In Episode 46 of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman chops it up with New Jersey-based food content creator Eric Hammer, a guy who left a safe, full-time job in marketing to go all-in on a dream that mixes two of his favorite things—food and sports.

Eric’s not your typical content creator. He didn’t grow up as a foodie. In fact, he was a super picky eater as a kid. But family dinners around the table, Food Network shows, and eventually a little creative curiosity sparked something in him. Fast forward a few years, and Eric is now building a personal brand by showcasing the best eats across the country—with a heavy focus on stadium food.

That’s right. Stadium food.

Eric’s now leading the way in a completely unique lane—reviewing food from major sports arenas, giving fans an inside look at what to try when they go to games. He’s already been to more than 10 stadiums, and he’s just getting started. But none of this came easy or overnight. In this episode, Eric shares how it all started with a bagel video during the pandemic and why it took hundreds of videos, a lot of self-doubt, and a few lucky breaks to finally get things rolling.

We talk about:

• Why he quit a job he actually liked to chase something even better

• What it’s really like to build a business around your name

• How he learned to create compelling content without acting like a salesman

• The importance of putting personality into your work

• What creators get wrong when trying to go viral

• Why storytelling always beats just “talking about the food”

• The moment his fiancée told him to stop waiting and finally go for it

• And why he believes in taking the leap even when you’re not 100% ready

Eric’s not out here pretending to have all the answers. He talks honestly about the pressure of being a solo creator, the confusion that comes with setting up an LLC for the first time, and what happens when your mind says, “Maybe I’m not cut out for this.” But the way he sees it, you either let fear hold you back—or you walk straight into it, camera in one hand and a chicken Caesar wrap in the other.

You’ll also hear some great moments about:

• His strategy behind the stadium food tour

• How he balances content creation with real life

• The power of letting your audience see the real you

• What it’s like to go viral and then realize…you still have to keep going

• And why food is just a vehicle for connection, storytelling, and culture

Whether you’re a creator, an entrepreneur, or just someone dreaming about their next chapter, this conversation is full of those “yeah, I needed to hear that” kind of gems.

And don’t miss the end—where Eric and Luis taste test some seriously good beef brisket and break down how to balance passion with practicality (and heartburn).

Eric is proof that you don’t need to wait for permission to start. You don’t need the perfect plan. And you definitely don’t need to play it safe just because other people don’t understand your vision. You just need to move. And keep moving.

Follow Eric on all platforms at @theerichammer to keep up with the stadium tour, food reviews, and everything else he’s building.

Subscribe to I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube to stay in the loop on more conversations like this one.

Thanks for tuning in—and remember, whatever you’re building, it’s worth it.

You just have to start.

Welcome to another episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, the podcast for creatives and entrepreneurs who want to build careers without selling out.

This week, Luis sits down with Steve Lequerica — the COO of LiveRecover, a startup that's recovered over $13 million in abandoned carts for ecommerce brands in just the past 90 days. But this episode isn’t just about sales and conversions — it’s about the real stuff behind the grind: family, heartbreak, discipline, and figuring out who you are when everything goes sideways.

Steve’s story goes from almost-med-school to startup junkie — with stops in Jersey, Laguna Beach, Cincinnati, and some unexpected emotional detours along the way. The dude went from shadowing anesthesiologists to cold-calling pharmacy owners, and eventually helped scale a tech company from the ground up. And in between all that, he got humbled by heartbreak, lost 40 pounds, and found his purpose again.

In this episode, we talk about:

• Growing up in a Puerto Rican household with that military-level discipline

• Why he pivoted from pre-med to startups (spoiler: Organic Chemistry will humble you)

• What it means to “sell with soul” in an AI-driven world

• How his mom taught him more about sales than any mentor ever could

• Learning to lead through burnout, heartbreak, and doubt

• The pain of staying in a relationship that no longer serves you

• Gambling addiction, money lost, lessons gained

• And why golf, God, and gratitude are now non-negotiables in his life

You’ll hear about Steve’s transition from being lost in comfort to finding power in clarity. He opens up about the turning point where he chose discipline over distraction, health over hustle, and long-term peace over short-term highs.

You’ll also get insight into how LiveRecover works — a human-powered platform that texts potential customers when they abandon their cart. No bots. No automation. Just real people having real conversations to close the sale and keep your brand feeling personal.

Steve breaks down the psychology of checkout behavior, how AI is changing the game (and where it shouldn’t), and why human connection still wins in business.

🔥 Highlights:

• “Work, work, work. Learn, learn, learn.” — his mom’s mantra

• How childhood discipline shaped his work ethic

• The way heartbreak broke him open and rebuilt his mindset

• His 3 L’s and 2 B’s: loyalty, love, living with passion — and being the best father and husband one day

• Why content and connection are king in the new sales era

This convo is honest, funny, real, and will leave you inspired to bet on yourself — whether you’re at your lowest point or halfway to the top.

🎧 Press play if you’ve ever:

• Had to pivot in life or business

• Felt like your gifts were buried under doubt

• Wanted to build a business without becoming a sellout

• Needed a reminder that your pain isn’t wasted — it’s part of the blueprint

Quote of the Episode:
“Lights were off, but they’re on now — and no one turns them on and off like me.” — Steve Lequerica

Follow Steve:
IG: @stevelequerica
Twitter/X: @steveleq
Learn more about LiveRecover: www.liverecover.com

Follow the Show:
IG: @imanartistnotasalesman
Subscribe on Spotify, Apple, or YouTube: Search Luis Guzman I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman

🎨 Be an artist.
💼 Not a salesman.
🧠 Stay grounded.
📈 Keep building.
🙏 And as always… have a blessed one, not a stressed one.

In this inspiring and high-energy episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman welcomes back a returning guest whose journey has captured listeners’ hearts. Juan “Fat Juan” Alzate, the mastermind behind FJ Films, is more than just a talented videographer—he’s a storyteller who turns life’s most meaningful moments into lasting memories. From sweet sixteens to weddings, nightlife events to brand promotions, Juan has built a reputation for delivering cinematic excellence that resonates with clients and audiences alike.The first time Juan appeared on the podcast, listeners were introduced to his remarkable transformation—from a pharmacy tech to a respected creative entrepreneur. But his story was far from complete. In this second appearance, Juan updates us on the powerful strides he’s made in both his personal and professional life, including his continued journey of sobriety, a 25-pound weight loss, and a thriving videography business that’s now the go-to for capturing unforgettable milestones.Juan shares how he navigated the ups and downs of entrepreneurship while holding firm to his vision. He speaks candidly about overcoming self-doubt, building confidence behind the camera, and the lessons learned from working with diverse clients and unpredictable shoots. Luis and Juan dive deep into what it means to grow a creative business without losing sight of your craft, integrity, or health.Topics explored in this episode include:The turning point that inspired Juan to leave the pharmacy world for creative entrepreneurshipHow his early struggles in sobriety became a source of clarity and driveThe systems and habits that helped him shed 25 pounds and keep the momentum goingBuilding a brand that thrives on referrals and genuine client relationshipsThe importance of authenticity in the competitive world of videographyThe lessons from shooting everything from intimate weddings to large-scale nightlife eventsAs the conversation unfolds, Juan drops invaluable advice for creatives who are struggling to turn passion into profit. He emphasizes that success isn’t about rushing to the next big thing—it’s about consistent action, self-awareness, and putting the client experience first. Luis and Juan also discuss the mindset shifts that happen when you stop comparing yourself to others and start focusing on your own lane.There are plenty of lighthearted moments, too, as the two friends reminisce about past projects, trade behind-the-scenes stories, and reflect on the unpredictability (and beauty) of working in the events industry. Juan’s humor, humility, and gratitude shine through, making this episode both motivating and relatable for anyone on a personal or professional growth journey.Key takeaways from Juan’s story:Your health and your craft go hand in hand—neglecting one eventually hurts the otherCreative work is about relationships as much as it is about skillMomentum comes from small, daily actions that compound over timeSobriety can open new doors for focus, creativity, and authentic livingBeing yourself is the ultimate business strategyThis follow-up conversation also dives into the behind-the-scenes challenges of working in the fast-paced world of event videography. Juan explains how adaptability and problem-solving have been crucial to his success—whether that means dealing with last-minute client requests, unpredictable weather at outdoor shoots, or the technical hurdles that come with capturing live events in low-light environments.He shares valuable tips for aspiring videographers, including how to invest in the right gear without going broke, the importance of networking within your niche, and why consistent follow-up with past clients can lead to repeat business and referrals. Luis and Juan also talk about the evolving landscape of digital content creation, from vertical video trends to the growing demand for same-day edits.

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis sits down with someone who knows what it feels like to rise fast, fall hard, and come back stronger. Former WWE wrestler, Tough Enough season 1 winner, and current YouTube powerhouse Maven Huffman joins the pod for a raw, funny, and deeply honest conversation about fame, loss, hustle, and personal reinvention.

You might remember Maven for one of the most iconic moments in WWE history—eliminating The Undertaker from the 2002 Royal Rumble. That dropkick became a viral moment before viral was even a thing. But after a few years in the spotlight, Maven’s WWE run came to an end. And that’s where the real story begins.

Maven opens up about what life looked like when the cameras stopped rolling. From growing up in a trailer in rural Virginia to losing his mother at a young age to finding a second chance in wrestling—and now, content creation—this conversation dives deep into the ups and downs of chasing your dream and what happens when you lose it all.

Luis and Maven talk about the emotional toll of being let go from WWE, the identity crisis that followed, and why it took hitting rock bottom to realize he was more than just a guy in spandex on TV. Maven talks about the importance of being grounded, staying humble, and not letting titles—literal or metaphorical—define your worth.

And now? He’s thriving. With over 700,000 subscribers and a loyal fanbase, Maven has found a second wind on YouTube by doing something simple but powerful—telling the truth. Whether he’s sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his wrestling days, reacting to AI wrestling videos, or diving into the messy politics of the business, Maven has become one of the most respected voices in wrestling content today.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• What it was like meeting Hulk Hogan for the first time

• How being the first Tough Enough winner made him a locker room target

• Why he now considers getting fired from WWE a blessing in disguise

• The personal losses that shaped his resilience

• What it means to truly start over in your 40s

• The real reason he drove 10 hours to film with Buff Bagwell

• How his partner Zach helped launch one of wrestling’s most honest YouTube channels

• Why being vulnerable as a man isn’t weakness—it’s strength

This episode isn’t just about wrestling—it’s about purpose, perspective, and the beauty of second chances. It’s about knowing who you are even when the world forgets. It’s about rebuilding your life on your terms, with your voice, and your values.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overlooked, or like your best days were behind you—this one’s for you.

Highlights Include:

• How Maven pivoted from teaching, to wrestling, to finance, to YouTube

• The emotional power of hearing his mother’s voice on old Tough Enough footage

• Why he’s not chasing fame—he’s chasing peace

• What he’s learned about success, manhood, and doing the right thing even when no one’s watching

• The hilarious origin of the nickname “Pussy Magnet” (yes, really)

• What life is like now—spoiler: it involves movies, good skincare, and a supportive partner

Follow & Connect:

Maven Huffman – YouTube, Instagram, and Patreon: @MavenKHuffman
Luis Guzman – Instagram: @ImAnArtistNotASalesman
Subscribe to the podcast on YouTube, Apple, and Spotify: Luis Guzman – I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman

If this episode hit home, helped you shift your perspective, or just made you laugh—send it to a friend, leave a review, and help us keep pushing these real conversations forward.

Thanks for riding with us.

Don’t stress—bless up.

Some people talk about discipline. *Alison Douglas lives it.*In this raw and unfiltered episode of *I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman*, Luis sits down with CrossFit Games athlete and founder of *Nutrition Kitchen*, *Alison Douglas*—a certified force of nature who went from getting fired from her 9–5 to becoming one of the top 30 fittest women in the world… all while running a meal prep company that's redefining what "healthy" actually tastes like.Allison doesn't just lift weights—she lifts people, businesses, expectations, and herself every damn day. She's built a life around showing up, pushing through discomfort, and calling out the B.S. that keeps people stuck. This episode isn't just about fitness. It's about doing hard sh*t and realizing you're capable of way more than the world—or even you—give yourself credit for.Whether you're an artist trying to eat better without giving up flavor, a creative drowning in self-doubt, or a business owner wondering how the hell to scale without burning out, Allison drops nothing but straight-up gold.*We get into:*- How getting fired turned out to be the greatest thing that ever happened to her CrossFit, nutrition for athletes, meal prep, artist podcast, creative discipline, entrepreneurship, fitness journey, wellness, small business, healthy eating, macro tracking, imposter syndrome, personal growth, overcoming failure, food as fuel, fitness mindset, strong women, podcast for creatives, CrossFit Games, nutrition tips, health and hustle, evolving as an artist, goal setting, motivation, mental health, Allison Graddock- The very real connection between food, fitness, and identity - What it really takes to qualify for the CrossFit Games in the 40–44 age bracket (hint: no off days) - Her journey from "just good enough" to "I want more" — and how that mindset changed everything - The business side of *Nutrition Kitchen*: why quality wins over quantity, and why she refuses to mass-produce trash food - Why your food shouldn't be punishment—and how joy, flavor, and health can absolutely coexist - The importance of evolving, even if it means leaving people behind - Her experience battling an eating disorder in college and what finally snapped her out of it - Going through divorce, losing her brother, and deciding to take her life back—on her terms - Why being "too honest" gets her labeled a bitch, and why she's okay with that - The mental game behind pushing yourself when nobody's watching, when you're tired, and when quitting would be so much easier - How to stop settling for "good enough" and build a life that actually feels like yours You'll also hear Luis open up about his own fitness transformation, what it means to carry momentum, and why comfort zones are basically quicksand. This episode goes deeper than macros or muscle—this is about facing your sh*t, owning your truth, and raising the bar, even if it pisses some people off.Because the truth is, not everyone wants to grow. Not everyone wants to evolve. But if you do? If you want more? If you're sick of half-assing your goals or talking yourself out of greatness, then press play.Allison's story isn't clean. It's not curated. It's not some Pinterest version of wellness. It's real. It's hard. It's messy. And it works.She didn't get here by playing it safe—she got here by showing up, doing the damn work, and refusing to settle. If you're ready to eat better, train smarter, and live louder—this one's for you.*Follow Allison on IG* → @allison.nutritionkitch *Check out Nutrition Kitchen* → @nutritionkitch *Order meals, change your life* → nutritionkitch.com *Follow Luis + the IAANAS journey* → @imanartistnotasalesman Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube or wherever you tune in.*Rate it. Share it. Text it to the friend who needs to get off their ass and into their purpose.*Because here's the truth—you're either growing or you're dying. So which is it?

What does it take to go from hustling on the streets of Elizabeth, NJ to sitting courtside at NBA games while running a successful sports betting business? Two words: discipline and belief.

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Julian Saavedra—founder of The Parlay Plug—for an unfiltered, emotional, and wildly inspiring look at how he turned his life around and built a business from the ground up.

Julian opens up about dropping out of high school in his senior year, leaving home at 18 due to family tension, and falling into the street life just to survive. He shares stories of selling weed on the corner—across the street from a police station—trying to scrape together enough money to eat. But that life wasn’t meant to last. With the encouragement of his mom and the desire to be something more, Julian walked away and started stacking up hours in restaurant jobs, bartending, and eventually grinding overnight shifts at Amazon.

While working nights, he spent his days building The Parlay Plug—what started as a personal passion for sports betting turned into a full-on movement. Today, Julian leads a growing team, serves over 10,000 clients, and runs one of the most trusted betting communities on Discord. And it all came from consistency, research, and putting his ego aside to serve others.

In this episode, Julian breaks down how he built The Parlay Plug without formal education, how he uses AI to research betting lines, why managing units is the key to long-term success, and how he deals with pressure when clients are counting on him to help them win.

But we don’t just talk business.

Julian also shares how his relationship with his mom transformed, how he recently reconnected with his dad after 15 years, and why retiring his family is the mission that fuels him now. We get into the mental health side of entrepreneurship, the power of forgiveness, and how a little corgi named Parlay helped keep him grounded during it all.

We cover:

• The origin story of The Parlay Plug

• What it’s like to grow up without a father figure

• Life lessons from bartending, Amazon, and fast food

• Leaving street life behind for something bigger

• Using sports as therapy and focus

• Betting strategy, unit management, and client trust

• The impact of AI in modern sports betting

• Navigating criticism and emotional clients

• Relationship goals with his ride-or-die fiancée Jackie

• The importance of staying grounded—even with money and success

• And why betting on yourself is always the move

Julian’s journey is a reminder that you can come from chaos and still build something beautiful. You don’t need a degree to succeed—you need consistency, hustle, and a reason to keep going.

If you’ve ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or like your past defines you—this episode will snap you out of that mindset real quick.

Quotes from the episode:

“All this could be gone tomorrow. The only thing that matters is family, purpose, and how you treat people.”

“I work hard so my fiancée doesn’t have to work. But my goal is bigger—I want to retire my mom.”

“You can lose four days in a row. But one good day can flip the whole month around. That’s betting—and life.”

“A lot of people want success. But they don’t want to be consistent. And that’s where most people fall off.”

Whether you're deep in the betting game, building your own creative brand, or just trying to find your way—Julian’s story is gonna hit you. It’s real, it’s raw, and it’s exactly the kind of thing this podcast is all about.

Follow Julian: @theparlayplug

What do you get when you cross a pro soccer player, a marketing strategist, a drone-operating fugitive hunter, and a guy who’s helped move hundreds of millions in ad revenue — all before 30?

You get Cameron Saunders. And no, we didn’t make him up.

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis sits down with Cameron Saunders — the 26-year-old Chief Revenue Officer at Youngry, former pro athlete, and real-life James Bond-in-training. From European soccer fields to UFC campaigns, fugitive tracking to NASCAR boardrooms, Cameron’s story is wild — and it’s real.

It all starts at Valley Forge Military Academy, where Cameron signed up to be broken down and rebuilt. Discipline and leadership became his foundation — from leading 350 cadets in formation to directing million-dollar marketing strategies. His motto: Real leaders show up. They serve. They lead from the front.

From there, the journey winds through:

• Becoming an elite youth soccer player in Philly

• Turning down an MLS contract

• Signing with Cardiff City in Wales

• Training through the pandemic and being flown home by the U.S. embassy

But Cameron didn’t stop with soccer. While still lacing up his boots, he taught himself digital marketing, launched his own agency, and landed his first major client — only to get ghosted on the invoice. Lesson #1: business doesn’t care how talented you are.

This episode is about more than highlight reels. It’s about grit, sacrifice, and waking up at 3:30 AM to chase a dream nobody else can see.

You’ll hear how Cameron:

• Helped grow a roofing company from $99M to $250M+

• Used NASCAR sponsorships as a hack to get into billion-dollar boardrooms

• Built campaigns that got clients in front of FedEx execs and national audiences

And yeah — there’s the manhunt story.

A convicted killer crab-walked up a prison wall and disappeared into the woods. Cameron, deputized by authorities, flew thermal drones at night to help track him down. His drone spotted the guy hiding behind a woodpile. Total movie moment.

He also pulls back the curtain on political ad campaigns during the last U.S. election — from misinformation to media buys, and how it’s rarely about people. It’s about power, persuasion, and propaganda.

Then things get personal.

Cameron opens up about:

• Being a first-gen entrepreneur

• Feeling like an old soul in a young body

• His fiancée — a former Disney NBT artist — and how she keeps him grounded

• Wedding plans in the Dominican Republic

• Flipping houses, mentoring talent, and nerding out on watches and photography

If your life doesn’t make sense on paper but makes perfect sense to your gut — this episode’s for you.

Cameron Saunders is proof you don’t need permission to be great. Just courage, discipline, and the guts to color outside the lines.

This is Episode 41 of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman. No fluff. No corporate lingo. Just real talk with a guy who's lived more lives than most twice his age — and he’s just getting started.

Subscribe, follow, and share if this hit home. We’re building a tribe of creatives doing business our way.

Thanks for listening. Now go make something.

Welcome back to I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, where creativity meets real life, and hustle gets a human face. In this milestone 40th episode, host Luis Guzman reconnects with a returning guest who’s not just part of the IAANAS origin story—he’s been riding shotgun since the mustard-seed days of the show: John Ramsay, co-founder of Paramount Gym in Matawan, New Jersey.

This ain’t your typical “gym bro” conversation. It’s not a protein-shake-infused monologue about deadlifts and macros. It’s raw, real, and refreshingly vulnerable. John opens up about what’s changed since his first time on the show three years ago—personally, professionally, and spiritually. From overcoming addiction and staying clean for over two decades, to obsessively growing the Paramount brand into a community-first fitness hub, John brings every shade of the journey to the mic.

He and Luis talk about the messy, beautiful dance of self-awareness, what it means to lead with both creativity and imperfection, and why being disciplined doesn't mean having every aspect of your life on lock. They dive into the truth behind partnerships—John’s with his business partner Justin, who balances John's creative chaos with grounded leadership—and how staying in your lane and trusting your team might be the most underrated business strategy there is.

Throughout the episode, you’ll hear John’s unfiltered reflections on:

• How obsession (the healthy kind... mostly) fuels creative output

• Why selfishness is part of the human condition—and how to fight it

• The trap of chasing comfort vs. building discipline

• The power of community—inside and outside the gym

• What real mentorship looks like (hint: it’s not sugarcoated)

• The myth of overnight success in business and personal growth

• Why Paramount Gym is much more than squat racks and Instagram reels

• And how grief—the recent loss of his dog, Marlo—sparked deeper gratitude and clarity

Oh, and yes—they get into the fun stuff too: favorite pancakes, gym pet peeves, back problems, merch design, and why creatives are basically just over-caffeinated ping pong balls with a dream.

This episode isn’t just a check-in—it’s a masterclass on showing up for your passion, your people, and yourself... even when it’s hard, especially when it’s hard.

If you’ve ever felt like you’re doing everything you can but still not doing enough, this one’s for you. If you’ve ever wondered how to build something from scratch, keep it alive, and still sleep at night (or try to), this one’s for you. And if you just want to hear two dudes keep it all the way honest about life, business, addiction, purpose, and pancakes—yeah, this one’s definitely for you.

Stream it, share it, save it, and send it to that friend who’s trying to figure it all out.

Because we all are.

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman sits down with viral content creator, actor, and fashion-forward media personality Dave Disci. What starts as a discussion about digital content quickly turns into an honest, deep-dive conversation about trauma, identity, burnout, creativity, and purpose.

Dave shares his powerful origin story—growing up in poverty in New York City as the child of immigrants from Hong Kong. He discusses:

• Periods of homelessness and instability

• A difficult and abusive relationship with his father

• Creating the “Dave Disci” persona as a personal survival tool and artistic identity

Throughout the episode, Dave opens up about the emotional weight of being a creator. From long hours juggling a corporate job while editing videos late into the night, to finally taking the leap into full-time content creation—only to make just $500 in his first month—Dave walks us through the highs and lows of betting on yourself.

But the conversation doesn’t stop at success and hustle. Luis and Dave dig into:

• The hidden toll of imposter syndrome

• The real-life challenges of therapy and healing childhood trauma

• Coming out, and the painful fallout with family

• Finding safety and identity through content, fashion, and community

Their mutual experiences growing up in emotionally volatile households create one of the most vulnerable moments in the series. This is not just about fame—it’s about how people build a life, a career, and a sense of self after being told to stay small.

You’ll also learn:

• How Dave uses his YouTube channel and TikTok presence to discuss trending pop culture and hidden stories

• What it really takes to get into red carpet events and navigate the publicist world

• Why he invests in properties and supports his family financially—even while still chasing artistic dreams

• How he survived a major health scare without insurance and found clarity in chaos

Dave opens up about being in therapy for years, his love for psychology, and how mental health influences everything from his relationships to how he engages with fans online. He shares how his supportive partner and his partner’s family have become an anchor while his relationship with his own family remains complicated and unresolved.

Looking ahead, Dave shares his excitement for upcoming projects:

• Acting auditions and voiceover work

• Producing an animated series

• A trivia card game inspired by his commentary videos

This episode is filled with real talk, raw truth, and meaningful insight for anyone trying to build a creative life while unpacking the past. Whether you’re grinding on YouTube, struggling to stay consistent with your art, or just dealing with family stuff while trying to keep your peace—this conversation is for you.

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman sits down with creative strategist and marketing rebel Ankur Garg, the CEO of Youngry and founder of Flex Work Studios, for one of the most brutally honest conversations we've had on this show. If you’re expecting a polished tale of success, this ain’t it. This is a real one—messy, inspiring, and filled with the kind of truth most people are too afraid to say out loud.

Ankur walks us through his “Z to A” philosophy—a method where he helps people visualize their end goal first and then reverse engineer the steps to get there. But he’s quick to say most people don’t actually want to do the work. They want the shortcut. They want the result without the process. He doesn’t sugarcoat it. He’s seen it too many times—people with all the talk and none of the action.

We get into the rise and collapse of his earlier ventures, including the one that made headlines: Shreds. He opens up about losing it all—money, reputation, friendships—and how walking away wasn’t just a business move. It was a moral choice. After discovering people close to him were getting paid before the employees and vendors, he had to step out. But leaving meant giving up everything he helped build. That decision haunted him for years.

This episode pulls no punches. We talk about betrayal, misplaced loyalty, and how easy it is to misread people when your gut’s not tuned in. Ankur admits he missed the signs. He questions whether he betrayed people too—not out of malice, but by promising more than he could deliver when he was young, hungry, and blinded by the rush of success.

We explore how rock bottom changed him. After years of living large, Ankur found himself back at his parents’ house, broke, depressed, and questioning his worth. No sponsors, no co-signs, no golden parachute. Just Uber driving, $25 flyer gigs, and a deep need to find his footing again. What followed was three years in Pittsburgh, where he rebuilt quietly. No flash. No ego. Just work.

He talks about losing confidence, dealing with physical symptoms of stress, and eventually finding his strength again—mentally, emotionally, and financially. It’s not a redemption montage. It’s a slow, grinding climb. But when his beard grew back (literally), he knew something inside had shifted. He finally loved himself again.

Luis and Ankur go deep on loyalty, adult friendships, and why Ankur keeps his circle small. He shares how trauma shaped the way he gives and receives love, and why a simple act—like someone bringing him a coffee—can mean more than words ever could. They talk about chasing accomplishment vs. chasing validation, and how sometimes, you just need to hear “you were right” to get that fire back.

They also unpack the origin story of Youngry—a name Ankur held onto for 20 years, waiting for the right moment. That moment is now. He explains how he brought in trusted partners to build something bigger than himself. The agency isn’t just about marketing—it’s about creating opportunities for creators and entrepreneurs who want to work smart, build loud, and do it without selling out.

This is more than a story about business. It’s about falling apart and coming back stronger. It’s about the identity shifts we all go through and what it takes to truly reinvent yourself when nobody’s watching. Ankur’s story will hit home for anyone who’s ever been humbled by life and had to start over.

If you’ve ever felt like giving up, or like your past disqualified you from your future, you need to hear this one. Not because it’s pretty—but because it’s real.