From Hustle to Purpose: Redefining Success as a Creative
Episode Summary:In this solo episode, Drew reflects on the real challenges creative professionals face in 2025 like unstable industries, outdated mindsets, and the constant push for "success" at any cost. Sharing his personal journey from music to film to entrepreneurship, Drew explores why reinventing yourself is not only necessary but healthy, and how obstacles often reveal the true path forward.If you’re feeling stuck, questioning your career direction, or wondering how to balance ambition with a meaningful life, this episode is for you.What You'll Learn:Why major life transitions often feel impossible until they're behind youHow outdated mindsets (like stability = success) can hold you backLessons from "The Obstacle is the Way" by Ryan HolidayThe hard truths about building a creative career in today's worldWhy redefining success on your own terms is more important than everHow to leverage your skills into a new, sustainable direction without starting overResources & Links:Sign up for the newsletter: drewenglish.kit.com/newsletterConnect on Instagram and Threads: @drewenglishhLinkedIn: Drew EnglishBook Mentioned: The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan HolidayCommunity Question:👉 What obstacle are you currently facing that might actually be pointing you toward your next big move?Leave a comment, DM Drew, or reply to the newsletter — we’d love to hear from you!
--------
13:13
Scrappy, Smart, and Successful: Creative Wins with Less
Episode Summary:In this solo mini-episode, Drew strips down the myth that success requires a massive audience, fancy gear, or deep pockets. Through a real-world example from his recent short film The Ride of Your Life, he shows how creativity and scrappiness can trump big budgets and large teams. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by not having “enough,” this episode is your wake-up call.What You’ll Learn:Why creatives often overestimate what they need to succeedHow The Ride of Your Life was made with minimal resources—and still turned headsThree mindset traps that keep people stuck:Lack of real effortThe distorted influence of social mediaFear of failure and judgmentA powerful quote from 10x Is Easier Than 2x to reframe your creative risk-takingMentioned in the Episode: 🎥 The Ride of Your Life – Short doc film about Serotta Cycles 👉 Watch it HERE📖 Book: 10x Is Easier Than 2x by Dan SullivanStay Connected:Join Drew’s newsletter for more insights on creativity, filmmaking, and mindset: drewenglish.kit.comSupport the Show:If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and review the show—it helps more than you know! ⭐️ On Apple Podcasts & Spotify 📺 On YouTube – Like & Subscribe
--------
5:52
Finding Your Zone of Genius in Film Production | Lisamarie Shires
Episode SummaryIn this episode, Lisamarie Shires shares her journey from government contracting to photography, then to producing, and finally to coaching creative professionals. She discusses how her experience across various roles in the production industry has informed her coaching philosophy, focusing on helping creatives build sustainable businesses that prioritize life and family while achieving professional success.Chapter Markers[00:00-04:00] Lisa's Journey from Government Work to Creative Fields[04:00-09:00] The Appeal of Producing and Its Challenges[09:00-15:00] Transition from Production to Coaching[15:00-24:00] Balancing Family Life and Career in Production[24:00-31:00] Post-COVID Industry Changes and Client Expectations[31:00-37:00] Personal Branding and Finding Your Unique Value[37:00-45:00] Overcoming Multi-Passionate Creative Identity Crisis[45:00-49:00] Values-Based Decision Making and Future ProgramsKey TakeawaysLisa left a stable government job to pursue her creative passions, starting with photography before moving into producingHer coaching practice developed naturally from her tendency to mentor younger professionals and her own experience with coachingThe production industry has shifted from transactional to relationship-focused, requiring creatives to position themselves as experts who deliver resultsFor creatives with families, finding work-life balance is crucial and often requires external support and intentional decision-makingPost-COVID market uncertainty has changed buyer behavior, resulting in clients being more cautious with budgets and requiring more certainty from creativesWhen building a personal brand, focus on being visible and leveraging your existing network rather than waiting for perfectionFor multi-passionate creatives, identify your "zone of genius" to determine where to focus your energy and how to package your various skillsValues-based decision-making helps creative professionals avoid burnout and make choices that align with their prioritiesQuote"I'm catering to the people that have been playing in commercial production for at least 5 to 10 plus years... if you want to stand out, you need to start acting like it... decide that you're that person already, and then that personal development is going to play into your professional development." Links & Resources Lisa on Instagram: @LisaMarieShiresWebsite: lisamarieshires.comUpcoming program: "The Unforgettable Filmmaker" - focusing on confidence and leadershipRecommended Book: "The Big Leap" by Gay Hendricks MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” |Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@drew_english FOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com
--------
51:08
Courage & Self-Discovery | Merritt Minnemeyer
Joining us this week is Meritt Minnemeyer, an executive coach who offers insights on aligning leadership actions with personal values. We explore the challenging journey of entrepreneurship in creative fields, reflecting on how maintaining focus through internal values can provide a sense of safety and purpose amidst life's pressures.Meritt's upbringing in a family-run business environment shaped her unique perspective on creativity and executive leadership. Our conversation highlights the dynamic balance of ego and acceptance, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of finding peace in our journeys. Through inspiring stories, such as a client's transformative adventure of teaching English abroad in her 50s, we illustrate the power of incremental steps and the courage to pursue dreams regardless of age or circumstance.Later in the episode, we explore the concept of “becoming”, emphasizing connection and fulfillment over numerical achievements. We discuss conscious leadership and self-inquiry as vital tools for aligning actions with true personal values, leading to a journey of continuous growth.(00:00) Navigating Career Transitions and Personal Loss(11:09) Finding Focus Through Values and Safety(24:19) Navigating Ego and Acceptance(33:11) Exploring Dreams and Taking Action(44:32) Embracing the Journey of Becoming(54:26) Choosing Coaching(01:07:19) Ending Interview With Meritt MinnemeyerEPISODE LINKS: Website: masterofonecoaching.com Instagram: @masterofonecoachingMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.comInstagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglishWebsite: drewenglish.com
--------
1:08:18
Breaking Barriers: Empowerment, Equity, and Representation in Film | Tracy Sayre
Join us as we welcome Tracy Sayre, the co-executive director of Moonshot Initiative, an inspiring organization committed to fostering gender equity in the film industry by creating opportunities for women and non-binary filmmakers. Tracy shares her remarkable journey from co-founding the Women's Weekend Film Challenge, which evolved into Moonshot Initiative, to her current role in empowering underrepresented voices. Listen in as Tracy offers insights into overcoming industry challenges, focusing on collective needs rather than individual competition, and the transformative impact of providing access to equipment and experience.Through Tracy's personal journey, we explore the underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, in key roles such as directors and directors of photography. Tracy's narrative reflects on how diverse experiences have shaped her passion for storytelling and advocacy, emphasizing the urgent need for external pressure on Hollywood to drive real change.Finally, Tracy opens up about balancing a creative career with family life and the transition from the hustle of New York City to the vibrant creative community in the Hudson Valley. She discusses the constant push and pull of maintaining a successful career while being the best parent, partner, and friend. Discover how Tracy's story is a testament to the importance of finding a supportive community that fuels creativity without the financial strains of city living. Don't miss out on updates about the upcoming Moonshot Film Challenge in Los Angeles and the pilot accelerator program offering aspiring filmmakers a chance to pitch their scripts to major studios.(00:03) Empowering Women in Film Industry(10:58) Challenges and Progress in Film Industry(20:34) Navigating Creative Naivete and Comparison(33:26) Balancing Creativity and Family LifeEPISODE LINKS: Website: moonshotinitiative.org Instagram: @moonshotinitiative
No Set Path is a podcast that takes you on a journey through the unpredictable world of creativity.
This show explores the ups and downs of life as a creative through unscripted and candid conversations with guests who have forged their own paths and show that no two roads are the same for anybody.
Canada - english