Podcast · Arts & Books
by Matt Vojacek & Shelby Hagerdon · English · Arts & Books
Ever wish life had an undo button? The CMD-Z Show, hosted by Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon, seeks to provide answers to the big questions that hound creative minds at night. With a new guest each week, hear unique perspectives from creatives on running a business, maintaining your mental heal
5 Oct 2026 · 1 hr
In this episode, Greg Walter, founder and creative director of Too Tall Animation, shares his journey from Seattle to Ohio, building a niche in sports animation, and the power of storytelling in sports culture. Discover how his unique hand-drawn style creates deeper fan connections and the challenges of developing intellectual property in the sports industry.
S6 · E7 · 14 Sep 2026 · 52 min
In this episode, Beth Stafford shares her journey from childhood creativity to becoming a children's book author and creative entrepreneur. She discusses how faith, family, and creativity intertwine in her work, and offers insights on balancing motherhood, business, and personal growth.
S6 · E6 · 31 Aug 2026 · 1 hr 8 min
In this episode, Audrey Havey shares her journey from freelancing to co-owning a creative studio with her husband, Justin. They discuss the challenges and strategies of running a small studio, balancing multiple roles, and navigating the evolving creative industry.
S6 · E5 · 20 Jul 2026 · 1 hr 16 min
Ryan Summers (Sarofsky) joins us to discuss how the center of the motion design community was lost and thoughtfully responds to the debate on creativity vs AI based on his personal experience.
S6 · E4 · 29 Jun 2026 · 49 min
Jeffery Lawson discusses his creative journey, from grieving the life you thought you would have to falling into comparison traps.
S6 · E3 · 15 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 10 min
Elyse Kelly joins the show to discuss her meandering journey from childhood Disney fascination to her impactful work in animation and documentary storytelling. She discusses the importance of curiosity, storytelling, balancing passion with practicality, and her thoughts on the future of creative careers amidst technological change.
S6 · E2 · 1 Jun 2026 · 1 hr 20 min
Matt and Shelby are joined by David Lebensfeld (founder, Ingenuity Studios) as they discuss facing major changes, professionally and personally. We cover everything from founding Ingenuity Studios to its eventual sale, his approach to navigating industry challenges, and how he views his next chapter. The conversation offers valuable insights into entrepreneurship, leadership, industry shifts, and personal growth.
S6 · E1 · 25 May 2026 · 1 hr 5 min
Matt and Shelby are BACK with a new season of The CMD-Z Show! In this episode, they give an update on what they've been up to as well as an update on the motion design industry. It's been 565 days since their last episode and A LOT has changed!
S5 · E13 · 31 Oct 2024 · 51 min
Episode 100. On the final episode of The CMD-Z Show, Matt and Shelby explore the very first question ever asked on the show over two years ago. "What do you wish you could do all day?"
S5 · E12 · 21 Oct 2024 · 32 min
Every era comes to an end, and we are nearing the final episode of The CMD-Z Show. But we're not going anywhere. We're just moving to a new show! Welcome, Content Alchemy, a show all about the ingredients that can make your content marketing a little more magical. Content Alchemy is available everywhere now and we will be posting new episodes every Monday.
S5 · E11 · 14 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 4 min
In this conversation, Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon discuss the current state of the motion design industry with guest Hayley Akins from Motion Hatch. They explore the challenges faced by freelancers and studios in a competitive market, the impact of economic fluctuations, and the importance of self-reflection and niche marketing. Hayley shares insights on building a business in difficult times, the role of social media, and overcoming fears associated with putting oneself out there.
S5 · E10 · 7 Oct 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
Matt and Shelby are joined by Audrey Havey to discuss the journey of freelancing and her experiences and insights gained during her first three years. Audrey shares her growth in confidence and understanding of the freelance landscape, while Matt reflects on the challenges and adaptations required in the freelance world. They explore the importance of momentum, financial planning, skill development, and marketing oneself effectively.
S5 · E9 · 30 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 3 min
Matt and Shelby have Kevin Rapp back on the show to explore the current state of the creative industry and the challenges it faces. The main themes include the impact of budget constraints on content creation, the rise of AI technology, the need for experimentation, and the potential risks for freelancers and midsize companies. The conversation also emphasizes the importance of strategy and the value of handcrafted creative in delivering results for businesses. They also explore the importance of strategy and relationships in the creative industry, especially in the face of AI advancements.…
S5 · E8 · 23 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
This episode covers various topics related to the creative industry, including landing dream projects, growing client relationships, discovering creative missions, determining if the creative industry is the right fit, overcoming imposter syndrome, and knowing when to change paths or take a break. In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the importance of taking breaks and scheduling time for rest and reflection. They emphasize the need for creatives to step away from their work and engage in activities that inspire them. They also explore the balance between consuming and creating,…
S5 · E7 · 16 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 16 min
Matt, Shelby, and Saulo Nate discuss various topics related to starting and growing a creative business. They touch on the importance of authenticity, understanding your target audience, and creating brand awareness. They also discuss the challenges of marketing and finding the most effective content strategy. Links to books mentioned by Matt: https://amzn.to/3XsksfB https://amzn.to/4e8VhpM https://amzn.to/47CaL2X https://amzn.to/4e49PHb https://amzn.to/3XwC75Q https://amzn.to/47x6OfN https://amzn.to/4eoqDIy https://amzn.to/3BjgY7G
S5 · E6 · 9 Sep 2024 · 57 min
Matt and Shelby invited Jesse Gentry to the show to explore the theme of starting something new when you feel like you're not good enough. It touches on the importance of having a support system, confronting fears, and staying humble. The discussion also highlights the role of education and the need to adapt to changing circumstances.
S5 · E5 · 2 Sep 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss their experiences after school and the challenges they faced in finding jobs in their respective fields. They share their personal journeys and the lessons they learned along the way as well as discuss the challenges and uncertainties of finding a job in the animation industry.
S5 · E4 · 26 Aug 2024 · 53 min
In this episode, Matt and Shelby interview Christopher Adornato, one of the owners of Solari Creative. Chris shares his journey of starting as a 3D artist and working his way up to becoming an equity partner in the company. He emphasizes the importance of staying at one place and climbing the ladder, even in a field known for burnout. Chris also discusses the challenges of dealing with clients and learning not to take feedback personally.
S5 · E3 · 19 Aug 2024 · 47 min
In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the topic of falling back in love with your portfolio. They share their personal experiences and insights on how to create work that you're proud of and passionate about. They emphasize the importance of periodically reassessing and updating your portfolio to reflect your current interests and goals. They also discuss the value of personal projects and the freedom to start over at any point in your career.
S5 · E2 · 12 Aug 2024 · 31 min
In this conversation, Matt, Shelby, and Drysen Carsten discuss the importance of building a content plan that aligns with a brand's goals and target audience. They emphasize the need for a discovery process to understand the brand, its values, and its target market. By diagnosing the brand's needs and weaknesses, they can develop a customized content plan that addresses specific problems and provides targeted solutions
S5 · E1 · 5 Aug 2024 · 44 min
In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss how to build a creative environment that people actually want to work in. They touch on topics such as employee benefits, flexible working hours, recognition and growth opportunities, and the importance of a comfortable and stable work environment. Matt shares his insights and experiences as a small business owner and emphasizes the value of creating a workplace where employees feel valued and invested.
S4 · E31 · 28 May 2024 · 1 hr 7 min
Matt and Shelby sat down with EJ Hassenfratz wo chat about the future of the motion design industry and the impact of AI. The guests discuss the potential of AI in motion design, the ethical implications, and the importance of maintaining artistic authenticity. They also touch on the role of clients and the need for artists to find personal outlets for creativity. The future of the industry is seen as more interactive and focused on storytelling, with a divide between clients who value authentic, story-driven work and those who prioritize cost and efficiency.
S4 · E30 · 20 May 2024 · 58 min
Matt and Shelby had Austin Saylor on the show to discuss how he was able to make $200k in a year as a freelancer. What were his steps and what made him successful? How can other freelancers find this kind of success as well? Hear all about it on this episode of The CMD-Z Show!
S4 · E29 · 13 May 2024 · 1 hr 5 min
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the challenges that small studios face in reaching their full potential and are joined by Joel Pilger, a creative consultant. The main themes that emerge from the conversation are the importance of taking risks and going all-in, the need for studios to differentiate themselves and find their unique value proposition, and the power of personal connections and networking.
S4 · E28 · 6 May 2024 · 50 min
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the challenges of staying focused as a creative and knowing what ideas to pursue. They explore the concept of being easily distracted and the importance of harnessing distractions in a productive way. They also discuss the need to commit to projects for a significant amount of time and the struggle of letting go of ideas that aren't working.
S4 · E27 · 29 Apr 2024 · 52 min
In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss what to do when feeling creatively stagnant. They explore the importance of taking breaks, both relaxing and adventurous, to recharge and spark new ideas. They emphasize the need to get away from the usual way of thinking and consuming new experiences. They also discuss the balance between consuming and creating, and how external factors can impact creativity.
S4 · E26 · 22 Apr 2024 · 45 min
In this conversation, Matt and Shelby discuss the concept of seizing opportunities and taking risks. They reflect on their own experiences and how they have created opportunities for themselves. They emphasize the importance of being flexible, not being afraid to try new things, and learning from each experience. They also discuss the idea that opportunities are not limited to just one big moment, but rather a series of smaller moments that can lead to significant opportunities.
S4 · E25 · 15 Apr 2024 · 54 min
The main theme of the conversation is the challenges affecting studios, particularly in relation to AI and the economy. Amanda highlights the lack of control over budgets and timelines, the uncertainty caused by AI, and the fear of job loss. Matt emphasizes the importance of building a strong creative community and adapting to change. They also discuss the role of ego and the need to embrace learning and growth.
S4 · E24 · 9 Apr 2024 · 55 min
In this episode, Matt, Shelby, and guest Shawna Poliziani discuss the importance of finding your niche audience and positioning your brand. They explore the role of emotion in the creative process and the value of human touch in art and design. They also touch on the limitations of AI in creating meaningful and emotionally evocative work. The conversation highlights the importance of collaboration, trust in one's own taste, and the need for artists to prioritize their art over social media content creation.
S4 · E23 · 1 Apr 2024 · 53 min
In this episode, Matt and Shelby discuss the best business model for creatives. They explore different models such as standard employment, freelance, and the agency model. They also dive into the details of running an agency, using a retainer model, implementing a subscription model, and exploring e-commerce. They highlight the pros and cons of each model and emphasize the importance of building relationships with clients and share their personal experiences. They also encourage creatives to constantly evolve and experiment with different models to find what works best for them.
Ever wish life had an undo button? The CMD-Z Show, hosted by Matt Vojacek and Shelby Hagerdon, seeks to provide answers to the big questions that hound creative minds at night. With a new guest each week, hear unique perspectives from creatives on running a business, maintaining your mental heal
The CMD-Z Show is a English arts & books podcast from Matt Vojacek & Shelby Hagerdon. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
