We recently had the chance to connect with Ishmael Barri and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Ishmael, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Retro gaming brings me a lot of joy right now. I’m a very proud and avid retro gamer with a collection of systems and games from the original NES, Super NES, Nintendo GameCube, and Nintendo Wii. As an ’80s baby who grew up in the ’90s, those systems and games bring me great joy as I reminisce about my childhood and simply relax.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Ish Barri, the creative force behind Barri Media, a Houston-based photography and media brand known for its bold visuals, authentic storytelling, and unapologetically personal style. As a seasoned photographer and dynamic podcaster, I blend artistry with intention—capturing not just images, but moments that resonate.
I recently launched The Curiosity Exchange Podcast, a fresh, fearless space where real conversations unfold. It’s a platform for exploring ideas, identities, and the unexpected intersections of life and creativity. Whether behind the camera or the mic, I bring a signature mix of humor, heart, and Houston grit to everything I do.
What makes my work stand out? It’s the fearless fusion of personal and professional, the behind-the-scenes honesty, and a deep commitment to building community through content that feels real. From edgy visuals to unfiltered podcast moments, my brand is a celebration of curiosity, connection, and creative freedom.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
Growing up in southeast Louisiana and later moving to southwest Houston, Texas, I was always the fat, nerdy kid with the funny name. That meant I didn’t have many friends and wasn’t exactly popular when it came to dating. Because of that, I believed I had to stay in the shadows—convinced no one cared enough about me or what I had to say or do. But everything changed in 2014, and I’ve never looked back.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Almost? That moment came earlier this year when I gave up and canceled my original podcast, The Unrestricted Podcast. After five seasons and over 100 episodes, I decided to pull the plug for several reasons—including being sabotaged by a guest co-host who didn’t properly share the episodes she appeared on, a lack of engagement from friends and family, and stagnant growth on YouTube.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. What’s a belief you used to hold tightly but now think was naive or wrong?
I used to firmly believe that my friends and family would support me—by liking, sharing, commenting, and genuinely engaging with the content I put out. But as I mentioned before with my previous podcast, aside from the guests who were actually featured, only a very small group of my friends truly supported the show. It was incredibly eye-opening, to say the least. I was completely naïve and wrong to think that my own people would automatically show up for me.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What will you regret not doing?
The biggest thing I regret is not getting into photography sooner. I would have loved to work with so many people who are now retired from the urban modeling and bodybuilding communities. I didn’t start doing photography professionally until 2012, and I often wish I had started back in 2005. That’s why I tell people now: go out and do whatever it is you want to do in life—don’t wait.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/BarriMedia
- Twitter: https://www.x.com/barrimedia
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/g/1H2hx2TWVQ/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@TCE_Show
Image Credits
All images were captured by Ish Barri of Barri Media. Featured clients include Roxy Perez, Ana Santos, Jesslyn Norman-Robinson, Helen “Mz Blue” Hadnot, and Olga Blanco.
