Dream Life Club

Feeling discouraged? You're not alone. In this solo episode, I talk about why so many creatives are feeling stuck in today's oversaturated world and how I've learned to keep going anyway. From leaving behind my career in government consulting to pursuing music in Los Angeles, I share my thoughts on algorithms, comparison, authenticity, and why your creativity is worth protecting. If you've been questioning your path, this episode is your reminder to keep creating and keep believing.

In this solo episode, Sumi shares one of the biggest mindset shifts she's had since moving to Los Angeles to pursue music: success isn't built alone. Drawing from her own experiences, she unpacks the three pillars she believes every creative needs to build a sustainable career—collaboration, community, and craft. Sumi talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of getting out from behind the screen and into real-life creative spaces, and why the strongest opportunities often come through genuine relationships. Sumi also shares practical advice on protecting your time, following through on opportunities, and creating from a place of impact rather than pressure. This conversation is a reminder that while talent and hard work matter, it's the people you build along the way that make the journey and the dream worth it.

Hannah Avison is a chart-topping songwriter, music activist, and community builder whose work has impacted the music industry both in and out of the studio. With songwriting credits alongside artists like Marshmello, Lauv, Ava Max, Fletcher, and Jordin Sparks, Hannah has built a career rooted in creativity, connection, and advocacy. In this episode, Hannah shares her journey through the music industry, her work with The 100 Percenters, and how she's built a thriving community to support her career. We also talk about vulnerability in songwriting, finding your authentic voice, and blowing up on social media. This conversation is for anyone looking to build a successful creative career and have more fun while doing so!

Thai Long Ly is a Los Angeles-based producer, audio engineer, mixer and bassist with over two decades in the industry and has worked with artists like Pink, Dionne Warwick, Robbie Williams, Elle King and Postmodern Jukebox. In this conversation we get into what it actually looks like to build a career in music. Tai shares how a near death experience at 12 shaped his entire philosophy on life, how he sparked a mentorship with Earth Wind and Fire's Al McKay by running up to him in a parking lot, and what finally brought him back to playing the bass after a 15 year break. We also get into fear, imposter syndrome, presence, acceptance, and why knowing why you're doing something is the only real career advice that matters.

We are constantly bombarded by other people's ideas, advice, and opinions...and it's making it harder than ever to tune into our own creative vision. In this solo episode, I'm getting real about why the pressure to constantly drop new music almost broke me and what I'm doing differently now that has me feeling more aligned and excited about my music career than ever before. We're talking about blocking out the noise, building a cohesive creative vision, creating a sandbox for yourself as an artist, and why evidence of progress is the fuel that keeps us going.

Ethan Buckner is a singer-songwriter, community organizer and activist based in Venice, California. He's spent years fighting big oil pipelines, organizing solidarity fundraisers for communities in crisis, hosting backyard concerts during the pandemic, and building Westside Sounds, a monthly music showcase highlighting local talent in LA. In this conversation we get into what it really looks like to build two careers at once without sacrificing either. Ethan shares how a trip to Poland at 16 shaped his entire life's mission, why he dropped his pseudonym and started releasing music under his own name, and what happened when a disc in his back exploded in India and forced him to slow down for the first time in his life.

Amber Grimes is an entertainment executive and leader in the music industry. Currently EVP and General Manager at LVRN (Love Renaissance), the Atlanta-based label and management company. She's previously held senior roles at Capitol Records, Spotify, and Def Jam, and she hosts her own podcast, If You Knew Better, on iHeartMedia and The Black Effect Podcast Network. In this conversation we get into anti girl bossing, why your ego is actually a tool (not a flaw), what it really means to upgrade your dreams, and why the people to your left and right will always matter more than the ones above you.

Ryan Gladieux is one of my producers so this episode feels like two friends catching up in a studio and going deep on the music industry. Ryan started as a recording intern at Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group in 2011. He eventually worked his way up to head engineer, racking up credits on some of the biggest songs in the world — including Timber by Ke$ha and Pitbull — and getting to work up close with artists like Flo Rida, Rihanna, T-Pain, Charlie Puth, Ty Dolla $ign, Charli XCX, Saweetie, Dua Lipa and more. In this episode we get into what it was really like inside those sessions…the stories you don't hear, the wild nights, the trial by fire of becoming an engineer, and what the music industry actually looks like from behind the glass.

I've been thinking a lot about the power of the words we tell ourselves. I got into the concept of creating a "hyperbole" for yourself, a goal so big and so aligned with your soul that it almost sounds crazy...and why that might be exactly the point. I talk about my own hyperbole and why what we tell ourselves every single day might be the most important thing we're not paying enough attention to.

Shari Short is a RIAA certified multi-platinum songwriter and producer who has written for Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Rita Ora, Sofia Reyes and more. She toured as a background vocalist with Demi Lovato, managed Rebecca Black, became CEO of a boutique record label, and is currently the frontwoman of indie rock band Three One Zero. Oh, and she has a song up for a Primetime Emmy. Not bad for a shy girl from a small town in Idaho with a guitar! But Shari gets into what the highlight reel doesn't show you…the years of waitressing between opportunities, major label meetings that went nowhere and how she ended up interpreting rejection. Listen in for an inspiring conversation and leave ready to build your own success!

My new song American Dream comes out this Friday!! Pre-save it here . This week I'm getting into something that's close to my heart, the idea of the American Dream which inspired my new song out this Friday by the same name. In this episode I talk about why we can't separate our personal dreams from what's happening around us politically and socially. I share some stats that genuinely blew my mind and talk about why I think this isn't actually a left vs. right conversation, it's a human one. The America I grew up believing in as the daughter of immigrants is not the America we're living in right now. But at the same time, I think there is still hope. And that’s what I hope my new song brings to everyone, a sense of hope. Don't forget my new song American Dream comes out this Friday! Pre-save it today .

Dan Smalls is one of the most respected independent concert promoters in the country. With over 35 years experience, he built DSP (Dan Smalls Presents) from a single 1,600 seat theater in Ithaca, NY into a company doing 800+ shows a year across the Northeast. He's worked with legendary artists Pearl Jam, Phish & Blues Traveler, produced Phish’s epic end-of-summer festivals that drew up to 100,000 people and runs the Green River Festival in Massachusetts, happening in June. He did it all while staying fiercely independent. In this conversation, Dan shares his full origin story, from booking Blues Traveler at Cornell frat parties to getting hand-picked by the legendary Bill Graham, to nearly walking away from music entirely before finding his way back. We get into what it really takes to be an independent promoter, how he thinks about risk and what artists at any level can learn about building a career on their own terms.

This is for anyone who feels stuck in something that you don't want to be doing. About five years ago, I made the huge leap to sell my successful company (which I had been building for 10 years) to start a whole new career. It's been the best decision of my entire life but making the jump wasn't easy. In this episode, I share two things that will change your life and allow you to go after your dream. To go from being stuck in something in a life that you don't love to having the courage to take a risk on your dreams.

Sumi discusses the very real challenges building a career as an indie artist (you're not alone!!) and how to overcome them and win.

In this solo episode, Sumi breaks down the mindset shift that separates people who actually get better at something from those who stay stuck at the same level. Using her own piano journey and the 12 rules for mastery from Wynton Marsalis — one of the most celebrated trumpet players of all time — she gets into what focused growth really looks like and why most of us are working hard just to maintain, not improve.

This podcast episode features the esteemed Michelle Lewis, an award-winning songwriter and a prominent advocate for music creators' rights. We delve into her remarkable journey from crafting chart-topping singles for artists such as Amy Grant and Cher to her current role as the CEO of SONA, the Songwriters of North America. Lewis articulates the challenges faced by songwriters in an evolving music industry, particularly highlighting the detrimental impact of streaming on their earnings. Through her advocacy work, she emphasizes the importance of representation and equity for women and underrepresented groups in the music industry. We explore her insights on navigating the complexities of creativity and leadership, as well as the significance of being actively involved in decision-making processes that affect the livelihoods of creators.

Sumi talks about the the “Last Lap Syndrome,” that moment where you’ve done 80–90% of the work… but can’t seem to finish a creative project and put it out into the world. In this episode, Sumi shares: why creatives (especially those with ADHD tendencies) get stuck before the finish line the real reason finishing feels harder than starting how she has personally delayed projects for years (!!) and what she's doing differently now simple systems and mindset shifts that actually help you close the loop If you’ve ever had a creative project that's been almost done for too long… this one’s for you.

Sumi shares a little personal peek into her new attempt to start world building as an artist and what this means for her artistic evolution - and yours!

Welcome to the Dream Life Club podcast! Let's build our creative dream, together.

In this episode, Sumi shares what you might consider an embarrassing dating story to illustrate a point that she doesn't hear emphasized enough! Ultimately she shares how to process the chaos around us and make better art because of it! Takeaways: In the current climate of political turmoil and rapid technological advancements, we must cultivate our purpose and actively engage in creative endeavors. The importance of channeling our emotions into art, especially during challenging times, serves as a transformative means of expression and healing. Acknowledging the patterns of emotional reactions can significantly enhance our capacity to navigate personal and collective crises with resilience. Engaging in creative expression is not merely a personal endeavor, but also an essential act of community and humanity during tumultuous times.