This one feels like a late-December exhale. Cozy, funny, a little tender, and unexpectedly grounding.

Ilse sits down with filmmaker, editor, and all-around creative Swiss Army knife Jacob Cagle for a holiday episode that drifts from Santa Claus lore to sibling dynamics to the quiet weight of showing up for your life and your work. Jacob opens up about belief, doubt, gratitude, and what it means to keep creating even when you’re tired, unsure, or very aware of time passing. They talk Christmas memories, favorite gifts, soft boy energy, therapy, community, and the strange beauty of getting into things even when you didn’t choose them.

If you’re wrapping up the year feeling reflective, grateful, slightly emotional, or just in need of a warm creative hang, this episode feels like sitting on the couch with someone who gets it.

Follow Jacob on Instagram @jcsquaredproductions or at jacobcaglefilm.com and check out The True History of Chicagowherever very funny Chicago internet lives.

Mentioned in this episode:

Thank you to our sponsor, Mezcla Media Collective. Please follow them on Instagram @mezclamediacollective and join the community at mezclamediacollective.org