How to Make Film and Art That Inspires Generations with Shaun Monson

Delanie Fischer chats with filmmaker and creator of Earthlings Shaun Monson about his creative process, evolving as an artist and activist, and balancing meaningful, niche storytelling with commercial work. He shares candid advice for filmmakers on staying true to your voice while building a sustainable creative career. Episode Highlights:  Rejection to Virality: Inspiration + Word of Mouth Shaun’s Favorite Tools & Inside His Creative Process Powerful Advice to Shaun from James Cameron Editing: How Much to Show in Non-Fiction Film 2 Genres That Support Small Budgets & Visibility Have You Tried the Opposite of Your Usual Approach? 4 Powerful Quotes for Artists and Activists Collaborating with Celebs Who Share Your Values Check out Shaun's Films: https://www.nationearth.com/ ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Get a bunch of free Self-Helpless goodies: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Filmmaker Kit Williamson on the Highs and Lows of a Creative Career: Dead Projects, Taking Control & an Unconventional Path: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/1db83de7/filmmaker-kit-williamson-on-the-highs-and-lows-of-a-creative-career-dead-projects-taking-control-and-an-unconventional-path We Need Your Art! For Health, Community, and More with Amie McNee: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/25b6ee3e/we-need-your-art-for-health-community-and-more-with-amie-mcnee Can Ambition Be Sustainable? How to Prioritize What Matters in Life and Work with Kathy Oneto: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/469eca67/can-ambition-be-sustainable-how-to-prioritize-what-matters-in-life-and-work-with-kathy-oneto Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with neuroscientist and author of Smitten, Dr. Tom Bellamy, about limerence. They discuss the evolutionary roots of limerence, why only 50% of the population experiences it, guidance for those amidst infatuation (whether reciprocal or not), when it crosses the line into prolonged limerence, and practical tips for breaking the cycle of romantic obsession. Episode Highlights:  Why Romantic Partners May Not Understand Your Feelings Dopamine: The Common Misconception and How It Really Works When Limerence Should Wear Off (And What If It Doesn’t?) Prolonged Limerence: Why Eradicating Uncertainty is Key Limerence and Infatuation vs. Delusion and Stalking ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Get a bunch of free Self-Helpless goodies: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Cracking The Code To Behavior Change: Troubleshooting Tiny Barriers That Destroy Big Goals with Molly Maxwell: ⁠https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/24e651e8/cracking-the-code-to-behavior-change-troubleshooting-tiny-barriers-that-destroy-big-goals-with-molly-maxwell 7 Shocking Truths About Codependency And Addiction with Heidi Rain: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/24c74079/7-shocking-truths-about-codependency-and-addiction-with-heidi-rain The Dark Side of Fetishization: Representation, Stereotypes, and Origins with Kaila Yu: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/3b8cfe65/the-dark-side-of-fetishization-representation-stereotypes-and-origins-with-kaila-yu Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Yousuf Ahmed, founder and CEO of B-SIDES, about upcycling, sustainability, and building an ethical CPG brand—from origin story to sourcing, manufacturing, and growth. Yousuf also shares the routines and mindset practices that keep him grounded through the highs and lows of entrepreneurship, offering practical takeaways for anyone building a conscious business or looking for inspiration to upcycle in daily life. Episode Highlights:  Inside the Evening Ritual That Keeps Yousuf Grounded Where You Start Isn't Likely Where You'll End Up 2 Mindsets Every Entrepreneur Can Use as Needed Releasing Perfectionism for the Sake of the Mission Inside Scoop: Production in the U.S. vs. Canada ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Get a bunch of free Self-Helpless goodies: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: We Need Your Art! For Health, Community, and More with Amie McNee: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/25b6ee3e/we-need-your-art-for-health-community-and-more-with-amie-mcnee Q&A: Publishing, Podcasting, and Creative Entrepreneurship with Literary Agent Lindsey Smith and Podcaster Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/23bfb9d7/qanda-publishing-podcasting-and-creative-entrepreneurship-with-literary-agent-lindsey-smith-and-podcaster-delanie-fischer The Shocking Ingredients in Menstrual Products: Toxic Truths, Safe Alternatives, and the Future of Period Care with Arielle Loupos: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2bd21fe3/the-shocking-ingredients-in-menstrual-products-toxic-truths-safe-alternatives-and-the-future-of-period-care-with-arielle-loupos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Cherian Koshy, author of Neurogiving and a leading researcher on generosity, about the science of giving—and why it’s not just nice, it’s powerful. They discuss the research-backed benefits of giving for mental, emotional, and physical health, and how we can leverage generosity not only to help others, but also to improve our lives, work, and relationships. Episode Highlights:  The $5 Happiness Experiment  The Baby Study: Are We Wired for Generosity or Selfishness? 4 Unconscious Biases That Drive Buying Behavior  Giving’s Health Benefits: Stress, Anxiety, Blood Pressure & Loneliness The Power of (Individual) Storytelling: Rebecca the Chicken! Tips for Nonprofit Workers Who Want to Increase Donation Efficacy The Power of Identity, Belonging, Framing, and Cognitive Dissonance ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Get a bunch of free Self-Helpless goodies: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: 10 Fascinating Tricks For More Wins And Improved Well-Being with Janice Kaplan: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/23c60009/10-fascinating-tricks-for-more-wins-and-improved-well-being-with-janice-kaplan It’s Not a Mental Health Crisis: Human Reactions to a Loneliness Epidemic with Dr. Jody Carrington: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2d626d7b/its-not-a-mental-health-crisis-human-reactions-to-a-loneliness-epidemic-with-dr-jody-carrington Stop Asking Yourself the Wrong Questions: How to Unlock Deeper Fulfillment with Elliott Connie: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/365204fb/stop-asking-yourself-the-wrong-questions-how-to-unlock-deeper-fulfillment-with-elliott-connie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s another Subscriber Stories episode! Delanie Fischer chats with subscriber Sadie, who made the bold choice to stop dating for six years to focus on raising her son, deep personal growth, and meaningful friendships. Sadie shares the tools and resources that have supported her most—including ones she created herself—as well as how she met her partner when she was truly ready. Want to be considered for a "Subscriber Stories" Series episode? Apply here: https://www.delaniefischer.com/submissions Visit jonesroadbeauty.com and use code HELPLESS for a free Cool Gloss on your first order. Episode Highlights:  The Dating App Sadie Met Her Partner On Destigmatizing Sexuality for Women & Moms 2 Tips for Healthy Non-Attachment in Dating How to Make a “Bad Girl” List 1 Simple Tool to Release Everyday Guilt 2 Book Recs for Intimacy & Connection Sadie’s 1-Year Dating Experiment Sadie's website: https://www.sadiefreely.com ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Get a bunch of free Self-Helpless goodies: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Reinventing Midlife: Career, Identity, and Aging Your Way with Sherri Dindal: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/1e7637e8/reinventing-midlife-career-identity-and-aging-your-way-with-sherri-dindal Your Burning Relationship Questions Answered with Rachel DeAlto: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/3f1ddb9c/your-burning-relationship-questions-answered-with-rachel-dealto When You're Single At 35 (+ Eldest Daughter Syndrome) with Natalie Katona: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/23f054b6/when-youre-single-at-35-eldest-daughter-syndrome-with-natalie-katona Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with the host of Cramped, Kate Downey, about why we know so little about period pain. They discuss Kate's experience with endometriosis, as well as her research findings—including expert insights on what might be at the root of period pain and menstrual cramps, little-known biological facts about menstruation and conception, historical gaps in women's health, and the latest innovations in menstrual care. Turns out, periods are way more fascinating than we’ve been told. Episode Highlights:  Latest Breakthroughs in Period Pain: 1 New Test & Treatment Menstruation Isn't Common: Only These Animals Do It How the Womb Heals Itself (and What it can Heal for Others) Forget What You've Been Told: The Egg is in Charge, Not the Sperm! The Connection Between Inflammation and Period Pain 3 Powerful Ways to Advocate for Women's Health Alright...What's the Deal with Period Poops?! Visit jonesroadbeauty.com and use code HELPLESS for a free Cool Gloss on your first order. ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Docs & Books List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: The Shocking Ingredients in Menstrual Products: Toxic Truths, Safe Alternatives, and the Future of Period Care with Arielle Loupos: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2bd21fe3/the-shocking-ingredients-in-menstrual-products-toxic-truths-safe-alternatives-and-the-future-of-period-care-with-arielle-loupos Hormone Imbalances and Your Menstrual Cycle with Dr. Jolene Brighten: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/c4a75fbe/hormone-imbalances-and-your-menstrual-cycle-with-dr-jolene-brighten Infertility, IVF, Silent Endometriosis, Adoption, Surrogacy and Creative Living with Riki Lindhome: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/233c0ebf/infertility-ivf-silent-endometriosis-adoption-surrogacy-and-creative-living-with-riki-lindhome Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Dr. Michael Greger, physician, New York Times bestselling author, and founder of NutritionFacts.org, about the impact of meat, dairy, and eggs from both industrialized and local sources on human health. They discuss hormones, antibiotics, contaminants, toxins, and disease-causing pathogens commonly found in animal products, as well as how animal flesh, breast milk, and reproductive cells themselves affect health independent of these factors. Episode Highlights:  Why Cow’s Milk is Linked to Shorter Lifespan & Infertility  Combat the World’s #1 Killer with 1 Simple Swap The Soy Controversy: 20+ Years of Data Demystified 2 Essential Tips for Cancer Survivors Protein & Calcium Choices: Baggage vs Benefits Swap 3% of This for a 20% Longer Life 1 in 5 of These at Grocery Stores Test Positive for Salmonella Ummm What's the Deal with Rotten Egg Farts?! Have a health question? Check out the search engine at https://nutritionfacts.org/ ____ A quick 5-star rating means a ton! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Docs & Books List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Heal Your Gut, Change Your Life: Insights on Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s, Ulcerative Colitis & Everyday Digestive Issues with Dane Johnson: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/1ac8b40e/heal-your-gut-change-your-life-insights-on-inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd-irritable-bowel-syndrome-ibs-crohns-ulcerative-colitis-and-everyday-digestive-issues-with-dane-johnson Rethinking Alcohol: Mommy Wine Culture, Daddy Beer Culture, and More with Suzanne Warye: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/1be0c2c8/rethinking-alcohol-mommy-wine-culture-daddy-beer-culture-and-more-with-suzanne-warye The Shocking Ingredients in Menstrual Products: Toxic Truths, Safe Alternatives, and the Future of Period Care with Arielle Loupos: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2bd21fe3/the-shocking-ingredients-in-menstrual-products-toxic-truths-safe-alternatives-and-the-future-of-period-care-with-arielle-loupos Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with biopsychologist and Brave New You author Dr. Mary Poffenroth about how fear drives what we often label as anxiety, stress, and nerves. They explore the root causes of fear and share practical, science-backed strategies and neurohacks for calming the nervous system, navigating intimidating situations, and building trust and confidence in our ability to manage life's challenges—and accomplish cool stuff. Episode Highlights:  Fears: Internal, External, Fictional, and Nonfictional The 2 Feelings at the Root of Our Fear Response Why We Like True Crime & Scary Movies The RAIN Method + 5 Neurohacks for Quick Calm What's The Deal With Nervous Poops?! Worry and the "10 Coins Per Day" Analogy Why Cringing is Actually Fear (and What It Means) ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means a lot! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Doc & Book List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes (audio & video) now on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Mortality Awareness: Meaning, Motivation, and Your To-Die-For Life with Karen Salmansohn: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2367345e/mortality-awareness-meaning-motivation-and-your-to-die-for-life-with-karen-salmansohn Hurry Sickness And The Busy Brain Cure with Dr. Romie Mushtaq: ⁠https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/243d15fa/hurry-sickness-and-the-busy-brain-cure-with-dr-romie-mushtaq How To Approach Your Loved One About PTSD with Licensed Therapist, Nadirah Habeebullah: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2305ae72/self-helpless-snack-how-to-approach-your-loved-one-about-ptsd-with-licensed-therapist-nadirah-habeebullah Overcoming the Fear of Death with Kelvin Chin: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/20d70e6d/overcoming-the-fear-of-death-with-kelvin-chin 15 Tips For Managing Stage Fright In Work And Life with Em Schulz and Delanie Fischer: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/21e3bc9e/15-tips-for-managing-stage-fright-in-work-and-life-with-em-schulz-and-delanie-fischer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Kathy Oneto, strategy executive and author of Sustainable Ambition, challenging what we've learned about ambition, productivity, and success. They explore how to avoid burnout, create life-work sustainability, and prioritize focus, fulfillment, and manageability in career and personal life—so you can achieve what you want, when you want, and actually enjoy yourself along the way. Episode Highlights:  The Myth of Work-Life Balance Right Ambition, Right Time, Right Effort Ambition as a State, Not a Trait Constraints as a Catalyst for Creativity 3 Questions to Ask at Your Next Party Making Your World Smaller When Needed Identifying the Tradeoffs of Your Current Ambition ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: Creating A Life Brief And Getting "Fuzzy Clear" with Bonnie Wan: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/251bf5df/creating-a-life-brief-and-getting-fuzzy-clear-with-bonnie-wan Hurry Sickness And The Busy Brain Cure with Dr. Romie Mushtaq: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/243d15fa/hurry-sickness-and-the-busy-brain-cure-with-dr-romie-mushtaq Is The "Dream Job" Concept A Lie? What To Look For Instead + Tips For Transitioning with HR Expert Shelby McGuire Canlas: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2279bacd/is-the-dream-job-concept-a-lie-what-to-look-for-instead-tips-for-transitioning-with-hr-expert-shelby-mcguire-canlas Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delanie Fischer chats with Jacob Ward, veteran technology journalist and correspondent, about how AI differs from past technological inventions and why this moment feels fundamentally different. They explore some of the inner workings of artificial intelligence including LLMs, the effects of over-reliance on these tools, and what the future may look like for regulation, responsibility, and human connection. Episode Highlights:  AI Psychosis, Addiction, Romance, Friendship, And How We’ll Define It The Risk Of Outsourcing Critical Thinking, Creativity, And Connection Two Problematic Features Of Large Language Models (LLMs) AI Slop, Clanker Culture, And Undetectable Fake Imagery Is Ad Placement Next, And Will We Know We’re Being Sold To? Tech Leaders: Responsibility, Ideology, And Profit Motives Desire And Purpose: The “Smoker” And “Heroin” Problem Analogies ____ A quick 5-star rating for Self-Helpless means so much! ⁠https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/self-helpless/id1251196416⁠ Free goodies like The Quote Buffet + The Watch & Read List: ⁠https://www.selfhelplesspodcast.com/⁠ Ad-free episodes on ⁠Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/selfhelpless⁠ Your Host, Delanie Fischer:⁠ https://www.delaniefischer.com⁠ ____ Related Episodes: AI, Robotics, and The Future of Work and Life with Dr. Catie Cuan: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2458ba1f/ai-robotics-and-the-future-of-work-and-life-with-dr-catie-cuan The Lost Secrets of Civilization: Ancient Innovation and Forgotten Wisdom with Jack R. Bialik: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/d6769440/the-lost-secrets-of-civilization-ancient-innovation-and-forgotten-wisdom-with-jack-r-bialik It’s Not a Mental Health Crisis: Human Reactions to a Loneliness Epidemic with Dr. Jody Carrington: https://www.delaniefischer.com/selfhelplesspodcast/episode/2d626d7b/its-not-a-mental-health-crisis-human-reactions-to-a-loneliness-epidemic-with-dr-jody-carrington Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices