Ourselves Podcast

Ourselves
  • 5.0 (5)
  • VISUAL ARTS
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Ourselves Podcast

OURSELVES is the world’s first open-source podcast that dives deep into the worlds of creativity, culture, & personal growth. Hosted by film & music video director Arrad, each episode brings you unfiltered conversations with visionary artists, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future. From behind-the-scenes stories of groundbreaking projects to candid discussions about mental health, reinvention, and navigating the creative industry, OURSELVES is your space to feel inspired, challenged, and connected. Made by ourselves, for ourselves.

Episodes

  1. How RealestK Went from a $40 Music Video to Millions of Streams

    5 DAYS AGO

    How RealestK Went from a $40 Music Video to Millions of Streams

    In this exclusive interview, rising R&B star RealestK sits down to discuss his meteoric rise from the depths of Toronto’s music scene to TikTok stardom. He reveals how he cracked the TikTok algorithm, turning covers into a dedicated fanbase and leveraging viral momentum to build a real music career. RealestK shares intimate details about his personal struggles, including dealing with an eating disorder, and how his relentless passion for music kept him going. Discover the behind-the-scenes story of his viral hits like 'Wait For Me' and 'Toxic,' created with minimal resources yet resonating with millions. He also opens up about the pressures of sudden fame, touring challenges, and the pivotal advice from his family that fueled his success. This candid conversation offers a raw look into the life of one of music’s most promising young talents. 00:00 Intro01:26 Family and Cultural Influences03:59 Discovering Music Passion07:28 The Birth of Realest K10:40 TikTok Strategy and Success16:09 Building a Core Audience19:00 First Viral Hit: Wait For Me22:23 Navigating Early Success29:50 Balancing Life and Music37:43 The Breakthrough Moment38:05 Discovering the Perfect Beat44:38 Struggles with Social Media45:43 The Viral Chandelier Video46:01 School and Social Media Clash57:55 The Big Break01:04:24 Proving Yourself in the Industry01:05:38 Navigating the Business Side01:07:13 Financial Success and Lessons Learned01:08:28 The Reality of Major Labels01:21:59 Touring with NAV and Overcoming Adversity01:30:23 Lessons from Performing Live01:39:16 Advice for Aspiring Artists   Follow RealestK Follow Arrad (podcast host)    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC YOUTUBE   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team):  ✩ Instagram ✩ Twitter ✩ TikTok ✩ Facebook

    1h 46m
  2. Why Being a Filmmaker Made My Anxiety 10x Worse

    JAN 29

    Why Being a Filmmaker Made My Anxiety 10x Worse

    Anxiety isn’t just about fear—it’s about survival. As a filmmaker, I was so afraid of losing clients that I would stress over them before I even booked the job. The pressure to stay relevant, to be irreplaceable, to overdeliver just to prove my worth—it consumed me. But is this the price of success, or just a mental trap we fall into? In this episode, I break down the anxiety that haunts creatives, the scarcity mindset that holds us back, and the real strategies I use to tame it. 01:38 Diving into Anxiety02:01 Personal Experiences with Anxiety02:10 Understanding the Feeling of Anxiety03:36 Anxiety in the Creative Industry04:26 Childhood and School Anxiety05:25 Anxiety and Social Validation05:44 Living in the Present06:06 Silent Retreat Experience07:02 College Anxiety and Medication07:46 Entering the Professional World08:14 The Competitive Creative Industry08:50 Client Anxiety and Scarcity Mindset10:53 Strategies to Tame Anxiety11:45 Setting Boundaries and Saying No14:33 Mindfulness and Physical Awareness15:10 Alternative Therapies: Sauna and Meditation16:41 Cold Therapy and Yoga18:59 Supplementation and Medication22:06 Overcoming Fear of Failure23:02 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Follow Arrad (podcast host)    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC YOUTUBE   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team):  ✩ Instagram ✩ Twitter ✩ TikTok ✩ Facebook

    24 min
  3. Breaking Bad Star Daniel Moncada Talks About the Tattoo That Changed His Life

    JAN 23

    Breaking Bad Star Daniel Moncada Talks About the Tattoo That Changed His Life

    Daniel Moncada’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary—born in Honduras, he faced unimaginable challenges, from navigating a dangerous childhood to surviving the brutal realities of prison. In this episode, Daniel reveals how he turned his life around, landing the role of a lifetime as one of Breaking Bad’s most iconic villains. With behind-the-scenes stories about Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, an unforgettable audition that nearly went sideways, and the risks he took while on parole to film the show, this conversation dives deep into his transformation from hardship to Hollywood. It’s a raw, inspiring, and gripping look at resilience, redemption, and what it takes to seize life-changing opportunities. 00:00 Introduction03:01 Childhood Struggles and Military Fears07:38 Adapting to American Life09:23 Juvenile Hall and Learning to Fight Back12:39 The Turning Point: Education and Trouble35:49 Breaking Bad: The Audition Story43:41 Parole Dilemma: Seeking Permission44:22 Testing the Waters with the Parole Officer46:37 Defying Parole: The Risky Decision46:53 Journey to New Mexico: The Anxiety55:44 Breaking Bad: The Big Opportunity59:28 On Set with Bryan Cranston01:04:52 The Iconic Explosion Scene01:21:15 Typecasting Challenges and Opportunities01:24:51 Working with Legends: Mel Gibson and Clint Eastwood01:29:23 Breaking the Rules: Audition Stories01:30:20 The Audition Do-Over01:35:47 On Set with Clint Eastwood01:39:54 Hollywood's Current Landscape01:42:41 The Impact of Streaming and Residuals01:56:15 Navigating the Crypto Craze02:05:19 Advice for Aspiring Actors02:08:17 Final Thoughts and Reflections Follow Daniel on TwitchFollow Daniel on Instagram Follow Arrad (podcast host)    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC YOUTUBE   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team):  ✩ Instagram ✩ Twitter ✩ TikTok ✩ Facebook

    2h 12m
  4. LA Wildfires: How We've Been Failed in Our Greatest Time of Need!

    JAN 15

    LA Wildfires: How We've Been Failed in Our Greatest Time of Need!

    Check out all the LA FIRE resources (volunteering, donating, shelters) HERE. In this episode, I discuss the catastrophic fires raging through my hometown of Los Angeles, affecting countless lives. Drawing from personal experiences and current events, I highlight the severity of the situation, commend the heroic efforts of first responders, and denounce the unethical actions of looters and insurance companies. I also explore the potential long-term impacts on LA's film industry and provide crucial tips for staying safe amid toxic fumes. Join me in supporting our community during this critical time and find out how you can help those in need.   00:00 LA in Flames: A Personal Account 01:09 The Unseen Devastation 01:47 Honoring First Responders and Community Support 02:39 The Real LA: Beyond the Stereotypes 03:20 Outrage Over Exploitation 03:55 Insurance Companies' Betrayal 05:08 Impact on the Entertainment Industry 06:33 Health Concerns Amidst the Fires and wearing a mask 08:32 A Personal Connection to LA 08:59 Call to Action and Conclusion   Follow Arrad (podcast host)  LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY APPLE MUSIC YOUTUBE CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team):  ✩ Instagram ✩ Twitter ✩ TikTok ✩ Facebook

    10 min
  5. Why Chasing Dopamine Is Destroying Your Creative Dreams

    JAN 8

    Why Chasing Dopamine Is Destroying Your Creative Dreams

    This episode explores the chase for dopamine in creative industries, touching on the burnout that comes with seeking constant validation through social media and career wins. Drawing from personal experiences as a music video director, I discuss the fleeting nature of these highs and the importance of focusing on craft, celebrating small wins, and creating meaningful work. I offer advice for avoiding burnout and finding lasting fulfillment by prioritizing purpose over quick dopamine hits.   00:00 Introduction: The Dopamine Chase 01:37 Understanding Dopamine in the Creative Industry 02:47 The Cycle of Chasing Highs 04:27 The Dangers of Dopamine Addiction 08:07 Social Media and the Validation Loop 10:10 Breaking the Cycle: Focus on the Craft 11:06 Sustainable Success: Consistency Over Hits 13:26 Personal Takeaways and Advice 14:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts   Follow Arrad (podcast host) here: https://instagram.com/arrad LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eq3LPnwW0v2VptRWDy78P APPLE MUSIC: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ourselves-podcast/id1788214492 YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBobeWgRkYo&list=PLK6771Xzlj6ljfd-tLyBL_-EE9CjRx0RQ CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team): https://www.ourselves.tv/ ✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourselvespodcast/ ✩ Twitter: https://x.com/ourselvespod ✩ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourselvespodcast ✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570639505831

    16 min
  6. Director X: Surviving a Shooting, Working with Drake and Justin Bieber, and XQC's $100 million deal

    JAN 1

    Director X: Surviving a Shooting, Working with Drake and Justin Bieber, and XQC's $100 million deal

    In this compelling and emotional interview, renowned filmmaker Director X opens up about his career journey, his iconic collaborations with artists like Drake and Justin Bieber, and his transition from music videos to film and TV. He delves into the evolution of the music video industry, the intricate process behind directing major projects like 'Superfly' and 'Robyn Hood,' and his strategic use of storytelling techniques. Director X also shares a deeply personal account of being shot on New Year's Eve, which sparked his advocacy against gun violence and his work with Operation Prefrontal Cortex. This in-depth conversation covers the impact of meditation, the challenges of the modern entertainment industry, and his vision for future growth as an artist and community leader.   Follow Director X here: https://www.instagram.com/directorx Follow Arrad (podcast host) here: https://instagram.com/arrad   LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7eq3LPnwW0v2VptRWDy78PAPPLE MUSIC: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ourselves-podcast/id1788214492 YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBobeWgRkYo&list=PLK6771Xzlj6ljfd-tLyBL_-EE9CjRx0RQ   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ Ourselves (production team): https://www.ourselves.tv/ ✩ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ourselvespodcast/ ✩ Twitter: https://x.com/ourselvespod ✩ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ourselvespodcast ✩ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61570639505831

    1h 27m
  • 6 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
5 Ratings

About

OURSELVES is the world’s first open-source podcast that dives deep into the worlds of creativity, culture, & personal growth. Hosted by film & music video director Arrad, each episode brings you unfiltered conversations with visionary artists, trailblazing entrepreneurs, and thought leaders shaping the future. From behind-the-scenes stories of groundbreaking projects to candid discussions about mental health, reinvention, and navigating the creative industry, OURSELVES is your space to feel inspired, challenged, and connected. Made by ourselves, for ourselves.

Information

  • Creator
    Ourselves
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    6
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    Ourselves Podcast

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