Real with Rocky

In this episode, Rocky sits down with entrepreneur and creative leader Robert Milam for a thoughtful conversation about purpose, work, family, and what it really means to live a human life. Together they explore the tension many leaders feel between building meaningful work and being present for the people who matter most. Robert shares why he doesn’t believe in traditional “work-life balance,” how creativity reframes the way we think about everyday tasks, and why purpose often requires stepping outside comfort. The conversation moves through topics like parenting, leadership, brokenness, and relationships—revealing that the most meaningful moments in life are rarely the big wins, but the thousands of small interactions we stack up over time. Episode Highlights:00:01:32 — Navigating a new stage of life: balancing a thriving business with growing family responsibilities.00:05:41 — Why Robert rejects the traditional idea of “work-life balance.”00:06:31 — Reframing work as the act of creating something meaningful in the world.00:07:30 — Why great art—and great ideas—often come from imbalance rather than equilibrium.00:10:53 — Collapsing the divide between work and life into one unified purpose.00:13:37 — Comfort vs. safety and how comfort can quietly hold us back.00:18:16 — Seeing everyday responsibilities as opportunities to create meaningful moments.00:21:41 — The importance of showing your humanity—even on difficult days.00:27:46 — Why the most interesting relationships come from embracing differences.00:33:13 — The power of stacking thousands of small moments with your family.00:34:38 — Why relationships are what truly make us feel alive.00:36:41 — How owning mistakes can deepen connection and strengthen teams.Get to Know Our GuestRobert Milam is a creative director and brand strategist working at the intersection of culture, design, and business. He is the Founder and Principal of ModestWorks, an award-winning creative studio known for building enduring brands.Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertmilam?igsh=MXJudGZuYmZodnd6Zg==ModestWorks Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/modestworks?igsh=OXZrZmpjZnVyYTR0Website: modestworks.comJoin Rocky, LIVE on Zoom, in conversation about leadership, humanity, and everything in between: http://rockygarza.com/confidence

Rocky couldn't stop thinking about a line,"We love deeply and show it poorly. And we called that fatherhood."In this In-Between episode, Rocky explores the gap between what many dads believe they're doing and what fatherhood actually requires. Providing and protecting are the floor; they always have been. But the floor was never meant to be the ceiling. And too many dads have been living there, believing the job was already done.This episode isn't about doing more. It's about being honest with yourself and with the people who are watching everything. "Be someone worth watching. Not perfect, just human."What's inside:Why providing and protecting are the baseline, not the finish lineThe difference between presence and proximityWhat your kids are actually building by watching youThe most dangerous thing a father can doWhat it looks like to be someone worth watchingJoin us once a month as Rocky hosts Somewhere in the Middle, a gathering for people who are tired of doing this alone.Get To Know RockyRocky Garza is a keynote speaker, executive coach, and host of Real with Rocky. He helps leaders trade performance for presence and to lead like themselves, not someone else.Connect with RockyCome be human with us at Somewhere in the Middle: https://www.rockygarza.com/confidenceFollow Rocky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockygarza/Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockygarza/Visit the website: https://www.rockygarza.com/

On this week's episode, I welcome guest Alex Cohen. We talk through the truth of being a "Yes Girl" and why that strength can also be a weakness that has the potential to open the door for growth... if you approach it the right way. Thanks for being real with me this week, Alex.Get To Know Our GuestAlex Cohen is a Dallas-based fashion stylist and creative director whose work spans editorial, red carpets, and major cultural moments. She’s styled for brands and platforms like Forbes, Dolce & Gabbana, E! Entertainment, the Grammys, CMA Awards, and New York Fashion Week, with clients ranging from influencers to artists and public figures.Her work bridges high-fashion aesthetics with accessibility. She’s one of Dallas’ top stylists.Subscribe for more honest conversations on leadership and personal growth. www.styledbycohen.comInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/styledbycohen/Masterclass - https://www.styledbycohen.com/shop/p/client-masterclass-long-versionSpecial code for podcast listeners - Rocky20 (20% off Services)Connect with RockyFollow Rocky on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rockygarza/Connect on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rockygarza/Visit the website: https://www.rockygarza.com/Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training: https://www.rockygarza.com/confidence

No polish. No pretending.Just real stories and real people showing up.This is Real with Rocky.See you next week.

In this episode, Rocky sits down with entrepreneur and designer Matt Marciante for a raw conversation about ambition, pride, and the hidden costs of doing everything alone. They unpack the underdog identity, why survival mode eventually breaks down, and what it really takes to build something sustainable. This episode challenges the idea that struggle equals success and invites leaders to rethink how they win.Episode Highlights:. Why the underdog mindset can quietly give us an excuse to lose.. The difference between surviving and actually competing to win.. How pride can disguise itself as loyalty, grit, or self-reliance.. Why building with “scrappy” teams eventually raises the personal cost.. Letting go of doing everything yourself without losing your edge.. Learning to ask for help and trusting both yes and no as valid answers.. Shifting from proving you can to building something that lasts.Get To Know Our Guest:Matt Marciante is an entrepreneur, leather maker, and designer who builds products and brands with the same philosophy: quality first, no unnecessary noise. Through Marciante and Company and Mission Leather Co, he designs and produces handcrafted leather goods rooted in timeless design, ethical sourcing, and practical function. As the founder of Pretty Decent Marketing, he brings that same hands-on mindset to marketing...creating clear, honest systems that turn attention into sales without the fluff. His work helps brands, creators, and small businesses grow through thoughtful design, strong storytelling, and marketing that actually works.Resources Mentioned. Pretty Decent Marketing - https://prettydecent.site/. Marciante & Company - https://marcianteandco.com/. Mission Leather Co - https://missionleatherco.com/. Join Rocky’s Live Leadership Training - https://www.rockygarza.com/confidence