Writer & systems consultant.
Hey, I’m Derek and I specialize in
brand narrative, strategy, and
storytelling operations.
Cover photo by Derek MacDonald
Blog.
NEW!
While this blog is a new adventure for me, I’ve been writing weekly essays for Unobstructed since March of 2024, and a daily column since September of 2025. You explore the full archive of my published work, dating back to 2017, here.
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onward.
Me & my work.
As both a writer and systems consultant, I help people become more curious, clear, and capable.
Find out more about me and my work.
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Sometimes a different way of seeing things is all it takes to get unstuck.
Join readers from over 37 countries who believe big ideas and small steps can create enough clarity to become unobstructed.
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-> Daily column.
- I'm writing an email to a friend when I start to wonder if I actually sound like myself.
- The sun finally shows up in full force, and I've been couch-bound for two days now.
- Yesterday I encountered a river otter while running by the lake.
Read more from the daily column.
-> Newsletters.
- And the dumbfuckery he'll find instead.
- On rigging the odds in your favor.
- How people respond tells you a lot about what they’ve been through.
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-> Podcast.
Browse more episodes.
Features & favorites.
An Overview Of Everything I Publish
Check out my daily columns, essays, and podcast episodes.
Read more.
The Most Popular Essay I Wrote In 2025
“What Lonely Men Won’t Say Online (Or In Person)”
Read more.
Praise For The Unobstructed Podcast
A top 10% most-shared show on Spotify in its first year.
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