How does a kid from Oakland with a MiniDV camera end up directing for Rihanna, JLo, and Usher? Taj Stansberry’s story is anything but typical. In this intimate, raw, and inspiring interview, Taj breaks down how his earliest videos filmed with no budget, no crew, and sometimes no clue, became stepping stones to iconic pop visuals that shaped a generation. From selling his car to pay for shoots, to crashing the gates of the industry without a film school degree, this is the unfiltered truth about hustle, heartbreak, and the relentless belief in your own vision.   00:00 Intro02:25 The Creative Process Behind Dead Protocol03:34 The Evolution of Sneaker Culture05:14 The Journey of a Creative Visionary12:52 Early Music Video Projects and Lessons Learned35:27 Bay Culture Influence on Jerking Movement36:40 Telling Emotional Stories in Music Videos37:22 Early Career Struggles and Networking40:28 First Music Video Projects and Challenges41:12 Mentorship and Learning from Anthony Mandler49:14 Breakthrough with Rihanna's Music Video57:15 Signing with Box Fresh Pictures01:10:57 Reflecting on the Iconic Video01:14:53 Rihanna's Support and Maturity01:15:46 Facing Nerves and Overcoming Challenges01:25:19 The Big Reveal from his Brother01:30:51 J-Lo's Perfectionism and Professionalism01:44:53 Executing the Vision01:45:48 Auditions and MTV Coverage01:47:20 Impact and Residuals for directors01:47:36 Directors' Rights and Compensation01:54:40 Reflecting on Success and Gratitude01:56:59 AI in Music Videos02:07:26 Sneaker Collaboration02:14:15 Final Thoughts and Farewell   Follow Taj Follow ⁠⁠Arrad (podcast host)⁠⁠    LISTEN / SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: ⁠⁠SPOTIFY⁠⁠ ⁠⁠APPLE MUSIC⁠⁠ ⁠⁠YOUTUBE⁠⁠   CONNECT WITH US: ✩ ⁠⁠Ourselves (production team)⁠⁠:  ✩ ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ ✩ ⁠⁠Facebook