Singer-songwriter Miist started her music journey at 34, turning personal healing into songs like Could You Lend Me a Smile, a global project recorded in over 15 languages to fight loneliness through simple connection. We also talk about her podcast Make Me Smile with Miist, Kindness Cubes, and finding your true self.

Recorded at Pokémon Worlds outside the Anaheim Convention Center, content creator Tyson Blatter shares how he balances a full-time job with 138K+ TikTok followers through consistency and authenticity. We get into trends, going live when a post pops, and why confidence beats clout.

This anniversary episode is a celebration of creativity, conversations, and community. We’ve gathered some of our favorite moments over the years to share. Thank you for listening, supporting, and growing with us.

Episodes highlighted:

Herman Li (DragonForce)

From Garage Jams to Scooby Doo (Slade and Danny of Anarbor)

From Tumblr Fan Edits to Record Label Branding (Moira Ashley, ETM BRND)

Poor Life Choices (Chelsey Louise)

Putting in the Work (Farrah Camille)

Work on Yourself (Daniel Brindley)

Interior Designer and Creative Director Tristam Steinberg shares how his background in psychology and advertising influences iconic venues like Brooklyn Bowl, The Capitol Theatre, and Garcia’s Chicago. We explore the art of discovery, sustainability in design, and creating spaces that transport people.

Unica Buitizon, founder of Seize the Day, shares how dropping out of college, failing 12 businesses, and even going viral for the wrong reasons shaped her approach to entrepreneurship, lifestyle design, and lasting success.

Aaron Mitchell of An Awful Mess shares the journey from his first band to building a new project, surviving lineup changes, creating Desert Grey Music Festival, and releasing their upcoming album Better Off Without You.

Kelly Fox shares how she turned her love of concert photography into a touring career and how losing too many earplugs led to founding her own jewelry company.

Justin Bolognino of META shares how he built immersive experiences for Goose, Luna Luna, and Spirit Lake at Suwannee Hulaween, while also launching his new platform Unreality. From branding Brooklyn Bowl and selling his prior agency to SFX, we cover how storytelling, synchronicity, and feel always come first.

Hannah from Truss shares how their DIY ethos, live show energy, and supportive Cleveland scene helped the band go from college gigs to opening for Everclear and Anberlin. We also dive into their new album Fluorescence and building safe spaces in rock.

Recorded live at Game On Expo, this panel features Ryan, Daphne, and Emily as we explore how creators can build inclusive and diverse communities both online and offline. From tabletop games to streaming and community moderation, they share real world strategies for making sure everyone feels welcome and respected.

In this "off the cuff" episode we dive into accomplishments made with the podcast so far this year, what we're improving upon, and what we have planned next.

Jack Mangan shares his journey from musician and early podcaster to founding SLAM (Support Life and Music), a nonprofit tackling mental health in the music industry. We also explore his time in the metal scene, writing for the Metal Hall of Fame, and interviewing legends like Mike Nelson and Neil deGrasse Tyson.

Filmmaker and podcaster Chris Price reflects on over 1,000 podcast episodes, navigating creative pivots from streaming on Twitch to film, and the discipline it takes to follow through on big ideas.

Kris Roe reflects on The Ataris' 17-year album gap, their new single and music video “Car Song,” and how rebuilding after COVID, personal loss, and burnout reignited his passion for music.

Recorded live at The NAMM Show 2025, this panel features professionals from across the podcasting and production world including Jenn Liang-Chaboud (Shure), Chris Laxamana (formerly of The Adam Carolla Show, now with Yamaha), DJ Cova (Tweak Music Tips), and Steven Leavitt (The Language of Creativity). Together, they explore how studios, producers, and creators can expand into podcasting from gear setups and remote workflows to building community, monetization, and creator/brand relationships.

Ute Lemper reflects on her four decade career as a globally acclaimed vocalist, composer, and actor. We discuss her bold reinterpretation of Kurt Weill, the weight of German history in her work, and how staying true to her creative instincts has led to timeless collaborations with artists like Tom Waits and Elvis Costello.

Eric Weiner, founder of The Wild Honey Pie, shares how his blog evolved into a creative agency connecting artists, fans, and brands through curated experiences. We explore building community, gaining artist trust, and adapting through shifts in the music industry.

Musician Mia Asano shares how going viral was only the beginning. We dive into her transition from violin performance major to social media phenomenon with over 5 million followers, touring artist, and mental health advocate. From learning video editing to booking her own shows, Mia reveals what it takes to build a long term career rooted in community, collaboration, and compassion.

Composer, producer, and the mind behind Our Chronicle, Oliver Price talks about balancing professional scoring work on projects like Call of Duty Mobile and Black Mirror with his own artist project. We dive into growing up on John Williams, how Guitar Hero sparked a love for rock and metal, and the importance of collaboration and growth.

In this special interview filmed at The NAMM Show, creative director RA Beattie shares his path from film production and web development to having a key role at Breedlove Guitars. We also discuss adventures in sustainable sourcing and RA shows off one of their 12-strings featured at the convention.