This is the final episode of season 2!

Caleb and Ted took time to reflect on what’s changed in their lives since their last one-on-one conversation. They also talked about what they've learned in doing 40 episodes of a podcast.

They’d sincerely like to thank everyone that came on as a guest this last season. You all brought a little more hope into the world. For those that listened along the way, they also thank you. Without your support, this show wouldn’t be possible.

They hope you enjoy their conversation. See you soon in Season 3.

Stay open, stay active, and keep listening.

On this episode of the podcast, we spoke with Griffin Stanley.

Griffin is earning his BFA in Musical Theater from Florida State University. Griffin loves exploring film and music, and he hopes to combine his love for acting, music, and dance as a way to give back to the world.

Our conversation touched on Griffin’s love for Star Wars and how the entire franchise has impacted the way he sees the world – specifically the character Ahsoka Tano. He even compares his musical theater education to Jedi training.

We also talk about what it’s like to stay close to home while attending college. Griffin is a Tallahassee native, but he still feels like he’s growing up in college and having experiences that make his hometown feel exciting.

Ultimately, what brings Griffin hope is having such a loving home and a tight support system. He tries to bring that same love to other people every day – in his words, “connection is the human experience.”

On this episode of the podcast, we spoke with Cooper Shapiro

Cooper recently earned his BFA in Film Production from FSU. Naturally, our conversation focused on how and why he is interested in filmmaking. As soon as Cooper had an iPhone in his pocket, he was making movies.

Cooper also talked about how working in film production after college is essentially like being a singular cog in a large machine. You have to prove that you can stay creative and motivated, even in the lowest positions on a set.

Ultimately, filmmaking acts as the pursuit of truth for Cooper. But not necessarily an objective truth that applies to everyone – more so, a personal truth that grows and changes each time he works on a new project. In his own words, with so many bigger and brighter things to discover, he wants to help illuminate the dark by adding to the light.

Stay Open, Stay Active, and Keep Listening.

On this episode of the podcast, we spoke with Michael Pettit.

Michael earned a degree in English from FSU and has a passion for filmmaking.

During our conversation, Michael talked about the kinds of stories he likes to tell, how he got into film, and if getting “big” is the only way to determine success.

We also talked about how telling sincere stories is valued in media today. For Michael, dark themes are one of the most sincere ways to tell a story. Even dark themes equate to having an open heart and being open to feeling.

For Michael, making mistakes actually brings him hope, because it means he is going to learn something and find a way to keep moving forward.

Stay Open, Stay Active, and Keep Listening.

On this episode of the podcast, we spoke with Ryan Lemmon.

Ryan is earning his BA in Acting from Florida State, although he’s been interested in acting since high school.

Our discussion explored how acting has helped Ryan become more in touch with his own personal views and identity. Even though he takes on new characters regularly, Ryan believes we all have an essence that makes us who we are. However, our essence can adapt to new situations and change for the better.

Ryan enjoys exploring a character’s insecurities. He likes getting into the nitty gritty of a character’s life, and especially enjoys it when a show openly explores those heavy themes. At the end of the day, Ryan feels that the most important goal in acting is making someone feel something.

If he’s done that, he’s done his job.

Stay Open, Stay Active, and Keep Listening.

On this episode of the podcast, we spoke with Sam Perez.

Sam earned his degree in Political Science from FSU, and much of our conversation revolved around the current issues in the United States such as healthcare, supply lines, and economic equality.

Sam believes that most of our American institutions need to change to better serve ALL members of our society. In theory, that might even mean tearing down our institutions and building new ones from the ground up.

Please keep in mind, that today’s conversation by no means proves or disproves anything about the United States government – in fact, Sam, myself, and Caleb make that clear throughout the episode. We’re simply talking through today’s issues to the best of our ability, and attempting to understand their complexities together.

Sam is hopeful that his future in government work will help those who may have trouble receiving aid from the current government, such as immigrants that can’t yet speak English, and many more.

Stay Open, Stay Active, and Keep Listening.

On this episode of the podcast, we spoke with Angel Escobar.

Angel earned his degree in Computer Science, but he is currently living in LA and pursuing a career in film. While film is his passion, computer science taught him a lot about the future of technology. In fact, modern advancements in AI and science have made it easier than ever to produce films, with some creators only using iPhones to create content.

Angel moved to LA on a whim, following an opportunity that came out of nowhere. He describes this transition as some of the most challenging days of his life. But eventually, he found his footing and is thriving as a cinematographer.

One of the major takeaways from this conversation is Angel’s optimism for the future, whether it’s advancements in technology or simply the next project to work on, Angel is a firm believer that everything happens for a reason.

Stay Open, Stay Active, and Keep Listening.

On this episode of the podcast, we spoke with Ben Rowe.

Ben is studying neuroscience at FSU, and is also the president of the college improv group, No Bears Allowed. Ben also enjoys learning about psychology, and one idea, in particular, fascinates him: the idea that we have too many options in our society, and how this excess of options can lead to disappointment.

This transitioned into an in-depth look at the mechanics of improv, and a philosophical/scientific discussion about why not everything always has to make sense.

Despite these heady subjects, Ben makes it clear that he tries not to take life too seriously. He enjoys making people laugh, and believe it or not, a good meal at Waffle House helps him stay happy.