Steven Lewis on Authentic Interviews, Honest Conversations, and Creating "Heroes"

A vulnerable LinkedIn post about mental health first connected host Liz Sweigart and Steven Lewis. One unexpected DM turned into hours of conversation—and a friendship that’s thrived across years and screens (they still haven’t met in person). In this episode of Past the Profile, Steven—former corporate general counsel, filmmaker, and creator of the interview series Heroes Have Heroes—traces how a tough season and two life-line podcasts inspired a new kind of filmed conversation: beautifully shot, psychologically safe, and centered on the people who shaped us. He and Liz unpack what it takes to earn genuine openness on camera, why “my words, my story” beats glossy mythmaking, and how Series (i.e., Season, for the Americans) One’s response lit the path to what’s next. Highlights Origin of Heroes—designing a filmed format where guests speak candidly about formative people and moments, then read letters to their heroes. Safety by design—from researcher prep to on-set care, how the team creates space for authenticity (and why the host sometimes cries off-mic). No one-note episodes—each conversation has a distinct tone; the common thread is honesty over image. Evolving “hero”—from parents and coaches to institutions and influences; support systems matter as much as inspiration. What’s next—partnering with streamers/broadcasters for long-form, brand partners for short-form, and a guest wishlist that spans major musicians to film stars.