In this episode, I talk about the balancing act of creativity with making a living. Money and music. Rent and riffs. I share ideas I’ve collected over the years from musicians, writers, and artists I respect - people who’ve figured out how to keep the lights on and make work worth making.

You don’t buy a motorcycle just so you can buy gas. You didn’t start creating just because the money it could make you. The goal isn’t just to survive - it’s to make something great, and making enough money to keep going.

//rob

📍Minneapolis, MN

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/artandmoney

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What’s the difference between being an enthusiast and a critic? Can you love something - really love it - without being pretentious about it?

In this episode, Sarah and I head to the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago to wrestle with a question that’s been nagging me for weeks: what’s the fine line between appreciation and snobbery?

Along the way, I talk with Dylan Quinn and Jeremy Schultz from the Guinness team about beer, comparison, and the myth of the “expert.”

This one’s about more than beer. It’s about passion, humility, identity - and learning to enjoy the pour without putting yourself on a pedestal.

📍Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Chicago, USA

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/guinnesschicago

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Dylan Quinn: https://www.instagram.com/dq_art207

Jeremy Schultz: https://www.instagram.com/thejeremyschultz

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- The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330

- Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.

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In Bozeman, Montana, my buddy Aaron Johnson and I stumbled into an art exhibit that caught us off guard in the best way. On the surface, it was just holes drilled into a roof. But the meaning behind it? That’s what stopped us in our tracks.

In this episode, we talk about what turns a simple act into something sacred. About how intention, not just action, is what makes something art. We also dig into the idea of art as a gift, something freely offered, not just sold, and how that mindset is often lost in the rush to make a living.

This one’s a reminder to stay awake, follow our luck, look up, and remember why we make things in the first place.

//rob

📍 Bozeman, Montana

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/thegiftofart

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Search Tags: art as a gift, creativity and intention, bozeman montana, podcast for artists, creative philosophy, art and money, sacred art, intention in art, rob morgan podcast, aaron johnson, unexpected art, found inspiration, holes in a ceiling, minimalist art, gift economy, modern art reflections, artist mindset, paying attention, meaning in creativity, living awake

In this episode, I talk about the myth of balance, the reality of sacrifice, and what it actually looks like to build a life around what matters most to you - even if it means leaving money on the table.

If you’re a freelancer, an artist, a creative trying to make it work—this one’s for you.

📍 Minneapolis, MN

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/notatonce

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Search Tags: freelance musician life, creative sacrifices, work life imbalance, choosing travel, you can have it all just not at once, rob morgan podcast, podcast for creatives, making hard choices, traveling artist, money vs time, creative freedom, behind the scenes artist life, how to live intentionally, travel tradeoffs, real talk for musicians, creative risks, choosing freedom, values over money, building a creative life, traveling while self-employed

Ever feel anxious that your creative dreams are taking too long to come true? You’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into a piece of advice from actress Tilda Swinton that changed how I view my creative journey. She famously said, “Keep your dreams soft, malleable, flexible, porous – and fun. Don’t make your dreams breakable.”

Join me for a convo about letting go of the rush and loving the ride. If you’ve ever felt impatient or discouraged with your progress, this episode will inspire you to enjoy the journey and make the process part of your dream – just as Tilda advises.

📍Minneapolis, MN 

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/flexibledreams

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For the longest time, I used the phrase “I’m just wired this way” as an excuse for my lack of intentionality and organizational skills. I thought being creative meant I couldn’t also be focused. Turns out… that was bullshit.

In this episode, I talk about “task saturation,” and how the CIA trains its operatives to handle overwhelming pressure. No surprise - it also applies to artists.

The truth is, you don’t rise to the level of your inspiration. You fall to the level of your habits.

And I’m trying to build better ones. Not to be more productive, but to be present.

//rob

📍Minneapolis, MN

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/tasksaturation

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Search Tags: task saturation, artist productivity, CIA training, creative focus, rob morgan podcast, how to focus, creativity and discipline, multitasking myth, artist mindset, rob morgan is a curious person, build better habits, creative habits, presence over hustle, attention span, scattered creative, productivity tips for artists, mental clarity, deep work, creator life, CIA mindset

In fashion, there’s this idea called "The Wrong Shoe Theory" and somehow, that choice shows confidence. Intention. Personality.

In music, and really any creative field, we’re taught the rules, but no one reminds us to break them. And without breaking the rules, you’ll never find your voice. You’ll just be a well-behaved echo.

In this episode, Sarah and I talk about fashion, creativity, confidence, and what it means to actually own your weird. Because the wrong shoe might be the right move.

📍 Town Hall Tap, Minneapolis MN

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/wrongshoetheory

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When you're first starting out as a creative, everyone tells you to say yes. Yes to every gig, every project, every maybe-this-will-lead-to-something opportunity. But no one really teaches you when it’s time to start saying no.

In this episode, I talk about how saying yes got me started… but saying no is what’s helping me stay focused. At some point, your time, your energy, and your creative sanity depend on it.

📍 Minneapolis, MN

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/focusandno

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- The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330

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Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:

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Search Tags: creative focus, saying no, creative boundaries, artist mindset, saying yes vs no, podcast for creatives, protecting your time, creative discipline, focus and clarity, creative advice, rob morgan podcast, setting boundaries, burnout prevention, creative career growth, decision making, saying no with confidence, artistic growth, focus tips, music industry advice, self management for artists

There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Chaos, burnout, doomscrolling, and all the rest. But here’s your friendly, ridiculous reminder: everyone’s dealing with something. Everyone’s in pain in some way. And yes, everyone’s getting up to go pee pee at 3AM.

This episode is a goofy reminder to have some damn patience with other people, and with yourself. You’re not alone. You’re just human. Probably a little tired. Probably a little full-bladdered.

📍Minneapolis, MN

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/3ampeepee

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Yeah, the world is saturated. Everyone’s making something.

But that doesn’t make your voice any less necessary.

Your perspective—how you see, process, frame, and express—is the one thing no algorithm, AI, or influencer can duplicate.

That’s the work. That’s the value.

This episode is a reminder not to disappear into the noise… just because there’s a lot of it.

📍 Minneapolis, MN

https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/yourperspective

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Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:

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