The Nourish Podcast

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

Join us as we explore the world of side-hustles, freelancing, and career choices with cinematographer Patrick O'Sullivan, creator of WanderingDP. In this discussion, community co-host Jon Bregel delves into Patrick's strategies for integrating side projects into a freelance career, highlighting how they can enhance skills, expand networks, and provide stability during slow periods. Discover practical tips for balancing side-hustles with freelance work, and gain insights into making informed life and career decisions.

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

Patrick's Website: https://www.patrickosullivandp.com/

WanderingDP Website: https://wanderingdp.com/

Patrick's Bio: Patrick O'Sullivan, also known as the WanderingDP, is a renowned cinematographer and the creative force behind the WanderingDP brand. With a passion for storytelling and visual artistry, Patrick has made a significant impact in the world of filmmaking through his extensive work in cinematography and his insightful, thorough content on his WanderingDP platform. Discover more about Patrick's work and journey at WanderingDP.com, connect with him on Instagram @wanderingDP, and check out his free content on his YouTube channel here: youtube.com/c/wanderingdp

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

This is a special episode welcoming a new community co-host, Ien Chi! In it, we share one of his own podcast episodes entitled, “Eight Things I Needed to Hear When I Was Younger”, a collection of reminders and mantras that would’ve been helpful for any of us to hear (especially filmmakers) at a younger age in order to lessen stress, burnout, and the feeling of not achieving enough.

We’ve been hard at work behind the scenes to grow and develop the community further in these next couple months, so stay tuned!

Ien’s website: ⁠https://www.ienchi.com/

Ien's TEDx talk: https://youtu.be/R8Vz8p2w7Oo?feature=shared

Follow Ien on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/ienthekorean/

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

Join us: ⁠www.wearevariable.com”

Join Variable founder & filmmaker Jon Bregel and cinematographer Jared Levy as they casually discuss the topic "navigating towards more fulfilling work." Delve into their personal journeys, insights, and observations in this candid exploration of the challenges and revelations faced in the world of filmmaking.

Jared Levy is a cinematographer based in NYC. Jared is also the host of the Art vs Commerce Podcast (⁠http://www.avcpod.com/⁠), a conversation with creative industry professionals who have made a career out of their art. Discussions cover guest’s careers diving into the details of their decision making as they navigate the film, television and commercial industries.

Jared's website: ⁠www.jaredlevy.nyc⁠

Follow Jared on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jared_levy/?hl=en

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

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

Episode 17 of the Variable Podcast features filmmaker Lindsey Hagen on the topic of "Creative Recovery: Filmmaking as a Therapeutic Process"

Podcast Description: Join filmmaker and Gnarly Bay's Head of Development Lindsey Hagen in conversation as we explore her journey and how filmmaking became a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Listeners will gain insight into Hagen's experiences and how they have shaped her approach to storytelling. This conversation is moderated by filmmaker and Variable founder, Jon Bregel. 

Lindsey's Website: https://lindseyhagen.net/

Lindsey's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/linze3

Lindsey's Bio: Lindsey Hagen is an Oscar qualified Director, Executive Producer and Development Executive with a focus on cause related storytelling. Lindsey has a background in sales and marketing, journalism, brand strategy and documentary filmmaking. She leads a successful career ideating and pitching meaningful stories to brand and network partners, creating compelling human centered films and campaigns. Lindsey currently leads development efforts at gnarly bay studios based in RI and CO. Lindsey’s films have gone onto Oscar qualifying festivals like Tribeca, DocNYC, BigSky and Outfest and have won numerous Staff Picks and Telly Awards. Her film “After Skid Row” Oscar Qualified in 2023 and was acquired by The LA Times Short Docs program, her film “California Natural” was nominated for the James Beard Commercial Media Award and her short documentary “High Road” was voted Vimeo’s Best of Year in the branded film category.

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

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

Join Variable founder & filmmaker Jon Bregel and episode co-host cinematographer Jared Levy as they discuss "becoming jaded as a filmmaker." Delve into their personal journeys, insights, and observations in this candid exploration of the challenges and revelations faced in the world of filmmaking.

About Our Guest: Jared Levy is a cinematographer based in NYC. Jared is also the host of the Art vs Commerce Podcast (⁠http://www.avcpod.com/⁠), a conversation with creative industry professionals who have made a career out of their art. Discussions cover guest’s careers diving into the details of their decision making as they navigate the film, television and commercial industries.

Jared's website: ⁠www.jaredlevy.nyc⁠

Follow Jared on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/jared_levy/?hl=en

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

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

In this discussion with Kim Rapach, Mental Wellness Coach, we will unapologetically challenge the conventional belief that fame and success are the ultimate keys to happiness and emotional fulfillment. This discussion will explore the often-overlooked aspects of true wealth – emotional wellness, meaningful connections, and personal development. Through insightful anecdotes and evidence-based insights, we’ll discover how redefining success to prioritize emotional health can lead to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven life. Prepare to challenge your perspectives, embrace the richness of your emotions, and embark on a journey toward a more authentic and emotionally abundant existence.

Kims Bio: "With over twenty years of experience on both sides of therapy and coaching, Kim uses her personal and professional experience to help high-performing artists and entrepreneurs find the missing links to dissatisfaction in their personal lives. Kim is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, a Certified Enneagram Coach, and a Financial Coach." 

Kim's Website: https://www.kimrapach.com/

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

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

Episode 14 of the Variable Podcast features cinematographer Benjamin Loeb FNF, on the topic of “Losing Ourselves to Our Work”

Podcast Description: Benjamin and I met over a decade ago in the New York City filmmaking scene. While our career paths look quite different, we have both experienced the realities of losing different parts of ourselves to film work. In this conversation, Benjamin and I dive into the various factors and circumstances that contributed to feeling lost, what those experiences were like, as well as what has helped, and continues to help us grow as human beings.Benjamin's Bio: Benjamin Loeb is a Norwegian/Canadian cinematographer. In 2011 he completed his Bachelor degree at Emily Carr University of Art and Design in Vancouver.

After graduating Benjamin continued working in industry and quickly built a reputation shooting commercials, music videos, and narrative projects around the world. Since his graduation he has lived in Oslo, New York, and Reykjavik.

Benjamin's feature film portfolio includes multiple films for A24, "After Yang", "When you Finish Saving the World", "Mandy", "Pieces of a Woman", and many more. 

Benjamin's commercial portfolio includes projects for Samsung, VW, Brand Jordan, Montblanc, MLB, and more.

Benjamin is represented by WME in North America, and by LUX in Europe and the rest of the world. He is also a member of the Norwegian Cinematographers Association.Benjamin's Website: https://loebben.com/

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

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