**August 12, 2025** #### #### Links [Transistor](https://share.transistor.fm/s/6c3cb0d7) [Spotify](https://open.spotify.com/show/3DBRCVFep0YbYeLPcVVXQv) [Apple Podcasts](https://podcasts.apple.com/ca/podcast/essential-dynamics-with-derek-hudson/id1542392917) [Podcast Addict](https://podcastaddict.com/podcast/essential-dynamics-with-derek-hudson/3153944) #### Summary Reed McColm is back at the mic, pressing Derek Hudson on a pivotal distinction: [[crux]] vs. [[climax]]. Through the Essential Dynamics lenses of [[Purpose]], [[Path]], and [[People]], they show why the crux, the unseen decision under tension, always matters more than the climax everyone sees. From _Rocky_ to _The Lord of the Rings_ and beyond, they trace this pattern in stories, leadership, and life, and invite you to find the crux in your own quest. ![[StockCake-Grip the Rock_1754934595~2.jpg]] #### Concepts - [[Crux]] - [[Climax]] - [[Purpose X and Purpose Y]] - [[Dynamic Forces|Dynamic Tension]] - [[Purpose]] · [[Path]] · [[People]] - [[System Flow]] > The crux is the inner moment of truth; the climax is what the world sees. > We all live in unresolved tension. > Good authors make the inner battle more interesting than the fight itself. > “All I want to do is go the distance… If that bell rings and I’m still standing, then I’ll know I’m not just another bum from the neighborhood.” (_Rocky_) > “It was at this point that Bilbo stopped… He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone… The tremendous things that happened afterwards were as nothing compared to it.” (_The Hobbit_) >The crux is the inner victory, the moment of truth when the conflict is resolved, and that gives the capacity to do the thing that everybody sees, which is the climax. #### See also - [[Episode 115 Consider Your Quest - A Report From the Field]] - [[Episode 116 Consider Your Companions – Lessons on People and Flow from the Trail]] - [[Purpose X and Purpose Y]] - [[Dynamic Forces|Dynamic Tension]] - [The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0120737/?ref_=nv_sr_srsg_0_tt_8_nm_0_in_0_q_fellowship) - [Kramer vs. Kramer](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0079417/) - [Rocky](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0075148/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1) - [The Hobbit](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/5907.The_Hobbit_or_There_and_Back_Again) - [Les Misérables](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/24280.Les_Mis_rables) - [Star Wars: Episode IV – A New Hope](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0076759/?ref_=fn_all_ttl_1) - [The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn](https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/2956.The_Adventures_of_Huckleberry_Finn) %% [[Go the Distance - Rocky]] [[Inner Battles - Tolkein]]