Pete Muller is a photographer, visual artist, and the director and producer of the documentary film Bucks Harbor.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) How COVID brought Pete Muller to New York

(02:16) Growing up with a photojournalist mother

(05:01) How 9/11 sparked an interest in conflict

(07:02) Questioning America's role in the Middle East

(08:23) Beginning a journalism career in Palestine

(12:21) How childhood turmoil shaped his fascination with conflict

(13:28) Understanding the fundamental causes of human conflict

(14:07) A decade documenting conflict across Africa

(17:34) Entering the deadly Ebola epidemic

(22:27) Understanding the dangers of Ebola transmission

(23:45) Why Ebola is a caregiver's disease

(26:39) Witnessing the devastating human toll of Ebola

(28:32) The power and purpose of photojournalism

(30:33) Making a living as a conflict photographer

(34:29) How masculinity and humiliation contribute to violence

(37:27) The origins of the documentary Bucks Harbor

(41:35) Letting a documentary's story emerge naturally

(42:28) Building trust with the people of Bucks Harbor

(46:41) David's transformation and the vulnerability of men

(53:13) Recognizing extraordinary moments through the camera

(58:07) The universal human themes of Bucks Harbor

(60:55) A Maine fishing community from another era

(63:22) Financing a five-year documentary project

(65:43) The challenges of marketing meaningful documentary films

(69:25) Discovering the truth about his biological father

(72:46) Questioning what it means to be a man

(75:09) Redefining success through meaningful creative work

(77:19) The future of storytelling beyond documentary photography

Evan Nachimson is a singer-songwriter, guitarist, and founder of The Candle Room, based in New York City.

(00:00) Moving to New York City to pursue music

(01:29) Discovering guitar and songwriting

(03:12) Early musical influences and recording

(04:43) Studying music at Berklee

(06:32) Finding his voice as a musician

(08:06) The art and science of songwriting

(10:03) The limitations of music school

(12:15) Learning to trust yourself as an artist

(13:37) Building a music career in Brooklyn

(14:35) Creating the Candle Room concert series

(17:02) Designing an intimate musical experience

(19:28) Finding community and purpose through music

(20:45) From personal songwriting to improvisation

(22:25) Making a living through children's music

(25:07) Exploring storytelling beyond songwriting

(27:06) Balancing music, writing, and therapy

(29:43) What keeps the musical passion alive

(31:03) Musical heroes and the power of joy

(33:03) Favorite listening rooms in New York

(35:38) Advice for aspiring musicians

(37:15) Defining success through relationships

(39:10) Finding fulfillment beyond external validation

Viv Ford is a writer, comedian, and producer, based in New York City.

Instagram and all episodes

(00:00) Moving to New York from Panama

(01:28) Leaving tech to travel the world

(03:39) Lessons from 24 countries

(06:10) Childhood creativity and redefining success

(08:15) Moving into San Francisco’s Crypto Castle

(10:21) Discovering the power of improv

(12:51) Turning the Crypto Castle into art

(15:42) How crypto changed its ideals

(18:14) Bitcoin, quantum computing and digital gold

(20:40) How sudden wealth changes people

(23:14) Making peace with money and motivation

(25:15) Betting on Bitcoin before it was big

(26:33) Making a crypto comedy series

(29:13) Challenging comedy’s traditional gatekeepers

(31:13) Building your own opportunities

(33:24) Following fun and learning stand-up

(35:39) Finding comedy in modern dating

(37:36) Learning from great comedians

(39:40) Making art and confronting AI

(41:31) Why success ultimately means nothing