EPISODE · Jun 16, 2026 · 25 MIN
Ep709 - Zach Braff, Actor ‘Scrubs’ & ‘Garden State’
from Creative Principles · host Creative Principles Podcast
Zach Braff’s success began with the beloved television series SCRUBS, earning an Emmy nomination and three consecutive Golden Globe® nominations. While on the show, he transitioned behind the camera, directing several episodes before making his feature film debut as the writer, director, and star of the 2004 comedy-drama GARDEN STATE. The film won an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and earned him multiple screenplay and directing nominations. In February 2026, he returned to executive produce, direct the pilot, and star in the ABC SCRUBS reboot, which follows J.D. and Turk as they navigate a modern medical system that has “beaten them down” after 15 years, while J.D. faces the reality of being the “oldie” rather than the “newbie.” In this interview, we talk about the art of improvising comedy on set, working and learning from Bill Lawrence, the revival and production of the new SCRUBS season, directing advice and working with legends like Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Harrison Ford, alternative writing techniques, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!
What this episode covers
Zach Braff’s success began with the beloved television series SCRUBS, earning an Emmy nomination and three consecutive Golden Globe® nominations. While on the show, he transitioned behind the camera, directing several episodes before making his feature film debut as the writer, director, and star of the 2004 comedy-drama GARDEN STATE. The film won an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and earned him multiple screenplay and directing nominations. In February 2026, he returned to executive produce, direct the pilot, and star in the ABC SCRUBS reboot, which follows J.D. and Turk as they navigate a modern medical system that has “beaten them down” after 15 years, while J.D. faces the reality of being the “oldie” rather than the “newbie.” In this interview, we talk about the art of improvising comedy on set, working and learning from Bill Lawrence, the revival and production of the new SCRUBS season, directing advice and working with legends like Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Harrison Ford, alternative writing techniques, and much more. Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy! If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!
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Ep709 - Zach Braff, Actor ‘Scrubs’ & ‘Garden State’
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