the (un)mastered tapes

Nine months ago, we sat down with Toronto barber Adreezy from a shop he worked at in Downtown Toronto. Today, AJ is not only still cutting hair but is now the proud owner of Wavy Barbershop. In this conversation, we explore AJ's transition from skilled barber to business owner, discussing the challenges, triumphs and unexpected changes he's encountered along the way. From navigating entrepreneurship to managing a team and establishing a brand, AJ shares his raw thoughts and insights. Tune in as we uncover the highs and lows of AJ's entrepreneurial adventure and discover why embracing change and savouring success are essential for any aspiring business owner.

Join us for a deep dive into the world of Recess Community with Shanik Tanna and Leanne Macaspac. This episode unravels the genesis of Recess, a space dedicated to nurturing creative curiosity. We explore the reasons behind its establishment and the profound impact of infusing the concept of play into both professional and personal realms. Shanik and Leanne share insights on challenges such as burnout and the intricate balance freelancers navigate. Discover the crucial role of community in surmounting these challenges and how Recess has become a sanctuary for those seeking equilibrium between work and play. This episode is an exploration of why spaces like Recess are indispensable, shedding light on the power of play in fostering a harmonious and sustainable life. Tune in for a thoughtful discussion on the significance of these considerations in the pursuit of a purposeful and balanced life.

Step into the world of streetwear innovation in this episode as we sit down with Ben Brûlé, the brilliant mind behind No Diploma. Beyond the realms of fashion, we delve deep into Ben's origins, tracing his path from school and self-reflection to the establishment of the iconic No Diploma streetwear brand. Join us as we explore not only the clothing that defines the brand, but also the pivotal role of community in shaping its vision and amplifying its impact. Discover how Ben's unique journey and dedication to self-expression culminated in a brand that's more than just apparel—it's a movement driven by creativity and a sense of belonging.

Join us for a special milestone episode as we celebrate one year! Reflecting on the profound lessons learned from our diverse guests and the joys of podcasting, we embrace vulnerability and imperfection. With heartfelt gratitude, we look back on the past, appreciate the present, and envision an inspiring future. Thank you for being an essential part of our unmastered family!

Join us for an engaging conversation as we sit down with AJ Seballos, a talented barber from the renowned barber shop called Throne in Downtown Toronto. We dive deep into AJ's captivating journey as a barber, exploring his rise to prominence on social media and the unique challenges that come with it. We explore how AJ's dedication to his craft and his unwavering passion has propelled him to new heights. Don't miss out on this enlightening episode filled with personal anecdotes and valuable lessons learned along the way.

ep 10 of the (un)mastered tapes features our special guest Luis Onofre! We recorded this episode at El Tasting Room in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Luis talks about his passion for artisanal Mexican spirits and what drives his love for the service industry. 

In this episode, we sit down with Kirat Pannu, aka @atenvision, to discuss his career journey and his curious mindset that has given him numerous opportunities and skills. Kirat shares his insights on how being adaptable and embracing change has been crucial in his personal and professional growth. Tune in to learn more about Kirat's experiences and the valuable lessons he has learned along the way.

In this episode of (un)mastered tapes, we talk to Venket Ravindra aka the brown Rick Owens. Venket is a stylist and a talented marketing consultant who has worked with highly successful streetwear brands. In this conversation, Venket takes us through his journey and shares what sparked his love for clothing and fashion, his experiences working with various brands and his hot takes on clothes worn by celebrities.

Join us in this episode of (un)mastered tapes as we chat with Biggs, whose journey started by cooking ribs for his friends and eventually led to establishing a full-fledged rib business. Within a mere two-year period, he progressed from cooking ribs in his home kitchen to owning an industrial kitchen. Tune in as Biggs shares his experiences and his unwavering dedication to crafting the finest ribs.

In this episode of (un)mastered tapes, we talk to Tejas, a talented artist who shares his journey of balancing his passion for creating with the demands of everyday life. Listen in as Tejas inspires and motivates us to find a balance in our own lives and pursue our passions with dedication and discipline.

Lately, it feels like many people can relate to the feeling of burnout, stress and anxiety that seems to trickle into daily life. Those feelings aren’t always easy to figure out and it takes time, reflection and other mechanisms to deal with the challenges that hinder our emotional and mental well-being. Coach Katie sits down to talk to us about “the inner game” - resilience, dealing with adversity and how the concept of Mental Toughness can help you push through and grow from whatever comes your way. 

Ahmad Hussain and Chris Martins have been friends for over a decade. Their friendship has taken them from Iroquois Ridge High School to the streets of Bangkok and back home where they are both excelling in their respective crafts. This connection is a unique one, as Ahmad and Chris are not just best friends, but also frequent creative collaborators who have championed each other through the various phases of life, including their creative projects. In this conversation, we talk to Ahmad and Chris about their individual upbringings, influences and what draws them to their craft. We also chatted about their recent collaboration, that saw Chris launch a new musical project, as Ahmad assisted with brand identity, photography and storytelling.

Exceptionally creative Jemel May has a charisma (and laugh) about her that is one-of-a-kind. In this conversation, we talk to Jemel about her early years and how family pressures to pursue a career path in medicine led her to now be a full-time, multifaceted creative freelancer. Apart from explaining the successes and challenges of this experience, she dives into why she switched from 9-5 and what this means for her creative freedom.

In this conversation, we explore the origins of GEN64 and how each member fell into their respective creative paths. We sift through their experiences from their early teen years creating mixtapes in high school to the evolution of their sound and who they are as creators. 

In our first episode, we sit down to talk about Emi's evolution as an artist and her experiences that led her to a creative path. Touching on her earliest memories making art, to what led her to pick up a camera, Emi explains her upbringing and influences that led her to Photography and ultimately, her nude series titled "honey".  

In this trailer, we talk about our passion for storytelling, creativity and community which has led us to start this collective and we hope it inspires you in some way.