Ourselves Podcast

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

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 realistic AI-generated videos to the silent extinction of human-crafted art, this is a brutally honest look at how fast everything is changing. Whether you're an artist, a coder, or just someone trying to make sense of it all, this episode will challenge how you see the future, your job, and your own identity. Buckle up. We're all in this together. 00:00 Intro 02:29 The Future of Tech Jobs 07:42 AI's Takeover of Blue Collar Jobs 09:53 AI in the Film Industry 10:19 The Evolution of Filmmaking 11:33 The Democratization of Creation 12:17 AI's Role in Modern Filmmaking 16:02 The Human Element in Creativity 18:26 The Reality of Capitalism and AI 19:42 AI vs. Human Creativity: A Case Study 23:09 The Future of AI in Filmmaking 23:23 AI and Screenwriting: A Mixed Bag 24:41 AI in Storyboarding: A Game Changer 26:07 The Impact on Storyboard Artists 26:54 Graphic Designers and AI Controversies 27:50 AI in Camera Operations 28:35 Humanoid Robots on Film Sets 30:07 The Future of Video Editing 32:07 AI and the Speed of Movie Production 32:31 An Optimistic Take on AI 34:34 The Loss of Individuality in the AI Era 36:12 Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World 37:41 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

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 breaks down how his earliest videos filmed with no budget, no crew, and sometimes no clue, became stepping stones to iconic pop visuals that shaped a generation. From selling his car to pay for shoots, to crashing the gates of the industry without a film school degree, this is the unfiltered truth about hustle, heartbreak, and the relentless belief in your own vision.   00:00 Intro 02:25 The Creative Process Behind Dead Protocol 03:34 The Evolution of Sneaker Culture 05:14 The Journey of a Creative Visionary 12:52 Early Music Video Projects and Lessons Learned 35:27 Bay Culture Influence on Jerking Movement 36:40 Telling Emotional Stories in Music Videos 37:22 Early Career Struggles and Networking 40:28 First Music Video Projects and Challenges 41:12 Mentorship and Learning from Anthony Mandler 49:14 Breakthrough with Rihanna's Music Video 57:15 Signing with Box Fresh Pictures 01:10:57 Reflecting on the Iconic Video 01:14:53 Rihanna's Support and Maturity 01:15:46 Facing Nerves and Overcoming Challenges 01:25:19 The Big Reveal from his Brother 01:30:51 J-Lo's Perfectionism and Professionalism 01:44:53 Executing the Vision 01:45:48 Auditions and MTV Coverage 01:47:20 Impact and Residuals for directors 01:47:36 Directors' Rights and Compensation 01:54:40 Reflecting on Success and Gratitude 01:56:59 AI in Music Videos 02:07:26 Sneaker Collaboration 02:14:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell   Follow Taj 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 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 groundbreaking deal with Warner Brothers grants him ownership rights after 25 years, setting a new precedent for filmmakers to retain equity in their work. We talk about the power of ownership, the long-term value of creative control, and how final cut privileges are changing the dynamics between studios and directors. I also explore the technical and cultural innovations that make Sinners so impactful, from Autumn Dural Arkapaw becoming the first woman to shoot a theatrical film on IMAX 65mm, to Michael B. Jordan’s jaw-dropping dual role brought to life through advanced motion control techniques. The film’s success is undeniable: nearly $300 million at the box office, a sold-out IMAX re-release, and a growing demand for original, bold storytelling that doesn’t rely on franchise formulas. This is a call to action for indie filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives who want to reclaim power in the filmmaking process. If you care about the future of cinema, this episode is for you.   00:00 Introduction: The Impact of 'Sinners' 00:07 Ryan Coogler's Warner Brothers Deal 00:34 The Importance of Film Ownership 00:42 Long-Term Benefits of Ownership 01:12 Empowering Filmmakers 01:45 Deep Dive: Ownership in Filmmaking 04:31 Final Cut Privileges in Filmmaking 05:10 Creative Control in the Studio System 06:01 Challenges of Creative Autonomy 07:02 New Precedents in Filmmaking 07:19 Historic Milestones for Women in Cinematography 08:58 The Power of Collaboration 09:52 Ryan Coogler and Autumn Durrell's Synergy 11:28 Continued Collaborations: Michael B. Jordan 11:51 Modern Day Scorsese and De Niro 13:30 Technical Innovations in 'Sinners' 13:44 The Hype Around IMAX and 70mm Film 15:21 Christopher Nolan's Influence 16:38 Michael B. Jordan's Dual Role 17:19 Motion Control Techniques 20:49 Box Office Success of 'Sinners' 21:39 Re-release in IMAX 22:26 Shoutouts and Acknowledgements 23:31 The Future of Indie Cinema 24:17 Conclusion and Call to Action   Follow ⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠SPOTIFY⁠ ⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠ ⁠YOUTUBE⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠:  ✩ ⁠Instagram⁠ ✩ ⁠Twitter⁠ ✩ ⁠TikTok⁠ ✩ ⁠Facebook

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 seen every side of the industry. He shares how the machine behind music and film is built on money, influence, and perception — and why not having that machine can leave even the most talented artists overlooked. After going through a painful breakup and tearing his Achilles, Trevor found himself at his lowest — and wrote an entire album in just two weeks. He talks about being told he was "too clean" to be marketable, walking away from major labels, building his own company (Born Art), and reclaiming his freedom as an artist. This conversation dives deep into mental health, validation, self-love, creativity, and the hard truth about how things really work behind the scenes in Hollywood. If you’re a creative, an artist, or someone chasing something bigger — this episode will hit home. Trevor Jackson is creating on his own terms now, and he’s not holding back. This is the most honest, unfiltered, and inspiring version of him the world has seen. 00:00 Intro 01:39 Creative Collaborations and Directing 03:49 The Art of Music Videos 04:48 Creating the Greatest Breakup Album 07:39 The Creative Process and Challenges 19:34 The Shit List 24:26 The Journey and Inspirations 30:34 The Decline of Traditional Musicianship 31:21 The Art of Performance 31:40 The Drive for Excellence 33:06 Current Acting Projects and Future Plans 34:55 The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction 39:14 The Role of AI in Creativity 42:06 Personal Growth and Self-Reflection 54:30 The Importance of Therapy 56:51 The Power of Positive Self-Talk 01:00:35 The Power of Art and Creativity 01:01:19 Learning Through Video Games 01:01:36 Navigating the Music Industry 01:01:52 Signing with Atlantic Records 01:03:46 Challenges in the Music Industry 01:08:15 Born Art 01:09:55 Financial Realities of Acting and Music 01:18:09 Touring and Fan Experiences 01:21:17 Personal Goals and Legacy   Follow Trevor Follow ⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Facebook

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 the 10 most important lessons I’ve learned so far—from getting hate online to learning how to handle burnout, bad audio, inconsistent platform performance, and the pressure to grow without a return. If you’ve ever thought about launching a podcast (or any creative venture), this episode is for you. Whether you're just starting out or already in the game, these lessons are real, unfiltered, and straight from my experience. 00:00 Introduction 01:00 The Reality of Podcasting Workload 06:45 Balancing Podcasting with Life 08:19 The Financial Aspect of Podcasting 11:01 Platform Performance Insights 12:18 The Power of Viral Content 13:19 Social Media Conversion Rates 14:34 Instagram vs. TikTok Performance 16:06 Podcast Platform Rankings 18:25 Challenges with TikTok Scheduling 20:01 Initial Spike and Momentum 21:15 Capitalizing on Momentum 22:59 Overcoming Fear of Posting 24:34 Understanding Non-Linear Growth 27:31 Reflecting on the Journey 27:57 Call to Action: Support the Show 28:26 Gratitude and Future Plans   Follow Arrad (podcast host)    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC YOUTUBE   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team):  ✩ Instagram ✩ Twitter ✩ TikTok ✩ Facebook

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 Flag of Planet Earth — opens up about how a simple graduation project turned into a global movement… and a conspiracy theory nightmare. We talk about fame, fear, purpose, and the insane power of symbolism in a divided world.   Watch if you’re curious about the hidden forces that shape culture — and what happens when one idea captures the whole planet.   00:00 Introduction 03:03 Oscar's Background and Nonprofit Work 05:31 The Design and Symbolism of the Planet Earth Flag 09:49 Public Reception and Conspiracy Theories 20:29 Challenges and Goals for the Planet Earth Flag 22:15 Global Unity and National Identity 32:26 Comparing Sweden and the US 33:51 Reflections on American Society and Governance 36:38 Discussing Taxes and Military Service 37:56 Healthcare Systems: Sweden vs. America 38:23 Insurance Woes in America 39:39 Education in Sweden: Beckman's College of Design 43:20 The Creative Industry and Nepotism 46:25 The Privilege of Being in the Creative Industry 54:58 Childhood Experiences and Their Impact 57:34 The Importance of Forgiveness 01:02:02 The Flag of Planet Earth and NASA Involvement 01:13:45 Creative Ecosystem at Oatly 01:14:18 Trust and Decision-Making 01:17:09 In-House Agency vs. External Agency 01:18:10 Pitching Ideas and Taking Risks 01:19:52 Balancing Boldness and ROI 01:22:52 Competition and Market Strategy 01:25:37 Challenges of Passion Projects 01:39:18 Future of Flags and Identity 01:43:01 Rapid Fire Questions and Conclusion   Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠the ⁠International Flag of Planet Earth project⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠Oskar⁠ 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 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. We dive deep into his collaborations with legendary artists such as Doja Cat, Daft Punk, The Weeknd, and The Strokes. From overcoming immigrant family expectations and cultural differences to navigating the unpredictable worlds of directing music videos and commercials, Warren offers invaluable insights on the multifaceted role of a director, the importance of editing, and the future of filmmaking with AI.   00:00 Intro 02:54 The Importance of Editing in Directing 04:33 Balancing Creativity and Burnout 06:47 The Journey to Delegation and Trust 12:15 From Graffiti to Lucasfilm: A Creative Evolution 39:40 Visiting Skywalker Ranch 40:03 Quitting Lucasfilm to Pursue Directing 40:45 Immigrant Family Guilt 42:04 Cultural Differences Growing Up 50:44 Challenges of Directing 53:25 Pitching and Treatments 01:00:30 The Music Video Industry 01:04:32 Lucasfilm: A Film School Experience 01:16:06 The Strokes' Mystique and Early Career 01:16:55 Freelancing in LA and Breaking into Music Videos 01:18:04 First Big Break with The Strokes 01:19:37 Building Relationships with Artists 01:22:10 Collaborating with Mark Ronson and Daft Punk 01:30:46 Directing Daft Punk's Iconic Videos 01:42:57 Working with Doja Cat on 'Planet Her' 01:52:35 Transitioning to Commercial Work 01:57:35 Personal Connections in the Industry 01:59:18 Pitching Ideas and Working with Reps 02:01:27 The Role of Specs in Commercials 02:02:47 Keys to Successful Pitches 02:08:23 AI in Music Videos 02:16:58 The Future of AI in Filmmaking 02:27:52 Balancing Work and Life   Follow Warren Follow ⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Facebook⁠

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 Evolution of Hip Hop and Music Videos 01:55 Creating a Treatment for Music Videos 02:52 Expect the Unexpected: Be Ready to Pivot 04:23 Dealing with Late Artists 05:50 Handling No-Shows and Rescheduling 10:08 Importance of Casting 10:43 Avoiding Catfishing in Casting 13:04 Stripping Your Ego and Developing Thick Skin 15:51 Understanding the Culture 17:15 Fashion and Trends in Hip Hop Videos 18:28 Balancing Production and Wardrobe Budgets 19:01 Capturing the Artist's Best Look 19:56 Embracing the Process 20:33 Don't Take It Personally 21:52 Have Fun and Make It Memorable 23:30 Conclusion   Follow Arrad (podcast host)    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC YOUTUBE   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team):  ✩ Instagram ✩ Twitter ✩ TikTok ✩ Facebook

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 life. In this episode, MRCL shares the raw, unfiltered truth behind his journey from sleeping in his car to producing with TDE and working alongside legends like Terrace Martin, DJ Quik, and more. He talks about the moment that changed everything — when SZA casually said, “Should I call Frank Ocean?” — and ended up in the studio with both of them as Frank serenaded the room on piano. But that’s just the beginning. We get into the come-up, the breakdowns, the breakthroughs, the band he built off Instagram DMs, the hustle of being a full-time creative and a father, and how spiritual alignment shaped his debut project Mantras. This is one of the most inspiring stories we've ever heard — and proof that when your back’s against the wall, greatness is still possible. If you're chasing purpose, passion, or just need a reminder that you’re not alone… this one’s for you. 00:00 Intro 02:50 Balancing Creativity and Business 04:26 Early Musical Influences 06:06 Entrepreneurial Spirit 08:27 Meeting West Coast legend Terrace Martin 10:35 Internship Experiences 13:14 Transition to Videography 26:56 Breakthrough in Television 35:46 Personal Struggles and Triumphs 41:33 Creating a Legacy 44:29 Reflections on Parenthood 45:48 Skee TV and Early Career 50:04 Discovering New Opportunities 51:41 Spiritual Awakening 55:00 Creating Mantras 01:00:26 First TDE Session with SZA 01:01:17 Frank Ocean serenading them with the piano 01:03:48 Building Relationships in the Industry 01:13:16 Working with Aftermath 01:14:21 Overcoming Creative Blocks 01:23:04 Advice for Aspiring Artists 01:30:38 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Follow MRCL Follow Arrad (podcast host)    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC YOUTUBE   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team):  ✩ Instagram ✩ Twitter ✩ TikTok ✩ Facebook