Episode 11: Harmony in Artistry: Exploring the Intersection of Hat-Making, Film Production, and Soulful Expression with Sam Vasquez
Episode Summary:
Step into the vibrant world of Episode 11 where passion and artistry intertwine. We spotlight Sam Vasquez, not just the brilliant hat maker behind Sambrero Hat Design, but also a dynamic video and music producer. Every beat of his story resonates with creativity, and every design speaks of a culture rich in heritage. Jennifer and Gordon uncover the heart-centered approach Sam brings to all facets of life. An episode where craftsmanship meets spirit, and where tales both tangible and spiritual come alive. Dive in to discover the symphony of Sam’s world and be inspired. Subscribe now and let the magic begin!
Show Notes:
I1. Introduction to Sam Vasquez
[00:00:00 - 00:02:46]
Jennifer introduces Sam Vasquez as a multi-faceted artist.
Sam speaks about his identity as an artist and how he's embraced this role.
2. The Origin of Sam's Hat Making Passion
[00:02:58 - 00:04:58]
Sam traces his hat-making journey back to Burning Man 2018.
He discusses how he was inspired by the hats he saw and decided to learn the craft.
Mentions putting the hat making on hold to focus on videography but returned to it in 2022.
3. Sam's Journey in Filmmaking
[00:04:58 - 00:09:00]
Sam shares his accidental entry into filmmaking.
Discusses the experience of working on a zero-budget film titled "Sweetbread."
The film's success, including selling out a premiere and winning the People's Choice Award at a the Latino Film Festival.
4. The Essence of Sam's Creativity
[00:09:26 - 00:10:40]
Jennifer praises Sam's magical touch in everything he does.
Sam talks about the challenge of putting oneself out there as an artist and how he's come to accept feedback and critique.
5. The Creative Process & Inspiration
[00:10:51 - 00:13:33]
Sam compares the creative processes of filmmaking, music, and hat making.
He emphasizes the importance of emptying oneself to be a vessel for creativity.
Mentions various ways he enters this state, including meditation and plant medicines.
6. Drawing Inspiration from Surroundings
[00:13:33]
Sam derives inspiration from his surroundings and interactions.
He mentions the significance of personal connections and understanding clients for custom projects.
Segment 7: Unique Hat-making Techniques
[00:15:28 - 00:17:20]
Sam Vasquez discusses the unique process of steaming his hats. He uses Palo Santo to clear the energy of the hats.
He mentions the use of a bee smoker, gifted by his beekeeper brother, to smoke the hats while they're in a tamale pot.
The steaming process opens the fibers of the felt, which allows the Palo Santo to enter the fibers and clear their energy. He then blocks and shapes the hat.
Segment 8: Incorporating Unconventional Elements
[00:17:34 - 00:19:00]
Sam talks about using unique elements in his hat-making process, such as molding the top of the hat into a skull shape or using Lotteria cards.
He emphasizes the importance of inspiration from his surroundings, upbringing, and even from other hatters.
Sam highlights how he once used a vase and an old iron to make hats due to lack of tools.
Segment 9: The Art of Hat-making
[00:19:00 - 00:20:18]
A brief discussion on the name for someone who makes hats – Hatter or Hatmaker.
They mention the term "Mad Hatter" and joke about hatters being mad.
Segment 10: Branding and Positive Affirmations
[00:20:18 - 00:21:23]
Sam describes the branding on the inside rim of the hat, which reads "manifestando prosperidad y abundancia" meaning "manifesting prosperity and abundance".
Jennifer appreciates the concept of having daily positive affirmations that one can look up and see.
Segment 11: Influence of Plant Medicine
[00:21:23 - 00:22:50]
Sam explains the influence of plant medicine on his creative process.
He discusses how plant medicine helps him empty his vessel and embark on a journey of creation. Even when not directly using it, the plant medicine has shown him ways to tap into his creativity.
Segment 12: Hat Production Time and Use of Cannabis
[00:22:50 - 00:25:00]
Gordon queries the average time it takes to produce a hat and the role of plant medicine in the process.
Sam describes the variable time frames based on the customization and detailing of the hat, generally ranging from three to four weeks.
The conversation shifts to cannabis, and Sam mentions his preference for sativa strains for stimulating creativity.
They discuss the utility of Weedmaps, an app for finding strains and dispensaries, and the benefits of reading product reviews.
Segment 13: Creativity and Personal Well-being
[00:25:46 - 00:27:49]
Sam emphasizes the importance of creativity in enhancing personal well-being, focus, joy, love, and peace.
He shares his joy of being in the present moment, describing it as "the forever now."
Gordon appreciates the beauty of the end products resulting from Sam's creative flow.
Sam expresses gratitude for being able to pursue art as a profession, deeming it a positive effect of his creative endeavors.
Segment 14: Music Meets Hat-making [00:28:39]
Sam Vasquez describes how music influences his hat designs, likening a hat's components to musical instruments and rhythms.
Sam narrates his creative journey from music to film to hat-making.
Segment 15: Social Media Mastery [00:30:24]
Discussion on how Sam combines his varied skills for his Instagram account 'Sambrero'.
Sam shares the Instagram handle - Sambrero underscore hat design.
Sam mentions his surprising success on Instagram, noting particularly high view counts on his reels.
Segment 16: Overcoming Creative Blocks [00:32:00]
Sam opens up about challenges faced in his creative journey, particularly battling self-doubt.
Reveals his past as a truck driver with a Commercial Driver's License and the stifling effect of a 9-to-5 job on his creativity.
Segment 17: Advice for Aspiring Creatives [00:34:02]
Jennifer asks for Sam's advice to those feeling stuck or scared to pursue their passion.
Sam emphasizes the importance of taking the "first step."
Segment 18: Vision for the Future of Hat-making [00:35:02]
Sam reveals his plans for "The Sambrero Experience" – a unique, personalized hat-making session.
Discusses the possibility of going mobile to travel and make hats on-the-go.
Segment 19: Collaborative Hat-making [00:37:28]
Sam shares an innovative idea for a "traveling hat" – a hat that multiple hatters collaborate on.
Segment 20: The Intersection of AI and Creativity
Sam speaks about his exploration of artificial intelligence in hat design, coining the term "re/generation” station.
Sam discusses the potential of AI to elevate the creative process.
Segment 21: Hat Details and Fun Banter [00:40:57]
Sam shows and describes one of his hat designs.
Lighthearted banter about the term "gro grain ribbon" sounding like a strain of sativa.
Segment 22: Sam's Branding and Logo Design
[00:41:22 - 00:43:03]
Jennifer asks about Sam's hat logo and its design.
Sam shares the story behind his brand's logo and its evolution, including a logo gift from Mr. Good Inc.
The significance of the Arizona state in the background of the logo.
Segment 23: Personal Branding and Reputation
[00:43:03 - 00:44:50]
Jennifer inquires about what Sam wishes for people to feel or remember about him based on his brand.
Sam speaks on the love and passion he infuses in his designs and creations, emphasizing the deep connection to his art.
Segment 24: Talking Cannabis and Terminology
[00:44:56 - 00:46:23]
Gordon steers the conversation towards cannabis, touching on strains and naming conventions.
Sam and Gordon discuss various terms used to describe cannabis over the years, such as "muggles," "herb," and "weed."
Segment 25: Impact of Psychedelics on Consciousness
[00:46:23 - 00:49:39]
Jennifer broaches the topic of realizations under the influence of cannabis and psychedelics.
Sam identifies as a "psychonaut" and delves into his profound experiences with psilocybin, focusing on the interconnectedness of all things.
Jennifer remarks on the potential societal implications of widespread psychedelic use.
Segment 26: Health, Body, and Soul
[00:49:39 - 00:52:24]
Gordon transitions to discussing health routines.
Sam highlights the importance of working out and practicing walking meditations.
Jennifer prompts Sam to describe the interconnectedness of body, mind, and soul. Sam encapsulates it in the term "alignment."
Segment 27: Defining a Perfect Day
[00:52:24 - 00:55:13]
Gordon and Jennifer ask Sam about his ideal day from start to finish.
Sam details a day filled with love, time spent with his daughters and partner, and involvement in his creative processes.
Segment 28: Sam’s Online Presence, Appreciation, and New Ventures
Timestamp: [00:56:39 - 00:59:15]
Jennifer Miles praises Sam Vasquez for the energy and love he brings, highlighting their admiration and the genuine connection they've built.
Sam reveals that he's mainly active on Instagram for his business, with a website currently in development.
Sam surprises Jennifer and Gordon with tokens of appreciation, unveiling gifts including a unique hat and introduces "Holy Smokes," the Palo Santo he uses for his hat creations.
Segment 29: Haunting Stories and Closing Remarks
Timestamp: [00:59:16 - 01:01:12]
A playful discussion arises about Plant.Body.Soul. being haunted, with both parties jesting that the spirits are benevolent.
Sam expresses interest in hearing more ghostly tales in future episodes.
Jennifer wraps up the episode, urging listeners to subscribe to their platform, and extends an invitation to Arizona-based listeners for an event.
Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, and sign up for our email list for updates and events.
