To Create is Human.

Stories are currency. My favorite moments from the conversation with Robert: ➤ Stories require characters, obstacles, and a clear resolution. ➤ Being too broad like "tell me your story" can feel aggressive.➤ Curiosity is a muscle requiring consistent and daily exercise.➤ Facilitators must provide safety nets for those sharing vulnerabilities.➤ Honoring a subject’s story is a creator’s ethical responsibility.➤ Curiosity about others is the foundation for successful relationships.Follow Robert: ➤ https://www.dearworld.com/➤ https://www.instagram.com/robertxavierfogarty/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 + Intro2:32 Everyone's story is worthy4:16 Turning pain into a relatable story7:53 Hopesters9:07 Inspiration for telling others' stories14:53 Be relatable to those that matter18:04 Zig when others zag20:45 Creating is not for the faint of heart23:48 Discovering yourself through storytelling28:14 You can't tell one you're actively in31:12 We've got the net to catch them36:14 Stories are currency40:49 Authenticity vs presentation48:29 What makes a story stick49:45 Every day is an opportunity for miracles to happen53:23 The word STORY57:51 What inspires you to create?

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 readerFollow Talmage: ➤ https://www.instagram.com/talmagethayne?igsh=N3VyY2Z6bWFqamQ0➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmlaab.podcasts?igsh=M3gzaGVpNXFkODVhFollow 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 Bite2:08 Helping others tell their story9:22 Why people struggle to tell their story13:34 The cost of not telling stories18:33 Don't break your characters' spine21:48 What is removed from the story26:48 Make me CARE32:10 What makes a story stick long after it's over?35:37 What to do when the project goes sideways37:43 Address the elephant in the room40:58 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 Bite1:51 Story is IMPACT4:36 How to pull the story out of people10:29 If it doesn't add to the story, CUT it14:39 Get EMOTION out of people17:00 Are we attention seekers?20:41 Imperfect content24:34 Creating out of DESIRE26:17 Cracker Barrel / Jaguar rebrand32:25 Honoring new and old audiences33:32 Actually benefiting my brand37:58 What makes a story stick with you long after it's over?40:45 Books vs movies story43:02 Make me question further46:01 The HARDEST stuff to cut50:54 Why we STRUGGLE to tell our story55:01 How story impacts TECHNICAL decisions59:51 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" etcHope 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 CreatorBen 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 TO SEASON 2In this episode I'll go over why the rebrand is happening, and what's to come in this next season of To Create Is Human. 

Welcome to the newly revamped To Create is Human podcast!! (Previously Success is a Myth podcast). 

WELCOME HONDO HENDRICKS TO THE PODHondo 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 teamFollow Hondo:➤ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hondohendricks?igsh=ZXloeTVqazhjMDcxFollow 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 PODKensington 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 itFollow Kensington:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kensingtonroads?igsh=MW1xNnpmb251d2lxag==Viddy Studio: viddystudio.comConnecting Creators: https://www.youtube.com/@connecting_creatorsFollow 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 PODIn 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 creatorsFollow Mike:Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mikerichy?igsh=MWJib29kMHQ3c2V1cw==Music: https://spotify.link/yvBdYv19UXbViddy Studio: viddystudio.comConnecting Creators: https://www.youtube.com/@connecting_creatorsFollow 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 / intro1:48 What does the word "story" mean to you?6:19 Who do you draw inspiration from?10:34 Growing with an artist13:16 Authenticity is courage20:15 The cost of NOT making an impact29:48 Being on camera is a DIFFERENT skill32:06 Why tell my story?35:41 the 1% and the 99%43:18 Go straight through the discomfort45:10 When I knew I had to be a creator47:16 Viddy Studio pitch49:49 Respect people's time51:30 Why give back to creators55:19 My ability to sleep at night is priceless57:49 How to get back on the wagon when you fall off1:02:34 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 moneyI'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 Trailer1:08 Intro1:44 What does the word "story" mean to you?4:11 Telling somebody's life story7:09 Freezing moments in time13:15 What's the most reiterated life advice people give?14:31 The most fulfilling part about what you do17:18 How long are these videos typically?18:41 How to connect younger and older generations23:32 Make your subject/customer their own HERO24:48 How do you make the most watchable content?28:03 Diving into the technical processes30:19 I realized I needed to do this thing35:20 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 timeFollow Jacob:➤ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacob-christensen-b0701027b/➤ https://www.instagram.com/filmdudejacob?igsh=MW15NHFhMTJudmZzdQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrFollow 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 communities4:02 A word about the pod5:37 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 POS22:09 Only talk to ONE person.24:30 Pros to niching down27:34 It should be your idea.31:33 How I've learned to position myself32:03 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 legendFollow 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=qrFollow the podcast for more conversations like this: ➤ https://www.instagram.com/successisamythpod?igsh=MThhNXJmcWVvazB0aQ==Timestamps:0:00 Trailer0:57 First time making something3:10 Creativity is freedom4:11 Doors being opened7:57 Taking things to the next level15:42 Why Idaho?18:04 Why blue collar and agriculture?19:55 (I screwed up the audio!)20:36 Relationships are everything23:35 Be a solid person26:33 First gig in agriculture28:36 People focus on their marketing32:32 Balance between creativity and clients' needs35:44 Growth as a creative43:08 Spuds: The Documentary46:57 Educating the general viewer about agriculture49:03 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 have1:02:49 The other stuff Dustin's working on1:05:07 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 business1:09:10 LinkedIn is a CHEAT CODE1:14:45 You need to play the long haul game1:20:05 Stage 3 of success1:22:26 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.