Staying in the Game: 30 Years of Music, Grit, and Reinvention

In an industry that changes every few years, longevity is rare.

On this episode of The Germinate Podcast, host Joe Sampson sits down with Iowa musician and creative entrepreneur Jason Walsmith for a conversation that is about much more than music.

It is about staying in the game.

The Scrappy Beginning

Jason shares the early days of The Nadas, formed in 1993 during the surge of alternative rock and AAA radio. The band did not begin in polished studios or major venues. It started in fraternity basements, small bars, and recording sessions above a plumbing supply shop in Fort Dodge.

There was no grand strategy. There was no guaranteed path forward. There was simply a willingness to show up, play hard, and improve.

A turning point came when producer Paul Wright entered the picture. His mentorship elevated their sound and strengthened their belief in what they were building. That guidance helped transform potential into sustainability and laid the groundwork for a 30 year career.

Adapting to a Changing Industry

Few industries have experienced as much disruption as music. Jason has navigated the CD era, the rise of Napster and file sharing, the collapse of traditional album sales, and the dominance of streaming platforms.

Rather than resisting the evolution, Jason and the band leaned into it. They continued touring. They invested in direct fan relationships. They adjusted their expectations and revenue models.

The lesson extends far beyond music. When industries shift, the organizations and individuals who survive are those willing to adapt before they are forced to.

Embracing a Broader Identity

Alongside his music career, Jason built a parallel life in photography. For years, he struggled with identity. Was he a musician with a day job or a photographer who happened to play in a band?

Eventually, he reframed the narrative.

He is an artist.

That clarity removed the internal tension. Many professionals experience similar conflict when balancing multiple passions or career paths. Jason’s story reminds us that creativity is not tied to a single label. It is a mindset that can apply across disciplines.

The Discipline Behind Creativity

Creativity is often romanticized, but longevity requires discipline. Writing songs across three decades demands consistency. Touring requires stamina. Reinvention requires humility.

There are seasons of doubt. There are creative blocks. There are moments when the future feels uncertain.

Staying in the game means continuing to create anyway.

Jason’s recent move to rural Iowa, new ventures, and even starting a herd of cattle reflect that same willingness to evolve. Comfort was not the goal. Growth was.

The Power of Live Connection

One of the most powerful parts of the conversation centers on live performance. Jason describes the energy exchange between artist and audience as something difficult to fully explain. It can happen in a packed venue or a small community space.

When authenticity meets attention, something meaningful happens. In an increasingly digital world, that human connection still matters deeply. What Staying in the Game Really Means

This episode is not just about music.

It is about resilience. It is about curiosity. It is about choosing growth over comfort.

Whether you are building a company, leading a team, farming, or creating art, the principle remains the same.

Show up.
Stay curious.
Keep evolving.

Thirty years later, Jason Walsmith is still in the game. That kind of longevity is not accidental. It is intentional.

And in today’s world, that may be the most powerful advantage of all.

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