Akimbo with Seth Godin

Written by Leigh Martinuzzi 

Seth Godin is a bit of a genius in the marketing and entrepreneurial space. He even has his own Wikipedia page which, surprisingly enough, was a topic of conversation from season three, episode one – The Deletionists. He has primarily been involved in start-up businesses including his work for Yoyodyne, a very successful marketing company that helps companies promote their products and services in unique ways.

He is also a prolific blogger and author. According to his Wikipedia page, he has published 18 books, and let’s assume this is accurate. I’ve read a couple and have his latest one on the desk ready to read. His new book is This Is Marketing. As I said, he is a bit of a marketing genius. The first book I read of his was Purple Cow – a book that teaches businesses and entrepreneurs how to stand out from the crowd and how to gain attention in an unobtrusive manner. It’s well worth a read.

There are many others including Poke the Box, The Dip, Tribes, Linchpin and All Marketers are Liars. If you take a look at some of his other work you will begin to realise that he is not purely a marketing guru. I think what keeps my interest is the way he observes, thinks and perceives things. He looks at life through a different lens.

The podcast is an extension of his years of experience showcases a broad spectrum of wisdom and knowledge on certain topics relevant to business, marketers, entrepreneurs, writers and well anyone looking to create art and ship their work to an audience.

If you subscribe to his blogs you will receive daily insights of wisdom, knowledge and motivation. Things that will get the brain working and I believe even open your perspectives to the way you view the world. It certainly had a noticeable effect on my life. The podcast does much the same. I’d put it in a similar category to the Malcolm Gladwell podcast – episodes that may seem unfamiliar or of little interest yet always fascinate and provide value.

Akimbo – what the fuck is Akimbo. I had to look it up. According to Seth, it derives from an ancient word that means the bend in the river or that of an archers bow. Becoming a symbol of strength and possibility. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary to have a stance with “arms Akimbo” means to stand with hands on the hips and elbows pointing out. A stance that one may perceive at any time one of confidence, defiance, aggressiveness or arrogance.

I guess for the purpose of Seth’s podcast he wants to encourage akimbo as a way to stand tall with confidence looking at things directly with an intent to making a difference. It is a podcast about culture and how we can make a difference.

Yes, there is plenty of marketing, sales and entrepreneurial topics in each episode however embedded within there are brilliant messages, thoughts and ideas that are delivered by Seth with elegance and splendid clarity. It is part of what I truly admire about him. He has an ease of explaining things with research and relevance

Similar to his blogs, the episodes are short and on topic. At the end of each episode, usually 20 to 30 minutes in length, Seth takes some time to answer questions that come in from guests about past shows. Always some further clarity to be gained here and again not too long or drawn out. He selects and combines a couple of the best ones and presents quality answers.

Like the name Akimbo itself, the titles of each episode are equally intriguing. From Spirit of the Game, Juggling and Bicycles, to Freelancers and Hitsville – they are all enticing and sure to please. Seth is a Master of Communication and has earnt the right to be listened to as a person of expertise. Enjoy!

If this podcast sounds of interest you can have a listen here.

Please leave your thoughts, comments & questions below.

Peace, passion and purpose…

Links to books I’ve reviewed by Seth Godin

028: Book Reflections| Poke the Box: When Was the Last Time You Did Something for the First Time? by Seth Godin

https://www.thehiddenwhy.com/book-review-purple-cow-by-seth-godin/

Further Reading and Resources 

TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading

Psychology Today: Psychology Today is devoted exclusively to everybody’s favourite subject – Ourselves

Life Hack: Tips for Life

Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y

Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.

The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.

Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain

Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate

The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.

American Psychological Association: The largest scientific and professional organization of psychologists in the United State

The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.

Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.

Brain Pickings: An inventory of cross-disciplinary interestingness, spanning art, science, design, history, philosophy, and more.

Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.

Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.

Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.” 

Addicted 2 Success: Motivation & Inspiration Website full of quotes and inspiring articles for entrepreneurs.

Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.

The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.