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I Will Not Lose
Stories of Success Learned From Failure
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79. AI, Music & the Human Touch with Phaze Wun | IWNL 0079
01:21:46||Season 7, Ep. 79Phaze Wun returns to I Will Not Lose for a wide-ranging conversation with Tony Ortiz about music, technology, long-form content, creative independence, and what it takes to build something that lasts.They look back at live internet radio in 2007, examine social media as brand equity, and explain why a viral moment means little without a catalog or point of view behind it. Phaze Wun also reflects on being boxed in by an early song, becoming a multidisciplinary creator out of necessity, completing a new album through grief, and deciding whether this could be his final album.The conversation moves through AI music, Auto-Tune, automation, creative guardrails, communication, album aesthetics, faith, streaming economics, and the human judgment that makes identical tools produce completely different work.If this episode gives you something useful, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with another creator who is building for the long run.CHAPTERS00:00 Opening montage01:18 Phaze Wun returns02:13 Live streaming before it was normal04:33 Social media as brand equity05:58 Why a viral moment needs a catalog11:32 When one successful song puts you in a box12:56 The Renaissance approach to creative work16:33 Building the new album through grief17:44 Could the next project be an AI album?20:38 Auto-Tune, AI, and resisting new tools28:05 When AI gets the simple order wrong29:07 AI customer service and missing context35:18 Fear, incentives, and the AI argument38:34 The deeper you go, the clearer AI's limits become43:57 Training a local model through its mistakes44:46 Communication across cultures, people, and machines49:50 Creative waves and the possibility of a final album55:49 Merch, ownership, and selling directly57:02 What streaming actually pays independent artists59:55 Making the new album gritty without losing clarity64:46 Marriage, faith, and writing without old crutches70:32 The right tool and the human touch73:25 What it really costs to start a podcast74:35 High-tech cities and low-tech systems78:53 Training AI for a specific business79:34 Where to find Phaze Wun81:06 ClosingFind new episodes: https://iwillnotlosepodcast.comSupport the show: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=FKGSHYR8WAB7C&no_recurring=0&item_name=Invest+in+%22I+Will+Not+Lose%22+podcast%21+Help+us+produce+quality+content+and+support+the+show+by+donation%21¤cy_code=USD&source=qrPhaze Wun: https://themiserylovecompany.comTony: @tothedesigner#IWillNotLose #PhazeWun #Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #MusicIndustry #CreatorEconomy
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2. Men, Mental Health, Faith & Self-Defense with Ease | IWNL 0078
01:10:09||Season 7, Ep. 2Ease to the World joins Tony on I Will Not Lose for a raw conversation about men’s mental health, brotherhood, therapy, faith, reputation, self-defense, podcasting, and the discipline it takes to keep moving when life pushes back.They unpack why growth requires discomfort, why nobody succeeds alone, when a trusted circle is enough—and when it is time to speak with a professional. Ease also shares how boxing humbled him, how faith reshaped his perspective, and why confidence is built through action rather than performance.If this conversation gives you something useful, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs the reminder: you may give up mentally long before you actually have to.CHAPTERS00:00 Put in the work when nobody is watching00:48 Meet Ease to the World04:26 Growth begins outside your comfort zone07:15 Why nobody succeeds alone10:04 Moving, opportunity, and career portability13:29 Comparison, vulnerability, and changing views14:35 Crohn’s disease, food, and health discipline18:50 Men’s mental health and trusted circles26:45 Friends, therapy, and professional help29:26 Accountability and what therapy can do36:10 Bible study and getting closer to God39:09 Reputation, courage, and honest opinions41:57 Why networking matters beyond talent44:20 Faith, language, and intent47:05 Self-defense, restraint, and walking away51:27 The boxing lesson that humbled Ease54:10 Why men should learn self-defense57:20 The meaning behind I Will Not Lose01:02:08 What Ease is building next01:03:25 Stop waiting for perfect podcast equipment01:07:03 Where to follow Ease01:08:07 Closing and community initiativesFind new episodes: https://iwillnotlosepodcast.comCreative services: https://tothedesigner.comTony: @tothedesignerEase: @easetotheworld#IWillNotLose #Podcast #MensMentalHealth #SelfDefense #PersonalGrowth
1. Turning Hard Seasons Into Community - Jonathan Emery (Life's Checkmark Podcast) - IWNL #0077
01:17:35||Season 7, Ep. 1In this episode of I Will Not Lose Podcast, I sit down with Jonathan Emery and Giselle Quintanilla for a conversation about resilience, major life shifts, and what it takes to keep building when life gives you every reason to stop.Jonathan shares the story behind Life’s Checkmark and how it grew into a real community after two major shifts that could have taken everything in a different direction. We talk about consistency, business, meaning, and the kind of work that happens when nobody is watching but still ends up being the thing that sets you apart later.This episode is about more than business. It is about the life that comes with it, the people you become through it, and the reasons some stories end up helping other people keep going too.If you have ever had to keep building through a hard season, this one is for you.Listen to Life’s Checkmark and tap in with the story.#IWillNotLosePodcast #JonathanEmery #LifesCheckmark #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Storytelling #TonyOrtizTheDesigner
75. Mona Lisa X Andre Jata X Entertainment - #0075
01:05:54||Season 7, Ep. 75Episode #0075 features Mona Lisa with Andre Jata X for a conversation about her journey from middle-school talent shows to years of live performance, the discipline it takes to build a lasting career, and why real artists still matter in an AI-driven world. We also talk family, mentorship, theater, TV, and what it looks like to keep evolving as an entertainer.00:00 Intro and guest introduction00:02 Meet Mona Lisa00:09 Early career and the first talent-show win00:19 Business standards, referrals, and accountability00:29 Family, leadership, and mentoring00:39 AI, holograms, and the future of live music00:51 Getting back into theater and TV00:59 Closing thoughtsFor bookings and inquiries: 484-375-7753 | info@jataxsoulfulent.com#Podcast #MusicInterview #JataXSoulfulEntertainment
Know When to Get Off the Bus: The Art of Strategic Quitting With Jake Supreme - #0075
53:44|Tony Ortiz sits down with Jake Supreme of Abstract Music Empire to discuss the massive comeback of the Emmaus Theater. We’re talking about turning a local gem into the "Lehigh Valley Apollo". A hub for rap battles, R&B sing-offs, and high-stakes community competitions. If you're repping Easton, Allentown, Bethlehem, or Phillipsburg, this one is for you.0:00 - Intro and Motivation2:04 - Meet Abstract Music Empire5:41 - Discussing New Music Releases11:47 - The Artist's Creative Journey17:16 - Building a Professional Show24:27 - The Business of Events31:31 - Resilience and Avoiding Quitting40:10 - The Power of Community Support47:55 - Booking Trinidad James55:00 - Future Plans at Amaze Theater🔗 Support The ShowWe don't just talk about the dream; we build it. Help us keep the lights on and the mics hot.Official Website: IWillNotLosePodcast.comSubscribe: Catch us on your favorite podcast player!Featured in this episode:Tony Ortiz (@TOTheDesigner)Jake SupremeAbstract Music Empire#LehighValley #EmmausTheater #IWillNotLose #Podcast #PennsylvaniaCreatives #RapBattles #CommunityFirst #Manifest2026
74. From Local To Global with Red McFly - #0074
44:45||Season 6, Ep. 74On this episode of the I Will Not Lose Podcast, we sit down with Red McFly, an award-winning hip hop producer, performer, and creative force representing Allentown on a global stage.Red McFly has built a career that blends chart-topping production, live performance, and entrepreneurial vision, earning multiple Producer of the Year honors while staying deeply rooted in community and culture. In this conversation, we go beyond highlights and into the mindset, discipline, and long game required to survive and thrive in today’s music industry.From building real audience connection to mastering both the creative and business sides of music, this episode is a masterclass for artists, producers, and entrepreneurs who are serious about longevity.If you’re navigating creativity, branding, networking, or trying to build something that lasts without shortcuts, this one’s for you.Episode Breakdown0:00 - The Grindset Mindset2:00 - Connecting with Your Audience4:00 - Global Reach and Passion6:00 - Meet the Award-Winning Producer8:00 - Celebrating New Year's Eve10:00 - Allentown's Music Scene12:00 - Producing Chart-Topping Hits14:00 - The Evolution of Hip Hop16:00 - Inspired by the Greats18:00 - Mastering Both Sides of Music20:00 - Performing Live22:00 - Working with Idols24:00 - The Power of Networking26:00 - Continuous Learning in the Game28:00 - Entrepreneurship in Hip Hop30:00 - Building Your Brand Equity32:00 - The Music Industry's Pace34:00 - Consistency is Key36:00 - Community and Culture38:00 - Nepotism or Legacy?40:00 - The Art of Marketing42:00 - Music's Translatable Skills44:00 - The Importance of Timing46:00 - Don't Announce Departures48:00 - Collaborating with Experts50:00 - Supporting Local Talent52:00 - Defining Entrepreneurship54:00 - Creating a Regional Look56:00 - Community Impact58:00 - What's Next?1:00:00 - Elevate and Take FlightSubscribe for conversations on resilience, creativity, and winning without shortcuts. This is I Will Not Lose.
From Chaos to Clarity | Ali AMAC McGuire - #0073
01:02:48|Unlock your true potential and overcome burnout! Discover how to navigate challenges and find lasting fulfillment.Learn practical strategies for resilience and self-discovery.0:00 - Welcome to I Will Not Lose2:21 - Understanding Creative Expression4:21 - The Burnout Reality6:30 - Chasing the High8:40 - Living Your Human Experience10:10 - Burnout: The Devastating Fourth Stage12:21 - Finding Your Inner Compass14:11 - Core Values Drive Your Path17:05 - What's Your Why?19:00 - Your "House" and Safe Choices21:37 - The Power of Awareness & Choice24:30 - Finding Your Core Values26:15 - Ali's Contact & Closing ThoughtsSubscribe for weekly insights on personal growth and mental well-being! What's one step you'll take today to prioritize your journey? Hit the notification bell so you never miss a valuable episode.Watch next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCQl_2vf8kc&t=1sConnect with us: www.iwillnotlosepodcast.comSponsored by: Nexus Network#BurnoutRecovery #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #MentalWellness #SelfDiscovery