Shows
Studio Sessions62. What Do We Owe The Past When We Build With Its Pieces?We stumble into uncomfortable territory when Matt shares a YouTube channel that initially captivated him—a series of video essays about art and commerce, aesthetically compelling and philosophically engaged. But when Alex identifies the footage as a filmmaker's documentary work, used without direct credit, we're forced to examine our own assumptions about appropriation, influence, and artistic honesty. What begins as a simple observation becomes a deeper interrogation: Is this reconstitution or appropriation? Branding or art? And why does it bother us so much when someone's work doesn't match the authenticity it preaches?We contrast this with examples of...
2025-12-231h 09Studio Sessions61. Are We Curating Identity Or Chasing Dopamine?We explore the vintage clothing and collectibles scene in Omaha, examining the intersection of genuine appreciation, social signaling, and dopamine-driven consumerism. The conversation ranges from Matt's solo trip to a vintage event at A Priori (complete with Polaroid gift-giving) to broader questions about why we acquire things—whether it's a 1940s bomber jacket, rare vinyl records, or another book for the shelf. We discuss the spectrum between celebrating quality craftsmanship and using purchases to fill psychological needs, touching on everything from $500 Nebraska garage band 45s to the declining quality of modern retail clothing.The episode takes a pr...
2025-12-091h 14Studio Sessions60. Artists Make Ways of Seeing, Not ObjectsWe spend most of this episode exploring James Carse's "Finite and Infinite Games," working through the distinction between societies that defend boundaries and cultures that exist on horizons. Alex reads passages from the book about how patriotism requires enemies to function, why authentic movements like the Renaissance don't oppose anyone, and how any finite concept that tries to contain everything else is inherently evil. Matt reflects on his own pull toward rigid, binary thinking despite intellectually understanding the value of infinite play. We discuss how systems naturally protect themselves when threatened, why baseball feels different from other sports, and...
2025-11-251h 17Studio Sessions59. Rethinking Collaboration: Why Working Together Still MattersOn one side, there’s the protected solitude every creator needs: the quiet pass where you can be wrong in private, find the frame, and follow intuition without a chorus in your ear. On the other side, there’s the charge you only get in a room full of capable people. Being back on a large production rekindled that feeling—clear roles, shared language, and the thrill of adding a small but meaningful piece to something thousands will experience. We unpack the difference between leadership and tyranny, how to invite notes that respect intent, and the sequencing that keeps collab...
2025-11-111h 23Studio Sessions58. The Work You Keep DeferringWe establish guardrails for the podcast after recognizing we've been on autopilot for months, using this as a state of the union where we commit to actual accountability instead of vague intentions. Matthew discusses diversifying revenue streams to reduce dependence on sponsorships that feel like selling rather than curating, while trying to build financial stability that allows space for reading and creative work. Alex confronts how illness disrupted his morning writing routine and the challenge of getting back to consistent discipline when life knocks you off schedule. Both of us recognize a pattern: the foundational work that makes everything...
2025-10-281h 08Studio Sessions57. Private Work, Public TruthsWe explore the tension between private creative work and public output—why some projects stay hidden in desk drawers, what gets lost when we don't capture ideas in the moment, and how the act of recording thoughts (whether on paper, voice memo, or typewriter) shapes what eventually gets made. The conversation moves through the craft of writing, from Dostoevsky dictating novels to assistants to the question of whether our image-saturated culture has made us illiterate in different ways than previous generations.The second half examines our complicated relationship with technology: the gratitude for AI tools that eliminate te...
2025-10-1458 minStudio Sessions56. Seasonality, Not SpeedWe examine the tension between artistic evolution and audience expectations, using examples from Mac Miller to Paul Thomas Anderson to explore what happens when creators follow their interests rather than trying to replicate past successes. The conversation moves through Matthew's strategy of operating multiple YouTube channels as both creative experimentation and financial hedge—separating pure documentation from tutorial content while trying to preserve the act of curation from the corruption of commerce.The discussion deepens into questions about cultural pressure and achievement metrics: the constant comparison to others' milestones, the invisibility of what you've already accomplished when fi...
2025-09-301h 00Studio Sessions55. Reclaiming The Soul of Digital Technology - Less Capability, More FreedomWe explore the philosophy behind building personal websites and using intentionally limited computing as creative practice. The conversation examines why modern computers feel "too dangerous"—offering infinite possibilities that paradoxically constrain focus—and how deliberately choosing simpler tools can restore agency over our attention and creative output.Through discussions of building throwback websites, setting up old computers as single-purpose machines, and integrating AI through terminal interfaces, we unpack the psychological difference between technology that serves us versus technology that exploits our behavioral patterns. The episode ultimately centers on a deeper question: how do we design our relationship with...
2025-09-161h 40
Miracle Mentality with Tim Storey (Motivation, Self Help, and Mental Health)How To Ask For More: Improve Your Negotiations Skills with Alex Carter | E4Alex Carter, author of Ask for More, knows that it takes both grit and curiosity to shape your career. In this episode, Alex discusses how she found her voice in speech and debate and begins to distill her negotiation philosophy that she has used as a UN negotiation trainer. Tim and Alex discuss the importance of prioritizing partnership over humiliation and how critical it is to lead negotiations with open-ended curious questions. As an expert negotiation trainer, Alex Carter talks about how success is more about the relationships and impact you make, rather than the accolades you collect.
2025-09-1550 minStudio Sessions54. Embracing Necessary ImperfectionsWe examine how digital culture's promise of frictionless perfection has created unrealistic expectations that we unconsciously apply to relationships, creativity, and life itself. The conversation explores the psychological residue of living in an attention economy—how algorithmic thinking shapes our behavior even when we consciously reject it, and why we find ourselves reaching backward in time for tools and practices that feel more aligned with human limitations.The discussion reveals how consumer culture has colonized our emotional lives, creating cycles of acquisition that promise depth but deliver dopamine hits instead. We explore the radical act of commitment in...
2025-09-021h 18
Scaling ExpertiseE119: From “Me” to “We”: Scaling Beyond Yourself with Alex CarterWhat happens when your brand outgrows you?Negotiation expert Alex Carter joins Erin Austin to share how she evolved from a one-woman powerhouse to the Ask For More Group expanding her impact while protecting her intellectual property. From hitting the limits of her own time to realizing “me, me, me” isn’t sustainable, Alex opens up about the real decisions behind building a legacy brand.If you’re still winging it with your contracts or ignoring your IP, Alex’s insights and cautionary tales will have you rethinking how you safeguard your business for long-term success.
2025-09-0229 minStudio Sessions53. The Terrible Master: On Ego, Perception, and the Choice to See DifferentlyWe look at David Foster Wallace's "This is Water" commencement speech, examining its central themes of awareness, ego death, and the daily struggle against our "default settings." What starts as a discussion of the speech evolves into a broader exploration of how we navigate modern life—from the challenge of maintaining consciousness in consumer culture to the difficulty of having genuine conversations without blind certainty.We explore the paradox of participation versus checking out: how do we engage with contemporary media, technology, and culture while maintaining critical awareness? Through examples ranging from Netflix's "second screen" content to our...
2025-08-191h 47Studio Sessions52. The Homogenization Problem: Is Culture Losing Itself? PART 2Part two of two. We explored the cultural tension between our fascination with the past and uncertainty about the future, using the metaphor of returning to an earlier video game save point when the current level feels impossible to beat. The conversation examined how platforms like YouTube are becoming flooded with AI-generated content, creating what we called a "cobra effect" where attempts to solve one problem create bigger ones. We discussed how the ease of content creation tools has led to an overwhelming amount of low-quality material that drowns out authentic voices.Our discussion meandered t...
2025-08-0548 minStudio Sessions51. The Homogenization Problem: Is Culture Losing Itself? PART 1Part one of two.We once again dive into the tension between artistic integrity and algorithmic demands in today's creator economy. As YouTube's algorithms continue evolving in 2025, prioritizing engagement metrics and recommendation systems that analyze billions of signals, we explore what happens when content creators face the pressure to homogenize their work for maximum reach.The conversation touches on the current shift away from what industry experts call "the era of excess" or "the Mr. Beastification" of content, examining how viral success can both validate and potentially corrupt creative vision. We discuss the rise of "...
2025-07-2259 minStudio Sessions50. Fragmented Culture: What Matters When Nothing Really Matters?We examine whether culture has actually become decentralized or if we just live in isolated "slivers" while still being shaped by the same underlying systems. Starting with observations about feeling "out of touch" we explore how everyone now consumes completely different content yet we can still connect meaningfully with friends over shared experiences. This raises questions about what really drives human connection and whether platforms like YouTube and social media create genuine cultural diversity or just the appearance of choice.The conversation shifts to fundamental tensions in how we structure our lives - particularly the conflict between...
2025-07-081h 11
PCMA Convene PodcastConvene Series: How to Negotiate with Confidence: Collaboration, Communication, and Executive Presence with Alex Carter and Anne Marie NestIn the last Season 7 episode, we talk with two powerhouse guests — Alex Carter, Columbia Law professor and best-selling author of Ask for More, and Anne Marie Nest, expert in voice, speech, and executive presence. Together, they unpack how negotiation can be reframed as a collaborative problem-solving process — not a confrontation.Links:https://alexcarterasks.com/iBreathe App - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ibreathe-relax-and-breathe/id1296605806https://askformoregroup.com/Follow Convene:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/showcase/pcma-convene/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pcmaconvene/ YouTub...
2025-06-2637 minStudio Sessions49. The Human Cost of "Artificial Intelligence": What Are We Trading Away?We dive deep into the seductive promise and hidden costs of AI technology and the question that haunts every creative: what are we trading away for convenience? Through our exploration, we examine how tools shape not just what we make, but who we become in the process.We also wrestle with the tension between efficiency and authenticity, discussing everything from DV tape workflows to AI-generated content and the race to the bottom that threatens meaningful creation. This conversation challenges us to consider whether the magic intelligence in the cloud will free us to focus on what matters...
2025-06-2449 minStudio Sessions48. What Happens When We Stop Believing Anything Is Possible?We examine what happens when the feeling that "anything is possible" starts to fade from creative life. Starting with the mythology of Los Angeles and its role in manufacturing dreams, we dig into the shift from youthful ambition to adult pragmatism and what gets lost in that transition. The conversation explores how being surrounded by people chasing big goals creates an energy that's hard to replicate once life becomes more complicated.We discuss the practical realities that erode creative optimism - mounting responsibilities, financial pressures, and the accumulated weight of meetings that don't pan out and projects...
2025-06-101h 19Studio Sessions47. Escape Velocity: The Quest For Autonomy in ArtWe examine the tension between creative expression and commercial necessity in the digital age. We explore how the pursuit of expensive camera gear and equipment can become a substitute for actual creative work, and discuss the corrupting influence of affiliate marketing and sponsorships on genuine artistic curation. The conversation moves toward the concept of "escape velocity" - finding ways to separate commercial considerations from the creative process through patronage models, financial independence, or simply refocusing on experience over acquisition.We reflect on how social media and internet culture have shifted focus from seeking meaningful experiences to collecting...
2025-05-271h 09Studio Sessions46. Creative Obligation & Reciprocity: The Debt of InspirationIn this episode, we discuss the responsibility artists feel to give back through their work after being influenced by others. We share stories of stepping outside our comfort zones—including a chance encounter with a silversmith in Badlands National Park—and how these experiences fuel creativity. We explore the tension between control and surrender in the creative process and examine why modern comforts often distance us from making meaningful work.We look at what makes creative output timeless and how to connect with deeper truths in our art. Drawing from road trips, travel literature, and photography experiences, we c...
2025-05-131h 25Studio 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 19
Leap Academy with Ilana GolanAlex Carter: Negotiate Like a Pro, Powerful Techniques to Unlock Career and Business Growth | E99As a shy kid, Alex Carter struggled to speak up for herself. Her parents’ divorce sparked her interest in advocacy and mediation, which led her to pursue a law degree. Despite facing self-doubt early in her career, Alex bet on herself and built a career as a Columbia Law professor and renowned negotiation expert. Now, she helps others find their voice, advocate for themselves, and unlock career success. In this episode, Alex joins Ilana to share actionable strategies for negotiating with confidence, landing promotions, charging your worth, and scaling a business.Alex Carter is a...
2025-04-2455 min
Alex and Nina: Decoding BusinessBuilding a Brand with Purpose – How Authenticity Drives SuccessIn this inspiring episode, hosts Alex and Emma dive deep into the powerful intersection of purpose and authenticity in entrepreneurship. Discover how genuine storytelling, transparent leadership, and a clearly defined purpose can transform your brand from just another name into a beloved community. Featuring compelling real-world examples from brands like SheaMoisture, Patagonia, and Ben & Jerry’s, this episode illustrates why authenticity isn't just good ethics—it's exceptional business.You'll learn practical strategies entrepreneurs can implement to craft authentic brands, common pitfalls to avoid on your authenticity journey, and key insights from marketing visionaries like Simon Sinek and Gary...
2025-04-2019 minStudio 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 min
Alex and Nina: Decoding BusinessWhat Makes People Trust a Brand Today?Trust is the new currency — but how do brands actually earn it in 2024? In this episode, Alex and Nina dive into the psychology behind brand trust and why authenticity, user-generated content, and real reviews matter more than ever. From Gen Z skepticism to Patagonia’s purpose-driven model, this conversation explores how transparency, social proof, and shared values are reshaping consumer expectations.If your brand still relies on polish over purpose — it’s time to rethink.
2025-04-0415 min
Alex and Nina: Decoding BusinessThe Psychology of First Impressions – Branding Beyond the LogoWhy do we trust some brands in seconds and click away from others without a second thought? In this episode, Alex and Nina break down the surprising psychology behind first impressions — from gut reactions and visual design to color psychology, implicit bias, and credibility. Learn how brands shape our snap judgments and how you can use science-backed strategies to create instant trust. You only get one chance to make a first impression — make it count.
2025-04-0112 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 04
Alex and Nina: Decoding BusinessWhy Customers Don't Buy – Even If Your Offer Is GreatWhy Customers Don't Buy – Even If Your Offer Is Great You’ve got the perfect product, competitive pricing, and a slick pitch… so why aren't they buying? In this episode, Alex and Nina uncover the hidden psychological blockers, trust gaps, and strategy flaws that silently kill conversions. Packed with real examples and instant takeaways – this is the episode every business owner needs to hear before their next launch.
2025-03-3022 minStudio 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 06