The MOOD Podcast

Matt Jacob

In The MOOD Podcast, Matt Jacob, renowned cultural portrait photographer, dives deep into the world of photography and the visual arts, with guests from all around the creative industry, across all parts of the globe, sharing inspiring stories and experiences that will leave you wanting more. With years of experience and a passion for storytelling, Matt has become a master of capturing lesser-told human stories through his photography, and teams up with other special artists from around the world to showcase insights, experiences and opinions within the diverse and sometimes controversial photography world.
You can watch these podcasts on his Youtube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay.
You can also follow Matt's work on his Instagram @mattyj_ay and his website: https://mattjacobphotography.com.

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Top 10 The MOOD Podcast Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best The MOOD Podcast episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to The MOOD Podcast for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite The MOOD Podcast episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

From Yak Magazine to Capturing Bali Through Photography with Sophie Digby, E022

The MOOD Podcast

10/11/23 • 90 min

Join me on a captivating journey with Sophie Digby, co-founder of the Yak Magazine, as we delve deep into the heart of Indonesian culture. Get ready to immerse yourself in rich discussions about the influence of the Majapahit Kingdom on Balinese wood and stone carving, the powerful energy of Bali, and the animistic roots of Hindu Dharma.
Sophie has an intriguing story to share, peppered with her personal experiences and observations from decades of living in Bali and working for the Japan Times. Together, we dissect the impact of the Yak Magazine on Bali's luxury lifestyle and the shift it brought about in traditional Balinese culture. Despite the challenges brought on by the first Bali bombing and the COVID-19 pandemic, Sophie's resilience and determination are truly inspiring.
But that's not all; I also venture into Sophie's transition to a new publishing role and her fascination with travel photography. From her favourite spots to her preferred photography styles, Sophie's insights are a goldmine for aspiring photographers worldwide. We wrap up our conversation by discussing the importance of cultural respect and understanding when visiting new countries, and the power of connecting people with the right resources to create lasting impact. Don't miss this enlightening episode with Sophie Digby!

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Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can also watch this episode on my YouTube channel (link below) where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as my social media, so make sure to follow me on Instagram, Twitter, Threads and TikTok or check out my website for my complete portfolio of work.
YouTube:
www.youtube.com/@mattyj_ay
Learn with me
https://mattjacobphotography.com/learn
My Newsletter
https://mattjacobphotography.com/newsletter
Website:
www.mattjacobphotography.com
Socials:
IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
yoreh.
www.yoreh.co

Corporate Chains to Creative Gains: Lilia and Kai, E068

The MOOD Podcast

11/05/24 • 71 min

Is it possible to leave everything behind and build a life that revolves around creativity and adventure?
Lilia Siemens and Kai Schiffers, also known as 'Lilia and Kai', are a talented photography and filmmaking couple who embarked on an incredible journey in 2019. Leaving their corporate lives in Germany, they bought their first camera and set off on a global adventure with no set return date. Through years of ‘learning by doing,’ they evolved from travel vloggers into respected visual artists, now known for their ethereal, emotionally charged style that captivates audiences.
In this episode, we discuss:

How travel and minimalism transformed their artistic vision and approach to life.
The challenges of content creation with Kai’s genetic tremor, and the solutions they found to keep producing quality work.
Balancing social media pressures with authenticity, and how they navigate the digital space while staying true to their vision.
The evolution of their unique visual style and the creative process behind their atmospheric visuals.
Client relationships and creative freedom, including their approach to pitching and collaborating with brands.

Find Lilia and Kai's work on their channels:
Website: www.liliandkai.com
Instagram: @liliandkai
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From Chronic Pain to Creative Power: Simon Baxter, EO88

The MOOD Podcast

04/22/25 • 71 min

"There's more to happiness than just a great photograph."

What if the most powerful photo you take has nothing to do with photography—and everything to do with healing?

In this week’s episode, I sit down with Simon Baxter, a woodland photographer whose work is as much about emotional connection and personal transformation as it is about trees and light. Based in North Yorkshire, England, Simon is celebrated for his meditative, deeply personal approach to nature photography and his YouTube channel, where he shares honest insights on solitude, creativity, and the quiet rhythms of the forest. In addition to all of this he is also the author of his photographic book 'Gathering Time'.

What we discussed:

How a "secret ingredient" of emotional connection transformed Simon's photography
Simon's journey from website developer to woodland photographer
The emotional weight of solitude—and why it’s his creative fuel
The profound healing effect and therapeutic benefits of forest environments
Why focusing on the creative process rather than just the final photograph brings greater fulfillment and better results
The tension between sharing sacred places and protecting them
The biggest misconceptions about success and validation in photography
How Simon balances art, business, and staying true to his creative process
Lessons from the forest: on slowing down, staying curious, and seeing without prejudice
Why prints matter more than Instagram likes—and how to know if a photo is truly good
Building community with the 617 Club and why connection matters

Find Simon's work on his channels:
Website: www.baxter.photos
Instagram: @baxter.photos
You Tube: @SimonBaxterPhotography

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Why Trust Matters More Than Technique in Portrait Photography - Moments of Mood, 2.1

The MOOD Podcast

04/15/25 • 9 min

In this episode of Moments of Mood, I talk about something that many people ask me about: how to get better portraits! And you guessed it, it's not about what gear you use or what lighting you have. This all helps, of course, but really the true magic comes from how you garner connection and trust.
Please listen, and I'll explain how.

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Creating Through the Struggle: Dario Viegas, EO73

The MOOD Podcast

12/10/24 • 72 min

What keeps a creative person going despite setbacks?
Dario Viegas is a photographer and filmmaker who is celebrated for his minimalist style and keen eye for composition, as well as his ability to connect art with storytelling. From a challenging upbringing in Portugal to then living in various places around the world, Dario discovered his passion for photography through a life-altering journey whilst traveling the world, where in each destination he kept refining his craft and building his portfolio. As he opens up about the pressures of viral success in my conversation with him, Dario underscores the importance of staying true to one's passions against fleeting trends.
In this conversation:

How Dario's journey into creativity began.
The impact of his upbringing and early struggles on his artistic perspective.
His breakthrough moment with photography during his time traveling the world.
The pivotal role of social media in building his career and lessons learned about trends and authenticity.
The importance of curating work and finding one’s unique style in photography.
Insights into the evolving relationship between photography and videography in his career.
Advice for beginners on practicing, failing, and growing through repetition.
Dario’s future aspirations, including his plans for storytelling through video.

Find Dario Veigas' work on his channels:
Website: www.darioexplore.com
Instagram: @dario.explore
You Tube: @dario.explore
Thank you to Luminar Neo for sponsoring this episode - get 25% discount on all their products here using the code MOODPODCAST25.
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How to create a brand that connects, resonates and sells as an artist - Tom Spark, E049

The MOOD Podcast

05/28/24 • 73 min

In this episode I spoke with brand expert Tom Spark, about how we create successful brands as photographers that propel our artwork forward and drive authentic, but popular communication.
Together, we talked a lot about the web of content creation and online representation—how to strike the right notes of enthusiasm, authenticity and clarity, and why your 'divine spark' might just be the one thing that sets you apart from the others.
Other topics of value that we discussed, include:

value propositioning
T-shaped personal branding
personal interests vs. professional needs
connecting your quirks with success
mental health as a digital creator
communicating with integrity and purpose.

Listen to this episode for some great tips and tricks when thinking about your brand as a creative - a subject that often gets overlooked but is one of the most important things to nail if you want to be successful in your creative journey.
Find Tom's info here:
Instagram: @tomspark_
Website: https://hoo.be/tomspark
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Navigating Creation in the Content Culture as a Filmmaker - Harry Pope, E041

The MOOD Podcast

03/26/24 • 74 min

In this episode of The MOOD Podcast, I talk with Harry Pope, shedding light on the life of a young filmmaker and the challenges of balancing commercial projects with personal fulfillment.
Harry's transition from photography to video has been far from ordinary, a journey marked by the pursuit of authenticity in an ever-changing industry.
I gained insights into his emotional terrain of trying to pursue - persistently - one's passion, the pain driven by ambition, and the resilience required to carve out one's own path. Harry's reflections on the importance of taking a step back, recharging, and focusing on what truly matters serve as a poignant reminder of the delicate equilibrium we all strive to achieve in the digital era.
Always a pleasure to talk to my friend Harry, I hope you enjoy his company as much as I do.
Find Harry's incredible work across his socials:
Instagram: @harrypope
TikTok: @harrypopemedia
YouTube: @harry_Pope
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From Monochrome Visions to Vibrant Ventures: The Odyssey of a Colourblind Photographer, E027

The MOOD Podcast

12/13/23 • 86 min

I'm excited to release this special episode celebrating the launch of my new brand 'Yoreh'. Together with my business partner, and this episode's guest, Fin Matson, we introduce the new label and invite you to join our discussion on the art of intention and embracing imperfection in art generally. With yoreh, you'll discover the intriguing connection between art, specialty coffee, jewellery and community, all under our roof of the innovative 'House of Yoreh'.
We of course did talk a lot about photography and Fin's journey throughout 2023 since we last spoke earlier in the year. He sheds light on his experience in the monochromatic realm and how it impacts his work. We also discussed the stress of balancing personal and commercial projects and the challenges of capturing the perfect shot under difficult lighting conditions, and working with friends on professional shoots. We've got first-hand experiences to share!
We wrapped up with a critical look at the current photography styles and standards in the digital age. We discuss some thought-provoking insights on the influence of social media and AI on the industry as well as Fin's recent transition from photography to entrepreneurship. Discover his experiences and learnings as he shares his journey of establishing our own jewellery brand, Yoreh.
Check out the links and description below for Yoreh and a discount code for your first purchase(s) with the label.
Enjoy!

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Exploring the World Through the Lens: A Journey from the Cockpit to the Camera with Matt Jacob

The MOOD Podcast

08/12/23 • 86 min

This is a different episode of The MOOD Podcast, this time with me as the guest on Martin Bailey Photography's podcast.
We talk at length about my journey into photography, as well as some of the journeys I've taken through places like Mongolia, Uganda, Indonesia and many others, painting images of nomadic lifestyle with my stories and experiences.
From discussing technical aspects of photography to cherishing the beauty of human life, we cover a wide range of engaging topics. We delve into the technical use of light in capturing faces and cultures, and the experiences of photographing unique landscapes.
We also unravel the spiritual ties of different cultures and their deep-rooted beliefs, with stories about animist beliefs in Bromo Valley and the Japanese religion of Shintoism. This was a very enjoyable podcast with Martin and I look forward to speaking with him again, this time with roles reversed.

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The Power of Anonymity in Art; Novo Dé, E054

The MOOD Podcast

07/02/24 • 73 min

Can recognition become a prison for artists? Novo Dé, the enigmatic figure behind Novo Dé Productions, joins us to share his unique perspective on the virtues of anonymity. By intentionally keeping his identity private, Novo underscores the critical importance of letting art speak for itself amidst a culture fixated on personal details. He offers a raw and candid look at the pitfalls of public recognition, the conscious efforts to avoid becoming the product, and the collective ethos that drives his artistry forward. If you’re curious about the pressures of maintaining artistic integrity with increasing visibility, the please listen to use dive into it!
Anonymity allows artists to focus purely on their craft, free from the external pressures and distractions that come with public recognition. Novo's approach is a testament to the power of letting the artwork take center stage. Public recognition can often overshadow the art itself, leading to a situation where the artist becomes more important than their creations. When talking to him, I immediately discovered his reasons for choosing anonymity, highlighting how it helps him avoid the pitfalls of visibility and maintain his artistic integrity.
Expect to discover:

How anonymity helps maintain artistic integrity and lets art speak for itself.
The journey of Novo Dé Productions from meticulously crafted music to a multimedia empire.
The ethical implications of AI in the arts and its impact on creative professions.
Strategies for building a legacy while staying true to one’s creative roots.

Listen to an enlightening discussion that bridges philosophical inquiry with practical wisdom, offering inspiration and motivation to elevate your own creative endeavors.
Find Novo Dé Productions here: Novodeproductions.com
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FAQ

How many episodes does The MOOD Podcast have?

The MOOD Podcast currently has 102 episodes available.

What topics does The MOOD Podcast cover?

The podcast is about Photography, Art, Visual Arts, Content Creator, Podcasts, Self-Improvement, Education and Arts.

What is the most popular episode on The MOOD Podcast?

The episode title 'How to Transform and Heal through Creativity - Matt Costello, E045' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on The MOOD Podcast?

The average episode length on The MOOD Podcast is 72 minutes.

How often are episodes of The MOOD Podcast released?

Episodes of The MOOD Podcast are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of The MOOD Podcast?

The first episode of The MOOD Podcast was released on Mar 13, 2023.

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The MOOD Podcast

Matt Jacob

Top 10 The MOOD Podcast Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does The MOOD Podcast have?

What topics does The MOOD Podcast cover?

What is the most popular episode on The MOOD Podcast?

What is the average episode length on The MOOD Podcast?

How often are episodes of The MOOD Podcast released?

When was the first episode of The MOOD Podcast?

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