• 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.


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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

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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.


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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

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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.


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    49 mins
  • Have we ever actually been happy
    Jan 5 2026

    In this episode of Useful Not Famous, Amara and Jeff explore the concept of desire and how it ties to unhappiness. They discuss whether happiness truly exists or is just a state of contentment and joy. They delve into how setting no specific objectives can lead to unexpected and fulfilling paths, using examples like Robert Greene's journey to writing 'The 48 Laws of Power.' They also touch on the importance of continuous learning, especially through reading non-fiction, and how it can lead to personal and professional growth. Tune in to find out how exploring can lead to significant and unexpected successes!

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome
    00:23 Meet the Hosts: Amara and Jeff
    00:49 Exploring the Concept of Desire
    02:54 The Three Types of Fun
    04:45 The Nature of Happiness
    10:40 Desire and Unhappiness
    12:23 Personal Reflections on Desire and Career
    14:41 The Joy of Unexpected Freedom
    15:51 Embracing the Unknown
    16:10 The Power of Learning and Exploration
    17:43 Introducing Hive: A New Framework
    19:55 The Journey of Robert Green
    25:49 The Importance of Continuous Learning
    32:44 Final Thoughts and Encouragement

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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.


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    34 mins
  • You'll never be world class unless you do this
    Dec 29 2025

    In this episode of Useful Not Famous, Amara Andrew and Jeff Sarris delve into the concept of becoming the best in the world at what you do, drawing inspiration from The Almanack of Naval Ravikant. They discuss the importance of continuous improvement, redefining your goals, and the relentless pursuit of excellence. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the necessity of hard work, competing with yourself, the satisfaction that comes from doing what you love, and learning from notable examples like Michael Jordan and Taylor Swift. They also touch on the broader idea that everyone has a unique form of genius, which can be harnessed by focusing on what truly fulfills you. Join them as they explore the mindset and strategies needed to achieve greatness in whatever you do.

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back
    00:30 Discussing Naval Ravikant's Wisdom
    00:57 Reflecting on Past Podcast Episodes
    01:24 The Journey to Becoming the Best
    02:44 Competing with Yourself
    05:07 The Importance of Hard Work
    11:21 Focusing on the Right Questions
    14:22 Living in the Present
    18:52 Finding Fulfillment in Non-Work Activities
    20:25 Redefining Creativity and Artistic Identity
    23:04 Different Types of Genius
    24:08 The Importance of Passion in Avoiding Burnout
    26:48 The Role of Hard Work and Practice in Success
    28:36 Taylor Swift: A Case Study in Reinvention
    30:39 Balancing Passion and Practicality
    37:08 The Magic of Mastery and Practice
    40:36 Podcast Updates and Future Plans

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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.


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    41 mins
  • You're a museum of everything you've ever loved
    Nov 24 2025

    'I am a museum of everything I've ever loved.'

    We dive into what it means to us and how we all collect memories and experiences that shape who we are. We chat about the idea of always adding to our personal 'museums' and how life is all about growth and trying new things.

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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.


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    33 mins
  • This recording does not exist. And we'll prove it.
    Nov 17 2025
    What really exists is not things made, but things in the making. Once made, they are dead.
    —James Gleick

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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.


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    30 mins
  • Do you want to be interesting or understood?
    Nov 10 2025
    Publicly, they want to be interesting. Privately, they want to be understood.
    —Derek Thompson, Hit Makers: How to Succeed in an Age of Distraction

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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.


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    Follow Amara Andrew
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    Show More Show Less
    50 mins