To Create is Human.

Jacob Christensen

(Previously Success is a Myth). You don't need to feel "creative" to know you are creating EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. But not if you don't realize it. 

  1. 11/03/2025

    010. Vulnerability Is a Creator’s Superpower / Mike Richy on Story, Impact & Being Yourself

    WELCOME MIKE RICHY TO THE POD In my conversation with Mike, we talk about story telling, authenticity, and the creative journey. But more than just another conversation about any of those things, we dive deep into his personal stories (and mine too) of growth and creative challenges.  My favorite topic today was covering the cost of not making an impact as a creator.  As well as: - What “story” means to Mike - The role of authenticity and courage in creative work - Mike’s creative inspirations, from Steve Jobs to Tyler the Creator - The challenges and rewards of building a creative business - The mission behind Viddy Studio and how it helps creators deliver their best on camera - Overcoming plateaus, burnout, and the fear of putting yourself out there - The importance of showing up, resilience, and long term vision for creators Follow Mike: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikerichy?igsh=MWJib29kMHQ3c2V1cw== Music: https://spotify.link/yvBdYv19UXb Viddy Studio: viddystudio.com Connecting Creators: https://www.youtube.com/@connecting_creators Follow Jacob: ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/ ➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr# Follow the podcast for more conversations like this:  ➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D# Timestamps: 0:00 Teaser / intro 1:48 What does the word "story" mean to you? 6:19 Who do you draw inspiration from? 10:34 Growing with an artist 13:16 Authenticity is courage 20:15 The cost of NOT making an impact 29:48 Being on camera is a DIFFERENT skill 32:06 Why tell my story? 35:41 the 1% and the 99% 43:18 Go straight through the discomfort 45:10 When I knew I had to be a creator 47:16 Viddy Studio pitch 49:49 Respect people's time 51:30 Why give back to creators 55:19 My ability to sleep at night is priceless 57:49 How to get back on the wagon when you fall off 1:02:34 What would you say to younger Mike

    1h 12m
  2. 10/09/2025

    009. Why You Should Document Your Life NOW / Kevin Pickard on Capturing Moments

    Why are the smallest, everyday moments often the most valuable? In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Pickard from Family Crest Studios, a filmmaker dedicated to preserving personal histories and family legacies through video. Kevin shares how his passion for storytelling grew from a personal experience, and why documenting memories (no matter how simple) can become priceless treasures for generations. Kevin reveals the art and heart behind life story films, the challenges of making subjects comfortable on camera, and the responsibility of honoring each person’s story with care and authenticity. What we go over: ➤ Why the “little things” and everyday moments matter most in storytelling ➤ Why it’s never too early (or too late) to start documenting your story ➤ The process of making people feel at ease and authentic during interviews ➤ Lessons learned from filming people with unique challenges, like memory loss ➤ The importance of always showing subjects in their best light ➤ How Family Crest Studios helps families preserve memories and legacies through video ➤ How success in this work is measured by meaning, not money I'm confident this conversation will inspire you to pick up a camera, or even just your phone, and start capturing your own story. Follow Kevin & Family Crest Studios: ➤ https://www.instagram.com/familycreststudios/ ➤ familycreststudios.com  Follow Jacob: ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/ ➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr# Follow the podcast for more conversations like this: ➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D# Timestamps: 0:00 Trailer 1:08 Intro 1:44 What does the word "story" mean to you? 4:11 Telling somebody's life story 7:09 Freezing moments in time 13:15 What's the most reiterated life advice people give? 14:31 The most fulfilling part about what you do 17:18 How long are these videos typically? 18:41 How to connect younger and older generations 23:32 Make your subject/customer their own HERO 24:48 How do you make the most watchable content? 28:03 Diving into the technical processes 30:19 I realized I needed to do this thing 35:20 Opportunities

    1h 14m
  3. 09/16/2025

    008. Lessons I Learned the Hard Way About Content & Success / Finding Fulfillment Over Hype

    What does it really mean to be “successful”? How do you keep chasing big goals without losing sight of what actually matters? In this episode, I flip the mic on myself to share the lessons I’ve learned the hard way about content, business, and fulfillment. Why chasing hype doesn’t last, and what it really takes to build a life you’re proud of. I talk about the mindset shifts that helped me find meaning in the work I do, the traps I’ve fallen into trying to grow too fast, and how slowing down can actually create more impact than constant hustle. What we go over: ➤ The biggest misconceptions about “making it” in content and business ➤ Lessons from early mistakes that shaped how I approach growth today ➤ Why chasing viral moments can backfire, and what to focus on instead ➤ How to find fulfillment even when the numbers don’t match your expectations ➤ Practical ways to create content that connects without burning yourself out ➤ Why long-term relationships and craft beat short-term hype every time Follow Jacob: ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/ ➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Follow the podcast for more conversations like this:  ➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ== Timestamps: 0:00 Why was I serving everybody? 3:41 Get into communities 4:02 A word about the pod 5:37 Nobody cares about you! 7:46 Who are you to people? 12:17 AI is here. 18:02 People DO judge a book by its cover. 20:56 Playing video games doesn't make you a lazy POS 22:09 Only talk to ONE person. 24:30 Pros to niching down 27:34 It should be your idea. 31:33 How I've learned to position myself 32:03 Outro

    34 min
  4. 08/25/2025

    007. How One DM Led to a 6-Year Client / Dustin Begovich on Reaching Decision Makers

    What does it take to land high-value clients, build a brand that stands out, and turn storytelling into real business growth?  In this episode, I sit down with Dustin Begovich, owner of Idaho Studio, a film production company serving agriculture and American industry for over a decade. Dustin shares how a single cold DM opened doors to major opportunities, why decision makers really do hang out on LinkedIn, and how bold storytelling beats hard selling when it comes to building trust and winning clients. What we go over: ➤ How Dustin built Idaho Studio into a trusted partner for agriculture and industry brands ➤ Why bold storytelling is more powerful than traditional sales pitches ➤ The strategy behind cold DMs that actually turn into business ➤ Why LinkedIn is where decision makers hang out (and how to reach them) ➤ The unique challenges (and opportunities) of creating content in agriculture & industry ➤ How to think about your brand’s story as the key to building a lasting legend Follow Dustin: ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinbegovich/ ➤ https://www.idahostudio.com/ Follow Jacob: ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/ ➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr Follow the podcast for more conversations like this:  ➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ== Timestamps: 0:00 Trailer 0:57 First time making something 3:10 Creativity is freedom 4:11 Doors being opened 7:57 Taking things to the next level 15:42 Why Idaho? 18:04 Why blue collar and agriculture? 19:55 (I screwed up the audio!) 20:36 Relationships are everything 23:35 Be a solid person 26:33 First gig in agriculture 28:36 People focus on their marketing 32:32 Balance between creativity and clients' needs 35:44 Growth as a creative 43:08 Spuds: The Documentary 46:57 Educating the general viewer about agriculture 49:03 What is success, instinctively? 52:03 What would you tell your younger self? 55:10 Any false milestones? 57:48 What mindset shift have you seen? 1:00:55 The MOST important skill to have 1:02:49 The other stuff Dustin's working on 1:05:07 What separates the 1% from the 99% 1:06:07 If not video, what would you do? 1:08:22 Most important factor for your business 1:09:10 LinkedIn is a CHEAT CODE 1:14:45 You need to play the long haul game 1:20:05 Stage 3 of success 1:22:26 Outro

    1h 23m
5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

(Previously Success is a Myth). You don't need to feel "creative" to know you are creating EVERY. SINGLE. DAY. But not if you don't realize it.