Creative Principles

Matthew Rhys stars as Nile Jarvis in the Netflix psychological thriller THE BEAST IN ME, a gripping series centering on a grieving author who finds new purpose unraveling the mystery behind Jarvis' vanished wife and suspicious dealings.

Rhys is widely recognized for his Emmy-winning performance opposite Keri Russell in FX’s critically acclaimed drama THE AMERICANS, as well as his Golden Globe-nominated lead role in HBO’s PERRY MASON reboot, and his work in Apple TV+’s horror-comedy WIDOW’S BAY.

In this interview, he talks about the psychology, charm, and complexity of playing Niall Jarvis in THE BEAST IN ME, and how the book THE PSYCHOPATH TEST by Jon Ronson helped shape the role. We also dive into the brilliant acting advice he received from directors Antonio Campos and Hiro Murai, the decade-long journey writer Katie Dippold went on to get WIDOW'S BAY made, and so much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Laurie Metcalf is an acclaimed, multi-award-winning actress known for her incredible versatility across television, film, and theatre. She rose to fame as Jackie Harris on ROSEANNE and THE CONNERS, earning three Emmy Awards. Her extensive television career also includes HACKS, Dan Levy's BIG MISTAKES, and Ryan Murphy's MONSTER. On the big screen, her performance in Greta Gerwig's LADY BIRD garnered an Academy Award nomination, and her credits span from SCREAM 2 to voicing Andy's mom in the TOY STORY franchise.

In this interview, we dive into how she tackles complex, quirky mother figures in shows and movies like LADY BIRD, MONSTER, and BIG MISTAKES. We also talk about the emotional and physical toll of dramatic acting, the big differences between theatre and camera work, what it was like filming BIG MISTAKES, and so much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

The only human to free solo Yosemite’s 3000-foot rock monolith, El Capitan. No rope, climbing alone. More people will walk on the moon than will do what Alex Honnold has done. His extremely rare skill and unmatched mental focus have helped make him climbing’s transcendent, breakout star, inspiring millions around the world.

This past January, Alex conquered a live, Netflix-documented free solo climb of Taipei 101, bringing the intensity of free soloing into an urban environment and unfolding the ascent in real time before a global audience.

His feats have blown the doors wide open on the sport of climbing, placing him at the front of mainstream media like 60 Minutes, The New York Times, and the cover of National Geographic.

In this interview, we talk about his perspective on courage, how having kids has changed him, and his thoughts on the future, legacy, and philanthropy. We also dive into the logistics behind climbing the TAIPEI 101 building for his project with NETFLIX, get his advice for first-time climbers, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Hiro Murai is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker and director behind some of today’s most innovative and culturally renowned projects. Most recently, he produced and directed the Apple horror comedy series WIDOW’S BAY, which stars Matthew Rhys and follows a skeptical mayor who leads the superstitious residents of a cursed New England island.

In 2024, Murai served as Executive Producer and Director of the Emmy-nominated series MR. & MRS. SMITH, which launched on Amazon Prime Video and is one of Murai’s many collaborations with Donald Glover.

His other projects include ATLANTA, THE BEAR, and the culturally groundbreaking music video for Childish Gambino’s worldwide hit THIS IS AMERICA.

In this interview, we talk about what music videos can teach filmmakers, the success of ATLANTA and THIS IS AMERICA, how he got involved with WIDOW'S BAY, the changing landscape for young filmmakers, and the decline of music videos.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Zach Braff’s success began with the beloved television series SCRUBS, earning an Emmy nomination and three consecutive Golden Globe® nominations. While on the show, he transitioned behind the camera, directing several episodes before making his feature film debut as the writer, director, and star of the 2004 comedy-drama GARDEN STATE. The film won an Independent Spirit Award for Best First Feature and earned him multiple screenplay and directing nominations.

In February 2026, he returned to executive produce, direct the pilot, and star in the ABC SCRUBS reboot, which follows J.D. and Turk as they navigate a modern medical system that has “beaten them down” after 15 years, while J.D. faces the reality of being the “oldie” rather than the “newbie.”

In this interview, we talk about the art of improvising comedy on set, working and learning from Bill Lawrence, the revival and production of the new SCRUBS season, directing advice and working with legends like Robert De Niro, Morgan Freeman, and Harrison Ford, alternative writing techniques, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Brad Ingelsby is an EMMY AWARD-NOMINATED writer, producer, and creator. He gained widespread acclaim as the creator, writer, and executive producer of HBO's hit limited series, MARE OF EASTTOWN, which starred Kate Winslet.

Ingelsby has since created and written the new HBO limited series, TASK, starring Mark Ruffalo and Tom Pelphrey. His recent film work includes the Apple TV+ thriller ECHO VALLEY and THE LOST BUS, an adaptation of Lizzie Johnson's book about the 2018 Camp Fire, starring Matthew McConaughey and America Ferrera.

In this interview, we talk about his writing process, why he doesn’t outline, and why he considers himself an “awful pitcher.” Plus, his projects THE LOST BUS, TASK, and MARE OF EASTTOWN.

As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: www.scriptmastermind.com/pr

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ira Parker is a writer, executive producer and showrunner who currently serves as executive producer and showrunner of HBO’s A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS, which he co-created with George R. R. Martin.

Taking place nearly a century before the events of GAME OF THRONES, the series follows a young, naïve but courageous knight, Ser Duncan the Tall, and his diminutive squire, Egg, as great destinies, powerful foes, and dangerous exploits await these improbable friends.

Previously, Parker served as a writer and co-executive producer on the first season of HBO’s

HOUSE OF THE DRAGON, the GAME OF THRONES prequel centered on the Targaryen

dynasty, where he penned episode four and played a key role in establishing the series’ early

narrative.

In this interview, he shares some advice for rising the ranks in a writers' room, we talk about his latest project A KNIGHT OF THE SEVEN KINGDOMS, the modern pressure for fast-paced plotting, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Michael Waldron is an Emmy Award-winning writer, director, showrunner, and producer. He broke through as a writer and producer on Adult Swim's RICK AND MORTY, earning an Emmy for his work on Season 4, before ascending to one of the most sought-after voices in Hollywood.

He created, served as head writer, and executive produced Marvel and Disney+'s hit series LOKI and wrote DOCTOR STRANGE IN THE MULTIVERSE OF MADNESS for director Sam Raimi. Next up, he is the co-writer of AVENGERS: DOOMSDAY, which hits theaters in December 2026.

His latest work is the Hulu football comedy series CHAD POWERS starring Glen Powell. The series follows a disgraced college quarterback named Russ Holliday who disguises himself as Chad Powers and walks onto a struggling southern football team to revive his football career.

In this interview, we talk about the intense period during the pandemic where he was balancing LOKI season one, HEELS season one, and DOCTOR STRANGE 2. The origin of the TV show CHAD POWERS, and what he looks for when hiring new writers.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Eric Appel co-wrote, directed and produced WEIRD: THE AL YANKOVIC STORY starring Daniel Radcliffe. He also directed the first two seasons of DIE HART starring Kevin Hart, with John Travolta in the first season and John Cena in the second season.

His most recent film, THE BREADWINNER, follows a father struggling to adapt as a stay-at-home dad to three daughters after his wife’s sudden Shark Tank success flips their family dynamics upside down.

In this interview, we talk about his collaboration with Weird Al Yankovic, his time directing THE BREADWINNER, industry trends and advice for creators, plus much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Daniel Radcliffe currently stars in the one-man show EVERY BRILLIANT THING at the Hudson Theatre, New York. The show ranks in the top five at the US theatre box office and continues to play to sell-out theatres.

Earlier this year he starred alongside Tracy Morgan in NBC’s sports mockumentary THE FALL AND RISE OF REGGIE DINKINS, for which he has just been nominated for Outstanding Performance in a Comedy Series at the Gotham TV Awards. Produced by Robert Carlock, Sam Means and Tina Fey, the series sees Radcliffe as fallen filmmaker Arthur Tobbins enlisted to help resurrect disgraced football star Dinkins’ reputation and career.

In this interview, we talk about his work in THE FALL AND RISE OF REGGIE DINKINS, how he chooses roles, advice for writers on unconventional scripts, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend, as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!