The Life We Create

Hosted by Brain Juice Creative

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Dec 2025

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In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative . Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs.

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December 15, 2025Episode 519 min

The Death of Casual Tv

Episode 24: The Death of Casual TV (Why We Don't Just "Watch" Anymore)Have you noticed that nobody just watches TV anymore? We are breaking down the "Lore Economy" and why audiences are obsessed with solving puzzles instead of just consuming content.We analyze the shift to "Active Engagement"—where shows like Severance and Pluribus function as investigations rather than just stories. We break down "Environmental Storytelling" (where props tell the story) and explain how creators can stop making products and start building connected worlds, using our Brain Juice Coffee ecosystem as a blueprint.If you are a creator trying to build a loyal audience, this episode is your guide to building a world they won't want to leave.IN THIS EPISODE:The Shift: Why "Casual Viewing" is dead and the rise of the "Detective Audience."The Craft: A deep dive into Environmental Storytelling and how to hide clues in plain sight (featuring examples from Weapons and Severance).The Application: How we are turning Brain Juice Coffee and our films into a single, connected universe.FUEL YOUR CREATIVITY: Enter your flow state with Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.comChapters: 00:00 – Intro 00:55 – Segment 1: The Shift 09:51 – Brain Juice Coffee 10:45 – Segment 2: The Craft 16:31 – Segment 3: The Application 19:02 – OutroABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE: In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs.► Follow Brain Juice Creative: IG: https://www.instagram.com/brainjuicecoffeela?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewecreatepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91AFvjsWov9 ► Follow Taylor: IG: https://www.instagram.com/taylorjoystevens?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ== TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorjoystevens?_r=1&_t=ZP-91AFxQ5uu2o ► Follow Cobain: X: https://x.com/cobainrivers?s=21&t=xPh9oAgE31N49iFBR-YiGQ IG: https://www.instagram.com/cobainrivers?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

December 7, 2025Episode 431 min

Why Gen Z Hates Modern TV (And Why That's Good For Indie Creators)

Hollywood executives think Gen Z isn't watching TV because of TikTok. They're wrong. In this episode, we break down the "Crisis of Authenticity" and why this is actually the Golden Age for indie filmmakers.Episode 23:We read a piece in The Ankler by Whitney Friedlander that’s causing panic in boardrooms: "Gen Z Is Huge; Their TV Shows Are Tiny." The industry blames attention spans, but we call it the Crisis of Authenticity. We break down why the "Hollywood Formula"—polished, committee-approved content—is failing, while messy, specific, and "niche" shows are the only things cutting through.If you are a filmmaker, writer, or creator feeling discouraged by the industry—this episode is your proof that you don't need their permission anymore.IN THIS EPISODE:The Crisis: An analysis of why the "Hollywood Formula" is broken and why Gen Z is rejecting manufactured content.The Insight: Why creative risk is the new currency and why "safe" bets are actually the most dangerous move studios can make.The Solution: How indie creators are bypassing the system by building their own creative ecosystems (and why you should too).FUEL YOUR CREATIVITY: Fuel your independence with Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.comPROJECT UPDATE: We are currently organizing the table read for The Actress! Follow the journey as we move from script to production.Chapters:00:00 – The "Panic" in Hollywood01:21 – Why Gen Z watches "Friends" but hates new sitcoms06:22 – The Crisis of Authenticity (and "I Love LA")11:16 – The Cancellation Problem: Why shows aren't given time to grow14:50 – Are Executives using AI to test scripts?17:27 – Building Your Own Ecosystem (Brain Juice Coffee)19:01 – Deep Dive: How "Atlanta" broke every rule23:23 – The Golden Age for Indie Filmmakers28:07 – Living in Your Skin: The Rachel Sennott & Issa Rae model30:20 – Conclusion: Take the RiskWatch on Youtube:https://youtu.be/XJCzVLS3ECg► Follow Brain Juice Creative:IG: https://www.instagram.com/brainjuicecoffeela?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qrTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lifewecreatepod?_r=1&_t=ZP-91AFvjsWov9► Follow Taylor:IG: https://www.instagram.com/taylorjoystevens?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@taylorjoystevens?_r=1&_t=ZP-91AFxQ5uu2o► Follow Cobain:X: https://x.com/cobainrivers?s=21&t=xPh9oAgE31N49iFBR-YiGQIG: https://www.instagram.com/cobainrivers?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

November 22, 2025Episode 346 min

Why It Took Us 5 Years To Write Our Script

How do you take an idea that has been "incubating" for half a decade and finally turn it into a finished screenplay?Today, Cobain and Taylor discuss the writing process behind their upcoming short film, The Actress. This isn't just about writing; it's about taking control in an industry built on rejection. We discuss the psychological impact of accomplishing, why we rewrote our antagonist, and the "momentum magic" that helped us bridge the gap between a vague idea and a shooting script.Topics Covered:From "Idea Lottery" to finished draft: The "Fog to Form" method.The plot of The Actress: A horror-thriller satire on Hollywood rejection.How we used accountability and rituals to break writer's block.Support the Show: If you enjoyed this episode, please rate and review! ☕ Shop Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.comChapters:00:00 – Intro: Taking control of our own story 00:56 – SEGMENT 1: Something That Sparked Something (Fog into Form) 02:55 – Logline: What is "The Actress"? 05:08 – The Spark: How Bob Fosse inspired us in 2019 08:03 – Separating identity from rejection 15:08 – Building Sophia: Creating a character you understand 20:51 – Brain Juice Coffee: Creating Ritual 22:21 – SEGMENT 2: Creative Insight (Momentum is Magic) 24:20 – The "Secret Weapon": Accountability partners 31:26 – Troubleshooting: Rewriting the ending & the villain 40:12 – SEGMENT 3: Creator Check-In (How do you know it's good?) 43:51 – What's Next: The Table Read & Casting Call

July 27, 2024Episode 1523 min

The Death of Hollywood Part 2: Creatives Respond to Hollywood Exodus

Taylor & Cobain are hyped to answer your comments & opinions regarding the previous episode- The Death of Hollywood: Why Creatives are Leaving LA. This engagement was sparked by the LA Times article about Hollywood's Exodus & why TV and Film workers are leaving Los Angeles. There was a lot of great dialogue & we dive deeper into some of the core issues across industries, focusing on entertainment inHollywood. There is hope for creatives (in LA and around the world) & everyone striving to live the life they desire. Check out our new coffee! ► Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.com Watch & Subscribe on Youtube ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE: In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs. ► Follow Brain Juice Creative: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Taylor: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Cobain: X Instagram

June 21, 2024Episode 1226 min

Creative Entitlement

Cobain & Taylor back it with entitlement...creative entitlement that is. We explore this topic that Elizebth Gilbert so elegantly explains in her book, Big Magic, and why you need to hone it. We love this notion & the empowerment it brings and we discuss exactly what creative entitlement is, why it's important, and how to implement it in your life. It's all about giving yourself permission, because you deserve to be creative, boo.Where to start:listen to Big Magic https://amzn.to/3xoh3Wldive into The Artist's Way https://amzn.to/3KR8jv1Check out our new coffee! ► Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.com Watch & Subscribe on Youtube ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE: In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs. ► Follow Brain Juice Creative: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Taylor: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Cobain: X Instagram

June 14, 2024Episode 1116 min

The Life We Create: Creative Freedom is Killing You

Taylor & Cobain back at it inspired by fellow creative @struthless around The Stallion Theory & the process of harnessing creative freedom. You see, creativity can be like a stallion running free in your mind until you learn to harness it! But don't take it from us, hear how Jerry Seinfeld breaks it down. We’re excited to share this process we discovered to help create structure for creativity and how it will help, not hurt you in guiding it. Mentions:The Stallion Harness pdf guide provided by @struthless ⁠https://drive.google.com/file/d/1_5GN3q3gOpAwFQxlTrWkS4JfvbSROfr5/view?usp=sharing⁠inspo- ⁠https://youtu.be/z8f5MRDiSGY?si=hGdcxRH302p-Pnus⁠simon sinek start with why⁠ https://amzn.to/3VEOD3D⁠Jerry Seinfeld on Tim Ferriss' podcast talking about The Stallion Theory ⁠https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yNTmFORn3xQ⁠Check out our new coffee! ► Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.com Watch & Subscribe on Youtube ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE: In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs. ► Follow Brain Juice Creative: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Taylor: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Cobain: X Instagram

April 19, 2024Episode 532 min

Open Your Mind To Creativity

Cobain & Taylor are back at you with some more creativity talk & we hope you have an open mind ;). We're not talking grandiose measures of creative exploration, but even employing small creative gestures & expressions in your daily life can be very impactful. We dive deep into exploration & discovery (and even uncertainty) and how being open to new experiences enhances your life. No matter who you are, if you want to find more ways to be creative, this episode will be sure to open your mind. Check out our new coffee! ► Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.com Watch & Subscribe on Youtube ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE: In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs. ► Follow Brain Juice Creative: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Taylor: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Cobain: X Instagram

March 29, 2024Episode 313 min

Originality is Dead

Taylor & Cobain discuss how "originality" is dead and what the true key is to making something feel original today. From Dolly Parton to Wu-Tang and more, they breakdown how originality has been re-birthed in entertainment. Check out our new coffee! ► Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.com Watch & Subscribe on Youtube ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE: In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs. ► Follow Brain Juice Creative: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Taylor: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Cobain: X Instagram

May 31, 2024Episode 1026 min

BTS of our HUGGIES Commercial

Hey hey, Cobain & Taylor here and we’re giving you all the tea behind the scenes of our Huggies Commercial as a family. We reveal the whole process from audition to shoot, our favorite moments and takeaways. Buckle up as we take you on our journey to Mexico City!Check out our new coffee! ► Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.com Watch & Subscribe on Youtube ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE: In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs. ► Follow Brain Juice Creative: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Taylor: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Cobain: X Instagram

May 24, 2024Episode 927 min

Entrepreneur Chronicles: Challenges in Building a Business

Cobain & Taylor here, join us as we pull back the curtain on our business, SLFLVE Media. We break down what it is we do, our vision and goals, where we're at now, and how we overcome challenges. We dive into the ins and outs of running our business as a two-person team and some of the things we've come up against as entrepreneurs. We wanted to bring transparency to what we're busy with and how we move toward our goals each day. It's no cake walk, but we wouldn't trade it for the world, especially because it is the life we're creating for our family. Tune in to hear a special invitation! Check out our new coffee! ► Brain Juice Coffee: www.BrainJuiceCoffee.com Watch & Subscribe on Youtube ABOUT THE LIFE WE CREATE: In a world that glorifies perfection, The Life We Create dives into the messy realities of building art, brand, and identity. Hosted by Taylor Joy Stevens and Cobain Rivers, this is the creative culture podcast from Brain Juice Creative. Get ready for unfiltered, reflective, and inspiring conversations about the real creative process. This is the podcast every creative needs. ► Follow Brain Juice Creative: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Taylor: Instagram TikTok ► Follow Cobain: X Instagram