The MOOD Podcast

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What Can We Trust About The Past And Why It Still Shapes Our Work: Kent Andreasen, EP103 Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

Kent Andreasen, a Cape Town-based photographer and filmmaker, joins me to talk about his new photobook Memory Bank (published by Witty Books), which tells the story over a decade shaped by doubt, discipline, and a complicated relationship with memory.

Our chat together moves from South Africa’s creative landscape to therapy, trauma, and to this book that feels like a fever dream stitched into sequence.

We discussed:

The real story behind the attack that inspired Memory Bank
How trauma transforms into art
The tension between truth and memory in photography
South Africa’s complex creative landscape
Finding authenticity in commercial work
How AI is challenging what it means to “see”
Why photography is still a tool for healing

Order Memory Bank at the Witty Books website here: https://witty-books.com/Memory-Bank-Kent-Andreasen

Follow Kent and his work:
Website: www.kentandreasen.com
Instagram: @kentandreasen

This episode is sponsored by Strata Editions - use discount code MOOD for 10% discount on their store - visit strata-editions.com to shop and see their collections.

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Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can listen and watch full extended and ad-free episodes in my community - The MOOD Insiders - where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as meet with the community on book club weekly events, special guest features, bonus content, open forum access, free resources and so much more.

Join The Community - extended episodes & bonus features
https://www.mattjacob.co/insiders

The App That Transformed My Art & Mind
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Website:
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How Photography Helped Him Survive Not Belonging Anywhere: Marshall To, EO102 Nov 05, 2025

Show notes

”What if the stories that shape us are the ones we can't remember?"

Marshall To, a photographer whose photobook 'Blank Notes' explores ancestry, memory, and identity through a deeply personal lens, grew up in rural Canada, the son of Chinese immigrants and a Taoist family who ran a small restaurant. His family believed the physical and spiritual worlds overlapped - that we live among spirits of our ancestors, those waiting for rebirth, and those still wandering, restless and vengeful.
In Taoist tradition, during the fifteenth day of the seventh lunar month, the Gates of Hell open - releasing the 'Hungry Ghosts' back into our world to seek food and remembrance. Families burn paper offerings, pray for protection, and leave food for the dead. It’s both a celebration and a warning: walk gently, because the ghosts are hungry.
In his debut monograph, Blank Notes, published by Charcoal Press, Marshall explores the space where the natural and supernatural meet - where photography becomes ritual, and images serve as offerings to both the living and the dead. His work blurs culture, memory, and the unseen, inviting us to question how the spiritual and the physical intertwine in our everyday lives.

What we discussed:

The origin story behind Blank Notes
Grief, Taoist ritual, and ancestral storytelling
Making art from illness, memory, and dual identity
The power of “noticing” in photography and cooking
Creative process behind sequencing a photobook
How to honour invisible subjects through visual storytelling
Why Marshall believes creativity is compulsion, not choice
The intersection of food, art, and healing

Pre-orders and signings with Charcoal Press at Paris dates: I arrive in Paris November 10th and I'm there until the 17th

Follow Marhsall and his work:
Website: www.marshalljamesto.com
Instagram: @marshalljamesto

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This episode is sponsored by Strata Editions - use discount code MOOD for 10% discount on their store - visit strata-editions.com to shop and see their collections.

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Why Photography Works Better When You Stop Faking It - Phil Sharp, E101 Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

Phil Sharp, an award winning British portrait photographer, talks about the human core of portrait photography and why music, language, and time can turn performance into truth. We challenge received wisdom about headshots, explore photography books and business, look ahead to portraits in an AI world, and attempt to dismantle the myth that great images come from gear, tricks, or perfectly controlled sets. Phil's work relies on a deeper element: the moment a person stops performing.

What's discussed in this episode:

Portraiture as human connection, not just technique
Creating safe space with empathy and careful language
Using music to trigger sincere emotion
Balancing performance and authenticity in front of camera
Session pacing, energy, and knowing when to stop
Pricing, packages, and word-of-mouth workflow
Books, prints, and the pros and cons of publishing
AI’s impact and why presence still matters
Finding voice over style through repetition and reflection

I thoroughly enjoyed this conversation with Phil - a long time fan of his, it was good to have a conversation about photography as human connection, not necessary technical domination.

Subscribe to the MOOD Podcast for more conversations with the world’s leading creative thinkers.

Follow Phil and his work:
Website: www.philsharp-photo.com
Instagram: @philsharp

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This episode is sponsored by Strata Editions - use discount code MOOD for 10% discount on their store - visit strata-editions.com to shop and see their collections.

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Do you need a massive following to build a sustainable creative career? Moments of Mood 3.0 Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to another episode of Moments of Mood, this time about how to monetise - even just a little bit - the wonderful parts of us that are creative.

Turning your creative passion into a sustainable career possible, it's probable if you know where to focus and how to work smart. In this episode of Moments of Mood, I explore how to make money as a creative professional without selling out your soul, and in the meantime dispelling the myth of the 'starving artist'. Whether you’re a photographer, designer, filmmaker, or writer, this video breaks down real strategies to monetize your art, diversify your income streams, and build a creative business that lasts.
Learn how to:

Build multiple creative career income streams
Develop a brand and portfolio that attract real clients
Balance art, money, and meaning without burnout
Build a portfolio career for artists that gives you freedom and stability
Take your creativity from passion to plan — and get paid doing what you love

References from this episode:

My conversation with Chris Do https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5QrdCEH5TXA&t=37
Amie McNee https://amiemcnee.substack.com
University of Zurich Study – “Happiness in the Arts: International Evidence on Artists’ Job Satisfaction” https://www.bsfrey.ch/wp-content/uploads/2021/08/happiness-in-the-arts-international-evidence-on-artists-job-satisfaction.pdf
University of Warwick Study – Follow-up on Creative Job Satisfaction https://theartcareerproject.com/link-between-happiness-art/
- Nesta UK Report – “Creativity vs Robots” https://www.nesta.org.uk/report/creativity-vs-robots/
Nesta UK Working Paper – “Creative Occupations and Subjective Wellbeing” (Fujiwara, Cornwall, Dolan) https://www.nesta.org.uk/documents/412/creative_employment_and_subjective_wellbeing_1509_1.pdf

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The App That Transformed My Art & Mind
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Is Creativity Enough? Chris Do's advice for creatives, content, and The Futur - E100 Oct 08, 2025

Show notes

“If you don’t value yourself, why should anyone else?”

Chris Do is an Emmy-award-winning designer, founder of The Futur, and one of the most sought-after creative educators on the planet. With his huge audience and decades of experience building creative businesses, Chris helps designers, artists, and entrepreneurs master the business of creativity and the self-brand.

In this episode, we explore the psychology of pricing, the future of content, and how creatives can build meaningful, profitable careers without selling out.

What we talk about:

How to price your creative work with confidence
The mindset shift that changed everything for Chris
Why the algorithm rewards authenticity
The real reason most creatives burn out
How to turn content into clients
AI, abundance, and staying relevant
Why storytelling is your most powerful business tool
How to move from freelancer to entrepreneur
Building your audience one post at a time

Subscribe to the MOOD Podcast for more conversations with the world’s leading creative thinkers.
Follow Chris and his work:
Website: www.thefutur.com
Instagram: @thechrisdo
YouTube: @ChrisDo

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Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!

Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work.

YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay
Learn with me
https://mattjacobphotography.com/voice-alchemy
My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay

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Support the show

The App That Transformed My Art & Mind
https://wakingup.sjv.io/c/7738181/3958771/54965

Website:
https://themoodpodcast.com

How to Stay Relevant as a Photographer in the Age of AI , Moments of Mood 2.9 Sep 24, 2025

Show notes

What happens when the world is flooded with AI images, tools, and “perfect” feeds?
In this episode of Moments of MOOD, I sit down to talk about what it really means to stay human in your work — and why your voice, your presence, and your lived experience are the ultimate creative edge.
This isn’t a doom-scroll about AI taking our jobs. It’s an invitation. To look at what makes your art irreplaceable. To build a brand that AI can’t copy. To practice until your perspective becomes unmistakable.
If you’ve been feeling the anxiety of this “AI flood,” this episode is a reminder: your humanity is the moat.
Keep showing up. Keep telling stories. And keep making art that only you can make.
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References in the video:

Things that changed everything for me
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyQ5i28TD38&t=1s
My Core Brand Narrative Process
https://mattjacobphotography.com/core-brand-narrative-process
MIT study on brain vs. ChatGPT
https://arxiv.org/pdf/2506.08872
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The App That Transformed My Art & Mind
https://wakingup.sjv.io/c/7738181/3958771/54965

Website:
https://themoodpodcast.com

Ami Vitale's Vision to Use Photography for Real-World Impact, E099 Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Step into the world of Ami Vitale, National Geographic photographer, filmmaker, and founder of Vital Impacts, as she shares her journey from covering conflict zones to telling the most urgent conservation stories of our time.
In this conversation on the MOOD Podcast, Ami reveals why hope and action matter more than despair, the ethical responsibilities of storytelling, and how photographers can shape narratives that inspire real change.
She discusses her 17-year project documenting the northern white rhino’s fight for survival, the role of AI in creativity, and how grants, mentorship, and authentic voices are reshaping the future of photography.
If you’re a creator, conservationist, or simply someone who believes in the power of stories to change the world, this episode will leave you rethinking your role in shaping the future.
👉 Subscribe to the MOOD Podcast for more conversations with the world’s leading creative thinkers.
Follow Ami Vitale
Instagram: https://www.amivitale.com/
Website: https://www.instagram.com/amivitale/
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(00:00) Intro
(02:06) Finding Hope Amid Global Despair
(07:11) Why People Don’t Care About Environmental Crises
(12:22) Embracing Discomfort to Reconnect With the World
(15:17) Balancing Photography With Responsibility to Communities
(18:10) The Ethics of Storytelling
(23:13) Documenting Tourism’s Impact on Rural Landscapes
(24:28) Pitching the Northern White Rhino Story
(28:06) How Grants & Vital Impacts Support Emerging Photographers
(36:30) Why Authenticity in Storytelling Beats AI-Generated Work
(40:02) From War Zones to Conservation Photography
(45:22) Including Local Communities in Wildlife Conservation Stories
(48:17) Environmental Storytelling
(50:40) How Media Narratives Shape Fear & Engagement
(53:29) The Northern White Rhino Conservation Effort Explained
(1:02:01) Ami’s Creative Process: Balancing Planning & Spontaneity
(1:05:01) Redefining Success: From Front Covers to Supporting Others

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The App That Transformed My Art & Mind
https://wakingup.sjv.io/c/7738181/3958771/54965

Website:
https://themoodpodcast.com

The Secret Behind Joel Grimes’ Iconic Photography Style, E098 Sep 03, 2025

Show notes

Joel Grimes doesn’t just take photographs, he creates illusions that make the impossible feel real.
In this episode, we dive deep into the mind of a true master, exploring how he uses light, shadow, and imagination to redefine what photography can be.
From his early experiments with lighting to the techniques behind his most iconic images, Joel takes us behind the scenes of a creative process that blends art, science, and pure intuition.
Whether you’re an aspiring photographer, a creator chasing your own signature style, or simply someone who loves the magic behind incredible imagery, this episode will change the way you think about capturing the world.
Prepare to see photography in a completely new light and discover the secrets that have made Joel Grimes an icon in the world of visual storytelling.
Follow Joel Grimes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joelgrimesworkshops/
Website: https://www.joelgrimes.com/
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(00:00) Intro
(01:59) Why Joel Grimes is Called an “Illusionist”
(06:01) Composites: Balancing Artistry and Commercial Work
(13:23) How Gatekeepers and Purists Respond to Composites
(20:01) Building Resilience Against Criticism in Photography
(23:26) Why Learning Rejection is Key for Photographers
(26:25) Photography in the Age of AI and Social Media
(38:33) Techniques for Creating Larger-Than-Life Portraits
(47:35) Behind Joel’s Navajo “Portrait of a Nation” Project
(54:00) The Role of Books in a Photographer’s Career and Legacy
(58:01) What Teaching Photography Taught Joel Grimes
(01:04:34) What’s Next After 40+ Years in Photography
(01:07:26) Joel Grimes’ One Core Principle for New Photographers

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The App That Transformed My Art & Mind
https://wakingup.sjv.io/c/7738181/3958771/54965

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The Reality of Finding Your Voice as a Photographer - Ed Sykes, E097 Aug 19, 2025

Show notes

Ed Sykes has lived many chapters through photography — from the chaos of war zones and the rush of front-page news to the polished world of fashion editorials.
Yet, recognition and success didn’t bring the fulfillment he was searching for.
In this conversation, Ed explains how he moved away from chasing approval and found a practice rooted in landscapes, climate, and experimental processes.
Today, his work goes beyond capturing images.
He scorches film with blowtorches, dissolves prints in water, and even uses seaweed in the darkroom, allowing the natural world to shape the art itself.
This episode is about reinvention, resilience, and creating work that feels truly authentic.
If you’re struggling to find your voice as an artist, this one’s for you.
Follow Ed Sykes
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/edsykes/
Website: https://www.edsykes.co.uk/
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(00:00) Introduction
(02:20) Finding Your “Voice” As A Photographer
(10:41) Why Ed Chose Journalistic Photography
(17:22) The Business Side of Photography
(20:07) The Importance of Discipline
(22:59) Life at ‘The Independent’
(25:55) Ed’s Journey as a Global Photojournalist
(33:28) Ed’s Pursuit of Finding Purpose
(39:04) Transitioning to Fashion and Editorials
(46:41) Why Ed Chose to Leave Fashion
(51:04) Exploring Environmental Consciousness
(53:41) Finding Stability as a Photographer
(59:07) How to Earn a Living as a Photographer
(01:08:07) Ed’s ‘Voice’ as a Photographer
(01:12:19) Ed Sykes’ Most Exciting Projects
(01:14:40) The Creatives Dilemma
(01:25:46) The Next Era of Photography

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The App That Transformed My Art & Mind
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Ask Me Anything: Everything You Wanted to Know About Life & Photography - Moments of Mood, 2.8 Aug 12, 2025

Show notes

I’m answering your questions about photography, creativity, and what keeps me motivated in this AMA.
We dive into the real stuff. What inspires me, the struggles I’ve faced, and how I’ve grown as both a photographer and a person.
No filters, just honest thoughts and insights.
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(00:00) Intro
(01:42) Favorite genres of music or video games?
(03:46) Favorite Tiramisu Recipe?
(04:47) How do you stay connected to your purpose when no one's watching?
(09:57) How did you first get into photography?
(11:46) How did you first take interest in art?
(13:27) Do you believe artists are born or made?
(16:34) What inspires you?
(20:40) What are your travel plans?
(22:45) What does success mean to you these days?
(26:36) What's one belief you've outgrown that shaped you creatively?
(30:36) Are you rich?
(35:02) What do you think about humanity?
(37:57) How’s your adventure going?
(41:38) Do you ever get into an editing slump?

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The App That Transformed My Art & Mind
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