Explore every episode of the podcast The 50/50 Podcast

This week, comedian Jack Greenberg joins us. We kick off the chat discussing his relationship with live performance and the evolution of Jack and Caroline Present: The Show, a multimedia variety show he created with his fiancée, Caroline, designed to showcase their comedic strengths (think choogy/cosy core couple, desperate to share their art with you). We also get into the art of character creation, exploring how physical ticks, mannerisms, and the rhythms of everyday conversation can unlock comedic moments. Drawing on his upbringing in San Francisco and time at Stanford, Jack discusses finding inspiration in the personalities and conversational frameworks of the Silicon Valley world he's experienced firsthand.

We also talk about Jack's ambitions as a screenwriter, including his number-one goal of getting staffed on a comedy show. With a short film currently in prep and a feature screenplay nearing completion, Jack shares how he's balancing his live performance work with his growing aspirations behind the camera and on the page.

Jack's Insta

Jack's Tik

JACK ADDITIONAL LINKS

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It's a no-guest episode! Luke and Wyatt get together on a Sunday to recap another vibrant 50/50 Horror. Additionally, Wyatt is rolling around on the floor in acting classes, Luke is becoming delusional on set, and we walk the tight rope of talking about YOU CAN SEE EVERYTHING without spoiling too much... enjoy!

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This week,  we sit down with Kira Guess, Coordinator at Mosaic, to discuss how resourcefulness, entrepreneurial thinking, and an actor’s perspective can translate into effective literary representation. After studying performance at LAMDA (an acting conservatory in the UK), Kira found her way into talent representation, where her firsthand understanding of the actor’s experience helped her connect with clients in a uniquely personal way. She later joined Innovative Artists, working for 13 agents simultaneously and finding opportunities to contribute to the literary business by taking initiative and solving problems before anyone asked.

Now at Mosaic, Kira brings her performance background to the development process, approaching material through the lens of character and understanding what makes talent-driven stories sell. We discuss what she looks for in prospective clients, why writers should seek representatives who are willing to take chances on unconventional material, and how a willingness to be crafty for your clients and challenge the industry's traditional mold can make all the difference.

This week, we sit down with reality TV producer (and Wyatt's neighbor) Nicholas Gloria to break down the art and business of producing unscripted television. From his early days at Scout Productions (QUEER EYE) to being IN THE VILLA as a producer on LOVE ISLAND in Fiji, Nicholas shares what it means to get closer to the talent, manage big personalities, and help steer a show's story without sacrificing the authenticity of the people at its center.

We get into the psychology of working with reality TV casts, the importance of validating their emotions and advocating for their needs, and what a typical day on one of television's most immersive reality shows actually looks like. Nicholas also breaks down how to climb the production ladder, build relationships with showrunners, and understand the role production companies play in shaping unscripted television. Plus, he walks us through the process of pitching a reality show, from putting together a sizzle reel to finding the right buyers — and, most importantly, figuring out why you're the right person to tell that story.

50/50 HORROR TICKETS

This week, we sit down with filmmaker and actor Santi MacLean to get physical. Santi breaks down his acting practice, Action Theatre — a highly reactive, physical, and primal form of acting derived from dance. We talk about what happens when you completely surrender to an acting exercise, what it means to align your body and instincts with a performance, and how this practice has fundamentally shaped the way Santi approaches directing and filmmaking at large.

We also get into Santi’s ambitious current project, compiling 12 SHORT FILMS to form a collection of films he’s creating almost like an album — blurring the lines between filmmaking, performance art, and experimentation.

Finally, we talk about how our relationship with our own work evolves over time: writing something, putting it away, coming back to it years later, and discovering that you’re suddenly in conversation with the person who made it. What does our art preserve about who we were — and what can it teach us about who we are now?

A conversation about physicality, instinct, experimentation, and the strange experience of constantly creating alongside our younger selves.

Santi's Website 

Santi's Insta

50/50 Horror Tickets

This week, we’re joined by producer Aisling Lynch of Fourth Wall, who moved to Los Angeles in a yellow Smart Car named Leonardo with just a couple bucks to her name — and quickly began figuring out how to make it work.

Aisling talks about PA’ing on the final week of EUPHORIA Season 2, which led to a full run on THE IDOL and gave her a firsthand education in the chaos of constant rewrites, reshoots, and life on set. We get into why actually being on set is so important for producers — especially as more and more young executives enter the business without much production experience.

From her first desk job at Asylum Entertainment, where she primarily worked in unscripted, to freelancing as a book scout and learning how to read material quickly and instinctively, Aisling breaks down the experiences that shaped her taste and abilities. She then “lucked out” by becoming Russell Hollander’s assistant at Fourth Wall, where he gave her the freedom to source as much material as possible — setting her on a rapid path from assistant to producer.

We talk about the value of being scrappy, making cold calls, finding opportunities wherever you can, figuring out what’s actually working, and learning how to build a productive relationship with your producing partner. 

Aisling Instagram

OPEN HOUSE (Deadline Annoucement)

50/50 Horror Tickets

Wylie Anderson RETURNS to the Pod fresh off directing Grace Guy’s DECKHAND at the Edinburgh Fringe — and fully recovered from much chaos involving international travel and visceral sickness. We also discuss Wylie's HOME MOVIE SHOW: an event where fellow "adults" bring in the earnest, hilarious, deeply personal home movies they made as kids. The live show taps into Wylie’s love of hosting and her ability to access her inner child, while opening up a bigger conversation about purpose — and remembering what is actually FUN about filmmaking.

We also get into Wylie’s newest feature, which she describes as her most personal yet. She shares how she immerses herself in the writing process, including using movement and dance as a way into a script about dance itself. From there, we zoom out to talk about creative process more broadly: setting goals and writing benchmarks, holding yourself accountable, and knowing when — and how — to let other people into the work-in-progress. 

WYLIE INSTA

HOME MOVIE SHOW - RSVP 10/16 SHOW!

DECKHAND @ FRINGE

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(RE-RELEASE) This week, we resurface a CLASSIC episode. We sit down with David Jacobson, marketing director at Cherry Lane Theatre — freshly reopened under A24 — to talk shepherding one of downtown New York’s most historic stages into its next era. David cut his teeth in sports marketing with the New York Knicks and New York Rangers (not to mention a brief, glorious stint working the second floor of the old times square NikeTown — RIP). Along the way, he adopted a simple philosophy passed down from his dad: the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Ask questions. Meet everyone. Be the “dumbest” person in the room. Remain a fan at heart. 

David stepped into Cherry Lane just months before its reopening, balancing the theater’s deep, rebellious history with A24’s modern indie sensibility. He says that running marketing there feels more like a startup than an institution. It’s a candid conversation about hustle, taste, and parlaying every job into meaningful relationships. 

In classic 50/50 fashion, it's another theatre/film mashup. Buckle your seatbelts! 

YOU GOT OLDER at the Cherry Lane Theatre

The Cherry Lane Theatre Instagram

HENRY WINKLER'S INSTAGRAM (random but relevant)

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Director Britt Berke is back on the pod! Since we spoke with her last year, Britt has been BUSY— she most recently directed Ruby Karp’s solo special I DON’T TRUST ADULTS, premiering on VEEPS September 10th. We get into the unique challenges of directing a stand-up special versus theatre (and where the lines between the two blur), including how to manage blocking for stage/film. 

We also dive deep into Britt’s experience directing Julia Atkin’s CRYING AT MY PODIATRIST, a body-horror solo show she was brought on to direct for the Edinburgh Fringe. She and Julia built the show from the ground up - they workshopped it first in NYC and then jetted off to Edinburgh where they only had room for minimal set dressing and a two-person crew.

Britt gives us a behind-the-scenes look at what it actually takes to put up a show at Fringe — including flyering strategies, theatre timeslots, director fees, costs, and why so many industry people love Edinburgh. Plus: shipping-container bars, late-night theatre kid antics, seeing 20+ shows in a month, the list could go on and on. We close the interview by highlighting Britt’s recent directing residencies, how she chooses the projects she wants to work on, and what’s next — including her upcoming production of PHYL at the Mint Theater Company.

I DON'T TRUST ADULTS (Britt Directed Ruby Karp Special - on VEEPS Sept 10th)

CRYING AT MY PODIATRIST (FRINGE)

PHYL at MINT THEATRE (Oct 3rd - Nov 7th)

BRITT'S WEBSITE

BRITT'S INSTA

Submit Your Horror Short

This week, we sit down with filmmaker/visual artist Gabriella Mykal to talk about her journey from making experimental films in Texas to CalArts, where she made her first doc feature, RP — a documentary exploring the normalization of traumatic sexual experiences through fan fiction. Gabriella discusses the film’s unconventional approach to documentary filmmaking, heavily featuring reenactments to create something that feels high-concept, intellectual, and deeply psychological. We also talk about the experience of seeing the film connect with audiences at its international premiere at TIFF Next Wave.

We also discuss the more business-y elements to Gabriella's film career thus far: her work in reality TV post-production at Renegade83, working on Zoe Kravitz’s directorial debut under producer Tiffany Persons, and working in development at Shondaland. We dig into the lessons she learned from each of those experiences, how she managed to keep writing throughout demanding day jobs. Finally, we talk about her plans to actually get those films made — and the reasoning for starting with the most grounded of her many scripts. 

RAPE PLAY - TRAILER

RAPE PLAY (TIFF SITE)

WHAT'S TROUBLING YOU? (w/ JOSH CARONE)

GABRIELLA'S WEBSITE

INSTA

Blacklist Projects Lab Announcement

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This week, we sit down with comedian Ruby Karp! We briefly recap Ruby's unconventional childhood (for more on that, listen to our first episode with her!); how growing up with a single mom ended up with the early UCB improvisers essentially serving as her babysitters. Her solo show, I Don’t Trust Adults, draws from that experience — exploring what it’s like to grow up surrounded by adults, growing up way too fast in some ways and not at all in others. After a successful run at Soho Theatre in NYC, Ruby filmed the show as a standup special, and we get into the ins and outs of working with a theatre, crew, director, and editor to bring a live show to the screen — as well as the business of selling it as a special to a streamer. 

We also dive into Ruby’s approach to launching the special after selling it to VEEPS, a newer streamer focused on comedy and emerging voices. From clips and man-on-the-street content to PR and social strategy, Ruby breaks down how she thinks about turning a special into a full-blown digital campaign. Having previously worked at Betches and Unwell producing social content for other creators, she’s become a one-person digital marketing powerhouse. Watch I Don't Trust Adults -- on VEEPS Sept 10th! 

I DON'T TRUST ADULTS (VEEPS)

Deadline Announcement

Ruby Betches

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This week, actor/comedian/musician Kenzie Gross joins us to talk about growing up in a sports family, where constant competition and a full plate of extracurriculars instilled a strong work ethic in her from a young age. After growing up in Portland, OR and finding her place in musical theatre—often playing the comedic relief—Kenzie headed to USC, where she continued performing and eventually interned at The Groundlings. That experience made her realize, “Oh yeah, this is what I want to do forever.”

We dive into the equally terrifying experiences of starting stand-up and posting comedy videos online, discussing what it’s like to throw yourself into the deep end as a performer, finding your comedic voice, and learning to get comfortable being uncomfortable.

KENZIE'S INSTA

Submit Your Horror Short

This week, we talk with Josh Carone of 2bd2bth! We discuss how a conversation with fellow creator and friend Milky Tran was the catalyst for Josh and his comedy partner Jenny to start the group, and they quickly fell in love with the immediate gratification of making internet sketches — the ability to come up with a variety of ideas and bring them to life quickly. For Josh, who had previously only written features, the format felt incredibly freeing artistically. We talk about the process of seeking authenticity while simultaneously paying attention to what the platforms actually want.

Josh also discusses the rise of 2bd2bth while continuing to work a day job on the content side at Sony, an experience that gave him a unique perspective at the intersection of digital content and film — and taught him a ton along the way. We also dig into his beloved short DON’T PAUSE THE GAME, which is a drama (we dont see a ton of drama shorts these days), and Josh's take on male communication. 

2BD2BTH INSTA

JOSH INSTA

DONT PAUSE THE GAME (SHORT FILM)

Some movies become cult classics. THE ROOM became a phenomenon.

This week, we're joined by Josh Folan, Jonathan Mann, and Ted Garvey, the filmmaking team behind the animated documentary ROOM TONE: THE SOUND OF THE ROOM, which tells the unbelievable story of Tommy Wiseau's infamous film through the eyes of the people who were actually there. After meeting legendary sound mixer Zsolt, Josh realized that he was one of the only constants on THE ROOM's famously chaotic set; and he had an incredible story to tell. Alongside boom operator Tim D. Lloyd, Zsolt offers a firsthand perspective on one of the most dysfunctional productions in movie history—and because archival footage wasn't an option, Josh enlisted Jonathan and Ted to bring these stories to life through animation.

We dive into the creative pipeline behind the documentary, from interviews to illustration to the years-long animation process, and discuss the unique challenge of visually recreating stories that had never been seen before. We also talk about the reactions from the people who actually made THE ROOM, what it meant to finally share the finished film with them, and how the project became a source of creative freedom for everyone involved. 

BUY THE FILM

ROOM TONE TRAILER

ROOM TONE (LETTERBOXD)

ROOM TONE (IMDB)

SUBMIT YOUR HORROR SHORT!

This week, we're joined by writer/director Parker Fenady (2x 50/50 Alum). Parker reflects on growing up around the film industry while still forging her own creative identity, the pivotal feedback from a professor that challenged her to look beyond technical skill, and how studying acting in London helped shape not only her craft, but her perspective as a storyteller. Together, we explore her mission to tell stories about women coming of age through one another, and why understanding your artistic purpose is just as important as mastering the craft itself.

We also dive into Parker's acclaimed short I Didn't Like You, unpacking its grassroots success, why she chose to promote the film with a zine instead of a traditional trailer, and how the growing appetite for fresh queer stories helped audiences discover the film. The conversation then turns personal as we discuss the realities of balancing relationships with a creative career, navigating love as an artist, and finding harmony between the people you care about and the work you're passionate about.

I DIDN'T LIKE YOU (50/50 COMEDY 2026)

ZINE/WEBSITE - I DIDN'T LIKE YOU

Gen Z Creatives List - Parker F.

SEANCE Short Film (early 50/50 Selection)

Submit Your Horror Short!

Fear has always fascinated Nolan Lampson. This week on the 50/50 Podcast, Nolan joins us to unpack his lifelong love of horror—from sneaking scary movies while his parents were away to discovering why we're so drawn to the genre's darkest corners. We dive into the anatomy of a great scare, why horror needs moments of levity to truly work, and Nolan's belief that the genre is ultimately about catharsis—scratching a primal itch that no other type of storytelling can.

Nolan goes on to share how college screenwriting courses gave him both a creative community and the discipline that's carried him through his professional career. We talk about building momentum through ambitious internships, knowing when to bet on yourself and call in your network, and why lasting relationships are often the key to the next opportunity. Plus, Nolan reveals the film he believes is the best horror movie released since Hereditary.

Nolan's Website

Nolan's Letterboxd

Nolan's Instagram

Submit Your Horror Short

This week, actor/comedian Johnny Marx returns to the pod one year after his first appearance, and a lot has changed. We catch up on the first anniversary of LINDA, the monthly comedy show he co-hosts with Bebe Katsenes, and how building the show has helped him find a true community within comedy. Johnny reflects on meeting some of his comedy heroes through the experience and shares how stand-up has become one of the most valuable tools in shaping his identity as an actor—helping audiences, casting directors, and producers understand exactly who he is as a performer.

We also dive into Johnny's recent success on social media after a string of viral Instagram reels. He breaks down his authentic approach to creating content, why finding the right audience matters more than chasing trends, and the mindset that's helped him grow an engaged following - the right audience. 

LINDA

Johnny Insta

SUBMIT: 50/50 Horror Fest

This week, we're joined by filmmaker, actor, and singer/songwriter Nathan Xia, who we got to know through his short FLAVOR OF THE MONTH, which was an Official Selection of our 50/50 Comedy Fest in May. Nathan kicks things off with a heartfelt, original song dedicated to the roommates he's spent years living with—a fitting tribute as the six friends, who first met at LMU, begin going their separate ways.

Nathan reflects on how building a creative home with like-minded collaborators shaped his filmmaking, from discovering shared tastes and ambitions to finding a collaborative rhythm that has lasted well beyond college. He also dives into CHASING SUNDANCE, the feature he made alongside Jacob Staudenmaier amongst other longtime collaborators, sharing how a road trip, mutual trust, and a safe creative environment helped the team find their flow while making their first feature together.

CHASING SUNDANCE - Indie Film made w/ Jacob Staudenmaier

Nathan's Instagram

Nathan's Short on 50/50 IG

Nathan's Website

Nathan's Music

Submit Your Horror Short! 

This week, it's a 50/50 re-release! We harken back to Episode 18 of the pod, where we welcomed our bud Alaman Diadhiou (actor/singer/dancer) on the pod.

Just a couple days ago, Alaman wrapped a successful run of La Cage aux Folles at the NY City Center, where he starred opposite Wayne Brady and Billy Porter in the highly regarded musical. 

ANNE ON MY ARM (w/ Alaman, Wayne Brady, Rachel Webb)

PLAYBILL REVIEW

ALAMAN INSTA

SUBMIT YOUR HORROR SHORT!

This week, we're joined by composer Nicolas Snyder, whose work can be heard in acclaimed animated series like SCAVENGERS REIGN and COMMON SIDE EFFECTS, both on HBO Max. Nicolas reflects on his path to composing—from playing in bands and studying narrative writing to discovering that his meticulous, trained approach to crafting sentences was secretly training him to become a songwriter.

We also discuss his long-running creative partnership with creator/showrunner Joe Bennett, how their collaboration evolved organically over time, and why Nicolas rejects the idea of being a musical genius. Instead, he embraces imperfection as a creative strength, arguing that uniqueness and humanity matter far more than technical perfection. Plus, we dive into his composing process, from working with samples and juggling multiple projects to learning the art of delegation. Lastly, he shares valuable advice for filmmakers on how to communicate more effectively with composers.

Common Side Effects (HBO)

Common Side Effects INTRO

SCAVENGERS REIGN (HBO)

NICOLAS INSTA

New Show - DEALIES

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This week, we're joined by writer/director, and 50/50 selectee Kate Saltel. From the formative experience of screening a student film at the Austin Film Festival while growing up in Texas to secretly creating a viral YouTube alter ego that forever changed her relationship with social media, Kate reflects on the unconventional path that's shaped her voice and her approach to connecting directly with audiences. She also explains why she's intentionally remained an assistant at a management company, and how working on the corporate side of the industry has been instrumental in her growth as a filmmaker.

We also dive into Kate's strategy of writing shorts specifically for her favorite up-and-coming comedians and how that philosophy has helped her build lasting creative relationships. Finally, she breaks down the rollout for her 50/50-selected short HEADSHOT, revealing how an ambitious satirical marketing campaign has transformed the film into a genuine event, earning hundreds of thousands of views and demonstrating how filmmakers can create momentum around their work long after production wraps.

HEADSHOT (Instagram)

HEADSHOT (Youtube)

THE LAST CHAPEL (Kate Saltel / Cam Gavinski short film)

GREEN @ Elysian Vault (Monthly Show)

SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR!

This week, we're joined by Variety TV reporter Ethan Shanfeld. From his early days studying journalism at Northwestern and freelancing for outlets like Nylon and Pitchfork to landing major cover stories at his current employer, Variety, Ethan breaks down what makes a great pitch email, how he prepares for interviews without over-preparing, and why every celebrity requires a completely different approach.

We dive deep into his unforgettable SEVERANCE cover story, including the surreal experience of interviewing Ben Stiller and Adam Scott over a 4pm dinner at an Italian restaurant on Manhattan's West Side Highway—without quite knowing what he was walking into. Along the way, we discuss building trust with interview subjects, broaching the tough questions, and navigating the ever-present publicists in the room.

Plus: stories from interviewing a silver-handed Benny Safdie, an incredibly candid Miley Cyrus, and the unique challenge of sitting down with Nintendo's notoriously guarded president through a translator. 

Welcome to the 50/50 fam, Ethan!

Ethan Shanfeld - Variety Page

Ethan Shanfeld - Twitter

Subit your Horror Short!

Andrew Gerstenblatt and Arthur Goldbart of Silver & Gold Pictures are back on the Pod! The longtime roommates and creative collaborators join us to discuss their latest short film, The Extraordinaries, which recently screened at 50/50 Comedy AND won the Audience Award at NFFTY. 

We dive into the making of the short, from crafting its timeless aesthetic to maximizing the possibilities of a single-location shoot inside a treasure-filled antique store. Andrew and Arthur share how extensive preparation creates room for spontaneity on set, and why they're passionate about bringing back the kind of theatrical studio comedies that audiences can't stop quoting. Plus, we talk about what's next for the duo as they gear up to make the leap to their debut feature.

SILVER & GOLD PICTURES

ANDREW INSTA

ARTHUR INSTA

SUBMIT YOUR SHORT TO 50/50 HORROR

This week, we speak with Mahalia Latortue-Pridgett, director's assistant on ABBOTT ELEMENTARY. She breaks down her journey from interning at Viola Davis’s production company in its early days to now carving out her own path as a writer in television. She talks about starting her career in Atlanta, realizing she needed to make the leap to Los Angeles, and balancing a day job at a management company while quietly dedicating an hour every day to writing. Using the relationships and industry knowledge she gained in talent representation, Mahalia eventually signed a shopping agreement and sold her script — all before many people around her even knew what she was building.

We also get into the realities of surviving the entertainment industry, and how hardship and rejection can ultimately sharpen your voice as a writer. Mahalia opens up about working with Randall Einhorn on Abbott Elementary, the value of mentorship, and why strong characters and clear comedic engines are the foundation of great TV writing. Plus, we discuss representation, collaboration, and what it looks like to build a creative partnership with a manager who truly understands your voice.

MAHALIA INSTAGRAM 

SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR!

This week , we sit down with Janie Kahan to trace her path through the animation industry — from learning the studio pipeline at DreamWorks on TROLLS WORLD TOUR and CROODS 2, to Nickelodeon’s PLANKTON: THE MOVIE, and eventually Netflix Animation, where she found a creative home working on Charlie Kaufman’s ORION AND THE DARK. Along the way, Janie reflects on gravitating toward more emotionally mature storytelling and the kinds of projects that align with her artistic instincts.

The conversation also dives into the larger purpose Janie brings to every workplace: advocacy, allyship, and creating more inclusive environments for disabled creatives in the industry. We discuss practical ways productions can better support disabled team members day-to-day, the importance of communication and adaptability, and how meaningful social change can happen through both art and workplace culture.

DISABILITY FILM CHALLENGE

THE MIRACLE PROJECT

DEAF WEST THEATRE

SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR!

This week, we sit down with 50/50 FESTIVAL WINNER Myles Hodder! We dive into his upbringing in Newfoundland — “straight off the rock” — to becoming an award-winning comedy director. A Second City-trained performer who originally started as an actor, Myles breaks down how a small addition to his commercial directing reel unexpectedly became the project that won him 50/50 Comedy, and why simplicity almost always wins in comedy.

We also get into the mechanics of directing funny material — from balancing improv with preparation on set to the importance of timing, rhythm, and why some of the best comedy lives in close-ups. Plus, Myles shares his approach to navigating the wave of industry meetings that followed the festival, including how to take the pressure off generals and build long lasting relationships. 

MYLES WEBSITE

THREE COLORS SCREENING: BUY YOUR TIX NOW!

SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR FEST

RACHEL - John Early/Kate Berlant/Andrew DeYoung

This week, we sit down with writer and animator Anca Vlasan -- we start by discussing how her Romanian heritage shaped her love of storytelling, particularly her pull toward “fish out of water” narratives. She reflects on her debut short Lizard Queen, which became her calling card and helped her break into Adult Swim, where she also formed a close creative partnership with Mike Lazzo. 

We also get into how Anca approaches animation from a writer’s perspective, with a strong emphasis on structure, and how working on Adult Swim’s bumps became an unexpected comedy bootcamp. She talks about recently teaching herself to animate as a step toward becoming a showrunner, and why taking control of the full process has been so creatively important to her. 

SUBMIT TO 50/50 HORROR FESTIVAL!

ANCA'S WEBSITE

COSMIC ZOOM (Anca's first animated short!)

KOALA MAN

YOLO 

Best Adult Swim BUMPS!

This week, we sit down with writer and comedian Grace Guy to unpack the complicated, often unspoken dynamics of assistant culture in the entertainment industry. Drawing from her own experience as a former assistant, Grace shares the inspiration behind her deeply personal play Deckhand—a sharp, emotionally charged story about a boss and assistant trapped together on a boat. We dive into the love/hate tension that defines so many of these relationships, and the uncomfortable truth that while assistants are often told their proximity to power will lead to opportunity, that promise rarely materializes.

Grace also opens up about recognizing when it’s time to leave a job, the importance of self-care and building a real support system, and the danger of tying your dreams to someone else’s success. The conversation then shifts to her creative process—how she approaches writing “forced proximity” stories, and the journey of developing Deckhand, including testing it in front of audiences ahead of its Edinburgh run. 

TIX FOR 50/50 COMEDY FESTIVAL MAY 3RD!!

Grace's Insta (see upcoming show dates & more!)

DECKHAND SHOW

Books Mentioned: Artist's Way, Rick Rubin's Book, Anne Lamont (Bird by Bird, Good Writing)

This week, Chloë Kerwin reflects on church basements, circuses, ghost-hunting, and oh yeah... acting! Chloë grew up dreaming of Broadway, later finding herself drawn to films like True Grit and Moonrise Kingdom. After high school, she brought that curiosity to Emerson, where she collaborated with filmmakers like her cousin (previous podcast guest) Wylie Anderson, and began building the kind of reel that would eventually open doors.

We get into the realities of auditioning (including Little Women with Greta Gerwig), navigating relationships with reps, and her intentional pivot toward comedy—a space she’s found both more challenging and more creatively rewarding. Chloë shares how she’s shaped her artistic voice through on-set experience on shows like MARVELOUS MRS. MAISEL, creative outlets that sustain her passion, and why patience and stability remain central to building a fulfilling career in the industry.

50/50 COMEDY TICKETS MAY 3RD!

CHLOË IMDB

CHLOË WEBSITE

This week, we sit down with director/producer Talia Light Rake to talk about what it really means to self-empower as an artist. Talia dives into redefining her creative identity, how aligning who you are with what you make can unlock new momentum, and the unexpected ways social media gave her work legitimacy and reach.

We also get into her algorithm-driven networking events—bringing creatives together across cities—and the recent success of her indie pilot Too Romantic. 

TICKETS for 50/50 FILM FESTIVAL (MAY 3rd)

TOO ROMANTIC Pilot (FESTIVAL DATES ETC)

HEAVY SHOVEL PRODUCTIONS

TALIA'S INSTA

This week, we’re joined by Allie Kahan, producer at Headgum, who carved out her own lane into entertainment by doing something deceptively simple—paying close attention. After immersing herself in podcasts about the industry, Allie found an authentic entry point that led her to Artists First, where she began building both her career and her creative voice in tandem.

We talk through her transition to Headgum, including the nuanced balance of being a genuine fan of the company while stepping into a professional role. From there, the conversation expands into her work today—navigating high-profile talent, what actually goes into podcast acquisitions, and the evolving process of developing shows in-house. It’s a candid look at a modern producing career, and how staying curious can quietly open doors.

HEADGUM Podcasts!

SUBMIT TO 50/50 FESTIVAL!

'Making It' with Ricky Lindhome (Podcast Archive)

This week, we sit down with Jared Corwin, Co-Executive Director of Silverlake Shorts. After feeling stuck following his first feature, Jared found renewed purpose by helping launch a monthly, sold-out, non-profit film festival alongside collaborator Benjamin Sharpe. What started as a grassroots community event has grown into a meaningful creative engine—one that’s not only spotlighting emerging filmmakers, but actively shaping Jared’s own career as a writer and animator.

We dive into the evolution of the festival, from screening films to funding them through their fellowship program, and what kinds of projects they’re looking to support. Jared also shares insights on expanding beyond Los Angeles, including a recent festival in Atlanta, and how the organization is thinking about local audiences as well as potential collaboration with the broader studio system. The conversation widens into the state of the LA film scene, the cultural value of short films, and Jared’s mission to elevate shorts to the same artistic stature as features—all while helping bring filmmaking energy back to Los Angeles in a major way.

SILVER LAKE SHORTS Website

SILVER LAKE SHORTS Instagram

SUBMIT TO 50/50 COMEDY FESTIVAL

This week, we’re joined by John Li (Development at Amazon TV) where we dive deep into how careers in entertainment really take shape. From being the guy who’s always grabbing drinks to mastering the art of authentic networking, John shares how genuine relationships—not transactional ones—have driven his path. He reflects on landing at USC just as the industry was being flipped upside down, and why adaptability, curiosity, and getting specific about what you actually want are key to finding your footing.

We also dive into why being an assistant might be one of the most fun—and valuable—jobs in Hollywood, offering unmatched exposure early on, and how to reach the point where people rely on you so much your mistakes are actually felt. John opens up about what working at an agency taught him (including the reality that everyone’s “faking it” to some extent), how his taste has evolved over time, and why he’s focused on making impactful, high-quality content that reaches the largest possible audience.

JOHN LI LINKEDIN

SUBMIT TO 50/50 COMEDY HERE!

This week, we sit down with actor/comedian Natalie Ortega to talk about carving out your own lane in an industry that rarely hands you one. Natalie shares how she found her niche in musical comedy (and why it’s not just because the bar is low), her complicated relationship with stand-up, and why she believes actors shouldn’t sit around waiting for the next audition.

We get into her time performing in Wicked on Broadway — including the unspoken rules of the Broadway social scene — and what she learned on set alongside Brett Goldstein and J.Lo, where stand-up unexpectedly became her greatest asset. Natalie also opens up about her evolving relationship with agents and managers, and how taking initiative in your own career changes everything: do more for yourself, and your reps will too.

Plus, we dive into her creative partnership with Cam Gavinski on PARTNERS, what’s next for the project, and some exciting TV development news on the horizon.

NATALIE'S INSTA (Watch PARTNERS HERE TOO!)

Submit Your Comedy Short

This week, 50/50 Festival WINNER Ali Rosenthal traces her path towards comedic purpose; after cutting her teeth in New York City, she forged her voice as a comedy filmmaker at Stanford, where she made ICE QUEENS a self-described “fiercely feminist fantasy.” We then dive into her breakout short TEEN MARY - making the film at AFI while managing the creative risk of approaching religion from a fresh, comedic perspective—and why that very risk pushed her to make the film in the first place.

From there, we move to bigger questions: why pitching yourself can sometimes be harder than pitching a project, what truly separates a comedic short film from a sketch, and why a strong director’s statement can be essential to articulating your artistic purpose, especially in comedy. We wrap by discussing the project Ali is currently taking out to town and the process of refining drafts with her manager—plus the perennial question: how do you know when a script is actually ready to pitch?

TEEN MARY - Instagram

ICE QUEENS (Stanford Short)

Submit Your Comedy Short

This week, filmmaker Elijah Davis breaks down how he swung big on his debut feature, Three Colors: Pan African — and what it actually took to get it made. We talk about the influence of French cinema on the film’s visual language, and Elijah’s larger mission: creating real authorship opportunities for Black creatives across every department. He shares how funding the first portion of the project as a proof of concept unlocked momentum — and why fundraising proved to be one of the most difficult stretches of the process.

We also discuss representation theory and Elijah’s perspective on the relationship between Blackness and media — who gets to tell stories and who controls the frame. Finally, he opens up about balancing all of this while working full-time as an assistant at WME — and what it means to build a filmmaking career from inside the industry machine.

THREE COLORS INSTAGRAM/TRAILER

THREE COLORS IMDB

THREE COLORS LETTERBOXD

SUBMIT TO 50/50 FESTIVAL

This week, we sit down with Chris Rutledge, whose knowledge of animation extends far beyond his own work and into the underground, deeply influential network of visual artists shaping the medium from the edges. What stands out immediately is Chris’s ability to recognize artistic movements before they even have names, mapping out how ideas circulate through communities long before they surface in the mainstream. His perspective reframes animation not as isolated projects, but as a living conversation between artists pushing each other forward.

We also break down the fundamentals of various animation software tools and why teaching them has helped Chris re-familiarize himself with the art form, keeping his creative instincts sharp and reinvigorated. The episode traces how he’s organically emerged as a producer, leaning into his natural role as a connector—bringing trusted collaborators into his own projects and opening doors that have led to work on Adult Swim Shorts and even an A$AP Rocky music video. It’s a conversation about community, curiosity, and how collaboration often becomes the most powerful creative tool of all.

HELICOPTER (A$AP ROCKY)

BABY BRECK (w/ Tim Robinson)

STREET RACE (Adult Swim's 'Off The Air')

Chris's Other Work / Insta

Submit Your Comedy Short

This week, we sit down with director Posy Dixon — currently deep in production on a documentary about cult musician Planningtorock — a project that’s evolved into something far more collaborative than traditional nonfiction. In a rare creative dynamic, Posy's subject is actively writing the film alongside her, shaping a kind of career-long retrospective that blurs the line between observer and participant. We talk about what happens when a documentary becomes co-authored, and how identity sits at the center of Posy’s creative practice.

We also rewind to her early days at VICE — a time she describes as chaotic, formative, and creatively liberating — and unpack what it means to be thrown into the deep end with freedom to experiment. Plus, Posy shares stories from her collaboration with former 50/50 guest Luke Keeling on an Instagram campaign featuring Tyler, the Creator. The shoot was unscripted, high-pressure, and built around A-level talent — requiring a different kind of preparation that Posy navigated with clarity and grace.

POSY'S WEBSITE

LUCA (her prod co)

CREATE ANYWAY - Tyler The Creator Instagram Campaign

Planningtorock (Musician)

BEULAH LOVES DANCING (Planningtorock)

Submit to the 50/50 Comedy Fest

This week, we sit down with David Jacobson, marketing director at Cherry Lane Theatre — freshly reopened under A24 — to talk shepherding one of downtown New York’s most historic stages into its next era. David cut his teeth in sports marketing with the New York Knicks and New York Rangers (not to mention a brief, glorious stint working the second floor of the old times square NikeTown — RIP). Along the way, he adopted a simple philosophy passed down from his dad: the squeaky wheel gets the oil. Ask questions. Meet everyone. Be the “dumbest” person in the room. Remain a fan at heart. 

David stepped into Cherry Lane just months before its reopening, balancing the theater’s deep, rebellious history with A24’s modern indie sensibility. He says that running marketing there feels more like a startup than an institution. It’s a candid conversation about hustle, taste, and parlaying every job into meaningful relationships. 

In classic 50/50 fashion, it's another theatre/film mashup. Buckle your seatbelts! 

YOU GOT OLDER at the Cherry Lane Theatre

The Cherry Lane Theatre Instagram

HENRY WINKLER'S INSTAGRAM (random but relevant)

- COMEDY FEST SUBMISSIONS - 

This week, we sit down with 50/50 writer-director duo Aimee Hoffman and Elinor Howells about building a creative partnership that’s as honest as it is motivating. From their first days meeting at AFI to developing a shorthand that allows them to pitch wild swings and terrible ideas without judgment, they break down how trust — and taste — sharpen each other’s work.

We talk about walking into every room with reps, producers, and execs armed with ideas, not just ambition, and why they’re unapologetic about aiming big: studio movies, spectacle, scale. They share the origin and on-set evolution of their acclaimed short DADDA (50/50 Horror Official Selection), including how Elinor’s presence as a writer during production fundamentally shaped the film in real time. Plus, they dive into their upcoming Florida-set feature, and why physically traveling, researching, and living inside a world is essential to writing something that feels active and alive.

DADDA TRAILER

Elinor's Website

Aimee's Website

Comedy Fest Submissions

This week, we’re joined by Arman Yaghmai, a coordinator at Verve, for a candid, nuts-and-bolts look at how the literary side of the industry actually works. We begin with discussing why coverage is such a crucial entry point for assistants—and how to know when you’re ready to graduate out of it. We then pull back the curtain on the inner mechanics of a lit-forward talent agency, from weekly Open Writing Assignment meetings to how information travels internally and jobs get chased. We also dive into what a signing pursuit really looks like, and why many writers land a manager long before they sign with an agent.

Additionally, Arman shares what he looks for in emerging talent, what kind of pitching is most effective, and why the industry’s favorite question—“Why now?”—might be better reframed. We wrap up by defining what makes a great agent (reading, relationships, and genuine passion) and exploring how a shifting industry—and the rise of vertical content—could create new pipelines into traditional entertainment.

VARIETY'S 10 ASSISTANTS TO WATCH

50/50 COMEDY FEST SUBMISSIONS

Before Rotten Tomatoes became a cultural barometer for movies and TV, it was just a silly side project built by someone obsessed with community. In this episode, Patrick Lee traces his entrepreneurial instincts back to early adulthood — from reselling computers to launching what would become one of the most influential platforms in entertainment. He opens up about how close Rotten Tomatoes came to disappearing during the dot-com crash, the realities of downsizing, and why the era of canned tuna and instant ramen remains a badge of honor. It’s a candid look at survival, scrappiness, and building something meaningful without a safety net.

We also dig into the underrated power of networking — how building out an early professional network could have easily doubled the value of Rotten Tomatoes, and how to approach networking without the usual dread. From there, Patrick lays out the two non-negotiable traits for startup success: irrational confidence and ruthless focus. We close with a conversation about his very real fear of AI (and why we should all give WALL-E a rewatch) and why real-world community and human connection may be the most valuable currency we have left.

Patrick's Talk on FOCUS

Patrick's Instagram

VENN

50/50 COMEDY FEST SUBMISSIONS

This week, we’re joined by singer/songwriter Annika Rose and her manager Alice Dabell for a rare  conversation about what it looks like to grow alongside your management as an artist. Their decade-long partnership is a truly remarkable example of trust, evolution, and shared vision—one that began when Alice first discovered Annika through a now-mythical music video cover of Foo Fighters’ “The Pretender” (seriously, we’ve scoured the internet… if you have it, please send asap).

Annika’s early career saw her signing to the Simon Cowell / Louis Tomlinson imprint, followed by years of label deals, hard lessons, and major growth. Now, ten years later, Annika and Alice are fully independent—and happier than ever. Much of this episode unpacks what they’ve learned along the way, and just as importantly, what they’ve had to unlearn in order to build something sustainable on their own terms.

From Alice’s perspective, we dig into how she approaches artist marketing in an increasingly congested digital landscape, and her push toward a more three-dimensional strategy. Both Annika and Alice agree: marketing shouldn’t be an afterthought—it should be treated as part of the art project itself.

On Annika’s side, we talk candidly about personal accountability, why artists need to stop blaming external forces for stalled progress, and how intention changes everything. We also break down the marketing strategy behind Annika’s recent singles “TAKE OFF” and “I’M GOOD. I’M GREAT,” exploring how community-building, calculated rollouts, and a sense of exclusivity—particularly through print media—have fueled both the music’s success and a deeply engaged fanbase.

TAKE OFF Music Video

I'M GOOD. I'M GREAT Music Video

Annika's Instagram

This week, we sit down with Tessa Germaine (21 Laps) to trace her path through the beginning steps of Hollywood — from an early break as a coordinator on The Real Housewives of Orange County to navigating survival jobs, agency life, and the winding road toward producing. Ever wonder how working at Trader Joes can actually HELP you get a job in the biz? Well, you're in the right place. We talk about the power of setting small, incremental goals, embracing fresh starts, asking questions, and learning to walk into new environments without fear.

Tessa reflects on her formative years at CAA, unpacking the stark contrast between year one and year two, and why working in the book department clarified her path toward producing. The conversation widens into the world of literary IP and its role in her current work at Shawn Levy’s 21 Laps, before coming full circle with the phenomenon of Stranger Things — from OG Tessa guarding the Duffer Brothers at Chapman University to now working at the company behind the global hit. 

Tessa attended October's horror fest and we look forward to seeing her again at our comedy fest in May! Welcome to the 50/50 Fam, Tessa! 

This week, we’re joined by the 2025 50/50 Horror Festival WINNER, Nishanth Ramasubramanian! Nishanth breaks down how to balance ambitious visuals with economic constraints, how to achieve real catharsis within a short film, and what it’s like co-writing deeply personal material while navigating collaboration. We also dive into the nuances of showing your work to family members (his sister’s husband said WHAT?!) and how feedback can land very differently when it’s close to home.

The conversation expands into the evolving landscape of the industry — from the rise of vertical content and why directors should embrace it as a way to get reps (and leave the ego behind), to the importance of not being too precious about your work. Nishanth also shares thoughts on bridging the gap between Indian and U.S. filmmakers, and how to approach marketing your films without getting completely burnt out. 

NISHANTH'S LINKTREE

INDIAN IN A BOX TEASER/TRAILER

This week, UK-based Senior Creative Director Luke Keeling makes the ad world POP right before our eyes, as he breaks down what it really means to solve business problems through creativity.

Luke notes how top agencies chase the narrative of a brand, sustain creativity at scale, and structure teams internally to build long-term, meaningful partnerships with clients. We explore why the strongest brands commit to agencies for the long haul, often seeing a single campaign evolve over five years or more, and how authenticity drives every decision at Uncommon Studio (where Luke works) — to the point where they only take on work they truly believe in.

We also unpack Luke’s recent campaign work for Instagram/Meta, examining how advertising can double as a genuine conversation around mentorship rather than just a sales pitch. Along the way, Luke shares insights on building fame as a studio, creating cultural notoriety beyond the advertising world, and why recognizability is key to longevity as a production studio. We close the interview with some of Luke's most powerful takeaways from collaborating with some of the best high-level talent in the world.  

TYLER THE CREATOR: ASK IT ANYWAY

LUKE'S WEBSITE

This week, we hit the ground running with documentarian/filmmaker Jacob Hurwitz-Goodman. Jacob gives us an exclusive look into his current documentary project, rooted in his deep-dive research on the “Rationalists”—a community of thinkers who live at the intersection of tech and philosophy, and seem to both dread tech/AI's inevitable takeover and welcome it with open arms. Jacob walks us through what it’s been like to study them from the inside, and why their contradictions make them such compelling documentary subjects.

From there, we get into why casting is one of the most underrated components of nonfiction storytelling, and how contradictory personalities and sudden left turns make documentaries so exciting to be a part of. Jacob speaks with real passion about documentary filmmaking as a poetic and ambiguous artform. In contrast, we also discuss how some worthwhile documentaries are often overshadowed by the oversaturated, formula-driven true-crime landscape. Jacob's mission: to approach the form with more curiosity, artistry, and humanity.

We also unpack his lifelong love for music, how he weaves it into the DNA of his films, and how his eclectic sensibility has shaped his path into commercial work. Jacob shares how he uses the skills, instincts, and aesthetics he’s honed as an artist to stand out—and stay grounded—in a commercial industry that can easily dilute a filmmaker’s voice. 

SQUAREPUSHER - DETROIT PEOPLE MOVER

FAR OFF SOUNDS

Ladies and Gentlemen, it's a 50/50 BONUS EPISODE! This episode features this week's guest on the pod, Karen Zipor, along with 50/50 Co-Host Wyatt Sarkisian, in conversation with comedian Johnny Marx. For more information on the WORM x FILM BROS Screening, see below: 

WORM X FILM BROS LINK

JOHNNY MARX (Q&A HOST)

This week, we chat with perhaps the truest definition of a multi-hyphenate, Karen Zipor. We begin by unpacking the uniquely ego-free culture of animation and why its constant collaboration has shaped her entire filmmaking approach. Karen breaks down the big differences between animation and live action — from timing and cost to workflow — and shares the animation-born skills she now leans on while producing and directing live action. 

Through Karen's calling-card animated short THE WORM'S EYE VIEW OF THE BIRD, she invited a huge number of collaborators into her vision and found strength in trusting specialists who even exceeded her abilities in specific parts of the animation process. Karen talks about meeting high-level animators, why rising in animation can feel slow (hint: projects take forever), and what being a “real” producer means — from juggling multiple roles on set to navigating relationships with creative leads.

Finally, Karen shares how her producorial role on Brittany Broski’s Royal Court has evolved as the show’s rapid success reshaped the scale of production and her responsibilities along with it.

ZIPPED UP FILMS (KAREN'S PROD CO)

FILM BROS OF GREENWICH VILLAGE (WYATT'S WEB SERIES SHE PRODUCED!)

This week, writer/director (and 50/50 Fest alum!) Eli Staub joins us to break down the instincts, influences, and intensely personal experiences behind his award-winning short, MODERATOR. We dig into how the movie’s horror grows out of the reality it portrays—and why telling this particular story became an essential part of Eli’s own process of unpacking trauma.

We then explore with Eli his equal love for horror and comedy—two genres that seem opposite but are secretly siblings. We talk about how both allow you to tackle dark themes through subversion, surprise, and the classic setup/punchline rhythm… whether the punchline is a laugh or a jump scare. Plus: why WEAPONS is somehow one of the funniest and scariest movies of the year, our favorite comedy-turned-horror directors, and some practical “cheat codes” for writing comedy, including laugh meters and pairing characters with clashing worldviews.

Lastly, Eli walks us through some big recent milestones: what it was really like getting his first manager, and the spur-of-the-moment international trip that took him (and his film) all the way to Egypt.

ELI'S WEBSITE

ELI'S INSTAGRAM

'MODERATOR' TRAILER

This episode is sponsored by EVIDENCE CAMERAS, official sponsor of the 50/50 Horror Festival!