On September 19, we launched the first-ever Seek Discomfort Video Contest with a simple brief: film the adventure. Submissions came in from around the world, capturing real moments of exploration, challenge, friendship, and personal growth. After a detailed review, we selected a group of finalists whose films reflected what it means to put yourself out of your comfort zone.
Today, we’re excited to announce the winners of the 2025 Seek Discomfort Video Contest.
1ST PLACE WINNER - JOSHUA ESPEJEL PACHECO
Based in Calgary, Alberta, Joshua’s journey behind the lens began early, inspired by years of watching Yes Theory and dreaming of living a life fueled by creativity and courage. After rediscovering his love for storytelling, he spent the past two years chasing discomfort across Central and South America, summiting mountains and volcanoes he never imagined he’d witness firsthand.
Earlier this year, Joshua left his full-time sales job to pursue photography and filmmaking with everything he has. Since then, the adventures have only grown, carried forward by new friendships, bold leaps, and a blue Seek Discomfort hoodie he swears gives him superpowers. Passionate, hungry, and determined, Joshua is on a mission to capture the magic that happens when you follow what lights you up.
@joshh.pacheco | Website
2ND PLACE WINNER - WILLEM HEDRICK
A Digital Media student with a growing professional toolkit, Willem has spent years honing his craft across Adobe Premiere Pro, Lightroom, Photoshop, and Audition, pairing technical skill with a deep passion for meaningful storytelling. After seven years of watching Yes Theory, he’s carried the Seek Discomfort mindset into his own creative journey, using the camera as a way to push past limits and capture moments that matter.
While filming his video entry, Willem took on his biggest challenge yet—ascending and rappelling a rope for the first time in 50 km/h winds to document climber Lincoln Bolle on “The Monument,” Canada’s largest roof crack. The experience was wild, nerve-racking, and unforgettable, a reminder that the best stories often begin exactly where the comfort zone ends.
3RD PLACE WINNERS - JOHN LOPEZ & JORELL PILANDE
JOHN LOPEZ
For John, filmmaking is a way of holding onto the moments that matter. He makes videos for fun, using the camera as a companion on every adventure and a tool to preserve the memories that might otherwise slip by. Rooted in living fully in the present, his work is intentionally unplanned and unscripted, raw montages and spontaneous vlogs that reflect the energy of the moment rather than a storyboard.By capturing life as it unfolds, John shapes each memory in real time, creating films that feel as honest and alive as the experiences themselves.
JORELL PILANDE
For Jorell, adventure has always been rooted in curiosity and community. What began on a hillside in California, nights spent under the stars with friends, sparked a love for the outdoors that followed him to Washington State, where he now explores rugged peaks in every season. A music and outdoor enthusiast, he finds creative freedom in the mountains, letting each journey shape the stories he shares.That spirit led Jorell to one of his boldest moments yet: becoming the first DJ to record a mix at 10,000 ft on Mount Rainier. Driven by the Seek Discomfort mindset, he captures each experience as it unfolds, celebrating the moments that push him further than he ever imagined.
HONARABLE MENTIONS
The talent and creativity in our community is truly unmatched. From full-time creators to those picking up a camera for the very first time, every submission embodied the Seek Discomfort spirit. Some captured wild adventures, while others explored the world within themselves. It was incredible to see how seeking discomfort shines through so many different lenses.
We hope these stories inspire you to keep creating, exploring, and sharing your own journey.
A special thanks to Epidemic Sound for partnering with us this year and providing the music that brought so many entries to life.
We can’t wait to see you again for the 2026 contest!
