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