In this episode, John talks with Sacramento-born guitarist Michael Gregory, who began playing professionally at just 14 and went on to build a remarkable career as a performer, recording artist, touring musician, and educator. 

Michael spent 20 years in Nashville, touring and recording with artists across rock, country, R&B, and jazz, while his guitar work has appeared on hundreds of recordings, television soundtracks, and national advertising campaigns. 

He has also performed on some of television’s biggest stages, including The Tonight Show, The Late Show with David Letterman, The Today Show, and the Grand Ole Opry. After returning to Sacramento in 2018, Michael continues to perform, record, and teach throughout Northern California.

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In this episode, John looks at the shifting culture of tipping in the United States, what has driven the changes, and what that shift means for musicians who have long relied on tip income.

The episode also includes a Top Ten list of the best ways John has seen tips roll in. This list is a bit more top-shelf than the conventional ways you may have been encouraged to increase tip flow.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John explores the strange and powerful ways musicians become part of our lives even when we’ve never met them. He talks about why we can feel genuine grief when a musician dies, and how our brains bond with artists through music. Get ready for some fun science parts as well.

And for those of us who perform, there’s another side to that connection. Every night we may be becoming part of someone else’s story without ever knowing it. Because everyone in our audience has a story, and sometimes the music we play speaks directly to it.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John shares another collection of stories from life as a full-time musician. This time, the stories involve drunken moments. When alcohol becomes a main character in the story, it’s usually a story that will be retold. Some are funny, some are uncomfortable, and all of them are unforgettable.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John kicks off Season Two of Gig to Live with a look at controversial music. 

Some songs were controversial when they were released. Others became controversial years later as culture changed around them. Some songs were never actually about what people thought they were about in the first place. 

John looks at the stories, misunderstandings, cultural shifts, and uncomfortable conversations surrounding the music that causes a stir and offers some options for musicians who perform the songs.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John celebrates 50 episodes of Gig to Live and the end of Season One by talking about what it’s really like to live on the road full-time—the freedom, the benefits, and the realities that don’t always get talked about.

It’s a life with plenty of rewards, but it comes with a few surprises, too.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John introduces two characters who share a lot of experiences that have shaped them . . . The Wise Person and the Cynic. They’ve both been around. They’ve both paid attention. They’ve both been disappointed, surprised, burned, and taught a few things the hard way.

Sometimes, it's hard to tell which one we are becoming. They have a lot in common. But, one of them leads to longevity and the other's future is uncertain.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John talks about aging as a musician.

We celebrate longevity, but we also make jokes about artists who stay working too long. We admire experience while remaining obsessed with youth. 

So let's talk about aging, music, and the strange relationship between the two.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John brings together two things he loves deeply: music and single malt Scotch.

On the surface, they may not seem to have much in common. One belongs on a stage, the other in a glass. But spend enough time with either one and you start to notice something.

This episode is an exploration of that metaphor. Let's have some fun with it.

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If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]

In this episode, John explores something every musician needs but rarely thinks about: attention to space. The spaces we live in, work in, play in, create in, rest in. There’s a science to it and a felt human need for us to pay attention to it.

Drawing on ideas from his book Becoming an Idea Mentalist, John introduces four spaces that have become essential to how he thinks about creativity: Uncommon Space, Hiding Space, Spirit Space, and Inner Space. What those spaces are, why they matter, and what they have to do with being a musician is worth the listen.

Support the show

If you have a question, an idea for a show, or you would just like to say "hey," you can drop me an email at [email protected]