Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News

The Search Engine Manipulation Effect is real, it's measurable, and it's deciding things for you right now — including how people find your business.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE OF CREATIVE ENTRPRENEUR PODCAST
Dr. Robert Epstein — Harvard-trained psychologist, last PhD student under B.F. Skinner, and former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today — joins Julie Lokun and Jen Fontanilla to break down the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME), the research he presented to the U.S. Senate on how algorithms quietly shift opinions, decisions, and even elections. They connect his findings to a bigger question every creative entrepreneur needs to answer: are you building on rented land, or do you Own Your Ecosystem? This one reframes "the algorithm" from a mystery into a system you can understand — and protect yourself from.

Timestamped chapters:

00:00 — Cold open: the number that should scare every entrepreneur

04:12 — Who is Dr. Robert Epstein? From Skinner's lab to Congress

11:30 — What is the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME)?

19:45 — Online manipulation and why most people never notice it

27:00 — What this means for your brand, your platform, your audience

34:15 — Own Your Ecosystem: the antidote to algorithm dependency

41:00 — Rapid-fire: AI, free will, and what entrepreneurs should watch for next

47:30 — Dr. Epstein's advice for creators who feel powerless against Big Tech

Guest bio:
Dr. Robert Epstein is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology (AIBRT), the last PhD student trained under B.F. Skinner at Harvard University, and the former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today. He is the author of 15 books and more than 250 articles, and his research on the Search Engine Manipulation Effect — published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences — has been the subject of testimony before the U.S. Senate. Learn more at drrobertepstein.com.

"The scariest manipulation is the one you never see happening."

"If you don't own your ecosystem, someone else owns your audience."

"Free will online is a lot more fragile than people want to admit."

Resource links:

Dr. Robert Epstein: drrobertepstein.com

Julie Lokun, JD: julielokunconsulting.com

Dom Domasky / Motivation Champs: motivationchamps.com

Cre8tive Con: cre8tivecon.com

Cre8tive Con OTR: cre8tiveconotr.com

A special thank you to our guest co-host Jen Fontanilla! www.jenfontanilla.com

Jen Fontanilla | Strategic Business Positioning for Web & Graphic Designers

To learn more about Jen check out her website_

If this episode made you rethink who's really steering your business, hit follow and share it with one entrepreneur who needs to hear it. Own your ecosystem, don't rent your audience.

Julie & Dominick

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED TO ROCKWELL: I ALWAYS FEEL LIKE SOMEBODY'S WATCHING ME

What is the Search Engine Manipulation Effect (SEME)?
The Search Engine Manipulation Effect is Dr. Robert Epstein's research finding that biased search rankings can shift people's opinions and choices without their awareness, because most users trust top search results as neutral. Epstein's studies, published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, found this effect strong enough to influence election outcomes.

Who is Dr. Robert Epstein?
Dr. Robert Epstein is a Harvard-trained psychologist, the last PhD student under B.F. Skinner, and the former editor-in-chief of Psychology Today. He is Senior Research Psychologist at the American Institute for Behavioral Research and Technology and has testified before the U.S. Senate on online manipulation.

Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?
Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com

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From Basement to Business: How Jonah Lantto Turned True Crime Into a Podcasting Empire

What if your next business breakthrough isn't a marketing funnel — it's a microphone?

In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with Jonah Lantto, co-host of Midwest Murder, one of the fastest-growing true crime podcasts in the country. Jonah shares the real, unfiltered story of how a basement side project turned into a full-time podcasting business — one built on live shows, sponsorships, merch, and an audience that trusts him enough to show up in person, city after city.

This episode isn't just for true crime fans. It's a masterclass in podcast monetization, audience-building, and turning content into a real business vertical.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

How Jonah went from a basement podcast to selling out live true crime shows across the Midwest

The exact moment he realized podcasting could become a full-time business

Why niching down (not chasing big-name stories like Gacy or Dahmer) became Midwest Murder's competitive advantage

How to "own your ecosystem" by building live events, email lists, and merch instead of relying on one platform

The five-year consistency rule that took Midwest Murder from North Dakota to Nashville

Beginner podcasting tips: equipment, editing software (Audacity), short-form video repurposing, and landing dream guests

Why every podcaster needs a content plan and episode arc before hitting record

Guest Spotlight: Jonah Lantto

Jonah Lantto is a true crime writer, live storyteller, podcast host, and wedding officiant based in the Midwest — available everywhere the story takes him. He's the co-host of Midwest Murder, a true crime podcast known for uncovering forgotten regional cases and turning them into sold-out live storytelling events across the Midwest and beyond.

Website: jonahlantto.com

Listen to Midwest Murder: Apple Podcasts

Meet Your Hosts

Julie Lokun, JD — Media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant. Founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC and co-founder of The Mediacasters, Julie helps entrepreneurs build authority through podcasting, publicity, and strategic brand positioning. Her shows rank in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 on Apple Podcasts weekly.

julielokunconsulting.com

Dominick Domasky — Bestselling author, publisher, and founder of Motivation Champs Publishing. Co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast and a tireless champion for the creative entrepreneurship movement.

motivationchamps.com

Join Us Live

Ready to build your own creative business? Join Julie and Dom at Cre8tive Con, the national traveling entrepreneurship conference where podcasters, creators, and business builders come together to learn, connect, and grow.

️ cre8tivecon.com

Rate, Review & Subscribe

If this episode inspired you to turn your voice into a business, please rate, review, and share The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — it's the best way to help more entrepreneurs find the show.

Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?
Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Justin's Peanut Butter founder Justin Gold joins The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast to reveal how a food processor, a Boulder, Colorado kitchen, and a $281 million exit to a Fortune 500 company all started with one mountain bike ride. Hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky dig into risk-taking, raising investor capital, letting go as a founder, and why "no" just means "not now."

Episode Overview

In this episode of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, co-hosts Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky sit down with longtime friend and natural food industry pioneer Justin Gold, founder of Justin's Peanut Butter. Justin shares the real story behind building a nut butter brand from scratch — no ChatGPT, no roadmap, no investors — into a company acquired by a Fortune 500 giant, and why he later stepped back in to help guide it forward.

What You'll Learn in This Episode

The origin story: How waiting tables in Boulder, Colorado led to the creation of Justin's Peanut Butter

Why "luck" isn't the full story: Justin's honest take on timing, momentum, and community

Raising investor capital: How to find the right investors (not just the wealthiest ones) and why an advisory board builds instant credibility

The "Not Now" framework: Justin's mental trick for turning rejection into a future yes

Knowing your lane: Why Justin stepped down as CEO of his own company — and what he focuses on instead

Friendship and entrepreneurship: Dominick Domasky's perspective watching a childhood friend build an empire while he built his own path through Motivation Champs Publishing

Featured Segment: Jules Rules

Julie's signature "best combos of all time" game makes an appearance — Michael Jordan & Scottie Pippen, Siegfried & Roy, and a supply-and-demand mic drop to close it out.

Guest Bio

Justin Gold is the founder of Justin's Peanut Butter, one of the natural food movement's most recognizable brands. Starting with a food processor and a Boulder, Colorado kitchen, Justin built a company that scaled to a landmark acquisition, all while prioritizing employee protection through the deal and staying deeply involved in brand culture and innovation today.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who founded Justin's Peanut Butter?
Justin Gold founded Justin's Peanut Butter in Boulder, Colorado, starting the company with a food processor before scaling it into a nationally recognized natural food brand.

How much did Justin's Peanut Butter sell for?
Justin Gold's company was built into and sold as part of a deal reported at $281 million to a Fortune 500 company.

Is Justin Gold still involved with Justin's Peanut Butter?
Yes — while Justin is no longer CEO, he remains active in culture, innovation, quality control, and marketing for the brand.

Links & Resources

️ Cre8tive Con: www.cre8tivecon.com

Motivation Champs Publishing: motivationchamps.com

Big Better Brand: www.bigbetterbrand.com

Justin's Peanut Butter: justins.com

Shop Justin's Products: justins.com/shop

Follow the Show

Instagram: @cre8tivecon

Frequently Asked Questions — Julie Lokun, Dominick Domasky & Cre8tive Con

Who is Julie Lokun?
Julie Lokun, JD is a media entrepreneur, podcast strategist, and brand consultant who operates The Mediacasters LLC, Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, and Dragonfly Podcast Academy. She hosts the Get Obsessed Podcast and co-hosts The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast with Dominick Domasky, with both shows ranking in the top 0.05% globally on Listen Notes.

Who is Dominick Domasky?
Dominick Domasky is an entrepreneur, publisher, and co-host of The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. He co-founded Cre8tive Con and Cre8tive Con OTR alongside Julie Lokun and runs Motivation Champs Publishing, an entrepreneurship-focused publishing company.

What is Cre8tive Con?
Cre8tive Con is a flagship annual entrepreneurship conference hosted at the Intercontinental Hotel in Chicago, co-created by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky. It brings together entrepreneurs, authors, and podcasters for networking, strategy sessions, and keynote programming centered on building owned business ecosystems.

What is Cre8tive Con OTR?
Cre8tive Con OTR ("On the Road") is the traveling version of Cre8tive Con, bringing the conference experience to cities outside Chicago. A recent OTR stop took place in Boston at One Financial Center, featuring run-of-show programming, live networking activations, and a session on the "Own Your Ecosystem" framework.

What is the "Own Your Ecosystem" framework?
Own Your Ecosystem is a business-building framework developed for Cre8tive Con centered on eight pillars: website, email list, book/IP, podcast, community, content library, live events, and owned stage. It's presented at Cre8tive Con events and taught at cre8tivepower.com.

How can I attend or learn more about Cre8tive Con?
Visit www.cre8tivecon.com for event details, and follow @cre8tivecon on Instagram for updates on upcoming Cre8tive Con and Cre8tive Con OTR events.

How did Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky start The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?
Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky co-host The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast together, combining Julie's background in podcast strategy and brand consulting with Dominick's experience as a publisher and entrepreneur to interview founders and entrepreneurs about building meaningful, owned businesses.

Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?
Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com

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What Happens When You Go Toe-to-Toe with Gary Vee and Forget Your Notes?

You go full send. And that's exactly what Creative Entrepreneur Podcast host Julie Lokun, JD did at VeeCon Indianapolis — one of the most electric entrepreneurial events on the planet — when she sat down with Gary Vaynerchuk for a conversation that no script could have produced.

No color-coded notes. No safety net. Just two entrepreneurs in a room — and the kind of raw, real dialogue that changes the way you think about business, failure, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts.

If you're a Gary Vee fan, a student of hustle culture, or a creative entrepreneur who's ever felt the pressure to have it all figured out — this episode is your backstage pass.

ABOUT THIS EPISODE

Host: Julie Lokun, JD | Media Strategist, Brand Authority & Top Global Podcaster
Co-Host: Dominick Domasky (out on assignment this episode)
Guest: Gary Vaynerchuk — serial entrepreneur, chairman of VaynerX, CEO of VaynerMedia, creator of VeeFriends, and one of the most influential voices in entrepreneurship and digital marketing
Recorded at: VeeCon, Indianapolis

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR IN THIS EPISODE

Gary Vaynerchuk on the origin of VeeCon
Gary didn't just wake up and launch a conference. The idea percolated for nearly a decade — born from his time as a speaker, shaped by his identity as an entrepreneur first. VeeCon was built as the live component of VeeFriends, his NFT project, with a mission to deliver the highest-impact conference experience possible. Gary's framework: don't focus on exceeding expectations. Focus on executing.

The female CMO panel Gary couldn't wait to watch
Gary spotlighted a powerhouse panel featuring Carla Hassan, Carolyn Tastad, Pam Kaufman, and Gale Tifford — titans of marketing and real-world friends — calling it a salon shop talk mixed with heavy business content. If you follow marketing, brand strategy, or women in leadership, this is the conversation inside the conversation.

Why Gary Vee is obsessed with the 1980s
It's not nostalgia for nostalgia's sake. Gary grew up in the '80s, was shaped by that era's pop culture in a deeply personal way — and he'll tell you straight: the decade we're living in right now is his least favorite, and not because of cynicism. It's because it's not finished yet. Three more years to get it going, he says.

The one piece of advice Gary gives every new entrepreneur
"The game is based on self-awareness and kindness to oneself."
Don't beat yourself up for every miss. Losing is a feature, not a bug. Fall in love with the music — meaning the process, the game, the grind itself — and stop judging yourself against an outcome. This is the framework that built an empire.

Gary Vee's only real regret
He's made four mistakes today (his words), but his deepest regret? Candor. Specifically, the lack of it earlier in his career — the employees he didn't give honest feedback to, the exits he fumbled in his 20s and 30s because he didn't have the courage to be direct. This isn't the Gary Vee you see in the clips. This is the real one.

What Gary is most proud of — and what nobody knows
The closer you get to Gary's inner circle, the more real it gets. He's heard the question a thousand times: "What's Gary really like?" His answer: more genuine than his biggest fans imagine — and more authentic than his biggest critics can stomach. The thing he's most proud of isn't a business metric. It's that the people closest to him believe.

KEY TAKEAWAYS FOR CREATIVE ENTREPRENEURS

Execute over expectations. Gary doesn't set goals to exceed — he sets a focus to make things great. Execution is the only metric that matters.

Self-awareness is your most valuable entrepreneurial asset. Know your strengths, own your weak spots (Gary admits candor is still one of his), and keep building.

Losing is part of the game — fall in love with it. The most successful entrepreneurs don't fear failure. They factor it in.

Your inner circle is your truth test. The people closest to you will tell you what's real. Build a life and a business where those reports are ones you're proud of.

Forgetting your notes might be the best thing you ever do. Julie Lokun is living proof.

ABOUT YOUR HOSTS

Julie Lokun, JD is a media strategist, brand authority, and top global podcaster whose shows rank in the top 0.1% globally on Listen Notes and top 5 on Apple Podcasts weekly. She is the co-founder of Dragonfly Cre8tions LLC, the force behind Dragonfly Podcasting, Dragonfly Podcast Academy, and Dragonfly Podcast Consulting. Julie sits at the intersection of media, brand strategy, and entrepreneurship — and she gets in rooms with the people who are actually building.

Connect with Julie: www.julielokunconsulting.com

Dominick Domasky is a bestselling author, speaker, and co-host of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast. A tireless champion for the creative entrepreneurship movement, Dominick brings the energy, the community, and the conviction that business does not have to be boring.

Connect with Dominick: www.motivationchamps.com

️ ABOUT THE CREATIVE ENTREPRENEUR PODCAST

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast is where real entrepreneurs, bold thinkers, and creative disruptors come to build something extraordinary — out loud. Hosted by Julie Lokun and Dominick Domasky, this show ranks in the top 0.1% globally and consistently hits top 5 on Apple Podcasts. Every episode is proof that you don't need a perfect plan — you need the right conversation.

Listen & Subscribe on Apple Podcasts: Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast For Business Growth and Trending News

JOIN US LIVE — CRE8TIVE CON

Ready to be in the room where entrepreneurship happens in real life? Cre8tive Con is the national traveling entrepreneurship conference series co-founded by Julie Lokun and her team — bringing together creative entrepreneurs, brand builders, podcast hosts, and business visionaries for an experience Gary Vee would approve of.

Cre8tive Con Boston
July 13, 2026
One Financial Center, Boston, MA

This is your VeeCon moment. Come prepared to go full send.

️ Tickets & Info: www.cre8tivecon.com
Join the Cre8tive Con Community on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/cre8tivecon

RESOURCES MENTIONED & LINKS

VeeCon — garyvaynerchuk.com/veefriends

Gary Vaynerchuk — garyvaynerchuk.com | @garyvee on all platforms

VeeFriends — veefriends.com

Creative Entrepreneur Podcast on Apple Podcasts — Listen Here

Julie Lokun — www.julielokunconsulting.com

Dominick Domasky — www.motivationchamps.com

Dragonfly Podcasting — www.dragonflypodcasting.co

Cre8tive Con Boston, July 13, 2026 — www.cre8tivecon.com

Cre8tive Con Facebook Community — https://www.facebook.com/groups/cre8tivecon

SHARE THIS EPISODE

If this conversation lit a fire in you — share it. Tag someone who needs to hear that losing your notes is sometimes the bravest thing you can do. Leave a review. Because this is how we get voices like Gary Vee's into ears that are ready to do the work.

Tag us: @julielokun | @dominickdomasky | #CreativeEntrepreneurPodcast #GaryVee #VeeCon #CreativeEntrepreneur #Cre8tiveCon #Entrepreneurship #PodcastLife

The Creative Entrepreneur Podcast — We don't just talk. We build something extraordinary. Because business does not have to be boring.

Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?
Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com

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WHAT IS OUR FAVORITE CRM?  KEAP!

GET ORGANIZED AND AUTOMATE YOUR BUSINESS WITH KEAP

www.keap.com/cre8tive

LEARN ABOUT BOBBY LANE OF FACTOTUM

Are you running a business but struggling to keep up with the "back-office" chaos? You aren't alone. Many entrepreneurs excel at their craft but get bogged down by the very systems meant to support them. In this episode of the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast, hosts Dom and Julie sit down with Bobby Lane, CEO of Factotum, to discuss how to bridge the gap between big ideas and smart execution.

Bobby, a seasoned strategist from across the pond, is rewriting the rules of how business gets done in the U.S. From navigating the "Big Pond" transition to the importance of building a business based on trust and relationships, Bobby shares the "no-fluff" secrets to scaling a smarter company.

Inside the Episode: Building a Business in the Gaps


What is a "Factotum"? Bobby breaks down the Latin origins of the name—meaning "do the whole thing"—and how his company provides multidisciplinary outsourcing for the back-office gaps every small business faces.


The UK vs. US Business Mindset: Why the pace of change in America is an entrepreneur's playground, and how Bobby combined British strategy with an American leadership team to conquer the market.


Execution Over Advice: In a world of "fractional consultants," Factotum focuses on actually doing the work—from accounting and HR to marketing and recruitment.


When to Hire Help: Bobby reveals why you should surround yourself with people cleverer than you before the four o’clock panic sets in.


Jules’ Rules (British Edition): A fun, high-stakes debate on who does it better: Tea or Coffee? James Bond or Marvel? (Spoiler: Bobby might be more Americanized than he thinks!)

Key Takeaways for Creative Entrepreneurs


Check for Need: Before launching a niche business, ask: "Does someone actually need this solution?"


Surround Yourself with Experts: Don't be afraid to hire people who challenge you and handle the details you hate.


Relationships are Strategy: Bobby explains why he builds his business through "friends and family" connections spanning 30 years—trust is the ultimate cultural fit.


Automate or Outsource: If you’re still signing contracts on the side of the road with a pen and paper, it’s time to engineer a better system.

Connect with Bobby Lane & Factotum

Ready to stop chasing tasks and start putting your growth on autopilot?


Website: www.factotum.com


LinkedIn: Connect with Bobby Lane

Special Offer from Our Sponsor: Keap

Stop losing leads in the shuffle. Keap is the leading sales and marketing automation platform designed specifically for small businesses. Capture leads, automate your follow-ups, and build stronger relationships without the manual grunt work.


Get Started: keap.com/creative

Support the Show

If you enjoyed this episode, please follow, subscribe, and share it with a fellow visionary who is ready to build something smarter.

"The best businesses aren't just built, they're engineered."

The Podcast & Media

Where can I listen to the latest episodes?

The Creative Entrepreneur: A Podcast for Business Growth, Strategy, and Monetization is available on all major platforms. It features high-level interviews with experts like Jim Kwik and David Meltzer.


Apple Podcasts: Listen here


Spotify: Search for "Creative Entrepreneur Julie Lokun"


Official Website: CreativeEntrepreneurPod.com

Who are the main hosts?

The show is hosted by Julie Lokun, JD (a business coach and "legal eagle") and Dominick Domasky (founder of Motivation Champs). They often collaborate with other industry leaders like Lauren Erickson and Bobby Lane from Factotum.

 

️ Tools & Business Growth

What is the "Follow-Up Fortune" link?

The show heavily emphasizes the power of automation to prevent leads from going cold. They recommend Keap (formerly Infusionsoft) for small business CRM and marketing automation.

 
Keap Trial/Promo: You can often find their specific partner link in the show notes of recent episodes, or visit Keap.com/cre8tive  to explore their "Conquer the Chaos" resources.

How do I connect with the guests (like Bobby Lane)?

If you are looking for the outsourced business services (HR, IT, Accounting) mentioned by guest Bobby Lane, you can find his firm at Factotum.

Website: Factotum.org.uk

Community & Events

What is Cre8tive Con?

Cre8tive Con is the flagship live networking conference for the brand. The 2026 event recently took place in Chicago, focusing on "Human-First" business growth and moving beyond digital-only connections.


Event Info: Cre8tiveCon.com

Interested in being a guest on the Creative Entrepreneur Podcast?
Reach out : www.creativeenrepreneurpod.com

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.