Dream Life Club

Latest Episodes:

The American Dream: Why Your Personal Dream Can't Exist Without This Conversation May 12, 2026

Show notes

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 America I grew up believing in as the daughter of immigrants is not the America we're living in right now. But at the same time, I think there is still hope. And that’s what I hope my new song brings to everyone, a sense of hope.

Don't forget my new song American Dream comes out this Friday! Pre-save it today.

Never Sell Out: Dan Smalls on Building Something Real in the Music Industry May 08, 2026

Show notes

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 staying fiercely independent.

In this conversation, Dan shares his full origin story, from booking Blues Traveler at Cornell frat parties to getting hand-picked by the legendary Bill Graham, to nearly walking away from music entirely before finding his way back.

We get into what it really takes to be an independent promoter, how he thinks about risk and what artists at any level can learn about building a career on their own terms.

How to Get Over Fear and Build Your Dream Apr 28, 2026

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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 a risk on your dreams.

This Is Why Creatives Quit — And How You Won't Apr 18, 2026

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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 Apr 10, 2026

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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 Mar 27, 2026

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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 her advocacy work, she emphasizes the importance of representation and equity for women and underrepresented groups in the music industry. We explore her insights on navigating the complexities of creativity and leadership, as well as the significance of being actively involved in decision-making processes that affect the livelihoods of creators.

Navigating the Final Stretch: Overcoming the Last Lap Syndrome in Creativity Mar 20, 2026

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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 loop

If you’ve ever had a creative project that's been almost done for too long… this one’s for you.

What is the Dream Life Club podcast?! Mar 11, 2026

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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 Mar 11, 2026

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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!) Feb 06, 2026

Show notes

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 as a transformative means of expression and healing.
Acknowledging the patterns of emotional reactions can significantly enhance our capacity to navigate personal and collective crises with resilience.
Engaging in creative expression is not merely a personal endeavor, but also an essential act of community and humanity during tumultuous times.

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