Podcast Summary: What Are You Made Of?
Host: Mike "C-Roc" Ciorrocco
Guest: Shemaiah Reed
Episode: I Am Refocused: Shemaiah Reed on Storytelling, Music, and Legacy
Date: December 25, 2025
Episode Overview
This episode features Shemaiah Reed—storyteller, music producer, radio personality, and founder of Refocus Network—sharing the influences, philosophies, and projects that shaped his creative journey. The conversation explores family legacy, the impact of Motown, the realities of the modern music industry, the power of creative collaboration, and strategies for building and scaling a digital media brand. Throughout, Shemaiah emphasizes the value of passion, purpose, integrity, and community over fame or fortune.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
Early Influences and Family Legacy
- Roots in Michigan: Shemaiah credits his parents and upbringing in Michigan for fostering his creativity and resilience.
"Without my parents, I would not even be close to where I am right now. So big shout out to my mom and dad for all the things that they put up with me and, you know, showing me the path forward." (01:31)
- Early Creative Spark: Exposure to music began with family—early memories of listening to jazz with his dad and experimenting with sound equipment as a child sparked a lifelong curiosity.
- Musical Heritage: Shemaiah’s family includes Art Stewart, a notable Motown producer, who became a personal mentor.
“You can Google Arthur Stewart and you'll see a lot of black and white pictures of him... he was one of the producers in the Motown &... I had the honor to interview him twice before he passed.” (03:14) "He sat down with me, he was just showing mixers and EQing tips and compressors and all this stuff from the tech side of music production.” (04:20)
The Creative Path—Purpose Over Fame
- Multi-faceted Creative: Shemaiah’s path includes a radio career, producer credits, podcasting, video production, consulting, and managing clients’ YouTube channels.
“It’s not one dimensional. It's not like, oh, I just like making beats... anything that has to do with behind the scenes, building something... I shine best when I'm behind the scenes because I'm helping other people's dreams become reality.” (07:35)
- Music as Passion, Not Breadwinner: While his music plays on radio and is used worldwide, Shemaiah stresses his creative work is driven by passion over commercial gain.
“I just love creating music... my music is worldwide... but it’s more something I just love creating... I don't do it for, like, to make it like my professional breadwinner job.” (05:44, 08:44) “Success is what makes you happy. If you're proud of what you're doing, you don't get paid, that's fine...” (11:36)
Navigating the Modern Music & Content Industry
- Industry Realities: The music industry is competitive and often unfair; making money from pure creativity remains a challenge for most.
“The music industry is very saturated. Everybody has tools. AI... it's so much easier. But back in the day... you had a lot of different things you had to put together...” (09:23)
- Embracing Technology: Shemaiah innovates by blending traditional skills with new AI tools, using them thoughtfully as part of a creative workflow.
“It's more like, I have an idea. I write it, ChatGPT helps me edit, but it doesn't change my voice, it doesn't change my tone.” (10:44) “I'm mastering the audio because I have years of experience working with other smart people...” (11:36)
Building the Refocus Network & Community Collaboration
- Collaborative Vision: Transitioned from the solo I'm Refocused Podcast to building the Refocus Network—a collaborative platform for creators.
"I wanted to build a team of like-minded creators... In the beginning, people [asked], 'What is that, do I got to pay for it?...' Now everyone's trying to ask me, can I join because I have 30,000 subscribers." (19:57, 22:09)
- Systems Over Burnout: Shemaiah describes learning to automate and systemize the network—using YouTube features like playlists, collaborations, and RSS integration for efficiency.
“In the very beginning, I was doing all the work... So I had to figure out how can I trim the fat... Now... I make playlists... it's on autopilot.” (22:56)
- Growth & Value: Sees building value and nurturing authentic relationships as more sustainable than chasing sponsorships or viral fame.
“I'm building value first. I'm building with like minded creators... It's only one year in. Imagine what it would look like five years from now, ten years from now. It's probably going to explode. Not probably, it will explode.” (27:09, 27:47)
Marketing & Growth Strategies
- YouTube Ads Secret: Shares practical advice on using YouTube’s internal ad system to reach global audiences for minimal cost.
“I've been able to reach a worldwide audience on pennies... YouTube has a built-in system to promote your ads... If you want to spend less dollars, go international... you can get a thousand views for $4 targeting to India...” (28:44)
- Branding Matters: Rebranding (from OmniFocus to Refocus) alongside smart marketing has driven explosive numerical growth.
“Since we changed the logo and revamped it, our numbers are just skyrocketing. It's crazy. I'm projecting 35,000 by April.” (29:57)
Core Values & Legacy
- Purpose Over Profit: The conversation returns repeatedly to the idea that legacy, “receipts” (proof of work and your impact), and the service to others outweigh temporary gains.
“What is your purpose, though?... Are you trying to leave a legacy? You try and change lives? That, to me personally, means more than anything.” (13:25) “Stop worrying about, oh, they got millions... Love yourself, man. Be happy for change... Let everyday funnel through your purpose and everything else will come to you.” (30:49, 31:46)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- “You get out what you put in... My point of view is slightly different. What is your purpose, though?” — Shemaiah Reed (13:25)
- “The best thing that you can have as a creator is receipts. So your work ethic will speak louder than anything else.” — Shemaiah Reed (17:25)
- “Don’t despise the small beginnings.” — Mike "C-Roc" Ciorrocco (14:14)
- “People are very impatient with your vision and your dreams, right? They just want to see receipts, and then they want to join.” — Shemaiah Reed (21:30)
- “You can be the most talented person in the world, but if you don’t show up and do the work, nobody will know.” — Shemaiah Reed (paraphrased from discussion on work ethic and legacy, 16:18)
- “Let everyday funnel through your purpose and everything else will come to you.” — Shemaiah Reed (31:46)
Timestamps for Key Segments
- Family & Early Creative Roots: 00:31 – 03:14
- Working with Motown’s Art Stewart: 03:14 – 05:37
- Professional Journey & Career Balancing: 05:44 – 12:33
- Philosophy: Passion, Not Profit: 11:36 – 13:25
- On Purpose and Legacy: 13:25 – 14:16
- Music Industry Realities & Lessons: 14:21 – 17:16
- The Power of Connections & Receipts: 17:21 – 22:09
- Refocus Network Vision & Systems: 19:57 – 22:56
- Technical Workflow & YouTube Playlists: 22:56 – 26:20
- YouTube Podcasting & Cross-Platform: 25:26 – 27:47
- Global Growth via Affordable YouTube Ads: 27:47 – 29:57
- Advice on Legacy & Self-Worth: 30:49 – 31:46
Final Words & Where to Find More
Shemaiah leaves listeners with encouragement to pursue their own creative journeys with authenticity and a sense of purpose.
“Keep building what you’re building. Stop worrying about, oh, they got millions. ... Let everyday funnel through your purpose and everything else will come to you.” (30:49, 31:46)
Find more:
For anyone passionate about creativity, entrepreneurship, or building something authentic, this episode offers a roadmap rich with both inspiration and actionable advice.