The Creative Flex

On today’s episode, we take inspiration from the February Hallmark holiday that is Valentine’s Day.  Whether you’re single or in a relationship, you’ll find the next guest and our conversation interesting. 

Haifa Barbari is a dating + relationship advisor who started a self-coaching app called ‘BeWhatMatters’ which offers personalized advice to attract the love that everyone deserves.  She did the heavy lifting in terms of research, so you can relax and learn.  

We speak about her journey in advertising, her “Butterfly Effect” moment, and her love of karaoke.  I also sourced three questions from anonymous sources which Haifa graciously gives her feedback on.  

Please check out this fun discussion, and download the app (www.bewhatmatters.co)

Welcome back as we commence Season 2 of the Creative Flex podcast.  I’m proud to present the first guest of S2, Bernice Chao (Head of Integrated Creative at Zambezi).

Whether it’s contributing to two art books, teaching, organizing TED events, or being in leadership positions in top organizations, she’s the quintessential creative. 

On this episode, we speak about her journey in the advertising world, the origins of the non-profit ‘Asians in Advertising’ that she co-founded, reasons Asians are rarely in the C-Suite of Fortune 500 companies, and other interesting topics.

Please enjoy this bitesized episode, and check out her websites and the events she’s hosting.  

http://www.bernicechao.com/

https://www.asiansinadvertising.com/

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/asians-in-advertising-matchmaking-session-tickets-203267918817

For me, the 4th of July represents sacrifice, pride, and the Nathan’s Famous Hot Dog Eating Contest.  The latest guest on The Flex is on the Mt. Rushmore of all-time competitive eaters.  Crazy Legs Conti, currently #27 in the Major League Eating rankings, holds world records in Buffet Food (5.5 lbs in 12 mins) and French Cut Green Beans (2.71 lbs in 6 mins).  We discuss the polarizing force that is Takeru Kobayashi, and the age-old question “what happens to you physiologically after eating 60 hotdogs?”

He’s a writer, actor, former strip club beverage manager, and gastronomic historian. His takes on food, and film remind me of the late, great Josh Ozersky. 

He has also written spec scripts for “30 Rock”, “The Simpsons”, and “Seinfeld”.  Find out if I can get him to elaborate on each storyline.  

Grab a seat, set a table, cook some delicious goodies, and listen to this entertaining episode.  

https://majorleagueeating.com/eaters/10

http://crazylegsconti.com/

IG: crazylegsconti

On today's episode of the Flex, I have the pleasure of speaking with photographer, director, and sole owner of SuperStock Images, Stewart Cohen.  Born in Montreal, Canada he made his way to Dallas, TX where he not only makes it his home, he enthusiastically raves about the logistical and fiscal reasons for producing projects in the Lone Star State.

We discuss some interesting stories about his life such as being born in an elevator during a snow storm, and having a mother who was an actress where the family would play out scenes at the dinner table. 

Stewart and I talk about a couple of his fabulous books, and the production of them.  You can find them here:

SEEING Red (https://www.amazon.com/Seeing-Red-Stewart-Cohen/dp/0970770642/ref=sr_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=seeing+red+stewart+cohen&qid=1622556470&sr=8-3)

Identity (https://www.amazon.com/Identity-Photographic-Meditation-Inside-Out/dp/0970770626)

We also take a deep dive into his being an OG of the stock imagery industry, and how he serendipitously bought SuperStock Images.

https://www.superstock.com/
IG handle: @SCpictures
https://www.stewartcohen.com/

On EP 34 of the Flex, fellow Ohio State University Alum and powerhouse real estate agent Jeremy Swillinger sits down with us to talk about his journey, and the state of the Business.

As more and more people get vaccinated, and with the reopening of life in the city, folks are moving back into the Big Apple (and other cities).  We discuss the market in general, the significance of Zillow/Streeteasy, and we even touch upon how the show Million Dollar Listing New York has affected the industry.

If you’re interested in real estate, or if you’re looking to purchase, sell, or rent, have a listen.  Also, reach out to Jeremy and his team at Level to get personalized service with capabilities of a large agency:

http://www.theswillingerteam.com/meet-the-team

https://rew-online.com/level-groups-jeremy-swillinger-on-getting-creative-with-marketing-methods/

Listen to the EP here: www.thecreativeflex.com (also on Spotify + Apple Podcasts)

Recorded: 3/27/2021

On today’s episode of the Flex, I speak with modern Renaissance man Gregg LeFevre.  He’s a sculptor, photographer, storyteller, and public artist with projects all over the world. His 3D experimental photography has been shown in museum shows in Beijing and Berlin.  He also started a podcast called The Compulsive Storyteller which features short non-fiction stories from his life, based on the premise that the truth can be stranger than fiction.

He created the largest public art project in Manhattan at 5th and 41st st called the Library Walk.  It’s showcased in the first episode of Martin Scorsese’s Netflix show “Pretend It’s a City.”  In the first EP of the docuseries, Martin and humorist Fran Lebowitz wander around NYC and they speak about Gregg’s work briefly. Check it out here: https://www.netflix.com/title/81078137

Listen and subscribe to his podcast at www.thecompulsivestoryteller.com .  It can also be found anywhere you listen to podcasts 

On today’s episode of the Flex, the preeminent still-life photographer Adrian Mueller joins us for an insightful conversation.  We talk a bit of shop (eg covid “friendly” shoots, best practices), and we delve into his youth as an aspiring footballer.  

He describes the stunning project he worked on using Costa Del Mar sunglasses to create several different types of fish.  You can see the images and BTS footage here:  https://www.fabrik-studios.com/stills-+-liquids/costa/thumbs

As an artist that became an “overnight success” after years of hard work, he speaks about the importance of patience in the world of photography.  Seeking instant gratification, a la Instagram, is not beneficial in becoming a top notch creative.  

Please enjoy this delightful chat

https://www.fabrik-studios.com
https://www.amueller.com/

There have been so many terrible outcomes from this pandemic; hundreds of thousands of deaths, long term illness, financial ruin.  As social/herd beings, humans need to be able to enjoy music, entertainment, and each other to thrive.  Live concerts, theater, and festivals have mostly been lost since March 2020.  

There is no group of people that has a better grasp of the current situation than the promoters.  Today, my longtime friend, and the Vice President of Programming and Marketing at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts in San Antonio Aaron Zimmerman joins the Flex to walk us through his journey, and also tell us what the status is now, and what the future looks like in terms of live productions.

He also gives some sage advice to the artists in the industry on how to stay connected to their fans until we’re back in full force.  

Finally, we jump into the sports GOAT conversation between Michael Jordan and Tom Brady.

https://www.tobincenter.org/

A huge percentage of Americans are fans of golf, and nutrition.  My next guest on the Flex has you covered on both fronts.  Payton Wardlow virtually sits down with me to discuss Birdie Bundle, his subscription box service that delivers premium golf apparel, and merchandise.  We also talk about his other business, Complete Nutrition-Bowling Green, KY which is a brick-and-mortar fitness/supplement store.

Using his experience, Payton provides some sage advice to those budding entrepreneurs that may be hesitant to make the next move.  “It takes hustle, it takes drive…we have so much at our fingertips.  We have so much access (to information) that wasn’t available just a decade ago.  If you think it’s impossible, it’s NOT.”  

We jump into interesting topics like the validity of testosterone boosters, the approval processes of the FDA, and how tracking one’s bandwidth is key for success.  

It’s a fun, and smooth conversation…please check it out.

https://birdiebundle.com/
@thebirdiebundle (IG)
@completenutritionbg (IG)

On today’s episode of The Flex, we get to merge the world of mental health therapy and photography/art seamlessly.  Former producer and current psychotherapist Karen Strauss joins the show to speak about her journey from the high stress world of photography to the steady-paced field of social work.  

She discusses the benefits of hypnotherapy, RTT (Rapid Transformative Therapy), and other proven methods of analysis. It’s crucial to approach all theories with an open-mind.  

Karen also shares a very personal story about suicide which led to her to become dedicated to assisting people to overcome obstacles.  We also take a deep dive into the possible causes of the spike in suicide deaths among creatives.  

Visit her site below to get more information, or to book a session:

https://menachempsychotherapygroup.com/team/karen-strauss-acsw

IG: @menachempsychotherapygroup

And if you’re battling depression, and/or if you know someone that is, please seek help.  Things will get better.

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

Please subscribe.  Episodes also available on Spotify and Apple Podcast.  Thank you