The MOOD Podcast - podcast cover

The MOOD Podcast

Matt Jacobthemoodpodcast.com

The MOOD Podcast is a long-form conversation series exploring photography, creativity, identity, and the inner life of artists. Hosted by Matt Jacob, the show moves beyond technique and trends to examine why people make work, how creative voices are formed, and what it takes to sustain a meaningful artistic life.


Through thoughtful, unhurried conversations with photographers, filmmakers, and creative thinkers from around the world, the podcast explores themes of process, mental health, ethics, purpose, legacy, and the tension between art and industry. Episodes are grounded, reflective, and often philosophical, offering listeners provocation of thought rather than formulaic answers to copy.


The MOOD Podcast is less about instruction and more about understanding, aimed at emerging and established creatives who care not just about what they make, but why they make it. 


At its core, The MOOD Podcast is the art of conversation, one frame at a time.


Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay

Instagram: @the_moodpodcast /@mattyj_ay

Website: https://themoodpodcast.com.

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Episodes

Photography with and without Boundaries: Ian Plant, EO72

Are boundaries important in photography, and does the 'perfect shot' exist? Ian Plant is a renowned landscape and wildlife photographer who left a career in law to dedicate himself fully to photography. Founder of an acclaimed educational platform, Photo Masters, and author of an incredibly popular and instructional book, Ian is celebrated for his unique style and ability to inspire photographers worldwide. Through workshops and tours, he shares his expertise and passion for storytelling through...

Dec 02, 20241 hr 11 min

Building Success through Failure: Vanessa Joy, EO71

Can failing at something you love lead you towards finding your true passion? Vanessa Joy is a celebrated wedding photographer, Canon Explorer of Light and global photography educator. Known for her 'timeless' approach and ability to resonate and connect with clients, Vanessa has built a long standing career that blends photography, education, and entrepreneurship. With over 20 years of experience, her work embodies a commitment to capturing authentic moments while mentoring the next generation ...

Nov 26, 20241 hr 13 min

Philosophy meets Creative Expression: Sean Tucker, EO70

Can understanding your struggles lead to better art? Sean Tucker is a UK-based photographer, filmmaker, and author renowned for his philosophical approach to photography and creativity. With a journey spanning from pastoral work to professional photography, Sean has cultivated a unique perspective on art, fulfillment, and the pursuit of meaning. His acclaimed YouTube channel inspires audiences worldwide, and his book The Meaning in the Making delves deeply into the psychology and philosophy of t...

Nov 19, 20241 hr 25 min

What's The Secret to Powerful Portraits? - Mary Vance, EO69

What does it mean to truly connect with your subject? For Mary Vance, a renowned Seattle-based photographer specializing in capturing high school senior portraits, it’s all about authenticity, natural settings, and meaningful connections. Starting her journey with teenagers while still a teen herself, Mary has over 20 years of experience capturing the stories of young people with a unique approach that goes beyond the lens. In this episode, Mary delves into her techniques, philosophy, and journe...

Nov 12, 20241 hr 6 min

Corporate Chains to Creative Gains: Lilia and Kai, E068

Is it possible to leave everything behind and build a life that revolves around creativity and adventure? Lilia Siemens and Kai Schiffers, also known as 'Lilia and Kai', are a talented photography and filmmaking couple who embarked on an incredible journey in 2019. Leaving their corporate lives in Germany, they bought their first camera and set off on a global adventure with no set return date. Through years of ‘learning by doing,’ they evolved from travel vloggers into respected visual artists,...

Nov 05, 20241 hr 11 min

The Creative (de) Coupling - Josiah Gordon, E067

Is art coupled with our own struggles, and our own stories? In this episode, American photographer Josiah Gordon shares his journey from a childhood inspired by National Geographic to a career focused on the connections between people, nature and himself. He discusses the creative process behind his work while examining the balance between local communities and the environment in remote destinations like Raja Ampat and the Bolivian salt flats. Josiah emphasises the importance of pushing boundari...

Oct 29, 20241 hr 26 min

Balancing Art and Business: A New Approach to Success with Ebrahim Turner, E066

What if the path to personal growth could align with creative success? Ebrahim Turner, a young entrepreneur from UK, shares his story of moving from seeking outside approval to finding real fulfilment within. He opens up about how his time in Bali helped him reconnect with his creativity, blending personal freedom with his work as an artist and entrepreneur. Ebrahim talks about how mindfulness and breathwork played a key role in shaping his approach to business and art. During this episode, we a...

Oct 22, 20241 hr 40 min

Capturing the Past: How Photography Tells Stories We Can't Forget with Glyn Dewis, E065

What if photography could tell the untold stories of our past? Glyn Dewis is a distinguished photographer and educator renowned for his compelling portrait work, particularly his viral World War II veterans project. In this episode, he shares his journey from retouching to becoming a prominent photographer, exploring how he blends storytelling with technical mastery. Glyn's insights provide a fresh perspective on overcoming challenges in the photography industry, showing the importance of authen...

Oct 08, 20241 hr 42 min

Thriving as a Fashion Photographer: Troy Freyee’s Path to Artistic Freedom, E064

What if photography could capture not just a moment, but the very essence of the soul? Troy Freyee is an innovative fashion photographer known for his raw and emotive style. In this new episode, he shares his journey from managing a fashion store to becoming a prominent photographer, diving deep into how he connects with his subjects to capture authentic emotions. We discuss the fine line between creativity and burnout and how his background influences his empowering portrayal of women in his wo...

Sep 24, 20241 hr 8 min

Photography as a Catalyst for Creative Impact and Social Change, Kevin Mirc, E063

How can photography sustain cultures while leaving a lasting creative impact? Kevin Mirc is a French-Madagascan photographer known for capturing breathtaking images from some of the world’s most stunning destinations. With a background that combines a love for adventure and storytelling, Kevin’s work reflects his deep connection to nature and culture and his commitment to responsible travel. In this episode, Kevin shares his creative process, talks about balancing commercial work with personal p...

Sep 10, 202458 min

Crafting Perfect Celebrity Portraits with Matthew Jordan Smith, E062

In this week's episode, renowned portrait photographer Matthew Jordan Smith reveals his secrets for connecting deeply with his portrait subjects. He discusses his meticulous research and personal interactions that bring out their true selves, offering a behind-the-scenes look at his unique workflow. Drawing inspiration from mentors like Gordon Parks, Matthew also shares how personal projects and stepping out of comfort zones have revitalised his creativity, providing both inspiration and guidanc...

Sep 03, 20241 hr 6 min

Breaking Barriers: A Filmmaker's Path in a Male-Dominated Industry; Julie Valentina, E061

In this week's episode, Julie Valentina, a young Videographer and Creative Director, shares her remarkable journey through the filmmaking industry. Julie discusses how her experiences as a female filmmaker have shaped her unique perspective and the challenges she has overcome. We also talk about her transition from modelling to filmmaking, the role of Colder Creative’s contests in her career and the importance of integrating mental wellness practices into her demanding routine. What we cover: Ju...

Aug 27, 202459 min

Why Creativity Beats Gear: the Art of Intent in Photography - Moments Of Mood, 1.8

In this new episode of Moments of Mood , we're taking a break from guest interviews to dive into another rant, by me. Yep, this time it's the incessant topic of the narrow focus we have around photography equipment... Creativity beats gear, hands down, all the time. No exceptions. Born from a plethora of comments, messages and questions over years posting images, the most common questions I have received is "what camera/lens did you use" or "what settings did you use for this photo"?. I want to ...

Aug 20, 202422 min

The Soul's Journey Through Literary Art: Diana Darling, E060

Diana Darling is an acclaimed writer and author who has spent over 40 years living in Bali. Her work is deeply influenced by Balinese culture and mythology, blending Eastern and Western perspectives in her art and writing. During our conversation, Diana shared the inspiration behind her novel ' The Painted Alphabet' , where Balinese mythology intertwines with contemporary storytelling, providing unique perspectives on spirituality and death influenced by her experiences in both Western and Asian...

Aug 14, 20241 hr 1 min

Redefining Street Photography: Phil Penman’s Take on Urban Life, E059

What if a single moment could redefine your entire career? In this episode, British-born photographer Phil Penman, known for his compelling street photography in New York, shares how his observational experience and resilience during 9/11 shifted his focus from celebrity photography to more photojournalism-type work, leading him to capture profound and impactful images on the New York's streets. Known for documenting the raw and unfiltered essence of urban life, Phil's work reflects a deep under...

Aug 07, 20241 hr 9 min

Why You Should Embrace Imperfection - Govinda Rumi, E058

Govinda Rumi is a Bali-based photographer, known for his unique approach and ability in capturing authentic and unseen moments. In this episode, Govinda discusses his photography breakthroughs and shares insights on how to see the unseen and think about the moments no-one else thinks about. He also talks about maintaining a distinctive voice in a crowded digital space and the importance of intention in creating authentic images. What we discuss: Govinda's philosophy of finding beauty in imperfec...

Jul 30, 202453 min

Mastering Confidence: Peter Hurley’s Journey to Iconic Headshots, E057

Why would a successful and famous model become a successful and famous photographer? Peter Hurley is an American photographer who made a remarkable transition from professional sailing and fashion modelling to headshot photography, having photographed some of the most recognised people and images around the world. What you'll hear about: Peter's journey from model to photographer. The challenges and successes of working with high-profile clients. The importance of personal branding and building ...

Jul 23, 20241 hr 15 min

From Office Desk to Digital Fame: Sam Newton on YouTube and Filmmaking, E056

What happens when you trade a traditional 9-to-5 job for a life of creativity and adventure? Sam Newton is a popular YouTuber and Travel Filmmaker, celebrated for his bold exploration of life's unconventional paths. With a talent for blending humor and introspection, Sam has captured the hearts of millions through his personal journey and creative storytelling. In this episode, Sam opens up about his own evolution, sharing intense moments of navigating a significant breakup that led him to choos...

Jul 16, 20241 hr 3 min

Living Without Boundaries; Josh Guvi, E055

In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, Josh Guvi, a world traveler and digital storyteller, shares the realities behind his social media image and the transformative power of living authentically. Expect to Learn: The digital nomad lifestyle Earning a living through social media platforms. How genuine relationships and self-expression can lead to personal transformation. Strategies for dealing with travel a nomadic way of life. How to stay authentic while dealing with the demands of social media. ...

Jul 09, 20241 hr 11 min

The Power of Anonymity in Art; Novo Dé, E054

Can recognition become a prison for artists? Novo Dé, the enigmatic figure behind Novo Dé Productions, joins us to share his unique perspective on the virtues of anonymity. By intentionally keeping his identity private, Novo underscores the critical importance of letting art speak for itself amidst a culture fixated on personal details. He offers a raw and candid look at the pitfalls of public recognition, the conscious efforts to avoid becoming the product, and the collective ethos that drives ...

Jul 02, 20241 hr 14 min

Balancing Artistry and Commercial Success in Photography, Elliot Simpson, E053

Elliot Simpson is a visionary photographer and filmmaker who made a remarkable transition from product design to the world of commercial photography. In this episode, we explore Elliot’s inspiring journey, uncovering the profound impact of connecting with the person behind the lens and the significant challenges he overcame to pursue his passion. Expect to Learn: How Elliot's journey began with a simple mirrorless camera and familial influence. The evolution of the photography industry and how t...

Jun 25, 20241 hr 6 min

The Healing Power of Photography: Jimmy Nelson on Trauma, Connection, and Truth, E052

In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I talked with a huge inspiration of mine, Jimmy Nelson. Jimmy is a British photographer renowned for his work capturing indigenous cultures around the world. Much of his work aims to document and preserve the unique traditions, rituals, and appearances of various indigenous tribes through striking and evocative portrait photography. His work has been celebrated for its artistry and his photographs are characterised by their meticulous composition, vivid color...

Jun 18, 20241 hr 31 min

When Hobbies become Art: The Deeper Impact of Photography and Storytelling - Rio Helmi, E051

In this episode I talk with Rio Helmi , an Indonesian photographer and writer. Rio has captured Asia's diverse landscapes and cultures since 1978. His work has featured in major publications like Time and Vogue, and he has exhibited globally in cities such as Bali, Madrid, and San Francisco. Based in Bali for over 4 decades, Rio has spent years documenting the interaction between indigenous peoples and their environment. He has published several photographic books, including "Memories of the Sac...

Jun 11, 20241 hr 19 min

Platon on Photography as a Catalyst for Change and Defender of Worlds, E050

Platon is a renowned British photographer known for his distinctive portrait photography. He has photographed many prominent figures, including political leaders, celebrities, and cultural icons. His work is characterized by its intimate and powerful portrayal of his subjects, often capturing their essence in a single, striking image. In addition, Platon is also recognized for his significant contributions to human rights activism. Through his work with various organizations, including the Human...

Jun 04, 20241 hr 28 min

How to create a brand that connects, resonates and sells as an artist - Tom Spark, E049

In this episode I spoke with brand expert Tom Spark, about how we create successful brands as photographers that propel our artwork forward and drive authentic, but popular communication. Together, we talked a lot about the web of content creation and online representation—how to strike the right notes of enthusiasm, authenticity and clarity, and why your 'divine spark' might just be the one thing that sets you apart from the others. Other topics of value that we discussed, include: value propos...

May 28, 20241 hr 13 min

Artist and Content Creator, or Artist vs. Content Creator? Pat Kay, E048

Pat Kay is a renowned photographer, content creator and now podcast host. So it seemed apt to hone in on the dissonance between art and content creation, and if indeed it's just an illusion. Pat, with his wealth of experience across various creative domains, also talks frankly about the homogenization of 'art' in today's social media-driven culture. And together we discuss a label transformation from 'artist' to 'content creator' where we can be commercially savvy, without losing the soul of art...

May 22, 20241 hr 37 min

Daniel Kordan's Vision of Adventure, Culture, and the Future of Photography, E047

Daniel Kordan is a world-renowned photographer, artist and adventurer. With his lens, and the support of millions of followers, Daniel enjoys uncovering the intimate dance of traditions and landscapes, guiding us through a world where photography is not just a profession but a heartfelt exploration of culture and adventure. In my conversation with him we discuss many aspects of his journey, how to grow a huge audience as a photographer, as well as experiences and opinions on photography, travel ...

May 15, 20241 hr 36 min

The Heart & Craft of Wedding Photography with Love Documentarian Casey Fatchett, E046

In this week's episode of The MOOD Podcast, I jumped online with Casey Fatchett. For more than 20 years, people have been paying him to chase the love of photography. In that time, he's photographed more than 700 weddings, thousands of portrait sessions. worked with big brands, A-list celebrities, as well as many small businesses and regular folks. His rather playful title as a 'love documentarian' doesn't just embody his work; it narrates the stories of relationships he's framed, from the quiet...

May 08, 20241 hr 37 min

How to Transform and Heal through Creativity - Matt Costello, E045

Today I talk with Matt Costello in the studio. A fan of his underrated work for a while, Matt really showed us where his style and voice emanate from in his artwork, helping him transform negative core beliefs and take the path of healing through his creativity. Have you ever felt like an experience or a passion completely altered the trajectory of your life? Matt, a photographer with an incredible story of transformation, shares how his journey behind the lens has been a powerful force of chang...

May 02, 20241 hr 12 min

Why Social media and Influencers are Ruining Society, and Art - Moments of Mood, 1.7

It’s very important we clarify and Photographers and Artists where we want to belong in the world and how we want to impact society. In this episode of 'Moments of Mood', I jump into the heart of the ongoing dialogue surrounding the role of content creation, the impact of social media, and the essence of true artistry in today's society. Drawing from recent conversations and feedback, I explore the blurred lines between content creators, influencers, and genuine artists. I address the misconcept...

Apr 24, 202423 min
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