No Set Path: Creative Entrepreneurship Growth Stories

Hosted by Drew English

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Apr 2026

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Watch episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@drew_english No Set Path is the podcast for creatives ready to stop trading hours for dollars. Hosted by Drew English, a cinematographer, podcast studio owner, and media entrepreneur with 20 years in film and audio, this show delivers honest conversations and insights about what it really takes to build leverage and escape the gig cycle. Episodes feature filmmakers, podcasters, designers, and creative entrepreneurs who've moved beyond client work to create sustainable income streams, plus solo deep-dives on the strategies and mindset shifts that matter. You'll hear real stories about pricing strategy, mental health, building assets instead of trading time, and forging unconventional paths that actually pay. Whether you're drowning in freelance cycles, scaling a creative business, or ready to build something that works without you, No Set Path gives you the clarity and motivation to create a career on your terms. Subscribe to the companion newsletter at thedrewenglish.substack.com for weekly essays on creative leverage.

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April 29, 2026Episode 461 hr 4 min

Your Brand Is Sending a Signal. Is It the Right One?

Most creatives I know are great at what they do. The problem isn't talent. It's that nobody knows they exist.That's the through line of this conversation with Marissa Pane, founder of Pane Marketing, brand and content strategist, and someone who has spent years helping purpose-driven small businesses get seen and heard by the right people.We get into the real stuff here. Why starting with your "why" isn't just motivational fluff — it's the only logical place to begin. Why chasing virality is actually working against you if you're a service provider. Why the bad clients you keep attracting might be your brand's fault, not theirs. And what it actually looks like to build a content foundation that brings the right people to your door instead of chasing them down.Marissa also shares something she rarely talks about publicly — the loss of her brother, and how watching someone she loved struggle to simply exist rewired how she thinks about time, urgency, and the responsibility that comes with getting to do work you actually care about.This one hits differently. Come ready to take some notes and maybe rethink a few things.📰 Join the No Set Path Newsletter HERE - https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/TakeawaysPlenty of people are building businesses, but the ones worth remembering are building brands — and there's a real difference between the twoEverything starts with why. Before any tactic, platform, or content strategy, you need to know what you actually want and why you want itGoing viral is the wrong goal for most service providers. Universal appeal is a signal you're saying nothingConsistency isn't about showing up every day — it's about knowing your brand foundation first, then committing to what's realistic for you and protecting that streakBad clients aren't a client problem. They're a brand signal problem. What you put out attracts or repels, and if the wrong people keep showing up, your messaging is the culpritReferrals plateau. Word of mouth gets you started, but content is the filter that attracts the right people at scaleMulti-passionate creatives need to get narrow before they get wide. Trying to offer everything makes you the marketing girl — not the expert people seek outYour personal story and your brand story aren't separate things. For service providers especially, you are the deliverableLinks & ResourcesMarissa's Website: https://marissapane.comMarissa's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pane.marketingMarissa's Podcast: Your Brand Is ShowingMarissa's Newsletter: The Content Pour-OverConnect with DrewDrew’s Substack: https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/ Drew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishh/ Drew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/ Drew's Website: http://www.drewenglish.com/

January 27, 2026Episode 4546 min

The Lazy Creator Method: Jason Murray on Working Smarter, Not Harder

📺 Watch the video interview HERE: https://youtu.be/YkTDNtgIPN4Join Jason Murray, Creative Director and lifelong maker, as he dives deep into the art and business of creativity. This episode explores the power of ownership, the process of building your own IP, and what it really takes to grow a creator business in today’s world. Whether you’re a designer, filmmaker, or entrepreneur, you’ll find insights and inspiration to turn your ideas into assets.💡TakeawaysOwnership beats freelancing. Building IP you control creates sustainable leverage, while trading time for money keeps you stuck in the gig cycleThe Creative 2.0 mindset reverses the traditional service model. Instead of helping brands execute their ideas, create your own work first, then let brands attach themselves to what you ownSelf-imposed limitations are the biggest barrier to growth. Most creatives already know what they need to do next but hold themselves back from taking actionAdvertising insights translate directly to content creation. Finding unspoken human truths that make people see problems differently is what creates valuable, shareable contentBuilding a media business provides multiple paths forward. Even if content doesn't generate direct income immediately, it positions you as an expert and brings inbound opportunitiesFollowing your interests matters more than picking a lane. Career paths naturally evolve when you pursue genuine curiosity rather than forcing yourself into predefined boxesLife and career operate in seasons. What works now doesn't have to be forever, and giving yourself permission to experiment keeps momentum going🔗 Links & ResourcesJason Murray on Instagram: @jason_sweatManyChat (AI chat automation tool)Adobe Creative CloudTeachable (online course platform)👋 Connect with Drew Drew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishh/Drew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/Drew's Website: http://www.drewenglish.com/

December 23, 2025Episode 4416 min

Working Until You Die (And Other Lies We Tell Ourselves)

Drew goes solo this week to unpack themes from his recent newsletter, "Working Until You Die." He explores the difference between working because you want to and working because you have to, and why the "just figure it out" hustle mentality can leave you grinding at 70 with nothing to show for it. Drew gets honest about his own financial reality this year, why he's turning down 35-40% of incoming gigs, and how intentionality beats reactivity when building a sustainable creative career. This one's part pep talk, part wake-up call.Key TakeawaysHustle culture is a trap that keeps you in survival mode Intentionality beats reactivity when building something sustainableDo the honest assessment: what's working, what isn't, what has potentialThe goal isn't to stop working, it's to have the choice to keep goingStop saying yes to everything and raise your pricesRelated Links & ResourcesNo Set Path Newsletter: thedrewenglish.substack.comEmail Drew: nosetpathpodcast@gmail.comSubscribe: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube

December 16, 2025Episode 4321 min

Start Valuing Your Mess: Why Rough Edges Build Real Connection

Drew tries something new this episode, reading his latest newsletter aloud and adding real-time commentary. The result is a raw, honest exploration of what it means to build something creative without having all the answers. He gets personal about a professionally difficult year, shares why polished content might be losing its edge, and makes the case that your rough edges might be exactly what your audience is looking for. TakeawaysMessy is a feature, not a bug -In an age where AI can generate "good enough" content instantly, your unique perspective and real experiences become your greatest assets. People are searching for authentic voices, not another optimized piece of content.The fear versus reality gap is where opportunity lives -We're all afraid that showing our struggles will cost us credibility. But the paradox is that vulnerability creates connection, and connection is what makes people actually care about what you're building.You are not your thoughts -Just because you're questioning everything and considering a thousand possibilities doesn't mean any of it defines you. Working through uncertainty in public can benefit others going through similar transitions.Community matters more than perfection -The people who keep showing up for you aren't responding to your best work. They're responding to your most real work.Related LinksNo Set Path Newsletter: thedrewenglish.substack.comContact Drew: nosetpathpodcast@gmail.comReferenced: "The Obstacle Is the Way" by Ryan HolidayPast Guest Mentioned: Blake Pfeil

November 20, 2025Episode 4249 min

Building Creative Community & ConnectHV in the Hudson Valley | Jordan Koschei

Sometimes, your path leads you right back home. This week on No Set Path, Jordan Koschei joins Drew English to talk about how his journey through design and tech inspired him to give back to the Hudson Valley through his passion project, ConnectHV. It’s a story about creativity, community, and coming full circle.Join the NewsletterJoin the No Set Path Newsletter HERE - https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/TakeawaysProfessional identity doesn't have to fit into neat categories - you can exist between disciplines and create your own pathStaying rooted in your community and building a life first, then fitting work around it, can lead to more fulfillment than chasing traditional career ambitionsRemote work and post-COVID shifts have created critical mass for creative communities in places like the Hudson ValleyBuilding platforms and communities is about being a temporary steward, not an owner - the goal is for the community to outlive and outgrow the creatorCreativity is fundamentally about play - as adults, we're just doing fancier versions of the same exploratory, world-building activities we did as childrenThe most sustainable creative work happens when you remove outcome-based thinking and create for the joy of making somethingTrue platforms enable others to create value that far exceeds what the platform itself generatesWork-life balance requires ruthless prioritization and automation - family first, then letting everything else fit around itCommunity building in the digital age still requires real-life interaction and grassroots connectionLinks & ResourcesConnectHV - https://connecthv.comConnectHV About Page - https://connecthv.com/aboutTracks Coffee (Beacon, NY) - "No Sleep Till Beacon"Monkey Joe Coffee (Kingston, NY)Connect with DrewDrew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishh/Drew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/Drew's Website: http://www.drewenglish.com/

October 8, 2025Episode 4157 min

Ditching the Playbook and Building a Sustainable Creative Career

Drew sits down with Blake Pfeil & Jeremiah Wenutu on Cinema Kingston! to explore his winding path from music production to becoming a sought-after director of photography, podcast studio owner, and host of No Set Path. They unpack the reality of being a multidisciplinary creative, building community in the Hudson Valley, and why storytelling matters more than the tech behind it.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – Drew's introduction and impressive client roster (Adobe, Netflix, HBO, Disney+)02:00 – How Upstate Podcast Studio evolved from a basement setup to a professional Kingston space06:00 – The challenge of being spread thin across multiple creative ventures09:00 – Feeling like an outsider in the film industry while pursuing diverse interests14:00 – The frustration with editing other people's work vs. creating your own passion projects16:00 – The Hudson Valley creative community: talent is everywhere, but connection is key19:00 – Two years of HBO production boom post-COVID, then the 2024-2025 slowdown22:00 – Plans for No Set Path: building in-person community events and brand expansion24:00 – From UMass Lowell recording school to New York City music production27:00 – The pivot moment: buying a Canon 7D at B&H and teaching himself cinematography30:00 – Starting No Set Path during COVID as a vehicle for meaningful conversations33:00 – The unexpected impact: random emails from people inspired by the show37:00 – Why Drew asks "how did you get here?" instead of "what camera did you use?"40:00 – The realization: storytelling is the thread connecting everything44:00 – Storytelling as a buzzword in tech startups and why humans gravitate to narrative45:00 – The Goonies, Spielberg, Lucas, and movies that shaped a generation50:00 – Easter eggs, film scores, and the magic of eighties adventure filmsTakeawayBeing multidisciplinary isn't a weakness. It's your unique advantage in a changing creative economy.Community over hustle: the Hudson Valley has incredible talent, but genuine connection matters more than networking.Storytelling transcends medium. Whether it's cinematography, podcasting, or coaching, story is what connects with people.Most successful people don't actually know what they're doing. They're "failing upwards" and figuring it out as they go.Name things well: Upstate Podcast Studio succeeds organically because of smart, searchable naming.Your creative path will look like a lot of different things. Let it evolve naturally instead of forcing a single direction.The tech doesn't matter. People care about the emotion and story, not your gear list.Resources & LinksCinema Kingston!: https://radiokingston.org/en/broadcast/cinema-kingstonDrew's Website: www.drewenglish.comLights and Years Media: www.lightsandyears.comUpstate Podcast Studio: www.upstatepodcaststudio.comNo Set Path Podcast: Search "No Set Path: Creative Entrepreneurship Stories" on your podcast appNo Set Path Newsletter: https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/Drew's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishh/Drew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/

September 23, 2025Episode 409 min

When the "Safe" Choice Is Actually the Riskiest Move

Drew shares the full story behind walking away from a $100,000 in-house media position and how that decision led to earning 50% more while staying freelance. He breaks down the red flags that made him trust his gut, the corporate culture problems he encountered, and why alignment with your values matters more than security. This solo episode dives deep into the importance of knowing your North Star and making decisions that serve your long-term creative and personal goals.Key Topics & Timestamps00:00 – Why Drew turned down $100K and made 50% more staying freelance01:27 – Red flag #1: Meetings about meetings and corporate culture chaos01:50 – No real game plan: throwing everything at the wall to see what sticks02:34 – The pressure campaign: formal emails, office meetings, and coffee chats03:17 – The deal breaker: written approval required for any outside freelance work04:50 – What happened to the colleague who took the job (spoiler: it ended badly)05:27 – The importance of trusting your gut and staying aligned with your values06:40 – How saying no opened doors to building multiple revenue streams07:35 – Drew's current North Star: maximum money, minimum time, maximum family timeTakeawaysTrust your gut when red flags appear, even when the money looks goodCorporate culture problems rarely improve after you're hired full-timeAlignment with your values and goals matters more than short-term securitySaying no to the wrong opportunities creates space for the right onesYour North Star evolves as your life circumstances changeWrite down your goals and priorities to stay clear on your directionConsider practices like morning pages from "The Artist's Way" for clarityResources & LinksThe Artist's Way - Julia CameronUpstate Podcast Studio: www.upstatepodcaststudio.comConnect with DrewNo Set Path Newsletter: https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/Drew's IG: https://www.instagram.com/drewenglishhDrew's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drewenglish/Drew's Website: www.drewenglish.com

July 30, 2025Episode 398 min

Leverage: Turn Your Creative Skills into Scalable Assets

In this solo episode, host Drew English unpacks the concept of leverage and why 2025 is the best time for creatives to build independent success. He argues that cheap tech, free global distribution, and direct-to-audience marketing have removed the traditional gatekeepers. Creators who shift from selling services to building assets can own their future in the “Creator 2.0” era.Key TakeawaysTech is cheap: Your phone can produce market-ready visuals—hardware is no longer the hurdle.Distribution is free: Platforms like YouTube give instant access to a worldwide audience; the game now is earning the click.Marketing is direct: Email lists and social media let you talk to fans anytime—no middlemen required.Assets > services: Follow the athlete model—use your primary skill to build IP, products, or partnerships that earn while you sleep.Real-world examples:The Umbrella Academy evolved from graphic novel to Netflix hit.A24 green-lit “The Backrooms,” a YouTube horror series created by a 19-year-old.Producer Alex LeMay urges filmmakers to “think platform first, not format.”Action items for listeners:Audit your expertise - what unique knowledge or story can become IP?Choose one primary platform (e.g., YouTube) and design content natively for it.Start an email list to own your relationship with fans.Package and test ideas in small formats (web series, mini-docs, digital products).Lean into human connection - your perspective and trust can’t be replicated by AI. Resources MentionedJason Murray on “Creator 2.0” (@jason_swet on Instagram)Producer Alex LeMay’s Substack article HEREThe Umbrella Academy (graphic novel → Netflix)A24’s upcoming film “The Backrooms” (originated on YouTube)Connect with DrewSubscribe to Drew’s Substack newsletter Creative Balance for deeper dives.Follow No Set Path on YouTube, Instagram, and wherever you get your podcasts.Share the episode and tag @drewenglishh to keep the conversation going.

July 16, 2025Episode 381 hr 14 min

Addiction to Ambie Awards: How Abandoned Places Saved My Life w/ Blake Pfeil

About the EpisodeWhat happens when you refuse to “pick a lane” and instead let curiosity steer the wheel? In this conversation, multidisciplinary artist Blake Pfeil (creator of the Ambie-winning immersive podcast Abandoned: The All American Ruins Podcast) sits down with host Drew English to explore how haunting, deserted places became a surprising wellspring of creativity, recovery, and self-acceptance.You’ll LearnWhy Blake traded a traditional musical-theatre path for a globe-trotting artistic life – and how ignored passions came roaring back during lockdown.How exploring abandoned spaces (from upstate NY to Finland) helped him process grief, addiction recovery, and burnout.The origin story of All American Ruins and the production choices that landed it an Ambie Award for Best Indie Podcast.Practical advice for creators who juggle multiple disciplines without losing focus (hint: “master being you,” not a niche).The power of slowing down, deep breathing, and letting imagination work as a healing tool.Guest LinksWebsite & portfolio: BlakePfeil.comListen to Abandoned: The All American Ruins Podcast → wherever you get podcastsWatch the All American Ruins docu-series on HudsyConnect with DrewNewsletter Creative Balance – actionable ideas for creative entrepreneursSubscribe to No Set Path on YouTubeDrew’s IG: @drewenglishhDrew’s Website: www.drewenglish.comSupport the ShowShare the episode on Instagram & tag @nosetpathpod, @drewenglishh and @blakepfeil.Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on Apple Podcasts/Spotify if this episode resonated!

June 3, 2025Episode 3755 min

From Piano Lessons to 100K Subs: Composer Zach Heyde on Building a Modern Music Career

Episode OverviewDrew sits down with LA-based composer and educator Zach Heyde to unpack how he’s blended film scoring, a 100,000-subscriber YouTube channel and a thriving mentorship program into a balanced creative life. They dig into sustaining passion, ditching hustle culture, and why sharing knowledge can be a business model in itself.Key Topics & Timestamps00:01 – Zach’s early start: piano at 7 and first composing gigs → landing “Kung Fu Panda: The Dragon Knight” (dream job) NSP - Zach Heyde08:00 – Reality of writing 10 min of orchestral music per week & protecting creative energy NSP - Zach Heyde16:00 – Moving from Tennessee to LA for community, not clout—how genuine relationships create work opportunities NSP - Zach Heyde20:50 – 18 years on YouTube: what 100 K subs taught Zach about intention vs. vanity metrics NSP - Zach Heyde33:00 – Inside Zach’s Composer Bootcamp & Pro Group: teaching the business of music, not just theory NSP - Zach Heyde42:30 – Lowering the “publish” barrier: tactics for beating over-thinking and sharing in real time NSP - Zach Heyde50:00 – Upcoming projects: recording live strings in Budapest and turning the process into content NSP - Zach HeydeTakeawaysYour creative “North Star” evolves. Let the fog clear naturally.Time-boxed scoring (3 hrs/minute) demands new workflows; balance craft with sustainability.Authentic networking = making friends first; work follows.Audience trust grows faster when your content serves genuine curiosity, not algorithms.Teaching can satisfy creative, financial, and community needs simultaneously.Ship fast: capture the impulse before perfectionism kills momentum.Resources & LinksZach’s YouTube channel – https://youtube.com/zachheydeZach’s IG: @zachheydeZach’s Composer Pro Group & Bootcamp – details on https://zachheyde.comThe Call of Raven’s Hollow (Album): https://zachheyde.bandcamp.com/album/the-call-of-ravens-hollowConnect with DrewCreative Balance Newsletter: https://thedrewenglish.substack.com/Drew’s IG: @drewenglishhDrew’s Website: www.drewenglish.com