Shows
Studio Sessions45. Embracing Chaos: Thriving in Creative DiscomfortIn this episode, we examine how comfort can become a creative liability. Through conversations about films, road trips, and creative production, we explore the paradox that meaningful work often requires embracing uncertainty and hardship. The tension between structure and surrender becomes central to our discussion—whether on film sets, during travel, or in personal projects.We consider the difference between merely discussing creative work versus actually producing it, and how modern conveniences make it easier to stay in the realm of theory rather than practice. Drawing from Japanese poet Basho, we reflect on how true creation happens wh...2025-04-291h 19Studio Sessions44. The Universal Language of Creative Expression - Why We Must Create to Feel AliveWe explore the fundamental impulse that drives us to create and communicate through our art. Inspired by Bruce Springsteen's reflection that his need to express himself is "as reliable as the rhythmic beating of my own heart," we examine this universal language that transcends medium, form, and intention. Whether it's through music, film, photography, or simply speaking our truth, we discuss how creation isn't just something we do—it's essential to feeling alive and connected to our existence.Over whiskey tastings and spirited conversation, we debate the tension between raw emotional expression and crafted artistic discipline. We qu...2025-04-1546 minStudio Sessions43. Artful Spaces: On Curation, Community, and The Creative Value of Physical Spaces in a Digital AgeFair warning: this episode meanders a bit as we jump around – but that's just how it goes sometimes 2025-04-011h 04Studio Sessions42. Daily Practice or The Art of Doing It Just BecauseWe often find ourselves drawn to practices that shape our daily lives—not because they promise grand outcomes, but because they ground us in the moment and make us feel alive. Whether it’s meditating to clear the mind, running just to feel the rhythm, or making the bed each and every morning, these habits remind us that joy and purpose don’t always need a finish line. We explored how reframing these routines as acts of optimism, rather than obligations, can transform the experience.Through our conversation, we discuss the idea that optimism isn’t just blind ho...2025-03-181h 17Studio Sessions41. Standing Still, Moving Forward: The Paradox of Creative ConsistencyIn this episode, we explore the tension between authenticity and evolution in creative projects. Beginning with a discussion about potentially refreshing our visual identity, we dive deeper into examining what makes our conversations meaningful and why we're drawn to document them. We question the purpose of structure in creative work and the value of maintaining a pure intention versus following conventional paths toward growth or commercial success.We reflect on the nature of long-term documentary projects and what happens when creative endeavors remain untouched by commercial pressures. Drawing parallels to musicians and filmmakers who maintained their vision...2025-03-041h 50Studio Sessions40. Sonder: Embracing Empathy and Human ConnectionWe dive into metta-meditation—cultivating goodwill toward strangers—and explore how shifting our mindset can dissolve anger and frustration. We unpack the concept of sonder: the profound realization that every passerby lives a life as vivid and complex as our own. Through personal stories—from navigating LA traffic to estate sales—we reflect on the beauty and chaos of human connection, asking: How do we move from judgment to empathy? We also discuss the parallels of "alternate lives", the quirky absurdity of being "hairless monkeys driving cars," and why embracing sonder can soften our daily irritatio...2025-02-181h 06Studio Sessions39. Who Made This? The Disappearing Artist and Their WorkWe compare different ways of looking back at our past creative work - from screenplays and videos to photographs and stories. While Matt vividly remembers the emotions and intentions behind each project even years later, Alex experiences complete disconnection from his past work, seeing it almost as if someone else created it. We explore whether emotional distance helps with objective evaluation of creative projects, referencing how artists like Michael Mann and John Updike revisit and refine their work over time.This discussion of creative reflection leads us to examine how we engage with media and art in...2025-02-0450 minStudio Sessions38. The Mystical State of Paradox: A Journey Beyond Binary ThinkingThis episode delves into the concept of paradox and its implications for navigating a binary world. We explore the limitations of either/or thinking and the importance of embracing duality, where seemingly opposing forces coexist and even necessitate each other. We discuss a range of paradoxes, including simplicity and complexity, certainty and doubt, ambition and contentedness, and how these concepts can be better understood as interconnected and complementary rather than mutually exclusive.Drawing on personal experiences and artistic examples, we examine how embracing paradox can lead to greater understanding and creativity. We discuss the importance of maintaining...2025-01-2155 minStudio Sessions37. Spreading Your Forces Too Thin: The Art of Choosing Your BattlesIn this episode, we explore the delicate balance of managing multiple creative pursuits and the intensity that comes with feeling behind in life's various domains. We dive deep into the contrast between different approaches to content creation, examining the authenticity that emerges from simply documenting conversations versus the fabricated nature of more produced content. Through this discussion, we consider how employment situations can influence creative freedom and the way we choose to share our work with the world.We also reflect on why certain creative endeavors, like our bi-weekly podcast, feel more genuine and sustainable compared to...2025-01-0759 minStudio Sessions36. Creative Identity and The Evolution of Creative ProcessesWe discuss how metrics and algorithms affect creative work and personal authenticity. Our conversation covers moving past formulas that prioritize views and engagement, exploring instead what happens when we slow down and focus on making things that matter to us and our communities.We talk about setting clear principles for our work, the importance of taking time to develop ideas, and how to build real connections locally. This episode is for anyone trying to balance making good work with the pressure of metrics and algorithms. -Ai If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us...2024-12-241h 22Studio Sessions35. The Art of Showing Up: Learn to Do the WorkIn this discussion, we explore how we often settle for “good enough” in our creative work and daily lives. We break down how easy it is to choose the immediate comfort of indulgence over the tougher path of sacrifice, and how that dynamic affects our long-term growth. We then reflect on the role of ego, examining why we sometimes feel we deserve results without putting in the necessary effort. By confronting these patterns, we aim to move closer to authentic fulfillment, rather than quick dopamine fixes.We also consider the importance of connecting with others and discovering thir...2024-12-101h 03Studio Sessions34. Price Your Work Based on the Value You Create: Part 2In our continued conversation on value, we explore how successful business transformations require systematically analyzing operational challenges and demand willingness to make significant investments in solutions, even when costly. The importance of seeing strategic improvements as investments rather than expenses emerges as a central theme, supported by data-driven decision-making.We examine how this mindset applies to service businesses, particularly in value-based pricing models. The discussion highlights the effectiveness of tiered pricing options that solve core problems while offering premium value additions. This approach helps shift client perspectives from cost-focused to value-focused, much like how operational investments can...2024-11-2651 minStudio Sessions33. Price Your Work Based On The Value You Create: Part 1We break down how to charge higher rates based on the value you create rather than just time and materials. The conversation covers real examples of value-based pricing and pricing strategy, including how to qualify clients, set price anchors, and identify which projects are worth taking on. Throughout part one, we explore why most freelancers and agencies default to commodity pricing and how to shift away from it.We discuss the importance of expertise in value-based pricing and when to walk away from projects that aren't a good fit. Using examples from video production to woodworking, we...2024-11-121h 00Studio Sessions32. Finding Authenticity Amidst Cultural Noise and PressureWe explore Matt's newly remodeled studio space, which serves as a backdrop for a deeper discussion about authenticity in creative work and spaces. Through examining the contrast between Matt's structured professional background and his maximalist studio design, we delve into how personal spaces can reflect our true selves rather than external expectations.We also reflect on the era of "hustle culture", entrepreneurship, and content creation, examining how these movements influenced so many peoples creative journeys and decision-making. The conversation evolves into a discussion about the importance of making genuine choices in creative work and life, free from...2024-10-291h 06Studio Sessions31. Pressure, Art, and Dopamine: Navigating Modern LifeAfter an hour of discussion, we realized the recorder wasn't on. We regrouped and continued...We explored how pressure, despite its challenges, can drive personal growth when embraced. This led to a broader conversation about human connections that transcend age and cultural boundaries. We discussed how engaging in substantive conversations about life, art, and shared experiences can bridge generational gaps.Our talk shifted to the complexities of modern media consumption, from the appeal of quick entertainment to the immersive experience of watching classic films in theaters. We considered how repertory cinemas offer unique opportunities to...2024-10-1551 minStudio Sessions30. Objects with Soul: Exploring the Art of Everyday ThingsWe explore the changing nature of shared cultural experiences, from the era of must-see TV to today's fragmented media landscape. This led us to ponder the value of communal viewing experiences and how streaming platforms might evolve to foster more connection.We then dove into a fascinating discussion on design, art, and the objects that surround us. Inspired by Bruno Munari's book "Design as Art," we contemplated the intersection of form and function, the concept of "quintessence" in everyday items, and the importance of creating beautiful, purposeful objects. This naturally flowed into an examination of our own...2024-10-011h 16Studio Sessions29. Beyond Comparison: Finding Your Own Path Through ActionIn this episode, we explore the crucial distinction between thinking about creating and actually doing the work. We discuss how overthinking and comparison can lead to creative paralysis, while action often leads to progress and self-discovery. The conversation delves into personal experiences of balancing artistic aspirations with financial realities, and how the pressure to achieve "greatness" can sometimes hinder genuine creative expression.We reflect on the value of introspection in the creative process, but also emphasize the importance of translating thoughts into tangible output. The episode touches on the use of tools like typewriters to bridge the...2024-09-171h 30Studio Sessions28. Slow Craft: Reclaiming the Creative ProcessIn this episode, we explored the joys and challenges of using "shitty" or outdated tools in creative work. We discussed how embracing less efficient methods and older technologies, from film cameras to typewriters to VHS tapes, can lead to unique results and greater artistic fulfillment, even if the process is slower. While recognizing that digital tools offer speed and precision, we argued that working with constraints and imperfections can spark new ideas and help us develop our own creative voice.We also examined the role of productivity in creative work and life. We acknowledged the cultural pressures...2024-09-0352 minStudio Sessions27. Finding Growth in Disruption and ChangeIn this episode, we explore the process of navigating significant life changes, especially those that come from diving deeper into new creative passions. We discuss the internal and external chaos that often accompanies such shifts, reflecting on how these changes have disrupted our usual ways of working and living. As we consider the challenges of balancing old routines with new interests, we share thoughts on the push and pull between staying productive and embracing a more open, experimental approach to creativity.We also touch on the broader implications of decision-making during periods of transition, pondering how much...2024-08-201h 01Studio Sessions26. The Pursuit of Genuine in World Driven by TrendsIn this episode, we dive into a range of topics, starting with a personal story from Matt about his experience photographing a friend’s courthouse wedding and the frustrations he encountered. This leads us into a broader discussion about authenticity in creative work, focusing on the evolution of YouTube from its early days to the present. We explore how people attempt to balance originality with the pressure to follow trends, emphasizing the importance of staying true to one’s "vision" and the role of craft in fostering authenticity.We also reflect on the broader implications of the medi...2024-08-061h 35Studio Sessions25: The Timeless Appeal of QualityWe discuss the emotional connections and experiences tied to the tools we use, particularly in photography and other creative fields. We examine the difference between authentic craftsmanship and brands that capitalize on their reputation, using examples like Leica cameras and Rolex watches. We also touch on the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in a commercial world.We highlight the importance of loving the tools we use and the experiences they create, whether it’s a vintage typewriter or a high-end camera. The episode emphasizes the value of products that are built to last and carry meaningful experiences, co...2024-07-231h 21Studio Sessions24. Boredom: The Long Lost Catalyst for Original Ideas?In this episode, we delve into the impact of modern technology on creativity. We discuss how the evolution of media consumption, from radio and TV to the internet, has changed the way people engage with music, art, and culture. We reflect on the loss of boredom as a creative catalyst, noting that constant access to information and technology may be stifling originality.Our discussion turns to the dangers of over-relying on AI tools like ChatGPT for creative processes. We emphasize the importance of personal engagement in artistic tasks, even when technology offers convenient shortcuts. We share personal...2024-07-091h 10Studio Sessions23. Reboots, Sequels, and the Quest for OriginalityIn this episode, we explore the complex relationship between nostalgia and modern entertainment. We discuss how nostalgia is often used as a commercial tool and why it sometimes fails to resonate deeply with audiences. We also examine the success of nostalgia-driven movies and their impact on the entertainment industry.Our conversation delves into personal experiences with nostalgic media, highlighting how certain films and series can evoke powerful emotions and memories. We share our thoughts on the balance between enjoying nostalgic content and seeking out new, original stories. The discussion includes examples of beloved movies and franchises that...2024-06-251h 02Studio Sessions22. The Complexities of Putting Your Work Into The WorldWe discuss the complex emotions and motivations behind creating and sharing artistic work in the digital age. We grapple with the duality of making art for oneself versus seeking validation and approval from others, especially in the context of online platforms like YouTube. The conversation touches on the allure of views, the ego boost of popularity, and the manipulative aspects of digital spaces that can distort an artist's intentions.We also discuss the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision, focusing on the work itself rather than external metrics of success, and finding a balance between...2024-06-111h 00Studio Sessions20. The Art of Omission: How To Know What Doesn't BelongIn this episode, we share a couple of stories from our lives that prompt a discussion about the broader implications of curation and the art of curating.This lasts for all of 3 minutes before we find ourselves caught up in a long-winded discussion about editing and the intricacies that go along with it. We delve into the art of editing, the importance of reflection, and the roles of editors and gatekeepers. Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the importance of editing in refining creative work, from photographs to writing to to-do lists, and the roles of i...2024-05-141h 07