Navigating Hollywood

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Sheryl J. Anderson, the Creator and Executive Producer of the hit Netflix show Sweet Magnolias, discusses how she started as a storyteller, the way her life experience made her uniquely qualified to create this hit show, and how faith has played a crucial role for her as an artist. She also talks about her life priorities and how she has been able to get where she is today.
On writing Sweet Magnolias, Sheryl explains, "We had a running joke in the writer's room that we wanted to make the audience laugh out loud once an episode, cry once an episode, and then whatever they wanted to do in between was fine. But the running joke became that we wanted to do that to each other every day in the room and we laughed a lot together and we cried a lot together."
Allen ends the interview by asking about the cliffhanger in Sweet Magnolias. "Who was in the car?" See more at NavigatingHollywood.org.
Links:

• Sweet Magnolias Official Site

• Sweet Magnolias on Facebook

• Navigating Hollywood’s Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course

• Sheryl J. Anderson on IMDb, Twitter

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Allen Wolf’s website

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

Video for this episode can be found here.

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Editor Harry Yoon discusses his work on the Oscar-nominated Minari, his editing of the upcoming Marvel film Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings, as well as how he survives and thrives in Hollywood.
Harry reveals how Minari was created and some of the challenges they experienced in the making of this award-winning movie. He talks about how he started as an editor, what it's like working on an independent film versus a major studio film, and how he keeps himself inspired as an artist and sharpened as an editor. Surviving in Hollywood means that Harry has to find importance outside of his achievements and he shares how that has been possible.
Links:

• Marvel

• Minari

• Navigating Hollywood’s Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course

• Harry Yoon on IMDb

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Allen Wolf’s website

Video for this episode can be found here.

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

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Sarah Drew from Grey’s Anatomy talks about her career, the definition of success in Hollywood, her roles on Madmen, Everwood, and Glee, the advice Ed Harris gave to her when she was filming her first movie, what grounds her in the ups and downs of Hollywood, and more in this candid and inspiring conversation.
Sarah Drew’s first job was providing the voice role of “Stacy Rowe” on the animated series, Daria, when Drew was still in high school. Beginning in 2004, she was a featured cast member on the western series, Everwood. After having minor roles in the series, Private Practice and as “Kitty Romano” on Mad Men, Drew was cast in a recurring role as “Dr. April Kepner” on the acclaimed medical drama, Grey’s Anatomy. Sarah has also had supporting roles in the films, Radio, and American Pastime, as well as a starring role in the comedy, Moms’ Night Out. A resident of Los Angeles, Sarah has two children and her husband is a professor.
Sarah comments about the pitfalls of social media. "We are not meant to have the kind of feedback that we get on social media. We're meant to get feedback from a small community of humans that we’re in a relationship with. We are not meant to hear four hundred thousand people's opinions of what you look like or how angry they are at you or whether they hate you or love you."
In talking about being successful, Sarah says, "I don't want to get swept away by trying to impress people or by getting the next gig so that I can be successful. I want to stay focused on loving people and being loved and that needs to be the core always. That needs to be the driving force any time I do a project. How do I love these characters? How do I love the audience through the telling of this story? So my letter to my 20-year-old self would be, keep that fire alive, return to that truth and that ultimate vision and drive even if it has to become a practice but you must return to it. Otherwise, this industry will eat you alive and you will never feel like you're enough."
"What is success? Is success winning an Emmy? No. Is Success being a star of a television show? No. Actually, success is being seen, known, and loved and getting to offer that to other humans."
Links:

• Grey’s Anatomy

• Navigating Hollywood’s Marriage Course, Pre-Marriage Course, Alpha Course

• Sarah Drew on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter

• Allen Wolf’s website

Video for this episode can be found here.

The transcript for this episode can be found here.

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Host and filmmaker Allen Wolf becomes the guest in this rebroadcast of Perspectives on Neurodiversity where he talks about the journey of making his recent movie, The Sound of Violet. We dive headfirst into a discussion about the film adaptation of his novel. The road to casting Shawn, a unique character with autism, wasn't easy, but we talk about the triumphs achieved along the way and the personal connections to the story's theme of human trafficking. We'll hear how the film reflects human life's complexities and unpack essential aspects of a character's development and relationship portrayal in films. Uncover how Allen worked to illustrate Shawn's character and discovered his autism, integrating the concept of synesthesia into the story.
We'll also reflect on the transformative power of film and the impact The Sound of Violet has had on its audience. How did the pandemic affect the film's release? How did the critical role of music shape the story? Discover how Allen and composer Conrad Pope worked to create an Academy Award-worthy score. Don't miss this enlightening exploration of neurodiversity, the intricacies of independent films, and the beauty of creative storytelling.
• The Sound of Violet Official Site

• Allen Wolf on IMDb, Instagram, Facebook, X

• Allen Wolf’s website

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Joseph Holland, author, playwright, and former Housing Commissioner of New York State, shares his life's tapestry, embracing the arts and spreading joy through his plays while serving the Harlem community, which is showcased in the film "Harlem Grace." As Holland recounts the various hues of his life, we're reminded of the transformative power of faith and using one's talents to ignite hope and change in the lives of others.
Journey with us as we navigate the nuances of Holistic Housing, an innovative model that Joe pioneered, giving not just a roof over heads but also nourishing the mind, spirit, and future employment opportunities of those he served. From the principles that underpinned his life skills curriculum to the global reach of his initiatives, including the founding of an institute in Liberia, Holland's story is one of unwavering dedication. His transition into a political role, leveraging his extensive community and entrepreneurial experience, exemplifies a life of purpose. Be inspired as we trace Holland's footsteps, a path where faith, creativity, and the desire to leave a lasting legacy beautifully converge.
Harlem Grace Website

Joe's Website
Navigating Hollywood