Why The Only Reason You Should Be a Photographer is Obsession - Jesse Lenz: E106
· 1 h 51 min
Episode Why The Only Reason You Should Be a Photographer is Obsession - Jesse Lenz: E106
In this episode - the last guest episode of 2025 - I sit down with photographer, publisher, and curator Jesse Lenz for one of the most expansive and honest conversations I’ve had on the show - fitting to end the year with such a nice gift-wrapped present.
What begins as a discussion about photography and photobooks quickly becomes a deeper exploration of obsession, taste, community, and what it actually means to build a life of artistry that lasts. Jesse speaks candidly about art not as a career path, but as something closer to devotion; something you shape your life around rather than extract from. Here's what we talk about:
• Why art is an addiction • Discovering photobooks • Why most projects fail • Editing and sequencing of art • Making work for yourself before others • Charcoal Press and publishing work • Chico Review • Longevity over visibility
Follow Jesse and his incredible work: Website: www.jesselenz.com Instagram: @jesselenz Charcoal Book Club: www.charcoalbookclub.com Charcoal Press: www.charcoalpress.com Chico Review: www.chicoreview.com
_____________________________________________
Message me, leave a comment and join in the conversation!
Support the show
_________________________________ Thank you for listening and for being a part of this incredible community. You can listen and watch full extended and ad-free episodes in my community - The MOOD Insiders - where I also share insights, photography tips and behind-the-scenes content on my channel as well as meet with the community on book club weekly events, special guest features, bonus content, open forum access, free resources and so much more. Join The Community - extended episodes & bonus features https://www.mattjacob.co/insiders
The App That Transformed My Art & Mind https://wakingup.sjv.io/c/7738181/3958771/54965
Website: https://themoodpodcast.com
Socials: IG | X | TikTok | Threads | YouTube | @mattyj_ay
Links in the notes 11
- https://www.jesselenz.com
- https://www.instagram.com/jesselenz/
- https://charcoalbookclub.com/
- https://charcoalpress.com
- https://www.chicoreview.com/
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/2148781/fan_mail/new
- https://www.buzzsprout.com/2148781/support
- https://www.mattjacob.co/insiders
- https://wakingup.sjv.io/c/7738181/3958771/54965
- https://themoodpodcast.com
- https://www.instagram.com/mattyj_ay/
Chapters
Transcript
Shows are listed from Apple Podcasts' charts and directory, and Podcast Index where it is used. Every show and episode belongs to its publisher and plays from the publisher's own feed; this site hosts none of them. Explicit shows are for adult profiles only, and children’s profiles hear only children’s shows. More about this list.