Almost Creative Podcast

Almost Creative
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New Episode every Wednesday! Hey Creatives! Almost Creative is the podcast for creative entrepreneurs who are building a business that revolves around what they love. Hosts Travis & Christian dive deep into the realities of branding, marketing, and running a creative business. If you are a photographer, videographer, or any other creative trying to thrive and not just survive. Each bi-weekly episode features real talk, rants, and conversations with others who've turned passion into profit and can help you do the same. Stay Creative.

  1. The Truth About Running a Creative Business (30 Years of Experience) | Paul Nelhart

    APR 29

    The Truth About Running a Creative Business (30 Years of Experience) | Paul Nelhart

    In this episode, we sit down with Paul Nelhart, a growth consultant with 30+ years of experience in sales, marketing, and business development. But his real focus isn’t tactics—it’s people. We break down why so many creatives struggle to grow, not because of their skill, but because of identity, communication, and the way they approach their work. This conversation challenges how you think about business, self-awareness, and what it really takes to build something sustainable. In this episode, we cover: Why business is really about people, not tacticsThe identity trap creatives fall into“Covert contracts” and hidden expectationsWhy communication is often the biggest bottleneckWork-life balance vs entrepreneurial guiltBuilding a business that aligns with who you areTimestamps:0:00 Intro + Who is Paul Nelhart1:30 Paul’s background (30 years in business)3:30 What consulting actually means5:30 Identity vs work (creative struggle)8:30 Work-life balance vs entrepreneurial guilt11:30 Hobby vs career conflict13:00 The biggest struggle in business13:15 Covert contracts explained15:30 Real-world example (wedding story)21:00 Why communication drives growth27:00 Scaling, leadership, and letting go36:00 Systems, hiring, and delegation42:00 Growth plateaus + self-awareness48:00 Final advice + key takeaways If you want to better understand yourself as a creative, improve how you communicate with clients, and build a business that actually fits your life, this episode is packed with insights you can start applying immediately. Follow Almost Creative:Instagram: @almostcreativepodTravis: @trheberlingChris: @chrisshootsvideoYouTube: Almost Creative

    53 min
  2. The Questions Every Videographer Asks (Answered)

    APR 15

    The Questions Every Videographer Asks (Answered)

    After a stretch of travel, client work, and a packed schedule, we’re back and getting back to basics. This episode is a relaxed, FAQ-style conversation built around the questions we get asked all the time. From what camera you should buy to whether AI is actually replacing creatives, we break it all down in a way that makes sense, especially if you’re just getting started. We also talk about where the industry is heading, why entry-level creatives are feeling the pressure, and how to position yourself so you don’t get left behind. In this episode: • What camera you should actually buy (and when) • The difference between hobbyists, hustlers, and high-end creatives • Is AI replacing videographers or just changing the game? • Why taste and direction matter more than gear • How to approach getting started the right way Follow us: Instagram: @almostcreativepod Travis: @trheberling Chris: @chrisshootsvideo YouTube: Almost Creative

    56 min
  3. The people skills you're missing (From HR) | EP 26

    APR 1

    The people skills you're missing (From HR) | EP 26

    In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with a special guest to talk about the side of creative work most people overlook - people. We break down how working with clients, teams, and collaborators actually shapes your success, and why communication, expectations, and professionalism matter just as much as your creative skill. This conversation covers real-world scenarios creatives face every day - from handling difficult situations to building trust, setting boundaries, and creating long-term opportunities through the way you work with others. If you’re a creative entrepreneur trying to grow your career, get better clients, and operate at a higher level, this episode will challenge how you think about communication and professionalism. Follow us on Instagram: @almostcreativepodWatch on YouTube: Almost Creative

    3 min
  4. Why ADHD Isn’t a Weakness in Business (Steve Long) | EP 25

    MAR 25

    Why ADHD Isn’t a Weakness in Business (Steve Long) | EP 25

    In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with Steve Long, co-founder of Blink Tee's to talk about what it really looks like to run a business with ADHD. Steve shares his experience navigating focus, dopamine, and motivation, and why ADHD can be a creative advantage when understood properly. We discuss entrepreneurship, leadership, unfinished ideas, and how understanding ADHD can improve communication, relationships, and business outcomes. This conversation isn’t just for people diagnosed with ADHD. It’s for anyone working with clients, partners, or teammates who think and operate differently. In this episode:• What ADHD actually is beyond the stereotypes• Why ADHD can function like a creative advantage• Dopamine, focus, and motivation• Why starting is easy but finishing is hard• How ADHD impacts leadership, marriage, and teamwork• Tools and frameworks that actually help If you're a creative entrepreneur trying to build systems that work with your brain, not against it, this episode will change how you think about focus and productivity.

    49 min
  5. Why Your Memories Won’t Last Forever (And What To Do About It) (John Doherty) | EP 24

    MAR 11

    Why Your Memories Won’t Last Forever (And What To Do About It) (John Doherty) | EP 24

    In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with John Doherty, founder of The Family Album Company, to talk about why preserving memories isn’t just nostalgic, it’s a creative responsibility. John shares how he went from institutional archival work to helping families preserve photos, films, and stories before they’re lost forever. We discuss deteriorating media, the emotional power of pairing voice with imagery, and why waiting “until later” is often too late. This conversation explores legacy, long-term thinking, and the role creatives play in preserving history for future generations. In this episode:• Why physical media quietly deteriorates over time• How digitization preserves family and cultural history• The emotional power of voice paired with imagery• Why most people wait too long to preserve memories• What creatives can learn about legacy and long-term value If you're a filmmaker, creative entrepreneur, or storyteller who wants their work to matter long after today, this episode is for you. Follow the podcast on Instagram @almostcreativepod for new episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

    41 min
  6. How Rachael Watson Built a Referral-Driven Wedding Photography Business | EP 23

    FEB 25

    How Rachael Watson Built a Referral-Driven Wedding Photography Business | EP 23

    In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with Chicago wedding photographer Rachael Watson to break down what actually builds a sustainable wedding photography business, and why client experience often matters more than the photos themselves. Rachael shares how she built a referral-driven wedding photography brand over the past decade, how strong relationships consistently outperform paid ads, and what it really takes to create an unforgettable experience for couples from inquiry to delivery. We dive into the systems behind a thriving photography business, inquiry calls, timelines, vendor relationships, associate photographers, and scaling without sacrificing quality or consistency. This conversation isn’t about hacks or shortcuts. It’s about trust, reputation, and building a wedding photography business that lasts. If you’re a wedding photographer or creative entrepreneur looking to book better clients, generate consistent referrals, and grow a business that supports your life , this episode is packed with practical insight from someone who’s done it for over 10 years. Follow The Almost Creative Podcast for more real conversations about wedding photography, creative business, and building a sustainable career in the wedding industry.

    44 min
  7. Why Most Creatives Struggle With Money (And How to Fix It) (Jose Cuevas) | EP 22

    FEB 11

    Why Most Creatives Struggle With Money (And How to Fix It) (Jose Cuevas) | EP 22

    In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we sit down with a financial advisor to talk about the money conversations most creatives avoid — budgeting, taxes, long-term planning, and financial freedom. We break down why freelancers and creative business owners often ignore their finances, the hidden cost of constantly reinvesting in gear, and how having a real financial plan can create more stability, freedom, and better creative work. This isn’t about getting rich quick. It’s about building a sustainable creative career, reducing stress around money, and putting yourself in a position to choose better projects long-term. If you’re a freelancer or creative entrepreneur who wants clarity, confidence, and control over your finances, this episode is for you.

    43 min
  8. Podcasts & Retainers: When Monthly Clients Make Sense "Niches are in the Riches" | EP 21

    JAN 28

    Podcasts & Retainers: When Monthly Clients Make Sense "Niches are in the Riches" | EP 21

    In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we bring back our Riches in the Niches series and dive deep into one of the most talked-about topics in the creative industry: podcast retainers Retainer clients are often pitched online as the ultimate path to stability but are they actually the best move for videographers and creatives? We break down when retainers do make sense, when they don’t, and why podcasts are one of the few niches where recurring work can truly work long-term.💬 Inside this episode:✅ Why retainers aren’t a “golden bullet” for every creative✅ What types of industries actually benefit from monthly content✅ How podcasts naturally lend themselves to retainer relationships✅ How we package and price podcast work (real numbers included)✅ Why consistency, availability, and niche matter more than hype✅ How podcasters can monetize beyond views (affiliates, sponsors, relationships)✅ Gear, setup, and workflow considerations for sustainable podcast productionIf you’re a videographer, filmmaker, or creative thinking about offering retainers — or being pushed by online gurus to chase them — this episode brings real-world clarity from creators actually doing the work 📌 Timestamps00:00 – Intro ( Riches in the Niches)02:52 – Retainers vs One-Off Projects06:12 – When Retainers Don’t Make Sense08:24 – The Reality of Retainer Income13:07 – How We Price Podcast Production22:18 – When It’s Okay to Outgrow Clients24:13 – How Podcasts Actually Make Money30:11 – Our Recommended Podcast Gear Setup35:25 – YoloBox Extreme vs Other Switchers36:41 – Final Takeaways & Recap📲 Follow Us🎙️ Podcast: @almostcreativepod📸 Travis: @trheberling📸 Chris: @chrisshootsvideo📺 YouTube: Almost Creative🎁 Free Tools & Resources📄 FREE Pricing Template → https://bit.ly/wedding-pricing-template🎧 Music (SoundStripe) → https://soundstripe.com?fpr=almostcre...🎬 Wedding Day Kit → https://kit.co/trheberling/wedding-video💡 Lighting Kit → https://kit.co/trheberling/lighting✂️ AI Clipping Tool (Opus) → https://www.opus.pro/?via=almostcreative📋 CRM (17 Hats) → https://referrals.17hats.com/?r=gspzs📌 Subscribe for more conversations on creative business, niches, and building work that lasts. Follow us on Instagram @almostcreativepod for new episodes and behind-the-scenes content.

    38 min
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About

New Episode every Wednesday! Hey Creatives! Almost Creative is the podcast for creative entrepreneurs who are building a business that revolves around what they love. Hosts Travis & Christian dive deep into the realities of branding, marketing, and running a creative business. If you are a photographer, videographer, or any other creative trying to thrive and not just survive. Each bi-weekly episode features real talk, rants, and conversations with others who've turned passion into profit and can help you do the same. Stay Creative.

Information

  • Creator
    Almost Creative
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Almost Creative
  • Show Website
    Almost Creative Podcast