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Useful Not Famous

Useful Not Famous

Written by: MAVEN
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About this listen

Useful Not Famous is the podcast for people who care more about their bank account than their ego. Hosted by Jeff Sarris and Amara Andrew.©2025 MAVEN Economics Leadership Management & Leadership
Episodes
  • We're done teaching what we know
    Jan 26 2026

    We've been doing it all wrong. And we had no idea.

    00:00 Introduction and New Rule
    00:29 Personal Reflections on Teaching
    03:13 The Shift to Storytelling
    06:04 Navigating Negativity and Positivity
    11:56 Exploring Storytelling Techniques
    16:09 Balancing Creativity and Analysis
    19:55 The Intersection of Art and Science
    20:32 Elon Musk: Analytical and Creative
    21:30 The Balance of Creativity and Practicality
    22:25 Defining Art and Creativity
    27:50 The Role of Storytelling in Human Connection
    34:11 The Underdog Phenomenon
    39:22 Football Analogies and Lessons
    42:15 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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    Useful Not Famous is the podcast for people who care more about making money than getting likes and subscribers.

    Join our useful family at usefulnotfamous.com to get one actionable tip delivered to your inbox every Monday morning.


    Follow Jeff Sarris
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    Follow Amara Andrew
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    42 mins
  • You're not forgetful, just stupid
    Jan 19 2026

    Have you ever walked into a room and immediately forgotten why you went there? It’s not just you—scientists have found that crossing through doorways can actually make you forget what you were thinking. This phenomenon is called the “doorway effect,” and it can affect everything from daily tasks to content creation.

    00:00 Introduction to Memory and Boundaries
    00:55 The Concept of Boundaries in Memory
    01:11 Practical Examples of Boundaries
    02:27 Boundaries in Media and Content Creation
    04:44 Screenwriting and Successful TV Shows
    15:51 Familiarity and Inside Jokes in Media
    23:39 Lip Gloss Mishap
    23:42 Soundtracks and Familiarity
    24:07 Comfort in Familiar Spaces
    26:51 Social Media and Notifications
    27:26 Effective Use of Phones
    29:45 Email Marketing Insights
    32:53 Recording Content Tips
    41:02 The Mandela Effect
    49:45 Concluding Thoughts

    ---

    Useful Not Famous is the podcast for people who care more about making money than getting likes and subscribers.

    Join our useful family at usefulnotfamous.com to get one actionable tip delivered to your inbox every Monday morning.


    Follow Jeff Sarris
    Instagram | X | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok

    Follow Amara Andrew
    Instagram | X | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok


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    51 mins
  • Can there be happiness without ambition?
    Jan 12 2026

    Are you struggling to find happiness? You may be stuck with shallow happiness, when you need to focus on deep happiness.

    Jeff Sarris and Amara Andrew explore the difference between shallow happiness and deep happiness. They discuss how being present-focused can lead to instant joy but might prevent long-term achievements. They reference Derek Sivers' philosophy of 'Hell Yeah or No,' emphasizing doing things that truly excite you. The hosts also share personal experiences with balancing short-term joy and long-term goals, highlighting the importance of building a brand over time rather than seeking instant fame. They conclude with insights on ambition, objectives, and the value of consistent effort in achieving true happiness.

    00:00 Introduction to Shallow vs. Deep Happiness
    00:35 Meet the Hosts: Amara and Jeff
    01:13 The Philosophy of 'Hell Yeah or No'
    03:08 Conferences and Business Networking
    05:00 Balancing Short-Term and Long-Term Happiness
    07:11 Ambition vs. Objectives
    14:01 Living in the Moment vs. Planning for the Future
    23:51 Driving Exotic Cars
    24:06 The Fascination with Ferrari
    25:42 The Joy of Anticipation
    26:33 Wrestling and Viral Moments
    29:54 The Pitfalls of Chasing Virality
    32:38 Building a Sustainable Brand
    33:48 The Importance of Hyperlocal Content
    37:48 Consistency Over Virality
    48:05 Celebrating Small Wins

    ---

    Useful Not Famous is the podcast for people who care more about making money than getting likes and subscribers.

    Join our useful family at usefulnotfamous.com to get one actionable tip delivered to your inbox every Monday morning.


    Follow Jeff Sarris
    Instagram | X | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok

    Follow Amara Andrew
    Instagram | X | YouTube | Facebook | TikTok


    Show More Show Less
    49 mins
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