
Studio Sessions
Discussions about art and the creative process. New episodes every other week.
Links To Everything:
Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT
Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT
Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT
Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG
Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG
Episodes
44 episodes
44. The Universal Language of Creative Expression - Why We Must Create to Feel Alive
We explore the fundamental impulse that drives us to create and communicate through our art. Inspired by Bruce Springsteen's reflection that his need to express himself is "as reliable as the rhythmic beating of my own heart," we examine this u...
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Season 2
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Episode 18
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46:17

43. Artful Spaces: On Curation, Community, and The Creative Value of Physical Spaces in a Digital Age
Fair warning: this episode meanders a bit as we jump around – but that's just how it goes sometimes <3. We explore the relationship between creativity and physical spaces, examining how third places foster artistic inspiration and community....
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Season 2
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Episode 17
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1:04:05

42. Daily Practice or The Art of Doing It Just Because
We often find ourselves drawn to practices that shape our daily lives—not because they promise grand outcomes, but because they ground us in the moment and make us feel alive. Whether it’s meditating to clear the mind, running just to feel the ...
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Season 2
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Episode 16
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1:17:18

41. Standing Still, Moving Forward: The Paradox of Creative Consistency
In this episode, we explore the tension between authenticity and evolution in creative projects. Beginning with a discussion about potentially refreshing our visual identity, we dive deeper into examining what makes our conversations meaningful...
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Season 2
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Episode 15
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1:50:57

40. Sonder: Embracing Empathy and Human Connection
We dive into metta-meditation—cultivating goodwill toward strangers—and explore how shifting our mindset can dissolve anger and frustration. We unpack the concept of sonder: the profound realization that every passerby lives a l...
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Season 2
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Episode 14
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1:06:05

39. Who Made This? The Disappearing Artist and Their Work
We compare different ways of looking back at our past creative work - from screenplays and videos to photographs and stories. While Matt vividly remembers the emotions and intentions behind each project even years later, Alex experiences comple...
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Season 2
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Episode 13
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50:41

38. The Mystical State of Paradox: A Journey Beyond Binary Thinking
This episode delves into the concept of paradox and its implications for navigating a binary world. We explore the limitations of either/or thinking and the importance of embracing duality, where seemingly opposing forces coexist and even neces...
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Season 2
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Episode 12
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55:18

37. Spreading Your Forces Too Thin: The Art of Choosing Your Battles
In this episode, we explore the delicate balance of managing multiple creative pursuits and the intensity that comes with feeling behind in life's various domains. We dive deep into the contrast between different approaches to content creation,...
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Season 2
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Episode 11
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59:48

36. Creative Identity and The Evolution of Creative Processes
We discuss how metrics and algorithms affect creative work and personal authenticity. Our conversation covers moving past formulas that prioritize views and engagement, exploring instead what happens when we slow down and focus on making things...
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Season 2
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Episode 10
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1:22:23

35. The Art of Showing Up: Learn to Do the Work
In this discussion, we explore how we often settle for “good enough” in our creative work and daily lives. We break down how easy it is to choose the immediate comfort of indulgence over the tougher path of sacrifice, and how that dynamic affec...
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Season 2
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Episode 9
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1:03:28

34. Price Your Work Based on the Value You Create: Part 2
In our continued conversation on value, we explore how successful business transformations require systematically analyzing operational challenges and demand willingness to make significant investments in solutions, even when costly. The import...
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Season 2
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Episode 8
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51:04

33. Price Your Work Based On The Value You Create: Part 1
We break down how to charge higher rates based on the value you create rather than just time and materials. The conversation covers real examples of value-based pricing and pricing strategy, including how to qualify clients, set price anchors, ...
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Season 2
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Episode 7
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1:00:27

32. Finding Authenticity Amidst Cultural Noise and Pressure
We explore Matt's newly remodeled studio space, which serves as a backdrop for a deeper discussion about authenticity in creative work and spaces. Through examining the contrast between Matt's structured professional background and his maximali...
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Season 2
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Episode 6
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1:06:56

31. Pressure, Art, and Dopamine: Navigating Modern Life
After an hour of discussion, we realized the recorder wasn't on. We regrouped and continued...We explored how pressure, despite its challenges, can drive personal growth when embraced. This led to a broader conversation about human conne...
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Season 2
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Episode 5
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51:27

30. Objects with Soul: Exploring the Art of Everyday Things
We explore the changing nature of shared cultural experiences, from the era of must-see TV to today's fragmented media landscape. This led us to ponder the value of communal viewing experiences and how streaming platforms might evolve to foster...
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Season 2
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Episode 4
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1:16:16

29. Beyond Comparison: Finding Your Own Path Through Action
In this episode, we explore the crucial distinction between thinking about creating and actually doing the work. We discuss how overthinking and comparison can lead to creative paralysis, while action often leads to progress and self-discovery....
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Season 2
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Episode 3
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1:30:17

28. Slow Craft: Reclaiming the Creative Process
In this episode, we explored the joys and challenges of using "shitty" or outdated tools in creative work. We discussed how embracing less efficient methods and older technologies, from film cameras to typewriters to VHS tapes, can lead to uniq...
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Season 2
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Episode 2
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52:40

27. Finding Growth in Disruption and Change
In this episode, we explore the process of navigating significant life changes, especially those that come from diving deeper into new creative passions. We discuss the internal and external chaos that often accompanies such shifts, reflecting ...
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Season 2
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Episode 1
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1:01:59

26. The Pursuit of Genuine in World Driven by Trends
In this episode, we dive into a range of topics, starting with a personal story from Matt about his experience photographing a friend’s courthouse wedding and the frustrations he encountered. This leads us into a broader discussion about authen...
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Season 1
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Episode 26
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1:35:38

25: The Timeless Appeal of Quality
We discuss the emotional connections and experiences tied to the tools we use, particularly in photography and other creative fields. We examine the difference between authentic craftsmanship and brands that capitalize on their reputation, usin...
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Season 1
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Episode 25
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1:21:06

24. Boredom: The Long Lost Catalyst for Original Ideas?
In this episode, we delve into the impact of modern technology on creativity. We discuss how the evolution of media consumption, from radio and TV to the internet, has changed the way people engage with music, art, and culture. We reflect on th...
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Season 1
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Episode 24
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1:10:33

23. Reboots, Sequels, and the Quest for Originality
In this episode, we explore the complex relationship between nostalgia and modern entertainment. We discuss how nostalgia is often used as a commercial tool and why it sometimes fails to resonate deeply with audiences. We also examine the succe...
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Season 1
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Episode 23
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1:02:18

22. The Complexities of Putting Your Work Into The World
We discuss the complex emotions and motivations behind creating and sharing artistic work in the digital age. We grapple with the duality of making art for oneself versus seeking validation and approval from others, especially in the context of...
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Season 1
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Episode 22
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1:00:56

21. Creating Work in the Age of Technology
We discuss the transition from the darkroom to the solitary digital age, and the tactile joy of film development as a refuge from a tech-dominated world. We examine storytelling, the pursuit of truth, and the artist's influence on society in a ...
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Season 1
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Episode 21
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1:23:07

20. The Art of Omission: How To Know What Doesn't Belong
In this episode, we share a couple of stories from our lives that prompt a discussion about the broader implications of curation and the art of curating.This lasts for all of 3 minutes before we find ourselves caught up in a long-winded ...
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Season 1
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Episode 20
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1:07:38
