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Mountain Collective Podcast

Mourad Bahrouch

Experience weekly doses of inspiration, self-discovery, and artistic growth – Join talks w/ Mourad Bahrouch & industry leaders, artists and creative directors fuelling your self-growth to excellence.

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21 episodes
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Avg 33 min
English

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Yesterday · 38 min
EP 220: Stress, Recovery & the Nervous System: How to Regulate Stress, Build Resilience & Perform Better
In this episode, Esty Zilberman & Mourad Bahrouch explore the science of stress, recovery, the nervous system, neuroscience, and human performance with Esty, founder of Build It Real. We discuss how the brain interprets reality, why stress itself isn’t inherently good or bad, and how homeostasis helps explain the body’s drive toward balance and safety. We also dive into WHOOP, wearable data, HRV, sleep, recovery, and self-awareness—and why you shouldn’t let a recovery score dictate how you feel. Instead, learn how to use data as information while staying connected to your own body. The conversation also explores how these principles apply to training, exercise, leadership, management, and the workplace. From gradually increasing physical or mental challenges to understanding an employee’s individual stress threshold, we discuss how leaders can create environments where people are challenged without becoming overwhelmed. Topics covered: Stress and nervous system regulation Homeostasis and the brain’s response to stress WHOOP, HRV, recovery and wearable technology Sleep, exercise and physical resilience How to build tolerance to stress gradually Finding exercise you actually enjoy Neuroscience and self-awareness Stress management in the workplace Leadership, employees and psychological safety How managers can recognize when people are under- or over-challenged If you’re interested in neuroscience, stress management, nervous system regulation, recovery, fitness, leadership, workplace performance, or understanding yourself better, this episode is for you. __ https://www.builditreal.ai/
September 8 · 38 min
EP 219: is 3D dead?
In this episode of Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad Bahrouch sits down with Romain Rosi to explore his journey as a 3D artist, from discovering Cinema 4D as a teenager to building a professional career in 3D, graphic design, and visual effects. Romain shares how his early fascination with animation and movie special effects led him to discover 3D, why learning through tutorials became such an important part of his creative development, and how he eventually turned a hobby into a career. The conversation also explores the evolution of 3D workflows, the power of rendering and node-based materials, and the creative possibilities of combining 3D, live-action footage, and AI. Romain and Mourad discuss the future of AI in the creative industry, why AI is not necessarily replacing 3D artists, and how the best results often come from using the right tool for the right problem. They also talk about craftsmanship, creative exploration, professional studio work, and the importance of building work that reflects your own style. Whether you are a 3D artist, motion designer, CGI artist, filmmaker, or creative professional interested in AI and the future of visual effects, this episode offers an honest look at the creative process, the evolution of 3D, and what it takes to build a lasting career in the industry. Topics covered: • Romain Rosi’s journey into 3D • Discovering Cinema 4D as a teenager • Learning 3D through tutorials and personal projects • The evolution of 3D rendering and node-based materials • Freelancing and working with creative studios • AI in 3D, CGI, and visual effects • Why craftsmanship still matters • Combining AI, 3D, and live-action footage • Building a creative career and developing your own style _ https://www.instagram.com/romain.rosi/
August 22 · 43 min
EP 218: From Student to Rolls-Royce. Anna Rabe on Finding Your Path
Anna Romina Rabe works in Sales Operations Specialist at Rolls-Royce, is a passionate car enthusiast, and an Onboarding Coach. In this episode, she talks about how she built her career, what it’s like working in the luxury automotive industry, and how internships, networking, international experiences, and taking opportunities helped shape her path. We also discuss career advice, finding your passion, LinkedIn, mentorship, personal growth, and why your career doesn’t have to be perfectly planned from the beginning. _ https://www.linkedin.com/in/anna-romina-rabe-0b9361220/ https://hdsunflower.com/
August 14 · 37 min
EP 217: Digital-to-Physical Journey
In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad sits down with Oleksandra Nosovska to explore her remarkable journey from working in 3D design and digital fashion to building her own physical fashion brand. Oleksandra shares how she uses 3D as a creative prototyping tool, the challenges of turning ideas into real products, and the lessons she learned through entrepreneurship, discipline, and self-discovery. The conversation dives into creativity, work-life balance, burnout, meditation, personal growth, and the importance of aligning your work with who you truly are. Sasha reflects on finding purpose through design, navigating the pressures of being a workaholic, and learning to listen to her body while pursuing ambitious goals. Whether you're a creative professional, designer, entrepreneur, or someone looking to build a meaningful career, this episode offers valuable insights into turning passion into reality while staying connected to yourself. Topics discussed: 3D design and digital fashion Building a fashion brand from scratch Creativity and entrepreneurship Discipline, focus, and productivity Work-life balance and burnout Meditation and self-awareness Personal growth and authenticity Turning ideas into physical products Finding purpose through creative work _ https://www.instagram.com/oleksandra_nosovska/
August 3 · 37 min
EP 216: Lifemaxxing
In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, Hannah Rinne shares her philosophy on “life maxing” — living life to the fullest while balancing meaningful work, travel, relationships, creativity, and personal growth. She discusses why chasing perfect optimization can sometimes reduce happiness and explains how she measures success through inspiration, experiences, and overall life satisfaction rather than constant tracking. The conversation explores work-life balance, social media’s role in modern business, the value of real-world experiences, and the growing challenge of decision-making in a world filled with endless options. Hannah also dives into the concept of the “Paradox of Choice,” explaining why having too many choices can lead to stress and poorer decisions. Whether you're a creative entrepreneur, freelancer, or someone seeking a more intentional life, this episode offers practical insights on finding balance, making confident decisions, embracing experiences, and creating a life that feels both successful and fulfilling. __ https://www.instagram.com/hannahrinn https://www.instagram.com/conversationclubb
July 28 · 55 min
EP 215: The Habits Behind Great Creative Work
In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, photographer Katerina shares her journey from aspiring creative to full-time freelance photographer. We explore the realities of building a photography business, overcoming anxiety, managing the uncertainty of freelancing, and developing a sustainable creative career. We also dive deep into creativity, the nervous system, meditation, discipline, creative flow, Rick Rubin's philosophy, mental health, and why your best ideas often arrive when you stop forcing them. Whether you're a photographer, designer, filmmaker, freelancer, or entrepreneur, this conversation is packed with practical insights on creativity, resilience, and building a meaningful career. Topics covered: Freelance photography Building a creative career Fashion photography Creative process Creative flow Mental health for creatives Anxiety and freelancing Nervous system regulation Meditation and creativity Rick Rubin's The Creative Act Productivity and discipline Finding inspiration Entrepreneurship for creatives Creative habits Personal growth __ https://www.instagram.com/katerinabezede/
July 9 · 38 min
EP 214: Why Great Marketing Is About Growth, Not Ads
In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad sits down with Olivia Madarasz, who designs and grows partnership and affiliate ecosystems , and has worked with global brands including Nike, Crocs, New Balance, and Diesel. They explore what really drives brand growth beyond advertising—from building memorable campaigns and writing compelling copy to creating stories that connect with people. Olivia shares practical insights into brand positioning, campaign strategy, performance marketing, and why great storytelling remains one of the most valuable skills in marketing. The conversation also dives into the growing role of AI in creative work. While AI is transforming copywriting and marketing workflows, Olivia explains why human creativity, taste, and critical thinking are still essential for creating campaigns that stand out. In this episode you'll learn: How successful brands approach long-term growth The difference between performance marketing and brand marketing Why storytelling is essential for memorable campaigns Lessons from working with Nike, Crocs, New Balance, and Diesel How to write marketing copy that captures attention Where AI helps—and where it still falls short Why human creativity remains a competitive advantage If you're a creative professional, founder, or entrepreneur looking to build stronger brands in the age of AI, this episode is full of actionable insights. _ https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7437045005401272320/
June 22 · 34 min
EP 213: Doing it Differently
In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad sits down with Isabelle from Locus Solus Studio to discuss the journey of building a distinctive creative identity in the worlds of 3D design, fashion, and visual storytelling. The conversation explores how Isabelle developed her unique artistic style, the importance of drawing inspiration from culture, art, and everyday experiences, and why staying authentic often matters more than chasing trends. She shares insights into the evolution of her creative practice, the challenges of establishing a recognizable visual language, and the value of consistency over time. Together, they discuss the relationship between creativity and commercial work, the role of experimentation in growth, and how creative professionals can stand out in an increasingly crowded industry. The episode offers valuable lessons for designers, artists, and entrepreneurs looking to build meaningful, long-term careers while remaining true to their vision. Develop a recognizable style through consistent practice. Don't rely solely on trends to guide creative decisions. Cultural references and personal experiences can strengthen creative work. Long-term success often comes from patience and consistency. Authenticity helps creatives build stronger connections with clients and audiences. Experimentation is essential for growth and innovation. __ https://www.instagram.com/locussolus.ams/
June 13 · 39 min
EP 212: Every Creative Will Face This AI Question
In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad sits down with digital artist and creative visionary Fabian Oberhammer, better known as Dizzy Viper, for a conversation that every creative should hear. As artificial intelligence rapidly transforms the creative landscape, artists are facing a question that may define the future of their work: What happens when technology can imitate creativity itself? Fabian shares his journey from developing a daily artistic practice to building a distinctive visual style recognized around the world. Together, they explore the discipline behind creative mastery, the influence of pioneers like Beeple, and why consistency often matters more than inspiration. The conversation then turns to the growing impact of AI on art and culture. From creative ownership and the ethics of training models on artists' work to the possibility of style replication and the future role of human creators, Fabian offers a thoughtful perspective on one of the most important debates of our time. This is a conversation about originality, technology, discipline, and what may ultimately separate human creativity from machine intelligence. Topics include: Building a daily creative habit Finding your unique artistic voice Lessons from Beeple and the digital art movement Overcoming creative resistance and burnout AI-generated art and ownership The ethics of training AI on artists' work The future of creativity in an AI-driven world Remaining authentic as technology evolves _ Instagram: @thedizzyviper
June 5 · 34 min
EP 211: Between Cultures
In this episode, Mourad sits down with designer Annabel Sirvent i Roser to discuss her creative journey, freelancing, life between Barcelona and Munich, and the evolving role of AI in design. They explore how environment influences creativity, the value of versatility, and why human creativity remains essential in an increasingly AI-driven world. https://www.annabelsirvent.com/
May 31 · 36 min
EP 210: Creativity as a Way of Life
In this episode of Mountain Collective Podcast, Mourad sits down with Amsterdam-based Creative Director Al-Baghdadi for a deep conversation about creativity, storytelling, and the mindset behind building a creative life. From his early days in game development and animation to his work in film and visual storytelling, Al-Baghdadi shares how curiosity, constant learning, and the desire to create have shaped his journey. Together, they explore the relationship between technology and creativity, the importance of finding your own voice, and why the best creators focus on vision rather than tools. This conversation dives into creative growth, artistic freedom, making mistakes, and the power of following what feels right instead of following rules. Whether you're a filmmaker, designer, artist, entrepreneur, or simply someone looking to create meaningful work, this episode offers valuable insights into what it means to live a creative life. https://www.instagram.com/ferstruc/
May 21 · 11 min
EP 209: Taste
In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, we explore one of the biggest questions facing creatives today: As AI makes it easier for anyone to generate images, videos, music, and ideas — what becomes the true creative advantage? We dive into the tension between AI and human taste, discussing whether creativity is becoming automated or if taste, perspective, and emotional depth are becoming more valuable than ever. From cultural relevance and originality to curation, storytelling, and the future of creative work, this conversation explores why the next era may not belong to the fastest creators — but to the people with the strongest vision. When creation becomes infinite, taste becomes scarce.
May 11 · 37 min
EP 208: Win Slow
Mourad sits down with Alice Fiorenza, Head of Production at REEF Studios — a multidisciplinary creative studio based in Sardinia, Italy. The two first connected at a creative festival in Barcelona, and that energy carries into the whole conversation. They open with what it actually feels like to be at these industry gatherings — less about the talks, more about the rare chance to be in the same room with people who do the same work. Alice reflects on how REEF's island location keeps them somewhat isolated from the wider studio scene, but also how that distance has its own creative advantages. From there the conversation gets into the meat of studio production: how REEF approaches projects from raw concept to final delivery, what it's like managing client relationships when creatives and clients speak such different languages, and how new tools (especially AI) are slowly bridging that gap — for better and for worse. Alice is candid about the tension: exciting tools arriving daily, clients showing up with half-baked AI expectations, and studios needing to stay ahead without losing their craft identity. A detour into Christopher Nolan's film philosophy leads to a broader reflection on slowness as a creative discipline — why analog processes, darkroom printing, and deliberate ways of working still matter even as everything accelerates. The episode closes on a warm note about connection — social media's strange ability to make you feel close to people who are actually on the other side of the Mediterranean. Honest, drifty, and real — exactly the kind of conversation that happens when two creatives meet in Barcelona and actually mean it when they say "let's talk properly sometime." _ https://www.instagram.com/reefstudios/ https://www.reef-studios.com/
May 5 · 38 min
EP 207: The Creative Renaissance
In this episode, we sit down with Funs Jacobs — Next-Gen Brand Architect and author of The Creative Renaissance — to explore what it means to build brands in the age of AI. Funs argues that the iconic brands of the future will be built by creatives, run by agents, and fueled by culture. We unpack what that actually means: from why human taste is the last true unfair advantage in a world of AI, to how AI agents are finally freeing creatives from the operational work they never wanted to do in the first place. We also dig into: Why blindly asking ChatGPT to make your creative decisions is already making you a slave to the machine The shift from "operators running brands" back to "creatives at the helm" — and why AI makes this possible now What Meta's Andromeda means for advertising, and why media buying as we know it is over The tension between online authenticity and the algorithm's hunger for extremes Why the answer to almost everything right now is simply: be more human Funs draws on lessons from Apple, Gucci, Supreme, Rick Rubin, and Walt Disney to make the case that this moment — chaotic as it is — is genuinely the best time in history to be a creative. Read the full essay at https://funsjacobs.substack.com/p/the-creative-renaissance
April 27 · 36 min
EP 206: Dressing the Future
In this episode, I sit down with Jose Peon — a Cuban-born, New York-based fashion designer and 3D artist who built his career from scratch with nothing but a laptop and relentless hustle. Jose shares how he discovered fashion through Virgil Abloh while studying fine arts in Cuba, taught himself Cinema 4D, Marvelous Designer, and CLO, and then moved to New York where he literally went floor by floor through a Garment District building until someone gave him a shot. We get into the full journey: from making purely digital clothes without realizing the patterns could be cut in real life, to working 12-hour days at a luxury manufacturer (Thom Browne, Marc Jacobs), to getting into Parsons and building his own aesthetic-driven creative practice. Jose also opens up about the mindset behind his work — why collaboration and letting go of ego is essential, how he approaches shooting his shot even with a 1% chance, the role AI is playing in his process today, and what it means to truly connect with your audience rather than just make pretty images. A raw, inspiring conversation about building from nothing, bridging the digital and physical worlds, and staying obsessed enough to keep going even when someone's chasing you out of the building. https://www.instagram.com/josepeoon
April 22 · 37 min
EP 205: The Art of noticing
In this episode, we dive into what it really means to hit a creative low—and how to find your way back. From losing momentum and questioning your work to rebuilding discipline and confidence, this conversation unpacks the reality of creative dips and why they’re a necessary part of growth. Instead of waiting for motivation to return, we explore how small actions, consistent routines, and a shift in perspective can help you regain clarity and move forward. If you’ve ever felt stuck, unmotivated, or disconnected from your creativity, this episode is a reminder that the dip is temporary—and the comeback starts with simply showing up again. https://www.instagram.com/andreajelic.design https://www.awwwards.com/jury-member/Andrea-Jelic
April 19 · 17 min
EP 204: Gentle Discipline
Trying harder feels like the answer—but what if it’s the problem? In this episode of Mountain Collective, we explore the idea of gentle discipline and why forcing outcomes often creates resistance instead of progress. From creative work to business and personal growth, pushing too hard can lead to overthinking, burnout, and a loss of momentum. This episode breaks down the balance between discipline and gentleness, using the “bonsai principle” as a metaphor for sustainable growth: guide, don’t force. We dive into: Why over-attachment to results kills creativity The difference between intensity and consistency How to work without internal resistance What “effortless action” actually means in practice If you’ve been feeling stuck, unmotivated, or disconnected from your work—this episode will help you reset your approach and reconnect with the process. Less force. More flow.
April 6 · 35 min
EP 203: Community First, Business Second
In this episode of the Mountain Collective Podcast, I sit down with Thanos Stathakopoulos founder of The Greek Embassy in Amsterdam. Before opening a restaurant, Thanos built a community of over 15,000 people through diaspora-driven events—creating a cultural movement long before launching a physical space. We dive into what it really means to build a brand rooted in identity, why community always comes before product, and how emotional connection can be your biggest competitive advantage. This conversation is a must-listen for founders, creatives, and anyone building a brand that goes beyond transactions.
March 31 · 6 min
EP 202: One Step Ahead
This weekend, I went on a hike with friends—nature, fresh air, and a clear mind. But while walking, I caught myself focused on recording content instead of fully experiencing the moment. In this episode, I reflect on how easy it is to be “one step ahead” or distracted, even when we think we’re present. Inspired by ideas, I explore the balance between creating and actually living. Because the journey is the message. And real happiness isn’t in the past or the future— it’s in the step you’re taking right now.
March 24 · 37 min
EP 201: Something From Nothing
In this episode, Richard shares a raw and honest perspective on what it takes to grow as a creative and entrepreneur. As the Company Owner of Golden Gate Real Estate NL and previously Fight District Amsterdam, his journey spans from building fitness communities to launching ventures focused on long-term value and impact. Starting with Rich Fitness and Mind Elevators, where he coached individuals on mindset, energy, and personal growth, Richard has always been driven by helping people evolve — both mentally and physically. That same philosophy now carries into his work as a founder, where he focuses on spotting opportunities and building with intention. In this conversation, we dive into dealing with self-doubt, navigating uncertainty, and the reality of building something without a clear path. Richard shares why clarity comes from action, how discipline beats motivation, and why reinventing yourself is necessary for growth. This episode is a reminder that success isn’t linear — and that feeling lost is often a sign you’re moving in the right direction.

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