The PHYS Podcast

How much does the place we call home shape the way we see the world? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Lukas Van Der Lende, a photographer and videographer based in West Michigan whose work is deeply influenced by creativity, community, and the environment that raised him. Growing up in a family of artists, Lukas was surrounded by creativity from an early age. With a father w...

What if the most powerful photographs aren't about what we see, but what we feel? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I'm joined by Jonny Edward, an internationally recognized photographer, art director, and creative educator based in Denver, Colorado. Jonny's work is built around a deep appreciation for humanity. Through the intentional use of light, shadow, emotion, and visual st...

What happens when your passion for music and photography collide? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Dimitry Mak, a Brooklyn-based music, portrait, and lifestyle photographer whose creative journey exists at the intersection of two highly competitive worlds: music and visual storytelling. For Dimitry, photography and music have always been connected. Both are built on emotion,...

What does it mean to spend more than two decades documenting one of the most photographed cities in the world? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I’m joined by Phil Penman, the British-born, New York City-based photographer whose iconic black-and-white imagery has helped define the visual story of New York for more than 25 years. Known worldwide for his street photography, Phil has built a re...

What happens when you leave behind the noise and begin paying attention to the quiet? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Houston-based photographer Ansley Stewart, a visual storyteller whose work is drawn to lonely places, forgotten landscapes, and the beauty that exists in the spaces most people overlook. Like many people, Ansley grew up surrounded by the constant hum of city...

What happens when you step away from the noise long enough to truly see? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Houston-based photographer Ansley Stewart for Part 1 of a two-part conversation exploring photography, solitude, landscape, and the transformative power of observation. Like many photographers, Ansley's journey began with curiosity. But everything changed the moment...

What if photography's greatest gift isn't the image itself, but the connection it creates? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I'm joined by Tom Minty, a British-born, New Jersey-based photographer whose work is dedicated to documenting the candid, unscripted moments that reveal what it truly means to be human. Tom's photography lives in the spaces between the posed and the pla...

Whose stories deserve to be remembered? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Bryan Brock, a Toronto-based artist, photographer, designer, filmmaker, and visual storyteller whose work explores the complex intersections of race, family, community, culture, and identity. Bryan's photography is rooted in observation and human connection. Through his lens, everyday moments become...

What does it take to turn creativity into a movement? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Ricky Shoebio, a New York City-based Creative Director, Photographer, entrepreneur, and Founder of Know Your Dope L.L.C., a content collective that has become a creative force behind some of the world's most recognizable brands and campaigns. Ricky's journey didn't begin in pho...

How can photography honor the past while helping shape the future? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I'm joined by Joseph "Sagonige Yanasi" Pekara, one of the most respected and accomplished photographers working in music, fashion, and Indigenous visual storytelling today. Throughout his career, Joseph has photographed some of the biggest names in music, creating powerful image...

What happens when a passion for food evolves into a lifelong pursuit of visual storytelling? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Jim Sullivan, a Southern California-based photographer, director, educator, and creative whose journey proves that some of the most rewarding careers begin in unexpected places. Before becoming a respected photographer and filmmaker, Jim studied Culin...

What does it mean to document a culture before the world realizes how important it is? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with T. Eric Monroe, photographer, cultural curator, and visual historian whose work has become an essential archive of 1990's Hip Hop, skateboarding, hardcore music, and street culture. Born and raised in Somerset, New Jersey, T. Eric's creative journey...

What happens when a photographer makes teaching just as important as creating? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with my friend Reggie Ballesteros, a San Francisco Bay Area photographer, educator, YouTuber, and the creator behind the popular Reggie B Photo channel. Reggie has built a reputation not only for his photography but also for his commitment to helping others grow. Throug...

What does it take to remain curious, creative, and committed to photography for more than twenty-five years? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with my friend Ibarionex Perello, a photographer, writer, educator, and the acclaimed host of The Candid Frame, one of the most respected and influential photography podcasts in the world. For more than two decades, Ibarionex has dedicated...

What happens when a stranger trusts you with their story? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Darrell Peacock, a portrait photographer originally from New York City and now based in West Hollywood, California, whose work is built on one simple but powerful idea: genuine human connection. Known for creating authentic portraits of strangers, Darrell has developed a remarkable abi...

What stories exist beyond the highways, back roads, and forgotten places most people pass by? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Rob Hann, a New York City-based photographer whose work explores the landscapes, people, and overlooked corners of America through a uniquely cinematic lens. Known for his road trip photography and environmental portraiture, Rob has spent years docum...

How can a camera change a life? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Eric Thompson, a Las Vegas-based photographer whose journey is a powerful example of photography's ability to transform not only how we see the world, but how we see ourselves. Known for documenting the rhythm, character, and humanity of downtown Las Vegas, Eric's work captures the stories often hidden...

What makes a great photographer? Is it the camera they use, the images they create, or the way they impact the people around them? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Jason Roman, better known as Stockezy, a New York City street photographer, Leica Ambassador, educator, and one of the most respected community builders in photography today. Jason has earned recognition for his d...

Content Note: This episode includes discussions of trauma and difficult life experiences. Listener discretion is advised. What if the most important photographs are the ones that capture everyday life? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with James Rice, a Midwest American photographer whose photographic journey began in the black-and-white film era of the late 1950s and continues t...

How can photography become a vehicle for identity, empowerment, and cultural storytelling? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Reginald Cunningham, also known as Reggie Noble, a Washington, D.C.-based photographer, entrepreneur, influencer, and the creator of the Pure Black brand. Through his photography, Reginald has built a body of work that celebrates culture, individuality,...

What does it mean to stay connected to your community while chasing creative opportunities around the world? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with my friend Scott Graham, a British Columbia-based photographer, videographer, and YouTuber whose work blends travel, storytelling, and authentic human connection. Scott's creative journey has taken him from the local streets and wat...

What role does community play in helping creatives thrive? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Nate Valentine, a New York City-based photographer and videographer whose work is rooted in storytelling, human connection, and the belief that creativity can be a powerful force for both expression and healing. Living and creating in one of the most dynamic cities in the world, Nate...

What if the most powerful photographs aren't about what we see, but what we feel? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Monique Campbell, a photographer whose work is shaped by empathy, resilience, and an extraordinary ability to see beauty in places where others might only see struggle. Monique's perspective was forged through a lifetime of experiences. Influenced by her...

What makes a great storyteller? Is it the camera they use, the platform they create on, or their ability to connect with people and ideas? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Fred Ranger, a Montréal-based photographer, filmmaker, YouTuber, and podcast host whose work is dedicated to helping creatives tell stronger stories and build meaningful connections. Fred has become a resp...

What if the secret to a meaningful creative life is actually much simpler than we make it? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Brian Atkins, a Portland-based lifestyle and landscape photographer whose work is rooted in authenticity, connection, and a genuine love for the world around him. In an industry increasingly driven by algorithms, trends, and constant pressure to do more...