In this episode, my guest is Rick Rubin, world-renowned music producer of numerous award-winning artists, including Johnny Cash, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Beastie Boys, Adele, Eminem, Slayer, and many more. Rick is also the host of the podcast Tetragrammaton and the author of the best-selling book about the creative process entitled “The Creative Act: A Way of Being.” In this Q&A episode, Rick explains the practical aspects of the creative process, such as specific morning and daily routines, the role of movement, and how to source and capture ideas, interpret dreams, and generate work-life balance. He also offers advice for those struggling with creative or motivation blocks. He explains how cultivating relationships with the unknown, uncertainty and life circumstances heightens the creative process. Rick’s insights into accessing your artistic spirit and direction apply to everyone and all realms of art, work, and life.
For show notes, including referenced articles and additional resources, please visit hubermanlab.com.
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Timestamps
(00:00:00) Rick Rubin
(00:02:00) Sponsors: Maui Nui, Eight Sleep & Waking Up
(00:06:27) Tool: Coherence Breathing, Heart Rate Variability
(00:09:32) Treading Water, Podcasts
(00:11:45) Tool: Meditation Practices
(00:15:43) Sunlight, Skin, Circadian Rhythm
(00:20:00) Headphones, Natural Living, Diet
(00:24:31) Artificial Intelligence (AI); Childhood; Magic & Mentalists
(00:28:34) Tool: Writer’s Block, Creativity, Diary Entries; Deadlines
(00:34:58) Sponsor: AG1
(00:35:54) Uncertainty; Creativity & Challenges; Sensitivity & Environment
(00:40:43) Wrestling, Storytelling; Johnny Cash
(00:48:51) Creative Endeavors & Outcome; Surprise in Oneself; Experimentation
(00:56:36) Resistance; Business & Art
(01:00:37) Sponsor: InsideTracker
(01:01:39) Source of Ideas; Internet & Information
(01:08:31) Dreams & Interpretation; Unconscious Mind; Motivations, Art & Outcome
(01:14:07) Career Advice, Book Writing, Diary Entries, Expressive Writing
(01:19:25) Music Industry; Capturing Ideas; Money & Ingenuity
(01:25:21) Audience; Innovative Ideas
(01:29:35) Alcohol, Confidence, Psychedelics
(01:35:10) Creativity, Chaos & Organization; Shocking Experiences
(01:42:13) News & False Stories; Playing, Wonder & Childhood
(01:46:58) Ramones; Henry Rollins
(01:49:55) Daily Routine; Red Light, Circadian Rhythm & “Cheap Photons”
(01:57:46) Creativity, Experience vs. Institutions; Work, Stress & Relationships
(02:04:29) Book Recommendations; Ancestry & Creativity
(02:07:41) Experiencing Music; Developing Albums
(02:12:28) Music Videos; Book Interpretation; Current Projects & Documentaries
(02:16:40) Podcasting & Conversation
(02:25:41) Zero-Cost Support, Spotify & Apple Reviews, YouTube Feedback, Sponsors,  Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
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