Ever wonder what it really takes to build a creative career?

In this episode, a photographer shares how a detour into teaching in the Dominican Republic led to an unexpected breakthrough—and why creativity is less about talent and more about adaptability. From pivoting on set to turning downtime into a wildly imaginative “Messy Kids” photo series, this conversation dives into the chaos, improvisation, and magic behind the work

You’ll hear how the best creatives think on their feet, why personal projects can unlock entirely new career paths, and what it actually means to run a creative business (hint: it’s way more than just making art).

If you’ve ever felt stuck, burned out, or unsure how to move forward, this is your reminder: make the work, put it out there, and embrace the unknown.

Meet the man behind the legendary Noah Shenandoah! John Fogle transformed his role in the community into something genuinely engaging by creating a fun alter ego that interviews small business owners across Shenandoah County. What started as a low-budget, one-man video project quickly grew into a powerful community tool—drawing thousands of views, boosting real foot traffic to businesses, and building a strong sense of local pride. By focusing on authentic, unscripted conversations, the series reveals the heart behind each business and taps into what people really care about: connection, storytelling, and supporting their neighbors.

Welcome back to The Stric! This week, we’re talking with Tristan Valencia, founder of Thought Process — the strategy and feasibility firm behind large-scale interactive environments, museum installations, touring exhibits, and brand activations that blend creativity with serious technical execution.

We unpack the “sticker shock” factor behind immersive installations — why projects that look effortless on social media actually require extensive planning, electrical infrastructure, construction coordination, network compliance, custom content pipelines, and long-term operational considerations.

In this episode, filmmaker and archival researcher Jessie Herman talks about the art and challenges of uncovering history through archives. Jessie reveals the emotional and ethical complexities of true crime storytelling — she highlights the crucial intersection between legal diligence and creative storytelling, where every document, photo, and quote must stand up to scrutiny and reflect the story itself.From paging through classic novels at the New York Public Library to navigating understaffed collections across the country, to making personal requests from the subjects themselves, Jessie shares what it takes to bring truth to the screen.

In this episode, we sit down with James Aita, Director of Strategy and Business Development at Medicomp Systems and an award-winning podcaster. James shares how podcasting has become a powerful tool for connection, thought leadership, and marketing—helping professionals engage their audience while building authentic industry relationships.

What is the balance between polished production and accessibility, does consistency matter less than timeliness, and how can podcasts double as networking opportunities and strategic assets? This conversation is a must-listen for anyone curious about starting or elevating their own podcast.

How do you turn creativity into strategy—and art into impact? Join us as we sit down with Brad Whitford, Creative Director at DDC Public Affairs, to explore his journey from painting in high school to leading award-winning campaigns for top organizations.

Brad shares lessons on empathetic leadership, standing out in a crowded industry, and how AI is reshaping design without replacing the human touch. If you want insight into blending art, technology, and strategy to make real world change, this episode is for you.

We cover a lot in our Season 4 premiere, from the importance of mentorship (however small) doses of coffee (however large ) and the ever-changing landscape of influencers and marketing in 2025.

At it's core, it's all about balance --between work and rest, structure and freedom, brands and audiences. Tune in now and let us know how you avoid burnout below!

Lights, camera, creativity! In the latest episode of The Stric from Istrico Productions, Mark and Blake pull back the curtain on how their team adapts to different spaces, tackles complex shots, and brings visual storytelling to life—from dramatic indoor scenes to challenging outdoor setups.

Dive into behind-the-scenes secrets on lighting, reflections, camera movement, and more. Perfect for creatives, filmmakers, and anyone who geeks out on production magic.

👉 Watch it on Spotify or YouTube to see the visuals in action!

In this episode, we sit down with dynamic community leader Tammy Gordon, whose journey spans local government, nonprofit work, and remote professional life. She shares how a passion for “fixing what’s broken” has fueled a fulfilling and purpose-driven career.

But this isn’t just a story about civic engagement. It’s about the balance between passion and burnout, the challenges of delegation, and learning how to build something that others can carry forward. This conversation offers insight, humor, and inspiration for anyone looking to lead with purpose.

This week on The Stric Podcast, we’re diving into all things marketing & social media with Patrick from Volkswagen of America! From leading the Volkswagen Content Studio to navigating the ever-changing landscape of brand authenticity, Patrick shares insights on building a powerhouse content team and how major brands are adapting to social media’s ever-changing landscape.

How do brands stay authentic, engaging, and relevant in 2025? We unpack it all!