The PHYS Podcast

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...

What happens when photography, filmmaking, music, and storytelling all collide? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Dave Herring, a Bay Area creative director, commercial photographer, videographer, writer, musician, YouTuber, and passionate advocate for creative community. Dave is the definition of a modern storyteller. His work spans multiple creative disciplines, blending ph...

What transforms a portrait from a photograph into a genuine human connection? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Los Angeles-based portrait photographer Josh A Katz, a visual storyteller whose work seamlessly blends technical precision with emotional authenticity. Known for his mastery of controlled lighting and his ability to create meaningful connections with the people he p...

What does it take to remain creative, curious, and passionate for more than four decades? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with legendary professional skateboarder, artist, and musician Steve Caballero, one of the most influential figures in skateboarding history. Steve's story is deeply woven into the evolution of modern skateboarding. From his early days skating Campbell Sk...

Whose stories deserve to be told? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Ben Tobin, a photographer based in Spokane, Washington, whose work is dedicated to documenting the people, places, and stories that often go unseen. For Ben, photography is more than creating compelling images. It's a tool for connection, empathy, and understanding. Through his lens, he shines a light on...

What can photography and theatre teach us about being human? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Jonathan Pitts-Wiley, a Rhode Island native, Yale graduate, portrait photographer, writer, actor, director, and Artistic Director of Mixed Magic Theatre. For Jonathan, creativity has always been about people. Whether behind the camera creating portraits or on stage directing and pro...

How can art become a bridge between generations, cultures, and communities? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Brandon Gabriel, an internationally recognized artist, designer, mixed media sculptor, illustrator, teacher, entrepreneur, and proud member of the Kwantlen First Nation. Brandon's work exists at the intersection of culture, storytelling, identity, and contemporary...

How does mentorship shape a photographer's journey, and what can we learn from those who came before us? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Betina La Plante, an internationally recognized portrait photographer whose work has appeared in fashion, editorial, and fine art publications around the world. Dividing her time between Los Angeles, Europe, and Argentina, Betina has b...

How do you create photographs that make people feel seen, accepted, and empowered? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with David Lacy, an Army veteran originally from Atlanta and now based in Washington State, whose work explores the intersection of trust, vulnerability, identity, and human connection. After serving in the military, David found a new form of purpose through photogr...

What if great photography isn't about choosing a genre, but about learning to see stories everywhere? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with William Botka, a Montréal-based photographer, outdoor enthusiast, and adventure seeker whose work spans street photography, wildlife imagery, and sports documentation. While many photographers spend years trying to define themselves by a...

How do creativity, storytelling, and fatherhood shape the way we see the world? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Michael Colas, a photographer, podcast host, and father based in Queens, New York. Michael's life is built around stories. Whether he's behind the camera documenting everyday moments, behind the microphone having meaningful conversations, or spending time...

What happens when resilience, creativity, and purpose come together behind the camera? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Ryan HK, a Calgary, Alberta–based photographer whose career spans more than two decades and whose journey extends far beyond photography. As a cancer survivor, Ryan has faced challenges that have reshaped his perspective on life, creativity, and what truly...

How do you turn creativity into a sustainable business while staying true to your vision? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Michael Taylor, a creative professional and business owner based in Seattle, Washington, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and the power of community. Mike's journey is a testament to what can happen when creativity a...

What happens when one of the biggest achievements of your career is met with criticism instead of celebration? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Emmy Award–winning photojournalist Roxanna Ortiz for an honest conversation about storytelling, resilience, recognition, and what it takes to navigate the creative industry as a woman today. Based in Seattle, Washington, Roxanna has...

What does it mean to build a creative life as a photographer in today's rapidly evolving world? On this episode of The P.H.Y.S Podcast, I sit down with Vancouver-based photographer Alfonso Villalón for an honest conversation about photography, creativity, community, and the challenges facing photographers in the digital age. Alfonso shares the story behind his photography journey, the projects...