logo
episode-header-image
Oct 2024
45m 12s

419: Seth Godin - Using Strategy to Shap...

Robert Duff, Ph.D.
About this episode

In today's episode of the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, I'm thrilled to sit down with marketing guru and best-selling author Seth Godin. Seth shares his near-death experience off the coast of San Clemente—a moment that became a powerful reminder of his mission to teach and contribute. We explore his philosophy of "strategy as a philosophy of becoming" and discuss practical ways to craft personal life strategies that align with our values, whether in creativity, mental resilience, or personal growth.

In our conversation, Seth and I cover a range of ideas, from recognizing societal systems that impact our lives to overcoming societal pressures and finding meaning in service to others. Seth's "lifeguard analogy" emphasizes the importance of focusing on helping others, and his insights are full of actionable takeaways for anyone looking to lead a more purpose-driven life.

Tune in for an episode packed with practical strategies and reflections that can help you shape a life you're proud of.


Topics Covered:

  • Breaking Down Writer's Block and Building Creative Confidence
  • The Lifeguard Analogy: Why Starting with Generosity Can Change Your Life
  • Recognizing the Systems That Influence Our Daily Lives
  • How Strategy and Mental Health Intersect in Our Modern World
  • Building Powerful Daily Creative Habits
  • Avoiding the Trap of Playing Games We're Meant to Lose
  • Developing Authentic Networks and Finding Your Community

Timestamps:

00:15 — Introduction: Meet Seth Godin
02:05 — Breaking Down Writer's Block and Building Creative Confidence
06:00 — Learning Through the Lifeguard Analogy: How to Start Contributing Now
12:15 — Recognizing the Systems Shaping Our Lives
18:30 — Personal Strategy and Mental Health: How They Intersect
24:00 — The Power of Daily Creative Habits
30:40 — Real-Life Applications: Who's It For, What's It For?
36:25 — Avoiding the Trap of Playing Games We're Meant to Lose
41:50 — How Strategy Can Help Us Cope with Modern Mental Health Challenges
47:05 — Building Authentic Networks and Finding Community


About the Podcast
I'm Dr. Robert Duff, a clinical psychologist dedicated to breaking down complex mental health topics into relatable, actionable advice. On the Hardcore Self Help Podcast, we dive deep into mental health, personal development, and practical strategies to help you thrive. Each episode features expert interviews, useful tips, and answers to listener questions, all to support your journey toward a healthier, more fulfilling life.

Guest Links:


Connect With Me:

Up next
Nov 10
A New Approach to OCD: Internal Family Systems w/ Melissa Mose
In this deeply informative episode, I'm joined by licensed marriage and family therapist Melissa Mose, LMFT, who brings 30 years of clinical experience to the table and a unique approach to treating OCD by integrating Internal Family Systems (IFS) with traditional methods like Ex ... Show More
1h 17m
Nov 3
Celeb Chef Chris Valdes on Mental Health in Kitchens
In this heartfelt and candid episode, I'm joined by Chef Chris Valdes—TV personality, cookbook author, and lifelong culinary artist—to talk about his powerful personal journey through the culinary world and the mental health struggles he's faced along the way. From growing up in ... Show More
1h 2m
Oct 10
Dr. Andrea Martinez Talks Gangs, Loss, Depression, and Learning Discernment.
Friends, welcome back to the Hardcore Self Help Podcast. This is my first interview back after a bit of a journey. I thought there was no better way to kick off this next phase of the podcast than by introducing you to a friend and brilliant human that I met in the interim. Dr. A ... Show More
1h 15m
Recommended Episodes
Oct 2024
How to Craft Your “Life Strategy” | Seth Godin
<p>Are you feeling stuck in your current systems and routines? Struggling to find a strategy for positive change? In this thought-provoking conversation, marketing visionary Seth Godin unpacks key insights from his book <a href="https://amzn.to/4ewzUhN" rel="noopener noreferrer" ... Show More
1h 3m
Sep 2024
Mental Fitness Tools to Beat Stress and Spark Growth with Marc Champagne
In this transformative episode of the HEAL with Kelly Podcast, I speak with mental fitness strategist, best-selling author, and my dear friend Marc Champagne.Together we explore mental fitness and how it can help dissipate overwhelm while empowering you to navigate life’s challen ... Show More
1h 15m
Oct 2024
How to Create a Life Strategy for Meaningful Change with Seth Godin
In this episode, Seth Godin shares insights from his new book on how to create a life strategy for meaningful change. He explains how strategy isn’t just for business, it’s a crucial tool for shaping our personal lives and relationships. Seth also delves into the importance of un ... Show More
49m 19s
Jul 2025
Building Support Networks for Focus & Mental Wellness
Episode Description:. Uncover the secrets of building a strong support network through community engagement to boost your focus and productivity in todays episode of The Dopamine Detox:. Rewire Your Brain for Focus. Learn practical tips and strategies on how to foster connections ... Show More
4m 16s
May 2024
The Quickie: Take Control Of Your Mental Health And Wellbeing With The Life Force Pyramid From Psychiatrist Phil Stutz
<p>It’s mental health awareness month, and it honestly feels like there’s more people than ever before struggling with anxiety, depression and mental health issues. So this week we’re diving into a helpful tool for building the foundation of your mental health, using the Life For ... Show More
21m 51s
Jul 2025
How To Improve Your Mindset & Reinvent Your Life In 2025
<p><a href="https://lewishowes.com/money" target="_blank">Get my new book Make Money Easy here!</a></p><p>Join me for an enlightening conversation with renowned physician Dr. Rangan Chatterjee, who after 23 years of medical practice has uncovered the deep connection between emoti ... Show More
1h 47m
Jan 2025
How To Change Your Habits, Achieve Your Goals & Live A Contented Life with Sahil Bloom #517
In a world seemingly obsessed with financial success, what does it truly mean to be wealthy? And what if the path to a more meaningful life has less to do with what we earn and more to do with how we live?   Today's guest is Sahil Bloom, successful entrepreneur and online creator ... Show More
2h 4m
Aug 2
Building Your Best Self w/ @Scottykfitness
In this episode, Dr. K sits down with fitness creator @Scottykfitness to explore what it really takes to grow—physically, emotionally, and mentally. They talk through struggles with identity, confidence, and the internal roadblocks that get in the way of becoming your best self. ... Show More
2h 28m
May 2024
#370: Unblock Your Potential by Overcoming Resistance with Steven Pressfield
In this episode, I welcome bestselling author Steven Pressfield to the podcast. Steven dives into the idea of relating differently to resistance and embracing creativity in our lives. We discuss the commitment, self-awareness, and resilience in navigating the complex path of crea ... Show More
57m 40s
Apr 2025
How To Break Unconscious Patterns, The Power of Meditation, The Truth About Dopamine & Creating Lasting Change with Dr Joe Dispenza #549
Almost everyone today is addicted to something. From phones and social media to alcohol and drugs, our modern life has created an unprecedented epidemic of dependency. But what is actually driving this addiction and how can we actually break free? This week’s returning guest is D ... Show More
1h 31m