Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person

Question 16 // Wait, you can be creative AND have your shit together? Pt.2 (feat. Matt Patrick)

Matt Patrick (@librarystudio) is a record producer, studio owner, engineer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve had the honor of working with Matt multiple times over the years and every time I do, I feel like I’ve left the session feeling like not just a better musician but also a wiser human. In order to share with you as much as possible from our conversation, I’ve decided to share it in two parts. I always say that if you can get past the WHAT someone does, to find out WHO they are and WHY they do it, there is wisdom that anyone can connect with. That said, Matt’s musical insight is so interesting that I know there are people that would like to hear more on that too so we dive even deeper into music next week. Part 2 or our conversation ended up being a little bit more creativity and music focused. In our second and final part, we talk about: -The importance of a balanced life -How daily rituals can BENEFIT our creativity -Learning when to take a break instead of trying to ‘push through’ (I freakin love Matt’s ‘Round Peg, Square Hole’ concept) - “Thin Slicing” - Masha and the bear (on ice)

Question 15 // Wait, you can be creative AND have your shit together? Pt.1 (feat. Matt Patrick)

Matt Patrick (@librarystudio) is a record producer, studio owner, engineer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve had the honor of working with Matt multiple times over the years and every time I do, I feel like I’ve left the session feeling like not just a better musician but also a wiser human. In order to share with you as much as possible from our conversation, I’ve decided to share it in two parts. I always say that if you can get past the WHAT someone does, to find out WHO they are and WHY they do it, there is wisdom that anyone can connect with. That said, Matt’s musical insight is so interesting that I know there are people that would like to hear more on that too so we dive even deeper into music next week. In Part 1 we talk about: -How to ascribe value to yourself -Combating the voices of doubt in your head -Living a life of ballance -Figuring out what YOUR voice is - figure out what nobody else has done before and DO THAT -The need to be present in the moment Quotes from Matt in this interview that stood out to me: “I don’t want to learn somebody elses’ magic, I want to create my own” “True creatives are always waiting for people to figure out what we actually believe about ourseves.” Recording Location: Dangerous Man Brewing’s Tap Room Beers: Kolsch For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com

Question 14 // Is it beautiful? Do I love it? (feat. Elliott Blaufuss)

Elliott Blaufuss is an artist. Music just happens to be the medium with which he creates his art. You’ve probably seen him singing duets on stage with Kelly Clarkson or Music Directing for Eric Hutchinson. When I was asked to take the position of Music Director with the band Owl City just before their massive Asia tour a few years back, multiple people said I needed to pick Elliott’s brain. I did… it ruled. We decided to meet up again at the same spot we did a few years prior at Black Forest Inn. Grab your favorite German stein (it better be able to hold a Liter) and pull up a stool. Prost! In this episode we talk about: -How traveling with music might be in Elliott’s family blood -Elliott’s intro to the world of performing music -The ‘meat and potatoes’ of music // “it’s all about story” -What is an artist? (secret sharers) -Elliott’s belief that music is tied into the fabric of life // I agree -Money and Music: “Do it and forget about it.” -“Is it beautiful Do I love it?” -How to be present in the moment Recording Location: Black Forest Inn, MPLS MN Drinks: Hacker Pschorr Dunkel  For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com

Question 13 // Why Should I Give A Damn About Vinegar & Vulnerability? (feat. Scott Dillon)

Scott Dillon is the owner of a cocktail company called The Twisted Shrub. After a chance meeting in passing, I instantly knew I had to learn more about his story and after reaching out, he was kind enough to sit down with me over drinks. How did He go from a secure job at General Mills to starting his own cocktail company? Why does he think that the most legit people view vulnerability as a sign of confidence? And what are these ‘Shrubs’ he’s basing his entire business on? In this episode we talk about: -What are “Shrubs” and how did Scott Discover them -The beauty of craft-beverages forcing you to be in the moment -Scott’s history with General Mills and how the recession changed his life path -The importance of honest friendships (you need people to call you on your shit)   -The danger of binary career thinking (thinking you either choose to have a fun career and not have it be smart financially or you have a borring career that gives you financial security) -The greatest skill Scott learned from his time at General Mills (LISTENING & LEADERSHIP) -Leadership Advice -The importance of vaulnerability and NOT the fake it till you make it mentality -The importance of ‘Winning’ and bringing a competitive spirit in anything you do (Scott explains why) -Colin Powell’s '40/70 Rule' -Vulnerability and being willing to ask questions when you don’t know is the ultamate sign of confidence (Scott explains why and talks about Questions. "If you don’t ask, you don’t care.”) Recording Location: Parlour, Downtown Minneapolis Drinks: Seasonal Smash & Parlour Old Fashioned  For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com

Question 12 // Are we screwing ourselves over by thinking too big? (feat. Eric Pierson)

Eric Pierson is a television, film and commercial actor who recently started showing his prowess in the directing world. Some of his recent film credits include the Netflix Original Series "Lady Dynamite”, "Driven By Bacon” and "Wilson" starring Woody Harrelson & Laura Dern. If you haven’t Netflix-and-Chilled over those yet, you’ve most likely seen his bearded face on more than one commercial. Beyond all that, Eric is known to me as someone who thinks deeply about life and is a great storyteller. I knew you would enjoy hearing what he has to say and he didn’t disappoint… and I may or may not have laughed so hard I cried for the first time on the podcast. Enjoy. (Side note for Sarah’s fans: Sarah originally wanted to title this question, “Have you ever looked a man in the eye while he poops?” ) In this episode we talk about: -A hilarious story of Eric meeting someone in the woods -The benefits of meditation -Not worrying about tomorrow -Not letting your day get derailed by someone else trying to get your attention before your body is ready to take it (i.e. social media and emails first thing in the morning) -Working out -What Kobe Bryant, Michael Jackson, and Mike Rowe have in common -Just doing the work and putting the time in -Nobody’s going to give you permission to live your best life, decide who you want to be and do it! -The importance of starting your own project or buisiness -Eric’s definitrion of success (probably one of the best I’ve heard) -My add to Eric’s definition: Whatever success means to you is good as long as it can be found internally.  -The hardest working people always seem to be the luckiest Quote from Eric during the interview that stood out to me: “Let living with intention become part of your routine” Recording Location: Eastside Co-Op, Northeast Minneapolis Drink: Kombucha For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com 

INTERLUDE: "The Girl Who Married Two Brothers"

A Seanchaí is a traditional Gaelic storyteller/historian. In Scotland, they were called seanchaidh. I believe that there are Seanchaí hidden all around us in our everyday lives if we’re willing to cultivate a genuine sense of curiosity about other people and are willing to stop and listen.

What would happen if we saw people we come in contact with for what they really are, hidden Seanchaí, secret storytellers walking among us. 

Thank you to Ray, possibly one of the most interesting and humble people I’ve ever met, for sharing this week’s story with us.  

Question 11 // What’s the difference between familiarity and a loss of passion? (feat. Ben Gowell)

Ben Gowell (@bengowell for all you fellow Instagram junkies) is not only one of the most professional guitarist/producer/mix-engineer/songwriters that I know but he’s also one of the wisest people I’ve ever spent time with. I’ve looked up to Ben for years and because of that, this conversation goes all over the map and deep pretty quick. This one’s for those of you out there in need of life advice from a wise older brother who’s really been there (no pun intended)… so grab a Scotch, throw on some quality headphones, and feel free to share a booth with us.    In this episode we talk about: - Realizing that nobody you look up to ever feels like they have ‘arrived’ - EVERYONE had to work hard to be good, no exceptions. Everyone you look up to had to put in time and work in that you didn’t see. -Take chances and live an adventure. Don’t be paralyzed by future planning -The need for healthy confidence -Family: Thankfulness for strong supportive wives, dealing with being GONE on the road while in a relationship and learning to be a parent while being a musician. - “GET ADDICTED TO THE PROCESS!” - battling entitlement or expectation -"The human problem with familiarity": How Ben actively reminds himself to take stock in what he’s grateful for and his thoughts on confusing familiarity with a loss of passion -Welcoming different seasons of life: 'always be open to new seasons of joy'  - “You can’t know things you don't know”  - not wasting any energy or time on regrets - The importance of keeping your word - Practicing awkward confrontations: it doesn’t come easy to anyone Quotes Worth Tattooing from Ben: "You can’t know things you don't know” "GET ADDICTED TO THE PROCESS!” "Always Be Open To New Seasons Of Joy" “Don’t confuse familiarity with a loss of passion"    If you’d like to contact Ben, you can find him on social media here:  Instagram: @bengowell Facebook: Ben.gowell   Recording Location: The Happy Gnome, St. Paul MN Drink: Laphroaig 10yr Scotch For Links, Guest’s Info and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com

Question 10 // How did Fantasy Novels and Renaissance Festivals teach a touring drummer to embrace his inner nerd? (feat. Nate Babbs)

Nate Babbs (@soundslikenate) is a good friend of mine that I’m excited to welcome  to the podcast for a special NERD EDITION! Sure, Nate graduated from one of the best music schools in the country (Berklee College of Music)… Sure, Nate’s an experienced session and touring drummer (sharing the bill with the likes of Counting Crows) but I don’t give a single crap about any of that. We sat down for breakfast and bloody marys at Victor’s Cafe in South Minneapolis to dive into some of Nate’s nerdier endeavors and as usual the convo took a turn for some things deeper. In this episode we talk about: -Learning not to be ashamed of your passions (no matter how nerdy they are) and realizing that it’s only by embracing yourself that you can open up doors to connect with others -Dungeons and Dragons, Fantasy Novels, The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings, The Red Wall Book Series. "Giving your adult self permission to imagine.’   -Why Sake Bloody Mary are big in Minneapolis -Our human need to define EVERYTHING -The negative side of escapism -Renaissance Festivals -The importance of imagination as an adult: “Adults don’t feel like they can play anymore.”  -Deciding to be inclusive instead of exclusive -Quit constantly comparing yourself to other people  Recording Location: Victor’s 1959 Cafe, South Minneapolis Drinks: Sake Bloody Marys  For Links, Guest’s Info, Show Notes and pictures of Nate on tour and in his full RenFest attire VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com

Question 9 // When are you too old to make a career change? (feat. Luke Meek)

Luke Meek is an internationally touring production manager for the likes of: Lissie, NEEDTOBREATH, Owl City, Andrew McMahon in the Wilderness, Tyrone Wells, Stephen Kellogg, The Nadas and the list goes on… Luke became a good friend of mine from our time working together and traveling the world with Owl City as soon as I heard about what’s been happening with him lately, I knew we had to sit down and talk the next time we were in the same city together.   Maybe you’re someone who feels unsettled in their career and is looking for a change, Maybe you’re a music lover/concert goer and curious about what a production manager’s role is, Maybe you’re a musician who's on tour or hopes to one day tour looking for some advice, Maybe you’re a freelancer or entrepreneur looking for tips on how to live a sustainable balanced life… We talk about all of it. Enjoy.    In this episode we talk about: - Balancing “Fake it till yo make it” and authenticly knowing when to ask for advice - Believing that you’re never too old to change in life whether it’s personally or professionally.  - ‘Time is Currency’ Finding your own work/life balance - How music has taken an Iowa boy all over the world - Maintaining a healthy relationship with your significant other while on the road: Advice and Stories - Understanding the ‘bell curve' of career/finances/personal time and learing to live in the middle instead of the extremes: ‘Keeping your life overhead low'  - The unglamorous side of touring: it’s still work -  Advice/Tips for musicians and crew while on the road with music   - Embracing “It’s not about me!”: Just because you’re on stage, doesn’t mean you can be a diva - The importance of cultivating a good work ethic - Realizing your attitude, good or bad, has influence on everyone around you - Figuring out your professional career identity and realizing that’s different than your personal identity: Your work doesn’t define you. - Understanding that life’s doors don’t alway open clearly, sometimes you need to take a calculated risk before you find the clear answers.   Thanks to our special guests (both of our wives) that drank and hung with us during our convo.    Recording Location: Volstead’s Emporium Speakeasy, Secret Location Somewhere In Minneapolis Drinks: Deliciously Crafted Whisky Cocktails and Wine For Links, Guest’s Info, Show Notes and pictures of Luke and us guys devouring noodles in South Korea Visit: www.thecuriouspod.com

Question 8 // How does a cup of coffee have the power to change the world? (feat. Caleb Garn)

Take a moment and think of how much in your life that has taken place in a coffee shop… My first hang-out with my now wife Sarah was at a coffee shop. I’ve been kicked out of bands, asked to be IN bands, early mornings, late nights… and the list goes on. Caleb Garn is a founder of one of the greatest coffee shops west of the Mississippi: Five Watt Coffee in Minneapolis, MN. Sit down with Caleb and one thing is clear, this musician/entrepreneur has a passion for the american coffee shop and even more so for the people in them. Don’t be mistaken, this conversation isn’t just for people who love coffee and music… (if you don’t… maybe I’m not the podcast for you BTW) we dive into what it means to be a human and what Caleb calls “Movie Moments" that could change the way you look at the world. Just your everyday conversation over coffee.. In this episode we talk about: -Coffee (the history of 3rd wave coffee and the magic of coffee shops) -How Caleb’s first real recording session in Minneapolis ended up being with the boys from Dr. Mambo’s Combo and Mick Sterling (MPLS Music Legends) -Us both moving here and experiencing Minneapolis for the first time -Music School -Defining Success (“Knowing where you want to go and getting there”)  -"Movie Moments" -Caleb’s obsessively inspiring coffee shop notebook taking   -The 3 ‘Waves’ of coffee -Deciding to be Inclusive instead of Exclusive. -How the world is “Inside Out” not “Outside In"  -Caleb’s personal deffinition of success Quotes from Caleb that stuck out to me: “Treat every customer like you’re meeting your significant other’s parents for the first time” "Always find a way to say ‘YES’." "A cup of coffee has the power to change the world and the only thing that connects people as much as coffee is music.” "Anything is obtainable. The price is how hard you want to work for it.”   Recording Location: Five Watt Coffee, South Minneapolis Drink: Five Watt Cold Press (@ 9pm… what was I thinking?) For Links, Guest’s Info And Show Notes Visit: www.thecuriouspod.com