In this inspiring episode of Keep Hustling, host Aaron Gordon sits down with Dave Levinger, a rising videographer whose story is a testament to embracing creativity and relentless self-belief. Dave shares how, as recently as 2022, he began his journey with little experience, filming his brother's magic tricks for $20 before teaching himself the ins and outs of the craft using only a basic camera and his phone. Through tenacity, networking, and a willingness to learn from scratch, Dave now finds himself shooting high-profile events at venues like Madison Square Garden and NFL games, all within a few short years. Dave candidly discusses the realities of building a creative business, overcoming imposter syndrome, and carving out a non-traditional career path in the age of social media. He also talks about the importance of being both "invisible" and hyper-focused as a professional videographer, navigating client expectations, and his ambitions to grow a media agency. The episode is packed with practical lessons on turning passion into a thriving business and redefining what it means to hustle in today's world.

Get To Know Dave Levinger

Dave Levinger is a New York City–based freelance content creator and sports videographer with a sharp eye for capturing the action and emotion of live events. Known by his handle @dave_levinger, he’s amassed over 9 k followers on Instagram and nearly 6 k on TikTok, where his dynamic edits and behind-the-scenes sports footage have garnered hundreds of thousands of likes

Dave thrives in high-pressure environments—whether courtside at a basketball game, in the dugout at a baseball park, or on the sidelines of high-stakes matches—alwaysobsessed with getting the right shot rather than simply enjoying the moment. His work spans a variety of sports, plus event and concert videography, evident from his energetic feeds on Instagram and YouTube

A consistent theme across his platforms is authenticity: Dave started as a fan and grew into a pro videographer, showcasing a full-circle journey that inspires fellow creators He also collaborates with brands like @stadiumcustomkicks, weaving personal passion into polished commercial content

Instagram TikTok Youtube 3 Episode Key Takeaways 1. Start Before You're Ready: Dave Levinger's story powerfully illustrates that you don't need to be an expert or have the perfect equipment to begin pursuing your passion. With no camera skills at the start of 2022 and nothing but a broken device and a phone editing app, Dave took imperfect action. His journey underscores the importance of starting with what you have, embracing the unknown, and learning by doing—real growth often begins outside your comfort zone.

2. Turn Creativity Into Career: The episode highlights how a creative mindset, even if unconventional, can become the foundation for a fulfilling and successful career. Dave's transition from a non-traditional student and part-time magician's helper to a professional videographer working at iconic venues reinforces that following your interests—and not society's narrow definitions of success—can lead to unique opportunities and meaningful work.

3. Make Your Own Opportunities: Instead of waiting for doors to open, Dave demonstrates the power of persistence and self-advocacy. From hustling for media credentials at Madison Square Garden to pitching his skills with confidence, he shows how reaching out, building small connections, and offering value can break through barriers. Taking initiative and not accepting "no" as the final answer is a crucial lesson for anyone aspiring to create their own path.

Show Overview: 00:00 Post-High School Career Shift

05:22 Breaking Free from Realistic Life

08:38 Clunky Camera Vlogging Journey

10:13 Reflection on Growth and Hustle

14:12 Creative Breakthrough in Filmmaking

17:38 Unexpected Presence Grabs Attention

21:24 Behind the Scenes of Video Creation

24:06 "Skilled Creators Simplify Editing"

28:03 "Filming Shy Rebo: Behind the Scenes"

30:13 Networking for Opportunity at MSG

32:49 Persistent Efforts for Assistance

38:12 "MSG Experience: Awe and Focus"

39:45 Embracing Talent Over Training