Geoff Gross & Scarlet Biberstein from the pop/rock band Merlot Embargo join us to discuss their debut album Don't Look Back, the challenges of starting an independent rock band in your mid-30s, songwriting and musicianship, left brain/right brain creativity, Reebok Pumps vs. Air Jordans, and finding the courage to start your dream project in the aftermath of a tragedy. The episode leads out with their track Head Above Water.

Audio Engineer Evan Ranallo from Echo Play Studios (and formerly of the band Heartist) joins us to talk about the anatomy of a record deal, needing emergency medical care in another country because of excessive headbanging, what happens when your rock star dreams don’t end up being what you thought they would be, finding your true calling in your lowest moments, and making peace with your decisions.

Dance Studio Director Kat Burtch from Creation Station Dance joins us to talk about being focused on achieving your goals, the importance of an arts education for a child’s self esteem, appearing in a Mary-Kate & Ashley Olsen video, and how not all dance moms are “Dance Moms.”

Award-winning sportscaster Mike Benton of the Everett Silvertips Hockey Club joins us to talk about chasing your childhood dreams, a day in the life of a sportscaster, the role of sports in our lives and our communities, and surrounding yourself with people who support your goals.

Our producer Jessie Edmond joins us to talk about a lifetime of making music, the challenges facing retired veterans, embracing your creative weirdness, being biracial in the Colin Kaepernick era, and much, much more.

Hear a sneak preview of The Maslow Peak Podcast and an introduction to Abraham Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs.