In this spotlight episode, we sit down with Debora Cahn, an esteemed American writer and producer whose work has significantly shaped contemporary television drama. Known for her roles on acclaimed series like Homeland, where she served as writer and executive producer, and FX’s Fosse/Verdon, which earned her a Writers Guild of America Award, Cahn has continually demonstrated her skill for crafting complex, engaging narratives. Her credits extend to Paterno on HBO, Vinyl with Martin Scorsese, Grey's Anatomy, and her early work on The West Wing, where she contributed from 2002 to its final season in 2006. Now, through her multi-year deal with Netflix, she brings her talents to The Diplomat, acting as showrunner and executive producer for this riveting political thriller.

The Diplomat explores the intricacies of diplomacy, political tension, and personal ambition, capturing audiences with its thoughtful storyline and compelling performances by Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell. The series, set to launch its much-anticipated second season on October 31st, dives deeper into the world of international relations and the high-stakes challenges faced by U.S. diplomats abroad. This conversation offers an inside look at Cahn’s creative process, her vision for Season 2, and the real-world inspirations behind The Diplomat’s layered plotlines and character dynamics.

In this inspiring episode of In Her Words, we sit down with powerhouse producers Jessamine Burgum and Kara Durrett to delve into their journey in shaping impactful films and building female-led partnerships in the entertainment industry. 

Jessamine, founder and CEO of Pinky Promise, has led the company to premiere standout features like HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL at Sundance, collaborating with Monkey Paw and Focus Features, while more recent premieres, such as IF YOU WERE THE LAST and THE GRADUATES, continue to make waves at major film festivals. With an impressive $23 million in private equity raised to champion diverse voices, Jessamine’s commitment to empowering creatives from underrepresented backgrounds is at the heart of Pinky Promise’s mission.

Kara, president of Pinky Promise and a 2019 Sundance Producing Lab Fellow and 2023 Sundance Producers Fiction Award winner, brings her own successful productions into the mix. She shares insights from her experience with acclaimed projects like THE STARLING GIRL, HONK FOR JESUS. SAVE YOUR SOUL, and SAVE YOURSELVES! that celebrate boundary-pushing storytelling. Together, Jessamine and Kara share how they’re shaping the film landscape, championing voices, and building a production powerhouse that thrives on female-led partnerships and innovative storytelling.

In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.
Listen on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4   

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975    

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908       

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Claire Mundell is a BAFTA and Royal Television Society (RTS) award-winning film and television producer, known for her work on high-profile projects like The Cry and The Tattooist of Auschwitz. She is the founder and creative director of Synchronicity Films, a Glasgow-based independent production company. Mundell has built a strong reputation in the UK and internationally for producing critically acclaimed television dramas and films.

Her production credits span a variety of genres, including the psychological thriller The Cry, starring Jenna Coleman, which garnered significant attention in the UK and abroad. She has also produced feature films such as The Party’s Just Beginning, directed by Karen Gillan, and Only You, a love story starring Laia Costa and Josh O'Connor. Additionally, she worked on Weekend, a double British Independent Film Award (BIFA) winner.

Before founding Synchronicity Films, Mundell held a senior leadership role at the BBC, where she served as the Head of CBBC Scotland, overseeing productions like the BAFTA-winning Shoebox Zoo. Her career is characterized by her commitment to fostering creative talent outside major film and television hubs like London, while still developing globally recognized work

In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

Listen on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975   

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908  

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Annie Potts is a renowned American actress whose career spans over four decades in film, television, and stage. Best known for her roles in iconic '80s films like Ghostbusters (1984) and Pretty in Pink (1986), Potts solidified her place in Hollywood with her portrayal of the witty Mary Jo Shively in the hit sitcom Designing Women (1986-1993). She later lent her voice to the beloved character Bo Peep in Pixar’s Toy Story series, including Toy Story 4 (2019). In recent years, she has gained acclaim for her role as Meemaw in the CBS hit series Young Sheldon (2017-present), further showcasing her comedic and dramatic range. Potts has earned multiple award nominations throughout her career, including a Screen Actors Guild Award and Golden Globe nods, reflecting her enduring impact in the industry.

Beyond acting, Potts is deeply committed to philanthropy, co-founding The Heart Channels, a charity focused on supporting single mothers and families in crisis. She is also an advocate for children's welfare and education. Through her work, both on and off-screen, Potts continues to inspire with her dedication to storytelling, advocacy, and empowering others.

In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

Listen on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975   

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908     

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/  

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Layne Eskridge is a producer and the president of POV Entertainment. Under the POV Entertainment title, Layne oversees many projects, most recently producing LADY IN THE LAKE, starring Natalie Portman for Apple TV+. Layne most recently was an Executive Producer on the Apple TV+ period drama series based on the acclaimed book, MANHUNT, starring Tobias Menzies, Anthony Boyle, Lovie Simone, Will Harrison, Brandon Flynn, Damian O’Hare, Glenn Morshower, Patton Oswalt, Matt Walsh, and Hamish Linklater, and created by Monica Beletsky. Episodes are currently available on the platform and follows the astonishing story of the high-stakes hunt for John Wilkes Booth following the assassination of Abraham Lincoln.

Heather Graham is an actress, writer, and director. Her next film is an American Western titled Place of Bones, directed by Audrey Cummings and also starring Tom Hopper, and will be in select theaters and on digital/demand on August 23rd.  The film is about a mother and daughter who fight for survival after a gang of outlaws descend on their ranch following a botched bank robbery.

Heather has made a conscious choice over the years to tell empowering female stories and to write/direct and produce as well.

Following, she will be seen in A Chosen Family, a film that she also wrote and directed. The cast of the film, which made its world debut at the 2024 Santa Barbara Film Festival, includes Julia Stiles, Thomas Lennon, Andrea Savage, John Brotherton and Michael Gross. She recently received the King Vidor Award while showcasing the film at the SLO Int’l Film Festival. Check out the trailer HERE.  This comes as her second feature after Half Magic, which she wrote, directed and starred in and made waves in the industry in 2018.

This year also marks 25 years since Heather graced the screen in Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me, and 15 years since she was seen in The Hangover, both iconic films and exciting anniversaries.

In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

Listen on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975   

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908  

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Sara DeWitt is the Senior Vice President and General Manager of PBS KIDS, where she oversees the strategic direction of the nation’s leading educational media service for children. She manages a cross-disciplinary team that produces content, develops digital platforms, distributes assets, and creates educational products aimed at fostering learning. Under her leadership, PBS KIDS has established itself as a trusted educational brand, delivering innovative digital experiences such as award-winning games, apps, podcasts, augmented reality experiences, and learning analytics platforms that track children’s progress. Her efforts have also helped make PBS KIDS a gold standard in children's digital privacy and security.

With over 20 years in public media, DeWitt has been at the forefront of the digital transformation of PBS KIDS. She is a sought-after speaker on topics like screen time, games, and learning, delivering a TED Talk and speaking at conferences such as SXSW, Games for Change, and the Grace Hopper Celebration. Her contributions to the field have earned her accolades including Cynopsis Media’s Top Women in Digital Award and the Hedy Lamarr Award for Innovation in Entertainment Technology. DeWitt holds both an MA and a BA in English from Stanford University and has a background in early childhood education and media research.

In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

Listen on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975   

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908     

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Attica Locke is a New York Times bestselling author, screenwriter, and producer, celebrated for her gripping narratives in both literature and television. She is best known for her Highway 59 trilogy, which includes Bluebird, Bluebird, Heaven, My Home, and the latest release, Guide Me Home, all praised for their deep exploration of race, justice, and identity in the American South. Locke has won numerous accolades, including the Edgar Award, and her screenwriting credits include Empire and When They See Us. She also serves as a producer for Little Fires Everywhere. A graduate of Northwestern University, Locke continues to captivate audiences with her ability to tell powerful stories across genres and mediums.

In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

Listen on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975   

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908     

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment   
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Chai Vasarhelyi is an award-winning filmmaker known for her compelling documentaries and narrative films. She co-directed the Academy Award-winning documentary Free Solo, which captured the breathtaking journey of rock climber Alex Honnold. Vasarhelyi's body of work often explores themes of resilience, risk, and the human spirit, as seen in films like The Rescue and Nyad, a narrative feature she co-directed about legendary swimmer Diana Nyad. A storyteller at heart, Vasarhelyi blends her background in journalism and photography with a passion for intentional storytelling, creating films that push boundaries and inspire audiences worldwide.

In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

Listen on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975   

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908     

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/  

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Writer, Director, Producer Veena Sud is no stranger to dark crime and mystery dramas and continues to break barriers as a cutting-edge filmmaker with a knack for “dark, flawed and complicated” women.

Currently, Sud is adapting Stieg Larsson’s The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo as a TV series for Amazon Prime Video with Left Bank Pictures executive producing. Sud is most known for creating, writing, and producing the ground-breaking AMC/Netflix original series The Killing, which was the first US television series of its kind to portray a murder mystery over the course of multiple seasons. The series was nominated for a Golden Globe and six Emmys, including Outstanding Cast for a Drama series and Outstanding Writing for a Drama series.

Sud’s second original series from Netflix on police violence in America, Seven Seconds garnered an Emmy win for Best Leading Actress in a Limited Series, a Golden Globe nomination, and several NAACP Image Awards.

Sud’s feature film THE LIE (Blumhouse), which she wrote and directed, premiered as a Gala Screening at the Toronto International Film Festival, and debuted on Amazon in 2020. Her dark thriller TV series hybrid, The Stranger starring Maika Monroe and Dane DeHaan was a standout series on Jeffrey Katzenberg’s Quibi mobile platform. It’s since been re-edited as a feature-length film and will debut on Hulu on April 15.

Sud was previously a writer, executive producer, and showrunner on the CBS police procedural Cold Case. She worked as a print and broadcast journalist in New York City and in film distribution at Third World Newsreel before moving into television writing. Sud is an alumnus of New York University’s Graduate Film and Television program and earned her B.A. at Columbia University. Her short films have also been screened internationally, including at the Berlin International Film Festival.

Sud has been included in The Hollywood Reporter’s Power Showrunners List as well as Variety’s Women’s Impact Report. She is represented by William Morris Endeavor and Anonymous Content and her attorney is Bruce Gellman at Hansen, Jacobson, Teller, Hoberman and Newman. She currently resides in Los Angeles, CA.

In Her Words presents thoughtful conversations with leaders across entertainment from film and television to media and gaming and everything in between; as we talk about what it takes to make your mark in the industry, lessons these incredible people have learned along the way, and how they have found their way in an ever-changing environment.With in-depth conversations and pre-submitted listener questions, each episode provides candid advice for navigating today’s entertainment industry, giving listeners an inside look at how key players got their start, and guidance for building the necessary toolkit to bring careers to life in film, TV, music, theater, graphics, writing, animation and beyond.

Listen on: 

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5AfPfPQ2EPGuC1PhcqJpGW?si=fdb445a8906b49b4  

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-her-words/id1674672975   

Audible: https://www.audible.com/pd/In-Her-Words-Podcast/B0BWYXYBF6?action_code=ASSGB14908   

Find us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/women_in_entertainment/  

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/womeninentertainment   
Twitter: https://twitter.com/InHerWords_WIE