Locked In with Ian Bick - Shocking FBI Stories, Concert Drama, & Prison Tales: Ian Bick's Nightclub Videographer Reveals All!

Episode Date: August 13, 2024

In this episode, Ian Bick’s nightclub videographer shares jaw-dropping tales from behind the scenes. Discover the wild world of concert promotions, the intense moments of FBI interrogations, and the journey of creating compelling prison content. Dive deep into the fascinating stories that paint a vivid picture of Ian Bick's extraordinary life and his ventures in the entertainment and digital content industry. Hosted, Executive Produced & Edited By Ian Bick: https://www.instagram.com/ian_bick/?hl=en https://ianbick.com/ Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ https://www.youtube.com/@MikeSquiresAndFriends Presented by Tyson 2.0 & Wooooo Energy: https://tyson20.com/ https://woooooenergy.com/ Powered by: Just Media House : https://www.justmediahouse.com/ Creative direction, design, assets, support by FWRD: https://www.fwrd.co Buy Merch: https://lockedinbrand.com Use code lockedin at checkout to get 20% off your order Timestamps: 00:00:00 - Cops at the Concert 00:03:43 - The 50 States Project and Working with Artists 00:07:31 - The Energy at Tuxedo Junction 00:11:07 - Overcoming Adversity and Taking Risks 00:14:49 - Losing Everything and Finding Help 00:18:34 - Rising from Rock Bottom 00:22:24 - The Importance of Maintaining a Positive Mindset and Showing Compassion 00:26:08 - Taking the Leap as an Entrepreneur 00:30:01 - Memories from Tuxedo Junction 00:33:42 - Reflecting on Mistakes and Misunderstandings 00:37:23 - Tuxedo Junction Memories and Overcoming Challenges 00:41:10 - The DVBBS Story 00:44:56 - The Grind and Hurdles of the Tuxedo Days 00:48:38 - The Consequences of Reverting to Lying 00:52:28 - The Power of Storytelling and Surrounding Yourself with the Right People 00:55:54 - The Importance of Real Friends 00:59:29 - A Conversation with a Dear Friend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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A gift that always clicks. It's a normal concert, packed, high energy. Now, there's word getting around that there are cops in the building. Like, you know what I mean? People are whispering, they're like, yo, cops, cops, cops. And like, we're hearing things. You know what I mean?

Like, I'm talking with Dan. I'm like, yo, you heard there's cops here. All of a sudden, word gets to us. Ian's been arrested. So Dan and I just like look at each other. We're just like, I love you, dude. But like, in the back of our head,

we like knew this was a possibility. Like, we knew as we were working for you, like, because as, especially as the Fed case started, like, it was just kind of a workplace risk that Ian would get arrested at any moment. So we're like, I mean, today's the day. So Dubs goes over the microphone and they did what every respectable DJ would do.

They just were like, yo, there's some cops in the building. The police, let's turn up. And then the fucking rest of the concert went on, you weren't there to see it. And then the end of the night came and, uh, yeah, everyone just went home. Mike Squires, welcome to Lockton. Let's go, dude. We've been talking about doing this for a while and it's good to finally have you here. And, uh, you're a, you're a very big piece of my past. So I think the audience will appreciate your perspective. Yeah. Because everyone's so curious about

the nightclub aspect of my story. Yeah. Um, just that period of time. And what's so cool about the show is that when I bring on people like my dad, people in my life, like my attorney, the listeners who have fell in love with the show start to get a glimpse of that, of the past and put pieces because I know, like, the evolution of the show is I started like telling stories about myself, drifted into, you know, focusing on the guests. And we've built this massive listener based just off of the guests. And people are all the time commenting and Instagram DMing me and stuff like we want to know about your story. So it's cool to integrate it by sharing not only your story, but also a part of mine too. And it gives the audience a new face

who has a very interesting life himself while also shining light on this. Yeah, no, I'm excited. I'm excited to go down a trip memory lane, dude. Yeah. So you're a Connecticut native. You grew up in Connecticut. Yep. Born and raised in Stanford, Connecticut. Live there pretty much my entire life. I recently moved to Shelton, but I reped Stanford very hard, and that's my city. And we got to get you out of Shelton. You got to go back to Stanford. Yeah, dude. Just in the middle of nowhere.

Listen, I was able to get a house for a very affordable rate, and the thing is I make a lot of music. So I really need a house where I could be loud versus, you know, an apartment or something where my neighbors are going to be hitting the broomstick on, like, the ceiling, you know? Yeah, and on that note, if you could describe yourself in, like, a couple sentences of of what it is you do to give the audience like a clear picture of who Mike Squires is. Yeah, I kind of describe myself as a renaissance man.

I kind of dabble in a bunch of different things. So, you know, I have a lot of music out there for my music production. I started as a video director and that's how we connected because I was the video guy at Tuxedo Junction, but I've toured for years with artists doing photo and video.

More recently, I performed. That's kind of me in a glimpse, but I'm just kind of a creative, of just kind of whatever I'm feeling. And as long as I'm creating, that's like my path. And you have a podcast that you film here. Plug that in. I do have a podcast.

The Mike Squires and Friends podcast. I got to re-plug Ian because I probably wouldn't have a podcast if it wasn't for Ian, but he was just like, yo, it's like you got the stories. You got the guests. I got the studio. Let's make this happen. So out of that came the Mike Squires and Friends podcast where I have a ton of entrepreneurs, people in the music industry, people out of the music industry.

but people that are just on their own entrepreneurial path, just trying to figure it out and talking about their careers. So that's what the podcast is about. And something really cool that you're doing is this 50 States project that you need to talk about real quick. And also mention the Chris Webby song because Chris Webby was on the show that you made happen and people really loved hearing his perspective on the show. Yeah.

So I'm doing a song with an artist from each of the 50 states, thus the windbreaker. I'm, you know, I wasn't wearing it just for the sake of wearing it. It has a purpose. But yeah, so I'm almost halfway into this project at the time of this recording. But yeah, I'm just looking for an artist from every state and creating a song with them. And I've been rolling out weekly. And yeah, I kicked it off with the homie, Chris Webby, who I've toured with for years,

who I know was on the pod. And yeah, it's a banger. It's a good song, crazy. Yeah, and name some of the other people that you've done work with. I mean, Jellyroll is a huge name and hopefully a future guest on the show one day. That's like the dream. Yeah, Jelly's the absolute man. So I did some photos and video for him on a couple of his tour stops when I was on the road with Echo. I shot for him a couple photos one night. And then Echo was doing a couple shows with him. So Jelly's team reached out to ours and they're like, yo, whoever did photos for me last night, bring them back today. And that's like when I met Jelly for the first time. So I've worked with him. Justina Valentine, who's on the 50 States project. Echo, who's a good friend of mine. Watsky's another. artist that's popular. And I mean, music videos back in the day, worked with drum, Roscoe Dash.

If you remember the song, No Hands, Girl, the way you do it. Like, Sam Adams. Oh, yeah, Sammy Adams is the man. Yeah, the list, and I mean, there's a lot of one-off things, too. Like, I filmed Cardi B's album release party. Uh, I did, uh, paper animation on a French Montana music video. Uh, there's just a lot. I could probably just keep going through them, but that's what comes to mind immediately. Yeah. And then on to mention all the stuff you've done working with me during the club day is like huge names which we'll get to. Yeah. Which actually, you know, the Tuxedo Junction Days really led to me doing some incredible

opportunities in my career because, you know, for those who don't know, but I'm sure a lot of you know, Ian was having these all-star DJs weekly pretty much at this venue in Danbury, Connecticut. And I was doing all the video content. So, you know, every recap that you saw of those shows, you know, that was me behind the lens and but I would connect with all of the, you know, DJs, producers, their tour managers. And inevitably, it ended up, you know, getting me to travel places like I went to Jamaica doing groove crews with this check. I, like, there was just so many travel opportunities that came out of

the tuxedo days. Also, I was able to get really good at my craft, you know, from the first show I shot by the time I started to when, you know, Tuxedo Junction came to an end, like my skill set was just so much better. I was able to upgrade my gear because we had a constant flow of money, Ian. But yeah, no, it was good. Yeah, I remember you and Dan Nilsen who was a photographer

to see you guys evolve. Because you guys were the package duo. Every show, it was you and Mike, you and Dan, and you guys evolved in gear, involved in connections. Because we were one of the first clubs that had like the in-house people. That wasn't really a thing

in the East Coast area where you have the videographer and the club, and that's where, like, you could lose massive amounts on a show, but you're gaining that experience from the footage. We were creating a brand. That was something I was really good at doing. We created an insane brand. The business side of it was terrible,

but the brand building was great, and that translates to what I'm doing now. Oh, yeah, dude. And every time we posted a recap, if you weren't there, you felt like an idiot because the nights looked so fun and the energy was so high. Like, bro, you had no right bringing Steve Aoki to Danbury, but you did, you know what I mean?

like bringing the chains more like putting those type of artists in like a tuxedo size room was honestly insane because at that time like a lot of those artists like I mean they're selling out venues way bigger than tuxedo junction so to put like an it was like a more intimate show that you wouldn't probably get elsewhere exactly and and something to note it's a good thing you brought it up is these after movies that we used to film all live on youtube if you search Toxedo Junction, Danbury, Connecticut, these movies that Mike would make, which were like a three or four minute recap video, are living on YouTube forever. And I've noticed, like, views have gone up as people search me and stuff. So if you just search that, you could see these incredible movies, which look kind of amateur now looking back on it, but they were incredible at the time.

And no one was doing that just because technology is advanced. and all that raw footage you still have, which will eventually make it into a series or a movie or a documentary, and it made it into that first one on HBO. Yeah, that was kind of a crazy experience, too, because, dude, that was kind of a long time coming. From when they initially hit me up to when it became a documentary, it had to be at least two years, dude.

Yeah. And I remember going, they originally called me when I was, like, in L.A., and I was just pacing around, and they were like, yo, we're thinking about doing this documentary, how much footage you have, like that. And then maybe like, I thought the project honestly like was dead because I didn't hear back for so long. And then like almost a year later, they're like, hey, we're working on this now. Like we're in Connecticut.

Can we stop by your house? So the whole crew came and like to my house. We're all like sitting around my laptop. I'm just showing them the footage. And, you know, one thing that I remember about that because you had just got out of jail. And, you know, I was going back negotiating price with them for a very long time. That was probably the longest negotiation. I've ever had to deal with, and it was just me.

It's not like I have like a team where I like can bounce ideas off of. So I'm just kind of like guessing numbers. But part of my deal was that you got a little piece of the action when it came to it. And then I'm pretty sure your restitution came in and swooped up that money, dude. It went to restitution. Which is like a good thing. But I was just like, dang, I want Ian to get that check. Yeah, I didn't make anything off the HBO doc.

But it did go to restitution, which was good. But, I mean, that's what they look for in documentaries is that raw footage, that archival footage. Yeah. And that we have. So for those of you that are wondering, the HBO doc is no longer on HBO since they merged with Discover. Very sad. But if you DM me on Instagram at Ian underscore Bick, I got the drop box that I shoot off the people with that. Dang, you're hustling the dock, dude?

Yeah, because there's no reason why it shouldn't be out there. Like, I put my time and energy into that documentary. Oh, I agree. Watermarking All, dude. You just set it out? It's a great documentary. Dude, people hit me for it all the time, and it's so awkward. There's no reason why that that should not be out on HBO right now.

Yeah. Like, it's just such a, it's incredibly put together, it's pieced together, and it's a story. But on the other side, on the flip side, it's good that it's down because it opens the door for when they do make a documentary. Because, you know, it's missing in that documentary is prison. And this, dude. And this is aftermath of everything. And at the time I was working at Whole Foods when I recorded, and it just ends with, you know, You know, I'm working at Whole Foods, paying a couple hundred dollars a month, like the grind, which I fell in love with, and we'll get to it later in this interview of how you were the integral part of why I'm here today and why I have what I have now.

But that documentary doesn't even show the part of it. And it kind of, it's cool to see the evolution of how that showed a period of time in my life where I wasn't comfortable talking about prison, where I didn't talk about it. I remember that, dude. you know, I remember I remember you working at Whole Foods and just like, you got to understand, I knew entrepreneur Ian, I knew party Ian I knew Ian like would make his dream happen at all costs

and not that there's anything wrong with Whole Foods, there's not, you know what I mean? But just me as your homie, knowing you, I'm just like, this can't be Ian's path. You know what I mean? Like, I just knew that you were meant for something greater than Whole Foods. Again, not that there's anything wrong with Whole Foods.

It's a good, respectable job, but I just know that it wasn't your calling. So when you got into content, to me it was like, and to see it work out, it was very rewarding. It was a big risk. And it really, like, it came together in the last week, I would say, like to see that hard work pay off and to see what we have now and just like I took a huge risk.

Like my whole life has been risks, you know? And this could have just put me at a time where everyone's kind of looking at me, like he's already in debt to take on more debt to try to do this, you know? to see that come to life is incredible. But I also want the audience to know that, so you're a guy that very successful in music right now. You have a business for yourself. I don't remember the last time you worked a regular job. Never.

And you go into phases where you like working for people like subcontract and other times. You're like, I'm not doing anything. And, you know, I'm not doing a tour. And you do your own thing with music. And you've built this awesome thing. But I think it's important to know that with that, with the success you should, show now and everything, and you're just a very normal guy. You're one of the most humble people I've ever met. You'll casually say, oh, I was with jelly roller. I was this with this or with that.

But you had some trauma in your life before that all came to be and how you kind of got into video because of that trauma. And that's so relatable to the people that listen to our show that are going through a breakup, a divorce, getting out of prison, overcoming addiction, that it's very normal, that everyone falls down in life. But what's important about that is how you get back up. So I want you to share what your experience of falling down, getting back up was before you were able. Thanks, yours too. What does RAV stand for anyway?

To me, it's the remarkably advanced vehicle. Really? To me, it's the runway approved vehicle for its amazing style. What about remarkably adaptable vehicle because of its versatile cargo space? Or really admired vehicle? Oh, or really awesome vehicle. It really is the recreational activity. vehicle. The stylish

2026 Toyota Rav4 Limited. What's your Rav for? To create this for you. Yeah, dude. So in 2011, my house burnt down and I lost everything, dude. And I'll tell you the story of like how that happened. So I was in school, I was in high school at the time. I probably was like

16. And I was in like this class build on, which was like just an after school program that just like does like community work. And over the speaker's system, they're like, Mike Squires to the office. Now, I was kind of like a punk kid, so I was like, no, I'm not going to the office. You know what I mean? And then like immediately, like, maybe like 60

seconds later, Mike Squires to the office. You know what I mean? So I was like, oh. And everyone's like, you know, when you get called to the office as a kid, everyone's like looking at you because like, ooh, you're in trouble. So I go down to the office and everyone is just looking at me. Like, no one's saying anything. They're just like looking at me. In that moment, I thought someone in my family had passed away, actually. But I just remember, like, asking what was wrong. Because it was obvious something was wrong. And no one would answer me.

And it was, that was like the, I feel sick in my stomach just thinking about that feeling. So, but then someone said, your mom's coming to get you. And I was like, oh, no, like, my dad's dead. That's what, that was my thought that I had. In hindsight, you know, it wasn't my dad dying, but like, you know what I mean? So my mom pulls down, like the ramp of the school, I get in the car, and she said, everything's going to be okay. So immediately I do everything was not going to be okay.

I was just like, oh, no, like when you start with everything is going to be okay, like, you know, anyways, then she said everything's replaceable. And, you know, I mean, my mind is like, freezing. I'm just like, you know, what's going on? She said the house burned down and we lost everything. and I just remember in that, like I felt numb in that moment, but I got out the car and I like ran back into the school and I ran back to the class and I like pulled,

I remember standing outside and I like flagged some of my friends and I like told them. I was just like, well, no, they were just like, what's wrong? And then I was like, my house burned out and I lost everything. And then my friends were like, oh, I'm sure it's not everything. No, it was everything. So that was like a very pivotal moment. So, you know, one of the first things we did after my house burned down is we went to go live with my aunt immediately, like that night, because where else were we were going to go.

So I remember getting to my aunt's house and like looking in the mirror. Like I just went to the bathroom because I was like devastated obviously that day. But I just remember looking in the mirror and thinking, why me? Like, why did this happen to me? Like I felt so terrible. I just like, and like, you know, when you're a younger kid, too, it's kind of hard to process things too. You know what I mean? Like, I didn't have like a worldly perspective to just, you know, understand that, you know, there's another side of this and everything's going to be okay.

Like my entire world was yanked from me. But, you know, my dad actually calls the house burning down, you know, not like he's calling it a good day, but just like he's very thankful that no one got hurt that day because someone could have easily got hurt and that situation could have been so much worse. But so I ended up staying on my aunts for a little bit. And then I moved to a hotel. Like my mom would like rent a hotel for like a month. You know what I mean at a time? And, you know, for the most part, kids in school were supportive. But I definitely had like people were like, oh, Mike's living the sweet life of Zach and Cody life.

And it was, dog, we were in like a room not much bigger than this. One bed, I was sleeping on the floor. My mom was like, my sister and my mom were like sleeping in a bed together. So, I mean, it was tough, dude, and, like, you know, bouncing back from that. So, yeah, there was a lot of things, too. And I could, I'll talk to you or I'll talk about one more instance of, like, something that changed my perspective. So in high school, I had a teacher, Mr. Bryce. And the day after my house burned down, I actually came back into school because I really didn't have anywhere else to go.

So I came back into school and, you know, a kid said something to me. And he, like, whatever he said, he was like, yo, your house burned down, it might have been simple, like that, but I was so fragile at that moment that I just burst into tears. So Mr. Bryce pulls me aside. He's like, what happened? I explained to him everything I just talked about. And he said, I'm going to do something for you. So Mr. Bryce, after school that day, you know, he got my mom's number and he met with us

and he bought me an entire wardrobe of clothes, dude. And I always like, you know, for a long time after that happened, I was like, how do I pay Mr. Bryce back? And one of my mentors gave me advice. And I still like obviously want to do nice things for Mr. Bryce. But the best advice is like, he's like, Mr. Bryce isn't in the situation that you were when you needed that help. So the best advice that one of my mentors Robbie gave me was pay it forward whenever you have a chance. And that's something I've always carried.

You know, if I see someone that's in a tough situation or going through a hard time, I do my best to, you know, pay it forward. But that's kind of my, the house part in a nutshell. and then I could talk about how it turned into a career. So, you know, when something bad happens in life, you have two decisions, right? You either can let it crumble you and you can disintegrate with it, or you could just rise up and, you know, turn something. Because I remember I didn't want to be the kid whose house burned down because the second that happened, that's who I was.

I was Mike Squires, the kid whose house burned down. And I was just like, this is not how I'm going out, guys. So starting that summer, I landscaped and dog, I had so much poison ivy all over. me, but I landscaped for that entire summer to buy a used camera, used laptop, like whatever equipment that I could, like, as a 16, 17, 17 year old kid, like, put together, that's, like, what I did that summer. And then I ended up getting, uh, like gigs. I would do like short little like $50 for a florist for like a photo shoot, like a hundred

bucks here. And then what really was a turnkey for me was when I started doing music videos. Now, I started doing music videos with, like, local artists. But then every video I did ended up becoming like a word of mouth, you know, advertisement for itself. So even when I started doing videos with you, it's like people would see the videos I did for you. And then they would just be like, you know, like who's doing these videos? How can I hire them?

So it was kind of like a domino effect from there of just like word of mouth when I started doing videos. How different do you think your life would be if that fire never happened? It's gonna sound weird, but I'm like, in hindsight, I'm thankful that it happened. And I know that's like a weird thing, but like I just don't know if it, like, the fire legitimately lit a fire inside of me to like pursue my passion. And like, you know, it was, it was a necessity, dude. I like needed to make money to survive. Like, I didn't mention this, but the, like, insurance covered nothing. You know what I mean?

So it's like, it's not like we got everything back. Like I had to like work for everything. and, you know, help my mom where I could. And I was just like, how can I make money and, like, survive? And luckily, I found that I was good at video early on. Because I always had the passion. Even before my house burned down, I was always into video and stuff. But, you know, when my house burned down, I was like, okay, I need to make money off

this because I need to survive. Like, I need to help where I can. And, yeah, I don't think I would be, I definitely would not be in the same spot where I'm at now if my house didn't burn down. So it's like, you know, I'm not saying, it was a good, like a good thing, but in, I'm very, I wouldn't change where I'm at for anything. What are you, what's your view on hitting rock bottom and, and climbing out a rock bottom as an entrepreneur and also as a person, what you've learned from that because so many people that

listen to this show can relate to that feeling of rock bottom. That's why they listen to this to motivate them. These stories of these individuals who have, you know, overdose multiple times or went to prison, which I think is like one of the worst things that, could ever happen to someone clawing your way back and seeing that comeback. I mean, you've seen firsthand my experience of literally being at rock bottom, which we'll get to. But what does that like for you? I mean, it's scary. And I think rock bottom's different for everybody.

But like, I remember when my house burned down just, like I said, I was thinking, why me? And, you know, it's not easy to get out of that place. You know, in hindsight, like looking at it, I could have went the other way. You know what I mean? I could have easily seen my life, you know, just like, oh, well, life hates me. So, you know, gone down dark paths, start messing with people that, like, I wouldn't necessarily mess with, like, doing things that were out of my character. So, I mean, the thing, when you're at rock bottom, it's literally only up from there, right? You know what I mean?

So I think your mindset is a huge factor in it. And, like, when those tough days are happening, to try to keep a positive. mindset, it's hard. But, you know, nothing lasts forever. And there is a light at the end of the tunnel. You just got to keep going no matter what, because what's the alternative? Do you think that experience helped you show compassion towards others? Because something I've realized with our friendship is that you've always been very understanding with me through situations. You've always shown me compassion. You're always there for me when I need you. You've just been there no matter what.

And I feel like, so like when I was going, and this ties into the theme of the show, because a lot of individuals that are guests on the show have faced getting tarnished in the media and kind of dragged through the mud. And you saw firsthand that happened to me, and you still showed compassion, and you still, you ignored what was said online. And I think it's important for people that haven't experienced that aspect to understand what your perspective was. of why you never attacked me or went after people,

and you kind of showed that compassion, even though you didn't really know me on that level yet when it was going on. Yeah, I always judge people off of my experience with them. And, you know, my experience with you was always a positive. And that just applies to anybody, like, because people always talk, right? People will say what they want. I've had plenty of instances where someone's like, yo, this person's a jerk. Like, I hate them.

And then I've met him. And I'm like, yo, this person's actually kind of cool. and now the person who said he's a jerk kind of feels more like a joke, like why were you saying that? And I don't know, there was like, to me, you also were somebody who was, I didn't know another Ian Bick,

like anybody that was like you like an entrepreneur, because I come from a very entrepreneur, you know, vibe family. So, you know, I probably gravitated towards you more because I saw that in you that you were an entrepreneur and like most of my friends like growing up, like I obviously loved them. But they didn't have that bug in.

them, you know, and it's like why you gravitate towards people. You gravitate to people that you feel are similar to you and have like a similar mind. So I feel on that aspect, we had a similar mind. We're also big risk takers. You know what I mean? And to me it's fun because like at a point where like, I'm sure you feel this way too, but like, you know, taking risks is fun. Even if it doesn't work out, like at least you could say you tried, you know, because what's the alternative, just living like a boring life and just not? Because, you know, when it comes down to it, Ian, at the end of the day, when you're old, when I'm old, are you going to be stoked on, you know, playing it safe?

Or like, hey, we try something crazy and we did it, you know? Well, I mean, and that's a great topic because I was in the position where, like, I knew from a young age you have to risk big to make it successful as an entrepreneur. And I remember the first risk I took and that was an epic fail. And I had the mindset of, okay, you know, I'm going to get back up and I'm going to do it again. And I got in and I restarted tuxedos. that was kind of like my act too that was separate from those the first initial shows that that tanked you know and i i went through act two and then you know i ended up going to prison

and i think i was very scarred and and traumatized by taking a risk that i fell into that nine to five grind which there's nothing wrong with that um and you know just working hard and i remember telling you about you would tell me hey what's your next move everyone was always asking me what my next move was and I said, I'm just happy to be at Whole Foods because it gave me so much that I'd never got as an entrepreneur. It gave me credit, it gave me a dog, it gave me family, it gave me a relationship, it gave me an apartment, all of these things. And that pressure of people being down my back about money and just all of that. And I didn't want to go through that taking a risk again. But then it got to the point where, you know, it was just, I was drained from

putting my heart and soul because the way my mind works is I can't do something half-ass like I'm all in which is why like I'll be here late like when I start a project like it's got to get done I can't leave it half ass emptied so when you said hey like I think you need to do something else that took a lot for me to do and I think that's a part of why I was hesitant because it takes a risk and I once I was hooked and saw progress with making videos which you told me to do that's when I made that jump and that was the first time I had taken a risk in like almost five years. Bro, it's scary, dude. And the thing is like, the entrepreneur life is not meant for everybody because there's a

part of you that has to like know that it's going to be a roller coaster because, I mean, you really are risking it at all. And like, you, when you take that jump, you lose security. Like, you know what I mean? Like, you knew what you were getting every week. You knew, like, you kind of have it saved. So you don't have to really think about it because you know it. coming in, like when you're working at like a nine to five or something like that.

But when you're out here in the wild wild west of entrepreneurialism, it's like sometimes you don't know when the next check is coming in. You don't know if this is going to work out. But you just have to try it and trust the process a lot of the time. So it's, it is tough though, and it is his own risk. And I commend you for doing it again because, you know, earlier like, I mean the tuxedo days like landed you in jail. So the idea of like, you know, taking another risk and it not working.

working out and having, you know, a result like that would probably be devastating to you. But I'm glad that you did it because it worked out, dude. So you and I met at a big Sean concert in Danbury. That was my first ever huge act, aside from like Asher Roth that I booked. I did Big Sean. What was your first impression to me when you met me when you were introduced to me? So that technically was the first day we spoke together. But I technically saw you.

This is my, I love this story, dude. my first time meeting or seeing you in existence I'm sitting in the green room I think in Rhode Island or Massachusetts somewhere up there

it's a kid ink show there's a promoter that has me hired for video like you and I haven't connected yet Ian walks in the room takes a huge stack of money

and just mad at the promoter and pegs them with it there is money everywhere and at that moment I was like yo, this dude's going to be my homie. Like, this is going to be my friend for life.

No, but that was my first impression of you, dude. And, like, we didn't talk after that. And then I think the Big Sean show happened. That was actually the first time I ever filmed on stage because Mike Stud and Huey Mack were on that show as well. Big Sean actually happened before this. Oh. So it was big, because Big Sean was my first concert.

Okay. So I went Big Sean, which we might not even have met at Big Sean. I don't think we met then at Big Sean. I think I found out afterwards that you filmed Big Sean. but then the kidding thing was the second. Yeah, because I don't think I had some other video guy. The first time you hired me. Christian Ball was the video guy that did like a Huey Mac, Mike Studd and stuff.

So I hired you for that Kidding tour, I think that's when I was that second tour. So I was still with the other promoter. I remember now the first time we met, you had messaged me on Facebook and you were just, because I really entered when Tuxedo started. Yeah. Like that's where I started getting hired from you. and you were like and I think it was a Blow show

Is that what you kicked off? That was the first one that you did the after movie for because you had a whole vision You're like we're gonna do an after movie for everything and we're gonna make it really special Yeah so that was the first time I remember coming down to your office At Tuxet

How old were we were like 17 18? I was 19 when Blow happened I just turned 19 Yeah When we did Blow and that Blow was such a special show because that was my I was stepping into Act 2

at that point Like all of the shows failed. Like, so to put it in perspective, my whole FBI case had nothing to do with tuxedos. There was other like criminal charges from like selling liquor without a permit, stuff like that, you know, from tuxitos. But everything else happened before with investors, the beats by Drey and the fraud aspect or whatever was all before tuxedoes. Everything fails. Investigation starts. Instead of just like being on the ground rolled over, I get the idea to open tuxedos and I paint.

I put it all together by myself with literally no money. I'm a million bucks in debt at that point with interest. And no one knows the FBI's investigating me. It was all under wraps. And I start the second club and that's when I hired you. And we did the Blow show. That show was my first time I had made money at that point in years since I did the teen nights at that very location.

And we packed it out on a Wednesday. Bro, I mean, Tuxitos was an era, dude. I have like some of my favorite memories that we could talk about. But yeah, so we did Blow. I mean, you had so. One of my crazy memories was Steve Aoki. Can we talk about how you were letting people enter the building at Steve Aoki? You can share it from your point.

I've told it on social media. Oh, man. So, you know, I think it's the fire marshal. The fire marshal's cracking down on capacity. So we got the fire, like, you know, you got your own dude doing capacity in the front. The fire marshal is also there clicking, making sure you guys aren't going. What was the capacity of Tuxedo? They rated it at like 450, but we fit.

Which is crazy. Yeah. It was low. It was low. It was low. Meanwhile, at the backstage door, these dudes are funneling in people from the back entrance. And I like, I mean, the fire marshal must have been so confused because he was there clicking the whole time. And then to look and see how packed it was, like, there must have been like a thousand people in that room, dude.

It was packed like sardines. It was actually 2,500 with the final count. bro, that was the most reckless thing I've ever, dude, I mean, there, yeah, there's something, and it's crazy though, too, because, you know, the average person is going to hear that, you know, that you got in trouble with all the feds and everything, and they're just going to loop it all together. They're going to be like, oh, Tuxedo Junction was it. But it's crazy because, you know, from what I saw for the most part, you know,

Tuxedo Junction was like running smooth, you know, every show was profitable. But, you know what I mean? You always had that, that shadow, from the past that you were coming. If you're ready to refresh your wardrobe for spring, Bome is one of my go-to spots. They have the best everyday pieces. Think really good denim.

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Tees and C's Apply. And a Jason, from my perspective, at least. What do you think was people's biggest misconception about me during that time period? And it could even be to this day, too, people that don't know what the show's about. Like, I still get comments saying, like, this kid's a scammer, this and that. But I feel like no one, what was always underreported was the grind aspect. Like, I did not have a big team around me at Tuxedo. people would kind of leach on to me.

And I learned a lot about friendship and whatnot after prison. Because look, you're the only one besides Manny and maybe a couple others that are with me even after prison. But there was a lot of leeches that hopped on. And when they wanted to see me go to prison so they could take over the club and whatnot. But what do you think was the biggest misconception of me? I think people thought you had malicious intent.

I don't think you ever had malicious intent, dude. I think you always worked with your heart and tried to make things happen to the best of your. ability. Did you get in over your head? Hell yeah, dog. What do you mean? Like, you know what I mean? Did you make some mistakes? Of course. You know what I mean? But you're a young kid. Everyone makes mistakes. So, and that kind of goes back to like, you know, our friendship and stuff. Like, I just knew you as not a malicious person. Like, even when I saw things falling apart, like, am I like, yo, did Ian do this intentionally or did he just make a wrong play? And like, you made

a wrong play, dude. You know what I mean? As your homie who I've known for. I'm not going to sit here and say you did everything perfect, you know, but I know that you didn't have bad intent at any point. No, I definitely made a ton of mistakes. And me and Matt talk about it all the time. Like, I was a different person back then because of the, I think stress, just like addiction brings out unsavory parts about you. Like I was always glued to my phone. And I'm still on my phone now, but it's work, you know, it's different. But back then I was like glued to my phone.

I was just miserable all the time. I had so much pressure. Literally all the time. And I think you would do things that you wouldn't normally do to try to, you know, dig your way out. I remember picking you up at the casino one time, dude. You remember that? I was stranded. I literally called you because my business partner left me there because we lost all the buddy.

And you called me. We went to White Castle. And I just remember like days of the show, like for five minutes before doors open, which is always a crazy feeling. And I'm going to the laundromat with some ticket money to get singles to have enough money for the bar. I'm going to the dollar store and getting, you know, things of soda and candy to resale. Like, it was just a mess, you know? And I always appreciated, like, you and Dan because you guys were always patient at the end of the night to get your money while everyone's hounding me. Oh, I want to talk about that, dude.

And just, like, it was just, it was crazy all the part. I was operating this massive venue completely underfunded, always owing artists, buddy. It was just, it was one big mess. Yeah, and you know, one thing that I think about is when the feds were visiting everybody, dude. I remember, like, people, like, promoters being like, yo, the Fed just visited me because to come talk about Ian. And one of my biggest sad moments is that the Fed's never visited me, dog. I was like, dang, I had all the footage. Like, I'd be, like, waiting at, like, you know, at my mom's house.

I'd be like, oh, mom, I might be expecting a visitor, you know. And, you know, they just never, like, someone would knock on the door. I'd run to the door all eager. I'd be like, and then it'd just be like, Jehovah's Witness. I'd be like, dang it, dude. Then Dan would call me, and Dan would be like, yo, you'll never guess who just stop by the feds.

And I was like, mother, when are the feds going to come visit me, dude? Like, the feds never came and visited me, dog. So, you know, not that they needed to come, but, you know, it would have been nice to, we'll stop by. Because if they asked me if you were guilty, I would have said, yeah, Ian's guilty of being an absolute legend. and the worst business man of all time. Yeah, yeah, yeah.

But listen, okay, so we got to separate the two because, okay, business, terrible, terrible, terrible, terrible. You know what I mean? Like, obviously landed where it landed. But as far as iconic, legendary things to be done in Danbury, Connecticut dog, you got that, like, that's forever, dog. You know what I mean? So who else is bringing Stevie, like, bro, those shows and everything are like insane. And I know there's a lot of people too where it's like, you know,

there's a lot of haters who talk about that, whatever. There's a lot of people who had some of their best memories at Tuxedo Junction. And really it was all because of you. You know what I mean? So it's like, I hear stories now where people will talk about tuxedos

and they'll be like, bro, those are the best years of my life, dude. Like those shows were insane. So sometimes, you know, you took the fall for that one, like all in. But like, I mean, you created great memories for a lot of people. You know what I mean? I still see people making posts about it.

And it's, that because Toxitos was a legendary venue before I owned it, and now it's so cool that this new generation, just like the older generation that remembers the old one, now this new generation remembers the original one, like the second act one that I created, and they're going to tell their kids about it. It's like the mainstream one, because the original Tuxedoes, there's a couple grainy videos on YouTube, but it's not as documented as the one that I created. Yeah.

Did you, do you think that running tuxedoes prepared me for what I do now? Because I want to tie that in to the theme of our show where these individuals experience the worst of the worst, whether it's in prison or addiction or whatnot. And they're somehow able to use that as a motivator or as a field to get into what their life's purposes. Yeah. And the thing, too, is like, my homie Spowe said this best, but there's no lesson. better learn than when you personally get burned. And you were dealing with some crazy logistics, dude. I remember one day you had to get a generator because the whole, they like locked the power off.

And, you know, just being able to overcome the impossible, dude, or at least what feels the impossible, right? Because I think you had a lot of people around you who didn't want to see you win, who were there for the wrong reasons. I think you were thrown a lot of logistics by, you know, the media. You were throwing logistics by like just internally with the Tuxedo Junction building. Like you had so many hurdles to overcome just within Tuxedo Junction to make that happen. You know, so I think in that aspect, I think that has prepared you where it's like, oh, I dealt with this in the past.

Like, I can deal with it. You know what I mean? You know that you can overcome these hard battles. And I think that applies to a lot of things. Even when you were in jail, like, you know, I would say even maybe Tuxedo Junction in some. senses was a crash course for it's because it's like you just dealt with so many tough things leading up to it like that it honestly might have been a nice and you could tell me this dude but like if I was you because I saw the stress you were going through right like there might have

been a part of you that had to be slightly relieved maybe right that it just like you know this domino just finally it's over because I feel like you were chasing your tail a lot and like I can never get ahead bro that pressure will eat you alive dog I think going to prison was the best thing that could ever happen to me in that moment because I wasn't going to leave tuxedos. It's not in my DNA to walk away from something. Yeah. Like this podcast, this thing, I literally am going to have to die before I give up on this now.

Like, I'm all in. Oh, yeah. Tuftito Junction was your Titanic, dog. Like, I remember, like, when first starting this thinking, should I go back to Whole Foods, should I work for someone because I was just not making any money? Like, I didn't see where the money could come from. I wasn't doing anything. I wasn't making any real money.

Even when I make money now, it's like, it's kind of in disbelief that you could make money from social media and whatnot. It's like, it's fascinating. But, you know, I just, I needed to be dragged literally from those circumstances and time heals everything. Like prison gave me a fresh start. Little did I know at the time was that prison was going to be my future, you know? and we've started a whole movement on like owning your experience and whatnot. And, you know, it's just, it's just wild to think about. Can we paint the picture of your first viral video?

Yeah, let's get. I want you to tell one story first, though. What do you want to get to that? I want you to tell the Dubbs story. Ah, because that story is just, from your perspective is incredible. And for those who don't know, dubs, DVBBS are a iconic DJ duo, a European duo who would eventually later get arrested themselves for something with drugs or something in a foreign country.

But I had booked them at my club, Tuxedoes, and Mike was a videographer that night and share what happened that night. Good old days, dude. So, you know, it's a normal concert, packed, high energy. The standard for Tuxedo was high, right? There was never a dull moment at Tuxedo. So, high energy shows. Imagine the scenario.

Close your eyes. Now, there's word getting around that there are cops in the building. Like, you know what I mean? People are whispering. They're like, yo, cops, cops, cops. And like, we're hearing things. You know what I mean? Like, I'm talking with Dan.

I'm like, yo, you heard there's cops here. Keep on packed like sardines. All of a sudden, word gets to us. Ian's been arrested. So Dan and I just like look at each other. We're just like, ah. Like, and I love you, dude. But like, in the back of our head, we like knew this was a possible.

Like we knew as we were working for you Because as especially as the Fed case started Like it was just kind of a A workplace risk that Ian would get arrested at any moment So we're like damn it Today's the day So dubs goes over the microphone And they did what every respectable DJ would do

They just were like Yo there's some cops in the building Fuck the police let's turn up And then the fucking rest of the concert went on You weren't there to see it And then the end of the night came and yeah, everyone just went home. I should have been bonded out in a few minutes.

They kept me there all night long. Because I had been arrested before in and out. It was just a misdemeanor for a... They wanted to make a whole stage. They raided the club, but it didn't go too, according to plan. They wanted to drag me out from the club. I happened to be arguing with the landlord from next door about parking in the back to let dubs in. And that's when the cop runs my name and arrests me.

And I'm in the back of the cop car with my phone. hands cuffed by my back yelling at my dad, get to the police station because I wanted to get bonded out for the show and they just, they kept me there all night. But then it gets funnier. The next morning, I, I didn't sleep yet at all. I said, Mike, we got to go pick up dubs. Oh, my God, dude. Do you remember this in the sprinter van? Yo, I need you to, you tell it, dude. So I pick you, they were at the hotel, the Crown Plaza where we would throw epic. We eventually got banned from the Crown Plaza.

Pretty much all hotels in the vicinity. We literally got banned from every hotel because there was always like some type of vandalism from the artist. I remember 21 Savage's team tried to break into the Outback Steakhouse in Danbury. All of these things happened. And so I picked you up and I was like, do you want to come pick them up with me? And I think you were driving the Sprintervaner. You were in the back. I feel like I was there, but I think I was just riding along.

Yeah, I think you were riding. You know who I think my John Roble was driving that day? Because this was before the FBI case started. So this was in the fall. We go and pick these boys up and they were shocked to see me. Dubs was shocked to see me roll up. Pick them up at, it was like six in the morning to bring up the airport. I had just got bonded out and I'm on my way to pick them up and bring them.

This kind of goes back to just by any means necessary. It was a grind. You know what I mean? And like most people would have probably curled up, you know, gone to bed and just called it a day. But no, you're like we got stuff to do. Let's make it happen. But I mean, dude. I mean, the tuxedo days were just...

I'm surprised I made it as far as I did because there was just every day was a new hurdle. Like, it's literally shocked. I'm literally shocked in my life now when things were unsmooth because I could never get ahead. Like, whether it was a big show, yes, there would be a snowstorm or this money was supposed to come, this person wouldn't pay,

or the electricity going out, or it was always something, the landlord locking me out because I didn't have the money for the rent. And it was just all of these things. and then, you know, I ended up having a two-year run at Tuxedo's doing these shows. I end up getting my bond revoked sentenced to prison, and I end up facetiming you randomly on a contraband cell phone. Crazy dog.

Yeah, to get a face-time call from someone in prison is a weird feeling. I was like, it was from a random number. I answered it. And, like, Ian's showing me like fucking MTV Cribs. He's got his phone up just like, yo, check on my fucking. boys. I'm like, yo, this is fucking nuts. Very quick call. Very quick call. The first thing I noticed is that you lost significant weight. That was like, I remember notice, I was like, yo, like, you know how Gucci Main went into jail and then came out the other side? Like, yeah,

which I thought was a good thing, too. I was like, okay. Ian's like, came back fit Ian, dude. Yeah. Fit Ian. Fit Ian. But I think I still had the mindset of, I remember telling you, like, I'm going to get another club going. I think you did. Now that you, now that you, now that you say that. I think that, and I think even shortly when you got out, you had those thoughts, too. And I like, I've always been supportive. You know what I mean? Like, I obviously don't want to tell you know to do something. And I think you could do anything you set your mind to. But I think it was good that you went to Whole Foods for a little bit too, because I think it gave you that stability that you needed in order to do everything you're doing now. Because when you're, especially when you're

trying to like chase your dreams and stuff, get a little nest egg. Get yourself like established. Give yourself a foundation to build off of because if you don't have that foundation, it's a lot easier to see things crumble. Well, and I think it humbled me out too because I literally rebuilt what I had now from the bottom. And like when I was a kid, I was, I always had a job. I worked at the Matrix or I was working for my dad and I was doing my teen parties and I was grinding. But the second I started getting investors and going into the big leagues, I lost that grind. reflect back on the two things I would have done differently are one not lied when they were when the concerts lost but even before that is I gave up like when I got the investor money I stopped

grinding whereas I look at now like when I got investor money to fund this like I was still grinding back then I put my feet up got an office and thought everything was I thought I did the grind it happens all the time in the music industry too where it's like an artist will sign to a label they'll get that big check and they'll be like, oh, my work is done. But really, when you get those opportunities, you got to double down and work harder because now there's people that believe in you that are invested in you. And you got to like level it up. Use the money that you get to like bring things up.

It's not just like we got this now. Like we're good. Clear my hands of it. But yeah, and I know the story too, obviously with you and like the other promoters and stuff. But that, I'd be curious what would have happened had you had just kept the grind up. Do you think you would have been in this? I think had I grinded and been more hands on, it would have kept me honest, you know, to say that we tried everything.

But because I didn't know what was happening behind the scenes, you know, I reverted to lying. And I think I should have just stuck with what I was good at, which was doing the teen nights, and I could have rode those out for forever, had a nice nest egg, and then did whatever I wanted to do with my life. But I was just always thinking one step ahead. you know, and that's how I felt that Whole Foods wanting to move up and wanting to do different things and just, you know, feeling really kicked down.

Because when you're working in corporate, you've got to fit into their mold. And if they are not seeing you in this position, even though you could be the perfect fit, you're not moving up, which is the sucky part about working for someone else. And then I just remember, like, those years after getting out, like, I was focused on selling the story and thinking, like, I was going to be the next wolf of Wall Street or getting the movie sold and paying everyone back. You know, I'm thankful now that HBO, that documentary did not blow up. That it was such a, because if it went on Netflix and it gave me, like, you look at Anna Delvey and Billy McFarland, like they got these massive documentaries and they blew up their social media. Look at Gypsy Rose, all of these people.

And that was handed to them overnight. Every single follower that I have now came from the bottom that literally came from me making content and getting it out there. So I thought that was just part of the universal plan. So now we get to the part where, you know, it's 2022 the summer. HBO doc had been out for a couple of years and they were just about to take it down when they did the merge with Discover. And you finally convinced me. I remember you were like, just start making content on TikTok and I kept stalling and being lazy.

You'd call me and say, hey, are you all set up? And I had the pictures from my memories come up the other day that I shared on Instagram about buying the camera and this and that. And you're like, duty, and you just got to start making it. I would always find a reason to start tomorrow to start tomorrow. And then I finally made the first video and you were helping me. I started on Instagram. And then I moved over to TikTok. And I was getting a couple thousand views each one.

And it was that fifth video when I called you sick in bed with COVID. I love it, dude. Yeah, that's one of my favorite. I was in Rhode Island on a video. shoot, Ian calls me, and he's like, dude, I'm not going to post today. I'm feeling sick. He also did sound terrible in his defense. He sounded terrible. I was like, dog, shut up, post, dude. And of course, of course that's the one that goes, right? Like, what was your feeling what it was going, dude? Because I remember that like being a moment for you, dude. Dude, it did. I called you

every hour because that thing just Skyer. It did $1.5 million. And the thing that made that video different than the other ones is the other ones I was talking about the club and I was still in that mindset of the club story which everyone can agree is a cool story I thought that was it that that club shit was going to be like all the war stories we had the big names this and that but it wasn't that fifth video was me talking about solitary in prison and that's when I realized I had something you take my the way I look the glasses my experience being in federal prison like my whole life prepared me for this. That's why I know this is what I'm supposed to be doing.

Like everything I experienced made me tougher. Everything I experienced in prison, that perspective, the amount of time I got, everything down to the wire literally prepared me for this. And I just didn't know it at the time. Yeah, dude. And I mean, it was like a rewarding moment as your homie, too, to see that happen. Because one, in my head, I knew it the whole time. You know what I mean?

I was like, yo, you can do these videos. Do these videos. It's going to go. It's going to go. I just know it. I just can. but you know there's one thing talking about something

there's another thing seeing it happen you know because then that one viral video you know never really turned to two three four you know start doing some YouTube videos start doing and then podcast Ian and then studio Ian you know what I mean so to see like you know I'm somebody and this is something I've always like I always like

helping people where I can because I like to see what it blossoms into and you know to be a part of your story now and like everything that you've created. Like, to me, that's like a cool thing. Like, I had to tell my friends, I was like, oh, like, you know, like, I kind of pushed them to do some of that stuff. But I mean, every time I do a podcast and tell a story, I always use your name. Like when I was on my Grappaport's podcast, when I, anyone, and I'll always tell that story, you know,

the bigger I get, like, it's because of you, you know, like you pushed me. You were that friend. And that's important for people to hear that, you know, sometimes people just need someone to push them and get them going. And it's always a thing you least expect. And And like now it's totally, that moment has changed my life. And in the sense where creating content, it's like people ask, how do you make something go viral? And at first I used to try and now it's like, if it's going to go, it's going to go. That's why I've realized like part two is like when you do a part one that goes viral, part two never works the same way because that's not what the universe expected. And that's also why with my clips I don't do the fancy AI or the B roll or any of this, you know, do I experiment?

Yes, but I just, I think you just take a unique organic store and you don't interrupt the guest and you put that out there. If it's meant to go, it's meant to go and it's storytelling. And that's different than what everyone else is doing on social media. And I think that's why, like, Joe Rogan is so successful because it's just conversation. Joe Rogan doesn't have fancy thumbnails or any of this or any of that. It's just down to the basics. It strips away everything. Yes. And that's what became so unique about this show. Storytelling is like, and like that's something that, is timeless. You know what I mean? Because people love stories, even if it's a story from like

hundreds of years ago. Like, you still watch this kind of stuff because stories are something that just is a timeless media that people can consume. One thing I want to talk on, like, because you basically talked on your circle, like the people around you. And if there was one thing for people to take away from this podcast is that you are the people you hang around. You know, if you're surrounded by a bunch of bums, I'm sorry to say this, but you're more likely to become a bum. But you want to surround yourself with people who, you know, want to pick you up, want to see you win, want to see you get to the next level. People who are not going to act weirdo, jealousy, like, no, you just need some genuinely good

people that have similar interests and similar grinds and bring each other up because that's how you guys are going to like level up and, you know, figure out where you're supposed to be in life. Yeah, I mean, when I was in prison, I knew in my heart that I was going to get back to where I was at before some way or somehow. I had no idea it was going to be this, but I knew that when that day came, I was going to be very careful of who I let in my life because something at Tuxedo, you've seen. and all the people that were in and out of my life. Every time a new girl, a new friend,

everyone thought they were close to me. And then the second I went to prison, that's where you find out your real friend. I had two friends visit me in prison. Yeah, I know. Two friends, and we'll give you credit because you FaceTime me. But two friends, and out of all the people from the past, there are only a few that are with me to this day,

you know, from school, because a lot of people I went to school with wrote me off. but a lot of people also that have formed an opinion on me, don't see what we're building now. Like, guests are always shocked when they come in and it's just me. Like, I'm doing this all on my own, you know? And that's not in a cocky way. It's just like that I went back to my roots of knowing what I had to do.

And, you know, success on social media and stuff, it took a while to get there. There was eight months where I was making TikToks out of my car. I had no money. I had no money. I was living off my credit cards. I racked up another $30,000 in debt after already being hundreds of thousands of dollars in debt. And I had to get into a deal that took away half of my revenue when I first started because I had no money to start it.

And that was just the grind. And you saw a year ago I was using a shared studio. Oh, yeah, dude. And now I never in a million years pictured this. And I took a big risk to do this. Yeah, dude. I mean, to see everything leveled up to where it's at now, again, as your homie is really, rewarding and to even go back on just like, you know, your real friends, the quickest way to find

your real friends is hit rock bottom, you know what I mean? Because then you can see who's really there. Everyone wants to be there when the shows are great. Everyone wants to be there when the money's being made. Who's going to be there when you're in jail? Who's going to be there when you're broke? Who's going to be there when the worst thing's happening to you? You know, so if you are at rock bottom, you know, there's a good opportunity to find out who's really got your back, you know? So, It's like, because you don't need that fake energy in your life, dude. And I think that was like, that probably was the worst thing for you in the tuxedo days, too, because you had so many people in your ear.

Like, everyone had their own agenda. Everyone was like trying to, you know what I mean? So, yeah, real friends are important to have and stand by. Because then, you know, when you actually get things like this going, it's like you have people to talk to, you have a whole circle, you have a whole community to support you and just get genuine feedback. And people that are actually happy for you versus like, again, someone with a secret agenda, some weird vibes.

Now, if you could go back to your high school self, the day your house burned down and you got that news and you were sitting there, what advice would you give to yourself? If you're older Mike Squires talking to younger Mike Squires in that moment, what would you say to him? It's going to be okay, you know? And I know that's like so basic, but like, you know what? My dad had a quote that he's always said to me.

And like even in that moment it helped me. My dad always said nothing's as bad as it seems, nothing's as good as it seems. And that's a quote that's kept me kind of level-headed when, you know, terrible things like my house burned down. Or great things happen where, you know, an incredible career opportunity where it's like I kind of stay in the middle where it's like I don't get too excited, but I don't get to a place of like self-destruction. You know what I mean? I just like got to ride this out and just weather the storm. You know what I mean? and a lot of the time, now I'm at a place too where, you know, when things don't work out,

because, you know, even where I'm at my career, I try things all the time and, like, some things don't hit, some things do hit. But I'm always better for trying because out of it there's something I've learned, something I've gained, like, just knowing how, and the best way to, like, level up anything you're trying to do is just trying and learning along the way, like, it doesn't need to be perfect when you start. So pretty much everything I just said in a nutshell is what I kind of reiterate to. younger me and hopefully he'd listen.

Absolutely. Well, Mike, I'm glad we finally got to sit down and do this. Yeah, this has been exciting, dude. Yeah, thank you for coming on. Thank you for being a dear friend and always being there for me. It means a lot and I'm never going to forget that. And looking forward to doing your show soon too. And everyone check out Mike's podcast. He's doing a great thing over there with it and he's got a lot of energy and check out his music.

I appreciate everyone who check. checks it down and appreciate you, Ian. You know, good old friend Ian, Dick.