Creative Minds.

Unfiltered Stories.

Unexpected Truths.

In this series, we step out of the spotlight and into the shade - to have conversations and uncover real stories behind topics like brand-building, creative thinking, entrepreneurialism, music and entertainment, and the interesting characters who shape them.

FEATURED EPISODE

EP 005 - Brian Takumi

Oakley’s VP of Soul & Creative Brian Takumi joins Shady Characters to trace 28 years shaping the brand—from BMX roots to the iconic Square O, from wild Foothill Ranch culture to leading creative in a 200k-person matrix. He unpacks storytelling, “physics elevated to an art form,” and why AI is a tool—not the soul—of design.

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  • EP 006 - Jes Stockhausen

    EP 006 - Jes Stockhausen

    A five-year van trip turned global creative lens: Oakley’s Jes Stockhausen shares how nomadic filmmaking, a Patagonian rescue dog, and a passion for the circular economy shaped his work… from surf helmets to an Oakley visor headed to the moon.

  • EP 005 - Brian Takumi

    EP 005 - Brian Takumi

    Oakley’s VP of Soul & Creative Brian Takumi joins Shady Characters to trace 28 years shaping the brand—from BMX roots to the iconic Square O, from wild Foothill Ranch culture to leading creative in a 200k-person matrix. He unpacks storytelling, “physics elevated to an art form,” and why AI is a tool—not the soul—of design.

  • EP 004 - Chris Stacey

    EP 004 - Chris Stacey

    Filmmaker Chris Stacey joins Shady Characters to share his journey from music videos and viral hits like Teach Me How to Duffy to feature films including The Blind. From selling his guitar to pay rent to seeing his work on thousands of theater screens, Chris talks legacy, creativity, and why saying “yes” shaped his career.

  • EP 001 - Evan Burgher & Tim DeBrincat

    EP 001 - Evan Burgher & Tim DeBrincat

    Tim DeBrincat and Evan Burgher of Thatch Creative join Tom Dioro to share their evolution from a small production shop to a full-service agency. They discuss storytelling, the creation of Shady Characters, and how family life inspires their creativity while keeping a personal touch in their work.