The Craft

Welcome to episode 9 of The Craft, where we dive deep into the fascinating world of storyteller, director, & creative photographer: Josiah Gordon. Josiah creates visual masterpieces that transcend the ordinary. Get ready for a captivating episode filled with inspiration, challenges, and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the world of photography. Josiah's artistic vision knows no bounds, and his journey is an inspiration for aspiring photographers and creatives alike. Josiah is one of the world's most leading examples of an artist who has truly mastered the realms of portrait, underwater, and landscape photography through his connection with nature and humanity. In this episode, Josiah shares his story of breaking limits and pushing the boundaries of traditional photography. He continues to go outside of the box to capture breathtaking moments, whether it's beneath the surface of the water, amidst stunning landscapes, or in the intimate details of a portrait. Growing up in Laos, Josiah faced unique challenges that shaped his perspective on life and art. Imagine a childhood without Wi-Fi, where biking half an hour to a local cafe was the only option for connectivity. Josiah reflects on the impact of such an environment on his creativity and how it fueled his passion for photography and nature. Josiah also unpacks how social media has impacted artists worldwide for the better and the worse. Cons such as having to constantly feel like pertaining to and following the algorithmic trends is the only way for personal work to be recognized now a days. Josiah warns against this world of "trendy" behavior and explains why it is more important than ever now a days to go outside of the box, and what steps to take to do this. Josiah shares valuable insights on what it truly means to become better at your craft, emphasizing the significance of continuous learning and exploration. His experiences and wisdom serve as a beacon for those seeking to elevate their own creative journeys.

Episode 8 with Chris Conroy and how he developed his love for acting. While never have gone to an acting school, Chris began his career over a decade ago, appearing in films and TV shows such as FBI, The Congressman, Almost Family, Mr.Robot, Professor Marston and The Wonder Woman, and more. If he didn’t go to an acting school, how did he do it? This love for film began at an early age, attending film school and realizing the pressure was greater in front of the camera, Chris sought out to chase his dreams right here in New York City. Although he realized once coming here, that this was going to be no easy walk in the park. Listen to how he beat the odds and landed some pretty remarkable roles. By pure grit and determination alone, one can get pretty far in developing their craft. In this episode you’ll hear what it means to truly care deeply for your passion, figuring out how to go about that passion & specifically, how Chris has been able to navigate his acting career throughout the years- the ups, downs and pivots throughout the way. If you’re looking for acting advice and how to get started, this episode is for you!

Victoria Van Ness is no regular New York dating & social club business owner- she's a cool dating & social club business owner. One that cares deeply about the work she's putting out and the business(s) she's built. And guess what? It shows. It shows in the way she works with people, the way she thinks, the way she is fearless in starting a new pursuit - where changing lanes is a super power, navigating the unknown is exciting, and knowing that first hand experience is the world's best teacher? Second nature to Victoria Van Ness. Victoria has somewhat of a unique story... ok, like a really unique story. It's in this story where "finding yourself" comes true. She's one of those go for it kinds of people. The people you look at and say, "You did that?" "How?" "Weren't You Scared?" "Some people just know how to make it happen." That's her. Starting this world wind of an adventure in 2014, Victoria did what everyone wish they had the courage to do: she paused school to go travel around the world with - wait for it- one of the biggest circus companies in the world. Any guesses? You'll have to listen to the story for the answer. But, to add to this once in a lifetime pinch me moment, drum roll... she did it for love. And thus, this decision would go on to lead her to an endless world of exploring and learning vital skills that would go on to add to her impressive media career. In this episode you'll hear how Victoria's time being on the road led her to curate her dream life. How she forged her own path using "needing a creative outlet" as her guide. Outlets such as writing, blogging, posting style content, and ultimately turning passions into skills where skills led to businesses. Ambyr Club didn't just become big on its own, it became big because Victoria knows how to make smart business moves. And she knows how to act on an idea (link to Ambyr club for more detail: https://www.ambyrclub.com/about). * One key theme in today's episode is Experimentation: the action or process of trying out new ideas, methods, or activities. Victoria is all that of a free spirit and more - she allowed herself not only the time to think and take action, but she did it all with confidence in her ability to try. I hope you enjoy this episode as much as I did. Oh, and it's no wonder Victoria roots for the in- person convos, and hates the dating apps- they're all pretending to be someone their not. How can you get connected on the most un-connected system out there? She might just have you second guessing yourself, too.

Timm Chiusano, a content creator, an outstanding career role model (winning an emmy while working on the "Outstanding Live Sports Special” at the 2005 Open Championship (British Open of golf) with ESPN & ABC (to name a few), and advocate for mindful living. Timm talks through his captivating career journey to building a thriving online presence with an audience of over 1 million followers. Through his unique experiences, he shares the invaluable lessons he's learned about authenticity, empowerment, and finding fulfillment in both the corporate world and the digital realm. Episode Highlights: Advice on Tik Tok as the "POV" guy: Timm's creative approach to storytelling has resonated with millions of viewers, and he has successfully cultivated a community that values authenticity, empathy, and connection. His content often touches on relatable life situations, navigating challenges, pursuing personal growth, and finding humor in everyday occurrences. Navigating Corporate Life: Timm delves into his experiences as he balanced a demanding corporate career with his passion for content creation. Learn how he managed to integrate his creative pursuits into his daily routine and maintained his authenticity in a corporate environment. Empowering an Audience: Gain insights into Timm's philosophy of creating content that empowers and resonates with his audience on a deeper level. Explore the transformative power of uplifting messages and relatable stories that inspire positive change and connection. Growing a Thriving Audience: Timm shares his strategies for growing an engaged and supportive online community. From understanding his audience's needs to consistently delivering meaningful content, he provides actionable tips for aspiring content creators. Embracing Life's Moments: Learn how Timm's journey has taught him the importance of savoring every moment, whether big or small. Discover how cultivating mindfulness and gratitude has enhanced his creative process and overall well-being. Balancing Career Struggles: Timm opens up about the challenges he faced while pursuing his passion alongside a traditional corporate job. Hear about the moments of self-doubt, the fear of taking risks, and the perseverance that ultimately led to his success. Authenticity and Impact: Timm discusses the difference between creating content for the sake of gaining an online audience versus creating content that truly makes an impact. Uncover how authenticity and staying true to oneself can drive meaningful connections. Listen today to the enlightening conversation as we explore the journey of Timm Chiusano, a remarkable individual who has navigated the complex landscapes of both corporate life and digital content creation. Whether you're seeking inspiration to embrace your passions, want to build an empowered online presence, or simply find joy in the present moment, this episode offers a wealth of guidance and insight. Please leave a comment/ rate the podcast if you enjoyed it! TIMM's LINKS: Website: http://timm.work/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@timmchiusano?... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/timmchiusano/ Youtube: @TimmChiusano77 ALAINA's LINKS: Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alainarandazz... Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainaranda...

In this episode of The Craft Podcast, we dive into the inspiring journey of JT Barnett, a former professional hockey player who successfully transitioned from his athletic career to establish a thriving content agency. Join us as we explore the strategies, challenges, and insights that propelled JT from the rink to the realm of content creation. Episode Highlights: From Pucks to Pixels: JT shares his personal narrative of transitioning from a demanding full-time hockey career to the dynamic world of content creation. Learn how his background in sports provided a unique perspective that he leveraged to excel in a completely different field. Mastering Content Creation: Discover the key principles and strategies JT used to become a content creation maestro. From developing engaging visual content to crafting compelling narratives, JT breaks down the art of captivating an audience in the digital age. Building a Content Agency: JT provides valuable insights into the process of establishing and growing a successful content agency from scratch. Gain firsthand knowledge on how he identified market gaps, formed a talented team, and developed a winning business model. Pivoting with Purpose: Learn how JT harnessed his skills, determination, and adaptability to make a seamless career transition. Explore the mindset shifts and practical steps he took to pivot from a well-established hockey trajectory to a completely new professional venture. Lessons from Sports: Drawing parallels between the disciplines of sports and content creation, JT discusses the transferable skills and mindsets that contributed to his success. Discover how concepts like teamwork, perseverance, and goal-setting played a crucial role in both arenas. Navigating Challenges: Hear about the challenges JT encountered along his journey and the innovative ways he overcame them. Whether it's managing client expectations, staying updated with industry trends, or balancing creative vision with practical execution, JT shares actionable advice. Creating Impactful Content: Explore real-world examples of JT's agency work that left a lasting impact on audiences and clients alike. Uncover the secrets behind content that resonates deeply and drives meaningful engagement. Join us in this insightful episode as we unravel JT Barnett's remarkable story of transitioning from a professional hockey player to a content creation visionary. Whether you're an aspiring content creator, entrepreneur, or simply someone intrigued by the art of reinvention, this episode offers a treasure trove of wisdom and inspiration. JT's Links: 🎥 YouTube:    / @jtbarnett   Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jtbarnett Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jtbarnett Website: https://www.barnettx.com/jt My Links: 🎙 Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... 🎥 YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/alain... 📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alainaranda... ▶ Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@alainarandazzox

In this episode with Thomas McGee- Tom is a New York-based fitness and health coach who made a courageous pivot from his 9-5 corporate job(s) in sales, and real estate to pursue a bigger passion in life. Thomas shares his inspiring journey and offers valuable advice on how to make significant pivots while maintaining, and coaching others on a healthy lifestyle. He lives out his advice by being a true example himself. We delve into Thomas's background and explore the pivotal moments that led him to realize his true passion for fitness and health. He opens up about the challenges he faced during his transition and how he overcame them with determination and resilience. Drawing from his personal experience, Thomas provides invaluable insights into making the big pivots in life. He shares the mindset shifts and personal growth required to embark on a new path, offering practical strategies to manage risks and navigate uncertainties. Thomas's stories and examples of successful career transitions will leave you feeling motivated and empowered to pursue your own passions. As a fitness and health coach, Thomas is passionate about improving people's overall well-being, both physically and mentally. In this episode, he shares his coaching style and the techniques he employs to help individuals achieve their wellness goals. Thomas emphasizes the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle while pursuing ambitious career changes or other life goals. He offers practical tips on nutrition, exercise, and mental well-being, and addresses common challenges that people face when adopting a healthier lifestyle. Furthermore, Thomas discusses the delicate balance between passion and practicality. He shares strategies for incorporating passion into your life, even if a complete career transition isn't immediately feasible. Thomas's guidance will inspire you to find fulfillment and purpose in your pursuits, without compromising financial stability or personal obligations. Join us as we dive deep into Thomas McGee's transformative journey, his advice on making big changes that will foster long term growth (not short term satisfaction), and his effective coaching style that is helping individuals improve their overall well-being, both physically and mentally. Get ready to be motivated, empowered, and equipped with practical tools for pursuing your passions and leading a healthier, more fulfilling life. Connect with Thomas McGee and follow his journey as he continues to inspire and empower others to live their best lives. Tune in to this episode for a dose of motivation and guidance on making meaningful changes while embracing a healthier lifestyle. Follow The Podcast & The Host, Alaina! @craftpodofficial @alainarandazzzo Follow Thomas! @tommcgeefit across all platforms

Today's interview consists of Caleb Simpson's journey into becoming one of the most watched creators and youtubers here in New York City. Caleb started his video career almost a decade ago now, and through a ton of hardships and pivotal growth moments, he was able to overcome times where video success seemed too far away in the distance to grasp. In this interview, Caleb breaks down his thinking process through all his hard moments, moments where he could have given it all up but didn't, and the importance of those around him who gave him advice he'll never forget. Caleb also grew up with a love for film-making but in his early years didn't want to necessarily take all the steps to learn how to edit. Listen today to learn what Caleb's journey into Youtube success is all about and how he's been able to become a master of online video creation. With the help of others around you, networking, and a good mindset- Caleb explains the endless opportunities in this realm.

In this episode, we'll be exploring the world of Isaac Pelayo, a Los Angeles based painter and former Disney Studios animator. Isaac is known for his incredibly detailed and vibrant paintings that often explore themes of cultural identity and personal history.   Isaac's journey as an artist began at a young age, when he would watch his father paint and draw. He was drawn to the colors and textures of the paint, and began to experiment with his own artistic creations. As he grew older, he pursued a career in animation, working for several years at Disney Studios. However, he eventually decided to leave the animation world to pursue his passion for painting full-time.   Isaac's paintings are known for their intricate details and use of bold colors. Many of his pieces are inspired by his own personal experiences. He often incorporates religious iconography and imagery from his childhood into his paintings, creating works that are both personal and universal.   In this episode, we'll hear from Isaac himself as he discusses his artistic process, his inspirations, and the challenges he has faced as an artist.   Join us as we delve into the world of Isaac Pelayo, and explore the vibrant and complex world of his art. Follow Issac at: @IssacPelayo 

In this episode, we sit down with Giulia Baggini, a successful PR professional and entrepreneur, to discuss her journey from growing up in Italy to founding her own PR firm in Los Angeles, called GB PR Agency. Giulia shares her experiences growing up in a town in Italy and how her passion for styling led her to pursue a career in public relations. She discusses her move to the United States and the challenges she faced in building her own business from scratch. Along with the pivot from a very successful full time job, into her own biz. Throughout the episode, Giulia provides valuable insights and advice for aspiring entrepreneurs and PR professionals, including the importance of networking, staying true to your values, and the power of storytelling in building successful PR campaigns. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or simply interested in learning more about the world of PR, this episode is a must-listen. Join us as we explore Giulia's inspiring journey and the lessons she's learned along the way. Follow Giulia At: @giuliabaggini Follow Giulia's Agency At: @gb.pr.agency

The podcast where creatives, innovators, entrepreneurs, and more come to talk about their talent, passion and process leading up to big moments. Each and every guest is specifically chosen and curated. I can't wait for you to hear their advice, success stories, and stay tuned for each episode launching Friday mornings.