DON'T OVERTHINK IT (feat. Daniel Allan)

Making your first song is bold. Watching it go viral and rack up millions of streams? That’s life-changing. In this episode, Zack sits down with singer-songwriter Story Slaughter to talk about her creative leap into music during the pandemic, the journey behind her hit single “Ranch Water,” and how embracing the unknown shaped her artistic path.Story shares her insights on creating without expectations, balancing vulnerability with privacy in her songwriting, and how performing live helped her step into her boldest self.Whether you’re chasing a dream or navigating the messy middle of your creative journey, this conversation will inspire you to take risks, trust your gut, and put your work out into the world.Check out Story’s new music video:Good Wife: https://youtu.be/s-QIvkQmkow?si=Ohj7R6AOiym5G4dpFollow Us & Stay Inspired:Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeatWatch full video episodes: YouTube.com/@create.repeatSign up for our weekly newsletter: https://createrepeat.substack.comEpisode Credits:Host: Zack EvansProducer: Isaac K. Lee (isaacklee.com)Video: Brian Hartley (happymediumfilms.com)Theme Song: “Where the Sun Shines” by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft (hudsonloft.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Making a movie is hard. Making a movie with a skeleton crew, a tiny budget, and a mountain of creative ambition? That’s a whole different art form. In this episode, Zack sits down with filmmaker Steven Kanter to unpack the journey behind his latest feature film "Peak Season"—created with a team of less than six people.Steven shares how his scrappy approach to filmmaking led to a SXSW premiere and a theatrical release, offering insights into what it really takes to bring a creative vision to life against the odds. From finding collaborators you trust with your life to embracing the imperfections that make indie filmmaking magical. Whether you’re dreaming of your own indie film or just curious about the behind-the-scenes grind, this conversation will leave you inspired to grab your camera and start creating.Check out Steven's films:Peak Season: https://shorturl.at/qdWHTThe End of Us: https://shorturl.at/P9cQWFollow Us & Stay Inspired:Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeatWatch full video episodes: YouTube.com/@create.repeatSign up for our weekly newsletter: https://createrepeat.substack.comEpisode Credits:Host: Zack Evans Producer: Isaac K. Lee (isaacklee.com)Video: Brian Hartley (happymediumfilms.com)Theme Song: “Where the Sun Shines” by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft (hudsonloft.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Feedback is a double-edged sword—it can help you grow or leave you questioning your path entirely. In this episode, Zack and Morgan Evans unpack the art (and pain) of giving and receiving creative feedback. From Zack’s middle school band story and his BuzzFeed days to Morgan’s unforgettable lesson about “voices” in a professional setting, this episode is packed with raw honesty, humor, and lessons learned the hard way.You’ll hear practical strategies for navigating tough criticism, hilarious stories about career-changing feedback, and inspiring insights into turning even the harshest critiques into creative breakthroughs. Whether you’re trying to overcome self-doubt, improve your craft, or build trust in a team environment, this conversation will leave you feeling empowered to grow through the process.Follow Us & Stay Inspired: Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeat Watch full video episodes: YouTube.com/@create.repeat Sign up for our weekly newsletter: https://createrepeat.substack.com/Episode Credits: Hosts: Zack Evans & Morgan Evans Producer: Isaac K. Lee (isaacklee.com) Video: Brian Hartley (happymediumfilms.com) Theme Song: “Where the Sun Shines” by Keen Recorded at Hudson Loft (hudsonloft.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, Zack sits down with Zach Kornfeld—Try Guys creator and creative entrepreneur—to uncover the hidden toll of chasing algorithms and viral success. They explore how Zach balanced his creative ambitions with the pressures of online fame, the lessons learned from his BuzzFeed days, and his journey to rediscover passion beyond the metrics.Follow us on Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeatWatch full video episodes: YouTube.com/@create.repeatSubscribe to our newsletter:https://createrepeat.substack.com/Host: Zack EvansGuest: Zach KornfeldProducer: Isaac K. Lee (isaacklee.com)Video: Brian Hartley (happymediumfilms.com)Theme Song: “Where the Sun Shines” by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft (hudsonloft.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Perfectionism can paralyze even the most ambitious creatives. In this episode, Zack and Morgan Evans share personal stories about overcoming the fear of failure, including Zack’s unforgettable (and cringe-worthy) clam chowder rejection story from high school.From the lessons learned dissecting Dr. Dre’s elusive Detox album to practical strategies for embracing imperfection, this episode offers a mix of humor, insight, and actionable advice. Whether you’re struggling with high expectations or looking for ways to move past the fear of not being “good enough,” this conversation will inspire you to keep creating.Follow us on Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeat Full video podcasts available on YouTube: youtube.com/@create.repeatSign up for our weekly newsletter: https://createrepeat.substack.com/Hosts: Zack Evans & Morgan EvansProducer: Isaac K. Lee (isaacklee.com)Video: Brian Hartley (happymediumfilms.com)Theme Song: "Where the Sun Shines" by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft (hudsonloft.com) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by singer-songwriter slimdan. We dive into the art and science of songwriting, exploring the contrast between writing for other artists—like Carly Rae Jepsen, Diplo, and Sasha Alex Sloan—and crafting music for yourself. slimdan shares the story of an unexpected, shady Uber ride turned drug deal that became a catalyst for him to pursue his own path, leading to the creation of his new album Second Dinner and touring with Remi Wolf. Through it all, slimdan embodies the mantra of staying curious in the creative process and letting unexpected moments fuel your art.Full video podcasts available on YouTube: youtube.com/@create.repeatFollow us on Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeat Host: Zack EvansProducer: Isaac K. Lee isaacklee.comVideo: Brian Hartley happymediumfilms.comTheme Song: "Where the Sun Shines" by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft hudsonloft.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, Zack sits down with his wife and co-founder, Morgan Evans, to tackle one of the most overlooked topics in the creative world: mental health. They dive deep into the impact of burnout, the importance of permitting yourself to rest, and strategies for staying resilient through creative setbacks.Full video podcasts available on YouTube: youtube.com/@create.repeatFollow us on Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeat Host: Zack EvansProducer: Isaac K. Lee isaacklee.comVideo: Brian Hartley happymediumfilms.comTheme Song: "Where the Sun Shines" by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft hudsonloft.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, I’m joined by content creator-turned-DJ Freddie, aka mini skrrt. We talk about self-expression through music and fashion, starting over and making creative pivots in your thirties, and reminisce about our time together as video producers at BuzzFeed.Full video podcasts available on YouTube: youtube.com/@create.repeatFollow us on Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeat Host: Zack EvansProducer: Isaac K. Lee isaacklee.comVideo: Brian Hartley happymediumfilms.comTheme Song: "Where the Sun Shines" by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft hudsonloft.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, I’m joined once again by my wife and co-founder, Morgan Evans. We dive into the topic of comparison—how it sneaks into our lives, kills relationships, stalls momentum, and stifles creativity. Together, we unpack how to break free from it and stay focused on your own path.Full video podcasts available on YouTube: youtube.com/@create.repeatFollow us on Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeat Host: Zack EvansProducer: Isaac K. Lee isaacklee.comVideo: Brian Hartley happymediumfilms.comTheme Song: "Where the Sun Shines" by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft hudsonloft.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today’s episode, we’re joined by Daniel Allan—an electronic music artist, producer, content creator, and all-around great hang. His song “I Just Need” has over 24 million streams on Spotify—even though he made it in just 15 minutes. We explore what it takes to craft a hit song in today’s world, the daily grind of creating, and his inspiring journey from growing up in Kentucky as a child of immigrants to betting on himself and moving to LA with nothing but a dream and a stash of peanut butter sandwiches.Full video podcasts available on YouTube: youtube.com/@create.repeatFollow us on Instagram: @create.repeat.pod & @create.repeat Host: Zack EvansProducer: Isaac K. Lee isaacklee.comVideo: Brian Hartley happymediumfilms.comTheme Song: "Where the Sun Shines" by KeenRecorded at Hudson Loft hudsonloft.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.