Dialogue with Dylan

Cory Hunter is a freelance brand designer based in Lancaster, PA. He shares how growing up as a missionary kid in Slovakia, pivoting from engineering to graphic design, and eventually leaping into freelance branding work have shaped his approach to creativity, family, and resilience. From church creative teams to Nashville music projects and community run clubs, Cory unpacks why relationships, curiosity, and choosing hard things matter more than chasing prestige.

Hunter Creative Co:
www.huntercreative.co

Follow Cory:
https://www.instagram.com/huntercreative.co/

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

00:00:00 – Childhood as a missionary in Slovakia
00:03:00 – From engineering drawings to design 
00:04:40 – Liberty graphic design, early jobs
00:06:00 – Growing up overseas, school shift
00:07:40 – Language, bilingual Slovak-English life
00:11:50 – Liberty experience, making school count
00:16:50 – Choosing college for character growth
00:18:25 – Church creative career and freelancing leap 
00:22:55 – Relationships, faith, and taking the risk
00:28:00 – Finding a niche: branding, apparel, church 
00:31:30 – Standing out through relationships, not skill 
00:34:25 – Music work, Nashville agency, lyric video 
00:36:20 – Dream clients two connections away
00:37:05 – Common Run Club, community connections
00:38:10 – Starting running, asthma, first marathon

Tim Medina is the founder of Stump & Root Co., a marketing agency that serves local businesses in Lancaster, PA. In this episode, we talk about his background, his journey from corporate to founding his company, the 3 pillars of his work (branding, video, and photo), content systems, niches, marketing yourself as a creative, his role as a husband and father, and faith.

Follow Tim:
https://www.instagram.com/thecreativetim/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbmedina/

Stump & Root:
https://www.stumpandroot.co/
https://www.instagram.com/stumpandroot.co/

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

0:00 - Introduction
2:08 - Early creative background and family artistic influence
3:38 - Movie "Signs" inspiration and career awakening
4:35 - Discovering graphic design
6:52 - Corporate roles vs. founding Stump & Root Co.
7:53 - Importance of marketing education for creatives
22:52 - Working outside your niche and flexibility
24:49 - Pivoting niches and spec ad strategy
27:36 - Three pillars: video, photo, branding foundation
28:41 - Story/brand framework and holistic approach
38:25 - Personal branding and authenticity in work
40:33 - Family motivation and life priorities
46:44 - Collaborative mindset vs competition
47:14 - Abundance of local business opportunities
50:47 - Faith journey and background
52:00 - Trials, testing, and God's consistency
57:20 - Faith through difficult seasons and divine timing
1:01:31 - God's steadfast love and pursuit
1:06:19 - Website and LinkedIn for connecting

Recorded on February 17th, 2026 in Lancaster, PA.

Joshua West is a documentary filmmaker based in Lancaster, PA. In our conversation, we talk about what storytelling actually means, his production process, niches, competition, marketing, AI, and how he runs his business along with his wife.

Follow Josh:

https://www.instagram.com/jbawproductions/

https://www.linkedin.com/in/joshua-west-0803a0181/

JBAW Productions:

www.jbawproductions.com

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

0:00 Introduction & Background
1:36 Growing Up in Texas & Moving to Pennsylvania
2:07 Meeting His Wife Through Music & COVID
5:50 Getting Started in Photography & Concert Work
6:32 Transition from Photography to Video Production
7:04 The Importance of Storytelling in Film
8:07 Defining Real Storytelling vs Marketing Buzzwords
9:25 Finding Conflict & Contrast in Corporate Films
12:03 Making Films That Create Emotional Impact
12:54 Pre-Production Process & Client Consultation
14:28 Being a Strategic Partner vs Button Presser
17:08 Maintaining Creative Control with Clients
19:44 Working with Legacy Brands & Real Human Stakes
21:09 Balancing Artistry with Business Needs
23:23 Self-Education & Learning Technical Skills
24:06 Trial and Error Approach to Skill Development
29:33 Marketing Strategies for Video Professionals
32:08 The Challenge of Marketing Yourself as a Video Creator
34:18 Generalist vs Specialist Debate
35:23 Niching Down to Documentary Approach
38:05 Opportunities in Smaller Markets
40:42 Benefits of Central PA Market
42:41 Adapting to AI & Industry Changes
45:14 Community Over Competition Mindset
47:22 Different Restaurants Analogy
48:43 Knowing When to Say No to Projects
50:55 Running a Business with His Wife
55:54 Where to Find & Hire Josh

Recorded on February 10, 2026 in Lancaster, PA.

Tim Lebo is a creator at heart - a videographer, musician, songwriter, podcaster, and author.

Follow Tim:
https://www.instagram.com/timothylebofilms/

Tim's website:
https://timothylebofilms.com/

Tim's book, Earth to Abram:
https://www.amazon.com/Earth-Abram-Timothy-Lebo-ebook/dp/B00XT6KQJW/ref=sr_1_2?crid=3H5GSHZ6MZEO&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.M1CVo8aRaAW3idClhCCJp3osEo25UPStnP6M_vFcES0D5SddX94Wiph8D06R2QyFetzwmYMIguQNAuDv13TBxqF6VdYU24fBvF6Id2vsisSUmmwYxZKd27zmLSWXP6hbAWISp0o09BEEqGShpIGDFw.9uhO54EEENGRaVUxAEzkWSSPEadsMvI66J-CPx2r5wY&dib_tag=se&keywords=earth+to+abrams+book&qid=1772601250&sprefix=earth+to+abram+book%2Caps%2C157&sr=8-2

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

0:00 - Introduction & Creative Philosophy
0:17 - Tim's Multifaceted Creative Background
2:35 - Childhood Inspirations & Rejecting Traditional Education
7:38 - Overcoming Fear of Rejection & Taking Risks
9:23 - Preparation Meets Opportunity & Creative Standards
17:42 - Building Community Through Direct Outreach
18:37 - Helping Other Creatives & Sharing the Blueprint
20:27 - Writing Sci-Fi Novels & Finishing What You Start
25:40 - Freelance Career Sustainability & Real Estate Diversification
40:16 - Gratitude & Perspective in Creative Work
41:20 - Riding the Wave of Uncertainty
43:17 - Where to Find Tim's Work

Dan Scott Forreal is a music producer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, sound designer, painter/muralist, tattooer, and graphic artist. In our conversation, we talk about his time living in Los Angeles and Colorado, manifestation, collaboration with band members, crafting an album, painting a mural, getting through difficult times, success, and more.

Find Dan's work here:
https://danscottforreal.com/

Kewl Haze:
https://kewlhaze.com/

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

0:00 - Introduction & Family Connections
2:43 - Early School Memories & Critical Thinking
5:07 - Finding Identity Through Skateboarding & Music
6:20 - Art Development & Family Influence
31:01 - Learning Music Production Rules
32:34 - Collaboration vs. Solo Control
34:15 - Multi-Instrument Skills & Band Dynamics
36:08 - Musical Influences & Breaking Rules
39:17 - Developing Kewl Haze's Sound
41:16 - Managing Ego in Creative Partnerships
43:02 - Natural vs. Intentional Sound Development
45:25 - Dealing with Unused Creative Work
50:07 - Connecting Different Art Mediums
53:43 - Layered Art & Thought-Provoking Content
55:24 - Finding Hope in Difficult Times
61:03 - Meaningful Tattoo Story
62:25 - Defining Success & Happiness
67:33 - Life Perspective & Learning from Hardship
69:44 - Art as Universal Connection
71:00 - Music as Shared Experience
71:48 - Where to Find Dan Scott & Kewl Haze

Drew B Darby is a documentary filmmaker specializing in endurance sports, traveling all around the world to capture the most impressive race performances. Drew is one of my oldest film industry colleagues and friends.

In this conversation, we take a trip down memory lane to the early film projects that got us started, ways to break into the film industry in today's day and age, how running changed his life, his process for crafting a film from start to finish, marketing yourself as a creative business owner, freelancing lessons learned, and more.

Follow Drew:
https://www.instagram.com/drewbdarby/
https://www.drewbdarby.com/

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

00:00 - Introduction & Background
02:34 - How Drew & Dylan Connected Through Film
06:26 - First Collaboration: "Angels Among Us" Short Film
08:56 - "Delivery" One-Shot Film Project
13:23 - Technical Challenges & Equipment Reviews
18:14 - Overcoming Imperfection in Early Work
22:21 - College Education vs. Self-Learning Debate
25:41 - Building Skills Through Experience
31:24 - College Experience at William & Mary
46:32 - Discovery of Running During Pandemic
53:31 - Career Pivot: Moving to Austin & BPN
55:32 - Reinventing Portfolio for Endurance Sports
01:00:00 - Going Freelance: The Two-Film Decision
01:05:09 - Why Athletes Need Documentary Films
01:17:07 - Art & Tactics: Balancing Creativity with Strategy
01:20:53 - Production Process: Pre-Production to Post
01:34:49 - Unpredictability of Race Day Filming
01:44:47 - Breaking the Mold in Ultra Running Content
01:47:57 - Lead Generation & Social Media Strategy
01:54:28 - Building Recognition in the Industry
02:02:18 - Sustainable Freelancing Without Ads
02:09:17 - Referring Work & Building Networks
02:17:10 - Contractor Relations & Fair Payment
02:26:54 - Defining Success in Freelance Career
02:35:48 - Reflections on Creative Partnership
02:37:25 - Where to Find Drew's Work

Why is it important to share your journey? Because others are watching… even if it’s one person. Your voice can be that one instance of inspiration that someone needs to make positive change in their life/career.

Victoria Pappas shares what the keys to success have been almost one year into full time freelancing. She also talks about the role of setting an example for others who are looking to pursue their dream of chasing their creative passions professionally.

Follow Victoria:
https://www.instagram.com/creatively.vp/

Recorded at Leaf and Loft Studio:
https://www.instagram.com/leafandloftstudio/

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

Mark Yang is a cinematographer and video marketer based in Lancaster, PA. In our discussion, we talk about what it takes to be a full time freelancer, video marketing, his experience running Instagram ads for local businesses, and personal branding. 

Follow Mark:
https://www.instagram.com/bambooshootsmedia/

Recorded at Leaf and Loft Studio:
https://www.instagram.com/leafandloftstudio/

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

Austin Gingerich is a brand strategist who co-founded the creative community Silo, which is based out of York and Lancaster, PA. His mission is to help creatives find their purpose.

In this episode, we dive into the importance of being a part of a community for both your personal and professional life, the story of how Silo was co-founded, tactical tips for improving your personal brand, and more.

Follow Austin:
https://www.instagram.com/austingingerich/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/austingingerich/
https://www.austingingerich.com/home/

Silo:
https://www.instagram.com/silo.us/
youtube.com/@silocreative

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com

In this episode, I speak with Amanda Collins about her journey as a freelance brand designer. Amanda and I met at a networking event a few years ago and I hired her to design a PDF for me last year. We cover topics like networking, education, having organization and processes in your business, the important of branding, and more.

Amanda's Website:
www.acollins.design

Follow Amanda on Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/acollins.design/

Connect with me:
https://www.instagram.com/dylangdelaney/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/dylan-delaney-9b8889a5/

My Website:
delaneyvideo.com