Starting 2022 off with a banger! So happy to have the legend that is Johnny Minardi on the podcast. Johnny is the VP of A&R at Elektra records and one of the most inspiring people I have had the pleasure of speaking with. Through consistently finding the right path Johnny has created a well-rounded and balanced life with a great support network. This setup allows him to crush goals, inspire his peers, and teach the next generation on the way. I think we can all agree this is definitely something we are all working towards in our own lives and careers. Thank you for your knowledge Johnny, we collectively appreciate you!

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Book Recommendations

Essentialism
Almanac of Naval Ravikant
The One Thing
Good to Great
Lynch Pin
Drinking With Strangers
Sell Out





In this episode of the Don’t Shit On The Bus podcast we will learn:

• How Johnny went from working on street teams in Chicago to being the VP of A&R for Elektra Music Group
• How taking chances and rolling with the flow can create positive results
• That it is so important to have a positive mindset when meeting people
• What systems Johnny has in place to have a good support system around him

(00:00) Intro
(03:17) Johnny gets on the bus
(04:30) What does a VP of A&R do?
(08:02) Working within subsidiary labels
(09:52) When Johnny and Adam first met
(10:45) Being hired on to work at Fueled By Ramen
(15:06) How Johnny got started in the music industry
(17:49) The first goal, working in the industry
(26:21) From LLR Records to working at Fueled By Ramen
(33:48) Being let go by Fueled By Ramen, working at Equal Vision, then back to Fueled By Ramen
(39:48) Going into situations with the right mindset
(43:02) Building a solid support system around you
(48:00) Top three nu-metal artist
(49:08) How Johnny finds new music and artist
(51:18) Top book of 2021 and 2022
(52:39) Failing a goal is okay
(55:27) Wrap up notes
(55:40) Shower Shoes

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Johnny Minardi - Guest

► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/johnnyminardi
► Twitter:https://twitter.com/johnnyminardi
► Label: https://www.elektramusicgroup.com/

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Don't Shit On The Bus Podcast

► Website: http://www.dontshitonthebus.com

► Spotify: http://bit.ly/DSotBspotify
► Apple Podcasts: http://bit.ly/DSotBapple

► Twitter: https://twitter.com/DSotBpodcast
► Instagram: https://instagram.com/DSotBpodcast
► Facebook: https://facebook.com/DSotBpodcast

► Patreon: https://patreon.com/DSotB

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Adam Elmakias - Host

► Twitter: https://twitter.com/elmakias
► Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/elmakias
► Website: https://www.adamelmakias.com

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Edited & Produced by Connor Gaskey