Podcasts about topo mat

» 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).

An interview with Ergodriven CEO and Topo Mat creator, Kit Perkins about his new venture: New Standard Whole Protein.

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).

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).

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).

“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).

Be nice. Could it possibly be that simple? Given everything happening in the world, all the hatred, all the cynicism, all the distrust around the globe in every corner of society...is it possible that the fastest path to success in any field is simply to “be nice?” In Hollywood it seems like this is as far from the truth as humanly possible. We all know that “nice guys finish last.” It’s those with the guts to take what’s theirs and step all over people along the way that ultimately climb to the top. If you’re going to succeed in a world of “crabs in a bucket,” you’re on your own...right? No matter how hard that poor crab wants to escape to a better life, the other crabs still stuck in the bucket refuse to let him free. In my interview with multiple Emmy-winning editor Jesse Averna, ACE (recorded shortly before the murder of George Floyd and the ensuing riots), Jesse and I talk about the importance of treating every human being equally and providing value to others first as a way to climb to the top...while bringing others along with you. Jesse and I believe that “a rising tide can lift all boats” and Hollywood does not have to be a zero-sum game whereby helping others means you’ve created more competition for yourself. Jesse and I believe deep within our hearts that everyone’s voice needs to be heard equally, and the best idea is the one that wins - no matter if it comes from the CEO or the janitor. Learn from Jesse how you too can cultivate compassion, empathy, and use positivity as the guiding force that leads to your success...and if you stick around you might also learn at least 50 amazing tips for working in animation post-production too (the only place where people in Hollywood are still working PERIOD). 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 ‘origin story’ of the great Jesse Averna? How did you get started? You received a lot of acclaim & recognition for your work on Sesame Street, how did that lead to your transition to animation? What are your thoughts on how this pandemic situation could be a boon to animation? What skills should people develop to get into animation? How is the editing process different for animation vs. live action? How long do animation projects run for vs. scripted television? What are the upsides and downsides of working in animation? If animated features can take 3 or 4 years to produce, how can you make objective creative decisions after being immersed in a project for so long? What tips or advice can you give on getting hired in animation as an Editor? Are there more opportunities for assistant editors to be involved in the creative process in animation? And is it more common for Editors to extend their Assistants mentorship opportunities? Key Takeaway: Jesse & Zack brilliantly reframe the Editor & Assistant Editor relationship. They also offer advice on how to create space for mistakes to happen and be learned from without embarrassment. If I were to ask some of your closest and colleagues in the industry about Jesse Averna. People who have seen you make your rise - What would they tell me about you that has been the KEY difference in the way that you manage people, manage relationships, and put yourself out there in the world? Why do you think so many people think they need to step on others to climb the ladder of success in Hollywood? For introverts, how can we relieve the anxiety around networking? For example, what mindset do you go into networking events with? Do you think for someone who’s in live action that this is a good time to make the move to animation? Key Takeaway: “It’s better to be at the bottom of a ladder you WANT to climb, than to be halfway up the ladder you don’t want to climb. But be responsible to the people in your life who depend on you to provide.” If I wanted to start from the bottom rung and break in on the ground floor in animation, what does that look like? How can we know whether we actually ARE putting ourselves in the right place at the right time? How can I make sure the right opportunities don’t pass me by unnoticed? What is the single most important step I can take to get into animation when my background is in scripted television? How can I find recruiters for animation studios? What is the most important message you want listeners to leave with? Useful Resources Mentioned: Post Chat Facebook Group It Is Possible to Be Both Successful and Kind At the Same Time? How to Build Your Network: Articles & Podcast Interviews Ep11: Making It In Hollywood as a “Creative” (What They Don’t Teach You In Film School) | with Norman Hollyn Ep99: How to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Community Q&A with Monica Daniel 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: Jesse Averna, ACE is a father, a husband, and a 5x Emmy winning Editor. His career has spanned TV and feature, live-action and animation. Jesse was a founder of the #PostChat community on Twitter and Facebook for Post Professionals. He has also taught various NLEs at NYC’s School of Visual Arts Continuing Education. Jesse Averna on IMDB Post Chat Facebook Group Jesse Averna on Twitter 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.

So many working in post-production around the world are obsessed with making the transition from being an assistant to being an editor. But does the journey end once you’re sitting in the editor’s chair? Or has the journey just begun? Editor and director Susan Vaill, ACE (Space Force, Gray’s Anatomy, This Is Us) has been helping to answer these questions as a mentor to many in scripted entertainment in Hollywood, and she’s become so passionate about the subject of helping assistant make the transition (and stick the landing, so to speak) that she even recently lead an Editor’s Guild panel titled “Bumped Up: The Leadership Workshop for New Editors.” So what are the most important questions that assistants who’ve recently been promoted into the editor’s chair don’t know to ask? What surprises might come their way they aren’t prepared for? What politics should they be aware of? What soft skills are necessary to build relationships and get invited back to jobs in the future? And if you haven’t made the transition yet but you are oh so close!!!, then what differentiates you from other people vying for the same position (especially if they have more experience than you)? What can you do to stand out? NOTE: This interview was conducted shortly before the pandemic struck (early March, 2020), so as you’re listening keep that in mind as we discuss her upcoming panels and general networking strategies. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: The fun story of how Susan and her twin sister ended up in a classic Double Mint Gum commercial in the ’80s. Susan’s amazing origin story and how just ONE experience with deck to deck editing in high school gave her the power to “see the matrix” and recognize editing ‘tricks’ in films & television shows early on in life. How a documentary job 20 years ago directly led to her working on Space Force today. The pivotal moment where Susan realized she had a lot more to offer than what was on her resume. And how she leveraged her unique perspective, background, and personality to make her resume so compelling that it jumpstarted her career. Hot Tip: Inject your personality into your resume! How Susan’s passion and life experiences motivated her to spearhead the panel on moving from Assistant Editor to Editor called ‘Bumped Up: the Leadership Workshop for New Editors’. Why the most common question she gets at her panels may surprise you. What compels Susan to put on these panels and give back to people in the industry. How she thinks about the difficulty of Assistant Editors moving to Editor in the current environment where they aren’t really gaining the creative skills it requires. Why Editors have to be proactive about mentoring their Assistant Editors to get the next generation ready to be our peers. The benefits of making a habit of getting away and taking lunch together. Why it’s so important to create a really comfortable, safe working place of your edit bay. F.A.I.L. = First Attempt in Learning. NOTE: Susan’s panel is limited to 30 participants, but they’ll do them every 3 months. Keep an eye on MPEG's events calendar page. Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep69: Cobra Kai…Inside the Edit Suite | with Jon Hurtwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg Ep85: Mentorship, Networking, and Surviving Hollywood Blockbusters | with Dody Dorn, ACE Ep70: To Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 1) | with Chris Cavanagh 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: 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: Susan Vaill, ACE, is an editor of both comedy and drama series, including This Is Us, Lodge 49 and the upcoming Space Force on Netflix. She has edited six television pilots and helped launch five shows in their first season. Born and raised in Los Angeles, Susan appeared with her twin sister Sarah in an ‘80s Doublemint gum commercial and the Hal Ashby film Bound For Glory. She studied film theory and art history at Williams College and got an MFA in film production at USC. After assistant-editing documentaries and feature films like The Last Samurai, Susan edited over 70 episodes of Grey’s Anatomy which won the Golden Globe for Best Drama Series in 2008. Susan also directed three episodes of the series, in which Loretta Devine gave a guest performance that earned her an Emmy in 2011. More recently, Susan turned to comedy, editing the half-hour series Grandfathered, Me, Myself & I, and the upcoming comedy Space Force, created by Greg Daniels and Steve Carrell. She also edited the legal drama Doubt, the award-winning mega-hit This Is Us, and the critically acclaimed AMC dramedy Lodge 49. Two of Susan’s episodes of Lodge 49 earned spots on The New York Times’ and Entertainment Weekly’s year-end lists of Best Episodes of Television of 2019. In 2018, Susan was elected to the society of American Cinema Editors, and in 2019 she spearheaded ‘Bumped Up: the Leadership Workshop for New Editors’, co-sponsored by ACE and the Editors Guild, which she leads 2-3 times a year. Susan’s interests include golf and music-driven story-telling, and her favorite karaoke song is “I’m On A Boat” by The Lonely Island. 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.

Having directed and produced such shows as Jack Ryan, Hunters, For All Mankind, Hell On Wheels, Legion, Waco, Goliath, and frankly too many others films and shows to count...Dennie Gordon is no stranger to working with giant crews on massive sets. Having also directed a feature film in China during the SARS outbreak, I think it’s safe to say that Dennie knows something about keeping her crew members safe despite the risks. And not more than 2 minutes into our interview, Dennie rolled the following grenade into the middle of the room: “I think the cameras are going to start rolling again when there’s a vaccine.” Whoah. So what does that mean for everyone who’s livelihoods depend on cameras rolling? On needing makeup and hair done, sets to be designed, built, and painted...lights to be set up, focused to be pulled, costumes to be purchased and fitted, and in the case of most of my listeners...footage that needs to be cut. What’s the plan if cameras don’t roll again until we have a vaccine? And are there alternatives? Will production flee to other states or other countries that are willing to take the risks? Are crew members going to have to choose between unemployment or signing death waivers? There are a lot of questions right now, and neither I nor Dennie promise to have the answers. But we do our best to discuss all of the various options out there so all of us can make more informed decisions about what comes next. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Despite the “when there’s a vaccine” grenade Dennie rolled into the room, she assures us the Industry is putting protocols in place to make sets as safe as possible. But we have a long road ahead. Why she thinks talk shows, game shows, stage studio events will come back much sooner. Location set pieces won’t come back for a while. The astonishing story of Dennie Gordon's experience working on a feature film in China DURING the SARS-COV2 outbreak. Insurance. Waivers. Liability… Who’s really going to take this on at the end of the day? What should we expect working on set to look like before a vaccine? How do we tell good stories while following physical distancing guidelines? How can creative professionals continue building their careers? After all, we never learn anything when we’re not working. How will we be able to collaborate at the same level as before? For example, if writer’s rooms are meeting on Zoom calls instead of in person, how much gets lost in the creative process? Why not create stories that reflect the reality we’re living in with COVID-19? Dennie’s thoughts on having everyone live on set as a closed community where everyone is tested. (Example: Tyler Perry who built a set on a former army barracks.) Does she think people will be willing to live in a quarantined set, isolated from family and friends for months just to have a job again? What about reality shows? Will they resume before scripted? People in some countries such as Australia, New Zealand, Czechoslovakia, Iceland, & South Korea have already started shooting. What opportunities does that present? How do you navigate production when one state says they’re not ready to start shooting because it’s unsafe and in the next state, they’re saying “We’re already making television, what are you guys doing over there?” Since it’s going to be more expensive for productions to operate and doing so with less people, and considering that so many people will want to work and do it for less money, what effect do you expect that downward pressure on wages to have and what would you hope to see? What are we going to do about post-production or are they in a good enough position with remote workflows? Can you still tell the same quality stories if you never meet your post-production crew in person? What does pilot season look like? Do we think the structure of the way we do the business side of things is going to change? What do you think is going to happen to television in general considering the expected reduction in the volume of shows that will be produced? What are some of the ideas you’ve come up with to pivot and be innovative when it looks like you may not be able to go back to directing for a year or two? Does it make sense for you to provide value in other ways such as mentorship? And what does mentorship and networking look like in the time of coronavirus? Dennie Gordon’s words of wisdom: “Use this time. When this is all over, people will be able to define themselves by how they used this time.” Why Dennie expects us to have to get much better at communicating their ideas to each other. Do you think we’ll end up going towards making features and not doing episodic T.V. for a long time because it’s just so hard to sustain the level of production T.V. requires? Can we expect a resurgence of small indie movies? Useful Resources Mentioned: How The World’s Biggest Producers Are Plotting Their Way Out Of The Pandemic Reopening Hollywood: From Insurance To Testing, Crowd Scenes & Craft Services, Here Are The Pandemic Problems Studios Are Trying To Solve Before The Restart Reopening Hollywood: Kurt Sutter On How To Bring Back TV Dramas After Coronavirus Shutdown What’s needed for Hollywood to get back to work safely? Ep85: Mentorship, Networking, and Surviving Hollywood Blockbusters | with Dody Dorn, ACE Ep97: When Are We Going Back to Work? And How Can We Earn Income Now? | Community Q&A 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: Dennie Gordon has been a trailblazing female director her entire career; spanning the worlds of feature films, television series, mini-series and branded content. Her range of genre busting entertainment spans an unusual spectrum of comedy and drama. After being one of the first women to graduate from Yale's School of Drama with an MFA in Directing, Gordon first gained recognition when A HARD RAIN was chosen by Showtime's Discovery Program. Thanks to Steven Spielberg, a rough cut of her film attracted the attention of George Lucas who donated the film's mix at Skywalker Ranch. A HARD RAIN, which Gordon also wrote, went on to win dramatic awards at the British Short Film Festival and the Hampton's Film Festival. This film also caught the eye of David E. Kelley who enlisted Gordon to helm multiple episodes of his television series including GOLIATH, (where she was Co EP) PICKET FENCES, CHICAGO HOPE, ALLY MCBEAL, and THE PRACTICE. Gordon has directed over 100 hours of network television including such critically acclaimed series as LEGION, which was on many critic’s lists as a top 10 show of 2017, with the “astounding direction of Dennie Gordon and her twisted visionary imagery taking the X-Men universe to a whole new level”. Her other work includes BLOODLINE, RECTIFY, EMPIRE, KINGDOM, POWER, HELL ON WHEELS, GRACE & FRANKIE, THE OFFICE, 30 ROCK, Aaron Sorkin’s SPORTS NIGHT, and HBO's TRACEY TAKES ON, for which Gordon won the DGA Comedy Award. Gordon recently completed the mini-series WACO, JACK RYAN Season 2 FOR ALL MANKIND for Apple, and THE HUNT starring Al Pacino. Gordon directed the comedy cult hit JOE DIRT starring David Spade, and Christopher Walken, and WHAT A GIRL WANTS starring Oscar Winner Colin Firth, Dame Eileen Atkins, and Jonathan Pryce. Gordon was the first American woman to direct a film for the domestic Chinese market, called MY LUCKY STAR. The 2013 film starred Oscar nominee Zhang Ziyi and Wang Leehom and was filmed in China and Singapore in the summer of 2012. MY LUCKY STAR was the number one film in China for 4 weeks on 5000 screens. Gordon is a sought after commercial director having completed campaigns for Honda, Toyota, Tsingtao beer and Xcel energy as well as campaigns with Jimmy Fallon, Betty White, Adam Devine and Don Cheadle. She recently completed a short dramatic film for Huawei, which was shot in Prague. She is repped by Little Minx and CAA. Dennie Gordon's website Dennie in the L.A. Times article: What’s needed for Hollywood to get back to work safely? 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.

“It’s okay to look at others and say, that’s not my path.”- Richard Sanchez As creative professionals in the gig economy, it’s virtually impossible for all of us to follow a single path that leads to success. We are not doctors and lawyers. Even if we put in the work and do as we’re told, we can end up miserable on the same projects year after year after year as opposed to working on projects that creatively fulfill us. Heck, we can seemingly do all the right things (and even invest hundreds of thousands of dollars in advanced education and degrees) and still end up fetching people’s coffee! So what’s the difference between those working consistently on dream projects they love versus those who spin on the hamster wheel of projects and dead-end jobs that go nowhere? There are those who wait for opportunities to come to them, and then there are those who create their own opportunities. Assistant editor (and co-creator of the Master the Workflow program) Richard Sanchez has belonged to both camps. In the past he found himself taking the same jobs over and over that didn’t really move him forwards. But after listening to my podcast interview with the creators of Cobra Kai where I systematically broke down my process to create my own dream job, something inside Richard changed. Richard realized the only thing standing between him and his dream project was himself. This realization was step one in a series of steps that slowly changed the direction of his career and led him to working on his dream project, ‘Bill & Ted Face the Music.’ Listen to learn more about what specific steps Richard took to open the right door at the right time and create his own opportunities so that you can follow the same steps to create your own path to a more fulfilling career. NOTE: This interview was conducted shortly before the pandemic struck (early March, 2020), so as you’re listening keep that in mind as we discuss things like going out for lunches, meetings, etc. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Richard Sanchez’s unique origin story that led to him working on Bill & Ted Face the Music (his dream gig from childhood). How he transitioned from reality to scripted on scripted/reality hybrid shows. One of which he discovered on EntertainmentCareers.net of all places. Richard’s take on 'luck': “Luck might get you the interview, it will not get you through the interview.”  How my Cobra Kai podcast episode inspired him to seek out the Bill & Ted gig and the grit, tenacity, & resourcefulness that enabled him to overcome the obstacles along the way. The humble beginnings of Master the Workflow, a course that didn’t exist 5 years ago, quickly became the ‘industry standard’ for editors transitioning into scripted. Never lose an interview because of jargon or terminology: If someone asks you if you know something, never tell them “no”. Here's what to say instead [at 43:26] The most common questions Richard gets after his members complete Master the Workflow and the great advice he gives everyone who is just starting out. Why it’s okay to jump back and forth between scripted and your previous work until you get settled in. Useful Resources Mentioned: MasterTheWorkflow.com Richard Sanchez on Facebook Ep69: Cobra Kai…Inside the Edit Suite | with Jon Hurtwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg Writing Great Outreach Emails It Is Possible to Be Both Successful and Kind At the Same Time Dear Hollywood…We Create Entertainment For a Living. We’re Not Curing Cancer. Cobra Kai Review 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: Richard became interested in editing while majoring in theatre at the University of California Irvine. Getting his start in unscripted television, he eventually worked his way into scripted television and feature films. Richard's television work include The Good Place and I'm Dying Up Here, having recently finished VFX editing on Catch-22 for Hulu, and is currently working on the upcoming feature film: Bill & Ted Face the Music. MasterTheWorkflow.com Facebook | Twitter 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.

Who am I to think I can start a business? If I did start a business, what would I even sell? Or teach? Or do? And do I need a ton of money to start something? What if I don’t want to change my whole life and give up on my career...but I still want to develop a ‘side hustle’? Is it possible to do both? These are all incredibly common questions for anyone who’s been bitten by the entrepreneurial bug. As the pandemic continues to plod along and we continue to wonder when work will return, it’s become very common for people to come to the realization “Maybe it’s time I rely less on other people’s projects and I start creating my own income sources.” In today’s Optimizer community Q&A we welcome special guest Misha Tenebaum, the CEO and Founder of EditStock and EditMentor. As a former assistant editor in scripted television, Misha is no stranger to balancing long hours working for others while trying to get his own ideas off the ground. He struggled at first building his business while balancing it with a demanding career, and it took him years to become an “overnight success story.” But it’s no accident that Misha is now the industry-leader in providing educational content for aspiring editors. There are certain key decisions Misha made that kept him moving forwards, and more importantly there are certain mindsets that ensured Misha would follow through with his business ideas to make the full-time transition from technician to entrepreneur. If you’re interested in using your time wisely, you could do a lot worse than listening to Misha and our coaching & mentorship community talk about what it takes to start your own business….even during 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: How do we generate some form of income during this pandemic? Misha describes the humble beginnings of EditStock and what it took for him to overcome fear of failure. Why ideas in themselves aren’t valuable. And how to think about sharing your idea with people so that you get useful feedback that can shape your idea into a winner. How to think about pricing what you offer and avoid making false comparisons with other businesses. Why all of us creative professionals are ‘businesses’ and why we could all benefit from adopting an entrepreneurial mindset. Key Point: “Fail as fast as possible.” Misha’s transition from editor on a network show to doing EditStock full time. Debby’ returns for another short ‘hotseat” where we talk about the lack of structure of starting a new business from scratch, working with your strengths, and how to deal with overwhelm. How to get better feedback and get more of it. Misha’s “goal setting trick” and breaking down big ideas into manageable steps. Useful Resources Mentioned: [FiP] Ep90: Creating a Kick-Ass Demo Reel with Misha Tenenbaum EditStock.com EditMentor.com Ep99: How to Provide Value & Get Paid What You’re Worth | Community Q&A with Monica Daniel Ep97: When Are We Going Back to Work? And How Can We Earn Income Now? | Community Q&A 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: Misha is the founder of EditStock.com, a site that provides professional quality film footage for editors to practice with. EditStock.com EditMentor.com 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 we’ve learned over the last several weeks (or is it months? Or years? I’ve lost track), there is very little we have control over in life. But if there’s one meta-lesson I hope to take away from current events it’s that although we have no control over what happens around us, the one thing we do have control over is how we react to the circumstances in our lives. And now more than ever, we could all use an injection of inspiration! Dr. David Fajgenbaum, the author of ‘Chasing My Cure,’ is no stranger to adversity. As a former Division I college quarterback, a state-champion weightlifter, a holder of multiple degrees such as BS from Georgetown University, an MSc from Oxford, an MD from The University of Pennsylvania, and an MBA from The Wharton School of business, you’d think that David simply has it all (not to mention that he’s been featured in The New York Times, Good Morning America, CNN, The Today Show, amongst others). But what you wouldn’t know simply from reviewing David’s accolades is that he was stricken with a deadly disorder known as “Castleman Disease” during medical school that nearly killed him not once, not twice, but five separate times. And when you’ve spent this much time contemplating death, you spend an equal amount of time contemplating life. In this episode David and I talk about his harrowing experience being on death’s door, but more importantly we take an optimistic approach to understand how his circumstances can help us rewire our own perspective on what is truly important in life (and how to tackle the problems we can control while no longer wasting energy on those we cannot) NOTE: This interview was conducted shortly before the pandemic struck (early March, 2020), so as you’re listening keep that in context when we briefly discuss the virus. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Dr. Fajgenbaum’s “Santa Claus Theory of Civilization” and why it’s so fundamental to many of the challenges we face in society. The incredible story of how David went from the pinnacle of health (a champion weight lifter) to being so frail that laughing too hard might kill him. How a rare disease led to FIVE near-death experiences. The moment he realized there was no drug out there to save his life and how that led to him dedicating his life to identify treatments for the disease. How living in “overtime” - knowing the clock is ticking has helped him focus on what’s most important. Why constantly being so close to death not only gave him clarity, but also manage his fear in ways we can all learn from. 3 lessons he learned in his pursuit of a cure that could help you overcome almost anything. Why it’s so important to take ownership of your own health care. Practical advice on how to talk with your doctor and what questions to ask. How David became such a good storyteller. (His book is superbly well-written! A real page turner.) Useful Resources Mentioned: Chasing My Cure: A Doctor’s Race to Turn Hope Into Action Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN) 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: David Fajgenbaum, MD, MBA, MSc is one of the youngest individuals ever appointed to the faculty at Penn Medicine and the author of Chasing My Cure: A Doctor's Race to Turn Hope Into Action. After spending months hospitalized in critical condition, having his last rites read, and having four deadly relapses of idiopathic multicentric Castleman disease (iMCD) during medical school, David decided to fight back by conducting research and creating the Castleman Disease Collaborative Network (CDCN). He is now in his longest remission ever thanks to a treatment that he identified and began testing on himself. One of the top 1 percent youngest grant awardees of an NIH R01, he has dedicated his career to discovering new treatments for deadly disorders like iMCD and spreading the CDCN's 'collaborative network approach' as a model for other diseases. Dr. Fajgenbaum has been recognized on the Forbes 30 Under 30 list, a cover story by The New York Times as well as by Good Morning America, CNN, and the Today Show. Dr. Fajgenbaum earned a BS from Georgetown University, MSc from the University of Oxford, MD from the University of Pennsylvania, and MBA from The Wharton School. He is a former Division I college quarterback, state-champion weight lifter, and co-founder of a national grief support network. ChasingMyCure.com Facebook | Twitter | Instagram 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.

Tony Horton is a legend and the most influential name in the world of health & fitness. He’s the creator of the P90X at-home extreme fitness series, he’s a motivational speaker, a bestselling author, he’s been on countless television programs, he’s traveled the world training hundreds of thousands of people… ...and he’s stuck at home just like you and me. I am extremely fortunate to say that over the last two and half years of pursuing my own personal goal of becoming an American Ninja Warrior, Tony has become my mentor and friend. And today’s conversation is simply two guys chatting about how to better manage the mental and physical stress that comes from living through a global pandemic. If you logically understand that focusing on your fitness, diet, and health are more important now than ever...but emotionally you’re struggling to find the motivation to exercise without your workout buddies, or you’re stress eating, or you don’t like working out at home, or you’re distracted by family, or you find it nearly impossible to maintain any level of consistency...Tony is here to help you get back on track. And remember when all else fails...do your best...and forget the rest! Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How is the legendary Tony Horton doing while stuck at home during the COVID-19 quarantine? What it's like now that he can’t get together in person with people and how that has affected not just his business & healthy routines, but most likely yours as well in similar ways. What the American Ninja Warrior training group has been doing in lieu of getting together at the practice course. How to maintain your workout consistency (or get back into it) without your workout buddies and circle of accountability. Why it’s more important than ever to exercise consistently. Taking refuge in food? Tony’s simple question may be the antidote to emotional eating. How the lockdown is revealing our true character and who we are as human beings. Tony’s observations about some of the positive things that he’s seen due to the lockdown. What does he anticipate the ‘new normal’ is going to be like? Why Tony is concerned about our very short collective memory. Will we, as a society learn from all this and be better prepared next time? Is this whole situation really "unprecedented"? Here's a healthy dose of perspective (56:47) 2 things you can control which give you a greater capacity to deal with things that are out of your control. Useful Resources Mentioned: Tony Horton on FB Live Shawna’s post on the opportunities to be found in this "unprecedented" situation Ep06: Defining Your Purpose and Living Large | with Tony Horton Ep17: Tony Horton, the Mastermind Behind P90X (Fitness in Post) Ep95: On the Frontlines with COVID-19, How to Boost Your Immunity, & Testing Safely | with Dr. Edison de Mello FEAR: How to Protect Your Mental Health From the Infection Far Worse Than COVID-19 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. Guest Bio: Tony Horton is the wildly popular creator of the best-selling fitness series: P90X®, P90X2®, P90X3®, and Ten Minute Trainer®, P90® and most recently his 22-Minute military inspired workout, 22 Minute Hard Corps®. Tony is a world-class motivational speaker and the author of top-selling books: “Bring It”, Crush It!” and his latest motivational book, “The Big Picture” 11 Laws That Will Change Your Life, which he has transformed to an in depth personal development course, Living Large with Tony Horton. He has appeared on countless television programs as a fitness and lifestyle expert to promote healthy living through exercise and proper nutrition. In keeping with Tony’s passion for a healthy lifestyle, he’s teamed up with the beauty experts at Ultimate Salon Professionals to create his new hair and skincare line, TH Care by Tony Horton, because he believes what goes on your body is just as important as what goes in it. For the past 25 years, Tony has used his unique brand of humor to change the lives of tens of million people through his incredible fusion of motivation, physical exercise, nutrition, and discipline. From worldclass athletes, pro sports teams, celebrities and the U.S. Military, to corporate executives, couch potatoes, and busy moms and dads alike, Tony has what it takes to reach and teach them all. Tony believes that real and lasting change can happen when we commit to health as a lifestyle. Exercise, whole foods, and the right mindset is the formula that leads to a vibrant, productive and full life for anyone who focuses on being the best they can be. Tony Horton on Life website Instagram | Facebook | Twitter 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.

Since the coronavirus global pandemic began there have been countless news stories that range anywhere from “It’s just the flu” to “They’re creating mass grave burial sites.” As we sit quarantined inside our homes watching the world unravel from our screens… What the hell are we supposed to believe? What can we do to feel in control in a world spinning so rapidly out of control? In this interview I have a very candid and honest conversation about what the coronavirus pandemic looks like on the frontlines from the perspective of one physician – Dr. Edison de Mello, the founder of the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine (and yes, he is a “REAL Doctor”). This story is not THE perspective on current events, this is his perspective. And it’s an extremely educated and unbiased perspective of how to better understand what’s happening in different parts of the world, how we can prepare ourselves and strengthen our immune systems naturally, what the timeline really looks like before we go back to “normal,” and how testing factors into the equation as well. I can honestly say that after conducting this interview I feel more optimistic and less anxious about this whole situation since it all began. And I hope this interview has the same effect on you as well. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: What makes this SARS-COV2 coronavirus different and why we should take it seriously. Why it is affecting different regions of the world in different ways. Medical science reveals how this virus “aggressively” goes after your lungs. How to make sense of the seemingly high case fatality rate according to the COVID-19 Global Dashboard. What COVID-19 patient care looks like through the lens of a medical doctor. Why the notion that “young people don’t get it” is flawed. Gender differences: Why do men tend to be more susceptible & have more severe symptoms? Underprepared or Overreacting? Making sense of confusing news reports on hospital preparedness. The debate over Chloroquine, the risk of side-effects, and why it shouldn’t be used for prevention. How to strengthen your immune system to reduce the severity of symptoms should you come in contact with the virus. Calm your immune system & reduce stress: Practice gratitude, meditate, and laugh. Boost your immune system with Vitamin C and other recommended supplements (see below). Gargle 2 to 3 times a day. (The virus aggregates in your throat.) Use breath-work to open up your lungs and oxygenate the body. Add the “cupping exercise” for bonus points. Try a healthy diet and lower sugar intake (the virus loves sugar). Decrease dairy to reduce mucous in your lungs. Limit alcohol consumption. Stay hydrated. Adding a little bit of juice can help cell absorption. Warm your body: Get some sun exposure, use a thermal blanket or steam shower if available. Supplement list: Vitamin C Zinc Astragalus Akasha’s Immune Support Vitamin D3 (check your vitamin D levels) How to deal with emotional coping mechanisms (alcohol, emotional eating, & Netflix) which go against the advice above. We discuss how physical distancing is motivating social connection and healing divisiveness. What kind of a timetable Dr. D thinks we’re looking at before we go back to “normal”. Why we need to make testing cheap, fast, & easy to do from home. A counter-intuitive ‘silver lining’ found in the estimated ‘astronomical’ number of cases that aren’t reported. Trying to get COVID-19 news? Avoid misinformation and use science-based resources (links below): Useful Resources Mentioned: Coronavirus Daily Dashboard COVID-19: Can Asymptomatic Carriers Spread the Virus? What’s the Truth by Dr. de Mello Johns Hopkins Global Health Now COVID-19 newsletter ECDC: European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control Our World In Data Sifting Through the Coronavirus Pandemic – Infodemic.blog WHO: World Health Organization CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention SNOPES.COM: the internet’s go-to source for discerning TRUTH vs nonsense More Episodes with Dr. de Mello: Ep01: Understanding the Link Between Creativity and Depression | with Dr. Edison de Mello Ep28: The Science Behind Depression and Anxiety | with Dr. D and Dr. Michael Mark [Podcast] Ep32: Supplementation 101 [Podcast] Ep07: Integrative Medicine, part 1 [Podcast] Ep08: Integrative Medicine, part 2 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: Edison de Mello, MD, PhD, is a board certified Integrative Physician by the American Board of Integrative Medicine and a licensed psychotherapist by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. He practiced psychotherapy for 13 years before entering medical training and now practices and teaches evidenced- based integrative medicine. Dr. de Mello’s PhD dissertation, entitled “Gut Feelings – A Psychosocial Approach to Gastrointestinal Illness,” inspired his conception of a center where psychology would be combined and fully integrated with Western and Eastern medicines. The de Mello Institute was formed in 1996 with the goal of employing safe and complementary approaches to healthcare while also addressing a person’s emotional and spiritual health. Fully committed to these goals, Dr. de Mello entered residency in 1999 at the prestigious Albert Einstein College of Medicine at Beth Israel Medical Center Urban Family Residency program in New York City, including training at the Manhattan-based Center for Health and Healing. His training utilized a biopsychosocial model and offered innovative experiences in the integration of complementary medicine into the practice of Family Medicine. Upon completing his medical training, Dr. de Mello expanded the de Mello Institute and founded the Akasha Center for Integrative Medicine. The Akasha Center on Facebook The Akasha Center on Twitter 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).

Whether or not it’s by choice...now that many of us are settling into our  ‘new normal’ working from home for the foreseeable future, we’re realizing it’s a lot harder to manage a seemingly unlimited amount of “free time.” Remember all that time you’ve been begging to have to get all the stuff done on your ‘Someday’ list? Be careful what you wish for, right? First of all, I want to make it abundantly clear that everyone is working through their own emotional journey right now, and it’s okay if you’re not ready to be productive. However, if you are at the point where you really want to accomplish something meaningful with the time you’ve been given but you can’t figure out where to start...or how to organize your day...or how to set a goal...then today’s call will answer all of those questions for you. Today’s episode is a Community Q&A call with my ‘Optimizer’ coaching & mentorship community where I break down the process of identifying one member’s “One Thing” so she can build the habit of writing on a consistent basis during this pandemic. Whether or not you’re interested in using your time to write, learn a new skill, get organized, spend more quality time with your family (as opposed to staring at screens all day long), or whatever, this session should help you design a clear plan of attack and get at least that “One Thing” accomplished each day before you spend the rest of it simply surviving. (If you found this conversation helpful and you’d love to know more about becoming a part of this community and working with me either privately or in a small group setting, I’m opening enrollment for the next semester of my ‘Optimizer’ coaching & mentorship program. To learn more about how it works, how long it will last, what goals we’ll help you accomplish, and your investment of time and money, Click here to learn more and apply.) Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode 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).

If you’re a freelancer in the entertainment industry, there’s a 95% chance you are unemployed³. Even worse, the remaining 5% who are fortunate enough to still be working right now will likely run out of work soon as current projects are finished and delivered. We’re staring down the barrel of nearly a 100% unemployment rate in Hollywood, and the chances of there being any sustainable work for us in the near future are slim to bupkis. Let’s face it: The cameras aren’t rolling again anytime soon. No matter your present financial circumstances, it’s time to accept that things aren’t going back to “normal”, and you need a financial plan to weather this storm. Having reached out to many people in the entertainment industry, those who subscribe to my newsletter, as well as after polling the members of my coaching & mentorship community, I’ve learned that the vast majority of people are far more fearful of the unemployment market than they are of our current global pandemic. In today’s episode I provide a candid look at the struggles many in the entertainment industry are facing specifically with their finances in an ‘All Hands On Deck’ Community Q&A call with my ‘Optimizers.’ We talk about the most pressing challenges many of us have with reorganizing our finances, having a clear picture of how long we have before running out of cash, and ways to better prepare for both the current circumstances as well as for the future. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Useful Resources Mentioned: Ep88: The ‘Profit First’ Financial System (That Gives You the Freedom to Say ‘No’ to the Wrong Gigs) | with Mike Michalowicz Government support for creative professionals impacted by COVID-19 Ep91: How To Reduce Anxiety and Take Back Control During COVID-19 | Community Q&A FEAR: How to Protect Your Mental Health From the Infection Far Worse Than COVID-19 Ep90: How to Stay Productive (and Stop Procrastinating) During Your Next Hiatus | with Debby Germino 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. 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).

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).

Building a fulfilling and lasting career in Hollywood definitely isn’t easy, but when you’re starting from the bottom rung of the ladder with zero contacts and just breaking in it can seem downright IMPOSSIBLE. But no matter who you are, where you come from, or who you do or don’t know, anyone can get their foot in the door using the right strategy. As today’s guest says, “It’s all about getting into people’s inboxes to make things happen.” My guest, Aaron Schmidt, is currently the Post Production Assistant on Cobra Kai who managed to land his position on a hit studio television show just months after graduating from college (which by the way is extremely unusual). Glancing at his resume as an Arizona State University cum laude graduate with Dean’s List honors and several credits on high profile studio projects while still in college, you’d probably never guess that Aaron began his education being placed in special ed because he was dyslexic. But Aaron has learned there’s a lot more to being successful and forging a path in Hollywood than just “getting lucky.” In today’s episode Aaron and I break down his experience on Cobra Kai, how he landed the gig in the first place, what his duties are as the post-production assistant (post PA), what he’s learned, and most importantly how he can improve so he lands his next gig (which by the way he already has..sorry, spoiler alert). Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: On breaking into Hollywood: How Aaron found no answers in film school and the intuitive insights that led him to chart his own path. Why Aaron thinks EntertainmentCareers.net is a “blackhole”. How he set himself up for a “lucky break” that led to his Post PA position on Cobra Kai. The 8 magic words that landed Aaron his first Post PA job after multiple failed interviews. Zack’s Interviewing Mindset Tip: “Demonstrate you have a very clear understanding of all of the challenges of the person interviewing you, why you are the best solution to those challenges, and why you are the person who is going to make their life easier.” What a Post PA actually does in studio television. How Aaron earned more responsibility for himself than his position required, making himself a more valuable member of the team and increased his chances of getting hired on the next project. KEY INSIGHT: Know what you want/where you want to be. Make it clear how people can help you. People are more willing to help than you’d expect – they just need clarity on HOW. How Aaron’s dyslexia actually helped him be more resourceful and attentive to detail. The importance of “crawling into the brain” of those you work with to anticipate their needs. Why “Leave your ego at the door” is sage advice, no matter your position. Useful Resources Mentioned: The Insider’s Guide to Writing Great Outreach Emails Ep87: [CASE STUDY] Why People Don’t Respond to Your Cold Outreach (and How to Get a Response) | with Scott Davis Ep69: Cobra Kai…Inside the Edit Suite | with Jon Hurtwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg Ep12: The Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris Visser 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: Aaron Schmidt is a Chicago native who attended Arizona State University where he studied Film and Media Production. He graduated cum laude with Dean’s List honors and a Bachelor of Arts degree. Aaron has worked within many film and TV realms, stretching from his work with HBO’s television show Camping to Sony Pictures’s Cobra Kai and now working in development for TBS’s new show Obliterated. Aaron also has worked with independent film producers at Indy Entertainment on the films The Au Pair and Model Citizen. There he helped online and deliver final cuts of the films. When Aaron is not in the office helping make characters come to life, he is advocating for the Learn Disability community. Aaron has spoken at many Hyde Park Day School conferences, helping parents understand what it is like to be dyslexic. He has also been a sounding board for teachers trying to update their curriculums to better suit their dyslexic students. Aaron will continue to help students set themselves up for success. Aaron on Instagram 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).

Working in the ‘Gig Economy’ where you spend your career jumping from one project to the next can provide the freedom of choice that so many in the creative world desperately crave...but the dark side of living the freelance life is the complete, total, and utter lack of job security. Now with the advent of the brand new AB5 legislation here in California, practically overnight it has become almost impossible to make your living as a freelancer. Without a sound financial system (enter 'Profit First') that keeps you equally prepared for both the feast and famine portions of your career (and there WILL be both), your lack of savings could be the deciding factor between saying yes or no to a job you would otherwise never consider. Fast forward to a decade later where you’ve spent the last ten years “just finding the next gig” so you can pay your bills you find yourself wondering “How the heck did I get here?” And one of the main reasons could be as simple as not having your finances organized so you can confidently say NO to projects you don’t want to work on. My guest today is Mike Michalowicz, founder of several multimillion dollar companies as well as an author of multiple bestselling books on entrepreneurship. Today we talk specifically about his book ‘Profit First,’ an incredibly simple yet powerful way to manage your finances as a small business owner (and yes, even as a freelancer you own a small business) that if done consistently can afford you the time and freedom you need to prioritize your career growth (and your well-being) as opposed to always feeling like you’re just chasing the next gig. (Note: This episode doesn’t specifically talk about the AB5 legislation because this interview was recorded before it became law. But regardless, if you’re struggling to navigate the new world of being a freelancer versus becoming an employee, there is no system I recommend more highly than Mike’s ‘Profit First’ system) Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Where the idea of “Profit First” came from in Mike’s experience as an entrepreneur. Why whether you work in the ‘gig economy’ as freelancer/contractor or run a business, you are effectively an ‘entrepreneur’. A powerful demonstration of why the conventional wisdom of “Income - Expenses = Profit” logically makes sense, but is behaviorally flawed. How the “Profit First” formula “Income - Profit = Expenses” flips the script and creates a powerful paradigm shift in how you look at your business. How to apply the “Pay Yourself First” principle as a freelancer and setup a system that will automatically build that ‘sleep well’ money cushion to give you the freedom to pursue a more rewarding career path. ’Parkinson’s Law’ of human behavior around money and how the “Profit First” principle works with it, instead of against it. Mike’s deeply personal story of becoming a self-made millionaire in his early 30’s, losing it all in 2 years, breaking the news to his family, and the moment with his daughter that he’ll never forget. HOW TO: What does it mean in practice to take your “Profit First” and how it impacts your business/financial decisions (even if you think you’re not ‘profitable’ yet). QUESTION: As a freelancer, if you had to hire someone to replace you, what would you have to pay them? How to assess the health of your business. Resources to learn from the most fiscally elite businesses similar to yours (even as a freelancer). REMINDER: There are many tax-benefits to setting yourself up as a business, and allowing your business to reserve your taxes for you. The key to Profit First is essentially setting up your financial management based on your behavior. The 5 foundational bank accounts to setup: Income, Profit, Owner’s Compensation, Tax, Operating Expenses TIP: As a freelancer, create an account to set aside a percentage of income for the ‘lean months’. Useful Resources Mentioned: MikeMichalowicz.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: Mike mi-KAL-o-wits is the author of Profit First, Surge, The Pumpkin Plan, and his newest release Clockwork. By his 35th birthday, Mike had founded and sold two companies - one to private equity and another to a Fortune 500. Today he is running his third multi-million dollar venture, Profit First Professionals. Mike is a former small business columnist for The Wall Street Journal and the former business makeover specialist on MSNBC. Over the years, Mike has traveled the globe speaking with thousands of entrepreneurs, and is here today to share the best of what he has learned. MikeMichalowicz.com ProfitFirstBook.com 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.

Cold Outreach - Seriously... is there anything worse than that feeling when you’re about to send an unsolicited message to someone you admire or want to connect with to find work? “I’m probably bothering them.” “They’re too busy to pay attention to me.” “I feel weird asking strangers for help.” “I probably sound desperate.” “Why even bother? Nobody ever responds anyway.” There’s no question that if done wrong, outreach messages can be a surefire path to rejection, isolation, complete lack of confidence, and feeling like you have no way to connect to the right people that can potentially become your mentors, colleagues, or collaborators. But when done correctly, A well-written outreach message can change your entire career. In today’s interview I chat with Scott Davis who considers himself to be a “hopeless introvert.” As someone who recently made the major career transition from working in documentaries in New York City to working in scripted features in Los Angeles, Scott will be the first to tell you how overwhelming it can feel to have to rebuild your network from the ground up. But with the right mindset, the right strategies, and a little support, Scott’s new career in Los Angeles is not only surviving but thriving. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: Scott’s ‘origin story’ from New York to Hollywood with no connections and ‘no idea what to do’ (sound familiar?) The terrifying feeling of trying to get into this ‘fortress of opportunity’ in Hollywood where the only way in seems to be from people inside who are working & too busy to help you. The dilemma of just 'finding the next gig to pay the bills' vs. ‘playing the long game’ to pursue the career path you really want. The counter-intuitive shift in focus that makes that effectively eliminates that so-called ’dilemma’. (Listen for this key takeaway!) Why there’s no more important skill than networking in this industry and the step-by-step path to networking for introverts. Discover the ’secrets’ to “cold emailing” / “cold outreach” and how Scott boosted his response rate from 5% to 75%. The REAL goal of sending an outreach email. (HINT: It sounds so easy it couldn’t possibly work.) How to ‘crawl inside the brain’ of the person you send an outreach email to and see it from their perspective. How to get people to OPEN your approach email and why doing a few minutes of research goes a LONG way. Why the idea of “nobody wants to help me” is just wrong and right way to tap into people’s natural tendency to WANT share their wisdom & experience with you. Connecting the dots: Scott’s story of turning rejections into opportunities. What it really means to “lead with value” and the power of ‘validation’. The momentum that builds when you invest in building relationships over time. If you’re inspired by Scott’s journey today and you’d like to up your networking game, specifically your outreach emails, then you’re in luck. Because I’m just finishing up something brand new called ‘The Insider’s Guide to Writing Great Outreach Emails’ and as a loyal listener you’ll get first dibs. In this guide I’m going to break down the process of writing outreach emails so you understand EXACTLY what will get you a response. I’ll teach you why cold outreach is the most important soft skill you must develop if you want to advance your career, I’ll show you the 5 most common mistakes people make when writing their outreach messages, and then I’ll break down step-by-step how to write an amazing outreach message that will actually get a response so you can seek advice, connect with a potential mentor, set up lunch meetings, and possibly even land your next gig. Download this brand new guide for FREE And for those of you interested in working with me for the next 12 weeks and beyond in my coaching & mentorship program, enrollment is open until January 26th. If you’d like to learn more and apply please visit https://optimizeyourself.me/optimizer Useful Resources Mentioned: ‘The Insider’s Guide to Writing Great Outreach Emails’ My Coaching & Mentorship Program Scott's Website Scott on IMDB Contact Scott 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: J. Scott Davis is an editor, assistant editor, outdoorsman, hopeless introvert and constant seeker of knowledge. "I lived and worked in NYC for over 10 years working with some of the greatest documentarians on some really great films like: “Makers: The Women Who Make America”, “Cancer: The Emperor of All Maladies”, “Wagner’s Dream” and “Outside the Bubble”. In the fall of 2018 I headed west to Los Angeles to escape bad weather, lack of sunlight, and 5th floor walk ups. The lifestyle change is glorious but the true joy is I am now pursuing a long held dream of working in scripted features and series." Scott's Website Scott on IMDB Contact Scott 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.

DISTRACTION is a word everyone is familiar with. When your livelihood depends on your ability to be creative and summon superhuman levels of hyperfocus for hours (or even weeks) at a time, there is no greater enemy to your livelihood than distraction. The problem in our 24-7 hyperconnected world of endless notifications, emails, text messages, and 100 other different forms of interruptions is that we are all simply looking for hacks, tricks, and apps to help us eliminate distractions. But what if instead of trying to eliminate distraction from our lives we instead worked towards having more “Traction?” When the thought of putting my efforts towards building traction as opposed to avoiding distractions first occurred to me it absolutely blew my mind. And in today’s interview with productivity expert Nir Eyal, bestselling author of the books Indistractableand Hooked, this is simply the tip of the iceberg of mind-blowing ideas to help you become less distracted, more focused, and more intentional with your time and attention. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Discover Nir Eyal’s 4 steps to becoming “Indistractable” Nir explains how the premise of his book: Hooked which focused on the design choices that makes smart phone apps “sticky” (i.e. “addictive”), led to the focus of his latest book: Indistractable. The opposite of distraction is ______. (HINT: It’s NOT focus) How to get to the root cause of distraction & frustration at a deep emotional level. (HINT: “It’s not the device in your hand, it’s what’s going on in your head.”) Most ‘productivity hacks’ are about becoming more efficient versions of ‘busy’, which is like spinning on the hamster wheel faster. Becoming Indistractable is about being more effective. With all the information at our fingertips on the Internet, we essentially know what to do. The question is, why don’t we do it?Why do we keep getting distracted? The answers may surprise you. 5 years of research reveals that the greatest source of distraction is not the external triggers. It’s internal triggers: The uncomfortable states that we seek to escape. The case against the “pain vs. pleasure” narrative of human behavior.  The reason we do everything is for one reason only. Everything we do is to help us modulate our ____. The 3 areas of our lives we must reimagine: the tasks, the triggers, and our temperament.  Practical techniques for dealing with the most important triggers – the “internal triggers”. Follow this advice and the externaltriggers will lose most of their power over you. Why many people fall into one of two categories: “blamers” and “shamers” – and the 3rd alternative mindset that makes us more effective.  To reclaim our power, we can accept the fact that we cannot control how we feel. But we CAN choose how we respond… and RETRAIN our brain to respond more helpfully.  HOT TIP: How to apply the “10-minute rule” and what it means to “Surf the urge”. The truth about willpower as a ‘finite resource’ in light of the latest scientific evidence and how this connects to the idea of “reimagining our temperament”.  Remember this: “If we don’t plan our day, somebody’s going to plan it for us.” Nir’s unique perspective on using your calendar for time boxing & how it ties into an important lesson from his book: “You cannot call something a distraction unless you know what it distracted you from.”  ACTION STEPS: Open your calendar and ask yourself: “How do I turn my values into time for next week?” Where values = The attributes of the person you want to become. Do this for the 3 domains of life he suggests. Work domain TIP: Schedule time to THINK The life-changing “Schedule Sync” review with stakeholders in your life. (Takes just 15 minutes!) One powerful reframe for shame/guilt: “The time you plan to waste is not wasted time.” – So enjoy it without guilt! What to do with coworkers and bosses to set expectations and how to design an Indistractable workplace. The Power of Pacts – Make a precommitment with “focus friend” (accountability buddy) with Focus Mate Useful Resources Mentioned: Nir Eyal’s blog and offerings Nir’s Free Workbook! Plus a video series for book buyers Nir’s Schedule Maker Tool Distraction Guide Habits vs. Routines Focusmate virtual coworking helps you get things done 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: Nir Eyal writes, consults, and teaches about the intersection of psychology, technology, and business. The M.I.T. Technology Review dubbed Nir, “The Prophet of Habit-Forming Technology.” Nir founded two tech companies since 2003 and has taught at the Stanford Graduate School of Business and the Hasso Plattner Institute of Design at Stanford. He is the author of two bestselling books, Hooked: How to Build Habit-Forming Products and Indistractable: How to Control Your Attention and Choose Your Life. Indistractable received critical acclaim, winning the 2019 Outstanding Works of Literature (OWL) Award as well as being named one of the Best Business and Leadership Books of the Year by Amazon and one of the Best Personal Development Books of the Year by Audible. The Globe and Mail called Indistractable, “timely reading, a smart, thorough look at getting traction in a world of distractions – the best business book of 2019.” In addition to blogging at NirAndFar.com, Nir’s writing has been featured in The Harvard Business Review, Time Magazine, and Psychology Today. Nir is also an active investor in habit-forming technologies. Some of his past investments include Eventbrite (NYSE:EB), Anchor.fm (acquired by Spotify), Kahoot!, Refresh.io (acquired by LinkedIn), Product Hunt, Marco Polo, Presence Learning, 7 Cups, Pana, Byte Foods, FocusMate, and FindShadow. Nir attended The Stanford Graduate School of Business and Emory University. 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).

Finding a mentor in Hollywood is an elusive process that few really understand, but when you find a mentor that really understands your challenges and wants to help you succeed, it can change your career (and even your entire life). So then how do you find a mentor? In this episode I have the pleasure and honor of chatting with my very first mentor Academy Award nominated film & television editor Dody Dorn, ACE who has worked with such acclaimed directors as James Cameron, Christopher Nolan, Baz Luhrman, David Ayer, and Ridley Scott…to name a few. We talk about how and why I reached out to Dody in the first place, why she chose to respond and become my mentor, and how our relationship has worked as mentor & mentee over the last seventeen years. But more interestly, we also chat about the major transition in our relationship when Dody went from being the mentor to becoming the mentee after realizing that… “Keeping your head down is not the road to a healthy life” …and is in fact the path to an early death. Like so many in her field of editing blockbuster features, Dody struggled with major health challenges, both mental and physical, and we chat about the mindset shifts and lifestyle transformations she made to become more active, energetic, and creative. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: How Zack connected with Dody and cultivate a mentorship relationship with her. The tragic series of events that led to Dody calling Zack about “Fitness in Post” and work-life balance. Dody shares valuable insights with the benefit of 20/20 hindsight on her career in editing. Her flexible approach to gradually bringing more self-care into her busy schedule. How to stay connected to the rest of the world when internal and external pressures put you in front of a screen most of the time. Why “Keeping your head down” is not the road to a good, healthy life. In fact, it might be the road to an early death. The realities of ‘working in isolation’ and the impacts on our health, wellbeing and relationships. The “how to boil a frog” analogy and how easy it is to get so focused on work only to realize the negative health impacts once we’re already “boiling”. A key shift in mindset after working with a nutritionist for just one day that led to her losing 30 pounds without even focusing on weight loss but instead on lifestyle. On long hours: Dody shares valuable insights on how she overcomes the ‘gravity’ that draws so many of us into long hours at the expense of our wellbeing. HINT: We often have more control than we think we do. Why we editors are “horrible bosses” to ourselves. Dody’s process for preparing for the time when the director’s going to be in the room. On shooting ratios: How the shift to digital has led to “pushing the work to the other side of the camera”. The key to getting a mentor is simple. You need to ask and know what you’re asking for. Useful Resources Mentioned: Article: How I Became a Curmudgeon at 25 Years Old Live panel & workshop for Editor’s Guild – Saturday Jan. 18th “Hollywood Networking for Introverts” 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: Switching easily between blockbusters and independent art house cinema, Dody Dorn is one of the leading film editors in the United States. A native of Santa Monica, California, Dorn graduated from Hollywood High School. At the outset of her career she worked mainly as a sound editor, before moving on to film editing in the 1990s. She has collaborated on several projects with directors Christopher Nolan (Memento, Insomnia) and Ridley Scott (e.g. Kingdom of Heaven). For Memento, she was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Film Editing in 2002. Dody Dorn is a member of the board of Governors for the film editing branch of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) as well as a board member of the Motion Picture Editors Guild (MPEG) and a member of the American Cinema Editors (ACE) . Dorn is a board member of the Avid Customer Association (ACA) and co-chair of the Friends of Residential Treasures (FORT). Dorn has spoken on numerous panels about the art of film editing including MASTERS IN MOTION (2017) ACE Edit Fest, the Lean in Moment (2015), keynote speaker for NAB adjacent Super Meet (2017) and FilmPlus in Cologne, Germany (2018). As an Academy member, Dorn has been a Branch Executive committee member for 7 years as well as a judge for the Student Academy Awards, and the UCLA Student Film Awards. She has given seminars and talks at numerous film schools and universities including USC, UCLA, and SFSU. Here is a partial list of Dorn’s film and television editing credits: ARMY OF THE DEAD (2020) COME AWAY (2019) I AM THE NIGHT (2019) 4 episodes POWER RANGERS (2017) BEN HUR (2016) FURY (2014) ENLIGHTENED Season 2 (2012) – as Producer and Editor END OF WATCH (2012) ENLIGHTENED Season 1 (2010) – as co-Producer and Editor THE GOOD WIFE (2009) pilot AUSTRALIA (2008) YEAR OF THE DOG (2007) A GOOD YEAR (2007) KINGDOM OF HEAVEN (2005) MATCHSTICK MEN (2004) INSOMNIA (2002) MY LIFE WITH JUDY GARLAND (2001) MEMENTO (2000) GUINEVERE (1999) https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0233827/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dody_Dorn Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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).

Counting calories. Balancing macros. High fat/Low carb. Low fat/High carb. Going Paleo. Or Vegan. Or Vegetarian. Or Keto. Or Whole 30. Seriously. Shoot me in the face. In today’s hyperconnected world of endless information, you’d think it would be easy to figure out how to eat healthy… but it’s become harder than ever. It’s nearly impossible to decipher the latest science that tells us one day that butter and bacon are miracle superfoods and the next day we’re told that eating any kind of fat will kill us all. I don’t know about you, but I’m tired of the B.S. What if there were an easier, less stressful, and practically guilt-free way of eating that didn’t involve counting…well…anything? Can’t someone just tell me how to eat without doing math or measuring or feeling like every decision I make is the wrong one? My guest Melissa (Missy) Costello is a transformational eating coach, author, and holistic nutritionist who has completely changed my relationship to food. While I may have a reputation as someone who always makes healthy choices, the reality is anything but. I was raised on the 80’s standard American diet (SAD) of Fruit Loops for breakfast, Chef Boyardee for lunch, and Fruity Pebbles for dinner (I wish that was an exaggeration). And while I’ve reduced or eliminated many of my bad habits, what I’ve realized over the last few years is that the hardest habits to break have nothing to do with sugar or carbs or cravings…they have to do with my emotions. In this episode learn from Missy how you can change your relationship to food forever. While the journey isn’t necessarily easy, it’s a lot simpler than you might think. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: What ‘intuitive eating‘ is and how to gently & systematically change your relationship with food Understand WHY we make the choices with food that we do How to find a way of eating that works for YOU Why 1% of diets actually succeed and 99% fail The truth about “Clean Eating” (HINT: “Clean Eating” is just another diet) How the Wellness industry is just another guise for the diet industry Why the restriction mindset of dieting is a vicious cycle of judgement and self-defeating behavior How to unravel a lifetime’s worth of negative programming (shame) around “healthy” eating How to listen to your body (On an intuitive level, our bodies know what it likes and doesn’t like) – Hence the term: intuitive eating. The terrifying accountability assignment that Tony Horton gave to Zack which forced him to become more aware of his food choices and how they aligned with his training for American Ninja Warrior How to let go of the “starving children in Africa” program that compels you to “finish your plate” and the true cost of letting food go to ‘waste’ What to do about the “all or nothing mentality” that keeps you on the dieting ferris wheel How to uncover the “blindspots” we all have about our own behavior with food The various ways we use food to change our state or deal with negative emotions The simple ‘awareness’ habit to use when you reach for food Four ways you can change your state in a more connected way The “sinking ship” analogy to breaking down the various areas you have challenges around food & the importance of tackling one challenge at a time On wasting food… Do you want your body to be the garbage can? Or do you want to put the food in the garbage can where it belongs? How Melissa “cured” a client of her Diet Coke addiction in a week and a half The surprising difference between our desire to eat creamy/sweet foods vs. crunchy foods and their connection to our emotions How one television writer lost 100 pounds in a year – not by dieting, but by eating everything she craved (and listening to her body) The double-edged sword of social pressure with coworkers and the unique challenges of the entertainment industry The all-too-common ‘Reward Mindset’ fallacy – Human versus Dog Why we feel like if we’re eating bad food, we’re a bad person The problem with labeling food as “Healthy” or “Unhealthy” A deceptively simple “starting point manifesto” that will instantly change your relationship with food Why you should never eat in front of your computer again The benefits of eating slower and paying attention to how your body feels The first ‘signal’ to look for when eating mindfully that will alert you when to stop eating Useful Resources Mentioned: Melissa Costello’s KarmaChow.com Food Freedom Breakthrough Private FB Group (FREE) 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: Melissa Costello is a Transformational Eating Coach, Author, Speaker and Holistic Nutritionist. Her years of work as a private, plant-based chef for celebrity trainer, Tony Horton creator of P90x organically led her to work with her clients on a much deeper level when she recognized the struggles they had with consistent, healthy eating and sustainable weight loss. Her mission is to empower busy professionals to stop the struggle with yo-yo dieting, weight loss and food obsession so they can live a life of freedom without restriction, deprivation or rules. Melissa’s in-depth training in Spiritual Psychology, Clinical Nutrition and holistic coaching along with her own personal struggles provides the foundation for her clients to experience powerful breakthroughs and sustainable, profound transformation. To learn more about Melissa and her coaching, visit www.karmachow.com Melissa Costello’s KarmaChow.com Instagram | Facebook | Twitter Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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).

Without question sleep is the most important physiological process we require as creative professionals (and humans) to function at an optimal level…yet it’s what our work culture prioritizes the least. Proper sleep slows the aging process, keeps us lean, restores our immune system, and it protects our memory. Much to the chagrin of ‘Type A’ over achievers, quality sleep is every bit as important as oxygen, food, and water. So then why do we proudly wear our “Sleep Deprivation Badges of Honor” on our sleeves and work ourselves to death even though every bit of research that points to chronic sleep deprivation destroying our ability to cognitively function at a level higher than being chronically drunk at work. Today’s guest is no stranger to the detriments of sleep deprivation. Dr. Kirk Parsley is a physician for the Navy Seals and a former Navy Seal himself. And there are quite possibly no two professions on the planet better known for chronic sleep deprivation than being a Seal or being a doctor. Having experienced firsthand the negative effects of chronic sleep deprivation, Kirk has now become and advocate for the health benefits of sleep and is now a world-renowned sleep expert who travels the world evangelizing sleep, wellness, and hormone optimization. Before you considering sacrificing “just a couple hours” of sleep today or this week to get just a little more work done (or to watch just “one more episode”), I encourage you to listen to this interview to better understand not only what sleep deprivation is doing to your creative brain but also more importantly what you can do about it. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Becoming aware of the negative aspects of the culture of sleep Sleep’s relationship with your hormones The problem with sleep studies Coming to terms with your sleep deprivation Fighting indifference towards your poor sleep habits The unprofitable nature of long-term health practices How to confront your accumulating sleep debt The casual deception of concepts like bio-hacking Useful Resources Mentioned: Dr. Kirk Parsley 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: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram Dr. Kirk Parsley is a former Navy SEAL, a physician for the SEALs, a health & sleep optimization consultant, and performance enhancement coach for some of the most driven achievers on the planet. Kirk is the creator of the Doc Parsley Sleep Remedy sleep supplement, a member of the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (since 2006), a worldwide expert speaker on sleep, wellness, and hormonal optimization, and the author of the internationally best-selling book, Sleep to Win. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Michael Kammes is the creator and host of the 5 Things tech series as well as the Director of Business Development for the startup BeBop Technology. Michael has also fought a lifelong battle with depression. Recently after an extended hiatus from his ‘5 Things’ YouTube series Michael posted this video where he was incredibly honest and open about his most recent battles with depression and burnout caused by a sudden death in the family compounded with a major career change. After watching this I immediately reached out to Michael because he understands the importance of being open and honest about mental health challenges. So few are willing to share which paradoxically is the reason why talking about mental health is so taboo. When you work a creative career it’s often a very solitary endeavor…alone…for hours, days, and weeks at a time…and probably in a small dark room. It’s so easy to get sucked into the trap of believing “it’s just you” because everyone else around you “seems to have it all figured out.” My hope is that after listening to this conversation you’ll understand that not only is it not just you…it’s all of us. If you are inspired to take away a single thing from today’s conversation, it should be that we are all battling this together, and if you feel overwhelmed, it truly is okay to ask 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: What Michael has been up to since his last appearance on the podcast The challenges of working from home as an extrovert Learning to not assume that everyone knows how demanding your position is The importance of learning to relate to other people as an up and coming creative Michael’s history with ADD and Depression Confusing being depressed with being an unmotivated person Finding the strength to function when you feel unable to keep going Reminding yourself that you are not alone in your struggles Therapy as an essential confrontation practice with your depression Useful Resources Mentioned: Michael Kammes “5 THINGS” Podcast BeBop Technology [Podcast] When It’s Time to Hit the ‘Reset’ Button with Michael Kammes 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: Facebook|Twitter Michael Kammes has designed and built thousands of production and post-production systems, workflows, and facility integrations during his nearly 20 years as a technology advisor in the media and entertainment industry. He is a frequent keynote speaker on trends, products, and workflows in production and post technology and his “5 THINGS” podcast draws an audience of industry insiders from around the world. Michael currently serves as the Director of Business Development at cloud solutions provider BeBop Technology in Los Angeles. In addition to the technical side of media creation, Michael’s creative work includes the roles of Dialogue Editor, SFX Editor, ADR Recordist & Editor, Re-Recording Mixer, and Supervising Sound Editor. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Tell me if you’ve either heard or said the following phrase before: “It’s all about who you know.” Unfortunately this has become an excuse for many who think the barrier of entry to success in Hollywood (and many other creative industries) is knowing the right people. And of course only the privileged are a part of those prestigious circles…so you might as well give up, right? My guest today, Evita Zhou, is a film & tv editor who has worked in both documentary and narrative in both the United States and China. More importantly, Evita is the perfect example of why “It’s all about who you know” is not a valid excuse…because the solution to this problem is simply to get to know more people, and Evita could teach a masterclass on how to meet people and build relationships. I met Evita years ago at a networking event, and the story of how we first met is quite possibly my favorite Hollywood story of the almost twenty years I’ve been in this business. In our conversation Evita and I talk about how she has steadily built an editing career that she’s passionate about despite not going to film school, not speaking English as her first language, not being from the United States, not being a man, and not being [insert 100 more excuses here]. If Evita’s passion, tenacity, and confidence don’t inspire you to get out there and start building relationships (no matter how awkward, difficult, or scared you are of the networking process), then I suggest checking that you still have a pulse. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Evita’s journey from Hong Kong to success in L.A. Zack’s favorite L.A. Story and how he met Evita for the first time The difference in the value of editors in the U.S. vs China How Evita’s confidence and specificity in her networking introduction found her the job she wanted Learning to be clear about the things you want and need in your career Making peace with the fact that you will have to put in work to get on every project for the rest of your career When to dump the project you’re working on to pursue the one you need 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: Instagram Her documentary credits include Making A Murderer Season 2 (Netflix), Loss Of Only Child (Guangdong TV), and 2019’s Confucian Dream, which premiered at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival and won Special Jury Prize at the 54th Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. Her documentary short Organizing Happiness was China’s official entry in the HIGH 5 Series at the 2018 BRICS Film Festival in Durban, South Africa. Evita’s narrative works have also screened around the world, including “Human Terrain”–AFI’s Directing Workshop for Women, Shatterbox Short Film series Season3; “The Visit”– Los Angeles Asian Pacific Film Festival, 42nd Asian American International film festival, CAAMFEST; “Ablution”– Mill Valley Film Festival; Dances with Films etc. Her current project 26.2 to Life: The San Quentin Prison Marathon documents a marathon running club inside California’s oldest prison. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Ep80: How to Avoid Getting Pigeonholed, The ‘Concentric Circles of Networking’ & More | with Doc Crotzer, ACE Here’s a hard truth few are willing to admit: Pigeonholing is not an accident. As frustrating as it might be to believe, “I keep getting pigeonholed,” the more accurate viewpoint is that you allow yourself to become pigeonholed. The process happens slowly over a period of years (or even decades) similar to the frog that doesn’t realize the water is slowly reaching a boiling point. But often by the time you realize the water is boiling…it’s too late. And the number one reason you ended up there is because you used the word ‘Yes’ way too often. Luckily pigeonholing can be avoided…if you know how to play the networking game. My guest today, Doc Crotzer, has avoided being pigeonholed his entire career. He’s edited such shows as Glee, American Horror Story, Sons of Anarchy, Impulse, and he recently transitioned from editing to directing on the show Good Behavior. Of all the people I know in Hollywood, nobody’s name comes up more than Doc Crotzer. I have met so many people that know Doc, I’ve begun teaching people the ‘Six Degrees of Doc Crotzer’ networking game, because everyone knows this guy. And here’s the thing…the fact that everyone knows Doc? That’s not an accident. In this conversation Doc and I talk about his rapid rise to stardom from a Midwestern college journalism major who landed an interview with Robert Zemeckis for his “student” documentary project about Back to the Future all the way until today. And more importantly, Doc and I break down what he calls the ‘Concentric Circle of Networking’ so you can connect with and build relationships with the right people on projects you’re passionate about…so you can ultimately avoid being pigeonholed as someone who can “only do one thing.” Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Building the right relationships and finding the right projects How to network without feeling lost in the process Doc’s early days cutting videos on tape decks How Doc got interviews with Christopher Lloyd, Robert Zemeckis, and the boom operator on Back to the Future before he had even entered the film industry Learning how to take advantage of people’s desire to help you Figuring out if going to film school will help your craft or hinder it How to make lasting connections with the people you just cross paths with in Hollywood Perfecting your craft so you can take the advantage of career opportunities and connections when they knock on your door 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: Twitter|Instagram Doc Crotzer, ACE, is an editor, producer, and director. He started editing in the late ’80s when he hooked two VCRs together to duplicate a copy of Back to the Future he had first recorded off of a TV Broadcast. He honed his craft a few years later using the same VCRs to make one seamless version of all 3 Back to the Future movies as a 6-hour epic and has been editing ever since. His work includes Glee, Sons of Anarchy, the upcoming Apple show Truth Be Told and the upcoming film Chaos Walking. He doesn’t still use VCRs to edit. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Roger Barton has edited and worked on some of the most iconic films of a generation such as Armageddon, Pearl Harbor, Titanic, World War Z, Terminator: Genesis, and the last five ‘Transformers’ films (this is just the ‘short’ list). He has lived many long days in the cutting room with directors such as James Cameron, Michael Bay, George Lucas, Joe Carnahan, and more. And that’s what this episode is all about today: “Living” in the cutting room and what that can do to your mental health, your physical health, your relationships, and your well-being. Roger is no stranger to burnout on the job, and in this interview he was extremely candid, open, and honest about how his exploding career as a young up-and-coming feature editor cost him dearly in his personal life as well as with his health. If you’re curious about what it’s really like working with the biggest directors on the biggest film imaginable, Roger gives you a peek inside his cutting room. Because of Roger’s love for both his craft but also his family, he spent years wondering if there was a better way to collaborate with directors & producers whereby he wouldn’t have to disappear for months at a time and sacrifice time with his family. And luckily for every editor around the world who has desperately wished and prayed for a technical solution that would allow you to work from home while not inhibiting the collaborative process, Roger has not only found the solution…he’s helping to build it and make it better. And that solution is Evercast. If you’re struggling with creative burnout right now or find yourself sacrificing time away from family when you know deep down it doesn’t have to be this way, I invite you to download my Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Creativity (and Avoiding Burnout) which offers over 50 pages of my best tips, tricks, and strategies to consistently stay focused and energized throughout your long workdays trapped in a dark room. You can download this ultimate guide 100% FREE at optimizeyourself.me/ultimateguide. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: How Roger’s initial exposure to the editing process totally re-routed his life The common misconception that bigger movies are always more demanding How Roger made it from That Darn Cat to Titanic The lifestyle choices and sacrifices that come with working on the biggest movies ever made What it’s like to work with Michael Bay The importance of having a director that understands the danger of burnout in post-production The dark personal toll that climbing the career ladder had on Roger’s family Useful Resources Mentioned: Ultimate Guide to Optimizing Your Creativity (and Avoiding Burnout) Evercast 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: Facebook|LinkedIn Roger Barton began working in editorial on documentaries and made-for-TV movies including the Emmy award-winning “Indictment: The McMartin Trial.” He soon made the transition to motion pictures and in 1997 was an Associate Editor on the decade’s biggest blockbuster, “Titanic.” He quickly moved up the ladder, honing his skills at Jerry Bruckheimer Films on “Armageddon” and “Gone in 60 Seconds.” Since then, Barton has worked with Michael Bay on “Pearl Harbor,” “Bad Boys 2,” the Platinum Dunes release, “Amityville Horror,” “The Island,” and the last five “Transformers” films. During his career, Roger has cut for Hollywood’s leading filmmakers such as George Lucas on “Star Wars: Episode III”, the Wachowski Brothers’ “Speed Racer”, Jim Sheridan’s “Get Rich or Die Tryin'” and two films for Director Joe Carnahan, “The Grey” and “The A-Team.” Beginning in 2013, Roger edited three films for Skydance Entertainment, “G.I. Joe: Retaliation,” “World War Z,” and “Terminator: Genesis.” In 2016 Roger returned to with Jerry Bruckheimer on “Pirates of the Caribbean, Dead Men Tell No Tales,” after which he joined the team cutting “Transformers, The Last Knight” which is his ninth collaboration with Michael Bay. In the summer of 2017, Roger began editing “Godzilla: King of Monsters” for Legendary Pictures but left when he became Co-Founder of Evercast — a live streaming creative collaboration platform. As more and more productions shoot out of town, Evercast is becoming widely adopted by Hollywood because keeping filmmakers connected maintains creative momentum, saves time, money and removes the need to travel post-production crews around the world for months at a time. While Roger was pitching Evercast to the Hollywood Studios, he also helped John Krasinski turn his 17 million dollar genre thriller “A Quiet Place” into a 334 million summer blockbuster. With Evercast gaining momentum of its own, Roger has returned to his passion of editing and is currently cutting “Six-Underground”, the most expensive Netflix project to date being directed by Michael Bay and starring Ryan Reynolds. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Author and productivity expert Matt Sandrini believes that time has no intrinsic value and is “essentially worthless.” Given that I have been saying for years that “Your time is your most important asset,” you’d think we wouldn’t have much to talk about in this conversation, right? On the contrary, by the end of this conversation Matt not only convinced me that our time is in fact worthless, but I’ll bet that we will convince you of the same.     As the founder of Time Zillionaire and the author of Invest Your Time, Matt has coached business owners, CEO’s, and entrepeneurs around the world to take control of them time and boost performance. Therefore Matt is no stranger to using time as effectively as possible to achieve the most important goals in life. His story is very similar to mine in that he was a Type-A overachiever who hit a giant wall and burned out (more than once). As he emerged from the dark hole he assumed he needed to strive for “work-life balance” only to discover that was the last thing he should be searching for.     In this conversation Matt and I discuss the true value of your time and how to use it most effectively (Note: Being ‘effective is much different than being ‘efficient’). We also discuss why creativity and structure are not enemies, and how to most effectively plan your week no different than you might budget your finances for the week or month. Most importantly, we dispel the myth that we should all be searching for some semblance of ‘balance’ and discuss what to cultivate and strengthen instead.     If you’re interested in learning how to better balance and manage your time, this is the conversation for you. Matt was also kind enough to provide a link to his 7-Day Productivity Challenge which you can participate in for free by visiting timezillionaire.com/challenge.     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 plan your week as easily as planning your budget The true value of your time and how to use it effectively How seeing time in a new light totally change Matt's life Learning how to have healthy interactions between structure and creativity How the idea of finding a "perfect balance" is a myth The difference between efficiency and effectiveness Ways in which the same amount of time can have different levels of value Treating time as a careful investment     Useful Resources Mentioned:       Matt's "7 Days to Productive" Challenge     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.     This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me...it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order!     Guest Bio:           Twitter|Instagram     Matt Sandrini is the founder of timezillionaire.com. He works with top business owners and CEOs around the world to get the structure and clarity they need to double their business and take back control of their time.     He privately coaches top entrepreneurs to take control of their time, boost their performance, and scale faster. His clients are active in sectors including cryptocurrency, real estate, electric cars, design, apps, fashion, food products, media, and more.     His personal transformation started when he left the corporate world as a consultant, and launched his first business: He now travels and works remotely for 6 months of the year, and helps top performers take control of the only resource that is scarce—time.     Show Credits:     This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.      

Pictured: The main gate at Paramount Pictures. It may seem impossible to get to the other side of any movie studios’ walls and into scripted editorial...but I promise it’s not as difficult as you think.     Let’s get real: Making a major career transition is hard. You’ve spent perhaps a decade or more honing and perfecting your craft, building a network of contacts and clients, and you’re at the top of the ladder...only to realize you’ve climbed the wrong ladder.     If you ask ten different editors who work in narrative television & features about how they broke in or transitioned from a different medium, you’ll get ten completely different answers about how they did it.     Even worse, the business pigeonholes us and assumes we can only do ONE THING. Clearly if someone edits reality television (or trailers, or game shows, or YouTube videos, or whatever), they simply could never learn how to edit scripted narrative, right? Right?     In today’s conversation I chat with not one but two seasoned reality editors at the top of their games, Phil Habeger and Toni Ann Carabello, who have decided they are done with reality and want to make a major transition in their careers to scripted.     Except they have NO IDEA how to make the transition.     Working with me in my Optimize Yourself Elite coaching & mentorship program, both Toni Ann and Phil have spent the last four months designing the path that makes sense for each of them. But unfortunately they both were working under the assumption that the only way to break into narrative television and features was to take a step “backwards” to become an assistant editor. This simply isn’t true, and in today’s conversation we do a live coaching call where I walk them through their various options so they can choose the path that makes the most sense for them.     This is a unique glimpse “under the hood” of the process I use with all of my students to design their unique path to success. If you’re interested in working with me for the Fall session and having me in your back pocket for the next four months where I’ll be 100% invested in helping you succeed, applications are open until August 30th. To learn more about the program and apply, visit optimizeyourself.me/elite.      Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One?     » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode     Here's What You'll Learn:     Understanding that their is no single path to your perfect career transition Evaluating your options (you have more than you think!) when looking for a big vocational upheaval Focusing on who you know, rather than just putting more work on your resume How someone else's lateral career move might be your promotion How Toni and Phil fell into the world of editing Ways in which your limiting beliefs are keeping you from pursuing the career you deserve Refining your goals so that you don't end up in an undesirable job that technically fit your criteria for a new position What to do when the jobs that are finding you are the wrong ones     Useful Resources Mentioned:     Optimize Yourself Elite Coaching & Mentorship Program     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.     This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me...it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order!     Guest Bio:             LinkedIn|Instagram     Toni Ann began her career in tv at 22 yrs old and got my first job as a PA at MTV. She was on the producing path, but after getting the opportunity to learn how to edit, her focus shifted. She went on to become one of the series producers/editor of MTV Cribs, where she was instrumental in developing the look and style of that show. She has since worked on many of the big reality shows out there, like multiple Housewives franchises, Say Yes to the Dress, Long Island Medium, 90 Day Fiancé, and Busy Tonight.           Facebook|Twitter|LinkedIn |Instagram     Phil Habeger was raised in Iowa, spent about 10 years in Boston and has been in Los Angeles for the last 10 years. He fell in love with editing the first time he touched an NLE in a college course in 1998, and has been editing ever since. Phil finds joy in bringing characters and story to life in the edit room and has no plans to ever retire from editing.     Show Credits:     This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.      

Gretchen Rubin is a NYT bestselling author who has sold over 3.5 million copies of her books, some of those titles which include Outer Order, Inner Calm, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and the book that we discuss in-depth in today’s conversation: The Four Tendencies. In my 10+ years of research, study, and implementation with productivity, focus, and human behavior and psychology, The Four Tendencies is quite possibly the most impactful and actionable concept I’ve come across. As we talked about in this conversation, understanding and using The Four Tendencies to better understand yourself (as well as those around you) is like becoming Neo and being able to see through the endless random numbers to read the Matrix of human relationships and behavior. Just be warned: In this episode I’m giving you the choice between the red pill or the blue pill, because once you understand The Four Tendencies, there is no going back. You will see the world and every single interaction in a completely different way. If you’re interested in understanding why you can or can’t take certain actions, why you procrastinate, or why you do or don’t get along with your friends, family, spouse, or colleagues, learning The Four Tendencies is literally a GAME. CHANGER. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: Gretchen’s circuitous path towards professional writing Why there are “four tendencies” of human nature and not “four types” Understanding how the four tendencies makes your work and relationships better Using your tendencies to help move your career forward Learning the nuances of the tendencies as well as when categorization is doing more harm than good Techniques for narrowing down your tendency if your feel torn between defining yourself as more than one Knowing how your personal ways of sharing information can shut off other tendencies from having healthy motivation Useful Resources Mentioned: Gretchen Rubin Optimize Yourself Elite 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. This episode is made possible by SitTight, my new #1 recommendation if you’re searching for a healthier, more ergonomically-friendly office chair that turns sitting into an activity that actually improves your health rather than damaging it. Yes, you can actually get fit while you sit. If you’ve never seen one, just imagine the most comfortable bar stool on the planet on top of a Bosu Ball. Trust me…it’s awesome. SitTight can provide fitness for your body, focus for your mind, and fun for your spirit. BONUS: Use the coupon code OPTIMIZE for 10% off your order! Guest Bio: Twitter|Facebook|Instagram Gretchen Rubin is the author of several books, including the block-buster New York Times bestsellers, Outer Order, Inner Calm, Better Than Before, The Happiness Project, Happier at Home, and The Four Tendencies. She has an enormous readership, both in print and online, and her books have sold more than 3.5 million copies worldwide, in more than thirty languages. She makes frequent TV appearances and is in much demand as a speaker. On her weekly podcast Happier with Gretchen Rubin, she discusses good habits and happiness with her sister Elizabeth Craft. Rubin started her career in law and was clerking for Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor when she realized she wanted to be a writer. She lives in New York City with her husband and two daughters. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Scott Young is the author of the soon-to-be bestselling book Ultralearning. He’s also a writer & blogger, a programmer, traveler, and as he puts it, “an avid reader of interesting things.” For the last ten years Scott has been experimenting to find out how to learn and think better. He is known for learning the 4 year curriculum at MIT (one of the toughest schools for science and technology in the world) in under 12 months without taking any classes there, he’s traveled the world and at one point challenged himself to go a year without English and in the process learned four languages in that year: Spanish, Portuguese, Mandarin, and Korean. Needless to say, Scott knows a thing or two about undertaking incredibly difficult learning challenges. And in our conversation Scott and I discuss the principles he outlines in his new book Ultralearning that you can follow to develop and master this skill and thus become better (and more effective) at learning just about anything you want or need to in order to achieve your most important goals. In today’s freelance economy where knowledge is a ubiquitous commoddity and employees are essentially disposable and replaceable within days, there is perhaps no more important skill than having the ability to learn new things quickly to adapt to the ever changing technology and landscape we face every single day. And that skill is ULTRALEARNING. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here’s What You’ll Learn: How Scott’s difficulty with learning led him to become an ultralearner The method that you choose to learn with will change yours results Pushing your learning bubble of comfort What beliefs do you have that re keeping you from chasing your goals? Approaching meta-learning concepts for the first time Mapping out how you are going to learn a new skill rather than approaching it cold The path towards the same goal is different for different people Placing yourself in a position with an invaluable skill, so that you have a say in how you are paid, and what your time is worth Useful Resources Mentioned: ScottthYoung.com Scott’s Blog Ultralearning Optimize Yourself Elite 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: Instagram|Twitter|Facebook Scott is a writer, programmer, traveler and avid reader of interesting things. For the last ten years he’s been experimenting to find out how to learn and think better. He rose to autodidact stardom when he learned MIT’s 4-year computer science curriculum in less than twelve months. Next, he taught himself four new languages in a year. Such extreme self- improvement projects may seem outside the realm of most of our capabilities, but Young believes that the principles and methods that he and other ultralearners employ are essential tools for anyone who wants a competitive edge in the fast-changing, aggressive workplace. In ULTRALEARNING: Master Hard Skills, Outsmart the Competition, and Accelerate Your Career, Young reveals how basic strategies that he and other ultralearners embrace can give anyone the edge in organizing and executing a plan to learn something new deeply and quickly—and without teachers or tuition. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Fil Eisler, one of today’s busiest and most diverse award-winning composers, has projects that range from big studio action pieces and comedies to gritty independent films and hit TV shows. I know Fil from working with him on the first two seasons of ‘Empire,’ and he has since exploded onto the scene working on multiple big studio productions. In this episode Fil and I talk a bit about his slow and steady rise to being an “overnight success” as a top composer, but more importantly we dive into his personal journey as an overworked composer with a young kid who decided enough was enough. He wasn’t going to let the entertainment business slowly kill him...and he decided to fight back. Fil’s story is a true inspiration and testament to what can be accomplished no matter how busy you think you might be. He’s the hardest working person I know, yet he figured out how to introduce better health into his routine not only for his child’s sake, but for his own as well. If you want to learn what finally compelled Fil to change his priorities, his routines, and his life and how to apply these strategies to do the same for yourself, this episode won’t disappoint. https://www.instagram.com/p/BnF-C92gafK/ Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How Fil finds all the time to keep himself healthy and productive The trials of breaking into the composing game The project that put Fil on the map, and the twenty years it took him to get there Being able to master tradition musical composition as well work in an entirely digital workspace The unique difficulties of dealing with producers and directors while composing music Trusting yourself and learning when it's okay to improvise Not getting overwhelmed by the big picture and distilling your tasks to whatever you have to do next Living productively in Hollywood with children Useful Resources Mentioned: Fil Eisler's Instagram 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: Instagram Fil Eisler is one of today’s busiest and most diverse composers, with projects that range from big studio action pieces and comedies, to gritty independent films and hit television shows. He has been nominee and recipient of numerous awards including the World Soundtrack Awards New Discovery, SXSW Best Soundtrack Award and multiple BMI Awards. Eisler’s ability to understand directors’ musical intent and his flexible approach to scoring has led to numerous collaborations with Hollywood heavy-weights such as Catherine Hardwicke, Marti Noxon, Lee Daniels, Phillip Noyce, Mc G and Ben Falcone. Eisler’s music for Showtime's Emmy-winning “Shameless” earned him the BMI Film and TV Award. The same year, he also won the BMI Award as both the composer and conductor for ABC’s breakout hit drama “Revenge.” Eisler also composed the main title theme and acted as co-composer and music director for the Peabody-winning documentary, “Newtown,” for which he organized and led an all-star line-up of over a dozen Hollywood composers, who each donated a piece of music for the film.  Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

How does someone go from retiring as an NFL player with over $300,000 in the bank to offering his time and services for free (and surviving off less than $25k per year) just so he can “get his shot?” If this story sounds crazy, then you’ve haven’t met Akbar Gbajabiamila. Akbar Gbajabiamila is the host of American Ninja Warrior (alongside Matt Iseman) who is also a former NFL player for teams such as the Oakland Raiders, San Diego Chargers, and Miami Dolphins, as well as the host of the NFL network’s highest rated show ‘NFL Fantasy Live.’ Akbar is also the author of the soon-to-be bestselling book “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams.” Whether you’re an athlete who aspires to be or who has already competed on Ninja Warrior, a weekend warrior who enjoys the occasional Spartan Race or triathlon, or a sedentary office worker looking for something to inspire you to get back in shape, Akbar’s story is one of the most compelling and motivating I’ve ever come across. From the outside it might appear his path to stardom just makes sense and was pretty simple, but once you break down the challenges he’s faced since the very beginning of his life growing up in ‘the hood,’ you realize Akbar’s career path is anything but ordinary. The biggest reason I’m excited about this interview and Akbar’s book is that it’s not just an inspirational story...it’s also a roadmap to help you overcome the mindsets, limiting beliefs, mental barriers, and outright excuses you might be making to stop you from pursuing something difficult and frightening. Get ready to step outside your comfort zone...because that’s where the magic happens. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How Akbar got his first job in television even though he wasn't a "hall of famer" Taking a monetary loss for the sake of your ideal career plan Realizing that the work you get paid more for might fail to fulfill you Learning to reject your circumstances and do what you can with what you have Counteracting the negative narratives that you've been give about the cards you've been dealt in life How to stop using the obstacles and low expectations in your life to keep yourself from improving Recognizing when you're afraid of being successful Learning how to accept and even take joy in failure without watering down how painful it is in the moment Useful Resources Mentioned: IAmAkbar.com Akbar Gbajabiamila's Ninja Warrior Run for Red Nose Day GO FAR Official Theatrical Trailer 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: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram As one of television’s most compelling personalities Akbar Gbajabiamila reigns supreme as host NBC's 5-time Emmy® nominated, heart-racing obstacle course competition series American Ninja Warrior. In addition, a former NFL star player, Akbar hosts NFL Networks' highest rated show NFL Fantasy Live. His debut book “Everyone Can Be a Ninja: Find Your Inner Warrior and Achieve Your Dreams” will be published by Gallery Books (A division of Simon & Schuster) on May 7th of this year. Akbar is honored to leverage his formidable professional platform to inspire and motivate others as well as advocate for those in need. Currently, he serves on the board for the Asomugha Foundation, which provides pathways to college for disenfranchised youth, as well as for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. He is also privileged to be a celebrity ambassador for Red Nose Day, which since its inception in 2015 raised more than $150 million dollars to fight child poverty. Moreover, Akbar is a strong proponent of financial literacy, lending his time and energy to educating young people and pro athletes. Akbar grew up in hard-scrabble South Central LA, one of seven children of Nigerian immigrants. A solid family foundation coupled with a natural athletic ability made him a stand-out high school student athlete, excelling in both basketball and football. Akbar went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Communications and Media Studies, while attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship and then spent five years in the NFL as a linebacker and defensive end with the Oakland Raiders, Chargers (San Diego), and Miami Dolphins before retiring in 2008. Akbar began his broadcasting career while still playing for the Chargers as a contributor to KLSD 1360 AM and as a co-host for Football Night in San Diego (NBC 7). He went on to serve as an analyst on the MountainWest Sports Network (formerly mtn.) and CBS Sports before joining the NFL Network. He and his wife live in Los Angeles where they are raising their family. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Today’s episode is part 2 of two-part case study (click here for part 1) that dives deep into the question that plagues so many trying to land their dream job in scripted entertainment: To assist, or not to assist: That is the question! In part 2 of this case study I chat with Wellington Harrison, an assistant editor with nine years experience in the post-production industry who’s worked across multiple genres and formats from drama to animation and beyond. Wellington is a unique case study in that he originally came from a completely different industry - architecture - and has been forging his own path to success in Hollywood ever since. After working with Wellington for 12 weeks in my one-on-one career coaching & mentorship program, Wellington has confidently come to the conclusion that at this point, the route that makes the most sense for him to build a fulfilling career and lead a happy life is pursuing work as an editor in independent features. There is no set path we can follow to success in our industry, but it is possible to design your own unique path if you know the right questions to ask and the right steps to follow. My purpose for sharing this case study with you is to demonstrate how Wellington designed his own path so you can then apply what you learn to your own journey. If after listening to this interview you do want to learn more and apply to work with me for the next several months and beyond, enrollment is currently open in my career coaching & mentorship program, but time slots are extremely limited. Applications will only be accepted through Friday May 10th. Want to work with me one-one-one to land your dream job? » Click here to apply for Optimize Yourself Elite Here's What You'll Learn: Wellington's beginning in marketing and his journey through different industries Fighting film industry impostor syndrome There is no correct or incorrect step towards your goal, only the one that you are able to make Designing your own career path through the industry Respecting your own journey to the work you want to be doing Clarity's essential role in making sure your goals are achievable Finding the perfect goal using the "Goldilocks Principle" Useful Resources Mentioned: Click here to apply for Optimize Yourself Elite Ep55: How Tiny Changes Can Create Remarkable Results | with James Clear Ep70: To Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 1) | with Chris Cavanagh 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: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram With nine years experience in Post Production as an Assistant Editor, Wellington Harrison has actively pursued projects across multiple genres and formats. From Drama to Animation, Wellington continues to contribute with one overarching goal: To tell good stories that resonate with audiences. “In Post Production there are always multiple ways to achieve results. As Editors, it is our mission to be open and fearlessly take risks in order to tell the best story each and every time.” Wellington is a member of the Motion Picture Editor’s Guild and The Los Angeles Post Production Group. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Today’s episode is part 1 of two-part case study (click here for part 2) that dives deep into the question that plagues so many trying to land their dream job in scripted entertainment: To assist, or not to assist: That is the question! In part 1 of this case study I chat with Chris Cavanagh, a television and film editor who specializes in long-form unscripted storytelling. He’s worked on numerous shows in the docuseries, true crime, and reality spaces, and two years ago he moved from New York City to Los Angeles to make the terrifying transition from unscripted to scripted. Despite having an extensive resume of popular shows for top networks, Chris found it incredibly difficult to make the transition from unscripted to scripted because most in Hollywood unfairly believe that “People who do unscripted work can’t do scripted.” After working with Chris for 12 weeks in my one-on-one career coaching & mentorship program, Chris has officially made the transition into scripted television. He even landed the gig as my assistant editor on Cobra Kai, and he’s now moving onto one of the editorial teams for Star Trek: Discovery. There is no set path we can follow to success in our industry, but it is possible to design your own unique path if you know the right questions to ask and the right steps to follow. My purpose for sharing this case study with you is to demonstrate how Chris designed his own path so you can then apply what you learn to your own journey. If after listening to this interview you do want to learn more and apply to work with me for the next several months and beyond, enrollment is currently open in my career coaching & mentorship program, but time slots are extremely limited. Applications will only be accepted through Friday May 10th. Want to work with me one-one-one to land your dream job? » Click here to apply for Optimize Yourself Elite Here's What You'll Learn: How Chris and Zack came to work with each other Approaching networking in a way that isn't arrogant or anxiety-inducing Ways in which creativity is birthed from necessity Overcoming the "non-scripted editors don't understand scripted work" mindest Respecting yourself and accepting career set-backs in order to find a better ladder to climb Making a commitment to a goal is the difference succeeding and failing How to pitch yourself confidently and avoid language that makes you sound unprofessional Useful Resources Mentioned: Click here to apply for Optimize Yourself Elite Ep12: The Right Way to Network In Hollywood | with Chris Visser Ep48: Feeling Lost? It’s Time to ‘Find Your Why’ | with David Mead Ep71: To Assist or Not to Assist...That Is the Question (pt 2) | with Wellington Harrison "Give & Take" by Adam Grant ChrisCavanagh.net 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: Facebook|LinkedIn Chris Cavanagh is a television and film editor/ assistant editor with a passion for long-form story-telling. His job is to help bring stories to life on screen. It’s not just what-he-does-for-work. He creates human emotion for a living. As an editor it is his responsibility to engage the viewer in every moment from start to finish. He recently transitioned to scripted TV as an assistant editor for Season 2 of the hit show Cobra Kai to pursue his passion for editing scripted content. He is excellent at collaborating and more importantly establishing trust, because working with people is one of the most satisfying facets of his career. He specializes in drama because he loves exploring human motivation at its core and throughout every complex layer. Story shows us why people do something, or do not. And getting the story right is all about nailing the emotion. When he is not editing, he is playing with his two kids, or he is cooking dinner with his wife, or he is attempting to complete one of the 7,942 daily tasks required to exist as both a professional and a parent in 21st century Los Angeles. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Have you ever wanted be a fly on the wall in the edit suite of a high profile tv show to see what it’s really like working in the trenches? Have you ever wondered what it takes to get the attention of high profile producers and showrunners so you can build a relationship with them and possibly work on their shows someday? And if you do land the job working with your dream creators, have you ever wondered what steps you can take to not only do a great job but also build relationships for life so you are always invited to work on future projects? All these questions are answered (and a lot more) in my interview with Cobra Kai creators and showrunners Jon Hurwitz, Josh Heald, and Hayden Schlossberg. In this episode we have a candid no-topics-off-limits conversation about the realities of editing and collaborating on a show like Cobra Kai. We discuss how in the world the Karate Kid saga ended up becoming a hit series on YouTube of all places, the psychology I used to land myself this job not having any previous relationships with Jon, Josh, or Hayden, and we also dive deep into the creative process on the show including managing the tight schedule, why then insisted on sending hundreds of pages of notes for every cut (and how I prioritized that work with the other obligations in my life), and ultimately what showrunners and producers are looking for in potential talent they might hire for future projects. If you want to work in scripted television or features someday, this is a masterclass on the psychology of networking and building relationships with high profile producers. Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How John, Josh, and Hayden pivoted from Harold and Kumar and American Pie to furthering the Karate Kid saga Why now is the perfect time for Cobra Kai to exist "Knowing what you want" as healthy alternative to perfectionism Learning who to trust when being given feedback on your work Adapting to the storytelling language of your showrunners in the edit bay How you should be interviewing your interviewer Adjusting to the unique flow of your creative relationship with new executives Finding the BEST story instead of clinging to ideas just because they're yours Knowing when it's healthy for you to throw your creative instincts into the mix Why you should be watching Cobra Kai Season 2! Useful Resources Mentioned: Click here to watch Cobra Kai Season 2 Tired of Life Kicking Your Ass? Learn to Fight Back Like a True ‘Cobra Kai’ 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: Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg have been close friends since they were teenagers. Their first collaboration together is YouTube Premium’s runaway hit COBRA KAI, the Karate Kid spinoff series that picks up decades after the original film ends. Heald, Hurwitz, and Schlossberg are the creators and showrunners of the series. They wrote and directed the bulk of the first and second seasons. Josh Heald is best known for creating and writing the cult classic, Hot Tub Time Machine – for which he earned the inaugural Comedy Award for Best Screenplay – and the sequel, Hot Tub Time Machine 2. He has produced and developed pilots across many networks and platforms. Jon Hurwitz & Hayden Schlossberg are the writing/directing/producing team behind New Line Cinema's Harold & Kumar franchise. They penned Harold & Kumar Go to White Castle, which garnered a legion of fans and was launched to immediate cult status. Two sequels followed: 2008’s Harold & Kumar Escape from Guantanamo Bay, which became Hurwitz & Schlossberg’s feature directorial debut, and 2011’s A Very Harold & Kumar 3D Christmas. In 2012, they wrote and directed American Reunion for Universal Pictures, and worked again for the studio in 2018, producing the hit comedy Blockers. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.

Rose Wetzel is a 2-time American Ninja Warrior finalist, a professional obstacle course racer, a personal trainer, and a new mom (as if she wasn’t running around enough already). She has spent her whole life pursuing athletic endeavors including trying out for the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials (coming just seconds short of making it), and she has literally run hundreds of Spartan races and other brands of obstacle course racing in her career. She is so good that she actually makes a living as a professional racer, something very few are able to accomplish. Rose and I chat today not about what it’s like being a kick-ass elite-level obstacle course racer (even though she is indeed a badass), but instead she and I discuss what it takes for someone who wants to run their very first Spartan race. Beyond just the physical side of training (which we touch upon), we dive much deeper into the mindset you need to develop to get over the fears and apprehensions that so many people face when thinking about registering for an event they most likely aren’t capable of finishing...YET. We talk about how to set the right goals and create a “Diversified Portfolio of Motivations” so no matter how you perform at the race (or during any given day of training) you are set up for success instead of failure. And we talk about how to focus on small progressions every single day rather than much larger goals. If you’ve ever been on the fence and thought to yourself, “Man it sure would be cool to run something like a Spartan Race, but I’m not ready yet. Maybe SOMEDAY…” then this is the conversation to inspire you to get off the couch and onto the course! Want to Hear More Episodes Like This One? » Click here to subscribe and never miss another episode Here's What You'll Learn: How Rose became one of the top female obstacle course racers in the world Learning to enjoy pushing yourself out of your comfort zone Reminding yourself that everyone has improvements to make The importance of focus and a dedicated mindset in a sport like obstacle course racing Confronting your fear by breaking daunting tasks into bite-sized pieces Rose's race injury and how she pushed through the pain to finish despite it Planning and preparing for your obstacles before they surprise you Setting performance goals, not weight goals Sign up for the race first, then let your fear drive you to prepare you for it Useful Resources Mentioned: RoseWetzel.com Stackit Mamas Facebook Page 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: Facebook|Twitter|Instagram Growing up in Seattle in a family of nine kids (could you imagine?!), Rose loved the feeling of running outside after tackling piles of dishes and laundry. Her love for running grew, and it landed her a track scholarship at Georgetown, where she met wonderful women she still calls her best friends, over a decade later. After college, Rose fulfilled a childhood dream of working at a summer camp before starting her own personal training business in order to encourage others to reach their health and fitness goals, while she tried to make the U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials. After coming up a couple seconds short in the 800 meters (half mile), Rose took a friend’s advice and tried a totally new challenge – an obstacle course race! A perfect match for her running background, strength skills, and love of adventure, Rose became a professional obstacle course racer (thanks to sponsors like Clif Bar), running up mountains in Spartan Races around the country and flying through obstacles on the hit show American Ninja Warrior. A year and a half ago, Rose and Tim, her husband, welcomed Baby Taylor Joi into the world, and after moving from Seattle to Boulder for more mountains and Ninja gym training options a couple months later, Rose battled post-partum depression for many months, finally emerging from the condition mentally stronger than ever. Her physical fitness recently caught up as she started the Spartan season strong last month, finishing Top 3 at the first Spartan National Series race, just one minute behind the reigning Spartan World Champion. She looks to race hard all year and inspire the moms out there to continue to chase their dreams if they so desire, and remember to make self-care a priority, through her Stackit Mamas program for new moms. Show Credits: This episode was edited by Curtis Fritsch, and the show notes were prepared and published by Elyse Rintelman. 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.