This week, acclaimed artist/designer/director Jonathan Zawada reports to us live from the Australian countryside, where he details his long list of collaborations with artists like Flume, Mark Pritchard, and Radiohead's Thom Yorke. 

In true 50/50 Spirit, we unpack with Jonathan the intricate overlap between art, music, math, and identity.

From translating sound into visuals to navigating the fine line between advertising and fine art, Jonathan shares how commercial work can actually sharpen an artist’s craft. We dive into the beauty of collaborating with musicians—where mutual respect keeps toes unstepped on—and the importance of knowing which part of the creative process truly lights you up.

Jonathan also opens up about the inspiration he draws from fractal geometry and the natural world, the complex (and sometimes necessary) role jealousy plays in an artist’s journey, and why Los Angeles ultimately wasn't the place for him. 

Want to hear 3 guys nerd out about flowers? Well, you're in the right place! Enjoy.

JONATHAN'S WEBSITE

FLUME'S SKIN (ALBUM COVER ART by JZ)

TALL TALES (Tom Yorke & Mark Pritchard Concept Art)

This week, Alaman Diadhiou joins the pod. The guys discuss with Alaman what it really takes to carve out your own lane in the industry—and why you shouldn’t listen to people telling you to stay in theirs. 

They dig into the mindset shifts that keep you moving forward: realizing what’s good for you (not just what others expect), learning to compete with yourself instead of everyone else, and switching out of the “I’m not doing enough” spiral. Plus: the subtle art of making something look effortless when you’ve actually given it everything you’ve got.

And of course, they cover the importance of wearing multiple hats—metaphorically, and sometimes literally, if you happen to be in the national tour of MJ the Musical. From high level collaboration at songwriting camps in LA to establishing himself in NYC as trusted generator of new theater, Alaman is an oustanding example of how to carry purpose and academic rigor in everything you do. Take a listen folks! 

DEBBIE ALLEN DANCE ACADEMY (DADA)
ALAMAN'S NEXT PLAY

This week, 50/50 Class President (UTA Coordinator) Noah Wolfson joins us on the show. He breaks down why the balance of power has shifted into the hands of creators—and what that means for the industry at large. We explore how AI is streamlining production and cutting costs, while also threatening the traditional entertainment job pipeline. Plus, Noah shares how to network without making it transactional, and why just 15 seconds of discomfort could be the key to your next big break... 

Noah has attended every 50/50 festival to date, and we can't wait to see him at the next one. 

50/50 FESTIVAL FILM FREEWAY 

Book Recs: 

CAA POWERHOUSE

THE MAILROOM

WHO IS MIKE OVITZ

WHO KNEW: BARRY DILLER

THE RIDE OF A LIFETIME: BOB IGER

This week on the 50/50 Podcast, Bebe Katsenes joins us (LINDA wig sadly not included) to talk about the art of building a live comedy show from the ground up. She shares how her improv roots inform her standup, the origin story behind her and Johnny Marx’s beloved character LINDA, and how she keeps audiences coming back month after month.

We also dive into the challenges of finding your comedic voice in today’s divided standup scene—does only performing for like-minded crowds help or hurt the art form? Tune in to find out! 

GET YOUR TICKETS TO LINDA! (Monthly Comedy Show)

Clip of Bebe Performing

Take notes, people, because this is the ultimate how to episode! This week, we’re joined by Gabby Fiszman, co-founder of Odd One Out Films (with previous pod guest Maria Quesada). In this episode, Gabby walks us through exactly how she and Maria started Odd One Out on their own terms, through building trusted networks with their closest friends and collaborators.

Additionally, we touch on how to strategically transition away from your full time job while maintaining good relationships, gaining compassionate leadership skills through experience, varied forms of communication with your financiers, and yes… taxes. 

ODD ONE OUT

GABBY’S BAND, GROCERIES!

Ever wonder what it's like smoking cigarettes with Natasha Lyonne outside of UCB at the age of 15? Well, you're in the right place. This week, we chat with comedian/writer/performer RUBY KARP! Credits include AFTER MIDNIGHT on CBS, THE CHARLIE PUTH SHOW, and Ruby's debut Off-Broadway stint, I DON'T TRUST ADULTS! 

We dig deep into the trials and tribulations of childhood fame, how social media is vital for self promotion, and what it takes to invite collaboration into a solo act. This episode is NOT one to miss. Welcome to the 50/50 Family, Ruby.

RUBY IS STRESSED (New Insta Web Series)

THE CHARLIE PUTH SHOW

We have a new Dude of the Day, and it’s Jacob Staudenmaier! His 50/50 Nominated Film, BOYS, answers the very simple question: What do Boys do tho?... 

But when Jacob isn’t calling out the delicate turf war of masculinity, he is a jack-of-all trades filmmaker whose consistent output of professional grade shorts is awe inspiring. 

In this episode, we discuss how a viral promposal to Emma Stone unexpectedly sparked Jacob's filmmaking career, how he filmed a festival short in just three hours, and the simultaneous restrictions and privileges of shooting on film. Some of Jacob's work below! 

PEPPERONI

BABY

EMMA STONE, PROM?

This week, we’re joined by Rachel Brodsky, accomplished music/pop culture journalist. We spoke for just over an hour about what it's like to chart your own path in media and criticism, and what we in the film industry can learn from the film critic. Rachel shares the early words of encouragement that nudged her toward writing and analyzing pop culture, and how learning to think critically shaped her voice as a journalist.

Rachel brings up the challenges of breaking free from the algorithm to become your own curator, and how to sharpen your taste in an overwhelming media landscape. Rachel also reflects on her experiences interviewing actors like Mikey Madison and Eva Victor — including a behind-the-scenes look at Eva’s upcoming film, SORRY, BABY.

Rachel's Rolling Stone Article about SORRY, BABY linked here! 

In film, a "calling card" refers to a project, often a short film, designed to showcase a filmmaker's talent, style, and vision to potential collaborators and industry professionals (Wyatt didn't know this so we figured he'd learn it if he read the episode description). 

Well, this week, 50/50 Alum Maria Quesada gives us the ultimate download on HER Calling Card, HAPPY HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY, which she wrote, directed, produced, and STARRED in! She takes us through how to allow comedy to be enhanced with stellar visuals, how to take ego out of directing yourself, and spills her secrets on how to film a traffic scene on a small budget set. 

We also cover how family allows us to show love through humor, how to find projects that are authentically you, and we delve into her production company, Odd One Out Films, which she co-runs with Gabby Fiszman (future guest on the pod)! 

Maria's short was an offical selection of the 2025 50/50 Comedy Festival, and we look forward to having her back next year! 

LINK TO ODD ONE OUT PRODS

This week, we're diving headfirst into the wild world of animation with creators Torey Strahl and Elena Ridker. From knowing when it’s time to stop waiting for permission and start making your own work, to surviving the endless loop that is the Network Pitching Process, Torey and Elena share real talk on balancing creative ambition with commercial realities. We also get into the tricky business of separating your art from your income — and why that might just save your sanity.

If you're a cartoon nerd, an aspiring showrunner, or just curious about how an animated series gets made, this one's for you. Check out Torey and Elena’s offbeat animated series Buzzards Bay now streaming on Adult Swim’s YouTube channel. Elena’s already a 50/50 Comedy Festival alum, and we’re thrilled to officially welcome Torey into the 50/50 family!

LINK TO BUZZARDS BAY HERE!