You’re reading A Year of Mental Health, a 3x/week newsletter on purposeful productivity. If you find it helpful, click the “like” button at the top or bottom and share the post with someone who might benefit from it. 💚 "Take a moment every day to listen to a kid": A Conversation with Brad MontagueIt's time for a new interview! Next up: Brad Montague, bestselling author, illustrator, speaker, and creator of the hit web series Kid President.Our interview series features interesting people with something to say that the world needs hearing. Let me know what you think—we’ll continue to experiment and evolve along the way. 🙏 Introducing Brad MontagueI’ve known Brad for more than 10 years, ever since we first connected at my annual event, the World Domination Summit. Since then he’s gone on to produce a number of incredible projects, including a global movement called Socktober which helps millions of people each October, as well as a series of illustrated books that are read by children of all ages. This week he has a brand-new book out on the topic of failure. 📕 (Side note: for years I’ve wanted to do a book on failure, too! But Brad beat me to it, so I guess this is a failure I should fail-a-brate? Hmmm.) Here are a few highlights from Brad’s bio:
Naturally, we’re more interested in the person behind the impressive bio. And since this is 🌻 A Year of Mental Health, I’m interested in how people think about wellbeing in general. So let’s have some questions and answers with Brad Montague (There’s also a short audio recording from him—scroll down for that.)Qs & As with Brad
So much of my personal well-being is about finding a balance between passion and peace. Like, I know I’m in a healthy place when I feel excited or engaged with my work or projects because they are such an extension of everything I love and care about. I have also learned how much I need to step back and enjoy downtime. Something I’ve noticed about pretty much every single time travel story, whether it’s Back To The Future, About Time, Outlander, or whatever — they might travel to the distant past or blast into the future. Still, the big takeaway for the hero at the end is always how much of life is about being present. A giant flag for me with my mental health is when I’m spending too much time obsessing about something in the past or worrying about something in the future. That means it’s time for me to seek presence. Whether I’m creating or connecting with people right in front of me or simply taking a breath, these become part of my pathway into presence. I’ve been discovering this kind of peace can be found regardless of external circumstances, highs, or lows of creative life. Presence is possible.
I once heard singer Warren Zevon being interviewed by David Letterman. It was very close to the end of Zevon’s battle with illness. Letterman asked him a question about what he’d learned about life. Zevon’s advice: “Enjoy every sandwich.” Those three words floored me. So simple, but powerful. It seems silly that we need such reminders, but we do. My message to the world, whether it’s through a picture book, a little illustration in a magazine, or a speech on a stage, is generally always a reminder that joy is possible. Joy is worth it. Joy is waiting. Seek it. Live it. Share it. My latest book, Fail-a-bration, is about how joy can be found even in setbacks. It’s something I’ve been discovering through interviews with CEOs or drawing demonstrations in elementary art classrooms: acknowledging and celebrating our imperfections can lead to more authentic and joyful experiences. I keep finding that joy can be found if we playfully and creatively respond to whatever life brings.
Look, I don’t want to stir up any divisive drama in your corner of the internet, Chris. But here it is—I think it’s okay to like things. There, I said it. Pineapple on pizza? I’m OK with it! Candy corn? I love the stuff. Do I get why people might not like it? Maybe. Still, I like it, and it’s okay to like stuff, ok? Brad Montague’s Audio Recording 🎙️I usually ask our interviewees to make a short audio recording in addition to the written questions. This isn’t a long podcast interview, it’s just two minutes long—so you don’t want to skip it. Here’s the one from Brad! ⬇️
Okay, back to some more Qs and recommendations!
I struggle to find balance amid an overflowing plate of projects and commitments. There are so many things I’m passionate about and so many things I’m eager to make happen. I’m involved in a variety of creative endeavors, and while it’s exciting, it can also be overwhelming. To help with this, I’ve been spending a lot more time seeking clarity on what to prioritize when. In the same way, I might create a book map to develop a picture book; I’m learning there are ways I can better shape the story I’m living. The challenge is managing my time and energy effectively so that I don’t lose sight of the joy and purpose in each project, each person, each day. It’s an ongoing journey and an ongoing story!
Embrace imperfections. Enough with trying to be perfect or avoiding mistakes. That’s a life lived in fear. Operate from a place of love not for love! Allow yourself space to show up, mess up, and grow up. Learn from your failures, then share your wisdom. Grow and help others grow. Listen to a kid. Take a moment every day to listen to a kid. It might be a child in your life you care about. It might be your inner child. It might be taking in a picture book. Spend some time in your day honoring the humanity of young people, and it’ll lead to wonderful places in your heart and life. Wave to a stranger like they’re Beyoncé. Will it confuse them? Possibly. We need to be confused sometimes. All these things help bring me to a place of peace, play, and presence.
Books:
Substacks:
Song: Big Thanks to Brad Montague!Be sure to check out his new book Fail-a-bration! You can also find him on
Finally, “like” or comment on this post if you enjoyed the interview! More are in the works, so be sure you’re subscribed—and stay tuned. 🙏 See alsoYou’re currently a free subscriber to 🌻 A Year of Mental Health. For the full experience, consider upgrading! |
Wednesday, September 11, 2024
"Take a moment every day to listen to a kid": A Conversation with Brad Montague
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