Chocolate Croissants

Episode 23: Chef Neill Howell (The Corner Pantry)

Chef Neill moved from London to NYC when the opportunity presented itself to advance his career. (Talk about jumping off the deep end.) There he met his wife and they moved to Baltimore to open up their own food business. (Talk about hitting the jackpot.) Neill spent a couple hours with us at the CCCompound to share his story and wisdom. He took us through the process of starting a business including, hiring the team, creating the menu, and networking with farmers. Neill also shared how giving up drinking changed his life and his strategies for dealing with anxiety. Dude has also competed as a martial artist and explains how this has helped him become a better chef and entrepreneur. Plus...he's another guest with a cool accent. Enjoy! (corner-pantry.com)

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Episode 22

It's been awhile, man, and we were itching to go back to our original format for a week. This is the deepest dive we've gone into music so far as we discuss our approaches to composition and share what we've been listening to most this year. Other highlights include, Jordan sharing the most valuable lesson he learned from Benny Greb in 2015, Matt sharing his story of moving back home from LA and figuring out how to raise capital to launch Bandhappy, and how Justin built a thriving vintage bass guitar business that allowed him to travel the world. We also mentioned Counting Crows no less than three times and talk about Dog Court. Slides off the tongue like no butter, man.

You can donate clothes to those affected by Harvey to: Southside SkatePark 510 Iowa St. Houston, TX 77587

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Episode 21: Benny Greb (Drummer. Educator. Legend)

Truth be told...this made us very happy. Benny joined us from his home in Germany for a two hour chat spanning his formative years as a musician all the way to his new record, "Grebfruit 2." He is best descibed as "world class." A true professional, an all-time musician, and a really kind dude. Benny's depth of knowledge, experience, and wisdom runs deep...and he literally goes in depth throughout this episode. He shares his approach to effective teaching, the ways he copes with anxiety and sadness, his creative process, and so much more. He also answers a bunch of questions from you guys in the CC Facebook group. Seriously guys...this shit is really good! (bennygreb.de)

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Episode 20: Daniel Barreda (Army Veteran)

This was one emotional episode by one amazing gentleman. Daniel joined us in the CCCompound to share his incredible story. He had a unique childhood, served over a year in Iraq, lost use of his left arm in a motorcycle accident, developed an opiate addiction in his physical therapy which led to heroin use, and gained significant weight in drug rehab...but now is healthy and in school to become a Registered Dietician. Dude is inspirational as fuck and articulate to boot. He could be "all time" as a motivational figure if he wants, and it's our honor to offer our platform to Daniel to share his story for the first time!

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Episode 19: Andrew & Hanna Cohen (CoCo Hospitality)

Ever wondered what it's like to be responsible for the comfort of Paul McCartney or Beyonce? Of course you have...but Andrew & Hanna Cohen actually do this for a living. Joining us in the CCCompound, the business operators/married couple share with us their inspiring story of building a thriving music-centric business and personal relationship. There were false starts and roadblocks with each, but the learned mindset they share is perhaps the most valuable thing we can all take away from EP19. These two are so impressive that Matt actually verbalized the term #relationshipgoals. This is real life, and the Cohen's are the real fucking deal! cocohospitality.com

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Episode 18: Mark Holcomb (Periphery)

If you're hardcore about Periphery like Justin, you know this will be quality. If you're still learning like Jordan, you'll discover the greatness that is Mark Holcomb. In EP18, we dig into his relationship with his brother (and former CC guest) Jeff, including the time Mark accidently locked him in a suitcase. He shares about the time he wrote an email to Matt in an attempt to squash some issues. Mark and Matt discuss what this was like and how it helped deepen their friendship. Mark also shares how he respects different aspects of himself both on and off tour. Mark is equally deep as he is lighthearted. A truly well rounded gent that we are all fortunate to have as our guest this week.

www.periphery.net // @markperiphery on instagram and twitter

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Episode 17: Jimi Haha (Jimmie's Chicken Shack, Mend The Hollow)

Jimi Haha is someone we've looked up to as a musician and entrepreneur. Joining us in the CCCompound, Jimi talks about his early hustle of starting his own record label and creating distribution. His mix of creativity, sales skills, community building, and fearlessness led to two major label record releases (which we still love). We dig into that journey and then his transition to the many creative projects he contributes to now. In addition to his bands (including a new record as Mend The Hollow), Jimi is a magazine publisher and gallery artist. He's also a devoted father and husband with a lifetime of wisdom and charisma that he kindly shares with us on this episode. www.jimihaha.com

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Episode 16: Mike Dawes (Fingerstyle guitarist)

Mike had a day off from his US tour and joined Matt and Jordan before getting back to Mario Kart 64. Although based in the UK, Mike literally travels the world...even where there's been an ISIS presence. We dig into lifestyle, risk and fear, productivity, the benefits of being a black sheep, and more. Mike is at the forefront of a music genre, tours as a solo artist and as lead guitarist for the singer of The Moody Blues, had a legit viral video, has a thriving business as a music educator, and is about to release his second record independently....all before turning 30. And as impressive as all that is, he's just as impressive in conversation. There's a ton to unpack in this one. Enjoy!

http://mikedawes.co.uk/

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Episode 15: Chef Josh White (Owner of smoke.)

Josh White is our first guest at the CCCompound. He shares with us his journey that led him from working in the music industry in Hollywood, to hitting rock bottom at 38, to creating one of the most buzzworthy BBQ brands in Maryland. Dude is entertaining as hell (and leverages this to generate big business through social media), got fucked on an reality show, spent two years perfecting a dry rub, and claims ownership of Best BBQ in Baltimore! No matter your passion or career path, there's a ton to learn from Josh as the three of us help to extrapolate the universal value in his story. Check Josh and smoke. out: @hickorysmokedgoodness

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Episode 14

Jordan let Matt and Justin back into his apartment and they share their current vision for the podcast. Questions from the CC Facebook group are answered from all over the world. Topics include: how to deal with parents who use religion to impose their desires for your life, fearing regret when making long term decisions, and a deep dive into food and nutrition. Matt also shares what he learned from his old company, Bandhappy. We back. We good!

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