In this episode of The Slow Dive, host Farida Rafique interviews Larry Namer, the co-founder of E! Entertainment Television. They discuss Larry's journey from a cable technician to a media mogul, the innovative programming that made E! a household name, and the importance of talent development in the entertainment industry. Larry shares insights on global media trends and the future of storytelling, emphasizing the shift in how content is created and consumed worldwide. In this engaging conversation, Larry Namer shares his journey from starting a music festival in St. Petersburg to navigating media reforms in China. He emphasizes the importance of cultural sensitivity in global entertainment and discusses the future of production in a globalized world. Namer also highlights the innovative use of AI and the metaverse in storytelling, while providing valuable advice for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Takeaways

Larry Namer's journey from cable technician to media mogul is inspiring.

The importance of innovation in the entertainment industry cannot be overstated.

E! Entertainment revolutionized how pop culture is consumed.

Building a strong team is crucial for success in any venture.

Understanding audience engagement is key to programming success.

Larry's approach to talent development has shaped many successful careers.

The evolution of media technology has changed the landscape of entertainment.

Global media development is essential for future growth in entertainment.

Creativity and quality are more important than geographic location in media.

Larry's story exemplifies the power of entrepreneurship in the entertainment industry.

Larry Namer started a successful music festival in St. Petersburg.

He worked closely with Vladimir Putin during his time in Russia.

Cultural sensitivity is crucial when creating content for different markets.

Producing content in the local language is essential for success.

Namer believes in the importance of being realistic about one's ideas.

He advocates for embracing AI as a tool for creativity.

The metaverse presents new opportunities for global entertainment.

Namer's book, 'Offscript', combines personal stories with recipes.

He emphasizes the need to find something you're good at and work hard at it.

Namer's journey reflects the interconnectedness of global cultures.

After a hiatus, The Slow Dive Podcast returns with a heartfelt conversation between hosts Farida Rafique and Drew Franzblau. They dive into the layered challenges affecting mental health in the film and television industry, from the pandemic to the writers’ and Kaiser mental health workers' strikes. This episode unfolds as a personal and reflective journey, exploring how grief and career uncertainty intersect. Farida and Drew share deeply personal stories of their mothers and grandmothers, honoring the legacies, lessons, and emotional bonds that continue to shape them. Together, they unpack the evolving conversation around mental health awareness, especially in creative spaces, and reflect on what it means to navigate change, memory, and resilience.

Takeaways

May is mental health awareness month.

The pandemic and recent events have impacted many people's mental health.

There is a growing conversation about mental health in the industry.

The Kaiser mental health workers' strike highlighted essential issues in mental health care.

Grief can manifest differently for everyone, and acceptance is a part of the process.

Career changes are a natural part of life, especially in evolving industries.

Life experiences contribute to storytelling and creativity.

It's essential to recognize that one's job does not define one's identity.

Growth opportunities can arise from challenges and changes.

Mother's Day can be a difficult time for those experiencing loss.

Grief can hit in waves, often unexpectedly.

Cherishing memories helps in processing loss.

Honoring loved ones can take many forms, including memories and actions.

It's important to celebrate maternal connections in our lives.

Reflecting on the lessons learned from loved ones can be healing.

Maintaining connections with family is essential during tough times.

Sharing personal stories can help others navigate their grief.

In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida Rafique engages with filmmaker and author Ayser Salman, exploring her journey from Iraq to America, her experiences growing up in Kentucky, and her insights on storytelling and representation.

Ayser discusses her book, 'The Wrong End of the Table,' which dives into the complexities of her identity as a Muslim woman and immigrant in America.

The conversation highlights the importance of authentic narratives beyond trauma, emphasizing the need for diverse and joyful stories in the cultural landscape. In this engaging conversation, Ayser Salman shares insights about misconceptions surrounding Iraqis, the cultural contrasts between Kentucky and California, and the creative process behind editing and storytelling.

She discusses her current projects, including the short film 'My So-Called Iraqi Wedding,' which highlights Iraqi culture and wedding rituals.

Ayser reflects on the importance of community, the joy and chaos of cultural events, and her aspirations for future creative endeavors, including writing and documentary filmmaking.

https://www.aysersalman.com/

GUEST:

Ayser Salman is a filmmaker and author primarily focusing on projects that shed light on underrepresented communities. As an editor, her work in docu-series is Clio and Emmy winning. Born in Iraq and growing up in Kentucky with a brief stint in Saudi Arabia, Ayser constantly felt like a fish out of water. This nomadic childhood shaped her interest in storytelling. After graduating from the University of Kentucky School of Journalism, Ayser worked as a local news producer before coming to Los Angeles for film school. Since then, she’s been a story producer/editor for studios such as Miramax Films, Disney, Universal Pictures, The Weinstein Company, Netflix, and FX. Ayser also teaches writing classes and workshops to help new writers find their authentic voices so that they too, can tell the story most true to themselves.

Please note: this episode was recorded before the devastating wild fires in Los Angeles. Our thoughts are with all those affected by this ongoing crisis.

In this reflective episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, Drew Franzblau introduces a spoken word piece titled 'Sick, Sad, and Mad' by Farida Rafique, which explores themes of rebirth, resilience, and the collective pain experienced during the pandemic.

The conversation dives into the importance of community, personal responsibility, and the need for empathy in addressing societal issues. The hosts discuss how feelings of anger and sadness can be transformed into positive action through collective efforts and personal accountability.

In this conversation, the hosts explore the complexities of emotional regulation, the impact of social media on mental health, and the importance of community engagement.

They discuss the need for personal accountability in managing emotions and the challenges posed by social media in fostering authentic connections. The dialogue emphasizes the significance of taking action beyond online expressions of support and individuals' collective responsibility in addressing societal issues.

Additionally, Drew shares the creative process of sound design in storytelling, highlighting its role in enhancing emotional narratives.

For Full Episode Guide: www.theslowdivepodcast.com

For Support: https://www.nami.org/support-education/support-groups/

https://988lifeline.org/

HOSTS:

Farida Rafique (Host & Impact Producer)

Drew Franzblau (Sound Designer & Producer)

In this final part of our annual round table series, we explore the concept of legacy from a woman's perspective, emphasizing the importance of creating opportunities for underrepresented communities through art.

They discuss the significance of storytelling and archiving history, particularly in the indie space, and the role of artists in society. The conversation also touches on cultural appreciation, the balance between creation and consumption, and personal reflections on beauty standards. This conversation explores the themes of personal style, body positivity, and the impact of cultural beauty standards on women's self-perception.

The participants discuss the importance of dressing for oneself, the challenges posed by beauty myths, and the pervasive issues of colorism and fat phobia in various cultures. They also touch on health consciousness and the significance of creative expression as a means for women to assert their voices and experiences in a society that often imposes restrictive norms.

In this episode of the Slow Dive Podcast, host Farida Rafique, and her guests explore the evolving identities of women through cultural lenses and life stages. The conversation delves into the complexities of women's roles, their spaces, and the societal expectations that shape their self-perception. The guests share personal stories and insights on navigating their identities as creators, mothers, and community builders, emphasizing the importance of taking up space and redefining success on their terms. In this conversation, the participants explore the complexities of relationships, personal growth, and the journey of healing after breakups. They discuss the challenges of balancing career aspirations with personal life, the importance of community, and the evolving perceptions of aging and success in the creative industry. The dialogue emphasizes empowerment through experience, the need for women to assert themselves in various spaces, and the ongoing fight against ageism in the industry.

Guests:

Tania Mohammad - Producer, Host and Community Builder

Tania Mohammad is a Karachi-born storyteller and global citizen who grew up in Canada, the U.S., and Saudi Arabia but now calls New York home. With a passion for connecting people and ideas through powerful storytelling, she has over 15 years of experience in media production, content development, marketing, and event management across media and nonprofits.

Becca Spencer, Screenwriter/ Producer/ Actress

Becca’s journey into professional screenwriting and filmmaking started after getting tired of not seeing enough meaningful stories with people of color, especially Black and African American women. She believes in the power of telling an authentic human story and how it can bring healing, hope, or revelation to a community.

Ugenia Stokes - Actor/Producer/Filmmaker/Founder

Ugenia Stokes (she/her) is a multi-talented educator, actress, and filmmaker who has worked in the entertainment industry for the last 15 years. Her directorial debut documentary short “FREE TO BE,” an Official Selection of the 2021 Toronto Film Festival, Denton Black Film Festival “People’s Choice Award” and Micheaux Film Festival “Best Documentary Short,” dives into the lives of four individuals from the LGBTQIA+ community and their push for social justice and racial equality. Produced short films such as PUPPY LOVE (Snapchat Tribeca Film Festival) and feature films such as DOUBLE DOWN (Miami Film Festival). She attended Marymount Manhattan College in New York and obtained a B.A. in Acting and Costume Design with a minor in History. Ugenia has styled and produced content and magazine covers for companies such as Forbes, Interview Magazine, and Hearst (Seventeen Magazine) and directed film, TV, and commercial content in collaboration with companies such as Neuehouse, Sony, Amazon, LA Tech Week, and AMP Beauty. I continue to work with LISC by directing a doc that oversees efforts to address the homelessness and housing crisis in Los Angeles, focusing on affordable housing solutions. Ugenia is also dedicated to creating space for womxn to be their beautifully imperfect and messy selves while often commenting, directly or indirectly, on mental health in film, both in front of and behind the camera.

Becky Chretien - Filmmaker/Project Manager/Mom

Becky Chretien is a talented hobbyist filmmaker, serving in several roles on the film set. Like most of her ancestors, she is passionate about storytelling and writing. From a great-great-great-grandmother who published poems, Becky enjoys the art of storytelling.

This conversation explores the evolving identities of women through cultural lenses, addressing beauty standards, the trad wife trend, and the complexities of feminism and femininity. The participants share personal anecdotes and insights on societal expectations, self-respect, and the challenges of balancing motherhood and career. They discuss the importance of acceptance and the impact of resources and privilege on women's experiences and opportunities. This conversation explores the multifaceted experiences of women navigating societal expectations, financial independence, and personal agency. The participants discuss the pressures of traditional gender roles, the complexities of being a provider, and the importance of choice in shaping their lives. They also delve into the cultural narratives surrounding beauty and the emotional burdens that come with financial dependence. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes the significance of kindness and empathy in defining true beauty and personal fulfillment.

Guests:

Shahla S Khan - Producer at Rising Tides Films Toronto, CA

Shahla S. Khan is a producer with twenty years of film experience. She works at Corus Entertainment, managing the rights portfolios of Food TV, Nickelodeon, Disney, Hallmark, and HGTV. She's a Features Film Programmer for the Mosaic International Film Festival Film while working at TIFF and helping to promote films like Dukhtar and Donkeyhead, Joyland, etc. She is now busy prepping for a surfing documentary out of Pakistan called “The Surfer Boy of Bulleji.”

Shana L. Darabie Writer/Director/Producer

Brooklyn, NY

The daughter of Trinidadian immigrants, Shana is a former fashion designer turned filmmaker based in Brooklyn, New York. Previously, Shana worked in post-production doing motion graphics for commercial and television. In 2021, she was awarded the Devery Freeman Memorial Award for Screenwriting for her sci-fi/horror feature FACSIMILE. In 2023, her sci-fi pilot CLONES was a Circle of Confusion Writer Discovery Fellowship Finalist and her sci-fi/action feature SUPERVILLAINOUS was a WGAe and FilmNation NY Screenwriting Fellowship Finalist. In 2024, SUPERVILLAINOUS was also a Semifinalist for both The Writers Lab and Almanack Screenwriters October Colony. She currently works as a Development Associate at the Department of Motion Pictures. Shana has written, directed and/or produced several commercials and shorts with plans to make her debut feature in the very near future.

Soniah Kamal- Novelist, Essayist, and Public Speaker

Atlanta, GA

Soniah is a powerhouse storyteller celebrated for her award-winning novels, essays, and captivating talks. Her latest book, Unmarriageable, hailed as "the gold standard of Pride and Prejudice adaptations," has wowed readers worldwide. It's a Financial Times Readers’ Best Book of 2019 and a favorite of NPR, New York Public Library, and People Magazine, and was even named one of Georgia’s "Books All Georgians Should Read."

Soniah’s work has been published in leading outlets like The New York Times, The Guardian, and The Atlantic, and her acclaimed short stories have earned nods from Claudia Rankine, Longreads, and VELA. She also curated No Place Like Home, a striking collection on South Asian borders and identity. Her TEDx talk, "What Will People Say," unpacks cultural expectations, while her powerful address at a U.S. Citizenship Oath Ceremony, “We are the Ink,” speaks to the real American Dream. An inspiring educator, Soniah has taught creative writing at Emory, Oglethorpe, and around the world.

Born in Pakistan, raised in Saudi Arabia and England, and now based in the U.S., Soniah brings a global perspective to her literary voice

In this episode of the Slow Dive podcast, host Farida Rafique engages in a deep conversation with Felix Mack, a trans filmmaker from Scotland. They explore Felix's journey from the UK to the US, his experiences in the film industry, and the importance of community and creativity in storytelling. The discussion also dives into the misrepresentation of the trans community, the challenges faced in accessing healthcare, and the future of independent filmmaking in a changing Hollywood landscape. Farida Rafique and Felix Mack explore cinema's evolving landscape, reboots' impact, and AI's role in storytelling. They discuss the importance of independent filmmaking and the need for community and collaboration in the arts. The dialogue emphasizes the value of creatives in society and the necessity of appreciating their contributions. They conclude with reflections on finding a home in understanding and support within communities.

About Felix Mack:

Originally from Scotland, Felix Mack is a filmmaker who focuses on shared joy and community. He is an alumnus of the Warner Bros. Discovery Early Career Bootcamp and the Film North Inclusive and Socially Conscious Filmmaking Lab, and his work has screened at film festivals nationwide, including Babyteeth, 29Queer, and Out on Film.

Recent projects include WILLA JUSTICE - DRAG QUEEN PRIVATE EYE, a spy comedy short proof of concept featuring Emmy nominee Scott Turner Schofield and directed by Jonathan Andre Culliton, and ROUGHING IT, featuring Emmy nominee Erinn Hayes and directed by Michael D Cohen.

https://www.imdb.com/name/nm6241374/

Takeaways

Felix Mack is a trans filmmaker passionate about inclusive storytelling.

The trans community faces significant misrepresentation in the media.

Listening to trans voices is essential for understanding their experiences.

Independent filmmaking offers opportunities for marginalized voices.

Hollywood's gatekeeping limits diverse storytelling.

The importance of representation in film cannot be overstated.

The future of film may lie in independent projects.

Reboots can lead to redundancy in storytelling.

Terrifier 3's success highlights the importance of fan engagement.

AI cannot create taste in storytelling.

Independent filmmaking is crucial for innovative storytelling.

Community and collaboration are essential in the arts.

Creatives deserve more respect and better compensation.

Finding a home means having a space for difficult conversations.

Responding to hate requires building supportive communities.

In this episode of The Slow Dive, host Farida Rafique engages with Rory Crittenden, a Cherokee storyteller and filmmaker, discussing the intricacies of storytelling, the Oklahoma film scene, and the importance of representation in media. Rory shares insights on his projects, the challenges faced by Native filmmakers, and the significance of community involvement in storytelling. The conversation highlights the need for authentic representation and the role of organizations like the Native American Media Alliance in supporting Indigenous voices in film.

In this enlightening conversation, Farida Rafique and Rory Crittenden explore the complexities of Native American identity, media representation, and authentic storytelling's importance. They discuss the impact of stereotypes in pop culture, the need for creative freedom in storytelling, and the future of entertainment in the age of AI. The conversation also touches on cultural narratives, reflections on Thanksgiving, and the role of humor in addressing hate.

Takeaways

Rory Crittenden is a Cherokee storyteller and filmmaker.

Scrappy, passionate creators characterize the Oklahoma film scene.

Authentic representation in film requires Native voices in key roles.

Community feedback is crucial for accurate storytelling.

The Native American Media Alliance supports Indigenous filmmakers.

Misconceptions about Native Americans persist in society.

Cultural identity is complex and varies among individuals.

Storytelling can bridge gaps in understanding and representation.

The importance of festivals like Skins Fest for Native filmmakers.

Engaging with Native communities enhances the authenticity of stories. Understanding the appropriate terminology for Native identity is crucial.

Stereotypes in pop culture can negatively impact Native communities.

Authentic representation in media requires Native voices in the creative process.

Creative freedom allows for diverse storytelling beyond cultural stereotypes.

AI may influence the future of entertainment, but human creativity remains essential.

Cultural narratives should be approached with respect and reciprocity.

Thanksgiving can be a complex topic for Native Americans, often celebrated differently.

Humor can be an effective tool in combating hate and negativity.

Native American stories are not niche; they resonate with broader audiences.

Engaging with diverse stories enriches the cultural landscape.

IMDB

https://rorycrittenden.carrd.co/

In this engaging conversation, Soniah Kamal, an acclaimed Novelist, discusses the profound connections between food, memory, and cultural identity. She reflects on the complexities of enduring love, the challenges of caregiving, and the nuanced nature of villainy in both literature and life. Through her insights, Soniah emphasizes the importance of emotional connections and the role of music and food in shaping our experiences and relationships. In this engaging conversation, Soniah Kamal and Farida Rafique explore the complexities of personal identity, the immigrant experience, and the importance of kindness. They discuss the nuances of being perceived as a villain, the balance between humility and confidence, and the significance of reclaiming one's dreams. The dialogue emphasizes the power of kindness in relationships and the shared human experience, encouraging listeners to appreciate the present while navigating cultural expectations and personal aspirations.