The MOOD Podcast

Matt Jacob
  • 5.0 (3)
  • VISUAL ARTS
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

The MOOD Podcast is a long-form conversation series exploring photography, creativity, identity, and the inner life of artists. Hosted by Matt Jacob, the show moves beyond technique and trends to examine why people make work, how creative voices are formed, and what it takes to sustain a meaningful artistic life. Through thoughtful, unhurried conversations with photographers, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world, the podcast explores themes of process, mental health, ethics, purpose, legacy, and the tension between art and industry. Episodes are grounded, reflective, and often philosophical, offering listeners provocation of thought rather than formulaic answers to copy. The MOOD Podcast is less about instruction and more about understanding, aimed at emerging and established creatives who care not just about what they make, but why they make it.  At its core, The MOOD Podcast is the art of conversation, one frame at a time. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Instagram: @the_moodpodcast / @mattyj_ay Website: https://themoodpodcast.com.

  1. Mark Power - 14 Years Photographing America, The Democracy of Photography & Why Stillness Matters More Than The Decisive Moment, E114

    5D AGO

    Mark Power - 14 Years Photographing America, The Democracy of Photography & Why Stillness Matters More Than The Decisive Moment, E114

    In this episode, Matt sits down with Magnum photographer Mark Power for a wide-ranging conversation about long-term documentary photography, creative process, and what it means to spend 14 years photographing America as a foreigner. Mark discusses the origins of his landmark five-volume series 'Good Morning, America', why he's drawn to photographing the ordinary and overlooked rather than the spectacular, and how a woman quietly crying at a Don McCullin exhibition changed the trajectory of his entire career. From nearly quitting photography to becoming one of the most respected members of Magnum Photos, Mark shares honest reflections on self-doubt, creative longevity, and the discipline of looking slowly in a fast world. Other things we discussed: Why photography is more democratic than painting and what that means for artists todayThe moment Mark's father finally validated his career, just before his deathHow the Postcards from America project at Magnum evolved into a decade-long obsessionWhy Mark believes the most exciting subjects make the worst photographsHis thoughts on the word "storytelling" and why he thinks it's lost all meaningThe stillness and silence he deliberately pursues in every imageWalking into a room of his heroes at Chico Review and expecting nobody to know his nameWhy he spends far more time looking at photographs than making themEditing and sequencing five books as a work in progress without knowing the endingWhat's next: photographing Brighton by bus pass and an ambitious new project in ChinaMessage me, leave a comment and join in the conversation! Support the show Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Learn with me https://mattjacob.co/learn My Newsletter https://www.mattjacob.co/archive Website: https://themoodpodcast.com Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

    1h 32m
  2. Chico Review, part 2 - What a Portfolio Review Taught Me About My Photography (That 10 Years Didn't)

    APR 10

    Chico Review, part 2 - What a Portfolio Review Taught Me About My Photography (That 10 Years Didn't)

    Listen to part one here Watch part one here ________________________ In Part 2 of this special Chico Review 2026 episode, Matt continues documenting his week inside one of photography's most respected portfolio review events. Featuring conversations with Odette England, Daniel Arnold, Tim Carpenter, Matthew Genitempo, Jesse Lenz, and Lindokuhle Sobekwa — plus fellow attendees pushing the edges of documentary, photobook, and fine art photography. Notable topics: What Jesse Lenz actually looks for as a publisher — and why finished work is a turn-offDaniel Arnold on 13 years protecting his creative spark and why he dreads making booksTim Carpenter's review philosophy: never say good picture or bad picture⁠Odette England on slow processing and what makes her eyes change during a reviewMatt Genitempo's approach to giving reviews and spotting talent⁠The broken economic models of editorial, photobooks, and commercial photography"Commercial documentary" as a survival strategy for photojournalistsHow feedback on "poetry vs narrative" shifted one attendee's entire practiceA photographer who enrolled in photojournalism school at 48 after surviving cancerGrief, bookmaking as chemistry lab, and dismantling perfectionism⁠Closing reflection on ego death, creative identity, and thinking about a project like musicWhy the shutter is only 10% of the work — and what happens afterPractical advice for future Chico attendees: go deep, not wideListen to part one hereListen to part one here Watch part one here ________________________ Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation! Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Learn with me https://mattjacob.co/learn My Newsletter https://www.mattjacob.co/archive Website: https://themoodpodcast.com Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

    2h 50m
  3. Chico Review 2026 - part 1: Why Feedback Beats 10,000 Followers

    APR 2

    Chico Review 2026 - part 1: Why Feedback Beats 10,000 Followers

    The Chico Review destroyed my confidence. Then built it back... THIS IS PART 1 OF A 2 PART FEATURE ON CHICO REVIEW 2026 - SEE PART 2 NEXT WEEK. I arrived at the Chico Review 2026 thinking my work was ready. 10 formal reviews, 25 reviewers and speakers, publishers, curators, photographers and more — I was scrapping half of it by the end of day one. This is the first installment of 2, about my honest experience on what happened, what I learned, and why I'd do it all again without hesitation. In this video: What the Chico Review actually is (and who it's for)My 10 portfolio reviews: the breakthroughs, the brutal moments, and the one that made me cryWhy cohesion matters more than individual imagesHow the week changed my approach to sequencing, editing, and book-makingWhat my project looks like now vs. what I brought to the table on day 1. About the Chico Review: The Chico Review is an annual photography portfolio review held in Chico Hot Springs, Montana. 80 photographers. Reviewers from Magnum, L'Artier, TIS Books, Deadbeat Club, Tresspasser, SFMOMA, The New Yorker, and many more. 6 days of formal reviews, informal conversations, and everything in between. It's one of the most respected portfolio review events in the world — and one of the most humbling. If you're a photographer questioning your work, your direction, or whether feedback is worth seeking — this one's for you. PART 2 DROPS NEXT WEEK — subscribe so you don't miss it. And for more deep, reflective photography conversations in the meantime, subscribe to The MOOD Podcast 🎙️ --- 📸 https://mattjacob.co 🎙️ https://themoodpodcast.com 📷 @mattyj_ay 📷 @the_moodpodcast Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation! Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Learn with me https://mattjacob.co/learn My Newsletter https://www.mattjacob.co/archive Website: https://themoodpodcast.com Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

    1h 47m
  4. Every Photo Is a Crime Scene - Brad Zellar on How He Reads Photography and Inspects an Image, E111

    MAR 19

    Every Photo Is a Crime Scene - Brad Zellar on How He Reads Photography and Inspects an Image, E111

    In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I sit down with writer Brad Zellar, whose deep relationship to photography, photo books, storytelling, and visual culture makes this one of the most thought-provoking conversations I’ve had on the show. We talk about the future of photography, why obsession matters more than concept, the role of text in photo books, what makes an image unforgettable, how portfolio reviewers really think, and why the internet may be training a generation not to care about art in the same way. Other things we discussed: Brad’s childhood in a small working-class town and the library that changed his lifeThe photo books that first opened up the world for himWhy boredom, curiosity, and challenge shaped his creative mindHis collaborations with Alec Soth and how words and images can work togetherWhat he looks for in photography portfolio reviews and artist statementsWhy some photo projects feel alive and others feel forcedThe difference between a strong print and a strong book editWhy poetry rarely works inside photo booksThe collapse of journalism and why Brad is more hopeful about photography than writingThe danger of fake online community and what in-person culture still gives usWhy print, books, and real-world encounters still matter more than everFind Brad on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradzellar ______________________________________________ Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation! Support the show Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Learn with me https://mattjacob.co/learn My Newsletter https://www.mattjacob.co/archive Website: https://themoodpodcast.com Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

    1h 47m
  5. Before You Improve Your Photography, Read Yourself First - Moments of Mood, 3.3

    MAR 11

    Before You Improve Your Photography, Read Yourself First - Moments of Mood, 3.3

    In this episode of Moments of Mood, I explore why self-awareness is the missing foundation behind meaningful photography. After spending a few days at a silent retreat in Bali, I began reflecting on something I’ve seen repeatedly in my own work, in conversations on the MOOD Podcast, and in our book club discussions. Many photographers spend years learning techniques, buying gear, and consuming endless education, yet still feel creatively stuck. The issue is rarely technical knowledge. More often, it’s a lack of self-awareness.  In this episode I explain how meditation and mindfulness changed the way I understand my own creative process. I talk about the difference between traction and distraction, why many forms of self-development can quietly pull us off course, and how photography often becomes a mirror of the person behind the camera.  Better photography doesn’t begin with better gear or more information. It begins with understanding what governs your attention. When you learn to observe your own patterns, impulses, and motivations more clearly, your work becomes more coherent, more intentional, and more authentic. Without that awareness, even the best technical knowledge rarely translates into meaningful work.  Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation! Support the show Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Learn with me https://mattjacob.co/learn My Newsletter https://www.mattjacob.co/archive Website: https://themoodpodcast.com Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

    16 min
  6. “25 Years With National Geographic” Joe McNally on What Photography Lost (And What It Gained) - E110

    MAR 4

    “25 Years With National Geographic” Joe McNally on What Photography Lost (And What It Gained) - E110

    Joe McNally, legendary professional photographer best known for his work with National Geographic, Life, and major commercial clients, and for his mastery of lighting and flash, joins me on the show to discuss an array of topics.  We go deep on the future of photography, how the industry has changed from magazines to the digital era, what AI is really doing to trust in images, why craft is the foundation of art, and what separates a hobbyist from a working photographer through reproducible results, storytelling, and ethical responsibility. Other things we discussed: Why a truly great photograph can change you foreveThe camera as a “visa” and the privilege, access, and responsibility of photographing peopleThe collapse of durable editorial outlets and why modern campaigns disappear fastHow smartphone photography and in-house content have impacted rates and rightsBuilding a personal photography voice instead of copying lighting setupsTenacity, failure tolerance, and why awards are “temporary”What makes an image “good” and how to stop viewers mid-scroll with emotionResearch, rapport, and making subjects feel safe in portrait photographyMentorship, gatekeeping, and why photography skills should be passed onFood for the table vs food for the soul, and how photographers stay alive creativelyThe isolation of the modern photography workflow and the loss of communal learning spacesFind Joe on the following platforms: Website: https://joemcnally.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joemcnallyphoto Online Teaching Platform: https://betterpictureswithjoe.com ________________________________ Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation! Support the show Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Learn with me https://mattjacob.co/learn My Newsletter https://www.mattjacob.co/archive Website: https://themoodpodcast.com Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

    1h 10m
  7. The Mindset of a Hasselblad Master Photographer - Tina Signesdottir, E109

    FEB 19

    The Mindset of a Hasselblad Master Photographer - Tina Signesdottir, E109

    Tina Signesdottir is a Norwegian fine art portrait photographer and Hasselblad Master, known for natural light portraits with rare emotional intimacy. In her first ever podcast appearance, Tina speaks candidly about the origins of her work, the role photography played in survival and self-expression, and what it actually takes to build images that feel real in a world flooded with content.  We go deep on photographing with honesty, why relationship and trust are the invisible foundations of portraiture, and how Tina thinks about awards, rejection, and the pressure that follows recognition. Tina also shares how she directs people into stillness, why she avoids performance in front of the camera, and what she believes photographers must protect if they want a lasting voice.  Other topics we discussed: Hasselblad Masters 2018 and what winning changed (and did not change)Natural light portrait photography and “tracing” window lightFinding your photographic voice versus chasing styleCompetitions, judging, and what makes an image stop a panelRejection, resilience, and the “it factor” in a saturated industryMedium format cameras and why gear is never the starting pointSocial media, authenticity, and the danger of creating for likesCommercial photography, client comfort, and building trust fastPhotography as escape, healing, and creative obsessionTina's upcoming project: Colliding Walls (Iceland collaboration + book)  Find Tina on her website and Instagram: https://www.tinasignesdottir.com https://www.instagram.com/tinasignesdottir/ ______________________________________________________ Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation! Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Learn with me https://mattjacob.co/learn My Newsletter https://www.mattjacob.co/archive Website: https://themoodpodcast.com Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

    1h 20m
  8. Your Story Isn’t Needed - Pie Aerts Finds Meaning Within The Pressure Machine Of Photography, E108

    FEB 4

    Your Story Isn’t Needed - Pie Aerts Finds Meaning Within The Pressure Machine Of Photography, E108

    In this episode, I sit down with photographer Pie Aerts to unpack the philosophies, struggles, and decisions that have shaped his work over the last decade. Pie is a documentary and wildlife photographer whose practice sits at the intersection of human presence, conservation, and long-form storytelling. He is also the founder of Prints for Wildlife, a platform that has raised over $2.5 million for conservation initiatives worldwide. Our conversation focuses on how Pie thinks about photography beyond aesthetics. We talk about self-doubt, ethics, money, responsibility, and what it actually takes to stay committed to a story over many years. A central thread is his 6-year project in southern Chile (titled COIRÓN), documenting the lives of the Puesteros, and how that work has evolved from an idea into a deeply personal body of work. My discussion with Pie was reflective for photographers who are thinking long-term, questioning their motives, and trying to balance meaning with sustainability. Other stuff we talk about: Pie Aerts’ background in documentary and wildlife photographyHis six-year long-term project with the Puesteros of ChileEthical responsibility, power, and care in long-form photographySelf-doubt, anxiety, and uncertainty as part of creative lifeWhy deep, meaningful photography rarely pays on its ownBuilding expeditions and community as a funding engineAuthenticity, AI, and the future of photography.During the part where we discuss his project 'COIRÓN', Pie shares details about his current Kickstarter campaign to fund the publication of his upcoming photobook COIRÓN on the Puesteros, produced with GOST Books. The book is scheduled for release in 2026, alongside a feature-length film developed from the same long-term project. Find kickstarter link below for you to support the project. Links for Pie and his work: Kickstarter Page here Instagram: @because.people.matter Website: pieaerts.com __________________________ Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation! Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube: www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Learn with me https://mattjacob.co/learn My Newsletter https://www.mattjacob.co/archive Website: https://themoodpodcast.com Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

    1h 38m
See All (141)

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

The MOOD Podcast is a long-form conversation series exploring photography, creativity, identity, and the inner life of artists. Hosted by Matt Jacob, the show moves beyond technique and trends to examine why people make work, how creative voices are formed, and what it takes to sustain a meaningful artistic life. Through thoughtful, unhurried conversations with photographers, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world, the podcast explores themes of process, mental health, ethics, purpose, legacy, and the tension between art and industry. Episodes are grounded, reflective, and often philosophical, offering listeners provocation of thought rather than formulaic answers to copy. The MOOD Podcast is less about instruction and more about understanding, aimed at emerging and established creatives who care not just about what they make, but why they make it.  At its core, The MOOD Podcast is the art of conversation, one frame at a time. Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay Instagram: @the_moodpodcast / @mattyj_ay Website: https://themoodpodcast.com.

Information

  • Creator
    Matt Jacob
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    141
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Mood Moments Productions Ltd.
  • Show Website
    The MOOD Podcast

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