Ourselves Podcast

From Twilight dream sequences to designing visuals for Ariana Grande, Justin Bieber, and the Super Bowl halftime show, Figge has helped shape the visual language of modern entertainment. In this gues…

Rejection almost ended my filmmaking career. I’ve pitched over 1,000 projects in my life and lost the vast majority of them. I’ve been ghosted, ignored, and told “no” more times than I can count. But…

From directing iconic music videos for Britney Spears and Eminem to working with Taylor Swift on some of the most defining visuals of the last decade, Joseph Kahn has built a legacy few can rival. In…

At just 23, Josh Smith was choreographing for the biggest names in music: Chris Brown, Usher, BTS, Ciara, and more. But his journey started way outside the industry playbook. In this raw and powerful…

Let's dive into what it takes to make a full-time living as a filmmaker in 2025. We’re in the most accessible era for filmmaking ever, cameras in your pocket, unlimited platforms to share your work, …

From producing and marketing for some of today’s biggest artists to making major moves as a crypto investor, Seeno Shahrooz has quietly built an empire behind the scenes. In this episode, we dive dee…

In this eye-opening solo episode, I dive headfirst into the unsettling reality of AI's rapid takeover, across tech, blue-collar jobs, filmmaking, and creativity itself. From Google’s terrifyingly rea…

How does a kid from Oakland with a MiniDV camera end up directing for Rihanna, JLo, and Usher? Taj Stansberry’s story is anything but typical. In this intimate, raw, and inspiring interview, Taj brea…

In this solo episode, I dive into why Sinners might be the most significant cinematic release of the decade. This isn’t just another box office success, it’s a cultural shift. Ryan Coogler’s groundbr…

Trevor Jackson is no stranger to the spotlight — but in this episode, he opens up like never before. From starring in *Grown-ish* and *Superfly* to dropping his most personal album yet, Trevor has se…

Starting a podcast sounded like a dream. But three months in, I’ve learned the raw truth: it's a full-time job, it’s humbling, and it’s not for the faint of heart. In this solo episode, I break down …

He designed a flag to unite the world. Instead, he was accused of working with the Illuminati. In this episode, Oskar Pernefeldt — Creative Director at Oatly and the designer behind the International…

In this episode, visionary director Warren Fu shares an inspiring journey through his iconic work in music videos, his creative roots at Lucasfilm, and the delicate balance of creativity and burnout.…

Shooting rap videos isn’t for the faint of heart. Missed call times, wild pivots, and $75K wardrobes. Here’s the unfiltered truth about working with hip hop artists.

00:00 Introduction
01:09 The Evol…

What do you do when you lose everything — your father, your home, and your car — all in one month? If you’re MRCL, you turn that pain into purpose… and make some of the most powerful music of your li…

Filmmaking is changing. The market is oversaturated, and directors are fighting for survival. But niche workers? They’re getting booked and paid. If you want a sustainable creative career, you need t…

From Persian family pressure to Shark Tank success! 
Zoya was expected to follow the traditional Middle Eastern path—become a lawyer, get married, and live the “perfect” Persian life. But she had oth…

From Timothée Chalamet to Demi Moore, from Kieran Culkin to Ariana Grande, the 2025 Oscars race is stacked—and I’m calling the shots! These are my official predictions, and trust me, I’m walking into…

Connor Tingley’s art has been embraced by the biggest names in fashion, music, and luxury—A$AP Rocky, Michelle Lamy, Vans, NARS, and Casamigos, just to name a few. But his story isn’t just about succ…

They say patience is key—but what if waiting is just wasting your time? The industry isn’t set up for you to win, and signing the wrong deal could trap you in a cycle of stagnation. Before you sign a…