Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person

Ever feel anxious that your creative dreams are taking too long to come true? You're not alone. In this episode, I dive into a piece of advice from actress Tilda Swinton that changed how I view my creative journey. She famously said, “Keep your dreams soft, malleable, flexible, porous – and fun. Don't make your dreams breakable.” Join me for a convo about letting go of the rush and loving the ride. If you've ever felt impatient or discouraged with your progress, this episode will inspire you to enjoy the journey and make the process part of your dream – just as Tilda advises.  

For the longest time, I used the phrase “I'm just wired this way” as an excuse for my lack of intentionality and organizational skills. I thought being creative meant I couldn't also be focused. Turns out… that was bullshit. In this episode, I talk about “task saturation,” and how the CIA trains its operatives to handle overwhelming pressure. No surprise - it also applies to artists. The truth is, you don't rise to the level of your inspiration. You fall to the level of your habits. And I'm trying to build better ones. Not to be more productive, but to be present. //rob  

In fashion, there's this idea called "The Wrong Shoe Theory" and somehow, that choice shows confidence. Intention. Personality. In music, and really any creative field, we're taught the rules, but no one reminds us to break them. And without breaking the rules, you'll never find your voice. You'll just be a well-behaved echo. In this episode, Sarah and I talk about fashion, creativity, confidence, and what it means to actually own your weird. Because the wrong shoe might be the right move.

When you're first starting out as a creative, everyone tells you to say yes. Yes to every gig, every project, every maybe-this-will-lead-to-something opportunity. But no one really teaches you when it's time to start saying no. In this episode, I talk about how saying yes got me started… but saying no is what's helping me stay focused. At some point, your time, your energy, and your creative sanity depend on it.

There's a lot going on in the world right now. Chaos, burnout, doomscrolling, and all the rest. But here's your friendly, ridiculous reminder: everyone's dealing with something. Everyone's in pain in some way. And yes, everyone's getting up to go pee pee at 3AM. This episode is a goofy reminder to have some damn patience with other people, and with yourself. You're not alone. You're just human. Probably a little tired. Probably a little full-bladdered.

Yeah, the world is saturated. Everyone's making something. But that doesn't make your voice any less necessary. Your perspective—how you see, process, frame, and express—is the one thing no algorithm, AI, or influencer can duplicate. That's the work. That's the value. This episode is a reminder not to disappear into the noise… just because there's a lot of it.

Last week, mid-show in Milwaukee, my mic stand took a nosedive. (Fine, maybe I kicked it during André's filthy solo. The man shreds—what do you want from me?) But here's the thing—I didn't stop. Michael Caine once gave acting advice: “Use the difficulty.” So that's what I did. I didn't fix it. I used it. Because that's the difference between a recital and a show. One chases perfection. The other turns chaos into gold. Live performance is alchemy. In this episode, I share one of my most embarrassing live music stories, I dig into Michael Caine's advice, a little philosophy on stage-craft, and some thoughts from my buddy Dan Rodriguez on what it means to actually perform.  

There's this quote from Donald Glover that's been rattling around in my head. It sounds simple, but it cuts deep, especially for anyone trying to make art in a world obsessed with control and validation. In this episode, I talk about what it means to stop chasing approval and start creating from a place that's actually honest. Not engineered for the algorithm. Not pre-digested for the audience. Just real. Because the truth is: the minute you start shaping your work around what you think people want, you lose the thing that made it worth doing in the first place.  

Every musician wants to be heard. But what if you're the reason no one's listening? In today's podcast episode, “Cooking for Ghosts” I talk about a tour-van convo with my buddy Matt Patrick, who dropped a line that punched me in the gut: Making music but avoiding self-promotion is like cooking all day at home, then whining about why you don't have a restaurant yet.” We talk about the myth of “getting discovered,” the real war between art and exposure, and why it's not about selling out - it's about putting the damn food on the table.

Jackie Chan says “Ding Ding” on set to remind his crew: stay sharp, keep moving, no dead time. I've been thinking… maybe life needs more of that energy too. Less waiting, more intention. Urgency, not the panic kind, but the alive kind. The kind that reminds you you're here to do something. Ding ding, let's go.

My buddy recently dropped this phrase on me: “cosplaying confidence.” It's been rattling around in my head ever since. Sometimes you've got to show up like you've already arrived. Not in some fake-it-till-you-make-it hustle bro bullshit way… But in that quiet, stubborn refusal to let your current circumstances define your future trajectory.  

Craig is a writer, a photographer, and a thinker who's been living in Japan for nearly two decades. His work explores how we move through physical spaces, how technology shapes our lives, and how the small rituals of daily living can add up to something beautiful. He's written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Eater. He's published books like Koya Bound and his new book he's just written, Things Become Other Things. Craig's New Book: amzn.to/3RIys2s Craig's Podcast w/ Tim Ferriss: tim.blog/2025/03/28/craig-mod-returns Craig's Website: craigmod.com

Giving someone a bottle of whisky isn't just a drink, it's gifting the gift of gifting. Strangely, whisky also changed the paradigm of my art. In this episode, we talk about generosity, craft, and why the best things—whether a bottle, a poem, a photograph or a song—are never really ours to keep. https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/whiskygift   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Search Tags:  Whisky culture Best whisky gifts Whisky and creativity Whisky and art The art of giving whisky Why whisky is the best gift Whisky storytelling Whisky history Whisky and music Bourbon vs Scotch Whisky traditions Whisky for musicians Creative inspiration from whisky Anthony Bourdain style podcast Whisky and craft How whisky changes perspective Whisky appreciation The philosophy of whisky Whisky and travel Why artists love whisky

In this episode, we dive into the wisdom of Alan Watts and why young creatives need to master the art of letting go. We talk about my illusion of control, my fear of failure, and how gripping too tightly to an outcome can kill the very thing you're trying to create.

They've got one in Honolulu, they've got one in Moscow too. They've got four of them in Sydney, and a couple in Katmandu…  Tokyo, Munich, Indonesia, Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing… Why is it, Wherever I go around the world, I find an Irish pub? What is it that makes them so special? Where do all these Pubs source their bar counters and authentic Irish brick-a-brack? Pull up a barstool and join me in Mexico as I hunt down a pint of proper and tap into these questions and more.

Touring with everyone from the Martha Graham Ballet and the New York City Opera, to Cher, Barry Manilow, Aerosmith, Miley Cyrus, Foreigner, Steve Miller, Jennifer Lopez, and more… Garland Purdy has “been involved in the entertainment industry since before there was an entertainment industry.” Join us as we sit down, over coffee… pretty much just as an excuse for me to get to know him more.  

If everything goes exactly as planned, you're not really traveling—you're just moving through a postcard. The magic happens in the discomfort: the missed train, the questionable street food, the conversation in broken language—because that's where the real stories live.  

I just heard David Lynch passed away. Here are some thoughts of his that have helped me along my journey.

I haven't been excited about this trip to Spain… It's not that I've been dreading it or not looking forward to it... But it feels like there's been a limiter put on my soul's curiosity this past month. I call it “The Curse Of The Freelancer” and it took a poem sent to me by my friend Summer Lee Carlson to break me from it.  

Join Sarah and me for an extremely personal conversation about a topic I've been tormented by this entire past year.

A conversation with one of my favorite tattoo artists, Jack Hilton, while finishing my back piece today made me rethink the importance of the types of tools and gear I use to create, and it's possible impact on my creative journey.  

Join Sarah and myself at our table to revisit yesterday's New Year's Resolution thought. https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/uncertaintyforbreakfast   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

2025... You look happy to greet me. https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/edelweissenergy   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Search Tags: Happy New Year, years, resolutions, resolution, mindset, outlook, begin again. 

“[Art] is performing an act of self-exploration on behalf of an audience.” - Chiwetel Ejiofor to Jason Siegel

I'm high and alone in my hotel room in Iowa. Perfect time to talk about religion.

On the true purpose of practice and the importance of the gear and tools we use. https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/beyondpractice   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

I'm once again reminded: if it exists... you win.  ※  Here's the clip referenced in today's ep:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g_-JqS89tSQ   ※   -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

"I don't know where I'm going, but I know how I'm getting there."  https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/howvswhere   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

You have 1 missed call! www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/voicemail-politics-religion   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

You have 1 missed call! www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/specialist-vs-generalist   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

On, what happens when dark days turn into a dark month, and why you haven't heard from me in a while.

We're all familiar with a job being called a "Trade" right? Well, I heard it said differently this morning that made me think of that term all day.  www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/whatareyoutrading   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※ 

In my journey, perfectionism has always paralyzed me. It was when I embraced my "Dogma of Good Enough" that led to more movement and opportunities in my creative journey than I could have ever imagined. 

The funny thing is... the older I got, the better I got at taking a compliment, but the worse I got at going to concerts. Here's how they're connected.  www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/complimentsandconcerts   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Search Tags: keane, hopes and fears #hopesandfears20 , how to take a compliment, how to receive a compliment, energy, social interactions, tips on going to a concert

In 1505, when Michelangelo said yes to a gig from Pope Julius II that fell outside Michelangelo's focused skillset, he famously said, “Non è La Mia Arte” - “Not My Art!” I'm about the same age he was at that time, just 5 centuries later, and I find his story strangely relevant to modern-day gig-culture. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/notmyart   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Search Tags: Abundance mindset Scarcity mindset Mindset shift Personal growth mindset Wealth creation strategies Success mindset Mental health and mindset Overcoming scarcity thinking Positive thinking habits Financial abundance Limiting beliefs Growth vs fixed mindset Prosperity mindset Entrepreneurial mindset Manifesting abundance Scarcity vs abundance mentality Law of attraction mindset Breaking scarcity patterns Self-improvement mindset Mindset for success and happiness

There's a scene in the 2009 movie, “An Englishman in New York” that… If I had heard earlier in my life, would have saved me a ton of time and heartache when it came to finding my style as an artist, musician, photographer, podcaster, and human being. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/onfindingyourstyle   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes. ※  Search Tags: Artistic self-expression Finding your creative voice Artist personal growth Overcoming creative block Artist development journey Creativity and confidence Artist identity Discovering artistic style Art and self-discovery Authenticity in art Creative self-doubt Building artistic confidence Voice as an artist Artistic authenticity Creative growth mindset Evolving as an artist Creative professional development Unlocking creativity Art and personal evolution Artist mentorship and growth

Whether you're “cannacurious” and don't know the difference between an Indica or a Sativa - or you consider yourself an expert on the topic but realize there's always more to learn… you'll love this conversation! Join me as I sit down with Kit Kenny, a certified “Ganjier” (think sommelier, but for weed) to talk about health benefits, consumption methods, most effective minimum dosing, advice on storing, and ‘Systematic Appearance Protocol'.  We're talkin' Third-Wave Cannabis folks! www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/aguidetocannabis   ※    For more of my "A Guide To..." episodes (your first tattoo, whiskey, tipping culture in bars around the world) CLICK HERE Follow Kit on Instagram: @kennebis www.kennebis.com   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330   ※   Conversation Topic Search Tags:  Cannabis Culture Marijuana legalization Medical cannabis benefits CBD health effects THC vs CBD Cannabis industry trends Recreational marijuana Cannabis entrepreneurship Marijuana laws Hemp vs cannabis Cannabis wellness Weed lifestyle Cannabis strains Marijuana investment Cannabis for anxiety Legal weed market Cannabis edibles Sustainable cannabis farming Cannabis dispensaries Cannabis policy reform

I've been thinking a lot about time lately… Maybe most of what our experience as artists has to do with it… www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/markruffaloadvice   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

“The most dangerous risk of all – the risk of spending your life not doing what you want on the bet you can buy yourself the freedom to do it later.” – Randy Komisar 

As travelers, we have two options… be an observer or participant. In this installment of my series “How Was Your Trip?” I sit down over German beers with Sarah and our close friends, Mark and Mary Aronson to discus our love of travel - what it looked like growing up for each of us - and how we all learned to become participants. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/humanluggage

FileUnder:// Alan Watts, Motivation, Note to self www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/alanwatts   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

It's so easy to look at a situation that didn't "pan out" like you expected and feel like it was a waste of time. For my life... a massive paradigm shift was needed.  It's so easy to look at a situation that didn't "pan out" like you expected and feel like it was a waste of time. For my life... a massive paradigm shift was needed.  www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/whatsthepoint   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   Search Tags: Auditions, applications, interviews, live music, the creative journey, happiness, fulfillment, hedonic treadmill

In honor of World Photography Day [2024] join Sarah and me at our table, over an "Olive Oil Martini" (we'll give you the recipe) to talk about the 3 of the most impactful changes I made that helped me live a photographic life. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/aphotographiclife   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   Tags: Photography, #worldphotographyday, #worldphotographyday2024, 

What's your approach to engaging in social-media comment sections? Whether you're someone who chooses to engage or not, here's something you need to know about how it impacts the algorithm and a post's reach. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/peoplelovehate   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

On monetization, the creative process, and the importance of giving it away! www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/dieempty ⌖ For more Curious Doctrines & Maxims, CLICK HERE!   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

Join Sarah and me in our backyard to discuss what a dopamine crash looks like for me as a musician. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/dopaminecrash   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

Sometimes… no matter what the circumstances… the show must go on. And knowing how to fake it is one of the most important (AND UNDER-DISCUSSED) skills every professional must cultivate. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/fakeit   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   Search Tags: live music, how-to, performance, main-stage, music festival, summer, Mile Of music, mile 11, dan Rodriguez, fake it, manifesting, bassist, musician

A story about how Shanghai, China taught me not to place my fulfillment and happiness, "over there."  www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/ohmygod   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

On scarcity mindset, my discomfort with 'nationalism', luck, and the best $30 we ever spent on Amazon. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/scarcityofsparrows   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

Whether you're a musician headed on tour, or you're headed to Europe on an adventure - at some point you have to ask yourself, “What do I pack, and what do I pack it in?” Join me as I sit down with my good friend, and badass drummer Richard Medek to talk about what he calls, “travel drag” - the importance of packing light - and the joy of finding a bag that travels the way you do. For the two of us, that bag is the Tom Bihn Synik 30… but it took a while for me to get here. Grab a Stella and join us as we talk about this aspect of the joy of travel. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/richardmedeksynik30   ※  - Find Richard Online Here: www.richardmedek.com/ - Follow Richard on Instagram Here: www.instagram.com/richardmedek - Check out Today's Sponsor Tom Bihn Here: www.tombihn.com -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   Tags: travel, minimal travel, European travel, what to pack, packing strategy traveler, world, carry-on, checked bag, how to, tips tricks, approach, guide.

My two NON-NEGOTIABLE traits to aging as an artist or musician. www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/theagingartist   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.