Alex Plumb is an award-winning Bolivian-Kiwi filmmaker whose debut feature, Turn Me Dark, is a dark modern fairy tale built on dreamy unease. We talk about growing up between two worlds, the mother who filled his childhood with fairy tales and make-believe, and how that became the "dangerously dreamy" aesthetic he's known for. Alex breaks down why taste is the real currency in filmmaking (money just amplifies it), how he built a feature with almost nothing, and why being bold and a bit resourceful matters more than having a big budget. We also get into how he directs actors through atmosphere and feeling rather than a tight script, and why he thinks fairy tales are still one of the best ways to tell the truth.

In a world where every act of creativity can feel like a political statement, Bridget Crooks and Justin Rogers dive deep into the heart of artistic activism. Discover how Bridget's journey through the vibrant landscape of political music, particularly the works of Billy Bragg, ignites a conversation about the role of art in shaping societal narratives. If you're an artist, educator, or simply someone grappling with the intersection of creativity and politics, this episode invites you to re-think what your art can achieve.

Bridget shares her personal connection to the political themes in Bragg's music and how they resonate with her teaching. "Teaching is a political act," she asserts, and through discussing the choices she makes in her classroom, you'll uncover the profound impact of micro-decisions in fostering inclusivity. You'll discover:

• How revisiting art can shift your perspective on its message.
• The significance of choosing body representations in art education to challenge societal norms.
• Insights on "Hope Punk"—the idea that small, hopeful actions can create ripples of change.

Bridget’s reflections on her teaching practices reveal the power of incremental change in the face of overwhelming societal issues. This episode is essential listening for anyone interested in utilizing their skills for social good, and understanding the political weight of everyday choices.

Join us as we explore how creativity can be a tool for transformation and why every small act matters in the grand scheme of things. Perfect for artists, educators, and anyone curious about how to make a difference through their craft. Tune in and find out how you can contribute to a more hopeful narrative in your own way.

In this episode, Justin sits down with filmmaker Conor Bowden to talk about the long road behind his feature film and the lessons that came from making it. Conor shares why he started before he felt fully ready, how accountability and community kept the project moving, and what he learned about collaboration, editing, and trusting the process.

They also dig into the emotional side of living with a project for years, the power of breaking big goals into small steps, and why time is often the missing ingredient in creative work.

If you’ve ever waited for the “perfect” moment to start, this conversation is a reminder that progress often begins long before you feel prepared.

Jon Hunter is a high performance acting coach from New Zealand. In this conversation, Justin and Jon explore the intricacies of mentorship in acting, the balance between patience and intensity in coaching, and integrating acting into everyday life. Jon emphasizes the need for resilience and the ability to embrace discomfort, ultimately framing acting as a lifestyle rather than just a career. Jon also talks about the importance of building emotional capacity and understanding the essence of the craft. The conversation culminates in advice for those feeling unfulfilled, emphasizing the need for action and support from others.

Time Stamps

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Tone

03:03 What Drives Us: Passion and Impatience

05:58 The Importance of Long-Term Relationships in Mentorship

09:07 Balancing Patience and Intensity in Coaching

11:58 Acting as a Lifestyle: Beyond the Stage

14:47 The Soft Skills of Acting: Empathy and Generosity

18:03 The Concept of Beauty in Acting and Life

21:07 How We Do Anything is How We Do Everything

24:09 The Resistance to Integrating Acting into Daily Life

26:53 Living with Ease: The Art of Letting Go

29:48 Training Resilience: Embracing Discomfort

33:02 The Role of Cold Exposure in Building Resilience

35:51 Staying Present: The Actor's Journey Through Emotion

41:32 Building Capacity in Acting

45:57 Understanding the Essence of Acting

52:06 The Programmer's Approach to Acting

56:58 Navigating Rehearsals and Character Development

74:12 Taking Action and Overcoming Fear

75:06 Exploring Voice Techniques in Acting

78:09 The Belief in Acting Potential

81:27 Defining Different Types of Acting

87:29 Chasing High Performance in Acting

92:30 Evolving Beliefs About the Body

99:44 Advice for Unlocking Potential