The Finish More Music Podcast

We all want to write better music. But what if your pursuit of quality is the very thing holding you back? In this episode of the Finish More Music Podcast, we explore the hidden trap that catches so many creatives off guard. It starts with a healthy desire to improve… But quickly spirals into: comparison, perfectionism, overthinking and endless detail tweaking. And I don’t have to tell you, these are not the ingredients for joy or creativity! And here’s the real kicker… Not one of them actually improves the quality of your music either. In this episode of the podcast, I shine a light on the subtle but deeply damaging trap that catches so many struggling creatives off guard. We explore: ✅ The hidden ways “quality” can turn into creative sabotage ✅ Why obsession with improvement often leads to less progress ✅ How common strategies like genre-hopping and sample-hoarding backfire ✅ What really builds confidence in your music ✅ A different way to approach growth — one that fuels momentum instead of killing it These are lessons I’ve gleaned from working with thousands of creatives, distilled into practical steps you can take right now. I hope you enjoy the episode!

Your music isn’t just a series of sessions that lead to loops, half-finished tracks, or a folder of finished pieces… 
It’s a reflection of your path, your growth, and your identity as an artist. In this episode, we explore how every session you sit down to write is shaping the story of your life. Whether it’s a win, a struggle, or a breakthrough—it all counts.  And it all adds up. If you've been struggling to finish tracks or improve your level, doubting your ability, or even feeling unsure whether the effort, frustration, and overwhelm are really worth it… then this episode is for you. We unpack: ✅ Why every finished track is a sentence in the book of your life ✅ Why creative struggle is not a bug, it’s a feature of the journey ✅ How to spot when your actions are pulling you away from your mountain ✅ Why genre-hopping and sample hoarding are silent forms of sabotage ✅ How to stay focused by tracking your progress like an unfolding story ✅ Why finishing music is an act of courage—and of becoming We can look at creativity as a grind… or as a deeply meaningful adventure. If you like the sound of the latter then check out this podcast now.  

This week on the Finish More Music podcast, I’m joined by Kedrick Jeffries—CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Texas and a lifelong musician and community leader.   Kedrick has spent over two decades pouring into the lives of young people, helping them reach their potential through the power of music and mentorship.    In this episode, we explore the profound impact that a single individual can have on a young person’s life—and how the act of showing up for others will radically transform our own.   In this episode, we explore: ✅ How mentorship transforms both mentor and mentee ✅ How music opens doors and uplifts entire communities ✅ Why mentorship builds empathy, resilience, and purpose ✅ Why contribution through creativity is a calling—and how to follow yours   Kedrick also shares how music has shaped his journey, from his personal practice to directing large ensembles in service of community uplift.   Through his work in education, leadership and music, Kedrick exemplifies what it means to lead with heart and give back through art.  

In this powerful conversation, I sat down with Mark Turk, founder of the Austin-based nonprofit Beat 4 Beat.    Mark’s organization brings music education to underserved youths by hiring local musicians to teach in after-school programs—using creativity, performance, and songwriting as tools to transform young lives.   In this show, we explore:
   ✅ How teaching is a superpower for creatives  ✅ How music builds trust, confidence and community  ✅ How music and generosity are a life-line to underserved youth
 ✅ How YOU can get started impacting the world with your music ✅ How teaching fuels personal and professional growth for artists   We also dive into the surprising challenges of running a nonprofit—that quite frankly blew my mind! I thought everyone would be wholly supportive of organisations and people that empower young people… as you’ll hear, that isn’t so!   Mark’s story is one of incredible resilience, challenges, kindness and impact that left me inspired and driven to contribute more with my creativity.    Let me know how this episode impacts you!  

What does it truly mean to give everything for your art?   In this powerful episode, drum & bass legend Tony Colman aka London Elektricity shares his deep philosophy on music, contribution, and living a life of service.   From founding Hospital Records to performing in war-torn Ukraine for free, Tony’s career is a testament to the power of giving without expectation—and the unexpected rewards that come from it.   We explore: ✅ Why giving selflessly benefits both the artist and the world ✅ How Tony overcame fear, ego, and self-doubt to focus on service ✅ The battle to save small club culture from corporate dominance ✅ How to build real connections in the industry through trust & generosity ✅ Why music is about lighting people up, not just playing tracks   This episode is a masterclass in artistic generosity—one that might just change the way you approach your music career.  

Mark Allin is an accomplished artist, musician, and promoter known for his contributions to major labels and live performances. In this engaging discussion, he highlights the power of service in professional success, emphasizing how selfless contributions can enhance artistic journeys. Allin dives into the evolution of a music producer and the global rise of the EMOM movement, which revitalizes live electronic music. He also shares insights on fostering authentic communities and the excitement surrounding his upcoming EP, 'Blank Time,' while advocating for supportive environments in the creative landscape.

Explore the transformative power of creativity and its impact on mental and emotional well-being. Discover how lethargy secretly derails our passions and learn that motivation is born from action, not waiting. Uncover practical strategies inspired by elite performers to reclaim your energy. Embrace boldness and resilience to combat the inertia that holds you back. Finally, adopt the 'a little further' mindset to boost your motivation and keep moving toward your creative goals.

Explore the powerful impact of pursuing creative passions on overall well-being. Fear often masquerades as perfectionism and self-doubt, keeping individuals from realizing their potential. Discover ways to overcome these barriers through actionable steps and boldness. Delve into the nature of fear and its protective role, while learning to confront it with curiosity and bravery. Embrace small victories and dismantle limiting beliefs to unlock a more fulfilling creative journey!

Welcome to our first-ever Finish More Music podcast series!   This podcast series, "The Creative Calling," explores how pursuing one's passions, particularly in creative fields, leads to a more fulfilling life for you and for others.    In the series I use research and personal stories to illustrate the profound positive impacts of creative pursuits on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and also address how to balance your personal creative goals with other life commitments.   In this episode, we dive into one of the biggest questions creatives face: When we follow our calling, are we being selfish? How do we balance personal creative pursuits with our responsibilities to others?   We explore the friction that can arise when making meaningful changes, the pushback we might receive from those around us, and how to navigate these challenges with integrity.   Through personal stories and deep reflection, I unpack why honoring your creative calling isn’t self-indulgent—it’s essential for growth, contribution, and authentic living.   Tune in now!  

Exploring the importance of following your creative callings opens doors to personal growth and fulfillment. The conversation delves into overcoming societal expectations and embracing passions for a more engaged life. With personal stories and research, the benefits of creativity on mental and physical well-being are highlighted. Plus, there's an inspiring discussion on supporting underprivileged youth through creative projects, showcasing how music can change lives and transform communities.