Ourselves Podcast

• From Post Malone in the Studio to Trading Millions in Crypto: Seeno Shahrooz Tells All

  From producing and marketing for some of today’s biggest artists to making major moves as a crypto investor, Seeno Shahrooz has quietly built an empire behind the scenes. In this episode, we dive deep into Seeno’s origin story, from Persian radio stations in New York to running his own recording studio in Los Angeles. He opens up about navigating hustle culture, pivoting from production to artist management, building a six-figure studio from scratch, and finding peace in a chaotic industry. This one’s full of wisdom for creatives, entrepreneurs, and anyone chasing something bigger. 00:00 Intro 01:45 Reflecting on Brotherhood and Collaboration 03:17 Early Encounters and Industry Connections 07:27 Navigating the Music Industry as an Iranian 11:42 From Engineering to Production 13:43 Building his studio Ohm House 16:37 The Importance of Work-Life Balance 33:45 Advice for Aspiring Creatives 41:25 The Survival of the Fittest in Creative Careers 42:37 Director X and the Legacy of Quality Work 43:58 Christopher Nolan: A Case Study in Passionate Filmmaking 46:15 The Struggles and Rewards of Artistic Creation 47:36 The Role of Management in the Music Industry 50:59 Balancing Masculine and Feminine Energies 55:45 Leading with Compassion in Creative Fields 01:01:21 Creating Art for Yourself 01:12:00 The Evolution of Music Promotion 01:20:03 Advice for New Artists with Limited Resources 01:22:03 Building an Audience 01:22:42 Curating a Catalog 01:23:49 The Importance of Persistence 01:24:48 Financial Realities in Creative Industries 01:25:52 Attaching to an Artist 01:27:38 Starting Out as a Mixer 01:28:23 Management and Networking 01:29:55 Entrepreneurial Spirit 01:35:13 Getting Rich from Cryptocurrency 01:36:00 Understanding Blockchain and NFTs 01:57:57 Final Thoughts   Follow Seeno Follow ⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Facebook

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• How AI Will Replace Your Job

  In this eye-opening solo episode, I dive headfirst into the unsettling reality of AI's rapid takeover, across tech, blue-collar jobs, filmmaking, and creativity itself. From Google’s terrifyingly realistic AI-generated videos to the silent extinction of human-crafted art, this is a brutally honest look at how fast everything is changing. Whether you're an artist, a coder, or just someone trying to make sense of it all, this episode will challenge how you see the future, your job, and your own identity. Buckle up. We're all in this together. 00:00 Intro 02:29 The Future of Tech Jobs 07:42 AI's Takeover of Blue Collar Jobs 09:53 AI in the Film Industry 10:19 The Evolution of Filmmaking 11:33 The Democratization of Creation 12:17 AI's Role in Modern Filmmaking 16:02 The Human Element in Creativity 18:26 The Reality of Capitalism and AI 19:42 AI vs. Human Creativity: A Case Study 23:09 The Future of AI in Filmmaking 23:23 AI and Screenwriting: A Mixed Bag 24:41 AI in Storyboarding: A Game Changer 26:07 The Impact on Storyboard Artists 26:54 Graphic Designers and AI Controversies 27:50 AI in Camera Operations 28:35 Humanoid Robots on Film Sets 30:07 The Future of Video Editing 32:07 AI and the Speed of Movie Production 32:31 An Optimistic Take on AI 34:34 The Loss of Individuality in the AI Era 36:12 Adapting to a Rapidly Changing World 37:41 Final Thoughts    Follow ⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠SPOTIFY⁠ ⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠ ⁠YOUTUBE⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠:  ✩ ⁠Instagram⁠ ✩ ⁠Twitter⁠ ✩ ⁠TikTok⁠ ✩ ⁠Facebook

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• Inside the Mind of Rihanna & J.Lo's Secret Weapon Director. This is TAJ.

  How does a kid from Oakland with a MiniDV camera end up directing for Rihanna, JLo, and Usher? Taj Stansberry’s story is anything but typical. In this intimate, raw, and inspiring interview, Taj breaks down how his earliest videos filmed with no budget, no crew, and sometimes no clue, became stepping stones to iconic pop visuals that shaped a generation. From selling his car to pay for shoots, to crashing the gates of the industry without a film school degree, this is the unfiltered truth about hustle, heartbreak, and the relentless belief in your own vision.   00:00 Intro 02:25 The Creative Process Behind Dead Protocol 03:34 The Evolution of Sneaker Culture 05:14 The Journey of a Creative Visionary 12:52 Early Music Video Projects and Lessons Learned 35:27 Bay Culture Influence on Jerking Movement 36:40 Telling Emotional Stories in Music Videos 37:22 Early Career Struggles and Networking 40:28 First Music Video Projects and Challenges 41:12 Mentorship and Learning from Anthony Mandler 49:14 Breakthrough with Rihanna's Music Video 57:15 Signing with Box Fresh Pictures 01:10:57 Reflecting on the Iconic Video 01:14:53 Rihanna's Support and Maturity 01:15:46 Facing Nerves and Overcoming Challenges 01:25:19 The Big Reveal from his Brother 01:30:51 J-Lo's Perfectionism and Professionalism 01:44:53 Executing the Vision 01:45:48 Auditions and MTV Coverage 01:47:20 Impact and Residuals for directors 01:47:36 Directors' Rights and Compensation 01:54:40 Reflecting on Success and Gratitude 01:56:59 AI in Music Videos 02:07:26 Sneaker Collaboration 02:14:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell   Follow Taj Follow ⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Facebook

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• Why SINNERS Is the Most Important Film of the Decade

  In this solo episode, I dive into why Sinners might be the most significant cinematic release of the decade. This isn’t just another box office success, it’s a cultural shift. Ryan Coogler’s groundbreaking deal with Warner Brothers grants him ownership rights after 25 years, setting a new precedent for filmmakers to retain equity in their work. We talk about the power of ownership, the long-term value of creative control, and how final cut privileges are changing the dynamics between studios and directors. I also explore the technical and cultural innovations that make Sinners so impactful, from Autumn Dural Arkapaw becoming the first woman to shoot a theatrical film on IMAX 65mm, to Michael B. Jordan’s jaw-dropping dual role brought to life through advanced motion control techniques. The film’s success is undeniable: nearly $300 million at the box office, a sold-out IMAX re-release, and a growing demand for original, bold storytelling that doesn’t rely on franchise formulas. This is a call to action for indie filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives who want to reclaim power in the filmmaking process. If you care about the future of cinema, this episode is for you.   00:00 Introduction: The Impact of 'Sinners' 00:07 Ryan Coogler's Warner Brothers Deal 00:34 The Importance of Film Ownership 00:42 Long-Term Benefits of Ownership 01:12 Empowering Filmmakers 01:45 Deep Dive: Ownership in Filmmaking 04:31 Final Cut Privileges in Filmmaking 05:10 Creative Control in the Studio System 06:01 Challenges of Creative Autonomy 07:02 New Precedents in Filmmaking 07:19 Historic Milestones for Women in Cinematography 08:58 The Power of Collaboration 09:52 Ryan Coogler and Autumn Durrell's Synergy 11:28 Continued Collaborations: Michael B. Jordan 11:51 Modern Day Scorsese and De Niro 13:30 Technical Innovations in 'Sinners' 13:44 The Hype Around IMAX and 70mm Film 15:21 Christopher Nolan's Influence 16:38 Michael B. Jordan's Dual Role 17:19 Motion Control Techniques 20:49 Box Office Success of 'Sinners' 21:39 Re-release in IMAX 22:26 Shoutouts and Acknowledgements 23:31 The Future of Indie Cinema 24:17 Conclusion and Call to Action   Follow ⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠SPOTIFY⁠ ⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠ ⁠YOUTUBE⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠:  ✩ ⁠Instagram⁠ ✩ ⁠Twitter⁠ ✩ ⁠TikTok⁠ ✩ ⁠Facebook

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• Trevor Jackson explains why the music industry is rigged and the easiest way to win a Grammy

  Trevor Jackson is no stranger to the spotlight — but in this episode, he opens up like never before. From starring in *Grown-ish* and *Superfly* to dropping his most personal album yet, Trevor has seen every side of the industry. He shares how the machine behind music and film is built on money, influence, and perception — and why not having that machine can leave even the most talented artists overlooked. After going through a painful breakup and tearing his Achilles, Trevor found himself at his lowest — and wrote an entire album in just two weeks. He talks about being told he was "too clean" to be marketable, walking away from major labels, building his own company (Born Art), and reclaiming his freedom as an artist. This conversation dives deep into mental health, validation, self-love, creativity, and the hard truth about how things really work behind the scenes in Hollywood. If you’re a creative, an artist, or someone chasing something bigger — this episode will hit home. Trevor Jackson is creating on his own terms now, and he’s not holding back. This is the most honest, unfiltered, and inspiring version of him the world has seen. 00:00 Intro 01:39 Creative Collaborations and Directing 03:49 The Art of Music Videos 04:48 Creating the Greatest Breakup Album 07:39 The Creative Process and Challenges 19:34 The Shit List 24:26 The Journey and Inspirations 30:34 The Decline of Traditional Musicianship 31:21 The Art of Performance 31:40 The Drive for Excellence 33:06 Current Acting Projects and Future Plans 34:55 The Impact of Technology on Human Interaction 39:14 The Role of AI in Creativity 42:06 Personal Growth and Self-Reflection 54:30 The Importance of Therapy 56:51 The Power of Positive Self-Talk 01:00:35 The Power of Art and Creativity 01:01:19 Learning Through Video Games 01:01:36 Navigating the Music Industry 01:01:52 Signing with Atlantic Records 01:03:46 Challenges in the Music Industry 01:08:15 Born Art 01:09:55 Financial Realities of Acting and Music 01:18:09 Touring and Fan Experiences 01:21:17 Personal Goals and Legacy   Follow Trevor Follow ⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Facebook

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