Mike Perry is a painter and graphic designer, based in Brooklyn, NY and Athens, NY.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) Following love to New York

(02:43) Early hustle and instant momentum

(05:34) Dental floss letters and studio realization

(07:58) Pre-social era: reputation and “Hand Job”

(10:41) Independence, Missouri and a creative family

(13:28) Drawing obsession and being “terrible” in school

(15:52) Dyslexia: letters as shapes, school misunderstandings

(18:41) Neurodivergence as strength and problem-solving

(21:07) Art as purpose: reaching your tiny percentage

(23:46) Minneapolis art school and pivot to design

(26:18) Graphic design philosophy: problems, solutions, process

(28:57) Urban Outfitters: mentors, mecca, behind-the-curtain lessons

(31:37) Handmade aesthetic and early website experimentation

(34:09) Design blogs, relationships, and building a contact list

(37:02) Creative control, big collaborations, and trusting teams

(40:12) Advice now: uncertainty, AI, and human connection

(43:06) Pushing into hard projects and long-haul persistence

(46:12) Success = control of time, boredom, and freedom

Shaun Murphy is a stand-up comedian, based in New York City.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) Following love to New York

(02:43) Early hustle and instant momentum

(05:34) Dental floss letters and studio realization

(07:58) Pre-social era: reputation and “Hand Job”

(10:41) Independence, Missouri and a creative family

(13:28) Drawing obsession and being “terrible” in school

(15:52) Dyslexia: letters as shapes, school misunderstandings

(18:41) Neurodivergence as strength and problem-solving

(21:07) Art as purpose: reaching your tiny percentage

(23:46) Minneapolis art school and pivot to design

(26:18) Graphic design philosophy: problems, solutions, process

(28:57) Urban Outfitters: mentors, mecca, behind-the-curtain lessons

(31:37) Handmade aesthetic and early website experimentation

(34:09) Design blogs, relationships, and building a contact list

(37:02) Creative control, big collaborations, and trusting teams

(40:12) Advice now: uncertainty, AI, and human connection

(43:06) Pushing into hard projects and long-haul persistence

(46:12) Success = control of time, boredom, and freedom

Nick Marsella is a Juilliard alum and a composer, based in New York City.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) Unorthodox plan to move to New York

(03:21) Cold texts, a stranger says “call John”

(06:04) John offers help—move “right now”

(08:58) Staten Island basement room: rough, cash, roommates

(12:07) Long commute: bus, ferry, train to Times Square

(15:14) Mice, sleeping on the floor, retail hustle

(18:02) Juilliard bookstore dream and immersion in repertoire

(20:41) Two goals revealed: Juilliard and homeless orchestra

(22:33) Early music roots: church, dad as worship leader

(25:47) Discovering orchestral music and “alien language” fascination

(29:18) Switching to composition, building curriculum from scratch

(32:36) Conviction, clarity, and going all-in on a calling

(36:08) Doubts up close, perseverance from decision to decision

(38:52) Friends doubting him; rooftop celebration and first drink

(41:35) First Juilliard rejection and the two-application rule

(44:17) Four years in the bookstore: night classes and mentors

(48:09) The acceptance letter—East Village tears and relief

(51:26) Pandemic shutdown and persistent imposter syndrome

(54:44) Goal two evolves: grant, videos, and “Us Us” piece

(59:37) Corporate detour, layoffs, and recommitting to the mission

(63:08) Carnegie Hall vision and first violin for Michaela

(66:34) Fundraiser “The First One,” Bowery Mission partnership

(69:41) Defining success: serving others, dignity through music