how to create, build, and market brands. So here we are.
Extremely Super
We’re calling our new company Zuper, which according to the Urban Dictionary means “extremely super.” We’re doing everything we can to live up to that definition.
For the past 11 months we’ve been busy defining our unique approach, creating the brand, and getting all the necessary partnerships and agreements into place it takes to actually have a superannuation business — and to ensure our customers' money will be safely and smartly invested. We are now seed-funded by private investors and are developing Zuper to be future proof and thrive in our ever-changing global economy.


Zena the Zeebot can answer all your superannuation questions. She also knows a lot about donkeys.

 
At its core, Zuper represents a movement to endow everyday Australians with the knowledge and power they need to thoughtfully invest in, and enjoy their own future. When we launch officially, Zuper will use behavioural intelligence, artificial intelligence, and technology to simplify superannuation so you can take control and build wealth through economical, empowering, and transparent investments that align with your values. For now, our list of possible funds includes Tech, Green, Health, and Property, with more on the way based on your suggestions.
Do This One Thing.
Do you know where all your super is? Or what it’s invested in? Or how much you have?
Most people we talk to don’t. But they do know they should do something about it — it’s all just too hard and confusing. And that’s another reason why we decided to redesign superannuation from scratch: to make something that doesn’t need to be complicated, simple and easy.
So if you’re among the 83% of Aussies who didn’t intentionally choose their super company, or the 56% who don’t know who their super is with, or how much super they have, it’s time to take back the power and control over your money. Because it is your money. You earned it and chances are, it’s your biggest asset.
Whether you decide to move your super to Zuper or not, I encourage you to take a minute and make sure you’re making the most of your money. One of the simplest and best things you can do is combine all your super into one place. If you do decide Zuper is right for you, you’ll be able to do this with a click. No paperwork. No hassle. No fax machine.
Our goal at Zuper is to set a new industry standard for customer service and satisfaction and help you build wealth for retirement. And I’d love for you to benefit from what we’re building. In the meantime, I hope you will consider signing up for early access because the future is… Zuper.



Eran Thomson is the Founder of Zuper. Follow him @eranthomson and track Zuper’s progress @zuperannuation
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: It’s time to retire superannuation as you know it and take control of your financial future. Don’t worry, Zuper will make it easy for you.

### Help Others Movement Interview

https://youtu.be/ZhSJ0LyYlHo

 

The "Help Others Movement" is a great thing and so I was happy to sit down with Susan Zheng and expound on all sorts of things ranging from Productivity Hacks, rock concerts on Mt. Everest, limiting beliefs, running a comedy school, and setting up a new superannuation business.

Hopefully, some of this helps someone, somewhere, with 42 minutes to kill.

Excerpt: The "Help Others Movement" is a great thing and so I was happy to sit down with Susan Zheng for chatty interview in a park frequented by many distracting meth addicts.

### Make This One Thing Mandatory for Millennials

If you happened to catch Simon Sinek’s recent interview on Inside Quest about millennials in the workplace, then you may already be familiar with his theory about why they are the way they are. If you haven’t seen it, he blames their typically entitled, narcissistic, unfocused, lazy, self interested behaviour on four key factors: Bad parenting, technology, impatience, and environment. He also says the onus is now on businesses to step up and work extra hard to help this “tough to manage” generation build confidence and social skills integral to a well functioning workplace.

The problem is most companies aren’t equipped to do this challenging work on top of their already challenging work. Token efforts like beanbags and free food, while seemingly expected, will only get you so far. And if you’re a millennial who in any small way recognises these traits in your own behaviour, the good news is that Simon says its not your fault. The bad news is he doesn’t offer any real solutions to the problems he’s identified. But whether you’re an employer or employee, there is one thing you can do that will help make the most of this frustrating situation: Improv training.

Now before you laugh, (and it’s perfectly OK to laugh), lets quickly go through Simon’s four factors one-by-one and explore how improv can help.



 

1. Bad Parenting. Millennials were told they were special, that they could have anything they want, and many of them were given awards for participation rather than real achievement, or got ahead because their parents pushed or complained. As a result of these failed strategies millennials developed a false sense of entitlement which hasn’t served them well in the real world. Especially when they find out they aren’t so special and Mum can’t get them a promotion. As a result their self esteem takes a beating.

An improv class is a special and magical thing, but let’s be honest, no amount of improv training can make up for failed parenting tactics. Perhaps only years of therapy can do that, but what an improv class can do is help people rediscover what is in fact special about themselves and celebrate those differences in a safe, welcoming place. Because the truth is, everyone is special, millennial or not. And our unique differences and points of view are an integral part of what it takes to make an improv class, or show - or a business - work. And while there may be no substitute for doting parents, being in a room with a bunch of people who all have your back and whose only job is to make you look like a genius, will surely give you the feels. The difference, however, is that in an improv workshop, class, or ensemble, you’re part of something bigger. Improv is all about leveraging each person’s specialness to make the whole team look good, not just the individual. It’s all about “We,” not “Me.”

TL:DR

 	Millennials don’t know how to communicate offline > Improv teaches active listening, verbal, and non-verbal communication skills you can put to immediate use. 
 	Millennials are social media and phone addicts who crave instant dopamine hits > Improv gets you off offline and on “stage” where laughter delivers a bigger, healthier and perhaps more addictive hit. 
 	Millennials don’t feel appreciated and don’t show appreciation unless it’s a “like” > Improv is built around a core concept of “Yes, and…” which is all about graciously accepting and appreciating other’s unique points of view and ideas, and then building on them.
 	Millennials are constantly comparing themselves to others (Facebook = depression) > Improv gives you a meaningful and fun way to connect with others, by joining a class you become part of an ensemble where our differences are celebrated, real human connections are made, and you always feel supported.

2. Technology - The human desire for connection is strong, and yet technology strips much of it away. We all know online connections are rarely real, durable, or meaningful. Worse, the portals into this false view of the world are addictive. The little hits of dopamine “likes” and “follows” deliver keep you coming back for more and yet research proves people who spend more time on Facebook are more depressed. Part of the reason for this is what we see and share online is a filtered perspective of life. Everyone looks like they have it figured out, which in turn reminds viewers that they don’t.

On the first night of every Laugh-Masters Academy Level 1 class we tell our students: “Look around, because in eight weeks this room full of strangers will be a room full of new best friends.” And they always look at us like we’re crazy. But fast forward to eight weeks later, and sure enough they’re practically inseparable. They easily operate with a “group mind.” They share ideas without fear of judgement. And they can hang out at the pub together for hours. The relationships and bonds that form inside an improv class are real, they’re durable, and they’re meaningful - inside and outside of the classroom, which is why the sense of community at schools like LMA is so strong.

Part of the reason for this is that improv training helps you develop trust in others (and in yourself). It creates a safe, supportive place to be vulnerable, and it allows all of us to explore and discover the depths of our personality, share our own voice and unique point of view, and confidently put our inner beauty on display. On top of all this, if you think seeing a little red dot on Facebook gives you a hit of addictive dopamine, wait until you get your first laugh from a group of classmates, or even better, a live audience. That’s the real crack. The kind that’s good for you.

3. Impatience - Millennials grew up with instant access to everything: Watch online now - no checking movie schedules. Swipe right - No awkward dating. Love those shoes - Amazon delivers tomorrow. But there ain’t no app for job satisfaction or deep and meaningful relationships - these take time. And if most of your social skills are learned online, it’s likely you’ve never developed the emotional intelligence, basic human communication skills, or commitment making abilities required cope in the real world, let alone the workplace.

Improv is great for impatient people because it forces them to be active and engaged in the present moment. But best of all, you can be, do, or make anything you want happen on an improv stage in an instant. Literally anything. But to make it work you have to use imagination, heightened awareness and collaborate with your partners on stage using what to audiences looks like magic, but in reality, is just a group of people committing to an idea and leveraging highly developed communications skills to take that idea and run.

The really cool thing is that, without ever really trying, everyone in in an improv class is fine tuning their social skills - learning how to actively listen, how to communicate a specific idea, how to use eye contact, read body language, speak with confidence, take high status when necessary, or when to take low status if it better serves the group. And all of these things can contribute to higher job satisfaction and foster meaningful relationships. In short, the lessons, skills, and social coping mechanisms taught in an improv class can be put to immediate use - in class, on stage, and in the real world.

4. Environment - Even the best HR department isn’t going to give out participation medals, beg for promotions on employees behalf, coddle hurt feelings or tolerate bad attitudes. But when corporate environments care more about short term profits than employee growth and satisfaction they miss the chance to help staff build confidence, nurture cooperation skills, find balance, overcome the need for instant gratification, and appreciate the fulfilment that comes from working with others towards a common goal.

Simon claims that millennials blame themselves for the general malaise and dissatisfaction they feel on the job, and if he’s right, then leadership needs to jump in and pick up the slack. And the first step is to create a corporate culture where people feel valued, supported, and able to suggest any idea, ask for help, or admit mistakes, without fear of judgement. You can’t create a healthy, productive environment by redecorating. Its a byproduct of sincere, open, honest management, and the coalescence of your team over time. Above all else it comes through creating what we call in improv an “ensemble mentality.” Which is essentially a group of people who like, support, trust, and believe in each other as they work towards a shared goal.

Once you have millennials who can listen, communicate, collaborate, and build on each other’s ideas, you’re sure to see job satisfaction increase and turnover decrease, along with less depression, less negativity, less gossip and less political nonsense. You’ll also see more laughter. Which is what you want, because laughter in the workplace typically means people are comfortable, communicating, un-stressed, and happy.

In summary, students of improv will walk away from a class or corporate workshop with increased confidence, improved social skills and the awareness that true satisfaction comes from within. They’ll enjoy a newly discovered power inside themselves to create, develop, nurture, and realise the things they need for themselves, and perhaps more meaningfully, for and with others.

For these reasons, and many more, improv training should be mandatory for millennials, maybe even for everyone. But that doesn’t mean you don’t have to stock up on beanbags and free food. Those are still very, very necessary.
•   •   •
Eran Thomson is an award-winning Writer, Director, Creative Director, Entrepreneur, and John McEnroe doppelgänger. He’s beaten cancer, been beaten by Mt. Everest, and likes to bust rhymes to the beat. He is the Founder of LMA.

Photo: ©iStock.com/Petar Chernaev

### I Got Stuck in the Chimney

I'm not blowing smoke when I say I'm excited to be joining the team at Chimney.

Partly because it means I get to make more funny things, and partly because their Scandinavian origins mean that I can talk like the Swedish Chef in meetings.

You can see my latest reel here.

Excerpt: I'm excited to be joining the team at Chimney. Partly because it means I get to make more funny things, but also because their Scandinavian origins mean that I can talk like the Swedish Chef in meetings.

### #1 of the Best Iphone Filmmaking MasterClass Sydney

Sri Lankan Stick Steadi-Cam™

A few years ago my soon to be wife and I took a long overdue holiday to Sri Lanka. We decided to start our trip at Kadju House, a lovely villa on the south coast near Tangalle, where we could relax for three or four days before beginning our "real" adventure. But the villa was sooo nice, and the food sooo delicious, and staff sooo friendly that we kept extending our stay.

Being on holiday and in one spot meant I finally had some free time to play around with an app called FilmicPro that I'd downloaded ages prior. And it was while I was out for a stroll on the rocky beach that I envisioned filming an epic chase scene.

From there I set about scribing a simple story that could be be cobbled together using local talent and our villa staff as the cast. Everyone loved the idea and the next day we were in production.

The film is full of mistakes and I can't say the chase scene is "epic," but I learned a lot about phone filmmaking, and the film ended up winning some awards in a few mobile phone film festivals. And more recently the "Stick Steadi-Cam," that I built by channeling my inner MacGyver, was featured in an Apple Store seminar on iPhone filmmaking, so this little short delivered more than just a few smiles. But more than anything else, its a wonderful souvenir from a wonderful trip.

You can watch THE DHAL BURGLAR below.

The Patent Pending Stick Steadi-Cam™ getting some love at the iPhone Filmmaking MasterClass at the Sydney Apple Store.



 

Excerpt: Channeling my inner MacGyver led to the invention of the "Stick Steadi-Cam," that was featured in an Apple Store seminar on iPhone filmmaking.  The films it was used on is a wonderful souvenir from a wonderful trip to Sri Lanka.

### Bustin' Rhymes Badly at a Wedding

My friends Henry and Michelle got engaged and asked me to be the Master of Ceremonies at their wedding.
This was an easy "yes" followed by an uneasy, "now what the fuck do I do?"

I was well briefed, met everyone I needed to beforehand, dug up as much dirt on the bride and groom as could be found, and got to work.

However nerve-wracking being the MC at your friend's wedding might be, there's a fairly well-established formula to it all.

So of course, I had to add a special touch. And my special touch was to perform a rap song in front of 200 people about Henry and Michelle.

Without music or a DJ.

I got everyone to clap and stomp their feet to give me a beat and broke out my bars.

Somebody probably has the whole thing on camera and if they do, I don't want to know about it.

It was way better when I practiced it at home in front of the mirror.
Henry & Michelle's Wedding Rap
Microphone check 1-2 what is this?
Time to get funky with this wedding day business.

Now what you hear is not a test.
It’s just MC E.T. and all the best dressed.

You make the beats and I’ll make rhymes
And tell you a story that goes back in time.

It started way back in history
When Michelle first met Mr. Henry.

Upon first sight, he said hoo-ha-hey
But she took one look and thought - I reckon he’s gay.

To him, she was a mystery, a woman, a queen
but on Henry, she still wasn’t keen.

So he set out to do the best he could
By proving his masculine manhood.

By picking flowers and sipping fine wine.
And cooking up vegetables on which they’d dine.

His love and intentions were so damn pure.
But his bride-to-be still wasn’t sure.

But he never gave up, he’d just try and try.
And soon Michelle thought - maybe he’s bi?

Well, sooner or later, love ran its course.
And quickly they became an unstoppable force.

It wasn't long before she moved in
And they began living in total sin.

Making sweet “things” if you get my gist.
And if you don’t, here’s a partial list:

Kombucha
Chocolate
Yogurt, Muesli

Juice
Candles
Hot sauce and Tea

Jams
Sauerkraut
and Documentaries

And all of them organic
and cruelty-free.

After many years Henry had to do something.
So he went to the shops and bought a diamond ring.

And now we’ve witnessed these two best friends
Commit to each other till the very ends.

Professing their love and ready to dance
on this special day of nuptial romance.

Look at those two, that love ain't phony
All caught up in holy matrimony.

Cuz now they legit. Husband and wife.
So let’s wish them a long and happy life.

One of them is trouble, the other less so
but together they’re sure to make a whole lot mo.

So put your hands together for Henry n Michelle
A super fly couple who are cool as hell!

Put your hands together for Henry n Michelle
A super fly couple who are cool as hell!

 

Excerpt: My friends asked me to be the Master of Ceremonies at their wedding. This was an easy "yes" followed by an uneasy, "now what the fuck do I do?"

### Aqua Feara

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column][vc_column_text]I grew up terrified of water.

Not all water. Tubs, showers and lawn sprinklers were never an issue. But lakes, rivers and the ocean - were.

Part of this was because I was a slow learner when it came to swimming. So slow in fact that I distinctly remember the day at the local lake when my parents, exasperated with the whole process of teaching me to swim, finally gave up and let my arms and legs go.

I now know that they had hoped my instincts would kick in and at the very least I would doggie paddle my way towards shore. Instead, I sank and thrashed and screamed. And by the time I made my way to a spot where I could stand, I swore that I would never go near water again.

Around that same time, we went to visit a good friend of my father’s who happened to be an avid sailor. He decided that the best way to cure my fear of water was to take me out on his Sailfish in high winds - without a life jacket - to show me how fun it was. Nowadays a kid could sue for that sort of dumbness, but back then it must have seemed like a smart idea.

It wasn’t.

And when I finally got safely back to shore that time, I swore that I would never go near water again.

Fast forward to high-school. I can swim now. Not confidently. Not quickly. But I can swing off a giant ass rope swing and make my way back to the river bank without sinking, thrashing or screaming.

Especially if there are girls around. But the fear was still in me.

And I hate fear. So I decided the only way to conquer it was to face down the two water-related activities that scared me the most - and that looked like the most fun:

Surfing and SCUBA Diving.

Surfing came relatively easy. I was a fanatical skateboarder and skier and elements of both can easily be applied to surfing. Plus, you have this giant, super floaty thing attached to your ankle with a virtually unbreakable rope that you can cling to when the seas get rough. My surfboard was as much a piece of sporting equipment as it was a security blanket.

SCUBA Diving was harder. For starters, we learned how to use all the gear in a swimming pool. Pools were traumatic for me thanks to a grade school incident where some older kids held my head under at the YMCA while the Lifeguard wasn’t looking. By the time anyone heard his whistle blow I had already sworn that I would never go near water again.

So there I was, shivering in the pool with all this James Bond looking apparatus strapped to my back and wondering if I could trust the equipment with my life while I was a whole twenty inches deep when our Instructor said something I’ll never forget.

He said, “never take the regulator out of your mouth. Even if you have to puke.”

Apparently, regulators are so bulletproof that even if you puke in them, they’ll still pump clean, canned air into your lungs. In spite of my anxiety, I never put this to the test in the pool, but I almost did in the Florida Keys. It was years later on my final certification dive when I came face to face with a six-foot Grey Shark.

There was a lot of thrashing and bubbly screaming, but no vomiting. And when I finally made my way safely back to the boat, I swore that I would never go near water again.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I grew up terrified of water. Tubs, showers and lawn sprinklers were never an issue, but lakes, rivers and the ocean were.

### #1 Best Cop Stories: The Rattla

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column][vc_column_text]I have lots of cop stories. Don’t judge me. I was a good kid, just mischievous - and often, unlucky.

One of my favourites begins in North Carolina with a call from my college buddy Clark who rang one day and said, “Get over here, I just bought a car for two-hundred bucks.”

So I jumped in my $700 P.O.S. Toyota Corolla with a wooden sunroof (that's another story) and sped over to where he told me he was. Which was in the ghetto part of town. Literally and figuratively. Ghetto.

I found him in the parking lot of a run-down housing community, head under the hood, staring into the engine bay of a dark metallic green beast of a vehicle. It wasn’t a Cadillac, it was another brand’s attempt to be a Cadillac.

From the first glance, it seemed to me to be worth well over $200. No dents, no rust, interior in good shape, stereo worked. Bargain.

“What’s the issue?”

Clark told me the beast’s engine was running fine, but that the linkage between the accelerator pedal and carburettor wasn’t working, so even though there was air in the tires, fuel in the tank, and tunes in the tape deck, no road trip was in the near future.

This was not acceptable.

I quickly joined him under the hood to inspect the goings-on. We quickly discerned that the entire linkage assembly wasn’t busted at all. It was completely missing - and without that, we were a no go.

So I did what any resourceful, and mostly broke, young man would: channelled my inner MacGyver. The easiest and most cost-effective solution I could come up with involved tying one end of a very long length of picture framing wire to the carb throttle, running it down and through a hole in the firewall, then up from the interior footwell where we wrapped the excess wire around a stick.

The beast was an automatic with power steering, so to drive it all you had to do was steer with one hand, and accelerate by pulling on the stick handle connected to the carb with your other.

After a few sketchy laps around the parking lot, it was decided that we should skip class and hit the road. Destination: Unknown.

So there we are blazing down the highway when the dreaded blues appear in the rearview mirror. Clark is driving and I am in the back seat holding and operating the “stick” accelerator. There were two reasons for this:

 	It was tiring to keep pulling on the cable, so we took turns.
 	Because we didn’t have anything to cut the framing wire with, we had wrapped the excess around the stick which made it uncomfortable to hold. By unravelling some of the wire, the handle got thinner and easier to hold, but with extra length, the only place to control our speed from was in the back seat.

What all this meant was that the speeding ticket Clark was most likely about to get was all my fault. And we both knew it, but the cop who was now sauntering up to us with his cliche mirrored cop glasses didn’t.

It’s worth mentioning at this point that Clark, for whatever reason, was also wearing a pair of those cliche mirrored cop glasses. And he never took them off for the entire rest of this story.
Cop peers into the window: What’s the hurry?
Clark: No hurry Officer.
Cop: So why were you speeding then?
Clark points to me in the back seat. I hold up the stick handle and wire and give it a good yank. The engine revs loudly - thankfully we’re in neutral - and then two things happen at once:

 	Clark loses his shit. Can’t stop laughing.
 	Cop loses his shit. Can’t comprehend what he is seeing.

When the steam stops spewing from his Cop ears we begin to explain the situation, and how “we’re just driving to the service station so we can get it all fixed up properly” and so forth. (Yeah, right.)

After much deliberation Cop tells us to make sure we get it fixed and starts sauntering back to his own car.

And we think we’ve gotten away with it, when all of a sudden the cop turns around, comes back to the car, bends down and gets into Clark’s face and yells:

“And take those goddamned sunglasses off!”

We drove all the way to Pittsburgh that night.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="cop stories" font_container="tag:h6|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I have lots of cop stories. Don’t judge me. I was a good kid, just mischievous - and often, unlucky.

### ESPN World Series Baseball Campaign

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column][vc_gallery images="23045,23046,23047,23048,23049,23050,23051,23052,23053,23054,23055,23056" img_size="large" type="flexslider_slide" interval="5"][vc_column_text]Just finished this series of social media ads for the Major League Baseball "World Series"* on ESPN. Somehow I made the observation that no other sport, institution or organisation has inserted as many expressions or turns of phrase into the English language as baseball. And once we realised it was probably true, the campaign sort of wrote itself. Hopefully we didn't "drop the ball."[vc_separator type='transparent' position='center' color='' border_style='' thickness='' up='' down='']

*Why do they call it that when only American teams play? #DeepThoughts[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="transparent" border_style="" thickness="25"][vc_custom_heading text="Check out the ESPN World Series Baseball Social Media Ads here." font_container="tag:h6|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: No other sport, institution or organisation has inserted as many expressions or turns of phrase into the English language as baseball

### Optus Paid Ricky Gervais Million$ - Here's My 2¢

[vc_row row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" css_animation=""][vc_column][vc_column_text]Someone (Optus) paid Ricky Gervais to make their ads funny. And then someone else (AdNews) asked me to share my two cents about them. Only one of us got a really good deal. Read the article.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="23017" img_size="large" alignment="center" style="vc_box_shadow_3d" onclick="custom_link" qode_css_animation="" link="http://www.adnews.com.au/news/optus-called-again-aussie-creatives-unpack-ricky-gervais-ads"][vc_column_text]
Read the Full Article
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="transparent" border_style="" thickness="25"][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/waymSm5lP-k"][vc_separator type="transparent" border_style="" thickness="25"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Someone (Optus) paid Ricky Gervais to make their ads funny. And then someone else (AdNews) asked me to share my two cents about them. Only one of us got a really good deal

### Hands Off The Hat

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]The social etiquette of when and where it’s acceptable for a man to wear a hat and the occasions on which a gentleman is expected to take his hat off are generally agreed upon.

What is less agreed upon, however, is when it’s OK for someone else to take a man’s hat off.

Listen to Indy

It seems that for many uncouth men and women other people’s millinery is merely an opportunity to try before you buy.

Or flirt. Badly.

I’m talking to you drunken dance floor floozie. You don’t look cute. You don’t make me want to get to know you better. And even though I may be smiling as you do your sexiest sashay away, every second my hat is on your head, makes me hate you more.

Unless you’re 10 hot. And even then, it’s questionable.

According to the “Law of the West,” you should never touch a man’s wife, horse or hat - and violating any of the three would likely get you a bullet. Thankfully, these days not everybody is armed. Well, at least not me, but still, my advice is to play it safe.

To make it easy for you, I’ve compiled a handy list below of when it’s acceptable to grab a man’s hat off his head:

 	Never
 	Never
 	Never

And just in case you need reason’s why, I’ve put that handy list together too.

 	Hat head - Grabbing a man’s hat is the equivalent of ruffling a woman’s hair which is probably never a good idea always. Exception: Grandparents. A grandparent can get away with ruffling hair.
 	Hair gel, spray, or mousse - I don’t need these things because I’m wearing a hat. You, on the other hand, have a head full of sticky residue that I don’t want inside my lid.
 	Dents, smudges and stains - Some hats are expensive, most hats are flimsy, and all hats are hard to clean.
 	Lice - I don’t know if you have them, and you don’t know if I do.* Definitely not worth the risk.
 	Defensive Action - Depending on the circumstances, the person whose hat you grab may not know if you ever plan on giving it back, in which case they may react unfavourably.
 	Respect - It all comes down to this really. Have some.

Oh and by the way, if you do ask to try on a man’s hat, and the answer is “no,” and you grab it anyway, whatever happens next will be entirely your fault.

In my case, I may not be armed, but I just might accidentally spill my beer.

On your face.

* I don’t.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" anchor="" in_content_menu="" content_menu_title="" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fa_icon="" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" video="" video_overlay="" video_overlay_image="" video_webm="" video_mp4="" video_ogv="" video_image="" background_image="" pattern_background="" section_height="" parallax_speed="" background_color="" border_color="" side_padding="" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" color="" hover_color="" more_button_label="" less_button_label="" button_position="" css_animation="" transition_delay=""][vc_column][vc_video link="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dym4Ya8kAzk"][vc_separator type="transparent" position="center" border_style="" thickness="25"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: The social etiquette of when and where it’s acceptable for a man to wear a hat, and the occasions on which a gentleman is expected to take his hat off are generally agreed upon. What is less agreed upon, however, is when it’s OK for someone else to take a man’s hat off

### Social Media Campaign of The Royals

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]Some recent headlines and body copy for an existing Fairfax Media print/social media campaign from The Royals.
Click the images to see 'em bigger. Woof![/vc_column_text][vc_separator color="" type="transparent" position="center" border_style="" thickness="25" width="" up="" down=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" anchor="" in_content_menu="" content_menu_title="" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fa_icon="" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" video="" video_overlay="" video_overlay_image="" video_webm="" video_mp4="" video_ogv="" video_image="" background_image="" pattern_background="" section_height="" parallax_speed="" background_color="" border_color="" side_padding="" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" color="" hover_color="" more_button_label="" less_button_label="" button_position="" css_animation="" transition_delay=""][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="22988" img_size="large" alignment="center" img_link_large="yes" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_single_image image="22989" img_size="large" alignment="center" img_link_large="yes" qode_css_animation=""][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" anchor="" in_content_menu="" content_menu_title="" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fa_icon="" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" video="" video_overlay="" video_overlay_image="" video_webm="" video_mp4="" video_ogv="" video_image="" background_image="" pattern_background="" section_height="" parallax_speed="" background_color="" border_color="" side_padding="" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" color="" hover_color="" more_button_label="" less_button_label="" button_position="" css_animation="" transition_delay=""][vc_column][vc_separator type="transparent" position="center" border_style="" thickness="25"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Some recent headlines and body copy for an existing Fairfax Media print / social media campaign from The Royals

### Eran Thomson Writer / Director Reel

Looking for E.T.'s writer and director reel?

Congratulations. You came to the almost right place. You are literally one click away.

Boom!

Excerpt: Looking for E.T.'s latest reel? Congratulations. You came to the almost right place. You are literally one click away.

### Life Without Barriers Wins Silver Clio Award

Just found out that a project I worked on ages ago is sweeping up in the advertising award shows.

First, it was Gold at BEFest.

Then Silver at AWARD (Australian Writers and Art Directors).

And now, a Silver Clio - one of only six won in Australia.



This photo pretty much sums up how I feel about ad awards:

They matter, but not much.

Still its good to be a winner.

Congrats to The Precinct Team on a job well done.

Excerpt: Life Without Barriers video wins Silver at AWARD and a Silver Clio

### Maximus "Go Big" Wins an Effie

A little over a year ago I worked on the launch of a new sports drink called Maximus.

Its basically Gatorade in a bigger bottle. There wasn't much else to say, so I wrote the sort of obvious campaign line "Go Big," and then we sat around and came up with a million cool ideas that could bring that positioning to life in a fun and relevant way.

Sadly none of our "big" ideas went big and we ended up writing a bunch of dick jokes.

Fast forward to last week and we now have proof that dick jokes are not only always funny, but they can be used to sell sweet, colourful, electrolyte laden liquid. Lots of it apparently. Even the yellow one.

Here's a picture of my mate Joel (in the hat) who worked on this with me collecting our award. He's a genuine rock star. Like, plays in a famous band and stuff, so that's probably why he doesn't care about facing the camera so much.

For those of you who don't know, the Effies are the international advertising award show where you win based on how well your campaign actually worked. Unlike things like Clever Buoy which doesn't actually exist other then a non-functioning prototype, but I digress.

Anyway, it's always good to be a winner, especially in this business. And the best news is when Joel wakes up hungover after some hard earned celebrating, he's got a major stash of sweet, colourful, electrolyte laden liquid to help get him back to peak performance.

Well done team.

 

Excerpt: Now we have proof: Dick jokes are not only funny, but effective

### Surviving Vipassana Meditation

Ten Days in the Life of a Vipassana Boy
A long time ago in India, there was a woman with three sons. One day she gave her first son 20 rupees and sent him to the market to buy some cooking oil. On the way home, he tripped, fell and dropped the bottle of oil, spilling half out onto the dirt path. He ran home crying, “Boo-hoo Mummy, I fell and look, I lost half of the cooking oil. Isn’t that terrible!” 
The Pessimist.
Next time she sent her second son, again with a 20-rupee note to fill her oil bottle, and what do you know? On the way home, he tripped and dropped the bottle spilling half of the oil out onto the dirt path. Excitedly he picked up the bottle and ran home. “Mummy, look! I fell and spilled some of the oil, but I managed to save half of it. Isn’t that great! 
The Optimist.
Now it is the third son’s turn to go to the market with 20 rupees to fill the oil bottle, and as a result of very shoddy path maintenance, he also tripped and spilled half the oil on the way home. “Mummy, look! I fell and spilled some of the oil, but I managed to save half of it, isn’t that great! Of course, I realize you need a full bottle, so I’m going to work doing odd jobs until I earn ten rupees to refill it.”
The Vipassana Boy.
"Optimism, realism, workism," so goes one definition of Vipassana meditation as told by the charismatic guru in (video) residence, S.N. Goenka, at the Vipassana Meditation Centre in Blackheath, NSW.

"Vipassana," which means "to see things as they really are," is one of the world's most ancient techniques of meditation. It was taught in India more than 2500 years ago as a universal remedy for universal ills and the art of living. I'm going to learn in it in the Blackheath Mountains, just outside of Sydney, Australia. It is a notoriously challenging course, famed for being ten days long and for no one being allowed to speak.

At all. For ten days. Ten.

Day Zero, Train
Here we go. On the train to Blackheath. Nervous. Hopeful. Enthusiastic. Scared shitless.

What the hell am I doing going to some Vipassana place for 10 days – no speaking, no communication, no phone, email – no nothing? Maybe that is the whole point, no-thing-ness.

What am I hoping for? Peace. Some tools I can use for the rest of my life to create calmness, positivity, a right point of view, and a sense of understanding about what this life is about and who I really am. Is this expecting too much?

One thing I know for sure, ten days of relaxation, good vegetarian food and mountain air can only be good, but I cannot help thinking of all the other great offers of how and who to spend the Easter break with: Chasing sheep on motorbikes down south, wine tasting in the Hunter, chilling in Byron, surfing in Crescent Head and more. If you ever find yourself without holiday plans, just tell all your friends you’re going on a 10-day meditation retreat and you’ll be amazed at the counteroffers you get. Don’t my friends want me to find inner peace?

Something about the timing of this seems right though. It’s a full moon tonight – a fresh start, and there was a fall rain today, perhaps to wash away the sediment of a past life. I’m ready to be new or at least renewed.

Will I be that different on the other side of this experiment? Will it really feel like I’m tripping on drugs when I get out as I’ve been told? Or will I simply feel like a confident warrior, ready and prepared to face whatever comes my way with strength and acceptance?

A lot of what this course seems destined to teach sounds similar to what I’ve recently read in “A New Earth” by Eckhart Tolle – which could only be good. I’ve got a few more pages to read before I finish it, but I have been thinking about thinking about that book, and all the other things I might ponder during my ten days of internment: relationships, work, career, goals, vision for the future etc. I also wonder if what I’ve been told about not thinking for ten days is really true. That seems like such a waste, but what do I know? I’m willing to be wrong and enlightened.

I’ve decided to smuggle in a few “illegal” items; a pack of Juicy Fruit gum and some Ferrero Rochers. Small rewards to look forward to and enjoy on or around Days 3 and 6, which I have been told are the hardest. I also have a notebook and pen. I haven’t decided whether or not to try and write my feelings about each of the ten days. No reading or writing materials are allowed, but I think I might, depending on the setting and situation when I arrive. We shall see. Perhaps this will be my last entry until Day 11.

Day 11 would be a good name for a band.

Anyway, let it be known that I entered into this with my eyes open, of somewhat sound mind and body. I will not give up. I will last for the whole ten days. I sound like a survivor TV show nerd! At least the only person who can kick me off this show is me. If this is to be my last entry, then here are some questions for myself to answer when I get out. (See sidebar)

 

Day Zero, (Hiding in the Men’s Toilets)

AKA Meditation Jail


This place is gorgeous, very peaceful (not the toilets per se, but the grounds). I feel guilty breaking the rules already by hiding out and writing this, but my journalistic spirit won’t let me not document this unique experience.

There are very nice people are here, and of course, some “granolas” too, as I sort of expected. We can talk for now and there seems to be more optimism and enthusiasm than fear and trepidation. There are some old students, but mostly we are a group of first-timers. We can all do this, and silly as it sounds, we are all ready for this thing to start. No more chit chat. Let’s get (not) busy.

A chime will sound soon summoning us all to our first meeting where I hope all will be explained. This is to be followed by our first one-hour meditation session. One hour! I have never even meditated before… I’m scared.

 

Day 1, 5:30 pm
The trains passing by sound like God shaking the Earth, or at least the Meditation Hall, and when the innocent conductors blare their horn it sounds like a sweet invitation. Hoo-hooo. Come with meeeee!

I have devised a sophisticated system for sneaking pen and paper into the men’s toilets. I stuff them down my pants. The fact that we are all observing Noble Silence means nobody is really looking at each other anyhow, but I still don’t want to get caught, so here I sit, broken-hearted, came to write, but only… you get the picture.

So, it’s 5:30 pm on Day One and already I don’t want to meditate anymore. Over it. A little bored, a little sore, but mostly disappointed. All the divine instruction we’ve received – from a recorded voice - so far has been “breathe through your nose paying special attention to the area just inside and outside the nostrils.”

I don’t know who is speaking, but his voice reminds me of the last few drops of a cold drink in a paper cup slurped through a straw. Day 3 is supposed to the hardest, but I could leave right now. At least the food is quite delicious, either that or sitting with your eyes closed for most of the day makes you notice and appreciate things more than when they are open.

I’ve already invented a few games: “balance the teabag” (on the rim of your teacup) for example. And on my walks around the grounds, I’ve drawn pictures in the dirt, scribbled notes to other meditators, like “sore?” I’m not the only one, someone has started an anonymous game of Tic-Tac-Toe on one of the dirt paths. I’ve also started placing rocks and pinecones in weird places and seeing if they’re still there later. Fun.

I’ve even named a few of the Koi in the goldfish pond. There’s Monsieur Fishlips (biggest lips of them all and a French-looking moustache to boot), Monsieur Fishlips Junior (second biggest lips) and Spackle (he looks like someone splashed his spots onto him with a paintbrush). They are my new friends along with heaps of little black lizards that scurry about and I break Noble Silence to chat with them all.

I’m noticing all sorts of things when my eyes are open, but when they’re shut… I’m not sure. I’m able for the most part to concentrate on my breath without wandering off, but still, I think about work, sex, and travelling among other distractions.

I know writing this is against the rules, but for now, it’s keeping me sane – I think. Or maybe I’m thinking too much. One classic moment today was some guy ripping a long, loud fart in the middle of a group meditation in the Hall. Nobody laughed, on the outside anyway. Haha… cracked me up. I am still sane… really. Maybe.

 

This is the "women's area." I wasn't allowed over there.

Day 2, 6:30 am
Ok. So I am kind of looking forward to today. Sure there are still little WTF am I doing here moments, but having made it through one day, one more seems possible. Just going to take it one day at a time. Sounds like a 12-step program.

I’m feeling OK despite no supper. (A three-quarters full stomach apparently is optimal for meditating). I did 2 hours of “horizontal meditating” (a.k.a sleeping) this morning after the 4:00 am wake-up chime – so I feel rested, but guilty too. Am I not working hard enough? Perhaps, but 4:00 am is an early start in anyone’s book, and I see no sense rushing into this. I have 9 more days.

Last night we finally got to match a face to the gravelly voice. His name is S.N. Goenka, and he is great. A charming, chubby Buddha of a man dressed all in white. I think his nightly video discourses will keep me here for the duration. He’s right on par with “The New Earth.” So I am embracing this, letting it happen. They should show him to everyone on Day 1. He sets such a good tone and it would keep everyone from wondering what the hell they’re supposed to be doing the whole first day.

Also, the staff should wear hats, or the same T-shirt, or badges, or something so they are easily recognizable. I was quite annoyed earlier having my Noble Silence broken by an Assistant Teacher (who I incorrectly assumed was another rule-breaking student like myself) telling me to move from where I was sitting under a tree, to the Meditation Hall. See, I’ve broken two rules already: No meditating outside (we might confuse a breeze for our breath on our nostril area), and, don’t miss the group meditations (I was meditating, just by myself, horizontally).

I’m starting to feel like one of Pavlov’s dogs reacting to a bell, or in this case a gong-like chime. I don’t know what time it is anymore – my Timex took a licking and stopped – but the food here is great, so when I hear that chime, I’m up.

My building, “B” which I share with 3 other guys is great – right next to the Dining Hall which means they won’t be out of cheese when I get there, and furthest from the Meditation Hall - the legs need all the exercise and stretching they can get – plus the walk is pretty. I heard kangaroos hopping around last night on the way back to go to bed.

I’m feeling quite monk-like. Without actually planning it I packed an orange hooded sweatshirt and an orange blanket, which I take with me to keep cosy in the Meditation Hall. If you’ve ever seen a real live monk, you know they love orange. Me too. Last night in my dreams someone asked me if I’d always had my head shaved, or did I shave it just for this? (The answer is neither).

I named two more Koi today: Canvasse (all white like a canvas) and Eelio (he’s dark, swims deep below the surface like an eel, and has an eerie spot of orange under one eye.

My thoughts continue to wander while meditating. Goenka says this is ok, that we have “silly minds.” My silly mind thinks about sex, work and all sorts of other things that seemed so important when I thought them that I vowed to make a list, but now that I’m inside bathroom stall number 4 scribbling away on my folded sheets of notebook paper they don’t seem that important at all.

By the way, I don’t feel too bad about my “illegal” writing. I saw a guy checking his text messages on a mobile phone yesterday.

 

Day 3, Morning Tea Break
I’m irritated. IRRITATED. I was when I went to sleep last night and I am again this morning. Last nights discourse from Goenka was good, but as soon as he told us to concentrate only on sensations in the nostril area and ignore sensations anywhere else on the body I immediately got itchy everywhere. I couldn’t sit still at all. And I got busted again this morning for horizontally meditating.

I was having crazy dreams about commercial aeroplanes with nuclear warheads for nosecones, strange laughing animals, and sex with old clients… weirdness. Thank goodness one of the Assistant Teachers came and woke me up.

Goenka’s discourse last night was great, but when he finishes people say “saddhu, saddhu, saddhu” (translation: well said, we agree…) and then bow. I’m like; it’s a fucking video! You can’t show respect to a video! You can’t talk to a video! It’s like those people who applaud at the end of a good film – I hate those people.

I need to give this more of a chance. I will. I really will. I’ll concentrate. Seven more days. Ooh… I just concentrated on my nostril area and pulled out a nice booger.

The townies could have so much fun if they only knew what was going on in here. They could park outside the gate and yell over the walls, “Hey come on! We got beer, tunes, girls… the car is warm!” I’d be over the fence in thirty seconds.

I keep getting distracted in the Meditation Hall by this girl who sits up in the front, I call her the “snowboarder chick.” I don’t even know if she even boards, or if she’s cute since I’m not supposed to be looking. What’s the point of segregating men and women if you’re just going to put us all in the same Meditation Hall together? Like that’s not distracting.

Also, I’m not sure, but I think the Teacher might be a phoney. He doesn’t seem to do much except sit in front of the room and push buttons. One button to play audio, another to play videos. That and adjust the lighting and aircon. And when he does speak, “Take rest, take rest,” he totally bites Goenka’s repetitive style. Which works for short, cute, pudgy, brown and Burmese Goenka, but not so much for a tall skinny white dude.

 

Day 3, After Lunch
Just came from my first interview with the Teacher. Usually, people go and wait after lunch to meet with him and ask any questions they might have, but I was summoned. I thought I might be in trouble: Illegal gum? Writing in the toilets? Ogling snowboarder chick? Nope. He just wanted to know if I was breathing ok and if I was noticing any sensations while concentrating on my breath. I told him I was in fact, getting sensations, and I’m OK now, but earlier I was completely losing my mind. He offered me a few tips and I decided he’s cool and sincere and I’m sorry I doubted him.

Losing my mind? I don’t know what got into me, but on the way to the Meditation Hall, I was like, fuck this shit, let’s party, let’s take drugs, let’s drink tequila, let’s make porno movies… blarrrrrgh! It was like the devil got ahold of me. I could not still. It was like my mind was against me. Maybe I just needed to eat. I’m feeling better now.

I think the hard part of Day 3 is behind me. I might reward myself with some contraband Ferrero Rochers. One consistently good thing is Goenka’s discourses. He’s cool. Last night he told us Dharma is: “Absence of sin, pious living and continuous purification of the mind. This is not negotiable; it is a universal truth, a non-sectarian, natural fact. Be good and you create your own heaven. Be bad and you create your own hell. Simple as that.”

So what’s all this “sensational” breathing about then? I still don’t know, but I thought of a good t-shirt for the centre: Who Nose?

Proof: Girls do fart. Massive ripper last session from the right side of the room. Some guy on my left started cracking up a few minutes later – it had to be related.

It’s getting cold here and my pen is freezing up. I hope I can read my notes later. I should be in the Meditation Hall now, but I had to leave. There was too much coughing, sneezing, scratching, burping, shifting and joint popping going on. It was a bodily orchestra in there and I couldn’t concentrate.

The meditation is getting easier. What the Teacher said about softening my breathing seems to be helping. I thought breathing harder would be better, more noticeable, but soft and subtle is the way to go. I can feel the air moving in and out and over my top lip. Also, I got a kneeling stool, which helps with the sitting for so long, although I’m considering sitting in the back with the “Sniffer” (some old guy who huffs and puffs a lot) and leaning against the wall.

Seven more days. I got really annoyed today at lunch when they ran out of the eggplant and cheese casserole – gave the last serve to the guy in front of me. Stuff like that matters when you basically only get one real substantial meal a day.

 

Day 3, Afternoon
You would not believe some of the shit I’m seeing when my eyes are closed; flying peppermills, miniature monkeys, talking matchsticks, Monsieur Fishlips, dancing thumbtacks… if you want to save money on hallucinogenic drugs, just stare at the back of your eyelids for 3 days straight. And Goenka keeps telling us not to visualize, just concentrate on our breath, but it’s hard. Almost as hard as sitting on your arse all the time. I’ve got a headache and an arse ache.

The vegetarian food must be kicking in because the Fartathon is on! So far it’s Women 3, Men 1. Some lady tried to camouflage hers with a cough, but I heard.

I think the “Stoner” bailed. He’s a guy I met at the start who came here to try and quit smoking pot. I think this is hard enough without an addiction problem, no wonder he split. Too bad though, I was really pulling for him. Sending him good vibes, but he didn’t even last two days. I wonder what they do if you tell them you want to bail. Do they try and talk you out of it?

I’m already visualizing my meals on Day 11: scrambled eggs for brekky and sushi for dinner. That’s not helping things. Don’t visualize!

 

Day 3, 7:00 pm
I’m starting to lose it. I want to go home to my bed. I want too wake up and go surfing in the morning.

 


QUESTIONS I ASKED MYSELF AT THE END
How do you feel different?
I feel real love and compassion for others – and for strangers for possibly the first time in ages. And better yet, I know why I’ve felt and acted the way I have, when I’ve acted negatively towards others, and am in a space to try and change that behaviour.
What did you learn that you didn’t already know?
I learned where some of my current negative behaviour patterns come from, and of course, the Vipassana meditation technique.
What were three highlights?
The food, Day 9 and Goenka’s discourses.
What was the hardest thing?
Every day was hard, some were different, some were good, but all were hard. If I had to pick one thing it would be never knowing what was next.
What advice would you give someone who is considering a course?
If you are considering it, you should go. Commit to the ten days and trust that it will all make sense in the end, no matter how stupid, painful or difficult it seems. Bring a favourite blanket and pillow, water bottle and heaps of faith. And remember, things change on Day 4. You can make it.
Would you go again?
Too soon to say. Right now, no, but I can see myself going back in the distant future for a 3-day refresher and to volunteer.
How will this experience help you in the future?
It gave me a tool that I can use, not only to create an hour or two of calming peace every day but also to peel away my own layers of misery, frustration and anxiety.




 

Day 4, 4:30 am
Gong! Gong! Gong! Has it occurred to anyone here that it may be possible to over meditate? I’m awake, sitting in bed upright waiting for the weaselly Assistant Teacher to come in and bust me for horizontally meditating. I brought my shoes inside the room – we’re supposed to remove them and leave them outside, but shoes outside are a sure sign that someone is inside. I’m learning.

Last nights discourse was fantastic, again. The highlights of this journey so far are lunch and Goenka. He tells great stories and uses great analogies. He told us that today the “real” work will begin. Great. OK, seriously, great. I’m up for it.

Last night I dreamt that I was a male escort and my friend Anna hired me so she could perform oral sex on me. I then gave her a bill for $1000, which she didn’t believe she should have to pay.

 

This is where my fish friends live. (The pond, not the building).

Day 4, 7:00am
I’ve started nicknaming more of my fellow meditators. There’s Fargut (a short, round Indian guy), Alfred (a freckled-faced redhead right out of MAD Magazine who never stops grinning), Yeller (he always wears a yellow sweatshirt) who I consider my bro. Don’t know why, but I feel good when I see he’s still here, like we’re in it together or something. His friend was the Stoner who bailed, so I’m pulling for him now.

Who else? There’s Manny Ken (a tall skinny good looking guy who told me he and his girlfriend are into fashion), Me Two (a guy who looks like I feel and I think people would say we look like we could be brothers), Noward (he looks remarkably like a Howard I know, right down to the authentic Fu Manchu moustache) and the Grizzler (for how he looks, and how he looks at you).

Actually, the Grizzler is interesting, he’s got a white ponytail and beard and is probably the oldest guy here. He looks like he’s done this 100 times. He always sits in the same spot at meals and I think he should know better than to eyeball you, but he’s always last to look away. I wonder what his story is.

Anyway, I might lay off the writing for a while and just go deep into my skull.

Oh yeah, the veggie food must not be agreeing with some folks because I noticed a “laxative tea” at breakfast this morning. Also some sort of stuff you could sprinkle on your porridge to help um, loosen things up. No problems there for me, I’m crapping right now!

The electric light in the bathroom is on a timer, so stall number one rules for writing as it has windows and natural light, the rest are dark when the switch times out even during the day. Wow, gotta go now, sounds like the laxative tea is working next door.

 

Day 4, 9:00 am
One of the guys in my room has a phone! Either that or a diabetes blood checking thingy, or maybe it was an alarm clock. But I’m pretty sure I busted him sending a text message.

Anyway, part of the reason I’m here is to find some inner peace and be more present and aware, but also to get some clarity about my relationships with women and my so-called commitment issues. So why do I keep craning for a better look at the snowboarder chick?

Last night Goenka spoke about beauty. “What is beauty? Is it skin deep? Let’s cut some skin then and see… not so beautiful. Lovely blonde hair? Beautiful on the head, but in your food? Not so beautiful.”

Real beauty lies within us all. I know we all know that, so why do we adhere to society’s definition of beauty so rigidly? Whose fault is it that women want big breasts and skinny waists? And men want more hair on their heads and less on their chests? Advertising maybe?

Today is “Vipassana Day.” I don’t know what that means exactly other than many hours sitting on my bony arse in the Meditation Hall. If I didn’t have these notes to sneak off and write, I’d surely have gone insane by now. My billions of subatomic particles, or “bubbles” as Goenka calls them are ready for action. Bring it on.

 

Day 4, After Lunch
There are definitely fewer people here. I can’t tell exactly who is gone other than the Stoner. I asked Monsieur Fishlips, but he didn’t know either.

Lunch is the only time I feel free or allowed to think. All the rest of the time it’s “don’t think, don’t visualize, keep your eyes closed, concentrate on the triangular area around your nose.”

Don’t think? Thinking is who I am and what makes me good at what I do. I’m a good writer because I think. I think creatively and constantly. Slow down, sure, but “don’t” don’t make sense.

Is this a cult? What if it is? It’s got some of the telltale signs: it’s free to come here, but they make you commit to the 10 days and they keep your valuables, mobile phones and car keys hostage. The constant promise of revelations to come, a (video) deity who preaches nightly in a church-like Meditation Hall, and flocks of sheep who bow and chant to him, And of course, the chance to give them money when it’s all over. I wonder how many Rolls Royce’s Goenka has?

On a positive note, the grounds here are beautiful and I’m enjoying the cold nights, brisk mornings and sunny afternoons. There is a particular red maple, I think it’s a Japanese maple that looks glorious in the sunlight as the rays pass through its leaves. I visit it a few times a day now.

I don’t actually feel in a rush to go home anymore. I wouldn’t mind a break from sitting cross-legged or on my knees all day, but I’m getting used to the routine.

Noble Silence is pretty great too. It’s amazing how you get used to it and adapt. I’m getting pretty good at identifying people simply by the sound of their footsteps. I thought I would miss music terribly, and it’s been a long time since rock n’ roll, but I don’t miss it like I thought I would.

On Day 2 when I felt like partying my face off and jumping in a car with some teenaged locals? Crank it up, dude! Now, silence is golden and it’s annoying when chatty teachers, or visitors to the centre who don’t know any better break it. I find myself moving away from talkers – and this is Day 4! Imagine after 10 days. Reacclimating will be tough.

Right now I have to gear up for 3 hours of continuous “work.” Three hours. How am going to sit still?

 

Day 4, Post “Vipassana”
Well, that was a disappointment. I came here hoping to find some clarity, and more specifically, some tools that I could use to develop inner peace in my life… to nurture a more soulful existence. So far I’ve had four days of “breathe through your nose paying particular attention to the nostril area.”

Today was supposed to be the big revelation, we’ve all been looking forward to Day 4 when “Vipassana will be given” like it’s the answer to everything. Maybe it is and I’m just too jaded to see it, but you want to know what it’s all about? Basically, instead of concentrating on the triangular area around the nose, you pay attention to the whole body starting from the top of the head and moving down. Face, neck, chest back of the head, back of the neck, back, lower back, arms down to the fingertips, then hips, thighs, legs to the toes. And all you do is keep moving up and down repeatedly observing any sensations; tingling, bubbling, itching (yes!), soreness etc. We are reminded that sensations indicate change and that change is constant. That’s it. It was almost word-for-word identical to a relaxation therapy tape my high-school guidance counsellor gave me in 7th grade.

The whole change thing is a great point, and I like the example Goenka uses in his storytelling. One example he gives is about the constant change in a light bulb. Light is constantly flowing, it’s not just on and off, otherwise, his electricity bill would be much lower. Another example was how a man who dips his toe in a river three times, dips his toe into three different rivers, but not only that, three different men do the dipping! Very cool.

So I get it, I like it even, but c’mon! I’m sore and need a massage more than I need any more delicious vegetarian food or cool Blue Mountain air. I’m seriously thinking about bailing out. I’m starting to make a Plan B: Byron, Royal National Park… hmm… I need to meditate on this. I will stay through tonight’s discourse and decide in the morning. Maybe I’ll have a chat with the Teacher (I call him the Weasel) about how I’m feeling and see what he has to say.

Goenka is a great orator and teacher. He may speak painfully slowly, but I believe everything he says to be right, to be true and to be good. The great news is if you can’t understand some of what he says due to his cute accent, you can always learn his teaching in books like New Earth or the Art of Happiness or any number of others like them.

I think the people who volunteer here are great and believe in what they are doing. They provide an important and valuable opportunity for people to hear a message that needs to be universally heard. I just feel like I have heard it already. And judging by the moods and body language at tea just now, I’d say a lot of others are frustrated too.

We lost a roommate this morning. The numbers are dwindling. It’s like some spiritual survivor game show. Who will be enlightened? Who will toil in their own personal hell for eternity? Stay tuned! Maybe I’ll give this all one more day.

From discourse: “Bhaavatu, Sabba, Mangalam.” Mind matters most. Mental, vocal and physical – as are the actions, so will be the results.

Part of the genius of this place, and I would imagine, its success is in the scheduling. Just when you cannot take it anymore, can’t meditate for one more second, they give you a delicious, healthy lunch and an hour and a half off to sit in the sun or go for a walk. Then in the afternoon when you’re about to lose it again, you get to relax and watch a video of Goenka. And he’s still great. I’d pay handsomely to go hear him speak somewhere, but I’m still trying to decide if ten days of kneeling is too high a price.

Incidentally, it isn’t not talking that’s doing my head in. I love that. It’s mainly the kneeling and being forced to meditate on a schedule. Someone else’s long, repetitive schedule.

The horniness has passed. I must have pushed through some sort of testosterone barrier. Whew! I noticed a guy next to me cupping his balls while he meditates. Get a shawl dude!

Tomorrow is Day 5. I vow to give it my best shot. All that Goenka promises does sound good. Be aware of the constant change in your body and the Universe, be sensitive… “Do only good – and only good will come – it will follow you like a shadow.” Nice imagery for sweet dreams tonight.

 

Day 5, 6:30 am
I have a massive headache. Slept like crap, weird dreams last night about fat, rich politicians hiring boys off the street to have sex with in their high offices. Wrong. Not pleasant. Not peaceful.

Everyone in the cabin has adopted my unique Horizontal Meditation technique. I think we are all exhausted, sore and confused. I know it’s going to feel weird when we all walk out of here, but will we really be enlightened? Really?

The sound of passing trains and trucks zooming by on the highway continues to beckon. I think today might be Easter. I feel like I’m on a hunt for well-hidden eggs. I do know where to find some porridge, toast and tea, however. No sense rushing off, there will be plenty, its lunch you need to be early for.

I’m trying to remain hopeful and optimistic, but it has occurred to me that there may be two Goenkas: The Good Goenka who gives great speeches and is cute, charming, sage and funny. And the Evil Goenka who is never seen, only heard who asks you to spend most of your day on your knees, eyes closed, working diligently, ardently observing sensations endlessly… any sensations at all.

Why is it that the longer you stay, the harder it becomes to leave?

One cool thing is “brotherhood” has manifested itself in the toilets, not in a gay way, but with the automated light switch timers. If you’re in the toilet or shower and the timer turns the lights off, someone always turns the light back on for you. It’s the little things. I hope this consideration continues afterwards back in the land of normal on/off switches.

In other news, the recycled toilet paper is making my bum bleed, and the Fartathon remains scoreless since Day three at Men: 1, Women: 2.

 

Day 5, Post Breakfast
I’m not sure who is missing, but it feels like as a group we are diminished. There is an aura of unshaven vagrancy rising. Some of the men looked beaten, haggard, others downright angry. None of the energy that was here on day zero is president. Only two, as far as I can tell, look like they are enjoying themselves; Manny Ken continues to smile and hold doors open for people (is that a breach of noble silence?) and clean up after others. Did I mention that he’s wearing a beret and actually pulling it off? My money is on him or Alf Red – who continues to smile beatifically throughout the day. Old Yellow is still with me, but I decided that if he bails I’m right behind him. I wonder what he’s thinking. I wonder what any of these guys are thinking. Surely thoughts of pizza and beer prevail?

My legs have lost all strength. Maybe that’s why you meditate so much here, your legs are so weak, you can’t walk out. And it’s a twenty-minute walk to the train station, but if you last till day ten you get a free ride. Hmmm. Clever Goenka.

Today is the day I will really “try.” Despite all my conspiracy thinking, I do see positivity in what is happening here and already I do feel as if I’ve been “reset.” If I left tomorrow at least I’d be past the halfway mark right? I wonder if any massage places will be open the day after Easter.

 

Later
Maybe all that optimism and positive energy I felt on day zero was just a frantic and out-of-control mind. Maybe now we are all still optimistic and positive, but our minds are less crazy. More calm. Peaceful. Just a thought. Still, a lot of the men here look pretty rough, and angry.

 

First Intense Sitting
That was intense. Something clicked. I had a really good meditation session, I didn’t move and I didn’t scratch. Those of you who know me will understand what an amazing feat that is. I wonder if Vipassana can cure my “scratchiness?” Is my habitual itching a result of an un-calm mind? Probably!

I was in there, inside the meditation hall, practising the head to toe sensation observation and even though we’re not supposed to visualize, I found it helpful to imagine each of my cells deep and topical, moving along happily doing their jobs.

Every time I observed my face it made me smile, how cool is that? Maybe there is something to all this, I just wish all the meditation sessions weren’t so long, so painful – couldn’t they teach all this in three days? Actually, I think they do. This is what I get for jumping into the ten-dayer without any previous preparation or meditation practice. Anyway, my cells told me they needed water, so I’m off to get a drink now and then it’s back for more knee time. Arghhh!

 

Pre-Lunch
Sensation-al! I get it! Or, at least I get something. From head to toe: itching, hat pressure, hair is moving, beard growing, blood rushing, shirt collar rubbing, cold, heat, pain, muscles stretch – I felt all of it. And the amazing part is not scratching at the many issues, but just observing them and moving on. I don’t yet understand what this means, but I did leave the meditation hall early and for the first time in five days I feel good. Not counting yesterday afternoon when I decided to bail. I’m glad I stayed.

Still, spending all this time meditating, doesn’t exactly make you want to do it all the time. But I can definitely see benefits at this point of taking an hour each day to purify and calm the mind, to learn and remind myself to observe first, then react. I wonder what the next five days have in store, and if I can last.
Fartathon: Men: 2, Women: 3
 

After Lunch
Oh, man! I feel like crap. I ate way too much at launch. They had two of my favourite things: cheese n’ taters. Okay, so the taters (mashed) were part of some sort of vegetarian shepherds pie with way too many carrots, but I just took out all the carrots and made my own cheese n tater casserole. Two bowls later and I’m aching – sensations in my belly – too much sensation! Maybe I’ll be competing in the Fartathon at last. An old girlfriend used to tell me that too much cheese clogs you up. But what do I care? There’s plenty of laxative tea, and I’m getting used to sitting on my ass anyhow.

I miss reading. I want to go for a surf or go snowboarding – all this cold mountain air is making me want to plan a snowboarding trip. I can’t believe there are five more days. I’m scared now of day number seven because it’s so close that once I get through it, I’ll have to stay. Day six, I can bail on, but seven, that’s too close to the finish line. That said, I’m reminded of something my good friend Tim always says: “If you don’t like where you’re at, fuckin’ leave.” The thing is, I’m sort of liking it now.

What’s happening to me? Am I turning into a vegetarian hippy weirdo? Does this mean I have to stop wanting an iPod? Or loving my new car? How does one integrate all the soulfulness and rightness of mind, body, and action into everyday life without compromising? In the end, I suppose we just have to do our best, and that, in and of itself is better than the norm.

 

Two Sessions Later
I’m getting it. I can sit the whole hour now without moving, just observing myself from head to tail. Change is constant. Sensations, like an itch, come to go away. Scratching then really is a sign of a reactive mind, not a calm observational mind. Not that a scratchy monkey mind like mine can’t be extremely observant. I do sense a presentness that is quite peaceful. I’m going to try giving up reactive scratching; of course, I’ll still permit myself pleasurable scratching from time to time.

Yeah right, I just itched my arm without even thinking about it. I guess I’ve got more diligent work to do, It’s just so tedious.

The kaleidoscope of nonsense I see when I close my eyes continues to be absurd. Sometimes I break the rules and just watch the show: dancing wiener birds, Japanese snowflakes, singing and dancing choreographed fish, flying skeletons, swirls radiating from Golden tuning forks, maple leaves cascading down, Wolf weasels, umbrella-wielding Karate Masters, space invaders, intricate wood veneer inlays on ships wheels, giant dolphin fish crashing through Venetian blinds, wise owls with button eyes, twirling broccoli, jellyfish that turn into scrub brushes pulsing past, shouting cactuses, and more. You can see why it’s hard to push those visuals away and observe the body from head to tell, the show behind my eyelids is pretty good!

One thing I forgot to mention earlier, after breakfast today I was tossing twigs into the goldfish pond and Monsieur Fishlips ate one. A whole 2 inches of a twig! He just yanked it away from some other dumb fish who was trying to eat it, and gulped it down. I guess you don’t get to be the biggest fish in the pond by only eating algae now, do you?

 

Day Five, After Tea
I just came back from a walk (someone found my hanging tea mug) and a chat with the gang at the fishpond. I haven’t laughed out loud for so long! Those fish crack me up. I met Mademoiselle Fishlips (finally) and Junior was trying to convince me he could eat a twig too, just maybe not as big. Spackles said he was going to try and grow some legs, and if he does I better watch out because he’ll come out and find out for himself what’s really in that teacup. I told him it was just tea and even offered him some, but he “wasn’t falling for it.” Crazy Spackles.

Anyway, it’s still only day five! For fuck's sake this shit drags on and on and on. One change I’ve noticed is, it’s become easier now to meditate in the hall – rather than in my room – in spite of the Fartathon and all the distracting coughs, sniffs, sneezes and shuffling. This moving around stuff is not cool anymore now that we are in “sitting with strong intent” mode, in other words, no moving. Still, I find that I can just zone out, or in, as the case may be, and the hour doesn’t seem quite as long as it used to. But seriously, Five. More. Days. I don’t know man.

Deep Thought: Is farting out loud a breach of noble silence? If not, it ought to be, then again maybe the reason farts are audible is to give people in the room a chance to run. The gong is a gonging. Time to go meditate. Again.

The Dreaded Meditation Hall

Day Six
Nobody tells you, (or, nobody told me), that day five would be transformational. Everyone I spoke to about Vipassana before coming said days three and six would be hard, and they’re right. Every day here is hard. But yesterday by the end of the day and during the discourse, it all fell into place for me. It all started to make sense, so why don’t they tell you beforehand: “look, it’s going to suck at first, it’s going to be tedious and boring, but it will make sense in the end and probably be worth it. Oh, and wait till you see what happens on day five.” At least the Stoner might’ve had a chance.

Last night’s discourse wasn’t, ironically, Goenke’s best. Too much gibbering in his native tongue, I got lost several times, but some of the main topics were great. The First Noble Truth is that there is suffering and to accept it. From there the goal is to observe it with equanimity (Vipassana is equanimous awareness). When we really observe our pain, it is halved.

The kneeling while meditating hurts again. It’s impossible to sit still, and for the first four days, we were allowed to move around. On the fifth day we were asked not to move, and just observe the sensation of pain. Amazingly, for me, I didn’t need to move or adjust my legs during the “sitting with strong intent session.” You just sit there observing the pain, yes, it exists. Fine, but when you start moving and moaning you double it. From there we go deeper to find the root of the pain and/or suffering. All pain and misery come from attachment to “I” or “mine” or an association with things we don’t want, or disassociation with things we do (like the Porsche 911 that I don’t own, for example).

Goenka gave a long-winded explanation about why this is silly, but in the end, what it came down to is “you can’t take it with you.” So that’s the simple lesson so far. Let go – all misery starts from within. I’m reminded of something I read in Eckhart Tolle’s “A New Earth” about there not being “good” or “bad,” but it is our reaction to things that makes them so. I wonder what he and Goenka would say about war, or hate crimes or any of the many other things that we can all pretty easily agree on as being “bad.”

So yesterday was really great, but last night was miserable. Maybe it was all the cheese and taters, but I could not sleep. I felt as if my ego and body were rebelling against me like they were trying to show me they still had power over me. I tossed and turned and itched and scratched nonstop. I think one of the two remaining roommates is mad at me for it too. Well, fuck you ego and body. If I can last four more days I’ll master you. Mind over matter! But first, here’s today’s crazy visual: beaver birds with hatchet beaks they used to chop down trees like beavers, only higher up so they can build huge nests. Yes, I know it’s crazy. No, I don’t know where comes from.

 

Day Six, Pre Lunch
Things are looking up. I befriended the “Weasel” (that’s a term of affection now) after explaining that I needed to horizontally meditate this morning after last night. He said it was pretty normal to spin out on the sixth night. I also spoke to Patrick again, and he’s pretty cool. Very soulful, and you can tell he believes in this technique, even if he does always fall asleep during the discourses.

Last night I was a bit angry that the Weasel asked me to sit upright during the discourse – I was reclined a bit on two questions. It’s the only time in the meditation hall where we are allowed to relax, and meanwhile, the teacher was snoozing! It’s a respect thing? Seriously… it’s a VIDEO!

Anyway, it’s okay now, I’m feeling more at peace here and within. I feel like I’m vibrating differently, and that can only be good. Also, I had some thoughts and possible clarity about my issues with women. I think it has to do with being picked on as a kid by boys - the girls always liked me. No matter how many times we moved or I was the new kid, I could always get the prettiest or most popular girl to go out with me and in some way that validated me as a person. And to a certain degree back then it did. Nobody picks on me anymore, but I’m still repeating the same pattern from back then. Hopping from one girl to the next, whether for months or for years, hopping nonetheless. I could be on to something here. If that is the root of my relationships issues, then at least I’ve identified it and can move forward from here. Four more days and my pen is dying, damn. At least I also know the writing (which is not allowed) isn’t getting in the way of my growth.

 

Day Six, Later
Well, it’s official. I’m bored shitless. Hey! Maybe I could go meditate! Haha. It’s fucking Groundhog Day. I named two more fish: Dottie (She’s pink with a light spot on her forehead) and Untitled (white with a splat of black on her back, like one of those modern art paintings you could have done, but didn’t).

The numbers continue to dwindle, but my all-star cast is still holding strong. Unusually, there seems to be no stereotypical type of meditator. This is a very multicultural group here, from early 20's to the old Grizzler, some obviously business type people uncomfortable without a suit and tie, some creative types, some who look like they were forced to come here by wives, girlfriends or judges, and some plain old nice seeming folk - and I guess they all have to be pretty nice to be here in the first place.

This afternoon I’m looking forward to… you guessed it, meditation, followed by hopefully a good discourse, this time with less Pali even though they did post a “commonly used Pali words” notice today on the board, and then some good Z’s. Tomorrow is Day seven.

 

Day Six, Post Evening Meditation
No I. No me. No mine – No way. This is ridiculously hard. Impossible. I thought I could do it, but the train beckons. Maybe I just need some sleep, of course, I do. If I hear the gong I’m boycotting it. Keep ringing it if you want, I’m sitting this one out. End of story.

 

Day Six, Continued
Okay, so I feel a little better now. My legs still ache, but I went for a walk and found a cool spot with a giant log to lounge on. While I was there I started building an ant meditation centre out of twigs, leaves and rocks – it was beautiful. I was imagining what it must be like to an enlightened ant when I got spotted. Not by the Weasel, but by another meditator also playing hooky. Right on brother, this is our time. I keep forgetting that.

“Gruber,” (the hungry, first in line for lunch every day, clodhopper) is losing it. He started wrapping his head with a blue polar fleece blanket, like a Jedi but singing and humming while clodhopping around. Also, another new co-meditator nickname today “Stinky.” Jesus dude, we’ve all been eating the same food for six days and nobody else’s ass is wrecking the bathroom like yours. Stinky looks like the kind of guy who thinks Mac Donald’s is a food group. And it wouldn’t surprise me if he was sneaking out at night and hitching a ride to Blackheath Centre for a Big Mac.

Monsieur Jr. is still trying to convince me he is just as much of a man (fish) as Senior, but I keep telling him to eat a twig and prove it.

Two more sessions tonight, and if I can sleep (please God, or Buddha) then I will have successfully made it to day seven. Lucky seven. A good day to bail?

I came here to find peace, but I think I might instead be losing my mind! I’m definitely losing weight. I heard that on average most people lose about 6 kg here due to the healthy vegetarian and infrequent meals. Stinky might be the exception.

Tonight was a beautiful sunset. On my way over to the deck to watch it with yet another cup of tea, I caught a whiff of someone’s barbecue from across the train tracks. Oh, boy, did it smell good. I could get on that next train so easily. Luckily the smell of shampoo and mosquito repellent from the female side of the camp saved me. I will make it to Day Seven.

Tonight’s discourse was all about the addiction to craving, attachment and aversion. I also finally figured out the words that Goenka says at the end of every discourse: “Bhavaatu Sabba Mangalam.” No idea what that means. Yet.

 

Day Seven
It rained last night. A beautiful mighty rain that clinked heavily and melodically on the corrugated tin roof. Time will only tell if it washed away any of the current monotony and agony that is Vipassana.

It occurred to me that this is quite like an extreme sport, in fact, I used to joke about it before I came, saying that if you’re willing to take the body to extremes by jumping out of aeroplanes and off bridges, why not the mind? It is gruelling work and I keep waiting for the secret, the real technique to be revealed. It can’t only be about impartial observation. Surely. But it is extreme.

I contemplated at breakfast this morning what I would be going back to:

Working as a Freelance Writer and advertising Creative Director, Director of a fledgling innovations company, Executive Director of a non-profit organization I founded and a long list of other little “projects.” Clearly, I’m addicted to doing as Goenka would say, And he’d be right. My to-do list is as long as this article. No wonder as un-fun as three more days of kneeling inside my head sound, that I haven’t gotten on that train. And don’t get me started on the inevitable backlog of e-mails and voice mails. I can’t imagine having to listen to other people talk! I might never leave, Nope. Maybe I’ll just get a hold of some kneepads and stay a bit longer.

I spoke with the fish this morning after breakfast. Canvasse told me they were all stoked about the rain, they needed to freshen up the pond a bit and it knocked some good snacks down out of the trees which they needed since I wasn’t feeding them. I hope they got something better than a twig.

 

Day 7, Post-Walk
I was laying in bed, waiting for the inevitable gong, and feeling miserable when a voice inside my head started repeating like an incessant child that knows no other phrase: “Don’t be miserable. Go for a walk.” Was this the voice of the real me? Buddha? Goenka? I tried to ignore it, but it was persistent, so, quietly, not wishing to awaken my to snoozing bunk mates, I snuck out.

I found some new paths I hadn’t been on before (there is a metaphor in there somewhere) and it cheered me up. My advice to anyone who attempts this is: go for walks. It’s the best and only exercise you’re allowed anyway. So I decided to circle back and see if last night’s stormy weather destroyed the ant meditation centre fully anticipating it would need rebuilding, but to my surprise it was fine! Get to it, you pesky picnic invaders. Poor little ants, they have three times as many knees as us you know.

 

Day 7, Lunch
There is a little Indian man who has been sitting next to me in the meditation hall (we now have assigned spots) who snores every session, every time, every day. As a result, I have nicknamed him “Snuzar.” I didn’t find his snoring particularly annoying until Day 5. Today I considered leaning over and coughing loudly in his ear, which is a lot friendlier than yesterday’s thought which was to tap him on the forehead with a stick and when he opened his eyes, spray him in the face with pepper mace. I’m sorry if that’s mean, but imagining him running out of the meditation hall rubbing his eyes jabbering in an Indian accent still sort of cracks me up.

What I chose to do instead was observe. Observe, observe, and observe, in search of where the animosity was coming from. What do I care if he snores? Is it because I feel like I am working hard at this and he’s taking a nap right next to me? I felt how the one guy you always see working out of a road crew of six must feel. Is his nap going to negatively affect my experience? No. So I let it go, I let the wheel of Dharma roll, and guess what? Just when I had worked through all this, he coughed himself awake, got up and walked out of the MH. “Sensations come, to go away.”

 

Day 7, Post Lunch
I was correct about The Gruber. He’s gone, packed his bags and left before lunch. I asked the Weasel how many people have dropped out and he said two, but I know for sure there were at least three; Stoner, the annoying guy from my cabin, and now the Gruber.

Tomorrow is Day 8. I’m in the home stretch and feeling okay about things. I’m feeling like I’m learning and uncovering some truths about me and my habits and my patterns, but still not sure yet how to apply it out there in the “real” world.

More visuals: spilled pools of India ink on green tree leaves, sesame seed covered Tyrannosaurus Rex’s with soft pink toothless mouths.

 

Day 7, Evening Discourse

Fartathon: Men +1, Women +2
 

Day 8, 5:30 am
I just got busted AGAIN by the Weasel for meditating horizontally. He asked me if I was meditating – I replied, “always.” This got a chuckle, but really I was having this wonderful dream:

I dreamt I was in a big office-building lobby in San Francisco with polished marble floors, floor to ceiling mirrored walls and escalators going up and down all around me. As I was leaving the building I noticed two college fraternity boys wearing cowhide prayer shawls and cowboy boots chasing a giant angora goat around the lobby. They were laughing hard as they tried to catch it.

I also thought it was hilarious and was joining in, laughing with the growing crowd of business people. But then I realized that the goat was terrified and I watched as it made a run for it – full speed right into a mirrored wall knocking itself literally backwards and temporarily unconscious.

Nobody knew what to do. The two frat guys continued to laugh nervously, someone called the cops on their mobile phone, there was lots of murmuring. I walked over to the goat just as it was coming out of its daze. Everyone was yelling not to go near it: “It could have rabies, it’s a wild goat, wait for the cops, wait for the SPCA!”

Just as I got to her she bolted for a door that was being held open by a security guard and ran out onto the busy city street. This was clearly more terrifying than the lobby and the goat stopped, confused about what to do. I ran outside and got to her as the police arrived. I walked up to the goat and spoke to it calmly offering my hand for it to sniff as you would to an unknown dog.

That’s when she bit down on my hand, locking it in her maw with razor-sharp goat teeth and wouldn’t let go. Someone yelled for the police to shoot it, but I said “No. Love is the answer.” I continued to pet Sandy (that was the goat's name) with my free hand and calmly told her that everything would be OK and that problems only come to go away.

Just then a bus started backing up – beep, beep, beep – scaring Sandy even more. My hand was being crushed, but still, I spoke kindly to her as the crowd began pounding on the sides of the bus. At last, Sandy reluctantly let go of my hand and I sat down with her on the sidewalk petting her as she nuzzled herself under my arm. A newspaper reporter started asking me who I was and how did I know the wild goat wasn’t going to bite my hand off? Did I raise goats? Was I a goat herder?

I considered telling them that I was sort of a goat myself (Chinese birth year), but I didn’t want to reveal my age, so instead, I told the reporter, “love is the answer.” A man from the SPCA gave Sandy something to knock her out and then put her in his van. As they set off towards whatever farm the frat boys had kidnapped her from, I took off down the street.

That’s when the Weasel woke me up.

Last night during his discourse Goenka continued to extol the benefits of observation, equanimity and awareness and encouraged us for the next two days to meditate “always” from wake to sleep, remaining aware as much as possible at all times. Just when I thought I couldn’t meditate anymore! Isn’t 10 hours a day enough?

He also spoke about faith or devotion, and how important it is, but only on the condition that it is not given blindly. The Universal, non-sectarian truth of nature tells us that faith in gods who promise good things later if we behave one way, and bad things, if we don’t, isn’t a compassionate, giving God. Even if you don’t believe in heaven or hell, or past or future lives, you must believe in the present life – and these teachings give us tools we can use now to liberate us from our misery.

He also mentioned his theory that God did not create man in his image, but that man created God in his. I happen to agree. He says, if someone comes to me and says they are devoted to our Lord Jesus Christ, he says, “great, Jesus was a nobleman – he died tortured, ridiculed and abused and yet had nothing but compassion, love and forgiveness for his tormentors, saying 'forgive them, they know not what they do.'”

If they say yes, but I believe in Him because he was the son of God. Again he says “great, what is God? God is love, God is purity, God is compassion – Jesus was a product of all these things. Of course, he is the Son of God.” I personally have no problem with this, it’s only when people say “Oh Jesus please bring me a new car, or get me a raise, or forgive me my sins that I have a problem” God can’t do that, only you can do that. Great stuff.

And by the way, anybody can be a Buddha according to Goenka. And apparently, there are lots of them among us right now, not just that one guy’s face you always see carved out of stone in gardens and gift shops. Buddha means “enlightened one” and there are Buddhas all around us, thanks to Vipassana.

It’s freezing cold here today. It’s been getting progressively colder since I began and as a result, my ballpoint pen often refuses to write, very frustrating for an illegal note-taker who needs to write quickly and on the sly. But not as frustrating as the misleading “Day 8” sign on the memo board. Day 8 out of 10 would imply only two more days, but really, there are three. All of today, all of Day 9 and all of Day 10. We leave on Day 11, so that’s three more days, not two.

It may seem like a small technicality, but our daily quota of meditation time has just risen from ten to seventeen hours and I’m not sure I want to meditate for another minute. I’m not opposed to it and I’m definitely getting value from it and all the good messages from Goenka are sinking in (just look at how I saved Sandy), but I’m sore, I’m tired, I’m jonesing for a surf, a hug, a friend, and maybe a nice glass of red. If that’s creating my own misery, so be it. It will pass.

One good thing I realized today at breakfast was that we are all in this together, suffering equally, both in this Centre and in the real world. A brotherhood if you will, even Stinky and Snuzar. A good reminder to treat my fellow man with compassion even when they cut in front of you on the drive to work. Especially when they cut in front of you on the drive to work.

 

Day 8, Post Lunch
Oh, what a glorious lunch! The best meal so far – a divine macaroni pie with cheese, zucchini and marinara sauce. The agonies of the cheese n tater debacle long forgotten, I helped myself to seconds, and then thirds, A decision that quickly renders me unconscious, or rather, puts me into a “meditative state.”

Now that the end is in sight - I think I can, I think I can, I think I can - I’m more determined to make this experience work for me. I’m no longer content to just weather the ten days so I can say I did it. I can feel change, positive change, occurring within and I vow to do my best to make the most of the remaining time. Within reason of course.

Me 2 is starting to lose it. He could be next to go.

 

Seventh Night Discourse
Goenka talks about how Buddha went and looked at all his past lives for clues, so I decided to explore my own past lives in last night’s final meditation session. I’m not going to tell you how far back I went, or what I saw, but suffice to say, I didn’t like it and I decided not to go back any further.

Noble Silence has its own peculiar hilarity. Like when you spill the soy milk and need a rag to clean up with. How do you communicate this to someone in the kitchen without looking at them or speaking? You can’t just say, “Hey, you got a rag?” Or the endless “after you’s” in doorways, or deciding which side of a walking path to pass each other on. It also has its advantages, besides the previously stated, which include things like not being able to say “dude, that’s a lot of cheese.” Wait, maybe that’s a disadvantage, but you get my drift.

One of the main takeaways from this experience thus far is that change is inevitable and constant and there is no grander way to see that for yourself than from the deck of the dining hall. The deck area overlooks the Blackheath Mountains and the gorgeous valley below and the view was never the same once. Perfect clouds one day, clear the next, foggy after that, blue, then pink, then hazy. Every day the sky was different and every day it was spectacular. Change is the universal law of nature, and all anyone has to do to see it is, as Goenka says, “just observe.”

I went for another walk to see if the ant meditation centre was still standing and all the ants came out and started bitching “Take it down our knees hurt! We don’t need to find peace we need to find picnics!”

 

Day 9
I woke up at 4:30 am, did my meditation, then took a shower and went to breakfast feeling great, really great. Maybe it’s because it’s Day 9, but also because I think some of this technique is working. I can’t articulate how yet, but I was feeling good. The first meditation after breakfast was fine, but the second, from which I have just returned, completely annoyed me.

Out of nowhere I got really agitated and considered walking out of the hall several times. Goenka would not shut up. Usually, he just chants in Pali for a while and then says a few words about observing sensations from the top of the head to the tip of the toe with equanimity. Today he just blathered on and on and on and on. Repeating himself over and over. I don’t know why I’m so annoyed. Is it my own Sankharras? The cold? The monotony of this place? The loneliness? I started thinking excitedly about all the things I’m looking forward to when I get back. Maybe that’s part of it, Now that the end is near I’ve become impatient. Deep breaths.

Last night’s discourse was again enlightening and entertaining. Goenka's jolly style and fabulous accent, along with the fact that he’s been doing this for over 30 years, make him a fabulous presenter, most times. His use of analogy, examples and storytelling makes things clearer and always gets a few laughs. “Buddha scandal story – Dharma works” (wings of a feather analogy for awareness, equanimity)

I was sitting on a bench leaning against a tree, wondering whether or not to stay when a heavy breeze caught the top of the tree I was leaning against in its grasp causing it to bend and sway. I looked upwards in the tree seems to be swaying to me “go with the flow of nature, look at me. I am doing great and I’ve been here my whole life.”

 

Lunch
Beautiful chirping yellow and grey finches have arrived. My girlfriend would love them, they’re just like the birds in her favourite painting by Kathryn Del Barton.

For some reason I’m cracking up imagining this centre listed in some obscure German backpacking guide book: “for a great deal on accommodation and delicious vegetarian food, you can’t beat the Blackheath Meditation Centre – it’s free.” But if you’re a backpacker reading this, it’s the wrong reason to come to matter how budget conscious you are. Come, but not for money reasons. Or the food.

That said, the food is great, and some extraordinary organic teas are pretty good too; lemongrass, red Sage, chamomile, peppermint, and of course the good old Australian Dilmah and Tetley’s. Surely a Goenka cookbook is in the works – recipes for the body and mind, or the liberators guide to cooking and living well. I don’t know, but if they want help writing it, I’m available to help.

Surveying the cafeteria today at lunch I was surprised at how sad the men look. They are carrying so much weight on their faces. Has the technique brought it all up for them? Are they sad it’s almost over? Are they feeling how I was at the beginning? All I can say is, after some food I feel great again. My life is great and I have so much to be thankful for and appreciate, and so much more to look forward to when whatever it is I have now, goes away. The sensation of happiness will come again and go. And come, and go. Such is the law of Dharma.
Fartathon: M+1
A breakthrough! A revelation! An observation! In the last meditation session, I chose to take a closer look at some of the sensations I was feeling and I was amazed by the result. I figured out where so much of my happiness comes from which was truly an enlightening moment.

My parents always said I was a happy baby, and I don’t remember ever being unhappy until I started school. Kids can be so cruel and I was an easy target. I was a San Francisco transplant, a product of talent-rich, cash-poor Ivy League-educated, hippie, creative, peace-loving parents who moved to a redneck town in New Hampshire.

I was new, I was different, and those differences were easy to prey on. They had their hair cut at a barber, Mom cut mine. They had superhero lunchboxes with matching Thermoses, I had a brown paper bag. They had Adidas, I had K-mart. They had Levi’s, I had ToughSkins. They watched the 6-Million Dollar Man, we didn’t have a TV. They had full Cub Scout uniforms, I had only the shirt. They had parents who picked them up in normal cars, mine drove a station wagon with bananas and flowers painted on it.

Seriously.

My parents must’ve tried to teach me to be grateful for what I had and to celebrate my differences, but it was hard in the backwoods of a rural town and I resented everyone there for it. A resentment I realize now, I have been carrying around for over three decades.

Today I looked around at the people here and realized, these aren’t those people, especially the people here. In fact, none of the people in my life now are those people. And if you are one of those people reading this, when you get your truck running drive it to your nearest meditation centre and for God’s sake, come out of your misery.

Those people are probably still in the same town drinking Budweiser, living in trailers, and dreaming of owning a Harley one day.

A weight has been lifted, tension is gone, I’m amazed at how I’ve been carrying that resentment around for so long and am grateful to everyone here that I can share this newfound understanding, clarity and compassion with. On Day 11, not now of course. And I can celebrate my special differences with positivity, and see all the good in my childhood and even perhaps forgive those damn rednecks. But I might have to meditate on that some more first.

 

Day Nine, 4:30 PM
I don’t know what is going on, but Goenke is seriously starting to do my head in. Do they have the same tape on auto loop, over and over and over and over – the same thing? Pretty soon I’m going to be able to teach this course. All day I’ve been feeling great, then a few meditation sessions in I start to lose it. I had to walk out of the last session before Goenke was done… “from the top of the head to the tip of the toes…” Arghhhh!

I went for a walk and saw some paragliders floating off at distant cliff face and wished I was with them. What a view of Valley they must have. But then the finches came to keep me company. I kept looking for pink ones, like in my girlfriend's painting, but only yellow so far. I realize their sudden appearance is probably due to their being newborns. Is this their time of year? They all appear to be testing their wings – short little hops and tentative acrobatics, and testing their own weight too: this branch will hold me, this reed won't, this tree wiggles, this branch doesn’t. I’m not sure if they are new to flight or just showing off, either way, the purr of their beating wings calms me. I resolve again to take it easy, stay one more day, and take a closer look at where my irritation comes from.

Here’s what I came up with: feeling like a captive, not being in control of my time, and essentially being told what to do, what to eat, went to rest, went to work, went to sleep etc. for nine days in a row. It’s a lot to ask of people. A self-confident and independent person like myself. Anyway, it’s almost over. Tomorrow we can talk! Noble chat as it were, amongst ourselves, I look forward to hearing other people’s reactions about their experience.

 

Day Nine, Evening Discourse
Tonight’s discourse finally gave us a bit of an explanation about why we’ve been living like monks, and why this course is free. Basically, it comes down to the fact that the body changes when emotions arise. For example, we can’t see anger, only the object of our anger - which continues to make us angry. By focusing on the changes in the body such as faster breathing and sensations such as heat, sweating, tensing muscles, clenching teeth etc. and observing only these changes impartially we become more attuned to our reaction to things, and as such are better equipped to deal. So our anger only lasts perhaps four hours, instead of eight. And with continued practice, the theory is that we won’t get angry at all. We all create our own misery, our own anger and our own happiness too, and it’s up to us to get rid of the former, and appreciate the latter while it lasts, because happiness, like anger or irritation, also comes to go away.

 

Day 10
Yay! Yay! Yay! It’s Day 10! I woke up excited to greet my bunkmates for the past ten nights by name, but no such luck. We have been told to maintain Noble Silence until after “special instructions” are given at 9:45 AM. So it looks like it could be another long day of meditation until 10 PM tonight. And yes just like every other day we woke up at 4:30 this morning. When Noble Chatter erupts, I’m especially looking forward to talking with Old Yeller, Manny Ken, apologising to my roomies for my fitful night six, thanking the staff for all their great work, guidance, support and food… and finding out what exactly the Grizzler’s story is.

It’s “Metta” day, which could be Pali for “10,” but I like to think of it as a day where everything is good and nothing is the metta. (Sorry). Anyway, I’m glad I came and glad it will soon be over. A sentiment I’m confident is shared by most, if not all of us still here.

 

 Day 10 Discourse
When it ends, I say “sadhu” three times and bow. Now I can see, clearly, even the image of this man deserves respect.

I bow deep.

 

Conclusion
There is a part of me that still finds it somewhat disappointing to take a ten-day course (12 if you count travel days) taught primarily by a teacher who is only seen for an hour a day on a flickering video screen. I know this is fast becoming the norm at colleges and universities worldwide (watch your back Professor, Video U is coming) and the format does allow for Goenka to spread his message in more places at the same time which can only be good, but still a bit more personal support and encouragement along the way would have helped.

Do I feel enlightened? Well, I do feel lighter in more ways than the 6 kg I probably lost. Besides, even if I’m a long way from Buddhahood, at least I’m on the right path.

Looking back, I see now that I entered into this with scepticism, trepidation and fear, rather than hope, optimism and confidence. I was always committed to completing the ten days, but I was willing to look for reasons to go right up until the end. I’m glad I didn’t find any.

It was a full moon when I arrived here in Blackheath, and every night before sleep I have looked skyward to watch it wane and change its position in the starscape. But I know it will be full again. It’s the law of nature. It comes to go away. But for now, from where I’m standing, my mind is at peace and the moon is definitely half-full.

Now, where’s the nearest sushi joint?

 - ET

 

Excerpt: I snuck pen and paper into a 10-day Vipassana meditation retreat where nobody was allowed to talk. It was hard. And it was awesome.  This the story of my adventure to the inside of my mind. And how I almost lost it.

### #1 Best Advertising Portfolio - Eran.co

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" anchor="" in_content_menu="" content_menu_title="" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fa_icon="" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" video="" video_overlay="" video_overlay_image="" video_webm="" video_mp4="" video_ogv="" video_image="" background_image="" pattern_background="" section_height="" parallax_speed="" background_color="" border_color="" side_padding="" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" color="" hover_color="" more_button_label="" less_button_label="" button_position="" css_animation="" transition_delay=""][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Some people say advertising is bullshit, or even evil.

I could easily defend the industry with the familiar rhetoric around job creation, economic growth and the real need for brand awareness and recognition regardless of how amazing (or crap) your product or service is, but the truth is, I just did it because it seemed cool and I was good at it.

In my defence, all I can say is I never did ads for cigarettes (my Mom made me promise) and advertising gave me a way to eat, drink and pay a mortgage at a time in my life when it wasn't clear to me I had other options.

Plus, like many other "evil" things, if done in moderation, it can be a lot of fun  - and, of course, do real good for the economy blah, blah, blah.

Check out my portfolio at EranCo.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Check out the #1 best advertising portfolio " font_container="tag:h6|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="22804" img_size="medium" alignment="center" style="vc_box_shadow_3d" img_link_large="yes" qode_css_animation=""][vc_column_text el_class="photocaption"]

My first ever produced ad. You have know idea how excited I was about this at the time. Free Big Macs!

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Excerpt: Some people say advertising is bullshit or even evil...

### "C" & Borracho - Theme Song!

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https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/09/CNB_Theme-Song_Donkey.mp3

 

It's time for a Theme Song Sing-A-Long amigos!

The "C" & Borracho Show has been getting put together in the authentic and traditional Mexican way:

Slowly.

But that doesn't mean there hasn't been progresso.

So pour yourself a shot of tequila, blaze a doobie and hit that little play button up top. We guarantee its the best theme song ever for a web series about two Mexican puppets who sneak across the border to make it big in Hollywood.

Ever![/vc_column_text][vc_separator type="transparent" border_style="" thickness="25"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: The show may not be ready, but the theme song is!

### E.T. on: Mistakes

"I've never made a mistake in my life, but there's a stack of things I'll never do again." - E.T

### Good Morning Dreamer

I’ve been told repeatedly that my dreams are crazy. That I should have them analysed. That I might be nuts. That I should write them down.

But writing down dreams is hard when you’re stumbling around in your underwear, half asleep, looking for a pen that works. So I started recording them. Much easier: Wake up, grab phone, mumble weirdness.

Some dreams are sexy. Some are silly. Some are just plain weird. And all of them are proof the unconscious mind knows no bounds. So have a listen and, if you are inspired, leave your interpretations by clicking the DREAM TITLE or “add your comment” in the player.

And remember, not all dreams come true – and that’s probably a good thing. But the book, with all my crazy dreams just sitting their waiting to be read before you go to bed and have some dreams of your own? That's a very, very good (meta) thing.

Maybe.

Excerpt: I’ve been told repeatedly that my dreams are crazy. That I should have them analysed. That I might be nuts. That I should write them down

### Luke the Rat

On May 5, 1999 I was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML). After much reflection, I realised the only way to successfully deal with it would be with the help of my friends and family. So I decided to share the fact that my body was sick with everyone I knew.

And the way I decided to do it was via email. The reason for this was primarily because it was an easy way to let lots of people scattered around the country (and world) know what was going on with me, without having to talk about all the time.*

This book is a compendium of the emails I sent out over the course of several years that I fought the disease, along with some of the many touching and important responses from people who received them. It also includes general notes and journal entries, as well as stories about the people in my life, without whom I would surely already be dead.

*It may sound crazy, but in 1999 things like WordPress, Facebook and Twitter didn’t exist.

Excerpt: This book is a compendium of the emails I sent out over the course of several years that I fought the disease, along with some of the many touching and important responses from people who received them. It also includes general notes and journal entries, as well as stories about the people in my life, without whom I would surely already be dead.

### Driving Turkey

I can’t remember why he chose a turkey costume or where he got it. Or how we decided he should drive.

But there we all were, driving home from a Halloween party, completely smashed having worked our way through at least two handles of Jim Beam.

I was in the back with everyone, cracking ourselves up about the turkey’s bad driving when the dreaded law showed up behind us, blue lights reflecting everywhere.

So now a ghost, a circus clown, Captain Hook, President Nixon, and a turkey are all trying to hide empties and act sober while a pig dressed in his blue costume walks up to the car window.

Straight face: "Licence and registration."

Turkey hands them over, not so straight faced, trying not to exhale.

"Do you know I’ve been following you for fifteen minutes?"

Turkey shakes his feathery head "No."

"Do you know why I pulled you over?"

More negative turkey shake. A feather flits out the window and lands on the Cop who ignores it.

"Do you know you were driving with your headlights off?"

Turkey: "Officer, do you know, turkeys can see in the dark?"

Fact: You can die trying not to laugh – and the turkey got away with a warning.

Excerpt: I can’t remember why he chose a turkey costume or where he got it. Or how we decided he should drive

### Bustin’ The Beasties

I had a dream I was at a concert, I don’t know who was playing, but Adam from The Beastie Boys was doing the visuals.

I was seated at a round table with a few strangers and I realized we are at some sort of awards ceremony.

One of the guys at my table turned to me and said, “Man the visuals are pretty cool.” I told him, “Yeah, that’s the dude from the Beastie Boys, he does art too.” And then the song ended and Adam came out from behind the light desk and started chatting up the crowd...

"Ya’ll ready for a little Sabotage?"

I groaned, and shouted something about it being overplayed

"Nooo! Let’s hear something else!"

Adam and the whole room heard me and looked over as he started doing an a cappella version of the hit song. As he rhymed the first verse he walked through the crowd over to my table and when he got there, he stopped, looked right at me, and made up a quick freestyle rap about how everybody loves this song except some drunk guy, meaning me.

I looked around and laughed with everybody, but the guys at my table we giving me dirty looks, and I realized Adam was taking the piss, laughing as he walked away about how "he still got it."

So I jumped up and shouted over all the laughter, rapping...

"Not drunk, just bored of the old routine
 Did you come over to say hi, or simply to be mean?"

The crowd stopped laughing and Adam turned around, staring at me in disbelief. So I continued...

"I’ve been a fan since Cookiepuss,
 So please relax and don’t make a fuss.
 You got a ton a songs that are so damn great,
 Did you have to pick the one that is so overplayed?"

Then I woke up.

Excerpt: I’ve been a fan since Cookiepuss, So please relax and don’t make a fuss

### Eran Thomson's 12 Tips to Help You or Someone You Love Beat Cancer

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Twelve tips that could help you or someone you love beat cancer
Every once in a while I get contacted by someone with a friend or acquaintance who has been diagnosed with cancer.

They are seeking suggestions and hope from someone who has “been there.” And I've definitely been there.

As a young adult cancer survivor, Novartis poster boy, and co-founder of Prepare to Live, I've learned a few things.

Check out the old site at preparetolive.org Prepare to Live® / Prepare2Live™

Eran Thomson's 12 Tips for Beating Cancer
1. Be your own best expert.
Every doctor has their own, sometimes hidden agenda, talk to lots of them and remember they work for you. You’re hiring them to save your life. So interview them well — have questions, do background checks, see if they’re involved with leading trials and research, and look for their names in research papers or industry blogs related to your cancer.

2. Use the web, but don’t believe everything you read.
There is as much bullshit online as there is truth, and when you’re sick, looking for answers, you’re vulnerable. Get lots of info, then take that info to real live human experts who can help you separate fact from fiction.

3. Ignore Statistics.
Be your own statistic. Don't let the numbers and charts scare you. Someone gets to be on the right side of the bell curve, why not you?

4. Remember: Things Change. FAST.
If you think your computer or mobile phone becomes obsolete quickly, wait until you get stuck in to the world of medical technology. New things are being developed non-stop. Find out about them, research them. Be a medical tech nerd.

5. Make Changes.
If you have never exercised, start. If you ate crap, stop. If you worked all the time, don't. Learn to meditate. Tell your body you love it — listen to what it wants and as best as possible, give it. Express gratitude.

6. And obviously quit smoking, red meat, booze, etc.
If you love those things and they make you happy, don’t make yourself miserable. Have some. Once in a while as a treat. Except for the cigarettes.

https://youtu.be/kWaCh8IoK5A

 

7. Rally the Troops.
Build a support network, and give them jobs. Your friends and family will want to help, but probably won’t know how. So they will hover and dawdle and give you sad looks. This is because, ironically, they feel helpless, after all, they can’t fix your “problem.” But they can do other things — get groceries, wash your dog, manage your emails, massage your neck, vacuum. Trust me, they will jump at the chance to feel like they’re helping. And to have something to do besides give you sad looks.

8. Start a Blog.
Don’t start a non-profit*. Everyone is going to want to know how you’re doing and you’re going to get sick of telling them. Blogs didn’t exist when I was first diagnosed, so I did email blasts, but now a private blog is a great way to share your progress with everyone without having to tell the same story over and over and over.

9. Get your Head Right.
A large part of your recovery (and in my opinion, the cause of many diseases) is emotional. So get right in the head. Get spiritual, get a psychiatrist, get a new job, make friends with a Monk, let go of any guilt, make amends if you must, but clear your conscience. Get your karma bank balance back in black.

10. Get on the ACOR email list.
There's one for your specific disease. Google it.

11. Get Outside.
Nature is healing. If you’re stuck in bed, or a hospital, and you can, get out and breathe some fresh air — even if only for 5 minutes. Especially if you’re in a hospital. They smell funny. That said, more important than breathing fresh air, is learning to breathe. Meditation can help.

12. Get an Insurance Helper.
Leukemia may have come close to killing me, but dealing with insurance companies came closer. The stress, anxiety, bureaucracy, utter nonsense, and incompetence I dealt with during my treatment may have had more to do with my hair loss than bad genes or chemo. That thing I said above about rallying the troops and giving people jobs? This may be the most important one. Let someone else deal with it. Trust me.

And finally, check out the fantastic organization that Prepare to Live now refers to Young Adults: StupidCancer.com

Wishing you health and happiness,
- ET



@eranthomson / LinkedIn / eranthomson.com

*Note: Prepare to Live is looking for new leadership. If you or someone you know is interested in taking the reins, please get in touch.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]

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Excerpt: If you or someone you know has been recently diagnosed with cancer, here are 12 tips that just might help save a life.

### Market Tips: Going To MIP? Read This First.

It’s that time of year again where TV Writers, Producers, Directors, Showrunners and everyone with an idea for a cooking show starts planning a trip to France to hock their wares at the world’s largest international TV market.

If you’ve never been before, and are thinking of going over to sell your idea for a cool comedy web-series, awesome travel show, or totally new reality format idea, let me share some tips.
Thirteen TV Market Tips That Could Save You Time, Money & Heartache



1. Plan Ahead. Most people have all their meetings set up well before they go. Its almost impossible to get meetings with key players if you haven’t set them up beforehand. Their schedules will be full, so its worth emailing people ahead of time.

2. Get the Bible. If you’ve registered to attend you should have received or be eligible to download an attendee phone book or directory of sorts that lists all the people coming, what they do, what they’re offering/looking for. Use this to identify your best targets.

3. Stay Off the Floor. When I went to my first TV market (NATPE) I foolishly paid for an exhibitors booth on the floor. It’s a complete waste of money. Most if not all the important meetings where deals get done, get done in hotel rooms. Networks and production companies book suites and run their game from there. In fact, most of the deals are done well before the market even starts. People just meet there to sign contracts, see old friends, and get drunk.


 	

This little section of the huge exhibition floor at NATPE costs thousands of dollars and it’s not worth it. At all. For any reason.


4. No Really, Stay Off the Floor. With the exception of the major networks, most the people on the exhibition floor are punters who don’t know better — like I was. If you’re going to be out there you need to think creatively about how to get noticed. There are tons of exhibitors and all their booths look the same — except for the established players who invest thousands of dollars on their booths. It’s actually amazing. Some build full on cafes, restaurants, game rooms etc. When I went I had no money to get anything made so I went around to all the nearby bars, collected a ton of Corona Beer cartons, and stacked them like bricks to make my display. It was a real traffic stopper and it didn’t cost me a cent.

5. Lawyer Up. You need a US based entertainment lawyer. If you don’t have one, get one. Here’s why: when you pitch to people who don’t know you the first thing they will do is ask you to sign a document that essentially says “you’re fucked.” They will be protecting themselves with clauses that essentially mean: you can’t sue them for anything, they probably already have an idea just like yours, the rights to your idea are actually theirs and worse. I’ve seen horrendous terms. Onerous terms. Being asked to sign means they don’t take you seriously. And you shouldn’t sign any of them no matter how important the meeting might be. So get a Lawyer, ask them for a handful of business cards, and if anyone asks you to sign anything before pitching your ideas, hand them your Lawyer’s card and say:
“Oh, we never sign those, but if you want to hear our ideas I’d be glad to pitch them, otherwise you can send your contract to my Lawyer and we can try again tomorrow.”
Then either they’ll call their own bluff or your Lawyer will call them and tell them to get real.

6. Have Lots of One-Pagers. Have one-pagers for every idea you’re pitching. I never saw a “real” one-pager before I went to NATPE, but I took a guess at what people might want to see on them and I guessed well. Not everyone loved all my shows, but everyone loved my one-pagers. I’d do them different now, but you can Google for examples and make your own version. The one thing most people leave off is all the ways their show can make money. If you have ideas that go beyond selling ads, put them on there. They’ll love it. And in case you don’t know, a One-Pager is basically your pitch on one page. One side of one page for one show.

7. Party When You Get Home. Personally, I would resist the urge to party with everyone, or at least choose your moments carefully. You want to bring your A game and be on point if/when someone asks you what you’re pitching. And that can, and does, literally happen in elevators, so know your pitch inside and out, sober or not and be able to get it out before the doors open again. Better to bond over ideas than beers.

8. Practice Your Pitches. Pitching is what you’re going there to do. So get them down, get them tight. Be able to pitch any of your shows anywhere, anytime, to anyone. When you can recite them in your sleep, you’re ready.

9. Research. Know what the people you’re pitching to do and are looking for. If you pitch them a show that’s not right for them then they assume you don’t know the biz. And second chances don’t come easy.

10. Cable If Your Able. Find a Manager or Agent friend (or friend of one) who can get you a document called “Cable Needs.” This is a sheet that’s updated monthly by agencies that lists all the types of shows networks and cable are looking for. It’s incredibly valuable and saves you time pitching to people who aren’t interested.

11. Pitch Comps. For the record, most TV market pitch comps are fun and a good way to get noticed if you win, but if you win, someone else typically owns your idea, so you need to decide if winning is worth losing your IP for. Note that you may lose your IP just by submitting. Here’s where a Lawyer can advise. Most of the time when I’ve read the T&C’s for those comps they’re a terrible deal for the pitchers. Youv’e been warned. Besides, most of the time those comps are for dreamers, not legitimate players — which do you want to be perceived as?

12. Book Now. Don’t waste time prepping an entry into the pitch comp. Instead I’d spend the time between now and April 13th finding the people you want to meet with in the MIP Directory, booking the meetings (yes, now, weeks ahead of time is when its done) and finding out as much as you can about what they’re looking for.

13. Oi! Mate! If you’re an Aussie, Screen Australia has a great booth (and hotel suite) every year. They totally look after their own and you can apply for grants to pay for flights and stuff too. Definitely check out their website and even if you don’t apply for funding, visit their booth when you’re in Cannes as they can make introductions all over.

That’s all I got, hopefully you can learn from my mistakes, and I can watch your amazing new cooking show soon. Bonne chance!
-ET

P.S. I have no idea who that woman is in the header photo, but that guy in black definitely thinks she could be “someone.”



Have you been to MIPTV, MIPCOM or NATPE? Do you have experience and/or advice to share? Drop some science in the comments.

@eranthomson / LinkedIn / eranthomson.com

Excerpt: Thirteen TV Market Tips That Could Save You Time, Money & Heartache

### Clark on: Drunk Driving

Cop: Son, have you been drinking?

Clark: Officer, I’m so drunk I can’t even walk.

Cop: Then what the hell are you doing driving?

Clark: I just told you I couldn’t walk.

Excerpt: Officer... I just told you.

### University of Eurail

[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][dropcaps type='square' color='#808080' background_color='#00ff00' border_color='']W[/dropcaps]hen I chose to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill it wasn’t because I loved the school, the campus, or any specific program - although their Journalism School did teach mad skills. It was because, at the time, my Step-Dad was up for a job there, and had he taken it, college would have been free.

 

Instead I got student loans, girls who brought hair dryers on camping trips, and cheese grits.

 

It wasn’t that I didn’t enjoy the South, it was more that I just didn’t fit in. Example: I showed up to my first English class wearing flip-flops, surf shorts and a tank top, only to be confronted by a room full of J.Crew clones. They must have thought I graduated from Ridgemont High and been accepted as part of an affirmative action program.

 

I did what I could to make the most of it. Found some fellow watermen and founded the Carolina Surf Club, started a T-Shirt business to help pay tuition, joined (and later unjoined) a frat, but by my Junior year I had applied to film school in Los Angeles and was planning my exodus. That’s when my parents convinced me to study abroad in Spain instead.

 

[blockquote text='Adios pulled pork. Hola paella.' text_color='#808080' title_tag='h3' width='' line_height='undefined' background_color='' border_color='' show_quote_icon='yes' quote_icon_color='#00ff00' quote_icon_size='']

 

At the Universidad de Sevilla they do things a bit differently. At the start of each semester they give you a syllabus and a reading list, and they don’t take attendance. If you come to class or not is up to you. And at the end of each semester you can either sit an exam or turn in a paper that makes up 100% of your final grade.

 

Once I worked this out, I immediately bought a Eurail Pass, packed my books and hit the road. Or tracks, as it were. Back then you could use an Erasermate pen to mark off trips on your pass. If the Conductor didn’t punch it (and they usually didn’t) that meant you could erase on arrival and your trip was free.

 

So I took a lot of trains and learned a lot of things. Very important things like, some foods are best left uneaten, or “please” works even better when you say it in the local language, and hot showers are a luxury. But also that people just about everywhere else in the world have it tougher than you, so shut-up already about your slow internet and do something useful with your life.

 

When I eventually caught my last return train to Sevilla, I polished up my papers, got a friendly señorita to fix my pluperfect verbs, and turned them in. All that reading in train car classrooms must have paid off, because when my grades came back, I got straight A’s.

 

Which just proves, there’s no better way to learn, than to travel.

- ET[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: When I chose to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill I couldn't wait to leave.

### The M-Bomb Vs. The Knife

My first favourite tool was a Swiss Army knife.

I used it for things like hollowing out Sumac tree branches to make slide whistles, sculpting mini totem poles, notching out slingshot handles, carving up imaginary pirates and cutting the perfect paper airplane flaps.

See, when I was a kid if I wanted a toy my parents didn’t take me to Toys R Us, they helped me make it.

Toy rifle? Hand-carved 2x4 stock, old aluminium tent pole barrel and a bent nail for the trigger. Sailboat? Cut up plastic milk jug hull, curtain rod mast and an old t-shirt sail. While most kids we’re playing Atari, I was… Actually, I was wishing I had an Atari.

The point is, I can look back now and see that those early days helped develop a unique imagination and an innate understanding of how things work, not to mention my inner MacGyver.

But in First Grade, it wasn’t that cool. Imagine showing up to a gunfight with a tent pole rifle when all the other kids had real BB guns. Bizarrely, it wasn’t bringing a toy gun to school that first got me into trouble. It was a pencil.

It all started with our Teacher, Ms. M-Bomb, so-called because she blew up at kids for what seemed like no reason. And because she had a huge butt. One day she saw me writing at my desk, but instead of appreciating my mastery of spelling, her beady eyes zeroed in on the tip of my pencil.

It was jagged, chipped like a rough-hewn log.  Because I’d sharpened it at home the way I always did, with the right tool for the job. And now Ms. M-Bomb’s fuse was lit.

Ms. M-Bomb: How did you sharpen this pencil?

Me: With my knife.

BOOM!

That’s the day I learned how to spell “detention.”

Excerpt: My first-grade teacher was not impressed with my knife skills.

### My Religion is Going Downhill

My first pair of skis were a gift from my Father.

And when I say gift, I don't mean he went to a shop and bought me a pair of skis. He made them. By hand. Carved, he says, from an old shipping palette.

Back then (I was 3) they didn't actually make skis my size, and being an enthusiast, as well as a National Ski Patrolman it was important to my Father to be able to share this passion with his only Son. So he made me some. Shaping and sanding, carefully matching the pair, sacrificing an old leather jacket to make the bindings, and soaping the bottoms so they'd slide smooth and fast.

I don't remember him actually giving them to me, but I do remember endless trips down - and up - our half-mile long, downhill driveway. And loving it. Hooked from my first run.

Skiing is still my Father's passion - and mine. In fact, the snow is the one place where I’m guaranteed to find joy. It’s not uncommon for me to catch myself giggling all the way down the steeps, or hooting my way through the trees. Unless of course, there’s not enough snow to fully cover the rocks. Then there may be a few groans in the mix.

I still have those skis. I look at them now as a symbol of a lifetime of thrills, adventure and good times on the slopes. They just might be the greatest gift I ever received.

Of course, now I mostly snowboard, but that’s another story.

Excerpt: My first pair of skis were hand-carved from an old shipping palette by my father.

### I Got Beaten by Mt Everest

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" anchor="" in_content_menu="" content_menu_title="" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fa_icon="" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" video="" video_overlay="" video_overlay_image="" video_webm="" video_mp4="" video_ogv="" video_image="" background_image="" pattern_background="" section_height="" parallax_speed="" background_color="" border_color="" side_padding="" padding_top="" padding_bottom="" color="" hover_color="" more_button_label="" less_button_label="" button_position="" css_animation="" transition_delay=""][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Chemo Didn’t Make Me Puke, but Mt. Everest Did." use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]A few years ago I was invited by the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation to participate on a trek up Mt Everest.

The plan was to play the world’s highest rock concert in an effort to raise money for a new Nepalese cancer center.

And we did it.

And by "we" I mean other people.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="22418" img_size="large" alignment="center" style="vc_box_shadow_3d" onclick="img_link_large" qode_css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1610590844498{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text el_class="photocaption"]
Eran Thomson in the Gorakshep hut, Mt. Everest
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]At the time I was the Executive Director and Co-Founder of Prepare to Live, the first and only non-profit organization run by and for Young Adults coping with cancer. And I was, and am still, a cancer survivor having had a brush with Leukemia.

I was one of only a handful of survivors on the trail, but it wasn’t my musical talent that got me there. Members of The Stray Cats, The Fixx and Squeeze were already headlining, along with MTV who filmed a documentary about it all.

Yet, despite being surrounded by rock stars and the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, the ugliness of cancer was always on our minds.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="http://youtu.be/sNqE9uTvJVs?list=PL6mR6zcipx4-oOIjn0tvRf0J2M-EYLdhd"][vc_column_text]Cancer survivors never forget they had cancer, and they almost never become famous for having had it.

They don’t typically star in movies or music videos, write books, get awards or cheat in the Tour de France.

Most survivors simply accept the little bit of enlightenment that comes with winning the battle and do the best they can to leave cancer behind.

But letting go of cancer can be hard.

In some ways, it may even be harder than beating it.

In the fight, you are completely engaged with your whole being, powered by a godly determination to not let this disease beat you.

Once you realize it hasn’t, things can get difficult. Who are you now? What does beating cancer really mean? How will you deal with the scars - physical or emotional?

Why did you make it when so many others did not?

How do you know it’s really gone?

And while these questions may be worth asking (and answering), my theory is at some point you have to stop focusing on being a “survivor” and just live.

And so it happens that on the trail while basking in the powerful, peaceful Himalayan energy, surrounded by Sherpas, yaks and an amazing group of friends, I took a leap of faith and said goodbye to my cancer.[/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image="22419" img_size="full" alignment="center" style="vc_box_shadow_3d" qode_css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1610589997210{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text el_class="photocaption"]
Eighteen Shits, 3 Vomits, 5 Close Calls and 7 Dry Heaves in 2 days.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]I’d like to say I left it on the mountain top, but I never made it to the summit.

And I missed the concert at Base Camp. Instead, I was in a plywood hut at Gorakshep struggling with altitude sickness, breathing in yak dung dust and puking my guts out.

But it didn’t matter. In fact, you might say I was on top of the world because my cancer was dead and gone.

And I was alive.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/De3TGCrjXCY"][vc_column_text]Sadly, one in three women and two in three men are likely to hear the dreaded "C" word from their doctor.

Odds are you or someone close to you will get some sort of cancer diagnosis one day, and if that happens, have this article bookmarked.

It just might save a life.[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color="" type="transparent" position="center" border_style="" thickness="25" width="" up="" down=""][vc_column_text]

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Excerpt: I was invited by the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation to trek up Mt. Everest and raise money for cancer. It nearly killed me.

### You Cannot Be Serious

[vc_video link='https://youtu.be/ransFQVzf6c']

 

I’ve been told at various times in my life that I look like John Travolta back when disco may or may not have sucked.

Some people mistook me for Pauly Shore back when I had lots of and long hair), but my real doppelgänger? John McEnroe. Or as I’m regularly told, a younger, more handsome version. Their words, not mine.

I’ll take it.  And I’ll take the perks too. See, it’s one thing to look like someone famous, but its completely another to be mistaken for someone famous. Thanks to delusional tennis fans worldwide, I’ve had a taste of what fame feels like, and for the most part, I like it.

I’ve been photographed for Penthouse (with my clothes on). I’ve gotten free food, free booze and great service at packed restaurants that suddenly had a table available. I’ve been given membership keys to nightclubs, been whisked to the front of long lines, and had more than a few girls slip me their numbers.

Sure I get tired of people yelling “Hey Mac!” out their car windows or harassing me for the occasional autograph (I always sign my real name), but it’s never bothered me enough to smash a racquet.

I often joke I’m the third, younger, lesser-known McEnroe brother (Patrick is in the middle), but even when I insist, I’m really not him, people always say the same thing.

“You cannot be serious!”

Excerpt: I’ve been told many times in my life that I look like John McEnroe, but you cannot be serious.

### Ritalin Could Have Killed My Career

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]When I was growing up, parents didn’t give hyperactive kids medication, they gave them spankings.

And I got my share of those, but somewhere along the way my parents came up with a more clever way to calm their wild child:
They’d send me to my room with orders not to come out until I had written a story.
They were working as Teachers at a private school when I was born, and as a result, I learned to read and write before most kids learn to not eat paste. I even skipped a couple of grades ahead in English. It was clear way back then, that writing was my “thing.”

Thing is, it’s not much fun to write when you know what you’re really doing is being punished. So I resisted my “thing.” And did other things. Which got me into trouble. And so off to my room I would go to fill my notebook with the requisite number of pages to suit the crime.

Too noisy: 5 pages.

Broken dinner plate: 10 pages.

Swinging cat by the tail: 50 pages.

No siblings (and the fact that we lived in Bumfük) meant that I had lots of imaginary friends.

So while my parents (and the cat, who was fine by the way) were enjoying some short-lived peace and quiet, I was writing about cowboys, spacemen, talking animals and other heroes I was forced to create - lost in my imagination, revelling in the control I had over my characters and their destinies.

In hindsight, I’ve come to realize this “punishment” was a tremendous gift.

One that drugs might have taken away. And even if I do still have periodic bouts of A.D.D., I’m sure I don’t need Ritalin is it raining I’m hungry I should clean the shower a cup of tea sounds nice to write.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I used to get sent to my room to write stories. As punishment. And I was bad a lot.

### Send This Boy to Camp

When I was 13 years old, I heard about this amazing Indian summer camp in Vermont where kids lived without electricity, in Tepees, wore loincloths, and basically ran around shooting at each other with bows and arrows for 8 weeks.

I wanted to go very badly.

My parents thought it was such a good idea they said, “You pay for it, you can go.”

So I ran an ad in our local newspaper consisting of my school picture with the headline “Send This Boy to Camp” and body copy about my willingness to do any and all odd jobs for cash.

When I got home from school the day the ad first ran, my Mom presented me with a stack of phone messages. I had my choice of jobs: painting, gardening, babysitting, cleaning, car washing… You name it.

Mom and I went through all the options and finally she asked me what I wanted to do, suggesting that yard work would likely pay the best. To which I replied:

“Yard work? The hell with yard work, I want to make ads!”

That summer I learned how to make a Tepee, dance at a Pow-wow, not tip over a canoe, and get to second base with a girl.

I also learned that adverting works, and that it can, and should be, fun.

Excerpt: Camp taught me how to make a Tepee, dance at a Pow-wow, get to second base with a girl, and keep a canoe from tipping.

### Joanie Cunningham Ruined My Childhood

“Nah-Nah! You have a girl’s name!”

It’s true. I did. The proof still exists on my birth certificate: “Erin.” With an “i.”

I really didn’t have a problem with this when I was a baby, but oh boy, once I started school, that’s when the trouble began. Every Tuesday at 8pm I got a reminder just how un-Fonzie I was when Erin Moran’s face came on TV as the Actress playing Chachi’s paramour.

Those were not “Happy Days” for me. That show made me hate my name and resent my parent’s for giving it to me. So I asked them if I could change it. To my surprise, they said “yes,” and asked what I wanted to change it to.

That was easy: Steve Austin. Fonzie was cool, but bionics was cooler. I was sure I’d stop getting teased if I had six-million dollar name, but then I realized something. I liked my name, just not the spelling. So I changed the “i” to an “a” and moved on. Somehow it seemed less girly and I liked that it was unique.

I never met another Eran with an “a” in my life until an Advanced Spanish class in college. Three Eran’s in one classroom. And two of them were girls! Ay muchachas, step off my unique “A” But you know what’s really weird? “Eran” in Spanish means “they were.”

So I guess that’s all in the past now.

Excerpt: I used to have a girl's name, so I changed it to Steve Austin aka The Six Million Dollar Man. Almost.


### Eran Thomson Keynote Speaker Panellist Facilitation Booking Form

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1681026996533{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;background: #00ff00 url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/stripe_0f6ee95e55611fb20ec5896ad09fa05e.png?id=21813) !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="BOOK ERAN THOMSON TO SPEAK, FACILITATE OR BE ON A PANEL" font_container="tag:h1|font_size:7vw|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:1" use_theme_fonts="yes" css="" link="url:%2Fportfolio-reviews"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1614932662161{background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1754710483238{padding-top: 5% !important;}"]
Get ready to spark joy for your audience.
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Single Line Text *Event Date *Location *Audience Size & Type *Preferred Topic *Format (Choose one or more)KeynoteMCPanelWorkshopTalk Length *NumbersAbout your eventName *FirstLastSingle Line TextYour email *Your Phone Number *CommentTaco Time!  [/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]	Rider

		Press Kit

		Download Speaker Pack

	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" css="" accent_color="#00FF00"][vc_column_text css=""]

Prefer to chat? Schedule a call.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Eran is a master storyteller who draws on his vast life experiences and unique sense of humor to deliver talks that are engaging, informative, and inspiring - and always end too soon.

### Effort for Equity: Your Secret Weapon for Growth

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_row_padding="true" thb_column_padding="true" thb_color="light-title" content_placement="top" thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1749828793124{background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/Linkedin-Featured-Images-Presentation.jpg?id=29671) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="60vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1614932662161{background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1749825536956{padding-top: 10% !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]
You’ve got a great product.
A killer idea.
Maybe even momentum.

But...
You're stuck.

Scaling too slow.

Surrounded by people who don't quite get it.

Or just low on ideas, money, or time.

That's where I come in.

I give founders, startups, and SMEs the creative boost they need to grow.

Fast.

Over the years, I've helped:

 	Zuper: Go from napkin sketch to fintech exit
 	West & Vaughan: Grow from unknown to AdWeek's Agency of the Year
 	Freeform: Open and scale a new office from 2 to 14 staff and get acquired
 	Agencies like BBH and TBWA: Win pitches, grow teams, build brands, and create fame
 	Song Saga: Invent, produce, package, price, and sell a physical retail product globally
 	PowerProv: Teach humans how to connect, communicate, and collaborate like legends
 	Corus: Elevate a Bajan sparkling rum punch RTD in preparation for the US market

And that's just a taste.
Let's talk about you
How much more quickly could you scale if you had…

 	A business guardian who protects your vision while leveling it up?
 	A problem solver who thrives in chaos and finds clarity?
 	A creative partner who can craft, innovate, and elevate your brand?
 	A proven leader who can step in and manage in-house and outsourced teams?
 	A brand whisperer to guide behavior and tell the right story, the right way, at the right time?

You don't need another ChatGPT content dump.

Or a $300k hire you can't afford.

Or a Fiverr freelancer disappointment.

You need original thinking.

Creative firepower with strategic aim.

Proven leadership.

Entrepreneurial experience.

Someone who sees opportunities and makes things happen.

And is motivated by your shared success.

That's what I bring.

So, if you've got a fast-growing startup, a VC-backed idea, or a small business with big ambition, let's talk Effort for Equity.

If we're a fit, I'll roll up my sleeves and help you hit targets, solve problems, and make magic.
What you'll get
Someone who:

 	Thinks like a founder and creates like a world-class agency
 	Turns chaos into clarity, and clarity into action
 	Understands tech stacks, AI workflows, SEO/SEM, and digital sales
 	Builds brands with strategy - and soul
 	Plays nice on scrappy teams and in polished boardrooms
 	Knows when to color outside the lines, and when to redraw them
 	Manages a top-tier network of freelance pros
 	Pitches/presents with creativity and confidence to help sell or raise capital
 	Leads with authenticity, openness, presence, and precision, not ego
 	Obsesses over execution, iteration, and momentum

This is your invitation to bring me in as your unfair advantage.

So use that black button to apply now.

Or, if you want to try before you buy, book a Banana Phone Consultation for $247.

Effort for Equity - let's get the outcomes and growth you want.

Together.[/vc_column_text]	Apply Now

	[vc_empty_space height="4vh"][vc_column_text css=""]
Not ready to commit to a collaboration? Here are some other ways we could work together.
Or perhaps my Creativity Course will help.
[/vc_column_text]


	 Add to Cart	
			


[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Effort for Equity is creative firepower for founders. Build a growth-driving partnership with Eran Thomson in exchange for equity. Let’s scale your vision fast.

### 100 Scoops: Creative Conversations and Ice Cream Cones with Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1721143647840{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;background-color: #00ff00 !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1682474734175{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Conversations about commercial creativity. And ice cream cones." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Hosted by Eran Thomson, ‘100 Scoops’ dishes out inside info from industry experts to help creative pros find delicious opportunities and taste more success.

Each episode is short and sweet - interviews start with a scoop and end when guests complete their cones." use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Subscribe on YouTube

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1721227964196{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]
Apply to be a Guest
[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1682655219646{padding-top: 5vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="1/2"]	
			
		“Invaluable info that has already helped me think differently about where I can take my career.”

								
				Vania Aurora ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
			Photographer
			
			
		
		“Quirky idea, but definitely worth a watch.”

								
				Jorge Gutierrez ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
			Director
			
			
		
		“Amazing insights in a delightfully digestible format. Seconds please!”

								
				Scott Mintner ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
			Art Director
			
			
		
	[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1682655219646{padding-top: 5vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Recent Scoops:" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			I’m Not Jealous You Are		
		
			Good work. Good ideas. Good presentation. This one has it all. Almost. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most		
		
			The mix of great and less-great work in a portfolio might make a viewer wonder if you know the difference.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Use Your Skills to Sell Yourself		
		
			A UX/UI Designer’s online folio should ideally have super cool UX/UI. This one sells itself short.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

					
				
		
			Load More
		
	
		[vc_separator color="custom" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1682655219646{padding-top: 5vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1682655219646{padding-top: 5vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Hello friends and future friends." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="Welcome to 100 Scoops." use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1721164431425{padding-bottom: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]It's mid-2024, and my LinkedIn feed is full of creative professionals announcing their availability.

Thousands of talented people are out of work, wondering what happened, and what to do next.

Commercial creativity seems to be in crisis.

And I want to know why.

Is it a Covid hangover? A contracted economy? Inflation? Politics? War? Profiteering? AI? Agism? Social media? Streaming? Something else?
I’m going to have 100 cool conversations with creative pros to see if we can figure out what the hell is happening.
And I will film every conversation so you can learn as I go.
"I’m not just bringing a camera, I’m bringing ice cream cones."
But I’m not just showing up with a camera, I’m bringing ice cream cones too. Because despite the current doom and gloom, I want these chats to be optimistic and joyful.

My goals for this adventure are simple:
1. Better understand the future of commercial creativity, especially as it relates to entertainment, advertising, and the creator economy.
2. Gather insights, ideas, and intel to help you discover delicious new opportunities and taste more success.
3. Meet good people and make new friends.
4. Get some great gigs.
And five, still fit into my pants.

So, if you’re a creative professional, or just creative and curious, head to YouTube now and subscribe.[/vc_column_text]	Subscribe on YouTube

	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text css=""]My name is Eran Thomson and I’ve had a career in commercial creativity for over two decades.

I’ve been a copywriter and creative director at some of the best ad agencies in the world and won garbage cans full of awards.

As a writer and director, I’ve created content that’s brought fame and fortune to an untold number of businesses and brands.

And as a screenwriter, I’ve written reams of shorts, sketches, and feature films.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, read scripts, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Get more of what you didn't know you were looking for." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text css=""]Turn your inbox into a virtual bounty of creative treats.

You'll get updated whenever a new 100 Scoops video drops, plus creative tips n' tricks, "Rad and Bad Ads," 2KINDS, short stories, interesting articles, and other stuff to make you smile.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1682474649439{padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner el_id="faq"][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text="FAQ" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1681025108809{padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_toggle title="Who the hell are you?" style="rounded_outline"]I am Eran Thomson and I've built a career out of creativity as a writer, screenwriter, and creative director.

I've worked at some of the best creative agencies in the world, started an agency that got acquired, and founded multiple startups.

Not to mention more than a few creative side hustles.

You can learn more about me using the links in the footer and discover why they call me The Joy Pusher.

And if you've ever felt uncreative, check out my Creativity Course.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can I hire you?" style="rounded_outline"]Yes. There are all sorts of things you can pay me to do.

I like money, but tacos are also a valued form of currency.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can I ask something else?" style="rounded_outline"]Yes. Drop me a note.[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space height="10vh"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: 100 Scoops is a unique interview show with creative professionals. And ice cream cones.

### Goodbye, Unicorn - Extinct Animal Interviews by Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" full_height="yes" thb_scroll_bottom="true" thb_scroll_bottom_style="style3" thb_scroll_bottom_color="light" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1690593283811{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/create-a-whimsical-renaissance-style-portrait-painting-of-a-dodo-bird-set-this-majestic-scene-agai-864713870.png?id=28775) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column thb_color="thb-light-column" width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Goodbye, Unicorn." font_container="tag:h1|font_size:7vw|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:1" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:%23main"][vc_custom_heading text="Extinct Animal Interviews by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:%23main"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1693219030269{padding-top: 5vh !important;}" el_id="main" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_column_text]Animals keep disappearing from our planet so I’m sharing their stories before we forget who they were.
“Goodbye, Unicorn” is a compendium of conversations conducted with endangered and extinct animals.
These “interviews” were not easy to get. As you can imagine, finding subjects to speak with is challenging when there aren’t any around.

Even if I could find them, I’m not currently fluent in any animal languages.

So I am creating conversations we never had.

The goal is to share personal stories from our dearly departed (or soon-to-be) non-human kin and capture them for posterity. The interviews may not be real, but the sentiment is.

Throughout my research, a few themes emerged:

 	Humans are the biggest threat to the planet and every living thing on it - including ourselves.
 	Humans are the most feared and damaging predators on Earth.
 	Humans have, for the most part, lost their connection to animals, themselves, and each other.
 	Animals can rightly blame us for almost everything bad that has ever happened to them.
 	Animals are intelligent, sentient beings who deserve - and need - to be here, for all our benefit.
 	Animals need an international “Bill of Rights.”

We cannot continue to ignore and abuse the other creatures with whom we share this planet.

It belongs to us all.

Since animals can’t speak for themselves, at least not in a way we fully understand, I have given them a voice.

And wherever possible, a sense of humour.

I am grateful for the resources provided by esteemed organizations like The Smithsonian, National Geographic Society, World Wildlife Foundation, and The Wildlife Conservation Society, as well as remarkable individuals like David Attenborough and early explorers like Lewis & Clark and Charles Darwin.

Furthermore, I owe a debt of gratitude to many exceptional people who continue to assist with this work, including game wardens, zookeepers, zoologists, veterinarians, park rangers, indigenous elders, native shamans, and animal enthusiasts from all over the world. Without their help, this project would not have been possible.

On behalf of all animals, past and present, I thank you.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1690593364871{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Latest interviews:" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			COMEDY, EXTINCT ANIMAL INTERVIEWS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Dodo Bird – Extinct Animal Interviews		
		
			My interview with a pair of lovely Dodo Birds is coming soon. Subscribe now.
		
		
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			COMEDY, EXTINCT ANIMAL INTERVIEWS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Tasmanian Tiger – Extinct Animal Interviews		
		
			My interview with a handsome Tasmanian Tiger is coming soon. Subscribe now.
		
		
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			COMEDY, EXTINCT ANIMAL INTERVIEWS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Wooly Mammoth – Extinct Animal Interviews		
		
			My interview with a very hairy Wooly Mammoth is coming soon. Subscribe now.
		
		
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		[vc_empty_space height="10vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe below." font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: A series of interviews with extinct animals to share their stories and raise awareness of humankind's impact. Subscribe before you disappear.

### A Laugh Threatening Situation - Comedy Memoir by Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1687417243655{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/eranthomson.com-Blog-Post-Featured-Images-Headers.jpg?id=26697) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column thb_color="thb-light-column" width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="A Laugh Threatening Situation." font_container="tag:h1|font_size:7vw|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:1" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="A Comedic Memoir by Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1682474734175{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="I've nearly died 47 times." use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]I may not have floated through a tunnel of light, seen Heaven, or spoken to God every time, but over the years I have repeatedly and unintentionally proven to myself and others that you don’t have to flatline to learn life’s most important lessons.

Coming close can often do the trick. And I've had more close calls than three cats combined.

These include stealing bail money from cranky cops in the Carolinas, partying with 80’s rock stars on Mt. Everest, getting lost in the snowy backcountry of Japan, seeing ghosts while surfing in Costa Rica, subway muggers in New York, the entire myriad of things that can kill you in India, people with guns, bad drivers, erupting volcanoes, dodgy drug dealers, and hilarious stuff like Leukemia, to name a few.

In this life-changing book, I recount them all in harrowing and humorous detail. You will enjoy every page.

Assuming you live long enough.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1682474734175{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Latest chapters:" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Preface		
		
			Strap on your helmet and buckle up for some very silly and stupid stories ahead.
		
		
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			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Introduction		
		
			I’ve nearly died 47 times. That makes for lot of bad situations and good stories.
		
		
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			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Bees in Bumfuck		
		
			I got attacked while chopping trees. Not by beavers, but by hundreds of bees.
		
		
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			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – No Sleep ’til Brooklyn		
		
			I nearly got stabbed on a Subway train, but I escaped with just emotional pain.
		
		
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			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Hola Muerto Su Nombre es Autobús		
		
			Falling off buses and burning my face, just proved to me that Mexico was my place.
		
		
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			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – When Cops Are Too Stupefied to Speak		
		
			I crashed my car, the route was unplanned, when a loose steering wheel came off in my hand.
		
		
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		[vc_empty_space height="10vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe below." font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I'm writing a book about all the times I've almost died. This is your sneak peek before it gets published. I welcome your feedback. And safety tips.

### Eran Thomson - Founder of Friendlet

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" full_height="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1684275678635{padding-top: 5vh !important;background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/friendlet-eran-thomson.jpg?id=28488) !important;}"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1684275361289{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_row_inner content_placement="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="2/3"]	
			
			
		
					
	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner thb_color="thb-light-column" width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1754727278985{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;background-color: #000000 !important;border-radius: 5px !important;}"]
Friendlet was a private network of worldwide travellers who rented homes to and from an exclusive group of trusted friends and connections.
Founded in 2007, it was the original way to Live Like a Local™ - and it was awesome.
Until we got our asses kicked by AirBNB.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Friendlet was a private network of worldwide travellers who rented homes to and from an exclusive group of trusted friends and connections. Founded in 2007, it was the original way to Live Like a Local™ and it was awesome until we got our asses kicked by AirBNB.

### Donkeburra - Dropping Art Bombs Worldwide

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" full_height="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1683762691819{padding-top: 10vh !important;background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/EGSD_bg.png?id=25531) !important;}"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1641424388389{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner]	
			
			
		
					
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	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Donkeburra - Dropping art bombs worldwide." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center|line_height:.85" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1683762608652{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1683763013429{padding-top: 2vh !important;}"]
Donkeburra is a secret dynamic duo who create mysterious and uncredited art installations across the globe.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Donkeburra is a secret dynamic duo who do mysterious and uncredited art installations across the globe.

### Rad and Bad Ads Reviewed by Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1682038701424{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 5vh !important;background-color: #00ff00 !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"]	
			
			
		
					
	[vc_custom_heading text="with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1681029720668{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Judging is easy. Ideas are hard." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682819398326{padding-bottom: 5vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Join me as I fame and shame the best and worst the ad industry has to offer and share ideas on how to make things better." use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1684028857854{padding-bottom: 5vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Recent Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Career Builder & Seek		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Career Builder & Seek.
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Epuron & Wind Energy		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Epuron & Wind Energy
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Miracle Flights & Absolut Vodka		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Miracle Flights & Absolut Vodka
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Red Bull & ZOA		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Red Bull & ZOA.
		
		
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		[vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" border_width="7" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1681025248522{padding-top: 3vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text="Subscribe to Rad and Bad Ads" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" border_width="7" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1682918679242{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text]	Book Me For Freelance

	[vc_empty_space height="1vh"]	Take My Creativity Course

	[vc_empty_space height="1vh"]	Get a Portfolio Review

	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="10vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Join me as I showcase some of the best and worst the ad industry has to offer and share ideas on how to make things better. This is Rad and Bad Ads with Eran Thomson.

### Folio Review Comparison

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1681026996533{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;background: #00ff00 url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/stripe_0f6ee95e55611fb20ec5896ad09fa05e.png?id=21813) !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="CREATIVE REVIEW COMPARISON" font_container="tag:h1|font_size:7vw|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:1" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:%2Fportfolio-reviews"][vc_custom_heading text="Portfolio Reviews with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:%2Fportfolio-reviews"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1681029720668{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Get the review that's right for you." font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1682706010339{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]
Click the green buttons for a full description of everything you get with each review level.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_column_padding="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column][vc_column_text]
	
				
		 
							
				
										
						Most popular					
					
					
					
					Titanium Torch			
					I am your dedicated Creative Coach and Co-Conspirator.
							
							
								
						$3497			
									
										
							USD - Usually $4497			
									
								
							
							
								
						Note: This is not a series of pre-recorded webinars or a group class. It's just you and me, making greatness together.Includes:Full creative portfolio review4-8 weeks of personalised creative coachingCreative direction to make your folio shine brightlyUp to 18 hours of co-conceptual developmentWeekly reviews and creative check-insLive one-on-one Q&AsSuggested tools and tech to help you winFull technical website auditFolio shared with headhunters and agency recruitersAdditional pay-as-you-go co-concepting time as desiredSmall client guidance and supportInvaluable support materials:The secret to getting great creative briefs – with examples and templates you can give clients/account people/strategists67 idea-generation hacks that will get you creatively unstuckGuide: How to develop an idea that sells and sell it – with a real case studyMy incomplete and ever-growing list of other places to keep learningSoon:Access to my private creative communityWisdom from other creative professionals who know their shit			
								
					
									
					Get More Info					
									
		 
							
				
										
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					Gold Gull			
					I am your Portfolio Whisperer and Soaring Success Maker
							
							
								
						$747			
									
										
							USD - Usually $1497			
									
								
							
							
								
						Includes:Full creative portfolio reviewCreative direction to place your folio high above the restLive one-on-one Q&AUp to three hoursof co-conceptual developmentAdditional pay-as-you-go co-concepting time as desiredSuggested tools and tech to help you winFull technical website auditFolio shared with headhunters and agency recruitersOption to upgrade to a private reviewInvaluable support materials:The secret to getting great creative briefs – with examples and templates you can give clients/account people/strategists67 idea-generation hacks that will get you creatively unstuck			
								
					
									
					Get More Info					
									
		 
							
				
										
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					Silver Skillet			
					I am your secret or not-so-secret weapon.
							
							
								
						$247			
									
										
							USD - Usually $497			
									
								
							
							
								
						Includes:Full creative portfolio reviewCreative direction to make your folio hot and deliciousTop-level technical website auditOptional side orders:Heat things up by adding co-concepting time to make your book divinely delectable.Upgrade to a private in-person review with a one-on-one Q&A.			
								
					
									
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					Bronze Boomerang			
					I am your time-poor, but kind, and helpful Creative Director.
							
							
								
						FREE			
									
										
							Forever			
									
								
							
							
								
						Includes:Top-level 10-minute video reviewTop-level website technical auditOne free review per person			
								
					
									
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[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="2/3"]	Back to Folio Page

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### Refund Policy

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1682653576517{padding-top: 15vh !important;}"][vc_column width="1/4" css=".vc_custom_1607680918010{padding-top: 15% !important;padding-right: 15% !important;padding-left: 15% !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="If you're here it means you are either curious (awesome) or unhappy (not awesome). Let's sort things out." use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="Eran Thomson's Money-Back Lifetime “Whisky Guarantee”" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682653873117{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_column_text]
Folio Reviews
"If, after working together you wouldn’t gladly help me move house, invite me to Christmas dinner, or loan me your Ferrari – and you haven’t taken any of my feedback on board – I will give you your money back minus the cost of a good bottle of whisky or tequila. Yes, I will get a receipt."
Overview
Our refund policy for portfolio reviews lasts a lifetime. And by "lifetime" we mean Eran Thomson's lifetime, not yours. If Eran's lifetime has passed since your purchase, we can’t offer you a full refund or exchange.

To be eligible for a refund, your portfolio must be in the same condition as when Eran first reviewed it. Any changes will void the Whisky Guarantee.
Refunds
Once your refund request is received and approved, we will send you an email to notify you of the approval or rejection of your refund. If you are approved, then your refund will be processed, and a credit will automatically be applied to your credit card or original method of payment, within a certain amount of days - minus the cost of a good bottle of whisky or tequila.

We will provide a receipt with your refund. The definition of "good" is entirely up to Eran Thomson.
Late or missing refunds
If you haven’t received a refund yet, first check your bank account again. Then contact your credit card company, it may take some time before your refund is officially posted.

Next, contact your bank. It often takes processing time before a refund is posted.

If you’ve done all of this and you still have not received your refund yet, please contact us.
Sale items
Only regular-priced items may be refunded. Sale items cannot be refunded.
Gifts
If the portfolio item was marked as a gift no refunds will be given.
Terms & Conditions
Please see the terms and conditions page (Section 14) for more specific details relating to portfolio reviews.
Still need help?
Contact us.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="10vh"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Creative Portfolio Reviews by Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1681026996533{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;background: #00ff00 url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/stripe_0f6ee95e55611fb20ec5896ad09fa05e.png?id=21813) !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="CREATIVE PORTFOLIO REVIEWS" font_container="tag:h1|font_size:7vw|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:1" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:%2Fportfolio-reviews"][vc_custom_heading text="with Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:%2Fportfolio-reviews"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1682474734175{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Let's transform your portfolio into a guaranteed gig-getter." use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_custom_heading text="I help creative professionals improve their portfolios in eight weeks or less so they can get the job, promotion, or clients they want." font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_custom_heading text="▶ Start with a FREE review and watch me respond to your work in real-time.
▶ Discover your portfolio blind spots and learn what clients and CD's really want to see.
▶ Upgrade for one-on-one creative coaching that will put you ahead of the pack." font_container="tag:h5|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Start Now

	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1681025238578{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Is this for you?" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="These folio reviews are perfect for copywriters, art directors, designers, photographers, illustrators, directors, and anyone else working in the communication arts." font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1754728136243{padding-bottom: 5vh !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" content_placement="middle" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Get your FREE portfolio review!" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]I'm offering free 10-minute creative portfolio reviews with notes - if I have any - to help you make your work and/or folio even stronger. And get the job of your dreams.

If you're wondering why I'm doing this, check the FAQ.[/vc_column_text]	Share Your Folio

	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"]	
			
			
			
		
			
					
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1681025238578{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="1/2"]	
			
		“Loved the feedback. I was very surprised by the energy and attention put into it. I've already made changes and my folio is much better now.”

								
				Sjoerd Verbrugge ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
			Art Director
			
			
		
		“This is invaluable info and guidance from someone who knows what they're talking about. Definitely exceeded my expectations. Incredible value.”

								
				David Fulde ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
			Photographer
			
			
		
		“This was insightful and worth it. I've already made changes and now I have a book that is bolder, tighter and more reflective of the work I want to do.”

								
				Matt Enger ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
			Designer/Art Director
			
			
		
	[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1682593275692{padding-top: 5vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_custom_heading text="Choose the review that's right for you:" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1682910926667{padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"]
		
															
	 Add to Cart	
			
Sale
															
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		[vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1682812303320{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]
Click above to get more info or ▶ Compare all 4 review levels.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" content_placement="middle" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1737723853021{padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Instantly discover 101 ways to transform your portfolio into a guaranteed gig-getter." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_column_text css=""]Get this almost free eBook to learn the top 3 mistakes you're probably making, easy tech tips, and bonus ideas on how to land a (better) job.[/vc_column_text]	Get The 101

	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"]	
			
			
			
		
			
					
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1682655219646{padding-top: 5vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Recent reviews:" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			I’m Not Jealous You Are		
		
			Good work. Good ideas. Good presentation. This one has it all. Almost. 
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most		
		
			The mix of great and less-great work in a portfolio might make a viewer wonder if you know the difference.
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Use Your Skills to Sell Yourself		
		
			A UX/UI Designer’s online folio should ideally have super cool UX/UI. This one sells itself short.
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			A Menace I’d Like to Meet		
		
			If you’re a copywriter then all the copy in your portfolio should reward the reader and in this one it does. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Surf and Style’s Up		
		
			Think of your website as a frame and your work as the art and make sure the frame isn’t more interesting than what it holds.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Screenwriter vs. Copywriter		
		
			Most great writers can write more than one type of thing. But that doesn’t mean all writing is created equal.
		
		
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			Load More
		
	
		[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" el_id="awardsborder"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" border_width="7" css=".vc_custom_1691812957638{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_custom_heading text="My work has been seen in all these places.
Yours can be too." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" el_id="awards"][vc_column width="2/3"]	
		
				
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
		
								
			
	
	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" el_id="whiskey"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1682595731190{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;background-color: #00ff00 !important;}" thb_border_radius="5px"][vc_row_inner content_placement="middle"][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Lifetime Money-Back “Whisky Guarantee.”" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1682658946274{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]If, after working together you wouldn’t gladly help me move house, invite me to Christmas dinner, or loan me your Ferrari - and you haven't taken any of my feedback on board - I will give you your money back minus the cost of a good bottle of whisky or tequila.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Who am I?" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text]My name is Eran Thomson and I'm an award-winning CD and writer/director.

I've worked at places like BBH and TBWA, co-founded an agency that got acquired, and freelanced across three continents.

You can shred my folio, roast my reel, or learn more about me using the links in the footer.

I may also be available for a gig if you want to spark some joy together.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Get more of what you didn't know you were looking for." use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text]Subscribe and turn your inbox into a virtual bounty of creative treats.

You'll get free tips n' tricks, my new "Rad and Bad Ads" series, short stories, interesting articles, and other stuff to make you smile and maybe a little bit smarter. Maybe.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1682474649439{padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner el_id="faq"][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text="FAQ" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1754728192100{padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_toggle title="Why are you doing this?" style="rounded_outline"]I'm doing these portfolio reviews because making it as a creative person can be hard.

Especially right now in this current economy.

And even more so if you don't have a mentor or boss who has time to help you take your work to the next level.

And also because these days creatives who are looking for work almost never get direct feedback on their books anymore.

You email a link, and if it doesn't go to spam, and the person you sent it to clicks it, likes what they see, and is hiring at your level, maybe they call you.

But that call is usually about availability and money - not the quality of your ideas or work.

The face-to-face folio review feels like a thing of the past. And without them, how are you supposed to get your book good enough to get a gig?
"Just finished portfolio school and currently applying and taking interviews. It's tough out here! Even getting feedback alone seems impossible." - Eric Remme
If you're already in a role, chances are you don't get much face time with your CD. Especially now that so many people are working remotely.

If you're in the office two or three days a week, I can pretty much guarantee your CDs are busy for all of them with little to no time for meaningful mentorship and creative guidance.

The quality of work suffers, and so does morale. Creative people need creative feedback and so I am here to share it.

Doing these reviews makes me better too - each one forces me to say more than just "I like this" or "I don't like that."

I have to explain why and how they might be improved which helps keep my own creative brain in shape.

The free portfolio review is called the Bronze Boomerang and you can catch yourself one right now.

For people who want a more collaborative experience and some creative coaching, I'm also offering paid reviews.

You can check those out here: Silver Skillet, Gold Gull, and Titanium Torch.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Who is this for?" style="rounded_outline"]These portfolio reviews are perfect for copywriters, art directors, graphic designers, directors, animators, illustrators, and other creative professionals working in the communication arts.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Is this really free?" style="rounded_outline"]Update: Due to popular demand, as of May 1, 2023, free portfolio reviews (Bronze Boomerang level) will be capped at 10 minutes.

These will not be as in-depth as some of the older free reviews on this site.

I will pack as much into your 10 minutes as I can to give you a gauge of where you stand, offer quick fixes, indicate things you're doing really well, and point out any blind spots.

There will be three other levels of reviews you can book with me - Silver Skillet, Gold Gull, and Titanium Torch.

Each level will come with increased collaboration and creative direction to help you get the gig of your dreams.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="What is the Whisky Guarantee?" style="rounded_outline"]



My not-yet-world-famous Money-Back Lifetime “Whisky Guarantee” is as follows:

If, after working together you wouldn’t gladly help me move house, invite me to Christmas dinner, or loan me your Ferrari – and you haven’t taken any of my feedback on board – I will give you your money back minus the cost of a good bottle of whisky or tequila. A receipt will be provided.



[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="What's with the disclaimer?" style="rounded_outline" el_id="disclaimer"]Every review comes with a disclaimer.

You should read it.

This is it:

It takes courage to share your creative work with an internet stranger so they can give you honest feedback.

And I am grateful to everyone who has sent me theirs.

I do this because I want to see all creative professionals succeed.

And because it makes me better at what I do too.

Every review is a first and authentic reaction to the work and how people present themselves.

Just like you'd get if you'd get from a recruiter or CD if you were interviewing for a job.

The difference is I don't hold anything back.

This is especially important for people whose folios still need work before they're great.

In an agency interview, if the CDs don't love your work they won't always tell you.

Often they'll just thank you for coming in and never speak to you again.

Over the course of my career, I've always asked everyone who showed me their work if they wanted feedback or not.

If they said yes, I'd ask how they wanted it: gentle or harsh truth.

In my opinion, hearing the harsh truth is the fastest way to make your work better, and that's what I promise to always give you here.
"It's never personal. It's always about the work."
I don't have to love everything.

Nobody ever will.

And you may not agree with everything I say, and that's OK.

But if things aren't clear and don't seem well-crafted to me, there's a good chance you could be dismissed by others.
"I am absolutely confident I can help you create a well-crafted and curated portfolio."
If you booked a free Bronze Boomerang the conversation is one-way.

If you'd like to have more of a collaborative conversation about your work and how to make it better, then check out my other review levels.

The Bronze Boomerang and Silver Skillet will make your portfolio better.

The Gold Gull and Titanium Torch reviews will make you better with skills and coaching to progress your career - not just your folio.

The goal is to get you to a place where you won't get dismissed and are more likely to make it to the next round.

And get the gigs you really want.

Every review comes from a place of love and respect and a desire to see you succeed.

I don't take you, or the time, energy, and focus it takes to build a great portfolio for granted.

Remember, good is the enemy of great, and I want you to be great.

And lastly, these are my opinions only. Do with them what you will.

If you don't like my feedback, I highly recommend you get other people's.

But if you start hearing the same notes over and over, it's time to listen.

As the saying goes, if people keep telling you that you have a tail...

Sooner or later you gotta turn around and look.

▶ While you're here, check out my Creativity Course.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Is the feedback actually valuable?" style="rounded_outline"]Let me answer this with a few questions for you:

What other folio review services or opportunities do you currently have? (Drop me a note, I'd love to hear about them!)

Are you having a hard time getting face time with Creative Directors or other creative leaders who can give you thoughtful and helpful feedback?

Do you value the opinions of the people whose feedback you can get?

Do you share your work with potential employers or customers and never hear back?

Does this make you wonder if your work is good enough?

Or if your folio is working hard enough?

What if by implementing the feedback from a review you could feel more confident and proud of your work?

Or double your day rate?

Or move from mid to senior?

Or win a new client?

Or get your dream job?

All these things are possible!

How valuable is it then?[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Do you look at folios before you review them?" style="rounded_outline"]Every free review (Bronze Boomerang level) is a first and authentic reaction to your work and how you present yourself.

The Silver Skillet, Gold Gull, and Titanium Torch review levels go deeper and offer much more creative direction and personalised coaching.

[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="How many portfolios have you reviewed?" style="rounded_outline"]Over the course of my career at some of the world's best creative agencies (and some not-so-great ones too), I've looked at thousands of portfolios and helped hire hundreds of creative professionals.

I know what works, what doesn't, and what the most common mistakes are.

In this modern era where you rarely get to present your work in person, your online folio needs to work harder than ever to get you the gigs you want.

And I can help you get there.

My Silver Skillet, Gold Gull, and Titanium Torch review levels offer rare access to experienced creative direction and personalised coaching.

And they are all backed by my "Whisky Guarantee."[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Are the paid reviews worth the investment?" style="rounded_outline"]Every review comes with my Money-Back Lifetime “Whisky Guarantee” so there's no risk.

But let me answer this by asking you a few questions:

Are you having a hard time getting face time with Creative Directors or other creative leaders who can give you thoughtful and helpful feedback?

If you do get feedback are the people you get it from vested entirely in your success? Or their own?

Do you value the opinions of the people whose feedback you can get?

Do you share your work with potential employers or clients and never hear back?

Does this make you wonder if your work is good enough?

Or if your folio is working hard enough?

What if by implementing the feedback from a review or working with a creative coach you could feel more confident and proud of your work?

Or double your day rate?

Or move from mid to senior?

Or win a new client?

Or get your dream job?

My creative coaching will pay for itself in one raise, promotion, or job change.

And the learnings will keep delivering for life.

Plus, I offer a Money-Back Lifetime “Whisky Guarantee.”

So check them all out and choose the review that's right for you: Silver Skillet, Gold Gull, and Titanium Torch.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Have you taught advertising? / Can you coach me?" style="rounded_outline"]Yes and yes. I have been an AWARD School instructor.

I have taught advertising at the Academy of Art University in San Francisco where I would sometimes fill in for friends.

And I have mentored countless creatives who have since gone on to do great things.

My work can be found in multiple textbooks on the subject of advertising and creativity and the usual award show annuals.

I’m considering offering paid reviews in the future and I would love to know what you think a service like this is worth.

I may also offer different levels of one-on-one or creative team coaching as a subscription or one-off fee.

More on this to come.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="How long do you spend on each review?" style="rounded_outline"]Update: As of May 1, 2023, all free reviews (Bronze Boomerang level) are capped at 10 minutes.

This will give you a sense of how your folio is performing, and things you are doing well, and point out any blind spots.

The Silver, Gold, and Titanium levels offer much more creative direction and coaching to help you get the gig of your dreams.

In the early days, there was no time limit, but each one took around 30-45 minutes.

Plus another 45 minutes or so for writing, image creation, emailing, website stuff, etc.

My commitment to you is that I will take all the time required to look at everything (Silver, Gold, and Titanium levels).

And always give you helpful feedback.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Will you embarrass me?" style="rounded_outline"]No. My only intention is to help you make your work and your folio better.

And there's no shame in that.

Note: I never use first/last or full names in post headings or links, so as far as search engine indexing goes, there won't be anything connecting you to your review.

I will be honest with my feedback and everything I say comes from a place of respect.

Each review is a first and authentic reaction to your work and how you present yourself.

Just like you'd get if you were interviewing for a job.

The difference is I don't hold anything back. This is especially important for people whose folios still need work before they're great.

In an agency interview, if the CDs don't love your work they won't always tell you, they'll just thank you for coming in and never speak to you again.

Over the course of my career, I've always asked everyone who showed me their work if they wanted feedback or not.

If they said yes, I'd ask how they wanted it: gentle or harsh truth.

In my opinion, hearing the harsh truth is the fastest way to make your work better, and that's what I promise to always give you here.

And lastly, remember, these are my opinions only. Do with them what you will.

If you don't like my feedback, I encourage you to get someone else's.

But if you start hearing the same notes, it's time to listen.

As the saying goes, if people keep telling you that you have a tail, sooner or later you gotta turn around and look.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Will my review show up in search results?" style="rounded_outline"]If you are wondering if a recruiter, CD, or your weird uncle can Google you and find your review, it's highly unlikely.

Unless you send them here to watch it.

I intentionally never use full or first/last names in post headings or links to protect your anonymity.

So as far as search engine indexing goes, there won't be anything connecting you to your review.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can you update my review if I improve my folio?" style="rounded_outline"]Yes.  When your folio is in a (new) place and you're ready to share it with the world, let me know and I'll make a note on your profile.

If you want a second review, I'd be glad to take another look, but I'll charge a fee.

What do you think a service like this is worth? Drop me a note with a number - tacos or dollars.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can you do a private review?" style="rounded_outline"]Yes - but it will cost you. I'm not sure how much, drop me a note and we can work something out.

Check out my Silver, Gold, and Titanium review levels.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Who the hell are you?" style="rounded_outline"]I am Eran Thomson and I've built a career out of creativity as a writer, screenwriter, and creative director.

I've worked at some of the best creative agencies in the world, started an agency that got acquired, and founded multiple startups.

Not to mention more than a few creative side hustles.

You can learn more about me using the links in the footer and discover why they call me The Joy Pusher.

And if you've ever felt uncreative, check out my Creativity Course.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can you help me hire creative talent?" style="rounded_outline"]I'm not a headhunter/recruiter, but I do know and meet a lot of amazing creative people.

So, yes. Get in touch and I'll do what I can to help you find the perfect person for your business.

And, yes, you can pay me.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can you help me find a job?" style="rounded_outline"]I'm not a headhunter/recruiter, but I do know and meet a lot of them.

If you've had a positive Un-Un-Creative folio review, get in touch and I'll do what I can to help you find the perfect role.

If I help you land a gig, beers are on you.

And if you haven't had a review, you know what to do.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="What if I don't like your notes?" style="rounded_outline"]No problem.

If you don't agree with my feedback, I highly recommend you get someone else's.

But if you start hearing the same notes over and over, it's time to listen.

As the saying goes, if people keep telling you that you have a tail, sooner or later you gotta turn around and look.

Remember, I am doing this because I want you to succeed![/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Will you help me concept?" style="rounded_outline"]Gladly.

I'm exploring a few ways to offer this as a service.

For now, drop me a note and we'll work something out.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can I hire you?" style="rounded_outline"]Yes. There are all sorts of things you can pay me to do.

I like money, but tacos are also a valued form of currency.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can you help me win a pitch?" style="rounded_outline"]Yes. Definitely.[/vc_toggle][vc_toggle title="Can I ask something else?" style="rounded_outline"]Yes. Drop me a note.[/vc_toggle][vc_empty_space height="10vh"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text="Get your FREE portfolio review!" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]I'm offering free 10-minute creative portfolio reviews with notes - if I have any - to help you make your work and/or folio even stronger.

And get the job of your dreams.

This is ideal for copywriters, art directors, designers, photographers, illustrators, directors, and anyone else working in the communication arts at any level.

If you're wondering why I'm doing this, check the FAQ.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Share your folio" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1681125998523{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text]Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Folio link *Your email *EmailShare It  [/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_id="storage"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="Breathe new life into your work." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2300ff00" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	Book Me For Freelance

	[vc_empty_space height="1vh"]	Take My Creativity Course

	[vc_empty_space height="1vh"]	Shred My Folio

	[vc_empty_space height="1vh"]	Roast My Reel

		
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			I’m Not Jealous You Are		
		
			Good work. Good ideas. Good presentation. This one has it all. Almost. 
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most		
		
			The mix of great and less-great work in a portfolio might make a viewer wonder if you know the difference.
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Use Your Skills to Sell Yourself		
		
			A UX/UI Designer’s online folio should ideally have super cool UX/UI. This one sells itself short.
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			A Menace I’d Like to Meet		
		
			If you’re a copywriter then all the copy in your portfolio should reward the reader and in this one it does. 
		
		
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			Development
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	[vc_progress_bar bgcolor="bar_red" title="Review ratings:" units="Stars"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: I'm offering creative portfolio reviews with notes - if I have any - to help you make your work and/or folio even stronger- and get the job of your dreams.

### Un-Un-Creative ★ Unlock and Unleash Your Creative Potential

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" content_placement="middle" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1681120835406{padding-top: 20vh !important;padding-bottom: 5vh !important;background-color: #ffde59 !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_custom_heading text="You are more creative than you think and I can prove it" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23000000" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal" css=".vc_custom_1681351747749{padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1747230853659{padding-right: 2% !important;padding-left: 2% !important;}"]
Have you ever told yourself that you're not creative?
Has anyone else ever told you this?
I'm here to tell you it's nonsense.
And to unlock and unleash your creative potential.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"]	
			
			
		
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1680676103038{padding-top: 10vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="welcome to" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23000000" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal" css=".vc_custom_1745503016679{padding-bottom: 1vh !important;}"]	
			
			
		
					
	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="A new online workshop series from Eran Thomson" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text css=""]
If you have ever felt uncreative, uninspired, or unimaginative, I will show you how to spark your imagination, generate tons of ideas, unleash your latent creative superpowers, and live a more joyful and expressive life.

“Great ideas can come from anywhere and anyone. If you think that doesn’t include you, then you need this course.”
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="1vh"][vc_custom_heading text="un-lock your un-limited creative potential" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text css=""]In this course, I’m going to share all the tips and tricks I’ve learned over a 20+ year career as a creative pro, and I will arm you with the tools and techniques you need to bring your best ideas into the world.[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/Q2OumIa3xQk" align="center" css=".vc_custom_1746399174611{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1746399368281{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 1vh !important;}"]
The reason I will never eat at McDonald's again has everything to do with creativity.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="4vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#ffde59"][vc_empty_space height="4vh"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="3/4"]	
			
		“Eran is largely responsible for putting me on a creative path and the most broadly talented, imaginative person I've ever met, unafraid to pursue any idea, and he does it all with a keen eye and sense of humor. He's an inspiration in so many ways.”

								
				Andrew Coates
			Designer, Xmas-Made
			
			
		
		“Eran is a slot machine of creativity. Information goes into the slot of his mind and he always delivers a jackpot of wonderful, unique, original ideas. He is a rare individual and definitely someone to look to for coaching.”

								
				Simon Szenes
			Owner, Rescue Salvage
			
			
		
		“When I first met Eran, I was immediately blown away by his creativity, intelligence, and energy - he truly stands out in a world full of entrepreneurial sameness.”

								
				Scott Mason
			Founder, Myth Slayer
			
			
		
		“Eran shows you that creativity can take many forms and that yours is valid, powerful, and already in you. He doesn’t just teach creativity; he helps you rediscover it in a way that feels natural, personal, and lasting.”

								
				Alex Weetch
			Partner, Dakota Ross Consulting
			
			
		
		“Eran's unique combination of creative excellence and emotional intelligence means he can easily help others unlock their creative potential. I can’t think of a better person to help you develop your skills of Un-Un-Creating.”

								
				Matt Perry
			Managing Director, Genero
			
			
		
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#ffde59"][vc_empty_space height="4vh"][vc_custom_heading text="No tests
No right or wrong
No judgement" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text css=""]Just me sharing what I’ve learned about using creativity to make a successful living and hopefully inspiring you to do the same.

If this sounds cool or you’re curious to learn more, I invite you to sign up with your email address below.

I’ll send you a little surprise and let you know as soon as the course opens for registration.

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.First NameEmailGet Early Access  [/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#ffde59"][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_row_inner content_placement="middle" css=".vc_custom_1681351351541{padding-top: 2vh !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2" offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Left brains wanted" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text]If you’re a person who has never felt creative, that’s about to change. I will help you reconnect with your imagination and find the confidence to share your ideas with the world.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2" thb_border_radius="15px" css=".vc_custom_1681351433953{background-color: #ffde59 !important;}" offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement="middle" css=".vc_custom_1681351351541{padding-top: 2vh !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2" thb_border_radius="15px" css=".vc_custom_1681351507230{background-color: #ffde59 !important;}" offset="vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2" offset="vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md"][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Left brains wanted" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text]If you’re a person who has never felt creative, that’s about to change. I will help you reconnect with your imagination and find the confidence to share your ideas with the world.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_row_inner content_placement="middle" css=".vc_custom_1681125509847{padding-bottom: 5vh !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2" thb_border_radius="15px" css=".vc_custom_1680830026906{background-color: #ffde59 !important;}"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Right brains too" font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text]
If you’re a creative professional who is open to the idea of expanding your toolkit or trying new techniques to boost the quality and quantity of your ideas, I promise this will be fun.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="4vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#ffde59"][vc_empty_space height="4vh"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="Why me?" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text css=""]I’ve made a career out of creativity for over 20 years.

As an award-winning creative director. As a writer. And as a manifester of ideas.

I’ve founded businesses, raised millions, launched products, started a school, and facilitated professional development workshops.

Along the way, I’ve learned loads of valuable tricks, tools, and techniques.

And I intend to share them all to help you unleash the fullest expression of your creativity.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="Why now?" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal"][vc_column_text]There’s never a bad time to live, think, work, or play more creatively.

But right now is an especially weird time in the world.

AI is freaking people out. Companies are cutting costs. And I’ve never seen more talented people out of work or forced to go freelance.

Plus, there are still plenty of problems to solve from energy and climate to healthcare and war - and more.

Clearly, the world needs your ideas and imagination - now more than ever.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#ffde59"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Customize this course" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal" css=""][vc_column_text css=""]For a limited time, I’m offering free no-strings-attached calls to learn how Un-Un-Creative™ can meet your goals.

THIS IS NOT A SALES CALL

It's a 10-minute conversation about creativity and how your life experience can influence the curriculum.

And the first 25 people to call will get the course for free.

Some of the things we'll chat about are listed below.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner content_placement="middle" css=".vc_custom_1681125441817{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1681351194605{padding-right: 2% !important;padding-left: 2% !important;}"][vc_column_text]

 	What are your biggest challenges or frustrations when it comes to your own creativity?
 	What is your biggest fear about creativity or being creative?
 	What does your life/business look like when you are confident in your own creative power?
 	What do you feel you are struggling with most when it comes to creativity?
 	If you could wave a magic wand and have a perfect solution to what you’re going through right now what would you need?

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner]	BOOK YOUR FREE CALL

	[vc_empty_space height="6vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="10" accent_color="#ffde59"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Go from “timid tryer” to ``committed creative``" google_fonts="font_family:Rubik%20Mono%20One%3A400|font_style:400%20regular%3A400%3Anormal" css=""][vc_column_text css=""]Are you tired of feeling like you're not creative?

Do you struggle to come up with new ideas or feel stuck in your thinking?

Are you afraid to share the ideas you do have with others?

If so, you're not alone. Many people feel like creativity is something that only a select few are born with.

But the truth is, creativity is a skill that anyone can learn and develop.

And that's exactly what Un-Un-Creative™ is here to help you do.

This course is designed to unlock your creativity, unleash your imagination, and give you the confidence to live a more creative life.

Through engaging lessons, exercises, and activities, you'll learn how to generate new ideas, think outside the box, and approach challenges from a new perspective.

No matter who you are or what you do, if you’re looking to reach your creative potential, this course is for you.

I'll teach you practical tools and techniques for sparking your imagination, breaking through creative blocks, and developing ideas on demand that authentically reflect your unique voice and vision.

So if you're ready to embrace your creative genius and take your ideas to the next level, sign up to be notified when the first course becomes available.

I can't wait to help you be more creative and achieve your goals.

Join me on this journey of exploration and discovery, and let's unleash our creativity together.[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html css=""]JTVCd3Bmb3JtcyUyMGlkJTNEJTIyMjk1MTUlMjIlNUQ=[/vc_raw_html][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1745545988456{padding-top: 3vh !important;padding-bottom: 2vh !important;background-color: #ffde59 !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column thb_color="thb-light-column" width="1/2"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Have you ever told yourself that you're not creative? Has anyone else ever told you this? I'm here to tell you it's nonsense. It's time to unlock and unleash your creative potential.

### Eran Thomson Links & Contact Info

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1656045047488{background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="1/3"][vc_single_image image="23905" img_size="150x150" alignment="center" onclick="custom_link" link="https://eranthomson.com"][vc_custom_heading text="Click buttons.
Push joy." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center|line_height:.9" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1735478675159{padding-bottom: 3% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com"][vc_column_text css="" el_class="align-center"]
				
	
		
[/vc_column_text]	The Joy Pusher

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="7" el_width="80" css=".vc_custom_1735479692808{padding-top: 2vh !important;}" accent_color="#00FF00"]	Hire

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Read

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Listen

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Subscribe

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Contact

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_custom_heading text="More fun stuff" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1694474022231{padding-top: 2vh !important;padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"]	PowerProv

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Un-Un-Creative

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Song Saga

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Folio Reviews

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Writer + Director Reel

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Ad Folio

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Shit My Ex-Wife Said

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	A 3-Min. Podcast

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Free Money

	[vc_empty_space height="2vh"][vc_column_text css=""]
©  Eran Thomson
T&C's / Privacy / BMAC
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Eran is a master storyteller who draws on his vast life experiences and unique sense of humour to deliver talks that are engaging, informative, and inspiring - and always seem to end too soon.

### Business Archive

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1627449110808{margin-top: 5% !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="3/4" el_class="align-center"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"][vc_custom_heading text="Founder/Co-Founder archive" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="Business" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:13vw|text_align:left|line_height:.8" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1734881688154{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1736370866497{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"]
Looking for PowerProv or Song Saga?
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451629242{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Zuper Superannuation" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1699601427721{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com%2Fzuper-superannuation-archive%2F"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1684227499686{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Founded in 2016, Zuper super was the first values-aligned neo-wealth platform in Australia. Acquired in 2020 by RevTech and merged with OneSuper in 2021.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451618478{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Laugh Masters Academy" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1699601450952{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Flaugh-masters.com.au|target:_blank"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1654859324830{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Founded in 2012, LMA became the fastest-growing improv comedy community in Australia. Then came COVID. If you want to own an improv school, get in touch.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Friendlet" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1699601653826{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com%2Ffriendlet%2F|target:_blank"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1699601682956{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Founded in 2007, Friendlet was a global network of travellers who rented homes to and from trusted connections until AirBNB kicked our ass.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Freeform" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1654860723066{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fmumbrella.com.au%2Fajf-partnership-acquires-creative-business-freeform-205604"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1684227530892{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Founded in 2005, Freeform Sydney was an independent outpost of the UK agency and did award-winning creative work for top-tier clients. Acquired by AJF in 2014.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Prepare to Live" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1699601523393{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:http%3A%2F%2Fpreparetolive.org%2F"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1654859108495{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Founded in 2001, Prepare to Live™ was the first non-profit charitable org. founded and managed by and for young adult cancer survivors.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### @eranthomson on social media

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" full_height="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1692097604245{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 15% !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Untitled-design.png?id=26684) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}" bg_gradient1="rgba(0,0,0,0.2)" bg_gradient2="rgba(0,0,0,0.2)" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1651963633997{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}" el_class="align-center"]	Mobile Links

	[vc_custom_heading text="Find me @eranthomson" font_container="tag:h1|font_size:5vw|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:.9" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1718030093535{padding-top: 2vh !important;padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]				
	
		[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Hire Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1614932662161{background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1617000452081{padding-top: 15% !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1748012550734{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Congratulations.
You're about to make an excellent decision.
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1748012904624{padding-top: 2vh !important;}"]
Unless your broke ass ain't got no money. In which case Effort for Equity might be up your alley.
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_single_image image="26434" css=".vc_custom_1736365708416{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Hire Eran to help build your business." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1736370610088{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]Eran has founded multiple businesses and regularly leverages his broad experience and diverse expertise to assist creative agencies, production companies, consultants, funded startups, and brands in-house.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="2%"][vc_single_image image="26456" css=".vc_custom_1649995698200{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Hire Eran to give an engaging, probably funny, talk." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1649994594699{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]Eran is good with words on the page and on the stage. Count on him to Host, MC, present, and deliver engaging talks about communication and collaboration, "How to be a Joy Pusher," all the times he's almost died, and more.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="4%"][vc_single_image image="26431" css=".vc_custom_1649995329451{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Hire Eran to read something he wrote." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1649994477281{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text]At any given time Eran is working on a number of book ideas. And you can "book" him to do readings of new material. Most of the time it's fun and funny. Or you can just subscribe and read early drafts of things for yourself.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_single_image image="26435" css=".vc_custom_1649995311259{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Hire Eran to write something." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1649995362774{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]Put E.T's word wizardry to work for you. If you need an article about (insert funny/smart thing here) or an essay, screenplay, manifesto, advertising, blog post, product copy, brand tone-of-voice, or comedy sketch, he's here for it.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="2%"][vc_single_image image="26454" css=".vc_custom_1649995674810{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Hire Eran to write and/or direct something." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1649994848299{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]One of the industry's top up-and-coming comedy directors, Eran loves to create content that's super silly, but he can also do smart. Because mortgages don't pay themselves. Watch his work at writeranddirector.com.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="2%"][vc_single_image image="26455" css=".vc_custom_1649995686458{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Hire Eran to create award-winning advertising." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1649994759314{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]Eran Thomson is an award-winning, pitch-winning, creative leader. He came up at agencies like BBH and TBWA as a copywriter and creative director before co-launching Freeform (acquired). See his folio at eran.co[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="4vh"][vc_single_image image="26432" css=".vc_custom_1650004427565{padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Hire Eran to come up with more good ideas than you know what to do with." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1650004459563{padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]This could be in a writer's room situation for your hilarious sitcom. Or ways to punch up your silly screenplay. Or, if he knows you, a memorable wedding rap. Maybe. Hit the button below and see what happens.[/vc_column_text]	Get in Touch

	[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Eran is a master storyteller who draws on his vast life experiences and unique sense of humour to deliver talks that are engaging, informative, and inspiring - and always seem to end too soon.

### Eran Thomson Wall of Fame

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="3/4" css=".vc_custom_1649637336437{padding-top: 10% !important;}"][vc_single_image image="26336" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_custom_heading text="In recognition of the smart, supportive, hilarious, and helpful people who make my work possible." font_container="tag:h4|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="3" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1649546854631{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1654068285339{padding-bottom: 3% !important;}"]
👉 Add your name here 👈

Amy Nadaskay
Rudy Eckhardt
Claire Drysdale
Abram Rosenthal
Madeleine Thomson
Kenneth Sharpe
Thomas Bowers
 

[/vc_column_text][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="3" el_width="80" accent_color="#00ff00" css=".vc_custom_1649546854631{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_text]
Wondering what they did to get on here? Subscribe and I'll tell you.
[mailerlite_form form_id=5]
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Privacy Policy

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column width="1/4" css=".vc_custom_1607680918010{padding-top: 15% !important;padding-right: 15% !important;padding-left: 15% !important;}"][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="TL;DR:
All this is between you and me. Unless somebody offers me a mountain of money." use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_custom_heading text="EranThomson.com Privacy Policy" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|line_height:.8" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]This policy relates to the website: https://eranthomsoncom and any associated domains/subdomains

What personal data my be collected and why

Comments
When visitors leave comments on the site we collect the data shown in the comments form, and also the visitor’s IP address and browser user agent string to help spam detection. An anonymised string created from your email address (also called a hash) may be provided to the Gravatar service to see if you are using it. The Gravatar service privacy policy is available here: https://automattic.com/privacy/. After approval of your comment, your profile picture is visible to the public in the context of your comment.

Media
If you upload images to the website, you should avoid uploading images with embedded location data (EXIF GPS) included. Visitors to the website can download and extract any location data from images on the website.

Contact forms Cookies
If you leave a comment on our site you may opt-in to saving your name, email address and website in cookies. These are for your convenience so that you do not have to fill in your details again when you leave another comment.

These cookies will last for one year. If you visit our login page, we will set a temporary cookie to determine if your browser accepts cookies. This cookie contains no personal data and is discarded when you close your browser.

When you log in, we will also set up several cookies to save your login information and your screen display choices. Login cookies last for two days, and screen options cookies last for a year.

If you select "Remember Me", your login will persist for two weeks. If you log out of your account, the login cookies will be removed.

If you edit or publish an article, an additional cookie will be saved in your browser. This cookie includes no personal data and simply indicates the post ID of the article you just edited. It expires after 1 day.

Embedded content from other websites
Articles on this site may include embedded content (e.g. videos, images, articles, etc.). Embedded content from other websites behaves in the exact same way as if the visitor has visited the other website.

These websites may collect data about you, use cookies, embed additional third-party tracking, and monitor your interaction with that embedded content, including tracking your interaction with the embedded content if you have an account and are logged in to that website.

Analytics

Who your data may be shared with
Right now? Nobody. But if someone offers me a million bucks for it, it's sold. Don't hate. You'd do the same thing.

How long we retain your data
If you leave a comment, the comment and its metadata are retained indefinitely. This is so we can recognise and approve any follow-up comments automatically instead of holding them in a moderation queue.

For users that register on our website (if any), we also store the personal information they provide in their user profile. All users can see, edit, or delete their personal information at any time (except they cannot change their username).

Website administrators can also see and edit that information.

What rights you may have over your data
If you have an account on this site, or have left comments, you can request to receive an exported file of the personal data we hold about you, including any data you have provided to us.

You can also request that we erase any personal data we hold about you. This does not include any data we are obliged to keep for administrative, legal, or security purposes.

But really, if you ask for this stuff you're just being a jerk and we'll probably ignore you anyhow.

Where we send your data
Visitor comments may be checked through an automated spam detection service.

I've written so many great things, so why are you reading this? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width="1/4"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Middle Age Rampage - A Dance Party for Grown Ups

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_row_padding="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1676765516936{padding-top: 25vh !important;padding-bottom: 25vh !important;background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/MAR.png?id=25548) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1627347776358{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Middle Age Rampage!™" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23c622d8|line_height:1" google_fonts="font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20italic%3A700%3Aitalic" css=".vc_custom_1676625819696{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="A global dance party movement for grown-ups who need to get home or get up early, but still like to get down." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23c622d8|line_height:1" google_fonts="font_family:Roboto%3A100%2C100italic%2C300%2C300italic%2Cregular%2Citalic%2C500%2C500italic%2C700%2C700italic%2C900%2C900italic|font_style:700%20bold%20italic%3A700%3Aitalic" css=".vc_custom_1676842105741{padding-top: 1% !important;}"][vc_column_text]We start while the sun’s still up so we can go hard, and we finish before midnight so we can go home - and enjoy a good night’s rest.

We’ve got some of the world’s best DJ’s and Bartenders lined up, so find a babysitter and get ready to act younger than you are.[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"]	
			
			
		
				DJ Kate Doherty takes her job very seriously.
				
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"]	
			
			
		
				Damien, Amy and Nick getting down up front with DJ Simon Caldwell.
				
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_icon icon_fontawesome="fab fa-facebook-square" color="custom" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMiddleAgeRampage" custom_color="#c622d8"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_icon icon_fontawesome="fab fa-twitter" color="custom" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Ftwitter.com%2Fmidagerampage" custom_color="#c622d8"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_icon icon_fontawesome="fab fa-instagram" color="custom" align="center" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fmiddleagerampage%2F" custom_color="#c622d8"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### An Evening of Gentlemanly Storytelling and Conviviality (EGSC)

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_color="light-title" full_height="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1748350124363{background-color: #F97E45 !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1641424388389{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1748351803349{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner thb_max_width="max_width" content_placement="top" el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="An Evening of Gentlemanly
Storytelling & Conviviality" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_empty_space height="2vh"]	Apply to Join

	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner thb_max_width="max_width" content_placement="top" el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner thb_color="thb-light-column" width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=""]
Watch: Friendship Recession | Male Inequality | Male Identity Crisis
Read: Where Have My Guy Friends Gone?
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Project Archive

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1627449110808{margin-top: 5% !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="3/4" el_class="align-center"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"][vc_custom_heading text="An archive of previous" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_custom_heading text="Projects" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:13vw|text_align:left|line_height:.8" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1627707619502{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="The One Word Suggestion Podcast" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1734818766345{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fpowerprov.com.au%2Fone-word-suggestion-podcast%2F"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1734881257958{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]A 3-minute podcast about how improv can help you live and work at a higher level. Listen now wherever you find podcasts.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Tish My Wife Says" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1734818722280{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Ftishmywifesays.com"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1734820029950{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]

My ex-wife was smart and sassy. But sometimes she'd get her mixed words up. We thought it was funny. Maybe you will too.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Koobar" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1699603845881{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fkoobar.com"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1654859199664{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Koobars are weighted bookmarks that keep books, magazines, and newspapers open and your hands free for other things. Get yours at koobar.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451629242{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Pill Face" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1627456377169{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fpillface.com"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1734881090575{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]When I had leukemia, I swallowed a lot of pills. To make it more palatable and fun, I created Pills with Personality™ and Pill Face was born.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451618478{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Good Morning Dreamer" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1627456356061{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:%2Fgood-morning-dreamer"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1627452122143{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]I have weird dreams and some people seem to enjoy hearing about them. So I made a terrible podcast. Listen at your own risk.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="The ``C`` & Borracho Show" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1627456693323{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fwelovedonkeys.com%2F"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1627456883501{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Two best amigos sneak across the border to make it big in Hollywood and land jobs as illegal cleaners at a Community Access TV Station.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="EGSD" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1627456638233{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:%2Fegsd"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1627453816567{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]An Evening of Gentlemanly Storytelling and Debauchery, is a not-so-secret society where we share good food, good stories, and good times.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Middle Age Rampage" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1699603983849{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:%2Fmiddle-age-rampage"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1627456143013{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]A dance party for grown-ups who need to get home or get up early, but still like to get down. Featuring the world's best DJ’s, bartenders and babysitters.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Holy Cluck" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1627456407160{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fholy-cluck.com"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1627452536756{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Hatched as a practical joke, this chicken burger appreciation society grew up to be a thing. The reviews stopped because we all got fat.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Socio" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1627453927602{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fwriteranddirector.com%2Freel%2Fsocio"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1627456185651{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]My first short film, about a lonely luchador looking for love. Watch it along with my commercial work at writeranddirector.com.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Donkeburra" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1683763681791{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:%2Fdonkeburra%2F"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1683763725789{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]Donkeburra is a secret dynamic duo who create mysterious and uncredited art installations across the globe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Salt Water Jihad" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1676860452040{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com%2Fsaltwaterjihad%2F"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1635123721833{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]A "punktry funk" band. No pre-rehearsed licks, pre-arranged beats or tired lyrics. Just impromptu musical mayhem. Sorry about your ears.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627451637949{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/4"]	
			
			
			
		
			
						
		
	[/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner el_class="align-middle" width="3/4"][vc_custom_heading text="Re Gallery" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1627455232117{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 1% !important;}" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Fre-gallery.com%2F"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1627455745232{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"]The Re-Gallery in New York City was a showplace for my art, furniture, and interior design created with the found objects and recycled materials.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_column_text]

 	modelstink hot bods and hot gas. it's all bout dat hot g'ass.
 	Two Kinds

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Good Morning Dreamer - Who even cares?

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" background_color="#f5f5f5" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1626407267696{padding-top: 15vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="The Good Morning Dreamer Podcast" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" link="url:%2Fgood-morning-dreamer"][vc_custom_heading text="Who even cares?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" css=".vc_custom_1680040644776{padding-top: 3vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_column_text]Short answer: I have no idea.

Not even my Mom listens to this.

As far as I know.

What I can tell you is a million years ago I decided it would be funny to put some of my dream recordings on SoundCloud.

So I set up a free account, uploaded a few dreams, and then promptly forgot all about them.

Until years later.

When I went back to check some of them had been played hundreds of times.

To me, this is very weird and very interesting.

Which is probably a good way to describe my subscribers.

If you're one, I mean this in a good way.

And if you're a huge fan, please, tell me why in the comments.

Because I still don't get it.

     – E.T.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"]	
			
			
		
					
	[vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_btn title="Check out the Podcast" style="custom" custom_background="#42210b" custom_text="#ffffff" shape="round" align="center" link="url:%2Fgood-morning-dreamer|title:Go%20to%20the%20Podcast"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_cta h2="Make your dreams come true." h2_font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" h4="Sponsor Good Morning Dreamer" h4_font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" shape="square" style="flat" color="white" add_button="right" btn_title="GET IN TOUCH" btn_style="flat" btn_shape="round" btn_color="black" btn_size="lg" btn_align="left" use_custom_fonts_h2="true" use_custom_fonts_h4="true" btn_link="url:%2Fcontact"][/vc_cta]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			COMEDY, FOUNDER, MAKER, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Left of Center Podcast: Caribbean Correspondent		
		
			Mayor Tom and Kevin chat with Eran Thomson about beating cancer, going to Mt. Everest, the “Yes, and” challenge, and play a speed round of Song Saga.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			ARTICLES, ADVERTISING, IDEAS		
		
			World’s First Surf Wax Library Launches in Barbados!		
		
			Corus Sparkling Rum Punch launched the world’s first Surf Wax Library in Barbados!
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			POST, ADVERTISING, BOOKS, WRITER		
		
			Portfolio 101 – A New Guide for Creative Pros by Eran Thomson		
		
			If you’re a creative pro, get this and instantly discover 101 ways to transform your online folio into a guaranteed gig-getter.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Kicking the Chicken Bucket		
		
			I took some chicken for a drunken bike ride, by the time we got home, we both were fried.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			DIRECTOR, INTERVIEW, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			2KINDS – a Street Series from Eran Thomson		
		
			There are two kinds of people in the world – and you’re probably one of them.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – The House of Prime R.I.P.		
		
			I was about to be robbed, by guys who were strapped, so I pretended to be, handicapped.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Gumballsy		
		
			A criminal I dated, needed bail. So I stole from the cops, to get her out of jail. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Belyy Russkiy		
		
			My manhood was diminished, by a Communist, who despite her beauty, I shouldn’t have kissed.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Sea World		
		
			I sold a waterbed, that had been shot with a gun, to a redneck whose honeymoon, had just begun.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Mexican Thunderdome		
		
			I spent too much time, hanging with José. And nearly did something, that could’ve put me away.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Morons Who Drive Like I Used to Drive		
		
			I rode my Vespa, it was always a thrill, but one wrong turn, almost made me roadkill.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			I’m Not Jealous You Are		
		
			Good work. Good ideas. Good presentation. This one has it all. Almost. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most		
		
			The mix of great and less-great work in a portfolio might make a viewer wonder if you know the difference.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

					
		[/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Good Morning Dreamer - What is this nonsense?

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" background_color="#f5f5f5" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1626407267696{padding-top: 15vh !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="The Good Morning Dreamer Podcast" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" link="url:%2Fgood-morning-dreamer"][vc_custom_heading text="What is this nonsense?" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" css=".vc_custom_1680040666310{padding-top: 3vh !important;padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_column_text]I’ve been told repeatedly that my dreams are crazy.

That I should have them analysed. That I might be nuts. That I should write them down.

But writing down dreams is hard when you’re half asleep.

So I started recording them.

Some dreams are sexy. Some are silly. Most are just weird.

And all of them are proof the unconscious mind knows no bounds.

These are very unprofessionally recorded, nonsensical, and probably a complete waste of your time.

Listen at your own risk.

If you do listen, I'd love to hear your dream interpretations in the comments.

In the meantime, remember, not all dreams come true.

And that’s probably a good thing.

     – E.T.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"]	
			
			
		
					
	[vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_btn title="Check out the Podcast" style="custom" custom_background="#42210b" custom_text="#ffffff" shape="round" align="center" link="url:%2Fgood-morning-dreamer|title:Go%20to%20the%20Podcast"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_cta h2="Make your dreams come true." h2_font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" h4="Sponsor Good Morning Dreamer" h4_font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" shape="square" style="flat" color="white" add_button="right" btn_title="GET IN TOUCH" btn_style="flat" btn_shape="round" btn_color="black" btn_size="lg" btn_align="left" use_custom_fonts_h2="true" use_custom_fonts_h4="true" btn_link="url:%2Fcontact"][/vc_cta]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			COMEDY, FOUNDER, MAKER, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Left of Center Podcast: Caribbean Correspondent		
		
			Mayor Tom and Kevin chat with Eran Thomson about beating cancer, going to Mt. Everest, the “Yes, and” challenge, and play a speed round of Song Saga.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			ARTICLES, ADVERTISING, IDEAS		
		
			World’s First Surf Wax Library Launches in Barbados!		
		
			Corus Sparkling Rum Punch launched the world’s first Surf Wax Library in Barbados!
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			POST, ADVERTISING, BOOKS, WRITER		
		
			Portfolio 101 – A New Guide for Creative Pros by Eran Thomson		
		
			If you’re a creative pro, get this and instantly discover 101 ways to transform your online folio into a guaranteed gig-getter.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Kicking the Chicken Bucket		
		
			I took some chicken for a drunken bike ride, by the time we got home, we both were fried.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			DIRECTOR, INTERVIEW, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			2KINDS – a Street Series from Eran Thomson		
		
			There are two kinds of people in the world – and you’re probably one of them.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – The House of Prime R.I.P.		
		
			I was about to be robbed, by guys who were strapped, so I pretended to be, handicapped.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Gumballsy		
		
			A criminal I dated, needed bail. So I stole from the cops, to get her out of jail. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Belyy Russkiy		
		
			My manhood was diminished, by a Communist, who despite her beauty, I shouldn’t have kissed.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Sea World		
		
			I sold a waterbed, that had been shot with a gun, to a redneck whose honeymoon, had just begun.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Mexican Thunderdome		
		
			I spent too much time, hanging with José. And nearly did something, that could’ve put me away.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Morons Who Drive Like I Used to Drive		
		
			I rode my Vespa, it was always a thrill, but one wrong turn, almost made me roadkill.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			I’m Not Jealous You Are		
		
			Good work. Good ideas. Good presentation. This one has it all. Almost. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most		
		
			The mix of great and less-great work in a portfolio might make a viewer wonder if you know the difference.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

					
		[/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Good Morning Dreamer™ - The Weird & Wonderful Dreams of Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_row_padding="true" thb_color="light-title" parallax="content-moving" thb_scroll_bottom="true" thb_scroll_bottom_style="style3" thb_scroll_bottom_color="light" thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1626409693495{margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;border-left-style: none !important;border-right-style: none !important;}"][vc_column thb_color="thb-light-column" css=".vc_custom_1626406091481{margin-top: 0px !important;margin-right: 0px !important;margin-left: 0px !important;border-right-width: 0px !important;border-left-width: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-right: 0px !important;padding-left: 0px !important;}"]	
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" background_color="#f5f5f5" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1680040822481{padding-top: 3% !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Welcome to..." font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2342210b"][vc_custom_heading text="The Weird & Wonderful Dreams of Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%2342210b"][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1626214432696{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 3% !important;}"][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_custom_heading text="What is this nonsense?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center|color:%2342210b" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com%2Fgood-morning-dreamer-what-is-this%2F|title:Good%20Morning%20Dreamer%20%E2%80%93%20What%20is%20this%20nonsense%3F"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_custom_heading text="Who even cares?" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center|color:%2342210b" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com%2Fgood-morning-dreamer-who-cares%2F|title:Good%20Morning%20Dreamer%20%E2%80%93%20Who%20even%20cares%3F"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3"][vc_custom_heading text="The GMD Book" font_container="tag:h5|text_align:center|color:%2342210b" link="url:https%3A%2F%2Feranthomson.com%2Fbooks-eran-thomson%2F|title:Books%20by%20Eran%20Thomson"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text="The Good Morning Dreamer Podcast" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center|color:%2342210b"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="4" el_width="30" accent_color="#42210b"][vc_custom_heading text="Ep. 1 “The Narwhal & The Unicorn”" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:center|color:%2342210b"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1632211380628{padding-right: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}"]

https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/GMD-Podcast-Narwhal-Unicorn.mp3

[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]
(Podcast player embed goes here) Good Morning Dreamer™
[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_cta h2="Make your dreams come true." h2_font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" h4="Sponsor Good Morning Dreamer" h4_font_container="tag:h4|text_align:left|color:%2342210b" shape="square" style="flat" color="white" add_button="right" btn_title="GET IN TOUCH" btn_style="flat" btn_shape="round" btn_color="black" btn_size="lg" btn_align="left" use_custom_fonts_h2="true" use_custom_fonts_h4="true" btn_link="url:%2Fcontact"][/vc_cta]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			COMEDY, FOUNDER, MAKER, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Left of Center Podcast: Caribbean Correspondent		
		
			Mayor Tom and Kevin chat with Eran Thomson about beating cancer, going to Mt. Everest, the “Yes, and” challenge, and play a speed round of Song Saga.
		
		
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			ARTICLES, ADVERTISING, IDEAS		
		
			World’s First Surf Wax Library Launches in Barbados!		
		
			Corus Sparkling Rum Punch launched the world’s first Surf Wax Library in Barbados!
		
		
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			POST, ADVERTISING, BOOKS, WRITER		
		
			Portfolio 101 – A New Guide for Creative Pros by Eran Thomson		
		
			If you’re a creative pro, get this and instantly discover 101 ways to transform your online folio into a guaranteed gig-getter.
		
		
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			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Kicking the Chicken Bucket		
		
			I took some chicken for a drunken bike ride, by the time we got home, we both were fried.
		
		
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			DIRECTOR, INTERVIEW, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			2KINDS – a Street Series from Eran Thomson		
		
			There are two kinds of people in the world – and you’re probably one of them.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – The House of Prime R.I.P.		
		
			I was about to be robbed, by guys who were strapped, so I pretended to be, handicapped.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Gumballsy		
		
			A criminal I dated, needed bail. So I stole from the cops, to get her out of jail. 
		
		
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			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Belyy Russkiy		
		
			My manhood was diminished, by a Communist, who despite her beauty, I shouldn’t have kissed.
		
		
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			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Sea World		
		
			I sold a waterbed, that had been shot with a gun, to a redneck whose honeymoon, had just begun.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Mexican Thunderdome		
		
			I spent too much time, hanging with José. And nearly did something, that could’ve put me away.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, COMEDY, LTS, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			A Laugh Threatening Situation – Morons Who Drive Like I Used to Drive		
		
			I rode my Vespa, it was always a thrill, but one wrong turn, almost made me roadkill.
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			I’m Not Jealous You Are		
		
			Good work. Good ideas. Good presentation. This one has it all. Almost. 
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most		
		
			The mix of great and less-great work in a portfolio might make a viewer wonder if you know the difference.
		
		
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		[/vc_column][/vc_row]

### The Zuper Superannuation Archive

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_row_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner width="2/3"]	
			
			
		
					
	[vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_custom_heading text="Zuper superannuation: 2016-2021" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text css=""]Back in 2016, I set out to do something that, to anyone who knows me, sounded crazy.

Start a superannuation fin-tech called Zuper.

The dream was to launch a financial business that helped people better understand the value of their money, have more of it, and do more with it so they can enjoy a higher quality of life, positively impact the world, and create the future they want.

So together with another founder and eventually, a first-time CEO, we raised a few million dollars and launched Zuper.

https://youtu.be/_vSvmzkFJjg

 
Zuper was the first values-aligned neo-wealth platform in Australia.
We built it by breaking industry norms to deliver innovative investments and easy-to-use tech packaged in a great brand with an approachable tone of voice.

Despite consistent growth and proven ability to attract customers, we started to run out of runway. VCs were circling, but none of them looked like they would land in time, and in the end, we faced two options: Shut down or sell.

Zuper was acquired in 2020 by RevTech and merged with OneSuper (i.e. closed) in 2021.

I’d like to say it was good while it lasted, but really, founding Zuper superannuation was one of the most challenging things I’ve ever done.

Against the odds, we built an amazing brand and a world-first product that was truly good for the triple bottom line. And had the potential to do so much more.

It’s sad to see it go, but the learnings from the Zuper experience will live on, and I will always be grateful to the investors who believed in us, and for the wisdom I acquired.

If you were a Zuper customer, thank you. I wish we could have done more.

Check out this blog post if you want to know why I started a superannuation company in the first place.

Below, I've preserved some of the website's pages that the Wayback Machine missed.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="The Zuper superannuation manifesto" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner]	
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
		
			
			
		
					
	[/vc_column][/vc_row]

### TikTok for Maggie

[Content is password protected]

### Recruiter Blurb

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1618524632021{margin-bottom: 5vh !important;padding-top: 20vh !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="A braggy blurb." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1699603298994{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]Eran Thomson is a creative leader with such a broad skillset...
It's hard to put him in a box.
He started his career as a writer at advertising agencies like BBH New York, came to Sydney as an Associate Creative Director at TBWA, and then started an agency called Freeform (sold to AJF in 2014).

Since then he has been a freelance Creative Director and Writer/Director while putting his multipotentialite powers to use doing amazing things like...

Founding Zuper, a superannuation fin-tech where he was Chief Creative Officer (acquired in 2020).

Starting Laugh Masters Academy, Australia's first improv comedy school (acquired in 2021).

Launching PowerProv, a corporate training and team-building business (self-managing).

And most recently, he created the hit conversation card game Song Saga.

At his core, Eran is an absolute wordsmith.

He's written scripts for Hollywood, developed comms for businesses and brands worldwide, wrote the three-minute One Word Suggestion podcast, and has multiple book projects on the go.

He is also a verifiable idea machine and can come up with more innovative solutions in a few days than most teams can come up with in a month.

He's got a passion for storytelling, digital, design, detail, and craft. He's won all the awards and is great in the room.

Eran enjoys mentoring younger talent too. He's been an AWARD School tutor and currently offers free (and paid) portfolio reviews and creative coaching.

But for Eran, the real prize is collaborating in an environment where creativity and commerce can thrive, and he can help people reach their potential for greatness.

That's why they call him The Joy Pusher.

- D.L.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Eran Thomson is a creative leader with such a broad skillset, it's hard to put him in a box, but his broad expertise will add value to any business.

### Books by Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1614307464707{padding-top: 10vh !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_single_image image="26633" img_size="full" alignment="center"][vc_custom_heading text="Eran Thomson Books" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text css=""]
I've got a bunch of new book projects brewing. Sign up here to get advance copies and sneak previews.

Read advance chapters of A LAUGH THREATENING SITUATION.
Portfolio 101 - Available Now
[/vc_column_text][vc_raw_html]JTNDZGl2JTNFJTNDc2NyaXB0JTIwc3JjJTNEJTIyaHR0cHMlM0ElMkYlMkZhcHAudGlueWVtYWlsLmNvbSUyRnN0YXRpYyUyRmpzJTJGVGlueUZvcm1SZW5kZXJlci5qcyUyMiUyMGRhdGEtaWExJTNEJTIyYzUzYWIxZTUtYjNhZS00ZDJhLTkxZmItMTU4ODUwN2ZkOTM4JTIyJTIwZGF0YS1pZjIlM0QlMjIyNTNiYzIwOS1kZWVmLTQ5YTItYTI4My1lNGM0ODhjOTg0M2QlMjIlM0UlM0MlMkZzY3JpcHQlM0UlM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U=[/vc_raw_html][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Eran Thomson - Only Child Syndrome Bio Blog

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1614307464707{padding-top: 10vh !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_custom_heading text="Only Child Syndrome" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text]
The most interesting thing about a person is the thing you don't yet know.
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="3/4"][vc_column_text]For most of my childhood, I was frequently told I was not normal.

Sometimes this was meant as a compliment.

It was only later in life that I realized I was a victim of Only Child Syndrome.
Only Child Syndrome (OCS) is a troubling disease that can affect young minds in many harmful ways, and while there have been reports of OCS victims whose condition yields above-average creativity, imagination, and talent, side effects like social awkwardness and loneliness may occur. 
I'm cured now. And I have come to realize that it is the fact that we are all different that makes us all the same. Your story will never be my story, but we both have them. Which makes us both "normal."

So in the interest of getting to know each other better, here are some personal stories. If you’re open to the idea, I’d love to hear yours.

And not because I’m lonely or anything.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/4"][vc_single_image image="22759" img_size="full" add_caption="yes"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Aqua Feara		
		
			I grew up terrified of water. Tubs, showers and lawn sprinklers were never an issue, but lakes, rivers and the ocean were.
		
		
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			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			#1 Best Cop Stories: The Rattla		
		
			I have lots of cop stories. Don’t judge me. I was a good kid, just mischievous – and often, unlucky.
		
		
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			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST, TRAVEL NOTES		
		
			University of Eurail		
		
			When I chose to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill I couldn’t wait to leave.
		
		
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			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST		
		
			The M-Bomb Vs. The Knife		
		
			My first-grade teacher was not impressed with my knife skills.
		
		
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			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST		
		
			My Religion is Going Downhill		
		
			My first pair of skis were hand-carved from an old shipping palette by my father.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST, TRAVEL NOTES		
		
			I Got Beaten by Mt Everest		
		
			I was invited by the Love, Hope, Strength Foundation to trek up Mt. Everest and raise money for cancer. It nearly killed me.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST		
		
			You Cannot Be Serious		
		
			I’ve been told many times in my life that I look like John McEnroe, but you cannot be serious.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST, WRITER		
		
			Ritalin Could Have Killed My Career		
		
			I used to get sent to my room to write stories. As punishment. And I was bad a lot.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			ADVERTISING, AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST		
		
			Send This Boy to Camp		
		
			Camp taught me how to make a Tepee, dance at a Pow-wow, get to second base with a girl, and keep a canoe from tipping.
		
		
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			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, POST		
		
			Joanie Cunningham Ruined My Childhood		
		
			I used to have a girl’s name, so I changed it to Steve Austin aka The Six Million Dollar Man. Almost.
		
		
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		[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: For most of my childhood, I was frequently told I was not normal. Sometimes this was meant as a compliment.

### Blog Page Header Eran Thomson  Wide

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1685492184566{margin-top: 5% !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner][vc_custom_heading text="Newest thing:" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
							
	
		
			
		
		
			
				
					
						COMEDY, FOUNDER, MAKER, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER					
					
						Eran Thomson on the Left of Center Podcast: Caribbean Correspondent					
					
						Mayor Tom and Kevin chat with Eran Thomson about beating cancer, going to Mt. Everest, the “Yes, and” challenge, and play a speed round of Song Saga.
					
				
				
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		[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner thb_column_padding="true"][vc_column_inner width="2/3" offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"][vc_custom_heading text="Welcome friend." font_container="tag:h2|font_size:10vw|text_align:left|line_height:.8" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1676617283304{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1715653642182{border-top-width: 4px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4% !important;padding-bottom: 4% !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #00ff00 !important;}" offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1734824834435{padding-bottom: 0px !important;border-color: #00ff00 !important;}"]Thanks for being here. 

I am a reliable raconteur and egoless creative leader driven by the power of potential.

If you like ideas and love to smile, subscribe.[/vc_column_text]	Let's Work Together

	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner thb_column_padding="true"][vc_column_inner width="2/3" offset="vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md"][vc_custom_heading text="Welcome friend." font_container="tag:h2|font_size:10vw|text_align:center|line_height:.8" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1715653730525{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/3" css=".vc_custom_1715653629115{border-top-width: 4px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 4% !important;padding-bottom: 4% !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #00ff00 !important;}" offset="vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1734824834435{padding-bottom: 0px !important;border-color: #00ff00 !important;}"]Thanks for being here. 

I am a reliable raconteur and egoless creative leader driven by the power of potential.

If you like ideas and love to smile, subscribe.[/vc_column_text]	Let's Work Together

	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element="yes"][vc_column_inner width="1/2" offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"][vc_custom_heading text="I'm Eran Thomson: Wordsmith, Idea Machine and Joy Pusher." font_container="tag:h2|font_size:3vw|text_align:left|line_height:.9" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2" offset="vc_hidden-sm vc_hidden-xs"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1715649643276{border-top-width: 4px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 2% !important;padding-bottom: 2% !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #00ff00 !important;}"]Thanks for being here. I am a screenwriter, director, copywriter, and creative director. Some of the side hustles I've started include PowerProv and Song Saga. Other projects include a 3-minute podcast and stuff my wife says. If you like to smile, subscribe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner disable_element="yes"][vc_column_inner width="1/2" offset="vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md"][vc_custom_heading text="I'm Eran Thomson: Wordsmith, Idea Machine and Joy Pusher." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|line_height:.9" use_theme_fonts="yes"][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2" offset="vc_hidden-lg vc_hidden-md" css=".vc_custom_1620213463830{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1715649643276{border-top-width: 4px !important;border-bottom-width: 4px !important;padding-top: 2% !important;padding-bottom: 2% !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-color: #00ff00 !important;}"]Thanks for being here. I am a screenwriter, director, copywriter, and creative director. Some of the side hustles I've started include PowerProv and Song Saga. Other projects include a 3-minute podcast and stuff my wife says. If you like to smile, subscribe.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement="middle" el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner el_class="align-center"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner content_placement="middle" disable_element="yes" el_class="align-center"][vc_column_inner el_class="align-center"]	Work With Me

		Writer & Director Reel

		Advertising Folio

		Folio Reviews

		Books

		One Word Suggestion

		Guest Appearances

		Subscribe

	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1619171959143{padding-top: 3% !important;}"][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_custom_heading text="Pinned thing:" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
							
	
		
			
		
		
			
				
					
											
					
						A Laugh Threatening Situation – Comedy Memoir by Eran Thomson					
					
						I’m writing a book about all the times I’ve almost died. This is your sneak peek before it gets published. I welcome your feedback. And safety tips.
					
				
				
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		[vc_custom_heading text="All the things:" font_container="tag:h3|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			COMEDY, FOUNDER, MAKER, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Left of Center Podcast: Caribbean Correspondent		
		
			Mayor Tom and Kevin chat with Eran Thomson about beating cancer, going to Mt. Everest, the “Yes, and” challenge, and play a speed round of Song Saga.
		
		
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			POST, ADVERTISING, BOOKS, WRITER		
		
			Portfolio 101 – A New Guide for Creative Pros by Eran Thomson		
		
			If you’re a creative pro, get this and instantly discover 101 ways to transform your online folio into a guaranteed gig-getter.
		
		
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			DIRECTOR, INTERVIEW, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			2KINDS – a Street Series from Eran Thomson		
		
			There are two kinds of people in the world – and you’re probably one of them.
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Career Builder & Seek		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Career Builder & Seek.
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, WRITER		
		
			Show me your portfolio. I’ll show you the way.		
		
			Working on your creative portfolio is hard. The pros get guidance before sharing their work with the world. Is yours up to scratch?
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Epuron & Wind Energy		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Epuron & Wind Energy
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Miracle Flights & Absolut Vodka		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Miracle Flights & Absolut Vodka
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Red Bull & ZOA		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Red Bull & ZOA.
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, POST, RAD AND BAD ADS, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Milk & Milk		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Milk & Milk.
		
		
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			RAD AND BAD ADS, ADVERTISING, DIRECTOR, POST, WRITER		
		
			Rad & Bad Ads: Progressive & ModiBodi		
		
			Rad and Bad Ads as reviewed by Creative Director Eran Thomson. This time it’s Progressive Insurance & Modibodi Apparel.
		
		
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			ARTICLES, POST, WRITER		
		
			Open AI, ChatGPT, and the Future for Writers		
		
			Q: Should writers be afraid of AI? A: Yes. Especially with the recent 3.5 release of Open AI’s ChatGPT. And V4 will be even more capable.
		
		
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			ARTICLES, POST, TRAVEL NOTES, WRITER		
		
			Throwing a Good Punch – Eleven Tips for Newcomers to Australia		
		
			Depending on where you come from, Australia can feel familiar enough to make you think you understand the culture better than you actually do.
		
		
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			Load More
		
	
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						Goodbye, Unicorn – Extinct Animal Interviews by Eran Thomson					
					
						A series of interviews with extinct animals to share their stories and raise awareness of humankind’s impact. Subscribe before you disappear.
					
				
				
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		He's a modern-day Hunter S. Thompson.

								
				Elena A.
			Founder
			
			
		
		Thoughtful, soulful, and not awful.

								
				Amy N.
			CEO
			
			
		
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### Podcast Guest

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1614307464707{padding-top: 10vh !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_custom_heading text="Eran Thomson's Guest Appearances" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:center" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_column_text css=""]
Host a podcast, TV show, or event? I'd love to be a guest.  Watch this to discover some things we could chat about.
[/vc_column_text]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			COMEDY, FOUNDER, MAKER, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Left of Center Podcast: Caribbean Correspondent		
		
			Mayor Tom and Kevin chat with Eran Thomson about beating cancer, going to Mt. Everest, the “Yes, and” challenge, and play a speed round of Song Saga.
		
		
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			COMEDY, FOUNDER, MAKER, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Super Sonic Chat Podcast: Song Saga FTW		
		
			The boys at Super Sonic Chat love to think deeply about all things music and art, so playing Song Saga on their show made perfect sense.
		
		
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			INTERVIEW, COMEDY, POST, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Music Junkies Podcast: Giant Lips!		
		
			The Music Junkies Podcast is one of my faves because it combines songs and storytelling just like the fun music game Song Saga.
		
		
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		[vc_video link="https://youtu.be/Yme3TY0YhvA?t=7" align="center" css=".vc_custom_1642632876798{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1642633020058{margin-top: 1vh !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"]
Tall Poppy Syndrome - The top-rated "rant" on Sky News' Entrepreneurs TV Show with Jack Delosa
[/vc_column_text]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			INTERVIEW, MAKER, POST		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Enhance Life with Music Podcast Ep.135		
		
			In this episode, I sing “Baby’s Got Sauce” (badly), we talk about Song Saga, the power of music as a mnemonic device, and Cinco de Mayo.
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, BOOKS, INTERVIEW, POST, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on Love Soul Radio with Phyllis Foundis		
		
			Welcome to my interview on the Love Soul radio show hosted by the lovely Phyllis Foundis. Good tunes and good conversation coming up next.
		
		
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			INTERVIEW, POST, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on The Kids in the Room Podcast: Are You in a Word Coma?		
		
			If you spend time around people who use specific words, odds are you will start saying them too. And that isn’t always a good thing.
		
		
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			COMEDY, FOUNDER, POST		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Arts for the Health of It Podcast: Joyful Connection and Recollection		
		
			A two-part chat where I explain the origin story of The Joy Pusher and what makes the music and memory game, Song Saga, so special.
		
		
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			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, BOOKS, COMEDY, POST, SHORT STORIES, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the This Is It Actually Podcast: Leave the Lucky		
		
			A very abbreviated version of a story about a drunken promise that led to an aborted sailing trip around the world.
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, ARTICLES, AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, BOOKS, COMEDY, FOUNDER, IDEAS, POST, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Polymath Podcast: Pushing Joy in all Directions		
		
			If you’re a multipotentialite or polymath, or if you have no idea what those words mean, you will enjoy this episode of the Polymath podcast.
		
		
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			AUTOBIOGRAPHIES, FOUNDER, POST, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Label Free Podcast: Un-label-able		
		
			Deanna Kuempel says, “to live your best life, live label-free.” We live up to that ideal in this nearly impossible to categorise episode of Label Free.
		
		
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			ADVERTISING, FOUNDER, IDEAS, MAKER, POST, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on The Multipotentialite Dude: A New Box		
		
			Perry Knoppert and I chat about what it means to discover you’re multipotentialite, and what it means to be one.
		
		
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			WRITER, IDEAS, POST, SPEAKER		
		
			Eran Thomson on Balance the Grind: My Success Ritual		
		
			Discover my amalgamated “success ritual” in this unedited interview transcript from “Balance the Grind.” 
		
		
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			COMEDY, IDEAS, POST, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on The Cuppa of Life Show: Feel the Power		
		
			I visit the Cuppa of Life virtual cafe to chat about beating cancer, starting a comedy school, and the benefits of developing an improvisational mindset.
		
		
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			COMEDY, FOUNDER, POST, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the You Really Shouldn’t Have podcast: Worst. Gift. Ever.		
		
			Learn how one of my best gifts became the worst, the origin story of Laugh Masters Academy and Song Saga, and more.
		
		
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			COMEDY, FOUNDER, IDEAS, POST, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on the Off Topic Podcast: Clearing Your Plate		
		
			In this episode, we chat about making room for the things you’re great at and the things that matter to you most, and more.
		
		
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			COMEDY, FOUNDER, IDEAS, POST, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			Eran Thomson on The Light Inside Podcast: Purple Trees Are Real		
		
			Listen as we chat about personal development, change, improv, purple trees, and why Jeffrey Besecker can’t get no satisfaction.
		
		
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Find podcast guests
Eran Thomson just might be a great guest for your next podcast episode. If you're looking for guests who have lots of interesting stories, experience and ideas to share, then Eran Thomson just might be a perfect fit for your show.
Find podcast guests
He hasn't made it on the podcast Joe Rogan - and he's not on the list of Joe Rogan upcoming guests, yet. But give it time and be the one to say you hosted him first. Book him now using the link above.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Terms & Conditions

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1754720355600{padding-top: 10vh !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1754720363930{padding-right: 15% !important;padding-left: 15% !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="From the look of this you'd think my lawyer got paid by the word." use_theme_fonts="yes" css=".vc_custom_1754719851096{padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Trademark Notice" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_column_text css=""]Eran Thomson, Joy Pusher, Creativity Unlocker, and Reliable Raconteur are all Trademarks of Eran Thomson.[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Terms & Conditions" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"][vc_column_text css=""]1. About the Website

1. 1. Welcome to https://eranthomson.com ('Website'). The Website is the digital domain of Eran Thomson and provides original content, portfolios, writing samples, links to other interesting content, and more.

1. 2. The Website is operated by Eran Thomson. Access to and use of the Website, or any of its associated Products or Services, is provided by Eran Thomson. Please read these terms and conditions ('Terms') carefully. By using, browsing and/or reading the Website, this signifies that you have read, understood and agree to be bound by the Terms. If you do not agree with the Terms, you must cease usage of the Website, or any of Services, immediately.

1. 3. Eran Thomson reserves the right to review and change any of the Terms by updating this page at its sole discretion. When Eran Thomson updates the Terms, it will use reasonable endeavours to provide you with notice of updates to the Terms. Any changes to the Terms take immediate effect from the date of their publication. Before you continue, we recommend you keep a copy of the Terms for your records.

2. Acceptance of the Terms

You accept the Terms by remaining on the Website. You may also accept the Terms by clicking to accept or agree to the Terms where this option is made available to you by Eran Thomson in the user interface.

3. Copyright and Intellectual Property

3. 1. The Website, the content and all of the related products of Eran Thomson are subject to copyright. The material on the Website is protected by copyright under the laws of Australia and through international treaties. Unless otherwise indicated, all rights (including copyright) in the content and compilation of the Website (including but not limited to text, graphics, logos, button icons, video images, audio clips, Website, code, scripts, design elements and interactive features) or the content are owned or controlled for these purposes, and are reserved by Eran Thomson or its contributors.

3. 2. All trademarks, service marks and trade names are owned, registered and/or licensed by Eran Thomson, who grants to you a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free, revocable license whilst you are a Member to:

(a) use the Website pursuant to the Terms;

(b) copy and store the Website and the material contained in the Website in your device's cache memory; and

(c) print pages from the Website for your own personal and non-commercial use.

Eran Thomson does not grant you any other rights whatsoever in relation to the Website or the content. All other rights are expressly reserved by Eran Thomson.

3. 3. Eran Thomson retains all rights, title and interest in and to the Website and all related content. Nothing you do on or in relation to the Website will transfer any:

(a) business name, trading name, domain name, trade mark, industrial design, patent, registered design or copyright, or

(b) a right to use or exploit a business name, trading name, domain name, trade mark or industrial design, or

(c) a thing, system or process that is the subject of a patent, registered design or copyright (or an adaptation or modification of such a thing, system or process), to you.

3. 4. You may not, without the prior written permission of Eran Thomson and the permission of any other relevant rights owners: broadcast, republish, up-load to a third party, transmit, post, distribute, show or play in public, adapt or change in any way the content or third party content for any purpose, unless otherwise provided by these Terms. This prohibition does not extend to materials on the Website, which are freely available for re-use or are in the public domain.

4. Privacy

Eran Thomson takes your privacy seriously and any information provided through your use of the Website and/or content are subject to Eran Thomson's Privacy Policy, which is available on the Website.

5. General Disclaimer

5. 1. Nothing in the Terms limits or excludes any guarantees, warranties, representations or conditions implied or imposed by law, including the Australian Consumer Law (or any liability under them) which by law may not be limited or excluded.

5. 2. Subject to this clause 5, and to the extent permitted by law:

(a) all terms, guarantees, warranties, representations or conditions which are not expressly stated in the Terms are excluded; and

(b) Eran Thomson will not be liable for any special, indirect or consequential loss or damage (unless such loss or damage is reasonably foreseeable resulting from our failure to meet an applicable Consumer Guarantee), loss of profit or opportunity, or damage to goodwill arising out of or in connection with the content or these Terms (including as a result of not being able to use the content or the late supply of the content), whether at common law, under contract, tort (including negligence), in equity, pursuant to statute or otherwise.

5. 3. Use of the Website and the content is at your own risk. Everything on the Website and the content is provided to you "as is" and "as available" without warranty or condition of any kind. None of the affiliates, directors, officers, employees, agents, contributors and licensors of Eran Thomson make any express or implied representation or warranty about the content or any

products or content (including the products or content of Eran Thomson) referred to on the Website. This includes (but is not restricted to) loss or damage you might suffer as a result of any of the following:

(a) failure of performance, error, omission, interruption, deletion, defect, failure to correct defects, delay in operation or transmission, computer virus or other harmful component, loss of data, communication line failure, unlawful third party conduct, or theft, destruction, alteration or unauthorised access to records;

(b) the accuracy, suitability or currency of any information on the Website, the content, or any of its content related products (including third party material and advertisements on the Website);

(c) costs incurred as a result of you using the Website, the content or any of the products of Eran Thomson; and

(d) the content or operation in respect to links which are provided for your convenience.

6. Limitation of liability

6. 1. Eran Thomson's total liability arising out of or in connection with the content or these Terms, however arising, including under contract, tort (including negligence), in equity, under statute or otherwise, will not exceed the resupply of the content to you.

6. 2. You expressly understand and agree that Eran Thomson, its affiliates, employees, agents, contributors and licensors shall not be liable to you for any direct, indirect, incidental, special consequential or exemplary damages which may be incurred by you, however caused and under any theory of liability. This shall include, but is not limited to, any loss of profit (whether incurred directly or indirectly), any loss of goodwill or business reputation and any other intangible loss.

6. 3. You acknowledge and agree that Eran Thomson holds no liability for any direct, indirect, incidental, special consequential or exemplary damages which may be incurred by you as a result of providing your content to the Website.

7. Termination of Contract

7. 1. If you want to terminate the Terms, you may do so by providing Eran Thomson with 11 days' notice of your intention to terminate by sending notice of your intention to terminate to Eran Thomson via the 'Contact Us' link on our homepage.

7. 2. Eran Thomson may at any time, terminate the Terms with you if:

(a) you have breached any provision of the Terms or intend to breach any provision;

(b) Eran Thomson is required to do so by law;

(c) Eran Thomson is transitioning to no longer providing the Services to Members in the country in which you are resident or from which you use the service; or

(d) the provision of the Services to you by Eran Thomson, is in the opinion of

Eran Thomson, no longer commercially viable.

7. 3. Subject to local applicable laws, Eran Thomson reserves the right to discontinue or cancel your access at any time and may suspend or deny, in its sole discretion, your access to all or any portion of the Website or the Services without notice if you breach any provision of the Terms or any applicable law or if your conduct impacts Eran Thomson's name or reputation or violates the rights of those of another party.

7. 4. When the Terms come to an end, all of the legal rights, obligations and liabilities that you and Eran Thomson have benefitted from, been subject to (or which have accrued over time whilst the Terms have been in force) or which are expressed to continue indefinitely, shall be unaffected by this cessation, and the provisions of this clause shall continue to apply to such rights, obligations and liabilities indefinitely.

8. Indemnity

8. 1. You agree to indemnify Eran Thomson, its affiliates, employees, agents, contributors, third-party content providers and licensors from and against:

(a) all actions, suits, claims, demands, liabilities, costs, expenses, loss and damage (including legal fees on a full indemnity basis) incurred, suffered or arising out of or in connection with your content;

(b) any direct or indirect consequences of you accessing, using or transacting on the Website or attempts to do so; and/or

(c) any breach of the Terms.

9. Dispute Resolution

9. 1. Compulsory:

If a dispute arises out of or relates to the Terms, either party may not commence any Tribunal or Court proceedings in relation to the dispute, unless the following clauses have been complied with (except where urgent interlocutory relief is sought).

9.2. Notice:

A party to the Terms claiming a dispute ('Dispute') has arisen under the Terms, must give written notice to the other party detailing the nature of the dispute, the desired outcome and the action required to settle the Dispute.

9.3. Resolution:

On receipt of that notice ('Notice') by that other party, the parties to the Terms ('Parties') must:

(a) Within 11 days of the Notice endeavour in good faith to resolve the Dispute expeditiously by negotiation or such other means upon which they may mutually agree;

(b) If for any reason whatsoever, 11 days after the date of the Notice, the Dispute has not been resolved, the Parties must either agree upon selection of a mediator or request that an appropriate mediator be

appointed by the President of the Australian Mediation Association or his or her nominee;

(c) The Parties are equally liable for the fees and reasonable expenses of a mediator and the cost of the venue of the mediation and without limiting the foregoing undertake to pay any amounts requested by the mediator as a pre-condition to the mediation commencing. The Parties must each pay their own costs associated with the mediation;

(d) The mediation will be held in Sydney, Australia.

9. 4. Confidential

All communications concerning negotiations made by the Parties arising out of and in connection with this dispute resolution clause are confidential and to the extent possible, must be treated as "without prejudice" negotiations for the purpose of applicable laws of evidence.

9.5. Termination of Mediation:

If 11 days have elapsed after the start of a mediation of the Dispute and the Dispute has not been resolved, either Party may ask the mediator to terminate the mediation and the mediator must do so.

10. Venue and Jurisdiction

The Services offered by Eran Thomson is intended to be viewed by residents of Australia. In the event of any dispute arising out of or in relation to the Website, you agree that the exclusive venue for resolving any dispute shall be in the courts of New South Wales, Australia.

11. Governing Law

The Terms are governed by the laws of New South Wales, Australia. Any dispute, controversy, proceeding or claim of whatever nature arising out of or in any way relating to the Terms and the rights created hereby shall be governed, interpreted and construed by, under and pursuant to the laws of New South Wales, Australia, without reference to conflict of law principles, notwithstanding mandatory rules. The validity of this governing law clause is not contested. The Terms shall be binding to the benefit of the parties hereto and their successors and assigns.

12. Independent Legal Advice

Both parties confirm and declare that the provisions of the Terms are fair and reasonable and both parties having taken the opportunity to obtain independent legal advice and declare the Terms are not against public policy on the grounds of inequality or bargaining power or general grounds of restraint of trade.

13. Severance

If any part of these Terms is found to be void or unenforceable by a Court of competent jurisdiction, that part shall be severed and the rest of the Terms shall remain in force.

14. Folio Reviews

14.1 Whisky Guarantee

All reviews come with my Lifetime money-back “whisky guarantee.” This means, if, after working together you wouldn’t gladly help me move house, invite me to Christmas dinner, or loan me your Ferrari – and you haven’t taken any of my feedback on board – I will give you your money back minus the cost of a good bottle of whisky or tequila. Yes, I will get a receipt.  See the official Refund Policy.

If we collaborate on work that gets entered into any/all award shows you agree to give me a credit (Copywriter, Creative Director, etc. as agreed on a per-entry basis) and spell my name correctly.

14. 2 Employment

My goal with every review is to help you improve the quality of your work and how you present it to possible clients and employers. I cannot guarantee that you will get the gigs you want and no guarantee should be inferred despite my best efforts and intention to help you do so. You understand that working with me and paying for a review is not a guarantee of future employment.

14.3 a. Creative Disclaimer:

It takes courage to share your creative work with an internet stranger so they can give you honest feedback. And I am grateful to everyone who has sent me theirs. I do this because I want to see all creative professionals succeed. And because it makes me better at what I do too. Every review is a first and authentic reaction to the work and how people present themselves. Just like you’d get if you’d get from a recruiter or CD if you were interviewing for a job. The difference is I don’t hold anything back. This is especially important for people whose folios still need work before they’re great. In an agency interview, if the CDs don’t love your work they won’t always tell you. Often they’ll just thank you for coming in and never speak to you again. Over the course of my career, I’ve always asked everyone who showed me their work if they wanted feedback or not. If they said yes, I’d ask how they wanted it: gentle or harsh truth. In my opinion, hearing the harsh truth is the fastest way to make your work better, and that’s what I promise to always give you here. “It’s never personal. It’s always about the work.” I don’t have to love everything. Nobody ever will. And you may not agree with everything I say, and that’s OK. But if things aren’t clear and don’t seem well-crafted to me, there’s a good chance you could be dismissed by others. “I am absolutely confident I can help you create a well-crafted and curated portfolio.” If you booked a free Bronze Boomerang the conversation is one-way. If you’d like to have more of a collaborative conversation about your work and how to make it better, then check out my other review levels. The Bronze Boomerang and Silver Skillet will make your portfolio better. The Gold Gull and Titanium Torch reviews will make you better with skills and coaching to progress your career – not just your folio. The goal is to get you to a place where you won’t get dismissed and are more likely to make it to the next round. And get the gigs you really want. Every review comes from a place of love and respect and a desire to see you succeed. I don’t take you, or the time, energy, and focus it takes to build a great portfolio for granted. Remember, good is the enemy of great, and I want you to be great. And lastly, these are my opinions only. Do with them what you will. If you don’t like my feedback, I highly recommend you get other people’s. But if you start hearing the same notes over and over, it’s time to listen. As the saying goes, if people keep telling you that you have a tail…Sooner or later you gotta turn around and look.

14.3 b. Legal Disclaimer

Eran Thomson shall not be liable to you or any third party for any loss, damage, or injury arising out of or related to your use or reliance on the portfolio review videos or any information contained therein. You acknowledge that the portfolio review videos are provided for educational and informational purposes only and are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice or guidance. You agree to use the portfolio review videos at your own risk and to independently assess any recommendations or suggestions made therein. Eran Thomson shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of or related to the use or inability to use the portfolio review videos.

14.4 Public Visibility of Reviews
All reviews are public by default and may be shared on this and other sites and publications without limitation. By agreeing to a review you grant an irrevocable right, in perpetuity, worldwide for the content of the review, including your work, website and any/all other supplied materials to be used by Eran Thomson for educational and promotional purposes under "fair use." If you paid for a private review and asked for and received a refund your review may become public.
14.4 Anonymity

Every effort will be made to prevent the identity (names) of review customers from being indexed and showing up in search engine results. This includes only using initials instead of full or partial names in headings, titles, or SEO tools. First names may be used in the body of the review and can be removed by written request using the contact form on this site.

14.5 Public Links/URLs

Links to submitted portfolios will be made public for educational purposes under fair use.

14. 6 Indemnity

Eran Thomson shall not be liable for any claims, damages, or expenses arising out of or related to the public review of your portfolio under fair use. You agree to indemnify and hold Eran Thomson/Notice Pty Ltd harmless from any claims, demands, suits, or actions, including attorney's fees and costs, arising out of or related to your portfolio and the public review of such portfolio under fair use.

By submitting your folio for a review you agree to waive and release any and all claims, demands, suits, or actions, including any right to pursue legal action or seek damages against Eran Thomson/Notice Pty Ltd, arising out of or related to the public review of your portfolio.

14.7 Copyright

Eran Thomson/Notice Pty Ltd shall only use the work of portfolio review customers in the portfolio review videos under fair use or with the permission of the owner of the work. By submitting your folio for review you represent and warrant that you have the right to grant Eran Thomson permission to use the work as part of the portfolio review videos. Eran Thomson shall not be held liable for any copyright infringement arising out of the use of the work in the portfolio review videos with the permission of the owner.

14. 8 Defamation

Eran Thomson shall provide constructive criticism in the portfolio review videos and shall not make any false statements about the customer or their work that could be considered defamatory. By submitting your portfolio for a review you acknowledge that Eran Thomson is entitled to express their opinion about the work, but such opinions shall be made in good faith and without malice. Eran Thomson shall not be held liable for any claims, damages, or expenses arising out of or related to any defamatory statements made in the portfolio review videos

14.9 Privacy

Eran Thomson shall respect every customer's privacy and shall not share any personal information about you that they have not consented to share. You acknowledge that Eran Thomson may use your name and work in the portfolio review videos and agrees to such use. However, Eran Thomson shall not be held liable for any claims, damages, or expenses arising out of or related to any unauthorized disclosure of your personal information.

14. 10 Publicity

You hereby grant to Eran Thomson the right to use your name, likeness, and work in connection with portfolio reviews and videos. You acknowledge that such use may include publication on Eran Thomson's website, social media channels, and other promotional materials. You represent and warrant that you have the right to grant such use and that it will not infringe on the rights of any third party. You hereby release and dischargesEran Thomson from any and all claims, demands, or causes of action that they may have against Eran Thomson arising out of or in connection with the use of their name, likeness, or work in the portfolio review videos

I've written so many great things, so why are you reading this? [/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Podcast Tour

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1611186508464{padding-top: 10vh !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1698703520227{padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Let's have a nice chat on your podcast." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1698703578745{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"][vc_column_text el_class="whitelink"]
If you're up for hosting, drop me a note and we'll schedule it in.
Want to know more? Start here or check out some of the shows I've been on.
[/vc_column_text][vc_video link="https://youtu.be/orzbrCj4abg" align="center" css=".vc_custom_1715858519091{padding-right: 10% !important;padding-bottom: 5vh !important;padding-left: 10% !important;}"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="podcast host" font_container="tag:h6|font_size:1px|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Eran Thomson is the Joy Pusher

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_row_padding="true" thb_column_padding="true" thb_color="light-title" content_placement="top" thb_scroll_bottom="true" thb_scroll_bottom_style="style3" thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1651964694197{background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Blog.png?id=23946) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][vc_column][vc_empty_space height="60vh"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1651964748174{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_custom_heading text="I am The Joy Pusher" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
		
I push joy by 
				
			

	[vc_column_text css=""]
My product?
High-grade moments of meaningful connection.
I do this by slinging wit, words, and new ways of doing things.
And by converting optimism into action to deliver the addictive delights the world wants.
Count on me to hook you up with writing, advertising, entertainment, innovation, workshops, and talks of pure substance.
I'm on the streets every day trafficking in smiles and laughter.
So if you're jonesing for a dose of joy, page me.
I got your fix.
[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]	Page Me

	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_text]
Joy Pusher's One Word Suggestion podcast is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you craft a more mindful and meaningful existence.
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.
Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.
 Listen now on Google, Apple, Spotify or wherever you find podcasts. Learn more at onewordsuggestion.net or suggest a word below in the comments.
Like what you hear? Listen to joy pusher's guest appearances on other people’s podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.
Read interesting things on my blog here
And play joy pusher's new game at song-saga.com
Song Saga will remind you that you weren’t always so boring. Every time you play you’ll take a musical trip down memory lane that helps you remember how much fun life used to be. That’s why we call it the party game that helps you remember how much you rock.
Every green card in the Song Saga box will spark a memory of a moment or music that matters to you. And once you start remembering all the songs and stories the game triggers, you’ll start attaching new memories to songs and stashing them away in the back of your brain for the next time you play.
One of Joy pusher's favourite things about playing Song Saga is how it brings out stories that otherwise might have been forgotten or gone untold. And the stories that come out are authentic and engaging because they are imbued with meaning by default. And when people are sharing that way it brings everyone closer together.
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1741550929866{padding-top: 3vh !important;}"]More broadly, I thrive at the intersection of creativity and commerce and typically work with agencies, production cos, consultants, funded startups & brands in-house.

As a creative director and communications specialist, I use my wide skill set, unique perspective, and limitless imagination to convert ideas into reality and help others achieve new levels of personal and professional success.

My mission is to shift paradigms and, where possible, use boundless creativity, constant innovation, restless ambition, and stories well-told to make the world a better place.

I've beaten cancer, been beaten by Mt. Everest, and like to bust rhymes to the beat.

Currently open to writing assignments, media commentary, consulting opportunities, speaking gigs, board roles, and freelance creative development.

For now, please enjoy this braggy blub.

Watch my Writer & Director reel.

Check out my advertising portfolio.

Book a PowerProv workshop.

Listen to my 3-minute podcast: "One Word Suggestion."

Read interesting things on my blog.

Learn about Only Child Syndrome.

Talk shit about my ex-wife.

And play my game at song-saga.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Find me on the streets slinging laughter, delight, and high-grade comedic moments. Need a hit? Page me.

### Call Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_color="light-title" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1675290362244{background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}"][vc_column css=".vc_custom_1675290399296{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Good conversation starts here." font_container="tag:h1|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="fadeIn" css=".vc_custom_1594000363198{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1646596507673{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"]


[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column][vc_custom_heading text="#1 Best Wordsmith, Idea Machine, & Joy Pusher - Book A Call with Eran" font_container="tag:h6|font_size:1|text_align:left"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### The One Word Suggestion Podcast

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_row_padding="true" thb_column_padding="true" thb_color="light-title" thb_scroll_bottom="true" thb_scroll_bottom_style="style3" thb_scroll_bottom_color="light" thb_divider_position="bottom" css=".vc_custom_1629944831320{padding-top: 0px !important;}"][vc_column]	
			
			
			
		
			
					
	[/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1629945250828{padding-top: 10vh !important;}" el_id="ows_content"][vc_column width="5/6"][vc_column_text css=""]
The “One Word Suggestion” Podcast with Eran Thomson
Most people think improv is just for comedy. But really, it’s a powerful tool for life.

Produced by PowerProv, the One Word Suggestion podcast is your personal toolbox full of ways to help you craft a more mindful and meaningful existence.

 Listen now below, on Google, Apple, Spotify or at PowerProv.com.au[/vc_column_text][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width="1/2"][vc_column_text]
It starts with you.
In each 3-minute episode, I use a single word, suggested by listeners, as a leaping off point to explore how developing an improvisational mindset will help you perform at a higher level personally and professionally.

Whether you aspire to be better on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

Like what you hear? Listen to my guest appearances on other people's podcasts, or invite me to speak at your next event.[/vc_column_text]	
						Press Kit
							




			
		
						Suggest a Word
							




			
		
						Corporate Training
							




			
	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_tta_accordion style="flat" color="white" c_icon="triangle" active_section="" no_fill="true" collapsible_all="true"][vc_tta_section title="About One Word Suggestion" tab_id="1613529372489-fbcbd77c-7f4d"][vc_column_text]One Word Suggestion is a three-minute podcast written and hosted by  Eran Thomson and produced by PowerProv.

Each week Eran uses a one word suggestion from a listener as a leaping off point to explore the benefits of improv training and the profound effect it can have on both your personal and professional life.

Improvisation isn’t just for comedy, it’s also a tool for life, and this show is a toolbox full of ways to help you craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Whether you aspire to perform on stage or on the job, this quick hit of improv inspiration is sure to bring you some insights, perspective, and joy.

Thanks for listening.

 	Suggest a Word
 	Press Kit
 	School
 	Corporate Training
 	Book Eran to Speak at your Next Event

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="About Eran Thomson" tab_id="1613531022663-8df813a1-76f3"][vc_column_text]Eran Thomson is The Joy Pusher.

He makes the world a better place with boundless creativity, restless ambition, and stories well told. He is the Founder of Song Saga, Zuper, PowerProv, Laugh-Masters Academy, Comedy & Co. and the Australian Improv Festival.

 	Connect with Eran on Linkedin
 	See what else he's up to at eranthomson.com
 	Book Eran to Speak at your Next Event

[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][vc_tta_section title="About PowerProv" tab_id="1613533057715-245a613f-c307"][vc_column_text]
PowerProv is the #1 rated team training in Australia
Their improv workshops create awesome communication, collaboration, and camaraderie for teams all across the Asia Pacific region.
No trust falls. No Powerpoint. No B.S.
PowerProv training transforms teams into more mindful, empathetic, and authentic humans and delivers new levels of confidence, self-respect, and joy.

The secret to PowerProv's success is simple:

They deliver a tangible ROI for your training budget - and have a lot of fun.

Their unique program design blends behavioural science and cognitive psychology along with procedural knowledge and contextualised exercises to give your team the soft skills they need to get things done better, faster and happier.

Learn more at powerprov.com.au[/vc_column_text][/vc_tta_section][/vc_tta_accordion][vc_custom_heading text="Listen to The One Word Suggestion Improv Comedy podcast with Eran Thomson, your toolbox full of ways to help you craft a more mindful and meaningful existence. Visit the best Improv Comedy podcast now!" font_container="tag:h3|font_size:1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:1" use_theme_fonts="yes"]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Dolphins		
		
			Despite the ever-increasing number of threats to their existence like plastics, petroleum, JetSkis, ghost nets, and hungry sharks, they continually play to the top of their intelligence.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Candy		
		
			One thing is for sure, just as there are endless types of candy, they are also endless types of people who love it. And love it differently. We all have different tastes formed by our unique cultural experiences and differences.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Taxes		
		
			The basic rules of human behaviour around communication, collaboration, teamwork, listening, and building on each others’ ideas, can be almost as complicated as tax law.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Election		
		
			Now more than ever we need elected officials who can bring people together. Who can work together. And who can make meaningful and fast change.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Tickles		
		
			No matter how good one might get at fighting off fists and feathers, there have been times throughout history when tickling was intentionally used as torture.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Batteries		
		
			Just because you can doesn’t always mean you should. Learning to do everything on your own takes time, energy, and definitely drains your batteries.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Ankle		
		
			Basketball players wear high tops and gymnasts use lots of tape, but less demanding activities, like the ones you do around the office, require a different, but equally important, type of support.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Hippos		
		
			If a cocaine sniffing hippo starts chasing you, run in a zig-zag because they can only run in a straight line.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Parasite		
		
			Do you have parasites at the office? People who take credit for other people’s efforts, or who bring snacks and coffee to meetings, but never share any ideas? Improv can help.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Parachute		
		
			Use your fear as a divining rod. Do what makes you uneasy. Do the thing that scares you most, and discover new things about yourself. Just do it safely.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Firetruck		
		
			Even if you plan for a bushfire, it is not going to go to plan. When the wind changes direction there has to be a new plan. And when plans fail, you must improvise.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Pineapple		
		
			If you’re the kind of person who sometimes comes across as a bit prickly on the outside, but the people who know you think you’re sweet, you might be a “social pineapple.”
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Freedom		
		
			We went in hoping to help inmates find some joy and arm themselves with tools for survival on the outside. I don’t know if we succeeded.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Lipstick		
		
			 In improv terms, is essentially “yes, anding” your face. Accepting the reality and building on it, working with what you have to make something even better.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Pizza		
		
			Improv teaches you to take risks. Trying new things on a pizza, the stakes are low. But on the job, we tend not to take risks at all because if things go wrong, we get burned. 
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Authenticity		
		
			You can always tell when you see or meet someone who is truly authentic and living comfortably and openly with who they are.  And usually, they’re our most favourite people to be around.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Teamwork		
		
			Get what you want, not by trying to be bossy, funny or cool, but by doing what’s necessary to make your whole group look good instead of just worrying about yourself.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Uncertainty		
		
			Ambiguity is not something to be feared but a given… We never have complete and perfect information. The best way to succeed in life is to revel in ambiguity.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Watching		
		
			Our ability to observe people and situations and translate those observations into useful opportunities for personal growth and development is wonderful.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Mindfulness		
		
			People have become so preoccupied with themselves and their phones they’re not only becoming less mindful, they’re becoming dangerously mindless.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Criticism		
		
			If people keep telling you that you have a tail, sooner or later, you’re gonna have to turn around and take a look.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Courage		
		
			For those of you out there who feel like a lack of courage is holding you back from living the truly good days you wish for, I’m here to tell you, fear is an illusion.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Acceptance		
		
			People who say “no” live in the comfort and security of their own world. People who say “yes” go on to live lives filled with glorious adventure.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Assholes		
		
			I was going to write this suggestion off as inappropriate and off-topic, but the reality is all of us probably know or work with at least one person who is, in fact, an asshole.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Panic		
		
			We’ve all probably experienced panic at some stage in our life. And the first thing to do if you start to panic – in any situation – is to just breathe.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Success		
		
			Sometimes we get caught up in the trappings of success only to realise later in life that the things we thought would make us feel successful don’t define it for us at all.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Balance		
		
			I probably shouldn’t be saying this because we’re still building the improv community here in Australia, but there is more to life than improv. 
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Intelligence		
		
			Most of the time when we think of intelligence we probably think of I.Q. tests, Stephen Hawking, or pipe smoking professors, but there’s more to intelligence than just being good at science and math.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Teachers		
		
			The point is, to be great at anything you have to keep learning. Always. And to be a great teacher you have to be a good student. Always.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Stereotypes		
		
			I might get some pushback for this, but I’m gonna say that the reason stereotypes exist, and persist, is because they are based in some amount of truth.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Connections		
		
			All of us want to connect with others and find the easily found common ground. And when we realise we’re all more alike than we are different, it feels really, really good.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Insults		
		
			The truth is, putting other people down will not make you look better. In fact, putting other people down only makes you look worse.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Focus		
		
			Learning to pay attention to whoever or whatever is directly in front of you will greatly improve your performance on stage – and at work, no matter what it is you do for a living. 
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Sincerity		
		
			Along with patience and compassion, sincerity is one of those qualities we all probably wish we had more of — or at least wish other people had more of.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Kindness		
		
			Kindness at home? That’s usually pretty easy with our loved ones. Kindness at work? Where we spend 80% of our time? That can be a bit more of a challenge.
		
		
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			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Editing		
		
			Editing is that little voice in your head: Should I say this? If I do will people get it? Will I look stupid? What if I’m not funny? What if I get it wrong? Maybe I’ll just stand here and keep my mouth shut.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Fear		
		
			Fear often manifests itself when there’s something we know we want to do, but we’re hesitant to try because we might fail, get rejected, or be disappointed. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Ensemble		
		
			The word “team” is often equated with lousy team building experiences or associated with competition. Ensemble, by contrast, implies cooperation, collaboration, and unconditional support.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Passion		
		
			People come to play knowing that they will be accepted, failure is OK – if it even exists at all, and that they can further their personal growth in a way that doesn’t feel like work.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Integrity		
		
			Having integrity means you are true to yourself and won’t do anything that demeans or dishonours your beliefs – or anyone else’s, on stage or in real life.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Feelings		
		
			The way you react to people, situations and events will tell you much about your values, and examining, rather than avoiding them is a worthwhile pursuit. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Vulnerability		
		
			Vulnerability makes you strong, not weak. When we show vulnerability with confidence we share ourselves without hesitation and accept ourselves and ideally, others, fully.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			BOOKS, FOUNDER, ONE WORD SUGGESTION, SPEAKER, WRITER		
		
			One Word Suggestion: Honesty		
		
			Honesty is more than just not being a liar, it’s about operating with integrity and being truthful to yourself, to your peers, and to the world.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

					
		[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Most people think improv is just for comedy. But really, it’s a powerful tool for life that will help you craft a more mindful and meaningful existence.

### Eran Thomson Speaking Engagement Rider

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1681026996533{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;background: #00ff00 url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/stripe_0f6ee95e55611fb20ec5896ad09fa05e.png?id=21813) !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="HELP ME GIVE YOU A GREAT TALK" font_container="tag:h1|font_size:7vw|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:1" use_theme_fonts="yes" css="" link="url:%2Fportfolio-reviews"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3" el_class="align-center"][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_custom_heading text="How to get an awesome speech from The Joy Pusher" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1754713440487{padding-bottom: 3vh !important;}"][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1754907432370{padding-bottom: 3% !important;}"]Eran uses a MacBook Pro laptop with only USB 3 (C) ports. Please ensure you have the correct adaptors to connect to your system.

No sound out required. AC power should be within six feet of the computer.

Eran prefers a wireless lavalier microphone. To be specific, a clip-on tie/collar microphone, not an earpiece.

For any group of more than 25 people, he prefers a mic. Please test it on all areas of the stage for volume and feedback.

Eran's laptop is controlled by a remote control that he brings with him. The laptop should be set up within sight and no more than 20 feet from the most distant point where he might be standing. It usually works best to have it on a small table and out of sight of the audience, so it can also work as a confidence monitor.

Eran can't give you his laptop for setup, but will gladly do a tech check with your team.

Feel free to take as many flash photos with Eran before and after his talk, but not during.

Socials: Eran is @eranthomson on all social media - Please do follow, like, tag, etc.

Connect with Eran on Linkedin.

Unless agreed prior, Eran's slides are typically not available for download or publishing.

Unless agreed prior, you do not have permission to record and/or resell/distribute Eran's talk.

If your booking involves an overnight stay, please book a non-smoking room in a hotel in the "cool" part of town.

Make sure someone knows where the best nearby taco joint is.

TIP: In groups of more than fifty, a Q&A is tempting but not usually an effective way to end the presentation. Instead, Eran recommends asking selected audience members to submit questions to a moderator in advance. Then, when the talk is over, we can have one person ask questions - ending the meeting on a high note.[/vc_column_text]	Speaker Info

		Download Speaker Pack

	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" css="" accent_color="#00FF00"][vc_column_text css=""]

Prefer to chat? Schedule a call.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### The Joy Pusher #1 Best Inspirational Keynote Speaker

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1681026996533{padding-top: 15vh !important;padding-bottom: 10vh !important;background: #00ff00 url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/stripe_0f6ee95e55611fb20ec5896ad09fa05e.png?id=21813) !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3"][vc_custom_heading text="BOOK THE JOY PUSHER TO SPEAK AT YOUR EVENT" font_container="tag:h1|font_size:7vw|text_align:left|color:%23000000|line_height:1" use_theme_fonts="yes" css="" link="url:%2Fportfolio-reviews"][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1614932662161{background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1754709915259{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"]					
													
																		
																																												
																	
															
																		
																																												
																	
															
																		
																																												
																	
															
																		
																																												
																	
															
																		
																																												
																	
															
																		
																																												
																	
															
																		
																																												
																	
											
						[vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1755389715584{padding-top: 5% !important;}"]
Eran Thomson is a Creativity Unlocker, Team Galvanizer, and Reliable Raconteur.
As a former ad agency creative director turned entrepreneur, he’s spent over two decades helping people and teams unlock big ideas, tell better stories, and work together brilliantly.

His keynotes blend humorous storytelling with practical tools that inspire audiences to think bigger, aim higher, and create fearlessly.
"As far as keynote speakers go, especially entertaining ones, Eran is ace."
[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=""]
COUNT ON E.T. TO SHOW UP AND...
Deliver Inspirational Keynotes
With a magnetic presence and authentic storytelling, Eran captivates from the first word. Blending humor and heartfelt insights, he sparks connection and inspires action, leaving audiences energized and excited with practical takeaways.
Be an Enthusiastic Panellist
Eran brings good energy to keep discussions lively. He listens actively, builds on others’ ideas, and adds fresh perspective. Always prepared, he makes points without rambling, connects with relatable stories and humor, and easily adapts if the conversation shifts.
Facilitate Transformational Team Training
As an add-on, he can run a PowerProv workshop that will give your audience new tools for connection and collaboration. Perfect for off-sites or anyone ready to become a super-communicator.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1754708889601{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"]
SIGNATURE KEYNOTES
You Are More Creative Than You Think (and I Can Prove It)
If you think creativity is just for “artists” or “geniuses,” think again. In this energetic keynote, Eran shatters that myth with real stories and unconventional examples - and proves that creativity isn’t a talent you’re born with; it’s a skill everyone has and anyone can unlock. Expect practical insights, fresh perspectives, and a call to unleash your creative super-powers, no matter your role or industry.
The Creative Brief For Your Life
In this keynote, Eran presents a powerful framework inspired by the creative briefing process used in advertising agencies to help you clarify your purpose, priorities, and next moves. Through engaging stories and actionable steps, audiences learn how to strategically apply creative thinking to design a life and career that feels intentional and uniquely their own.
The Improv Mindset: Unlocking Agility, Creativity, and Connection at Work + Workshop option
With powerful insights and audience exercises, Eran reveals how improv principles such as “yes, and,” active listening, and embracing failure build agile, creative teams. This keynote inspires audiences to adopt an ensemble mindset that transforms collaboration, sparks innovation, and deepens connection in the workplace. Add on an optional 3-hour PowerProv workshop.[/vc_column_text][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1754708881024{padding-top: 5vh !important;}"]
RECENT SPEAKING GIGS

 	SXSW Sydney - Host and Facilitator
 	Workplace Wellness Festival - Expo Stage MC
 	The Moth (Storytelling Comp - 2nd Place Finalist)
 	Melbourne International Comedy Festival
 	Financial Services Accountants Association Keynote
 	Sky News “Entrepreneurs” TV show - Tall Poppy Syndrome Rant
 	The Speakeasy - Panellist
 	The One Word Suggestion Podcast - Host
 	And tons of podcast guest appearances

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height="3vh"][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner]	Download Speaker Pack

		Booking Form

	[/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_separator color="custom" align="align_left" css="" accent_color="#00FF00"][vc_column_text css=""]

Prefer to chat? Schedule a call.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Eran is a master storyteller who draws on his vast life experiences and unique sense of humor to deliver talks that are engaging, informative, and inspiring - and always end too soon.

### Subscribe to the Eran Thomson Blog

[vc_row content_placement="middle" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" el_class="align-center" css=".vc_custom_1755143283174{padding-top: 10vh !important;padding-bottom: 5vh !important;background-position: 0 0 !important;background-repeat: repeat !important;}"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1755143201035{border-top-width: 9px !important;border-right-width: 9px !important;border-bottom-width: 9px !important;border-left-width: 9px !important;padding-top: 5% !important;padding-right: 7% !important;padding-bottom: 5% !important;padding-left: 7% !important;background-color: #ffffff !important;border-left-style: solid !important;border-right-style: solid !important;border-top-style: solid !important;border-bottom-style: solid !important;border-radius: 25px !important;border-color: #00ff00 !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Improve your inbox" font_container="tag:h1|font_size:5vw|text_align:center|line_height:1em" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1755143244049{padding-top: 3% !important;padding-bottom: 2vh !important;}"][vc_column_text css=""]
Sign up to get humorous excerpts, essays, and the occasional self-aggrandizing blog post.
[/vc_column_text]Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Name *Email *Subscribe  [/vc_column][/vc_row]

### ERAN THOMSON is "The Joy Pusher"™ / Official Site

[vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_row_padding="true" thb_column_padding="true" thb_color="light-title" full_height="yes" content_placement="middle" thb_scroll_bottom="true" thb_scroll_bottom_style="style3" thb_scroll_bottom_color="light" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" type="full_width" icon_pack="font_awesome" content_menu_fe_icon="arrow_back" text_align="left" background_color="#ffffff" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" in_content_menu="" pattern_background="" padding_top="100" padding_bottom="65" css=".vc_custom_1736182507759{background-image: url(https://eranthomson.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/peace-lg.jpg?id=23630) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}"][vc_column][vc_row_inner content_placement="middle" el_class="text-center"][vc_column_inner css=".vc_custom_1568253205095{padding-top: 25% !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="Eran Thomson" font_container="tag:h1|font_size:5vw|text_align:center|color:%23ffffff" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1754905491180{padding-top: 1% !important;padding-right: 5% !important;padding-left: 5% !important;}" link="url:%23et"][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner css=".vc_custom_1627021066542{padding-right: 15% !important;padding-left: 15% !important;}" el_class="text-center"][vc_column_inner el_class="align-center"][vc_custom_heading text="``THE JOY PUSHER``" font_container="tag:h2|font_size:7vw|text_align:center|color:%2300FF00|line_height:.85" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1754897294389{padding-top: 1% !important;padding-bottom: 2% !important;}" link="url:%23et"][vc_column_text]
 Song Saga Laugh-Masters Academy LMA Pro. Dev. Austrailan Improv Fest Zuper Friendlet Comedy & Co Koobar Prepare to Live Zuper Monogram The E.T. Blog O.W.S. Podcast Screenplays Medium Contributor Entrepreneurs TV Show Help Others Movement Melbourne Comedy Festival One Word Suggestion Bookings Writer / Director Creative Director Pitch Winner Advertising Folio Book a Call Email Linkedin Subscribe
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row disable_element="yes" thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column]	Creative Director

		Writer/Director

	[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Eran Thomson is creative leader, keynote speaker, workshop facilitator, course creator, and reliable raconteur who makes the world a better place by pushing joy.

### Advertising

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column width="2/3" css=".vc_custom_1607680918010{padding-top: 15% !important;padding-right: 15% !important;padding-left: 15% !important;}"][vc_single_image image="22508" img_size="full" style="vc_box_shadow_3d" onclick="custom_link" img_link_target="_blank" qode_css_animation="" link="http://eranco.com"][vc_custom_heading text="Advertising.
If it's not fun you're doing it wrong." use_theme_fonts="yes" css=""][vc_column_text]As an Advertising Exepert, Creative Director, Writer and Pitch Consultant, I have been trusted to develop branded entertainment, intellectual property and marketing platforms for brands big and small.

My egoless approach to the work, never-ending flow of ideas, compelling presentation skills, and dedication to craft make me unique as a Copywriter based CD.

But if anyone asks, I'm an Art Director.

Because an AD who can write is gold, but a CW who “thinks” he can art direct is a pain in the arse.

I am available client direct through Notice Corp, Comedy & Co. or freelance.

Check out my Writer/Director work or Advertising folio.

And if you want to win your next pitch, I'm your man.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### #1 Funny Comedy Writer - Contact Eran Thomson

[vc_row content_placement="top" thb_divider_position="bottom" row_type="row" use_row_as_full_screen_section="no" type="full_width" text_align="left" background_animation="none" css_animation="" css=".vc_custom_1653555574414{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 10vh !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}" bg_gradient1="rgba(0,0,0,0.2)" bg_gradient2="rgba(0,0,0,0.2)" el_class="align-center"][vc_column width="1/2" css=".vc_custom_1651883004878{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-top: 15% !important;padding-bottom: 0px !important;}"][vc_custom_heading text="How may I bring you joy?" font_container="tag:h1|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff|line_height:.9" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=""][vc_column_text css=".vc_custom_1651884128114{margin-bottom: 0px !important;padding-bottom: 2% !important;}"]Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.Comment or Message *Name *FirstLastYour email *EmailEmail me  [/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="or" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1754727346122{margin-top: 0px !important;padding-top: 0px !important;}"]	Schedule a call

	[vc_custom_heading text="Representation" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1754727356322{padding-top: 5% !important;}"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="2" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_row_inner disable_element="yes"][vc_column_inner thb_color="thb-light-column" width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=""]Literary Genius
Best Agency
#1 Cool St.
000-000-0000
smarty@pants.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner thb_color="thb-light-column" width="1/2"][vc_column_text css=""]Career Maker
Best Mgt.
#1 Moolah St.
000-000-0000
makeit@big.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner thb_color="thb-light-column"][vc_column_text css=""]Tatiana Goldflower
Notice Corp.
tg@noticecorp.com[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_custom_heading text="Socials" font_container="tag:h2|text_align:left|color:%23ffffff" use_theme_fonts="yes" css_animation="none" css=".vc_custom_1754727366531{padding-top: 3% !important;}"][vc_separator color="custom" border_width="2" accent_color="#00ff00"][vc_column_text css=""]
			
	
		
[/vc_column_text][vc_custom_heading text="Contact info for Eran Thomson, Eran Thomson Agent, Literary Agent, and Eran Thomson social, Eran Thomson Instagram, Eran Thomson twitter - eranthomson.com" font_container="tag:h6|text_align:left|color:%23000000" use_theme_fonts="yes" link="url:http%3A%2F%2Feran.co%2F"][/vc_column][/vc_row]

### Checkout



### Shop




### Banana Phone Consultation

This will be an introductory phone call where you can share your delicious dreams and goals, and un-peel all the ways we might be able to collaborate.
After this…

 	We will know if we want to work together
 	You will know if you want to hire me, offer equity for effort, or both
 	You will have new ideas and things to think about
 	You will not slip behind your competition


Banana Phone Consultation
Sometimes all you need someone to talk things out with.

Or a little outside perspective.

And with 20+ years of experience as a creative pro in advertising, marketing, and startups...

I've got plenty of perspective and expertise to share.

That will help you avoid any brown spots.

So don't slip on this opportunity.

Let's jump on a video call and see where things fall.
Includes:

 	Up to 1-hour of creative exploration and opportunity seeking
 	As many ideas and suggestions as we can come up with
 	Deep thinking about people and processes that may help
 	Confidence that we are - or are not - a good fit

 

▶ Back to The E.T. Shop

Excerpt: I am your Personal Creative Consultant with an ear for opportunity.
I will listen actively and share creative ideas, solutions, and possible next steps.

### Creative Portfolio 101 Book by Eran Thomson

[vc_row thb_divider_position="bottom"][vc_column]	
			
			
		
					
	[vc_empty_space height="5vh"][vc_column_text css=""]
Portfolio 101 - An eBook by Eran Thomson
Over a decades-long career, I’ve looked at thousands of portfolios and helped hire hundreds of creative professionals just like you.

And I am 101% confident that the 101 tips in this book can help you create a perfectly crafted portfolio that gives you the best chance of taking your career where you want it to go.

Inside you will discover practical and tactical things you can do right now to transform your online creative portfolio into a guaranteed gig-getter.
Chapters and topics include...

 	Creative portfolio basics
 	Structure and flow
 	It's all about the work
 	Generating ideas
 	Special ops and tactics
 	Your “about” page
 	Website stuff
 	Video stuff
 	The top 3 most common mistakes Headhunters see
 	Understanding your creative power
 	Getting a gig
 	Leveling up in your current job
 	Winning awards and trashing them
 	Portfolio review types
 	Other tools and resources
 	More 101s
 	The "Un-Un-Creative" course
 	And more

If you want specific feedback on your work, please book a Bronze Boomerang, Silver Skillet, Gold Gull, or Titanium Torch review.

▶ Back to Portfolio Reviews
Recent Reviews:
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row thb_full_width="true" thb_divider_position="bottom" el_class="align-center"][vc_column]	
							
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			I’m Not Jealous You Are		
		
			Good work. Good ideas. Good presentation. This one has it all. Almost. 
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Slower than Sandals, but Better than Most		
		
			The mix of great and less-great work in a portfolio might make a viewer wonder if you know the difference.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Use Your Skills to Sell Yourself		
		
			A UX/UI Designer’s online folio should ideally have super cool UX/UI. This one sells itself short.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			A Menace I’d Like to Meet		
		
			If you’re a copywriter then all the copy in your portfolio should reward the reader and in this one it does. 
		
		
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			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Surf and Style’s Up		
		
			Think of your website as a frame and your work as the art and make sure the frame isn’t more interesting than what it holds.
		
		
			 on 		
			
		
		
		
		
			
			
				
			
			
		
				
			
			
			
		
				
	
		

									
	
				
			
							
		
				
			FOLIO REVIEW		
		
			Screenwriter vs. Copywriter		
		
			Most great writers can write more than one type of thing. But that doesn’t mean all writing is created equal.
		
		
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			Load More
		
	
		[/vc_column][/vc_row]

Excerpt: Download this eBook and fix the top 3 mistakes you're probably making in your online portfolio, get easy tech tips, and bonus ideas on how to land a (better) job.
Instantly discover 101 ways to transform your online portfolio into a guaranteed gig-getter.

### Red Whistle

Red Whistle Creative Career Coaching Session
Pick this option if you would like to work with me in a one-on-one coaching capacity.

We can use this time together however you feel will benefit you most.
This session could include things like...

 	Career advice and advancement strategies
 	How to get noticed by the agencies you want to work for
 	Award show entries and strategies
 	How to get the most from your CDs
 	Suggestions for how to work more productively with other creatives
 	Ways to make good work great
 	Tricks for making small client work feel big
 	Tips for working with headhunters and recruiters
 	Ideas for coming up with more ideas
 	And more

Note that this is not a portfolio review.

If you would like specific feedback on your work, please choose from the Bronze Boomerang, Silver Skillet, Gold Gull, or Titanium Torch options.

 

 

▶ Back to Portfolio Reviews

Excerpt: I will work with you one-on-one to help you achieve your creative career goals.
Add this option if you would like to work with me one-on-one as a creative coach.

### Follow Up Review

Follow Up review
Add this option if you would like me to take another look at your folio after you've made changes.

This is especially important if you've taken a lot of feedback on board - it can be easy to make mistakes and miss things.

A fresh pair of eyes from someone who is already familiar with you and your work can be invaluable.

And will help make sure you're ready to start sharing your work with the world.

This can only be added to Silver Skillet and Gold Gull reviews.

The Titanium Torch level comes with a pre-launch review by default.
Includes:

 	A quick re-review of your folio
 	Comparing and contrasting previous feedback with new changes
 	Checking for mistakes, errors, glitches etc.
 	Making sure your folio is ready to show the world

 

▶ Back to Portfolio Reviews

Excerpt: I will make sure your portfolio is ready to share with the world.
Add this option if you would like me to take another look at your folio after you've made changes.

### Make My Review Private

Private review
Add this option if you would like to keep your video portfolio review off the interwebs.

I will still do the same level of review, and we will go through everything on a video call.

This gives you the added benefit of being able to explain things, ask questions, and ideate together.

Think of it as privacy + a mini-creative coaching session.

This can only be added to Silver Skillet and Gold Gull reviews.

The Titanium Torch level is private by default.
Includes:

 	Complete anonymity and privacy.
 	No sharing of your folio or my feedback anywhere but with you.

 

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Excerpt: I am your secret partner in creativity and the pursuit of excellence.
Add this option if you would like to keep your video portfolio review off the interwebs.

### Piece by Piece

This will be a fun, collaborative process that makes one piece or one campaign in your portfolio even better.
After this…

 	Your portfolio will be stronger
 	You will have a piece or campaign you can be even more proud of
 	You will have experience workshopping ideas with a CD-level creative
 	You will not be puzzled about what to do next

Piece by Piece
Sometimes all you need is a little outside perspective.

Or someone to brainstorm with.

And suddenly that "OK" piece in your folio goes from good to great.

If you've got something in your portfolio that feels like it has potential or that isn't at the level you think it could be, let's work on it together.

I'll jump on a video call with you, share some of my many creativity hacks, and help you concept.

Together will transform that one thing in your book into something you can be proud of.

And more importantly, something that clients, recruiters, and CDs will love.
Includes:

 	Up to 1-hour of creative direction and super fun co-concepting
 	Killer headlines if you need/want them
 	Art direction guidance and layout suggestions
 	More ideas than you'll know what to do with (Don't worry I'll guide you)

 

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Excerpt: I am your Idea Machine and collaborative Creative Director.
I will help you transform one thing in your portfolio from good to great.

### Titanium Torch

By application only.

This review level not only makes your portfolio better. It will make you better with one-on-one creative coaching and collaborative ideation to progress your career.
After this review...

 	Your portfolio will be stronger
 	You will witness in real-time how people like recruiters and creative directors perceive your work and personal brand
 	You will be more confident in your work and ideas
 	You will know how to generate ideas more quickly and easily
 	You will know how to evaluate ideas
 	You know how to take OK ideas and make them better
 	You will discover new ways to create award-worthy work
 	You will know how to create award-winning opportunities
 	You will understand how to sell your ideas
 	You will be prepared to take advantage of future creative opportunities
 	You will see in the dark. Like a bat. Except not really.

The Titanium Torch
This is not a series of pre-recorded webinars or a group class.

It's just you and me, crafting your portfolio into a thing of greatness.

Together we will go on an illuminating adventure through Ideatown that includes the entire creative process I use to generate award-worthy work that can get you hired.

I will share an entire career’s worth of wisdom condensed into a 3-month master class that you cannot get anywhere else.

And we will create a folio filled with work recruiters, headhunters, clients, creative directors, and even your parents will love.

You’ll enjoy twelve weeks of personalised one-on-one mentorship, private feedback, conceptual co-development, and dedicated creative direction to make your folio into a masterpiece.

If you are trying to break into the industry, this will put you miles ahead of other candidates.

If you are already working, this will help you level up for your next opportunity.

This is a premium, personalised, and private service. No reviews will be shared on this website. Everything we do stays between you and me.

Let’s go on a creative adventure together and transform your portfolio into a shining beacon of creativity.
Includes:

 	Full creative portfolio review
 	Creative direction to make your folio shine brightly
 	4-8 weeks of personalized creative coaching
 	Up to 18 hours of co-conceptual development
 	Bi-weekly reviews and creative check-ins
 	Live one-on-one Q&As
 	Suggested tools and tech to help you win
 	Full technical website audit
 	Folio shared with headhunters and agency recruiters
 	Additional pay-as-you-go co-concepting time as desired
 	Small client guidance and support

Invaluable support materials:

 	The secret to getting great creative briefs - with examples and templates you can give clients/account people/strategists
 	67 idea-generation hacks that will get you creatively unstuck
 	Guide: How to develop an idea that sells and sell it - with a real case study
 	My incomplete and ever-growing list of other places to keep learning

Soon:

 	Access to my private creative community
 	Wisdom from other creative professionals who know their shit

Note:

 	This level is by application only.
 	To apply, click buy now and include your folio link at checkout in the required field.
 	To ensure this will be great value for you we'll hop on a video call to go over things before we kick off.
 	Price may vary up or down depending on the current stage of your portfolio and your desired goals.
 	Hit me up with any questions or book a call to discuss before you buy.

 
This review is ideal for:

 	Mid to Senior level creatives
 	Anyone who believes conceptual thinking is as important as execution
 	People wanting to step into creative leadership roles
 	Creatives who want to have better ideas more quickly

 

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Excerpt: I am your dedicated Creative Coach and Co-Conspirator.
I will light the way and guide you down the creative path toward portfolio nirvana.
Apply Now

### Gold Gull

This review level not only makes your portfolio better. It will make you better with a one-on-one Q&A, collaborative ideation, and creative coaching.
After this review...

 	Your portfolio will be stronger
 	You will witness in real-time how people like recruiters and creative directors perceive your work and personal brand
 	You will be more confident in your work and ideas
 	You know how to take OK ideas and make them better
 	You will discover new ways to create award-worthy work
 	You will know how to create award-winning opportunities
 	You will pet random animals on the street. Maybe.

The Gold Gull
This is personalised problem-solving and collaborative ideation at its almost best.*

We will flock together and let the ideas soar as we glide towards greatness.

We will hatch new concepts and raise up your existing ones.

And we will put together a portfolio that makes recruiters, headhunters, clients and creative directors squawk with delight.

Will we not be pooping on cars.

If you are trying to break into the industry, this will help you land on your feet somewhere great.

If you are already working, this will help you flap your way up the corporate ladder and get the money you don’t deserve.

Let’s set some sky-high goals and transform your portfolio into a heavenly body of work.
Includes:

 	Full creative portfolio review
 	Creative direction to place your folio high above the rest
 	Live one-on-one Q&A
 	Up to three hours of co-conceptual development
 	Additional pay-as-you-go "piece-by-piece" co-concepting time as desired
 	Suggested tools and tech to help you win
 	Full technical website audit
 	Folio shared with headhunters and agency recruiters
 	Option to upgrade to a private review

Invaluable support materials:

 	The secret to getting great creative briefs - with examples and templates you can give clients/account people/strategists
 	67 idea-generation hacks that will get you creatively unstuck

This review is ideal for:

 	Mid to Senior level creatives
 	Anyone who believes conceptual thinking is as important as execution

 
*The Titanium Torch level is the actual best, but the Gold Gull is really really good.
 

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Excerpt: I am your Portfolio Whisperer and Soaring Success Maker
I will do a complete review of your online portfolio and work with you to take your ideas to all new highs.

### Silver Skillet

This review level will give you creative confidence and make your portfolio stand out.
After this review...

 	Your portfolio will be stronger and less likely to get dismissed
 	You will witness in real-time how people like recruiters and creative directors perceive your work and personal brand
 	You will be more confident in your work and ideas
 	You will discover new opportunities for creating award-worthy work
 	You will make more meals at home. Or not.

The Silver Skillet
This is a tasty treat for any creative looking to add some flavour to their folio.

I will look at everything on your website and see if you’ve got the ingredients for something hot and delicious.

If you do, I’ll search for ways to spice things up.

If you don’t, I’ll gently hit you upside the head with a pan full of reality and help you prepare a beautiful banquet of work you’d be proud to serve.

What you’ll get is similar to the longer reviews you can watch on this website but way more in-depth.

If you are trying to break into the industry, this will give you a taste of what it’s like to get honest creative feedback that makes your ideas stronger.

If you are already working, this will give you a fresh perspective on your folio, highlight any blind spots, and fill you with creative confidence.

Let’s play in the creative kitchen and transform your portfolio into a money-making feast for the eyes.
Includes:

 	Full creative portfolio review
 	Creative direction to make your folio hot and delicious
 	Top-level technical website audit

Optional side orders:

 	Heat things up by adding "piece-by-piece" co-concepting time to make your book divinely delectable.
 	Upgrade to a private in-person review with a one-on-one Q&A.

This review is  ideal for:

 	Creatives at any level and any discipline
 	Anyone wanting a genuine, unfiltered response to their work and how it is perceived

 

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Excerpt: I am your secret or not-so-secret creative weapon.
I will do a video review of your entire online portfolio and give you recipes for creative success.

### Bronze Boomerang

This review level will give you top-level suggestions on how to improve your ideas and the presentation of your work.
After this review...

 	You will have ideas on how to improve some, but probably not all of the work in your portfolio
 	You will witness in real-time how people like recruiters and creative directors perceive your work and personal brand
 	You will discover new opportunities for creating award-worthy work
 	You will want to come back for more creative coaching and collaboration

The Bronze Boomerang
Count on me to hunt down any problems, make sure you're not missing any blind spots, and throw some first thoughts together for ways you can improve.

At this level, I will pack in as many helpful suggestions as possible to get you started down the path towards creative confidence.

The goal is to give you awesome feedback that helps you hit your goals.

And maybe makes you want to come flying back for more.
Includes:

 	Top-level creative direction and initial feedback
 	Top-level technical website audit

Note: Paid reviews take precedence, so if you want feedback fast, consider upgrading.
Who this review is good for:

 	Creatives at any level
 	And any discipline

 

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Excerpt: I am your time-poor, but kind, generous, and helpful Creative Director.
I will give you a FREE 10-minute video review of your online portfolio.