Good Work with Barrett Brooks

Mark Manson: What Happens After You Get Everything You Wanted?

This week, I talk with Mark Manson—best known for The Subtle Art of Not Giving a Fuck—about what success really costs and why it often leaves us wanting more. Mark and I go deeper than I’ve heard him go before: we explore his upbringing, the complex role faith and community have played in his life, and how he’s learned to follow his internal compass—even when it meant walking away from huge opportunities. After climbing to the top of the publishing world and getting a taste of Hollywood, Mark has returned to where he started: creating online for the joy of it. This conversation is about more than career moves—it’s about identity, meaning, and the choices that define a thoughtful life. If you’ve ever achieved a big goal and asked, “Now what?”—this one’s for you. Let’s get to it. In this episode: * (00:00) – Intro * (02:32) – The golden egg mindset that changed Mark's career * (04:49) – Lessons from a “high-volatility” childhood * (09:46) – Mark’s secret to depth (and viral hits) * (13:51) – Losing faith—and what Mark misses most * (17:58) – The loneliness no success can solve * (28:09) – What real friendship looks like * (31:19) – How to go deeper with the people who matter * (36:51) – What happens after success? * (41:47) – Chasing Hollywood—and hitting a wall * (45:38) – Why Mark turned away from traditional media * (49:23) – The lingering pull of prestige and the trap of status * (50:48) – Why Mark is still in LA—and what he found there * (51:40) – How to know what to say yes to (and what to walk away from) * (56:27) – What Mark is optimizing for today * (59:02) – The one thing Mark wants to be excellent at * (01:02:35) – The “shit sandwich” Mark’s happy to eat * (01:03:58) – Turning down a seven-figure book deal * (01:18:28) – YouTube vs writing * (01:21:34) – How much thought goes into Mark’s content * (01:25:04) – Is the business sustainable? * (01:27:03) – Reinventing the podcast—again * (01:33:19) – Mark’s most beautiful future * (01:36:33) – Who Mark is becoming Key Takeaways * Be the goose, not the egg hunter. Rather than chasing after “golden eggs” of success, become the kind of person who can generate them consistently. Mark’s father taught him that real security and fulfillment come from developing your own capacity to create value again and again—not from trying to protect or hoard what you’ve already made. * Choose depth over status when building community. Mark reflects on how true community—like that found in religious, family, or workplace settings—is built on commitment and shared legacy. Recreational groups and hobbies, while enjoyable, often lack the deeper sense of belonging. If you’re feeling lonely or disconnected, consider what you’re willing to commit to. * Build a life that prioritizes fun over status. After years of high-profile projects and burnout, Mark realized that chasing prestige wasn’t worth the cost. His new rule: if it’s not fun, he doesn’t do it. With success comes more invitations to chase status—but the most fulfilled people are those who stay grounded in what brings them joy and meaning. * Don’t confuse cultural clout with real impact. Despite already having a massive online audience, Mark admits being drawn to traditional media for its perceived prestige. He ultimately found that building directly with his audience—via his creator business and YouTube—was more rewarding and impactful. Recognition is nice, but it shouldn’t dictate your creative choices. * The best relationships are honest, non-transactional, and earned through time. Deep friendships grow through vulnerability, shared values, and a willingness to say the hard thing. In a world increasingly shaped by status, the relationships that matter most are built on trust, not utility. Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com]. Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].

From War Zones to Wildlife: Ami Vitale’s Journey to Hope Through Photography

This week, I talk with someone who’s been on my dream guest list since day one—Ami Vitale. Ami is a National Geographic photographer and filmmaker whose work has taken her from war zones to wildlife sanctuaries, always in pursuit of the deeper story. But this conversation goes far beyond her remarkable resume. We talk about how picking up a camera transformed her from a shy, introverted kid into one of the world’s most powerful visual storytellers. Ami opens up about what it really means to bear witness, the emotional cost of telling the truth, and why she eventually turned her lens away from conflict and toward hope, healing, and our connection with the natural world. This episode is about dignity, presence, and the quiet leadership that comes from listening well and seeing clearly. I promise, you’ll never look at a photograph the same way again. In this episode: * (00:00) - Intro * (03:06) - How picking up a camera gave Ami a voice * (05:06) - Why introverts might see the world more clearly * (06:21) - Knocking on doors with a camera * (12:32) - Wanting to be a photographer—and being told “no” * (16:27) - Leaving a steady job to bet on herself * (23:30) - What war zones taught Ami about storytelling * (29:26) - The moment Ami knew she had to walk away from war zones * (38:08) - From grief to hope: finding a new kind of story * (51:26) - The story that changed everything * (59:42) - Why wildlife stories are human stories * (01:07:22) - One image that moved the world: Steve Winter’s P-22 * (01:13:41) - Capturing moments with dignity and depth * (01:15:59) - The relationships behind the photographs * (01:25:51) - Reflecting on a life of good work * (01:28:02) - Barrett on the fears and hopes behind Good Work Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com].Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].

Seattle Seahawks Head Coach Mike Macdonald Talks Servant Leadership, Trust, and Team Building

This week, I talk with Mike Macdonald, head coach of the Seattle Seahawks and the youngest head coach in the NFL. Mike opens up about his journey from coaching high-schoolers as a college student to leading elite defenses with the Ravens and Wolverines—and now, running one of the most storied franchises in football. We explore how he’s balancing tradition and innovation, what it really means to set the standard inside a world-class organization, and how the Seahawks are training their players mentally as much as physically. This conversation is a look behind the scenes at what it takes to become the kind of leader who earns trust, embraces the grind, and stays true to their values under pressure.. Whether you’re leading a team, building something from the ground up, or just trying to take the next step in your own growth, there’s something here for you. Let’s get to it. In this episode: * (00:00) – The youngest head coach in the NFL * (02:23) – Why Mike Macdonald cracks dad jokes in the NFL * (04:43) – Mike's transition from player to coach * (14:42) – Lessons learned under Todd Grantham * (17:47) – Two coaches, two styles—what Mike really learned from both * (22:44) – “I almost walked away from coaching” * (25:41) – How a phone call from the Ravens changed everything * (34:05) – What Mike learned from both Harbaugh brothers * (39:55) – Leading under fire: how to stay steady in the storm * (42:51) – The moment Mike realized he might be head coach material * (48:29) – Inside Mike’s NFL head coach interview process * (52:49) – Mike’s 3-pillar philosophy for leading a team * (54:54) – Rethinking what it means to be “the head coach” * (58:02) – Setting the standard—and getting everyone to buy in * (01:01:32) – How to build a culture players actually believe in * (01:04:07) – The weight of being the one who sets the tone * (01:08:34) – Mike on mental toughness—for himself and his team * (01:16:20) – Taking the reins from Pete Carroll * (01:24:22) – What makes Mike world-class? * (01:26:08) – Mike’s most beautiful future * (01:27:39) – Who Mike is becoming Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com].Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].

The Inner Work of Outward Success: Barrett Brooks on Mastery, Fatherhood, and Emotional Growth

This episode is a special one. After a year of interviewing thoughtful, world-class guests, I wanted to share more of my own story. So I asked my dear friend, and episode 01 guest, James Clear, to turn the mic on me. We talk about the formative moments in my life— from childhood patterns and baseball memories to the inner work I’ve done to stop striving without purpose and start accepting myself more fully. I share why I believe that most successful people already know what to do—they just need help getting past their individual emotional blockers. We explore the coaching frameworks I use, the lessons I’m still learning, and why I no longer believe I have to suffer to do good in the world. This is the most personal conversation I’ve ever had on the show, and I’m incredibly grateful to James for holding it with so much care. Let’s get to it! Partner Deals Proper: Save $500 off onboarding when you mention Good Work at https://workwithproper.com [https://workwithproper.com/]. In this episode: * (00:00) - Intro * (04:37) - Barrett’s favorite exercises for processing change and transition * (15:12) - How self-awareness evolves * (20:59) - Barrett's early years and why the Discovery program was so meaningful * (28:06) - How baseball taught Barrett to deal with pressure * (37:45) - A compliment Barrett still carries—and what it taught him about self-worth * (40:18) - What Barrett learned from his dad * (45:59) - Why Barrett used to wait to ask for help * (50:04) - Learning to hear “no” without rewriting your self-worth * (52:23) - Can you do good work and still want credit? * (55:59) - What shaped Barrett’s curiosity about the world * (01:00:28) - Seeing the cost of inherited patterns * (01:04:07) - Reflections on adolescence, faith, and finding purpose * (01:11:51) - When others see your strengths before you do * (01:15:01) - Why Barrett left a dream job with no plan * (01:18:00) - Surrendering to the work you’re made to do * (01:25:02) - Leading with thoughts or feelings? * (01:27:13) - What Barrett imagined fatherhood would be—and what it became * (01:29:02) - Modeling emotional health and growth * (01:31:27) - What Barrett would learn by trading places with his wife * (01:32:47) - The truth about balancing family and entrepreneurship * (01:37:51) - The kinds of people Barrett is best at coaching * (01:41:07) - What Barrett would teach if given a mic and 30 minutes to prep * (01:42:22) - Barrett’s proudest achievement—and what’s next Get full show notes and links at https://GoodWorkShow.com [https://goodworkshow.com].Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks].

We’re Back: Good Work Season 02

We’re back for Season 02 of Good Work! I’ve always believed there’s more to success than titles, wealth, or the next business tactic. This season, I want to explore the kind of work that calls us higher, to work rooted in purpose, values, and service to others. It’s about asking bigger questions: What are we here for? How do we reach our full potential and make a meaningful impact? Join me as we go beyond the typical surface-level business strategies to uncover the inner journey that shapes authentic, fulfilling outward success. If you’re ready to dig deep, I can’t wait to share this season with you. Let’s get to it! Connect with Barrett * Barrett’s newsletter: https://BarrettBrooks.com [https://barrettbrooks.com]  * X / Twitter: https://twitter.com/barrettabrooks [https://twitter.com/barrettabrooks]  * Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/barrettabrooks [https://www.instagram.com/barrettabrooks]  Subscribe and stay in touch * Website: https://goodworkshow.com [https://goodworkshow.com]  * Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-work-with-barrett-brooks/id1738711388 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/good-work-with-barrett-brooks/id1738711388]  * Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2EK7FaM8yTSyoHusQjHkEh [https://open.spotify.com/show/2EK7FaM8yTSyoHusQjHkEh]  * YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks [https://www.youtube.com/@barrettabrooks]