How to Be a Boss in Hollywood | Melisa D. Monts | Producer, Director & Screenwriter

Melisa D. Monts is a producer, director, writer, and co-host of the podcast Don't Blame Me who has built a career across TV, film, and podcasting. From Fayetteville, Arkansas, she made her way to Los Angeles after falling in love with screenwriting in college, and she’s been making her mark ever since. Melisa shares how she hustled early, taking on multiple internships at once, and how those experiences taught her the skills that fuel her work today. She talks about producing three podcasts, working on Amazon Prime’s Mr. Student Body President, and collaborating with creatives like Chelsea Handler. Along the way, she reflects on the impact of her mother’s career in social justice, her own volunteer work, and the day she was blessed by Maya Angelou. Melisa’s story is a reminder that success is built on curiosity, hard work, and using your platform for good. Chapters 00:00 Meet Melisa D. Monts 03:20 Growing Up Across Multiple States 07:40 From Biology Major to Screenwriting 12:05 Moving to Los Angeles and Studying Filmmaking at UCLA 16:30 Juggling Multiple Internships in TV, Film & Podcasts 21:50 Producing Mr. Student Body President on Amazon Prime 26:15 Podcasting with Don't Blame Me and Directionally Challenged 31:00 Working with Chelsea Handler and Grace Helbig 35:40 The Influence of Her Mother’s Social Justice Work 39:15 Volunteer Work with Big Brother Big Sister, Happy Period & More 43:10 Meeting Maya Angelou and Bill Clinton 47:25 Advice for Thriving in Hollywood The Powerful Ladies podcast, hosted by business coach and strategist Kara Duffy features candid conversations with entrepreneurs, creatives, athletes, chefs, writers, scientists, and more. Every Wednesday, new episodes explore what it means to lead with purpose, create with intention, and define success on your own terms. Whether you're growing a business, changing careers, or asking bigger questions, these stories remind you: you're not alone, and you're more powerful than you think. Explore more at thepowerfulladies.com and karaduffy.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices