Ourselves Podcast

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
 
Follow ⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠ 
 
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠
⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠
 
CONNECT WITH US:
✩ ⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠: 
✩ ⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠
✩ ⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠
✩ ⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠
✩ ⁠⁠⁠Facebook

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 Intro01:45 Reflecting on Brotherhood and Collaboration03:17 Early Encounters and Industry Connections07:27 Navigating the Music Industry as an Iranian11:42 From Engineering to Production13:43 Building his studio Ohm House16:37 The Importance of Work-Life Balance33:45 Advice for Aspiring Creatives41:25 The Survival of the Fittest in Creative Careers42:37 Director X and the Legacy of Quality Work43:58 Christopher Nolan: A Case Study in Passionate Filmmaking46:15 The Struggles and Rewards of Artistic Creation47:36 The Role of Management in the Music Industry50:59 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies55:45 Leading with Compassion in Creative Fields01:01:21 Creating Art for Yourself01:12:00 The Evolution of Music Promotion01:20:03 Advice for New Artists with Limited Resources01:22:03 Building an Audience01:22:42 Curating a Catalog01:23:49 The Importance of Persistence01:24:48 Financial Realities in Creative Industries01:25:52 Attaching to an Artist01:27:38 Starting Out as a Mixer01:28:23 Management and Networking01:29:55 Entrepreneurial Spirit01:35:13 Getting Rich from Cryptocurrency01:36:00 Understanding Blockchain and NFTs01:57:57 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 Intro02:29 The Future of Tech Jobs07:42 AI's Takeover of Blue Collar Jobs09:53 AI in the Film Industry10:19 The Evolution of Filmmaking11:33 The Democratization of Creation12:17 AI's Role in Modern Filmmaking16:02 The Human Element in Creativity18:26 The Reality of Capitalism and AI19:42 AI vs. Human Creativity: A Case Study23:09 The Future of AI in Filmmaking23:23 AI and Screenwriting: A Mixed Bag24:41 AI in Storyboarding: A Game Changer26:07 The Impact on Storyboard Artists26:54 Graphic Designers and AI Controversies27:50 AI in Camera Operations28:35 Humanoid Robots on Film Sets30:07 The Future of Video Editing32:07 AI and the Speed of Movie Production32:31 An Optimistic Take on AI34:34 The Loss of Individuality in the AI Era36:12 Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World37:41 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 Intro02:25 The Creative Process Behind Dead Protocol03:34 The Evolution of Sneaker Culture05:14 The Journey of a Creative Visionary12:52 Early Music Video Projects and Lessons Learned35:27 Bay Culture Influence on Jerking Movement36:40 Telling Emotional Stories in Music Videos37:22 Early Career Struggles and Networking40:28 First Music Video Projects and Challenges41:12 Mentorship and Learning from Anthony Mandler49:14 Breakthrough with Rihanna's Music Video57:15 Signing with Box Fresh Pictures01:10:57 Reflecting on the Iconic Video01:14:53 Rihanna's Support and Maturity01:15:46 Facing Nerves and Overcoming Challenges01:25:19 The Big Reveal from his Brother01:30:51 J-Lo's Perfectionism and Professionalism01:44:53 Executing the Vision01:45:48 Auditions and MTV Coverage01:47:20 Impact and Residuals for directors01:47:36 Directors' Rights and Compensation01:54:40 Reflecting on Success and Gratitude01:56:59 AI in Music Videos02:07:26 Sneaker Collaboration02:14:15 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 Deal00:34 The Importance of Film Ownership00:42 Long-Term Benefits of Ownership01:12 Empowering Filmmakers01:45 Deep Dive: Ownership in Filmmaking04:31 Final Cut Privileges in Filmmaking05:10 Creative Control in the Studio System06:01 Challenges of Creative Autonomy07:02 New Precedents in Filmmaking07:19 Historic Milestones for Women in Cinematography08:58 The Power of Collaboration09:52 Ryan Coogler and Autumn Durrell's Synergy11:28 Continued Collaborations: Michael B. Jordan11:51 Modern Day Scorsese and De Niro13:30 Technical Innovations in 'Sinners'13:44 The Hype Around IMAX and 70mm Film15:21 Christopher Nolan's Influence16:38 Michael B. Jordan's Dual Role17:19 Motion Control Techniques20:49 Box Office Success of 'Sinners'21:39 Re-release in IMAX22:26 Shoutouts and Acknowledgements23:31 The Future of Indie Cinema24:17 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 Intro01:39 Creative Collaborations and Directing03:49 The Art of Music Videos04:48 Creating the Greatest Breakup Album07:39 The Creative Process and Challenges19:34 The Shit List24:26 The Journey and Inspirations30:34 The Decline of Traditional Musicianship31:21 The Art of Performance31:40 The Drive for Excellence33:06 Current Acting Projects and Future Plans34:55 The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction39:14 The Role of AI in Creativity42:06 Personal Growth and Self-Reflection54:30 The Importance of Therapy56:51 The Power of Positive Self-Talk01:00:35 The Power of Art and Creativity01:01:19 Learning Through Video Games01:01:36 Navigating the Music Industry01:01:52 Signing with Atlantic Records01:03:46 Challenges in the Music Industry01:08:15 Born Art01:09:55 Financial Realities of Acting and Music01:18:09 Touring and Fan Experiences01:21:17 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 Introduction01:00 The Reality of Podcasting Workload06:45 Balancing Podcasting with Life08:19 The Financial Aspect of Podcasting11:01 Platform Performance Insights12:18 The Power of Viral Content13:19 Social Media Conversion Rates14:34 Instagram vs. TikTok Performance16:06 Podcast Platform Rankings18:25 Challenges with TikTok Scheduling20:01 Initial Spike and Momentum21:15 Capitalizing on Momentum22:59 Overcoming Fear of Posting24:34 Understanding Non-Linear Growth27:31 Reflecting on the Journey27:57 Call to Action: Support the Show28:26 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 Introduction01:09 The Evolution of Hip Hop and Music Videos01:55 Creating a Treatment for Music Videos02:52 Expect the Unexpected: Be Ready to Pivot04:23 Dealing with Late Artists05:50 Handling No-Shows and Rescheduling10:08 Importance of Casting10:43 Avoiding Catfishing in Casting13:04 Stripping Your Ego and Developing Thick Skin15:51 Understanding the Culture17:15 Fashion and Trends in Hip Hop Videos18:28 Balancing Production and Wardrobe Budgets19:01 Capturing the Artist's Best Look19:56 Embracing the Process20:33 Don't Take It Personally21:52 Have Fun and Make It Memorable23:30 Conclusion
 
Follow Arrad (podcast host) 
 
LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:
SPOTIFY
APPLE MUSIC
YOUTUBE
 
CONNECT WITH US:
✩ Ourselves (production team): 
✩ Instagram
✩ Twitter
✩ TikTok
✩ Facebook