What story archetype are you living?

In this episode, I sit down with marketer Ben Anderson to explore the 12 foundational character archetypes developed by Joseph Campbell and Carl Jung, and how they shape not just movies, but our lives.

Most people know the Hero’s Journey.

Very few understand the archetypes behind it.

We talk about:
➤ The 12 core archetypes that show up in every timeless story
➤ The difference between your resting story and your aspirational story
➤ Why brands fail when they tell the wrong story
➤ How culture swings like a pendulum between archetypes
➤ Why I stopped telling a “success” story and leaned into the Creator

Ben shares how he went from being publicly called the worst marketer in his class…

to managing marketing for two of the fastest-growing companies in Utah, all because he learned how to see story correctly.

But this episode isn’t about marketing.

It’s about understanding.

Story is the lens through which you see the world.

And when you learn someone’s story you connect with them in a way that isn’t transactional.

Follow Ben: 
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ben--anderson/

Follow Jacob:
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/
➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#

Follow the podcast for more conversations like this:
➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D#

People don’t want to watch your transformation.

They care about their own. 

So how do you show your viewers that their story matters to you, while still sharing your own?

Ashley goes over how to tackle this EXACT problem as a personal brand, huge brand, as a storyteller. 

Some of what we cover:
➤ Why most brands only talk about the visible problem
➤ The philosophical layer that builds loyalty
➤ How identity shift is the real goal of storytelling
➤ Why “story = change” isn’t metaphorical, it’s structural
➤ The 3 layers of pain, and what happens when you only hit on one layer
➤ How to know if your story actually works
➤ Creating stories is the closest thing to being like God

Follow Ashley: 
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashley-arnson/
➤ https://www.blackhavencreative.com/

Follow Jacob:
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/
➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#

Follow the podcast for more conversations like this:
➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D#

In this episode, my wife and I read and react to 100 real comments from writers, filmmakers, founders, marketers, and storytellers who answered one simple question:

What makes a story stick with you long after it’s over?

Some talked about truth.
Some about emotion.
Some about restraint, specificity, silence, and timing.

Together, they reveal that great stories aren’t about being impressive...

They’re about being HUMAN.

If you care about storytelling in any form (film, podcasts, writing, branding, or creative work) this is for you.

Some of my favorite quotes from this episode:
- "Don't tell your story, let the audience FEEL it vividly"
- "Creating stories is the closest thing to being like God"
- "People think stories are shaped by people, in fact, it's the other way around"
- "A great story makes you take one step closer to your horizon (whatever that may be)."
- "I think humans crave stories because we are addicted to transformation."
- "Feeling fundamentally understood and seen by someone who doesn't even know you exist"

Leave in the comments, what makes a good story to you??

To see the original post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/jacob-christensen-b0701027b_ill-venmo-you-50-if-you-answer-my-question-activity-7420130153441226752-HMYZ?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAEQqxzcBDOdxeG7TY_ukbApqyHBAip5_Clo

WELCOME TO SEASON 2 EPISODE 1

In this episode I'll go over why the rebrand is happening, and what's to come in this next season of To Create Is Human. 

Welcome to the newly revamped To Create is Human podcast!! (Previously Success is a Myth podcast). 

WELCOME HONDO HENDRICKS TO THE POD

Hondo breaks down why filmmaking and acting isn’t just about performance, it’s all about people.

We talk about why bad relationships can quietly ruin a project, and how trust between actors, directors, and cinematographers shapes the final film more than gear or budget ever could. 

This conversation is less about chasing roles and more about earning trust, showing up fully, and becoming someone else without pretending.

In this episode, we explore:

- Why being on set feels like “home” for some creatives
- How trust between actors and directors directly affects performance
- The difference between playing a character and being one
- Why communication and respect matter more than talent on set
- What makes a great DP/actor relationship
- How low-budget films can still be deeply meaningful
- Why “one more take” is a sign of care, not incompetence
- Drawing inspiration from real life, not just other films
- The invisible cost of bad culture on a creative team

Follow Hondo:
➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hondohendricks?igsh=ZXloeTVqazhjMDcx

Follow Jacob:
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/
➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#

Follow the podcast for more conversations like this:
➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D#

WELCOME BACK TO THE POD

Kensington used to think fear was like a wall, showing him what to avoid. 

Instead, fear reveals where risk is. 

In my conversation with Kensington, we talk about: 
- Supporting a spouse through intense academic and professional stress
- How belief from the right person can unlock your potential
- The emotional toll (and beauty) of entrepreneurship
- Why accountability matters more than motivation
- Lessons the gym teaches about growth, risk, and consistency
- Going from underweight and insecure to confident and resilient
- Why focusing on inputs beats obsessing over results
- Choosing the hard path, and why it’s worth it

Follow Kensington:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kensingtonroads?igsh=MW1xNnpmb251d2lxag==
Viddy Studio: viddystudio.com
Connecting Creators: https://www.youtube.com/@connecting_creators

Follow Jacob:
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/
➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#

Follow the podcast for more conversations like this:
➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D#

WELCOME MIKE RICHY TO THE POD

In my conversation with Mike, we talk about story telling, authenticity, and the creative journey. But more than just another conversation about any of those things, we dive deep into his personal stories (and mine too) of growth and creative challenges. 

My favorite topic today was covering the cost of not making an impact as a creator. 

As well as:
- What “story” means to Mike
- The role of authenticity and courage in creative work
- Mike’s creative inspirations, from Steve Jobs to Tyler the Creator
- The challenges and rewards of building a creative business
- The mission behind Viddy Studio and how it helps creators deliver their best on camera
- Overcoming plateaus, burnout, and the fear of putting yourself out there
- The importance of showing up, resilience, and long term vision for creators

Follow Mike:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikerichy?igsh=MWJib29kMHQ3c2V1cw==
Music: https://spotify.link/yvBdYv19UXb
Viddy Studio: viddystudio.com
Connecting Creators: https://www.youtube.com/@connecting_creators

Follow Jacob:
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/
➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#

Follow the podcast for more conversations like this: 
➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D#

Timestamps:
0:00 Teaser / intro
1:48 What does the word "story" mean to you?
6:19 Who do you draw inspiration from?
10:34 Growing with an artist
13:16 Authenticity is courage
20:15 The cost of NOT making an impact
29:48 Being on camera is a DIFFERENT skill
32:06 Why tell my story?
35:41 the 1% and the 99%
43:18 Go straight through the discomfort
45:10 When I knew I had to be a creator
47:16 Viddy Studio pitch
49:49 Respect people's time
51:30 Why give back to creators
55:19 My ability to sleep at night is priceless
57:49 How to get back on the wagon when you fall off
1:02:34 What would you say to younger Mike

WELCOME MIKE RICHY TO THE POD

In my conversation with Mike, we talk about story telling, authenticity, and the creative journey. But more than just another conversation about any of those things, we dive deep into his personal stories (and mine too) of growth and creative challenges. 

My favorite topic today was covering the cost of not making an impact as a creator. 

As well as:
- What “story” means to Mike
- The role of authenticity and courage in creative work
- Mike’s creative inspirations, from Steve Jobs to Tyler the Creator
- The challenges and rewards of building a creative business
- The mission behind Viddy Studio and how it helps creators deliver their best on camera
- Overcoming plateaus, burnout, and the fear of putting yourself out there
- The importance of showing up, resilience, and long term vision for creators

Follow Mike:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikerichy?igsh=MWJib29kMHQ3c2V1cw==
Music: https://spotify.link/yvBdYv19UXb
Viddy Studio: viddystudio.com
Connecting Creators: https://www.youtube.com/@connecting_creators

Follow Jacob:
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/
➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#

Follow the podcast for more conversations like this: 
➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D#

Why are the smallest, everyday moments often the most valuable?

In this episode, I sit down with Kevin Pickard from Family Crest Studios, a filmmaker dedicated to preserving personal histories and family legacies through video. Kevin shares how his passion for storytelling grew from a personal experience, and why documenting memories (no matter how simple) can become priceless treasures for generations.

Kevin reveals the art and heart behind life story films, the challenges of making subjects comfortable on camera, and the responsibility of honoring each person’s story with care and authenticity.

What we go over:

➤ Why the “little things” and everyday moments matter most in storytelling

➤ Why it’s never too early (or too late) to start documenting your story

➤ The process of making people feel at ease and authentic during interviews

➤ Lessons learned from filming people with unique challenges, like memory loss

➤ The importance of always showing subjects in their best light

➤ How Family Crest Studios helps families preserve memories and legacies through video

➤ How success in this work is measured by meaning, not money

I'm confident this conversation will inspire you to pick up a camera, or even just your phone, and start capturing your own story.

Follow Kevin & Family Crest Studios:
➤ https://www.instagram.com/familycreststudios/
➤ familycreststudios.com 

Follow Jacob:
➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/
➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob/?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr#

Follow the podcast for more conversations like this:
➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D#

Timestamps:

0:00 Trailer

1:08 Intro

1:44 What does the word "story" mean to you?

4:11 Telling somebody's life story

7:09 Freezing moments in time

13:15 What's the most reiterated life advice people give?

14:31 The most fulfilling part about what you do

17:18 How long are these videos typically?

18:41 How to connect younger and older generations

23:32 Make your subject/customer their own HERO

24:48 How do you make the most watchable content?

28:03 Diving into the technical processes

30:19 I realized I needed to do this thing

35:20 Opportunities