From The Bronx to Hollywood: Leaving a Prestigious Job for a Filmmaking Dream

Today, Anthony interviews Larry V. Santana, a filmmaker and storyteller. The conversation delves into Larry's journey as a dreamer and his determination to pursue his passion for filmmaking despite setbacks and rejection. They discuss his upbringing in the Bronx, surrounded by a challenging environment, and how his parents instilled in him the belief that he could rise above it. Larry shares his love for storytelling and the power it holds to connect and inspire people. The episode also touches on Larry's transition from journalism to filmmaking, his decision to leave a prestigious job in TV, and his move to Los Angeles with his pregnant girlfriend. Through their conversation, the episode explores the themes of risk-taking, self-belief, and the pursuit of one's dreams. KEY TAKEAWAYS Larry Santana is a dreamer and believes that dreamers are the ones who change the world and move the needle forward. Larry grew up in a challenging environment in the Bronx, surrounded by addiction, incarceration, and violence, but his parents instilled in him the belief that he could be more and encouraged him to avoid that path. Larry's love for storytelling stems from its ability to connect people and evoke strong emotions. He believes that stories are how we relate to one another and teach one another. Larry made a bold decision to leave a prestigious job in journalism at MSNBC to pursue his dream of writing movies in LA, despite not knowing anyone in the industry and having a pregnant girlfriend. Nataly, Larry's girlfriend, played a crucial role in supporting his decision and encouraging him to take the leap of faith. She believed in him and his potential, even when others doubted his choice. BEST MOMENTS "I think dreamers are the ones that change the world, change culture. Without the dreamers, we would stagnate as a species."  "I think the best writing is writing that is non-judgmental. We're all shades of gray, there's no white knight or black knight."  "The world does not need another actor. But it's me, but it's me."  "I think I'll be an actor. Mate, the world does not need another actor." "I'm going to write movies in LA. Do you know anyone? Do you have an agent? I don't know anybody, but I'm going to figure it out."  HOST BIO Olympic medal-winning boxer, Anthony Ogogo, teetered on the brink of a world title before a career-ending eye injury left him mostly blind in one eye. Battling years of depression, he reinvented himself as a professional wrestler with All Elite Wrestling in America. Anthony holds an impressive record of 10 British boxing titles, in addition to being the junior world and junior Olympic champion. Beyond sports, he's a renowned international motivational speaker, gracing prestigious venues like Buckingham Palace and 10 Downing Street. Anthony's entrepreneurial spirit led him to create Ogogo Fitness, a fitness app. Now, as a podcast host, he shares his incredible journey and the wisdom he's gleaned from life's trials. Join him in exploring the resilience that has defined his life, and the inspirational stories of others who have risen above challenges to find success and happiness. Instagram - @anthonyogogo