Created To Create

You're a creative. You're a business owner. What's your strategy for growth? Benny Gagliardi, founder of Before Kings Marketing Agency, candidly breaks down his experience with how his radical faith in God has been a business strategy he unequivocally stands by. What does it technically look like to let God actually steer the ship and guide your life? Follow Benny: https://www.instagra...

Boldness and faith are both catalysts for personal growth. As creatives, we constantly aim to push the grain on what's possible, what's attainable. We take risks, we step out in faith, we trust that God has a designed purpose for us and try to follow that. But when does our faith become delusional? Where do we draw the line between egotistical delusion and ultimate trust in the God of the...

Age is just a number. At least, that's what all the romantics say, right? Even thought, in theory, being young doesn't necessarily count you out for opportunities and respect in the creative and professional world, there are still realities of the lack of mutual respect for younger creatives. Carlie Dill jumped into the workforce at 19 as a production assistant for the Airrack Youtube Chan...

Jealousy is a complex emotion we have dealt with since the dawn of time. The result of fear. Fear of losing something or someone, fear of losing control, fear of missing out, etc... As creative individuals, living in a social media centered world, this emotion can creep in more than ever before. And, if we aren't careful, consume us on every level, stifling our creative genius. Daniel Freitas...

In this episode, I sit down with my friend Alaina, who shares why having fun is her secret competitive edge. We explore how joy and success aren’t opposites—they actually fuel each other. We talk about balancing the grind with moments of play, and how not taking life too seriously can actually propel you forward. If you’ve ever wondered how to succeed and still love the ride, this conversation is...

What does it really mean to leave your hometown? In this episode, my friend Vito and I have an honest conversation about the emotions, fears, and excitement that come with moving away from everything familiar. We talk through the push for growth, the comfort of staying, and how to know when it’s time to take that leap. If you’ve ever questioned whether you should stay or go, this episode will give...

What does it really cost to be a creator? In this episode, Hayden Hillier Smith, former editor for Logan Paul and the mind behind billions of views, breaks down the reality of turning creativity into a career. We dive into how creating can shift from passion to identity, and why that can quietly lead to pressure, burnout, and obsession. Hayden shares hard-earned insights on storytelling, retention...

Relational bonding is what we are built for as human beings. Ever since the dawn of time, we have been creatures of community. When push comes to shove, all we desire is to relate to people. In the creative world, it can be a daunting task to try and find productive professional relationships that push you in the right ways, LET ALONE genuine friendships that support your raw journey as a creative...

At the end of the day, skill development comes down to simply taking action. But, what does that action look like as a creative who is wanting to leave an impact with that skill? That’s what we explore in this episode. Listen on Spotify 🎙️: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0DYP6LY..⁠⁠⁠. Listen on Apple 🎙️: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..⁠⁠⁠. Listen on Amazon 🎙️:⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.c...

How to Plan Your Life without being Anxious In this episode of Created to Create, I have a candid conversation with my teenage sister about the anxiety that comes from over or under planning. We talk through the realities of what gets us anxious, and what our strategy is for planning creative projects, homework, and ultimately our life, in a way that reduces our anxious thoughts. Plan Better. Worr...

Your Perspective Matters to Others. Share Your Work. In this episode of Created to Create, I talk about the creative growth opportunity that comes from sharing your work. Stop waiting. Start creating. Listen on Spotify 🎙️: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0DYP6LY..⁠⁠⁠. Listen on Apple 🎙️: ⁠⁠⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..⁠⁠⁠. Listen on Amazon 🎙️:⁠⁠⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/157..⁠...

Los Angeles sells the world a dream, fame, success, and influence. But behind the spotlight is a side of the industry most people never see. In this episode, I sit down with Lindsey Heppner, founder of the LA creative agency VAMPPED. Discovered as a model at a young age, Lindsey grew up inside the entertainment industry and experienced firsthand the pressure, darkness, and personal cost that can c...

Procrastination isn’t a time problem, it’s an identity problem. In this episode of  Created to Create , I unpack why creators procrastinate, how immediate action kills resistance, and how imposter syndrome quietly keeps us stuck. This is a reminder that clarity comes  after  action, not before. Stop waiting. Start creating. Listen on Spotify 🎙️: ⁠⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/0DYP6LY..⁠⁠⁠. Liste...

Jake Paul. Team 10. They were the bold, rule-breaking squad that made YouTube the ultimate viral stage. They turned chaos into an art form. 500 days of daily vlogs made that house an unstoppable viral machine. This is Kade Speiser, the guy behind the camera. Kade wasn’t just a videographer, however. He was one of the founding members of Team 10, the brains behind the operation. This conversation g...

Shaun Kinley, an artist with a specific talent. Yes, I 100% mean his gift as a painter, but I think his ability to relate with and inspire those around him makes him the incredible artist he is. Being a teacher, coach, father, and husband is a full plate as it is, so, to balance that with being a full-time artist is a whole new ball game. Shaun is a die-hard Buckeyes fan and lover of all sports. M...

We have so many more questions about loneliness than answers, it seems. Is loneliness a choice? Is it worse for men or women? Are we in a loneliness crisis in 2025? Orly Israel is on a mission to discover the answers that society needs about the issue. We live in a complicated world, and aren’t doing ourselves any favors in reversing that trend, but Orly is on a mission to make life simple and joy...

Imagine working hard to get an audition for one of the biggest singing talent shows in the world. Now imagine crushing that audition, moving on, just to lose your voice. Most people might count that as a massive loss, but Marcello Greco sees his misfortune as a blessing from God. He says his journey on The Voice was not only a catalyst for growth as a musician, but also as a man. Follow Marcello o...

Sometimes, we don’t have control over what happens to us in life, but we can make decisions about who we surround ourselves with. Community is everything, it can give you either the right, or wrong, perspective on your circumstances. Building relationships is the key to long-term success in any business, but that’s specially true in the wedding industry. Emma Burke shares her mastermind behind her...

Often we find ourselves looking for the motivation to live life to the fullest and heal through toxic habits and mindsets that are obviously hurting us, but end up hurting ourselves even more through complacency. JT Barnett is a prime example of someone who humbly works on himself and for others on a daily basis through the way he operates as a husband, son, brother, friend, coworker, and hopefull...

“When you’re met with death whispering in your ear, you’re going to find a way to fight.” Austin Brayton is not supposed to be alive to tell his story, 30 seconds longer and he would have run out of time, but he is. From stumbling into a career in filmmaking, to getting shot in the leg, Austin has experienced some of the highest highs and lowest lows. You can’t have a resolution in a good story wi...

What is humor? Why do we laugh? Did God give us comedy? Am I funny? Comedy can make or break any social interaction. I sat down with Alli Wulfert to talk about her own personal journey into a career in comedy and how she’s had to answer all of these questions and more. We also get deep and talk about how her faith played a pivotal role in moving to Los Angeles and pursuing something she never want...

Sometimes it’s hard to know what the balance of work, life, and everything else needs to be for yourself, but you won’t know until you push the boundaries. My conversation with Talia was one of extreme uplifting nature. We really dug deep into her personal struggle with social media, and how it has renewed her perspective on how impactful we can be on each other. She touches on the responsibility...

“I’m going to make it to the NFL, or die trying”, is what Matthew Jester told himself. After graduating from Princeton University (Yes, THAT ONE), Matthew decided that he had what it took to make it to the NFL, to accomplish his dreams. He was right, and he did, but sometimes God has a different plan for our lives. It’s hard to see it when we are so focused on making our idea of perfect reality co...

The world won’t satisfy your soul, but you know what will? The Word of God, the Bible. Kat Magana sat down with me to talk about the importance of reading the Bible, and the direct positive effect it has on our daily life, among so many other things. We are by no means experts, theologians, or ministers, but we do our best to break down truths from the Bible to an easier understanding. Be prepared...

My good friend Elliott Chau is BACK for another episode just in time to kick us off for SZN 3! He’s slowed down a little bit since the last time we talked on the show, now with a home base in Canada. We talk through what it looks like to slow down a bit, rest, and ultimately give yourself time to listen to God and His purpose for you. Elliott also helps me think through which NHL team I should be...