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Dream Life Club
30 episodes
Listen to this if you're feeling discouraged
Ep 44 · Jul 25, 2026 · 21 min
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.
Get into the WILD: the 3 C's for Success as a Creative
Ep 43 · Jul 3, 2026 · 21 min
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 th…
Building Community and Connection in the Music Industry with Hannah Avison
Ep 42 · Jun 26, 2026 · 49 min
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 care…
Thai Long Ly on Fear, 20+ Years in Music and One Question Every Creative Needs to Answer
Ep 41 · Jun 19, 2026 · 49 min
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, a…
Creating your FUEL for a Winning Creative Career
Ep 40 · Jun 13, 2026 · 25 min
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 arti…
Ethan Buckner on Music, Activism and Living a Life By Design
Ep 39 · Jun 9, 2026 · 47 min
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 sha…
Amber Grimes on Ego, Anti Girl Bossing and Upgrading Your Dreams
Ep 38 · Jun 5, 2026 · 57 min
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 yo…
Producer Ryan Gladieux on engineering hits, working with the greats and loving the journey
Ep 37 · May 29, 2026 · 1 hr 4 min
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, Saweeti…
How Hyperbole, Hinduism & the Right Words will help you Build your Dream
Ep 36 · May 26, 2026 · 24 min
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.
How to Build a Multi-Platinum Career in the Music Industry: Shari Short’s True Story
Ep 35 · May 15, 2026 · 1 hr 2 min
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 s…
The American Dream: Why Your Personal Dream Can't Exist Without This Conversation
Ep 34 · May 12, 2026 · 20 min
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…
Never Sell Out: Dan Smalls on Building Something Real in the Music Industry
Ep 33 · May 8, 2026 · 1 hr 1 min
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 st…
How to Get Over Fear and Build Your Dream
Ep 32 · Apr 28, 2026 · 28 min
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…
This Is Why Creatives Quit — And How You Won't
Ep 31 · Apr 18, 2026 · 30 min
Sumi discusses the very real challenges building a career as an indie artist (you're not alone!!) and how to overcome them and win.
What It Actually Takes to Get Better
Ep 30 · Apr 10, 2026 · 20 min
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.
Empowering Songwriters: Michelle Lewis' Journey in Advocacy
Ep 29 · Mar 27, 2026 · 55 min
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…
Navigating the Final Stretch: Overcoming the Last Lap Syndrome in Creativity
Ep 28 · Mar 20, 2026 · 23 min
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…
What is the Dream Life Club podcast?!
Mar 11, 2026 · 1 min
Welcome to the Dream Life Club podcast! Let's build our creative dream, together.
my NEW strategy on building a career as a music artist
Ep 27 · Mar 11, 2026 · 26 min
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!
We Need your Art NOW more than EVER (told through a dating story!)
Ep 26 · Feb 6, 2026 · 19 min
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 a…
How to Speak With Influence (Without Trying to Convince)
Ep 25 · Jan 21, 2026 · 25 min
In this episode, Sumi shares 4 frameworks to use immediately in your conversations with EVERYONE in order to own your power and have more influence, immediately! She's hot off an in person training with the GOAT of public speaking himself, Richard Greene, and is sharing from the heart. So listen in to get all the juice!
5 things helping me stay grounded, inspired and creative during these chaotic times!
Ep 24 · Jan 16, 2026 · 16 min
Sumi shares 5 concrete things she's doing during this season to help make sure she stays grounded, inspired and creative during these times while plugging in, strategically, to what's going on in this country.
Rebranding to Creating Amid Chaos
Ep 23 · Jan 9, 2026 · 9 min
Sumi X welcomes you to 2026 with a rallying cry to keep creating, keep making art, keep finding joy and keep coming back to your humanity...despite the chaos in thew world around us. Now more than ever, we need your art!
What it Means to be an American
Ep 22 · Nov 13, 2025 · 1 hr 2 min
Amidst humored disagreements, Sumi and Ryan explore the complexity of feelings when it comes to identifying as an "American" today. They open ups conversation on values, patriotism, best case scenarios, who we're mad at most right now and ways we can actually Make being an American Great Again.
Welcome to WTF Do We Do Now
Ep 21 · Nov 13, 2025 · 26 min
Sumi and Ryan introduce the podcast, WTF do we do now!?" inviting you into a space where we can have smart, emotional and casual conversation about what's going on in America today, how we can deal with it, and do our part to make a positive impact. We don't claim to have the answers but we ask questions, share our (often-conflicting) opinions and provide a space for exploration.
We're BAAAAACK! Season 2 (what to expect)
Ep 20 · Nov 13, 2025 · 11 min
As promised, join the Sumiverse (i.e. our email community) here! https://fans.xosumix.com/join-the-sumiverse Sumi shares a new surprise for season 2 and a little advice on achieving a creative dream. Enjoy!
2024 in Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Thrill of 2025
Ep 19 · Jan 28, 2025 · 25 min
Well, well, well. Sometimes things do NOT go as planned! I had recorded this episode middle of December of 2024 - but then my grandmother passed away and I had to take a couple emergency trips to DC, my assistant had a mental breakdown and suddenly left the country, the fires in LA hit as soon as I got back from DC and then 47 was inaugurated and it's been a bit chaotic in my mind and life lately! Anyway, I figured I'd get this episode to y'all anyway because even though it seems a little out of…
The Mindsets Behind my first $25M Deal: Ask about the Llamas
Ep 18 · Nov 23, 2024 · 15 min
In this episode, Sumi offers 4 steps to winning big in business - but these are not strategies or tactics. Instead, they are often-overlooked mindsets behinds the actions you need to take to win big. Listen in!
2 Tips to Navigate Differences Productively at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table & Beyond
Ep 17 · Nov 15, 2024 · 16 min
We're living in a divided world where half the country believes one set of facts while the other half believes an entirely different one. Sumi delves into this pressing issue of misinformation in light of recent election results, emphasizing the urgent need to counter disinformation with empathy and understanding. She introduces a powerful communication strategy called the Truth Sandwich, which helps navigate difficult discussions without resorting to conflict or defensiveness. This approach enc…
4 Questions for 2024 Success
Ep 16 · Nov 1, 2024 · 16 min
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast! Ever feel behind or like you're not sure if you're maximizing your time, energy or potential? Ever feel like you could be doing so much more? A little planning goes a long way and in today's episode, Sumi offers 4 specific questions to ask yourself today to make sure you feel fulfilled and complete when New Year's Eve hits. Let's explore the balance between hustle and grace, and hear how Sumi herself thinks about approaching year end. Enjoy! Are…
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