Ourselves Podcast

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 opens up about being undermined early on, navigating gatekeepers, reality shows, and “just a dancer” labels, while strategically investing her own money to open new markets and build a global brand. She shares the story behind her Warner Music debut “What Do I Know (Just A Girl)” featuring Shenseea, trusting a new creative team for her first US music video, and learning to let go of perfectionism. 
Beyond the virality, this is a conversation about legacy: recovering from a brutal ankle injury, fighting PR narratives, building the #DanceWithNora community to uplift dancers, and wanting to be remembered for shattering stereotypes and finishing the dreams her ancestors never got to fulfill. If you’re an artist, immigrant kid, underdog, or anyone betting on yourself, this one’s for you.
00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Challenges04:28 Nora's Nervousness and Trust Issues in Arrad (Haha)06:13 Challenges in Music Video Production09:20 Favorite part of What Do I Know vid feat Shenseea12:59 Shooting in Extreme Conditions15:49 Ankle Injury and Mental Resilience20:35 Influences and Inspirations21:51 Cultural Exposure and Bollywood Influence28:50 Breaking into Bollywood39:53 The Turning Point: Dilbar Song42:44 Playback Singing in Bollywood45:44 Respecting Dancers46:55 Breaking Stereotypes47:41 Journey of Self-Taught Dance55:32 Connecting with Fans57:48 Investing in Self01:05:51 Financial Struggles and Breakthrough01:08:45 Creating New Markets01:20:45 Collaborating with Western Artists01:26:52 Marketability and Memorable Image01:33:08 Challenges of Learning New Languages01:34:07 Transitioning to Lead Roles01:35:46 Success in Netflix's 'The Royals'01:40:32 Navigating Cultural Expectations01:46:20 Parental Acceptance and Validation01:49:57 AI and the Future of Work01:54:59 Concerns About AI's Impact on Society02:07:18 The Importance of Following Your Calling02:10:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude
 
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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 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
 
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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 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 Side02:03 Full Circle: From Fan to Collaborator03:06 The Berkeley Influence03:56 Learning Filmmaking Through Trial and Error19:05 Creating a Positive Set Environment23:34 Maintaining Longevity in the Industry35:30 Transitioning from Music Videos to Commercials37:28 Mentorship and Learning Patience41:09 The Art of Editing and Collaboration44:22 Challenges of Balancing Directing and Editing45:30 Finding the Right Team for Each Project51:19 The Impact of Social Media on Creativity52:31 Taking a Break from Instagram01:02:53 Understanding Film Management vs. Agents01:06:18 Breaking into Commercials from Music Videos01:11:10 Funding and Creating 'Mr. Happy' with Chance The Rapper01:15:52 Building Trust and Relationships in the Industry01:16:20 Working with Justin Bieber: Building a Long-Term Collaboration01:23:11 Breaking into the Industry with Tyga & Chris Brown01:25:19 The Role of Relationships in Career Growth01:29:42 Iconic Projects: 'Alright' with Kendrick Lamar01:33:43 Shooting a Commercial with Steph Curry01:36:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections
 
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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 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 Introduction01:55 The Impact of Dopamine02:14 Constant Stimulation and Its Effects03:23 Mental Fragmentation04:02 Personal Struggles with Focus05:25 Creative Erosion05:43 Attention Hijacked05:50 Avoiding ADHD Medication06:49 Five Tips for Sharpening Focus06:54 Creating a Non-Negotiable Routine07:46 Morning Routine Details08:32 Importance of Routine09:17 Weekend Routine Challenges09:34 Focus Through Walks11:01 Checklist Therapy11:22 Using Notes App for Productivity12:20 Prioritizing Tasks13:48 Killing Notifications15:12 Purposeful Phone Checking15:25 Saffron Tea for Focus16:07 Benefits of Saffron17:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts 
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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 directing, his transition from photography to music videos, and the bold moves that defined his career. Anthony opens up about navigating the gatekeeping of the music industry, crafting stories that blur the line between cinema and music, and the pivotal moments that led to timeless visuals like “Disturbia” and “Holy Grail.”
This is more than a career retrospective. It’s a blueprint for longevity in an industry that’s always changing. We also look ahead to the future of filmmaking with AI, explore the emotional toll and triumphs of directing, and reflect on fatherhood, fashion, and staying ahead of the cultural curve.
 
00:00 Starting Late: The Journey to Directing
00:27 Breaking Stereotypes in the Creative Industry
01:01 Building Trust with Artists
01:38 Navigating the Music Video Industry
02:35 From Photography to Music Videos
21:06 Building Iconic Music Video Careers
21:49 Breaking into Directing
23:23 Navigating the Music Industry
26:32 Collaborations with Jay-Z and Rihanna
30:21 Creating Cinematic Music Videos
41:21 Jay-Z's Honest Feedback
42:19 Reworking the Song for Impact
45:10 Rihanna's Early Career and Breakthrough
50:24 Creating Iconic Music Videos
55:49 Collaborations and Creative Processes
01:03:46 Reflecting on a Memorable Motorcycle Shoot
01:05:41 The Challenges and Triumphs of Filmmaking
01:08:28 Navigating Product Placement in Music Videos
01:11:36 Transitioning from Music Videos to Commercials
01:17:55 Breaking into Feature Films
01:24:04 Kendrick's Impact on Fashion and Music
01:24:47 Building a Production Company
01:32:26 Navigating the Film Industry
01:34:09 Making 'Monster': Challenges and Triumphs
01:46:13 Lessons from a Seasoned Director
01:48:36 Directing Styles and Future Projects
01:48:36 Directing Actors vs. Musicians
01:51:34 Balancing Courtroom Drama and Real Life
01:57:41 Challenges and Triumphs of Filmmaking
02:04:33 The Future of Filmmaking and AI
02:04:57 Setting the Scene: A Sci-Fi Thriller on a Greek Island
02:05:42 AI in Filmmaking: Revolutionizing the Industry
02:07:14 The Future of Film: AI vs. Traditional Methods
02:11:28 Fatherhood and Filmmaking: Balancing Passion and Family
02:13:23 The Evolution of Filmmaking: From Analog to AI
 
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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 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 Intro02:46 Early Inspirations and Film School11:01 Creating Value in Your Career14:32 Entering the World of Live Events21:09 The Rise of LED Walls in Concerts24:56 Kanye West's Glow in the Dark Tour32:57 Opening of the Wizarding World of Harry Potter33:24 Creating Visual Effects for Hogwarts33:46 Founding Possible: A New Venture in Live Event Cinematics36:58 Identifying and Capitalizing on Niche Markets38:57 Chasing Passion Over Money40:02 The Importance of Upskilling and Continuous Learning42:32 Collaborating with Lady Gaga49:06 Working with Ariana Grande: The Sweetener Tour53:30 Concert Visuals for Justin Bieber56:00 Super Bowl Halftime Shows: Behind the Scenes59:45 The Booming Entertainment Scene in the Middle East01:02:37 Transitioning to Crypto: The Birth of We Knew01:09:23 Venture Capital vs. Bootstrapping: Lessons Learned01:10:50 Challenges in the Crypto World01:11:36 The Philosophy of a Thousand True Fans01:13:12 Profile Pictures and Digital Collectibles01:14:07 The Rise of Digital Apparel01:15:05 NFTs and Their Evolution01:16:01 Composability in Blockchain01:18:22 The Future of Crypto and NFTs01:26:41 The Role of AI in Creativity01:29:10 Yuga Labs and Its Projects01:30:28 The Community of Bored Ape Yacht Club01:33:02 The Future of Digital Assets01:38:11 Pressure is a Privilege
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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 “no” into fuel, why rejection isn’t personal but situational, how to refine your pitch so people can’t ignore you, and the exact strategies I used to land career-changing projects.
If you’re a filmmaker, creative, or entrepreneur dealing with rejection, this conversation will change the way you see every “no” you get. Watch if you’ve ever wondered how to keep going when nothing’s working, why people reject your ideas, or how to turn rejection into opportunity.
 
00:00 Introduction: Facing Rejection00:20 The Reality of Rejection00:37 My Filmmaking Journey01:14 Early Career Struggles02:10 The Relentless Pursuit02:26 Questioning My Path02:43 Understanding Treatments03:29 Facing Ghosting and Burnout04:31 Recalibrating After Rejection06:32 Rejection is Situational07:15 Film Festival Rejections08:55 Pitching in Person10:16 Rejection as Redirection11:31 Processing Rejection12:40 Detaching Identity from Outcome13:29 Improving Your Pitch14:44 Building Relationships15:46 Protecting Your Joy16:38 Finding a Community18:14 Learning from Rejection18:45 Final Thoughts on Rejection
 
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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 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 Intro03:09 The Journey to Becoming a Director12:06 Overcoming Cultural and Academic Challenges17:43 The Hustle in the Early Career22:26 Breaking into the Industry39:48 Joseph Kahn's Treatment Style in the 90s40:35 Improvisation in Music Video Production42:34 Building Trust with Artists45:09 Managing Production Companies52:42 The Role of Social Media in Filmmaking58:35 Challenges in Music Video Production59:40 Iconic Music Videos and Creative Freedom01:07:06 Biggest Productions and Working with Taylor Swift01:12:10 The Call from Taylor Swift01:12:27 Creating the 'Blank Space' Music Video01:14:23 Collaborating with Taylor Swift01:16:56 Mariah Carey's Sense of Humor01:19:05 AI in Filmmaking01:28:19 Challenges in the Commercial Industry01:37:35 The Reality of Director Jail01:42:59 Making Independent Films01:45:42 Challenges of Promoting an Independent Film01:46:59 Passion for the Movie and Its Unique Elements01:47:55 Blink 182, All American Rejects, Soundtrack Licensing and Its Impact01:49:47 Inspiration Behind the Creature Feature ICK01:56:57 Directing and Casting Insights02:05:49 The Importance of Family in Filmmaking02:12:17 Final Thoughts and Future Plans
 
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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 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 Intro02:06 Childhood and Early Dance Influences03:44 Middle School Dance Beginnings10:01 High School and Developing Skills11:33 Transition to Atlanta13:50 America's Best Dance Crew Experience15:51 First Professional Gigs21:13 Dealing with Rejection and Perseverance29:46 Landing Major Artist Collaborations30:48 Mentorship and Career Growth32:02 Loyalty and Big Break with Usher34:38 Touring with Usher41:29 The Role of Dance Agents46:07 Sustaining a Dance Career52:17 Adapting as You Get Older01:00:34 Transitioning to Choreography01:02:27 Working with Chris Brown01:09:43 The Role of Choreographers in Dance01:10:31 The Challenges of Filming Dance01:10:40 Editing Dance Videos01:12:30 The Impact of TikTok on Dance01:23:45 Finding Inspiration for Choreography01:32:47 Advice for Aspiring Dancers01:36:28 Dream Collaboration with Michael Jackson01:39:30 Meaningful Compliments and Legacy01:42:38 Final thoughts
 
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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 also explore multiple income paths for filmmakers today: from commercial work and music videos to editing, stock licensing, content creation, and even selling digital assets. You’ll hear real, unfiltered insights about freelancing, creative burnout, and why long-term stability is just as important as short-term hustle.
00:00 Introduction to Modern Filmmaking02:29 The Evolution of Camera Technology03:39 Building a Career in Filmmaking04:21 Creating a Strong Portfolio05:23 Choosing Your Niche06:12 Diversifying Your Portfolio07:07 Offering Free Services to Build Network08:08 Finding Your Style and Voice08:18 The Importance of Narrative Work08:57 The Role of Specs in Filmmaking10:14 Balancing Freelance Work and Stability12:07 The Rise of Content Creators14:40 Opportunities in Editing16:32 Licensing Footage for Passive Income18:25 Selling Digital Assets18:59 The Saturation of Digital Marketplaces19:16 The Challenges of Selling Digital Products21:21 My Experience in Music Videos22:40 Investing Freelance Earnings23:26 Building Stability for Creative Freedom24:22 The Goal of Freelancing
 
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