Carter Hogan shares his journey from filmmaker to software founder and reveals why most video professionals don't actually have a lead generation problem - they have a lead nurturing problem. He breaks down practical ways to automate the "low-value activities" in your business so you can focus on the creative work that matters most.

• Your leads need 7-8 touchpoints before they'll trust you enough to hire you - if you're not consistently staying in touch, you're leaving money on the table
• A simple monthly newsletter highlighting recent projects and how they solved client problems is the easiest way to nurture leads effectively
• Automating payment processes and follow-ups not only saves time but prevents thousands in unpaid invoices from slipping through the cracks
• Presenting a professional front through automated reminders and follow-ups makes clients feel like you have a full team, even if you're a solo operator

Carter Hocan is the Co-founder and Owner of Vidlead, a video production company. With 10 years of experience as a videographer and producer, Carter gained recognition through his YouTube channel DevinSuperTramp. 

He also spent five years with Fulltime Filmmaker Online Film School. Carter's expertise in creative storytelling and video production drives Vidlead’s mission to deliver innovative content solutions for businesses and creators alike.

• [00:00] Welcome to the Show!
• [06:30] Meet Carter Hogan
• [11:24] VidLead
• [14:14] Lead Nurturing
• [17:59] Monthly Newsletter
• [22:30] Automated Messaging for Socials
• [30:54] VidLead Financial and Time Benefits
• [32:21] Invoicing
• [47:56] Outro

"People ask me like, what's going to help me? And it's like, well, if you haven't signed up yet, one, you're going to save money because you're going to cancel at least three or four softwares... And then two, you're going to free up a lot of your time so that you can work on your business." - Carter Hogan

"If you can automate the low value activities in your business and focus on the higher value activities, you're going to get a lot more bang for your buck. You're going to make a lot more money that way. Cause you're focusing on where your time really should be spent." - Carter Hogan

"Even if I'm selling like a $50 broomstick on Amazon, I still have to hit like at least five or six touch points to have somebody trust me enough to buy my $50 broomstick. Now we're talking about thousands of dollars in video production." - Carter Hogan

Get your first Month free with VidLead

Connect with Carter Hogan on LinkedIn

Follow VidLead on Instagram | Facebook | Twitter

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

Jason Raitz shares his journey from public speaker to communication coach and reveals how seemingly small changes in how we speak with (not at) people can dramatically impact trust, relationships, and revenue. Through powerful stories and practical advice, Jason shows how better communication isn't just nice to have - it's essential for business growth and client retention.

• Most leaders communicate out of fear, manipulation, or force for short-term results - but this approach eventually drives away team members and clients 
•  Effective communication follows the 20/80 principle: be fully present (10%), ask exceptional questions (10%), and genuinely listen (80%) 
• Your listening skills and communication effectiveness could be costing you $80,000-$100,000 a year and 8 hours of productivity every week 
• When you speak "with" people rather than "at" them, you'll build trust that naturally generates referrals and increases revenue

Jason Raitz is on a mission to help leaders speak with people, not at them. As President of Speak with People, he equips leaders with communication skills that build trust, foster loyalty, and drive growth. 

Since 1996, Jason has spoken at over 700 events, reaching more than 200,000 people. He also hosts the Speak with People Podcast, inspiring Leaders to refine their communication and deepen relationships. 

He and his wife have been married for 28 years and have 5 kids. They're huge advocates for adoption the rare disease community.

• [00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [04:22] Meet Jason Raitz
• [11:44] Being a Better Communicator
• [13:43] Words and Actions
• [23:06] Tips for Better Communication
• [28:04] Be A Story Collector
• [34:54] Why Communicate Better?
• [44:47] Connect with Jason
• [46:24] Outro

"Real influence isn't demanded, it's earned one meaningful conversation at a time." - Jason Raitz

"People will listen to you for a season if you communicate out of force. They will listen to you if you communicate out of fear, if you come down hard on them. But that only works for a short time." - Jason Raitz

"When you speak with people, you speak from a place of health. You speak from a place of trust, joy and collaboration. Like you want to get the absolute best." - Jason Raitz

"Healthy communication is oxygen for our relationships. And you just breathe life into people. The difference is astounding." - Jason Raitz

Free Communication Course

Find Jason Raitz online

Listen to the Speak With People podcast

Follow Jason Raitz on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Check out Ryan's resources (including his book, "Speak With People, Not At Them," releasing September 2025)

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

Ryan Holck shares his journey from creative implementer to strategic partner, revealing how the right questions at the beginning of a project can completely transform both your client relationships and your bottom line. He breaks down exactly how to stop wasting time on prospects who aren't aligned with your value and start positioning yourself as more than just someone with a nice camera.

• Asking "Who's the top person we're trying to reach and what's the next step you hope they'll take?" changes everything about how you approach video projects
• Bringing up budget expectations early saves everyone time - try saying "Projects like this typically run between $X and $Y" to quickly assess alignment
• Helping clients understand the value of what you're creating relative to their potential return makes price conversations much easier
• Good creative work isn't just about technical execution - it's about getting stories that connect emotionally and drive real results

Ryan Holck is a speaker, author, marketer, and brand messaging strategist. As creator of the Distill Your Story framework, he guides brands to tell their story clearly so they are memorable and referable.

He specializes in helping brands identify their unique story, simplify their messaging, and deliver it strategically both online and in person. 

Ryan combines storytelling principles with marketing practices to help brands be memorable and referable. His work has spanned industries including: soloprenuers, family-run businesses, green energy, women’s health, food safety and state-wide nonprofits.

• [00:00] Welcome to the Show!
• [05:18] Meet Ryan Holck
• [06:12] Focusing On Your Goal
• [12:03] Discussing Budget With a Client
• [24:18] Advantage of Creative Storytelling
• [26:47] Using Testimonials
• [29:54] Educating Your Clients
• [36:23] Different Types of Clients
• [42:02] Connect With Ryan
• [43:43] Outro

"Great questions lead to great creative. If you could sit and think about what are two or three things that I could ask a potential client that would help me understand what they need, but would also help reveal to the client what truly is going to be the change moment in this project for them." - Ryan Holck

"Do not be afraid of the creative process because you were made to be creative. And at the same moment, it is not everything you are, that your creativity is a piece of what you are and who you are, but it is not the entirety of it." - Ryan Holck

"The game changer moment for me is when our discovery calls went from me just asking a lot of questions to helping a client understand what kind of client are they." - Ryan Koral

Find Ryan Holck online

Grab your free website audit

Follow Ryan Holck on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Connect with Ryan Holck on LinkedIn

Follow Distill Your Story on Instagram | Facebook

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

Matt Church shares his revolutionary approach to building a fulfilling business centered around your unique expertise and preferences rather than chasing market opportunities. He explains why the "third choice" of running a practice (not just a job or business) creates more freedom, impact, and alignment with who you truly are.

• You have three choices: get a job, start a business, or run a practice – and running a practice around what you know gives you more control and fulfillment
• Your differentiation comes from preference and selection, not trying to broadcast how special you are to everyone • Work from your essence, expertise, and experience to create something unique without the pressure of being completely different from everyone else
• The "vacation test" is brilliant: would you go on vacation with your clients? If not, they're probably not your ideal clients

Matt Church is one of the world's leading strategic thinkers and speakers, known for helping people prepare for tomorrow by taking action today. As the founder of Thought Leaders™, he's dedicated to developing leaders who make a real difference. From his early days as Australian Fitness Leader of the Year to being inducted into the Professional Speaker Hall of Fame, Matt has consistently pushed the boundaries of what's possible. 

He's a bestselling author whose work has been published in 5 countries, and he's recognized as one of the top 21 most influential people in the speaking industry globally. When he's not helping clever people be commercially smart, you'll find him on Sydney's northern beaches restoring his 1962 trawler, Sweet Potato.

• [00:00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [00:05:56] Meet Matt Church
• [00:06:39] Thought Leaders Practice Book
• [00:11:06] Experience and Technical Competency
• [00:14:43] Imposter Syndrome
• [00:16:59] Ways of Knowing
• [00:27:20] “Comparisonitis”
• [00:48:30] Being Yourself for Others
• [00:55:11] Scarcity Mindset
• [01:01:12] Connect with Matt
• [01:04:03] Outro

"You do the world no service by playing it small. It's a form of false humility and it's not what you were born to do. It is a privilege to be self-expressed and it's a privilege to do so in service to others." - Matt Church

"Action precedes confidence. It's much better to launch, to ship, to put yourself on the other side of a declaration and then figure it out. Because we can spend a lot of time on this side getting it right, going ta-da! And it falls flat on its face." - Matt Church

"The times we've been most successful is when we've been the most focused – on the audience, the product, the offer, the goal. It's easier to market. It's easier to know where to network." - Ryan Koral

Find Matt Church online

Download any of Matt Church's books (including The Thought Leaders Practice and NEXT)

Thought Leaders Business School

Be Less Shit On Camera (online program)

momacrae.com (coming soon...)

Follow Matt Church Instagram | Facebook

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

In this reunion episode, Ryan catches up with his old friend Sean Stockman (Midlife Stockman), who went from editing wedding videos to building a YouTube channel with over 600,000 subscribers by simply filming property transformations with his phone. Sean shares his journey from corporate America to full-time content creator and how his passion for serving others has created real-world impact beyond the screen.

• You don't need fancy equipment to start creating content that resonates - Sean began with just his phone, a tripod, and free editing software 
• Consistency and authenticity matter more than polish - viewers respond to genuine passion, not perfect production 
• When you focus on serving others first (in Sean's case, by cleaning up properties and helping neighbors), growth often follows naturally 
• Building a community around shared values (like "working hard and loving your neighbor") can create impact far beyond what you initially imagined

Sean Stockman, known online as Midlife Stockman, is a passionate YouTuber who shares his life experiences, community involvement, and personal insights with his growing online community. Through his YouTube channel, along with his active presence on Instagram and Facebook, Sean has built a space where viewers can connect, share their thoughts, and engage with someone who genuinely cares about addressing the needs and concerns of others.

With a unique focus on community engagement, Sean’s videos are a blend of personal stories and responses to the concerns of his viewers. Whether it’s meeting with people to address issues or simply offering a moment of reflection, his content remains down-to-earth and impactful.

Although Sean once ran marathons, he hasn’t participated in one for about five years, yet his appreciation for his viewers and the support he’s received through his work continues to drive him forward. Humble and grateful for the opportunity to connect with his audience, Sean is deeply thankful for the positive impact his community has had on him.

• [00:00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [00:03:58] Meet Sean Stockman
• [00:18:13] How Midlife Stockman Began
• [00:25:59] The Impact You Can Make
• [00:33:11] YouTube Channel Growth
• [00:39:43] Sean's Transition From Corporate
• [00:51:25] Battling Imposter Syndrome
• [01:00:38] Connect with Sean
• [01:02:05] Outro

"I think my encouragement to anybody would be your passion will come through. There's ways you can hone your editing and make your sound better, but if you really love what you do and really believe in what you do, it's going to come through and people will see that and respond." - Sean Stockman

"People are not going to respond more if your camera is crisper or if your sound is better. What I have found in my experience is people are responding to seeing a genuineness about me... I'm not trying to be someone I'm not." - Sean Stockman

"Show up as you. Don't try to be a YouTuber that you follow. Be inspired by their consistency, their content, whatever. But show up as you because the world already has that person... They don't have your story, and your nuances, and your silly personality." - Ryan Koral

 Follow Sean Stockman on Instagram | Facebook | YouTube

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

In this value-packed solo episode, Ryan dives into why focusing on one thing is the key to building a sustainable video business. He shares practical insights on breaking free from the feast-or-famine cycle and getting crystal clear on what you really want from your business.

• Consistency in marketing wins - but you need to know what to be consistent with
• Pick 2-4 main goals instead of spreading yourself too thin across many objectives
• Focus on making one income stream overflow before adding new ones
• Get super clear on what "done" looks like for your goals 

• [00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [01:04] Episode Intro
• [03:35] 10xFILMMAKER Workshop
• [05:06] Managing the Peaks and Valleys
• [06:42] Consistency in Your Marketing
• [09:10] Clear Business Goals
• [13:36] Entrepreneurial Operating System
• [16:51] Multiple Streams of Income
• [22:17] Outro

"If you're not clear on what your goal is for your business, it's easy to get distracted because you're not on a path, you're not on a clear direction." - Ryan Koral

"The times that we've been most successful is when we've been the most focused - on the audience, the product, the offer, the goal. It's easier to market. It's easier to know where to network. So many things become a lot easier when you're really, really focused." - Ryan Koral

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

Cinematographer Vanessa Carr shares her journey from indie films to Netflix documentaries, revealing the techniques and mindset shifts that have helped her capture authentic, emotional stories. She opens up about working with high-profile clients like Prince Harry while staying true to the heart of documentary storytelling.

• The power of silence in interviews - let those awkward moments hang and magic often follows
• Stop thinking about "B-roll" and start thinking about "world building" for more intentional visuals
• Building trust with subjects is crucial - be transparent about expectations and impact from day one
• Personal documentary projects can actually lead to better commercial opportunities

Vanessa Carr is a documentary cinematographer specializing in character-driven cinema vérité. Her long list of credits includes On Pointe (Disney+), Heart of Invictus (Netflix), which was one of Prince Harry's major series, and multiple HBO films. Her work has been on every major platform and screened in festivals including Sundance, SXSW, Tribeca, and TIFF.

Vanessa has been a DOCNYC 40 Under 40 honoree, Points North Institute fellow, and instructor at Maine Media Workshops. She recently launched Doc House, a new learning community for documentary filmmakers – and teaches a hugely popular live course, the Documentary Cinematography Intensive. Vanessa holds a master’s degree in journalism from UC Berkeley. 

• [00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [05:08] Meet Vanessa Carr
• [11:42] Why Doc Film is Meaningful
• [21:00] Learning From Challenging Projects
• [30:39] Shooting B-Roll
• [37:46] Interview Techniques
• [44:07] DocHouse
• [46:50] Connect with Vanessa
• [48:28] Outro

"When I think about B-roll, I get bored... I've started thinking about it more as world building. So if you think about a novel where all of the details are kind of building the world of these characters..." - Vanessa Carr

"There's almost a spiritual feeling that I have... especially when you're filming something that's really unfolding in sort of real time... there is such an intense presence that you have, because you have to be completely focused." - Vanessa Carr

"I don't want to limit anybody's ability to just get started and create content online. This has completely changed my life, completely changed the trajectory of my career." - Vanessa Carr

Find Vanessa Carr online

Follow DocHouse on Instagram

Netflix documentary: "Daughters"

Netflix series: "Heart of Invictus"

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

Austin Armstrong, CEO of Syllaby, shares his journey from video marketing agency owner to AI software pioneer. In this value-packed episode, he breaks down how to leverage AI tools for content creation while maintaining authenticity, and reveals some surprising strategies for boosting engagement on social media.

• Different types of content serve different audiences - don't limit yourself to one format
• Repurposing and reposting content is not just okay - it's smart strategy
• The key to networking isn't pitching yourself - it's asking good questions
• Being entertaining and adding personality to your content drives better engagement

Austin Armstrong is a lifelong digital marketer, public speaker, 2X 7-figure entrepreneur, host of the podcast BusinessTok, and CEO of Syllaby, an AI startup that helps content creators create, schedule, and publish videos in minutes. Austin has posted over 4000 videos on TikTok, tripling his own business’s revenue and thousands more across his clients’ accounts. Austin has leveraged his success on TikTok to gain millions of followers across every social media platform. He loves sharing the strategies that have worked for him to empower you.

• [00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [06:43] Meet Austin Armstrong 
• [08:14] Syllaby 
• [25:16] Staying Top of Mind 
• [27:17] Content Marketing 
• [29:45] Repurposing Content 
• [36:42] Unusual Tips To Get Engagement 
• [40:52] Easter Eggs In Your Content 
• [47:09] Invest In Yourself 
• [49:57] AI Marketing World 
• [54:04] Connect With Austin 
• [55:09] Outro

"The only person that sees every post that you put up is you, or your assistant that is posting on your behalf, that's literally the only person." - Austin Armstrong

"Don't be afraid to pay for things that are going to level you up and continue to ask yourself in anything that you want to do, what's the best that could happen?" - Austin Armstrong

"If you're creating content that's helpful, if you're not leveraging that and exhausting it in every way because the whole intent is to add value and to help people... get the heck out of the way and let it hit." - Ryan Koral

Find Austin Armstrong online

Follow Austin Armstrong on Instagram | Facebook

Syllaby.io

AI Marketing World

https://answersocrates.com/

OpusClip

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

Storytelling consultant Katie Quesada breaks down why polished perfection isn't always the answer in video content, and how to create stories that actually move people to take action. She shares practical frameworks for helping people tell better stories and why those raw, behind-the-scenes moments often create deeper connections than highly produced content.

• If you want to make someone do something, you have to make them feel something - and stories are the best way to do that
• Raw, behind-the-scenes content often performs better than polished pieces because it feels more authentic
• Don't hold back your story - it might be exactly what someone else needs to hear

Katie is an acclaimed speaker and consultant who is deeply passionate about the art of storytelling. Katie has recently worked with top brands like Zillow, United Healthcare, American Eagle Outfitters (and more!) to ignite their story for more effective communication, high trust within teams, and increased sales. Katie and her husband Danny live with their two daughters in Orange, CA. They spent two years living in a 180 sq ft tiny home and believe that stories are better than stuff.

• 00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [06:41] Meet Katie Quesada
• [13:51] Measuring ROI In Video
• [21:11] 4 Part Workshop
• [25:02] Helping Others Tell Their Story
• [29:22] Behind The Scenes
• [38:10] Connect with Katie
• [39:36] Outro

"People who choose not to tell their story are choosing to leave out someone else's survival guide... you're literally leaving a map off the table." - Katie Quesada

"If you want to make someone do something, you have to make them feel something. We are overwhelmed with noise, facts, ideas, theories, data. We're all drowning in it." - Katie Quesada

Find Katie Quesada online

Get The Three C's of Storytelling free

Find out more about Story School

Follow Katie Quesada on Instagram

Connect with Katie Quesada on LinkedIn

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes

Artist and creative strategist Mike Brennan opens up about the journey of building a business that aligns with who you are, even as that changes over time. He shares powerful insights about avoiding creative burnout, finding fulfillment outside of client work, and giving yourself permission to evolve.

• Give yourself permission to evolve - what worked for you years ago might not be what's right for you now
• Have creative outlets separate from your paid work to avoid burnout and keep your passion alive
• Focus on building a business that aligns with who you are today, not who you used to be

Mike Brennan, author of Make Fun a Habit: The Creative PLAYbook for Making Life and Work Fun Again, isn't your typical Creative Consultant and Communicator; he's a passionate advocate for reigniting the lost art of fun and creativity. 

Mike's expertise goes beyond the pages of his book. He's helped renowned clients like Heineken and Chase Bank infuse creativity, innovation, and fun into their work. His art graces prestigious spaces like the Ronald McDonald House and the I.D.E.A. Museum in Mesa, Arizona.

What sets Mike apart is his commitment to helping individuals and organizations harness the transformative power of creativity. With a unique Daily Creative Habit process honed over a decade, he empowers people to seamlessly integrate innovation into their routines, making life and work more vibrant and fulfilling. Through his words, art, actions, and unwavering dedication to the cause, Mike inspires us all to make fun not just a habit but a way of life.

• [00:00] Welcome to the show!
• [07:10] Meet Mike Brennan
• [14:31] Creativity in Entrepreneurship
• [16:03] Listening To Yourself
• [23:11] Having a Creative Balance
• [44:05] Connect with Mike
• [45:45] Outro

"We're not these segmented beings like we like to say - I'm at work and I'm at home, I'm playing and I'm doing client work. Recognizing that and embracing that is key for having a healthier creative balance in our lives." - Mike Brennan

"Don't try to emulate somebody else's journey... do the best with what you have before you. That's why I come back to listening to yourself, getting alignment, getting clarity because you're the only one who's responsible for you." - Mike Brennan

Find Mike Brennan online to take the Creative Archetype quiz & listen to the Creative Chats podcast

Follow Mike Brennan on Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube

Connect with Mike Brennan on Instagram

Find out more about 10xFILMMAKER  

Join the Grow Your Video Business Facebook Group 

Follow Ryan Koral on Instagram

Follow Grow Your Video Business on Instagram

Check out the full show notes