
Sign up to save your podcasts
Or


What does it take to stay inspired after nearly five decades behind the camera?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with legendary surf photographer Brian Bielmann, one of the most influential visual storytellers in the history of surfing.
For almost 50 years, Brian has traveled the world documenting the people, places, and moments that have defined surf culture. From the North Shore of Hawaii to remote coastlines across the globe, his photography has become synonymous with adventure, athleticism, and the spirit of life lived in the ocean.
Throughout his remarkable career, Brian has photographed some of the biggest names in surfing, including Andy Irons, Bruce Irons, Kelly Slater, and countless other icons whose performances helped shape the sport.
His work has appeared on more than 150 magazine covers and has been featured in publications including Rolling Stone, National Geographic, Men’s Journal, Sports Illustrated, and virtually every major surf publication in the world. He also served as Senior Staff Photographer for TransWorld Surf Magazine throughout its legendary 14-year run.
Beyond editorial work, Brian has collaborated with some of the world's most recognizable brands, including Volcom, Red Bull, Billabong, Quiksilver, Guinness, Reef, DC Shoes, and Anheuser-Busch.
In This Episode:
• Brian's journey through nearly 50 years of surf photography
• Photographing legends like Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, and Bruce Irons
• Life on the North Shore of Hawaii and surf culture's evolution
• Behind-the-scenes stories from global surf adventures
• Shooting above and below the water
• The evolution of surf photography from film to digital
• Working with major brands and international publications
• Staying creative after decades behind the camera
• Why he still loves photography today
As Brian says:
"Without a doubt, even after three and a half decades of surf photography, I am still having the most fun."
Whether you're a surfer, photographer, creative, or someone chasing your own passion, Brian's story is a powerful reminder that curiosity and enthusiasm never have an expiration date.
Visit Brian:
Instagram: @brianbielmann
Web: www.brianbielmann.com
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
What does it take to build a creative career that lasts?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Casey Fatchett, an award-winning wedding, portrait, and event photographer based in New York City whose career has been built on authenticity, storytelling, and human connection.
For years, Casey has documented some of life's most meaningful moments, creating photographs that go beyond simple documentation and become lasting family heirlooms. His work has been featured in New York Magazine Weddings, The Knot Wedding Magazine, Platinum Weddings New York, and numerous other publications, earning recognition for his ability to capture genuine emotion and unforgettable moments.
But Casey's impact extends beyond the camera.
As the host of The Nerdy Photographer Podcast, he has become a trusted voice in the photography community, sharing honest conversations about the realities of running a photography business, navigating creativity, and sustaining a long-term career in a constantly evolving industry.
In this conversation, we dive deep into the relationship between creativity and mental health, the pressures photographers face, and the importance of building a career that supports both artistic growth and personal well-being.
We also explore storytelling, entrepreneurship, and what separates a meaningful photograph from a forgettable one.
In This Episode:
• Casey's journey as a professional photographer in New York City
• Building a successful wedding, portrait, and event photography business
• The connection between mental health and creative work
• What makes a photograph emotionally powerful and memorable
• Lessons learned from years of photographing life-changing moments
• Hosting The Nerdy Photographer Podcast
• The realities of creative entrepreneurship
• Balancing artistry with business sustainability
• Why storytelling remains at the heart of great photography
Visit Casey:
Instagram: @caseyfphoto
Threads: @caseyfphoto
Web: www.fatchett.com
YouTube: @CaseyFatchett
Casey's Podcast:
Spotify: The Nerdy Photographer
Apple: The Nerdy Photographer
Instagram: @thenerdyphoto
Threads: @thenerdyphoto
Web: www.nerdyphotographer.com
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
How does a love of nature evolve into a passion for photographing human performance at its limits?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Sara Kempner, a Canadian photographer and outdoor enthusiast whose work beautifully captures both the power of wild landscapes and the energy of action sports.
Raised on Vancouver Island and surrounded by oceans, mountains, rivers, and forests, Sara developed an early connection to the natural world. That connection became the foundation of her photography, shaping how she sees light, movement, and the stories unfolding within the landscape.
Landscape photography was her first creative love. Spending countless hours exploring the rugged terrain of the West Coast taught her patience, observation, and a deep appreciation for the environments she photographs.
Over time, that passion naturally expanded into sports and adventure photography.
By combining her understanding of landscapes with her love of outdoor adventure, Sara found a unique way to tell stories that celebrate both place and performance. Whether documenting endurance athletes, mountain bikers, trail runners, or outdoor events, her images reveal the powerful relationship between people and the environments that challenge and inspire them.
In This Episode:
• Sara's journey from landscape photography to action sports
• Growing up on Vancouver Island and its influence on her work
• The connection between nature and creativity
• Photographing athletes in outdoor environments
• Adventure photography and visual storytelling
• How landscapes shaped her creative perspective
• Why she continues to push creative boundaries
• Balancing commercial work with personal vision
• The importance of exploration and curiosity in photography
This is a conversation about photography, adventure, creativity, and the places that shape who we become.
Whether you're a photographer, outdoor enthusiast, athlete, or someone who feels most at home in nature, Sara's story is a reminder that some of life's greatest lessons are found beyond the pavement.
Visit Sara:
Instagram: @sarakempner
Web: www.sarakempnerphotography.ca
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
What happens when you refuse to stay in one lane?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Sean Bonner, an artist, entrepreneur, photographer, activist, educator, technologist, and one of the most fascinating creative minds I've had the opportunity to speak with.
For decades, Sean has operated at the intersection of culture, technology, community, and art, constantly pushing boundaries and exploring what's possible when creativity isn't confined by categories.
Since 2020, Sean has become a leading voice in the world of digital art, crypto art, and web3 culture. As a Venture Partner with Japan's web3 fund gmjp, a leader of web3 initiatives for Obey Giant Art, and co-creator of the virtual lofi musician 8tari Lofi Punk alongside legendary producer DJ Muggs, Sean continues to help shape conversations around creativity, ownership, and the future of digital expression.
His influence extends far beyond web3.
Sean has conducted research at MIT's Center for Civic Media and the Digital Currency Initiative, served as an Associate Professor at Keio University in Japan, and co-founded Safecast, a globally recognized environmental open-data nonprofit born from a desire to make information more accessible and transparent.
As a photographer, Sean's work has been exhibited internationally, while his photobooks Don't Go Outside and Unfinished Projects document years of observation, exploration, and life lived through curiosity.
As a musician, activist, educator, and entrepreneur, his career is a testament to the idea that creativity doesn't belong to a single discipline.
In This Episode:
• Sean's journey through photography, technology, and activism
• The evolution of crypto art and web3 culture
• Working with Obey Giant Art and Shepard Fairey's team
• Collaborating with DJ Muggs and creating 8tari Lofi Punk
• Founding Safecast and building global open-data initiatives
• Researching technology and civic media at MIT
• Street photography and documenting everyday life
• Creating across photography, music, education, and entrepreneurship
• Why curiosity is the driving force behind innovation
Visit Sean:
Instagram: @seanbonner
Web: www.seanbonner.com
Sean's Book: Unfinished Projects
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
What does it look like to witness history from just a few feet away?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I have the honor of sitting down with Pete Souza, one of the most influential documentary photographers of our time and the man behind some of the most iconic photographs in modern American history.
Pete's career has taken him places few photographers will ever experience. As Chief Official White House Photographer for both President Ronald Reagan and President Barack Obama, he spent years documenting history as it unfolded—from world-changing decisions in the Situation Room to intimate, unscripted moments that revealed the humanity behind the office.
His photographs have become part of the visual record of America, shaping how generations will remember two presidencies and the moments that defined them.
Before serving in the White House, Pete worked as a staff photographer for the Chicago Tribune, photographed assignments around the world for National Geographic, and built a career dedicated to telling meaningful stories through images.
He is also the bestselling author of Obama: An Intimate Portrait and Shade: A Tale of Two Presidents, books that demonstrate the extraordinary power of photography to document leadership, character, and history. His contributions to photography have earned him a place in the International Photography Hall of Fame, while his years teaching visual communication at Ohio University helped inspire and educate future generations of visual storytellers.
In This Episode:
• Pete's journey from photojournalism to the White House
• Serving as Chief Official White House Photographer for Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama
• Behind-the-scenes stories from the Oval Office and Situation Room
• The responsibility of documenting history in real time
• Photography's role in truth, leadership, and public memory
• Working for National Geographic and the Chicago Tribune
• The stories behind some of his most iconic images
• Writing Obama: An Intimate Portrait and Shade
• Lessons learned from a lifetime of visual storytelling
Visit Pete:
Instagram: @petesouza
Web: www.petesouza.com
Pete's Books: Click Here
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
What if photography isn't about finding answers, but learning how to live with the questions?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Reuben Radding, a New York City-based photographer whose work exists at the intersection of street photography, personal documentary, and human connection.
For Reuben, photography is an improvisation.
A conversation with the world unfolding in real time.
Armed with a camera and guided by instinct, he spends countless hours wandering the streets of New York City searching for moments that reveal something deeper about the human experience. His photographs capture fleeting gestures, chance encounters, and emotional currents that often exist just beneath the surface of everyday life.
Working primarily in black and white, Reuben creates images filled with mystery, ambiguity, and emotional resonance. Rather than providing easy answers, his photographs invite viewers into moments that raise questions, about connection, loneliness, vulnerability, identity, and what it means to be human.
But for Reuben, photography is more than an artistic practice.
It is a form of healing.
A way to navigate feelings of separation while searching for belonging.
A process of discovering himself through the people he encounters and photographs.
In This Episode:
• Reuben's approach to street photography as improvisation
• Wandering New York City in search of human stories
• The role of instinct and intuition in photography
• Why mystery can make photographs more powerful
• Working in black and white to explore emotion and connection
• Photography as a path toward self-discovery and healing
• The relationship between separation, belonging, and creativity
• Finding meaning in everyday interactions
• Why unanswered questions often create the strongest images
Whether you're a street photographer, artist, storyteller, or someone exploring your own creative journey, Reuben's perspective offers a thoughtful reminder that photography can be both a mirror and a bridge—helping us better understand ourselves and one another.
Image by: Nicole Reed
Visit Reuben:
Instagram: @reuben_radding
Web: www.reubenradding.com
Substack: Reuben Radding's Writing Depository
Buy Reuben's Book: Heavenly Arms
Reuben's Workshops: Experiences
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
What does it mean to create work that becomes part of history?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Sally Davies, an acclaimed painter, photographer, author, and visual storyteller whose work has become woven into the cultural fabric of New York City.
For decades, Sally has documented life with a unique blend of curiosity, humor, honesty, and artistic vision. Whether through photography or painting, her work explores the beauty, complexity, and unexpected moments that define the human experience.
Her photographs are held in the permanent collections of the Museum of the City of New York and the NYC 9/11 Memorial Museum, preserving important visual records of both everyday life and historic moments. Her extensive archive has also been acquired by the Downtown Collection of Fales Library at New York University, ensuring her work will continue to educate and inspire future generations.
Sally is also the author of the celebrated photobooks New Yorkers and California Dreamers, two projects that capture the character, diversity, and spirit of the people and places she encounters.
Many people know Sally as the creator of the iconic McDonald's Happy Meal Project, a photographic experiment that captured worldwide attention by documenting the remarkable longevity of a fast-food meal over time. Fifteen years later, the project remains one of the most talked-about conceptual photography projects of the modern era.
In This Episode:
• Sally's journey as both a painter and photographer
• Building a career documenting life in New York City
• The stories behind New Yorkers and California Dreamers
• The creation and impact of the McDonald's Happy Meal Project
• Photography as a record of culture and history
• The importance of preserving archives for future generations
• Having work included in museum collections
• Finding humor, beauty, and meaning in everyday life
• Creating a lasting artistic legacy
Whether you're a photographer, artist, historian, or someone fascinated by visual storytelling, Sally's perspective offers a remarkable look into a lifetime spent documenting the world with authenticity, curiosity, and creativity.
Visit Sally:
Instagram: @sallydaviesphoto
Substack: sallydaviesnyc
Web: www.sallydaviesphoto.com
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
What if the best portrait begins with a simple compliment?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Velvet Alfredo, a street photographer whose work celebrates individuality, fashion, diversity, and the beauty of human connection.
Known for his striking street portraits, Velvet has built a reputation for transforming chance encounters into unforgettable photographs. Walking city streets with a camera in hand, he seeks out people whose style, confidence, and personality stand out from the crowd. But his photography isn't just about fashion.
It's about people.
It's about conversation.
And it's about creating genuine moments of connection between strangers.
What makes Velvet's work so compelling is his ability to engage with his subjects in an authentic way. A simple compliment often becomes the beginning of a conversation, and that conversation becomes the foundation for a powerful portrait.
His photographs reveal more than clothing or appearance. They reveal confidence, individuality, culture, and the unique stories people carry with them every day.
In this conversation, we explore street photography, portraiture, fashion, diversity, creativity, and why meaningful photographs often begin with meaningful human interaction.
In This Episode:
• Velvet's journey into street portrait photography
• The art of approaching strangers with confidence and respect
• How fashion becomes a form of visual storytelling
• Capturing individuality through candid portraits
• Why human connection is essential to great photography
• Building trust in a matter of seconds
• The role of diversity and culture in his work
• Finding extraordinary people in everyday places
• Creating timeless images through authentic interactions
This is a conversation about photography, connection, creativity, and the power of seeing people for who they truly are.
Whether you're a street photographer, portrait artist, creative storyteller, or simply someone fascinated by human connection, Velvet's perspective offers a powerful reminder that every person has a story worth documenting.
Visit Velvet Alfredo:
Instagram: @velvet.alfredo
Threads: @velvet.alfredo
YouTube: @velvetalfredo
Web: www.velvetalfredo.com
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
What makes a photograph unforgettable?
For Cody Hammer, the answer is simple.
It should make you feel something.
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Cody Hammer, an award-winning Indigenous photographer based in Skiatook, Oklahoma, and a proud citizen of the Cherokee Nation and Muscogee Creek Nation.
A self-taught photographer, Cody has built a powerful body of work that blends traditional Indigenous storytelling with a contemporary visual approach. Through photography and filmmaking, he documents culture, community, resilience, and the living traditions that continue to shape Native life today.
His work is rooted in both heritage and innovation, honoring the stories of the past while creating imagery that speaks to the present and future.
Cody is a member of the Native American Journalists Association, the Society of Professional Journalists Oklahoma Pro Chapter, and Indigenous Photograph, an international collective and database dedicated to supporting Indigenous visual storytellers across Indian Country and around the world.
At the heart of everything Cody creates is a simple but powerful mission:
"I want to take photos that make you feel something when you look at them."
In this conversation, we explore Indigenous storytelling, photography, culture, identity, filmmaking, and the responsibility that comes with documenting communities and traditions through visual art.
In This Episode:
• Cody's journey as a self-taught Indigenous photographer
• Growing up connected to Cherokee and Muscogee Creek traditions
• Photography and filmmaking as tools for storytelling
• Preserving culture through visual art
• The role of emotion and authenticity in powerful photography
• Creating images that connect people to culture and identity
• Indigenous Photograph and supporting Native visual storytellers
• Balancing tradition with contemporary creative expression
• Why representation matters behind and in front of the camera
Cody's perspective offers a powerful reminder that photographs can do more than document moments—they can preserve history, strengthen community, and inspire future generations.
Visit Cody:
Instagram: @_codyhammer_
Threads: @_codyhammer_
YouTube: @codyhammer
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
What happens when we stop hiding who we are and start living authentically?
On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I'm joined by Kiran Karnani, Chief Marketing Officer at Harlowe, for one of the most personal and meaningful conversations ever recorded for the show.
Kiran has built her career around creativity, leadership, innovation, and community. As CMO of Harlowe, she has helped shape a brand focused on empowering creators while fostering meaningful human connection. Her perspective on leadership goes beyond business, centering on authenticity, purpose, and helping people discover their own light.
Together, we discuss creativity, resilience, vulnerability, and the importance of building communities where people feel seen, supported, and inspired to create.
Then the conversation takes an unexpected turn.
Kiran steps into the host's chair and interviews me.
For one of the few times in the show's history, I share my own story—my experiences with trauma, loss, healing, and the ongoing journey toward living fully and authentically.
We talk about grief, resilience, photography, creativity, and the lessons learned from rebuilding a life through storytelling and connection.
This isn't just a conversation about photography.
It's a conversation about being human.
In This Episode:
• Kiran's journey as Chief Marketing Officer of Harlowe
• Creativity, leadership, and building meaningful communities
• Finding your own light and embracing authenticity
• The future of community in creative industries
• Why vulnerability creates deeper connection
• Kiran interviews Tyson about his personal journey
• Trauma, healing, and resilience through creativity
• Photography as a tool for growth and self-discovery
• What it means to live authentically
This is one of the most honest and personal conversations ever featured on The P.H.Y.S Podcast.
Whether you're a photographer, creative, entrepreneur, artist, or someone navigating your own path toward healing and authenticity, this episode offers a powerful reminder that our stories matter—and that there is strength in sharing them.
Visit Kiran:
Instagram: @kiran.karnani
Threads: @kiran.karnani
Web: www.harlowe.com
Visit The Show:
Instagram: @PHYS_Podcast
Threads: @PHYS_Podcast
YouTube: @phys_podcast
Web: www.physpodcast.ca
Show Partner:
Fotophase.org
Dedicated to revealing the transformational nature of photography and the arts through NeuroArts, helping people connect, reflect, and discover new stories about themselves, their communities, and the world around them.
Save on Harlowe Lighting
Shop Harlowe Here
The P.H.Y.S Podcast exists because of listeners like you.
Your support helps fund conversations that explore photography, storytelling, creativity, mental health, and human connection.
Every contribution helps us continue sharing meaningful stories from photographers, artists, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world.
Donate
Patreon
From the publisher's feed

227,440 Listeners

2,021 Listeners

56 Listeners

160 Listeners

111,767 Listeners

293 Listeners

91 Listeners

104 Listeners

1,485 Listeners

94 Listeners

16 Listeners

12 Listeners

45 Listeners