Ourselves Podcast

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 productio...

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...

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 ...

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...

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 pai...

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 launchin...

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 po...

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...

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 10:08 Importance of Casting 10:43 Avoi...

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 talks about the moment that changed ev...

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 The Demand for Niche Workers 04:52...

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 reacted when she came out as gay ✔️...

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 wine or completely crash and burn? Ei...

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 Brands 06:09 The Power of Storytellin...

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 like the valuable currency it is. D...

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 disorder, and how his relentless p...

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, the scarcity mindset that holds u...

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 Paul, an unforgettable audition that n...

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 pot...