In this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Logan Fields, Founder and CEO of The App Guys, sits down with producer and entrepreneur Megan Mayes for a candid, behind-the-scenes conversation about the real business of filmmaking. From indie passion projects to $500,000 commercial shoots, this episode explores what it actually takes to build a production company, manage creative talent, and survive in a high-risk, high-stakes industry.

Megan shares her unconventional path into film, starting with childhood movie projects alongside her brother, later attending NYU, and eventually taking the leap to produce her own independent film. What began as artistic curiosity evolved into a disciplined pursuit of mastery. She breaks down how she moved from bartending in New York to producing narrative films and eventually carving out a profitable niche in commercial production.

Logan, coming from the world of startups and software, pushes into the business mechanics behind the glamour. The result is a fascinating contrast between creative instinct and data-driven strategy. Together, they unpack how indie filmmakers approach risk differently than studios, why most big-budget films rely on a volume strategy, and how independent projects demand deeper intentionality and care.

You’ll hear an unfiltered discussion about:

• The difference between indie films and studio productions

• How commercial production budgets actually work

• Managing cash flow, deposits, and net-90 payment terms

• Dealing with high-profile talent and unpredictable personalities

• Why many films never get released

• The realities of set life, long shoot days, and leadership under pressure

One of the most compelling threads in the conversation is the tension between art and economics. Megan explains why she resists writing stories purely for budget constraints, while Logan challenges the industry’s traditional cash flow structure. The conversation moves fluidly between philosophy and practicality, revealing what it really means to operate as both an artist and a CEO.

They also dive into leadership. What happens when a primary actor threatens to walk off set? How do you protect crew morale when tensions rise? Megan shares a powerful story about navigating conflict with empathy while maintaining authority. It’s a masterclass in composure and persuasion.

Beyond film sets and financial models, the episode explores personal growth. Megan discusses coaching, mastery, and why she believes understanding every department on set makes her a stronger producer. Logan draws parallels to building elite teams inside a tech company, emphasizing that whether you’re shipping software or shooting a feature film, culture and clarity win.

You’ll also hear lighter moments, including rapid-fire questions, stories of broken noses, favorite films like The Father, and reflections on storytelling as a tool for empathy. At its core, this episode is about building something meaningful in an industry that doesn’t guarantee outcomes.

If you’re an entrepreneur, creative professional, filmmaker, or startup founder, this conversation offers rare insight into:

• Scaling a service-based business

• Balancing creative vision with profitability

• Structuring production companies for long-term growth

• Surviving volatility in media and entertainment

• Turning passion projects into sustainable careers

This is more than a film discussion. It’s a deep dive into risk tolerance, strategic thinking, and the courage required to create at a high level.

To stay connected with Logan Fields, visit LoganFields.com and TheAppGuys.com. Follow Logan on LinkedIn for insights on technology, entrepreneurship, and leadership. If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to the Logan Fields Podcast, leave a review, and share it with someone building in the creative or startup world. Your support helps amplify conversations with founders, innovators, and creators shaping the future.

In this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Logan Fields sits down with Clifton Prescod, a world-renowned celebrity and entertainment campaign photographer whose work has shaped global film, television, and streaming launches. From Emmy-winning projects to photographing the most recognizable faces in culture, Clifton’s career is a masterclass in patience, positioning, and long-term creative leverage.

Clifton opens up about his unconventional path, starting with years of unpaid work, deep apprenticeship, and relentless skill-building before ever earning his first dollar. Rather than chasing shortcuts, he focused on mastering craft, building trust, and understanding how creative excellence intersects with business strategy. That long-game mindset ultimately led him to work on major campaigns for networks like Netflix, NBC, and Peacock, and to earn multiple Emmys as part of elite production teams.

The conversation goes beyond photography. Logan and Clifton explore what it really takes to operate at the highest levels of entertainment without losing your identity. They unpack how Clifton differentiates himself in a crowded industry, why he rejects the title of “celebrity photographer,” and how creating a consistent on-set experience has become one of his greatest competitive advantages. This episode is as much about human psychology and relationship management as it is about cameras and lighting.

Clifton also shares the story behind his next chapter: the launch of a luxury eyewear brand designed with the same intentionality he brings to his photography. Drawing from his background in industrial design, global manufacturing partnerships in Japan, and a sharp understanding of status branding, he explains why pricing high, embracing scarcity, and obsessing over detail are non-negotiable. This isn’t merch. It’s a collectible, heirloom product built for cultural placement and long-term brand equity.

Throughout the episode, Logan Fields challenges Clifton on pricing power, investor dynamics, and how founders should think about signaling value in premium markets. The two dive into lessons from luxury brands, the dangers of over-accessibility, and why not every customer is meant to be yours. The discussion also touches on faith, pressure, ego management, and how to stay grounded while working with high-profile talent.

Key topics explored include:

• Building a creative career through apprenticeship, patience, and repetition

• How to earn trust with celebrities and executives under extreme time pressure

• Turning artistic skill into business leverage and pricing power

• Designing and launching a luxury product with cultural relevance

• Managing high-profile relationships with discretion and confidence

• The mindset shift from artist to founder without losing creative integrity

This episode is especially relevant for founders, creatives, designers, and operators who want to build something meaningful without chasing trends or validation. Clifton’s story reinforces that real momentum is built quietly, over time, through disciplined execution and thoughtful positioning.

If you enjoyed this conversation, make sure to subscribe to the Logan Fields Podcast on your preferred platform so you never miss an episode. Share this episode with a friend who’s building in the creative or startup world, and leave a review to help the show reach more listeners. You can follow Logan Fields across social platforms for updates, behind-the-scenes insights, and upcoming guests, and stay connected as the podcast continues to explore the intersection of technology, creativity, and modern entrepreneurship.

In this episode of the Logan Fields Podcast, Josh Halpern, CEO of Big Chicken and Chief Business and Brand Officer at Craveworthy Brands, joins Logan Fields for a wide-ranging conversation on what it actually takes to scale restaurants, protect legacy, and build brands that last. From partnering with Shaquille O’Neal to growing a portfolio that now exceeds $400M in system-wide revenue without venture capital, Josh breaks down the operator mindset behind sustainable growth.

The discussion starts with the origin of Big Chicken, a brand rooted in Shaq’s family history and built as a legacy play rather than a celebrity endorsement. Josh explains why star power might drive first-time traffic, but only disciplined operations, food quality, and guest experience keep people coming back. The stakes are higher when a brand is tied directly to a person’s reputation, and Josh shares what it means to protect that at scale.

Logan and Josh dig deep into why Craveworthy Brands doesn’t operate like traditional private equity, even though it acquires and scales multiple restaurant concepts. Instead of financial engineering, the focus is on hands-on operations, supply chain mastery, and empowering founders who want to grow without losing what made their brands special in the first place. This operator-led approach shows up everywhere, from menu design to labor strategy to how franchises are supported day to day.

A major theme of the episode is the difference between entrepreneurs and franchise operators, and why franchising isn’t for everyone. Josh is candid about why many independent restaurants fail, what founders underestimate about unit economics, and how small decisions, like napkins, sauces, or training systems, can make or break margins at scale. The conversation also explores how technology, data, and AI-driven training are reshaping hospitality without losing the human element that makes great restaurants work.

Throughout the episode, Josh shares stories from his time working with Anheuser-Busch, insights from Bar Rescuealongside John Taffer, and lessons learned from managing complex supply chains where one weak link can collapse an entire operation. The result is a grounded, behind-the-scenes look at the restaurant industry that goes far beyond the food.

Key topics covered in this episode include:

• Building Big Chicken with Shaq as a legacy brand, not a celebrity gimmick

• Scaling to hundreds of millions in revenue without VC or private equity backing

• Why operations, supply chain, and training matter more than hype

• The real economics of franchising and when it does or doesn’t make sense

• How guest experience, data, and AI-driven training intersect in modern hospitality

• Lessons from Bar Rescue, brand turnarounds, and multi-concept growth

This conversation is essential listening for founders, operators, investors, and anyone curious about how brands scale in the real world, where execution beats theory and presence beats spreadsheets alone. Josh’s perspective blends heart, discipline, and clarity, offering insights that apply far beyond restaurants.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure to subscribe to the Logan Fields Podcast for more conversations with builders, operators, and leaders shaping the future of business. You can follow Logan Fields on LinkedIn and visit TheAppGuys.com or LoganFields.com for more content. Share this episode with someone building a brand, leave a review on your favorite podcast platform, and let us know who you want to hear on the show next.

In this episode of The Logan Fields Podcast, we sit down with Jamie Tompkins—an Emmy award-winning journalist, former Seattle news anchor, chief of staff for one of the country’s most high-profile police departments, and now the host of the Respectfu11y podcast. With over 20 years in broadcast journalism and a career that spans coast to coast, Jamie brings a wealth of insight on storytelling, leadership, and navigating major career transitions with purpose.

From covering national tragedies to crafting deeply human narratives that shape public policy, Jamie has built a career on amplifying the voices of others. But as you’ll hear, she’s not just a storyteller—she’s a strategist with a deep understanding of how emotion, timing, and structure can move audiences and create lasting impact.

We dive into the true cost and power of storytelling in journalism—what it takes to report on trauma without losing yourself, how to develop stories that resonate without sensationalizing, and the ways Jamie’s work has helped shape legislation like the Death with Dignity Act in Washington. She shares the behind-the-scenes process of covering heartbreaking stories, including one that earned her an Emmy and national attention.

Key topics explored in this episode include:

• What separates great storytellers from average reporters

• How Jamie crafted award-winning narratives rooted in compassion and clarity

• Why storytelling is essential in business, leadership, and crisis communication

• The transition from broadcast journalism to serving as Chief of Staff at the Seattle Police Department

• Rebuilding public trust and reshaping the brand narrative of law enforcement post-2020

• Jamie’s mindset when making high-stakes career pivots and choosing purpose over prestige

We also talk about the power of emotional intelligence, the importance of being selective about who you work with, and the mental health challenges faced by journalists and first responders alike. Jamie pulls back the curtain on newsroom culture, explaining how anchors balance on-air pressure, viewer expectations, and the pursuit of excellence—all while navigating tight deadlines and live technical failures.

This conversation is a masterclass in intentional storytelling, resilience, and what it means to lead with both strategy and soul. Whether you're a startup founder, content creator, executive, or creative professional, Jamie’s perspective on how to shape stories that drive action is invaluable.

If you’ve ever wondered how to translate the art of storytelling into your brand, leadership style, or mission-driven work, this episode is a must-listen.

Takeaways you won’t want to miss:

• The importance of choosing theme and structure in high-impact stories

• How to “land the plane” and create content that leaves a lasting emotional imprint

• Practical parallels between news reporting and business messaging

• Why Jamie believes communication is the most underutilized asset in leadership

To hear more from Jamie, check out her show Respectfu11y on YouTube and follow her on Instagram @jamietompkinsnews.

To stay connected with The Logan Fields Podcast, visit loganfields.com or follow Logan on Instagram and LinkedIn. If this episode resonated with you, share it with someone who needs to hear it—and don’t forget to leave a review. Your feedback helps us keep bringing powerful conversations to the surface.

Want to dive deeper into the world of tech, entrepreneurship, and creative strategy? Visit theappguys.com to learn more about Logan’s work and the vision behind this show.

What happens when a self-described artist, not a salesman builds a podcast that reaches over 60,000 subscribers—without chasing trends, shortcuts, or viral gimmicks? In this episode of The Logan Fields Podcast, we sit down with Luis Guzman, host of I'm Not a Salesman and sales director of a high-performing fencing company, to talk about what it really takes to grow something meaningful in today’s attention economy.

Luis brings a unique blend of raw hustle, deep empathy, and real-life entrepreneurial grit to the table. From selling football jerseys out of his car at 15 to helping scale a family-owned fencing company into a regional powerhouse, Luis has always been driven by value—not vanity. He opens up about the origin of his podcast, what drives his content strategy, and how he's helping listeners across the country shift from surviving to thriving.

We get into the heart of what separates meaningful content from noise: real stories, real impact, and real connections. Luis shares some of the incredible stories from his podcast—including guests who went from homelessness to business ownership—and reflects on the responsibility that comes with an expanding platform.

In this conversation, we dive into:

• The inspiration behind I'm Not a Salesman and how a casual phone call sparked the entire idea

• Why Luis believes the most powerful stories come from people who started at “negative”

• What it's like balancing sales leadership in a growing business while building a media brand

• How storytelling and sincerity have been his most powerful marketing tools

• The difference between people who start with opportunity vs. those who fight for every inch

• Why integrity and trust remain Luis’s highest values—in sales, content, and personal life

We also talk watches, steaks, bourbon, and cigars—but not just for fun. These moments of lifestyle reflect a larger theme throughout the episode: how intentional living and quiet confidence show up in the lives of people who are truly doing the work.

Whether you’re a new podcaster trying to find your voice, a business leader growing your team, or someone stuck between creative ambition and practical responsibilities, this episode is a reminder that growth doesn’t always look flashy—and it shouldn’t.

You’ll also hear Luis break down:

• The importance of showing up, even when the audience is small

• How to build trust with guests, clients, and listeners alike

• His approach to mentorship, leadership, and building a values-first brand

• Why being “just a good person” is underrated in both life and business

Throughout the episode, there’s a sense of gratitude, clarity, and grounded ambition that sets Luis apart from the average entrepreneur story. He’s not chasing a trend—he’s building a movement.

“When you have a moment to sit, sit.” That quote—shared toward the end of the episode—captures Luis’s entire ethos. This conversation is not about hacks or hustle culture. It’s about building something that lasts, staying close to your purpose, and remembering the “why” even as the numbers climb.

Connect with Luis Guzman
You can follow Luis on Instagram and TikTok under @ImNotASalesman. New episodes of I'm Not a Salesman drop every two weeks on YouTube and major audio platforms. Search artistnotasalesman to find his show and subscribe.

Enjoyed this episode?
We’d love to hear your thoughts. Subscribe to The Logan Fields Podcast on your favorite platform, leave a review, or share this episode with someone who needs a boost of clarity and motivation.

You can also connect with Logan directly through the studio’s Instagram or inquire about booking an episode at Flexwork Studios.

Let’s keep the conversation going.

What if your nightly routine could be hacked with a two-ounce drink—no melatonin, no grogginess, and no crash? In this episode of The Logan Fields Podcast, we sit down with entrepreneur Neil Mehta, best known for creating one of the world’s healthiest condoms—and now making waves in the wellness space with his new sleep supplement brand, Nox.

Neil walks us through his unlikely journey, from public health grad to FDA-approved product founder, and why he’s always gravitated toward “taboo” categories. First, it was sexual wellness—designing a vegan, ultra-thin, non-toxic condom that could compete with global legacy brands. Now, he’s turning his attention to an equally under-discussed need: deep, restorative sleep.

Created without melatonin or dependency-inducing ingredients, Nox is a clean, functional sleep shot that’s being tested by athletes, high performers, and everyday consumers who are tired of bad sleep—and worse side effects.

In this wide-ranging conversation, Neil shares:

• The origin story of Nox and how a casual sample from a physician friend turned into a promising wellness brand

• What it took to bootstrap a product launch with just $10K, avoiding investors to stay lean and creative

• Why melatonin dependency is misunderstood, and how Nox’s ingredients work differently to support the body’s natural rhythms

• Early feedback from testers using wearables like the Oura Ring and Apple Watch to track measurable improvements in deep sleep

• His marketing strategy focused on micro-influencers, smart pre-sales, and education-first content to drive interest and trust

Neil also talks about his experience with the FDA during his first startup, why he believes in slow, sustainable growth, and how his upbringing (and martial arts background) shaped his approach to business.

In his own words: “We didn’t build Nox to sedate you. We built it to help you truly recover.”

Whether you're a founder building a DTC brand, a biohacker looking to improve sleep quality, or just someone who’s burned out on caffeine and melatonin, this episode offers sharp insights and actionable takeaways from someone who’s actually in the trenches.

Key Topics Include:

• Breaking into the functional beverage space with a product people actually feel

• The pros and cons of building in a highly regulated category

• Why “taboo” industries are often where the biggest innovation lives

• How Neil validates his product using data-driven feedback loops from real customers

• Why consumer education—not shock value—is the long game in wellness branding

Want to try Nox or learn more?
Visit www.drinknox.com to join the waitlist or sign up for early access. You can also follow Neil on Instagram at @neil_x_m for updates, behind-the-scenes startup content, and launch announcements.

If you enjoyed this conversation, subscribe to The Logan Fields Podcast on your favorite platform and leave a review. It’s the best way to support the show and helps us keep bringing you honest, insightful interviews with the entrepreneurs shaping tomorrow’s wellness, tech, and creator economy.

For media, guest bookings, or partnership opportunities, head to loganfields.com to connect directly with the team.

What does it really take to build a multi-six-figure business from vending machines—and then turn that success into millions of views online? In this episode of The Logan Fields Podcast, we sit down with Donald Luxama, one of the most fascinating entrepreneurs in the vending industry and a powerhouse content creator whose business savvy and integrity are reshaping what success looks like for Gen Z entrepreneurs.

Donald, now 25, started his first vending machine hustle back in college. He wasn’t chasing passion—he was chasing access. With a smart take on how to leverage what’s readily available instead of romanticizing "passion projects," Donald lays out how he turned a couple of combo machines and meal swipes into a scalable business with real cash flow. But vending was just the beginning. His content documenting that journey now reaches hundreds of thousands, and his viral marketing playbook has become its own revenue engine.

In this no-fluff conversation, Donald shares how he used consistency, failure, and high-volume testing to build both a physical and digital business empire. Whether you're looking to build a side hustle, grow your brand on social, or figure out how to monetize attention without losing your values, this episode delivers.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Donald went from selling wristbands in high school to owning dozens of vending machines nationwide

• Why buying vending machines with locations is key—and the top 3 rules for choosing a profitable one

• The psychology of content formats, virality, and what actually moves the algorithm

• Why “volume beats luck” and how Donald uses that mindset to scale both business and content

• The power of integrity in entrepreneurship—and why Donald turned down five-figure deals that didn’t align with his values

• Why most people fail when trying to follow their passion (and what to do instead)

Donald also breaks down how he uses frameworks like “driving for dollars” and “vending machine takeovers” to identify underperforming locations and flip them for profit. His playbook isn't just tactical—it’s mindset-driven. He’s built his brand around consistency, community, and clarity—and it shows in how he educates, engages, and elevates others in the space.

Other highlights include:

• The AI vending machines you’ve probably never heard of

• Why seclusion, long hours, and foot traffic are the holy trinity of vending success

• How he went from 3,000 to 700,000 followers using just 12 high-performing videos

• Why fake content might win short-term, but authenticity builds long-term trust

• How he uses podcasting and media to scale impact and legacy—not just income

Whether you're a startup founder, solo content creator, or side hustle explorer, this conversation offers a masterclass in turning real-world business into digital leverage—without selling out.

Want more from Donald Luxama?
Find him on Instagram at @thenerdy14, or search Donald Luxama across TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook for smart, tactical content that actually helps you get started in vending or content creation. His social channels are loaded with free game, practical frameworks, and behind-the-scenes looks at the vending business model.

Connect with the show:
If you enjoyed this episode, share it with someone building a side hustle or struggling to grow on social. Subscribe to The Logan Fields Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts and leave a review—it helps more listeners discover inspiring entrepreneurs like Donald. For episode updates, behind-the-scenes clips, and bonus content, follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn or visit loganfields.com/podcast.

Want to record your own podcast in a premium New Jersey studio? Learn more about Flexwork Studios at flexworkstudios.com—your all-in-one home for podcast production, content days, and digital growth.

What does it actually take to go viral—not once, but over and over again? And how do you turn that momentum into a business?

In this episode of The Logan Fields Podcast, we sit down with Kamal Mamedov—the UK-based entrepreneur behind Fortitude Fitness and the viral content agency Content Club. Kamal isn’t just another influencer with a few big hits. He’s built a full-blown media engine with tens of millions of monthly views, a thriving gym business, and a growing list of brand sponsorships. If you’re a content creator, business owner, or aspiring entrepreneur looking to understand how viral content, smart testing, and strategic brand deals intersect, this episode is packed with practical gold.

We dive into Kamal’s story—starting from launching a gym with friends, to pivoting into content creation, to eventually building a creative agency that helps others engineer virality. What makes his journey especially unique is how methodical he is. Kamal doesn’t leave success up to chance. He’s tested over 17 edits of a single video just to dial in the version that earned over a million views. In a world obsessed with quick hits, he’s playing the long game—and winning.

In this episode, we cover:

• How Kamal used his gym as a content incubator

• The anatomy of a viral short-form video (and why most people miss the mark)

• Why testing 10–20 versions of a video is normal at Content Club

• The role of curiosity hooks and rapid visual pacing

• How editing just the music or caption can be the tipping point

• Why your first five edits will probably flop—and why that’s okay

• The psychology behind audience retention and satisfying endings

• Kamal’s sponsorship strategy: from free gear to paid retainers

• How to approach high-ticket content sponsorships as a B2B founder

What sets Kamal apart is his ability to blend data-driven decisions with human instinct. He’s not just making videos for views—he’s designing performers that earn repeat attention. You’ll hear how he crafts social content frameworks, approaches editing like a scientist, and creates micro-moments that stick in the viewer’s memory long after the scroll.

We also get into the real math of virality. Kamal shares the benchmarks he uses when working with clients, including what platforms to test on, what view counts matter across TikTok vs. Instagram vs. YouTube Shorts, and how to gauge whether a video is a hit—or just a spark.

For creators or founders juggling multiple ventures, Kamal’s story is also a lesson in smart leverage. His gym, media agency, and personal brand don’t compete for attention—they feed each other. From locking in a Fiji Water sponsorship to getting strangers involved in spontaneous video bits, he’s mastered the art of turning everyday moments into shareable assets.

We also get tactical about content strategy for high-income founders, including:

• Why B2B service businesses should think beyond educational content

• When to blend entertainment into your personal brand

• How to balance authority-building with personality-driven storytelling

• The break-even point where sponsorships start to make financial sense

If you’ve ever wondered how to monetize your personality, build recurring reach, or use content as a lead generation tool for your actual business, this conversation will reframe how you think about audience, attention, and amplification.

Kamal doesn’t hold back, and neither do we.

Enjoying the episode? Here’s how to stay connected:

• Subscribe to The Logan Fields Podcast on your favorite platform for weekly interviews with creators, founders, and experts pushing boundaries in media and business.

• Follow Logan Fields on social media for behind-the-scenes clips, episode previews, and real-time insights on content strategy.

Whether you're building a brand, scaling a show, or just getting started, this episode is a deep dive into the mindset, tactics, and real-world metrics that actually move the needle.