February 27, 2025

280: From Dream Job to Oscar Winner: My Octopus Teacher Co-Director Pippa Ehrlich on Leaving Stability, Trusting Her Instincts & Saying Yes to Life's Uncertainties

1 hour 17 minutes

In this episode, Light Watkins sits down with Pippa Ehrlich, the co-director of the Academy Award-winning documentary My Octopus Teacher. Pippa's journey is nothing short of remarkable—she left behind a stable, dream-worthy career as a marine journalist to follow an inner calling that defied logic. With no guaranteed funding and no clear roadmap, she took a leap of faith to help filmmaker Craig Foster tell an extraordinary story—one that would ultimately captivate millions.

Pippa shares how diving into the great African seaforest transformed not just her perspective on storytelling, but also her sense of purpose. She describes the visceral experience of free-diving, the magic of witnessing underwater creatures in their natural habitat, and how these moments helped her find her creative voice. Light and Pippa also discuss the pressures of filmmaking, imposter syndrome, and the unexpected emotional weight that comes with massive success—including how winning an Oscar didn't make self-doubt disappear.

If you've ever stood at a crossroads between comfort and passion, or wondered what it really means to follow your intuition despite uncertainty, this conversation is for you. Pippa's story is a testament to trusting your instincts, showing up fully, and embracing the unknown—even when the path ahead makes no practical sense.

Tune in to hear how Pippa turned a wild idea into an award-winning film, how she’s navigating her journey as a filmmaker, and why sometimes the best opportunities come when you stop asking for advice and just say yes.

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