In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with Jerry J White III who over the past 20 years has directed and produced 3 distributed feature films, and started multiple film and media programs at independent schools in Los Angeles.

He started Bronson Creative as an experiment around how modern creatives learn, share work, and sustain themselves throughout uncertainty.

Jerry’s garage operates as a living research space, and television studio that he uses to examine media and its ever growing infatuation with our attention.

We talk about the realities of building a creative career in today’s online world.

Jerry shares his 20 year journey in filmmaking from film festivals and distribution deals to experimenting with YouTube and self distribution.

Along the way, he opens up about the harsh truths behind the film industry, why most creators don’t actually make money from distribution and how artists can reclaim ownership of their work.

We explore the power of experimentation, teaching through transparency and why the future of creativity may lie in independent platforms, collaboration and community-driven distribution.

This conversation is an honest look at what it really takes to build a creative life and career.

Here's what we discuss:

• Why traditional film distribution often fails creators
• The realities of making money on YouTube
• Why experimentation is essential for creativity
• How filmmakers can self-distribute and build their own audience
• The importance of transparency in the creative industry
• Building a creative career without chasing algorithms

If you're a creator, filmmaker or artist trying to navigate the modern digital landscape... this conversation will give you a new perspective and actionable tips.

Connect with Jerry

Website: www.bronsoncreative.us

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

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@bronsoncreative

Watch Jerry’s Films: https://www.bronsoncreative.us/support

Substack: https://bronsoncreative.substack.com/

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@bronsoncreative

Morgan’s Interview on Jerry’s Channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=00lV0jCfPV0&t=170s

Connect with MorganWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowskiDear Creator Articles: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/blog?category=Podcast

What does it actually mean to build a creative life on your own terms?

In this episode of Dear Creator, I sit down with Chelsea Riffe, the host of the Notes from the New World, previously known as In My Non-Expert Opinion, a Top 1% show known for asking the bigger questions around the cultural zeitgeist, our inner worlds, and what's this all FOR?

She's a Cultural Philosopher, obsessed with understanding how we think, and how seemingly unrelated things relate HARD (her favorite threads to pull are how reality TV is the ultimate mirror for our psyches—don't get her started).

We had one of the most honest conversations we've had on this show. We talk about how living abroad reshaped her entire relationship with work and rest, why she's experimenting with going part-time on social media (while actively running a business), and the Dark Forest Philosophy that might predict where online community is headed next.

We also get into the real strategy behind what drives her sales, how a three-year-old brand relationship landed her name on a magazine cover, and what it means to develop a personal philosophy so strong that it transcends any platform, niche, or algorithm.

If you've ever felt burnt out by social media, unsure of your creative direction, or like you're constantly doing more without feeling like it's enough — this episode is for you!

Topics:

• Why Chelsea is going part-time on social media
• The Dark Forest Philosophy and the future of micro-communities
• How long-term brand partnerships can change your career
• What a "cultural philosopher" actually does
• The 200-year vision framework and how to start developing your own philosophy

Connect with Chelsea

Website: https://www.chelseariffe.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chelseariffe/?hl=enThreads: https://www.threads.com/@chelseariffe?xmt=AQF0QQfdAild1A6OunsXJtII4_ywYc25fr_qYkqUDW-TFyoPodcast on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/46sFOpt34jKVVmbWZVM2FH?si=1ffe6c4fff81409c

Podcast on Apple: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-my-non-expert-opinion/id1309417352

February felt like one of those months where everything was scattered, slow, and a little overwhelming. But looking back it might have been one of the most productive months I've had.

In Solo Entry 02, I'm doing a full February recap — sharing my goals list, the mindset shifts I've been sitting with, why I've started redefining what productivity actually looks like, and how slow momentum is still momentum.

I also get into the future of Dear Creator as a platform, my Soft Pivot e-commerce storefront (and an upcoming build-in-public YouTube series), my new consulting offer Momentous, my UGC goals, and why networking locally has been on my mind.

Plus February favorites — the books I loved (and one I couldn't finish), TV shows I've been watching, and the lifestyle habits that have genuinely been improving my day-to-day life.

If you're a creator, entrepreneur, or founder who's ever felt behind or unproductive — this episode is for you.

Topics covered:Productivity mindset, business pivots, content creation, building in public, soft pivot methodology, creator economy, monthly business recap, entrepreneurship, adaptability, goal setting

Connect with me:Instagram: @morganmarkowskiTikTok: @morganmarkowskiWebsite: www.morganmarkowski.com

Interested in one-on-one support for your business pivot? Reach out about Momentous: [email protected]

In this episode of Dear Creator, we explore why so many creatives feel stuck, unfocused, or burned out in remote work even when they “love what they do.”

Kacey shares their journey from theater and the restaurant industry into web development, and how movement, collaboration, and flow state shaped their creative brain long before entrepreneurship.

We talk about choosing website platforms, trusting yourself before using AI, and how your career is constantly evolving.

Connect with Kacey

@devbyjupiter across all socials

Threads: https://www.threads.com/@devbyjupiter

Website: https://www.devbyjupiter.com/

Connect with Morgan

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook

Pivot Proof Content Planning CourseWebsite / Work With MeSubscribe to NewsletterYouTubeInstagramDear Creator Articles

If you enjoyed this conversation, feel free to share it with someone who may want to hear it or rate the podcast!

Join me and Angela from Lost Angeles as we discuss creative leadership coaching, navigating career transitions, and building a business around multiple skills.

Perfect for multidimensional creatives, entrepreneurs struggling with "niching down," and anyone tired of rigid frameworks that don't fit real life.

Connect with Angela

Creative Consultancy - https://www.angelasauceda.com/

Boutique Brand Consultancy - https://www.lostangelescreative.com/

https://substack.com/@angelafromlostangeles

https://www.youtube.com/@angelalostangeles

https://tiktok.com/@angelafromlostangeles

https://www.linkedin.com/in/angelasauceda/

https://www.instagram.com/angelafromlostangeles/

Connect with Morgan

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

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

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Substack: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

My first solo entry of Dear Creator. In this episode, I’m doing a complete 2025 business and life recap — breaking down each quarter, the wins, the challenges and what I learned as a business owner.

This isn't your typical highlight reel. I'm sharing the messy middle… what it really looks like to launch your first digital product, make the hard call to close a program, seek financial stability through part-time work, and rebuild your business without burning out.

2025 Quarterly Breakdown:

• Q1: Investing in sales training, building a writing practice, and throwing spaghetti at the wall
• Q2: Launching Pivot Proof (my first digital product), hiring support, and restructuring my daily operations
• Q3: Closing my group program, prioritizing mental health, and navigating my dog's cancer diagnosis
• Q4: Landing a stable marketing gig, going viral on TikTok, pursuing YouTube, and working through identity shifts

Key Lessons for Service Providers:• Your business can hold multiple truths at once—you can launch AND close offers in the same year• Support is not optional (therapy, coaching, peer mentorship all matter)• Sometimes the best business decision is a life decision• You are not your output—untangling worth from productivity

Actionable Takeaways:

1. How to conduct a seasonal business audit (with specific reflection questions)
2. Ways to build stability before you need it (retainers, part-time work, signature offers)
3. Creating sustainable structure through themed days and time blocking

January 2026 Updates:

• Turning 30 and entering a new era
• Dear Creator's growth and my marketing plans for Q1
• New ventures: UGC services and brand partnerships
• How I'm categorizing tasks in Notion for better project management

Advice I received for my 30th birthday on Instagram:

• Start seeing a chiropractor, acupuncture, and massage therapist
• Wear sunscreen and moisturize
• Give less f*cks
• Things will unravel and reveal themselves, trust time
• Hottest year ever
• Index yourself examine what containers, externals and internals you have allowed in your 20s
• Let it go with love
• Stand on your business and f*ck everything else
• Enjoy them by embracing the whole 'give less of a sh*t' that comes with them
• Really feels like the time we get to choose and build for ourselves and honor our energy
• Its your 20s but better. Don't let it scare you! 30s rule!!
• This has been my most fruitful decade thus far. Finally living as my true self.

LINKS(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

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

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

What happens when you achieve your dream—and realize you have nothing planned next? Olivia and I dive into the courage it takes to shift paths after shooting for Vogue and figuring out those next steps.

Olivia is a brand photographer and artist with over 15 years of fashion photography experience. She helps women step into their It Girl era through elevated, editorial-style personal brand shoots.

We're exploring the uncomfortable space between who you were and who you're becoming. If you've ever felt like you're living someone else's definition of success, or wondering if it's okay to want something different even when you've "made it"—this conversation will remind you that transformation is evolution, not betrayal.

Connect with Olivia

Website: www.oliviabossert.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/oliviabossert

Archetype Freebie: https://oliviabossert.myflodesk.com/archetypes

Morgan's Links(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

⁠(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose⁠

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof⁠

Offer In Progress: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

⁠Website / Work With Me: ⁠https://www.morganmarkowski.com/⁠

Subscribe to Newsletter: ⁠https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up⁠

YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski⁠

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

Tiktok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski⁠

Dear Creator Substack: ⁠https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/⁠Don’t forget to hit follow and review the podcast! This is completely free and greatly appreciated.

What if confidence isn't something you find—but something you decide?

Sara Joelle (Website Girl) is a copywriter and ADHD business owner who talks about why your website matters more than social media profiles, ADHD-friendly business rituals, and how to succeed by being unapologetically yourself.

If you've felt too scattered or "too much" for business—this is your permission slip to own who you are!!! Tune in.

Connect with Sara:Website: www.betweenthelinescopy.com

Podcast: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/podcast

Newsletter (free copywriting tips): www.betweenthelinescopy.com/subscribe

Website copy course: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/site-series

Freebies: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/free-stuff

Newsletter subscription: www.betweenthelinescopy.com/swipe-file

Instagram: www.instagram.com/btlcopy

Substack: www.btlcopy.substack.com

LINKS(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purposePivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proofOffer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progressWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowskiDear Creator Substack: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

Turning 30 next month and reflecting on 5+ years of entrepreneurship. Here are the 10 biggest lessons I wish I knew when I started my business in my 20s.

MENTIONED IN THE VIDEO

Substack Article: https://morganmarkowski.substack.com/p/5-different-anti-burnout-ways-to

Lorin’s Dear Creator Podcast Episode: https://youtu.be/pfIhb-5XxSY?si=hQUYCezAaPs6nzs6

Book a 1:1 Consulting Session: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/contact

Chelsea Riffe’s Episodes: https://open.spotify.com/episode/4gJ8vR90F3Bf2DGoyXMKx6?si=9a415891b96b4aa3

LINKS(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purposePivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proofOffer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progressWebsite / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-upYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowskiInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/morganmarkowskiTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowskiDear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

In this episode of Dear Creator, I’m chatting with Alexa to explore how creators can evolve into media companies and thought leaders through the lens of entrepreneurial journalism.

We unpack what it means to treat content as a product, how to use platforms intentionally, and why building authority now requires more than just marketing content. Alexa also shares how her viral TikTok on entrepreneurial journalism (1M+ views) reshaped her career and visibility online, and what it truly takes to balance creative ambition, credibility, and consistency.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What entrepreneurial journalism is and how to start
• The difference between creator brands and media companies
• Why authority content matters more than just marketing/selling content
• The truth about Substack, platform dependency, and media trust
• Real workflow and consistency tips for multi-platform creators
• How to find in-person networking events in your city

It’s a big conversation with loads of value! You won’t want to miss. If you enjoyed this episode, please give us a rating or review! It’s greatly appreciated.

Connect with Alexa:

Instagram

Tiktok

Website

Newsletter

Linkedin

Threads

Alexa’s Viral Video

Connect with Morgan:

(FREE) Build In Public Workshop: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/build-in-public-workshop

(FREE) Pivot with Purpose Notion Workbook: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/pivot-with-purpose

Pivot Proof Content Planning Course: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/pivot-proof

Offer In Progress: https://morganmarkowski.thrivecart.com/offer-in-progress

Website / Work With Me: https://www.morganmarkowski.com/

Subscribe to Newsletter: https://morganmarkowski.myflodesk.com/newsletter-sign-up

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@morganmarkowski

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

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@morganmarkowski

Dear Creator Podcast: https://dearcreatorpodcast.substack.com/

Affiliate Link:

Get 50% OFF for two months of Descript’s Creator plan — https://descript.cello.so/6HSAN8HO4Ps

You can get the unlimited plan for life and 50% OFF your first year using Flodesk (Before November 28)— https://flodesk.com/c/MORGANM

Don’t forget to hit follow and review the podcast! This is completely free and greatly appreciated.