Mountain Collective Podcast

Mourad Bahrouch

Conversations and reflections for creatives. __ https://mountaincollective.studio/

  1. 3d ago

    EP 223: Why Being Yourself Grows Your Agency Faster.

    Google Ads or Meta Ads? In this episode of Mountain Collective Podcast, I sit down with Lennard Steeman Ecomtrada.nl , a Google Ads specialist who built an e-commerce ad agency and went from white-label work to onboarding 16 clients in six weeks. We start with the Tesla flip stunt and then get into how Google Ads captures existing demand while Meta Ads creates it. We also cover ad fatigue, shrinking attention spans and what it takes to stand out as an agency in a crowded market. We also talk about AI and automation: why Leonard has automated roughly half his tasks, why you should start from a real problem instead of a cool tool, and whether Google can still compete with ChatGPT and Claude. We get into agentic checkouts and the future of webshops too. If you run or want to start an agency, freelance, or work in marketing, this one is for you. In this episode: Google Ads vs Meta Ads: demand capture vs demand creationWhy Google Ads doesn’t suffer from ad fatigue the way Meta doesWhy people choose people, not agenciesScaling 100x: fast spike or slow build?How Leonard went from boredom in Aruba to running Google Ads across the CaribbeanFake it till you make it vs real expertiseAI, automation and the “I can just build it myself” trapWill Google lose the AI race? Agentic checkouts and the future of e-commerceAuthenticity, LinkedIn cold outreach and building real connections __ https://www.instagram.com/lennard.ecomtrada/

  2. Sep 14

    EP 220: Stress, Recovery & the Nervous System: How to Regulate Stress, Build Resilience & Perform Better

    In this episode, Esty Zilberman & Mourad Bahrouch explore the science of stress, recovery, the nervous system, neuroscience, and human performance with Esty, founder of Build It Real. We discuss how the brain interprets reality, why stress itself isn’t inherently good or bad, and how homeostasis helps explain the body’s drive toward balance and safety. We also dive into WHOOP, wearable data, HRV, sleep, recovery, and self-awareness—and why you shouldn’t let a recovery score dictate how you feel. Instead, learn how to use data as information while staying connected to your own body. The conversation also explores how these principles apply to training, exercise, leadership, management, and the workplace. From gradually increasing physical or mental challenges to understanding an employee’s individual stress threshold, we discuss how leaders can create environments where people are challenged without becoming overwhelmed. Topics covered: Stress and nervous system regulationHomeostasis and the brain’s response to stressWHOOP, HRV, recovery and wearable technologySleep, exercise and physical resilienceHow to build tolerance to stress graduallyFinding exercise you actually enjoyNeuroscience and self-awarenessStress management in the workplaceLeadership, employees and psychological safetyHow managers can recognize when people are under- or over-challenged If you’re interested in neuroscience, stress management, nervous system regulation, recovery, fitness, leadership, workplace performance, or understanding yourself better, this episode is for you. __ https://www.builditreal.ai/

  3. Sep 8

    EP 219: is 3D dead?

    In this episode of Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad Bahrouch sits down with Romain Rosi to explore his journey as a 3D artist, from discovering Cinema 4D as a teenager to building a professional career in 3D, graphic design, and visual effects. Romain shares how his early fascination with animation and movie special effects led him to discover 3D, why learning through tutorials became such an important part of his creative development, and how he eventually turned a hobby into a career. The conversation also explores the evolution of 3D workflows, the power of rendering and node-based materials, and the creative possibilities of combining 3D, live-action footage, and AI. Romain and Mourad discuss the future of AI in the creative industry, why AI is not necessarily replacing 3D artists, and how the best results often come from using the right tool for the right problem. They also talk about craftsmanship, creative exploration, professional studio work, and the importance of building work that reflects your own style. Whether you are a 3D artist, motion designer, CGI artist, filmmaker, or creative professional interested in AI and the future of visual effects, this episode offers an honest look at the creative process, the evolution of 3D, and what it takes to build a lasting career in the industry. Topics covered:• Romain Rosi’s journey into 3D• Discovering Cinema 4D as a teenager• Learning 3D through tutorials and personal projects• The evolution of 3D rendering and node-based materials• Freelancing and working with creative studios• AI in 3D, CGI, and visual effects• Why craftsmanship still matters• Combining AI, 3D, and live-action footage• Building a creative career and developing your own style _ https://www.instagram.com/romain.rosi/

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Conversations and reflections for creatives. __ https://mountaincollective.studio/