“I was a theater kid, so I started out writing plays,” says David Zabel. “But I started to think, what does a movie script look like or what does a play look like? Once I had access to those things to see how they worked, I started writing screenplays and had ideas for TV pilots. That pilot opened a few doors of me.”

An agent helped him get his first job on the series JAG, which later led to Star Trek: Voyager, Dark Angel, and ER. “It came out of my love for drama and dramatic theory. All of this came for his love to tell stories to live audiences. 

“That relationship between being a writer, how it’s performed, and how it’s perceived — where it worked, where it didn’t work — I consider that as one of my stronger points as a writer, which is writing for actors.”

Working with so many live performances, he started to see where actors needed less lines to portray the same emotions on stage and later in film and television. “If they understand what you’re trying to convey, it’s better to do it with the greatest economy of language that you can apply.” The same was true in the editing bay. “It’s humbling,” he jokes. 

This economy of language certainly relates to the latest series created by Zabel, The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon. The spinoff series stars Norman Reedus as Daryl Dixon, where he was arguably the most stoic character on the series. 

“It was an interesting challenge,” he jokes about the stoic character who is also now in a land where he doesn’t speak the language. “I felt like that was a classic American character. This laconic hero, the man without a name that you see a lot in Clint Eastwood, Steve McQueen, or Gary Cooper and people like that.”

“I was excited for that kind of storytelling that wasn’t so expository. Norman, as an actor, relishes the idea of living in a world without speechifying. That’s how he wants to play drama. The challenge is to put people around him who have stories that are compelling, that draw him into their story. He’s not looking to get into other people’s lives and he’s not talking, so people have to be irresistible to him, for him to resonate with them. He’s the reluctant hero but he’s got a heart that makes him hard to walk away.”

As for actors who have been playing characters over a long period of time (about 13 years for Norman Reedus), Zabel says, “You have to lean into the knowledge that they have. It was also true on ER and other shows I’ve done. We learn each other’s rhythms and it becomes symbiotic. That’s one of the joys of television, to dance that dance together.”

Want more? Steal my first book, Ink by the Barrel - Secrets From Prolific Writers right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on hundreds of interviews here at Creative Principles. 

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60-seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom on your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep542 - David Zabel, Creator ‘The Walking Dead - Daryl Dixon’

Tom Hamling recently went out on his own, departing from Austin-based ad agency, GSD&M, to found Nashville-based ad agency, THE MAYOR. 

He's got quite the resume, having produced award-winning work in four straight Super Bowls for Avocados From Mexico and RadioShack. He's also a contributing factor in the famous Farmers Insurance jingle "We Are Farmers" and starting the infamous Popeye's Chicken Wars. 

Tom's work has been featured in The New York Times, Fast Company, Forbes, and the Guinness Book of World Records. Four pieces of his work are in the permanent collection at The Museum of Modern Art in New York City. 

We also mention actress Alice Wetterlund, who was on the show back in Episode 333.

Want more? Steal my first book, Ink by the Barrel - Secrets From Prolific Writers right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on hundreds of interviews here at Creative Principles.

Ep558 - Tom Hamling, Founder and CCO at THE MAYOR

At twenty-six, Gaby Laurent felt like her life was just beginning. Newly married and pregnant with her first child, she was on top of the world. But that joy was shattered when a routine blood test led to a diagnosis of AML Leukemia-and the treatment she needed could harm her baby or save them both. As a mother and cancer survivor, Gaby navigated the complexities of motherhood, adoption, and addiction, confronting the darkest depths of the human spirit.

More than a personal narrative, her memoir WRINKLES WELCOME provides a roadmap for finding strength in adversity. Gaby's journey will help you discover hope in the darkest times and inspire you to live your life to the fullest. 

In this interview, we talk about her love for writing, blogging during her cancer diagnosis, shifting from fiction to memoir, her writing process and learning curve, social media, the purpose of the memoir, and more. You can get her book right here on September 17th:

https://www.gabylaurentwrites.com/

Full disclosure, Gaby’s been a friend for many years, and this project actually got started in my course, How to Write a Non-Fiction Book in 12 Weeks. You can watch Gaby and other students go from idea to published book in that video course. Anyone who orders Gaby’s book, email my assistant and I’ll send you that full course for free (marionne.munoz@BrockSwinson.com).

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep568 - Gaby Laurent, Author & Memoirist ‘Wrinkles Welcome’

Pat Casey and Josh Miller first met in junior high detention in Minnesota, forming a creative partnership that began with a local late-night cable variety show and the ultra-low-budget film HEY STOP STABBING ME!

Today, they’re best known as the writers of the blockbuster SONIC THE HEDGEHOG franchise for Paramount Pictures, including the latest film, SONIC 3, which introduces Shadow, voiced by Keanu Reeves.

In this interview, we talk about the development of their writing partnership, their work on the SONIC THE HEDGEHOG films, the process of writing for Jim Carrey, pop culture references in their work, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!


Ep610 - Pat Casey & Josh Miller, Screenwriters ‘Sonic the Hedgehog’ Franchise

Ian Seabrook is a highly acclaimed Director of Photography, celebrated for his mastery of underwater cinematography. His recent work includes lensing both underwater and main unit photography for the upcoming thriller LAST BREATH starring Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, and Finn Cole.

Seabrook's extensive filmography features blockbuster hits like INDIANA JONES AND THE DIAL OF DESTINY and DEADPOOL 2. His television credits include WEDNESDAY, SHOGUN, LOST IN SPACE, and SEE.

In his latest work, LAST BREATH, we follow seasoned deep-sea divers as they battle the raging elements to rescue their crew mate trapped hundreds of feet below the ocean's surface.

In this interview, we talk about his decision to pursue film and the lack of formal education in underwater cinematography at the time, the complexities of underwater filming, the cinematography in Last Breath, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!


Ep628 - Ian Seabrook, Underwater Director of Photography ‘Last Breath’

Freddy Macdonald is a Student Academy Award winner and the youngest Directing Fellow ever accepted to the AFI Conservatory. Freddy’s AFI admission film, SEW TORN, was acquired by Searchlight Pictures, and it received an Oscar-qualifying theatrical release nationwide alongside READY OR NOT. 

SEW TORN follows a seamstress who gets tangled in her own thread after stealing a briefcase from a drug deal gone bad. In an escalating game of cat and mouse, her different choices lead to drastically different outcomes along the way.

In this interview, we talk about his decision to attend film school (AFI), the creation of the short film SEW TORN as an application piece and its unexpected success, getting recognition from Joel Cohen and advice from mentors, the challenges of adapting the short film into a feature-length movie, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep635 - Freddy Macdonald, Director-Writer-Editor ‘Sew Torn’

Ashley Lyle and Bart Nickerson are the creators, showrunners, writers, and executive producers of the hit Showtime drama series, YELLOWJACKETS. 
 
YELLOWJACKETS, equal parts survival epic, psychological horror story and coming-of-age drama, is the saga of a team of wildly talented high school girls soccer players who become the (un)lucky survivors of a plane crash deep in the remote northern wilderness. The series chronicles their descent from a complicated but thriving team to savage clans, while also tracking the lives they’ve attempted to piece back together nearly 25 years later, proving that the past is never really past and what began out in the wilderness is far from over.

YELLOWJACKETS stars Emmy Award-nominee Melanie Lynskey, Tawny Cypress, and Emmy Award-nominee Christina Ricci.

In this interview, we talk about the pros and cons of working as a writing partnership, the challenges and rewards of writing original content versus writing for existing shows, what they look for when hiring writers for their staff, the specific difficulties of writing a show with two timelines, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep636 - Ashley Lyle & Bart Nickerson, Creators-Showrunners-Executive Producers ‘Yellowjackets’

Emmy and PGA award-winning screenwriter and producer Charlie Brooker created the critically acclaimed anthology series BLACK MIRROR. The highly anticipated seventh season premiered April 10th on Netflix. 

In this interview, we talk about the conception and evolution of BLACK MIRROR, his writing process and habits, advice on writing pilots/standalone episodes, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep640 - Charlie Brooker, Creator and Screenwriter ‘Black Mirror’

Seth Meyers is an Emmy Award-winning comedian, writer, producer, and television host. He is currently the host of NBC's LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS, where he delivers a nightly blend of political commentary, celebrity interviews, and clever comedic segments.

Alex Baze is a highly respected comedy writer and producer, best known for his extensive work on NBC's LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS. As the show's head writer, he plays a pivotal role in shaping its comedic voice, crafting monologues, sketches, and recurring segments.

In this interview, we talk about the process of hiring writers for the show, Alex Baze’s role, Seth's transition from "update guy" to talk show host, the joke writing process, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep641 - Seth Meyers & Alex Baze, on ‘Late Night with Seth Meyers’

Dan Povenmire and Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, the creative minds behind the beloved animated series PHINEAS AND FERB, are back as co-creators and executive producers for its new season. Both will also reprise their voice roles, with Povenmire once again lending his voice to the hilariously villainous Dr. Heinz Doofenshmirtz, and Marsh returning as Major Francis Monogram, Perry the Platypus's commanding officer.

With over 25 years of experience in animation, Povenmire has a long list of critically acclaimed series under his belt, including FAMILY GUY, SPONGEBOB SQUAREPANTS, THE SIMPSONS, ROCKO'S MODERN LIFE, and HEY ARNOLD! 

Marsh also brings over 25 years of animation experience, having worked with industry giants like Hanna-Barbera and Klasky Csupo. His impressive resume includes contributions to other popular animated series such as THE SIMPSONS, ROCKO'S MODERN LIFE, and KING OF THE HILL.

In this interview, we talk about the development of PHINEAS AND FERB and the approach to the new season, how to pitch cartoon characters and shows, writing for a multi-generational audience, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep642 - Dan Povenmire & Jeff "Swampy" Marsh, Creators ‘Phineas and Ferb’

Peter Craig is behind some of the biggest box office successes of the past decade writing screenplays for such hits as THE TOWN, THE HUNGER GAMES: MOCKINGJAY (part 1 and 2), BAD BOYS FOR LIFE, THE BATMAN and TOP GUN: MAVERICK which earned Craig an Oscar and WGA nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay. Craig also wrote GLADIATOR II, which received a BAFTA nomination for Outstanding British Film of the Year. Craig’s films have generated over four billion dollars at the global box office.

Most recently, Craig created, directed, and was the showrunner for the Apple TV+ series, DOPE THIEF, which follows long-time friends and delinquents who pose as DEA agents to rob a house in the countryside, but end up unintentionally revealing and unraveling the biggest hidden narcotics corridor on the Eastern seaboard.

In this interview, we talk about his transition from novelist to screenwriter, the making of THE TOWN and the lessons he learned from working with Ben Affleck, the adaptation process for various projects like THE BATMAN and THE HUNGER GAMES, his new show DOPE THIEF, and much more.

As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: https://www.scriptmastermind.com/pr

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep646 - Peter Craig, Writer ‘Dope Thief,’ ‘The Batman’ & ‘Gladiator II’

Justin Spitzer is a co-creator and executive producer of ST. DENIS MEDICAL. Prior to that, he created and ran NBC comedies SUPERSTORE and AMERICAN AUTO. 

Eric Ledgin is the showrunner and co-creator of ST. DENIS MEDICAL. He is an Emmy award-winning writer and producer, whose TV credits include SUPERSTORE, IT’S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA, AMERICAN AUTO, and LATE NIGHT WITH JIMMY FALLON.

Their show ST. DENIS MEDICAL follows an underfunded, understaffed hospital where the doctors and nurses try their best to treat patients while maintaining their own sanity.

In this interview, we talk about how they got into TV writing, how sitcom writing has evolved, how they prepared for showrunning, their show ST. DENIS MEDICAL, and much more!

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep647 - Justin Spitzer & Eric Ledgin, Co-creators ‘St. Denis Medical’

David Koepp is a highly successful screenwriter best known for his work on some of Hollywood's biggest blockbusters. With a career spanning decades, he has worked on the scripts for iconic films such as JURASSIC PARK, MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, SPIDER-MAN, and WAR OF THE WORLDS. 

His latest work, JURASSIC WORLD: REBIRTH, follows the story five years after JURASSIC WORLD: DOMINION. In it, an expedition ventures into isolated equatorial regions, aiming to extract DNA from three massive prehistoric creatures for a groundbreaking medical breakthrough.

In this interview, we talk about the original JURASSIC PARK film and his process for adapting the later films, his experience working on SPIDER-MAN and MISSION: IMPOSSIBLE, the longevity of franchises, and much more!

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep648 - David Koepp, Screenwriter ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth’

Shannon Lewis is making her Broadway debut as choreographer for the musical JUST IN TIME. The show stars Tony Award winner Jonathan Groff as Bobby Darin in an immersive experience featuring iconic hits like "Beyond the Sea" and "Mack the Knife."

As a choreographer, she's well-known for her work on SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, creating viral video dances, and has choreographed projects for THE TONIGHT SHOW WITH JIMMY FALLON and LAST WEEK TONIGHT WITH JOHN OLIVER. 

In this interview, we talk about the experience of choreographing for Pete Davidson's "I'm Just Pete" sketch, comedy in choreography, her involvement in JUST IN TIME, working with Jonathan Groff, and much more!

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep649 - Shannon Lewis, Choreographer ‘Just In Time’

Matt Tyrnauer is an award-winning documentary filmmaker whose acclaimed works include the Oscar-shortlisted VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR, STUDIO 54, and WHERE'S MY ROY COHN? 

Chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa is a globally renowned Japanese chef who revolutionized modern cuisine by blending traditional Japanese techniques with Peruvian ingredients. His partnership with Robert De Niro created the Nobu empire, which now encompasses over 50 restaurants and 15 hotels worldwide.

This pairing brings together Tyrnauer's intimate documentary storytelling with Matsuhisa's extraordinary journey from a troubled youth in Japan to global culinary icon, with Tyrnauer's upcoming documentary NOBU capturing the chef's philosophy and relentless pursuit of culinary perfection.

In this interview, we talk about Tyranuer’s approach to documentary filmmaking and Chef Nobu's philosophy and creativity. We also talk about mentorship and passing on knowledge, personal reflections and emotional moments during the film, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep650 - Director Matt Tyranuer & Chef Nobu Matsuhisa, on ‘NOBU’

Stephen Murphy is a cinematographer known for his work on MR. & MRS. SMITH, ATLANTA, and HEART EYES.

In 2025, Murphy received a BAFTA TV Craft nomination for Photography & Lighting in Fiction for the mini-series SAY NOTHING, as well as a nomination for Best Cinematography from the Irish Film and Television Awards for the same project.

He currently presides on the Board of Governors for the British Society of Cinematographers and is the former president of the Irish Society of Cinematographers.

In this interview, we talk about prep vs. spontaneity in cinematography, how he got involved in ATLANTA and MR. & MRS. SMITH, changes in the industry, and much more!

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep651 - Stephen Murphy, Cinematographer ‘Say Nothing,’ ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ & ‘Atlanta’

Tony McNamara is an Academy Award-nominated screenwriter and playwright, whose most recent film, POOR THINGS, earned his second Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay.

POOR THINGS marked the second creative collaboration between McNamara and director Yorgos Lanthimos, and it is the third collaboration for McNamara and star Emma Stone. The film was released in theaters in December 2023 and was the second-most Oscar-nominated film of the year.

McNamara’s unique blend of humor, drama, and social commentary can also be seen in the Academy Award-nominated film THE FAVOURITE, which was also directed by Lanthimos and starred Stone. The film earned him a BAFTA Award and an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay.

In his latest project, THE ROSES, the picture-perfect facade of a couple crumbles, igniting a tinderbox of competition and resentment, after the husband's professional dreams are shattered.
In this interview, we talk about his approach to historical and adapted material, the state of comedy films, advice for writers, his latest project, THE ROSES, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep652 - Tony McNamara, Writer ‘Poor Things,’ ‘The Favourite’ & ‘The Roses’

Widely recognized for his roles as Lucius Malfoy in the HARRY POTTER film series, Jason Issac’s extensive career includes various film and television appearances such as THE OA, STAR TREK: DISCOVERY, and the third season of THE WHITE LOTUS.

In this interview, we talk about shadowing people for roles and asking "awkward" questions, THE WHITE LOTUS and his character Timothy Ratliff, speculation on what happens to the family after the show's ending, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep653 - Jason Isaac, Actor ‘Harry Potter,’ ‘The Patriot’ & ‘The White Lotus’

Sam Lansky is making his feature film screenwriting debut with Sony's I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER. This highly anticipated new installment of the cultural phenomenon franchise boasts an all-star cast, including Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, Tyriq Withers, Jonah Hauer-King, and Sarah Pidgeon. Additionally, Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. will reprise their iconic roles from the original films.

Sam is the author of two critically acclaimed books: THE GILDED RAZOR, a satirical memoir of his misadventures as a New York City teen; and BROKEN PEOPLE, a novel set in the world of Los Angeles neoshamanism.

In this interview, we talk about the challenges of breaking into the film industry without connections or financial support, the role of journalism and online platforms (like Twitter) in building a writing career, the approach to updating the I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER franchise for a new generation, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep654 - Sam Lansky, Writer ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer’

James DeMonaco is the writer and director of the feature films THE PURGE, THE PURGE: ANARCHY, and THE PURGE: ELECTION YEAR, as well as co-founder of the Man in a Tree production company along with his producing partner Sebastian LeMercier.

His upcoming horror film THE HOME, starring fellow Staten Islander Pete Davidson, follows Max, who realizes that the residents and caretakers in the retirement home where he started working at hide sinister secrets.

In this interview, we talk about his work on JACK, lessons learned from Francis Ford Coppola, the origin and development of THE PURGE, violence in screenwriting and directing (restraint vs. graphic), lessons from Blumhouse, and much more.

As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: https://www.scriptmastermind.com/pr 

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep655 - James DeMonaco, Writer ‘The Home,’ ‘The Purge,' 'The Purge: Anarchy' & 'The Purge: Election Year'

Julie Christeas is the founder and CEO of Tandem Pictures. Her recent films include NUKED, a comedy starring Justin Bartha and Anna Camp, and BLACK BEAR starring Aubrey Plaza, Christopher Abbott, and Sarah Gadon.

She also Executive Produced three original, short-form comedy series for NBCU/Peacock, all are slated for release Spring 2025, and produces original short-form content for some of the biggest brands in the world -- Amazon, Chase Bank, Ford Motors, Netflix, Cadillac, and many more.

In this interview, we talk about strategies for de-risking film projects, changes in indie filmmaking, how she finds talent and projects, and much more.

As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: https://www.scriptmastermind.com/pr 

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep656 - Julie Christeas, Founder & CEO of Tandem Pictures

Kristina Stanley is the bestselling author of SECRETS TO OUTLINING A NOVEL, SECRETS TO EDITING SUCCESS, and SECRETS TO WRITING A SERIES, as well as the award-winning STONE MOUNTAIN MYSTERIES SERIES. 

In 2019, she developed a brand-new structural editing software, Fictionary. After years of outlining and editing in complex Excel spreadsheets, she designed the program she always wished she had. Since then, Fictionary has grown fast, now offering Fictionary Live!, an in-depth program of outlining, writing, and editing courses, and StoryTeller software, which supports writers through their entire writing journey.

In this interview, we talk about misconceptions about writing, the importance of outlining and the different approaches, Fictionary, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep657 - Kristina Stanley, Author and CEO of Fictionary

Jeffrey Doe is an Emmy-nominated filmmaker whose work has premiered at Sundance, Cannes, and Telluride. Starting his career as an editor of MTV Award-winning music videos, Jeff then transitioned to documentary, cutting WE SOLD OUR SOULS FOR ROCK ’N ROLL for famed “rock-u-mentary” director Penelope Spheeris and the Grammy Award-winning RUNNIN’ DOWN A DREAM for director Peter Bogdanovich, about the life and career of the late Tom Petty.

Most recently, he directed WICK IS PAIN, the never-before-seen footage and story behind the John Wick phenomenon, from independent film to billion-dollar franchise.

In this interview, we talk about the two types of documentaries: archival vs. verite, the importance of conflict and drama in documentaries, his latest work WICK IS PAIN, his approach to note-taking and organizing footage, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!


Ep658 - Jeffrey Doe, Director ‘Wick Is Pain’

Jeremy Saulnier is best known for his low-budget revenge thriller BLUE RUIN, which he wrote, directed, and cinematographed. He followed up with GREEN ROOM, a claustrophobic horror film about a punk band trapped with white supremacists, starring Anton Yelchin and Patrick Stewart.
Most recently, he directed REBEL RIDGE. The film follows a former Marine who becomes entangled in a violent conflict with a corrupt small-town police chief after an attempt to post bail for his cousin escalates unexpectedly.

In this interview, we talk about self-funding and financial strategies for filmmaking, his film REBEL RIDGE, the collaborative and evolving nature of stunt choreography on set, the challenge of creating good endings, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep659 - Jeremy Saulnier, Director ‘Rebel Ridge,’ ‘Blue Ruin’ & ‘Green Room’

John McKeever is a versatile writer, actor, and director with a diverse portfolio spanning television, stand-up, and digital media. His writing credits include work for MTV, TruTV, NBC, and Comedy Central, and as a stand-up comedian, he was recognized as a New Face at the 2014 Just for Laughs Festival in Montreal.

McKeever has appeared on Comedy Central’s Adam Devine’s House Party, HBO’s High Maintenance, and was a regular on TruTV’s Almost Genius. In 2017, he wrote, directed, and starred in the Comedy Central pilot Delco Proper. He later co-wrote and directed the hugely popular YouTube sketch series Gilly & Keeves, culminating in the 2022 release of Gilly & Keeves: The Special, which he produced alongside longtime collaborator Shane Gillis.

He is currently showrunning and directing Season 2 of Tires, his hit Netflix series.

Tires follows Will, an unqualified heir, who attempts to turn his auto repair business around while enduring torment from his now-employee cousin, Shane.

In this interview, we talk about overcoming gatekeepers and the DIY mindset; how he's learned to identify whether an idea is better suited for standup, a sketch, a TV show, or a movie; the origin and development of TIRES; scripted vs. improvised dialogue, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep660 - John McKeever, Showrunner Shane Gillis Comedy, ‘Tires’

Tony Tost is the showrunner of season two of Poker Face. His first feature film as a writer-director -- the modern-day western crime film Americana starring Sydney Sweeney, Paul Walter Hauser, and Halsey -- will hit theaters this summer.

In this interview, we talk about challenges and rejections in Hollywood, strategies for getting films made, advice for aspiring screenwriters, and much more.

As a special note, this was part of our new LIVE interview series in partnership with Buzztown, a community for serious screenwriters, where students also participated in this interview. You can learn more or join the waitlist here: https://www.scriptmastermind.com/pr 

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep661 - Tony Tost, Writer ‘Americana,’ ‘Poker Face’ & ‘Longmire’

Nate Bargatze is a stand-up comedian known for his clean, family-friendly humor and deadpan delivery. He gained popularity through appearances on late-night shows and has released multiple comedy specials, including THE TENNESSEE KID, THE GREATEST AVERAGE AMERICAN, and YOUR FRIEND, NATE BARGATZE.

In addition to his stand-up career, he hosts a podcast called THE NATELAND PODCAST, and just published the book, BIG DUMB EYES.

In this interview, we talk about why he decided to be a “clean comic,” his writing process, THE BREADWINNER, hosting the Emmy’s, his recent appearances on SNL, his company and how he helps up-and-coming comedians.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep662 - Nate Bargatze, Comedian & Writer ‘Your Friend, Nate Bargatze’ & ‘The Breadwinner’

With a career spanning over 25 years, Gary Oldman is one of the most respected and recognized actors of his generation. He has earned critical acclaim for his iconic roles, including Sirius Black in the HARRY POTTER series, Commissioner Jim Gordon in Christopher Nolan's BATMAN trilogy, and Winston Churchill in DARKEST HOUR, for which he won an Academy Award for Best Actor.

He has received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career, including three Academy Award nominations and two Emmy nominations for his recent work in SLOW HORSES.

In this interview, Oldman talks about becoming typecast as a villain in films, anonymity and public life, his role in the TV series SLOW HORSES, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep663 - Gary Oldman, Actor ‘Slow Horses’ & ‘Darkest Hour’

David Gelb is an award-winning director and producer. He is best known for directing the critically acclaimed documentary JIRO DREAMS OF SUSHI, which ushered in a new wave of food-focused cinematography and storytelling.

Following the success of Jiro, Gelb went on to create Netflix’s longest-running series, Chef's Table, now in its tenth season, as well as a new companion series, Street Food. The series has been nominated for multiple Emmys and has won multiple James Beard awards.

In this interview, we talk about his early influences and beginnings plus his transition to documentaries, his time working with Robert Downey Jr., what inspired him to create CHEF'S TABLE, the challenges of documentary filmmaking and working with "legends,” and much more. 

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep664 - David Gelb, Director & Producer ‘Chef's Table’ & ‘Jiro Dreams of Sushi’

Abigail Rubenstein has over a decade of experience writing and editing. She got her start at Law360, a news service for business lawyers. 

Abby also helped run the newsroom at two digital media startups focused on business and academic research.

In this interview, we talk about Morning Brew's identity and content, their editorial process, the challenges around the news industry, and much more.

Want more? Steal my first book, INK BY THE BARREL - SECRETS FROM PROLIFIC WRITERS, right now for free. Simply head over to www.brockswinson.com to get your free digital download and audiobook. If you find value in the book, please share it with a friend as we’re giving away 100,000 copies this year. It’s based on over 400 interviews here at Creative Principles. Enjoy!

If you enjoy the podcast, would you please consider leaving a short review on Apple Podcasts? It only takes about 60 seconds, and it really helps convince some of the hard-to-get guests to sit down and have a chat (simply scroll to the bottom of your iTunes Podcast app and click “Write Review"). Enjoy the show!

Ep665 - Abigail Rubenstein, Managing Editor of ‘Morning Brew”

Welcome to Creative Principles, I'm your host Brock Swinson. Here I'll be speaking with writers, directors, actors, musicians and more. We'll discuss the habits, routines, and methods of a creative life.

Creative Principles Podcast

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