The Shot Callers Podcast

In this episode, Kalvo and Yabui dive into the real journey of creating their own feature-length films—sharing the challenges, lessons, and grind that comes with bringing a vision to the big screen. They also break down the latest headlines from this year’s award season and what it means for filmmakers today.

Tonight, Kalvo & Yabui open up about the emotional highs and lows of being a filmmaker — the pressure, the doubt, the magic, and the moments that make it all worth it. From sleepless shoots to scenes that heal your inner child, they unpack how filmmaking is both the hardest and most rewarding art form they’ve ever known.

You don't need expensive gear or a huge crew to make a powerful film, just vision, intention, and the tools in your hands. Kalvo and Yabui challenge each other to film a short on their iPhones and share it with the audience. 

In this special episode, Kalvo flips the mic and interviews co-host Yabui about directing his very first feature film. They talk through the pressure of building a story from the ground up, the lessons learned on set, what surprised him most — and what it really takes to bring a vision to life. Whether you’re working on your first film or dreaming about your tenth, this episode is full of hard-earned wisdom and real inspiration.

A deep and honest roundtable with the cast of "The Colored Cavalry," the new feature film written by Jermaine J. Williams and directed by our very own Yabui. The film tells the story of a young Black boy who spends the summer with his grandfather and learns abut a hidden history: a black cavalry that once took the city back from opposing powers. Tonight's episode unpacks the film's themes of legacy, memory, resistance, and Black excellence. Special Guest: The cast and crew of "The Colored Cavalry"

In this episode. Kalvo and Yabui are joined by special guest and independent filmmakers, Teremis Boykins and Jeff Benjamin, as they both share details about their individual journeys and films. Together they explore how sometimes you have to use filmmaking as a way of therapy to address unresolved trauma to heal. 

This episodes kicks off the year with energy, honesty, and vision. Kalvo and Yabui reflect on the wins, lessons, and creative growth from last year, while laying out whats next for their careers, their craft, and the culture of independent filmmaking. Whether you're picking up the camera back up or still fighting self-doubt, this episode is a reminder: you're not alone, and the dream still matters. Special Guest: Frank Broughton joins in on their conversation. 

In this episode, Kalvo and Yabui dive into what it really means to tell your story on your terms in today's climate, with all the noise, pressure, and all the possibilities. They talk about why 2026 is the year of reclaiming the narrative, redefining your success, and taking control of the lens. 

In this episode, Kalvo and Yabui dive into the creative resistance that stops so many filmmakers and creators from taking those first steps. and how they overcame it themselves. They also dive into the the discouragement behind film festivals, Oscar Nominations, Adobe Podcasts, and how filmmakers gain their highest reward when they persevere through the obstacles that come their way. 

In this episode, Kalvo and Yabui dive into the contrasting roles of emotion and aesthetics in filmmaking, unpacking how each shapes the viewer’s experience. They also share stories of the worst films they’ve made and how those cinematic missteps unexpectedly ignited their passion for film. Plus, Yabui treats listeners to a special unboxing of the Sony FX2.