The Crazy One

AI and cheap tools have given everyone the ability to produce work that looks professional, sounds credible, and feels like the real thing. The problem? It isn't. In this episode, Stephen introduces the term Plausible Noise — the growing layer of almost-right work that's quietly eroding quality standards, collapsing accountability, and making it harder than ever to defend the value of real expertise. He breaks down how it's breaking organizations, why experts are partly to blame, and what you...

In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates shares the lessons learned from his journey of leaving corporate America to start his own agency. With over 20 years of experience across industries, Stephen dives deep into the tough decisions that led him to bet on himself. He talks about embracing the fear of failure, navigating imposter syndrome, and overcoming the challenges of creative work in a corporate culture that doesn’t always value it. Whether you’re considering going out on your ow...

The AI hype train is moving fast—and it’s already crashing into our creative industry. In this episode, Stephen finally wades into the AI conversation, not to break down tools or workflows (you’ll find that on his YouTube), but to unpack the bigger picture. What’s really at stake for creatives? How do we separate innovation from imitation? And what do we do in a world where originality is being overshadowed by copy-paste culture? Stephen draws on decades of watching tech waves come and go—des...

You’re stuck. Spinning in circles. Overthinking every move. Sound familiar? In this episode, Stephen breaks down the single most powerful piece of advice he gives to creatives, leaders, and anyone facing a moment of uncertainty: you don’t need the answer—you need a plan. When the road ahead feels overwhelming, this mindset shift can change everything. It’s not about having it all figured out. It’s about starting. This one’s for anyone who’s paralyzed by “what if” and needs a push to take the ...

Most portfolios don’t get rejected for lack of talent. They get rejected because they’re saying the wrong things — or nothing at all. In this episode, Stephen pulls back the curtain on how hiring managers actually review portfolios, what they’re looking for, and why most creatives are missing the mark. Whether you’re in the middle of a job search, feeling stuck in a bad gig, or just want your work to tell a better story, this episode is your wake-up call — and your roadmap. You’ll learn: Why ...

Let’s be honest—this industry is a mess right now. Layoffs are everywhere, leadership roles are disappearing, and even the best of the best are struggling to get a callback. In this episode, Stephen Gates tackles one of the most asked (and most urgent) questions from mentoring sessions: What’s really going on with the creative job market—and how do we survive it? No sugarcoating. No fake optimism. Just real talk on what’s broken, what’s changing, and how to move forward when the ground keeps ...

After a year-long silence, The Crazy One is back — but not the same. In this raw return, Stephen opens up about the real reasons behind the show’s hiatus, the toll of being laid off (again), and how starting his own studio forced a reckoning with his past, his voice, and the burnout hidden behind the mic. It’s not just a comeback — it’s a reset. This episode dives deep into the unfiltered truth behind the pause — not just what happened, but why it matters now more than ever. From mental healt...

After a long break, Stephen Gates is back with a powerful episode unpacking what it really takes to go out on your own—whether that means freelancing, consulting, or launching your own studio. Recorded from a new home, a new city, and a new chapter, this episode pulls back the curtain on the real decisions behind building CRZY and why fulfillment—not fear—should drive your next move. This isn’t another “12 steps to freelance freedom” checklist. It’s an honest, strategic deep dive into the fou...

As the job market shifts from a fierce competition for talent to widespread layoffs and uncertainty, the creative industry faces both unprecedented challenges and new opportunities. In this episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates breaks down what’s fueling these changes in 2022, the major industry shifts he predicts in the coming years, and how these dynamics are influencing his own career path. Tune in for a candid discussion on navigating the evolving job landscape, positioning yourself for...

In this powerful second installment of the 3-part series, Stephen Gates dives deep into strategies for elevating design’s role within your team and company. In this episode of The Crazy One, he reveals how to create demand for design by building an effective action plan and implementing three key methodologies that position your team as essential contributors to business success. If you’re ready to make design a valued asset in your organization, tune in for actionable insights and practical ...

In this insightful episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates tackles the challenging crossroads of career decisions, whether you’re aiming for a promotion or considering a job change. Both scenarios require clarity, self-reflection, and a strategic approach, and sometimes the biggest obstacle is recognizing your own blind spots. Stephen shares a straightforward process to help you assess the situation, identify critical issues, and have the honest conversations needed to find your path forward....

In this eye-opening episode of The Crazy One, Stephen Gates reveals why traditional job applications only have a 5% success rate—and why it’s time for a new approach to landing your next role. Backed by 2022 job market data, Stephen shares insights into why the current hiring process fails both candidates and companies, and outlines an innovative strategy for navigating your job search with purpose and impact. Tune in to learn Stephen’s proven playbook for bypassing the old rules, standing ou...