In this episode, Jess and Heather explore the multifaceted career of Thresa Richardson, a true multi-hyphenate creative. Thresa shares her journey through various artistic roles, her experiences in the evolving landscape of vertical dramas, and the hard work that underpins her success. The discussion delves into themes of fearlessness, the importance of storytelling, and the realities of navigating the gig economy in the creative industry. Thresa emphasizes the need for resilience, the value of collaboration, and the excitement surrounding new narratives in the arts.

In this episode, Heather and Jess welcome Ron Mita, who discusses the evolution of storytelling, the changing landscape of film production, and the impact of globalization on narratives. He shares insights on navigating the industry as a screenwriter, the importance of networking, and the challenges faced by writers today. Mita emphasizes the need for aspiring writers to have a story to tell and to communicate their goals within the industry. He also reflects on the state of the industry, including the effects of streaming and the writer's strike, while offering valuable advice for those looking to break into the field.

In this episode, Heather and Jess welcome Ryan N. Taylor and Richard E. Taylor II from IFB Studios, also known as The Steampunk Bros. They discuss their journey from childhood to becoming co-owners of a production studio, the challenges they faced during COVID-19, and their unique branding approach. The conversation highlights the importance of accessibility in the film industry, community engagement, and the balance of multiple roles in a creative business. Ryan and Richard share valuable lessons learned and their aspirations for the future, including upcoming events and initiatives.

In this inspiring conversation, Heather and Jess sit down with Casting Director and Nonprofit Founder Jessica Sherman to explore both the art and heart of casting. Jessica shares her personal journey in the entertainment industry, the challenges she’s faced along the way, and the value of building genuine connections in an ever-evolving creative landscape. The trio discusses how casting has changed in a post-pandemic world and the power of community through Jessica’s nonprofit, A Cause for Entertainment, which raises awareness and support for those affected by breast cancer. Together, they reflect on the shared experiences of actors and casting directors, the joy of meaningful collaborations, and the importance of fostering a compassionate, inclusive industry.

In this episode of the Switching Two podcast, Heather and Jess chat with filmmaker Greg Payton, who shares his journey from a comic book enthusiast to an Emmy-winning director. He discusses the pivotal moments that inspired him to pursue filmmaking, including the influence of Tim Burton's Batman. Greg reflects on his experiences in film school, the challenges of entering the professional world, and the importance of pre-production in filmmaking. He emphasizes the need for grit and determination in the industry and encourages aspiring filmmakers to invest in their skills and continue learning. The discussion also touches on the blend of creativity and commerce in advertising, the significance of mentorship, and the evolving landscape of filmmaking.

In this special ‘Hot Take’ episode of the Switching Two podcast, Heather and Jess bring on Anthony L. Gilardi to delve into the implications of AI in the entertainment industry, particularly focusing on the emergence of AI talent like Tilly Norwood. They discuss the balance between technology and humanity, the challenges actors face in a changing landscape, and the ethical considerations surrounding AI and ownership of likeness. The conversation emphasizes the importance of authenticity in performance and the need for actors to adapt and evolve in response to technological advancements.

In this episode of the Switching Two podcast, Jess and Heather welcome Katharine Lotze, a multi-hyphenate creative and sports assignment editor at Getty Images. They explore Katharine's journey into photography and journalism, discussing the challenges of the industry, the importance of networking and internships, and the value of finding one's own path. Katharine shares valuable lessons learned from her experiences, insights into her role at Getty Images, and advice for aspiring photographers. The conversation wraps up with a look ahead at exciting upcoming projects, including the Winter Olympics.

In this episode of the Switching Two podcast, Jess and Heather dive into the realities of working in production, sharing personal stories and listener advice for the prompt “What’s a piece of advice you were given in your career that ended up being totally wrong for you?” They discuss the importance of knowing your fit in the industry, the value of networking, and the emotional challenges that come with production work. The conversation also touches on the significance of kindness in the workplace, the balance between confidence and preparation, and the evolving landscape of career advice.

In this episode of the Switching Two podcast, Heather and Jess welcome Lauren Bancroft, who shares her journey from a 14-year career in IT to becoming an independent producer in Los Angeles. She discusses her early interest in filmmaking, the importance of community in the industry, and her health and wellness journey. Lauren emphasizes the skills she transferred from IT to production, her experiences in indie filmmaking, and her commitment to creating respectful work environments. She also highlights her notable projects, including a Doctor Who fan documentary and a Billie Eilish documentary for Disney+. The conversation concludes with Lauren's optimistic view on the future of the industry and the importance of kindness and respect on set.