Buckel Up!

In this week's episode, Kristen chats with "Ted Lasso" writer Julia Lindon to gain insight into breaking into the writers' room through authentic relationships and a flexible creative path rather than a traditional route.

In this week's episode, Kristen and Lexi pull back the curtain on what it really takes to produce micro-budget films, raise financing from scratch, and navigate the unpredictable world of festival strategy.

In this week's episode, Kristen catches up with producer Alex Bach about the unique production business model set up at Irony Point, and the realities of indie producing while sustaining a creative career, and keeping niche taste at the center of her work.

In this week's episode, Kristen talks to multihyphenate comedian Anna about her rise as a comedy content creator and how she draws inspiration from everyday life and celebrities.

In this week's episode, Kristen chats with "Oh, Mary!" Producer Carlee Briglia about all things stage, from careers in Off-Broadway theater and the rise of Oh, Mary! to what it takes to make comedy-driven live shows thrive.

In this week's episode, Kristen reconnects with Director/Producer Daniella Eisman ("The Sex Lives of College Girls" and "First Wives Club" just to name a few), as they chat about moving up the ladder in TV through working on set.

“Chasing the Party” — Watch Jessie’s short film here!Viewpoints — Acting technique that Jessie and Kristen discuss in detail “Apocalypse Besties” — The Tribeca short that Kristen directed and mentions, also available now on Vimeo

Stream Americanish now, wherever you buy or rent movies! Apple, Amazon, YouTube, Fandango, Google

In this week's episode, Kristen reminisces with film & TV producer Charlotte Gilbert about coming up in the New York TV comedy landscape, and the twists and turns she took to find the career path that worked best for her goals and dreams.

Focus Friend — The productivity optimization app that Laura and Amanda swear by. Check it out for your very own little bean to keep you from your phone distractions!

In this week's season one finale, Kristen chats with producer Veronica Brown about bringing creativity and artistic integrity to made-for-TV/streaming movies, and specifically with her first Christmas movie out now on Hallmark: "She's Making a List."

In this week's episode, Kristen catches up with gal pal and TV writer Jo Redlingshafer about how writing with a partner really works and her favorite self-care methods to survive an erratic industry.

In this week's episode, Kristen and Amber break down her storied career trajectory from LA -- ATL -- LA and the invaluable friendships that have shaped how she tells stories today. A timely RE-AIR to bring verticals directing full circle now that we have a better understanding after talking to Josie Andrews!

Buckel Up! It’s a Verticals Explainer for the Confused Millennial with Director Josie Andrews Kristen Buckels Cantrell In this week's episode, Kristen gets into the nitty-gritty of verticals with Director Josie Andrews to answer all the questions you have, but didn't know who to ask. Alliance of Women Directors - Rising Director Fellowship — Fellowship that Josie was part of the inaugural class

Buckel Up! We're Going in the Cutting Room with Editor/Director Julie Cohen Kristen Buckels Cantrell In this week's episode, Kristen and editor Julie Cohen of "The Paper" dive into the creative path of working your way up in the cutting room, and how that can translate to directing. Directing Great Television — The book by Dan Attias that Julie swears byCourt Appointed Special Advocates — For more information on volunteering to be a court-appointed special advocate for children in the child welfare system (LA-linked, but there are programs nationwide)

Buckel Up! We're Getting into Tribeca with Actor/Writer Team Becky Chicoine and Sam Reece Kristen Buckels Cantrell In this week's episode, Kristen gabs with gal pals Sam Reece and Becky Chicoine of "Apocalypse Besties" fame on the road to Tribeca and everything that goes into being a true multi-hyphenate.

Buckel Up! We’re Patiently Growing our Writing Careers with Rachel Palmer Kristen Buckels Cantrell In this week's episode, Kristen breaks down Rachel's path to the writers' room, the pit stops in between and the importance and fostering relationships.

Buckel Up! We're Elevating Female Filmmakers with Rhianon Jones Kristen Buckels Cantrell In this week's episode, Kristen sits with producer, writer, and founder of Neon Heart Productions, Rhianon Jones, and gets deep into the details of what it takes to get some of these low-budget and smash hit female films off the ground.

In this week's episode, Kristen gets fellow Jax/Imagine alum Jillian Vogel to demystify the creative development process from a producer's perspective.

In this week's episode, Kristen gets transparent with filmmaker Vivian Kerr on the ups and downs of getting your first feature film financed.

In this week's episode, Kristen delves into Kim's path from being a Broadway baby to her very first short, "Gloria," premiering at Tribeca Fest 2025.

In this week's episode, Kristen and Ruby talk about Ruby's career beginnings, getting her first one-person-show off the ground and *exactly* how "No Man's Land" got made.

In this week's episode, Kristen and Amber break down her storied career trajectory from LA -- ATL -- LA and the invaluable friendships that have shaped how she tells stories today.

In this week's episode, Kristen and Alison chat comedy career beginnings and staying true to your voice.

In this week's episode, Kristen and Zoey talk about the "right time" to start a family while nurturing a career in directing, and break down the path her film, "The Fisherman," took from short to award-winning feature.

In this week's episode, Kristen and Hilarie gush over the TV shows that shaped them, and fighting the compare and despair mindset.

In this week's episode, Kristen and Mary Lou talk about the art of directing the actor and finding your happy place and making it work for you as a professional.

In this week's episode, Kristen chats with writer Abbey Caldwell of "Laid," "Fresh off the Boat," and "Krapopolis" fame about the art of getting into writers' rooms and staying there.

In this week's episode, Kristen gets to the bottom of self-advocating and when to do more homework with producer Nicole Jordan-Webber

In this week's episode, Kristen connects with Actor, Writer, Producer Francesca Noel of "Goosebumps, The Vanishing" fame and talks charting your own creative path.

In this week's episode, Kristen catches up with Comedian Cat Cohen and talks about health scares, keeping creative and busy and trusting your inner voice.

In this week's episode, Kristen chats with sisters, producers, and founders of 271 Films, Domenica and Constanza Castro, about their beginnings and the importance of deepening your understanding of the "why" in your storytelling.

In this week's episode, Kristen chats with producer filmmaker Erin O'Malley about how she came up in the industry and that there's nothing she'd rather be doing.

In this week's episode, Kristen chats with director and filmmaker Ashley Eakin on her journey from assistant to director and how to not let fear get in the way of your creativity.

In this week's episode, Kristen chats with director and filmmaker Julia Weisberg Cortés on her latest short "Boy Fighter" and the art of being prepared when the big questions come.

In this week's episode, Kristen chats with powerhouse human and director Gia-Rayne Harris about keeping a sustainable mindset as a filmmaker, staying empowered while applying to programs and initiatives.

This week on Buckel Up! Kristen chats with her old boss and long-time friend, Sarah-Violet Bliss, the co-writer and showrunner of the HBOMax critical hit "Search Party" on the challenges and rewards of working in TV and film and building a family.

In this week's episode, Kristen talks to episodic director and feature filmmaker Anu Valia on her journey to her first episode and staying true to her unique voice as a filmmaker in her arresting debut feature "We Strangers."

In this week's episode Kristen talks to fellow filmmaker Mercedes Bryce Morgan about getting her indie features off the ground and the importance and benfit of keeping multiple projects going at all times.

In this week's episode Kristen talks to one of her favorite teachers and mentors, Bethany Rooney, about getting your start in episodic television and maintaining work-life balance.

In Kristen's first episode, she talks to her dear friend Kelsie Kiley of "Broad City" fame, who helped her blossom into the producer and filmmaker she is today.