Lesley Paterson - Pro triathlete and film writer-producer

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"The Greg Bennett Show"

In this episode of The Greg Bennett Show, Greg is joined by Lesley Paterson.

Lesley Paterson is a true inspiration and a powerhouse in every sense of the word.

Lesley is a five-time world Triathlon champion, author, and an award-winning filmmaker having just taken home four Oscars for her film All Quiet on the Western Front.

Lesley's career as an athlete is nothing short of remarkable having won the XTERRA Triathlon World Championships in 2011, 2012, and 2018 and the World Triathlon Cross Championships in 2012 and 2018.

Her film career is astonishing. She co-wrote and was the executive producer for the critically acclaimed film adaptation of the anti-war novel - All Quiet on the Western Front, which took home, as mentioned, Four Oscars from 9 nominations and won the 2022 BAFTA Award for Best film.

Lesley has authored the book, “The Brave Athlete,” with her husband, Dr. Simon Marshall PhD. The book offers so much practical advice and inspiration for anyone looking to improve their mental and physical performance.

Lesley's talent and versatility as an athlete, writer, and filmmaker are truly awe-inspiring.

Timestamps

3:27 - Greg and Lesley discuss the movie All Quiet On The Western Front and understanding the sensibilities in the German culture towards war. Then working with their German Director and co-writer who brought the story to the screen through his own personal knowledge of his heritage. watch the trailer here

In Germany there can be no heros in their war films

5:47 - Lesley describes how as a child she read the book in school, and then the 16 year journey from her first decision to create a modern adaptation, to finally seeing it on the big screen.

11:03 - Greg & Lesley chat about the award season in Hollywood and Lesley's experience and memories from what has been a whirlwind journey these past few years, culminating in 4 Oscars.

You get to the top by being absolutely obsessed in your craft

14:45 - After the Oscars Lesley was so disappointed with not receiving the award for Best Adapted Film. She describes her feelings and emotions and how she has channelled them into her other current projects.

You have your pity party, then you get angry, then you're like ... right, this is what I've got to do!

21:25 - Greg & Lesley rewind the clock and discuss her back ground through professional sport and how it led to her film career.

I liked to be the little devious one

25:37 - At what point did Lesley Paterson realise that she was pretty good at this triathlon sport, and at what point did she go full-in?

I was used to winning at a young age

41:34 - From focussing on her professional triathlon career, to focussing on her screen writing career, Lesley and Greg discuss the highs and lows within her career and how her persistence and hunger to improve has driven her towards the success she is now experiencing.

I had my pity party, but I had to do better

46:11 - The structure and stability of her sport and spending hours and hours and hours training for triathlon, allowed Lesley to focus and fund her dream of creating a modern movie adaptation of All Quiet On The Western Front.

48:15 - Just when Netflix approved the concept, COVID hit. After 16 years of dreaming and creating the concept, the script, connecting the team ... Lesley wasn't even allowed on the closed set due to Netflix crew protocols.

You've just got to be grateful - I mean, who gets a filmn made right?

53:45 - Greg asks Lesley for her 3 favourite movies of all time.

55:01 - What would Lesley tell her 18 year old self now that she has had all these life experiences?

55:31 - 3 people you would want to have dinner with (nonfamily, living or dead)?

58:57 - Greg & Lesley finish with some rapid fire Q&A.

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