Ourselves Podcast
OURSELVES is the world’s first open-source podcast that dives deep into the worlds of creativity, culture, and personal growth. Hosted by film and music video director Arrad, each episode brings unfiltered conversations with visionary artists, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future. From behind-the-scenes stories of groundbreaking projects to candid discussions about mental health, reinvention, and navigating the creative industry, OURSELVES is your space to feel inspired, challenged, and connected. Made by ourselves, for ourselves.
Episodes
He Started With $0 and Cold Emails. Now Nike, Oakley & Wingstop Hire His Agency.
Sebastien built SLAPS, a creative agency for some of the biggest brands in the world, with no design degree, no advertising background, and no industry connections. He started by cold emailing strangers, Googling what a branding agency even does, and selling a $5K identity to a local Indian restaurant.
Now SLAPS works with brands like Nike, Oakley, Wingstop, and Under Armour. In this conversation,
Followers Are Worthless. Watch Time Is The New Currency. (w/ Sooraj Saxena)
Most of what you've been told about being a content creator is a lie. Sooraj Saxena spent years learning that the hard way.
In this conversation he reveals the testing pool TikTok uses before any video goes viral, why Mr. Beast openly admits his mental health is awful, why chasing another creator's blueprint guarantees you'll resent your own life, and the moment that made him walk away from a 5,00
One TikTok and a Frank Ocean song accidentally launched his career
Matt Hansen did not wait for a record label to believe in him. He built his career himself. After posting a single TikTok covering Frank Ocean, Matt suddenly found millions of people listening. What started as a simple video turned into a full time music career built entirely outside the traditional music industry.
In this episode of Ourselves, Matt shares the real story behind that moment and wha
IRAN Wants America Dead…But Will This War Bring Peace?
I sat down with Iranian rapper and activist Erfan Paydar to unpack what’s really happening in Iran right now and why the world isn’t paying enough attention. From the 1979 revolution to today’s protests, we break down the political history that led to the current regime and the massive nationwide uprising demanding change.
Erfan shares a deeply personal perspective shaped by growing up between Ira
Oscar-Nominated Director Reveals the Pitch That Sold to Netflix
Want to sell a movie to Netflix? This episode breaks down the reality behind a Netflix documentary pitch deck, funding, film financing, and what streamers actually buy. Oscar-nominated director Matt Ogens, known for Netflix’s Audible and Disney+’s Madu, explains how pitch decks, sizzle reels, packaging, and access determine whether a project gets made, how documentary financing really works, and w
How to land big budget video clients without “connections”
From $500 music videos to six-figure productions, I sat down with up-and-coming photographer Cilantro to break down what it really takes to level up in the creative industry. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation between two filmmakers at different stages of their careers...diving deep into mentorship, ego, gear obsession, and why your personal work might just be your most valuable investment.
We
Why Iranians Need the World’s Attention Right Now
I was on set yesterday filming a new project, and I realized how little many of my colleagues and crew knew about the situation in Iran right now. I am a proud Iranian and wanted to quickly educate you on what is happening there, so this mini episode provides a little glimpse.
I hope this offers a bit of insight and, more importantly, motivates you to help spread the word and keep attention on Ira
The New Rules of Becoming a Full-Time Content Creator in 2026 (w/Adrian Per)
In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Adrian Per (@omgadrian), a trailblazing creative force in the content space. Adrian shares how he transitioned from having just $13 in his bank account to becoming a full-time content creator with over a million followers across his platforms. We talk about his unique approach to content creation, meticulous time management, and the impor
Nora Fatehi Turned Rejection Into 47 Million Followers and Global Stardom
From Toronto to Bollywood to the World Cup stage, Nora Fatehi’s journey is anything but traditional. In this episode, we break down how a Moroccan-Canadian girl with no industry connections “backdoored” her way into one of the world’s most competitive film industries: learning Hindi from scratch, reinventing herself in Mumbai, and using dance as her superpower to win over an entire culture.
Nora
Leon Thomas: You Can’t Be Great Without Being Disruptive
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 int
He’s Directed HUGE Videos for Kendrick & Bieber. Here’s How Colin Tilley Stays Relevant in a Cutthroat Industry
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
5 ways to improve your focus by 20x WITHOUT adderall
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 gett
Music Video Legend Turned Netflix Director: The Untold Story of Anthony Mandler
In this episode, I sit down with legendary director and visual architect Anthony Mandler, the creative force behind some of the most cinematic music videos of the last two decades. From shaping the visual identities of Rihanna and Jay-Z to helming award-winning features, Anthony shares a masterclass in creative evolution, relationship-building, and artistic reinvention.
We unpack his late start in
From designing Justin Bieber’s Tours to Building the Future of Crypto: This is Figge
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 G
How I turned 1,000 rejections into a full-time filmmaking career
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 every single rejection taught me something that eventually led to my biggest breaks in the industry.
In this episode, I share how I survived years of constant rejection, the mindset shift that turned
Taylor Swift's Director Is Coming Out With a New MOVIE!
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 mu
The Dance Legend Behind Chris Brown, BTS, and Usher
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
How to build a FULL-TIME career as a filmmaker from NOTHING
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, but with that access comes unprecedented competition. I talk about how the landscape has evolved, the importance of building a strong portfolio, and why choosing a niche is crucial for standing out.I a
From Post Malone in the Studio to Trading Millions in Crypto: Seeno Shahrooz Tells All
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
How AI Will Replace Your Job
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
Inside the Mind of Rihanna & J.Lo's Secret Weapon Director. This is TAJ.
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
Why SINNERS Is the Most Important Film of the Decade
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 v
Why the music industry is rigged and how you can BUY a Grammy: Trevor Jackson explains all
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 ov
10 Things You Need To Know About Starting A Podcast
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
Did He Design the New World Order Flag?
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 symbo
From Lucasfilm to Doja Cat: Warren Fu Reveals How to Land Your Dream Directing Job
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 navigati
How I Broke Into the Rap Industry
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:
MRCL Lost His Father, Home & Car, Then Found Himself in the Studio with SZA and Frank Ocean
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 tal
The Hidden NICHE Jobs in Filmmaking That Pay More and Have Less Competition!
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 to hear this.
00:00 Intro
00:27 The Rise of Niche Workers
00:55 Oversaturation in the Industry
01:26 The Competitive World of Directors
02:57 The Value of Niche Roles
03:07 Defining Niche Workers
03:51
Zoya: The Iconic Gay Persian Content Creator Who Took Over Shark Tank!
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 other plans. As a gay Persian entrepreneur, Zoya had to fight against cultural expectations, family struggles, and self-doubt to build her own empire.
In this episode, we dive into:
✔️ How Zoya’s parents
2025 Oscars Predictions: I Already Know Who’s Winning
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 this with full confidence.
Best Picture? Best Actor? Best Supporting Actress (Ariana Grande??) and the biggest snubs? I break it ALL down. And yes, I want Ariana to win. Will my picks age like fine wi
How My Childhood Friend’s Art Got A$AP Rocky’s Attention & Took Off in Fashion
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 success—it’s about why most creatives never make it, how fear can either push you forward or hold you back, and what it really takes to build something lasting.
00:00 Intro
01:24 The Essence of Luxury Br
You are only getting older..stop WASTING your TIME.
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 anything, ask yourself: Is this moving me forward or holding me back? In this episode, I break down why bad deals, false promises, and the wrong reps could ruin your career—and how to protect your time
How RealestK Went from a $40 Music Video to Millions of Streams
In this exclusive interview, rising R&B star RealestK sits down to discuss his meteoric rise from the depths of Toronto’s music scene to TikTok stardom. He reveals how he cracked the TikTok algorithm, turning covers into a dedicated fanbase and leveraging viral momentum to build a real music career. RealestK shares intimate details about his personal struggles, including dealing with an eating
Why Being a Filmmaker Made My Anxiety 10x Worse
Anxiety isn’t just about fear—it’s about survival. As a filmmaker, I was so afraid of losing clients that I would stress over them before I even booked the job. The pressure to stay relevant, to be irreplaceable, to overdeliver just to prove my worth—it consumed me.
But is this the price of success, or just a mental trap we fall into? In this episode, I break down the anxiety that haunts creatives
Breaking Bad Star Daniel Moncada Talks About the Tattoo That Changed His Life
Daniel Moncada’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—born in Honduras, he faced unimaginable challenges, from navigating a dangerous childhood to surviving the brutal realities of prison. In this episode, Daniel reveals how he turned his life around, landing the role of a lifetime as one of Breaking Bad’s most iconic villains. With behind-the-scenes stories about Bryan Cranston and Aaron Pau
LA Wildfires: How We've Been Failed in Our Greatest Time of Need!
Check out all the LA FIRE resources (volunteering, donating, shelters) HERE.
In this episode, I discuss the catastrophic fires raging through my hometown of Los Angeles, affecting countless lives. Drawing from personal experiences and current events, I highlight the severity of the situation, commend the heroic efforts of first responders, and denounce the unethical actions of looters and insuranc
Why Chasing Dopamine Is Destroying Your Creative Dreams
This episode explores the chase for dopamine in creative industries, touching on the burnout that comes with seeking constant validation through social media and career wins. Drawing from personal experiences as a music video director, I discuss the fleeting nature of these highs and the importance of focusing on craft, celebrating small wins, and creating meaningful work. I offer advice for avoid
Director X: Surviving a Shooting, Working with Drake and Justin Bieber, and XQC's $100 million deal
In this compelling and emotional interview, renowned filmmaker Director X opens up about his career journey, his iconic collaborations with artists like Drake and Justin Bieber, and his transition from music videos to film and TV. He delves into the evolution of the music video industry, the intricate process behind directing major projects like 'Superfly' and 'Robyn Hood,' and his strategic use o
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