Shows
TO THE WEST AND BACKYou Are Your Only Competition: KG Lillian on Creativity and Letting Go of ExpectationsIn this episode, we have a wide ranging chat with KG Lillian, from music to content creation to letting go of expectations. She even announces some big news for the first time on this episode! Learn more about KG at www.kglillian.com or follow her on Instagram or TikTok - @kglillian.2023-01-2048 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK“I HATE THIS GAME!” - A Vulnerability Sesh to Start the YearIn this episode, we draw cards from the friendship edition of the game "We're Not Really Strangers". We get super deep in this episode and even shed a few tears. 2023-01-1132 minTO THE WEST AND BACKA ~Cathartic~ End to 2022In this episode, we talk lessons learned from 2022, along with our plans for 2023. Thanks for listening!!2022-12-3131 min
TO THE WEST AND BACKWork Tired, Play Hurt, Love Hard: Lessons from Serial Entrepreneur Derrick HuskeyIn this episode, we sit down with Derrick Huskey to have a wide ranging conversation about music, entrepreneurship, and being a dad. 2022-12-221h 08TO THE WEST AND BACKWhat's your West?In this episode, we discuss our "why" for doing the podcast! Whether it's a physical trek or a big career change, everyone has a journey that we can learn from. 2022-12-0623 minTO THE WEST AND BACKWe’re back and here to stay!In this episode, we catch up after a hiatus from the podcast! We discuss life and new plans moving forward. 2022-12-0624 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK2.06 Shawnaci Schroeder / Setting Boundaries When Your Life is On DisplayAs a Social Media Influencer, it's hard not to be "always on." On this episode, Alan and Nick talk to Shawnaci Schroeder, an Influencer from small town Illinois, about setting healthy boundaries, overcoming your fears, and how we all have the power to spark movements through tough conversations. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith. / tothewestandback.com2021-04-2656 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK2.05 Dr. John Drea / Defying the OddsHe grew up sharing a bedroom with his entire family in a small Central Illinois town, but later went on to earn his Doctorate and become a renowned college professor. On this episode, Alan and Nick talk with John Drea, their college Marketing professor, and dive deep into what it takes to persevere when the odds are stacked against you.2021-03-2253 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK2.04 Nick & Alan / A Lesson in VulnerabilityNick recently got a self-reflection journal from We're Not Really Strangers, so we decided to have a deep talk led by prompts from the journal. We dive into vulnerable topics like body image, expectations placed on others, and insecurities we are currently facing. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith. / tothewestandback.com2021-03-0845 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK2.03 Jared Haynes / How a Road Trip Became a Journey of Self-DiscoveryAfter a year of emotional reckoning and lessons learned, Jared Haynes joins us to talk about his solo cross-country road trip that helped him confront some valuable truths about himself. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith. / tothewestandback.com2021-02-2253 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK2.02 Rachael Marie / You CAN Manifest Your Own ConfidenceRachael Marie, a full-time teacher and photographer, joins us to talk in depth about how she manifested her own confidence and embraced vulnerability to become her truest self. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith. / tothewestandback.com2021-02-2244 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK2.01 Nick Interviews Alan / Our First Episode as Co-Hosts!To kick off season two, Nick puts Alan in the hot seat and interviews him about how he found his passion for photography and decided to take the leap of faith and become a full-time creative. Stay up to date with new episodes by following us on Instagram, @shawgostudios & @nicktylersmith. / tothewestandback.com2021-02-2241 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK007 Nick Smith - Photography, Marketing & FriendshipOn this episode, Alan talks with Nick about his passion for photography, different marketing techniques, and why being surrounded by good people is so important. Keep up with all the episodes on Instagram - @tothewestandback2020-09-1053 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK006 Ash Forrest - Abstract Art, Implementing Systems & Doing What You LoveOn this episode, Alan talks with Ash about creating abstract art, how creatives can implement systems to make their workflow more efficient, and why doing what you love is so important. You can keep up with all the episodes on Instagram at @tothewestandback.2020-08-1340 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK005 E. Philly - New Music, New Beginnings & New PlacesOn this episode, Alan talks with E. Philly about his debut EP coming out August 28th, the highs and lows of the past year, and much more. Follow along with all of the episodes on Instagram at @tothewestandback.2020-08-0444 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK004 KG Lillian - Making Music, Thrifting & MindsetIn this episode, Alan talks with KG Lillian about her journey with music, her new online thrift shop, and having a good mindset about the creative process. They also dive into how to keep your passion for what you love when you turn a hobby into a career. Follow KG on Instagram, @kglillian. Her debut EP "Palm Valley" comes out July 17!
Follow along with all of the episodes on Instagram, @tothewestandback.2020-07-1539 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK003 Wes Haertling - Photography, Traveling & Finding Your NicheAlan talks to his great friend, Wes Haertling, about discovering photography as a passion, great adventures, and finding your niche.2020-06-2533 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK002 Ryan Cheney - Making Music, Being Yourself & the Creative ProcessIn this episode, Alan talks with Ryan Cheney about his journey with music, always staying true to who you are, and the unique creative process. Enjoy and stay up to date with the latest episodes on Instagram - @shawgostudios.2020-05-2848 min
TO THE WEST AND BACK001 Ryan Hanlon - Filmmaking, Ireland, & Taking ChancesAlan sits down with his good friend and mentor Ryan Hanlon of Route 3 Films. They discuss the intricate filmmaking process, Ryan's crazy adventure to Ireland for six months, and taking chances, like quitting his job at a hotel to pursue his passion of filmmaking.
Enjoy the journey & let me know what you think over on Instagram, @shawgostudios!2020-05-141h 08TO THE WEST AND BACKThe Beginning of the JourneyThe whole point of this podcast is to talk to people about how they discovered what they're passionate about and how they continue to improve their craft. Everyone has a unique journey that we can all learn from.
My hope is that you listen to this podcast and receive inspiration for your passions and how you can continue to improve your craft. I will be talking to people in all different creative fields, but I feel like the lessons and ideas can be applied to anyone.2020-04-2401 min