What happens when creative power, marketing wisdom, and startup energy collide? In this episode, Jay sits down with Julie Matzen to explore the journey from agency leadership to startup empowerment. With honesty, laughter, and depth, they unpack the emotional architecture of business: the fear of becoming irrelevant, the power of validation, and the truth that failure isn’t a wall—it’s a lens.The conversation moves from the dangers of letting AI write your ad copy to the Gen X struggle of feeling unseen, all the way to the radical idea that access to wisdom should be affordable. Through shared metaphors, unapologetic insights, and unexpected childhood stories, Julie and Jay remind us that the real power in business—and in life—comes not from polish, but from presence."Don't let AI be your art. The paintbrush doesn't get the credit."Bio: Julie Matzen is the co-founder of Boarderline and founder of the MayDay Agency. With over 25 years in branding and digital strategy for top-tier brands, Julie now focuses on democratizing access to expert advisors for startups and mid-sized businesses. Through Boarderline, she's building a platform that empowers emerging entrepreneurs to gain real insights from the minds that helped build the world's biggest brands.📌 Key Takeaways✨ [00:14:00] – "AI can automate, but it can't validate."🧘 [00:20:00] – Insight without experience is dangerous—it’s just expensive noise.🔥 [00:36:00] – Gen X has the tools. It's time to show younger generations how to use them.🤖 [00:03:00] – AI is a mirror, not a muse.💭 [00:48:00] – Validation isn’t weakness. It’s water for the seed.📚 Chapter Timestamps🚢 [00:00] – Shifts and Ships in Business🧠 [05:00] – The Wisdom of Gen X and the Value of Lenses🪞 [10:00] – AI as Mirror, Not Muse🎭 [15:00] – The Fear of Aging Out💬 [21:00] – Validation, Vulnerability, and Starting Over📉 [30:00] – Marketing That Misses the Point🎯 [38:00] – Emotional Triggers and Human Branding📚 [48:00] – The Value of Experience🌀 [55:00] – Final Metaphors and MessagesCTA for the ShowIf this episode resonated, subscribe, review, and share it to help grow the Tree of Knowledge 🌳We explore the human experience through tragedy and triumph—with laughter, candor, and depth.🌟 Be cool and keep learning. 🌟CTA for the GuestLearn more about Julie Matzen at:https://theboarderline.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-matzen-1696aa52Support her mission to make expert advice accessible to small businesses and emerging founders.🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy PodcastDiscover stories of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Riverside Recording Studio: https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Grab Jay’s Gear: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Bookshop Picks: https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow UsInstagram: https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudiosTwitter: https://twitter.com/TragedyacademystudiosTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support UsPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AGBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy
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What happens when creative power, marketing wisdom, and startup energy collide? In this episode, Jay sits down with Julie Matzen to explore the journey from agency leadership to startup empowerment. With honesty, laughter, and depth, they unpack the emotional architecture of business: the fear of becoming irrelevant, the power of validation, and the truth that failure isn’t a wall—it’s a lens.The conversation moves from the dangers of letting AI write your ad copy to the Gen X struggle of feeling unseen, all the way to the radical idea that access to wisdom should be affordable. Through shared metaphors, unapologetic insights, and unexpected childhood stories, Julie and Jay remind us that the real power in business—and in life—comes not from polish, but from presence."Don't let AI be your art. The paintbrush doesn't get the credit."Bio: Julie Matzen is the co-founder of Boarderline and founder of the MayDay Agency. With over 25 years in branding and digital strategy for top-tier brands, Julie now focuses on democratizing access to expert advisors for startups and mid-sized businesses. Through Boarderline, she's building a platform that empowers emerging entrepreneurs to gain real insights from the minds that helped build the world's biggest brands.📌 Key Takeaways✨ [00:14:00] – "AI can automate, but it can't validate."🧘 [00:20:00] – Insight without experience is dangerous—it’s just expensive noise.🔥 [00:36:00] – Gen X has the tools. It's time to show younger generations how to use them.🤖 [00:03:00] – AI is a mirror, not a muse.💭 [00:48:00] – Validation isn’t weakness. It’s water for the seed.📚 Chapter Timestamps🚢 [00:00] – Shifts and Ships in Business🧠 [05:00] – The Wisdom of Gen X and the Value of Lenses🪞 [10:00] – AI as Mirror, Not Muse🎭 [15:00] – The Fear of Aging Out💬 [21:00] – Validation, Vulnerability, and Starting Over📉 [30:00] – Marketing That Misses the Point🎯 [38:00] – Emotional Triggers and Human Branding📚 [48:00] – The Value of Experience🌀 [55:00] – Final Metaphors and MessagesCTA for the ShowIf this episode resonated, subscribe, review, and share it to help grow the Tree of Knowledge 🌳We explore the human experience through tragedy and triumph—with laughter, candor, and depth.🌟 Be cool and keep learning. 🌟CTA for the GuestLearn more about Julie Matzen at:https://theboarderline.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-matzen-1696aa52Support her mission to make expert advice accessible to small businesses and emerging founders.🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy PodcastDiscover stories of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Riverside Recording Studio: https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Grab Jay’s Gear: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Bookshop Picks: https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow UsInstagram: https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudiosTwitter: https://twitter.com/TragedyacademystudiosTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support UsPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AGBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy
Resilience and Creativity: A Conversation with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets
The Tragedy Academy
52 minutes
9 months ago
Resilience and Creativity: A Conversation with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets
Resilience and Creativity: A Conversation with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets
In this episode of The Tragedy Academy Podcast, Jay sits down with Dani Meza of The Crushed Velvets to explore the transformative journey of overcoming personal adversity and reigniting creative passion. ??
Join Jay and Dani as they delve deep into Dani’s inspiring story of resilience and artistic rebirth. From battling serious health challenges to navigating the evolving music industry, Dani shares his unique perspective on maintaining authenticity in a world obsessed with conformity. ??
Throughout the conversation, they discuss the importance of embracing one’s true self, the power of collaboration in the creative process, and the profound impact of finding a light from within. Whether you’re an aspiring artist or someone seeking motivation to overcome your own struggles, this episode offers valuable insights and heartfelt moments that will leave you feeling empowered and inspired. ??
Dani’s candid reflections and Jay’s engaging style create a dynamic and uplifting dialogue that highlights the essence of The Tragedy Academy’s mission: to celebrate the human spirit’s ability to triumph over adversity with empathy and humor. Don’t miss this captivating episode filled with wisdom, laughter, and the unwavering pursuit of passion. ??
Key Takeaways:
? Overcoming Adversity: Dani discusses his battle with an aneurysm and two strokes, highlighting the profound impact these challenges had on his life and identity.
? Authentic Collaboration: The importance of allowing fellow musicians to bring their unique creativity to the table without imposing rigid control, leading to more authentic and refreshing music.
? Embracing Silence: Dani shares his preference for meaningful interactions over small talk and introduces a unique way to connect through playing card games, easing social awkwardness.
? Finding Light from Within: Exploring how Dani reignited his passion for music by tapping into his inner creativity and overcoming the mental barriers that once held him back.
? Capturing the Moment: The significance of recording music authentically, preserving the raw emotion and spontaneity that makes each performance unique and memorable.
Guest Bio:
Dani Meza, a multi-instrumentalist from Southern California, has been a staple in the music scene for over a decade. Known for his soulful sound and dramatic performances, Meza has captivated audiences with his unique style. His past projects include Blackstrap Molasses and Dani & The Scarlett Fevers, which performed at major festivals like Desert Daze and Moon Block Party and shared the stage with notable acts such as Ty Segall, Blake Miller (Moving Units), and Deap Vally. After overcoming life-threatening medical conditions in 2016, he embraced a new perspective, transforming his approach to music and performance.
Meza’s current project, the Crushed Velvets, is a testament to his artistic evolution. Working with acclaimed producer Chris Schlarb at Big Ego Studios in Long Beach, California, Meza and his carefully selected group of collaborators released their first full-length album, “I Planted, Apollos Watered, But God Kept Making It Grow,” in October 2024. Additionally, the group released a live in-studio EP in 2023 (“Live In Studio”), which included a vibey rendition of T. Rex’s “Mambo Sun”, and three EPs in 2022 (“Stun Gun”, “Dig To Me”, “Intertwined”). The Crushed Velvets draw inspiration from legends like Al Green, Marvin Gaye, and Serge Gainsbourg, creating a nostalgic and fresh sound.
His cool, understated vibe is evident in both his recordings and live shows, marking a bold new era in his career. With plans to immerse himself in international music scenes and collaborate globally, Meza is committed to writing and releasing music as much as possible. As he continues this journey, one thing is certain: Dani Meza is all in. ??
If you enjoyed this episode, m ...
The Tragedy Academy
What happens when creative power, marketing wisdom, and startup energy collide? In this episode, Jay sits down with Julie Matzen to explore the journey from agency leadership to startup empowerment. With honesty, laughter, and depth, they unpack the emotional architecture of business: the fear of becoming irrelevant, the power of validation, and the truth that failure isn’t a wall—it’s a lens.The conversation moves from the dangers of letting AI write your ad copy to the Gen X struggle of feeling unseen, all the way to the radical idea that access to wisdom should be affordable. Through shared metaphors, unapologetic insights, and unexpected childhood stories, Julie and Jay remind us that the real power in business—and in life—comes not from polish, but from presence."Don't let AI be your art. The paintbrush doesn't get the credit."Bio: Julie Matzen is the co-founder of Boarderline and founder of the MayDay Agency. With over 25 years in branding and digital strategy for top-tier brands, Julie now focuses on democratizing access to expert advisors for startups and mid-sized businesses. Through Boarderline, she's building a platform that empowers emerging entrepreneurs to gain real insights from the minds that helped build the world's biggest brands.📌 Key Takeaways✨ [00:14:00] – "AI can automate, but it can't validate."🧘 [00:20:00] – Insight without experience is dangerous—it’s just expensive noise.🔥 [00:36:00] – Gen X has the tools. It's time to show younger generations how to use them.🤖 [00:03:00] – AI is a mirror, not a muse.💭 [00:48:00] – Validation isn’t weakness. It’s water for the seed.📚 Chapter Timestamps🚢 [00:00] – Shifts and Ships in Business🧠 [05:00] – The Wisdom of Gen X and the Value of Lenses🪞 [10:00] – AI as Mirror, Not Muse🎭 [15:00] – The Fear of Aging Out💬 [21:00] – Validation, Vulnerability, and Starting Over📉 [30:00] – Marketing That Misses the Point🎯 [38:00] – Emotional Triggers and Human Branding📚 [48:00] – The Value of Experience🌀 [55:00] – Final Metaphors and MessagesCTA for the ShowIf this episode resonated, subscribe, review, and share it to help grow the Tree of Knowledge 🌳We explore the human experience through tragedy and triumph—with laughter, candor, and depth.🌟 Be cool and keep learning. 🌟CTA for the GuestLearn more about Julie Matzen at:https://theboarderline.cohttps://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-matzen-1696aa52Support her mission to make expert advice accessible to small businesses and emerging founders.🚀 Welcome to The Tragedy Academy PodcastDiscover stories of resilience, redemption, and the human spirit.🎧 Podcasting Made Easy: https://bit.ly/3LSCBh5📲 Riverside Recording Studio: https://bit.ly/3ImjNWD👕 Grab Jay’s Gear: https://bit.ly/431MLD5📘 Bookshop Picks: https://bit.ly/42pPHcv✅ Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCEUXqlregig6vcrvuVNGlKg📱 Follow UsInstagram: https://instagram.com/tragedyacademystudios.comFacebook: https://facebook.com/tragedyacademystudiosTwitter: https://twitter.com/TragedyacademystudiosTikTok: https://tiktok.com/@tragedyacademystudios💖 Support UsPayPal: https://www.paypal.com/donate?hosted_button_id=YMU9L4TBWX6AGBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/tragedyacademy
