I don’t know how long it takes time for depression to take root — that is, for someone feeling fine to feeling depressed. A quick web search didn’t show anything and I’m sure it differs from person to person. I imagine it rarely happens overnight. The reason I thought about it was a conversation with a friend about sidchas and my twice-daily burpee-based calisthenics. As he put it, motion creates[…] Keep reading →

Today is the 50th anniversary of the first lunar landing, the 75th anniversary of the closest to successful attempt to assassinate Hitler, and the 48th anniversary of me. As my mom likes to remind me: 9 pounds 8 ounces in sweltering summer heat. At near the halfway point, some reflections. I don’t feel older Five or ten years ago I found the quote “Inside every old person is a young[…] Keep reading →

I’m pleased to appear on Dan Zehner’s Anthem of the Adventurer podcast. In a refreshing diversion from most of my recent podcast appearances, we talk about adventure, challenge, growth, and how to create them. Click to his site or listen below: His notes describe our conversation well: Episode Summary Today, we talk with Josh Spodek, who lives a life full of adventure while teaching at NYU. He’s got some amazing[…] Keep reading →

Proctor and Gamble produces a lot of plastic and waste, which makes them very interesting to me. An old me would protest. The leader me sees the opportunity to support change if they aren’t changing and help motivate it if they are. Not just reduce waste—also to help increase the joy, meaning, and purpose in the process—what the “leadership” part of this podcast’s title alludes to. Steve Sikra has worked[…] Keep reading →

Proctor and Gamble produces a lot of plastic and waste, which makes them very interesting to me. An old me would protest. The leader me sees the opportunity to support change if they aren’t changing and help motivate it if they are. Not just reduce waste—also to help increase the joy, meaning, and purpose in the process—what the “leadership” part of this podcast’s title alludes to. Steve Sikra has worked[…] Keep reading →

EDIT (May 2020): I gave my most comprehensive talk on sidchas. Here is the recording Most people seem to want improve themselves, personally or professionally. Reading, watching, and listening to people tell you how you can develop yourself professionally or personally doesn’t change anything beyond give you a bit of information. People don’t succeed because they have more information. They succeed because they act. Even if you know you should[…] Keep reading →

John Williams, host of the Ideas Lab podcast, recently recorded a conversation at my home, where I feel most comfortable so could share most openly. Here’s his introduction: From the Ideas Lab page: Joshua Spodek – Leadership Step by Step I’m here in Greenwich village in New York City today and I’m here to meet Josh Spodek. Josh is a fascinating character. He was a former astrophysicist and then became[…] Keep reading →