Unfiltered | Hosted by John Knopf

My next guest is Kim Feast, former world number one ranked professional drop-knee bodyboarder, ocean photographer, and multidisciplinary artist, whose career spans elite competition, visual storytelling, and creative reinvention. Raised on the Australian coast, Feast reached the top of his sport while competing in one of its most technically demanding disciplines, often without sponsorship or inst...

My next guest is Tad Smith, American business leader, former President and Chief Executive Officer of Sotheby’s, and seasoned media and entertainment executive. Tad Smith is a graduate of Princeton University and Harvard Business School, where he was a George F. Baker Scholar and Horace W. Goldsmith Fellow, and has spent decades leading major companies in media, entertainment, and global commerce....

My next guest is Reuben Wu, a National Geographic photographer and visual artist known for using drone mounted lights to turn real landscapes into surreal night scenes. He shot the August 2022 National Geographic cover story on Stonehenge, a project that went on to win Online Storytelling Project of the Year in the Pictures of the Year International competition, and he has created imagery for majo...

In this episode, John sits down with Leica ambassador photographer and storyteller Brandon “Ruff Draft” Ruffin , whose journey spans from working in law enforcement to becoming a leading voice in the world of photography and digital art. Together, they explore how Brandon’s background in law enforcement and sociology degree shaped his understanding of people, ethics, and narrative — and how those...

In this episode, John sits down with musician and performer Frankie Moreno , a six-time Las Vegas Headliner of the Year winner who has spent his entire life on stage and built his career independently through relentless dedication to his craft. From early fame as a prodigy to performing on some of the most iconic stages in the world — including the Hollywood Bowl and Carnegie Hall — Frankie’s jour...

In this episode, John sits down with Intrepid — a photographer, chemical engineer, sailor, and web3 pioneer who spent the last four years living at sea with his wife and three young children. During the global pandemic, Intrepid and his family became stateless, surviving entirely off-grid on a sailboat while navigating international waters, lockdown protocols, and the collapse of modern systems mo...

In this episode of Unfiltered, John sits down with filmmaker and executive producer Joseph Ruzer — an artist whose story is as powerful as the work he’s created. Born in Moscow and raised in the Bay Area after immigrating to the U.S. as a child, Joseph grew up between worlds — carrying the weight of displacement, trauma, and resilience that would later shape his voice as a storyteller. From acting...

In this episode, John sits down with Violet Jones , a painter whose story begins in communist-era Poland and unfolds into a life defined by creativity, resilience, and brutal honesty. She grew up during a time of scarcity — a world where food was rationed, toys were carved by hand, and community meant survival. They discuss Violet’s upbringing and the influence of her father, a wood sculptor who t...

In this episode of Unfiltered , John sits down with filmmaker and photographer Julie Pacino to talk about her debut feature film I Live Here Now — a surreal, deeply personal exploration of trauma, identity, and self-acceptance. Julie opens up about the five-year journey of making the film, shooting entirely on 35mm and 16mm Kodak stock, and the emotional process of revisiting her childhood through...

In this episode, John sits down with Trevor Jones, whose journey bridges the worlds of traditional painting and crypto art. Trevor began his career later in life, studying fine art and working primarily with oil on canvas before experimenting with technology through QR codes and augmented reality. His curiosity eventually led him to Bitcoin and NFTs, where he found a global audience and a new way...

In this episode, John sits down with Sean Mundy, a conceptual photographer, musician and digital artist from Montreal, about his creative process and the evolving art landscape. Sean describes his work as conceptual photography and digital manipulation, where the idea is the most important part. He shares how his process starts with a sketch in a notebook and ends with meticulous digital work, usi...

In this episode, John Knopf sits down with visionary artist Parin Heidari for a conversation that journeys from her childhood in Tehran, Iran, to the front lines of the digital art revolution. Parin shares a candid look at her life, starting with growing up in a vibrant, loving culture that starkly contrasts with Western media portrayals. She details her non-linear path to becoming a full-time art...

In this episode, John Knopf sits down with pioneering crypto artist Coldie for a deep dive into a career built on passion, conviction, and a love for chaos. Coldie shares the fascinating origin story of his unique art form, stereoscopic 3D, tracing it back to childhood fascinations with View-Masters and antique stereoscopes. He recounts his journey of joining the Stereo Club in the basement of a c...

In this episode, John sits down with New York–based photographer Dave Krugman to trace his path from discovering the magic of the darkroom as a child to building projects that merge photography, storytelling, and technology. Dave shares how his fascination with detail and pattern developed into his signature neo-noir style, and how projects like Drive and Drip Drop became immersive worlds that con...

In this episode of Unfiltered , John Knopf sits down with fine art photographer Guido Di Salle . Known for his cinematic portraits and distinctive style, Guido has built an international reputation for images that explore intimacy, vulnerability, and identity. We talk about his journey into photography, how he developed his unique approach, and his early move into NFTs where he became one of the e...

Join a conversation with Mel, a visionary in the crypto and decentralized systems space, to discuss the transformative power of art, technology, and self-sovereignty. Dive into Mel's journey from a teenage fascination with systems to becoming a key player in the crypto and tokenomics ecosystem building with major brands such Nike, Sony Pictures, and Ralph Lauren. Explore the philosophical and prac...

In this episode, Emily Lazar, founder of the band September Morning, shares her journey as a pioneering artist who successfully transitioned from music to NFTs. Known for her innovative approach, Emily combines music, comics, and live performance in her transmedia project. She joins the podcast to discuss creativity, resilience, and personal growth, offering insights into the intersections of art,...

In this episode, photographers Justin Aversano and John Knopf discuss the intersection of art, technology, and personal growth. Justin shares the remarkable journey of his Twin Flames photography collection, which achieved an impressive $8 million in trade volume after being minted on the Ethereum blockchain in 2021. Explore how Justin navigates the challenges of the NFT market, the balance betwee...

Join us as we dive into the captivating journey of Mike Yamashita, a legendary photographer whose passion for capturing the world led him to the prestigious pages of National Geographic. From his humble beginnings as an amateur with a newfound interest in Asian history, Mike's story is one of perseverance and discovery. Learn how a chance encounter with a camera in Japan ignited a lifelong pursuit...

In this engaging conversation, John Knopf interviews photographer Jay, who shares his incredible journey of driving 15,000 miles from Florida to the Arctic Ocean. Jay discusses the challenges and joys of off-road exploration, his unique encounter with a musk ox, and the artistic process behind capturing a stunning photograph of the animal. The discussion also delves into the significance of sharin...

Join us as we delve into the captivating world of photography with Ashton, a passionate photographer whose journey is as inspiring as his images. Discover how Ashton transitioned from the digital realms of crypto and Web 3 to capturing the beauty of life through his lens. In this episode, Ashton shares his creative process, the stories behind his favorite shots, and the lessons he's learned along...

In this conversation, Barry Sutton shares his journey into photography, discussing his early influences, the transition to street and music photography, and the impact of NFTs and AI on the art world. We delve into the challenges of approaching subjects for street photography, the significance of curation, and the development of his AI tool, Cera AI, aimed at helping artists evaluate and improve t...