In Episode 29 of DissedMedia A Startup Story, filmmaker and entrepreneur Jake Isham opens up about the journey from acting to directing, and how storytelling became the heart of his business and creative life.
Jake opens up about the challenges of building a career in film, learning by doing, and staying consistent even when progress feels slow. He explains how storytelling allows brands and creators to build genuine connections with their audiences, and why persistence is the most valuable skill any creative can develop.
This conversation is part storytelling masterclass, part mindset session for anyone pursuing their creative vision.
About Jake Isham
Jake Isham is a filmmaker and content creator known for helping brands and individuals express their stories through visual media. After starting his career in acting, Jake transitioned behind the camera, learning filmmaking through hands-on experience and relentless experimentation.
He works with small, dedicated teams to create stories that emphasize emotion, purpose, and authenticity. His approach is rooted in collaboration and an unshakable belief that storytelling is the key to connection.
Episode Summary
In this episode, Jake talks with host Ben Olmos about how stories shape both business and identity. He describes how his creative path began in acting and evolved into filmmaking, where he found greater freedom to tell stories that reflect truth and emotion.
Jake explains that storytelling for brands is less about promotion and more about connection, finding the human element in a message and communicating it visually. He discusses how working with limited resources taught him adaptability, creativity, and the value of small, trusted teams.
Throughout the conversation, Jake emphasizes the power of consistency: creating every day, staying patient through slow progress, and building momentum over time.
“If you stop, you lose,” he says. “But if you keep telling your story, you’ll find the people who need to hear it.”
He also encourages creators to document their journey, not just showcase finished projects. By sharing the process, he says, you allow people to grow with you, which builds long-term trust and relatability.
“You don’t have to be perfect. You just have to keep moving.”
Key Insights
1. Storytelling Is Connection
Storytelling is how people relate to brands, ideas, and each other. Jake explains that emotional truth is what makes stories memorable.
2. Consistency Beats Perfection
Jake believes that waiting for perfection delays progress. Consistent effort, no matter how small, builds skill, trust, and opportunities.
3. Small Teams, Big Impact
Jake’s experience working with his wife and brother shows that creativity thrives on trust, not scale. A tight-knit team can produce powerful work when everyone believes in the story.
4. Document, Don’t Wait
Creators should document their process instead of waiting until success arrives. Sharing your progress helps audiences invest in your growth.
5. Gratitude Fuels Persistence
Jake talks about staying grounded through gratitude, appreciating the work, the people, and the process itself.
Notable Quotes
“The only way you lose is if you stop.”
“Authenticity connects faster than perfection.”
“Your story doesn’t start when you make it, it’s happening right now.”
“You don’t need a massive team to tell a great story. You just need focus and heart.”
Why It Matters
This episode of DissedMedia A Startup Story reminds listeners that storytelling isn’t just for filmmakers, it’s a framework for building trust and momentum in any business.
Jake Isham’s journey shows that visual brand storytelling is less about cinematic production and more about emotional truth. Brands and creators who share real experiences can build communities that last far beyond a campaign or launch.
