Creative Haven

David Packouz is the CEO and Founder of Singular Sound, and the mind behind the revolutionary BeatBuddy Drum Machine Guitar Pedal. In our exclusive interview, we explore David's transformative experiences—from his time as a partner at AEY Inc., a major weapons contractor for the U.S. Department of Defense, to his portrayal by Miles Teller in the Hollywood film War Dogs. David opens up about the process of inventing products, and sharing valuable insights gained while creating one of the most successful music accessory crowdfunding campaigns in history. As a passionate musician, David also reflects on his love for music, the impact of AI on the industry, and how cannabis plays a role in unlocking his creativity. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Isabelle Miller is a model, content creator, and influencer based in Los Angeles. In this episode, Isabelle shares her journey from being drawn to art in high school and going to college for information management and technology, to discovering her passion in modeling and content creation. We explore her evolution as a model to content creator and creating content across multiple social media platforms, her transition from graduating college to modeling, and we dive into the world of OnlyFans and how she and many other creators generate income on the platform . She explains why TikTok is her go-to app for content creation and offers tips for creators on marketing, monetization, tailoring content to different platforms to attract the right audience, and balancing between creating content for your fans and content that makes you happy. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

Ashton Rodenhiser is the founder of Mind's Eye Creative, a company specializing in graphic recording, graphic facilitation practices, and live illustration.  In this episode, Ashton shares her journey, sparked by a workshop ten years ago, that led her to a career in art and design. We also talk about her process of bringing ideas to life through graphic recording and graphic facilitation practices, the concept and techniques of sketchnoting and how it helps people learn and retain information, the balance between creativity as a hobby versus as a job, and the significance of accessibility in live presentations. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

In this episode, I interview Annie Barch the Senior Director of Creative at DoubleVerify. We explore her fascinating journey from dreaming of a professional dance career in LA, to studying marketing and advertising at Syracuse University, to her current role as Senior Director of Creative at DoubleVerify. Annie shares how choreographing dance helped her gain skills that now guide her in managing creative teams. She believes active listening and understanding individual work styles are vital for fostering creativity and collaboration within her team. We delve into her project management process, the different software she utilizes, and her efforts to educate tech companies on the importance of design and creativity. Annie discusses the significance of alignment between departments for a company's success and reveals how her team keeps their creative juices flowing through design competitions. She discusses how she draws inspiration from TV shows, music, and dance,  and advises all creatives to be okay with their dreams changing over time. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

In this episode, I interview Kalim Kalla, the Brand Manager at M&M Products.  We delve into his journey from selling vuvuzelas after attending the World Cup to managing large brands at M&M Products. We discuss how he strives to create brands that echo his family's motto, 'beauty with love,' by giving people a sense of beauty through self love. Kalim shares how he nurtures a product's lifecycle, ensuring sustainability and quality ingredients while maintaining the efficacy of the product. He provides insights into his unique process of running marketing campaigns, utilizing the power of user-generated content to showcase the impact of his products. We discuss the crucial role of studying your competitors, products, and consumer behaviors regarding product design and sales. And we discover how Kalim taps into his creative flow state by engaging with other brands in the retail space and how he values consistency and persistence in pursuing his goals. Tune in for this amazing conversation that might change your perspective on how to create and sell successful brands!  

In this episode, we're joined by Landon Beal, the Creative Director of RUN Studios. Join us as Landon chronicles his fascinating journey into video production, sparked by his passion for skate videos. He shares how his wife was a pivotal influence in his life and how their relationship significantly shaped his professional path. Landon shares how he harnesses the power of music and physical activity to achieve his creative flow state. He discusses his transformative process of molding client briefs into compelling narratives, shedding light on the dynamics of managing creative teams by trusting and fostering their innate skills and passions. We also talk about how RUN Studios works with tech companies, by being clear, specific, and showcasing their unique creative assets, setting themselves apart from other agencies. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

In this episode, I interview Adam Courrier, the Creative Director at Adomni and a pivotal contributor to the initial creative team of the Ultimate Fighting Championship. We dive into Adam's fascinating journey - from shaping the UFC's initial creative design inside and outside the cage, building a successful production company called Running Bull Productions, to transitioning into a creative director role at Adomni. Adam shares insightful lessons from his inspiring career path, including managing creative teams with effective communication, how his finance degree from UNLV helped him as a video producer, and the critical role of self-reflection in career growth. With his transition from being a business owner to a Creative Director, Adam provides valuable insights into making the jump and managing teams within a company with a creative leadership role. We also discuss the evolving landscape of AI in content production, its advantages, challenges, and the continual need for human touch. If you're looking for advice on how to evolve your creative career, tips on transitioning from a business owner to an executive role in a company, or ways to optimize your creativity, this episode is for you. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Listen up as we interview John Baltisberger, an award-winning author, plus creative director and publishing editor at Madness Heart Press. In this episode, we delve into John's creative process and gain invaluable insights from his inspiring writing journey. Join us as we dive into the intriguing world of writing for tabletop games, and how writing for one medium doesn't necessarily make you great at another. Discover how John finds inspiration in his daily walks with his dog and the power of music to ignite his imagination and creative process. We discuss the importance of persistence and the need for writers to keep selling their work, rather than waiting for their big break. John also emphasizes the significance of consistent writing, even when motivation wanes, as a pathway to success. Tune in to gain inspiration and discover the art of crafting captivating stories through writing.  Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Join us in this captivating episode as we dive into the world of sports entertainment, trading cards, and entrepreneurship with our special guest, Matt McGuckin, widely known as Dappz. Matt is the visionary Founder of Dappz Sports, a groundbreaking cross-platform sports and entertainment media company.  In our conversation, we explore Matt's entrepreneurial journey and how his childhood immersed in the world of sports shaped his decision to create a company focused on sports entertainment. Discover the secrets behind Matt's ability to consistently work and create content in his flow state, effectively managing his energy and time for maximum productivity. We also delve into the world of sports trading cards and the digital collectibles industry, exploring its highs and lows during the NFT craze, and how it's evolving to place greater value on being backed by physical collectibles. Finally, we explore the valuable insights Matt has gained from his love for sports and athletes, offering priceless wisdom on becoming a successful entrepreneur. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

In this episode, we welcome Jake Hurwitz, the founder of Thursday Labs. Jake shares his dynamic journey from being inspired by skate videos to becoming a skilled videographer, eventually starting his own marketing and design studio. Our conversation takes us through a powerful encounter he had with a 90-year-old man in South America, where a life-altering quote shifted Jake's perspective and eventually his life path by treating each day like it's his last. He speaks about his love for snowboarding, and how content marketing in action sports deeply influences his innovative marketing strategies for tech startups. We delve into the role of video content in today's digital world, with Jake highlighting its significance as a compelling medium for marketing and brand storytelling. We also connect on our love for Jiu-Jitsu and how it not only shapes his personal lifestyle but also inspires his professional work ethic.  Whether you're a videographer, action sports lover, marketer, or simply someone seeking to infuse passion into your everyday life, this episode promises a wealth of inspiration. Join us on this thrilling ride with Jake Huwitz, where passion meets profession, creating an enticing blend of life and work. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

Join me in this compelling episode as we delve into the captivating world of screenwriting with my esteemed guest, Tom Vaughan. A professional screenwriter and dedicated instructor at the University of Houston, Tom shares his journey - from his early days in acting school to screenwriting in Hollywood, and finally, to molding young minds in the classroom. Tom enlightens us on the core principles of screenwriting, emphasizing the importance of mastering the basics, honing repetition, and the power of self-confidence in creative projects. He believes that compelling characters, emotive storytelling, and relatable human emotion lie at the heart of a brilliant screenplay. Tom also shares his firsthand experience and thoughts on the WGA writers' strike, providing unique insights into the struggle to protect writers from studios and the future of screenwriting in the face of emerging artificial intelligence. Whether you're an aspiring screenwriter, a seasoned veteran, or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes world of your favorite films, this episode will leave you inspired and eager to explore the realm of screenwriting even further. Tune in for this enriching conversation with Tom Vaughan! Go to the link below and use discount code "HAVEN15" to get 15% off for any of the courses. https://storyandplot.com/creativehaven/ Learn more about the podcast and Creative Haven at TheCreativeHaven.com

In this riveting episode, we delve deep into the world of cinema with our guest, the multi-talented Kevin Gootee - a podcaster, game show host, VO artist, and most importantly, the host of the fascinating podcast, Gutting The Sacred Cow. We explore what makes his podcast truly unique, as it unflinchingly critiques popular and critically acclaimed movies alike. Kevin shares his keen insights on what, in his view, makes a movie transcend into the realm of classics. We geek out over our favorite films, reminiscing about the brilliant performances and unforgettable moments that have defined our love for cinema. In a particularly thought-provoking segment, Kevin breaks down his theory on why Oscar-nominated films often fail to strike a chord with mainstream audiences, sparking a fascinating conversation about the existing disconnect between critics and movie fans. Tune in to this episode for an engaging look into the intricacies of the movie industry, through the lens of a true cinema connoisseur. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

In this electrifying episode, we sit down with the legendary Randy Crane, a nationally recognized Sales and Marketing Specialist with a stellar career spanning four decades, holding leadership roles with globally acclaimed brands like Molson Coors and Konica Minolta. In this episode, Randy shares the influential role his father's relationship with his customers played in shaping his own illustrious sales and marketing career. We also unpack the essence of successful sales strategies and why asking the right questions and truly understanding your target audiences leads to closed deals. Randy also expounds on the power of storytelling and how maintaining a customer-centric approach can transform your marketing game. We also learn about how vibrant and positive music helps Randy tap into his flow state.  We delve deeper into his theory of emotion marketing and explore the art and science of crafting copy based on eliciting specific customer emotions. If you aspire to be a sales and marketing powerhouse or simply want to expand your knowledge in this ever-evolving field, this episode is a must-listen. Join us on this riveting journey as Randy Crane, the titan of sales and marketing, unfolds the essence of his craft, one story at a time. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

In this episode, we sit down with Amanda Carneiro, a personal trainer, functional nutritionist, and the founder of Raw Fitness and Nutrition. Amanda takes us on a journey from her early days as an actor in Hollywood to her transition into the realm of fitness and nutrition, which lead her to start her own company.  Dive into our discussion as Amanda shares her innovative process of creating captivating social media content and how her deep understanding of internet marketing has propelled her online courses and audience growth. Discover her top tips on gut health and fat loss and learn about the little-known body hacking techniques she uses to optimize her energy and productivity. We pull back the curtain on our daily routines, offering insights into how we tap into our personal flow states. Amanda's unique perspective on harmonizing nutrition, movement, and our body's circadian rhythms promises to offer invaluable advice on optimizing your health and wellness. If you've ever wondered about the intersection of fitness, nutrition, and entrepreneurship, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in and be inspired to take control of your health journey!   Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Christine Carron, a renowned writer, productivity expert, and the visionary founder of Goodjelly. Christine shares her profound insights and practical wisdom on sustainable creative productivity. She unveils her three fundamental steps for sustainable creative productivity: smart process, grounded power, and inner kindness.  Christine delves into the importance of personalized frameworks and routines as effective tools to combat writer's block and enhance productivity for creatives. She emphasizes that creativity is not merely a product but a unique expression of oneself, and encourages writers and creatives to embrace their individuality. Join us as Christine sheds light on the power of finding joy in the journey rather than solely focusing on external rewards and prepare to be inspired and equipped with actionable strategies to unleash your creative potential in a sustainable and fulfilling manner. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

In this episode, I sit down with Haylee Kalani McDonald, a creative strategist and the founder of Kalani Consulting.  Haylee shares her inspiring journey, starting from being an intern at a recording studio to becoming a successful social media expert and owning her own marketing company called Kalani Consulting. We delve into some important topics such as the best posting schedules for social media, how battling limiting beliefs improves camera shyness, and how to get camera-ready by consistently filming yourself without posting to mold your online persona.  Haylee also shares her personal tips on how meditation, breathwork, and movement help her get into her flow state, and why it's crucial to know your target audience and community when planning your content.  Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

Alan is the founder of Uncommon Sensing and the author of the books Creating Creativity – Embodying the Creative Process and Practice Intentional Acts of Kindness and Like Yourself More. In this episode, I talk with Alan about how Feldenkrais Method has helped him gain more self-confidence and how he uses it to help other people become more comfortable in their bodies. We'll also discuss the fundamentals of the Feldenkrais Method, how creativity is based on widening your choices, how to properly direct actors by making them feel good about themselves, and the importance of acts of kindness in helping yourself and others become more creative and feel better. Finally, Alan brings up some actionable advice on improving your creativity through movement, self-confidence, and kindness - so you won't want to miss it! Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jonathan Melikidse, a lifetime bartender, producer, director, and writer, whose latest TV show in production, Moku Moku, follows the lives of three upcountry Maui locals as they navigate their way through the adversity of living on an island. Jonathan shares his creative process of writing authentic Maui characters for his pilot, MOKU MOKU, by researching his bartending customers and getting notes from his cast. He talks about his journey of getting the pilot made, his unique method of writing scripts by breaking down sections step by step, and how he gets into his flow state by intentionally napping. We also talk about how bartending helps him pay the bills while also giving him time to apply his creative ideas. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of creators doing whatever they can to get their work made and to keep pushing forward, even when faced with rejection. If you're a writer, creator, or just a fan of the entertainment industry, this episode is definitely for you. Tune in and be inspired by Jonathan Melikidse's journey of following his passion and bringing authentic Maui characters to life. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

Join us in this episode as we chat with Laura Hunter Drago, an award-winning film producer, screenwriter, and actress.  In this episode, Laura shares her inspiring journey from acting to producing and screenwriting. She talks about how her acting experience has helped her in producing and screenwriting, and she shares valuable tips on how to direct actors for the best performance. Laura also shares her creative process of writing for films and narrative podcasts. She talks about how her marketing and design jobs are influenced by her screenwriting, acting, and producing career. She emphasizes the importance of scheduling your creativity and shares practical tips on how to make the most of your time. If you're a budding filmmaker, screenwriter, or just a fan of the film industry, this episode is definitely for you. Tune in and get ready to be inspired by Laura Hunter Drago's journey! Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

Adam Martin is a TV and film director and producer. He's also the co-founder of Macroverse Media, a multi-format entertainment company. Their focus is on story-driven content meant to connect with audiences and fans through innovative, platform-agnostic distribution.    In this episode, we talk about how Adam benefited from growing up in a house filled with film lovers when he started to work in the entertainment industry. He also shares his journey from being a physics major to a production assistant on his first film set to becoming an assistant director under the DGA.  Adam also talks about how he started his own company called Macroverse Media out of the necessity to get projects made without getting stalled in the antiquated Hollywood system. Find out how the comics industry has evolved to where it is now, how Macroverse supports creators by giving them better deals for their content, how Web3 works and how he utilizes NFT's to help creators, the process of creating an NFT, and Adam's thoughts on artificial intelligence and its effects on the creative industry. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Stacy Willis is the VP of Marketing at Playwire as well as an Independent Marketing Executive.    In this episode, we talk about what got Stacy into marketing and how her degree in Engineering helped her understand how systems interact and comprehend complicated concepts. We also discuss artificial intelligence and its role in marketing and how marketers can use the technology to their benefit.  Find out how Stacy finds time to boost herself to feel more creative, the power of movement and exercise when it comes to work and productivity, trends in marketing other than AI, platforms that helped Stacy during her journey, the difference of ad revenue between websites and social media, what makes Playwire so special in the advertising space and how it helps streamline the connection between publishers and advertisers, and how spending time hiking and being in nature helps her with her flow state. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

Amy Kress Youssef is a graphic designer, brand strategist, and the founder of Water Kress, a brand strategy, brand identity, and graphic design company.  In this episode, we talk about how Amy started as a professional graphic designer and brand strategist for fortune 500 companies for over 20 years and then eventually created her business, Water Kress. Find out how Water Kress was born during the pandemic, how Amy applies archetypes and enneagrams to the framework she uses when working with clients, the process Amy goes through when creating brand decks, how she chooses colors to represent a brand, and how Amy builds a foundation for a business plan that can be used for content creation. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com  

Wayne Altman is an author, entrepreneur, and the founder of Melody Clouds, an audio app that has audiobooks, guided meditations, and binaural beats, which help you to relax, heal, and stay focused using science-based music therapy. In this episode, we talk about how Wayne transitioned from cooking school to the military and from the military to being the founder of Melody Clouds. Find out how binaural beats help Wayne treat his tinnitus and led him to build Melody Clouds to spread the power of sound healing, how music can take control of your mood and have beneficial effects to your body, the optimal way to listen to music, and Wayne's advice when facing challenges and obstacles. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Marjolein Duermeijer, a two times Emmy Award nominee for filmmaking and the Chief Content Officer of Ryff, a platform that utilizes the power of artificial intelligence to bring content creation to the next level towards the future of brand integration. In this episode, we talk about how Marjolein, a seasoned expert in TV, film, and content creation, found her way into the world of AI technology. We learn about Marjolein's journey from being a Journalist to documentary filmmaker, what she's learned over the years working in the entertainment industry, the incredible uses and applications of artificial intelligence in content, how Ryff uses AI to repurpose and scale content by using game engines to place products in any video, how having a diverse team helps her get into the creative zone, and her advice for fellow content creators who want to evolve their careers. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Virginia Frischkorn is a top-tier event industry pioneer and the founder of five events-related businesses, including Partytrick. A company providing tools for its hosts to create personalized events.  In this episode, we talk about how Virginia transitioned from her event planning company Bluebird Productions to Partytrick due to the pandemic and the absence of live events during COVID. We also discuss the elements that make a great event, the importance of human connection, how to work with various creative vendors to execute a client's vision for an event, and how Partytrick provides online tools through a platform that allows anyone to host an event by giving them access to the key ingredients to a successful gathering.  Also, Virginia and her team set up an exclusive coupon code, "CreativeHavenParty", which gives you 3 free months of their Partytrick Monthly Party Pro account. Go to partytrick.com to activate the coupon and your membership today!  Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Reagan Fry is the Director of Product at Kajabi, and also had stints as a product lead at Tiktok, Amazon, and Google. In this episode, we'll look at how Reagan, who wanted to be a director at first, eventually realized his strengths in the creative rather than the directing aspects of production. Discover his career path from major companies like Amazon, TikTok, and Google, to his current position at Kajabi which aligned with his passion to help creators thrive off their creativity.  We talk about how content creators should be compensated on social media platforms, ways in which creators can get paid for their creativity, the pros and cons of the creator economy, and why creators should create multiple streams of income that they own and how Kajabi is offering those tools. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Ian Nagy is the Co-Founder of VidTao, an incredible software for tracking the most effective YouTube ads. He is also the Co-Founder of Inceptly, a YouTube Advertising Agency. In this episode, we talk about Ian's journey from being an ambulance driver and nurse to his eventual career as a marketing writer and business owner. We also discuss the benefits of knowing how to write marketing copy, why marketing is all about communicating with people on the other side of the screen, Youtube ad tips, how he created software and a business from a problem he needed to solve in his own company, and how video marketing strategies and technologies aid in reaching a wide audience. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Robert Lund is a professional creative advertiser and co-founder of Studio TBD, a creative collective focusing on cannabis-infused drinks and edibles and web3 initiatives.  In this episode, we talk about how Robert transformed and found his purpose in life after he decided to enroll in a school for creativity in Sweden.   We discuss how he entered the world of advertising and product development by working in one of the most prominent advertising agencies in Europe and the different things he learned during his journey.  We also go deep into what creativity truly means, how 'flow state' is the point where order meets chaos, how he manages a team of creatives so they mesh well and perform their best as employees, and the benefits of cannabis and CBD which his company strives to promote as healthy and safe for human consumption. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Julia Jacobson is an oil-based paint artist and marketing consultant.  In this episode, we will talk about how Julia pursued her passion for art during the pandemic and found her passion in marketing and painting. We also find out why and how Julia transformed her life from working at a traditional corporate job to pursuing art after working at an artist co-work studio space. We discuss how she markets herself as an artist online and her process behind marketing, her thoughts on creating art for financial gain versus purely for her passion, and how she balances between being an artist and a marketing consultant.

Shanice Miller is a former business productivity consultant and the founder of Taskly Group, where she helps clients ranging from small startups to multi-million dollar businesses save hundreds of hours and thousands of dollars In this episode, we talk about Shanice's career evolution from selling her educational consultancy business to project management and developing systems for businesses. We discuss the elements that make a functionally sound business, how she used the lessons she learned from working with other businesses to build her systems, and why systems are crucial to problem-solving and building a successful business. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Ruslan Khamidullin is the Chief Technology Officer of Filmustage, a technology company that automates the script breakdown process, a painstaking task necessary in film production.  In this episode, we nerd out about horror films and Ruslan talks about how watching The Thing by John Carpenter shaped the entire course of his life, and led him into the world of filmmaking.  We also talk about his background as a sound designer, and how his life and work are heavily influenced by music. We dive deep into film production and the importance of the script breakdown and how his technology at Filmustage automates the process thanks to neural network technology. Ruslan talks about the idea of neural networks and natural language processing to modernize the script breakdown and pre-production process so filmmakers can spend more time on being creative.  Use code CREATIVEHAVEN30 for 30% off any of Filmustage's plans. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

David Carpenter is a theater veteran, the managing partner of The Twenty-Sided Tavern, and the CEO of Gamiotics, bringing audience engagement technology to the live entertainment market and powering the next generation of experiential entertainment.  In this episode, we talk about how David, an experienced Off-Broadway and Broadway producer who worked in media and entertainment for 22 years, suddenly changed his career during the pandemic and went into the world of technology. Find out how the pandemic helped David and his company get back on their feet by using cell phones as multimedia tools and creating live shows through video and Zoom.  We discuss the transition between in-person to virtual events, and why it's important for attendees to connect with other participants to foster community and brand growth, The importance for people to have in-person interactions and engagement to improve mental and social health. And we talk about how Gamiotics works hard to get people to stay loyal to their brand by using technology to have them interact with live performers and helps companies discover valuable information from each event they host to influence future productions. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Michelle Kulp is a Book Launch Expert, Publishing Specialist, and 20x #1 Bestselling Author. She's helped over 250 authors become #1 bestselling authors with her Best-Selling Author Program. In this episode, we discuss her story of being a single mom who got tired of working in a high-stress nine-to-five corporate job to become a successful entrepreneur. Getting fired may have put her out of her misery, but her meeting with Bill Ray Cyrus changed the trajectory of her life, and began her journey of finding her passions, eventually finding her purpose in following her dreams of writing, teaching, and speaking. Ever thought about writing a book? Michelle shares tips, processes, and lessons learned along her journey as an author to help you uncover the book that lives inside you. Discover how she inspires many women to live their passions, follow their dreams, and make 6 figures doing what they love. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Thomas Watkins is a thought leader, speaker, and industry practitioner who focuses on combining technology with design psychology in order to drive business success.  In this episode, we discuss the concept of design psychology and the thought process people have when interacting with technology, products, and design. How design psychology helps companies make their products more likely to succeed and resonate with their customers by creating experiences that will attract and engage users.  Why it's important to draw the line between utility vs showcase when designing websites and apps so users don't get lost with too much information when they just want to use an app or don't get enough information when they want to know more about the company.  The reasons why companies should only innovate in the areas of their core value offerings instead of getting lost in spreading themselves too thin by focusing on a lot of features. And why it's important for designers and engineers to learn the rules of their fields so you know how to use them and break them in your own creative way. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Steve Maher is a musician, and singer-songwriter out of Denver, Colorado whose current project is ‘Night Routine' - a funk-pop-soul group that has performed all over Colorado and the midwest. In this episode, we discuss his process of writing music and his belief that artists should focus on the music business to grow as a performer.  We talk about the importance of being a master marketer of yourself and knowing what unique attributes to emphasize to stand out from the crowd to sell your brand and music.  Why musicians must be aware of today's technology and trends for audio mixing so your sound is marketable to your audience. How running and doing things outside of music inspires him to come up with creative ideas and get into his flow state.  The importance of making visual content for promoting music and his process of launching singles and albums.  Why Spotify is a necessary evil that doesn't make you money but gets you noticed by a larger audience. And why it's crucial for new artists to find mentors to help them improve their skills and grow their careers. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Chris Kneeland is the co-founder of a marketing engagement agency called Cult, which specializes in turning everyday customers into brand advocates. In this episode, we discuss how Chris learned how to launch and build a business from listening to podcasts, why having business partners is the best way to grow a company, and why entrepreneurs and businesses shouldn't get stuck on perfecting products and should just ship it if it's good enough and 70% there, his comparison of flow state to sleeping and why it's important to not interrupt it when it occurs and to cherish it when happens to maximize its effects.  We also breakdown the principles of a cult brand and his 3 favorite fundamentals which are creating rights and rituals during the customer experience, building a temple or congregation so customers engage within your community, and picking a fight with a competitor or an idea like Mac vs PC to get people behind your cause. And why companies should stop worrying about making ads, and focus more on making advocates. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Christopher Willis is the CMO at Acrolinx and a specialist in Content Governance, AI, and pipeline management with over 20 years of experience growing companies in the technology sector.  In this episode, we talk about how his background in acting and directing theater productions influenced his management style because he leads a team of talent towards success for the company as well as the individual.  We discuss the breakthrough technology at Acrolinx which uses the power of AI to improve enterprise content, and why it's important for a business to keep their content consistent in all communication to sustain a consistent voice. The limitations of artificial intelligence and why the unpredictability of human creativity retains the need to have a human in the process or else AI will produce formulaic and boring results. We nerd out on health and fitness as he talks about his experience as a CrossFit coach and how it contributes to his well-being and why people should improve the things they can control in their lives since it comes from a creative part of their soul that makes life interesting. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Mikhael Porter is a third-generation entrepreneur who is the co-founder of Needle Music: the world's first social platform built to facilitate meaningful connections through music. In this episode, we discuss the power of music and how it's a universal language that brings people together, how Needle is helping Dj's and casual consumers share music and build communities through their favorite songs and artists, potentially giving curators the ability to monetize their selections, the evolution of Djing and house music and how Miami to him has become the forefront for electronic music in the US, how sharing music on social media has helped artists and musicians grow their careers, why music is a gateway to other cultures, and how success is all about just being happy. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Tom Geary is the Founder and Creative Director at the School of Thought, a fresh and innovative creative agency based in the San Francisco Bay area. Tom has positioned his agency as a leader in sustainability and social responsibility, creating high-impact campaigns for companies like Cisco WebEx, eBay, Bing, and Red Bull. In this episode, we discuss how his experience working at agencies and in-house at corporations helped him cultivate his skills as a marketer, why the purpose of marketing should be about creating an emotional connection with your audience, and why campaigns should be arresting with a strong hook, engaging to keep people interested, and distinctive to make it stand out. The unique idea of treating your marketing campaign like a stock portfolio since you can allocate your resources to conservative ideas to be safe but will have bigger wins if you're risky and invest in ideas that are innovative. Why he strives to work on projects and with clients that lean into equity, inclusion, and social impact because he prefers to both meet his client's objectives while doing some good in the world. And why he likes to work with people who are passionate about positively impacting the world rather than another large corporation looking to make a dollar. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Mark Drager is a pro-conversationalist, MC, moderator, brand strategist, and founder of the branding and creative agency Phanta Media In this episode, we discuss the ups and downs of his journey as a video production company owner and the lessons he learned from building a 7-figure business, why video business owners should go where the money is and templatize their products to have bigger margins and keep their companies afloat,  his philosophy of picking projects and clients by determining if they're great stories, can bolster his portfolio, or bring in profits.  The elements of a successful video business team, which consist of a craftsman, a salesperson, and a project manager.  Dealing with imposter syndrome by looking at successful people and realizing that it took them a long time to get where they are so you shouldn't be disappointed in yourself but aware that everything serves you and you are building towards the future you want.  And how you should always leave room in your schedule for freedom to do things that make you feel good because it allows you to get into your flow state and also keeps you happy. Learn more at TheCreatievHaven.com

Christine Pietryla Wetzler is the Founder and President of Pietryla PR & Marketing, an award-winning Chicago-based growth MARCOM agency that specializes in communications strategy and media relations for packaging, CPG, and professional services clients. She also supports small and mid-cap companies on their way to going public. In this episode, we discuss the definition, evolution, and best practices for PR and how it's ultimately how you authentically relate to the public.  How PR should be your first investment as a fresh business owner because it can help you with increasing leads, awareness, and credibility while establishing your message to your audience and giving them a reason to care about what you have to say; Organic ways to manage your own PR by first knowing your needs and goals, and then reaching out to your industry's top publications, finding editors that you like, and then offering them stories and content that aligns with their audience, rather than just pitching your company, The difference between good and bad PR campaigns, The importance of being authentic in the way you talk to the public to avoid being exposed for not practicing what you preach, and how she manages her time on the internet when researching stories for work so she doesn't get sucked into a social media black hole of negativity and wasted time. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Matt Widdoes is the CEO of Mavan, and has 15+ years of experience working in growth marketing, user acquisition, and business development in the technology and entertainment industries, leading teams in companies such as Red Bull, Zynga, and King.  In this episode, we talk about the importance of data in marketing and the ethics of data collection for consumers, how data can direct creative ideas and sometimes basic designs get better performance than cool imagery, and why he believes B2C marketing can be more effective than B2B because you're always selling to humans and ultimately consumers, his experience as a lead singer in a band which developed his growth marketing skills, and how his background in entrepreneurship and picking the right talent to build successful teams lead him to become an angel investor. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

ML Post is a writer, director, producer, and filmmaker who is the founder of Underrated, an upstart streaming service for the independent film community. In this episode, we talk about the struggles filmmakers have with distribution and how hard it is to get a movie distributed on a major platform. How marketing is the most important part of the success of a film.  Why paying creators will help them create better movies which in turn will bring in more revenue.  How Web3, Cryptocurrency, and NFTs are changing the way creators are making content and getting paid with smart contract royalties.  The struggle of being a creative filmmaker and business owner at the same time.  And why young filmmakers should write movies within their budget and should always make sure the film's story means something to you and the audience. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Jason Azevedo is the chief strategy officer at MRCA. He started his first manufacturing company with just $600 when he was only 15 years old and was able to grow it into a million-dollar business while working with companies such as Starbucks, Nike, Disney, Marvel, Volkswagen, Audi, and more. In this episode, we talk about building communities, making an impact, and how you shouldn't look at your competitors as your enemy but as friendly relationships that will expand your network and community.  He also breaks the stigma of manufacturing in America and how having an “America-first” mindset to manufacturing can make a huge impact on a local level by providing jobs, and solving supply chain issues while making a profit. We talk about modern-day manufacturing and that the most important thing to do before mass manufacturing your idea is to figure out your goal and purpose of the idea so you can work with manufacturers, engineers, and other professionals to bring your vision to life.  We also have a fun discussion about our experience moving from California to Texas and how it's the people that keep us here.  And how success to him means adding value to your community, making an impact, and helping people grow. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Richard Greene is a thought-provoking speaker who has coached celebrities ranging from Princess Diana, Deborah Messing, Will Smith, and Jada Pinkett-Smith, to help them utilize their celebrity towards effective non-partisan civic engagement. He's also been a talk show host and has provided commentary for ABC Radio Networks, FOX News, and others. In this episode, we discuss the origins of life, the components of reality, and the meaning of God to elaborate on his point of how important curiosity is for life-changing moments.  We also talk about his 7 secrets to public speaking and how public speaking is about having a conversation from your heart about a topic that you are passionate about in order to help other people.  And also the importance of voting and why we should contribute to the evolution of our communities by using our votes and voice to enact changes we want for a better society. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Scott Gatz is the founder of Q.Digital, the media company behind GayCities, Queerty, and LGBTQ Nation, and has worked with brands like HBO Max, Mastercard, Lexus, and Target to connect with the LGBTQ community through various touchpoints. In this episode, we discuss the democratization of content creation and publishing which allowed him to build Q.Digital to tell stories about the LGBTQ community which doesn't get represented enough in the media, his method of branding and the importance of community building when creating niche channels, the evolution of LGBTQ content and how the taste has changed over the years, the importance of managing your focus and leading small effective teams when building a business, and why you should take action on opportunities you recognize as gateways to success because you never know who or what can take you where you want to go. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Kieve Huffman is the founder and CEO of Engager Brands, where he is building global cannabis brands focused on music audiences. For 25+ years Kieve has built lifestyle businesses and is a veteran in the entertainment industry, and is passionate about transforming branding in the cannabis world. In this episode, we talk about how stoicism allowed him to get through some tough times during Covid and revitalize his confidence in building a new business, why you should only worry about things you can control and not on things you can't, the evolution of the cannabis industry and the state of affairs that it's in now, how he used video content to build a successful cannabis business and how he uses content to build niche brands, why he mixes science and art to utilize analytics to influence creative ideas, how he gets into his creative flow state with meditation, affirmations, goal setting, and collaboration with his team, and how his definition of success has changed over the years into simply living a fulfilling, happy life and enjoying what you do.   Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Shaahin Cheyene is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Herbal Ecstacy and has generated over a BILLION dollars in revenue by the time he was 18.  In this episode, we talk about leveraging press, whether good or bad, to bring more attention to your company and products, the power of influence, social proof, and storytelling when building a business and why podcasting is the ultimate way to tell your story and build your brand, how you should always be selling yourself and your company whenever you get a chance if you truly believe in your product, the importance of cutting out the stuff that isn't in your business and focusing more time on the thing that is working, and how doing things outside of work allows him to get into his flow state because it gives his mind rest and white space to be creative. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Bill Small is a performer, musician, and songwriter with more than 3 decades of experience in the music industry and is also a successful personal and business coach that owns the company, Artist Mind, which makes coaching available to small business owners. In this episode, we talk about his background and journey in the music industry and the evolution of music production; how working different jobs early in his career helped him figure out what he didn't want to do and forced him to lean more on his love for performing; the importance for musicians to build, engage, and grow an audience to have the ability to make money from music with as little as 1000 people on an email list; how melding his coaching business with his music career actually brought him more work because it made him unique rather than impure in each discipline; and why creatives should not wait to take action on their artistic goals because you never know what's going to happen tomorrow, so just show up, be present, and play. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Kelsey Lawrence is a self-taught photographer and the CEO of Nine Supply, a female-founded and owned team of creative strategists in Austin, Texas. In this episode, we talk about the evolution of consumer packaged goods and the best practices for marketing when growing brands online, how marketing is similar in all industries since it's about building and cultivating a community that really cares about your brand and understands what you're trying to do for the world, her love for photography and how she has to make the tough choice of letting go of highly stylized photos for iPhone pics that get more engagement on social media, the importance of getting inspiration from content outside of your industry to create innovative ideas, and that the best way to run a business as a creative is to establish boundaries and structure to help balance between your creative time and your business development time so you still do what you love but keep your business afloat. Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com

Tim Redmond is a successful entrepreneur, speaker, coach, and CEO of Redmond Growth Consulting, an organization designed to help you grow your profits, grow your business, and grow your life through Tim's innovative coaching process. In this episode, we talk about Tim's story of overcoming his speech impediment to building a successful coaching business by acting while he's afraid, how the first product people sell are not themselves but the emotional state they're projecting and the confidence they have in delivering their product, the importance of reputation marketing when growing your business and getting people to hire and trust you through testimonials and ratings, his method of getting into his flow state through affirmations, reading, and mantras where he speaks to himself to get connected on a spiritual level, and the importance of creating wealth on a consistent basis, but not in terms of money, but in value and how creating something with whatever you have available is true value creation that can grow businesses. And I want to apologize about my mic throughout the interview that sounds a little distorted.  Something happened and technical difficulties made my voice extra loud but luckily, my sound mixer made it audible so enjoy! Learn more at TheCreativeHaven.com