Screaming into the Hollywood Abyss

We temporarily return from our mid-season break to hear from Burn It Down author Mo Ryan.She talks about writing her book, what she tried to achieve and her hopes for the industry.On her second podcast appearance she describes the toll writing a book like this takes, the chapters she didn't write and what she thinks about the future of Hollywood.A powerful interview with a passionate author about an important book.

Our 100th guest is the amazing Erica Huggins, President of Fuzzy Door Productions.She talks about her early days as a film editor, being fired and told she will never work in this town again and her subsequent successful career.She talks balancing the comedy of Ted with the pressures of the modern world, working with Seth MacFarlane and the transition from film to television.We talk resilience, leadership and running a real business in Hollywood.Erica talks working in partnerships, inspiring interns and the film shoot that was shut down by the threat of cartel violence.Extraordinary interview with an amazing and inspiring leader.

We talk to the extraordinary Chef Andre Rush in a slightly different episode of the podcast.The former solider and White House Chef talks about his transition into television, the 'sharks' he found there and why he chose to make the leap.Chef Rush tells us about the stresses of White House cooking, his role in spreading awareness about mental health and being in the gym at the Pentagon on September 11.We talk spilt wine, working with Gordon Ramsay and his desire to stay in television after the success of his first show.An extraordinary interview with an extraordinary man.

We talk to the excellent Brannon Braga. He talks about the pressure of working on the Star Trek franchise, understanding when he was, and wasn't, 'in peril', and we walk through his failures.Brannon tells us about which shows were hits, which were cancelled and what type of leader he is.We discuss how  he receives fan feedback, working on his soul's work and taking notes from the studio.A thorough and candid look at Hollywood life from a man who has been at the top for a long time.

We talk to Steve Vitolo, aspiring writer and now a tech leader. He tells us his story of writing in rooms, getting his show cancelled and developing his app on the side.He talks not taking advantage of his new found access, feature writing and telling his TV colleagues about his app.Steve tells us about leadership, winning an Emmy and when to quit writing.A fun interview about breaking in and getting out of Hollywood.

We talk to the amazing Diane Ruggiero-Wright. She talks passionately about early success, a big cancellation and nearly returning to waitressing.She tells us why she regrets not completing her education, the huge fall-out she had at the end of our her first show and why she isn't very good at taking notes.We talk writing ability, over-noting and leadership style as well as hearing about imposter syndrome, the overconfidence of youth and writing characters based on you.An extraordinarily honest and fascinating discussion about the ups and downs of Hollwyood.

We talk to the amazing Diane Ademu-John. She talks about her first writing room, being afraid to speak and then getting fired from Crossing Jordan.She talks about leadership, co-showrunning and learning and growing even from bad projects.Diane talks about her love of genre, her new production company and working on  a large ‘estate' like Dune.An inspiring interview about confidence, storytelling and the inevitably of being fired.

We talk to Australian showrunner Luke Tunnecliffe.He tells us about trying to run a sports documentary during a global pandemic, bringing an LA production to Australia only to get locked down and moving from sports documentaries to scripted dramas.He explains the difficulty of pitching Australia in Hollywood, the Australian obsession with sport and what he learned about showrunning managing productions during Covid.We talk the shows that got away, the importance of trust and relationships with streamers and editing 7,500 hours into 7 episodes of television.

We speak to the extraordinary Gina Yashere about her journey from British comedian to American sitcom actress and showrunner.She talks about her dream to play a best friend in a sitcom, the lack of pressure because she never really wanted to be a showrunner and moving to America.Gina talks about her powerful comedy, talking about her childhood suicide attempt and breaking down barriers.She tells us how she doesn't yet feel successful, how she wants to help others like a 'rich white man' helped her and the importance of telling Nigerian stories.We talk the changing landscape of Hollywood, working for network television and her love of stand up.A funny, powerful and inspirational interview with one of Britain's finest comics.

Two Englishmen talk Hollywood rejection as we managed to lose Noah for the episode.Veteran Jim Piddock tells us about his fight for fair pay for Tooth Fairy, what a nice man the Rock is and his huge problems with a high profile actress.He compares rejections as a writer, an actor and then an author, tells is about his thousands of failed auditions and why he loves writing.Jim talks casting, the studio exec who ruined his dream project and also shamelessly plugs his book!

We turn the microphone round and have host Dan Rutstein as guest.Friend of the podcast Paul Bae asks the questions with Noah as Dan talks through unsuccessfully applying for 100 jobs, getting laid off during the pandemic and the resilience needed to change careers.He talks openly about the importance of vulnerability, what he's learned from interviewing showrunners and why he didn't succeed as a writer (because he only wrote one thing!).It's not your normal episode but it has plenty of rejection, failure and adversity.

We talk to the fascinating Eric Guggenheim.We talk early career success, serious imposter syndrome and working with his brothers (one of whom has already been on the podcast).He tells us about his good years, his fallow years and how much he loves being in a room.We discuss the importance of learning the craft of writing, how it feels to tell your staff your show is cancelled and then how it feels to tell them you've been picked up by another network.A very human, a very vulnerable and a very interesting discussion.

We talk to the extraordinary Simran Baidwan.She tells us about her best and worst rooms, the transition from criminal prosecutor to Hollywood and the importance of grace in leadership.We cover inclusion, telling a good story and how to not put roadblocks in your own path.Simran tells us how her Indian immigrant parents dealt with her career move, why she walked away from TV's number one show and why aspiring writers should just write.An extraordinarily thoughtful and insightful interview with a Hollywood rising star.

We talk to the amazing Jeffrey Lieber - for the second time.We take a deep dive into the world of failure, rejection and adversity in Hollywood.We talk ill-fitting jobs, managing and leading teams and shit sandwiches.Jeffrey tells us about his fears of not showrunning again, talks us through the mistakes he's made and gives advice to aspiring writers.A fascinating insight into the darker side of the business with one of its great minds and critical thinkers.

We talk to the fascinating Paul Bae. The teacher/comedian/podcaster/screenwriter/actor talks us through his journey.We talk failing in screenwriting and acting leading to millions of downloads for his scripted podcasts, getting a chance to tell Korean stories and his secrets to pitching.He tells us how naming Korean menu items cost him a speaking part in the Interview, telling authentic stories and being offered an overall deal for terrible money.A fun and funny interview with a serious student of the craft.

We talk to the extraordinary Ildy Modrovich. She talks about arranged marriages, the importance of two showrunners and the pilot that was guaranteed - until it wasn't.She talks about losing her confidence, making sure others don't lose theirs and missing out on Sons of Anarchy to take a safer job.Ildy tells us about dealing with failure, the importance of good timing and not taking it personally when projects fail.Motivational and inspirational in equal measure.

We speak to the amazing and hilarious Chris Sheridan.He reads out some of his rejection letters, tells us about making calls from payphones on street corners and why he really didn't want to work on Family Guy.But then he talks about how great working on Family Guy was, running his own show and working in the studio kitchen.Chris tells us about travelling cross country to Hollywood, the importance of remembering his humble beginnings and dealing with success.A fun, insightful and inspirational interview.

We have comedian, actress and writer Brittani Nichols on the show.A fascinating discussion about diversity, inclusive comedy and working on a rocketship of a show like Abbot Elementary.We talk happy and unhappy rooms, friendships on shows and how nice her Abbott Elementary colleagues are.We talk perseverance in a career, award nominations and what comes next.A fun, entertaining and insightful discussion with a Hollywood rising star.

We talk to the dynamic duo of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods about gimmicks in scripts, a yes after multiple nos and what happened to their directing dreams.They talk with incredible candor about their Quiet Place journey, what happened, what they learned and how they coped with a complex career conundrum.We talk difficult decisions, celebrating and commiserating and putting things in perspective.A fascinating interview with two of the most genuine writers about their unique Hollywood story.

We talk to novelist and showrunner Dari Polatin.She talks about getting her book written at 4am and during lunchbreaks, the rarity of being allowed to adapt a novel and the struggles of a junior female writer in  a room full of men.She talks about writing plays, struggling to pay bills and her pride in showrunning her own show.Daria talks about social media, fan feedback and the vulnerability of failure.A fascinating and insightful interview with the creator of a number one global Netflix show.

We talk to the amazing Andy Siara.He tells us the story behind the time loop in Palm Springs, his fear of never working again and gives the most extraordinary piece of advice about hope.He talks the difficult of showrunning, explains what he does well and what went wrong for him when he lost control of his story and why he loves co-showrunners.We cover starting a family, touring rock bands and the importance of having a magic script.You'll never hear a more honest, raw and self-critical interview about making it in Hollywood.

We talk to development executive Alex Hedlund.We talk at length about Matt Damon movie The Great Wall, why it failed, how he was involved and when he realised it was going wrong.He tells us what he learned from working on it, how it impacted his career and how it killed a genre.Alex talks about giving and taking notes, how he now chooses his projects and working on sensitive documentary topics.A great interview full of great advice.

We talk to the extraordinary John Cameron Mitchell.We talk failure in writing, directing and actor, the risks of coming out and how they decide which projects to work on.John talks Hedwig, passion projects and discrimination.They tell a remarkable OnlyFans story, explain the fightback against stereotypes and makes very clear their view on content houses.JCM also talks about every failure leading eventually to success, some amazing career near-misses and how you can follow your heart AND still be commercially successful.An interview like no other.

We (by which we actually mean just Dan) talk to writer and director Peter Kosminsky.He tells us about his early firings (of which there were many including lasting only a day as a researcher because they didn't like his ideas around tampon tax) as well as how he went from Chemistry student to lighting expert.He discusses his shortcomings as a director, his strengths and how they work on both sides of the Atlantic and the time he nearly gave up after being completely out of his depth on a big Hollywood movie.We talk about trying to write AND direct, his love of research and being a chameleon.A fascinating interview with a cerebral, analytical and inisghtful master of his craft.

We talk to the magnificent Amy Berg. She tells us her journey through Hollywood - taking a step down to be an assistant, her first big break on North Shore and her start with a writing partner (and then his moment of grace and nobility that ended that partnership).She talks openly about being bullied to the point of physical illness, what happened after that boss was cancelled and what she learned from the experience.We talk about the challenges facing the industry nowadays, the cycle of boom and bust in Hollywood and how she copes with the pressure.An insightful and honest discussion with an industry veteran - full of advice, inspiration and sensitivity.

In our first episode in the second half of the season, we talk to dynamic duo Rasheed and TJ about their journey to the top.How to decide the credits, how to share victories/commiserate losses and instances of when outside forces have tried to pull them apart are all covered in this fun and insightful episode.We discuss bad rooms, bad jobs and bad people. But also rewarding shows, great colleagues and the joy of writing.The pair discuss what keeps them up at night, the importance of original ideas and dispense excellent advice about a changing industry.An educational and entertaining chat with two of the best.

We talk to amazing British showrunner Joe Barton.He tells us about being fired from Batman, what a British showrunner does and standing in the snow waiting to be rejected.We cover writing about a foreign culture, critical versus commercial success and a bit more about being fired from Batman.He tells us about his creative process, British interest in America and the importance of grammar when looking for an agent.A fascinating discussion with a very cool, very fun, very successful creator.

We talk to Toby Gorman, president of Universal Television Alternative Studio.He tells us about his dream of being an airline pilot, falling into this career by accident and becoming a showrunner in his 20s.Toby tells us about killing projects, giving notes and part of the American Idol set nearly falling on him.We talk nepotism, the role of a studio president and the transatlantic cultural differences in unscripted.A fascinating insight into the unscripted world with a showrunner turned studio exec - and the most polite guest we've had.

We talk to Emmy-nominated showrunner Josh Silberman.We talk eating rats, nearly freezing to death and creating compelling TV.He tells us about his journey to the top, stolen show ideas and how to treat junior staff.Josh also talks Gene Wilder, working for Disney and constant seasickness.A fascinating insight into unscripted television by one of the best.

We talk to the effervescent Meredith Scardino.She tells us about the transition from late night to episodic, handling rejection of both instant and slow ideas and how her upbringing prepared her for a life of pitching ideas.We discuss warm rooms, mean rooms and no asshole policies and what sort of leader she is.Meredith talks about the issues with virtual rooms, the joy of writing comedy and the dopamine hits of pitching a good idea.A fun romp through the world of comedy with an entertaining and insightful guest.

We speak to the showrunner and creator Anthony Q Farrell. He talks about working in an office, then The Office, and then back to Macy's.We talk about the uncertainty of starting out and knowing when it is safe to give up the day job, his animated show that he is desperate to share and 'work as therapy'.Anthony tells us about his leadership style. the 'sick cyclical journey of Hollywood, and going back to the basics of story telling.He tells us about writing his own voice, the breadth of work he created to get his break and the importance of being collaborative.A fascinating discussion with the Canadian Showrunner of the Year.

We talk to the extraordinary Michael Starrbury.He tells us about his treasured film script that he just can't get made, his decision to not move to Los Angeles and his determination to run his career the way he wants.He talks about turning down jobs to stick to his path, ignoring the warnings of others and only moving forward with projects he believes in.Michael talks about drive, commitment and being collaborative.We also talk diversity quotas, avoiding 'bake offs' and White House invitations from Michelle Obama.A fascinating insight from a powerful rising star in the industry.

We speak to the fascinating James Roland.He talks about working long hours on terrible film sets, his journey into directing and rates his abilities as a showrunner.We talk diversity, the importance of treating people well and what he learned from bad bosses that helped his leadership.James talks about endangering Harry Belafonte, literally falling asleep at the wheel and giving every one in the room a voice - and a great scene from the Purge that came from that.A fun and insightful discussion with a man who has worked in many different roles in Hollywood.

We talk to showrunner Beth Schwartz.She talks about her painfully long journey from assistant, how she now treats those in that position and what she learned along the way.She happily shares her tale of her slow start, nearly flying home and giving up and how she got her big break.Beth talks about respect in a room, the dangers of comparisons with other peoples' careers and finding your own unique path.A fascinating and honest discussion .

We talk to the amazing Tze Chun.He talks us through his mathematical approach to creativity and goal-setting - a short every six months, 100 episodes of television! - his transitions from film to tv and back again and talks us through his first big break.Tze explains how his stubbornness ensured he would never give up, he explains his strengths and weaknesses and how he leads.A insightful and thoughtful episode with a committed and determined creator.

We talk to the incredible Jan Nash. She tells us about her long and storied career in Hollywood, the importance of compassionate leadership and her time as a studio executive.She tells us what she learned as an investment banker, the importance of telling your own story and the privilege of working in a career you love and putting it all into perspective.We discuss leadership styles, the benefits of co-showrunners and sharing the load, and what makes for a successful room.Jan tells us her future plans, tells us why she loves the Hawaii franchise and some of her hopes for it and gives some important advice.A deep and thoughtful interview with a legend of the industry.

We talk to the extraordinary writer, showrunner and producer Liz Hannah.She talks about working with Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep in her breakout script, getting tattoos after project successes and not buying her husband gifts.We discuss the pressure of following up a big success, having two hits out at once and the anxiety of working in entertainment and the feeling of relief when getting an overall deal.Liz discusses the journey of the Post and working with Spielberg, her mum finding out about the deal in the trades and the advice she received on set.We also cover therapy, being re-written and what she plans to do next.An honest, fascinating and in-depth discussion about the lows and highs of the industry with an in-demand star.

In an episode with two British voices, it was a pleasure to have writer and director Nida Manzoor join us on the podcast.She tells us about the excitement and nerves of directing for British institution Doctor Who, turning down a chance to work on a Marvel show and bringing her show We Are Lady Parts to life.She talks us through the process of both writing and directing, how she chooses her next projects and the challenges of achieving the level of representation she wants.We talk about the differences between writing rooms in Britain and America, avoiding being pushed into writing Muslim stereotypes and penning superhero movies.A fascinating interview with a rising star with a unique voice.

We talk to NCIS legend Christopher Silber.He talks about his first time working on the franchise, the difficult work environment at the time and getting fired.But then also his return to the franchise, his continued love for the work and the creation of the Hawaiian iteration of the show.Christopher discusses the pressure to succeed, the difficulties of being a showrunner - and why he shares the workload with others - and the importance of understanding the toughness of the path of a writer before one sets out.We talk about learning from bad bosses, how to run a room well and the rare feeling of having a first season of show going smoothly.A fascinating discussion with a leading showrunner.

Studio president Beatrice Springborn joins the podcast to give the view from 'upstairs'.She talks about her journey through journalism, start-ups and Pixar with some Film School thrown in.We discuss her leadership style , her empathy when rejecting projects and whether she wants commercial success or awards.Beatrice talks about completing a writing course and what she learned about rejection and failure, how she nearly quit the industry and what keeps her up at night.She tells us the process that execs go through when considering projects, the importance of seeing the bigger picture and the time she broke down in tears after rejecting a project.An emotional, honest and insightful interview with a leading industry figure.

We talk to director Tessa Blake about her rise through the world of episodic TV.She talks about the balance between craft and leadership skills, what she learned as a cocktail waitress and the importance of learning people's names.Tessa tells us about early rejections, insinuations that women couldn't succeed in this part of the industry and her attempts at writing.She explains how she overcame the obstacles in front of her, her legendary levels of preparation and how she uses that preparation to free her up to be flexible on set.An honest and powerful discussion about directing, industry bias and making great television.

We talk to TV writer, WGA Board Member and co-founder of Pay Up Hollywood Liz Alper. We chat with Liz about the challenges she's faced this year looking for work as well as what the industry is facing as a whole in the middle of what feels like an industry-wide slowdown. She discusses what the guild is doing to help writers sustain their careers as well as the impetus for Pay Up Hollywood, a program designed to pressure the major studios into paying assistants more. Liz also opens up about how her work with this program has possibly hurt her career. A candid conversation with a longtime TV writer and WGA board member who is striving to make things better not only for working writers but aspiring writers as well. 

We talk to comedian, writer and showrunner Mike Royce.He talks us through his life as a comedian, compares bombing on stage to bad pitching in a room and the joy of regular Emmy nominations.And then trying to find success post-Raymond, failing at one show yet getting into the showrunners' club and being given another chance with the next one.We discuss why showrunning is hard, what he learned from others and used in his rooms and the importance of food and going home early.Mike tells us about panic naps, learning that other writers might be better and becoming a leader.An honest, fun and insightful romp through Hollywood with one of the nice guys of the industry. 

We talk to Shudder General Manager Craig Engler.The writer-turned-exec tells us what he's learned about rejection as a writer and how he  now behaves as an exec.Craig talks about the emotional heartbreak of a writing project ending in turmoil and legal dispute, how that drove him back to the exec side of the business and what it meant to him.He explains why he likes to give a quick no, how sometimes they greenlight too quickly for some writers and gives a great explanation of what horror actually entails.And he tells aspiring writers to just keep writing and only worry about what they can control.An insightful discussion about a different part of the industry.

We talk to showrunner Vaun Wilmott who tells stories of giving up acting, selling shampoo and breaking into the world of writing.He tells us about his 'overnight success', taking more than ten years of writing until he created Dominion and the joys of being the number two in a room.We talk about leadership over Zoom, missing out on the snacks and lunches of the old days and working on a 'dream job' like Star Trek.Vaun talks about his shows, the importance - in a world of rejection - of remembering your value and your successes and we get in to imposter syndrome, in all its forms.A candid and insightful interview.

In one of our most in-depth and emotional interviews we talk to showrunner Patrick Macmanus.He tells us his Hollywood journey - part-time bartending, failed at acting  and transition to writing.Patrick talks about giving up on the entertainment business, moving to Mongolia and breaking a promise to his mother-in-law.We go deep discussing distance from family, sacrifice and the commitment needed to make it through the tough times.A powerful, honest and painful discussion about succeeding in Hollywood the hard way.

We talk to Simon Barry about his adventures in Hollywood and are joined by guest co-host and Maze Runner writer Grant Pierce Myers.He talks about his first short film screening that no one turned up to, losing a girlfriend and gaining an agent the same day and how he came to Hollywood to be a screenwriter without a script.Simon describes how he both felt he didn't belong, but also how  much he loved the Hollywood process - and the creative change he needed to make to be successful.We talk dark days, hamster wheels and healthy delusions.An honest and insightful discussion about making it Hollywood with plenty of mistakes made along the way.

The podcast shifts from writer to director and we are delighted to be joined by Jen McGowan.She tells us her journey into directing, how winning an award early in her career changed her view of Hollywood and the importance of setting expectations.We compare boxing and the entertainment industry, the importance of an outlet for anger and frustration and how she deals with rejection and failure.Jen talks about diversity in the industry, how much things have changed since she began and why her acting career didn't pan out.And why being told to 'expect to be poor for ten years' set her up for success.A fascinating interview with a candid guest exploring a different part of Hollywood.

Fascinating interview with another successful Canadian - this time showrunner Brad Wright, co-creator of Stargate SG-1 and Netflix's Travelers.He talks about how he managed to avoid moving to Hollywood, why being Canadian is being an advantage and the joys of working on Canadian productions.Brad talks about getting into genre shows, the 'no assholes' policy in their room on Travelers and what a privilege it is to work in the TV industry.We hear about his struggles getting a show after Stargate, how 17 years with one studio made it harder for him to make progress and how he felt 'like a new writer' when trying to get his next show made.Brad talks about taking failure personally, how an exec thought he should have retired after his long-running success and wondering whether he would ever make another show.

We talk to the incredible Craig Thomas, co-creator and showrunner of How I Met Your Mother.He explains how he nearly derailed himself after success came early, the importance of focus on successful projects and the risk of distraction. We talk about being 'hot' and the pressure that creates, we hear some incredible stories of failure and rejection as well as some extraordinary interactions with execs.Craig talks about How I Met Your Mother, how How I Met Your Dad didn't work and taking the games out of the Goodwin Games. An entertaining and intriguing romp through TV land with one of the good guys of the industry.

We start season 2 with veteran showrunner and novelist Rob Thomas.We get straight into it with the crushing blow of losing an overall deal with a major studio, a hellish year of development and concerns that his most recent show might be his last.Rob explains how he went pretty much straight from Dawson's Creek writer to showrunner, what he learned along the way and how he is a bad consultant but a great boss.In an honest and revealing interview he tells us what he is worrying about, shares some simple but powerful advice and explains the pleasure he gets from seeing his old assistants win awards.Fascinating insights from the creator of multiple shows.