Make It. Share It.

Kent Studio

5.0 (11)
ARTS
UPDATED MONTHLY

We explore the simple but profound process to overcome fear, doubt, perfectionism, and more enemies of creativity—make it and share it. We'll hear the stories of artists, writers, entrepreneurs, gardeners, and more to learn about their creative process, their challenges, and how they overcame them by making and sharing. Creativity, meet courage. kentstudio.substack.com

12/22/2025

Stranger Things and Why This Teen Actor Wants a Day Job

Join Kent and Coop as they sit down with 15-year-old actor, musician, and songwriter Graham Harvey in this inspiring conversation about navigating the entertainment industry while staying grounded. From his new role in STRANGER THINGS to appearances in NIGHT AGENT, RABBIT HOLE, and CHICAGO PD, Graham shares candid insights about the creative life, the importance of staying connected to reality, and his journey as both an actor and musician. This episode is a must-listen for young creatives, parents of aspiring artists, and anyone interested in the intersection of multiple creative pursuits. 🔑 THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS Stay Grounded in Reality - Even at the height of success, maintaining "normal life experiences" keeps your creative work authentic and prevents life from feeling fake. Embrace Multiple Creative Outlets - Pursuing both music and acting isn't a distraction—it's a way to feed different parts of your creative soul and bring fresh perspective to each discipline. Trust the Process - From auditioning for STRANGER THINGS to landing roles in major productions, persistence and consistency matter more than instant success. SOMETHING UNEXPECTED Discover how Graham's experience on the set of Night Agent, combined with advice from the lead actor Gabriel Basso about working a "normal job" (he's a welder!), completely changed his perspective on balancing the extraordinary life of an actor with the importance of everyday experiences. LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE FOR: Graham's incredible story of booking STRANGER THINGS and the nerve-wracking wait to see if he made the final cut Behind-the-scenes insights from working on major productions like NIGHT AGENT, RABBIT HOLE, and CHICAGO PD The wild "HOME ALONE moment" of racing through O'Hare Airport to get home in time to watch his Chicago PD episode air How Cooper's songwriting class helped Graham develop his musical voice Why 90s grunge (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam) resonates with a Gen Z artist How Graham navigates rejection in the entertainment industry and keeps moving forward RESOURCES & LINKS Follow Graham Harvey: Instagram: @instagrahamharvey Graham's Projects Mentioned: Stranger Things (Netflix) - Watch on Netflix The Night Agent (Netflix) - Watch on Netflix Rabbit Hole (Paramount+) - Watch on Paramount+ Chicago PD (NBC) - Watch on Peacock CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS 00:00 - Introduction & Congrats to Lauren on Storied Provisions launch 01:32 - Introducing Graham Harvey 02:00 - The 90s Music Question: Nirvana & Smashing Pumpkins 03:20 - Cooper's Backstage Nirvana Discovery Story 04:39 - Graham's Turning Point: Advice from Night Agent's Gabriel Basso 06:24 - Staying Grounded While Famous: The Counting Crows Documentary Story 08:06 - Starting with Movies: Graham's Recent Projects 09:18 - Landing the Stranger Things Role & The Audition Process 12:52 - The Nerve-Wracking Wait: Did He Make the Final Cut?15:45 - What It's Like to Be on the Stranger Things Set 20:10 - Comparing Different Production Experiences 23:30 - Balancing School and Acting Career 26:45 - The Creative Connection Between Music and Acting 30:15 - Cooper's Songwriting Class & Musical Development 35:20 - Writing Original Music: Influences and Process 38:50 - Handling Rejection in the Entertainment Industry 42:15 - Working on Night Agent with Gabriel Basso 46:31 - The Sharing Side: Release Day Nerves 46:51 - The Chicago PD "Home Alone" Airport Race Story 49:05 - The Baylor Connection: Derek Haas & Michael Brandt 50:48 - Closing Thoughts & How to Follow Graham 51:54 - Wrap-Up Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

49 min
11/06/2025

Five Years, One Salsa, and Why Creative Dreams Can't Be Rushed

Kent, Cooper, and Lauren pull back the curtain on their own creative journeys in this one. From the five-year evolution of a coffee shop dream to navigating the harsh realities of independent filmmaking, this episode is a tribute to persistence, faith, and the messy beauty of bringing creative visions to life. Discover how a fun conversation over homemade salsa became a thriving business partnership, why George Harrison of The Beatles financed a Monty Python film, and what it really takes to keep creating when the path forward isn’t clear. 🔑 Three Key Takeaways Dreams have their own timeline. Surrender control but don’t stop believing. Lauren’s journey with Storied Provisions shows how a dream that didn’t come true in 2021 or 2023 finally came alive in 2024, when the timing was right and the right people appeared. Share your work before it’s finished because other creatives are your greatest allies. From Monty Python getting funded by musician friends to indie filmmakers supporting each other, the episode reveals why bringing fellow creators into the process early is essential to getting things made. The hardest part isn’t the creating. It’s the business of making it sustainable. The real challenge is navigating the practical realities while protecting your creative vision. Something Unexpected Find out how Monty Python couldn’t get funding in America for decades, and how George Harrison casually wrote a check for over $300,000 just because he “wanted to see the movie” after reading the script for Life of Brian the night before. Plus, discover why Hollywood comedies became less funny in the 2000s (hint: it has everything to do with the international market). Listen to the full episode for: The complete story of how Storied Provisions went from a Pinterest board and a back-pocket dream to a real coffee shop, bakery, and mercantile, including the divine appointments and speed bumps along the way. Kent’s insights on the indie film journey for “One Night in a Thousand Years,” including the reality of applying for grants, self-funding, and why he’s choosing the independent route over studio deals. Cooper’s revelations from seeing John Cleese live, including why movies stopped being funny and valuable lessons about creative persistence from comedy legends who couldn’t break into their market. The importance of “Story Scripting” and defining your why before your where—a process that helped Lauren and her team stay focused on their original vision when new ideas and partners pulled them in different directions. Practical encouragement for anyone in the middle of a long creative journey who’s wondering if they should keep going. Resources Storied Provisions Instagram: @storiedprovisionstx (Follow along as Lauren and Sarah bring this dream to life!) Story Script Process: Connect with Kent Rabalais by replying to this email for guidance on clarifying your creative vision and staying on track with your dream project. Chapters 00:00 Introduction - Catching Up on What We’re Making 00:49 Lauren’s Story: The Genesis of Storied Provisions 03:33 The Bridgeport Birthday and Finding Inspiration at the Table 06:23 Meeting with Sparrow Collective and Learning to Let Go 08:56 The Homemade Salsa That Changed Everything 10:01 Why Story Script Matters—Staying Centered on Your Vision 16:35 What Storied Provisions Actually Is (and Isn’t) 20:30 Learning to Trust Your Gut and Say No to Good Ideas 24:45 The Challenge of Making It Sustainable 28:20 Kent’s Update on “One Night in a Thousand Years” 35:15 The Reality of Independent Filmmaking 42:30 Cooper’s Night with John Cleese 47:00 Why Monty Python Couldn’t Break America 57:46 George Harrison and the Power of Creative Friendship 59:01 Why Movies Stopped Being Funny in the 2000s 01:01:05 Final Thoughts: Keep Fighting the Good Fight If you’re in the middle of a creative dream that feels hard, impossible, or just unclear, this episode is for you. Subscribe to Make It. Share It. wherever you listen to podcasts, and join us as we learn what it really takes to make and share the things we’re called to create. Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

58 min
10/02/2025

Hybrid Publishing, Eternal Friendships, and Overcoming the Fear of Self-Promotion

On this episode of Make It. Share It. we sit down with author Brooke Ledbetter to discuss her new book Closer Than a Brother—an invitation to move from isolation into authentic, life-giving community. Brooke opens up about the unexpected journey that led her to write about friendship, from a last-minute pitch pivot to discovering that friendships aren’t just for this life – they’re eternal. She shares candidly about: * The turning point: A 2019 moment when obedience to God brought healing from severe depression * Finding your creative calling: How writing became her path after acting dreams faded * The hybrid publishing experience: Why Hope Books offered the perfect middle ground between traditional and self-publishing * Overcoming the insecurity of self-promotion: Reframing how we share what we create * Jesus as an actual friend: Using sanctified imagination to develop real friendship with Christ * Why friendship matters eternally: Investing in relationships that transcend this life Plus: Cooper goes off on platform culture, we discuss Pearl Jam’s “Yellow Ledbetter,” and somehow Sinbad’s McDonald’s bit makes an appearance. If you’re a creative struggling with the courage to share your work, or someone longing for deeper community – this conversation is for you. Resources * Book: Closer Than a Brother by Brooke Ledbetter (foreword by Lauren Chandler) * Connect with Brooke: Instagram @brooke.e.ledbetter * Brooke’s Substack: Fox & Swallow Chapters 03:33 The Pearl Jam “Yellow Ledbetter” connection 05:04 Brooke’s turning point: giving up something she loved and experiencing healing 08:19 The night-before-the-pitch moment when the book idea crystallized 16:38 Why having an editor is like having a music producer 22:20 The struggle with feeling like hybrid publishing was “cheating” 28:28 Dreams and Community Support 31:34 Overcoming Self-Doubt in Sharing Ideas 32:37 Taking the Leap: From Idea to Pitch 35:26 Discovering a Passion for Writing 38:35 The Importance of Trying New Things 45:07 Navigating Self-Promotion and Sharing Work 46:22 The main insight: friendship with Jesus as practice, not just theology Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

50 min
08/17/2025

Stop Trying to Be Michelangelo

What's inspiring us now: creative books, vintage music, and overcoming the lies that kill our art. Three Key Takeaways Stop reading books that feel like work. Cooper's current approach to books: ditch the business/self-help books that feel like trudging through mud. Use AI for 2-page summaries and focus your reading time on stories, characters, and creative narratives that actually spark ideas. Your creative calling might not look like what you expected. Sometimes you're not meant to be Michelangelo with the blank marble—you might be the person who comes in at year two to help perfect the masterpiece. Finding your true creative role can be more fulfilling than chasing someone else's definition of success. The lies we tell ourselves are often half-truths. "You should probably quit. You're not talented enough. No one's listening." Instead of dismissing these thoughts entirely, learn to work with the parts that might be true while rejecting the destructive conclusions. Something Unexpected Discover how going back to 60s and 70s music (with actual fret buzz left in the recordings!) can revolutionize your creative output, and why Cooper is writing his first TV pilot for an actor he hasn't spoken to in decades. Listen to the full episode for: * Book recommendations that will change how you think about creativity (including two fiction novels that will make you cry and see art differently) * The collaboration vs. solo creation debate and why even introverts need creative partners * Lauren's mysterious passion project that's been 4 years in the making (and you'll be able to visit it!) * Cooper's brilliant strategy for getting past creative imposter syndrome * Why your dad listening to your song every morning might be the only success metric that matters Resources Mentioned Books: * My Friends by Friedrich Bachmann * Theo of Golden by Allen Levi * The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson * Platforms to Pillars by Mark Sayers * The Second Mountain by David Brooks Substack Post * “You Should Probably Quit” by Craig Cunningham Quote of the Episode: "I simply help people sit still long enough to see what is already there." -Theo of Golden by Allen Levi Chapters * 00:00 What's inspiring us lately * 03:10 Cooper's reading revolution * 16:41 Collaboration vs. radical individualism * 25:42 Creativity in crisis situations * 30:51 The power of community in creative work * 40:53 The lies we tell ourselves about our work * 53:30 Current projects we're working on Make It. Share It. is the podcast where creativity meets courage. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join our community of creators who are brave enough to make something and generous enough to share it. Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

56 min
06/25/2025

Praise Him: From Lullaby to Live Recording

In this episode of Make It Share It, Lauren Chandler shares the vulnerable journey behind her worship song "Praise Him," from initial inspiration to live recording. Lauren wrote the song as a gift for her children—something they could carry throughout their lives to remind them to praise God in every season. What started as a simple lullaby-like melody evolved through multiple iterations, including a tough moment when she first shared the unfinished song with a group and battled her fear of not being "good enough." We discuss the critical role of feedback and collaboration, including how Nathan Nockels helped unlock the final chorus, Michael Bleecker championed the song's potential, and Grant McCurdy encouraged the unique value of the live worship recording. Lauren shares a powerful moment watching a grieving mother worship through the song's lyrics about praising God even when the harvest’s yield is lost. The episode concludes with Lauren connecting the song to A.W. Tozer's concept of "The Sacrament of Living"—that every creative moment can be an act of worship and priestly ministry. Links To Resources Mentioned In The Show The Pursuit of God Adorning The Dark Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:42 Inspiration and Creative Endeavors 06:31 The Birth of 'Praise Him' 09:08 Songwriting Process and Vulnerability 11:51 Feedback and Collaboration in Music 17:39 Recording and Releasing 'Praise Him' 20:29 The Impact of Music on Worship 23:04 Navigating the Music Industry 28:48 Embracing Authentic Worship Sound 30:40 The Value of Different Worship Models 32:20 Navigating the Inner Critic in Creativity 33:30 The Courage to Create and Share 40:26 The Evolution of Praise Him 44:49 Finding God in Everyday Moments Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

49 min
05/22/2025

Yellow Pads, Sharpies, and Dragons

Kyle Worley joins the Make It. Share It. crew for a conversation about the creative process. Kyle is the Lead Pastor of Mosaic Church in Richardson, Texas, the author of the recent books "Home with God: Union with Christ" and “Formed For Fellowship,” and a co-host on the Knowing Faith podcast. Hear how a college philosophy professor transformed his thinking, why he starts every project with a yellow legal pad and Sharpie, and the surprising challenges of writing children's books. From his disciplined Friday afternoon writing routine (complete with jujitsu and protein shakes) to discovering characters in his John the Baptist fiction project, Kyle offers practical insights into balancing multiple creative projects. He also gets refreshingly real about the challenges of "sharing" versus "making" – and why he'd rather write than promote any day. Whether you're wrestling with creative discipline, wondering about the role of formal training, or navigating the overwhelming world of book promotion, this conversation offers both encouragement and practical wisdom for the creative journey. Creative Resource Referenced On The Show: Writing Down The Bones *Edit - Must include a link to pre-order Kyle’s children’s book: “The Dragon Slayer and His Super Special Suit,” after all that dragon talk at the end! Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Creativity and Friendship 05:32 Turning Points in Life and Creativity 08:00 The Creative Process: Writing and Sharing 16:58 The Journey of Writing: From Inspiration to Execution 25:41 Creative Community and Collaboration 27:50 The Balance of Making and Discussing Creativity 30:47 Navigating Feedback and Honest Conversations 30:50 Exploring Fiction Writing 42:00 The Challenges of Sharing Creative Work Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

53 min
04/02/2025

The New Radicals Great Escape And What It Means For Creators

In this episode of Make It. Share It., we discuss what happens when success comes knocking, but it's wearing the wrong shoes. We explore: * The surprising story of Gregg Alexander and New Radicals, who broke up their band by press release after their hit single "You Get What You Give" topped charts * How Alexander discovered that his true calling wasn't being a pop star, but creating music itself * The different paths creative people take when fame doesn't match their expectations * Stories of musicians like Gwen Stefani's brother who walked away from a successful band to pursue a different life * The freedom that comes from creating for the right reasons, not just for acclaim 💡 Quote Worth Sharing: "The only reward I have ever felt at all is if someone else is inspired to go do something because of something I made." Chapters 00:00 The New Radicals and Personal Connections to Music 02:44 The Impact of Fame and the Music Industry 05:45 Songwriting and the Art of Composition 09:11 The Dichotomy of Fame: Desire vs. Reality 12:13 The Stories of Artists Who Walked Away 15:17 The Journey of Creative Expression 18:14 The Struggles of Life on the Road 21:14 Reflections on Success and Artistic Integrity 24:57 The Artistic Struggle: Balancing Hits and Authenticity 28:05 Finding Purpose in Creation: A Christian Perspective 28:55 Inspiration as the True Reward 30:49 The Influence of Parental Expectations on Creativity 33:00 Hope Amidst Struggles: A Christian's Journey 34:11 What Works? The Dangers of Following Formulas 36:08 The Price of Fame: Lessons from Adam Duritz 40:10 Chasing Dreams: The Reality of Success 42:22 The Burden of Fame: A Reflection on Jesus 48:47 Creating for Joy: The Uplifting Message Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

52 min
02/25/2025

More Than Just Golf

On this episode of Make It. Share It. we explore Kyle Porter's fascinating journey as a writer and entrepreneur. From Oklahoma State fan site creator to CBS's top golf writer, Kyle reveals what inspired him to start his own independent newsletter, Normal Sport. Kyle opens up about a profound turning point in his life—losing his daughter in 2015—and how this tragedy deepened his faith, shaping both his personal life and professional approach to writing. He discusses finding the perfect balance between humor and depth in his content, noting that he aims for "80-90% funny and lighthearted, then 10% taking you below the line." The conversation examines the challenges of building a business from scratch, growing an audience authentically, and staying disciplined amid endless creative possibilities. Kyle also shares his upcoming projects, including some fun Normal Sport merch and a children's golf book. Something Unexpected: Discover why Kyle believes the most powerful stories in golf come not from the winner's circle, but from those processing the pain of near-misses and defeat. Resources Mentioned In The Show: Here is the Tim Keller quote on suffering that Kyle references from Keller’s book Walking With God Through Pain and Suffering: Suffering ‘plants the flag of truth within the fortress of a rebel soul.’ Here is a link to the book Joy In The Sorrow where you can find Kyle’s chapter on losing his daughter and many other poignant essays. Listen to the full episode for: * Kyle's insights on writing about sports without taking it too seriously * The entrepreneurial challenges of growing a niche newsletter * Why writing a children's book is surprisingly more difficult in some ways than writing for adults Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest 01:51 Kyle Porter's Journey in Golf Writing 08:22 Turning Points in Life and Faith 12:36 The Birth of Normal Sport 16:37 The Creative Process of Writing 27:33 Balancing Humor and Depth in Communication 30:08 The Importance of Authenticity in Storytelling 33:25 The Value of Unconventional Paths in Careers 36:57 Strategies for Growing an Audience 43:03 Creating Meaningful Products for Families 48:52 The Art of Storytelling and Overcoming Obstacles Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

55 min

5

out of 5

11 Ratings

Creatives podcast

02/05/2024

Zacsimmonstx

If you work, hobby, dabble, or just enjoy being creative, this podcast is for you.

We explore the simple but profound process to overcome fear, doubt, perfectionism, and more enemies of creativity—make it and share it. We'll hear the stories of artists, writers, entrepreneurs, gardeners, and more to learn about their creative process, their challenges, and how they overcame them by making and sharing. Creativity, meet courage. kentstudio.substack.com

Creator

Kent Studio
Years Active

2023 - 2025
Episodes

27
Rating

Clean
Copyright

© Kent Studio
Show Website

Make It. Share It.

Comedy

Comedy

Updated Weekly