How to Leverage Filmmaking to Have an Impact on Social Justice Starring Melanie D'Andrea

Understanding the impact simple acts of kindness can have when collaborating is one of many reasons why it’s a joy to have actor, dancer, singer, and producer Julian Armaya on this week’s episode! As a powerful, genuine, and creative force, Julian takes us behind the highs and lows of his trajectory in front of international audiences, which includes battling cancer twice. While some setbacks have been tremendous, his passion for storytelling and brilliance as an artist have galvanized the perseverance that broadens the scope of his impact on every performance and project.  Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

Wisdom flows with every word and experience as Kanithea Powell shares details about her trajectory as an award winning screenwriter, filmmaker, author, and founder/CEO of QFN TV. Tune into this episode to deepen your belief and clarity in what you’re meant to do with your passion and creativity. You don’t want to miss this boost of confidence about trusting the pace of your process in spite of any challenges or lack of a blueprint along the way! Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

There's something special about building a career around doing what we love and sharing gifts that come naturally to us, which is why you'll love this week's episode with gender fluid fashion creator Bad Burro by José Huizar. Tune in for tips to overcome challenges when finding your voice and expressing it at the loudest volume possible. It's amazing how taking charge in channeling productivity will make a positive impact across communities! Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

Keep your creative momentum going in full force by taking in wisdom from the talented and award-winning writer/director/actor Nardeep Khurmi (Chicago Fire, Land of Gold, Mira, Royal Detective, Henry Danger). This week's episode delivers helpful insights that dispel any suspicions actors may have of feeling like merely a cog in the machine of filmmaking. From the passion in his voice to the encouragement of making anything that keeps your brain ticking, this episode is the refresh button you need as we approach the end of the year! Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

Tune into what you're here to be a vessel for by listening to the fantastic advice and experience of award-winning genre-bending, binary-breaking director and filmmaker Melanie D'Andrea (NBCUniversal Launch, Telemundo Fellow, Ryan Murphy Half Initiative Mentee, Disruptors Fellowship Director). If you're struggling to move beyond the expectation of being a people pleaser, gain some good traction with Melanie's wisdom to bring the best out of everyone including yourself. There are brilliant gems of wisdom you'll take away if you're looking to make a positive impact on communities through storytelling. Don't forget to send us a DM, leave a rating, or dazzle us with your review! Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

Since the first day of meeting the genre-bending writer and director Sofia Garza-Barba, she's effortlessly shared light and love through powerful stories, meaningful conversations, and significant collaborations. If you're struggling taking a leap of faith, making a mistake, or deciding what feels right in your work, this episode is for you. And if you're eager to make a transition from commercial work to narrative content, do not let another day pass without tuning into this episode. Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

Take a break from doom scrolling to hear some of the most practical advice on how to get your films into festivals with advice from actress, producer, director Maria Soccor. Her story takes us through a poetic turn of events that highlight the importance of simultaneously going with the flow and being proactive in pursuit of one's purpose. From victories of having work travel to Cannes and Venice to updates on her most recent documentary, you don't want to miss key takeaways from Maria's poetic perspective and cinematic journey. Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

Gladys McGarey began her career as a doctor before women could even own their own bank accounts. We take a break from entertainment in this week's episode to ask the Award-Winning Author of "The Well Lived Life", what's the secret for living a long happy life? Dr. McGarey shares her own extraordinary stories about beginning her career as a young doctor when she wasn't taken seriously, even having to sleep on an X-ray table, how she revolutionized our views on giving birth, and even having a chance encounter with Mahatma Gandhi. Dr. Gladys is an inspiration to women everywhere, and this is one you surely don't want to miss! Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

Whether singing live, reading to the masses, or hosting a range of gigs in her drag excellence, Pickle (Weakest Link, Dodgeball Thunderdome, Tyler Perry's Sistas) lays out key points in how to build your brand with authenticity. Our guest and drag extraordinaire has partnered with the Academy Museum, City of West Hollywood, Independent Shakespeare Company, LA County Library, LA Public Library, LACMA, Outfest, Tinder, and the list goes on! Don't miss great advice with insightful lessons on expanding a brand through community engagement! Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html

Angela Cohen (Without Grace, Unimaginable, There Can Be Light, Clara's Ghost) takes us on deep dive into what it means to be a multi-hyphenate. From acting, writing, directing, leading a production company as CEO, Angela explains how she refills her creative well, which she prioritizes while constantly on the move and might question why one project or facet of her career isn't panning out as expected. From working with Al Pacino, Paul Haggis, and Barry Levinson to sparking social change through storytelling, you'll love every detail of her journey toward showcasing unique and diverse stories that put a spotlight on female voices and mental health. After listening to this episode, you'll understand why Without Grace qualified for the 90th Academy Awards, which you can also check out on Amazon! Want to be featured on the pod? https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScGSAuXcPkCkdx3qoWiG1trcQYzksClzVes4u7YXcR2td9ALg/viewform Want to send a voice message? https://www.speakpipe.com/DamselsintheDMs Want to pitch a guest or topic? https://www.damselsinthedms.com/contact.html