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On today’s episode, we take inspiration from the February Hallmark holiday that is Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re single or in a relationship, you’ll find the next guest and our conversation interesting.
Haifa Barbari is a dating + relationship advisor who started a self-coaching app called ‘BeWhatMatters’ which offers personalized advice to attract the love that everyone deserves. She did the heavy lifting in terms of research, so you can relax and learn.
We speak about her journey in advertising, her “Butterfly Effect” moment, and her love of karaoke. I also sourced three questions from anonymous sources which Haifa graciously gives her feedback on.
Please check out this fun discussion, and download the app (www.bewhatmatters.co)
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Welcome back as we commence Season 2 of the Creative Flex podcast. I’m proud to present the first guest of S2, Bernice Chao (Head of Integrated Creative at Zambezi).
Whether it’s contributing to two art books, teaching, organizing TED events, or being in leadership positions in top organizations, she’s the quintessential creative.
On this episode, we speak about her journey in the advertising world, the origins of the non-profit ‘Asians in Advertising’ that she co-founded, reasons Asians are rarely in the C-Suite of Fortune 500 companies, and other interesting topics.
Please enjoy this bitesized episode, and check out her websites and the events she’s hosting.
http://www.bernicechao.com/
https://www.asiansinadvertising.com/
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asians-in-advertising-matchmaking-session-tickets-203267918817
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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For me, the 4th of July represents sacrifice, pride, and the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest. The latest guest on The Flex is on the Mt. Rushmore of all-time competitive eaters. Crazy Legs Conti, currently #27 in the Major League Eating rankings, holds world records in Buffet Food (5.5 lbs in 12 mins) and French Cut Green Beans (2.71 lbs in 6 mins). We discuss the polarizing force that is Takeru Kobayashi, and the age-old question “what happens to you physiologically after eating 60 hotdogs?”
He’s a writer, actor, former strip club beverage manager, and gastronomic historian. His takes on food, and film remind me of the late, great Josh Ozersky.
He has also written spec scripts for “30 Rock”, “The Simpsons”, and “Seinfeld”. Find out if I can get him to elaborate on each storyline.
Grab a seat, set a table, cook some delicious goodies, and listen to this entertaining episode.
https://majorleagueeating.com/eaters/10
http://crazylegsconti.com/
IG: crazylegsconti
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On today's episode of the Flex, I have the pleasure of speaking with photographer, director, and sole owner of SuperStock Images, Stewart Cohen. Born in Montreal, Canada he made his way to Dallas, TX where he not only makes it his home, he enthusiastically raves about the logistical and fiscal reasons for producing projects in the Lone Star State.
We discuss some interesting stories about his life such as being born in an elevator during a snow storm, and having a mother who was an actress where the family would play out scenes at the dinner table.
Stewart and I talk about a couple of his fabulous books, and the production of them. You can find them here:
SEEING Red (https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Red-Stewart-Cohen/dp/0970770642/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=seeing+red+stewart+cohen&qid=1622556470&sr=8-3)
Identity (https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Photographic-Meditation-Inside-Out/dp/0970770626)
We also take a deep dive into his being an OG of the stock imagery industry, and how he serendipitously bought SuperStock Images.
https://www.superstock.com/
IG handle: @SCpictures
https://www.stewartcohen.com/ -
On EP 34 of the Flex, fellow Ohio State University Alum and powerhouse real estate agent Jeremy Swillinger sits down with us to talk about his journey, and the state of the Business.
As more and more people get vaccinated, and with the reopening of life in the city, folks are moving back into the Big Apple (and other cities). We discuss the market in general, the significance of Zillow/Streeteasy, and we even touch upon how the show Million Dollar Listing New York has affected the industry.
If you’re interested in real estate, or if you’re looking to purchase, sell, or rent, have a listen. Also, reach out to Jeremy and his team at Level to get personalized service with capabilities of a large agency:
http://www.theswillingerteam.com/meet-the-team
https://rew-online.com/level-groups-jeremy-swillinger-on-getting-creative-with-marketing-methods/
Listen to the EP here: www.thecreativeflex.com (also on Spotify + Apple Podcasts)
Recorded: 3/27/2021 -
On today’s episode of the Flex, I speak with modern Renaissance man Gregg LeFevre. He’s a sculptor, photographer, storyteller, and public artist with projects all over the world. His 3D experimental photography has been shown in museum shows in Beijing and Berlin. He also started a podcast called The Compulsive Storyteller which features short non-fiction stories from his life, based on the premise that the truth can be stranger than fiction.
He created the largest public art project in Manhattan at 5th and 41st st called the Library Walk. It’s showcased in the first episode of Martin Scorsese’s Netflix show “Pretend It’s a City.” In the first EP of the docuseries, Martin and humorist Fran Lebowitz wander around NYC and they speak about Gregg’s work briefly. Check it out here: https://www.netflix.com/title/81078137
Listen and subscribe to his podcast at www.thecompulsivestoryteller.com . It can also be found anywhere you listen to podcasts
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On today’s episode of the Flex, the preeminent still-life photographer Adrian Mueller joins us for an insightful conversation. We talk a bit of shop (eg covid “friendly” shoots, best practices), and we delve into his youth as an aspiring footballer.
He describes the stunning project he worked on using Costa Del Mar sunglasses to create several different types of fish. You can see the images and BTS footage here: https://www.fabrik-studios.com/stills-+-liquids/costa/thumbs
As an artist that became an “overnight success” after years of hard work, he speaks about the importance of patience in the world of photography. Seeking instant gratification, a la Instagram, is not beneficial in becoming a top notch creative.
Please enjoy this delightful chat
https://www.fabrik-studios.com
https://www.amueller.com/ -
There have been so many terrible outcomes from this pandemic; hundreds of thousands of deaths, long term illness, financial ruin. As social/herd beings, humans need to be able to enjoy music, entertainment, and each other to thrive. Live concerts, theater, and festivals have mostly been lost since March 2020.
There is no group of people that has a better grasp of the current situation than the promoters. Today, my longtime friend, and the Vice President of Programming and Marketing at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio Aaron Zimmerman joins the Flex to walk us through his journey, and also tell us what the status is now, and what the future looks like in terms of live productions.
He also gives some sage advice to the artists in the industry on how to stay connected to their fans until we’re back in full force.
Finally, we jump into the sports GOAT conversation between Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.
https://www.tobincenter.org/
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A huge percentage of Americans are fans of golf, and nutrition. My next guest on the Flex has you covered on both fronts. Payton Wardlow virtually sits down with me to discuss Birdie Bundle, his subscription box service that delivers premium golf apparel, and merchandise. We also talk about his other business, Complete Nutrition-Bowling Green, KY which is a brick-and-mortar fitness/supplement store.
Using his experience, Payton provides some sage advice to those budding entrepreneurs that may be hesitant to make the next move. “It takes hustle, it takes drive…we have so much at our fingertips. We have so much access (to information) that wasn’t available just a decade ago. If you think it’s impossible, it’s NOT.”
We jump into interesting topics like the validity of testosterone boosters, the approval processes of the FDA, and how tracking one’s bandwidth is key for success.
It’s a fun, and smooth conversation…please check it out.
https://birdiebundle.com/
@thebirdiebundle (IG)
@completenutritionbg (IG) -
On today’s episode of The Flex, we get to merge the world of mental health therapy and photography/art seamlessly. Former producer and current psychotherapist Karen Strauss joins the show to speak about her journey from the high stress world of photography to the steady-paced field of social work.
She discusses the benefits of hypnotherapy, RTT (Rapid Transformative Therapy), and other proven methods of analysis. It’s crucial to approach all theories with an open-mind.
Karen also shares a very personal story about suicide which led to her to become dedicated to assisting people to overcome obstacles. We also take a deep dive into the possible causes of the spike in suicide deaths among creatives.
Visit her site below to get more information, or to book a session:
https://menachempsychotherapygroup.com/team/karen-strauss-acsw
IG: @menachempsychotherapygroup
And if you’re battling depression, and/or if you know someone that is, please seek help. Things will get better.
https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/
Please subscribe. Episodes also available on Spotify and Apple Podcast. Thank you -
On today’s episode of the Flex, a pioneer in the world of art and photography, James Porto takes us through his journey which includes his childhood growing up in a desert community of the Aramco Oil Company in the current Saudi Arabia to partying in the 80’s NYC with people like Andy Warhol.
His experience with the darkroom/in-camera processes, to the inception of Photoshop, to current 3D modeling/CGI is discussed.
We also take a shallow dive into the landmark legal case FPG vs. Newsday where the courts established that it is copyright infringement to “borrow” images (James’ creations) to create a new piece. His fight helps protect artists today.
If you’re a fan of photography + art, this episode is for you.
James’ site:
www.jamesporto.comJames’ MFA thesis film (4 minutes):
https://vimeo.com/469180020/c0c148b931
Appreciate you -
On today’s episode of the Flex, Marriage and Family Therapist/writer Talia Litman sits down with me to discuss her journey from the UK to NYC, and also her transition from the corporate world to couples + family therapy.
One may ask why an episode on relationship therapy is apropos for the holiday season, and New Years. Well, I want to eliminate the stigma that currently exists on seeking counseling in general, and I believe with the high percentage of divorce in this country, couples who believe in their relationship enough to want to make it work is the epitome of love. And what better way of starting a new year than with more communication and understanding?
I sourced some questions from friends, and Talia gives her valuable feedback. We also discuss Zoom dating, the effects of COVID on the pursuit of a significant other, and which episodes of Sex and the City we both love.
Follow Talia on her IG page @talia.mft and at https://www.yourtango.com/experts/talia-litman
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In my humble opinion, Dos Equis should replace their “Most Interesting Person in the World” commercial character with my next guest. Libby DeLana is the Co-Founder of branding/strategy firm Mechanica, former Design Director at MullenLowe, aspiring pilot, culinary school graduate, sky diver, “free range parent,” author, activist, and morning walker.
Her work won several industry awards, and has been featured in publications such as Communication Arts, Graphic Design & Logo, and Fast Company. She was also profiled by the BBC for a program called “The Chain” which individuals name the person who inspired their accomplishments.
One of the topics we discuss in this fun episode is her 9+ year ritual of walking 8ish miles each morning. The benefits to the soul, and to the body can’t be underestimated. Join her on her journey through her Instagram hashtag #thismorningwalk
· Note: in the episode, “Trinity Church” is supposed to be “Trinity College.”
https://libbydelana.com/
Please subscribe on Spotify and/or Apple Podcast. Appreciate you
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On today’s episode of the Flex, celebrity agent, entrepreneur, and author/speaker Darren Prince virtually sits down with us to go through his fascinating journey that includes being a seminal figure in the sports card business, fighting for his life with opioid addiction, and founding a prominent celebrity marketing agency.
Raised in Livingston, NJ “The Prince of Cards” was a motivated businessman at an early age. As the years went by, with his hustle growing stronger, he started the Prince Marketing Group…an agency that represents Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, Charlie Sheen, Hulk Hogan, Pam Anderson to name a few. All the while, he was fighting a monster that millions of people face today…opioid addiction.
He graciously shares the details from the nights that led him to start his path to being 12 years sober. It’s an emotional discussion with the intention to help others start their sobriety. The selfless act of speaking out culminated to his writing the international bestselling book, Aiming High.
Throughout the 45 mins episode, we talk about some interesting topics such as how Hulk Hogan turned down being the face of a little-known grill that George Foreman made uber famous.
Darren Prince, you’re a mensch. Thank you
If you or anyone you know has an addiction problem, get help now. Having a support system is crucial to starting the road to recovery.
1800-663-HELP (4357)
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline
Buy the book Aiming High here: https://www.amazon.com/Aiming-High-Prominent-Sports-Celebrity/dp/1732500800
https://www.princemarketinggroup.com/
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The phrase “the riper the berry, the sweeter the juice” applies to the next guest on the Flex. Lovely human Gillean Mcleod started modeling in her 50’s. She’s been in ads for Boots the Chemist, Levi’s Jeans, Schwarzkopf hair products, Allure Magazine, and she even graced a billboard in Times Sq for Oliver Peoples.
We speak about her journey growing up in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Scotland. Her eventual move to LA led her to tour with a band called The Party Boys.
We discuss her passion for styling, and women’s rights along with her use of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to restore balance to the body’s energy.
She also provides some thoughtful advice to those who are scared to take the proverbial leap towards going for an endeavor.
If you enjoy hearing stories about interesting people, or if you’ve ever had fear prevent you from moving forward, this episode is for you.
Gillean's styling work: http://www.sidecarww.com/gillean-mcleod
Please subscribe and rate. Appreciate you. -
On today's episode, talented and energetic artist Scott McDermott stops by to walk us through his journey from growing up in Switzerland, to becoming a phenomenal commercial photographer/director.
He details some of his amazing projects which include the highly acclaimed "Mandela Day" portrait shoot, "Scar Stories" personal piece, and a documentary film ("Danica: Driven") following Danica Patrick on the last race of her career.
He also describes the day he partied with Shaq and Ja Rule after a photoshoot.
Finally, he gives some advice on how and when to pivot in your career.
https://www.scottmcdermott.com/
I hope you enjoy this episode. Appreciate you -
In these tough, and divisive times it's great to hear serendipitous stories of love and family. I had the pleasure of having the author of the book "Our Subway Baby" on the Flex to speak about how he and his boyfriend (at the time) discovered an infant on the ACE train, and the eventual creation of a family. Pete and I go through that fateful day, and the subsequent months and years that follow.
We also touched on his experience coming out to his parents, and friends with the goal to help others in that predicament.
This children's picture book is a perfect gift for the holidays:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/317018/our-subway-baby-by-peter-mercurio-illustrated-by-leo-espinosa/
Please subcribe and rate. Appreciate you -
Wonderfully eccentric, and talented photographer Jordan Hollender joins the Flex to touch on a wide variety of topics. The range of items discussed runs the gamut from 'what's hypnotherapy, and how can it help you open up your creative flow?,' to a documentary Jordan is creating with a philosopher that is a window washer by day.
We speak about his wife, and business partner Diane at length, and talk about how they keep their relationship strong working together each day. We also talk about his connection with his brother Scott Harris who helped discover Shawn Mendes.
Jordan describes a new and exciting virtual gathering network that he started.
BONUS: can you guess what film I reference in my script read at 12:30 in the episode??
I hope you enjoy the episode. Please subscribe and rate
https://www.hollenderx2.com/motion/ -
World renowned producer, and artist representative Tim Mitchell joins the Flex to talk shop in regards to the current and future state of image creation. His having artists based around the globe gives us a solid snapshot of the status of how creatives are working today.
We speak about his journey from photography school to assisting and producing for photographers, and to finally representing them.
We also talk about some of the phenomenal talent on his roster: Paul Aresu, Andric, Genevieve Caron, CJ Burton, Robert Wilson, LSD, Luminous, etc.
If you're in the ad world, or if you're interested in learning about the present and future of art creation in the "new normal," this episode is for you.
I hope you enjoy it. Please subscribe on Spotify + Apple Podcast
https://tmar.com/home -
Uber talented photographer Martin Schoeller joins the Flex as we walkthrough his journey that exemplifies resilience and focus.
His immigrant success story is like that of countless others: take risks and stay motivated through trials and tribulations.
Martin describes how his unwavering determination to assist for Annie Liebovitz made that goal to come to fruition.
As a master portrait photographer, he talks about photographing President Barack Obama on three different occasions throughout his political career. We also speak about his work with legends Heath Ledger, and Kobe Bryant.
Finally, he gives us a sneak peak into his most recent project where he shoots death row exonerees.
https://martinschoeller.com/
Please subscribe on Apple Podcast, and Spotify. - Visa fler
