The Futur

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with returning guest Daniel Priestley for their fourth conversation, diving deep into what it really takes to land high-end clients and transform a creative business. Daniel explains why top-tier clients are often easier to work with than small ones, revealing the mindset shifts required to overcome insecurity and move into higher-value work. Together, they discuss how pedigree, past experiences, and a well-crafted personal narrative become the foundation of building credibility. Daniel also teaches the value of cataloging your wins, numbers, and stories—assets most creatives overlook while chasing the “next thing.” Their conversation sets the tone for anyone who wants to step into the role of a true key person of influence. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (08:12) — High-End Clients Behave Differently (15:27) — Cataloging Stories and Data (23:04) — Reframing Expertise With Niche (31:18) — Discovering Key Influence Identity (39:05) — Why Waiting Lists Create Demand (4

In this episode, Chris Do and Drigo Tasca challenges creatives to confront the stories that keep them small and the habits that limit long-term growth. Drawing from personal experience as an immigrant, educator, and entrepreneur, Chris explores how identity, environment, and mindset shape success more than tactics ever will. The discussion highlights the importance of vision, self-awareness, and surrounding yourself with people who expand your sense of what’s possible. Throughout the episode, Chris emphasizes that growth often requires discomfort, sacrifice, and a willingness to let go of outdated versions of yourself. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (07:48) — Success definitions reframed (15:36) — Identity versus outcomes (23:24) — Vision before evidence (31:13) — Developing creative clarity (38:59) — Discipline compounds growth (46:41) — Letting go of old selves (54:12) — Permission and agency Check out today's guest, Drigo Tasca: Website: ⁠https://www.rodrigotasca.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.

In this episode, Chris sits down with entrepreneur and creator Dan Martell for a deep dive into personal brand building, creative discipline, and the decade-long journey behind Dan’s explosive growth. Dan unpacks the pivotal dinner conversation that pushed him from “reluctant creator” to going fully pro, ultimately adding millions of followers and hundreds of millions of monthly views. He discusses the emotional hurdles of talking on camera, the evolution from a traditional marketing mindset to a full media company, and the mindset shifts required to produce consistently at scale. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (07:42) — Going pro on YouTube (14:28) — Overcoming early camera anxiety (21:03) — ADHD as entrepreneurial advantage (27:18) — Buyback time framework explained (33:56) — Building entrepreneurial team culture (39:47) — Scaling media with AI (45:32) — Data-driven creative decisions (51:48) — Art versus algorithm tension (57:11) — Recharge, hobbies, and lifestyle (01:02:44) — Creativity through

In this episode, Chris Do and Jule Kim dive deep into the meaning of true friendship and the different tiers that define closeness and trust. They explore how people move in and out of our inner circles over time, based on shared values and behavior. Chris shares his philosophy of offering friendship freely as a way to reveal true character. Jule reflects on her people-pleasing tendencies and how boundaries have evolved throughout her life. Together, they unpack how friendships form not just through proximity but through intentional choice. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (07:45) — Four tiers of friends (13:52) — Reading people’s behavior (19:30) — Hidden intentions in relationships (25:42) — People-pleasing consequences (32:58) — Values shaping connection (39:44) — Judgment versus grace (47:10) — Navigating social hierarchies (54:55) — When friendships shift (01:02:12) — Boundaries and self-respect (01:09:49) — Avoiding harmful influences (01:16:33) — Friendship tests explained (01:23:25) — Givin

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Brendan Kane to break down the psychology and structure behind engineering viral content. Brendan explains why most creators fail—not because virality is impossible, but because their intentions and creative frameworks are misaligned with how audiences actually behave. Together, they unpack the mechanics of “man on the street” videos, the role of tension, conflict, and perspective shifts, and the storytelling patterns that have worked consistently for decades. Chris reflects on trying the format himself, sharing what felt awkward, what unexpectedly succeeded, and what he learned about audience emotional response. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (05:12) — Built-in tension explained (10:04) — Know-like-trust strategy breakdown (15:01) — Awkward moments create tension (20:03) — Predictable storytelling patterns (25:07) — Emotion and viewer intention (30:11) — Designing stories for impact (35:34) — Brendan’s pivot to social (40:48) — Perspective-shift questioning style (45

In this episode, Chris Do and Jodie Cook dive deeply into The Courage to Be Disliked, exploring the core ideas of Adlerian psychology and how they contrast with the more widely known Freudian approach. Jodie explains why this single book has followed her across continents—literally part of her 23-kilo life—and how its central messages about agency, choice, and goal-driven behavior have shaped her worldview. Chris shares his own experience reading the book for the first time, remarking on how its ideas often feel like someone has put his own thoughts on paper. Together, they unpack how the book’s dialogue between a philosopher and a student challenges conventional thinking around trauma, past experiences, and personal responsibility. Timestamps (00:00) – Intro (04:01) – Meaning we assign events (07:04) – Freudian vs Adlerian psychology (10:09) – Goal-based behavior explained (14:00) – Blushing example breakdown (17:59) – Radical responsibility and agency (22:01) – Three ways books change us (24:59

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with futurist and creative AI researcher Don Allen Stevenson III for a wide-ranging conversation on emerging technology, spatial computing, and how subjective realities will reshape the way humans interact with the world. Don shares his journey from DreamWorks Animation to becoming a leading voice on accessible creativity, discussing the tools, interfaces, and philosophies that drive his work. They explore how animation-style thinking can change how people learn, create, and communicate visually. Chris and Don also dig into the emotional, ethical, and cultural implications of AI-powered technologies and the personal stories that fuel Don’s mission. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro(04:12) — Bob Ross influence explained(08:58) — Subjective reality breakdown(13:47) — Shared whiteboard in mixed reality(18:15) — Facial recognition future tools(22:03) — Bias, avatars, and public perception(26:44) — Social signaling and safety cues(31:20) — Futurist optimism vs realism(36:02) — Et

In this episode, Anna Nassery joins Chris Do for a deep-dive conversation on her unconventional path into branding, creative direction, and entrepreneurship. She discusses her early years in PR, how she transitioned into tech startups, and what she learned while working alongside top Silicon Valley leaders. Anna shares how these experiences shaped her approach to brand strategy, relationship-building, and identifying opportunities others overlook. Her journey highlights how adaptability, networking, and tenacity can create unexpected career pivots. Timestamps (00:00) — Intro (03:19) — Early career and PR background (06:00) — Parents, education, expectations (09:33) — Joining the startup world (12:23) — Acquisition and financial runway (15:22) — Wearables and athlete story (17:53) — Mastermind introduction + early clients (19:48) — Influencer partnerships + backlinks (22:12) — Official start of Lumina (28:40) — Chaos of early agency growth (33:46) — Hoffman work + plant medicine (37:55) — Reb

In this episode, Chris Do joins Sean Cannell from Think Media for a deep dive into AI, personal branding, and what it takes to stand out in today’s creator economy. Sean, a successful entrepreneur and content strategist, shares insights on AI’s disruptive potential, how to use it as a productivity tool, and the evolving landscape of content creation. Chris and Sean break down the importance of authenticity, goal setting, and work-life balance while discussing the role of personal websites in a social-first world. They explore how creators can position themselves for long-term success by leveraging their unique voice, refining their brand, and staying ahead of industry trends. Throughout the conversation, they provide actionable steps for creators looking to elevate their content and future-proof their careers. Timestamps: (00:00) — Intro (04:32) — Audience trust foundations (09:01) — Corporate values misalignment (13:42) — Trend chasing pitfalls (18:20) — Community identity questions (22:57) — Coca-Cola

In this episode, Chris Do and Jodie Cook explore how creatives should approach AI, balancing curiosity with the fear many still hold. They examine how AI reshapes workflows, speeds up production, and challenges long-standing ideas about originality. Chris shares examples from design, film, and typography to show how every generation labels new tools as “cheating.” Jodie adds how AI expands creative capacity, boosts output, and accelerates learning. Together, they highlight the ongoing tension between authenticity, efficiency, and evolving creative standards. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:00) - How creatives use AI (12:13) - Creative history boosts clarity (13:20) - AI removes blank-page paralysis (16:40) - AI speeds Photoshop workflow (20:38) - Faster iteration using AI (24:10) - New artistic forms emerging (26:26) - First AI-generated podcast (30:25) - Citing sources for transparency (47:59) - Automated summary and analysis (01:03:19) - AI enhancing creative work (01:20:39) - Final message

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Jay Brown for a deep and expansive conversation about identity, spirituality, and the pursuit of purpose. Jay shares his journey from growing up between the Philippines, San Diego, and Hawaii to becoming a standout high-school athlete with dreams of professional football. After an ACL tear ended his career, he stepped into entrepreneurship—launching a music licensing company, producing large-scale events, and navigating fame, anxiety, and internal dissonance. Major personal losses in 2013 pushed him toward deeper self-understanding, eventually guiding him to the transformational work he does today. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:39) - Jay shares early upbringing (05:12) - Identity and early influences (12:46) - Culture and multiverse emergence (18:57) - Artists channel divine insight (22:14) - Creativity as spiritual access (27:24) - Misalignment drains life force (30:35) - Preparing vessel for intuition (41:52) - Multidimensional self exploration (52:39)

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with coach and creator Jule Kim for a powerful and emotional discussion on grief, loss, and healing. Jule opens up about losing her brother unexpectedly and how it reshaped her understanding of family, identity, and emotional connection. Together, they explore the cultural pressures that discourage vulnerability, the struggle to feel deeply, and how grief forces self-discovery in unexpected ways. Chris offers thoughtful reflections on empathy, boundaries, and how to truly support someone through pain. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:36) - Lessons learned in loss (02:35) - Why no one talks about grief (03:13) - Chris on family and mortality (10:59) - How her brother’s death hit (18:20) - Hidden trauma and autism shared (24:33) - Organ donation process begins (33:42) - Family conflict and decision-making (41:43) - Legacy and meaning after loss (43:00) - Rituals, closure, and moving on (50:00) - Sudden emotions and healing process (58:18) - Preparing loved ones

In this episode of The Futur Podcast, Chris Do sits down with Geoff Cook, founder of Base Design New York, to explore the art of world-building through branding. Geoff recounts his early days at DKNY, where he learned the fundamentals of brand, culture, and retail experience before co-founding Base around the turn of the millennium. Together, they discuss how his marketing background shaped his approach to strategy and storytelling—skills that continue to guide his creative leadership today. Geoff shares insights on the intersection of design, business, and emotion, emphasizing how understanding brand perception drives everything from positioning to execution. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (03:34) - Breaking into DKNY fashion (07:09) - Founding Base Design New York (10:44) - Lessons from brand culture (14:19) - Growth through early leadership (17:54) - Adapting to creative disruption (21:29) - What AI can’t replace (25:04) - The rise of world-building (28:39) - Story behind Matcha Brand “12” (32:14) - Crea

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Paul Rowan, co-founder of Umbra, to explore the evolution of creativity, design, and entrepreneurial resilience. Paul shares how curiosity from his father’s hardware store shaped his early design instincts, how a simple DIY idea turned into a global brand, and why imagination remains the ultimate business tool. Together, they uncover lessons from Umbra’s iconic Garbo trash can, how to turn setbacks into strategy, and the courage it takes to pivot in an unpredictable market. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:15) - Meet Paul Rowan (03:02) - First product and startup story (05:42) - Lessons from the hardware store (08:13) - Finding purpose in imperfection (10:27) - From typography to entrepreneurship (15:04) - Staying young through collaboration (17:52) - Partnering with design schools (19:36) - Building a culture of creativity (22:17) - Overcoming shyness to sell ideas (25:41) - Making the first retail sale (30:18) - Turning prototypes into production (33:29) - Protec

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with entrepreneur and Digital Marketer founder Ryan Deiss to explore how his early ventures shaped a multimillion-dollar business empire and what led to his public “retirement” from online courses. Ryan unpacks his journey from selling eBooks in college to scaling a $200M portfolio and why he believes adaptability is the key to long-term success. They discuss what happens when business identity and personal identity collide, the decline of digital courses, and how AI is reshaping the marketing landscape. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:04) - $200M portfolio snapshot (03:38) - First client, no skills (05:23) - Risk time, not money (07:11) - Who you serve lesson (09:26) - SEO baby-food eBook (12:42) - From maker to publisher (15:19) - Licensing flat-fee deals (20:18) - Six-month job, quit (28:41) - Course revenue collapse (34:25) - Hard pivot calculus (39:46) - Identity, failure, recovery (41:28) - Message to entrepreneurs (48:37) - Pivot to AI services (52

In this episode, Chris Do explores the constant tension between visionary leadership and operational execution. He breaks down how most leaders naturally lean toward either the CEO archetype — focused on innovation, forecasting, and long-term vision — or the COO type, who ensures systems, structure, and profitability. Using Steve Jobs as an example, Chris illustrates how true mastery lies in balancing big-picture thinking with an obsessive attention to detail, from pioneering the buttonless phone to handpicking marble for Apple Stores. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (00:41) - CEO vs. COO Roles Explained (01:20) - Steve Jobs’ Vision and Detail (03:15) - Tim Cook’s Operational Leadership (05:00) - Discover Your Leadership Strength Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefutur.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Courses: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thefutur.com/shop⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Linkedin: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Podcasts: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://thefutur.com/podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://w

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Tansel Ali, a four-time Australian Memory Champion, to explore how anyone can train their brain to remember anything — from names and speeches to entire books or phone directories. Together, they unpack the science and art of storytelling for memory, the role of emotion in recall, and how tools like spaced repetition and the memory palace can transform how we learn. Tansel explains that memory isn’t a talent but a trainable skill that anyone can develop. Listeners will walk away with clear, actionable techniques to strengthen their focus, recall, and retention. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (01:00) - Meet Tansel Ali, memory master (02:20) - Memorizing two phone books (04:40) - Short-term vs long-term recall (05:55) - Storytelling as a memory tool (08:20) - Remembering names creatively (10:40) - Visualization and imagination hacks (12:30) - Why emotional memory sticks (15:00) - Spaced repetition explained (16:40) - Inside the memory palace method (19:00) -

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with Jefferson Fisher — a fifth-generation trial attorney, bestselling author, and viral communication coach — to explore how to argue less and talk more effectively. Jefferson unpacks the psychology behind calm communication, how to time tough conversations, and why listening before reacting builds deeper trust. Together, they explore practical tools like the “I can tell” phrase, scheduling emotional talks, and using breath to create space in dialogue. His frameworks help listeners become more intentional speakers and better listeners in both professional and personal settings. Timestamps (00:00) - Jefferson Fisher intro + background (02:45) - How to become a better communicator (05:20) - Timing tough conversations right (08:10) - Scheduling hard talks with partners (11:45) - Using “I can tell” effectively (15:25) - Breath control for clear thinking (18:50) - Slowing speech for confidence (22:30) - Tone, emotion, and word delivery (27:05) - Training clients

In this episode, Chris Do sits down with entrepreneur and philanthropist Simon Squibb to explore the imbalance between talent and opportunity. Together, they discuss how people can break through systemic barriers, the importance of resilience in creative fields, and why access—not ability—often determines success. They reflect on Simon’s viral “What’s Your Dream?” project, the lessons he’s learned from mentoring others, and how creative education can become more inclusive. If you’ve ever questioned how to turn your skills into real opportunities, this conversation delivers unfiltered clarity and practical wisdom. Timestamps (00:00) - Intro (02:10) - The Real Tests of Resilience (04:42) - Building a Personal Brand (07:28) - Getting Paid Speaking Gigs (10:15) - How Representation Creates Access (13:09) - Mentoring Young Designers Online (16:45) - Why Women Hesitate to Apply (19:52) - Fame Over Craft Discussion (23:17) - Creating a Creator Accelerator (27:44) - How to Price Creative Work (31:55)

In this episode, Jodie Cook and Chris Do explore how to think bigger and challenge the invisible limits people set for themselves. Drawing inspiration from The Truman Show, they discuss how individuals often live within mental “sets” they’ve unknowingly built, and how expanding perspective can break those barriers. Jodie shares insights from her nomadic lifestyle and explains how exposure to new people, ideas, and places can help rewire what we believe is possible. Timestamps (00:00) Intro (03:14) - Escaping your own Truman Show (06:42) - Breaking self-limiting belief patterns (09:58) - Reading biographies for growth (13:21) - Why all strategy is autobiographical (17:45) - The power of unlearning beliefs (21:08) - Accessing creativity through rest (25:36) - How sleep fuels innovation (29:50) - Building habits for creative flow (34:12) - Learning to see the world (38:27) - The truth about limited thinking (43:19) - Expanding awareness through exposure (48:56) - Final takeaways on thinking big