Thanks to her groundbreaking work in the world of upcycling, multidisciplinary designer Nicole McLaughlin is a pioneer in the world of fashion, design, and art. Known for transforming trash or discarded items into fashionable, ready-to-wear pieces, her social media posts have become must-see content for apparel, footwear, and fashion professionals. She's also worked on design collaborations with the biggest brands in the outdoor and fashion industries. On this episode, the New Jersey native shares her journey from a creative child to a successful designer, as well as the most pivotal moments in her career, her creative process, and the importance of sustainability in fashion. Nicole also explains how she overcomes creative blocks with outdoor activity and how small work hiatuses can keep the creative ideas flowing. Finally, she tells host Tim Sweeney about her aspirations for future projects and the impact she hopes to make in the industry.

00:00
Introduction and Creative Background

02:45
Creative Process and Social Media Influence

05:42
Education and Early Career

08:39
Transition to Reebok and Early Projects

11:21
Discovering Upcycling and Personal Projects

14:34
The Shift to Freelancing and Collaborations

17:25
Sustainability in Fashion and Brand Collaborations

30:28
The Art of Upcycling and Repair

35:22
Creative Process and Vulnerability in Design

39:43
Tools of the Trade: Crafting Unique Designs

43:44
Balancing Creativity and Functionality

48:37
Overcoming Creative Blocks and Finding Inspiration

51:10
Navigating the Business Side of Creativity

53:52
Future Aspirations and Dream Collaborations

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Long Distance Lounge podcast is produced by Twin Thieves Media

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Follow Tim Sweeney on Instagram at @tesweens

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Visual storyteller Tommy Roark spends his days (and some nights) capturing stunning video images as a co-founder of Experience Media Studios. He's filmed helicopter tours in Hawaii and spent long, sleepless nights filming EDM shows and massive music festivals like Coachella. Tommy stopped by the Long Distance Lounge to share a few stories of those wild DJ sets and sketchy travel shoots that almost ended in disaster. He also shares his thoughts on balancing technical camera equipment know-how with natural creativity in photography and filmmaking. Finally, we get a little career advice -- including the significance of continuous learning -- from a guy who is doing what he loves at the ripe, old age of 27.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene
06:03 Navigating the Pandemic and Career Shifts
08:12 Learning the Craft: From Amateur to Professional
10:54 The Balance of Technical Skills and Creative Vision
12:18 Investing in Equipment and Understanding the Industry
14:27 Continuous Learning and the Role of Mentorship
17:56 Creative Process and Client Relationships
21:59 Building a Network in San Diego
22:27 Adventures and Challenges in Filming
24:51 Filming Music Festivals: Behind the Scenes
30:00 The Art of Capturing Live Events
32:40 Multicam Challenges and Techniques
34:58 The Highs and Lows of Touring
40:19 Family Ties and Personal Motivation
42:28 Career Advice for Aspiring Creatives

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Long Distance Lounge podcast is produced by Twin Thieves Media

For more information, visit TwinThievesMedia.com

Follow Tim Sweeney on Instagram at @tesweens

Logo by Kyle Johnston Designs

Aussie outback guide David McMahon spends his life surrounded by crocodiles, snakes and any number of creatures that can kill you in Australia's Northern Territory. Is it as dangerous as it sounds? Should you be afraid to visit? Hear from a guy who lives among the wildest area of the wildest country. David started as a chef in South Australia, but today he guides guests into the remote places he loves in Arnhem Land, Kakadu National Park and more. With host Tim Sweeney, David discusses the significance of the local Indigenous culture, the diversity of languages in "The Territory", and the challenges of living alongside dangerous wildlife in his role as a lead guide for Venture North Safaris. His passion for spending life in "The Bush" and his experiences in the wild provide listeners with a vivid picture of life in this extraordinary part of the world, and the host chimes with a few of his own yarns from a visit to Darwin and the Top End of Australia.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction to a Unique Lifestyle
10:12 The Wildness of Northern Australia
14:09 Living with Nature's Dangers
17:05 The Abundance of Food in the Bush
20:13 The Impact of Nature on Tourists
22:39 Conclusion: A Life of Adventure and Learning
29:21 Exploring Diverse Travel Experiences
30:21 Cahills Crossing: A Crocodile Hotspot
32:52 Understanding Crocodile Behavior and Risks
35:19 The Unique Ecosystem of Northern Australia
37:46 Close Calls: David's Wild Encounters
41:22 Favorite Animals and Fascination with Snakes
45:48 Future Aspirations and Adventures
48:03 Travel Recommendations for Northern Australia

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Subscribe to the podcast and share with friends.

Long Distance Lounge podcast is produced by Twin Thieves Media

For more information, visit TwinThievesMedia.com

Follow Tim Sweeney on Instagram at @tesweens

Logo by Kyle Johnston Designs