Grow Your Video Business with Ryan Koral

Ryan Koral
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The podcast for ambitious filmmakers who want to build a thriving business—without burning out. Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video. Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you: + Book better clients (at better rates) + Build systems that don't rely 100% on you + Charge what you're worth—with confidence + Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you're in the right place. 🎙️ New episodes drop every week. 🔗 Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com

  1. 6 DAYS AGO

    482. Why You're Afraid to Charge More with Brian Bogert

    Brian Bogert is a human connection expert and voice architect who helps people identify the hidden patterns and emotional blocks that keep them stuck — in life and in business. In this episode, we dig into why so many creatives struggle to charge what they're worth, how childhood experiences shape our business decisions, and what it actually looks like to "drop the armor" so you can show up with more confidence and land better clients. Key Takeaways Your pricing problem is probably a personal problem. Brian shares how a video creative with over a million followers had never made more than $50K/year — until they addressed the emotional blocks tied to a childhood experience. Within months, she 3X'd her rate and was on track for her first million. Ask the question nobody's asking. The simplest way to get unstuck is to ask yourself (and your clients) better, open-ended questions. Brian's framework: "Questions create options and opportunities to make new choices." Strong spine, soft front. Know your value, your boundaries, and your worth — and be unwavering in that. But stay open enough to connect. That combo is what drives both better relationships and better sales. Your voice is your greatest asset. In a world where AI is commoditizing creative work, what sets you apart is your authentic voice, your leadership, and your ability to connect on a human level. About Brian Bogert Brian Bogert is a strategic voice amplifier and emotionally driven force multiplier who helps people lead, communicate, and scale with clarity - without compromising their humanity. Brian works with entrepreneurs, elite performers, and visionary creators to unlock clarity and scale through the lens of human behavior, message intelligence, and scalable connection. He compresses time, cuts through noise, and turns chaos into aligned action. With 100M+ video views and one of the most powerful comeback stories in the space, he brings raw authenticity, actionable insight, and unmatched energy to every stage, podcast, or training he leads. He believes in using technology to amplify humanity and truth - not replace it. Always human first. "When you eliminate waste, you can operate at speed without the need to hurry." - Brian Bogert In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:37] Meet Brian Bogert [07:28] Identifying and Removing Waste [20:32] Defining Where You Are Stuck [22:32] Importance of Questions [28:36] Strong Spine, Soft Front [32:05] Sharing Your Story Helps Others [36:17] Vulnerability [42:08] How To Charge More [48:35] Connect with Brian [52:54] Outro  Quotes "Your voice is your greatest asset. The question is, do you know your voice? Do you feel strength and conviction in your voice? And can you be unwavering in your voice?" — Brian Bogert "The second you have nothing to protect, justify, or defend about yourself — about how much you charge, about the quality of your work, about your integrity — you are free." — Brian Bogert "You don't have it because you don't ask for it. We're afraid." — Ryan Koral "Courage doesn't mean you're not afraid. It means you choose to do it anyway." — Brian Bogert "The world will never judge you based on your intent. The world will only ever judge you based on what your words, actions, and behaviors communicate, even if you're not aware of it." — Brian Bogert Guest Links Find Brian Bogert online Follow Brian Bogert on Instagram | Facebook | LinkedIn Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

    54 min

  2. 16 MAR

    481. Build a Leaner Business That Actually Makes Money with Bill Grant

    Bill Grant is a partner and creative director at As Told By, a production company out of Columbia, South Carolina. After 20+ years in the industry—starting in weddings and grinding through social media retainers—he landed on something that actually works: long-form storytelling for nonprofits, built around a framework that helps clients use their videos and actually raise money with them. He also shares how he transitioned from a full W-2 team to a lean contractor model, and how his studio is quietly becoming a podcast production hub. Key Takeaways The "Blueprint Framework" — Bill's system for making sure nonprofit clients get real ROI from their videos: get it in all the foundational places (YouTube, LinkedIn, website, email signature), show it in person as often as possible, and actually analyze the results Retainer-heavy social media work can feel productive but often burns clients out — long-form, emotionally-driven storytelling tends to create far more lasting impact and return business Transitioning from W-2 employees to contractors gave Bill more flexibility and surprisingly better working relationships with his former employees Podcast studio rentals starting at $350–$500 per session can at minimum cover your rent — and at best, become a serious revenue center if you add production services on top. About Bill Grant Bill Grant, Partner and Creative Director for As Told By, is passionate about helping nonprofits tell their story through effective marketing and video production. For roughly 19 years, Bill has led the way in helping the philanthropy efforts of organizations throughout South Carolina by highlighting the impact they have on real people of the Midlands. Bill is talented in uncovering the stories that make a connection and weaving them into video content to create an emotional attachment to the mission of every organization that he works with at As Told By. He is always thinking outside of the box for ways to inspire action. He also operates As Told By Studio in Columbia producing podcasts for clients as well as the As Told By You Podcast. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:55] Meet Bill Grant [14:11] The Blueprint [18:25] Helping Clients Use Their Videos [37:57] Social Media Marketing [41:09] Employees And Contract Workers [43:59] Ways To Use Studio Space [51:37] Connect with Bill [52:53] Outro Quotes "You don't lose until you quit." — Bill Grant "Our focus is to make something that they love. They can't be OK with it. It can't be satisfactory. They've got to love it." — Bill Grant "Even if they know how to do it, they don't always do it. So to have that nudge—just caring for them—makes sure they get out of it what they want." — Bill Grant "My relationship with ex-employees is so much better than it was when they were employees." — Bill Grant "The overthinking is what pauses you. This idea right here is worth $2,500 at minimum—just take these words and say them to a client." — Ryan Koral Guest Links Follow Bill Grant on Instagram | Facebook  Check out As Told By You Podcast Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

    54 min

  3. 9 MAR

    480. From Underpricing to Profitable Systems with Jeremy Vest

    In this conversation with Jeremy Vest, we explore the real challenges of running a sustainable video business—from figuring out profitable pricing to building systems that let you step away without everything falling apart. Jeremy shares his journey from underpricing his work to creating a business model that prioritizes recurring revenue and genuine client relationships over the feast-or-famine cycle that plagues so many filmmakers. Key Takeaways Pricing isn't just about covering costs—it needs to account for growth, overhead, and the strategic value you bring to clients, not just your time and equipment Recurring revenue relationships beat one-off projects—focusing on retainer clients and long-term partnerships creates predictable income and reduces marketing stress Systems free you from your business—documenting processes and building operational systems lets you scale without being the bottleneck in every decision Your business should serve your life goals—whether that's flexibility, income, or creative fulfillment, build your business model around what actually matters to you About Jeremy Vest Jeremy Vest is the founder of Creator Unlock & Video Niche King. With 19 years of experience and over 50 billion organic views generated through his strategies, Jeremy helps creators & companies build YouTube channels that grow on purpose—not by luck. He's worked with Roger Wakefield, dozens of Fortune 100 companies, Grant Cardone, and vidIQ. Jeremy created the D.O.M.I.N.A.T.E. Framework, a clear game plan for turning YouTube into consistent attention, leads, & revenue. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:24] Meet Jeremy Vest [09:42] Sticking With A Niche [16:12] Starting A YouTube Channel [27:49] Analysis Paralysis [31:06] Using AI Before Publishing [38:25] Story Over Equipment [44:25] "Edutainment" [50:21] Connect with Jeremy [54:30] Outro   Quotes "If you're not making enough to reinvest in your business and pay yourself what you're worth, you're not pricing right—you're just buying yourself a job." - Jeremy Vest "The best clients aren't always the ones with the biggest budgets—they're the ones who value what you do and want to work with you again and again." - Ryan Koral "I'd rather have three solid retainer clients who need me every month than chase twenty one-off projects that all disappear after the invoice is paid." - Jeremy Vest "When you build systems in your business, you're not just making life easier—you're creating something that can actually grow without you doing everything yourself." - Ryan Koral "Stop thinking like a freelancer who trades time for money. Start thinking like a business owner who creates value that compounds over time." - Jeremy Vest Guest Links Follow Jeremy Vest on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube | TikTok | LinkedIn Free Niche Audit www.creatorunlock.com Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

    55 min

  4. 2 MAR

    479. The ADHD Entrepreneur's Guide with Skye Waterson

    Skye Waterson joins the show to talk about something that hits home for a lot of creatives—why we start everything but finish nothing. She breaks down the connection between ADHD symptoms and creative entrepreneurship, shares her game-changing filter for deciding what actually deserves your attention, and explains why having fewer goals will get you further faster. This one's packed with practical systems that'll help you work with your brain instead of constantly fighting against it. Key Takeaways About 30% of creative entrepreneurs show ADHD symptoms—and most don't even realize it's affecting how they run their business The Filter Framework helps you ask three critical questions before taking on any new project: Does this move my business forward? Can I do this sustainably? Will this create momentum? Having 20 goals for the year means you're building a house of cards that'll collapse the moment something shifts—focus on one domino at a time instead Deep work sessions are most effective when you focus on completing ONE thing across multiple sessions rather than spreading your attention across three different projects each week About Skye Waterson Skye Waterson is the founder of Unconventional Organisation, an international support service for professionals with ADHD. Diagnosed during her PhD after repeated burnout, she's built a business that helps entrepreneurs and executives with ADHD (or suspected ADHD) build sustainable systems, scale their companies, and actually enjoy the process. Her approach is science-backed, realistic, and built around how ADHD brains actually work. In This Episode   [00:00] Welcome to the show! [05:05] Meet Skye Waterson [07:46] Classic ADHD Symptoms [12:28] ADHD And Dopamine [21:27] Brain Dump [24:53] How To Prioritize [45:17] Stop Doing The Hard Way [47:15] Connect with Skye [48:18] Outro   Quotes "I would recommend that you stop trying to just do it the hard way because you feel like you should because if everyone else can do it, you can do it." - Skye Waterson "You probably are working at capacity right now. You need a new system, not just more stuff to do." - Skye Waterson Guest Links Follow Skye Waterson on Instagram Visit Skye Waterson's Website and Podcast Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

    49 min

  5. 23 FEB

    478. The Art Of Decoding Facial Features with Brian Galke

    Brian Galke breaks down how to decode people's facial features to connect better with clients and prospects. He shares practical tips on reading eyebrow shapes, understanding personal vs. business sides of the face, and why soft skills matter more than ever as AI automates technical work. This isn't manipulation—it's about truly seeing people and serving them at the highest level. Key Takeaways The Three Eyebrow Shapes: Straight eyebrows = facts and data people; angled eyebrows = action-oriented doers; rounded eyebrows = emotional, relationship-focused individuals. Tailor your communication style based on what you observe. Left vs. Right Side of Face: The left side (from your perspective) shows someone's personal/emotional side, while the right shows their business/logical side. Notice which side they lead with to understand how to connect. Soft Skills Are Your Competitive Advantage: With up to 800 million jobs potentially replaced by AI, your ability to read people, connect authentically, and make others feel seen is what'll set you apart. Practice Makes Perfect: Knowledge without action is worthless. Start observing eyebrows in every conversation, adjust your approach, and watch your client relationships transform. About Brian Galke Brian Galke is a communication strategist, keynote speaker, and founder of Subtle Skills, where he teaches people how to decode others, conversations, and connection itself. After overcoming social anxiety early in his career, Brian was introduced by a mentor to Decoding Facial Features—a skill that revealed how people naturally process information, make decisions, and communicate. By combining decoding with body language, active listening, and statement analysis, he created a practical, tactical communication framework that works in any environment. Those very skills helped him rise to Regional Vice President of Sales, managing a $40M  book of business. Now a sought-after Keynote Speaker and Podcast Guest, Brian has shared stages with Chris Voss, Brad Lea, Janine Driver, Steve Sims, and Greg Reid, helping audiences master the subtle decoding skills that make communication more influential, confident, and authentic. In This Episode   [00:00] Welcome to the show! [06:30] Meet Brian Galke [07:23] The Decoding Detective [08:21] Understanding People [10:54] Treating Others Well [18:25] Soft Skills [23:53] Speaking Their Language [34:59] Headshots [40:02] Connect with Brian [42:16] Outro   Quotes "People feel more isolated and alone than they have in all time because they're looking at other people's social media, seeing the highlight reel and thinking their daily life doesn't matter. When people feel seen and heard, they feel changed." — Brian Galke "If you read the statistics, it's up to 30% of jobs will be replaced by AI. So that's up to 800 million jobs. People need to learn people skills so that they're actually different from AI and automation." — Brian Galke "Knowledge is one thing. Awareness is exposure, one thing. Putting into practice is where it becomes valuable." — Brian Galke "Go out and use these skills because when people feel seen and heard, they feel changed. Practicing connecting with other people can change a life, but it can also save a life." — Brian Galke Guest Links Get the Cheat Sheet: https://getthecheatsheet.com Subtle Skills: https://subtleskills.com Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

    43 min

  6. 16 FEB

    477. Use AI to Save 20 Hours a Week with Jonathan Mast

    Jonathan Mast (the White Beard AI Guy) breaks down how video professionals can use AI to handle the administrative grunt work that's eating up their time—without sacrificing quality or creativity. He shares his proven strategies for creating consistent content, automating client onboarding, and using AI as a creative partner instead of a replacement. If you've been overwhelmed by AI or skeptical about how it fits into your business, this conversation will change your perspective. Key Takeaways Start with operations, not creativity – Use AI to handle scheduling, client communications, and admin tasks before trying to use it for creative work. These "boring" tasks are where you'll see immediate time savings. The Q&A content strategy – Record simple videos answering common client questions. You already know the answers, so there's no need for scripts or elaborate setups. Batch record them in an hour and you've got weeks of content. AI as your creative partner – Think of AI tools as amplifiers of your creativity, not replacements. Let them handle the tedious parts of editing, graphics, and client onboarding so you can focus on what you do best. Don't chase every new tool – Check in every 60-90 days on what's new in AI for video, but don't jump on every shiny object. Focus on tools that integrate with what you're already using. About Jonathan Mast Jonathan Mast stands at the forefront of AI prompting mastery, empowering businesses and entrepreneurs to leverage artificial intelligence for measurable growth. Since 1995, he has blended marketing expertise with cutting-edge technology, and over the past few years has emerged as a leading authority on practical AI implementation. With an engaged audience of nearly 600,000 AI enthusiasts and entrepreneurs (450,000+ in his active Facebook group and 100,000+ email subscribers), Jonathan is a trusted voice making complex AI concepts approachable and immediately applicable. His Perfect Prompting Framework teaches businesses how to effectively communicate with AI tools like ChatGPT, Claude, and Gemini to achieve exceptional results. As the founder of White Beard Strategies, Jonathan focuses on helping businesses and their teams leverage AI to save time, increase profits, and deliver more value to their audiences. His philosophy emphasizes AI as a tool that amplifies skill and experience rather than replacing human creativity and judgment. Jonathan's dynamic speaking style breaks down complex AI concepts into actionable steps that audiences can implement immediately. His international speaking engagements across North America, Asia, and Australia are packed with practical takeaways, and his 100+ podcast appearances demonstrate his ability to connect with and educate diverse audiences. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:37] Meet Jonathan Mast [05:42] AI Marketing [17:27] AI Note Taking [21:53] Wispr Flow [26:29] Answering Questions Through AI [29:33] Why Posting Matters [30:57] Video Made Easy [44:22] Saving Time In Your Business [49:21] Connect with Jonathan [51:17] Outro   Quotes "AI gives you time. It gives you space. It gives you margin and that margin lets you be the creative that you truly want to be." – Jonathan Mast "We're literally in that stage of technology right now where if you're in a business and you're not using AI, I really believe you're going to find yourself in a very bad spot within 18 months." – Jonathan Mast "If you were going to start using AI, start with your operations, start with the things you just wish somebody else would do." – Jonathan Mast "You could literally take one wasted hour a week and turn it into answering some simple questions that you already know the answers to." – Jonathan Mast "Let AI amplify your creativity. You guys have such amazing creativity but sometimes we get so bogged down in the day-to-day running our business that we can't be the creative we want." – Jonathan Mast Guest Links Connect with Jonathan Mast - https://jonathanmast.com/linktree Search "White Beard AI" to find Jonathan's content across platforms Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

    52 min

  7. 9 FEB

    476. Define Success Your Way with Elisa Trentham

    Elisa Trentham is a legacy storyteller, founder of Sherwood Media, and adjunct instructor who's learned how to build a video business on her own terms. In this conversation, she shares why elevating client experience matters more than having the fanciest gear, how she's building her own distribution platform through live events, and the importance of defining success based on your values—not someone else's highlight reel. Key Takeaways Client experience is everything – From pre-production prep to the actual set, creating an elevated experience for your clients sets you apart more than your camera specs ever will. Build your own platform – Instead of relying solely on social media algorithms, create your own distribution through live events and community experiences where you control the narrative. Define success on your terms – Stop comparing your behind-the-scenes to someone else's highlight reel. Your journey, your values, and your definition of success are what matter. Be a "heck yes" person – If you're going to say yes to something, go all in. But also give yourself permission to pivot when something's not working anymore. About Elisa Trentham Elisa is a Knoxville native, business owner, wife, and mother of three who has spent her career capturing stories that matter. Her journey began in her backyard, making movies with friends using her parents' camcorder. That passion led her to Asbury University where she earned a Media Communication degree and gained experience working broadcast at the Vancouver Winter Olympics and on film sets in Hollywood. After college, Elisa joined University of Tennessee professors as the Media Production Coordinator for an international women's empowerment program funded by the State Department. This role taught her how to tell powerful stories with a simple camera and microphone, and gave her opportunities to travel around the world. But her most meaningful projects are much more personal to her - creating a "legacy films" capturing the stories of people who have impacted her life, her grandmother, her father, and even her midwife. Through this 10-year business and storytelling journey, Elisa developed her storytelling values of honor, truth, and love. Today, Elisa continues to help individuals and organizations share their stories through her production company, bringing the same blend of technical expertise and emotional intelligence to every project, whether it's filmed in a boardroom or a living room. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:09] Meet Elisa Trentham [04:52] Working With College Students [08:25] Legacy Storytelling [10:09] Business And Family Legacy Films [21:07] Understanding Client's Expectations [28:02] Advice For New Filmmakers [36:40] Core Values [38:16] Don't Compare Yourself to Others [44:56] Connect With Elisa [46:26] Outro   Quotes "Don't just be a, yeah, sure, I guess I'll go do that. Be a heck yes person. Like go in there and if you say yes, like give it your all." – Elisa Trentham "I can't let what somebody else is doing and what somebody else is defined as success for them... I gotta live this one right here." – Ryan Koral "It doesn't have to be my forever plan... there's no perfect plan you can make that's going to last for decades and decades." – Elisa Trentham Guest Links Follow Elisa Trentham on LinkedIn | Instagram  Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

    47 min

  8. 2 FEB

    475. 5 Billion Views: What Rob Clark Knows About Social Media

    Rob Clark from That Tall Family has generated over 5 billion views on social media, and in this episode, he breaks down exactly what it takes to get attention in 2025. We talk about why most video businesses are posting the wrong way, how to create content that actually converts, and the game-changing mindset shift you need to stop chasing clients and start attracting them. If you've been struggling to grow your audience or wondering if social media even matters for your production business, this conversation will change how you think about content creation. Key Takeaways Attention is the new currency. If you don't have people's attention, you don't have a business. Rob's entire philosophy centers around earning attention first, then converting it into clients and revenue. The 20% rule for creators. Dedicate at least 20% of your work week to building your own brand and creating content for yourself—not just for clients. This investment pays off by letting you charge more, attract better clients, and prove you actually know what you're doing. Stop overthinking your content. The biggest mistake video businesses make is waiting until everything's perfect. Rob creates content daily because he knows consistency beats perfection every single time. Your expertise means nothing without proof. Would you hire a personal trainer who's out of shape? Same goes for social media. If you're telling clients they need video content but you're not creating your own, you're losing credibility (and clients). About Rob Clark Rob Clark is the creator behind That Tall Family, the viral family brand with over 4 billion views and 4 million followers across TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and Facebook. After years of trial, error, and breakthrough moments, Rob mastered the art of creating content that not only gets attention but also builds community and drives business growth. Today, he's known as a Viral Video Social Media Coach, teaching creators, brands, and business owners how to grow faster by understanding what actually makes videos take off. Rob helps people simplify their content strategy, leverage data, and show up authentically online—without burning out or guessing what works. His story from small-town beginnings to leading a global-reach brand makes him a powerful voice for anyone trying to build something meaningful with a camera, creativity, and consistency. In This Episode [00:00] Welcome to the show! [04:11] Meet Rob Clark [12:47] We Overcomplicate Social Media [17:27] You've Got To Ship It [23:53] Defined Expectations With Clients [25:19] Promoting Your Work [38:43] Getting Clients Through Socials [40:02] Create Once, Post Everywhere [46:24] Addressing The Pain Point [48:58] Lead By Example [53:56] Connect with Rob [56:01] Outro Quotes "If you don't have attention, then you have nothing." -Rob Clark "I'm putting just as much time building the Rob Clark brand as I am working for clients. I'm starting to believe that's the biggest difference between going from good to great—that investment in yourself." -Rob Clark "If you put 20% into doing your own brand, you're gonna be able to charge 50% more for clients because you're gonna get more opportunities, you're gonna be able to jack up your prices, and you're gonna create better quality content." -Rob Clark Guest Links Building a full course package that will be live next month at 4BillionViews.com  Checkout That Tall Family Website Follow Rob Clark on LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook Links Find out more about the Studio Sherpas Mastermind Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group  Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram Join the Studio Sherpas newsletter

    57 min
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About

The podcast for ambitious filmmakers who want to build a thriving business—without burning out. Hosted by Ryan Koral, a 20+ year video production vet and coach, this weekly show is your behind-the-scenes pass to what actually works in the world of commercial video. Every episode is packed with real talk, tactical strategies, and candid conversations to help you: + Book better clients (at better rates) + Build systems that don't rely 100% on you + Charge what you're worth—with confidence + Create videos that make an impact and grow your bottom line If you're ready to stop winging it and start running your business like a pro—you're in the right place. 🎙️ New episodes drop every week. 🔗 Learn more at https://studiosherpas.com

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