This episode wasn’t meant for an audience. No script, no mic check, no “audience in mind.” Just a raw Zoom session between me and my weekly business accountability partner Chris Prestia, founder of the Well-Practiced Musician—one artist/educator to another, pulling back the curtain on what it really means to build a creative life that’s sustainable, soul-aligned, and functional. From emotional burnout to business bottlenecks, doubts around business partners and platforms to choose with, and the friction between art and commerce—this is an unfiltered window into the backstage of the Holistic Musician Academy and my own journey as an independent musician. We talk about the things that don’t usually make it into polished podcasts or curated newsletters. Things like identity, masculinity, and the quiet pressure of always having to “perform.” The creeping role of AI in creative work. And whether building an artistic career part-time is a compromise or a legitimate survival strategy. I also speak candidly about the personal: My obsession with location independence and how it connects to childhood trauma. The complexity of familial ties. And how Rocco helped me finally face a decision I’ve been circling for over three years. If you’ve ever wondered what the real conversations sound like behind the coaching, the music, the launches—this is it.   Warning: This episode contains unpolished language, vulnerable moments, and a whole lot of truth. Any tools, services, or platforms mentioned in this episode are shared solely based on personal experience. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or officially endorsing any brands or companies discussed. Find out more about Chris Prestia  Free Training Self-Study Course. Group Coaching 1 on 1 Mentorship Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com Music and Audio Production: www.everynowheremusic.com Episode Notes / Text : www.tlwrites.com