EP33 - Courage & Self-Discovery | Merritt Minnemeyer

Joining us this week is Meritt Minnemeyer, an executive coach who offers insights on aligning leadership actions with personal values. We explore the challenging journey of entrepreneurship in creative fields, reflecting on how maintaining focus through internal values can provide a sense of safety and purpose amidst life's pressures.Meritt's upbringing in a family-run business environment shaped her unique perspective on creativity and executive leadership. Our conversation highlights the dynamic balance of ego and acceptance, reminding us of the unpredictable nature of life and the importance of finding peace in our journeys. Through inspiring stories, such as a client's transformative adventure of teaching English abroad in her 50s, we illustrate the power of incremental steps and the courage to pursue dreams regardless of age or circumstance.Later in the episode, we explore the concept of “becoming”, emphasizing connection and fulfillment over numerical achievements. We discuss conscious leadership and self-inquiry as vital tools for aligning actions with true personal values, leading to a journey of continuous growth.(00:00) Navigating Career Transitions and Personal Loss(11:09) Finding Focus Through Values and Safety(24:19) Navigating Ego and Acceptance(33:11) Exploring Dreams and Taking Action(44:32) Embracing the Journey of Becoming(54:26) Choosing Coaching(01:07:19) Ending Interview With Meritt MinnemeyerEPISODE LINKS: Website: masterofonecoaching.com Instagram: @masterofonecoachingMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.comInstagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglishWebsite: drewenglish.com

Join us as we welcome Tracy Sayre, the co-executive director of Moonshot Initiative, an inspiring organization committed to fostering gender equity in the film industry by creating opportunities for women and non-binary filmmakers. Tracy shares her remarkable journey from co-founding the Women's Weekend Film Challenge, which evolved into Moonshot Initiative, to her current role in empowering underrepresented voices. Listen in as Tracy offers insights into overcoming industry challenges, focusing on collective needs rather than individual competition, and the transformative impact of providing access to equipment and experience.Through Tracy's personal journey, we explore the underrepresentation of women, particularly women of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, in key roles such as directors and directors of photography. Tracy's narrative reflects on how diverse experiences have shaped her passion for storytelling and advocacy, emphasizing the urgent need for external pressure on Hollywood to drive real change.Finally, Tracy opens up about balancing a creative career with family life and the transition from the hustle of New York City to the vibrant creative community in the Hudson Valley. She discusses the constant push and pull of maintaining a successful career while being the best parent, partner, and friend. Discover how Tracy's story is a testament to the importance of finding a supportive community that fuels creativity without the financial strains of city living. Don't miss out on updates about the upcoming Moonshot Film Challenge in Los Angeles and the pilot accelerator program offering aspiring filmmakers a chance to pitch their scripts to major studios.(00:03) Empowering Women in Film Industry(10:58) Challenges and Progress in Film Industry(20:34) Navigating Creative Naivete and Comparison(33:26) Balancing Creativity and Family LifeEPISODE LINKS: Website: moonshotinitiative.org Instagram: @moonshotinitiative

Alex Disenhof ASC, the acclaimed cinematographer behind season two of "The Rings of Power," joins us for an intimate conversation on the latest episode of "No Set Path." We explore the breathtaking sets and hear firsthand how Alex's early influences, from his grandfather's love for photography to his formative years at Emerson College, shaped his illustrious career.Our chat with Alex also uncovers the unpredictable highs and lows of the film industry. Sharing anecdotes from his time at Michel Gondry's company Partizan to the thrill of a college project making it to Camera Image, Alex emphasizes the power of community and collaboration in achieving creative success.From the joys of fatherhood to relocating from Los Angeles to the serene Hudson Valley, Alex's journey highlights the importance of prioritizing personal well-being amid professional accomplishments. We wrap up with a glimpse into his upcoming projects and reflections on the evolving nature of work-life balance, offering listeners a heartfelt and inspiring narrative of achieving dreams while nurturing a fulfilling personal life.(00:00) The Cinematographer's Journey Into Filmmaking (04:20) The Path to Cinematography Success (15:16) Navigating Cinematography Through Relationships (22:15) Cinematography, Confidence, and Family (27:35) Navigating Work-Life Balance in Cinematography (31:19) Navigating Parenthood and Cinematography Journey (36:05) ASC and LOTR Legacy (43:43) Filmmaker's Move for Personal Growth (51:49) Navigating Filmmaking and Life BalanceEPISODE LINKS: Website: alexdisenhof.com Instagram: instagram.com/alexdisenhof_ascMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

In this episode, we explore the transformative journey of Dallas Taylor, who transitioned from a musician in a poor Arkansas neighborhood to a successful sound designer and entrepreneur. Dallas shares his early struggles with severe performance anxiety during a pivotal solo performance, which led him to discover a passion for recording and audio technology. His career in sound design began through a chance encounter with an audio professional and eventually flourished, culminating in the founding of a high-end sound design company after leaving a beloved position at Discovery. Dallas discusses the unpredictable challenges and mental health struggles inherent in freelance and entrepreneurial work, highlighting how creating original content, like his podcast "20,000 Hertz," has provided financial stability and peace of mind. The episode delves into the art of sound design, the impact of childhood trauma on communication, and the therapeutic value of storytelling. We also look forward to upcoming projects in social media, expressing excitement for future innovations in sound and media. Join us for an inspiring conversation that underscores the importance of mental health in creative fields and the power of resilience and passion in overcoming life's challenges.(00:00) Former Musician Transitions to Sound Design (10:49) Building a Sound Design Company (23:20) Celebrating the Art of Sound Design (33:17) Creating Opportunities Through Sound Design (46:01) Importance of Mental Health in Creativity (55:22) Upcoming Projects in Social MediaEPISODE LINKS: Website: Defacto Sound 20,000 Hertz Podcast: 20k.org Dallas’ IG: @dallastaylor.wav“Breathe” on 20kHzMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

How did a suburban kid with a penchant for skate videos become a celebrated food filmmaker? Join us as Kevin takes us through his unexpected journey, from wielding his dad's Hi8 camera to navigating his way through health challenges and discovering a profound love for culinary storytelling. Influenced by his optometrist father, who documented the family's life, Kevin's early years were a mix of creative experimentation and a pivotal health scare that set him on a transformative path.Discover how Kevin's passion for food and filmmaking flourished during his time at UCLA, where he majored in economics and minored in human complex systems, all while sidestepping traditional culinary and film schools. His entrepreneurial spirit led to the creation of "Taste," an international documentary series capturing the stories of unique food entrepreneurs across three continents. Kevin's college experiences, from founding a film organization to traveling extensively, were instrumental in shaping his career and bringing his vision to life.Go behind the scenes of independent filmmaking as Kevin shares his minimalist approach to production, emphasizing authenticity and human connections. Learn about the practicalities and strategic decisions that have defined his journey, from balancing high-quality gear with a frugal lifestyle to hosting culinary tours that connect people through shared stories and meals. This episode is a testament to staying true to one's passions and the power of genuine human interaction in a digitally driven world.CHAPTERS:(00:01) Journey From Suburbia to Filmmaking (07:44) Passion, Education, and Entrepreneurship in Filmmaking (13:34) Culinary Exploration and Career Path (27:11) Independent Filmmaking and Culinary Entrepreneurship (42:27) Entrepreneurial Approach to AuthenticityEPISODE LINKS: Website: tastewithkevin.com Instagram: @tastewithkevin YouTube: @tastewithkevinMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

In this episode, host Drew English interviews writer and director Josh Caldwell. They discuss Josh's journey in the film industry, starting with his breakthrough $6,000 feature, 'Layover', and his subsequent work for big names like Paramount Studios, Hulu, and Netflix. Josh also shares his experiences and philosophies on living a creative professional life, the importance of gaining diverse experiences outside of the film industry, and how he finds balance and inspiration from nature and fly fishing.EPISODE LINKS: Website: joshua-caldwell.comInstagram: @joshuacaldwelldirectorCourse: 6kfilmmaker.comThe Obstacle Is The Way: Amazon LinkMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.comInstagram: instagram.com/nosetpathYouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglishTwitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglishWebsite: drewenglish.com

In this episode, host Drew English sits down with Taylor Dedrick, the woman behind Unless Media, a marketing and social media firm based in the Hudson Valley.Taylor is a Hudson Valley Native, having been born and raised in Saugerties, New York. Taylor founded Unless Media, a Creative Marketing Studio, in 2021 with the goal of bridging the gap between structured marketing practices and freethinking, creative small businesses. She graduated from Siena College in Loudonville, NY, with a B.S. in Marketing and Digital Design and went on to work as a digital marketing specialist, where she quickly learned corporate marketing wasn't for her. There were two things she knew for sure: she loved watching small businesses flourish, and she loved her community. So she took her knowledge and experience in marketing and launched Unless Media, where she now gets to work with creative, inspiring individuals and small businesses every day.Key points discussed in the episode:- Taylor shares how she transitioned from a corporate marketing specialist to running her own creative marketing studio. She talks about the importance of fostering creativity and explains why she moved away from the predictability of a traditional 9-to-5 job.- Taylor discusses her work process, detailing her typical day and how she manages different aspects of her business, from answering emails and arranging the day's schedule to creating content and brainstorming for future projects.- Taylor touches on how she manages content shoots for her clients, describing the process as both fun and inspiring.- The conversation explores the rise of the 'side hustle', with Taylor sharing her journey of turning her side gig into a full-time business.- Taylor provides some insight into how her clients find her and how she reaches out to potential clients.Listen to the full episode for more insights into Taylor's journey and her approach to creative digital marketing.EPISODE LINKS:Website: unlessmedia.comInstagram: @unlessmediiaMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH”Website: nosetpath.comInstagram: instagram.com/nosetpathYouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISHInstagram: instagram.com/drewenglishhLinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglishTwitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglishWebsite: drewenglish.com

Evan Bourcier, a self-taught filmmaker, shares his experiences navigating the industry, his passion for teaching and helping other self-taught individuals and his observations on the changing landscape of online content creation.Evan reflects on his initial fascination with the world of high-end cinematography, which led him to produce content prolifically, only to bring it to an abrupt halt. He explores the motivations behind his decision, revealing that his urge to share knowledge stemmed from a desire to process the information he was learning. He also shares his observation on the hyper-engineered nature of online content that often lacks authenticity, and how he's striving to balance strategy with personal interest.Despite his success, Evan admits to struggling with connecting his content to his audience since his hiatus. He expresses his desire to keep his content authentic and intriguing, even as he navigates the complex algorithms and changing dynamics of the online world.EPISODE LINKS: Challenger Media House: challengermediahouse.com Evan’s Website: ebourcier.com Evan’s Instagram: @ebourcierMORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com

In this first solo episode of the podcast, host, Drew English unpacks the concept of value coming from being vulnerable, taking risks and opening up about challenges professionally.

A Deep Dive into Filmmaking with Michael Litwak: Lessons, Passion, and Personal InsightsA fascinating discussion with filmmaker Michael Litwak where he shares his experiences from his early career to creating commercially successful projects. Litwak emphasizes the importance of hands-on learning, dedication, and collaboration as key factors in successful projects. He also gives some personal insight on preserving creative control over work and contributing value to the industry. Litwak engages with his followers primarily through Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work. Michael concludes with details about his upcoming film, 'Molli and Max in the Future' and how fans can stay updated with its progress.EPISODE LINKS: https://www.michaellitwak.com/ https://www.instagram.com/michaellitwak/MORE ABOUT “NO SET PATH” Website: nosetpath.com Instagram: instagram.com/nosetpath YouTube: youtube.com/@nosetpathFOLLOW DREW ENGLISH Instagram: instagram.com/drewenglishh LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/drewenglish Twitter: twitter.com/thedrewenglish Website: drewenglish.com