Gabriel Currie has built guitars for Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, Josh Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Jackson Browne, and Marcus King, but this conversation goes way deeper than music. Growing up in East LA's Highland Park amid gang violence, punk rock chaos, and an education system that failed him, Gabriel found refuge in guitars as a teenager apprenticing at G&L under Leo Fender himself. Then came drugs, prison, and a decade of losing everything before clawing his way back, building a guitar in his backyard with a stash of old wood and a wife's leap of faith.

Today, Echopark Guitars hunts century-old "sinker logs" pulled from Michigan's riverbeds, wood submerged since 1800s logging days, to build instruments with a sound no factory can replicate. Gabriel opens up about:

• Surviving a violent childhood, his disabilities, and the punk scene that became his tribe
• A decade lost to drugs and prison, and what pulled him back
• How he met Joe Perry, Brad Whitford, and Aerosmith through a single lucky connection
• Why old wood carries energy, memory, and "DNA" that new wood can't fake
• His mission to bring free instruments and mentorship to Detroit students

This is a raw, unfiltered conversation about craft, redemption, and turning a broken life into something that sings.

Chapter list for this episode:

0:00 - Intro & meeting Gabriel Currie

2:31 - Growing up in East LA: Chaos, culture, and cerebral palsy

8:01 - Finding punk rock and picking up a guitar

13:54 - Apprenticing under Leo Fender & the road to Echopark Guitars

22:46 - The fall: A decade lost to heroin and prison

23:56 - Getting clean and building his first guitar again

32:14 - Chasing the sound of old wood

41:30 - Inside the process: Michigan, sinker logs & the 5-year dry cycle

51:13 - What's next: Detroit guitar program & giving back

56:56 - Closing thoughts

Links:

Echopark Guitars Website

Watch the ECHO FROM THE TREES documentary short film

The School of Imperfection Website

What does it really take to build a business that lasts? In this episode, Mikie Krisztal sits down with Felena Hanson, founder of Hera Hub, to explore the unglamorous reality behind entrepreneurship. From being laid off three times before age 30 to creating a coworking and business-support network that has served more than 14,000 entrepreneurs, Felena shares how loneliness while working from home inspired Hera Hub, why meaningful in-person community cannot be replaced by social media followers, and the moment she realized she had built something capable of thriving without her at the center.

Felena also gets candid about the difference between launching an exciting idea and sustaining it for 15 years. She discusses learning to embrace operations, systems, financial details, and the constant reinvention required to survive challenges like COVID-19. The conversation also explores Hera Hub’s female-focused, gender-inclusive mission, its public benefit corporation model, the importance of accessible small-business resources, and how Felena eventually realized that creativity is not limited to traditional art. It can also mean designing a space where people immediately feel drawn to.

• Starting a business and sustaining one require different skills. Branding, ideas, and possibility may make launching exciting, but longevity depends on systems, operations, finance, legal work, adaptability, and consistently solving new problems.
• Entrepreneurs should not build in isolation. Felena credits community with helping grow her original marketing business and encourages founders to intentionally seek peers, mentors, and people who understand what they are building.
• A scalable organization must become bigger than its founder. Felena knew from the beginning that she did not want Hera Hub to depend entirely on her. Licensing the business model and watching new locations operate without her became major signs that the systems were working.
• Customer loyalty is built before a crisis arrives. During COVID-19, some Hera Hub members continued paying for as long as two years without entering the physical spaces because they wanted the community to survive. Hera Hub retained approximately 80% of its membership through that period.
• Purpose and profitability do not have to be opposites. Hera Hub operates as a public benefit corporation, allowing it to run as a for-profit company while formally tracking how it supports entrepreneurs, accelerator participants, nonprofit organizations, and the broader community.
• Creativity is broader than technical artistic ability. Felena once believed she was not an artist because she could not paint or perform like the artists around her. She eventually recognized that building businesses, designing environments, and creating a sense of belonging are also artistic acts.

Felena Hanson is the founder of Hera Hub, a female-focused, gender-inclusive coworking and business-accelerator community that began in San Diego and has expanded to five locations across the United States. Over the past 15 years, Hera Hub has supported approximately 14,000 entrepreneurs in launching or growing their businesses through workspace, mentorship, education, accelerator programs, and community.

00:00 – Introduction: Building something that lasts

01:00 – How loneliness inspired the creation of Hera Hub

03:00 – Researching coworking and opening the first location

04:00 – The reality behind the romantic entrepreneurship story

05:00 – Three layoffs and “forced entrepreneurship”

06:00 – Why entrepreneurs should never build alone

07:00 – Social-media followers versus real human connection

08:00 – The difference between starting and sustaining

09:00 – Operations, financial details, and hiring the right people

11:00 – Building a company bigger than its founder

12:00 – Realizing the Hera Hub model was working

13:00 – Expansion, public relations, word of mouth, and workspace design

14:00 – Mentorship, workshops, and business-accelerator programs

15:00 – Why Hera Hub became a public benefit corporation

18:00 – Creating a female-focused, gender-inclusive community

20:00 – Learning from businesses that do not survive

21:00 – Adapting Hera Hub during COVID-19

23:00 – Member loyalty and the future of Hera Hub

24:00 – Felena’s advice for aspiring entrepreneurs

25:00 – Using local, publicly supported small-business resources

26:00 – Redefining what it means to be an artist

28:00 – The value of conceptual art and creative expression

29:00 – AI and human creativity

29:40 – Closing remarks

• www.theschoolofimperfection.com
• https://herahub.com/

In this episode, Mikie sits down with Dan Newmark, a seasoned television writer and executive producer for multiple series across network, cable, and streaming platforms, to explore the realities of success, failure, and authenticity in the entertainment industry. They delve into themes of imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the courage to take risks, all underpinned by Dan's journey and insights.

Main Topics Discussed:

• Dan Newmark’s career journey from scriptwriting to producing hit shows
• The misperception of perfection and how failure is inherent in success
• Overcoming imposter syndrome and professional perfectionism
• The importance of authentic self-expression on social media and in life
• The impact and future concerns of AI technology
• Strategies for handling fear, criticism, and the pressure to be perfect

Timestamps:

00:00 - Welcome to School of Imperfection

01:12 - Meet Dan Newmark: Television Writer & Producer

01:40 - Dan's Origin Story: College Scripts to Hollywood

03:01 - The Wilton: Competing with Gossip Girl

04:07 - Building Grandma's House Entertainment

05:00 - True Crime Success: The Real Murders on Elm Street

05:21 - Foul Play with Anthony Davis: Athletes Pranking Athletes

06:54 - The Art of Getting Celebrity Sign-Offs

07:43 - The Perfectionism Trap

09:18 - Imposter Syndrome: Fear of Being Found Out

10:06 - The Professional Unlock: Everyone's Failing

11:42 - Healthy Comparison: Level Setting

14:55 - Fear vs Intuition: Learning the Difference

16:04 - Hiding Behind Brands as Shields

20:41 - The Emotional Sphincter Moment

21:55 - Authenticity in the Age of Social Media Marketing

22:44 - Flaws Make Work Interesting

23:40 - The Power of Authentic Struggle

24:37 - Thoughts on AI

27:29 - Closing Thoughts and Zoo Invitations

Resources & Links:

• Grandma’s House Entertainment
• Foul Play with Anthony Davis

Connect with Dan Newmark:

• LinkedIn

Note:

This episode aims to normalize feelings of imperfection and impermanence in pursuit of creative and personal fulfillment. Whether you're navigating industry pressures or self-doubt, Dan’s insights on resilience and authenticity are universally valuable.

In this episode of The School of Imperfection Podcast, Mikie Krisztal chats with Sara Wilczynska of Swil Arts about her inspiring journey from a corporate software engineer at Google to a full-time artist. They explore the realities of chasing passion, the importance of nuance, and the small, meaningful moments in a creative life.

Main Topics:

• Sara's transition from Google software engineer to artist
• The messy reality of entrepreneurial and artistic pursuits
• Navigating fear, doubt, and societal scripts when making big life changes
• Embracing nuance and complexity in personal growth
• Building an accessible and sustainable creative business rooted in community
• The significance of small moments and presence over quick transformations
• The role of societal narratives and marketing in personal evolution
• Practical steps for those considering leaving corporate life for art
• Environmental and social responsibility in art business practices

Timestamps:

00:01 - Welcome to the School of Imperfection Podcast

00:30 - Sara’s story: from a corporate job at Google to Southeast Asia

01:25 - The spiritual and entrepreneurial journey of art making

02:15 - Art as a healing and growth process

02:42 - First steps in Sara's artist journey and organic growth

03:21 - The influence of childhood creativity and cultural background

03:57 - Transition from tech to art, feeling misaligned at Google

04:26 - Exploring side projects like yoga and sound healing

05:22 - The decision to take a travel sabbatical and create space

07:06 - Artistic experimentation with watercolors in Thailand

07:57 - Sharing art and receiving feedback from friends and clients

08:24 - Growing Swil Arts and diversifying product offerings

09:20 - Collaborations with brands and community-centered projects

10:15 - Current focus: regional inspired artwork and sustainable products

11:09 - Connecting with the San Diego artist community

12:15 - Discovering the San Diego Artist Incubator program through social media

13:12 - The story behind the name Swil Arts

13:34 - Financial aspirations and financial sustainability

14:33 - The leap of faith and living in expensive San Diego

15:23 - The messy reality and non-linear path of entrepreneurship

16:01 - Avoiding quick fixes and embracing small wins

17:00 - The importance of nuance in growth and healing

18:11 - Gratitude for current work despite stress and challenges

19:02 - Shifting perspective on healing modalities and quick success

20:05 - Focusing on small, present moments rather than grand transformations

21:29 - Nuance and complexity in social and personal issues

22:12 - Lessons learned: gradual transition versus abrupt change

23:35 - Creating spaciousness and questioning societal scripts

25:02 - The importance of listening to inner truth versus societal expectations

26:23 - Differentiating fear from protective mechanisms

27:34 - Embracing introversion and authenticity

28:26 - Parts work and inner conflict exploration

29:52 - Holding paradoxes and embracing multiple truths

30:00 - The need for nuance in societal discourse

31:40 - The role of personal agency and living by example

33:02 - How neuroscience supports the idea of reality creation

34:36 - Sara’s vision for approachable art and collaborations

36:06 - Upcoming projects: San Diego inspired coloring book

37:07 - The artistic process: ink first or watercolor first

39:07 - Inspiration from local landmarks and community themes

41:07 - Eco-conscious practices and giving back through art

43:19 - Connecting with Sara: website and social channels

44:24 - San Diego local venues to find Sarah’s work

45:00 - Closing thoughts

Resources & Links:

• Swil Arts Website
• San Diego Artist Incubator Program

Connect with Sara:

• Instagram
• Facebook
• TikTok
• Pinterest
• Buy Me a Coffee
• LinkedIn

Thank you for tuning in to explore the complex path of creative entrepreneurship with us. Remember, small moments of presence and authenticity are often the best guides on your journey.

In this episode, Kristi Tanner, a recovering alcoholic and founder of Sober Social, Wisconsin's first non-alcoholic bottle shop, shares her profoundly honest journey from addiction to empowerment. As a recovery advocate, speaker, Certified Recovery Coach, and community builder, Kristi has dedicated herself to bridging the gap between sobriety and society since becoming sober in 2019. Kristi and Mikie discuss how society's view on alcohol influences our relationships with drinking and explore innovative ways to connect socially without alcohol.

Key Topics:

• Kristi's personal experience with addiction, recovery, and jail time
• The societal pressure around alcohol and drinking culture
• How sobriety can bring confidence, freedom, and genuine connection
• The rise of sober-curious movements and non-alcoholic beverage options
• Building community through honesty and shared experiences
• Practical tips for exploring sobriety while maintaining an active social life
• The importance of owning one's story and removing shame
• The innovative concept of non-alcoholic bottle shops promoting inclusivity
• The impact of industry marketing on alcohol consumption

Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Kristi Tanner and her story of recovery

02:18 - Sobriety as an ongoing journey, not a finish line

02:48 - The challenges of the early years of sobriety

03:37 - Using alcohol as a coping mechanism for emotional discomfort

04:56 - Society's glamorization of alcohol and its impact

06:36 - How to enjoy social life alcohol-free

07:12 - Connection as the real antidote to addiction

09:26 - Educating others and creating space for sober-curious individuals

11:53 - The societal embeddedness of alcohol in celebrations

13:16 - The influence of marketing and industry tactics

15:28 - The rise of non-alcoholic products and health warnings

17:02 - Personal reflections on high school drinking and cultural norms

19:18 - The significance of honesty and vulnerability in recovery journeys

24:02 - Opening the first non-alcoholic bottle shop in Wisconsin

26:16 - Making sobriety proud and accessible for everyone

30:32 - The power of community support and shared stories

32:22 - The importance of owning your story without shame

36:42 - Breaking free from destructive patterns and choices

41:30 - Living a full, confident life post-recovery

44:43 - Redefining societal perceptions of sobriety and drinking

50:54 - The impact of openly sharing struggles and wins

58:48 - Practical advice for sober-curious listeners

62:27 - Launching the first non-alcoholic bottle shop and community building

66:39 - Exploring functional beverages and mindful consumption

71:00 - Connecting over non-alcoholic options and the importance of inclusivity

73:09 - Wrap-up and invitation for future guests

Resources & Links:

Sober Curious by Ruby Warrington

This Naked Mind by Annie Grace

Quit Like a Woman by Holly Whitaker

Connect with Kristi Tanner:

Mocktail Mommy Instagram

Sober Social Website

Explore how Taylor Guitars is pioneering sustainability in the instrument industry, balancing innovation, environmental responsibility, and craftsmanship. Scott Paul shares the company's journey, projects, and the importance of resource management in guitar making.

In this episode:

• Scott Paul, Director of Natural Resource Sustainability at Taylor Guitars, discusses the company's commitment to forest conservation and sustainable wood sourcing.
• The story behind using "imperfect" wood and how that influences product design and environmental impact.
• The Ebony Project in Cameroon: planting 55,000 trees and aiding local ecosystems and communities.
• The role of global policies and international meetings in shaping sustainable forest trade practices.
• How Taylor Guitars breaks industry traditions by innovating with variegated Ebony and urban woods.
• The importance of consumer education on sustainable practices and transparency in sourcing.
• The history of Taylor Guitars, from its humble roots to becoming a leader in innovative, eco-conscious guitar manufacturing.
• Practical advice for guitar buyers: choosing instruments based on feel and story rather than brand marketing.
• The significance of efficiency in sustainability and how Taylor integrates environmental ethics into their business model.

Timestamps:

00:00 - Scott Paul’s role at Taylor Guitars and focus on sustainability

02:23 - Scott’s journey into international forest work and early experiences in Central America

04:47 - Finding fulfillment through forest conservation and sustainability goals

07:07 - Humbling realization of nature’s power through volcano experiences

08:18 - Transition from Costa Rica to Washington D.C. and environmental policy work

11:54 - How Taylor Guitars communicates their sustainability efforts to customers

14:18 - The Ebony Project in Cameroon: planting, science, and community impact

16:16 - Urban wood sourcing and the importance of sustainable resource management

17:47 - The history of Taylor Guitars and their innovative approach to tradition

22:55 - How sustainable practices set Taylor apart from other brands

29:22 - The story of variegated Ebony and breaking industry norms

33:55 - Tips for choosing the right guitar based on feel, aesthetics, and sound

36:50 - Taylor Guitars’ manufacturing locations and future plans

37:17 - Invitation for collaborative educational initiatives and factory tours

Resources & Links:

Taylor Guitars Official Website

The Ebony Project collaboration with UCLA

Taylor Guitars Sustainability Initiatives

Connect with Scott Paul:

LinkedIn

In this episode, Mikie sits down with Micah Walker, a coach and microdosing mentor, to discuss her profound journey from growing up in a cult to embracing holistic wellness and consciousness expansion. They explore how psychedelics can facilitate deep mindset shifts, challenge societal norms around mental health, and the importance of following joy over certainty.

Key Topics:

• Micah’s background growing up in a religious cult and her transformation journey
• The experiential insights gained from meditation and microdosing
• The neuroplasticity benefits of psychedelics for changing core beliefs
• The role of mindset work in overcoming fear and emotional patterns
• Legal landscape and societal perceptions of psychedelics in mental health
• How childhood programming influences adult perspectives and behaviors
• Practical tools for building a better relationship with fear and anxiety
• The significance of following joy versus societal expectations
• Micah’s work with nurse coaches and entrepreneurs around holistic health and business strategy
• The importance of intentional action for clarity and transformation

Timestamps:

00:01 - Introduction to Micah Walker and her journey

00:54 - Micah's early life and coming out experience

01:54 - First psychedelic-like experience through meditation

03:19 - Insights from meditation and psychedelics

05:18 - Transition from nursing to coaching

07:13 - Leaving healthcare and starting a coaching company

08:27 - Following joy over certainty

10:41 - Psychedelic therapy and coaching

11:33 - Clarity through action

13:51 - Legalities and findings on psychedelics

15:23 - Propaganda and the reality of psychedelics

17:16 - Balancing pharmaceuticals and alternative methods

19:09 - Before and after perspectives on personal growth

21:34 - Understanding and befriending fear

24:08 - Developing a relationship with emotions

27:02 - Wisdom in understanding fear's relevance

29:34 - Pattern disruption and changing beliefs

32:17 - Micah's transformation and future vision

Connect with Micah Walker:

Instagram

LinkedIn

Note: This episode emphasizes responsible conversation about psychedelics. Participants are encouraged to explore legal pathways and work with professionals.

Guest Name:

John-Paul Dombrowski

Summary:

Join Mikie Krisztal in this insightful episode as he chats with John-Paul Dombrowski, a therapist, coach, and advocate of parts work and Internal Family Systems (IFS). Discover how understanding the different parts of yourself can lead to emotional clarity, healing, and personal growth. This episode explores practical tools and deep insights into inner system dynamics, making complex psychological concepts accessible and applicable.

Key Topics:

• The power of parts work in mental health and healing
• How IFS models internal conflicts as different parts with distinct roles
• The relationship between ego, spirituality, and psychological frameworks
• Practical exercises for connecting with inner parts and unburdening exiles
• Navigating the ego and avoiding the guru complex in personal growth
• Strategies for maintaining authenticity amidst social media success
• The importance of curiosity, self-compassion, and witnessing in healing
• The upcoming free mini-course, "Mindfulness for Big Emotions"
• How internal parts live in bodies, stuck in past burdens, and their guidance
• The balance between science and spirituality in therapeutic practices

Chapters:

00:00 - Introduction to John-Paul Dombrowski and the benefits of parts work

02:11 - What is Internal Family Systems (IFS)? An overview

05:24 - John-Paul’s background and journey into therapy and social media success

08:35 - How to monetize personal growth online and stay authentic

12:02 - Explaining the internal dialogue of conflicting parts

15:11 - The role of the Self in IFS and Buddhist philosophy parallels

17:36 - Handling burdens and emotions of exiled parts through witnessing

22:05 - The gendered burdens of emotional repression and vulnerability

25:42 - The importance of being present and meeting parts where they are

30:49 - Managing internal inner critic and planning anxiety

34:12 - Reframing feelings from childhood and inner scars

37:36 - Witnessing young parts with empathy and compassion

40:39 - The systemic view: parts as a team and inner ecology

45:09 - John-Paul’s free mini-course "Mindfulness for Big Emotions"

46:36 - Upcoming group programs and community support

48:25 - Closing thoughts and how to connect with John-Paul

Resources & Links:

Mindfulness for Big Emotions - Free Mini Course

No Bad Parts by Dick Schwartz

Connect with John-Paul:

Instagram: @johnpauldombrowski

YouTube: @JohnPaulDombrowski

Website: jpdombrowski.com

Note:

This episode is rich with practical exercises, psychological frameworks, and personal anecdotes to help you better understand and work with your inner system for mental clarity and emotional resilience.

Guest Name:

John Stuart Reid

Summary:

Explore the fascinating intersection of sound vibrations, cymatics, and healing with acoustics researcher John Stuart Reid. Discover how sound can influence biological processes, promote healing, and challenge scientific boundaries.

Keywords:

sound healing, cymatics, acoustics, healing, science of sound, bioresonance, sound therapy, scientific discoveries, sound vibrations, medical applications

Key Topics:

• Sound healing and cymatics
• Experiments in the Great Pyramid of Giza
• The Cymascope instrument and its applications
• Biological mechanisms of sound-induced healing
• The relationship between sound frequencies and cellular health

Chapters:

00:00 The Intersection of Science and Spirituality

02:40 Experiencing Sound in the Great Pyramid

12:33 The Healing Power of Sound

23:19 Mainstream Acceptance of Sound Therapy

29:55 The Healing Power of Music on Blood Cells

34:47 Exploring Low Frequencies and Blood Viability

39:32 Oxygen's Role in Healing and Sound Frequencies

44:50 The Connection Between Heart Energy and Vibes

51:04 Music Preferences and Blood Health

Resources:

Cymascope Official Site

Heart Math Institute

Ernst Chladni and Cymatics

James Jimusky's Research on Cell Frequencies

Connect with John Stuart Reid:

Website

LinkedIn

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Guest Name:

Jennifer Riel

Summary:

In this episode, Mikie Krisztal sits down with Jennifer Riel, a strategist, educator, and author of Creating Great Choices, to explore how integrative thinking and design thinking can be used to solve complex problems and foster collaborative decision-making. They discuss practical tools for unblocking tough choices, challenging mental models, and enhancing human-centered innovation. All essential for leaders and entrepreneurs aiming to make meaningful, impactful decisions.

Keywords:

Design Thinking, Integrative Thinking, Innovation, Decision-Making, Leadership, Creativity, Business Strategy, Problem-Solving, Human-Centered Design

Key Topics:

• The definition and importance of integrative thinking and how it complements design thinking
• Strategies for unstick sticky beliefs and challenge assumptions in teams
• The role of curiosity, humility, and reciprocity in productive conversations and conflict resolution
• How to foster collaborative decision-making in organizational settings
• The significance of in-person research and deep listening for innovation
• Balancing profit and purpose for sustainable, purpose-driven business

Chapters:

• (00:03) - Introduction to Jennifer Riel and the concept of integrative thinking
• (01:08) - What is design thinking? A comprehensive overview
• (02:25) - Jennifer’s career journey from copywriting to IDEO and academia
• (06:04) - The relationship and differences between design thinking and integrative thinking
• (07:01) - How integrative thinking helps navigate tough choices and opposing ideas
• (08:23) - Overcoming sticky beliefs and fostering open-mindedness in teams
• (09:36) - The importance of unpacking one’s mental models and assumptions
• (11:03) - Managing political tensions and honoring diverse perspectives through curiosity
• (13:34) - Practical tips for engaging with disagreement and conflict at work
• (17:11) - Embracing uncertainty and learning to move confidently without certainty
• (19:22) - The significance of open-mindedness and humility in problem-solving
• (26:43) - The Lego movie and the power of storytelling in brand and product innovation
• (30:34) - The Lego brand’s balance between creativity and protection of core values
• (34:34) - Combining in-person insights with technological tools for effective customer understanding
• (37:27) - How entrepreneurs can evaluate whether a problem is worth solving
• (38:55) - Integrating purpose and profit for long-term organizational health

Resources:

Roger Martin and Integrative Thinking

Creating Great Choices: A Leader's Guide to Integrative Thinking (Book)

Connecting With Jennifer:

LinkedIn

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