Stealing From Friends

@firstnamethomas

Where Dope People Share the Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know Join Thomas as he dives deep into the minds of industry pros, uncovering insider secrets, behind-the-scenes tips, and professional hacks. From entrepreneurs and sales experts to lawyers and creatives, this podcast is your go-to guide for high-value insights delivered with humor, honesty, and a dash of mischief. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or just someone curious about how things really work, each episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate the world smarter—one candid conversation at a time.

Episodes

  1. 10/06/2025

    He Said ‘No’ to Opera… But Look Where He Ended Up

    What happens when a talented musician turns down a life-changing opportunity… and ends up shaping a whole generation instead? In this episode, we sit down with Matt Farr, a dynamic music educator, performer, and community leader, whose journey defies expectations at every turn. From growing up in church choirs to commanding stages at Carnegie Hall, Matt shares how key decisions — including turning down opera training — led him down a unique path blending music education, theater performance, and leadership We dive deep into his evolution as a trombone player, choir member, and eventual musical theater performer, exploring how early hesitations gave way to unexpected achievements. Matt reflects on his experiences as a principal, adjunct professor, and state-level choir association president, offering rare insight into how he balances creative passion with educational leadership  Key takeaways include: How writing a three-page letter in high school led to his first stage role. Why he said no to opera—and what that decision revealed years later. How time discipline and structured reflection shaped his career trajectory. What it takes to lead in both classroom and community while pursuing artistic goals. The power of mentorship, networking, and stepping into opportunities even when they don’t look like the “traditional path.” Whether you’re a musician, creative professional, educator, or someone chasing a dream that doesn’t fit the mold, this episode delivers practical wisdom, inspiration, and a few laughs along the way.

    41 min
  2. 12/30/2024

    Turning Passions Into Profit: Brooke’s Creative Journey From Design to Photography

    🌟 In this episode of Stealing From Friends, Thomas sits down with Brooke, a graphic designer and photographer who turned her creative talents into a thriving business. Brooke shares how Unsplash jumpstarted her career, her work with brands like Google and Nike, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. What You’ll Learn: 💡 How to leverage tools like Unsplash to grow your brand. 💡 Tips for creatives to break into photography and design. 💡 Brooke’s personal insights on building relationships with clients. 🎯 Topics Covered: Brooke's journey from design to photography. The importance of platforms like Unsplash for creatives. Building a business while staying true to your passion. 🖥️ Follow Brooke: Instagram: [@brookeandcagle](  / brookeandcagle  ) Website: [Tributary Studio](https://tributarystudio.com) ------------------------------------------------- 👍 Like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes! GO SUBSCRIBE to the STEALING FROM FRIENDS Podcast! ------------------------------------------------- Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6AX0Rat... ------------------------------------------------- OpenPhone: https://get.openphone.com/stealingfro... Manage your business calls and texts in one simple app. OpenPhone offers a lightweight CRM, collaboration features, and integrates with the tools you already use. Try it free for 7 days! ------------------------------------------------- Follow me here: Instagram: @firstnamethomas TikTok: @firstnamethomas Facebook: facebook.com/firstnamethomass ------------------------------------------------- Gear I Recommend: https://kit.co/firstnamethomas ------------------------------------------------- About the Podcast: Stealing From Friends brings on amazing guests to talk about business, creativity, and personal growth. Every episode is packed with inspiration and actionable insights.

    1h 5m

About

Where Dope People Share the Secrets They Don’t Want You to Know Join Thomas as he dives deep into the minds of industry pros, uncovering insider secrets, behind-the-scenes tips, and professional hacks. From entrepreneurs and sales experts to lawyers and creatives, this podcast is your go-to guide for high-value insights delivered with humor, honesty, and a dash of mischief. Whether you’re an entrepreneur, a professional, or just someone curious about how things really work, each episode equips you with the knowledge to navigate the world smarter—one candid conversation at a time.