Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News

Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky
  • 5.0 (5.2K)
  • Business News
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — a top-ranked show in Business News where entrepreneurship, creativity, media strategy, and pop culture collide. Whether you are building a business, growing a personal brand, launching a podcast, writing a book, or expanding your influence as a thought leader, this show was built for you. We believe business doesn't have to be boring. The most successful entrepreneurs are always learning, adapting, and evolving — and that means mastering business strategy, branding, marketing, AI tools, podcasting, publishing, and public speaking, while staying locked in on the pop culture moments, entertainment headlines, and media trends shaping the marketplace right now. Why? Because there is business behind everything. From viral moments and major brand moves to celebrity influence and cultural shifts, the biggest business lessons are playing out in real time. We break them down, make them actionable, and help you apply them to your brand and your bottom line. Each episode delivers real conversations, expert guest interviews, and practical frameworks to help you grow revenue, build authority, and expand your reach in today's creator economy. No fluff. No filler. Just the strategies that actually move the needle. What we cover: Business growth and monetization · Branding and authority building · Podcast and media strategy · Public speaking and visibility · AI and emerging tools · Publishing and thought leadership · Pop culture and business trends · Entrepreneurship and mindset · Marketing and content creation · Personal brand development Most of all, we believe in connection, community, and building meaningful relationships. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating — but growth accelerates when you surround yourself with the right people, the right tools, and the right conversations. This show is designed to help you move faster, think bigger, and build smarter. Whether you are a seasoned CEO, a rising entrepreneur, a content creator, or a thought leader ready to own your stage and scale your influence, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast meets you where you are and challenges you to go further. Ready for an incredible live experience? Join us at Cre8tive Con — the traveling conference where entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders come together to learn, connect, and grow. Visit www.cre8tivecon.com to find an event near you. About the hosts: Julie Lokun, JD — Business strategist, podcaster, speaker, and publicity expert. Founder of Dragonfly Effect and co-founder of Mediacasters, Julie helps entrepreneurs amplify their message, increase visibility, and build authority through media, publicity, and strategic brand positioning. Learn more at www.julielokunconsulting.com. Dominick Domasky — Publisher, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of Motivation Champs (www.motivationchamps.com). Dom helps authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders share powerful stories, build strong brands, and create lasting impact through publishing and media. Together, Julie and Dom bring sharp insights, powerful guests, and unfiltered conversations to help creative entrepreneurs grow — in business, media, and beyond. Join a live event: www.cre8tivecon.com Podcast home: www.cre8tiveconpod.com Inquiries: julie@cre8tivecon.com | dom@cre8tivecon.com

  1. 3d ago

    Stop Chasing Leads, Start Building Lighthouses: Heart-Centered Networking with Mike Ashabraner

    What if the best marketing strategy you'll ever use is simply being yourself? On this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun, JD and Dominick Domasky sit down with Mike Ashabraner, known as The Redneck Connecktor, the Louisville, Kentucky entrepreneur behind the Hounds of Business community. Mike is funny, blunt, and unapologetically real, and he's built something most entrepreneurs only talk about: a business ecosystem where people from every walk of life, every political stripe, and every stage of business actually want to show up for each other. Mike doesn't chase fish. He builds lighthouses. And in this conversation, he breaks down exactly how heart-centered entrepreneurs can grow a business without fast-food tactics, forced sales calls, or pretending to be someone they're not. What You'll Learn Why inner work is a business skill. Mike explains how doing your own inner work "removes the buttons" other people push, so you stop reacting to difficult personalities and start seeing the mask instead of the person. That shift changes how you show up in every room. The difference between connection and flattery. Flattery says you want something. Mike shares how genuine observation, like telling a stranger they seem to have fond memories of a place, opens doors that pitching never will. His warning: if you're performing to get money, it will expose you. The Costco sausage lesson. A 20-minute conversation with a sample lady (and five sausages he never planned to buy) became the blueprint for how Hounds of Business markets: let people test drive and sample what you do instead of persuading them. Why Hounds of Business is an ecosystem, not a networking group. It's not BNI, not an engagement pod, and not a media network. Mike describes it as a pack for "strays," the entrepreneurs who already move with heart but haven't found their people yet. Building lighthouses instead of buying lead gen. Too many entrepreneurs spend thousands on systems that promise everything because they lack the clarity to make any marketing work. Mike and Steve Woodruff, the "king of clarity," are tackling that problem head-on with clarity workshops. Who the Hounds serve. Newer founders who don't want to waste four years of time, money, and heart, and seasoned pros who succeeded faster than expected and now face a pile of new challenges. Members range from a Hollywood stuntman turned soul guide to a highly accredited wealth advisor spreading kindness worldwide. The business must fit the person carrying it. Borrowing Bruce Lee's "be like water" idea, Mike argues you should be the same person 24/7, define success on your own terms, and recognize that some tactics are either wrong for you or right at the wrong time. Jules Rules: Best Things to Do Outdoors In honor of Mike from Kentucky, Julie weighs in on the best outdoor activities. The crew lands on bonfires, pig roasts, hiking, kayaking, sun tanning, outdoor gun ranges, and camping (with glamping as Julie's preferred compromise), plus a very honest conversation about Julie's closet redneck and why the slower pace of the South lets her breathe. Memorable Quotes "How the hell can somebody push a button that you took off?" — Mike Ashabraner "Flattering says I want something." — Mike Ashabraner "Opportunity won't plop its ass on the couch next to you." — Mike Ashabraner "Mike doesn't chase fish. He is building lighthouses." — Julie Lokun Connect with Mike Ashabraner and Hounds of Business The Redneck Financial Coach (Website): redneckfinancialcoach.com Mike Ashabraner on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/redneck1 Hounds of Business on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/company/hounds-of-business Hounds of Business on YouTube: youtube.com/@HoundsOfBusiness Mike's advice for reaching out: just say, "Hey Mike, you said reach out." You don't have to know what to say. The Hounds will take it from there. About Your Hosts Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant whose shows rank in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 on Apple Podcasts weekly. She is the founder of The Mediacasters LLC, co-founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and Cre8tive Con, and a contributing writer for Entrepreneur Magazine and MindValley. Her guiding philosophy: own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience. Connect with Julie: www.julielokunconsulting.com Dominick Domasky is the Founder of Motivation Champs Media, a bestselling author, speaker, co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, and co-founder of Cre8tive Con. He brings the energy, the community, and the conviction that business does not have to be boring. Connect with Dominick: www.motivationchamps.com About The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is where entrepreneurs, authors, and creative disruptors come to build something extraordinary, out loud. Hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, the show ranks in the top 0.05% of podcasts globally and consistently lands in the top 5 on Apple Podcasts. Listen and subscribe: Creative Entrepreneur on Apple Podcasts If you love this episode, subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who needs to hear it. That is the fuel for our fire. Join Us Live: Cre8tive Con Mike builds lighthouses. Cre8tive Con is where you build yours, in person. Co-founded by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, Cre8tive Con brings entrepreneurs, podcasters, authors, and speakers into the room to own their ecosystem instead of renting their audience. Cre8tive Con OTR Orlando — January 2027, during Podfest week. Theme: Monetize Your Message. Cre8tive Con 2027 — Chicago, the flagship event. Tickets and info: www.cre8tivecon.com On The Road tour: www.cre8tiveconotr.com Take the Own Your Ecosystem assessment: www.cre8tivepower.com Join the community: Cre8tive Con Facebook Group Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Stop Chasing Leads, Start Building Lighthouses: Heart-Centered Networking with Mike Ashabraner

  2. Sep 21

    Podcasting Isn't Dead: PodFest CEO Nick Pavlidis on Turning a Podcast Into a Business Asset in 2026

    Is podcasting dying? New show launches have cratered since the 2020 boom, but 58% of Americans now listen monthly, and podcast ad revenue hit $2.9 billion, up 18%. Fewer shows, more listening, more money. This isn't a graveyard. It's a wide-open runway. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie Lokun, JD, and Dominick Domasky sit down with Nick Pavlidis, CEO of PodFest Expo, former New York big-law attorney, and ghostwriter of 100+ books, including seven Wall Street Journal and eight USA Today bestsellers. Nick breaks down why podcasting has shifted from a broadcast channel to a community engagement channel, and why the shows winning in 2026 treat a podcast as a product, not promotion. Nick's story is a masterclass in strategic career change. A 13-year attorney on the partnership track, he negotiated a predictable schedule, made a lateral move, signed his first ghostwriting client in December 2015, and left law in 2016. His parents, who just marked 50 years running their sandwich shop, came around once his book was translated into 21 languages. WHAT YOU'LL LEARN Why "pod fade" kills most shows, and what the survivors do differently The P-I-G-S framework: prospects, influencers, gatekeepers, and support, the four groups your content should build relationships with Why writing the wrong book (or launching the wrong podcast) is worse than failing How Nick left a corner-office law career with a plan, not a leap The three-year momentum rule every new business needs His no-business-card rule for turning event conversations into booked meetings Are panels dead? How to run one that delivers value How AI is reshaping podcasting, ghostwriting, and publishing JULES RULES: What makes an event unforgettable? Food, drumlines, and a follow-up on the calendar before you leave the hallway. KEY TAKEAWAY Start with the end in mind. Decide who you need in your corner three years from now, then create content that earns those relationships. The best shows invite people into your world and advocate for your listener. MEET THE GUEST Nick Pavlidis, CEO, PodFest Expo: https://podfestexpo.com Authority Ghostwriting: https://authorityghostwriting.com MEET YOUR HOSTS Julie Lokun, JD, media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant: https://julielokunconsulting.com Dominick Domasky, bestselling author, publisher, and founder of Motivation Champs: https://motivationchamps.com JOIN US LIVE AT CRE8TIVE CON Cre8tive Con is the traveling conference for podcasters, authors, speakers, and creative entrepreneurs. Cre8tive Con 2027 is coming to Chicago, and Cre8tive Con OTR lands in Orlando on January 17, 2027, as we head to PodFest. Find your stop: https://cre8tivecon.com Own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience: https://cre8tivepower.com More episodes: https://cre8tiveconpod.com FAQ Is podcasting still worth starting in 2026? Yes. Monthly listening is at an all-time high and ad revenue is climbing, while far fewer new shows are launching. That means less competition for your audience. What is PodFest Expo? PodFest is a podcasting conference in Orlando for independent creators, led by CEO Nick Pavlidis. How do you turn a podcast into a business? Build it around a clear goal, invite guests your audience needs, and turn listeners into a community. Will AI replace ghostwriters? Nick uses AI for ideation and checking work, but says high-end clients pay for strategic guidance, not words. TOPICS: podcast growth, podcast monetization, PodFest Expo Orlando, ghostwriting, book marketing, event networking, personal branding SUBSCRIBE Follow, rate, and review The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Keep creating. #podcasting #PodFest #NickPavlidis #CreativeEntrepreneur #Cre8tiveCon #podcastgrowth #ghostwriting #entrepreneurship #JulieLokun #DominickDomasky Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Podcasting Isn't Dead: PodFest CEO Nick Pavlidis on Turning a Podcast Into a Business Asset in 2026

  3. Sep 16

    The Exit Plan: How To Sell Your Business Before You Start Your Business with Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun

    Check out our LIVE events and meet us all in person! www.cre8tivecon.com This is an encore of one of the most talked-about conversations in the feed — a return visit with Jason Duncan, the man who went from an unemployed schoolteacher to building a multimillion-dollar company, then rebuilt his entire philosophy around what he calls "exit without exiting." Julie and Dominick sit down with the Cre8tive Con keynote favorite to unpack why exit strategy isn't a someday conversation — it's a Day One conversation. What We Cover: The origin of "The Real Jason Duncan" personal brand — and how a branding consult reshaped his entire public identity Spotting "fake" in a culture of contrived authenticity — and why Jason has zero tolerance for it The generational shift from latchkey resilience to "lawnmower parenting" — and how the same instinct shows up in how founders build (and over-protect) their businesses The $2 million wake-up call: how a partnership divorce exposed that Jason's business was built entirely around him — and why that's a warning sign for every founder Hero Syndrome — Jason's term for the ego trap that keeps founders indispensable, and why "saving the day" is actually selfish, not noble The XOS Methodology: building a three-tier org chart (Delivery Team, Support Squad, A-Team) so decisions — not just tasks — can be delegated Why systems and automation fail if they're layered onto a business before the org chart is fixed Jules Rules segment: Real or Illusion? — Taylor Swift & Travis Kelce, follower counts and "contrived authenticity," Kim Kardashian's A-list arc, and Will Smith's redemption era Why Cre8tive Con refuses to livestream — and how in-person experience builds real authority instead of purchased perception Jason's closing takeaway: business ownership isn't about owning the business — it's about the business funding the life you actually want to live Memorable Quotes: "The purpose of business ownership is not to own the business. It's so that the business can provide the lifestyle for you and your family that you actually want to live." — Jason Duncan "Awareness is the key to recovery." — Jason Duncan, on Hero Syndrome "Exiting your business isn't about selling it. It's about freeing yourself from the business." — Julie Lokun Connect with Jason Duncan: Search "The Real Jason Duncan" anywhere — Instagram, LinkedIn, ChatGPT, Claude, Perplexity, Grok, NotebookLM, or Google. Subscribe to his newsletter, What's Real, every Wednesday morning. This Episode is Sponsored by Keap — sales and marketing automation built for small businesses. Capture leads, follow up instantly, and put growth on autopilot. keap.com/creative Loved this episode? Rate, review, and subscribe to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, and share it with a founder who needs to hear this before they build their own prison. Cre8tive Con — FAQs What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is a live business and creator conference built around the Own Your Ecosystem framework — an 8-pillar system that helps entrepreneurs build owned audiences, content, and revenue instead of depending on rented platforms. Who founded Cre8tive Con? Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun, co-hosts of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, founded and run Cre8tive Con. Is Cre8tive Con livestreamed or available on-demand? No. Cre8tive Con is intentionally in-person only. The founders believe real authority is built through live, unfiltered experiences — not streamed or purchased engagement. What is the Own Your Ecosystem framework? It's an 8-pillar system for auditing and building a business's owned assets — audience, content, community, and revenue — rather than relying on rented platforms or borrowed attention. Does Cre8tive Con only happen in one city? No. In addition to the flagship event, Cre8tive Con runs a traveling series called Cre8tive Con OTR (On the Road), bringing the framework to cities across the country, including past stops like Boston. Who typically speaks at Cre8tive Con? Speakers are selected based on referral and real-world credibility rather than social media following — past keynotes include exit-planning expert and TEDx speaker Jason Duncan. Who should attend Cre8tive Con? Founders, podcasters, coaches, and service-based entrepreneurs who've outgrown hustle-based growth and want to build systems, audiences, and businesses that don't depend entirely on them to function. What do attendees leave with? A completed ecosystem assessment, a scored framework identifying growth priorities, and direct access to a peer network and speaker community focused on ownership over rented attention. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Exit Plan: How To Sell Your Business Before You Start Your Business with Dominick Domasky and Julie Lokun

  4. Sep 14

    Can You Actually Make Money on YouTube? Aleric Heck Reveals How to Turn Viewers Into Paying Clients

    Most business owners think YouTube is just for influencers and vloggers. Aleric Heck, founder of AdOutreach, has spent the last 10 years proving otherwise — helping companies turn video content into a real, scalable revenue engine. In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Aleric to unpack: How a high school YouTube channel turned into an 8-figure ad agency The 3-part content Venn diagram that separates viral videos from client-converting videos The "hook, educate, call-to-action" framework behind high-performing YouTube ads Why thumbnails, titles, and your first 30 seconds make or break a video's performance What in-feed ads are — and how just $5–$10/day can grow your channel organically Why private equity firms are buying YouTube channels for millions (and what that means for your business) Inside Aleric's new book, Video Authority: The Art and Science of Converting Viewers Into Clients Featured Guest: Aleric Heck Aleric Heck is the founder and CEO of AdOutreach, a video and YouTube ads agency that has helped clients generate over $100 million in revenue. He got his start growing one of YouTube's largest app-review channels to half a million subscribers before pivoting to teach businesses how to convert viewers into paying clients through YouTube ads, organic strategy, and cross-platform video marketing. He's also the creator of ThumbnailCreator.com, an AI-powered thumbnail generation tool, and the author of the new book: Video Authority: The Art and Science of Converting Viewers Into Clients Connect with Aleric Heck: Website: adoutreach.com Book: Video Authority YouTube: @AlericHeckYT Instagram: @alericheck LinkedIn: Aleric Heck Key Takeaways: How to Make Money on YouTube in 2026 1. Start With the End in Mind Views don't pay the bills — clients do. Aleric's core philosophy is that business owners should design content to convert, not just to rack up views or go viral. 2. The Content Venn Diagram The best-performing YouTube videos sit at the intersection of three things: Your expertise and passion What your ideal client is actually searching for What's trending or timely (so the algorithm and audience both respond) 3. The Ad Framework: Hook, Educate, Call to Action Every high-converting YouTube ad follows the same three-beat structure — grab attention, deliver real value, then give a clear next step. 4. Title, Thumbnail, and First 30 Seconds Are Everything Alignment between these three elements determines whether a viewer clicks — and whether they stay. 5. In-Feed Ads Are the Underused Growth Lever Unlike traditional YouTube ads (built for direct leads), in-feed ads appear in search results and suggested videos for as little as $5–$10/day, helping already-strong organic content reach more people. 6. YouTube Is an Owned Asset Private equity firms are actively buying YouTube channels and equity stakes in them — something that doesn't happen with Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook content. A YouTube channel compounds in value over time because of its built-in search algorithm. Featured Links & Resources The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, co-hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky Julie Lokun — brand & podcast strategy consulting: bigbetterbrand.com Dominick Domasky — motivation, mindset, and momentum coaching: motivationchamps.com Live events for creative entrepreneurs: Cre8tive Con Aleric Heck's book: Video Authority AI thumbnail tool: ThumbnailCreator.com Aleric Heck's agency: AdOutreach.com Frequently Asked Questions Can you actually make money on YouTube, or is it just for influencers? Yes — YouTube can generate real, scalable business revenue beyond influencer sponsorships. Aleric Heck's agency, AdOutreach, has helped businesses generate over $100 million using YouTube ads and organic video strategy focused on converting viewers into paying clients, not just chasing views. What is the hook, educate, call-to-action framework? It's a three-part structure for high-converting YouTube ads: hook the viewer's attention, educate them with real value, and close with a clear call to action that drives them to take the next step. What are in-feed YouTube ads? In-feed ads are ads that appear in YouTube search results or suggested videos, distinct from traditional in-stream ads. They can cost as little as $5–$10 a day and are used to accelerate the growth of already-strong organic content. Why are private equity firms buying YouTube channels? Because a YouTube channel is a compounding, ownable asset — videos keep generating views (and revenue) years after publishing, unlike short-lived content on platforms like TikTok or Instagram. What is Aleric Heck's book about? Video Authority: The Art and Science of Converting Viewers Into Clients teaches coaches, consultants, and service-based business owners how to use video strategically to attract and convert ideal clients — rather than simply grow subscriber counts. Listen to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you get your podcasts. DON'T FORGET TO LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR LIVE EVENTS: www.cre8tivecon.com Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Can You Actually Make Money on YouTube? Aleric Heck Reveals How to Turn Viewers Into Paying Clients

  5. Sep 11 ·  Bonus

    You Wrote It. We're Reading It. : A Love Letter From Julie And Dom ( Your Favorite Entrepreneurs)

    Leave Us A Review on Apple: Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News - Podcast - Apple Podcasts Learn About Alexa Bigwarfe's STAGES AND PAGES- Stages and Pages v. 2 -- Learn About Conner Tighe on LINKEDIN- Conner Tighe | LinkedIn Learn About Tiffany Jones- http://tiffanyjoneseducation.com/ You didn't tune in for an interview this time — you tuned in for something better: proof that this show is actually landing. In this mini-sode, Julie steps away from the guest chair to read three reviews that stopped her in her tracks — from Alexa Bigwarfe, Conner Tighe, and Tiffany Jones — and to make you an offer most podcasts won't: leave a review, and you might hear your own words read back to you on the show. Loyal fans get the perks. It's that simple. In this episode: Why entrepreneurship is lonely — and why community is the antidote Three listener reviews that capture exactly what this show is trying to do How to get your review read on-air (and the perks that come with it) Where to leave your rating and review right now Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    You Wrote It. We're Reading It. : A Love Letter From Julie And Dom ( Your Favorite Entrepreneurs)

  6. Sep 10

    Is the AI Bubble Bursting? Current Business News with Char Murphy on Why Authentic Storytelling Beats AI

    Learn More About Char Murphy and Follow Mission Hope on LinkedIn  Learn More about Julie and Dom and their live events: www.cre8tivecon.com This episode opens with a data-driven look at the AI infrastructure boom — a $500 billion NVIDIA-backed bet involving Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, and Goldman Sachs — and the growing local pushback against AI data centers across the U.S. From there, the conversation pivots to a bigger question: as AI content floods every platform, is the real business opportunity in human storytelling? Guest Char Murphy — founder of Mission Hope and BelieveInspire, retired attorney, and eight-time #1 bestselling author — joins Julie and Dominick to unpack: How to spot AI-generated manuscripts (hint: watch the cadence) Why she asks authors point-blank, "Did you write this?" The line between using AI as a tool (brainstorming, outlining, brand-building) versus letting it write your story How writing and publishing personal stories is a healing, transformative process Her own journey surviving breast cancer four times, near-blindness, and rebuilding her identity after losing her law career Practical advice for entrepreneurs who want to write a book or start a podcast but feel stuck The episode closes with an AI-generated "Char Murphy" outro — a live experiment testing whether AI can actually capture a real person's voice and heart (spoiler: it can't quite get there). Timestamps 00:00 — Intro: Is the AI bubble about to pop? $500B AI infrastructure bet, Google's "zero-click" search problem 02:30 — Community pushback on AI data centers; can the U.S. win the AI race? 04:00 — Meet Char Murphy: attorney, 4x breast cancer survivor, founder of Mission Hope 06:00 — How Char vets manuscripts for AI-generated content 08:30 — The "AI cadence" problem: one-word sentences and repetitive rhythms in books 13:00 — Char's personal story: surviving cancer four times and rebuilding from nothing 16:00 — Why writing your own story is part of the healing process 19:00 — Mission Hope: building a community around authentic storytelling 24:00 — Where AI does have a place: branding, marketing, ideation — not memoirs 27:30 — Advice for entrepreneurs who want to write a book or launch a podcast but feel stuck 30:00 — Final advice for anyone "in the middle of the storm" 32:00 — The AI-generated "Char Murphy" outro experiment Guest: Char Murphy Char Murphy is a retired attorney, motivational speaker, and eight-time #1 bestselling author who survived breast cancer four separate times, faced near-blindness, and rebuilt her identity and career from the ground up. She is the founder of BelieveInspire and creator of the Mission Hope anthology series, a global storytelling movement and bestselling book collection curating authentic stories of resilience, faith, and healing. Guest Links: Mission Hope book series (Amazon): https://www.amazon.com/Mission-Hope-Thriving-Through-Seasons/dp/1956353429 Unshakeable Power: Through Seasons of the Soul (Char's memoir): https://www.amazon.com/Unshakeable-Power-Through-Seasons-Soul/dp/1734025034 BelieveInspire / Motivation Champs author page: https://www.motivationchamps.com/authors/char-murphy/ Char Murphy on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/authorcharlottemurphy/ Hosts Julie Lokun — Founder of The Mediacasters, co-founder of Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast Dominick Domasky — Co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, longtime publishing collaborator Key Quotes / Soundbites "It's that same human interaction that we all crave and that we want. So when it comes to storytelling, if it's not the real person telling the story, then where's the legitimacy behind it?" — Char Murphy "Why let a computer tell your story for you?" — Char Murphy "If an AI is writing your story, then it's not gonna heal you. It's not gonna heal anybody else really, because that legitimacy is not coming through." — Char Murphy "Just start. Just start writing." — Char Murphy's advice to aspiring authors Resources & Mentions NVIDIA's $500B AI infrastructure partnership (Apollo, BlackRock, Blackstone, Brookfield, Goldman Sachs) Mission Hope anthology series by Char Murphy Unshakeable Power: Through Seasons of the Soul by Char Murphy BelieveInspire (Char's coaching and storytelling community) Motivation Champs Subscribe & Connect Subscribe to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify Follow Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky for more on podcasting, branding, and entrepreneurship Rate and review the show to help more entrepreneurs find these conversations Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Is the AI Bubble Bursting? Current Business News with Char Murphy on Why Authentic Storytelling Beats AI

  7. Sep 7 ·  Bonus

    What We Love About America | Labor Day Bonus Episode

    At The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, we love spotlighting members of our community, the businesses they’re building, the shows they’re creating and all the cool things they’re doing along the way. For this special Labor Day bonus episode, we’re featuring Not the Smartest Guys in the Room, hosted by someone you might recognize, Dominick Domasky, and his good friend Tom Langan. This episode is all about what we love about America. From freedom, opportunity and chasing a dream to football, food, road trips, small towns, big cities and plenty of uniquely American craziness, Tom and Dom celebrate the people, places and possibilities that make this country special. Entrepreneurship has always been about believing something is possible, taking a chance and creating your own path. That spirit is a big part of what we celebrate every week on The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, and it’s at the heart of this conversation too. Happy Labor Day from The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. Enjoy this special bonus episode of Not the Smartest Guys in the Room. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

  8. Aug 31

    They Didn't Get Picked, They Picked Themselves: What Curry Barker, Kane Parsons and MrBeast Prove About the Creator Economy vs. Hollywood

    Join Our Live Events: www.cre8tivecon.com About this episode: This week on The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky unpack one of the biggest shifts in media history: the mainstream isn't discovering creators anymore — creators built the mainstream themselves. The conversation centers on Curry Barker's breakout horror film "Obsession," made for under $1 million and grossing over $500 million worldwide, and Kane Pixels (Kane Parsons), whose debut film opened bigger than any release in A24's history — the same weekend Disney's "Mandalorian and Grogu" dropped 70% in its second week on a $165 million budget. Julie and Dominick use these case studies to explore a bigger question: is business risk actually lower when you invest in creators with built-in, proven audiences? They walk through how the algorithm shift from follower-count-based distribution to interest-based media has leveled the playing field for entrepreneurs starting from zero, why consistency and "camera-ready" content matter more than luck, and how creators like MrBeast (Beast Bars, Beast Games on Prime Video) and Jake Paul (Prime Hydration, boxing promotion) diversified their attention into full product portfolios instead of renting an audience from a single platform. The episode also touches on a real community example — a creator who turned her personal story around on TikTok and grew fast enough to land a booking on Jenny McCarthy's podcast within months — and closes with a challenge to entrepreneurs sitting on the sidelines waiting for permission from a studio, network, or publisher that no longer holds the keys. Key Topics & Timestamps The Curry Barker "Obsession" case study: $750K budget, $500M+ worldwide gross Kane Pixels (Kane Parsons) outselling A24's biggest openings at age 20 Why proven audience size is now lower business risk than a traditional Hollywood pitch How interest-based algorithms (not follower count) decide who gets discovered in 2026 MrBeast and Jake Paul: turning attention into product, not just views The "own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience" philosophy Why consistency and a clear "why" beat chasing virality Is mainstream media (CNN, ABC, Fox, cable) dead — or just adapting? AI, content strategy, and why website designers and creators alike must "zag" when their industry zigs Quotable Takeaway As Julie Lokun puts it, the entrepreneurs winning right now aren't the ones with the most followers — they're the ones who understand their audience's deepest needs and treat every piece of content as a product, not a promotion. It's a principle echoed by marketing pioneer Gary Vaynerchuk, who has long argued that platforms and formats will keep shifting, but attention that gets logged and compounded over years — not chased overnight — is what eventually turns into real leverage. Who Should Listen Entrepreneurs, podcasters, content creators, marketing and brand strategists, small business owners building a media presence, and anyone deciding whether to invest time in building an audience on YouTube, TikTok, or Instagram before "the industry" ever comes calling. About the Hosts Julie Lokun, JD, is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant, and founder of The Mediacasters LLC. Dominick Domasky is her longtime co-host and collaborator. Together they host The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, ranked in the top 0.05% of podcasts globally on Listen Notes and top 5 weekly on Apple Podcasts. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    They Didn't Get Picked, They Picked Themselves: What Curry Barker, Kane Parsons and MrBeast Prove About the Creator Economy vs. Hollywood
See All (208)

Trailer

5
out of 5
5,214 Ratings

About

Welcome to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — a top-ranked show in Business News where entrepreneurship, creativity, media strategy, and pop culture collide. Whether you are building a business, growing a personal brand, launching a podcast, writing a book, or expanding your influence as a thought leader, this show was built for you. We believe business doesn't have to be boring. The most successful entrepreneurs are always learning, adapting, and evolving — and that means mastering business strategy, branding, marketing, AI tools, podcasting, publishing, and public speaking, while staying locked in on the pop culture moments, entertainment headlines, and media trends shaping the marketplace right now. Why? Because there is business behind everything. From viral moments and major brand moves to celebrity influence and cultural shifts, the biggest business lessons are playing out in real time. We break them down, make them actionable, and help you apply them to your brand and your bottom line. Each episode delivers real conversations, expert guest interviews, and practical frameworks to help you grow revenue, build authority, and expand your reach in today's creator economy. No fluff. No filler. Just the strategies that actually move the needle. What we cover: Business growth and monetization · Branding and authority building · Podcast and media strategy · Public speaking and visibility · AI and emerging tools · Publishing and thought leadership · Pop culture and business trends · Entrepreneurship and mindset · Marketing and content creation · Personal brand development Most of all, we believe in connection, community, and building meaningful relationships. Entrepreneurship can feel isolating — but growth accelerates when you surround yourself with the right people, the right tools, and the right conversations. This show is designed to help you move faster, think bigger, and build smarter. Whether you are a seasoned CEO, a rising entrepreneur, a content creator, or a thought leader ready to own your stage and scale your influence, The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast meets you where you are and challenges you to go further. Ready for an incredible live experience? Join us at Cre8tive Con — the traveling conference where entrepreneurs, creators, and thought leaders come together to learn, connect, and grow. Visit www.cre8tivecon.com to find an event near you. About the hosts: Julie Lokun, JD — Business strategist, podcaster, speaker, and publicity expert. Founder of Dragonfly Effect and co-founder of Mediacasters, Julie helps entrepreneurs amplify their message, increase visibility, and build authority through media, publicity, and strategic brand positioning. Learn more at www.julielokunconsulting.com. Dominick Domasky — Publisher, bestselling author, speaker, and founder of Motivation Champs (www.motivationchamps.com). Dom helps authors, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders share powerful stories, build strong brands, and create lasting impact through publishing and media. Together, Julie and Dom bring sharp insights, powerful guests, and unfiltered conversations to help creative entrepreneurs grow — in business, media, and beyond. Join a live event: www.cre8tivecon.com Podcast home: www.cre8tiveconpod.com Inquiries: julie@cre8tivecon.com | dom@cre8tivecon.com

Information