The Futur

In this analog-meets-now episode, Chris sits down with legendary publisher Marvin Scott Jarrett and visionary designer Chris Ashworth to revisit the bold, rebellious energy of the 90s print scene—and why it still matters in today’s algorithmic world. From their game-changing days at Ray Gun to their latest creative collaborations, the trio unpacks how embracing imperfection, trusting your eye, and responding to constraints can unlock true creative breakthroughs. They explore the tension between ego and vision, the power of physical media, and whether AI can ever really replicate soul. This is a conversation about art, anarchy, and finding flow—no matter the tools. Timestamps: (00:13) The Legacy of Ray Gun and Reuniting After 15 Years (03:00) The Birth of Marvin Magazine and Celebrating Music’s Old & New Guard (06:13) Experimental Design, Mini Posters & the Evolution of Ashworth’s Process (09:21) Creating Without Repetition: Rules, Response, and Visual Chaos (14:36) David Carson, Bowie, and the Fax Hea

We all know we should tell better stories—but how do you do it when you’re creating business content, not writing a novel? In this solo episode, Chris Do breaks down the YOU + POV framework for storytelling, showing creators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders how to share stories that make their content unforgettable. If you’ve ever felt like your content blends into the noise, this episode will teach you how to share stories that connect—and why they’ll make your brand stand out. Timestamps (00:00) – Why Storytelling Is the “Operating System” of the Human Mind (00:57) – Building a Personal Brand That Attracts Opportunities (01:40) – Finding “You”: The Hardest Step in Storytelling (04:00) – Your Vibe Attracts Your Tribe: Matching Style to Audience (05:00) – Discovering Your Backstory & Cultural Currency (06:05) – The Inciting Incident: The Moment Your World Changes (07:00) – The Defining Moment: Becoming Who You’re Meant to Be (08:11) – Star Wars, Spider-Man, and the Power of Classic Story Arcs (12:0

In this episode, Chris sits down with legendary CEO and leadership thinker Dr. Klaus Kleinfeld for a deep dive into the hidden engine behind long-term success: energy. From running global companies like Siemens and Alcoa to mentoring the next generation of leaders, Klaus shares why burnout is not a badge of honor—and how purpose, mindset, and daily habits are the real levers of performance. This conversation is a masterclass on managing your inner game so you can lead with clarity, stamina, and conviction, no matter the chaos around you. Whether you’re a founder on the brink, a high-achiever running out of steam, or simply someone who wants to lead better and live fuller—this episode is your blueprint. Timestamps: (00:04) – From Siemens to Startups: Klaus’s Career Journey (03:50) – Burnout in Founders & Why Energy Is Everything (15:22) – The Inner Game vs. The Outer Game of Leadership (28:40) – The Purpose Principle: “Love It, Change It, or Leave It” (37:15) – Culture, Respect, and Leading Ac

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A Ever feel like you're doing your team's work for them? In this episode, Chris Do reveals the powerful leadership philosophy of “intentional incompetence”—a counterintuitive but highly effective way to empower creative teams, avoid burnout, and build real autonomy. You’ll learn why micromanagement kills creativity, how to lead without hovering, and the systems Chris uses to help his team take ownership while still delivering top-tier results. If you’re struggling to balance quality control with team growth, this episode is your blueprint. Timestamps: (00:00) – Why “being bad” at your job is a power move (00:42) – The 2 leadership styles that fail (01:55) – How to lead with trust and systems (03:12) – When to intervene (and when not to) (04:15) – Final thoughts on team growth & autonomy Check out The Futur: Website: ⁠https

A college dropout, Jennie Smythe had no backup plan — but she had one moment of clarity: she wasn’t going to follow the path others expected. She was going to build her own. By her early 40s, while grieving the loss of her father and newly diagnosed with breast cancer, she had built an award-winning digital marketing firm - Girlilla Marketing. In this conversation, Jennie shares how she turned crisis into clarity, and what it really looks like to start over with nothing. If you feel behind, unqualified, or unsure of your next move, this episode is for you. Timestamps: (00:00) – Intro (03:40) – Cancer, grief, and dropping out (07:29) – Choosing herself over expectations (11:10) – Walking away from the conventional path (14:42) – Why Jennie refuses to fake confidence (19:08) – Building with purpose and integrity (24:01) – Leading through grief (27:35) – Starting her business with zero funding (31:54) – Conversations that shaped her leadership (36:42) – The truths of rebuilding from nothing (42:13) – Identit

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A In this playful and provocative episode, Chris reunites with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, author and athlete — for a conversation about standing out, staying human, and showing up as your full self in a world ruled by conformity and AI. They explore the cultural pressure to "be normal," the rise of copy-paste personal brands, and why weirdness might just be your most valuable asset. From LinkedIn anarchy to fitness-fueled discipline, Jodie and Chris unpack how to build a brand (and life) that actually reflects who you are—and how being real is sometimes the weirdest thing of all. Timestamps: (00:02) – Why We Need to Get Weirder Online (01:19) – Turning Up the Dial on Your Personality (03:46) – Being a Lighthouse for Like-Minded Weirdos (04:25) – Unlearning the Pressure to Fit In (06:01) – What Counts as Weird (And Who Gets to Sa

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A Scope creep isn't just a budget problem — it’s a boundary problem. And most creatives don’t realize they’re inviting it in. In this short, sharp episode, Chris Do breaks down the psychology of scope creep, why it happens, and how to protect your time, energy, and client relationships without feeling like the bad guy. You’ll learn how to anticipate change, communicate expectations early, and avoid the resentment spiral that can destroy great projects. Timestamps: (00:06) – Dealing with Scope Changes: Strategies and Tips (01:28) – Understanding Client Expectations in Premium Services (03:08) – Managing Client Expectations in Design Projects (05:11) – Navigating Change Requests (06:30) – Navigating Change and Communication Check out The Futur Check out Chris Do Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.

We want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/6j5GLzwK6GQF7Hzx7 In this episode, Chris sits down with Oscar Höglund—Co-Founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound—for an inside look at the mindset, strategy, and resilience it takes to build a billion-dollar business at the intersection of music, media, and tech. From cold-starting a music licensing company in Sweden to scaling a global brand used by YouTubers and filmmakers around the world, Oscar shares the real story behind Epidemic’s rise—including the decisions that nearly broke the business, the bets that paid off, and why creativity and data don’t have to be enemies. If you're a creator, founder, or anyone trying to do big things without burning out, this episode is packed with honest insights on scaling with soul, leading through uncertainty, and staying rooted in purpose while navigating growth. Timest

We want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/6j5GLzwK6GQF7Hzx7 In this episode, I sit down again with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, author, and strategist—for a raw, honest unpacking of privilege, entrepreneurship, and power in the AI age. From debating the “fairness” of the system to calling out the real enemy of progress, we dissect the narratives holding creators and founders back—and how to reclaim your agency when the rules feel rigged. Jodie shares how she navigates advantage without apology, the danger of playing small to fit in, and why waiting for fairness is a losing game. Timestamps: (00:02) – Naming the Real Enemy (06:01) – AI, Creativity, and the Fairness Dilemma (09:47) – Inequality, Entrepreneurship, and the Game We’re Playing (18:20) – What If We Governed Differently? (26:05) – Privilege, Responsibility, and the Power You Hold (28:14) – U

We want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb6AltIruAF2Ut0I3b-6XmdAeO0TNNJP_SlRGOo11syj4Uhw/formResponse In this episode, Chris sits down with conflict resolution specialist and psychologist Simon Goode for a masterclass on how to stay calm under pressure, handle conflict with confidence, and navigate tough conversations without losing your cool—or your values. From prehistoric hardwiring to modern workplace stress, Simon breaks down why our brains react the way they do in high-stakes situations—and what we can actually do about it. Whether you're dealing with difficult clients, performance reviews, or your own internal panic loop, Simon offers clear, actionable tools for keeping your composure and showing up as your best self. Timestamps: (00:09) – Confidence in Conflict Management (04:13) – Conflict and Self-Regulation (2

We want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb6AltIruAF2Ut0I3b-6XmdAeO0TNNJP_SlRGOo11syj4Uhw/formResponse In this episode, Chris sits down with Rich Webster—designer, agency owner, and creator of How To Work Less—for a candid and hilarious conversation on carving your own path in business without becoming a parody of success. From viral tweets to quiet routines, Rich shares how he went from burned-out agency owner to calm creator—and how writing helped him escape the trap of performative entrepreneurship. They dive into building an audience without selling your soul, why going quiet is sometimes the most strategic move, and how to tell stories that actually connect—without turning your life into content. Timestamps: (01:09) – Navigating Personal and Professional Change (03:30) – Evolving from Agency to Lifestyle Business

We want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb6AltIruAF2Ut0I3b-6XmdAeO0TNNJP_SlRGOo11syj4Uhw/formResponse In this episode, Chris sits down with Brian Miller—former professional magician turned speaker, TEDx coach, and founder of a message design firm for experts—for a rigorous and thought-provoking conversation about real thought leadership. No fluff, no vague buzzwords—just a clear framework for how to lead with ideas that matter. They dive into how to turn expertise into impact, the difference between being visible and being valuable, and why the best communicators don’t just speak—they persuade, challenge, and invite others to think differently. Timestamps: (00:06) – Becoming a Thought Leader Through Storytelling (04:09) – Understanding Thought Leadership: Assertions, Judgments, and Predictions (08:54) – The Role of Asser

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A In this episode, Chris sits down once again with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, writer, and powerlifter—for a raw and insightful conversation about what it really means to show up as yourself. From hiding her strength to owning it, Jodie shares her journey of stepping into visibility, embracing discomfort, and building a brand rooted in integrity—not imitation. They unpack the cultural pressures that shape how we present ourselves, how to know when you're truly being you, and why "enough" might actually be the goal. Timestamps: (00:06) – Hiding vs. Revealing: Is it safe to be fully you? (04:39) – Voting with your dollar: brands, beliefs, and alignment (08:45) – When should you speak up? The cost of silence (13:55) – The Starbucks test: values vs. convenience (17:15) – The Mexican Fisherman story: redefining ambition (21:04) – Finding your

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A In this episode, I dive into the concept of personal brand misalignment—when people perceive you differently than you see yourself. But what if that perception is actually working in your favor? I share how small, intentional changes in style and presentation can shape the way people see you, often before you even announce your next move. From my own journey into fashion to a friend’s transformation with just a new shirt and pockets, we explore how signaling change can create opportunities. If you’re looking to refine your personal brand and be seen the way you want, this episode will show you how. Timestamps: (00:09) - Personal Branding and Style (01:06) - Understanding Personal Branding (02:02) - The Launch of a New Fashion Line (03:04) - Embracing Change in Fashion (03:40) - The Transformation of Style (04:27) - Transformation a

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A In this episode, I sit down with Robert Brunner — the design mind behind Beats by Dre, former Apple design director, and founder of Ammunition — to unpack what it really takes to build enduring, emotional, and market-shifting products. We explore the tension between risk and restraint, the power of story in industrial design, and what separates mediocre products from cultural icons. Robert shares hard-won wisdom from 40+ years in the field, working with legends like Jimmy Iovine, Paula Scher, and the teams behind Apple and Beats — and how he now helps startups design with both craft and business outcomes in mind. Timestamps: (00:00) – The Fascination of Objects and Their Stories (05:49) – Navigating Client Relationships in Design (11:26) – The Evolution of Design Partnerships (23:20) – The Rise of Beats by Dre: Origins and Inspirati

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A Closing a client isn’t about luck—it’s about process. In this episode, I break down why sales cycles vary depending on project size, client needs, and how well you handle the budget conversation. Many creatives avoid discussing money upfront, leading to wasted time and ghosting. I share why transparency is key, how to gauge client readiness, and a simple framework to talk about pricing without discomfort. Plus, I give real-world examples, from my own experience to the way high-value projects are evaluated. Whether you're closing five-figure deals or negotiating seven-figure contracts, this episode will help you take control of the sales process. Timestamps: (00:00) - Understanding Client Closing Timelines (01:50) - Understanding Client Engagement and Money Conversations (02:23) - The Dilemma of Decision-Making in Financial Situation

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A In this episode, I sit down with Matt Lakajev — sales strategist, lead gen expert, and creator of Seven Figure Creators—to dismantle the myths about content, branding, and cold outreach. Matt reveals why most creators are stuck posting into the void, and how a tiny, targeted LinkedIn presence can outperform big audiences. We break down the real math of monetizing a service business online—and how to turn every post, profile visit, and DM into an effortless sales system that scales. Timestamps: (00:05) - The Power of a Small Following on LinkedIn (03:02) - Transitioning from Cold Outreach to Warm Leads (16:16) - Setting Up an Effective Email Outreach Strategy (20:02) - Effective Communication in Sales (26:54) - Effective Call Structuring for Sales (35:23) - Lead Generation as a Business Priority (37:27) - Generating Leads

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A In this episode, I sit down with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, writer, and brand strategist—to dive deep into the real meaning of personal branding in the age of digital identity. From dismantling societal boxes to embracing your law of least effort, Jodie shares how she built influence without following anyone else’s template. We explore how true branding is about meaning, impact, and integrity—not vanity metrics—and how creators, coaches, and entrepreneurs can scale their presence by stacking their unique strengths. Timestamps: (00:06) – Embracing Authenticity (00:30) – Understanding Personal Branding (08:37) – The Value of Personal Branding (16:00) – Breaking Free from the Box (22:05) – Exploring Personal Identity and Societal Expectations (27:35) – Finding Your Creative Stack (35:16) – The Intersection of Personal Growth

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A We’re back with part two of my conversation with Brendan Kane, and this time, we’re putting formats into action. We go deep into what the social media algorithms actually care about (hint: it’s not boosting or shadowbanning), why going viral isn't the goal—but meaningful impact is—and how to make even the “boring” stuff relatable and widely viewed. Brendan unpacks practical examples from real estate to insurance to dentistry, and we workshop my own man-on-the-street concept live on the podcast. We also explore the psychology behind pricing, personal branding, and how your unique personality traits can shape your content strategy. If you’ve ever wondered how to grow an audience while staying authentic, or how to deal with the pressure of content performance, this episode delivers straight talk with plenty of “aha” moments. Timestamps

We want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9A In this episode, I sit down with Brendan Kane—strategist, speaker, and author of Hook Point—to talk about what really drives social media success. Spoiler alert: it's not hacks, trends, or frequency. Brendan breaks down why storytelling beats every algorithm trick in the book and how creators can find sustainable, repeatable success by understanding proven content formats. We dive deep into the five steps to virality, what most people get wrong about content creation, and why shifting from passive to active consumption can transform your strategy. Brendan also unpacks what formats are, why they unlock creativity (not restrict it), and how even a single tweak in your delivery can massively shift performance. If you’ve ever felt like you’re spinning your wheels online, this conversation will help you realign your approach and focus on