Best Talmage Podcasts (2025)

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Episode 82: Second Read - There's Good in the World. And It's Worth Fighting For. 13:44

Play Pause

15d ago13:44

13:44

In this episode, we revisit one of the most-read pieces published on Not Just Cute: "There's Good in the World. And It's Worth Fighting For." Written nearly a decade ago (and based on quotes from movies released TWO decades ago, which were based on books written NINE decades ago.....) yet increasingly relevant today, this reflection explores the ro…

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Good Creative Dies Without Great Communication 27:05

1M ago27:05

27:05

FilmLaab Apparel ➤ https://filmlaab.store/ Cult Classic LUTs ➤ https://bit.ly/cultclassicluts Pitch Deck Template ➤ https://bit.ly/filmlaabpitchdeck Project Inquires ➤ https://bit.ly/filmlaab Website ➤ https://filmlaab.com/ In this PMoP podcast episode, Mitch shares lessons from FilmLaab on why honest communication is key in video production and bu…

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Why Creative People See The World Differently 29:55

2M ago29:55

29:55

FilmLaab Apparel ➤ https://filmlaab.store/ Cult Classic LUTs ➤ https://bit.ly/cultclassicluts Pitch Deck Template ➤ https://bit.ly/filmlaabpitchdeck Project Inquires ➤ https://bit.ly/filmlaab Website ➤ https://filmlaab.com/ In this episode of the PMoP podcast, Mitch Thayne explores the transformative power of creativity in both personal and profess…

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Why We’re Betting on Ourselves in a Scary Economy 22:52

3M ago22:52

22:52

FilmLaab Apparel ➤ https://filmlaab.store/ Cult Classic LUTs ➤ https://bit.ly/cultclassicluts Pitch Deck Template ➤ https://bit.ly/filmlaabpitchdeck Project Inquires ➤ https://bit.ly/filmlaab Website ➤ https://filmlaab.com/ In this PMoP podcast episode, brothers Mitchell and Talmage discuss their new FilmLaab studio space, exploring its innovative …

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Episode 81: Not Just Cute Book Study - Best Moments and Big Ideas 1:03:26

3M ago1:03:26

1:03:26

Is play the missing piece in today's educational puzzle? That's the question we wrestled with during a three-part book study I hosted this summer with early educators from across North America. Together, we unpacked key themes from my new book, Not Just Cute: How Powerful Play Drives Development in Early Childhood—and now I've pulled the highlights…

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Episode 80: Actions of Play (with Heather Jackson) 54:22

4M ago54:22

54:22

Unlock the secrets to transforming early childhood education by focusing on the actions — not just the topics — that captivate young minds. Join me as I sit down with Heather Jackson, author of "Actions of Play," to explore how play schemas can revolutionize the way we approach learning. Discover how understanding the verbs that inspire children ca…

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3 Rules Every Filmmaker Should Follow to Avoid Chaos On-Set 25:27

4M ago25:27

25:27

FilmLaab Apparel ➤ https://filmlaab.store/ Cult Classic LUTs ➤ https://bit.ly/cultclassicluts Pitch Deck Template ➤ https://bit.ly/filmlaabpitchdeck Project Inquires ➤ https://bit.ly/filmlaab Website ➤ https://filmlaab.com/ In today’s episode, Mitch Thayne breaks down FilmLaab’s system for handling problems on set. Three A’s: Anticipate, Absorb, an…

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Can You Build a Running Brand with $0? 20:59

4M ago20:59

20:59

DEADLAST ➤ https://deadlast.run/ In this PMoP episode, Mitch shares the creative process behind the "Til' the Wheels Fall Off" campaign for his clothing brand, DEADLAST. He outlines five key steps: ideation, scripting, production, editing, and distribution while emphasizing the power of emotional connection and creative freedom with pursuing your o…

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Lessons from Building a Video Production Company + Running Apparel Brand 21:21

9M ago21:21

21:21

Exciting updates from FilmLaab, including a new apparel line, a Shopify site, and the launch of DEADLAST—a running brand focused on community and fitness. The episode also contrasts genuinely passionate individuals with those who feign indifference, emphasizing how enthusiasm within his team leads to success. 00:00 FilmLaab Updates! 02:44 Introduci…

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We lost $200,000 of work (here's what we're doing about it) 16:35

10M ago16:35

16:35

In this episode of the podcast, Mitch opens up about his recent encounters with failure in the creative industry. He candidly shares the emotional and financial impact of losing two major projects, totaling over $200,000, and how these setbacks have affected his business. 00:00 Introduction to the topic of failure 01:01 Personal experience with rec…

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An Unfiltered Conversation with Danny Garcia 42:53

10M ago42:53

42:53

Mitch Thayne sits down with Danny Garcia to explore their creative journey and the vibrant culture at FilmLaab. Danny shares his bold transition from law enforcement to filmmaking, driven by a passion for creativity and storytelling. The conversation highlights the significance of pre-production, using their work on the Spylt commercial as a case s…

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Mitch & Mike 43:14

11M ago43:14

43:14

In this episode of PMoP, The FilmLaab Podcast, host Mitch and his business partner Mike Avery dive into the art of selling creative services, focusing on video production and marketing. They share practical strategies for attracting clients, generating leads, and closing deals, offering valuable insights for creative entrepreneurs aiming to expand …

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How To Avoid Burnout as a Creative Entrepreneur (and stay motivated) 23:22

11M ago23:22

23:22

In this episode of the podcast, Mitchell Thayne, founder of FilmLaab, shares his insights on maintaining motivation as a creative professional in a competitive industry. Drawing from personal experiences, Mitchell offers practical advice to help viewers avoid burnout and succeed as creative entrepreneurs. Viewers will learn about the importance of …

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Episode 79: Building a Blended PreK Model (with Machelle Scogin) 52:21

11M ago52:21

52:21

This episode explores the transformative blended pre-K program at Prosper Independent School District in Texas, championed by Michelle Scogin, Director of Early Childhood and Learning Services. Discover how this program successfully merges special and general education along with joy, wonder, and compassion. Machelle and her amazing team are commit…

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Our Film Production Company's Direction for 2025 16:38

12M ago16:38

16:38

In this comeback episode of the FilmLaab podcast, host Mitchell returns after a year-long hiatus to share exciting updates and insights into the company's evolution. With a focus on transparency and community engagement, Mitchell discusses the reasons behind the break, highlighting shifts in priorities and team dynamics. Listeners will gain an unde…

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Episode 78: We Could All Use the Science of JOY 21:03

1y ago21:03

21:03

I had an experience a few months ago that began with a fantastic workshop with one of my favorite schools, and *seemed* to end with a broken down, broken into truck. But the real ending came full circle when I found that what I had been teaching that early childhood team the day before, was *exactly* what I needed to remember in that moment. File t…

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Episode 77: Why Play? (With Rae Pica) 41:59

1y ago41:59

41:59

Rae Pica has been a fierce advocate for children and childhood for over 40 years. And during that time she's written a whole bookshelf full of books on the topic. Today, she's sharing her latest addition to that bookshelf, it came out just last week, Why Play?: How to Make Play an Essential Part of Early Education. In this newest book, Rae dives in…

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Episode 76: A Play-Based Evolution (with Amber Unger) 36:26

1+ y ago36:26

36:26

When Amber Unger (also known as the Cream City Teacher) began her career in education, she thought she'd be working with teenagers. As her path led her to a 4K public school classroom in the middle of a shift toward play-based learning, she discovered a new passion! Today, she helps other teachers on their own journeys to better understand and impl…

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Episode 75: Empowering Parents as Teachers - Mobile Early Education Outreach Team (With Play Smart Literacy) 47:52

1+ y ago47:52

47:52

In episode 74, I introduced you to Michele Dineen-White, the creator of Play Smart Literacy in Chicago. Play Smart Literacy is a truly mobile outreach program, meaning that rather than hoping parents can overcome the burden of traveling to a specific location to receive services, Play Smart Literacy goes out into the community, particularly in vuln…

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Episode 74: Innovative Early Education Outreach that Actually Reaches the Children - Play Smart Literacy (With Michelle Dineen-White & Talmage Steele) 58:03

1+ y ago58:03

58:03

Michele Dinneen-White was working in an early education outreach program when she realized something. The program wasn't actually reaching out to the families who needed it most. Those families were still required to find the time and the means to get their child to the center in order to receive services. And for many, that barrier was just too mu…

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Ask the Director: FilmLaab's Sub-Sixty Second Film Festival Winners 41:12

1+ y ago41:12

41:12

If you want to stay up to date when we will be doing the next Sub-Sixty Film Festival (SSFF) in the fall sign up for our news letter. LaabNotes: https://filmlaab-laabnotes.beehiiv.co... Join Mitchell Thayne as he interviews the winners of FilmLaab's Sub-Sixty Second Film Festival. There are 3 prompts these directors can work with: Left Behind, Near…

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Episode 73: Challenging Behaviors in the Preschool Classroom (with Prerna Richards) 48:36

1+ y ago48:36

48:36

Challenging behaviors seem to be on the rise in preschool classrooms. Prerna Richards, of Together We Grow, specializes in supporting educators with a behavior coaching program. In this episode, she shares what she believes is behind this increase, and what can be done to better help our youngest learners. Find Show Notes : https://notjustcute.com/…

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Episode 72: Fairy Tales and Resilience (with Stephanie Goloway, EdD) 57:48

1+ y ago57:48

57:48

Once upon a time..... ...Happily ever after. These are common fairy tale phrases. But they're more than just staid story stems. These common phrases -- and the stories in between -- hold not only a recipe for imagination and fantasy but also for resilience. Stephanie Goloway (EdD) is a powerful advocate for the importance of imagination, play, and …

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Episode 71: Bringing Families to the Library with Play (with Tammie Benham) 53:18

2y ago53:18

53:18

Most people associate the library with silence. But what if we associated it with play? In this episode, I'm talking with Tammie Benham, Youth Services Consultant for the Southeast Kansas Library System. Tammie believes that where libraries, children, and families intersect, magic is possible. And she's set out to make that magic through a family e…

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Episode 70: Why We Need Play for All 14:30

2y ago14:30

14:30

We started this series with the overall argument for why play is essential for human development. The next three episodes dug deep into three main themes: Why we need play for mental health and wellness, for brain development and real learning, and for soft skill development. Then, we shifted to several shorter episodes, touching on specific types …

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Episode 69: Why We Play with Art 11:37

2y ago11:37

11:37

What does fingerpainting have to do with the Space Race? In this episode, we're talking about art and creative play and their role in learning, thinking, and innovating. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode69By Amanda Morgan

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Episode 68: Why We Play Pretend 17:56

2y ago17:56

17:56

This episode's focus is the dress-up area and dramatic play. We'll talk about the powerful developmental support that comes from preschoolers dressing up and playing pretend. Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode68By Amanda Morgan

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Episode 67: Why We Play at the Sensory Table 15:20

2y ago15:20

15:20

This episode's focus is sensory play. We'll take a look at why these bins full of rice, water, goop, and other media aren't just a big mess waiting to happen, they're a really important key to supporting healthy child development. Find Show Notes: https://notjustcute.com/podcast/episode67By Amanda Morgan

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Episode 66: Why We Play with Blocks 15:17

2y ago15:17

15:17

This episode's focus is the block area. We look at what's going on in those busy building centers of the early childhood classroom, and why it's important to keep those big spaces open for construction, even when there's pressure to move the blocks out to make room for "real school". Don't underestimate the simple nature of a collection of rectangl…

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Episode 65: Why We Play for Soft Skills 21:17

2y ago21:17

21:17

While some schools may claim they're moving away from play and toward more direct academic instruction as a way to prepare children for their future careers, business leaders repeatedly share that soft skills are becoming increasingly relevant in the workplaces of today and of the future. In this episode, we'll talk about how pushing out play also …

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Episode 64: Why We Play for Brain Development and Real Learning 40:49

2y ago40:49

40:49

This is the third episode in a nine-episode series! (Find them all here.) In this episode, we're digging into why we play for brain development and real learning. There are many people who say they support play for young children, but question whether or not we need play in school, or who might argue that play is important, as long as we get the wo…

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Episode 63: Why We Play for Mental Health 17:31

2y ago17:31

17:31

In this episode, we're digging into why we play for mental health. It's not just something we think is true or that sounds nice, it's a claim that's backed up by science and statistics. There's something about play that is essential to developing and maintaining our mental health. We'll dig into those findings and what they mean for our youngest le…

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Episode 62: The Why We Play Special Series 18:18

2y ago18:18

18:18

I'm excited to be kicking off something special today. For years, I've been speaking at workshops and conferences about the power of play in the early learning environment, which sparked the series of parent letters I've written, called Why We Play. This month, I'll be sharing a special podcast series with the same name: Why We Play. Every Tuesday …

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Episode 61: Getting Curious About PreK Research (with Dr. Dale Farran) 1:09:03

2y ago1:09:03

1:09:03

Find Show Notes Here Dr. Dale Farran has spent the better part of the last 50 years researching early childhood education. But some of her most famous research has come about rather recently, as she directs the evaluation of the Tennessee Voluntary PreK Program. This study is one of the most fascinating pieces of recent research in early childhood …

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Practice Grace In Business and You WILL Win 17:02

2y ago17:02

17:02

In today's episode Mitch speaks on the role grace plays in our business interactions, revealing how maintaining a dignified calm can actually be your best bet in stressful circumstances. He shares some real-life scenario's that demonstrate this principle perfectly. Mitch talks about the benefits that come from extending grace to someone who might n…

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Scroll Sessions interview of Mitchell Thayne 1:05:12

2+ y ago1:05:12

1:05:12

This episode takes us on a thrilling journey as we delve into the world of content creation, advertising, and the art of storytelling with the innovative Mitchell Thane, creator of Film Lab Rats. We pull back the curtains to reveal the essence of top-tier, branded content and how brands like Sephora are using it to navigate the AI-driven digital ma…

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Talmage Thayne: A Podcasters Technique for Viral Clips 1:01:23

2+ y ago1:01:23

1:01:23

Our guest is an expert podcaster, Talmage Thayne. Mitchell asked him about principles of storytelling, vitality, and the benefits of a podcast. In this episode, we venture into the world of podcasting, a raw and unfiltered platform where consistency meets perfection. We discover together how podcasting is a powerful tool for creating content, enhan…

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Shane Hickenlooper and Dan Page: Valuable Content vs. Visual Content 57:32

2+ y ago57:32

57:32

Are you ready to unlock the secret behind crafting compelling content that drives results? That's exactly what our guests, Shane Hickenlooper and Dan Page, seasoned entrepreneurs and marketing gurus share with us. Mitchell Thayne asks these two to talk on the role of creatives in marketing, the importance of serving the underserved. Dan and Shane s…

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Jake Lewis: Freelance And VP of Creative Media At The Professional Pickle Ball Association 59:11

2+ y ago59:11

59:11

Jake Lewis is the VP of Creative Media at the Professional Pickle ball Association. Jake opens up about his dynamic 12-year journey in media production, revealing how he shapes the sport's optics for both pros and amateurs alike. Grab a front seat as we navigate the exciting terrain of a rapidly growing sport and its multifaceted media landscape. P…

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Three Practices To Become A Hyper Successful Creative: Value, Community, Share 25:28

2+ y ago25:28

25:28

Ever wondered how a guy with a camera in 2017 could later sell his production company to a billion-dollar corporation? Mitchell Thayne is that guy. Today I'll share my journey and the three guiding principles that helped me do just that. From snapping photos to selling his production company, you'll hear how he focused on delivering value to busine…

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Mike Every: Systems Protect Creativity 1:05:05

2+ y ago1:05:05

1:05:05

Ever wondered how visionary thinking can breathe life into a business? Join us as we welcome Mike Every, a creative problem-solving maverick and part owner of Film Lab. With his uncanny ability to anticipate and resolve issues even before they arise, Mike has successfully spearheaded several transformative initiatives to optimize FilmLaab's operati…

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Episode 60: Calm the Chaos (with Dayna Abraham) 41:18

2+ y ago41:18

41:18

Challenging behaviors are nothing new in early childhood education. And yet, there's something different going on. For a variety of reasons, challenging behaviors seem to be increasing both in intensity and frequency. Dayna Abraham is no stranger to challenging behaviors. As a board certified teacher and a mom to 3 neuro-divergent children, Dayna h…

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Sam Newton: The Camera Man Turned Rapper, Building Creative Freedom. 51:27

2+ y ago51:27

51:27

Sam Newton is a YouTuber putting immense effort into being unique with his art. Rapping about cameras and content creators, he makes a very niche audience in on the joke. Sam never lets the need for money overwhelm his aspiration for creative freedom. He often passes up on boring deals that pay a lot to focus on jobs that excite him, like travel pr…

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Episode 59: Preparing Preservice Teachers (with Kelli Barker) 59:36

2+ y ago59:36

59:36

I'm talking to someone I've wanted to share with you for a long time. One of my best friends from grad school, Kelli Barker. She's now the director of the Adelle and Dale Young child development lab school at Utah State University. She's sharing what a lab school is as well as what she's learned about helping college students and preservice teacher…

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Mitchell Thayne: FilmLaab, Experimenting With the Theory of Creativity 58:59

2+ y ago58:59

58:59

In this inaugural episode of LaabRats, Mitchell Thayne shares his journey of creative experiments. Mitchell's love for filmmaking and storytelling began in childhood and has guided his life off the beaten path. He dropped out of college to start his first video production company, Avenue Film Co. He built it to the point of being acquired by a tech…

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Episode 58: The Science of Reading in Action K-2 (with Malia Hollowell) 32:40

2+ y ago32:40

32:40

Malia Hollowell is the author of The Science of Reading in Action and the creator of the site Playdough to Plato. She's a National Board Certified educator who's helping to put the science of reading into action with playful, hands on experiences. Her book, website, and Instagram are full of fantastic examples and resources. Her primary focus is gr…

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Episode 57: Science of Reading in Preschool? 35:48

2+ y ago35:48

35:48

Have you been asked how your preschool room aligns with the Science of Reading? Or maybe you've seen videos of two year olds reading and the sales page headlines saying that simply applying the *science* can give all toddlers the advantage they deserve? Well, in this episode, we're adding on to the basic background and history of the science of rea…

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Episode 56: Exploring the Science of Reading 29:05

2+ y ago29:05

29:05

I've talked and written a lot about early literacy over the years, but I've avoided one very popular term: The Science of Reading. I decided to keep my head down and my work research-based and just stay out of the fray of nailing down the specific jargon. But with more and more states and districts requiring "Science of Reading compliant curriculum…

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Episode 55: Finding Your Voice for Advocacy & Writing (with Rae Pica) 35:37

3y ago35:37

35:37

Rae Pica is a force. As a speaker, consultant, and the author of over 20 books in addition to articles in many popular publications, Rae Pica has been an outspoken voice for children and childhood for more than 4 decades. Constant in that career has been her passion for protecting childhood and calling others to action. In this episode, she's talki…

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Episode 54: Taking the Next Step for Your Program (with Shannon McGuire Bowman & Tara Beard) 48:06

3y ago48:06

48:06

Childcare Resources of Indian River in Vero Beach, Florida began with three tenacious educators going out of their way to create something better for 25 children. Today, the ripple effect of their efforts has grown into something that impacts 3000 children and still growing. In this episode I'm talking with Childcare Resources' executive director, …