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The Unobstructed

This is a place for big ideas and small steps that create clarity.

Start exploring field notes, essays, and podcast episodes to reframe your story, improve critical thinking, and sharpen decision-making.

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Publishing big ideas and small steps for creating clarity.

  • Field notes for navigating daily life.

  • Insights and reflections on agency, grief, and creativity.

  • Conversations about the overlooked and misunderstood challenges keeping us blocked.

  • Prompts for improving critical thinking, confident decision-making, and self-efficacy.

  • Bonus resources and recommendations.


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  • Derek MacDonald — Director of Editorial Strategy, Publishing Systems & Voice

Contributors

Publications

The Unobstructed Observer


Publishing frequency: We send daily, weekly, and monthly newsletters. Paid subscribers have access to all content.

Contact: hello@theunobstructed.com 

Best places to start.

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Daily Snippets

READ THE BLOG
DISCOVER

Newsletters & Essays

EXPLORE THE ARCHIVE
LISTEN TO

The Unobstructed Podcast

BROWSE EPISODES
A JOURNEY OF BECOMING UNOBSTRUCTED

Hey, I’m Derek MacDonald — Head of Editorial.

I'm a writer and editorial leader from Massachusetts who now calls Vermont home. Formative years spent as a wilderness guide and snowboard instructor showed me that stories—not explanations—are what help people navigate fear and uncertainty.

So, that's what we do here at The Unobstructed.

Writing is how I continue to make sense of the world and my place in it. When not working, you can find me trail running, building websites, or getting lost in a Fredrik Backman novel with a strong cup of coffee. Learn more at derekmacdonald.com.

Oh, and I'm glad you're here—this is a place for reflections, essays, and podcast episodes on navigating agency, grief, and creativity in daily life. Choose the subscription that works best for you.

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