S8E199: Episode 199 - Alex Soojung-Kim Pang: Creative Rest

S8E199: Episode 199 - Alex Soojung-Kim Pang: Creative Rest

From The Common Creative by Paul Fairweather and Chris Meredith

May 15, 2026 · 35 min · Season 8 · Episode 199

About this episode

Alex Soojung-Kim Pang discusses the importance of intentional rest for enhancing creativity and productivity.

Most of us are unknowingly wasting hours each day that could fuel creativity, improve focus, and boost productivity. But what if the secret to achieving more isn’t working harder, it’s learning how to rest better?  In this insightful episode, bestselling author and future-of-work expert Alex Soojung-Kim Pang shares how intentional rest can become a powerful tool for creativity, performance, and well-being. Drawing on research from elite athletes, Nobel Prize winners, and high performers, Alex explores how practices like microbreaks, physical activity, deep play, and shorter workweeks can help unlock better thinking and sustainable productivity. This conversation offers practical ways to integrate meaningful rest into everyday life so you can work smarter, think clearer, and feel better. He is the Director of Research and Innovation at 4 Day Week Global and the bestselling author of Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, Work Less, Do More: Designing the 4-Day Week, Shorter: Work Better, Smarter, and Less Here’s How, and The Distraction Addiction. LINKS: Alex Soojung-Kim Pang - Special Guest Strategy+Rest: www.strategy.rest LinkedIn…

People in this episode

Hosts: Paul Fairweather, Chris Meredith

Guest: Alex Soojung-Kim Pang

Topics covered

  • creativity
  • rest
  • productivity
  • well-being
  • work-life balance

Keywords

  • creative rest
  • productivity
  • focus
  • microbreaks
  • work smarter

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: 4 Day Week Global

Books & works: Rest: Why You Get More Done When You Work Less, Work Less, Do More: Designing the 4-Day Week, Shorter: Work Better, Smarter, and Less Here’s How, The Distraction Addiction

More episodes of The Common Creative

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Common Creative podcast page.