Show Notes
Welcome back to Drummers on Drumming, powered by Big Fat Snare Drum.
This week’s Drum Panel features me, Ben Hilzinger, alongside George Martinez (aka @skinnygeorge) and Eric Urrea from Marina City.
We talk honestly about rejection, identity, and what actually gets built in the moments when things don’t go your way.
In this episode, we talk about:
Rejection as a mirror, not a verdict, and how quickly one “no” can distort your self-image
The danger of ruminating on tiny moments, and how over-analyzing the past steals energy from the present
Why authenticity matters more than perfection, and how trying to manage how others see you leads to bad fits
The hidden value of “failed” prep, and how deep study always compounds even when the gig disappears
The emotional difference between ego pain and income fear, and how each one shapes your reactions
Balancing confidence and self-doubt, and why artists need both to stay sharp and grounded
How unclear communication creates unnecessary emotional weight, and what that reveals about professional culture
Why creative freedom often shows up disguised as disappointment
New Year’s intentions around health, connection, communication, and long-term sustainability
Letting go of shame around how you work, and learning to build systems that actually fit you
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