
Just Press Record
Make curiosity a habit. All the fun parts of learning without the boring bits of going to school for it. "Just Press Record" is a conversation-style interview, featuring two commonality-lacking guests discussing one commonly-grounded topic. Welcome to the (audio/visual) Personal Archive of Matt Zeigler.
Latest episodes

Jun 24, 2025 • 1h 35min
Different Eras, Same Fight | Why Keith Morris (69) & Ned Russin (35) Refuse to Stop Creating
🎙️ Two Generations of Punk. One Shared Truth.In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler brings together two icons from different eras of punk rock - Ned Russin (Title Fight, Glitterer) and Keith Morris (Black Flag, Circle Jerks, OFF!) - for a candid, passionate conversation about music, community, and the punk ethos. Recorded during a turbulent moment in U.S. politics, this intergenerational exchange explores how punk has evolved while staying true to its roots in DIY, brotherhood (literal in Ned's case, figurative in Keith's - you have to hear the Jeffrey Lee Pierce segment, and the raw energy you can only get from live performance. Come for the stories, stay for the mutual respect, the laughs, and definitely a few unforgettable tales from the road.💥 Topics Covered• Playing for 4 people vs. 4,000 — and why both matter• The history and importance of all-ages DIY venues• What it’s like to tour with your twin brother (for Ned)• Keith’s stories from the LA punk scene’s earliest days• The surreal moments: from working at Webster Hall to headlining it• Community, identity, and creative survival over decades• Why Jeffrey Lee Pierce gave Keith a song in exchange for a band name• The lasting power of music, even as the industry changes• What keeps them both going — from their first gigs to today

11 snips
Jun 17, 2025 • 1h 41min
The Scoreboards We All Get Wrong | Cullen Roche & Coach Vass on Winning in Finance and Life
Join Cullen Roche, founder of Discipline Funds and macroeconomic thinker, alongside Coach Chris Vasseur, a football strategist, as they explore the unexpected connections between finance and coaching. They dive into personal growth, the behavioral side of investing, and the importance of mentorship in overcoming imposter syndrome. Their conversation highlights how to craft personalized investment strategies and the impact of politics on finance. Expect laughter, deep insights, and creative metaphors that bridge worlds, from Wall Street to the football field.

17 snips
Jun 10, 2025 • 39min
Most Creators Miss This | Matt Reustle on What Makes Content Transformational
Matt Reustle, CEO of Colossus and host of Business Breakdowns, dives into what makes content truly transformational rather than just entertaining. He explores the roots of 'infotainment' and how experience fuels transformation. With insights into self-promotion, he highlights the importance of respecting your audience and crafting value-driven content that resonates personally. The conversation touches on lessons from various industries, the role of nostalgia in content, and how even trivial topics can significantly impact audience experiences.

Jun 3, 2025 • 1h 30min
What Everyone Gets Wrong About Friendship and Family | Lara Crigger and Nina Badzin
Two accomplished writers. Two unique journeys. One unforgettable conversation.In this episode of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler introduces Lara Crigger and Nina Badzin ( @dearninafriendship ) —two women who've never met but instantly click in a conversation that blends parenting, friendship, faith, and career twists. From NASA satellites and video game journalism to friendship advice and Torah study, Lara and Nina reveal how their upbringings shaped who they are, how they parent, and how they write.🎙️ Topics Covered• What it’s like to be the only woman in a physics program• Why Nina left teaching to pursue writing—and how her parents reacted• How Lara turned down grad school offers to become a writer• How faith shapes both women’s parenting and professional paths• The cost of oversharing as a parent and writer• The complexities of Jewish identity in public and creative life• Imposter syndrome, ambition, and claiming expertise• How friendship—online and off—can be life-saving and sacred

May 27, 2025 • 29min
Stop Chasing Growth | Eric Markowitz on How to Outlast
In this special “Oh Snap, Guess What I Saw” edition of Just Press Record, Matt Zeigler welcomes back writer and thinker Eric Markowitz for a deep reflection on resilience, longevity, and the power of being unapologetically human in a digital age. Centered around a powerful clip from Christina Garnett and Vic Ruggiero, the conversation unpacks how meaningful connection—whether in business, creativity, or content creation—can help individuals and organizations outlast in a short-term obsessed world.🎯 Topics Covered:Why compounding only works if you survive long enoughHow “breadcrumbs” on social media create emotional connectionThe shift from mass distribution to authentic engagementWhy human presence is the best defense against AI samenessInverting the model of leadership and innovationWhat businesses that have lasted centuries teach us about resilienceThe difference between learning and teaching in modern content creationBuilding community as a sustainable growth strategy

May 20, 2025 • 1h 19min
The Power of Midlife Reinvention | Nancy Burger & Julia Duthie on Fear, Identity & Showing Up
What happens when two women who’ve lived, led, and learned through fear, reinvention, and transformation meet for the first time? In this moving episode of Just Press Record, Nancy Burger and Julia Duthie share personal stories about stepping into the spotlight — one at 14, the other at 40 — and unpack what it really means to live authentically. From coming out later in life to healing childhood wounds, this conversation is packed with wisdom, honesty, and humor. Whether you’re navigating career shifts, personal identity, or just trying to figure out how to show up fully, this one’s for you.Topics Covered:The role of fear in personal growth and creative expressionNancy’s story of overcoming stage fright at 40Julia’s experience coming out at 50 and living authenticallyHow childhood experiences shape our adult narrativesThe link between vulnerability, leadership, and trustWhy being yourself everywhere is a superpowerHelping younger generations build confidence and resilienceThe power of storytelling, music, and embracing change

May 6, 2025 • 1h 20min
For Every Pathology, a Profession: Bob Seawright & Jim Carroll on Markets, Writing & Finding Purpose
JPR: Bob Seawright & Jim Carroll - Financial Markets, Music, and Life LessonsIn this episode of JUST PRESS RECORD, host Matt Zeigler brings together two financial market experts who've never met: Bob Seawright (author of The Better Letter on Substack) and Jim Carroll (author of Vixology on Substack). Their conversation weaves through shared passions for music, writing, market insights, and life philosophy - from their morning music routines to the realization that "for every pathology there's a profession."Key Topics Covered:Music's influence on both guests' lives and workHow writing helps clarify thinking and connects with audiencesUnconventional career paths into financial marketsThe value of silence vs. background music for creative thinkingDiscovering personal limitations and finding your true pathCollege advice and educational experiencesRisk perception and decision-making frameworksFinding your niche in competitive environments

Apr 29, 2025 • 32min
How to Build a Brand That Actually Stands Out | Matt Ackermann
In this episode of JUST PRESS RECORD, host Matt Zeigler welcomes back Matt Ackermann, Chief Brand Officer at Integrated Partners, for an insightful discussion on brand building and storytelling. Triggered by a clip featuring David Burkus ( @DavidBurkus ) and Kit Huffman, the conversation explores how to develop memorable brands that stand out in a sea of sameness. From storytelling fundamentals to strategic brand development, Ackermann shares his unique VCR (Vision, Capability, Reach) framework and explains why understanding your audience is crucial for brand success.Topics Covered:The challenge of standing out versus blending in when building brandsThe fundamentals of storytelling and why they remain constant across platformsUnderstanding your audience before creating contentThe VCR framework: Vision, Capability, and Reach for brand developmentCreating effective through-lines in your contentHow to balance tension and resolution in storytellingThe importance of taking time for reflection and perspectiveWhy identity is emergent rather than an emergencyUsing top-down and bottom-up approaches in content creation

Apr 22, 2025 • 1h 14min
When Achievements Feel Empty: The Path to Joy | Mishka Shubaly & Greg Larkin
In this engaging and thought-provoking episode of Just Press Record, host Matt Zeigler introduces two guests who've never met before: musician and author Mishka Shubaly and financial crisis predictor turned entrepreneur/Punks and Pinstripes community founder Greg Larkin. Their conversation weaves through transformative musical experiences, sobriety journeys, post-9/11 New York City, corporate culture, and finding meaning in life's "second mountain." Listen as these two seemingly different paths reveal surprising parallels about authenticity, purpose, and redefining success.Main Topics Covered:Transformative musical experiences and how live music creates moments of profound personal changeSobriety journeys and navigating social spaces while maintaining recoveryPost-9/11 New York City and the unexpected beauty of human connection amid tragedyThe concept of the "second mountain" - finding purpose after achieving conventional successCan you be a "punk" while working in corporate culture or finance?Finding joy in the present moment and learning to appreciate what you haveOpening yourself to unexpected "miracle windows" rather than chasing specific outcomes

Apr 15, 2025 • 35min
The Secret Stories That Control Your Life | Sean Delaney on Breaking Free
In a captivating discussion, author, coach, and poet Sean Delaney shares insights from his book, "When Life Begins to Whisper." He explores how storytelling shapes our lives and the narratives we unconsciously cling to. Delaney emphasizes the importance of moving from unconscious to conscious awareness, referencing Carl Jung's view on internal narratives. He also discusses the creative process in coaching and the significance of intention, presence, and reflection in personal growth. This lively chat unveils the hidden stories that dictate our paths.