This episode is dedicated to Jen's father who passed away on February 8,2025. 

"Rage, rage against the dying of the light."- Dylan Thomas

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Jessica Manning-Brose takes us on a journey through her unique cultural upbringing and creative evolution. Growing up in Sweden with a Swedish mother and a musician father from Harlem, Jessica's family faced significant challenges when they moved to Minneapolis. The cultural differences in family support and financial hardships only strengthened their family bond and set the stage for Jessica's creative path.  

Jessica shares how the COVID-19 pandemic catalyzed her shift from live music to becoming a content creator, allowing her to embrace a love for fashion, design, and thrifting. Her aesthetic journey reflects a harmonious blend of vintage and contemporary styles, creating a timeless look that resonates both online and offline. Embracing authenticity, she highlights the empowerment found in building a genuine social media community.

In the realm of business ownership, Jessica candidly discusses the complexities of managing finances and insurance as an influencer while balancing personal and professional life. Emphasizing the power of slow living, she encourages listeners to savor life's small moments and pursue passions at their own pace.  

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What happens when a celebrated writer like Tom Bissell ventures into the world of video games, fiction, and journalism? Join us as Tom shares captivating stories from his childhood in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and how early encounters with arcade classics shaped his creative journey. With literary influences from his father's circle, including Jim Harrison and Philip Caputo, Tom embraced a life of writing without a fallback plan. His insights into the evolution of gaming and the creative process offer a fresh perspective on artistic identity and the pursuit of one's passion.

We also delve into the nuances of storytelling, highlighting how imagination and empathy drive the creative process. From the technicalities of screenwriting to the fearless exploration of emotions through art, this episode is a testament to the transformative power of creativity.  

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Dr. Joanne Jones, a neurologist from Wolverhampton, shares her journey into the field of neurology and medical research. At the heart of her story is a pivotal conversation with a teacher that ignited her passion for merging medicine with research, setting her on a path from the University of Bristol to the esteemed halls of Cambridge University.  

Dr. Jones discusses her experiences and the vital support of mentors. Her journey highlights the importance of diversity in academia and the transformative impact of encouragement and guidance. The podcast delves into the intricate world of autoimmune conditions, with a focus on the immune system's role in neurological disorders, offering a profound understanding of how scientific advancements can reshape treatment approaches.

From establishing a transition clinic for young MS patients in Cambridge to exploring the potential of AI in medicine, her insights reveal the dynamic nature of modern research and clinical care. As creativity and science intersect, the episode explores how problem-solving and decision-making are essential components of the scientific process.

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What if storytelling could be your greatest tool for cultural impact and personal transformation? Jessie Creel, a dynamic producer with a rich background ranging from policy work in Washington, D.C. to filmmaking in the West, joins us to discuss her journey. Drawing inspiration from iconic films and crucial work in education and criminal justice reform, Jessie reveals how storytelling has the power to bridge divides and inspire change.

Through personal anecdotes, Jessie candidly shares her philosophy of maintaining integrity in her projects, while navigating industry biases and embracing movements like Me Too that have redefined storytelling.

Jessie’s ventures, Joyful Participation Pictures and Old Mill Ventures, exemplify her commitment to heart-led projects that balance passion with fiscal responsibility. From her ambitious adaptation of Karl Deisseroth's "Projections" to the community-driven impact of initiatives like Find Your Anchor, Jesse’s stories underscore the profound ability of storytelling to forge meaningful connections and inspire positive change.

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Join us as we uncover the remarkable journey of Judy Tocco, the President and CEO of Aspire Wealth Partners. Judy's story is one of transformation and adaptability, revealing how she pioneered a position from VP of Operations at a credit union to becoming a Certified Financial Planner and starting her own wealth management company. Her narrative is an inspiring testament to creative thinking and the power of seizing opportunities even when they come in unexpected forms.

Judy discusses her thoughts on the evolution of the financial industry and the landscape of investing today, including meme stocks and the rise of digital currencies. Judy's candid discussion also sheds light on the challenges women face in finance and the potential of women-led firms to excel. Don't miss this captivating episode that not only chronicles a career in finance but also offers invaluable lessons on resilience, leadership, and never being afraid to fail. 

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Tim Miller, the creative mind behind blockbuster hits like Deadpool, Terminator: Dark Fate, and the Netflix hit Love, Death & Robots, gives us an insider look into his incredible career. From his early days in Southern Maryland,  to his initial dreams of becoming a comic book artist, Tim’s path is both inspiring and filled with unexpected turns. Discover how his love for drawing and reading turned into a passion for filmmaking, visual effects, and storytelling.

What does it take to adapt beloved books into films while staying true to the essence of the original material? Tim shares his experiences and challenges in doing just that, as well as his journey from waiting tables to working in medical film animation, eventually leading to a groundbreaking career in 3D animation and visual effects. Hear about his pivotal move to Los Angeles, his tenure at Sony Imageworks, and the defining moments that gave him the confidence to start his own visual effects company.  

Tim dives deep into the collaborative nature of filmmaking. From valuable insights into mentorship and advice from industry titans like James Cameron and David Fincher to personal anecdotes revealing the importance of humility and collaboration, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for aspiring filmmakers and creatives alike.  

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Join us in this special mini-episode of "Everyone Is," with a story told through the eyes of kids age 6-16. This intro to Season 2, focuses on kid's answers to the questions "What does imagination mean to you?" and "What do you want to be when you grow up?"  We hope you find their answers not just amusing, but also insightful. From envisioning a snail driving a boat to aspiring careers in fashion design and forensic science, these kids remind us that creativity knows no bounds, and that imagination is a life skill we should never give up on.

Welcome to Season 2!

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What fuels the imagination of a visual effects legend? Join us as Dennis Muren opens up about his remarkable journey from an LA kid in love with the spectacle of "War of the Worlds" to a nine-time Academy Award winner. From the highs of working on Star Wars and Close Encounters of the Third Kind to the technical challenges of creating groundbreaking sequences, Dennis's stories provide a rare glimpse into the heart and soul of cinematic magic.

Ever wondered how the iconic asteroid sequence in Empire Strikes Back was created or what it took to bring dinosaurs to life in Jurassic Park? Dennis delves into the creative processes behind these memorable moments, revealing the trial-and-error approaches, the collaborative spirit, and the sheer perseverance required. He also touches on how different directors like George Lucas and Steven Spielberg influenced his work and the fascinating transition from practical effects to digital graphics that revolutionized the industry.

Join us in an insightful conversation with Dennis where imagination meets innovation and every pixel tells a story.

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