Free Course + Free Community Trial @ www.TheNourish.community Book a Coaching Call w/ Jon Bregel @ JonathanBregel.com/coaching In this episode, we sit down with care producer and systems strategist Akima A. Brown , founder of Reel Families for Change , to explore what it means to build creative work environments rooted in care, not just output . Drawing from her experience as a mother, filmmaker, and advocate for more humane industry standards, Akima shares powerful insights on shifting from ind...
Jun 16, 2025•54 min
Free Course + Free Community Trial @ www.TheNourish.community Schedule a 1-on-1 coaching Discovery Call at www.JonathanBregel.com/coaching In this episode, we sit down with cinematographer Adam Newport-Berra to explore the often elusive idea of taste; where it comes from, how we sharpen it, and why it matters so deeply to creative work. Known for his emotionally resonant visuals in projects like The Studio, The Bear, Euphoria, and The Last Black Man in San Francisco, Adam brings a grounded and t...
May 14, 2025•1 hr 1 min
Free Course + Free Community Trial @ www.thenourish.community Book a 1-on-1 coaching consult w/ Jon Bregel @ www.JonathanBregel.com/coaching In Part 2 of our clip show series “Embracing Uncertainty and Building Resilience,” we continue gathering insights from filmmakers who have faced seasons of uncertainty — and came out stronger, wiser, and more intentional. You’ll hear from: Rod Blackhurst, Director ( Amanda Knox , Here Alone ) on redefining success beyond outside validation: https://www....
Apr 29, 2025•53 min
Free Course + Free Community Trial @ www.thenourish.community Book a 1-on-1 coaching consult w/ Jon Bregel @ www.JonathanBregel.com/coaching In this clip show episode, we bring together a handful ofl excerpts from past conversations across The Nourish Podcast archive; voices of filmmakers navigating slow seasons, rebuilding from burnout, and redefining success on their own terms. You’ll hear from: David Kruta ( Cinematography Salon ) on surviving slow seasons and learning how to build during the...
Apr 15, 2025•52 min
*Free Course + Free Community Trial @ www.TheNourish.community * In this episode, we sit down with director Goh Iromoto to explore how identifying and living by your core values can transform both your creative career and your inner life. Goh shares the turning point in his filmmaking journey when he realized that connection and optimism were more than themes in his work, they were guiding principles for how he wanted to live and create. Recently signed to the acclaimed production company Pretty...
Mar 25, 2025•55 min
Free Course + Free Community Trial @ www.thenourish.community In this episode, we sit down with Leah Winkler , a seasoned Film & TV Production Manager whose credits include A Complete Unknown, Maestro, Happy Gilmore 2, West Side Story, and The Post. Beyond her resume, Leah is a mother of two, navigating the demanding world of film production while prioritizing family life. Leah shares her personal experience balancing parenthood and career ambitions, offering real-world insights for filmmake...
Mar 06, 2025•38 min
Free Course @ www.thenourish.community In this solo episode, host Jon Bregel , filmmaker, coach for filmmakers, and founder of the Nourish Community, reflects on a question that has been surfacing in his conversations with filmmakers from all experience levels: Is my career in film sustainable? With industry uncertainty for many, financial pressures, and evolving personal priorities, many filmmakers are questioning their long-term path. Jon shares his own journey, how his career in filmmaking di...
Feb 03, 2025•44 min
In this episode, we sit down with Erin Wahed, Director of Sales & Management at SMUGGLER and a multidisciplinary artist, to explore how filmmakers can embrace selling as a tool for authentic connection rather than a transactional process. Erin shares her unique perspective, blending artistry with strategy, and offers practical insights for navigating the advertising industry while staying true to your creative voice. What You’ll Discover in This Episode: • Why so many filmmakers struggle wit...
Jan 22, 2025•38 min
join The Nourish Community via 2 week free trial today: www.thenourish.community In this weeks episode, filmmaker Eliot Rausch joins us to unpack the idea of emotional resonance in our creative and personal lives. Why do so many of us feel cold, cynical, and numb? How can we reconnect with our emotions and find deeper meaning in our work and relationships? Eliot shares candidly about his journey from emotional disconnection to rediscovery through creative practice, emotional sobriety, and presen...
Jan 07, 2025•1 hr 3 min
The Nourish Community via 2 week free trial: www.thenourish.community In this episode, we sit down with filmmaker and storyteller Dan Chen to explore the role of vulnerability, anger, and frustration in the creative process. Dan shares the deeply personal journey behind his latest short film, You’re Too Sensitive , where he turns the camera on his own family to unpack complex emotions with humor and raw honesty. Through candid conversation, Dan offers a unique perspective on how embracing sensit...
Dec 21, 2024•56 min
Episode 27: “Being Present in Your Own Creativity” with Director Jovan Todorović Explore the profound impact of presence on creativity with Jovan Todorović, an award-winning director and multi-disciplinary artist. Educated with an MFA from the Faculty of Dramatic Arts in Belgrade, Jovan shares his journey of weaving presence into his artistic and personal life, offering insights that invite listeners to deepen their own creative practices. In this episode, you’ll discover: • How presence shapes ...
Dec 09, 2024•53 min
Episode 26 of the Nourish Podcast features celebrated production designer Caitlin Byrnes in a candid conversation about Balancing Personal Struggles and Professional Demands. Caitlin has created immersive worlds for directors like Miles Jay and Andreas Nilsson, with her work earning recognition at the D&AD Awards, Ciclope Festival, Prism Prize, and more. While her career is filled with artistic achievements, Caitlin opens up about the behind-the-scenes challenges she faces in navigating the ...
Nov 25, 2024•51 min
Episode 25 of the Nourish Podcast features Emmy-nominated director and writer Daniele Anastasion in a conversation on Embracing the In-Between: Finding Purpose Beyond Paid Jobs. In this episode, Daniele and I explore a topic familiar to all creatives: the uncertain, in-between moments between paid projects. While her films have premiered at Sundance, Tribeca, and BAM Cinemas, and she’s earned nominations for both Emmys and Independent Spirit Awards, Daniele shares the reality of what it’s like t...
Nov 10, 2024•43 min
Episode 24 of the Nourish Podcast features award-winning director and writer Rod Blackhurst on the topic of "Behind the Glamour: Navigating the Highs, Lows, and Realities of a Filmmaker’s Journey." In this episode, we sit down with Rod to explore the often-hidden challenges of building a career in the film industry. Despite his critically acclaimed work on films like *Here Alone*, which won the Audience Award at the Tribeca Film Festival, the *Amanda Knox* documentary for Netflix, and *Blood for...
Oct 21, 2024•1 hr 3 min
Episode 23 of the Nourish podcast features renowned wildlife director/cinematographer Andy Casagrande on the topic of "Navigating Family Life and Career Fulfillment in Film.” In this episode, we sit down with Andy to explore the unique challenges and rewards of balancing a demanding career in filmmaking with family life. Whether you are a wildlife filmmaker or not, there is much inspiration to be gleaned from Andy’s perspective. In this episode, Andy shares his personal experiences of filming in...
Oct 01, 2024•34 min
Formerly the Variable podcast, The Nourish Podcast sparks soulful conversations with filmmakers exploring the intertwining paths of creativity, wellness, and purpose. In Episode 22, co-hosts Ien Chi and Jon Bregel delve into the journey of rebranding from Variable to Nourish. This episode highlights their personal experiences with career burnout and the motivations behind the rebrand, offering insights into the necessity of surrendering outdated identities to align with our true selves. Plus, th...
Sep 12, 2024•58 min
Episode 21 of the Variable Podcast features director Miles Jay on the topic of “Thriving after early-career Burnout” Podcast Description: Join us for an in-depth conversation with acclaimed director Miles Jay as we explore the topic of "Thriving After Early-Career Burnout." In this discussion, community co-host Jon Bregel engages Miles in a candid conversation about his journey through the highs of early success and the challenges of burnout. We dive into how Miles recognized the signs of burnou...
Aug 29, 2024•52 min
Join us as we explore the world of side-hustles, freelancing, and career choices with cinematographer Patrick O'Sullivan, creator of WanderingDP. In this discussion, community co-host Jon Bregel delves into Patrick's strategies for integrating side projects into a freelance career, highlighting how they can enhance skills, expand networks, and provide stability during slow periods. Discover practical tips for balancing side-hustles with freelance work, and gain insights into making informed life...
Aug 12, 2024•44 min
Join Variable founder & filmmaker Jon Bregel and cinematographer Jared Levy as they casually discuss the topic "navigating towards more fulfilling work." Delve into their personal journeys, insights, and observations in this candid exploration of the challenges and revelations faced in the world of filmmaking. Jared Levy is a cinematographer based in NYC. Jared is also the host of the Art vs Commerce Podcast ( http://www.avcpod.com/ ), a conversation with creative industry professionals wh...
May 01, 2024•54 min
Episode 17 of the Variable Podcast features filmmaker Lindsey Hagen on the topic of "Creative Recovery: Filmmaking as a Therapeutic Process" Podcast Description: Join filmmaker and Gnarly Bay 's Head of Development Lindsey Hagen in conversation as we explore her journey and how filmmaking became a powerful tool for healing and self-discovery. Listeners will gain insight into Hagen's experiences and how they have shaped her approach to storytelling. This conversation is moderated by filmmaker and...
Mar 01, 2024•34 min
Join Variable founder & filmmaker Jon Bregel and episode co-host cinematographer Jared Levy as they discuss "becoming jaded as a filmmaker." Delve into their personal journeys, insights, and observations in this candid exploration of the challenges and revelations faced in the world of filmmaking. About Our Guest: Jared Levy is a cinematographer based in NYC. Jared is also the host of the Art vs Commerce Podcast ( http://www.avcpod.com/ ), a conversation with creative industry professional...
Jan 29, 2024•1 hr 5 min
In this discussion with Kim Rapach, Mental Wellness Coach, we will unapologetically challenge the conventional belief that fame and success are the ultimate keys to happiness and emotional fulfillment. This discussion will explore the often-overlooked aspects of true wealth – emotional wellness, meaningful connections, and personal development. Through insightful anecdotes and evidence-based insights, we’ll discover how redefining success to prioritize emotional health can lead to a more fulfill...
Jan 04, 2024•48 min
Episode 14 of the Variable Podcast features cinematographer Benjamin Loeb FNF, on the topic of “Losing Ourselves to Our Work” Podcast Description: Benjamin and I met over a decade ago in the New York City filmmaking scene. While our career paths look quite different, we have both experienced the realities of losing different parts of ourselves to film work. In this conversation, Benjamin and I dive into the various factors and circumstances that contributed to feeling lost, what those experience...
Nov 01, 2023•59 min
Join the Variable community via Free Trial today: www.wearevariable.com Episode 13 features director Executive Producer and Life & Career Coach, Lisa Shires, on the topic of “Leaning Into The Discomfort of Change.” Episode Description (by Lisa): One thing is certain - change is a constant. With change, there can be some sense of discomfort. But that feeling of discomfort is the best of signs because it's proof that you're in active evolution. As people and creatives, evolution in THE respons...
Oct 01, 2023•39 min
Episode 12 features director Diego Contreras on the topic of “When to Push, and When to Let Go.” Episode Description: As we set out to achieve our vision as filmmakers, on any given project there are hundreds (if not thousands) of creative decisions; all of which call for varying degrees of 'pushing' and/or 'letting go'. It's how we navigate this dance that not only reveals itself in the quality of our work, but also in our character. Through over a decade of directing ad's for some of the bigge...
Aug 26, 2023•48 min
Episode 11 features Executive Producer @ Nourish Creative, Ien Chi. Episode Overview: Sometimes we can get a little too caught up in doing work for others. Whether it’s doing work in order to sustain ourselves financially, or trying to satisfy everyone’s needs on a large scale project - we all know that tiring feeling of doing work that isn’t quite our own. Join Ien in a discussion about how to deal with burnout, and how to come out the other side and re-nurture one’s inner artist - to reignite ...
Jul 29, 2023•47 min
Episode 10 features SMUGGLER director of sales and management, Erin Wahed, and Dattner Group CEO Fabian Dattner, in a conversation about how internal self-talk impacts our courage and confidence. If any of the topics we discuss in this episode resonate with you, we’d love to invite you into our wellness community for filmmakers at wearevariable.com . We have weekly live events and conversations on topics that rest at the intersection of wellness and filmmaking. This past month we’ve had weekly d...
Jun 26, 2023•59 min•Season 1Ep. 10
This week we have the opportunity to hear from therapist and post-producer, Saritha Rothermel, on a handful of topics related to therapy, anxiety, filmmaking, and more. For the first half of the podcast, we learn a bit about Saritha and her background and her thoughts on therapy. We then dive into the topic of Anxiety and why so many filmmakers are familiar with it. The last 20 minutes or so of the podcast, Saritha takes us through three different guided mindfulness practices for working through...
May 23, 2023•47 min
Whether you are currently in the midst of a slow season, have survived them in the past, or are experiencing one for the first time, one thing is for certain; slow seasons are very real for the mass majority of us filmmakers. In episode #8, we take a deep and personal dive into this topic with cinematographer and Cinematography Salon founder, David Kruta . We are sending a big shout out to David for stepping into this topic because even acknowledging slow periods of work is not something that mo...
Apr 20, 2023•49 min
In episode seven, we have the pleasure of hearing from Brooklyn based director Haya Waseem surrounding the topic of “creating from the heart”. Nothing lights me up more than when I see someones work and can get a clear 'felt' sense of their spirit, or who they are as a person. That was the case when I was first introduced to Haya’s work back in 2017. I just see so many good-looking ads and shorts these days that posture towards valuable causes or ideals, but they leave me feeling nothing. Hayas ...
Mar 11, 2023•32 min
