Episode 38: Building in the Digital Age – Productivity, Masculinity, and the Death of Permission Structures

In this episode of Elevated Thoughts, Mike and I were joined by John Abbate, an entrepreneur, writer, and advocate for personal growth in the digital era. John’s unique insights into productivity, masculinity, and the evolving landscape of social media inspired a wide-ranging conversation about building something meaningful in a world where the old rules no longer apply.

The Death of Permission Structures

John introduced a powerful concept early in the discussion: the “death of permission structures.” In today’s creator economy, the gatekeepers of the past—whether publishers, network executives, or corporate hierarchies—no longer hold the same power. Anyone with an internet connection can create, publish, and distribute their ideas to a global audience.

We explored how this democratization of content creation has shaken up industries, from entertainment to politics. John pointed out that figures like Joe Rogan, Alex Cooper, and even grassroots content creators have built massive audiences without relying on traditional institutions. As John said, “The Wild West of the internet freaks out the establishment because they can’t control who gets to be heard anymore.”

Masculinity and Creativity

One of the most compelling parts of the conversation was John’s perspective on masculinity. Rejecting the stereotypical “alpha male” image, John described his approach as “productive masculinity”—a healthy embodiment of strength and creativity rooted in resilience and self-improvement. He emphasized the importance of building something meaningful, whether it’s a creative project, a business, or personal relationships.

John’s philosophy draws from a mix of pragmatism and spirituality. From his exploration of numerology to his belief in the power of ancient traditions, John advocates for integrating timeless wisdom with modern sensibilities. His writing, featured on Substack under “John from Long Island,” reflects this balanced approach, offering actionable advice for navigating a world that often feels chaotic and overwhelming.

Creating in the Golden Age for Builders

As we discussed the challenges and opportunities of the digital age, John shared his thoughts on why this is a “golden age for builders.” With tools like social media, AI, and decentralized platforms, anyone can create and share their work without waiting for approval from traditional gatekeepers. Whether you’re writing a blog, recording a podcast, or launching a business, the barriers to entry have never been lower.

John encouraged listeners to take small, consistent steps toward their goals. Drawing inspiration from Tyson Fury’s approach to overcoming depression, he reminded us that progress begins with the first step, no matter how small. “Write three sentences,” he said. “Then look in the mirror and say, ‘I wrote those three sentences.’ That’s how you start building momentum.”

Final Thoughts

This episode was a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the power of the individual in an increasingly interconnected world. John’s insights into the evolving digital landscape, his balanced approach to masculinity, and his passion for building something meaningful left us inspired to keep creating and connecting.

If you’re looking for actionable advice, thoughtful perspectives, and a dose of motivation, check out John’s writing on Substack under “John from Long Island,” or follow him on Instagram at @JohnAbbate28. And as always, stay tuned to Elevated Thoughts for more conversations that challenge the status quo and spark meaningful change.