What's Your Secret

Today we're chatting with AJ Joyce. AJ is the host of She's So Reel, a podcast that shares real stories and expertise from female creators, artists, and many more in the industry. Definitely go check out her show!!

Connect with AJ:
IG: Ajsoreel

We chat about:

• Making your own seat at the table
• Defining expertise
• Becoming an expert by doing
• Taking ownership of the things you want
• Being intentional about gratitude
• Believing your dreams are possible
• And more!

Mentioned in the Episode:

• A Brighter Lens Podcast
• Lisa Bilyeu Ted Talk
• Untamed by Glennon Doyle
• Buy Yourself the F*cking Lilies by Tara Shuster
• Side Hustle Pro Podcast
• Rachel Hollis Podcast

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
• Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas 

Today we are chatting with my dear friend Alyssa Brocato. Ali is a cinematographer based in LA, was the first DP I’ve ever worked with as a director, and is an all around gem of a human being. 

We chat about:

• Staying calm under stress
• Steps to take to become a cinematographer
• Doing your best rather than trying to be “the best”
• Giving yourself permission to fail
• Caring about what you’re working on and who you’re working with
• How cinematography is more than making a beautiful image
• Finding fulfillment outside of the job
• The issue with being known as a “female cinematographer”

Mentioned in the Episode:
Book: Masters of Light
Movie: Up in the Air
Haruki Marakami
Lulu Wang: Giver Her the Job

Connect with Alyssa: 

IG: alyssabrocato

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)

Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

If you are interested in writing for television then this episode is for you! Today we are talking with Lauren Moon. Lauren has written on Atypical, Good Trouble, Dash & Lily, and more!

We chat about everything from:

• How to get staffed on a show
• Summoning inspiration
• Understanding the hierarchy within a writer’s room
• Sensitivity as a strength
• Vision vs delusion
• Pitching basics 
• And more!

Watch: Play the Hits directed by Lauren Moon and CJ Ballesteros
Get Involved: Tuesday Night Project

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
• Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas 

If you're interested in sketch comedy, stand up, or creating your own work, then you'll love today's episode! Today we are chatting with actor, writer, and comedian Ayla Glass (and fellow Kansan!) Ayla is the creator and showrunner of The BAEgency,

We chat about:

• Coming from Kansas
• How to get involved in sketch
• The importance of deadlines
• Accepting a compliment
• Celebrate your wins
• Feeling like a project is never enough
• Looking for joy
• Plant mom life

Connect with Ayla:

IG:
aylaglass

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Armchair Expert (Ari's favorite podcast- go listen!!)
• Crippling Anxiety Barbie (BAEgency Sketch)
• The Pack Theatre
• Fiddle Leaf Figs

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
• Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas 

If you're a creative in need of a feel-good episode, then you'll love this episode. Today we're chatting with filmmaker Kelsey Fordham.

We chat about:

• Taking ownership of your dreams
• Imposter syndrome/ feeling not enough
• Directing for the first time
• Staying true to yourself and following your authentic voice
• Getting started "late"
• Using fear as a compass
• And more!

Connect with Kelsey:

IG: @kelseyfordham_
@entitled.shortfilm

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Why Not Me by Mindy Kaling
• Article: The Crossroads of Should and Must
• TED Talk: Story Corps
• Kelsey's short film "Entitled" will be premiering at the Oscar qualifying HollyShorts Film Festival

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
• Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas 

If you're interested in creating independent film, then this episode is for you! Today we are chatting with Jennifer Cho Suhr. Jen is a writer and director.

We talk about:

• The process of getting a feature off of the ground
• Embracing the term female filmmaker
• Learning from your old work and building internal confidence
• Giving yourself permission to create and make bad work
• Generosity in the industry
• And more!

Mentioned in the Episode:
Sofy Solomon Seasame Workshop
Tribeca: Through Her Lens

Connect with Jen:
www.jenniferchosuhr.com

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
• Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas 

Are you interested in learning about TV development? Then you'll love this episode! Allegra Breedlove works in comedy development at ABC. We cover everything from what goes into comedy development (i.e. how TV shows actually get made) to learning on the job and looking for the good in life.

Overview

• What goes into comedy development?
• What makes a show stand out?
• Learning on the job
• Using everything as a learning opportunity
• Focus on being your best you instead of comparing yourself to other's journey
• Stepping outside of your comfort zone
• The importance of arts education

Mentioned in the Episode:
The Body Pod: Ari's Body Story

Connect with Allegra:

IG: allegra_blair

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
• Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by:

Michael Paraskevas 

If you're a creative in need of a pep talk, then this episode is for you! Today we sit down with Songwriter, Actor, Writer, Music Artist, and all around creative badass Paige Bryan.  We chat about:

• Comparing yourself to imaginary versions of yourself
• Being a small part of something bigger
• Building others up rather than tearing people down
• Being true to who you are
• Dreaming big

*Please note this episode was recorded several months ago.


Connect with Paige:
IG: paigebryanofficial


Mentioned in the Episode:

• Watch: Life and Times of a Single Angeleno
• Watch/Listen: BLM
• DONATE
• Equal Justice Initiative 

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
• Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas 

Actors and filmmakers, you'll love this episode! Today we're chatting with Jordan Maranto. Jordan is an actor and filmmaker based in LA and is a proud UT alum. We chat about:

• Getting caught in the comparison bubble
• Separating happiness from success
• Taking class for fun
• Being an actor is expensive!
• Finding your niche in acting 
• No shame in a day job

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Merlin Works - Improv Class in Austin taught by Shayna Merlin
• Howard Fine- Acting Class in LA
• Fine on Acting- Acting Book
• Shout Out: Blue Cow Restaurant

Watch Jordan in Episode 5 of Friend Request

Connect with Jordan:

www.jordanmaranto.com 

IG: themaranto

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)

Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas 

Misha Molani is an actor and comedian based in Los Angeles. When she’s not acting, Misha is an art coordinator on Orville. If you are interested in getting involved on set in any capacity, then you're going to love this episode. We chat about what exactly an art coordinator does, how to get involved on set, the underrepresentation of South Asian people in Hollywood, always being a student, and “doing it scared.” 

Please note: This episode was recorded several months ago.

Mentioned in the Episode:

• Watch Misha in Unfair and Ugly
• Watch Misha in Episode 5 of Friend Request
• Elsewhere: Directed by Kali Baker Johnson. Stay tuned for more details about this incredible film!
• Baegency: WOC Sketch Comedy Team performs at the Pack Theatre First Fridays at 8pm
• Shout Out: Misha’s Dad & Kali Baker Johnson

Fact Check: Was Alan Rickman a graphic designer until he was 40? Correct! Alan Rickman was a graphic designer and didn’t book his first feature until he was in his forties.

Connect with Misha:

IG: mimolani

Stay Up to Date:

• Follow whatsyoursecretpodcast and arigjohnson on Instagram
• Sign up for our newsletter to download Ari’s Secrets (otherwise known as what Ari is reading/watching)
• Visit whatsyoursecretpodcast.com

Music by: Michael Paraskevas