Almost Creative Podcast

In this episode of The Almost Creative Podcast, we reflect on three client projects from this past year that genuinely stuck with us — not because they were perfect, but because of what they taught us about trust, communication, and creative leadership We walk through one project where the client fully trusted the creative process, one where that trust was missing and things unraveled, and a third where lessons learned helped shape a much stronger outcome. Each story comes with real takeaways for creatives working with clients, brands, and teams at different levels.🎯 In This Episode✅ Why clients often don’t know what they actually need — and how to guide them✅ The difference between being a vendor vs a creative partner✅ When (and how) to push back on client requests✅ Why pre-production can make or break a project✅ How trust leads to better storytelling, fewer revisions, and stronger results✅ Lessons learned from commercial, event, and manufacturing projectsIf you’re a creative trying to grow professionally, work with better clients, or build more meaningful projects, this episode offers honest insight into what actually works — and what doesn’t — in real-world creative work 📌 Timestamps00:00 – Intro & New Year01:24 – Why These Projects Matter01:43 – Project #1: Client Trust in Action08:10 – Sponsor Break09:05 – Project #2: When Process Fails16:36 – Project #3: Lessons Applied23:18 – The Core Takeaway26:43 – Closing & Sponsor📌 Subscribe for more conversations about creative work, business growth, and lessons learned the hard way. Follow us on Instagram @almostcreativepod for new episodes and behind-the-scenes content.📲 Follow Us🎙️ Podcast: @almostcreativepod📸 Travis: @trheberling📸 Chris: @chrisshootsvideo📺 YouTube: Almost Creative🎁 Free Tools & Resources📄 FREE Pricing Template → https://bit.ly/wedding-pricing-template🎧 Music (SoundStripe) → https://soundstripe.com?fpr=almostcre...🎬 Wedding Day Kit → https://kit.co/trheberling/wedding-video💡 Lighting Kit → https://kit.co/trheberling/lighting✂️ AI Clipping Tool (Opus) → https://www.opus.pro/?via=almostcreative📋 CRM (17 Hats) → https://referrals.17hats.com/?r=gspzs

In this episode of the Almost Creative Podcast, Chris and Travis take a break from interviews and tactics to reflect on something more personal — the movies that shaped who they are as creatives.Instead of listing “the best films of all time,” they share the ten movies that helped form their taste, curiosity, and creative direction, from childhood inspiration to career-defining moments. Along the way, they unpack how storytelling, cinematography, animation, marketing, and emotional payoff influenced their work in film, video, and business.💬 Inside this episode:✅ We discuss movies we feel would describe us, Not the best, not necessarily our favorite, but movies that match our personalities This is a laid-back, reflective episode about creativity, influence, and why the things we love early on often shape the work we do later. If you’re a creative building a career — or just curious how inspiration compounds over time — this one’s for you.📲 Follow Us🎙️ Podcast: @almostcreativepod📸 Travis: @trheberling📸 Chris: @chrisshootsvideo📺 YouTube: Almost Creative🎁 Free Tools & Resources📄 FREE Pricing Template → https://bit.ly/wedding-pricing-template🎧 Music (SoundStripe) → https://soundstripe.com?fpr=almostcre...🎬 Wedding Day Kit → https://kit.co/trheberling/wedding-video💡 Lighting Kit → https://kit.co/trheberling/lighting✂️ AI Clipping Tool (Opus) → https://www.opus.pro/?via=almostcreative📋 CRM (17 Hats) → https://referrals.17hats.com/?r=gspzs📌 Subscribe for more creative business conversations, and follow us on Instagram @almostcreativepod to keep up with new episodes!

If you haven't noticed yet we are talking off for the holidays. We plan to be back in Janurary with a BANG! Look out for 1 new episode each week of Jan.

Ever wondered why your back hurts after editing… or why shooting weddings wrecks your shoulders?
In this episode, Travis sits down with Dr. Paul Castle, a chiropractor with 22+ years of experience, to talk about the habits, health tips, and daily choices creatives overlook — and how fixing your body can actually fix your business.

From New Year’s resolutions to posture, diet, movement, and staying healthy in a physically demanding industry, Paul breaks down practical advice every photographer, videographer, designer, and creator needs to hear.

We cover:
• Why most resolutions fail (and what actually works)
• What real habit change looks like
• Healthy snack alternatives for creatives on the go
• How sitting all day affects your body — and how to fix it
• Standing desks, movement, stretching & treadmill desks
• Why being “active” doesn’t always mean being healthy
• Preventing long-term injuries in creative work
• The business lessons Paul learned running a practice for 22 years
• Why helping people — not selling — is the key to growth

If you’re a creative who wants a long, healthy, sustainable career, this episode is your reminder to take care of the body that takes care of your work.

In this episode of Almost Creative, we sit down with Nick Faldstein — a veteran wedding filmmaker and the founder of Newlyweds Cinema — to talk about one of the biggest shifts happening in the creative world: the rise of the wedding content creator.After nearly a decade behind the camera, Nick decided to evolve from crafting cinematic highlight films to capturing real, unfiltered moments in the age of social media.He shares what inspired the transition, how it’s reshaping the wedding industry, and why genuine emotions matter more than perfect shots.🎯 In This Episode:✅ How Nick went from short-films and weddings to full-time content creation✅ The difference between a wedding videographer and a content creator✅ Why authenticity and emotion are outperforming cinematic perfection✅ Tips for creatives who want to pivot into the content-creation space✅ How to work alongside other vendors without stepping on toes✅ Why video storytelling still matters more than everWhether you’re a filmmaker, photographer, or creative entrepreneur, this episode dives deep into how the digital shift is redefining what it means to capture a wedding day.📌 Subscribe for more creative business conversations, and follow us on Instagram @almostcreativepod to keep up with new episodes!

Ever wondered why some photographers capture emotion effortlessly while others struggle? In this episode, Travis sits down with portrait artist Ranka Djajic Sparavalo — founder of Ranka Photography and the 40 Over 40 Project — to talk about how psychology, empathy, and human connection create powerful images and a stronger creative business.

Ranka shares how her hospitality background shaped her client experience, how she builds trust with vulnerable subjects, and how she launched a thriving portrait brand at 42.

In This Episode:
• Why connection matters more than camera gear
• The psychology behind natural, emotional portraits
• The story of the 40 Over 40 women’s portrait project
• Building trust, confidence, and comfort with clients
• What hospitality teaches creatives about service
• Starting a creative career later in life
• Growing a studio and creating legacy-driven work

Whether you’re a photographer or a creative entrepreneur, this episode is a reminder that it’s never too late to build the career you want — and that great art always begins with understanding people.

How do hostage negotiation skills help you book more clients? In this episode, Travis talks with Scott Tillema, keynote speaker and former SWAT negotiator, about the art of conflict resolution for creatives.

From endless client revisions to knowing when to stay silent, Scott breaks down practical ways to set boundaries, gain confidence, and turn tough conversations into better business outcomes.

Ever feel like clients only see your price tag and not your value? In this mini episode, We breaks down why “too expensive” usually isn’t the real problem. Travis shares how he turned a $2K inquiry into a $6K booking by focusing on the experience instead of just the services.

From handling budget-conscious couples to knowing when to say no, this fireside chat is packed with practical lessons for creatives who want to book better clients and build stronger businesses.

Ever feel like you’re not good enough, even when your work speaks for itself? In this episode, Chris and Travis unpack the messy reality of imposter syndrome—how it sneaks into the lives of artists, freelancers, and entrepreneurs, and what it really takes to overcome it.

They dive into where self-doubt starts, why pricing your work can feel like a battle, and how to shift your mindset so you can stand confidently in your value. From wedding filmmaking to freelance gigs to family expectations, this episode hits every creative who’s ever questioned their worth.

Whether you’re just starting out or years into your career, this is your reminder: you’re not alone—and you’re more than enough.

Ever wonder what it really takes to succeed as a model in today’s industry? In this episode of Almost Creative, special guest Anna Geyer shares her journey from early agency days to building a thriving freelance career. We dive into the realities behind industry standards, how to set boundaries, and why diversifying your skills can open unexpected doors.“This is more than a conversation about modeling—it’s about confidence, business mindset, and creating a career on your own terms.”🎯 In This Episode✅ How Anna went from modeling school to agency representation✅ Why industry beauty standards are changing—and what that means for talent✅ Balancing modeling with careers in fitness, EMT work, and business ownership✅ Knowing when to say no and set your rates with confidence✅ The pros and cons of exclusive agencies vs. freelancing✅ Managing health, body image, and mental resilience in a tough industry📌 Timestamps0:28 Intro & Guest Introduction1:01 How Anna Got Started in Modeling3:36 Early Agency Experiences & Industry Standards5:45 Social Media’s Impact on Modeling8:32 Fitness, Health, & Challenging Old Beauty Advice11:22 Setting Boundaries & Saying No to Low Rates15:07 Behind-the-Scenes Work That Models Really Do17:36 Misconceptions About Modeling vs. Reality20:01 Acting Goals & Expanding into Entertainment21:08 Managing Mental Health & Body Image in Modeling24:13 Agencies, Freelancing, & Finding Freedom26:22 Balancing Modeling with EMT, Nail Tech, and Business Work28:01 Why Freelancing Creates More Opportunity32:15 Advice for Aspiring Talent42:10 Closing Thoughts & Where to Find Anna📲 Follow Anna Geyer🔗 Instagram: @annageyer🔗 Tiktok: annageyer📲 Follow Us🎙️ Podcast: @almostcreativepod📸 Travis: @trheberling📸 Chris: @chrisshootsvideo📺 YouTube: Almost Creative🎁 Free Tools & Resources 📄 FREE Pricing Template → https://bit.ly/wedding-pricing-template🎧 Music (SoundStripe) → https://soundstripe.com?fpr=almostcreative10🎬 Wedding Day Kit → https://kit.co/trheberling/wedding-video💡 Lighting Kit → https://kit.co/trheberling/lighting✂️ AI Clipping Tool (Opus) → https://www.opus.pro/?via=almostcreative📋 CRM (17 Hats) → https://referrals.17hats.com/?r=gspzsbzgzb