Meet Nancy See, Content Creator

Nancy See is a web developer who enjoys volunteering with her local CERT program, and she's also a board member at Forge54. Forge54 brings a community of passionate marketing and creative individuals together to serve nonprofit organizations through skilled giving.

For Nancy, 2017 is the year she's decided to stop placing limits on herself. She's getting out of her comfort zone, facing her fears, and doing things she wouldn't normally do--every single day. Follow Nancy's Break Outta Boring project on Instagram and YouTube as she completes 365 challenges in 365 days.

1. What gave you the idea to do 365 challenges in 365 days?

I was at a point in my life where everything I was doing was pretty routine. Then, it hit me. Here I was in my twenties and I wasn't living life. I was simply existing and I didn't want to anymore. I decided that I shouldn't wait until I was running out of time to see what life had to offer. The time was now and I decided to do something about it.

I actually started my project on December 1st, 2016, but the activities I did weren't so exciting--many were activities like, "try a new craft or try a new blend of tea." Mid-way through December, I decided that I wanted to do more activities that actually pushed me out of my comfort zone and/or normal things that I normally wouldn't do. That is where this idea was born. I had heard about two other people who did their own version of a 365 day project, and they inspired me to try my hand at it. That was when Break Outta Boring was born.

2. How do you come up with the ideas for the individual challenges?

Some of the challenges stem from fear. I have a fear of heights, so I went zip lining. I have a fear of snakes, so I went to hold a python. Other times, the challenges are spontaneous. I may be out and about and a situation may come up to try something new. If my immediate answer is, "no," then that is my new challenge of the day. I also have had family, friends, and co-workers give me some great ideas as well.

3. Why did you decide on Instagram and YouTube as the places to share your challenges, rather than setting up a website/blog?

I started with Instagram because that was a platform I felt comfortable with. With Instagram, it's very quick and easy to post a photo of the activity I did for that day. Even though I started with Instagram, I knew that YouTube would be a better platform for what I was doing. I wanted people to see my reaction and the reactions of others in my video when I do the challenges. Photos can't fully capture what videos can, so I started posting short clips on Instagram stories, then I moved to posting short clips as my Instagram posts, and then I finally posted my first video on YouTube on January 31st. The video has since been deleted. As for a website/blog, that will be up soon!

4. What are some of your favorite challenges you've done so far?

I enjoyed zip lining--how crazy that I may have missed the opportunity to find out that I actually liked it. I also enjoyed outrigger canoe paddling. That sport would have never even crossed my mind to even try. To add, I like the challenges I have done where I approach strangers. A few years ago, I definitely wouldn't have gone up to strangers and asked them for photos or asked to sit with them at dinner in a restaurant. Surprisingly, everyone is very nice and many are willing to participate in the challenges I do.

5. What's your advice to other people who are feeling a bit stuck in their usual routine and want to try something new and step out of their comfort zone?

As cliche as it sounds, "just do it." Many times people overthink things and situations before they even get a chance to try it. They have already placed a limit on themselves if that is how they approach trying new things. I know how that feels. I was there and I am still there on occasion. You just have to look at it and say, "No. I am not going to fear you. Fear has stopped me long enough and it won't stop me any longer." Just be curious about the world and see what happens when you stop limiting yourself.

Thanks, Nancy!

Meet Jamell Crouthers, Poet and Writer

Jamell Crouthers is a poet and writer who creates thought-provoking content about different aspects of life. His goal is to write poetry books on societal issues that we all face in today's age. Through writing poetry, he says, "it is an easy read for others, and it's a gateway to getting inside of my mind and how I write."

You can learn more about Jamell and read samples of his work by visiting his Amazon author page, as well as his author profile on Bublish. He is also on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube, and he maintains a personal website at http://www.aquarianmind.info/.

1. How did you first get started with writing poetry, and who are some poets whose work inspires you?

I got started with poetry when I was 13 years old. I wrote about life and thoughts that I had going on in my mind. As I got older, I wrote about my life experiences, love, and family. It wasn't until my 30s where I started writing about societal issues and more serious things regarding life.

A lot of the poets I follow on Instagram inspire me to write. Their poems relate to some life experiences I've been through. They give me a lot of ideas to write different things, too. I don't want to say names or anything, but I appreciate their work and self-expression through poetry. It takes a lot to share your thoughts and be vulnerable these days.

2. Why do you see poetry as the way to communicate your stories and ideas, rather than prose?

I see poetry as a way of self-expression. It's a lot of formulated thoughts all put onto a piece of paper. I find writing poetry and reading it as an experience that the reader will feel.

3. What's your process like for determining what goes into the manuscript of a book that you intend to publish?

I spend a lot of time brainstorming. I write everything down. I have a blue book with pens with me at all times. It's writing out chapters, developing the character I'm going to write about and thinking of a storyline for each character. I observe the world. I have a quiet personality at times, and that's where I'm thinking. I also talk to people and listen to their experiences. Listening to music gives me ideas too.

4. In sharing your work both in book form and through social media, do you get a lot of responses from readers?

With the readers that have read my books, I get a lot of wow responses and a lot of emotional responses from readers. It's an emotional rollercoaster for readers who read my books, and that's my goal. I like to create imagery and make people emote. I've had a reader tell me that she cried reading my book: that's when I knew I had them drawn in.

5. What else would you like readers to know about you and your writing?

I would definitely like to let readers know that my books are different. They deal with a lot of societal issues head on, and there is a lot of emotion that comes from the characters I've created. While it is fictional, these are characters that will relate to you in some way or they will relate to someone you may know. It's definitely not the traditional read. It's different but it's a good different and worth the read.

Thanks, Jamell!

Meet Sullee J, Poet and Hip Hop Artist

Sullee J is a warrior poet and philanthropist from Baltimore. He's an emcee whose strong will and devotion to the human spirit carries his exploration of the language, making serious play of the words that represent the deepest of the mind's pains, hopes, losses, and fears. He has recently collaborated with Young Buck, Project Pat, Joe Moses, Royce Da 5'9, Crooked I, Canibus, Cashis, Cyssero, K-Rino, and more.

Check out Sullee J's music on SoundCloud and YouTube, and follow him on Twitter.

1. When you were a kid, what came first for you--music or poetry, or did you become interested in both around the same time?

Poetry. If anything made sense at that point, it was putting my feelings into words. I felt like it was the best way to understand myself, and for myself to be heard. I would write for hours, and somehow it all came out in rhythmic patterns. The ink bled my thoughts, allowing me to escape my mind's darkest caverns.

2. What is your process like when it comes to composing new work?

Sometimes, depending on my mood, a whole song can take me under 20 minutes to write, and sometimes I will spend a week. It all depends on what I'm going through, and the current emotion I'm allowing to peak.

3. You do a lot of collaboration with other artists. What does collaboration add to your own work?

It allows me to build with the other artists and show versatility in my music. Because most of the collaborations I've had are with major artists, it really allows me to challenge myself as a musician. I will always be different--I choose not to be congruent. I want to show my fans, but also other artists on the come up, always stay true to yourself, regardless the influence.

4. What projects are ahead for you in 2016?

Stay tuned for a lot of brilliant works in the mix right now. My latest project coming out next is Andrew Slayer: The Undefined Soul. A clash between Hip Hop/EDM.

5. What is your advice to others who are interested in rap and hip hop but haven't started recording and sharing their own rhymes yet?

Don't let anyone else tell you how to feel about yourself. If you believe in your dreams, then keep going. You don't need people in your circle that are constantly putting you down. Stick to positive energy only. Life is too short to allow negativity to surround.

Thanks, Sullee J!

Meet Sal Rastegar, Actor

Sal Rastegar is a new actor that has found his calling and love in portraying strong-man and mobster characters. He has a love for history, in particular US mobster scenes from the 1930s to the 1970s, and he enjoys the nostalgic and romantic era cinema in these decades. With great love of history, he envisions playing in epic films about the ancient times going back to zenith of such empires as Roman, Persian, Greek and up to Spanish civilizations. For more on what people say about Sal's acting you can listen to short radio pieces on www.SalRastegar.com and read this fun survey on Facebook.

But the best way to learn about Sal is to watch him at work...

1. How did you first get into acting?

By luck. I've always been lucky in getting things done when I feel it. I was asked to help produce something, and later took acting classes. I got an agent and was asked to do a scene by a good actor/friend which started it all.

2. What do you enjoy about doing mob roles?

The nostalgia of the era and the paradox of those characters: family men, passionate, loyal, and simultaneously no conscience criminals. The dichotomy is atomic pressure.

3. What kind of research do you like to do for a part?

I try not to go to the source especially if I am doing a similar role as a big star. I got the general idea and know specific stories of the time, so I look into my own experiences and my family members who are some of the toughest guys I know first. I hope to be original while I keep accomplished actors/stars in high esteem and am moved by their intensity and devotion to the skill.

4. How do you see your career growing?

My plans is to be in a Scorsese production and do several mob roles for TNT, AMC, and stations that learn about me. I also envision and expect to secure the best agents and PR pros in the business. By the way, you should let Scorsese know of my plans.

5. What are your plans and/or goals for 2016?

Several great roles for me. I expect the year to be gangbusters!

Thanks, Sal!

Meet Michael Luchies, Entrepreneur and Writer

Founder of TrepRep, Michael Luchies is an entrepreneur, writer, and consultant who recently gave a TEDx talk on the subject of "The Importance of Being an Unselfish Storyteller." Check out his talk below, and visit him at MichaelLuchies.com.

1. Why is storytelling important for entrepreneurs?

Storytelling is extremely important for entrepreneurs. In fact, it's a necessity for their brand to be able to establish respect and resonance with their customers, grow, and survive, and it's what separates their brand from others.

The best brands today tell amazing stories.

Have you seen a Nike commercial lately, a can of Coca-Cola with someone's name on it, or even an episode of ABC's Shark Tank? These stories bring us closer to those companies.

There is a story (and in some cases thousands of stories) behind every company's brand, and the stronger that story (or stories), the more opportunities that brand has to earn and keep the loyalty of customers.

No one wants to connect with a logo; they want to connect with the brand and the people behind that logo.

After the homepage, a website's about page is the next highest viewed page. Why? Because we want to see how the business began, who's behind it, and why it began. This story helps us establish an understanding of and relationship with the business.

2. What separates a "selfish" from an "unselfish" storyteller?

Like storytelling in general, being a selfish storyteller is a natural part of our lives. It's also a necessity for the vast majority of human beings.

Examples of completely unselfish storytellers are monks and nuns. They dedicate their lives only to serve others, and the vows they take require unselfishly giving up the things that the rest of us seek to gain (money, family, fame, comfort, etc.).

With my TEDx Talk, "The Importance of Being an Unselfish Storyteller," I'm not suggesting that people become monks or nuns, but aware that the personal experiences and tough times and hardships they have been through can help others get through those tough times. These are the stories that can change the world.

What you ate for breakfast posted on Instagram or your blog post about reasons why someone should do business with you may serve a purpose, but are you posting these messages for you or someone else? The more we can even out the proportion of selfish and unselfish stories we tell, the better off the entire world will be. Inching closer to being an unselfish storyteller is something we should all strive for.

3. How did you come upon the opportunity to give a TEDx talk?

Networking and getting involved in things I love in the community.

In my years working for a nonprofit that worked with college students who had aspirations of becoming entrepreneurs, I learned the importance of building a network and the joy that came from selflessly helping others.

It was basically my job to help people--how cool is that?

From this experience I met many amazing people and continued to work with them after I had quit that job. When TEDx was launched in my area, Normal, Illinois, I was lucky enough to have been invited to participate.

If you want to speak at an event like TEDx, or do become involved in community events of this nature, start connecting with people who get stuff done. There are many people who talk about creating change and doing things, but very few people who take those thoughts and good intentions and turn it into actual action. I just got lucky enough to surround myself with a few of those people, and like to think I'm one of them as well.

4. In putting your talk together, what did you most hope that listeners would take away from it?

Too often, we worry about the way we will be perceived because of something we say instead of the positive impact it may have on others. We have to shift our mindsets a little bit to recognize how important being real and vulnerable in our communications to others is.

Leading up to the talk, I was scared and nervous about the talk. When talking to professional speaker coach and author Michael Port, he said that it's important to measure the fear you feel against your desire to get your message out to others. Since I had a significant desire to share the importance of being an unselfish storyteller with a large audience, my fear changed to anticipation. I was excited to share instead of being scared to mess up and fall flat on my face up onstage.

This same kind of shift in thinking is what I hoped to leave with listeners of my talk and people who watch it on the official TEDx YouTube channel. I want them to think of the value of their stories to help other people instead of worrying about how these stories may be used against them or the fear that comes with being vulnerable and giving away information that we’ve been told since an early age isn't appropriate to talk about.

Mentioning that I was held at gunpoint isn't fun or something I do to get people's sympathy or interest, but if one person gets the tiniest bit of comfort or decides to contact me to talk about it, I've been able to make a change that would've been impossible without sharing that piece of information.

We all have had our lives changed because of something someone else said. We can do this positively for others, but we have to be able to recognize these opportunities and not be afraid of opening up unselfishly to help. Each of us has the ability to be inspirational, motivational, and life-changing solely by speaking our truths and giving anecdotes and insight from our lives.

5. What else would you like readers to know about you--and about the ways that you help entrepreneurs?

Whether you're an entrepreneur, corporate professional, or unemployed, I'd like to encourage you to think deeply about how you communicate with others and what people around you need. Whether this is a story, helping hand, or something completely different, solving a need that people have around you will always be in demand.

With the entrepreneurs and small businesses I work with providing content strategy and management, I need to fill their need of connecting with people who need their help.

Regardless of what their business is and the products or services they offer, there are always more people they can serve and better ways to serve current customers. It may seem odd that writing can fill this need, but information is extremely valuable, and stories can be the vehicle for that information.

If you are interested in learning more about me or what I provide, I welcome you to visit MichaelLuchies.com, TrepRep.com, or email me right now at Michael@TrepRep.com and tell me how I may be able to help you or your business.

Thanks, Michael!

Introducing Murphy Ben International

Murphy Ben International is an entertainment company located in Lagos, Nigeria. Murphy Ben international creates, showcases, and aggregates African culture. Their goal is to promote African culture with the many websites, and they are the most popular Youtube channel in Africa, and you can learn more about them on Facebook.

1. How did Murphy Ben International first get started back in 2009?

The company was founded by CEO Murphy Anawana. He recognized a passion for music and entertainment himself; therefore, as a long-term dream, he wanted to follow through and have his own entertainment company.

2. Would you describe the company's work related to YouTube in Africa?

They create music videos and songs in order to promote African content. YouTube is so popular that it is easy to promote any new music. Murphy Ben International realized that YouTube is what helped the company be successful today.

3. How have you seen satellite television grow in Africa over the last few years?

It has grown immensely. Everything related to technology in Africa is continuously growing which is great for the company.

4. How are you addressing racism through your "I Am Wonderfully Made" campaign?

Everyone, every race needs to realize that we are all humans and we are all beautiful. Being a company that promotes African entertainment and talent, it is a different style than the popular music in America, therefore promoting that we are all equal as individuals, no matter what the differences.

5. What do you see as the future of Murphy Ben International?

Right now, with Africa continuously developing especially with technology, I see the future of Murphy Ben International as successful. It is looking good with what has been produced, and the production team is great and hard working.

Thanks!

Meet Dave K. of FanPageCash.org and ViralAccounts.com

Dave K. is the founder of a company that buys and sells viral social media accounts. Learn more about how to buy or sell accounts by visiting FanPageCash.org/ and ViralAccounts.com.

1. How did your company get started?

I started in 2010; back then the company was called FanPageCash. The website was built for my needs only, and it was never intended to be used commercially. I wanted to purchase Facebook fan pages to boost traffic to my websites, and in order to do so, I needed to raise legitimacy. The website provided just that, and FanPageCash.org was basically used as my online business card / portfolio. Even though the website was finished and I used it a few times, I had abandoned the project and moved onto different things. The website just sat there, collecting dust for nearly a year. Two months before the domain was set to expire, I noticed that people had actually started to visit the site, as I was getting new emails from willing fan page sellers. I decided to capitalize on this, and since then I've been buying and selling viral social media properties.

2. What are some reasons why people want to buy or sell social media accounts?

Well, people sell for obvious reasons, and the main one is money. Most viral account owners became popular out of pure luck. Usually a single funny image or video (and a bit of luck) is enough for a social property to become viral. The buyers, on the other hand, are mostly website owners who are looking to boost traffic on their websites. Social properties are the most cost-effective way of doing so (compared to paid ads). Typically, a website owner will purchase such a property and post relevant content to engage the fan base. In return, the fans/followers flock to the owner's website, and the owner reaps the benefits of extra ad revenue.

3. If an account was popular at one time but has been dormant for a while, what are some ways you've seen that buyers generate new interest in an old account?

This is really a hit or miss. There is no way of telling if a dormant account can be brought back to life, and on top of everything else, it is very difficult to revive one. One of the methods that works from time to time is to use a different, already active account to boost the popularity of the inactive one by shoutouts / retweeting or cross-sharing content.

4. What makes an account attractive to potential buyers?

Unlike paid ads where a business has to pay for every click or view, established social properties are a one-time investment. After the initial purchase, the buyer can advertise on it indefinitely, providing that he does it in a non-intrusive way. Over-spamming a viral property with irrelevant products will most likely kill the activity, thus ruining the buyer's investment. I always encourage posting quality content that complies with the social platform policies.

5. Are there any guidelines or terms of service that potential sellers should know about being asking you about selling an account?

There are too many to list. We go through extensive background checks, and not all properties qualify. Everything a seller needs to know can be found in our basic seller rules located here: http://viralaccounts.com/sell/.

Thanks, Dave!

Meet Oliver White, Barrister: A Commercial Barrister from London

Oliver White is a barrister based in London specializing in commercial litigation. In this interview he gives some background as to how he became a barrister, plus details on what a typical day could involve. If you would like to find out more about him, then please see his LinkedIn profile.

1. How did you first become interested in pursuing a career as a barrister?

My father spent his whole career in the practice of the law, albeit as a partner in a provincial but well-regarded solicitor's firm, in which he developed a specialty in commercial planning law. I remember attending a planning inquiry with him, only to discover that my father had instructed counsel to represent his client at the hearing.

Prior to this, I was unaware of the distinction in the profession between solicitor and counsel. I was fascinated about this division of labor, and by nature drawn towards the theatrical calling that is so often associated with a career at the bar. From that day, I cannot recall ever wanting to pursue a different career.

2. As a commercial barrister, what are some of the common types of cases you encounter in your practice?

The range of commercial disputes I have acted in or currently act in is unsurprisingly wide ranging, both in the legal problems and complexities each case discloses and also in terms of facts. However, as a general observation, many if not all commercial disputes contain certain underlying common themes, which in my experience are very human and flawed by nature in ways you might expect.

They include being motivated by greed, a hidden agenda which is driven by a belief in a need on some level to restore pride and exact revenge. Sadly, embarking on costly litigation is, I'm afraid to say, one of the least effective ways achieve any or all of the above.

3. What do you find most challenging about your work?

Every case presents its own unique set of challenges. Perhaps the most challenging is structuring the client's expectations of the likely outcome in a litigated dispute. Many clients only want to hear what they want to hear from their advisor, and I sometimes struggle to get through to an expectant and over-confident client the realistic strengths and weaknesses of their case.

As time goes on, I am improving my communication skills in relation to outcome prognosis, and hopefully this is increasingly helping my clients to be armed with a full and dispassionate overview of the merits of their case.

4. How do you envision your career path over the next five years?

At my age (37), I suppose it is just about realistic (albeit a trifle presumptuous) to be thinking of taking silk in five years time. It is certainly a target I would wish to set myself, and even if not achieved, it will hopefully provide a valuable motivational platform to increase the size and quality of my practice over the next five years.

If any potential clients are reading the interview, then they can find me on Google Maps by clicking on this custom map that I created: Oliver White Barrister on Google Maps.

Thanks, Oliver!

Meet Rambojoe43, Music and Media Artist

Joseph Reynolds Wesley AKA Rambojoe43 has a fascination with different kinds of media such as music production and video production. His plans for the future are to create a full-time job from his interests. Check out his work on YouTube: movie production and music production. You can also watch him on Twitch.tv. His work is also on iTunes, such as the track, What Dreams ARE.

He was also recently in a movie called Chloe's Mountain and is currently working with a company called Inspired Productions, a Christian video production company. Learn more by visiting the Facebook page for Chloe's Mountain.

1. When did you first become interested in playing music?

I first became interested in playing music was when I was about 15 years old and I was doing a search on google. I wanted to find something that was super creative and unpredictable. So I found first a thing called a music remixer. It was an app that had a pre-chosen song separated into different parts that you could activate at random times. For example, you could choose the drums you wanted and mix with the singing. Or choose the base and snare loops. What really got me interested in music making was when I opened up multiple music mixer apps at the same time. When I did this, the procedure was the same but all the voices working nicely with each other. Like a symphony. It was very satisfying. It was a while that I found that special hidden feature.

2. What inspires your musical experiments?

Well, much like the music mixer program I used when I was young, I love starting from scratch. I tell people I meet "you start off with nothing, not even one idea in your head, but then you put down one loop and another and eventually you end up with one fantastic piece of work." Start with nothing, and end with everything. Sometimes I make a sound so cool it either makes my head start bobbing or a tear start dropping from my face. For now I only do music experiments only because the experiments will eventually turn into full songs. And if I didn't experiment, nothing would ever be created.

3. Why did you decide to start filming yourself playing music for YouTube and Twitch.tv?

The way someone performs is very important to me. Sure, his music might sound great, but is he connecting with the audience. Is there any kind of eye contact? Does the crowd feel involved? When I watch my replay, I can learn what I can improve on personally. To be honest, one reason that I like to record myself might also be because as an athlete, I had to watch game film on myself at least once a week. The same principle was there: see what I did wrong and find a way to fix it. Another reason why I record myself is so that the music file doesn't take space on my computer. Every time I end the stream, the video uploads directly to Twitch and YouTube, which is very convenient when it comes to playing my whole video with my music.

4. What do you enjoy about video production work?

One of my video production teachers once said to me, it's not about the quality of the video you make; it's the story. Much like with my music production, I start out with an idea and build on top of it. I have videos on YouTube that I call experiment videos. And all my practice films hopefully turn into big productions. I think actually that some of my ideas have been picked up by major companies like Disney. I made a very interesting video about if you were to change places with your reflection, and a few months later I saw a very similar episode on the Disney channel's "Wizards of Waverly Place." I was super excited to see this idea come to life. Another thing that really boosts my motivation for video production is the teamwork that comes with it. I recently was helping out with a video company called Inspired Productions. We were making a video called "Chloe's Mountain," and I was the P.A., producer's assistant or gopher. I felt very involved. My job was to do anything the director or cinematographer said for me to do. When I was asked to do something, it would give me an opportunity to run, pick up what I needed (like a battery), and run back and return. I like that adrenaline I get from that. Last but not least, I love to be in front of the camera, although I don't speak much in front. I would be just fine if I were in a silent film, for instance.

5. How do you hope that your career will grow over the next couple of years?

I hope my career turns into something very special for everyone. But when things start speeding up for me, I hope everything stays solid, continuous sales and exposure. I was talking to my friend the other day, and he asked me a very interesting question. I think back to that question in relation to this question of where I see my career growing. His question was, would you rather be rich or famous? I looked at him with awe. Eventually I told him that I would want to be famous and here is why: when you're rich, all you have is power, and most people I know who are rich use it the wrong way. When I get famous, I feel that I will know I did something right. Being famous seems to me like a comfortable bed. I compare the bed to my fans because it's something I need help with and can rely on, much like when I'm tired and need somewhere to sleep. For example, maybe I need a suggestion for something. If I'm famous, I could ask and get a very quick and quality response back. Okay, all in all, don't get me wrong; lots of money is great, and give me the money, but I would much rather be rich. That is where I see myself getting to in a few years.

Meet Ram

RamzySweis is the founder of NeverRepeataJoke.com. Get a taste for his work in the video below.

Ramzy has toured internationally and earned a reputation for himself by achieving the rare feat of never repeating a joke after 83 episodes at 53 comedy clubs in Indiana, New Jersey, LA, Nashville, Chicago, and the Middle East.

Another thing that makes Ramzy unique is that he invests in a cafe in Amman, Jordan where he performs in his native tongue. The Arab News formerly employed Ramzy to run a column, but he lost that gig after 14 months of writing bi-weekly columns as his editors feared for his safety as he lured 380K readers, and some of his work received an incendiary backlash.

Ramzy has spent a lot of time building a social media following and creating a niche in the market, a universal demographic and social empire appraised at $13K by Vocus. He counts 39K followers on Twitter, 10K fans on Facebook, and 2 million views as a YouTube Partner.

In Ramzy's own words: "We can contain class clowns running amok who are the life of the party. Ice-breakers. Diffuse tension. Without a creative outlet. Women become Instagram famous with a single scantily clad photo. Men are forced to amuse behind a computer screen. Loneliness reduces serotonin which is vital in health & functioning. Certain economic adjustments & social changes are imperative to avoid cultural disaster."

Meet DoMoJOAT, Artist, Musician, and Performer

DoMoJOAT, short for DoMo The Jack of All Trades, is an amazing artist/performer from Brooklyn, NY. He dances, plays the steel pan and piano, arranges music, writes poetry, write songs, sings, and raps. What can't he do?

He used to perform with his backing music on cds or mp3s, playing digital tracks. Then he realized that the live sound always sounds better during a performance, and in time he formed his own band. They call themselves "Andefekt" (And-Effect). They have performed all over NY, and DoMoJOAT himself has performed all over the country. He and the band are seeking and working to expand.

Learn more about DoMoJOAT and Andefekt on Instagram, Tumblr, Twitter, and YouTube.

1. How did you first get started making music as a young man?

My first introduction to music was when I was in 6th grade and I learned to play the steel pan. I then started to write music in high school. I started with writing reggae music, then in college I started writing more hip-hop.

2. When you're composing music, what's your process like? Does the rhythm usually come to you first, or the words, or...?

When I'm composing music, the rhythm usually comes to me first. It's more of a feeling and mood that I get, and I express it through the music. The words usually come after.

3. Would you tell us a bit about Andefekt and the music that you create and perform with the band?

Andefekt consists of five members. DoMoJOAT lead vocalist and steel pan player, Jovii Linkz Lead Guitarist, Ryu Drummer/Keyboardist, Jabbsz Drummer, K9 Keyboardist. We're all from Brooklyn, NY. The music the band plays is DoMo's (my) original music, also some cover songs as well. We're in the process of creating new material as a band.

4. What are some of the key differences between digital/recorded sound and live music?

Key differences are freedom for the artist. When playing with a band, the artist has more freedom to do more and add more theatrics to their performance versus an artist performing to a CD that's just playing the track that was produced, mixed, and mastered. When playing the music live, it's a natural feeling that the artist knows they're creating for their audience which is a great experience.

5. Looking ahead into 2015, what do you see yourself doing over the course of the year?

I see myself creating some new videos for the year, touring with the band, working on either another mixtape or album, and always keeping working and never quitting.

Thanks, DoMo!

Meet Josey Milner, Country Singer and Anti-Bullying Spokesperson

Josey Milner is part small town teen, part road-worthy country starlet, and starting at only 17 years old, she turned heads and changed hearts with her debut US single, "Not Pretty Enough." The song thrust Josey into the country music spotlight, launching her anti-bullying campaign with Angels and Doves, and earning her a 2013 Independent Country Music Award nomination for Promising Young Artist, a Top 10 Hottest New Artist designation, and a Number One single on the world’s first independent country music chart, Indie World. Now, 19 and a recent Magna Cum Laude high school graduate, this CMT.com Top 20 Artist has taken her initial successes to greater heights with "Cowgirls."

Learn more about Josey by visiting her website, www.JoseyMilnerMusic.com, and by following her on Facebook, Twitter, and especially YouTube where you can check out her latest music videos.

1. How did you first become interested in singing, and what's it been like to have gained so many fans for your music at such a young age?

Growing up, I've always loved music. I was constantly listening to the radio, asking for CDs/artist merchandise as gifts, and singing whenever I could. It's just something I always caught myself doing. Before my music, I would sing the National Anthem at rodeos, and that led to me being invited to sing at the National Steel Guitar Convention in St. Louis in 2010. From being heard on stage, I was then advised that I should try out the career. Since then, it has been this incredible journey with so much support. I could never thank my family, friends, and fans enough for everything they have done to help out with my music and just supporting me through it all. I am truly humbled. 

2. You're finding some great success with the release of your first singles. Do you have an album in the works?

I do not necessarily have an album, but I do have an EP that we are working on that will have five or six songs. 

3. What do you see as the importance of social media for musicians, and how do you decide what to post on your different social media accounts?

Social media plays a huge role in the music industry today. It allows you to stay better connected with your fans, and it also allows you to keep everyone updated of what you're working on. I run my social media as if I were talking to friends or family. I keep it clean and post some personal stuff, such as pictures, just to show that I do everyday life things as well. Just reassures people that I'm human, too. :)

4. You've been working with some really talented people in country music. Could you tell us a bit about the role of collaboration in your work when it comes to writing, performing, and recording music?

I have not collaborated with anyone yet, but it is definitely something I plan on doing. I think it is so cool when artists do music together because it allows the artists to reach out to other fan bases and sometimes even other genres. I have worked with some pretty amazing people in the studio, though, and that is always exciting! 

5. Finally, would you tell us a little bit about Angels & Doves and your role in working with this organization?

Angels and Doves is an anti-bullying organization that is focused on preventing bullying-related suicides. They go around and talk to schools about bullying and what you can do to help. Being a spokesperson for them, I spread the message about trying to end bullying and to talk to people if you ever need anyone to talk to. They're a really great organization, and I am extremely grateful to be a part of the group. 

Thanks, Josey!

Meet TheJonno57 (Jon Bachtold), YouTuber

TheJonno57 (Jon Bachtold) describes himself as a crazy guy who likes to mix comedy with serious topics. He says that his humor though is his kind of humor, which isn't always what's popular at the moment, but he's not gonna conform! Jon is a big believer in believing in oneself, having confidence, and abiding in faith.

Check out his YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/THEJonno57. And follow him on Instagram and Twitter.

1. How do you get your ideas for what to make videos about?

For my show, "Jon Rants," inspiration for topics to convey will hit me at the most random times! I am always constantly writing down ideas in the note section on my phone. Also, I will sometimes receive ideas from my few, AMAZING fans and give my opinions on various subjects. I always try to be myself when I talk about anything. This isn't always seen as funny to everyone, but I am a big believer in being one's self! So, When someone watches a video of mine, I want them to get 100% me.

2. How frequently do you try to upload new stuff--and where do you share your videos in addition to YouTube?

I have two things that I upload on a consistent basis. Fridays, I upload the show "Jon Rants" where I give my opinion on certain topics. Mondays, I upload vlogs of really stupid crap that I do :P If someone is trying to find me on the interwebs, Twitter/Instagram is where I share most of the time: @Jonnob57 for both if anyone is wondering. Also, I share content on Facebook on the rare occasion I get on there.

3. Do you ever feel like you're making a video because you think it will help you gain more views/followers, or do you always make the videos you want to make, regardless of what others might like or not?

I have followers?

Now if I was really witty, I would have ended my statement there!

In a recent video of mine, Don't Care No More, I talked about how this year I'm going to not care what other think of me. So I this year I am focusing what God wants me to do and not what others want me to do. I have some "haters," if you will, that I feel like I have to appeal to, too. I'm going to not focus on what these individuals are saying and focus on doing what I feel is right!

4. When it comes to following other people on YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter, what tends to catch your interest?

People I like to watch are people with their own sense of humor. People who aren't scared to be themselves are always interesting for me to watch/follow. I also am a HUGE music fan. There are lots of bands I love to keep tabs on. So what catches my interest? Well, originality, confidence, and hilarity!

5. Do you find connections between your online projects and your day job (etc), or are they mostly pretty separate?

Being a Youtuber, I am constantly having to push my personality to the limit. This has helped my in the outside world with talking to strangers. Very awesome tool! However, knowing when to pull the camera out and when to live in the moment is a thing I am currently learning. Some things need to be an experience between friends, and other things need to be shared with the world! I don't want to end up being "that guy" if you know what I mean.

Thanks, Jon!

Meet Sherel Ames, Creator of Fight for the Family TV Series

Houston native Sherel Ames has created a new family drama meant to engage and entertain audiences of all ages. Fight for the Family is centered around detective James Guillory and his younger sister Toi Allen. The show focus on their struggles to overcome issues that attempt to rip their families apart. Visit www.fight4thefamily.com to learn more about the show and watch it online. You can also follow Fight for the Family on Facebook.

To get an idea of the show, check out this teaser from the third episode.

1. What inspired the creation of Fight for the Family?

Hearing a sermon my pastor preached with the same title inspired me to create the series.

2. I like the idea of a brother and sister and their families being the center of the show. Do the characters experiences any tensions when it comes to their different family ties?

There is a lot of family tension in the show.

James Guillory, played by Carlton Skinner, and his wife Aisha Guillory, played by Aisha Jordan, are going through a battle because she wants to leave her husband and two beautiful daughters to move to London because of her job.

Nico Allen, played by Michael Fontenot, and Toi Allen, played by Candace Ames, are expecting a child. Toi wants to abort because the timing, as she puts it, "is terrible."

3. How are you distributing the show locally and nationally?

The show is currently airing on digital channel 15.1 in Houston and streamed at www.bethelsfamily.tv. Beginning in February, it will air on Comcast, Direct TV, Dish Network, and Roku. Check your local listings.

4. What is your favorite part about working as a producer on this project?

What I like most about working on this project is that I have the opportunity to work with some of the most talented and dedicated actors in Houston.

Thanks, Sherel!

Meet Christos Pittis, Educator and Entrepreneur

Born in Cyprus, Christos Pittis is an entrepreneur and teacher who offers a variety of courses through Udemy. He holds degrees in Economics and Management and has worked as a Business Services Consultant in Dubai, Cyprus, Lebanon and Egypt. His Udemy classes emphasize accounting and bookkeeping, global entrepreneurship and marketing, social media, and other topics. Learn more about Christos on his Udemy profile and by watching the YouTube video below.

1. How did you first hear about Udemy, and what made you decide to start teaching through the site?

I used to run my own educational organization, and also at that time, around 2013, we were operating a live online school. I did a search on the web to see what competitors were doing. I come across a marketing course on Udemy, not Udemy's landing page directly. I paid to enroll in that course, and I was impressed, not only by the quality of the course, but the platform as well. It was the best online platform I'd seen.

I am an accounting teacher as well, and I started teaching accounting back in 2006, so I had the material ready. So I purchased a camera and a mic, and I started filming my course to upload to Udemy.

2. You offer a variety of courses. How did you decide which courses to teach?

I have created six courses so far, and I am in the process of publishing one more course. The course name will be "Interviews with 10 Startup Owners," or something like this. It is not finalized yet. I have two accounting courses, one for beginners and one for intermediate users. I also have one course for YouTube channel owners, one for the largest social media network in Europe (VKontakte, the so-called "Russian Facebook"), one for website building with the help of freelancers, and one entrepreneurship course for young entrepreneurs. Here is the complete list:

• Accounting 101: A Beginner's Guide to Business Accounting
• Accounting 102: A Intermediate Guide to Business Accounting
• VKontakte: Beginner's Guide to European Social Media
• Website Secrets: Get a Gorgeous Website on the Cheap
• Become a Global Entrepreneur: A Young Professional's Guide
• YouTube: Transform your channel into a money making machine

Click here to see my Udemy profile: https://www.udemy.com/u/christospittis/.

Now allow me to answer how I decide on what courses to offer. It is a combination of three factors:

1. My personal knowledge and experience
2. Trending courses at Udemy
3. The most popular Google keyword searches

3. What would you say distinguishes your courses in terms of the quality of content as well as your professional experience?

I focus on the following aspects:

• Value-delivering on expectations and learning objectives
• Content quality: relevancy, structure, comprehensiveness, and accuracy
• Instructor quality: credibility, delivery, and responsiveness
• Practical applications: quizzes, resources, and exercises
• Technical quality: clear audio and video

I also try to make things as simple as possible. I do the hard work and deliver material to students with step by step instructions and guidelines. I like to talk with students and learn from them as well.

I have some experience in my professional life which I apply to my teaching. I am an entrepreneur as well, and I used to work as an ERP consultant for one of the best applications of Microsoft.

4. Could you tell us a little more about what students can expect from your courses? What kind of content will they receive, and do they get to interact with you personally to ask questions or get feedback?

Students will receive expert tips and guidance that are difficult to find elsewhere. They will also receive important information and learn how to do things properly. They can get support and often updates as I revisit and revise my course materials. My courses usually contain around 80% video and 20% quizzes, pdf documents, and presentations. Most of the time, I offer discounts to my students for upcoming courses of mine.

I am always open to answer any questions and assist students with performing specific tasks.

5. What makes Udemy a good resource for people who want to grow as entrepreneurs?

Udemy offers almost 20,000 courses in various topics like business, technology, entrepreneurship, marketing, and even yoga classes! More than 10,000 skilled and well-known instructors from all over the world are teaching through this platform. Additionally, Udemy offers a lifetime access guarantee, so once you buy the course, you'll always be able to access the course content. Large organizations can subscribe in a flexible and economic plan to educate their employees.

6. How can interested people sign up for your new course "Interviews with 10 Startup Owners"?

The new course will be released in January or early February 2015, and anyone interested can submit a valid email address by clicking the link below. The normal price will be $299, but I offer a very good discount for the readers this blog at $99. For more information, please click here http://eepurl.com/9SYzX.

Thanks, Christos!

Meet R.L. Terry, Creator of Swaggapuss Gets a Job

R.L. Terry is the creator and producer of Swaggapuss Gets a Job, an independent variety sitcom. Check out the show's pilot episode on YouTube, or by watching below.

1. Who is Swaggapuss and how did you come up with the name?

Swaggapuss was originally a joke one of my bandmates Mikey Hendrix and his wife came up with about four years ago. He was supposed to be a cartoon that's too cool for everything he does. His name kind of mocks pop culture because at the time the slang "swag" was popular.

2. What is the concept of Swaggapuss Gets a Job?

The concept of the show is Swaggapuss getting kicked out of his mom's for being a lazy adult. He moves in with his cousin R.L. (me) with one rule: that he has to get a job. Faced with the real world, he constantly messes up his chances of keeping a job. His best friend Chips plays a heavy influence on Swaggapuss as he is more concerned with being cool to his friends than anything else.

3. What do you find the most fun--and what do you find the most challenging--of creating your show?

The most fun is coming up with the concepts and jokes. Also, it's fun seeing people's reactions when we are shooting. The most challenging is the actual behind-the-scenes work of shooting, editing, writing, and acting. Being currently independent, we are all playing multiple roles which makes it more demanding and time-consuming to get the job done.

4. As an independent artist, how do you put together the funding for your projects?

Right now, the funding comes out of my pocket. We have a Kickstarter that is currently running, and we will soon start a merchandise campaign. Once he is a household name, it will pay for itself.

5. What can viewers who follow your YouTube channel expect to see in the months ahead?

We have five more main episodes left to release from the pilot season and a blooper episode to top it off. We will be in many locations and and attending events where we could be shooting if you ever see us.

Thanks, R.L.!

Meet Jonathan Real, Magician and TV Host

Jonathan Real, a master magician from New York, performs close-up magic for small, intimate audiences that often include chart-topping musicians and celebrities. You may have seen Jonathan on Real Magic TV (RMTV); the show features Jonathan's magic skills as well as his ability as a celebrity interviewer.

Jonathan has performed for a variety of celebrities, from Maroon 5 and Jason Mraz, to Dan Aykroyd and Kevin Bacon. He also donates his time and magic skills to coaching youngsters as a Director at the Society of Young Magicians.

Learn more about RMTV on Hulu and YouTube.

1. How did you first become interested in magic?

I was always enamored with magic. When I was four or five, I saw a magician perform at a birthday party and was immediately hooked. There is something about it: it has the ability to take an audience on a journey. It makes us realize that there is much more in life than what we see. To be able to bring that feeling to people, and more recently, mainstream celebrities, is just amazing.

2. Would you tell us a little bit about the concept behind Real Magic TV and how you got involved with the show?

Real Magic TV was born from a film project called "Real Magic New York." The original film followed me around the state of NY performing magic in support of the Twin Towers Fund. At the tail end of the benefit project, I was invited to perform for the com band Sevendust. The band's appearance opened the door to a host of record labels and artists wanting to get involved with a magic/music show. We originally called it "RMNY Backstage" but quickly changed the name to "Real Magic TV" after the third taping, and it has stuck ever since.

The concept itself is extremely original. In a nutshell, I am invited backstage at popular music shows to do magic for the bands. The show captures both the magic and a relaxed conversation I have with each band.

A few years ago we added live music performances to the show as well and had the honor of debuting Jason Mraz's hit "I'm Yours" with an exclusive acoustic multiple-cam recording four years before its release. The performance has been viewed millions of times worldwide and launched a whole series of acoustic sessions that we continue to do to this day.

3. How can viewers of RMTV interact with you online and share suggestions of tricks they want to see you perform?

We have just launched a special website for just that purpose: http://www.challengethemagician.com. Viewers can submit their own magic idea videos for me to view and tackle on the program. The site allows the public to see all of the submissions and vote on their favorites. We've seen everything from card tricks to mentalism/seeing through blindfolds and escape requests come in so far.

4. What do you find to be the most fun--and the most challenging--about performing magic?

The fun part is easy: performing magic is extremely rewarding. Seeing the smile on someone's face is incredible and what I strive for in every performance.

The challenging part is practicing and keeping on top of your game. I'm in a really unique place with this show because unlike most magicians performing on stage or in front of a large crowd, I am most often performing for an audience of one. And that one person is a well-known celebrity with a loyal following. The first few tapings we did were extremely nerve-wracking, realizing that if I mess up an effect, not only will this person know about it, but potentially millions of their fans as well. But with risk comes reward, and my career was launched by so many mainstream artists that shared with their fan bases the great stuff I was able to do for them.

5. For people who want to improve their own skills as magicians, what's your best advice?

Practice makes perfect. As secretive as magic is, there are groups across the country that can help you learn the art and perfect it. I joined one such organization (The Society of Young Magicians) at the age of 12, but they welcome people as young as seven who have an interest.

Other than that, you need to perform for as many people you can once you have perfected a trick. And before you have it down perfect, perform for yourself, for a video camera or for other magicians. It's a lot like music: you aren't going to be very good at it at first, but with experience you can really create great and memorable performances.

Thanks, Jonathan!

Meet Ross Barber, Web Designer for Bands and Musicians

Ross Barber is a web designer who specializes in design for bands and musicians. With his company Electric Kiwi, he has worked with many independent and unsigned artists to enhance their online presence.

1. What inspired you to create a web design and marketing firm specifically geared toward the music industry?

I've always loved music, and studied BA (Hons) Popular Music Performance at university. I started my course with the idea of becoming a professional singer/songwriter; however, as I progressed, I found I was becoming more interested in the promotion and marketing side of the industry. I had been designing websites since I was around 12 years old, and it made sense to me to combine the two things that I loved: web design and music. From there, Electric Kiwi was born!

2. What do you see as some specific/unique needs for music artists when it comes to building a website?

I create completely custom websites for each musician, as I think everyone's needs are different. However, I'd say that every musician's website should have the following sections: a way for people to listen to/buy your music, a way for people to contact you (you'd be surprised how many artist websites DON'T have contact information), a news section so people can see that you're still active, show listings (if you play live), and a design that reflects who YOU are as an artist.

3. In addition to having a great website, what else do people need to do to get noticed online in the music world--both by industry professionals and by fans/listeners?

I think with everyone being so easily connected via social media, fans and listeners expect artists to be available and want to connect with them on a personal level. For this reason, I think it's so important for artists to be engaging with their audience on social media. Of course, good music comes first, but you can't underestimate the power of building relationships and connections with your fans and industry professionals--it can make a huge difference.

4. I've often read the advice that with social media and online marketing, it's good for an indie artist to choose one network and commit to posting there rather than trying to "do everything" with social media. What are your thoughts on this?

I agree. There's a lot of overwhelm, especially for artists who are still in the DIY phase of their career. It can be tempting to be everywhere all at once, but ultimately, something is going to slip when you're spreading yourself so thin. It's good to have a presence on all of the major social platforms, but the main thing to bear in mind is where your audience is, and also what platform you enjoy using the most. My suggestion would be to be active on Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube (if these are relevant to your music and fanbase), but to also have profiles set up on the other platforms so people can find you there.

5. Would you tell us about your new podcast interview series and what listeners can expect to hear?

Absolutely! I've just launched a new podcast show with my friend Marcio Novelli, called Bridge The Atlantic. We interview musicians and creative professionals about their careers. We're aiming for a balance between entertainment and education, so we try to keep it lighthearted and fun, a little more like a TV talk show than most other music business podcasts. We're on YouTube and iTunes, but the best starting point would be our website: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com.

Thanks, Ross!

Introducing RaiseYourPaddlez, a New Auction Site

RaiseYourPaddlez is a new website for live auctions. The video below gives a good explanation of how the site works.

If you have items you wish to sell at auction, you would register as a user of the site, and then upload information about your product. The site has a variety of categories to choose from so that people browsing the listings will find your item, and the interface is easy with fill in the blanks forms to use.

The creators of the site emphasize that their intent is to offer a safe buying and selling experience, without the high selling fees of some other sites. They also pride themselves on offering excellent customer service.

RaiseYourPaddlez was launched just two months ago, so keep an eye on it to see how it grows as an auction-format marketplace for buyers and sellers all over the world.

Introducing GoodMovies4u.com

Looking for movie recommendations? GoodMovies4u is a website where you can find listings giving information and viewer ratings for thousands of great movies from various categories.

Since one of the best ways to find good movies to watch is to browse through a category of films you like (or the type of film you feel in the mood to watch on a particular night!), the makers of GoodMovies4u have also created a variety of popular categories that you can surf, such as comedy. There is even a category for good YouTube videos!

As you scroll through the listings for different films, you can also view movie trailers and read plot descriptions on the site. Plus, as you browse or search, you can filter your list by release year and IMDb ratings. The listings also contain links to Amazon if you want to quickly click over and buy your favorite movie.

This is a clear, useful, and easily navigable site. I can see myself spending time here when I want to find something new to watch!