Welcome back to The Human Mix.

In this episode, Nick and Lydia sit down with Matt Case (Design MC) and Luke Evans (YouNeek Productions) for an honest, energetic, and often hilarious conversation about the realities of running your own business—and the messy, human stories that come with it.

From crippling self-doubt to brand evolution, from borrowing money to battling insomnia, the group unpack the emotional rollercoaster behind entrepreneurship. They explore why so many people feel pulled to do it their own way, how personal identity bleeds into the work you create, and why vulnerability is becoming a non-negotiable part of modern branding.

Luke opens up about building his business from scratch, outgrowing old partnerships, and learning to sit with uncertainty. Matt reflects on the peaks and troughs of creative work, the personal sting of rejection, and the quiet relief of not having to pretend you know everything. Together, they challenge the old rules of professionalism—asking what it really means to show up authentically in industries that have long rewarded polish over honesty.

They also delve into mentorship, money mindset, the loneliness of self-employment, and how collaboration can reignite passion when you’re on the brink of burnout. The conversation moves between laughter, raw truths, and genuine insight—revealing the shared human experiences behind branding, creativity, and running something that feels like “your baby.”

Whether you’re a seasoned business owner, newly self-employed, or just curious about what life looks like behind the scenes, this episode is a reminder that the hardest days often shape the most meaningful work.

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Nick McKie

Lydia J Hall

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