Sarah Jamgotch on Indie Filmmaking, Audio Drama, and DIY Creativity in New York

On this episode of My Guest Tonight, host Jeff Revilla sits down with award-winning indie director and audio creator Sarah Jamgotch. Broadcasting from her studio in downtown Brooklyn, Sarah dives into her unconventional journey from growing up in Michigan, studying neuroscience and social work, and ultimately finding her creative voice in New York City’s bustling film and audio scene. With a background spanning neuroscience, trauma studies, and policy work, Sarah shares how her experiences fuel her deeply human stories—stories that often explore relationships, unspoken truths, and the quiet complexities of grief and identity.Jeff and Sarah chat about her acclaimed projects, including the audio drama "Frequency" and the mysterious series "The Central Park Secret Keeper," both of which blend her fascination with psychology, the arts, and the unseen dynamics between people. Sarah also opens up about the behind-the-scenes hustle of independent filmmaking in New York—everything from working “guerrilla style” in bodegas to collaborating with a community of passionate creators.Whether you're an aspiring filmmaker, a fan of audio storytelling, or just love a good tale about following your passion, this episode is packed with creative inspiration and insider stories. Plus, get a sneak peek at Sarah’s upcoming projects and her unique production company, Sarah Berry Jam Productions. Tune in as we explore the winding roads that lead to storytelling gold in the city that never sleeps.Episode Recap: Award-Winning Indie Director & Audio Creator Sarah JamgotchOn this episode of My Guest Tonight, host Jeff Revilla sat down with the multi-talented Sarah Jamgotch for a deep dive into her creative journey, body of work, and the unique interplay between psychology and filmmaking. Here’s a rundown of the topics they covered:1. Sarah’s Journey to New York CitySarah revealed she was born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and later moved to New York for graduate school.She shared how her long-standing dream of living in NYC drove her journey toward the arts.2. Finding Her Path in Film and AudioSarah explained that she began her artistic journey in New York, not Michigan, starting as an actor, writer, and screenwriter.Her entrée into film and audio creation was largely self-taught, beginning during the pandemic with a free online screenwriting class taken alongside her cousin.3. Inspiration and Writing ProcessThe conversation delved into Sarah’s background in social work and neuroscience, and how these experiences heavily influence her storytelling and character development.She talked about her fascination with trauma, relationship dynamics, and exploring the unsaid in her narratives.4. Academic and Professional BackgroundJeff and Sarah discussed her studies in neuroscience and social work, and her work in policy practice after grad school.Sarah reflected on how her desire to understand herself and help others shaped both her studies and storytelling arc.5. Creative Projects: Frequency and MoreSarah described her audio drama Frequency, featuring a burned-out neuroscientist restoring a mysterious radio tower in rural Appalachia.She also discussed The Central Park Secret Keeper, an indie series about an enigmatic woman collecting strangers’ secrets in Central Park.6. Filmmaking in New York City: The Indie GrindSarah detailed the challenges and thrill of DIY filmmaking in NYC, including guerilla-style shoots and the importance of resourceful, passionate collaborators.They traded stories about spontaneity, running into permission issues, and the creative problem-solving inherent to indie productions.7. Collaborations and the NYC Creative CommunitySarah spoke about working with Jackie Jorgensen on improvisational film and audio projects, as well as cultivating a network of like-minded creatives.8. Upcoming Work and Future AspirationsSarah teased new releases, including the next season of Frequency (coming in October), a jazz-club-meets-mafia theater production titled "La Poinciana," and several shorts.She discussed her passion for producing, and future goals like running a production company and combining her love of barbershop singing with filmmaking.9. Sarah’s Armenian Heritage and Production NameThe story behind her last name, Jamgotch, and her production label “Sarah Berry Jam Productions,” inspired by her love of berries.10. Music and Other Creative OutletsJeff noted Sarah’s original music on her YouTube channel and the influence of music on her creative vibe.11. Connection, Identity, and Helping Others Through ArtThroughout the episode, Sarah and Jeff explored the deeper motivation behind her work: connecting with others, understanding identity, and using stories to demystify the human experience.Links & Where to Find Sarah:Check out Sarah’s latest updates, trailers, and casting calls on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarah.jamgotch/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@sarberryjamproductionsListen to Frequency and her other projects on major podcast platforms when they launch.For more of Sarah’s creative work, including music, head over to her YouTube channel.Tune in to hear the full episode for more candid stories, laughter, and creative inspiration from Sarah Jamgotch!https://myguesttonight.com/