The Chase Jarvis Live Show

Hey friends, Chase here This episode is short and direct — and it's built around a simple idea I've come to believe deeply: the most important creative tools are free. Most creators assume they're stuck because they don't have the right gear, the right resources, or the right opportunity. But after decades of making work, interviewing hundreds of top creators, and studying the lives of artists across disciplines, I've noticed a different pattern. What actually holds people back isn't a lack of tools — it's a lack of the right conditions. Creativity doesn't break down because you don't have enough. It breaks down because you don't give yourself what the work requires. Here's the core idea: The foundations of great creative work aren't things you buy — they're things you practice. Experience. Space. Reflection. Discipline. Rest. These aren't nice-to-haves. They're the infrastructure that makes creative work possible. And most of them don't cost a thing — but they do require intention. One of the biggest mistake

Hey friends, Chase here This episode is short and direct: most creators don't struggle because they lack talent — they struggle because they quit at 95%. They get the work to "pretty good," ship it, and move on. And for a lot of things in life, that's fine. The 80–20 rule works. But when it comes to your core creative craft — the thing you want to be known for — good enough is the trap. The last 5% is where the details live. It's uncomfortable, slow, and often invisible. Which is exactly why most people stop before they get there. Here's the core idea: 80–20 works for most things — but mastery lives in the final 5%. If you keep shipping at 95%, you're training yourself to miss the point. When I worked with Apple to help create the foundation for Today at Apple, the first draft came together fast. In less than a week, we were 95% there. But Apple doesn't hire creators for "pretty good." Pushing through that final 5% took nearly ten times as long — and it set the standard for creative education across hundreds

Hey friends, Chase here This episode is short and honest: if you don't love the work you're making, don't ship it — or better yet, figure out how to love the work before you ship it. I know that sounds blunt, but the market — and more importantly, your audience — can smell half-hearted work a mile away. You can't fake the stuff that matters. Loving the work isn't about perfection. It's about clarity, curiosity, and being willing to do the uncomfortable thing: choose a direction, commit to it, and then grind the craft until you actually love the result. That's the difference between noise and meaning. Here's the core idea: If you're not excited to promote what you made, you probably didn't make what you love. Shipping is great — but shipping love is better. Two common traps I see: Approval chasing: You try to design for everyone and end up designing for no one. Activity without affection: You're busy making lots of stuff, but it never lights you up. That work will struggle to find real fans. So what do you d

Hey friends, Chase here This time of year, I get a lot of messages from folks ready for change — they've declared an intention, they want the next chapter, but something's holding them back. Some have the ideas and energy but no system to ship. Others have the systems but aren't listening to the quiet that tells them what to build next. Different gaps, same problem: without space to reflect and a mindful plan to act, momentum stalls. Here's the truth most people ignore: Intentions are the spark — but they won't transform your life without quiet, synthesis, and daily practices that turn ideas into meaningful work. You can declare you're "a creator" all you want, but without adventures that feed your curiosity, habits that produce work, and a practice of listening and asking questions, your intentions stay inspirational notes instead of real projects. If you only scribble ideas and never synthesize, they evaporate. If you only measure outcomes and never give yourself quiet, you miss the intuition that points to

Hey friends, Chase here This week I had back-to-back coaching calls with two different clients. One had the skillset but not the mindset. The other had the mindset but not the skillset. Different people, same roadblock — they were both stuck at the edge of their next level because they were avoiding the hard stuff. Here's the truth most people don't want to hear: You don't level up because you "get discovered." You level up because you build both your skillset and your mindset — and that requires doing the uncomfortable work you've been dodging. Skillset without mindset? You become the talented person who keeps getting passed over. Mindset without skillset? You're inspiring, but not shipping meaningful work. You need both. And the only way to build both is by leaning into hard things. In today's episode: The real difference between mindset and skillset (and why both matter equally) How avoiding difficult work quietly caps your potential The simple practice that makes doing hard things a habit, not a hurdle

Hey friends, Chase here You put the work in. You make something you're proud of. You hit publish… and then? Crickets. Tumbleweeds. A handful of likes from your mom and your college roommate. If you've ever wondered why some creators seem to explode overnight while your (arguably better!) work struggles to get traction, today's episode is for you. Because here's the truth: Making great work is only 50% of the job. The other 50% — the part no one told you about — is community. Community is the force multiplier behind every breakout launch, every viral post, every "overnight success." It's the difference between work that disappears and work that spreads. In today's episode: What "the other 50%" actually means Why community is the foundation of every long-term creative career Exactly how to build yours (step-by-step, online and offline) Enjoy — and remember: what you give is what you get.

Hey friends, Chase here. If you're a creator, here's a hard truth: most of us don't charge enough. We look around, see what others are doing, and call that "the going rate." But that's not how value works. There's no upper limit on creativity — you can charge whatever someone is willing to pay. The key is learning to positionyourself and negotiate with confidence. Your job isn't to fit perfectly into "industry standards." It's to understand the value you bring and price accordingly. It takes the same effort to sell something for $100 as it does for $10,000 — the difference is who you're talking to. Here's what we get into in this episode: There's no ceiling on art: you can charge whatever someone will pay Value over time: move from hours and day rates to creative fees Positioning is everything: look enough like the standard, then add your unique premium Right clients, right price: the same work can pay 10x with the right audience The takeaway? Pricing is a creative act. Know your worth, say it with confiden

Hey friends, Chase here. Here's an important reminder:  you'll never feel ready to start.  But you've got to do it anyway. And the operative word there is "do." Just start. This episode is the kick in the ass you need.  Too often we get bogged down in the dreaming, the research, and the preparing - without the DOING.  Feel me on this?  It's a common excuse that most of use…that we just need a little more planning…  Wrong. This is not to say that planning isn't necessary, just that it shouldn't be the crutch that prevents you from executing.  And for most it is. Let's change that. If you've ever felt stuck - or heck - you're feeling stuck now, this episode is for you.  We talk about the right balance between the planning and executing in a way that will get the results you want. Take a quick listen, and then get back to work. :)

In this week's episode, we're revisiting a powerful conversation that originally aired back in 2015 — one that feels even more relevant today. Brené Brown joined me to talk about courage, connection, and what it really means to find true belonging in a divided world. Her insights on creativity, loneliness, and the power of standing alone have only become more urgent as we navigate today's culture of comparison and noise. Since our original conversation, Brené has continued to expand this body of work through her bestselling books — including Atlas of the Heart and Dare to Lead — and her podcasts Unlocking Us and Dare to Lead. She remains one of the most trusted and transformative voices on leadership, belonging, and vulnerability in the modern era. Whether you're hearing Brené for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this episode is a reminder that belonging isn't something we negotiate with the world — it's something we carry within us. It's about having the courage to stand alone, create from your

Hey friends, Chase here. If you’ve ever found yourself hesitating to start a project because it didn’t feel “portfolio-worthy,” this one’s for you. I’ve fallen into that trap more times than I’d like to admit — obsessing over whether something I’m making is polished enough to represent me. The irony? That mindset kills the very creativity that fills a portfolio in the first place. The Portfolio Trap Somewhere along the way, we started treating our portfolios like prisons instead of playgrounds. We only want to show our “best work,” so we start *only* making work we think will fit that box. Every idea gets judged before it’s even born. That’s not curation — that’s fear dressed up as professionalism. Here’s the shift: Separate creation from curation. Create Wildly. Curate Ruthlessly. When you’re creating, you’re exploring. You’re playing. You’re trying things that might fail — and that’s where originality lives. When you’re curating, you’re editing. You’re selecting what best represents your voice *after* you’v

Hey friends, Chase here. I’m back with a little reflection that’s been brewing for a while—one that hits right at the heart of what it means to be a creator right now. Lately, the number one question in my inbox (and probably yours too) goes something like this: “What happens to creativity now that AI can do so much?” If that question sounds familiar, you’re not alone. We’ve seen this movie before. Back in 2006, I wrote a post responding to photographers who were terrified that point-and-shoot cameras would “steal” their jobs. Fast forward to today, and we’re hearing the same fear—just swap “AI” for “amateurs with a camera.” For a trip down memory lane, check out that original post, “Don’t Worry, Just Focus. Please.” — it’s wild how the same conversation echoes through time. Different tools, same creative truth. The Creative Edge Isn’t Vanishing — It’s Moving. Here’s the thing: every new tool feels like a threat at first. Digital cameras. Instagram. Smartphones. Now AI. Each time, a slice of the market shifts

In this week’s episode, we’re revisiting a powerful conversation that aired back in 2021 — one that’s just as relevant today as it was then. Mel Robbins has continued to inspire millions with her practical, science-backed approach to behavior change and personal growth. Since our last chat, she’s released a brand-new bestseller, The Let Them Theory, which builds beautifully on the ideas we explored together in this earlier episode. Whether you’re new to Mel’s work or a longtime fan, this replay captures timeless insights into managing anxiety, regulating your nervous system, and finding your creative flow — lessons that feel even more essential in today’s fast-paced, always-on world. Mel is a global thought leader, an international bestselling author of The High 5 Habit and The 5 Second Rule, and one of the most trusted voices in personal development. Her TEDx talk, “How to Stop Screwing Yourself Over”, has reached over 30 million viewers worldwide. In this conversation, we explore how anxiety and overwhelm a

Hey friends, Chase here. I’m writing you today from the south of France, where I’ve been taking a little breather before a busy fall. This episode is a reflection on some of the most popular questions that came up around the launch of Never Play It Safe. In the particular lies the universal — and the questions from our community reflect challenges so many of us face. Burnout, Side Hustles & Tiny Experiments Matt asked about starting a coaching/consulting side hustle. My answer? Don’t try to solve everything from the couch. Start small. Run tiny experiments. Serve people by solving the problems you’ve already solved for yourself. From there, Dylan jumped in with a question about making a film project with a comedian friend. We dug into what it means to treat creative collaborations like real businesses — agreements, responsibilities, financing, and the all-important element of play. Here’s what we get into in the episode: Side hustles that stick: why solving your own past problems makes you a better coach

Hey friends, Chase here. At the height of my career—awards, startups, celebrity collabs—my wife stopped me cold with one question: “How much is enough?” I didn’t have an answer. From the outside, life looked perfect. But inside, I was chasing “more” without knowing why. The Illusion of More The culture around us says: keep climbing, keep grinding, keep stacking. But more for the sake of more eventually costs you—your health, your relationships, even your sense of self. Without defining what “enough” looks like, ambition becomes a treadmill you can’t step off. Why Constraints Set You Free Here’s the twist: constraints aren’t limitations, they’re freedom. When you know what’s enough—whether that’s money, recognition, or time—you can stop running in every direction and start building the life you actually want. Here’s what we get into in the episode: The trap of “more”: why unchecked ambition always demands a bigger price Defining enough: how boundaries create focus, energy, and freedom Hustle vs. challenge: th

Hey friends, Chase here. If social media feels heavier than it used to, you’re not imagining it. Infinite feeds, algorithm whiplash, and the pressure to post “one more thing” can drain the very creativity we’re trying to share. Here’s the shift: treat social media like a stage you step onto with intent—not a sofa you collapse into by default. Social Media as a Stage, Not a Sofa A stage has purpose: you arrive prepared, you deliver, you connect, you step off. A sofa invites scrolling, numbing, and losing track of the most precious resource you own—your attention. When you design systems that honor the stage, you get 90% of the upside with a fraction of the noise. Create before you consume. Get your ideas out of your head and into the world first. Then study the landscape with clear eyes: What worked? What didn’t? What can you improve next rep? Here’s what we get into: Systems resist their systems: your schedule, not the algorithm, sets when and how you show up Frameworks, not feeds: reusable prompts and forma

Hey friends, Chase here. If you’re feeling anxious about money right now, you’re not alone. Shrinking budgets, AI headlines, and general chaos have a lot of us questioning our value. The default move? Grab the nearest paycheck. But here’s the truth: trading your dreams for short-term security is the fastest way to kill the life you actually want. Don’t trade your dreams for security. Paying the bills matters—we’ve all been there. I waited tables in the early days of my photography career just to get by. But that was never the goal. The real goal was building a life with freedom at its core. Because freedom is what fuels creativity. It’s what lets you chase the projects, the art, and the opportunities that light you up. Your future self is begging you not to settle. Fear says play it safe. Freedom says create. Every time you choose freedom—whether that’s carving out an hour to shoot, write, or build—you’re moving closer to the life you want. Here’s what we get into: Why chasing paychecks without purpose keeps

Hey friends, Chase here. I’m writing this from the beach, staring at the ocean, and I’ve got one big reminder for you today: You are your future. Sure, AI is everywhere. New tools pop up daily. You’ve probably seen the tweets: “Anyone can type a prompt and become a world-class designer, writer, photographer.” Sounds nice. But let’s be real—that’s not how this works. You make the work. Not the tools. AI is powerful. No doubt. But it’s still just a tool. A $10,000 camera won’t make you Ansel Adams. And a shiny new AI app won’t magically give you taste, vision, or experience. Those come from the reps—from showing up, failing, refining, and creating again. So if you’ve spent years honing your craft, here’s the truth: You’re at an advantage. Your taste, scars, and hard-won skills can’t be downloaded. And no AI prompt can replicate them. Here’s what we get into: Why your creative vision is the differentiator that separates pros from amateurs How fluency in your craft helps you direct tools (instead of guessing w

In this episode, Jim Murphy shares how training your mind for inner excellence leads to peace, confidence, and extraordinary performance. Jim is a #1 New York Times bestselling author and Performance Coach to some of the best athletes and leaders in the world. He began his career as a professional baseball player in the Chicago Cubs organization, later coaching with the Texas Rangers and the South African Olympic baseball team. Jim has worked with world champion golfers, FedEx Cup champions, and world #1’s — and most of his clients experience the best year of their careers in their first year with him. In addition to coaching professional athletes and executives, he leads Inner Excellence retreats worldwide and serves as president of the Inner Excellence Freedom Project, dedicated to alleviating spiritual and physical poverty. We dig into Jim’s remarkable story — from giving away half his possessions and heading into the desert to discovering the principles that became his life’s work. Along the way, he unpac

Hey friends, Chase here. If AI has you wondering whether your work will still matter—you’re not alone. The pace of change is dizzying. New tools drop daily. “Good enough” work is getting automated before you can even refresh your feed. But here’s the good news: This is not the end. It’s the beginning—if you choose it. The future belongs to those who lean into what machines can’t replicate: your taste, your story, your weirdness, your voice. In this episode, I unpack what it takes to stand out right now—not by running from the tech, but by using it while building a body of work that’s unmistakably yours. Will your work still matter when everyone else is using AI to create? It’s a real question. And let’s be honest—it’s one a lot of us are quietly asking. Every day, new tools make it easier (and faster) to generate content, art, writing, music—you name it. The machines are learning. Fast. So where does that leave you? At an advantage—if you bring your point of view to the table. Because here’s the truth: AI can

Hey friends, Chase here. If AI has you wondering whether your work will still matter—you’re not alone. The pace of change is dizzying. New tools drop daily. “Good enough” work is getting automated before you can even refresh your feed. But here’s the good news: This is not the end. It’s the beginning—if you choose it. The future belongs to those who lean into what machines can’t replicate: your taste, your story, your weirdness, your voice. In this episode, I unpack what it takes to stand out right now—not by running from the tech, but by using it while building a body of work that’s unmistakably yours. Here’s what we get into: Why your point of view is your ultimate differentiator How to make your portfolio future-proof The shift from pressing buttons to telling stories Why now is the time to trim the generic and amplify the real The big idea? Anyone can generate something. But only you can create something with heart, history, and soul. Until next time—stay human, and keep creating.