Brock Korsan (IG: @brockymarciano) is a multifaceted force in music and fashion, widely respected as an A&R executive, artist and producer manager, and creative consultant. His career is defined by a sharp cultural lens and a deep commitment to championing artistic talent. Brock got his start on a street team, immersing himself in every facet of the music business. His instincts and relentless drive quickly led to work with influential artists like Travis Scott, Schoolboy Q, and frequent collaborator Kendrick Lamar. Known for his ability to spot and nurture talent, he’s become a trusted voice in the culture. At Interscope Records, Brock worked across a wide spectrum of artists and projects, including co-writing Drake’s global hit “God’s Plan.” Beyond music, he’s a managing partner at No Vacancy Inn, a boundary-pushing collective known for blending fashion, music, and culture through ventures like radio shows, parties, clothing drops, and fundraisers. As Senior Vice President at Warner Records, Brock continues to lead with vision, signing breakout acts like Omar Apollo and developing projects that shape the sound of tomorrow. Whether he's in the studio until sunrise or catching waves at dawn, Brock brings the same passion and intention to everything he does—embodying a holistic, grounded approach to creative success.

Are you a creative feeling stuck, anxious, or overwhelmed?Let’s talk. I offer therapy specifically for artists and creatives.Book a free call: calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

• Sleeping in his impala to hide his early career moves from his parents who would not understand what he was trying to do

• Brock’s experiences working at the legendary street wear company, Diamond Supply in it’s early days and Tyler, The Creator working there as a kid packing boxes

• Leveraging managing producers at first to get around the rappers he wanted to meet

• Witnessing the early days of TDE and its superstar artists early into the global phenom’s they have become

• Helping Mac Miller get his first bag of weed and tattoo

• Touring the world with Travis Scott and watching 70,000 fans attend the Sao Palo, Brazil show and nearly break the concrete stadium

• How most people just aren’t built for the struggle it takes to be great, especially hype talented people

• Why getting opinions from too many people is dangerous, because they may talk you out of something great

• Signing Omar Apollo and helping guide his development & career

• A real artist needs to make art no matter what, they need to make it to breathe / survive

• How all the true greats, whether in sports or the arts, give another level of commitment to their crafts even after they’ve reached success

• Getting a shout out from Kendrick Lamar on “DNA” off of his DAMN album, which he A&R’d

• What his working relationship is like with Kendrick Lamar and how they’ve both made each other grow

• Nobody really knows what a hit is and so much it happens off luck and fate, and how so many incredible artists never get a top charting record

• Sending Kendrick Lamar the iconic “Money Trees” record

• No matter how much information you are armed with you will get fucked and take L’s in the entertainment industry. Period, but you can choose to become better vs. bitter and also not do the same thing to other people

• How music is a soundtrack to our lives like a time capsule and how revisiting certain songs takes us right back to those poignant moments earlier in our lives

• How you can spend your whole life climbing to the top of a mountain and then get bored of being at the top and need a new challenge to feel inspired, i.e. why the children of billionaires are some of the most unhappy people

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Kevin Lyman (IG: @kevinlyman) is a visionary entrepreneur and influential figure in the world of music and entertainment. Born on October 6, 1961, in Orange, California, Lyman has left an indelible mark on the industry, particularly in the realm of alternative and punk rock. His journey into the music scene began with a passion for bringing people together through shared musical experiences. In 1995, he founded the Vans Warped Tour, a groundbreaking traveling music festival that became a staple in the alternative music scene for over two decades! The tour attracted around 750,000 people annually and is recognized as the longest-running North American festival ever! Kevin’s dedication to supporting independent artists and fostering a sense of inclusivity has made him a respected and beloved figure among musicians and fans alike. He has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, using his platform to address social issues and make a positive impact on the communities he engages with. His ability to adapt to the ever-evolving music landscape and his unwavering passion for the art form have solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry. In late 2018, Kevin began teaching at USC's Thornton School of Music as an Associate Professor.

Therapy for Artists: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Kevin’s upbringing in Claremont, California in “hippieville” and how it shaped him

+ The loneliness epidemic and our ever-present need for community now more than ever

+ The echo chamber we are all living in now due to social media and it’s blocking our ability to be more balanced / harmonious

+ The hardest moments of navigating the building the Warped tour, how Kevin bounced back and what he learned

+ Kevin winding down the Warped tour after 25 successful years, how there was no ambivalence in him and how he felt fully complete after ending it

+ How he was villainized by many people for “ruining punk rock”

+ Kevin attending Cal Poly Pomona where another fellow mega festival creator, Paul Tollett, the creator of Coachella also went to school

+ How taking any days off in the music industry is viewed as negatively, people get judged for not wanting it bad enough, self-care is seen as weakness

+ How Kevin has literally sent artists to rehab mid-tour who were suffering from heavy addiction on the road

+ People on the artist side and the executive side aren’t seen as people but rather seen as commodities and dehumanized

+ The music industry can be so phony at times that when you text someone to say, “how are you doing?” and you don’t ask them for anything people are taken aback

+ Kevin recalling working with megastars Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots and being concerned about their addictions and drug abuse

+ Getting to work closely with Trent Reznor and admiring his brilliance and business acumen

+ How to navigate today’s music industry of mass SATURATION and ways to cut through the NOISE

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website: https://connectionismagic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionismagicTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectionismagicHit up

CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

The latest installment of a segment called, "Bars for Breakfast" where I highlight a powerful lyric and share how it relates to my personal life experience. Listening to my share, I hope it conjures up for you how it relates to your own personal life journey, and you feel connected + inspired.

***

Song:  "Adventure"

Artists:  Russ, Feat. Rexx Life Raj

Lyrics:  "When I was at my lowest had to hold my head the highest reconnect with silence otherwise it’s hard to hear the guidance.  Thinkin’ that I got a broken version of success until I realized this is the version that I’m supposed to get, I see the way the roads connect if you just keep on drivin’ tried to fight the moment thought my stars need realignin”

***

Therapy for Artists: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers! 

Love and blessings!

– TEAM CIM

LaRussell (IG: @larussell) is a legendary independent rapper & artist hailing from Vallejo, California.  He began to rap at the age of eight and found his early education to be uninspiring. He was subsequently enrolled at Vallejo's Peoples' High School, where he blossomed in comparison.  Upon graduating, he became afather to a baby girl, causing any tentative hope of a music career to be puton ice.  Needing to provide for his daughter, he took a well-paying job at an aerospace company where he remained for six years before deciding to quit to pursue full-time involvement in the music business. 

He ushered in a bold newbusiness model called “Proud to Pay” where he lets fans set their own price forhis music, shows, and even local cook outs in Vallejo, adopting the slogan forthe movement… “it’s not free, it's priceless!”  He established the independent music collective, “Good Compenny,” and is pioneering positive change within theindustry.  Good Compenny supports independent artists without requiring them to give up ownership of their art.  LaRussell’s output of quality content is truly jaw dropping, releasing 24 full length albums since 2019… 7 of these albums were released in 2023 alone. LaRussell has garnered praise from some of the most influential figures in all of music including Charlamagne Tha God, Wallo, Chance The Rapper, Russ, Meek Mill, LA Reid, Erykah Badu, and many more.

Therapy for Artists: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ How to navigate between our innate need to belong / fit inand instead choose to stand out when we feel different from the pack

+ “There’s people who spend time talking about doing things,and there are people who spend time doing things” – LaRussell

+ People will box us in to what they believe we are whichworks against our need to evolve

+ Why record labels will invest in whack artists who havemillions of views vs. investing in dope artists who don’t yet have a following

+ Discussing where LaRussell’s wisdom comes from at such ayoung age

+ If you live your life not trusting other people you willmanifest meeting more untrustworthy people

+ The more shots you take the better you become; peopleblock their development by worrying too much about what other people think

+ People need to be honest with themselves and just say theydon’t actually want what they say they do if they’re not putting in consistentwork to achieve it

+ We discuss the Kanye West lyric from the song “Spaceship” ... “Lock yourself in a room doin’ 5 beats a day for 3 summers that’s a differentworld like three summers I deserve to do these numbers!”

+ How to deal with haters online who don’t even know you:“If you have a problem with me text me, if you don’t have my number then youdon’t know me well enough to have a problem with me.”

+ Why labels get behind toxic music vs. morepositive/nourishing music

+ Why LaRussell calls his company “GOODCOMPENNY”

+ Surreal moment of meeting Diddy and how that meeting impactedhim

+ Learning to work efficiently on a team and how we can keepour egos in check so that we can all fly higher and win more

Steve Sarowitz (IG: @wayfarerstudios) is an American billionaire businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.  Steve is the founder of Paylocity, a digital accounting platform which he founded in 1997 and took public in 2014.  He splits his time between his hometown of Chicago and Los Angeles.  In 2019, Steve co-founded (with actor Justin Baldoni) the small but mighty, Wayfarer Studios, an independent Hollywood film studio dedicated to promoting substantive, meaningful films to uplift humanity.  Steve is a practicing Bahai and deeply rooted in the core spiritual tenants of the faith which advocate helping unite humanity and combat divisiveness. His film studio Wayfarer, has produced many noteworthy films including, "It Ends With Us" starring Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively, “Code 3” an action-comedy starring Rainn Wilson & Lil Rel Howery, The Pac Man Movie (based on the hit 80’s arcade game), and "Sonic The Hedgehog" with many more films coming in 2025.

Wayfarer Studios x Variety: https://variety.com/2022/film/news/wayfarer-studios-125-million-investment-justin-baldoni-steve-sarowitz-1235295142/

1:1 Coaching for Artists: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ The power of love being infused into something and how much more it can be felt

+ Steve’s spiritual principles being enhanced, not limited by, his great fortune

+ We are one human family and racism / sexism pollutes this otherwise natural state of ours

+ Steve’s first failed business and what he learned from the experience

+ Learning how to delegate vs. controlling everything so you don’t limit your potential to scale

+ The inception & mission of Steve’s Hollywood FilmStudio, “Wayfarer”

+ How to raise above our instincts towards anger andimpatience

+ Does a ton of money change you or reveal who you really are?

+ Explanation of the Bahai faith and how it speaks directly to the challenges humanity is facing

+ What emotions / thoughts / feelings Steve felt the day he became a Billionaire

+ Mentorship not always being a pre-requisite to being successful, Steve never had a mentor and learned by trying & failing repeatedly

+ Steve’s plans for his film studio in the coming years….

India Shawn (IG: @indiashawn) is a silky smooth R&B artist based in Los Angeles, California.  Her journey through the realms of music has been a testament to her artistry and authenticity.  She has emerged as a powerhouse in the music industry, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing voice and heartfelt lyrics – drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including R&B, soul, and hip-hop.  Her notable collaborations include working with Chris Brown, 6lack, Diddy, Anderson Paak, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and many more… Additionally, she was a prominent voice in Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir.  India’s music reflects her life experiences, emotions, and a celebration of the human spirit. Her lyrics delve into themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment, resonating with listeners on a profound level. Check out her latest critically acclaimed project titled “Before We Go (Deeper)” released in 2022.

1:1 Coaching for Artists: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ How she is a reluctant veteran of the music industry 😊

+ India once being on a video shoot where she was asked to basically be naked and her enduring a learning lesson of not listening to her intuition and putting her foot down

+ Escaping competition through authenticity

+ Newly parting ways with her record label, Epic Records,

+ Growing up in church first gave her the inklings to want

+ The consistent unpredictability of following a path in

+ How even if she doesn’t pursue singing professionally, she will always take comfort in knowing that she’ll always be singing for the rest of her life

+ The sacrifices made in pursuing the life of an artist /

+ Having to get a job postmating / instacarting after

+ Being randomly selected to be part of Kanye West’s Sunday Service choir

+ Collaborating with Bruno Mars, 6lack and Anderson Paak all early in their careers

+ Meeting and collaborating with her hero Stevie Wonder

+ When we outgrow friendships, we aren’t breaking up with that person, but rather, we are breaking up with a part of ourselves we’ve outgrown

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Reggie Lucien Frank Roger Watts (IG: @reggiewatts) is an American comedian, actor, beatboxer, musician, and a modern-day philosopher of sorts.  His improvised musical sets are created using only his voice, a keyboard, and a looping machine.  He began piano & violin lessons at age five and moved to Seattle at age 18 to study music.  He attended The Art Institute of Seattle before studying jazz at Cornish College of the Arts.  Worth noting - Reggie lived in Seattle during the renaissance of the grunge music era. Reggie is also an aficionado of cars and tech, speaking in detail to both during his many appearances on the Joe Rogan Podcast.  He refers to himself as a "disinformationist" who aims to disorient his audience in a comedic fashion.  Reggie was the house band leader for The Late Late Show with James Corden for 8 seasons.

1:1 Coaching for Artists: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Reggie enduring / navigating racism growing up in Montana

+ How Reggie first got into music and the influences that shaped him

+ The internet being paradoxical – never being easier to now put your work out, never been harder to cut through the noise and get discovered

+ AI and the theory of singularity, humans merging with AI chips in them one day, good vs. bad aspects

+ Being a new musician playing in Seattle when the grunge scene was emerging

+ How he landed his job working as the band leader for The Late Late Show with James Corden

+ Reggie catastrophizing about having to sell his cars after the Late Late show ended

+ A list of people Reggie acknowledges for his success thus far in entertainment

+ How to not sabotage (all too common) yourself as an artist

+ How Reggie approaches & disarms douchebags

+ How to deal with online bullies & keyboard cowboys 😊

CONNECT WITH ME:

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

This is a "RUN IT BACK" episode!  The episode was originally recorded in November 2018, when the podcast was previously called, "The Hustle Sanctuary."

Gary Greenberg is a veteran entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, California. He has represented 2pac, Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs N' Harmony, and Multi-Grammy winning producer DJ Dahi among others.  He also spent 7 years as in house attorney for American Idol representing all the contestants. He is a graduate from ivy league law school, Brown University.

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ We discuss being a creative person and businessperson and the healthy balance of the two...

+ How he discovered his path into music law

+ The huge low of losing his first famous client

+ The fragility of maintaining human relationships

+ Anxiety being ever-present working in the music industry

+ LA having the most talented artists in the world as well as the most talented hustlers preying on them

+ How Gary ended up getting deep into the hip-hop world and how his colleagues were telling him he needed to leave rap because the genre was going to die

+ The process he had to go through to become the main in-house lawyer for AMERICAN IDOL and what he learned in that experience

+ How many of his colleagues left the industry during the lowest points and how it made him 2nd guess if he was next

+ How he stays on his grind even though he has reached a very high level of achievement and success

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

Kute Blackson (IG: @kuteblackson) is a charismatic and internationally recognized inspirational speaker, author, and life coach. Initially resisting his calling, Kute pursued a more conventional path. He studied finance and business with the intention of entering the corporate world. However, a series of transformative events, including the death of his father (a renowned spiritual teacher himself) propelled him into a deeper exploration of his true calling. His teachings are characterized by a blend of spiritual insights and practical wisdom. He encourages individuals to break free from societal expectations, embrace their true selves, and live a life aligned with their deepest desires. Kute is the author of several books, including the New York Times best-selling book, "You Are the One."

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: https://calendly.com/connectionismagic

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS //

+ Rejection is often grace and divine redirection and what creates our suffering in these circumstances is our ego with its very limited vision

+ The goals we get attached to can stem from unmet needs in our childhood

+ How demanding your dreams come to fruition before you’ve been properly developed is akin to eating unripe fruit

+ Kute’s rough early days moving to Los Angeles, California including becoming homeless for a period of time

+ Being offered a management deal from one of Hollywood’s biggest management companies and turning them down

+ How saying “NO” to people + opportunities that are not fully in alignment leads to us manifesting things that are a much better fit. The key to manifestation is letting go.

+ Holding on to what is no longer aligned sends a message to God + The universe that we do not trust and learning to rely on innate divine intelligence

+ As artists & entrepreneurs we don’t choose our path, life chooses us to express something through us

+ How we hate on ourselves and block ourselves way more than our haters block or hate on us

+ We can all learn something valuable from the guy who sells a banana peel taped to a blank canvas for $50,000. There’s a level of boldness and belief to be able to do that and if we took a fraction of it we’d be better off.

+ You owning your greatness will trigger other people who are not going for it. You become a painful reminder to them that they are not going for it

Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love and blessings,

– TEAM CIM

The latest installment of a segment called, "Bars For Breakfast!" where I highlight a powerful lyric and share how it relates to my personal life experience. Listening to my share, I hope it conjures up for you how it relates to your own personal life journey and you feel connected + inspired. Of course, this all goes down while eating a delicious and/or random breakfast item as well!

SONG: "Smile"

LYRIC: "A loss ain’t a loss it’s a lesson, appreciate the pain it’s a blessin”

***

SUPPORT FOR ARTISTS:

Are you a struggling creative looking for support? Book a coaching clarity session with Samson, spaces are limited, follow this link: calendly.com/connectionismagic

CONNECT WITH ME:

Website: https://connectionismagic.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionismagic

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectionismagic

Visit CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list to get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers!

Love & Blessings,

– TEAM CIM