Shifter Media

After a long break the world's most famous, in-demand podcast is back. The dozens of listeners left stranded came unmoored as they desperately attempted to find a replacement podcast only to realize there was nothing that came close to FWIW. Most alternative podcasts are run by those who leave the "About" tab empty. People who are compromised in one way or another, and would like you to know as little about them as possible. Adding or speaking about who they are might impact their analytics which serve as their primary guiding light. But this podcast host talks about what other hosts only talk about in private because he doesn't care about numbers, data, metrics, or analytics. He cares only about camera gear and film types.

Hello, my darlings. Did you miss me? We have a full stack this week. Our hero and goat are secured. We dance from the Japan Workshop to the promise of the M3 iPad Pro. We swoon through guns at parades, SORA taking down entire industries, and the power of a rock back from 1970s Seattle. Don't miss the National Geographic photographer series, UFC results, the Canadian border, and more. If you are sensitive and easily triggered by math, science, truth, or even opinion, it is better if you stay away.

It's been a while, but back by popular demand. For What It's Worth Podcast. For those of you new the cast, we start with who the program is for, our hero of the week and our goat of the week. After the niceties, we move forward with topics like the podcast revolution, my new Nikon Z8, grift on YouTube, my future online plans including the newsletter, and more. We round out with my upcoming schedule, rucking vs going to the gym, and my overall self-grade for my trip to Antarctica.

It's been a while. But I'm back with a stellar yet random list of things to discuss. As always, we begin with who this is for followed by the hero and goat of the week. We hit war in the Middle East, travel to India, my Royal Enfield Himalayan, photography conformity, wokeism, and the complete failure of the Democratic party. Wait, there's more? Birding, workshops, my X100V impression, and more.

"Dispatches" is an in-depth look at those living artistic lives. Each episode will feature photographs and audio interviews with narrative pioneers who have taken creativity and publishing into their own hands. From artists to authors, photographers to philosophers, Dispatches will reveal the faces and foundations of those who lead the creative way. Jesse Freidin (b. 1981) was America's leading fine art dog photographer for the past 15 years, and now focuses his attention on elevating the experience of the trans/tgnc community through portraiture and interviews. His photography is part of over 150 private collections and has been exhibited in galleries from coast to coast. His current series entitled “Are You OK?” addresses the dangers of the current wave of anti-trans legislation sweeping the country in a passionate attempt to erase stigma and elevate the voices of those most affected. He identifies as a queer human. Jesse's work has been featured in The New York Times, Vogue, Cosmopolitan, The Huffington Post, Them, Poz Magazine, Yahoo!, MTV, Live! with Regis and Kelly, Inside Edition, The Bark Magazine, Dogster, Garden and Gun Magazine, The New York Post, Four and Sons Magazine and many more. He is also the creator of three viral photography series: The Doggie Gaga Project (2010), When Dogs Heal: Powerful Stories of People Living with HIV and the Dogs That Saved Them (published by Lerner Books 2020, #1 New Release on Amazon), and Finding Shelter: Portraits of Love, Healing and Survival (published by Lyons Press 2017).

Back to the sound of my voice. Welcome to the latest episode of For What It's Worth Podcast, the audio orgasm that nobody asked for. This week we talk Supreme Court lunacy, the Fuji x100V, sport and those who detest sport, the availability of "dumb" in American society, and my plans for future online endeavors. I also recap the first two months of my ongoing road trip, including flights. And much, much more.

I know that many of you have led interesting, adventurous lives, so I know you will enjoy this interview with Monique Stauder. Monique is an old friend who inspires through her work and her lifestyle. There isn't a region in the world that Monique hasn't visited, and her projects and artistic undertakings are commendable. From journalism to fine art, from photographing female Tamil Tiger fighters to metalworking in Kinshasa, Monique has made the rounds and lived a life that many of us can only dream of.

Welcome back to the "Conversation Series" with this week's guest photojournalist David Butow. David and I met several decades ago and I've followed his career ever since. Photojournalism is a semi-misunderstood field but still serves as one of the most critical functions of photography, at least in my opinion. Working as a photojournalist involves training, a vetting process, and a serious responsibility. I've always viewed David as one of the "good guys" in this industry. His skill and commitment behind the camera are revealed by both his coverage and his awards. David worked in locations like Afghanistan, Myanmar, Iraq, Peru, and others. He covered stories on post 9/11 New York, the Palestine/Israeli Intifada, the 2003 US invasion of Iraq, the China earthquake in 2008, the funeral of Nelson Mandela, the Hong Kong protests of 2019, and spent the last five years covering politics in Washington. His list of awards includes World Press Photo, Pictures of the Year International, Photo District News, National Press Photographers Association, White House News Photographers' Association, Communication Arts, and more. David and I discuss his photographic origin story, his early training, his rise through the newspaper and magazine worlds, his work with US News and World Report Magazine, personal vs professional projects, the arrival and impact of the Internet and social media, and his incredible experience covering the events of January 6th, 2021. We also discuss his book "Brink," which details the entire arc of American politics from late 2015 to early 2021. As important as what we discussed is what we did not get to discuss due to time restraints. This is good news for all of you because it means there will be a second episode of my conversation with David. My goal with these talks is to introduce you to working photographers. Their life, their story, their training, their experience, and their understanding of what it means to dedicate your life to photography. In a world of influence, these are the folks that are actually rising at dawn to bake the bread. Photo: Roman Cho https://www.davidbutow.com/

Once again, the world tilts on its axis as For What It's Worth Podcast comes alive. We hit who the podcast is for, the hero of the week, and the worst of the worst from the world at large. New camera kit, FIFA and the World Cup, the FTX scandal, and what it actually means to get involved. We also cover the status of my beloved Salsa Fargo Ti and how the money savings of using a bike vs a car have panned out. What else? The death of Twitter, COP27 and what is happening with my current bookmaking endeavors.

How can you live without this podcast? A feisty week, but for the love of God, someone has to say these things. Let's talk Leica rerelease, NFL update, UFC 280, and the current crisis in the professional camera field where NOBODY makes one camera do all. How about the failure of our Supreme Court and how this might impact things like Americans paying taxes? Analog Albania, YouTube success, and the rebuilding of the best bike in the world.

I wedged this one in just as Ron DeSantis was running for cover as the CAT4 beast that is Ian came to visit. One blowhard to another. Just as it should be. What a week. I feel like the kid in the dodgeball game who ends up alone against a full team on the other side winging those pain-inflicting red balls at his head. "Hey, can you kill this mouse, set up a satellite dish, teach an 87-year-old how to use Facetime, critique this PDF, write a quote, make this book, find this part, review these samples, drill this hole, and talk your mother off the ledge of running out of coffee." And that before 10 AM. Thank God I'm so intelligent. Who is this week's episode for? Anyone saying, "Me and my kids are riding this thing out." Then, when the reporter returns the next day the only thing left is a slab. THAT is my kind of adventurer. Who is our hero of the week? Our GOAT? Tune in and find out. This week we cover the departure of my drone, my experience with Starlink, Salsa Cycles coming through in a major way, my return to El Paso, and how much I miss Albania. In addition, we talk new laptops, horrible morning rituals, and the strange, fantastic world of letters, pens, and mysterious correspondence.

Heroes and goats. Heroes and goats. Who is this for? Well, I'll tell you. We say goodbye to Roger Federer, discuss the snowflake outrage at having U2 songs embedded on your iPhone, and the new depths of the GOP. We talk hipster love of psychedelics, Casey's big move, and my distaste for concerts and Burning Man. Also on tap is the hypocrisy of the Drug War when combined with American sport and why pickleball should be banned forever. And for you camera geeks, I'll explain my time with the Fuji XH2s. And this, friends, is just the tip of the iceberg. Strap in and gear up.

Sarah Leen is a mentor, editor, consultant, board member, advisory council member, director of photography, founder, and a very, very accomplished photographer. She is also a pioneer. First female winner of the College Photographer of the Year, sixteen assignments for National Geographic--including five covers--and titles of editor and director of photography at National Geographic where she was the first female to attain this position. You could say she owns a resume made of stone. Her insight into the life of a working pro, the amount of research done on stories and the beauty of the edit and sequence of photography books are all on tap.

Lori Grinker has been a working photographer for over three decades. Long-from storytelling, photojournalism, collage, illustration, and installation provide the foundation for her process and career. Grinker has published several monographs and will soon release her book on Mike Tyson, a project that required nine years of principal photography. With numerous awards to her name, Grinker's work is in the collections of museums worldwide.

For the love of crap people, we MUST begin by agreeing there IS such a thing as fact. Not yours or mine, just fact. Inert. Plain and simple. How about a softball? Are we on Earth? You and I? Unless you are in orbit the answer would be a resounding yes. Fact should be the baseline for all we do and yet we have found a way to muddy the factual water like idiots on the bow of the boat as it heads into a CAT 5 gale. But I digress. We have a lot to cover this week. I'll update you on my workshop situation, the books I'm reading and express to you the importance of knowing that we live in a country that loves nothing more than trucker movies. What camera will I stick with? Is the Uni-Jetstream the most complete pen ever manufactured? Why am I still wearing a mask and what will actually come from the raid of Mar-a-Lago? I finally found a YouTube photography channel I like and why moose meat is a hidden gem of the meat world. And more!

These are a lot of fun. I love to hit serious topics and topics that really have little relevance to anyone outside of twisted self. Politics, a potential new motorcycle, camera issues, camera hunts, camera confusion. Shark week, New Mexico, the illusion of IBIS, and what an Instagram couple looks like on the beach. (Not good.)

Well, back with a vengeance. Outside, 90s, noise, family interruption. Nothing will stop me. Topics? Trump did it, the averageness of the AR-15, why the XT4 is FAR superior to the X100 series, the Tour de France, and how easily I could win but how impactful COVID has become on the race, my fastest 40k ever, how I read tea leaves in the field, the loveliness of the status quo and how I'm going to establish a precrime unit to solve a public woe. Just start listening.

Back by popular demand although it never really went anywhere, "For What It's Worth" rockets back with fresh, and enlightening content sure to make you question your family, your beliefs, and the future of humanity. Let's talk hero and GOAT, a plan for a smartphone-free world, AG23, Albania, mental health, and why not add in a birding update? In addition, did I mention my camera crisis? Ya, it' real. Strap in.

I met Stuart Isett in 1999 while attending the Visa Pour L'Image photojournalism festival in Southern France. Still friends to this day and it's been a joy and wonder watching his career. Drop him anywhere and he will get pictures. This might seem simple but it is far from it and to get to this stage it takes a lot of work, trial, error, dedication, professionalism, and luck. We talk early education, family, travel, Asian studies, community, competition, getting work, keeping work, and many, many things in between.

Okay, here is the full interview with Elena about the Albania workshop program. https://www.wideanglephototours.com/

I know, you just can't stay away from my nonsensical ramblings. It's natural. Don't fight it. This week we have a wide array of strange ideologies partnered with little to no research. This is about wild theories and passion only. Like my recent near breakdown when it comes to photography equipment. What about the fact we have ZERO chance to solve climate issues? Do you want more? Okay, how about bodybuilding culture, Shifter.media update, birding, stargazing, and bike over Tesla? Finally, I'm sorry Svalbard.

I'm back. Who is this for? Hero of the week? GOAT of the week? (There are so many these days.) Let's talk about Tesla, Leica, and archiving photography and the fragility of the snowflake photo world. How about a photo essay delivered by a fashion magazine? Power and control and the radicalization of the vaccine passport by those who have never traveled. Do you want more? How about China making a stand on "mindless scrolling?" AG23 updates, TW200 updates, and why my life now includes a Brompton.

As many of you know, in 2019 I ventured to Albania to take a workshop from visual artist Elena Dorfman. Elena and I have been friends for many years but had never crossed paths, so to speak, in the field. She had been venturing to Albania since the country opened up in the early 1990s and I knew she would provide me an opportunity to learn and explore. The workshop, my first in nearly twenty years, was eye-opening as well as educational and was my first real field foray in many years. After the class, we began discussing the idea of working together on an upcoming workshop. Then came C19 and the world took a moment to pause. However, as we learn more about the virus and how to take precautions we are, once again, planning our Albania venture. In addition, she and I have pitched an online class to the Santa Fe Workshops. (Stay tuned for more information on this.) Elena has had a very interesting career. She and I have a similar background in linear, reportage style photography, but she has gone on to adapt and evolve in many ways I did not. From this, we can all learn a thing or two. This is one of the best interviews I've done in regard to learning about how this industry works, how someone can and should adapt and evolve, and how one person has overcome the demands of the industry to blaze a personal path of singular vision.

Okay, back by popular demand the For What It's Worth Podcast. Complete with the hero of the week, the goat of the week, and a rambling assortment of posts and topics that are sure to please at least ten percent of the listening audience. We talk Tern bikes, vaccine hesitancy, porn stars I happen to know, journaling, the Sony A7C, and why geeks should be fined for being so geeky. But there's more. Strap in and hang on.

Back again. This time we hit those pioneers in tinfoil hats, Rick Santorum, and the fact we actually had rain here in New Mexico. Following this, we touch on topics like the untouched wilderness, or the idea of it anyway, failed beginnings, the Yamaha TW200 vs the Sony a7C. We also talk my favorite birds, India during C19 and yet another of my fav YouTubers biting the dust.

How about a close encounter on a hiking trail? Of the black and furry kind. But that's just the beginning people. This week we talk hero, goat, and the idea that crime does pay, depending on who you are. We also cover a potential future motorcycle, people expressing faux outrage over gun violence while hiding the fact they are gun owners, the Oscars, C19 entitlement, fly fishing, the Russia hack and a tale of two shows....

Yes, I'm back. Hero's, goats and workshops, and Zines. What's not to like. Tune in, turn on and strap in for the continuation of this podcast that was alone in the grave only to be resurrected and brought back to life. We talk Albania workshop, political craziness, C19 lessons, and the painful reality the Amazon is going away. And much, much more.

Bong rippers on YouTube. YouTube plagiarism, selling prints and books, and the joys of learning my new 360 camera. But wait, there is far, far more. A little advice for anti-kneelers, the reality of doing guest posts on MY sites, Dems getting caught doing what they claim they don't, the insanity of the "web sleuth" movement, and what I find on my adventure list for this year. (COVID willing.) Strap in and tune on.

Let's channel our inner Bill Murray from Meatballs. It just doesn't matter. Justice, bike tire width, Frontline China, and YouTube grifters. Why is it that dreaming is SO damn important? Why was the Super Bowl NOT the win America so badly needs? Is it okay to be Republican but claim to be Democrat? Why boxing just fell below irrelevancy and why texting just might be the worst invention of all time.

Remember, this is free. I could be charging tens of dollars for something like this but out of the kindness of my heart, I have foregone any betterment of my life. This is a damn good week. Heros, winners, scum, and complete losers. We don't discriminate. Let's talk truth of winter camping, Wonder Boys, my mastery of the smoothie, Good vs great photography, sea lions with social disease, and why my father was a good co-pilot. Dreaming, mail fraud, why I just got revenge on Australia and what I learned from a three-camera shoot. And finally, the life changing balance that comes from a great puke. Lock and load!

Back again and not going away anytime soon. Hero's, goats, tech woes, and beyond. We talk media relations, MMA masterpieces, winter at high altitude, fossil fuels, and just how selfish I can be when I want something creative. But there's more. How about rereading books, techies coming to destroy your way of life and the reality of guns in America. Lyme, fireside chats, and lifting bans.

It's going down in Washington right now but I'm inside, holed up, and belting it out. What is it? Not sure yet. Will keep you posted when I figure it out. Let's talk parachute pants, sedition, and phone calls that might get any of us impeached. Upcoming MMA fights, social media strategy, and the idea of tune in, turn on, and drop off if you really want to know the meaning of your life. Visitor logs, travel, bike helmets and the idea that certain family members may hold the key to your next life. Now get out there and fly your damn drone.

A rough week here in the states. But we can take our lumps and hopefully move on. Our underlying system of government is flawed. We need to fix it. Okay, now that we agree let's get on with the savory content. Yes, we briefly man the political stage, but more importantly, we delve into the beauty and grace of such thing as the Mazda Miata, the Atomos Ninja, drought, ego in photography, Lael Wilcox, Albania workshops, the poise of Ronald Reagan, and last but not least an amazing toilet story from my travels. Sign in and get ready to donate.

Yesterday was embarrassing, true, but anyone surprised by the events of the day was simply not paying attention to the last four years. But I digress. This week we hit a wide range of topics of note. Boston police, monetization of sites without selling out, Miami Vice remake, Don Winslow, Komoot app, new bike tires, and how I accidentally doped myself silly after I left college. Juiced I was, at least I think so. Let's stop drawing lines in the sand and start realizing we need to address our education system and the disinformation for profit that big tech is using to destabilize our world.

You again? I know, can't stay away. That is totally normal. Have I mentioned my tech woes? Well, get ready for a belly laugh because they continue. Silk, Time's Person of the Year, Margins, writing for the web, and the joy of wearing Toughskins as a rural somewhat feral child. But there's more. Traditional creative bottlenecks, galleries, the Treasury/Homeland hack, and how and why my father blew himself up.

Do you hate carob as much as I do? Well then, come on in. Settle in for a long ride. This week brings us views on the fleeing tech scum, my personal and near-perpetual tech woes, the border, filmmaking, Howard Stern, my wife's cutting comments, and the FireEye Hack. Oh ya, and two funny stories about poor quality meat and the first-time drug experiment that went off course in a major way.

Well hello again. A packed week of heroes, villains, and this and that. Let's start with eWaste, fake news vs real, my new tech issues (hilarious) college football, Iran, potential sedition charges, films I love, the fall of boxing, and last but not least my admission that I once endured a "ninja" phase in my life. Yes, true story. There is more but I don't want to brag or show off. This podcast is like oxygen, essential.

Back again, this time with a "C++" rated grand showcase of my wit and unrelenting talent. We hit the standard hero the week, add a new category of "Scum of the Week," and then transcend decency with twelve new points covering politics, cameras, chess, Blurb, AG23, computers, road trips, and overdevelopment in the American West. Out is boredom. In is life-changing data.

Well, well, well. Long time no see. This episode is a rambling mess but my dedication, hero of the week, is reason to listen by itself. We hit new camera gear, the idea of Trump going to jail (not likely in my mind) doing more as a human being, the new Clint Watts book, and much, much more. What are you waiting for. Go!

It's been a while. I'm sorry. LOADED. We talk cameras, politics, bikes, and Kamala Harris's boots. We talk being good enough for people to leave you alone to do what you do. We talk AG23 update.(Issue Two on the way to the designer.) We talk hot rods, racing and being macho. We talk sociopathic identifying features and how to avoid this growing menace. And we talk about the danger of convenience store pickles. Get on it and stay on it.

Loaded for bear. What do you want to know? How about how fragile the American political left seems when you make any criticism? How about an AG23 mailing update and the status of the USPS? Maybe you want to know how disconnected American college students really are and how I know so much? And what about my thoughts on Kamala, Top Gun, and the beauty of destructive skill of the average tick? Welcome aboard.

Back for more? Good, good. All is well. This week we hit our usual hero and question of the week followed by a speed-dating style attack on points covering book condensing apps, the Priority 600x, Beyond's new pollinator campaign, Alaska mining, print journalist interviews, celebrities and why they are so great at doing dumb things, taxing the rich and the quality of photographic life.

How can I continue to provide this content for free? It's like holding back the tide. Nearly impossible. Yes, we talk hero, the question of the week, and who this podcast is for. We talk about my AG23 shipping disaster, Elena Della Donna, camera company shills who are terrible at testing, how Florida got so bad, the new Ford Bronco, Trent Parke, vanlife tire choices, and system failure remedies. Tune in and prepare for battle. Good luck out there.

You might be wondering how I can continually produce such award-winning content. Pure skill is the answer, but to hone this skill you need calories, so this week we begin with a recipe, then move on to the death of Olympus, FB crimes (again), the reality of healthcare in America, software games and the benefits of serendipity saddled to tenacity. Tune in!

Hello, my audio friends. Thank you for tuning in for what will surely be a life-changing experience. COVID is totally under control, according to the Red States, but change is in the wind. Let's check in with our latest hero, Canadian of course, and I ask a critical question in regard to Miami Vice. But there's more. No, really. Militias in America, a new fountain pen, the concept of mastery, The Front Steps Project, digital looting from the protests, the legend that is John McPhee, and why you should listen to Greg Popovich. I know, I know, too good.

Hello, my podcast children. Uncle Dan here. So much to talk about. Why not start with documentary films, the monetization of my YouTube channel, a merchandise idea for AG23 that is no longer an idea, how anyone could lose their motivation, SpaceX and the miracle of the drone ship masks in poor wardrobe choices and the atomization of loneliness and despair brought on by The Internet. (Thanks Al.)And for those of you who hate everything, well, there is even something here for you too.

Good grief. I can't keep doing these for free. This information is just too valuable. I double down on the weekly hero and then ask a biting question about social media and C19. Ya, it needed to be asked, haters. This week was loaded for bear with topics ranging from Jacinda to the almighty Bic pen and why pencil fighting should be an Olympic sport. The foolishness of Twitter praise, the joy of fishing, and the simple beauty of the films from Nowness. But there is SO much more. Hide and watch.

Loaded week. Hero, question, eleven points. How about Dick Cavett and Dick van Dyke talking about booze, what constitutes good photography and how that definition changes with your audience, air traveling for sport and bragging rights, copy cats in the photography world, Jim Baird Canadian adventurer and much, much more. Lock and load.

How many of you were spoiled by the wonders of "Wild Kingdom?" This week is loaded up with carbs and empty calories but I know that is what comprises much of your diet. Let's talk Twitter, the incredible reality of working with editors, patience during the pandemic, hoping for amputation porn, renewable energy, revisionist history, and much, much more. Glad to have you. Come in and stay awhile.

A packed week of helmet to helmet content. We talk the myth of purity in the art and photography worlds, the significance of the Michael Flynn ruling, softcore porn with a tragic twist, the concept of having one "do good," day a week, the hipster rebellion overtaking the city of Los Angeles and much, much more.

Where do I start? How about the reality of bathroom time for anyone living the actual van life? The Pentax 110 and the hipster connection. My rocketing to fame, or not, and the reasons behind that. Oh, I'm getting an XT4.(wink, wink) Yes, YouTube is about softcore porn and the shameless pander and now I'm all in on this concept. And what happens when I end up in a bush plane in Alaska.