Creative Control

4.8 (62)
ARTS
UPDATED WEEKLY

The days of celebrities, athletes, and creators relying solely on their talent to build their brands is over. Today, it’s all about partnering with brands, investing in companies, or even launching a business of your own. Join host KC Ifeanyi each episode as he talks to one of the world’s most creative people about how their business endeavors intersect with, and grow, their creativity.

DEC 16

“Get greater later”: Hit-Boy on growth, boundaries, and building beyond music

Grammy-winning producer Hit-Boy has shaped the sound of modern hip-hop—crafting timeless records for Jay-Z, Beyoncé, Nas, Kanye West, and more. But behind the hits is a deeper story about creative ownership, personal growth, and learning when to let go. Recorded live at Fast Company’s Innovation Festival, executive director of editorial programming KC Ifeanyi traces Hit-Boy’s evolution from a teenage producer chasing opportunity to a creative leader rewriting his own rules. He opens up about being locked into a restrictive publishing deal for nearly two decades, how mentorship from Jay-Z helped him regain control, and why he now sees that period as a necessary part of his growth. Hit-Boy also dives into his creative process—why he treats beat-making like a video game, how rejection is baked into the job, and what it really takes to make music that lasts. He shares his perspective on AI as a creative tool (not a threat), his journey with therapy and mental health, and why setting boundaries has been essential to protecting his energy. Now expanding into film, brand work, and building a creative hub for the next generation, Hit-Boy describes this chapter of his life as a “software update”—a full reset, creatively and personally. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to ⁠https://www.fastcompany.com/news⁠ To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:⁠https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

34 min
NOV 11

Going Solo: Tracee Ellis Ross on the future of unscripted storytelling

Since its debut, Solo Traveling with Tracee Ellis Ross has become Roku’s most-watched unscripted original (show?) ever—igniting global conversations about self-discovery, independence, and the freedom of traveling alone. At Fast Company's 11th annual Innovation Festival this past September, Tracee and Brian Tannenbaum, head of Roku Originals, took to the stage for a candid conversation about how the series redefines unscripted storytelling and authentically reaches a unique audience, as well as why this experience has forever changed Tracee's expectations of creative and business partnerships. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

36 min
NOV 10

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH CHASE FOR BUSINESS - The Small Business Surge: Why Entrepreneurial Growth Is Defying Economic Noise

Small business owners are staying optimistic — three-quarters expect revenue gains despite ongoing labor shortages, inflation pressures, and economic uncertainty. Their confidence, fueled by strong demand and increased clarity around tax policy, is driving investment and innovation heading into 2026.

15 min
NOV 3

How Elvira Built a Brand to Die For

Cassandra Peterson, better known as Elvira, Mistress of the Dark, has spent nearly 25 years turning horror, humor, and high camp into an art form—and a solid business. In this bonus Halloween episode of Creative Control, Peterson opens up about her wild journey from Las Vegas showgirl to pop culture icon, discussing how to build a brand that lasts and her latest project that's been decades in the making: Elvira's Cookbook From Hell: Sexy, Spooky Soirées and Celebrations for Every Occasion. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

44 min
OCT 14

From the Werkroom to the MCU: Shea Couleé on where drag is heading next

Shea Couleé has become an undeniable force in drag, rising from Chicago’s local scene to snatching crowns on RuPaul’s Drag Race to breaking new ground in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Shea has been an integral part of drag becoming mainstream—and she has a few ideas on where it should be headed next. In this episode, Shea charts her creative journey through drag, lessons she’s learned in building a brand, how her Black and queer identities have turbocharged her creativity, her iconic debut in the MCU starring in Ironheart, and why more risk-taking in drag is what’s needed now more than ever. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

35 min
SEP 16

WNBA Star Jewell Loyd Is on the Road to a New Black Wall Street

Las Vegas Aces star Jewell Loyd has amassed a stack of staggering accolades: garnering two WNBA championships, two Olympic gold medals, and six WNBA All-Star nods, not to mention being anointed as the "Gold Mamba” from the late great Kobe Bryant himself. But Loyd’s impact goes beyond the court. In 2015, she and her brother launched Loyd & Co., a financial services firm they built to give underserved communities real access to capital, wealth-building tools, and long-term financial security. And in recent months, they've been ramping up their ambitions with several acquisitions that are expanding the firm's reach. In this episode, Loyd opens up about the inspiration behind her company, the impact they’re already making, and her audacious next step: creating what she calls a “bank with a soul.” For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

33 min
SEP 5

Fast Company's Innovation Festival Returns to NYC

In this bonus episode, executive director of editorial programming, Kc Ifeanyi, chats with editor-in-chief Brendan Vaughan about Fast Company's Innovation Festival 2025. They discuss the latest panels, and Fast Tracks, or what Brendan likes to call "field trips for grown-ups." This is where attendees visit the companies that FC reports on. Later, Brendan asks Kc about a moment at the innovation festival that "keeps him up at night." Fast Company's 11th annual Innovation Festival hits New York City this September 15-18. There's an incredible lineup of speakers, activations, workshops, dinners, and much more. It's going to be a packed week full of insights, networking, and, of course, innovation. Head to events.fastcompany.com to get the most up-to-date lineup of speakers and sessions. And use code "create20" for 20% off a Select Innovation Festival pass.

15 min
AUG 12

Risk, Reward, Repeat: Why Neon CEO Tom Quinn Bets Big on Bold Films

Neon couldn't burn any brighter than it is now. The film production and distribution company acquired the rights to six consecutive Palme d'Or winners at the Cannes Film Festival: Parasite (2019), Titane (2021), Triangle of Sadness (2022), Anatomy of a Fall (2023), Anora (2024), and It Was Just an Accident (2025). Parasite was the first foreign language film to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards in 2020. Longlegs became the highest-grossing independent film in 2024. Director Sean Baker won 4 Oscars for his film Anora tying with the one and only Walt Disney for most Oscar wins in a single night. All of this from a studio that's only been around for 8 years. Film industry veteran Tom Quinn cofounded Neon in 2017 and has marked a distinct lane for himself in a crowded and, let's be honest, less-than-innovative industry. In this episode of Creative Control, Quinn traces his journey from actor to executive and explains how he's positioned Neon to be the "anti-algorithm" in a streaming world. He also gives his perspective on what's holding the wider film industry back and what Neon needs now to make their success sustainable. For more of the latest business and innovation news, go to https://www.fastcompany.com/news To listen to the latest episodes of Creative Control on Fast Company:https://www.fastcompany.com/podcasts/creative-control

39 min

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4.8

out of 5

62 Ratings

A great way to spend an afternoon

07/08/2022

It's me petey

The conversation around creators of color with Annelise Campbell and Monica Veloz made me an instant fan! This podcast will make me a better marketer and the discussion was insightful, funny, and brought the audience in. Shout out to KC and the whole production team. Can’t wait to listen more!
OMG do I love this podcast! 🙌🏻

05/03/2022

LisaIsHereForIt

It’s obvious KC puts extraordinary effort in covering meaningful topics and finding guests that are authentic and truly care about being a positive force in the creative world - the insights they bring to bear are 💥kapow💥 moments every. single. time.
Inspiring

04/15/2022

elisavaz

I love to listen on my morning walk before checking on email/social/work, it helps me start my day off on a fresh & creative note.
Entertaining, insightful and actionable! 🔥

03/19/2020

obacker19

Whether you’re well established as someone who can translate creative energy into the impact you want to have on the world, or just getting started as a catalyst for change - this is a must-listen podcast for you! KC does an incredible job leading conversations that cover a huge breadth of topics related to the ins and outs of unleashing your creative spirit and living a life you can be proud of - from leaders who’ve actually walked the path. Highly recommend listening and subscribing!

The days of celebrities, athletes, and creators relying solely on their talent to build their brands is over. Today, it’s all about partnering with brands, investing in companies, or even launching a business of your own. Join host KC Ifeanyi each episode as he talks to one of the world’s most creative people about how their business endeavors intersect with, and grow, their creativity.