From Big Idea to Build

What does it take to turn a wild creative idea into a real-life production? Los Angeles-based producer Davey Johnson pulls back the curtain on the art, chaos, and creative solutions of making commercials, branded content, music videos, and everything in between. From feeding 30 people three meals a day in remote forests to flying a Ford Raptor beneath a helicopter, Davey shares how producers solve impossible problems, balance creative ambition with budgets and safety, and keep a production moving when the unexpected inevitably happens. He also explains why the best producers don’t say “no”—they find a way to make the vision work. Leave a comment on what else you'd like to learn on The Stric!

What stories are missing from the history we think we know? In this episode, John Taylor Chapman, founder of the Manumission Tour Company, explores Alexandria’s rich history and the stories behind its connection to the Underground Railroad. Mr. Chapman is working to bring overlooked histories of Africans and African Americans into focus through unique tours—from historic buildings and cemeteries to stories of resilience, community, and freedom...all while serving as Councilmember to the city of Alexandria itself. This conversation offers a deeper look at Alexandria’s past, and we learn why preserving these stories matters for future generations.

What happens when you turn your most difficult moments into something that can help others? In this episode, Garth Callaghan opens up about vulnerability, fatherhood, resilience, and the unexpected journey that began when he shared his personal story with the world. He reflects on his family's incredible journey, the handwritten notes he created for his daughter, and the importance of making time to communicate with the people who matter most. It’s an honest and moving conversation about facing adversity, finding purpose, and realizing that sometimes, your work—and your story—is far from finished.Find Garth's work at www.napkinnotesdad.com and @napkinnotesdad.

What does it really take to turn complex ideas into unforgettable campaigns? In this episode, veteran creative director and copywriter Jim Scott pulls back the curtain on the world of advertising, public affairs, and modern media strategy. From crafting taglines as a young intern to leading campaigns for major brands and advocacy groups, Jim Scott shares how creativity, emotion, and strategy work together to shape the messages we see every day. If you’ve ever wondered how great campaigns are built — or how brands cut through today’s nonstop noise — this conversation is packed with insight from a 30-year creative career.

In this inspiring episode, the founder of Pawfectly Delicious shares how a homemade dog treat recipe transformed into a nonprofit that creates meaningful jobs, community, and purpose for disabled adults. From building an inclusive workplace to overcoming the challenges of growing a mission-driven organization, this conversation is full of heart, resilience, and hope. Listen now to hear how one small idea is changing lives—one dog treat at a time.

After gaining hands-on experience running a small business—managing clients, marketing, inventory, and creative work—Katherine Manley hits a breaking point and walks away. What follows isn’t a perfect, polished pivot, but a messy, honest reset: a week of burnout, wandering, talking to local business owners, and slowly understanding her true calling!There’s no overnight success, just small moves: posting consistently, learning by doing, and leaning into community. Katherine shares how starting in a smaller market actually became an advantage, allowing for deeper relationships and faster growth.Most importantly, it’s a reminder that you don’t wait until you feel ready—you start, figure it out as you go, and trust that confidence comes after the leap.

Ever wonder what it really takes to build a creative career?In this episode, a photographer shares how a detour into teaching in the Dominican Republic led to an unexpected breakthrough—and why creativity is less about talent and more about adaptability. From pivoting on set to turning downtime into a wildly imaginative “Messy Kids” photo series, this conversation dives into the chaos, improvisation, and magic behind the workYou’ll hear how the best creatives think on their feet, why personal projects can unlock entirely new career paths, and what it actually means to run a creative business (hint: it’s way more than just making art).If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure how to move forward, this is your reminder: make the work, put it out there, and embrace the unknown.

Meet the man behind the legendary Noah Shenandoah! John Fogle transformed his role in the community into something genuinely engaging by creating a fun alter ego that interviews small business owners across Shenandoah County. What started as a low-budget, one-man video project quickly grew into a powerful community tool—drawing thousands of views, boosting real foot traffic to businesses, and building a strong sense of local pride. By focusing on authentic, unscripted conversations, the series reveals the heart behind each business and taps into what people really care about: connection, storytelling, and supporting their neighbors.

Welcome back to The Stric! This week, we’re talking with Tristan Valencia, founder of Thought Process — the strategy and feasibility firm behind large-scale interactive environments, museum installations, touring exhibits, and brand activations that blend creativity with serious technical execution.We unpack the “sticker shock” factor behind immersive installations — why projects that look effortless on social media actually require extensive planning, electrical infrastructure, construction coordination, network compliance, custom content pipelines, and long-term operational considerations.

In this episode, filmmaker and archival researcher Jessie Herman talks about the art and challenges of uncovering history through archives. Jessie reveals the emotional and ethical complexities of true crime storytelling — she highlights the crucial intersection between legal diligence and creative storytelling, where every document, photo, and quote must stand up to scrutiny and reflect the story itself.From paging through classic novels at the New York Public Library to navigating understaffed collections across the country, to making personal requests from the subjects themselves, Jessie shares what it takes to bring truth to the screen.