Building something slow, sustainable, and actually good?

Yeah… good luck with that in 2025.

I wrote about the death of the creative middle class.

Watch this, then read the full essay:

https://leegray04.substack.com/p/theres-no-middle-ground-anymore?r=b2me2

or Listen here:

https://leegray04.substack.com/p/where-did-the-middle-go?r=b2me2

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leegray04.substack.com

In this episode, I’m unpacking the quiet death of the in-between — that space where filmmakers, designers, and creatives used to build something sustainable, not necessarily scalable. You didn’t have to be a unicorn, you just had to be good. Remember that?

But now?You’re either viral or invisible.A startup or a side hustle.Big, or broke.

From streaming platforms chasing data to buyers only caring about ROI, I’m talking about the systems that have squeezed out the middle — and what it means for those of us still trying to build something steady, soulful, and self-sufficient.

👀 Expect:

A little rant, a little reality

Some shade for the algorithm

And a lot of love for anyone still making things that matter

✨ Read the full essay on Substack:

There's No Middle Ground Anymore

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit leegray04.substack.com