The Courage to Choose Your Own Life w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 403
In this episode, Chris Do and Jodie Cook dive deeply into The Courage to Be Disliked, exploring the core ideas of Adlerian psychology and how they contrast with the more widely known Freudian approach. Jodie explains why this single book has followed her across continents—literally part of her 23-kilo life—and how its central messages about agency, choice, and goal-driven behavior have shaped her worldview.
Chris shares his own experience reading the book for the first time, remarking on how its ideas often feel like someone has put his own thoughts on paper. Together, they unpack how the book’s dialogue between a philosopher and a student challenges conventional thinking around trauma, past experiences, and personal responsibility.
Timestamps
(00:00) – Intro
(04:01) – Meaning we assign events
(07:04) – Freudian vs Adlerian psychology
(10:09) – Goal-based behavior explained
(14:00) – Blushing example breakdown
(17:59) – Radical responsibility and agency
(22:01) – Three ways books change us
(24:59) – Seeking acceptance and approval
(28:30) – Courage to choose happiness
(32:10) – Self-sufficiency and social harmony
(36:15) – Shifting life paths intentionally
(40:20 – Misunderstanding discomfort and growth
(44:10) – Rewriting old personal narratives
(48:30) – Breaking approval-seeking patterns
(53:15) – Culture, conflict, and expectations
(57:40) – Detaching identity from past
(01:02:05) – Finding autonomy in decisions
(01:06:20) – How belief drives behavior
(01:11:10) – Designing a life intentionally
(01:15:38) – Closing reflections on freedom
Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook
Websites: https://www.jodiecook.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodie.cook_/?hl=en
Check out The Futur:
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Check out Chris Do:
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1:17:44
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1:17:44
Inside the Future of AI Creativity w/ Don Allen Stevenson III | Ep 402
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with futurist and creative AI researcher Don Allen Stevenson III for a wide-ranging conversation on emerging technology, spatial computing, and how subjective realities will reshape the way humans interact with the world. Don shares his journey from DreamWorks Animation to becoming a leading voice on accessible creativity, discussing the tools, interfaces, and philosophies that drive his work.
They explore how animation-style thinking can change how people learn, create, and communicate visually. Chris and Don also dig into the emotional, ethical, and cultural implications of AI-powered technologies and the personal stories that fuel Don’s mission.
Timestamps
(00:00) — Intro(04:12) — Bob Ross influence explained(08:58) — Subjective reality breakdown(13:47) — Shared whiteboard in mixed reality(18:15) — Facial recognition future tools(22:03) — Bias, avatars, and public perception(26:44) — Social signaling and safety cues(31:20) — Futurist optimism vs realism(36:02) — Ethical concerns in AI progress(40:55) — Tech companies and IP conflicts(45:12) — Government pressure and innovation race(49:58) — Identity, profiling, and digital overlays(54:37) — Memory augmentation through wearables(59:16) — Practical vs dystopian use cases(01:03:40) — Human inconsistency with privacy(01:08:12) — Convenience tipping points for adoption(01:12:47) — Safety, misuse, and large-scale risks(01:16:25) — Why sub-optimism shapes the future(01:20:10) — Final thoughts on ethical tech
Check out today's guest, Don Allen Stevenson III:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/donalleniii/
Website: https://www.donalleniii.me/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/donalleniii/
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/DonAllenIII
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
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Check out Chris Do:
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1:21:21
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1:21:21
The Business Blueprint Every Creative Needs w/ Anna Nassery | Ep 401
In this episode, Anna Nassery joins Chris Do for a deep-dive conversation on her unconventional path into branding, creative direction, and entrepreneurship. She discusses her early years in PR, how she transitioned into tech startups, and what she learned while working alongside top Silicon Valley leaders.
Anna shares how these experiences shaped her approach to brand strategy, relationship-building, and identifying opportunities others overlook. Her journey highlights how adaptability, networking, and tenacity can create unexpected career pivots.
Timestamps
(00:00) — Intro
(03:19) — Early career and PR background
(06:00) — Parents, education, expectations
(09:33) — Joining the startup world
(12:23) — Acquisition and financial runway
(15:22) — Wearables and athlete story
(17:53) — Mastermind introduction + early clients
(19:48) — Influencer partnerships + backlinks
(22:12) — Official start of Lumina
(28:40) — Chaos of early agency growth
(33:46) — Hoffman work + plant medicine
(37:55) — Rebuilding business around alignment
(41:50) — Creating energetic blueprint systems
(46:30) — Identity shifts, redefining success
(50:55) — Social skills vs content creation
(55:57) — Permission for different operating styles
(01:01:47) — “Land the plane” + offers explained
(01:05:40) — Final reflections + closing
Check out today's guest, Anna Nassery:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/annadoingthings_/?hl=en
Website: https://www.luminacreative.co/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annanassery
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
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Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
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1:06:12
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1:06:12
The Art of Standing Out in Content Creation w/ Sean Cannell | Recast
In this episode, Chris Do joins Sean Cannell from Think Media for a deep dive into AI, personal branding, and what it takes to stand out in today’s creator economy. Sean, a successful entrepreneur and content strategist, shares insights on AI’s disruptive potential, how to use it as a productivity tool, and the evolving landscape of content creation.
Chris and Sean break down the importance of authenticity, goal setting, and work-life balance while discussing the role of personal websites in a social-first world. They explore how creators can position themselves for long-term success by leveraging their unique voice, refining their brand, and staying ahead of industry trends. Throughout the conversation, they provide actionable steps for creators looking to elevate their content and future-proof their careers.
Timestamps:
(00:00) — Intro
(04:32) — Audience trust foundations
(09:01) — Corporate values misalignment
(13:42) — Trend chasing pitfalls
(18:20) — Community identity questions
(22:57) — Coca-Cola brand positioning
(27:15) — Nike Kaepernick case study
(31:44) — Content creators’ comparisons
(36:10) — Building a loyal audience
(40:52) — Long-form strategy mindset
(45:28) — Curse of knowledge explained
(50:07) — Turning ideas into content
(54:49) — Structuring video distribution
(59:33) — New creator vs expert approach
(01:04:12) — Packaging information well
(01:09:01) — Creator growth challenges
(01:13:45) — Chris on skincare humor
(01:17:58) — Identity and aging jokes
(01:22:41) — Podcast multitasking reality
(01:26:05) — Mind-space of podcasters
(01:29:10) — Final reflections and sign-off
Check out today's guest, Sean Cannell:
Sean's Website: https://www.seancannell.com/
Sean's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWWFavn3ym0w3myTD5OX59g
Sean's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seancannell/
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
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Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
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1:30:18
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1:30:18
Rethinking Creativity in the Age of AI w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 400
In this episode, Chris Do and Jodie Cook explore how creatives should approach AI, balancing curiosity with the fear many still hold. They examine how AI reshapes workflows, speeds up production, and challenges long-standing ideas about originality.
Chris shares examples from design, film, and typography to show how every generation labels new tools as “cheating.” Jodie adds how AI expands creative capacity, boosts output, and accelerates learning. Together, they highlight the ongoing tension between authenticity, efficiency, and evolving creative standards.
Timestamps
(00:00) - Intro
(01:00) - How creatives use AI
(12:13) - Creative history boosts clarity
(13:20) - AI removes blank-page paralysis
(16:40) - AI speeds Photoshop workflow
(20:38) - Faster iteration using AI
(24:10) - New artistic forms emerging
(26:26) - First AI-generated podcast
(30:25) - Citing sources for transparency
(47:59) - Automated summary and analysis
(01:03:19) - AI enhancing creative work
(01:20:39) - Final message on adaptation
Check out today's guest, Jodie Cook:
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_Cook
Websites: https://www.jodiecook.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jodie.cook_/?hl=en
Check out The Futur:
Website: https://www.thefutur.com/
Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shop
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/
Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcast
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/
Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishere
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishere
Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishere
Check out Chris Do:
Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdo
LinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/
Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesign
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Clubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdo
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Futur Podcast is a show that explores the interesting overlap between design, marketing, and business. Our host (and CEO of The Futur), Chris Do, hold candid conversations with inspirational people from the worlds of design, technology, marketing, business, philosophy and personal development. These conversations go deep. With the aim of understanding who these incredible people are, what drives them to do what they do, and what can we--the listener--learn from it all. Visit thefutur.com/podcast for show notes and additional information from each episode.
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