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, using examples like Leica cameras and Rolex watches. We also touch on the challenges of maintaining artistic integrity in a commercial world.

We highlight the importance of loving the tools we use and the experiences they create, whether it’s a vintage typewriter or a high-end camera. The episode emphasizes the value of products that are built to last and carry meaningful experiences, contrasting them with the fleeting nature of modern consumerism. We discuss the role of authenticity in both personal choices and brand identities and how staying true to one’s values leads to more fulfilling creative and consumer experiences.

Lastly, we consider the balance between art and commerce, using examples from music and watchmaking to show the importance of evolving creatively while staying connected to core values. This episode is a reminder to value the tools that enrich our lives and to remain mindful of the stories they carry. -Ai

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG

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 the loss of boredom as a creative catalyst, noting that constant access to information and technology may be stifling originality.

Our discussion turns to the dangers of over-relying on AI tools like ChatGPT for creative processes. We emphasize the importance of personal engagement in artistic tasks, even when technology offers convenient shortcuts. We share personal anecdotes about the challenges of maintaining authenticity in a formula-driven industry and explore how algorithms and commercial pressures can lead to homogenized art. The episode wraps up with a thoughtful examination of how to balance technology with genuine creativity, encouraging listeners to find inspiration in their own experiences and resist the allure of easy solutions. - Ai

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG

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 success of nostalgia-driven movies and their impact on the entertainment industry.

Our conversation delves into personal experiences with nostalgic media, highlighting how certain films and series can evoke powerful emotions and memories. We share our thoughts on the balance between enjoying nostalgic content and seeking out new, original stories. The discussion includes examples of beloved movies and franchises that have successfully leveraged nostalgia to captivate audiences.

Finally, we consider the future of storytelling in cinema and the potential risks and rewards of relying heavily on nostalgia. We reflect on the importance of creating new, original content that can stand the test of time and resonate with future generations. This episode offers a thoughtful analysis of the role of nostalgia in contemporary entertainment and its broader implications. -Ai

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG

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 online platforms like YouTube. The conversation touches on the allure of views, the ego boost of popularity, and the manipulative aspects of digital spaces that can distort an artist's intentions.

We also discuss the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision, focusing on the work itself rather than external metrics of success, and finding a balance between commerce and authentic expression. We reflect on the value of in-person connections and experiences outside the internet, and the need to embrace all aspects of the creative process, including the discomfort that comes with putting one's work out into the world.

Throughout the episode, we offer candid insights from our own journeys as creators, sharing both the joys and struggles of walking the line between passion and validation in an increasingly digital landscape. Ultimately, we emphasize the importance of self-awareness, discipline, and staying committed to the work, even in the face of internal doubts and external pressures. -Ai

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG

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 post-truth era.

This conversation reflects nearly a year of introspective dialogues, as we consider the paradox of using technology for creativity while critiquing its cultural impact, guided by Neil Postman's "Technopoly." We navigate the balance between drawing from the past and pioneering innovation—the interplay of authenticity and commercialism that shapes our expression and need for validation. We discuss cults in culture, defying norms, and the pursuit of originality amid commercial pressures. - Ai

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG

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 discussion about editing and the intricacies that go along with it. We delve into the art of editing, the importance of reflection, and the roles of editors and gatekeepers.

Throughout the discussion, we emphasize the importance of editing in refining creative work, from photographs to writing to to-do lists, and the roles of internal and external editors in the process. We clearly didn't take our own advice with this one, but we hope that you're able to find something of value in our ramblings. -Ai

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG

Our latest episode explores the differences between podcasts and YouTube videos, focusing on content ownership, artistic integrity, and creating authentic work that resonates with the audience.

As we've embraced online media, the absence of traditional gatekeepers has sparked a debate about whether the democratization of creativity enhances or dilutes the artistic landscape. We share our experiences, discussing the balance between feedback, self-assessment, and authenticity in a content-saturated world.

Join us as we navigate the technical and artistic aspects of creation, confront creative blockages, and strive to balance art and life's practical demands. We reflect on the tension between art and commerce, questioning whether our current climate prioritizes transactions over genuine artistry. -Ai

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG

Join us as we discuss staying true to your creative roots while figuring out how or better if it's worth it to "play the game" on algorithmically driven platforms.

We're also taking a hard look at our own podcast, asking if what we're making lines up with what we believe in. We're sharing stories that show the difference between how things look from the outside vs what's really happening, and thinking over the stuff that goes into making content that resonates with people.

This episode is an open invite to join the conversation about finding the right balance between what you believe, what people expect, and the real influence of your audience. -Ai

If you enjoyed this episode, please consider giving us a rating and/or a review. We read and appreciate all of them. Thanks for listening, and we'll see you in the next episode.

Links To Everything:

Video Version of The Podcast: https://geni.us/StudioSessionsYT

Matt’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/MatthewOBrienYT

Matt’s 2nd Channel: https://geni.us/PhotoVideosYT

Alex’s YouTube Channel: https://geni.us/AlexCarterYT

Matt’s Instagram: https://geni.us/MatthewIG

Alex’s Instagram: https://geni.us/AlexIG