Friday Conversation | Ep 129: Mike Oppenheim - The Allure of Creativity

In this episode, Steve and Mike dive deep into the complexities of creativity, the impact of social media, and the challenges of the publishing industry. Mike, a seasoned writer, shares his journey through the creative process, offering insights into the highs and lows of being an artist in today’s digital age. Together, they explore the delicate balance between leveraging social media for career growth and protecting mental well-being, while also discussing the changing dynamics of fame and success.

The conversation takes a thoughtful turn as they touch on the often-overlooked importance of grief, the taboo around death, and the need for compassion in difficult times. Mike and Steve also reflect on societal beauty standards, the value of family recipes, and the lessons learned from early jobs. Whether you’re a creative professional, a writer navigating the publishing world, or someone interested in the deeper themes of life, this episode offers a rich blend of practical advice, personal reflections, and philosophical musings.

Tune in for an engaging discussion that will leave you with fresh perspectives on creativity, society, and the human experience.

Find Mike: http://mikeyopp.com

Sound Bites

• "No amount of success is ever going to feel like the end or like success."
• "Social media has made it worse, not better for me as far as my self-esteem, but it's also made it better for my career."
• "I'm not an entrepreneur. I'm just a creative type, and that's what it is."
• "I think it's harder for people to be pushed back on. And they think they want to be surrounded by an echo chamber and not by people who don't agree with them."
• "The internet appears to be public yet you're allowed to metaphorically sweatpants your way in and F-bomb. But I don't think that should have transferred into actual airports, actual restaurants."
• "I think the younger kids are now kind of shying away from social media and coming back to a quieter, more private life."
• "It's a common accepted notion among most people. Well, war is a thing that always happens. It can't be avoided."
• "I am not attacking capitalism and I'm not promoting communism. I am simply reflecting on the fact that within this current iteration of capitalism, you're expected to grow infinitely and that's