Brian Bowen Smith, also known as BBS, joins Paris Chong for Episode 31. In this captivating episode, Brian discusses his illustrious career as a photographer, touching upon his "Angel show", held during COVID with Stephan Sco and Brandon Boyd. He opens up about the crucial role his wife, Shea, plays in managing his life and career, a partnership that has thrived for over 35 years. Brian attributes their relationship's success to staying busy and continually striving to impress each other, emphasizing that stagnation can make life difficult.
Brian shares insights into his upbringing in Syracuse, New York, and how he transitioned into photography after an unexpected encounter with director Evan Stone in the nineties under the Brooklyn Bridge. He recounts his past acting experiences, including a role as Jennifer Aniston's boyfriend on Friends and a photographer on The Morning Show. He also reveals that in over 30 years, he's only had one truly bad experience with a celebrity, noting that most are appreciative and professional.
The conversation then shifts to Brian's book, Drivebys, created during COVID using a monochrome camera. He describes how the project began in his Agoura Hills neighborhood, starting with a photo of a neighbor's daughter in a vintage Ford F-100 truck. The unplanned rainy weather led to a "ghostly" and "eerie" shot through the truck's windows, inspiring the entire series. Brian also hints at an upcoming mixed-media collaboration with a talented young neighbor, expressing his excitement for their artistic partnership. The episode concludes with a humorous discussion about their shared hyperactive personalities and a mention of Brian's gorgeous home in Agoura Hills, complete with old trucks and various animals.
Episode Timestamps
(00:00:00) Intro
(00:00:34) Brian Bowen Smith
(00:05:15) Moved to LA
(00:09:54) ADHD
(00:13:15) Big Fan of Painting
(00:16:08) Brian's House
(00:20:12) Drivebys
(00:27:00) Moving to LA
(00:31:34) Neighbors and Parties
(00:35:37) Karma
(00:40:36) Money Doesn't Equal Happiness
(00:42:14) Being Brian Bowen Smith
(00:46:53) Working on Now
(00:53:37) See More of Brian
(00:57:08) Outro
Links to Brian Bowen Smith
- Brian Bowen Smith's Website
- Brian's Instagram
- Brian's Wikipedia
- Drivebys - the book - Link
- Brian's Leica Profile
🎵 Music by Andrew Raiher
📸 Shot & Edited at Visible Audio Studios
