Finding Happy: A Journey of Love, Light, and Perseverance with Maria Bertrand

In this episode of the People Who Make Us Podcast, host Jonny Thyne sits down with his inspiring friend Maria Bertrand, a celebrated filmmaker and actress. They discuss her acclaimed documentary, 'Finding Happy,' which has won numerous awards, including those from the Glendale International Film Festival and the Love and Hope International Film Festival in Barcelona. Maria shares her personal story, detailing her journey from modeling to acting, and eventually to filmmaking.

She touches on the challenges of pursuing a purpose-filled life versus societal expectations and how a small act of kindness in rescuing a baby bird helped reignite her passion for storytelling during the pandemic.

The conversation highlights the importance of perseverance, kindness, and the profound impact of human-animal bonds. Maria also teases her upcoming indie comedy film, 'Got Daddy Issues,' which explores how unresolved parental issues affect adult relationships.

This episode is a touching reminder to build your own opportunities when life doesn’t offer you a seat at the table.

00:00 Introduction and Guest Overview

01:23 Maria's Background and Early Career

04:16 Journey into Acting and Storytelling

07:39 The Power of Perseverance and Community

14:27 Finding Happy: The Documentary

23:36 Communicating with Animals

24:01 Childhood Memories and Quirks

25:16 Introducing 'Got Daddy Issues'

25:50 The Journey of Making the Film

28:21 The Importance of Personal Stories

31:22 Influential Figures and Life Lessons

36:05 Building Your Own Table

38:09 Final Thoughts and Farewell