From Vision to Creation

Alexander Schmieding
  • 5.0 (19)
  • Entrepreneurship
  • Updated Weekly

Welcome to "From Vision to Creation," a podcast that dives deep into the minds of visionaries who pursued their passions and made their visions a reality. In each episode, we will have conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, industry leaders, & business owners, and will explore the mindset that fueled their desire to take their dreams from vision to creation. Hosted by Alexander Schmieding. New episodes every Thursday.

  1. 1d ago

    Omar Awan on Building The Car Guys, Luxury Cars, Risk & the Mindset Behind Success

    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with entrepreneur and automotive business owner Omar Awan for a powerful conversation about building The Car Guys, transforming a family business, working with luxury and exotic cars, taking calculated risks, creating valuable relationships, and developing the mindset required for long-term success. Omar’s journey began in Queens, riding alongside his father in a tow truck and spending his childhood inside the family auto shop. The son of Pakistani immigrants, he grew up watching his parents work relentlessly, balance multiple responsibilities, and build their lives without sacrificing honesty, integrity, or their commitment to family. Although Omar originally planned to become a lawyer, his direction began to change when people around him started referring to him as “the car guy.” What began as a nickname eventually became a calling—and later the foundation of an expanding automotive brand. Before taking control of the family business, Omar worked as an auto damage adjuster for GEICO. The position gave him behind-the-scenes access to some of the largest auto body shops, allowing him to study their equipment, employees, operations, strengths, and mistakes. Rather than viewing the job as a final destination, Omar used it as a strategic education that prepared him to build something of his own. Omar also opens up about the risks involved in scaling a business. From hiring the wrong employees and investing in expensive equipment to accepting projects he had never completed before, nearly every major decision required him to bet on himself and his team. He explains why entrepreneurs should take calculated risks while they are young, adaptable, and able to recover—and why becoming too comfortable can prevent people from reaching the next level. The conversation also explores how The Car Guys became connected to hip-hop culture. Omar discusses providing exotic cars for artists and music videos, working with French Montana, and how social media, rentals, networking, and word of mouth helped his brand gain cultural visibility. He also reveals his expansion beyond the automotive industry with the acquisition of The Beauty Loft in Manhattan, explaining how he evaluates new opportunities, surrounds himself with experienced people, and enters unfamiliar industries with a willingness to learn. This episode is packed with insight for entrepreneurs, automotive enthusiasts, family business owners, creators, young professionals, and anyone trying to turn a vision into a successful and sustainable business. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: How Omar Awan entered the automotive industry What he learned riding in his father’s tow truck How his Pakistani immigrant parents shaped his work ethic Why he originally planned to become a lawyer How the nickname “the car guy” changed his direction What working at GEICO taught him about auto body shops How to turn a job into a strategic education Why Omar purchased his father’s business How Northern Collision became The Car Guys How to modernize and expand a family business The challenges of taking over a company from a parent Why the first years of ownership were his hardest The risks involved in working with luxury and exotic cars Why hiring the wrong employees can be so expensive When entrepreneurs should take calculated risks Why comfort can prevent business growth How The Car Guys entered the exotic car rental industry How Omar began working with hip-hop artists What it was like providing cars for French Montana How social media helped grow his automotive brand Why networking is essential for entrepreneurs Why your environment influences your success How to learn directly from experienced people Why long-term thinking creates stronger businesses How one negative experience can distort your perspective Why successful people remain relentless Why you should surround yourself with people doing better than you How to identify the right industry and place to begin Why young entrepreneurs should attend networking events instead of only partying Episode Resources: https://www.thecarguysnyc.com/ https://www.thebeautyloftny.com/ https://www.instagram.com/omarthecarguy/ https://www.instagram.com/thecarguysny/ https://www.instagram.com/beautyloftny/ https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  2. 4d ago

    Ronnen Harary on Creating PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Spin Master & a Billion-Dollar Toy Empire

    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with Ronnen Harary, co-founder and former CEO of Spin Master, co-creator of PAW Patrol, and the entrepreneur behind some of the most successful toy and entertainment franchises in the world, for a powerful conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, failure, intuition, persistence, and building a multi-billion-dollar business. Long before Spin Master became the global company behind PAW Patrol, Bakugan, Air Hogs, and countless other iconic brands, Ronnen was a young entrepreneur with no experience, limited resources, and an idea inspired by a newspaper article his mother translated for him. That idea became Earth Buddy, a small grass-growing toy that helped launch Spin Master and eventually led to a meeting that changed the trajectory of the company. At only 23 years old, Ronnen walked into Kmart’s headquarters with no PowerPoint, no established track record, and only a box of products. After initially pitching the wrong buyer, he refused to leave, searched the building for the correct person, and secured an order for 48,000 units—with the possibility of an additional half-million-piece order. Ronnen explains why being young and inexperienced can be one of an entrepreneur’s greatest advantages. He shares why established companies often become too cautious, how conventional wisdom can prevent people from recognizing extraordinary opportunities, and why not knowing every possible risk can sometimes give founders the freedom to create something groundbreaking. Ronnen also shares the remarkable story behind PAW Patrol and explains how the globally successful children’s franchise was created during one of the lowest points in Spin Master’s history. After 16 consecutive years of growth, the company experienced major losses caused by rapid expansion, over hiring, and failing to give individual products the time and attention they deserved. Beyond toys and entertainment, this conversation explores Ronnen’s philosophy on intuition, authenticity, mentorship, artificial intelligence, personal alignment, and the importance of betting on yourself. He explains why doubt is “the anti-luck,” why asking successful people for help can be a gift to them, and why the risk of ignoring what you feel called to create may be greater than the risk of trying and failing. Ronnen also discusses his book, No Experience Necessary, and why he wanted it to serve as a supportive parent for young people who may not have encouragement at home. His message is not that every idea will succeed—it is that youth, curiosity, energy, inexperience, and the willingness to show up can become extraordinary competitive advantages. This episode is packed with insight for entrepreneurs, founders, creators, business owners, inventors, students, PAW Patrol fans, Bakugan fans, toy industry professionals, and anyone who has ever questioned whether they have enough experience to pursue an idea. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: How Ronnen Harary co-founded Spin Master How Spin Master created PAW Patrol and Bakugan Why being young and inexperienced can be a business advantage Why struggling in school does not mean someone lacks intelligence Why doubt can destroy momentum and opportunity How to know when to trust your intuition Why betting on yourself can be less risky than playing it safe How Spin Master developed the Air Hogs Sky Shark Why Ronnen passed on the opportunity to launch Beyblade How Bakugan became a billion-dollar global franchise Why attention to detail matters when creating products What failure teaches that books and advice cannot Why entrepreneurs should practice measured failure Why successful people often want to mentor young founders How AI is changing entrepreneurship and lowering startup costs Why change creates opportunities for smaller companies How young entrepreneurs can compete with large corporations Why you do not need to be the first person to recognize a trend How traveling can help entrepreneurs discover new ideas Why Ronnen wrote No Experience Necessary #RonnenHarary #PawPatrol #Bakugan #SpinMaster #Entrepreneurship #BusinessPodcast Episode Resources: https://www.ronnenharary.com/ https://www.instagram.com/noexpnec/ https://www.tiktok.com/@noexpnec https://x.com/NoEXPNec https://www.youtube.com/@NoEXPNec https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0FM6SR4BR?lv=shuf&channelId=500&plpRedirect=mhFallback https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  3. Jul 9

    Dr. Terry Dubrow on Botched, Plastic Surgery, Failure & the Truth About Success

    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with world-renowned plastic surgeon, television personality, and Botched star Dr. Terry Dubrow for a powerful conversation about plastic surgery, reality TV, failure, success, resilience, decision-making, and what it really takes to build a long-lasting career. Dr. Dubrow’s journey is anything but ordinary. Before becoming one of the most recognized plastic surgeons in the world, he spent years in intensive medical training, completing college, medical school, a 7-year general surgery residency, and a full plastic surgery fellowship before ever having a job. His path took him from UCLA Medical School to private practice, national television, The Swan, Botched, and eventually becoming one of the most trusted voices in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. In this conversation, Dr. Dubrow opens up about what first drew him to medicine, why plastic surgery became the “last Renaissance field of medicine” for him, and how one inspiring lecture changed the direction of his entire life. He shares why following your instincts matters, why inspiration should be acted on quickly, and why young people today have more access to opportunity and knowledge than ever before. We also dive deep into the emotional and ethical side of plastic surgery. Dr. Dubrow explains how surgeons determine whether someone is a good candidate for cosmetic surgery, why body dysmorphia is such an important issue in the field, and why he believes some of the most important decisions a surgeon makes are the patients they choose not to operate on. He also shares his honest perspective on the dangers of certain plastic surgery trends, including Brazilian butt lifts, oversized implants, overfilled faces, and unrealistic beauty standards. Dr. Dubrow also reflects on the evolution of reality television, from The Swan to Botched, and how plastic surgery shows have changed the way people talk about cosmetic procedures. He discusses the cultural impact of the Kardashians, Kris Jenner’s facelift, Kylie Jenner’s influence on lip filler and breast augmentation trends, and why celebrity culture can shift patient demand almost overnight. Beyond medicine and television, this episode explores Dr. Dubrow’s philosophy on life, success, anxiety, and failure. He shares why “this too shall pass” has become one of his most important life lessons, how to make better decisions by adding time between emotion and action, and why failure is often one of the most important statistical shots at success. This episode is packed with insight for entrepreneurs, creators, doctors, surgeons, business owners, reality TV fans, and anyone interested in plastic surgery, personal growth, career reinvention, and building a life that can evolve over time. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: How Dr. Terry Dubrow became a plastic surgeon What drew him to medicine and surgery Why one lecture changed the course of his life The reality of surgical residency and medical training What doctors are not taught about running a business Why plastic surgery is both medical and emotional How surgeons identify body dysmorphia Why some patients should not have cosmetic surgery The phrase Dr. Dubrow says defines a surgeon’s career The truth about Botched and fixing bad plastic surgery How The Swan changed his career overnight Why The Swan could never be made today The most dangerous plastic surgery procedures Why Brazilian butt lifts can be so risky How beauty standards have changed over time Why Kris Jenner’s facelift created a major trend How the Kardashians influence plastic surgery demand Why people are more open about cosmetic procedures today The most meaningful Botched transformation Dr. Dubrow remembers What plastic surgery taught him about humility How to make better decisions under pressure Why “this too shall pass” applies to both success and failure How to tell the difference between anxiety and intuition Why adding time can prevent impulsive decisions How visualization helps Dr. Dubrow manage anxiety Why humor can reduce fear before surgery The importance of multiple streams of income Why failure can become a path to long-term success #TerryDubrow #Botched #PlasticSurgery #FromVisionToCreation #Podcast Episode Resources: https://www.drdubrow.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drdubrow/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/between-us/id1055087175 https://open.spotify.com/show/0hppHggaVvoil87Shx1G1M https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  4. Jul 2

    Vanessa Simmons on Reality TV, Entrepreneurship, Rejection, and Building Success Beyond Run's House

    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with actress, entrepreneur, and television personality Vanessa Simmons for an inspiring conversation about creativity, resilience, entrepreneurship, and building a career beyond reality television. Known for Run's House, Vanessa grew up in one of hip-hop's most iconic families, watching her father, Rev Run, turn vision into reality while learning firsthand what it takes to build a lasting career. But while her family name opened some doors, it also created expectations that forced her to work even harder to prove herself as both an actress and entrepreneur. In this conversation, Vanessa reflects on growing up in the spotlight, filming Run's House at just 21 years old, and how reality television shaped her personal growth, business ventures, and creative journey. She shares what it was like becoming one of reality TV's earliest breakout personalities while staying authentic in front of millions of viewers. We also dive into the realities of entrepreneurship, from launching successful brands like Pastry to navigating business failures, pivoting after setbacks, and overcoming perfectionism. Vanessa explains why rejection is often the greatest teacher, how she's learned to embrace failure as part of success, and why simply taking the first step is often the most important one. Throughout the interview, Vanessa opens up about transitioning from reality TV into acting, dealing with industry stereotypes, finding mentors, protecting her energy, balancing motherhood with multiple careers, and learning to trust her intuition when making life-changing decisions. Whether you're an entrepreneur, creative professional, aspiring actor, or someone chasing a dream, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom about resilience, perseverance, authenticity, and creating a meaningful life on your own terms. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you'll learn: What it was really like growing up as Rev Run's daughter How Run's House changed Vanessa Simmons' life The biggest lessons she learned from reality television How she built successful businesses beyond television Why entrepreneurship requires resilience and constant adaptation How to overcome rejection and use failure as motivation Why perfectionism can hold you back from success The importance of mentorship and surrounding yourself with wisdom How Vanessa transitioned from reality TV into acting Why she had to prove herself despite growing up in the entertainment industry The mindset that helped her overcome thousands of "no's" How faith, journaling, and self-awareness guide her biggest decisions Why protecting your energy is essential for long-term success How she balances acting, entrepreneurship, and motherhood Why authenticity will always outperform perfection Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/vanessajsimmons https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  5. Jun 30

    Camille Moore on Personal Branding, AI, Entrepreneurship & the Real Secret to Long-Term Success

    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with entrepreneur, brand strategist, and founder Camille Moore for a powerful conversation about personal branding, business growth, content creation, AI, authenticity, and what it really takes to build a successful career in today's digital world. Camille's journey is anything but conventional. Growing up with limited resources, she learned early that success isn't about having advantages—it's about recognizing opportunities, developing perspective, and being willing to do the work long before anyone notices. Throughout her career, she has built brands, advised companies, and developed a unique philosophy around entrepreneurship that challenges many of the assumptions people have about success. In this conversation, Camille shares why she believes success leaves clues, why the most valuable lessons often come from studying people who have already achieved what you want, and why building a meaningful career is far more about consistency than overnight breakthroughs. She explains why many people underestimate the role of patience, why most successful businesses are built over years rather than months, and how long-term thinking creates opportunities that short-term thinking misses. We also dive deep into personal branding and the modern creator economy. Camille explains why strong brands require strong opinions, why trying to appeal to everyone often leads to being remembered by no one, and how developing a clear point of view can become one of the most valuable assets in business. She shares her perspective on authenticity, content creation, social media, and why people are increasingly drawn to individuals who are willing to be themselves rather than carefully curated personas. As artificial intelligence continues to reshape business, marketing, and content creation, Camille offers a refreshing perspective on what AI can and cannot replace. While technology can generate content at scale, she argues that human taste, judgment, lived experience, and unique perspective remain irreplaceable. The future belongs to people who can combine technology with authentic human insight. This episode is packed with practical lessons for entrepreneurs, creators, marketers, business owners, and anyone looking to build a brand, grow a business, or create meaningful work in an increasingly competitive world. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you'll learn: Why success leaves clues and how to recognize them The biggest misconceptions people have about entrepreneurship Why long-term thinking beats short-term thinking How personal branding has evolved in the digital age Why strong opinions help brands stand out The importance of developing a unique point of view How to stop worrying about criticism and judgment Why authenticity is becoming more valuable than ever The real reason many people struggle to build an audience How Camille built her career and business philosophy Why your background can become your greatest advantage What AI can and cannot replace Why taste and perspective are becoming more valuable How creators can thrive in the age of artificial intelligence The future of branding, marketing, and content creation Why consistency matters more than motivation The truth about overnight success How to build a career that compounds over time Lessons for entrepreneurs, creators, and business leaders If you enjoyed this conversation, be sure to like, subscribe, and share the episode with someone building a business, personal brand, or creative career. #PersonalBranding #Entrepreneurship #AI Episode Resources: https://camille-moore.com/  https://podcasts.apple.com/mv/podcast/the-art-of-the-brand/id1730097248  https://thirdeyeinsights.ca/ https://www.tiktok.com/@thecamillemoore  https://www.youtube.com/@The-Art-Of-The-Brand  https://www.instagram.com/camillemoore https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  6. Jun 25

    Will Dempsey on Going Viral, Quitting His Job for Music & Building a Country Music Career

    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with singer-songwriter Will Dempsey for an inspiring conversation about pursuing your dreams, overcoming fear, building a music career from scratch, and turning a viral moment into a life-changing opportunity. Growing up in Louisiana surrounded by country music and classic rock, Will always dreamed of becoming a musician. But after years of battling stage fright, earning a business degree, and working as a process technician in the chemical industry, he believed that dream had passed him by. Everything changed when a video of Will singing with his young son went viral, reaching millions of people online and reigniting his passion for music. In this conversation, Will shares the incredible story behind that viral moment, how he taught himself guitar and songwriting, and what it took to leave behind a stable career to pursue music full-time. He opens up about overcoming fear, learning to put himself out there, building an audience through social media, and creating a sustainable career as an independent artist without a record label. We also dive into the stories behind some of Will's most impactful songs, including Best Parts of Me and Beat You There. He discusses writing music inspired by fatherhood, grief, faith, and personal growth, and explains why authenticity continues to be the most powerful tool artists have in today's digital world. Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone considering a major life change, this episode offers valuable lessons about courage, persistence, creativity, and betting on yourself when the opportunity finally arrives. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you'll learn: How Will Dempsey discovered his love for music growing up in Louisiana Why he taught himself guitar and songwriting The stage fright that almost stopped him from pursuing music How posting songs on MySpace helped build confidence early on The viral video with his son that changed everything How social media helped launch his music career What it takes to succeed as an independent artist today Why authenticity matters more than perfection online How Will learned video editing, music production, and marketing himself The strategy he used before quitting his full-time job Why pursuing your passion doesn't require reckless risk-taking The story behind the hit song Best Parts of Me How Dana White helped amplify Will's music to millions The inspiration behind Beat You There How songwriting helped him process grief and loss Why music has the power to give people hope How Will balances creativity, business, and family life His approach to overcoming writer's block Why independent artists have more opportunities than ever before Advice for anyone afraid to start pursuing their dream Episode Resources: https://www.willdempseymusic.com https://www.instagram.com/willdempseymusic https://open.spotify.com/artist/6EwJep0jBRD2MMG3BLH6dd https://music.apple.com/us/artist/will-dempsey/1493773739 https://www.tiktok.com/@willdempseymusic https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  7. Jun 23

    BOYR!OT on Building a Pop Punk Band, Surviving the Music Industry & Finding Success in Hollywood

    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with BOYR!OT founders Brendan and Greg for an honest, hilarious, and insightful conversation about building a band, navigating the music industry, moving to Los Angeles, and staying true to yourself while chasing a creative dream. What started as a Tinder date in New York City eventually evolved into BOYR!OT, an alternative pop punk band determined to carve out a space that didn't previously exist. Together, Brendan and Greg share the unlikely story of how they met, why they left behind their former project, and how they found the confidence to fully embrace the music they always wanted to make. In this conversation, we explore the realities of pursuing a career in music, from creative burnout and artistic reinvention to social media algorithms, independent artistry, and the pressure to constantly create. Brendan and Greg discuss why the pandemic became an unexpected turning point in their lives, what inspired their viral-worthy single "Hollywood Nightmare," and why Hollywood itself serves as the perfect metaphor for the entertainment industry. We also dive deep into songwriting, creativity, authenticity, and the tension between artistic expression and public perception. The duo shares their unique songwriting process, the challenges of working together as both creative partners and a couple, and why some songs are simply meant to lead artists toward their next chapter. Throughout the interview, Brendan and Greg offer refreshing perspectives on resilience, community, rejection, success, and what it really takes to build a meaningful career in the arts. Whether you're a musician, entrepreneur, creative professional, or someone chasing an unconventional path, this episode is packed with valuable lessons about persistence, identity, and trusting your instincts. From conversations about pop punk, alternative rock, and the future of music to insights on Los Angeles culture, networking, social media growth, and artistic authenticity, this is a must-watch interview for anyone interested in creativity and the realities of building a career in entertainment. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you'll learn: • How a Tinder date led to the creation of BOYR!OT • Why they left their previous band and completely rebranded • How the pandemic changed their creative direction • The challenges of building a career as independent musicians • Why authenticity in art is often misunderstood • How Hollywood inspired their single "Hollywood Nightmare" • Their songwriting and creative process as a duo • How social media algorithms impact modern artists • Why consistency matters more than overnight success • The importance of community in Los Angeles and the music industry • How to handle rejection, uncertainty, and creative burnout • What they've learned from years of pursuing music professionally • How they balance being both bandmates and romantic partners • Their advice for aspiring musicians, artists, and creatives • Why trusting your instincts is essential for long-term success Episode Resources https://www.instagram.com/weareboyriot https://www.tiktok.com/@weareboyriot https://open.spotify.com/artist/18mjk6Y9mObd2iPynpGjUZ https://music.apple.com/us/artist/boyr-ot/1743474255 https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

  8. Jun 19

    Markian Tarasiuk on Hunting Matthew Nichols, Indie Film, & Making People Care

    In this episode of From Vision to Creation, Alexander sits down with actor, writer, director, and filmmaker Markian Tarasiuk for an honest and inspiring conversation about acting, indie filmmaking, creative resilience, self-distribution, and the making of his true crime horror film Hunting Matthew Nichols. Markian shares how his creative journey began in Winnipeg, Manitoba, from acting classes as a kid to landing a life-changing theater role at 14 years old. He reflects on the early lesson that shaped his career: even if you don’t get the role you want, you can still make the most of the role you have. That mindset would follow him throughout his career as an actor, writer, director, and independent filmmaker. We talk about the highs and lows of pursuing a creative career, including rejection, comparison, self-doubt, criticism, and the importance of celebrating small wins along the way. Markian opens up about what it really takes to stay grounded in an industry where so much is outside of your control, and why surrounding yourself with the right people can help you manage both success and disappointment. Markian also takes us behind the scenes of Hunting Matthew Nichols, his feature directorial debut, and shares how the film was inspired by true crime documentaries, found footage horror, The Blair Witch Project, Paranormal Activity, and the eerie atmosphere of Vancouver Island. He breaks down the long creative process behind building the story, developing the script, directing while acting, and creating a believable true crime mockumentary with a horror twist. This conversation also dives deep into the business side of independent film. Markian explains the challenges of pitching an unconventional movie, why production companies struggled to categorize Hunting Matthew Nichols, and how that eventually led him and his team to make and distribute the film themselves. From getting the movie into theaters to competing for audience attention against major studio releases, Markian shares the reality of what it takes to self-distribute an indie film. We also discuss the film’s unique social media marketing campaign, including fake controversy, rage bait, immersive storytelling, the fictional town of Port Rupert, and the interactive online investigation experience created for Hunting Matthew Nichols. Markian explains how his team used creativity, world-building, and unconventional marketing to generate millions of impressions and get people talking. At the heart of this episode is Markian’s powerful mantra: “Nobody cares. Make them care.” This conversation is a must-watch for actors, filmmakers, writers, directors, creators, and anyone trying to build something meaningful without waiting for permission. 🎙️ Hosted by Alexander Schmieding In this interview, you’ll learn: How Markian Tarasiuk first discovered acting as a kid Why a small theater role became a turning point in his life How to handle rejection, comparison, and creative setbacks Why “comparison is the thief of joy” is especially true for artists How actors can manage the highs and lows of the entertainment industry What it takes to memorize large amounts of dialogue Why Markian transitioned from acting into writing and directing How Hunting Matthew Nichols was inspired by true crime documentaries Why found footage and mockumentary films are difficult to pitch The biggest challenges of making an independent horror film What Markian learned from self-distributing a movie in theaters How indie filmmakers can think differently about marketing Why the Hunting Matthew Nichols campaign used fake controversy and immersive world-building How social media rage bait can drive engagement and visibility What it’s like to direct while acting in your own film Why preparation and instinct are both essential for directors How Markian learned to trust his creative vision Why creative success can be joyful, stressful, and overwhelming at the same time The biggest lesson Markian has learned: nobody cares, so make them care Why staying the course matters when building a creative life Episode Resources: https://www.instagram.com/marktaras https://www.instagram.com/fromvisiontocreation https://www.tiktok.com/@fromvisiontocreation https://www.instagram.com/alexschmieding Subscribe for more conversations with visionaries turning ideas into reality. This podcast is brought to you by Proper Placement — a full-service marketing agency helping businesses grow through social media, paid advertising, website design, email campaigns, and more. Learn more at www.properplacement.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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5
out of 5
19 Ratings

About

Welcome to "From Vision to Creation," a podcast that dives deep into the minds of visionaries who pursued their passions and made their visions a reality. In each episode, we will have conversations with entrepreneurs, artists, industry leaders, & business owners, and will explore the mindset that fueled their desire to take their dreams from vision to creation. Hosted by Alexander Schmieding. New episodes every Thursday.

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