original dante youtube

When Luke Strege and I first crossed paths amidst the chaos of 2019, little did we know that our shared zest for videography would be the kindling for a friendship and professional camaraderie that spans from whimsical wedding shoots to the glitz of Los Angeles. This episode is a nostalgic trip and a treasure trove of insights as Luke and I trade tales from our formative days in the content creation realm. We share earnest revelations about chasing our professional dreams while maintaining a personal touch in every frame we capture.

Venturing into the world of videography can often feel like stepping into an unknown realm, but it's a journey he embraced, moving from a secure corporate life into full-time film production. The heart of this episode lies in the stories of transition and transformation—like the unforgettable email that landed in his inbox, opening the door to pursue his passion unbridled. Our chat isn't just about the glamour of red carpet moments; it's an honest reflection on the grind, the late-night edits, and the vibrant tapestry of experiences that shape a creative professional's life.

But what happens after you've started to make your mark? We wrap up with a candid discussion about staying grounded amid the industry's highs, the influence of authenticity on one's work, and the continuous journey of self-improvement. Creatives, dreamers, and everyone in between, you're invited to join us as we peel back the curtain on the perseverance and heart that fuel our craft. And for those eager to walk this path with us, our Instagrams are just a click away for sneak peeks into what's brewing next in our world of content creation.

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Watch the visual version of this podcast: https://www.youtube.com/@thisisntmydegree

Original Dante - Host
YouTube: www.youtube.com/originaldante
Personal IG: www.instagram.com/vibesbydante
Podcast IG: www.instagram.com/thisisntmydegree

Luke Strege - Guest
IG: www.instagram.com/lukestrege
Wedding IG: www.instagram.com/elearintime

Ever find yourself on tiptoe at a concert, struggling to see the stage over a sea of heads? Grab your platform shoes and join us as we swap stories about the highs and lows of being height-challenged in crowded places, all while taking a stroll through the vibrant streets of St. Louis with our latest guest, Braden – a local influencer who's shaking up the scene in the most unexpected ways. This episode is a roller coaster of laughter and candid reflections as we peel back the layers of content creation, personal growth, and the quirks of our beloved city.

Imagine attempting to squeeze a lifetime of high school memories into every new adult conversation—awkward, right? Well, we're tearing up that outdated script and getting real about our journeys since those cap-and-gown days. From the country music dreams we never knew we had, to the fashion faux pas that keep us grounded, we're unearthing the raw and often hilarious truths behind our personal narratives. Braden, voted Influencer of the Year in St. Louis, brings his own tales to the mic, sharing the bittersweet moments of forging an authentic path in the digital spotlight.

Dive into the heart of St. Louis with us as we navigate the tricky terrain of working with local businesses. While brands may sometimes steal the show, our commitment to stoking the flames of the local creator economy is unshakeable. Whether we're ruminating on the potential of food truck gardens or fanning the excitement for rollerskating in Forest Park, this episode is brimming with ideas, inspirations, and a fierce love for the community that's made us who we are. Tune in for an unhinged conversation where creativity meets real life, and where every laugh is matched by a nod to the hustle it takes to make our mark.

Victoria and I met years ago at a local creative networking event and I've been keeping up with what she's been up to creatively. She's elevated brand visuals on both a photo and video level, but I've always been curious about the wedding photo/video business.

She told me that for her wedding, she didn't opt to have someone capture their day. Her and her husband regret this, so she offers this service to her clients and has a personal connection to each piece of work she produces. I had a ton of questions.

Oh, and we also discuss Taylor Swift, moms posting on social media way too often, and more. Enjoy the episode!

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I encourage you to follow her along on social media:

Victoria's IG: www.instagram.com/victoriashipleyy

Host Instagram: www.instagram.com/originaldante
Watch the show version of this podcast: www.hoo.be/thisisntmydegree