Podcast
The Futur with Chris Do
Hosted by The Futur · EN
The Futur Podcast is a show that explores the interesting overlap between design, marketing, and business. Our host (and CEO of The Futur), Chris Do, hold candid conversations with inspirational people from the worlds of design, technology, marketing, business, philosophy and personal development. These conversations go deep. With the aim of understanding who these incredible people are, what drives them to do what they do, and what can we--the listener--learn from it all. Visit thefutur.com/podcast for show notes and additional information from each episode.
157episodes
Episodes
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Music Is The Soundtrack of Our Lives w/ Oscar Höglund CEO of Epidemic Sound | Ep 362
Jul 10, 202500:44:24Summary readyWe want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/6j5GLzwK6GQF7Hzx7In this episode, Chris sits down with Oscar Höglund—Co-Founder and CEO of Epidemic Sound—for an inside look at the mindset, strategy, and resilience it takes to build a billion-dollar business at the intersection of music, media, and tech.From cold-starting a music licensing company in Sweden to scaling a global brand used by YouTubers and filmmakers around the world, Oscar shares the real story behind Epidemic’s rise—including the decisions that nearly broke the business, the bets that paid off, and why creativity and data don’t have to be enemies.If you're a creator, founder, or anyone trying to do big things without burning out, this episode is packed with honest insights on scaling with soul, leading through uncertainty, and staying rooted in purpose while navigating growth.Timestamps:(00:04) – The Origins of Epidemic Sound(06:42) – Startup Struggles and the First Big Pivot(12:15) – Licensing, Creators, and the Market Gap(19:08) – Building Culture and Protecting Simplicity(25:36) – Creativity vs. Data: Finding the Right Balance(33:14) – Leadership Lessons in Hypergrowth(40:10) – Advice for Founders: Curiosity, Courage & Staying HumanCheck out today's guest, Oscar Höglund: Oscar's Website: https://corporate.epidemicsound.com/Oscar's LinkedIn: https://se.linkedin.com/in/oscarh%C3%B6glundCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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Is Entrepreneurship Still Worth It in 2025? w/ Jodie Cook | Ep 361
Jul 5, 202500:38:30Summary readyWe want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://forms.gle/6j5GLzwK6GQF7Hzx7In this episode, I sit down again with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, author, and strategist—for a raw, honest unpacking of privilege, entrepreneurship, and power in the AI age.From debating the “fairness” of the system to calling out the real enemy of progress, we dissect the narratives holding creators and founders back—and how to reclaim your agency when the rules feel rigged.Jodie shares how she navigates advantage without apology, the danger of playing small to fit in, and why waiting for fairness is a losing game.Timestamps:(00:02) – Naming the Real Enemy(06:01) – AI, Creativity, and the Fairness Dilemma(09:47) – Inequality, Entrepreneurship, and the Game We’re Playing(18:20) – What If We Governed Differently?(26:05) – Privilege, Responsibility, and the Power You Hold(28:14) – Untangling Privilege and Personal Agency(34:26) – The Merit Trap: When Recognition Feels Like TokenismCheck out today's guest, Jodie Cook: Jodie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/Jodie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_CookCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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The #1 Reason You Blow Up in Hard Conversations - With Simon Goode | Ep 360
Jul 3, 202501:22:24Summary readyWe want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb6AltIruAF2Ut0I3b-6XmdAeO0TNNJP_SlRGOo11syj4Uhw/formResponseIn this episode, Chris sits down with conflict resolution specialist and psychologist Simon Goode for a masterclass on how to stay calm under pressure, handle conflict with confidence, and navigate tough conversations without losing your cool—or your values.From prehistoric hardwiring to modern workplace stress, Simon breaks down why our brains react the way they do in high-stakes situations—and what we can actually do about it. Whether you're dealing with difficult clients, performance reviews, or your own internal panic loop, Simon offers clear, actionable tools for keeping your composure and showing up as your best self.Timestamps:(01:09) – Navigating Personal and Professional Change(03:30) – From Overthinking to Emotional Regulation(36:23) – The Power of Detachment and Identity(42:26) – De-escalation and the Art of Empathy(46:00) – Practical Tools for Conflict and Calm(01:05:10) – Building Emotional Intelligence Through Conflict(01:17:45) – Final Thoughts: Responding vs. ReactingCheck out today's guest, Simon Goode: Simon's Website: https://www.simongoode.com/Check out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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Quit Client Work and Work Less for More Money - With Rich Webster | Ep 359
Jun 28, 202501:07:24Summary readyWe want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb6AltIruAF2Ut0I3b-6XmdAeO0TNNJP_SlRGOo11syj4Uhw/formResponseIn this episode, Chris sits down with Rich Webster—designer, agency owner, and creator of How To Work Less—for a candid and hilarious conversation on carving your own path in business without becoming a parody of success. From viral tweets to quiet routines, Rich shares how he went from burned-out agency owner to calm creator—and how writing helped him escape the trap of performative entrepreneurship.They dive into building an audience without selling your soul, why going quiet is sometimes the most strategic move, and how to tell stories that actually connect—without turning your life into content.Timestamps:(01:09) – Navigating Personal and Professional Change (03:30) – Evolving from Agency to Lifestyle Business (33:58) – Choosing Sobriety and What Came After (36:23) – Hitting Reset: The Turning Point Toward Recovery (59:04) – Vulnerability as a Strength in BusinessCheck out today's guest, Rich Webster: Rich's Website: richwebster.coRich's Newsletter: worklesswednesday.comRich's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/richwebz/Rich's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@richwebz/Rich's Threads: https://threads.net/richwebzCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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Stop Calling Yourself a Thought Leader (Do THIS First) - With Brian Miller | Ep 358
Jun 26, 202501:14:02Summary readyWe want to hear from you.If you’ve been enjoying the show, we’d love your input. It only takes a minute to answer our listener survey, and your feedback really helps us improve the podcast: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeb6AltIruAF2Ut0I3b-6XmdAeO0TNNJP_SlRGOo11syj4Uhw/formResponseIn this episode, Chris sits down with Brian Miller—former professional magician turned speaker, TEDx coach, and founder of a message design firm for experts—for a rigorous and thought-provoking conversation about real thought leadership. No fluff, no vague buzzwords—just a clear framework for how to lead with ideas that matter.They dive into how to turn expertise into impact, the difference between being visible and being valuable, and why the best communicators don’t just speak—they persuade, challenge, and invite others to think differently.Timestamps:(00:06) – Becoming a Thought Leader Through Storytelling(04:09) – Understanding Thought Leadership: Assertions, Judgments, and Predictions(08:54) – The Role of Assertiveness in Leadership(15:53) – The Art of Making Predictions(24:00) – The Challenge of Flawed Characters in Storytelling(27:43) – The Art of Messaging in Communication(37:25) – The Art of Persuasion: Building a Compelling Argument(38:49) – Understanding Paradigm Shifts(46:04) – The Art of Misdirection in Storytelling(52:58) – The Secrets Behind the Magic Trick(01:00:01) – The Role of Luck and Preparation in Success(01:07:39) – Navigating Low Trust in a Noisy WorldCheck out today's guest, Brian Miller: Brian's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@brianmillerspeaksBrian's Website: https://www.brianmillerspeaks.com/Check out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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How the Right Clients Find YOU (It's not what you think) - With Jodie Cook | Episode 357
Jun 21, 202500:43:59Summary readyWe want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9AIn this episode, Chris sits down once again with Jodie Cook—entrepreneur, writer, and powerlifter—for a raw and insightful conversation about what it really means to show up as yourself. From hiding her strength to owning it, Jodie shares her journey of stepping into visibility, embracing discomfort, and building a brand rooted in integrity—not imitation.They unpack the cultural pressures that shape how we present ourselves, how to know when you're truly being you, and why "enough" might actually be the goal.Timestamps:(00:06) – Hiding vs. Revealing: Is it safe to be fully you?(04:39) – Voting with your dollar: brands, beliefs, and alignment(08:45) – When should you speak up? The cost of silence(13:55) – The Starbucks test: values vs. convenience(17:15) – The Mexican Fisherman story: redefining ambition(21:04) – Finding your place (and your people)(24:00) – From shame to ownership: Jodie’s journey with strength(27:02) – When you finally feel like you(31:00) – The moment that changed everything on LinkedIn(36:03) – The deeper lesson: more of you = more resonance(39:44) – Showing your weird (and leading by example)(42:00) – Rejection therapy and rewiring your brain to show up(43:06) – Why we need more of these conversationsCheck out today's guest, Jodie Cook:Jodie's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodie-cook/Jodie's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@Jodie_CookCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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Personal Branding: Why Perception Matters - With Chris Do | Ep 356
Jun 19, 202500:04:56Summary readyWe want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9AIn this episode, I dive into the concept of personal brand misalignment—when people perceive you differently than you see yourself. But what if that perception is actually working in your favor? I share how small, intentional changes in style and presentation can shape the way people see you, often before you even announce your next move. From my own journey into fashion to a friend’s transformation with just a new shirt and pockets, we explore how signaling change can create opportunities. If you’re looking to refine your personal brand and be seen the way you want, this episode will show you how.Timestamps:(00:09) - Personal Branding and Style(01:06) - Understanding Personal Branding(02:02) - The Launch of a New Fashion Line(03:04) - Embracing Change in Fashion(03:40) - The Transformation of Style(04:27) - Transformation and PerceptionCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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Fear & Clients Almost Killed His Billion-Dollar Designs - With Robert Brunner | Ep 355
Jun 14, 202500:49:11Summary readyWe want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer or any of the other options, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/Enzzpq5FCVQKbHV9AIn this episode, I sit down with Robert Brunner — the design mind behind Beats by Dre, former Apple design director, and founder of Ammunition — to unpack what it really takes to build enduring, emotional, and market-shifting products. We explore the tension between risk and restraint, the power of story in industrial design, and what separates mediocre products from cultural icons.Robert shares hard-won wisdom from 40+ years in the field, working with legends like Jimmy Iovine, Paula Scher, and the teams behind Apple and Beats — and how he now helps startups design with both craft and business outcomes in mind.Timestamps:(00:00) – The Fascination of Objects and Their Stories(05:49) – Navigating Client Relationships in Design(11:26) – The Evolution of Design Partnerships(23:20) – The Rise of Beats by Dre: Origins and Inspirations(30:17) – The Evolution of Design and Craftsmanship(41:37) – The Challenge of Perfection in Design(45:30) – Design Perspectives and Personal FavoritesCheck out today's guest, Robert Brunner:Robert's Website: https://www.ammunitiongroup.com/Robert's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertbrunnerCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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How Long Should It Take to Close a Client? - With Chris Do | Ep 354
Jun 12, 202500:07:25Summary readyWe want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/TTdgZ9R6HykpPaEh6 Closing a client isn’t about luck—it’s about process. In this episode, I break down why sales cycles vary depending on project size, client needs, and how well you handle the budget conversation. Many creatives avoid discussing money upfront, leading to wasted time and ghosting. I share why transparency is key, how to gauge client readiness, and a simple framework to talk about pricing without discomfort. Plus, I give real-world examples, from my own experience to the way high-value projects are evaluated. Whether you're closing five-figure deals or negotiating seven-figure contracts, this episode will help you take control of the sales process.Timestamps:(00:00) - Understanding Client Closing Timelines(01:50) - Understanding Client Engagement and Money Conversations(02:23) - The Dilemma of Decision-Making in Financial Situations(05:18) - Discussing Budget Upfront(06:16) - Understanding Body Language in CommunicationCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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The LinkedIn Strategy You’re Missing w/ Matt Lakajev | Ep 353
Jun 7, 202500:59:11Summary readyWe want to hear from you. If you're open to a quick chat with our producer, it only takes a few seconds to sign up: https://forms.gle/TTdgZ9R6HykpPaEh6In this episode, I sit down with Matt Lakajev — sales strategist, lead gen expert, and creator of Seven Figure Creators—to dismantle the myths about content, branding, and cold outreach. Matt reveals why most creators are stuck posting into the void, and how a tiny, targeted LinkedIn presence can outperform big audiences.We break down the real math of monetizing a service business online—and how to turn every post, profile visit, and DM into an effortless sales system that scales.Timestamps:(00:05) - The Power of a Small Following on LinkedIn (03:02) - Transitioning from Cold Outreach to Warm Leads (16:16) - Setting Up an Effective Email Outreach Strategy (20:02) - Effective Communication in Sales (26:54) - Effective Call Structuring for Sales (35:23) - Lead Generation as a Business Priority (37:27) - Generating Leads: Strategies for Small Businesses (45:35) - Sales Process and Event Strategy (49:55) - Pricing Strategies for Success (55:54) - Sales Strategies and Early Challenges in BusinessCheck out today's guest, Matt Lakajev:Matt's LinkedIn: https://au.linkedin.com/in/mattlakajevMatt's YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@matthewlakajevCheck out The Futur:Website: https://www.thefutur.com/Courses: https://www.thefutur.com/shopLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-futur/Podcasts: https://thefutur.com/podcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefuturishere/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theFuturisHere/Twitter: https://x.com/thefuturishereTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thefuturishereYoutube:https://www.youtube.com/thefuturishereCheck out Chris Do:Website: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoLinkedIn:https://www.linkedin.com/in/thechrisdo/Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/BizOfDesignInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/thechrisdo/Twitter:https://x.com/thechrisdoTikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@thechrisdoThreads:https://www.threads.net/@thechrisdoZaap: https://zaap.bio/thechrisdoClubhouse:https://www.clubhouse.com/@thechrisdoBehance: https://www.behance.net/chrisdo
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