There are hurdles and then there are crutches. And if we’re honest with ourselves, we know the difference.

Carlos Rafael Rivera feels all the same levels of resistance as anyone else when it comes to his creative pursuits. But in his journey from the front man of a rock band to an Emmy and Grammy-winning composer, Carlos told us he’s learned several things about what it means to be an artist. So much of it is about less precious.

For all the reasons that Carlos has to be proud—even prideful—as the composer for hit shows and movies like The Queen’s Gambit or Griselda or Hacks or Lessons in Chemistry, the truth is that age and experience have brought about important and even painful lessons when it comes to ego, achievements, and what makes something “artful.”

Learning to lean into the work, to cast aside the crutches, to put everything into a proper perspective—these are all a few of the takeaways that Carlos shares with us on this episode of the Resistance. He’s a deep well of wisdom, even as he’s completely relatable and open, which makes this an inspired conversation for anyone trying to sort out their own creative journey.

VISIT: Carlos Rafael Rivera