In this conversation with TV and Film Producer Deniese Davis, we dive into Deniese's big pivots, from producing Issa Rae’s award-winning web series "The Mis-Adventures of Awkward Black Girl" to producing the HBO hit series, "Insecure," then launching her own production company, Reform Media Group, and most recently producing "One of Them Days" as well as "Hard Feelings," financed by Tyler Perry Studios. We also explore the cultural impact of "Insecure," how to stop waiting for permission to creatively pursue what you love, how you have to learn to wear many hats as a producer, how creatives can meet this inflection point in the TV and film industry, and how stepping out of your comfort and betting on yourself pays off. You can find Deniese on Instagram ‪@smsdeniese -- Find out more about The Producing Playbook Deniese created at: https://www.theproducingplaybook.com/ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

In this conversation with TV Drama and Features Writer Sabrina Almeida, we dive into how, by focusing on self care and silencing the inner critic, you can become more productive as a writer and avoid burnout. You’ll also learn about:Sabrina's big pivot, from pursuing aerospace engineering and working for NASA to enrolling in USC's producing program, and eventually writing for major sci-fi shows like "Andor" and "For All Mankind." How losing her brother to cancer at a young age led her to realize how life is too short to not pursue what you're truly passionate about (in her case, writing). How the way you present yourself matters in the film industry more than in the hard sciences. Why so many TV writers have pivoted to writing features. How AI will continue to reshape society, and how it presents some interesting dilemmas for writers to mine. The best way of giving other writers and creatives feedback on their work. And how tailoring your communication style to a given person can increase the odds that your advice will be implemented. You can find Sabrina on Instagram ‪@sabrinacapoeira‬ -- Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.

In this conversation with TV Comedy Writer Shelley Dennis, we talk about how pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and operating from a growth mindset can help you accomplish your goals and unlock your true potential. You’ll also hear about:

How investing in yourself pays off, and the benefits of taking classes and hiring life coaches at different crossroads in your career in order to grow past previous ceilings.

The day-to-day life of a TV writer working on a sitcom like Happy's Place and The Conners.

How focus and determination are just as important, if not more so, than talent and drive.

How Shelley overcame an extreme fear of public speaking by pushing herself to perform stand up comedy, and how she went from crying in her car after sets to loving performing.

Thinking of comedy like math, and studying and practicing the formula of jokes in order to perfect it.

How breakups can help you grow in ways you didn't think were possible, pushing you to become more self-sufficient and less dependent on others for your own happiness and fulfillment.

How Charlie, her dog, is the best at punching up jokes.You can find Shelley on Instagram ‪@shelleydennis‬ Thanks for listening! If you haven't, please subscribe. It really helps our channel more than you know.