Explore every episode of the podcast Navigating Hollywood
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joe Holland: Writer & Changemaker, Harlem Grace, Make Your Own History | 09 Apr 2024 | 00:43:11 | |
Joseph Holland, author, playwright, and former Housing Commissioner of New York State, shares his life's tapestry, embracing the arts and spreading joy through his plays while serving the Harlem community, which is showcased in the film "Harlem Grace." As Holland recounts the various hues of his life, we're reminded of the transformative power of faith and using one's talents to ignite hope and change in the lives of others. | |||
| Rob Stillman, Film Producer & Broadway Investor: Freud's Last Session, Amazing Grace, A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder | 10 Jan 2024 | 00:29:05 | |
Film Producer and Broadway Investor Rob Stillman recounts the ambitious journey of translating the powerful play "Freud's Last Session" into a movie, with Anthony Hopkins breathing life into Freud. His insight into the allure of challenging roles for A-list actors and the intimate process of film production shines a light on the artistry behind making a movie. Rob also reflects on his beginnings with "The God Committee," tracing his path from off-Broadway to the heart of Hollywood. | |||
| Brian Bird, Film and TV Writer & Producer: When Calls the Heart, Bopha!, Captive, The Case for Christ | 02 Aug 2022 | 01:03:14 | |
Brian is the co-creator and executive producer of the top-rated Hallmark Channel original series When Calls the Heart and is the writer and producer of over two dozen films and TV movies such as The Heart of Man, Bopha!, Call Me Claus, Not Easily Broken, Captive, and The Case for Christ. Over his 40+ year career, Brian has written and/or produced nearly 350 episodes of television, including Evening Shade, Step by Step, and Touched by an Angel. • Watch on YouTube | |||
| The Sound of Violet Cast and Filmmaker Allen Wolf | 21 Apr 2022 | 00:32:34 | |
The Sound of Violet is a romantic comedy about a man who thinks he found his soulmate but his autism keeps him from realizing she's a prostitute looking for a ticket out of her trapped life. Lead cast members Cason Thomas, Cora Cleary, Jan D'Arcy, and Michael E. Bell join the movie's writer, director, and producer Allen Wolf, to talk about the challenges of making the movie, building the characters, and how the story inspired them. The Sound of Violet opens April 29, only in theaters. Get tickets and exclusive content at TheSoundofViolet.com. • The Sound of Violet Official Site | |||
| Conrad Pope, Composer & Orchestrator: The Sound of Violet, My Weekend with Marilyn, Harry Potter movies, Star Wars movies, The Matrix Movies | 19 Mar 2022 | 00:38:27 | |
Composer Conrad Pope is one of the most respected and trusted musicians working in Hollywood today. He talks about how he got his start and how he creates memorable music. Composers such as John Williams, Alexandre Desplat, and Hans Zimmer have all called upon his expertise as one of the industry’s top orchestrators as well as his abilities as a conductor and score producer, making him one of the most in-demand scoring professionals. Conrad has contributed to the scores of more than a hundred films. The iconic films on which he has worked range from the Star Wars prequel films, the Harry Potter series, to Jurassic Park, to Pirates of the Caribbean, and more. Conrad created the musical score for Allen Wolf's new romantic comedy movie, The Sound of Violet. • Conrad Pope on IMDb, Facebook • The Sound of Violet Official Site | |||
| Encore: Sheryl J. Anderson: Creator of Sweet Magnolias | 15 Feb 2022 | 00:37:01 | |
Encore Episode : Sheryl J. Anderson, the Creator and Executive Producer of the hit Netflix show Sweet Magnolias, discusses how she started as a storyteller, the way her life experience made her uniquely qualified to create this hit show, and how faith has played a crucial role for her as an artist. She also talks about her life priorities and how she has been able to get where she is today. • Sweet Magnolias Official Site • Sheryl J. Anderson on IMDb, Twitter | |||
| Allen Wolf: Filmmaker, Rebroadcast of The Autistic Me Podcast | 18 Nov 2021 | 00:50:36 | |
Special Episode: Filmmaker Allen Wolf is interviewed on The Autistic Me podcast where he talks about the challenge of portraying an autistic character in his upcoming movie, The Sound of Violet, as well as how he discovered the story, writing at Disneyland, and much more. We re-broadcast the episode here. | |||
| Scott Teems: Filmmaker: Halloween Kills, Rectify, Firestarter, The Exorcist | 20 Oct 2021 | 00:42:24 | |
Scott Teems wrote Halloween Kills with David Gordon Green and Danny McBride, and upcoming will be The Exorcist sequel, and Stephen King’s Firestarter. Scott was a writer and co-executive producer of the popular Netflix series Narcos: Mexico and he wrote, directed, and produced three seasons of the acclaimed, Peabody Award-winning TV drama Rectify. Scott discusses his career challenges, responds to critics with the deeper messages they may have missed in Halloween Kills, what excites him as a storyteller, and why he rarely smiles. • Scott Teems on IMDb • Navigating Hollywood's Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter • Allen Wolf's new movie Video for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Elizabeth A. Davis: Broadway Actress & Jordan Richard: Director at NBC News | 14 Sep 2021 | 00:38:27 | |
Tony nominee Elizabeth A. Davis and her husband, Emmy-nominee Jordan Richard, talk about their incredible journey through stage and television. Elizabeth's Broadway debut landed her a Tony Nomination and launched her on a multi-year search to discover her artistic voice. Jordan has won multiple Emmy nominations for his role as a director at NBC News. He talks about how the news can be biased, his role as a news director, and mishaps along the way. Elizabeth and Jordan also discuss how they have built a relationship where they encourage each other to develop their artistic voices and thrive. • Elizabeth A. Davis on IMDb, Wikipedia • Designated Survivor Article about Jordan Richard • Navigating Hollywood's Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter • Allen Wolf's new movie Video for this episode can be found here. | |||
| James R. Fitzgerald, FBI Special Agent: Manhunt: Unabomber, Criminal Minds | 13 Jul 2021 | 00:35:11 | |
As a special agent for the FBI, James R. Fitzgerald (Jim) helped solve some of the highest profile criminal cases in U.S. history, including the Unabomber, the D.C. Sniper, the 2001 anthrax cases, and many more. Sam Worthington portrayed Jim in the acclaimed mini-series "Manhunt: Unabomber" on Netflix. Jim also served as a consultant for Criminal Minds and many other crime-related television shows. He gives advice for writers who are writing crime stories. Jim is the most special guest Allen Wolf will ever interview for one reason: Jim is Allen's uncle. Allen didn't know they were related until recently and they share how they discovered their family ties later in the show. Links: • Pre-Order Allen's Book, The Sound of Violet • James R. Fitzgerald's Website • James R. Fitzgerald on IMDb • James R. Fitzgerald's The Fitz Files. • James R. Fitzgerald's books, The Journey to the Center of the Mind • Navigating Hollywood's Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter The transcript for this episode can be found here. Video for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Darren Moorman: Producer of Blue Miracle, Same Kind of Different As Me | 15 Jun 2021 | 00:31:40 | |
Film and TV producer Darren Moorman has worked with top Hollywood talent and most recently produced Blue Miracle with Dennis Quaid. Darren talks about his journey as a producer, what he would do differently if he had to redo his career and the kind of legacy he'd like to leave behind. Links: • Pre-Order Allen's Book, The Sound of Violet • Darren Moorman on IMDb • Newly Formed Producers Union Seeks To Collectively Bargain For Indie Feature Filmmakers • Navigating Hollywood's Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter The transcript for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Ricky Staub & Dan Walser: Concrete Cowboy Filmmakers | 18 May 2021 | 00:49:06 | |
Writer/Director Ricky Staub and Producer Dan Walser of the Netflix hit movie Concrete Cowboy, starring Idris Elba, discuss the story behind the making of the movie, their company's program to help the incarcerated, and how suffering has impacted each of their lives. The transcript for this episode can be found here. Video for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Encore: Scott Teems, Filmmaker, The Exorcist: Believer, Insidious: Red Door, Halloween | 23 Oct 2023 | 00:42:01 | |
Who is Scott Teems, the celebrated filmmaker behind award-winning films like "The Evening Sun," and the hits "Exorcist: Believer" and "Insidious: Red Door"? How did Scott grow up to create intense, thrilling, and dramatic stories that captivate audiences? Join us as we explore the life and career of this versatile creator, as we discuss his journey from a struggling youngster to an acclaimed filmmaker, responsible for creating the Peabody Award-winning Sundance TV drama "Rectify". | |||
| Emily Swallow: Actress, The Mandalorian, SEAL Team on CBS, Supernatural | 04 May 2021 | 00:45:43 | |
Actress Emily Swallow shares her experience starring as The Armorer in The Mandalorian, and in the CBS show SEAL Team. She formerly played key roles in Supernatural, The Mentalist, and performed in many other parts in film as well as on stage. Emily talks about the challenges of being an actress in Hollywood, how she hit rock bottom in her life, how everything turned around, and how she'd like to be remembered. • Emily Swallow on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, IMDb • Navigating Hollywood’s Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter • Books mentioned: The Paradox of Choice, The Reason for God, Making Sense of God, The Meaning of Marriage • Article mentioned: Why Don’t the Rich Just Stop Working? The transcript for this episode can be found here. Video for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Allen Wolf: Hollywood's Biggest Night | 20 Apr 2021 | 00:31:41 | |
It's Hollywood's Biggest Night! Filmmaker Allen Wolf shares surprising facts and trivia about the Academy Awards®, and his own experience being an Oscar® best man. We're also giving away prizes to listeners of the show. • Academy Awards Official Site • Navigating Hollywood's Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter • Allen Wolf's You're Pulling My Leg! book on Amazon • Navigating Hollywood's Podcast Site The transcript for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Sheryl J. Anderson: Creator of Sweet Magnolias | 06 Apr 2021 | 00:38:12 | |
Sheryl J. Anderson, the Creator and Executive Producer of the hit Netflix show Sweet Magnolias, discusses how she started as a storyteller, the way her life experience made her uniquely qualified to create this hit show, and how faith has played a crucial role for her as an artist. She also talks about her life priorities and how she has been able to get where she is today. • Sweet Magnolias Official Site • Navigating Hollywood’s Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Sheryl J. Anderson on IMDb, Twitter • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter The transcript for this episode can be found here. Video for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Harry Yoon: Editor of Minari and Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings | 23 Mar 2021 | 01:09:17 | |
Editor Harry Yoon discusses his work on the Oscar-nominated Minari, his editing of the upcoming Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as how he survives and thrives in Hollywood. • Marvel • Minari • Navigating Hollywood’s Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Harry Yoon on IMDb • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Video for this episode can be found here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Daniel K. Hoh: Writer, Grey's Anatomy Spinoff Station 19 on ABC | 22 Mar 2021 | 00:40:33 | |
Daniel K. Hoh, a writer from ABC’s Grey's Anatomy spinoff, Station 19, and his wife Deborah King discuss his writing career, what inspires him, and the joys and challenges of being married in Hollywood. • Navigating Hollywood’s Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Daniel K. Hoh on IMDb • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Video for this episode can be found here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Sarah Drew: Actress on Grey's Anatomy | 21 Mar 2021 | 00:54:16 | |
Sarah Drew from Grey’s Anatomy talks about her career, the definition of success in Hollywood, her roles on Madmen, Everwood, and Glee, the advice Ed Harris gave to her when she was filming her first movie, what grounds her in the ups and downs of Hollywood, and more in this candid and inspiring conversation. • Navigating Hollywood’s Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course • Sarah Drew on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter Video for this episode can be found here. The transcript for this episode can be found here. | |||
| Allen Wolf, Writer, Director, Producer: The Sound of Violet: Rebroadcast of Perspectives on Neurodiversity | 19 Sep 2023 | 00:41:58 | |
Host and filmmaker Allen Wolf becomes the guest in this rebroadcast of Perspectives on Neurodiversity where he talks about the journey of making his recent movie, The Sound of Violet. We dive headfirst into a discussion about the film adaptation of his novel. The road to casting Shawn, a unique character with autism, wasn't easy, but we talk about the triumphs achieved along the way and the personal connections to the story's theme of human trafficking. We'll hear how the film reflects human life's complexities and unpack essential aspects of a character's development and relationship portrayal in films. Uncover how Allen worked to illustrate Shawn's character and discovered his autism, integrating the concept of synesthesia into the story. | |||
| Tory Belleci, Host, Actor, Writer: Mythbusters, White Rabbit Project, Thrill Factor, The Explosion Show | 15 Aug 2023 | 00:34:06 | |
Join us on a thrilling journey as we chat with Tory Belleci, host, actor, and writer best known for his work on Mythbusters. Tory recalls how an unexpected encounter with the cops led him to the world of visual effects. Buckle up as we take you through the exhilarating steps Tory took to land his dream job at Mythbusters, a job he nearly passed on. • Tory on Instagram, X, IMDb, Facebook • The Sound of Violet Official Site | |||
| Timothy Keller, New York Times Bestselling Author & Speaker: Why We Need Artists | 10 Jul 2023 | 00:12:39 | |
Ready to explore the powerful intersection of faith and creativity and find the answers to some profound questions? Our latest episode features a message from the late pastor, speaker, and New York Times bestselling author Tim Keller. He addressed an off-Broadway audience on a riveting topic: Why Do We Need Artists? Tim delivered this message to a packed theater when he was 42 years old, and his enlightening words are as relevant today as they were then. | |||
| Kristoffer Polaha, Actor & Writer: Jurassic World:Dominion, Wonder Woman 1984, Where Hope Grows | 13 Jun 2023 | 00:37:31 | |
Kris has been featured in Jurassic World: Dominion, Wonder Woman 1984, Where Hope Grows, TV movies for the Hallmark Channel, and many other films and TV series, including Mad Men, Get Shorty, and Backstrom. He has also co-authored two books from the series From Kona with Love. Kris talks about his incredible journey, how an explosion nearly took his life and the legacy he'd like to leave behind. • The Sound of Violet Official Site | |||
| Jeremy Fry, Stunt Coordinator & Stunt Driver: Black Panther, John Wick 3, Captain America, Baby Driver | 11 Apr 2023 | 00:23:46 | |
Jeremy is a stunt coordinator and driver who has worked on many incredible films, including Black Panther, the Dark Knight movies, Captain America, National Treasure, Indiana Jones, Free Guy, Tenet, Ford V Ferrari, John Wick, and many, many others. He has also been featured in dozens of television series as well, including WandaVision, Big Little Lies, True Detective, NCIS, and many others. • Jeremy Fry on IMDb • The Sound of Violet Official Site • Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter | |||
| Dean Batali: TV Writer & Executive Producer, That 70's Show, Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Good Witch, Puppy Dog Pals | 07 Mar 2023 | 00:55:39 | |
Dean Batali was a writer and Executive Producer for That 70's Show, writer for Buffy The Vampire Slayer, head writer for the Disney Jr series Puppy Dog Pals, and was the executive producer and showrunner for Hallmark Channel’s Good Witch. He also co-authored the book Watching TV Religiously. Dean discusses his career, the challenges he met along the way, why he's thankful for the worst day of his life, and the legacy he'd like to leave behind. Interviewed by Filmmaker Allen Wolf. • Dean Batli on IMDb • The Sound of Violet Official Site | |||
| Monica Macer, TV Writer & Executive Producer: Station 11, MacGyver, Queen Sugar, Lost, Prison Break | 27 Sep 2022 | 01:00:44 | |
Named as one of Variety’s 10 Writers to Watch, Monica has written for some of the most acclaimed television series over the last 15 years. She’s a Consulting Producer for HBO’s Station Eleven, the Executive Producer for MacGyver, Queen Sugar, Nashville, and Gentefied, which was nominated for a Peabody Award. She was a writer on Lost, Teen Wolf, Knight Rider, Prison Break, and more. She talks about her career, where she finds inspiration, and the time when she thought she'd never work again. • Monica Macer on IMDb, Twitter • The Sound of Violet Official Site | |||
| Philip Winchester, Actor: Ransom Canyon, Strike Back, In My Sleep, Law & Order: SVU | 01 May 2025 | 00:43:35 | |
Philip Winchester takes us behind the scenes of his remarkable journey from Montana to the Royal Shakespeare Company to Hollywood, revealing how his mother's brave decision to send him to London drama school launched a career spanning classical theater, action-packed television, and movies. On the adrenaline-fueled set of "Strike Back," Winchester performed jaw-dropping stunts—stepping off helicopters onto moving trains. His next challenge came in mastering the rapid-fire "legalese" of Dick Wolf's courtroom dramas, delivering eight pages of complex dialogue daily. Winchester also opens up about the unexpected spiritual awakening he experienced after a chance encounter on the London Underground—a moment that completely transformed his understanding of fatherhood and purpose. Join us for this powerful exploration of balancing Hollywood ambition with deeply personal values—a conversation that will leave you reconsidering what truly matters when the cameras stop rolling. | |||