Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person

In this episode, I talk about the balancing act of creativity with making a living. Money and music. Rent and riffs. I share ideas I’ve collected over the years from musicians, writers, and artists I respect - people who’ve figured out how to keep the lights on and make work worth making. You don’t buy a motorcycle just so you can buy gas. You didn’t start creating just because the money it could make you. The goal isn’t just to survive - it’s to make something great, and making enough money to keep going. //rob   📍Minneapolis, MN https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/artandmoney   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Mono Cases: www.monocreators.com   Search Tags: money and music, starving artist myth, making a living as a musician, creative career advice, music industry tips, balancing art and income, musician mindset, music and money podcast, how to make money as an artist, creative entrepreneurship, musician life lessons, music business advice, financial tips for creatives, creative freedom, making rent as a musician, rob morgan podcast, music career growth, breaking the starving artist myth, art and money, sustainable creative career

What’s the difference between being an enthusiast and a critic? Can you love something - really love it - without being pretentious about it? In this episode, Sarah and I head to the Guinness Open Gate Brewery in Chicago to wrestle with a question that’s been nagging me for weeks: what’s the fine line between appreciation and snobbery? Along the way, I talk with Dylan Quinn and Jeremy Schultz from the Guinness team about beer, comparison, and the myth of the “expert.” This one’s about more than beer. It’s about passion, humility, identity - and learning to enjoy the pour without putting yourself on a pedestal. 📍Guinness Open Gate Brewery, Chicago, USA https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/guinnesschicago   ※    Dylan Quinn: https://www.instagram.com/dq_art207 Jeremy Schultz: https://www.instagram.com/thejeremyschultz   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: beer culture, guinness brewery, open gate chicago, beer podcast, enthusiast vs critic, creative identity, passion vs pretension, travel storytelling, guinness storehouse, craft beer lovers, drinking rituals, artist mindset, comparison trap, mystical hedonism, chicago beer scene, creative philosophy, pub culture, thoughtful drinking

In Bozeman, Montana, my buddy Aaron Johnson and I stumbled into an art exhibit that caught us off guard in the best way. On the surface, it was just holes drilled into a roof. But the meaning behind it? That’s what stopped us in our tracks. In this episode, we talk about what turns a simple act into something sacred. About how intention, not just action, is what makes something art. We also dig into the idea of art as a gift, something freely offered, not just sold, and how that mindset is often lost in the rush to make a living. This one’s a reminder to stay awake, follow our luck, look up, and remember why we make things in the first place. //rob 📍 Bozeman, Montana https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/thegiftofart   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: art as a gift, creativity and intention, bozeman montana, podcast for artists, creative philosophy, art and money, sacred art, intention in art, rob morgan podcast, aaron johnson, unexpected art, found inspiration, holes in a ceiling, minimalist art, gift economy, modern art reflections, artist mindset, paying attention, meaning in creativity, living awake  

In this episode, I talk about the myth of balance, the reality of sacrifice, and what it actually looks like to build a life around what matters most to you - even if it means leaving money on the table. If you’re a freelancer, an artist, a creative trying to make it work—this one’s for you. 📍 Minneapolis, MN https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/notatonce   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: freelance musician life, creative sacrifices, work life imbalance, choosing travel, you can have it all just not at once, rob morgan podcast, podcast for creatives, making hard choices, traveling artist, money vs time, creative freedom, behind the scenes artist life, how to live intentionally, travel tradeoffs, real talk for musicians, creative risks, choosing freedom, values over money, building a creative life, traveling while self-employed

Ever feel anxious that your creative dreams are taking too long to come true? You’re not alone. In this episode, I dive into a piece of advice from actress Tilda Swinton that changed how I view my creative journey. She famously said, “Keep your dreams soft, malleable, flexible, porous – and fun. Don’t make your dreams breakable.” Join me for a convo about letting go of the rush and loving the ride. If you’ve ever felt impatient or discouraged with your progress, this episode will inspire you to enjoy the journey and make the process part of your dream – just as Tilda advises.   📍Minneapolis, MN  https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/flexibledreams   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: creative journey, creative process, enjoy the process, journey over destination, Tilda Swinton, creative advice, inspiration, motivation, goal setting, dreams, creative anxiety, patience, personal growth, creativity, artistic journey, mindset, flexibility, malleable dreams, resilience, success mindset

For the longest time, I used the phrase “I’m just wired this way” as an excuse for my lack of intentionality and organizational skills. I thought being creative meant I couldn’t also be focused. Turns out… that was bullshit. In this episode, I talk about “task saturation,” and how the CIA trains its operatives to handle overwhelming pressure. No surprise - it also applies to artists. The truth is, you don’t rise to the level of your inspiration. You fall to the level of your habits. And I’m trying to build better ones. Not to be more productive, but to be present. //rob   📍Minneapolis, MN https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/tasksaturation     ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: task saturation, artist productivity, CIA training, creative focus, rob morgan podcast, how to focus, creativity and discipline, multitasking myth, artist mindset, rob morgan is a curious person, build better habits, creative habits, presence over hustle, attention span, scattered creative, productivity tips for artists, mental clarity, deep work, creator life, CIA mindset

In fashion, there’s this idea called "The Wrong Shoe Theory" and somehow, that choice shows confidence. Intention. Personality. In music, and really any creative field, we’re taught the rules, but no one reminds us to break them. And without breaking the rules, you’ll never find your voice. You’ll just be a well-behaved echo. In this episode, Sarah and I talk about fashion, creativity, confidence, and what it means to actually own your weird. Because the wrong shoe might be the right move. 📍 Town Hall Tap, Minneapolis MN https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/wrongshoetheory   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: wrong shoe theory, fashion and creativity, breaking the rules, unique artistic voice, music rules, fashion confidence, creative expression, rob and sarah morgan, podcast for creatives, style theory, artistic individuality, rule breaking in music, fashion metaphors, music and identity, originality in art, weird is good, podcast about creativity, creative philosophy, finding your voice, Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person  

When you're first starting out as a creative, everyone tells you to say yes. Yes to every gig, every project, every maybe-this-will-lead-to-something opportunity. But no one really teaches you when it’s time to start saying no. In this episode, I talk about how saying yes got me started… but saying no is what’s helping me stay focused. At some point, your time, your energy, and your creative sanity depend on it. 📍 Minneapolis, MN https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/focusandno   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: creative focus, saying no, creative boundaries, artist mindset, saying yes vs no, podcast for creatives, protecting your time, creative discipline, focus and clarity, creative advice, rob morgan podcast, setting boundaries, burnout prevention, creative career growth, decision making, saying no with confidence, artistic growth, focus tips, music industry advice, self management for artists

There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Chaos, burnout, doomscrolling, and all the rest. But here’s your friendly, ridiculous reminder: everyone’s dealing with something. Everyone’s in pain in some way. And yes, everyone’s getting up to go pee pee at 3AM. This episode is a goofy reminder to have some damn patience with other people, and with yourself. You’re not alone. You’re just human. Probably a little tired. Probably a little full-bladdered. 📍Minneapolis, MN https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/3ampeepee ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: podcast humor, be kind reminder, midnight thoughts, funny podcast episode, Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person, humor and wisdom, humanity and empathy, self kindness, funny life advice, being patient, podcast for creatives, podcast for weirdos, daily reminder to chill, soft reminders, bathroom humor with heart, human experience podcast, funny but true, don’t be a jerk, we’re all struggling, pee jokes and perspective  

Yeah, the world is saturated. Everyone’s making something. But that doesn’t make your voice any less necessary. Your perspective—how you see, process, frame, and express—is the one thing no algorithm, AI, or influencer can duplicate. That’s the work. That’s the value. This episode is a reminder not to disappear into the noise… just because there’s a lot of it. 📍 Minneapolis, MN https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/yourperspective     ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: creative process, original voice, finding your voice, creative confidence, artistic identity, oversaturated market, unique perspective, creative mindset, self expression, content creator tips, creativity podcast, creative resistance, imposter syndrome, make your art, stand out, be authentic, podcast for artists, creative encouragement, Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person, build your voice

Last week, mid-show in Milwaukee, my mic stand took a nosedive. (Fine, maybe I kicked it during André’s filthy solo. The man shreds—what do you want from me?) But here’s the thing—I didn’t stop. Michael Caine once gave acting advice: “Use the difficulty.” So that's what I did. I didn’t fix it. I used it. Because that’s the difference between a recital and a show. One chases perfection. The other turns chaos into gold. Live performance is alchemy. In this episode, I share one of my most embarrassing live music stories, I dig into Michael Caine’s advice, a little philosophy on stage-craft, and some thoughts from my buddy Dan Rodriguez on what it means to actually perform.   📍Milwaukee, WI  www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/usethedifficulty   📷 Photo By: Ty Helbach   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: Michael Caine, use the difficulty, live performance, stage presence, musician mindset, creative improvisation, recital vs show, performance tips, embracing imperfection, live music, performance mindset, artist advice, stage mishaps, turning mistakes into magic, creative process, being present on stage, musician podcast, Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person, show vs recital, live show energy  

There’s this quote from Donald Glover that’s been rattling around in my head. It sounds simple, but it cuts deep, especially for anyone trying to make art in a world obsessed with control and validation. In this episode, I talk about what it means to stop chasing approval and start creating from a place that’s actually honest. Not engineered for the algorithm. Not pre-digested for the audience. Just real. Because the truth is: the minute you start shaping your work around what you think people want, you lose the thing that made it worth doing in the first place.   📍 Minneapolis, MN www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/makewhatyoulike   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: Donald Glover, creativity, artistic freedom, music industry, make what you like, creative process, musician mindset, art and approval, authenticity, creative confidence, stop people pleasing, creative independence, art without validation, podcast for artists, musician advice, making honest work, Donald Glover quote, creative boundaries, self-expression, Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person  

Every musician wants to be heard. But what if you’re the reason no one’s listening? In today’s podcast episode, “Cooking for Ghosts” I talk about a tour-van convo with my buddy Matt Patrick, who dropped a line that punched me in the gut: Making music but avoiding self-promotion is like cooking all day at home, then whining about why you don’t have a restaurant yet.” We talk about the myth of “getting discovered,” the real war between art and exposure, and why it’s not about selling out - it’s about putting the damn food on the table. 📍Minneapolis, MN www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/cookingforghosts   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com

Jackie Chan says “Ding Ding” on set to remind his crew: stay sharp, keep moving, no dead time. I’ve been thinking… maybe life needs more of that energy too. Less waiting, more intention. Urgency, not the panic kind, but the alive kind. The kind that reminds you you’re here to do something. Ding ding, let’s go. 📍Minneapolis, MN www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/dingding ※ Listen to Dan Rodriguez' new album Wander on iTunes or Spotify ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com     Search Tags: Jackie Chan, Ding Ding, urgency, creative energy, life philosophy, filmmaking, productivity, motivation, stay sharp, no dead time, sense of urgency, creative discipline, intentional living, hustle mindset, behind the scenes, director mindset, creative momentum, self-starter energy, living with purpose, Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person

My buddy recently dropped this phrase on me: “cosplaying confidence.” It’s been rattling around in my head ever since. Sometimes you’ve got to show up like you’ve already arrived. Not in some fake-it-till-you-make-it hustle bro bullshit way… But in that quiet, stubborn refusal to let your current circumstances define your future trajectory.   📍Minneapolis, MN 👉🏻 www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/cosplayingconfidence   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode’s sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates

Craig is a writer, a photographer, and a thinker who’s been living in Japan for nearly two decades. His work explores how we move through physical spaces, how technology shapes our lives, and how the small rituals of daily living can add up to something beautiful. He's written for The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Eater. He's published books like Koya Bound and his new book he’s just written, Things Become Other Things. Craig's New Book: amzn.to/3RIys2s Craig's Podcast w/ Tim Ferriss: tim.blog/2025/03/28/craig-mod-returns Craig's Website: craigmod.com 👉🏻 https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/craigmod ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Thank you to this episode's sponsors:   -  “INGLOURIOUS PODCASTERS” (My Podcast Templates & Tutorial)  therobmorgan.com/podcasttemplates   - Tom Bihn Travel Bags: www.tombihn.com

Giving someone a bottle of whisky isn’t just a drink, it’s gifting the gift of gifting. Strangely, whisky also changed the paradigm of my art. In this episode, we talk about generosity, craft, and why the best things—whether a bottle, a poem, a photograph or a song—are never really ours to keep. https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/whiskygift   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Search Tags:  Whisky culture Best whisky gifts Whisky and creativity Whisky and art The art of giving whisky Why whisky is the best gift Whisky storytelling Whisky history Whisky and music Bourbon vs Scotch Whisky traditions Whisky for musicians Creative inspiration from whisky Anthony Bourdain style podcast Whisky and craft How whisky changes perspective Whisky appreciation The philosophy of whisky Whisky and travel Why artists love whisky

In this episode, we dive into the wisdom of Alan Watts and why young creatives need to master the art of letting go. We talk about my illusion of control, my fear of failure, and how gripping too tightly to an outcome can kill the very thing you're trying to create. 📍 Frasier, Colorado https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/alanwattsletgo   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.   ※    Search Tags: Creativity Alan Watts Let Go or Be Dragged Creative Process Perfectionism Fear of Failure Artistic Freedom Overthinking Creative Flow Filmmaking Music Industry Writing Tips Inspiration Mindset Shift Surrender Trust the Process Young Creatives Creative Block Anthony Bourdain Vibes Raw Truth

They’ve got one in Honolulu, they’ve got one in Moscow too. They’ve got four of them in Sydney, and a couple in Katmandu…  Tokyo, Munich, Indonesia, Taipei, Shanghai, Beijing… Why is it, Wherever I go around the world, I find an Irish pub? What is it that makes them so special? Where do all these Pubs source their bar counters and authentic Irish brick-a-brack? Pull up a barstool and join me in Mexico as I hunt down a pint of proper and tap into these questions and more. 📍 Puerto Vallarta, Mexico https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/aguidetoirishpubs   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330   ※    Search Tags: Irish Pubs Pub Culture Ireland Travel Best Irish Bars Traditional Irish Pubs Dublin Nightlife Guinness Beer Irish Whiskey Pub Etiquette Ireland Drinking Culture Irish Pub Music Best Pubs in Ireland Historic Irish Bars Irish Beer Scene Pub Crawl Ireland Local Pubs Dublin Irish Hospitality Travel Guide Ireland Irish Bar Experience Classic Irish Pubs

Touring with everyone from the Martha Graham Ballet and the New York City Opera, to Cher, Barry Manilow, Aerosmith, Miley Cyrus, Foreigner, Steve Miller, Jennifer Lopez, and more… Garland Purdy has “been involved in the entertainment industry since before there was an entertainment industry.” Join us as we sit down, over coffee… pretty much just as an excuse for me to get to know him more.   📍 Fargo, North Dakota (In the lobby of Garland’s Hotel) https://www.thecuriouspod.com/questions/garlandpurdy   ※    -  The Map Of Recording Locations: www.thecuriouspod.com/map - The Podcast Hotline: (612) 584-9330 - Thank you to Wild Pony for the theme song to our Daily Guinness episodes.