TO THE WEST AND BACK
By Alan Shawgo & Nick Smith
TO THE WEST AND BACKFeb 22, 2021
You Are Your Only Competition: KG Lillian on Creativity and Letting Go of Expectations
In this episode, we have a wide ranging chat with KG Lillian, from music to content creation to letting go of expectations. She even announces some big news for the first time on this episode! Learn more about KG at www.kglillian.com or follow her on Instagram or TikTok - @kglillian.
“I HATE THIS GAME!” - A Vulnerability Sesh to Start the Year
In this episode, we draw cards from the friendship edition of the game "We're Not Really Strangers". We get super deep in this episode and even shed a few tears.
A ~Cathartic~ End to 2022
Work Tired, Play Hurt, Love Hard: Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur Derrick Huskey
In this episode, we sit down with Derrick Huskey to have a wide ranging conversation about music, entrepreneurship, and being a dad.
What's your West?
In this episode, we discuss our "why" for doing the podcast! Whether it's a physical trek or a big career change, everyone has a journey that we can learn from.
We’re back and here to stay!
In this episode, we catch up after a hiatus from the podcast! We discuss life and new plans moving forward.
2.06 Shawnaci Schroeder / Setting Boundaries When Your Life is On Display
2.05 Dr. John Drea / Defying the Odds
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.
2.04 Nick & Alan / A Lesson in Vulnerability
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
2.03 Jared Haynes / How a Road Trip Became a Journey of Self-Discovery
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
2.02 Rachael Marie / You CAN Manifest Your Own Confidence
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
2.01 Nick Interviews Alan / Our First Episode as Co-Hosts!
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
007 Nick Smith - Photography, Marketing & Friendship
006 Ash Forrest - Abstract Art, Implementing Systems & Doing What You Love
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.
005 E. Philly - New Music, New Beginnings & New Places
004 KG Lillian - Making Music, Thrifting & Mindset
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.
003 Wes Haertling - Photography, Traveling & Finding Your Niche
002 Ryan Cheney - Making Music, Being Yourself & the Creative Process
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.
001 Ryan Hanlon - Filmmaking, Ireland, & Taking Chances
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 Beginning of the Journey
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.