Too Late To Quit

Episode 23 – Adam Elara (Sikeen)   Have you ever wanted to throw in the towel?  Do you need help finding your way out of the woods?   Today's episode may be just what the doctor ordered. Adam Elara of Arab/Desi Rock group Sikeen joins Jeff for a fascinating conversation about creativity, persistence, and building something unique from the ground up. Adam shares how a Walmart First Act guitar, a fa...

Accomplished television and film actor, athlete, and gifted musician Marc Anthony Samuel joins Jeff for a thoughtful and inspiring conversation about creativity, presence, and finding your artistic voice. Marc opens up about his journey from acting to creating music with the band Triptides.  Along the way, he shares deeply personal stories about his parents, artistic intuition, and the importance...

Episode 21: Phil Dutra - "Go through the fear" " I want every song to either lift you up or hold you steady, especially if life's thrown you a curveball. " - Phil Dutra In this episode of  Too Late to Quit , I sit down with Austin-based singer-songwriter Phil Dutra.  Phil is an artist who creates music that will always take you on a musical journey filled with heartfelt lyrics, amazing production...

Artie Tobia has the ability to stop anyone in their tracks with just a glance.  Walk up to him after a show and you'll be met with a bear hug and a genuinely warm connection.  When I was just starting to make music in New York City, Artie always made space for me to play in true listening rooms in the city, places where songs were meant to be heard.  He's someone who has advised me throughout my o...

John Smith is a living example of what can happen when you keep saying yes to the unexpected turns in life. I first met John back in 1994 when he and Dan Sabranek came to Viterbo University to perform as their duo Runaway . I was blown away by John's voice, his songwriting, and the way his songs stayed with me long after that night. I bought a CD in the student union, and honestly, I've been hummi...

Diana was kind enough to stop by the podcast early last year and she returned.  This time we decided to record the podcast in Diana's native language, Spanish.  If you are looking to practice your Spanish or if you know someone who loves music and speaks Spanish please be sure to take a listen and share this episode.  Diana's story is completely incredible and her persistence and resilience will r...

On this episode of Too Late to Quit, I sit down with Austin singer-songwriter Claudia Gibson, whose music blends folk at its core with elements of rock, bluegrass and Celtic, creating a sound that feels both expansive and deeply personal. In our conversation, Claudia reflects on her early years making rock music in her twenties, and her current musical era where she has returned to songwriting wit...

On today's episode of Too Late To Quit, Jeannine Higgins drops by the studio to share what she calls her "new musical journey." Although Jeannine has been singing all her life, she didn't release her first album, the self-titled  Jeannine Higgins, until she was in her forties. And when she finally stepped into the studio, she went all in, pure DIY style. Jeannine even designed the striking album c...

In this episode of Too Late to Quit , I sit down with Jack Pinto — a former engineer turned  songwriter who started writing at the age of 60 , proving it's always the right time to start creating your art.  What started as a simple writing prompt from his son turned into a full-on musical journey, fueled by his retirement gift to himself: a Gibson J-200 guitar that's now his main songwriting compa...

In this episode, I sit down with Rachel Lynn , an Austin based singer-songwriter whose journey is a masterclass in courage and creativity.  Not long after learning how to play guitar in her 30's Rachel had her own residency in the music capital of the world.  As you listen to this episode, you will note the pattern that persists in Rachel's life; she sets here sights, does her homework, and create...

Roger Edmundson is a true Renaissance Man who didn't start writing songs until he was 50 years old.  Known online (via his stubstack) as HighWideAndHandsome, Roger began his career in radio advertising.  With a general knack for turning a phrase, his ads were wildly successful and aired nationally.  I knew I had to have Roger on the podcast after I heard him perform his hit song "Rusty Things." at...

On this episode of  Too Late to Quit , I sit down with the unstoppable Naila Zaman — who shares her remarkable journey of making music Naila is a true force to be reckoned with.  She's humble, generous, a true collaborator and has this advice to share about the secret to her success and gaining over 2 million, that's right, 2 million fans on facebook: "I don't take people's advice. I stay with my...

On this episode of Too Late to Quit , I sit down with Diana Naranjo, a Colombian singer-songwriter from Manizales with one of the smoothest voices you'll ever hear—and a story that'll stay with you long after the episode ends. After facing a major setback that took her away from singing for three years, Diana returned to music with even more depth, soul, and passion. Her beautifully written and pr...

I just released my first new single in 3 years, 'Superstar' and I want to share with you some things I've had on my mind the past few months.  I ruminate over the perception of age and about the idea that your brain is still going to feel young and spry when you are 20 or 30 or 40 or...gasp, even 50 and beyond! I also share a little about what the promotion experience has been like with 'Superstar...

In this episode I get to interview Allan Finn who has been creating music almost his entire life.  Allan and I talk about his first musical inspirations and a very special saxophone that he was gifted.  Allan also shares his advice on how to get your creations out into the world and lets us into his musical universe.   Listen to Allan's wonderful music project with Mike Rowe; Incremental Progress...

Have you ever felt like you didn't belong and that somehow you got in without anyone noticing?  I promise you are not alone.  In this episode I talk about working hand in hand with fear and the benefits of doing things while scared.

Stephon Lyons is a phenomenal singer-songwriter and one of the most talented stage performers I have ever seen live.  No matter where Stephen is playing, he turns the entire room into a stadium filled to capacity.  I got to spend some time interviewing Stephen about his first musical encounters and learned about how he began his recording career.  Check out Stephen Lyon's latest album fall on Spot...

Often times we get ideas zooming past us, right in front of our eyes.  I encourage you to reach out and grab them!  See what magic they hold!

It's very easy to enter into decision making paralysis when you are working on your new art.  How do you break through that when you have thousands of decisions to make?  In this episode I talk about "ye olde overwhelm" and the tricks I use to break through.  You got this!

Do you ever find yourself feeling down because it's been too long since you've created any art?  Did you take some time off?  That's ok!  We all walk our own paths and our own timelines and we will eventually arrive exactly where we need to be.  It's always the right time to start and create your art!

Tyler Whitford stops by the Podquest to muse on art, creativity and why he brought a copy of the 1985 film Volunteers (starring John Candy and Tom Hanks) on his trip to Ghana as a member of the Peace Corp.  Tyler generously shares his thoughts on how his ability to downshift and take things at a different speed has proven to be a wonderful life strategy.  Buckle up as we travel to a town somewhere...

Are you ever filled with wild dreams and ideas on a Sunday night and you wake up on Monday and they are nowhere to be seen?  You've checked every corner of your domicile and poof!  Nada.  Welcome to the first day of the rest of your life.  Dive in and being your Podquest of discovering your inner artist!  Lets. Go.

In our inagural episode (hurrah!) I talk about the idea of giving yourself permission to pursue that dream that is hiding in your heart and learning how to bare it to the world.  I share stories of what my journey has been like and why I still keep making music.  This is your sign to dust off that guitar, pick up that paintbrush, register for that photgraphy class, because your time is now!  Let's...