Episode 8: Fluidity, Filmmaking, & Wrestling Piglets with Luke Renner
Hosted by Katelyn Calhoun

In this episode of Crafted Connections, I talk with my friend and creative collaborator Luke Renner—a gifted filmmaker, editor, and storyteller whose work bridges deeply personal healing with expansive, universal themes. We dive into Luke’s two most recent documentary projects—What Lies Inside and When Everyone Swims—and unpack what it means to make art that is both intimate and broad in scope.

Luke reflects on how trauma shaped his first feature-length film, how he navigated the chaos of the editing process, and why releasing a film also meant releasing his need for external approval. We explore water as a visual metaphor, healing as a creative process, and how creative momentum often begins in silence, solitude, and the muck of the unknown.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

🎬 How Luke created What Lies Inside, a six-year documentary journey through trauma, healing, and family
🌊 Why water keeps showing up in his work (even when he doesn’t plan it)
🧩 The nonlinear, messy, and sacred process of shaping story from chaos
📽️ What it means to be both in the film and not make the film about yourself
🧠 How releasing a story into the world requires self-trust—and surrender
💡 Advice for fellow storytellers navigating doubt, deadlines, and inner critics

You Can Find Luke:
🌍 Website: lukerenner.com
📣 Next project crowdfunding is launching now—check his site for updates!

Need Help Shaping a Story That Actually Feels Like You?
Book a Story Strategy Session.

Whether you're launching something new, reworking your brand, or just feeling foggy on how to talk to your people, this one-hour session is designed to get you unstuck and into alignment. We'll dig into your narrative, uncover what matters most, and map out creative ways to share your story with confidence. Plus, you’ll get a recording of the session to revisit anytime.

🎥 Book your session and use code PODCAST for 25% off:
https://katelyncalhoun.as.me/story-strategy-session

Join the Conversation:
📲 Follow us on Instagram: @CraftedConnectionsPod
📬 DM us your questions or guest suggestions!

Crafted Connections is lovingly produced by Calhoun Creative Consulting, a strategic storytelling firm helping people and brands tell stories that resonate.

🌟 Subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
Keep creating, keep connecting, and let’s craft some connections.