This is To Create Is Human, a show for creatives and storytellers who want to get better at the one skill that actually connects: how to tell a story well. Each episode, host Jacob Christensen explores the craft behind the work; sometimes through conversations with filmmakers, designers, and creators, sometimes solo; digging into the ideas, constraints, and lessons behind good storytelling. If you make videos, brands, podcasts, or anything meant to connect with people, this is your home for the process behind the work.
Bryson King is the graphic designer behind To Create Is Human's entire visual identity, from the original Success Is a Myth cover to the full rebrand. In this episode: ➤ How Bryson finds "the one detail" that represents someone's whole story ➤ Behind the scenes of designing To Create Is Human's rebrand ➤ Why we landed on the colors we did for the rebrand ➤ How constraints (client-imposed or self-imposed) push better creative work ➤ Why unpaid work still opens doors Quote:"Everyone has unique lived experiences. That's all you have when it comes to being different than those around you." Follow Bryson: ➤ brysonking.com ➤ https://www.instagram.com/bryzzking 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/tocreateishumanpod?utm_source=qr Chapters: 0:00 Intro 0:55 If everyone's super, nobody is 3:41 Rebranding wasn't a quick fix 13:12 Story bite 14:28 Balancing existing and future audiences 21:41 Digital vs tangible creation 24:20 Artist or problem solver? 26:49 Restraint pushes creativity 30:45 Passion projects 34:02 How story affects technical decisions 36:28 What makes a story stick? 38:43 Where to find Bryson
In this episode, I sit down with filmmaker and storyteller Mark Stebnicki to talk about what makes stories resonate, and how to get authentic moments on camera. A section of our convo dives into music and how to use that POWERFUL tool to enhance the story. If you enjoy conversations about filmmaking, documentaries, and meaningful storytelling, this episode is for you. Follow Mark's work: ➤ https://www.youtube.com/@ncfarmbureau/videos Follow the podcast for more conversations like this: ➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod/?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ%3D%3D# Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 2:19 What does the word story mean to you 6:00 Getting folks to open up on camera 9:48 New ways to tell the same story 17:07 Music is POWERFUL 24:12 Getting more out of a music track 26:12 More than just a video guy 28:29 Show your audience REAL struggles 32:59 Different story than what we were expecting 36:16 What makes a story stick with you after it’s over 38:29 Get back to basics 44:19 GEAR TALK 49:10 What’s a story you want to tell?
Stories make others feel seen. My favorite moments from the conversation with Talmage: ➤ Stories are simple ➤ The "One Way" framework (you're one way, then you change, now you're different) ➤ Take the INTERESTING stuff out of a story if it's a red herring ➤ Vulnerability is terrifying ➤ Love the daily practice of writing down one story worthy moment in your day ➤ Audiences have an incredible BS reader Follow Talmage: ➤ https://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne?igsh=N3VyY2Z6bWFqamQ0 ➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmlaab.podcasts?igsh=M3gzaGVpNXFkODVh 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 Intro + Story Bite 2:08 Helping others tell their story 9:22 Why people struggle to tell their story 13:34 The cost of not telling stories 18:33 Don't break your characters' spine 21:48 What is removed from the story 26:48 Make me CARE 32:10 What makes a story stick long after it's over? 35:37 What to do when the project goes sideways 37:43 Address the elephant in the room 40:58 Favorite stories
Storytelling is about saying what people feel but can’t say themselves. My favorite moments from the conversation with Adam: ➤ Story is IMPACT ➤ Cut the GOOD stuff to have a GREAT story ➤ LISTEN to your interviewee instead of just waiting to ask the next question ➤ Creating because YOU want to is a better metric than likes, comments, vanity metrics ➤ A great story makes me QUESTION further ➤ Great interview moments come from conversation, not rigid scriptingFollow Adam: ➤ https://www.instagram.com/adamwest_cc?igsh=bGV4cGZmMGdrcGg= ➤ https://www.instagram.com/adamwest_media?igsh=ZWJ3dDFsOXljajdsFollow 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 Intro + Story Bite 1:51 Story is IMPACT 4:36 How to pull the story out of people 10:29 If it doesn't add to the story, CUT it 14:39 Get EMOTION out of people 17:00 Are we attention seekers? 20:41 Imperfect content 24:34 Creating out of DESIRE 26:17 Cracker Barrel / Jaguar rebrand 32:25 Honoring new and old audiences 33:32 Actually benefiting my brand 37:58 What makes a story stick with you long after it's over? 40:45 Books vs movies story 43:02 Make me question further 46:01 The HARDEST stuff to cut 50:54 Why we STRUGGLE to tell our story 55:01 How story impacts TECHNICAL decisions 59:51 HUMANIZE your subjects
Solo episode today, I spill some thoughts on wanting to create just because. Also thoughts on learning a craft vs technology, and breaking down some industry buzzwords like "authenticity" "consistent" "transparency" etc Hope you enjoy! My socials: ➤ 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#
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#
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
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
What does it really mean to be “successful”? How do you keep chasing big goals without losing sight of what actually matters? In this episode, I flip the mic on myself to share the lessons I’ve learned the hard way about content, business, and fulfillment. Why chasing hype doesn’t last, and what it really takes to build a life you’re proud of. I talk about the mindset shifts that helped me find meaning in the work I do, the traps I’ve fallen into trying to grow too fast, and how slowing down can actually create more impact than constant hustle. What we go over: ➤ The biggest misconceptions about “making it” in content and business ➤ Lessons from early mistakes that shaped how I approach growth today ➤ Why chasing viral moments can backfire, and what to focus on instead ➤ How to find fulfillment even when the numbers don’t match your expectations ➤ Practical ways to create content that connects without burning yourself out ➤ Why long-term relationships and craft beat short-term hype every time 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== Timestamps: 0:00 Why was I serving everybody? 3:41 Get into communities 4:02 A word about the pod 5:37 Nobody cares about you! 7:46 Who are you to people? 12:17 AI is here. 18:02 People DO judge a book by its cover. 20:56 Playing video games doesn't make you a lazy POS 22:09 Only talk to ONE person. 24:30 Pros to niching down 27:34 It should be your idea. 31:33 How I've learned to position myself 32:03 Outro
What does it take to land high-value clients, build a brand that stands out, and turn storytelling into real business growth? In this episode, I sit down with Dustin Begovich, owner of Idaho Studio, a film production company serving agriculture and American industry for over a decade. Dustin shares how a single cold DM opened doors to major opportunities, why decision makers really do hang out on LinkedIn, and how bold storytelling beats hard selling when it comes to building trust and winning clients. What we go over: ➤ How Dustin built Idaho Studio into a trusted partner for agriculture and industry brands ➤ Why bold storytelling is more powerful than traditional sales pitches ➤ The strategy behind cold DMs that actually turn into business ➤ Why LinkedIn is where decision makers hang out (and how to reach them) ➤ The unique challenges (and opportunities) of creating content in agriculture & industry ➤ How to think about your brand’s story as the key to building a lasting legend Follow Dustin: ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/dustinbegovich/ ➤ https://www.idahostudio.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== Timestamps: 0:00 Trailer 0:57 First time making something 3:10 Creativity is freedom 4:11 Doors being opened 7:57 Taking things to the next level 15:42 Why Idaho? 18:04 Why blue collar and agriculture? 19:55 (I screwed up the audio!) 20:36 Relationships are everything 23:35 Be a solid person 26:33 First gig in agriculture 28:36 People focus on their marketing 32:32 Balance between creativity and clients' needs 35:44 Growth as a creative 43:08 Spuds: The Documentary 46:57 Educating the general viewer about agriculture 49:03 What is success, instinctively? 52:03 What would you tell your younger self? 55:10 Any false milestones? 57:48 What mindset shift have you seen? 1:00:55 The MOST important skill to have 1:02:49 The other stuff Dustin's working on 1:05:07 What separates the 1% from the 99% 1:06:07 If not video, what would you do? 1:08:22 Most important factor for your business 1:09:10 LinkedIn is a CHEAT CODE 1:14:45 You need to play the long haul game 1:20:05 Stage 3 of success 1:22:26 Outro
This might be the most unfiltered conversation I’ve ever recorded. My brother Brayden shares what it’s like to farm through failure, work 80-hour weeks, and find real purpose in hard things. We also give some healthy trash talk to brother Bridger.
In this episode, my wife and I sit down with our friend Amanda Conley for a hilarious and honest conversation about what martial arts, especially jiu-jitsu, has taught them. They open up about imposter syndrome and the fear of looking stupid when trying something new. Amanda shares how her perfectionist dance background shaped her mindset and how jiu-jitsu helped her finally let go of the need to be “perfect.” They talk about what it means to actually feel strong, how to push past mental limits, why more women should be on the mats, and how martial arts can radically change how you carry yourself in the world. Also, there’s a story about saving a clump of ripped-out hair in a plastic bag. You don’t want to miss it.
I sit down with my good friend and fellow creative, Adam West, for an honest conversation about what success really looks like in the creative world. We unpack the constant tug-of-war between passion and client expectations, and how imposter syndrome has a sneaky way of creeping in no matter how much experience you have. We also dive into how social media messes with our heads, why AI can be a helpful tool if you don’t let it take over the creative process, and the real power of having a creative community you can lean on. If you’ve ever felt the pressure to chase likes or questioned your worth as a creative, this one’s for you.
Seth’s story is a gut-check for anyone chasing “bigger.” He had the numbers. The scale. The pressure. And he hated it. Cutting back and getting specific didn’t just help him build a business that works, it gave him the freedom to focus on what matters most.
What if fear wasn’t running the show? In this episode, I sit down with Kensington Rhodes to unpack limiting beliefs, pivotal decisions, and what happens when you give yourself full permission to chase what matters. We talk fulfillment vs. happiness, the trap of "reaching your potential," and redefining success on your own terms. Kensington also shares lessons from building Viddy Studio and how travel shaped his lens on life. Want to see everything we covered? Check the chapters in the show notes.
I sit down with my beautiful wife as we recap all of the ups and downs of my creative journey (to this point), how I shattered some limiting beliefs in my mind, and learned to pivot, persevere, and fall in love with the process.
