Podcast Summary

Podcast: Beyond Blind Blaming
Host: Kevin D. St.Clergy (YAP Media)
Episode: From Guns N' Roses to Rockstar Brand | Craig Duswalt
Guest: Craig Duswalt (Personal Branding and Marketing Expert, Keynote Speaker)
Date: January 13, 2026

Overview

In this high-energy episode, Kevin D. St.Clergy sits down with Craig Duswalt—former tour manager for Air Supply and Guns N’ Roses turned renowned speaker and personal branding coach. The conversation centers on the hidden mindset blocks that trap high-achievers and how "thinking like a rock star" can break those invisible barriers. Craig shares his unique journey from backstage at sold-out concerts to sold-out business events, divulging actionable strategies for building a stand-out brand rooted in authenticity, risk-taking, and bold decision-making.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. From Rock & Roll to Personal Branding

• Craig’s Journey: Toured with Air Supply for 8 years, then Guns N’ Roses for 4, before leveraging a marketing degree (“I knew I had marketing in my background. I went to a Tony Robbins seminar...and opened my own ad agency.” — [02:33])
• Transitioned to coaching after integrating “out-of-the-box” lessons from the music world.

2. The Rockstar Branding Philosophy

• Thinking Differently:
  • "I teach entrepreneurs how to become rock stars in their business by doing things just a little bit...well, actually a lot of bit differently than normal entrepreneurs would." ([00:00], [02:33])
  • Pushing clients out of their comfort zone is central: “Everything that I do, I try as a coach to get people outside their comfort zone.” ([00:16], [04:03])
• Signature Events:
  • Rockstar Marketing Bootcamp—designed as high-energy, entertaining, interactive seminars.
  • “It is kind of like going to a rock concert at my events...I always have a rock star—Eddie Money, REO Speedwagon, Ray Parker Jr., Duff McKagan, Gilby Clarke...” ([07:52])

3. Breaking Free: Mindset and Action

• Calculated Risks & Mindset:

  • “We get one life. That’s it. So why not take some risks...if you believe in your product and you’re passionate about it, you’re going to be successful.” ([00:35], [11:47])
  • Story of “worst case scenario”: viewing setbacks as manageable to embolden risk-taking ([13:53])

• MFD – Make a F*cking Decision:

  • Cited as a transformative principle by both host and guest.
  • “It’s the easiest thing in the world to do and it’s also the hardest thing in the world to do...But make that decision and don’t hem and haw.” ([19:21])
  • Shared viral story of a client whose life changed by adopting MFD ([18:16 – 19:21])

4. The Power of Masterminds & Investing in Yourself

• Importance of Investment:
  • High-priced masterminds keep clients committed:
    “The higher I charge, the more successful they’re going to be and the better my mastermind is going to look.” ([23:26])
• Shared Responsibility:
  • “It’s your responsibility to get more value out of the program. You get what you put in.” ([25:29])
  • Preparation and intent drive results in coaching/mastermind settings.

5. Storytelling, Authenticity, and Brand Integrity

• Stories that Sell:

  • “I toured with Guns N' Roses. Need I say more? I have stories up the ying-yang, but I relate them all to business.” ([26:51])
  • Stories humanize brands and connect with audiences; facts alone aren’t memorable.

• Authenticity:

  • “I don’t play a character on stage and turn into some horrible person offline...I am the same exact guy on my calls as on stage.” ([30:35])
  • Example of Slipknot: Their brand is shocking, but they’re authentic and kind behind the scenes ([32:14–34:54])

• Integrity as a Filter:

  • Craig will exclude inauthentic people from his high-ticket group:
    “If you screw me once we’re done. There’s no three chances.” ([35:11])

• Giving and Contribution:

  • Both mastermind and business reinforce “giving back,” starting or volunteering with charities ([35:19])

6. Decision-Making, Self-Sabotage, and Avoiding "Blind Blaming"

• Solving the Wrong Problem:

  • “People aren’t failing at solving their problems. They’re succeeding at solving the wrong problem perfectly.” ([41:16])
  • Many follow advice misaligned with their needs; underlines the necessity of tailored coaching.

• Never Burn Bridges:

  • Maintaining relationships built decades earlier is now paying dividends in Craig’s renewed music industry ventures ([39:41])

• The Network IS Your Net Worth:

  • Leveraging long-term relationships (Rolodex) for new collaborations ([40:33])

7. Mindset as the Key Investment

• Despite a successful background, Craig admits to years of self-doubt:
  • “I had the lowest self-esteem in the history of the world...I invested in mindset because, for the longest time...I thought, why are people listening to me?” ([46:37])
• It took mindset coaching to internalize his real value and self-belief ([49:29])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Comfort Zones:

  • “Everything that I do, I try as a coach to get people outside their comfort zone...They’ll tweak it and do a little bit crazy stuff.” —Craig Duswalt ([04:03])

• On Risk and Reward:

  • “We get one life. That’s it. Why not take some risks and some chances?...If you’re passionate about it, you’re going to be successful.” —Craig Duswalt ([00:35])

• On Decision-Making:

  • “MFD—Make a fucking decision...The decision can be no just as much as yes, but make that decision and don’t hem and haw.” —Craig Duswalt ([16:18], [19:21])

• On Authenticity:

  • “I am the same exact guy on my calls as on my stage...I don’t play a character.” ([30:35])
  • “[Slipknot] are authentic to their brand...but outside [they’re] staying true to you as a nice person, having integrity as well.” ([32:14–34:54])

• On Problem-Solving:

  • “People aren’t failing at solving their problems. They’re succeeding at solving the wrong problem perfectly.” —Kevin D. St.Clergy ([41:16])

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Craig’s Unconventional Path: [02:33 – 04:03]
• Rockstar Bootcamp Energy & Format: [04:40 – 07:52]
• Viral “Make a F*cking Decision” Principle: [15:55 – 19:21]
• Coaching, Masterminds, and Investment Mindset: [22:28 – 24:24]
• Storytelling in Business/Branding: [26:51 – 29:49]
• Authenticity & Industry Anecdotes (Slipknot, Integrity): [30:35 – 35:11]
• Solving the Wrong Problem; Coaching Essential: [41:16 – 43:38]
• Self-Doubt & Mindset Investment: [46:37 – 49:29]

Episode Takeaways

• Think differently, act boldly, and stand out by owning your story.
• Push yourself (and your clients) out of their comfort zones—magic lies there.
• Authenticity is the most sustainable branding strategy.
• Decide fast—MFD—because indecision dooms more dreams than failure.
• Your network, cultivated with integrity, is your greatest asset.
• Mindset investment trumps all tactics; inner limits are the real barriers.

Resources & Next Steps

• Craig Duswalt:
  • craigduswalt.com
  • rockstarmarketingspeaker.com
  • Next Live Event: Rockstar Marketing Bootcamp, September 19–20, Los Angeles

This summary captures the spirit and actionable insights of the conversation—perfect for anyone striving to break free from unseen limits and lead with “rockstar” energy and authenticity.