Welcome to “The Elements of Being” podcast, where I dissect and explore the minds and habits of filmmakers, writers, and industry icons. Essentially, we learn what makes them flip the switch to achieve great feats, goals, and milestones and a chance to geek out over the psychology behind human behavior.

Today, you’ll hear about one woman’s experience searching for her path and how it led to award-winning documentaries. Documentary filmmaker Dana Michelle Cook made a career shift when she realized reality TV wasn’t aligned with her authentic self and purpose. Her first documentary “Girls on the Run” won her an Emmy and her second documentary “The Empowerment Project” found worldwide acclaim as she showcased the careers of ordinary women across the U.S. Dana’s latest effort, “Seeing Brave” takes viewers into the lives of three women who have taken initiative to have an impact and make a change in the lives of others. Most important it reflects her connection to female empowerment and telling the stories of amazing women from around the world.

Specifically, we discuss:

-The narratives of women told on television
-The creation of the documentaries "Girls on the Run," "The Empowerment Project," and "Seeing Brave"
-Our own blind spots in the creative process for film and television
-The nuances of the writing process
-The challenges of sitting with your thoughts
-The morning and evening routines of a filmmaker
-And much, much more!

***

Learn more about Dana Michelle Cook on http://freeheartcreative.com/, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

***

Interested in sponsoring the podcast? Please complete our podcast sponsorship form.

***

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts/Itunes? It takes less than 60 seconds and other listeners and guests definitely appreciate people’s thoughts!