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  • AI, Music & the Human Touch with Phaze Wun | IWNL 0079
    2026/08/07

    Phaze Wun returns to I Will Not Lose for a wide-ranging conversation with Tony Ortiz about music, technology, long-form content, creative independence, and what it takes to build something that lasts.


    They look back at live internet radio in 2007, examine social media as brand equity, and explain why a viral moment means little without a catalog or point of view behind it. Phaze Wun also reflects on being boxed in by an early song, becoming a multidisciplinary creator out of necessity, completing a new album through grief, and deciding whether this could be his final album.


    The conversation moves through AI music, Auto-Tune, automation, creative guardrails, communication, album aesthetics, faith, streaming economics, and the human judgment that makes identical tools produce completely different work.


    If this episode gives you something useful, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with another creator who is building for the long run.


    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Opening montage

    01:18 Phaze Wun returns

    02:13 Live streaming before it was normal

    04:33 Social media as brand equity

    05:58 Why a viral moment needs a catalog

    11:32 When one successful song puts you in a box

    12:56 The Renaissance approach to creative work

    16:33 Building the new album through grief

    17:44 Could the next project be an AI album?

    20:38 Auto-Tune, AI, and resisting new tools

    28:05 When AI gets the simple order wrong

    29:07 AI customer service and missing context

    35:18 Fear, incentives, and the AI argument

    38:34 The deeper you go, the clearer AI's limits become

    43:57 Training a local model through its mistakes

    44:46 Communication across cultures, people, and machines

    49:50 Creative waves and the possibility of a final album

    55:49 Merch, ownership, and selling directly

    57:02 What streaming actually pays independent artists

    59:55 Making the new album gritty without losing clarity

    64:46 Marriage, faith, and writing without old crutches

    70:32 The right tool and the human touch

    73:25 What it really costs to start a podcast

    74:35 High-tech cities and low-tech systems

    78:53 Training AI for a specific business

    79:34 Where to find Phaze Wun

    81:06 Closing


    Find new episodes: https://iwillnotlosepodcast.com

    Support the show: https://www.paypal.com/donate/?business=FKGSHYR8WAB7C&no_recurring=0&item_name=Invest+in+%22I+Will+Not+Lose%22+podcast%21+Help+us+produce+quality+content+and+support+the+show+by+donation%21¤cy_code=USD&source=qr

    Phaze Wun: https://themiserylovecompany.com

    Tony: @tothedesigner


    #IWillNotLose #PhazeWun #Podcast #ArtificialIntelligence #MusicIndustry #CreatorEconomy

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 22 分
  • Men, Mental Health, Faith & Self-Defense with Ease | IWNL 0078
    2026/07/20

    Ease to the World joins Tony on I Will Not Lose for a raw conversation about men’s mental health, brotherhood, therapy, faith, reputation, self-defense, podcasting, and the discipline it takes to keep moving when life pushes back.


    They unpack why growth requires discomfort, why nobody succeeds alone, when a trusted circle is enough—and when it is time to speak with a professional. Ease also shares how boxing humbled him, how faith reshaped his perspective, and why confidence is built through action rather than performance.


    If this conversation gives you something useful, subscribe, leave a comment, and share it with someone who needs the reminder: you may give up mentally long before you actually have to.


    CHAPTERS

    00:00 Put in the work when nobody is watching

    00:48 Meet Ease to the World

    04:26 Growth begins outside your comfort zone

    07:15 Why nobody succeeds alone

    10:04 Moving, opportunity, and career portability

    13:29 Comparison, vulnerability, and changing views

    14:35 Crohn’s disease, food, and health discipline

    18:50 Men’s mental health and trusted circles

    26:45 Friends, therapy, and professional help

    29:26 Accountability and what therapy can do

    36:10 Bible study and getting closer to God

    39:09 Reputation, courage, and honest opinions

    41:57 Why networking matters beyond talent

    44:20 Faith, language, and intent

    47:05 Self-defense, restraint, and walking away

    51:27 The boxing lesson that humbled Ease

    54:10 Why men should learn self-defense

    57:20 The meaning behind I Will Not Lose

    01:02:08 What Ease is building next

    01:03:25 Stop waiting for perfect podcast equipment

    01:07:03 Where to follow Ease

    01:08:07 Closing and community initiatives


    Find new episodes: https://iwillnotlosepodcast.com

    Creative services: https://tothedesigner.com

    Tony: @tothedesigner

    Ease: @easetotheworld


    #IWillNotLose #Podcast #MensMentalHealth #SelfDefense #PersonalGrowth

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 10 分
  • Turning Hard Seasons Into Community - Jonathan Emery (Life's Checkmark Podcast) - IWNL #0077
    2026/07/01

    In this episode of I Will Not Lose Podcast, I sit down with Jonathan Emery and Giselle Quintanilla for a conversation about resilience, major life shifts, and what it takes to keep building when life gives you every reason to stop.


    Jonathan shares the story behind Life’s Checkmark and how it grew into a real community after two major shifts that could have taken everything in a different direction. We talk about consistency, business, meaning, and the kind of work that happens when nobody is watching but still ends up being the thing that sets you apart later.


    This episode is about more than business. It is about the life that comes with it, the people you become through it, and the reasons some stories end up helping other people keep going too.


    If you have ever had to keep building through a hard season, this one is for you.


    Listen to Life’s Checkmark and tap in with the story.


    #IWillNotLosePodcast #JonathanEmery #LifesCheckmark #Resilience #Entrepreneurship #Podcast #Storytelling #TonyOrtizTheDesigner

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 18 分
  • Mona Lisa X Andre Jata X Entertainment - #0075
    2026/06/11

    Episode #0075 features Mona Lisa with Andre Jata X for a conversation about her journey from middle-school talent shows to years of live performance, the discipline it takes to build a lasting career, and why real artists still matter in an AI-driven world. We also talk family, mentorship, theater, TV, and what it looks like to keep evolving as an entertainer.


    00:00 Intro and guest introduction

    00:02 Meet Mona Lisa

    00:09 Early career and the first talent-show win

    00:19 Business standards, referrals, and accountability

    00:29 Family, leadership, and mentoring

    00:39 AI, holograms, and the future of live music

    00:51 Getting back into theater and TV

    00:59 Closing thoughts


    For bookings and inquiries: 484-375-7753 | info@jataxsoulfulent.com


    #Podcast #MusicInterview #JataXSoulfulEntertainment

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 6 分
  • Know When to Get Off the Bus: The Art of Strategic Quitting With Jake Supreme - #0075
    2026/03/09

    Tony Ortiz sits down with Jake Supreme of Abstract Music Empire to discuss the massive comeback of the Emmaus Theater. We’re talking about turning a local gem into the "Lehigh Valley Apollo". A hub for rap battles, R&B sing-offs, and high-stakes community competitions. If you're repping Easton, Allentown, Bethlehem, or Phillipsburg, this one is for you.


    0:00 - Intro and Motivation

    2:04 - Meet Abstract Music Empire

    5:41 - Discussing New Music Releases

    11:47 - The Artist's Creative Journey

    17:16 - Building a Professional Show

    24:27 - The Business of Events

    31:31 - Resilience and Avoiding Quitting

    40:10 - The Power of Community Support

    47:55 - Booking Trinidad James

    55:00 - Future Plans at Amaze Theater


    🔗 Support The Show

    We don't just talk about the dream; we build it. Help us keep the lights on and the mics hot.


    Official Website: IWillNotLosePodcast.com


    Subscribe: Catch us on your favorite podcast player!

    Featured in this episode:


    Tony Ortiz (@TOTheDesigner)

    Jake Supreme

    Abstract Music Empire


    #LehighValley #EmmausTheater #IWillNotLose #Podcast #PennsylvaniaCreatives #RapBattles #CommunityFirst #Manifest2026

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    54 分
  • From Local To Global with Red McFly - #0074
    2026/01/31

    On this episode of the I Will Not Lose Podcast, we sit down with Red McFly, an award-winning hip hop producer, performer, and creative force representing Allentown on a global stage.


    Red McFly has built a career that blends chart-topping production, live performance, and entrepreneurial vision, earning multiple Producer of the Year honors while staying deeply rooted in community and culture. In this conversation, we go beyond highlights and into the mindset, discipline, and long game required to survive and thrive in today’s music industry.


    From building real audience connection to mastering both the creative and business sides of music, this episode is a masterclass for artists, producers, and entrepreneurs who are serious about longevity.


    If you’re navigating creativity, branding, networking, or trying to build something that lasts without shortcuts, this one’s for you.


    Episode Breakdown


    0:00 - The Grindset Mindset

    2:00 - Connecting with Your Audience

    4:00 - Global Reach and Passion

    6:00 - Meet the Award-Winning Producer

    8:00 - Celebrating New Year's Eve

    10:00 - Allentown's Music Scene

    12:00 - Producing Chart-Topping Hits

    14:00 - The Evolution of Hip Hop

    16:00 - Inspired by the Greats

    18:00 - Mastering Both Sides of Music

    20:00 - Performing Live

    22:00 - Working with Idols

    24:00 - The Power of Networking

    26:00 - Continuous Learning in the Game

    28:00 - Entrepreneurship in Hip Hop

    30:00 - Building Your Brand Equity

    32:00 - The Music Industry's Pace

    34:00 - Consistency is Key

    36:00 - Community and Culture

    38:00 - Nepotism or Legacy?

    40:00 - The Art of Marketing

    42:00 - Music's Translatable Skills

    44:00 - The Importance of Timing

    46:00 - Don't Announce Departures

    48:00 - Collaborating with Experts

    50:00 - Supporting Local Talent

    52:00 - Defining Entrepreneurship

    54:00 - Creating a Regional Look

    56:00 - Community Impact

    58:00 - What's Next?

    1:00:00 - Elevate and Take Flight


    Subscribe for conversations on resilience, creativity, and winning without shortcuts.

    This is I Will Not Lose.

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    45 分
  • From Chaos to Clarity | Ali AMAC McGuire - #0073
    2026/01/16

    Unlock your true potential and overcome burnout! Discover how to navigate challenges and find lasting fulfillment.


    Learn practical strategies for resilience and self-discovery.


    0:00 - Welcome to I Will Not Lose

    2:21 - Understanding Creative Expression

    4:21 - The Burnout Reality

    6:30 - Chasing the High

    8:40 - Living Your Human Experience

    10:10 - Burnout: The Devastating Fourth Stage

    12:21 - Finding Your Inner Compass

    14:11 - Core Values Drive Your Path

    17:05 - What's Your Why?

    19:00 - Your "House" and Safe Choices

    21:37 - The Power of Awareness & Choice

    24:30 - Finding Your Core Values

    26:15 - Ali's Contact & Closing Thoughts


    Subscribe for weekly insights on personal growth and mental well-being! What's one step you'll take today to prioritize your journey? Hit the notification bell so you never miss a valuable episode.


    Watch next: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCQl_2vf8kc&t=1s

    Connect with us: www.iwillnotlosepodcast.com


    Sponsored by: Nexus Network


    #BurnoutRecovery #PersonalGrowth #Resilience #MentalWellness #SelfDiscovery

    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 3 分
  • Midlife Mastery Finding Your Voice and Inspiring the World - Jack Nine - #0070
    2025/11/28

    Joshua Ramirez of Jack Nine Films went from recording in small neighborhood spaces to directing projects that have reached more than seven billion views. He has filmed thousands of videos for artists around the world and built a reputation for sharp storytelling, disciplined work, and a vision that cuts through the noise.


    This episode breaks down the real journey behind the success. We talk about persistence, purpose, legacy, and what it means to build something that lasts when no one is watching. Joshua opens up about family, faith, the grind, the pressure, and the mindset that took him from local projects to global reach.


    We cover creativity, gear versus skill, the art of saying no, protecting your energy, and the importance of being a good human while you chase big goals. If you are a filmmaker, creator, or someone building something from scratch, this conversation will hit home.


    Subscribe to stay connected with more conversations that focus on story, craft, and the people who push culture forward.


    0:00 - The Power of Persistence and Purpose

    2:30 - Building Your Legacy Behind the Scenes

    4:10 - Embracing Your 50s A New Chapter

    6:00 - Finding Your Voice Midlife Reflection

    8:00 - The Creative Journey What Drives You

    10:00 - Finding Your Foundation The Power of 34

    12:00 - Family as Fuel Your Greatest Motivation

    14:00 - Navigating Life's Challenges With Faith

    16:00 - The Art of Saying No Protecting Your Energy

    18:00 - The Director's Vision Orchestrating Success

    20:00 - Mastering Your Craft Gear vs Skill

    22:00 - From Local to Global Inspiring the World

    24:00 - AI's Impact Human Connection Remains

    26:00 - The Value of Authenticity Timeless Appeal

    28:00 - A Journey of Faith and Humility

    30:00 - The Power of Connection Be a Good Human


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 時間 16 分