Too Late To Quit

Jeff Iftekaruddin

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Too Late To Quit! Is a podcast geared at anyone who feels they are too old and that it's too late to start their career as an artist. Come join me as I interview friends and people I admire who continue on their path as an artist with no plans on stopping anytime soon. We might have day jobs, but we will never stop creating art as our passion.

15H AGO · VIDEO

Episode 22: Marc Anthony Samuel - "Doing my part and making sure that I am a good supporter"

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 of staying emotionally present both in life and in performance. Marc has always been a supportive force in every community he has set foot in, and this energy is also felt and transmuted through his music. One of the most fascinating parts of the conversation centers around Marc's songwriting process. He describes hearing complete songs in his head; drums, harmonies, textures, and melodies fully formed before bringing them to life in the studio. Jeff and Marc dive deep into the creation of songs like "Free Yourself" and "The Way," discussing how music, memory, emotion, and even color all connect together creatively. Marc exemplifies the belief that 'how you do anything os how you do anything.' His music is nuanced, present and lifts you up. The two also explore: artistic sensitivity and emotional presence creativity as a lifelong calling composing music entirely in his mind the influence of soul, Brazilian pop, disco, and psychedelic music acting, storytelling, and listening why generosity matters in creative communities learning to trust your inner voice pursuing art fearlessly at any age The episode closes with Marc introducing his stunning song "Free Yourself", a cinematic, emotionally rich track made for late-night drives (in a car) and quiet moments of reflection. Please welcome the one and only Marc Anthony Samuel to the Too Late To Quit family!

1h 6m
MAY 8

Episode 21: Phil Dutra - "Go through the fear."

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 and hooks for days. Phil's been writing and performing for years, starting with an a cappella group at NYU and eventually building a catalog of melodic, emotionally driven songs that blend retro-pop sensibility with a modern edge. His work has earned real recognition along the way, including winning the National Michael Lloyd Songwriting Contest at the TAXI Road Rally and a placement in the Warner Bros. film Something Borrowed. We talk about his songwriting process, how his sound developed over time, and what it actually looks like to keep creating without overthinking every step. Phil also shares how dealing with anxiety shaped both his music and his approach to performing, and how things like meditation have helped him stay grounded. Phil is truly an open book and I know his stories of courage will remind you that we need to simply 'go through the fear.' Phil also shows us how having a great sense of humor can make this process of life much easier when facing critics and dealing with bumps in the road. It's a straightforward conversation about making music, sticking with it, and figuring things out as you go without pretending you have it all together. Does anyone have it all together? If you're working on something of your own, or trying to stay consistent creatively, there's a lot in here that'll resonate and I can't wait for you to hear this episode! Remember, it's always the right time to start, and it's too late to quit. You can learn everything about Phil on his website below; tour dates, music and more all at: www.phildutra.com

57 min
MAY 1

Episode 20: Artie Tobia "There is room for everbody."

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 own musical journey and who truly lives and leads with abundance and from a place of service. Fresh off his South by Southwest set with his phenomenal band, Redtail Revival, Artie stopped by the TLTQ Studios to record an incredible episode recounting many musical adventures. He also does a stellar Optimus Prime imitation. Artie shares the story of how he became a musician, why cowboy boots have always been part of who he is, and how he creates his art. A true renaissance man and authentic creative spirit, Artie Tobia is a songwriter, performer, actor, educator, and someone whose kindness has left a mark on thousands of people and will continue to do so. Artie represents the true spirit of the Too Late To Quit family. Come along for the ride, and stay tuned for an absolutely rip-roaring live performance at the end of our interview. Catch Artie Tobia and Redtail Revival on tour: https://artietobia.com/ https://www.facebook.com/ARTIETOBIAREDTAILREVIVAL/

1h 3m
APR 3

Episode 19: John Smith "Trust the universe. It's there to help us."

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 humming those melodies ever since. That very CD has travelled with me through every move, every adventure over the past 32 years. Recently, I got back in touch with John, who graciously responded while he was literally in the middle of a cruise on the other side of the world. That warmth, openness, and genuine support for fellow songwriters is simply magnificent. What I love most is that even while preparing to release his tenth album, John still sees himself as a student of song. That's rare. To meet someone who has accomplished so much in the world of music (with the awards to prove it!) and still talks openly about learning is deeply inspiring, and very much in the spirit of what this podcast is about. John's entrance into music is truly remarkable. It's the kind of story that sounds like it belongs in a song itself. At a young age, a guitar was literally thrown to him, and from there began a journey that took him from growing up in Iowa to becoming an internationally recognized songwriter and performer. This conversation is a reminder to trust your gut and your vibes, and to rememer that the universe is there to help us. I can't wait for you to hear my conversation with John. Without further adieu, let's all give a very warm welcome to the one and only, John Smith! https://johnsmithmusic.com/ John Smith new CD Fan-funding: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=415nZ2KjW_4

1h 16m
MAR 17

Episode 18: Diana Naranjo "De las peores crises renacen cosas"

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 remind you of how strong a person can be. I am confident that when you listen to this episode, where Diana invites us into her world, you will be truly inspired to chase down your dreams! While I was editing this podcast it made me think of all my Spanish teachers throughout my life who encouraged me to keep practicing. I never imagined that one day I would be able to conduct a podcast interview in my second language. Learning Spanish has opened up so many doors that I would have never discovered if I only spoke English. Thanks to learning how to speak Spanish I ended up meeting the love of my life and my greatest supporter, my wife Margarita. Diana tuvo la amabilidad de acompañarnos nuevamente en el podcast, después de haber estado con nosotros a comienzos del año pasado. Esta vez decidimos grabar el episodio en su idioma natal, el español. Si estás buscando practicar tu español, o conoces a alguien que ama la música y habla español, te invito a escuchar este episodio y compartirlo. La historia de Diana es realmente increíble, y su persistencia y resiliencia son un recordatorio de lo fuerte que puede llegar a ser una persona. Estoy seguro de que al escuchar este episodio, donde Diana nos abre las puertas de su mundo, te vas a sentir verdaderamente inspirado a perseguir tus sueños. Mientras editaba este podcast, me puse a pensar en todos los profesores de español que tuve a lo largo de mi vida y que siempre me animaron a seguir practicando. Nunca imaginé que algún día iba a poder hacer una entrevista para un podcast en mi segundo idioma. Aprender español me ha abierto muchísimas puertas que jamás habría descubierto si solo hablara inglés. Gracias a haber aprendido español terminé conociendo al amor de mi vida y a mi mayor apoyo: mi esposa Margarita.

1h 1m
12/30/2025

Episode 17: Claudia Gibson

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 with a new sense of purpose, creating work rooted in real experience, family history, and emotional truth. A 1st place winner of the Woody Guthrie Songwriting Contest and a Kerrville New Folk finalist, Claudia approaches songwriting with a methodical, almost historian-like discipline. In the tradition of storytellers like Bruce Springsteen and Joni Mitchell, her songs are grounded in lived experience, carefully observed details, and a deep respect for craft, never rushed, never accidental. Her most recent album, The Fields of Chazy, reflects that philosophy. We talk about Claudia's songwriting process, her razor sharp sense of humor and her ability to turn a song prompt into a song that will stop you in your tracks. Facebook.com/claudiagibsonmusic

1h 31m
12/08/2025

Episode 16: Jeannine Higgins - "It really is never too late"

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 cover herself. Her second album, Shadow, followed soon after, and her third is already taking shape in a creative mind that finds inspiration in places you wouldn't typically expect. Once you hear how and where she crafts her lyrics and melodies, I think you'll be inspired to try her process yourself. I'll give you a hint; it's where we went before Amazon existed. When I asked Jeannine how she found the courage to begin and to push past the negative voices telling her she was "too old" she told me something that hit me straight in the heart: "I was so scared… but I wanted it so much." I feel that Jeannine's honesty and vulnerability are the core of her songs that will bring you along on her journey. In this episode, we dig into the stories behind several tracks from her debut and her second record, Shadow. I'm confident that hearing Jeannine's journey will help awaken that voice inside you that says, "It's the perfect time to start." https://www.jeanninehiggins.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/63KP1rnnmecxxlDYjWKoI8?si=c4eZpv84QuumV31XWH5rwA https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jeannine-higgins/1020847509

1h 15m
11/12/2025

Episode 15: Jack Pinto - A true worksmith who is Ridin' on the wind

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 companion. Jack shares stories of growing up in New Jersey and buying his first guitar and teaching himself to play along to Mel Bay guitar books. Jack also shares how his journey brought him to Austin just four years ago — where I met him at the New World Deli open mic. We talk about the power of reinvention, the courage it takes to begin something new later in life, and his personal motto: "What are you waiting for?" Jack is a total vibe and played two songs for us all, "Ridin' on the wind" and "Turtles all the way down." I can't wait for you to hear this episode of Too Late To Quit and hear Jack's tunes. Whether you're in your twenties or your seventies, this episode is a reminder that it's never too late to start writing your next chapter. Special shout out to the band: Hazy Smile (who Jack collaborates with from time to time) Hazy Smiles instagram: @hazysmilesband

1h 18m

Too Late To Quit! Is a podcast geared at anyone who feels they are too old and that it's too late to start their career as an artist. Come join me as I interview friends and people I admire who continue on their path as an artist with no plans on stopping anytime soon. We might have day jobs, but we will never stop creating art as our passion.

Creator

Jeff Iftekaruddin
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

22
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2024
Show Website

Too Late To Quit