Connection is Magic with Samson Shulman

Connection is Magic with Samson Shulman

Connection is Magic is a podcast and non-profit 501c3. We are a “Lighthouse for Creatives,” dedicated to empowering those in arts & entertainment. Ego, volatility, and burnout create obstacles at every step of the creative journey. Yet art remains essential—it heals and profoundly connects us in an increasingly divided world. Hosted by Samson Shulman, therapist and former music executive, we feature raw conversations with voices from all facets of the creative landscape. Listeners learn to turn pain into purpose while finding more grace and inner clarity. WATCH: youtube.com/@connectionismagic

  1. G-Eazy on Inner Freedom, Mac Miller Friendship & Rejection Stories He’s Never Shared

    NOV 17

    G-Eazy on Inner Freedom, Mac Miller Friendship & Rejection Stories He’s Never Shared

    Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative? You don’t have to do it alone. We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive. Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic G-Eazy (IG: g_eazy) was born Gerald Earl Gillum on May 24, 1989, in Oakland, California, is a rapper, producer, and philanthropist whose journey reflects resilience, introspection, and staying true to his roots. Raised by a single mother, he overcame financial hardships and pursued his passion for music, earning a degree in music industry studies from Loyola University New Orleans. His 2014 album These Things Happen marked his breakthrough, featuring the hit single “Me, Myself & I” with Bebe Rexha, which reached the Billboard Top 10 and has over 1.5 billion streams on Spotify. In 2021, G-Eazy faced the profound loss of his mother, a life-changing moment he explored with raw honesty on his 2024 album Freak Show, reflecting on grief, love, and personal growth. Beyond music, he founded the Endless Summer Fund in 2018 to support at-risk youth in the Bay Area with education, mental health resources, and basic needs. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // + Going from a world tour with screaming fans to just back to your regular everyday life at home just doing laundry and making coffee is trippy AF + Discussing cities with rich historical musical legacies + G-Eazy’s original rap name which he never disclosed before! + Why G-Eazy sold his house in LA and moved to NY + The challenge of having to come off both super confident and super vulnerable simultaneously as a rapper + How the greatest joys in life come from choosing adversity and challenge and getting to the other side of those things + Selling verses for just $50 bucks when struggling early on and some people still popping up to this day trying to promote those songs saying they have a song featuring G-Eazy + Living out of a suitcase and on friend’s couches, selling sneakers and barely scraping by trying to get his career going + Getting flown out to NY and passed on by major labels, having to shake off the disappointment and keep pushing + How to psyche yourself out and achieve the impossible + His friendship with Mac Miller and his favorite memories with him + Meeting Kobe Bryant and what Kobe shared with him about mindset + Forgetting songs that his fans press him to play in his meet and greets before a show and him asking “how the hell do you remember that?” + Recalling performing “Me, Myself and I” throughout the world over 1300 times and how the song was created with Bebe Rexha + We explore the quote that “happy and healthy people don’t make great art,” and how artists often channel tension and anxiety into their work Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers! Love and blessings, – TEAM CIM

    1h 11m
  2. Kendrick Lamar & Travis Scott's SECRET WEAPON! — Brocky Marciano

    MAY 21

    Kendrick Lamar & Travis Scott's SECRET WEAPON! — Brocky Marciano

    Brock Korsan (IG: @brockymarciano) is a multifaceted force in music and fashion, widely respected as an A&R executive, artist and producer manager, and creative consultant. His career is defined by a sharp cultural lens and a deep commitment to championing artistic talent. Brock got his start on a street team, immersing himself in every facet of the music business. His instincts and relentless drive quickly led to work with influential artists like Travis Scott, Schoolboy Q, and frequent collaborator Kendrick Lamar. Known for his ability to spot and nurture talent, he’s become a trusted voice in the culture. At Interscope Records, Brock worked across a wide spectrum of artists and projects, including co-writing Drake’s global hit “God’s Plan.” Beyond music, he’s a managing partner at No Vacancy Inn, a boundary-pushing collective known for blending fashion, music, and culture through ventures like radio shows, parties, clothing drops, and fundraisers. As Senior Vice President at Warner Records, Brock continues to lead with vision, signing breakout acts like Omar Apollo and developing projects that shape the sound of tomorrow. Whether he's in the studio until sunrise or catching waves at dawn, Brock brings the same passion and intention to everything he does—embodying a holistic, grounded approach to creative success. Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative? You don’t have to do it alone. We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive. Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // + Sleeping in his impala to hide his early career moves from his parents who would not understand what he was trying to do + Brock’s experiences working at the legendary street wear company, Diamond Supply in it’s early days and Tyler, The Creator working there as a kid packing boxes + Leveraging managing producers at first to get around the rappers he wanted to meet + Witnessing the early days of TDE and its superstar artists early into the global phenom’s they have become + Helping Mac Miller get his first bag of weed and tattoo + Touring the world with Travis Scott and watching 70,000 fans attend the Sao Palo, Brazil show and nearly break the concrete stadium + How most people just aren’t built for the struggle it takes to be great, especially hype talented people + Why getting opinions from too many people is dangerous, because they may talk you out of something great + Signing Omar Apollo and helping guide his development & career + A real artist needs to make art no matter what, they need to make it to breathe / survive + How all the true greats, whether in sports or the arts, give another level of commitment to their crafts even after they’ve reached success + Getting a shout out from Kendrick Lamar on “DNA” off of his DAMN album, which he A&R’d + What his working relationship is like with Kendrick Lamar and how they’ve both made each other grow + Nobody really knows what a hit is and so much it happens off luck and fate, and how so many incredible artists never get a top charting record + Sending Kendrick Lamar the iconic “Money Trees” record + No matter how much information you are armed with you will get f****d and take L’s in the entertainment industry. Period, but you can choose to become better vs. bitter and also not do the same thing to other people + How music is a soundtrack to our lives like a time capsule and how revisiting certain songs takes us right back to those poignant moments earlier in our lives + How you can spend your whole life climbing to the top of a mountain and then get bored of being at the top and need a new challenge to feel inspired, i.e. why the children of billionaires are some of the most unhappy people Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers! Love and blessings, – TEAM CIM

    1h 38m
  3. Vans Warped Tour Founder on Creating a Cultural Icon — Kevin Lyman

    MAR 7

    Vans Warped Tour Founder on Creating a Cultural Icon — Kevin Lyman

    Kevin Lyman (IG: @kevinlyman) is a visionary entrepreneur and influential figure in the world of music and entertainment. Born on October 6, 1961, in Orange, California, Lyman has left an indelible mark on the industry, particularly in the realm of alternative and punk rock. His journey into the music scene began with a passion for bringing people together through shared musical experiences. In 1995, he founded the Vans Warped Tour, a groundbreaking traveling music festival that became a staple in the alternative music scene for over two decades! The tour attracted around 750,000 people annually and is recognized as the longest-running North American festival ever! Kevin’s dedication to supporting independent artists and fostering a sense of inclusivity has made him a respected and beloved figure among musicians and fans alike. He has been involved in numerous charitable initiatives, using his platform to address social issues and make a positive impact on the communities he engages with. His ability to adapt to the ever-evolving music landscape and his unwavering passion for the art form have solidified his legacy as a trailblazer in the industry. In late 2018, Kevin began teaching at USC's Thornton School of Music as an Associate Professor. Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative? You don’t have to do it alone. We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive. Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // + Kevin’s upbringing in Claremont, California in “hippieville” and how it shaped him + The loneliness epidemic and our ever-present need for community now more than ever + The echo chamber we are all living in now due to social media and it’s blocking our ability to be more balanced / harmonious + The hardest moments of navigating the building the Warped tour, how Kevin bounced back and what he learned + Kevin winding down the Warped tour after 25 successful years, how there was no ambivalence in him and how he felt fully complete after ending it + How he was villainized by many people for “ruining punk rock” + Kevin attending Cal Poly Pomona where another fellow mega festival creator, Paul Tollett, the creator of Coachella also went to school + How taking any days off in the music industry is viewed as negatively, people get judged for not wanting it bad enough, self-care is seen as weakness + How Kevin has literally sent artists to rehab mid-tour who were suffering from heavy addiction on the road + People on the artist side and the executive side aren’t seen as people but rather seen as commodities and dehumanized + The music industry can be so phony at times that when you text someone to say, “how are you doing?” and you don’t ask them for anything people are taken aback + Kevin recalling working with megastars Nine Inch Nails and Stone Temple Pilots and being concerned about their addictions and drug abuse + Getting to work closely with Trent Reznor and admiring his brilliance and business acumen + How to navigate today’s music industry of mass SATURATION and ways to cut through the NOISE CONNECT WITH ME: Website: https://connectionismagic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionismagicTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectionismagicHit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers! Love and blessings, – TEAM CIM

    1 hr
  4. Being Different Is Your SUPERPOWER, Use It! — LaRussell

    JAN 24

    Being Different Is Your SUPERPOWER, Use It! — LaRussell

    LaRussell (IG: @larussell) is a legendary independent rapper and artist from Vallejo, California, who began rapping at just eight years old. Struggling to find inspiration in his early schooling, he thrived at Vallejo’s Peoples' High School, where his creativity and talent began to flourish. After graduation, fatherhood briefly paused his musical ambitions, and he took a stable, well-paying job in aerospace to support his daughter, where he worked for six years before boldly leaving it to pursue music full-time. A visionary in the independent music scene, LaRussell created the “Proud to Pay” model, allowing fans to set their own price for his music, live shows, and local events under the motto: “it’s not free, it’s priceless.” He also founded the independent collective Good Compenny, which empowers artists to retain ownership of their work while fostering community, collaboration, and positive change in an industry that often undervalues independent voices. Since 2019, LaRussell has released 24 full-length albums, including seven in 2023 alone, showcasing a relentless work ethic and a commitment to quality. His artistry has earned acclaim from some of the most influential figures in music, including Charlamagne Tha God, Chance The Rapper, Russ, Meek Mill, LA Reid, and Erykah Badu, and his story is one of resilience, innovation, and unwavering dedication to his craft, continuously redefining what it means to succeed as an independent artist. Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative? You don’t have to do it alone. We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive. Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // + How to navigate between our innate need to belong / fit inand instead choose to stand out when we feel different from the pack + “There’s people who spend time talking about doing things,and there are people who spend time doing things” – LaRussell + People will box us in to what they believe we are whichworks against our need to evolve + Why record labels will invest in whack artists who havemillions of views vs. investing in dope artists who don’t yet have a following + Discussing where LaRussell’s wisdom comes from at such ayoung age + If you live your life not trusting other people you willmanifest meeting more untrustworthy people + The more shots you take the better you become; peopleblock their development by worrying too much about what other people think + People need to be honest with themselves and just say theydon’t actually want what they say they do if they’re not putting in consistentwork to achieve it + We discuss the Kanye West lyric from the song “Spaceship” ... “Lock yourself in a room doin’ 5 beats a day for 3 summers that’s a differentworld like three summers I deserve to do these numbers!” + How to deal with haters online who don’t even know you:“If you have a problem with me text me, if you don’t have my number then youdon’t know me well enough to have a problem with me.” + Why labels get behind toxic music vs. morepositive/nourishing music + Why LaRussell calls his company “GOODCOMPENNY” + Surreal moment of meeting Diddy and how that meeting impactedhim + Learning to work efficiently on a team and how we can keepour egos in check so that we can all fly higher and win more

    1h 11m
  5. Billionaire Behind ‘It Ends With Us’ & Founder of Wayfarer Studios — Steve Sarowitz

    JAN 2

    Billionaire Behind ‘It Ends With Us’ & Founder of Wayfarer Studios — Steve Sarowitz

    Steve Sarowitz (IG: @wayfarerstudios) is an American billionaire businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist.  Steve is the founder of Paylocity, a digital accounting platform which he founded in 1997 and took public in 2014.  He splits his time between his hometown of Chicago and Los Angeles.  In 2019, Steve co-founded (with actor Justin Baldoni) the small but mighty, Wayfarer Studios, an independent Hollywood film studio dedicated to promoting substantive, meaningful films to uplift humanity.  Steve is a practicing Bahai and deeply rooted in the core spiritual tenants of the faith which advocate helping unite humanity and combat divisiveness. His film studio Wayfarer, has produced many noteworthy films including, "It Ends With Us" starring Justin Baldoni & Blake Lively, “Code 3” an action-comedy starring Rainn Wilson & Lil Rel Howery, The Pac Man Movie (based on the hit 80’s arcade game), and "Sonic The Hedgehog" with many more films coming in 2025. Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative? You don’t have to do it alone. We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive. Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // + The power of love being infused into something and how much more it can be felt + Steve’s spiritual principles being enhanced, not limited by, his great fortune + We are one human family and racism / sexism pollutes this otherwise natural state of ours + Steve’s first failed business and what he learned from the experience + Learning how to delegate vs. controlling everything so you don’t limit your potential to scale + The inception & mission of Steve’s Hollywood FilmStudio, “Wayfarer” + How to raise above our instincts towards anger andimpatience + Does a ton of money change you or reveal who you really are? + Explanation of the Bahai faith and how it speaks directly to the challenges humanity is facing + What emotions / thoughts / feelings Steve felt the day he became a Billionaire + Mentorship not always being a pre-requisite to being successful, Steve never had a mentor and learned by trying & failing repeatedly + Steve’s plans for his film studio in the coming years….

    45 min
  6. The Endless Sacrifices We Make as Artists — India Shawn

    10/14/2024

    The Endless Sacrifices We Make as Artists — India Shawn

    India Shawn (IG: @indiashawn) is a silky smooth R&B artist based in Los Angeles, California.  Her journey through the realms of music has been a testament to her artistry and authenticity.  She has emerged as a powerhouse in the music industry, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing voice and heartfelt lyrics – drawing inspiration from a diverse range of genres, including R&B, soul, and hip-hop.  Her notable collaborations include working with Chris Brown, 6lack, Diddy, Anderson Paak, Stevie Wonder, Elton John and many more… Additionally, she was a prominent voice in Kanye West’s Sunday Service Choir.  India’s music reflects her life experiences, emotions, and a celebration of the human spirit. Her lyrics delve into themes of love, self-discovery, and empowerment, resonating with listeners on a profound level. Check out her latest critically acclaimed project titled “Before We Go (Deeper)” released in 2022. Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative? You don’t have to do it alone. We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive. Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // + How she is a reluctant veteran of the music industry 😊in that she has experienced many high highs and low lows throughout the years of her career in entertainment + India once being on a video shoot where she was asked to basically be naked and her enduring a learning lesson of not listening to her intuition and putting her foot down + Escaping competition through authenticity + Newly parting ways with her record label, Epic Records,and the freedom and anxiety that are showing up for her in the process + Growing up in church first gave her the inklings to wantto be an artist + The consistent unpredictability of following a path inarts and entertainment + How even if she doesn’t pursue singing professionally, she will always take comfort in knowing that she’ll always be singing for the rest of her life + The sacrifices made in pursuing the life of an artist /creative + Having to get a job postmating / instacarting aftermultiple album releases and being terrified about being seen while doing these jobs because of people thinking of her as a failed musician + Being randomly selected to be part of Kanye West’s Sunday Service choir + Collaborating with Bruno Mars, 6lack and Anderson Paak all early in their careers + Meeting and collaborating with her hero Stevie Wonder + When we outgrow friendships, we aren’t breaking up with that person, but rather, we are breaking up with a part of ourselves we’ve outgrown Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers! Love and blessings, – TEAM CIM

    41 min
  7. Ego Death, DUNKING on Elon Musk & Life After The James Corden Show — Reggie Watts

    09/30/2024

    Ego Death, DUNKING on Elon Musk & Life After The James Corden Show — Reggie Watts

    Reggie Lucien Frank Roger Watts (IG: @reggiewatts) is an American comedian, actor, beatboxer, musician, and a modern-day philosopher of sorts.  His improvised musical sets are created using only his voice, a keyboard, and a looping machine.  He began piano & violin lessons at age five and moved to Seattle at age 18 to study music.  He attended The Art Institute of Seattle before studying jazz at Cornish College of the Arts.  Worth noting - Reggie lived in Seattle during the renaissance of the grunge music era. Reggie is also an aficionado of cars and tech, speaking in detail to both during his many appearances on the Joe Rogan Podcast.  He refers to himself as a "disinformationist" who aims to disorient his audience in a comedic fashion.  Reggie was the house band leader for The Late Late Show with James Corden for 8 seasons. Feeling stuck, anxious, or burned out as a creative? You don’t have to do it alone. We offer therapy and coaching to help you thrive. Book your FREE 15-min session: calendly.com/connectionismagic EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // + Reggie enduring / navigating racism growing up in Montana + How Reggie first got into music and the influences that shaped him + The internet being paradoxical – never being easier to now put your work out, never been harder to cut through the noise and get discovered + AI and the theory of singularity, humans merging with AI chips in them one day, good vs. bad aspects + Being a new musician playing in Seattle when the grunge scene was emerging + How he landed his job working as the band leader for The Late Late Show with James Corden + Reggie catastrophizing about having to sell his cars after the Late Late show ended + A list of people Reggie acknowledges for his success thus far in entertainment + How to not sabotage (all too common) yourself as an artist + How Reggie approaches & disarms douchebags + How to deal with online bullies & keyboard cowboys 😊 CONNECT WITH ME: Website: https://connectionismagic.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/connectionismagicTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@connectionismagic Hit up CONNECTIONISMAGIC.COM to sign up for our email list and get access to new episodes before they drop, special animated story clips from our most powerful episodes and other special goodies & offers! Love and blessings, – TEAM CIM

    55 min
4.8
out of 5
26 Ratings

About

Connection is Magic is a podcast and non-profit 501c3. We are a “Lighthouse for Creatives,” dedicated to empowering those in arts & entertainment. Ego, volatility, and burnout create obstacles at every step of the creative journey. Yet art remains essential—it heals and profoundly connects us in an increasingly divided world. Hosted by Samson Shulman, therapist and former music executive, we feature raw conversations with voices from all facets of the creative landscape. Listeners learn to turn pain into purpose while finding more grace and inner clarity. WATCH: youtube.com/@connectionismagic

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