The Knives Monroe Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

In my latest conversation on The Knives Monroe Podcast, Derek and I peeled back the layers of entrepreneurship, real estate, and life’s raw truths. Derek isn’t just a marketing director or a real estate investor; he’s a force who transforms setbacks into stepping stones. His story is a testament to radical ownership—taking responsibility for every decision, no matter how messy.

Family, Failure, and Forward MotionGrowing up in Wells Branch, Derek learned early that life was as unpredictable as it was challenging. He shared how the echoes of his father’s struggles and the bittersweet lessons from his own experiences shaped his non-negotiables. Losing a parent at a young age forced him to reframe grief into fuel. His journey wasn’t linear; it was a series of failures that, when embraced, paved the way for exponential growth.

The Art of PivotingDerek’s transition from wholesaling to partnering on real estate deals wasn’t accidental—it was strategic. He explained that while lowball offers may upset some, they are often the necessary cost to seize opportunity. By refusing to let sunk cost fallacies dictate his future, he learned to pivot, recalibrate, and trust his gut. That same gut tells him when to say “enough” and focus on what truly moves the needle.

Embracing the HustleIn our conversation, Derek’s passion for the hustle shone through. He broke down the mechanics of real estate investing like a seasoned MMA fighter—different moves for different situations. Whether he’s donning the investor hat, the contractor hat, or even the role of a mediator between skeptical clients and ambitious partners, he embodies the art of doing it all. His message? Focus on what you do best, eliminate what doesn’t work, and never let fear of failure stop you.

A Blueprint for Creative OwnershipDerek’s approach extends beyond the numbers. It’s about creating value, building trust, and forging relationships that endure. For him, every deal is not just a transaction but a chance to learn, grow, and leave a mark. His journey has taught him that every failure, every lowball offer, and every unexpected twist is an opportunity—a lesson that propels him forward.

What’s one lesson from your failures that propelled you to success?Drop a comment or send me a DM. Let’s connect and learn from one another.

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

I want artists and creators to get paid. I want you to make a living doing what you love. I want you to pay your bills with art money. This mission isn’t just a lofty goal—it’s personal. I’ve been there, starting from zero, wondering how to make that leap from amateur to pro. It’s a mind game and a grind, but it’s possible.

We live in an age where information is everywhere, and opportunities seem endless, but many creators are still undervalued and underpaid. The system isn’t built for us to win, but that doesn’t mean we can’t. Let’s talk about what’s holding creators back and how we can change the game.

The Struggles Creators Face

Let’s acknowledge the reality: creators are commoditized, expected to work for exposure or the love of the craft. The lack of business skills among creatives is staggering. So many of us don’t know how to charge fairly or negotiate confidently. We’re afraid to ask for what we’re worth because we’re just happy to get the gig.

I get it. You’ve taken jobs for pennies because you wanted the experience or didn’t feel confident enough to charge more. You said yes to a $150 wedding shoot and spent the whole day working for a fraction of what you deserved. Sound familiar? That’s not sustainable. It’s time to kill the people-pleaser mindset and embrace your worth.

The Starving Artist Myth

We need to deconstruct the toxic stereotype of the starving artist. For too long, society has told us that making art means being broke, that monetizing your creativity is “selling out.” That’s garbage. The new generation—Gen Z and beyond—is proving that you can be creative and successful without compromising your integrity. Let’s adopt that mindset.

Art and content have value. Artists deserve compensation. Full stop. By accepting scraps, you’re not just hurting yourself; you’re devaluing the entire creator economy. Stop charging $300 for projects that should be worth thousands. Believe me, there’s more than enough food at the table for everyone to eat—but you have to demand your seat.

From Artist to Businessperson

Here’s the truth: If you want to get paid, you need to think like a businessperson. This means:

* Knowing Your Value: Understand the skills you bring to the table. Assess your offerings—whether it’s photography, videography, podcasting, or consulting—and price them according to time, expertise, and market demand.

* Building a Personal Brand: Your personal brand is your lifeline. It’s how clients find you, trust you, and decide to invest in you. Be recognizable, undeniable, and authentic.

* Creating a Clear Monetization Strategy: Stop making content for content’s sake. Have a plan. Whether it’s selling prints, offering services, or launching digital products, map out how your creativity will generate income.

* Diversifying Your Income Streams: Relying on one client or platform is risky. Explore ways to make money through multiple avenues, like consulting, courses, or brand partnerships.

Practical Steps to Get Paid

Let’s get actionable. Here are steps you can take to start earning what you’re worth:

* Shift Your Mindset: Stop seeing yourself as “just” an artist or creator. You’re a business owner.

* Set a Baseline Rate: If you’re charging less than $1,000 for significant projects, rethink your pricing. Low rates hurt you and the creator economy.

* Learn Business Basics: Master contracts, invoicing, and negotiation. These are non-negotiables if you want to protect yourself and thrive.

* Reach Out Strategically: Use cold outreach to land clients. DM someone you admire and offer your services. Lead with value, not desperation.

* Leverage Free Tools: Start with what you have. Use your phone, free editing software, and platforms like Canva to build your portfolio.

The Ripple Effect of Getting Paid

When artists get paid, it changes everything. You can focus on your craft, inspire others, and contribute to the world in meaningful ways. Money amplifies your mission. It’s not about greed; it’s about sustaining your creativity and making a larger impact.

The world needs your art. Your ideas. Your voice. But none of that can happen if you’re too broke and burned out to create. Getting paid matters—not just for you, but for the people who benefit from your work.

Final Thoughts

This is the best time in history to be a creator. With direct-to-consumer platforms, tools like Patreon, and evolving technology, the opportunities are endless. But you have to take the leap. You have to believe in your worth and demand abundance.

So let me ask you: What’s holding you back from getting paid for your art? Leave a comment, share your story, and let’s figure this out together. The world needs your creativity. It’s time to get paid for it.

Keep a force field around your heart and your art. You deserve this.

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

the knives monroe podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PPHuIvNEgTM89PTEw5aHB

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knivesmonroe

PODCAST GEAR:

https://www.amazon.com/shop/indiedarlings/list/2XBHJ3D60NL6L?ref_=cm_sw_r_cp_ud_aipsflist_aipsfindiedarlings_6ARXGFZ0KNWCCP08DQZS



INDIE DARLINGS 2024
COPYRIGHT INDIE DARLINGS LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

#podcast #knivesmonroe #5tips

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

This is a daily podcast committed to activating dormant independent creatives to get out of the house and express themselves. Share your secrets and stories right here on the show!
Links To My Everything: https://linktr.ee/knivesmonroe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Buy Me A Cup of Coffee- https://ko-fi.com/knivesmonroe
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PPHuIv...
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/knivesmonroe
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZd1vWTpFFoVwjOIHjbC2_Q?view_as=subscriber
Medium: https://link.medium.com/Yg4XQAC3Y2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knivesmonroe/
Discord: https://discordapp.com/channels/@knivesmonroe
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/knivesmonroe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KnivesMonroe
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knivesmonroe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnivesMonroe
INDIE DARLINGS 2020
COPYRIGHT INDIE DARLINGS LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
#KnivesMonroevsThePodcast #DailyPodcast #IndieDarlings

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

This is a daily podcast committed to activating dormant independent creatives to get out of the house and express themselves. Share your secrets and stories right here on the show!

Links To My Everything: https://linktr.ee/knivesmonroe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Buy Me A Cup of Coffee- https://ko-fi.com/knivesmonroe
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PPHuIv...
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/knivesmonroe
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZd1vWTpFFoVwjOIHjbC2_Q?view_as=subscriber
Medium: https://link.medium.com/Yg4XQAC3Y2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knivesmonroe/
Discord: https://discordapp.com/channels/@knivesmonroe
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/knivesmonroe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KnivesMonroe
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knivesmonroe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnivesMonroe

INDIE DARLINGS 2020
COPYRIGHT INDIE DARLINGS LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

#KnivesMonroevsThePodcast #DailyPodcast #IndieDarlings

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

This is a daily podcast committed to activating dormant independent creatives to get out of the house and express themselves. Share your secrets and stories right here on the show!
Links To My Everything: https://linktr.ee/knivesmonroe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PPHuIv...
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/knivesmonroe
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...
Medium: https://link.medium.com/Yg4XQAC3Y2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knivesmonroe/
Discord: https://discordapp.com/channels/@knivesmonroe
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/knivesmonroe
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knivesmonroe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnivesMonroe
INDIE DARLINGS 2020
COPYRIGHT INDIE DARLINGS LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED
#KnivesMonroevsThePodcast #DailyPodcast #IndieDarlings

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

1. Resourcefulness is greater than your resources
2. Test Screen- Don’t be afraid to cut scenes, make them shorter
3. It all starts with the script, condense things.
4. Casting is 51% of directing.
5. Move the camera
6. Light the fucker
7. Get pristine sound
8. If the team is there, have a deadline. If there is no team, then it takes as long as it takes.
9. Everyone needs to have fun. Fun creates the best results.
10. If the actors need an answer, give it to them.
11. Don’t make things harder than they have to be for the risk of being cool. Morale is one thing but self preservation is another.

This is a daily podcast committed to activating dormant independent creatives to get out of the house and express themselves. Share your secrets and stories right here on the show!

Links To My Everything: https://linktr.ee/knivesmonroe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Buy Me A Cup of Coffee- https://ko-fi.com/knivesmonroe
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PPHuIv...
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/knivesmonroe
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZd1vWTpFFoVwjOIHjbC2_Q?view_as=subscriber
Medium: https://link.medium.com/Yg4XQAC3Y2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knivesmonroe/
Discord: https://discordapp.com/channels/@knivesmonroe
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/knivesmonroe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KnivesMonroe
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knivesmonroe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnivesMonroe

INDIE DARLINGS 2020
COPYRIGHT INDIE DARLINGS LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

#KnivesMonroevsThePodcast #DailyPodcast #IndieDarlings

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

The Last Filmmaker

If you’re an aspiring indie filmmaker chances are you grew up idolizing Quentin Tarantino, Robert Rodriguez or someone who created a low budget movie that catapulted their careers to critical acclaim and cult immortality.

The road map is simple. Go to film school. Or go to films. Invade Sundance, sell your movie, and start producing the next DC intellectual property, Netflix series, or criterion classic.

Now you’re getting paid to make movies, to make creative decisions, to live your dream, you could have been a telemarketer but you choose to pay your taxes with ART MONEY, baby!

However say you’re not lucky, talented, or privileged enough to become the next Rian Johnson. What then? What’s the calling card?

Wedding videos, commercials, short films, music videos, corporate work, demo reels, podcast producing, product photography, social media influencing, YouTube, Tiktok, video essays,

old media it’s all content creation, but it’s not cinema.

Isn’t that why you decided to dedicate a decade to this business in the first place? Why you spent your money on big fancy cameras? For the cinematic look?

Content creators, filmmakers these are all semantics. After all Cinema is in the Eye of the beholder, Martin Scorsese. The word “filmmaker” may have become antiquated, or ok boomered, but the language of dreams, that is cinema, has become the universal language of the world. Transcending box office and geography entirely.

You could be the last filmmaker, or the first youtuber, regardless youre a rebel without a crew, you have to have something to say, and you have to say it, and whether you’re Bong Joon Ho, or some meme, you have to mean it. That’s what filmmaking is, was, or can be.

This is a daily podcast committed to activating dormant independent creatives to get out of the house and express themselves. Share your secrets and stories right here on the show!

Links To My Everything: https://linktr.ee/knivesmonroe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Buy Me A Cup of Coffee- https://ko-fi.com/knivesmonroe
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PPHuIv...
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/knivesmonroe
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZd1vWTpFFoVwjOIHjbC2_Q?view_as=subscriber
Medium: https://link.medium.com/Yg4XQAC3Y2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knivesmonroe/
Discord: https://discordapp.com/channels/@knivesmonroe
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/knivesmonroe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KnivesMonroe
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knivesmonroe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnivesMonroe

INDIE DARLINGS 2020
COPYRIGHT INDIE DARLINGS LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

#KnivesMonroevsThePodcast #DailyPodcast #IndieDarlings

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

Follow David Cook here: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nuttybuttuski


This is a daily podcast, a creativity confirmation, committed to sharing the secrets and stories behind independent artists and creators.

Links To My Everything: https://linktr.ee/knivesmonroe
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...
Buy Me A Cup of Coffee- https://ko-fi.com/knivesmonroe
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0PPHuIv...
Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/knivesmonroe
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCZd1vWTpFFoVwjOIHjbC2_Q?view_as=subscriber
Medium: https://link.medium.com/Yg4XQAC3Y2
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/knivesmonroe/
Discord: https://discordapp.com/channels/@knivesmonroe
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/knivesmonroe
Twitter: https://twitter.com/KnivesMonroe
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@knivesmonroe
Facebook: www.facebook.com/KnivesMonroe

INDIE DARLINGS 2020
COPYRIGHT INDIE DARLINGS LLC
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

#KnivesMonroevsThePodcast #DailyPodcast #IndieDarlings

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe

buy me coffee here: https://ko-fi.com/knivesmonroe
u dont have to (but i dont sell ads)

Get full access to good content by Knives Monroe at knivesmonroe.substack.com/subscribe