Podcast stories

From Skate Videos to Creative Direction: A Creative Journey with Landon Beal

Discover the captivating journey of Landon Beal, Creative Director of RUN Studios, as he shares insights into video production, creative directing, and managing creative teams effectively. Learn how passion for skate videos sparked his career in video production and how he harnesses music and physical activity for creative flow. Tune in to this inspiring podcast episode now!

Work with people you want to work with

“So when we are in a situation where we are in a working relationship, we are invested. We are deep in it and we want this project to be a success!”

Ken Beasley shares the desire he and the team at Aid&Abet have for client success as it creates a lasting relationship to further grow business with that client.

Ken is the managing director of Aid&Abet, a strategic branding design agency specializing in elevating food and beverage brands.

Listen again as we discuss how he transitioned from working at non-profits to agencies because of his passion and energy to work in that world and to lean on your experience and ability to learn when dealing with imposter syndrome to take on challenges that seem out of reach. We also talk about how sustainability has been a key trending attribute for brand positioning for food and beverage brands.

The full episode is available to listen here: Marketing & Branding Trends In The Food Industry, Transitioning from Non-Profits to Agencies, And Dealing With Imposter Syndrome

Work-Life Balance In Content Creation, How Success Changes As You Mature, And Importance of Creativity As a Daily Habit

Our latest podcast episode focuses on the value of music, the definition of success, and a work-life balance. Joe Harris is a director, editor, and cinematographer at the Dallas-based video production company; Side Chops. He recently won a Gold Telly award for directing a commercial spot for Dr. Squatch-Shampoo.

In this episode, we talk about how his background in music has a vital role in filmmaking and content creation; how his definition of success has adapted throughout the years. We also talk about how Joe found a work-life balance and engages with his family to find creative inspiration and support.

Find episode 66 on Apple Podcasts Work-Life Balance In Content Creation, How Success Changes As You Mature, And Importance of Creativity As a Daily Habit

Pros and Cons of Film School, Creating Videos For Corporations While Keeping Your Creative Integrity, And The Importance of Systems When Running A Creative Business

We chat with Andrew Miller, a storyteller, cinematographer, filmmaker, producer, and owner of Dox, a production company specializing in telling strong stories, particularly documentaries. He has also worked on feature films such as True Grit, Spy Kids 4, and A Bold Experiment.

Listen to this episode as we talk about the valuable experiences and benefits to gain from film school, his content strategy with corporations, and why it’s essential to have a system and documents to make the creation process easy and consistent.

Find podcast episode 63 on Apple Podcasts: Pros and Cons of Film School, Creating Videos For Corporations While Keeping Your Creative Integrity, And The Importance of Systems When Running A Creative Business

Creating Videos For Clients Vs For Ourselves, Balancing Passion & Business, And How Budgeting Can Help In Your Creative Hustle

In this episode, we talk with Nick and Josh Holden: award-winning directors, writers, actors, and co-owners of the film and video production company Mishnoon.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts as we talk about how they separate creating videos for clients themselves to continue to pursue their passion while growing their business and how finding their own voice and collaborating with clients created videos that matched their clients' personalities. We also mention why artists should create a personal budget and set realistic goals to stay on track and motivated in their creative careers.

Listen to episode 59 on Apple Podcasts; Creating Videos For Clients Vs For Ourselves, Balancing Passion & Business, And How Budgeting Can Help In Your Creative Hustle

How Technology Expands Creativity, Best Ways To Shoot Videos, And How Storytelling Has Evolved

Our next podcast episode features cinematographer, director, and owner of production company Manifest Imageworks, Mark Haynes. He has been working in the film industry since 2007 and shoots for clients in the advertisement, corporate, and entertainment industries.

In this episode, we discuss how his love of movies and desire to recreate them led him on the path of filmmaking, cinematography, and lighting, how the methods of storytelling have evolved, and the most efficient way to run a shoot.

Listen to episode 58 on Apple Podcasts: How Technology Expands Creativity, Best Ways To Shoot Videos, And How Storytelling Has Evolved

Why Now?

“What about this story is going to be relevant to an audience today? What about this is going to captivate and get people to watch it? And I think it’s a great way to think about your project and to market and brand yourself.”

In this clip from episode 54 of our podcast with Coverfly’s Head of Writer Success, Tom Dever explores the questions writers should ask themselves as they begin to write their project and market themselves. Coverfly is an online platform that connects writers with the film and TV industry through partnerships with top competitions and fellowships.

Listen to this episode again as we discuss how Coverfly is using data to categorize scripts so that producers can discover writers based on specific filters; how their background in writing and creativity gives the platform more of a human feel; and his advice to not be afraid to write something commercial rather than the auteur film.

Listen to episode 54 on Apple Podcasts here: How Coverfly Helps Scriptwriters, Analyzing The Relevance Of A Project, And The Increasing Need For Commercial Content

How Culture Influences Creativity, Being Queer In The Late 90's, And The Importance Of Authenticity‪

Let’s welcome our next guest to the podcast activist, artist, and author Michael Dumlao! Michael is the brand director at Booz Allen Hamilton and the author of “Wisdom of Guncles: Living Life from a Queer Perspective” scheduled to publish in summer 2021.

Join us for this stimulating conversation as we discussed the role migration plays in his identity and creativity and how his upbringing as a Filipino immigrant and coming out as a gay Asian person was incredibly tough. Additionally, we talked about his upcoming book and how it uplifts untold LGBTQ stories.

Listen to episode 49 on iTunes here: How Culture Influences Creativity, Being Queer In The Late 90's, And The Importance Of Authenticity!

Power Of Delegation, Importance Of People Skills, And Building Up Confidence From Scratc‪h‬

Listen to our latest podcast episode with cinematographer Josh Emerick! Josh is the owner of J. Emerick Cinema & Photo. He also teaches other filmmakers how to grow their careers and businesses.

In addition to working in the music video industry for over nine years, Josh is a great resource to have on this episode of our podcast, as we talk about his music video creation process and his passion for teaching.

Our conversation also included topics: the importance of good people skills and delegation as a video creator and business owner and why creatives need to hold themselves to a higher standard by writing action plans.

The full episode is available at Creative Haven under Apple Podcasts here:Power Of Delegation, Importance Of People Skills, And Building Up Confidence From Scratch‬.

Have the Right Mindset to build Your Business

“If you can keep that mindset of “I can do this, this is all serving me, this is all part of the lesson, this is all part of the growth.“ and you find a way to even turn it into something you can learn from and build off of, that’s gonna get you through so much of filmmaking and building a business.”

This encouraging quote came from cinematographer and dancer Claire Fisher as she motivates aspiring filmmakers and video creators to continue to believe in themselves as they pursue building their business. 

Claire Fisher is a video creator and founder of Sanze Media. This production company creates video storytelling for businesses globally. 

Take some time to listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts as we discuss topics such as the significance of delegation for a successful video production company, the impact story-driven video marketing has on the business and customer relationship, and the benefits of having a positive mindset in business. We also talk about how Claire’s passion for dance influenced her filmmaking and videography.

Listen to episode 42 on Apple Podcasts here: The Importance Of Delegation, Creative Editing Techniques, And The Importance Of Having The Right Mindset.

Checks and Balances is Always Important

“It’s looking back at it and asking myself if I enjoy it because that’s why I put these things out, right?”

Hear fellow Let’s Get Candid podcast host Crystal Leung describe how reflecting on past work is a good tool to discern what you enjoy or do not enjoy to improve in the future.

This podcast hosts candid conversations about the highs and lows of life through a guest’s perspective on interesting topics.

Listen to this episode again as we discuss how switching careers can be beneficial and how trying new activities can help you discover your desired career. We also discuss the issues that live event companies face during the COVID lockdown and the unique tips to host and market virtual events.

Listen to episode 40 here: Switching Careers, Handling Virtual Events, And Finding Happiness In What You Do

The Importance Of Delegation, Creative Editing Techniques, And The Importance Of Having The Right Mindsetuoi/

Come listen to our latest podcast episode with dancer, cinematographer, and video creator Claire Fisher. In addition to being a filmmaker, Claire is also the founder of Sanze Media, a production company that creates video storytelling for businesses globally.

Join us for this conversation as we discuss the significance of delegation for a successful video production company, the impact story-driven video marketing has on the business and customer relationship, and the benefits of having a positive mindset in business. We also talk about how Claire’s passion for dance influenced her filmmaking and videography.

Listen to episode 42 on Apple Podcasts here: The Importance Of Delegation, Creative Editing Techniques, And The Importance Of Having The Right Mindset

Finding Your True North

“If you can find your true north first, everything is gonna fall into place, because, things are gonna make sense into your mind.”

This quote from our podcast episode with “Just Trek Podcast” podcast host and producer Justin Rimon offers advice for companies and individuals discovering and growing their brand.

Justin is also an event producer, experiential marketer, former manager of the popular dance group, I.aM.mE, and former community manager at Trip.com

Listen to this insightful episode again as we explore topics surrounding community engagement, networking, and finding your true north.

Link to episode 38 on Apple Podcasts here: Authentic Community Growth, Fitness & Creativity, And The Importance Of Finding Your True North

Relevance Of Digital Platforms In The Current Situation, How To Utilize Live Streaming, And The Importance Of Being Digital Media Literate

Our guest this week is CreatorUp co-founder and CEO, Michael Tringe! Michael’s live business workshops have impacted thousands of students worldwide. CreatorUp is a digital media marketplace that specializes in video content creation and training for their global clients.

In this episode we talk about having a YouTube presence, taking proactive steps for 2021 by utilizing live-streaming, and becoming digital media literate to understand the adapting technology and trends.

Listen to this episode on Apple Podcasts here: Relevance Of Digital Platforms In The Current Situation, How To Utilize Live Streaming, And The Importance Of Being Digital Media Literate


Find a Hobby That You Enjoy

“I do think another outlet that you really enjoy will really balance your life out.”

Marc Nieto’s quote reflects on how participating in another activity that helps foster your creativity can assuage any feelings of being burnt out. Marc is an LA-based artist, skilled app developer, and Twitch streamer. Revisit this episode as we discuss topics such as the prioritization of education vs. pursuing your passion, having a full-time job to fund your creative hobbies, and the benefits of live streaming.


Listen to episode 36 on Apple Podcasts here: Prioritizing Education VS Passion, Having A Side Hustle To Fund Your Creative Business, And The Benefits Of Livestreaming.

Connect with Your Audience to Create a Story

“But, I feel like, with marketing, advertising, we really have to go to others, to our target audience.”

This quote came from author, filmmaker, and co-founder of Spot on Media Shervin Youssefian as he explained how it’s best to reach out to customers by determine your target audience to understand who they are as a customer. Shervin has also won numerous writing and directing awards and worked with several reputed brands as co-founder of Spot On Media.

Revisit this episode on iTunes as we talked about the power of storytelling in advertising, creating relatable commercials, the challenges of dealing with client expectations, and the reason why creatives should also become a salesperson or add one to their team to further the progress in the projects they have.

Listen to the full episode here: Storytelling In Advertising, Creating Relatable Ads, And The Importance Of The Salesperson Element In A Creative Business

Effective Team Building, Importance Of Finding A Niche For Your Company, And The Need For Constant Innovation

Check out our interview with Directive Consulting’s CEO, Garrett Mehrguth! Directive Consulting is a next-gen performance marketing agency for software companies. As a thought leader, Garrett has work published by Salesforce, Marketing Land, Moz, Marketo, Search Engine Land, Ahrefs, Convince & Convert, Search Engine Journal, and more.

In our interview, we discussed strategies to build an effective team, the importance of choosing a niche for your company; and stress how crucial innovation is to improve your brand and attract more clients. We also discussed the benefits that reading books and consistent learning have on personal and business growth.


Listen to episode 37 on Apple Podcasts here: Effective Team Building, Importance Of Finding A Niche For Your Company, And The Need For Constant Innovation

Staying Authentic During These Troubling Times

“If you’re putting out there; how you truly feel, I think more people will want to buy your brand based on the authenticity of the brand.”

This quote, from episode 32 of our podcast with Michael Preston, mentions the potential impact authentic messaging has on your brand. Michael is the founder of the digital marketing company, Pink Shark Marketing.

Hear our discussion in this episode as we talk about his creative flow process, the difference between advertising, branding, and marketing, how ads don't need to be huge productions to be effective, and what brands should do with their messaging for ads during this sensitive time.

The full episode is available under Creative Haven on iTunes here: Advertising vs Branding vs Marketing, Working With Different Types Of Clients, Having An Opinion In Your Business.

Being Creative During Negative Times

“So, if you can bring yourself to a point where you can create, you have the ability to actually do something and not just think about it.”

This quote comes from episode 31 of our podcast as Scott shares his advice on how to be creative during the negative climate. Scott Firestone is a showrunner, writer, director, and executive producer of his own production company Firestone Productions and the podcast Poddreams. He has launched iconic series such as Behind the Music, Extra, and World of Wonder.

Listen to this episode again as we delve into the world of video production first with the difference between producing TV shows and digital content, the process of working with clients in the corporate world, and balancing the quality of work with budget constraints.

Listen to the full episode here: TV Shows vs. Digital Content, Producing Stellar Content With Budget Constraints, And The Importance Of Creative Expression.

Working with Clients

“It’s all about relationships, because once you build that relationship, then you are going to be invited to the table to have those creative conversations.”

In this clip from episode 30 of our podcast, Ryan Mills shares his insight on being creative while working with clients. Ryan Mills is the executive producer and media sales manager at a media company called Rowlbertos Media. Take some time to listen to this episode again as we discuss topics such as the importance of organization and how knowing sales, marketing, and project management influence a creative workflow. We also talk about how to remain adaptable as a business to survive during COVID-19 and how to be authentic to your brand’s voice but mindful regarding messaging around the BLM climate.

Full episode is available under Creative Haven on iTunes!

Listen to episode 30 on iTunes here:Undervalue Of Creativity In Marketing, The Importance Of Working In A Team, And Why Organization Is Important