It's been a WHILE! In this surprise, pop-up episode, Suz explains what's been going on behind the scenes of The Rock/Star Advocate, why she's been so quiet about it, and what you can expect from her and this podcast moving forward.

Links mentioned:

RENT HER TINY HOUSE in Long Beach, NY: https://www.facebook.com/NickersonBeach/photos/a.114899617914961/239866998751555/

OR call 516.571.7700

JOIN ROCK/STAR SLACKERS FOR Q3: http://therockstaradvocate.com/rockstar-slackers

Suz wraps up Season 5 with special guest, Shay Leonia, as they talk all things mental health and giving yourself permission to do things your own way.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vm3I3RVJ-yk

Nicole Blonder and Marni Wander, co-founders of Equilibrium, lay out what it means to focus on your holistic health and give simple, actionable tips you can take today to make self-care a priority.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/1Uoa0cc0vKE

Collaborations can be pure magic, but some can be incredibly toxic. Learn how to identify which ones are dragging you under, how to handle ending them & moving forward confidently in your career.

"Many times the most toxic relationships don't start out that way; they grow sour over time, often so slowly we don't notice it until the damage has already begun."

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• The National Domestic Abuse Hotline (1-800-799-7233)

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app! 

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We can easily feel overwhelmed thinking there's never any time to do all the things we need to do. Learn how to identify your priorities, ignore what doesn't matter & manage your time like a boss!

"I believe we’ve grown to expect that we are needed more than we are when things happen."

Key Highlights

• False Urgency [01:23]
• The smartphone addiction [02:33]
• Saving time with emails [04:57]
• How to master your priorities [06:04]
• The 2-pronged test [09:52]
• The importance of boundaries [11:16]

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• You can read Time magazine's full article on smartphone usage here
• The Space app and Forest App can help break addiction to your devices
• Check out Unroll.me for your email inbox clutter here
• My interview with CD Baby can be found here

Sign up for my 3-Day Get Sh*t Done Challenge so you can learn your own individual productivity rhythm & how to work within it + learn how to prioritize what matters & ignore the distractions so you can Get Sh*t Done! 

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Perspective is everything. You can see something as a setback or an opportunity. It wasn't always easy, but I chose to see my Lymes as an opportunity. And laugh.

"There is a lesson in everything and you get to choose what that lesson is going to teach you."

Key Highlights

• How I got Lymes [01:09]
• What the Universe was trying to tell me [02:15]
• What I decided to do after being diagnosed [05:43]
• Hiring a coach and gaining perspective [07:43]
• You have a choice [10:50]
• What you can do to move forward [11:50]

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Click here to download my Flip the Script Workbook & shift your perspective on certain things you see as setbacks and learn to see them as opportunities!

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Saying yes can be a very powerful tool to move you forward. It's also important to know what you want so you know what to say yes to, as Cheryl B. Engelhardt shares with us in this spotlight!

"I was very much not creating a big picture. I was like, 'I want a Grammy! Also I want to pay my bills this week.'"

Key Highlights

• Who is Cheryl B. Engelhardt? [00:44]
• How she got started in music [02:17]
• When she knew she could do music full time [06:05]
• How does she diversify her income? [09:44]
• How she balances helping musicians & being a musician [14:00]
• What musicians are doing that keeps them from reaching their goals [25:32]
• What she would do with an extra hour [29:30]
• Who she would collaborate with [29:35]
• Cheryl's big request [30:30]
• Her actionable for listeners [31:39]

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Download Cheryl's free Mastering Email Workbook here
• Join Cheryl in her Rock Your Email course here
• Check out all of Cheryl's resources for musicians here
• Listen to Cheryl's music here
• Connect with Cheryl on Instagram

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Feeling stuck or unsure of where to go next in your career? Sometimes we are held back simply because we are waiting for permission to take the actions we already know we need to take.

"It’s about what you believe to be the best thing at the time and then acting on that belief with confidence in your ability to learn something valuable either way."

Key Highlights

• 3 things that happen when we don't take action [01:07]
• What permission looks like [02:07]
• They type of permission to give ourselves [03:34]
• WWYD: Being signed to a label [05:18]
• WWYD: Starting a new business [07:33]
• My 1:1 with Russell Simmons [09:04]
• The beauty in failure [10:35]
• The Music-Preneur Mindset Summit [11:17]

Give yourself the permission you need to do what you've been waiting to do by downloading my Freedom to Do Me Worksheet here.

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

How many times have you been at an industry event and found yourself in competition with someone regarding who's working on less sleep? It's time to stop wearing all-nighters as a badge of honor!

"I now realize I had nothing to prove beyond producing great work."

Key Highlights

• What sleep shaming looks like [01:09]
• How the music industry treats self-care compared to other sectors [03:23]
• My journey with sleep [04:37]
• The Sleep Revolution [07:06]
• The dangers of not sleeping [08:28]

Download My Journey to Better Sleep Worksheet here & start learning better ways to get a healthy night's rest so you can show up for your success!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Purchase a copy of Arianna Huffington's The Sleep Revolution here
• Learn more about impending laws on driving while sleep deprived here
• Read up on the benefits companies see when they invest in mental health/self-care here
• Studies about the dangers of sleep deprivation can be found here and here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Sometimes we get so caught up in our idea of success we don't stop & think what it means to us & what we want from it. Find inspiration by lessons learned from music-preneur James Divine {plus click here for a BONUS episode!}.

"I think another mistake I made for the longest time was not realizing that the goals were adaptable."

Key Highlights

• When he knew he wanted to do music full-time [02:01]
• What he wish he knew at the beginning [05:23]
• His realization about goal setting [06:54]
• Fame vs. Money vs. Serving others [08:18]
• Never play for free even when you do [13:15]
• Most surprising lesson about teaching [18:28]
• How to find your path [20:55]
• What James would do with 1 extra hour [27:25]
• Who he would collaborate with them [27:37]
• His request [28:09]
• Your Actionable of the Week [30:25]

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Goldie Joe has posted a comprehensive slide show of Zig Ziglar's Wheel of Life here
• Check out Dan Miller's 40 Days to the Work You Love here {currently $1.99}
• Read more about James' story in his book The Saxaphone Diaries here
• Learn about forgiveness and overcoming traumas in James' book here
• You can take James' Udemy course, 40 Ways to Make Money as a Musician, for FREE if you sign up before July 5, 2018. Simply click here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

As the saying goes, it takes a village. We often talk about building a team but 3 crucial roles are often left out of the conversation.

"Rather than feel as if building a team is so far out of reach in relation to where you’re currently at, realizing your team has already started to form can empower you to take action and get to the next milestone more quickly."

Key Highlights

• The 3 team members we never talk about [01:00]
• What a mentor is not [03:55]
• My 3 mentors [04:31]
• How to find your own mentor [06:02]
• Coaches to be weary of [07:15]
• Avoiding information overwhelm [08:16]
• Your Board of Influencers [09:45]
• Peers & the theory of 5 [10:33]

Download my Mentors Worksheet to map out who you trust to lean on for guidance, expertise, and support here!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Learn more about Marcy Rauer Wagman, Esq. here
• If you need a civil attorney learn about Alan J. Bennett, Esq. here
• Check out Ariel Hyatt's Cyber PR here
• Jordana Jaffe's Nourished Boss lives here
• Gena Jaffe's legal services lives here
• All things Amy Porterfield can be found here
• Brunch & Budget - find your financial coach here
• The SEO expert I used can be found here
• My launch coach can be found here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Competition can motivate and challenge you put your best self forward, but there comes a point where it becomes unhealthy. Learn ways to manage it so it doesn't go from motivation to madness.

"This journey is difficult enough. Don't be your own road block or get off course by looking 5 lanes over."

Key Highlights

• How competition is different in the music industry [00:48]
• When competition can be harmful [01:56]
• My life in competition [03:46]
• What I've realized about competition in hindsight [04:25]
• What we're really protecting [05:00]
• Healthy v. Unhealthy competition [05:53]
• Competition & Fraud Talk [06:33]
• 3 Things to remember [09:17]
• Market research in the music industry [10:30]
• How to get out of unhealthy competition [11:48]

Download my Taking Out the Competition Cheat Sheet here & talk yourself out of comparison paralysis and into motivated action!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Read Bree Noble's tips for handling competition here
• Join FaceBudda's Mindfulness Challenge here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Suz gives her take on Netflix' latest docuseries on Woodstock 99 and what it means to yield authority over an audience as a live performer or online influencer.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/AFJNtVw7C-M 

While it's important to track certain data in order to make informed decisions, certain number-watching is doing you more harm than good.

"Labels are no longer the gate-keepers, your fans are, and fans are more than numbers. Instead of thinking in Likes & Shares think in people & relationships."

Key Highlights

• What I get asked all the time [00:39]
• Common mistakes with our goals [02:03]
• What numbers can't tell you [03:37]
• Understanding your smart phone behavior [04:11]
• How to break free from social media rabbit holes [05:04]
• The importance of action steps [07:40]
• The danger of vanity metrics [09:09]
• Why you don't need a large following [10:20]
• Setting data boundaries [11:31]

Download my Metrics That Matter Worksheet here and avoid drowning in numbers & focus on the engagement that will move your music career forward!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Singer-songwriter Lesley Barth discusses how she made the leap from part-time musician to full-time music-preneur & how she plans on sustaining her progress.

"I think the reason I knew was because I realized I felt that I was no longer getting out of it more than I was putting in. I feel like I'm just at pivot point and I want to put all my weight behind it."

Key Highlights

• Our spotlights so far [00:38]
• Lesley Barth, our first female guest [01:04]
• Lesley's start in music [02:24]
• Her vision for being a musician [06:12]
• What pushed her to decide to leave her day-job [07:31]
• Beyonce-ing her first EP [10:11]
• 3 important lessons she keeps with her [12:20]
• Her approach to marketing [15:50]
• Living with another full-time musician [17:47]
• Importance of delineation with business & music [22:00]
• Making the leap to full-time music-preneur [24:15]
• What she'd do with 1 extra hour [28:25]
• Who she'd collaborate with [29:00]
• Her big ASK [29:59]
• Her actionable for YOU [30:45]

Take a listen to Lesley's latest music from her album, Green Hearts, OUT NOW!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Sign up for her newsletter {one of my FAVES!} here
• Stay updated on her upcoming tour at letsgetrealtour.com
• Connect with her on Facebook here, Instagram here, and Twitter here
• Stream her music on Spotify here, YouTube here, and SoundCloud here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

It's almost impossible not to take criticism personally when what you're creating is so personal. By learning how to protect your heart without altering your art you'll be more motivated to take action in spite of the naysayers & reach your goals!

"In order to build that sustainable career you have to be able to maintain a positive mindset and that’s usually much easier said than done."

Key Highlights

• The difficulty of taking things personally [0:35]
• My lessons in taking on negativity [01:25]
• My time in retail [01:54]
• Park Avenue Pedigree at Crate & Barrel during the holidays [02:22]
• My inner frustration in retail & wrongful assumptions [04:33]
• Agreement #2 [05:14]
• Pillow Talk & Drugs at Crate & Barrel [07:07]
• Being the thing that goes right [11:32]

Breakdown a situation that you may have taken personally to see that it really wasn't about you by downloading my It's Not Me, It's You Workbook here.

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• The Four Agreements, by don Miguel Ruiz

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

We often forget the power we have to control our own path. Stop letting the industry dictate what your career needs to look like for you to be happy. It's time to re-define the hustle!

"You don’t need a label to determine your qualified to be here. You don’t need a certain venue to deem you worthy to play."

Key Highlights

• My trip to Dubai [00:55]
• My unexpected week back home [02:26]
• That damn Fraud Talk [04:36]
• What the music industry tells us about Hustle [06:22]
• What your career is really about [08:00]
• You have more control than you think [09:19]
• The Oxygen Mask Principle [11:41]

Download my FREE My New Hu$tle Workbook here and re-define what your personal hustle will look like to create the career you've always wanted!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Feeling like everything is on your shoulders? Tired of trying to get everyone else in your band to care as much as you do? More often than not it comes down to clear communication and making sure you’re all working towards the same goals.

"This is what happens when assumptions are made that you’re all on the same page simply because you’re in the same band!"

Key Highlights

• What always happens when I go to music conferences [0:30]
• Reason #1 bands have trouble working together [02:58]
• Reason #2 bands have trouble working together [04:42]
• Reason #3 bands have trouble working together [05:41]
• Reason #4 bands have trouble working together [06:19]
• What to do before you speak to your band [08:17]
• What not to do when voicing your grievances [10:30]
• What to do when one member is the problem [11:38]
• What to do once you're on the same page [12:47]

Click here to download my Banding Together Workbook to get on the same page & start working together as a band towards the same goals!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Join me as I sit down with NYC radio legend, Cipha Sounds, as he reveals the secrets that allowed him to build a career 20+ years strong and how he managed to leverage a career in radio to build his own successful path, merging hip-hop and comedy.

"You want to keep your storefront clean and washed, but the numbers are in the back. You know what I’m saying So, I think people only pay attention to the front... I think they need to put some of that business sense into their daily activities."

Key Highlights

• What's kept Cipha Sounds in the game for so long [4:04]
• Cipha's grand vision [7:10]
• Will Smith's advice to him [11:25]
• Building his own blueprint [12:38]
• His main goal in life [19:08]
• How he decides who he works with [20:11]
• What he would tell his younger self [22:28]
• Reading a room & being an empath [26:26]
• The Four Agreements [31:19]
• My 4 Speed-round Questions [31:54]

Cipha's getting ready for Season 2 of Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks, but in the meantime, check out Season 1 episodes here!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Catch up on ALL episodes of Laff Mobb's Laff Tracks here
• Get tickets to the next Take It Personal: The Hip Hop Improv Show at UCB East in NYC here
• Subscribe to Tidal to access Cipha's No Small Talk Comedy Series here {free trial}
• Binge the Juan Epstein podcast here
• Follow Cipha on Instagram Twitter and Facebook

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Shying away from selling your music, merch, tickets, and more? You don't have to feel guilty about making money OR sit scratching your head on how to do it. You just have to be YOU!

"You'll never see an advertisement for a new TV show or film that doesn't include, "From the producers who brought you..." or, "From the star of..." That's because marketing is about people."

Key Highlights

• One of the biggest frustrations facing musicians
• What marketing is and is not
• Why you are the brand
• Beyonce & Metallica & being on-brand
• How to begin to build your brand

Understand how to market yourself and sell your products/services without feeling like a sleaze-bucket!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Feeling pulled in 1000 different directions? Learn how to set boundaries on your time, relationships, and money in order to have more freedom to reach your goals!

"While you may think you're doing yourself and others a service by being a "yes" person, you're actually denying people the chance to get to know and respect you."

Key Highlights

• My struggles with boundaries [01:02]
• Mistakes musicians often make [04:29]
• The 3 areas boundaries are most important [05:00]
• Boundaries around your time [06:20]
• Boundaries around your relationships [07:11]
• Boundaries around your money mindset [09:12]
• How to create better boundaries [09:48] 

Set better boundaries in order to reach the goals you've set for yourself by downloading my FREE guide - My Contract of Non-Negotiables - here

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• My interview on CD Baby's DIY Musician Podcast
• The You Need a Budget App can be downloaded here
• Learn more about money mindset and budgeting from Brunch & Budget
• You Are a Badass & You Are a Badass At Making Money are great for empowering your decisions

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app:

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Zach Golden, 1/2 of future-soul duo, Broken Luxury, sits with Suz to discuss relationship-building, patience in the industry, and being in it for the long haul.

"We don't want them to be as if we are taking this as a joke. We want to make sure that's it's represented in a way that shows what the music will be when you listen to it, which is consistently a learning process."

Key Highlights

• Zach's biggest influences [03:38]
• Broken Luxury's light show [04:48]
• Adding collaborators to the team [06:26]
• Choosing your artistic path [10:49]
• Getting prepared at Berklee College of Music [15:05]
• Dealing with day jobs [17:45]
• The beginnings of Broken Luxury [20:56]
• The DIY experience [24:30]
• Suz' rapid-fire questions [26:23]

Take a listen to Broken Luxury's new song, Moments, off their upcoming EP, Énouement, and follow them on Spotify!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Listen to Broken Luxury with collaborator, Jessi Lee, here
• Listen to Broken Luxury with collaborator, Pat McCusker, here 
• Learn more about Will Wells here
• And check out their feat. on Anthony Ramos' The Freedom EP here
• Check out Disclosure here
• Check out Anderson Paak and the Free Nationals here
• Zach's escape - CDNThe3rd on Twitch.tv
• Find Broken Luxury on Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | 

Feeling down about the lack of support from certain family members or close friends? Learn how to navigate their doubts & negative comments & politely tell them to STFU!

"You can’t live your life for someone else. At the end of the day you can't be doing it for anyone else but yourself."

I’ve left out the “Key Highlights” as this episode is intended to be listened to from beginning to end.

Handle those well-meaning naysayers so you are free to do you by downloading my FREE guide - 7 Ways to Politely Tell Loved Ones to STFU! - here

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | Stitcher | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Joshua Ansley sits down with Suz to explore failure, success, spirituality, recovery, and numerous other concepts beyond hustle that need redefining.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/NBb7eaIMLp8

Hearing crickets on your posts & waiting for your streaming numbers to increase? Here is a list of reasons no one cares about your music & how to change that.

"It's the one thing about you that shouldn't have anything to do with you, you see?"

Key Highlights

• The best way to get people's attention [02:00]
• How Lysol reaches customers [02:57]
• How Gary Vee engages fans [05:10]
• How Sue B. Zimmerman grows her following [06:52]
• The Ashlee Simpson & Kardashian Effect [09:13]
• Questions to consider before posting [11:00]
• Time-sensitive info about my new course with Ariel Hyatt of Cyber PR [14:14]

Start getting your fans engaged & taking ACTION by downloading my FREE worksheet - 20 Ways to Get Fans to Care - here!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• You can sign up for Ariel + Suz' Facebook Pop Up Course here
• Check out Ariel Hyatt's latest book, Crowdstart
• Follow Gary Vee on Instagram here
• Follow Sue B. Zimmerman on Instagram here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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While you should always consult a lawyer before signing a contract, you better make sure you understand what you're signing! Learn how to gauge for yourself if a situation is right for you and empower yourself to understand music industry legal terminology and how certain clauses in common contracts effect your career.

"Lawyers aren’t just there to dig us out of holes, they’re there to help make sure we never fall into one in the first place."

Key Highlights

• Why musicians struggle with contracts [01:22]
• Why getting signed shouldn't be your end game [06:03]
• Common clauses found in contracts [06:28]
• Legal terms to be familiar with [15:28]
• Questions you should be asking a lawyer [21:38]

Download my Contracts eBook & break down most contracts, make the tough decisions, and find the right lawyer for YOU! http://www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep14

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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The other day I sat down with four of the six members of the DC-based pop-rock group Sub-radio. As the composers of this podcast's theme music I felt it was only right for them to be my first guests. We discussed everything from social media assignments to time-traveling.

"We can all play instruments so we should be in a band that releases music. And those aren't the minimum standards. You should have something to say... You should make music because you want to do something with it."

Key Highlights

• Let's begin the interview! [03:10]
• How they assign roles [05:06]
• How they handle the business side of things [07:48]
• What do they wish they knew back then? [13:11]
• The importance of living in the moment [18:00]
• How to handle being the newbie band [19:24]
• Singles vs. EPs [25:48]
• What would they do with 1 extra hour in your day? [28:18]
• What's their big ask? [30:38]
• What band would each of them wish to join for the day? [34:00]
• Where to find them & how to connect! [34:49]

Take a listen to their latest single, What Are We, and be sure to follow them on Soundcloud & Spotify!

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More podcast episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Music video for "Up" by Sub-Radio is here
• Check out Chrissy Borsellino of WMA  here
• The Festival Beat's Firefly review is here
• Check out Mister Wives here
• Check out Twenty-One Pilots here
• Check out Walk the Moon here
• Check out Mountain Goats here
• Check out Small Pools here
• Check out Two Door Cinema Club here
• Check out John Bellion here
• Get tickets for Sub-Radio's upcoming shows!
• Sub-Radio on Twitter | Spotify | Instagram | Facebook

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Day jobs can be a drag! They take you away from your music & often drain your energy. But there's a way you can shift your mindset so you can make the most of the time you're away from your music.

“If you decide the job is awful and out to destroy your happiness, you will find evidence of that every day. If you decide it’s a necessary component to the overall growth of your future career in music, you will find ways to support that vision.”

Key Highlights

• Why day jobs don't have to suck [01:22]
• How I approached my day jobs [01:52]
• 4 Skill Sets found in most day jobs [04:30]
• The secret to fan engagement [04:43]
• Marketing & branding [09:09]
• Clear communication [12:40]
• Public performance [14:23]

Download my Day Job Audit worksheet & leverage the skills you learn & use during your day job to help you in your music career! http://www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep12 

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Ryan Levesque's Ask Method eBook can be found here
• Sonicbid's post on 8 Famous Musicians Who Waited Forever to Quit Their Day Job is here
• Join us in the Rock/Star Collective here

Thanks for listening! 

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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A missed deadline, an under-attended show, a fight with a friend, or even seeing someone else's highlight reel on social media - they can all trigger those feelings of fear of self-doubt.

“Mistakes don’t make you a fraud, they make you human.”

Key Highlights

• Fraud Litmus Test [01:47]
• Not believing what you preach vs. Not following what you preach [2:19]
• My Fraud Story [03:36]
• You’re more than your mistakes [06:24]
• What it means to believe in yourself [07:10]
• A 2nd Fraud Story [08:12]
• What I learned about being flawed [09:34]
• 3 first steps to a fraud-free life [10:48]

Download my Shut The Fr@^d Up! worksheet & create your own way to shield yourself from unwanted doubts & distractions! http://www. therockstaradvocate.com/ep11 

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here!
• Join us in The Rock/Star Collective here

Thanks for listening! 

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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The New Year can often cause us to take on too much too soon. In order to find balance, Suz breaks down how to determine what practices help you maintain your focus & energy and then how to ensure you turn those practices into daily habits.

"Awareness is the focus, not judgment."

Key Highlights

• A note for music-preneurs re: creativity [01:40]
• New Parents vs. Music-Preneurs [03:16]
• Danika Brysha’s Daily Self-Care Routine [04:02]
• Important tip to remember when creating a routine [05:10]
• Charles Duhigg’s tip about habits [05:41]
• Routines vs. Reality [07:52]
• Creating your own routine [09:30]

Decide what you need to do each day to feel recharged & focused to take on the day! Download a free copy of my [FREEBIE] here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep10

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Want to Be Creative on Purpose? NYT article by Carl Richards is here
• Carl Richard's The Behavior Gap Radio episode re: schedules is here
• Charles Duhigg's The Power of Habit can be found here
• Danika Brysha discusses her daily self-care routine here
• Danielle LaPorte created a daily ritual worksheet here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Having a bad day? A bad week? Year?!?! Let Suz show you how to give yourself permission to grieve, sulk, complain + when & how to pull yourself back up and get back to work!

“Giving yourself permission to feel crappy, even if the reality is not as bad as it seems, is ok.”

Key Highlights

• What's the point of planning & creating structure? [01:06]
• The importance & purpose of having structure [01:45]
• Pity Parties: should we have them? [03:30]
• The 15-minute rule [03:58]
• 5 Ways to leave your Pity Party [05:56]
• An important list I keep near my desk [07:34]
• Boundaries & expectations [09:49]
• Your Pity Party Contract [10:47]

Give yourself permission to express your frustrations/sorrow/fear over a certain situation without allowing it to overtake you and prevent your productivity. Download a free copy of My Pity Party Contract here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep9

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Read Fast Company’s 5 Ways to Crash Your Own Pity Party here
• Print out Thought Catalog’s 20 Signs You’re Doing Better Than You Think You Are here
• Check out Psychology Today’s explanation of why pity parties are ok here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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Finding it difficult to manage your finances as a music-preneur? Suz explains some key concepts when it comes to having a healthy money mindset + how to manage your finances without the overwhelm & judgment in order to grow your music career. 

"Empower yourself with that knowledge in order to make a confident decision. If you have money to spare - treat yourself! If you are on a tight budget - where will that money create the most positive impact for you?"

Key Highlights

• Mistakes I made with my last businesses re: money [01:37]
• The importance of understanding your finances [03:00]
• Why we avoid money management [03:33]
• Why YNAB is an important tool [04:16]
• Why I love Brunch & Budget [07:17]
• Using The Rock/Star Life Planner’s Rocksources [09:14]
• How to know what to spend your money on [10:12]
• The Music-Preneur’s money mindset [12:29]

Take control over your finances without feeling overwhelmed & emotional about a few numbers! Download your free gift here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep8

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Sign up for a free trial of the YNAB App here
• Take the Brunch & Budget Money Personality Quiz here
• Purchase The 2018 Rock/Star Life Planner here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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Struggling to grow your fanbase? It’s more about relationships than it is about numbers, and Suz shows you things you can do every day to strengthen those relationships & attract more people to your email list.

“A large list of followers with a low percentage of engagement is useless. Numbers don’t buy products - people do.”

Key Highlights

• What NOT to do when learning something new [01:57]
• 2 of my favorite List Building resources [03:16]
• What is an Opt-In or Squeeze Page? [04:31]
• What's meant by Double Opt-In? [05:31]
• What's an Incentive Email? [06:15]
• Understanding Email Funnels & Sequences [07:37]
• Purposes of Automations & Segmentations [09:05]
• Using Tripwires & Up-Sells [10:24]
• Understanding Conversion Rates [11:48]
• Daily actions you can take to grow your list [13:11]
• Getting the word out [16:53]
• Keeping a healthy mindset [18:52]

Determine actions to take each day to grow your fanbase in an engaged & authentic way. Download a free copy of my Relationship Building Routine worksheet here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep7

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• Take Nathalie Lussier’s 30 Day List Building Challenge here
• Amy Porterfield’s List Builder’s Lab 2.0 online course is here
• My Fan Funnel Checklist from Episode 6 can be found here
• Try ConvertKit {*this is an affiliate link}
• Try MailChimp
• PopUp Ally is the plugin I use for my Opt-In pop-ups & embeds
• Rick Mulready has great resources on FB Ads here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

What does it truly mean to be a Music-Preneur? Suz delves into the differences she sees between a “DIY Musician” and someone who sees themselves as a someone growing a sustainable career in the music industry.

"Always remember that mindset matters. If you set out to achieve your goals but spend more time focusing on your doubts and setbacks, then that’s what you’ll attract."

Key Highlights

• 2 crucial tools for building a career in music [01:12]
• What it means to work smarter not harder [03:31]
• How to prioritize [04:43]
• The power of time blocking [05:39]
• What's more important that your message [08:09]
• Mindset & power of attraction [10:16]
• Biggest difference between DIY musician & music-preneur [11:58]

Decide what to give your fans in order to attract new subscribers to your email list + build better relationships with your followers. Download a free copy of my Fan Funnel Checklist here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep6

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode's transcript here
• The 2018 Rock/Star Life Planner supports health habits for a better mindset & is now available on Amazon
• How to Feed a Starving Artist by David Duchemin
• One Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards
• Marie Forleo's 6 Little Money Mindset Shifts That Payoff Huge

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Celebrating your small wins is important. But how do you make sure you're celebrating and growing at the same time? Dame of Music Entrepreneurs Club & BeatStars shares his perspective on hustle and how to consistently grow your career even when setbacks happen.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/yDNMHrnBVfA

Suz explains how & why she quit her first official job in the music industry 5 times, illustrating the importance of self-worth & learning to trust your gut.

"I didn’t believe in myself. I didn’t trust that I knew what was best for myself and I had a very hard time accepting that my dream was changing."

Key Highlights

• Why I’m sharing this story [01:18]
• Beginning of my story [03:18]
• Quitting attempt #1 [06:18]
• Quitting attempt #2 [07:17]
• Quitting attempt #3 & #4 [08:44]
• Quitting attempt #5 [09:25]
• Diving deeper into why I left [13:02]
• Feeling like a fraud [17:12]
• What I’ve now learned [18:11]
• One last lesson to share with you [21:54]

Declutter your space {both physically & mentally} so that you may begin getting clear on what matters most to you.

Download your Get Your Mind Right Checklist here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep2

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode’s transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

The Rock/Star Advocate was created, in part, to bestow upon musicians the importance of self-care. In part three of Suz’ Lessons Learned Series, she explains the last time she failed to take her own advice & what it cost her – literally. Listen to her words to live by when entering into a transitional period in your life.

"Next I began unpacking. Shirts? Check. Shoes? Check. Toilet paper I stole from the hotel? Check. Pants? Pants…. Pants… Bueller…."

Key Highlights

• Why this story is important [01:26]
• Why I moved from NYC to Nashville [03:27]
• The night before my move [06:05]
• Arriving in Nashville [08:00]

Stay focused & organized when preparing for travel so you’re not left wondering wtf your pants are or where you can buy new headphones!

Download your free Packing Checklist here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep4

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode’s transcript here
• One Page Financial Plan by Carl Richards

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

In the last episode of the Lessons Learned Series, Suz pulls back the curtain on what it was like to lose all of her belongings in a fire amidst running her first online summit, and how she stayed focused on her work through it all. Learn how to work through set-backs, push yourself to grow, work through extreme doubt & uncertainty, and come out the other side.

"When we base our days in gratitude, the future never looks as ominous as it does for those that never have enough; that’s because we have enough now, in the present."

Key Highlights

• My short-lived stint in Nashville [01:13]
• Deciding what to do about my first online summit – The Rock/Star Summit [03:15]
• The importance of systems [05:26]
• The power of gratitude [06:43]
• Pro tip when creating daily systems [10:15]

Prioritize your tasks & break them down into digestible next steps. It’s time to begin to monotask + microtask!

Download your free Next Steps Checklist here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/ep5

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode’s transcript here
• Cheryl B. Engelhardt’s sites are CBE Music & In the Key of Success

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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In the second installment of her Lessons Learned Series, Suz takes us back to her first entrepreneurial endeavor and the lessons she learned working with a business partner/best friend & ultimately parting ways and dissolving their music consulting business, sharing tips on the best practices for protecting yourself {and your relationships} when entering into a collaboration.

"Have those difficult conversations when things are already good so that you can look at everything with a clear head, without emotion."

Key Highlights

• The importance of teamwork [00:50]
• Why I decided to discuss my former partnership [01:53]
• Quick shout out to Alyssa Jackson & The Rock/Star Life Planner [02:41]
• What we got wrong about running a business [04:52]
• A painful fact of life when it comes to collaborations [06:08]
• Perfection paralysis [07:25]
• Knowing what you bring to the table [10:07]
• When to have the difficult conversations [12:32]
• Power of the 3rd Party [16:32]
• Putting friendships to the test [18:12]

Help you and your partner/team members get on the same page & ensure that should creative differences arise, relationships can remain in tact & out of the courts!

Download your Partnership Prenup here: www.therockstaradvocate.com/Ep3 

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode’s transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

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Suz explains why she chose to become The Rock/Star Advocate, why she created this podcast, and why the topics being covered in this podcast are important {and often overlooked} in order to build a sustainable career in music.

"I realized so many fall victim to the hustle 24/7-sleep-when-your-dead mentality – something I had struggled with for years. Turns out, people in other industries stopped buying that horse shit and were seeing REAL results from working smarter, not harder."

Key Highlights

• WTF am I? [00:52]
• My journey into becoming a mindset coach [02:32]
• The story of how this podcast came to be [04:22]
• What topics & takeaways you can expect in future episodes [06:26]

Links/Rocksources

• Theme music brought to you by DC-based Indie/Pop band Sub-Radio
• More episodes can be found here
• You can download a copy of the episode’s transcript here

Thanks for listening!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app ;)

Spotify | iTunes | SoundCloud | RSS Feed

See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

Are you drowning in decisions that you're too overwhelmed to make? Suz goes over how to feel confident in your decision-making and how to streamline the process in order to avoid burnout.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/FkVw9_a29_w

Do your failures define you? If so, it's time to redefine your failures. Suz breaks down how to reframe and redefine them and what to do when you fall off track.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/gEmuKodRQuE

Suz connects with reality singing show coach, best-selling author, and singer-songwriter Brianna Ruelas to discuss why realizing your dreams is for "every age and stage."

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/huXrOiRl8Es

Suz breaks down what she feels is the MOST misguided approach to creating and hosting virtual and in-person events and how hosts of these events can do better not only for themselves but for the audience they serve.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/jTnYJ3qaO7k

Suz interviews IndieFlow’s Head of Artist Relations, Laura Catana, and Artist Relations Manager and indie artist, Edy Blu, to discuss why IndieFlow is not your typical career management platform and how you can diversify your hustle through different revenue streams with a sustainable flow.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/hcLTmKiJmMY

Suz sits down with Sarah Gulish, co-founder of FFlat Books, to discuss why it's so important to redefine what we know 'hustle' to be and how she's built a thriving music career on her own terms while putting the power back in creatives' hands.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/ltAmhYcgtSo

Suz breaks down her 3-part framework of the most important system in her business that has allowed her to grow and sustain her career for 20 years.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/QlVGP2HBh5s

Suz discusses why she decided to take a break from the MusicPreneur Mindset Podcast, rebrand it as the Redefine the Hustle Podcast, and what you can expect from future episodes.

Full show notes accessible on YouTube: https://youtu.be/dm-tRsPf-Mk

Hi, how can I help you?

Summary

Between your community of fans, your friends, your family, your peers, industry experts, and medical experts, you have a LOT of places to turn to for support. But how do you know where to turn to and when? Suz breaks it down.

For all links, resources, and free downloads from this bonus episode, visit the full set of show notes here: http://therockstaradvocate.com/ep114

THANKS FOR LISTENING!

If you liked what you heard, help get this podcast in front of others by subscribing, rating, and leaving a review using your favorite podcast app

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