Episodes

Chris Greenwood,  founder of Smart Music Business, reveals how to break down barriers and finally build an audience that buys from you, supports you and that sticks with you.

In this powerful episode, Canva expert, YouTuber and tech educator Lashonda Brown reveals how she left behind the hustle culture that dominates the solo-entrepreneur space.

Discover the dangers of Shiny Object Syndrome and learn how to avoid it by sticking with the tried and true methods of sharing your work.

Are your thoughts actually keeping you from achieving all God has for you...because you're believing something that's not really true? On this episode, author, pastor, worship leader and speaker Chris Alessi will show how you can take control of your most powerful (and vulnerable) asset - your mind. Chris Alessi serves as a campus pastor at Metro Life Church in Miami, FL, under his parents Pastors Steve and Mary Alessi. As the author of two books, "Up Next" and "Clickbait: Win the War for Your...

Today we're helping you tackle a topic many creatives dread - promotion! Promotion can seem like either a spiritually draining exercise in ego, or a never-ending quest for attention. But neither has to be the case. With the right perspective and process, promoting your work can become a natural and fun part of your creative life! Listen in for 10 different strategies we'll share that will help you create a daily, doable promotion habit. STOP DOING CREATIVE LIFE ALONE! Want to become a highly...

Ever wonder how you could get a chance to work with the most incredible artists in the world - people like Beyonce and Kayne West? Here's an even better question - how do you work with them over and over again? Our guest, vocalist, songwriter and actor Naarai has had the honor of sharing the stage with incredible performers like Kirk Franklin, David Foster and the aformentioned Beyonce and Kanye. Yet she is most proud of the fact that she is trusted to return to work with these A-List performe...

It's a feeling every creative knows - the discouragement of not having a big idea to motivate us. When this happens, all of your momentum can come to a screeching halt. It's beyond important that you have a big idea to keep you moving toward your God-given purpose as a creative or artist, but without that big idea, you can remain stuck. Thankfully, there is a way to prevent creative discouragement from robbing you of the joy of your creative goals - and the answer is to intentionally seek out ...

Wow! We've made it to 200 episodes...and it's only the grace of God and your consistent support that has made this possible. And on this major milestone, I (Allen) am taking a moment to celebrate a major reason we made it this far...you! Because you keep showing up as a creative who is dedicated to keeping the faith and making excellent art, I want to keep showing up to help you make that possible. That's why our 200th episode is all about you - your consistency, perseverance and patience - a...

Answer: Throw up your hands in frustration. Question: What's your response to a question you constantly have to answer? As a creative, you are often asked to respond to the obvious. So to help you handle these not-so-creative questions from your audience or clientele, we've recorded 19 straightforward answers to the questions you're likely asked over and over. Want to read the original blog article? Click HERE to access the post on our website Remember to leave a review and let us know how th...

What do you do when you've a part of almost EVERY major gospel and R&B project for decades, won every award, and seen the heights of success - but something's still missing? Our amazing guest on this Best Of episode will show you how to learn from both failure AND success in your creative life - so that you will be fulfilled and happy even when you reinvent your career. Daniel Weatherspoon is a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning producer, composer, musician and musical director. This dynam...

Are you frustrated every time you try to reach your audience via social media? There's truly a better way - and we're sharing why you MUST start using it if you haven't already. While it's getting harder and harder to handle all the social media apps and hacks, email is still the best way to connect with the people God wants you to reach online. In this episode we explore three reasons why you may not have started an email list and why each of them prevents you from taking advantage of huge o...

Would you love to have an engaged audience that supports both you - and each other? If so, you'll need to transform your online experiences - social media, livestreams, etc. into real-life connections that happen outside and beyond the screen - so that your fans and followers have a reason to stay connected to you as they evolve into a vibrant, supported community. In this episode, we map out how personal attention, specific targeting strategies and concierge level service can turn your online...

If you want to be well-known and in-demand as a creative, you need to stand out. But often, it's not your creative skill, talent or unique abilities that help you become a highly successful creative. Instead, it's the skills you have that have nothing to do with your art or creative passion. In this creative checkup episode, you'll discover why your most marketable traits might be your relationship skills, emotional intelligence and ability to work with others. In a crowded marketplace, the a...

In this episode, Julz speaks with vulnerability and transparency about her own daily battles as she overcomes past fears and traumatic experiences, and shares how to personally apply healing principles so you can enjoy a fulfilling, healthy and powerfully purposeful life.

In areas like Los Angeles and New York, it's becoming increasingly harder to work in the entertainment field as a person of faith. Whether it's economics, cultural shifts, or just the overall look of the industry, many creatives are finding themselves facing a tough question - stay in the major entertainment hubs, or look elsewhere for a place to build their careers? Our friend Rev. Joel Pelsue of Arts and Entertainment Ministries recently asked that question, and we added some of our perspect...

If you've ever wondered how God can use all your emotions, talents, and even your mistakes to help you tell your story and help others, Miracle Sims' story will ring true for you.

How old are you? Say it out loud...remember that number... and now imagine giving that percentage of your income away. You might think that is crazy, yet that's exactly what Bob Lotich did when he felt a divine challenge from God...and now he and his wife are sharing the power of giving and financial wisdom with thousands of families around the world. In this episode, Bob shares the powerful testimony of getting control of his finances, tapping into the power of generosity and giving, and how ...

Do you find yourself buried in a million things to do, wishing you had help in your creative life to keep things going? You may be at the point of switching from a solopreneur, one-person-operation to bringing on helpers, employees or freelancers to help you do the creative work God has called you to do. In this episode, you'll discover key mindset changes, specific tools, and steps you should take before building your creative team - whether that means hiring and employing people, or enlistin...

This dynamic coach, mentor and 7-figure creative entrepreneur reveals how to maximize the power of your vocal 'real estate, so you can leave a lasting imprint on your audience, your industry and your legacy.

We're breaking down the misconceptions about the dreaded algorithm in this episode - not in an effort to go viral, but rather so that you can show up authentically on social media. The fact is, we need these social media platforms to help get the word out about our projects, but that often means playing by their rules - and providing content that satisfies the audience that hangs out in that digital space. So how do you figure out what works best for you and your creative projects, without gett...

Ever feel like it's nearly impossible to make 'good' money from your music, creative gift, or artistic project? You're not alone - but thankfully there are musicians and creatives who have cracked the code - and the language of the code is the language of sales and marketing. If those words scare you, you're in the right place. Ayana Webb, a musician, music educator and digital course creator is joining the podcast today to help decode the mystery around sales, marketing, courses, ads and othe...

Have you ever stopped to wonder if "social media" has stopped being "social?" As a creative, you thrive on community and collaboration, but more often than not, all you find in online creative groups are a lot of people talking about themselves...and not connecting at ALL. In this creative checkup episode, we're helping you end the constant search for online communities that actually benefit your career and provide real connections. These tips will keep you from endlessly joining social media ...

What's better than getting solid relationship advice from a married musical couple that performs together constantly? How about getting advice from TWO couples whom have enjoyed nearly 40 years of marriage combined - all while making a living as musicians, creative entrepreneurs and content creators? That's what you'll get in this episode, where we had our first ever summit between two married creative couples - host Allen C. Paul and his wife Lia Paul, and John and Ja'Nia Harden of The Harden...

Every creative needs good graphics - but should you invest in hiring a professional graphic designer, or do it yourself with online tools like Canva? In this Creative Checkup episode, you'll discover the pros and cons of each option so you can make the best decision for your specific situation - whether you're just starting out as a brand-building creative, or you've already worked for years to create your online marketing persona. Links Mentioned in this Podcast Episode: Join our membership f...