I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

The Quiet Architect: Byron Kirkland on Music, Marketing, Golf, and Leaving a Legacy

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Byron Kirkland for a wide-ranging conversation about culture, business, creativity, faith, family, and the unexpected paths that can shape a career. Byron has spent years building relationships, creating opportunities, and working behind the scenes in spaces that connect music, branding, lifestyle, and entrepreneurship. What comes through in this conversation is his ability to move between industries while staying grounded in the values that matter most to him. The discussion explores Byron’s journey from being connected to the world of hip-hop and entertainment to building something entirely his own through Masterpiece. Along the way, he shares lessons learned from working around influential artists, brands, and decision-makers, while also explaining why long-term thinking often beats chasing quick wins. For creatives trying to build sustainable careers, Byron offers a refreshing perspective on patience, consistency, and staying focused on the bigger picture. A major theme throughout the episode is the relationship between identity and opportunity. Byron talks about how personal values can shape business decisions and why understanding who you are can be one of the biggest advantages in any industry. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, freelancer, or business owner, the conversation highlights the importance of building genuine connections instead of treating every interaction like a transaction. Luis and Byron also discuss the role of faith and family in entrepreneurship. Success is often presented as a solo journey, but Byron shares how the people around us can influence the direction of our lives and careers. The conversation digs into responsibility, leadership, and the challenge of balancing ambition with the relationships that matter most. These moments give the episode a deeper and more personal feel beyond traditional business advice. Another fascinating part of the discussion centers around Byron’s experiences within music culture and his connections to artists such as Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) and Cordae. Rather than focusing on celebrity stories alone, Byron explains what he learned from observing talented people operate at a high level. The lessons apply far beyond entertainment and offer valuable insight into preparation, professionalism, and maintaining strong relationships over time. The conversation also explores Byron's connection to the golf industry, a space that has opened new doors and created unexpected opportunities. What might seem like a completely different world from music actually shares many of the same principles: networking, branding, community, and trust. Byron explains how understanding culture and people can help bridge seemingly unrelated industries and create unique business opportunities. Throughout the episode, listeners will hear practical insights about building a brand, navigating career transitions, developing authentic relationships, and creating opportunities through consistency. Byron's story is a reminder that success is rarely a straight line and that some of the most meaningful opportunities come from being prepared when the right moment arrives. Whether you're building a personal brand, launching a business, pursuing a creative career, or simply looking for inspiration from someone who has successfully navigated multiple industries, this conversation is packed with ideas that can help you think differently about success and the path it takes to get there.

After Rock Bottom: Craig Carton on Gambling, Prison, Ego, Recovery, and Rebuilding His Life Again

What happens when one of the biggest voices in sports radio loses everything? In this powerful episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with legendary broadcaster Craig Carton for one of the most honest and personal conversations of his career. From dominating New York sports radio on WFAN to serving time in federal prison, Craig opens up about the rise, the collapse, the addiction that nearly destroyed him, and the long road back toward healing, accountability, and purpose. This isn’t a surface-level interview about headlines or tabloid moments. This is a raw conversation about ego, trauma, gambling addiction, fatherhood, fame, and what happens when your entire identity gets ripped away from you. Craig speaks openly about the unresolved childhood trauma he carried for decades, how gambling became both an escape and an obsession, and why getting caught may have ultimately saved his life. Luis guides the conversation in a way that lets listeners hear the human being behind the radio persona. You’ll hear Craig discuss the pressure of becoming famous, chasing bigger opportunities, and feeding an ego that was spiraling out of control while publicly appearing successful. He also reflects on the darkest moments of his life, including the morning FBI agents arrested him and the emotional reality of entering federal prison for the first time. One of the strongest themes throughout this episode is redemption. Craig doesn’t dodge responsibility or try to rewrite history. He owns every mistake while also sharing how recovery, therapy, family, and spirituality helped him reconnect with the person he believes he always was before addiction took over. His honesty about compulsive gambling and self-destruction makes this one of the most vulnerable episodes the podcast has featured to date. The conversation also dives into Craig’s time in prison and how it completely changed the way he judges people. Some of the men he met behind bars became people he deeply respected, forcing him to rethink the labels society puts on individuals based only on their worst decisions. There’s also humor mixed throughout the episode, from stories about gambling on ridiculous overseas events to prison food lines and Craig’s hilarious “no waiting in line for food” rule after incarceration. Listeners will also hear Craig talk about: * His battle with gambling addiction and compulsive behavior * Why fame became another addiction * The emotional impact prison had on his family * Missing important milestones in his children’s lives * Recovery, accountability, and rebuilding trust * His return to sports radio and life after prison * Lessons learned from therapy and unresolved trauma * How friendship and support helped save his life * Why second chances matter The chemistry between Luis and Craig gives this episode a natural flow that feels more like two people having a real conversation than a traditional interview. There are moments that are emotional, moments that are reflective, and moments that are genuinely funny. That balance makes the episode relatable whether you’re a sports fan, entrepreneur, creative, recovering addict, or someone simply trying to figure life out after making mistakes. For fans of long-form podcast conversations, sports media, mental health discussions, addiction recovery stories, and personal growth interviews, this episode delivers a rare level of honesty that’s hard to fake. Craig Carton shows listeners that redemption is not about pretending the past never happened. It’s about learning from it, owning it, and finding a way to move forward without hiding from the truth. If this episode connected with you, make sure to subscribe to I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube for more conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, creators, and personalities who share the real stories behind their success, failures, and life experiences.

Balancing Art, Love, and Mental Strain Without Losing Yourself as a Working Creative

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, Luis Guzman sits down with Darian Maldonado for a raw, emotional conversation about what it really takes to hold onto your passion when life starts pressing in from all sides. This isn’t one of those polished “success story” episodes. It leans into the messy middle—the part where stress, doubt, relationships, and creative pressure all collide at once. From the jump, you can feel the weight of the conversation. Darian opens up about the internal tug-of-war that comes with chasing something meaningful while trying to stay grounded. There’s a strong thread throughout the episode around emotional dependency, creative identity, and the fear of losing the one thing that keeps you going. When your art is tied closely to your sense of self, what happens when everything else starts to feel unstable? Luis does what he does best here—he keeps it honest. Instead of trying to “fix” the struggle, he lets it breathe. The conversation circles around the idea that passion isn’t always loud or inspiring. Sometimes it’s quiet, heavy, and hard to carry. And still, you keep going. Darian speaks on the reality of being in your own head, dealing with stress, and trying to show up creatively when your mental state isn’t cooperating. There’s a vulnerability in how he describes needing connection while also trying to stand on his own. That tension—between independence and emotional reliance—is something a lot of artists deal with but don’t always talk about openly. What makes this episode hit is how relatable it feels. There’s no pretending here. Just two creatives unpacking what it means to keep showing up when things feel uncertain, overwhelming, or even a little broken. Some of the key ideas explored in this episode include: * The connection between mental health and creative output * How relationships can both support and complicate your artistic journey * The pressure of needing your passion to “work” while still loving it * What it feels like to lose composure and try to rebuild it again * Why not quitting sometimes looks like simply getting through the day There’s also a deeper layer here about identity. When you pour so much of yourself into your art, it stops being just something you do—it becomes who you are. That can be powerful, but it can also make every setback feel personal. This episode doesn’t shy away from that reality. If you’ve ever felt stuck between loving your craft and feeling crushed by it at the same time, this conversation will land. It’s a reminder that being an artist isn’t just about output—it’s about endurance, self-awareness, and learning how to sit with discomfort without letting it take you out of the game. As always, I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman is about keeping it real for creatives who are figuring things out as they go. No perfect answers, just honest conversations that help you feel a little less alone in the process. If this episode resonated with you, make sure to follow the podcast, leave a review, and share it with another artist who might need to hear it. You can connect with Luis Guzman and stay updated on future episodes through the podcast’s social platforms. Keep creating, keep questioning, and keep showing up.

From Broke to Booked: TobiasEats on Food Reviews, Culture, and Building a Real Brand

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Herbert “TobiasEats” Tobias, a rising Latino entrepreneur who turned tough circumstances into a thriving brand rooted in food, culture, and community. What starts as a conversation about food content quickly opens into a deeper look at identity, hustle, and building something real without losing yourself in the process. Tobias breaks down how he went from struggling to afford meals to creating content just to fill his fridge, to now running Yummy Media Group and working with major brands, restaurants, and organizations across New Jersey. His story isn’t polished or sugarcoated. It’s about long nights, missed opportunities, learning curves, and figuring things out in real time. The episode highlights how resourcefulness and consistency can open doors that talent alone can’t. There’s a strong focus on restaurant marketing and content creation, but what makes this conversation hit is the intention behind it. Tobias doesn’t just show food. He highlights the people behind it. From small business owners to chefs grinding 12-hour days, his approach is rooted in service over ego. That mindset is what helped him stand out in a crowded social media space, especially during a time when food content was just starting to take off. Luis and Tobias also get into the realities of entrepreneurship and creative work. They talk about the pressure to monetize everything, the danger of chasing attention, and the importance of building real relationships instead of transactional ones. There’s a raw honesty here about getting distracted by fast money, losing focus, and having to reset. Tobias shares how staying grounded, leaning on his team, and reconnecting with purpose helped him level up both personally and professionally. Music, culture, and travel also play a big role in Tobias’ journey. He opens up about using music as therapy, shooting videos in El Salvador and Puerto Rico, and how reconnecting with his roots helped shape his creative voice. It’s not just about business growth, it’s about personal evolution and finding clarity when things feel off. Some key moments and takeaways from the episode include: * How TobiasEats started as a survival move and turned into a full-scale media brand * Why showcasing others can be more powerful than promoting yourself * The role of team, loyalty, and trust in long-term success * Lessons from sales that translate directly into content and branding * The truth about burnout, distractions, and staying disciplined * Why not all money is worth taking, and how to protect your brand This episode is a real look at what it means to build something from nothing while staying connected to your roots. If you’re a creative trying to figure out how to grow without selling out, or a small business owner looking to understand how content can actually drive results, this conversation delivers both perspective and practical insight. To stay connected with I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, follow the podcast on social platforms, subscribe for weekly episodes, and share this with someone building their own path. For updates, clips, and behind-the-scenes content, tap in with Luis Guzman and join the conversation around art, business, and what it really takes to make it work.

Inside Labebe Prime: Tony Pierre on Why Details Matter, Going to War and Creating Luxury Experiences

In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with returning guest Tony Pierre, the force behind Labebe Prime, for a deep conversation about what it really takes to build a brand that people believe in. This is not just a conversation about food, restaurants, or going viral. It is about vision, discipline, criticism, reinvention, and the mindset required to create something people feel. Tony shares how he transformed a family business into one of New Jersey’s most talked-about dining destinations through relentless standards, creative risk-taking, and an obsession with details. From viral content and signature tableside experiences to handling pressure during peak service, Tony breaks down how he approaches business like going to war, why hospitality is emotional, and why excellence lives in the small things most people ignore. The conversation digs into the growth of Labebe Prime, the evolution of Tony as both a businessman and creative, and how he turned criticism into fuel. Luis and Tony talk openly about social media, restaurant marketing, personal branding, building loyal customers, and why content creation is no longer optional for entrepreneurs. If you’ve ever struggled with how to stand out in a crowded market, this episode delivers real perspective. There is also a powerful thread around self-reflection and purpose. Tony opens up about mistakes, maturity, family influence, faith, and how finding purpose changed the way he channels ambition. His perspective on leadership, accountability, and creating a team culture built on buy-in is one of the strongest parts of this conversation. The episode also explores how unexpected moments helped elevate the brand, including organic support from Joe Budden, catering connections tied to the New York Yankees, and how authentic word-of-mouth can do more than paid promotion ever could. But Tony makes one thing clear: attention only matters if the product backs it up. Topics covered in this episode include: * Building Labebe Prime from family roots into a luxury dining brand * Turning online criticism into marketing opportunities * Hospitality, leadership, and why details create unforgettable experiences * Restaurant entrepreneurship, content strategy, and viral brand growth * Faith, self-awareness, and finding purpose beyond chasing money * Serving high-profile guests while staying grounded in core values * Why complacency kills creativity and how to keep evolving as a business owner This episode will resonate with artists, entrepreneurs, restaurant owners, creatives, and anyone building something from the ground up. Whether you are trying to grow a business, strengthen your brand, improve customer experience, or learn how passion translates into profit, there is something here for you. What makes this conversation hit harder is the chemistry between Luis and Tony. This feels less like an interview and more like listening in on two creatives unpack what it costs to pursue greatness without losing yourself. There is humor, honesty, storytelling, and practical insight all the way through. If you’ve been thinking about entrepreneurship only in terms of money, this episode challenges that. If you’ve been wrestling with criticism, burnout, or trying to figure out how to make your work stand out, this conversation offers another way to look at it. The recurring message is simple: build with intention, stay teachable, honor the details, and let the work speak. If this episode connected with you, make sure to follow I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman on your favorite podcast platform and leave a rating or review. Reviews help more creatives and entrepreneurs discover the show. Connect with Luis Guzman and the podcast for behind-the-scenes content, episode clips, and updates on upcoming guests. Share this episode with a friend, tag the podcast on social, and let us know what part of the conversation hit home for you.