In a society where the arts are undervalued, “MAKE COOL SH!T” from MCS Media is a podcast that gives listeners the information and inspiration needed to embark on their creative journey. The first season of this docu-series podcast chronicles the making of the horror/comedy film “Scare Me,” starring Josh Ruben, Aya Cash, Chris Redd and Becky Drysdale. 

The first episode begins with an introduction by host Aaron Kheifets. “On this podcast, we celebrate the tension between craft and creativity by following an artist’s process. For the past eighteen months, we’ve chronicled the production of a feature film from concepts to scripting to the skill and craft you need to do it right, as well as the creativity needed to know when to break rules.”

Each episode in the season dives into a step in the filmmaking process, including the obstacles that inevitably arise along the way. It follows these creators as they write the script, pitch the film to production companies, gather together a cast and crew, secure funding, start to shoot, edit the content, and finally premiere the film at the Sundance Film Festival.  Each season will cover a new medium of art, ranging from the production of albums, visual art and more. MCS Media is open to suggestions from listeners about what art form they would like to learn about in season two.

Kheifets sees the podcast as an answer to uncertainties about the creative process. “Obviously, a question that vexes us all is ‘Where do the good ideas come from; what inspires someone to stick with it through all the bullshit that gets thrown in the way?’ So, ‘MAKE COOL SH!T’ is a look into where those ideas come from and what makes someone stick it out through all of the laughably frequent and unfair hardships of producing a piece of art.” 

“MAKE COOL SH!T” is a subset of MCS Media, a media company launched in 2019 by angel investor Mike Bulger and music producer Donny Dykowsky. Through compelling podcast episodes, MCS Media strives to understand the innate human desire to create by partnering with artists, brands and entrepreneurs.

Some of their other podcasts include “Reality Therapy,” hosted by executive directors and casting agents who share their knowledge and experiences in the reality TV industry. “Secret Mentor,” a show from the creators of MCS Media, delves into the minds of creatives in order to unpack the secrets to success. The media company will be releasing two new shows in the spring and summer of 2021.

“At ‘MAKE COOL SH!T,’ we obviously want it to be entertaining, but we also want it to be informative and inspiring to people,” said Kheifets. “One of the main things that I hope happens from this podcast is that people listen to it and feel empowered to make the things that they are passionate about. Even if everybody else has said ‘no’ to them before, they don’t have the funding, they don’t have the clout, or whatever. It’s doable, and this is an example of that.” 

You can listen to “MAKE COOL SH!T” on Spotify or Apple Podcasts, and find MCS Media on their website or Instagram for more guidance on how to unleash and kickstart your creative goals.