In this unforgettable episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, host Rich Wright sits down with John Rios, a self-taught creative powerhouse whose art has graced the stages of rock legends like KISS, Motley Crue, Ted Nugent, Kid Rock, Eminem, Uncle Kracker and Alice Cooper. But this isn’t just a story about fame and paintbrushes—it’s about resilience, healing, and rediscovery through art.🎤 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH THIS INTERVIEW:This episode isn’t just for artists—it’s for anyone chasing a dream, healing from trauma, or looking for inspiration to keep going when the odds are stacked high. John’s authenticity and powerful storytelling will leave you thinking, laughing, and possibly crying. Whether you’re a creative, a veteran, or just someone seeking a deeper purpose, this one is for you.👨‍🎨 WHO IS JOHN RIOS?From a kid doodling in rural Michigan to a Marine Corps veteran turned internationally recognized illustrator, John's journey is a testament to the power of belief, survival, and transformation. With no formal training, he rose through sheer willpower and raw talent—proving that your background doesn’t define your future.🧠💥 MUST-WATCH MOMENTS:[03:00] John's gritty small-town beginnings and his first spark of artistic passion.[04:20] “I just knew I was an artist.” — John shares his early intuition and unshakable belief in his creative calling.[10:50] The profound concept of creativity as a gift of receiving—this will challenge how you define art forever.[13:00] Heartbreaking: John opens up about losing his mother at age 15 and how it shaped his life.[22:14] Drafted into the Marines by his dad?! The wild story of how John unexpectedly enlisted and faced the realities of war.[31:00] The emotional toll of service in Lebanon—and how PTSD reshaped his worldview and personal life.[40:00] “People can’t buy what they don’t know exists.” — John’s game-changing advice for artists trying to get noticed.[54:30] How a random lunch break and a bold move led him to a 10-year collaboration with Ted Nugent.[1:02:00+] The priceless lessons on self-belief, persistence, and being your own advocate in an unpredictable creative industry.🧠 TOPICS COVERED:Self-taught artistry & impostor syndromeGrieving, growing, and gritMilitary mental health and PTSDHow trauma influences creativityNetworking like a pro (even with no formal resume!)Overcoming rejection and proving the doubters wrongBusiness wisdom from a commercial art legend💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION:Which part of John’s story hit you hardest? Drop a comment below to let us know 👇🔥 LIKE, SHARE & SUBSCRIBE 🔔Don’t miss future episodes of Artist Recovery Podcast where we highlight the most powerful stories of transformation, hustle, and healing through art.Connect with John: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-rios-6527664/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/john_rios_designs/Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd #ArtistRecoveryPodcast #JohnRios #VeteranArtist #ArtTherapy #CreativeHealing #DetroitArtist #KISS #TedNugent #Eminem #MotleyCrue #MarineVeteran #SelfTaughtArtist #PTSDRecovery #RockNRollArt #CreativeJourney #PodcastHighlights #ViralPodcastMoments #UncleKracker #mentalhealthawareness #mentalhealthawarenessmonth

🌿 In this unforgettable episode, we sit down with Claire O’Connor — intuitive essence midwife, brand stylist, and founder of Wellness Web Designers — to uncover a life journey filled with resilience, creativity, and spiritual reclamation. This is not your typical design or entrepreneurship story.✨ Claire takes us deep into her early life in suburban New Jersey, painting a raw portrait of growing up in a household marked by intergenerational trauma, addiction, and religious dogma. From being a silent, withdrawn child in Catholic school to discovering salvation in art, books, and imagination, Claire's story is as powerful as it is relatable.📌 Top Moments You Don’t Want to Miss:00:02:21 — The brutally honest look into Claire’s childhood surrounded by Irish and Polish alcoholism00:10:14 — Her mother’s confession: “I married your father because he was tall and had a job”00:18:00 — Drawing animals as an escape: The origin of Claire’s creative spirit00:23:11 — Wanting to become a cloistered nun to escape trauma00:41:58 — The radical shift: Choosing public high school over religious seclusion00:53:00 — Becoming the first in her family to graduate college and finding her tribe in a nature-based liberal arts school01:10:00 — Studying under Native American elders and embracing environmental spirituality💥 Claire drops so many mic-drop moments of self-discovery, including how she reframed her trauma through psychology, and how she found voice, power, and healing through nature, design, and creativity. Her blend of holistic human development with stunning design work makes her a true pioneer for women entrepreneurs in the wellness space.👁️‍🗨️ Why Watch This Episode?If you've ever felt like the black sheep, if you’ve battled self-doubt, or if you’ve questioned your place in rigid systems — this conversation will validate your journey. Claire’s story shows how creative intuition and spiritual alignment can transform pain into purpose.🎯 Keywords for Search Visibility:Claire O’Connor podcast, Wellness Web Designers, holistic branding, trauma healing journey, Catholic childhood trauma, intergenerational trauma, intuitive design, women entrepreneurs podcast, personal growth interview, spiritual healing, environmental psychology, creative entrepreneurship🔔 Don’t forget to LIKE, SUBSCRIBE, and COMMENT your biggest takeaway. What part of Claire’s story hit you the hardest? Share your thoughts below! 👇📲 Follow Claire on Instagram: @wellnesswebdesignersLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tclaireoconnor/💼 Visit: wellnesswebdesigners.comConnect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd/

🔥 What does it take to grow a brand from scratch and evolve through chaos? In this gripping episode of Artist Recovery Podcast we sit down with Gareth Robertson, the powerhouse behind GR-aphic Studio (formerly Design Pit). From his kitchen table to leading a full-fledged creative agency, Gareth shares the unfiltered truth about building a business in the ever-evolving world of branding and digital marketing.🎧 Watch Now if You’re Ready to Be Inspired by Real Grit, Big Ideas, and a Lot of Heart.👀 IN THIS EPISODE:💡 How Gareth went from a one-man design studio to running a multi-service creative agency.📘 The story behind his book "Decade: A Creative Journey in Business" — a raw look at reinvention, growth, and failure.🧠 Lessons in branding, content creation, and thriving in the digital age.😷 Pivoting during the pandemic: restructuring, relocating, and still coming out stronger.🌍 Going eCommerce with Print Pit — a bold leap that expanded his creative reach.❤️ His powerful fundraising mission for Parkinson’s UK, raising over £15,000.🏆 From startup hustle to winning “Best Creative Business” — what it really takes.💥 VIRAL MOMENTS TO LOOK OUT FOR:“I had to learn how to sell creativity in a world that didn’t understand its value yet.” 🎯Gareth on nearly giving it all up — and what pulled him back. 😮His advice to anyone facing burnout: “Pause. Rethink. Reinvent.” 🔄The hilarious story behind his first big client win. 😂📈 WHY YOU SHOULD WATCH: If you’re a designer, entrepreneur, or just someone chasing a dream, Gareth’s story is packed with real-world lessons, branding gold, and emotional insight. His resilience, innovation, and honesty will leave you inspired — and maybe even spark your next big idea.🧠 WHO IS GARETH ROBERTSON?Founder & Creative Director of GR-aphic Studio (est. 2012)Author of Decade: A Creative Journey in BusinessWinner of multiple business awards including Best Creative BusinessCreator of the Print Pit eCommerce platformPassionate advocate for Parkinson’s UK✨ DON’T FORGET TO: 👍 Like this video if Gareth’s journey fired you up💬 Drop a comment: What was your favorite quote or takeaway?🔔 Subscribe and hit the bell so you never miss an inspiring episode📲 Share this with a fellow creative or entrepreneur who needs a push today#GarethRobertson #CreativeAgency #EntrepreneurStory #BrandingTips #DesignPit #GRaphicStudio #BusinessJourney #ARPod #PodcastInterview #StartupStory #CreativeBusiness #eCommerceDesign #ParkinsonsUK #Inspiration #digitalmarketing Connect with Gareth Robertson: https://gr-aphic.uk/Gareth on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/garethrobertson/Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com

🔥 WATCH THIS if you’ve ever felt stuck, doubted your path, or needed that one sign to keep going.In this raw and inspiring episode of the Artist Recovery Podcast, Rich Wright sits down with John McBride — Director of Product Design at Bestway Global Holdings, former Crayola designer, Matchbox/Hot Wheels mastermind, Designer at the Franklin Mint and founder of Midnight Octane. He opens up like never before.

📌 Timestamps & Highlights:

00:00 - Intro & John's killer design resume

02:30 - Discovering creativity in childhood

05:10 - How cars + crayons shaped a future

10:00 - His Garfield obsession & early schoolyard “fame”

14:00 - From struggling in algebra to mastering design thinking

17:40 - The unexpected flyer that changed his life

21:00 - Grappling with depression, faith, and nearly giving up

31:00 - The moment that pulled him off the edge

36:00 - Surviving on ramen while making it in art school

41:00 - Building futuristic car models with airbrush and grit

48:00 - Why he chose design over comic books

54:00 - Jealous coworkers, chalkboard cartoons, and Wegmans wisdom

✨ Why You Should Watch:Whether you're a young designer, seasoned creative, or just someone who needs a reminder that you're not alone in the grind — this episode is for you. Hit play, get inspired, and keep creating.This isn’t just an origin story. It’s a creative survival guide — loaded with wisdom for aspiring artists, designers, and anyone chasing dreams through adversity. John drops unfiltered gems on:Using creativity as communication

🔊The power of faith and resilience

🙏Turning artistic passion into a paycheck

💼What it takes to break into industrial design

💡Why sometimes being “the weird art kid” is your superpower 🦸‍♂️

🧠 Viral Moments Worth Sharing:“I was sitting on the edge of a bridge… thinking it might all be over.”

💔 ➡️ [Powerful redemption moment]“Design isn’t just visual. It’s how you tell a story without speaking.”

🎯“They asked me to do chalkboard art at Wegmans… and it became a city-wide hit.”

🎨“I gave up soccer, comics, and parties — just to bet it all on my dream.”

💥“This isn't about fame. It's about impact.”

🔥💬 Let’s Talk in the Comments:

➡️ What moment hit you the hardest in John’s story?

➡️ Have you ever felt stuck creatively or personally — and how did you get through it?

➡️ Drop your dream career in the comments — we want to support you!👀

New here? Hit that SUBSCRIBE button and turn on 🔔 notifications — we’ve got more powerhouse creatives sharing their journeys, design insights, and mental health real talk. This is where art meets authenticity.

📣 Follow John McBride: Midnight Octane → https://www.midniteoctane.com/LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/midniteoctane/Connect with

Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.comLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/richwrightunltd

🎧 Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and everywhere you listen.

#JohnMcBride #ARPodcast #CreativeJourney #IndustrialDesign #MatchboxDesigner #MidnightOctane #FaithAndCreativity #DesignCareer #MentalHealthInCreatives #HowToBeADesigner #BestwayGlobalHoldings #CrayolaDesigner #ArtSchoolLife #CreativeInspiration #ArtistStory

🌟 Get ready to be inspired! In this powerful episode, Rich Wright sits down with Scott Fisk—a professional hot rod illustrator, author, and founder of the "IAIAM Community for Creatives." Scott’s story is one of resilience, creativity, and purpose. From growing up in a blue-collar town in upstate New York to becoming a celebrated artist and entrepreneur residing in Vermont, Scott shares his incredible journey and the life lessons that shaped him. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!✨ Key Moments You’ll Love:A Hallmark Love Story:Scott shares the touching story of how his parents fell in love through letters while his father was stationed overseas—complete with a proposal from a phone booth in Germany! 💌Overcoming Childhood Trauma:At just 8 years old, Scott lost his mother to leukemia. He reflects on how this profound loss shaped his perspective on life and fueled his passion for art as a form of healing. 🖌️The Birth of a Creative Visionary:Discover how Scott transitioned from aspiring civil engineer to professional illustrator featured in iconic magazines like Cartoons Magazine, Hot Rods Illustrated, and more. 🚗✨Building a Purpose-Driven Community:Learn about Scott’s mission behind the "IAIAM Community for Creatives," where he empowers artists worldwide to connect, collaborate, and thrive. 🌍🎨Lessons from Grandpa:Scott’s grandfather taught him timeless values like respect, love, and perseverance—lessons that continue to guide him today. 👴❤️Turning Pain into Purpose:“Pain is not unique—what we do with it is what makes us unique.” Scott’s heartfelt reflections on grief and resilience will leave you inspired to face your own challenges with courage.🔥 Viral Moments You’ll Rewatch:“Art became my escape.” Scott reveals how drawing became his sanctuary during the toughest times of his life.“Celebrate the time you had.” Scott’s emotional tribute to his late mother will tug at your heartstrings and inspire you to cherish every moment with loved ones.“No one escapes pain, but we can choose to be victorious.” A powerful reminder that our response to adversity defines us.🎯 Why Watch This Episode?Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking for inspiration, Scott Fisk’s story will resonate deeply. His journey is a testament to the power of creativity, community, and resilience in overcoming life’s challenges. If you’ve ever wondered how to turn pain into purpose or build something meaningful from scratch, this conversation is for you.#Hotrodillustrator, #automotiveart, #creativecommunity, #overcominggrief, #childhoodtrauma, #inspirationalpodcast, #artistspotlight, #professionalillustratortips, #graphicdesignjourney.📢 Don’t forget to like 👍 this video if it inspired you! Share your favorite moment in the comments 💬—Scott might just respond personally! And hit that subscribe button 🔔 so you never miss another story that fuels your creativity.

Connect with Scott: https://www.studio669.net/Scott's Community: https://iaiam.mn.co/Connect with Rich, Podcast and Community: https://www.theartistrecovery.com/

💔 What if one moment changed your life forever?For Dennis Liegghio, that moment came when he was just 13 years old, when he tragically lost his father. In this raw, emotional, and deeply inspiring interview, Dennis sits down with Rich Wright to share how he turned his personal pain into a global movement of hope, healing, and suicide prevention.👉 If you or someone you love has ever struggled with loss, mental health, or finding purpose after tragedy, this episode will speak to your heart.🔥 Key Moments You Can’t Miss:🔹 “The last words I ever heard from my father haunt me to this day.” Dennis opens up about the heartbreaking final conversation with his father and the emotional impact of losing a parent at such a young age. This moment sets the stage for an unforgettable journey of healing and activism.🔹 "I turned my pain into purpose—now I’m helping others do the same."Rather than letting grief define him, Dennis founded KnowResolve, a powerful organization dedicated to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. His story is proof that hope can rise from even the darkest moments.🔹 “Suicide isn’t about wanting to die—it’s about wanting the pain to stop.” Dennis shares life-changing insights into the mindset of those struggling with suicidal thoughts, breaking down myths, stigma, and how we can all be part of the solution.🔹 Music as Healing: How Writing Songs Saved My LifeDennis reveals how music became his outlet for survival, leading him to write songs that connected deeply with others facing similar struggles. This segment is raw, powerful, and inspiring for anyone who has ever turned to creativity as a way to cope.🔹 The ONE Question That Can Save a Life during the interview, Dennis shares the most important question you can ask someone who may be struggling—a simple but life-changing approach to opening a conversation that could make all the difference.🎯 Why This Interview Matters:✅ Mental Health Awareness – Understanding the impact of suicide and how we can offer support.✅ Personal Growth & Healing – Transforming grief into a mission that helps others.✅ Actionable Advice – Practical tips on how to talk about suicide and support loved ones.✅ Inspiration & Hope – A reminder that even in the darkest times, there is light ahead.💡 YOU CAN HELP: SHARE THIS VIDEO By watching and sharing this conversation, you’re helping break the silence around mental health and suicide prevention. Let’s spread hope together!🔔 Subscribe for More Powerful Conversations📌 Comment Below: What part of Dennis’s story resonated with you the most?#DennisLiegghio #SuicidePrevention #MentalHealthMatters #KnowResolve #PodcastInterview #RichWright #Hope #Healing #MusicTherapy #EndTheStigma #YouAreNotAlone

Connect with Dennis: https://www.knowresolve.org/

Connect with Rich: https://www.theartistrecovery.com/