I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman Podcast

In this deeply inspiring episode of *I’m An Artist, Not A Salesman*, host Luis Guzman sits down with Eddie Orengo, a name you might recognize from the ring, but a story you won’t forget once you hear it. Known to WWE fans as a sharp, dependable referee on Monday Night Raw and Smackdown, Eddie shares the full arc of his journey—from a wrestling-obsessed kid in Newark, New Jersey, to standing in the...

In this powerful and introspective episode of  I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , host  Luis Guzman  sits down with award-winning filmmaker, director, and lifelong creative  Jordan Crafton  for one of the most vulnerable and inspiring conversations of the season. From his early years as a restless kid searching for belonging, to finding artistic refuge in jazz and storytelling, to becoming a  Tri...

Cuban Link  is more than just a name in hip hop—he’s a storyteller, a survivor, and an artist with a legacy rooted in both pain and perseverance. In this raw, unfiltered episode of  I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , host  Luis Guzman  sits down with  Cuban Link  to trace the incredible journey from  escaping Cuba as a child during the Mariel boatlift  to becoming a lyrical force in the Bronx dur...

From graffiti tags in Queens to cakes for J.Lo, Aerosmith, and the Mets, Don Donerunno’s story is anything but ordinary. In this milestone 50th episode, we sit down with The Cake Don himself—a true late bloomer who found his calling at 41 and built a thriving custom cake business from the ground up. Born and raised in Whitestone, Queens, Don Donerunno always knew he was an artist. But it wasn’t un...

In this powerful and deeply human episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with a returning guest who’s more than just a local legend—he’s a living symbol of resilience, authenticity, and craftsmanship. Meet Al Santillo, the owner of Santillo’s Brick Oven Pizza in Elizabeth, New Jersey, a family business with over a century of history and flavor baked into every sli...

In this deeply personal and powerfully inspiring episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with a powerhouse couple who’ve turned personal pain into professional purpose— Harry and Liz Paige, the founders of Team Aggressive, one of New Jersey’s most resilient and successful real estate teams. Their story is not one of overnight success. It’s one of rock bottom moments, s...

What does it take to balance leadership, family, and community while guiding a diverse city into its next chapter? In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman sits down with Mayor Raymond Giacobbe of Rahway, New Jersey, for a powerful and deeply personal conversation about resilience, service, and vision. Mayor Giacobbe shares his journey from growing up as a lifelong Rahway...

In Episode 46 of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis Guzman chops it up with New Jersey-based food content creator Eric Hammer , a guy who left a safe, full-time job in marketing to go all-in on a dream that mixes two of his favorite things—food and sports. Eric’s not your typical content creator. He didn’t grow up as a foodie. In fact, he was a super picky eater as a kid. But family dinners arou...

Welcome to another episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , the podcast for creatives and entrepreneurs who want to build careers without selling out. This week, Luis sits down with Steve Lequerica — the COO of LiveRecover, a startup that's recovered over $13 million in abandoned carts for ecommerce brands in just the past 90 days. But this episode isn’t just about sales and conversions — it...

In this inspiring and high-energy episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman welcomes back a returning guest whose journey has captured listeners’ hearts. Juan “Fat Juan” Alzate, the mastermind behind FJ Films, is more than just a talented videographer—he’s a storyteller who turns life’s most meaningful moments into lasting memories. From sweet sixteens to weddings, nightlife event...

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis sits down with someone who knows what it feels like to rise fast, fall hard, and come back stronger. Former WWE wrestler, Tough Enough season 1 winner, and current YouTube powerhouse Maven Huffman joins the pod for a raw, funny, and deeply honest conversation about fame, loss, hustle, and personal reinvention. You might remember Maven for...

Some people talk about discipline. *Alison Douglas lives it.*In this raw and unfiltered episode of *I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman*, Luis sits down with CrossFit Games athlete and founder of *Nutrition Kitchen*, *Alison Douglas*—a certified force of nature who went from getting fired from her 9–5 to becoming one of the top 30 fittest women in the world… all while running a meal prep company tha...

What does it take to go from hustling on the streets of Elizabeth, NJ to sitting courtside at NBA games while running a successful sports betting business? Two words: discipline and belief. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman sits down with Julian Saavedra—founder of The Parlay Plug—for an unfiltered, emotional, and wildly inspiring look at how he turned his life ar...

What do you get when you cross a pro soccer player, a marketing strategist, a drone-operating fugitive hunter, and a guy who’s helped move hundreds of millions in ad revenue — all before 30? You get Cameron Saunders . And no, we didn’t make him up. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis sits down with Cameron Saunders — the 26-year-old Chief Revenue Officer at Youngry, former pro...

Welcome back to I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, where creativity meets real life, and hustle gets a human face. In this milestone 40th episode, host Luis Guzman reconnects with a returning guest who’s not just part of the IAANAS origin story—he’s been riding shotgun since the mustard-seed days of the show: John Ramsay , co-founder of Paramount Gym in Matawan, New Jersey. This ain’t your typical “gy...

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis Guzman sits down with viral content creator, actor, and fashion-forward media personality Dave Disci . What starts as a discussion about digital content quickly turns into an honest, deep-dive conversation about trauma, identity, burnout, creativity, and purpose . Dave shares his powerful origin story —growing up in poverty in New York Ci...

In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , Luis Guzman sits down with creative strategist and marketing rebel Ankur Garg, the CEO of Youngry and founder of Flex Work Studios, for one of the most brutally honest conversations we've had on this show. If you’re expecting a polished tale of success, this ain’t it. This is a real one—messy, inspiring, and filled with the kind of truth most peop...

Welcome to Episode 37 of the I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman Podcast, hosted by Luis Guzman. In this raw and inspiring episode, we sit down with Christo, the owner and creator of Christo’s Wake & Steak in Bloomfield, New Jersey. He’s known for making what many call the best cheesesteaks in the state—but his story runs way deeper than just killer sandwiches. Christo’s path is built on passion...

What happens when you outgrow the cubicle, outdream the 9-to-5, and finally pick up the camera that’s been calling your name? You get Ludwig Araujo — photographer, brand builder, storyteller, and living proof that you don’t have to sell out to level up. In this episode of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman chops it up with Ludwig about his journey from working at Verizon to becom...

This episode is what happens when raw honesty, side-splitting stories, and years of hustle walk into a podcast studio. In Episode 34 of I'm an Artist, Not a Salesman, host Luis Guzman chops it up with Vinnie Brand — stand-up comic, family man, and the mastermind behind The Stress Factory Comedy Club (aka New Jersey’s most laughter-infused landmark since forever).If you think this is gonna be j...

In this episode, Luis sits down with Michael Griz, founder of Fly Three Activewear , to discuss the powerful story behind his family-run apparel brand. What started as a creative project during a snowstorm blackout in late 2023 turned into a thriving business — and a meaningful way for Michael to connect with his two sons, Aiden and Khalib. As a single dad, Michael wanted to teach his boys more th...

Food content creator Joshua Berman joins host Luis Guzman to share how he turned career uncertainty and personal struggles into a thriving New Jersey food review brand. Joshua opens up about mental health, therapy, and rediscovering passion, while spotlighting local small businesses through his popular Josh’s Food and Stuff platform. Discover how letting go, mindfulness, and embracing creativity c...

Master barber and CEO Michael "Checo" Checo shares his journey from growing up in his father's bodega to building Stache, a thriving barbershop brand in Union, NJ with his partner Chaz Hazlitt. He dives into business growth, balancing fatherhood, creating a nonprofit foundation, and giving back through free haircuts for kids. Tune in for insights on leadership, scaling a barbershop, and staying hu...

Discover how Juan Alzate turned his passion for videography into a thriving business while overcoming life’s toughest challenges. From filming nightlife events to working with top artists like Bad Bunny and 50 Cent, Juan’s journey is one of resilience, self-discovery, and success. Tune in for a conversation on creativity, mental health, and what it takes to achieve your dreams. Don’t miss this ins...

Meet Chef Antonino “Nino” LoCascio, a professionally trained executive chef and the creative force behind Grano Pizzeria and Tavern in Scotch Plains, NJ. In this episode of I’m an Artist, Not a Salesman , host Luis Guzman dives into Chef Nino’s incredible journey—from his beginnings in a family-run bakery to crafting innovative culinary experiences in some of New Jersey’s top establishments. Disco...