Celebrate our 100th episode milestone with us as we welcome the ingenious Craig Dubitsky, the mastermind behind iconic brands like method, hello, and eos.
Discover Craig’s latest venture, happy, a new coffee brand developed with Robert Downey Jr. and in partnership with NAMI, the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Hear how Robert Downey Jr.'s exceptional palate played a vital role in perfecting happy's coffee blends and how a shared love for music sparked an enduring partnership.

We explore the collaboration with NAMI and the innovative integration of mental health resources directly into the coffee’s packaging, which aims to provide accessible support for those in need. Learn how this partnership transcends typical charity efforts by embedding meaningful mental health resources within the very fabric of the brand.

Craig-isms

• "Brew and Improved"
• Beautility - Beauty plus Utility
• FONT - Fear of Not Trying
• Don't just sustain the environment, improve it!

happy products
NAMI - National Alliance on Mental Illness

Please follow us on social media, share this episode with loved ones, and remember to celebrate happiness whenever and wherever you can! Here's to a hundred more episodes filled with creativity, connection, and inspiration!

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You may have spotted Jason R.A. Foster, a filmmaker, photographer, actor, and podcaster, in a few famous movies which we discuss. But moreover, he is a very talented filmmaker with a unique creative perspective.  Jason shares how his upbringing in the South, notably his time in New Orleans, has deeply influenced his work.  Learn how his unique storytelling style beautifully intertwines personal narratives with broader social justice themes.

His film "In Search of...Pregame" weaves together personal history, reflecting on his childhood and the poignant loss of his father. We also highlight his acting roles in popular films like "21 Jump Street" and "Hot Tub Time Machine 2."  Stay connected with us on social media to share your thoughts and support Jason's future endeavors.

Jason R.A. Foster
Jason on Instagram

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Can a haircut cure post-election blues? Since we can't go around cutting all our listeners' hair, we have done the next best thing.
We are sharing our best books and streaming picks. We implore you to TAKE A BREAK from the news! At least for a little bit.
Fresh off the Montclair Film Festival, we discuss Sean Baker's winning film Anora and Mikey Madison's mesmerizing performance that is still bouncing around in our brains. AI wants us to say we have plenty of reflections and insights in this episode, but we can't guarantee that.
Regardless, take a listen and let us know your thoughts!

Movies
Anora
Martha
Books
Oriana by Anastasia Rubis
Lucky Red by Claudia Cravens
Here One Moment by Lianne Moriarty
Nexus by Yuval Noah Harari
Project Hail Mary by Andy Weir
Shows
Pachinko Season 2
The Diplomat Season 2
Rivals
Podcast
Mamma Mia Out Loud

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Picture this: you're standing on stage with no script, no idea what's coming next, and a crowd waiting for you to make them laugh. That's the thrill of improv comedy, and it's exactly what Luke Ward, an improv teacher at Montclair Film, helps us uncover.

We discuss the challenges and vulnerabilities of performing improv, share personal experiences from our journeys in comedy, and explore how improv skills can enhance everyday life and creative endeavors. The conversation takes a turn as they attempt an improv skit, highlighting the importance of collaboration and the "yes, and" principle. Luke also shares his favorite spot in New Jersey, Lambertville, making this episode a delightful blend of laughter, learning, and local recommendations.

UCB - Upright Citizens Brigade
Montclair Film Improv Comedy Classes
Magnet Theater
Lambertville, NJ

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Imagine transforming your public speaking skills from shaky to sensational. In our latest episode, we talk to Laureen LeFever, a highly-rated Communications and Public Speaking professor at Montclair State University. We get practical tips that are applicable not only for formal speeches but also for everyday situations like meetings and family gatherings. Listeners will learn the importance of being authentic and treating a speech as a one-on-one conversation. Much like learning to drive, it's a skill that anyone can master with dedication and practice. Tune in to discover how to enhance your public speaking skills and become a more confident communicator, no matter the setting!

Laureen LeFever

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Listen to our conversation with the incredibly talented Carla Gutierrez, an Emmy and Eddie-nominated documentary editor who worked on notable films like RBG and Julia. We dive into her latest project, Frida, a stunning documentary about the life of Frida Kahlo that she directed. Carla shares her journey from Peru to New Jersey, her passion for documentary filmmaking, and the unique approach she took in bringing Frida's voice to life using her own words and animated art.

Frida is a 2024 documentary film directed by Carla Gutierrez about the life of Mexican painter Frida Kahlo. As Gutierrez's directorial debut, it was first shown at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, where it won the U.S. Documentary Jonathan Oppenheim Editing Award.

We discuss the complexities of Frida's life and the emotional depth of her work, making it clear why Frida is a must-see film.

We also talk about diversity and representation in the documentary film industry, with Carla sharing her thoughts on the evolving landscape and the power of mentorship. Whether you're captivated by Kahlo's legacy or passionate about the craft of documentaries, this conversation is packed with inspiration and thought-provoking insights.

Watch Frida now on Amazon Prime!

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Curious about what it takes to run one of the most popular venues in New Jersey? Join us for this episode to meet Anthony Morrison, the general manager of the historic Wellmont Theater in Montclair, New Jersey. With a rich history dating back to 1922, the Wellmont has evolved from a vaudeville venue to a vibrant hub for music, comedy, and variety shows. Anthony shares insights into his journey from sports management to the entertainment industry, the challenges of running a theater, and the importance of creating a memorable experience for both artists and audiences. He discusses recent upgrades to the theater, including a new sound system, and highlights the diverse range of performances that keep the community engaged. Tune in to learn more about the Wellmont Theater and get your tickets for a fabulous night out!

The Wellmont Theater

Some Upcoming Shows:
Chelsea Handler
Almost Queen - Queen tribute band
Neil Forever performs Neil Diamond

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Award-winning documentary filmmaker Julie Cohen joins us to share her insights and experiences from a remarkable career that spotlights pivotal social issues.

Known for her powerful films including the Emmy-winning "RBG" and the thought-provoking "Every Body" Julie discusses her journey into documentary filmmaking, and her collaborative process with co-director Mo Husseini on their upcoming film "The Path Forward," which explores the Israeli-Palestinian conflict through the lens of shared humanity and the quest for peace. Our conversation dives into Julie's previous documentaries, the importance of storytelling in understanding complex social issues, and the need for compassion and dialogue in today's polarized world. Press play for an insightful discussion that highlights the power of documentary film to foster understanding and inspire change.

Watch Julie's Films!

Julia

RBG

Every Body on Amazon Prime

My Name is Pauli Murray

Gabby Giffords Won't Back Down

The Sturgeon Queens

The Path Forward

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Tom Hall, the Co-Head and Artist Director of the impressive Montclair Film Festival, gives the inside scoop on Oscar-buzz festival films. We're talking about Blitz, Conclave, and Nightbitch. Tune in to hear about these and more must-see films airing at the festival just ahead of their U.S. release. 

Even if you don't live in Montclair, listen in to get the scoop on what to watch!

The Montclair Film Festival kicks off on Friday, October 18th, and runs through Sunday, October 27th. With approximately 130 films scheduled, including features and shorts, attendees will have plenty of options to choose from.
Listen to this episode as Tom Hall breaks it down for us:

• Opening Night Film: Conclave
  Directed by Edward Berger (All Quiet on the Western Front), Conclave stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and John Lithgow. The film explores the intense political process of selecting a new pope after the current one’s death, sure to ignite conversations.
• Family Centerpiece: Flow
  Flow is a no-dialogue animated film for all ages, following a cat in a post-environmental catastrophe world. Its adventure conveys a powerful environmental message.
• Doc Spotlight: Between the Mountain and the Sky
  This documentary follows New Jersey native Maggie Doybe, who founded a school and orphanage in Nepal. Maggie and some of the children will join a post-screening Q&A.
• Special Screening: Unstoppable
  Unstoppable tells the true story of Anthony Robles (Jharrel Jerome), a one-legged wrestler who overcame adversity with support from his mother (Jennifer Lopez) and coaches. Director William Goldenberg will attend a Q&A after the screening.
• Closing Night Film: The Piano Lesson
  The festival closes with The Piano Lesson, Malcolm Washington’s adaptation of August Wilson’s play. The film stars Samuel L. Jackson, John David Washington, and others, revolving around a family’s moral struggle over an ancestral piano.
• Panels and Discussions
  Industry panels, hosted by The Ankler, will discuss topics like AI in filmmaking and the awards season. Free and open to the public.

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Get insight into the unique creative process of Kevin Scott Cosme, the talented artist behind the stunning poster for the 2024 Montclair Film Festival. 

He discusses the inspiration behind his artwork – something about spells, spelling, and voodoo and we are totally on board! 

Kevin also shares the unique process he used for the festival poster, which captures the essence of the film without relying on traditional tropes. 

Enjoy this great conversation! 

• [00:02:26] Artist's journey to New Jersey.
• [00:04:20] Graffiti black books in Brooklyn.
• [00:08:30] Finding success in painting.
• [00:11:12] Emulating Robert Carter's artwork.
• [00:14:24] Montclair Film Festival artwork.
• [00:28:25] The emotional journey of painting.
• [00:32:15] Art and graphic design challenges.
• [00:35:17] Creative frustrations in collaboration.

#artist #painters #brooklyn #newjersey #montclair #film

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