Make It. Share It.

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Latest Episodes:

Stranger Things and Why This Teen Actor Wants a Day Job Dec 22, 2025

Show notes

Join Kent and Coop as they sit down with 15-year-old actor, musician, and songwriter Graham Harvey in this inspiring conversation about navigating the entertainment industry while staying grounded.

From his new role in STRANGER THINGS to appearances in NIGHT AGENT, RABBIT HOLE, and CHICAGO PD, Graham shares candid insights about the creative life, the importance of staying connected to reality, and his journey as both an actor and musician.

This episode is a must-listen for young creatives, parents of aspiring artists, and anyone interested in the intersection of multiple creative pursuits.

🔑 THREE KEY TAKEAWAYS

Stay Grounded in Reality - Even at the height of success, maintaining "normal life experiences" keeps your creative work authentic and prevents life from feeling fake.

Embrace Multiple Creative Outlets - Pursuing both music and acting isn't a distraction—it's a way to feed different parts of your creative soul and bring fresh perspective to each discipline.

Trust the Process - From auditioning for STRANGER THINGS to landing roles in major productions, persistence and consistency matter more than instant success.

SOMETHING UNEXPECTED

Discover how Graham's experience on the set of Night Agent, combined with advice from the lead actor Gabriel Basso about working a "normal job" (he's a welder!), completely changed his perspective on balancing the extraordinary life of an actor with the importance of everyday experiences.

LISTEN TO THE FULL EPISODE FOR:

Graham's incredible story of booking STRANGER THINGS and the nerve-wracking wait to see if he made the final cut

Behind-the-scenes insights from working on major productions like NIGHT AGENT, RABBIT HOLE, and CHICAGO PD

The wild "HOME ALONE moment" of racing through O'Hare Airport to get home in time to watch his Chicago PD episode air

How Cooper's songwriting class helped Graham develop his musical voice

Why 90s grunge (Nirvana, Smashing Pumpkins, Pearl Jam) resonates with a Gen Z artist

How Graham navigates rejection in the entertainment industry and keeps moving forward

RESOURCES & LINKS

Follow Graham Harvey:

Instagram: @instagrahamharvey

Graham's Projects Mentioned:

Stranger Things (Netflix) - Watch on Netflix

The Night Agent (Netflix) - Watch on Netflix

Rabbit Hole (Paramount+) - Watch on Paramount+

Chicago PD (NBC) - Watch on Peacock

CHAPTERS / TIMESTAMPS

00:00 - Introduction & Congrats to Lauren on Storied Provisions launch

01:32 - Introducing Graham Harvey

02:00 - The 90s Music Question: Nirvana & Smashing Pumpkins

03:20 - Cooper's Backstage Nirvana Discovery Story

04:39 - Graham's Turning Point: Advice from Night Agent's Gabriel Basso

06:24 - Staying Grounded While Famous: The Counting Crows Documentary Story

08:06 - Starting with Movies: Graham's Recent Projects

09:18 - Landing the Stranger Things Role & The Audition Process

12:52 - The Nerve-Wracking Wait: Did He Make the Final Cut?15:45 - What It's Like to Be on the Stranger Things Set

20:10 - Comparing Different Production Experiences

23:30 - Balancing School and Acting Career

26:45 - The Creative Connection Between Music and Acting

30:15 - Cooper's Songwriting Class & Musical Development

35:20 - Writing Original Music: Influences and Process

38:50 - Handling Rejection in the Entertainment Industry

42:15 - Working on Night Agent with Gabriel Basso

46:31 - The Sharing Side: Release Day Nerves

46:51 - The Chicago PD "Home Alone" Airport Race Story

49:05 - The Baylor Connection: Derek Haas & Michael Brandt

50:48 - Closing Thoughts & How to Follow Graham

51:54 - Wrap-Up

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Stop Trying to Be Michelangelo Aug 17, 2025

Show notes

What's inspiring us now: creative books, vintage music, and overcoming the lies that kill our art.

Three Key Takeaways

Stop reading books that feel like work. Cooper's current approach to books: ditch the business/self-help books that feel like trudging through mud. Use AI for 2-page summaries and focus your reading time on stories, characters, and creative narratives that actually spark ideas.

Your creative calling might not look like what you expected. Sometimes you're not meant to be Michelangelo with the blank marble—you might be the person who comes in at year two to help perfect the masterpiece. Finding your true creative role can be more fulfilling than chasing someone else's definition of success.

The lies we tell ourselves are often half-truths. "You should probably quit. You're not talented enough. No one's listening." Instead of dismissing these thoughts entirely, learn to work with the parts that might be true while rejecting the destructive conclusions.

Something Unexpected

Discover how going back to 60s and 70s music (with actual fret buzz left in the recordings!) can revolutionize your creative output, and why Cooper is writing his first TV pilot for an actor he hasn't spoken to in decades.

Listen to the full episode for:

* Book recommendations that will change how you think about creativity (including two fiction novels that will make you cry and see art differently)

* The collaboration vs. solo creation debate and why even introverts need creative partners

* Lauren's mysterious passion project that's been 4 years in the making (and you'll be able to visit it!)

* Cooper's brilliant strategy for getting past creative imposter syndrome

* Why your dad listening to your song every morning might be the only success metric that matters

Resources Mentioned

Books:

* My Friends by Friedrich Bachmann

* Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

* The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson

* Platforms to Pillars by Mark Sayers

* The Second Mountain by David Brooks

Substack Post

* “You Should Probably Quit” by Craig Cunningham

Quote of the Episode: "I simply help people sit still long enough to see what is already there."

-Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Chapters

* 00:00 What's inspiring us lately

* 03:10 Cooper's reading revolution

* 16:41 Collaboration vs. radical individualism

* 25:42 Creativity in crisis situations

* 30:51 The power of community in creative work

* 40:53 The lies we tell ourselves about our work

* 53:30 Current projects we're working on

Make It. Share It. is the podcast where creativity meets courage. Subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts and join our community of creators who are brave enough to make something and generous enough to share it.

Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

Praise Him: From Lullaby to Live Recording Jun 25, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Make It Share It, Lauren Chandler shares the vulnerable journey behind her worship song "Praise Him," from initial inspiration to live recording.

Lauren wrote the song as a gift for her children—something they could carry throughout their lives to remind them to praise God in every season. What started as a simple lullaby-like melody evolved through multiple iterations, including a tough moment when she first shared the unfinished song with a group and battled her fear of not being "good enough."

We discuss the critical role of feedback and collaboration, including how Nathan Nockels helped unlock the final chorus, Michael Bleecker championed the song's potential, and Grant McCurdy encouraged the unique value of the live worship recording.

Lauren shares a powerful moment watching a grieving mother worship through the song's lyrics about praising God even when the harvest’s yield is lost. The episode concludes with Lauren connecting the song to A.W. Tozer's concept of "The Sacrament of Living"—that every creative moment can be an act of worship and priestly ministry.

Links To Resources Mentioned In The Show

The Pursuit of God

Adorning The Dark

Chapters

00:00 Intro

03:42 Inspiration and Creative Endeavors

06:31 The Birth of 'Praise Him'

09:08 Songwriting Process and Vulnerability

11:51 Feedback and Collaboration in Music

17:39 Recording and Releasing 'Praise Him'

20:29 The Impact of Music on Worship

23:04 Navigating the Music Industry

28:48 Embracing Authentic Worship Sound

30:40 The Value of Different Worship Models

32:20 Navigating the Inner Critic in Creativity

33:30 The Courage to Create and Share

40:26 The Evolution of Praise Him

44:49 Finding God in Everyday Moments

Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

The New Radicals Great Escape And What It Means For Creators Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of Make It. Share It., we discuss what happens when success comes knocking, but it's wearing the wrong shoes. We explore:

* The surprising story of Gregg Alexander and New Radicals, who broke up their band by press release after their hit single "You Get What You Give" topped charts

* How Alexander discovered that his true calling wasn't being a pop star, but creating music itself

* The different paths creative people take when fame doesn't match their expectations

* Stories of musicians like Gwen Stefani's brother who walked away from a successful band to pursue a different life

* The freedom that comes from creating for the right reasons, not just for acclaim

💡 Quote Worth Sharing: "The only reward I have ever felt at all is if someone else is inspired to go do something because of something I made."

Chapters

00:00 The New Radicals and Personal Connections to Music

02:44 The Impact of Fame and the Music Industry

05:45 Songwriting and the Art of Composition

09:11 The Dichotomy of Fame: Desire vs. Reality

12:13 The Stories of Artists Who Walked Away

15:17 The Journey of Creative Expression

18:14 The Struggles of Life on the Road

21:14 Reflections on Success and Artistic Integrity

24:57 The Artistic Struggle: Balancing Hits and Authenticity

28:05 Finding Purpose in Creation: A Christian Perspective

28:55 Inspiration as the True Reward

30:49 The Influence of Parental Expectations on Creativity

33:00 Hope Amidst Struggles: A Christian's Journey

34:11 What Works? The Dangers of Following Formulas

36:08 The Price of Fame: Lessons from Adam Duritz

40:10 Chasing Dreams: The Reality of Success

42:22 The Burden of Fame: A Reflection on Jesus

48:47 Creating for Joy: The Uplifting Message

Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

Secret Gardens & Wonderful Places Apr 09, 2024

Show notes

Christie Purifoy joins the show to talk about a fascinating adventure that takes her from earning a PhD at the University of Chicago to trading the academic life for an old Pennsylvania farmhouse called Maplehurst. Now she cultivates art and space for people to experience beauty, wonder, and peace as a gardener, writer, and photographer.

Why did the “The Secret Garden” have such a significant impact on Christie’s life? What does it take to move from a career in the academic world to one as a gardener and writer? What if the first book you write only has an audience of one? How do our physical experiences contribute to breakthrough for creative work? Why does giving one small “yes” unlock more than building up to a massive leap?

Check out this episode for the answers to these questions and another inspiring story of creativity meeting courage.

Christie’s Website: https://www.christiepurifoy.com/

Christie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/christiepurifoy/

Seedtime and Harvest: https://www.christiepurifoy.com/seedtime-and-harvest-book/

The Secret Garden: https://www.amazon.com/Frances-Hodgson-Childrens-Curiosity-Exploration/dp/1774021765

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:58 Discovering a Love for Gardening

06:40 Turning Points and Taking Risks

09:24 The Importance of Small Yeses

12:09 Teaching and Creating Community

16:28 Transitioning from Academia to Writing

23:21 Overcoming Stuck(ness) and Embracing Rest

27:01 Engaging in Other Creative Pursuits

29:09 Finding Community and Learning from Others

36:19 Overcoming Fear and Sharing Your Work

42:23 Detaching Your Identity from Your Creations

46:16 Embracing Rest and Seasons of Life

Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

From Beats To Sawdust Mar 21, 2024

Show notes

He’s a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter and performed on Good Morning America with Lecrae. He’s a mechanic who worked on the Black Hawk helicopter and a carpenter who has made custom furniture for rappers like TI and T-Pain. He’s a sponsored artist by companies like Home Depot, Timberland clothing and Kilz paint and recently starred in a Kilz sponsored Reality home improvement show.

You’ll love hearing about his eclectic journey in this episode of Make It. Share It. with J Paul The Carpenter.

J shares his story of being adopted, his mom and step dad’s profound influence on his life, and his experiences in music and carpentry. We discuss overcoming fear, perfectionism, and impostor syndrome and finding fulfillment in creating things that bring people together. His story highlights unexpected success, like his venture into carpentry during the pandemic, and embracing the opportunities right in front of us.

It’s another beautiful story of what happens when creativity meets courage.

J Paul’s Website: https://www.jpaulthecarpenter.com/

Follow J Paul On Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jpaulthecarpenter/

J Paul’s YouTube Channel: https://youtube.com/@jpaulthecarpenter

Chapters:

00:39 Introducing J Paul: The Multifaceted Creative

04:04 J Paul's Creative Journey and Overcoming Challenges

05:33 The Turning Point: Life Lessons and Family Influence

11:27 Embracing Work and Finding Passion

16:27 Navigating Multiple Creative Avenues: Music and Woodworking

26:15 Recent Projects: From Concept to Creation

30:51 Crafting with Creativity: The Art of Building Beyond Expectations

31:07 Musical Analogies: Visualizing Creativity in the Studio

34:00 From First Builds to Favorite Projects: A Journey Through Craft

35:53 The Blackhawk Helicopter: A Favorite and Formative Experience

39:32 Discovering a Passion for Woodworking: From Pallets to Projects

42:37 The Power of Music: Transforming Songs into Hits

48:07 Sharing Creations: The Joy and Challenge of Letting Go

54:30 Embracing the Unexpected: How Small Projects Can Lead to Big Opportunities

57:24 Encouragement for Creatives: Just Start Making

Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

RESTORAGE: From A Storage Unit To Slamdance Jan 22, 2024

Show notes

This episode of Make It. Share It. features filmmakers Ean Verdugo and Caleb Davis. Ean and Caleb discuss their journey of making and sharing a TV pilot for a show called Restorage, which won the Audience Award at The Austin Film Festival and is playing at The Slamdance Festival as this podcast goes live.

This sci-fi dramedy revolves around a dysfunctional family with an unusual inheritance—a mystical storage unit.

We talk about personal turning points in their respective creative journeys, starting small, the power of boundaries in creativity, mystery boxes, the unknown power of TikTok casting, (don’t knock it until you try it), ranking Season Two of Stranger Things, sharing Restorage, and more.

Mentioned During The Show:

Virtual Slamdance Pass

Olympic National Rainforest (true to our word, Caleb!)

More about Ean and Caleb:

Chapters:

00:03 Introduction to the Podcast

00:39 Meet Ean and Caleb

01:27 Favorite Vacation Spots

05:08 Turning Points in Creativity

11:54 The Genesis of Restorage

12:10 The Synopsis and Concept of Restorage

19:18 The Creative Process Behind Restorage

29:57 Discussing Stranger Things and Movie Budgets

34:20 The Unexpected Success of TikTok Casting

41:36 The Journey to Film Festivals

44:00 Sharing Restorage And Its Future

Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

Creating A Unique Space For Restoration, Purpose, and Community Oct 12, 2023

Show notes

Rachel Joy joins the show to talk about big dreams, bold faith, and the long journey of making and sharing Sparrow.

Rachel is the founder of Sparrow, a non-profit that exists to help women learn their gifts, talents, and passions through connecting with content, collaborating with community, and catalyzing into calling.

Rachel shared how one of her favorite and most formative memories is the safe place her grandmother provided for her to create. This led to Rachel wanting to create that same space for others, which helped launch Sparrow years later.

We talk about seeing people well with great questions, the long journey of making and sharing Sparrow, the Father’s delight in creating, the mark of a great leader, and much more.

Listen through your favorite podcast app and watch on YouTube.

Links From The Show:

Produced by Lauren Chandler, Steven Cooper, and Kent Rabalais

Music by Steven Cooper

Edited by Kent Rabalais

Chapters

00:00 Bumper

00:38 Welcome

02:09 What’s Your Favorite Cheat Meal?

06:42 The Power Of A Safe Place To Create

09:13 Seeing And Knowing People With Great Questions

15:00 Big Dreams And Bold Faith

16:59 Creating A Welcoming Place To Catalyze Identify, Gifting, And Purpose

18:18 Retail Is Hard But This One Is Unique And Rewarding

20:27 Launching S Coaching

21:49 The Long Journey Of Making And Sharing

22:36 The Father’s Delight In Creating

23:10 Creativity Meets Courage And Community With Sparrow

26:14 The Mark Of A Great Leader: Empowering Others

34:39 Big Things Start Small And Take A Long Time To Grow

39:38 It’s Impossible To Grow Without Help

44:54 Sharing Takes Courage

49:02 The Great Tradeoff Of Making And Sharing In A Creator’s Economy

Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe

Nathan Nockels - Everywhere The River Goes Sep 14, 2023

Show notes

Kent, Lauren, and Steven are joined by artist, songwriter, composer, and producer Nathan Nockels to discuss his new solo album, Everywhere The River Goes.

We talk about the epic Lego Home Alone house, a couple of powerful turning points in Nathan’s musical career, Ethan Hawke’s Ted talk on creative storytelling, crafting a soundtrack that can inspire creativity and depth without being distracting, the painful process of defeating “resistance,” Rick Rubin’s reducer philosophy, and more.

Links:

Everywhere The River Goes

Lego Home Alone House

Ethan Hawke - Give Yourself Permission To Be Creative

Steven Pressfield - The War Of Art

Get full access to Story Script at kentstudio.substack.com/subscribe