Creatives Prevail Podcast

Creatives prevail provides an in-depth look into the origin stories of creators, their representatives, founders, and marketers.

Make the Debut Album Mean Something (Nep)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Make the Debut Album Mean Something (Nep)

Indie-Pop artist Nep opens up about reinventing her sound, embracing discomfort, and building momentum one post at a time on TikTok. We also dig into the making of her debut album ‘Noelle’ and the music video for their latest single ‘Florida Girl’ filmed in a dirt speedway.

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Admire Your Own Lawn (Forrest Day)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Admire Your Own Lawn (Forrest Day)

Artist and bandleader Forrest Day talks about re-making an album three times and why he scrapped a five-figure mix to release something that felt true to him right now. We also get into managing family life with touring and how a single Facebook post turned fans into investors.

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You’re Responsible for Your Own Momentum (Karoline and Mati of CF98)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

You’re Responsible for Your Own Momentum (Karoline and Mati of CF98)

Polish pop-punk band CF98’s Karoline and Mati talk returning to their roots, writing simpler songs that hit harder, and the grind behind their new single “Hate My Life” and upcoming album Stupid Punk. We get into patience, DIY touring, and why your friends aren’t your fans.

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Cosplaying High Tech and High Fantasy Characters (Game On Expo)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Cosplaying High Tech and High Fantasy Characters (Game On Expo)

Recorded live at Game On Expo, this panel features Alexis (Crooked Feather), Rebecca, and Becca as we dive into the creative and technical challenges of cosplaying high tech and high fantasy characters. From foam armor to mechanical wings and 3D-printed props, they share practical tips, materials, and hacks for bringing ambitious designs to life whether you're a beginner or a seasoned builder.

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Little Forms of Gratitude (Miist)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Little Forms of Gratitude (Miist)

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.

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Build a Content Vault (Tyson Blatter)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Build a Content Vault (Tyson Blatter)

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.

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5 Years Strong
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

5 Years Strong

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)

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You Go Where You Look (Tristam Steinberg)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

You Go Where You Look (Tristam Steinberg)

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.

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Turning Setbacks Into Strategy (Unica of Seas the Day)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Turning Setbacks Into Strategy (Unica of Seas the Day)

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.

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Synchronicity Is a Design Tool (Justin Bolognino of META)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Synchronicity Is a Design Tool (Justin Bolognino of META)

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.

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Most People Wouldn’t Even Get on Stage (Hannah of TRUSS)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Most People Wouldn’t Even Get on Stage (Hannah of TRUSS)

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.

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Creating an Inclusive & Diverse Gaming Community (Game On Expo)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Creating an Inclusive & Diverse Gaming Community (Game On Expo)

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.

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Mid Year Reflection
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Mid Year Reflection

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.

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Creativity After Hours (Jack Mangan of SLAM)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Creativity After Hours (Jack Mangan of SLAM)

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.

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Music at Your Own Pace (Kris Roe of The Ataris)
Michael Zimmerlich Michael Zimmerlich

Music at Your Own Pace (Kris Roe of The Ataris)

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.

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