Sebastien built SLAPS, a creative agency for some of the biggest brands in the world, with no design degree, no advertising background, and no industry connections. He started by cold emailing strangers, Googling what a branding agency even does, and selling a $5K identity to a local Indian restaurant. Now SLAPS works with brands like Nike, Oakley, Wingstop, and Under Armour. In this conversation, Sebastien breaks down the real agency game: why sales is an art form, why you should never sell services, and why brands pay more for vision. This is the story of building taste, selling ideas, and turning zero connections into a world-class creative agency. This is Ourselves with Sebastien Vandecasteele.   00:00 Introduction 02:29 What SLAPS Does as a Creative Agency 03:54 The Wingstop Mango Habanero Campaign 06:35 How Social Media Rewrote the Agency Game 07:48 SLAPS vs Traditional Agencies (Wieden+Kennedy, 72andSunny) 12:36 Production: In-House vs Outsourcing 13:56 Starting With Zero Creative Background 16:00 Why Sales Is the Real Art Form 17:42 Lessons From a Year in a Call Center 18:10 Discovering Creative Direction by Accident 20:04 Cold Emailing Strangers to Land Brands 21:11 The First $5K Client (an Indian Restaurant) 23:28 Why You Sell Vision, Not Services 26:42 The Sales Exercise & Why Listeners Win 29:42 How to Actually Get a Brand's Attention 30:22 LinkedIn as a Creative Goldmine 32:07 Breaking Tension With GIFs in Cold Emails 37:33 The Brutal Reality of Unpaid Pitches 39:26 The 6-Month Music Video Pitch From Hell 42:08 Building a Voice So People Come to You 47:56 Inside the SLAPS Team 49:11 Working With His Wife at the Agency 50:46 How Creative Directors, Art Directors & Copywriters Work 53:15 Building a Global Agency Out of Barcelona 54:46 Running Ads for Brand Awareness 58:28 The Mistake of Trying to Do Everything 01:01:11 Handling High-Pressure Clients & Celebrities 01:04:31 What Big Budgets Actually Pay For 01:07:13 AI, Creative Jobs & the Renaissance of Craft 01:14:18 Pivoting SLAPS Into a Strategy-First Agency 01:16:08 Project 2027 & the AI Endgame 01:18:55 Favorite SLAPS Projects (HelloFresh, Wingstop, Oakley) 01:21:46 Living Between Amsterdam, New York & LA 01:24:18 Surfing Through Burnout 01:25:30 Building a Business With Your Wife 01:27:31 The Hustle Years vs The Balance Years 01:28:35 The DISC Sales Framework Every Creative Needs 01:32:48 Why Creative Is the Hardest Industry to Sell In 01:38:34 The Card Question: Most Meaningful Feedback 01:41:24 Closing Tradition   Follow ⁠SLAPS⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠Sebastien Vandecasteele⁠⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: ✩⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook⁠

Most of what you've been told about being a content creator is a lie. Sooraj Saxena spent years learning that the hard way. In this conversation he reveals the testing pool TikTok uses before any video goes viral, why Mr. Beast openly admits his mental health is awful, why chasing another creator's blueprint guarantees you'll resent your own life, and the moment that made him walk away from a 5,000 person paying waitlist. If you're building anything online in 2026, this is required listening. 00:00 Content Is Science01:51 Sooraj's biggest audience03:21 His Original Chai videos05:22 Brown Creator Representation06:13 Childhood Performer Roots10:47 Startup Videos Breakthrough16:41 Sneaking Into Concerts19:23 His Company Shakti And the TikTok Market Gap32:58 Back to Brand Deals33:22 Betting on a Portfolio35:14 Being Ghosted From a Big Partnership37:09 Gods Wake Up Call40:24 His First Big 6 Figure Merch Year48:20 How the Algorithm Can Penalize You51:41 Why Brands Dont Reach Out01:10:05 Creator Chaos Tradeoffs01:14:01 Create for Joy Not Fame01:16:12 Deinfluence Your Dreams01:16:43 Having Four Million Followers But Broke01:19:50 Stop Chasing Blueprints Like Mr Beast01:23:48 No One Is Saving You01:27:03 What To Do When Content Flops01:30:49 AI and Human Resilience01:35:49 Final Advice   Follow ⁠⁠⁠Sooraj⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Matt Hansen did not wait for a record label to believe in him. He built his career himself. After posting a single TikTok covering Frank Ocean, Matt suddenly found millions of people listening. What started as a simple video turned into a full time music career built entirely outside the traditional music industry. In this episode of Ourselves, Matt shares the real story behind that moment and what it actually takes to survive as an independent artist today. We talk about the reality of building an audience online, the pressure artists feel to chase algorithms, and why Matt refuses to let AI touch his music.   00:00 Beating the Scroll 02:19 Staying Independent 03:18 DistroKid and Fast Releases 05:11 Timing the Social Media Window 07:44 Do Artists Need Labels? 09:38 TikTok Mini Music Videos 16:28 The Frank Ocean video that changed his life 20:03 Handling Label Attention 30:40 Finding the Right Hooks For Your Videos 42:55 AI Emotion Theft 43:42 Beauty of Imperfection 49:20 Synesthesia and Billie Eilish 01:04:30 Touring Loneliness 01:07:10 How to Win Over a Festival Crowd 01:13:37 Relevance and TikTok Tips   Follow Matt Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

I sat down with Iranian rapper and activist Erfan Paydar to unpack what’s really happening in Iran right now and why the world isn’t paying enough attention. From the 1979 revolution to today’s protests, we break down the political history that led to the current regime and the massive nationwide uprising demanding change. Erfan shares a deeply personal perspective shaped by growing up between Iran and the United States. We discuss the brutal crackdowns on protesters, the economic collapse inside the country, and why millions of Iranians believe the Islamic Republic has reached its breaking point. He explains the role of the IRGC, the influence of foreign powers, and why many Iranians are rallying behind Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as a potential transitional leader. Beyond politics, Erfan also reflects on his childhood in Iran, the beauty of Iranian culture, and how his experiences living in both worlds shaped his music and activism. From stories of growing up in Isfahan and Tehran to building a rap career that speaks for the Iranian diaspora, this conversation dives into identity, freedom, and the responsibility of using your voice. This episode is an honest, emotional look at a nation at a crossroads and a reminder that behind every headline are real people fighting for their future. 01:59 Diaspora Connection to Iran 02:20 Growing Up Between Iran and USA 03:53 Iran’s 1979 Revolution to Today 05:16 Uprising and Brutal Crackdown 08:09 Corruption and the IRGC 12:13 1953 Coup and the Shah Era 18:17 Why the 1979 Revolution Happened 35:45 Free Iran vs Free Palestine Debate 36:40 Media Silence and Minimizing Deaths 38:40 False Comparisons to US Protests 39:45 Being Called a Zionist for Speaking Out 40:20 Hyperinflation and Daily Survival 41:26 Can the Regime Outlast Collapse? 44:11 US Sanctions Versus Corruption 46:41 Iranian Regime’s Children Living Lavish in Dubai 48:23 Erfan’s Childhood Memories of Iran 50:38 Hope of Returning Home 51:29 Trump Talks and Nuclear Standoff 54:33 How Strict Censorship is in Iran 01:01:13 How to Help Iran   Follow Erfan Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Want to sell a movie to Netflix? This episode breaks down the reality behind a Netflix documentary pitch deck, funding, film financing, and what streamers actually buy. Oscar-nominated director Matt Ogens, known for Netflix’s Audible and Disney+’s Madu, explains how pitch decks, sizzle reels, packaging, and access determine whether a project gets made, how documentary financing really works, and what filmmakers need to understand about distribution deals in 2026. If you’re researching Netflix documentary pitches, film funding, or how to build a filmmaking career, this is the real behind-the-scenes conversation.   02:39 Origin Story: Growing Up Without an “Artist” Blueprint 08:23 The importance of being a PA and DIY Film school 09:34 How networking got his first big break with ESPN 15:11 Deep Dive: Making his film ‘Audible’—12 Years to Finance, Pitch Decks, Netflix, and Sound as Character 37:37 Why So Many Docs Are Under 40 Minutes (Festivals, Oscars Rules) 38:26 Netflix + Festivals: Qualifying Runs, Theatrical Weeks, and Strategy 41:33 The Oscars Aren’t the Job: Filmmaking as Hard Work + Startup Life 44:55 From Viral Clip to Disney+: The Origin Story of ‘Madu’ 50:41 Pitching Docs Today: Treatments, Sizzle Reels, and Selling the Arc 54:08 Capturing Intimacy on Camera: Trust, Crew Size, Lenses, and Natural Light 01:08:12 Co-Directing Across Cultures: Why Collaboration Made the Film Stronger 01:10:11 Best Ways to Edit Documentaries 01:15:42 The Best Way To Interview for Documentaries 01:18:27 Where Should the Subject Look? On-Lens vs Off-Lens 01:22:52 What Makes a Doc Stand Out? The One Thing That Gets Audiences to Care 01:24:42 Breaking Into Commercials & Branded: Reels, Rosters, and the Pitch Process   Follow⁠ ⁠⁠Matt Ogens⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

From $500 music videos to six-figure productions, I sat down with up-and-coming photographer Cilantro to break down what it really takes to level up in the creative industry. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation between two filmmakers at different stages of their careers...diving deep into mentorship, ego, gear obsession, and why your personal work might just be your most valuable investment. We talk about navigating plateaus, building an undeniable portfolio, communicating your vision (even with limited budgets), and what it actually takes to build a core team you can trust. Cilantro also opens up about burnout, finding his voice, and the harsh realities of getting noticed in an oversaturated industry. If you’re a creative trying to break through, this episode is your blueprint.   00:40 Hitting a Ceiling in Work01:54 Exposure to Larger Productions04:34 Finding Mentorship05:09 Building Trust with Production Companies06:00 First Major Label Music Video06:27 Arrad's Big Break from Working With Tyga07:03 Creating a Proof of Concept07:30 Challenges in Photography08:52 Finding Your Style09:09 Shadowing Professionals14:42 Building a Core Team16:49 Dealing with Low Budgets17:12 How to Build Your Team18:04 Best Gear for Filmmakers18:55 Obsessing Over Gear: Is It Necessary?19:20 Using iPhones for Professional Shoots22:41 Owning vs. Renting Gear26:15 Making Your Offer Undeniable29:09 Executing Personal Projects31:36 Creating for Yourself32:35 Breaking Into Commercials33:30 Curating Your Portfolio   Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow ⁠Cilantro   LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

I was on set yesterday filming a new project, and I realized how little many of my colleagues and crew knew about the situation in Iran right now. I am a proud Iranian and wanted to quickly educate you on what is happening there, so this mini episode provides a little glimpse. I hope this offers a bit of insight and, more importantly, motivates you to help spread the word and keep attention on Iran. Every share, every conversation, every bit of pressure matters. Be the voice of Iran, for a free Iran. 💚🤍❤️

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Adrian Per (@omgadrian), a trailblazing creative force in the content space. Adrian shares how he transitioned from having just $13 in his bank account to becoming a full-time content creator with over a million followers across his platforms. We talk about his unique approach to content creation, meticulous time management, and the importance of trusting your own voice. We also discuss the future of content, his exciting new project 'Content College,' and valuable insights for aspiring creators. If you are a creator or filmmaker, this episode is for you!   00:00 Intro03:21 Content Creation in Music before TikTok04:56 Transition to Full-Time Content Creation06:28 The Struggles of a Traditional Director13:01 The Turning Point: October 202216:39 The First Viral Video16:54 The Impact of Consistent Posting25:57 The Role of Pre-Production in Content Creation31:50 The Evolution of Content Quality32:39 The Power of Unique Stories41:30 Overcoming Insecurities on Camera47:56 Breaking Past the Fear of Judgment50:05 Overcoming Personal Challenges50:43 Finding Freedom in Content Creation52:26 Financial Struggles and Career Decisions53:33 Balancing Freelance Work and Content Creation54:36 The Reality of Freelancing58:48 The Impact of Financial Stress on Creativity59:58 Transitioning from 9 to 5 to Full-Time Content Creation01:01:58 Building a Business Beyond Brand Deals01:04:00 Introducing Content College01:06:39 The Value of Community in Content Creation01:09:11 Selling Digital Products01:19:40 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Creators01:25:02 Managing Time Effectively01:29:00 Dealing with Underperforming Content01:31:38 Innovating Content Formats01:36:23 Future Plans and Creative Freedom01:38:38 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators01:40:05 The Importance of Kindness and Legacy   Follow ⁠Adrian Per Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

From Toronto to Bollywood to the World Cup stage, Nora Fatehi’s journey is anything but traditional. In this episode, we break down how a Moroccan-Canadian girl with no industry connections “backdoored” her way into one of the world’s most competitive film industries: learning Hindi from scratch, reinventing herself in Mumbai, and using dance as her superpower to win over an entire culture.  Nora opens up about being undermined early on, navigating gatekeepers, reality shows, and “just a dancer” labels, while strategically investing her own money to open new markets and build a global brand. She shares the story behind her Warner Music debut “What Do I Know (Just A Girl)” featuring Shenseea, trusting a new creative team for her first US music video, and learning to let go of perfectionism.  Beyond the virality, this is a conversation about legacy: recovering from a brutal ankle injury, fighting PR narratives, building the #DanceWithNora community to uplift dancers, and wanting to be remembered for shattering stereotypes and finishing the dreams her ancestors never got to fulfill. If you’re an artist, immigrant kid, underdog, or anyone betting on yourself, this one’s for you. 00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Challenges04:28 Nora's Nervousness and Trust Issues in Arrad (Haha)06:13 Challenges in Music Video Production09:20 Favorite part of What Do I Know vid feat Shenseea12:59 Shooting in Extreme Conditions15:49 Ankle Injury and Mental Resilience20:35 Influences and Inspirations21:51 Cultural Exposure and Bollywood Influence28:50 Breaking into Bollywood39:53 The Turning Point: Dilbar Song42:44 Playback Singing in Bollywood45:44 Respecting Dancers46:55 Breaking Stereotypes47:41 Journey of Self-Taught Dance55:32 Connecting with Fans57:48 Investing in Self01:05:51 Financial Struggles and Breakthrough01:08:45 Creating New Markets01:20:45 Collaborating with Western Artists01:26:52 Marketability and Memorable Image01:33:08 Challenges of Learning New Languages01:34:07 Transitioning to Lead Roles01:35:46 Success in Netflix's 'The Royals'01:40:32 Navigating Cultural Expectations01:46:20 Parental Acceptance and Validation01:49:57 AI and the Future of Work01:54:59 Concerns About AI's Impact on Society02:07:18 The Importance of Following Your Calling02:10:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude   Follow ⁠Nora Fatehi Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Leon Thomas is one of the rare artists who has mastered the blend of musicality, vision, and business. In this episode, Leon pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make art that cuts through the noise, without selling out. From crafting concept bibles and curating world-class visuals, to building subcultures and navigating record label politics, this conversation is a masterclass in intentional artistry.   We talk about flow state, creative discipline, and why every artist should prioritize community over virality. Leon also breaks down the lost art of artist development, the importance of preparation, and why disruption is essential for innovation. Whether you're an artist, director, or producer, this episode is a blueprint for building something lasting.   00:00 Introduction 02:12 Collaborating with Issa Rae 03:06 The Secret Superpower of Acting Experience 04:41 The Concept Bible and Creative Vision 05:06 The Artist-Director Dynamic 07:31 Navigating the Music Industry 14:38 The Importance of Viral Hits and Community 16:32 The Power of Diehard Fans 18:09 The Difference Between TV/Film and Music Videos 18:53 Preparation and Rehearsal 22:39 Flow State and Overcoming Nerves 28:48 Connecting with the Audience 31:59 Creating for Yourself First 35:35 The Need for Disruption in Art 37:11 Pushing the Limits of Sound 38:23 Creating Unique Live Experiences 39:25 Inspiration from Other Artists 39:53 Memorable Concert Experiences 44:30 The Importance of Communication 46:34 Favorite Movies and Directors 49:40 Influential Music Videos 54:21 Understanding Song Credits 55:25 The Value of a Music Catalog 57:42 Early Career and Collaborations 59:25 Embracing Past Experiences 01:00:21 Balancing Art and Business 01:04:41 Reflecting on Personal Growth 01:06:05 Dealing with Creative Blocks 01:09:26 Final Thoughts and Gratitude   Follow ⁠⁠Leon Thomas⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook