Podcast Of The Week: Outputs > Outcomes (Chris Distefano Edition)

Mike Birbiglia asked a comedy club manager for an example of a comedian who wasn’t funny at all when they started, but now is famous for being funny. She answered quickly and without hesitation, “Chris Distefano.” She said he wasn’t funny at all when he started, but now is funny “times a million.”  When he … Continue reading Podcast Of The Week: Outputs > Outcomes (Chris Distefano Edition)

What A $5 Shake Can Teach You About Coaching

Empathy is asking “What’s going on beneath the surface with this person?”  Not answering it.  Just asking it. Being open to finding the answer.  Letting that be the starting point.  In Pulp Fiction, when Vincent Vega (John Travolta) and Mia Wallace (Uma Thurman) pull up to to Jack Rabbit Slims, it’s on the grounds that … Continue reading What A $5 Shake Can Teach You About Coaching

My Favorite Movie Quote (A Gut Reaction That Surprised Me)

I was doing an interview that had a set of rapid-fire questions at the end. I had a list of questions to prepare with. I just didn’t realize they were examples and not the real questions. Oops. Nothing like panic-pressure in the moment to unlock the deepest recesses of your brain.  Amidst “favorite food” and … Continue reading My Favorite Movie Quote (A Gut Reaction That Surprised Me)

How To Be A Team Player: Stevie Wonder Edition

Stevie Wonder’s role in Netflix’s The Greatest Night in Pop documentary is as a secondary artist. He didn’t write the song. Yes, he’s a featured soloist, but a relatively minor one. And for all I knew before and after watching the documentary the first time, he’s just another pop star who was “there.”  But then … Continue reading How To Be A Team Player: Stevie Wonder Edition

Sunday Music: Rationalizing Glitterer’s “Rationale” (While Absolutely Loving This Record)

Seeing Glitterer live in the leadup to this release - I’ve been really excited for it. You know when you can see growth, as an iteration on the past without reiterating the past? That was the vibe. There’s no Title Fight rehashing here, but there is a band again, and most importantly - there’s the … Continue reading Sunday Music: Rationalizing Glitterer’s “Rationale” (While Absolutely Loving This Record)

Saturday Morning Media: Kanye’s WTF Vs. Kendrick’s LFG (To Therapy)

Kanye has a new album out, and whenever Kanye has a new album out, I’m curious.  I don’t think Kanye’s a genius, but I do think he’s incredibly gifted. “Crazy and bipolar” (his words), ok. But this new record, I’m at a loss, and I think I can explain.   I do think Kendrick Lamar is … Continue reading Saturday Morning Media: Kanye’s WTF Vs. Kendrick’s LFG (To Therapy)

Pop Vs. The Underground: Community Wins (Jay-Z + Eminem Vs. Kweli + Common Edition)

Choosing to be a great artist is an investment. It’s an investment in time and passion and sweat - all poured into captured performances. Because greatness is achieved in the audience’s reactions and remembrances. You can choose more than one type of audience to invest in as an artist.  It comes with tradeoffs.  Some financial, … Continue reading Pop Vs. The Underground: Community Wins (Jay-Z + Eminem Vs. Kweli + Common Edition)