Today we’d like to introduce you to Matthew Garth

Hi Matthew, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.

I spent the first 30 years of my life trying to climb the “corporate ladder” and live a conventional American life. Although I always felt there was a different path to success, I wasn’t sure where to start. I knew I needed to start my own business, but I couldn’t envision what that would look like.
During a brief period of homelessness, I spent most of my time in the library, researching topics that interested me and expanding my understanding of familiar subjects. I began listening to my intuition and started chasing my dreams again. My last attempt at pursuing my passion was as a stand-up comedian, but it proved challenging to balance a family and a budding comedy career. I eventually chose my family, though that didn’t work out as I had hoped.
Feeling like I’d been given another chance to prioritize myself, I began volunteering with Black-owned businesses, offering my experience in sales, marketing, and executive decision-making consultation. After four years of sweat equity, I was made Vice President of 646 Entertainment. I felt I was moving forward on my path.
I realized that to take big chances in life, I needed to turn my life around. I had to be available and willing to work in my chosen field. A fortuitous phone call and conversation with an old friend led to the creation of a film production company. We are now working on our first television program after partnering with Louisiana Wrestling Alliance to create a wrestling show that combines everything you love about classic wrestling while meeting the demands of modern entertainment.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?

The road has been rocky. I started my journey while homeless, so I was already fighting an uphill battle. Knowing I wanted to be in the entertainment industry, I was aware it was full of empty promises and projects that might never get off the ground.
There were many false starts—situations where I thought something would come through and really turn things around, only for circumstances to change. It was tough to stay focused and positive without having a safe place to call my own. Living under other people’s rules when you’re accustomed to making your own is extremely challenging. It required a lot of humility and acceptance of things that were not under my control.
I battled depression and suicidal thoughts. The entertainment industry itself can be rather bipolar, which gave me plenty of opportunities to monitor my own mental health. I had to stay vigilant and check in with myself regularly to ensure I was still moving on the right path.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?

As the Creative Director for Louisiana Wrestling Alliance’s Saturday Night Heat, a monthly television broadcast launching in March 2025, I’ve found my niche in creative problem-solving. This role perfectly aligns with my passion for tackling life’s unexpected challenges.
A recent experience during a 48-hour film project for a local festival perfectly illustrates this. Our team had captured what we thought was exceptional footage, only to discover in the editing room that a memory card malfunction had erased 90% of our principal shots. Faced with this crisis, I saw an opportunity where others saw defeat.
Sensing the director’s determination to persevere, I quickly formulated a plan. We would craft a new narrative around the limited footage we had, with me stepping in as a character attempting to solve a mysterious case. This pivot not only salvaged our project but turned it into an exciting creative exercise.
This incident exemplifies why I’m often sought after in creative circles. My ability to think on my feet and transform obstacles into opportunities has become my trademark. It’s also why I’ve chosen to work as a freelancer, carefully selecting projects based on their unique challenges and the innovative minds behind them.
In essence, my career is built on embracing the unexpected, finding solutions in chaos, and turning potential disasters into creative triumphs. It’s a path that continually tests and refines my problem-solving skills, keeping me engaged and excited about each new project that comes my way.

Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?

When it comes to finding mentors and networking effectively, I’ve found that a few key strategies have served me well:
Firstly, presenting yourself in the best possible light is crucial. Showing up with a positive attitude and your best face forward can open many doors. This initial impression is often what gets you through the door, but it’s not enough on its own.
To stay in those spaces and build meaningful connections, you need to be useful. Offer your skills, insights, or assistance wherever you can. This approach not only solidifies your place in professional circles but also builds a reputation of value and reliability.
I’ve learned to trust my intuition when networking. This inner guidance system, when honed, can be incredibly valuable in navigating professional relationships. Additionally, I’ve found that understanding human psychology is invaluable. It helps you identify subtle red flags in potential business partners or mentors that might not be immediately obvious.
One key insight I’ve gained is that patterns in someone’s personal life often reflect in their professional conduct. If you observe consistent behavioral patterns that raise concerns in their personal interactions, it’s likely these will manifest in their business dealings as well.
Character assessment is a crucial skill in networking. Being able to discern between individuals of good and questionable character can save you time, energy, and potential headaches down the line. This discernment is what helps you avoid getting caught up in less-than-legitimate business propositions or, as I like to say, attending too many pyramid scheme meetings!
In essence, effective networking is about presenting your best self, providing value, trusting your instincts, and developing the ability to read people accurately. These skills will not only help you build a strong network but also guide you towards mentors who can truly contribute to your professional growth.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.matthewdavidgarth.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mardukthemaster/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mgarth/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@lovesbelovedgarden629
• Other: https://www.slimelightrecords.com