In this second part of a two-episode mini-series, the conversation turns to Oliver's approach to life and work, revisiting the reasons why he finds the notion of "productivity" unhelpful, only to discuss the role of passion, its relationship to (positive) suffering, the notion of play, the influence of exemplars in developing resilience and commitment to work, the idea of being gripped by passion rather than searching for it, the importance of serendipity (or providence) in it all, how collaboration and support of others is essential to growth, concluding with three concrete tools or practices that help him focus and stay on track.IMR FUNDRAISERGoFundMeRESOURCES MENTIONEDCal Newport, Deep WorkAnte Jerončić, "Bond of Love in Holy Expectation" (Chapter)CONNECT WITH USEmailWebsite* * * * * NEW TO THE PODCAST?In this podcast, we engage in free-ranging conversations on life, faith, philosophy, ethics, relationships, culture, experience, and all matters existential. As the show title points out, we approach these things "in the middle of things" by grabbing hold of them unsystematically and provisionally. Concerning "about us," we are friends and verbal sparring partners who also happen to be colleagues at Andrews University. - Oliver Glanz and Ante Jerončič