There’s been no shortage of think pieces about a potential Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros., but one angle feels surprisingly under-discussed: what this would mean for physical media.In this episode, I explore why a streaming-first business model poses a real threat to Blu-rays, DVDs, and permanent film ownership—even if theatrical releases continue. As someone who values owning movies, not just renting access to them, I reflect on how streaming has quietly failed its original promise of “everything, anywhere, anytime,” and how entire eras of film history risk becoming inaccessible.This isn’t a prediction or a panic piece. It’s a reflection on what gets lost when catalogs are absorbed, when media becomes purely digital, and when convenience replaces preservation. Whether or not a deal ever happens, the trend itself raises serious questions for film lovers and for the future of cinema.

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• Patreon – ⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠

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🎬 My Films

• The Love Market – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠

• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠

• The Arbiters – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠

📚 My Books

• Elan, Elan – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠

• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠

• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠

• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

Socrates believed it was better to be criticized than to criticize—because honest challenge reveals flaws in our thinking and helps us become wiser, more humane people.In this episode, I reflect on a Socratic idea we often overlook: entering dialogue by seeing the other person in their highest form. Not as an enemy, not as a caricature, but as a fully human being capable of growth and truth.Drawing from my discussion of Open Socrates by Agnes Callard (https://youtu.be/mLI9VMwD2GQ), as well as examples from thinkers and practitioners like Richard Schwartz (creator of Internal Family Systems) and Loretta Ross, I explore what it means to extend grace without abandoning boundaries.This isn’t about agreeing with everyone or tolerating harm. It’s about choosing inquiry over combat, elevation over gossip, and responsibility over resentment—especially in a world increasingly defined by division, outrage, and dehumanization.

🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?

Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.

✅ Work with me: ⁠https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/⁠

🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.

📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?

Join me on:

• Patreon – ⁠http://patreon.com/philsvitek⁠

• Substack – ⁠http://philsvitek.substack.com⁠

🎬 My Films

• The Love Market – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket⁠

• Finding Love in Bogotá – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip⁠

• The Arbiters – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters⁠

📚 My Books

• Elan, Elan – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan⁠

• Master Mental Fortitude – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude⁠

• In Search of Sunrise – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise⁠

• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – ⁠https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams⁠

“What did you help with today?” and “How did you fail?” These two simple questions—shared by Natasha Beck, also known as Dr. Organic Mommy—are meant for kids, but they apply just as powerfully to adults.

Instead of the routine “How was school?” or “How was work?”, these questions reinforce two essential values: caring about community and normalizing failure as part of growth. Helping doesn’t have to mean something grand—it can be as simple as supporting a friend or showing up for someone in a small way. And failure, when talked about openly, becomes a teacher rather than something to hide.

In this episode, I reflect on how these questions can deepen everyday conversations with partners, friends, and even ourselves through journaling. What we ask shapes what we notice—and these questions gently shift our focus toward contribution, learning, and meaning.

🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?

Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.

✅ Work with me: https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/

🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.

📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?

Join me on:

• Patreon – http://patreon.com/philsvitek

• Substack – http://philsvitek.substack.com

🎬 My Films

• The Love Market – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket

• Finding Love in Bogotá – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip

• The Arbiters – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters

📚 My Books

• Elan, Elan – https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan

• Master Mental Fortitude – https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude

• In Search of Sunrise – https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#insearchofsunrise

• Hollywood Dreams on a Shoestring Budget – https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#hollywooddreams

2025 was a year of perseverance, recalibration, and quiet progress — not just for me, but for many people I know. In this vlog, I take time to honestly reflect on what worked, what didn’t, and what I’m carrying forward into 2026.I walk through a reflection practice that looks at four core areas of life — mind, body, home, and soul — revisiting the intentions I set for 2025 and sharing where I landed. From creative momentum on my animated feature The Arbiters, to navigating stress, relationships, finances, and long-term ambition, this is less about “wins” and more about truth, growth, and perspective.I also share how I’m approaching 2026, including:-My guiding word for the year: Emerge-Creative and financial goals-Intentions around health, home, and relationships-Why I believe slow, consistent progress still counts-How to keep moving forward even when the industry (and world) feels uncertainIf you’re closing out a difficult year, reassessing your direction, or trying to balance creative work with real life, I hope this offers some clarity — or at least reassurance that you’re not alone in the process.If something here resonates, I’d love to hear how you’re reflecting on 2025 and what you’re bringing into 2026.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – http://patreon.com/philsvitek• Substack – http://philsvitek.substack.com🎬 My Films• The Love Market – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket• Finding Love in Bogotá – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip• The Arbiters – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters

📚 My Books• Elan, Elan – https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#elanelan• Master Mental Fortitude – https://philsvitek.com/bibliography/#mastermentalfortitude

Every year, we see endless “Top 10” lists — but art isn’t a sport, and ranking films as the best has always felt arbitrary to me. So instead, this episode is about my 10 favorite films of 2025 — the ones that lingered, surprised me, challenged me, or simply stayed with me long after the credits rolled.A few ground rules up front:-These are favorites, not an objective ranking of quality-Straight-to-streaming films don’t count — this list focuses on theatrical releases and films experienced as cinema-Narrowing it down to just 10 was incredibly difficult, so variety matteredBelow is the list (from 1 to 10), along with a one-sentence snapshot of why each film stood out to me:1) Sentimental Value:A deeply human, emotionally precise film about memory, regret, and the quiet ache of unresolved relationships.2) F1 The Movie:A visceral, propulsive spectacle that understands both the danger and the obsession behind elite competition.3) Arco:A visually arresting animated film that blends myth, movement, and emotion in a way that feels both timeless and modern.4) No Other Choice:A razor-sharp thriller that weaponizes moral ambiguity and keeps tightening the screws until there’s nowhere left to turn.5) Ballerina:A stylish, brutal expansion of the John Wick universe that balances elegance and ferocity with confidence.6) Weapons:A deeply unsettling horror film that understands atmosphere, dread, and the power of what’s left unsaid.7) Ne Zha 2:A spectacular animated sequel that blends mythic storytelling with emotional stakes and jaw-dropping scale.8) Nuremberg:A sobering, intelligent historical drama that confronts justice, responsibility, and the cost of moral reckoning.9) Splitsville: A refreshingly honest romantic comedy that embraces messiness, modern relationships, and uncomfortable truths.10) Sinners: A haunting, morally complex drama that lingers long after it ends, asking more questions than it answers.Honorable Mentions: The Naked Gun, Rental Family, Good FortuneThese just barely missed the list, and on another day could’ve easily landed in the top ten.This episode isn’t about consensus — it’s about connection. If one of these films meant something to you (or if I left one off that stuck with you), I’d love to hear about it in the comments.What were your favorite films of 2025?🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/🔔 Subscribe for movie reviews, creative coaching, and mindset tools for storytellers.📬 Want exclusive breakdowns and behind-the-scenes content?Join me on:• Patreon – http://patreon.com/philsvitek• Substack – http://philsvitek.substack.com🎬 My Films• The Love Market – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#lovemarket• Finding Love in Bogotá – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#bogotatrip• The Arbiters – https://philsvitek.com/filmography/#thearbiters

If you’re going to the Annecy Festival for the first time (or you already bought your ticket and you’re realizing how huge it is), this video is the FAQ companion to my full day-by-day recap.Here I answer the practical questions people always have. This is meant to be a quick-reference, “save this for later” guide—so you feel oriented before you step into the madness.Watch the full Annecy first-time recap: https://youtu.be/KJp0zqfu1EoDrop your questions in the comments and—if you’ve been to Annecy—add anything you think first-timers should know.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/

I went to the Annecy Festival for the first time and recorded a full day-by-day recap so you know what it actually feels like on the ground—especially if you’ve got a ticket and you’re wondering, “Wait… what am I walking into?”In this episode, I break down what Annecy really is (festival screenings + MIFA market + exhibits + panels + networking), what surprised me most (how spread out everything is), and the practical stuff I wish I’d understood earlier: badge pickup, bus passes, reservations vs standby lines, how early to arrive, how to choose what to attend when schedules collide, and how to handle networking without burning out.You’ll also hear highlights from my week—Women in Animation sessions, pitch events, studio presentations (including TeamTO), AI panels and the “ethical AI” conversation, Crunchyroll insights, a Raphael Bob-Waksberg masterclass, documentary pitches, country pavilions, and the very real cocktail-party ecosystem that takes over your evenings.And because there are still tons of practical questions (travel, lodging, budgeting, what to pack, what badge to get, etc.), I made a Part 2 FAQ video to round out the full experience: https://youtu.be/4N5naRzLNMUIf you’ve been to Annecy, I’d love to hear what you’d add—or what you think I missed. And if you’re going for the first time, drop your questions in the comments so we can make this a communal resource.🚀 Looking for a Creative Collaborator or Coach?Whether you need help launching a podcast, shaping your story, editing a video, or navigating the artist’s life—I’m here to help.✅ Work with me: https://philsvitek.com/collaborate/

Most of us can admit we were wrong—yesterday, last year, “back then.” But Agnes Callard’s Open Socrates points to something far more confronting (and far more freeing): Socrates didn’t want you to say “I was wrong.” He wanted you to say “I am wrong.”That tiny shift into present tense hits the ego like a flashbang. Because now it’s not a distant mistake—it’s your identity in the moment. And that’s exactly where growth lives. In this soundbite, we talk about why we cling to being right, how “I am wrong” triggers our inner defense attorney, and why staying open to your current wrongness can be one of the most practical life upgrades you’ll ever make.

Chuck McCaughan and I use Open Socrates: The Case for a Philosophical Life by Agnes Callard as a jumping-off point to explore what it actually means to live an examined life.We dig into the Socratic method—not as an abstract philosophical exercise, but as a lived practice—and discuss where it fits (or doesn’t) in today’s culture. Why do people avoid inquiry? What makes asking fundamental questions about how we live so uncomfortable? And how do social norms, desires, and identity often answer those questions for us before we even realize it?Drawing from Callard’s reframing of Socrates as a genuinely disruptive thinker, we talk about the role of other people in helping us think, how inquiry applies to love, death, politics, and personal change, and why philosophy isn’t about having the right answers—but about learning how to ask better questions.We also invite listeners to join the conversation by sharing what they’re currently inquiring into—the questions they’re circling, avoiding, or finally ready to confront.Related Conversations with Chuck McCaughan:-Muscle Testing, Core Beliefs & Psycho Energetic Transformation: https://youtu.be/jj9RekN_m6c-Unlocking the Subconscious: My Therapy Session: https://youtu.be/L7rnQhe40wA

I chat with filmmaker and producer Soukaina Alaoui El Hassani (https://www.saelhassani.com/portfolio & https://www.instagram.com/saelhassani/?hl=en) to explore her journey from growing up in Casablanca—within a rich oral storytelling tradition—to producing bold, emotionally resonant work across film, advertising, and animation on a global scale.We talk about her path through commercial production, from early work at Vice Media Group to her current role at Versus Creative Studio, collaborating with major brands and media companies while maintaining a strong personal creative voice. Soukaina shares how moving between disciplines has sharpened her storytelling instincts and expanded her sense of what’s possible. This is a conversation about craft, identity, ambition, and using storytelling as a tool for connection—and change.