Summary

In this conversation, Kevin Murphy recounts his inspiring journey from a challenging upbringing in the Bronx to building a thriving career as an illustrator and entrepreneur. He highlights how hard work, confidence, and taking risks are essential to success in the arts. Kevin discusses the crucial role of education and mentorship in honing artistic skills, questioning the idea that talent alone determines achievement. Alongside Ryan Roghaar, he explores themes such as talent versus training, the impact of mentorship, and the importance of experience in artistic growth. Together, they emphasize that success—whether in art or any field—is less about innate talent and more about dedication, effort, and guidance. The conversation also underscores the value of mastering fundamentals and facing the fear of failure, showing how these elements lead to personal growth and empowerment through creative expression.

Takeaways

• Kevin grew up poor and faced many challenges.
• He struggled academically but found a passion for reading and art.
• Kevin transitioned from construction work to illustration without knowing the odds.
• He emphasizes hard work over talent in achieving success.
• Kevin founded Evolve Artist to provide accessible art education.
• Confidence is built through taking risks and proving oneself.
• The importance of mentorship and learning from others in the field.
• Art can be a metaphor for risk-taking in life.
• The program at Evolve Artist is designed for all skill levels.
• Success in art comes from dedication and the right education. Choosing the right mentor can significantly impact your success.
• Talent is often a result of training and effort, not just innate ability.
• Understanding the fundamentals is crucial for artistic development.
• Experience plays a vital role in skill acquisition and mastery.
• Mindset and overcoming fear of failure are essential for growth.
• Art can be a means of personal enrichment and expression.
• Investing time in practice can lead to significant improvement.
• The journey of learning art is about the process, not just the outcome.
• Everyone has the potential to create and express themselves artistically.
• Commitment to your craft can lead to unexpected opportunities and fulfillment.

Chapters

00:00 From Humble Beginnings to Artistic Success

10:04 Building a Business: The Evolve Artist Journey

20:05 The Importance of Confidence and Risk-Taking in Art

29:58 Talent vs. Hard Work: The Real Path to Mastery

33:35 The Importance of Choosing the Right Mentor

36:10 Talent vs. Training: The Real Path to Success

39:04 Understanding the Fundamentals of Art

43:53 The Role of Experience in Skill Development

50:13 Mindset and Overcoming Fear of Failure

57:10 Empowerment Through Art and Personal Growth

Check out Evolve Artist and get a special deal. Learn more here: https://evolveartist.com/eggs

Credits:

Hosted by Ryan Roghaar and Michael Smith

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show: eggscast.com

@eggshow on X and Instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar

Summary

In this conversation, Chris Leonard shares his extensive journey in the live audio industry, detailing his early experiences, the transition to professional gigs, and the intricacies of monitor mixing versus front of house mixing. He discusses the role of technology in live sound, the challenges of life on the road compared to corporate audio work, and his involvement in high-profile events like presidential inaugurations and the Super Bowl victory parade. Chris emphasizes the strategic planning and technical expertise required for large-scale events, providing insights into the behind-the-scenes work that goes into creating memorable live experiences. In this conversation, Chris Leonard discusses his journey from a sound technician to a management role in the audio production industry. He shares insights on the importance of empathy in leadership, the challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic, and his passion for podcasting and documenting the history of live sound. The discussion highlights the evolution of the industry, the economic complexities involved, and the innovative spirit that drives sound professionals.

Takeaways

• Chris Leonard has nearly 20 years in the live audio business.
• He started working in audio at a young age, influenced by his father.
• Transitioning from small gigs to major artists requires dedication and time.
• Monitor mixing is significantly more complex than front-of-house mixing.
• Technology like virtual playback is changing the live sound landscape.
• Life on the road can be challenging for audio professionals with families.
• Corporate audio work offers more stability compared to touring.
• High-profile events require meticulous planning and execution.
• Time alignment of speakers is crucial for large events.
• Collaboration with other companies is common for large-scale productions. It's all about having resources.
• The director's role grew with the company.
• Management skills come from touring experiences.
• Empathy is a valuable tool in management.
• Studying people helps in understanding their perspectives.
• Passion drives people in the sound industry.
• The history of live sound is often overlooked.
• COVID-19 forced the industry to pivot to virtual events.
• Innovation is key in the evolution of live sound.
• The economic side of the sound industry is complex.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Chris Leonard and His Journey

02:46 Early Experiences in Live Audio

06:05 Transitioning to Professional Gigs

08:50 Understanding Monitor vs. Front of House Mixing

11:58 The Role of Technology in Live Sound

14:57 Life on the Road vs. Corporate Audio

18:09 High-Profile Events: Inaugurations and Super Bowl Parades

32:19 Transitioning from Technician to Manager

39:05 The Journey into Podcasting

46:45 Capturing the History of Live Sound

56:06 Adapting to the Pandemic: Challenges and Innovations

Credits:

Hosted by Ryan Roghaar and Michael Smith

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show: eggscast.com

@eggshow on X and Instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar

Summary

In this episode, Ryan and Mike interview Jonathan Stark, a consultant and author, who shares his journey from software development to coaching on value-based pricing. They discuss the pitfalls of hourly billing, the importance of understanding value, and the significance of the 'why' conversation in client interactions. Jonathan emphasizes the need for a shift in perspective from self-interest to client satisfaction, and he outlines effective pricing strategies, including the use of guarantees to mitigate risk. The conversation also touches on establishing authority in one's field and the benefits of narrowing focus to become a recognized expert.

Takeaways

• Jonathan Stark transitioned from software development to coaching on pricing.
• Hourly billing can lead to misaligned incentives and poor client outcomes.
• Value-based pricing focuses on the client's perceived value rather than costs.
• The 'why' conversation helps uncover client motivations and needs.
• Setting prices based on value can lead to better profitability.
• Offering guarantees can alleviate client concerns about quality and service.
• Establishing authority in a niche can lead to higher pricing and demand.
• Narrowing focus helps in becoming a recognized expert in a field.
• Proposals should offer multiple pricing tiers to maximize client options.
• Understanding customer satisfaction is key to long-term business success.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Jonathan Stark

02:56 The Shift from Hourly Billing to Value-Based Pricing

09:31 Understanding Value-Based Pricing

12:56 The Importance of the 'Why' Conversation

18:47 Negotiating Prices and Payment Terms

25:39 Shifting Perspective: From Self to Client

30:42 Creating Customer Satisfaction

38:57 Proposals and Pricing Strategies

47:49 Guarantees and Risk Mitigation

59:52 Establishing Authority in Your Field

Credits:

Hosted by Ryan Roghaar and Michael Smith

Produced by Ryan Roghaar

Theme music: "Perfect Day" by OPM

The Eggs Podcast Spotify playlist:

bit.ly/eggstunes

The Plugs:

The Show: eggscast.com

@eggshow on X and Instagram

On iTunes: itun.es/i6dX3pCOn

Stitcher: bit.ly/eggs_on_stitcher

Also available on Google Play Music!

Mike "DJ Ontic":

Shows and info: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠djontic.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

@djontic on twitter

Ryan Roghaar:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠rogha.ar