Every episode explores topics that begin with F — Finance, Family, Faith, Fitness, Freedom, Failure, Forgiveness, Friendship, Focus, Fun.
Former A&R Director • Mattrix Minute Creator • Radio Host
Welcome to the very first episode of What the "F" with Shawn Mills — the no-nonsense podcast that cuts through the noise in the music industry.
Most artists believe their big break means big bucks — until they learn just how little they actually see from album sales and streaming. In this eye-opening launch episode, Shawn sits down with music industry heavyweight Matt Rix — former A&R Director, creator of the viral Mattrix Minute series (over 28 million streams worldwide), longtime radio host, and one of the most respected mentors and success coaches in the game.
Matt pulls back the curtain on the complex, often brutal financial realities musicians face: why even a hit song might only net pennies, how record deals are structured, why artists stay in debt long after their breakout, and why merchandise, touring, and licensing dominate income — yet come with hefty costs and strange splits.
In this episode: The infamous 17% royalty rate, hidden expenses that eat artist earnings, advances and recoupment, 360 deals, 50-50 publishing splits, and so much more.
But it's not just about money. Matt shares his raw personal journey of faith — near-death moments, cancer diagnoses, rediscovering Jesus, and how staying true to Christ reshaped his view of success, hypocrisy, forgiveness, and legacy in an industry full of illusions.
If you're an artist, songwriter, producer, or simply curious about what really goes on behind the scenes, this masterclass in truth, humility, and biblical perspective is exactly what you've been waiting for.
Drop a comment below: What's one question you wish you could ask a music industry veteran?
Financial Coach & Wealth Strategist
Discover how a ranch kid with just a 10th-grade education built multiple IPOs — then changed gears when he realized financial education was his calling.
In this episode of What the "F" with Shawn Mills, financial coach Kevin Maginnis shares his wild journey from living in a camper shell to disrupting traditional wealth strategies.
Kevin reveals why conventional knowledge may not be so "conventional". You'll learn how and why a lot of strategies pushed today aren't just bad ideas but they can literally hurt you down the road. You'll also discover the hidden reasons most financial advisors don't share these tools.
Kevin doesn't just teach, he shares must-read books that shift your mindset to wealth builder.
If you're tired of paycheck-to-paycheck living and want practical tools the wealthy actually use, this is your wake-up call.
Drop a comment below: What's one financial strategy that surprised you most?