Making Video Editing Simple (and Human) with Chris Stone

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by what to do with your video content after hitting “end broadcast,” or cringed at the idea of editing—this one’s for you.

In this episode of Midlife Unmuted™, I sat down with Chris Stone, founder of Cast Ahead, who’s quietly become a lifesaver for business owners and creators who want their long-form videos to work harder for them—without the burnout or endless learning curves.

Chris brings a refreshing “keep it human” approach to video editing, content repurposing, and showing up online (even if you “hate tech” or don’t want to overthink every pixel). After decades in the music industry—and a bold leap into podcasting—he’s committed to helping creators over 40 share their message with ease, honesty, and consistency.

👋 Who is Chris Stone?

Chris is the founder of Cast Ahead, a podcast agency that helps motivated entrepreneurs and creators share their voices—without getting lost in a sea of tools or losing their weekends to over-editing. After a 20-year run at Sony (and a stint in rock bands—yes, really), Chris made the leap to helping others edit smarter, not harder. Now, he’s the go-to guide for service-driven folks who are ready to amplify their message, pick their own clients, and stay true to their values.

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🎙️ Inside this conversation

Chris’s “late bloomer” reinvention story—from music exec to podcast producer, and why choosing who you work with really matters in midlife
The real secret to video editing that nobody tells you (hint: your audience cares more about your message than your mistakes)
What happens when you keep editing out all the “ums” and imperfections—and why the polished version might actually break trust
Simple, starter-friendly tips for non-techies (and why your first videos probably “won’t be good”—and why that’s okay)
Chris’s favorite accessible tools (including Descript), and how to use live streaming as a foundation for all your repurposed content
Why comparison is killing your creativity—and the practical trick for reminding yourself how far others have come

If you’ve been waiting for content to feel lighter, less fussy, and more aligned with this season of life—this episode is your permission slip to make it simple and sustainable.

Chris’s challenge for you 🎯

Record one live or unedited video this week—no over-editing allowed. Don’t worry about the “ums,” the lighting, or sounding like a pro. Just practice pressing record, and let it be real.

📋 Want hands-on support? Discover how Chris helps creators repurpose and polish their shows over at castahead.net—he’s the real deal (and you just might find a familiar face in his client list).

✨ Key Takeaway

Editing is about clarity, not perfection. The most effective and sustainable presence comes from showing up as yourself—mistakes, quirks, and all.

And your best clients? They’re waiting to hear the real you—not the overly polished highlight reel.

Cheering you on as you make your mark (messy hair and all), Tanya

P.S. What’s one perfectly imperfect thing you’ll share or record this week? Hit reply and tell me—I’d love to celebrate your “unedited” wins.

Midlife Unmuted™ is the limited series on Stream Like a Boss® TV for service-driven creators 40+ who want to stay visible, purposeful, and true to themselves—without the grind or chasing trends. Each conversation brings you candid stories, practical tools, and real encouragement for building a business on your own terms.