Where Is Your Genie(us)? 

Are you a genius?   

Is your genius inside of you?   

Or does it come from … something or somewhere else? 

Today, in the west, most of us believe that some people are just born geniuses. We think genius lives inside of us. But this is terrifying for an artist! What happens when we’re blocked? Or having a bad day? What about when we’re just not IN it?   

If genius lives inside of us, or if indeed WE are the genius, then when things go south, we actually suck! And that sucks! We fall “into tremendous depression and despair because we can’t always deliver genius. … Sometimes it’s there, sometimes it’s not.” I’m quoting an amazing podcast – The Telepathy Tapes, Season 2, Episode 3, The Consciousness of Creativity. Listen here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-telepathy-tapes/id1766382649. 

On the other hand, Rick Rubin (Def Jam Records, Columbia Records, smart guy) claims that genius is “like a download … from outside of ourselves. We participate, but it doesn’t start with us. … The best artists seem to have an antenna open to whatever the universe wants to happen now in this moment.” Ibid. 

Now THAT I buy. In fact I relate! I never learned 90% of what I talk about regarding acting! Why do you think I record everything and insist on notes? Because I have no idea what’s going to come out of my mouth! And I want to be able to go back and learn whatever it is I said!   

“The [ancient] Romans believed that a genius – very similar to the word genie, was a spirit that lived in your home and helped you, kind of like a house elf, like a little, helpful spirit. … It was always accessible, always doing its job. … The genius was inherited … through the place you were living … in the well near where you lived …. [or] in the olive tree by your house.” Ibid. 

I think there is a pretty amazing genius living here at the Kahnstitute in Hollywood (and it’s not me!). 

Bottom line? “If it’s all on your shoulders, you can only do so much.” But! “Knowing that you can tap into an infinite resource [your genie!] is really helpful!” So get to tapping! 

And if your house doesn’t have a genie, don’t despair. You have us. And we have genies to spare. 

This is our very own real-life genie — my beloved sister, Genie Kahn (2.28.52 – 2.15.26). 

Genie was LK&Co.’s best-kept secret — a trusted confidante, mentor, and unwavering champion of the people she loved. She touched and shaped the lives and careers of countless actors, musicians, and artists with her wisdom, generosity, and fierce belief in their potential. Her absence is deeply felt, but her light — and her legacy of kindness, courage, and unwavering belief in others — endures.