Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person

Question 25 // How can art impact politics? (feat. André Rodriguez)

There’s a lot of noise out there when it comes to people talking about their political opinions right now, and rightfully so! This has been a crazy year. Unfortunately, half the time (especially when it comes to Facebook and Social Media) it seems like people aren’t  trying to have a healthy conversation or debate and more trying to figure out if you agree with them so they can decide to keep you as a friend. Can we have quality interactions with people that disagree with us while still holding to the relationship AND our convictions? Are we steadily isolating ourselves from anyone that disagrees with us? How can art impact politics? And what happens when the most impactful album I’ve heard all year… is a Political EP?? I grabbed coffee with my friend André Rodriguez a month ago to see if he could answer some of my questions.  Like the music you heard in this episode? Go listen to the full EP HERE:  https://goo.gl/HB3Ng9 Recording Location: Canteen Coffee, Minneapolis MN For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Question 24 // How do I compare myself to other people without wanting to quit? (feat. Cory Wong)

Cory Wong is a “Rhythmic Stratocaster Guitar Player” - The Current called him “The most famous Minnesota musician you’ve probably never heard of” and I call him a professional. I sat down with Cory in this music heavy episode to see if I could get past WHAT it is he does to learn HOW he processes some of the issues we all deal with on a day to tay basis. Stick around to the end to hear a special bonus-feature as he tells his story of playing with one of music’s most legendary drummers.    Recording Location: Spyhouse Coffee (on Broadway), Minneapolis MN    For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com   Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

INTERLUDE: A Bucket List Big Enough To Live In

I get asked quite a bit about a story some of you have heard me allude to in parts of these interviews about a life “freak out” I had last year when it came to my career in music. Exactly one year later, I’ve decided to sit down and tell the story about a bucket list made in a Smurf-blue house; The 2 times I turned 30; the secret to my landing a gig flying in private jets and a New Years Day that happened in November. Curious? Trade your glass of Guinness in for a cup of coffee and I’ll fill you in...

Question 23 // Why do we treat life like a game of musical chairs? (feat. Danny Hoyt)

Danny Hoyt (@dannyhoyt) is a writer, producer and network television host for the likes of National Geographic, Fox, CBS, NFL, while still finding time to make it back home to LA each weekend to live host for the LA Chargers. At least, that’s what anyone with an internet connection sees… Anyone that knows Danny personally knows that his passion is far greater than just becoming a famous face on TV. We met back in the day studying at the same University and I’m not sure if I’ve ever met someone as quick witted, comfortable in an circumstance you put him or as magnetic. I had a chance to sit down with Danny while he was in town and our conversation ended up being one that would inspire just about anyone to get off their butt and start making things happen for themselves. 

 

Recording Location: The Lobby of Commons Hotel, Minneapolis MN

For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com

Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

If you’d like to reach out to Danny or follow him on social media: @dannyhoyt or you can check out his website at www.dannyhoyt.com

Links and References: 
-the book Danny mentioned in our convo: (Making Ideas Happen) https://goo.gl/tMr6nV
-the MAAAAAALK video the intro audio is from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ty62YzGryU4
- Danny’s highlight reel (of which I thanklessly ripped and chopped audio from in the intro): https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=2&v=NKG2PAf6xIU

I’m so thankful that I don’t have to deal with sponsors. 
Otherwise, I would have to tell you to visit Guinness’ website HERE Otherwise, I’d be inclined to tell you that Guinness Draft (with it’s distinctive dark amber body and rich creamy head) is possibly God’s greatest gift to mankind and is the sole reason I’m thankful for being alive after it’s birth in 1759.

I’d also have to recommend that you to hire Narrate Films for your next video/film/music-video/photo booth/wedding photography/any photography needs and to visit their website HERE. Hell… they took the photos for this podcast and they turned out pretty bad ass if you ask me. 

Question 22 // Can you take your career to the edge of the world and back? (feat. Alex Potter)

Alex Potter (@alexkpotter) is a photo-journalist working mostly in the Middle East. Her work explores conflict and trust, loss and isolation within communities and relationships and her goal to bridge the gap between the foreign and familiar by creating thought-provoking and emotional images. I had the chance to sit down with Alex over coffee during one of her few days back home in the US this year to hear her story of how her passion has taken her all over the world and hear her advice on finding your calling. 

Question 21 // How Do You Measure Success? (feat. Nate Larson)

Nate Larson (@naterlarson) is an extremely successful photographer. Wait… what the hell does that even mean? What was the first thing that came to mind when you think of someone being successful? The word ‘Success’ and the pursuit of it, determining on one’s definition, has the the ability to give your life laser focus… but what happens when we find out we’ve been focusing on the wrong thing?  Recording Location: RJ Riches Diner, Mounds View, MN Drink: Diner Coffee For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Question 20 // How’d you land that gig? (feat. Taylor Johnson)

Taylor Johnson (@wildponytj) is widely known for his work (as a songwriter & electric guitar) with the likes of Lorde, Frank Ocean and Phil Wickham. Take it from me, whether you’re playing music with him on stage or talking soccer in the green-room, Taylor is the real deal. Ever since we met in D.C. a few years back, I’ve referred to Taylor as “The Professional” so we decided to sit down to talk about the most frequently asked question any professional musician gets constantly asked "How’d you land that gig?” Even though this ended up being a very music-focused convo, He shares some great insight for anyone who aspires to create anything with other people.  In this conversation, we talk about: -How Taylor got into songwriting and his approach to co-writing -How co-writing is like improv theatre ("don’t say ‘no’ ") -The importance of “hearing someone’s idea out.” -Taylor’s advice for the need to come in with tons of ideas while still holding them loosely when creating with other people. -Synergy in creating -Actively putting yourself in situations where you’re going to be stretched creatively   Recording Location: Brit’s Pub, Downtown Minneapolis Drink: Old Speckled Hen (Me) Jack & Coke (Taylor) For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Question 19 // What can a mortician teach me about living? (feat. Jim Albinson)

Jim Albinson spent years working as a professional mortician but his creative endeavors span far beyond being "Boxed In” (*cough*… sorry… I had to) by that career. I sat down with Jim on his home patio over iced tea one late summer day to find out what I can learn from him about how to live a better life.  In this conversation, we talk about: - What’s it like to be a mortician? - What happens to the human body after death? -“People who have died are still with us, just not DYNAMICALLY WITH US" -The most personalized funeral Jim has ever been apart of -Not becoming obsolite in your life, career and faith -The problem of binary thinking -The importance of being the first best you -“The illusion of emminence” -The uses and purpose of fermaldihide -How do we respond to loss in life? -How the perception of scarcity impacts value Recording Location: Albin Lodge Drink: Imported Kenyan Black Tea (Iced) For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Question 18 // What’s the key to happiness? (feat. Bruce Balgaard)

Bruce Balgaard is more than a musician and artist… he’s a visionary and mentor. I sat down for the first time with Bruce to find out why so many of the musicians I look up to, look up to him. The conversation that took place ended up being one of my most cherished experiences of doing this podcast so far and I’m excited to share it with you.  In this conversation, we talk about: -“Everything stands in the way of getting art done." -The fact that all artists that are good have some level of discontent -“Controlled Discontent” - Why Bruce has never practiced a day in his life - Depression - The ultimate defense against depression. Hint: “Kubb" - Bruce’s Definition of The key to happiness (being in the present moment) -What’s the difference between an introvert and an extrovert? (outgoing introverts) -“New areas of growth only come from some kind of conflict or difficulty." -Bruce and I discus being recovering people pleasers Recording Location: Jax Cafe, MPLS MN Food: Meatloaf and AMAZING Potato Salad For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Question 17 // What has your pain gotten you? (feat. Dave Diehl)

Dave Diehl is… Well… I technically am not allowed to tell you what Dave does for a living. Let’s just say, some of the programs that Dave creates helps keep America’s intel safe so that those of us who like to live a normal life worrying about mundane things like making music have the freedom and security to do so.  In this conversation, we talk about the importance of continuing to exceed expectations in your career and art, the need for setting healthy boundaries in your professional and social life (something I struggle with) and much more.  Recording Location: Fulton Brewing’s Tap Room Beers: The Libertine, barel aged craft beer For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330