Create Or Perish
Create Or Perish is a podcast that pulls back the curtain on the lives of writers, musicians, entrepreneurs, and creatives who have answered their calling and built a business around their creative work. Each episode goes under the hood — exploring what the transition really looked like, what the day-to-day grind is like on the inside, and all the trial, error, and invisible work that never shows up on stage or on screen. If you've felt the pull to do something meaningful with your creativity but aren't sure how to make it real, this podcast is for you.
Episodes
Jun 21, 2026
Jun 21, 2026
1 hr 43 min
Join us as we explore the journey of Bob Smeenk, a professional singer turned vocal coach who reaches an international online audience of singers, and who shares his story of finding his way into music, building the Song Fix Program, and the realities of running a purpose-driven solopreneur business.
Whether you're a singer looking to take ownership of your own voice or a creator curious about building a sustainable, community-centered business, this episode offers both practical tools and honest behind-the-scenes insight.
Main Topics Covered:-Bob's journey from engineering-track student to professional musician-The pivotal conversation with his dad that set him on the music path-Traveling and busking across Europe in a converted camper van-Building the ABC Voice Model and the Song Fix System with its 14 song fix tools-The decision to burn the ships and commit fully to the Song Fix Program-Lessons from short form vs. long form YouTube content-Building and nurturing an engaged online community-The high-ticket cohort model and finding financial and purpose-driven stability
Resources & Links:YouTube: youtube.com/@bob.smeenkWebsite: songfixprogram.com
Jun 3, 2026
Jun 3, 2026
1 hr 4 min
Join us as we explore the journey of Rachel Efron, a singer, songwriter, music producer, and creativity coach, who shares her story of discovering her creative path, building a sustainable career, and her unique framework on creativity.
Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply interested in understanding how to nurture your creative spirit, this episode provides practical insights and inspiring perspectives.
Main Topics Covered:
Rachel's journey from academic pursuits to musical passion
How her upbringing influenced her relationship with creativity
Her holistic framework on creativity: inspiration, courage, discipline, rest, connection
Building a career as an artist—balancing passion with practicalityLessons from creating her app Muzy, including the challenges of product development
Managing perfectionism and procrastination in the creative processThe importance of individuation and authenticity in creative workPractical advice for starting and sustaining a creative practice
Resources & Links:
Websitehttps://www.rachelefron.com
Muzy – Creativity App (iOS only)App Store: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/muzi-your-creativity-coach/id6739667782
LinkedInhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/rachel-efron-43860713a
Flow by Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi (Amazon)https://www.audible.com/pd/Flow-Audiobook/B00QU99KN8?srsltid=AfmBOopoAHyikJboykPWs13m0b_gbZYv_i_zYqrCoGDG8V9KNjCpUD6U