TO THE WEST AND BACK

As a Social Media Influencer, it's hard not to be "always on." On this episode, Alan and Nick talk to Shawnaci Schroeder, an Influencer from small town Illinois, about setting healthy boundaries, overcoming your fears, and how we all have the power to spark movements through tough conversations. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith.  /  tothewestandback.com

He grew up sharing a bedroom with his entire family in a small Central Illinois town, but later went on to earn his Doctorate and become a renowned college professor. On this episode, Alan and Nick talk with John Drea, their college Marketing professor, and dive deep into what it takes to persevere when the odds are stacked against you.

Nick recently got a self-reflection journal from We're Not Really Strangers, so we decided to have a deep talk led by prompts from the journal. We dive into vulnerable topics like body image, expectations placed on others, and insecurities we are currently facing. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith.  /  tothewestandback.com

After a year of emotional reckoning and lessons learned, Jared Haynes joins us to talk about his solo cross-country road trip that helped him confront some valuable truths about himself. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith.  /  tothewestandback.com

Rachael Marie, a full-time teacher and photographer, joins us to talk in depth about how she manifested her own confidence and embraced vulnerability to become her truest self. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith.  /  tothewestandback.com

To kick off season two, Nick puts Alan in the hot seat and interviews him about how he found his passion for photography and decided to take the leap of faith and become a full-time creative. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith.  /  tothewestandback.com

On this episode, Alan talks with Nick about his passion for photography, different marketing techniques, and why being surrounded by good people is so important. Keep up with all the episodes on Instagram - @tothewestandback 

On this episode, Alan talks with Ash about creating abstract art, how creatives can implement systems to make their workflow more efficient, and why doing what you love is so important. You can keep up with all the episodes on Instagram at @tothewestandback.

On this episode, Alan talks with E. Philly about his debut EP coming out August 28th, the highs and lows of the past year, and much more. Follow along with all of the episodes on Instagram at @tothewestandback.

In this episode, Alan talks with KG Lillian about her journey with music, her new online thrift shop, and having a good mindset about the creative process. They also dive into how to keep your passion for what you love when you turn a hobby into a career. Follow KG on Instagram, @kglillian. Her debut EP "Palm Valley" comes out July 17! Follow along with all of the episodes on Instagram, @tothewestandback.

Alan talks to his great friend, Wes Haertling, about discovering photography as a passion, great adventures, and finding your niche. 

In this episode, Alan talks with Ryan Cheney about his journey with music, always staying true to who you are, and the unique creative process. Enjoy and stay up to date with the latest episodes on Instagram - @shawgostudios.

Alan sits down with his good friend and mentor Ryan Hanlon of Route 3 Films. They discuss the intricate filmmaking process, Ryan's crazy adventure to Ireland for six months, and taking chances, like quitting his job at a hotel to pursue his passion of filmmaking.  Enjoy the journey & let me know what you think over on Instagram, @shawgostudios!

The whole point of this podcast is to talk to people about how they discovered what they're passionate about and how they continue to improve their craft. Everyone has a unique journey that we can all learn from. My hope is that you listen to this podcast and receive inspiration for your passions and how you can continue to improve your craft. I will be talking to people in all different creative fields, but I feel like the lessons and ideas can be applied to anyone.