Ourselves Podcast

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

From shaping visual masterpieces with Kendrick Lamar and Justin Bieber to redefining commercial storytelling, director Colin Tilley has done it all. In this episode, we get the full story. Colin opens up about his evolution as a filmmaker, how growing up in Berkeley influenced his aesthetic, and how trial and error on set helped him develop a signature style now sought after by the world’s biggest artists and brands. We also talk about building longevity in a notoriously fickle industry, the role of mentorship, and how creating a healthy set environment makes all the difference. Colin doesn’t shy away from the gritty details: from the pressure of editing his own work, to managing the balance between creativity and business, to taking a conscious break from Instagram to reset his artistic mindset. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or someone fascinated by what it takes to succeed behind the camera, this conversation is full of game and rare insights from one of the industry’s most visionary directors. 00:00 Transforming on Set: Embracing the Superman Side 02:03 Full Circle: From Fan to Collaborator 03:06 The Berkeley Influence 03:56 Learning Filmmaking Through Trial and Error 19:05 Creating a Positive Set Environment 23:34 Maintaining Longevity in the Industry 35:30 Transitioning from Music Videos to Commercials 37:28 Mentorship and Learning Patience 41:09 The Art of Editing and Collaboration 44:22 Challenges of Balancing Directing and Editing 45:30 Finding the Right Team for Each Project 51:19 The Impact of Social Media on Creativity 52:31 Taking a Break from Instagram 01:02:53 Understanding Film Management vs. Agents 01:06:18 Breaking into Commercials from Music Videos 01:11:10 Funding and Creating 'Mr. Happy' with Chance The Rapper 01:15:52 Building Trust and Relationships in the Industry 01:16:20 Working with Justin Bieber: Building a Long-Term Collaboration 01:23:11 Breaking into the Industry with Tyga & Chris Brown 01:25:19 The Role of Relationships in Career Growth 01:29:42 Iconic Projects: 'Alright' with Kendrick Lamar 01:33:43 Shooting a Commercial with Steph Curry 01:36:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Follow Colin Tilley Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

In this solo episode, I unpack the silent killer of creative momentum: distraction. We live in a world built to hijack our attention: our phones, our feeds, our dopamine loops. It’s not that we’re lazy or unmotivated…it’s that our focus is constantly under attack. I share my personal struggles with what I call "creative erosion," the mental fragmentation that prevents us from sitting down and getting meaningful work done. This isn’t just about ADHD. It’s about a system that trains us into constant stimulation. If you've ever found yourself unable to read a book, finish an edit, or write a pitch without 17 interruptions, this episode is for you. I also give you five practical, stimulant-free tools that have radically improved my ability to focus. From raw dog walks (yup, no phone) to the surprising cognitive power of saffron tea. No gimmicks. Just real tools for real creatives.   00:00 Introduction 01:55 The Impact of Dopamine 02:14 Constant Stimulation and Its Effects 03:23 Mental Fragmentation 04:02 Personal Struggles with Focus 05:25 Creative Erosion 05:43 Attention Hijacked 05:50 Avoiding ADHD Medication 06:49 Five Tips for Sharpening Focus 06:54 Creating a Non-Negotiable Routine 07:46 Morning Routine Details 08:32 Importance of Routine 09:17 Weekend Routine Challenges 09:34 Focus Through Walks 11:01 Checklist Therapy 11:22 Using Notes App for Productivity 12:20 Prioritizing Tasks 13:48 Killing Notifications 15:12 Purposeful Phone Checking 15:25 Saffron Tea for Focus 16:07 Benefits of Saffron 17:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Follow ⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

Join Anthony Mandler, a legendary director and visual architect known for his iconic work with artists like Rihanna and Jay-Z, as he shares insights from his creative journey. Discover how he transitioned from photography to directing, navigating the complexities of the music industry while building trust with artists. Anthony delves into the crafting of cinematic music videos and the bold moves that defined his career. He also reflects on the future of filmmaking, including the impact of AI, and the importance of personal experience in storytelling.

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 guest episode, we explore how he transitioned from film school to visual effects, pioneered cinematic content for concerts during the rise of LED walls, and helped launch iconic moments like Kanye West’s Glow in the Dark tour. We also get into how Figge co-founded Possible, a trailblazing studio that builds cinematic experiences for live shows around the globe. Later, we explore his shift into the crypto world, co-founding We Knew and joining Yuga Labs, the creative force behind Bored Ape Yacht Club and Otherside. From NFTs to digital apparel, AI, and composable blockchain assets, this episode is packed with insights for creatives who want to stay ahead of the curve.   00:00 Intro 02:46 Early Inspirations and Film School 11:01 Creating Value in Your Career 14:32 Entering the World of Live Events 21:09 The Rise of LED Walls in Concerts 24:56 Kanye West's Glow in the Dark Tour 32:57 Opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter 33:24 Creating Visual Effects for Hogwarts 33:46 Founding Possible: A New Venture in Live Event Cinematics 36:58 Identifying and Capitalizing on Niche Markets 38:57 Chasing Passion Over Money 40:02 The Importance of Upskilling and Continuous Learning 42:32 Collaborating with Lady Gaga 49:06 Working with Ariana Grande: The Sweetener Tour 53:30 Concert Visuals for Justin Bieber 56:00 Super Bowl Halftime Shows: Behind the Scenes 59:45 The Booming Entertainment Scene in the Middle East 01:02:37 Transitioning to Crypto: The Birth of We Knew 01:09:23 Venture Capital vs. Bootstrapping: Lessons Learned 01:10:50 Challenges in the Crypto World 01:11:36 The Philosophy of a Thousand True Fans 01:13:12 Profile Pictures and Digital Collectibles 01:14:07 The Rise of Digital Apparel 01:15:05 NFTs and Their Evolution 01:16:01 Composability in Blockchain 01:18:22 The Future of Crypto and NFTs 01:26:41 The Role of AI in Creativity 01:29:10 Yuga Labs and Its Projects 01:30:28 The Community of Bored Ape Yacht Club 01:33:02 The Future of Digital Assets 01:38:11 Pressure is a Privilege Follow Figge Follow ⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook  

Rejection can feel like a dead end, but it’s often a detour to success. The host shares their journey of pitching over 1,000 projects, revealing how each 'no' transformed into a lesson learned. They emphasize that rejection isn’t personal but situational, offering practical tips on refining pitches and building relationships. The discussion also highlights the importance of detaching your identity from outcomes and protecting your creative joy. Tune in for insights on turning setbacks into opportunities and the relentless pursuit of passion.

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 this episode, Joseph takes us through his journey, from dropping out of NYU with $25,000 in debt and hustling his way through Texas rap videos, to becoming one of the most sought-after directors in music and commercial filmmaking. We dive into his unconventional start, the art of bullshitting with confidence, and the calculated risks that shaped his style. Joseph gets honest about the industry: how to sell success before you have it, why directing is lying, and how he landed his first big video gigs with Def Jam. We also break down his treatment-writing process in the ’90s, shooting without storyboards, and building unshakable trust with artists like Taylor Swift and Mariah Carey. This conversation is a must-listen for filmmakers, creatives, and anyone navigating the tension between commerce and art in visual storytelling. We end with a deep look at his newest feature ICK: a genre-bending, creature-feature fever dream he’s betting big on. 00:00 Intro 03:09 The Journey to Becoming a Director 12:06 Overcoming Cultural and Academic Challenges 17:43 The Hustle in the Early Career 22:26 Breaking into the Industry 39:48 Joseph Kahn's Treatment Style in the 90s 40:35 Improvisation in Music Video Production 42:34 Building Trust with Artists 45:09 Managing Production Companies 52:42 The Role of Social Media in Filmmaking 58:35 Challenges in Music Video Production 59:40 Iconic Music Videos and Creative Freedom 01:07:06 Biggest Productions and Working with Taylor Swift 01:12:10 The Call from Taylor Swift 01:12:27 Creating the 'Blank Space' Music Video 01:14:23 Collaborating with Taylor Swift 01:16:56 Mariah Carey's Sense of Humor 01:19:05 AI in Filmmaking 01:28:19 Challenges in the Commercial Industry 01:37:35 The Reality of Director Jail 01:42:59 Making Independent Films 01:45:42 Challenges of Promoting an Independent Film 01:46:59 Passion for the Movie and Its Unique Elements 01:47:55 Blink 182, All American Rejects, Soundtrack Licensing and Its Impact 01:49:47 Inspiration Behind the Creature Feature ICK 01:56:57 Directing and Casting Insights 02:05:49 The Importance of Family in Filmmaking 02:12:17 Final Thoughts and Future Plans   Follow ⁠Joseph⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

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 episode, Josh opens up about being rejected, breaking into the dance world with no agent, and how one last-minute audition changed everything. From crashing a Disney audition to touring the world with Usher, this is the unfiltered truth about what it takes to build a sustainable dance career, including the money, the mindset, and the hustle no one talks about. Whether you're a dancer, creative, or just chasing a dream, this interview will shift your perspective. 00:00 Intro 02:06 Childhood and Early Dance Influences 03:44 Middle School Dance Beginnings 10:01 High School and Developing Skills 11:33 Transition to Atlanta 13:50 America's Best Dance Crew Experience 15:51 First Professional Gigs 21:13 Dealing with Rejection and Perseverance 29:46 Landing Major Artist Collaborations 30:48 Mentorship and Career Growth 32:02 Loyalty and Big Break with Usher 34:38 Touring with Usher 41:29 The Role of Dance Agents 46:07 Sustaining a Dance Career 52:17 Adapting as You Get Older 01:00:34 Transitioning to Choreography 01:02:27 Working with Chris Brown 01:09:43 The Role of Choreographers in Dance 01:10:31 The Challenges of Filming Dance 01:10:40 Editing Dance Videos 01:12:30 The Impact of TikTok on Dance 01:23:45 Finding Inspiration for Choreography 01:32:47 Advice for Aspiring Dancers 01:36:28 Dream Collaboration with Michael Jackson 01:39:30 Meaningful Compliments and Legacy 01:42:38 Final thoughts   Follow Josh Follow ⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Facebook

Explore the evolving world of filmmaking in 2025, where everyone has access to powerful cameras but faces fierce competition. Discover the importance of building a strong portfolio and choosing a niche to stand out. Learn about diverse income sources, from commercial projects to digital assets and stock licensing. Dive into the challenges of freelancing, creative burnout, and the quest for stability amid the hustle. Gain real insights from a filmmaker’s journey in the music video scene to achieving financial security.

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 deep into Seeno’s origin story, from Persian radio stations in New York to running his own recording studio in Los Angeles. He opens up about navigating hustle culture, pivoting from production to artist management, building a six-figure studio from scratch, and finding peace in a chaotic industry. This one’s full of wisdom for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing something bigger. 00:00 Intro 01:45 Reflecting on Brotherhood and Collaboration 03:17 Early Encounters and Industry Connections 07:27 Navigating the Music Industry as an Iranian 11:42 From Engineering to Production 13:43 Building his studio Ohm House 16:37 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 33:45 Advice for Aspiring Creatives 41:25 The Survival of the Fittest in Creative Careers 42:37 Director X and the Legacy of Quality Work 43:58 Christopher Nolan: A Case Study in Passionate Filmmaking 46:15 The Struggles and Rewards of Artistic Creation 47:36 The Role of Management in the Music Industry 50:59 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies 55:45 Leading with Compassion in Creative Fields 01:01:21 Creating Art for Yourself 01:12:00 The Evolution of Music Promotion 01:20:03 Advice for New Artists with Limited Resources 01:22:03 Building an Audience 01:22:42 Curating a Catalog 01:23:49 The Importance of Persistence 01:24:48 Financial Realities in Creative Industries 01:25:52 Attaching to an Artist 01:27:38 Starting Out as a Mixer 01:28:23 Management and Networking 01:29:55 Entrepreneurial Spirit 01:35:13 Getting Rich from Cryptocurrency 01:36:00 Understanding Blockchain and NFTs 01:57:57 Final Thoughts   Follow Seeno Follow ⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Facebook