Most actors wait. Mark Elias builds. On this episode of Unglossy, the 9-1-1: Lone Star and Lucifer actor breaks down his journey from Houston roots to Hollywood—then the pivot from chasing roles to creating them. We get into his film We Could Be Heroes, raising money through WeFunder, and what it actually takes to go from idea to screen—plus why ownership changes everything. It all leads to his new podcast on Merrick Studios, Working Title: From Paper to Screen, where he’s documenting the process in real time. This one’s about betting on yourself—and doing the work to back it up. And, don't miss a very special offer for Merrick Studios+

Unglossy is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank. Join the conversation on Instagram @UnglossyPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+

Most people chase the spotlight. Michelle Delamor learned how to own it.

This week on Unglossy, we sit down with the former American Idol standout turned founder, studio executive, and creator of Amazon Prime’s 60 Day Hustle to unpack what really happens after the cameras stop rolling. From auditioning alongside 110,000 hopefuls to navigating the machine of the music industry, Michelle shares how she turned early exposure into long-term ownership—and why building your own platform is the real endgame.

We get into the psychology of reality TV, the business behind entertainment, and the hard pivot from artist to entrepreneur. Plus, she breaks down how 60 Day Hustle is flipping the script on competition shows—proving that real pressure, real stakes, and real growth don’t need to be manufactured.

Because in this game, talent gets you seen… but ownership changes everything.

Unglossy is produced by Merrick Studios and hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank. Join the conversation on Instagram @UnglossyPod and get early access plus live events, additional content and more at Merrick Studios+

On this episode of Unglossy, we sit down with legendary producer Don Vito for a wide-ranging conversation about hustle, reinvention, and the long road behind the hits.

From growing up in Gary, Indiana, to serving in the Marine Corps, to finding his way into Atlanta’s exploding music scene, Don shares the unconventional path that led him to work with artists like Nelly, Ciara, Bow Wow, Cherish, and Kandi Burruss. Along the way, he breaks down the realities of the music business, the difference between making beats and making records, and why some artists reach the top while others sabotage their own success.

But Don’s story doesn’t stop with hit records. After navigating the highs and shifts of the music industry, he pivoted into podcasting, digital media, and content strategy, earning the nickname “The Podfather.” In this episode, he pulls back the curtain on how creators can turn podcasts into real businesses—and why most people are approaching it the wrong way.

It’s a conversation full of industry war stories, hard lessons, and unexpected insights about building something that lasts in an industry that’s constantly changing.

If you care about music, media, entrepreneurship, or the future of podcasting, this is one you don’t want to miss.

Unglossy is a Merrick Studios podcast hosted by Bun B, Jeffrey Sledge and Tom Frank.