No Set Path: Creative Entrepreneurship Growth Stories

In this solo episode, host Drew English unpacks the concept of leverage and why 2025 is the best time for creatives to build independent success. He argues that cheap tech, free global distribution, and direct-to-audience marketing have removed the traditional gatekeepers. Creators who shift from selling services to building assets can own their future in the “Creator 2.0” era.Key TakeawaysTech is cheap: Your phone can produce market-ready visuals—hardware is no longer the hurdle.Distribution is free: Platforms like YouTube give instant access to a worldwide audience; the game now is earning the click.Marketing is direct: Email lists and social media let you talk to fans anytime—no middlemen required.Assets > services: Follow the athlete model—use your primary skill to build IP, products, or partnerships that earn while you sleep.Real-world examples:The Umbrella Academy evolved from graphic novel to Netflix hit.A24 green-lit “The Backrooms,” a YouTube horror series created by a 19-year-old.Producer Alex LeMay urges filmmakers to “think platform first, not format.”Action items for listeners:Audit your expertise - what unique knowledge or story can become IP?Choose one primary platform (e.g., YouTube) and design content natively for it.Start an email list to own your relationship with fans.Package and test ideas in small formats (web series, mini-docs, digital products).Lean into human connection - your perspective and trust can’t be replicated by AI. Resources MentionedJason Murray on “Creator 2.0” (@jason_swet on Instagram)Producer Alex LeMay’s Substack article HEREThe Umbrella Academy (graphic novel → Netflix)A24’s upcoming film “The Backrooms” (originated on YouTube)Connect with DrewSubscribe to Drew’s Substack newsletter Creative Balance for deeper dives.Follow No Set Path on YouTube, Instagram, and wherever you get your podcasts.Share the episode and tag @drewenglishh to keep the conversation going.

Blake Pfeil, a multidisciplinary artist and the creator of the Ambie-winning podcast Abandoned: The All American Ruins Podcast, shares his journey of self-discovery through abandoned spaces. He discusses how these haunting locations inspired his creativity and aided in his recovery from grief and addiction. Blake emphasizes the importance of embracing vulnerability, navigating societal pressures to fit into a niche, and the transformative power of storytelling. He offers insights for creators on maintaining authenticity amidst a fast-paced world.

Episode OverviewDrew sits down with LA-based composer and educator Zach Heyde to unpack how he’s blended film scoring, a 100,000-subscriber YouTube channel and a thriving mentorship program into a balanced creative life. They dig into sustaining passion, ditching hustle culture, and why sharing knowledge can be a business model in itself.Key Topics & Timestamps00:01 – Zach’s early start: piano at 7 and first composing gigs → landing “Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight” (dream job) NSP - Zach Heyde08:00 – Reality of writing 10 min of orchestral music per week & protecting creative energy NSP - Zach Heyde16:00 – Moving from Tennessee to LA for community, not clout—how genuine relationships create work opportunities NSP - Zach Heyde20:50 – 18 years on YouTube: what 100 K subs taught Zach about intention vs. vanity metrics NSP - Zach Heyde33:00 – Inside Zach’s Composer Bootcamp & Pro Group: teaching the business of music, not just theory NSP - Zach Heyde42:30 – Lowering the “publish” barrier: tactics for beating over-thinking and sharing in real time NSP - Zach Heyde50:00 – Upcoming projects: recording live strings in Budapest and turning the process into content NSP - Zach HeydeTakeawaysYour creative “North Star” evolves. Let the fog clear naturally.Time-boxed scoring (3 hrs/minute) demands new workflows; balance craft with sustainability.Authentic networking = making friends first; work follows.Audience trust grows faster when your content serves genuine curiosity, not algorithms.Teaching can satisfy creative, financial, and community needs simultaneously.Ship fast: capture the impulse before perfectionism kills momentum.Resources & LinksZach’s YouTube channel – https://youtube.com/zachheydeZach’s IG: @zachheydeZach’s Composer Pro Group & Bootcamp – details on https://zachheyde.comThe Call of Raven’s Hollow (Album): https://zachheyde.bandcamp.com/album/the-call-of-ravens-hollowConnect with DrewCreative Balance Newsletter: https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/Drew’s IG: @drewenglishhDrew’s Website: www.drewenglish.com

Episode Summary:In this solo episode, Drew reflects on the real challenges creative professionals face in 2025 like unstable industries, outdated mindsets, and the constant push for "success" at any cost. Sharing his personal journey from music to film to entrepreneurship, Drew explores why reinventing yourself is not only necessary but healthy, and how obstacles often reveal the true path forward.If you’re feeling stuck, questioning your career direction, or wondering how to balance ambition with a meaningful life, this episode is for you.What You'll Learn:Why major life transitions often feel impossible until they're behind youHow outdated mindsets (like stability = success) can hold you backLessons from "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan HolidayThe hard truths about building a creative career in today's worldWhy redefining success on your own terms is more important than everHow to leverage your skills into a new, sustainable direction without starting overResources & Links:Sign up for the newsletter: drewenglish.kit.com/newsletterConnect on Instagram and Threads: @drewenglishhLinkedIn: Drew EnglishBook Mentioned: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan HolidayCommunity Question:👉 What obstacle are you currently facing that might actually be pointing you toward your next big move?Leave a comment, DM Drew, or reply to the newsletter — we’d love to hear from you!

Episode Summary:In this solo mini-episode, Drew strips down the myth that success requires a massive audience, fancy gear, or deep pockets. Through a real-world example from his recent short film The Ride of Your Life, he shows how creativity and scrappiness can trump big budgets and large teams. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by not having “enough,” this episode is your wake-up call.What You’ll Learn:Why creatives often overestimate what they need to succeedHow The Ride of Your Life was made with minimal resources—and still turned headsThree mindset traps that keep people stuck:Lack of real effortThe distorted influence of social mediaFear of failure and judgmentA powerful quote from 10x Is Easier Than 2x to reframe your creative risk-takingMentioned in the Episode: 🎥 The Ride of Your Life – Short doc film about Serotta Cycles 👉 Watch it HERE📖 Book: 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan SullivanStay Connected:Join Drew’s newsletter for more insights on creativity, filmmaking, and mindset: drewenglish.kit.comSupport the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show—it helps more than you know! ⭐️ On Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 On YouTube – Like & Subscribe

Episode SummaryIn this episode, Lisamarie Shires shares her journey from government contracting to photography, then to producing, and finally to coaching creative professionals. She discusses how her experience across various roles in the production industry has informed her coaching philosophy, focusing on helping creatives build sustainable businesses that prioritize life and family while achieving professional success.Chapter Markers[00:00-04:00] Lisa's Journey from Government Work to Creative Fields[04:00-09:00] The Appeal of Producing and Its Challenges[09:00-15:00] Transition from Production to Coaching[15:00-24:00] Balancing Family Life and Career in Production[24:00-31:00] Post-COVID Industry Changes and Client Expectations[31:00-37:00] Personal Branding and Finding Your Unique Value[37:00-45:00] Overcoming Multi-Passionate Creative Identity Crisis[45:00-49:00] Values-Based Decision Making and Future ProgramsKey TakeawaysLisa left a stable government job to pursue her creative passions, starting with photography before moving into producingHer coaching practice developed naturally from her tendency to mentor younger professionals and her own experience with coachingThe production industry has shifted from transactional to relationship-focused, requiring creatives to position themselves as experts who deliver resultsFor creatives with families, finding work-life balance is crucial and often requires external support and intentional decision-makingPost-COVID market uncertainty has changed buyer behavior, resulting in clients being more cautious with budgets and requiring more certainty from creativesWhen building a personal brand, focus on being visible and leveraging your existing network rather than waiting for perfectionFor multi-passionate creatives, identify your "zone of genius" to determine where to focus your energy and how to package your various skillsValues-based decision-making helps creative professionals avoid burnout and make choices that align with their prioritiesQuote"I'm catering to the people that have been playing in commercial production for at least 5 to 10 plus years... if you want to stand out, you need to start acting like it... decide that you're that person already, and then that personal development is going to play into your professional development." Links & Resources Lisa on Instagram: @LisaMarieShiresWebsite: lisamarieshires.comUpcoming program: "The Unforgettable Filmmaker" - focusing on confidence and leadershipRecommended Book: "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” |Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@drew_english FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

Joining us this week is Meritt Minnemeyer, an executive coach who offers insights on aligning leadership actions with personal values. We explore the challenging journey of entrepreneurship in creative fields, reflecting on how maintaining focus through internal values can provide a sense of safety and purpose amidst life's pressures.Meritt's upbringing in a family-run business environment shaped her unique perspective on creativity and executive leadership. Our conversation highlights the dynamic balance of ego and acceptance, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of finding peace in our journeys. Through inspiring stories, such as a client's transformative adventure of teaching English abroad in her 50s, we illustrate the power of incremental steps and the courage to pursue dreams regardless of age or circumstance.Later in the episode, we explore the concept of “becoming”, emphasizing connection and fulfillment over numerical achievements. We discuss conscious leadership and self-inquiry as vital tools for aligning actions with true personal values, leading to a journey of continuous growth.(00:00) Navigating Career Transitions and Personal Loss(11:09) Finding Focus Through Values and Safety(24:19) Navigating Ego and Acceptance(33:11) Exploring Dreams and Taking Action(44:32) Embracing the Journey of Becoming(54:26) Choosing Coaching(01:07:19) Ending Interview With Meritt MinnemeyerEPISODE LINKS: Website: masterofonecoaching.com Instagram: @masterofonecoachingMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.comInstagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglishWebsite: drewenglish.com

Join us as we welcome Tracy Sayre, the co-executive director of Moonshot Initiative, an inspiring organization committed to fostering gender equity in the film industry by creating opportunities for women and non-binary filmmakers. Tracy shares her remarkable journey from co-founding the Women's Weekend Film Challenge, which evolved into Moonshot Initiative, to her current role in empowering underrepresented voices. Listen in as Tracy offers insights into overcoming industry challenges, focusing on collective needs rather than individual competition, and the transformative impact of providing access to equipment and experience.Through Tracy's personal journey, we explore the underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, in key roles such as directors and directors of photography. Tracy's narrative reflects on how diverse experiences have shaped her passion for storytelling and advocacy, emphasizing the urgent need for external pressure on Hollywood to drive real change.Finally, Tracy opens up about balancing a creative career with family life and the transition from the hustle of New York City to the vibrant creative community in the Hudson Valley. She discusses the constant push and pull of maintaining a successful career while being the best parent, partner, and friend. Discover how Tracy's story is a testament to the importance of finding a supportive community that fuels creativity without the financial strains of city living. Don't miss out on updates about the upcoming Moonshot Film Challenge in Los Angeles and the pilot accelerator program offering aspiring filmmakers a chance to pitch their scripts to major studios.(00:03) Empowering Women in Film Industry(10:58) Challenges and Progress in Film Industry(20:34) Navigating Creative Naivete and Comparison(33:26) Balancing Creativity and Family LifeEPISODE LINKS: Website: moonshotinitiative.org Instagram: @moonshotinitiative

Alex Disenhof ASC, the acclaimed cinematographer behind season two of "The Rings of Power," joins us for an intimate conversation on the latest episode of "No Set Path." We explore the breathtaking sets and hear firsthand how Alex's early influences, from his grandfather's love for photography to his formative years at Emerson College, shaped his illustrious career.Our chat with Alex also uncovers the unpredictable highs and lows of the film industry. Sharing anecdotes from his time at Michel Gondry's company Partizan to the thrill of a college project making it to Camera Image, Alex emphasizes the power of community and collaboration in achieving creative success.From the joys of fatherhood to relocating from Los Angeles to the serene Hudson Valley, Alex's journey highlights the importance of prioritizing personal well-being amid professional accomplishments. We wrap up with a glimpse into his upcoming projects and reflections on the evolving nature of work-life balance, offering listeners a heartfelt and inspiring narrative of achieving dreams while nurturing a fulfilling personal life.(00:00) The Cinematographer's Journey Into Filmmaking (04:20) The Path to Cinematography Success (15:16) Navigating Cinematography Through Relationships (22:15) Cinematography, Confidence, and Family (27:35) Navigating Work-Life Balance in Cinematography (31:19) Navigating Parenthood and Cinematography Journey (36:05) ASC and LOTR Legacy (43:43) Filmmaker's Move for Personal Growth (51:49) Navigating Filmmaking and Life BalanceEPISODE LINKS: Website: alexdisenhof.com Instagram: instagram.com/alexdisenhof_ascMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of Dallas Taylor, who transitioned from a musician in a poor Arkansas neighborhood to a successful sound designer and entrepreneur. Dallas shares his early struggles with severe performance anxiety during a pivotal solo performance, which led him to discover a passion for recording and audio technology. His career in sound design began through a chance encounter with an audio professional and eventually flourished, culminating in the founding of a high-end sound design company after leaving a beloved position at Discovery. Dallas discusses the unpredictable challenges and mental health struggles inherent in freelance and entrepreneurial work, highlighting how creating original content, like his podcast "20,000 Hertz," has provided financial stability and peace of mind. The episode delves into the art of sound design, the impact of childhood trauma on communication, and the therapeutic value of storytelling. We also look forward to upcoming projects in social media, expressing excitement for future innovations in sound and media. Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of mental health in creative fields and the power of resilience and passion in overcoming life's challenges.(00:00) Former Musician Transitions to Sound Design (10:49) Building a Sound Design Company (23:20) Celebrating the Art of Sound Design (33:17) Creating Opportunities Through Sound Design (46:01) Importance of Mental Health in Creativity (55:22) Upcoming Projects in Social MediaEPISODE LINKS: Website: Defacto Sound 20,000 Hertz Podcast: 20k.org Dallas’ IG: @dallastaylor.wav“Breathe” on 20kHzMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com