The Creative Gap

In this Episode Carlo sits down with Kevin, the owner of Varno Fitness in New Jersey, for a wide-ranging conversation on identity, discipline, and the intersection of fitness and personal growth. Kevin opens up about his journey from an insecure teen to a fitness entrepreneur and behavior change coach. He shares how creating a cozy, peaceful home and learning to find joy outside of work have helped him redefine success—not by money or physical feats, but by presence, purpose, and self-love. The two discuss burnout, the illusion of discipline, and the danger of chasing external validation. Kevin emphasizes celebrating small wins, creating a gym environment that nurtures individual growth, and leading by example with compassion. He explains his transition from ego-driven coaching to helping clients become their own heroes through behavioral coaching. Ultimately, Kevin's story is about letting go of the pressure to prove yourself and embracing the moment, believing that success is simply loving where you are—right now. Follow Us! Kevin Varno: Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/kevin_varno/?hl=en] Varno Fitness:  ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/varno_fitness_/following/?hl=en] | ⁠Website [https://linktr.ee/varno_fitness_?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAacHu43hxDPml6mkcfYFvt3elzbE58Apg6tSlkPMKSGTrJ5H3U0rVQRaXz4gzQ_aem_ODn6ntdXmKEDbGkowSuAAg] Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/carlostigs/]⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://www.carlostigliano.com/] The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativegap] |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeGapPodcast] SUPPORT THE PODCAST ON⁠ ⁠PATREON⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/TheCreativeGapPodcast] ____________________________________________________ ⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST: Rodecaster Pro II: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RluSeV⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RluSeV] Rode Podmic: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RpaR77⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RpaR77] Mic Stand: ⁠https://amzn.to/4caJUfi⁠ [https://amzn.to/4caJUfi] Camera 1: ⁠https://amzn.to/45h5E7b⁠ [https://amzn.to/45h5E7b] Camera 2: ⁠https://amzn.to/45g8iKx⁠ [https://amzn.to/45g8iKx] Light: ⁠https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt⁠ [https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt]

In this episode, Michael Medoway opens up about his late start in directing, his winding journey through Japan, and how fatherhood shapes his worldview. He shares the struggles of freelancing, investing his own money into early projects, and the emotional toll of balancing career ambition with family life. Michael emphasizes the importance of long-term collaborators, emotional awareness on set, and surrounding yourself with people who genuinely believe in you. He reflects on directing not just as a technical craft but a deeply relational role—one that requires leadership, clarity of vision, and the humility to listen. The episode closes with Medoway redefining success not by awards or acclaim, but by peace of mind, family dinners, and financial stability. Follow Us! Michael Medoway:  ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/ellebarrella/?hl=en] | ⁠Website [https://www.medoway.com/] Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/carlostigs/]⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://www.carlostigliano.com/] The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativegap] |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeGapPodcast] SUPPORT THE PODCAST ON⁠ ⁠PATREON⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/TheCreativeGapPodcast] ____________________________________________________ ⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST: Rodecaster Pro II: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RluSeV⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RluSeV] Rode Podmic: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RpaR77⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RpaR77] Mic Stand: ⁠https://amzn.to/4caJUfi⁠ [https://amzn.to/4caJUfi] Camera 1: ⁠https://amzn.to/45h5E7b⁠ [https://amzn.to/45h5E7b] Camera 2: ⁠https://amzn.to/45g8iKx⁠ [https://amzn.to/45g8iKx] Light: ⁠https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt⁠ [https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt]

In this episode, Carlo welcomes back cinematographer Matheus for a deep dive into the making of their independent feature film Gazer. They reflect on the film’s unexpected success in the festival circuit and its upcoming theatrical release—an increasingly rare feat for original, non-IP-based indie films. Matheus shares insights on the film's unusual production journey, which spanned two and a half years, often shot nights and weekends without permits or a full crew, and emphasized empathy, collaboration, and efficiency on set. They discuss how Gazer was crafted largely on 16mm film with a minimal setup and a lean, passionate crew, embracing imperfections and learning to let go of perfectionism. Matheus emphasizes the value of over-communicating with actors, having a service-oriented mindset, and staying true to the director’s vision rather than chasing aesthetic perfection. He also details how the surreal “nightmare” sequences in Gazer evolved visually and narratively, blending practical effects with bold stylistic choices like film pushing, color grading, and minimal lighting. The episode is a celebration of scrappy filmmaking, artistic growth, and the deep relationships formed through making something personal and challenging outside the studio system. Follow Us! Matt Bastos:  ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/matheusbastos_dp/] | ⁠Website [https://www.matheusbastos.com/#/gazer/] BUY TICKETS FOR GAZER: TICKETS Check out Gazer: IMDB [https://www.imdb.com/title/tt28633405/] Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/carlostigs/]⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://www.carlostigliano.com/] The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativegap] |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeGapPodcast] SUPPORT THE PODCAST ON⁠ ⁠PATREON⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/TheCreativeGapPodcast] ____________________________________________________ ⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST: Rodecaster Pro II: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RluSeV⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RluSeV] Rode Podmic: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RpaR77⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RpaR77] Mic Stand: ⁠https://amzn.to/4caJUfi⁠ [https://amzn.to/4caJUfi] Camera 1: ⁠https://amzn.to/45h5E7b⁠ [https://amzn.to/45h5E7b] Camera 2: ⁠https://amzn.to/45g8iKx⁠ [https://amzn.to/45g8iKx] Light: ⁠https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt⁠ [https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt]

In this podcast episode, filmmaker Matthew Rojas and host Carlo dive deep into the intersection of creativity, filmmaking, faith, and personal growth. They begin by discussing the organic nature of their recent projects—highlighting the value of making art purely for the love of it, rather than always chasing commercial goals. Both emphasize how spontaneity and collaboration often lead to their most fulfilling work. The conversation shifts into personal territory as Carlo shares about his recent baptism and journey back into faith, while Matthew opens up about how Christianity has guided every step of his career—from receiving a divine prompt to make seven films, to navigating which jobs align with his values. They touch on the challenges of being freelance creatives, the fear and excitement around fatherhood, and how prioritizing time—especially with children—has refined their patience and purpose. Through it all, Matthew emphasizes the importance of listening to God’s voice in his career decisions, curating community through relationships rather than shared beliefs, and staying open to collaboration while holding firm to his vision. The episode is a heartfelt blend of testimony, filmmaking insight, and spiritual reflection. Follow Us! Matthew Rojas:  ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/matthewprojas] | ⁠Website [https://www.matthewprojas.com/] Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/carlostigs/]⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://www.carlostigliano.com/] The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativegap] |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeGapPodcast] SUPPORT THE PODCAST ON⁠ ⁠PATREON⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/TheCreativeGapPodcast] ____________________________________________________ ⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST: Rodecaster Pro II: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RluSeV⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RluSeV] Rode Podmic: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RpaR77⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RpaR77] Mic Stand: ⁠https://amzn.to/4caJUfi⁠ [https://amzn.to/4caJUfi] Camera 1: ⁠https://amzn.to/45h5E7b⁠ [https://amzn.to/45h5E7b] Camera 2: ⁠https://amzn.to/45g8iKx⁠ [https://amzn.to/45g8iKx] Light: ⁠https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt⁠ [https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt]

In this episode, Carlo sits down with cinematographer Frank for an in-depth conversation about his journey through the film industry. Frank shares how his path into filmmaking was unconventional—he didn’t grow up with a background in film, nor did he have a clear sense of the industry when he began. His entry came through school and a growing curiosity, eventually leading him to pursue cinematography with a deep passion. He moved to Los Angeles during a recession, taking on low-paying or free gigs and even sleeping on a couch just to be close to opportunities and grow within the craft.Throughout the interview, Frank reflects on the range of work he's done, from music videos to commercials to narrative films. He’s worked with high-profile artists like Beyoncé and Harry Styles, but admits he still gets nervous on set, showing a genuine humility and love for the process. For Frank, the act of shooting—regardless of scale or budget—is where he feels most at home. He talks about the importance of creative relationships, especially with directors he’s grown with over the years, emphasizing that long-term collaborations often yield the most rewarding results.Carlo also dives into Frank’s recent work on Arcadian, a feature film starring Nicolas Cage that premiered at SXSW. Frank shares the challenges of shooting internationally, working with new crews, and the thoughtful collaboration required between departments like production design and cinematography. He explains how working within limitations—whether on location or on a stage—can often inspire more grounded and cohesive visual storytelling.To close, Carlo asks what advice Frank would give to his younger self. Frank responds with encouragement to be persistent, resourceful, and willing to take risks without expecting immediate payoff. His story is a testament to passion, patience, and the kind of quiet determination that turns dreamers into working filmmakers Follow Us! Frank Mobilio:  ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/frankmobilio] | ⁠Website [https://frankmobilio.com/] Carlo: ⁠⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/carlostigs/]⁠ | ⁠⁠Website⁠⁠ [https://www.carlostigliano.com/] The Creative Gap:⁠ ⁠Instagram⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/creativegap] |⁠ ⁠Youtube⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@CreativeGapPodcast] SUPPORT THE PODCAST ON⁠ ⁠PATREON⁠ [https://www.patreon.com/TheCreativeGapPodcast] ____________________________________________________ ⚙️ GEAR USED TO MAKE THIS PODCAST: Rodecaster Pro II: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RluSeV⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RluSeV] Rode Podmic: ⁠https://amzn.to/3RpaR77⁠ [https://amzn.to/3RpaR77] Mic Stand: ⁠https://amzn.to/4caJUfi⁠ [https://amzn.to/4caJUfi] Camera 1: ⁠https://amzn.to/45h5E7b⁠ [https://amzn.to/45h5E7b] Camera 2: ⁠https://amzn.to/45g8iKx⁠ [https://amzn.to/45g8iKx] Light: ⁠https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt⁠ [https://amzn.to/3KK6XSt]