Ethan Nadelmann is the Founder and Executive Director of the Drug Policy Alliance, a non-profit based in NYC that has been leading the fight to end the war on drugs. Ethan and his team have played huge roles in most of the major drug policy reform ballet initiatives in the U.S. on around issues ranging from medical marijuana and legalization to prison reform. He’s been all over the news and media ranging from The O’Reilly Factor and Colbert Report to podcasts like the Joe Rogan Experience or his popular Ted Talk - Why We Need To End the War on Drugs. 

Born and raised in a world surrounded by violence, drugs, foster homes and crime - Jimmy pulled himself out of a reality the majority of us wouldn't survive. He realized he had a passion for film in his early 20's, and committed his career and life to becoming a professional actor. Now at 40 years old, it's finally becoming a reality for him. We discuss his childhood and how he navigated his way through it, how he discovered his passion, how difficult it was to stay on his path in his 30's, and the success and momentum he's now finally beginning to see. 

From promoting concerts, to becoming a record executive, to managing the platinum selling rock band Incubus, Steve 'Renman' Rennie has clocked in over 35 years in the music industry. Today, he runs Renman Music and Business - a mentoring platform that helps aspiring artists and professionals succeed in today's music business. 

Bill Detamore is the founder of Pork Pie Percussion, one of today's most legendary and successful drum and percussion companies. All of his drum sets are custom, hand made, and used by some of the greatest drummers and bands around the world - ranging from Guns N Roses to Bob Dylan. This is a great story about a man who took his passion for music and drums, and turned it into a hugely successful company and brand. 

Rober J. Barnhart is the producer and creator of the new documentary and educational film, A New Understanding: The Science of Psilocybin, which explores the treatment of end-of-life anxiety in terminally ill cancer patients using the psychedelic compound psilocybin (otherwise known as mushrooms). 

In this episode of the Story Riot Podcast, I chat with Nick Maher, who's one of the co-producers and hosts of Unplanned America, a travel show about 3 Australians who drive across the United States with no plan or money. This is a fascinating story about a group of guys who decided to take a chance and film their own TV show, with no budget, celebrity endorsement, and extremely limited gear. It serves as a great reminder that we have no excuse not to create our own project - whatever that might be. 

John is a Producer, DJ, and Co-Founder of Disco Naps and Next Wave. Chase is both John's manager, and runs a drone review website - BuyTheBestDrone.com. Both guys are good friends from college, both are creative, entrepreneurial, hilarious and entertaining. We decided to call it the Budcast - where I will be occasionally throwing my good friends who are Story Riot worthy into the hot seat(s). ENJOY. 

David is one of my favorite photographers. Both because of what he shoots - often amazing and intense photos of bands playing live - and what he represents - hard work, and persistence. After he graduated from college, he picked up a camera, and started charging any and every show that he could in L.A., shooting hundreds of artists, and teaching himself photography throughout the process. His instagram account - MINIVAN photography - has gained a strong local following, and showcases some of the most badass, intense and all around interesting photos of bands you'll find online. 

Today, Mike Rothman is a successful TV producer, specializing in live shows. However, he's had anything but a typical life, from dropping out of high school to overcoming a drug addiction - which makes for one hell of a life and story. Mike is a great example of how hard work pays off, and that we can always change directions in life and jump onto a different and more productive path (regardless of our circumstances, age, career, etc.). 

After building and co-founding the sunglasses powerhouse William Painter, Zach left to pursue and fulfill what he truly loves - which is helping people. Today, he's a life and career coach for many, and helps people find clarity, focus, and live all around awesome more fulfilling lives.