The Futur with Chris Do
The Futur Podcast explores the intersection of design, marketing, and business. Host Chris Do, CEO of The Futur, holds candid conversations with inspirational figures from design, technology, marketing, business, philosophy, and personal development. The aim is to understand what drives these people and what listeners can learn from their experiences.
Episodes
Why Your Copy Isn't Converting w/ Joanna Wiebe | Ep 451
Joanna Wiebe invented conversion copywriting, and after eight years of barely-there YouTube growth, she grew her channel 3,000% in three months. She demonstrates the problem-agitate-solution and desire-obstacle-solution frameworks live with Chris, argues that voice of customer data beats clever taglines every time, and outlines the three-part moat she's building against AI: a book, YouTube, and st
Why AI Can't Teach Taste w/ Brooke Hopper | Ep 450
Brooke Hopper is Adobe’s first Senior Principal Designer, and one of the people building Firefly from the inside. She tells Chris why Adobe licenses every image it trains on and pays the artists behind it, why she still gets bad results out of the tool she helped build, and why she's skeptical anyone should learn taste from a machine. She makes the case for designing for "intentional friction" ins
Know When to Quit w/ John Lee | Ep 449
John Lee went from selling prawn crackers and used game cartridges as a teenager to closing property deals with none of his own money, and eventually building a career across real estate, sales training, social media, and AI. In this conversation, Chris Do and John break down WIIFT (What's In It For Them), a mentor lesson that reframed John's failing investor pitches by moving the ask from "do you
Scaling A Solo Creative Business w/ Matt Essam | Ep 448
Matt Essam, author of The Creative Studio Roadmap, joins Chris Do for a live episode recorded in front of a studio audience to break down the pillars of turning a solo creative business into one that scales: differentiation, communication, and delivery. Chris and Matt pull audience members into the hot seat to work through real pricing blocks, story-driven positioning, and the shift from selling y
Stop Studying, Start Learning w/ Justin Sung | Ep 447
Dr. Justin Sung was a practicing physician before he became one of the most-watched learning coaches online, and in this conversation he takes apart the biggest myth people believe about how they learn: that everyone has a fixed "learning style" they should lean into. Justin walks Chris through what actually drives fast, durable learning: the discomfort of overwhelm, the discipline of turning conf
Perfectionism Is Killing Your Brand w/ Matt Gray | Ep 446
Matt Gray built and exited companies, grew audiences into the millions across three ventures, then turned that same systems thinking toward his own personal brand and scaled it to over 3 million followers. In this conversation, Matt walks Chris through the full arc: getting sober and using a messy, unstructured writing practice as the starting point, learning to ship imperfect content instead of w
The Psychology of Personal Style w/ Kimberly Parry | Ep 445
Chris Do welcomes stylist and archetypal coach Kimberly Parry to explore the deep connection between clothing, confidence, and identity. Parry walks through her Succeed with Style framework, the psychology behind why people sabotage a new look the moment they try it on, and the Bro Pro, Faux Pro, and GOAT archetypes she uses to help clients figure out who they actually are before they touch a clos
The 3 Rules of Personal Branding Nobody Tells You w/ Chris Do | Ep 444
Most people build a brand around what they do. Chris Do says that's exactly why no one remembers them. In this episode, Drigo sits down with Chris to dig into the philosophy behind his new workbook, Unbland Yourself, and what it actually takes to stop blending in and start building a brand that compels some people and repels others by design.
Chris breaks down the three principles of personal bra
How to Sell Your YouTube Channel w/ Tyler Chou | Ep 443
Tyler Chou spent nearly 20 years as a Hollywood attorney at Disney, Buzzfeed, and Skydance before a midlife crisis and a layoff pushed her into the creator economy. Now she's the legal strategist behind some of the most valuable creator-led businesses on the internet, including one valued at $100 million. In this conversation, she and Chris break down what separates a YouTube channel from a real,
How Social Media and Passion Sold $60M in Cars w/ Chau Nguyen | Ep 442
Chris's cousin, Chau Nguyen, was one of the first guests ever on this podcast. Now he's back, nearly a decade later, with a different kind of company. After exiting Campus Special for $20 million and watching his VC-backed follow-up fail, Chau started messing around with an old Ford Bronco in his garage and accidentally built Vintage Modern, a custom vehicle company doing $60 million in revenue, s
The Pricing Conversation You Keep Avoiding w/ Chris Do | Ep 441
Most creatives wait until the very end of a sales conversation to bring up price. By that point, they've been half-present the whole time, one ear on the client and the other on the clock, trying to find the right moment that never comes. Chris breaks down why that pattern hurts you before you ever quote a number, and what it actually looks like to bring up budget, scope, and price upfront without
How to Attract What You Want w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 440
What happens when two people who've both manifested real results sit down to compare notes? Chris and Jodie Cook dig into the mechanics of manifestation; not as a spiritual exercise, but as a practical framework for getting what you want without becoming obsessed with it. From vision boards to agency exits to the danger of desperation, this one gets surprisingly tactical for a woo topic.
Timest
How to Close Clients as the Underdog w/ Chris Do | Ep 439
In this episode Chris breaks down one of the most studied sales moments in sports history: how Nike's Sonny Vaccaro walked into a room as the clear underdog and walked out with Michael Jordan's signature. Using scenes from the film Air, Chris unpacks the psyop, the competitor takedown, and the negotiation move that changed the business of sports forever. Plus, a real-world story from a friend that
How to Niche Down and Grow Your Business w/ Matt Lakajev | Ep 438
Matt Lakajev is back. His first appearance on The Futur was a hit, and this time he brings a complete framework for one of the most common creative business problems: niching down. Not the vague "pick a niche" advice that floats around online, but a step-by-step formula for identifying whether your offer is even viable, who your ideal client actually is, and how to signal to them so clearly that t
How to Stop Drifting and Find Focus w/ Jule Kim | Ep 437
Chris Do and Jule Kim sit down to talk about the one question most people avoid asking themselves: what are you actually supposed to be doing with your life? Jule is a coach who has spent years watching clients struggle to answer this, and she's honest that she's still working through it herself. What follows is a real, back-and-forth conversation about focus, latent talent, the danger of building
How to Become the Authority in Your Space w/ Matthew Byrd | Ep 436
Most experts are invisible. They've put in the work, they know their field cold, and nobody has heard of them. Matthew Byrd built his authority from an entry-level position in land surveying to founding a global industry conference, and the path wasn't a big platform or viral moment. It was consistency, proactive networking, and content rooted in real expertise. In this episode, Chris and Matthew
Why "Faking It" Kills Your Personal Brand w/ Chris Do | Ep 435
Chris Do identifies the invisible distance between who a creator is and who they present to the world, a phenomenon he calls the authenticity gap. He explains that performing for acceptance rather than showing up authentically leads to creative burnout, attracted the wrong audience, and inconsistent growth. By examining the difference between performance marketing and long-term brand building, Chr
How To Become World-Class At Anything w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 434
Most people think they're world-class. Most people are wrong. In this conversation, Chris sits down with Jodie Cook, entrepreneur, powerlifter, and author, to break down what it actually means to operate at the very top of any field, and what separates the truly elite from everyone else who just thinks they are.
They get into the five markers of world-class performance, the four stages of compete
Leading the Client Journey w/ Mikon van Gastel | Ep 433
Chris Do speaks with Mikon van Gastel about the critical gap between being a design practitioner and a strategic business leader. Van Gastel, co-founder of Sibling Rivalry, shares insights on how to "lead the witness" during pitches, the shifting value of experience in a millennial-driven market, and why the future of advertising lies in immersive ecosystems like the Sphere. Listeners will learn h
Build a Business You Love w/ Marie Forleo | Ep 432
In this episode, Chris Do speaks with entrepreneur and #1 New York Times Best Selling author Marie Forleo about designing a business and life centered around joy and fulfillment. Marie unpacks the dangers of a scarcity mindset and explains how reframing our relationship with money unlocks new levels of abundance. They explore the reality of being a multi-passionate creative, offering a framework f
6 Skills That Make Creatives Irreplaceable w/ Chris Do | Ep 431
This episode explores the growing anxiety creatives feel around AI and reframes the conversation toward long-term relevance and value. Chris Do breaks down six high-income creative skills that AI cannot replace, emphasizing that these are not job titles but human capabilities to strengthen and lead with. He explains why strategic thinking, emotional intelligence, and original creativity remain ess
Why Process is Better Than AI w/ Scott Clum | Ep 430
Chris Do sits down with artist and designer Scott Clum to explore the evolution of snowboard and skate culture's visual language. In an era increasingly dominated by AI and push-button gratification, Clum champions the tactile, utilitarian process of making art and embracing the beauty of mistakes. Drawing from his 40-year career shaping brands like Sims and Morrow Snowboards, he unpacks the cruci
Personal Brand vs Reputation w/ Matt Essam | Ep 429
In this continuation of their dialogue, Chris Do and Matt Essam tackle the confusing distinctions between having a personal reputation and building a true personal brand . Many creative professionals experience internal resistance when considering a personal brand, often fearing the required effort or doubting the return on investment . Chris breaks down why audience size does not inherently equal
Overcoming the Fear of Speaking Up w/ Jule Kim | Ep 428
Chris Do and Jule Kim explore the hidden costs of holding back and the profound impact of saying exactly what you think. Many professionals struggle to speak up due to cultural conditioning, fear of judgment, or social anxiety. By unpacking real-world scenarios—from navigating social discomfort at industry events to confidently stating a $45,000 project price—Chris demonstrates how direct, precise
Stop Selling Services, Sell Value w/ Chris Do | Ep 427
Many creative professionals detest sales because they focus on selling services rather than tangible business value. Chris Do unpacks the five biggest lessons from Kevin Daly's book, Socratic Selling, offering a framework for those who hate manipulative sales tactics. By learning to dollarize value, ask open-ended questions, and practice full-value listening, creatives can shift the dynamic from p
Stop Doing Everything w/ Mo Ismail | Ep 426
Chris Do discusses with Mo Ismail the burden of over-diversification and the necessity of "burying" one's old professional identity to achieve a business breakthrough. By adopting the "Five Ones" framework, Chris explains how narrowing focus to a single target market and offering creates the pressure needed to punch through industry noise. This episode serves as a strategic roadmap for creative pr
Overcoming the Brand Identity Crisis w/ Tinna Loaiza | Ep 425
Chris Do sits down with brand identity expert Tinna Loaiza to explore why many creators feel disconnected from the businesses they have built. Tinna shares her journey of growing a faceless Instagram account to 400,000 followers before transitioning into a more authentic personal brand. They discuss a practical framework for shedding external expectations and "removing the pieces" of your identity
The Truth About the LinkedIn Algorithm w/ Richard van der Blom | Ep 424
Chris Do sits down with LinkedIn expert Richard van der Blom to deconstruct the myths surrounding the platform’s algorithm and what actually drives reach. They explore why content value and human intuition often outperform data-crunching and why your audience, not the algorithm, is the ultimate judge of your work. Listeners will walk away with a four-part social selling framework designed to build
Should You Name Your Business After Yourself? w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 423
Chris Do and Jodie Cook challenge the myth that a personal brand makes a business entirely reliant on its founder. They explore how shifting from a "process-dependent" team to a "founder-vibe" culture allows a company to scale and even sell without the owner's constant involvement. Listeners will learn the systems and psychological frameworks needed to build a brand that carries the founder's conf
10 Rules for an Authentic Personal Brand w/ Chris Do | Ep 422
Building a successful personal brand isn't about inventing a new persona, but uncovering one's true origin. Chris Do shares ten actionable tips distilled from over a decade of trial and error to help creators stand out in a crowded market. He explains why "different" is superior to "better" and how perceived flaws can actually become a competitive advantage. This session covers the strategic impor
How to Build a Standout Brand w/ Mo Ismail | Ep 421
In this episode, Mo Ismail sits down with Chris Do to explore the dilemma of having multiple passions while trying to build a focused personal brand. Chris explains the concept of "picking a fight" to cut through the noise and why being a "correct contrarian" is essential for true thought leadership.
They discuss the difference between symbiotic and parasitic interests, using the analogy of a sha
The Introvert’s Guide to Visibility w/ Goldie Chan | Ep 420
Chris Do sits down with Goldie Chan, author of Personal Branding for Introverts, to discuss how introverts can build powerful reputations without compromising their nature. They explore the distinction between reputation and personal branding and how the digital landscape offers a "virtual room" for quieter voices to be heard. The conversation reveals personal strategies for navigating social anxi
From Shark Tank Deal to $400M in Sales w/ Wombi Rose | Ep 419
Chris Do explores the intersection of art and engineering with Lovepop co-founder and CEO Wombi Rose, the show's first guest to successfully secure Shark Tank funding. They discuss the grit required to pivot from a failing retail model to a $400 million e-commerce powerhouse and how high-level naval architecture training informs their intricate paper designs. Listeners will learn why failing spect
The Hidden Cost of Hustle Culture w/ Panache Desai | Ep 418
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Panache Desai to explore why so many high performers feel burned out despite outward success. Panache challenges the idea that people are broken or need fixing, reframing burnout as a symptom of living from survival, identity, and fear rather than from wholeness. Together, they unpack themes of acceptance, self-trust, and why true power comes from releasing
Why Chasing Metrics Ruins Your Content w/ Chris Do | Ep 417
In this episode, Chris Do challenges the belief that content performance should be measured by likes, views, or algorithmic wins. He explains why treating social media as a scorecard disconnects creators from their true intentions and ties self-worth to external validation. Drawing from over a decade of experience building a multimillion-dollar brand, Chris shares how creating from honesty and sel
Playing the Long Game in Business and Life w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 416
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Jodie Cook for a wide-ranging conversation about playing the long game in business, relationships, and life. They unpack the difference between short-term wins and infinite games, emphasizing why building something you never want to sell leads to deeper fulfillment and clarity. Chris reflects on his own journey through financial security, meaning, and redef
How to Beat the Competition Without Lowering Your Prices w/ Chris Do | Ep 415
In this episode, Chris Do challenges the belief that creative work is a commodity and explains why lowering prices is rarely the right solution. He reframes competition through the lens of imagination, using everyday examples to show how value is created through differentiation, convenience, and storytelling rather than cost-cutting.
By breaking down familiar products like lettuce, money, and sto
Turning Life’s Hardest Moments Into Growth w/ Dr. John Demartini| Ep 414
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Dr. John Demartini for a wide-ranging conversation on human perception, trauma, and the power of reframing life experiences. Dr. Demartini shares his extraordinary personal journey—from severe learning challenges and homelessness to becoming a prolific researcher, educator, and author—highlighting how adversity became a catalyst rather than a limitation.
T
The Secret Behind Authentic Personal Branding w/ Mo Ismail| Ep 413
In this episode, Chris Do and Mo Ismail explore why personal branding works best when it starts with generosity rather than self-promotion. They break down how leading with genuine care lowers defenses, builds trust, and creates natural reciprocity in both business and personal relationships.
Through real-world examples, the conversation highlights how making people feel seen and included is ofte
Why Creatives Struggle With Feedback w/ Jule Kim | Ep 412
In this episode, Chris Do and Jule Kim unpack why feedback is both essential and emotionally difficult for creatives. Drawing from decades of teaching, coaching, and public critique, they explore the difference between honest feedback and destructive criticism, and why many people interpret any suggestion for improvement as a personal attack.
The discussion challenges the idea that feedback shoul
How to Market Your Services the Right Way w/ Chris Do | Ep 411
In this episode, Chris Do breaks down why most creatives struggle to market their services effectively—and how that changes in 2026. He explains the critical difference between designing for “anyone” versus building services for a clearly defined, high-value client.
Through real examples and audience interaction, Chris shows how understanding psychographics, not just demographics, unlocks better
The Business of Design Systems and Standards w/ Jesse Reed | Ep 410
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with designer, publisher, and entrepreneur Jesse Reed to explore the intersection of design systems, business, and long-term creative impact. Jesse shares his journey from Pentagram to co-founding multiple ventures, including Standards Manual, Order, and Standards, and explains how each evolved from curiosity-driven projects into sustainable businesses. The conv
The Marketing Genius of Better Call Saul w/ Chris Do | Ep 409
In this episode, Chris Do breaks down a powerful lesson on positioning, marketing, and sales using a scene from the TV series Better Call Saul as an unexpected case study. By analyzing Saul Goodman’s pivot from selling cell phones to selling “privacy,” the episode illustrates how redefining a product around a specific pain point can instantly create demand.
The discussion highlights how effective
Build Your Success Formula w/ Jodie Cook | Recast
In this episode, I’m back with my friend, entrepreneur, author, and powerlifter Jodie Cook, for another incredible conversation about discovering your personal success system. Jodie’s got an inspiring journey — from building and selling a 20-person social media agency to launching Coachvox and becoming a Forbes contributor.
In this episode, we explore what it means to have a success system, why
Designing a Life That Fuels Creativity w/ Mo Said | Ep 408
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Mo Said, founder and creative director of Mojo Supermarket, to unpack what it really means to build an interesting life, business, and brand. Through stories from Mo’s journey—starting an agency with little structure, growing it into a global creative force, and constantly chasing curiosity—they explore why interesting work comes from interesting people liv
Building Your Client Dream Team w/ Daniel Priestley | Recast
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with returning guest Daniel Priestley for their fourth conversation, diving deep into what it really takes to land high-end clients and transform a creative business. Daniel explains why top-tier clients are often easier to work with than small ones, revealing the mindset shifts required to overcome insecurity and move into higher-value work.
Together, they di
Stop Waiting for Permission to Succeed w/ Drigo Tasca | Ep 407
In this episode, Chris Do and Drigo Tasca challenges creatives to confront the stories that keep them small and the habits that limit long-term growth. Drawing from personal experience as an immigrant, educator, and entrepreneur, Chris explores how identity, environment, and mindset shape success more than tactics ever will.
The discussion highlights the importance of vision, self-awareness, and
Leadership, Delegation, and Eliminating Bottlenecks w/ Dan Martell | Ep 406
In this episode, Chris sits down with entrepreneur and creator Dan Martell for a deep dive into personal brand building, creative discipline, and the decade-long journey behind Dan’s explosive growth.
Dan unpacks the pivotal dinner conversation that pushed him from “reluctant creator” to going fully pro, ultimately adding millions of followers and hundreds of millions of monthly views. He discuss
Why Friendships Change: Values, Growth, and Distance w/ Jule Kim | Ep 405
In this episode, Chris Do and Jule Kim dive deep into the meaning of true friendship and the different tiers that define closeness and trust. They explore how people move in and out of our inner circles over time, based on shared values and behavior.
Chris shares his philosophy of offering friendship freely as a way to reveal true character. Jule reflects on her people-pleasing tendencies and how
Why Your Content Isn’t Connecting w/ Brendan Kane | Ep 404
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Brendan Kane to break down the psychology and structure behind engineering viral content. Brendan explains why most creators fail—not because virality is impossible, but because their intentions and creative frameworks are misaligned with how audiences actually behave.
Together, they unpack the mechanics of “man on the street” videos, the role of tension,
The Courage to Choose Your Own Life w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 403
In this episode, Chris Do and Jodie Cook dive deeply into The Courage to Be Disliked, exploring the core ideas of Adlerian psychology and how they contrast with the more widely known Freudian approach. Jodie explains why this single book has followed her across continents—literally part of her 23-kilo life—and how its central messages about agency, choice, and goal-driven behavior have shaped her
Inside the Future of AI Creativity w/ Don Allen Stevenson III | Ep 402
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with futurist and creative AI researcher Don Allen Stevenson III for a wide-ranging conversation on emerging technology, spatial computing, and how subjective realities will reshape the way humans interact with the world. Don shares his journey from DreamWorks Animation to becoming a leading voice on accessible creativity, discussing the tools, interfaces, and p
The Business Blueprint Every Creative Needs w/ Anna Nassery | Ep 401
In this episode, Anna Nassery joins Chris Do for a deep-dive conversation on her unconventional path into branding, creative direction, and entrepreneurship. She discusses her early years in PR, how she transitioned into tech startups, and what she learned while working alongside top Silicon Valley leaders.
Anna shares how these experiences shaped her approach to brand strategy, relationship-bui
The Art of Standing Out in Content Creation w/ Sean Cannell | Recast
In this episode, Chris Do joins Sean Cannell from Think Media for a deep dive into AI, personal branding, and what it takes to stand out in today’s creator economy. Sean, a successful entrepreneur and content strategist, shares insights on AI’s disruptive potential, how to use it as a productivity tool, and the evolving landscape of content creation.
Chris and Sean break down the importance of au
Rethinking Creativity in the Age of AI w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 400
In this episode, Chris Do and Jodie Cook explore how creatives should approach AI, balancing curiosity with the fear many still hold. They examine how AI reshapes workflows, speeds up production, and challenges long-standing ideas about originality.
Chris shares examples from design, film, and typography to show how every generation labels new tools as “cheating.” Jodie adds how AI expands creat
Unlocking Your Higher Self w/ Jay Brown | Ep 399
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Jay Brown for a deep and expansive conversation about identity, spirituality, and the pursuit of purpose. Jay shares his journey from growing up between the Philippines, San Diego, and Hawaii to becoming a standout high-school athlete with dreams of professional football. After an ACL tear ended his career, he stepped into entrepreneurship—launching a music
What Grief Teaches Us About Love w/ Jule Kim | Ep 398
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with coach and creator Jule Kim for a powerful and emotional discussion on grief, loss, and healing. Jule opens up about losing her brother unexpectedly and how it reshaped her understanding of family, identity, and emotional connection.
Together, they explore the cultural pressures that discourage vulnerability, the struggle to feel deeply, and how grief forc
The Business of Creative Leadership w/ Geoff Cook | Ep 397
In this episode of The Futur Podcast, Chris Do sits down with Geoff Cook, founder of Base Design New York, to explore the art of world-building through branding. Geoff recounts his early days at DKNY, where he learned the fundamentals of brand, culture, and retail experience before co-founding Base around the turn of the millennium.
Together, they discuss how his marketing background shaped his
The Art of Everyday Innovation w/ Paul Rowan | Ep 396
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Paul Rowan, co-founder of Umbra, to explore the evolution of creativity, design, and entrepreneurial resilience. Paul shares how curiosity from his father’s hardware store shaped his early design instincts, how a simple DIY idea turned into a global brand, and why imagination remains the ultimate business tool.
Together, they uncover lessons from Umbra’s
The Future of Marketing Isn’t Courses w/ Ryan Deiss | Ep 395
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with entrepreneur and Digital Marketer founder Ryan Deiss to explore how his early ventures shaped a multimillion-dollar business empire and what led to his public “retirement” from online courses.
Ryan unpacks his journey from selling eBooks in college to scaling a $200M portfolio and why he believes adaptability is the key to long-term success. They discuss
Vision VS Execution in Leadership | Ep 394
In this episode, Chris Do explores the constant tension between visionary leadership and operational execution. He breaks down how most leaders naturally lean toward either the CEO archetype — focused on innovation, forecasting, and long-term vision — or the COO type, who ensures systems, structure, and profitability.
Using Steve Jobs as an example, Chris illustrates how true mastery lies in bal
How to Master Your Memory w/ Tansel Ali | Ep 393
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Tansel Ali, a four-time Australian Memory Champion, to explore how anyone can train their brain to remember anything — from names and speeches to entire books or phone directories.
Together, they unpack the science and art of storytelling for memory, the role of emotion in recall, and how tools like spaced repetition and the memory palace can transform ho
The Art of Arguing Less and Communicating More w/ Jefferson Fisher | Ep 392
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Jefferson Fisher — a fifth-generation trial attorney, bestselling author, and viral communication coach — to explore how to argue less and talk more effectively. Jefferson unpacks the psychology behind calm communication, how to time tough conversations, and why listening before reacting builds deeper trust.
Together, they explore practical tools like the
Why Talent Isn’t Enough w/ Simon Squibb | Ep 391
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Simon Squibb to explore the imbalance between talent and opportunity. Together, they discuss how people can break through systemic barriers, the importance of resilience in creative fields, and why access—not ability—often determines success.
They reflect on Simon’s viral “What’s Your Dream?” project, the lessons he’s learn
How to Think Bigger and Break Mental Limits w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 390
In this episode, Jodie Cook and Chris Do explore how to think bigger and challenge the invisible limits people set for themselves. Drawing inspiration from The Truman Show, they discuss how individuals often live within mental “sets” they’ve unknowingly built, and how expanding perspective can break those barriers. Jodie shares insights from her nomadic lifestyle and explains how exposure to new p
Rich Brand, Poor Brand w/ David Brier | Ep 389
In this episode of The Futur Podcast, Chris Do talks with branding veteran David Brier, author of Brand Intervention and Rich Brand, Poor Brand. They explore what separates brands that thrive from those that fade—focusing on culture, generosity, and accountability over profit. David shares how “rich” brands create environments where creativity and collaboration flourish, while “poor” brands rely o
How to Land the Job and Nail the Interview w/ Jule Kim | Ep 388
Chris Do talks with executive coach Jule Kim about why so many professionals can’t land interviews—and how to change that. Jule breaks down how applicant-tracking systems work, the mistakes most people make with their resumes, and her PIRAI framework for telling clear, impactful stories in interviews.
What You’ll Learn:
How to make your resume pass automated filters
Why “spray and pr
The Creator's Guide to Authentic Storytelling w/ David J. Ebner | Ep 387
Chris Do talks with David J. Ebner, founder of Content Workshop, about how classic storytelling techniques can transform brand messaging. They unpack how structure, character, and emotion create content people remember—and why “show, don’t tell” still wins in modern marketing.
David shares how to keep brand stories authentic, give more value than you take, and stay true to your core idea. They al
How to Take Creative Risks and Win w/ Craig Black | Ep 386
On this episode of The Futur Podcast, Chris Do talks with Scottish visual artist Craig Black about what it takes to reinvent yourself, embrace fear, and build a thriving creative career around your own unique style.
Craig’s journey spans professional football, typography, and ultimately his signature “Acrylic Fusion” technique—a paint-pouring process that’s landed him collaborations with UEFA, FI
How to Validate Before You Build w/ Ranbir Arora | Ep 385
In this episode, Chris Do speaks with Ranbir Arora about reaching product–market fit without lighting the budget on fire. They explore One Day’s “university for entrepreneurs,” how the mentor-led model works in practice, and why its accredited MBA is earned by building a real business—not cranking out essays.
They also cover how to start by finding a real, painful problem, prove demand before bui
Sales Mistakes That Kill Deals | Ep 384
Why do clients hesitate even when they’ve already agreed on price? In this short solo episode, Chris Do breaks down the hidden reasons deals stall—and what you can do about it.
You’ll learn how to ask better questions, prove you’re listening, avoid oversharing, and keep calls tight and focused. Chris also shares subtle ways to earn trust, build rapport, and guide conversations without forcing the
How to Spot Toxic Leadership w/ Mita Mallick | Ep 383
What makes a boss “bad”—and why do so many talented people end up working for them? Author and marketing executive Mita Malick joins Chris Do to share the stories behind her new book, The Devil Emails at Midnight, including how childhood bullying shaped her empathy and her mission to create healthier workplaces.
Together, they break down 13 toxic boss archetypes, the hidden triggers that turn wel
Winning IRL: The Future of Retail w/ Lara Marrero | Ep 382
Retail isn’t dead—it’s transforming. Laura Marrero, Partner and Strategy Director at Gensler, reveals why the best brands are rethinking stores as experiences, not just points of sale.
We explore the “PhD” of retail—Physical, Human, Digital—and why the future is less about malls and more about destinations that build belonging. From Westfield Century City to the rise of retailtainment, Laura expl
Make Reputation Your Strategy w/ Matt Essam | Ep 381
Most creatives avoid building a personal brand because it feels like chasing clout. But in this conversation, Chris Do and Matt Essam flip the script: personal branding isn’t about being famous—it’s about being findable, credible, and trusted at scale.
You’ll learn why “attention without influence” is meaningless, how the Know–Like–Trust framework still rules, and why your reputation is the most
Identity, Style, and Belonging w/ Priscilla Lau | Ep 380
Chris Do sits down with strategist and partnership builder Priscilla Lau to talk about the business of relationships. From her early days at Google and YouTube to launching Representation Matters, Priscilla shares how she helps creators and brands build partnerships that grow both revenue and community.
They cover the creator economy, selling without sleaze, the “zone of genius,” and why identity
Mastering LinkedIn w/ Jasmin Alic | Ep 379
What if the secret to standing out on LinkedIn isn’t posting more—but mastering comments?
In this episode, Chris Do talks with copywriter and creative strategist Jasmin Alic about building influence, writing with rhythm, and showing up with consistency. From his early days as a rapper to becoming one of LinkedIn’s most engaging voices, Jasmin breaks down how creators can use discipline, habits, a
The Costs of Being Internet Famous w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 378
What’s the real cost of internet fame? In this episode, Chris and Jodie Cook break down the hidden pressures of building a big online audience—relentless DMs, parasocial fans, and the constant demand for time and attention.
You’ll learn how to set boundaries, use automation to manage inbox overload, and price coaching calls in a way that protects your energy while increasing client results. Jodie
Free Work That Actually Pays w/ Troy Plota | Ep 377
From Atlanta studios to Hollywood sets to inventing new technology, Troy Plota has built a career on persistence and reinvention. In this conversation with Chris Do, he shares how he went from organizing model books to shooting celebrities, the $35K day that changed everything, and the app that transformed still photos into living motion.
But the story doesn’t stop there. Troy opens up about clie
Future-Proof Your Marketing Strategy w/ Allan Dib | Ep 376
In this episode, Chris Do reunites with Allan Dib, bestselling author of The One Page Marketing Plan and Lean Marketing, to break down timeless marketing truths in a noisy AI-driven world.
Using his playful “wedding episode” framework—something old, something new, something borrowed, something blue—Allan shares why fundamentals never go out of style, how AI is an Iron Man suit (not a replacement)
Becoming Unshakable: Design, Filmmaking, and Identity w/ Stan Nwaeze | Ep 375
Register for AdobeMax using the code FUTUR25 for $400 off a full pass. See you there!
In this episode, Chris Do sits down with designer, filmmaker, and creative entrepreneur Stan Nwaeze to unpack the story of how he built himself—from growing up with scarcity in Nigeria to crafting a career rooted in vision, values, and relentless curiosity.
Stan traces his path from teaching himself HTML a
