Ourselves Podcast
OURSELVES is the world’s first open-source podcast that dives deep into the worlds of creativity, culture, & personal growth. Hosted by film & music video director Arrad, each episode brings you 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

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
LA Wildfires: How We've Been Failed in Our Greatest Time of Need!
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
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 insurance companies. I also explore the potential long-term impacts on LA's film industry and provide crucial tips for staying safe amid toxic fumes. Join me in supporting our community during this critical time and find out how you can help those in need.
00:00 LA in Flames: A Personal Account
01:09 The Unseen Devastation
01:47 Honoring First Responders and Community Support
02:39 The Real LA: Beyond the Stereotypes
03:20 Outrage Over Exploitation
03:55 Insurance Companies' Betrayal
05:08 Impact on the Entertainment Industry
06:33 Health Concerns Amidst the Fires and wearing a mask
08:32 A Personal Connection to LA
08:59 Call to Action and Conclusion
Follow Arrad (podcast host)
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
SPOTIFY
APPLE MUSIC
YOUTUBE
CONNECT WITH US:
✩ Ourselves (production team):
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Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Why Chasing Dopamine Is Destroying Your Creative Dreams
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
Wednesday Jan 08, 2025
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 avoiding burnout and finding lasting fulfillment by prioritizing purpose over quick dopamine hits.
00:00 Introduction: The Dopamine Chase
01:37 Understanding Dopamine in the Creative Industry
02:47 The Cycle of Chasing Highs
04:27 The Dangers of Dopamine Addiction
08:07 Social Media and the Validation Loop
10:10 Breaking the Cycle: Focus on the Craft
11:06 Sustainable Success: Consistency Over Hits
13:26 Personal Takeaways and Advice
14:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Follow Arrad (podcast host) here: https://instagram.com/arrad
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eq3LPnwW0v2VptRWDy78P
APPLE MUSIC: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ourselves-podcast/id1788214492
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBobeWgRkYo&list=PLK6771Xzlj6ljfd-tLyBL_-EE9CjRx0RQ
CONNECT WITH US:
✩ Ourselves (production team): https://www.ourselves.tv/
✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourselvespodcast/
✩ Twitter: https://x.com/ourselvespod
✩ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourselvespodcast
✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570639505831

Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
Wednesday Jan 01, 2025
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 of storytelling techniques. Director X also shares a deeply personal account of being shot on New Year's Eve, which sparked his advocacy against gun violence and his work with Operation Prefrontal Cortex. This in-depth conversation covers the impact of meditation, the challenges of the modern entertainment industry, and his vision for future growth as an artist and community leader.
Follow Director X here: https://www.instagram.com/directorx
Follow Arrad (podcast host) here: https://instagram.com/arrad
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eq3LPnwW0v2VptRWDy78PAPPLE MUSIC: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ourselves-podcast/id1788214492
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBobeWgRkYo&list=PLK6771Xzlj6ljfd-tLyBL_-EE9CjRx0RQ
CONNECT WITH US:
✩ Ourselves (production team): https://www.ourselves.tv/
✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourselvespodcast/
✩ Twitter: https://x.com/ourselvespod
✩ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourselvespodcast
✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570639505831