The PHYS Podcast

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...