In this episode, we sit down with Erin Wahed, Director of Sales & Management at SMUGGLER and a multidisciplinary artist, to explore how filmmakers can embrace selling as a tool for authentic connection rather than a transactional process. Erin shares her unique perspective, blending artistry with strategy, and offers practical insights for navigating the advertising industry while staying true to your creative voice.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• Why so many filmmakers struggle with selling themselves and how to reframe the process.

• How to tap into your unique voice and build meaningful industry relationships.

• Practical advice for navigating pitch calls, building trust, and collaborating with brands authentically.

• The balance between creating art for its own sake and working with clients.

Erin’s journey demonstrates that selling doesn’t have to feel like a compromise- it can be an extension of who you are and what you offer.

This conversation was originally recorded live in The Nourish Community, a space for filmmakers dedicated to wellness, meaningful connections, and purpose-driven careers. Learn more at thenourish.community.

For personalized coaching tailored to your filmmaking journey, schedule a free consultation at JonathanBregel.com/coaching.

Enjoy the episode!

join The Nourish Community via 2 week free trial today: www.thenourish.community

In this weeks episode, filmmaker Eliot Rausch joins us to unpack the idea of emotional resonance in our creative and personal lives. Why do so many of us feel cold, cynical, and numb? How can we reconnect with our emotions and find deeper meaning in our work and relationships?

Eliot shares candidly about his journey from emotional disconnection to rediscovery through creative practice, emotional sobriety, and presence.

What You’ll Discover:

• How creativity can reconnect us with our emotions.

• The role of vulnerability in storytelling.

• Tools for cultivating emotional sobriety and authentic connection.

• Eliot’s reflections on finding balance amidst chaos.

Join The Nourish Community via 2 week free trial for more conversations like this and connect with a network of filmmakers dedicated to personal and professional growth. Visit us at www.thenourish.community or follow us on Instagram at @thenourish.community for updates and events.

The Nourish Community via 2 week free trial: www.thenourish.community

In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and storyteller Dan Chen to explore the role of vulnerability, anger, and frustration in the creative process. Dan shares the deeply personal journey behind his latest short film, You’re Too Sensitive, where he turns the camera on his own family to unpack complex emotions with humor and raw honesty.

Through candid conversation, Dan offers a unique perspective on how embracing sensitivity and exploring challenging emotions can lead to more authentic storytelling. He reflects on his path as a filmmaker, navigating the instability of the creative industry, and how personal projects have become a vital means of processing life’s hardships and building community.

What You’ll Discover in This Episode:

• How anger and frustration can fuel meaningful art.

• The lessons Dan learned about empathy and self-awareness while documenting his family.

• Why personal storytelling can deepen creative practice and connection.

• Insights on navigating the highs and lows of a filmmaking career.

• The transformative power of creating art that embraces vulnerability and imperfection.

Dan’s story is a testament to the power of storytelling—not just as a career, but as a way of connecting with ourselves and others. Whether you’re an artist, filmmaker, or simply curious about the intersection of emotions and creativity, this episode offers inspiration and practical insights for anyone on a creative journey.

Join The Nourish Community via 2 week free trial for more conversations like this and connect with a network of filmmakers dedicated to personal and professional growth. Visit us at www.thenourish.community or follow us on Instagram at @thenourish.community for updates and events.

Episode 27: “Being Present in Your Own Creativity” with Director Jovan Todorović

Explore the profound impact of presence on creativity with Jovan Todorović, an award-winning director and multi-disciplinary artist. Educated with an MFA from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, Jovan shares his journey of weaving presence into his artistic and personal life, offering insights that invite listeners to deepen their own creative practices.

In this episode, you’ll discover:

• How presence shapes Jovan’s approach to filmmaking and storytelling, with examples from his acclaimed works like The Belgrade Phantom and You’re Dead, America.

• The balance Jovan maintains between intuitive creativity and the rigorous demands of the film industry.

• Personal reflections on how life experiences, such as fatherhood, have transformed his artistic perspective.

• Practical strategies for embracing the moment, overcoming creative blocks, and leveraging challenges as growth opportunities.

Join our conversation to gain a deeper understanding of how artistic presence can lead to transformative outcomes in both work and personal realms. This episode is more than just advice—it’s an invitation to engage with your creativity on a profound level.

Connect with us:

For more enriching discussions and to join a community of filmmakers committed to growth, visit www.thenourish.community and follow us on Instagram @thenourish.community for the latest updates and events.

Episode 26 of the Nourish Podcast features celebrated production designer Caitlin Byrnes in a candid conversation about Balancing Personal Struggles and Professional Demands.

Caitlin has created immersive worlds for directors like Miles Jay and Andreas Nilsson, with her work earning recognition at the D&AD Awards, Ciclope Festival, Prism Prize, and more. While her career is filled with artistic achievements, Caitlin opens up about the behind-the-scenes challenges she faces in navigating the demands of a fast-paced industry.

In this episode, Caitlin and I explore topics like burnout, grief, and the importance of setting boundaries in a field that often rewards people-pleasing. She shares her journey of processing the loss of her best friend and collaborator, rediscovering joy through hobbies like horseback riding, and creating small, grounding rituals that help her stay connected to herself. We also dive into how slowing down has helped Caitlin become not only a better designer but also a more present and balanced creative.

Throughout the conversation, Caitlin reflects on the realities of freelance life, the pressures of perfectionism, and how she’s learning to advocate for her creative instincts without compromising her well-being. Her insights on collaboration, authenticity, and finding purpose in her work will resonate with anyone trying to balance personal growth with professional ambition.

Whether you’re a filmmaker, designer, or creative professional looking for strategies to stay grounded in a demanding career, this episode offers heartfelt stories and practical wisdom for finding balance in your own life.

Links:

• Caitlin’s Work: caitlinbyrnes.com

• Caitlin’s Instagram: @cait_byrnes

Join the Nourish Community:

The Nourish Community is a supportive network of filmmakers committed to wellness, meaningful relationships, and purpose. Join us for weekly events, insights from industry guests, and an inspiring space for like-minded creators.

Visit www.thenourish.community or follow us on Instagram at @thenourish.community.

Episode 25 of the Nourish Podcast features Emmy-nominated director and writer Daniele Anastasion in a conversation on Embracing the In-Between: Finding Purpose Beyond Paid Jobs.

In this episode, Daniele and I explore a topic familiar to all creatives: the uncertain, in-between moments between paid projects. While her films have premiered at Sundance, Tribeca, and BAM Cinemas, and she’s earned nominations for both Emmys and Independent Spirit Awards, Daniele shares the reality of what it’s like to find meaning and balance when the spotlight fades. She opens up about how volunteering and embracing these quiet, undefined times have enriched her life, allowing her to bring a more grounded, purpose-driven approach to her work.

Throughout the conversation, we dive into themes of finding fulfillment beyond the achievements, creating a practice of purpose, and the emotional challenges that come with navigating the freelance lifestyle. Daniele’s insights on redefining success, releasing the pressure to seek validation solely through work, and learning to trust in the process of self-discovery will resonate with any creative on a similar journey.

Later, I’m also joined by David Helman, a director whose work I greatly respect and who offers a powerful perspective on balancing career and purpose. Together, we discuss how the “in-betweens” offer unique opportunities for personal growth, creativity, and realigning with our values.

Whether you’re a filmmaker or a creative professional seeking a sense of purpose, this episode offers a candid look at how to make the most of every chapter in your journey.

Links:

• Daniele’s Work: anastasionfilm.com

• Daniele’s Instagram: @danastasion

• David’s Work: davidmhelman.com

Join the Nourish Community:

The Nourish Community is a supportive network of filmmakers committed to wellness, meaningful relationships, and purpose. Join us for weekly events, insights from industry guests, and an inspiring space for like-minded filmmakers. 
Visit www.thenourish.community or follow us on Instagram at @thenourish.community.

Episode 24 of the Nourish Podcast features award-winning director and writer Rod Blackhurst on the topic of "Behind the Glamour: Navigating the Highs, Lows, and Realities of a Filmmaker’s Journey."

In this episode, we sit down with Rod to explore the often-hidden challenges of building a career in the film industry. Despite his critically acclaimed work on films like *Here Alone*, which won the Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival, the *Amanda Knox* documentary for Netflix, and *Blood for Dust*, Rod shares the reality of balancing the highs of success with the struggles in between. From directing major projects to driving for Uber between jobs to support his family, Rod’s story is a raw and honest look at the sacrifices and risks filmmakers often face.

Throughout the conversation, Rod opens up about the pressures of finding constant work in a highly competitive industry, and the importance of creating autonomy in his career by doing things on his own terms. We discuss how to stay resilient in the face of uncertainty, learn from mistakes, and redefine success beyond the glamour of Hollywood.

Whether you're a filmmaker or someone navigating a creative career, this episode offers invaluable insights on how to balance professional ambitions with personal responsibilities. Rod's journey reminds us that true fulfillment comes not just from success, but from staying true to oneself and prioritizing what matters most.

Rod’s Website:⁠ rodblackhurst.com

Bio: Rod Blackhurst is an award-winning director known for his critically acclaimed film *Here Alone*, which won the Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival, and the Netflix documentary *Amanda Knox*. His latest film, *Blood for Dust*, has garnered praise for its raw storytelling. Despite his success, Rod’s career has been a journey of resilience, creativity, and personal growth.

The Nourish Community: We also invite you to join The Nourish Community (formerly Variable): a vibrant network of filmmakers dedicated to wellness, meaningful relationships, and purpose. Enjoy weekly events, insights from luminary guests, organic networking with like-minded individuals, exclusive content, and more.

Website:⁠ www.thenourish.community⁠  

Instagram:⁠ @thenourish.community⁠

Episode 23 of the Nourish podcast features renowned wildlife director/cinematographer Andy Casagrande on the topic of "Navigating Family Life and Career Fulfillment in Film.”

In this episode, we sit down with Andy to explore the unique challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding career in filmmaking with family life. Whether you are a wildlife filmmaker or not, there is much inspiration to be gleaned from Andy’s perspective.

In this episode, Andy shares his personal experiences of filming in some of the most remote and dangerous environments on Earth, while staying grounded and connected to his family. We’ll dive into how he navigates intense travel, long hours, and the physical demands of his work, all while prioritizing his roles as a husband and father.

Throughout the conversation, Andy will discuss the strategies he's developed to maintain a fulfilling family life without compromising his passion for capturing the natural world. We’ll explore how he stays emotionally and mentally resilient, handling the pressures of his career while still fostering strong connections with his family. 

Andy's Website: abc4explore.com

Andy's Instagram: @abc4explore

Bio:Andy Brandy Casagrande is an Emmy Award-winning wildlife cinematographer, director, and conservationist known for his stunning work with sharks and other apex predators. His career has taken him across all seven continents, filming for National Geographic, Discovery, BBC, and other major networks. Andy’s fearless approach to wildlife filmmaking has earned him widespread recognition, but beyond the adventure, he remains a dedicated husband and father, excelling at balancing the demands of his career with a fulfilling family life. Andy is represented in the USA by CAA.

The Nourish Community: We also invite you to join The Nourish Community (formerly Variable): a vibrant network of filmmakers dedicated to wellness, meaningful relationships, and purpose. Enjoy weekly events, insights from luminary guests, organic networking with like-minded individuals, exclusive content, and more.

Website: www.thenourish.community

Instagram: @thenourish.community

Formerly the Variable podcast, The Nourish Podcast sparks soulful conversations with filmmakers exploring the intertwining paths of creativity, wellness, and purpose. In Episode 22, co-hosts Ien Chi and Jon Bregel delve into the journey of rebranding from Variable to Nourish.

This episode highlights their personal experiences with career burnout and the motivations behind the rebrand, offering insights into the necessity of surrendering outdated identities to align with our true selves. Plus, they introduce their free mini eBook, "How to Thrive as a Filmmaker," available for download at www.thenourish.community. Tune into this episode to explore how to balance ambition with wellness and navigate your evolving identity in today’s demanding industry.

We also invite you to join The Nourish Community (formerly Variable): a vibrant network of filmmakers dedicated to wellness, meaningful relationships, and purpose. Enjoy weekly events, insights from luminary guests, organic networking with like-minded individuals, exclusive content, and more.

Website: www.thenourish.community

Instagram: @thenourish.community

Episode 21 of the Variable Podcast features director Miles Jay on the topic of “Thriving after early-career Burnout”

Podcast Description: Join us for an in-depth conversation with acclaimed director Miles Jay as we explore the topic of "Thriving After Early-Career Burnout." In this discussion, community co-host Jon Bregel engages Miles in a candid conversation about his journey through the highs of early success and the challenges of burnout. We dive into how Miles recognized the signs of burnout, navigated the recovery process, and ultimately reignited his creativity, passion, and love for the craft. The Q&A addresses the emotional and mental hurdles Miles faced, along with the strategies and mindset shifts that helped him return stronger and more focused on his artistic vision.

Miles' Website: https://milesjay.work/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/milesjay/

Miles' Bio: Miles Jay is a renowned director known for his compelling and heartfelt storytelling across commercials, music videos, and short films. His work has earned him an Emmy, multiple Cannes Lions, a DGA Award, and recognition at the Clio Awards. Jay has collaborated with high-profile talents such as Daniel Craig and John Malkovich, showcasing his ability to create impactful narratives that resonate with diverse audiences. His innovative approach has made him a sought-after director in the commercial space, working with major brands and artists, and establishing him as a leading figure in contemporary filmmaking. Miles is represented in the USA by CAA & SMUGGLER.

Variable is a community for filmmakers who prioritize wellness and growth.

Join the Variable community via Free Trial today: www.wearevariable.com