Advertise on podcast: Songwriting For Guitar Podcast

This week on the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, I’m joined once again by my friend Lij Shaw, award-winning music producer, host of the #1 iTunes podcast Recording Studio Rockstars, and owner of the Grammy-awarded The Toy Box Studio in East Nashville. Lij has been making records for over 30 years, working across rock, jazz, classical, and everything in between. In this conversation, we dive deep into Lij’s newest record and the wild, unexpected journey it took to make it, from creative risks and production choices to the mindset shifts that shaped the final result. If you’re an artist, producer, or songwriter who wants to.... Make braver creative decisions, this episode is for you. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Check out Lij's Podcast https://recordingstudiorockstars.com/category/podcast/ Listen to Lij's Newest Project https://open.spotify.com/album/5tI7MIlksBI1m7HN16urvP?si=ubsEeflcQAu4G9myYelmFg

Most creatives say “I’ll start in the new year,” but waiting for January is just procrastination dressed as planning. In this episode, Mike breaks down why a casual approach leads to casual results, and how taking even small action in December creates confidence, clarity, and real momentum heading into 2026. If you want better songs, better skills, and better outcomes, don’t wait for the calendar, start now and give yourself the creative advantage. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  

Black Friday is here, but before you smash that “Add to Cart,” let’s talk. In this episode, Mike breaks down the real trap most songwriters and producers fall into this weekend, buying more gear instead of getting better. If you’ve ever convinced yourself that a new plugin, pedal, or shiny piece of equipment would finally “unlock your creativity,” this episode is a must-listen. You’ll also learn how to reflect on past Black Friday decisions so you can shop smarter, grow faster, and make choices that actually support your creative journey. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge

In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Emmy Award-winning composer and producer Mike Meiers challenges you to stop sitting on the sidelines and start taking real action in your songwriting journey. Mike breaks down the mental blocks that keep so many songwriters stuck, waiting for the perfect time, fearing failure, or getting trapped in perfectionism. He digs into the truth that music already comes with its own set of obstacle, so adding your own self-sabotage on top of that isn’t helping you move forward. This episode gets heavy real fast! Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/5XvTO6cGHsc

In this episode, Mike reveals the three most common songwriting mistakes that quietly sabotage your songs, and how to fix them. From overcomplicating your chords and cramming too many lyrics to ignoring dynamics, He breaks down how these habits disconnect emotion and dull great ideas.  Whether you’re working on your first EP or refining your catalog for sync, this episode will give you the tools to elevate your songwriting and arrangements. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/zIhqKNBN3og?si=PNuCblIIQjlbjlHs

In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Mike shares five strategies to help you finish more songs and break through creative roadblocks. If you’re stuck tweaking the same demo or waiting for inspiration, this one’s for you. Learn how to set real deadlines, stay accountable, build simple systems, celebrate wins, and work with mentors to grow your catalog. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/QS0Lchj_GqQ

In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Mike dives into the transformative power of co-writing, one of the most effective tools a songwriter can utilize. Mike discusses how collaboration can help you overcome creative blind spots, expand your professional network, and fast-track your growth as a songwriter! Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/rKj-tm7Zv9E

In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Mike dives deep into the demo process, a vital step in songwriting that can make or break your song's potential. Demos act as a crucial filter between initial voice memos and the polished studio product, helping songwriters determine which ideas are worth pursuing. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48  Join The 2 Day Clunky To Confident Challenge 👉 https://www.songwritingforguitar.com/2daychallenge Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/nCV8-LF7NuE

In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Mike dives into the skill of active listening and how it can transform your songwriting. Instead of passively enjoying music, he shows how dissecting melodies, rhythms, and lyrics can reveal the choices that make songs impactful. Drawing parallels to Michelangelo’s detailed study of anatomy, Mike emphasizes the value of analysis in honing artistry, while also sharing practical strategies you can use to make active listening part of your daily routine, helping you sharpen your ear, elevate your craft, and stand out in today’s crowded music landscape. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/F0G-li1Vh_A

What if you had to start your music career from zero—no songs, no gear, no connections? In this episode of the Songwriting for Guitar Podcast, Emmy-winning composer Mike Meiers unpacks what it takes to rebuild from scratch. From handling criticism and setbacks to sharpening your skills and building relationships on limited resources, Mike shares why resilience and mentorship are the fastest paths forward. Most importantly, he reminds us to enjoy the process—because the real magic is in the journey, not just the destination. Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here - https://youtu.be/gLfDoJa_CwA

Mike sits down with Emily Belue, who went from aspiring musician to Sync Creative Manager at Capitol Christian. Emily shares her journey through the competitive Nashville scene, the challenges she faced, the pivotal moments that shaped her career, and why adaptability and strong relationships are essential in today’s fast-changing music industry Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Watch It Here https://youtu.be/5I8k3DnHb4U

Join Mike as he sits down with Nick from Oneder Effects, explore the gritty, honest, and inspiring journey from punk rock stages to boutique pedalboards. In this episode, they dig into how life on tour with The Swellers prepared Nick for running a business, how storytelling fuels his creative process, and what it really means to stay connected in an ever-changing music world. Whether you're into guitar gear, punk DIY ethos, or just love hearing about turning passion into profession, this one’s for you. Check out Oneder Effect 👉 https://www.onedereffects.com/ 👉 https://www.instagram.com/onedereffects/ Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Subscribe To The Channel - https://youtu.be/1ci_Ji4DAZw

In this episode, Mike dives into the world of Musiversal, a groundbreaking platform revolutionizing music production. Join us as we chat with Christian and David about how Musiversal connects producers with top-tier session musicians globally, offering a unique blend of remote collaboration and creative expertise. Discover how this platform is transforming the music industry by providing access to real musicians, enhancing the quality of productions, and fostering a global community of artists. Skip the waitlist and grab your 3 month discount of Musiversal 👉 https://tinyurl.com/2tx28v3j Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Subscribe To The Channel - https://youtu.be/1ci_Ji4DAZw

In this episode, Mike sits down with Sean O’Keefe, producer, engineer, and creative force behind records from Fall Out Boy, Motion City Soundtrack, Beach Bunny, and more. Sean shares his journey from drummer to multi-platinum producer, opening up about what it really takes to build a lasting career in today’s constantly evolving music industry. Mike dives deep with Sean on the psychology behind great production, why authenticity matters more than ever in songwriting, and how to stay creatively inspired while continuing to grow with the times.   Enroll In Mike's Comprehensive Guitar Courses 👇 👉 Guitar Essentials 2025 - https://tinyurl.com/yyv4j95n 👉 Tracking Guitar Like A Pro - https://tinyurl.com/5hc97cak Work Directly With Mike & The SFG Team 👉 Apply For One on One Coaching - https://tinyurl.com/mr3fax48 Watch the full Video Podcast on YouTube 👉 Subscribe To The Channel - https://tinyurl.com/y45we4xr

In this solo episode, Mike shares a fresh perspective inspired by Mark Hoppus’ new book Fahrenheit 182. After reading about Hoppus’ experience with cancer and Blink-182’s return to the stage, one phrase stuck: “the bonus round.” Mike explores how that idea applies to life as a songwriter—acknowledging the challenges we face, without sugarcoating them, but also recognizing the chance we have to keep moving forward. If you’re juggling creative goals with everyday responsibilities, this episode offers a practical mindset shift that might help you look at things a little differently.