The Big Twist

In this episode, we sit down with prolific thriller and mystery writer Minoti Vaishnav to discuss her journey from aspiring pop star to television writer. Minoti shares how her relentless work ethic, commitment to building meaningful relationships, and how her experience producing reality TV shaped her unique voice and experience as a TV writer. Her tenacity, industry insight, and practical advice make this conversation a great listen for anyone pursuing a career as a writer in Hollywood.You'll also hear about:Minoti's philosophy that you don't have to know everything to succeed. If you're willing to do the work, believe in yourself, and stay persistent, you'll figure it out.How fellowships have accelerated her career through mentorship—and just how many she's been accepted into (spoiler: it's a lot!).The additional obstacles writers of color often need to overcome to build a successful career.How to not only play the game but beat the game to find success as a TV writer. Why having multiple writing samples has been a key factor in her success.Why knowing which problems are yours to solve on set—and which aren't—is essential.Her strategy for staying connected by leaning on her creative community.How she maintains discipline by scheduling dedicated writing time and how she avoids procrastination.

In this episode, we talk with iconic screenwriter and author, Kim Krizan about her inspiration for writing the iconic "Before Sunrise" and "Before Sunset" films. She shares with us the story of meeting Richard Linklater while acting in one of his earliest films, "Slacker," and how their writing partnership grew from there. Kim took a deep interest in the Diarist Anais Nin and gives us insight into the book she wrote about her, "Spy in the house of Anais Nin." Kim elaborates on her curiosity around why people are creative and what she’s learned about how we “create our way out of our wounds.” You’ll also hear about: Kim's philosophy of kindness, and how it fuels her work as a teacher at a community college, how valuable it can be to come at things with just enthusiasm, even if you don’t have all the knowledge, how utilizing many creative outlets can free you up when working on the one important project in your life, how Kim was influenced by a diverse group of artists during her time living in Austin, and how fluidity with her creativity opened her up to more inspiration, the value of "just going on the ride," and not having a solid plan but an idea of what you want and trusting you’ll get where you want to go with a broad goal or direction, how creativity is vital to humanity’s survival, and not just a frivolous pursuit, and how what you’re drawn to has a purpose.

If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

Instagram: @thebig_twist

In this conversation with each other, we dive into our latest developments, sharing where we are 16 episodes into recording The Big Twist, dive into what makes a great performance and making art in the age of AI. Angela talks about taking an acting class for non-actors and a directing workshop that inspired her to get back into directing and taught her to be less precious about her own work. Anna shares what sets great actors apart from average ones, and her experiences working with some amazing co-stars, learning from the best the difference that a great scene partner can make. We also explore the state of the film industry and what gives us hope at this current moment. If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

In this episode, we talk with Actor/Writer turned Health Advocate Taylor Coffman about how her harrowing near death experience completely redefined her life’s purpose She shares with us her memories of crashing when a rare disease was triggered in her body immediately after giving birth to her daughter. After days in a coma, an out of body experience, and being weaned from dialysis, she emerged as a mother and wife forever changed, dedicating her life to helping other patients find hope, empowerment and meaning while living with chronic disease. You’ll also hear about: How using your creativity to advocate for yourself and others is so rewarding, how important it is to get creative navigating within the systems that exist, how being polite can directly impact your level of care in a hospital, and how keeping faith and hope alive can be a fight but it’s worth the effort.You can find Taylor on Instagram ‪@taylorcoffmanmade and read her Substack, "Rare Disease Girl," at: https://taylorcoffman.substack.com/ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

In this conversation with Actor turned Director Michelle Carter, we dive into her incredible plot twists, from her childhood home getting destroyed by Hurricane Katrina, to watching an episode of "Hannah Montana" and realizing she wanted to pursue acting, then landing her first acting job on "Hannah Montana." Michelle also walks us through becoming a "movie surfer" for The Disney Channel, meeting her future husband when they were both teen stars and the pressure they faced to keep that relationship a secret since he was in a boy band, continuing to act as an adult, and landing the role of Madison Kelly in BET's "The Quad" before she pivoted into running her own Creative Agency with her husband -- Shot by the Carters. We also dive into the importance of leading with joy, making lemonade out of lemons, how to peacefully collaborate with your significant other, and the importance of tailoring your communication style to specific individuals. You can find Michelle on Instagram ‪@mdefraites -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know!

In this conversation with TV and Film Producer Deniese Davis, we dive into Deniese's big pivots, from producing Issa Rae’s award-winning web series "The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl" to producing the HBO hit series, "Insecure," then launching her own production company, Reform Media Group, and most recently producing "One of Them Days" as well as "Hard Feelings," financed by Tyler Perry Studios. We also explore the cultural impact of "Insecure," how to stop waiting for permission to creatively pursue what you love, how you have to learn to wear many hats as a producer, how creatives can meet this inflection point in the TV and film industry, and how stepping out of your comfort and betting on yourself pays off. You can find Deniese on Instagram ‪@smsdeniese -- Find out more about The Producing Playbook Deniese created at: https://www.theproducingplaybook.com/ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

In this conversation with TV Drama and Features Writer Sabrina Almeida, we dive into how, by focusing on self care and silencing the inner critic, you can become more productive as a writer and avoid burnout. You’ll also learn about:Sabrina's big pivot, from pursuing aerospace engineering and working for NASA to enrolling in USC's producing program, and eventually writing for major sci-fi shows like "Andor" and "For All Mankind." How losing her brother to cancer at a young age led her to realize how life is too short to not pursue what you're truly passionate about (in her case, writing). How the way you present yourself matters in the film industry more than in the hard sciences. Why so many TV writers have pivoted to writing features. How AI will continue to reshape society, and how it presents some interesting dilemmas for writers to mine. The best way of giving other writers and creatives feedback on their work. And how tailoring your communication style to a given person can increase the odds that your advice will be implemented. You can find Sabrina on Instagram ‪@sabrinacapoeira‬ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

In this conversation with TV Comedy Writer Shelley Dennis, we talk about how pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and operating from a growth mindset can help you accomplish your goals and unlock your true potential. You’ll also hear about:

How investing in yourself pays off, and the benefits of taking classes and hiring life coaches at different crossroads in your career in order to grow past previous ceilings.

The day-to-day life of a TV writer working on a sitcom like Happy's Place and The Conners.

How focus and determination are just as important, if not more so, than talent and drive.

How Shelley overcame an extreme fear of public speaking by pushing herself to perform stand up comedy, and how she went from crying in her car after sets to loving performing.

Thinking of comedy like math, and studying and practicing the formula of jokes in order to perfect it.

How breakups can help you grow in ways you didn't think were possible, pushing you to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on others for your own happiness and fulfillment.

How Charlie, her dog, is the best at punching up jokes.You can find Shelley on Instagram ‪@shelleydennis‬ Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

In this episode with TV and Broadway Actor Christine Lin, we dive into her fascinating journey, from getting a biomedical and electrical engineering degree from Duke University, to giving up that path to be a theatre actor in Chicago before returning to it as a consultant, and eventually moving to NYC to star in a Broadway play (David Henry Hwang's "Chinglish") before settling in LA. We also dive into her martial arts training, the Chicago theatre scene, how being a mother sharpens your self-healing abilities, and the power of giving something a go even when you're unsure about the outcome. Other topics include landing representation, productivity apps, the importance of building up your savings when times are good if you work in a creative field, and how COVID and the strikes have impacted the entertainment industry. You can find Christine on Instagram  @Christine2Lin . Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

In this interview with Actor/Writer Anna Carini and TV Writer/Producer Angela Trevino, we dive into our creative process for making this podcast as well as for auditions and writing. We share where we are in our journey eight episodes into creating The Big Twist, laugh at our mistakes, lament the pressures of being on camera and discuss our different approaches to hosting a podcast. We also introduce our fabulous producer, John! Anna shares how trusting her gut got her the job on a TV show, and Angela gets real about the experience of seeing herself on camera when she’s always tried to remain behind it. We also explore the current state of the industry in 2025, the impact the fires in January had on our communities, and what wins we’re celebrating this year! This episode is a pivot from our usual format of interviewing other creatives. Join us as we reflect on how far we’ve come in our podcasting journey, and what we’re looking forward to!