Best IFH Podcast Network Podcasts (2025)

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Chattin' with Chuck - Electric Owl Studios 43:23

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3d ago43:23

43:23

Michael Hahn and Dan Rosenfelt from Electric Owl Studios chat about opening the studio, how they help indie productions, why they wanted to make it a green studio, and more!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 268: North Carolina to Bloomberg: How Victoria Duncan Balances Art and Analytics 38:04

7d ago38:04

38:04

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, host Damien Swaby talks with Victoria Duncan, a filmmaker and Senior Creative Video Producer at Bloomberg Media Studios, about building a career that bridges art, analytics, and authenticity. Victoria shares how she transitioned from post-production and film school at NYU Tisch to producing global brande…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Afolabi Oyeneyin from The Therapy Test 37:51

10d ago37:51

37:51

Afolabi Oyeneyin (Afo) chats about moving to Atlanta, mental health, and starring in The Therapy Test, a new thriller out now on Peacock and Tubi!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Chattin' with Chuck - Brent Lambert Zaffino from the Peaberry Film Festival 54:04

18d ago54:04

54:04

Brent Lambert Zaffino returns to the show to chat about the 2025 Peaberry Film Festival, why it changed from the Etowah Film Festival, the great David Lynch inspired film block, and more!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 267: Between the Notes: Mark Watters & Eastman’s Soundtrax Vision 55:44

19d ago55:44

55:44

Show Notes In this episode, I sit down with Mark Watters to talk about a life lived in music: from Disney, Pixar, and Olympic scores, to his role today at Eastman School of Music, where he oversees the Beal Institute for Film Music and Contemporary Media. We get deep into the Eastman Film & Media Festival—how it started, what it’s become, and why R…

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Ep 266: The Food Matrix: Exploring Flavor, Film, and Creativity with Dr. Bryan Quoc Le 58:49

21d ago58:49

58:49

📒 SHOW NOTES In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, Damien sits down with Dr. Bryan Quoc Le, Ph.D., a food scientist, consultant, and author of 150 Food Science Questions Answered. Bryan’s career is a masterclass in curiosity-driven storytelling — one that filmmakers, storytellers, and creatives will find both inspiring and …

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Ep 265: Finding the Funny in Life’s Hardest Stories with Nicole Magerko 33:09

25d ago33:09

33:09

🎙️ Episode Intro What happens when comedy collides with life’s most challenging topics? In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Nicole Magerko — a Chicago-based comedy screenwriter, producer, and founder of Pine Grove Productions. Nicole’s work thrives at the intersection of humor and humanity, shining a light on aging, caregiving, and th…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Zae Jordan from Mad Hot Sweat 50:06

25d ago50:06

50:06

"Mad Hot Sweat" writer/director/actor Zae Jordan chats about writing comedy, parodying R&B stars, and what we can expect in the feature version!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 264: Filmmaking, Resilience & Ethical Storytelling with Rene Estes 32:12

29d ago32:12

32:12

📝 Show NotesIn this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, we sit down with filmmaker, media strategist, and founder of The Video Mentor, Rene Estes. With a career that spans STEM research, entrepreneurship, and film, Rene brings a bold, emotionally intelligent lens to the power of storytelling.We dive into: The emotional impact of digital narratives…

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Ep 263: Remembering Robert Redford: How a Career Rewired Indie Filmmaking 7:23

1M ago7:23

7:23

Episode Summary Recording from the spare room, Damien reflects on Robert Redford’s passing and maps how Redford’s career choices—as star, director, producer, and institution-builder—reshaped the conditions for independent filmmaking. From championing adult, character-driven stories to proving quiet films can win big, this episode translates Redford…

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Ep 262: Alexandra Paul: From Baywatch to Activism — A Journey of Storytelling and Purpose 45:19

1M ago45:19

45:19

Episode Summary Most of the world knows Alexandra Paul as one of the stars of Baywatch, where she became a household name on one of the most-watched TV shows in history. But Alexandra’s story runs far deeper than the beaches of Malibu. In this inspiring conversation with host Damien Swaby, Alexandra opens up about how she fell into acting at just 1…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Filmmakers from "Don't" 37:54

1M ago37:54

37:54

Deontae Trundle, Kevin Taylor, and Aaron Goodson from feature film "Don't" discuss the heavy themes of the film, the camaraderie of the cast, and taking the movie on the road!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 261: From Tehran to Sundance: Naghmeh Farzaneh on Storytelling Through Animation 43:58

1M ago43:58

43:58

✨ Episode Summary In this conversation, Damien Swaby speaks with Naghmeh Farzaneh, an Iranian-born painter turned animation director, whose work has screened at Sundance and platforms like The New Yorker and Sesame Workshop. Naghmeh shares how she animates memory, navigates identity, and teaches the next generation of artists to embrace animation a…

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September McChuck - My Trip to Stars Hollow 20:09

1M ago20:09

20:09

Chuck discusses watching Gilmore Girls and gives an update on his ADHD journey!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 260: Redefining Representation: Josiane Faubert on Building PICHA 42:56

1M ago42:56

42:56

Episode Summary In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Josiane Faubert, a photographer and creative entrepreneur who has built a platform to showcase authentic, diverse imagery of Africa and the diaspora. From her early life in Gabon to studying in Paris and building a career in London, Josiane shares her journey of redefining representation …

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Ep 259: Challenging Stereotypes: Dr. Ali on Building a Muslim-Led Streaming Platform 25:39

1M ago25:39

25:39

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, I sit down with Dr. Ali, the visionary founder of Fam Cinema. His platform is more than just a streaming service—it’s a movement designed to empower marginalized voices, provide family-friendly viewing, and give filmmakers fairer opportunities to share their work. We talk about: The childhood experience …

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Chattin' with Chuck - We're So Dead 50:27

2M ago50:27

50:27

Ken MacLaughlin, Michael Sokol, and Leanna Adams from horror comedy film "We're So Dead" chat about the film in advance of their screening at the Plaza Theatre on September 22nd!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 258: Finding Stories in Unexpected Places with Mick Lexington 43:12

2M ago43:12

43:12

In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker and multi-disciplinary creative Mick Lexington to talk about his journey through art, music, and writing — and how it all led him back to filmmaking. From restless college days in the Midwest to wandering the streets of Paris, playing music in London, and finally honing his craft as a writer an…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Filmmakers from The Clock 41:39

2M ago41:39

41:39

Jelena Woehr, Cameo Wood, and Connie Jo Sechrist from the short film "The Clock" talk about the origins of the story and working with Hollywood legends CCH Pounder & Wallace Shawn!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 257: The Intersection of Anthropology and Cinema: Natalie Zimmerman’s Approach 48:12

2M ago48:12

48:12

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby speaks with filmmaker Natalie, whose journey bridges anthropology, culture, and cinema. From her early studies in cultural and social anthropology to her work at the Smithsonian’s International Center, Natalie explains how her background in research and global exploration shaped her filmmaki…

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Ep 256: Jason Walsh: Training Bradley Cooper & Transformation Truths 53:59

2M ago53:59

53:59

Guest: Jason Walsh — Strength & Performance Coach Mentors & background (as stated in the episode): Worked under Greg Gatz at the University of North Carolina (Olympic athlete S&C environment). Mentored by Luke Richardson (respected strength coach). Selected clients & projects mentioned in the episode: Bradley Cooper — American Sniper: Discussed as …

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Ep 255: From Music to Film: Brian Weaver + The Arkansas Love Story Giveaway 30:02

2M ago30:02

30:02

In this episode, host Damien Swaby sits down with Brian Weaver, founder of Weaver Films — a Central Arkansas–based company known for its cinematic wedding storytelling and powerful social documentaries.Before stepping behind the camera, Brian was a musician, performing over 300 live shows and even opening for acts like Plain White T’s. His journey …

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Chattin' with Chuck - Jonathan Berman (Commune) 40:09

2M ago40:09

40:09

Jonathan Berman chats about his documentary "Commune" on its 20th anniversary, gaining the members' trust for filming, and the legacy the commune left behind!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 254: The Science Behind the Screen: A NASA Consultant's Hollywood Adventures 48:08

2M ago48:08

48:08

Hello and welcome back to the show. Today, I'm joined by Les Johnson, a NASA technologist, science fiction author, and consultant on films like Europa Report and Lost in Space. We'll be diving into what it takes to bring science to the screen, how to balance scientific truth with a good story, and the real-world passion behind space travel. Stick a…

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Ep 253: From Sixteen Candles to Social Films: A Talk with Blanche Baker 41:08

2M ago41:08

41:08

This podcast episode features a conversation with actress and director Blanche Baker, who discusses her career, her notable roles, and her passion for making films that address social issues.Show Notes: Early Career and the Impact of Holocaust Blanche Baker's debut role was in the Emmy-winning miniseries Holocaust. This role was deeply personal for…

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Ep 252: A Legal Architect’s Journey Through Hollywood, Integrity, and Innovation 51:48

2M ago51:48

51:48

Episode Summary: Marc's career is anything but ordinary. Before becoming a powerhouse entertainment attorney at Fox Rothschild LLP, he studied film at the University of Pennsylvania and UCL, made three documentaries—including the Sundance Special Jury Award-winning After Innocence—and helped change legislation in multiple states. In this in-depth c…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Dawn Dusk 41:59

2M ago41:59

41:59

Blue and Jason Gerber from the documentary Dawn Dusk, about artist and designer Chelli Look's battle with overwhelming grief, chat about the long process of making the film and how anything made with care and love can be art! Links: https://www.dawnduskfilm.com/where-to-watchBy Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 251: Lights, Camera, Climate: Building a Festival for a Warming World 43:22

2M ago43:22

43:22

In this episode, we sit down with Alec, co-founder of the New York Climate Film Festival, to explore how cinema is being used to spark conversations around climate change. From building a community of diverse storytellers to rethinking what climate narratives can look like, Alec shares the journey of starting a film festival focused on one of the m…

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Ep 250: Paul Robinson: Blending Story and Image, Empowering New Voices 43:34

2M ago43:34

43:34

Welcome to the show. Today, we're joined by Paul Robinson, a self-taught photographer who began his career in Paris shooting fashion and celebrities. Paul's work, which has been described as blending story and image, has evolved from classic single-frame photography to a focus on abstract, narrative-driven visuals. He's a true creative who has phot…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Randy Davidson from Georgia Entertainment 40:17

2M ago40:17

40:17

Randy Davidson from Georgia Entertainment chats about the state of the industry and The Creator's Toolbox event at Shadowbox Studios on August 6th!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 249: Lee Romaire: Building Worlds for Disney and Spielberg’s War of the Worlds 49:35

3M ago49:35

49:35

🔍 Episode Summary In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with the brilliant Lee Romaire, an Emmy-winning creative force behind some of the most iconic animatronic creations in entertainment. From his early fascination with Disney World and miniature train sets to designing immersive experiences for Disney Parks and major TV productions, Lee shares…

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Ep 248: From Ohio to Netflix: Maria Timonina’s Breakout in “Gringo Hunters” 47:19

3M ago47:19

47:19

Episode Overview: In this masterclass episode of Filmmaking Conversations, host Damien Swaby sits down with Maria Timonina, the magnetic actress behind Alice Wells in Netflix’s international crime thriller, Gringo Hunters. This is not just a conversation about acting—it’s a blueprint for creative resilience, cultural identity, and the realities of …

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Chattin' with Chuck - Love and Taxes 49:07

3M ago49:07

49:07

Ken Feinberg returns to the show to discuss his new film Love and Taxes, working with legendary writer & producer Lloyd J. Schwartz, finding a new angle for a rom-com, and more!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 247: Sunday Nights, Theo Huxtable, and the Legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner 8:55

3M ago8:55

8:55

Episode Summary: In this deeply personal solo episode, host Damien Swaby reflects on the life and legacy of Malcolm-Jamal Warner — actor, director, musician, and activist — who passed away tragically at the age of 54.As a Black Londoner from South East London, Damien shares his heartfelt memories of watching The Cosby Show with family every Sunday …

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Ep 246: From Tom Cruise’s Inner Circle to Indie Film Powerhouse: Kerry David’s Story 56:25

3M ago56:25

56:25

In this powerful episode, Damian sits down with acclaimed filmmaker Kerry David, whose journey spans from temping at Paramount Pictures to working with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman, and ultimately founding her own company, KDC Films.🎬 A multi-award-winning Producer, TEDx Speaker, and Strategic Storyteller, Kerry brings over 20 years of experience c…

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Ep 245: Vision, Leadership, and Legacy: Ramon Velez on Shaping Stories That Last 1:14:10

3M ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Episode Summary: In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien sits down with Ramon Velez—a media powerhouse whose career spans from AV tech and live broadcast to executive leadership, screenwriting, and mentoring Emmy-winning talent. With experience at Google, ABC News, NBC, and Yahoo, Ramon shares invaluable lessons on navigating the evolvi…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Jessie Sparrow from Re:Imagine ATL 36:59

3M ago36:59

36:59

Re:Imagine ATL Executive Director Jessie Sparrow hops on the show to discuss the non-profit's new programs and how they're training the next generation of filmmakers!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 244: Craft, Clarity & Creativity: A Conversation with Director Rob Spera 1:13:40

3M ago1:13:40

1:13:40

Description: In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with acclaimed director and author Rob Spera to talk about filmmaking as a craft. They unpack lessons from Rob’s book, practical set strategies, and the deeper philosophy behind being a storyteller. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this conversation is filled with real-wo…

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Ep 243: The Mahne Narrative: From Doctor Who to Corporate Storytelling 1:17:57

3M ago1:17:57

1:17:57

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with Christian Mahne—a seasoned creative director, Oxford graduate, and veteran storyteller whose work has graced the screens of BBC, CNN, Sky, and 7 Network Australia. This conversation is more than a résumé rundown. It’s a journey into the why behind the work. Christian shares ho…

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Ep 242: Suha Araj on Storytelling, Identity & Representation 41:05

4M ago41:05

41:05

📄 Show Notes:In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Suha Araj, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey from a career in advertising to becoming a powerful voice in film. Suha opens up about navigating major life transitions and how creative expression has always been a crucial part of her identity—even when it was sidel…

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Ep 241: From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film 47:24

4M ago47:24

47:24

Summary From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with the multitalented Don Worley — a nationally recognized personal injury attorney, former stand-up comedian, and now a dynamic force in independent cinema. Don shares his unconventional journey from hig…

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Ep 240: Reel Ambition: How Olivia Deitch Cut Her Way Into the Industry 43:40

4M ago43:40

43:40

🎧 Guest: Olivia Deitch 🎤 Host: Damien SwabyIn this episode, Damien sits down with the talented Olivia Deitch to explore her inspiring journey through the entertainment industry — from wide-eyed film student to head online editor by the age of 23. 🗂️ Topics Covered: Olivia’s origin story: From Boston University to breaking into Hollywood Discovering…

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Ep 239: Big Vision, Small Gear: Making a Feature on an iPhone 6:15

4M ago6:15

6:15

Episode Description In this episode, Damien Swaby opens up about the script for his upcoming film small talk, Big Thoughts — a powerful, poetic anthology of real conversations exploring identity, faith, legacy, migration, masculinity, feminism, and more. Damien shares how he's preparing to shoot the entire project on an iPhone, why he's using the R…

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Ep 238: From BBC to Bold: Moses Ssebandeke on Crafting New Cinematic Voices 43:05

4M ago43:05

43:05

Episode Summary: In this compelling episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Moses Ssebandeke, a bold voice in the UK indie film scene and a member of the Lionstooth Collective. Known for his experimental yet grounded storytelling, Moses shares the journey from his early days as a BBC Academy apprentice to producing content for Radio 1Xtra, I…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Jeff Phungglan 41:48

4M ago41:48

41:48

Writer & Director Jeff Phungglan hops on the show to talk about the crowdfund campaign for "Mei I," a dystopian sci-fi thriller in which immigrants are being kidnapped by the government!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 237: The Art of Color Grading: Alice Abrams on Shaping Emotion Through Color 44:03

5M ago44:03

44:03

Episode Summary: What makes a scene feel cold, nostalgic, or magical—before a single word is spoken? In this illuminating episode, we’re joined by Alice Abrams, a freelance colorist whose work has helped define the visual identity of campaigns for Netflix, Meta, Google, Volvo, and more. Based in Austin, TX, Alice brings a decade of experience in fi…

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Chattin' with Chuck - Filmmakers from "Interaction" 52:08

5M ago52:08

52:08

Dallas Richard Hallam and A.P. Boland from "Interaction" hop on the show to talk about screening at the Atlanta Film Festival, the winding road to coming up with the script, and how the bleak themes of the film reflect our current world!By Zombie Cat Productions and Tranquil Aggression Productions

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Ep 236: Narrative Truths: Producing Impactful Documentaries with Nicole Noren 47:36

5M ago47:36

47:36

📘 Episode Summary: In this masterclass episode, Damien Swaby is joined by award-winning journalist and documentary producer Nicole Noren, whose two-decade career at ESPN is a case study in investigative storytelling done right. Nicole breaks down how she balances the demands of narrative structure with journalistic integrity — from sourcing vulnera…

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Ep 235: Art Meets Film: Isabel Riley on Bridging Canvas and Cinema 35:47

5M ago35:47

35:47

Episode Summary: Discover the fascinating intersection of visual art and filmmaking in this insightful conversation with artist Isabel Riley. Host Damien Swaby delves into Isabel's unique role in bringing art to the screen through her work with Art for Film. Explore how her paintings and artistic vision contribute to the atmosphere and storytelling…

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Ep 234: 30 Years at ABC — Executive Director Doug Looney Takes Us Behind the Broadcast 1:01:09

5M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Episode Summary: Join Damien Swaby as he sits down with a seasoned professional from ABC News with 30 years of experience in the media industry. In this episode, we delve into Doug Looney's fascinating career journey, from early experiments with VHS editing in high school to overseeing technical operations at a major news network. Discover how tech…