What does it actually take to build a sustainable career in independent film? In this episode, host Christian Navarrete sits down with filmmaker and photographer Austin Schadewald, founder of Desert Focus Productions, for an unfiltered look at the creative grind—from business hustle to passion projects.

Austin breaks down his journey from shooting beach weddings in San Diego to becoming a go-to real estate media creator in Southern Utah, and how he and his wife Angie turned a simple "I have a camera, what do you need?" mindset into a thriving company.

We also dig into the art side of his work: his experience filming Chicken Coop in a house shared by cast and crew, his approach as a cinematographer collaborating with writers to sharpen their visual storytelling, and the wild story behind Conspiracy 25—a project born in a remote geodesic dome under the strict rules of the Dogma 95 movement.

The episode closes on something bigger than film: Austin's work with the Figmentation Foundation, using cinema to help kids process trauma by becoming the heroes of their own stories.

Whether you're a filmmaker, a creative entrepreneur, or just love hearing how real art gets made, this one's full of practical tips and real heart.

⚠️ Content Warning: This episode contains occasional mild language. Viewer discretion is advised.

Connect with Austin & Desert Focus:

🌐 Website: DesertFocusProductions.com

📸 Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/desert_focus_productions?igsh=MXU1aWM2amoyMDR5OQ==

Support the Figmentation Foundation: Figmentation Foundation on BetterWorld https://share.google/gtlmSgHgUPnJGs9aT

In this episode of The Neveready Podcast, Christian Navarrete sits down with Adam Mast — film enthusiast, storyteller, critic, and co-founder of the Film and Media Alliance of Southern Utah (FMASU).Adam has spent decades championing independent film and local creators, helping build a thriving creative community in Southern Utah. From launching film festivals to mentoring filmmakers, he has become a driving force behind the region’s storytelling culture.Together, they explore Adam’s journey from early filmmaking experiments under Temple Bar Productions to founding FMASU and creating events like the Desertscape International Film Festival, HorrorFest International, and the Guerrilla Film Challenge.They also dive into the realities behind the scenes — the non-profit grind, the sacrifices, and the emotional weight of building something meaningful while balancing personal life, including raising a child with special needs.This conversation highlights what it truly means to be “Neveready”: creating, building, and showing up for your community even when things are uncertain.---In this episode, they discuss:- The origins of Temple Bar Productions and Adam’s first projects- The evolution of FMASU and its mission to support filmmakers- Building Desertscape International Film Festival from the ground up- The Guerrilla Film Challenge and its impact on local creators- HorrorFest, Locals Film Festival, and community-driven storytelling- The balance between creative work and personal responsibilities- Why encouraging others is at the core of Adam’s workLinks & Resources Mentioned:Bone Man (Kevin Jones): https://zboneman.comCinemast (Adam Mast’s film work): https://cinemast.netFMASU: https://www.fmasu.com

Before he became one of the most recognized names in modern occult publishing, Matt Lawrence was mixing paint, cleaning carpets, and building cabinets. That foundation matters — and it comes through in everything he does.

In Episode 2, host Christian Navarrete sits down with his longtime friend Matt Lawrence, known throughout the occult world by his pen name E.A. Koetting — author, publisher, content creator, actor, and dedicated practitioner of the dark arts. Together they trace a life lived deliberately outside the mainstream, from working class origins to the upper echelons of esoteric publishing.

The conversation covers Matt's initiation into Haitian Vodoun as documented in The Spider and the Green Butterfly, the origins of his debut work Kingdom of Flames, and the organic evolution of Become A Living God from a single instructional guide into a fully realized philosophy, publishing house, and global community.

Matt also offers a candid look at what drives him creatively — including an extraordinary long-term project dedicated to nine of the most powerful demons in occult tradition, and a 13-book writing plan spanning Viking rune magic, elemental sorcery, angelic forces, Nephilim, dragons, and the rarely explored art of glamour magic.

Thoughtful, grounded, and genuinely illuminating — this is the kind of conversation that reminds you there are people doing serious work in spaces most would never dare to explore.

⚠️ Viewer Discretion Advised ⚠️

This episode of The Neveready Podcast features raw and unfiltered conversation, including mature topics, personal stories, and potentially sensitive subject matter. Some discussions may be intense or triggering for certain viewers.

Please watch and listen at your own discretion.

📚 Books Mentioned

• Kingdom of Flames — E.A. Koetting

• The Spider and the Green Butterfly — E.A. Koetting

• Works of Darkness: A Grimoire of Invocation and Sorcery — E.A. Koetting

• The Dark Arts — Richard Cavendish

• Elemental Sorcery — E.A. Koetting (Coming Soon)

🔗 Find E.A. Koetting on the following platforms:

🌐 Website: becomealivinggod.com

🎵 TikTok: @eakoetting

📺 Odysee: @EAKoetting