Shep Gordon is a legendary talent manager, New York Times bestselling author, and the subject of the 2013 documentary Supermensch.
Anthony Demby is the founder of Humbleriot, a New York-based idea shop that focuses on music curation, cultural programming and social impact.
This podcast was recorded at Sterling Sound Studios in New York City.
Theme music composed and performed by Henry Lyons.
Illustration by Grace Hauck.
Download each episode on iTunes.
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NOTABLE QUOTES
“When you're born, the only thing for sure is that you're gonna die. So you should enjoy the middle, and you should do stuff you're proud of. You don't want to be that guy who's lying on his deathbed saying, “I should have, I would have, I could have.” You do it. So what happens? You die either way, whether you fail or don't fail. You’ve got to go take a chance.”
Gordon
“To me, fame is almost deadly. But that doesn't mean you don't do it. It means you understand what it is. It's like race car drivers: they die young, but if that's the dream you have, as long as you understand the consequences, you do what you need to do.”
Gordon
“You can't always turn a failure into a win, but at least have a partner who understands that failure is part of it, and that you really care enough that you're going to put every ounce of energy into it to correct that failure. That's what a real relationship is in life.”
Gordon
“Failure is a relationship, failure is an opportunity.”
Demby
“You can create history and not wait for it to happen.”
Gordon
“If you can find a place to be happy, go be happy. Because I'm going to make you famous, you're going to make a lot of money, and you’re going to spend a lot of money on psychiatrists who are going to try and make you happy – which is what you were when you walked in here.”
Gordon
“Have a good time, live your life, do what you want to do. Do it in an honorable compassionate way. Don't leave blood. You're gonna die, leave a good track record. Do stuff you’re going to be proud of, have some fun, and do it with people.”
Gordon
“It's a good life, if you live it.”