How Standup Comedian Creates and Refines Material - Matt Ruby

In Chapter 17 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "How Do You Choose Whether to Refine Existing Material or Develop New Material?"  Performing regularly in New York amongst very competitive peers, Ruby finds incentive to actively evolve his portfolio while improving his delivery.  He does note, however, that this has its limits.  He finds slowly growing comedy pieces allows him to expand them into a larger block of material.   

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian based in New York City.  He co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and manages a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University.

Why Standup Comedians Need a Short and Long Game - Matt Ruby

In Chapter 18 of 18 in his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, standup comedian Matt Ruby answers "Why is It Important Standup Comedians Develop Both a Short Game and a Long Game?"  Ruby notes how the two approaches differ.  Short games get comedians into festivals, contests, and late night programs.  It is essential standup comedians have a short game, however does not necessarily mean they are great comedians. 

Matt Ruby is a standup comedian based in New York City.  He co-produces the weekly show "Hot Soup", co-hosts the monthly show "We're All Friends Here", and manages a comedy blog "Sandpaper Suit".  Ruby graduated from Northwestern University.

What Gets Easier and What Gets Harder - Scott Gold

In Chapter 1 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "What is Getting Easier and What is Getting Harder in Your Life?" Gold notes that after ten years in New York City, it is becoming harder to be away from his New Orleans roots. Professionally, as a writer, it is getting easier for Gold as he settles into his style, makes connections, and as a result carries himself more confidently. Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City. When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn. He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis.

What Makes Relationships Last a Lifetime - Scott Gold

In Chapter 2 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "What Has Your Parents' Marriage Taught You About Building More Lasting Relationships?"  When his parents disagree, they never make personal attacks.  He learns from his parents' ability to create a laughter filled environment and overcome adversity such as home wrecking hurricanes.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How Experiential and Self-Directed Learning Styles Compare - Scott Gold

In Chapter 3 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Has Experiential and Self-Directed Learning Shaped Your Ambition and Development?"  Gold learns from his father that "Experience is the hardest teacher" as the test comes before the lesson.  He shares the experiential lesson learned of Hurricane Katrina and its affect on his family's Louisiana home.  He compares experiential learning with self-directed learning, which emphasizes initiative and failure as an educational process.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How to Create Positive Personal Achievement Cycles - Scott Gold

In Chapter 4 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "When Are You At Your Best?"  Immediately, Gold notes he finds his best when the weather is nice.  He finds good weather gets him outside, moving, and in the state of mind that keeps him productive. He notes how this then creates a positive cycle of self encouragement, a feedback loop which motivates him to do more.  Ultimately this results in both increased productivity and happiness.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How Food Writer Expands Creative Pallette into Spirits - Scott Gold

In Chapter 5 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "Since Our Last Interview, What Has Been the Most Exciting Thing to Happen in Your Life?"  Gold notes how he has expanded his writing beyond food into spirits, specifically American whiskey and bourbon.  The art, history, and science compels Gold to begin teaching, meet the people behind the American whiskey industry, and develop expertise and story ideas alike.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How Curiosity Fuels Learning Passion - Scott Gold

In Chapter 6 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "What Do You Find So Interesting About the Intersection of Art, Science, and History?"  Art, culture, and science create ways for Gold to explore more, learn, and share with others to enjoy the experience together.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Storytelling as a Teaching Style - Scott Gold

In Chapter 7 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Are Your Applying Your Storytelling Expertise to Teach Others About American Whiskey?"  Gold shares how he integrates historical context teaching American whiskey courses.  The story balances the more technical aspects of the product itself and ultimately enriches the consumer experience.  Gold Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Why Writer Enjoys Telling Stories - Scott Gold

In Chapter 8 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "What Do You Enjoy Most About Telling a Good Story?"  Firstly, Gold notes the satisfaction of physically delivering something and receiving the positive response.  He also finds gratification in the storytelling process itself, detailing several ways in which it provides satisfaction.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

Why Haruki Murakami Inspires Writing Career - Scott Gold

In Chapter 9 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Has Haruki Murakami Inspired Your Approach to Developing a Storytelling Career?"  Gold appreciates not only Murakami's non-traditional background but also his non-traditional storytelling style.  Murakami's clear, simple writing allows him to achieve what is termed "the willing suspension of disbelief" and hook readers into complex storylines.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis.

What Screenwriters Teach About Storytelling - Scott Gold

In Chapter 10 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "What Have Screenwriters Taught You About Being a More Effective Storyteller?  As a writer, Scott Gold finds value understanding how screenwriters can refine stories draft by draft to translate something from paper into film.  He learns from both their rewriting and revision process as well as the ability to more effectively translate and communicate the story.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How Writing a Book Compares With Recording an Album - Scott Gold

In Chapter 11 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Does Writing a Book Compare and Contrast with Recording an Album?"  Gold notes the respective challenges and rewards associated with each.  He notes how writing a book is less expensive to create and can be done alone at any time.  Conversely, recording albums are typically collaborative efforts that require larger investments.  Gold also takes time to share, compare, and contrast how writers and musicians derive satisfaction from others receiving their art.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How to Choose a Storytelling Medium Right For You - Scott Gold

In Chapter 12 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Do You Determine What is the Best Media or Medium to Tell a Particular Story?"  Gold notes the importance of accepting failure as a means to find the best storytelling medium possible.  He shares how stories sometimes are better told through song and other times are best delivered through writing, physical performance, or recorded media such as audio or video.  He shares approaches to getting into a creative mindset to optimize this decision.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How Philosophy Can Improve Non-Fiction Writing - Scott Gold

In Chapter 13 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "Where Has Your Philosophy Education Been Most Impactful in Your Writing Career Development?"  A philosophy education teaches Gold to more fully consider his points and arguments and to make sure they are well supported.  He uses his philosophy toolbox to better articulate his thesis and make his points to communicate more effectively.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How to Argue More Effectively Using Deductive Reasoning - Scott Gold

In Chapter 14 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Does Deductive Reasoning Create More Sound and Valid Arguments?"  Gold shares how he learns to argue by studying philosophy and applying it in his reasoning.  He discusses logical deductive structure and how working from premises to conclusion creates a valid argument but not necessarily sound one.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

How Radcliffe Publishing Course Jumpstarts Career - Scott Gold

In Chapter 15 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Did Attending the Radcliffe Publishing Program at Harvard University Shape Your Career Ambition?  Gold notes how the course, which since has been renamed the Columbia Publishing Course and relocated to New York City, helped jumpstart his book publishing career.  The course teaches him publishing industry fundamentals and provides him access to industry leaders who provide insight into how publishing careers develop.  The course teaches him about how literary agencies, electronic books, book proposals, agents, rights and publicity work withing the publishing industry.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis. 

The Humbling Experience of Working at a Restaurant - Scott Gold

In Chapter 16 of 20 of his 2011 Capture Your Flag interview with host Erik Michielsen, author and writer Scott Gold answers "How Has Working Restaurant and Service Industry Jobs Shaped Your Character?"  Gold believes everyone in America should be obligated to work in the service - or restaurant - industry for one year.  The experience teaches humility, providing high quality service independent of your feelings about the customer.  Working at a restaurant, Gold finds himself learning something new every day and always trying to improve how he serves customers.  Scott Gold is an author and writer based in New York City.  When not writing, Gold moonlights as a bartender at Char no. 4 restaurant in Brooklyn.  He earned a BA in Philosophy from Washington University in St. Louis.