Best Phil Svitek Podcasts (2025)

1
Map It Out: The Surprisingly Smart Way to Choose Where to Live In A City 2:28

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1d ago2:28

2:28

Moving to a new city? Before diving into apartment listings or Zillow rabbit holes, try this analog trick: buy a physical map. In this episode, Phil shares a simple yet powerful strategy for finding your ideal neighborhood—marking all the places that matter most to you (schools, gyms, grocery stores, dentists, etc.) and letting the map reveal where…

1
The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune (Bookmarked: A Monthly Book Club) 50:37

9h ago50:37

50:37

Phil and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) dive into The House in the Cerulean Sea by T.J. Klune—a whimsical, heartwarming tale about belonging, found family, and the courage to challenge a broken system. We unpack Linus Baker’s transformation from rule-following bureaucrat to fierce protector, the magical misfit children of Marsyas Island, and Arthur …

1
Inside The Reckoning of Roku: Avatar Talk with Author Randy Ribay 54:09

6d ago54:09

54:09

In this special conversation, Phil Svitek and Marisa Serafini (@SerafiniTV) sit down with award-winning author Randy Ribay to dive into his latest work, Avatar: The Last Airbender – The Reckoning of Roku. We explore how Randy’s personal identity, cultural background, and love of storytelling shaped this powerful addition to the Avatar universe. Whi…

1
The Life of Chuck Spoiler Breakdown: Grief, Joy, and the End of the World 1:06:34

8d ago1:06:34

1:06:34

In this spoiler-filled deep dive into The Life of Chuck, I’m joined by therapist and former actor Charles McCaughan for a one-of-a-kind conversation. We explore Mike Flanagan’s haunting and heartfelt adaptation of Stephen King’s novella through a therapeutic lens—examining grief, memory, ego, joy, and the multitudes we all contain.Charles brings a …

1
This Is Not an Emergency (You're Just Used to Access) 7:04

15d ago7:04

7:04

Most out-of-office emails end with “text me if it’s urgent.” But what if we flipped that? In this episode, I explore the power of a cheeky, honest OOO message that simply says: “In case of emergency, dial 911.” It’s more than a joke—it’s a boundary, a perspective shift, and a challenge to redefine what actually qualifies as urgent in a work-obsesse…

1
Freelancing Without a Paycheck: Surviving the In-Between 8:43

16d ago8:43

8:43

Freelancing offers freedom, flexibility, and high earning potential—but if you’re not managing your cashflow, you’re building on shaky ground. In this episode, I break down why even well-paid freelancers can find themselves stressed and scrambling, how to prepare for the financial rollercoaster, and what systems you need to stay stable, sane, and p…

1
Behind the Reel: Phil Svitek’s 20-Year Creative Journey (Live Q&A) 1:13:18

18d ago1:13:18

1:13:18

Join Phil Svitek LIVE for a Q&A session following the release of his documentary 20 Years of Creativity: The Reel Story of Phil Svitek.In this candid follow-up, Phil dives deeper into the moments that shaped his creative journey—from student filmmaker to studio builder, podcast pioneer to animation producer. Whether you’ve watched the documentary o…

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20 Years of Creativity: The Reel Story of Phil Svitek 19:49

22d ago19:49

19:49

This heartfelt and revealing documentary traces filmmaker and creative coach Phil Svitek’s journey across two decades of storytelling—from Connecticut to Los Angeles, AfterBuzz TV to indie films, podcasting to animation. Through never-before-seen footage, intimate interviews, and raw personal reflection, Phil opens up about the triumphs, failures, …

1
What Really Goes Into an Animated Film? | Animation Pipeline Overview with Pramita Mukherjee 4:53

25d ago4:53

4:53

In this bite-sized tutorial, Pramita Mukherjee—named one of Animation Magazine’s 2025 Rising Stars—walks us through the animation production pipeline step-by-step. From modeling and rigging to CFX and lighting, she breaks down the essential roles that bring animated characters and worlds to life.This clip is part of a full interview where we explor…

1
Trusting the Timing: A Manifestation Exercise for Creatives with Susan K. Wehrley 8:47

27d ago8:47

8:47

In this guided manifestation session, Susan K. Wehrley—consciousness coach and author of SHIFT—walks Phil through a real-time intuition exercise to overcome the pressure of pitching a creative project.Together, they explore the power of surrender, how to move from ego to intuition, and why trust is the hardest yet most essential step in the manifes…

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Halfway Through 2025: Creative Progress, Life Transitions & What's Next - 7/1/2025: Vlog 43:42

29d ago43:42

43:42

In this special mid-year vlog, Phil Svitek recaps the first half of 2025—from career shifts and LA wildfires to major creative wins, including progress on his animated film The Arbiters, book projects, and upcoming documentaries. He reflects on what’s working, what needs adjusting, and how he’s navigating burnout, growth, and tough industry changes…

1
The Reckoning of Roku — Avatar, Betrayal & Spiritual Power (Book Club Discussion) 57:57

1M ago57:57

57:57

Phil and Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) unpack The Reckoning of Roku by Randy Ribay—an Avatar: The Last Airbender novel and the first not written by F.C. Yee. We explore Roku’s journey from hesitant student to conflicted Avatar, his crumbling friendship with Sozin, and the book’s rich themes: grief, freedom, legacy, and spiritual identity. We also e…

1
Filter Your Clients (and Your Time) Like It Matters—Because It Does 6:32

1M ago6:32

6:32

If your time is free, people will treat it like it’s worthless. In this episode, I share how I started filtering potential clients to protect my time, energy, and focus. From intake forms to paid discovery calls, these tools aren't walls—they’re gates for the right people. Inspired by Ryan Holiday, this episode is about knowing your value before th…

1
Being Great at Your Job ≠ Being Ready for Clients 11:52

1M ago11:52

11:52

Being excellent at your job doesn’t automatically make you a great freelancer. In this episode, I break down why side clients require a whole new skill set—one rooted in leadership, communication, and structure. I’ll share personal lessons learned and offer guidance on how to transition from employee mindset to service provider without burning brid…

1
Promote What You Love (Not What You Hate) – Build Culture, Not Noise 7:50

1M ago7:50

7:50

What if the best way to change the world wasn’t by tearing things down—but by lifting the right things up? In this episode, I explore how sharing what you love helps cut through the noise, builds trust with your audience, and shapes a better digital culture. We'll talk about algorithms, emotional energy, and why being a curator of good is more powe…

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Storyboard Pro Secrets from Annecy Festival: Toon Boom Tutorial with Alexander Matthews 53:29

1M ago53:29

53:29

Recorded live at the Mifa exhibits during the Annecy Festival, this behind-the-scenes tutorial features Toon Boom expert Alexander Matthews walking me through the ins and outs of Storyboard Pro. Originally intended just for my animation team on The Arbiters, the insights were too good not to share. From efficient shot planning to smart panel workfl…

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The Truth Hurts (And Heals): A Crash Course in Inner Work with Charles McCaughan 20:29

2M ago20:29

20:29

What if your flaws were your genius? What if the ego running your life wasn’t even real? And what if your unhappiness could be traced back—not to your job, your partner, or your past—but to a single, powerful truth: you haven’t taken full responsibility yet?In this compressed highlight reel from one of our most eye-opening episodes, Charles McCaugh…

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Annecy Approaches Plus My Secret Doc - 6/4/2025: Vlog 38:42

2M ago38:42

38:42

In this behind-the-scenes vlog, I offer an in-depth look at what’s currently happening across my creative projects. I walk through my packed schedule for the 2025 Annecy Film Festival & Market, share what makes the event so vital for animation professionals, and reflect on the prep, pitches, and priorities for my animated feature The Arbiters.I als…

1
Try Anyway: The Power of "Even Though" 3:52

2M ago3:52

3:52

Poet and creative coach Mark McGuinness shares a simple but transformative phrase for getting unstuck: “Even though…” In this episode, I explore how this tiny mindset shift can unlock momentum, courage, and creative breakthroughs. Whether you're worried about failure, lacking resources, or facing the unknown, "even though" helps you act anyway—and …

1
Why Referring Someone Else Can Be Your Power Move 9:03

2M ago9:03

9:03

Saying “no” doesn’t have to be the end of the conversation—it can be the beginning of a deeper connection.In this episode, I explore how referring someone else (when you're not the right fit) can actually elevate your reputation, expand your network, and leave everyone involved better off. Whether you're a freelancer, creative, or job seeker, this …

1
It’s Not You vs. Them—It’s You and Them vs. the Problem 4:57

2M ago4:57

4:57

What if we stopped treating people like the problem—and instead teamed up with them to solve it?In this episode, I share a recent mindset shift that redefined how I handle conflict, frustration, and communication breakdowns. The core idea? Reframing problems as shared challenges, not personal battles.Whether you're in a relationship, managing a tea…

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1984 by George Orwell – How a Dystopian Classic Still Hits Hard Today 1:03:03

2M ago1:03:03

1:03:03

Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we dive into 1984 by George Orwell—a haunting dystopian novel that remains startlingly relevant more than 75 years after its release.We follow Winston Smith, a quiet rebel in a world where the Party controls truth, history, languag…

1
Why Wong Kar Wai Is One of the Most Influential Directors of Our Time (And Where to Start Watching) 10:09

2M ago10:09

10:09

Few filmmakers have redefined cinematic mood, longing, and visual poetry the way Wong Kar Wai has. In this episode, I dive into why Wong’s work continues to influence generations of filmmakers, cinematographers, and romantics alike. Known for his nonlinear storytelling, emotionally charged characters, and dreamlike visual style, Wong Kar Wai crafts…

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Launch a Video Podcast for Cheap (Without Burning Out or Going Broke) 13:19

2M ago13:19

13:19

Video podcasting is booming—but let’s be honest: most people are overspending. Between expensive gear, post-production burnout, and trying to emulate studio-level shows, many creators discover the cost just isn’t sustainable.In this episode, I break down how to launch a high-quality video podcast as cheaply as possible, especially with a remote-fir…

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The Underrated Power Tool in Your Podcasting Toolbox 10:11

2M ago10:11

10:11

Every podcaster needs a reliable set of tools—and Descript is one that deserves a permanent spot in your workflow (official website: https://www.descript.com/). In this episode, I highlight why Descript isn’t just for beginner editing, but a powerful utility tool that can streamline your production process. From transcription to rough cuts to sound…

1
The Eulogy Exercise That Can Redefine Your Life 3:45

3M ago3:45

3:45

When someone asks, “Who are you?”, do you struggle to answer? In this episode, I share a powerful life exercise given to me by director Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building, Black-ish) that goes far beyond job titles or hobbies. It’s called the three eulogies exercise—writing your own eulogy from the perspective of a loved one, a colleague, and …

1
The Screenwriting Trick That Changed How I Write Scenes 4:06

3M ago4:06

4:06

Screenwriting isn’t about stuffing your script with detail—it’s about clarity, rhythm, and impact. In this episode, I share an eye-opening writing exercise passed down from director Jude Weng (Only Murders in the Building, Black-ish), where students compare what they think a scene looks like in a script versus how it was actually written. Spoiler: …

1
My Travel Packing Method (That Keeps Me Sane Every Time) 2:41

3M ago2:41

2:41

Packing for a trip doesn’t have to be a stress fest. In this episode, I share my simple, low-stress travel packing strategy: I start tossing things into a suitcase a week before the trip — no pressure, just instinct. Then, the night before I leave, I review everything, cut what I don’t need, fill in any gaps, and lock it down. It’s flexible, mindfu…

1
Patreon Now Lets You Sell Individual Posts — Here's Why That’s a Game Changer 3:55

3M ago3:55

3:55

Patreon just rolled out a powerful new feature: creators can now sell individual posts without requiring a monthly subscription. In this episode, I break down exactly how it works, who it's for, and why this opens up a new stream of income for artists, podcasters, filmmakers, writers, and beyond. Whether you're trying to earn more from your content…

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How I'm Navigating the Annecy Animation Festival (and Why You Might Want to Go) 9:20

3M ago9:20

9:20

The Annecy Animation Festival is massive, exciting, and—honestly—a bit overwhelming in the best way (https://programme.annecyfestival.com/programme). In this episode, I break down how I’m choosing what to attend, from must-see pitch sessions to market meetings and creative conversations. With so much happening at once, I’m prioritizing events that …

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Muscle Testing, Core Beliefs & Psycho Energetic Transformation with Charles McCaughan 1:16:16

3M ago1:16:16

1:16:16

What if your body could reveal the truth behind your deepest emotional wounds? In this illuminating episode, Charles McCaughan shares how he developed Psycho Energetic Transformation—a healing modality that uses muscle testing to uncover and eliminate subconscious beliefs driving your pain, patterns, and self-sabotage. Charles opens up about his pa…

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How Tech "Innovation" Broke Sustainable Industries | The Hidden Cost We’re All Paying 17:41

3M ago17:41

17:41

I explore a growing tension: How did innovation, once hailed as progress, end up dismantling industries that were built for long-term sustainability?Together, we’ll unpack how tech platforms—like Uber, Airbnb, Netflix, Spotify, and YouTube—shifted costs and risks away from companies and onto everyday people. We'll examine the trade-offs: from risin…

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Discovering Freedom, Legacy, and Identity | Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison | Book Club Deep Dive 1:11:28

3M ago1:11:28

1:11:28

Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we dive into Song of Solomon by Toni Morrison — a sweeping, lyrical novel about family, memory, freedom, and finding one's true self.We follow Milkman Dead, a young man born into privilege but alienated from his roots, as he embark…

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Manifesting Wins by Doing the Work – Arbiters Prep & Annecy Plans - 4/25/2025: Vlog 36:14

3M ago36:14

36:14

In this vlog, I take you behind the scenes as we gear up for big meetings in May for The Arbiters. From refining the script to building out detailed storyboards and concept art, we’re practicing daily to ensure everything is sharp for the pitch. I also talk through our planning for the Annecy Film Festival—including travel logistics—and why I’ve pa…

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From Kolkata to Hollywood: Pramita Mukherjee on Surviving AND Thriving in Animation 48:25

3M ago48:25

48:25

In this inspiring deep-dive, I sit down with Pramita Mukherjee—featured in Animation Magazine’s 2025 Rising Stars of Animation (https://www.animationmagazine.net/2025/03/rising-stars-of-animation-2025/)—to explore her global journey from growing up in Kolkata to working on major animated films in Los Angeles. Pramita shares how early cartoons like …

1
True and False Magic by Phil Stutz Came at the Perfect Time – My Go-To Book Recommendation Lately 5:47

4M ago5:47

5:47

Some books don’t just land—they arrive exactly when you need them. True and False Magic by Phil Stutz and Elise Loehnen has been that book for me. It’s more than just a workbook—it’s a guide for facing life’s unavoidable challenges: uncertainty, hard work, and pain. If you’ve read The Tools, this one goes deeper, stitching together familiar ideas l…

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The Big Ideas from Robert McKee’s STORY: What Every Writer Must Know 13:55

4M ago13:55

13:55

Want to elevate your storytelling? In this episode, we break down the most essential insights from Robert McKee’s legendary book STORY. From mastering structure to crafting scenes that turn, you’ll learn why writing is a craft, not a mystery—and how to wield that craft with intention. We cover the five essential story beats, the role of genre, the …

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Manifestation, Consciousness & Staying Aligned with Susan K. Wehrley 1:03:36

4M ago1:03:36

1:03:36

In this continuation of our conversation on manifestation, I’m joined again by Susan K. Wehrley to explore the deeper practices that keep us aligned when our goals feel just out of reach. We talk about the real work behind manifestation—clearing fear, tuning into intuition, believing beyond your timeline, and staying open to receive. Susan shares h…

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A Year of Transition: Deadlines, Burnout, and the Process - 4/7/2025: Vlog 31:43

4M ago31:43

31:43

This year feels like a major transition—for all of us. In this vlog, I reflect on how I’m navigating change through creative work, personal rituals, and a few powerful tools that have grounded me lately: therapy, yoga, journaling for manifestation, and Phil Stutz’s True and False Magic. I open up about the big deadlines ahead for The Arbiters, revi…

1
What Harry Potter and the Cursed Child Taught Me About Filmmaking 3:32

4M ago3:32

3:32

I recently saw Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at LA’s Pantages Theatre — and while this isn’t a review, I have to say: it blew my mind. Watching it felt like witnessing real magic. The lighting, the practical effects, the precision — it all made me rethink how we approach live-action filmmaking. In this episode, I reflect on the lessons filmmake…

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The Artist’s Real Job: Show Up Consistently or Stay an Amateur 6:05

4M ago6:05

6:05

What separates professionals from amateurs? It’s not talent. It’s not even opportunity. It’s consistency. In this episode, I break down why showing up week after week, month after month, year after year is the true mark of a real artist. Drawing inspiration from Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, I explore how professionals commit to their work as…

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Quick Tip: The Easiest Way to Share Tons of Data Remotely 2:26

4M ago2:26

2:26

Need to send a large amount of footage to someone in another city? Skip the upload wait times and ditch the heavy hard drives. In this quick tip episode, I share a simple, efficient method: SD cards. They're compact, lightweight, and can hold a surprising amount of data—perfect for small to medium-sized projects. I recently sent 250GB of footage to…

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Bud Rebel on Filmmaking Hustle, Creative Discipline, and Building a Personal Brand 50:51

4M ago50:51

50:51

In this episode, we sit down with Bud Rebel—filmmaker, actor, podcaster, and content creator—whose career spans indie feature films (The Undead, All Screwed Up), over 200 YouTube videos, and a podcast that’s welcomed major Hollywood guests. Bud shares how he built his creative empire from the ground up, the mindset shifts that kept him going, and h…

1
Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up – A Hilarious & Heartfelt Book Club Chat 52:33

4M ago52:33

52:33

Welcome to our monthly book discussion series hosted by Marisa Serafini (@serafinitv) and me, Phil Svitek! This month, we dive into Confessions of a Forty-Something F**k Up by Alexandra Potter — a witty, honest, and relatable novel about starting over when life doesn’t go to plan. We follow Nell, a woman whose business fails, engagement crumbles, a…

1
Build Buzz Before Your Project Drops – Using Public Events to Engage Early 3:55

4M ago3:55

3:55

What if you could start building hype for your project before it’s even finished? Here, I talk about how creators across all disciplines—writers, filmmakers, musicians, visual artists—can use public events like Comic-Cons, book festivals, art fairs, and music expos to generate excitement and gather early fans before the final product is out. These …

1
Stop Comparing Yourself to a Myth: You're Not Falling Behind 3:30

4M ago3:30

3:30

I break down a subtle trap many of us fall into—we compare ourselves not to one person, but to a collage of people, mistakenly treating their combined successes as if they belong to a single superhuman. No wonder we feel like we're not doing enough. But when we separate these individuals and actually study their journeys, we find the challenges, se…

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How to Make Job Platforms Like Upwork and Fiverr Fairer for Everyone (Clients & Freelancers) 5:04

4M ago5:04

5:04

I dive into a simple yet powerful idea that could improve job platforms like Fiverr and Upwork: what if the freelancer who gets hired is paid the average of all submitted quotes? This small shift could reduce underbidding, encourage fair pricing, and promote higher-quality work across the board. I break down how this model benefits freelancers, cli…

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Hollywood's Failing Filmmakers—Here’s How Robert Rodriguez & The Duplass Bros Are Beating the System 14:55

4M ago14:55

14:55

The old Hollywood system is crumbling, and two legendary filmmakers—Robert Rodriguez and Mark Duplass—aren’t waiting around. Rodriguez is launching Brass Knuckle Films, letting fans invest in his movies, while Duplass is bypassing streamers to self-release his latest show.This isn’t just a trend—it’s a blueprint for survival. If you’re a filmmaker …

1
How Animation Can Change Lives: Toby Cochran on LUKi & the Lights & Indie Filmmaking 56:10

4M ago56:10

56:10

In this inspiring conversation, I sit down with animator and storyteller Toby Cochran, the creative force behind LUKi & the Lights, a deeply moving animated short film about ALS. We discuss his journey in animation, the challenges of indie filmmaking, and the importance of authentic storytelling. Toby shares insights from his years in the industry,…

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The Long Game of Art: Why Slow and Steady Wins the Race - 3/17/2025: Vlog 50:53

4M ago50:53

50:53

I share major updates on The Arbiters, including progress on the script, our writer’s room sessions, and the latest developments with our new trailer and proof of concept. I also discuss the investor deck, the filmmaking digital school project, and the strides I’ve made in my novel writing.Beyond that, I explore key topics like the real struggles o…