The MOOD Podcast

• Searching for Lost Color: Jake Paul White, E093

  "I was one of those kids who really struggled at school... creativity was my saviour."Jake Paul White is a British painter whose earthy, soulful work explores the space between the natural world and the emotional self. Using handmade pigments, natural materials, and a deep inner process, his paintings feel more like memories than objects. In this conversation, Jake opens up about his winding path from design and yoga to full-time artist—reflecting on purpose, perfectionism, healing, and the tension between artistic purity and playing the game of success.Whether you’re a creative trying to find your voice or someone yearning for deeper meaning in your work, this episode is a heartfelt invitation to slow down and reconnect with what’s real.What we covered:How school systems disconnect us from creativity (and how to unlearn that)The emotional truth behind working with natural pigmentsThe obsession with originality—and why “unique” doesn’t have to be forcedCreating from intuition vs. creating for successThe sacred role of boredom, slowness, and space in making artHow to hold purity and professionalism in one handThe difference between making art that’s true and art that performsWhy voice isn’t found—it’s rememberedFind Jake's work on his platforms:Website: www.jakepaulwhite.comInstagram: @jake_paul_white__________________________________________________________Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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• How I’d Learn Photography in 2025 (If I Were Starting from Scratch) - Moments of Mood, 2.6

  Welcome back to another episode of Moments of Mood, and this week I break down how I would actually learn photography if I were starting over today. Not from theory — from experience. I reflect on my own path, critique the broken systems of education, and offer a mindset-first, meaning-driven approach to building your photography from the ground up.You won’t find a checklist of gear. You’ll find an invitation to slow down, tune in, and start making images that reflect something honest.***Want to watch the 6-hour FREE photography course video that follows this episode? Yes, that's right, I have given away the first 6 hours of my photography course FREE for you to watch on YouTube!***Watch it here: https://youtu.be/PZ-ePEf26vASome things I touch upon:Why traditional education fails most creativesHow to build your artistic identity, not just technical skillThe importance of books, long-form learning, and mentorshipWhat to ignore (gear hype, comparison, validation traps)What to lean into (honesty, curiosity, community)If this resonates, I guide photographers through this process every day. Not with a blueprint, a practice. Not a course, a path. If you want to find more, click on the link below under 'Learn With Me' to find out more about my highly tailored and individualized mentorship program.__________________________________________________________Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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• If You Feel Blocked Creatively, This Might Be Why: Ryan Moresby-White, EO92

  "If you're not waking up excited about your path, it might be time to ask different questions."Ryan Moresby-White explores how unresolved childhood wounds shape our creative expression and why healing our nervous system unlocks artistic freedom. His powerful insights reveal why many creatives unconsciously create from a place of protection rather than truth. Whether you’re an artist, a photographer, or someone stuck between your potential and your pain — this episode will speak to the parts of you that long for change.What we discussed:The hidden childhood wounds blocking creative expressionWhy nervous system regulation is essential for doing meaningful workThe cost of avoiding vulnerability — and how to face itReframing masculinity, purpose, and emotional strength for artists todayFind Ryan's work on his platforms:Instagram: @ryanmoresbywhiteLinkedIn: au.linkedin.com/in/ryan-moresby-white__________________________________________________________Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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• The number one reason you can't find your voice as an artist, and how I found mine - Moments of Mood, 2.5

  In this special episode of Moments of Mood, I’m sharing my keynote speech from the Global Possibilities Summit, where I spoke on a topic close to my heart: How to Find Your Voice as an Artist. This is the story of how cancer, depression, and a camera led me to rediscover myself — and how intentionality, presence, and rebellion can turn your art into something truly meaningful. Whether you’re a photographer, creative entrepreneur, or simply someone searching for purpose, this story will resonate with you. Let me know your thoughts, and how you might be reclaiming your authentic story, and voice! Thank you for listening.____________________________Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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• Think You’re Not Ready? This Photographer Says Start Anyway - Mitchell Kanashkevich, E091

  "Sometimes the photo is the excuse - the real gift is the connection."___________Mitchell  Kanashkevich  is a travel and documentary photographer best known for his emotive portraits, vibrant visual storytelling, and deeply immersive work documenting disappearing cultures and sacred traditions. With a career spanning two decades, his images have been featured in top international publications and exhibitions — but it’s his humble, human-first approach to image-making that truly sets him apart. In this conversation, we explore not just where he goes, but how he sees, and why he photographs in the first place.In this episode, we discuss:The trip that changed everything What shaped his early careerWhy naïveté can be an asset when photographing peopleHis evolution from hobbyist to full-time photographer Navigating commercial needs vs. personal passion What it means to give back ethically How to build trust and connection The role of storytelling, aesthetic depth, and emotional resonance in strong portfoliosWhy originality is a mythFind Mitchell's work on his platforms:Website: www.mitchellk-photos.comEducation: www.photographic-process.comInstagram: @mitchellkphotosSubstack: www.mitchellkphotos.substack.com________________________________________________________Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work. YouTube:www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ayLearn with mehttps://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemyMy Newsletterhttps://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletterWebsite:www.mattjacobphotography.comSocials:IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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