Episode 70: A Passion For Teaching, and Drumming Thrown In As A Bonus, with Mike Johnston [PODCAST]

When you hear someone with true passion speak, you know it. And some of the most passionate people out there are artists and musicians. Today’s guest is one of those people, but he comes at his passion from a perspective you might not expect, that of a teacher. Mike Johnston is a very accomplished drummer. He’s played before tens of thousands of people, but he left that “dream” of every musician to become what he was truly passionate about: a teacher. Hear his inspiring story and some incredible business insights as well, on this episode of Crank It Up!

Leaving the “Dream” life.

Every Jr. High or High School kid who picks up a guitar or a pair of drumsticks at least initially has that crazy dream to become a star. Some of them go on to pursue that marker of success and many wish they had. Today’s guest understands those compulsions and even had the desire himself at one point. But when he realized that playing front of 10,000 people was not big thrill for him, something inside changed. His passion was different. His desires were different. And he had to pursue them. Hear how Mike Johnston gave it all up to become a very successful online teacher, on this episode.

How to become a very successful online teacher.

Mike Johnston now owns a very successful online brand, teaching drum lessons in bite sized chunks. He’s been loads more successful than drummers that he admits are much more skilled and talented at playing the drums than he is. How has that happened? He says there are two main things: #1 – passion for teaching. He’s not about the celebrity status or notoriety that comes from being famous, he simply loves to teach students in a way that “clicks” for them personally. But #2 – He speaks to the student as a fellow traveler on the journey of drum expertise. He doesn’t see himself as “better” than them, must farther down the road. Mike’s perspective on teaching is very refreshing. Be inspired by listening.

Advice for parents from a non-parent.

Mike Johnston has dealt with literally thousands of parents and students over the years of his teaching career, so he’s got some unique insights when it comes to the struggles parents have. On this episode David asks Mike for some advice about parenting and he opens up with some of those valuable things he’s noticed. He talks about the balance between overparenting and underparenting, the right way to support and encourage your child’s dreams, and how to help them discover what their passion is. You can get a lot out of what Mike’s got to share, so carve out some time to enjoy what he’s got to say.

If the need for money vanished, how would your life change?

What if the world progressed to the point that everyone’s material needs were cared for as a product of the way the society worked? What would you do then? Mike Johnston believes that’s a very helpful and powerful question to help anyone discover the things they really love to do. When he asked that question himself, he discovered that he was already doing the one thing he wants to do, teach. Listen to Mike’s insights on passion, finding it, and how to go for it, on this great conversation with David T.S. Wood, on Crank It Up.

Outline of this great episode

[1:47] An introduction to today’s favorites guest: Mike Johnston.

[4:38] A drum solo from Mike.

[6:25] Where Mike’s passion came from.

[8:10] The transition into making money as a teacher.

[11:39] What Mike has learned about connections with people.

[14:43] How Mike’s passion relates to you.

[17:30] What is it Mike feels when he’s teaching?

[22:08] A whole different level of teaching that Mike has discovered.

[26:45] How does passion fit into the life of average people?

[32:02] Advice to parents about helping their kids find their passion.

[35:44] How Mike has monetized his passion in person and online.