Ourselves Podcast

From $500 music videos to six-figure productions, I sat down with up-and-coming photographer Cilantro to break down what it really takes to level up in the creative industry. This is a raw, unfiltered conversation between two filmmakers at different stages of their careers...diving deep into mentorship, ego, gear obsession, and why your personal work might just be your most valuable investment.

We talk about navigating plateaus, building an undeniable portfolio, communicating your vision (even with limited budgets), and what it actually takes to build a core team you can trust. Cilantro also opens up about burnout, finding his voice, and the harsh realities of getting noticed in an oversaturated industry.

If you’re a creative trying to break through, this episode is your blueprint.

 

00:40 Hitting a Ceiling in Work
01:54 Exposure to Larger Productions
04:34 Finding Mentorship
05:09 Building Trust with Production Companies
06:00 First Major Label Music Video
06:27 Arrad's Big Break from Working With Tyga
07:03 Creating a Proof of Concept
07:30 Challenges in Photography
08:52 Finding Your Style
09:09 Shadowing Professionals
14:42 Building a Core Team
16:49 Dealing with Low Budgets
17:12 How to Build Your Team
18:04 Best Gear for Filmmakers
18:55 Obsessing Over Gear: Is It Necessary?
19:20 Using iPhones for Professional Shoots
22:41 Owning vs. Renting Gear
26:15 Making Your Offer Undeniable
29:09 Executing Personal Projects
31:36 Creating for Yourself
32:35 Breaking Into Commercials
33:30 Curating Your Portfolio

 

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Follow ⁠Cilantro

 

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

CONNECT WITH US:

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I was on set yesterday filming a new project, and I realized how little many of my colleagues and crew knew about the situation in Iran right now. I am a proud Iranian and wanted to quickly educate you on what is happening there, so this mini episode provides a little glimpse.

I hope this offers a bit of insight and, more importantly, motivates you to help spread the word and keep attention on Iran. Every share, every conversation, every bit of pressure matters.

Be the voice of Iran, for a free Iran. 💚🤍❤️

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring journey of Adrian Per (@omgadrian), a trailblazing creative force in the content space. Adrian shares how he transitioned from having just $13 in his bank account to becoming a full-time content creator with over a million followers across his platforms. We talk about his unique approach to content creation, meticulous time management, and the importance of trusting your own voice. We also discuss the future of content, his exciting new project 'Content College,' and valuable insights for aspiring creators. If you are a creator or filmmaker, this episode is for you!

 

00:00 Intro
03:21 Content Creation in Music before TikTok
04:56 Transition to Full-Time Content Creation
06:28 The Struggles of a Traditional Director
13:01 The Turning Point: October 2022
16:39 The First Viral Video
16:54 The Impact of Consistent Posting
25:57 The Role of Pre-Production in Content Creation
31:50 The Evolution of Content Quality
32:39 The Power of Unique Stories
41:30 Overcoming Insecurities on Camera
47:56 Breaking Past the Fear of Judgment
50:05 Overcoming Personal Challenges
50:43 Finding Freedom in Content Creation
52:26 Financial Struggles and Career Decisions
53:33 Balancing Freelance Work and Content Creation
54:36 The Reality of Freelancing
58:48 The Impact of Financial Stress on Creativity
59:58 Transitioning from 9 to 5 to Full-Time Content Creation
01:01:58 Building a Business Beyond Brand Deals
01:04:00 Introducing Content College
01:06:39 The Value of Community in Content Creation
01:09:11 Selling Digital Products
01:19:40 The Importance of Financial Literacy for Creators
01:25:02 Managing Time Effectively
01:29:00 Dealing with Underperforming Content
01:31:38 Innovating Content Formats
01:36:23 Future Plans and Creative Freedom
01:38:38 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators
01:40:05 The Importance of Kindness and Legacy

 

Follow ⁠Adrian Per

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

 

LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

CONNECT WITH US:

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: 

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Facebook

From Toronto to Bollywood to the World Cup stage, Nora Fatehi’s journey is anything but traditional. In this episode, we break down how a Moroccan-Canadian girl with no industry connections “backdoored” her way into one of the world’s most competitive film industries: learning Hindi from scratch, reinventing herself in Mumbai, and using dance as her superpower to win over an entire culture. 

Nora opens up about being undermined early on, navigating gatekeepers, reality shows, and “just a dancer” labels, while strategically investing her own money to open new markets and build a global brand. She shares the story behind her Warner Music debut “What Do I Know (Just A Girl)” featuring Shenseea, trusting a new creative team for her first US music video, and learning to let go of perfectionism. 

Beyond the virality, this is a conversation about legacy: recovering from a brutal ankle injury, fighting PR narratives, building the #DanceWithNora community to uplift dancers, and wanting to be remembered for shattering stereotypes and finishing the dreams her ancestors never got to fulfill. If you’re an artist, immigrant kid, underdog, or anyone betting on yourself, this one’s for you.

00:00 Introduction: Overcoming Challenges
04:28 Nora's Nervousness and Trust Issues in Arrad (Haha)
06:13 Challenges in Music Video Production
09:20 Favorite part of What Do I Know vid feat Shenseea
12:59 Shooting in Extreme Conditions
15:49 Ankle Injury and Mental Resilience
20:35 Influences and Inspirations
21:51 Cultural Exposure and Bollywood Influence
28:50 Breaking into Bollywood
39:53 The Turning Point: Dilbar Song
42:44 Playback Singing in Bollywood
45:44 Respecting Dancers
46:55 Breaking Stereotypes
47:41 Journey of Self-Taught Dance
55:32 Connecting with Fans
57:48 Investing in Self
01:05:51 Financial Struggles and Breakthrough
01:08:45 Creating New Markets
01:20:45 Collaborating with Western Artists
01:26:52 Marketability and Memorable Image
01:33:08 Challenges of Learning New Languages
01:34:07 Transitioning to Lead Roles
01:35:46 Success in Netflix's 'The Royals'
01:40:32 Navigating Cultural Expectations
01:46:20 Parental Acceptance and Validation
01:49:57 AI and the Future of Work
01:54:59 Concerns About AI's Impact on Society
02:07:18 The Importance of Following Your Calling
02:10:17 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

 

Follow ⁠Nora Fatehi

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

 

LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:

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⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

CONNECT WITH US:

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✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Leon Thomas is one of the rare artists who has mastered the blend of musicality, vision, and business. In this episode, Leon pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make art that cuts through the noise, without selling out. From crafting concept bibles and curating world-class visuals, to building subcultures and navigating record label politics, this conversation is a masterclass in intentional artistry.

 

We talk about flow state, creative discipline, and why every artist should prioritize community over virality. Leon also breaks down the lost art of artist development, the importance of preparation, and why disruption is essential for innovation. Whether you're an artist, director, or producer, this episode is a blueprint for building something lasting.

 

00:00 Introduction

02:12 Collaborating with Issa Rae

03:06 The Secret Superpower of Acting Experience

04:41 The Concept Bible and Creative Vision

05:06 The Artist-Director Dynamic

07:31 Navigating the Music Industry

14:38 The Importance of Viral Hits and Community

16:32 The Power of Diehard Fans

18:09 The Difference Between TV/Film and Music Videos

18:53 Preparation and Rehearsal

22:39 Flow State and Overcoming Nerves

28:48 Connecting with the Audience

31:59 Creating for Yourself First

35:35 The Need for Disruption in Art

37:11 Pushing the Limits of Sound

38:23 Creating Unique Live Experiences

39:25 Inspiration from Other Artists

39:53 Memorable Concert Experiences

44:30 The Importance of Communication

46:34 Favorite Movies and Directors

49:40 Influential Music Videos

54:21 Understanding Song Credits

55:25 The Value of a Music Catalog

57:42 Early Career and Collaborations

59:25 Embracing Past Experiences

01:00:21 Balancing Art and Business

01:04:41 Reflecting on Personal Growth

01:06:05 Dealing with Creative Blocks

01:09:26 Final Thoughts and Gratitude

 

Follow ⁠⁠Leon Thomas⁠

Follow ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

 

LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

 

CONNECT WITH US:

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠: 

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

✩ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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