Creating Your Own Break | Jennifer Lieberman on Acting, Writing, and Creative Persistence

Creating Your Own Break | Jennifer Lieberman on Acting, Writing, and Creative Persistence

Chris sits down with actor, writer, producer, speaker, coach, and author Jennifer Lieberman to discuss creativity, storytelling, acting, publishing, rejection, persistence, mindset, and what it really takes to build a career in the creative world. Jennifer shares her journey from growing up with a passion for performance and storytelling to building a career across theater, film, writing, producing, coaching, and education. The conversation dives deep into the realities of pursuing creative work, creating your own opportunities, and learning how to stay in the game even when doors do not immediately open. Throughout the episode, Jennifer discusses:  • Her passion for storytelling and performance from childhood  • Moving from theater into writing and producing her own projects  • Why artists often need to “make their own break”  • The challenges of acting, auditions, agents, and rejection  • Building a body of creative work over time  • Producing independent theater and creative projects  • Self publishing and overcoming setbacks in publishing  • The evolution of her book Year of the What  • The importance of persistence and staying creatively active  • Why mindset and discipline matter for creatives and entrepreneurs alike Chris and Jennifer also explore:  • The emotional side of rejection in creative industries  • How networking and relationships shape creative careers  • The balance between creativity and logistics  • Wearing different “hats” as a creator and entrepreneur  • Why artists need both creative passion and business skills  • The importance of focusing on what you can control  • Helping other creatives learn to produce and launch their own work One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Jennifer explains that success in creative industries rarely follows a predictable formula. Instead of waiting for opportunities, she chose to create her own through writing, producing, teaching, and continuously building meaningful work over time. Books discussed during the episode include:  • Year of the What  • Independent Theater Production for the 21st Century in Seven Simple Steps  • Steppenwolf by Hermann Hesse  • The Big Leap https://www.jenniferliebermanactor.com/ If you are interested in books, acting, storytelling, entrepreneurship, creativity, personal growth, mindset, publishing, theater, leadership, or learning how to keep pursuing your goals despite rejection and uncertainty, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, mindset, wellness, personal growth, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.

Balancing Tech, Writing, and Creativity | Sam Robb on Storytelling, Sci-Fi, and Publishing

Chris sits down with author, software developer, publisher, and storyteller Sam Robb to discuss creativity, science fiction, fantasy, publishing, storytelling, technology, work life balance, writing process, and the inspiration behind building imaginative worlds and unforgettable characters. Sam shares his journey from lifelong writer and Navy veteran to software developer and published author, explaining how writing eventually evolved from a creative outlet into a serious pursuit. The conversation dives deep into balancing a demanding professional career while continuing to create stories, publish books, and work alongside other authors and creatives. Throughout the episode, Sam discusses:  • His background in software development and technology  • Serving in the Navy before transitioning into tech  • Discovering Larry Correia and the “BICHOK” writing philosophy  • The importance of discipline and consistency in writing  • Building stories from simple ideas and observations  • Pittsburgh graffiti culture and the inspiration behind Sigils  • Working with Raconteur Press and the Alpha Mercs writing group  • Writing science fiction, fantasy, weird fiction, and supernatural stories  • Balancing creativity with a demanding career and family life  • Why walking and mental decompression are essential for productivity Chris and Sam also explore:  • The overlap between technology and creativity  • Why abandoned buildings and urban spaces inspire storytelling  • The rise of AI and how technology shapes imagination  • Reading nonfiction as inspiration for fiction writing  • The differences between plotting and “pantsing” while writing  • How ideas evolve organically over time  • The emotional side of publishing stories and receiving reader feedback One of the most fascinating moments of the episode comes when Sam explains how a simple piece of graffiti underneath a Pittsburgh bridge inspired an entire supernatural story centered around hidden doorways, urban legends, and the unseen world hiding beneath the surface of everyday life. Books and stories discussed during the episode include:  • Sigils  • Sense of Murder  • One October Night  • Monster Hunter International by Larry Correia  • Haunted Pittsburgh  • Various Pittsburgh history and folklore books If you are interested in books, storytelling, creativity, science fiction, fantasy, writing, publishing, technology, personal growth, productivity, or learning how creators balance passion projects alongside demanding careers, this episode is packed with insight and inspiration. Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, creativity, storytelling, entrepreneurship, mindset, wellness, technology, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.

From Voice Actor to 50 Books | Aaron Ryan on Storytelling, Faith, and Creativity

Chris sits down with author, voice actor, speaker, and creative entrepreneur Aaron Ryan to discuss storytelling, faith, creativity, science fiction, publishing, resilience, artificial intelligence, motivation, and what it takes to continue creating even when the world is noisy and discouraging. Aaron shares his incredible journey from childhood storytelling and early creative influences to becoming the author of nearly 50 books spanning science fiction, dystopian fiction, fantasy, children’s books, devotionals, and motivational writing. The conversation dives deep into creativity, perseverance, self publishing, and the emotional realities many creators face behind the scenes. Throughout the episode, Aaron discusses:  • Writing and publishing nearly 50 books  • Growing up inspired by Lord of the Rings and storytelling  • Why world building fascinates him  • Faith, science fiction, and the possibility of life beyond Earth  • His alien invasion series Dissonance  • The inspiration behind his dystopian novel The End  • Voice acting and the impact of AI on creative careers  • Persistence, rejection, and continuing to create despite setbacks  • Why creators must develop “structural integrity” mentally and emotionally  • The emotional highs and lows of publishing books Chris and Aaron also explore:  • The relationship between creativity and faith  • The importance of curiosity and lifelong learning  • Tolkien, world building, and the lasting impact of Lord of the Rings  • The rise of artificial intelligence in creative industries  • Self publishing versus traditional publishing  • How writing can evolve throughout different seasons of life  • The importance of continuing the creative journey even without immediate validation One of the most powerful moments of the conversation comes when Aaron explains how difficult it can be to pour your heart into creative work only for it to feel unnoticed — and why creators must learn to keep moving forward anyway. His comparison to the WWII plane “Lucky Bill” and the importance of developing structural integrity in the face of criticism and rejection is something many entrepreneurs, creators, writers, and professionals will relate to deeply. Books discussed during the episode include:  • Dissonance Series  • The End  • Lord of the Rings  • The Daily Dad by Ryan Holiday https://authoraaronryan.com/ If you are interested in books, creativity, storytelling, faith, science fiction, leadership, resilience, writing, entrepreneurship, publishing, or personal growth, this episode is packed with insight, honesty, humor, and inspiration. Subscribe to @Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, mindset, storytelling, entrepreneurship, personal growth, creativity, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.

CEO Only Does Three Things | Trey Taylor on Leadership, Focus, and Building Great Businesses

Chris sits down with entrepreneur, investor, speaker, CEO coach, and author Trey Taylor to discuss leadership, business growth, productivity, mergers and acquisitions, focus, networking, personal development, and what separates successful executives from everyone else. Trey shares the story behind his bestselling book CEO Only Does Three Things and explains how great leaders create clarity by focusing on culture, people, and numbers instead of getting lost in day to day operational distractions. The conversation explores Trey’s journey from studying economics and law to working in M&A, venture capital, AOL, WebMD, and eventually leading family businesses, coaching CEOs, and investing in companies across multiple industries. Throughout the conversation, Trey discusses: • Why focus is one of the most important leadership skills • How successful CEOs structure their time and priorities • The importance of building strong systems and culture • Lessons learned from mergers and acquisitions • Why most acquisitions fail after integration • Productivity, delegation, and avoiding burnout • The value of mastermind groups and surrounding yourself with smart people • Networking, relationships, and creating opportunities through conversations • How curiosity and asking questions can expand your business and career • Why leaders must stop doing jobs they should delegate to others Chris and Trey also discuss: • Brian Tracy and early personal development influences • The movie Wall Street and entrepreneurship inspiration • Private equity, investing, and business acquisitions • Building intentional relationships and high level networks • Learning through mentorship and surrounding yourself with high achievers • Books that shaped Trey’s mindset including The Alchemist, Making It All Work, and Rumi’s poetry One of the most fascinating parts of the episode centers around Trey’s personal strategy of paying to have conversations with investors, founders, private equity professionals, and executives simply to learn from them and better understand business, markets, and leadership trends. That intentional approach to learning and relationship building has helped him dramatically expand both his network and perspective. If you are interested in leadership, entrepreneurship, business growth, productivity, investing, executive coaching, personal development, networking, or scaling a company successfully, this episode is packed with practical insight and valuable lessons. Books Discussed: • CEO Only Does Three Things • The Alchemist • Making It All Work • A Year with Rumi Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, entrepreneurship, personal growth, mindset, wellness, networking, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.

How Loving the Detroit Lions Helped Save His Life | Joel Walkowski on Addiction, Sobriety, and Resilience

Chris sits down with author Joel Walkowski to discuss addiction, sobriety, mental health, sports, recovery, personal growth, resilience, and how a lifelong love for the Detroit Lions became deeply connected to his own personal journey. Joel shares the story behind his upcoming book Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man, where he connects decades of Detroit Lions heartbreak and perseverance to his own battles with addiction, family trauma, homelessness, recovery, and rebuilding his life. Throughout the conversation, Joel opens up about:  • Addiction to Adderall and alcohol  • Growing up in a difficult family environment  • His father’s struggles and lasting impact on his life  • Hitting rock bottom financially and emotionally  • Living out of a broken down RV with almost no money  • Sobriety, recovery, and rebuilding self worth  • Therapy, recovery programs, and mental health for men  • Creating structure and routines to avoid relapse  • The importance of vulnerability and asking for help  • Why sports can become deeply emotional and personal Joel also discusses how Detroit Lions football became symbolic of resilience, disappointment, hope, loyalty, and perseverance throughout his life. As the Lions slowly transformed under coach Dan Campbell, Joel was simultaneously transforming his own life through sobriety and personal growth. The episode also dives into:  • The psychology of addiction and recovery  • Why men struggle to talk openly about mental health  • The importance of community and support systems  • How routines and discipline help maintain sobriety  • Basketball, sports fandom, and finding healthy outlets  • Why storytelling and books can help people heal Chris and Joel also discuss some fun Detroit sports topics including:  • The Detroit Pistons championship teams  • Barry Sanders, Golden Tate, and Detroit Lions history  • Cade Cunningham and the future of Detroit basketball  • The emotional connection fans build with sports teams Joel’s story is honest, vulnerable, funny, heartbreaking, and inspiring all at the same time. If you enjoy conversations about resilience, addiction recovery, mental health, sports culture, personal growth, and overcoming adversity, this episode delivers an incredibly powerful message. Books Discussed:  • Honolulu Blues: How Loving a Losing Football Team Created a Winning Man Order the book here!  [https://www.amazon.com/dp/163774904X/?bestFormat=true&k=honolulu%20blues%20joel%20walkowski&ref_=nb_sb_ss_w_scx-ent-bk-ww_k0_1_14_de&crid=4VKOFKLOFZ6K&sprefix=honolulu%20blues] Subscribe to Books4Guys for conversations focused on books, leadership, sports, personal growth, wellness, resilience, mindset, and helping people become better readers, thinkers, leaders, and professionals.