Doc Walks – Details, episodes & analysis

We've been trying to book this walk with director Chelsea Hernandez for weeks, but she's just too-busy city-hopping for the PBS music doc-series to hit the trail with us—until now. Chelsea is an Emmy-nominated director, a part of the Brown Girls Doc Mafia, and a great friend!  

On a return from a recent shoot in Puerto Rico for CITY OF SONGS, Chelsea found that her living room ceiling had collapsed, turning her life upside down… rather than get down about it, she took it as a sign from the universe. Time to move!

And time, finally, to get moving with us—thru the Boggy Creek Greenbelt in East Austin—on a winding walk & talk through her career. Starting with her early days (at age 9) hosting her own Martha Stewart-style kids show (99 episodes!)—then assistant editing for Ellen Siro and editing for Mario Troncoso—all the way to making her own feature doc. We get the scoop, with a focus on casting BUILDING THE AMERICAN DREAM, her feature debut about undocumented construction workers that's still painfully relevant today. And she breaks down the approach to co-directing (with Heather Courtney and Princess A. Hairston) for 2023's BREAKING THE NEWS—a doc that Keith EP'd and Episode 3 guest Diane Quon produced. She makes a compelling case for why three directors may be better than one.

Like many, Chelsea is caught-up in today's anti-PBS culture war, outlining how the Trump administration just killed her ITVS-funded film ("the movie Trump doesn't want you to see"). But she's happy to make the case for why PBS matters. It's not just art—it's jobs, community, and the lifeblood of democracy. Plus: why spending time in people's kitchens beats journalism, that time she worked for the Beto campaign, and how many baseballs are in Ben's minivan.

Discussion Links: BUILDING THE AMERICAN DREAM (2019) | BREAKING THE NEWS (2023) | AN UNCERTAIN FUTURE (2017) | ARTS IN CONTEXT (2013-2016) | THAT ANIMAL RESCUE SHOW (2020) | THE EYES OF ME (2009) | ( CITY OF SONGS (2025) | TO BE AND TO HAVE (2002) | TOWER (2016) | BEFORE MIDNIGHT (2013)

Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction and Guest Announcement 01:00 Chelsea's Roof Collapse Story 02:00 Walking the St. David's Community Garden 03:30 Child Star Origins - Kids Ideas TV Show 06:00 Transition from Broadcasting to Documentary 08:00 City of Songs and Traveling for PBS 10:00 CPB Funding Cuts and Trump's Impact 13:00 Building the American Dream Origins 16:00 Casting Real People - Finding Your Protagonists 20:00 Workers Defense Project and Building Trust 24:00 The Fat Mouse Encounter 26:00 Journalism vs. Documentary - Learning to Take Sides 30:00 Breaking the News - Three Directors, Three Perspectives 36:00 Co-Directing Challenges and Triumphs 40:00 Gateway Drug Film - To Be and To Have 42:00 Dream Collaborator Ethan Hawke 43:00 Immigration Raids and Current Work 45:00 Future Projects - Asylum Seekers School and Ruben Ramos 47:00 Baseball Count and Episode Title

Keith wanders LA's Atwater Village with acclaimed producer Megan Gilbride—a co-conspirator on TOWER, A SONG FOR YOU, and DEAR MR. BRODY. We stroll the neighborhood, two old friends and frequent collaborators, outlining just how Megan's the "producer kind of crazy" and not the "director kind of crazy."

Megan's got theories and she has opinions—and she's got the experience to back them all up. This wide-ranging talk covers a whole lot, like… the ethics of authenticity, how the budget tells a story, community building in the doc-making space, and the difference between journalism and cinema. 

Plus: creeping on a stranger's house to smell juniper trees, the Princess Bride theory of medium-specific storytelling, and why Megan won't shoot 70mm "if there's no wide shots in the fucking movie." The producer of WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM, LOVERS OF HATE, and FATHOM makes a case for JAWS, THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HARVEY MILK, ALL THAT JAZZ and the NY EXPORT: OPUS JAZZ—or as she puts it: going to church… watching movies… making fucking cinema.

Discussion Links: TOWER (2016) | DEAR MR. BRODY (2021) | FATHOM (2021) | LOVERS OF HATE (2010) | WHERE SOLDIERS COME FROM (2011) | THE REASON I JUMP (2020) | THE PLEA (2024) | JAWS (1975) | ALL THAT JAZZ (1979) | THE LIFE AND TIMES OF HARVEY MILK (1984) | THE PRINCESS BRIDE (1987) | NY EXPORT: OPUS JAZZ (2010) | 32 SOUNDS (2022)

Timestamps: 00:00 Intro and Atwater Village Setup | 01:00 Origin Story: The 2012 Picnic Table Pitch | 03:00 What Does a Producer Actually Do? | 06:00 Excellence, Financing, and Distribution as Creative Acts | 09:00 Cinema vs Journalism: The Grammar of Documentary | 13:00 The Psychology of Storytelling and Gut Instinct | 16:00 Ethics, Authenticity, and Not Being Provocative | 18:00 The State of Documentary in 2025 | 20:00 PBS as the Invisible Backstop | 23:00 Mid-Career Reality Check and Volume Problems | 26:00 Cauleen Smith's Life-Changing Question | 29:00 The Space Inside the Frame | 32:00 Do You Wanna Make Fucking Cinema? | 36:00 Princess Bride and Medium-Specific Storytelling | 39:00 Community as the Through-Line in All Her Work | 42:00 Battery Dies, We're on Zoom Now | 43:00 Gateway Drug: Jaws, Harvey Milk, All That Jazz | 46:00 What Makes Her Say Yes to a Project | 48:00 Go to Church: Watch Movies | 52:00 Where to Find Megan's Work

It's a sobering summer day in Austin as we invite the Austin Chronicle's  Richard Whittaker out for a walk. Fresh off the presses, Richard has researched and written a story that details the ramifications of the recent defunding of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting and the impact that this move has on independent documentaries. We get into it, talking up the history and significance of PBS and ITVS, the Independent Television Service — the leading funder of indie docs in the public sphere. Richard provides context and detail far beyond the headlines for this hot-button issue affecting everyone who tells or takes-in non-fiction media. It's a frustrating, shared reality that we inhabit, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about documentary filmmaking and the future of public broadcasting. Subscribe and stay tuned for our conversation!

Richard's article in The Austin Chronicle: https://www.austinchronicle.com/news/2025-08-01/texas-public-media-grapples-with-funding-loss-from-gop-bill/

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Scene

00:28 Interview with Richard Whittaker

03:56 Impact of Funding Cuts on Public Broadcasting

09:20 The Role of ITVS in Independent Documentaries

10:48 Historical Context and Future Implications

16:48 Challenges and Responses from ITVS

22:00 Independent Production Budgets

22:29 Funding Strategies for Documentaries

23:20 The Role of Major Filmmakers

26:07 Challenges in Nonprofit Funding

28:17 Public Media and Political Perception

32:30 The Value of Public Media

36:29 Future of Documentary Filmmaking

38:37 Conclusion and Next Episode Preview

We talk a lot about mentorship on this podcast—so it makes sense that we'd bring a pivotal mentor to both of us into the mix. Join us as we find a shady spot on the campus of the University of Texas as DocWalks becomes DocTalks with Dr. Paul Stekler. We'll get into Paul's POV from many angles—from his days as a Harvard PhD, to his filmmaking roots in New Orleans, through his role as the chair of the Radio-Television-Film department at UT, Paul has made teaching and community building a priority. But that hasn't held him back from building an impressive catalog of films… with SETTING THE WOODS ON FIRE, VOTE FOR ME, LAST MAN STANDING, and GETTING BACK TO ABNORMAL (& more) he's pushed political perspectives beyond wonky intellectualism into a place full of heart and humor. Paul has played a significant role in each of our careers—as he has with dozens of other filmmakers… and this episode celebrates lessons learned (or missed) in grad school, the many mea culpas of George Wallace, Henry Hampton and his EYES ON THE PRIZE, and the importance of community (not to mention: memories of drunken revelry with Richard Leacock). Take a seat as we replace DocWalks with DocTalks with Austin's doctor of documentaries.

00:00 Exploring the University of Texas Campus

00:56 Meeting Dr. Paul Stekler

01:26 Paul Stekler's Impact on Filmmakers

03:57 The Art of Taking and Giving Feedback

13:01 Paul Stekler's Journey into Filmmaking

14:43 Early Filmmaking Experiences and Challenges

18:41 The Role of a Director in Documentary Filmmaking

24:14 The Art of a Good Shot

24:28 Interview Techniques and Influences

25:27 Advice for Aspiring Filmmakers

26:06 The Importance of Passion and Story

27:33 Building a Filmmaking Community

28:44 Transition to Austin and Early Projects

29:42 George Wallace and Political Documentaries

34:27 Collaborative Filmmaking

38:22 Supporting Emerging Filmmakers

42:46 The Power of Documentary Films

46:11 Final Thoughts and Reflections

49:14 Next Episode Preview

This week we're breaking out of the non-fiction world to talk fictionalization with Oscar-nominated writer/director Greg Kwedar. Fresh off the awards trail with last year's SING SING, Greg shares insights and ideas about turning documentary style research into based-on-a-true-story truth. It's a light-hearted walk through Hyde Park, with another stop at a shady creek, as we dig into Greg's approach to creative partnership (he's 4-films deep with collaborator Clint Bentley) — and catering his directing approach for different acting styles. Step with us into a free-roaming conversation about creative resilience and the role of friendship and adventure that drives Greg's process.

00:00 A Stroll Through Hyde Park

00:49 Introducing Greg Quedar

03:00 Greg's Journey from Accounting to Filmmaking

10:37 The Inspiration Behind 'Sing Sing'

15:01 Exploring the Creative Process

27:36 The Importance of Colleagueship and Collaboration

28:31 Challenges in the Writing Process

29:35 The Lightning Bolt Moments

30:00 The Role of Friendship in Storytelling

31:31 The Joy and Struggles of Filmmaking

33:15 Preparing for New Projects

35:07 Working with Different Actor Processes

37:57 Documentary Filmmaking Insights

40:15 Reflections on the Creative Journey

47:26 Gateway Films and Inspirations

50:31 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Take a stroll with Reed Harkness, Portland-based creator behind SAM NOW, a creative portrait that follows the journey of the Harkness brothers, Reed and Sam, as they search for Sam's mother who mysteriously disappeared in the year 2000. This walk mirrors Reed's film, becoming a moving and unexpectedly epic conversation about family, loss, and long-haul filmmaking. This one takes us off the trail, through a literal portal with a detour into a stone-skipping dip in Boggy Creek. This one's got heart, humor, and a few unexpected turns—just like any good walk (or film) should.

00:00 Introduction to Reed Harkness

00:06 The Artist's Way Group

01:04 Walking Through East Austin

01:26 Meet Reed Harkness

02:23 Reed's Filmmaking Journey

04:37 The Mystery of Joyce's Disappearance

06:43 The Emotional Impact on the Family

09:29 The Filmmaking Process

15:50 Reed's Early Filmmaking Influences

23:09 From Play to Documentary

24:04 Sam's Journey and Filmmaking Challenges

25:12 The Emotional Impact of the Film

27:49 Balancing Filmmaking and Family

34:12 Exploring Meaning and Audience Reactions

42:32 Future Projects and Reflections

47:10 Conclusion and Next Episode Teaser

After 15 DocWalks Keith & Ben take a look back. Where did we start, where are we going? Walk with us as we discuss the evolution of the podcast, highlighting some highs and glossing-over some lows along the way. In addition to all that, we talk (as always) about changes in the film industry, notably Texas' new film incentives, and share some enthusiasm for upcoming episodes, including deep dives into classic docs, and long walks with impactful filmmakers, like next week's conversation with Portland-based filmmaker Reed Harkness. This one's just us — a look back, a look ahead, a chance to stand lakeside, beneath a spreading live oak tree and express gratitude for the doc life and each other — and you, if you're out there (& even if you're not). Onward!

00:00 Reflecting on 15 Episodes of Doc Walks

00:56 The Origins of Doc Walks

03:11 Recapping Memorable Episodes and Guests

04:20 The Joy of Connecting with Fellow Filmmakers

08:50 Upcoming Episodes and Future Plans

12:03 Filming Locations and Personal Stories

16:10 Austin's Creative Spirit and Challenges

20:58 Texas Film Production Incentives

21:44 Texas Film Incentives Explained

22:39 Squirrel Distraction and Life Lessons

23:14 Go Valley's Post-Production Expansion

24:33 Texas' Role in Film Incentives History

26:42 Gateway Drug Films and Personal Influences

32:44 Bird Watching and Documentary Insights

35:19 Reflections on Aging and Podcasting

37:09 Concluding Thoughts and Future Plans

We're off to Kansas! Or… Ben is. He's flying back to to Lawrence, Kansas, to interview one of his professors from his days at the University of Kansas — Academy Award-winning filmmaker and KU professor Kevin Willmott. Known for co-writing BLACKKKLANSMAN with Spike Lee, Wilmott shares personal stories of his journey from a young creative in Kansas to an Oscar award-winning filmmaker. This one is jam-packed with a wide-ranging discussion covering the power of cinema, activism, the impact of Black history, and the challenges of making films outside Hollywood — and the role of the teacher. Ben is filled-up with admiration and respect for Kevin Willmott and before the end of this one, you will be too!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:01 Meeting Kevin Willmott

03:08 Kevin's Early Life and Influences

05:23 The Journey to Filmmaking

12:28 Activism and Filmmaking

20:27 CSA: Confederate States of America

29:46 Collaboration with Spike Lee

34:05 The Importance of Having a Follow-Up Project

35:11 Pitching 'Gotta Give It Up' to Hollywood

36:35 Collaborations and Career Milestones

40:22 The Impact of Black History on Filmmaking

44:08 Teaching and Building a Film Community

46:45 Challenges and Rewards of Independent Filmmaking

53:57 Facing Racism and Its Influence on Storytelling

59:43 Reflections on Activism and Filmmaking

01:05:39 Upcoming Projects and Final Thoughts

This one's a little different… Keith gets off the trail for an old-fashioned sit-down conversation with Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss, the acclaimed husband-wife filmmaker duo behind the BOYS STATE and this year's MIDDLETOWN. Jesse and Amanda share insights and highlights from their films, their career, and the challenges and opportunities that come from working together as a married couple and film team. From THE OVERNIGHTERS through MIDDLETOWN, this sit-down episode offers an intimate look at the creative dynamics and career evolution of two impactful documentarians at the top of the form. Special thanks to the Austin Film Society for the collab on this one!

00:00 Introduction and Overview

01:10 Discussing 'Middletown' and Audience Reactions

02:40 The Impact of Streaming and Theatrical Releases

04:45 Early Inspirations and Career Beginnings

08:49 Meeting and Forming a Partnership

13:16 Challenges and Breakthroughs in Filmmaking

17:04 Navigating the Documentary Film Industry

23:59 The Uncertainty of Verité Filmmaking

24:57 Ethical Dilemmas in Documentary Filmmaking

26:11 The Role of Objectivity and Journalism in Documentaries

26:39 The Collaborative Process in Documentary Filmmaking

29:19 The Genesis of Boys State

34:21 The Impact of Boys State on Careers and Industry

38:37 Reflections on Middletown and Documentary Filmmaking

41:11 Final Thoughts and Future Projects

Acclaimed filmmaker Sandi DuBowski has come to our hometown to present SABBATH QUEEN at Austin Film Society's Doc Days. Twenty-one years in the making, Sandi has grown up with this film… and they're taking the show on the road with dozens of fests, scores of community screenings, and an art house tour to rival any indie film this year. Sandi takes us on a heartfelt exploration of their work, from the groundbreaking TREMBLING BEFORE GOD to their work with the late 'Good Pitch' we delve into Sandi's passion for creating documentary films that foster community and dialogue. And they've got plenty to share about their unique fundraising strategies, and their philosophy of building deep, lasting audience and distributor relationships. This one starts off with ducks and ends up with a lightning round of advice that we can all benefit from, though nothing hits home more than Sandi's key takeaway: Go To The Love!

00:00 Introduction and High Fives

00:28 Meeting the Duck and Ducklings

03:00 Introduction to Sandi DuBowski

05:38 Trembling Before G-d: The Journey

11:56 Impact and Distribution of Trembling Before G-d

17:59 Personal Stories and Community Screenings

19:05 Spirituality and Filmmaking

25:56 Creating Spaces for Dialogue and Resistance

29:43 The Journey of Sabbath Queen

31:23 Balancing Filmmaking and Other Projects

35:17 Fundraising Strategies for Filmmakers

40:41 Advice for Emerging Filmmakers

43:29 Reflecting on Influences and Future Projects

48:10 The Importance of Community and Art Houses

49:10 Final Thoughts and Where to Watch