Imitates life

Tripp Fusco

0.0 (0)
ARTS

Imitates Life is a podcast where creative professionals share honest conversations about their process, purpose, and the personal journeys behind their work. Hosted by filmmaker Tripp F., it’s a look at how creativity imitates life—and how life shapes the work.

JAN 2

Cooking that would insult my ancestors

Episode Summary In this chaotic and experimental "Cook With Me" episode, the host attempts to prepare a full meal while simultaneously breaking down the neuroscience of the creative flow state. It is a lesson in irony: while discussing the necessity of single-tasking, minimizing distractions, and priming your environment, the host is actively multitasking, burning peppers, and battling a cluttered kitchen. Despite the culinary disasters, the episode delivers a structured deep dive into the three phases of creativity: Priming (preparation), Maintenance (staying in the zone), and Recovery (the comedown). It’s an honest, humorous look at why we get addicted to "cheap dopamine," why your phone is the arch-enemy of productivity, and how to actually structure a creative ritual that lasts. Guest Bio In this solo episode, our host turns his kitchen into a recording studio to test the limits of his own advice. As a creative who struggles with the "shiny object syndrome" of modern technology, he uses this episode to explore research-backed methods for triggering flow states. Whether he is burning garlic or explaining hypofrontality, his approach is grounded in the messy reality of trying to be an artist in a world designed to distract you. Suggested links: Website: Thrifty50.co, Instagram: @trippfusco Show Notes [00:02:10] The "Gum Theory": Using sensory triggers like taste and smell to recall information. [00:07:38] Introduction to the three phases of flow: Priming, Maintenance, and Recovery. [00:09:33] Defining Flow State vs. Hyperfocus and the concept of "Hypofrontality." [00:16:02] The neurochemistry of reward: How cheap dopamine (Instagram/social media) hijacks your motivation for hard work. [00:18:06] Time optimization and the "Eat the Frog" method for prioritizing creative tasks. [00:25:15] Environmental control: Why your phone is the "arch-enemy of productivity." [00:31:22] The "Coffee Shop Effect": Why 70dB of ambient noise can actually boost creativity. [00:38:07] The Goldilocks Rule: Staying within 10% outside your comfort zone to avoid anxiety or boredom. [00:41:43] Psychological traps: The "Action Initiation Barrier" and "Analysis Paralysis." [00:47:37] The vital importance of the "Comedown": Why you need a recovery phase to avoid a dopamine crash. Hashtags #ImitatesLifePodcast #CreativeFlow #FlowState #Neuroscience #DopamineDetox #CreativeProcess #ProductivityHacks #DeepWork #EatTheFrog #Multitasking #CreatorBurnout #CookingAndCreating

1h 5m
10/24/2025

a rough history of art and humanity

Show Notes: In this episode of Imitates Life, Tripp reflects on how art and humanity have evolved together—how creative expression has mirrored our imperfections, beliefs, and shared need to make meaning out of chaos. Through a conversational, meandering look at early storytelling, religious art, modern media, and the philosophies that shaped them, he explores how creation itself has always been both a survival mechanism and an act of rebellion. The episode wrestles with the question of whether art imitates life or if life, through art, is how we learn to see ourselves at all. Topics Covered: •The origins of art as communication and connection •How mythology, religion, and early symbols built the foundation for modern storytelling •The tension between survival and expression in human creativity •Why imperfection in art reflects a deeper human truth •Reflections on how art has shifted from sacred to personal meaning •Philosophical insights on imitation, empathy, and self-awareness in creative work Follow for updates: Instagram: @thrifty50.co Website: thrifty50.co

53 min
10/03/2025

Huntr McMillan

Episode Summary In this episode of Imitates Life, Tripp and Huntr dig into the real pivot points behind a creative life. Huntr describes an on-set moment that shifted him away from chasing industry status and toward a calling grounded in service. He explains how preaching and campus clubs keep him close to real stories, why writing functions as therapy, and what it means to respect an audience’s time. The throughline is discipline: structure the work, show up consistently, and make something worthy of the hours people give you. Guest Bio: Huntr McMillan (Youth Pastor, Writer) Huntr McMillan is a youth pastor and writer who treats creativity as an act of service. He draws on screenwriting’s structure for sermon craft, writes early or late when life is busiest, and uses fiction to process complex experiences. His guiding principle: earn the audience’s attention through preparation, clarity, and care. Show Notes Guest: Huntr McMillan Host: Tripp Fusco Podcast: Imitates Life Episode Theme: Calling, craft, and creating for people—not applause Topics Covered: • The on-set “crossroads” that redirected Huntr’s path • How sermon structure and screenwriting inform each other • Writing as therapy and a way to metabolize hard days • Building consistency: treating creativity like a craft, not a mood • Respecting the audience’s time and attention • Moving from personal ambition to work that serves a community Mentioned Concepts: • Flow and discipline in weekly creative practice • “Don’t waste the audience’s time” as a creative standard • Craftsmanship mindset for writing and directing Hashtags #ImitatesLife #HuntrMacmillan #FaithAndCreativity #CreativeDiscipline #WritingLife #StoryCraft #RespectTheAudience #ArtistMindset #Podcast

1h 7m
10/03/2025

Clay by EJ

📖 Episode Summary In this episode of Imitates Life, Tripp sits down with clay artist EJ for a conversation about how the act of making—more than the outcome—became her guiding creative philosophy. EJ shares how she grew up around creativity without realizing it was unusual, and how clay became the medium that allowed her to reconnect with herself and others. They talk about failure, imperfection, and the small rituals that ground a creative practice. From her grandma’s paints to a studio filled with half-finished pieces, EJ reminds us that the process is the point. 🧑‍🎨 Guest Bio: EJ (Clay Artist & Process-Oriented Creative) EJ is a clay artist and tactile storyteller whose work centers on process, presence, and personal healing. What started as casual time spent watching her grandmother paint evolved into a grounded creative practice in ceramics—one that honors intuition, imperfection, and quiet rebellion. EJ's work explores the intersection of hands, memory, and intention. You can explore more of her creations and inspirations via: Instagram (suggested: link to personal account if known) Local ceramics co-ops and residencies (suggested: check if she mentioned any name) Potential Etsy or portfolio (if available from future episodes or links) 📝 Show Notes Guest: EJ Host: Tripp Fusco Podcast: Imitates Life Episode Theme: “Process over product: finding presence through clay” Topics Covered: Why failure is a vital part of creative practice The influence of EJ’s grandmother and early creative environments Starting with no outcome in mind Clay as meditation and memory Shifting from outcome-driven making to process-led creating Mentioned Tools/Concepts: Wet clay work Intuitive making Emotional regulation through art 🔗 Hashtags Use these for social posts across Instagram, Threads, or TikTok: #ImitatesLife #ClayArt #CreativeProcess #CeramicArtist #ArtistInterview #WomenInArt #ProcessOverProduct #HandmadeCeramics #ArtAsTherapy #EJClay #PodcastClip #CreativeHealing

1h 31m
08/22/2025

Forbes Shannon

📺 Show Summary In this wide-ranging conversation, Forbes Shannon shares how a life-altering brain injury became the spark for a career in writing, ghostwriting, and live comedy. As co-producer of Arizona After Dark, he’s carved out a space for serious storytelling—and serious laughter. Forbes dives into what it means to be a professional creative, why feedback is crucial, and how letting go of ego can unlock new levels of expression. 📝 Show Notes 00:00:00 – Intro: Tripp welcomes Forbes 00:05:00 – What is Arizona After Dark? 00:06:00 – Brain injury, relearning to read, and becoming a writer 00:08:00 – Ghostwriting journey and New York publishing deal 00:13:00 – Creativity as a profession vs. a passion 00:25:00 – Voice, tone, and writing with intention 00:42:00 – Performing essays during live comedy shows 00:58:00 – Receiving feedback without ego 01:11:00 – Creativity through wonder: the “no resistance” mindset 01:14:00 – Closing thoughts and purpose-driven work 👤 Guest Bio – Forbes Shannon Forbes Shannon is a writer, humorist, bestselling author, and co-producer of the Arizona After Dark comedy show. After surviving a traumatic brain injury in high school, Forbes found purpose through storytelling—and never looked back. He’s ghostwritten over a dozen books (including three bestsellers), helped companies craft thought leadership, and uses comedy to champion global mental wellness. Link Suggestions: Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/forbes... YouTube: ‪@Forbesfivehundo‬ Special: • Forbes Shannon Standup Comedy: C... Arizona After Dark: Monthly live show at 100 Mile Brewing Forbes' upcoming book: It’s Really Not That Serious (release details TBD) #WriterLife #CreativityUnlocked #ArizonaAfterDark #ImitatesLifePodcast #ProfessionalCreative #StorytellingForChange #NoResistance #BestsellingAuthor #ComedyAndHealing

1h 14m
08/20/2025

Cheyenne Nichol

📺 Show Summary In this episode of Imitates Life, creative entrepreneur Cheyenne Nichol shares the journey from nearly becoming a nurse to finding her voice behind the lens. Based in Knoxville, Cheyenne now runs her own full-time photo and video business, capturing everything from real estate shows to weddings. She opens up about learning on the fly, the meaning behind capturing intimate moments, and what it really means to “stick it out” as a creative. This conversation is equal parts real talk and real inspiration. 👤 Guest Bio – Cheyenne Nichol Cheyenne Nichol is a Knoxville-based filmmaker and photographer with a sharp eye for authenticity and a heart for connection. After pivoting from a path in nursing, she built a thriving creative business capturing real estate, events, sports, and life’s most candid moments. Whether she’s working with American Dream TV or documenting a private wedding vow exchange, Cheyenne brings curiosity, warmth, and professionalism to every frame. Link Suggestions: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dp_che... @dp_chey 📝 Show Notes 00:00:00 – Introduction to Cheyenne and her creative path 00:05:00 – From volunteering in a hospital to discovering filmmaking 00:07:00 – Starting her own LLC and working full-time in photo/video 00:14:00 – The emotional impact of capturing special moments 00:24:00 – What “creative” really means in everyday work 00:26:00 – Embracing discomfort and staying committed 00:36:00 – Mentorship, film school critiques, and the gap in hands-on training 00:42:00 – Saying yes to the unknown and teaching yourself along the way 00:44:00 – Cheyenne’s personal philosophy: keep going, try new things #CreativeLife #WomenInFilm #ImitatesLifePodcast #KnoxvilleCreatives #FilmmakerJourney #PhotographyBusiness #DocumentRealMoments #SelfTaughtCreative #CaptureConnection

45 min
08/20/2025

Javier Parra

📺 Show Summary In this episode of Imitates Life, audio engineer and creative builder Javier Parra takes us inside his journey from abandoned building sound booths to fully equipped, community-driven production setups. We dig into the sacrifices he made—financial, physical, and emotional—and how experimentation and service to others have defined his creative path. If you’re a gearhead, a filmmaker, or simply someone unsure of where your creative road leads, this episode will hit home. 📝 Show Notes (Segment Breakdown) 00:01:00 — Intro to Javier and his background in sound 00:04:00 — Discovering resonance and obsession with audio as a child 00:06:00 — College days and early DIY audio experiments 00:17:00 — Learning through helping others and recording sessions 00:26:00 — Debt, sacrifice, and working without sleep 00:35:00 — From solo work to community production at scale 00:55:00 — What branding really means for creatives 01:03:00 — Creative flow states and CamelBak water packs 👤 Guest Bio – Javier Parra Javier Parra is a media producer, audio engineer, and founder of Hypoterra Records, based in Flagstaff, Arizona. Known for his hands-on, gear-driven approach, Javier’s passion for sound began with elevator hums and evolved into multi-cam concert sessions and studio engineering. Through projects like Creekside Sessions, he cultivates accessible, collaborative creative spaces where community comes first. Link Suggestions: Instagram: @hypoterrarecords https://www.instagram.com/hypote... YouTube: Hypoterra Records ‪@hypoterrarecords‬ Creekside Sessions • Hypoterra Records First Ever Cre... #CreativeProcess #AudioEngineerLife #DIYProduction #ImitatesLifePodcast #CreativeSacrifice #FlowState #HypertyraRecords #FlagstaffCreatives #StorytellersUnite

1h 38m
08/05/2025

Nasson Carrillo

📺 Show Summary In this episode of Imitates Life, filmmaker and visual storyteller Nasson Carrillo opens up about the growing pains of being creative in public. From discovering his love for documenting travel to navigating the blurred lines between commercial work and personal storytelling, Nasson shares how he finds meaning behind the lens. Whether you’re trying to figure out your niche or redefine your “why,” this conversation digs deep into creativity as identity, process, and purpose. 👤 Guest Bio – Nasson Carrillo Nasson Carrillo (aka @FreeMason on Instagram) is a multidisciplinary filmmaker, editor, and visual storyteller based in Arizona. A creative since childhood, Nasson blends introspective moments with cinematic style, building work that’s both expressive and intentional. He’s known for turning personal memories into emotional narratives—and elevating everyday visuals into something enduring. Link Suggestions: Instagram:@freenasson 📝 Show Notes 00:00:00 – Intro: Who is Nasson, and what’s “FreeMason”? 00:01:00 – The importance of showing up and learning from scratch 00:15:00 – Finding personal meaning in video work 00:16:30 – From photo to video: filming trips for personal memory 00:19:30 – Wrestling with purpose: filmmaker, commercial artist, or PSA creator? 00:29:00 – Breaking out of creative autopilot 00:30:30 – Choosing emotional music over expected soundtracks 00:42:00 – Commercial art as gallery: pitching Hilton with ambient visuals 00:44:00 – Defining himself: just an artist, in every sense

47 min

8 Episodes

Imitates Life is a podcast where creative professionals share honest conversations about their process, purpose, and the personal journeys behind their work. Hosted by filmmaker Tripp F., it’s a look at how creativity imitates life—and how life shapes the work.

Creator

Tripp Fusco
Years Active

2025 - 2026
Episodes

8
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Thrifty 50 Productions LLC
Show Website

Imitates life