Rob Morgan Is A Curious Person

Alex Potter (@alexkpotter) is a photo-journalist working mostly in the Middle East. Her work explores conflict and trust, loss and isolation within communities and relationships and her goal to bridge the gap between the foreign and familiar by creating thought-provoking and emotional images. I had the chance to sit down with Alex over coffee during one of her few days back home in the US this year to hear her story of how her passion has taken her all over the world and hear her advice on finding your calling.

Nate Larson (@naterlarson) is an extremely successful photographer. Wait… what the hell does that even mean? What was the first thing that came to mind when you think of someone being successful? The word ‘Success’ and the pursuit of it, determining on one’s definition, has the the ability to give your life laser focus… but what happens when we find out we’ve been focusing on the wrong thing?  Recording Location: RJ Riches Diner, Mounds View, MN Drink: Diner Coffee For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Taylor Johnson (@wildponytj) is widely known for his work (as a songwriter & electric guitar) with the likes of Lorde, Frank Ocean and Phil Wickham. Take it from me, whether you’re playing music with him on stage or talking soccer in the green-room, Taylor is the real deal. Ever since we met in D.C. a few years back, I’ve referred to Taylor as “The Professional” so we decided to sit down to talk about the most frequently asked question any professional musician gets constantly asked "How’d you land that gig?” Even though this ended up being a very music-focused convo, He shares some great insight for anyone who aspires to create anything with other people.  In this conversation, we talk about: -How Taylor got into songwriting and his approach to co-writing -How co-writing is like improv theatre ("don’t say ‘no’ ") -The importance of “hearing someone’s idea out.” -Taylor’s advice for the need to come in with tons of ideas while still holding them loosely when creating with other people. -Synergy in creating -Actively putting yourself in situations where you’re going to be stretched creatively   Recording Location: Brit’s Pub, Downtown Minneapolis Drink: Old Speckled Hen (Me) Jack & Coke (Taylor) For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Jim Albinson spent years working as a professional mortician but his creative endeavors span far beyond being "Boxed In” (*cough*… sorry… I had to) by that career. I sat down with Jim on his home patio over iced tea one late summer day to find out what I can learn from him about how to live a better life.  In this conversation, we talk about: - What’s it like to be a mortician? - What happens to the human body after death? -“People who have died are still with us, just not DYNAMICALLY WITH US" -The most personalized funeral Jim has ever been apart of -Not becoming obsolite in your life, career and faith -The problem of binary thinking -The importance of being the first best you -“The illusion of emminence” -The uses and purpose of fermaldihide -How do we respond to loss in life? -How the perception of scarcity impacts value Recording Location: Albin Lodge Drink: Imported Kenyan Black Tea (Iced) For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Bruce Balgaard is more than a musician and artist… he’s a visionary and mentor. I sat down for the first time with Bruce to find out why so many of the musicians I look up to, look up to him. The conversation that took place ended up being one of my most cherished experiences of doing this podcast so far and I’m excited to share it with you.  In this conversation, we talk about: -“Everything stands in the way of getting art done." -The fact that all artists that are good have some level of discontent -“Controlled Discontent” - Why Bruce has never practiced a day in his life - Depression - The ultimate defense against depression. Hint: “Kubb" - Bruce’s Definition of The key to happiness (being in the present moment) -What’s the difference between an introvert and an extrovert? (outgoing introverts) -“New areas of growth only come from some kind of conflict or difficulty." -Bruce and I discus being recovering people pleasers Recording Location: Jax Cafe, MPLS MN Food: Meatloaf and AMAZING Potato Salad For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Dave Diehl is… Well… I technically am not allowed to tell you what Dave does for a living. Let’s just say, some of the programs that Dave creates helps keep America’s intel safe so that those of us who like to live a normal life worrying about mundane things like making music have the freedom and security to do so.  In this conversation, we talk about the importance of continuing to exceed expectations in your career and art, the need for setting healthy boundaries in your professional and social life (something I struggle with) and much more.  Recording Location: Fulton Brewing’s Tap Room Beers: The Libertine, barel aged craft beer For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com Want to leave a message to be played on the podcast? Call The Official Hotline: (612) 584-9330

Matt Patrick (@librarystudio) is a record producer, studio owner, engineer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve had the honor of working with Matt multiple times over the years and every time I do, I feel like I’ve left the session feeling like not just a better musician but also a wiser human. In order to share with you as much as possible from our conversation, I’ve decided to share it in two parts. I always say that if you can get past the WHAT someone does, to find out WHO they are and WHY they do it, there is wisdom that anyone can connect with. That said, Matt’s musical insight is so interesting that I know there are people that would like to hear more on that too so we dive even deeper into music next week. Part 2 or our conversation ended up being a little bit more creativity and music focused. In our second and final part, we talk about: -The importance of a balanced life -How daily rituals can BENEFIT our creativity -Learning when to take a break instead of trying to ‘push through’ (I freakin love Matt’s ‘Round Peg, Square Hole’ concept) - “Thin Slicing” - Masha and the bear (on ice)

Matt Patrick (@librarystudio) is a record producer, studio owner, engineer, singer/songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. I’ve had the honor of working with Matt multiple times over the years and every time I do, I feel like I’ve left the session feeling like not just a better musician but also a wiser human. In order to share with you as much as possible from our conversation, I’ve decided to share it in two parts. I always say that if you can get past the WHAT someone does, to find out WHO they are and WHY they do it, there is wisdom that anyone can connect with. That said, Matt’s musical insight is so interesting that I know there are people that would like to hear more on that too so we dive even deeper into music next week. In Part 1 we talk about: -How to ascribe value to yourself -Combating the voices of doubt in your head -Living a life of ballance -Figuring out what YOUR voice is - figure out what nobody else has done before and DO THAT -The need to be present in the moment Quotes from Matt in this interview that stood out to me: “I don’t want to learn somebody elses’ magic, I want to create my own” “True creatives are always waiting for people to figure out what we actually believe about ourseves.” Recording Location: Dangerous Man Brewing’s Tap Room Beers: Kolsch For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com

Elliott Blaufuss is an artist. Music just happens to be the medium with which he creates his art. You’ve probably seen him singing duets on stage with Kelly Clarkson or Music Directing for Eric Hutchinson. When I was asked to take the position of Music Director with the band Owl City just before their massive Asia tour a few years back, multiple people said I needed to pick Elliott’s brain. I did… it ruled. We decided to meet up again at the same spot we did a few years prior at Black Forest Inn. Grab your favorite German stein (it better be able to hold a Liter) and pull up a stool. Prost! In this episode we talk about: -How traveling with music might be in Elliott’s family blood -Elliott’s intro to the world of performing music -The ‘meat and potatoes’ of music // “it’s all about story” -What is an artist? (secret sharers) -Elliott’s belief that music is tied into the fabric of life // I agree -Money and Music: “Do it and forget about it.” -“Is it beautiful Do I love it?” -How to be present in the moment Recording Location: Black Forest Inn, MPLS MN Drinks: Hacker Pschorr Dunkel  For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com

Scott Dillon is the owner of a cocktail company called The Twisted Shrub. After a chance meeting in passing, I instantly knew I had to learn more about his story and after reaching out, he was kind enough to sit down with me over drinks. How did He go from a secure job at General Mills to starting his own cocktail company? Why does he think that the most legit people view vulnerability as a sign of confidence? And what are these ‘Shrubs’ he’s basing his entire business on? In this episode we talk about: -What are “Shrubs” and how did Scott Discover them -The beauty of craft-beverages forcing you to be in the moment -Scott’s history with General Mills and how the recession changed his life path -The importance of honest friendships (you need people to call you on your shit)   -The danger of binary career thinking (thinking you either choose to have a fun career and not have it be smart financially or you have a borring career that gives you financial security) -The greatest skill Scott learned from his time at General Mills (LISTENING & LEADERSHIP) -Leadership Advice -The importance of vaulnerability and NOT the fake it till you make it mentality -The importance of ‘Winning’ and bringing a competitive spirit in anything you do (Scott explains why) -Colin Powell’s '40/70 Rule' -Vulnerability and being willing to ask questions when you don’t know is the ultamate sign of confidence (Scott explains why and talks about Questions. "If you don’t ask, you don’t care.”) Recording Location: Parlour, Downtown Minneapolis Drinks: Seasonal Smash & Parlour Old Fashioned  For Links, Guest’s Info, and Show Notes VISIT: www.thecuriouspod.com