He didn’t wait for permission. He just walked onto the lot… and never left. Before Jaws, E.T., or Jurassic Park, Steven Spielberg was a kid with a dream—and no access. So he faked a badge, found an empty office, and started showing up like he belonged. The rest? Hollywood history.

In this episode of You Gotta Hear This!, I break down how Spielberg hacked the system, what video creators today can learn from his bold move, and why waiting your turn might be the worst advice you can follow.

Takeaway: You don’t have to break the rules—but you do need to break the pattern. Bold moves open doors.

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com

What do you do when your live broadcast is about to start… and you can’t talk to your sideline reporter? The crowd’s buzzing. The cameras are rolling. And your communication system? Completely down. That was my reality just minutes before kickoff at a high-stakes playoff game—no comms, no plan B… until we found two $19 walkie-talkies from Radio Shack.

In this episode of You Gotta Hear This!, I share the behind-the-scenes story of how a low-tech fix saved a big-time broadcast—and what it taught me about leading under pressure, staying resourceful, and making creative decisions when the stakes are high.

This isn’t just a story about sports. It’s about mindset. Because the best creators don’t freeze—they find a way forward.

Takeaway: When everything’s on the line, your gear won’t save you. Your mindset will.

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com

Before he produced A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, or 8 Mile, Brian Grazer was just a kid with a No. 2 pencil and a legal pad — sneaking onto studio lots and asking questions. In this episode, I unpack how Grazer turned curiosity into a superpower and built a billion-dollar career in Hollywood — without a camera, crew, or connections.

If you're a creative trying to break through, this episode is a reminder that your biggest asset might not be your gear… it might be your grit. Because ideas still start on paper. And the right question can open the right door.

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com

Are you hustling hard but still not seeing the income or opportunities you deserve? In this episode, we’re calling out the one mistake that keeps talented video creators stuck—making great content, but never positioning themselves for great clients.

If you're a filmmaker, editor, or content creator trying to scale your creative business, this episode is your wake-up call. I’ll unpack why so many creatives undervalue their work, fail to present themselves strategically, and keep getting passed over for higher-paying jobs.

Plus, I’ll give you one simple shift you can make this week to move from overlooked to in demand. If you’re tired of being broke, booked, and burnt out—this one’s for you.

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com

Remember when Friday nights meant grabbing a stack of DVDs from Blockbuster? Well, times have changed, and there’s only one Blockbuster left on the planet. But what does that have to do with you as a video creator? A lot.

In this episode, we break down what happened to Blockbuster, why it lost to Netflix, and what creators can learn from its downfall. Because the truth is—if you don’t adapt, you don’t last.

What You’ll Learn: The #1 mistake that killed Blockbuster and how to avoid it in your creative career. Why nostalgia isn’t enough—innovation is key. How Netflix’s strategy outmaneuvered Blockbuster (and how you can apply it to your work). The importance of pivoting and evolving before it's too late. What creators need to focus on NOW to stay ahead of the curve

Are you building your career for longevity, or are you stuck in an outdated mindset? Learn how to future-proof your video business so you don’t get left behind like Blockbuster.

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com

Are you constantly struggling to get paid what you deserve for your creative work? In this episode, we’re diving into the reasons why clients aren’t paying you what you’re worth—and, more importantly, how to change that. Whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, or creative entrepreneur, understanding your value and communicating it effectively is key to increasing your rates and attracting better clients.

What You’ll Learn: The most common reasons clients undervalue your work. How to position yourself as an expert, not just a service provider. The role of perceived value in pricing and negotiations. How to shift from transactional clients to high-value partnerships. Practical steps to confidently charge what you’re worth

It’s not just about skill; it’s about positioning. Clients don’t just pay for talent—they pay for expertise, confidence, and results. Perceived value matters. The way you present yourself, your work, and your process directly impacts how much clients are willing to pay. The right clients exist. If you're stuck in a cycle of low-paying gigs, it's time to refine your strategy and attract the clients who value your work.

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com

Ever feel like you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start your next big creative project? Maybe you’re holding off on launching your brand, pitching your film, or hitting record on that video because you don’t feel “ready” yet. Here’s the truth: There’s never a perfect moment.

What You'll Learn in This Episode. Paul shares the powerful Legacy Shave story from Shark Tank and what it teaches us about not waiting. How a small sticky note—left behind by a father—became a life-changing lesson. His own “Take the Shot” moment early in his career, and how it shaped everything that followed.

Take The Shot - Don't Wait To Tell Your Story is all about taking the shot before you feel ready—because action creates momentum, not hesitation. 

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com

Most video creators start out focused on their craft—perfecting their shots, refining their edits, and delivering great work. But at some point, talent alone isn’t enough. If you want to turn your passion into a thriving business, you need a strategy to scale.

In this episode, we’re breaking down what it really takes to grow your video business beyond just you. Whether you’re a freelancer looking to land bigger clients or a solo creator ready to build a team, it’s time to think beyond the camera and start scaling like a pro.

What You’ll Learn: The difference between being a great video creator and a successful video business owner. How to move from trading time for money to building sustainable income. Why pricing, positioning, and partnerships are key to growth.The biggest mistake video creatives make when trying to scale—and how to avoid it.

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com

Some moments in life change everything. You don’t see them coming, but looking back, you realize they set everything in motion. For me, it was a single phone call.

In this episode, I’m sharing the story of the unexpected call that altered my career forever—how it pushed me out of my comfort zone, forced me to take a leap, and ultimately shaped the storyteller and creator I am today.

What You’ll Learn: The unexpected phone call that became my turning point Why the biggest opportunities often come when you least expect them How taking imperfect action can lead to breakthrough moments in your creative career. And the mindset shift that can help you recognize and embrace your own life-changing opportunities.

Let's connect at: paulstevenforrest.com