In this episode of Audio Path, we dive into the 80/20 rule and how it applies to life and work in the audio and music industry. From clients and gear to plugins, workflow, and saying no to the wrong opportunities, we explore how a small portion of your efforts often produces the biggest results. We talk about prioritizing the right projects, avoiding burnout, building trust through consistency, and adopting an abundance mindset instead of a scarcity mindset. Whether you’re just starting out or deep into your career, this conversation will challenge you to step back, evaluate what’s truly working, and learn how doing less can actually move you forward faster.

In this episode of Audio Path, John and Trent take a brutally honest—and hilarious—look at the mistakes that can cost you the gig in both studio and live audio environments. From early-career blunders to fresh-off-the-road fails, they dig into real stories that reveal how ego, lack of preparation, bad attitudes, gear assumptions, and even boredom can sabotage your reputation fast.

They also share unforgettable encounters with difficult artists, chaotic festival situations, broken routing, warehouse acoustical nightmares, rogue click tracks, and engineers who should probably switch careers.

Whether you're new to audio or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with hard-earned lessons, red flags to watch for, and reminders that the simplest rule still holds true: don’t be a jerk.

Tune in, cringe along with them, and learn how not to blow your next gig.

In this honest and eye-opening episode, John and Trent pull back the curtain on one of the most challenging parts of working in the music industry—dealing with difficult artists and strained client relationships. Trent shares a recent real-world studio experience that went unexpectedly off the rails, walking through the red flags, communication breakdowns, revision overload, mismatched expectations, and the hard lessons learned along the way.

Whether you’re an engineer, producer, or artist, this episode is packed with practical wisdom on setting boundaries, managing revisions, guiding creative direction, protecting your time, and identifying when a collaboration simply isn’t the right fit. A must-listen for anyone building a sustainable career in music.