

The Artist's Work Ethic
Mike Pelak
Join our host, Mike Pelak, as he talks to guests from across the arts to understand the work ethic, habits, and perspective that have brought them success.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 14, 2021 • 17min
Episode 15 - Musician Shane Told (Silverstein)
Shane is the singer for the band Silverstein and the host of the podcast Lead Singer Syndrome. Silverstein has sold over a million records worldwide. They’ve toured the world with bands such as Simple Plan, Rise Against, and Story of the Year. In this episode we talk about how important it is to stay organized, and make sure you're scheduling time to be creative.

Sep 7, 2021 • 11min
Episode 14 - Artist Ruben Rojas
Ruben Rojas is an LA based artist, muralist, and activist. His mission is to ignite creativity and inspire others to see the world through the lens of love. Ruben’s murals can be seen in cities across the country and around the world from Paris to NY, to Florida and Mississippi. In this episode we talked about how sometimes you just need to dive into something, even if you're not quite sure what you're doing.

Aug 31, 2021 • 23min
Episode 13 - TV Writer/Producer Jorge Rivera
Jorge Rivera is a screenwriter and producer. His first break came with the digital series Rhyme Animal which led to him writing a number of other web series. He went on to the Fox Writers Intensive, which led to a staffing on the Fox show APB. He also writes and produces true crime tv, and is the vice chair of the Latinx writers committee of the WGA. In this episode we talk about how important it is to get some outside help and perspective along the way.

Aug 24, 2021 • 26min
Episode 12 - Comedian/Musician Joe Sib
Joe Sib a musician, comedian, and record label owner. He achieved major label success with his band Wax in the early and mid 90s, before forming the band 22 Jacks. At the same time as 22 Jacks he also co-founded the record label Side One Dummy Records. In recent years he’s broken into the stand up comedy world, frequently appearing alongside Jim Breuer, and even touring with Metallica. My favorite Joe Sib fact is that his band Wax was the band playing at the party inside the dome in the movie Bio-Dome.In this episode we talk about how important it is to embrace and congratulate peers when they find success.

Aug 17, 2021 • 14min
Episode 11 - Actor Brendan Beiser
Brendan Beiser is an actor, known for the role of Agent Pendrell on the X-Files. He’s also appeared recently on Star Trek Discovery, the Amazon series The Boys, and a ton of other films and TV shows. In this episode we talk about how if you don't go for it, you may always wonder "what if?".

Aug 10, 2021 • 15min
Episode 10 - Musician Kenton Remmey (Silence of You)
Kenton Remmey is a solo singer/songwriter and the lead vocalist of Silence of You. His songwriting styles range in a wide spectrum from delicate acoustic music to high intensity of screaming post hardcore. Silence of You will be touring alongside Armor for Sleep this fall. In this episode we talk about how exciting is to discover your own art.

Aug 10, 2021 • 23min
Episode 9 - Musician Ben Jorgensen (Armor For Sleep)
Ben is the singer and guitar player for the band Armor for Sleep. Armor for Sleep put out records on Equal Vision and Sire and appeared on the soundtracks for Transformers and Snakes on a Plan. Armor for Sleep toured the world with artists such as Saves the Day, Linkin Park, Taking Back Sunday, and The All American Rejects.In this episode we talk about how passion may outweigh perseverance.

Aug 3, 2021 • 28min
Episode 8 - Actor Jay Potter
Jay Potter is an actor and photographer. Jay appeared prominently in 7 episodes of the FX show Rescue Me opposite Denis Leary. He’s appeared in major films such as The Big Short, The Call, Che and Beruit, as well as TV shows Spin City, Hap and Leonard, and God Friended Me. Jay is also a successful photographer, exhibiting in NY and Philadelphia, and recently had a solo show at Rush Arts Philly. He is also on the SAG-AFTRA board of directors.In this episode we talk about how saying "yes" is so important to advancing your career.

Jul 27, 2021 • 18min
Episode 7 - Filmmaker Jennica Schwartzman
Jennica is an actor, producer, writer, and author. She’s a member of both the Screen Actor’s Guild and the Producer’s Guild. Some of her notable films are Parker’s Anchor which was released through AMC Theaters, Ridge Runners which was released through Lionsgate & Indican, and Gordon Family Tree which was a film festival darling. Jennica has produced 10 features alongside her husband Ryan, with two lined up for this year, and has acted in most of them. On top of all that, she’s got a book out called Movie Baking: The Indie Work at Home Parent Filmmaker. In this episode we talk about how important it is to get out there and create your own opportunities.@jennicarenee

Jul 20, 2021 • 20min
Episode 6 - Musician Benny Horowitz (The Gaslight Anthem)
Drummer Benny Horowitz from The Gaslight Anthem discusses the importance of collaboration in the arts and being a good collaborator. They explore work ethic in music career progression, teamwork, professionalism, struggling with focus and balance, and reflect on success and current projects in the music industry.


