David Gerken is meditation and mindfulness teacher, an accomplished writer contributing to ILLUMINATION publications, and a caring father of three children
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Happy Weekend! We trust this post finds you well.
We curated this story from our chief editor Dr Mehmet Yildiz to inform our subscribers as part of the Substack Mastery Boost Pilot. Thank you for reading, engaging, and sharing.
I enjoy interacting with people from diverse cultures, countries, and professional backgrounds. I have been interviewing professionals for a long time.
On this platform, I specifically enjoy interviewing writers. Each writer’s interview is special to me as each person is unique. My goal is to introduce them to my audience so that they can meet another interesting/relatable person on this planet and explore their work. I discussed the Importance and Remarkable Benefits of Interviews in My Professional and Personal Life.
In this interview, I will introduce David Gerken as he has been contributing to my publications for a long time. Many of his stories gained significant visibility, and after Tim Denning, he was the most followed writer of my publication until last year. Simplicity is the key success factor for the recognition of his insightful content.
Unfortunately, his stories, like mine or many other established writers, stop getting views and, naturally, gained no followers. Even a three-month-old non-member of Medium, using TikTok, has gained more followers than David this month. He extensively contributed to this platform for five years like me. But of course, anyone who is a good observer and has been long on this platform knows that 99.9 of those inflated followers are fake and useless.
Of course, this setback did not stop David, as he had already built an audience and had his own mailing list, which allowed him to serve them on a different platform. Therefore, I keep highlighting the importance of methodical audience building, not fake followers, which can temporarily boost one’s ego.
As David is very busy with work and family, we kept this interview short and focused only on the key areas of his life to give readers valuable perspectives for further exploration. To understand his content and style, you can explore his stories on Medium and Substack.
Hi David, tell us a bit about your background.
I grew up in Newport Beach, California, and later headed East to attend Princeton University, where I earned a Bachelor of Arts in History. I’ve continued studying history every decade since.
After college, I moved to Washington, D.C., where I worked for Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi and House Whip Tony Coelho. I then spent the next ten years running a lobbying firm, representing clients like AT&T, MCI, and the Government of Puerto Rico.
In 2001, I decided to follow my passion for screenwriting, moving to Los Angeles where I spent 18 years writing for Hollywood, working on shows like The West Wing, E-Ring, and a few others you likely haven’t heard of. Around 2013, I became interested in meditation and mindfulness as a way to cope with the intense pressures of Hollywood. This shift led me to focus on writing about spiritual topics full-time about five years ago.
What are your hobbies, or what excites or entertains you?
I’ve always loved physical exercise and have been involved in athletics for much of my life. I played varsity tennis at Princeton for four years and even played professionally for a brief period. These days, I continue to play tennis, cycle, swim, and lift weights. For me, exercise is the best anti-depressant out there.
What are the top three books that affected your life?
Ralph Waldo Emerson’s Essay on Self-Reliance had a huge impact on me when I read it at 18. It taught me to listen to my inner voice. The Tao Te Ching is, by far, my favorite book of wisdom. Lastly, The Rise of Theodore Roosevelt by Edmund Morris inspired me so much that I ended up writing a movie about Roosevelt!
Why do you write on Medium?
I joined Medium to reach a broad audience, and it became possible in the beginning. I had five good years here. But suddenly last year, the platform changed the distribution algorithm, and our audience meant nothing. Therefore, I haven’t been writing on Medium for several months because their new algorithm no longer distributes my work, and I heard that it is the same for many other established writers.
Do you write on other platforms like Substack? If so, how do you find them?
Yes, I switched to Substack a few months ago and have really enjoyed it. In addition to writing articles, I like using their Notes and Chat applications. I’ve also tried writing threads on X, but haven’t had much success there yet.
What is the name of your Substack Newsletter?
Nothing fancy. Currently, as I only use my own mailing list, I call it David’s Substack but I will find a catch name soon as I know there are many people with this name and it does not tell much to new subscribers.
What are your values as a writer?
For the past five years, my writing has focused on helping people. I’ve written about meditation, mindfulness, and various spiritual topics, and I hope these pieces have been valuable to readers.
How do you connect with your readers?
On Medium, I responded to nearly every comment on every article. I continue doing the same on Substack, connecting with readers through Notes and Chat as well.
Why did you join ILLUMINATION, and how do you find it so far?
I’ve always found ILLUMINATION to be incredibly accepting and supportive of various topics. I also appreciate that you and your editors consistently compile a “Best of” collection, which helps highlight great work for readers.
What are the top five stories you want to share with your audience?
Here are some of my most loved stories out of hundreds. Some are old.
How to Deal with Painful Emotions from Our Past: Mickey Singer’s Tough Love Teaching
How Spiritual Work Has Calmed Me as I Face the Summer Travel Shit Show
The Central Teaching of Buddhism is Brilliant and Can Help us All…if we Understand it Correctly
What is your main goal as a writer?
Right now, my primary goal is to grow my Substack subscriber list. I currently have around 3,500 dedicated subscribers and hope to increase that number by finding new readers on a new platform. Anyone interested can sign up here and receive one free article from me each week. I also provide a free e-book on my website about mindfulness and meditation practices.
What do you recommend to new writers?
The best advice I ever received — believe it or not — was in Hollywood: dig deep inside yourself when you write. Every writer’s unique experiences are their greatest asset, and nobody else can offer that. Also, consistency is key.
What are your plans as a writer or professional?
My main aim is to reach as many people as possible with the spiritual content I write. I’d love to write a book one day, but I haven’t yet figured out how I want to approach that project.
Many thanks to David for taking the time to glimpse his life. Apart from Medium, you can connect with him via his website and on Substack.
Today, unfortunately, my profile was cloned once more for 15 hours while I was at a family gathering. It ruined my day and increased my workload for the weekend. A scammer, part of an organized group, fabricated a compelling bait, studying my recent stories. I never asked anyone to leave this platform and will never do so.
Actions from My Ongoing Battle with Sophisticated Cloning Epidemic
My profile was cloned again today — for 15 hours while I was sleeping and away at a family gathering, a scammer…medium.com
I also wrote about my ongoing challenges. This story contains life lessons for aspiring writers, publication owners, or entrepreneurs who focus on philanthropy like me.
I interviewed other writers on this platform. The following links will allow you to easily access them. Follow the writers who resonate with you.
Thank you for reading my perspectives. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
If you are a new reader, you may check out some of my topics, including the brain, mental health, cognitive function, significant health conditions, longevity, nutrition/food, valuable nutrients, ketogenic lifestyle, self-healing, weight management, writing/reading, including 100+ Insightful Life Lessons from My Circles for the Last 50+ Years.
I publish my health and wellness stories on EUPHORIA and share distilled versions on SUBSTACK. My posts do not include professional or health advice. I only document my reviews, observations, experiences, and perspectives to provide information and create awareness.
If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 31K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. I also have another profile to write and curate tech stories. Friend Links to My Sample Boosted Stories for Non-Members of Medium. Importance and Value of Medium Friendship for Writers and Readers
You are welcome to join the ILLUMINATION Community on Medium and Substack. And join our Substack Mastery to build your audience.
Links to My Most Loved Stories for Medium Members
Emerging Concerns of Elevated Uric Acid on Obesity, Diabetes, Heart Disease, Impotence, & Dementia
Perfect Storm in a Teacup: Can Intermittent Fasting Increase Heart Disease Risk by 91%?
Biochemistry of Ketosis Simplified with Nuanced Perspectives and Personal Experiences
Nuances of Serotonin Syndrome: Experts Warrant Caution for Elevated Serotonin Levels
Meditation Can Boost the Cortical Thickness in the Brain and Prevent It from Thinning
The Striking Adverse Effects of Night Light Exposure on Mental Health
β-Hydroxybutyrate: 2 Vital Role of Ketogenesis in the Brain for Dementia Prevention / Treatment
Leptin Therapy Historically Failed to Manage Obesity, Yet Research Into GLP1-RAs Brings New Hope
MTHFR Polymorphisms or Mutations: Getting Checked to Prevent Cardiovascular Issues
Xenotransplantation: First Pig Kidney Transplant in a 62-Year-Old Man
Why Gaslighting Matters in the Healthcare Sector & How to Deal with It Effectively
The Expression / Mutation Impacts of the Longevity Genes Klotho, FOXO3, SIRT1, APOE, BRCA
Sleep Regulation: Neurobiology of the Suprachiasmatic Nucleus
9 Essential Biomarkers for Preventive Cardiometabolic Health
Dyslipoproteinemia: Why an Abnormal LPIR Score Might Be a Valuable Indicator of Heart Disease
GLP1-RAs: After Diabetes, Tirzepatide & Semaglutide Give Hope for Osteoarthritis & Dementia Patients
Vitamin B12 Deficiency Rises, Concerning Me As It Was My Big Problem
4 Well-Research Benefits of Trimethylglycine (TMG) as a Methyl Donor Addressing Homocysteine
A New Clinical Trial Found a Low-Carb Diet Better Than the Dash.
Here’s Why I Focus on Nutritional Biochemistry Rather Than Diets
Here’s How I Train My Brain Daily for Mental Clarity and Intellectual Productivity.
Soulful Connections: Finding Meaning in Mammadou’s Childhood Letters
How Writers Can Attract More Readers by Using Design Thinking Principles
Queer Organisms: Nature’s Lesson for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality
Here’s How to Make the Nervous System More Flexible and Functional.
Why Should We Care About Fungi As Much As Bacteria or Viruses
Thank you for being part of our community and joining our joyful and exciting journey. You can review some sample interviews I conducted. Please consider reviewing their profiles and stories, sharing them in your network, and reaching out to them to expand your professional connections.
This is an excellent networking opportunity for new writers who want to build their audiences on multiple platforms.
The more successful people you meet, the more successful you can become, from my experience. The more you give without expecting, the more you receive, as my grandparents taught me.
Links to Prior Interviews and Conversations
Interview, Dr Ashish Juneja, PhD, Interview Dr. Khalid Rahman, Interview Georgia Kreiger, Interview Hamid Akhtar, Interview Bear Kosik, Interview Dr Russell Carr,Interview Fildy Bejaoui, Interview Peter Mukherjee, Interview Patricia Ross, Interview Ana J, Interview Dr. Jason Hung, Interview Maria Cross,Interview Brooklyn Grace (editor), Interview Grant Lawson, Interview Ute Luppertz ✨, Interview Dr Kenneth Silvestri, Interview MAGDALENA PONURSKA, Interview with Joanie Adams (left Medium), Interview Liat Portal, Interview Dr Dominic Farsi, PhD RNutr, Interview Sara Redondo, MD, Interview Dr Bronce Rice, Interview Yana G.Y. Interview Dr. Gabriella Korosi, Interview Sinem Günel, Interview Recep Taylanhan, Interview John Worthington, Interview, Joellyn Rose Keener, ✍️Author Deaf and Determined, Interview Thomas Cherickal, Interview, Shamim Rajani, Interview, Svyatoslav Biryulin,Interview, Danielle Benvenuto, Interview Scarlet Ibis James 🦩, Interview Biswanath Datta,Interview Veronica Llorca-Smith,Interview James King, Interview Lauren Grawert, MD,InterviewJerry Keszka, Interview Davor Katusic,Interview David Gerken,Interview Claudio D’Andrea, Interview William Spivey,Interview James Boylan, Interview Ruby Noir, Interview Joshua Mason, Interview Michelle Mariscal, Interview Tim Denning, Interview Wendi Gordon, Interview Elle, Interview Bill Petro, Interview Sylvain Zyssman, Interview Matthew Bamberg, Interview Øivind H. Solheim, Interview Payal Koul, Interview Matt Lillywhite, Interview Genius Turner, Interview Shirley Willett, Interview David Mokotoff, MD, Interview Martin D. Hirsch, Interview Gill McCulloch, Interview Adelia Ritchie, PhD, Interview Dr. Lutz Kraushaar, Interview Lorwen Harris Nagle, PhD, Interview Matt Williams-Spooner, Ph.D., Interview Pernoste & Dahl, Interview Luay Rahil, Interview Melissa Kalt, MD, Interview Ayodeji Awosika, Interview Dr. Preeti Singh, Interview Dr. ADAM TABRIZ, Interview Dr John Frederick Rose, Interview Yogesh Haribhau Kulkarni (PhD), Interview Hakima T A N T R I K A, Interview Mark Sanford, Ph.D, Interview Raymond M.E. Aguirre, Interview Keri Mangis, Interview John D. Leavy, Interview Toni Koraza, Interview Annelise Lords, Interview, Mike Zillo, Interview Charles Roast, Interview Libby Mitchell, Interview Timothy Key, Interview, Christopher D. Connors, Interview Desiree Driesenaar, Interview Jill Ebstein, Interview Bill Abbate, Interview Anita Lesko, Interview John Cousins, Interview Suntonu Bhadra, Interview Lawson Wallace, Interview Chelsea Renee MAT, Interview MaryJo Wagner, PhD, Interview Martine Weber, Interview Michael Patanella, Interview Tree Langdon, Interview, Agnes Laurens, Interview Liam Ireland.
Our editors compile them in a collection. If you want to be interviewed, please leave a comment on this story or reach out to me via this form.
Earlier today, I introduced a long-awaited advanced course for Substack success. It is called From Zero to Substack Hero Level 4, 5, 6 Bundle. If you write on that platform and sharpen your skills, this course might help you. You are welcome to be a beta learner with an 85% beta student discount on Udemy.
From Zero to Substack Hero: Advanced Levels 4, 5, & 6 Bundle Is Ready for Beta Learners
The Gift of Delay, the Promise of Growth: How my hectic schedule, our high standards, and a spirit of generosity shaped…medium.com
Thank you for reading my interviews. I wish you a healthy and happy life.
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If you are a writer, you are welcome to join my publications by sending a request via this link. I support 38K writers who contribute to my publications on this platform. You can contact me via my website. If you are a new writer, check out my writing list to find some helpful stories for your education.
You can find out about my scholarly work on my Google Scholar or Bohrium profiles. You may check out my other most loved stories on this platform. As a new instructor to publish Aiden’s courses, my Udemy profile includes 3-level Substack courses, and I will publish the advanced levels soon.
If you want to learn about the future of technology and science, I am authoring a new book titled Technology Horizons 2050 and Beyond ♾️
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