This podcast episode features the esteemed Michelle Lewis, an award-winning songwriter and a prominent advocate for music creators' rights. We delve into her remarkable journey from crafting chart-topping singles for artists such as Amy Grant and Cher to her current role as the CEO of SONA, the Songwriters of North America. Lewis articulates the challenges faced by songwriters in an evolving music industry, particularly highlighting the detrimental impact of streaming on their earnings. Through her advocacy work, she emphasizes the importance of representation and equity for women and underrepresented groups in the music industry. We explore her insights on navigating the complexities of creativity and leadership, as well as the significance of being actively involved in decision-making processes that affect the livelihoods of creators.

Sumi talks about the the “Last Lap Syndrome,” that moment where you’ve done 80–90% of the work… but can’t seem to finish a creative project and put it out into the world.

In this episode, Sumi shares:

1. why creatives (especially those with ADHD tendencies) get stuck before the finish line
2. the real reason finishing feels harder than starting
3. how she has personally delayed projects for years (!!) and what she's doing differently now
4. simple systems and mindset shifts that actually help you close the loop

If you’ve ever had a creative project that's been almost done for too long… this one’s for you.

Welcome to the Dream Life Club podcast! Let's build our creative dream, together.

Sumi shares a little personal peek into her new attempt to start world building as an artist and what this means for her artistic evolution - and yours!

In this episode, Sumi shares what you might consider an embarrassing dating story to illustrate a point that she doesn't hear emphasized enough! Ultimately she shares how to process the chaos around us and make better art because of it!

Takeaways:

1. In the current climate of political turmoil and rapid technological advancements, we must cultivate our purpose and actively engage in creative endeavors.
2. The importance of channeling our emotions into art, especially during challenging times, serves as a transformative means of expression and healing.
3. Acknowledging the patterns of emotional reactions can significantly enhance our capacity to navigate personal and collective crises with resilience.
4. Engaging in creative expression is not merely a personal endeavor, but also an essential act of community and humanity during tumultuous times.

In this episode, Sumi shares 4 frameworks to use immediately in your conversations with EVERYONE in order to own your power and have more influence, immediately! She's hot off an in person training with the GOAT of public speaking himself, Richard Greene, and is sharing from the heart. So listen in to get all the juice!

Sumi shares 5 concrete things she's doing during this season to help make sure she stays grounded, inspired and creative during these times while plugging in, strategically, to what's going on in this country.

Sumi X welcomes you to 2026 with a rallying cry to keep creating, keep making art, keep finding joy and keep coming back to your humanity...despite the chaos in thew world around us. Now more than ever, we need your art!

Amidst humored disagreements, Sumi and Ryan explore the complexity of feelings when it comes to identifying as an "American" today. They open ups conversation on values, patriotism, best case scenarios, who we're mad at most right now and ways we can actually Make being an American Great Again.

Sumi and Ryan introduce the podcast, WTF do we do now!?" inviting you into a space where we can have smart, emotional and casual conversation about what's going on in America today, how we can deal with it, and do our part to make a positive impact. We don't claim to have the answers but we ask questions, share our (often-conflicting) opinions and provide a space for exploration.