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The Art of Influence

The Art of Influence

By: Maitt Saiwyer
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Welcome to The Art if Influence, the show that cuts through all the information noise to get to what really matters. We offer a shortcut to being genuinely well-informed by digging into different sources to find those key insights. Our mission is to connect threads that seem totally separate, helping you see the patterns that are often overlooked. We believe that true value, whether in resources or in people, often requires a fundamental shift in perspective.

Each episode challenges our basic assumptions about where worth and value can be found. We explore societal blindness to both obvious material value, like a hidden oil field, and the unrecognized genius of entire groups of people. It all comes back to how we see the world and the viewpoints we choose to question. This is the kind of critical thinking we aim to spark with every episode.

The Art if Influence provides quick, thorough knowledge with details that stick, sharpening your perspective source by source. Join us to explore the hidden "acres of diamonds"—all the knowledge and human stories waiting to be discovered.

Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
Philosophy Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Episode 100 - The Final Synthesis: Your Acres of Diamonds
    Oct 12 2025

    In our final episode, we bring it all back to the central theme of Russell Conwell's "Acres of Diamonds," synthesizing the wisdom of all 100 episodes into a final, powerful call to action. The core message is that the most valuable resources for a life of purpose, influence, and impact are often hidden in plain sight. From the timeless rhetoric of Aristotle to the modern wisdom of Steve Jobs, the secret has always been to learn how to see the potential within and around you.

    This episode is a grand synthesis of the entire series. We weave together the key lessons on kindness, resilience, awareness, and creativity from our featured speakers. From George Saunders to J.K. Rowling, from Neil Gaiman to David Foster Wallace, they all provide a piece of the map to your own acres of diamonds. This finale is designed to be your ultimate curriculum for a life of meaning.

    Join us one last time as we unearth the hidden treasures in your own life. This is your guide to using them to create a legacy of purpose, influence, and impact.

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    27 mins
  • Episode 99 - The Ripple Effect of a Dream: The Enduring Legacy of MLK's Vision
    Oct 12 2025

    In this episode, we explore the long-term ripple effect of Martin Luther King Jr.’s "I Have a Dream" speech, delivered in 1963. While the speech is a celebrated moment in history, its true power lies in its enduring legacy. This episode traces its influence on subsequent generations of activists, leaders, and ordinary citizens who have been inspired by King’s vision of a more just and equitable world. His dream did not die in 1963; it continues to inspire and to challenge us.

    We will analyze the key elements of King’s vision that have made it so timeless. The episode delves into his ability to root his call for racial justice in the universal principles of freedom and equality. We explore how his dream of a "beloved community" has become a guiding star for social justice movements around the world. His speech is a testament to the power of a single, well-articulated vision to change the world.

    Join us for a look at the enduring power of a dream. We celebrate the lasting legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and the ongoing work of making his dream a reality.

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    31 mins
  • Episode 98 - The Future of Art: Applying Neil Gaiman's Wisdom to the 21st Century
    Oct 12 2025

    This episode looks to the future, applying the timeless wisdom of Neil Gaiman’s Make Good Art speech to the unique challenges and opportunities of the 21st-century creative landscape. In an age of artificial intelligence, social media, and a rapidly changing economy, what does it mean to "make good art"? This episode explores how Gaiman’s core principles of resilience, authenticity, and creative courage are more relevant than ever.

    We will discuss the practical application of his advice for a new generation of artists. The episode delves into his ideas on making your own rules, dealing with the pressures of a hyper-connected world, and the enduring importance of a unique creative voice. We analyze how his famous injunction to "make good art" can be a guiding light for creatives navigating an uncertain future. His speech provides a timeless compass for a life in the arts.

    This is a call to action for the next generation of creators. We explore how Neil Gaiman’s wisdom can help you not just survive, but thrive in the creative world of tomorrow.

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    27 mins
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