Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News

Dr. Robert Epstein on Google, Grief, and the Warning He Can't Forget

Dr. Robert Epstein says he was warned he could die for exposing the Search Engine Manipulation Effect. Months later, his wife was killed in a crash police still can't fully explain. IN THIS EPISODE WITH DR. ROBERT EPSTEIN:In Part 2 with Dr. Robert Epstein, Julie Lokun is joined by special co-host Jen Fontanilla, filling in for Dom Domasky, for a conversation that goes somewhere darker than Part 1: the personal cost of being a whistleblower. Epstein shares the warning he says he received after testifying before the U.S. Senate about the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME) — and the devastating loss of his wife, Misti, in a car accident he has publicly said made him question whether it was truly accidental. Jen and Julie sit with the weight of that story and what it means to speak truth to power when power is a trillion-dollar company. This isn't clickbait — it's a firsthand account of what it can cost to blow the whistle on Big Tech. Timestamped chapters: 00:00 — Cold open: "Makes you wonder" 03:40 — Recap: what the Search Engine Manipulation Effect is and why it made Epstein a target 09:15 — The warning Dr. Epstein says he received 17:30 — Misti's story — who she was, not just how she died 25:00 — The night everything changed 33:10 — What the police investigation found — and didn't find 40:00 — Living with uncertainty: grief, suspicion, and moving forward 47:00 — What Dr. Epstein wants entrepreneurs and creators to take from his story 52:15 — Jen Fontanilla's take: what this means for anyone building a platform online Guest bio: Dr. Robert Epstein is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT), the last PhD student trained under B.F. Skinner at Harvard University, and former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today. He testified before the U.S. Senate on the Search Engine Manipulation Effect and has spoken publicly about the threat he says preceded it, as well as the loss of his wife, Misti Vaughn, in 2019. More at drrobertepstein.com. Co-host bio: Jen Fontanilla joins this episode as special co-host, filling in for Dom Domasky. More about Jen and her work at jenfontanilla.com. QUOTES: "I'm not suicidal. Hear that, Google?" "You don't forget a warning like that — even when you want to." "Grief and suspicion can live in the same sentence." Resource links: Dr. Robert Epstein: drrobertepstein.com Julie Lokun, JD: julielokunconsulting.com Jen Fontanilla: jenfontanilla.com Dom Domasky / Motivation Champs: motivationchamps.com Cre8tive Con: cre8tivecon.com Cre8tive Con OTR: cre8tiveconotr.com Dr. Epstein also unpacks his Humanness Test, the tool he built to measure how "human" a person's responses really are — and what that means now that AI can pass for human in blind conversation studies. He points listeners to MyDigitalHygiene.com, home of his Digital Hygiene Inventory, a free assessment that scores your real-world skills for staying safe and private online. Add a chapter marker: 44:30 — The Humanness Test, AI, and why "sounding human" isn't what it used to be 46:00 — MyDigitalHygiene.com: are your digital hygiene habits protecting you? Add to resource links: Humanness Test: howhumanareyou.com Digital Hygiene Inventory: mydigitalhygiene.com What is Dr. Robert Epstein's Digital Hygiene Inventory? The Epstein Digital Hygiene Inventory (EDHI) is a free online questionnaire at MyDigitalHygiene.com that measures 11 competency areas needed to use technology safely and privately. It's available in a one-minute abridged version and a 15-minute full version, both developed through Epstein's American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT). Did Dr. Robert Epstein say he was warned about his safety? Dr. Robert Epstein has publicly stated that after briefing state attorneys general on Google's ability to influence elections, one official told him he could "die in an accident in a few months." He has referenced this warning in connection with his wife's death, though he has also said he does not believe Google or Hillary Clinton were involved. How did Misti Vaughn, Dr. Robert Epstein's wife, die? Misti Dawn Vaughn died in December 2019 after her truck spun out on a wet road in California and collided with a tractor-trailer and an SUV. Investigators found no evidence that drugs or alcohol were a factor, and Epstein has publicly questioned — without confirming — whether the crash was truly accidental. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Bar Tips: The Bartender-Turned-Author Who Cracked the Code on Sales Without Selling with Neil Rogers

Bar Tips: The Bartender-Turned-Author Who Cracked the Code on Sales Without Selling The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast | Julie Lokun & Dominick Domasky ft. Neil Rogers Forget the funnels. Forget the scripts. The best sales training on earth might be happening behind a bar top on a Friday night — and Neil Rogers is here to prove it. Neil is the author of Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar — a book Julie calls dog-eared, underlined, and genuinely transformational. In this episode, Julie Lokun and Dominic Domasky sit down with Neil for an unscripted conversation about what decades in hospitality taught him about selling, leading, and connecting — the human way. If you've ever felt like traditional sales advice makes you feel gross, manipulative, or fake — this episode is your reset. What You'll Learn in This Episode Why hospitality principles outperform traditional sales scripts every time How to read people instead of reading a pitch deck The fastest way to build real rapport (hint: it starts with a name) How bartenders master the art of the upsell — without ever feeling pushy Why time management and organization are underrated sales superpowers How to handle difficult customers (and difficult clients) with grace Why every sales skill is actually a life skill in disguise How humility and kindness quietly outperform hustle culture From Behind the Bar to the Boardroom Neil breaks down why bartenders are some of the most naturally gifted sales professionals alive — masters of first impressions, active listening, emotional regulation, and grace under pressure. His philosophy: "We are not in the product business. We are in the hospitality business." Whether you're closing six-figure deals or pouring drinks, the same truth applies — people want to feel seen, heard, and respected. Neil shares real stories from his career that prove trust and loyalty can't be manufactured through tactics. They're built one interaction at a time. A Conversation That Goes Deeper This episode isn't just about sales. Neil opens up about being a father to a non-speaking autistic son, the impact the book Underestimated had on his family, and how spelling-to-communicate practices reshaped the way he thinks about empathy, patience, and truly listening — in business and in life. Featured Book Bar Tips: Everything I Needed to Know in Sales I Learned Behind the Bar by Neil Rogers Available on Amazon — a must-read for entrepreneurs, sales professionals, and anyone who works with people. Who This Episode Is For Small business owners • Entrepreneurs & founders • Sales professionals • Coaches & consultants • Side hustlers • Creative professionals building sustainable businesses Memorable Quotes "Never avoid an opportunity to keep your mouth shut." "Be humble and be kind." "Sales is not about pressure. It's about presence." Subscribe, Review & Share If this episode hit home, subscribe to The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, leave a review on Apple Podcasts, and share it with an entrepreneur who needs to hear it. It helps more creatives and founders find the show. Explore more episodes and upcoming events: www.cre8tivecon.com ️ Join us live in Chicago in 2027  at Cre8tive Con! Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Search Engine Manipulation: Dr. Robert Epstein on Who Really Controls Your Mind

The Search Engine Manipulation Effect is real, it's measurable, and it's deciding things for you right now — including how people find your business. ABOUT THIS EPISODE OF CREATIVE ENTRPRENEUR PODCAST Dr. Robert Epstein — Harvard-trained psychologist, last PhD student under B.F. Skinner, and former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today — joins Julie Lokun and Jen Fontanilla to break down the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME), the research he presented to the U.S. Senate on how algorithms quietly shift opinions, decisions, and even elections. They connect his findings to a bigger question every creative entrepreneur needs to answer: are you building on rented land, or do you Own Your Ecosystem? This one reframes "the algorithm" from a mystery into a system you can understand — and protect yourself from. Timestamped chapters: 00:00 — Cold open: the number that should scare every entrepreneur 04:12 — Who is Dr. Robert Epstein? From Skinner's lab to Congress 11:30 — What is the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME)? 19:45 — Online manipulation and why most people never notice it 27:00 — What this means for your brand, your platform, your audience 34:15 — Own Your Ecosystem: the antidote to algorithm dependency 41:00 — Rapid-fire: AI, free will, and what entrepreneurs should watch for next 47:30 — Dr. Epstein's advice for creators who feel powerless against Big Tech Guest bio: Dr. Robert Epstein is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT), the last PhD student trained under B.F. Skinner at Harvard University, and the former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today. He is the author of 15 books and more than 250 articles, and his research on the Search Engine Manipulation Effect — published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — has been the subject of testimony before the U.S. Senate. Learn more at drrobertepstein.com. "The scariest manipulation is the one you never see happening." "If you don't own your ecosystem, someone else owns your audience." "Free will online is a lot more fragile than people want to admit." Resource links: Dr. Robert Epstein: drrobertepstein.com Julie Lokun, JD: julielokunconsulting.com Dom Domasky / Motivation Champs: motivationchamps.com Cre8tive Con: cre8tivecon.com Cre8tive Con OTR: cre8tiveconotr.com A special thank you to our guest co-host Jen Fontanilla! www.jenfontanilla.com Jen Fontanilla | Strategic Business Positioning for Web & Graphic Designers To learn more about Jen check out her website_ If this episode made you rethink who's really steering your business, hit follow and share it with one entrepreneur who needs to hear it. Own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience. Julie & Dominick ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO ROCKWELL: I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME What is the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME)? The Search Engine Manipulation Effect is Dr. Robert Epstein's research finding that biased search rankings can shift people's opinions and choices without their awareness, because most users trust top search results as neutral. Epstein's studies, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found this effect strong enough to influence election outcomes. Who is Dr. Robert Epstein? Dr. Robert Epstein is a Harvard-trained psychologist, the last PhD student under B.F. Skinner, and the former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today. He is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology and has testified before the U.S. Senate on online manipulation. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How to Monetize a Podcast: Midwest Murder's Jonah Lantto on Live Shows, Sponsors & Owning Your Niche

From Basement to Business: How Jonah Lantto Turned True Crime Into a Podcasting Empire What if your next business breakthrough isn't a marketing funnel — it's a microphone? In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Jonah Lantto, co-host of Midwest Murder, one of the fastest-growing true crime podcasts in the country. Jonah shares the real, unfiltered story of how a basement side project turned into a full-time podcasting business — one built on live shows, sponsorships, merch, and an audience that trusts him enough to show up in person, city after city. This episode isn't just for true crime fans. It's a masterclass in podcast monetization, audience-building, and turning content into a real business vertical. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How Jonah went from a basement podcast to selling out live true crime shows across the Midwest The exact moment he realized podcasting could become a full-time business Why niching down (not chasing big-name stories like Gacy or Dahmer) became Midwest Murder's competitive advantage How to "own your ecosystem" by building live events, email lists, and merch instead of relying on one platform The five-year consistency rule that took Midwest Murder from North Dakota to Nashville Beginner podcasting tips: equipment, editing software (Audacity), short-form video repurposing, and landing dream guests Why every podcaster needs a content plan and episode arc before hitting record Guest Spotlight: Jonah Lantto Jonah Lantto is a true crime writer, live storyteller, podcast host, and wedding officiant based in the Midwest — available everywhere the story takes him. He's the co-host of Midwest Murder, a true crime podcast known for uncovering forgotten regional cases and turning them into sold-out live storytelling events across the Midwest and beyond. Website: jonahlantto.com Listen to Midwest Murder: Apple Podcasts Meet Your Hosts Julie Lokun, JD — Media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant. Founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC and co-founder of The Mediacasters, Julie helps entrepreneurs build authority through podcasting, publicity, and strategic brand positioning. Her shows rank in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 on Apple Podcasts weekly. julielokunconsulting.com Dominick Domasky — Bestselling author, publisher, and founder of Motivation Champs Publishing. Co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and a tireless champion for the creative entrepreneurship movement. motivationchamps.com Join Us Live Ready to build your own creative business? Join Julie and Dom at Cre8tive Con, the national traveling entrepreneurship conference where podcasters, creators, and business builders come together to learn, connect, and grow. ️ cre8tivecon.com Rate, Review & Subscribe If this episode inspired you to turn your voice into a business, please rate, review, and share The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — it's the best way to help more entrepreneurs find the show. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin Gold of Justin's Peanut Butter: From Waiting Tables to a $281 Million Empire

Justin's Peanut Butter founder Justin Gold joins The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast to reveal how a food processor, a Boulder, Colorado kitchen, and a $281 million exit to a Fortune 500 company all started with one mountain bike ride. Hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky dig into risk-taking, raising investor capital, letting go as a founder, and why "no" just means "not now." Episode Overview In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, co-hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with longtime friend and natural food industry pioneer Justin Gold, founder of Justin's Peanut Butter. Justin shares the real story behind building a nut butter brand from scratch — no ChatGPT, no roadmap, no investors — into a company acquired by a Fortune 500 giant, and why he later stepped back in to help guide it forward. What You'll Learn in This Episode The origin story: How waiting tables in Boulder, Colorado led to the creation of Justin's Peanut Butter Why "luck" isn't the full story: Justin's honest take on timing, momentum, and community Raising investor capital: How to find the right investors (not just the wealthiest ones) and why an advisory board builds instant credibility The "Not Now" framework: Justin's mental trick for turning rejection into a future yes Knowing your lane: Why Justin stepped down as CEO of his own company — and what he focuses on instead Friendship and entrepreneurship: Dominick Domasky's perspective watching a childhood friend build an empire while he built his own path through Motivation Champs Publishing Featured Segment: Jules Rules Julie's signature "best combos of all time" game makes an appearance — Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen, Siegfried & Roy, and a supply-and-demand mic drop to close it out. Guest Bio Justin Gold is the founder of Justin's Peanut Butter, one of the natural food movement's most recognizable brands. Starting with a food processor and a Boulder, Colorado kitchen, Justin built a company that scaled to a landmark acquisition, all while prioritizing employee protection through the deal and staying deeply involved in brand culture and innovation today. Frequently Asked Questions Who founded Justin's Peanut Butter? Justin Gold founded Justin's Peanut Butter in Boulder, Colorado, starting the company with a food processor before scaling it into a nationally recognized natural food brand. How much did Justin's Peanut Butter sell for? Justin Gold's company was built into and sold as part of a deal reported at $281 million to a Fortune 500 company. Is Justin Gold still involved with Justin's Peanut Butter? Yes — while Justin is no longer CEO, he remains active in culture, innovation, quality control, and marketing for the brand. Links & Resources ️ Cre8tive Con: www.cre8tivecon.com Motivation Champs Publishing: motivationchamps.com Big Better Brand: www.bigbetterbrand.com Justin's Peanut Butter: justins.com Shop Justin's Products: justins.com/shop Follow the Show Instagram: @cre8tivecon Frequently Asked Questions — Julie Lokun, Dominick Domasky & Cre8tive Con Who is Julie Lokun? Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant who operates The Mediacasters LLC, Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, and Dragonfly Podcast Academy. She hosts the Get Obsessed Podcast and co-hosts The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast with Dominick Domasky, with both shows ranking in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes. Who is Dominick Domasky? Dominick Domasky is an entrepreneur, publisher, and co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. He co-founded Cre8tive Con and Cre8tive Con OTR alongside Julie Lokun and runs Motivation Champs Publishing, an entrepreneurship-focused publishing company. What is Cre8tive Con? Cre8tive Con is a flagship annual entrepreneurship conference hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago, co-created by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky. It brings together entrepreneurs, authors, and podcasters for networking, strategy sessions, and keynote programming centered on building owned business ecosystems. What is Cre8tive Con OTR? Cre8tive Con OTR ("On the Road") is the traveling version of Cre8tive Con, bringing the conference experience to cities outside Chicago. A recent OTR stop took place in Boston at One Financial Center, featuring run-of-show programming, live networking activations, and a session on the "Own Your Ecosystem" framework. What is the "Own Your Ecosystem" framework? Own Your Ecosystem is a business-building framework developed for Cre8tive Con centered on eight pillars: website, email list, book/IP, podcast, community, content library, live events, and owned stage. It's presented at Cre8tive Con events and taught at cre8tivepower.com. How can I attend or learn more about Cre8tive Con? Visit www.cre8tivecon.com for event details, and follow @cre8tivecon on Instagram for updates on upcoming Cre8tive Con and Cre8tive Con OTR events. How did Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky start The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast? Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky co-host The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast together, combining Julie's background in podcast strategy and brand consulting with Dominick's experience as a publisher and entrepreneur to interview founders and entrepreneurs about building meaningful, owned businesses. Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.