In the 2nd part of our conversation with indie musician Timothy Palmer, we pick up where we left off in the previous episode of The DIY Artist Route Podcast (listen to past episodes and the podcast archive here)
Curiosity and questions are the driving force behind some of the best creations on earth.
What drives the curiosity engine?
Learn how can you strengthen your curiosity to engage with your own ingenuity and creativity to produce your best and most engaging work.
When Timothy Palmer isn't making great music he's leading people in a quest for truth and introspection. It turns out that many of the answers we seek externally are found inside us through looking at our experiences and the teachers who have imprinted their brilliance on us.
This conversation is an exploration of these elements so that you will take the proactive steps to become more curious about yourself, your relationships, your journey, and the work you produce.
One of the key elements that comes up in every conversation I have with Tim is the depth of questions we ask each other.
It's what Timothy says inside this conversation when he says,
"Especially in the United States, we can't get away from the questions of morality, ethics, politics, or religion. Because even if we are not interested in that, everyone else around us is."
Which is a fascinating truth. I don't consider myself to be one who spends much time in politics. Actually I avoid political discourse a lot because of the argumentative nature it has become.
As you know, I'm all about harmony, unity, and bringing people together. But Timothy makes some incredible points in this discussion that pertains to this subject because avoiding the discussions that people are having is not a way to bring harmony.
What do you think?
There are several places in this episode where we ask you to join into the discussion. You can do that through connecting with us both on social media. We'd love to hear your thoughts. Here's where to engage and follow Timothy Palmer:
Timothy Palmer on Twitter
Timothy Palmer on Facebook
Experience an in-depth discussion on the power of curiosity. We also dive into areas involving Fear, being known and the power of love.
And we close with a little chit chat on the power of tattoos. Both Tim and I have adorned our bodies with art that represents who we are and what we're all about. Which is another way I'd love to invite you to connect with us. Share your tattoo stories (and pics if you have them) in the comments below or through social media. Hit me up on Twitter, Facebook, and Linked In.
Share this episode to bring more people into the discussion. I look forward to talking more with you soon!

You've heard his music, even if you think you haven't. Timothy Palmer has been Tryin‘ to help you us all navigate the journey of the creative entrepreneur and musician for years. His song (by that same name, Tryin') is the theme song to the DIY Artist Route Podcast, a brilliant track found on the critically acclaimed Half Boy EP.
On top of being a brilliant songwriter, he's also one of my closest friends. Every time we have a conversation, he shares so much incredible wisdom and philosophy that I wish I had been recording it to share with you.
This is the fulfillment of that dream for us to talk openly about our stories, and the pursuit you share with us in taking our creative work to new levels of success.
Tim is an avid reader, which you hear in his quotations of great writers, musicians and sages in this conversation. It's his uncanny ability to relate story with philosophy and real life perspective that make him such an incredible leader and speaker.
This is the first in a two-part episode where we dive deep into the philosophy of being human, in particular creative people who want to make a difference in the world. I know that's your mission and passion, otherwise you wouldn't be here.
In the interest of time, I've split our conversation up into two parts. This first portion serves as both an introduction to him and his work, as well as lay a solid foundation for the role that philosophy plays in how each of us see ourselves, our role in the world, and the work that we do individually and collectively. The collective part is where you join in too. And I invite you to join into the discussion we have here.
Connect with him to share your perspectives, stories, and ask questions:
Timothy Palmer on Twitter
Timothy Palmer on Facebook
Timothy Palmer on Instagram
 
As always, I invite you to join me in this conversation too. What thoughts and feelings do you have about what we discussed here? What curiosity thread are you unwinding as you listen to us talk?
Share your thoughts and feelings! I want to know what ideas you have, as well as any struggles you're working to overcome. If you're feeling stuck, or if these perspectives that we talk about has your mind racing, let's talk about it. I want to hear from you.
Set up a free 15 minute strategy session with me here.

In part 2 of my conversation with Rob Lawrence (host of Influential Creatives & podcast coach), we look at how to prep for an interview that will totally rock. In this episode you'll discover ways to ensure that your interviewer loves you after the interview is over. And you'll learn how to engage with the host/interviewer so that the audience follows you and becomes your fan too.

Are you using interviews to gain more fans?

Whether it’s a media interview on a blog, a podcast, a radio show, or other platform, there are some specific steps you can take to ensure that interview not only gains you attention.

It can also win you new fans.

How do you do that?

It’s a subject I wanted to dive into with interview specialist and podcast host Rob Lawrence.

In the first part of my podcast conversation with Rob Lawrence, we talked about how interviewers in different media fields can create dynamic and engaging conversations that provide listeners with the kind of connection that leads to real growth for their work.

But what if you’re sitting on the other side of the microphone, the part where you’re the one being interviewed?

What steps can you take to prepare for an interview that is more than just a Q&A?

When you and the interviewer connect on multiple levels, you create conversational dynamic that transforms the experience for both parties. Which inevitably makes for a more engaging, insightful, and powerful experience for the listeners.

The listener experience is your ultimate objective.

Your artistic creations are made to enhance your audience’s lives. Your outreach to media is about impacting a new audience you haven’t reached yet.

Blogs, radio shows, radio stations, streaming playlists (Spotify for example), and podcasts all create content intended to reach a specific audience that gives them an experience that brings them back.

This perspective is key to using interviews to grow your audience too.

“There’s an answer around every corner. We’re all searching for how we can do XYZ. Most of the time, especially with blogs and stuff, the how-to part is framed in the headline but inside the content itself it’s never really explained, like the actual process of how to go about doing it.

“It’s just a bunch of ideas. And ideas are great if you are naturally inclined to be able to put pieces together. But if you’re not, then having some sort of way to take these very big picture concepts and drill them down to very practical steps is really important.”

Put this conversation to work for you in getting the most out of your interviews, become more known, get the attention of influencers, and build your audience with a free strategy session today.

You’ll gain specific, actionable insights to have a fantastic interview that creates new fans and grows your connection with new people. Music curators and influencers in particular.

One killer tip is to get a sense of the audience that you’re going to be featured on because that’s what matters most and it doesn’t take much time to get a sense of who they are and have them in mind the entire time you’re being interviewed.

It’s important to know the aims of your audience, to know their why.

This is especially true when you contact music curators for placement on their platform. It separates you from the competition, and gives the curator a reason to respond to you.

You can reach music curators to get your music featured on media in this powerful book.

Are you using interviews to gain more fans?

Whether it’s a media interview on a blog, a podcast, a radio show, or other platform, there are some specific steps you can take to ensure that interview not only gains you attention.

It can also win you new fans.

How do you do that?

It’s a subject I wanted to dive into with interview specialist and podcast host Rob Lawrence.

In the first part of my podcast conversation with Rob Lawrence, we talked about how interviewers in different media fields can create dynamic and engaging conversations that provide listeners with the kind of connection that leads to real growth for their work.

But what if you’re sitting on the other side of the microphone, the part where you’re the one being interviewed?

What steps can you take to prepare for an interview that is more than just a Q&A?

When you and the interviewer connect on multiple levels, you create conversational dynamic that transforms the experience for both parties. Which inevitably makes for a more engaging, insightful, and powerful experience for the listeners.

The listener experience is your ultimate objective.

Your artistic creations are made to enhance your audience’s lives. Your outreach to media is about impacting a new audience you haven’t reached yet.

Blogs, radio shows, radio stations, streaming playlists (Spotify for example), and podcasts all create content intended to reach a specific audience that gives them an experience that brings them back.

This perspective is key to using interviews to grow your audience too.

“There’s an answer around every corner. We’re all searching for how we can do XYZ. Most of the time, especially with blogs and stuff, the how-to part is framed in the headline but inside the content itself it’s never really explained, like the actual process of how to go about doing it.

“It’s just a bunch of ideas. And ideas are great if you are naturally inclined to be able to put pieces together. But if you’re not, then having some sort of way to take these very big picture concepts and drill them down to very practical steps is really important.”

Put this conversation to work for you in getting the most out of your interviews, become more known, get the attention of influencers, and build your audience with a free strategy session today.

You’ll gain specific, actionable insights to have a fantastic interview that creates new fans and grows your connection with new people. Music curators and influencers in particular.

One killer tip is to get a sense of the audience that you’re going to be featured on because that’s what matters most and it doesn’t take much time to get a sense of who they are and have them in mind the entire time you’re being interviewed.

It’s important to know the aims of your audience, to know their why.

This is especially true when you contact music curators for placement on their platform. It separates you from the competition, and gives the curator a reason to respond to you.

Learn more about how to reach music curators to get your music featured on media in this powerful book.

One thing that everyone in the media industry pays attention to is how well an interview is done. Rob Lawrence, host of Inspirational Creatives, is one of the best there is at doing amazing interviews. That's why I invited him to join me on the DIY Artist Route Podcast to share his wisdom.
What we discovered in our conversation is that it's important for hosts who interview and guests being interviewed, can both gain clarity on how to have the most kickass interviews.
When the guest and host connect on a deeper level than just a basic Q&A, the audience gets the best experience. Everyone wins.
This is not something I'm seeing a lot of lately, in terms of discussing how to create amazing interviews. Which is why this podcast is a great resource for you because Rob gives some clear insights and very actionable suggestions to help you be a better interviewer or question-asker in any medium.
My Perspective On Great Interviews
My background is in public radio. I cut my teeth in learning the art of doing captivating interviews for KACU FM in Abilene, Tx way back in the early 2000s. My inspirations are folks who have made NPR a standout media platform for decades. I'm talking about radio icons like Scott Simon (one of my personal heroes), Steve Inskeep, David Dye, and Linda Wertheimer.
Those folks really know how to go deeper than the questions to get to the heart of their guests, and ultimately create heart-connections with their listeners.
It's something that comes from what Rob Lawrence calls "having a natural curiosity."
This podcast session ended up being something that led to a different kind of production for me: a two-part episode.
Closer Look At Part One
Here in the first part, we take a closer look at how podcasters, radio hosts, bloggers & writers, and other media personalities can create the bedrock for a truly engaging interview.
It's a How To Be A Great Interviewer 101 lesson, from one of the best podcast interviewers there is.
Rob has a gentle presence, a great voice, and enters discussions with both his mind and his heart. There's a noticeable kindness in his presentation, which makes him both intriguing, engaging, and easy to talk with.
These qualities make for a conversation that moves both the question-asker, and the answer-giver. Aka, the person hosting and the person being interviewed.
You'll notice that we switch roles a few times, another mark of a great interview. When an interview feels more like you're sitting in on an intriguing conversation, everyone wins. Because you feel like you're joining in a rousing chat that is more than just a "let me pick your brain about XYZ" kind of experience.
If you've watched any of Jerry Seinfeld's Comedians In Cars Getting Coffee, you see a very similar dynamic. Sure, there's a bit of comedy and humor involved, but essentially Seinfeld is asking a lot of questions to learn more about his friend. In the process, we all gain both an intellectual and entertaining experience.
What Makes For A Great Interview
When both the mind and the heart are engaged in what's going on, you find yourself challenged to think differently, and also feel something in the process.
What makes for powerful media, audio in particular, is the presentation of something that connects with the audience's emotions. That makes for great songwriting and musical performance, as well as any creative medium.
The mind and the heart. Nail the engagement with both of those vessels and you have the makings for a seriously kickass interview.
There's a whole lot of gold in this podcast episode, and there's even more in part 2 where we will talk about how to best prepare t...

It's been about ten years coming that Tommy Darker and I sync our powers together to help you grow. Here's a guy totally committed to the art of success. Who has stayed in the fight for musicians and creatives to win in a complicated digital space for a long time.
Tommy has recently launched a platform called MusicPreneurHub. It's a fantastic outlet that provides educational resources, mentoring and artistic development for artists. Students there really take their music to the next levels. I'm honored to get to be a part of this platform too.
Tommy Darker Has A Specific Focus & So Does Our Conversation
The overall focus in this podcast is on overcoming challenges all of us creatives face. From fear of failure to lack of education. To blaming others and making excuses for not reaching goals to failure to learn the lessons from everyday teachers.
It’s a combination of practical and brilliant philosophy with specific ways of changing your mindset. If you, "change the way you look at things, the things you look at change.” That is a great quote by one of my favorite teachers Wayne Dyer from a book called The Power Of Intention.
Honesty and vulnerability create better ways for people to connect than anything else. We go to places philosophically that built a stronger connection between Tommy and I.
By learning from this example and from insights in our conversation, you’ll learn at least 3 new ways to connect better with other people and practice growth farming well.
I've discovered that most of the guests brought onto the podcast get into philosophy and psychology with me in our conversations. This is possibly the most philosophical conversation I’ve ever had with someone that’s recorded.
What You Learn In This Podcast Episode To Take Your Growth To New Heights
How to mix your roots musically with the things you’re passionate about.
Gain leverage to overcome obstacles and find solutions by picturing your life as a movie where you're both the writer, director and lead actor.
Learn how to create a unique value proposition for your individuality.
How to claim your freedom as an artist to connect more with yourself and with others.
Learn how to challenge yourself in the right ways to go beyond the goals you set.
That's just the tip of the iceberg.
A Few Powerful Quotes From This Episode
“I never publish things that I learn. I publish things that I do. It’s experiential knowledge.” -Tommy Darker
“Not giving yourself room for excuses is how you make it (your goals) happen.” -Tommy Darker
“If you start seeing your life as a movie, you start having fun. And the character, which is you, will learn something along the way because movies are always about character growth.” -Tommy Darker
“We all get to be scientists and play around with these different potions and chemicals and methods and tactics and strategies. My results might differ from yours. Actually they should because I’m living my story and you’re living your story. And that’s just the way that it’s supposed to be.” -D Grant Smith
What To Do When It's Your Turn
At the end of this podcast, I talk about how my tribe is passionate and will share his wisdom with at least 3 people.That's you. Your turn now.
Go spread the love you just received from Tommy and I with at least 3 people in your world who want this kind of wisdom, love and success in the work they do.
You can send an individual note or email with this link or you can click Share and spread the love on your social profiles.
Either way, Tommy and I appreciate you! Thanks!!!
Before You Go:  Plant the right seeds to grow a stron...

The latest episode of the DIY Artist Route Podcast is here! And it features none other than my good friend Angela Mastrogiacomo.
Aside from being one of the most inspiring and kick-ass people I know, Angela excels at the real heart of PR and marketing work: relationship building. That's why I had to have her on the podcast to share her insights with you.
As a music curator and media host, there are a lot of marketing and PR people who contact me every day, usually for the same reasons. They have an artist or band they want to promote. Maybe there's a new single their artist just released and they want media feature on my radio show. They want a review or feature of some kind.
This are some of the traditional ways that music promoters, publicists, and PR companies operate. Tragically though, many marketing and PR endeavors fail. Whether it's a company that charges and arm & a leg for their work or it's a do-it-from-scratch solo artist reaching out to media for feature, the key element in this puzzle is…….you guessed it, relationship building.
Which has become somewhat of a buzzword these days. When subjects as important as relationship building become buzzwords, it's easy to lose the meaning of the concept. Which is another big subject we dive into in this podcast.
One big thing that trips creative entrepreneurs like you and I up is our own negative mindsets. Wait, what does that have to do with marketing, or with relationship building? Everything my friend!
Our ego can be our worst enemy. For some artists, the ego says that who they can't connect with a music influencer with their story or music. So they try to parrot the work that other bigger artists do to promote themselves. It's not genuine, therefore it doesn't connect in the best ways that a sincere approach to relationship does.
Other artists struggle with a more arrogant form of ego, one that tells them they should be treated like royalty. So talk yourself up like you're a god, and have the media eating out of your hand. And if they don't respond to you this way, screw 'em!
That's the ego talking.
When you work on marketing yourself, building genuine one-to-one relationships takes you further than anything. It's what's made Angela so successful with her work on Muddy Paw PR and Infectious Magazine. She's written tons of articles for Sonicbids and other music-centered publications, all covering the subjects of marketing, PR, and relationship building.
We all deal with ego. Ego affects our mindsets, creates fears and insecurities, and if not dealt with can cause struggles that aren't overcome. One weapon against the work of the ego is vulnerability. Sounds strange right? How can vulnerability be the antidote to ego? Angela and I discuss this at length in the podcast.
I'm being fairly overt here. Listen to the podcast. Download it. Share it. Then connect with both of us and share your story with us.
Here are some ways to connect with Angela. She wants to hear from you so reach out to her and tell her you heard her on the DIY Artist Route.
Muddy Paw PR
Infectious Magazine
Facebook
Twitter
She gave her email at the end of the podcast, but in case you missed it you can contact her via [email protected]
Fears and mindsets are struggles for everyone. Honestly, dealing with personal fears and negative mindsets has been a very big part of my year in 2017, which is why you haven't seen me post as many blogs or pieces.

Is it strange or interesting to find another drummer on the podcast?
We're just multifaceted artists, not just musicians with sticks who like to hit things, ha!
I was intrigued by Roberto Hernandez from the first message he sent me. Perhaps that's because he chose one of the most unique ways to introduce himself.
Instead of the same generic "Hi this is me and let me give you my bio and a zillion links so you'll pay attention to me" intro message, he did something different.
He took a page out of the DIY Musician's Radio Handbook and reached out in a personal way.
 
 
How Roberto Hernandez Proved His Uncommon-ness
Roberto made a video specifically for me. He talked about listening to The DIY Artist Route Podcast and what he enjoyed from it. Then he mentioned his book, The Unstarving Musician's Guide To Getting Paid Gigs.
Then he asked what it would take to jump on the podcast.
I was interested from the beginning. That's how it works. That's not just how it works with me, it's how it works with most music curators and media hosts. It's how it works with people.
That's the story behind how I heard about Roberto Hernandez and why I brought him on the podcast. It's why I read his book. It's how we became friends.
What Being Specific & Relationship Oriented Gets You
Since this podcast episode was recorded, I've connected him with many folks in my network including past podcast guests because I believe in him and what he's doing. He has a great message to spread to musicians to get one BIG piece of the puzzle figured out: how to get gigs that pay you.
If you're tired of doing free shows for "exposure" or struggle with the How-To of gigging, Roberto is your man. I highly recommend his book for not just musicians and bands, but also anyone who is trying to get paid gigs including speakers. His method works.
This podcast is about more than just gigging. It's a closer look at effective strategies for that oh-so-difficult introduction to people you don't know.
When I said that friends can ask for gold but strangers can't even get candy, this is what I'm talking about. Part of the difficulty in getting people of influence's attention is the perspective we lack when we make that introduction.
Appealing To The Basic Human Nature
Who's the #1 person you're the most interested in, or the person you want others to know most?
It's human to say it's you.
Even the most empathetic people in the world have self-interest. That's not a bad thing. It's an honest thing.
Yet most of the time, we greet a new person that we want to connect with by talking exclusively about ourselves instead of appealing to the person we want to talk with. That little bit of extra time, even if it's 30 minutes, goes a long way. It appeals to the primary interest of that person.
It's also a way to show you're not just reaching out to get a handout and a back scratch.
Back scratches are the "hook me up with a review or an interview or a feature on your platform" ask.
I'm not in the back scratching business, and neither are any music curator, media host, or booking agent worth their salt.
Take Your Relationship Building & Submission Outreach To The Next Level
How can you go from being a stranger to being connected? Listen to this podcast episode (player at top of post) and be enlightened. Add Roberto's book & podcast to that mix, as well as my new Ebook that covers the introduction for music ...

"I'm just a music super fan who likes to dress up in silly clothes and dance."
That's not only a great line from my good buddy, fellow musician coach, platform leader and hero, it's who he is. It's who Carlos Castillo is that makes him a dynamic leader in the music space.
There are a LOT of "experts" in our communities of musicians. Many people who come in with big claims and big promises all trying to get your attention and your dollars.
Sadly a lot of these folks are all talk. Not only do many not really know the stuff they talk about, they also don't always have your best interests at heart. Fortunately for us, there are uncommon people like Carlos.
If this is your first introduction to Captain Schwilly (as several musicians and creative entrepreneurs know him as), then I hope you'll do yourself a favor and follow his leadership not just in growing your community of fans but also in giving back to the community with your service.
Giving is the hallmark of success. Read any book by a credible source of success like Seth Godin, Tony Robbins, Amanda Palmer, Oprah Winfrey, and the like and you'll see a pattern of giving among those who have reached the levels of notoriety and prominence that we all dream of.
That's the heart of Carlos Castillo too. I share that with him, as do all of the past guests on the DIY Artist Route Podcast. Double check what I just said. It's the truth.
You know what makes a super fan? It's someone who is genuine in what they say and do. Actually, people who become super fans fall in love with the person and the experience they have with them more than just the music or art or work itself. Anyone can make art. A good musician makes good music. But a great person? Those are harder to find.
It's this line of thinking and operating that Carlos specializes in from experience. It's also what he advocates for in his courses and his online communities like the Schwilly Family Musicians. I'm a member. Are you? If not, join up here.
By participating in the lives of the people you want to connect with, you become the leader that inspires and transforms. You gain not just an audience member. You gain someone whose passions align with your own. Their support transforms your career because it hits on a level that's beyond just art. It's personal.
Every guest I have on the DIY Artist Route Podcast teaches me something in our conversation. They've taught me a lot leading up to the podcast chat. One big thing Carlos continues to teach is that online relationships are very real. Music is just a starting point. Keep that in mind as you cultivate the connections with your audience, your marketing endeavors to media, your network, and your communities of fellow musicians.
I encourage you to follow Carlos via his online FB group and his Schwilly Family Musicians on Twitter. They're both great resources for you to grow on a regular basis. His email list is pretty badass too.
And if you haven't signed up for my email list, jump in with me by signing up in the right hand column. I share things with my Growth Farming tribe that no one else is privy to. It's all about building real, powerful and supportive relationships so all of us grow together.