Writer & systems consultant.
Hey, I’m Derek and I specialize in
brand narrative, strategy, and
storytelling operations.
Cover photo by Derek MacDonald
Contact.
By email.
By physical mail.
Derek MacDonald
PO Box 4292
Burlington, VT 05406
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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.
Stay connected.
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.
Explore more of my work.
-> Daily column.
- It was the sticker by the register that got me.
- Today I turned 32 and I never expected to make it this far.
- I'm staring intently at the lead guitarist. At least, at first.
Read more from the daily column.
-> Blog.
- Discerning what to share and where to share it.
- Collecting inspiration while chipping away.
- Collecting inspiration while chipping away.
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-> Newsletters.
- On rigging the odds in your favor.
- How people respond tells you a lot about what they’ve been through.
- The price of existing is going up.
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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.
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The Most Popular Essay I Wrote In 2025
“What Lonely Men Won’t Say Online (Or In Person)”
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Praise For The Unobstructed Podcast
A top 10% most-shared show on Spotify in its first year.
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