Connection is Magic with Samson Shulman
by Connection is Magic with Samson Shulman
Connection is Magic is a podcast and non-profit 501c3. We are a “Lighthouse for Creatives,” dedicated to empowering those in arts & entertainment. Ego, volatility, and burnout create obstacles at every step of the creative journey. Yet art remains essential—it heals and profoundly connects us in an increasingly divided world. Hosted by Samson Shulman, therapist and former music executive, we feature raw conversations with voices from all facets of the creative landscape. Listeners learn to turn pain into purpose while finding more grace and inner clarity.WATCH: youtube.com/@connectionismagic
Episodes
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Frank Ocean’s Mom on His Evolution, Life Gems & Trusting Your Path — Katonya Breaux
Katonya Breaux (IG: katonyabreaux) is a force of grace and resilience, an entrepreneur and mother of visionary artist Frank Ocean. Born in New Orleans and raised in Los Angeles, she emancipated herself at 17 from a toxic family environment and is renowned for her sage wisdom by those who know…
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G-Eazy on Inner Freedom, Mac Miller Friendship & Rejection Stories He’s Never Shared
G-Eazy (IG: g_eazy) was born Gerald Earl Gillum on May 24, 1989, in Oakland, California, is a rapper, producer, and philanthropist whose journey reflects resilience, introspection, and staying true to his roots. Raised by a single mother, he overcame financial hardships and pursued his passion…
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The Secret Weapon Behind Kendrick Lamar & Travis Scott — Brocky Marciano
Brock Korsan (IG: @brockymarciano) is the Swiss Army knife of music, fashion, and culture. A respected A&R executive, manager, and creative consultant, Brock has built his career on a sharp cultural instinct and a gift for recognizing and championing exceptional talent. He got his start on a…
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Vans Warped Tour Founder on Creating a Cultural Icon — Kevin Lyman
Kevin Lyman (IG: @kevinlyman) is a visionary entrepreneur and influential figure in the world of music and entertainment. Born on October 6, 1961, in Orange, California, Lyman has left an indelible mark on the industry, particularly in the realm of alternative and punk rock. His journey into the...
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Bars For Breakfast: “Adventure” — Russ Feat. Rexx Life Raj
The latest installment of a segment called, "Bars for Breakfast" where I highlight a powerful lyric and share how it relates to my personal life experience. Listening to my share, I hope it conjures up for you how it relates to your own personal life journey, and you feel connected + inspired.…
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LaRussell on Turning Being Different Into Your Superpower
LaRussell (IG: @larussell) is a legendary independent rapper and artist from Vallejo, California, who began rapping at just eight years old. Struggling to find inspiration in his early schooling, he thrived at Vallejo’s Peoples' High School, where his creativity and talent began to flourish.…
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Billionaire Behind ‘It Ends With Us’ & Founder of Wayfarer Studios — Steve Sarowitz
Steve Sarowitz (IG: @wayfarerstudios) is an American billionaire businessman, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Steve is the founder of Paylocity, a digital accounting platform which he founded in 1997 and took public in 2014. He splits his time between his hometown of Chicago and Los Angeles. In...
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What It Actually Costs to Be an Artist Today — India Shawn
India Shawn (IG: @indiashawn) is a silky smooth R&B artist based in Los Angeles, California. Her journey through the realms of music has been a testament to her artistry and authenticity. She has emerged as a powerhouse in the music industry, captivating audiences with her mesmerizing voice and...
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Reggie Watts on Ego Death, DUNKING on Elon Musk & Life After The James Corden Show
Reggie Lucien Frank Roger Watts (IG: @reggiewatts) is an American comedian, actor, beatboxer, musician, and a modern-day philosopher of sorts. His improvised musical sets are created using only his voice, a keyboard, and a looping machine. He began piano & violin lessons at age five and moved to...
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Veteran Music Lawyer Drops $1BN Dollars Worth Of Game (RUN IT BACK!) — Gary Greenberg
This is a "RUN IT BACK" episode! The episode was originally recorded in November 2018, when the podcast was previously called, "The Hustle Sanctuary." Gary Greenberg is a veteran entertainment attorney based in Los Angeles, California. He has represented 2pac, Snoop Dogg, Bone Thugs N' Harmony…
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"We HATE on Ourselves More Than Any Hater EVER Will" — Kute Blackson
Kute Blackson (IG: @kuteblackson) is a charismatic and internationally recognized inspirational speaker, author, and life coach. Initially resisting his calling, Kute pursued a more conventional path. He studied finance and business with the intention of entering the corporate world. However, a...
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Bars For Breakfast: "Smile" — Jay-Z Feat. Gloria Carter
The latest installment of a segment called, "Bars For Breakfast!" where I highlight a powerful lyric and share how it relates to my personal life experience. Listening to my share, I hope it conjures up for you how it relates to your own personal life journey and you feel connected + inspired. Of...
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The Weeknd's Publicist On Tuning Out The Noise & Honing Your Vision — Kathryn Frazier
Kathryn Frazier (IG: @klfbiz3) is an iconic music publicist (and very wise woman) representing some of the biggest names in all of music including The Weeknd, Daft Punk, J. Cole, and Skrillex to name a few... She co-founded & was president of Skrillex’s record label OWSLA throughout its…
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Surviving Today’s Music Industry w/Summer Walker & 6LACK's Label Founder — Justice Baiden
In partnership with the 988 national suicide & crisis lifeline, we’re dropping this very special episode in honor of world mental health day – October 10th, 2023. If you are someone you know is struggling with their mental health please call 988 from any cell phone for support 24/7. Justice…
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Discipline Equals Confidence & Remembering The Little Kid Who Still Lives Inside Us — Stan Taylor
Stan Taylor (IG: @_Stantaylor_) is an LA based, super soulful R&B singer, raised in Central California. He moved to LA in 2009, after winning a reality television competition with ABC/Disney. This appearance would lead him to more opportunities to travel the world performing his music and…
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Kanye West Netflix Documentary ‘Jeen-Yuhs’ Emmy-Nominated Directors — Coodie & Chike
Coodie & Chike (IG: @Coodierock & @Cozah) are Emmy-Nominated and acclaimed producers, directors, and documentarians. They are the directors & visionaries behind Netflix’s documentary “Jeen-Yuhs,” the 3-part trilogy showcasing the never before seen, two-decade plus, behind the scenes life of Kanye...
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Building A Streetwear Brand & Featuring in HBO's ‘Fake Famous’ Documentary — CM & DJ Wolvie
Christopher M. Bailey & DJ Wolvie (IG: @Chrisvsmyself & @DJWolvie) are local LA legendary cats by way of Tucson, Arizona. They’re both multi-hyphenate creatives and live on the bleeding edge of culture in both the clothing and music space. Chris established the super buzzing, Last One Left,...
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Mike Tyson’s Longtime Therapist On Shifting Your Narrative — Seano McFarland
Seano McFarland (IG: @teamseano) is a certified addiction therapist, life coach, and interventionist specializing in chemical dependency, sexual addiction and trauma. He’s been a longtime therapist to Mike Tyson helping guide & counsel him the past 15 years. Seano’s overall career in recovery…
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Cheat Codes to Unlocking Your Full Potential — Zalma
Zalma (IG: @zalmabour) and I sit down for a special birthday episode! :) She is a brilliant singer, musician, producer and model originally from Cleveland, Ohio now based in LA. Over the course of her 15+ years working in music, she has collaborated with many Grammy winning artists & producers....
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Kanye West’s Former Label President & Lauryn Hill’s Grammy-Winning Producer — Che Pope
Che Pope (IG: @wrkshpclub) is an American music executive, record producer and songwriter from Boston, Massachusetts. He is the former COO of Kanye West’s G.O.O.D record label. He also is a multi-Grammy Winning music producer most notably for his work on Lauryn Hill’s iconic debut album,...
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Going From Food Stamps To Winning An Oscar w/Eminem, 20th Anniversary Of "Lose Yourself" — Jeff Bass
Jeff Bass (IG: @thejeffbass) is a Detroit native music producer, who is best known for his work grooming and developing the sound of Eminem. He's credited for producing and co-writing the Oscar-winning song “Lose Yourself” from the movie 8-Mile, and has attained multiple Grammy awards during his...
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Bars For Breakfast: "The Highs & The Lows" — Chance The Rapper Feat. Joey Bada$$
This is a new segment called, "Bars For Breakfast!" I will highlight a powerful lyric and share how it relates to my personal life experience. Listening to my share, I hope it conjures up for you how it relates to your own personal life journey and you feel connected + inspired. Of course, this…
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We’re Not Really Strangers Founder Helps People Feel Seen (RUN IT BACK!) — Koreen Odiney
Koreen Odiney (IG: @Koreen) is the founder of the viral authentic connection card game, "We're Not Really Strangers" (IG: Werenotreallystrangers), which teaches strangers how to connect authentically & vulnerably. The game has been featured in Vogue, GQ, Red Table Talk, BuzzFeed, and many more…
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'Euphoria' Original Creator on the LONG JOURNEY to Success — Ron Leshem
Ron Leshem is an Israeli-American television producer and writer, best known for creating the first incarnation of HBO's hit teen drama "Euphoria," in Israel, before the show was ultimately cancelled after one season in 2012. Ron is currently an executive producer of the US version of Euphoria....
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Pt 2. "Blurred Lines" Lawsuit, Dr. Dre Playing Superbowl LVI, & Eazy-E Story — Peter Paterno
Peter Paterno started out his career writing software for NASA and would eventually transition into pursing music law. He since became a FORCE in the music industry and over his career has represented Dr. Dre, Pharrell, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Soundgarden, Skrillex, Frank Ocean and many more….…
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Pt 1. Pharrell & Dr. Dre's Lawyer Opens Up On The Transitions Of His Journey — Peter Paterno
Peter Paterno started out his career writing software for NASA and would eventually transition into pursing music law. He since became a FORCE in the music industry and over his career has represented Dr. Dre, Pharrell, Metallica, Guns N’ Roses, Soundgarden, Skrillex, Frank Ocean and many more….…
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Complex Senior Writer & Former Genius Editor-in-Chief — Shawn Setaro
Shawn Setaro (Twitter: @sameoldshawn) is a writer and reporter for podcasts at Complex. Throughout his prolific career he has written for The Atlantic, Vibe, The Source, GQ, Forbes, the Sondheim Review, and many more outlets. He was formerly, the Editor-in-Chief of Genius.com. He was the writer…
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We Are All Seeds With Different Inflection Points — Sophia Esperanza
Sophia Esperanza (IG: SophiaEsperanza) is an activist, chef, model, vegan, and all around amazing human being. She grew a viral following across her social media channels and is using her platform to make a meaningful difference, promoting health + wellness for both animals and humans alike. She…
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We Are Living In A Microwave Society — Chase Anthony
Chase Anthony (IG: Chasecomedy) is an American actor, comedian and former college football player. He’s had notable appearances in the films Journey of a Goddess, Love & Trust and Hidden Treasure as well as television shows Grey’s Anatomy, Lethal Weapon, TheBkdwn, Deal With It, Netflix & Chill…
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Russell Brand On Breaking Free From Your Ego & Getting Into Divine Guidance — Russell Brand
Russell Brand (IG: RussellBrand) is an outlier, activist, actor, author, podcaster, spiritual teacher etc. His YouTube channel has amassed more than 5.3 million subscribers. Amongst all of the divisiveness and polarization in today's zeitgeist he has quickly become a mainstream voice for…
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Lady Gaga’s Makeup Artist on Her Wild Journey Around the World — Tara Savelo
Tara Savelo (IG: @Tarasavelo) is originally from Massachusetts and moved to Los Angeles at the age of 19 to pursue a career in acting before getting a degree in beauty and hairstyling at MUD Makeup Institute in Burbank, California. Tara ultimately became Lady Gaga's make-up artist after the make…
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It's Not Personal, It's Just Business & Other Lies We Tell Ourselves — David Hernandez & Zalma
David Hernandez is a fellow podcaster, he created THE PUSH PROJECT Podcast which digs deep into vulnerable and compelling conversation, he’s also a veteran on-air radio personality and licensed social worker. Zalma is my guest co-host, who's a brilliant singer, artist & music producer. EPISODE...
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'It Ends With Us' Executive Producer on Life, Struggle & Growth — Jamey Heath
Jamey Heath (IG: JameyHeath) is President of Wayfarer Studios ("It Ends With Us", "Sonic The Hedgehog", "Will & Harper", and More...) and the co-host of the popular podcast on vulnerability, realness, and redefining masculinity, "The Man Enough" Podcast along with Justin Baldoni & Liz Plank. He's...
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Gary Vaynerchuk's Secret Weapon Discusses Their Build & The Power Of The Human Spirit — D Rock
D Rock (IG: @Drock) is a New York based filmmaker turned storyteller. He creates compelling content around people & brands. He has worked closely with Gary Vaynerchuk as a videographer, editor, & producer for the last 8 years. He first met Gary, before he was an online sensation, while giving a...
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Build Yourself Back Up Better After A Fall — Shamiqua Wilson
Shamiqua Wilson (IG: shamiquasmp4) is a brilliant up and coming artist & songwriter from Staten Island, New York. Go check out her latest album titled, "The Show Goes On" available on all streaming platforms. EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS // + Picking ourselves back up after rejection and closed doors +…
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Growing Up in the Iconic Jackson Family & the Craft vs. Scoreboard Mindset — Austin Brown
Austin Brown (IG: @austinbrown) is an American singer-songwriter and record producer. He has collaborated with many notable artists, including Pharrell, Q-Tip, Macy Gray, Diddy among others and has released several of his own albums. His most recent release "Heart Over Mind" was written about...
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The Payoffs Of Adversity & How This Theme Underpins Hiphop — Trace Bell
Trace Bell (IG: Tracebelll) is a spiritual teacher and coach based in the Bay Area. He is the son of famed author and spiritual teacher Rob Bell (voted Time Magazine's most 100 influential people). He grew up in both Michigan and LA. He graduated from UCLA with a degree in political science and...
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Developing Murda Beatz & How To Stop Mentally Spinning Out — Cory Litwin
Cory Litwin (IG: Cory_Litwin) is a Toronto native, based in Los Angeles and currently Executive Vice President of Hallwood Media. He manages super producer Murda Beatz (Drake, Migos, Ariana Grande and more), he also co-produced the Drake smash "Nice For What" and has a roster of 30+ clients. He…
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Beginnings Disguised As Endings, Thriving Beyond the Major Label — Jared Evan
Jared Evan (IG: @Jaredevan) is an American singer-songwriter, record producer, and rapper originally from Great Neck, New York. He was signed to Zone 4 (Polow Da Don's label)under Interscope Records. The song "Frozen", which Evan wrote and produced, appeared on the LeBron James documentary...
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Transformation Begins With Surrender — Yonas Michael & Zalma
Zalma Bour (IG: @Zalmabour) is a brilliant singer, musician, producer and model from Cleveland, Ohio. She has collaborated with many Grammy winning artists and producers. Yonas Michael (IG: @lovechakraa) is an amazing rapper, producer, DJ and created the clothing line, Earthy Surfy Rock & Soul.…
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Tyler, the Creator's Manager on Confident Vulnerability — Christian Clancy
Christian Clancy is a legendary dude & music industry outsider very much on the inside. He is the co-founder of 4 Strikes management along with his wife Kelly. They manage the careers of Tyler, The Creator, Mac Miller's Estate BROCKHAMPTON, Domo Genesis, Raveena, Boylife and formerly Solange and...
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Pt 2. Mac Miller's Unique Genius & Benjy Grinberg's Mental Health Struggles — Benjy Grinberg
Benjy Grinberg is the founder of indie label powerhouse, Rostrum Records. He got his start in the music business working for LA Reid at Arista Records. He was instrumental in the breaking + establishing the careers of both Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. In 2017 Benjy wrote a 3 page article in...
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Pt 1. The Shaky Path To Breaking Wiz Khalifa and Starting Rostrum Records — Benjy Grinberg
Benjy Grinberg is the founder of indie label powerhouse, Rostrum Records. He got his start in the music business working for LA Reid at Arista Records. He was instrumental in the breaking + establishing the careers of both Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. In 2017 Benjy wrote a 3 page article in...
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Almost Giving Up to Global Chart-Topping Smash Hit "Old Town Road" — Andy Steinway
Andy Steinway is a Los Angeles based music manager with Hallwood Media. He manages superstar writer/rapper Jozzy and British artist Raissa (signed to Mark Ronson’s label with Columbia Records) among others. He nearly left the music business after much heartbreak and many years of false starts...
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The Story Behind "Old Town Road" — Original Reference Track by Jozzy
Jozzy is a Grammy Award winning recording artist and songwriter signed to Columbia Records. Jozzy has been long celebrated for her strong pen game; she is the woman who penned Billy Ray Cyrus's verse on Lil Nas X's chart obliterating, Grammy Award winning track Old Town Road, as well as tracks…
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Losing $35,000 in GameStop Stock in 24 Hours, Creating A New Life Path After — Mr Pink
Mr Pink is a self-proclaimed “Covid-Investor” (i.e. those who picked up learning the stock market during quarantine) based in France. He quit his full time job during the pandemic in hopes of becoming financially independent through learning to invest in the stock market. He initially grew his...
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Pt 2. Working with Childhood Heroes, Coldplay and Kanye West and Trusting God's Timing — Angel Lopez
Angel Lopez is a Grammy winning music producer and songwriter who has worked with Sam Smith, Coldplay, Kanye West and many more. He has been groomed and mentored by his musical idol, legendary producer Timbaland. Angel nearly missed his calling. Before he found success in the music business, he...
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Pt 1. Jack Harlow Producer On Being Mentored By Timbaland, & Nearly Leaving Music — Angel Lopez
Angel Lopez is a Grammy winning music producer and songwriter who has worked with Sam Smith, Coldplay, Kanye West and many more. He has been groomed and mentored by his musical idol, legendary producer Timbaland. Angel nearly missed his calling. Before he found success in the music business, he...
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Pt 2. Signing Burna Boy, Moving Back In With Parents, Vision Behind Bad Habit — Matthew Adesuyan
Matthew Baus (also known as Matthew Adesuyan) is co-founder of Bad Habit Records, home to breakout artist & 2021 Grammy Winner, Burna Boy, as well as several more exciting artists, both established and up and coming, including The Neighborhood, IDK, Umi, Yeek and more… Back in the day, Matthew…
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Pt 1. Mental Health x Music, Co-Founding a Label, Mentoring Earl Sweatshirt — Matthew Adesuyan
Matthew Baus (also known as Matthew Adesuyan) is co-founder of Bad Habit Records, home to breakout artist & 2021 Grammy Winner, Burna Boy, as well as several more exciting artists, both established and up and coming, including The Neighborhood, Umi, Yeek and more… Back in the day, Matthew was…
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About this show
Connection is Magic is a podcast and non-profit 501c3. We are a “Lighthouse for Creatives,” dedicated to empowering those in arts & entertainment. Ego, volatility, and burnout create obstacles at every step of the creative journey. Yet art remains essential—it heals and profoundly connects us in an increasingly divided world. Hosted by Samson Shulman, therapist and former music executive, we feature raw conversations with voices from all facets of the creative landscape. Listeners learn to turn pain into purpose while finding more grace and inner clarity.WATCH: youtube.com/@connectionismagic
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Connection is Magic with Samson Shulman