Mountain Collective Podcast

Google Ads or Meta Ads? In this episode of Mountain Collective Podcast, I sit down with Leonard at ecomtrada , a Google Ads specialist who built an e-commerce ad agency and went from white-label work to onboarding 16 clients in six weeks.

We start with the Tesla flip stunt and then get into how Google Ads captures existing demand while Meta Ads creates it. We also cover ad fatigue, shrinking attention spans and what it takes to stand out as an agency in a crowded market.

We also talk about AI and automation: why Leonard has automated roughly half his tasks, why you should start from a real problem instead of a cool tool, and whether Google can still compete with ChatGPT and Claude. We get into agentic checkouts and the future of webshops too.

If you run or want to start an agency, freelance, or work in marketing, this one is for you.

In this episode:

• Google Ads vs Meta Ads: demand capture vs demand creation
• Why Google Ads doesn’t suffer from ad fatigue the way Meta does
• Why people choose people, not agencies
• Scaling 100x: fast spike or slow build?
• How Leonard went from boredom in Aruba to running Google Ads across the Caribbean
• Fake it till you make it vs real expertise
• AI, automation and the “I can just build it myself” trap
• Will Google lose the AI race? Agentic checkouts and the future of e-commerce
• Authenticity, LinkedIn cold outreach and building real connections

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https://www.instagram.com/lennard.ecomtrada/

"A leaf brushed me head top on a walk in an Amsterdam park, and it pulled me into the present".

That moment led to a short solo episode on why boredom and the unknown present are where creativity comes from.

Key points

• Awareness comes before thinking. It is noticing something as it happens, before the mind adds labels or stories.
• The present feels unsafe. It is unknown, so we escape into the past (our stories) or the future (our plans), which both feel safe.
• Over-planning kills creativity. A painted canvas is the past and a planned future is already written. Only the present is blank.
• Boredom is the doorway. It is what we feel when the mind runs out of known material, and that empty space is where creativity starts.
• Stillness gives clarity. Like ripples settling on water, the mind clears if you sit with it long enough.
• Start small. Sit with yourself for 2 minutes, then 10, then 20, and let your thoughts about the past and future run out.
• No scripts, no edits. The host doesn’t polish his episodes, because polishing would hide the point of the podcast, which is simply to be.

Coming up: At least three guest episodes, plus website updates.

A solo reflection on identity, freedom, creativity, and the different versions of myself I moved through this year.

In this episode, I look back at the first three quarters of the year — what changed, what challenged me, what I learned, and where I’m going next.

In this episode:

• Q1 — Reckoning: what I was confronted with at the beginning of the year
• Q2 — Reframing: the shift in perspective that changed how I saw myself and my work
• Q3 — Rebuilding: putting a new identity into practice and seeing what happens when you actually live it
• Beyond Q3 — Becoming: where I’m heading next, what I’m building, and the identity I’m choosing to carry forward

A conversation about becoming, creating, and learning to move through life with more clarity and freedom.

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https://mountaincollective.studio/

https://www.instagram.com/mourad.bahrouch

In this episode, Esty Zilberman & Mourad Bahrouch explore the science of stress, recovery, the nervous system, neuroscience, and human performance with Esty, founder of Build It Real. We discuss how the brain interprets reality, why stress itself isn’t inherently good or bad, and how homeostasis helps explain the body’s drive toward balance and safety.

We also dive into WHOOP, wearable data, HRV, sleep, recovery, and self-awareness—and why you shouldn’t let a recovery score dictate how you feel. Instead, learn how to use data as information while staying connected to your own body.

The conversation also explores how these principles apply to training, exercise, leadership, management, and the workplace. From gradually increasing physical or mental challenges to understanding an employee’s individual stress threshold, we discuss how leaders can create environments where people are challenged without becoming overwhelmed.

Topics covered:

• Stress and nervous system regulation

• Homeostasis and the brain’s response to stress
• WHOOP, HRV, recovery and wearable technology
• Sleep, exercise and physical resilience
• How to build tolerance to stress gradually
• Finding exercise you actually enjoy
• Neuroscience and self-awareness
• Stress management in the workplace
• Leadership, employees and psychological safety
• How managers can recognize when people are under- or over-challenged

If you’re interested in neuroscience, stress management, nervous system regulation, recovery, fitness, leadership, workplace performance, or understanding yourself better, this episode is for you.

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https://www.builditreal.ai/

In this episode of Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad Bahrouch sits down with Romain Rosi to explore his journey as a 3D artist, from discovering Cinema 4D as a teenager to building a professional career in 3D, graphic design, and visual effects.

Romain shares how his early fascination with animation and movie special effects led him to discover 3D, why learning through tutorials became such an important part of his creative development, and how he eventually turned a hobby into a career.

The conversation also explores the evolution of 3D workflows, the power of rendering and node-based materials, and the creative possibilities of combining 3D, live-action footage, and AI.

Romain and Mourad discuss the future of AI in the creative industry, why AI is not necessarily replacing 3D artists, and how the best results often come from using the right tool for the right problem. They also talk about craftsmanship, creative exploration, professional studio work, and the importance of building work that reflects your own style.

Whether you are a 3D artist, motion designer, CGI artist, filmmaker, or creative professional interested in AI and the future of visual effects, this episode offers an honest look at the creative process, the evolution of 3D, and what it takes to build a lasting career in the industry.

Topics covered:
• Romain Rosi’s journey into 3D
• Discovering Cinema 4D as a teenager
• Learning 3D through tutorials and personal projects
• The evolution of 3D rendering and node-based materials
• Freelancing and working with creative studios
• AI in 3D, CGI, and visual effects
• Why craftsmanship still matters
• Combining AI, 3D, and live-action footage
• Building a creative career and developing your own style

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https://www.instagram.com/romain.rosi/

Anna Romina Rabe works in Sales Operations Specialist at Rolls-Royce, is a passionate car enthusiast, and an Onboarding Coach.

In this episode, she talks about how she built her career, what it’s like working in the luxury automotive industry, and how internships, networking, international experiences, and taking opportunities helped shape her path.

We also discuss career advice, finding your passion, LinkedIn, mentorship, personal growth, and why your career doesn’t have to be perfectly planned from the beginning.

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https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-romina-rabe-0b9361220/

https://hdsunflower.com/

https://annarominarabe.com/

In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad sits down with Oleksandra Nosovska to explore her remarkable journey from working in 3D design and digital fashion to building her own physical fashion brand. Oleksandra shares how she uses 3D as a creative prototyping tool, the challenges of turning ideas into real products, and the lessons she learned through entrepreneurship, discipline, and self-discovery.

The conversation dives into creativity, work-life balance, burnout, meditation, personal growth, and the importance of aligning your work with who you truly are. Sasha reflects on finding purpose through design, navigating the pressures of being a workaholic, and learning to listen to her body while pursuing ambitious goals.

Whether you're a creative professional, designer, entrepreneur, or someone looking to build a meaningful career, this episode offers valuable insights into turning passion into reality while staying connected to yourself.

Topics discussed:

• 3D design and digital fashion
• Building a fashion brand from scratch
• Creativity and entrepreneurship
• Discipline, focus, and productivity
• Work-life balance and burnout
• Meditation and self-awareness

• Personal growth and authenticity
• Turning ideas into physical products
• Finding purpose through creative work

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https://www.instagram.com/oleksandra_nosovska/

In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, Hannah Rinne shares her philosophy on “life maxing” — living life to the fullest while balancing meaningful work, travel, relationships, creativity, and personal growth. She discusses why chasing perfect optimization can sometimes reduce happiness and explains how she measures success through inspiration, experiences, and overall life satisfaction rather than constant tracking.

The conversation explores work-life balance, social media’s role in modern business, the value of real-world experiences, and the growing challenge of decision-making in a world filled with endless options. Hannah also dives into the concept of the “Paradox of Choice,” explaining why having too many choices can lead to stress and poorer decisions.

Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, freelancer, or someone seeking a more intentional life, this episode offers practical insights on finding balance, making confident decisions, embracing experiences, and creating a life that feels both successful and fulfilling.

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https://www.instagram.com/hannahrinn

https://www.instagram.com/conversationclubb

In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, photographer Katerina shares her journey from aspiring creative to full-time freelance photographer. We explore the realities of building a photography business, overcoming anxiety, managing the uncertainty of freelancing, and developing a sustainable creative career.

We also dive deep into creativity, the nervous system, meditation, discipline, creative flow, Rick Rubin's philosophy, mental health, and why your best ideas often arrive when you stop forcing them.

Whether you're a photographer, designer, filmmaker, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical insights on creativity, resilience, and building a meaningful career.

Topics covered:

• Freelance photography
• Building a creative career
• Fashion photography
• Creative process
• Creative flow
• Mental health for creatives
• Anxiety and freelancing
• Nervous system regulation
• Meditation and creativity
• Rick Rubin's The Creative Act
• Productivity and discipline
• Finding inspiration
• Entrepreneurship for creatives
• Creative habits
• Personal growth

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https://www.instagram.com/katerinabezede/

In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad sits down with Olivia Madarasz, who designs and grows partnership and affiliate ecosystems , and has worked with global brands including Nike, Crocs, New Balance, and Diesel.

They explore what really drives brand growth beyond advertising—from building memorable campaigns and writing compelling copy to creating stories that connect with people. Olivia shares practical insights into brand positioning, campaign strategy, performance marketing, and why great storytelling remains one of the most valuable skills in marketing.

The conversation also dives into the growing role of AI in creative work. While AI is transforming copywriting and marketing workflows, Olivia explains why human creativity, taste, and critical thinking are still essential for creating campaigns that stand out.

In this episode you'll learn:

• How successful brands approach long-term growth
• The difference between performance marketing and brand marketing
• Why storytelling is essential for memorable campaigns
• Lessons from working with Nike, Crocs, New Balance, and Diesel
• How to write marketing copy that captures attention
• Where AI helps—and where it still falls short
• Why human creativity remains a competitive advantage

If you're a creative professional, founder, or entrepreneur looking to build stronger brands in the age of AI, this episode is full of actionable insights.

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https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7437045005401272320/