Summary

In this episode, Christian Oliveira engages in a deep conversation with Brent Severyn, a former NHL defenseman and current broadcaster on Victory+. They explore the parallels between the creative processes in filmmaking and sports, emphasizing teamwork, the mental challenges of performance, and the sacrifices athletes and creatives make to pursue their passions. Brent shares his journey from being an enforcer in hockey to transitioning into broadcasting, highlighting the importance of mentorship and visualization in achieving long-term goals. The discussion also touches on the joy of teaching and the fulfillment that comes from making a positive impact on others' lives.

Takeaways

• The creative journey often involves survival mode during projects.
• Teamwork is essential in both sports and filmmaking.
• Transitioning careers requires planning and adaptability.
• The role of an enforcer in hockey is both challenging and unique.
• Mental challenges are a significant part of performance in sports.
• Professional athletes make substantial sacrifices for their careers.
• Finding purpose beyond the game is crucial for fulfillment.
• Visualization can help in achieving long-term goals.
• Teaching and mentoring can provide a sense of purpose.
• The joy of doing what you love is invaluable.

In this bonus episode, Christian goes off-script to talk about the firing of Stephen Colbert and the abrupt cancellation of The Late Show. But this isn’t just about TV and whether it's any good; this is about free speech, cowardly corporations, and what every working artist needs to understand about where their money comes from.

Was Colbert fired because his show failed, or because it succeeded in hurting one very powerful man's fragile little ego?

Christian connects the dots between media mergers, Trump’s never-ending fight against his enemies, and the quiet corporate censorship threatening artists today.

Warning: If you’ve ever dreamed of working with CBS, Paramount, or a soulless multinational conglomerate, this episode might burn a few bridges. And maybe it should...

🎙 Episode 2 — The Medium is the Message w/ Lindsey Reynolds

This episode opens with a reminder of what’s at stake when you’re called to make art—and the tension between creative risk and cultural comfort never lets up from there.

Filmmaker and political strategist Lindsey Reynolds joins Christian for a wide-ranging conversation about faith, creative expression, propaganda, and personal integrity. Raised in a deeply religious household, Lindsey’s first audience was a church congregation. Today, her work lives at the crossroads of storytelling and advocacy, and she’s not afraid to speak plainly about what that demands.

Together, they explore:

• Childhoods shaped by Southern faith traditions
• Navigating identity through music, dance, and film
• The fine line between storytelling and manipulation
• Why courage is a non-negotiable for artists
• Basquiat, discomfort, and the compulsion to create

Also featuring a mid-roll message from Cedar Ranch Productions and a closing quote that might just make you rethink your creative process.

🔗 Mentions & Links:

• Learn more about the Religious Freedom Institute
• Learn more at Cedar Ranch Productions
• Produced by Christian Oliveira
• Music by Ben Hudson

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