Podcasts about debby germino

» Click to read the full transcript There is at least one point in our lives when we make the stark realization that we no longer enjoy what we do. The passion has long-since gone, and we’re only there for the paycheck. This is what I call “The Comfort Trap.” There are few discoveries more terrifying in your career than when you realize you are just “comfortable.” Once you decide it’s time to make a major transition, you then have to confront the fact that you’ve most likely spent much (if not all) of your career making stuff yet you’ve never focused on the soft skills of selling yourself. In the 21st century gig economy, whether you like it or not - YOU ARE A BUSINESS. And your business is selling your creative services. It doesn’t matter how awesome your work is if nobody knows you are awesome. My guest today is editor of twenty years (and longtime friend & colleague) Joaquin Elizondo, who has adapted to change faster than most people I know and transitioned between multiple genres to land where he is now editing projects that creatively fulfill him. In our conversation Joaquin and I talk about his journey across multiple mediums, genres, and even different parts of the country to land his dream job editing Narcos: Mexico. We discuss the mindsets he uses to combat perfectionism and procrastination (which in my opinion are frankly one in the same). And we go deep into the reasons why helping others and building communities is so necessary, especially within our current times. Whether you are looking for a mentor, career advice, or a new best friend, Joaquin is an amazing resource who is also the founder of Hollywood Editing Mentor, an amazing site I recommend for anyone looking to escape the comfort trap where you can level up your soft skills as an assistant or editor, learn how to build your network, get career transition guidance, and so much more. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: FUN FACT: Joaquin has known me longer than anyone else in Los Angeles (including my wife!). The unique origin story of Joaquin's career trajectory. How he learned to make better decisions about what projects to get involved in. The challenges he faced when trying to get jobs in Los Angeles. The mentality he used throughout his life that has made him pursue his dreams. Joaquin's approach to mentoring his clients. How he made the mindset shift from being an artist to being a business owner. How embracing the learning process helps him get over perfectionism. KEY TAKEAWAY: Redefine the term “expert” to being just one step ahead of someone else and you can provide value to lots of people. KEY TAKEAWAY: You'll never succeed if you don't take action. The story of his first paid mentoring client and the feeling he got from that success. What unique qualities Joaquin brings to the table from his 20 years of editing experience. How he got over the fear of competition (ahem...ME!) What is ‘Hollywood Editing Mentor’ and how can it help your career? Useful Resources Mentioned: Film & TV Editing Mentorship Program | Closing the gap to become a Hollywood Editor Joaquin Elizondo (@hollywoodeditingmentor) • Instagram photos and videos Hollywood Editing Mentor - Facebook Page Hollywood Editing Mentor - You Tube Page Continue to Listen & Learn Ep107: Recognizing, Mentoring, and Promoting Diversity In Hollywood | with Monty DeGraff, ACE Ep115: How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE Ep104: How to Keep Working As An Editor (After You’ve Made the Transition From AE) | with Susan Vaill, ACE Episode Transcript Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you. Guest Bio: Joaquin Elizondo has almost 20 years of experience as an editor and currently works in the world of feature films and scripted TV shows in Hollywood. His most recent editing credits are Narcos: Mexico (Netflix), and the feature film, Soundwave, now available on Apple TV and Amazon. Before arriving in Los Angeles, Joaquin worked in unscripted television for several years in New York City where he edited content for HBO Sports, NBC, Telemundo, and was the lead editor on Bravo’s late-night talk show Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen. Joaquin majored in Film & Video Studies at the University of Michigan and grew up in the San Diego-Tijuana border region. As someone who has sought out and benefited from mentoring, Joaquin is now taking on the role of mentor by helping aspiring editors and assistants in navigating the path to achieving their career goals. He created the Hollywood Editing Mentor program (hollywoodeditingmentor.com) to provide guidance and support for those trying to break into or advance their careers in post production. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

“Success is never a straight line.” – Agustin Rexach If there’s one sure thing about Hollywood, it’s that no single path to success exists. Unlike doctors, lawyers, or accountants, Hollywood doesn’t provide you a roadmap of simple steps that if you follow, do the work, and produce results, you’ll become successful. There are so many paths to be taken and many more to be forged, and although the roads vary for everyone, the more I break down people’s success stories, I have discovered there are unwavering constants: Consistency. Perseverance. (Most Importantly) A willingness to help others. Today’s guest, Agustin “Auggie” Rexach, has worked on such shows as From Dusk Till Dawn, Hawaii 5-0, the 2016 remake of Roots, and two seasons of Genius for National Geographic (here is Auggie’s full IMDb page), and the unique path he has forged throughout his varied career is the absolute embodiment of these qualities. Coming to Hollywood from the island of Puerto Rico, Auggie had every reason to believe he’d never make it in the film industry, and in this episode, he and I go deep into what it means to live by these qualities and how putting others first is often the fastest path to success. In addition to talking about how he got where he is today as a highly successful assistant editor, Auggie also candidly shares his struggles with weight loss and burnout and the steps he’s taken to overcome both. And just because this episode was SO good, here’s a quick spoiler: In addition to his consistency, his perseverance, and his willingness to help others, there was one additional key mindset that has led him to where he is today: “I have the job already. They just don’t know it yet.” If you find yourself questioning whether or not you’ll ever be successful in the entertainment industry, Auggie’s unique path to where he is today is a Masterclass in learning how you can shift your mindset and approach your career from a completely different perspective. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Auggie’s unique origin story, growing up in Puerto Rico and eventually ending up in Hollywood. The internal challenges Auggie faced being a minority and trying to make it in Hollywood. The philosophy Auggie developed early on that has led him to where he is today. The conversation that first inspired Auggie to keep pursuing a career in Hollywood. (This was a huge surprise to me!) How the cut throat mentality of commercial editing houses led him to working in scripted television. What he did to build a great relationship with his first editor, James Wilcox. KEY TAKEAWAY: Having a helping attitude will always build the best relationships. Auggie’s advice on showing enthusiasm and childlike excitement. The important difference between arrogance and confidence and why the ego will always get you in trouble. What the service centric mindset is and how you should use it to approach every job. Why Auggie champions anyone just starting out on their fitness journey and believes it’s never too late to start. The story of how I unknowingly overwhelmed Auggie with fitness information when he joined Fitness in Post in 2014. The step-by-step process Auggie used to get himself healthy and lose weight. Challenges he faced growing up with an alcoholic dad and what he’s learned from that experience. The Instagram quote that inspired Auggie to get his health back in order. Fitness gadgets he cannot live without. How knowing himself better has helped him maintain good habits. KEY TAKEAWAY: Small incremental changes with consistency lead to long lasting health What Auggie means by “Killing Your Clone” and how it’s inspired him to be better each day. KEY TAKEAWAY: Being better at life will make you better at your job. They are not mutually exclusive. Useful Resources Mentioned: The Service-Centric Mindset (Guest Post) “Killing Your Clone” Continue to Listen & Learn Ep106: On the Vital Importance of “Being Nice” | with Jesse Averna, ACE Ep115: How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE Ep114: Breaking Into (and Making It) In the Industry as People of Color | with Mirra Watkins, Ariel Brown, and Isaiah Cary The Four Types of Creative Jobs (and The Secret To Knowing Which Is the Perfect Fit For You) Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode was brought to you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat (my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation) and now their latest product. New Standard Whole Protein is a blend of both whey and collagen, sourced from the highest quality ingredients without any of the unnecessary filler or garbage. Not only will you get more energy and focus from this protein powder, you will notice improvements in your skin, hair, nails, joints and muscles. And because they don’t spend a lot on excessive marketing and advertising expenses, the savings gets passed on to you. Click here to order New Standard Whole Protein and use code OPTIMIZE to get 50% off your first order. Guest Bio: Agustin Rexach is an assistant editor in scripted TV in Hollywood. He was born on the island of Puerto Rico and studied communications at Boston University with a concentration in Film Production. After graduating from BU in 1994, Agustin went back to Puerto Rico and started working for a local commercial production company. Over the next two years, Agustin ended up editing some of the island’s top advertising campaigns. His work at this company led to an offer from a post house in Miami. He left the island in 1996 and spent the next eight years in Miami editing commercials, music videos and any independent films he could get his hands on. His next move was to San Antonio, TX where he spent six years as an editor at the city’s premiere post house, 1080. Hollywood kept tugging at him and finally made the move to LA in 2010. In 2014, Agustin broke in to Hollywood as an assistant editor in scripted television. In the years since becoming an assistant editor, he’s worked on shows such as “From Dusk Till Dawn”, “Hawaii 5-0”, the 2016 remake of “Roots”, two seasons of “Genius” for National Geographic and Fox Television. In 2019 and 2020, Agustin had the opportunity to co-edit the season 2 finale of USA television’s “The Purge” and one episode of Showtime’s upcoming Limited Series “The Good Lord Bird”, starring Ethan Hawke. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

One of the many fears this pandemic has magnified is that we can’t possibly focus on our careers and work at the highest level while also having time to be parents, partners, and well-rounded individuals. And with the transition to working from home, navigating this challenge has become even more complicated. Today, I’m talking with ACE editor Farrel Levy who has worked at a high level her whole career moving between features and television, working on shows like Nashville, NYPD Blue, and Criminal Minds. She was already a mom when she got her start in the business so she’s spent many years perfecting the balancing act. To say she is passionate about advocating that family and career are not mutually exclusive would be an understatement. Her passion comes from having successfully balanced the two for much of her career while also mentoring many others in the business working hard to do the same. In Farrel’s own words she firmly believes: “You can be proud of the work that you do and also proud of the fact that you’ve had a good life.” Farrel and I dive deep into the topic of work-life balance in Hollywood as well as many others including, mentorship, burnout, and choosing the right jobs to match your personal needs. If you’re a parent struggling to choose the next step in your career because you believe “it just can’t be done,” please listen to Farrel before believing that you can’t. Because she and I are both convinced that you absolutely CAN. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: How Farrel got into the film business in New York. The criteria she used for choosing jobs so she could get home to her daughter at night. The surprise hit film that Farrel got her big break on and how it came about. How important it is to let people know what you want and be proactive. Why Farrel enjoys mentoring and seeing the success of those she’s mentored. Being a student of Farrel’s has often led to career success. The responsibility of the mentor to push the mentee, even if it means losing them as your assistant. Farrel’s advice for reaching out to a mentor and developing that relationship. KEY TAKEAWAY: The soft skills are a much bigger part of the job than most people realize. What Farrel means by calling a successful editor a chameleon. KEY TAKEAWAY: Persistence and patience is critical when networking and finding mentors. How to navigate being a parent while also managing your career. Why she made the switch from features to television. What Farrel tells parents who are afraid that they can’t both be a good parent and work on scripted series. The criteria for determining whether a job will meet your lifestyle needs. Addressing the difficult tension between knowing a job is not the right fit and gracefully turning it down. Farrel’s perspective on how to handle the disappointment of not getting the job you want. Why it’s important to consider the cost of taking a job rather than what it pays you. Continue Listening & Learning: Ep118: Legendary Editor Walter Murch On Optimizing Creativity, Productivity, and Well-Being In Hollywood For 50+ Years Ep85: Mentorship, Networking, and Surviving Hollywood Blockbusters | with Dody Dorn, ACE Ep126: On the Importance of Building Relationships, Asking Questions, and Never Giving Up | with Andi Armaganian Ep111: Parenting In a Post-Pandemic Hollywood | with Natalie Boschan, Bari Winter, Yvette Amirian ACE, and Monica Daniel Redefining Parenting to Stay Sane While Working From Home [Podcast] Ep82: Parenting In Post Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: FARREL LEVY Farrel Jane Levy ACE was trained as an artist at Cooper Union. She has made a career as a film and television editor. She got her editing break on “Dirty Dancing.” She worked all 12 seasons on the multiple Emmy award winning television show, “NYPD Blue” where she was able to learn from television legends Steven Bochco and David Milch. She became NYPD Blue’s supervising editor and she helped create its distinctive editing style. Farrel was also given the opportunity to direct 3 episodes. She then went on to edit “Criminal Minds” for several seasons. Pilots she edited include “Brooklyn South” and “Blind Justice” for Milch and for Bochco; “Melrose Place,” “The Defenders,” and “The Unit” with Academy award winning director, David Guggenheim, and writers Shawn Ryan and David Mamet; and “Person of Interest” written by Jonathan Nolan. She worked on fan fave “Damages,” and edited all 5 seasons on another fan fave, “Nashville.” From there worked on the Netflix show, “The Society.” Features she has edited include “Across the Tracks,” starring a young Brad Pitt, “Ernest Goes to Jail,” “Confessions of a Sexist Pig,” and “Primal Fear,” and “Evan’s Crime.” Farrel taught editing at The American Film Institute for over 20 years. In addition, Farrel is a founder and the lead editor of Look What SHE Did!, an organization with the mission of inspiring women and girls to greatness by bringing to light stories of remarkable women who changed the world. Look What SHE Did! creates short films and events featuring female storytellers celebrating women who inspire them. She is a member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild, where she is active on the Women’s Committee, the Director’s Guild and the American Cinema Editors. She is the mother of two daughters who never cease to make her proud. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

For many of us working in creative industries (and even those that aren’t), we assume that competition simply comes with the territory of becoming successful. We have been taught the only way to get ahead is to push others out of the way as we climb the proverbial ladder to the top. But it doesn’t take long to realize this only perpetuates the stressful and high pressured environments that lead to burnout, exhaustion, and downright depression. With so many of us working from home now, it’s more important than ever to foster mentorship and create learning environments with our co-workers and colleagues. These are the types of environments that allow people to learn the skills they need to transition to new roles and advance their careers. Today’s episode is the second in a series of three where I talk to editors who’ve made the challenging transition to director (here’s part 1 with David Rogers). Andi Armaganian is a seasoned editor, who’s edited such shows like Smallville, Supergirl, and Arrow (here’s her IMDb page). In the past two years Andi has successfully transitioned to director and has added shows such as MacGyver, Hawaii Five-0, Legends of Tomorrow, Flash, Blind Spot, and Stargirl to her list of directing credits. She has done all of this by building genuine friendships with the people she works with. She believes in working hard while also teaching and sharing her knowledge and experience with anyone who wants to learn. Preparation and a willingness to ask stupid questions have earned her the respect of her colleagues and built a reputation for being easy and fun to work with. By her own admission, Andi simply doesn’t know how to work in an environment where the cast and crew are not like family. If you want to learn what it takes to make a major transition in your career and how to do so by building lasting friendships and being nice (rather than stepping on others to climb to the top), then Andi has a multitude of knowledge bombs to inspire you to forge ahead and take the next major steps in your career. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Why Andi hung out with the cast of Caddyshack as a kid and what it had to do with her getting into the film business. Andi’s unusual trajectory going from producing to editing. Lessons Andi learned from raising $40 million to edit an animated feature only to get the plug pulled before it was completed. The one thing Andi attributes to her ability to learn and get new opportunities. HINT: I talk about this all the time. How Andi made an impression as an Assistant Editor on Smallville and set a new standard of work for everyone. How Andi fosters a team environment in every show she works on so that by week 2 everyone feels like family. The importance of making friends even in competitive situations such as re-cutting a fellow editor’s work. The secret to keeping good connections and maintaining a network of colleagues and friendships. It’s more valuable to be the most recent person rather than the most qualified person when it comes to networking. How Andi deals with imposter syndrome as an editor turned director. Her best advice for being a well liked and successful director. HINT: It involves getting in the trenches. What the catalyst was for making the transition to directing. The secret to building strong relationships with creative people from actors to producers. How Andi feels about being the “token female hire”. Andi’s thoughts on ageism and how it affects the work environment. Her best advice for young editors and directors starting out – BE SPECIFIC. Useful Resources Mentioned: Caddyshack trailer The Antiquity of Film Film Bin Andi’s website Continue To Listen & Learn Ep125: From Scraping Up Cigarette Butts to Editing, Directing, and Producing Emmy-Winning TV Shows | with David Rogers Ep106: On the Vital Importance of “Being Nice” | with Jesse Averna, ACE Ep113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace Tashjian Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Andi Armaganian is a Los Angeles based director whose credits include Stargirl, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, Hawaii Five-0, Supergirl, Arrow, Blindspot, The Flash and MacGyver. After watching her mother on set as an actress (Caddyshack, A Night in Heaven) Andi grew up with a desire to work behind the scenes. She started as an independent film producer and moved over into editing shortly after moving to Los Angeles. Since, she has edited more than 100 episodes of television, as well as features, documentaries and animation. Andi became a director in 2017 after completing the Warner Brother’s directing program. She enjoys being a mentor and role model to up and coming women in the industry. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

If you’ve listened to at least an episode or two in the past, then it’s probably no surprise that I pride myself in being a time management ninja. I always say that the great equalizer is that we all have the same 24 hours in a day. But as technology advances and the pace of life gets faster, the expectations of what we can accomplish grow larger. Now with many of us working from home, we’re expected to wear the hat of multiple roles, including assistant editor, IT person, and production assistant on top of our already overloaded duties, all while homeschooling the kids and cooking meals…no wonder we’re exhausted and feeling time pressured! Today’s guest has mastered the art of wearing multiple hats in the entertainment industry. Emmy award-winning editor David Rogers has successfully transitioned from editor to director to producer, all while working on some of the most iconic comedies of our time. His first editing credit came from the famous “clip show” on Seinfeld where he was both assistant editor and editor. He went on to edit on The Office which was where he eventually began directing and producing. He’s also worked on shows such as Newsradio, HBO’s The Comeback& Entourage, The Mindy Project, and his latest project being Netflix’s Space Force. In our conversation (which was originally from a few years back in the Fitness In Post days when David was working on The Mindy Project), David and I break down his path to success (that started with his main job duty being the guy who picked up the cigarette butts off the ground), and dive into what it takes to build and sustain a career like his. You’ll find his passion and energy contagious and come away with a few tips on how to pursue your dreams and manage your time like a ninja as well, not to mention learning how to build the right relationships to make the next major step in your career. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: David’s favorite superhero origin story and how it inspired his own story. How he learned the editing process from his father. Why he fell in love with editing over other aspects of the business. The exciting story of he got his big break editing the clip show on Seinfeld and how all the pieces of the iconic episode came together. Why being nice is important for success as an editor. How he made the transition from assistant editor to editor. For all you Seinfeld fans, hear the true story of how Festivus came to be. David’s best tip for people starting out in the business and what mistakes NOT to make. KEY TAKEAWAY: Failing is just a First Attempt In Learning. The importance of mentoring and helping others rise up and achieve their goals. How he moved his way up from editor to director to producer on The Office. What he attributes to getting the opportunities he’s had in his career. Time management secrets to being able to edit, direct, and produce all at the same time. Useful Resources Mentioned: David Rogers’ Site [Podcast] Ep59: Making the Jump From Assistant Editor to Editor Ep115: How to Be So Thorough You Can’t Be Denied | with James Wilcox, ACE Ep119: [Case Study] Overcoming Imposter Syndrome, Better Managing Your Time, And Making the Most of This Pandemic | with Ariel Fujita, Kristi Shimek, and Maxton Waller Episode Transcript Optimize Yourself Podcast DOWNLOADNEW TAB   powered by Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: DAVID ROGERS When David Rogers was 8 years old, he saw Superman The Movie on the silver screen and knew from that point on what he wanted to do with his life. It wasn’t to be a superhero, but rather he was on the path to becoming a Film and Television Director. He shot his own movies with kids from the neighborhood, videotaped Weddings and Bar Mitzvahs on weekends, graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Cinema and Photography and soon after moved out to Hollywood to make his dream a reality. His first job in television was as the Assistant Editor on Seinfeld and his first solo editing credit was Seinfeld The Chronicle, the clip show which aired right before the season finale. He went on to edit NewsRadio, Andy Richter Controls the Universe, The Comeback, Entourage, and The Office, has directed multiple episodes of the show including the hour-long penultimate episode A.A.R.M., and has directed various other shows including Parks and Recreation, The Mindy Project, The Hard Times of RJ Berger and Friends with Benefits. David currently serves as a Director/Editor/Co-Executive Producer on another show he loves, The Mindy Project, and looks forward to new new directing challenges as well as developing his own projects. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

It’s astonishing that less than 5% of adults are moving 30 minutes or more a day1, so much so that it’s been said “Sitting is the new smoking.” Although, I’ve argued for years that it’s not so much sitting that’s the problem…it’s being SEDENTARY that is the new smoking (whether you are sitting or standing). Clearly working from home amidst a global pandemic hasn’t made this any less true. Being sedentary is one of the root causes of chronic aches and pains. If you are listening to (or reading) this while sitting, you likely have experienced a sore back or stiff neck from too much computer time. Maybe you have tight shoulders and tension headaches. You probably have resigned yourself to just “dealing with it” because you don’t have time or money for long workout routines or expensive equipment. It’s just the price of “getting old,” right? Well it doesn’t have to be. Today’s guest is Dr. Sadie Sanders, a doctor of chiropractic and a biomechanical guru, and she has a wealth of simple solutions for your chronic pains (that don’t require a visit to a doctor’s office). Dr. Sanders is called the “Body Whisperer” by many of her patients and for good reason – she has a knack for knowing just what the body needs to bring it back into balance, and she focuses on root causes, not just treating symptoms. In today’s 2-part in-depth conversation we talk about Dr. Sanders’ extensive knowledge of biomechanics as well as physiology and how it’s all interconnected. But more importantly, we dive into how to eliminate your chronic pains right at your desk or in your living room using very simple stretches and exercises inside the “Move Yourself Activity Video Vault” (part of my Working From Home Survival Guide which I have made available to you for free). If you’re ready to eliminate your aches and pains and looking for simple solutions that you can do in just a few minutes a day…right at your desk…this episode is for you. [Disclaimer: This episode is pulled from two in-depth interviews from the Fitness In Post archives that we stitched into a single marathon episode. Also since recording, Dr. Sanders has since moved out of the Los Angeles area, but her Health and Human Performance clinic is still thriving in Woodland Hills with a new head doctor, Dr. Cobey who is my go-to for all my biomechanical needs. And yes, they are still fully functional during the pandemic.] Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: What is the goal of a chiropractor and how do they evaluate you and your joints? How being sedentary for long periods of time affects your spinal structure. The specific muscles that get tight from sitting and how it changes the posture of the spine What is a trigger point referral pattern and how can it help you understand your tension headaches? What happens when you hear that cracking/popping sound (and why can’t you do it yourself?) Why you may experience emotional reactions to chiropractic adjustments. The main areas of chronic pain for people who sit all day Dr. Sanders incredible psychological assessment of me based solely on my muscle tension. The difference between a chiropractor and physical therapist. Why moving a sore and stiff body can actually alleviate pain.  Finding the real source of a problem rather than treating symptoms (something editors can relate to) The solution to all your nagging aches and pains in only 2-3 minutes a day. Complete breakdown of the Optimize Yourself Activity Vault. Why categorizing your pain will help you resolve it rather than just temporarily alleviate it. The common cause of most back and muscle pain and how to address it properly. The simple solution to most injury or pain is to decrease the stress and increase the strength  Ninety-five percent of human activity is habitual. Make movement a habit! Useful Resources Mentioned: The Move Yourself Activity Video Vault (Free inside the WFH Survival Guide) HHP Chiro Website Continue to Listen & Learn: Autonomous SmartDesk Review – My #1 Standing Desk Recommendation The Ultimate Guide to Building a Healthy Workstation (And Being Less Sedentary)…All For the Price of a Single Desk Chair Ep123: The Solution to Your Sedentary Lifestyle | with Ben Greenfield Ep30: How Regular Movement Makes You Smarter | with Dr. John Ratey Ep23: How Being Sedentary Is Damaging You (According to NASA) | with Dr. Joan Vernikos Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Dr. Sanders, former founder and CEO of Health & Human Performance in Woodland Hills, CA, is a chiropractic physician specializing in the musculoskeletal system and its influence on the neurology and physiology of the human body. She works with athletes, recently injured patients, and the average stressed-out American – varying her technique to suit all ages from newborn to 80+! Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

It’s no longer news that sitting is bad for us. In fact, it’s common knowledge that sitting has become the new smoking. And hopefully by now after years of me screaming from the rooftops, you now know that standing isn’t much better. Sedentary is the new smoking, not just sitting. The key to better health and sustained energy levels throughout the day is movement. But with a pandemic keeping us all stuck at home, wildfires and poor air quality keeping us trapped indoors, and the world basically going to s*&@, it’s hard to think about getting off the couch or the desk chair, nevermind consistently moving all day long. In today’s episode I chat with world renowned fitness expert, biohacking guru, and multiple NYT bestselling author Ben Greenfield, whose work has been featured in Men’s Health, The Huffington Post, Shape magazine, NBC, CBS, the Joe Rogan show, and countless other media outlets. Ben is an ex-bodybuilder, Ironman triathlete, Spartan racer, coach, speaker, and New York Times Bestselling author including his latest book Boundless: Upgrade Your Brain, Optimize Your Body, and Defy Aging. In this conversation Ben shares his many unique tools and tips for sneaking movement into your day (no matter how many hours you spend trapped behind a computer). His knowledge and enthusiasm for human performance and human optimization is electrifying, and his simple, no-nonsense approach is accessible from couch potatoes and workstation warriors all the way to professional athletes…and everything in between. If you’re feeling unmotivated and exhausted by the relentless downturn of the world, this conversation will refuel your energy and give you the spark, the strategies, and the tools you need to bring your body back online and get moving again. [Disclaimer: This episode is pulled from the Fitness In Post archives as it was one of my most popular episodes (and it was recorded years before there was a pandemic), but the information and inspiration is even more relevant today.] Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: How to avoid low back pain that comes from sitting in a chair or standing for long periods of time. Ben’s favorite tools to put in your office to encourage movement. The most effective way to give yourself an energy boost when you’re tired. HINT: It’s not coffee! How Ben stays active on an airplane and how you can apply it to your desk job. What is “greasing the groove” and how will it improve your fitness and energy levels? Ben’s strategy of setting “fitness rules” to incorporate more movement throughout the day. (This is also how he trained for World’s Toughest Mudder Race) Are micro workouts more effective than longer workouts? The results are IN! Ben’s workout options for beginner’s starting from square one. Why you should be taking cold showers. Unique and little known ways to increase brain power and creativity. How to use light to hack your energy levels. Useful Resources Mentioned: Sitting Is Killing You, But Standing Isn’t the Answer (And Neither Is Exercise)’ Bengreenfieldfitness.com FiP Podcast Ep29: Ben Greenfield, All Around Badass Ep08: Advanced Sleep Technology and Biohacking | with Ben Greenfield The Ultimate Guide to Building a Healthy Workstation (And Being Less Sedentary)…All For the Price of a Single Desk Chair Katie Bowman “Move Your DNA” KyBounder Anti-Fatigue Mat Varidesk Inversion table Take Your Standing Workstation to the Next Level with a Topo Mat Focus Time BreakTime Cold Thermogenesis SleepStream ‘Awake and Alert’ bulbs Sunlight The Ultimate Guide To Using Light To Biohack Your Circadian Rhythms, Sleep Better & Beat Jet Lag Forever Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Ben Greenfield is human performance consultant, speaker and New York Times bestselling author of 13 books, including the wildly popular titles “Beyond Training” and “Boundless”. A former collegiate tennis, water polo and volleyball player, bodybuilder, 13 time Ironman triathlete and professional obstacle course racer, Ben has been voted by the NSCA as America’s top Personal Trainer and by Greatist as one of the top 100 Most Influential People In Health And Fitness. A frequent contributor to health and wellness publications and websites and a highly sought after speaker, Ben’s understanding of functional exercise, nutrition, and the delicate balance between performance and health has helped thousands of people around the world achieve their goals and improve their quality of life – from high level CEO’s to soccer moms to professional athletes and beyond. Ben is an advisor, investor and board member of multiple corporations in the health and fitness industry, and is also the founder of KION, a nutritional supplements company that combines time-honored superfoods with modern science to allow human beings to achieve peak performance, defy aging, and live an adventurous, fulfilling, joyful and limitless life. Via online, phone, e-mail and in-person consulting, Ben coaches and trains individuals all over the world for health, longevity and performance. He also works with individuals, corporations and teams for body and brain performance enhancement, and specializes in performance, fat loss, digestion, brain, sleep, hormone, anti-aging, parenting, relationships, smart drugs, nootropics and overall wellness for achieving an optimized life. Ben resides in Spokane, Washington with his wife, Jessa, and twin boys, River and Terran, where he enjoys worshiping God and praising Christ, swinging kettlebells, fiction, guitar, ukulele, spearfishing, bowhunting, plant foraging and cooking. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

With health (and more importantly maintaining strong immune systems) at the forefront of everyone’s minds these days, we’re all looking for simple ways to boost our immunity and increase our energy levels. Whether you are unemployed, working from home or back at the office, or just trying to juggle home-schooling the kids while maintaining your own sanity, the thought of implementing healthier nutrition and fitness habits is daunting at best (and horrifying at worst). Luckily today’s guest is here to simplify the process for all of us no matter where you need the most support. Darin Olien, a.k.a., “The Superfood Hunter,” is the co-star of the hit Netflix docu-series Down to Earth alongside Zac Efron. Darin has traveled the globe for decades studying food and nutrition and has uncovered some of the healthiest superfoods known to man. He is also a supplements formulator, the creator of Shakeology (which many of you know is my go-to meal when I’m short on time but unwilling to sacrifice on nutrition), and he’s the author of the New York Times bestseller “SuperLife: The five fixes that will keep you healthy, fit and eternally awesome.” And he’s also responsible for discovering my favorite brain food snack, Barukas. This nut is like a supercharged peanut with less fat and calories…it’s what I often refer to as my “Brainstorming nut” as every time I need something crunchy to get my brain going in the afternoons, this is my go-to. And they sure beat a bowl of M&M’s. If you’re looking to learn about what simple yet profound steps you can take to either get started with your wellness journey or take it to a completely differently level, Darin is a wealth of knowledge on nutrition and health and graciously provides an abundance of advice and tips on how we can stay active, be creative, and keep our bodies fueled with the best food possible. Here’s What You’ll Learn: The story of what Darin does and how he got coined as “The Superfood Hunter.” How he turned injury into opportunity in college, and how that set him on his path to health and nutrition. Why Darin is passionate about what he does and why it matters for your health. What a “fatal convenience” is and why it is killing us. Darin’s list of foundational practices that anyone who works a sedentary job can do to improve their health and creativity. The profound connection between the thoughts and beliefs in your mind and the physical health of your body. MORNING ROUTINES: What Darin does first thing in the morning to set himself up for a healthy and energetic day. The surprising culprit that is sapping your energy (and the simple solution to fix it). The fascinating details of how water works in the body and how it produces energy for your brain and creativity. The number one habit to implement for increasing energy and better health. What toxins your refrigerator water filter is leaving in your water. Budget friendly and effective water filtration recommendations. Simple advice for good nutrition that doesn’t require following any diet plan. The superfood that Zack calls his brain food snack and how eating it is not only good for your health but supports sustainable practices for the environment and indigenous people. Useful Resources Mentioned: Shakelogy Barukas.com DarinOlien.com Instagram SuperLifeLiving Darin Olien on Facebook Darin Olien on Twitter Continue to Listen & Learn Ep10: Fueling Your Brain For Optimal Creativity | with Mark Sisson Ep84: How to Use ‘Intuitive Eating’ To Change Your Relationship With Food | with Melissa Costello Ep09: Everything You Need to Know About Food Shopping, Nutrition, and More | with Mira and Jayson Calton Ep98: P90X Creator Tony Horton on Covid-19, Staying Healthy During Quarantine, Boosting Immunity, & More Ep06: Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony Horton Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: DARIN OLIEN Darin Olien is a widely recognized exotic superfoods hunter, supplement formulator, author of the book, “SuperLife: The five fixes that will keep you healthy, fit and eternally awesome,” a TV host on an upcoming Netflix docu-series on health and environment. He has travelled the planet discovering new and underutilized exotic foods and medicinal plants. Darin worked with fitness-company Beachbody to formulate one of the top super food shakes in the USA a whole-food supplement called, “Shakeology”, as well as the plant based, “Ultimate Reset 21-day” detoxification program. Darin is one of the founders of Barukas™, new super nut from the Savannah “Cerrado” of Brazil. Through sustainable business practices the company is committed to supporting this important biome by planting 20million Baruzeita trees. (Barukas.com) Launching in April of 2020 Darin will launch an health App called Tribed created to help people learn about health, follow programs for an optimal life and health. An advisor to P5 Energy a cutting edge “green” technology incubator with a primary focus on zero- pollution power systems. Partner in GREENPATH, dedicated to real solutions for a new world with cutting edge nano technology for hand and surface sanitation. Darin is also the Director of Strategic Alliances and the Global Health Ambassador for APPICS, a revolutionary new social media platform monetizing passion and content through cryptocurrency and block chain. (APPICS.com) Darin holds a Bachelor of Arts in Exercise Physiology/Nutrition and a Masters in Psychology. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Have you ever wanted to pursue a passion your whole life that’s well outside your comfort zone…but felt like you missed your opportunity and now you’re “too old?” Maybe you always dreamed of running a marathon, or maybe you wanted to earn your black belt in martial arts, but somehow life always seemed to get in the way. If this sounds familiar, today’s guest Ginny MacColl has some sage advice to share with you: “It’s never too late to get stronger.” Ginny is an actress (Poms, Stars Fell On Alabama, Outcast), a former Broadway dancer, and at age 68 has added competing on American Ninja Warrior to her long list of accomplishments. She is also the mother of two, her daughter being Jessie Graff who is the record-breaking female athlete and stunt woman also on American Ninja Warrior who has served as her inspiration. In this interview, you will hear how Ginny went from being at the top of her acting career during the ’80s, working on Broadway and acting in national commercials (all while being a mom) to getting divorced, aging out of the good roles, and having to leave New York City to start all over again as a single mom. Ginny is a MASTER at understanding how to summon the right mindset to overcome any adversity, both on the ninja course and in real life. And in today’s world, knowing how to find opportunity amidst endless challenges is as important as ever. She is also an absolute machine when it comes to being consistent, and she demonstrates that determination and perseverance will take you a lot further than natural ability or talent. If you’re feeling stuck, uninspired, or that you are just frankly “too old” to get back in shape, Ginny will help you break out of the molds you’ve trapped yourself in and encourage you to push beyond what you ever believed was possible. And by the way, the second you’re done listening to this interview, I highly encourage you to jump right into Part 2 where I interview her daughter and American Ninja Warrior legend Jessie Graff. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: The advice she got from her daughter Jessie when she told her she wanted to get stronger. How it took her a year to get strong enough to do a single pull up. Her best strategy for getting through ANY obstacle. How you can turn nervous energy into an ally in any situation. How blizzards, bats, and cross-country skis taught her valuable life lessons about determination and conquering challenges. The mind trap she won’t fall prey to when it comes to skipping training sessions. How she reversed osteoporosis. What the key to accomplishing your goals in life and in training is. KEY TAKE AWAY: Setting attainable goals plus accountability is what keeps you on track. Her tips for getting started with an exercise program (no matter your age or fitness level). Useful Resources Mentioned: American Ninja Warrior Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Ginny MacColl is an actress, dancer and athlete known for POMS (2019), Stars Fell On Alabama (2020); Outcast (2016) and American Ninja Warrior (2017-2018). Raised in Knoxville, Tennessee, Ginny began her dancing and acting career in NYC appearing in Off-Broadway and Broadway (  1973-76) as well as over 100 national and regional commercials (1976-1991). After a 20 year hiatus from acting to work in radio and raise her children: Jessie and Darren Graff, with husband, Dick Ishler, Ginny rekindled her acting career recently in Southport NC. There she began strength training inspired by her daughter, Jessie Graff, stunt actress, and record breaking female from American Ninja Warrior. With her slogan, Strength is Ageless, Ginny continues to inspire Seniors to get stronger! Ginny is the proud grandmother to Marley Graff (5) and 3 stepchildren, Talon (11), Kyle (21) and Courtney (16). Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

If you’ve been listening to this show for any amount of time, you know that I love breaking seemingly impossible goals down to small, manageable steps. I’m all about creating tiny habits and incrementally building upon them to progress gradually - hence playing chess with your life instead of checkers. This is one of the key elements in my coaching and mentorship program and it’s also the foundation that today’s guest has used to build herself up to one of the top competitors in American Ninja Warrior (which is frankly being modest - she’s a LEGEND). Jessie Graff, also known as the modern-day Wonder Woman, is the first woman to finish stages 1 & 2 in the Las Vegas finals of American Ninja Warrior, she is an accomplished stunt woman in Hollywood working on such films as G.I. Joe, Transformers, Wonder Woman, and Alita: Battle Angel (to name a few), and she is also the daughter of fellow American Ninja Warrior and recent podcast guest Ginny McColl. In today’s conversation, Jessie and I go deeeeeeeeeep into the inner psychology that drives her to compete and perform with such consistency and at such a high level. We talk about the practices and habits that have led to her success as well as the struggles, injuries, and the challenges she has overcome both as a child and an adult. And most importantly we discuss how she developed the mental toughness and fortitude that has led to her becoming the badass she is today (spoiler alert: Her mom had a lot to do with it). But don’t let all of that scare you away...Jessie is also one of the nicest, sweetest, and down-to-earth “celebrities” I’ve had the pleasure of interviewing. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The story of how a chicken dress opened a new career door for her in stunt work. What she learned from her mom that she carries with her into Ninja training. How she keeps herself inspired even through injury. The secret to tackling any obstacle you encounter. The embarrassing story of what happened in Season 7 of ANW and the drastic change she made in her training after that injury. How she accidentally learned about the career of stuntwomen and became inspired to be one. The mindset shift she uses to avoid disappointment when she doesn’t achieve a goal. What obstacle she conquered that made her scream, “Anything is possible! I did it!” The exact method and approach she uses to mentally and physically prepare herself for each obstacle. Why Jessie thinks confidence is the number one Ninja killer. The different levels of commitment required for training to build up strength and experience while staying safe. What magic phrases Jessie has printed on a sign that hangs in her workout room to keep her accountable and inspired to do her dreaded squats. Jessie’s best advice for achieving impossible dreams. Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep120: The Ninja Warrior Mother-Daughter Dynamic Duo, Part 1 | with Ginny MacColl, ANW Epic Chick Fight Video Epic Chick Fight (Live Action Chicken Fight) Jessie Graff: First Woman to Finish Stage 1 - American Ninja Warrior Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio:   One of the top competitors on NBC’s “American Ninja Warrior,” Jessie Graff is quickly becoming known as a modern-day Wonder Woman, breaking stereotypes as she continues to break records. Graff was a national sensation and breaking news phenomenon in 2016, when she became the first woman to complete stage 1 in the “American Ninja Warrior” Las Vegas national finals. She’s the first woman to clear Stage 2 in both American Ninja Warrior and Sasuke (the original Japanese Ninja Warrior). Known for her superhero outfits and continued history of record breaking, she has ranked among the top 6 overall competitors in all of the past 5 regional competitions, making her the only woman to qualify among the men for national finals 5 years in a row. Graff attributes much of her success on the seemingly impossible obstacles of American Ninja Warrior to her decade long career in stunts. Awarded the Action Icon Award for “Stuntwoman of the Year,” her credits include: Wonder Woman, Bright, G.I. Joe, Transformers, Die Hard, The Dark Knight as well as being a recurring double on Supergirl, Futureman, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D, Leverage, and many more. Graff has a black belt in Tae Kwon Do and Kung Fu, with extensive training in countless other styles of martial arts, high falls, wipeouts, sky diving, motorcycles, stunt driving, fire, wirework and, flying trapeze. Graff also broke the pole-vault record at Georgia Tech (where she majored in Aerospace Engineering) and the University of Nebraska (where she earned her degree in Theatre) and was 1.5 inches away from qualifying for the 2004 Olympic trials in the sport. The journey for Graff was ignited at the age of 3, when she attended the Big Apple Circus and begged the ringmaster to let her try the flying trapeze. Although her attempt to join the circus was unsuccessful that day, the experience immediately sparked a passion to fly and push herself beyond what others said was possible. Her parents enrolled her in circus gymnastics classes, which began her training and led her to other specialties in various acrobatic and fitness disciplines, helping her develop her range of strength, agility, and adaptability. Jessie currently lives in Los Angeles. She hopes that she can be a positive influence and show people all over the world that strong is beautiful. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Having spoken to and worked with hundreds of people worldwide over the last six months, if there’s one constant to the ever-changing landscape of 2020, it’s that this global pandemic has been a magnifying glass amplifying every tiny little detail about our lives (and society at large) that just wasn’t working. For many this intense awareness has been paralyzing while for others it’s been a motivating call to action. So what’s the difference for those who feel stuck versus those who take action and see results? Maybe you’re sick of being stuck on the wrong career path and feeling desperate to pursue your true passion, but you’re too afraid to take action because you’re waiting to “see how things work out?” Maybe you’re anxious about work swallowing up what semblance of life you have outside your career…especially now that you’re stuck working from home? Or maybe you are so overwhelmed about all the uncertainties and unknowns that you feel paralyzed and unable to focus on anything but just getting through another day. Yes, pandemic-induced procrastination is indeed a thing. If any of these sound like you, I have three amazing guests on today’s show that know exactly how you feel. Ariel Fujita is an unscripted editor making the transition to colorist. Maxton Weller is a sound editor and composer for films and video games, and Kristi Shimek is an indie film editor transitioning to scripted television. This episode is a case study where I speak candidly with all three who are members of the Optimizer community who have successfully navigated the challenges of being an introvert, who have battled the perfectionism that holds us back from accomplishing our goals, and who can relate to how imposter syndrome keeps us stuck in the wrong career path. And we discuss the strategies and methods they all implemented to work through these common pitfalls to feel confident and clear, not only about what they want in life but more importantly, how to actually live it. All three guests have recently completed my coaching & mentorship program, put in a lot of hard work, and have achieved amazing results…while by the way, living through a global pandemic. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: The serendipitous timing of how Maxton ended up starting coaching with Zack when he needed it most. The separate but eerily similar stories of how Ariel and Kristi both almost skipped Zack’s Networking for Introverts seminar because they were too shy and scared. Why Ariel struggled with burnout and the mind-set shift she had to make to overcome the endless cycle. KEY TAKEAWAY: Learning to ask the right questions will improve the quality of your life and the connections you make. Why building confidence requires a deep dive into your psychology and your motivations. The number one thing you need to get better at before you can even start networking. How to stop waiting for focus to magically appear and instead learn to train it. What you need to implement systems to improve time management and keep you accountable. What a brain dump is and why doing it regularly will alleviate stress and anxiety. Why doing a daily wrap up is essential for setting boundaries especially when working from home. How Kristi got back her nights and weekends by setting expectations at the start of a job. What Maxton’s IMDB spreadsheet revealed to him and how it led to a relationship with a composer he’s admired for years. Maxton’s revelation about outreach emails: “It’s not IF people want to help you, it’s CANthey help you” What transformed Kristi from being afraid to send outreach emails to doing it every single week and getting a 100% response rate. The magic formula to writing successful outreach emails. The Ben Franklin Effect: what it is and how it helps you build relationships. Maxton’s advice: Don’t wait to see what happens. Take action. Ariels’ advice:  Why not do the scariest thing at the scariest time to get where you want to be. Useful Resources Mentioned: Enroll in the ‘Optimizer’ Coaching & Mentorship program ‘Insider’s Guide to Writing Great Outreach Emails’ The Ben Franklin Effect Continue To Listen & Learn: Want a Response to Your Cold Emails? Then Every Message MUST Do These 5 Things The 5 Most Common Mistakes You’re Making With Your Cold Emails (and How to Fix Them) Why Writing Cold Emails Is the Most Important ‘Soft Skill’ You Must Master (Especially If You’re An Introvert) Ep64: [CASE STUDY] Overcoming Burnout and Imposter Syndrome | with Chryss Terry [CASE STUDY] Why I Said No to a Job (A Great One)…During a Pandemic Ep47: The Ugly Side of Depression, Burnout, and Imposter Syndrome | with Gen Malone Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn’t work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven’t heard of Evercast, it’s time to become acquainted. Because Evercast’s real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It’s (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bios: ARIEL FUJITA Ariel Fujita is an editor with 15 years of experience in unscripted post production television. She got her start as a Post Production Assistant and has taken on many different roles throughout her career: Post Production Coordinator, Assistant Editor, Off-line editor, and On-line Editor. Ariel’s editing credits include Are You The One? (MTV), America’s Next Top Model (VH1), and Last Call With Carson Daly (NBC). After working primarily in off-line post production, she has recently made the transition to on-line editing and she hopes to eventually pursue a career as a colorist for scripted television and independent films. Ariel lives in Los Angeles with her wife and their five cats. When she’s not working, she enjoys watching horror films and she makes a killer mac and cheese. KRISTI SHIMEK Kristi Shimek is a Los Angeles based Film and Television Editor. Within her first year of moving to Hollywood, she was cutting indie features in the LA circuit with stars such as Lou Diamond Phillips, Danny Trejo, Lea Thompson, and Nicolas Cage. Recently, Kristi has edited on two breakout feature film successes. The Night Clerk , a character based thriller directed by Michael Christofer (Original Sin, T he Witches of Eastwick ) and starring Tye Sheridan, Ana de Armas, and Helen Hunt, which reached #5 on Netflix’s Top Ten List in June 2020. And Inheritance, a narrative commentary on patriarchy and privilege directed by Vaughn Stein (Terminal) and starring Simon Pegg and Lily Collins, which was featured at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. In addition to films, Kristi has just finished editing on her first network television show, NEXT, a near-future tech based drama created and executive produced by Manny Coto and starring John Slattery, which is set to debut on October 6th on Fox. MAXTON WALLER Maxton Waller is a composer and multi-instrumentalist living in Los Angeles, California with a formidable output and unparalleled work ethic. He has been writing and performing music professionally since the age of 10. In 2007, he moved to Los Angeles and got his start in good old-fashioned rock and roll. After a few cross-country tours, he leapt to film/interactive and never looked back. You can hear his work across television and the internet; the Hulu Original Series “RocketJump: The Show”, Stan Lee’s animated series “Cosmic Crusaders”, Nickelodeon’s animated series “Rainbow Rangers”, and literally (not metaphorically) dozens of YouTube videos with views in the hundreds of millions. In addition to this, Maxton has written songs placed in the Netflix Original Series “Marvel’s The Defenders”, CBS’ reboot of “MacGyver”, “Video Game High School”, “Sons of Anarchy”, The MLB network, and countless others. He has studied at some of the greatest schools in the country; The Musician’s Institute and the Berklee College of Music. Maxton is highly-regarded for his deep understanding of audio, easy-going personality, and fast turnaround. There’s a reason you’ll see the same studios hire him repeatedly – Maxton is a musical force of nature and he elevates every project he works on. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

This episode is a reading of guest author, Debby Germino's article: I Said No to a Job (A Good One)…During a Pandemic » Read the full article here Continue to Listen & Learn: The “Passion Tax” - Why Artists and Creatives Are Exploited, And How To Say ‘No’ How to Handle Transition Times and Increase Your Resilience How to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby Germino Ep48: Feeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David Mead Happiness in Training Publication on Medium by Debby Germino Focus Yourself Online Course This is The Best Training Tool for Happier Living Finding Happiness in the Impermanence of Life Can Giving Thanks to Suffering Increase Your Happiness? How Note Taking Will Make You Better at Life The Four Types of Creative Jobs (and The Secret To Knowing Which Is the Perfect Fit For You) Finding Your ‘One Thing’ | with Jay Papasan Are You 'Productive' or Just 'Busy?' Answer These 5 Questions Honestly to Find Out. The Zen-like Art of ‘Getting Things Done’ | with David Allen Apply for Optimizer Coaching & Mentorship

When you think of film editors, let’s face it - healthy habits and good physical conditioning are not images that immediately come to mind. But with a pandemic upon us, and with the high cost of the ‘Passion Tax’ we constantly pay as Hollywood creatives, healthy living is no longer an option - it’s a necessity. If we want strong immune systems and creative minds that are resilient to high-stress environments, it is imperative we adopt healthier habits like eating better and moving more throughout the day. While it might seem as though these are new concepts, today’s guest proves these ideas have proven successful for decades. Legendary and Oscar-winning Hollywood film editor Walter Murch (who has edited such films as Tomorrowland, Cold Mountain, The English Patient, Apocalypse Now and The Godfather III, to name a very select few) knows just how important it is to be health-conscious and physically fit in order to do the intense creative work that’s required to edit critically acclaimed films and documentaries. Walter has spent years not only honing his craft but also honing his most valuable assets: His body and mind. And for those unaware, Walter is THE leading pioneer in the standing desk movement (I just amplified his work, but he started it). In today’s conversation, Walter shares his secrets for maintaining his health and energy levels while working long hours on feature films. He dives deep into the neuroscience of why our brains work better when our bodies are moving more and the strategies he uses for incorporating movement throughout the day. We talk in detail about his specific creative process, the long-standing issue of burnout and excessive working hours, and how he feels about editors being classified as “below the line.” While this was originally a conversation from the ‘Fitness in Post’ days, there is an abundance of timeless wisdom to be gleaned from the legend himself who has survived well over four decades in a brutal industry where when people start dropping like flies, the executives simply reply, “Then get more flies.” (as Walter tells it) Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Zack’s favorite passage from the book, Behind the Seen (which he calls "porn for editors”) that became the inspiration for his healthy lifestyle and this podcast. The tragic story of Walter’s motivation to incorporate movement into his workday. Walter’s exact process for getting his body and mind prepared for any new project (and how you can adopt the same process). The importance of capturing ideas when they strike and his secret weapon to ensure he never misses one. The crucial task every editor should do to understand the script and inhabit the story better. Walter’s best advice for adding more movement throughout the day. What a short-order cook, composer, and brain surgeon have in common with editors and how he’s adapted his working habits to be more like all three of them. HINT: Standing is involved. Why skipping lunch breaks is not only bad for your health but bad for your productivity. Two tricks Walter uses to prevent low back pain when using a standing desk. How a sedentary lifestyle is shortening your lifespan and the ways neuroscience recommends reversing it. Why Walter only eats breakfast and lunch and avoids dinner. The amazing power of sleep and how it enhances your creativity. What the essence of being an editor is and what Walter believes are the essential skills necessary based on the technology today. How Walter approaches cutting documentaries versus scripted films and what the major similarities and differences are between them. KEY TAKEAWAY:  The seasick feeling or 'hiatus flu' that editors experience at the end of a project is completely natural, so be aware and do not make any big decisions during this time. Useful Resources Mentioned: In the Blink of an Eye The Conversations Behind the Seen Missing link found between brain, immune system; major disease implications How to Get the Best Sleep of Your Life Ep113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace Tashjian Dear Hollywood: It’s Time For An Intervention About The Hours We Work [Petition Inside] Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Walter Scott Murch (born July 12, 1943) is an American film editor, director, writer and sound designer. With a career stretching back to 1969, including work on THX1138, Apocalypse Now, The Godfather I, II, and III, American Graffiti, The Conversation, and The English Patient, with three Academy Award wins (from nine nominations: six for picture editing and three for sound mixing), he has been referred to by Roger Ebert as "the most respected film editor and sound designer in the modern cinema." Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

It’s an understatement to say Hollywood is undergoing major changes right now, but are these circumstances unprecedented? I argue things have changed a lot less than we want to believe over the last few months, the major difference is our level of awareness. And what we’ve become keenly aware of is how badly none of us want to go back to normal. There’s no question the pandemic has caused upheaval and instability, leaving us all wondering if we’ll weather the storm or sink with the ship. As the industry attempts to reopen, we grapple with difficult changes like working from home, safety protocols for returning to set or to the office, and setting boundaries for the health and sanity of ourselves and families. Though the change and uncertainty we’re all experiencing might feel new, it’s surprising how little things in our industry have actually changed over the last several decades, specifically in regards to the working conditions and the insane demands put upon our time.Today’s guest, Oscar nominated editor Carol Littleton, ACE, who has edited such legendary films as E.T., The Big Chill, Silverado, The Accidental Tourist, Grand Canyon, Benny & Joon, and The Manchurian Candidate, has endured many changes in her long career in Hollywood. She worked her way into commercials, to indie films, all the way up the ranks to working with some of the best directors in the industry. She successfully made the transition from film to digital, but it was that change that required a greater focus on her movement habits and healthy lifestyle choices to sustain her career and well-being. These habits have contributed to her vitality for her work and her zest for life that you will hear throughout our conversation. This is the second in our series of archive conversations from the ‘Fitness in Post’ days with hollywood film legends where we clearly see that living a healthy lifestyle, weathering major industry changes, and enjoying a long and successful career are not mutually exclusive (pandemic or otherwise). Learn from the cream of the crop how to be resilient and gracious in the face of adversity, no matter how uncomfortable the circumstances. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Carol got her first feature film because...she spoke French? How she went from working on small independent features to working with big Hollywood directors like Stephen Spielberg and Lawrence Kasdan The big question: How did she get her break cutting E.T.??? What the biggest creative challenge was in making E.T. a successful story. The biggest difference between editing on film to editing on an NLE system (and what has been lost in the process). How Carolapproaches a day of dailies and cuts a scene. How the physicality of working on film kept her in shape and active all day long. The switch to Avid drove her crazy because she was so sedentary!!! The difference between your mental agility and acuity is immense when you are sedentary vs being mobile. Sleep, diet, and exercise are her top priorities to stay sharp and creative. How to fight the fear of thinking that if you stop to take a break from work you won’t get everything done (it’s real, but you can overcome it). Turn your work into your exercise to tax your body just enough that it will free your mind to work at its optimal performance level. KEY TAKEAWAY: Eating healthy will make you resilient and capable of handling the ups and downs of the industry. KEY TAKEAWAY: Eating intentionally, mindfully, and with others is the secret to staying energized throughout the day and keeping morale high. Carol’s passion for long walks has taken her through cities and countries across the globe. Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep60: Legendary Film Editor Walter Murch On Surviving 50+ Years In Post Ep50: EditFest 2018 Panel “The Extended Cut: How to Survive and Thrive In Editorial” Our Generous Sponsors: Struggling With Real-Time Remote Collaboration? Meet Evercast As work begins to slowly trickle in again, perhaps the most pressing challenge we as creative professionals face in our post-pandemic reality is real-time collaboration. Zoom is great for meetings, but it sure doesn't work for streaming video. Luckily this problem has now been solved for all of us. If you haven't heard of Evercast, it's time to become acquainted. Because Evercast's real-time remote collaboration technology is CHANGING. THE. GAME. » Click here to be the first to gain early access to the new Evercast P.S. It's (finally) priced for freelancers and indie creatives like us! This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Carol Littleton, A.C.E. is one of Hollywood’s most talented and successful film editors. Her editing career spans 40 years, with more than 40 feature films to her credit. Ms. Littleton began a close collaboration with writer-director Lawrence Kasdan in 1981 with his directorial debut, BODY HEAT. She continued her collaboration with Kasdan on eight more films, including THE BIG CHILL, SILVERADO, GRAND CANYON, and their last collaboration on DARLING COMPANION in 2011. Ms. Littleton has also collaborated with director Jonathan Demme on four films, including, THE MANCHURIAN CANDIDATE. Littleton received an Academy Award nomination in 1982 for Steven Spielberg’s E.T.: THE EXTRATERRESTIAL. Other films she has edited include PLACES IN THE HEART, TUESDAYS WITH MORRIE (Emmy Award for editing) and the restoration of Erich Von Stoheim’s 1926 classic, GREED. In 1994, she edited CHINA MOON, the directorial debut of her husband, noted cinematographer John Bailey, A.S.C. More recently, the 2015 release of A WALK IN THE WOODS was Littleton’s second collaboration with director Ken Kwapis. In 2016, Littleton edited her first collaboration with director Jay Roach on ALL THE WAY, a political film dramatizing the first 11 months of President Lyndon Johnson’s presidency after Kennedy’s assassination in 1963. In 1988, Littleton was elected President of the Editors Guild and served two terms and later in 1998, two terms as Vice President. The Editors Guild honored Ms. Littleton in 2010 with the Fellowship and Service Award. In 2016, the American Cinema Editors honored Ms. Littleton with its Career Achievement Award. Littleton is presently serving on the Board of Governors for AMPAS and on the Board of Directors for ACE. Ms. Littleton has two other passions in life: music and nature. Throughout her college years, she played oboe in various chamber groups and orchestras and still has an abiding love of concert music. Her formative years growing up in rural Oklahoma, gave her an intimate love of nature. Healthy, hands-in-the-dirt gardening and lug-soled hiking are the perfect antidotes for the dark editing room. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

No matter the rung of the ladder you happen to be on in the entertainment industry, making it in Hollywood is no easy feat. And with how our world is evolving post-pandemic, you might think it will be nearly impossible to maintain any sort of work-life balance for our foreseeable future, especially if you’re fortunate enough to reach the top rung of the ladder like today’s guest. If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to not only survive but thrive while working on giant tent pole films like The Avengers series, Captain America: Civil War and Iron Man 3, or a multitude of other blockbusters, then this conversation is going to give you the inside look you’ve been waiting for. Award-winning editor Jeffrey Ford, ACE has made his career working with big name directors like Michael Mann, Joss Whedon, Anthony & Joe Russo, and Joe Johnston, and he does not sugar coat the reality that editing these films is an all-consuming endeavor. In today’s interview with Jeffrey (which was originally recorded a few years ago back in the ‘Fitness In Post’ days), he does share with us his secrets and routines for maintaining his health and family life without succumbing to bad habits and burnout. We dive deep into the methods he uses to stay energetic and creative despite the long hours, specifically maintaining consistent movement throughout his workday. He also talks about the immense importance of keeping his team rested and refreshed so they too can be productive and creative while still meeting the demanding and intense work schedules on huge tentpole films. While the conversation might not be brand new, the topics we discuss are as relevant as ever. If setting boundaries and maintaining some semblance of sanity in our post-pandemic world is a priority for you, after listening I highly recommend following up this episode with my interview with producer Janace Tashjian where we discuss the importance of setting boundaries, advocating for yourself, and asking for help. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The story of how Jeff began his film career after graduating from USC film school and getting his first job as an apprentice editor with director James Gray and editor Dorian Harris What film school taught him about teamwork and making connections with people in the industry. The struggles he endured through years of unemployment, only working 5 days a month while making films on his own to hone his craft. His humility still leaves him surprised and enthused that people continue to let him cut their films. The extreme focus necessary to edit the film, Public Enemies with Michael Mann, and the demanding schedule and hours he endured. Jeff believes that the longer you sit in front of your screen without moving, the more it inhibits your objectivity and relationship with your audience. Why he makes time for 3 to 4 movement breaks throughout the day. The reason his standing desk has been an enormous benefit to his creativity and mental fortitude. The scheduling fix they use on the Marvel movies to avoid burnout and ensure everyone stays healthy and happy. The importance of having a work environment that provides daylight, space, and amenities to maintain health and well being. Self-assertion and setting boundaries must be built into your routine due to the competitive and intense nature of the business. On Jeff’s team, taking care of yourself is looked upon as a strength rather than a weakness. KEY TAKE AWAY #1: Keep perspective about the job by understanding that your family is your most important support system to keep you going. KEY TAKE AWAY #2: Staying in shape physically is directly connected to your mental well being which is connected to your success. KEY TAKE AWAY #3: Divide the workload between more people working shorter hours to stay creative and productive. Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep113: The Importance of Setting Boundaries, Advocating For Yourself, and Asking For Help | with Janace Tashjian Ep11: Making It In Hollywood as a “Creative” (What They Don’t Teach You In Film School) | with Norman Hollyn Ep17: Is Taking Free Work Really Worth It? | with Alan Bell, ACE Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: JEFFREY FORD, A.C.E. (Editor) was born in Novato, California. He attended high school in Troutdale, Oregon and graduated from the University of Southern California School of Cinema-Television in Los Angeles with a degree in Cinema-Television Production. He began his professional filmmaking career in 1994, working as an editorial assistant on James Gray’s debut feature film, “Little Odessa.” He went on to work as an assistant editor on several feature films, including the Academy Award®-nominated “As Good as It Gets” for editor Richard Marks and director James L. Brooks. Ford’s first solo feature as editor was “The Yards” for director James Gray, which premiered in competition at the Cannes Film Festival in 2000. He edited “Teddy Bears’ Picnic” for Harry Shearer, “One Hour Photo” for Mark Romanek, “Hide and Seek” for John Polson, “The Family Stone” for Thomas Bezucha (his work receiving an A.C.E. Eddie nomination) and “Street Kings” for David Ayer. He also edited “Shattered Glass” and “Breach” for director Billy Ray. With Paul Rubell he co-edited "Pubic Enemies" for director Michael Mann. In 2011 he teamed with Thomas Bezucha again for “Monte Carlo." At Marvel Studios, Ford co-edited “Captain America: The First Avenger" (with Robert Dalva) for director Joe Johnston, "Iron Man Three” (with Peter Elliot) for Shane Black and “Marvel’s The Avengers" and "Avengers: Age of Ultron” (both with Lisa Lassek) for director Joss Whedon. “Captain America: Civil War” is Ford’s second film for Joe and Anthony Russo. He also co-edited (with Matthew Schmidt) the Russo's first Marvel Studios feature “Captain America: The Winter Soldier.” He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

For some reason there seems to be this fallacy in Hollywood that someone has to “give you your big break” in order to make it in the industry, and in the meantime you’re just waiting for your big break to appear. The idea that you have to be in the right place at the right time, or worst of all, that you just need to have a lot of “luck” to make your dreams a reality (and you all know how I feel about the “L word”) must be a myth, right? Today’s guest is here to debunk that myth that success is about waiting for opportunity but instead all about making sure no one can outwork you, making sure you are ready for opportunities when they become available, and most importantly never giving someone the opportunity to tell you ‘No.’ James Wilcox is an African-American award-winning editor who’s edited such shows as Dark Angel, My Wife and Kids, Everybody Loves Chris, CSI Miami, Hawaii 5-0, Roots, Genius, and he’s recently completed Ron Howard’s new film Hillbilly Elegy, to literally name just a few. (Seriously, look up his IMDb page). What’s so fascinating about James’ path is that he’s made numerous transitions in his career including cutting news, comedy, drama, historical fiction, and feature films. In addition to such a wide variety of experience, James also sees himself as a pioneer for black editors and talks about the importance of providing mentorship to other people of color. In today’s conversation we cover topics like: How James prepares himself to be ready for opportunities when they are offered Why he sees himself as a pioneer for black editors and the importance of providing mentorship to other people of color The delicate balance of working hard and playing hard And the many stories of how he forged his varied and successful career path including how he became Ron Howard’s editor If you enjoyed my episode with Monty DeGraff, you’re going to love this one. James is talented, funny, and chock full of stories that give you an inside look at how to not only build a successful and inspiring career but also how to mentor others while leaving time and energy for your health and well-being. In short, James has mastered the balance of both working hard and playing hard. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Early on James discovered that shortcuts didn’t work for him and that to be successful, “no one would out work him” A “double-edged sword”: How his relentless work ethic has been both a gift and a curse The story of how James went from wanting to be a doctor, then a baseball player, and finally, to becoming an editor. James got his first opportunity in the News business. The three skills needed to be a solid news editor: Speed. Creativity. Accuracy. These skills helped him down the road. Why James studied acting for 3 and half years when he moved to Los Angeles and how that was part of his journey to scripted television editing and directing. His mantra: “Don’t give anyone a reason to tell you no.” KEY TAKEAWAY: Always be ready and prepared for the next opportunity so when it presents itself you can seize it. His dad’s advice: If you’re thorough you can’t be denied. KEY TAKEAWAY: We all have to ask ourselves how do we get better at fostering diversity and opportunity for people of color in the industry? James believes there is a rapid awakening right now on a global level and the George Floyd murder has inspired activism and change. His passion for mentoring and supporting people of color is a big part of how he hires his assistant editors. One of the key skills his last assistant editor had that he values and appreciates. The unbelievable story of James getting to work with Ron Howard on the Emmy nominated series Genius and then getting to work on his new movie, Hillbilly Elegy. KEY TAKEAWAY: Don’t always expect your payoff to come from the thing you are investing in. What the Marshmallow experiment teaches us about patience relative to success. James’ advice to POC looking to advance their careers and make it in Hollywood. Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep107: Recognizing, Mentoring, and Promoting Diversity In Hollywood | with Monty DeGraff, ACE Ep114: Breaking Into (and Making It) In the Industry as People of Color | with Mirra Watkins, Ariel Brown, and Isaiah Cary Stanford Marshmallow Experiment Ep39: Breaking “Bad” From Assistant to Editor | with Kelley Dixon, ACE (pt 1) Ep40: Breaking “Bad” From Assistant to Editor | with Kelley Dixon, ACE (pt 2) Our Generous Sponsors: Special thanks to our sponsor Evercast for making today’s interview possible. To learn more about how to collaborate remotely without missing a frame, and to get your real-time demo of Evercast in action, visit OptimizeYourself.me/evercast Guest Bio: James D. Wilcox, ACE began his editing career in Atlanta, Georgia in 1982. An opportunity with CBS NEWS in Los Angeles moved James to California where he covered events that ranged from Pope John Paul’s U.S. Tour and the 1984 Olympics to the Reagan-Gorbachev Summit. During his tenure at CBS, James produced and edited the Emmy Award-Winning documentary series, “Lip Sync” which exposed the 1991 Milli-Vanilli Grammy scandal. By 1999, James had transitioned into scripted television with a wide variety of shows including: Showtime’s “Soul Food”, FOX’s “Dark Angel”, Comedy Central’s “Reno 911!”, UPN’s “Everybody Hates Chris”, CBS’s “CSI: Miami,” “Hawaii Five-0” and ABC’s “My Wife and Kids” where he began his directing career. In 2016, Wilcox teamed up with Director Mario Van Peebles on “Roots” which was nominated for an Emmy in Outstanding Limited Series. Following the nomination, Wilcox collaborated with director Ron Howard on Nat Geo’s “Genius” which gained two more Emmy nominations for Outstanding Limited-Series in 2017 and 2018. That January, James took home the ACE Eddie Award for “Best Edited Miniseries or Motion Picture for Television” for his work on “Genius: Einstein.” More recent work by James includes the Netflix series “Raising Dion” starring Michael B. Jordan, as well as the pilot of “Filthy Rich” directed by Tate Taylor (“The Help”, “Ma”) which premieres this year on FOX Television. Currently, James is working again with Ron Howard and Imagine Entertainment, cutting Netflix’s “Hillbilly Elegy” (due for release in 2020). James is an active member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG), the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Picture Editors Peer Group, American Cinema Editors, and The Directors Guild of America. On his craft, James has said, “I strive to be the best and tell the story I’d pay to see. When I edit, I won’t settle for just good enough.” Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

Have you ever felt like you didn’t fit in? Have you ever struggled to find role models that looked like you and had similar life experiences? If you’re a person of color in Hollywood (specifically post-production), the likelihood is extremely high you know these issues all too well...like a likelihood of roughly 99% (as I discussed in a previous episode with seasoned editor and mentor Monty Degraff). Furthermore, if you are a POC who’s a college student or recent grad, you might be concerned about how the color of your skin could affect the chances of you succeeding in the industry (and if it’s even worth trying), no? In today’s conversation, I discuss these issues and more with two recent grads and one senior from Temple University in Philadelphia, all of whom are black. Ariel Brown is a senior in the Film and Media Arts Program. Mirra Watkins graduated from Temple 3 years ago and has since moved to Los Angeles and is working as an AE and Editor in unscripted television and digital media. And last but not least, Isaiah Carey is a 2018 Temple graduate now working in the video production world as a cameraman and editor in Philadelphia. All three of these amazing, talented, intelligent, and hard-working individuals have navigated their way as minorities in a white-dominant industry and have learned some valuable lessons along the way that they have been courageous enough to share with you. Each of them have adopted the unique perspective to turn their struggles into their greatest assets. And each of them has learned that the adversity they face has made them stronger and more capable in their jobs and in life, and ultimately nothing will deter them from achieving their dreams. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Ariel’s deep desire to pursue her passion of the arts through filmmaking. Isaiah's love of learning and how that led him into post production. How Mirra began building her editing skills as a kid who loved to read. Why Mirra hopes to one day be the next Shonda Rhimes and her passion to tell “real s@#! to people” through films and stories. KEY TAKE AWAY: Being specific and vocal about your desires and goals will open up the right doors and opportunities to get you where you want to go. Isaiah’s dream is to be in a Post Production finishing facility working as a colorist and being part of a team environment. Ariel’s favorite stories show that anyone can do anything they can put their minds to and those are the stories she wants to tell. Mirra’s experience in high school trying to get into the band and the difficulty she had being accepted in a mostly white school. What it’s like to fight for every opportunity including the classes you want to take despite being qualified in every way. Even in Philadelphia at Temple University, the number of black students in post production is less than 1%. Isaiah’s experience with being treated unfairly on his college thesis project and how he handled it. KEY TAKE AWAY: Persistence and perseverance will help you find the right people and places to get the opportunities you want. The problem of gentrification for minorities negatively and the lack of awareness among whites. Ariel is the first in her family to go to college and graduate and she will not let the color of her skin stand in the way of achieving her dreams. KEY TAKE AWAY: Don’t be afraid to sell yourself and use your stories of adversity to demonstrate your value. Mirra is not looking for a handout based on her race and wants to be hired for her skills, attitude, and love of stories. Advice for hiring managers: Take a shot on those people with lesser experience. They often turn out to be the best. Advice for POC dealing with racism: Just keep going and don’t let it dictate the trajectory of your life. Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep107: Recognizing, Mentoring, and Promoting Diversity In Hollywood | with Monty DeGraff, ACE Want to Be Part of the Solution but Don’t Know How? Start with Listening. Ep11: Making It In Hollywood as a “Creative” (What They Don’t Teach You In Film School) | with Norman Hollyn [FiP] Ep114: What Every College Student (and Recent Grad) Needs to Know About ‘Making It’ In Hollywood, pt1 [FiP] Ep115: What Every College Student (and Recent Grad) Needs to Know About ‘Making It’ In Hollywood, pt2 Guest Bios: Mirra Watkins I wear many hats, depending on the day. I am a Video Editor, an Assistant Editor, a Screenwriter, a Poet, a Podcaster, and a Mental Health Advocate. What I identify most as are a storyteller and an escapist. Since a child, I’ve always had an affinity for storytelling. Growing up, the library and bookstore was my second home. Such a big love for reading developed my imagination in ways I had no clue would be a significant asset in my writing, filmmaking, and editing. As a teen, my love for film grew out of the desire of wanting to be an actress. I used both novels and films to escape from a depressing childhood, never realizing the connection between the two. An intermediate course in video editing at Community College of Philadelphia was where the two loves collided. Soon after, I continued my film education at Temple University and moved to Los Angeles to pursue my storytelling dreams. I’ve been fortunate enough to work as an Editor and Assistant Editor in an array of mediums: documentary, commercial, corporate, digital media, and unscripted. I plan to switch to narratives to achieve my dream of editing, writing, and directing stories that help people escape from their harsh realities and help others heal from their heartaches and traumas. Creating and collaborating on real stories, much like my favorite films of 2019 (The Farewell, Honey Boy, and The Last Black Man in San Francisco), is on my horizon. Ariel Brown Ariel Brown is a student of Temple University Class of 2021. There she is studying to receive her Bachelor degree in Film and Media Arts with a concentration in post production. While finishing her degree she is also working as a freelance filmmaker and animator. Ariel's long term goal is to create better accessibility to film and other arts for young, aspiring artists. She believes that art is an amazing outlet for people to flex their creative abilities and that everyone deserves a chance to gain experience in their preferred art form. In her current endeavors towards this goal, she leads a student-run production organization on her campus, as President. The organization aims to provide more on set and networking opportunities among students throughout the university through a shared love of film. Isaiah Cary Hi everyone, my name is Isaiah Cary I am a 24 year old bi-racial male currently working in the film industry in the Greater Philadelphia Area. I graduated from Temple University in 2018 with a degree in Film and Media Arts with a concentration in Post Production. I would like to say that I entered the real film world in August of 2017 with my internship, interning at a production/post production house in Philadelphia. I was lucky enough to have that internship turn into my job/career and here I am now. Working on different productions every week for commercials, ads, tv shows, and many more. In my free time I love to ski and snowboard and that is what got me into filming. Filming myself and my friends at the mountains having fun and coming home and editing when I was younger was the best thing I could think of, so why not go to school for it! Having gone through film school and entering the "adult" world of the film industry has taught me life lessons that I will never forget. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

"It’s important not only to empower ourselves, but to empower each other. We are 200% stronger together than we are as an individual in our common endeavors.” Imagine a Post Department where you feel a sense of community and mutual respect. Imagine a Post Department where you are consulted about schedule changes and asked for your input in solving problems. Imagine a Post Producer who allows for flexibility to balance both work and life responsibilities. Imagine a Post Producer who believes you should get paid for every hour you work (yes...even nights and weekends!) and wants you to go home when your work is complete…even if it’s before your twelve hours are up. This is the world that Producer Janace Tashjian has created one show after another during her 30+ year career in the film and television industry, having worked in the past on big name movies such as Avatar and TV shows like Entourage, Shooter, From the Earth to the Moon, Dark Angel, and Ballers (to name just a few). I’ve spent multiple seasons editing shows alongside Janace, so I can say first hand that she runs her departments in a way that allows for everyone to do their best work while also having a life. In fact, every person I meet who has worked with Janace says the same thing: BEST show I have ever worked on. So it’s no surprise that when Janace read my article, Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal”she struggled to relate to some of the complaints about long hours, people being taken advantage of, and having no work life balance. In today’s conversation we discuss these issues as well as the ways that Janace creates the positive working environments that so many editors appreciate and love. I hope what you hear today provides a new perspective and a refreshing look at what is possible when we come together and work as a team. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The limiting beliefs we work up in our mind are sometimes inflated to what’s happening in the real world. Becoming your own self advocate is necessary to setting boundaries and for finding the people willing to listen and want to help. The way to release the pressure of saying yes and the fear of being the difficult one to ensure that everyone’s needs are being met and proper expectations are set from the start. The importance of planning contingencies in creating schedules so people aren’t getting burned out. KEY TAKEAWAY: The quality of the questions you ask determines the quality of your life. The core question Janace asks at the start of each project and throughout the process: “What do I need to do to make sure that everyone on my team has what they need to succeed?" Why she sees the Post department (Post coordinator, Post supervisor, PA) and the editors and their assistants as one entity and builds the team to work as one cohesive unit. She expects that everyone on the team supports each other and works towards one common goal to make the best product possible. Her thoughts on the 60 hour work week on call editor classification She believes that there should be communication about the work that is being asked and that flexibility is important for both sides so that life and work demands are met for everyone involved. When it comes to tight deadlines and working overtime, Janace’s motto is: “How can we help each other figure this situation out?” The importance of recognizing and addressing self talk that can be inhibiting your ability to set boundaries. Asking for help is not a sign of personal failure. We now have the opportunity to share concerns and find interventions that will benefit the whole without compromising the results Useful Resources Mentioned: Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal.” Normal Wasn’t Working. Ep111: Parenting In a Post-Pandemic Hollywood | with Natalie Boschan, Bari Winter, Yvette Amirian ACE, and Monica Daniel Ep112: On Signing COVID Waivers, Kit Rental Fees, and Working Humane Hours | with Cathy Repola, MPEG National Executive Director Dear Hollywood: It’s Time For An Intervention About The Hours We Work [Change.org Petition Inside] Guest Bio: Janace Tashjian is a producer and production manager, known for Avatar (2009), Ballers (2016 - (2018), Shooter (2017) - (2018), 2 Guns(2013) and From the Earth to the Moon (1998). Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

In case you missed it, my recent article Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to ‘Go Back to Normal.’ Normal Wasn’t Working ignited a firestorm of conversation, social media messages, and a barrage of emails (I promise I’m reading all of them!!!) that ultimately became the impetus for this candid conversation with MPEG National Executive Director Cathy Repola. Since 2016, Cathy has been one of Hollywood’s leading voices on labor, working to negotiate and enforce contracts that protect the wages, benefits, and livelihoods of more than 8,000 workers in the post-production industry – including my own. Like so many other organizations, Cathy has been working tirelessly with studio executives and union members alike to come up with a plan to get Hollywood back to work – SAFELY. But how can we do that without putting ourselves at risk? If you haven’t yet read my article (stop this recording right now and go read it!) here are the Cliffs Notes: We’re tired of long hours and unrealistic deadlines that keep us from seeing our families, raising our kids and enjoying our lives. We want to seize this opportunity while Hollywood is shut down to shift the paradigm and restructure our work-life balance. Instead of “going back to normal,” we need to define a new version of normal that works for all of us. Namely, we need to abolish the “standard” 60-hr week Nobody should EVER have to sign liability waivers to return to work We require compensation for our equipment if we’re asked/required to work from home. BONUS: Don’t you dare ask me to provide child care if I have to work from home. Cathy and I discuss each of these topics in-depth in this interview as well as also fielding live questions from the Facebook community that attended this live Q&A. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: American Cinema Editors, Blue Collar Post Collective, Motion Picture Editor’s Guild and other groups have been fighting for these rights for years and now are finally starting to come together to continue this conversation. Waivers 101: What do they mean? Do you have to sign them to report to work? (Bottom line: Don’t sign anything without giving it to the Guild to read first) How absurd it is that we are fighting for a 10 hour work day!!! KEY TAKE AWAY: More hours do not equal better hours. There is no mandate for the 60-hour workweek for an on-call Union editor. The hours came from the number of hours that the studios were contributing to the pension and health plan. How to create a better balance of work hours with more flexibility to the employee to get the work done on their schedule. Employers and producers are abusing their power if they ask you to trade a weekday off work for an unpaid Saturday or Sunday. KEY TAKEAWAY:  We need to summon the feeling of dread we have about going back to the way it used to be and use it as a catalyst to change. Don’t let employers tell you that they’re doing you a favor by allowing you to work from home. The reverse is true. Burnout comes from a lack of setting proper expectations. What the timetable is for going back to work based on regulations and new COVID guidelines. The way to set boundaries for yourself without being perceived as “the difficult one.” Guidelines for kit rentals and reimbursements for working from home and the timeline for when these will come out. KEY TAKEAWAY: Cathy says, “If we want this business to thrive, we need to start taking care of each other”. The value of the work is more important than micromanaging our time and we need to destroy the culture of the “theatre of work”. The idea that today’s miracle equals tomorrow’s expectation needs to be revised with post-pandemic expectations. Can the editor’s guild have a protected cut the same way the director’s guild does? How we can access the box rental guidelines when the Union releases them. Advice to leave with: We can solve these problems as a larger community. Be involved. Don’t fight this fight alone! Useful Resources Mentioned: Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal.” Normal Wasn’t Working. Dear Hollywood: We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing Cancer. Dear Hollywood: We’re Not “Lucky to Be Here”…You’re Lucky to Have Us Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Cathy Repola has served the Motion Picture Editors Guild in several top leadership roles since 1992. Since 2016, she has been the Guild’s National Executive Director, where she is one of Hollywood’s leading voices on labor. Repola helps negotiate contracts and ensure enforcement that protect the wages and benefits of more than 8,000 workers in the post-production industry, including picture and sound editors, re-recording mixers, Foley artists, technical directors and story analysts. The Guild also leads the way in organizing labor within post-production. Motion Picture Editors Guild CineMontage: Journal of the MPEG Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

With work in the entertainment industry slowly beginning to trickle in and productions ramping up over the coming weeks and months, you’d think we could all just “go back to normal,” right? WRONG. The new version of post-pandemic work is going to be anything but normal (and frankly Normal. Wasn’t. Working), and for one very specific group, this is uncharted (and terrifying) territory: Parents. In the latest ‘Optimizer’ community Q&A, our community welcomes four hardworking moms in various stages of their careers in the entertainment industry. Editor Yvette Amirian (ACE), Editor Natalie Boschan, Editor/AE Monica Daniel, and Assistant Editor Bari Winter have all been simultaneously juggling busy careers while also doing their best to raise children during a global pandemic. We talk about how we can balance the vast needs of Hollywood production while still doing our best to be present parents. We discuss tips and strategies for handling this delicate balancing act. My guests also share their fears and hopes about navigating pre-pandemic expectations in a post-pandemic working world. In this very candid conversation, we cover many topics including: How can we balance the vast needs of Hollywood production and post-production when we’re still homeschooling our kids, daycare isn’t open, or we can’t afford a nanny anymore? Will working from home mean that we NEVER get any time away from the office to be a parent because of endless emails and texts where people need things 24/7? Will people be less likely to hire me again if I’m a parent working from home? Whether you are a parent or not, this conversation will address the issues of managing and sustaining Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: “Real-life” insight into balancing parenting and work obligations when it feels impossible How to tackle the question of getting a nanny during a pandemic and the importance of separating work and child care duties when working from home The best ways to make sure your kids are actively engaged in learning while you work from home (so that they don’t get left behind academically) How to keep yourself healthy and avoid burnout from trying to be “supermom” (or dad) Why normal wasn’t working for parents and how we will literally kill ourselves if we try to resume the status quo The real reasons moms tend to put themselves last and feel obligated to take care of everyone else first What the “theatre of work” is and how we need to teach producers to let us manage our own time How to set boundaries when working from home by communicating clearly and confidently Productivity tips on creating effective workflows so everyone is on the same page with boundaries and communication The different standards between being a mom in the workplace versus being a dad (and how moms have to navigate that) FACT: It’s harder for moms to get hired. When women reveal they have children, are they being explicitly discriminated against? Managing the dynamics of juggling family activities, finances, career advancement, and job obligations Why “time is the great equalizer” (everyone has the same amount of it) and how to use that to your advantage when setting expectations Detailed strategies for dealing with guilt about missing bedtimes or activities How to communicate with your kids the importance of taking time for yourself The valuable mindset shift of “work/life presence” vs. “work/life balance” Useful Resources Mentioned: EP 99: How to Provide Value and Get Paid What You’re Worth with Monica Daniel Fitness in Post Q&A with Natalie Boschan: Career Vs. Family Dear Hollywood: We Don’t Want to “Go Back to Normal.” Normal Wasn’t Working. Guest Bios: NATALIE BOSCHAN Natalie is an editor working in scripted television. She started her career editing short form content including trailers, DVD content and marketing videos for major motion picture releases. She made the move to scripted television as an assistant editor on season 7 of Burn Notice. After working on several series as an AE including Once Upon A Time, Empire, Shooter and Punisher she made the leap to Editor on season 2 of Shooter. Since then her editing credits have included Stargirl, LA’s Finest and Star. In between all that editing, Natalie has found time to become a mom to a lovely 2 year old boy. She’s done her best to balance family and work, but there are always challenges and she hopes to be apart of the solution to help parents working in post overcome some of those challenges. BARI WINTER Bari Winter is an accomplished television assistant editor. She started in news, sports and reality tv eventually moving into scripted television. Her credits include The Middle (ABC), Bluff City Law (ABC), and most recently season 2 of Doom Patrol (HBO Max). Bari is currently taking Zack Arnold’s Focus Yourself course with the goal of moving into the editors chair in the near future. Bari has a BFA from the School of Visual Arts in New York City. YVETTE AMIRIAN Yvette M. Amirian, ACE is an award-nominated film and television editor. After graduating from USC’s School of Cinema-Television, she built a successful career, and has been transitioning seamlessly between cutting scripted and documentary content for the better part of two decades. In 2011, she and her team received an Eddie Award nomination from the American Cinema Editors for their work on Animal Planet’s Whale Wars. In 2017, she edited and produced John Singleton’s L.A. Burning: The Riots 25 Years Later for A&E, which was nominated for a Primetime Emmy (Outstanding Documentary Special). Yvette is a proud member of the Motion Picture Editor’s Guild, the Academy of TV Arts & Sciences, and the American Cinema Editors (ACE). She also teaches editing at USC’s School of Cinematic Arts, and loves educating future generations of aspiring filmmakers. Yvette lives in Los Angeles with her husband and two sons. MONICA DANIEL Monica Daniel has edited various genres of television that have been broadcast worldwide over the last decade. She is known for her “sh*tting sparkles” slogan from her award show red carpet work. She recently transitioned from editing reality television into a high level scripted network show, and our conversation today breaks down her journey and how you can walk away with actionable steps to make the same transition, regardless of your situation. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Chris Orsi, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

“It’s all about how you get to the starting line. That’s the real story.” – Wes Plate There aren’t many of us working 12 + hours a day in a dark room in post-production that think about running 240-mile ultra-marathons. We have enough to worry about on a daily basis, whether it’s building an at home work station (and fumbling with complicated WFH workflows) or learning new skills to weather the market during this pandemic, or chasing after our kids while simultaneously home-schooling them (and desperately trying to keep them off screens all day long). The last thing on our minds is training for an ultra endurance marathon. Today’s guest, Wes Plate, didn’t start out with such a lofty goal either. Wes is a former editor turned software developer for Apple who works on the team developing Final Cut Pro X, so he’s no stranger to working long hours. He was a self-proclaimed workaholic and an alcoholic who hit rock bottom in 2007, weighing 240 pounds. After checking himself into rehab (after hitting rock bottom at a family Christmas party), he knew he had to get his life back in order. In today’s conversation, you’ll hear the challenges and hard lessons that Wes learned on his journey from being a depressed, overworked alcoholic to a lean and happy Ultramarathoner. He shares the secrets and strategies he uses to overcome injuries and obstacles that life presents along the way. And he speaks in-depth about the mindsets that have led to his transformation into a happy and healthy father, professional, and athlete. If you’ve ever felt stuck in a rut and hopeless to get back on track, Wes’ story will provide inspiration and motivation to get you off the couch and onto your own starting line – however you choose to define it. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Wes’ experience working for apple on the team that makes Final Cut Pro X How Wes balances a demanding job for Apple with moonlighting as an Ultra Marathon runner. His story of hitting rock bottom after gaining weight and putting his mental and physical health on the back burner which led to checking himself into rehab for alcohol addiction. How he used a Garmin watch and telephone poles to kick-start a running routine. How he used small goals to build habits to improve his health. How he signed up for 5K races to get fit enough to join Fitness in Post. The importance of nutrition and hydration after finishing his first 50K race and barely being able to walk afterward. The real story is how you get to the starting line and not about how you perform in the race. How he sees himself as a normal guy, not a super athlete that just wants to do hard things step by step. How saying yes to running led to a domino effect of life improvements like meeting his running heroes and being part of the Ultrarunning community Why he’s learned to treat failure as just another piece of information to learn from The similarities between training for Ultra marathons and the creative process Useful Resources Mentioned: Wesplate.com Wes’ Blog of his recovery Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Wes Plate worked in Seattle as an offline editor at Pinnacle as well as freelance in the late 90s and early 2000s. In 2001 he co-founded Automatic Duck, a software company that became well-known for making timeline translation plug-ins for Avid, FCP and AE users. Today he works at Apple as a Product Designer in the Pro Apps group. Wes also edits with select clients on commercials, main title sequences and other short form projects. Wes Plate’s Site Wes Plate on Twitter Wes Plate on Linkedin Wes Plate on Instagram Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).

“This moment is necessary as much as it is uncomfortable.” - Monty DeGraff (Comments on diversity in Hollywood June 2020) According to a 2019 survey of 1700+ post-production professionals (thanks to Blue Collar Post Collective), 1.5% of those surveyed identified as ‘African-American’ with over 80% identifying as ‘White.’ Let this sink in for a second...1% of people in post identify as African-American. How is this possible? Is there a systemic reason for this? Or on the contrary, should we just accept that “it is what it is?” Seasoned editor Monty DeGraff, ACE (Star Trek: The Next Generation, Law & Order, Daredevil, Man In the High Castle, Narcos: Mexico) worked in Hollywood post-production for 9 years before he met another black person like himself. Over the years, he’s seen very little increase in the number of black people working in post-production, largely because there has never been a real incentive to change it. In this interview, Monty and I address some of the following questions: Why aren’t black people getting the opportunities they deserve? In the midst of the COVID- 19 pandemic where many of us are forced out of work, can we finally take the time to examine our own responsibility in the racial epidemic that is happening in Hollywood? Can we honestly evaluate where our internal biases have informed the status quo? Can we recognize that white privilege doesn’t mean you had an easy life, it just means the color of your skin didn’t contribute to your hardships? This is an incredibly candid and uncomfortable conversation (as it needs to be) where Monty opens up about how he’s had to fight harder in this industry because he’s black, how internal biases inform the comfort level in the editing bay, and why white people need to start having these conversations with each other. If you have been feeling sad and helpless about racism and the mistreatment of black lives, please listen to this interview to gain insight into the black experience specifically in post from Monty’s perspective and hear his thoughts on what steps we can take collectively to make true and lasting change in the post-production industry. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The story of how Monty almost became a lawyer but realized it was Hollywood that was his true calling. How he never considered himself a mentor but naturally fell into it His advice on what assistants should be using to convince producers they can cut. Monty’s secret for how he fast-tracked himself from Assistant Editor to Editor. SPOILER: You have to ask. On diversity in Hollywood: How post-production in Hollywood is predominately white and how he’s had to navigate that to get the opportunities he’s had. What it’s like to go into a room and see the surprise on an interviewer’s face that you’re black and they weren’t expecting that. What football has to do with unconscious bias and how we can learn from it in our own lives. How we all have prejudices, regardless of race, and this is a moment to check ourselves. What Monty believes is the ONE thing that connects us to all people. How to see beyond color and find commonality beyond the superficial things that seem to separate us. How most black people believe they will encounter hostility working in white environments and how that affects them. Why Monty thinks white people need to have the race conversation amongst themselves and what specifically they can talk about to make forward progress. The importance of self-reflection and looking into our own hearts and minds to see how we are reacting to the world around us. White privilege doesn’t mean your life wasn’t hard, it just means the color of your skin wasn’t one of the reasons that your life was hard.   Useful Resources Mentioned: Monty DeGraff in CineMontage  Blue Collar Post Collective Surveys Want to Be Part of the Solution but Don’t Know How? Start with Listening. More Podcasts & Articles on Equality Guest Bio: Monty DeGraff was born and raised in New York City where he attended public schools. He graduated from the University of Rochester with a B.A. in History and then headed west to California. Through a classmate he landed a job as a page at ABC and from there quickly became an Apprentice Editor in their film department. This allowed Monty to join the MPEG just as non-linear editing was beginning to reshape television post production. Monty became an Assistant Editor on Star Trek: TNG and it was there that he received his first credit as Editor. In took 3 more years bouncing between being an Editor and an AE before Monty landed a job as Editor for Dick Wolf on Law&Order. He stayed there for 5 seasons , one of which won the Emmy award for best Dramatic series. Since then Monty has worked on shows big ( “Daredevil”, “Narcos: Mexico “, and “The Man in the High Castle” ) and small and everything in between. Monty’s love of craft continues to grow, as does the enjoyment he gets from working with talented, passionate storytellers. In addition to the pleasure of cutting, Monty has found great satisfaction from mentoring the next generation of editors. He currently working on a spinoff of the STARZ series “Power” called “Raising Kanan”. Monty DeGraff in CineMontage  Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared by Debby Germino and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

With the unemployment rate over 95% in the entertainment industry1, it’s common to have had the following thought in the last several weeks: "If my entire livelihood depends on other people’s ideas and projects, maybe my livelihood shouldn't depend on other people’s projects anymore?" This has become a very common thought amidst the pandemic. Here’s what a member of our community had to say in Episode 97: "Ultimately I love what I do. But I'd also love a lot more flexibility. I feel like you always have to say yes to a job, and I'd love to have the flexibility to turn the job down unless it's something that I'm really interested in." In today’s Community Q&A I invited special guest, TV editor Monica Daniel, to speak very candidly about her desire to find alternate ways to generate income besides editing television. As a single mother with a special needs child her time is limited to build her own empire, yet Monica has tremendous knowledge and value to share with the world. Is it possible for her to monetize her knowledge and build a business that can generate additional income aside from her regular career? And more importantly can she overcome the psychological fears, the imposter syndrome, and the many limiting beliefs that are most likely the only thing stopping her from taking the next steps towards financial freedom? Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Our Optimizers group's thoughts on where we left off last week regarding providing value to others, starting a side-hustle, and making money during the global pandemic while we're all stuck at home. A quick update from our favorite "hot seat contestant", Debby Germino on her progress. (HINT: She's been taking massive action.) The Big Question: "How can I provide value that people are happy to pay for in ways I may not have thought about before now that I’m under quarantine?" How editor, Krysia Szyszlo is leveraging her Psychology degree and personal interests into a side hustle as a dating and relationship coach. She even has clients already! Listen as Zack puts Monica Daniel in the "hot seat" for a live laser coaching session. He helps reveal astonishing insights into what's holding her back from monetizing her valuable knowledge, experience, & assets (such as her online following who hang on her every word). Monica's compelling reason WHY she's pursuing a more flexible & independent way of earning income. The story of Monica's "Internet celebrity" status (wink) and how a random Facebook post inspired her to create a workshop on Assistant Editing in Scripted Television for BCPC that sold out in 40 minutes! The "magic question" she asked people which made her realize that she has a unique voice, perspective and relatability that appeals to aspiring assistant editors in a way that sets her apart from mentors with prestigious credentials. Why Monica believes the old adage "you have to pay your dues" is B.S. which can discourage talented creatives. And why her thinking about how to approach a career gives people the hope and reassurance they need to succeed. A transformative coaching experience happens in real time: Don't miss the powerful, paradigm shifting questions Zack asks which affirmed Monica's value and breaks down her limiting belief around monetizing the knowledge she shares. How giving some stuff away for free turns out to be a great way to attract people willing to pay you. (When you do it right.) Why it's actually good for people when they have to pay for your services as a mentor, coach, or trainer. HINT: How much more committed are you to following through with a training program when you've invested your hard-earned money into it versus when it's free? 2 industry examples of people who monetized their knowledge in totally non-exploitative ways: Lori Jane Coleman who wrote the ‘bible’ for working as an assistant editor Norman Holland who traveled the world getting paid to teach “Who am I to charge people for this?” - How to overcome 'imposter syndrome' and the emotional drivers that cause it. Key mindset: “Don’t pursue perfect at the expense of good enough.” Zack’s biggest transformation after 6+ years of doing this: The first time somebody gave him $97 Huge takeaway: “It’s not even about making money, it’s about teaching myself that I’m worthy of the value I’m asking from others.” The group goes into more questions such as: “What if I don’t know where to start? How do I even find an idea?” “What are the things I already enjoy where I feel like I can provide value?” “What if I’m not an expert?” Useful Resources Mentioned: Previous Q&A - Ep97: When Are We Going Back to Work? And How Can We Earn Income Now? | Community Q&A Monica’s Going Postal podcast on Apple Podcasts Monica’s video from the BCPC presentation More Episodes with Monica Daniel: Ep15: Transitioning From ‘Reality TV’ to Scripted Drama | with Monica Daniel [FiP] Ep11: Daniel & Daniel, The “Dark Horses” [FiP] Ep68: Overcoming Sugar Addiction [FiP] Ep100: The Current State of Mental Health In Post [FiP] Ep19: Becoming Weekend Warriors [FiP] Ep05: Test Group Update, week 3 [FiP] Ep03: Introducing the Test Group, part 2 [FiP] Ep01: Welcome to Fitness In Post! [FiP] Ep19: Becoming Weekend Warriors Guest Bio: Twitter | Facebook Monica Daniel has edited various genres of television that have been broadcast worldwide over the last decade. She is known for her “sh*tting sparkles” slogan from her award show red carpet work. She recently transitioned from editing reality television into a high level scripted network show, and our conversation today breaks down her journey and how you can walk away with actionable steps to make the same transition, regardless of your situation. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

As the COVID-19 global pandemic plods along one day at a time, I and the Optimizer coaching & mentorship community have been monitoring the latest developments as they pertain to freelancer unemployment as well as applying for small business loans (via the EIDL and PPP loan programs). And let’s just say that so far...things are a train wreck. Very little of what we’ve been promised thus far by the CARES Act has actually come to fruition (at least as of recording this episode), and in this community Q&A episode we talk through some of the finer details, we examine the challenges that all of us are having getting any assistance whatsoever, and then we dive back into some productivity strategies to keep us (somewhat) productive despite the world throwing every distraction at us that we can possibly handle and more. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: First, we check in with our Optimizers on how they’re doing with obtaining their stimulus checks & other financial assistance. Here are some of the topics covered: Is now a good time to start a business? With over $350 billion in loans & grants available in the U.S. stimulus bill, people want to know. Does anyone really know what’s going on with unemployment? We take a dive into the state we know the most about, California which recently released information. When can we expect our additional $600/wk in unemployment benefits if we’re already receiving benefits? What is this new “Pandemic Unemployment Assistance” website for freelancers and others who aren’t represented on the standard unemployment website form? What if I was already receiving unemployment benefits and they’re almost used up? Are they extending it and will I get the additional $600/wk? What happened to the $10,000 grant? What is the SBA disaster (EIDL) loan and what has changed? Can we apply for and get EIDL grant and Paycheck Protection Program and unemployment? Next, we check in with Debby Germino on how she’s doing with her “One Thing” - writing (see last week’s Community Q&A episode). On prioritizing our time: Why does it seem like we have all this time on our hands and we’re still not doing what we want to get done with it? How can we adapt our productivity strategies like time blocking when our schedule can get “blown up” at any time? Don’t miss the amazing “laser coaching” session with Debby at INSERTTIMESTAMP. Useful Resources Mentioned: Surviving Freelancer Unemployment: How to Manage Your Budget For the ‘Gig Economy’ (Global Pandemic Edition) Surviving Freelancer Unemployment: Making Sense of the CARES Act, EIDL, PPP, and UI…And Getting Your FREE $10k (if you qualify) Ep93: How to Organize & Prepare Your Finances As a Freelancer | Community Q&A Ep94: [CASE STUDY] How to Identify Your “One Thing” and Accomplish It Every Day | Community Q&A Ep91: How To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Community Q&A The Mindful Editor | It’s Okay If You’re Not Ready to Be Productive Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet). Note: I believe in 100% transparency, so please note that I receive a small commission if you purchase products from some of the links on this page (at no additional cost to you). Your support is what helps keep this program alive. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Editor’s Note: The following is a guest article from film & television editor Debby Germino (Fargo, Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D., Smallville, Genius) who is also the author of the blog Happiness In Training. She will be providing regular content to help us all become more ‘Mindful Editors.’ Click here if you’d like to submit a question for Debby (or me) to answer in a future Podcast Q&A session. So…I’m guessing I’m not the only one who feels blindsided from the Mack truck that crashed through life as we know it in the last couple of weeks? Not even two weeks ago my greatest concern was getting through producer notes editing the latest episode of Fargo. Then less than a week later I was put into self-quarantine having worked from a potentially contaminated office. And just like that…I’ve been laid off after production was shut down (along with the rest of Hollywood). To put it mildly…fear, stress, and anxiety are in the driver’s seat and running rampant in my brain. Luckily when things in our industry took a turn for the worst, Zack provided us with 5 practical steps to take back control of our mental health. As NYT bestselling author and ‘Happiness Expert’ Gretchen Rubin says: “Action is the antidote to anxiety.” With Zack’s easily laid out steps, I was ready to take action! Or at least I thought I was…. Listen to the complete article or read here: https://optimizeyourself.me/5-practices-reduce-pandemic-panic/

Picture this…it’s maybe a month or two before your next hiatus between shows. You can see the light at the end of the tunnel, and you can’t wait to catch up on the million-and-a-half things that aren’t related to your current job. Things I think of as “Life management.” – Unpaid bills (and laundry) – Cleaning and organizing your closet – Sending outreach emails and setting up networking lunches – Going to networking events – FINALLY putting together that diet & exercise routine (that you promise to stick to this time) But then when hiatus comes one of two things happens: You spend all your time freaking out about being unemployed and you frantically search for your next gig. Sleep, napping, more sleep…and a whole lotta Netflix. Luckily this habit pattern is reversible if you take some simple steps to plan ahead before your next hiatus and become more mindful of what’s stopping you from getting things done. And that’s just what I discuss in today’s interview with film & television editor Debby Germino. Debby Germino has worked on numerous television series such as Fargo, Agents of SHIELD, Genius, and the Netflix original feature XOXO. She has also trained for and run multiple triathlons, endurances races, and last November she finished her very first Tough Mudder. Debby is also passionate about her mindfulness practice as well as sharing strategies to become a more balanced, happier, and more mindful editor at her blog Happiness In Training, all of which we discuss in detail in this episode. Before we jump into today’s interview I wanted to give you a quick head’s up that by popular demand I will be reviving the Podcast Q&A format for an upcoming episode with Debbie as my new co-host, so if you have any specific questions you’d like to ask either Debby or me about how to survive the craziness of show business, whether it be about health, wellness, fitness, diet, sleep, productivity, or career advancement strategies and networking, please submit your question at optimizeyourself.me/podcastqa. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: The ‘Soft Skills’ that Debby credits with her success in the industry. What led to her beginning to write about work-life balance and mindfulness. “Work-life balance is not about balancing the scales or having everything equal… it’s about managing priorities.” How to stay productive during hiatus and the importance of maintaining foundational routines. The 4 most important habits she maintains whether she’s working or not. Great tips on remaining flexible and honoring your body while maintaining habits & rituals that keep you effective and creative. Zack and Debby’s advice for anyone about to start a month-long or longer hiatus. How we tend to react in the face of change and how to “build that transition period in” to your plans while on hiatus. The importance of acceptance and self-compassion when we expect a lot from ourselves. The fallacy of the “I’ll be happy when…” story we tell ourselves and learning to love “where we are now”. Tips to get started being more fully present in the moment. Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep07: How to Sleep Smarter | with Shawn Stevenson Ep29: Protecting Your Vision Using ‘Iris’ | with Daniel Georgiev Ep56: One Sleep Tracker to Rule Them All…the Oura Ring | with Chuck Hazzard Ep75: ‘The Four Tendencies’ (aka The Matrix For Human Behavior) | with Gretchen Rubin Ep66: Everything You Always Wanted to Know About Time Blocking (But Were Afraid to Ask) | with Amber De La Garza Ep37: The Myth of Work-Life Balance (And What to Strive For Instead) | with Apryl Schlueter Work-Life Balance Got Questions? Use this Podcast Q&A form » Debby’s Email: debby@happinessintraining.com Our Generous Sponsors: This episode is made possible for you by Ergodriven, the makers of the Topo Mat, my #1 recommendation for anyone who stands at their workstation. The Topo is super comfortable, an awesome conversation starter, and it’s also scientifically proven to help you move more throughout the day which helps reduce discomfort and also increase your focus and productivity. Click here to learn more and get your Topo Mat. Guest Bio: Debby moved to Los Angeles in 2001 and landed her first job at a theatrical marketing agency in Burbank. It was there that she honed her Avid skills and learned the quick pace of trailer editing. But her real passion was to work on longer format editing and storytelling. She got her first job in television as an assistant editor on Smallville, where she was promoted to editor after two seasons and began her editorial career. Since then she’s worked on numerous television series, including Fargo, Agents of SHIELD, AMC’s The Son, National Geographic’s Genius, and the Netflix Original Feature XOXO. She has her own Medium publication called Happiness in Training where she writes articles about how to live a happier and more fulfilling life. When she is not editing or writing, she is busy training for triathlons & endurance races, and practicing mindfulness meditation. She frequently spends her time off in Mammoth with her boyfriend and dog, hiking, snowboarding, and cycling. Medium | Facebook | Instagram | Happiness in Training Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Glen McNiel. Special thanks to Krystle Penhall and Sarah Furie for helping to spread the love! The original music in the opening and closing of the show is courtesy of Joe Trapanese (who is quite possibly one of the most talented composers on the face of the planet).