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

The Truth About Modern Wellness: Sam Tejada on Health, Peptides, and Building Lasting Discipline

What does it really take to build a healthier life without getting lost in trends, misinformation, and quick fixes? In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with entrepreneur, author, and wellness expert Sam Tejada for a deep conversation about modern wellness, preventive health, and the discipline required to create lasting change. Sam shares his incredible journey from becoming a certified lifeguard at just 14 years old to serving as a firefighter and paramedic before launching Liquid Vita, a company focused on helping people take control of their health through data-driven care. Along the way, he explains how his experiences inside emergency medicine completely changed the way he viewed the healthcare system and why he became passionate about prevention instead of simply treating illness after it appears. Luis and Sam dive into the growing movement toward functional medicine, discussing why so many people are questioning traditional healthcare, how lifestyle choices affect long-term health, and why understanding your body is one of the greatest investments you can make. They also unpack the role of toxins, inflammation, nutrition, recovery, and exercise while separating solid information from the hype that often floods social media. The conversation doesn't stop at science. It becomes personal as Luis opens up about his own transformation after losing more than 120 pounds. He shares the mental battles that continue long after the weight comes off, including body dysmorphia, fear of slipping back into old habits, and the daily choice to stay disciplined. Sam offers practical advice for building healthy routines that become part of your identity instead of temporary resolutions. The episode also explores the growing interest in peptides, longevity medicine, biohacking, and advanced health testing. Sam explains how tools like DEXA scans, VO2 Max testing, blood analysis, toxic load testing, and metabolic assessments can provide a clearer picture of overall health instead of relying on guesswork. He also discusses why personalized treatment plans often produce better long-term results than one-size-fits-all wellness trends. Throughout the conversation, both Luis and Sam emphasize that knowledge alone isn't enough. Real change comes from applying what you learn consistently, making better choices every day, and building habits that support the life you want to live. Whether you're an artist, entrepreneur, business owner, or simply someone looking to improve your health, this episode offers practical insights that extend far beyond fitness. In this episode, you'll hear about: * Sam Tejada's journey from firefighter to entrepreneur and founder of Liquid Vita * The difference between reactive medicine and preventive healthcare * Why discipline outlasts motivation when building healthier habits * Functional medicine, biohacking, peptides, and modern wellness * The importance of DEXA scans, VO2 Max testing, blood work, and personalized health data * Nutrition, inflammation, toxins, recovery, and metabolic health * Luis Guzman's personal weight-loss journey and lessons learned after losing over 120 pounds * Building a sustainable lifestyle instead of chasing short-term results If you enjoyed this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, be sure to subscribe so you never miss a conversation with entrepreneurs, creatives, and industry leaders who share the real stories behind their success. Leave a rating and review on your favorite podcast platform, share this episode with a friend who could benefit from the conversation, and follow Luis Guzman and the podcast on social media for behind-the-scenes content, upcoming guests, and new episodes. Your support helps the show reach more creatives who want to build successful careers without sacrificing who they are.

How Jermaine Hall Built BET's Digital Strategy and Why Great Leaders Start as Great Teammates

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with media executive, content strategist, and entrepreneur Jermaine Hall for a conversation about building brands, leading creative teams, and finding success without losing sight of what matters most. From his work at BET and Vibe Magazine to launching Level Man, Jermaine shares the lessons he learned while helping legacy media companies adapt to a rapidly changing digital world and why great leadership always starts with understanding people. The conversation opens with an honest look at preparation, creativity, and the hidden work behind great storytelling. Luis and Jermaine discuss why the best interviews, introductions, and content often look effortless even though they're built on hours of research, editing, and refinement. They compare notes on crafting memorable experiences for audiences and explain why respect for someone's time should always be at the center of every creative project. Jermaine also breaks down his philosophy on leadership. Rather than chasing titles, he explains why spending years as one of the "cogs in the machine" gave him the knowledge to eventually become the person creating the vision. Learning every layer of a business—from content creation to operations, budgeting, hiring, and team management—gave him the confidence to build organizations that can grow long after one person's ideas are introduced. One of the most fascinating parts of the discussion explores Jermaine's work helping reshape BET's digital strategy. He shares how his team developed original programming built around creators, nostalgia, and audience connection long before those approaches became common across digital media. The conversation offers a behind-the-scenes look at developing original intellectual property, identifying trends before they explode, and finding the right people to execute an idea once the strategy is in place. Their shared love of film, music, and storytelling naturally leads into an extended conversation about directors like Martin Scorsese and Steven Spielberg, performances from Leonardo DiCaprio, and the role nostalgia plays in keeping great art alive across generations. They talk about why some movies continue to resonate decades later, what separates timeless storytelling from passing trends, and how younger generations are rediscovering physical media, movie theaters, CDs, and shared experiences. The episode also explores more personal territory as Jermaine reflects on launching Level Man, a platform created to provide meaningful conversations centered around Black men, identity, culture, business, and personal growth. He discusses the challenges of building mission-driven media while navigating changing business climates and explains why creating spaces for honest conversations still matters. Throughout the episode, you'll hear practical advice for artists, entrepreneurs, marketers, and anyone trying to build a meaningful career in today's digital world. Some of the topics covered include: * Building brands that connect with people instead of chasing trends. * Leadership, team building, and learning every level of a business. * The evolution of digital media, journalism, and content strategy. * Why storytelling remains one of the most valuable business skills. * Networking in a world dominated by social media and personal branding. * Lessons from BET, Vibe Magazine, and Level Man. * Creativity, nostalgia, film, music, and the lasting power of great art. If you enjoyed this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts so you never miss a new conversation. Share this episode with another creative, entrepreneur, or business owner who could benefit from Jermaine's perspective, and leave a rating or review to help more listeners discover the show.

Building a Food Photography Brand While Staying a Father First with Brian Juarbe

On this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Brian Juarbe, a food photographer, portrait photographer, content creator, and proud father whose creative path started in a way most artists never expect: completely by accident. What began as a dad wanting better photos of his son’s sports moments slowly turned into a full-blown obsession with photography, visual storytelling, and eventually building a recognizable presence in the world of food photography and restaurant content. One unexpected viral photo opened the door, but what kept the momentum alive was something deeper: consistency, curiosity, and an artist’s eye for details most people never notice. This conversation goes far beyond cameras, Instagram, and perfectly lit meals. Brian opens up about growing up in a single-parent household, navigating life without a father figure, and how becoming a father himself changed everything. There’s an honest discussion about breaking cycles, creating purpose, and making intentional choices when life doesn’t hand you a roadmap. Luis and Brian explore what happens when passion arrives later in life and why creativity doesn’t always show up in the form you expected. You’ll hear stories about: * Building a creative identity without formal training * Turning a viral moment into long-term creative growth * Fatherhood and creating memories through art * The discipline behind food photography and content creation * Finding purpose after setbacks and loss * Developing a recognizable visual style * Balancing a full-time career while pursuing creative work * Why storytelling matters more than algorithms One of the most refreshing parts of this episode is hearing Brian talk about photography as something bigger than content. To him, great photography isn’t about posting more. It’s about creating emotion. It’s about making people feel something through a still image. Luis connects deeply with that idea and shares his own experiences as a creator, talking about perfectionism, creative obsession, and the invisible details artists lose sleep over while everyone else says, “Looks great.” Together they unpack the reality that most creatives know all too well: people only see the finished product. They don’t see the hours editing. They don’t see the second-guessing. They don’t see the dozens of versions before the final one. And they definitely don’t see the moments where artists wonder if any of it is even worth it. There’s also a fun side to this episode as the conversation shifts into food culture, family traditions, Puerto Rican roots, restaurant experiences, and the memories attached to meals. Brian shares how photographing food became less about showing what’s on the plate and more about capturing moments and experiences people connect with emotionally. The discussion also touches on health, balance, and staying grounded while working in a world surrounded by indulgence. For anyone trying to grow creatively without losing themselves in the process, there’s a lot here to connect with. What makes Brian’s story stand out is that there was no perfect blueprint. No expensive degree. No overnight success. Just showing up, getting better, staying curious, and putting heart into the work. That’s the spirit of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman. Creative careers rarely move in straight lines. Sometimes the thing that changes your life starts as a hobby, a side project, or a random photo you almost didn’t post. If you’re a photographer, content creator, artist, entrepreneur, parent, or someone still trying to figure out what your thing is, this episode is packed with perspective and reminders that purpose can show up in unexpected places. Follow Luis Guzman and the podcast on social media for episode clips, behind-the-scenes moments, upcoming guests, and more conversations built for artists trying to create meaningful careers without losing who they are. Keep creating. Keep showing up. Your story matters.

Empanadas, Food Trucks and Resilience: Gustavo Gutierrez on Building a Cuban Cafe Brand

This episode of I'm An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast with host Luis Guzman features chef and entrepreneur Gustavo Gutierrez, a culinary force behind a growing Cuban cafe brand built from food trucks, late nights, and relentless experimentation. Gustavo’s story moves from Union City kitchens and fine dining pressure cookers to building a multi-location food business rooted in culture, discipline, and survival instincts shaped long before he ever stepped into a professional kitchen. We get into street-to-chef transition, culinary school, Cirque-like fine dining, mentorship under tough chefs, learning systems, cost control, and why real restaurant training is more about repetition and problem solving than recipes. Gustavo breaks down how he learned speed, precision, and respect for ingredients while working brutal stations and long hours before applying those lessons to empanadas and Cuban sandwiches. Then the conversation shifts into entrepreneurship, pricing philosophy, and customer perception. Gustavo challenges the idea that food should be judged only by price, comparing it to luxury goods and explaining how quality ingredients, handmade masa, and protein-heavy empanadas come at a cost that reflects real labor and standards. We also explore leadership and ownership. Gustavo talks about running multiple food trucks, training staff, dealing with breakdowns, and staying composed when everything hits at once. From motor failures to last-minute shortages, he explains how business owners become problem solvers first and chefs second. One of the most powerful parts of the episode focuses on mindset, ego, and accountability. Gustavo opens up about cutting ties with destructive environments, learning when to step back from people he loves, and understanding that personal growth sometimes requires distance. He also reflects on entitlement culture, social media criticism, and how anonymous opinions rarely reflect real experience. * The reality of fine dining kitchens and what most chefs never talk about * Building empanadas from scratch, including handmade masa and protein-first recipes * Why pricing food is about ingredients, labor, and sustainability, not comparison * Managing food trucks, breakdowns, and unpredictable operations under pressure * Leadership lessons from training staff and building trust in a kitchen team * The shift from hustling in the streets to building structured business systems * How ego, discipline, and accountability shape long-term success To close, Gustavo and Luis reflect on growth, long-term vision, and what it means to build something that lasts beyond personal effort. From kitchen floors to business ownership, the conversation ties together creativity, discipline, and resilience as core ingredients for any entrepreneur trying to build without losing identity along the way. Listeners are left with a grounded look at what it really takes to scale a food brand while staying connected to culture and craft. Listeners who connect with this conversation can follow the journey of IAANAS Podcast as it continues highlighting creatives, chefs, and entrepreneurs who are building careers through skill, discipline, and lived experience rather than shortcuts. Each episode brings forward raw conversations that explore the realities behind food, business ownership, and creative independence. For updates, behind-the-scenes content, and new episode drops, stay connected with host Luis Guzman across platforms where he shares insights from ongoing interviews and day-to-day production. Follow host Luis Guzman for more behind-the-scenes moments, insights, and upcoming projects tied to the podcast. Share this episode with anyone exploring food entrepreneurship or building a creative business from the ground up.

Turning Grief Into Comedy: Kristin Falcone on Creating Characters and Staying Authentic

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with the hilarious and heartfelt Kristin Falcone, a comedian, content creator, hairdresser, and performer who has built a loyal audience by bringing authentic Italian-American family life to the screen. Known for her unforgettable characters, sharp observations, and viral comedy sketches, Kristin shares the story behind her rise from creating content during the uncertainty of COVID to becoming a recognizable voice in comedy while still balancing a demanding career behind the scenes in television and the beauty industry. What begins as a conversation about comedy quickly turns into a powerful discussion about grief, anxiety, faith, family, creativity, and the challenges of building a life around artistic passion. Kristin opens up about the profound impact her late father continues to have on her work and how much of her creative journey feels like a love letter to his memory. She reflects on growing up in a close-knit Italian-American family, the lessons she learned from both of her parents, and how those experiences became the foundation for the characters and stories that have connected with audiences across social media. Throughout the conversation, Luis and Kristin explore the emotional realities that many artists and entrepreneurs face but rarely discuss publicly. From struggling with anxiety and overthinking to learning how to establish boundaries and stop people-pleasing, Kristin shares honest insights about the personal growth required to pursue creative work in a public space. Her willingness to talk openly about self-doubt, resilience, and finding purpose makes this episode relatable for anyone trying to build something meaningful while navigating everyday life. The discussion also dives into the modern creator economy and the opportunities and challenges that come with social media success. Kristin explains why follower counts and algorithms can sometimes become distractions, how she handles criticism and imitation, and why staying grounded remains one of her biggest priorities. Despite growing recognition and exciting opportunities, she remains committed to authenticity, kindness, and maintaining the relationships that helped shape her career. One of the most inspiring parts of the episode is hearing how Kristin continues to juggle multiple professional roles. While many people assume content creation is now her full-time career, she still works as a professional hairdresser and television hairstylist while pursuing comedy, live performances, and digital content. Her story serves as a reminder that success often happens through persistence, consistency, and a willingness to keep showing up long before the world notices. In this episode, you'll hear discussions about: * Building a creative career without losing your identity * Turning grief and personal challenges into artistic expression * Managing anxiety, self-doubt, and people-pleasing tendencies * The influence of family on creativity and storytelling * Growing an audience through authenticity and consistency * Social media, content creation, and creator burnout * Comedy, character development, and finding your unique voice * Balancing multiple careers while pursuing artistic goals * Faith, personal growth, and maintaining perspective * Learning to protect your energy and establish healthy boundaries If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, follow, and leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. Share the episode with a friend, fellow creative, or entrepreneur who could benefit from Kristin's perspective and journey. To stay connected with Luis Guzman and future episodes of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, follow the podcast on social media, join the conversation in the comments, and let us know which guests and topics you'd like to hear next. Your support helps the show continue highlighting the struggles and victories of creators who are building meaningful careers on their own terms.