Season 2
Take 100, Producer Erica Huggins, The Dark Tower, Ted and President of Fuzzy Door Productions
March 30, 2023
Our 100th guest is the amazing Erica Huggins, President of Fuzzy Door Productions. She talks about her early days as a film editor, being fired and told she will never work in this town again and her subsequent successful ca…
Take 99 - Former soldier, TV host Chef Andre Rush, Kitchen Commando
March 23, 2023
We talk to the extraordinary Chef Andre Rush in a slightly different episode of the podcast. The former solider and White House Chef talks about his transition into television, the 'sharks' he found there and why he chose to…
Take 98 - Writer, Producer and Showrunner Brannon Braga, Star Trek: The Next Generation, 24, The Orville
March 16, 2023
We talk to the excellent Brannon Braga. He talks about the pressure of working on the Star Trek franchise, understanding when he was, and wasn't, 'in peril', and we walk through his failures. Brannon tells us about which sho…
Take 97 - Writer and entrepreneur Steve Vitolo, Black-Ish, co-founder Scriptation
March 9, 2023
We talk to Steve Vitolo, aspiring writer and now a tech leader. He tells us his story of writing in rooms, getting his show cancelled and developing his app on the side. He talks not taking advantage of his new found access,…
Take 96 - Writer and Showrunner Diane Ruggiero-Wright, Veronica Mars, iZombie
March 2, 2023
We talk to the amazing Diane Ruggiero-Wright. She talks passionately about early success, a big cancellation and nearly returning to waitressing. She tells us why she regrets not completing her education, the huge fall-out s…
Take 95 - Writer, Showrunner Diane Ademu-John, Crossing Jordan, Medium, Dune: The Sisterhood
Feb. 23, 2023
We talk to the amazing Diane Ademu-John. She talks about her first writing room, being afraid to speak and then getting fired from Crossing Jordan. She talks about leadership, co-showrunning and learning and growing even fro…
Take 94 - Showrunner Luke Tunnecliffe, Making their Mark, Fearless
Feb. 16, 2023
We talk to Australian showrunner Luke Tunnecliffe. He tells us about trying to run a sports documentary during a global pandemic, bringing an LA production to Australia only to get locked down and moving from sports document…
Take 93 - Comedian, actor, showrunner Gina Yashere, Bob Hearts Abishola
Feb. 9, 2023
We speak to the extraordinary Gina Yashere about her journey from British comedian to American sitcom actress and showrunner. She talks about her dream to play a best friend in a sitcom, the lack of pressure because she neve…
Take 92 - Actor, producer, showrunner Jim Piddock, Tooth Fairy, Mascots
Feb. 2, 2023
Two Englishmen talk Hollywood rejection as we managed to lose Noah for the episode. Veteran Jim Piddock tells us about his fight for fair pay for Tooth Fairy, what a nice man the Rock is and his huge problems with a high pro…
Take 91 - Dan Rutstein, former journalist and diplomat and podcast co-host
Jan. 26, 2023
We turn the microphone round and have host Dan Rutstein as guest. Friend of the podcast Paul Bae asks the questions with Noah as Dan talks through unsuccessfully applying for 100 jobs, getting laid off during the pandemic an…
Take 90 - Showrunner Eric Guggenheim, Miracle and Magnum P.I.
Jan. 19, 2023
We talk to the fascinating Eric Guggenheim. We talk early career success, serious imposter syndrome and working with his brothers (one of whom has already been on the podcast). He tells us about his good years, his fallow ye…
Take 89 - Writer and showrunner Simran Baidwan, Manifest, Clean Slate
Jan. 12, 2023
We talk to the extraordinary Simran Baidwan. She tells us about her best and worst rooms, the transition from criminal prosecutor to Hollywood and the importance of grace in leadership. We cover inclusion, telling a good sto…
Take 88 - Showrunner Jeffrey Lieber, Lost, Charmed
Jan. 5, 2023
We talk to the amazing Jeffrey Lieber - for the second time. We take a deep dive into the world of failure, rejection and adversity in Hollywood. We talk ill-fitting jobs, managing and leading teams and shit sandwiches. Jeff…
Take 87 - Podcaster, writer Paul Bae, Black Tapes, Big Loop
Dec. 15, 2022
We talk to the fascinating Paul Bae. The teacher/comedian/podcaster/screenwriter/actor talks us through his journey. We talk failing in screenwriting and acting leading to millions of downloads for his scripted podcasts, get…
Take 86 - Showrunner Ildy Modrovich, CSI Miami, Californication, Lucifer
Dec. 8, 2022
We talk to the extraordinary Ildy Modrovich. She talks about arranged marriages, the importance of two showrunners and the pilot that was guaranteed - until it wasn't. She talks about losing her confidence, making sure other…
Take 85 - Writer, Showrunner Chris Sheridan, Family Guy, Resident Alien
Dec. 1, 2022
We speak to the amazing and hilarious Chris Sheridan. He reads out some of his rejection letters, tells us about making calls from payphones on street corners and why he really didn't want to work on Family Guy. But then he …
Take 84 - Writer and Actor Brittani Nichols, Abbott Elementary
Nov. 17, 2022
We have comedian, actress and writer Brittani Nichols on the show. A fascinating discussion about diversity, inclusive comedy and working on a rocketship of a show like Abbot Elementary. We talk happy and unhappy rooms, frie…
Take 83 - Writers Scott Beck and Bryan Woods, A Quiet Place
Nov. 10, 2022
We talk to the dynamic duo of Scott Beck and Bryan Woods about gimmicks in scripts, a yes after multiple nos and what happened to their directing dreams. They talk with incredible candor about their Quiet Place journey, what…
Take 82 - Daria Polatin, novelist and showrunner Devil in Ohio
Nov. 3, 2022
We talk to novelist and showrunner Dari Polatin. She talks about getting her book written at 4am and during lunchbreaks, the rarity of being allowed to adapt a novel and the struggles of a junior female writer in a room ful…
Take 81 - Writer, Showrunner Andy Siara, Palm Springs, The Resort
Oct. 27, 2022
We talk to the amazing Andy Siara. He tells us the story behind the time loop in Palm Springs, his fear of never working again and gives the most extraordinary piece of advice about hope. He talks the difficult of showrunnin…
Take 80 - Producer, Development Executive Alex Hedlund, Great Wall
Oct. 20, 2022
We talk to development executive Alex Hedlund. We talk at length about Matt Damon movie The Great Wall, why it failed, how he was involved and when he realised it was going wrong. He tells us what he learned from working on …
Take 79 - Actor, Director, Producer John Cameron Mitchell, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, Joe Exotic
Oct. 13, 2022
We talk to the extraordinary John Cameron Mitchell. We talk failure in writing, directing and actor, the risks of coming out and how they decide which projects to work on. John talks Hedwig, passion projects and discriminati…
Take 78 - Writer and Director Peter Kosminsky, White Oleander, The Undeclared War
Oct. 6, 2022
We (by which we actually mean just Dan) talk to writer and director Peter Kosminsky. He tells us about his early firings (of which there were many including lasting only a day as a researcher because they didn't like his ide…
Take 77 - Writer and Showrunner Amy Berg, Warrior Nun, Counterpart
Sept. 29, 2022
We talk to the magnificent Amy Berg. She tells us her journey through Hollywood - taking a step down to be an assistant, her first big break on North Shore and her start with a writing partner (and then his moment of grace a…
Take 76 - TJ Brady and Rasheed Newson, showrunners Bel-Air
Sept. 22, 2022
In our first episode in the second half of the season, we talk to dynamic duo Rasheed and TJ about their journey to the top. How to decide the credits, how to share victories/commiserate losses and instances of when outside …
Take 75 - Showrunner Joe Barton, Giri/Haji
July 14, 2022
Take 74 - Studio President Toby Gorman, Universal Television Alternative Studio
July 7, 2022
We talk to Toby Gorman, president of Universal Television Alternative Studio. He tells us about his dream of being an airline pilot, falling into this career by accident and becoming a showrunner in his 20s. Toby tells us ab…
Take 73 - Showrunner Josh Silberman, Deadliest Catch, Fear Factor
June 30, 2022
We talk to Emmy-nominated showrunner Josh Silberman. We talk eating rats, nearly freezing to death and creating compelling TV. He tells us about his journey to the top, stolen show ideas and how to treat junior staff. Josh a…
Take 72 - Writer and Showrunner Meredith Scardino, Mr Mayor, Girls5eva
June 23, 2022
We talk to the effervescent Meredith Scardino. She tells us about the transition from late night to episodic, handling rejection of both instant and slow ideas and how her upbringing prepared her for a life of pitching ideas…
Take 71 - Showrunner and Creator Anthony Q. Farrell, The Office, Secret Life of Boys
June 16, 2022
We speak to the showrunner and creator Anthony Q Farrell. He talks about working in an office, then The Office, and then back to Macy's. We talk about the uncertainty of starting out and knowing when it is safe to give up th…
Take 70 - Actor, Writer, Producer Michael Starrbury, The Inevitable Defeat of Mister & Pete, Colin in Black and White
June 9, 2022
We talk to the extraordinary Michael Starrbury. He tells us about his treasured film script that he just can't get made, his decision to not move to Los Angeles and his determination to run his career the way he wants. He ta…
Take 69 - Director and Showrunner James Roland, Blood Drive, The Purge
June 2, 2022
We speak to the fascinating James Roland. He talks about working long hours on terrible film sets, his journey into directing and rates his abilities as a showrunner. We talk diversity, the importance of treating people well…
Take 68 - Showrunner Beth Schwartz, Arrow, Sweet Tooth
May 26, 2022
We talk to showrunner Beth Schwartz. She talks about her painfully long journey from assistant, how she now treats those in that position and what she learned along the way. She happily shares her tale of her slow start, nea…
Take 67 - Writer, producer Tze Chun, Secrets of the Mogwai, Gotham
May 19, 2022
We talk to the amazing Tze Chun. He talks us through his mathematical approach to creativity and goal-setting - a short every six months, 100 episodes of television! - his transitions from film to tv and back again and talks…
Take 66 - Showrunner and show creator Jan Nash, NCIS: Hawaii, Without a Trace
May 12, 2022
We talk to the incredible Jan Nash. She tells us about her long and storied career in Hollywood, the importance of compassionate leadership and her time as a studio executive. She tells us what she learned as an investment b…
Take 65 - Producer, writer, showrunner Liz Hannah, The Post, The Dropout, The Girl from Plainville
May 5, 2022
We talk to the extraordinary writer, showrunner and producer Liz Hannah. She talks about working with Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep in her breakout script, getting tattoos after project successes and not buying her husband gift…
Take 64 - Writer, director Nida Manzoor, We Are Lady Parts, Doctor Who
April 28, 2022
In an episode with two British voices, it was a pleasure to have writer and director Nida Manzoor join us on the podcast. She tells us about the excitement and nerves of directing for British institution Doctor Who, turning …
Take 63 - Showrunner and creator Christopher Silber, NCIS, NCIS: New Orleans, NCIS: Hawaii
April 21, 2022
We talk to NCIS legend Christopher Silber. He talks about his first time working on the franchise, the difficult work environment at the time and getting fired. But then also his return to the franchise, his continued love f…
Take 62 - Studio President Beatrice Springborn, Universal Content Productions and Universal International Studios
April 14, 2022
Studio president Beatrice Springborn joins the podcast to give the view from 'upstairs'. She talks about her journey through journalism, start-ups and Pixar with some Film School thrown in. We discuss her leadership style , …
Take 61 - Director Tessa Blake, NCIS Hawaii, American Horror Story
April 7, 2022
We talk to director Tessa Blake about her rise through the world of episodic TV. She talks about the balance between craft and leadership skills, what she learned as a cocktail waitress and the importance of learning people'…
Take 60 - Writer Liz Alper, WGA Board Member, Pay Up Hollywood
March 31, 2022
We talk to TV writer, WGA Board Member and co-founder of Pay Up Hollywood Liz Alper. We chat with Liz about the challenges she’s faced this year looking for work as well as what the industry is facing as a whole in the middl…
Take 59 - Mike Royce, Everybody loves Raymond, Men of Certain Age
March 24, 2022
We talk to comedian, writer and showrunner Mike Royce. He talks us through his life as a comedian, compares bombing on stage to bad pitching in a room and the joy of regular Emmy nominations. And then trying to find success …
Take 58 - Writer, Exec Craig Engler, Shudder
March 17, 2022
We talk to Shudder General Manager Craig Engler. The writer-turned-exec tells us what he’s learned about rejection as a writer and how he now behaves as an exec. Craig talks about the emotional heartbreak of a writing proje…
Take 57 - Showrunner Vaun Wilmott, Dominion, Jack Ryan
March 10, 2022
We talk to showrunner Vaun Wilmott who tells stories of giving up acting, selling shampoo and breaking into the world of writing. He tells us about his 'overnight success', taking more than ten years of writing until he crea…
Take 56 - Showrunner Patrick Macmanus, Dr Death
March 3, 2022
In one of our most in-depth and emotional interviews we talk to showrunner Patrick Macmanus. He tells us his Hollywood journey - part-time bartending, failed at acting and transition to writing. Patrick talks about giving u…
Take 55 - Showrunner Simon Barry, Warrior Nun
Feb. 24, 2022
We talk to Simon Barry about his adventures in Hollywood and are joined by guest co-host and Maze Runner writer Grant Pierce Myers. He talks about his first short film screening that no one turned up to, losing a girlfriend …
Take 54 - Jen McGowan, Director, Rust Creek
Feb. 17, 2022
The podcast shifts from writer to director and we are delighted to be joined by Jen McGowan. She tells us her journey into directing, how winning an award early in her career changed her view of Hollywood and the importance …
Take 53 - Brad Wright, showrunner Travelers, Stargate
Feb. 10, 2022
Fascinating interview with another successful Canadian - this time showrunner Brad Wright, co-creator of Stargate SG-1 and Netflix's Travelers. He talks about how he managed to avoid moving to Hollywood, why being Canadian i…
Take 52 - Craig Thomas, showrunner How I Met Your Mother
Feb. 3, 2022
We talk to the incredible Craig Thomas, co-creator and showrunner of How I Met Your Mother. He explains how he nearly derailed himself after success came early, the importance of focus on successful projects and the risk of …
Take 51 - Rob Thomas, showrunner and novelist
Jan. 27, 2022
We start season 2 with veteran showrunner and novelist Rob Thomas. We get straight into it with the crushing blow of losing an overall deal with a major studio, a hellish year of development and concerns that his most recent…