MugenCast: Inspiration For The Everyday Creative

A New Year! (Which I’m a little late to)

But, hope you all are having a good start to 2024. My gift to you all is a new episode, and this is a special one! I interviewed 3 people. Jaheim, Bakari, and Kai. All members of a 7-on-7 football team here in Philly. 

…And you might be wondering why I chose to do this

As you’ll hear in this episode, this football team has been more than just a place to play a game. It’s a family, a brotherhood. Fostering community in a city that desperately needs it. 

And this team, led by the youngest coach in the country, Coach Jaheim, is on the verge of making some serious strides this year. And it’s a story worth hearing.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with LOV:

www.youtube.com/@Jahmoneyy

Before the year was over I wanted to squeeze in one more episode, and I’m really happy with who I was able to get!

My guest today is someone whose work I only recently discovered a few years ago, but he’s been honing his craft for many many years before that. 

My guest today is Christof Laputka, the creator of The Leviathan Chronicles. A story that has captivated thousands of listeners across the world, and inspired countless other creators to enter the world of audio drama. 

But the journey Christof has taken to get to where he is today is a unique one. He sacrificed a stable, lucrative career to chase his dreams and make the world of leviathan a reality. 

And in this episode we’ll explore what kept him going despite hard economic times, creative insecurities, and even tragic personal loss…

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Christof:

One of the best feelings (in my opinion) is to have a great conversation. An interaction with someone that’s enriching and meaningful. Sometimes you talk to people that just….inspire you.

The podcast today is me having that conversation. With one of my favorite contemporary artists.

Long time listeners of the show you will know that I actually interviewed this same guest three years ago in the midst of the pandemic. Quite a lot has changed in his life since then and I just felt like this was a great time to pick his brain on a few things that I knew he’d have a great perspective on.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Gajan:

www.churchxstreet.com/

www.instagram.com/gajanbalan

The world of non-profits is an interesting one, a fact that I actually didn’t know until recently. The title of non-profit comes with a complicated legacy that intertwines with the checkered past of America. But the reassurance I have in the non-profit space comes from founders and organizers like my guest today, Ron Toles.

The founder of the Philadelphia-based non-profit Ordinarie Heroes.

OH is an organization focused on community building and engagement. With a focus in the neighborhoods of Philly, the organization has been going strong for 10 years. Consistently connecting with communities in a way that’s genuine and long-lasting.

This focus on community comes from Ron, and his experiences growing up in Northeast DC and seeing firsthand the importance of close knit bonds between community members.

Our conversation today dives into Ron and his beginnings, how he decided to create, and build OH, as well as how the past few decades have molded who he is now as a man, leader, and a father...

Connect with Spikima:

Creators come in all different shapes and sizes. Some are just getting their feet wet in their chosen field, others are deeply immersed - continuing decades of work in a single discipline.

My guest today is someone who’s a bit of an outlier, who has had a foot or hand in several different artistic areas over the years.

My guest this week is Spikima (otherwise known as Spikima Movies). Starting with an interest in cinema and old movies, and subsequently a passion for music, Spikima has chosen a unique path.

(And as you’ll hear taking the road less traveled is a theme throughout his life)

But now he’s carved out a niche in cinema analysis. Dissecting a wide range of films with his methodical investigation into the theme, purpose, and uniqueness of each creation

With this style he’s gained a loyal following and has continued to grow steadily throughout 2022. Our conversation today revolves around his creative life, what he’s learned along the way, and where he plans to go next...

Connect with Spikima:

Interviews are back! No more solo shows…At least not for a while.

This week we have on Matthew Crawford, or Tekking101 if you follow his YouTube channel. As a veteran of YouTube, Matt has seen A LOT! We talked about his humble beginnings as a creator, what it’s been like to be a full-time content creator, and overall what his “job” means to him.

It was a great conversation with a great person, hope you enjoy it!

Music:

Monty Datta - Chill Summer Nights - Gone Like Summer

Monty Datta - Chill Summer Nights - Where Have You Been All My Life

Rin Ishi - Move

Shirosky - Walking In The Rain

Connect with Matt:

Episode 66! And it’s a solo show! (Revolutionary I know)

I took a short hiatus, and before we dive back into more guest-driven episodes, I wanted to chat for a little bit. About what I’ve been up to since episode 65, how my summer went, and plans for the future.

Hope you enjoy this quick little update!

It's not every day you get to sit down with someone on the Forbes 30 under 30 list; but it just so happens that I was lucky enough to do so for this episode! 

And not just any member, but a hometown hero from right here in Philadelphia! If you’re a creative individual in Philly my guest today should need no introduction...Will Toms of REC Philly.

Will and the team at REC Philly have been revolutionizing the world of creative entrepreneurship. Giving creators the tools and resources they need to be the most fulfilled version of themselves. What started as an idea in an abandoned warehouse, has blossomed into a full-fledged creative space supporting hundreds of members across the city.

And In this interview, Will details his personal and professional growth as a creative. And some of the core principles that have guided him this far.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Will:

It’s been a while since I had a guest I was this excited to interview... 

And don’t get me wrong, I’m always excited to interview my guests! But this podcast is different because it’s been about 5 years in the making…Crazy!

My guest this episode is Kia Orion. Digital nomad, entrepreneur and most importantly musician! Kia has served as a motivation of mine for years now! (In terms of podcasting and overall just as a creator) 

He’s seen his fair share of ups and downs in the creative life, and has been consistently a genuine person throughout it all.

In this episode we dive into Kia's creative journey. What drove him to take some of the drastic measures he did, what he learned along the way, and ultimately the precipice he’s found himself at now…

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Kia:

My guest today isn’t a creator in the normal way you might think. They don’t take photos or paint pictures (they did model for a little bit but that’s a different story for another time).

Rather they help others to create better lives for themselves. They use the art of psychology, holistic healing, and mindfulness to guide others to a better state of mind. My guess today is Karina Gutierrez the founder of MyStrategicSoul.

And aside from being my coach, counselor and one of my clients! Karina is an amazing energy to be around and talk to.

Her story has some highs and some lows, but she’s been shaped by those experiences and made better by them. Like we all are.

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Karina:

I told you all I wasn’t going to take another hiatus. I mean it’s only the second episode of this year but small wins right!?

But this episode isn’t about me, for Episode 62 I interviewed someone a lot more interesting. My friend Beti!

Or better know by her online brand “Beat By Beti”. And what I love about this interview is Beti’s honesty about her experience as a creator over the past few years. The good, the bad, the ugly. And we don’t talk about these things to discourage other creatives or paint the creative lifestyle in a bad light. But rather Beti’s candid delivery should serve as encouragement. And a realistic look at the ups and downs that come along with chasing a distant goal.

It’s not a straight line, and it’s not overnight success. Rather it’s continued determination over months and years. And along the way, a lot of self discovery and reflection.

I hope you get something valuable from this one…

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Beti:

MugenCast in 2022!?

Yes! It’s the return of your favorite creative podcast!

Niayla Murray is a multi-faceted person (to put it mildly). Currently enrolled in law school, she’s found a way to balance her school and professional responsibilities, with a social media presence.

And in this episode we dive into how/why she got into this creative mindset, her thoughts on social media, and how a shift in focus during the pandemic has led her to a more balanced lifestyle….

Enjoy the show!

Connect with Niayla:

https://www.tiktok.com/@naturallyniayla

https://www.instagram.com/naturallyniayla/ 

Connect with ME:

https://www.instagram.com/forever.mugen/?hl=en 

A short hiatus but we’re back this week! And on this week’s show, we talk about COMPLACENCY! It’s something that has been on my list of topics for a while, so why not tackle it! We all find ourselves in a place like this, but how do you get out of it? 

And even more important, how do you prevent relapsing back into it?

Enjoy the show!

CONNECT WITH ME:

This is one for the OGs….If you’ve been around since the beginning you’ll know one of my first episodes was with two of my friends: John and Elly. That was almost 3 years ago now. And so much has changed...

On this episode we catch up with Elly Tran: Singer, songwriter, model (just a very multifaceted artist). To fulfill her dreams, at 19, she went to Los Angeles to pursue a singing career. And while that does sound glamorous, the reality is much more harsh. But through that difficulty she discovered more about herself than ever before…

Enjoy!

CONNECT WITH ELLY:

You know this episode takes me back to the earlier days of MugenCast. Just a really relaxed, somewhat random conversation with a great guest...

From cats fighting in the background to brussel sprouts almost burning to a ton of technical difficulties this was a really fun conversation. But as fun and playful as it it was, my guest this time around presents an interesting take on modeling as an art, and how growth as a person can coincide with a growth in a creative passion.

The dilemma for the modern day creative is oftentimes balancing the more practical pursuits with a creative dream..

Enjoy!

CONNECT WITH DYANI:

https://www.instagram.com/dyanihairston/?hl=en

CONNECT WITH ME:

Could you imagine moving to another state with the singular goal of chasing a creative passion? Well my guest today is someone who did! 

Mike Gray is an actor, photographer, and all around creative. And on this episode he sat down to discuss how he fell in love with his craft, the ups and downs of chasing a passion like acting, and how he discovered a new passion that has him completely enthralled....

Enjoy!

CONNECT WITH MIKE:

So, 2020 is just about over...finally! 

And I wanted to sit down and wrap-up my year with you all. What I’ve gone through this year (good and bad), and what’s coming in 2021…

Enjoy!

CONNECT WITH ME:

The journey to one’s passion is often a long and winding road...

And the story of Leigh Ellis (The Starters/No Dunks podcast) is the epitome of that idea. Now in his 40’s Leigh has carved out a respectable career as a sports media personality and analyst. But the story he tells in this episode predominantly occurs years before that success...

In this episode we dive into Leigh’s past: growing up in Australia, working odd jobs overseas, finding the love of his life in another country, and all the ups and downs before he ultimately found his way back to basketball.

CONNECT WITH LEIGH:

The wait is over, the hiatus is over, Episode 54 is here! I’m not going to spoil anything in description, just sit back, relax and listen…

Jason’s links!

It has been a whileee! 

Too long in fact. And in this quick episode, I hope to update you all on what's been going on with me, and why no new episodes have come out! And most importantly, how I hope to change that in the future...

Music:

Saiko - Off The Record

Connect with ME:

Episode 53 is here! I’ve wanted to get this to you all for a while now and it took a littleeee long but trust me it’s worth the wait!

My guest today is Gajan Balan. An INCREDIBLE creative mind, and someone who I can legitimately say I look up to....

I came across his work about 6 months ago and I’ve been a fan since. In this episode, I get to sit down and pick his brain about his creative and non-creative life. And how he’s forged a path for himself through hard work, self-discipline, and belief.

This episode is easily one of my favorites. I hope it’ll be one of yours too...

Enjoy!

Music: 

Eric GodLow - Next Level

Rinishi - Move

Gyvus - Tozen

Monty Datta - Chill Summer Nights

Connect with GAJAN:

Episode 2! Of 'Casual Conversations'. And I know what you’re thinking..."but isn’t this an interview?". 

Well yes, and no.

My guest today is Josh Wool: a California-based photographer that is so down to earth and easy to talk to...I can’t even call this an interview! We just talked, about life, photography, and current events in the world.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy...this Casual Conversation.

Connect with Josh:

A new series has appeared! Kinda... 

So this episode came about from me wanting to do a podcast with my homie, John Obassy. But it's not "classical' interview, so what do I do? Create a new type of podcast of course! Casual Conversation will be the podcasts I do with my homies, more informal and we'll just shoot the breeze. 

But anyway, in this episode we talk about everything....literally. We talked about: creativity, fitness, systemic racism, Covid-19, and a ton of other stuff. SO! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the sounds of two friends catching up. 

Enjoy!

Connect with John:

"Creativity is more than just making something beautiful...it requires a rigid morality to create something real"... I just made that quote up. 

But! That isn't a standard that everybody can uphold, however, my guest on this week's episode does it dutifully. And I wanted to sit down with him to learn about how he's kept this morality and genuine creative spirit alive throughout his career. 

This is definitely one for the "artsy-types". But even if you don't fall into this category I think the introspection and depth in this episode will intrigue you... 

Enjoy!

Connect with Ulysses: 

On this episode of MugenCast I sit down with the CEO and Founder of BeachEatz: Bianca Picardo!

She created and currently runs the company that brings the best food right to your beach chair.

But this podcast goes into more than just the business side of Bianca’s life. We discuss the emotional side of running business and so many of the other things that are behind the scenes of all successful business people.

I hope you all take something from the amazing stories Bianca tells me in this episode. And I hope you check out the her app: BeachEatz!

Enjoy the show!

Connect w/ Bianca:

The 50th episode of MugenCast!!!!

I'm so happy to have made it to this milestone. This podcast has been a place for me to discuss what's on my mind, connect with other like-minded individuals, and hopefully provide you all with some creatively stimulating audio!

So with that in mind, we come to this episode. And this time we'll just be taking a walk down memory lane and discuss some of the things that made MugenCast what it is today. BUT! We'll also have our favorites: Dope Creator, MUGENBookClub, and Food For Thought.

Sit back, relax, and enjoy the memories...

Dope Creator:

The first episode of MugenCast that has video!!! Check out my YouTube if you want some visual with your audio. 

In this episode we're talking about struggles ANY creative can face, in this case, Will Harris. I came across Will's story on the Joe Rogan podcast (linked below). He told a great story about struggle and overcoming tough times while also chasing your creative passion.

It was inspiring...So much so that I made this podcast about it! 

Enjoy!

Links:

Welcome to another episode of MugenCast! And this week, just like last week, we're doing something a little different. We're doing the Creative Discussion segment with a twist! This time it's more of a life improvement, and I'll be breaking down a great life principle I recently learned that will (hopefully) help you all become more prolific creatives. 

We'll be discussing Flow State & Consistency Over Intensity. There's a ton of reading and information you can find on these principles. Give Flow State especially a Google search if you want to learn more!

Links:

Quarantine podcast number 2! 

I did something different this episode, a little behind the scenes on what I've been up to. With all the social distancing and staying indoors I've been doing I had to find ways to improve myself and keep SANE! (I hope you guys have been doing something similar)

So no real structure to this one, I'll just be rambling on for a little bit. I hope the advice and insight I give in this episode can be useful to some of you :)

Links: 

A very special episode of MugenCast this week folks. We have an awesome guest: Eric Adjeida.

Eric and I have been trying to do a podcast for a while now, and we finally got it done! I don’t want to spoil ANYTHING. But in this episode we talk about a ton of things.

Life. Death. Conviction. And the passage of time...

Enjoy the show!

Follow me on Instagram! @Mugen.ig

Follow me on Twitter! @TalesOfMugen

Intro and Outro: “Street Dreams” by @LakeyInspired

A very special episode of MugenCast this week folks. We have an awesome guest: Eric Adjeida.

Eric and I have been trying to do a podcast for a while now, and we finally got it done! I don’t want to spoil ANYTHING. But in this episode we talk about a ton of things.

Life. Death. Conviction. And the passage of time...

Enjoy the show!

Follow me on Instagram! @Mugen.ig

Follow me on Twitter! @TalesOfMugen

Intro and Outro: “Street Dreams” by @LakeyInspired

The law of attraction states: the attractive, magnetic power of the Universe that draws similar energies together. It manifests through the power of creation, everywhere and in many ways. This law attracts thoughts, ideas, people, situations and circumstances.

How can you make this work for you? This episode stems from a conversation with my sister that made me think: "Maybe we're going about this success thing a little wrong?". Listen to this episode and let me know your thoughts! 

I also do the classics! Dope Creator of the Week, Book Talk, and Food For Thought. It's another vintage episode this week folks.

Enjoy the show!

What is creativity? How can we define it? On this week’s episode of MugenCast we try to construct a definition for it. And on the way we’ll find out what truly makes someone a creator!

In addition to that, we’ll also discuss a little bit more of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman and highlight a new Dope Creator.

And make sure to stay tuned until the end for a quick Food For Thought!

Enjoy the show!

"The physical embodiment of self-reflection is looking in the mirror..."

Nice quote right? Well that's a small piece of the wisdom that you'll find in this episode! This one is all about self reflection, and how it's been a game changer for me (and it can do the same for you too!).

On the lighter side of things, I also discuss a new fantasy novel I'm reading and highlight a brand new dope creator! Plus a special Food For Thought segment this week...

Enjoy the show!

Every creative worth their weight in hashtags knows that rest is necessary, but how many of them know the point where that rest turns detrimental? On this week's episode of MugenCast the discussion shifts to how to best utilize time away from work, but still be productive. (Tons of real world stories from yours truly in this one) I hope the combination of transparency and relatability makes for another classic episode!

But wait there's more! I also discuss New York Times Bestselling author: Steven Pressfield, and his unique approach to being an artist. As well as his galvanizing reads that aid others in taking up the path of the professional.

Enjoy the show!!

Find more of my content on Forevermugen.com

Sometimes bouncing back from tough times is what separates success from failure. 

And that's what we'll discuss today, how to pick yourself back up from the small missteps we all have on our way to our goals.

Also some Food For Thought and a brand-new Dope Creator for you all to check out!

Enjoy the show!!

What makes brands successful? How do the brands like Apple, Lyft, TOMS, Etc connect with their audience so well? 

The answer is infrastructure.

Building a movement as a creative or a non-creative begins with a strong foundation of core values that can be built upon. In this episode I’ll discuss a few of the things I learned about infrastructure through creating MUGEN.

Also, I’ll discuss the magic of the creative hub and podcast brand HeadGum. Followed by some Food For Thought and Book Talk.

Enjoy the show!!

Is time against us or is it on our side? The answer is whatever you make it to be. Whether you decide to passively let your day pass you by, or aggressively grab it by the horns, is completely up to you. But there's a balance to be found in between these two extremes. It's time to take control of the hourglass...

Enjoy the show!

This episode has been in the making for a while, and by that I mean I was supposed to release this episode last week!!!

Procrastination is the enemy my friends.

Anyway, enjoy Ep. 35! It’s full of interesting tips I’ve learned over the past few weeks. This can be considered the pilot episode for my book review segment. Subsequent segments will be a lot shorter, but this helped to work out the kinks and create a good format!

Enjoy the show.

Hello all! Can someone say 'two weeks in a row?!'...Okay nobody? Maybe I'm getting a little too hype about small victories. But it feels good to stay true to what I said last week.

But on to the current episode. This week, we're talking JAPAN. A country and culture that has had a huge impact on my content and brand. How you ask? Well give the episode a listen and you'll find out!

I think this one is long overdue, hope you all like it.

Enjoy the show!

What can I say?....It's been a while. 

There's a whole lot to talk about, and in this episode I do my best to condense it into 30 minutes!

I stepped away from creating for a TON of different reasons, and after a month of being away I'm finally returning to it. I hope this episode serves as an explanation for what's been hindering me, and how I'm trying to get through it. Maybe you all can take something from my experience and begin to pull yourself out of bad spot...

Enjoy the show!

On this week's episode Dimetri discuss the keys to making a hobby into a full time job/lifestyle. He uses his own experience recently, as well as the experiences he had years ago when he started MUGEN.

A great episode for those of you stuck in between tWo things (a practical job and chasing a passion).

Enjoy the show!

The mini-hiatus is over! I fell off with the podcasts but we BACK. Short and sweet episode this time around and I'm discussing social maintenance. 

Chasing what we want, and giving it our full attention is all well and good...But! You have to nurture your meaningful relationships as well. I hope this one helps out all my tunnel visioned listeners be more aware.

P.S. Lotta music this episode! Provided by the one and only Eric GodLow Beats! Song: 'Next Level'. Check him out!

The codes most difficult to crack are often times the ones that involve ourselves. I hope this episode gives you more of an appreciation for introspection, honesty, and grit...

Enjoy the show!

P.S. Lotta music this episode! Provided by the one and only Eric GodLow Beats! Tracks include 'Bitter', 'Next Level', and 'I Miss You'. Check him out!

I apologize for the late episode! The week has been...well...busy!

However, the show must go on! On this week's episode I discuss the struggles most successful individuals go through, as well as, the importance of not being fazed by the comments of those around you.

Enjoy the show!

P.S. Lotta music this episode! Provided by the one and only Eric GodLow Beats! Tracks include 'Bitter', 'Next Level', and 'I Miss You'. Check him out!

On this week's episode we talk about a creative barrier impeding the process of many...THE OPINIONS OF OTHERS! How many times do we get persuaded to not do something because of the views of another person? The answer is too many times! 

Listen in as I discuss how I've struggled with this problem, and how I try to overcome it...

Enjoy the show! Leave comments/ratings below!

P.S. Lotta music this episode! Provided by Monty Datta. Check him out!

A new week means a new MugenCast episode...And here it is! On this episode I discuss the highs and lows of chasing a goal, and how often times we can only truly appreciate the struggle after it's over...

Enjoy the show! Leave comments/ratings below!

P.S. Lotta music this episode! Provided by the one and only Eric GodLow Beats! Tracks include 'Bitter', 'Next Level', and 'I Miss You'. Check him out!