heartdea13r w/ chr1stoph3r g0nda

Episode 22 // Daniel HouseDaniel House lives in San Diego but was a staple of the Seattle grunge scene. He co-founded Skin Yard and is the Owner and President of C/Z Records, is writing a book, recently launched The Creative Asylum Podcast, and somehow also finds time to sleep.SummaryIn this episode of the heartdea13r podcast, Daniel House shares his journey through the music industry, from his early days publishing comic books to becoming a pivotal figure in the Seattle grunge scene. He discusses the importance of creativity, the evolution of music, and the impact of personal experiences on his career. House also reflects on the challenges of transitioning from music to entrepreneurship, the effects of long COVID, and his current projects, including a podcast and a forthcoming book.Takeaways- Daniel House emphasizes the importance of creativity in his life.- Asking for what you want can lead to unexpected opportunities.- Finding your tribe is crucial for personal and professional growth.- The Seattle music scene was a small, insular community that influenced each other.- Transitioning from music to entrepreneurship can be a natural progression.- Long COVID has impacted House's ability to work but he continues to push forward.- Authenticity in art is more important than commercial success.- Creating beauty and contributing positively to the world is fulfilling.- House's podcast aims to inspire others to pursue their passions.- The journey of writing a book can be both therapeutic and challenging.

Episode 21 // Lee JenningsLee Jennings is the powerful and sizeable frontman of the band The Funeal Portrait, and he opens up to chr1stoph3r g0nda, host of the heartdea13r Podcast, about his youth, being bullied, the music industry, failure and fighting forward.SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Lee Jennings of The Funeral Portrait shares insights about life on the road, the importance of a DIY ethos, and the support of family in his musical journey. He discusses overcoming bullying through music, transforming personal pain into art, and the significance of storytelling in connecting with fans. Lee also touches on branding, identity, and the lessons learned over a decade in the music industry, emphasizing the importance of being true to oneself and the power of perseverance.TakeawaysLife on the road is a mix of fun and challenges.The DIY attitude keeps the band grounded and connected to their roots.Family support plays a crucial role in personal and professional success.Overcoming bullying helped shape Lee's identity and passion for music.Music serves as a powerful outlet for transforming pain into art.Storytelling in music fosters deep connections with fans.Branding and identity are essential for standing out in the music industry.A decade of experience has taught valuable lessons about resilience and growth.Mental health awareness is vital for artists navigating the pressures of the industry.Being true to oneself is key to achieving success and fulfillment.

Dawn Jones, an entrepreneur and founder of Pressed PR, shares her journey in supporting independent artists while balancing motherhood. She emphasizes the importance of family and community, discussing how entrepreneurship often runs in families. Dawn highlights her transition from music education to publicity and the necessity of adaptability in overcoming challenges. With insights on effective time management, the difference between PR and marketing, and the future of artist support, she illustrates how independence empowers artists to shape their own success.

Episode 019 // Taylor VaughnTaylor Vaughn, Vice President at Big Feat PR, is a seasoned industry veteran with extensive Publicity and Major Label experience. She shares her journey through the music industry, tackling the nuances of publicity and marketing and the importance of relationship building.Keywordsmusic industry, publicity, marketing, artist development, PR, media landscape, social media, artist branding, public relations, music marketingSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Taylor Vaughn shares her journey through the music industry, discussing the nuances of publicity and marketing, the importance of building relationships, and the evolving media landscape. She emphasizes the need for authenticity and consistency in an artist's approach to publicity, while also providing valuable insights for new artists looking to navigate their careers. The discussion touches on personal experiences, memorable wins, and the challenges faced in the ever-changing world of music PR.Takeaways- Planning a wedding is more emotional than a marketing campaign.- Understanding logistics is crucial in both wedding planning and PR.- PR is about aligning an artist's narrative with public sentiment.- Marketing focuses on the tangible sales of a product.- Building relationships in the industry is essential for success.- Consistency and persistence are key in publicity efforts.- Artists need to be their own biggest fans and salespeople.- Authenticity is crucial for artists in the digital age.- The media landscape is evolving with social media's rise.- New artists should focus on building their brand before seeking PR.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:53 Wedding Planning vs. Artist Marketing06:04 Early Musical Influences and Career Beginnings08:49 Understanding PR vs. Marketing11:57 Crafting Effective Press Releases14:49 The Changing Landscape of Music Media17:51 Navigating the Music Industry20:48 The Importance of Self-Care in the Industry23:38 Adapting to Industry Changes26:41 Career Journey and Lessons Learned34:57 Leveraging Social Media for Artist Growth35:53 The Importance of Niche Focus in Music Promotion38:47 Navigating the Path to Getting Signed40:55 The Evolving Role of A&R in the Music Industry42:46 Fangirl Moments: Personal Connections in Music43:25 Motivation and Goals in Public Relations47:42 Celebrating Major Wins in Publicity50:30 Challenges in Publicity: Managing Expectations57:48 Consistency and Persistence in Publicity01:00:42 Building a Strong Foundation Before PR

Episode 018 // Pat O’ConnorPresident and CEO of POC Media, Inc., Pat O'Connor, joins the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0nda.Keywordsmusic, entrepreneurship, tenacity, mentorship, family, faith, sports industry, business challenges, relationships, personal growthSummaryIn this episode of the Heart Dealer podcast, Christopher Gonda interviews Pat O'Connor, a seasoned figure in the music and sports industries. Pat shares his journey from a musician to an entrepreneur, emphasizing the importance of tenacity, faith, and relationships in achieving success. He discusses the challenges of balancing family life with entrepreneurship and the critical role of mentorship in navigating the complexities of the music and sports industries. The conversation highlights the significance of embracing adversity and maintaining a positive outlook on life's challenges.Takeaways- Pat O'Connor has been married for 41 years and has two adult children in the music business.- He emphasizes the importance of doing what you love and enjoying the journey.- Tenacity is crucial in overcoming challenges and achieving success.- Faith plays a significant role in maintaining motivation and perspective.- Building relationships is key to success in the music and sports industries.- Balancing family and entrepreneurship requires support and understanding from loved ones.- Mentorship can provide valuable guidance and insight in one's career.- Embracing adversity can lead to personal growth and new opportunities.- The music and sports industries require a unique approach to navigate successfully.- Success is often about the journey and the relationships formed along the way.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Christopher Gonda's Journey02:34 The Intersection of Music and Business05:58 Navigating the Music Industry's Evolution08:42 The Role of Relationships in Success11:44 The Balance of Science and Music14:36 Finding Purpose and Passion17:56 The Importance of Tenacity and Faith20:55 Life Lessons from Adversity23:29 The Value of Relationships26:32 Reflections on Success and Happiness37:07 The Power of Mentorship39:04 Facing Adversity: Embracing Goliath44:09 The Importance of Self-Belief50:50 Navigating Criticism and Taking Risks59:49 Building a Successful Business: Lessons Learned01:06:32 The Art of Collaboration in Creative Industries

Episode 017 // Lanz Pierce- Entrepreneur, director, rapper & recording artist, Lanz Pierce, on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0nda.Keywordsmusic, authenticity, independent artist, industry challenges, personal growth, support system, manifestation, branding, Luminary Agency, storytellingSummaryIn this episode of the Heart Dealer podcast, host Christopher Gonda interviews Lanz Pierce, exploring his journey from a young artist in New York to navigating the complexities of the music industry. They discuss the importance of authenticity, the challenges of fame, and the transition to independence in the music world. Lanz shares insights on investing in oneself, the evolution of branding, and the founding of his agency, Luminary, which focuses on storytelling and supporting artists. The conversation emphasizes personal growth, the significance of a support system, and the need for artists to remain true to themselves in an ever-changing industry.TakeawaysLanz dropped out of school at 14 to pursue music.Authenticity is crucial in today's music industry.Investing in oneself is key for artists.The music industry has changed significantly over the years.Building a support system is essential for success.Manifestation and flow can guide creative processes.Independence allows for greater control over one's narrative.Artists should embrace their unique stories.The importance of balancing multiple projects effectively.Creating a brand and aesthetic is vital for artists.Sound bites"The universe knows best.""Everyone has their taste.""You can hold space for it."Chapters00:00 Introduction to Lanz Pierce00:44 Early Life and Musical Journey01:34 Navigating Fame and Industry Challenges02:10 The Importance of Authenticity03:41 Transitioning to Independence04:41 Building a Support System05:37 The Role of Manifestation and Flow06:58 Balancing Multiple Projects08:12 The Shift to Independent Releases09:34 Understanding the Music Industry11:02 Investing in Yourself as an Artist11:49 The Evolution of Authenticity in Music12:49 Creating a Unique Brand and Aesthetic14:24 The Story Behind Luminary Agency16:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Episode 016 // Tiriq RashadPoet, Musician, Author & Speaker, Tiriq Rashad on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0ndaKeywordsspirituality, music, healing, vulnerability, parenting, forgiveness, self-discovery, creation, purpose, personal growthSummaryIn this engaging conversation, Christopher Gonda and Tariq Rashad explore the profound themes of spirituality, personal growth, and the healing power of music. Tariq shares his journey of self-discovery, emphasizing the importance of vulnerability and forgiveness in navigating life's challenges. The discussion delves into the role of parenting, the significance of creation in life, and how music serves as a therapeutic outlet. Both speakers reflect on their experiences and the lessons learned, ultimately highlighting the interconnectedness of art, healing, and personal purpose.Takeaways- Tariq's journey reflects a deep connection to spirituality and personal growth.- Music serves as a therapeutic outlet for both Tariq and Christopher.- Vulnerability is a strength, especially for men in today's society.- Parenting teaches us patience and the balance of protection and independence.- Forgiveness is essential for healing and moving forward in life.- Creation is a fundamental purpose in life, whether through art or personal endeavours.- The influence of music can guide us through difficult times and inspire resilience.- Healing is a continuous journey that requires self-reflection and honesty.- Tiriq's music embodies messages of hope and personal growth.- The importance of sharing one's story to connect with others.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Connection04:35 Spirituality and Personal Journey07:49 Vulnerability and Masculinity09:52 Parenting and Self-Discovery15:02 Creation and Purpose20:21 Healing Through Music25:03 Symbolism of the Rose27:00 Publishing books, storytelling, and balancing vulnerability with strength34:00 Building community and finding mentors in the music business41:00 Healing practices, meditation, and spiritual grounding for artists48:00 Lessons from touring, connecting with fans, and staying authentic55:00 Self-discipline, wellness, and the role of rest in creativity01:01:00 Creating legacy work, sustainability, and vision for future projects

Episode 015 // Annie Shapiro, Senior Director, Talent Booking at Vevo, on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0ndaSummary:Annie Shapiro of Vevo breaks down music videos, content creation, YouTube, and surviving the music business grind.👀 What You’ll Hear:Learn how figure skating unexpectedly shaped Annie’s lifelong passion for music and creative storytellingDiscover why ska music and college radio opened career doors and lasting friendships in the music industryExplore Vevo’s role as a global network supporting both emerging artists and established icons Hear Annie’s perspective on video production from DIY phone shoots to arena-level cinematic projectsUnderstand the value of kindness, patience, and balance when navigating the fast-paced music business🕰️ Chapters00:00 Growing up in West Virginia and skating to mixtapes06:00 Family record collections, radio discovery, and music immersion09:00 Ska, subgenres, and building lifelong music relationships11:00 Brown University, college radio, and falling into music business19:00 Vevo explained in one word and why network matters24:00 Human curation, TV channels, and music discovery experience26:00 Favourite music videos from Weezer to Beastie Boys30:00 Advice on content types, YouTube algorithm, and authenticity37:00 Career lessons on kindness, patience, and reputation43:00 On tour with Mumford & Sons and meaningful experiences48:00 AI, human creativity, and the future of music videos51:00 Avoiding burnout, family balance, and creating real downtime

Episode 014 // Raheem “Mega Ran” Jarbo, musician, rapper, podcaster, hero and father, among, you know, many other things, on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0ndaSummary:Mega Ran is kind enough to talk about his upbringing, career, making music, journey into children’s music, fatherhood, and how life is like a video game.👀 What You’ll Hear:Raheem “Mega Ran” Jarbo breaks down music, fatherhood, and the grind of the music businessDiscover how video games shaped Raheem’s creativity and helped him prepare for life’s toughest battlesHear how teaching in Philly classrooms built the adaptability that fuels his success on stage and in musicLearn why fatherhood and adoption gave him a powerful new perspective on art and communityExplore the balance between loving the creative process and navigating the realities of the music usinessUnderstand why betting on yourself and investing in your own art is non-negotiable for long-term growth🕰️ Chapters:00:00 Sega memories and the first spark of gaming06:00 Arcade culture, cousins, wrestling, and hip hop weekends09:00 Teaching roots, sociology influence, and surviving inner-city classrooms16:00 Mentorship, carving a niche, and blending pop culture with music22:00 Fatherhood, adoption, and making music that grows with kids31:00 Finding positivity through community and the strength of asking for help37:00 Foster parenting realities, pandemic babies, and the village that sustains you42:00 Video game wisdom, enemies as signs you’re on the right path45:00 Creativity vs. outcome—falling in love with the process49:00 Business vs. art—sharing work without chasing algorithms52:00 Investing in yourself, crowdfunding, and betting on your own art57:00 Building teams, going all in, and sustaining long-term artistry

Episode 013 // Brocarde, musician and paranormal investigator, on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0ndaSummary:Brocarde dives deep into all things paranormal. She discusses her music, ghost hunting, paranormal activities, owning your story, and so much more!👀 What You’ll Hear: Map a cinematic writing process that fuses notebook lyrics, visuals, and authentic genre shiftsTurn bullying and insecurity into fearless self-expression by embracing honesty and repetition under pressureFace the paranormal with empathy and boundaries, then channel that energy into performance and visualsGrow an audience by being yourself, telling real stories, and posting consistently without giant teamsPitch the media with story-first angles, not ads, and understand the give-and-take of coverageChoose creative control and budget discipline, doing makeup, costumes, and sets to maximize output🕰️ Chapters:00:00:00 Name origin, Oxfordshire roots, and early creative identity00:05:49 Finding the real self after bullying and pop mould pressure00:09:00 Cinematic songwriting: notebook, visuals, and genre-fluid expression00:12:26 Theatre influences: Phantom of the Opera and Meat Loaf storytelling00:15:12 Are ghosts real: first impactful encounter and what changed00:19:00 Empathic sensing, resisting fear, and accepting mediumship00:32:22 Fan community, belonging, and why metal feels welcoming00:52:00 “Identity Theft” video at Gloucester Prison and embracing fear00:54:00 Nevada State Prison execution chamber: the most terrifying location00:59:26 Album ready, big goals, and refusing to limit expectations01:03:29 DIY growth, consistency, and building an audience without a big team01:09:33 US publicity, story-first PR, and giving value back