Felicia La Tour is a celebrity make-up artist, entrepreneur, mother of 2 (aka a mom-preneur), and creator of the popular clothing line and IG page “MIndfulFee” where she regularly posts and updates her community with the day to day realness of her journey and process of growth, attaining wisdom.  She pays forward positivity and gems she picks up along the way.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Main differences between the bay area and LA
+ Chasing spirit pulling you versus ego pulling you
+ Getting paid to simply be who God put you here to be
+ Giving more brings you more abundance
+ Money helps our soul fully express itself in the world
+ The importance of being honest about our bad days
+ Her mission with her platform MindfulFee
+ Growth can be scary even what its positive and how to navigate it
+ Making room for new things to enter our life and discarding the old

Discard The Old, Allow The New — Felicia La Tour

Corey Smyth (IG: cblacksmith) is a music industry veteran and visionary executive, whose entrepreneurial drive has always remained unmatched.  Corey has guided the careers of world- renowned artists including: Dave Chappelle, Mos Def, Talib Kweli, De La Soul, Vince Staples, Lil' Jon, and more.  In a career spanning more than 30 years, Corey has showcased his expertise in the areas of artist management and development, international touring, production, and forging game-changing global partnerships on behalf of his portfolio. Corey's talents have transcended artist management as his impact has been recognized throughout music, film, contemporary art, television and more.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Full circle moment getting to present during crown forum at Morehouse
+ Early bumps in the road setting out to begin his career
+ Working at a skate shop with his friends Lil Jon & Baby
+ How Corey has often felt like Forest Gump throughout his career
+ His views on the difference between doing business in NY vs. LA
+ Meeting Dave Chappelle and being introduced to the comedy world for the first time
+ Putting together the movie, Block Party, flying by the seat of their pants 
+ Going through the difficult chapter of The Chappelle show ending
+ The ultimate gem for artist to make sure the person representing you has more revenue than just you so they can advise from an unselfish / unbiased place
+ The cold truth on how most of the industry does not care about artists

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Legendary Manager to Dave Chappelle, Vince Staples, Mos Def and More — Corey Smyth

Angel Lopez is a Grammy winning music producer and songwriter who has worked with Sam Smith, Coldplay, Kanye West and many more. He has been groomed and mentored by his musical idol, legendary producer Timbaland. Angel nearly missed his calling. Before he found success in the music business, he came within inches of leaving his path in music to pursue what would have been an arduous career to becoming a gemologist.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Gaining Timbaland’s trust, and working on his 1st record with Tim, Justin Timberlake & Wiz Khalifa
+ His wife and him growing up on Coldplay and getting to meet and work with Chris Martin
+ Getting a text in middle of the night from Chris Martin saying he urgently needed to come to the studio to work on a song that just came to him
+ Chris Martin explaining to him that creating songs together is like “going on a fishing trip” and you never know what size fish you are gonna catch and to be loose about it
+ Angel going to see Coldplay perform after working in session and getting shouted out by the band at the show and his wife’s surreal moment standing next to Chris at the shows after party
+ Angel achieving his first #1 record with Saweetie, “Back to the Streets”
+ His manager texting him out of the blue saying Kanye is rolling up to the studio to listen to and discuss music for the YAHNDI project, and him and his team scrambling to prepare music
+ Angel explaining how influential Kanye was in his life and how listening to 808’s and Heartbreak helped get him through some of his darkest days as a kid
+ Kanye meeting Team Timbo for the first time at Hit Factory and after hearing their music, very quickly asking if the studio had showers so they could lock out and finish his album right away
+ Getting phone call in the middle of the night when he was in Ohio from Kanye saying he wanted to start a church and wanted Angel's help
+ Not rushing God’s blessings in your life and trusting the process even when things get rocky

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Pt 2. Working with Childhood Heroes, Coldplay and Kanye West and Trusting God's Timing — Angel Lopez

Andy Steinway is a Los Angeles based music manager with Hallwood Media.  He manages superstar writer/rapper Jozzy and British artist Raissa (signed to Mark Ronson’s label with Columbia Records) among others.  He nearly left the music business after much heartbreak and many years of false starts before fate would intervene and open up the right door. 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Growing up in North Carolina and the lack of a “unique" music scene
+ His transition from wanting to be on the musician side to wanting to be on 
    the business side of music
+ His intrigue with watching people evolve and grow 
+ The legendary Steinway Piano empire being part of his bloodline
+ Navigating being bullied in high school and how those who are bullied often 
    go onto great things
+ Life at Berklee College Of Music in Boston
+ When he realized he didn’t have what it took to make it as a musician
+ Getting fired from his first exciting gig at ICM… after just 2 weeks
+ Almost leaving LA after grinding for years, to go back home to North 
   Carolina and get a job laying cement
+ Life changing redirect moment, trying to sign Sara Bareilles, admittedly 
   way above his paygrade at the time…
+ Getting hired by legendary UK manager / publisher duo, Tim and Danny 
  (Stellar Songs)and that opening all the right doors for him
+ Discovering Jozzy and the path leading to the mega hit record “Old Town 
   Road”
+ The wisdom he has gained throughout his journey

Almost Giving Up to Global Chart-Topping Smash Hit "Old Town Road" — Andy Steinway

Christian Clancy is a legendary dude & music industry outsider very much on the inside.  He is the co-founder of 4 Strikes management along with his wife Kelly. They manage the careers of Tyler, The Creator, Mac Miller's Estate BROCKHAMPTON, Domo Genesis, Raveena, Boylife and formerly Solange and Frank Ocean.  Clancy also formerly headed up hip hop marketing at Interscope Records in it's gangster rap heyday, helping promote such artists as 50 Cent, Eminem, The Game and more...

Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative?
You don’t have to do it alone. 
We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive.
Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ The facade he wore at Interscope ultimately weighing him down
+ Why music is so powerful
+ Clancy explains what 1st drew him to Tyler, The Creator
+ The curious dance within artists between ego and insecurity
+ Why a slow build career beats a hit single, or immediate success 
+ Reflections on being on the receiving end of road rage 
+ What were the catalysts that helped you grow into this version of yourself?
+ Leaping from Interscope into 4 Strikes with nearly no money
+ How the music business rewards facades and caricatures
+ Clancy's gratitude practice
+ Seeing depression as a movie in your head to get space from it
+ Meditation as a major key to our well being
+ Personal pain hopefully leads us to more empathy
+ The GIFTS of aging
+ Evolving internally and externally
+ Judging Mac Miller before meeting him & their first meeting
+ Recalling where he was when he got news Mac passed away
+ Clancy's favorite Mac Miller memory
+ When your old ceiling becomes your new floor, the magic of growth
+ Getting trapped in anger & missing a) solution b)the blessing within it
+ Horrible breakup prepping Clancy to become the man who attracted his wife 
+ "The things that aren't right for you, will give you up"
+ Everything has its opposite ie. the lower you go the higher you can go
+ Gem advice for up and coming artists...
+ Clancy's relationship to money, having grown up with none
+ How great artists / entrepreneurs can easily get dismissed & overlooked
+ Why tragedy unites us
+ Frank Ocean's brilliance and impact on pop culture
+ The magic and appeal of the underdog

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Tyler, the Creator's Manager on Confident Vulnerability — Christian Clancy

Russell Brand (IG: RussellBrand) is an outlier, activist, actor, author, podcaster, spiritual teacher etc. His YouTube channel has amassed more than 5.3 million subscribers.  Amongst all of the divisiveness and polarization in today's zeitgeist he has quickly become a mainstream voice for meaningful change and antidisestablishmentarianism.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ What the aim of engaging in spiritual and personal development should be
+ Why volunteering is not only good for others but also good for us too
+ "Listening to the whispers of the wind" and staying in tune w/what life is asking of us
+ Reorganizing what society could look like for us
+ How technology might evolve from here
+ The duality of things in life, how they could work for us & also against us
+ Getting taken over by our ego's has become the cultural norm
+ How connection is the antithesis to addiction 
+ We discuss how our addictions kept us going until we could address what was underneath, driving them
+ Why it's so hard for leaders who want to change things to actually do so, because systems are SO static + stagnant and don't create space for them to do so
+ Using our greatest adversities to become better, more evolved, freer versions of ourselves

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Russell Brand On Breaking Free From Your Ego & Getting Into Divine Guidance — Russell Brand

Shawn Setaro (Twitter: @sameoldshawn) is a writer and reporter for podcasts at Complex.  Throughout his prolific career he has written for The Atlantic, Vibe, The Source, GQ, Forbes, the Sondheim Review, and many more outlets.  He was formerly, the Editor-in-Chief of Genius.com.  He was the writer and reporter on Spotify x Complex podcasts…. Infamous: The Tekashi 6ix9ine Story, narrated by NYC radio legend Angie Martinez; a second season of Infamous about Florida rapper YNW Melly; and Complex Subject: Pop Smoke, a biographical series about the late Brooklyn rap star.  Shawn created and hosted The Cipher, a podcast that featured interviews with over 200 legendary figures in hip-hop and is a newly published author with his book, Complex Presents: Dummy Boy, Tekashi 6ix9ine and the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, available wherever books are sold.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ How Shawn first got into journalism
+ Stumbling across and working at RapGenius.com when it was just in embryo form
+ How rap music can assuage feelings of PTSD
+ Getting signed to a record label and then it falling apart and the trauma that can leave artists with for a long period of time
+ Lack of proper resources within the music industry to deal with emotional and mental health
+ In a society that glorifies hustle mentality and productivity, it’s crucial to avoid burnout 
+ What got Shawn so interested in the Tekashi 69 saga
+ Our fascination with celebrity culture and the history behind it
+ Shawn’s biggest adversity in his own journey and what he learned from the experience

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Complex Senior Writer & Former Genius Editor-in-Chief — Shawn Setaro

This is a "RUN IT BACK" episode! The episode was originally recorded in July, 2017, when the podcast was previously called, "The Hustle Sanctuary."  

Koreen Odiney (IG: @Koreen) is the founder of the viral authentic connection card game, "We're Not Really Strangers" (IG: Werenotreallystrangers), which teaches strangers how to connect authentically & vulnerably.  The game has been featured in Vogue, GQ, Red Table Talk, BuzzFeed, and many more and their social media platforms have millions of followers.  Koreen and I sat down for this conversation to discuss the game when it was in its very early infancy and had just a few thousand followers!  Super inspiring stuff. Enjoy!

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ We’re not really strangers – break down the game for us!
+ What’s it like connecting with people with different viewpoints?
+ Early days of discovering photo journalism and photography
+ Has a stranger ever changed your life?
+ Did going up to a complete stranger ever go badly?
+ Talk to us about chance/serendipitous encounters with important people in your life.
+ What’s a recent career high?
+ Biggest career low?
+ Favorite thing about modeling?
+ How do you achieve internal peace?
+ What comes to mind when you hear the word “LOVE”?
+ Thoughts on people impulsively leaving relationships?
+ Are you lying to yourself about anything?
+ Gem dropped.. “every level has a different devil”
+ Success on the outside, depressed on the inside
+ The value of friends holding us accountable
+ What guides / motivates you to keep pushing + hustling?
+ One of the most powerful quotes I’ve heard yet…

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

We’re Not Really Strangers Founder Helps People Feel Seen (RUN IT BACK!)— Koreen Odiney

This is a new segment called, "Bars For Breakfast!"  I will highlight a powerful lyric and share how it relates to my personal life experience.  Listening to my share, I hope it conjures up for you how it relates to your own personal life journey and you feel connected + inspired.  Of course, this all goes down while eating a delicious and/or random breakfast item as well!

***

SONG: "The Highs & The Lows"
ARTISTS: Chance The Rapper & Joey Badass
LYRIC: "Beware, believe none of what you see and half of what you hear, the best things in life on the opposite side of fear."

***

SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS:  
Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

CONNECT WITH ME: 
Website: https://connectionismagic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionismagic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectionismagic

Visit CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list to get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love & Blessings!

– TEAM CIM

Bars For Breakfast: "The Highs & The Lows" — Chance The Rapper Feat. Joey Bada$$

The iconic, Oscar-Winning song "Lose Yourself" from the movie "8-mile" turned 20 years old on October 28th, 2022.

Jeff Bass (IG: @thejeffbass) is a Detroit native music producer, who is best known for his work grooming and developing the sound of Eminem.  He's credited for producing and co-writing the Oscar-winning song “Lose Yourself” from the movie 8-Mile, and has attained multiple Grammy awards during his longtime collaboration with Eminem, including "Without Me", "Sing For The Moment" and many more.  His first entrance into the music business was being signed to Quincy Jones at the age 19.  Jeff struggled on food stamps and government cheese as a new parent in his 30's and did not reach his breakthrough success with Eminem until he was 38 years old.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ The magic of minor mode songs…
+ How did fame change you and Eminem?
+ Memorable Jimmy Iovine moment?
+ The rare occasions when artists call the shots at record labels
+ The stars align again.. 8 mile move + “lose yourself” coalesce 
+ Chrysler super bowl commercial x “lose yourself”
+ Eminem's 4th album “Encore” where the road began to get rocky
+ The importance of being careful with your money in the music business
+ The last song Jeff recorded with Eminem
+ The last time Jeff & Eminem spoke and how the conversation went...
+ Painful memories and lessons Jeff learned along the path
+ Jeff's new struggle...
+ What advice Jeff would give to his 18 year old self
+ Jeff's biggest career HIGH
+ Jeff's biggest career LOW
+ How to keep your ego in check even after success and how we cannot do anything great without a team..

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Going From Food Stamps To Winning An Oscar w/Eminem, 20th Anniversary Of "Lose Yourself" — Jeff Bass

Seano McFarland (IG: @teamseano) is a certified addiction therapist, life coach, and interventionist specializing in chemical dependency, sexual addiction and trauma.  He’s been a longtime therapist to Mike Tyson helping guide & counsel him the past 15 years.  Seano’s overall career in recovery spans 20+ years and he’s made notable impacts within his frame of work, including national lectures, appearances on Oprah, Dateline, and many other major media networks.  Since founding Shell Recovery Center in Venice, CA he has helped celebrities and non-celebrities alike, and has also consulted for the NBA & NFL.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Seano getting kidnapped as a child in Arizona
+ Overcoming our adversity and seeing it as a homecoming story
+ Being in the dark so long that we can run from the light because it’s so foreign to us
+ Staying in “the middle of the herd” / in the middle of community, where we are at our safest
+ Alcohol & drugs aren’t the problem, they are our maladaptive solution to our living problem
+ Why you should NOT keep secrets…. Seano philosophy: “secrets can kill you”
+ The shameful things we’ve done which we think are so unique, are truly not and why we need to share them with trustworthy people to heal
+ “The world doesn’t need to change, we do” + “the only person you suffer from is you” – Seano Sayings 😊
+ Seano receiving a DUI….. on a bicycle
+ Jeff Goldbum being a mentor to Seano and what he learned being around him
+ Seano getting hit by a car when his life was at a peak of success
+ What makes Mike Tyson so unique from others who are successful?
+ How Seano helped Mike Tyson navigate his way out of rock bottom

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Mike Tyson’s Longtime Therapist On Shifting Your Narrative — Seano McFarland

Christopher M. Bailey & DJ Wolvie (IG: @Chrisvsmyself & @DJWolvie) are local LA legendary cats by way of Tucson, Arizona.  They’re both multi-hyphenate creatives and live on the bleeding edge of culture in both the clothing and music space.  Chris established the super buzzing, Last One Left, clothing brand which has been featured in The Los Angeles Times and worn by some of your favorite entertainers.  DJ Wolvie is a super talented DJ with a musical palette that spans many genres.  He formerly worked at HipHopDX and is a frequent collaborator with the Last One Left brand.  Chris’s life story was featured in the HBO Documentary, “Fake Famous,” which is a social experiment that highlights 3 up and coming creatives and manufactures turning them into “influencers” by hyping them up and buying fake followers for them on social media.  DJ Wolvie was featured in the documentary as well.  If you haven’t seen it, you should go watch it!  Wild stuff!

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Showing up to a job interview thinking it was for Pharrell but finding out it was for Jay-Z
+ Navigating closed doors and trusting the timing of everything unfolding
+ Feeling out of place and getting harassed by bros in the party scene of Tucson, Arizona
+ Chris watching his mom spiral out of control from addiction and watching her go in and out of rehabs
+ Wolvie leaving Arizona for LA to work at HipHopDX and only getting paid $150 per month
+ The origins of Chris’s clothing company “Last One Left”
+ The culture and nuances within the thrifting community for clothes and the idea of “compounding karma” within it
+ Suggesting an indie NYC nightclub to one of Jay-Z’s friends and then watching the surrealness of Jay-Z and Beyonce pulling up to the club that same night
+ Being in HBO’s “Fake Famous” documentary and the ridiculousness that Chris & Wolvie observed
+ Being super mindful of who you keep in your inner circle, and why it’s essential to realizing your full potential

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Building A Streetwear Brand & Featuring in HBO's ‘Fake Famous’ Documentary — CM & DJ Wolvie

Coodie & Chike (IG: @Coodierock & @Cozah) are Emmy-Nominated and acclaimed producers, directors, and documentarians.  They are the directors & visionaries behind Netflix’s documentary “Jeen-Yuhs,” the 3-part trilogy showcasing the never before seen, two-decade plus, behind the scenes life of Kanye West, starting from when no one believed in him all the way through launching a multi-billion-dollar shoe and clothing empire.  The duo launched their directorial debut with Kanye West’s break through single, “Through the Wire” in 2003.  Coodie started out as a comedian and was also the co-founder of the legendary 90’s hip-hop platform “Channel Zero” which featured some of the biggest icons of the genre early in their careers:  Wu-Tang Clan, Bone Thugs N’ Harmony, Nas, and many others…  Chike, has been a consummate student of the arts from an early age, attending the prestigious, Rhode Island School of Design as well as the Savannah College of Art & Design.  Some of their other work includes:  30 for 30 “Benji” Documentary (on the life of an All-American high school basketball phenom who’s life was tragically cut short when he was killed in the south-side of Chicago), many iconic music videos including, Erykah Badu’s “Window Seat” and they are currently working on an upcoming documentary on the life of Ernie Barns Jr. a prolific, African-American artist, well known for his style of elongated characters and movement.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // 

+ How their acclaimed, ESPN 30 for 30 “Benji” Documentary came together
+ How it sadly takes tragedy to unite us 
+ Being pressured by Hollywood executives into deals they weren’t ready to sign
+ Be patient, it takes time to get good at your craft!
+ Coodie dropping everything to move to NY to document Kanye prior to his success
+ Kanye having a habit of exploding whenever he hears someone use the word “Can’t”
+ Creatives with deep chemistry coming together to work & how rare and special this can be
+ Artists becoming the “character” and abandoning their former selves after success
+ Drake hitting up Coodie days before the release of the documentary saying he wanted to narrate the whole thing and Kanye saying he wanted Drake instead of Coodie to narrate it
+ Kanye West’s life and career spiraling downwards shortly after the release of the documentary they spent years putting together
+ The subliminal message of the documentary not really being so much about the Genius of Kanye West but rather to remind us that we all have a unique genius within and to give us the encouragement needed to push through the NO’s and resistance to cultivate and express it!

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Kanye West Netflix Documentary ‘Jeen-Yuhs’ Emmy-Nominated Directors — Coodie & Chike

Stan Taylor (IG: @_Stantaylor_) is an LA based, super soulful R&B singer, raised in Central California.  He moved to LA in 2009, after winning a reality television competition with ABC/Disney. This appearance would lead him to more opportunities to travel the world performing his music and building a fan base.  Throughout his career, Stan has collaborated with many Grammy-winning music producers and served as the resident in-house singer for the popular LA night spot frequented by Drake, The Kardashians and many more called Delilah’s.  Definitely go peep Stan Taylor’s most recent project, “Sweet Nostalgia” which dropped in March 2023.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Being super into athletics prior to music and how that drive/discipline served pursuing music
+ Being friends with the nerdy theatre kids while athletes clowned Stan for his choice of not pursuing sports
+ Super key takeaway: “Discipline is confidence” 
+ How people get slept on all the time, and how even Kanye initially was slept on as shown in Netflix “Jeen-Yuhs” Documentary
+ The irony of people being so thirsty for authenticity, but most being terrified to share at this level
+ Keep a baby picture of yourself nearby so you can be kinder to yourself and remember your true essence
+ How wins and mini-breakthroughs can be the universe co-signing us and we can use them as signs to keep going
+ Being friends with people who can bless you with opportunities and the fine line of patience for it to happen naturally and asking for things, remembering, “closed mouths don’t get fed”
+ Snapping yourself out of funks by asking yourself… “how long do you want to hurt like this?”
+ Insight: “When we build a home in someone else, they have the power to make us homeless”

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Discipline Equals Confidence & Remembering The Little Kid Who Still Lives Inside Us — Stan Taylor

In partnership with the 988 national suicide & crisis lifeline, we’re dropping this very special episode in honor of world mental health day – October 10th, 2023. If you are someone you know is struggling with their mental health please call 988 from any cell phone for support 24/7.

Justice Baiden (IG: @justicewearscoolpants) is an entrepreneur, co-founder and head of A&R at ATL’s hottest R&B label, LVRN.  They are one of the only record labels that offers both its artists and staff access to a mental health program, which includes a stipend for therapy, gym memberships, healthy food and more.  Some of his most notable signings include the multi-platinum and Grammy-winning artists, Summer Walker & 6lack, two defining voices of their generation in today’s music space.  Justice was born in Kennesaw, Atlanta and raised by parents who are both immigrants from Ghana.  Earlier this year LVRN received a $100 Million dollar investment from label & publisher, MUSIC, to help scale its operations and impact even further.

Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative?
You don’t have to do it alone.
We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive.
Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ LVRN being one of the only record labels to offer a stipend for mental health support to its artists and how this came to be
+ How Summer Walker was at first super opposed to therapy (sidenote: Justice used to be as well) and how their feelings towards it eventually evolved + how he snuck a therapist backstage and passed her off as his friend to help Summer
+ Having to sneak his way into Summer Walker’s computer, because she was so shy sharing new songs at the time when he was A&R’ing her first project for the label
+ The pivot Justice made into pursuing the business side ofs music after his failed attempt at becoming a rapper
+ A helpful mindset on how to use social media as an artist in with a healthier perspective
+ The importance of having adversity so that we not only appreciate our wins more but to actually end up with a more cool & compelling story to share with others
+ Justice having to figure out how to navigate the music business prior to having all the information on it that’s available today
+ Discovering 6lack and helping introduce him to therapy and witnessing how much he’s evolved as an artist and human being
+ Helpful tips on becoming more resilient and bouncing back after going through bad deals as an artist
+ Why it’s so important when we feel lost to travel and leave our everyday surroundings to get a perspective shift
+ Understanding the dynamics of a team environment and exploring the pro’s & con’s + do’s & don’ts when operating within a team
+ Outgrowing friendships, why it happens and how best to navigate it
+ How we’re taught in school to stay inside the box but paradoxically, all the figures we teach kids about in textbooks are those who have stepped outside the box
+ Drake helping blowup Summer’s career after discovering her song “Girls Need Love” and jumping on a remix after Justice convinced her to ask him via IG
+ Focusing on the work not the results and how it always, always, always comes down to God’s & the universe’s timing no matter how badly we want it to happen

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Surviving Today’s Music Industry w/Summer Walker & 6LACK's Label Founder — Justice Baiden

The latest installment of a segment called, "Bars For Breakfast!" where I highlight a powerful lyric and share how it relates to my personal life experience.  Listening to my share, I hope it conjures up for you how it relates to your own personal life journey and you feel connected + inspired.  Of course, this all goes down while eating a delicious and/or random breakfast item as well! :-) 

***
SONG: "Smile"
ARTIST: Jay-Z
LYRIC: "A loss ain’t a loss it’s a lesson, appreciate the pain it’s a blessin”
***

SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS: 

Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative?
You don’t have to do it alone. 
We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive.
Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic


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Love & Blessings!

– TEAM CIM

Bars For Breakfast: "Smile" — Jay-Z Feat. Gloria Carter

Kute Blackson (IG: @kuteblackson) is a charismatic and internationally recognized inspirational speaker, author, and life coach.  Initially resisting his calling, Kute pursued a more conventional path.  He studied finance and business with the intention of entering the corporate world.  However, a series of transformative events, including the death of his father (a renowned spiritual teacher himself) propelled him into a deeper exploration of his true calling.  His teachings are characterized by a blend of spiritual insights and practical wisdom.  He encourages individuals to break free from societal expectations, embrace their true selves, and live a life aligned with their deepest desires.  Kute is the author of several books, including the New York Times best-selling book, "You Are the One."

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // 

+ Rejection is often grace and divine redirection and what creates our suffering in these circumstances is our ego with its very limited vision
+ The goals we get attached to can stem from unmet needs in our childhood
+ How demanding your dreams come to fruition before you’ve been properly developed is akin to eating unripe fruit
+ Kute’s rough early days moving to Los Angeles, California including becoming homeless for a period of time
+ Being offered a management deal from one of Hollywood’s biggest management companies and turning them down
+ How saying “NO” to people + opportunities that are not fully in alignment leads to us manifesting things that are a much better fit.  The key to manifestation is letting go. 
+ Holding on to what is no longer aligned sends a message to God + The universe that we do not trust and learning to rely on innate divine intelligence
+ As artists & entrepreneurs we don’t choose our path, life chooses us to express something through us
+ How we hate on ourselves and block ourselves way more than our haters block or hate on us
+ We can all learn something valuable from the guy who sells a banana peel taped to a blank canvas for $50,000.  There’s a level of boldness and belief to be able to do that and if we took a fraction of it we’d be better off.
+ You owning your greatness will trigger other people who are not going for it. You become a painful reminder to them that they are not going for it

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers! 

Love and blessings!

– TEAM CIM

"We Hate ON Ourselves WAY More Than The Haters Do"  —  Kute Blackson

This is a "RUN IT BACK" episode!  The episode was originally recorded in November 2018, when the podcast was previously called, "The Hustle Sanctuary."  

Gary Greenberg is a veteran entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, California. He has represented 2pac, Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs N' Harmony, and Multi-Grammy winning producer DJ Dahi among others.  He also spent 7 years as in house attorney for American Idol representing all the contestants. He is a graduate from ivy league law school, Brown University.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ We discuss being a creative person and businessperson and the healthy balance of the two...
+ How he discovered his path into music law
+ The huge low of losing his first famous client
+ The fragility of maintaining human relationships
+ Anxiety being ever-present working in the music industry
+ LA having the most talented artists in the world as well as the most talented hustlers preying on them
+ How Gary ended up getting deep into the hip-hop world and how his colleagues were telling him he needed to leave rap because the genre was going to die
+ The process he had to go through to become the main
in-house lawyer for AMERICAN IDOL and what he learned in that experience
+ How many of his colleagues left the industry during the
lowest points and how it made him 2nd guess if he was next
+ How he stays on his grind even though he has reached a
very high level of achievement and success

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Veteran Music Lawyer Drops $1BN Dollars Worth Of Game (RUN IT BACK!) — Gary Greenberg

Reggie Lucien Frank Roger Watts (IG: @reggiewatts) is an American comedian, actor, beatboxer, musician, and a modern-day philosopher of sorts.  His improvised musical sets are created using only his voice, a keyboard, and a looping machine.  He began piano & violin lessons at age five and moved to Seattle at age 18 to study music.  He attended The Art Institute of Seattle before studying jazz at Cornish College of the Arts.  Worth noting - Reggie lived in Seattle during the renaissance of the grunge music era.  Reggie is also an aficionado of cars and tech, speaking in detail to both during his many appearances on the Joe Rogan Podcast.  He refers to himself as a "disinformationist" who aims to disorient his audience in a comedic fashion.  Reggie was the house band leader for The Late Late Show with James Corden for 8 seasons.

1:1 Coaching for Artists:  https://calendly.com/connectionismagic 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // 

+ Reggie enduring / navigating racism growing up in Montana
+ How Reggie first got into music and the influences that shaped him
+ The internet being paradoxical – never being easier to now put your work out, never been harder to cut through the noise and get discovered 
+ AI and the theory of singularity, humans merging with AI chips in them one day, good vs. bad aspects
+ Being a new musician playing in Seattle when the Grunge scene was emerging
+ How he landed his job working as the band leader for The Late Late Show with James Corden
+ Reggie catastrophizing about having to sell his cars after the Late Late show ended
+ A list of people Reggie acknowledges for his success thus far in entertainment
+ How to not sabotage (all too common) yourself as an artist
+ How Reggie approaches & disarms douchebags
+ How to deal with online bullies & keyboard cowboys 😊 

CONNECT WITH ME: 
Website: https://connectionismagic.com
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Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Ego Death, DUNKING on Elon Musk, & Life After The James Corden Show — Reggie Watts

India Shawn (IG: @indiashawn) is a silky smooth R&B artist based in Los Angeles, California.  Her journey through the realms of music has been a testament to her artistry and authenticity.  She has emerged as a powerhouse in the music industry, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing voice and heartfelt lyrics – drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including R&B, soul, and hip-hop.  Her notable collaborations include working with Chris Brown, 6lack, Diddy, Anderson Paak, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and many more… Additionally, she was a prominent voice in Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir.  India’s music reflects her life experiences, emotions, and a celebration of the human spirit. Her lyrics delve into themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment, resonating with listeners on a profound level.  Check out her latest critically acclaimed project titled “Before We Go (Deeper)” released in 2022.

1:1 Coaching for Artists: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ How she is a reluctant veteran of the music industry 😊 in that she has experienced many high highs and low lows throughout the years of her career in entertainment
+ India once being on a video shoot where she was asked to basically be naked and her enduring a learning lesson of not listening to her intuition and putting her foot down
+ Escaping competition through authenticity
+ Newly parting ways with her record label, Epic Records, and the freedom and anxiety that are showing up for her in the process
+ Growing up in church first gave her the inklings to want to be an artist
+ The consistent unpredictability of following a path in arts and entertainment
+ How even if she doesn’t pursue singing professionally, she will always take comfort in knowing that she’ll always be singing for the rest of her life
+ The sacrifices made in pursuing the life of an artist / creative
+ Having to get a job postmating / instacarting after multiple album releases and being terrified about being seen while doing these jobs because of people thinking of her as a failed musician
+ Being randomly selected to be part of Kanye West’s Sunday Service choir
+ Collaborating with Bruno Mars, 6lack and Anderson Paak all early in their careers
+ Meeting and collaborating with her hero Stevie Wonder
+ When we outgrow friendships, we aren’t breaking up with that person, but rather, we are breaking up with a part of ourselves we’ve outgrown

CONNECT WITH ME: 
Website: https://connectionismagic.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionismagic
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectionismagic

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Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

The Endless Sacrifices We Make as Artists — India Shawn

Steve Sarowitz (IG: @wayfarerstudios) is an American billionaire businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.  Steve is the founder of Paylocity, a digital accounting platform which he founded in 1997 and took public in 2014.  He splits his time between his hometown of Chicago and Los Angeles.  In 2019, Steve co-founded (with actor Justin Baldoni) the small but mighty, Wayfarer Studios, an independent Hollywood film studio dedicated to promoting substantive, meaningful films to uplift humanity.  Steve is a practicing Bahai and deeply rooted in the core spiritual tenants of the faith which advocate helping unite humanity and combat divisiveness. His film studio Wayfarer, has produced many noteworthy films including, "It Ends With Us" starring Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively, “Code 3” an action-comedy starring Rainn Wilson & Lil Rel Howery, The Pac Man Movie (based on the hit 80’s arcade game), and "Sonic The Hedgehog" with many more films coming in 2025.

Wayfarer Studios x Variety: ⁠https://variety.com/2022/film/news/wayfarer-studios-125-million-investment-justin-baldoni-steve-sarowitz-1235295142/⁠
1:1 Coaching for Artists: ⁠https://calendly.com/connectionismagic⁠ 

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ The power of love being infused into something and how much more it can be felt
+ Steve’s spiritual principles being enhanced, not limited by, his great fortune
+ We are one human family and racism / sexism pollutes this otherwise natural state of ours
+ Steve’s first failed business and what he learned from the experience
+ Learning how to delegate vs. controlling everything so you don’t limit your potential to scale
+ The inception & mission of Steve’s Hollywood Film
Studio, “Wayfarer”
+ How to raise above our instincts towards anger and
impatience
+ Does a ton of money change you or reveal who you really are?
+ Explanation of the Bahai faith and how it speaks directly to the challenges humanity is facing
+ What emotions / thoughts / feelings Steve felt the day he became a Billionaire
+ Mentorship not always being a pre-requisite to being successful, Steve never had a mentor and learned by trying & failing repeatedly
+ Steve’s plans for his film studio in the coming years….

Billionaire Behind ‘It Ends With Us’ & Founder of Wayfarer Studios — Steve Sarowitz

LaRussell (IG: @larussell) is a legendary independent rapper & artist hailing from Vallejo, California.  He began to rap at the age of eight and found his early education to be uninspiring. He was subsequently enrolled at Vallejo's Peoples' High School, where he blossomed in comparison.  Upon graduating, he became a father to a baby girl, causing any tentative hope of a music career to be put on ice.  Needing to provide for his daughter, he took a well-paying job at an aerospace company where he remained for six years before deciding to quit to pursue full-time involvement in the music business.  He ushered in a bold new business model called “Proud to Pay” where he lets fans set their own price for his music, shows, and even local cook outs in Vallejo, adopting the slogan for the movement… “it’s not free, it's priceless!”  He established the independent music collective, “Good Compenny,” and is pioneering positive change within the industry.  Good Compenny supports independent artists without requiring them to give up ownership of their art.  LaRussell’s output of quality content is truly jaw dropping, releasing 24 full length albums since 2019… 7 of these albums were released in 2023 alone. LaRussell has garnered praise from some of the most influential figures in all of music including Charlamagne Tha God, Wallo, Chance The Rapper, Russ, Meek Mill, LA Reid, Erykah Badu, and many more.

Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative?
You don’t have to do it alone.
We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive.
Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic
 
EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ How to navigate between our innate need to belong / fit in
and instead choose to stand out when we feel different from the pack
+ “There’s people who spend time talking about doing things,
and there are people who spend time doing things” – LaRussell
+ People will box us in to what they believe we are which
works against our need to evolve
+ Why record labels will invest in whack artists who have
millions of views vs. investing in dope artists who don’t yet have a following
+ Discussing where LaRussell’s wisdom comes from at such a
young age
+ If you live your life not trusting other people you will
manifest meeting more untrustworthy people
+ The more shots you take the better you become; people
block their development by worrying too much about what other people think
+ People need to be honest with themselves and just say they
don’t actually want what they say they do if they’re not putting in consistent
work to achieve it
+ We discuss the Kanye West lyric from the song “Spaceship” ... “Lock yourself in a room doin’ 5 beats a day for 3 summers that’s a different
world like three summers I deserve to do these numbers!”
+ How to deal with haters online who don’t even know you:
“If you have a problem with me text me, if you don’t have my number then you don’t know me well enough to have a problem with me.” 
+ Why labels get behind toxic music vs. more
positive/nourishing music
+ Why LaRussell calls his company “GOODCOMPENNY”
+ Surreal moment of meeting Diddy and how that meeting impacted
him
+ Learning to work efficiently on a team and how we can keep
our egos in check so that we can all fly higher and win more

Being Different Is Your SUPERPOWER, Use It! — LaRussell

The latest installment of a segment called, "Bars for Breakfast" where I highlight a powerful lyric and share how it relates to my personal life experience.  Listening to my share, I hope it conjures up for you how it relates to your own personal life journey, and you feel connected + inspired.

***
SONG:  "Adventure"
ARTISTS:  Russ, Feat. Rexx Life Raj
LYRICS:  "When I was at my lowest had to hold my head the highest reconnect with silence otherwise it’s hard to hear the guidance.  Thinkin’ that I got a broken version of success until I realized this is the version that I’m supposed to get, I see the way the roads connect if you just keep on drivin’ tried to fight the moment thought my stars need realignin”

***

Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative?
You don’t have to do it alone.
We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive.
Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic 

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!  

Love and blessings!

– TEAM CIM

Bars For Breakfast: “Adventure” — Russ Feat. Rexx Life Raj

Kevin Lyman (IG: @kevinlyman) is a visionary entrepreneur and influential figure in the world of music and entertainment. Born on October 6, 1961, in Orange, California, Lyman has left an indelible mark on the industry, particularly in the realm of alternative and punk rock. His journey into the music scene began with a passion for bringing people together through shared musical experiences.  In 1995, he founded the Vans Warped Tour, a groundbreaking traveling music festival that became a staple in the alternative music scene for over two decades!  The tour attracted around 750,000 people annually and is recognized as the longest-running North American festival ever!  Kevin’s dedication to supporting independent artists and fostering a sense of inclusivity has made him a respected and beloved figure among musicians and fans alike.  He has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, using his platform to address social issues and make a positive impact on the communities he engages with.  His ability to adapt to the ever-evolving music landscape and his unwavering passion for the art form have solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry.  In late 2018, Kevin began teaching at USC's Thornton School of Music as an Associate Professor.


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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Kevin’s upbringing in Claremont, California in “hippieville” and how it shaped him
+ The loneliness epidemic and our ever-present need for community now more than ever
+ The echo chamber we are all living in now due to social media and it’s blocking our ability to be more balanced / harmonious
+ The hardest moments of navigating the building the Warped tour, how Kevin bounced back and what he learned
+ Kevin winding down the Warped tour after 25 successful years, how there was no ambivalence in him and how he felt fully complete after ending it
+ How he was villainized by many people for “ruining punk rock”
+ Kevin attending Cal Poly Pomona where another fellow mega festival creator, Paul Tollett, the creator of Coachella also went to school
+ How taking any days off in the music industry is viewed as negatively, people get judged for not wanting it bad enough, self-care is seen as weakness
+ How Kevin has literally sent artists to rehab mid-tour who were suffering from heavy addiction on the road
+ People on the artist side and the executive side aren’t seen as people but rather seen as commodities and dehumanized
+ The music industry can be so phony at times that when you text someone to say, “how are you doing?” and you don’t ask them for anything people are taken aback
+ Kevin recalling working with megastars Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots and being concerned about their addictions and drug abuse
+ Getting to work closely with Trent Reznor and admiring his brilliance and business acumen
+ How to navigate today’s music industry of mass SATURATION and ways to cut through the NOISE


CONNECT WITH ME: 
Website: https://connectionismagic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionismagicTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectionismagicHit up 


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Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Vans Warped Tour Founder on Creating a Cultural Icon — Kevin Lyman

Brock Korsan (IG: @brockymarciano) is a multifaceted force in music and fashion, widely respected as an A&R executive, artist and producer manager, and creative consultant. His career is defined by a sharp cultural lens and a deep commitment to championing artistic talent.  Brock got his start on a street team, immersing himself in every facet of the music business. His instincts and relentless drive quickly led to work with influential artists like Travis Scott, Schoolboy Q, and frequent collaborator Kendrick Lamar. Known for his ability to spot and nurture talent, he’s become a trusted voice in the culture.  At Interscope Records, Brock worked across a wide spectrum of artists and projects, including co-writing Drake’s global hit “God’s Plan.”  Beyond music, he’s a managing partner at No Vacancy Inn, a boundary-pushing collective known for blending fashion, music, and culture through ventures like radio shows, parties, clothing drops, and fundraisers.  As Senior Vice President at Warner Records, Brock continues to lead with vision, signing breakout acts like Omar Apollo and developing projects that shape the sound of tomorrow. Whether he's in the studio until sunrise or catching waves at dawn, Brock brings the same passion and intention to everything he does—embodying a holistic, grounded approach to creative success.

Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative?
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We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive.
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EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Sleeping in his impala to hide his early career moves from his parents who would not understand what he was trying to do
+ Brock’s experiences working at the legendary street wear company, Diamond Supply in it’s early days and Tyler, The Creator working there as a kid packing boxes
+ Leveraging managing producers at first to get around the rappers he wanted to meet
+ Witnessing the early days of TDE and its superstar artists early into the global phenom’s they have become  
+ Helping Mac Miller get his first bag of weed and tattoo
+ Touring the world with Travis Scott and watching 70,000 fans attend the Sao Palo, Brazil show and nearly break the concrete stadium
+ How most people just aren’t built for the struggle it takes to be great, especially hype talented people
+ Why getting opinions from too many people is dangerous, because they may talk you out of something great
+ Signing Omar Apollo and helping guide his development & career
+ A real artist needs to make art no matter what, they need to make it to breathe / survive
+ How all the true greats, whether in sports or the arts, give another level of commitment to their crafts even after they’ve reached success
+ Getting a shout out from Kendrick Lamar on “DNA” off of his DAMN album, which he A&R’d
+ What his working relationship is like with Kendrick Lamar and how they’ve both made each other grow
+ Nobody really knows what a hit is and so much it happens off luck and fate, and how so many incredible artists never get a top charting record
+ Sending Kendrick Lamar the iconic “Money Trees” record 
+ No matter how much information you are armed with you will get fucked and take L’s in the entertainment industry. Period, but you can choose to become better vs. bitter and also not do the same thing to other people
+ How music is a soundtrack to our lives like a time capsule and how revisiting certain songs takes us right back to those poignant moments earlier in our lives
+ How you can spend your whole life climbing to the top of a mountain and then get bored of being at the top and need a new challenge to feel inspired, i.e. why the children of billionaires are some of the most unhappy people

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Kendrick Lamar & Travis Scott's SECRET WEAPON! — Brocky Marciano

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G-Eazy (IG: g_eazy) was born Gerald Earl Gillum on May 24, 1989, in Oakland, California, is a rapper, producer, and philanthropist whose journey reflects resilience, introspection, and staying true to his roots. Raised by a single mother, he overcame financial hardships and pursued his passion for music, earning a degree in music industry studies from Loyola University New Orleans. His 2014 album These Things Happen marked his breakthrough, featuring the hit single “Me, Myself & I” with Bebe Rexha, which reached the Billboard Top 10 and has over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify. In 2021, G-Eazy faced the profound loss of his mother, a life-changing moment he explored with raw honesty on his 2024 album Freak Show, reflecting on grief, love, and personal growth. Beyond music, he founded the Endless Summer Fund in 2018 to support at-risk youth in the Bay Area with education, mental health resources, and basic needs.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Going from a world tour with screaming fans to just back to your regular everyday life at home just doing laundry and making coffee is trippy AF

+ Discussing cities with rich historical musical legacies

+ G-Eazy’s original rap name which he never disclosed before!

+ Why G-Eazy sold his house in LA and moved to NY

+ The challenge of having to come off both super confident and super vulnerable simultaneously as a rapper

+ How the greatest joys in life come from choosing adversity and challenge and getting to the other side of those things

+ Selling verses for just $50 bucks when struggling early on and some people still popping up to this day trying to promote those songs saying they have a song featuring G-Eazy

+ Living out of a suitcase and on friend’s couches, selling sneakers and barely scraping by trying to get his career going

+ Getting flown out to NY and passed on by major labels, having to shake off the disappointment and keep pushing

+ How to psyche yourself out and achieve the impossible

+ His friendship with Mac Miller and his favorite memories with him

+ Meeting Kobe Bryant and what Kobe shared with him about mindset

+ Forgetting songs that his fans press him to play in his meet and greets before a show and him asking “how the hell do you remember that?” 

+ Recalling performing “Me, Myself and I” throughout the world over 1300 times and how the song was created with Bebe Rexha

+ We explore the quote that “happy and healthy people don’t make great art,” and how artists often channel tension and anxiety into their work

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

G-Eazy on Inner Freedom, Mac Miller & Rejection Stories He’s Never Shared

Arlington Forbes is host and creator of the successful podcast "2 BLACK GUYS WITH GOOD CREDIT," he immigrated to the U.S. with no money and 5 garbage bags of belongings, he's worked for CNN, BET, Inside Edition, and now runs a successful sneaker/art/high fashion clothing store with his wife in Malibu California called CANVAS.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

0 - Intro
1:03 - Growing up in Canada
5:02 - Realization of a more authentic path
9:22 - Research is 2nd nature when it¹s what you love
12:02 - Two very different groups of people
16:15 - The golden hip hop era + entrepreneurship
18:57 - Impressive early grind stories
24:50 - Huge career break (gotta take into your own hands)
29:45 - Where can you fill a void? = WINNING.
32:23 - A swing for the next level goes awry
35:09 - ABLFV. Always be looking for the void!
39:24 - Hip hop's pop culture explosion and capitalizing with new venture
44:33 - Leaving the corporate world for full time entrepreneurship + filling another void
47:43 - Favorite quote?
49:41 - Success stories have humble beginnings
51:52 - Belief in yourself pre-requisite to success
54:58 - Mega important point ‹ a key to evolving/stabilizing your hustle

The Hustle Sanctuary

CNN To Producing Videos For Rappers To Opening a Sneaker & Art Store in Malibu — Arlington Forbes

Joshua Fisher worked for Interscope Records under the head of marketing, he spearheaded Bone Thugs N Harmony's final major label studio album, spent time as part of Frank Ocean's management team, and went on to create his own management company called Mac Media, he currently represents artists, producers, and graphic designers.

Episode Highlights //
0 - Intro / background
4:39 -­ Beginnings at Interscope Records
8:54 -­ Bigger picture vs. taking things as they come
13:23 -­ Music industry now vs. then
15:01 -­ The impact of fear
18:40 -­ The worst time in the music business
24:40 -­ Key project in your music career
26:00 -­ Bone thugs-n-harmony video shoot goes awry
29:28 -­ Transition from Interscope into management
34:00 -­ First artist project in management ­ many ups & downs
41:06 -­ Next iteration of career
42:10 -­ Working with Frank Ocean
46:07 -­ Philosophy on working with new artists
48:00 ­- Timing is everything especially with art
48:43 -­ Advice to 18 year old self?

Early Days at Interscope to Working with Frank Ocean — Joshua Fisher

Alegra Torel works on skid row and is attaining a PhD + Masters degree in social work from USC, is on the board of multiple non-profits, modeled for Vogue, went to Harvard, worked for multiple Royal Saudi families curating art, ran Abercrombie & Fitch efforts in the Middle East.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

0 - Intro
0:41 - An intriguing upbringing
2:10 - Alligator hunting tips
3:57 - June-Teenth + the movie Coming To America
5:43 - A life highlight moment
7:03 - Gifts from MLK’s family and Maya Angelou
10:23 - School applications that didn’t pan out
16:58 - Leaving Harvard / Moving to NYC on a whim
20:14 - Modeling career recap
24:53 - A twist on “your comfort zone” 
27:00 - Leading the charge for Abercrombie + Fitch in The Middle East
32:11 - The best chocolate on earth…
33:04 - Passing on a dream job due to lack of father’s support
38:02 - Moving to LA / engagement not working out
42:09 - New life perspective + going back to school for PhD+Masters
45:46 - Biggest blessing in disguise?
46:57 - Favorite quote?

Going to Harvard, Working with Saudi Royalty to Helping Skid Row — Alegra Torel

Anoush Moin is a senior brand and influencer marketing manager for 5 / 4 clothing, one of the fastest growing subscription based online clothing companies.  Former music manager,  USC degree in entrepreneurship, early associate of the non-profit #hashtaglunch bag, which delivers meals to the homeless on Skid Row.

Episode Highlights //

0 - Intro
1:57 - What was your come up like?
5:31 - Skills you gained from moving a lot?
7:49 - How do you deal with closed minded people?
10:46 - Your history with 5/4 clothing
14:53 - Tell us more about your adversity
18:10 - Why did you get into the music industry?
24:08 - Mindset it takes to make it + thoughts on fame
29:20 - Tell us more about the struggle..
31:20 - Intense challenge of making money in music
32:31 - When things finally came crashing down —> your pivot
34:56 - What kept you in music for longer than you wanted to stay
37:35 – Rock bottom and your mom’s reaction to it…
41:07 – A deal you made with your mom
43:42 – How did your podcast “Mama We Made It” start?
45:14 – The ethos / motivation behind your podcast
46:50 – Biggest blessing in disguise?
48:30 – Hindsight is 20/20
49:16 – What’s one of the kindest things anyone has ever done for you?

Hustle Sanctuary

The Life Pivot after Rock Bottom — Anoush Moin

Koreen Odiney is a model, photographer, and entrepreneur. She is the creator of the game "We're Not Really Strangers" which teaches strangers how to connect authentically and she's been featured in ELLE, YMI, and had a billboard up in the middle of TimeSquare.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

0 - Intro
1:27 - We’re not really strangers – break down the game for us!
6:37 - Guest background
8:21 - What’s it like connecting with people with different viewpoints?
11:56 - Early days of discovering photo journalism and photography
14:19 - Has a stranger ever changed your life?
16:20 - Did going up to a complete stranger ever go badly?
18:25 - Talk to us about chance/serendipitous encounters with important people in your life.
22:01 - What’s a recent career high?
23:19 - Biggest career low?
25:56 - Favorite thing about modeling?
29:21 - How do you achieve internal peace?
32:02 - What comes to mind when you hear the word “LOVE”?
38:07 - Thoughts on people impulsively leaving relationships?
40:03 - Are you lying to yourself about anything?
44:28 - Gem dropped.. “every level has a different devil”
46:36 - Success on the outside, depressed on the inside
48:09 - The value of friends holding us accountable
50:13 - What guides / motivates you to keep pushing + hustling?
53:10 - One of the most powerful quotes I’ve heard yet…

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

We're Not Really Strangers Founder Discusses Platform Prior To Blow Up! — Koreen Odiney

Jeff Bass (IG: @thejeffbass) is a Detroit native music producer, who is best known for his work and musical development with Eminem.  He's credited for producing and co-writing the Oscar-winning song “Lose Yourself” from the movie 8-Mile, and has attained multiple Grammy awards during his longtime collaboration with Eminem, including "Without Me", "Sing For The Moment" and many more.  His first entrance into the music business was being signed to Quincy Jones at the age 19.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

0:00 the magic of minor mode songs…
2:33 how did fame change you and Eminem?
3:26 memorable Jimmy Iovine moment?
4:44 the rare occasions when artists call the shots at record labels
13:02 the stars align again.. 8 mile move + “lose yourself” coalesce 
16:15 Chrysler super bowl commercial x “lose yourself”
18:49 4th album “Encore” where the road began to get rocky
20:55 be careful with your money in the music business
23:24 what was the last song you did with Eminem?
25:12 the last time you guys spoke?
25:51 a hurtful memory and lesson…
31:50 the new struggle..
33:47 what advice would you give to your 18 year old self?
34:28 biggest career high? 
35:50 biggest career low?
37:24 keep your ego in check, we can't do anything great without a team..

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Pt 2. Rise To Fame with Eminem And The Fall Out — Jeff Bass

Gary Greenberg is a veteran entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, California. He has represented 2pac, Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs N' Harmony, and Multi-Grammy winning producer DJ Dahi among others. He also spent 7 years as in house attorney for American Idol representing all of the contestants. He is a graduate from ivy league law school, Brown University.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ We discuss being a creative person and businessperson and the healthy balance of the two...
+ How he discovered his path into music law.
+ The huge low of losing his first major client.
+ The fragility of maintaining human relationships.
+ Anxiety being ever-present working in the music industry.
+ LA having the most talented artists in the world as well as the most talented hustlers preying on them.
+ How Gary ended up getting deep into the hip-hop world and how his colleagues were telling him he needed to leave rap because the genre was going to die.
+ The process he had to go through to become the main in-house lawyer for AMERICAN IDOL and also what he learned in that experience.
+ How many of his colleagues left the industry during the lowest points and how it made him 2nd guess if he was next.
+ How he stays on his grind even though he has reached a very high level of achievement and success.

Music Lawyer Extraordinaire, American Idol, Snoop Dogg... Drops a MILLION $ Of Game — Gary Greenberg

Emily Morwen is a Toronto native, and was first introduced to yoga in 2000 in New York City where she was studying theater.    She has been teaching yoga for 10 years.   She is the creator of Yoga Theater for Kids (which she taught in schools, and foster youth programs throughout LA).  In 2011, Emily and her incredible partners opened up Modo Yoga LA on La Brea, which quickly won Best Yoga Studio in LA in Los Angeles Magazine 2013. She then co-opened Modo Yoga Seattle,  Modo Yoga East (in Echo Park) and Modo Yoga West (Venice). When Emily is not teaching or being an entrepreneur/community builder, you can find her immersed in philanthropic work. 

Episode Highlights //

+Landing in LA as a Canadian transplant and having to start from scratch
+Opening a yoga studio in the saturated yoga studio environment of LA
+Early days of modo yoga studios and running on fumes
+Being a mom to newborns and juggling a full life mid pandemic
+How anxiety and insomnia led her to find answers in yoga when younger
+The most climactic moment on her entrepreneurial journey followed by being 
  forced to close due to Covid-19

Founder of "LA's Best Yoga Studio" Modo Yoga — Emily Morwen

Tony Ferguson is from the U.K. and one of the very first hires at Interscope Records before the label even existed.  He's also a consummate musician, music producer and all around good human.  He was also my mentor when i worked in the music business. He signed and discovered Gwen Stefani / No Doubt and fought to keep them on the label when the label wanted to drop them(Gwen and No Doubt would go onto sell 50+ million copies worldwide).

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Growing up playing in bands in London 
+ Touring with ZZ Top and going through the racist south as a Brit
+ Where he was when he heard the john Lennon had been killed
+ Touring post riot Detroit
+ Getting the unexpected / fateful phone call from Jimmy Iovine
+ Managing bands with Jimmy Iovine
+ Ted Fields wealthy financier comes in to back Interscope
+ The very first hit Interscope had.. a cheesy Latin hip hop song	
+ Signing Gwen Stefani & No Doubt, Jimmy wanting to break up the band
+ How Tony was harshly judged by his peers for signing No Doubt	
+ How Tony ended up discovering No Doubt and how ZERO Producers wanted 
   to work with Gwen and the band at first

Pt 1. Signing Gwen Stefani / No Doubt & Joining Interscope Before it Was Born — Tony Ferguson

Wax is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and comedian.  He became a YouTube sensation after uploading several videos of himself rapping and singing. Wax was signed to Def Jam Recordings by then president L.A. Reid, however, they would eventually part ways before releasing an album. Upon getting dropped, Wax released his hit song “Rosana” independently, which topped Billboard charts globally. The music video for “Rosana” has amassed over 45 million views to date. Wax recently relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego, California, where his twin brother Herbal-T also resides. Wax is also the 1st ever artist I managed during my music career and we take a trip down memory lane!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ The genesis of his shows, chain reaction and snacks with wax
+ How he hates getting credit for making leap to LA
+ How his ex-girlfriend leaving him pushed him to get his act together
+ Seeing his neighbor, a road worker in a dead end spiral, and how it inspired him not to want to end up like that
+ Life at audio engineering school
+ Our meeting with the guy who signed Lady Gaga and how excited I was afterwards (not so much wax lol)
+ Shitty day job experiences
+ Lawyers finding sneaky ways to overcharge people
+ Record labels vision for you vs. your vision for you

Pt 1. YouTube's Breakout Rapper With 100+ Million Views & Former Def Jam Artist — Wax

Wax is an American rapper, singer, songwriter, musician, producer, and comedian.  He became a YouTube sensation after uploading several videos of himself rapping and singing. Wax was signed to Def Jam Recordings by then president L.A. Reid, however, they would eventually part ways before releasing an album. Upon getting dropped, Wax released his hit song “Rosana” independently, which topped Billboard charts globally. The music video for “Rosana” has amassed over 45 million views to date. Wax recently relocated from Los Angeles to San Diego, California, where his twin brother Herbal-T also resides. Wax is also the 1st ever artist I managed during my music career and we take a trip down memory lane!

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ More money = more problems 

+ During the time when he had most money he was never more suicidally depressed 

+ Coming up with Anderson Paak (who played drums for him on tours) and getting to witness his ascent to super stardom first hand

+ How we can’t all be Michael Jordan but society gives us messages we can

+ His perspective on giving up alcohol and the difference it’s made  

+ Our parting of the ways after getting the Def Jam deal

+ Blowing most of his record deal advance money on lawyers fighting me after our split 

+ Wax’s advice to new artists… don’t ever have two managers!

+ How most up and coming artists end up firing managers they come up with 

+ Being able to come super hard from the heart & the brain when writing songs 

+ How the record labels are racing to be 2nd not 1st! Just copying what’s already popular

Pt 2. YouTube's Breakout Rapper With 100+ Million Views & Former Def Jam Artist — Wax

Connection is Magic is a podcast and non-profit 501c3. We are a “Lighthouse for Creatives,” dedicated to empowering those in arts & entertainment. Ego, volatility, and burnout create obstacles at every step of the creative journey. Yet art remains essential—it heals and profoundly connects us in an increasingly divided world.

Hosted by Samson Shulman, therapist and former music executive, we feature raw conversations with voices from all facets of the creative landscape. Listeners learn to turn pain into purpose while finding more grace and inner clarity.

The podcast was born out of host, Samson’s “dark night of the soul,” after a battle with Lyme Disease, a near death experience and severe career burnout working at Interscope Records, The Tonight Show and in Artist Management. 

WATCH interviews on YouTube: www.youtube.com/@connectionismagic
FOLLOW on Instagram: www.instagram.com/connectionismagic
BOOK 1 on 1 therapy for creatives: calendly.com/connectionismagic
SUPPORT the podcast: paypal.com/paypalme/connectionismagic
WEBSITE: connectionismagic.org

Connection is Magic with Samson Shulman

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