In this insightful James Fell Podcast episode on Just Keep Learning, we explore the mind of a tremendous author, speaker, and fitness expert.
This interview came at an incredible time because it was right when I was thinking about giving up on this very show.
Then I had my own Holy Shit Moment where I realized the motivation to make it a lifelong, infinite, forever project.
James Fell is renowned for his concept of the "Holy Shit Moment."
Throughout the conversation, he shares his journey from fitness writing to history, while offering advice on finding instant motivation, writing with ADHD, and living a fulfilling life.
Authenticity and Profanity
Known as the sweary historian, a highlight is his candid discussion about using profanity to add humor and relatability to his writing.
We talk about swear words and how they have a powerful time and place in culture.
Drawing on his upbringing and career as a fitness writer, James explains how swearing allows him to connect with his audience in a unique, authentic way.
His controlled use of swearing is a key theme, demonstrating how being true to yourself can elevate your storytelling ability.
Writing with ADHD
James opens up about how being diagnosed with ADHD has influenced his writing process.
He describes how hyperfixation and the natural wandering of his ADHD mind help him create engaging and dynamic stories.
In this podcast episode, he shares his personal strategies for balancing creativity with daily life tasks, showcasing the importance of finding a workflow that suits individual needs, especially for creative professionals.
His Approach to Reading and Writing Practice
For aspiring writers, this James Fell Podcast offers essential advice on honing your craft. James highlights the importance of reading widely and writing consistently, citing Stephen King's famous axiom, "Read a lot and write a lot." In this podcast episode, he shares how his extensive reading shaped his own writing style and encourages emerging writers to embrace their early failures as part of the learning process.
Building an Audience
One of the key topics discussed is the importance of building an audience.
James reflects on how he grew his readership through social media platforms like Facebook and Substack.
In this episode, he emphasizes the evolving nature of social media and shares his journey of going from fitness writing to becoming a successful history writer.
His story is a testament to the power of persistence and adaptability in the face of changing trends.
The Journey From Fitness to Sweary History
James talks about his pivot from fitness writing to history, recounting how he built his "sweary historian" persona.
He discusses how his irreverent and humorous take on history resonated with audiences and allowed him to truly embrace his passion for storytelling.
This episode offers valuable insights into how creatives can evolve and find success by exploring new avenues, even when starting in a completely different niche.
Advice for Aspiring Creatives
Here a few practical pieces of advice listeners can take away when pursuing creative careers:
- Embrace creativity: Let your mind explore different possibilities, even if it feels scattered.
- Be adaptable: Success often comes from evolving and trying new things over time.
- Build an audience: Start engaging with your followers and readers from day one, and don’t be afraid of slow growth.
- Keep improving: Whether through reading, writing, or learning from others, the key is to never stop growing.
Memorable Quotes
“Action is the antidote to despair.”
“Controlled authenticity is the key to being true to yourself while maintaining professionalism.”
“There’s value in learning about other people’s points of view and embracing people for their differences.”
Guest Bio
James Fell is a Canadian writer known for his work in both fitness and history. He began his writing career by focusing on health and fitness, aiming to debunk common fitness myths and promote a practical approach to diet and exercise. His fitness writing was featured in several major publications like the Los Angeles Times, Chicago Tribune, and Men’s Health. His first book, Lose It Right, advocated for a sustainable, slow-paced approach to weight loss and fitness.
In 2019, Fell published The Holy Sh!t Moment, which explored the psychology behind life-changing epiphanies and long-term transformations. However, his career took a new turn in 2020 when he shifted his focus to history, starting with daily posts on unusual historical events. These posts gained significant attention, leading to the publication of On This Day in History Sh!t Went Down, which became a best-seller in Canada.
Today, James Fell continues to write, focusing on entertaining and educating his audience through historical storytelling, while also sharing insights from his fitness journey and personal experiences.
Follow James Fell
Website:JamesFell.com
LinkedIn:@James--Fell
I'm so happy you found this podcast. I am here to serve you, the creative solopreneur & aspiring content creator to get clarity on how to create content, teaching, build a business and design the life of your dreams without burning out in the online learning, creator economy.
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