The 50/50 Podcast

This week, Luke and Wyatt sit down with writer/comedian Vanessa Jackson —whose path to standup comedy began, believe it or not, in a “red carpet interview” class that was... sketchy AF. 

Vanessa walks us through her years in comedy, from the early open mics to her current “refinement era,” where she’s polishing instead of carving. She shares why comedy can be honed but not learned, what day jobs actually help comedians grow, and how her relationship with her stage persona finally clicked in year seven.

We also dive into the real differences between LA and NY standup scenes, what a healthy dynamic with agents and managers looks like, and what her time at Saturday Night Live taught her about imperfection, chaos, and pitching a sketch solo to Dave Chappelle.

IMDB

STAND-UP SPECIAL: AMERICAN GIRL

Our guest this week, Wylie Anderson, has a background in theater education, which she carries deeply into her craft as a filmmaker. So, it's no coincidence that Wylie brings a thorough understanding of learning styles and emotional intelligence into her filmmaking—skills that shine in her debut short HOW TO CRY ON COMMAND, centered on a young girl learning to navigate vulnerability in the digital age.

But the crux of this episode has to do with PROCESS. We discuss how to pitch yourself with confidence, and how to embed your artistry into every phase of the process—from conceptualizing to execution. Plus: Wylie shares what actually makes a great pitch deck! 

We welcome Wylie into the 50/50 Family with open arms, and can't wait to see her at the next fest!

TICKETS: 50/50 HORROR FESTIVAL!

WYLIE'S WEBSITE

HOW TO CRY ON COMMAND

It's a high school reunion this week! The guys chat with singer-songwriter Ava Maybee, who gives us an inside look at what it takes to flourish as an independant musician. On this episode, Ava discusses her evolving relationship with beauty (and Luke's relationship with his hair), her songwriting process (including the challenges of taking a lyrics-first approach), and the moment she found her dream team of producers. 

Ava also walks us through the speech she gives before every live show; she sets the tone for a space where everyone can express themselves like no one’s watching. Ava also shares why she never writes from a place of anger, how she once rented a Craigslist ambulance for a music video, and what true leadership looks like as an independent artist still charting her own course without a label. 

AVA'S MUSIC

AVA'S INSTAGRAM

This week on the Pod, the guys chop it up with writer/comedian Brandon Scott Wolf, who proves that putting in the work—whether it’s daily pages or building friendships—pays off in big, weird, and wonderful ways. He walks us through the very unconventional path that led to becoming a contributing writer on SNL’s Weekend Update (spoiler: it involves his iconic site DateBrandonScottWolf.com [RIP]), working with Neil Patrick Harris on Best Time Ever, and why waiting around for your reps to call isn’t the move. You want the gig? You go get the gig.

We also talk about Brandon’s early role in Will Smith's YouTube channel, which basically invented the idea of celebs leaning into digital content and parasocial marketing—a strategy that’s everywhere now. Plus, Brandon brings a ton of his own projects to the table (seriously, he’s pitching left and right), digs into the importance of building out your own IP, and shares why his current, totally unexpected job is actually a perfect fit once you hear the backstory.

A STORY: DATE BRANDON SCOTT WOLF

BRANDON'S IMDB

BRANDON'S WEBSITE

This week, Luke and Wyatt banter with the brilliant Britt Berke! Britt's knowledge accrued as a theatre director applies not only to the stage, but universally. We discuss topics such as how to communicate with actors using precise, supportive language (ie getting actors out of their own heads!!), how to discover the "note behind the note," and how to establish a unique point of view on a script, even when said script is more than 100 years old. 

We also dive into diagnosing problems with theater games, navigating the financial realities of being a working director, and what it takes to build stability in the arts. Plus: Britt reflects on her relationship with New York’s evolving theater scene and shares exclusive hot takes on A24’s purchase of the Cherry Lane Theatre in the West Village. Enjoy, all! 

BRITT'S WORKS

THE WILD DUCK!

Prep your kits! Because this week, we chat with Nadia Reese Stone, who provides us with a unique glimpse into on-set life through the boldy-winged eye of a makeup artist. 

Through Nadia, we learn that makeup artists are some of the most essential, yet overlooked and undervalued people in the industry. And Nadia proves just why we need them; she walks us through visual touchstones such as prosthetics, creature design, and elevated beauty looks. Nadia spills the tea on what kinds of directors she works best with (the answer might surprise you), how to deepen relationships with actors, and the delicate balance between artistry and safety on set.

Whether you're an aspiring makeup artist or justifyably want to learn more about different roles on set, Nadia provides specific, yet universal advice: how to stand up for yourself on set, how to always remain prepared even with little notice before your gig, how to transform the way we think about beauty standards in media. 

We welcome Nadia to the 50/50 Family with open arms, and we look forward to her turning Wyatt into the creature from The Substance. 

NADIA'S WEBSITE

NADIA'S ART INSTA

EUPHORIA MAKEUP BOOK (A24)

This week, the guys sit down with writer-director-professor Aviv Rubinstien to talk about turning constraints into creative opportunities. Aviv shares how starting in horror taught him the value of budget limitations, why teaching sharpens his writing and widens his network, and how he’s built career longevity as a storyteller.

We also dig into the lessons behind his meta road-trip movie, what to do—and what not to do—when making a loosely scripted film on the road, and why choosing the right festival is more important than chasing the flashiest one.

AVIV'S IMDB

AVIV'S PODCAST 'IN SYNC' W/ FORMER 50/50 GUEST RACHEL BRODSKY

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