John Darnielle is the founder & songwriter of The Mountain Goats, as well as the author of three excellent novels and the 33 1/3 series book about Black Sabbath's classic "Master Of Reality" album. We talk about how he got started in both music & writing, how he managed to stick with music for years despite not really making any money, the decision to pursue music full time, the responsibility he feels to the other members of The Mountain Goats and support staff, and balancing writing with touring. John's (tongue-in-cheek) question for me: we're in for four years of markets responding to things posted on social media by political actors. what long positions will give the highest yields in such a volatile environment? Hooboy, let's see how I do with that one!Key takeaways:John reflects on his early life and the development of his musical career. He mentions how creating music often started as a hobby before becoming more serious.He talks about his shift from making music to writing novels, stressing the importance of doing something that feels true to oneself.John shares insights about balancing art creation with financial pressures.He recounts the financial struggles of his early career and how those experiences shaped his commitment to his creative work.John emphasizes the importance of maintaining integrity in both his music and writing, and that financial success should never be prioritized over artistic satisfaction.Links:The Mountain GoatsJohn's page at MacMillan PublishersAsk me a question to be answered in a future episode.Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.Thanks!
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Case Study: Are You "Good With Money"?
What does it take to be "good with money"? Today we look at a real life financial planning case study to show how self-talk and identity factor into making better financial decisions.Key takeaways:You don't need to wait for permission to begin changing your life, even/especially when it's something really important.A key driver in building positive habits is how you self-identify. Identity is at the heart of behavior change.Making good decisions with money is rarely about having perfect information. (Does that ever exist?)Instead, you should decide the type of person you'd like to be and then start making decisions that fit with that self-image.LinksSend me a question to be answered on a future episode.Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.Are You "Good At" Money?The Robert Rodriguez interview mentioned in this episodeJames Clear's Atomic Habits
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Jeremy Lemos – Touring Audio Engineer
Jeremy Lemos is a touring audio engineer from Chicago. And he's also one of my best friends! Jeremy and I came up in the independent studio world of early 2000s Chicago and have toured together many times. We talk about how he got started in the music industry, how he decides what gigs to take, and the impact of investing over many years. Jeremy's question for me: What advice to you have about the tax burden on your investments and how to lessen them?Key takeaways:Jeremy discusses his extensive experience as a touring audio engineer.He reflects on the differences between working in studio recording versus live sound, highlighting the adaptability required on the road.Jeremy talks about collaborating with musicians and the importance of understanding their sonic preferences.Jeremy recounts stories of working with well-known artists and the unique dynamics of touring with different personalities.He emphasizes the importance of professionalism, preparation, and communication in the world of live sound.Jeremy's woefully out-of-date websiteJeremy's Discog's pageAsk me a question to be answered in a future episode.Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.Thanks!
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What The Hell Is Going On (And What Should You Do)?
Hooooooboy, what’s in the news?!? It’s been totally stressful and fatiguing to follow the wild ups & downs (mostly downs) in the stock market lately. So I thought I’d take a minute to acknowledge a question lots of people are thinking: what the hell is going on, and what should I do?Here’s the TL/DR:Don’t sell your investments out of panicBefore you even get to thinking about investments, prioritize saving more money and paying off debtWhen the stock market tanks, it means you can buy something valuable at a discount to what it cost a few months ago.Links:What The Hell Is Going On (And What Should You Do)Ask me a question to be answered in a future episode.Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.Related articles:A Tale Of Two MarketsAnother Recession Is Coming. How Should You Prepare?
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Ivo Gasparotto – Freelance Software Designer
Ivo Gasparotto is a software designer who recently started working for himself as a freelancer. And he's one of my oldest friends! Ivo and I were roommates when we moved to Chicago together in the early 2000s and remain good friends to this day. We talk about our early days getting by on very little money, the importance of keeping your spending in check, and the cushion that saving & investing provided when he decided to go freelance. Ivo's question for me: Was there anything that brought you joy so far this year?Key takeaways:Early inspirations and how they shaped Ivo's artistic vision.His approach to design, aesthetics, and the creative process.The importance of working with others and building strong creative networks.Managing personal time while staying productive.Practical takeaways for those entering the creative industry.Ivo's websiteAsk me a question to be answered in a future episode.Sign up for the Keep It Easy newsletter.Thanks!
The Thing We Never Talk About is an educational podcast about personal finance for creatives and other weirdos. We'll discuss managing cash flow with a lumpy income, when to save & when to invest, and how to reduce stress & build confidence when it comes to your money. No hot stock tips, no complicated strategies, and no finance bro jargon. We'll hear from artists, musicians, creative professionals, and other weirdos about how they navigate these questions for themselves. The Thing We Never Talk About is hosted by Timothy Iseler, CFP®, a former recording & touring audio engineer with 18 years experience in the music industry.
Ireland