Dream Life Club
Dream Life Club is a podcast for creatives and entrepreneurs who are committed to pursuing their dreams. Through interviews and solo episodes, the show provides insights and inspiration for building a dream life. Host Sumi Krishnan is an award-winning entrepreneur who left her consulting firm to become a music artist, and she shares her journey and lessons learned.
Episodes
Get into the WILD: the 3 C's for Success as a Creative
In this solo episode, Sumi shares one of the biggest mindset shifts she's had since moving to Los Angeles to pursue music: success isn't built alone. Drawing from her own experiences, she unpacks the three pillars she believes every creative needs to build a sustainable career—collaboration, community, and craft.Sumi talks about overcoming imposter syndrome, the importance of getting out from behi
Building Community and Connection in the Music Industry with Hannah Avison
Hannah Avison is a chart-topping songwriter, music activist, and community builder whose work has impacted the music industry both in and out of the studio. With songwriting credits alongside artists like Marshmello, Lauv, Ava Max, Fletcher, and Jordin Sparks, Hannah has built a career rooted in creativity, connection, and advocacy.In this episode, Hannah shares her journey through the music indus
Thai Long Ly on Fear, 20+ Years in Music and One Question Every Creative Needs to Answer
Thai Long Ly is a Los Angeles-based producer, audio engineer, mixer and bassist with over two decades in the industry and has worked with artists like Pink, Dionne Warwick, Robbie Williams, Elle King and Postmodern Jukebox.In this conversation we get into what it actually looks like to build a career in music. Tai shares how a near death experience at 12 shaped his entire philosophy on life, how h
Creating your FUEL for a Winning Creative Career
We are constantly bombarded by other people's ideas, advice, and opinions...and it's making it harder than ever to tune into our own creative vision.In this solo episode, I'm getting real about why the pressure to constantly drop new music almost broke me and what I'm doing differently now that has me feeling more aligned and excited about my music career than ever before. We're talking about bloc
Ethan Buckner on Music, Activism and Living a Life By Design
Ethan Buckner is a singer-songwriter, community organizer and activist based in Venice, California. He's spent years fighting big oil pipelines, organizing solidarity fundraisers for communities in crisis, hosting backyard concerts during the pandemic, and building Westside Sounds, a monthly music showcase highlighting local talent in LA. In this conversation we get into what it really looks like
Amber Grimes on Ego, Anti Girl Bossing and Upgrading Your Dreams
Amber Grimes is an entertainment executive and leader in the music industry. Currently EVP and General Manager at LVRN (Love Renaissance), the Atlanta-based label and management company. She's previously held senior roles at Capitol Records, Spotify, and Def Jam, and she hosts her own podcast, If You Knew Better, on iHeartMedia and The Black Effect Podcast Network.In this conversation we get into
Producer Ryan Gladieux on engineering hits, working with the greats and loving the journey
Ryan Gladieux is one of my producers so this episode feels like two friends catching up in a studio and going deep on the music industry.Ryan started as a recording intern at Atlantic Records and Warner Music Group in 2011. He eventually worked his way up to head engineer, racking up credits on some of the biggest songs in the world — including Timber by Ke$ha and Pitbull — and getting to work up
How Hyperbole, Hinduism & the Right Words will help you Build your Dream
I've been thinking a lot about the power of the words we tell ourselves. I got into the concept of creating a "hyperbole" for yourself, a goal so big and so aligned with your soul that it almost sounds crazy...and why that might be exactly the point.I talk about my own hyperbole and why what we tell ourselves every single day might be the most important thing we're not paying enough attention to.
How to Build a Multi-Platinum Career in the Music Industry: Shari Short’s True Story
Shari Short is a RIAA certified multi-platinum songwriter and producer who has written for Miley Cyrus, Ariana Grande, Rita Ora, Sofia Reyes and more. She toured as a background vocalist with Demi Lovato, managed Rebecca Black, became CEO of a boutique record label, and is currently the frontwoman of indie rock band Three One Zero. Oh, and she has a song up for a Primetime Emmy. Not bad for a shy
The American Dream: Why Your Personal Dream Can't Exist Without This Conversation
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 an
Never Sell Out: Dan Smalls on Building Something Real in the Music Industry
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,
How to Get Over Fear and Build Your Dream
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 dre
This Is Why Creatives Quit — And How You Won't
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
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 mainta
Empowering Songwriters: Michelle Lewis' Journey in Advocacy
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
Navigating the Final Stretch: Overcoming the Last Lap Syndrome in Creativity
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 linethe real reason finishing feels harder than startinghow she has personally delayed projects for years (!!) and what
What is the Dream Life Club podcast?!
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
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!)
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
How to Speak With Influence (Without Trying to Convince)
In this episode, Sumi shares 4 frameworks to use immediately in your conversations with EVERYONE in order to own your power and have more influence, immediately! She's hot off an in person training with the GOAT of public speaking himself, Richard Greene, and is sharing from the heart. So listen in to get all the juice!
5 things helping me stay grounded, inspired and creative during these chaotic times!
Sumi shares 5 concrete things she's doing during this season to help make sure she stays grounded, inspired and creative during these times while plugging in, strategically, to what's going on in this country.
Rebranding to Creating Amid Chaos
Sumi X welcomes you to 2026 with a rallying cry to keep creating, keep making art, keep finding joy and keep coming back to your humanity...despite the chaos in thew world around us. Now more than ever, we need your art!
What it Means to be an American
Amidst humored disagreements, Sumi and Ryan explore the complexity of feelings when it comes to identifying as an "American" today. They open ups conversation on values, patriotism, best case scenarios, who we're mad at most right now and ways we can actually Make being an American Great Again.
Welcome to WTF Do We Do Now
Sumi and Ryan introduce the podcast, WTF do we do now!?" inviting you into a space where we can have smart, emotional and casual conversation about what's going on in America today, how we can deal with it, and do our part to make a positive impact. We don't claim to have the answers but we ask questions, share our (often-conflicting) opinions and provide a space for exploration.
We're BAAAAACK! Season 2 (what to expect)
As promised, join the Sumiverse (i.e. our email community) here! https://fans.xosumix.com/join-the-sumiverseSumi shares a new surprise for season 2 and a little advice on achieving a creative dream. Enjoy!
2024 in Review: The Good, The Bad, and the Thrill of 2025
Well, well, well. Sometimes things do NOT go as planned! I had recorded this episode middle of December of 2024 - but then my grandmother passed away and I had to take a couple emergency trips to DC, my assistant had a mental breakdown and suddenly left the country, the fires in LA hit as soon as I got back from DC and then 47 was inaugurated and it's been a bit chaotic in my mind and life lately!
The Mindsets Behind my first $25M Deal: Ask about the Llamas
In this episode, Sumi offers 4 steps to winning big in business - but these are not strategies or tactics. Instead, they are often-overlooked mindsets behinds the actions you need to take to win big. Listen in!
2 Tips to Navigate Differences Productively at the Thanksgiving Dinner Table & Beyond
We're living in a divided world where half the country believes one set of facts while the other half believes an entirely different one. Sumi delves into this pressing issue of misinformation in light of recent election results, emphasizing the urgent need to counter disinformation with empathy and understanding. She introduces a powerful communication strategy called the Truth Sandwich, which he
4 Questions for 2024 Success
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast!Ever feel behind or like you're not sure if you're maximizing your time, energy or potential? Ever feel like you could be doing so much more? A little planning goes a long way and in today's episode, Sumi offers 4 specific questions to ask yourself today to make sure you feel fulfilled and complete when New Year's Eve hits. Let's explore the balance betw
Everything on the line: Are you voting for Kamala Harris?
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast!In this episode, Sumi speaks out on the gravity of this moment in the United States regarding the elections coming up in two weeks and what’s at stake. Why is it important to pay attention, speak out and vote? Why should we care, especially as entrepreneurs and creatives looking to build our dream lives and businesses? Listen in for some real talk as Sum
Are you building your business for legacy or lifestyle? How to find out?
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast!In this episode, Sumi shares the 1 Question you NEED to know the answer to if you are starting your journey as an entrepreneur. For legacy or lifestyle? How do you decide which one you are building? What are the pros and cons of each? Where do you start? How do you get the most traction? What’s your fastest track to your first 6-figures in revenue? Sumi
5 ways to NOT be successful with your dream
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast!Ever wonder what NOT to do in pursuit of your dream? Sumi breaks down the 5 most common mistakes she sees entrepreneurs make in the pursuit of any goal (and mistakes she has made herself!) From a failed business venture to fitness stops and starts, Sumi spills the tea on some of her personal failures and offers reframes to help you not make them yourself
Become a MAGNET for opportunities with just ONE powerful mindset shift
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast!Are you a serious entrepreneur ready to cross the seven-figure mark? For FREE access to Sumi's training on 'How to Scale Your Business to 7-Figures', you can visit: https://bit.ly/4glWiw5In this episode, Sumi turns the traditional definition of business success on its axis and offers a whole new perspective, that will separate you from the crowd. Impleme
How I Use Kim Kardashian and Kamala Harris to Build Confidence & Capacity
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast!Are you a serious entrepreneur ready to cross the seven-figure mark? For FREE access to Sumi's training on 'How to Scale Your Business to 7-Figures', you can visit: https://bit.ly/4glWiw5In this episode, Sumi shares her personal strategies to create confidence, increase her capacity, and achieve anything she wants by using the power of role models. She g
From Runaway & Teen Mom to Founder of Multi-Million Dollar Fitness Empire (what it takes)
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast!Are you a serious entrepreneur ready to cross the seven-figure mark? For FREE access to Sumi's training on 'How to Scale Your Business to 7-Figures', you can visit: https://bit.ly/4glWiw5In this episode, we cover:-Andreas' big realization that got her out of domestic violence-The start of building her multi-million dollar business -How she got out o
The TRUTH About Being a Woman in Business (And What to Do About It!)
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast! Are you a serious entrepreneur ready to cross the seven-figure mark? For FREE access to Sumi's training on 'How to Scale Your Business to 7-Figures', you can visit: https://bit.ly/4glWiw5What’s in this episode: ✨Is it an equal playing field? ✨Differences in access to capital and resources✨Unconscious Bias ✨The power of inspirational role models ✨How to
Transform Setbacks into Opportunities
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast! In this episode of the Dream Life Club, Sumi shares 3 concrete tips for turning setbacks into successes. Paralleling the mindsets and tactics she used to overcome setbacks in her health, she applies those lessons to business and growth as an entrepreneur. Topics covered include: ✨ How “training around your injury” applies to business growth&n
Is your environment blocking your success?
In this episode, I dive into the twists and turns of my journey, moving from DC to Boston to Nashville, and finally to LA. Each city brought its own unique set of challenges and opportunities, significantly impacting my goals and shaping my path to success. I’ll share how these moves influenced: - my business success and growth - how I took care of myself and my body - my goals&n
The 3 types of people you NEED in your network
Welcome back to the Dream Life Club Podcast! In Episode 6, we dive into one of the most critical aspects of success: networking. Whether you're a woman entrepreneur or a creative person ready to smash your goals, this episode is for you!In this episode, Sumi X shares:✨ The importance of building the right peer group to stay motivated and focused. ✨ How to find mentors and expanders who
Unlocking Your Dream Life: The 6 P's to Break Free from the Mundane
In this empowering episode of the Dream Life Club podcast, we dive deep into the transformative journey of breaking free from the mundane and embracing the life you’ve always dreamed of. Sumi shares her personal story of transitioning from a successful tech entrepreneur to a passionate recording artist, all by embracing the "6 P's" framework. If you're feeling stuck in a routine and yearning for s
What Harvard Taught Me About Being a Pop Music Artist
Have you given up on your dreams because you think you don't deserve them or that it's too late? In today's episode of Dream Life with Sumi, I’m opening up about a struggle many of us face: impostor syndrome. If you've ever felt like you don’t belong or that your achievements are just luck, you’re not alone. Today, I’ll share my journey of overcoming these doubts and the four key lessons that help
5 Things I Wish I Knew Before Building My 200-Person Company
Imagine being able to sit down with your younger self and impart wisdom that could change the course of your journey. That’s exactly what I’m doing in this episode. I'm taking a trip down memory lane to share the five crucial lessons I wish I had known before starting my company. These insights are not just reflections but powerful lessons that can help you avoid pitfalls and fast-track your succe
Dream Life Club: How I Won My First $2M Contract
Ever wondered what it takes to secure a life-changing deal? It’s simpler than you think. “People literally are the key to everything we want in life.” This quote perfectly captures the essence of my journey to closing a 2-million-dollar contract! In this episode, I’ll reveal the pivotal role relationships played and the three crucial mindsets that propelled me forward. These insights aren’t j
When The Impossible Becomes Your Reality
When your business does not seem to be going in the right direction, do you quit or fight for your dream? Welcome to the first episode of Dream Life with Sumi! I’m Sumi Krishnan, and today, we’re exploring a topic that has the potential to transform your life: what to think to literally make the “impossible” your lived reality.In this episode, I’ll share the three critical mindsets that led to me
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