Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Ryan Reynolds Story and How To Build Better Business Relationships with Richard Dolan | 09 Nov 2026 | 00:45:05 | |
Never Meet Your Heroes? Richard Dolan on Ryan Reynolds, Disappointment, and Earning a Seat in Rooms Most People Never Enter Richard Dolan has sat across from the Obamas, Oprah, Justin Trudeau, Mike Tyson, Bono, Brad Pitt, Lewis Hamilton, and Drake. So when he says that meeting someone he admired let him down, it’s worth hearing. In this episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Richard, the strategist, confidant, and trusted advisor known as the Legacy Man, tells hosts Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun about his encounter with Ryan Reynolds. The on-screen charm Richard expected wasn’t what he got. Instead, the moment taught him a lesson every entrepreneur needs: the people you put on a pedestal are human, and if you build your expectations around a persona, reality can hit hard. Richard explains why meeting the people you admire so often disappoints. He shows how to protect yourself from that emotional trap, and why your own worth should never depend on how an icon treats you. Then he breaks down how he built genuine relationships with the world’s most influential people, long before social media existed. What you’ll learn in this episode:
Key quotes from this episode: “Legacy isn’t about what you leave. It’s shaped by how you lived, how you loved, how you’ve led, and how you’ve laughed.” “Rather than worrying about self-worth, I’d rather just present something of worth.” “Everything you’re seeking is seeking you.” “Proximity is power.” About Richard Dolan: Richard Dolan is a speaker, strategist, and author of the forthcoming book The Legacy Man. He collaborates with the Napoleon Hill Foundation alongside David Meltzer and has advised some of the most recognized names in entertainment, sports, politics, and business. Learn more at richarddolan.com. Connect with Richard Dolan: Instagram: @thericharddolan Website: richarddolan.com Connect with the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast: Website: creativeentrepreneur.com Instagram: @creativeentrepreneurpodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube If this episode moved you, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with one entrepreneur in your life who needs to hear it. Your reviews help us reach more creative life forces around the world. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR YEARLY ACTIVATION IN CHICAGO: www.cre8tivecon.com JOIN US ON THE ROAD: www.cre8tiveconotr.com Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Forbes Riley: How to Pitch Without Sounding Salesy (Life Is a Pitch) | 05 Nov 2026 | 00:27:44 | |
JOIN US LIVE IN ORLANDO! www.cre8tiveconotr.com What does it take to sell $2.5 billion in products? According to Forbes Riley, it starts with one belief: life is a pitch. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Dominick Domasky sits down with the legendary entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and infomercial icon behind 197+ infomercials and multiple bestselling books. Forbes breaks down what makes a pitch work, why most people get it wrong, and how better communication can change your business and your life. Networking events, podcast interviews, sales calls, social media DMs: every interaction is a chance to connect, build trust, and create momentum. Forbes shows you how to make the most of each one. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Forbes also shares stories from working with Kim Kardashian, Mario Lopez, Richard Simmons, Serena Williams, Grant Cardone, and Fabio, and reveals how a single great pitch has changed the direction of her career more than once. About the host Dominick Domasky is the founder of Motivation Champs Media, a publisher, storyteller, and brand builder who helps authors turn their stories into books, businesses, and opportunities. His message has never changed: your story matters, and learning to tell it well can change everything. Co-host Julie Lokun sat this one out while preparing for Cre8tive Con OTR Boston 2026. A media strategist, publicist, podcast expert, and co-founder of Cre8tive Con, Julie helps entrepreneurs build visibility, authority, and real business growth through media and meaningful connection. Key takeaway The best entrepreneurs aren’t just better at selling. They’re better at communicating. They connect, they build trust, and they articulate their value clearly. Connect + Take Action
Connect with Julie Lokun: Get Obsessed Podcast Connect with Dominick Domasky: Motivation Champs Media Keywords: Forbes Riley, how to pitch, sales pitch tips, pitching without being salesy, infomercial, entrepreneur communication, networking tips, Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Content Burnout Is Real: Do You Really Need to Post 900 Times a Day? | Julie Lokun vs. Dominick Domasky | 02 Nov 2026 | 00:16:21 | |
Secure your Spot For Cre8tive Con Orlando x PodFest x BookThinkers www.cre8tiveconotr.com Content, content, content. Is anyone else exhausted? On this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, co-hosts Julie Lokun, JD, and Dominick Domasky take opposite sides of the content debate. Julie believes in the power of content but hates that being an entrepreneur has turned into running a full-time content factory. Dom breathes it, lives it, and probably dreams in algorithms. The spark? Learning that Gary Vaynerchuk posts roughly 900 pieces of content a day across his businesses. Not nine. Not 90. Nine hundred. Julie and Dom unpack what that means for the average entrepreneur without a camera crew, why “document, don’t create” is the shortcut most people miss, and how to tell the difference between content that builds a business and content that just builds vanity metrics. Along the way: a motorcycle ride to Wisconsin, kids who demand “take that down, Mom,” the surprising truth about personal posts on LinkedIn, and a landscaping-business story from Dom’s dad that might be the best marketing lesson you hear all year. Join Us in Orlando, January 14th! Want to learn content creation inside an actual creator’s studio? Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando is happening January 14, 2027, alongside PodFest and BookThinkers, the community built by Nick Hutchison. Network, grow your business, make content on the spot, and get a PodFest Orlando Creator’s Pass for just $49.99. Seats are limited. Save your spot at www.cre8tiveconotr.com. What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
Memorable Quotes: “Are we actually building businesses anymore, or are we just feeding the social media beast?” – Julie Lokun “If you’re just putting out BS content that has nothing to do with anything, you’re wasting your time.” – Dominick Domasky “Is it building your business, or is it just building the vanity metrics?” – Julie Lokun “It’s a door knock. Enough knocks.” – Dominick Domasky “Social is a free distribution model.” – Dominick Domasky Who This Episode Is For: Entrepreneurs, podcasters, coaches, authors, consultants, and small business owners who feel buried by the pressure to post constantly. It’s also for anyone who wants a simple, strategic content plan that fits real life. Where Creatives Connect: Cre8tive Con This debate is exactly the kind of conversation that happens at Cre8tive Con, the Chicago-based entrepreneurship conference that helps founders, creatives, and thought leaders amplify their message and own their ecosystem instead of renting their audience. Join our community of entrepreneurs in the Cre8tive Con Facebook group, DM us on Instagram at @cre8tivecon, catch us on the road at Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando on January 14th, and stay tuned for Cre8tive Con 2027 in Chicago. Tell Us Your Path! How are you creating content? Is your road to success built on content, networking, creativity, or sheer luck? DM us on Instagram at @cre8tivecon. We want to hear it. Meet the Hosts: Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, founder of The Mediacasters, and co-founder of Cre8tive Con and Dragonfly Podcast Academy. Dominick Domasky is CEO of Media Champs Publishing and COO of Cre8tive Con. FAQs How much content do entrepreneurs really need to post? Not 900 pieces a day. Julie and Dom agree that consistency and strategy beat volume. Start with what you have, focus on where your audience lives, and repurpose long-form content into shorter pieces instead of creating from scratch every day. What is the PIES content framework? PIES is Dominick Domasky’s weekly content plan: Promote, Inspire, Engage, and Sometimes Sell. It gives you a simple structure so you never sit down on a Friday wondering what to post. What does “document, don’t create” mean? Instead of producing a polished show, you share what’s already happening in your business: recording a podcast, mailing books, heading into a client meeting. It’s faster, more authentic, and builds trust. Should entrepreneurs post personal content? Yes, when it’s on-brand and on the right platform. Personal posts show people you’re real, which builds trust and relationships. Julie has found that personal posts often get more attention on LinkedIn than static business posts. (Just check with your kids first.) What’s the best content strategy if I only have 30 minutes a day? Plan your week ahead, turn long-form content like podcasts and interviews into short clips and blogs, and reshare posts that got engagement before. Where can I meet the hosts of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast in person? Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky are hosting Cre8tive Con OTR in Orlando on January 14, 2027, alongside PodFest and BookThinkers. They also host the flagship Cre8tive Con conference in Chicago. Love the show? Share, subscribe, and leave a review. Julie reads every one! Then come say hi in person at Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando. Until then, keep creating. Tags: creative entrepreneur podcast, content strategy for entrepreneurs, content burnout, social media marketing, Gary Vaynerchuk content model, document don’t create, content repurposing, PIES framework, vanity metrics, personal branding, LinkedIn content, blogging for business, small business marketing, 30-minute content plan, Julie Lokun, Dominick Domasky, Cre8tive Con, Cre8tive Con OTR, PodFest Orlando, BookThinkers, entrepreneurship podcast, business podcast Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Toy That Made Me a Creative: What Barbie Taught Me About Entrepreneurship, Branding, and Building a World from Nothing with Julie Lokun | 30 Oct 2026 | 00:06:59 | |
JOIN US LIVE IN ORLANDO! www.cre8tiveconotr.com Before she had a microphone, a law degree, or a single listener, Julie Lokun, JD had a shag carpet and a shoebox full of Barbies. And that girl on the floor wasn’t just playing. She was producing. In this solo episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie, founder of The Mediacasters and co-founder of Cre8tive Con, takes you back to where her creative engine started. The Dreamhouse was never enough, so she expanded the empire: the bookshelf became a high-rise, the jewelry box became the nightclub, and the bathtub became Malibu. Every doll had a backstory. Ken was the supporting character. And the storylines ran for days, cliffhangers included. That was her first serialized show. Julie breaks down how imaginative play is a safe place to be ambitious, and how her Barbie gave closing arguments to a jury of stuffed animals and anchored the evening news into a hairbrush mic. Lawyer, journalist, host. She wasn’t daydreaming. She was rehearsing. She also covers the tinfoil gown theory of entrepreneurship: you don’t wait for the perfect set. You build it with what’s in the room. That’s the same energy behind launching her first podcast from a closet with a blanket and one well-researched mic. If you’ve lost touch with the joy of making things up, this episode is your permission slip to go back to the carpet. What You’ll Learn
What did you play with for hours? Legos, chalk, dolls, a backyard kingdom? It’s a clue to the creator you already are. Tell Julie what toy made you a creative. Drop it in the comments or DM her. She wants your origin story. Links and ResourcesCre8tive Con
Julie Lokun, JD
Co-host Dominick Domasky
Partner With the Show
Press: Cre8tive Con and Julie Lokun in the News
What is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is a business and creativity podcast hosted by Julie Lokun, JD and Dominick Domasky. It features conversations with entrepreneurs, creators, authors, and thought leaders about building brands, growing businesses, and monetizing your message. It ranks in the top 0.05% of podcasts globally on Listen Notes. Who is Julie Lokun? Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant. She is the founder of The Mediacasters, co-founder of Cre8tive Con, Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and Dragonfly Cre8tions, and co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and the Get Obsessed Podcast. She holds a JD from John Marshall Law School/UIC and a BA in Journalism from Indiana University, and she is a contributing writer for Entrepreneur Magazine and MindValley. What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is a business conference for entrepreneurs, creatives, authors, podcasters, and speakers, co-founded by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky. Its flagship event is in Chicago, and the Cre8tive Con OTR series brings smaller, high-energy events to cities across the country. What is Cre8tive Con OTR? Cre8tive Con OTR is the traveling version of Cre8tive Con. Each stop is an intimate gathering for entrepreneurs to build partnerships, grow visibility, and learn strategies for monetizing their message. Past stops include Boston, and the next stop is Orlando on January 14, 2027. What does “own your ecosystem, don’t rent your audience” mean? It’s Julie Lokun’s guiding philosophy. Instead of depending on social media algorithms you don’t control, you build your own platforms, such as a podcast, email list, community, and events, so your audience relationship belongs to you. How does childhood play relate to entrepreneurship? Imaginative play builds the same skills entrepreneurs use: storytelling, world-building, problem-solving, and resourcefulness. In this episode, Julie explains how directing Barbie storylines taught her to build brands, produce content, and launch with whatever was in the room. What is world-building in branding? World-building in branding means creating a consistent universe around your business, with clear rules, recognizable characters, and a distinct vibe. Julie compares a strong brand or podcast to a Dreamhouse: a world people want to step into and come back to. How can I reconnect with my creativity as an adult? Julie recommends going back to what you played with for hours as a kid, whether that was Legos, chalk, dolls, or a backyard kingdom. Make something just for the joy of it, use what’s already around you, and stop waiting for the perfect setup. How do I start a podcast without a studio? Start with what you have. Julie launched her first podcast from a closet with a blanket for sound dampening and one well-researched microphone. Resourcefulness beats perfection. Where can I listen to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Audible, and most major podcast platforms. Hashtags#CreativeEntrepreneur #CreativeEntrepreneurPodcast #JulieLokun #Cre8tiveCon #OwnYourEcosystem #WorldBuilding #BrandBuilding #WomenEntrepreneurs #CreativeOriginStory #PodcastStrategy #KeepCreating Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| John Wayne Gacy and The Business of True Crime : The Halloween Episode with Karen Conti | 29 Oct 2026 | 00:27:40 | |
Meet Us Live: Cre8tive Con OTR, Orlando
Want to build your brand, stretch your comfort zone, and get in the room with media pros? Cre8tive Con OTR lands in Orlando on January 14, 2027, during Podfest week. The theme is Monetize Your Message, a high-energy, intimate session for entrepreneurs, podcasters, authors, and speakers ready to turn their expertise into income. Seats are limited. Grab your spot: www.cre8tiveconotr.com Cre8tive Con Chicago: www.cre8tivecon.com Episode SummaryLights low, doors locked. This Halloween, Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Karen Conti, veteran Chicago trial attorney, longtime host of The Karen Conti Show on WGN Radio 720, and award-winning author of Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy: Defending America’s Most Evil Serial Killer on Death Row. Karen served on the final death row defense team for John Wayne Gacy, the “Killer Clown” who murdered 33 young men and boys and buried most of them beneath his Chicago-area home. She opens up about meeting Gacy in lockup, why a sociopath can mask his sickness so well, why she fought his execution despite his guilt, and how the death threats she received eventually turned into a national media career on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and WGN. Then the conversation turns to business. Karen shares how she controlled her narrative, why being “camera ready” is non-negotiable, how to pitch yourself to producers who have fewer staff than ever, and why likability and networking beat raw talent. Plus, a spooky-season edition of Jules’s Rules: the most infamous serial killers of all time, from Jeffrey Dahmer and Ted Bundy to Ed Kemper, Ed Gein, the Green River Killer, and Karen’s top pick, Jack the Ripper. What You’ll Learn
“Stretch your abilities, have confidence, and then work hard to prove that you can do what you say you’re going to do.” — Karen Conti “If you want people to help you, help them first. Be invaluable to them. Be the go-to person for your lane.” — Karen Conti “My father always told me, ‘I can’t make people laugh unless they like me.’” — Karen Conti Frequently Asked QuestionsWho is Karen Conti? Karen Conti is a Chicago trial attorney, legal analyst, host of The Karen Conti Show on WGN Radio 720, and author of Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy. She has appeared on CNN, Fox News, MSNBC, and Court TV. Did Karen Conti defend John Wayne Gacy? Yes. Karen was part of Gacy’s final death row appeals team in the early 1990s. Her goal was never to free him, but to stop the execution because she opposes the death penalty. What is Killing Time with John Wayne Gacy about? It’s Karen’s firsthand account of representing Gacy on death row, including her conversations with him, the media circus around his execution, and her questions about additional victims and possible accomplices. What media tips does Karen Conti give entrepreneurs? Be camera ready at all times, pick a clear area of expertise, pitch ready-made segments to producers, help journalists even when you’re not on air, review your own appearances, and network relentlessly. What is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? A top-ranked business news podcast hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, where entrepreneurship, media strategy, and pop culture collide. Connect With Karen Conti
Julie Lokun, JD: media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant Dominick Domasky: publisher, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of Motivation Champs ️ The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast
If this episode gave you chills (the good kind), please rate, review, and share The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. Keep creating, and happy Halloween! Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Turn Your Passion Into a Podcast Empire: Comic Book Central’s Joe Stuber on Nostalgia, Niche and 600+ Celebrity Guests | 26 Oct 2026 | 00:36:20 | |
JOIN US LIVE IN ORLANDO! JANUARY 14th Turn Your Passion Into a Podcast Empire with Joe Stuber of Comic Book Central What do Gary Vee, Jim Kwik, and Stan Lee have in common? They’re all comic book fans, and so is today’s guest. On this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Joe Stuber, Emmy award-winning writer, producer, and host of Comic Book Central. He started as a small-town TV photojournalist whose first-ever interview was Charlton Heston. In 2013 he bet on his obsession and launched the world’s first podcast devoted entirely to interviews with the talent behind comic book adaptations. More than 600 guests later, his list includes Stan Lee, Mark Hamill, William Shatner, Whoopi Goldberg, Henry Winkler, and Jane Seymour. Joe explains how nostalgia, storytelling, and niche passion become a business asset. He covers the “patience and perseverance” method for booking A-list guests, why most shows quit before episode 12, and how he uses AI to handle the grind: chapters, descriptions, SEO, and thumbnails. There’s also a full-on Yinzer detour, and Michael Keaton gets crowned the best Batman. In this episode you’ll learn
“Just do it because you want to do it, not because you think you’re gonna be the next Joe Rogan.” — Joe Stuber Connect with Joe Stuber & Comic Book Central
Monetize Your Message is coming to Orlando on January 14, 2027, during Podfest week. This is a hands-on, off-site experience for entrepreneurs, podcasters, authors, and speakers who are ready to turn their voice into revenue. Seats are limited. Save your spot: https://www.cre8tiveconotr.com Connect with The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast
Who is Joe Stuber? Joe Stuber is an Emmy award-winning writer and producer and the creator and host of Comic Book Central. It is the first podcast devoted exclusively to in-depth interviews with the actors, writers, and creators behind comic book adaptations. How do you get big-name guests on a podcast? Joe says it comes down to patience and perseverance. Find the right contacts, show up at conventions, and keep following up. Some of his guests took him a decade to land. What is podfade? Podfade is when a podcast slowly stops publishing, usually within its first 8–12 episodes. It typically happens because of burnout, underestimating the workload, or a lack of real passion for the topic. How should podcasters use AI? Use AI as a tool. It can generate YouTube chapters, SEO descriptions, and thumbnail artwork so you can focus your time on guest prep and conversations. Keywords: Joe Stuber, Comic Book Central, comic book podcast, how to start a podcast, podcast guest booking, podfade, monetize your passion, creative entrepreneur, nostalgia marketing, AI for podcasters, Stan Lee interview, Mark Hamill podcast, Cre8tive Con OTR, Podfest Orlando Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Science of Scaling : Dr. Benjamin Hardy Lessons with Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky | 22 Oct 2026 | 00:28:19 | |
JOIN US LIVE IN ORLANDO!
Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando with BookThinkers ft. Nick Hutchison | January 14–17, 2027- www.cre8tiveconotr.com
Why Most Entrepreneurs Fail to Scale
The Benjamin Hardy Effect: Are You 2x-ing or Just Staying Busy?
In our latest episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie Lokun and Dom Domasky break down the psychological barriers to success. Using the framework established by Dr. Benjamin Hardy, we explore why the "safety net" you’ve built is actually a trap. If you are a business owner in the Boston area, it’s time to stop managing time and start managing your future. The Science of Scaling suggests that if you want to reach a goal in 10 years, you should ask yourself why you can’t do it in six months. Dr. Benjamin Hardy emphasizes that "10x is easier than 2x," and on this episode, we apply that brutal honesty to our own businesses. Local Spotlight: Cre8tive Con Boston (July 13th)Why does location matter? Because proximity is power. We are bringing the heat to Boston, Massachusetts, for Cre8tive Con.
Are you ready to burn the safety net? Register for Cre8tive Con Boston Here Are you busy, or are you actually moving the needle? Today, we’re calling out the "safety net" mentality that keeps entrepreneurs stuck in mediocrity. We discuss why a full calendar is often a mask for avoiding the one bold move that changes everything.
We are currently studying Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s principles on scaling and 10x growth. One of the biggest shifts we’ve made is realizing that Dr. Benjamin Hardy is right: you don't need more time; you need more skin in the game. By applying the "Science of Scaling," we are learning to stop the "inch-by-inch" growth and start taking exponential leaps. Connect with Your Hosts
What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is the premier gathering for creative entrepreneurs, authors, and business leaders looking to scale their brands. It’s an immersive experience focused on execution over theory. When and where is the next event? We are heading to Boston! Join us on July 13th. You can grab tickets at www.cre8tiveconotr.com. Is this event for beginners or established business owners? Both! Whether you are just starting out or looking to apply Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s scaling principles to a 7-figure business, the strategies shared in Boston will help you "drop the floor" and level up. Will Julie and Dom be there in person? Absolutely. We’ll be leading sessions, recording live, and networking with all of you. See you in Boston! Julie Lokun, JD | Founder of Big Better BrandJulie Lokun is a powerhouse entrepreneur, author, and the visionary founder of Big Better Brand. With a legal background and a shark-like instinct for branding, Julie specializes in helping entrepreneurs find their "why" and execute it with ruthless precision. As a devotee of Dr. Benjamin Hardy’s "10x" methodology, she is known for her "drop the floor" approach—eliminating the safety nets that keep business owners playing small. Julie is the lead architect behind Cre8tive Con, bringing her high-octane energy to the Boston stage on July 13th. When she isn't coaching elite brands or hosting the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, she is managing a household of four boys and proving that "work-life balance" is less about time management and more about energy management.
Dominick Domasky is a professional "YES" man turned "NO" strategist, author, and the founder of Motivation Champs. After years of navigating the highs and lows of the sales world, Dom has dedicated his career to sharing the stories of the "underdogs" and helping people turn their failures into fuel. Through his work with Dr. Benjamin Hardy's scaling principles, Dom focuses on "raising the floor" by helping entrepreneurs eliminate the low-level tasks that drain their income-generating potential. As a publisher and media strategist, Dom helps authors and speakers get their message to the masses without the "fluff." He is the co-host of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and will be co-leading the charge at Cre8tive Con in Boston this July. Dom’s mission is simple: to help you stop lying to yourself about your progress and start executing like a champion.
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Ex-Scientologist Anne Gollert Hill: 20 Years in the Sea Org, Tom Cruise and Escaping to Joy | 19 Oct 2026 | 00:35:54 | |
Join Us Live in Orlando! Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando with BookThinkers ft. Nick Hutchison | January 14–17, 2027 www.cre8tiveconotr.com What happens when you sign your life away for a billion years and wake up two decades later realizing you have to walk away from everything? Check out more about Anne and her new book- Escape to Joy | A Memoir by Anne Gollert Hill Anne Gollert Hill joined Scientology in 1988 and rose into the Sea Org, the organization’s most devoted inner circle. She worked at the highest levels, in the orbit of leader David Miscavige and its most famous faces, including Tom Cruise. For 14 years she wrote the official messaging, 18 hours a day, seven days a week. Then in 2007 she did the one thing she’d been trained to fear most. She left with just the clothes on her back. Escaping was only chapter one. Fresh off her viral appearance on The Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show, Anne joins Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky on The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. They talk about how she rebuilt her life from zero, why she started TikTok at 65, and how she turned the hardest chapter of her life into a platform, a purpose, and a brand. Her account has passed 1.3 million views in six months. Her message is simple and hard-won: no matter what you’ve been through, you deserve joy. In this episode:
(No timecodes in the transcript, so drop in times from your edit.)
Anne Gollert Hill is an author, speaker, and Scientology survivor. She joined Scientology in 1988 and spent nearly 20 years inside, 14 of them in the Sea Org. She served in international communications and marketing at Scientology’s highest levels, including Gold Base, where she wrote official magazines and messaging. She walked out of the Flag Land Base in Clearwater, Florida, on August 3, 2007, with only the clothes on her back. Today she educates millions on TikTok about coercive control and cult recovery. She writes on Substack and is the author of the upcoming memoir Escape To Joy: Reclaiming Identity, Strength, and Self After Scientology’s Coercive Control. CONNECT WITH ANNE
Who is Anne Gollert Hill? Anne Gollert Hill is a former Scientologist who spent nearly 20 years in the organization, 14 of them in the Sea Org, before leaving in 2007. She is now an author, speaker, and TikTok creator who educates people about coercive control and cult recovery. Was Anne Gollert Hill on The Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show? Yes. Anne appeared on The Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show in October 2026. Her appearance came just months after she started posting about Scientology on TikTok. What is the Sea Org? The Sea Org is Scientology’s most dedicated inner order. Members sign a symbolic billion-year contract and live and work together under the organization’s control. What is Anne Gollert Hill’s book? Her upcoming memoir is Escape To Joy: Reclaiming Identity, Strength, and Self After Scientology’s Coercive Control. What are the relationship red flags discussed in this episode? Love bombing, insults disguised as jokes, isolation from friends and family, constant gossip about others, and gaslighting. KEYWORDS / TAGSAnne Gollert Hill, Scientology, ex-Scientologist, Sea Org, leaving Scientology, Scientology survivor, David Miscavige, Tom Cruise Scientology, Jenny McCarthy Scientology, Jenny McCarthy Wahlberg Show, cult recovery, coercive control, cult red flags, love bombing, gaslighting, Escape To Joy, TikTok creator over 60, storytelling, personal brand, Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie Lokun, Dominick Domasky Hashtags: #Scientology #ExScientologist #SeaOrg #CultRecovery #AnneGollertHill #JennyMcCarthy #TomCruise #CoerciveControl #CreativeEntrepreneur #PodcastGuest #StorytellingMatters Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Find Your Intersection: How Madonna, MrBeast and McDonald’s Got Rich Where Two Worlds Collide with Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky | 12 Oct 2026 | 00:22:08 | |
JOIN US IN ORLANDO LIVE JANUARY 14th/ + PODFEST + BOOKTHINKERS PASS!
Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando with BookThinkers ft. Nick Hutchison | January 14–17, 2027
Find Your Intersection: How Madonna, MrBeast & McDonald’s Got Rich Where Two Worlds Collide
Talent is the entry fee. The intersection is the jackpot. The world has never rewarded the most talented person in the room. Madonna wasn’t the strongest vocalist of the ’80s, but she saw that a new cable channel needed a face, and she became the face of MTV. McDonald’s didn’t win on the burger. It won by cutting a window into the side of a building and crashing fast food into America’s car culture. MrBeast is really a logistics company and a chocolate empire that happens to have a camera crew. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky go through the drive-through of history’s biggest collisions. They cover how JFK won on television, how Roosevelt used radio, how Obama used social media, and how Trump used algorithms. They look at how European bands took over early MTV because they already knew how to make music videos, and how Oprah turned the book club into a bestseller machine. They also cover how Disney built two lanes that fed each other: the parks sold the channel, and the channel sold the parks. Then they bring it to the present. AI, video, community, commerce and live events are all colliding at once. The tools that used to cost millions now cost a monthly subscription, and the gatekeepers are gone. The question is whether you’re brave enough to build at the intersection or whether you’re still standing in line waiting for permission. What you’ll learn
“Talent is the entry fee. The intersection is the jackpot.” — Julie Lokun “If you’re chasing trends, you’ll be chasing your tail your whole life.” — Dominick Domasky “There are no gatekeepers standing between you and your drive-through window.” — Julie Lokun “Eventually you gotta push record. You can’t live in a world of paralysis by analysis.” — Dominick Domasky “Own your ecosystem. Don’t rent your audience.” — Julie Lokun Your homeworkBefore you close this episode, write down two things you do that nobody has ever combined. Then share your collision in the comments or in our Facebook community. Julie and Dom want to see what you’re building. If this episode sparked something, share it with one entrepreneur who is still waiting for permission. Ready to build at the intersection?This is exactly what we do at Cre8tive Con: podcasts, books, community, live events and AI all in one room, so you can find your intersection and own your ecosystem. Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando, January 14, 2027. Join us during Podfest week for Monetize Your Message, a hands-on session for entrepreneurs, podcasters, authors and speakers who are ready to turn their voice into revenue. Seats are limited. Register at www.cre8tiveconotr.com Mentioned in this episode
This episode is for entrepreneurs, podcasters, authors, coaches, speakers and creators who are tired of chasing trends and want a lasting strategy for growth. It also suits anyone wondering how to use AI, YouTube or live events without losing their voice, and anyone ready to stop waiting for permission. If you’re coming to Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando, start here. FAQsWhat is an “intersection” in business? It’s the point where two forces collide, such as a new platform and a ready message, or a product and a cultural shift. It creates outsized growth that talent alone can’t. Should entrepreneurs follow trends? Julie and Dom say no. Chasing trends keeps you reactive. The better move is to know where your audience’s attention is and bring your passion there. Is AI content hurting brands? Audience fatigue with AI-generated content is growing. AI works best as a tool that supports real expertise, not as a replacement for it. What is the “two lanes” strategy? You run two platforms that feed each other, such as a podcast and a book, or YouTube and a Facebook community. Disney’s parks and TV channel are the classic example. About your hostsJulie Lokun, JD, is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist and brand consultant. She founded The Mediacasters and co-founded Cre8tive Con and Dragonfly Podcast Academy. She also co-hosts Get Obsessed and writes for Entrepreneur and MindValley. Dominick Domasky is CEO of Media Champs Publishing and COO of Cre8tive Con. He is a storyteller, publisher and lifelong believer in turning the camera around. Remember: keep building and keep creating. Tagsintersection strategy, entrepreneur podcast, personal branding, Madonna MTV, MrBeast business model, McDonald’s drive-through, AI content backlash, AI for entrepreneurs, YouTube growth strategy, content creation, go viral, own your ecosystem, podcast and book strategy, Disney business model, creator economy, Cre8tive Con, Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando, Podfest 2027, monetize your message, Julie Lokun, Dominick Domasky, Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| People Are Not Brands: Why Purpose Beats Personal Branding with Dan Scott on Legacy, IP and Financial Freedom for Creatives | 05 Oct 2026 | 00:33:06 | |
Is your "personal brand" holding you back? On this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, co-host Dominick Domasky, CEO of Media Champs Publishing and COO of Cre8tive Con, holds down the mic while Julie Lokun, JD, co-founder of Cre8tive Con, is out on assignment. His guest is Dan Scott, a musician since age seven, an attorney, and co-founder of Spotlight, an advisory firm that helps creatives align their work, money, and purpose. Dan trained in the private client practice at Sullivan & Cromwell, one of the most prestigious law firms in the world, where he planned estates and business structures for affluent families. He saw a gap: wealthy families got sophisticated planning, and artists didn't. He spent more than a decade becoming a thought leader in legacy planning for artists, drawing on high-profile estate battles like those of Prince and Tom Petty. That work led him to launch Spotlight, which he calls "the co-CEO of your life" for creatives. Dan is also the author of The Experience of Financial Freedom. Connect with Dan Scott Dan Scott | LinkedIn and Spotlight Advisory Group | Helping Creatives Thrive | Management for Creatives Join Us in Orlando, January 14th! Ready to turn your purpose into profit, just like Dan teaches? Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando is coming on January 14, 2027, during Podfest week. Monetize Your Message is an intimate, high-impact experience for entrepreneurs, podcasters, authors, and speakers who are ready to turn their voice into revenue. Seats are limited. Save your spot at www.cre8tiveconotr.com. What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Memorable Quotes: "People are not brands." – Dan Scott "Nobody actually wants money. They want what they think money can provide." – Dan Scott "Numbers don't matter, impact does." – Dan Scott "If you don't know why the brand is, you probably don't know why you are." – Dan Scott Who This Episode Is For: Musicians, authors, podcasters, artists, coaches, speakers, and creative entrepreneurs. It's also for anyone who has a great idea but hasn't yet defined the why behind it. Where Creatives Connect: Cre8tive Con This conversation captures the spirit of Cre8tive Con, the Chicago-based entrepreneurship conference that helps founders, creatives, and thought leaders amplify their message and own their ecosystem instead of renting their audience. Catch us on the road at Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando on January 14th, and stay tuned for Cre8tive Con 2027 in Chicago. Meet the Hosts: Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, founder of The Mediacasters, and co-founder of Cre8tive Con. Dominick Domasky is CEO of Media Champs Publishing and COO of Cre8tive Con. FAQs What does Dan Scott mean by "people are not brands"? Brands win by being one clearly defined thing, while humans are complex and multifaceted. Rather than becoming a brand, Dan advises turning some aspect of your purpose into a brand that communicates through commerce. How can creative entrepreneurs protect their intellectual property and legacy? Dan recommends giving your work a legal structure the law recognizes, such as copyright, LLCs, corporations, and trusts. He also advises separating the control and administration of your assets from their economic benefit, so your vision outlives you. What is punk rock economics? It's Dan Scott's philosophy of treating money as a tool, not a goal. You learn the rules of the financial "game" so it doesn't defeat you, but you never adopt its values as your measure of success. What is the difference between estate planning and legacy planning? An estate is your property and financial assets. A legacy is the purpose your life served. Dan's work helps creatives live the legacy they want to leave. Where can I meet the hosts of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast in person? Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky are hosting Cre8tive Con OTR in Orlando on January 14, 2027, during Podfest week. They also host the flagship Cre8tive Con conference in Chicago. Love the show? Share, subscribe, and leave a review. Julie reads every one! Then come say hi in person at Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando. Tags: creative entrepreneur podcast, personal branding, legacy planning for artists, intellectual property for creatives, estate planning for musicians, financial freedom, creator economy, 1000 true fans, brand strategy, purpose-driven business, monetize your message, Dan Scott, Spotlight, Dominick Domasky, Julie Lokun, Cre8tive Con, Cre8tive Con OTR, Orlando entrepreneur event, Podfest 2027, entrepreneurship podcast, business podcast Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Stop Chasing Leads, Start Building Lighthouses: Heart-Centered Networking with Mike Ashabraner | 28 Sep 2026 | 00:32:36 | |
What if the best marketing strategy you'll ever use is simply being yourself? On this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun, JD and Dominick Domasky sit down with Mike Ashabraner, known as The Redneck Connecktor, the Louisville, Kentucky entrepreneur behind the Hounds of Business community. Mike is funny, blunt, and unapologetically real, and he's built something most entrepreneurs only talk about: a business ecosystem where people from every walk of life, every political stripe, and every stage of business actually want to show up for each other. Mike doesn't chase fish. He builds lighthouses. And in this conversation, he breaks down exactly how heart-centered entrepreneurs can grow a business without fast-food tactics, forced sales calls, or pretending to be someone they're not. What You'll LearnWhy inner work is a business skill. Mike explains how doing your own inner work "removes the buttons" other people push, so you stop reacting to difficult personalities and start seeing the mask instead of the person. That shift changes how you show up in every room. The difference between connection and flattery. Flattery says you want something. Mike shares how genuine observation, like telling a stranger they seem to have fond memories of a place, opens doors that pitching never will. His warning: if you're performing to get money, it will expose you. The Costco sausage lesson. A 20-minute conversation with a sample lady (and five sausages he never planned to buy) became the blueprint for how Hounds of Business markets: let people test drive and sample what you do instead of persuading them. Why Hounds of Business is an ecosystem, not a networking group. It's not BNI, not an engagement pod, and not a media network. Mike describes it as a pack for "strays," the entrepreneurs who already move with heart but haven't found their people yet. Building lighthouses instead of buying lead gen. Too many entrepreneurs spend thousands on systems that promise everything because they lack the clarity to make any marketing work. Mike and Steve Woodruff, the "king of clarity," are tackling that problem head-on with clarity workshops. Who the Hounds serve. Newer founders who don't want to waste four years of time, money, and heart, and seasoned pros who succeeded faster than expected and now face a pile of new challenges. Members range from a Hollywood stuntman turned soul guide to a highly accredited wealth advisor spreading kindness worldwide. The business must fit the person carrying it. Borrowing Bruce Lee's "be like water" idea, Mike argues you should be the same person 24/7, define success on your own terms, and recognize that some tactics are either wrong for you or right at the wrong time. Jules Rules: Best Things to Do OutdoorsIn honor of Mike from Kentucky, Julie weighs in on the best outdoor activities. The crew lands on bonfires, pig roasts, hiking, kayaking, sun tanning, outdoor gun ranges, and camping (with glamping as Julie's preferred compromise), plus a very honest conversation about Julie's closet redneck and why the slower pace of the South lets her breathe. Memorable Quotes"How the hell can somebody push a button that you took off?" — Mike Ashabraner "Flattering says I want something." — Mike Ashabraner "Opportunity won't plop its ass on the couch next to you." — Mike Ashabraner "Mike doesn't chase fish. He is building lighthouses." — Julie Lokun Connect with Mike Ashabraner and Hounds of Business
Mike's advice for reaching out: just say, "Hey Mike, you said reach out." You don't have to know what to say. The Hounds will take it from there. About Your HostsJulie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant whose shows rank in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 on Apple Podcasts weekly. She is the founder of The Mediacasters LLC, co-founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and Cre8tive Con, and a contributing writer for Entrepreneur Magazine and MindValley. Her guiding philosophy: own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience. Connect with Julie: www.julielokunconsulting.com Dominick Domasky is the Founder of Motivation Champs Media, a bestselling author, speaker, co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, and co-founder of Cre8tive Con. He brings the energy, the community, and the conviction that business does not have to be boring. Connect with Dominick: www.motivationchamps.com About The Creative Entrepreneur PodcastThe Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is where entrepreneurs, authors, and creative disruptors come to build something extraordinary, out loud. Hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, the show ranks in the top 0.05% of podcasts globally and consistently lands in the top 5 on Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe: Creative Entrepreneur on Apple Podcasts If you love this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. That is the fuel for our fire. Join Us Live: Cre8tive ConMike builds lighthouses. Cre8tive Con is where you build yours, in person. Co-founded by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, Cre8tive Con brings entrepreneurs, podcasters, authors, and speakers into the room to own their ecosystem instead of renting their audience.
Tickets and info: www.cre8tivecon.com On The Road tour: www.cre8tiveconotr.com Take the Own Your Ecosystem assessment: www.cre8tivepower.com Join the community: Cre8tive Con Facebook Group Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Podcasting Isn't Dead: PodFest CEO Nick Pavlidis on Turning a Podcast Into a Business Asset in 2026 | 21 Sep 2026 | 00:39:27 | |
Is podcasting dying? New show launches have cratered since the 2020 boom, but 58% of Americans now listen monthly, and podcast ad revenue hit $2.9 billion, up 18%. Fewer shows, more listening, more money. This isn't a graveyard. It's a wide-open runway. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie Lokun, JD, and Dominick Domasky sit down with Nick Pavlidis, CEO of PodFest Expo, former New York big-law attorney, and ghostwriter of 100+ books, including seven Wall Street Journal and eight USA Today bestsellers. Nick breaks down why podcasting has shifted from a broadcast channel to a community engagement channel, and why the shows winning in 2026 treat a podcast as a product, not promotion. Nick's story is a masterclass in strategic career change. A 13-year attorney on the partnership track, he negotiated a predictable schedule, made a lateral move, signed his first ghostwriting client in December 2015, and left law in 2016. His parents, who just marked 50 years running their sandwich shop, came around once his book was translated into 21 languages. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN
JULES RULES: What makes an event unforgettable? Food, drumlines, and a follow-up on the calendar before you leave the hallway. KEY TAKEAWAY Start with the end in mind. Decide who you need in your corner three years from now, then create content that earns those relationships. The best shows invite people into your world and advocate for your listener. MEET THE GUEST Nick Pavlidis, CEO, PodFest Expo: https://podfestexpo.com Authority Ghostwriting: https://authorityghostwriting.com MEET YOUR HOSTS Julie Lokun, JD, media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant: https://julielokunconsulting.com Dominick Domasky, bestselling author, publisher, and founder of Motivation Champs: https://motivationchamps.com JOIN US LIVE AT CRE8TIVE CON Cre8tive Con is the traveling conference for podcasters, authors, speakers, and creative entrepreneurs. Cre8tive Con 2027 is coming to Chicago, and Cre8tive Con OTR lands in Orlando on January 17, 2027, as we head to PodFest. Find your stop: https://cre8tivecon.com Own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience: https://cre8tivepower.com More episodes: https://cre8tiveconpod.com FAQ Is podcasting still worth starting in 2026? Yes. Monthly listening is at an all-time high and ad revenue is climbing, while far fewer new shows are launching. That means less competition for your audience. What is PodFest Expo? PodFest is a podcasting conference in Orlando for independent creators, led by CEO Nick Pavlidis. How do you turn a podcast into a business? Build it around a clear goal, invite guests your audience needs, and turn listeners into a community. Will AI replace ghostwriters? Nick uses AI for ideation and checking work, but says high-end clients pay for strategic guidance, not words. TOPICS: podcast growth, podcast monetization, PodFest Expo Orlando, ghostwriting, book marketing, event networking, personal branding SUBSCRIBE Follow, rate, and review The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Keep creating. #podcasting #PodFest #NickPavlidis #CreativeEntrepreneur #Cre8tiveCon #podcastgrowth #ghostwriting #entrepreneurship #JulieLokun #DominickDomasky Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Exit Plan: How To Sell Your Business Before You Start Your Business with Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun | 16 Sep 2026 | 00:37:01 | |
Check out our LIVE events and meet us all in person! www.cre8tivecon.com This is an encore of one of the most talked-about conversations in the feed — a return visit with Jason Duncan, the man who went from an unemployed schoolteacher to building a multimillion-dollar company, then rebuilt his entire philosophy around what he calls "exit without exiting." Julie and Dominick sit down with the Cre8tive Con keynote favorite to unpack why exit strategy isn't a someday conversation — it's a Day One conversation. What We Cover:
Memorable Quotes:
Connect with Jason Duncan: Search "The Real Jason Duncan" anywhere — Instagram, LinkedIn, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Grok, NotebookLM, or Google. Subscribe to his newsletter, What's Real, every Wednesday morning. This Episode is Sponsored by Keap — sales and marketing automation built for small businesses. Capture leads, follow up instantly, and put growth on autopilot. keap.com/creative Loved this episode? Rate, review, and subscribe to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, and share it with a founder who needs to hear this before they build their own prison. Cre8tive Con — FAQsWhat is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is a live business and creator conference built around the Own Your Ecosystem framework — an 8-pillar system that helps entrepreneurs build owned audiences, content, and revenue instead of depending on rented platforms. Who founded Cre8tive Con? Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun, co-hosts of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, founded and run Cre8tive Con. Is Cre8tive Con livestreamed or available on-demand? No. Cre8tive Con is intentionally in-person only. The founders believe real authority is built through live, unfiltered experiences — not streamed or purchased engagement. What is the Own Your Ecosystem framework? It's an 8-pillar system for auditing and building a business's owned assets — audience, content, community, and revenue — rather than relying on rented platforms or borrowed attention. Does Cre8tive Con only happen in one city? No. In addition to the flagship event, Cre8tive Con runs a traveling series called Cre8tive Con OTR (On the Road), bringing the framework to cities across the country, including past stops like Boston. Who typically speaks at Cre8tive Con? Speakers are selected based on referral and real-world credibility rather than social media following — past keynotes include exit-planning expert and TEDx speaker Jason Duncan. Who should attend Cre8tive Con? Founders, podcasters, coaches, and service-based entrepreneurs who've outgrown hustle-based growth and want to build systems, audiences, and businesses that don't depend entirely on them to function. What do attendees leave with? A completed ecosystem assessment, a scored framework identifying growth priorities, and direct access to a peer network and speaker community focused on ownership over rented attention. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Can You Actually Make Money on YouTube? Aleric Heck Reveals How to Turn Viewers Into Paying Clients | 14 Sep 2026 | 00:31:39 | |
Most business owners think YouTube is just for influencers and vloggers. Aleric Heck, founder of AdOutreach, has spent the last 10 years proving otherwise — helping companies turn video content into a real, scalable revenue engine. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Aleric to unpack:
Aleric Heck is the founder and CEO of AdOutreach, a video and YouTube ads agency that has helped clients generate over $100 million in revenue. He got his start growing one of YouTube's largest app-review channels to half a million subscribers before pivoting to teach businesses how to convert viewers into paying clients through YouTube ads, organic strategy, and cross-platform video marketing. He's also the creator of ThumbnailCreator.com, an AI-powered thumbnail generation tool, and the author of the new book: Video Authority: The Art and Science of Converting Viewers Into Clients Connect with Aleric Heck:
Views don't pay the bills — clients do. Aleric's core philosophy is that business owners should design content to convert, not just to rack up views or go viral. 2. The Content Venn DiagramThe best-performing YouTube videos sit at the intersection of three things:
Every high-converting YouTube ad follows the same three-beat structure — grab attention, deliver real value, then give a clear next step. 4. Title, Thumbnail, and First 30 Seconds Are EverythingAlignment between these three elements determines whether a viewer clicks — and whether they stay. 5. In-Feed Ads Are the Underused Growth LeverUnlike traditional YouTube ads (built for direct leads), in-feed ads appear in search results and suggested videos for as little as $5–$10/day, helping already-strong organic content reach more people. 6. YouTube Is an Owned AssetPrivate equity firms are actively buying YouTube channels and equity stakes in them — something that doesn't happen with Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook content. A YouTube channel compounds in value over time because of its built-in search algorithm. Featured Links & Resources
Can you actually make money on YouTube, or is it just for influencers? Yes — YouTube can generate real, scalable business revenue beyond influencer sponsorships. Aleric Heck's agency, AdOutreach, has helped businesses generate over $100 million using YouTube ads and organic video strategy focused on converting viewers into paying clients, not just chasing views. What is the hook, educate, call-to-action framework? It's a three-part structure for high-converting YouTube ads: hook the viewer's attention, educate them with real value, and close with a clear call to action that drives them to take the next step. What are in-feed YouTube ads? In-feed ads are ads that appear in YouTube search results or suggested videos, distinct from traditional in-stream ads. They can cost as little as $5–$10 a day and are used to accelerate the growth of already-strong organic content. Why are private equity firms buying YouTube channels? Because a YouTube channel is a compounding, ownable asset — videos keep generating views (and revenue) years after publishing, unlike short-lived content on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. What is Aleric Heck's book about? Video Authority: The Art and Science of Converting Viewers Into Clients teaches coaches, consultants, and service-based business owners how to use video strategically to attract and convert ideal clients — rather than simply grow subscriber counts. Listen to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get your podcasts. DON'T FORGET TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LIVE EVENTS: www.cre8tivecon.com Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| You Wrote It. We're Reading It. : A Love Letter From Julie And Dom ( Your Favorite Entrepreneurs) | 11 Sep 2026 | 00:04:37 | |
Leave Us A Review on Apple: Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Learn About Alexa Bigwarfe's STAGES AND PAGES- Stages and Pages v. 2 -- Learn About Conner Tighe on LINKEDIN- Conner Tighe | LinkedIn Learn About Tiffany Jones- http://tiffanyjoneseducation.com/ You didn't tune in for an interview this time — you tuned in for something better: proof that this show is actually landing. In this mini-sode, Julie steps away from the guest chair to read three reviews that stopped her in her tracks — from Alexa Bigwarfe, Conner Tighe, and Tiffany Jones — and to make you an offer most podcasts won't: leave a review, and you might hear your own words read back to you on the show. Loyal fans get the perks. It's that simple. In this episode:
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Is the AI Bubble Bursting? Current Business News with Char Murphy on Why Authentic Storytelling Beats AI | 10 Sep 2026 | 00:28:50 | |
Learn More About Char Murphy and Follow Mission Hope on LinkedIn Learn More about Julie and Dom and their live events: www.cre8tivecon.com This episode opens with a data-driven look at the AI infrastructure boom — a $500 billion NVIDIA-backed bet involving Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, and Goldman Sachs — and the growing local pushback against AI data centers across the U.S. From there, the conversation pivots to a bigger question: as AI content floods every platform, is the real business opportunity in human storytelling? Guest Char Murphy — founder of Mission Hope and BelieveInspire, retired attorney, and eight-time #1 bestselling author — joins Julie and Dominick to unpack:
The episode closes with an AI-generated "Char Murphy" outro — a live experiment testing whether AI can actually capture a real person's voice and heart (spoiler: it can't quite get there). Timestamps
Char Murphy is a retired attorney, motivational speaker, and eight-time #1 bestselling author who survived breast cancer four separate times, faced near-blindness, and rebuilt her identity and career from the ground up. She is the founder of BelieveInspire and creator of the Mission Hope anthology series, a global storytelling movement and bestselling book collection curating authentic stories of resilience, faith, and healing. Guest Links:
"It's that same human interaction that we all crave and that we want. So when it comes to storytelling, if it's not the real person telling the story, then where's the legitimacy behind it?" — Char Murphy "Why let a computer tell your story for you?" — Char Murphy "If an AI is writing your story, then it's not gonna heal you. It's not gonna heal anybody else really, because that legitimacy is not coming through." — Char Murphy "Just start. Just start writing." — Char Murphy's advice to aspiring authors Resources & Mentions
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| What We Love About America | Labor Day Bonus Episode | 07 Sep 2026 | 00:59:49 | |
At The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, we love spotlighting members of our community, the businesses they’re building, the shows they’re creating and all the cool things they’re doing along the way. For this special Labor Day bonus episode, we’re featuring Not the Smartest Guys in the Room, hosted by someone you might recognize, Dominick Domasky, and his good friend Tom Langan. This episode is all about what we love about America. From freedom, opportunity and chasing a dream to football, food, road trips, small towns, big cities and plenty of uniquely American craziness, Tom and Dom celebrate the people, places and possibilities that make this country special. Entrepreneurship has always been about believing something is possible, taking a chance and creating your own path. That spirit is a big part of what we celebrate every week on The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, and it’s at the heart of this conversation too. Happy Labor Day from The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. Enjoy this special bonus episode of Not the Smartest Guys in the Room.Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| They Didn't Get Picked, They Picked Themselves: What Curry Barker, Kane Parsons and MrBeast Prove About the Creator Economy vs. Hollywood | 31 Aug 2026 | 00:24:24 | |
Join Our Live Events: www.cre8tivecon.com About this episode: This week on The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky unpack one of the biggest shifts in media history: the mainstream isn't discovering creators anymore — creators built the mainstream themselves. The conversation centers on Curry Barker's breakout horror film "Obsession," made for under $1 million and grossing over $500 million worldwide, and Kane Pixels (Kane Parsons), whose debut film opened bigger than any release in A24's history — the same weekend Disney's "Mandalorian and Grogu" dropped 70% in its second week on a $165 million budget. Julie and Dominick use these case studies to explore a bigger question: is business risk actually lower when you invest in creators with built-in, proven audiences? They walk through how the algorithm shift from follower-count-based distribution to interest-based media has leveled the playing field for entrepreneurs starting from zero, why consistency and "camera-ready" content matter more than luck, and how creators like MrBeast (Beast Bars, Beast Games on Prime Video) and Jake Paul (Prime Hydration, boxing promotion) diversified their attention into full product portfolios instead of renting an audience from a single platform. The episode also touches on a real community example — a creator who turned her personal story around on TikTok and grew fast enough to land a booking on Jenny McCarthy's podcast within months — and closes with a challenge to entrepreneurs sitting on the sidelines waiting for permission from a studio, network, or publisher that no longer holds the keys. Key Topics & Timestamps
As Julie Lokun puts it, the entrepreneurs winning right now aren't the ones with the most followers — they're the ones who understand their audience's deepest needs and treat every piece of content as a product, not a promotion. It's a principle echoed by marketing pioneer Gary Vaynerchuk, who has long argued that platforms and formats will keep shifting, but attention that gets logged and compounded over years — not chased overnight — is what eventually turns into real leverage. Who Should ListenEntrepreneurs, podcasters, content creators, marketing and brand strategists, small business owners building a media presence, and anyone deciding whether to invest time in building an audience on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram before "the industry" ever comes calling. About the HostsJulie Lokun, JD, is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant, and founder of The Mediacasters LLC. Dominick Domasky is her longtime co-host and collaborator. Together they host The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, ranked in the top 0.05% of podcasts globally on Listen Notes and top 5 weekly on Apple Podcasts. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| You May Also Like: Jam Sessions With Tina Eliana | 27 Aug 2026 | 00:30:09 | |
Check out Tina Eliana's YouTube Channel : (4) Jam Sessions with Tina Eliana - YouTube How often do we overlook our own leadership because no one has given it a title? And what changes when someone recognizes what is already within us before we are ready to claim it for ourselves? Those two questions sit at the center of Season 1, Episode 4 of Jam Sessions With Tina Eliana, where host Tina Eliana sits down with entrepreneur, author, and podcaster Julie Lokun, JD, for a conversation titled "How to Recognize Your Everyday Leadership." It is a personal, unfiltered discussion about self-trust, courage, judgment, vulnerability, belief, and influence — and about the leadership so many of us practice long before we ever recognize it as leadership at all. Because leadership does not suddenly appear the moment we get a promotion, a platform, or permission. It is already there, in the way we show up, long before anyone hands us a title. About This EpisodeLeadership is usually framed as something that happens after — after the promotion, after the platform, after someone in charge decides you're ready. This episode of Jam Sessions With Tina Eliana pushes back on that idea entirely. Tina Eliana and Julie Lokun spend the hour making the case that leadership is something most of us are already doing, quietly, in the decisions nobody sees — and that the real turning point isn't earning the title, it's finally recognizing what was already true. Julie Lokun is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, podcaster, and the founder of The Mediacasters, an omni-media company built to help entrepreneurs and creatives amplify their voices through podcasting, publishing, and public speaking. She is also the founder of Cre8tive Con and co-founder, alongside Dr. JC Doornick, of Dragonfly Podcast Academy, where entrepreneurs learn how to launch, grow, and monetize their own podcasts. Her guiding philosophy — own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience — runs underneath everything she builds, and it shows up throughout this conversation. What makes this episode especially layered is the history between the two women at the table. Julie is one of the people who recognized Tina's potential and believed in her message before Tina fully understood where that message could lead. That backstory adds a second dimension to the conversation: this isn't just two leadership voices theorizing about influence in the abstract. It's a real example of it, playing out between the two people discussing it. Julie speaks candidly about the point in her life when living according to everyone else's expectations stopped being sustainable — the moment the gap between what she was performing and what she actually wanted became too wide to keep ignoring. From there, she and Tina dig into instinct, emotion, sound judgment, and the uncomfortable truth that confidence doesn't protect any of us from a blind spot. Competence and self-awareness are not the same thing, and this episode sits directly in that gap. Key Themes Explored in This EpisodeTina and Julie explore questions that reach far beyond a job title, including:
There are moments of laughter, reflection, and real vulnerability in this episode — the kind that may leave you reconsidering where you've already been leading without realizing it, and where you might still be waiting for a permission you no longer need. Meet Julie Lokun, JDJulie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant, and the founder of The Mediacasters LLC, an omni-media company built around one core belief: creators and entrepreneurs should own their ecosystem, not rent their audience. Julie is also the co-founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and Cre8tive Con, including its traveling OTR (On The Road) series, which brings Julie's Own Your Ecosystem framework directly to entrepreneurs and creatives across the country. She co-hosts two top-ranked shows: The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast alongside Dominick Domasky, and Get Obsessed Podcast alongside Mika Altidor — both of which rank in the top 0.05% of podcasts globally on Listen Notes and regularly chart in the top 5 on Apple Podcasts. Julie holds a JD from John Marshall Law School/UIC, a BA in Journalism from Indiana University, and a Masters Certification in Life Coaching. She is also a contributing writer for Entrepreneur Magazine and MindValley. Connect with Julie Lokun:
Jam Sessions With Tina Eliana is a leadership podcast exploring intentional leadership beyond titles, positions, and organizational charts. Here, the titles get left at the door. Through candid conversations that span industries, communities, cultures, and lived experience, the show examines everyday decisions, relationships, courageous choices, self-awareness, influence, and personal responsibility — often long before anyone officially calls the person living them a "leader." No pedestal. No pretending. Just meaningful conversations about how we show up, and the influence we carry whether or not we've claimed it yet. Explore more episodes: www.jamsessionswithtinaeliana.com About Tina ElianaTina Eliana is a Leadership and Learning Systems Advisor, author, speaker, podcast host, and community builder who helps individuals recognize the leader already within themselves — and helps organizations strengthen leadership across their teams. A four-time WGU graduate and WGU Alumni Ambassador, Tina brings both an academic and a deeply personal lens to leadership development. She is also a patient advocate for Visual Snow Syndrome, an experience that informs the empathy and honesty she brings to every conversation on her show. Across all of her work runs one simple belief: leadership isn't reserved for people with titles. About Dominick DomaskyDominick Domasky is Julie Lokun's longtime collaborator and co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, one of the top-ranked shows in Julie's growing media ecosystem. Together, Julie and Dominick have built a show — and a broader creative partnership — centered on helping entrepreneurs think bigger about the media they build and the ecosystems they own. If this episode's themes of leadership, self-recognition, and owning your own narrative resonated with you, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast goes even deeper into what it takes to build and lead as a creative entrepreneur every single week. Frequently Asked QuestionsWhat is Episode 4 of Jam Sessions With Tina Eliana about? Season 1, Episode 4, titled "How to Recognize Your Everyday Leadership," features host Tina Eliana in conversation with Julie Lokun, JD, about self-trust, courage, judgment, vulnerability, belief, and the leadership many of us are already practicing before we recognize it in ourselves. Who is Julie Lokun? Julie Lokun, JD, is an entrepreneur, author, speaker, and podcaster, and the founder of The Mediacasters. She also founded Cre8tive Con and co-founded Dragonfly Podcast Academy with Dr. JC Doornick. She co-hosts The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and Get Obsessed Podcast. Who is Tina Eliana? Tina Eliana is a Leadership and Learning Systems Advisor, author, speaker, and podcast host of Jam Sessions With Tina Eliana. She is a four-time WGU graduate, a WGU Alumni Ambassador, and a patient advocate for Visual Snow Syndrome. What is "everyday leadership"? As discussed in this episode, everyday leadership refers to the leadership we practice in ordinary, unglamorous moments — showing up consistently, taking responsibility, trusting our own judgment — long before any title, promotion, or platform officially names us a leader. How does belief from another person change our direction? Julie and Tina's own relationship illustrates this directly: Julie recognized potential in Tina before Tina fully understood where her own message could lead. The episode explores how one person's early belief in another can reroute the direction of a career or a life. Why do capable, intelligent people still develop blind spots? Confidence and competence do not guarantee self-awareness. The episode unpacks why smart, accomplished people can still miss what's directly in front of them, and why humility — not intelligence — is what closes that gap. Where can I connect with Julie Lokun or learn more about her work? Visit her guest page at jamsessionswithtinaeliana.com/julie-lokun or explore her broader ecosystem, including Cre8tive Con, at www.cre8tivecon.com. Where can I listen to more episodes of Jam Sessions With Tina Eliana? You can find the full catalog of episodes at www.jamsessionswithtinaeliana.com. Is there a related podcast where Julie Lokun is the host? Yes — Julie co-hosts The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast with Dominick Domasky and Get Obsessed Podcast with Mika Altidor, both of which explore entrepreneurship, media, and building an owned audience ecosystem. Join the JamIf this conversation brings someone to mind — someone who may not yet recognize the leadership already within them — share this episode with them. It might be exactly the recognition they need. Follow Jam Sessions With Tina Eliana wherever you listen, and turn on new-episode notifications when available. After you listen, sit with this question: When did someone help you recognize the leader within yourself? Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Kwame Christian on Compassionate Curiosity: The Negotiation Framework That Ends People-Pleasing for Good | 24 Aug 2026 | 00:43:06 | |
Learn More About Our Creative Entrepreneur LIVE Events: www.cre8tivecon.com ABOUT THE EPISODE: He was a people-pleaser who said "sounds good" while dying inside. Then a negotiation class he only picked because it "fit his schedule" rewired his entire nervous system — and turned Kwame Christian, Esq. into one of the most in-demand negotiators on the planet. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur, Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Kwame Christian — CEO of the American Negotiation Institute, host of Negotiate Anything (16M+ downloads, 1,700+ episodes, the #1 negotiation podcast in the world for nearly a decade), two-time bestselling author, Forbes contributor, and the creator of LinkedIn's only negotiation certificate. Global Gurus just named him a Top 10 negotiation professional in the world for 2026, and in his spare time, he's a 99th-percentile chess player with 20,000 games logged. This conversation goes past the LinkedIn-post version of Kwame's story into the real one: a six-year-old getting rejected on the playground, a law school elective picked at random, and the framework — Compassionate Curiosity — that's now taught inside Google, Apple, and NASA. What You'll Learn
Who is Kwame Christian? Kwame Christian, Esq., M.A. is an attorney, keynote speaker, and CEO of the American Negotiation Institute. He hosts Negotiate Anything, which was the #1 negotiation podcast in the world for nearly a decade, and has trained negotiation teams at Google, Apple, and NASA. What is Compassionate Curiosity? Compassionate Curiosity is Kwame Christian's three-step framework for difficult conversations: acknowledge and validate emotions, get curious with compassion by asking open-ended questions, and move into joint problem-solving so both sides work together against the problem instead of against each other. What is the "acceptance speech test" in negotiation? It's a technique for framing an offer so strongly from the other person's perspective that they could repeat it word-for-word to their own team as a personal win, while your own interests are still built into the deal. What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is a live event experience co-founded by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, built around branding, podcasting, and creative entrepreneurship. Its traveling series, Cre8tive Con OTR, tours cities nationally and leads up to a flagship Cre8tive Con event. Who is Julie Lokun? Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant. She's the founder of The Mediacasters LLC, co-founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC (including Dragonfly Podcast Academy), and co-founder of Cre8tive Con. She co-hosts The Creative Entrepreneur and Get Obsessed, and her podcasts rank in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes. Who is Dominick Domasky? Dominick Domasky is a co-founder of Cre8tive Con and co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur podcast alongside Julie Lokun, where the two interview founders, authors, and experts on branding, business growth, and creative entrepreneurship. What is The Creative Entrepreneur podcast? The Creative Entrepreneur is a business and branding podcast hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, featuring conversations with entrepreneurs, authors, and experts like Kwame Christian on building brands, scaling businesses, and mastering the skills — like negotiation and communication — that drive long-term success. Where can I learn more about Cre8tive Con OTR? Cre8tive Con OTR is the traveling version of Cre8tive Con, bringing the event's branding and entrepreneurship programming to cities across the country as part of a national tour building toward a larger flagship event. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Own Your Ecosystem: Inside Cre8tive Con OTR Boston : AI, Automation & Trust with Kerry Brett, John Lee, Neil Rogers and Nick Hutchison | 17 Aug 2026 | 00:19:50 | |
The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast hit the road for Cre8tive Con OTR (On The Road) Boston, hosted at One Financial Center. Co-hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down post-event to unpack the blind spots most business owners never see — and the strategists who exposed them live. Inside this episode:
The hosts also share how phone-free "portal" moments (inspired by mentor Sean Finegan) shaped the room, and tease the next stop: Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando, timed around PodFest Expo. Key Takeaways
What is Cre8tive Con OTR? Cre8tive Con OTR (On The Road) is the traveling live-event series from Cre8tive Con, bringing entrepreneurs, authors, and podcasters together city by city — Boston was the launch stop, with Orlando next. What are the 8 Pillars of Owning Your Ecosystem? Website, email list, book/IP, podcast, community, content library, live events, and your own stage — the framework Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky use to help entrepreneurs stop renting audiences and start owning them. Who spoke at Cre8tive Con OTR Boston? Kerry Brett, John Lee, Neil Rodgers, Nick Hutchison, and the Keap team joined hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky. When is Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando? It's coming up around PodFest Expo — details at cre8tivecon.com. What book did John Lee talk about? His New York Times bestseller Money Unlocked, covering how to protect, grow, and scale your money. About the HostsJulie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant, and founder of The Mediacasters LLC. She co-founded Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC and Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and co-hosts both The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and Get Obsessed Podcast — both ranked in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes. Learn more at julielokunconsulting.com. Dominick Domasky is a speaker, brand strategist, and founder of Motivation Champs, known for his signature mantra: "Control it, don't let it control you." He co-founded Cre8tive Con and Cre8tive Con OTR with Julie Lokun. Learn more at motivationchamps.com. Links & Resources
Subscribe, rate, and review The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — and follow along as OTR heads to Orlando next. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Dr. Robert Epstein on Google, Grief, and the Warning He Can't Forget | 10 Aug 2026 | 00:25:16 | |
Dr. Robert Epstein says he was warned he could die for exposing the Search Engine Manipulation Effect. Months later, his wife was killed in a crash police still can't fully explain. IN THIS EPISODE WITH DR. ROBERT EPSTEIN:In Part 2 with Dr. Robert Epstein, Julie Lokun is joined by special co-host Jen Fontanilla, filling in for Dom Domasky, for a conversation that goes somewhere darker than Part 1: the personal cost of being a whistleblower. Epstein shares the warning he says he received after testifying before the U.S. Senate about the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME) — and the devastating loss of his wife, Misti, in a car accident he has publicly said made him question whether it was truly accidental. Jen and Julie sit with the weight of that story and what it means to speak truth to power when power is a trillion-dollar company. This isn't clickbait — it's a firsthand account of what it can cost to blow the whistle on Big Tech. Timestamped chapters:
Guest bio: Dr. Robert Epstein is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT), the last PhD student trained under B.F. Skinner at Harvard University, and former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today. He testified before the U.S. Senate on the Search Engine Manipulation Effect and has spoken publicly about the threat he says preceded it, as well as the loss of his wife, Misti Vaughn, in 2019. More at drrobertepstein.com. Co-host bio: Jen Fontanilla joins this episode as special co-host, filling in for Dom Domasky. More about Jen and her work at jenfontanilla.com. QUOTES:
Resource links:
Dr. Epstein also unpacks his Humanness Test, the tool he built to measure how "human" a person's responses really are — and what that means now that AI can pass for human in blind conversation studies. He points listeners to MyDigitalHygiene.com, home of his Digital Hygiene Inventory, a free assessment that scores your real-world skills for staying safe and private online. Add a chapter marker:
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What is Dr. Robert Epstein's Digital Hygiene Inventory? The Epstein Digital Hygiene Inventory (EDHI) is a free online questionnaire at MyDigitalHygiene.com that measures 11 competency areas needed to use technology safely and privately. It's available in a one-minute abridged version and a 15-minute full version, both developed through Epstein's American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT). Did Dr. Robert Epstein say he was warned about his safety? Dr. Robert Epstein has publicly stated that after briefing state attorneys general on Google's ability to influence elections, one official told him he could "die in an accident in a few months." He has referenced this warning in connection with his wife's death, though he has also said he does not believe Google or Hillary Clinton were involved. How did Misti Vaughn, Dr. Robert Epstein's wife, die? Misti Dawn Vaughn died in December 2019 after her truck spun out on a wet road in California and collided with a tractor-trailer and an SUV. Investigators found no evidence that drugs or alcohol were a factor, and Epstein has publicly questioned — without confirming — whether the crash was truly accidental. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Bar Tips: The Bartender-Turned-Author Who Cracked the Code on Sales Without Selling with Neil Rogers | 06 Aug 2026 | 00:28:25 | |
Bar Tips: The Bartender-Turned-Author Who Cracked the Code on Sales Without Selling
The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast | Julie Lokun & Dominick Domasky ft. Neil Rogers Forget the funnels. Forget the scripts. The best sales training on earth might be happening behind a bar top on a Friday night — and Neil Rogers is here to prove it. Neil is the author of Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar — a book Julie calls dog-eared, underlined, and genuinely transformational. In this episode, Julie Lokun and Dominic Domasky sit down with Neil for an unscripted conversation about what decades in hospitality taught him about selling, leading, and connecting — the human way. If you've ever felt like traditional sales advice makes you feel gross, manipulative, or fake — this episode is your reset. What You'll Learn in This Episode
Neil breaks down why bartenders are some of the most naturally gifted sales professionals alive — masters of first impressions, active listening, emotional regulation, and grace under pressure. His philosophy: "We are not in the product business. We are in the hospitality business." Whether you're closing six-figure deals or pouring drinks, the same truth applies — people want to feel seen, heard, and respected. Neil shares real stories from his career that prove trust and loyalty can't be manufactured through tactics. They're built one interaction at a time. A Conversation That Goes DeeperThis episode isn't just about sales. Neil opens up about being a father to a non-speaking autistic son, the impact the book Underestimated had on his family, and how spelling-to-communicate practices reshaped the way he thinks about empathy, patience, and truly listening — in business and in life. Featured BookBar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar by Neil Rogers Available on Amazon — a must-read for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and anyone who works with people. Who This Episode Is ForSmall business owners • Entrepreneurs & founders • Sales professionals • Coaches & consultants • Side hustlers • Creative professionals building sustainable businesses Memorable Quotes
If this episode hit home, subscribe to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with an entrepreneur who needs to hear it. It helps more creatives and founders find the show. Explore more episodes and upcoming events: www.cre8tivecon.com ️ Join us live in Chicago in 2027 at Cre8tive Con! Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Search Engine Manipulation: Dr. Robert Epstein on Who Really Controls Your Mind | 03 Aug 2026 | 00:32:11 | |
The Search Engine Manipulation Effect is real, it's measurable, and it's deciding things for you right now — including how people find your business. ABOUT THIS EPISODE OF CREATIVE ENTRPRENEUR PODCAST Dr. Robert Epstein — Harvard-trained psychologist, last PhD student under B.F. Skinner, and former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today — joins Julie Lokun and Jen Fontanilla to break down the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME), the research he presented to the U.S. Senate on how algorithms quietly shift opinions, decisions, and even elections. They connect his findings to a bigger question every creative entrepreneur needs to answer: are you building on rented land, or do you Own Your Ecosystem? This one reframes "the algorithm" from a mystery into a system you can understand — and protect yourself from. Timestamped chapters:
Guest bio: Dr. Robert Epstein is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT), the last PhD student trained under B.F. Skinner at Harvard University, and the former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today. He is the author of 15 books and more than 250 articles, and his research on the Search Engine Manipulation Effect — published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — has been the subject of testimony before the U.S. Senate. Learn more at drrobertepstein.com.
Resource links:
A special thank you to our guest co-host Jen Fontanilla! www.jenfontanilla.com Jen Fontanilla | Strategic Business Positioning for Web & Graphic Designers To learn more about Jen check out her website_ If this episode made you rethink who's really steering your business, hit follow and share it with one entrepreneur who needs to hear it. Own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience. Julie & Dominick ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO ROCKWELL: I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE SOMEBODY'S WATCHING MEWhat is the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME)? The Search Engine Manipulation Effect is Dr. Robert Epstein's research finding that biased search rankings can shift people's opinions and choices without their awareness, because most users trust top search results as neutral. Epstein's studies, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found this effect strong enough to influence election outcomes. Who is Dr. Robert Epstein? Dr. Robert Epstein is a Harvard-trained psychologist, the last PhD student under B.F. Skinner, and the former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today. He is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology and has testified before the U.S. Senate on online manipulation. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Monetize a Podcast: Midwest Murder's Jonah Lantto on Live Shows, Sponsors & Owning Your Niche | 27 Jul 2026 | 00:33:04 | |
From Basement to Business: How Jonah Lantto Turned True Crime Into a Podcasting Empire What if your next business breakthrough isn't a marketing funnel — it's a microphone? In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Jonah Lantto, co-host of Midwest Murder, one of the fastest-growing true crime podcasts in the country. Jonah shares the real, unfiltered story of how a basement side project turned into a full-time podcasting business — one built on live shows, sponsorships, merch, and an audience that trusts him enough to show up in person, city after city. This episode isn't just for true crime fans. It's a masterclass in podcast monetization, audience-building, and turning content into a real business vertical. What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Jonah Lantto is a true crime writer, live storyteller, podcast host, and wedding officiant based in the Midwest — available everywhere the story takes him. He's the co-host of Midwest Murder, a true crime podcast known for uncovering forgotten regional cases and turning them into sold-out live storytelling events across the Midwest and beyond.
Julie Lokun, JD — Media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant. Founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC and co-founder of The Mediacasters, Julie helps entrepreneurs build authority through podcasting, publicity, and strategic brand positioning. Her shows rank in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 on Apple Podcasts weekly. Dominick Domasky — Bestselling author, publisher, and founder of Motivation Champs Publishing. Co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and a tireless champion for the creative entrepreneurship movement. Join Us LiveReady to build your own creative business? Join Julie and Dom at Cre8tive Con, the national traveling entrepreneurship conference where podcasters, creators, and business builders come together to learn, connect, and grow. Rate, Review & SubscribeIf this episode inspired you to turn your voice into a business, please rate, review, and share The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — it's the best way to help more entrepreneurs find the show. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Justin Gold of Justin's Peanut Butter: From Waiting Tables to a $281 Million Empire | 20 Jul 2026 | 00:35:09 | |
Justin's Peanut Butter founder Justin Gold joins The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast to reveal how a food processor, a Boulder, Colorado kitchen, and a $281 million exit to a Fortune 500 company all started with one mountain bike ride. Hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky dig into risk-taking, raising investor capital, letting go as a founder, and why "no" just means "not now." Episode OverviewIn this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, co-hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with longtime friend and natural food industry pioneer Justin Gold, founder of Justin's Peanut Butter. Justin shares the real story behind building a nut butter brand from scratch — no ChatGPT, no roadmap, no investors — into a company acquired by a Fortune 500 giant, and why he later stepped back in to help guide it forward. What You'll Learn in This Episode
Julie's signature "best combos of all time" game makes an appearance — Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen, Siegfried & Roy, and a supply-and-demand mic drop to close it out. Guest BioJustin Gold is the founder of Justin's Peanut Butter, one of the natural food movement's most recognizable brands. Starting with a food processor and a Boulder, Colorado kitchen, Justin built a company that scaled to a landmark acquisition, all while prioritizing employee protection through the deal and staying deeply involved in brand culture and innovation today. Frequently Asked QuestionsWho founded Justin's Peanut Butter? Justin Gold founded Justin's Peanut Butter in Boulder, Colorado, starting the company with a food processor before scaling it into a nationally recognized natural food brand. How much did Justin's Peanut Butter sell for? Justin Gold's company was built into and sold as part of a deal reported at $281 million to a Fortune 500 company. Is Justin Gold still involved with Justin's Peanut Butter? Yes — while Justin is no longer CEO, he remains active in culture, innovation, quality control, and marketing for the brand. Links & Resources
Instagram: @cre8tivecon Frequently Asked Questions — Julie Lokun, Dominick Domasky & Cre8tive ConWho is Julie Lokun? Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant who operates The Mediacasters LLC, Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, and Dragonfly Podcast Academy. She hosts the Get Obsessed Podcast and co-hosts The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast with Dominick Domasky, with both shows ranking in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes. Who is Dominick Domasky? Dominick Domasky is an entrepreneur, publisher, and co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. He co-founded Cre8tive Con and Cre8tive Con OTR alongside Julie Lokun and runs Motivation Champs Publishing, an entrepreneurship-focused publishing company. What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is a flagship annual entrepreneurship conference hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago, co-created by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky. It brings together entrepreneurs, authors, and podcasters for networking, strategy sessions, and keynote programming centered on building owned business ecosystems. What is Cre8tive Con OTR? Cre8tive Con OTR ("On the Road") is the traveling version of Cre8tive Con, bringing the conference experience to cities outside Chicago. A recent OTR stop took place in Boston at One Financial Center, featuring run-of-show programming, live networking activations, and a session on the "Own Your Ecosystem" framework. What is the "Own Your Ecosystem" framework? Own Your Ecosystem is a business-building framework developed for Cre8tive Con centered on eight pillars: website, email list, book/IP, podcast, community, content library, live events, and owned stage. It's presented at Cre8tive Con events and taught at cre8tivepower.com. How can I attend or learn more about Cre8tive Con? Visit www.cre8tivecon.com for event details, and follow @cre8tivecon on Instagram for updates on upcoming Cre8tive Con and Cre8tive Con OTR events. How did Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky start The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky co-host The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast together, combining Julie's background in podcast strategy and brand consulting with Dominick's experience as a publisher and entrepreneur to interview founders and entrepreneurs about building meaningful, owned businesses. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| What Gary Vee Told Me When I Lost My Notes: Raw Lessons from VeeCon on Entrepreneurship, Hustle, and Showing Up with Gary Vaynerchuk | 13 Jul 2026 | 00:11:49 | |
What Happens When You Go Toe-to-Toe with Gary Vee and Forget Your Notes?
You go full send. And that's exactly what Creative Entrepreneur Podcast host Julie Lokun, JD did at VeeCon Indianapolis — one of the most electric entrepreneurial events on the planet — when she sat down with Gary Vaynerchuk for a conversation that no script could have produced. No color-coded notes. No safety net. Just two entrepreneurs in a room — and the kind of raw, real dialogue that changes the way you think about business, failure, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts. If you're a Gary Vee fan, a student of hustle culture, or a creative entrepreneur who's ever felt the pressure to have it all figured out — this episode is your backstage pass. ABOUT THIS EPISODEHost: Julie Lokun, JD | Media Strategist, Brand Authority & Top Global Podcaster Co-Host: Dominick Domasky (out on assignment this episode) Guest: Gary Vaynerchuk — serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia, creator of VeeFriends, and one of the most influential voices in entrepreneurship and digital marketing Recorded at: VeeCon, Indianapolis WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODEGary Vaynerchuk on the origin of VeeCon Gary didn't just wake up and launch a conference. The idea percolated for nearly a decade — born from his time as a speaker, shaped by his identity as an entrepreneur first. VeeCon was built as the live component of VeeFriends, his NFT project, with a mission to deliver the highest-impact conference experience possible. Gary's framework: don't focus on exceeding expectations. Focus on executing. The female CMO panel Gary couldn't wait to watch Gary spotlighted a powerhouse panel featuring Carla Hassan, Carolyn Tastad, Pam Kaufman, and Gale Tifford — titans of marketing and real-world friends — calling it a salon shop talk mixed with heavy business content. If you follow marketing, brand strategy, or women in leadership, this is the conversation inside the conversation. Why Gary Vee is obsessed with the 1980s It's not nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. Gary grew up in the '80s, was shaped by that era's pop culture in a deeply personal way — and he'll tell you straight: the decade we're living in right now is his least favorite, and not because of cynicism. It's because it's not finished yet. Three more years to get it going, he says. The one piece of advice Gary gives every new entrepreneur "The game is based on self-awareness and kindness to oneself." Don't beat yourself up for every miss. Losing is a feature, not a bug. Fall in love with the music — meaning the process, the game, the grind itself — and stop judging yourself against an outcome. This is the framework that built an empire. Gary Vee's only real regret He's made four mistakes today (his words), but his deepest regret? Candor. Specifically, the lack of it earlier in his career — the employees he didn't give honest feedback to, the exits he fumbled in his 20s and 30s because he didn't have the courage to be direct. This isn't the Gary Vee you see in the clips. This is the real one. What Gary is most proud of — and what nobody knows The closer you get to Gary's inner circle, the more real it gets. He's heard the question a thousand times: "What's Gary really like?" His answer: more genuine than his biggest fans imagine — and more authentic than his biggest critics can stomach. The thing he's most proud of isn't a business metric. It's that the people closest to him believe. KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS
Julie Lokun, JD is a media strategist, brand authority, and top global podcaster whose shows rank in the top 0.1% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 on Apple Podcasts weekly. She is the co-founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, the force behind Dragonfly Podcasting, Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and Dragonfly Podcast Consulting. Julie sits at the intersection of media, brand strategy, and entrepreneurship — and she gets in rooms with the people who are actually building. Connect with Julie: www.julielokunconsulting.com Dominick Domasky is a bestselling author, speaker, and co-host of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. A tireless champion for the creative entrepreneurship movement, Dominick brings the energy, the community, and the conviction that business does not have to be boring. Connect with Dominick: www.motivationchamps.com ️ ABOUT THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR PODCASTThe Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is where real entrepreneurs, bold thinkers, and creative disruptors come to build something extraordinary — out loud. Hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, this show ranks in the top 0.1% globally and consistently hits top 5 on Apple Podcasts. Every episode is proof that you don't need a perfect plan — you need the right conversation. Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News JOIN US LIVE — CRE8TIVE CONReady to be in the room where entrepreneurship happens in real life? Cre8tive Con is the national traveling entrepreneurship conference series co-founded by Julie Lokun and her team — bringing together creative entrepreneurs, brand builders, podcast hosts, and business visionaries for an experience Gary Vee would approve of. Cre8tive Con Boston July 13, 2026 One Financial Center, Boston, MA This is your VeeCon moment. Come prepared to go full send. ️ Tickets & Info: www.cre8tivecon.com Join the Cre8tive Con Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cre8tivecon RESOURCES MENTIONED & LINKS
If this conversation lit a fire in you — share it. Tag someone who needs to hear that losing your notes is sometimes the bravest thing you can do. Leave a review. Because this is how we get voices like Gary Vee's into ears that are ready to do the work. Tag us: @julielokun | @dominickdomasky | #CreativeEntrepreneurPodcast #GaryVee #VeeCon #CreativeEntrepreneur #Cre8tiveCon #Entrepreneurship #PodcastLife The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — We don't just talk. We build something extraordinary. Because business does not have to be boring. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How The Brits and Americans are Celebrating 250 Years of Business | 06 Jul 2026 | 00:30:00 | |
WHAT IS OUR FAVORITE CRM? KEAP! GET ORGANIZED AND AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS WITH KEAP LEARN ABOUT BOBBY LANE OF FACTOTUM Are you running a business but struggling to keep up with the "back-office" chaos? You aren't alone. Many entrepreneurs excel at their craft but get bogged down by the very systems meant to support them. In this episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Dom and Julie sit down with Bobby Lane, CEO of Factotum, to discuss how to bridge the gap between big ideas and smart execution. Bobby, a seasoned strategist from across the pond, is rewriting the rules of how business gets done in the U.S. From navigating the "Big Pond" transition to the importance of building a business based on trust and relationships, Bobby shares the "no-fluff" secrets to scaling a smarter company. Inside the Episode: Building a Business in the Gaps
Ready to stop chasing tasks and start putting your growth on autopilot?
Stop losing leads in the shuffle. Keap is the leading sales and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses. Capture leads, automate your follow-ups, and build stronger relationships without the manual grunt work.
If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and share it with a fellow visionary who is ready to build something smarter. "The best businesses aren't just built, they're engineered." The Podcast & Media Where can I listen to the latest episodes?The Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast for Business Growth, Strategy, and Monetization is available on all major platforms. It features high-level interviews with experts like Jim Kwik and David Meltzer.
The show is hosted by Julie Lokun, JD (a business coach and "legal eagle") and Dominick Domasky (founder of Motivation Champs). They often collaborate with other industry leaders like Lauren Erickson and Bobby Lane from Factotum. ️ Tools & Business Growth What is the "Follow-Up Fortune" link?The show heavily emphasizes the power of automation to prevent leads from going cold. They recommend Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) for small business CRM and marketing automation. Keap Trial/Promo: You can often find their specific partner link in the show notes of recent episodes, or visit Keap.com/cre8tive to explore their "Conquer the Chaos" resources. How do I connect with the guests (like Bobby Lane)?If you are looking for the outsourced business services (HR, IT, Accounting) mentioned by guest Bobby Lane, you can find his firm at Factotum. Website: Factotum.org.uk Community & Events What is Cre8tive Con?Cre8tive Con is the flagship live networking conference for the brand. The 2026 event recently took place in Chicago, focusing on "Human-First" business growth and moving beyond digital-only connections.
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How Social Media is Killing Your Business Plan with Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky | 22 Jun 2026 | 00:27:53 | |
What if Instagram disappeared tomorrow? What if Facebook changed the algorithm — again — and your reach dropped to zero overnight? For millions of entrepreneurs, that's not a hypothetical. It's already happening. In this high-energy, no-fluff episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky deliver a wake-up call every entrepreneur needs to hear: social media is not a business strategy — it's borrowed land. And if you're building your brand exclusively on rented platforms, you're one algorithm update away from losing everything you've worked for. REACH OUT TO JULIE AND DOM- www.creativeentrepreneurpod.comJulie and Dom break down what it actually means to own your ecosystem — and give you the concrete, actionable framework to start doing it this week. What You'll Learn in This Episode
"Posting on social media is not a business strategy. It's a rental agreement — because you do not own the building." — Julie Lokun "You're either the product or you're getting paid. Until you own your own ecosystem, you're playing their game." — Dominick Domasky "Social media is the door. Your ecosystem is the house." — Julie Lokun "Use it. Don't let it use you." — Dominick Domasky "The entrepreneurs who are going to win this next decade are writing books, launching podcasts, building email lists, and creating the rooms where they make the rules." — Julie Lokun ️ Your Homework This WeekPick one thing that moves you off rented land and onto something you own:
You don't have to build it all today. You just have to start. Resources + Tools Mentioned
This episode is essential listening for coaches, consultants, authors, speakers, and service-based entrepreneurs who are spending the majority of their time and energy on social media content — and wondering why their business isn't scaling. If you've ever felt at the mercy of an algorithm, this is your roadmap out. Connect + Take Action
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| From a Cult to An Author: How Entrepreneurs Use Storytelling to Get on Stages and Get Paid | 19 Jun 2026 | 00:25:41 | |
JOIN US ON THE ROAD AND MEET US LIVE! www.cre8tiveconotr.com What if the story you've been hiding is actually the thing that builds your authority, fills your calendar, and grows your business? On this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun, JD (founder of Cre8tive Con) and Dominick Domasky (CEO of Media Champs Publishing, COO of Cre8tive Con) sit down with Porsche Mysticque Steele — award-winning book coach, TEDx speaker, and independent publishing strategist — for a conversation that is equal parts raw and tactical. Porsche doesn't just teach entrepreneurs how to write books. She lived the proof. Books saved her life. Now she helps founders, executives, coaches, and speakers across Chicago and the United States turn their lived experience into published authority and paid stages. Connect with Porsche Mysticque Steele → porschesteele.com What You'll Learn in This Episode:
About the Guest: Porsche Mysticque Steele is an award-winning book coach, TEDx speaker, and independent publishing expert who works with entrepreneurs, speakers, and executives to transform personal stories into published books, keynote platforms, and lasting authority. She works with clients in Chicago and nationwide. porschesteele.com About The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast: Hosted by Julie Lokun, JD and Dominick Domasky, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is built for founders, creatives, and business leaders who are ready to amplify their voice, build their brand, and stop playing small. This podcast is powered by the team behind Cre8tive Con — a traveling entrepreneurship conference designed to connect and elevate the next generation of bold business owners. FAQs What is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is hosted by Julie Lokun, JD (julielokunconsulting.com | bigbetterbrand.com) and Dominick Domasky (motivationchamps.com) — a podcast built for founders, creatives, and business leaders ready to amplify their voice, build authority, and grow a brand that actually means something. Powered by the Cre8tive Con community. Who hosts The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Julie Lokun, JD is a communications strategist, attorney, entrepreneur, and founder of Cre8tive Con. Learn more at julielokunconsulting.com and bigbetterbrand.com. Dominick Domasky is CEO of Motivation Champs and a publisher and brand strategist — connect with him at motivationchamps.com. Together they bring a powerhouse blend of legal, media, and publishing expertise to every episode. What will entrepreneurs learn from this episode? Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky guide a conversation that delivers real frameworks — how to leverage storytelling and book publishing to build credibility, land speaking engagements, and grow a personal brand that opens doors in competitive markets. Why should entrepreneurs consider writing a book? As Dominick Domasky knows firsthand from the publishing world, a book establishes you as the definitive expert in your field, differentiates you in crowded markets, and attracts speaking stages, media features, and high-value clients that other marketing strategies simply can't match. How does Cre8tive Con support entrepreneurs? Cre8tive Con, co-founded by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, is a traveling entrepreneurship conference that amplifies founder voices, elevates bold ideas, and creates meaningful connections between business leaders, creatives, and industry experts — live and in person. What is story architecture and how does it apply to entrepreneurs in Chicago?Story architecture is a strategic approach to shaping personal experiences into compelling narratives that support branding, speaking, and publishing. Chicago entrepreneurs use story architecture to create books and talks that resonate locally and nationally. How can Chicago entrepreneurs get booked on speaking stages?Chicago entrepreneurs can get booked on stages by combining a clear message, a published book, and strong relationships within entrepreneurial communities, conferences, and events like Cre8tive Con. Is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast relevant beyond Chicago?Yes. While hosted by a Chicago-based team, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast reaches entrepreneurs, authors, and speakers nationwide and internationally through major podcast platforms. How can business owners connect with Porsche Mysticque Steele after this episode?Business owners can connect with Porsche Mysticque Steele through the links provided in the episode show notes to explore book coaching, publishing strategy, and speaking development services. Who should listen to this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?This episode is ideal for entrepreneurs, coaches, consultants, authors, and speakers—especially those in Chicago—who want to turn their story into a credibility-building business asset. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Your Trauma Is Your Trademark: How Wendy Babcock Turned Pain Into a Profitable Speaking Business | 15 Jun 2026 | 00:30:32 | |
What if the thing you've spent your life hiding is actually the thing that builds your empire? In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dom Domasky sit down with Wendy Babcock — TEDx speaker, songwriter, visibility strategist, and founder/CEO of When Stories, a storytelling and visibility platform helping women turn their defining moments into talks, books, podcasts, and media assets. This conversation goes way beyond "share your story." Wendy breaks down the real business mechanics behind turning vulnerability into authority — including the three specific assets (a book, a TEDx talk, and podcast appearances) that shifted her own business and started attracting speaking opportunities to her instead of the other way around. The conversation also dives deep into a topic every entrepreneur and speaker needs to understand right now: GEO and AEO — how AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, and Gemini are increasingly used by event planners to find and vet speakers, and what kind of content actually gets indexed by AI versus what just looks good on Instagram. Plus: a hilarious (and brutally honest) round of "Jules Rules" covering the worst things you can possibly do on a stage, and Wendy's signature framework for building a talk that actually moves an audience — including her concept of neuro-coupling and the difference between speaking from "the wound" versus "the scar." If you've ever felt like your story was too messy, too painful, or not "polished" enough to build a business around — this episode is your sign. Meet Your Guest: Wendy BabcockWendy Babcock is the founder and CEO of When Stories, a storytelling and visibility platform that helps women transform their defining life moments into TEDx-style talks, books, podcasts, and media assets. She's a TEDx speaker, songwriter, and visibility strategist with nearly a decade of professional speaking experience, and she's also a past featured speaker at Cre8tive Con OTR. Connect with Wendy:
"Your story is not your weakness — it's your authority, and it can be your asset." "AI doesn't care about egocentric. It's looking for content that serves an audience, that teaches something, that shows your expertise." "Event planners are going to Claude and ChatGPT saying, 'I need a speaker who solves this problem for my audience,' and seeing what comes up." "There's a difference between leading from the wound and leading from the scar. When you lead from the wound, you're still bleeding. When you lead from the scar, healing becomes leadership." "Drop them into a moment. Don't narrate — describe." 5 Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs & Speakers
Loved this episode? Don't just listen — go do something with it. Your story has been sitting on the shelf long enough.
Until next time — keep creating. JOIN US AT CRE8TIVE CON! www.cre8tivecon.com Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 20 Proven Ways to Get Your Message Out to the World : Marketing Tips for Entrepreneurs & Authors | 08 Jun 2026 | 00:15:49 | |
Are you struggling to get your book, product, or business in front of the right people? In this power-packed solo episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, host and publisher Dominick Domasky steps in while Julie is out on assignment to deliver one of the most actionable marketing episodes yet. What You'll Learn in This Episode:
Resources & Topics Mentioned: Networking events and local business groups Connect with Dominick Domasky: Enjoyed this episode? Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Leadership Lessons from a Navy Rear Admiral: How Military Discipline and White House Experience Help Entrepreneurs Build Elite Teams | 05 Jun 2026 | 00:28:30 | |
JOIN US LIVE IN BOSTON- MEET AND NETWORK WITH ENTREPRENEURS! www.cre8tiveconotr.com
What does it take to lead 16,000 people — and what can that teach entrepreneurs?
In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur, hosts Dom Domasky and Julie Lokun sit down with Admiral Garry Hall — a decorated Rear Admiral who commanded 27 ships, advised the President of the United States, and spent decades at the highest levels of national leadership. The result is one of the most actionable leadership conversations you'll hear all year. Whether you're scaling a startup, managing your first team, or searching for your own leadership identity, Admiral Hall's hard-won lessons from naval aviation and the White House translate directly to entrepreneurship — and to life. What you'll learn in this episode
Julie earns her call sign "Awesome Actual" — and learns what Admiral Hall means when he uses the word "awesome" as a title of respect. Dom and Julie also put the Admiral through a round of Presidential Superlatives: best hair, best suits, and which president would make the greatest mentor. The Admiral's answers — including reflections on Ronald Reagan and Dwight Eisenhower — are as illuminating as they are entertaining. About Admiral Garry HallAdmiral Garry Hall is a retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral, White House advisor, and the author of Navigating Leadership: Making a Pact with Excellence. He is also the host of the Navigating Life podcast, where he explores character, purpose, and leadership through conversation. Key takeawayLeadership begins with self-leadership. When you examine your behavior — mentally, physically, and morally — you become capable of leading teams and businesses with clarity and integrity. Humility, calmness under pressure, and commitment to excellence are the traits that distinguish effective leaders from average ones. Resources mentioned
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Advising Oprah, Tyson, and the Obamas: Here's How Richard Dolan Earns Trust at the Highest Level | 01 Jun 2026 | 00:43:55 | |
What does it really take to earn a seat in the rooms most people never enter? Richard Dolan — strategist, confidant, and trusted advisor known as the Legacy Man — has spent decades building genuine relationships with the world's most powerful and influential people, including the Obamas, Oprah, Justin Trudeau, Mike Tyson, Bono, Brad Pitt, Lewis Hamilton, and Drake. In this episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Richard sits down with hosts Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun to unpack exactly how he did it — and how you can too. What you'll learn in this episode: • Why proximity is power — and how Richard used high-profile events to build relationships before social media existed • The difference between money, wealth, and worth — and which one actually gives you freedom • Why most people search for self-worth when they should be leading with something of worth • The real definition of legacy: it's not what you leave, it's how you live, love, lead, and laugh • What Richard's five-year-old son taught him that no mentor ever could • The "hand that gives, gathers" approach to relationship-building with athletes, celebrities, and world leaders • How to walk into any room — even one full of icons — and belong there • The Ryan Reynolds story: a jaw-dropping lesson in what NOT to do when meeting your heroes • Why meeting celebrities can disappoint you — and how to protect yourself from that emotional trap • What separates Richard's upcoming book, The Legacy Man, from every other success memoir Key quotes from this episode: "Legacy isn't about what you leave. It's shaped by how you lived, how you loved, how you've led, and how you've laughed." "Rather than worrying about self-worth, I'd rather just present something of worth." "Everything you're seeking is seeking you." "Proximity is power." About Richard Dolan: Richard Dolan is a speaker, strategist, and author of the forthcoming book The Legacy Man. He collaborates with the Napoleon Hill Foundation alongside David Meltzer and has advised some of the most recognized names in entertainment, sports, politics, and business. Learn more at richarddolan.com. Connect with Richard Dolan: Instagram: @thericharddolan Website: richarddolan.com Connect with the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast: Website: creativeentrepreneur.com Instagram: @creativeentrepreneurpodcast Subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube If this episode moved you, please leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts and share it with one entrepreneur in your life who needs to hear it. Your reviews help us reach more creative life forces around the world. LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR YEARLY ACTIVATION IN CHICAGO: www.cre8tivecon.com JOIN US ON THE ROAD- www.cre8tiveconotr.com #RichardDolan #LegacyMan #ProximityIsPower #CreativeEntrepreneurPodcast #Entrepreneurship #Mindset #Legacy #PersonalDevelopment #BusinessPodcast #SuccessStories Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| 40 Years of Brand Secrets: The Message Master Glenn Rudin Reveals Why Your Message Is Killing Your Business | 25 May 2026 | 00:29:18 | |
️ JOIN US LIVE — Cre8tive Con OTR (On The Road) | Boston | July 13th!
Don't miss Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky LIVE in Boston for Cre8tive Con OTR — On The Road! Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, get inspired, and take your business to the next level. Grab your ticket now: www.cre8tiveconotr.com The Message Master Reveals Brand Secrets | Glenn Rudin on Messaging That Sells, Simplifies & InspiresWhat makes a brand message unforgettable? This week, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with branding legend Glenn Rudin — known worldwide as The Message Master — to unpack the art and science of messaging that sticks. With over 40 years of experience helping entrepreneurs and Fortune 500 companies find their authentic voice, Glenn shares the strategies behind iconic brand taglines, the biggest messaging mistakes business owners make, and how to communicate with clarity, confidence, and consistency. Whether you're a solopreneur just starting out or a seasoned entrepreneur ready to scale, this episode is your masterclass in brand messaging. ️ What You'll Learn in This Episode
About Glenn Rudin — The Message Master Glenn Rudin has spent over 40 years in product development, branding, packaging, and copywriting for major corporations including Revlon and Shiseido. About a decade ago, he recognized that people could be branded just like products — and turned that insight into a thriving messaging consultancy. His nickname "The Message Master" was born on Clubhouse, where he became famous for crafting powerful brand messages on the spot for business owners worldwide. Connect with Glenn: alwaysbeencreative.com Follow Glenn on LinkedIn: Search Glenn Rudin (8,000+ followers and growing) Key Quotes from This Episode "If you can't say something about your business in 10 or 12 words that gets somebody leaning in — you need to go back to the drawing board." — Glenn Rudin "Show up with intentionality. Not to sell somebody, but so that somebody gets the sense that sounds kind of interesting — tell me more." — Glenn Rudin "Post and Ghost is the last thing in the world you want to do. We can't know you if we don't see you." — Glenn Rudin "Know your audience. If you don't know your avatar, you're going to miss the target every single time." — Julie Lokun We're Coming to BOSTON — July 13th! Join Julie Lokun, Dominick Domasky, and the entire Cre8tive Con community LIVE in Boston for Cre8tive Con OTR — On The Road! This is your chance to connect, learn, and grow alongside fellow creative entrepreneurs in person. Secure your spot before it sells out: www.cre8tiveconotr.com ️ Tools & Resources Mentioned KEAP CRM — The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast's favorite CRM for managing client relationships, automating follow-ups, and growing your business with less chaos. www.keap.com/cre8tive Connect With Us Website: www.cre8tivecon.com ️ Events & Tickets: www.cre8tiveconotr.com ️ Hosted by Julie Lokun & Dominick Domasky Enjoyed This Episode? If this episode gave you a fresh perspective on your brand messaging, please rate, review, and subscribe to the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. The more you know, the more your business will grow. Until next time — keep creating. Tags / Keywords: brand messaging, business branding, entrepreneur podcast, elevator pitch tips, marketing strategy, personal branding, Glenn Rudin, Message Master, Julie Lokun, Dominick Domasky, Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, how to market your business, brand consistency, messaging that sells, Cre8tive Con, Cre8tive Con OTR, Boston entrepreneur event, small business marketing, know like trust, tagline strategy Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Create Content that Converts With Julie Lokun | 21 May 2026 | 00:10:06 | |
What separates content that gets scrolled past from content that drives real business results? In this episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, host sits down with Julie Lokun — author, attorney turned entrepreneur, and creator of The Mediacasters — to unpack the art and science of conversion-focused content. Julie has helped thousands of entrepreneurs find their voice and monetize their message, and today she's pulling back the curtain on exactly how she does it. In this episode, you'll learn:
Julie Lokun is a media personality, published author, and founder of The Mediacasters. A former practicing attorney, Julie transitioned into entrepreneurship and has since built a thriving personal brand around helping entrepreneurs amplify their message and turn their expertise into income. She is the host of the Obsessed podcast and a passionate advocate for helping creative entrepreneurs claim their authority. Resources mentioned:
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Why Publishing Your Book Is Just the Beginning — with BookThinkers CEO Nick Hutchison | 18 May 2026 | 00:39:21 | |
Everyone thinks the book will change everything. BookThinkers CEO Nick Hutchison says the real game starts after you hit publish — and most entrepreneurs are playing it completely wrong. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Nick to expose the #1 author marketing mistake, the AI disclosure crisis rocking the publishing world, why physical books beat audiobooks for brain development, and the SMART reading framework that can transform how you learn and take action. Reality is negotiable. This episode shows you how. ABOUT NICK HUTCHISON: Nick Hutchison CEO & Founder, BookThinkers · Author of Rise of the Reader Nick Hutchison went from self-described non-reader in college to building one of the most respected book marketing agencies in the world. As CEO of BookThinkers — a full-service agency with a team of 12 that serves hundreds of authors annually — Nick has helped thought leaders, executives, and entrepreneurs turn their books into movements. His own book, Rise of the Reader, outlines the reading and implementation system he used to completely redesign his life throughout his 20s. Nick is also a sought-after speaker, content creator, and what he calls a "book matchmaker" — connecting people to the exact book that will solve their current problem. He is a mentor to emerging authors and a relentless advocate for the idea that physical books, read with intention, remain one of the most powerful tools for personal transformation available. bookthinkers.com@bookthinkersBookThinkers LIVE 2026Rise of the Reader "Reality is negotiable. With enough hard work, the right mentors, and the right books — you can build your dream life." — Nick Hutchison, quoting Tim Ferriss WHAT YOU WILL LEARN IN THIS EPISODE Why most book launches fail and the simple fix authors refuse to use The #1 social media mistake 90% of authors make after publishing The AI-written book crisis: disclosure, lawsuits, and what is coming next How to build your rule of 5 influence circle as an author and entrepreneur Why physical books beat audiobooks for retention and brain development The SMART goal reading method that transforms how you implement what you learn Why Gen Z is the first generation with declining IQ and reading comprehension The books that changed Nick's life and how to find the one that will change yours Jules Rules: epic book launch branding fails including the Oprah disaster How to market yourself 24/7 as an author without feeling salesy TIMESTAMPS 00:00 Intro — why your book is never the thing 03:30 Nick's story: from non-reader to BookThinkers CEO 8:00 The #1 author marketing mistake and what to do instead 13:00 AI books, disclosure, and the Hachette Shy Girl scandal 19:00 Why Gen Z has declining IQ and the case for physical books 2 5:30 The rule of 5: who is really in your influence circle 31:00 Jules Rules: epic book launch branding fails 8:00 The books that changed Nick's life: Rich Dad, 44:00 The SMART goal reading strategy and the 80/20 action method ABOUT YOUR HOSTS JULIE LOKUN, JD — Media Strategist, Publicist, Author, Mom of Four Julie Lokun is a media strategist, publicist, and attorney who has built brands from the ground up for entrepreneurs, authors, and executives. As co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and founder of The Mediacasters, she specializes in helping visionaries turn their story into influence. She is fiercely passionate about authentic branding, the power of community, and making sure entrepreneurs stop hiding behind their ideas and start owning their stage. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julielokun LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julielokun Website: https://www.cre8tivecontr.com DOMINICK DOMASKY — Publisher, Author, Entrepreneur, Community Builder Dominick Domasky is a publisher, author, and entrepreneur with over 25 years in sales and brand-building. As co-founder of Motivation Champs Publishing and co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, he has helped hundreds of authors bring their books to life and helped them understand that the book is only the beginning. Dom brings grit, humor, and hard-won publishing wisdom to every conversation. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominickdomasky LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominickdomasky Website: https://www.motivationchamps.com ABOUT OUR GUEST — NICK HUTCHISON Nick Hutchison is the CEO and founder of BookThinkers, a full-service book marketing and promotion agency with a team of 12 that serves hundreds of authors annually. Nick built the agency after going from a self-described non-reader in college to becoming obsessed with personal development books and the way they could redesign a person's reality. As the author of Rise of the Reader, Nick outlines the exact reading and implementation system he used to completely transform his life throughout his 20s. He is a sought-after speaker, content creator, and passionate book matchmaker — connecting people to the exact book that will solve their current problem. Nick is a relentless advocate for physical book reading, authentic authorship, and the belief that reality is negotiable for anyone willing to put in the work. Website: https://www.bookthinkers.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers BookThinkers LIVE 2026: https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2026 Rise of the Reader: Available on Amazon and wherever books are sold Want a personal book recommendation from Nick? DM @bookthinkers on Instagram with the problem you are trying to solve right now and his team will match you with the perfect book. BOOKS MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE Rise of the Reader by Nick Hutchison: Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert Kiyosaki The 4-Hour Workweek by Tim Ferriss Limitless by Jim Kwik Unlimited Memory by Kevin Horsley Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R. Covey FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS Who is Nick Hutchison and what is BookThinkers? Nick Hutchison is the CEO and founder of BookThinkers, a full-service book marketing agency with a team of 12 that serves hundreds of authors every year. He is also the author of Rise of the Reader. Visit bookthinkers.com or DM @bookthinkers on Instagram for a personal book recommendation. What is the biggest mistake authors make after publishing? Not promoting consistently enough. Most authors post about their book two or three times at launch and then go silent. Nick argues that if your book genuinely helps people, not promoting it is actually selfish — you are keeping people in pain longer than necessary. Consistent value-driven content is the only sustainable book marketing strategy. Is it okay to use AI to write a book? Nick shared that 83% of potential book buyers say they would want their money back if they discovered an author used AI without disclosure. His advice: use AI for brainstorming and refining your thinking, but never let it do the thinking for you, and always disclose. People want to buy from people. Why does Nick prefer physical books over audiobooks? Between 60 and 80% of brain inputs are visual. When you listen to an audiobook while driving or exercising, that visual bandwidth is already occupied and you absorb far less. Physical books are an act of mono-tasking — one input, full focus, lengthened attention span. What is the SMART goal reading method? Before reading any book, write a SMART goal on the inside cover. Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Written, and Time-bound. Then do an 80/20 analysis at the end to identify the highest-leverage actions to implement. Re-read your goal at the start of each reading session so your brain knows what to filter for. What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is an entrepreneur event hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky in Boston on July 13, 2026. Designed for creators, authors, entrepreneurs, and brand-builders who want to connect and grow in person. Get tickets at https://www.cre8tivecontr.com What is BookThinkers LIVE 2026? BookThinkers LIVE 2026 is Nick Hutchison's flagship live event in Boston on July 11 and 12, 2026. Speakers include Jim Kwik, John Lee Dumas, Evan Carmichael, and more. Get tickets at https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2026 What books does Nick recommend for entrepreneurs? Rich Dad Poor Dad by Kiyosaki, The 4-Hour Workweek by Ferriss, Limitless by Jim Kwik, Unlimited Memory by Kevin Horsley, Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill, and his own Rise of the Reader. DM @bookthinkers on Instagram for a personalized recommendation. LINKS AND RESOURCES BookThinkers: https://www.bookthinkers.com BookThinkers LIVE 2026 — Boston July 11 and 12, speakers include Jim Kwik, John Lee Dumas, Evan Carmichael and more: https://www.bookthinkers.com/book-thinkers-live-2026 Cre8tive Con — Boston July 13, 2026, hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky: https://www.cre8tivecontr.com Keap — Our favorite business automation tool: https://www.keap.com/cre8tive Nick Hutchison on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bookthinkers Julie Lokun on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julielokun Dominick Domasky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dominickdomasky Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The $10 Millionaire: How "Venture Staking" is Disrupting Silicon Valley with Gerry Hays CEO of Doriot | 11 May 2026 | 00:27:44 | |
Follow us on YOUTUBE! Cre8tive Con - YouTube @cre8tivecon What if you could turn a $10 "ante" into a seat at the table for the next Amazon or Google? In this episode, Gerry Hays, CEO of Doriot, joins hosts Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun to unveil a revolutionary new model called Venture Staking, which bridges the gap between community-driven philanthropy and high-stakes venture capital. Gerry shares how Doriot is democratizing the "closed-door" world of Silicon Valley, allowing everyday people to seed the next big idea for the price of a cup of coffee. Whether you are a creator looking for non-equity funding or an aspiring investor looking to build a "wealth-cultivation" mindset, this conversation provides the blueprint for getting into the proximity of innovation. Quick Links
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Is College Worth It for Entrepreneurs in 2026? The Truth About Debt, Startups and Success | 07 May 2026 | 00:20:46 | |
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Is College Worth It for Entrepreneurs? Debt, Startups, AI & The Future of Success
Should entrepreneurs go to college — or skip the degree and start building their dream business now? In this compelling episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun, JD and Dominick Domasky tackle one of the most searched questions among aspiring business owners, creators, startup founders, freelancers, and Gen Z entrepreneurs: “Is college worth it anymore?” As artificial intelligence, self-education, online learning, and creator-driven businesses reshape the economy, the traditional college path is being challenged like never before. With over $1.7 trillion in student loan debt burdening Americans, many entrepreneurs are asking whether a four-year degree is still the smartest investment — or the biggest obstacle to financial freedom and innovation. Inspired by Julie Lokun’s viral article, “Should I Go to College? Debt, Entrepreneurship & The Voices Who Challenged the Norm,” this episode explores the changing relationship between education, entrepreneurship, and economic opportunity in 2026 and beyond. Julie and Dominick discuss:
This episode is essential listening for:
Massive student debt can limit freedom, creativity, and the ability to take entrepreneurial risks. Julie and Dominick discuss how financial pressure often delays business ownership and innovation. The Real ROI of a College DegreeDoes a degree guarantee financial success anymore? This conversation examines whether traditional higher education still provides value in a rapidly changing digital economy. Alternative Education Paths for EntrepreneursDiscover how entrepreneurs are using:
Learn how modern entrepreneurs are building careers through:
While entrepreneurship often rewards execution over credentials, some professions still require formal education. Julie and Dominick discuss where degrees remain essential and where they may no longer be necessary. Key Takeaways
The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is a leading business and entrepreneurship podcast for creators, innovators, founders, coaches, and visionaries who want to build impactful brands and profitable businesses. Hosted by Julie Lokun, founder of Cre8tive Con, the show features:
Whether you are launching a startup, scaling a business, building a personal brand, or pivoting careers, this podcast delivers actionable insights to help you grow. Subscribe to The Creative Entrepreneur PodcastAvailable on:
Subscribe for weekly episodes on entrepreneurship, branding, AI, marketing, creativity, and business growth. Join Cre8tive Con LiveReady to elevate your business, build meaningful connections, and learn from world-class entrepreneurs? Join us live at Cre8tive Con: Cre8tive Con The premier conference for entrepreneurs, creators, speakers, podcasters, authors, and innovators looking to grow their influence and impact. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Exit Your Business Without Selling It: The Real Jason Duncan on Beating Founder Burnout | 27 Apr 2026 | 00:36:19 | |
Stop Being the Employee of Your Own Business:
Exit Without Exiting with The Real Jason Duncan
Are you building a business of freedom or a personal prison? In this high-impact episode, "The Real" Jason Duncan reveals how to dismantle the "Hero Syndrome" and transition from a burnt-out founder to a visionary leader who lives a lifestyle of "exit without exiting." The Path to Entrepreneurial FreedomWhat happens when an unemployed school teacher builds a multi-million dollar empire, only to realize he’s become a prisoner to his own success? Jason Duncan, founder of the Exeter Club and a renowned TEDx speaker, joins the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast to share his journey from the grind to total business liberation. Jason dives deep into the psychology of the "Hero Syndrome"—the dangerous ego-trap where founders believe they must save the day every day. If your business depends on your heartbeat to survive, you don't own a business; you own a high-stress job. Key Takeaways from The Real Jason Duncan:
"The purpose of business ownership is not to own the business. It's so that the business can provide the lifestyle for you and your family that you actually want to live." — Jason Duncan Connect With Our Guest & Partners
What does "Exit Without Exiting" actually mean? It is the process of removing yourself from the daily operations of your business so that it functions profitably without your direct involvement. You retain ownership and profits but gain total freedom of time. What is the "Hero Syndrome"? The Hero Syndrome is the ego-driven habit of a founder "saving the day" for their team. While it feels good to be needed, it prevents employees from growing and makes the business fragile. How do I know if my business is too dependent on me? The "Vacation Test": If you can't turn off your phone for two weeks without the business losing money or momentum, you are a prisoner to your business. Why should I use a CRM like Keap for my creative business? Creative entrepreneurs often struggle with follow-ups and organization. Keap automates your lead capture, invoicing, and client communication, which is the first step toward the "automation" phase of Jason's XOS methodology. How can I see Jason Duncan speak live? Jason is a regular keynote speaker at events like Cre8tive Con. Keep an eye on www.cre8tivecon.com for upcoming dates and tickets! "If you choose hard early, it's easy later. If you choose easy early, it's hard later. Choose your 'hard' wisely." — The Real Jason Duncan Don't forget to Subscribe, Rate, and Review! Help other entrepreneurs find their freedom by leaving a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Survivor 49 Winner Savannah Louie: My Strategy for Winning $1M and Building a Business | 20 Apr 2026 | 00:54:12 | |
What does it take to outwit, outplay, and outlast—not just on a remote island, but in life and business? In this electrifying episode of The Creative Entrepreneur, Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Survivor Season 49 winner Savannah Louie for a raw, strategic, and deeply human conversation about resilience, identity, and the psychology of winning. FOLLOW SAVANNAH on INSTAGRAM: (4) Instagram -- @sahhvz Savannah takes us behind the scenes of her Survivor journey—sharing the mental frameworks, emotional discipline, and intuitive decision-making that carried her to victory. But beyond the million-dollar win, this conversation dives into something even more powerful: how adversity sharpens clarity, how storytelling builds influence, and how creatives and entrepreneurs can leverage their unique voice to stand out in a crowded world. From navigating alliances to trusting her instincts under pressure, Savannah reveals how the same skills that win reality TV can be applied to building a brand, leading with authenticity, and staying grounded when everything is on the line. Whether you're building a business, a personal brand, or simply trying to find your edge, this episode will challenge how you think about strategy, courage, and what it truly means to win. In this episode, you’ll learn:
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Use Every Type of Publishing to Build Authority, Visibility, and Revenue with Dominick Domasky | 16 Apr 2026 | 00:22:02 | |
If you're an entrepreneur, creative, or business owner looking to build authority, grow your brand, and increase visibility, this episode is a comprehensive guide to modern publishing. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, host Dominick Domasky, founder of Motivation Champs, explores the different types of publishing available today—and how to strategically use them to scale your business. From traditional publishing to self-publishing, hybrid publishing, podcasting, and digital media, this conversation breaks down how entrepreneurs are leveraging content as a powerful tool for brand growth, credibility, and revenue generation. What You’ll Learn
Listen to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast: Dominick Domasky is the founder of Motivation Champs, a publishing and personal development platform designed to help entrepreneurs and thought leaders share their stories and expand their influence. Learn more: Cre8tive Con: The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast: Motivation Champs: Apply to Be a Guest: Cre8tive Con is a premier live event and business conference designed for entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners who want to amplify their voice, build their brand, and scale their business through media, publishing, and speaking opportunities. Learn more about Cre8tive Con: Julie Lokun, JD is a media strategist, podcast host, and founder of The Mediacasters and Cre8tive Con. She is an expert in helping entrepreneurs elevate their brand through podcasting, publishing, and speaking, and is the host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. Listen to Julie Lokun’s podcast: Dominick Domasky is the founder of Motivation Champs, a platform focused on personal development, publishing, and empowering individuals to share their stories. He works with entrepreneurs and leaders to build authority through books, media, and speaking. Visit Motivation Champs: Entrepreneurs, creatives, and business owners who want to share their story, expertise, and insights can apply to be featured on the show. Apply here: Publishing—whether through books, podcasts, or digital media—is one of the most effective ways to build authority, increase visibility, and create multiple revenue streams. It allows entrepreneurs to position themselves as thought leaders and expand their audience. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Rewrite Your Money Story and Charge Premium Prices with Jen Fontanilla | 13 Apr 2026 | 00:27:23 | |
Stop Playing Small: Rewriting Your Money Story in the AI Era with Jen Fontanilla
Are you tired of the "starving artist" narrative? Somewhere along the way, entrepreneurs were sold the lie that if you follow your passion, you must struggle—and that money is optional. Today, we are ripping that narrative to shreds. Joining hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky is Jen Fontanilla, a certified money coach, TEDx speaker, and former financial advisor who has worked with industry titans like Disney, Sony, and Warner Brothers. Jen walked away from the traditional financial world to help visionaries stop playing small and start charging the premium prices they actually deserve. In this episode, we dive deep into the "Woo and the Work"—the intersection of subconscious money stories and practical business strategy. Whether you're a freelancer looking to ditch the 9-to-5 or a seasoned business owner ready to scale, this episode is your roadmap to financial confidence. Inside The Episode:
Ready to surround yourself with high-vibe creatives? Join AMPED, the premier online community for creative entrepreneurs hosted by Jen Fontanilla. It’s where lifestyle meets legacy.
Who are Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky? Julie and Dominick are the powerhouse duo behind the Creative Entrepreneur movement. They are building a global lifestyle brand dedicated to the idea that creativity and profitability are not mutually exclusive. What is the "Creative Entrepreneur" lifestyle brand? It’s more than a podcast; it's an ecosystem for growth. Through their platform www.cre8tivecon.com, they provide resources, live events, and media strategies to help entrepreneurs move from "grind" to "intention." Where can I find more from the hosts?
The Do’s and Don’ts of Vacationing:
"Your income does not rise to your effort. It rises to your self-worth and your strategy." Subscribe & Review: If this episode helped you rewrite your money story, please leave us a review on Apple Podcasts and share it with a fellow creator! Keep creating. This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a professional. Frequently Asked Questions The Creative Entrepreneur LeadershipWho is Julie Lokun? Julie Lokun is a powerhouse media strategist, publicist, and author. As the founder of Big Better Brand, she helps entrepreneurs find their voice and amplify their authority in crowded markets. Julie is a mom of four and a former fashion model who brings a high-energy, "no-excuses" approach to business growth.
Who is Dominick Domasky? Dominick Domasky is the founder of Motivation Champs, an inspirational platform dedicated to helping people overcome failure and find their inner champion. An author and speaker, Dominick’s mission is to provide the "spark" entrepreneurs need to keep moving forward when things get tough.
What is the Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand? Julie and Dominick are building more than just a podcast; they are creating a global lifestyle brand for visionaries who refuse to choose between their art and their bank account. Through their hub at www.cre8tivecon.com, they offer a community where creators are treated like CEOs and CEOs are encouraged to think like creators. Community & Guest ExpertWhat is AMPED? AMPED is a high-level online community for creative entrepreneurs hosted by Jen Fontanilla. It focuses on the "creative lifestyle," providing a space for entrepreneurs to connect, scale their businesses, and master their mindset in the AI era.
What does Jen Fontanilla specialize in? Jen is a certified money coach and TEDx speaker with over 25 years of experience. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs bridge the gap between "the Woo" (subconscious money beliefs) and "the Work" (business strategy and pricing). She is the expert you call when you are ready to stop playing small and start charging your true worth.
How can I learn more about the hosts' live events? You can find information regarding upcoming workshops, networking events, and the annual conference by visiting www.cre8tivecon.com. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| You May Also Like: The Get Obsessed with Living My Best Life Podcast | 10 Apr 2026 | 00:27:45 | |
LISTEN TO THE GET OBSESSED PODCAST EPISODE HERE- Get Obsessed : With Living Your Best Life - Podcast - Apple Podcasts On this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, host Julie Lokun, JD shares a featured episode from her hit show, Get Obsessed Podcast, co-hosted with Mika Altidor. This conversation delivers bold, unfiltered insights on relationships, identity, and transformation—core elements that directly impact how entrepreneurs show up in business and life. Featuring Kerry Brett, author of Shot at Love and host of the Shot at Love Podcast, this episode explores how dating has evolved in the digital era and what it truly takes to build meaningful, aligned relationships. What You’ll Learn
For entrepreneurs, leaders, and creatives, personal growth is not optional—it is foundational. This episode bridges the gap between business success and personal fulfillment, showing how the same mindset required to build a brand is required to build meaningful relationships. About the Hosts and BrandsJulie Lokun, JD is a media strategist, podcast host, and founder of The Mediacasters, helping entrepreneurs amplify their voices through podcasting, publishing, and speaking. Dominick Domasky is the CEO of Media Champs Publishing and a leader in helping individuals share powerful stories that inspire transformation. Cre8tive Con is a premier conference experience for entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders, bringing together top voices in media, branding, and business growth. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the Get Obsessed Podcast?The Get Obsessed Podcast is a personal development and lifestyle show focused on relationships, mindset, growth, and living boldly. It challenges listeners to step outside their comfort zones and fully embrace transformation. You can apply to be a featured guest by visiting: Julie Lokun, JD is a communications expert, podcast host, and founder of The Mediacasters. She specializes in helping entrepreneurs elevate their visibility through media, messaging, and storytelling. Who is Dominick Domasky?Dominick Domasky is the CEO of Media Champs Publishing and a recognized leader in publishing and personal branding. He helps individuals turn their stories into impactful books and platforms. What is Cre8tive Con?Cre8tive Con is a high-impact conference designed for entrepreneurs, creatives, and business leaders looking to grow their brands and expand their influence. It features top-tier speakers, networking opportunities, and actionable strategies for success. This episode highlights how personal development, confidence, and self-awareness directly influence business success. The way you show up in relationships often mirrors how you show up in leadership and entrepreneurship. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Scale A Business After Failure And Be A Multi-Million Dollar Success with Shawn Finnegan | 06 Apr 2026 | 00:32:05 | |
LOVE THIS PODCAST? LEAVE US A REVIEW ON APPLE: Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth, Strategy and Monetization - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Most people know Shawn Finnegan as the powerhouse behind some of the fastest-growing brands in the country—think Crumbl Cookies, Swig, and Tax Hive. But before he was partnering with "Shark" Kevin O’Leary, he was staring at a $1.5 million loss and a bank account that couldn't cover payroll. In this episode, Shawn joins Dom and Julie to get real about the "ugly" side of serial entrepreneurship. He breaks down why failure is just a collection of data points, how he conquered the "pounce per square inch" pressure of debt, and why he attributes his biggest breakthroughs to being a "girl dad." The Highlights:
On Resilience: "Every storm runs out of rain. You just have to put your shoes on the next day and go back to work." On Authenticity: "If you paint a picture that everything is cotton candy and rainbows, people won’t believe you. Transparency is your friend." On Strategy: "I realized my number one failure wasn't operations or marketing—it was that I stopped building relationships. I vowed that day to get comfortable being uncomfortable." Mentioned in this Episode:
Find Shawn on Instagram-- @finneganshawn Love the show? If Shawn’s energy fired you up, leave us a review and subscribe! We’ll see you next week—keep creating. Frequently Asked Questions: The Cre8tive Con Lifestyle & EventsWhether you're looking to scale your business, find a mentor like Shawn Finnegan, or attend the next big networking event, we’ve got the answers. Here is everything you need to know about the faces and brands behind the Cre8tive Entrepreneur Podcast. What is Cre8tive Con?Cre8tive Con is more than just a conference; it’s a high-energy lifestyle brand and community designed for entrepreneurs who want to break through the "ice" of traditional networking. Founded on the principle of bringing people together for face-to-face interaction in an AI-driven world, it focuses on providing massive value for creators and small business owners.
Julie Lokun is a writer, entrepreneur, and the visionary co-founder of the Cre8tive Con ecosystem. Known for her "Jules Rules" segments and her ability to build "empires" through storytelling, Julie is a specialist in brand elevation. She works with entrepreneurs to find their unique voice and scale their influence through strategic media.
Dominick Domasky is a serial entrepreneur, author, and the founder of Motivation Champs. After facing his own "crushing" business failures, Dominick dedicated his life to sharing the "truth" about entrepreneurship—the grit, the pain, and the eventual comebacks. He is the co-host of the Cre8tive Entrepreneur Podcast and a leading voice in inspirational storytelling.
The Cre8tive Con lifestyle represents a suite of services and communities aimed at the holistic entrepreneur. This includes:
The best way to join is to attend one of our live events. As guest Shawn Finnegan says, our events feel like a "love fest" where the value far outweighs the price of admission. If you can't make it in person, subscribing to the podcast and following our brands online is the best way to stay "seen" and supported. Do Julie and Dominick offer mentorship?Yes! Through their various platforms, Julie and Dominick provide coaching, branding audits, and motivational resources. They are dedicated to helping you "keep creating" by providing the legal, mental, and strategic tools necessary to succeed in today's market. Ready to scale your business? Visit www.cre8tivecon.com for event updates, motivationchamps.com for inspiration, and www.bigbetterbrand.co to take your brand to the next level. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Publish a Book in 2026: A Step-by-Step Guide for Entrepreneurs & Authors with Alexa Bigwarfe | 02 Apr 2026 | 00:26:58 | |
GET OBSESSED WITH OUR FAVORITES- GET ORGANIZED AND STREAMLINE YOUR BUSINESS WITH KEAP CRM- WWW.KEAP.COM/CRE8TIVE JOIN ALEXA BIGWARFE ON A WRITING RETREAT IN PARIS! Paris Writer’s Collective: Inspiration & Craft with Alexa How do you write and publish a successful book in 2026—and turn it into a powerful business asset? In this high-impact episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dom Domasky sit down with Alexa Bigwarfe—publishing expert, founder of the Women in Publishing Summit, and creator of Write | Publish | Sell—to break down everything you need to know about writing, publishing, and monetizing a book in today’s evolving landscape. Whether you're a first-time author, entrepreneur, coach, or speaker, this episode delivers a clear roadmap for how to write a book, publish it professionally in 2026, and leverage it to build authority, credibility, and revenue. Alexa shares her powerful journey—from grief to purpose—and reveals how storytelling can heal, connect, and scale a business. WHAT YOU’LL LEARN
00:00 – How to write and publish a book in 2026 “Books are more than stories—they are tools for authority, impact, and transformation.” — Alexa Bigwarfe “You only get one chance to make a first impression. Make your book professional.” — Alexa Bigwarfe “Done is better than never published.” — Alexa Bigwarfe WHERE TO FIND ALEXA BIGWARFEalexabigwarfe.com Who is Julie Lokun? Who is Dom Domasky? What is Cre8tive Con? What is The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? What is The Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand? The Creative Entrepreneur Lifestyle Brand is a movement empowering entrepreneurs to build businesses rooted in creativity, storytelling, and impact. It blends media, events, publishing, and community to help individuals scale their voice and authority. Why should entrepreneurs write a book in 2026?
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| The Master of Modern Operations: James Orsini on Scaling VaynerX, Factotum, & Vyve | 26 Mar 2026 | 00:29:39 | |
In this high-octane episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, we are pulling back the curtain on high-level business architecture. Hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky are joined by James Orsini, the former President of Startup Operations at VaynerX and a key architect behind Gary Vaynerchuk’s $350M empire. James has moved into a bold new chapter with Factotum and Vyve, and he’s here to share how to modernize your business, leverage social media for massive ROI, and build a network that actually pays dividends. Episode Highlights: Modernizing Your Business Strategy
Based in Arlington Heights, Illinois, Julie Lokun is a globally recognized media strategist, 3x best-selling author, and the powerhouse behind the Cre8tive Amped lifestyle brand. As a leading voice in media entrepreneurship in the Midwest, Julie specializes in helping CEOs and creators "create a buzz" through high-impact podcasting and digital storytelling. She is the lead host of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and a frequent speaker on the intersection of AI and human creativity. Dominick Domasky | Founder of Motivation ChampsHailing from Greensburg, Pennsylvania, Dominick "Dom" Domasky is the founder of Motivation Champs, an inspirational platform dedicated to sharing stories of resilience and success. Dom is a veteran entrepreneur, author, and professional speaker known for his "no-excuses" approach to business. Through his work with The Mediacasters, Dom helps entrepreneurs across the Greater Pittsburgh area and beyond find their voice and turn their struggles into their greatest competitive advantage. The Creative Entrepreneur EcosystemWe don't just talk about business; we live it. Our brands are designed to help you monetize your message and scale your influence:
Ready to modernize your brand? Subscribe to the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or your favorite platform to stay ahead of the media revolution. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| Tax Strategies for Entrepreneurs: How to Keep More of Your Profit with Gary Heldt, CPA | 23 Mar 2026 | 00:28:15 | |
Taxes Aren't Scary—They’re Strategic with Gary Heldt, CPA
"You thought taxes couldn't be sexy or fun? Think again." In this high-impact episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun sit down with Gary Heldt, CPA, founder of Small Business Advisors and host of the Grow Your Business, Grow Your Wealth podcast. If you are an entrepreneur who views tax season with the same dread as a root canal, this episode is your anesthesia. Gary pulls back the curtain on how savvy business owners stop reacting to the IRS and start using tax planning as a wealth-building engine. From red flags that trigger audits to the "hidden" benefits of hiring your kids or parents, this conversation is a masterclass in keeping more of what you earn. ️ In This Episode, We Discuss:
Gary is currently accepting new clients and is a dedicated resource for small business owners looking to scale efficiently.
Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun are the driving forces behind a suite of brands designed to empower the modern creative entrepreneur. From top-tier podcasting to immersive live events, they help visionaries turn their passion into a sustainable lifestyle. Explore their ecosystem:
Who are Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky? Julie and Dominick are authors, speakers, and media strategists who co-host The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. They specialize in helping entrepreneurs build "lifestyle brands"—businesses that support the life you actually want to live, rather than consuming it. What is the "Jules Rules" segment? A fan-favorite segment where Julie Lokun (the "Media Strategist Mom") breaks down complex world events or trends into digestible, actionable lists. In this episode, she explores infamous financial criminals to highlight the importance of tax compliance! How can I work with the Cre8tive team? You can reach out through Cre8tive Amped for media strategy or attend their annual Cre8tive Con event to learn from industry leaders in person. REACH OUT TO JULIE OR DOM- LET THEM KNOW WHAT YOU THINK! dom@cre8tivecon.com julie@cre8tivecon.com Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Write a Bestselling Book to Grow Your Business in 2026 with Chandler Bolt | 16 Mar 2026 | 00:24:19 | |
The $7 Million Business Card with Chandler Bolt
CHECK OUT SELFPUBLISHING.COM at www.selfpublishing.com
Are you an entrepreneur who has said, "I should really write a book someday"? Today’s guest explains why "someday" needs to be now. Chandler Bolt, founder and CEO of Self-Publishing.com, joins the show to demystify the publishing process. A C-level English student and college dropout with ADHD, Chandler proved that you don't need a PhD or Hemingway-level prose to author a bestseller. He shares his "Idea Finder" framework and reveals how his own book generated $7 million in business revenue in just one year. If you want to move from being a "parrot" in your business to an authority in your industry, this episode is your blueprint. Key Takeaways for Entrepreneurs 1. Author = AuthorityThe root word of authority is author. Writing the book on your subject allows you to own your category, land TEDx talks, and secure PR. It’s the ultimate psychological trigger for credibility in the eyes of your customers. 2. The "4 Ps" of a BestsellerTo ensure your book grows your business, it must align with these four pillars:
Stuck on a topic? Ask yourself:
Chandler warns against publishers that charge you to publish but keep your Royalties and Intellectual Property (IP).
A book allows you to scale your impact from 1-to-1 to 1-to-many. Chandler explains that every book typically impacts three groups:
Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||
| How to Build a High-Growth Community as a Business: Cre8tive Con 2026 Recap with Jim Kwik & David Meltzer | 09 Mar 2026 | 00:23:28 | |
LEARN THE SECRET TO BUILDING AN UNSTOPPABLE BUSINESS LIKE JULIE AND DOM-
Check out- www.keap.com/cre8tive
Stop Juggling, Start Growing: The Keap "Automation Advantage"
Let’s be real: as a creative entrepreneur, you didn’t start your business to spend six hours a day stuck in your inbox or chasing down leads that went cold three days ago. As Julie and Dom discussed, the "Fortune is in the Follow-up," but you can’t build a community if you’re buried under a mountain of manual tasks. That’s why you need to head over to keap.com/cre8tive. Why Julie and Dom Trust Keap:
Don't let your "impossible dreams" get sidelined by administrative busywork. Put your business growth on autopilot so you can spend more time in the room and less time behind the laptop. Visit www.keap.com/cre8tive today and start turning your leads into lifelong community members. Building Unstoppable Communities: Cre8tive Con 2026 Recap & The "Human-First" Business Growth HackEpisode Summary: Are you tired of the "Instagrammable era" of business where connections feel like transactions? In this high-energy wrap-up of Cre8tive Con 2026 in Chicago, hosts Julie and Dominick Damas discuss why building a "ride or die" community is the ultimate growth hack for 2026. Featuring insights from keynote legends like Jim Kwik, David Meltzer, and John Lee, this episode breaks down the "Reset"—moving away from behind the laptop and into rooms where six-figure manifestations happen over cocktails and conversations. Whether you are building a digital tribe or hosting live events, learn how to put your audience first, provide radical value without a "find's fee," and create an ecosystem where everyone rises together. ️ In This Episode, You’ll Learn:
How do I start a community if I’m an introvert? Find a "connector" friend. As Julie suggests, find one person you relate to who is naturally social and let them help you navigate the room. Also, remember that observing is a superpower—it allows you to build deeper, more thoughtful relationships than someone just "working the room." What is the biggest mistake entrepreneurs make when building a community? Making it all about them. If you are the only star, you don't have a community; you have a fan club. True communities are built on shared interests and shared values where the members provide as much value to each other as the leader does. How do you monetize a community without feeling "salesy"? Focus on value first. As Dominick points out, when you provide real tools and inspiration without an immediate "find's fee" or transaction, you build trust. Monetization happens naturally through high-level offerings (like events or masterminds) once the community sees you are invested in their success. Is digital community building better than live events? Both have pros and cons. Live events like Cre8tive Con create "lightning in a bottle" energy that can't be replicated on a screen. However, digital communities allow for consistent, global touchpoints. The most "aggressive growth hack" is a hybrid of both. A special thank you to our team who made Cre8tive Con 2026 successful- Chris Cushing, Teri Bales, Phil Hill, Debbie Griffiths, Najami Lezama, Beth Drost, Cindy Winkler, Sam Hibler, The Team at The InterContinental Hotel Chicago, Kinasthetics Audio and Visual, David Scott Photography and Videography, Paul Lee Photography and Videography, Edin Ramovic Photography, Ramon Ray Master of Ceremonies ----and so many more. This was a community effort and a labor of love. With Gratitude, Julie and Dom Notable Quotes:"A community has to be bigger than you. If you make yourself the only star, the community will fail." — Dominick Domasky "The fortune is in the follow-up. You have one week before the excitement dies down—make the move." — Julie Lokun Next Step: Want to see the "Brain Bombs" for yourself? www.cre8tivecon.com and get the first alert when early-bird tickets for Cre8tive Con 2027 go live! Don't forget to Rate, Review, & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts and Spotify! Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising. | |||