podcast stories

Strike a balance

“Some people may not find financial benefit in doing what they absolutely love to do. So the idea is doing something that you really care about, and that means something to you, but that also allows you to live a life and have a family. and do the things you wanna do.”

In this clip from episode 67 of our podcast, Aman Johnson uses examples in his reasoning to share why people should find a balance between doing what they love to do and doing something that financially sustains themselves.

Aman Johnson is a producer, director, and founder of Johnson Media Co., a video production company specializing in storytelling in commercial, documentary, and narrative work.

Listen to this episode again as we talk about how his experience in architecture helped him with his confidence and problem-solving skills for his business and how he attentively listens to his clients’ stories to resonate with them to help him with his process. We also share the value of learning new skills and showing kindness to others to increase personal growth.

Find episode 67 on Apple Podcasts How His Background in Architecture Influences His Creative Business, Resonating With Client Pain Points, And The Value of Learning New Skills

How Engineering Experience Helps With Video Production, The Importance of Finding A Niche, And How Modern Tech Helps Filmmakers To Focus On Storytelling

Our next podcast guest offers his insight into video production in this episode! Bill Kearney is a video producer, former aerospace engineer, creative technologist, and founder and CEO of LightShift Video. LightShift Video is a video production company based in Austin, Texas.

Listen to this episode as we talk about how the accessibility of camera equipment and editing tools allows filmmakers to focus on storytelling while helping underserved companies with high-quality content. We also discuss how his background in engineering aids in video production and the importance of having business skills when you own and grow a creative company.

Find this episode 64 on Apple Podcasts: How Engineering Experience Helps With Video Production, The Importance of Finding A Niche, And How Modern Tech Helps Filmmakers To Focus On Storytelling

Being A Student of Life, The Importance of Diversity, And Why You Should Create Everyday

For our next podcast guest, we have writer, producer, screenwriter instructor, podcaster, and founder of the production company, Little Nalu Pictures, Koji Steven Sakai. He has written seven feature films and produced five films such as Last Girl, The People I’ve Slept With, and the television series: Comedy InvAsian.

In this episode, we discuss how he develops ideas for writing and the importance of diverse roles and storylines. He also shares how you should say yes to every opportunity, keep creating, and put in your best effort in any project you do to get started in the writing and film business.

Listen to episode 60 on Apple Podcasts; Being A Student of Life, The Importance of Diversity, And Why You Should Create Everyday

Changing Pain Into Power, The Best Personal Investment, And The Positive Impact Of Fitnes‪s‬

Today’s podcast episode welcomes entrepreneur Mitchell Ruiz! Mitchell focuses on mindset coaching, network organizing, and real estate.

Join us for this conversation as we talk about how poetry helped him make sense of the world growing up as a disenfranchised youth and how fitness has positively impacted his life. We also talk about his goal to teach marginalized communities to think positively with gratitude and how spending money on self-education is the best investment.

Listen to episode 51 on Apple Podcasts here: Changing Pain Into Power, The Best Personal Investment, And The Positive Impact Of Fitness‬

Find a good marketing team

“You need good content. you need good stories, but you also need data driven decision making and strategic media buying and understanding of earned and paid media…” 

In this clip from episode 44 of our podcast, Reed Shelly offers his advice to businesses looking to grow their brand through content marketing. 

Reed is the Marketing and Operations Executive of Brand X Consulting: a full-service marketing and operations consultancy.

Revisit this episode on Apple Podcasts; we cover many topics such as his transition from TV to digital content and how to recognize a good idea; create a structure, and produce it consistently. We also dive into why brands should have data-driven decision-making and strategic media buying.

The full episode is available at Creative Haven under Apple Podcasts here: TV vs. Digital Media, Working Creatively With Producers, And The Three Essentials Of The Digital Age.

TV Vs Digital Media, Working Creatively With Producers, And The Three Essentials Of The Digital Age

Listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Reed Shelly! Reed is the Marketing and Operations Executive of Brand X Consulting: a full-service marketing and operations consultancy for small, medium, and early-stage companies. Reed also worked in the TV and animation industry as an executive and writer.

Our interview covered many topics such as his transition from TV to digital content and how to recognize a good idea; create a structure, and produce it consistently. We also dive into why brands should have data-driven decision making and strategic media buying.

The full episode is available at Creative Haven under Apple Podcasts here:TV Vs Digital Media, Working Creatively With Producers, And The Three Essentials Of The Digital Age.

Switching Careers, Handling Virtual Events, And Finding Happiness In What You Do

Our next podcast guest brings a rich perspective on career development. In addition to being a professional event planner, Crystal Leung is also a podcaster to the Let’s Get Candid podcast. This podcast hosts candid conversations about the highs and lows of life through a guest’s perspective on interesting topics.

Listen to this episode as we discuss how switching careers can be beneficial and how trying new activities to 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

Prioritizing Education VS Passion, Having A Side Hustle To Fund Your Creative Business, And The Benefits Of Livestreaming

Listen to our next podcast with guest Marc Nieto! Marc is an app developer, Twitch streamer, and LA-based artist.

In this episode, we reminisce over growing up in a household that valued creativity but prioritized education and about how having a full-time job removed the pressure of bringing money through music, which brought more freedom. We also talk about Marc’s life as a Twitch streamer and his reason why live-streaming is a great way to connect with your audience.


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.

Environmental-Friendly Virtual Sets

“The fact is when you’re in a virtual world, you’re not cutting down trees and burning fuel to construct the sets and everything else.”

This quote, from episode 33 of our podcast with Tim Pipher, discusses the positive impact using virtual sets have on the environment. Tim is the owner of LA Castle Studios, a video production company that specializes in combining cutting-edge technology with high-quality camera equipment to create unique visual effects and virtual and physical environments and sets.

Continue listening on iTunes as we dive deeper into technology and video production. Topics include the advantages using technology has on creativity and artists; how producers should adopt new technologies for future productions, as they save money, time, and reduce waste.

Listen to episode 33 on iTunes here Modern Era Of Visual Effects, Impact Of Technology, And The Need To Embrace Newer Technology!


Building Lasting Relationships

“And I just, I love that chance to connect and build bonds with people through collaborative work. I think it’s a powerful, powerful thing.”

An amazing quote from episode 28 of our podcast interview with Billy Samoa reflects on the long term value of building relationships with the people that you work with. Billy Samoa is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, coach, podcast host of Insight Out, and owner of Insight Media which helps people who are starting their journey. He also has become the top salesperson in the renewable energy industry and sold his feature film for distribution to Netflix, Amazon, and Apple.

Listen to this episode again as we talk about how filmmaking skills helped him become a top salesperson, the importance of serving others and building relationships to expand influence, and that everyone you meet has something to offer. Listen to the episode on iTunes!

Being Creative In Your Professional Life

“There’s story in everything that we do, professionally and personally and creatively.”

This quote came from fellow podcast host of the DreamPath Podcast, Bryan Smith, when he mentioned how creativity, powered through storytelling, exists in our personal and professional lives. In addition to creating the DreamPath podcast that explores the artistic journeys of multiple creatives, Bryan Smith is also a trial attorney and musician.

Listen to this episode again as we talk about how artists need to constantly create new things without referring to their past, how storytelling is used in every business, how creativity helps you professionally, and how we shouldn’t be afraid of making mistakes. Listen to the full episode here: The Importance Of Storytelling In Everyday Life, The Need To Create Consistently, And Getting Over The Fear Of Not Being Perfect

A Cool Website Kills Your Business

“All you need to do is catch their attention. If you force them to learn the navigation, learn how to explore your website, guess what? They’re just going to leave.”

In this clip from episode 29 of our podcast, Terry Wu offers his advice on how designing an intricate website affects user engagement. Dr. Terry Wu is the host of a popular TedX talk about neuromarketing and owner of Neuromarketing Services, an online marketing firm that specializes in the understanding of how consumers make buying decisions. Listen to the full episode as we discuss how the human brain works when we see ad campaigns, the slight downside of being too creative with content and design, and the importance of keeping content looking "real" rather than "fake" on Apple Podcasts here: The Importance Of Creativity In Marketing, How A Cool Website Kills A Business, & How Stress Inhibits Our Brain Function And Creativity!

Starting Out As An Artist

"I just really wanted to make music and put it out. I started putting on music myself, and then a blog picked it up called "HopNewHipHop."

This meaningful quote came from Leo Black as he reflected on how his passion for music drove him to become a successful artist. His success as a rapper, artist, and influencer includes Leo signing with Dubstep label Never Say Die Records, touring with DJ Mustard, and his music appearing on Spotify’s US viral 50 charts.

Join us for this conversation as we talk about how his passion for music gave him more exposure on digital platforms, how he was able to overcome the struggles and hardships in his childhood, learn from his mistakes and become consistent towards the path to success to become a successful rapper. Listen to the full episode 4 on iTunes under Creative Haven: How To Become a Successful Artist Through Consistency and Utilizing Digital Platforms! 

Why Not Share It?- Ali Spagnola Podcast Clip

"It's an active choice to be like, why would I not share this with my audience? Why would I not make this a part of my story? And so if it's something I want to do, then it's only making sense to me that I would film it."

This quote came from episode 19 of our podcast as guest Ali Spagnola shared how she brings her audience along in the activities that interest her. Ali also offered her insight on how she tackles writer's block by sticking to a designated timeframe and getting to work. Ali is a musician with her music featured on MTV’s “The Real World” and Oxygen’s “Bad Girls Club”; comedian, influencer, and holds 3 Guinness World records.

Follow along in this conversation as we talked about topics including how to optimize traffic, trusting your team to create and innovate, knowing trends to keep content relevant and increase engagement, and being authentic to build a loyal following so you can be yourself on and off-camera. Listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts here: Optimize Your Content While Being Yourself To Attract Your Ideal Audience And Hire A Strong Team To Produce Prolific Content

"Obstacles are good news"- David Nichtern

“If you’re not hitting obstacles, you’re not really going anywhere, you know. When you have comfort and sort of a settled quality, you’re not really meeting any kind of challenge and you’re missing an opportunity to grow and expand what your capacity is.”

This quote, from episode 15 of our podcast with David Nichtern, discusses how in order to grow your business or self you need to face challenges. He encourages business owners and creatives to push and believe in themselves to overcome the obstacles they face. In addition to overcoming obstacles, we also uncovered topics such as how to get into your creative flow state to receive creative ideas, the role of commerce has in creativity, and the connection between creativity, spirituality, and entrepreneurship. Check out episode 15 on Creative Haven on iTunes here: Balancing Creativity, Spirituality, and Entrepreneurship to Make Money As A Creative With Purpose!

Check out the clip here:

Take Care of Yourself Mentally First- Lean Rock

“It’s like sometimes you have to step away a little bit to come back refreshed and it’s just that little time to refresh might be ground breaking for you.” This inspiring quote came from DJ Lean Rock as he discusses how people should take a break from their work or whatever is challenging them. This minor break will lead to a refreshed mind and a clearer head. Lean Rock is a DJ and music producer for Redbull and a member of the renowned dance crew called The Floorlords. In this episode we talked about honoring your past to help shape your present style while evolving your craft, the importance of trying new things to help your voice develop and to ensure that you are practicing self-care to maintain your mental health and eliminating any creative ruts. Catch episode 20 of our podcast by listening on Apple Podcasts here Honoring Tradition While Breaking Rules To Evolve In Your Craft, And Practicing Self-Care To Increase Creative Stamina And Avoid Burnout!

Know the Value a Team Can Bring- Kelly Gunning Podcast Clip

“You have to know the value that everybody does; what everybody’s role is, you know? You just have to work well with others, man. That’s what it boils down to, you know?”

Listen to Kelly Gunning’s advice on approaching teamwork by communication and understanding the members of your team. This quote reflects how important it is to build a team you trust in order to produce effective work. Kelly is a production designer who has worked with major brands such as McDonald’s, Toyota, and Amazon. Take some time to listen to the full episode on Apple Podcasts as we discuss topics such as product design, the benefits of working on low budget projects, and collaborating with multiple directors, agencies and art directors in a project.

Listen this episode here: Building Teams You Trust to Execute Big Creative Ideas While Working On Low-Budget Projects to Prepare for Million Dollar Commercials

Scaling Up A Side Hustle To A Full-Time Business, Staying Ahead With Innovation, And The Scope For Podcasting As A Business

Tune in and listen to our latest podcast episode featuring Ryan Helms! As a seasoned podcaster, Ryan is the founder of three podcast shows - Legacy Podcasting, Melville.App, and Hustle To Freedom Podcast. We had the opportunity to discuss his journey from a typical 9-5 job with a side hustle, to his switch full time as a podcaster and in the content business. Additionally, we delved into the importance of delegating to scale your business and why your company needs to continually evolve its offering to stay ahead of the competition.  

The full episode is on Apple Podcasts at Creative Haven Here: Scaling Up A Side Hustle To A Full-Time Business, Staying Ahead With Innovation, And The Scope For Podcasting As A Business

Getting Out Of Your Comfort Zone

“That’s the problem. You’re in a rut, cause you’re just there in your comfort zone. And you’ve gotta get out, you’ve gotta surround yourself with people, you’ve gotta find a mastermind of people that are gonna encourage you”. This inducing quote is a part of the advice that John Lee Dumas shared with us in terms of not allowing ourselves to get too content. John is the CEO/Host of EOFire which is an award-winning podcast that has generated many episodes and has earned him a seven-figure revenue a year. The theme of our interview with John was about getting out of our comfort zones and the discussion included, the importance of exploring other industries to get out of a rut and allows one to find inspiration, how using journalism and meditation improves his flow state and inspires him and how spending time to relax can allow one to regenerate and get work done. The full episode is available on Apple Podcasts on Creative Haven here: Optimizing Your Creative Flow State And Productivity With Meditation, Journaling, and Getting Out Of Your Comfort Zone

Establishing A Brand

“Don’t get too comfortable within your brand. If you’re just starting off with music, you’re going to go through like five artist names.” The advice came from rapper/artist Leo Black as he spoke to us about how his brand identity had to continually evolve before he achieved success. Leo Black’s success in the music industry has included him signing with Never Say Die record (dubstep label), touring with DJ Mustard, and having his name appear on Spotify’s US Viral 50 charts. We had the opportunity to sit down with him as he talked about growing up in South Central LA, overcoming hardship during his childhood to become a successful rapper, how his passion for music got him famous, the importance of consistency, and learning from mistakes to succeed. The full episode is available on Apple Podcasts on Creative Haven here: How To Become a Successful Artist Through Consistency and Utilizing Digital Platforms.