Share
Good Life Project
Erik Wahl: On Art, Money, Creativity and Power
•
Guest: Erik Wahl is a tech-executive turned renowned artist, speaker, author and entrepreneur.
He is internationally recognized as a thought-provoking graffiti artist and one of the most sought-after presenters on the corporate keynote circuit, where he travels the world opening people's minds with a blend of cinematic stage theatrics, high-speed live-painting and deep wisdom. His latest book is The Spark and the Grind: Ignite the Power of Disciplined Creativity
Story: Erik lost everything when the early dot-com bubble burst, then turned to art as a form of healing, expression and a new way to share ideas, with a focus on street art and graffiti. He then taught himself how to paint large-scale street art style images at high-speed and transformed the process into riveting live shows with a powerful message.
Big idea: Redefining what it means to be a successful artist.
You'd never guess: Why he competed in the world series of poker to enhance creativity and experiential learning, and how he uses game theory as a way to grow emotional intelligence.
Current passion project: Extreme biohacking for creativity (cryotherapy, fasting, ballistic exercise).
Rockstar sponsors & supporters:
90-day year - Check out the free online video masterclasses on hyper-productivity now and 90 Day Year program. https://www.90dayyear.com/p/?p=omcitykid&w=90dysp
Camp GLP. Come spend 3 1/2 days with "your people," make amazing friendships, drop the facade, reignite your vitality and learn powerful strategies and breakthrough business ideas. Grab your spot before the final $100 discount expires on June 28, 2017 (and we sell out). http://goodlifeproject.com/camp/
photo credit: Sean Sheridan & Erik Wahl
More episodes
View all episodes
The Self-Care Delusion: Why It Can't Fix Everything
49:26|Stuck using self-care as a quick fix for deeper dissatisfaction? Jonathan Fields' provocative spoken essay from his "Awake at the Wheel" Substack unmasks the dangerous self-care delusion trapping so many. Discover why fleeting "treat yourself" moments merely numb the real crisis - your life is fundamentally out of alignment with core values. This is an essential reality check about self-care's limits and the courageous self-inquiry required to realign your increasingly frantic modern life.You can find Jonathan's new writing project: Awake at the Wheel | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you'll also love the written essays from this episode. You can find them at Awake at the Wheel.Check out our offerings & partners: Visit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesHow to Navigate Conflict & Build Amazing Friendships | Danielle Bayard Jackson
01:01:47|Discover surprising insights into the science of women's friendships from Danielle Bayard Jackson, author of Fighting for Our Friendships: The Science and Art of Conflict and Connection in Women's Relationships. This illuminating conversation dives into why healthy conflict is vital for platonic intimacy, how to navigate issues like lack of reciprocity and controlling friends, and the key to renegotiating friendship "terms" as lives evolve. You'll learn practical ways to fight for your most precious bonds and be the kind of friend who uplifts others. Don't miss these research-backed strategies for deeper, more fulfilling connections.You can find Danielle at: Better Female Friendships | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Dr. Joy Harden Bradford about the power of women’s circles and friendships.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesBessel van der Kolk , MD| The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma
01:01:08|Bessel van der Kolk, legendary trauma expert and author of The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma reveals a revolutionary approach to healing trauma. Discover how trauma profoundly impacts the brain and body, making growth difficult by trapping us in past experiences. Explore potent mind-body practices like yoga, dance, and psychedelics that can unlock trauma's grip by igniting collective joy, self-compassion, and an expansive perspective on our vast human potential. Gain life-changing insights to feel truly alive again.You can find Bessel at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ellen Hendrikson about social anxiety.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesHow to Create Change That Actually Sticks | Tamsen Webster
56:14|Are you struggling to make lasting positive changes in your life? In this thought-provoking conversation, change philosopher Tamsen Webster unlocks the secrets to transformational change from her new book Say What They Can't Unhear: The 9 Principles of Lasting Change. Discover how aligning your core beliefs with your desired identity is crucial for sustainable growth. Learn to recognize and leverage "disorienting dilemmas" that shatter limiting assumptions about what's possible. Webster shares candid stories from her own journey overcoming panic disorder and embracing a healthier lifestyle. Listen now for a fresh perspective to finally make changes that stick.You can find Tamsen at: Website | Instagram | The Compact Case™ | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Maya Shankar about how we change.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesHow Safety Sometimes Stops Us From Living (and what to do about it) | Chase Jarvis
01:01:13|Are you feeling stuck in a life of predictability and safety? Chase Jarvis, author of Never Play It Safe: A Practical Guide to Freedom, Creativity, and a Life You Love, reveals how stepping out of your comfort zone unlocks creativity, authenticity, and joy. Discover powerful mindset shifts and practical tools to reshape your relationship with time, cultivate intuition, and direct your attention towards what truly matters. If you're craving more aliveness, meaning, and fulfillment, this insightful conversation provides an inspiring roadmap to the life you really want.You can find Chase at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Chase about finding your creative calling.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesParty of One: Finding Joy in Your Own Company | Meghan Keane
01:00:52|Meghan Keane's Party of One: Be Your Own Best Life Partner upends the cultural myth that romantic love is the ultimate source of fulfillment. This insightful conversation offers a refreshing perspective on embracing your single status, pursuing harmonious passions, and fostering an enriching community of platonic relationships. Meghan provides an empowering vision for radical self-acceptance, values-based living, and finding profound meaning beyond prescribed relationship narratives - a must-listen for anyone seeking to thrive authentically.You can find Meghan at: Website | Instagram | Episode TranscriptIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Kat Vellos about crafting adult friendships.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesEscaping Survival Mode: Rewiring Stress & Overwhelm | Spotlight Convo
01:29:45|Are you stuck in an endless cycle of stress and burnout, constantly chasing new goals but never feeling fulfilled? Or do you struggle with focus, restlessness, and emotional intensity - perhaps signs of neurodivergence? In this powerful episode, our guests Romie Mushtaq, Aviva Romm, and Sasha Hamdani provide candid insights into breaking free from the "stress success cycle," managing overwhelm and survival mode, and embracing the unique wiring of ADHD. Prepare for an honest, hopeful discussion packed with practical strategies to rewire your busy brain, repair your body's stress response systems, and start living with more presence and inner peace.Episode TranscriptYou can find Dr. Romie at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with RomieYou can find Dr. Aviva at: Website | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with AvivaYou can find Dr. Sasha at: Focus Genie App | Instagram | Listen to Our Full-Length Convo with SashaCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes6 Ways to Be More Present, Less Reactive and Enjoy Life More
46:56|Are you trapped in a cycle of reactive busyness, constantly chasing other people's priorities? This powerful Unbusy Manifesto provides a roadmap to breaking free from that frantic pace through mindset shifts and daily practices. Learn intentional living strategies to reclaim your time, cultivate presence, and infuse more meaning into each day.And, by the way, in case you’d like to spend more time reading what you’re about to experience, I’ve posted a version of it over on my Awake at the Wheel newsletter.Episode TranscriptCheck out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount CodesMicrojoys: Finding Joy When Life’s Not Okay | Cyndie Spiegel
01:00:18|In the face of unimaginable grief and loss, author Cyndie Spiegel discovered the transformative power of "microjoys" - fleeting moments of lightness, delight, and hope that helped sustain her during life's darkest times. In her book Microjoys: Finding Hope (Especially) When Life Is Not Okay, Spiegel shares poignant stories and profound insights on holding space for both joy and sorrow simultaneously. This compelling conversation is an invitation to stay present, embrace the full spectrum of human emotions, and find glimmers of unexpected grace even when happiness feels most elusive.You can find Cyndie at: Website | Dear Grown Ass Women | InstagramIf you LOVED this episode you’ll also love the conversations we had with Ocean Vuong about navigating struggle and making peace with his story.Check out our offerings & partners: Join My New Writing Project: Awake at the WheelVisit Our Sponsor Page For Great Resources & Discount Codes