A Jam Session With Josh Rogan

Josh Rogan playing his Fender guitar.

“If you live out one dream, it gives you the confidence to live out another one. Then you just kinda start living your dreams. All of a sudden it’s easier than you think. You’ve just gotta go do it.”
Josh Rogan, singer, songwriter and bad ass guitarist

 

I’m Alive by Josh Rogan

I talk to a lot of business owners and entrepreneurs all over the country, so I shouldn’t be surprised when I find yet another amazing business or entrepreneur, or more importantly where I find them, but I am always blown away every time it happens. Last week I gave a keynote in Virginia and my friend mentioned that since I was in the area that I ought to check out this guy named Josh Rogan, an aspiring southern blues rock star who might just let me jam out with him. Jam with him?!?! I AM IN!

Josh Rogan's Airstream for travelling the country

Josh was so far out in the woods he had to meet me in his pickup truck at the bottom of this winding, narrow, gravel road. I followed him until the driveway opened into this huge field with a couple of dogs running around, a house, an old wooden shed, and an old Airstream Trailer parked next to the shed. There was a pumpkin on the front of the Airstream, which was cool, but what was even cooler was the inside of the Airstream. Who knew an unexpected, unscheduled meeting would hold the moment where I’d meet the guy who wrote and sang the song that holds the entrepreneurial spirit. But I did. And here it is. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.

Hallelujah

I have a favorite song that I like to play on my guitar, and when no one is watching, sing too. Josh wasn’t familiar with the tune, but nailed it nonetheless. Hallelujah!

 

If you liked Josh jamming out to I’m Alive, I think you will love his album At The End Of The Day. I listened to the album ten times over on my drive home and fell in love with the tunes. My favorites are Canoe, Heart Beat, Useless and At The End Of The Day.  I had an amazing visit, and once again was steeped in the spirit of the entrepreneur.

Josh Rogan, Eliza Rogan & Mike Michalowicz

And if you really want to dig in with me, then check out this “Postcards From The Road – A Visit With Josh Rogan” article about my experience with Josh.  Cools pics, the full story and some lessons learned!

I can’t wait to say, “I knew him when. . . ”

 

 

Comments

24 thoughts on “A Jam Session With Josh Rogan”

      1. Had to be listening to you and Josh jam, and on singing Halleujah…I still can’t get “I’m Alive!” out of my head…He is so amazing….makes me happy to be part of the buzz team and Airstream Life Magazine too!

  1. Mike, this is a top article. Life is so simple and yet we make it complex. Ah, good on you and good on Josh! – Thomas

  2. Thanks Mike for posting both these songs. Great way to start my day! Happy Thanksgiving to all Americans from Canada.

    1. Hi Mike– Happy Thanksgiving! What a wild tale…and finding the Pumpkin on the path…..truly a heavenly sign from! Very inspirational….I just got the “ELLEN” drawing back from the framer and it looks AMAZING…I’m sending you a picture of it! It SO ROCKS!

  3. Great vid Mike, didn’t know you had guitar chops, very cool.
    Josh was awesome!
    Hallelujah is an exclamation of worship or a call to praise transliterated from two Hebrew words meaning “Praise ye the Lord.” Some Bible versions render the phrase “Praise the Lord.”
    Happy Thanksgiving All !
    Peace
    Denny

    1. Thanks Denny. I jam out on my axe every so often. I have about 8 chords that I can play. My singing has a lot to desire… but I felt confidence because I was jamming with Josh and knew he would cover me. It was a blast.
      Thanks for the backstory on Hallelujah. I just love the tune.

  4. Wow what a great time. I love the music that happens when a couple people get together and play. Thank you for sharing Mike, hope your apple pie rocks and have a happy Thanksgiving-

  5. Leonard Cohen is an interesting artist entrepreneur. He spent a few years in a monastery of some sort, where he was told to sing even sadder songs. Essentially his guide was telling him that he wasn’t going all in with his art. Everytime I hear this song, it’s a reminder to me that good enough isn’t when you’re doing your great work. “Halleluiah” is one of the songs on my new album. So cool to see you singing it, Mike. 🙂

  6. Hallelujah is one of my favs too! Loved it. Looked like fun. That is living the dream my friend . Thanks for sharing:)

  7. Kudos on a well-written blog and a well-performed video! I can tell you, first-hand, that Josh is a creative visionary; as well as, a very talented musician. He was also the designer and lead contractor for Ravensworth Studios, the professional recording studio my husband and I decided to build about three years ago, near Scottsville, Virginia. Josh, Eliza, and Harley were living here at the time. We couldn’t think of a better plan than to custom craft a studio for musicians, built by musicians…so, Josh went to work for us. Fast forward to a few weeks ago when we received a phone call from Becky Blanton, who saw a recent article in our local newspaper about the studio’s first anniversary. Our wonderful conversation led to Becky’s serendipitous question, “Do you know anyone in the area who has an Airstream?” So happy that it all worked out for you and Becky to meet Josh! A cool story indeed…many thanks!

  8. Fabulous Mike! What a very cool experience. So glad you had the opportunity to play and sing; thanks for sharing it with us.

  9. Hi Mike,
    Thanks for sharing taking time away from your baking to share this! Josh’s song is quite an inspiration. Love the pumpkin on the airstream and your Campfire Marketing Tip, too.
    Sabrina

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