Layer By Layer Go!
Layer by Layer is a fresh blend of creativity, intention, and inspiration — hosted by Don, a songwriter, cook, and lifelong learner exploring how we build a meaningful life, one layer at a time. Each episode mixes song insights, practical goal-setting, and flavorful cooking tips, all grounded in real-life experience and a bit of rhythm. Whether you're chasing a dream, seasoning a stew, or writing your next big chorus, this show is your weekly nudge to dig deeper, live fuller, and keep creating.
Layer By Layer Go!
Episode 24 – Smooth & Easy: The Wall of Don
This week on Layer By Layer GO!, we wrap up the Smooth & Easy trilogy with an episode I’ve been itching to create — The Wall of Don. Today, we’re going deep into the lineage, the legends, and the production DNA behind my vision for finishing “Smooth & Easy” at the next level.
In Episode 22, The Spark, we opened the vault and brought an old idea back to life.
In Episode 23, Laying the Lyrics, we shaped the words and the story.
And now, Episode 24 brings everything together.
We’re exploring the iconic producers whose vocal layering shaped generations — Phil Spector, Brian Wilson, 10CC, Roy Thomas Baker, Mutt Lange, and Donnie Iris — before turning the spotlight onto what I’m building now: a massive, modernized vocal production philosophy I’m calling The Wall of Don.
Plus: two festive holiday kitchen goodies, a life lesson about layering your life, and a journaling prompt to help you see the big picture of your own creative journey.
Full recipes for today’s dishes are available at:
👉 https://LayerByLayerGO.com/recipes
TIMESTAMPS (Audio Version)
00:00 – Intro
01:43 – Part 1: Recap — Where we left off
02:54 – Part 2: The Lineage of The Wall of Don
03:16 – Phil Spector
03:58 – Brian Wilson
05:20 – 10CC
05:39 – Roy Thomas Baker
06:06 – Mutt Lange
06:34 – Donnie Iris
06:52 – And then… Me
07:24 – Part 3: Required listening
08:15 – Part 4: Smooth & Easy — The Dream
08:41 – Scrumptious Holiday Goodies
09:16 – Homemade Egg Nog
10:17 – No-Roll Pumpkin Pie
12:02 – Life Lesson: Layer your life
12:30 – Journaling prompt
13:06 – Outro
Total Time: 13:29
LIFE LESSON
Layer your life.
Just like great vocal stacks, your life becomes richer when each layer is intentional — your habits, your goals, your relationships, your creativity. Build upward, build outward, and let every layer support the next.
JOURNALING PROMPT
“What is one layer of my life I could strengthen this week — and what would the next layer look like once that’s in place?”
THIS WEEK’S SCRUMPTIOUS HOLIDAY GOODIES
1️⃣ Homemade Egg Nog
A warm, cozy stovetop classic with whole eggs, milk, cream, sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla.
2️⃣ No-Roll Pumpkin Pie
Rustic, easy, and charming — mix the crust right in a reused pie pan, press it with your thumbs, and mix the filling in a bowl. Pour, bake, and enjoy.
Full written recipes here:
👉 https://LayerByLayerGO.com/recipes
CALL TO ACTION
If you enjoyed today’s episode, consider supporting my work at:
👉 https://coff.ee/layerbylayergo
Your support helps keep the podcast growing layer by layer.