Hack... Yourself?
Embracing Mistakes: The Power of Blooper Reels in Content Creation
MISCELLANEOUS
Ryan Pearson, CNVP
3/9/20253 min read
🍺 I am currently enjoying:
Sierra Nevada... you don't need my tasting notes, it's a classic.
The Vision Behind Brews 'n Hacks
When I came up with the concept for my channel, Brews 'n Hacks, I knew from the start that I wanted to do more than just tutorials—I wanted to highlight the mistakes along the way. Why? Because I firmly believe that we learn the most from our missteps, and the best part is, they don’t always have to be our own.
So with every tutorial, especially in PenTesting, I include a second reel—either as part of the main video or a separate one—showcasing the paths that didn’t work. These moments, whether technical errors or unexpected roadblocks, can be just as valuable as the successes.
The Birth of the Blooper Reel
For my first big tutorial, where I set up a Hacking Lab environment, I didn’t have many failed paths to document—just a ton of outtakes from things going wrong. Silly moments, tongue twisters, and technical hiccups. Instead of letting all that footage go to waste, I compiled it into a blooper reel and uploaded it as an Unlisted video, accessible only to those with the direct link.
Then, a good friend and brother in Christ, Dennis Keefe, offered me a perspective I hadn’t considered before: these bloopers could give someone the confidence to create their own content. Mistakes aren’t just entertaining—they’re proof that perfection isn’t required to start sharing knowledge.
Now, that blooper reel is officially Public in my video library.
Facing Fear and Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
If you’ve ever thought about creating content but held back out of fear—fear of making mistakes, of looking foolish on camera—I hope my blooper reel encourages you to take the leap. Nobody is flawless on camera. Even the most polished creators have moments they wish they could redo. The difference is, they embrace those moments and learn from them.
I also found this post from my friend bdubzz incredibly encouraging: Step Out of the Shadow
Impostor Syndrome Is More Common Than You Think
Dennis also shared a fantastic breakdown of imposter syndrome in his blog: Make the Most of Your Mistake
Imposter syndrome is a psychological pattern where individuals doubt their accomplishments and have a persistent fear of being exposed as a fraud, despite evident success. People experiencing it often attribute their achievements to luck rather than skill and may feel they don’t deserve their position or recognition. It’s common in high-achievers and professionals entering new roles, including those transitioning into cybersecurity or starting a business.
want to add something personal here. I’ve had panic attacks rooted in imposter syndrome. It wasn’t until I had one in the office, around my coworkers, that I finally sought professional help. If you ever feel overwhelmed by self-doubt, please know you are not alone.
If you need someone to talk to, my contact information is below. You can also find me as Brews 'n Hacks on the SimplyCyber Discord—a welcoming community filled with people who have been in your shoes. [Join SimplyCyber here](https://discord.gg/simplycyber?).
Ready to Start Creating? Let’s Connect!
If this post encourages you to start making content—**whether it’s video, blogging, or another medium**—I’d love to connect and check out your work. Content creation isn’t about being perfect; it’s about sharing, growing, and helping others along the way.
And if you want to take your content to the next level, I highly recommend Dr. Gerald Auger’s course on Personal Branding for a Career in Cybersecurity (PBCC). As of this post (March 2025), the next enrollment opens in May 2025. I don’t get any kickbacks for this recommendation—it’s just a course that I personally found incredibly valuable, and I still revisit the recorded sessions while I still have access.
There’s even a session on post-editing, so you can learn to remove those embarrassing moments from your content!
Final Thoughts
No matter where you are on your journey, know that you are capable, and you are not alone. Mistakes are part of the process, and they should never stop you from sharing what you know.
I’m here for you, and so is #TeamSC. Kia ora, my friends!
KIA ORA!
