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My brother started DJing as a teenager. I remember taking him to see KRS-One when I was in college. I looked away for a second—and he was ON STAGE with the rapper. It's been an adventure like that ever since.

At the height of his career, he was crowned the Best DJ in Philadelphia. Let me tell you how big that is. Philadelphia is home to DJ Jazzy Jeff—arguably one of the greatest DJs still working today. For my brother to be crowned the best in THAT city? That's EARNED.

Fast forward. I'm visiting, and he invites me to a club where he's spinning. All night, people request songs. He almost NEVER plays them.

I'm thinking: "Why not just play their song? What's the big deal?"

Later, I asked him. He looks at me and says:

"The DJ don't take requests."

He explained: "The club owner pays me because they're confident in my ability to ensure people have a good time. For me to take all kinds of requests throws off the balance of the beats. Too many music types to just throw on there."

Years later, I get it.

In this episode, we're talking about expertise, integrity, and not letting the peanut gallery derail your purpose.

What we cover:

• Why DJs don't take requests (it's about expertise, not arrogance)
• My 15-year fitness studio journey: I don't take requests either
• Flash-in-the-pan fitness hype vs. science-based training for longevity
• Artists creating: Don't compromise your vision (Van Gogh sold ONE painting in his lifetime)
• Weight loss sabotage: Don't let others derail your commitment
• Corporate life: Don't lose yourself for the team
• Innovators who didn't take requests: Obama, Steve Jobs, Garrett Morgan
• Current divisive moment: Stand for something or fall for anything
• Owning your expertise unapologetically (don't dim your light)
• Confidence vs. arrogance: The critical difference
• When to listen vs. when to hold firm

Here's the truth:

If you've honed your knowledge and skill to the level of undeniable expertise—don't allow yourself to be questioned by people who don't know what you know.

Own your awesome. Unapologetically.

The DJ don't take requests because he was hired for his EXPERTISE. And expertise requires TRUST.

I don't take training requests because I know what WORKS after 15 years.

Artists don't take requests because they have a VISION.

And you shouldn't take requests from the peanut gallery either.

Stand for something. Trust your process. Protect your craft.

The DJ don't take requests. And neither should you.

SHOUT OUT to my brother: DJKY/ Kyne Mixson 

Music credits: 

Cocktail Dreams: Producer: Niclas Gustavsson

Yo Mama: Producer: @Ph3nominal_17 (on Youtube)

Follow me on IG @theJamey; Facebook/ Tiktok @JameyMixson 

[email protected] 

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Man, Listen is written and recorded by host Jamey Mixson, Fitness Professional, entrepreneur, and your everyday awesome guy who is living as proof that 55 can be your strongest, clearest, most powerful decade yet.

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Contact: Instagram @theJamey, Facebook @Jameymixson, Email: [email protected]

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