Facing down the demons of self-doubt and impostor syndrome is a trial by fire that many of us know all too well. It's a journey that Jon Orlando of Sticky Paws Studios and I unpack with humor and heartfelt honesty. Our conversation weaves through the entrepreneurial gauntlet—from the heavy cost of studio fees to the leap into owning a business, including a tanning salon under the Missouri sun. We trade stories of those silent pep talks we give ourselves, the 'big brother' nudges needed to push past fear, and the transformative power of seizing your potential. Jon and I dissect the landscape of creative endeavors, where podcasts can be the unsung heroes paving unconventional roads towards larger platforms like television.

There's a balancing act in business that often goes undiscussed, a dance between critique and compensation, scaling and skilling up. I share my own tales of on-the-job learning, from navigating team dynamics to making tough decisions that steer the ship through turbulent waters. As Michael Sartain's work ethic exemplifies, relentless drive can carve out success in the most unexpected ways. But it's the resilience in responding to feedback and the courage to grow through challenges that often mark the difference between stagnation and evolution. We also ponder the catalytic effect of creating events, how setting concrete dates can morph ideas into reality, and how a Godzilla-themed movie night might just be the perfect backdrop for a speaking engagement.

Ever been knocked down by rejection only to rise again with a refined pitch and a trade deal to show for it? I recount just such a tale, uncovering the grit it takes to turn a 'no' into an emphatic 'yes.' Our dialogue traverses the terrain of marketing, from the old-school charm of a car dealership to the vast expanse of social media's reach. Jon and I wrap up the episode with a heartening look back at the modest beginnings of any venture, the value in embracing initial discomfort, and the pivotal 'suck' moments that are the prelude to triumph. This episode isn't just a podcast; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity and the indomitable will of those who dare to dream.

--------- EPISODE CHAPTERS ---------

(0:00:16) - Getting Out of Your Own Way
(0:07:57) - Podcasts as a Backdoor to TV
(0:11:29) - Building Confidence in Business and Life
(0:22:12) - Creating Events for Personal Growth
(0:31:35) - Embracing Challenges and Starting Your Journey
(0:43:40) - Effective Pitching and Overcoming Rejection
(0:48:46) - Business Growth and Personal Empowerment
(0:56:15) - Motivating Conversation With Jon Orlando