The Nourish Podcast

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

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