You Gotta Hear This! A Podcast for Video Creators & Storytellers

Ever wonder why some creators stand out while others get overlooked? In this episode, Paul shares The Marshmallow Mindset—a powerful metaphor for how video creators (and all creatives) can take something simple and transform it into something people remember, share, and talk about. He breaks down how a single marshmallow, when roasted, dipped, topped, or stacked into a s’more, suddenly becomes a w...

In this episode, Paul Steven Forrest takes you behind the chutes —literally—and uses his firsthand experience filming rodeos (yes, real cowboys) to unpack a powerful creative mindset: experience matters, but so does the way you use it. You’ll hear: The real story behind the phrase “This ain’t my first rodeo.” How preparation, repetition, and grit shape creative excellence. What a cowboy taping his...

What makes something valuable? The story behind it. In this episode, we revisit an old Hollywood story—how a simple doorknob from Marilyn Monroe’s home, once overlooked, suddenly skyrocketed in value. Why? Not because the doorknob changed, but because the story around it did. Paul unpacks what this means for creatives: Your work may not feel special—yet. But when you show up, do the work, and add...

Are you grinding gig to gig, trying to stay afloat — but not really moving forward? This episode is for you. Creative careers are full of highs and lows. Rent is due, food needs to be on the table, and sometimes the next gig is all you can think about. But what if you stopped surviving and started strategizing? In this episode, Paul Steven Forrest breaks down the SMART Path — a clear, actionable w...

Ever been handed a video project that felt lifeless? Bland? A total pig? In this episode, Paul Steven Forrest shares how decades of writing and directing everything from floating pens to DVD promos taught him a powerful truth: Every project has potential. You just have to uncover it. Drawing on his television experience -- and a shady stockbroker’s infamous quote -- Paul explores what it means to...

Remember that old Verizon commercial where a guy kept walking through different locations asking, “Can you hear me now?” It became a catchphrase—but it was also about something deeper: connection. In today’s episode, we explore what that question means for video creators and storytellers. Because it’s not just about being heard—it’s about being understood. About creating work that resonates, reach...

Everyone says “go bigger.” Bigger clients. Bigger market. Bigger opportunities. But what if the smartest move is stepping into a smaller pond — one where your voice gets heard and your work gets noticed? In this episode, I share a moment from a voiceover session with voice actor John B. Wells that changed how I think about strategy, visibility, and purpose. It’s not always about chasing prestige —...

Ever wonder how Disney created worlds that sparked imagination for generations? In this episode, Paul Steven Forrest takes you behind the velvet rope at Disneyland’s 100-year celebration of animation — and into the mind of a storyteller who never stops learning. You’ll discover how a simple table, a few pencils, and a stack of paper shaped the future of animation —and what that means for today’s v...

What does a free pair of socks have to do with video production? More than you think. In this episode, I share a quick story about getting a free pair of socks—and how that simple gesture turned into a powerful reminder about going the extra mile. For video creators, the message is clear: it’s the little things that leave a lasting impression. A thoughtful detail. A bonus deliverable. A thumbnail...

He didn’t wait for permission. He just walked onto the lot… and never left. Before Jaws, E.T., or Jurassic Park, Steven Spielberg was a kid with a dream—and no access. So he faked a badge, found an empty office, and started showing up like he belonged. The rest? Hollywood history. In this episode of You Gotta Hear This!, I break down how Spielberg hacked the system, what video creators today can l...

What do you do when your live broadcast is about to start… and you can’t talk to your sideline reporter?  The crowd’s buzzing. The cameras are rolling. And your communication system? Completely down. That was my reality just minutes before kickoff at a high-stakes playoff game—no comms, no plan B… until we found two $19 walkie-talkies from Radio Shack. In this episode of You Gotta Hear This!...

Before he produced A Beautiful Mind, Apollo 13, or 8 Mile, Brian Grazer was just a kid with a No. 2 pencil and a legal pad — sneaking onto studio lots and asking questions. In this episode, I unpack how Grazer turned curiosity into a superpower and built a billion-dollar career in Hollywood — without a camera, crew, or connections. If you're a creative trying to break through, this episode is a re...

Are you hustling hard but still not seeing the income or opportunities you deserve? In this episode, we’re calling out the one mistake that keeps talented video creators stuck—making great content, but never positioning themselves for great clients. If you're a filmmaker, editor, or content creator trying to scale your creative business, this episode is your wake-up call. I’ll unpack why so many c...

Remember when Friday nights meant grabbing a stack of DVDs from Blockbuster? Well, times have changed, and there’s only one Blockbuster left on the planet. But what does that have to do with you as a video creator? A lot. In this episode, we break down what happened to Blockbuster , why it lost to Netflix, and what creators can learn from its downfall. Because the truth is— if you don’t adapt, you...

Are you constantly struggling to get paid what you deserve for your creative work? In this episode, we’re diving into the reasons why clients aren’t paying you what you’re worth—and, more importantly, how to change that. Whether you're a freelancer, agency owner, or creative entrepreneur, understanding your value and communicating it effectively is key to increasing your rates and attracting bette...

Ever feel like you’re waiting for the perfect moment to start your next big creative project? Maybe you’re holding off on launching your brand, pitching your film, or hitting record on that video because you don’t feel “ready” yet. Here’s the truth: There’s never a perfect moment. What You'll Learn in This Episode.  Paul shares the powerful Legacy Shave story from Shark Tank an...

Most video creators start out focused on their craft —perfecting their shots, refining their edits, and delivering great work. But at some point, talent alone isn’t enough. If you want to turn your passion into a thriving business, you need a strategy to scale. In this episode, we’re breaking down what it really takes to grow your video business beyond just you. Whether you’re a freelancer looking...

Some moments in life change everything . You don’t see them coming, but looking back, you realize they set everything in motion. For me, it was a single phone call. In this episode, I’m sharing the story of the unexpected call that altered my career forever—how it pushed me out of my comfort zone, forced me to take a leap, and ultimately shaped the storyteller and creator I am today. What You...