Ourselves Podcast

Ourselves
  • 4.7 (9)
  • VISUAL ARTS
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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.

  1. 10H AGO

    Oscar-Nominated Director Reveals the Pitch That Sold to Netflix

    Want to sell a movie to Netflix? This episode breaks down the reality behind a Netflix documentary pitch deck, funding, film financing, and what streamers actually buy. Oscar-nominated director Matt Ogens, known for Netflix’s Audible and Disney+’s Madu, explains how pitch decks, sizzle reels, packaging, and access determine whether a project gets made, how documentary financing really works, and what filmmakers need to understand about distribution deals in 2026. If you’re researching Netflix documentary pitches, film funding, or how to build a filmmaking career, this is the real behind-the-scenes conversation.   02:39 Origin Story: Growing Up Without an “Artist” Blueprint 08:23 The importance of being a PA and DIY Film school 09:34 How networking got his first big break with ESPN 15:11 Deep Dive: Making his film ‘Audible’—12 Years to Finance, Pitch Decks, Netflix, and Sound as Character 37:37 Why So Many Docs Are Under 40 Minutes (Festivals, Oscars Rules) 38:26 Netflix + Festivals: Qualifying Runs, Theatrical Weeks, and Strategy 41:33 The Oscars Aren’t the Job: Filmmaking as Hard Work + Startup Life 44:55 From Viral Clip to Disney+: The Origin Story of ‘Madu’ 50:41 Pitching Docs Today: Treatments, Sizzle Reels, and Selling the Arc 54:08 Capturing Intimacy on Camera: Trust, Crew Size, Lenses, and Natural Light 01:08:12 Co-Directing Across Cultures: Why Collaboration Made the Film Stronger 01:10:11 Best Ways to Edit Documentaries 01:15:42 The Best Way To Interview for Documentaries 01:18:27 Where Should the Subject Look? On-Lens vs Off-Lens 01:22:52 What Makes a Doc Stand Out? The One Thing That Gets Audiences to Care 01:24:42 Breaking Into Commercials & Branded: Reels, Rosters, and the Pitch Process   Follow⁠ ⁠⁠Matt Ogens⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    1h 40m
  2. How to land big budget video clients without “connections”

    JAN 29

    How to land big budget video clients without “connections”

    From $500 music videos to six-figure productions, I sat down with up-and-coming photographer Cilantro to break down what it really takes to level up in the creative industry. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation between two filmmakers at different stages of their careers...diving deep into mentorship, ego, gear obsession, and why your personal work might just be your most valuable investment. We talk about navigating plateaus, building an undeniable portfolio, communicating your vision (even with limited budgets), and what it actually takes to build a core team you can trust. Cilantro also opens up about burnout, finding his voice, and the harsh realities of getting noticed in an oversaturated industry. If you’re a creative trying to break through, this episode is your blueprint.   00:40 Hitting a Ceiling in Work 01:54 Exposure to Larger Productions 04:34 Finding Mentorship 05:09 Building Trust with Production Companies 06:00 First Major Label Music Video 06:27 Arrad's Big Break from Working With Tyga 07:03 Creating a Proof of Concept 07:30 Challenges in Photography 08:52 Finding Your Style 09:09 Shadowing Professionals 14:42 Building a Core Team 16:49 Dealing with Low Budgets 17:12 How to Build Your Team 18:04 Best Gear for Filmmakers 18:55 Obsessing Over Gear: Is It Necessary? 19:20 Using iPhones for Professional Shoots 22:41 Owning vs. Renting Gear 26:15 Making Your Offer Undeniable 29:09 Executing Personal Projects 31:36 Creating for Yourself 32:35 Breaking Into Commercials 33:30 Curating Your Portfolio   Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Follow ⁠Cilantro   LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    36 min
  3. Why Iranians Need the World’s Attention Right Now

    JAN 16

    Why Iranians Need the World’s Attention Right Now

    I was on set yesterday filming a new project, and I realized how little many of my colleagues and crew knew about the situation in Iran right now. I am a proud Iranian and wanted to quickly educate you on what is happening there, so this mini episode provides a little glimpse. I hope this offers a bit of insight and, more importantly, motivates you to help spread the word and keep attention on Iran. Every share, every conversation, every bit of pressure matters. Be the voice of Iran, for a free Iran. 💚🤍❤️

    2 min
  4. The New Rules of Becoming a Full-Time Content Creator in 2026 (w/Adrian Per)

    JAN 2

    The New Rules of Becoming a Full-Time Content Creator in 2026 (w/Adrian Per)

    In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Adrian Per (@omgadrian), a trailblazing creative force in the content space. Adrian shares how he transitioned from having just $13 in his bank account to becoming a full-time content creator with over a million followers across his platforms. We talk about his unique approach to content creation, meticulous time management, and the importance of trusting your own voice. We also discuss the future of content, his exciting new project 'Content College,' and valuable insights for aspiring creators. If you are a creator or filmmaker, this episode is for you!   00:00 Intro 03:21 Content Creation in Music before TikTok 04:56 Transition to Full-Time Content Creation 06:28 The Struggles of a Traditional Director 13:01 The Turning Point: October 2022 16:39 The First Viral Video 16:54 The Impact of Consistent Posting 25:57 The Role of Pre-Production in Content Creation 31:50 The Evolution of Content Quality 32:39 The Power of Unique Stories 41:30 Overcoming Insecurities on Camera 47:56 Breaking Past the Fear of Judgment 50:05 Overcoming Personal Challenges 50:43 Finding Freedom in Content Creation 52:26 Financial Struggles and Career Decisions 53:33 Balancing Freelance Work and Content Creation 54:36 The Reality of Freelancing 58:48 The Impact of Financial Stress on Creativity 59:58 Transitioning from 9 to 5 to Full-Time Content Creation 01:01:58 Building a Business Beyond Brand Deals 01:04:00 Introducing Content College 01:06:39 The Value of Community in Content Creation 01:09:11 Selling Digital Products 01:19:40 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Creators 01:25:02 Managing Time Effectively 01:29:00 Dealing with Underperforming Content 01:31:38 Innovating Content Formats 01:36:23 Future Plans and Creative Freedom 01:38:38 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators 01:40:05 The Importance of Kindness and Legacy   Follow ⁠Adrian Per Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    1h 42m
  5. Nora Fatehi Turned Rejection Into 47 Million Followers and Global Stardom

    12/02/2025

    Nora Fatehi Turned Rejection Into 47 Million Followers and Global Stardom

    From Toronto to Bollywood to the World Cup stage, Nora Fatehi’s journey is anything but traditional. In this episode, we break down how a Moroccan-Canadian girl with no industry connections “backdoored” her way into one of the world’s most competitive film industries: learning Hindi from scratch, reinventing herself in Mumbai, and using dance as her superpower to win over an entire culture.  Nora opens up about being undermined early on, navigating gatekeepers, reality shows, and “just a dancer” labels, while strategically investing her own money to open new markets and build a global brand. She shares the story behind her Warner Music debut “What Do I Know (Just A Girl)” featuring Shenseea, trusting a new creative team for her first US music video, and learning to let go of perfectionism.  Beyond the virality, this is a conversation about legacy: recovering from a brutal ankle injury, fighting PR narratives, building the #DanceWithNora community to uplift dancers, and wanting to be remembered for shattering stereotypes and finishing the dreams her ancestors never got to fulfill. If you’re an artist, immigrant kid, underdog, or anyone betting on yourself, this one’s for you. 00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Challenges 04:28 Nora's Nervousness and Trust Issues in Arrad (Haha) 06:13 Challenges in Music Video Production 09:20 Favorite part of What Do I Know vid feat Shenseea 12:59 Shooting in Extreme Conditions 15:49 Ankle Injury and Mental Resilience 20:35 Influences and Inspirations 21:51 Cultural Exposure and Bollywood Influence 28:50 Breaking into Bollywood 39:53 The Turning Point: Dilbar Song 42:44 Playback Singing in Bollywood 45:44 Respecting Dancers 46:55 Breaking Stereotypes 47:41 Journey of Self-Taught Dance 55:32 Connecting with Fans 57:48 Investing in Self 01:05:51 Financial Struggles and Breakthrough 01:08:45 Creating New Markets 01:20:45 Collaborating with Western Artists 01:26:52 Marketability and Memorable Image 01:33:08 Challenges of Learning New Languages 01:34:07 Transitioning to Lead Roles 01:35:46 Success in Netflix's 'The Royals' 01:40:32 Navigating Cultural Expectations 01:46:20 Parental Acceptance and Validation 01:49:57 AI and the Future of Work 01:54:59 Concerns About AI's Impact on Society 02:07:18 The Importance of Following Your Calling 02:10:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude   Follow ⁠Nora Fatehi Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    2h 11m
  6. Leon Thomas: You Can’t Be Great Without Being Disruptive

    11/14/2025

    Leon Thomas: You Can’t Be Great Without Being Disruptive

    Leon Thomas is one of the rare artists who has mastered the blend of musicality, vision, and business. In this episode, Leon pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make art that cuts through the noise, without selling out. From crafting concept bibles and curating world-class visuals, to building subcultures and navigating record label politics, this conversation is a masterclass in intentional artistry.   We talk about flow state, creative discipline, and why every artist should prioritize community over virality. Leon also breaks down the lost art of artist development, the importance of preparation, and why disruption is essential for innovation. Whether you're an artist, director, or producer, this episode is a blueprint for building something lasting.   00:00 Introduction 02:12 Collaborating with Issa Rae 03:06 The Secret Superpower of Acting Experience 04:41 The Concept Bible and Creative Vision 05:06 The Artist-Director Dynamic 07:31 Navigating the Music Industry 14:38 The Importance of Viral Hits and Community 16:32 The Power of Diehard Fans 18:09 The Difference Between TV/Film and Music Videos 18:53 Preparation and Rehearsal 22:39 Flow State and Overcoming Nerves 28:48 Connecting with the Audience 31:59 Creating for Yourself First 35:35 The Need for Disruption in Art 37:11 Pushing the Limits of Sound 38:23 Creating Unique Live Experiences 39:25 Inspiration from Other Artists 39:53 Memorable Concert Experiences 44:30 The Importance of Communication 46:34 Favorite Movies and Directors 49:40 Influential Music Videos 54:21 Understanding Song Credits 55:25 The Value of a Music Catalog 57:42 Early Career and Collaborations 59:25 Embracing Past Experiences 01:00:21 Balancing Art and Business 01:04:41 Reflecting on Personal Growth 01:06:05 Dealing with Creative Blocks 01:09:26 Final Thoughts and Gratitude   Follow ⁠⁠Leon Thomas⁠ Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    1h 11m
  7. He’s Directed HUGE Videos for Kendrick & Bieber. Here’s How Colin Tilley Stays Relevant in a Cutthroat Industry

    11/04/2025

    He’s Directed HUGE Videos for Kendrick & Bieber. Here’s How Colin Tilley Stays Relevant in a Cutthroat Industry

    From shaping visual masterpieces with Kendrick Lamar and Justin Bieber to redefining commercial storytelling, director Colin Tilley has done it all. In this episode, we get the full story. Colin opens up about his evolution as a filmmaker, how growing up in Berkeley influenced his aesthetic, and how trial and error on set helped him develop a signature style now sought after by the world’s biggest artists and brands. We also talk about building longevity in a notoriously fickle industry, the role of mentorship, and how creating a healthy set environment makes all the difference. Colin doesn’t shy away from the gritty details: from the pressure of editing his own work, to managing the balance between creativity and business, to taking a conscious break from Instagram to reset his artistic mindset. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker or someone fascinated by what it takes to succeed behind the camera, this conversation is full of game and rare insights from one of the industry’s most visionary directors. 00:00 Transforming on Set: Embracing the Superman Side 02:03 Full Circle: From Fan to Collaborator 03:06 The Berkeley Influence 03:56 Learning Filmmaking Through Trial and Error 19:05 Creating a Positive Set Environment 23:34 Maintaining Longevity in the Industry 35:30 Transitioning from Music Videos to Commercials 37:28 Mentorship and Learning Patience 41:09 The Art of Editing and Collaboration 44:22 Challenges of Balancing Directing and Editing 45:30 Finding the Right Team for Each Project 51:19 The Impact of Social Media on Creativity 52:31 Taking a Break from Instagram 01:02:53 Understanding Film Management vs. Agents 01:06:18 Breaking into Commercials from Music Videos 01:11:10 Funding and Creating 'Mr. Happy' with Chance The Rapper 01:15:52 Building Trust and Relationships in the Industry 01:16:20 Working with Justin Bieber: Building a Long-Term Collaboration 01:23:11 Breaking into the Industry with Tyga & Chris Brown 01:25:19 The Role of Relationships in Career Growth 01:29:42 Iconic Projects: 'Alright' with Kendrick Lamar 01:33:43 Shooting a Commercial with Steph Curry 01:36:10 Final Thoughts and Reflections   Follow Colin Tilley Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

    1h 41m
  8. 5 ways to improve your focus by 20x WITHOUT adderall

    10/08/2025

    5 ways to improve your focus by 20x WITHOUT adderall

    In this solo episode, I unpack the silent killer of creative momentum: distraction. We live in a world built to hijack our attention: our phones, our feeds, our dopamine loops. It’s not that we’re lazy or unmotivated…it’s that our focus is constantly under attack. I share my personal struggles with what I call "creative erosion," the mental fragmentation that prevents us from sitting down and getting meaningful work done. This isn’t just about ADHD. It’s about a system that trains us into constant stimulation. If you've ever found yourself unable to read a book, finish an edit, or write a pitch without 17 interruptions, this episode is for you. I also give you five practical, stimulant-free tools that have radically improved my ability to focus. From raw dog walks (yup, no phone) to the surprising cognitive power of saffron tea. No gimmicks. Just real tools for real creatives.   00:00 Introduction 01:55 The Impact of Dopamine 02:14 Constant Stimulation and Its Effects 03:23 Mental Fragmentation 04:02 Personal Struggles with Focus 05:25 Creative Erosion 05:43 Attention Hijacked 05:50 Avoiding ADHD Medication 06:49 Five Tips for Sharpening Focus 06:54 Creating a Non-Negotiable Routine 07:46 Morning Routine Details 08:32 Importance of Routine 09:17 Weekend Routine Challenges 09:34 Focus Through Walks 11:01 Checklist Therapy 11:22 Using Notes App for Productivity 12:20 Prioritizing Tasks 13:48 Killing Notifications 15:12 Purposeful Phone Checking 15:25 Saffron Tea for Focus 16:07 Benefits of Saffron 17:04 Conclusion and 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

    20 min
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Ratings & Reviews

4.7
out of 5
9 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Ourselves
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Ourselves Podcast

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