Serious Business
59 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 6 years ago -Join your decidedly unserious hosts Mike Morrow and Toni McLellan as they discuss creative work, life in the sandwich generation, and being a person.
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Episodes
59: A Spicer Suit of Ill-fitting Expectations
January 02, 2018 00:40 - 48 minutes - 38.6 MBHappy New Year! Toni and Mike ring in 2018 with a lively discussion on how to turn your expectations into action. Instead of blindly setting unattainable resolutions for yourself, take time to really think about the past year. What did you learn? What can you take from the past year to deepen, grow steady, and then create change? It’s a subtly different way of thinking about setting goals for the new year. What will 2018 look like for you? Show notes: Raptitude: Go Deeper, Not Wider ...
58: A Bathtub Full of Acid
November 28, 2017 12:00 - 54 minutes - 44 MBToni and Mike discuss the value of critical thinking skills and how to measure success before getting to the heart of this week’s episode: getting started, showing up (even when you don’t want to), and envisioning your own version of the finish line. Show Notes: Power Causes Brain Damage What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men?
57: Summon the Pie
November 22, 2017 11:00 - 36 minutes - 29.5 MBYou don't have to like it, you just have to do it. This week, we touch on the upcoming holidays and the sensation of mandatory fun and enforced renewal. Happy Thanksgiving! Team cake!
56: The Winter Suburbanite
November 07, 2017 12:00 - 45 minutes - 36.7 MBThis week, Toni and Mike take on the insidious Impostor Complex, and it's evil twin, Inferiority Complex. BUT ARE WE QUALIFIED? Show Notes: Failing at Normal: An ADHD Success Story - Jessica McCabe How to ADHD - Jessica McCabe BUCKY RUNS OVER A FUCKING CAR Tanya Geislr 12 Lies of the Impostor Complex Jumanji 2 I Don't Wanna Grow Up (Tom Waits)
55: Cat Ear Medicine
October 18, 2017 10:00 - 43 minutes - 35.2 MBThis week, we turn to beauty, joy, and delight. It’s a celebration of things that make us happy, the little dopamine hits and attention resets necessary to thrive in today’s chaotic environment. + Show notes: Outlander National Parks Webcams Bureau of Land Management Instagram New Star Wars trailer The Flash Neil Gaiman Mike and Neil Gaiman Norse Mythology Good Omens Terry Pratchett Octavia Butler Mary Oliver David Sedaris Unsplash Vellum app View from the C...
54: New to Yaks
October 10, 2017 11:00 - 58 minutes - 46.5 MBYakspo! We're trying to turn our emotions from the tragedies of the week into being part of the solution (or at least not caving to the continual chaos and outrage). Turn on Do Not Disturb and stay to the end for our special tribute to the late Tom Petty. Show Notes: Yakspo! Delightful local coverage of Yakspo Temple Grandin Homeless Bird Do not disturb while driving FruitJuice for Mac Everytown for Gun Safety Writer John Scalzi Nails Why It’s So Hard to Be Creative Under ...
53: Matlock People
October 03, 2017 11:00 - 42 minutes - 34.3 MBWe needed some comforting last week, so we turned our attention to fur pants and comfort-food genre media. Toni and Mike talk at length about the new series, Star Trek: Discovery, and its (frustrating) distribution model. We touch upon the value of genre, “lowbrow” media and outrage fatigue. We might have made the Trekkies mad.
52: Weird Raisin Cats
September 25, 2017 23:16 - 36 minutes - 29 MBWe are back for Season FOUR, and we're going back to our roots. That is: tasteless humor and occasionally insightful observations on making creativity, career, family and fun work better together. This week, Toni and Mike catch up on what's new in their writing lives, Toni's Nested Set of Skills™, and the power of empathy in communication. We discuss reward system and getting kids to help out. Also: vengeful peanut stains and Letterman's beard.
51: Form Of, A Turkey Vulture!
July 14, 2017 23:06 - 36 minutes - 29 MBShow Notes: Quelf Buzzr Resistbot
50: Don't Tell Me to Keep Calm
May 22, 2017 11:00 - 45 minutes - 36.4 MBIt's our 50th episode! How is this possible? While we ostensibly talk about being a parent in the Internet age, balancing keeping an eye on your kids while giving them autonomy to make mistakes, we’re also discussing all the tradeoffs we each have to make to stay sane. Mike and Toni revisit classic themes of feeling overwhelmed, getting involved, and how to keep the demon dogs at bay.
49: I Woke Up Next to Steve Bannon
March 20, 2017 11:00 - 42 minutes - 34.2 MBToni and Mike continue their ongoing conversation about how we cannot limit external inputs to help us focus on what matters most. They push back against the notion that not being on social media makes you somehow less “real” of a person, and building your platform before you build the project your platform is designed to promote. The discomfort is were the work happens. Show notes: Iowa Parrot Rescue Wildlife Center Admits Lead-Poisoned Bald Eagle From Chesapeake This Polar Bear Lo...
48: Ill-Fitting Book Jacket
February 13, 2017 12:30 - 36 minutes - 28.9 MBToni’s on a 30-day social media hiatus, which is our starting point for a discussion of the intentional consumption and sharing of news and content. Ask yourself: “Is what I’m sharing furthering my priorities? Is it useful?” And “How do you know which hill to die on?” Mike and Toni share their favorite daily and weekly news sources among the shock and awe of American life in 2017 (see show notes below). Here’s our recipe for fighting overload and prioritizing your own thoughts instead of...
47: MUST BE COOL
January 30, 2017 02:00 - 36 minutes - 28.9 MBTo all our many enemies, we’ve handcrafted an episode about priorities — discerning and setting them, managing, and living with them. Show notes: Study Hacks blog by Cal Newport Cal Newport
46: Rage Vitamin
December 27, 2016 18:33 - 42 minutes - 33.8 MBIn the final episode of the dumpster fire of 2016, we discuss Christmas traditions and examine our privilege. This time, we don’t shy away from current events and our feelings about them. We reflect on how we can resist the current state of afairs with a unified collective narrative and action plan of our own. Also: Mike is confused about who’s who. Show Notes: “Pantsuit Nation had the potential to mobilize millions. Instead, it’s just a feel-good commodity (LA Times OpEd)” 20 Example...
45: Baby Jesus Said No
November 23, 2016 17:17 - 30 minutes - 24.6 MBFor our annual Thanksgiving episode, we grease the wheels for your holiday travel with the perils and pleasures of Black Friday, getting into the end-of-year contemplative mood, exploring ways to broaden our mindset, and finding peace in stressful times. We definitely don’t talk about current events, nope, not at all. Mike’s notes for how to survive this week Read Walk Relax Limit or no social media Make progress Smile Plan Daniel José Older’s tweet/advice Stories of Yo...
44: During a Bears Game?
September 26, 2016 10:30 - 42 minutes - 34.1 MBMuch to Dan’s chagrin, we recorded this episode during a Bears game. Unsurprisingly, Pinterest is making Toni sick in the brain. Mike got roped into being the math parent, so he complains about homework…which leads into some discussion of education and opening your kids (and yourself) to new possibilities. Also worth noting: Toni’s innards haven’t been right since she rode the chia train. Show notes: The creepy Ronald McDonald chainsaw statue The Serious Business Pinterest board Insta...
43: At Least One Dead Possum
September 12, 2016 10:00 - 48 minutes - 39 MBWe’re back! The third season begins with Mike’s new office and what happens when you get everything you wanted. We talk about Toni’s recent move and how asking more of life has meant life has asked more of them in return. Plus the usual doses of parenting, productivity, and navigating your life by the beacon of a fecal fast food franchise. Show notes: It’s All Greek to Me—Restaurant Impossible Pengun falls down Swedish Fish Oreos Going Deep Workshop Is calendar-based productivity ...
42: Sugar Twin Powers Activate
February 12, 2016 13:30 - 33 minutes - 26.7 MBMike and Toni spend some time remembering ashtrays before continuing their discussion of stuff and how we release our attachments to it. They also share some thoughts on making your projects a priority when life gets in the way, setting realistic goals, and how forgiveness can help you forge new patterns of productivity. Show Notes Rich Litvin - The Prosperous Coach Steven Covey's matrix of urgency vs. importance Going Deep workshop
41: Chewbacca ProAm
February 02, 2016 17:35 - 40 minutes - 32.3 MBMike and Toni consider the slightly silly world of smart appliances before the bulk of this week's discussion on going through Stuff, paper "hoarding," and how we decide what to keep and what to eliminate from our lives. We touch upon Mike's project, the Life Changing Art of selling a lot of self-help books and ask the burning question, "Where do all the scissors go?" Last, but not least, we discuss our unabashed affection for The Force Awakens and which Star Wars characters would be good ...
40: A High Bar for Fart Jokes
January 18, 2016 13:00 - 47 minutes - 37.8 MBBack for 2016, Toni helps Mike to get a better handle on overreaching for personal development goals, and to instead focus on what he can be curious and playful about. Toni explains her position on the law of attraction, magical thinking, and pattern recognition. And that’s not to mention the horror of caricatures, the eldercare shitshow, operating within systems, and kids using tech for unintended purposes. Here’s to a great year ahead, friends! Show notes: Duolingo Get Rich, Lucky Bitc...
39: Dirty, Dirty Twinkle
December 14, 2015 12:30 - 52 minutes - 42.3 MBHolidays, man! This week Mike and Toni talk about the annual onslaught of holiday overwhelm. Even as we’re Christmas shopping for more stuff, we discuss breaking free of our attachments—be they to physical objects, social media interactions, or information—and avoiding the inevitable disappointment of overly specific expectations. See you in 2016! Show Notes Read Between the Lynes Tiny Beautiful Things: Advice on Love and Life from Dear Sugar by Cheryl Strayed Jewel-Osco KitKat Cake Ca...
38: Mike-on-Mic Action
November 30, 2015 12:00 - 28 minutes - 23.2 MBA shortie from the holiday week-that-was. Toni and Mike talk grocery shopping and food delivery before diving into the rich world of ideas—generating them, capturing them, and making room for new ones. The problem isn’t usually too may ideas, it’s which ones to chase. Also: believing in things you can’t see, trusting our instincts, and the difference between stroking and petting (spoiler: one sounds dirty). Show Notes Amazon Dash Button This Is Your Brain on Silence Elizabeth Gilbert’s B...
37: Hell's Grannies
November 23, 2015 12:30 - 45 minutes - 36.6 MBHappy Thanksgiving week! Toni and Mike send you into the holiday with a discussion on social media completionism and how early is too early with holiday lights. More seriously, they discuss Toni’s adventures with ADD, how people come back when they don’t get what they want, and how small inroads are the only way to make progress on big audacious projects. Show Notes The Going Deep Workshop with Toni McLellan Mike’s big new book project Samantha Bennett “The 1% of a long-lasting career” ...
36: Brains, Man
November 16, 2015 11:00 - 45 minutes - 36.1 MBThe importance of pauses: it's not a failure if you need a break from everything. Accepting, delegating, and rejecting perfectionism can help you "go pro." Toni and Mike discuss balancing ambition with appreciation, completionism and media overwhelm, and a few minutes on what the hell is wrong with Tumblr (and, frankly, all social networks). Show Notes The Artists Way, by Julia Cameron Going Deep Workshop with Toni McLellan Mike’s newsletter, The Miscellaneum Unroll.me RescueTime Love...
35: #GlitterToilet
November 09, 2015 12:00 - 38 minutes - 31.1 MBThe all-new second season of Serious Business begins with Halloween and cosplay shenanigans before taking on Dan's aspirational chaps purchases. We also talk spoilers, anticipation and recent sci-fi/adventure movies, including X-Files, Star Trek, Star Wars, Prometheus and The Martian, Jurassic World, James Bond, and the possibilities for a a plea for a Serious Business fan fiction marketplace. Show Notes Hatsune Miku Hit Charade: Meet the bald Norwegians and other unknowns who actually cr...
34: Everything's a Tardis
August 07, 2015 15:29 - 39 minutes - 31.9 MBLittle free libraries, treemail, bird talk as prelude to talking about Mike's new running habit as a metaphor for starting anything new.
33: Hamflower
July 09, 2015 20:11 - 36 minutes - 28.9 MBThis week focuses on work-life balance – what it means, how it's different for men and women, and how it all boils down to your priorities and what you're okay with.
32: Seems Legit
June 25, 2015 22:00 - 28 minutes - 22.7 MBToni and Mike talk avoidance vs laziness and our resistance to going deep to do our best work. We discover that, like great customer service, going deep always come back to love rather than disbelief and fear.
31: Steve Earle Winked at Me
June 05, 2015 14:48 - 29 minutes - 23.4 MBWho you were vs. who you are. Lessons in not being a jerk, sports martyrdom, seeing bands you love, and avoiding harmful self-talk. Walk on, friends.
30: [Screams Internally]
May 28, 2015 16:34 - 45 minutes - 36.8 MBMoney consciousness, commencement speeches and the lesson that life is not easy. Fear and our ability to fight it with curiosity. And if that wasn't heavy and personal enough, we explore some end of life issues and the idea of "good death."
29: Meat Rushmore
May 14, 2015 19:14 - 40 minutes - 32.5 MBWe start with ham radio versus actual ham before moving on to being disillusioned with politics and limiting your exposure to negativity. Mike's struggle with consumption vs. production leads to a discussion around making space and radical prioritization as a way to make space for what you value most. Plus a really good pep talk on leveling up from Toni!
28: There's Pants in the Name
May 07, 2015 12:46 - 43 minutes - 35.2 MBToni and Mike receive a coffee delivery and discuss getting dressed for the weekend, curating your online persona, and finding the touchstones that anchor your life when all doesn't go as planned.
27: It's Only an Hour of Somebody's Life
April 30, 2015 12:51 - 33 minutes - 27.2 MBThis week Mike and Toni offend garbage-men and -women and answer a listener question about staying positive (and/or motivated). We use Toni's experience as a freelance writer and writing student to explore grad school, working with a writing coach, and being possessed by the devil.
26: Storm Litter
April 23, 2015 15:12 - 59 minutes - 47.4 MBToni and Mike discuss arborists and other jokes of adulthood as well as tornadoes, flying, and the ongoing practice of living with anxiety. They also consider looking ahead to the next phases of life and reinventing yourself while still engaging with the present.
25: Big-Balled Man
April 10, 2015 20:03 - 43 minutes - 34.9 MBHomonyms for bald. Shootin' pool and how we all suck as beginners. Just showing up summons the muse. and bite-sized, achievable goals get things done. Caffeine, sugar, diet coke, smoking and other habits.
24: Flannel Was Involved
March 26, 2015 14:22 - 39 minutes - 31.6 MBWe begin accidental Season Two of the podcast with the elemental parts of ourselves, not getting hung up on perfection and the thrill of being a beginner. They're not men, they're machines.
23 Consensual Yak
February 26, 2015 16:55 - 46 minutes - 37.1 MBOn a roll, or rather a foam roller, this week. Amid discussion of ungulates, Merlin-worship and being too old for music festivals, Toni and Mike address why our best thinking happens in the shower, capturing ideas, the tyranny of systems that prioritize busywork over real work, perfectionism, and refilling the well. Phew!
22: Seeing Your Life with New Eyes
February 12, 2015 16:26 - 1 hour - 48.7 MBAn episode about paying attention, whether it be through poetry, creative nonfiction, or to time. Also, romantic gestures ("artistic" or otherwise), not knowing what shape your endeavors will take, & answers to listener questions about taking control of your schedule & making time for family dinners.
21: Chasing the Chuck Wagon
February 05, 2015 19:52 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBToni and Mike tackle the fun in frightening grandparents and revisit losing before exploring autonomy and respect, inertia, assumptions, making the time to practice a craft, and seeing things for what they really are instead of what you think they might be. It's a good one!
20 Cutthroat Uno
January 23, 2015 00:22 - 54 minutes - 43.6 MBThis week Toni and Mike recap art night and the unvarnished life on the way to a discussion of autonomy and happiness, resilience and finding balance. Along the way: Listener feedback, setting priorities, and of course, pooping.
19 You're a Digital Tool
January 15, 2015 16:49 - 1 hour - 53.1 MBMike and Toni have cabin fever, but take the opportunity to discuss the origins of nostalgia, getting organized, digital vs analog tools, using systems to categorize priorities and living intentionally. Lots to think about from this episode!
18 Greasing the Slide
January 08, 2015 23:23 - 50 minutes - 40.3 MBIn and around superhero shows, Mythbusters, and Larry Sanders, Toni and Mike talk transitions, getting okay with being lazy, overcoming inertia, and making small changes that can affect big plans for the new year.
17: I Wasn't Listening, I Was Thinking of Something Else
January 01, 2015 21:36 - 54 minutes - 43.7 MBSurprisingly jam-packed episode with insight into kicking off the new year. Also: Owning a big phone, liking old music, money & happiness, cracking the code for thriving in your life, planning the year ahead, & change as a series of small steps. PLUS, The Very Important reveal of a new segment: "Dan Reads Yelp Reviews.”
16: Sensory Consumer Perfection Assault
December 18, 2014 22:03 - 41 minutes - 33.2 MBThe approaching Winter Holidays and the resulting overload of emotions, commitments and expectations. Your Christmas won't be perfect. We're here to help.
15: Hemingway's Cats
December 11, 2014 14:09 - 43 minutes - 35 MBHow does one make their way and, dare we say, innovate in a world of binary opinions and blueprints? How do we trust ourselves? Oh and the Star Wars trailer.
14: Freezerful of Butter
December 04, 2014 13:23 - 46 minutes - 37.2 MBThe approaching winter, family games, Indiana Jones, Amanda Palmer and asking for help, hard conversations, being right or being happy, believing your thoughts.
13: Hygge Yourself
November 27, 2014 15:06 - 24 minutes - 19.6 MBWishing you a very Happy Thanksgiving from Serious Business. We talk holidays, hygge, gratitude, warmth, slowing down and pregaming for the long winter ahead.
12: Crashing Into the Forest
November 20, 2014 17:16 - 54 minutes - 43.8 MBOur most serious and inspirational business yet. Toni and Mike talk about handling change and work—asking what's possible, callings vs. careers, what else is out there, leaps of faith, sticking to it vs. instant gratification, advice for writers, Julia Child, and being a novice.
11: Snackmaster General
November 13, 2014 19:19 - 52 minutes - 42.1 MBThis week there's something wrong with the waffles. We prepare for winter by talking Crocs, vanity URLs, appliance shopping, handling change and transitions, purging and what if god is a possum.
10: My Furnace Wears Suspenders
October 30, 2014 16:25 - 1 hour - 57 MBIt's an extra spooky Halloween episode! Discussed: Kid Halloween vs. Adult Halloween, Toni's birthday, toe socks, personal flamethrowers, the Hulk's student loan debt, motivation and being on The Track. We also cover experiential learning, the value of hard work and changes of scenery to unlocking creativity. Of course there's also a fart story or two.