When you think about groups of people that you are connected to in some way, be it a networking group, a church of volunteer organization, or a school, do you stop and reflect on what your purpose is? Often, people attend out of obligation, desire for status, or to gain something (education, fulfillment, clients, etc.). … Continue reading On Hustles, Networking Groups, and College
Tonight, I'm doing a new presentation in Nashville, TN about scaling up in the music business. It's based on an idea I've been developing for a new book. I believe that many artists get stuck in a rut and find themselves unable to achieve more (in terms of income, new fans, opportunities, or otherwise) because … Continue reading Scaling Up
It's hard to find a news source that isn't reporting about the coronavirus at the moment. Despite the fact that death and infection rates are fairly low (nearly 500 deaths at the time of this writing, compared to the 60,000 who died from the flu last year), fears over this disease are leading to a … Continue reading Unmasking Our True Fears
There are specific tactics for winning Tic Tac Toe, or at the very least, to never lose. I took this knowledge by challenging restaurant regulars who were friends with our family to a friendly wager of fifty cents per game.
It's not surprising to find contradictions in our ideas, values, and beliefs. For example, many who are pro-life also support the death penalty and military intervention that includes swift, violent retribution or the assignation of others. Or, those who say they believe in freedom of speech... at least until they find speech that they find … Continue reading Oh, the Contradiction
Cruelty... is never necessary is not justice is something we're all capable of is always a choice says more about those who inflict it than those who are victims of it is upheld by the status quo. ... Just a reminder that our country is still locking up and separating families - two thirds of … Continue reading On Cruelty
As we move into 2020 and people begin making their list of New Year's resolutions, I'd like to challenge you to take a moment and think about what it really means. Most common of course, people think of a resolution as a decision to do (or not do something). But in addition, we can seek … Continue reading So You Want a Resolution
At the age of 13, one of my mentors gave me a book, "Developing the Leader Within You" by Dr. John C. Maxwell. It sparked something in me: I committed to reading at least two books on leadership and communication per month, every month, for the rest of my life. The "Leadership Library" covers many … Continue reading Help Me Clear My Bookshelf
Yesterday, I was honored to join several wonderful people at the Washington Post for a live event and discuss the importance of artistic expression highlighted by freedom of expression. Wes Lowery moderated the questions for me, Michael Render (A.K.A Killer Mike), and John P. Elwood. Later in the afternoon, the event continued with other panels … Continue reading Free to State
Saw this wonderful quote from Skye Linh today that said "Being single is so much better than being cheated on, lied to and disrespected." It parallels this other axiom about success which states "In life, you don't get what you deserve. You get what you negotiate for." We're often bound by our own fears and … Continue reading Relationships and Music
