The Creative Flex

On today’s episode of the Flex, a pioneer in the world of art and photography, James Porto takes us through his journey which includes his childhood growing up in a desert community of the Aramco Oil Company in the current Saudi Arabia to partying in the 80’s NYC with people like Andy Warhol.  

His experience with the darkroom/in-camera processes, to the inception of Photoshop, to current 3D modeling/CGI is discussed.  

We also take a shallow dive into the landmark legal case FPG vs. Newsday where the courts established that it is copyright infringement to “borrow” images (James’ creations) to create a new piece.  His fight helps protect artists today.

If you’re a fan of photography + art, this episode is for you.

James’ site:
www.jamesporto.com

James’ MFA thesis film (4 minutes):
https://vimeo.com/469180020/c0c148b931

Appreciate you

On today’s episode of the Flex, Marriage and Family Therapist/writer Talia Litman sits down with me to discuss her journey from the UK to NYC, and also her transition from the corporate world to couples + family therapy.

One may ask why an episode on relationship therapy is apropos for the holiday season, and New Years.  Well, I want to eliminate the stigma that currently exists on seeking counseling in general, and I believe with the high percentage of divorce in this country, couples who believe in their relationship enough to want to make it work is the epitome of love.  And what better way of starting a new year than with more communication and understanding?  

I sourced some questions from friends, and Talia gives her valuable feedback.  We also discuss Zoom dating, the effects of COVID on the pursuit of a significant other, and which episodes of Sex and the City we both love.  

Follow Talia on her IG page @talia.mft and at https://www.yourtango.com/experts/talia-litman

In my humble opinion, Dos Equis should replace their “Most Interesting Person in the World” commercial character with my next guest.  Libby DeLana is the Co-Founder of branding/strategy firm Mechanica, former Design Director at MullenLowe, aspiring pilot, culinary school graduate, sky diver, “free range parent,” author, activist, and morning walker.  

Her work won several industry awards, and has been featured in publications such as Communication Arts, Graphic Design & Logo, and Fast Company.  She was also profiled by the BBC for a program called “The Chain” which individuals name the person who inspired their accomplishments.  

One of the topics we discuss in this fun episode is her 9+ year ritual of walking 8ish miles each morning.  The benefits to the soul, and to the body can’t be underestimated.  Join her on her journey through her Instagram hashtag #thismorningwalk

·      Note:  in the episode, “Trinity Church” is supposed to be “Trinity College.” 

  https://libbydelana.com/

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On today’s episode of the Flex, celebrity agent, entrepreneur, and author/speaker Darren Prince virtually sits down with us to go through his fascinating journey that includes being a seminal figure in the sports card business, fighting for his life with opioid addiction, and founding a prominent celebrity marketing agency.

Raised in Livingston, NJ “The Prince of Cards” was a motivated businessman at an early age. As the years went by, with his hustle growing stronger, he started the Prince Marketing Group…an agency that represents Magic Johnson, Dennis Rodman, Charlie Sheen, Hulk Hogan, Pam Anderson to name a few.  All the while, he was fighting a monster that millions of people face today…opioid addiction.  

He graciously shares the details from the nights that led him to start his path to being 12 years sober.  It’s an emotional discussion with the intention to help others start their sobriety.  The selfless act of speaking out culminated to his writing the international bestselling book, Aiming High. 

Throughout the 45 mins episode, we talk about some interesting topics such as how Hulk Hogan turned down being the face of a little-known grill that George Foreman made uber famous. 

Darren Prince, you’re a mensch.  Thank you

If you or anyone you know has an addiction problem, get help now.  Having a support system is crucial to starting the road to recovery.

1800-663-HELP (4357)

https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline

Buy the book Aiming High here: https://www.amazon.com/Aiming-High-Prominent-Sports-Celebrity/dp/1732500800

 https://www.princemarketinggroup.com/

The phrase “the riper the berry, the sweeter the juice” applies to the next guest on the Flex.  Lovely human Gillean Mcleod started modeling in her 50’s. She’s been in ads for Boots the Chemist, Levi’s Jeans, Schwarzkopf hair products, Allure Magazine, and she even graced a billboard in Times Sq for Oliver Peoples.

 We speak about her journey growing up in Indonesia, Malaysia, and Scotland. Her eventual move to LA led her to tour with a band called The Party Boys.  

 We discuss her passion for styling, and women’s rights along with her use of Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT) to restore balance to the body’s energy.

 She also provides some thoughtful advice to those who are scared to take the proverbial leap towards going for an endeavor.

If you enjoy hearing stories about interesting people, or if you’ve ever had fear prevent you from moving forward, this episode is for you.

Gillean's styling work: http://www.sidecarww.com/gillean-mcleod

Please subscribe and rate.  Appreciate you.

On today's episode, talented and energetic artist Scott McDermott stops by to walk us through his journey from growing up in Switzerland, to becoming a phenomenal commercial photographer/director.

He details some of his amazing projects which include the highly acclaimed "Mandela Day" portrait shoot, "Scar Stories" personal piece, and a documentary film ("Danica: Driven") following Danica Patrick on the last race of her career. 

He also describes the day he partied with Shaq and Ja Rule after a photoshoot. 

Finally, he gives some advice on how and when to pivot in your career.

https://www.scottmcdermott.com/

I hope you enjoy this episode.  Appreciate you

In these tough, and divisive times it's great to hear serendipitous  stories of love and family.  I had the pleasure of having the author of the book "Our Subway Baby" on the Flex to  speak about how he and his boyfriend (at the time) discovered an infant on the ACE train, and the eventual creation of a family.  Pete and I go through that fateful day, and the subsequent months and years that follow. 

We also touched on his experience coming out to his parents, and friends with the goal to help others in that predicament. 

This children's picture  book is a perfect gift for the holidays:
https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/317018/our-subway-baby-by-peter-mercurio-illustrated-by-leo-espinosa/

Please subcribe and rate.   Appreciate  you

Wonderfully eccentric, and talented photographer Jordan Hollender joins the Flex to touch on a wide variety of topics.  The range of items discussed runs the gamut from 'what's hypnotherapy, and how can it help you open up your creative flow?,' to a documentary Jordan is creating with a philosopher that  is a window washer by  day.

We speak about his wife, and business partner Diane  at length, and talk about how they keep their relationship strong working together each day.  We also talk about his connection with his brother Scott Harris who helped discover Shawn Mendes.  

Jordan describes a new and exciting virtual gathering network that he started.

BONUS: can you guess what film I reference in my script read at 12:30 in the episode??

I hope you enjoy the episode.  Please subscribe and rate

https://www.hollenderx2.com/motion/

World renowned producer, and artist representative Tim Mitchell joins the Flex to talk shop in regards to the current and future state of image creation. His having artists based around the globe gives us a solid snapshot of the status of how creatives are working today.

We speak about his journey from photography school to assisting and producing for photographers, and to finally representing them. 

We also talk about some of the phenomenal talent on his roster: Paul Aresu, Andric, Genevieve Caron, CJ Burton, Robert Wilson, LSD, Luminous, etc. 

If you're in the ad world, or if you're interested in learning about the present and future of art creation in the "new normal," this episode is for you. 

I hope you enjoy it. Please subscribe on Spotify + Apple Podcast

https://tmar.com/home

Uber talented photographer Martin Schoeller joins the Flex as we walkthrough his journey that exemplifies resilience and focus.

His immigrant success story is like that of countless others: take risks and stay motivated through trials and tribulations.

Martin describes how his unwavering determination to assist for Annie Liebovitz made that goal to come to fruition.

As a master portrait photographer, he talks about photographing President Barack Obama on three different occasions throughout his political career.  We also speak about his work with legends Heath Ledger, and Kobe Bryant.

Finally, he gives us a sneak peak into his most recent project where he shoots death row exonerees.

https://martinschoeller.com/

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