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a little more human

a little more human

By Gorilla

Producer, Caton Vance, and Gorilla Founder, Eric Johnson sit down with creative industry counterparts to hear about their passion and process.

'a little more human' explores the risks and rewards of pursuing creative goals. Where is the intersection of art and creative service? How does technology effect narrative storytelling? Can “advertising” create social change? Join us as we candidly (and explicitly) discuss the sadistic joys of pursuing what we love.
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Episode 14: Brent Christy, Cinematographer

a little more humanMay 17, 2019

00:00
01:07:45
Episode 26: Season One Recap w/ Eric Johnson, Eric Machiela and Caton Vance

Episode 26: Season One Recap w/ Eric Johnson, Eric Machiela and Caton Vance

Thanks so much for listening to our first season of 'a little more human.' The hosts sit down and recap the season while asking each other some personal questions about their experience making the podcast but also about life in general. We talk about Caton Vance leaving Gorilla and lessons that will be carried into the future. Thanks for listening! 

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Special thanks to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on... 

Instagram: @gorillagrla  

Website: wearegorilla.co 

Aug 16, 201901:09:26
Episode 25: Andy Phelps, Author & Filmmaker
Aug 02, 201901:05:27
Episode 24: Adam Weiler, Director of Social Enterprise at WMCAT

Episode 24: Adam Weiler, Director of Social Enterprise at WMCAT

We had the joy of sitting down with Adam Weiler on this weeks podcast. He's the Director of Social Enterprise at WMCAT (West Michigan Center for Arts + Technology). We talk about the work he does, the importance of stories, human centered design thinking and much more. He has a heart of gold and does extremely important work in our world that we believe in. 

Show Notes:

Check out WMCAT's website: https://wmcat.org

Adam's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hellomynameisadam/

Ambrose: https://printambrose.com/

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Special thanks to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on... 

Instagram: @gorillagrla  

Website: wearegorilla.co 


Jul 26, 201901:04:19
Episode 23: Cole Williams, Owner of COLE SPEAKS & SON TO A FATHER

Episode 23: Cole Williams, Owner of COLE SPEAKS & SON TO A FATHER

We're just so thrilled that Cole Williams decided to be on the podcast with us. We are honored to work with Cole in a myriad of ways (The Delta Project, The Fatherhood, anything he asks of us). But more importantly, we believe in the work he's doing.  His calling is around changing the narrative around boys and men of color. That work flowers into action with the juvenile detention center, prison reform, Hope Network, and so many other things that we can't keep up. We loved having him on the podcast. 

You should reach out to Cole if you'd like to support him in the work he does. 

SHOW NOTES:

You can find Cole online at: http://www.colespeaks.com

Thanks so much for listening! 

Special thanks to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

 If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on... 

Instagram: @gorillagrla  

Website: wearegorilla.co 

Jul 19, 201901:00:01
Episode 22: Hannah Berry, Creative Director of LIONS AND RABBITS
Jul 12, 201901:05:41
Episode 21: Jonathan Bell, Creative Producer & Principal of COMPANY BELL
Jul 05, 201901:23:13
Episode 20: Nathan Messelink, Creative Director & Partner at TBX
Jun 28, 201901:32:34
Episode 19: Adeshola Makinde, Artist

Episode 19: Adeshola Makinde, Artist

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Adeshola Makinde on this weeks episode.  His work will be featured at PLAYGROUND DETROIT July 18th, 2019. Adeshola is an artist sparking the hard conversations about our society with his work. We talked about his college days, his past photography work, throwing parties for a reason, and how he got into mixed media. 

You can find him online here:

http://adesholamakinde.com/

The photos we talk about in the episode is here:

http://www.benbiondo.com/cvii

Social for Adeshola:

http://instagram.com/adesholamakinde

http://twitter.com/adesholamakinde

http://facebook.com/adesholamakindeartist

Thanks so much for listening!

Special thanks to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on...

Instagram: @gorillagrla 

Website: wearegorilla.co 

Jun 21, 201901:09:34
Episode 18: Jill DeVries, Photographer

Episode 18: Jill DeVries, Photographer

We had the pleasure of sitting down with Jill DeVries on this weeks episode of 'a little more human.' She is a photographer based out of Grand Rapids, MI who's work has been featured in Vogue, The Knot, and VSCO (and many other publications). She tells us how she got into the industry, her "Why" for doing what she does (might be the best "Why" we've heard to date), and shows us the best side of what images can do. 

Show Notes:

You can find Jill online here: 

Social: @jilldevriesphotography

Website: jilldevries.net

Thanks so much for listening!

Special thanks to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on...

Instagram: @gorillagrla 

Website: wearegorilla.co 

Jun 14, 201901:12:22
Episode 17: Jon Melton, Creative Producer

Episode 17: Jon Melton, Creative Producer

Jon Melton, a creative producer based in New York, is on this week’s podcast. We talk about internships vs. mentorships, discovering what you’re good at, and how to set boundaries with co-workers and clients. 

Show Notes: 

You can find Jon online at the links below. 

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/jonmeltonnyc

Instagram: @jonmeltonnyc

Jon's work: www.jonmelton.work

Jon's latest documentary, Ivry, which was a top 12 finalist for 2018’s best of the year on Vimeo.

Thanks so much for listening!

Special thanks to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on...

Instagram: @gorillagrla 

Website: wearegorilla.co 

Jun 07, 201901:10:10
Episode 16: Chad Terpstra, Cinematographer

Episode 16: Chad Terpstra, Cinematographer

Eric Machiela and Caton Vance sit down with cinematographer Chad Terpstra on this week’s podcast. We talk about the feature-length documentary that Chad directed and has been making for the last seven years, Father the Flame.  It’s an exciting episode because the film is currently available to pre-order on iTunes and will be launching on June 4th, 2019.  

We also talk about how Chad got his start in the business and the things you learn about yourself as you embark on the crazy journey of making a movie. 

Father the Flame is a, "film about pipes.. a film about people. For centuries, the tobacco pipe has been a symbol of contentment and contemplation. Through the window of this transcendental artifact and its sacred origins, Father the Flame is a cinematic exploration of legacy, family and love."

Show Notes: 

Check out Chad's websites, the main two are www.chadterpstra.com and www.fathertheflame.com

Here are all the Father the Flame social channels: 

https://www.facebook.com/fathertheflame

https://www.instagram.com/fathertheflame/ 

https://twitter.com/fathertheflame

You can follow Chad on his social channels: 

https://www.instagram.com/mr_terpstra/

https://www.facebook.com/chad.terpstra

Thank you for listening!

Special thanks to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on:

Instagram: @gorillagrla 

Online: wearegorilla.co 

May 31, 201956:17
Episode 15: Lance Mokma, 1st AC

Episode 15: Lance Mokma, 1st AC

Lance Mokma, a professional 1st AC, is on this week’s podcast. We talk to him about his love for Jurassic Park, how his first job was on a major film set, and dealing with personal medical issues while still being at the top of his game. 

If you’d like to see more of Lance’s work check out his website here: https://www.lancemokma.com/

Thanks so much for listening, we've got some exciting plans for the next 15 episodes. We'll be expanding outside of the Gorilla community more and talking to other creatives in different fields. 

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on:

Instagram: @gorillagrla 

Online: wearegorilla.co 

We're grateful that you're listening to these stories. 


May 24, 201934:43
Episode 14: Brent Christy, Cinematographer

Episode 14: Brent Christy, Cinematographer

Two of the partners sat down with Brent Christy, the DP on Camp Manna, on this week’s episode. 

They spend time reminiscing about past projects and working together. It’s the first “travel” podcast that we’ve done and we’re excited to share it with you! 

Go check out more of his work on his website: http://www.brentchristy.tv/

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on:

Instagram: @gorillagrla 

Online: wearegorilla.co 


May 17, 201901:07:45
Episode 13: Tyler Way & Kendra Clapp Olguin of HAS HEART

Episode 13: Tyler Way & Kendra Clapp Olguin of HAS HEART

Tyler Way and Kendra Clapp Olguin join us as our first guests outside the Gorilla community.  Tyler and Kendra have been on the road for the last two years creating experiences for U.S. military veterans and designers called the HERO SERIES.

“The HERO[series] partners a Veteran with a designer to share their message. The two-day collaborative design process starts over a cup of coffee where the two get to know one another by sharing stories and asking questions, all while brainstorming design concepts together on the first day.

Through years of conducting collaborations, [HAS HEART] has established an open and safe environment. As the Veteran is sharing their story, the artist begins to pick up on keywords, phrases, images, symbols, mottos, etc. While the designer listens and asks questions to dig deeper into some of these key points, themes and storylines will naturally begin to appear and develop. As the two continue to dive deeper into specific overlying messages, they will begin to narrow down their design options, eventually honing in on a single concept that best shares their meaningful message with the world.”

It was an honor to have them on the podcast. You can show them support by donating here: https://www.classy.org/give/129302/#!/donation/checkout

You can also follow along with them on Instagram: @hasheart.us

They also recently started a business called One-y-one. Here’s their website: https://www.one-y-one.com/

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on:

Instagram: @gorillagrla 

Online: wearegorilla.co 


May 10, 201901:06:48
Episode 12: Tyler Hollman, 1st AC

Episode 12: Tyler Hollman, 1st AC

1st AC Tyler Hollman is on the podcast this week. He talks about what goes into his role and how he decided this was he wanted to do with this life. He drops some lovely truths about failure and trust while answering questions about why he’s such a good teacher. Tyler is a beautiful human, and we were glad to sit down with him.

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

May 06, 201901:11:31
Episode 11: Jeff Sukes, Cinematographer

Episode 11: Jeff Sukes, Cinematographer

We sit down with Cinematographer Jeff Sukes on this week’s episode of a little more human. He told us about how he got his start filming skateboard videos with friends, never wanting to make movies, to thinking he wanted to start his own production company (and much more).  We ask him about his “patient persistence” in pursuing his dreams by asking for what he wanted (and not giving up when he didn’t get it on his timeline).  

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you.  If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

May 05, 201901:01:09
Episode 10: Grant Floering, Composer

Episode 10: Grant Floering, Composer

We sat down with Grant Floering (Composer, Producer, Musician) and asked him about how he “susses out the vibe” in creating original music for content of all kinds. We talk about his bands, how his first job as a composer was on a movie, and floating down the river drinking beers. 

This was a fun one and Grant was honest and human throughout. 

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla


Apr 19, 201948:36
Episode 9: Chase Wiseman, Business Manager & Entrepreneur

Episode 9: Chase Wiseman, Business Manager & Entrepreneur

Hello fellow humans! Welcome to episode 9 of a little more human.  Caton Vance sat down with Chase Wiseman Gorilla’s business manager and talked through solving problems, what excites Chase about the media landscape, startups, and cannabis tech.  One of our favorite moments is when Chase talks about mentoring new startups and how he can tell if someone is going to make it or not based off their vision. 

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

Apr 13, 201939:32
Episode 8: Scott McCambridge, Editor

Episode 8: Scott McCambridge, Editor

We sat down with editing wizard Scott McCambridge to talk about his journey into the filmmaking world. We talk about the different projects he’s working on, one of which is launching this June called Father the Flame that he has been working on for over seven years.  Scott has a lot of wisdom to share, and he is a true storyteller. He knows how to make audiences feel things. 

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

Apr 06, 201901:03:02
Episode 7: Evan Koons, Actor & Writer

Episode 7: Evan Koons, Actor & Writer

We sit down with Evan Koons (Actor, Writer, Producer) who has done a ton of projects with Gorilla over the years. We talk about his process when it comes to acting but also how he finds truth in moments that you wouldn’t expect. 

Our favorite moments are when he talks about “embodying” stories in ways that cause people to see something new. We also might be drinking beer during this episode. 

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

Mar 29, 201952:26
Episode 6: Nate VanderPlas, Animator & Director

Episode 6: Nate VanderPlas, Animator & Director

Eric Scott Johnson & Caton Vance sit down with Nate VanderPlas (Animator, Director, Kid at Heart).  He talks about the struggles of comparison while still staying true to your vision. We also ask him how he makes things that don’t normally have emotion emote in ways that make people pause.  

Nate is an incredible animator and has been part of the Gorilla community for years.  We’re so glad he joined us. 

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

Mar 22, 201948:39
Episode 5: Valerie Sasso, Producer & Director

Episode 5: Valerie Sasso, Producer & Director

Eric Scott Johnson & Caton Vance sit down with Valerie Martinez (Producer, Creative Director, Story Producer).  We talk about how Valerie accidentally got into the business and how she got her start working in reality TV. She shares some interesting stories as well as some heartfelt ones about working on projects she loves.  Eric and Valerie have worked together for YEARS, and it shows in all the best ways on this podcast.

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

Mar 15, 201901:07:44
Episode 4: Eric Machiela, Director & Co-Founding Partner of Gorilla

Episode 4: Eric Machiela, Director & Co-Founding Partner of Gorilla

Eric Scott Johnson & Caton Vance sit down with co-founding partner of Gorilla Eric Machiela.  We talk about his writing process, explore some of the “Why” of Gorilla, and Eric shares stories from his wealth of experience on film sets.  This is our longest episode yet and we could have talked for a lot longer. Let us know if you’d like to explore some more topics with Eric Machiela.

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

Mar 09, 201901:18:49
Episode 3: Jason Baker, Director

Episode 3: Jason Baker, Director

Eric Scott Johnson & Caton Vance sit down with Jason Baker who’s one of the directors on Gorilla’s roster.  He talks about why he started directing, how he loves making things, and how to navigate bringing people together on a film set. Check out the Instagram clips and episode below.

Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this podcast. We couldn't do this without you. 

If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

Mar 01, 201901:00:54
Episode 2: Gina Caratelli, Designer & Producer

Episode 2: Gina Caratelli, Designer & Producer

Caton Vance & Eric Scott Johnson sit down with Gorilla's own producer/designer Gina Caratelli and ask her about how she got to where she is in her career. She gives some damn good advice to new creatives and shines some light on her design process. 


Thanks so much to Kyle Campbell and Eric Heemstra for working so hard on this one. We couldn't do this without you. 


If you want to learn more about Gorilla reach out to us on Instagram: @gorillagrla

Feb 22, 201955:26
Episode 1: Eric Scott Johnson, Director & Co-Founding Partner of Gorilla

Episode 1: Eric Scott Johnson, Director & Co-Founding Partner of Gorilla

We sat down for the first episode of ‘a little more human.’ Caton asks Eric questions about how Gorilla got started, what’s changing in the industry, and how Eric doesn’t believe there is such a thing as a film production company anymore. We will be interviewing people in our community and in the media world in the coming weeks. Thanks for listening! Special Thanks goes to Eric Heemstra for producing this podcast, Kyle Campbell for the original music and incredible intro (you're a sound wizard). 

Feb 15, 201943:11