Planning a live show format terrifies me, but staying stuck terrifies me more.

I'm rebuilding Generator from the ground up for 2026. It's about creating something sustainable that actually serves the people who need these conversations.

In this episode, I walk through the new show structure I'm testing, why I'm shifting from pre-recorded to live, and what it takes to run a creative business when you're a team of one dealing with ADHD, time scarcity, and the constant pull to just scroll instead of create.

What You'll Learn

• How to structure a live show with segments that keep you focused without killing spontaneity
• Why pre-recording and editing for hours might be holding you back from consistent output
• What the ADHD tax really costs solopreneurs and how to work with your brain instead of against it
• Why building an email list matters more than vanity metrics on social platforms
• How to set up a multi-camera podcast studio without spending a fortune on cinema cameras
• Why surrounding yourself with creators outside your niche changes everything about your motivation
• What it means to build a business that can run without you constantly propping it up
• How to use live streaming as a forcing function to stop overthinking and start shipping
• Why vulnerability in content creation isn't weakness but the thing that builds real connection
• What tools and workflows actually move the needle when you're building alone

Resources Mentioned

• Liz Wilcox Email Marketing Membership
• Ecamm Creator Camp
• Fuji X-T4 and H2S cameras
• YoloCam S3 webcam
• Hollyland Lyra camera
• OBSBOT Meet SE webcam
• Shure MV7X and MV7 Plus microphones
• Elgato Stream Deck XL
• CalDigit and Satechi powered hubs

Connect with Matt

Website: generatorpodcast.com | stonetreecreative.com

Instagram: @generatorpodcast | @stonetreecreative

Download the free Generator Guest Prep Guide: DM "guide" to @generatorpodcast on Instagram

Generator releases new episodes every Wednesday at 7pm Eastern, with live working sessions on Friday mornings at 9am Eastern.

About Generator

Generator is a podcast for working creatives who are tired of the highlight reel. Hosted by Maine portrait photographer Matt Stagliano, each episode digs into the real struggles of building a creative business, managing mental health, and doing work that matters. No corporate speak. No empty motivation. Just honest conversations about what it takes to keep creating when the world keeps telling you to do something different.