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Ray Daniels may have unlocked the cheat code for creating unforgettable in-person podcast experiences. Game From the Gauds, inspired by Ray’s podcast The Gauds Show, delivered a live, interactive event that went beyond just the music industry, offering game for any creative on the professional journey. Co-hosted by Ray Daniels, Damien Ritter, and Nyla Symone, the night was a masterclass not just for musicians but for creatives of all kinds.
The evening kicked off with Ray asking the crowd to describe where they were in their journey in one word. Responses filled the room with positivity, setting a motivational tone that lasted throughout the night. After the initial introductions, Ray threw in a surprise: artists in the room could earn a chance to perform simply by sending him an Instagram DM with why they should take the stage.
Before diving into the first activity, Ray scanned the crowd to see who had the "look" of an artist, pointing out a few standout individuals. The exercise sparked a larger realization—many more in the room identified themselves as artists. Ray’s statement, "If you don’t look like an artist, you may need to change your look. Artists stand out," struck a chord. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of presence and perception in creative industries.

One of the standout moments of the night came when Ray invited participants to engage in a live networking challenge—essentially, a roleplay to see who could successfully get his phone number. This was more than just a fun exercise; it was an impromptu lesson in effective communication and self-promotion. After each attempt, Ray offered feedback on what worked and what didn’t.
Damien Ritter chimed in with his own advice, explaining that planting a memorable seed—without directly asking for contact information—can be just as effective. This resonated with me personally, as it’s a tactic I’ve found success with over the years by always showing up as my full, authentic self.
The night truly lived up to its name.
Every activity carried a lesson, a takeaway that could help creatives at any stage of their careers. One of the most valuable segments was the social media feedback session, where attendees shared their Instagram pages and received live feedback from the hosts. Ray encouraged everyone to identify their three "content pillars," offering practical advice on creating focused, intentional content.
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While some creatives shy away from being put into a box, Ray flipped that perspective by saying, “Put yourself in a box.” It was a shift in thinking—rather than resisting categorization, embrace it and let it guide your content strategy.
Another standout moment was when Ray asked the crowd if they considered themselves influencers. After a mix of responses, he pointed out that while influencers sell themselves, artists often focus on selling their music. He challenged everyone in the room to embrace the idea of being an influencer in their own right. It was a fresh perspective on how artists and creatives can market themselves in today’s digital age.
Throughout the night, Ray dropped countless gems, from "Artist development is in front of the camera, not behind it" to "Drop everything—let people cover your demos." There were too many to write down, and at a certain point, I just absorbed it all, appreciating the wisdom in the moment.
The evening wrapped up with live performances, where artists took the stage while the audience guessed what type of music they made based on their appearance. It was a fun, engaging activity that underscored the earlier point about how artists present themselves. The performances added an interactive and communal layer to the event, reinforcing the supportive and constructive energy in the room.
Overall, Game From the Gauds was not just an event—it was an experience. The blend of valuable industry insight, real-time feedback, and communal support created an atmosphere of growth and inspiration. Anyone chasing their creative dreams—not just musicians—should absolutely try to attend. I left feeling energized, with plenty of practical takeaways, and I’d recommend it to any creative looking to level up.
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