In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, we dive into one of the most overlooked concepts in personal growth:
The return on investment of your character.
Everyone understands investing money.
Very few understand investing in who they’re becoming.
This conversation explores:
Why doing the right thing often feels like losing
The fear of being taken advantage of
What it really costs to grow in character
Why high-character people operate on a different scoreboard
How long-term trust becomes your greatest return
If you’ve ever questioned whether it’s worth it to stay consistent, stay disciplined, or stay true to your values… this episode is for you.
Pre-order the book here:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it.
And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
0:00 – The tension between intention and direction
2:00 – Honest check-in: how we’re really doing
3:00 – The Rule of 77 explained
5:00 – Investing in character vs investing in money
6:30 – What does ROI in character actually look like?
10:30 – Real example: letting someone go for their growth
13:30 – Why character growth feels painful
16:00 – Trust as the real return
20:00 – Fear of being taken advantage of
23:00 – You’re playing a different game
26:00 – The problem with modern definitions of “winning”
27:00 – Purpose: everything to do with you, nothing to do with you
29:00 – Practical challenge: living out your values daily
The Search for What’s Real in a Noisy World
In this episode, we start with culture—Coachella, music, nostalgia—and end up somewhere deeper: the state of the world, identity, and why so many people feel exhausted, confused, and disconnected right now.
We explore:
Why culture feels like it’s repeating itself
The tension between authenticity and performance
How AI and information overload are reshaping how we think
Why people are craving depth, simplicity, and truth
The emotional and mental toll of constantly trying to “figure out what’s real”
How chaos and pressure can actually create clarity and purpose
This conversation is for anyone who feels like:
The world has gotten noisier
It’s harder to trust what’s real
Creativity feels harder than it used to
Or you’re trying to rediscover what actually matters
We don’t just talk about the problem—we point toward a path forward:
simplify, think deeper, and build something real.
Pre-order the book here:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it.
And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
00:00 – Intro
01:25 – The Reality of Building Something New
03:24 – Fear, Risk, and Starting Again
05:06 – What Actually Makes It Worth It
06:17 – Coachella, Culture & Creative Trends
08:18 – Sabrina Carpenter vs Bieber: Performance vs Authenticity
10:20 – Kanye, Influence & Creative Genius
14:14 – Why Culture Matters More Than You Think
15:24 – Are People Craving Simplicity Again?
19:52 – The Problem With Comparison in Culture
21:00 – Nostalgia & Why 2016 Still Hits
23:20 – Why Everyone Feels Exhausted Now
25:08 – The Shift in Global Reality
26:07 – The Next Era of Creativity
28:08 – Artists vs Entrepreneurs: The Tension
30:14 – Selling Ideas vs Living Them
32:03 – Why Wisdom Is the Missing Piece
34:37 – Leadership, Trust & Disillusionment
38:59 – AI, Power & The Future of Creation
40:04 – “I’m Tired of trying to figure Out What’s Real”
42:12 – Pressure Reveals What Actually Matters
43:18 – Why You Should Go All In
44:13 – Simplifying Your Life & Thinking Deeper
46:14 – Stop Consuming, Start Thinking
47:06 – Curiosity, Creativity & Following Ideas
48:37 – Final Thoughts
The world is changing faster than most people are prepared for.
AI is reshaping the workforce.
The pressure is increasing.
And a lot of people feel stuck trying to keep up.
But the real issue isn’t what’s happening around you.
It’s who you’re becoming in response to it.
In this episode, we break down why toughness, resilience, and adaptability are becoming the most valuable traits you can build—and why most people are avoiding them.
We talk about:
Why toughness is misunderstood in today’s culture
The difference between toxic environments and necessary pressure
How AI is creating opportunity (not just fear)
Why confidence is built through doing hard things
What separates people who adapt… from those who fall behind
If you’ve been feeling stuck or unsure of your next move—this episode will challenge you.
Because the truth is:
The world isn’t slowing down.
You just have to become someone who can keep up.
This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One.
Pre-order the book here:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it.
And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to
becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
00:00 – Intro: The World Is Changing Fast
02:00 – What You Can Control
04:30 – Fear + Future Planning
06:30 – AI + Job Market Shift
09:30 – Opportunity in AI
10:45 – “Toxic Culture” Debate
12:00 – Why Toughness Matters
14:30 – Finding Yourself Is Hard
17:00 – Comfort vs Weakness
18:45 – Growth = Pain
20:30 – Confidence Comes From Action
22:30 – Building Toughness Daily
25:00 – Discipline (Athletes & Military)
27:00 – Pressure + Leadership
30:00 – Loving the Process
32:30 – Suffering Builds Connection
34:00 – Resilience Is Learnable
35:30 – Discomfort vs Danger
37:00 – What Real Toughness Is
40:00 – Emotional vs Physical Strength
43:00 – Handling Criticism
45:00 – Strength + Wisdom
46:30 – The Most Valuable Skill
48:00 – Creators vs Consumers
49:30 – Adapting to Change
50:30 – Being Present
51:30 – Who Will Win Next
53:00 – Final Challenge
What if the thing you’re chasing… is the thing that will expose you?
In a world obsessed with visibility, scale, and opportunity, we rarely stop to ask a better question:
Are we actually ready for what we’re asking for?
This episode explores the idea of “little rooms”—the unseen, often overlooked seasons where real formation happens.
Before the spotlight.
Before the platform.
Before the moment.
There’s a process.
And most people try to skip it.
In this conversation, we unpack:
This isn’t just about leadership.
It’s about identity.
Because the real question isn’t: “How do I get there faster?”
It’s: “Who am I becoming on the way?”
Whether you’re leading, building, creating, or simply trying to stay grounded in a fast-moving world—this conversation is for you.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
00:00 – Intro
02:12 – Entering the Creative Zone
03:06 – Creativity & Advancing Humanity
06:04 – Introducing “Little Rooms”
08:37 – Why This Chapter Matters
14:15 – Leaving Breadcrumbs for Others
16:22 – The Power of Humble Beginnings
17:46 – Constraints Create Creativity
18:53 – Outkast & “Little Rooms” Origin
22:12 – “Lightning in a Bottle”
24:19 – Regret & Presence
25:01 – Honoring the Process
28:59 – Spotlight Reveals You
30:12 – Skill vs Exposure
31:48 – Discovering Your Strengths
32:08 – Scaling vs Creativity Tension
34:26 – What Happens When You “Make It”
38:06 – Reading: Freedom of the Basement
39:24 – Become vs Perform
40:28 – Being Present in the Process
43:06 – Your Scoreboard Matters
44:41 – Scaling Without Losing Yourself
47:18 – Conviction Through Formation
49:02 – Authenticity vs Opportunity
50:41 – Writing New Rules
52:22 – Building the Next Generation
55:02 – Legacy Over Success
59:03 – Final Charge: Don’t Despise the Little Rooms
What if the decisions you’re making… aren’t actually yours?
In this episode, we unpack a question that exposes the hidden forces shaping your life:
👉 “If you failed… what’s the one phone call you wouldn’t want to make?”
Because behind your ambition, hesitation, and even your success…there may be a voice you’ve never confronted.
We explore:
This is a deep dive into:
We also unpack:
🧠 The Exercise
Take 10–15 minutes. No distractions.
Ask yourself:
👉 “If I failed… who is the one person I wouldn’t want to call?”
Then go deeper:
This is where the work begins.
Pre-Order the Book
This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One.
Pre-order the book here:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it.
And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
00:00 – The question that exposes everything
00:20 – Intro + Oscars conversation
02:30 – Ambition vs ego
05:30 – Authenticity vs image
08:00 – Discipline behind greatness
11:00 – Enter “The Chisel”
12:00 – The one phone call question
13:30 – The CEO story (breakdown moment)
16:00 – Pressure, identity, and leadership
18:00 – Perfection vs uncertainty
20:00 – The hidden voice behind decisions
22:30 – Most people aren’t aware of it
24:00 – Becoming self-aware
26:00 – Fear, shame, and past experiences
27:30 – What’s actually shaping you
30:00 – Personal example (father + identity)
31:30 – The “echo” in your mind
33:00 – Why success requires emptying yourself
36:00 – The truth about sacrifice
38:00 – How to separate your voice
40:00 – The exercise explained
43:00 – This isn’t about blame
45:00 – Clarity and alignment
47:30 – Final challenge
What if the rise of astrology, “manifestation,” and modern spirituality isn’t random… but a response to something deeper?
In this episode, we dive into a conversation most people are afraid to have:
This isn’t a surface-level conversation. It’s raw, honest, and explores the tension between:
We also unpack:
Pre-Order the Book
Pre-order the book here: http://magnumopusproject.co
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
00:00 – Intro & setting the stage
02:40 – “We’re building something that doesn’t exist yet”
04:40 – How social media reshaped identity
05:30 – Why people are turning to the supernatural
07:10 – Would that make Christians “magicians”?
12:00 – Why people are drawn to astrology
14:00 – It all comes back to control
16:00 – The desire to “become the source”
20:40 – Control, anxiety, and modern habits
25:00 – Superstition, obsession, and faith
35:30 – Faith vs. controlling outcomes
52:00 – Are we living under a “spell”?
Why are you really doing what you’re doing?
Most people can explain what they do. Some can explain how they do it. Almost nobody can explain their real why.
In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian Crawford and Breezy unpack one of the most powerful principles from Magnum Opus — The Scalpel. The practice of asking yourself “why” isn’t soft self-help. It’s surgical. It cuts through performance, press releases, and public image to expose the origin story underneath.
Because here’s the truth:
The first answer you give is usually a press release.
The real answer lives in the basement.
We explore:
Why most people are terrified of their real motives
The difference between curiosity and interrogation
How shame blocks self-discovery
Why humans compromise themselves just to belong
What happens when you disconnect from your origin story
Why integration work creates freedom
And how asking “why” can literally bring you back to life
This conversation is vulnerable, layered, and honest — especially around topics like mission vs. family, superficial desires vs. deeper motives, and the pressure to give socially acceptable answers.
If you’ve ever felt like:
You’re performing instead of living
You’re successful but not satisfied
You’re disconnected from your deeper motives
Or you’re tired of giving “marketing why” answers
This episode is for you.
This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One.
Pre-order the book here:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it.
And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
00:00 – The Question That Sets You Free
01:06 – Why Most People Are Afraid of Their Real “Why”
02:24 – Where the “Why” Practice Came From (Therapy + Five Minutes of Real Time)
03:18 – Is This the Same as Simon Sinek’s Start With Why?
04:38 – Poverty, Fear, and the Survival-Driven Career Path
07:16 – Why Asking “Why” Feels So Exposing
11:34 – The Scalpel: Why Is Surgical, Not Soft
17:26 – The Jordan Story: Origin Narratives & Superficial Desires
20:00 – Curiosity vs. Interrogation
23:39 – Overthinking Your Motives
26:13 – Should You Question Other People’s Motives?
31:21 – Why We Give Press Release Answers
35:12 – What Happens When You’re Disconnected from Your Why
39:40 – Common “Marketing Why” Responses
44:00 – Mission vs. Family (An Honest Conversation)
47:04 – What Happens When You Live Connected to Your Why
48:51 – “I Think I’m Alive Because of the Integration Work”
50:16 – Magnum Opus & The Long Game
We’re living in a pivotal time.
In a world that rewards performance, platforms, personas, and amplifies approval, it’s easy to slowly drift away from who you actually are.
In this episode, we explore “The Unbecoming.”
Not the act of becoming someone new —
but the painful process of shedding the character you’ve been playing.
Why performance culture is exhausting
How approval can slowly become a prison
The difference between talent and performing for validation
Guilt vs. shame (“I did something bad” vs. “I am bad”)
Why freedom always costs something
The power of being able to walk away
The question that changes everything: “Where are you?”
This episode continues our journey through Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One.
Pre-order the book here:
If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs it.
And in the meantime — keep writing new rules.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
00:00 – We’re Living in a Pivotal Time
02:00 – Why Everyone Feels Exhausted
07:00 – The Character You Don’t Know You’re Playing
10:50 – Everything Is Performative
15:00 – Talent vs Performance
19:40 – Your Backstage Reality Gets Exposed
20:15 – The Lady Gaga “Unbecoming” Moment
23:00 – When You Realize You’re Not Being Yourself
25:30 – How Performance Becomes a Prison
28:40 – The Role of Shame
33:40 – Guilt vs Shame
36:00 – Can Unbecoming Destroy Your Life?
38:20 – Changing the Scoreboard
39:50 – Freedom Is Dangerous
41:15 – The Cost of Authenticity
43:40 – Under Pressure, You Get Exposed
49:10 – Where Do You Begin?
55:10 – The Question: Where Are You?
59:10 – How to Start Rebuilding
Our whole lives we’ve been told two competing messages: be unique, but also fit in; be original, but make sure you’re accepted. So which is it? In this episode, we unpack the tension at the heart of identity—the paradox of being completely one of one while still being made of the same “frozen water” as everyone else.
If these concepts and ideas have inspired you to begin your journey toward becoming one of one, we highly encourage you to pre-order a hardcover copy of Adrian Crawford’s Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One.
Purchase the book today!
https://www.newrulescollective.com/product-page/magnum-opus-the-art-of-becoming-one-of-one
You are unique, but you’re not superior. You’re human. And learning to live in that tension may be one of the most important leadership skills of our generation.
Authenticity vs performance
Belonging vs fitting in
Personal growth and self development
The difference between finding yourself and becoming yourself
Identity in an age of social media
Confidence without ego
Leadership rooted in humility
Purpose, calling, and self awareness
Why most people cosplay uniqueness
How to stop performing and start becoming
If you’ve ever struggled with:
Comparison
Feeling behind
Trying to stand out
Trying to fit in
Losing yourself in success
Chasing approval
Wanting deeper meaning and purpose
This episode is for you.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
📲 To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
If you feel like the world is shifting faster than you can process… If you’re exhausted from performing… If you know there’s something deeper in you that hasn’t fully come alive yet…
This episode is your starting point.
This week on The New Rules Podcast, we launch a brand-new season centered around one idea: Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One — your great work.
But not the kind you put on a résumé.
The kind you become.
In Episode 107, we unpack what it means to design your internal world instead of letting culture design it for you. As systems destabilize and predictability fades, the question is no longer, “How do I win the game?” — it’s “Who am I becoming inside of it?”
This conversation explores why so many feel misaligned and stuck in performance although it’s exhausting, and how to begin the process of becoming “one of one.”
We introduce a powerful four-phase framework inspired by Adrian Crawford’s powerful new book Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One.
Echo – Discovering the inherited narratives, history, and internal patterns shaping you
Chisel – Developing disciplines that bring your real self forward
Fire – Integrating your gifts into the world with power and responsibility
Work – Evaluating whether your life is producing real impact or just personal gain
This episode dives into:
How your internal world is being formed — whether you’re intentional or not
The mental and emotional cost of living disconnected from yourself
How modern systems mass-produce performance instead of cultivating originality
Why creativity feels rare in today’s world
The difference between being impressive and being integrated
Why great work is formed in “little rooms” before it’s seen in big ones
How responsibility — not astrology, personality tests, or systems — shapes identity
This isn’t a “5 steps to success” conversation.
It’s an invitation.
To slow down.
To sit with deeper questions.
To stop outsourcing your design.
To take ownership of who you’re becoming.
Magnum Opus: The Art of Becoming One of One sets the foundation for a season focused on identity, leadership, creativity, and building something that outlives you.
If you’re ready to stop performing and start becoming, this episode is for you.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: / adriancrawford-nrc
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/writenewrules/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@writenewrules
Purchase the book today: https://www.newrulescollective.com/product-page/magnum-opus-the-art-of-becoming-one-of-one
If you’re heading into change, feeling the weight of decision-making, or wanting to lead yourself more intentionally, this episode will help you slow down, think critically, and move forward with clarity.
This week on The New Rules Podcast, Bri is joined by producer Lauren for a reflective, honest conversation to close out the year. Together, they unpack what it looks like to learn yourself deeply, take responsibility for your internal world, and develop the foresight needed to navigate pressure, transition, and uncertainty.
This episode explores why reflection isn’t just a year-end exercise, but a lifelong discipline that turns awareness into wisdom. From tracking patterns and managing fear to understanding responsibility, calling, and self-governance, this conversation offers language and perspective for anyone stepping into a new season.
We cover:
Why reflection is essential for growth, not just insight
How to track patterns before they become problems
The difference between awareness and responsibility
Learning to anticipate pressure instead of reacting to it
Self-governance and owning your internal world
How commitment shapes maturity over time
Using reflection as foresight, not hindsight
Why knowing yourself matters more than controlling outcomes
This episode is thoughtful, grounding, and deeply practical for anyone committed to becoming wiser, more self-aware, and more intentional in the year ahead.
📲 Connect with Us:
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
This week, we’re diving into a skill most people skip but everyone needs: reflection.
Not the “wow, that happened” kind. The kind that turns your past into information so you can build foresight, notice patterns, and stop repeating the same cycles in a new year.
If you’ve ever set goals without slowing down long enough to understand what’s actually been shaping you, this episode will give you language and a framework to make reflection a muscle, something you practice, not something you do once a year. Reflection takes internal fortitude, but it’s how gratitude, correction, and growth become possible.
We cover:
Why reflection takes internal fortitude and why the moments you want to avoid are often where the lesson is
How to “excavate” cringe/embarrassing moments instead of running from them
Why we need to reflect on wins too (not just failures) so we can repeat what actually works
The paradox: it’s often what goes unaddressed that becomes your future
The “watch film” framework for reviewing life with a bird’s-eye view (good, bad, and everything in between)
A practical way to reflect by reviewing what you’ve created (writing, work, episodes, output) as evidence of who you were
How to separate what’s you, what’s influence, and what’s fear because life is layered
How to actually find time: silence, closing mental tabs, and making reflection a habit
This episode is honest, practical, and gives you a framework to stop drifting so you can build a better future with clarity instead of just hoping things change.
📲 Connect with Us:
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
This week, we’re bringing you a special Holiday Q&A Episode, featuring real questions from our listeners about navigating family, old patterns, and emotional pressure during the holidays.
This is an episode that helps you lead yourself well and navigate the old patterns and challenging environments that the holidays often resurface. Listen for language, tools, and perspective to stay grounded, lead yourself well, and show up as the healthiest version of you. For your own growth or to be someone that encourages the people around you.
We cover:
How to stay grounded when you feel reactive or disconnected.
Whether irritation means you haven’t forgiven someone.
How to set boundaries without creating unnecessary conflict.
How to be around family members who are estranged from one another.
What to do when you’ve outgrown old friendships back home.
How to measure your resilience and self-awareness in real time.
How to show up authentically without expecting others to change.
How to care for yourself before and after the holiday environment.
This episode is honest, practical, and full of wisdom for anyone walking into environments that pull on their history or test their growth.
📲 Connect with Us:
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian and Bri dive into one of the most overlooked forces shaping our lives: belief.
Not blind optimism. Not hype. But the deep, internal conviction that fuels calling, direction, resilience, and identity.
Starting with Winston Churchill’s outrageous belief at 19 that he would one day save England, the conversation unpacks how belief forms, why it wavers, and how you can build it in your own life. Adrian opens up about his lifelong struggle with self-belief, how ADHD shaped his confidence, and the role others played in helping him see what he couldn’t see in himself.
They explore:
Why belief often looks irrational from the outside.
The tension between bold belief and foolishness.
How belief anchors identity, especially in seasons of doubt.
Why those with strong belief often experience deep lows.
How belief in others (kids, spouse, team) shapes their future.
Why calling needs both conviction and evidence.
The role of time in confirming or correcting your belief.
How to choose belief when the evidence isn’t there yet.
This conversation is honest, practical, and deeply human—helping you understand how belief works and what it will take to become who you’re designed to be.
📲 Connect with Us:
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian and Bri unpack the truth behind one of the most overused ideas in culture: being “one of one.”
Everyone says they want to be different, but few are willing to fight the internal war it takes to truly become who they were designed to be.
This conversation explores the cost of authenticity, the battle between your past and your future, and what it really means to live as a whole person, not a performance.
They discuss:
Why most people are chasing uniqueness for the wrong reasons.
The real difference between being different and being whole.
The war between your past and your future and how to win it.
How pain, purpose, and calling are connected.
Why becoming 1 of 1 isn’t about fame, but transformation.
This is a raw and hopeful episode about the fight to be real in a culture of copies.
📲 Connect with Us:
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian and Bri sit down with one of their favorite thinkers, Mark Sayers, pastor of Red Church in Melbourne and author of A Non-anxious Presence and Reappearing Church. Known for his insights on faith, culture, and leadership, Mark unpacks what it means to live and lead faithfully in a world defined by uncertainty, disinformation, and rapid technological change.
Together, they explore:
How AI and cultural instability are reshaping leadership.
The hidden spiritual hunger emerging beneath global chaos.
The loss of truth, the rise of tribalism, and what authentic hope looks like now.
Why the next era of leadership requires depth, humility, and integrity rather than platforms.
This is a timely and deeply grounded conversation about faith, formation, and the kind of leadership the future desperately needs.
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To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
MAJOR MILESTONE: 100 EPISODES
Today, Bri and Adrian reflect on how the show started, the doubts they had, the lessons learned along the way, and the growth they’ve seen in themselves and their audience. From filming on Clorox boxes to building a set, from almost quitting to finding their rhythm, this episode is about perseverance, purpose, and the power of just taking the first step.
The fears and insecurities that almost stopped the podcast early on.
How commitment for one year changed everything.
The evolution of authenticity and communication.
What it means to take risks and be “seen trying.”
The role of mentorship, feedback, and intergenerational trust.
How seasons of uncertainty can still lead to clarity and conviction.
Why building something that lasts matters more than going viral.
This episode is a thank you to every listener, every share, every message, and every person who’s believed in this journey.
Here’s to the next hundred.
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Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian and Bri sit down with innovator, creator, and futurist, Vince Hunt, to talk about AI and the future of leadership.
Instead of reacting to technology with fear, this conversation explores how we can lead with curiosity, responsibility, and courage in an era defined by rapid innovation.
They unpack:
The tension between fear and curiosity in how we approach AI.
What AI reveals about human creativity, control, and insecurity.
How faith and ethics can guide innovation.
Why authentic leaders must embrace, not avoid, technological change.
How to stay human while leveraging the power of machines.
This is a forward-looking and deeply human conversation about progress, purpose, and the kind of leadership the future demands.
📲 Connect with Us:
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Adrian and Bri dig into one of the most powerful but misunderstood concepts in our culture: authenticity.
We hear the word everywhere—but what does it actually mean to live authentically? And why is it so difficult in a world obsessed with image, branding, and performance?
Adrian and Bri unpack:
The true definition of authenticity (beyond “just being yourself”)
The hidden costs of living authentically—and the freedom it brings
Why vulnerability is essential to authenticity
How leaders can model authenticity without oversharing
Guardrails that keep authenticity from becoming performance
Why authenticity is the key to trust, connection, and real growth
This episode is a challenge to stop performing, let go of the need for approval, and step into the wholeness of living authentically.
📲 Connect with Us:
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
In this episode of The New Rules Podcast, Bri and Adrian dive into the aftermath of the assassination of Charlie Kirk and wrestle with one of America’s most charged conversations: freedom.
Is our idea of “freedom” really making society better or is it fueling violence, division, and selfishness? From political hypocrisy to the misuse of Christianity in culture wars, Bri and Adrian ask the tough questions about faith, politics, and power in today’s America.
They explore:
Why America’s definition of freedom is unraveling.
The political and faith-based reactions to Charlie Kirk’s death.
The parallels between today’s unrest and historical violence.
The dangers of weaponizing Christianity in politics.
How leaders can choose resilience, responsibility, and restraint in moments of chaos.
This is a raw, challenging, and necessary conversation for anyone navigating leadership, faith, or cultural tension in America today.
📲 Connect with Us:
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
In this raw episode, Bri and Adrian take an honest look at what the last few months have been like. From internal battles with fear and shame to external pressures of leadership, parenting, and running a growing company, they open up about the weight they’ve been carrying.
This conversation covers the reality of mental health, the cycles of fear that resurface even with growth, and the paradox of showing up for others while struggling internally. It’s an inside look at the cost of leadership, partnership, and authenticity when life feels overwhelming.
If you’ve ever faced seasons where fear, pressure, or self-doubt made you question everything, you’re not alone. This episode is a reminder that resilience is forged in the fire, and authenticity often looks like admitting when life feels too heavy.
📲 Connect with Us:
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
Listen to the full conversation on your favorite platform:
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
This week on the New Rules Podcast, we flipped the script. Our incredible producer Lauren stepped in front of the mic with full permission to ask Adrian anything with no prep, no rules, no limits.
From the lighthearted “What five items would resurrect your ghost?” to the deeply personal balancing calling, insecurity, and vanity, this conversation goes everywhere: marriage, parenting, community, leadership, childhood memories, and even Lauren’s obsession with fire.
It’s unscripted, unfiltered, and unexpectedly vulnerable. If you’ve ever wondered what Adrian really thinks when he’s off the cuff, this is the episode for you.
In this episode:
Marriage lessons + parenting reflections
What he’s learned from watching his kids grow up
Childhood imagination, courage, and calling
Why self-doubt and waiting felt like torture
AI, authenticity, and the future of leadership
Community as joy and inconvenience
Why you can’t force someone’s growth
📲 Connect with Us:
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
Listen to the full conversation on your favorite platform:
Listen on Spotify (linked)
Listen on Apple Podcasts (linked)
Watch on YouTube (linked on lib)
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
We often hear, “Don’t doubt yourself. Be confident.” But what if self-doubt isn’t always the enemy? What if it’s a tool that, when used wisely, can actually make you sharper, more grounded, and more effective?
In this raw and honest conversation, Adrian and Bri explore the pros and cons of self-doubt… when it can hold you back, and when it can actually push you forward.
You’ll hear:
Why too much confidence can be just as dangerous as too little
How to recognize healthy vs. unhealthy doubt
Stories of leaders and creators who leveraged self-doubt for growth
Practical tools to turn insecurity into insight
How to balance confidence with humility in real life
This episode isn’t about pretending you don’t have doubts, it’s about learning to think differently about them so they fuel your growth instead of your fear.
📲 Connect with Us:
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
In a world overflowing with hot takes, trending reels, and endless scrolling, are you actually thinking for yourself or just reacting to what the algorithm feeds you?
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by constant noise, frustrated by polarized thinking, or stuck in a loop of reacting instead of reflecting, this episode is for you. Adrian Crawford and Breezy dive deep into the discipline of critical thinking and why it’s becoming a rare but essential skill for leaders, creators, and anyone navigating modern life.
We explore:
Why groupthink is more dangerous than ever
How anxiety and overstimulation quietly erode creativity and wisdom
The difference between information and understanding
How to filter, process, and apply wisdom in a fast-paced world
This isn’t just a conversation, it’s a challenge to stop living in the loop of consumption and start applying what you know. Because wisdom isn’t found in knowing more… it’s in thinking better.
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Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
For Libsyn:
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules
This week’s episode takes a deeply personal turn.
Adrian sits down with his daughters for a raw and reflective conversation about what it’s really like to grow up watching a parent live on mission. From the moments that shaped them to the things they never said out loud until now, we explore the unseen cost of leadership at home—and what it takes to lead and love well in both public and private.
Together with Bri, they explore honest questions, emotional moments, and meaningful reflection. This is a conversation for anyone navigating purpose, leadership, and parenthood.
📲 Connect with Us:
Don't forget to subscribe and leave a review! Share your thoughts on how power and fear have played a role in your own leadership experiences.
We'd love to hear your thoughts! After listening, don't forget to leave a comment on YouTube, leave a review, and share your favorite takeaways on social media.
More of a visual person?
You can WATCH today’s episode on our Youtube Channel:
Youtube: youtube.com/WriteNewRules
To stay connected, visit us at the following places to help as a guide for you on your journey to becoming an authentic leader!
LinkedIn: Adrian Crawford
Instagram: @writenewrules
TikTok: @writenewrules