How can storytelling deepen our understanding of emotional connection in turbulent times? Join Heidi Brooks for a powerful and special episode of Learning Through Experience featuring returning guest Marc Brackett, along with filmmakers Horacio Marquínez and Kirill Myltsev. Together, they explore the extraordinary journey behind their documentary, America Unfiltered: Portraits and Voices of a Nation, a film born out of curiosity, human connection and the transformative power of experience.

Listen (and watch!) as they share deeply moving stories, from unexpected moments of vulnerability to profound encounters that challenge assumptions about identity, belonging, and resilience. This conversation beautifully demonstrates how art and genuine interpersonal connection serve as tools for learning, understanding and bridging divides.

Don't miss this inspiring dialogue that invites us all to witness the intimate storytelling behind America Unfiltered and to see each other—and ourselves—with greater empathy, curiosity and compassion.

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Watch this episode on YouTube.

00:00 – Opening ReflectionDr. Heidi Brooks sets the stage by sharing how art and interpersonal dynamics help us learn deeply through experience. “Art opens us up and helps us see the world through a more expansive lens… interpersonal dynamics between us are eternally fascinating.”

03:40 – Driven by Curiosity and Need for ConnectionHoracio Marquinez shares the deep personal calling that led him to start this ambitious project during the isolation of the pandemic. “This film was driven by our heart and by our guts…I needed to see what other people were experiencing.”

05:16 – An Immigrant’s Lens: America Through Fresh EyesKirill Myltsev shares how being new to America heightened his curiosity and compelled him to explore its complexities firsthand.“You think you know the U.S., but then realize you’re in a bubble. The pandemic made me curious.”

14:04 – Moments of Unexpected VulnerabilityThe filmmakers recall a transformative encounter with a gun shop owner in Arizona, whose emotional openness set the film’s tone. “Within 15 minutes, Chris broke into tears. It solidified that this project was bigger than us.”

16:36 – America’s Emotional UnderbellyHoracio describes the raw emotional openness of the people they met. “We weren’t fishing for tears—they just came. Tears, laughter, stories about love.”

23:25 – Shattering Stereotypes, One Story at a TimeMarc Brackett emphasizes how the film breaks down stereotypes and assumptions, inviting viewers to pause and reconsider what they think they know. “All people aren’t the same. The film makes you question your assumptions.”

30:00 – A Powerful Partnership: Creative Tension as a CatalystHeidi highlights the unique partnership and chemistry between Horacio and Kirill that became integral to the film’s story. “Transparency actually brings us closer. Their relationship became its own story.”

43:22 – Portraits of AuthenticityHoracio describes the intentionality behind his powerful portraits. “I wanted people to present themselves as they wanted me to see them.”

• Watch America Unfiltered on Kanopy, Amazon Prime Video and Tubi beginning April 25
• Experience more than 100 powerful portraits captured by Horacio Marquínez during their journey in the book America Unfiltered: Portraits and Voices of a Nation
• Deepen your emotional intelligence with Marc Brackett and (re)watch/listen to his first Learning Through Experience episode: Emotional Wisdom and the Permission to Feel