Late in 2022 I read Douglas Rushkoff’s 2010 book Program or Be Programmed: Ten Commands for a Digital Age . Despite it’s publication date, Rushkoff presents evidence and arguments targeted to the emerging trends of the time. As those trends have been realized, his arguments have become even more vital. On today’s episode I’ll review my book notes, highlighting my key takeaways & actions that will help me implement his ten commands into living a better life. This was the most impactful book I...
Jan 17, 2023•29 min
I sat down with Jack Parra at PhilCon 2022 for a live interview. It's part retrospective on working together on the Rainy River Bees series, part deep-dive into working with artists. There's great links and reference images in the show notes. To download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin...
Jan 10, 2023•29 min
What a year of reading it’s been. On today’s episode I’m going to recap what I read this year, in case anything piques your interest for 2023 reading. Check the show notes for images & links to all the titles mentioned on the show. Sites Mentioned on the show: The Story Graph Goodreads Notion For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin...
Dec 30, 2022•24 min
Last month, while working from HQ, I spotted a solicitor dropping flyers off through my neighborhood. On this episode, I share this odd story and strategies you can use to better identify red flags around suspicious sales tactics to protect yourself and your neighbors. And if you’re a local business looking to drum up business door-to-door, heed the warnings within! NOTE: On this episode I edited out any reference to the company or specific service - this isn’t intended to be a hit piece on this...
Dec 18, 2022•9 min
Here in the Northeast, winter slowly approaches. Over the years, I’ve witnessed many incidents due to poor planning. On today’s episode, I’ll share some tips that might help people experienced with blizzards to those who get the rare winter dusting. There’s plenty of actionable advice for dealing with all kinds of storms, so let’s unpack what it takes to be a Blizzard Wizard. For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter St...
Nov 15, 2022•9 min
Today’s episode is a deep dive on the many aspects of trade shows, conventions, and events. We’ll review the various types of events, and the impacts they can have on your business. This show will be relevant whether you’re looking to sell crafts at a local fair or aspiring to a major national convention. For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin...
Nov 04, 2022•34 min
A few weeks ago I dealt with New York Comic Con. I’ve got some lingering thoughts that are worth a deeper dive on the show. If you’ve been interested in attending a large convention like NYCC, or create the kinds of content that would be embraced at a show like this, you’ll want to tune into today’s episode. For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin...
Oct 25, 2022•12 min
When I mention I’m a writer, I get either odd stares or curious questions. I’ve mentioned bits & pieces about my writing process and projects in various episodes of the show. I’ll often cite them as examples to illustrate concepts. But on today’s episode I’m going to focus on the insights I’ve gained thus far in my writing career. Links mentioned on this episode: - Submit questions or view my books at ChrisKreuter.com - Masquerade Games - Jack Parra - Carlos Hernandez - Max Tegmark's Life 3....
Oct 10, 2022•14 min
Today's question: I’m a junior product designer for a consumer products company. This is my first job out of college and I’ve been happy here for over two years. But now we’ve got a new manager, who is pressuring us to rush our work out the door. I take pride in my work but this pressure is stressing me out to the point where I want to quit. What advice do you have on handling this situation? For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Jo...
Oct 04, 2022•10 min
I go over how I plan my years, quarters, weeks, and overall goals. Today’s episode covers: Detail my quarterly review process Yearly theme check-in Q3 Reading Review CDWI review For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin...
Sep 30, 2022•11 min
Today’s question covers what’s often a difficult, and crucial early-career transition point: My employer has hired several eager, entry-level employees for my department. Although I’m still early in my own career, they’ve assigned me to train and mentor them. I’ve been with the organization for four years, and have a reputation for getting things done effectively. What advice do you have on being an effective mentor, while not sacrificing my own development? For more info & to download a fre...
Sep 20, 2022•18 min
Over the Labor Day weekend, my beloved cat Yoshi passed away. Losing someone is a chance for each of us to reflect. To crystallize that person in our hearts & minds. Ensure their best memories & qualities live on in us. It can’t be helped that they turn into a kind of abstraction through this process. An incomplete imprint of a person, but still a soul impacting lives long after their passing. In this memorial episode, I share these insights, these abstractions, along with stories to ill...
Sep 13, 2022•13 min
Today's question: Back on Episode 1, you talked about ideas turning into viruses. Well, I’ve been infected with one. My new project’s going to require a ton of work over a long period of time. This doesn’t scare me, but I’m struggling to carve out the time to do the work. I have a family & kids to care for, demanding job that requires 50-60 hours a week, and a dizzying array of other responsibilities. Can you share some mindsets & techniques that can help me find consistent time & di...
Sep 06, 2022•16 min
The Managing the Middle Series is a guide to managing the middle: Advice on how to serve as a better bridge between the divides within our organizations, societies, and lives. It’s the kind of advice I would have benefitted from when I started managing projects and people. I’ll provide advice on ways to counter polarization and extremism, and how to embrace the shades of gray between issues. In this first episode of the series, I’m injecting myself into one of my favorite movies: Willy Wonka &am...
Aug 30, 2022•12 min
Workshops are live working sessions, where I dive deep into a specific problem or focus area alongside a special guest. Today’s workshop will be relevant to anyone interested in: Parenting Education Cultural shifts from the 1980’s to today Marie Burke is mother to your host, his two siblings, and grandmother to six awesome kids 9 months to 5-1/2 years old. Today’s special workshop has Mom dealing with a variety of parenting from her oldest son on the eve of his 40th birthday! Question 1: It’s be...
Aug 23, 2022•33 min
Workshops are live working sessions, where I dive deep into a specific problem or focus area alongside a special guest. Criss is one of my audio engineers from A Shared Universe who have helped get the CDWI podcast off the ground. During a recent recording session, he asked a live question, which we recorded. He’s a fantastic musician, and you should totally give his stuff a listen : Criss brings two questions to today's episode: When do you take your hobby into a business, or into a bigger vent...
Aug 12, 2022•12 min
Today's question: I run a small B2B marketing firm and I keep hearing about CRMs and how they can drive growth. But they look expensive, a pain to setup, and regular effort to maintain. Can you help me explore CRMs, and how to understand if the benefits end up being worth it? For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin
Aug 05, 2022•27 min
Today's question: I’m a jack of all trades, master of none who is looking for a new job after over a decade in the same company. How do I sell my skill set AND find the right match? For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin
Jul 29, 2022•17 min
Workshops are live working sessions, where I dive deep into a specific problem or focus area alongside a special guest. Today’s workshop will be relevant to anyone interested in: Publishing & Marketing creative works Self-Publishing Art copyrights, licensing & commissioning Board, Card & Role-Playing Games Product Production & Logistics Retail & Distribution Lauren Bilanko is the owner of Studio Bilanko and co-founder/owner of the Twenty Sided Store in Brooklyn, NYC. Today’ w...
Jul 19, 2022•1 hr 15 min
My current challenge is trying to purge the excess of stuff I have accumulated over the years. Part of the issue is the time to do it. Breaking it down into smaller jobs hasn't really worked for me. Do I sell it? Do I donate it? Do I throw it into the trash? Do I leave it as a legacy for my children to sort through? All kidding aside: Getting started is easy, seeing it through to the finish line is the hard part. For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chr...
Jul 08, 2022•12 min
I’m having a hard time with the professional challenges of running my business. I love what I do and how it helps people, but I’d like advice on finding a healthier work/life balance. Specifically with overcoming the challenge of juggling the many tasks of owning a business, such as: Scheduling, billing, time management, filing, and asking for help. For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes, visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https:/...
Jun 25, 2022•14 min
How do you recognize passions within yourself and decide whether to pursue them or not? Conversely, how do you recognize when a passion or hobby has run it's course and decide to change direction in your life? For more info & to download a free PDF of today's episode notes visit: www.chriskreuter.com/CDWI Join the Kreuter Studios mailing list: https://mailchi.mp/810367311f3d/ksbulletin...
Jun 13, 2022•13 min
