“FIND YOUR SPARK” is a podcast that shares real-life stories of realizing the potential and impact of your SPARK, in the middle of a busy life. Your hosts Brooke Wheeldon-Reece, President of The SPARK Initiative – a non-profit organization – and Ashley Hunt, Director of Program Development, dive deep into conversations about life, family, running a business, the youth they work with, and the impact their work has daily. The episodes are funny, digestible, honest, and profoundly helpful. As w ...
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Stats about lack of diversity
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For school Cover art photo provided by Tom Barrett on Unsplash: https://unsplash.com/@wistomsin
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Interviews with leading film and TV creators about their process and craft. From screenwriting to film language to cinematography, we'll be examining the innovative ways today's best filmmakers are getting their visions out into the world.
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Playwright Spotlight features a new playwright every episode to discuss the tools of the trade and solutions to the obstacles we face as writers in hopes of making us all better and more successful playwrights.
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Lying and Hiding, Writing Distinct Voices, and An Actual Formula to Success - Playwright's Spotlight with Nicholas Pilapil
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Send us a text If there was a formula that could tell you how to become a successful playwright, this episode is it. Nicholas Pilapil dropped into the Playwright's Spotlight for an insightful approach to becoming a working playwright. His approach to workshops lays out a pathway of motivation and accountability. We discuss confidence versus hubris,…
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In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Makayla references a famous quote by Erin Hanson that reads, "What if I fall? Oh but darling, what if you fly?" In this self-reflective episode, Makayla details personal narratives that illustrate the ways in which this quote has helped her state of mind. Listen as Makayla details a more optimist…
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Lee Daniels joins IndieWire features writer Jim Hemphill to discuss his new Netflix film “The Deliverance,” which combines elements of spirituality, social realism, melodrama, dark comedy, and horror to create a consistently entertaining and intensely involving viewing experience. Daniels talks about working in the horror genre for the first (and p…
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The creator of "Dear White People" sat down with us to talk about his new 4-part docuseries that explores the forgotten influences and power of black film. Listen in to learn about some of the untold stories of black Hollywood, and hear how his peers like Ryan Coogler and Ava DuVernay reacted to watching this cinematic history. - You can watch this…
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During this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, the entire SPARK team sits in to celebrate 200 episodes. Veering off our typical style of podcast, Makayla hosts an interview-style session with the Spark team. Throughout the episode, team members reflect on the changes they've observed since their beginning at SPARK, key takeaways from our teach…
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Today we’re joined by writer-director JT Mollner, here to talk about his audacious new thriller STRANGE DARLING - which IndieWire has called “the best horror film in years.” JT talks about finding an unusual structure for his tale, working with first-time feature cinematographer Giovanni Ribisi, and why shooting on 35mm film should remain a priorit…
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'Ripley' Director & Writer Steve Zaillian
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Zaillian's adaptation of the Patricia Highsmith novel was some of the best, most carefully considered TV we've seen this year. On the podcast he discusses his approach, including why it was essential the show be presented in rich black and white cinematography. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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'Not a Pretty Picture' Director Martha Coolidge
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Martha Coolidge appears on the podcast to talk about her debut feature, “Not a Pretty Picture,” which is newly restored and available from Criterion. The movie, an audacious documentary/narrative hybrid, depicts Coolidge’s own sexual assault with power, intelligence, and sensitivity. Coolidge discusses why she chose this unusual form to tell her st…
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Confidence, Gatekeepers, Theatricum Botanicum, and Life on the Blacklist - Playwright's Spotlight with Ellen Geer
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Send us a text Actor, director, producer, playwright, and artistic director since 1978 of the famous Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, Ellen Geer stopped by to talk about the history of the Theatricum, growing up in a blacklisted family, and how playwriting helps heal societal wounds. Ellen shares her transition into playwriting, her approach to revi…
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199: Breaking the Mold - Embracing Your True Self Beyond Societal Expectations
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In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad speaks about the importance of embracing your true self and breaking free from societal expectations. He delves into how often we feel pressured to conform to the standards and norms set by others, losing sight of who we truly are in the process. Through candid conversations and personal reflecti…
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Set during a weekend backpacking trip in the Catskills, "Good One" is a gorgeous coming of age film that focuses more on interiority than dramatic plot. Director India Donaldson walks us through the struggle of filming outside in the woods, and gives a fantastic lesson on modern independent filmmaking. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph…
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'Curb Your Enthusiasm' Showrunner Jeff Schaffer
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"Curb Your Enthusiasm" director and showrunner Jeff Schaffer joins the podcast to talk about bringing the show to a satisfying conclusion, working with non-actors like Bruce Springsteen and Willie Geist, and whether or not this is really the end. Plus, a special guest makes a surprise appearance! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm…
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Noah Hawley has been the show-runner of "Fargo" since it premiered in 2014, and the latest season might be the best yet. Hear how Hawley and his team carefully managed the tone and subverted expectations for Season 5, and also get a tease for his upcoming "Alien" TV show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…
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In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Brooke and Ashley discuss the relationship between the unknown and the faith that it all works out. This topic has been a recurring one both at the office and in Brooke's day-to-day life. Listen as the two discuss the possibilities that open up by simply relying on your SPARK to calm your anxiety and …
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'Albert Brooks: Defending My Life' Director Rob Reiner
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The director of the classic mock-umentary This Is Spinal Tap has made his first actual documentary, a moving reflection on the life and career of his childhood friend, Albert Brooks. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris O'Falt
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For the 20th anniversary of the game-changing thriller, we sat down with the director of "Collateral" to hear his thoughts on being one of the first major theatrical features to embrace hi-def digital photography. You'll also hear his thoughts on directing stars Jamie Fox and Tom Cruise, and how he adapted the story and characters when the setting …
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Cliffhangers, Stage Magic, Relationships and Landing Productions - Playwright's Spotlight with Tom Jacobson
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Send us a text Tom Jacobson swung into the Playwright's Spotlight in the midst of his coinciding plays The Bauhaus Project and Crevasse to discuss the correlation to both of the pieces and the subject matter of fascism and anti-Semitism in Nazi Germany. While discussing the historical influence of the Bauhaus, we explore previews and changes within…
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In this episode, Stephanie tells the story of a recent conversation she had with her 10-year old son. After excitedly sharing that she’d be teaching SPARK to 8th graders at the local middle school in DC, he emphatically proclaimed she was “going to get cooked.” Tune in to hear her thoughts on this ominous prediction.…
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Creator, writer and director Nida Manzoor joins us to talk everything 'We Are Lady Parts' season 2. Nida shares how she handled navigating new songs including the banger "Malala Made Me Do It", with a cameo from the legend herself. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris O'Falt
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During this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Makayla is joined by a very special guest - her mom. Makayla and Jocelyn had the privilege of teaching together during Makayla's time in the classroom. Listen as they reflect on that special time in both of their lives. The pair also speak to the role of educators, how teaching has changed, and th…
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One of the biggest breakouts from Sundance this year was the feature debut of writer/director Sean Wang, based on his experiences as a 13 year old Taiwanese American growing up in 2008 California. Sean spoke with us about how his time at google prepared him to capture the ways screens and technology affect the relationships in the film, and how he …
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Dramatic Questions, Shaping Your Play, and What Every Playwright Should Be Doing - Playwright's Spotlight with Catherine Filloux
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Send us a text Catherine Filloux dropped into the Playwright's Spotlight before the New York Premiere of her new play How to Eat an Orange. We spoke about her development and involvement in Theatre Without Borders and transitioning from an actor to playwright which would later push her into becoming a librettist for operas. She explained the struct…
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In this episode of the Find your SPARK podcast, hosts Ashley and Jena dive deep into one of SPARK’s core beliefs: "Possibilities are Infinite." Together, they explore the powerful impact of embracing limitless potential in both their professional and personal lives. Ashley and Jena share candid stories of times when their own thinking hindered thei…
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The director of the Oscar nominated Minari returns with a surprising follow up, and it's the most fun blockbuster of the summer. What isn't a surprise is Isaac's thoughtful insights into using the big budget tools for the first time, what inspired him about real life storm chasers, and why Miranda Lambert had to be on the soundtrack. Learn more abo…
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The Russian Doll creator brings her flair for mystery to the Star Wars universe with The Acolyte. Headland joined us the morning after the series finale to discuss the show's bold narrative structure, her unique take on Star Wars witches, and how she choreographed the lightsaber fights character-first. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaph…
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194: Breaking the Thought Chain in Caesars Palace
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During this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Brooke and Makayla sit down in the infamous Caesars Palace in Las Vegas to discuss an insight that Makayla recently shared with the SPARK team. Makayla, someone who has struggled with OCD for most of her life, shares how a lesson from the SPARK curriculum changed her approach to one of her toughes…
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Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Chris O'Falt
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'Made In England' Executive Producer Thelma Schoonmaker
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Martin Scorsese and his long time editor Thelma Schoonmaker have delivered another marvelous piece of film history with their new documentary, "Made in England: The Films of Powell and Pressburger." Schoonmaker analyzes the impact of one of the most important cinematic partnerships of all time, and shares stories of how her late husband Michael Pow…
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Libraries, Confidence, the Process of Revision, and Saving Your Darlings - Playwright's Spotlight with Olivia Sawatzki
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Send us a text Olivia Sawatzki came by Playwright's Spotlight after the West Coast Premiere of her play Being Alive (& other big jokes) at the Raven Playhouse in North Hollywood. We discuss seeing your work onstage, writing strategies, evolving as a playwright, being influenced and deconstructing playwrights' works, the process of revision, writing…
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193: The Power of Free Thought - Unlocking Freedom of Mind
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This week on the #FindYourSPARK Podcast, inspired by a Jim Carey video and Independence Day, Ashley, Jena, and Stephanie reflect upon the concept of freedom. Recognizing their privilege in enjoying many social and physical freedoms, this conversation focuses on perhaps the most valuable freedom a person can have – freedom of mind. Freedom of mind i…
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The final film in the horror trilogy that began with “X” and “Pearl” has arrived. For “MaXXXine,” director Ti West talks about creating a period film on a budget, working with Kevin Bacon to create one of cinema’s slimiest detectives, and how directing episodic television gave him the chops to take his filmmaking to the next level. Learn more about…
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In this episode of the Find Your SPARK Podcast, Chad speaks about the importance of understanding the power of "no" and how to navigate its power in our everyday lives. Chad also discusses impactful steps to self-discovery and self-care. Join us as we do a deep dive into the ways "no" can help us with self-discovery and empower us to the best of ou…
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'Horizon: An American Saga' Director Kevin Costner
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Kevin Costner revitalized the Western genre with his first film as director, “Dances With Wolves.” He talks about returning to the West for the ambitious epic “Horizon: An American Saga – Chapter 1” and explains what still interests him about the Western and why he’s taking the biggest gamble of his career on this passion project. Learn more about …
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