Up and Becoming

Tessa & Ben decided to build a sustainable apparel brand because they wanted to change the way people produce and consume. Join me as we discover their advice, tips and Up & Becoming story in starting a brand that puts the benefit of others & the world first.  Resources & LinksBook: Start with WhyThe Intergovernmental Panel on Climate ChangeTCGC - InstagramTCGC - WebsiteConnect with KurtCheck out Up & Becoming InstagramIf you enjoyed this episode please consider leaving a review or sharing this episode on Instagram. Big love, Kurt 

"With your career or learning about your craft. Just give every single part a go, like don't be attached to some idea you want to be because of the title. Put your hand in every pie and see what makes you feel alive."My guest is Stefan Hunt. A filmmaker, director and illustrator known for his unique childlike perspective in the work he brings to the world from New York to Australia. In this episode, we dive into his story working as a filmmaker/creative, why he sees the world the way he does, his advice for those wanting to leave their mark on the world and how his work around the phrase, 'we are all going to die' radically changed his life.You'll learn:- Stefans Up & Becoming Story into art, creativity and filmmaking- Why honouring your dreams is how you leave your mark on the world- Why it's so important to reflect & appreciate the little things in these times- Stefans experience as a director & why you should try different roles- How 'We are all going to die' changed his life.- Why being childlike has defined & informed Stefans Creative CareerProjects & things mentionedThe Talking tree - Life's purpose We are all going to die - film & movement They Saw the Sun First - Old people's speech is not to be dishonoured - after all, they saw the sun first. (Bafta Award Winner)His favourite film: The BoyFollow Stefan Hunt's Journey: Website - Instagram  Follow Kurt Bingham - Website - Instagram 

Today's guest is Amanda Jones. Amanda is a filmmaker, art director and recent author of Dairy of a freelancer: a book filled with wisdom for anyone who is pursuing their dreams in any way. I had the honour of sitting with Amanda over a coffee to chat about her newly released book from the journey, to the process and what she see's Diary of a Freelancer becoming. It was such a grounding, relaxed and insightful conversation that I believe will encourage you. Quote from the book:"Why do we rush to grow? Things that grow fast: weeds. Things that grow slow: trees."Links  & ResourceCheck out the book/film on Instagram: Honest Jones Say Hi to Amanda on Instagram:  Diary of a freelancer Buy the book: https://www.thehonestjones.com/store/diaryofafreelancerMentions Austin Kleon Follow Kurt on Instagram 

I have a conversation with Lauryn Alvarez about throwing out the routine to listen to yourself and create from a space that goes beyond just putting art out for quick consumption. We take a dive into her upbringing,  journey into creativity, her process and what a successful life being an artist mean to her.Lauryn is an artist, photographer and multifaceted creative based in California I am constantly inspired by her and I know you will be too. Happy listening. Quote"Beleive in yourself  %110."See what I'm talking about Lauryn's Instagram https://www.laurynalvarez.com/ Connect with KurtSay hi on Instagram Kurt Bingham - portfolio Weekly Newsletter

Wesley Verhoeve is a photographer and curator based in Amsterdam and NYC. In this episode, we talk about the exciting launch of his photo book Notice he created in the height of lockdown over the course of 123 daily photo walks in Vancouver. We also explore how he got into photography, his process, who inspires him and his advice for anyone wanting to work in the areas they are most passionate about.Check out & be one of the first to get Notice here.“If you do a small thing every day it really does add up.”My favourite resources from Wesley you must check out! How to photograph strangers with Willem Verbeek - this was how I found Wesley originally and I know you'll learn a lot as I did; even if you're not a photographer. The Observers where Wesley interviews visionaries from the world of photography about their favourite photo book.Wesley's weekly newsletter about photography and finding your voice called Process.'Check out  Projected exhibit which he founded and curated for the International Center of Photography, which has featured work by over 300 photographers from nearly 50 countries.Say Hello Follow Wesley on InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram 

Have you been honest with yourself lately? In this episode, I share some of my thoughts about losing my perspective and three ways that have helped me stay the course to keep dreaming BIG!Articles 25-5 GoalsDaily Intentions Fear Setting Follow & Connect with KurtUp & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram

My first ever solo episode sharing 5 tips that kept the dreams alight in 2020 & what I believe will take your 2021 to the next level!The 5 keys:"What's obvious to you isn't obvious to everyone else."Show your workTake a blue sky dayStick to a morning routineTrust yourselfMentionsShow your work - Austin KleonDaniel Flynn - Thank You GroupKay - Morning Routines - Start Up Creative LinksMessage Kurt on InstagramUp & Becoming Instagram

What happens when you reach the top & it's not what you dreamed it all to be? Even the Olympic games... For EP 17 I'm talking with Francesca Owens, an Olympian, artist & fine art, underwater photographer.  She is a big believer that, “Everything worth having takes time”. Francesca spent most of her younger years training in synchronise swimming which ultimately took her to the Olympics. Today she is a fine art photographer, performer and continues to use her unique perspective of underwater to capture the most beautiful underwater portraits you've ever seen. I loved our conversation and I believe there's a bit of wisdom within it for everyone. Show NotesSynchronise Swimming for the London OlympicsHow she channelled her passion for Syncro through fine art photographyHow to find what you love & keep working at it The creative process of underwater photographyLinksFollow Francesca on InstagramFrancesa Owen WebsiteUp & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on InstagramMentionsThank YouLorna JaneLife as a HouseEmily in Paris The Alchemist

How do you write copy for your audience that is authentically you?Hey Hey, for this episode I'm speaking with Melinda Harcourt. A copywriter based in Melbourne, Australia. She helps businesses get clarity on who they're serving, their tone of voice & helps them find language that is truly authentic. This super power she has helps all of her clients grow & flourish because they're speaking from who they truly are! So that's exactly what we talk about in this episode & I hope you soak it all up! Show NotesHow to find your authentic voice and stay true to itWriting copy that converts to increased revenue Effectively marketing your brand Understanding your target demographic & audienceQuotes"Use common phrases you speak all the time in your copy to make it sound like you. There should be no disconnect between the person online & face-to-face."LinksFollow Melinda on InstagramMelinda Harcourt Copywriting Website Up & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on InstagramMentionsThe Queen's GambitHyperbole and a HalfLetting Go: The Pathway of Surrender

Do you make meaningful work that fulfils you & makes you come alive? For episode 15, I'm speaking with Harriette Gordon, a bridal designer based in Western Australia and that designs some of the most incredible bridal gowns in the world. We started talking recently about the power of slowing down, seeking silence and how that can open new possibilities in the creative process! & that's what we touch on in this episode. That there's power in creating space when the world just keeps getting busier & how we can slow down to create work we are proud of. Quotes“Listen to your intuition” “Stay curious like a child. Treat yourself like a child and you look after yourself”Show Notes  Recognising the indicators of an unfulfilling job & quitting What do you value? & how does that come out in your work?Slowing down to see clearly What systems do you have in place?How do you like your milo...? hahaLinksFollow Harriette on InstagramHarriette Gordon WebsiteUp & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram ResourceThe E MythJai Long WebsiteCall Me by Your Name How Do We Know We're Doing It Right?

Hey hey! In today's episode, I chat with the incredible Kay from StartUp Creative, she's a business coach, entrepreneur and soon-to-be author that is equipping others with the know-how to start, launch & design their dream life. We touch on how she left the 9-5 grind, her experience with burnout & her tips to start truly living the life of your dreams! “Whatever the mind can conceive and believe it can achieve - Napoleon Hill Show NotesKay's story of being unhappy in the 9 to 5 grind and how she navigated out of thatHow to overcome the default of being a victim of your lifeHer influential mentoring program and its successSetting boundaries. Work-life balance. Being in tune with your body's needsQuotes “Anything that is birthed into this world comes through intensity or breaking open or a fire”“In the stillness is where ideas come. It's where creativity comes”LinksFollow Startup Creative on InstagramStartup Creative WebsiteUp & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram ResourceThink and Grow RichLimitless 

"What is the expected answer for this & how can I challenge it?"Introducing, Gareth Pon!  He's known for many things such as being Africa's Top Instagrammer, travelling the world in the Instagram boom, filmmaking & now working as a creative director for Coca-Cola! But what I love about him most is he's the real deal & always has time for people! We talk about his journey from fashion design to photography to Coca-Cola to wanting to be the next citizen of space! This episode truly packs a punch & I know you're going to leave inspired to chase down those BIG Scary Dreams!& as Gareth says, "Don't be scaredy Cat!"Show NotesGareths evolution of aspiration, creativity & dreaming big!Gareths Dream of space travel & how he's going to do it.His work as creative director for Cocoa-Cola + Stranger Things 'spoilers'Tips from Gareth on valuing yourself, skillset & how you price yourselfThe overview effect & why travelling to space can change youHow he hides a rocket in every photo Quotes "Capturing a photo you can't google.""What is the expected answer for this & how can I challenge it?"Links & Resources Follow Gareth on InstagramUp & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram MentionsOverview Effect Predictably Irrational Leave a ReviewIf you enjoyed this episode please leave a review. Help others find Up & B! Apple Review

Do you know how to value your self & work? Does the 'M' word make you nervous to talk about…(trigger warning: moneyyyy)For episode 12, I am talking with Ella Lister, ( EllaGrace.Art ) a Sydney based artist who paints the most intricate watercolour paintings one could see. We open up the conversation to discuss the challenges we face as creatives, business owners and entrepreneurs valuing & pricing our work when people may not see it the way we do. It was laid back, honest and really enjoyable. I hope you enjoy it too. Show NotesOvercoming the starving artist mentality & knowing your worthHow to deal with friends & family asking for discountsPricing yourself & the obstacles with talking about moneyThe power of language & the desire for validation as creatorsQuotes“People often ask me how to paint like me. Honestly, it's just hours and hours of practice and loving what you do.”"When you love something you will put in the effort."“No, I won't paint your pet dog.”Links & ResourcesElla's Gallery Ella Grace - InstagramSee Ella's Commission with Messina Ice CreamUp & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram If you enjoyed this episode please share it on Instagram with your friends, tag @kurtbingham or @upandbecomingpodcast or give us a 5-star rating at apple podcasts here: Apple ReviewThanks a heap! Big love, Kurt.

What's your BIGGEST dream? Meet the man who's filming a dream a day for 10,000 days... 27 years. His name's Fraser Grut and in this episode, Fraser shares everything he's learnt from asking some of the biggest names in the world like astronauts, movie stars, authors to your local barista, school kid, mother what their dream is! We unpack the power of a moon shot dream and I know it's going to leave you inspired to dream bigger for yours!Show NotesHow to dream bigger & stay inspired! Why people give up on their dreams. Falling in love with the process Make your dreams visible - put it up to see each dayFraser's advice after seeing major success as a filmmakerQuotes “I wanted to be the next Peter Jackson”“Everybody should have a moonshot dream” - Chris Hadfield "Everyone's focused on the outcome and not the process. Find something you love & chase it."Links & Resources Follow Fraser Grut on InstagramUp & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram MentionsThird door - BookPeter Jackson

"If you're not functioning your business isn't. Self-care is a priority, not a luxury." For our 10th episode, I'm speaking with the New Zealand photography duo Michelle & Hemi from Patina Photo! They're award-winning photographers, artists and all-round inspiring individuals in their own right! We discuss practical ways to protect the most important part of your business; yourself, seeing the world through the eye of a photographer & wisdom on managing your work/life balance more effectively! So join me for this episode of Up & Becoming!Show NotesThe importance of what you put in & protecting your greatest asset; yourselfTips to schedule your day & be more productiveHemi & Michelle's advice for running a successful business. The conversations we have with ourselves, patterns & knowing yourself How they fell in love with photography and each other.The mentality of an entrepreneur & how to see the world differently Reading a room and being comfortable in front of a cameraBuilding on what you're good at with tools like StrengthsFinderQuotes“Hope is an unapologetic belief”“Selfcare is a priority, not a luxury”  “You become like the five people you spend the most time with.” - Jim RohnLinks & ResourcesPatina Photo WebsiteFollow Patina Photo on InstagramUp & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram MentionsThe CrownHow to Win Friends & Influence People The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ckEgo is the Enemy If this podcast has helped you please consider leaving a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts with what your dream is & what you're learning!Leave a review

Have you ever felt burnout? What do you do when your creative outlet becomes your job?In this episode, I am speaking with Steffi Foo. Steffi is an artist and a multi-faceted creative that in my opinion makes everything she touches turn into something of beauty. Steffi & I talk about how she overcame a burnout in her professional life, 138 days of self-love travelling around the world, how she stumbled organically into being a paid artist and her passion to bring others together around creativity. In this episode we explore:Overcoming burnout; Know your boundariesSteffi's lessons on 138 days of self-love & travelling the worldHow her dream to be an artist transpired organicallyWhat happened when Steffi was honest about her strugglesWhat fears you face when starting outWhat to do when your creative outlet becomes your jobLinksFollow Steffi on Instagram Steffi Foo Artwork Up & Becoming InstagramFollow Kurt on Instagram 

"I still had this burning desire within me to build and create something I was really passionate about."In this episode, I am speaking with Fluer Studd, one of the most influential women in the world-renowned Melbourne coffee scene. She is the director of Market Lane coffee & Melbourne coffee merchants, we explore how she left her marketing job to pursue her dreams, why coffee matters, her thoughts on marketing that lasts and how she and her team have built a coffee company that is truly changing the lives of others. In this episode we explore:Taking the leap to pursue your dreamKnowing your values & building your brand All things coffee, values & sustainability Building relationships with the people you serve make a world of change. How coffee has elevated the economy of Rwanda after the Genocide and the projects Market Lane has established to help women. A day in the life of Fleur Studd; juggling family & work. Quotes “Place value in investing in identity and evolve that”“Be your authentic self and realize  your potential"Links & ResourcesMarket Lane Coffee WebsiteMarket Lane Coffee InstagramKurt Bingham https://www.instagram.com/kurtbingham/MentionsMonmouth coffee CompanyST AliMecca CoffeeSkittle LaneSwear WordsMelbourne Coffee MerchantsFleabagWomen and Leadership Real Lives, Real LessonsBecoming by Michelle Obama 

“There is the life we live and there is the life we imagine. The voice of fear stands between these two.”In this episode, I speak with Cam Greenwood, the co-founder of the Aussie Outdoors brand Zoralli who are on a mission to get the world outside! Cam is someone that has a perspective on overcoming fear that I believe will change your life. We touch on overcoming fear, tapping into the voice of possibility and his tips on the importance of creating a brand that brings value to others.Quotes:“Conquer fear and discover a life of possibility”“There is the life we live and there is the life we imagine. The voice of fear stands between these two”"Vision will inspire others to come on board but without it, it's empty and meaningless."“It's really easy to think the brand is the hero. The heroes are your people”Links & ResourcesTo Connect with Cam:http://www.camgreenwood.com/https://www.instagram.com/camgreenwood/?hl=enhttps://www.instagram.com/zorali/?hl=enMentionshttps://www.climateneutral.org/https://au.thankyou.co/pages/chapter-on Find Kurt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurtbingham/Follow Up & Becoming:  https://www.instagram.com/upandbecomingpodcast/

"Define your why and purpose. You must go through a journey to discover what you want."My guest for this episode is Rebbecca Veksler an entrepreneur, mentor, speaker and the founder of Sol Cups. We have an incredible conversation on how she built SoL Cups on the back of battling an autoimmune disease, the importance of knowing yourself and how she fused her passions into the beautiful ethically sourced brand we know today called SOL.Key takeaways & learnings from our conversation:Rebecca's battle with an autoimmune disease and founding SoL Cups The importance of the journey to discover what you wantDefining your why and purpose How to listen to yourself and your body; knowing what it needsWhat we can do to have a smaller plastic trail & make more conscious decisions. Links & Resources:SOL Cups - https://www.solcups.com/Follow Rebecca -  https://www.instagram.com/rebeccavekslerTo follow Kurt on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kurtbingham/Join the UP & B Community:  https://www.instagram.com/upandbecomingpodcast/Mentions https://www.fruitmansam.com.au/ https://www.amazon.com.au/Pitch-Anything-Innovative-Presenting-Persuading-ebook/dp/B004H4XL7E

How do we seize rare opportunities around us and take risks on ourselves that lead to transformational change?My guest for this episode is Jai Long. He is a world-renowned wedding photographer, creative educator, podcaster and entrepreneur. Has been acknowledged for his captivating shots by Rangefinder and Capture Magazine, presented at prominent photography conferences in Europe and USA.  Jai didn't see success from a young age. He's had his battles with failure. Yet he found his way into a truly rewarding and fulfilling career fueled by his determination to see an opportunity, take big risks and build a life that is unapologetically his own. He's one inspiring individual to follow and I'm so glad we get the privilege to learn from him in this episode.  You will learn:How to change your life and pursue your dreams against all oddsHow to see opportunity in all circumstances and takes big risksWhat's the worst that could happen and reshape your career pathEntrepreneurship, education and investing in yourself The importance of your mindset and mental healthQuotes"If you want something, learn how to give up what you have. People that hoard things and try and get things for themselves. They don't get anything, but the people that give it all comes back around."If i don't try I'm already failing. Without finding out if something is going to fail you are doing more harm than failing.People are scared of transformation. Links & Resources:Jai https://jailong.co/https://www.instagram.com/jailong.coFor Jai Long's Six Figure Business Map and to get the early bird price: https://learn.jailong.co/a/30541/B2zAvwFZFollow Kurt Bingham on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kurtbinghamBook MentionsThink & Grow Rich - Napolean HillThis is Marketing - Seth Godin 

What did Ryan do when he was faced with the hardest season of his life?My guest for this episode is Ryan Teague. Ryan is an award-winning photographer that runs a wedding and elopement business called Feather & Finch photography from his home in the Gold Coast. He creates some of the most beautiful and awe-inspiring photos I have ever seen!Though this wasn't always the case and that's what Ryan and I have a conversation about. How his son Carter being born prematurely lead him to find his love for photography and become the person he is today. In this episode we talk about:- Ryans story & the challenges he faced that lead him to pick up a camera- How to own your style & find people that inspire you- How giving back to others changed Ryan's perspective - Photography, being a beginner and dreaming BIGPeople mentioned - Oli Sansom https://olisansom.com/- Si Moore https://www.sasmoore.com/If you haven't seen Ryans work make sure you check it out!IG https://www.instagram.com/featherandfinchphotography/W https://www.featherandfinchphotography.com.au/To connect with Kurt Bingham:Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kurtbingham/Follow the Podcast https://www.instagram.com/upandbecomingpodcast/?hl=en

Do you know where to start with your big ambition or are you crippled by comparison? In this episode... I'm speaking with Mia Alexander, Mia runs a blog and podcast called She's so lovely where she interviews genuine go-getters who create, influence and empower women around the world.Mia and I talked about her battles on her Up & Becoming journey building She's So Lovely, her thoughts on facing anxiety/comparison/burn out and what's been her guiding light through it all.In this episode, we talk about:How negativity is affecting people & solutions to fight itAbout Mia's mission to connect, encourage and empower womenHow to start when you have no idea where to...How Mia faced burn out & what got her through itHow your influence matters a lot more then you thinkFind Mia on these channels:Mia Alexander https://www.instagram.com/maleahmalexander/She's So Lovely  https://www.instagram.com/she.lvly/Website https://www.shelvly.com/To connect with Kurt Bingham:On Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kurtbingham/Podcast Community  https://www.instagram.com/upandbecomingpodcast/?hl=enIf this episode helped you in any way the best way to support Up & Becoming is to hit subscribe and share it with someone you believe would benefit from our conversations. Thanks again for listening. Until next time. Big love, KB. 

Have you ever wanted to quit your 9-5 job to pursue your dream? Do you have this deep gut feeling you're made for something more than where you are right now?Well in this episode I chat to Benny Hi...  A friend of mine who quit his job to completely immerse himself in an intensive design course to transform himself into becoming a sought after designer who is working with some of the best agencies in Australia. Benny is what he likes to call a multi-disciplinary freelance creative (this basically means he likes to do more than one thing), self-diagnosed introvert & all-round quirky fellow who will create a personal commission for your favourite household pet.I loved having a chat and hearing Benny's Up & Becoming story. He's such a talented, funny and interesting fella so I know you'll leave with something that will equip you to take your next step towards your big ambitions. In this episode we talk about:- How Benny quit his job to pursue a career in design.- Being an Introvert & creating quirky drawings with your inner child- How having support can make or break you when chasing your dreams- Creativity, design & having your own tasteIf you haven't seen Benny's work make sure you check it out!IG https://www.instagram.com/bennyhi_/W https://www.bennyhi.com/To connect with ( me ) Kurt Bingham:Follow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kurtbingham/Join the podcast community https://www.instagram.com/upandbecomingpodcast/?hl=en

Have you ever wanted to ask a world-renowned creative speaker how to stand out in a crowded industry or how to share your work authentically? Well in today's episode you'll get to meet the man that's doing both of those things!His name is Oli Sansom. Oli is an internationally-awarded director, photographer and speaks on creativity all over the world. He has a way of capturing the joy of the world like no one else I know and that definitely shines through in our conversation. In this episode we talk about: If Wez Anderson shot weddingsHow to share your work authentically on social media & beyondFinding your voice in a crowded industry How lifting others up is the trick to standing outI learnt so much & I know you will too. If you haven't seen Oli's work make sure you check it out while you listen!Oli's Creative Genius  https://www.instagram.com/briarsatlas/?hl=enOli's Photos https://www.instagram.com/olisansom/Oli's Website https://briarsatlas.com/Oli's Muse: Wez Anderson https://www.studiobinder.com/blog/wes-anderson-style/To connect with ( Me ) Kurt Bingham:Up & Becoming Community  https://www.instagram.com/upandbecomingpodcast/?hl=enFollow me on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/kurtbingham/