WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY COST TO START OVER?

That's the question underneath Part 2 of CREATIVE. KIND.'s series on self-worth.  In Part 1, we heard what happens when the career you fought for starts quietly working against you.  Part 2 is about what comes next — the decision to change course, the terrifying stretch with no map, and the discovery that the parts of yourself you'd been hiding were the best parts all along.

[Prologue] Art Director Devin Mathews (BUCK) on walking away from the polish of agency life to make SuprOrdinary — a scrappy, deeply personal YouTube series born out of grief, fatherhood, and a fear of dying with the fire still in him. (10 1/2 min)

[Chapter 1 - "The Decision"] Motion designer Shutianyi Li on the six-month grind that left her unable to draw.  Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) on quitting without a plan — and why she still hasn't told her parents.  Filmmaker Haneol Lee on stepping off the "go go go" treadmill at 22, and the difference between chasing happiness and learning to dance in the rain. (14min)

[Chapter 2 - "Embracing the Unknown"] Quinnton Harris (Co-founder, Retrospect) on losing three enterprise deals in a week, laying off his team, and redefining what success actually meant.  Voice artist Brent Allen-Hagel on measuring a creative career in decades, not months. Devin Mathews returns on the muscle of "just do it" over endless planning.  David Lee (Chief Brand & Creative Officer, Squarespace) on quitting a global agency role at the worst possible time — and the gut-punch coincidence waiting for him at the airport.  Michael Tessler (Founder, Multihouse) on driving to LA with $200 and a car that stalled at stop signs. (28min)

[Chapter 3 - "Your Whole Self"] Natalie Stone (former GM, CryptoPunks; Founder, StoneWork) on a lifetime spent in liminal spaces — and why that in-between feeling became a superpower.  Amanda Russell (Co-founder, Cream) on learning to stop apologizing for what she has to offer.  Filmmaker Adam Reid on a late ADHD diagnosis and the artist defense mechanisms he didn't know he had.  Creative Director Christian Capello-Colon on the stigma of a man admitting he's not okay at work.  Creative Director Kara Barnett on refusing to check boxes and bringing her whole self — Trinidadian, Black, HBCU grad, creative — into every room.  Benedict Coulter (Founder, R3BEL) on four decades as a trailer editor, a heroin addiction he wasn't supposed to survive, and the gratitude that came after.  Broadway performer Phillip Attmore on grief, joy, and refusing to compartmentalize on stage. (26 1/2min)

[Epilogue - "Who Do We Become?"] David Lee returns on the uneasy tangle between identity and legacy.  Michael Tessler returns on the courage he sees in his younger self, and in his campers before puberty teaches them to hide.  Host Yuhei Ogawa and Phillip Attmore on the friend who dared him to finally start this podcast — and the idea that we love because we've been loved first.  Devin Mathews returns on SuprOrdinary as a "creative rest stop" for other people's exhausted journeys. (15min)

It's a conversation about what's left when you stop performing and start building something honest.  If Part 1 was about naming the doubt, Part 2 is about what you do once you've named it.

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WHAT DOES IT ACTUALLY MEAN TO SHOW UP FOR YOURSELF?

It's a question that sounds simple — until you're in the middle of a deadline spiral, second-guessing every creative decision you've made, or quietly wondering if you even belong in the room.

In the next two episodes of CREATIVE. KIND., host Yuhei Ogawa goes deep on one of the most personal — and most universal — struggles in the creative industry: self-worth.

In Part 1, Yuhei and his cohorts get honest about the many faces of self-doubt.  From the quiet whisper of Impostor Syndrome to the louder, trickier pull of ego — how do we stay in our own corner when the creative life makes it feel like the hardest thing in the world?

[Intro] Yuhei and Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) commiserate on the pressure to keep up a certain "front" as Asian professionals.  Designer/Animator Shutianyi Li on navigating the brutal creative job market of 2023.  Simon Clowes (Managing Creative Director, Apple) on using Impostor Syndrome as fuel — without letting comfort kill your drive.  And flame Artist Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv) shares his leap of faith moment (12 1/2min)

[Chapter 1 - "Sorry to Bother You"] Networking – is it really as scary as it sounds?  Ashley Falls (Managing Director, Clios West Coast) on why it's so much more than just conversations.  Ruth Newberry & Amanda Russell (Creative Directors/Founders, CREAM) on the unexpected power of embracing your weird. (11min)

[Chapter 2 - "That Voice In Your Head"] Yuhei & filmmaker Haneol Lee discuss age and Impostor Syndrome.  Ruth Newberry (Creative Director/Founder, CREAM) on honing your craft as a way to quiet the noise.   Creative director Kara Barnett on not letting your inner critic become the ceiling on your potential.  Ryan Summers (Creative Director, Sarofsky) breaks down his philosophy for coexisting with self-doubt.  And dancer/Choreographer Ian McKenzie widens the aperture.  (12min)

[Chapter 3 - "Ego Ain't Your Amigo"] Film marketing legend Benedict Coulter (Founder, R3BEL) on the complicated feeling that comes with winning.  Dancer/Choreographer Ian McKenzie on the fragile ego of a new generation of dancers.  (10min)

[Chapter 4 - "The Line You Draw"] Justin Cone (Co-Founder/Head of Community, FrameRate) on a troubling trend he's seeing in younger artists.  Creative director Kara Barnett on recognizing — and recovering from —burnout.  Stage performer Phillip Attmore on having the clarity & priorities when navigating work/life balance.  Web3 entrepreneur Natalie Stone (Founder, StoneWork) on why outside voices matter more than we think.  (15min) 

[Chapter 5 - "Finding Your Way Back"]  Creative director Michael Blackburn on finding the "thing" that brings you back to your creative baseline.  Quinnton Harris (Co-founder, Ghost Note Agency) on the practices that keep him creatively centered.  Creative director Ryan Summers on why the people around you might be the most underrated ingredient in your creative health.  (7 1/2min)

[Outro] Designer/animator Shutianyi Li reflects on what she's gained through self-care.  Creative Director Devin Mathews on facing a pivotal moment.  (7 1/2min)

It's a conversation about the inner game.  And if you've ever questioned whether you're good enough, charging enough, or doing enough — this one's for you.

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RAISE A GLASS FOR YOUR COMMUNITY!

In this episode, host Yuhei Ogawa explores the often overlooked power of community in the creative industry.

In an industry defined by volatility, rejection, and relentless reinvention, it's the people around us who provide support, inspiration, and a sense of belonging when the work gets hard.  Whether it's finding your tribe, learning from rivals, or building spaces for voices that haven't been heard, community is what transforms isolated creators into a collective force—one that weathers industry shifts, celebrates each other's wins, and reminds us why we fell in love with this work in the first place.

[Intro] Justin Cone (Head of Communication, BUCK) shares the backstory of his emotional social media post.  Simon Clowes (Managing Creative Director, Apple) unpacks his sense of belonging with his digital tribe. (11min)

[Chapter 1 - "My People"] Where do creatives find their community?  Conversations with Brent Rockswold (Creative Director/Trailer Editor), Amanda Russell & Ruth Newberry (Creative Directors/Founders, CREAM), and filmmaker Haneol Lee. (7min)

[Chapter 2 - "Nerd In Me"] Christian Capello-Colon (Creative Director/Editor) on what skateboarding and trailer editing have in common.  Hommy Diaz (Product Line Manager, DARC SPORT) on what it takes to be a footwear designer.  Flame Artist Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv) on what makes Flame community unique. (11min)

[Chapter 3 - "Frenemies"] Voice artist Brent Allen Hagel on keeping the voice art form alive by investing in the community, including his rival artists.  Broadway performer Phillip Attmore on the unbreakable bond he's build with his fellow competitors. (11 3/4min)

[Chapter 4 - "Builders"] A.J. Mayers (Co-Founder/Co-President, VIBRANT) on identifying the void and building a safe space for the LGBTQ+ community in entertainment marketing from ground-up.  Ricardo Roberts (Creative Director/Co-Founder, BIEN) on the savvy mentorship program his studio has invented to train & uplift the under-represented communities.  Dancer/Choreographer Ian McKenzie on bridging the gap that was created in the dance community during COVID lockdown. (18 1/2min) 

[Outro] Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) walks down the memory lane of how she was welcomed into the creative industry.  Creative director Ryan Summers on why Motion Design community is a special space for him.  Closing thought from creative director Ruth Newberry (Co-Founder, CREAM). (8min)

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What matters more for creative professionals—artistic integrity or commercial success? In this deeply personal and thought-provoking episode, host Yuhei Ogawa embarks on a spiritual quest to explore this timeless tension, inviting listeners into a rich conversation with creatives from diverse backgrounds who've wrestled with this very question.

Through intimate interviews and candid reflections, discover how artists, filmmakers, performers, and industry professionals navigate the delicate dance between passion and profit. From Hollywood's unspoken truths to the touring life of mega-star backup dancers, this episode reveals the real stories behind creative careers.

[Intro] Creative Directors Amanda Russell (Co-founder, CREAM Studio) & Kara Barnett (Senior Creative, Apple), plus VFX Artist Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv), share their hard-won wisdom on balancing artistic vision with business realities. (5 min)

[Chapter 1 - "Artistry & Industry"] Theatrical Performer Phillip Attmore explores the artist's role in the business world, while Filmmaker Haneol Lee highlights what Hollywood fails to discuss. (7 1/2 min)

[Chapter 2 - "3 out of 10"] A raw journey through the film marketing trenches with industry veterans Benedict Coulter (Founder, REB3L), Christian Capello-Colon (Creative Director, Requiem), and Michael Blackburn, revealing why this field isn't for everyone. (11 1/2 min)

[Chapter 3 - "Dream & Reality"] Touring professional dancer Ian Mckenzie shares the surreal life of performing for the mega-star, and Producer Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) discusses the crucial art of setting boundaries between passion and profession. (8 min)

[Chapter 4 - "Spiritual Growth"] Creative Director Simon Clowes (Managing Creative Director, Apple) reveals why he views the creative process as a spiritual practice. (6 3/4 min)

[Outro] Director Adam Reid on the ultimate creative challenge—becoming the hero of your own story. (3 1/2 min)

Perfect for creative professionals, aspiring artists, and anyone seeking to understand the complex relationship between art and commerce in today's world. Prepare for honest conversations that will challenge your assumptions and inspire new perspectives on what it means to create for a living.

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In Part 2 of our deep dive on TRUST, host Yuhei Ogawa peels back the layers of creative partnership—where ego, empathy, and imagination collide.  From client tensions to agency alliances and the elusive bond with an audience, how do we build bridges instead of boundaries?  Featuring honest, surprising stories from leaders across the creative spectrum, this episode asks: Can trust be designed into the process itself?  A must-listen for anyone who’s ever tried to make something—together.

[Intro]
Conversation with Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv) (4 min)

[Chapter 1 "The Business of Service"]
Trailer Editor Benedict Coulter, Creative Director Amanda Russell (Co-founder, CREAM Studio), & Creative Director Christian Capello-Colon on what it means to be in service of the creative process.  Andy Milkis (Founder, Logik.tv) on how to forge creative allyship (7 min)

[Chapter 2 "The Art of Listening"]
Sneaker Designer Hommy Diaz on plugging into the street culture.  Conversation with Kara Barnett (Senior Creative, Apple) on the importance of understanding the assignment.  Creative Director Michael Blackburn on why kindness is the key in bridging perspectives (7 min)

[Chapter 3 "In Their Shoes"]
Conversation with Erica Kung (Head of Production & Creative Operations, Squarespace) on the reality of varying visibility into the creative process.  Ruth Newberry (Co-founder, CREAM Studio) opens up about the vulnerability of being a working artist.  A.J. Mayers (Senior A/V Producer, Amazon MGM Studios) offers his perspective on the partnership with creative agencies.  Director Macaela Vandermost (Owner, Newfangled Studios) on kindness in offering a guiding hand to the clients on values-driven work (9 min)

[Outro]
A.J. Mayers (Senior A/V Producer, Amazon MGM Studios) on challenges of modern digital networking.  Trailer Editor/Creative Director Brent Rockswold on creative partnership rooted in authenticity.  Creative Director Erin Sarofsky (Founder, Sarofsky) on the importance of nurturing professional relationships (6 1/2 min)

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What role does trust play in the creative process?

Host Yuhei Ogawa dives into the often-overlooked power of interpersonal relationships in the creative industry, uncovering how genuine kindness isn't just a nice-to-have — it's the secret to building unstoppable team dynamics.

[Intro]
Conversation with Ruth Newbury (Co-founder, CREAM Studio) (3 min)

[Chapter 1 "The Power of Small Gestures"]
Dancer Ian McKenzie, Motion Designer/Animator Shutianyi Li, & Creative Director Christian Capello-Colon on the power of small kindness (9 min)

[Chapter 2 "The Art of Creative Feedback"]
Creative Director Ryan Summers on the timeless importance of creative criticism.  Trailer Editor/Creative Director Brent Rockswold, Director Macaela Vandermost (Owner, Newfangled Studios), & Creative Director Michael Blackburn on their ethos on creative feedback (9 1/2 min)

[Chapter 3 "Going Beyond"]
Creative Director Amanda Russell (Co-founder, CREAM Studio) on creating a safe culture for her team.  Kara Barnett (Creative Lead, Apple) talks about the importance of giving people shoutouts.  Creative Director Michael Blackburn on going the extra mile to help editors grow (5 min)

[Outro]
Coming up on Part 2... (1 1/2 min)

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Why do we do what we do?  And why does it matter?

Host Yuhei Ogawa explores different passions of his creative colleagues, and find out what fuels them to continue on on their paths.

[Intro]
Voice Artist Brent Allen Hagel on how he set off on his Voice Over journey.  Creative Director Ryan Summers on the importance of "Why?" (5 min)

[Chapter 1 "The Calling"]
Producer Erica Kung and filmmaker Haneol Lee discuss how they found their passion. (5 min)

[Chapter 2 "The Rush"]
Creative Director Kara Barnett on her passion for "Audience Journey".  Creative Director/Editor Christian Capello-Colon on continuing fascination with video editing. (4 min)

[Chapter 3 "On A Mission"]
Director Ricardo Roberts on redefining inclusion & representation in the motion design industry.  Director Macaela Vandermost on her personal fight to uphold her values of inclusivity.  (12 1/2 min)

[Chapter 4 "Legacy"]
Sneaker Designer Hommy Diaz on what it means to be a Dominican designer.  Performing Artist Phillip Attmore discusses the legacy of being a black artist. (7 1/2 min)

[Chapter 5 "The Pitfall"]
Director Adam Reid on what does it mean to live a life of an artist.  Producer Erica Kung on weighing the pros & cons. (4 min)

[Outro]
Creative Director Quinnton Harris reveals his "Why?" (2 1/2 min)

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In this first episode of CREATIVE. KIND., host Yuhei Ogawa explores why kindness is at the heart of creative industry, with a help of a few friends.

[Intro]
Yuhei shares with filmmaker Michiel Thomas how the idea of the podcast come about. (6 min)

[Chapter 1]
Yuhei dives into the very meaning of kindness with dancer Ian McKenzie, creative director Quinnton Harris, and theater performer Phillip Attmore. (6 min)

[Chapter 2]
Yuhei talks to writer/director Haneol Lee, trailer editor Christian Capello-Colon, and producer Erica Kung to find out how kindness is deeply connected to different creative disciplines. (7 min)

[Chapter 3]
How can creatives extend kindness to their teams?  Why is it important?  Find out from VFX artist Andy Milkis, creative directors Kara Barnett and Michael Blackburn. (8 min)

[Chapter 4]
In the creative industry, what does it mean to be "Kind to yourself?"  Yuhei talks to director Adam Reid and creative director Ryan Summers. (7 min)

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