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What makes a brand truly unforgettable? Is it the logo, the tagline, or something deeper beneath the surface? In this fascinating conversation with Michael Dargie—author, podcast host, brand strategist, and self-proclaimed "octopus whisperer"—we explore the art and science of authentic brand storytelling.

Michael introduces us to the concept of "Brand Jitsu," his innovative approach that applies martial arts principles to brand strategy. Like his black belt training in Japanese Jiu-Jitsu, where techniques must be learnable in under three minutes to be useful in combat, Brand Jitsu provides businesses with fast, effective methods to find, shape, and share their unique stories. The secret? Focus on what lies beneath the surface—your values, vision, purpose, and personality—rather than just the visible elements like logos and websites.

Through compelling examples, including a funeral home campaign that celebrated life rather than focusing on death, Michael demonstrates how authenticity creates memorability. Drawing from his extensive background in improvisational comedy at Calgary's Loose Moose Theatre, he shares valuable insights about establishing audience expectations and the power of contrast in brand positioning: "When people are yelling, sometimes it's better to whisper." This philosophy has guided his award-winning Rebel Rebel podcast, where he interviews entrepreneurs and creatives who've found success by daring to be different.

Beyond branding, Michael's life philosophy of "do cool and weird shit with cool and weird people" has led him on remarkable adventures—from scuba diving with giant Pacific octopuses to motorcycle book tours across Canada. His boundless curiosity and willingness to say "yes" to new experiences inform both his personal journey and professional approach, culminating in advice we could all benefit from: "Believe in yourself. You're not going to, but you need to."

Ready to transform your brand from forgettable to unforgettable? Discover Michael's book "Brand Jitsu: How to Move Your Brand from Meh to Memorable," available now from Dundurn Press, and connect with his work at michaeldargie.com.

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The line between triumph and disaster often comes down to one thing: mental focus. In this eye-opening conversation, veteran Hollywood stunt performer and performance psychologist Brian Hite takes us behind the scenes of blockbuster films to reveal the psychological dimensions of high-risk work.

Few people occupy the unique intersection of practical danger and academic study like Hite.With over 100 film and television credits including Superman, Twilight, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, combined with a PhD in organizational psychology, he offers insights that challenge conventional wisdom about performance under pressure. 

"Pressure comes from a focus on consequences," Hite explains, sharing how a seemingly simple rooftop stunt became terrifying due to a 50-foot drop on one side. This perfectly illustrates his revolutionary approach: rather than learning to cope with pressure, eliminate it entirely by redirecting attention to the present moment. His four-phased performance method provides a practical framework for anyone facing high-stakes situations.

The conversation weaves through fascinating behind-the-scenes stories – from learning stunt work at a Batman theme park show to establishing mentorship networks in Hollywood and working with military personnel on resilience training. Haidt's experiences demonstrate how the mental game applies equally to dangerous physical feats and everyday challenges.

Most profoundly, Hite offers liberating wisdom about life's journeys: "There is no path. Every step that we take, the path manifests underneath us." This perspective frees us from the anxiety of missing predetermined routes to success and reminds us that our unique experiences shape who we become.

Ready to transform how you handle pressure in your own life? Connect with Brian at [email protected] or visit brianheightglobal.com to discover how performance psychology can help you thrive when stakes are highest.

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From the bohemian streets of 1980s New York to the colorful world of children's television, Billy Aronson has crafted stories that resonate across generations. In this revealing conversation, the playwright and screenwriter who first conceived the idea for RENT shares the creative spark that would eventually become a Broadway sensation.

"I really felt I wanted to do something with that great Bohème inspiration of what it's like being young and fighting for your life in the city, but with the modern edge," Billy explains, describing how Puccini's opera collided with the stark realities of Reagan-era Manhattan to birth a cultural touchstone. Though Jonathan Larson later developed the musical that would win multiple Tony Awards, Billy's fingerprints remain on its DNA.

What's remarkable about Billy's journey is how seamlessly he navigated between sophisticated theatrical works and beloved children's programming. After establishing himself as a playwright, financial practicality led him to writing for shows like Sesame Street, Beavis and Butt-Head, and eventually co-creating the Emmy-winning PBS series Peg + Cat. Rather than seeing these as separate creative worlds, Billy insists the fundamental artistic impulse remains constant: "I don't think, oh, a kid would like this. I make myself laugh and move myself and thrill myself with what I'm writing."

The conversation takes a poignant turn as Billy discusses the depression that has shadowed his creative life, culminating in a major episode that temporarily robbed his world of meaning and color. This experience, along with his strategies for recovery – from yoga to therapy to medication – forms the emotional core of his memoir "Out of My Head: Learning to Reach People Through the Arts." Far from a typical how-to guide, the book explores the fundamental human desire to connect through creative expression.

For those struggling to establish themselves in the arts, Billy offers hard-won wisdom: "When you knock on a lot of doors and one opens, one will open, and that's your career." His advice to his younger self – "don't worry so much, it's gonna be okay" – serves as a comforting reminder that creative journeys, while challenging, have a way of working out in unexpected ways.

Join us for this enlightening conversation with a true creative polymath whose work has touched countless lives through stage, screen, and page. Whether you're an aspiring artist or simply curious about the creative process, Billy's insights will leave you inspired to pursue your own path of authentic expression.

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Bonnie Clevering's half-century career as a Hollywood hairstylist reads like a who's who of cinema royalty. From styling Elvis Presley and Bette Davis during the twilight of the studio system to creating iconic looks for Julia Roberts, Brad Pitt, and Kristen Stewart, Bonnie has maintained the perfect coif through five decades of filmmaking evolution.

Her journey began in 1964 when she arrived in Hollywood with a Florida hairstyling license and a dream. Through determination and a fortuitous connection, she found herself working at 20th Century Fox, learning the essential craft of theatrical hairstyling – from applying period wigs to creating looks that could withstand the demands of filmmaking. As she shares in this candid conversation, the role extends far beyond styling; it's about maintaining meticulous continuity across scenes that might be filmed months apart.

Bonnie's stories humanize the legends she's worked alongside. She recalls playing practical jokes on Elvis (including one involving spirit gum as "hand lotion" that left The King picking adhesive from his fingers all night), cooking her famous sausage biscuits and gravy for the Ocean's Eleven cast in Las Vegas, and witnessing Brad Pitt's quiet generosity toward crew members facing personal hardships. Throughout her extraordinary career spanning 120+ productions, she's developed close bonds with directors like Oliver Stone and Steven Soderbergh, becoming part of their trusted "family" of collaborators.

Perhaps most fascinating is Bonnie's perspective on Hollywood's transformation – from the controlled environment of studio lots to the global, budget-conscious productions of today. Her advice to aspiring hairstylists and her younger self alike? "Take everything a little lighter and not quite so serious." Discover more of Bonnie's remarkable Hollywood journey in her upcoming memoir "Continuity: Life Beyond the Credits," available this September on the books website: https://continuitybybonnieclevering.com/

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Behind the curtain of Hollywood glamour lies a world where relationships and human creativity remain paramount, even as technological disruptions reshape the industry. Talent agent Jason Norris pulls back that curtain, giving us a rare glimpse into the fascinating dynamics of actor representation and what makes careers in entertainment truly flourish.

When Jason founded his Toronto-based talent agency YCAA in February 2020—just weeks before the pandemic changed everything—he brought a revolutionary approach to talent management. Rather than adopting the volume-based, transactional model common in the industry, he built his agency on deep relationships with a carefully curated roster of actors. "It became really apparent to me that there was a lot of ownership on the parents to understand what the expectation was, and a lot less management," Jason explains about his experience seeking representation for his daughter, which ultimately inspired him to create the agency he couldn't find.

The conversation navigates through several compelling territories—from the unlikely blessing of launching during lockdown (which allowed YCAA to pioneer virtual "Meet the Pros" sessions connecting actors with industry leaders) to the delicate financial ecosystem that makes international film production possible. Jason breaks down how tax incentives and exchange rates drive decisions about where films are made, creating a symbiotic relationship between Hollywood and production hubs like Canada and Scotland.

Most reassuring for creative professionals is Jason's perspective on AI. Drawing from recent conversations at the Canadian Screen Awards, he shares industry consensus that while artificial intelligence will find its place in production processes, it cannot replicate "the heart that we have inside of each other, the stories, the actual real-life stories that we've lived, and the emotion that came with that." This human element—the perfectly imperfect quality of authentic storytelling—remains irreplaceable.

Whether you're an aspiring actor wondering what agents really look for, a filmmaker curious about production economics in a global market, or simply a lover of film and television wanting to understand the industry better, this episode offers valuable insights from someone who's built a thriving agency by seeing the humanity behind the business. Subscribe now and join our conversation about the past, present, and future of storytelling on screen.

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Jason Connell's creative journey unfolds like a masterclass in artistic evolution. Born in Tulsa, Oklahoma—where Francis Ford Coppola filmed The Outsiders and Rumblefish—Jason absorbed filmmaking magic from an early age through these seminal productions and repeated viewings of Jaws on HBO. These cinematic influences planted seeds that would later flourish across multiple media platforms.

His path to Los Angeles wasn't immediate. Working methodically through college and beyond, Jason taught himself editing, built confidence through small projects, and eventually made the significant move to California at age 32. The universe delivered a pivotal moment when he signed up as an extra on HBO's Six Feet Under, exposing him to the fascinating subculture of background actors. This experience sparked his first documentary, "Strictly Background," which took three years rather than his anticipated six months to complete, but became a festival darling that launched his filmmaking career.

Nine more documentaries followed, including "Holy Rollers: The True Story of Card Counting Christians." Simultaneously, Jason founded the United Film Festival, which expanded to multiple cities over its twelve-year run. This platform allowed him to honor cinema legends like John Landis and Vilmos Zsigmond, while showcasing independent films to appreciative audiences. When both documentary production and festival management began feeling unsustainable, Jason pivoted again—this time to podcasting.

His flagship show "Let's Talk Cobra Kai" exemplifies his talent for identifying opportunities and building communities around content. What began as a modest podcast about a YouTube Red series has become the number one Cobra Kai podcast, recently celebrating its 200th episode. This success spawned multiple additional podcasts under his Just Curious Media brand, including the rapidly growing "Good Thinking" positive affirmation series.

Throughout these transitions, Jason maintains core principles: find your tribe, maintain clear vision, create without delay, and adapt to changing circumstances. His most poignant revelation? Learning to be kinder to himself after years of intense self-pressure and comparison to others' timelines of success. His story serves as a roadmap for creative professionals navigating today's rapidly evolving media landscape.

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Step into a time machine of broadcasting history as Professor John Cook unveils the extraordinary story behind his rare interviews with two television visionaries – Dennis Potter and Sidney Newman.

As a PhD student in 1990, Cook secured what would become a treasured artifact in television history: a candid, two-and-a-half-hour conversation with the notoriously private Dennis Potter, creator of groundbreaking dramas like "The Singing Detective." This wasn't just any interview – it was a champagne-fueled verbal sparring match in a London basement that revealed the soul of a writer who transformed television drama with his revolutionary techniques and deeply personal themes.

The magic lies in the details: Potter arriving late, demanding champagne, chain-smoking throughout while delivering eloquent insights about his craft. "If you listen carefully," Cook reveals, "he would go into a soliloquy and actually reveal many of the secrets." Thanks to modern AI technology, these fragile interview tapes have been restored to near-studio quality, bringing Potter's voice back to life with remarkable clarity after 35 years.

Equally fascinating is Cook's encounter with Sidney Newman, the dynamic Canadian producer who created Doctor Who and revolutionized BBC drama in the 1960s. Newman's candid claim that George Lucas stole the design for R2-D2 from his iconic Daleks provides a delightful glimpse into television history from the man who helped shape it. These interviews capture a pivotal moment in broadcasting's evolution through the words of those who pushed its boundaries.

Whether you're a television history buff, a Doctor Who fanatic, or simply appreciate hearing creative minds discuss their work with honesty and depth, these restored conversations offer unprecedented access to the thoughts, processes and personalities of two men who forever changed what television could be. Subscribe to the JRC Media YouTube channel to hear these remarkable historical artifacts for yourself.

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Step into the TARDIS as we journey from the vibrant markets of Lagos to the dazzling stages of an intergalactic Eurovision in our analysis of Doctor Who's groundbreaking fifth and sixth episodes. These stories aren't just adventures in time and space—they're cultural landmarks that showcase the extraordinary vision of Shuti Gatwa's Doctor.

"The Story and the Engine" marks a historic milestone—the first Doctor Who episode penned by a black male writer and featuring an almost entirely black cast. We unpack how Inua Ellams transforms a Nigerian barbershop into a celebration of African storytelling traditions, exploring the episode's theatrical origins and its fascinating departure from the show's typically science-based approach. The Doctor's acknowledgment of his black identity creates powerful new dimensions to the character we've known for sixty years.

Meanwhile, "The Interstellar Song Contest" delivers a spectacle worthy of Eurovision itself, with Disney+ production values elevating the visuals to cinematic heights. But beneath the glitter lies a darker political allegory about oppressed peoples denied cultural expression. We examine how this episode—cleverly scheduled before the actual Eurovision broadcast—uses music as both weapon and healing force, while taking the Doctor to morally ambiguous territory we rarely see.

Both episodes reveal how Doctor Who has evolved into something profoundly personal, with themes and settings shaped around Gatwa's identity and interests. The reintroduction of classic elements—including the return of the Doctor's granddaughter Susan after nearly 60 years and the villainous Time Lord known as the Rani—shows Russell T Davies balancing innovation with reverence for the show's rich history.

What does this new direction mean for the future of Doctor Who? Join our conversation to explore how this iconic series is becoming more politically engaged than ever before, creating memorable television that tackles contemporary issues through the lens of science fiction. Share your thoughts on these episodes—we'd love to hear your perspective!

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Dennis Potter Like You’ve Never Heard Him Before — Restored, Revealing & Remarkable 🎙️

To mark what would have been the 90th birthday of the legendary screenwriter and author Dennis Potter (The Singing Detective, Pennies from Heaven), an audio extract from a rare 1990 interview is being released, having been restored to near studio quality for the first time in 35 years.

🎧 Originally recorded on cassette tape and almost unlistenable due to poor sound quality, this restored powerful 6-minute clip captures Potter in full reflective mode—deeply personal and poetic; talking eloquently about his life, work, and legacy in a way that almost feels like his ultimate artistic statement.

🕰️ Recorded when Potter was still at the peak of his powers—four years before his untimely death—this conversation was part of the first ever British PhD on his work, and offers rare and essential insight into one of television’s greatest minds.

The restored interview is preceded by a 3 minute introduction by the interviewer, Prof. John Cook (now Emeritus Professor of Media, Glasgow Caledonian University, Scotland) who sets the scene, explaining the context of the original recording and of how Potter's voice has been brought back to life with the help of modern digital tools.

🔥 Whether you're a longtime fan or discovering Dennis Potter for the first time, this is a must-watch moment in British cultural history.

👇 If you enjoy this clip, please like, comment, and subscribe—there may be more unreleased gems to come…

📬 For questions, comments, or media enquiries, feel free to contact Professor John Cook via messaging on LinkedIn

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Have you ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes of British tabloid journalism? In this captivating episode, we’re joined by Bill Coles, whose 25-year career at publications like The Sun offers a masterclass in the art of the scoop.

Bill takes us from the hallowed halls of Eton to the fast-paced, high-stakes world of Fleet Street. With sharp wit and candid reflection, he recounts how his privileged background initially marked him as an outsider—until Prince William’s enrollment at Eton turned him into The Sun’s secret weapon. His tales, including schoolboy informants (one nicknamed “Agent Orange”), offer a revealing look into a now-banned era of tabloid tactics.

The episode also dives into Bill’s latest novel, Movie Rogue, a deliciously sharp fictional account of a tabloid reporter infiltrating Stanley Kubrick’s enigmatic Eyes Wide Shut film set. Drawing on his real-life experiences as a movie extra alongside stars like Colin Firth and Brooke Shields, Bill blurs the line between fact and fiction with ease. His behind-the-scenes knowledge—like Kubrick making Tom Cruise redo a doorway entrance nearly 100 times—adds rich detail to this cinematic satire.

From newsroom rivalries and royal scandals to a blind date with Ivana Trump, Bill’s stories are as outrageous as they are enlightening. He weighs in on everything from Harry and Meghan (“Fleet Street gold”) to the enduring mystery of Lord Lucan, sharing timeless lessons on what makes stories truly stick.

Follow Bill @williamcoles1 and look out for Movie Rogue, coming this autumn!

Want to learn more about Bill Coles, his books, or his latest adventures?
Connect with him here:
Website: https://www.wcoles.com/
Instagram: @billcolesauthor

Do you want to be a guest on the show email us on [email protected]

#WritingCraft #MediaAndFiction #AuthorInterview #NewBookAlert #CreativeProcess #JournalismToFiction #TheFinalCut #BillColes #MovieRogue #WritingTips #BookLovers #ReadersOfInstagram #WritingCommunity 

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