Women in Entertainment

Jill Wagner didn’t wait for Hollywood to hand her the role she wanted; she helped create it.The actress and producer joins the Women in Entertainment Podcast to trace the remarkable path from her small-town North Carolina roots to Punk’d, family-friendly films, and eventually Taylor Sheridan’s high-stakes world of Lioness. Jill shares how fear of being pigeonholed pushed her to keep evolving, and how a conversation around a backyard bonfire with her husband became the spark for a story about women serving in the military.She also takes us inside the physical and emotional transformation required to become Bobby, from years of training to the haircut that finally helped her see the character in the mirror. Jill reflects on the military women who inspired her performance, the personal details she brought to Bobby, and the relentless mindset that carried her through exhaustion: “You asked for this.”Along the way, she opens up about Taylor Sheridan’s creative process, her admiration for co-star Zoe Saldaña, and the importance of surrounding yourself with people who can see possibilities in you before you can see them yourself.Listen to learn:How Jill unexpectedly launched her acting career on Punk’dWhy she refused to stay in one Hollywood laneHow the original idea for Lioness beganWhat it took physically and mentally to become BobbyWhy creating your own opportunities can change the trajectory of your careerThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#JillWagner #Lioness #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #TaylorSheridan #ZoeSaldana #WomenInFilm #WomenInTelevision #Acting #FemaleCreators #Hollywood #CareerReinvention #WomenInTheMilitary

Heather McMahan may be selling out iconic venues, but she still approaches her career with the same mix of hustle, humor, honesty, and relentless ambition that got her there.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Heather looks back on the long road from working restaurant shifts near Radio City Music Hall to eventually selling out the legendary venue herself. She shares how transparency helped her build an intensely loyal audience, why relatability sits at the heart of her comedy, and how stand-up gives her the creative freedom to keep moving even while television projects can take years to develop.Heather also takes us inside her writing process for a new comedy special, her experience developing a show with Hulu, and the challenge of constantly creating new material while touring and promoting what came before. Along the way, she talks about social media, comedy culture, dream collaborators, staying grounded in Atlanta, and why there is still so much she wants to accomplish.Listen to learn:How Heather built a loyal audience through honesty and relatabilityWhat selling out Radio City meant after years of grindingHow she writes, tests, and edits material for a stand-up specialWhy she believes emerging comedians need to embrace social mediaThe television, acting, and comedy goals still on her wish listThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#HeatherMcMahan #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #Comedy #StandUpComedy #FemaleComedians #RadioCityMusicHall #Hulu #EntertainmentIndustry #WomenInComedy

Sometimes the role that changes everything arrives after the season when nothing seems to be working.Katherine LaNasa joins Women in Entertainment to talk about the extraordinary success of The Pitt, its 26 Emmy nominations, and the collaborative environment that makes the series feel so authentic. She celebrates the women working across the production, from writing and makeup to art direction, and shares why working with John Wells had long been on her career bucket list. She also reveals how immediately she connected with Nurse Dana and why she chose to bring a Pittsburgh accent to the character.The conversation turns deeply personal as Katherine reflects on navigating unemployment, cancer, regret, gratitude, and the practice of learning to enjoy life while she is living it. She explains why The Pitt feels like “grace from the universe,” how she has learned to work alongside fear instead of waiting for it to disappear, and why the show’s focus on people caring for one another may be part of its powerful connection with audiences.She also takes us behind the viral “Baby Jane Doe” moment, talks about her love of disappearing into wildly different characters, teases Count My Lies, shares her hopes of returning to the stage, and makes one future goal very clear: she wants to play a queen.Listen to learn:Why Nurse Dana felt instinctively right from Katherine’s very first auditionHow gratitude helped her through unemployment, illness, and career uncertaintyWhy The Pitt strives for total immersion rather than a documentary feelThe story behind her Pittsburgh accent and the viral “Baby Jane Doe” momentWhy Broadway and finally playing a queen are still on her creative wish listThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #ThePitt #NurseDana #Emmys #Acting #WomenInFilm #WomenInTelevision #JohnWells #CountMyLies #Broadway #Resilience #FemaleCreatives #WomenInHollywoodThis episode is supported by Hulu.

Karin Slaughter may be known for writing unforgettable darkness, but at the heart of her stories is something far more hopeful: the belief that tomorrow can be better.The bestselling author joins the Women in Entertainment podcast to discuss the evolution of her career, from creating the Grant County and Will Trent series to building the world of North Falls with the intention of creating a long-running series from the very beginning. Karin takes listeners inside her unconventional writing process, explains why she loves ending the North Falls books with cliffhangers, and reflects on what has kept her creatively energized across more than twenty books.She also opens up about bringing her work to television. Karin shares why she embraces the differences between the Will Trent books and the ABC series, and what it was like to write every episode and serve as showrunner on The Good Daughter, starring Rose Byrne and Meghann Fahy. Along the way, she talks about crime fiction, BookTok, reading across genres, resisting the algorithm, and why writers need both persistence and curiosity.Listen to learn:- Why Karin created North Falls as a series from day one- How she balances darkness, humor, and hope in crime fiction- What she learned from adapting her own work for television- Why authors have to let screen adaptations become their own art- Her two essential pieces of advice for aspiring writersThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#KarinSlaughter #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #NorthFalls #TheSecretsWeHide #WeAreAllGuiltyHere #WillTrent #TheGoodDaughter #CrimeFiction #ThrillerBooks #WomenWriters #BookTok #WritingAdvice #AuthorsThis episode is supported by Wrapbook, the all-in-one platform for production payroll, spend and accounting. Learn more here: http://wrapbook.com/wieSupport for this episode also comes from Hulu. THE SECRETS WE HIDE (7:41) Shop the North Falls series here: https://amzn.to/3Scd3CK https://amzn.to/4geGwnpShop 'The Good Daughter' here: https://amzn.to/3SzuwFg

Karolina Wydra’s story is a powerful reminder that a dream can go quiet without ever truly disappearing.On this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Karolina reflects on growing up in Poland during communism, where resourcefulness, creativity, and independence were woven into daily life. After moving to America at 11, she found her way into modeling as a teenager, traveling the world and building the resilience that would later serve her as an actor. At 25, she finally gave herself permission to pursue the craft she had secretly loved for years.Karolina also opens up about stepping away from acting to become a mother and the uncertainty she faced when she was ready to return. Then came an unexpected audition for Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus. After more than 5,000 submissions, casting revisited handwritten notes from years earlier, rediscovered Karolina, and helped open the door to a role she describes as beyond her wildest dreams. She also shares how dream work, preparation, collaboration, and trust helped her shape the enigmatic Zosia.Listen to learn:- How Karolina’s childhood shaped her independence and creativity- What modeling taught her about rejection and work ethic- Why she waited until 25 to fully pursue acting- How she returned to Hollywood after motherhood- The remarkable casting story behind her role in PluribusThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#KarolinaWydra #Pluribus #VinceGilligan #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #Acting #Hollywood #WomenInFilm #CareerReinvention #Motherhood #ResilienceThis episode is supported by Wrapbook, the all-in-one platform for production payroll, spend and accounting. Learn more here: http://wrapbook.com/wie

Sometimes the breakthrough arrives after you stop insisting that your dream unfold exactly as planned.D’Arcy Carden joins the Women in Entertainment Podcast for a heartfelt and hilarious conversation about friendship, creative fulfillment, and building a life around the work you love. She takes listeners behind the scenes of The Five-Star Weekend, where an early Pictionary game helped Jennifer Garner, Regina Hall, Chloë Sevigny, Gemma Chan, Harlow Jane, and D’Arcy form a genuine connection that carried into their performances.D’Arcy also shares how the deeply supportive, female-led production gave her the safety to explore Brooke’s most vulnerable moments. Looking back on her career, she clarifies that she never planned to abandon acting. Instead, she began accepting that her childhood vision of television success might change, only for The Good Place to transform her career. She reflects on the emotional impact of playing Janet, the meaningful relationships viewers have formed with her work, and why improv remains one of the great loves of her life.Listen to learn:- How the Five-Star Weekend cast created authentic chemistry- Why support behind the camera strengthens vulnerable performances- What D’Arcy loves about playing women “on the verge”- How redefining success created space for new opportunities- Why improv teaches courage, presence, listening, and reactionThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#DArcyCarden #TheFiveStarWeekend #TheGoodPlace #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #WomenInComedy #FemaleFriendship #Improv #WomenInTelevisionThis episode is supported by Wrapbook, the all-in-one platform for production payroll, spend and accounting. Learn more here: http://wrapbook.com/wie

What happens when a filmmaker turns one of production’s most frustrating problems into a platform designed to help more stories get made?In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Wrapbook co-founder Cameron Woodward traces his journey from producing commercials to building a spend-management platform for film, television, commercial, and unscripted productions. After experiencing the costly inefficiencies of paper onboarding, mailed timecards, delayed payroll, and complicated compliance requirements, he saw an opportunity to create a better system, one built by production people for production people.Cameron explains how Wrapbook brings employee onboarding, payroll, production accounting, vendor management, insurance, labor relations, and tax-incentive reporting into one connected platform. He also reflects on Hollywood’s evolving relationship with technology, arguing that automation can reduce administrative burdens without replacing the creative decisions at the heart of filmmaking. Through examples ranging from independent features to documentary shorts, he reveals how efficient infrastructure can help producers do more with limited resources and expand the marketplace of ideas.Listen to learn:- Why producers are natural entrepreneurs and problem-solvers- How outdated payroll processes inspired Wrapbook- Where automation can support, not replace, creative work- How production teams navigate incentives, compliance, and insurance- Why better infrastructure can lead to more original storytellingThanks to Wrapbook for supporting the show! For those of you looking to make production payroll and accounting easier and faster to navigate, head to wrapbook.com/wie to get set up.The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #Wrapbook #FilmProduction #ProductionFinance #EntertainmentTechnology #FilmPayroll #ProductionAccounting #IndependentFilm #CreativeEntrepreneurship #FutureOfFilmmaking

June Diane Raphael is done trying to be the “good girl” on set, in auditions, and in life.In this candid conversation, the actor and comedian reflects on her role as Eva Woods in Elle and the joy of helping bring a warm, complicated mother-daughter relationship to the screen. She shares how the opportunity arrived in just four days, why she immediately connected with her young co-star, and how Hello Sunshine created the practical support that made filming away from her family possible.June Diane also speaks honestly about the invisible labor behind a working parent’s career, crediting her husband, caregivers, and domestic support system for making her work possible. Looking back on memorable roles in Parks and Recreation and Burning Love, she challenges the idea that dramatic acting is more meaningful or difficult than comedy and explains why true creative growth requires risking embarrassment.The conversation turns deeply personal as June Diane discusses motherhood, aging in Hollywood, and the confidence she has found in midlife. Rather than seeing motherhood as a retreat, she describes it as a powerful, expansive chapter filled with creativity, sexuality, wisdom, and possibility.Listen to learn:- How June Diane landed her role in Elle- Why productions must build real support for working mothers- What motherhood changed about her creative courage- Why comedy demands extraordinary vulnerability- How she is confronting aging and embracing midlifeThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#JuneDianeRaphael #Elle #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInComedy #Motherhood #WorkingMothers #WomenInFilm #HelloSunshine #CreativeCourage #AgingInHollywoodThis episode is supported by Wrapbook, the all-in-one platform for production payroll, spend and accounting. Learn more here: http://wrapbook.com/wie

What happens when women finally set down their armor and make space for honesty, grief, courage, and one another?Director Minkie Spiro joins Women in Entertainment for an intimate conversation about bringing The Five-Star Weekend from page to screen. Minkie shares why she was drawn to the female-centered story, how she elevated its emotional and visual language, and why Nantucket needed to feel like a character rather than simply a beautiful backdrop.She also takes listeners behind the scenes of building chemistry among the show’s powerhouse ensemble. Her secret? An intentionally uncomfortable game of Pictionary that encouraged vulnerability, generosity, and genuine connection. That early bonding carried onto the set, where the cast supported one another through demanding performances and ultimately developed lasting friendships.Minkie also reflects on growing up as one of nine children, her beginnings as a photographer covering the war in Bosnia, and the discovery that combining images with words could tell a fuller story. Throughout the conversation, she returns to one guiding purpose: creating work that moves audiences to think differently, invest in their relationships, and courageously reassess what no longer feels right.Listen to learn:- Why female-centered stories deserve cinematic scale and emotional depth- How Minkie created authentic chemistry within an ensemble cast- The techniques used to make Nantucket central to the storytelling- How photography and journaling led her to filmmaking- Why friendship and reinvention can transform any stage of lifeThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#MinkieSpiro #TheFiveStarWeekend #WomenInEntertainment #FemaleFriendship #WomenDirectors #Nantucket #Filmmaking #WomenInFilm #JenniferGarner #GemmaChan #ReginaHall

Jessica Knoll is back with Helpless, a provocative, twist-filled return to the sharp, psychologically charged storytelling that made Luckiest Girl Alive unforgettable.In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Jessica sits down for a candid conversation about the making of Helpless, a novel she describes as a spiritual successor to Luckiest Girl Alive. She shares how the idea began with her fascination around “forced proximity” stories, why she loves characters readers can root for on the page but might run from in real life, and how the book became her answer to the erotic thriller she wanted to read but couldn’t find.Jessica also opens up about the realities behind a successful writing career: the heavy revision process, the anxiety that comes before publication, the challenge of breaking through writer’s block, and what she has learned from adapting her work for the screen. From Bright Young Women’s limited series development to advice for authors hoping to stay involved in adaptations, this conversation is honest, generous, and deeply encouraging.Listen to learn:- Why Helpless feels like a return to form for Jessica Knoll- How forced proximity shaped the novel’s central relationship- Why erotic thrillers may be ready for a new era- What Jessica has learned from book-to-screen development- Her advice for writers navigating fear, ambition, and creative blocksThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..Purchase the book here: https://amzn.to/4fsgtdb#JessicaKnoll #Helpless #LuckiestGirlAlive #BrightYoungWomen #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #EroticThriller #BookToScreen #WomenWriters #AuthorInterview

What if AI is not here to replace creativity, but to unlock more of it?In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Renee Rossi and Jocelyn Westerhold sit down with Michelle Kwon of Runway, the AI research and creative technology company helping shape the future of audiovisual storytelling. Michelle explains how Runway works across video generation, image generation, audio, editing, pre-visualization, post-production, and enterprise partnerships with major studios and companies.Michelle also takes listeners inside Runway’s expanded partnership with Lionsgate, sharing how the technology is being used across film, scripted television, games, education, legal, and security teams. She breaks down common misconceptions around generative AI, including the idea that it can instantly create a full movie, copy existing works, or replace the entertainment industry. Instead, Michelle frames AI as a powerful, iterative creative tool that still depends on strong storytelling, collaboration, and human talent.The conversation explores how independent filmmakers, students, studios, marketers, and creative teams are adopting AI, why accessibility matters, and how tools like Runway may help more original stories find their way to audiences.Listen to learn:- How Runway is being used in pre-production, production, and post- What the Lionsgate and Runway partnership looks like in practice- The biggest misconceptions about AI in entertainment- How AI tools helped projects like Everything Everywhere All at Once and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert- Why generative AI may open doors for more independent and original storytellingThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between, as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainment #MichelleKwon #RunwayAI #Runway #GenerativeAI #AIInEntertainment #Filmmaking #FutureOfFilm #CreativeTechnology #Lionsgate

Jane Musky has spent decades creating the rooms, streets, seasons, and visual worlds that make unforgettable stories feel alive.In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Jane looks back on the creative path that began with a fifth-grade vision for a Mary Poppins set and grew into an extraordinary career in production design. She shares how theater training shaped her hands-on approach, how early collaborations with Ethan and Joel Coen led to Blood Simple and Raising Arizona, and how films like Ghost, Glengarry Glen Ross, and When Harry Met Sally became defining chapters in a career built on instinct, research, collaboration, and craft.Jane also opens up about her creative process, from reading the beginning and ending of a script first to mapping characters through the spaces they inhabit. She reflects on advocating for When Harry Met Sally to be filmed in New York, designing the rainy, kinetic world of Glengarry Glen Ross, and stepping into a new role as director of her documentary Off Season, a portrait of Block Island life, community, and what it means to get along across difference.Listen to learn:- How Jane Musky first discovered scenic design- Why When Harry Met Sally had to be a New York story- How production design shapes character, tone, and memory- What makes a set, location, and crew creatively click- Why her documentary Off Season focuses on community and connectionThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment, from film and television to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#JaneMusky #WomenInEntertainment #ProductionDesign #WhenHarryMetSally #Ghost #GlengarryGlenRoss #BloodSimple #RaisingArizona #BlockIsland #OffSeason #WomenInFilm #FilmDesign #EntertainmentPodcast

Jenny Jackson knows books from every angle as a longtime editor, a bestselling novelist, and a storyteller fascinated by the complicated ties that shape us.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Jenny joins us to discuss The Shampoo Effect, her highly anticipated follow-up to Pineapple Street. She opens up about rediscovering writing during the pandemic, why her creative process changed dramatically between books, and how she learned to let go of scenes that helped her understand her characters but did not ultimately belong on the page.Jenny also shares a thoughtful look at the emotional architecture of friendship: the childhood bonds, family friendships, secrets, tensions, and trust that inspired the world of The Shampoo Effect. As both an editor and author, she reflects on revision, bad reviews, the pressure of a second novel, book tours, screen adaptations, and the strange vulnerability of putting fiction into the world.Listen to learn:- Why Jenny believes there is no single “right” writing routine- How "The Shampoo Effect" explores lifelong friendship and family dynamics- What becoming an author taught her about editing with more empathy- Why second books come with a different kind of publishing pressure- How Jenny thinks about adapting her novels for televisionThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Purchase "The Shampoo Effect" at https://amzn.to/4evHNH7 Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#JennyJackson #TheShampooEffect #PineappleStreet #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #Books #Authors #WritingLife #Publishing #BookPodcast #WomenWriters

Shana Stein knows that bravery isn’t the absence of fear; it’s being afraid and doing it anyway.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Shana opens up about her path from theater kid to producer to episodic director, sharing how early experiences at William Morris, AFI, and on independent films led her into television, where she found a creative home on Monk. Over seven seasons and hundreds of casting sessions, she developed the actor-first approach that would become central to her directing style.Shana also speaks candidly about the responsibility many women feel when stepping into leadership roles, especially in rooms and on sets where they may be the only woman present. From championing inclusive hiring on 90210 to navigating high-stakes work on The Boys and intimate emotional storytelling on The Testaments, she shares how preparation, humility, collaboration, and trust shape her process. Her perspective is a powerful reminder that leadership is not about control; it’s about creating the conditions for people to do their best work.Listen to learn:- How Shana transitioned from producing to directing- Why Monk became her creative training ground- What it means to lead while carrying fear and responsibility- How she approaches actors, trust, and emotional scenes- Why inclusive hiring starts with who gets invited into the roomThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#ShanaStein #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #TheBoys #TheTestaments #Monk #90210 #WomenDirectors #WomenInTV #WomenInFilm #FemaleFilmmakers #CreativeLeadership

Karen Pittman is moving through her career with a mantra that feels both personal and powerful: no lack, no scarcity, all abundance.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Karen reflects on a season of extraordinary momentum, from filming The Morning Show Season 5 to stepping deeper into Forever Season 2. She shares how Mia Jordan’s evolution on The Morning Show mirrors what many women of color experience in business. She also opens up about the collaboration behind Mia’s transformation, from conversations with writers and producers to the intentional choices behind her look, wardrobe, and presence.Karen also discusses why playing Dawn Edwards in Forever arrived at exactly the right time in her life. After waiting for a nuanced portrayal of Black motherhood, she found a character who is unapologetic, powerful, loving, and deeply human. She speaks candidly about leaving And Just Like That, trusting timing, honoring her late mother, and preparing to tell her own stories as a writer and producer.Listen to learn:- How Karen Pittman approaches abundance, timing, and career risk- What Mia Jordan’s Season 4 transformation meant to her- Why Dawn Edwards represents a new vision of Black motherhood- How Pittman chooses roles that resonate culturally and personally- Why inclusion is essential to the future of American cinemaThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#KarenPittman #WomenInEntertainment #TheMorningShow #ForeverNetflix #MiaJordan #DawnEdwards #BlackMotherhood #MaraBrockAkil #FeedingAmerica #WomenInFilm

Behind every unforgettable screen world is a designer translating a story into space.In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, we sit down with production designers Claire Bennett, Grace Yun, Alison Gartshore, Anne Seibel, and Ruth Ammon for an inspiring roundtable on the artistry and strategy behind visual storytelling. Together, they explore how a script becomes a living, breathing environment, from the first research images and hand sketches to the practical realities of budgets, builds, locations, lighting, and collaboration.The conversation moves through some of television’s most distinctive worlds, including Bridgerton, Emily in Paris, Beef, Nobody Wants This, Modern Family, Heroes, and more. The designers share how they build spaces around character, why production design is often misunderstood, and how their work intersects with directors, showrunners, cinematographers, actors, costume teams, and visual effects. They also reflect on creative blocks, the value of books and museums, the rise of AI, and the essential skills the next generation of designers should protect: observation, drawing, communication, and curiosity.Listen to learn:- How production designers begin building a visual world from a script- Why sets can become characters in their own right- The unseen collaboration behind lighting, color, costumes, and camera movement- How designers navigate AI, 3D tools, and hand-drawn artistry- What emerging creatives should know about sustaining a career in production designThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainment #ProductionDesign #ClaireBennett #GraceYun #AlisonGartshore #AnneSeibel #RuthAmmon #Bridgerton #EmilyInParis #Beef #NobodyWantsThis #ModernFamily

As the Tribeca Film Festival celebrates its 25th anniversary, Cara Cusumano is helping shape what the next era of festival storytelling can look like.In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Cara reflects on her nearly two decades with Tribeca, beginning as a film student attending the very first festival after moving to New York in 2001, and growing into a programmer at one of the most influential storytelling festivals in the world. She shares how Tribeca has expanded from a traditional film festival into a home for TV, immersive work, games, podcasts, live events, brand storytelling, and creator-led projects.Cara also pulls back the curtain on the festival submission process, offering grounded advice for filmmakers navigating the anxiety of rejections, premieres, and programming decisions. With nearly 14,000 submissions this year, she explains why curation matters, how New York’s diverse audience shapes Tribeca’s identity, and why festivals remain vital advocates for independent film, theatrical experiences, and emerging talent.Listen to learn:- What makes a project feel distinctly “Tribeca”- How the festival reviews thousands of submissions each year- Why filmmakers should trust the festival process- How live events, music, and creator storytelling are shaping Tribeca’s future- Why festivals may be more important than ever for independent filmThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#CaraCusumano #Tribeca #TribecaFestival #WomenInEntertainment #IndependentFilm #FilmFestival #Storytelling #Filmmakers #NewYorkFilm #EntertainmentIndustry

Off Campus is more than a hockey romance; it’s a character-driven story about trust, healing, chemistry, and the kind of love that lets people become more fully themselves.In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Louisa opens up about bringing Elle Kennedy’s beloved Off Campus world to the screen and the responsibility of adapting a fan-favorite series with care. She shares why chemistry reads were essential to building the cast’s electric dynamic, how the writers’ room approached Hannah and Garrett’s emotional arcs, and why the show was designed to feel both nostalgic and refreshingly modern.Louisa also reflects on writing sex positivity, consent, and non-toxic masculinity into a genre that has not always made space for those conversations. From Hannah’s independent drive to Allie’s “too much” energy, she explains how each character’s deepest fears shaped the ensemble and teases that season two will keep Hannah and Garrett woven into the fabric of the show.Listen to learn:- How Off Campus balances romance, trauma, joy, and emotional safety- Why chemistry reads shaped the show’s standout cast- How the writers approached consent and sex positivity on screen- What makes hockey romance resonate right now- What Louisa can reveal about season twoThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#OffCampus #ElleKennedy #WomenInEntertainment #HockeyRomance #BookToScreen #RomanceTV #FemaleStorytelling #Showrunner #HannahAndGarrett #PrimeVideo

Barbara Muschietti believes the best stories begin with a feeling, and few genres unlock emotion quite like horror.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Barbara talks about growing up in Argentina, where Saturday night horror films, classic literature, and a movie-loving family helped shape her creative path. Long before IT became a global phenomenon, Barbara and her brother Andy Muschietti were two kids watching Vincent Price movies, reading Edgar Allan Poe, and imagining worlds together.Barbara opens up about the cathartic power of horror, the importance of community in moviegoing, and why audiences return again and again to stories that let them scream, laugh, and feel together. She also shares her deeply personal benchmark for choosing projects: she and Andy have to want to watch the movie they are making. From the challenges of adapting Stephen King to expanding the world of Pennywise through Welcome to Derry, Barbara offers a candid look at the passion, endurance, and emotional commitment behind building unforgettable screen stories.Listen to learn:- How Barbara’s childhood in Argentina shaped her love of horror and cinema- Why horror creates such a powerful shared emotional experience- The one benchmark Barbara uses when choosing projects- What made television especially challenging while creating Welcome to Derry- Why Stephen King’s understanding of human nature continues to inspire herThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#BarbaraMuschietti #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #HorrorFilms

This Friday, Dutton Ranch arrives, and Natalie Alyn Lind is ready to ride into one of television’s most-watched universes.On this episode of Women in Entertainment, Natalie reflects on the surreal experience of joining the Taylor Sheridan world as Oreana, a character she says “popped off the page” from her very first audition. After testing in Fort Worth, she landed the role, packed up within days, and headed straight into six months of filming and full-force cowboy camp. From learning to ride authentically to braving Texas heat, snowstorms, helicopters, and heels in the dirt, Natalie shares how the physical demands of the role helped her fully embody her character.She also opens up about working opposite Annette Bening, Ed Harris, Kelly Reilly, and Cole Hauser; the creative trust she shares with her sisters Emily and Alyvia; and how her actress mother helped guide their family through the industry. Natalie also discusses expanding into producing through Big Bad Pig Productions, her love of horror, her admiration for bold performers like Sarah Paulson, and her dream of one day competing on Survivor.Listen to learn:- What it was like joining the Taylor Sheridan universe- How cowboy camp transformed Natalie’s connection to Oreana- Why Dutton Ranch stands on its own while honoring Yellowstone- What Natalie learned from working with Annette Bening- How she’s building her future as an actor, producer, and possible directorThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainment #NatalieAlynLind #DuttonRanch #TaylorSheridan #YellowstoneUniverse #WomenInFilm #WomenInTV #Podcast #EntertainmentPodcast

Soleil Moon Frye has lived a life in front of the camera, but her most meaningful work may be the stories she helps bring into the light.In this deeply personal episode of Women in Entertainment, Soleil sits down with Renee Rossi and Jocelyn Westerhold to reflect on a career that began in childhood and grew into something far larger than performance. She shares how acting helped bring her out of her shell, what Punky Brewster gave her as both a character and a source of strength, and why she still carries that optimistic spirit through every stage of her life and work.Timed to Mental Health Awareness Month, the conversation turns toward vulnerability, healing, and the power of honest storytelling. Soleil opens up about the emotional journey of making Kid 90, the grief and loss she uncovered through old tapes and memories, and her mission as a documentarian to create safe spaces where people can share their experiences without judgment. She also discusses her work with The Kids Mental Health Foundation, the importance of normalizing conversations around mental health and addiction, and why sharing our scars can help us feel more connected.Listen to learn:- How acting helped Soleil find confidence as a shy child- Why Punky Brewster remains such a meaningful part of her identity- How Kid 90 became a healing journey through grief and memory- Why her work with The Kids Mental Health Foundation matters deeply to her- How documentary storytelling can create connection, safety, and hopeThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#SoleilMoonFrye #Kid90 #TheKidsMentalHealthFoundation #PunkyBrewster #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth #MentalHealth #DocumentaryFilm #WomenInEntertainment #Storytelling

Jamie Lynn Sigler is stepping into a new chapter with honesty, humor, and self-acceptance.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Jamie opens up about the timing behind her memoir and the letter to her younger self that helped unlock the story she was finally ready to tell. She reflects on growing up in the spotlight as Meadow Soprano, navigating body scrutiny and public pressure at a young age, and the years she spent hiding parts of herself, including her MS diagnosis, to appear capable, perfect, and hireable.Jamie also shares how her perspective on acting, advocacy, and representation has evolved. From learning to ask for accommodations on set to recognizing that simply existing on screen in her body is a powerful representation, she speaks candidly about the industry’s responsibility to portray disability with fullness, complexity, humor, and humanity. Along the way, she talks about her Sopranos family, her podcast Messy with Christina Applegate, motherhood, baseball weekends, Bravo, and the joy of feeling creatively alive again.Listen to learn:- Why Jamie felt ready to write her memoir now- How living with MS reshaped her relationship to acting and identity- What true disability representation can look like on screen- The advice she gives actors at every stage of their careers- How vulnerability, gratitude, and self-advocacy changed her lifeThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#JamieLynnSigler #WomenInEntertainment #TheSopranos #MessyPodcast #ChristinaApplegate #DisabilityRepresentation #MSAwareness #WomenInFilm #EntertainmentPodcast #Memoir #ActingAdvice

What happens when a beloved book gets a second life and finally finds its way to the screen?In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, E. Lockhart opens up about the extraordinary journey behind We Were Liars, from years of stalled development and reclaimed rights to the BookTok wave that reignited the novel’s cultural momentum. She shares why Julie Plec and Carina Adly MacKenzie’s creative vision felt like the right home for the adaptation, and how preserving the emotional experience of the book mattered just as much as translating the plot.Lockhart also gives listeners a glimpse into what’s next, including Family of Liars, Genuine Fraud, and her upcoming novel, The Pools, a paranormal tragedy set in a hot spring town. Along the way, she reflects on the themes that continue to shape her work: family, institutions, identity, first love, and the complicated process of deciding what to keep, question, or set fire to as we grow up.Listen to learn:- How We Were Liars found its way to television after multiple false starts- Why BookTok helped bring the novel back to bestseller lists years after publication- What E. Lockhart learned about visual storytelling on the We Were Liars set- How writing screenplays changed the way she thinks about adaptation- Why creative growth often begins with humility, research, and the word “yet”The Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#ELockhart #WeWereLiars #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #BookTok #BookToScreen #YAFiction #FamilyOfLiars #GenuineFraud #ThePools #WomenWriters #Adaptation #Storytelling

What does it really take to build a career that lasts in entertainment?In this candid and deeply grounded episode, Julianne Nicholson reflects on the long game of working in film and television, how persistence, patience, and trusting your instincts can shape a career with real staying power. From her early days modeling and waitressing in New York to becoming one of the industry’s most respected performers, she shares what it meant to keep going before the momentum arrived, and why longevity often looks more like endurance than overnight success.Nicholson opens up about resisting the pressure of a linear path, giving herself time to grow, and learning to measure success beyond immediacy. She talks about the value of choosing roles with depth, returning to collaborators she trusts, and building a body of work defined by authenticity, from Mare of Easttown to Janet Planet to Paradise. She also reflects on balancing family life with an international career, staying open to reinvention, and what it means to keep evolving while protecting what matters most.Listen to learn:- How Julianne Nicholson built a career through consistency, not shortcuts- Why longevity in entertainment requires patience, flexibility, and self-trust- How she chooses projects that feel meaningful over time- What it takes to balance ambition, family, and a sustainable creative life- Why reinvention is essential to staying inspired across decades in the industryThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#JulianneNicholson #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #CareerLongevity #WomenInFilm #EntertainmentIndustry #ActingCareer #MareOfEasttown #JanetPlanet #Paradise #CreativeCareers #WomenInTV

What does it take to make a computer feel unforgettable?In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Priya Kansara shares the unexpected story behind voicing Mary in Project Hail Mary, a role that began as an on-set improv experiment and evolved into a character with humor, rhythm, and emotional impact. Priya opens up about stepping into a world of voice work without prior experience, creating her own “directory” of responses for Mary, and learning how to play logic over empathy while still helping build the emotional universe of the film.She also reflects on the generosity and collaboration she experienced on set, including what it was like to work opposite Ryan Gosling and alongside filmmakers Phil Lord and Chris Miller. Beyond the film, Priya talks about her unconventional journey from studying molecular biology and working in healthcare to landing roles in Bridgerton, Polite Society, and Star City. It’s a conversation about trusting your instincts, advocating for your character, and embracing the qualities that make you distinct.Listen to learn:- How Priya landed the role of Mary in Project Hail Mary- What it takes to improvise as an AI opposite a live performance- Why her science background shaped her connection to the story- The career pivot that took her from healthcare to acting- How she hopes to create safer, more inclusive spaces in entertainmentThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#PriyaKansara #ProjectHailMary #WomenInEntertainment #RyanGosling #PhilLord #ChrisMiller #DrewGoddard #StarCity #ForAllMankind #Bridgerton #PoliteSociety #ActingCareer #VoiceActing #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast

What happens when a director sets out to make a rom-com that feels joyful, cinematic, and genuinely hopeful again?In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Kat Coiro sits down with Renee Rossi and Jocelyn Westerhold to talk about directing You, Me & Tuscany and why she was drawn to a love story that puts joy front and center. She shares how the film channels the spirit of classic romantic comedies, why Anna’s messy, heartfelt journey felt so important to bring to life, and why Halle Bailey was the only person she ever imagined in the role.Kat also opens up about the creative energy behind her wider career, from collaborating with Will Packer to directing standout projects like Girls5Eva and Matlock. Along the way, she reflects on working with powerhouse talents including Tina Fey and Kathy Bates, the importance of creating space for actors to play, and the through line that connects her work across genres: complex, surprising characters, especially for women.Most of all, this is a conversation about making art with courage. Kat shares honest advice for emerging filmmakers on learning every corner of the craft, making mistakes, and staying open to the fear that often signals meaningful creative growth.Listen to learn:- Why Kat wanted You, Me & Tuscany to feel like a return to classic rom-com joy- What made Halle Bailey essential to the role of Anna- How Kat balances meticulous preparation with improvisation on set- What she learned from collaborating with Tina Fey, Will Packer, and Kathy Bates- Her best advice for aspiring directors, producers, and storytellersThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#KatCoiro #YouMeAndTuscany #WomenInEntertainment #HalleBailey #WillPacker #Girls5Eva #Matlock #KathyBates #TinaFey #RomCom #Directing #Filmmaking #WomenDirectors #Podcast #EntertainmentIndustry

Kate Clayborn writes romance with heart, depth, and the kind of emotional intelligence that makes every love story feel lived-in.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Kate joins Renee Rossi for a conversation about The Paris Match, her newest novel set against the romantic mythology and real-world complexity of Paris. Kate opens up about writing “grown-up” characters, why she is drawn to romance that explores love beyond the central couple, and how family, friendship, history, and heartbreak all shape the way her characters move through the world.Kate also reflects on her path from lifelong reader and full-time educator to published author, sharing how she learned to adapt her writing process around work, deadlines, and the changing demands of each book. She discusses the optioning of Georgie, All Along, the freedom of handing a story to filmmakers, and the importance of trusting each creative medium. For aspiring writers, her advice is simple and powerful: get to know yourself, and keep writing.Listen to learn:- How Kate approaches character-driven romance- Why The Paris Match had to be set in Paris- How her writing process has changed over time- What it feels like to have a book optioned for film- Why romance can explore love in every formThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..Shop The Paris Match here: https://amzn.to/3RdJFLe#KateClayborn #ParisMatch #WomenInEntertainment #RomanceBooks #RomanceAuthor #WritingProcess #GeorgieAllAlong #WomenWriters #BookPodcast #CreativeCareers

Kate Clayborn writes romance with heart, depth, and the kind of emotional intelligence that makes every love story feel lived-in.In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Kate joins Renee Rossi for a conversation about The Paris Match, her newest novel set against the romantic mythology and real-world complexity of Paris. Kate opens up about writing “grown-up” characters, why she is drawn to romance that explores love beyond the central couple, and how family, friendship, history, and heartbreak all shape the way her characters move through the world.Kate also reflects on her path from lifelong reader and full-time educator to published author, sharing how she learned to adapt her writing process around work, deadlines, and the changing demands of each book. She discusses the optioning of Georgie, All Along, the freedom of handing a story to filmmakers, and the importance of trusting each creative medium. For aspiring writers, her advice is simple and powerful: get to know yourself, and keep writing.Listen to learn:- How Kate approaches character-driven romance- Why The Paris Match had to be set in Paris- How her writing process has changed over time- What it feels like to have a book optioned for film- Why romance can explore love in every formThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..Shop The Paris Match here: https://amzn.to/3RdJFLe#KateClayborn #ParisMatch #WomenInEntertainment #RomanceBooks #RomanceAuthor #WritingProcess #GeorgieAllAlong #WomenWriters #BookPodcast #CreativeCareers

What happens when someone else sees your potential before you do?In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Christina Voros opens up about her remarkable journey from documentary filmmaking and cinematography to becoming a defining creative force inside Taylor Sheridan’s television universe. From Yellowstone to 1883, Bass Reeves, The Madison, and beyond, Christina shares how her career was shaped by unexpected opportunities, bold creative trust, and a willingness to step into roles she wasn’t always sure she was ready for.She reflects on the family-like culture behind these productions, the challenge of making visually sweeping, emotionally intimate “eight-hour movies,” and the reality of directing under intense conditions — from brutal weather to complex animal work to massive multi-camera set pieces. At the heart of the conversation is Christina’s belief that great leadership is grounded in respect, generosity, and creating an environment where people feel safe, supported, and empowered to do their best work.She also offers deeply honest advice for aspiring filmmakers: don’t let “no” be the end of the story, don’t underestimate anyone on set, and don’t wait for the perfect path to appear before moving forward. Sometimes the most meaningful careers are built through side doors, creative detours, and the people who dare you to dream bigger.Listen to learn:- How Christina Voros built an unconventional path from documentaries to prestige television- What makes Taylor Sheridan’s productions uniquely ambitious and creatively demanding- Why trust and collaboration are central to her leadership style on set- How she balances directing, cinematography, and producing at the highest level- Her best advice for aspiring filmmakers navigating rejection, risk, and reinventionThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainment #ChristinaVoros #Yellowstone #TaylorSheridan #TheMadison #1883 #Cinematography #Directing #WomenDirectors #WomenInFilm #Filmmaking #CreativeLeadership

What happens when a new book arrives at the exact moment your life is changing, too?In this heartfelt episode, Rebecca Serle sits down to talk about Once and Again, her newest novel, and why this book feels especially meaningful in a season of new motherhood. She shares how the story’s multigenerational relationships—between daughters, mothers, grandmothers, and the family we long to understand—became a way to explore tenderness, conflict, and connection with fresh honesty. With her trademark warmth, Rebecca reflects on why readers continue to respond to the emotional depth in her work and how Once and Again expands that legacy.The conversation also dives into the “magic” readers love in Rebecca’s fiction. From The Dinner List to One Italian Summer and now Once and Again, she explains how magical realism helps her get closer to the emotional center of a story, faster and more vividly. She also offers candid advice for emerging writers, from building a daily word-count practice to treating writing not as torment, but as a joyful act of commitment.Listen to learn:- Why Once and Again is Rebecca Serle’s most emotionally easeful book launch yet- How motherhood changed her relationship to publishing and creativity- What magical realism unlocks in her storytelling- Her practical writing routine and best advice for new authors- Why family lineage, especially mother-daughter and grandmother-granddaughter bonds, remains central to her workThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#RebeccaSerle #OnceAndAgain #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #MagicalRealism #AuthorInterview #WritingLife #MotherhoodAndCreativity #OneItalianSummer #TheDinnerList #InFiveYears

What makes a high-stakes medical drama feel unexpectedly comforting? In this thoughtful and fascinating conversation, The Pitt writer Valerie Chu unpacks the answer and takes us inside the creative process behind one of television’s most resonant shows.Valerie shares her unconventional path to the series, from starting as an assistant to breaking into the writers’ room with a sample that had nothing to do with medicine and everything to do with character. She reflects on building stories in real time across a single hospital shift, writing before the cast was in place, and why the emotional truth of the doctors matters just as much as the medical cases themselves. Along the way, she opens up about the challenge of portraying grief, residency, and end-of-life care with honesty and restraint.She also reveals how The Pitt works so closely with emergency physicians, residents, and specialists to create a level of realism that has deeply resonated with audiences and even with healthcare workers themselves. Warm, candid, and full of insight, this episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about how great television gets made.Listen to learn:- How Valerie Chu landed The Pitt with a character-driven sample- Why the writers’ room begins with character, not just casework- What makes The Pitt feel like a “comfort show” despite the intensity- How real doctors and residents shape the show’s emotional and medical accuracy- Valerie’s best advice for aspiring writers trying to break into televisionThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#ValerieChu #ThePitt #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #JohnWells #ScottGemmell #NoahWyle #TVWriters #Screenwriting #MedicalDrama #WarnerBrosTelevision

What if the future of Hollywood is not something to fear, but something to build?In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Renee Rossi and Jocelyn Westerhold sit down with Tobias Queisser, CEO of CineLytic Group, to unpack one of the industry’s most emotionally charged topics: AI. But instead of feeding the usual panic, Tobias offers a grounded and refreshingly optimistic perspective on where entertainment is headed. From forecasting box office performance to improving submissions, distribution, and rights sales, he explains how utility AI can support the business of film without replacing the creative heartbeat that drives it.Throughout the conversation, Tobias makes the case that many of Hollywood’s current challenges are not caused by AI at all, but by outdated systems, weak transparency, and a resistance to modernizing the business side of entertainment. He shares how CineLytic’s tools are helping studios, producers, and financiers make smarter decisions, discover new voices faster, and better position projects for theatrical or streaming success.This episode is ultimately a hopeful look at what comes next: a more sustainable, data-informed, creatively empowered Hollywood. For anyone curious about the intersection of storytelling, technology, and leadership, Tobias makes one thing clear—the industry’s next era could be stronger than ever.Listen to learn:- Why Tobias believes AI is a tool, not a threat- How utility AI can improve forecasting, submissions, and distribution- Why Hollywood’s business model needs more transparency and modernization- How new technology could help emerging voices get discovered faster- Why Tobias is more optimistic than ever about the future of the industryThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainment #HollywoodFuture #FutureOfEntertainment #EntertainmentIndustry #FilmIndustry #MediaInnovation #StorytellingMatters #AIinEntertainment #AIinHollywood #CreativeAI #EntertainmentTech #TechInFilm #FutureOfAI #DataDriven #AIForGood #FilmBusiness #MediaStrategy #IndustryInsights #StreamingWars #ContentEconomy #CreativeEconomy

What does it take to recognize a star before everyone else does?In this special Women in Entertainment roundtable, we sit down with acclaimed casting directors Liz Lewis, Lisa London, and Christi Soper for a timely conversation on the craft of casting, just as the industry celebrates a major milestone with the Oscars’ new achievement in the casting category.From DreamWorks animation and studio blockbusters to indie films, television, commercials, and breakout young talent, this conversation pulls back the curtain on how casting really works. Liz, Lisa, and Christi share their personal journeys into the field, how they build lists, collaborate with producers and directors, champion unexpected choices, and fight for new talent. They also open up about the emotional weight of the job, the evolution from in-room auditions to self-tapes, and how instinct, preparation, and human connection all play a role in finding the right person for the role.Listen to learn:- Why casting’s new Oscar recognition feels so overdue- How casting directors build lists and discover fresh talent- What makes someone “jump off the screen” in an audition- How self-tapes have changed the actor-casting relationship- Why talent, timing, and tenacity all matter in building a careerThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#WomenInEntertainment #CastingDirectors #Casting #FilmCasting #LizLewis #LisaLondon #ChristiSoper #AcademyAwards #Oscars #FilmIndustry #EntertainmentIndustry #BehindTheScenes #CastingProcess #Auditions #SelfTapes #ActorLife #ActingCareer #TalentDiscovery #WomenInFilm #WomenInHollywood #HollywoodCasting #FilmPodcast #EntertainmentPodcast #IndustryRoundtable #BreakingIntoHollywood

From rom-com icon to fearless producer, Kate Hudson is in her renaissance era, and she’s loving every minute of it.In this candid conversation, Kate takes us behind the scenes of Song Sung Blue, the inspiring true story that had her “bawling” at the first screening. She shares how discovering Claire’s real-life journey—complete with love, music, tragedy, and triumph—reminded her why she became an actress in the first place. From singing alongside Hugh Jackman to portraying a woman whose resilience reshaped her life, Kate reveals how the role stretched her emotionally and artistically in ways she’ll never forget.She also dives into her hit comedy series with Mindy Kaling, where she stars and serves as a producer, embracing creative ownership and finding joy in collaboration. Plus, Kate reflects on navigating early blockbuster success with How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, breaking past outside perceptions, staying grounded as a mom of three, and why connection has always been her secret ingredient.Warm, funny, and deeply thoughtful, this episode is a masterclass in longevity, reinvention, and leading with heart.Listen to learn:- How Kate prepared to play a real-life woman in Song Sung Blue- Why singing alongside Hugh Jackman felt different this time- What producing with Mindy Kaling has taught her about creative power- How she navigated post–rom-com superstardom on her own terms- The books, self-growth rituals, and mindset shifts fueling her next chapterThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#KateHudson #WomenInentErtainment #SongSungBlue #HughJackman #MindyKaling #HowToLoseAGuyIn10Days #WomenInFilm #FemaleProducer #ActressLife #HollywoodRenaissance #CareerReinvention #CreativeOwnership #WomenProducers #RomComIcon #FilmPodcast #EntertainmentInterview #BehindTheScenes #TrueStoryFilm #OnSetLife #LongevityInHollywood #WomenSupportingWomen #CreativeJourney #StorytellingMatters #ArtistEvolution #FilmIndustryLife #LeadingWithHeart

What does it take to build a lasting career in horror and still protect your creative soul?Director Natasha Kermani traces her path from editing neighborhood videos on an early iMac to premiering her first feature, Imitation Girl, and becoming a distinctive voice in genre filmmaking. A graduate of NYU’s Tisch School of the Arts, Natasha shares how the horror community embraced her early work and why she found freedom in a genre that welcomes experimentation, new perspectives, and bold storytelling.Her latest film, The Dreadful, was years in the making, written in the emotional aftermath of the 2016 election and inspired by a folktale about two women surviving brutal times. Natasha reflects on navigating industry resistance to period films, shelving and resurrecting the script, and ultimately bringing it to life with Sophie Turner, Kit Harington, and Marcia Gay Harden, all on a tight 17-day shoot.In this candid conversation, she also shares her vulnerabilities as a director, the pressure of low-budget filmmaking, and her commitment to protecting time for process and imagination in an industry obsessed with speed.Listen to learn:- How the horror community became a launchpad for her career- Why The Dreadful was shelved and how it came back to life- The reality of directing a feature in just 17 days- How collaboration (and preparation) fuels her sets- Why “dreaming time” is essential to meaningful filmmakingThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#NatashaKermani #WomenInFilm #FemaleDirector #IndieFilmmaker #GenreFilmmaking #FilmDirectorLife #IndependentFilm #TischSchoolOfTheArts #NYUFilm #HorrorFilmmaking #HorrorDirector #HorrorCommunity #IndieHorror #GenreFilm #PsychologicalHorror #FolkHorror #HorrorFans #TheDreadful #ImitationGirl #SophieTurner #KitHarington #MarciaGayHarden #PeriodFilm #LowBudgetFilmmaking #17DayShoot #CreativeProcess #FilmmakingJourney #DirectorInterview #BehindTheScenesFilm #ProtectYourCreativity #ArtVsIndustry #WomenInHorror #CreativeEntrepreneur

Before she was an award-winning actress, Octavia Spencer wanted to be a producer, and that instinct to build, solve, and champion meaningful stories still guides her every move.In this candid and inspiring conversation, Octavia opens up about balancing genres, from comedy and horror to true crime, and why she gravitates toward projects that resonate deeply rather than simply spotlight her performance. As executive producer and voice behind Feds and Lost Women of Alaska, she shares how both series act as powerful bookends: one honoring the voices of underserved women whose stories were overlooked, the other spotlighting the real-life “Avengers” working to bring justice to victims. For Octavia, producing isn’t about control; it’s about assembling the right storytellers and ensuring important narratives are told with care and intention.She also reflects on her early days as a casting assistant, the mentors who shaped her career, and the importance of staying grounded in an industry that can easily pull you off-center. Her advice to the next generation? Embrace the discomfort. That’s where evolution lives.Listen to learn:- Why Octavia chooses entire stories, not just roles- How producing allows her to create opportunities for others- The intentional balance behind Feds and Lost Women of Alaska- Why discomfort is essential to artistic growth- How community and mentorship shaped her careerThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#OctaviaSpencer #WomenInEntertainment #WomenInFilm #WomenInHollywood #ExecutiveProducer #Storytelling #Feds #LostWomenOfAlaska #FilmIndustry #TVIndustry #EntertainmentPodcast #ProducerLife #HollywoodCareer #CreativeLeadership #WomenInMedia #MentorshipMatters #CareerInFilm #ArtisticGrowth #EmbraceDiscomfort #BehindTheScenes #WomenSupportingWomen #FilmAndTelevision #IndustryInsights #PodcastInterview

What happens when the story you thought had ended still has more to say?Bestselling author Laura Dave opens up about the evolution of her breakout hit The Last Thing He Told Me and its powerful sequel, The First Time I Saw Him. Sparked by the Enron scandal and written over the course of a decade, Laura reveals how she unknowingly crafted two books at once and why making her heroine a survivor, not a victim, was non-negotiable. She shares the surreal experience of partnering with Hello Sunshine, developing the series for Apple TV+, and watching Jennifer Garner bring Hannah Hall to life on screen.From researching Fisher Island to finding creative clarity in the medieval streets of Èze, France, Laura reflects on the themes that define her work: redemption, second chances, and the witnesses who hold up mirrors to our truest selves. She also shares insights into her Netflix adaptations of The Night We Lost Him and The Divorce Party, her 5 a.m. writing rituals, and the song that soundtracked each novel.Listen to learn:- How a real-life corporate scandal sparked a decade-long creative journey- Why writing the sequel felt riskier than the original bestseller- What it’s really like collaborating with Jennifer Garner and Reese Witherspoon- Laura’s “day book/night book” reading method- The grounding rituals that keep her focused eight books inThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast..Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#LauraDave #WomenInEntertainment #AuthorInterview #BestsellingAuthor #BookToScreen #AppleTVPlus #JenniferGarner #ReeseWitherspoon #WritingLife #CreativeProcess #ScreenAdaptation #WritersOfYouTube #StorytellingPodcast #BehindTheScenesBooks #NovelToSeries #AuthorLife #WritingRituals #CreativeJourney #PodcastEpisode

What does it take to modernize a story people already love without losing its soul? Writer-producer Rachel Shukert joins Women in Entertainment for a warm, hilarious, deeply craft-forward conversation about building female-led worlds that feel timeless and true.From overlapping NYU memories (and the oddly permanent “NYU smell”) to her early career writing sharp, personal essays in the pre-social-media internet, Rachel shares how quiet time helped shape her voice. That work led to books, options, and a leap into TV right as the industry’s early-2010s boom opened doors for writers outside the traditional track.Rachel breaks down her approach to adaptation, whether it’s The Baby-Sitters Club or The Burbs, by focusing on what she calls the core “North Star.” She also reflects on the meta magic of the GLOW writer’s room, new-mom energy in Hollywood, and how her real life echoed storylines she helped write.Listen to learn:- How Rachel identifies the “non-negotiable” heart of an adaptation- Why you can’t “talk yourself into” the right project- The difference between story (emotional arc) and plot (the engine)- How she builds character from life-wants, not episode-wants- What she’s developing next—and why her default protagonist is a womanThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85..#RachelShukert #WomenInEntertainment #TheBabySittersClub #GLOW #TheBurbs #TheHandmaidsTale #Peacock #Netflix #DisneyPlus #JudyBlume #SummerSisters #NYU #TVWriting #Showrunner #Adaptation #WomenLedStories #WritersRoom #Screenwriting #HollywoodMoms #StoryVsPlot

Sara Bareilles has always known there’s a difference between writing songs because it’s fun, and writing songs because it’s how you make it through the day. In this episode, Sara opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her path: a high school experience that shut her down creatively for years, the loneliness of studying abroad in Italy that revealed music as a lifeline, and the slow-build grind of open mics, MySpace hustle, rejection, and eventual breakthrough.From there, Sara reflects on the “left turns” that kept her career expansive, especially her move to New York and the leap into musical theater with Waitress, a decision she says she was naive enough to say yes to before fully understanding the scale of the commitment. She also shares why vulnerability is her favorite quality in people, how anxiety can blur into intuition (especially for women), and why speaking the truth out loud can be “medicinal.”The conversation circles grief and the profound power of comedy, too, including Sara’s time on Girls5eva.Listen to learn:- How music became Sara’s coping mechanism and career compass- What rejection taught her about identity as an artist- Why Waitress changed everything (and what she didn’t know going in)- How she approaches vulnerability, anxiety, and intuition- Why grief can create connection and performance can become catharsisThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#SaraBareilles #WomenInEntertainment #Waitress #Broadway #Songwriting #WomenInMusic #GriefAndHealing #Vulnerability #Girls5eva #ComeSeeMeInTheGoodLight #CreativeProcess #MentalHealthInTheArts

Costumes aren’t just clothes; they’re storytelling, psychology, and world-building stitched into every scene. In this episode, three iconic designers - Lyn Elizabeth Paolo, Marylin Fitoussi, and Amy Parris - take us inside the real work behind the looks that audiences obsess over. From unexpected beginnings to defining “magic moments” on set, they share how a career in costume design is built: on grit, curiosity, and trust.They talk process, starting with the script, diving deep into research, and collaborating with directors, producers, and actors to build characters that feel lived-in. They also pull back the curtain on the job’s biggest misconception in the fact that it’s not glamorous; it’s early calls, long hours, constant problem-solving, and being a therapist, firefighter, and leader all at once. Additionally, they cover AI and what it means for creativity, and why protecting the human, intuitive “library” inside a designer’s mind matters more than ever.Listen to learn:- How designers translate words into a visual world through research- Why “costume is psychology” (and how collaboration really works)- The truth about managing budgets, teams, and on-set chaos- How to handle social media criticism—and still trust your gut- What gets newcomers hired: passion, curiosity, and a can-do attitudeThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #CostumeDesign #WomenInFilm #TVandFilm #BehindTheScenes #CreativeLeadership #StorytellingThroughStyle #FashionInFilm #FilmCraft #Mentorship

What happens when a bestselling YA author bets on herself right as the world shuts down?In this episode of the Women in Entertainment Podcast, Stephanie Garber takes us behind the scenes of her first adult novel, Alchemy of Secrets, a project she sold in early 2020 and spent five years bringing to life. Known for the beloved Caraval universe, Stephanie shares the honest, strategic reasons she made the leap into adult fiction along with the creative freedom that came from writing a technicolor, noir-tinged Los Angeles filled with hidden magic, treasure hunts, and hope.Stephanie reflects on growing up loving movies, building LA as a living, breathing character, and why she believes adult stories can, and should, still be fun. She also opens up about craft: why she no longer believes in “standalones with series potential,” how romance beats shaped her longer arcs, and what it means to write with intention rather than fear.The conversation takes an exciting turn as Stephanie recounts the unforgettable moment she learned that Julie Plec, the visionary behind The Vampire Diaries, had read Alchemy of Secrets. From fangirling to forging a partnership with Universal, Stephanie shares why this adaptation journey has left her feeling optimistic, supported, and deeply grateful.Listen to learn:- Why Alchemy of Secrets took five years and why that time mattered- How career strategy and creative passion can coexist- What makes Los Angeles the perfect setting for an adult treasure hunt- How to think about series vs. standalones without breaking your heart- Why hope is the one ingredient Stephanie always writes into her storiesThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#StephanieGarber #AlchemyOfSecrets #JuliePlec #WomenInEntertainment #InHerWordsPodcast #AuthorsOfInstagram #BookToScreen #UrbanFantasy #WritingCareers #WomenCreators

Jenna Santoianni didn’t grow up dreaming of Hollywood; she grew up without cable. But that outsider perspective became her secret weapon as she carved out a powerful career at the center of television’s biggest transformations.In this episode, Jenna traces her path from aspiring broadcast journalist to influential TV executive, beginning with early internships in development, a formative start at Creative Artists Agency, and a long, hard-fought road into scripted television. She opens up about learning the business before the streaming boom, getting her first real TV break at BermanBraun, and building shows during an era when rules, budgets, and expectations were constantly being rewritten.Now a leader at MRC, Jenna reflects on what defines an MRC show, from bold creative voices to stories that have something to say, and why hits like House of Cards, Ozark, and Poker Face reshaped the streaming landscape. She also dives into the loss of 22-episode seasons, the challenge of measuring success today, and why audiences still crave characters they can grow up with.Listen to learn:- How growing up without TV shaped Jenna’s creative instincts- Why character is the most powerful hook in modern storytelling- What’s been lost and gained in the shift to short streaming seasons- How success metrics have fractured across platforms- Jenna’s practical advice for aspiring executives on building real mentorshipThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#WomenInEntertainmentPodcast #JennaSantoianni #WomenInEntertainment #TelevisionExecutives #StreamingEra #TVDevelopment #MRC #CareersInHollywood

What does it take to “land the plane” on one of the most ambitious shows in modern TV and still keep it feeling human?In this episode, VFX Supervisor Betsy Paterson pulls back the curtain on joining Stranger Things for its final season and stepping into a world where every sequence is a high-stakes puzzle. Betsy walks us through the reality behind the spectacle: a long prep period shaped by constant planning, storyboards, and pre-vis, followed by a full year of shooting and an equally massive post-production push. Her north star is always the same, ground the visuals in reality so the emotion and performance stay front and center.We dive deep into how the team approached Vecna with a hybrid practical/CG solution designed to preserve Jamie Campbell-Bower’s performance while reducing the brutal hours in the makeup chair. Betsy also shares the craft (and chaos) of collaboration, working hand-in-hand with special effects, stunts, wardrobe, and cinematography, whether that means building rigs for falling “goo” or problem-solving a stab-able Demogorgon stand-in with… flower foam.Listen to learn:- What a three-year VFX timeline really looks like- How Vecna was redesigned with a performance-driven hybrid approach- Why the best VFX starts with practical, on-set reality- The behind-the-scenes teamwork that makes big creatures believable- Where AI is (and isn’t) actually helping VFX pipelines todayThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#InHerWordsPodcast #WomenInEntertainment #BetsyPaterson #StrangerThings #VisualEffects #VFXSupervisor #Vecna #TheUpsideDown #Netflix #Weta #ILM #Maya #Houdini #JamieCampbellBower #DufferBrothers #JamesGunn #Peacemaker #PostProduction #Filmmaking #CGI #PracticalEffects #AIInFilm

What happens when preparation meets opportunity — and suddenly you’re standing on set with legends? In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Kayla Wallace opens up about the life-changing experience of starring on Landman and finding her footing inside the expansive world created by Taylor Sheridan.Kayla shares what it felt like arriving on set in season one, from filming alongside private jets to working opposite icons like Billy Bob Thornton and Sam Elliott, and why those moments never stop feeling surreal. She dives into the popularity and virality of Landman, the grocery-store recognition that followed, and the balance between gratitude and overwhelm as her career reaches a new level.The conversation also goes deeper: Kayla reflects on her theater roots, the transition to film and television, and the years of auditioning that tested her patience and belief. She speaks candidly about imposter syndrome, overthinking, and the mental discipline required to play a character like Rebecca Falcone — a woman defined by strength, control, and carefully guarded vulnerability. Plus, she shares her approach to character prep, the joy of exploring romance onscreen, and why staying curious is her guiding principle.Listen to learn:- What it’s really like working inside the Taylor Sheridan universe- How Kayla approaches playing powerful, guarded women- The mental side of acting, from prep to imposter syndrome- Why virality can feel both thrilling and overwhelming- The advice she’d give her younger, auditioning selfThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...#KaylaWallace #Landman #WomenInEntertainment #InHerWordsPodcast #TaylorSheridan #ActorsLife #ImposterSyndrome #WomenOnScreen

They may be called “YA queens,” but Julie Plec and Candice King know the truth: the stories that stick don’t belong to one age group. They belong to anyone who’s ever felt everything all at once. In this episode, Julie (the powerhouse behind The Vampire Diaries universe) and Candice (forever Caroline Forbes, now stepping into adulthood as Bess Sinclair in We Were Liars) reunite to talk about what it really takes to build characters audiences grow up alongside and grieve, binge, and re-binge for years.With warmth, candor, and plenty of laughs, they revisit the early magic of casting Caroline, the craft of making “the mean girl” human, and the industry pressure that still haunts leading women: that relentless likability note, now delivered through streaming data instead of network standards. They also dig into how shifting conversations around agency and consent changed the rules of genre storytelling in real time, and why We Were Liars was a decade-long fight worth winning: a story built to wreck you, heal you, and keep you talking.Listen to learn:- Why Caroline Forbes worked: vulnerability as the ultimate character unlock- How YA became “nine to 72” (and why it’s still misunderstood)- What changed from Vampire Diaries to We Were Liars in writing women- Why eight-episode seasons can’t replace the “holiday episode” era- How “hyper emotionality” became the secret sauce for lasting fandomThe Women in Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...Find us on:Instagram: ⁠ / inherwords_...⁠ Facebook: ⁠ / inherwordspodcast ⁠Twitter: ⁠ / inherwords_wie ⁠Tiktok: ⁠ / inherwords_wie#JuliePlec #CandiceKing #InHerWordsPodcast #WomenInEntertainment #TheVampireDiaries #CarolineForbes #WeWereLiars #BessSinclair #YAStorytelling #Showrunner #TVWriting #FemaleProtagonists #StreamingEra #Fandom #BookToScreen

What happens when discipline, instinct, and lived experience collide? In this episode of Women in Entertainment, Diane Kruger joins us for a thoughtful, deeply honest conversation about the evolution of her artistry and herself.From her early training as a ballet dancer to discovering acting through theater school in Paris, Diane traces a nonlinear path into the industry, shaped by curiosity, risk, and resilience. She shares how working with Quentin Tarantino transformed her approach to character-building, teaching her to fill in the unseen emotional spaces that bring roles to life. As her career expanded across languages, countries, and formats, Diane explains why she refuses to limit herself to one lane, embracing art-house films, studio projects, and the demanding pace of television alike.The conversation turns especially personal as Diane opens up about motherhood and her powerful role in Little Disasters, discussing identity loss, fear, guilt, and the quiet struggles many women face after becoming parents. She also reflects on collaboration, the importance of female directors, setting the tone on set, and why learning to ask for help became one of the most important breakthroughs of her career.Listen to learn:- How Diane’s ballet training shaped her emotional discipline as an actor- Why backstory matters, even when it never appears on screen- What Little Disasters revealed about motherhood, fear, and identity- The power of vulnerability and asking for help on set- How women-led stories and female directors change the creative processThe Women In Entertainment Podcast presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...Find us on:Instagram: ⁠ / inherwords_...⁠ Facebook: ⁠ / inherwordspodcast ⁠Twitter: ⁠ / inherwords_wie ⁠Tiktok: ⁠ / inherwords_wie#DianeKruger #WomenInEntertainment #InHerWordsPodcast #ActorsLife#MotherhoodAndCareer #FemaleCreatives #WomenInFilm #Storytelling #CreativeProcess#LittleDisasters #ArtHouseFilm #WomenSupportingWomen

What happens when a father and daughter, both navigating the entertainment industry at very different moments, decide to talk openly about the highs, the setbacks, and everything in between?In this episode, Tony Goldwyn and Anna Musky-Goldwyn reflect on working in Hollywood across generations, from early career momentum and inevitable slowdowns to finding creative confidence outside traditional paths. Anna shares what it was like to come out of film school with early success, face uncertainty during COVID and industry strikes, and ultimately release the shame around career pauses. Tony offers a parent’s perspective shaped by decades in the business, reminding us that instability isn’t failure, it’s the job.Together, they unpack the evolving creator economy, the myth of networking, and why creative relationships, not industry schmoozing, are what truly sustain long careers. The conversation is candid, grounded, and deeply human, offering lessons that extend far beyond entertainment and into any creative life.Listen to learn:- Why career ups and downs are not detours, but essential training- How shame and comparison can quietly derail creative confidence- Why “creative networks” matter more than traditional networking- How the industry has shifted toward entrepreneurial self-creation- What legacy really means when art—not fame—drives the work"In Her Words" presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...Find us on:Instagram: ⁠ / inherwords_...⁠ Facebook: ⁠ / inherwordspodcast ⁠Twitter: ⁠ / inherwords_wie ⁠Tiktok: ⁠ / inherwords_wie#InHerWordsPodcast #WomenInEntertainment #TonyGoldwyn #AnnaMuskyGoldwyn #FarFromTheTree #CreativeCareers #HollywoodStories #CreatorEconomy #CareerResilience #FamilyAndWork

At just a few years out of high school, Isabella Esler has already lived a theater-kid fantasy: going from an open-call audition to booking her first professional job as Lydia Deetz in Beetlejuice, then carrying the role on a two-year national tour before landing on Broadway. In this heartfelt conversation, Isabella shares how one audition as a senior changed her life, leading to representation, community support, and ultimately the career she’s nurturing today in New York City.She talks candidly about growing up without a creative family background, discovering musical theater at age six, and feeling deeply shaped by San Jose’s vibrant arts community. Isabella also reflects on how different it feels to return to Beetlejuice now, more grounded, more confident, and more aware of the emotional demands of playing Lydia night after night. From mishaps on stage to conserving her voice between shows, she reveals the unseen rituals and resilience that live theater requires.Looking ahead, Isabella shares her excitement for film and television, her commitment to authenticity in auditions, and the grounding practices helping her navigate rising visibility while still doing her own social media.Listen to learn:- How an open-call audition led Isabella to Broadway- The emotional and physical realities of touring versus performing in one home theater- Her approach to staying grounded, silent, and centered between shows- What Beetlejuice taught her about vulnerability, focus, and grace- Her best advice for young performers chasing their first big roleIn Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...Find us on:Instagram: ⁠ / inherwords_...⁠ Facebook: ⁠ / inherwordspodcast ⁠Twitter: ⁠ / inherwords_wie ⁠Tiktok: ⁠ / inherwords_wie#IsabellaEsler #BeetlejuiceMusical #LydiaDeetz #WomenInEntertainment #InHerWordsPodcast #Broadway #ActingJourney #TheaterKids #SanJoseArts #BroadwayLife

Actress Jessy Schram has lived many lives on screen: iconic princess, brilliant doctor, and rom-com heroine. In this episode, she brings listeners inside the moments that shaped them all. She reflects on the early days of Once Upon a Time, when no one knew if the ambitious fairytale world would work, and the vulnerability of stepping into a beloved character while helping redefine her. Jessy also traces her path from Chicago kid making homemade SNL-style sketches to a teen landing her first Hallmark role and eventually circling back to shoot Chicago Med in her hometown.With humor and honesty, Jessy talks about the evolving television landscape, the rare gift of long-form character development, and how Hannah Asher’s storyline grew through genuine collaboration with the show’s writers. She also shares her love of rom-com comfort watches, the reality shows she treats like “cultural studies,” and why Hallmark fans mean more to her than she ever expected.Listen to learn:- What it was really like joining Once Upon a Time before anyone knew it would be a hit- How Chicago roots and early creative play shaped Jessy’s career- The unexpected twists that brought her back to Chicago Med- Why Hallmark’s joyful storytelling matters now more than ever- Jessy’s favorite shows, reading habits, and how she protects her creative sparkIn Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...Find us on:Instagram: ⁠ / inherwords_...⁠ Facebook: ⁠ / inherwordspodcast ⁠Twitter: ⁠ / inherwords_wie ⁠Tiktok: ⁠ / inherwords_wie#JessySchram #ChicagoMed #OnceUponATime #Cinderella #HallmarkMovies #WomenInEntertainment #ActingJourney #RomComs #Storytelling #InHerWordsPodcast

Candace Bushnell has spent decades writing women into the center of their own stories—and in this conversation, she brings us back to the electric New York City that inspired it all. From the early days of Sex and the City to the cult-favorite brilliance of Lipstick Jungle, Renee and Joss revisit the impact her work had on their own lives as young women finding their footing in Manhattan. For Candace, the city was once a real-life character: intimate, unpredictable, and endlessly social in a pre-cell-phone era where friendships were lifelines and privacy still existed.Candace opens up about the real inspirations behind her iconic characters, the friend who became the blueprint for Samantha, and why the original column was never about shock value—it was about power, status, and the reality of dating in New York. She reflects on the cultural shift that made Sex and the City a phenomenon, the Gen X women who embraced singlehood and career ambition, and how today’s hyper-connected world has altered the intimacy that once made the city feel like a private club.Now, with her one-woman show True Tales of Sex, Success, and Sex and the City, Candace steps onto the stage to tell the stories behind the stories—costume changes, real Mr. Big revelations, and all. (buy tickets at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/candace-bushnell-true-tales-of-sex-success-and-sex-and-the-city-tickets-1730710584949) Listen to learn:- Why Candace believes Lipstick Jungle was ahead of its time- How the real New York of the 80s and 90s shaped her writing- The true origins of iconic characters like Samantha- What it’s like to step into theater with her one-woman show- How technology has changed privacy, dating, and urban connectionIn Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television, to media and gaming, and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation, and beyond.Listen on Spotify: ⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ...Listen on Apple Podcasts: ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast...Listen on Audible: ⁠https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/a85...Find us on:Instagram: ⁠ / inherwords_...⁠ Facebook: ⁠ / inherwordspodcast ⁠Twitter: ⁠ / inherwords_wie ⁠Tiktok: ⁠ / inherwords_wie#CandaceBushnell #SexAndTheCity #LipstickJungle #WomenInEntertainment #InHerWordsPodcast #NYCStories #FemaleFriendship #OneWomanShow #CarrieBradshaw #MrBig #WomenWriters #CulturalIcons