Best Indie Film Hustle Podcasts (2025)

1
IFH 793: Comedy, Confidence, and the Art of Reinvention with Rhonda Shear 57:35

23h ago57:35

57:35

Some moments in life are stitched together like the seams of a well-loved garment, their fabric woven with laughter, reinvention, and a refusal to let the world dictate what is possible. On today's episode, we welcome Rhonda Shear, a woman who embodies this spirit of transformation with a playful wink and an unstoppable drive. Many remember her as …

1
Rerelease: Joaquim de Almeida’s role as the quintessential bad guy and his Portuguese heritage 59:15

2h ago59:15

59:15

Rerelease of the second episode of the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal where host Tony Gonçalves meets up with Joaquim de Almeida, the actor that, after 156 films, doesn't want to stop. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.By Tony Gonçalves

1
Nuno Morais Sarmento: “If you don’t have the emotional availability of giving yourself to others, you’ll be dead politically“ 56:05

9d ago56:05

56:05

Nuno Morais Sarmento, an important political figure in Portugal, cancer survivor, former boxer and currently head of FLAD, Foundation for Luso American Development, sits down with Tony Gonçalves for a very earnest conversation about life, politics and living each day altruistically. A rare insight into one of Portugal’s most revered political voice…

1
IFH 792: The Power of the Cut: Storytelling Secrets from Michael Trent 42:59

8d ago42:59

42:59

A film editor’s job is much like the work of a sculptor. You take a massive block of material—raw footage—and with a series of delicate, precise cuts, you shape it into something cohesive, something meaningful. In today’s episode, we welcome Michael Trent, a master of cinematic storytelling who has spent his career assembling some of Hollywood’s mo…

1
Diogo Mónica built the first federally chartered crypto bank and invested in 150+ startups. His secret? Smart risks and a clear purpose 48:56

16d ago48:56

48:56

Diogo Mónica joins Tony Gonçalves for an in depth conversation about crypto, tech startups and investment. Co-Founder of Anchorage Digital, a three billion dollar company, Diogo uses his platform to advance Portuguese innovation, helping the country reach its place as a hub for technological innovation. Listen to the podcast The Heart and Hustle of…

1
IFH 791: Beyond the Script: Gordy Hoffman’s Guide to Emotional Storytelling 1:05:56

15d ago1:05:56

1:05:56

Life, they say, is a story we tell ourselves—a script of experience, moments, and emotions woven into a narrative only we can claim as our own. On today’s episode, we welcome Gordy Hoffman, a screenwriter, director, and the mind behind the BlueCat Screenwriting Competition. His journey through the labyrinth of storytelling has been marked by profou…

1
The Portuguese Kids, ambassadors of culture through comedy: “My mom still thinks, 20 years later, that we don’t have a job” 1:02:07

23d ago1:02:07

1:02:07

The Portuguese Kids are a comedy duo based in Fall River that create amazing sketches about the Portuguese community and mannerisms, bridging the gap between culture and comedy. Derrick DeMelo and Brian Martins talk with Tony Gonçalves about heritage, the strength of the Fall River Portuguese community and even share a secret way to teach English s…

1
IFH 790: From Short to Feature: The Filmmaker’s Journey with Michael G. Kehoe 1:15:50

22d ago1:15:50

1:15:50

On today’s episode, we welcome Michael G. Kehoe, a filmmaker who turned a whisper of an idea into the resounding voice of a feature film. From Brooklyn to Hollywood, from an eight-year-old boy watching his mother direct community theater to a director commanding his own set, Michael’s journey is one of persistence, heartbreak, and sheer creative wi…

1
The life-changing calls that made Jon Kilik a indie film icon 44:10

26d ago44:10

44:10

From global successes like Spike Lee’s “Do the Right Thing” to Alejandro González Iñárritu’s “Babel”, producer Jon Kilik has touched and shaped cultural conversations for decades. Tune in for a masterclass in the intersection of creativity and the art of the hustle See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.…

1
IFH 789: The Indie Filmmaker’s Journey: Curt Wiser on Creativity, Persistence, and Making Cam Girl 1:34:37

1M ago1:34:37

1:34:37

On today's episode, we welcome Curt Wiser, a writer and director whose journey proves that the path to making movies doesn’t require a New York or Los Angeles zip code. From the sunny shores of Florida, Curt has forged his own cinematic destiny, creating the suspenseful and thought-provoking film Cam Girl—a story of isolation, control, and survival…

1
Hollywood Exposed: The Brutal Truth About Indie Filmmaking & Money 1:15:45

1M ago1:15:45

1:15:45

🎥 About this episode: In this episode of The Khoa Le Show, filmmaker and entrepreneur James Orfano shares his unconventional journey into the film industry—without film school. Starting in due diligence and security for productions, he and his team eventually transitioned into filmmaking, producing the 10-episode crime drama A Good Cop across New Y…

1
Carlos Moedas: “I'm always a little bit underestimated in the political scene but I like it. I prefer to be underestimated, that's a huge power” 52:20

1M ago52:20

52:20

Carlos Moedas has held the mayor office since 2021 when he won over projected winner Fernando Medina. Being the mayor of Portugal’s capital is no easy task, a job that is constantly in the spotlight. The mayor describes his experiences living abroad, as an immigrant, and how that shaped his leadership today. This earnest conversation also focus on …

1
IFH 788: The Unscripted Journey of Steven Bernstein: From Cinematographer to Storyteller 59:28

1M ago59:28

59:28

What if the greatest stories of our lives are the ones we never meant to write? On today’s episode, we welcome Steven Bernstein, a man whose journey through the world of cinema has been anything but predictable. A writer at heart, a cinematographer by accident, and a director by destiny, his career is a living testament to the art of surrendering t…

1
Daniela Ruah on making it in Hollywood: “The harder I work, the luckier I get” 47:26

1M ago47:26

47:26

In this episode of the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal, Tony Gonçalves interviews actress and director Daniela Ruah, exploring her journey from Boston to Portugal, her experiences in the entertainment industry, and her deep connection to her Portuguese roots. Daniela discusses the differences between productions in Portugal and the US, the…

1
IFH 787: From Ultraviolent Wrestling to Transformative Filmmaking: The Story of Matthew T. Burns 1:21:52

1M ago1:21:52

1:21:52

On today's episode, we welcome Matthew T. Burns, an individual who embodies resilience, creativity, and reinvention. Known to wrestling fans as "Sick Nick Mondo," Matthew has transitioned from his legendary career in ultraviolent wrestling to become a filmmaker, storyteller, and advocate for the art of storytelling. His journey is nothing short of …

1
From “George Burns“ to a Michelin star: chef George Mendes’ pursuit of perfection and his Portuguese culinary mission 48:25

2M ago48:25

48:25

George Mendes is known in the culinary world as the executive chef of Aldea, the New York restaurant that gave him his Michelin star. Now based in Boston, he operates Amar, his Portuguese inspired fine dining place. Listen to George’s fascinating journey from his first culinary steps in school (where he burned everything), to his love for Portugues…

1
IFH 786: Crafting Authentic Stories from Lady Gaga to Sci-Fi Futures with Kim Ray 1:11:24

2M ago1:11:24

1:11:24

On today's episode, we welcome the multi-talented Kim Ray, a writer, producer, and director whose career spans reality TV, documentaries, and scripted projects. Best known for her work on the Netflix documentary Gaga: Five Foot Two, Kim’s journey through the industry is an inspiring tale of creativity, resilience, and innovation.Our conversation be…

1
“Sorrows don't pay debts. So what's the point in being sad?” Reclaiming the portuguese heritage with filmmakers Karlee and Marlee Rodrigues 45:41

2M ago45:41

45:41

Portuguese filmmaking duo Karlee and Marlee Rodrigues, known as the Rodrigues Sisters, based in the United States, speak with Tony Gonçalves about their film, “Os Sonhos Continuam”, their Portuguese heritage and their quest to film about Portuguese Rancho and Folclore, a struggle that is very much like the hustle of their grandparents that emigrate…

1
IFH 785: Unveiling the Art of Screenwriting: A Journey with Kristin Overn 56:00

2M ago56:00

56:00

There’s a certain magic in the way creativity stirs the soul, and on today’s episode, we welcome Kristin Overn, a seasoned producer and the visionary behind the PAGE International Screenwriting Awards. With a career steeped in the art of storytelling, Kristin has spent years cultivating opportunities for writers to transform their ideas into script…

1
4 Billion views to Indie Films with Eliana Ghen 1:32:16

2M ago1:32:16

1:32:16

Eliana Ghen( @ElianaGhen ) is a social media sensation with over 10 million followers on TikTok and 4 billion views on YouTube. But her success doesn’t stop at viral videos—Eliana has taken her creativity and drive into the world of indie filmmaking. In this episode, Eliana shares the behind-the-scenes journey of creating her first feature film, Ch…

1
Narcos star Pepe Rapazote and his philosophy of “swallowing life in big chunks” 47:36

2M ago47:36

47:36

In this episode of "The Heart and Hustle of Portugal," host Tony Goncalves converses with Pepe Rapazote, a Portuguese-born actor known for roles in "Narcos" and "Turn of the Tide." They discuss Pepe's journey from architecture to acting, his multicultural upbringing in Venezuela, and the importance of work ethic and family values. Pepe shares insig…

1
IFH 784: Mastering the Art of Connection: Kristen Maldonado's Journey Through Pop Culture and Social Media 49:18

2M ago49:18

49:18

On today’s episode, we are graced with Kristen Maldonado, a vibrant storyteller whose passion for pop culture and digital strategy has led her to roles like Social Media Manager at MTV's "Total Request Live." Kristen’s journey from theater major to social media powerhouse is nothing short of inspiring, filled with twists, determination, and a lot o…

1
Black markets, the depths of the criminal world, 5 Emmys and a coup in Niger: Mariana van Zeller’s unique journalistic voice 50:21

2M ago50:21

50:21

Award-winning journalist Mariana van Zeller shares her journey from Portugal to becoming a prominent figure in investigative journalism. She discusses her Emmy-winning series 'Trafficked,' which delves into the complexities of black markets and their impact on the global economy, shares an amazing escape story and reveals her favourite Portuguese d…

1
From Script to Netflix: Jeff Deveritt’s Secrets to Indie Film Success 1:22:45

2M ago1:22:45

1:22:45

We sit down with Jeff Deverett, an accomplished indie filmmaker with an impressive track record of producing and distributing 9 feature films—3 of which landed on Netflix. Jeff pulls back the curtain on the indie film world, sharing insider tips on securing funding, crafting watchable films, and navigating the distribution maze. With 10,000 feature…

1
IFH 783: Phil Proctor: A Journey Through Comedy, Resilience, and the Art of Reality 55:59

2M ago55:59

55:59

The landscape of existence can sometimes feel like a cosmic play—actors shifting between roles, creating stories that ripple through time. On today's episode, we welcome Phil Proctor, an artist whose life weaves a tapestry of creativity, resilience, and humor. Known for his work with the legendary Firesign Theatre and an illustrious voice acting ca…

1
The Truth About Film Composing 36:13

3M ago36:13

36:13

In this episode, composer Colin Bell dives into the immense pressure, creativity, and challenges of creating film scores. Hosted by Khoa Le, we discuss the intense process of composing for movies, the behind-the-scenes of Christmas Cowboy, and why film composing is harder than you think. From balancing tight deadlines to crafting emotional soundsca…

1
Censorship and courage: Dennis Redmont talks about journalism under the Portuguese dictatorship 33:27

3M ago33:27

33:27

In this episode of “The Heart & Hustle of Portugal”, host Tony Gonçalves interviews veteran journalist Dennis Redmont, who shares his remarkable journey from a childhood influenced by journalism to becoming a foreign correspondent in Portugal during a time of significant political upheaval. Listen to this conversation recorded live at Tribeca Festi…

1
IFH 782: Turning Holiday Cheer into Chills: The Shaker Brothers’ Journey Behind Killer Christmas 1:11:47

3M ago1:11:47

1:11:47

When two brothers decide to turn their holiday traditions into a cinematic thrill, they step into a world where creativity is born from the mundane. On today's episode, we welcome Peter Paul and Tony Shaker, the innovative minds behind the indie horror film Killer Christmas. With the echoes of sleigh bells and the flicker of holiday lights, they in…

1
Randi Levine: “Portugal taught me something: it’s in the nooks and crannies, in the hidden villages and untold stories where the true soul of a nation resides” 53:40

3M ago53:40

53:40

US Ambassador to Portugal, Randi Charno Levine tells us that it was here where she learned that the true soul of a country resides in its nooks and crannies. In this conversation with Tony Gonçalves for the podcast The Heart and Hustle of Portugal, the Ambassador speaks about the portuguese diaspora, the challenges of bringing North American filmma…

1
IFH 781: From Pre-Med to Marquee Lights: Jenny Paul's Journey of Creative Bravery and Storytelling 1:10:18

3M ago1:10:18

1:10:18

Stories are the connective tissue of humanity. They reveal our commonality, our struggles, and our triumphs. And in the vibrant chaos of the world, some individuals rise with a unique ability to live, breathe, and tell these stories—through performance, words, and relentless passion. Today, we welcome Jenny Paul, an actress and producer who has gra…

1
“Bad Guys Have a Heart”: Joaquim de Almeida, Portugal’s Cinematic Legend 59:15

3M ago59:15

59:15

In the second episode of The Heart & Hustle of Portugal, Joaquim de Almeida shares his remarkable journey from Lisbon to Hollywood. He reflects on his early life, the challenges of immigration, and the pivotal role of his language skills in shaping his illustrious career. As one of Portugal’s most celebrated actors, Joaquim gained international fam…

1
IFH 780: Unforgettable Storytelling: Phillip Andrew on Creativity, Leadership, and Resilience 55:44

3M ago55:44

55:44

On today's episode, we dive into the fascinating world of creativity, resilience, and the art of storytelling with Phillip Andrew, a multi-talented producer, motivational speaker, and DJ from Los Angeles. From his humble beginnings in Michigan to his relentless pursuit of opportunities in Hollywood, Phillip's journey is a testament to the power of …

1
“The stories that connect us all”: Joana Vicente, former CEO of two of the world’s most prestigious film festivals, Sundance and Toronto 47:05

3M ago47:05

47:05

In the inaugural episode of ‘The Heart & Hustle of Portugal’, host Tony Goncalves sits down with Joana Vicente, a notable figure in the independent film industry. Born in Macau to Portuguese parents who were both architects, Joana’s upbringing was marked by travel and cultural exploration. Joana’s parents’ adventurous spirit led them to live in var…

1
IFH 779: Breaking the Mold: Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe’s Journey to Crafting the Anti-Rom-Com 48:13

3M ago48:13

48:13

On today’s episode, we welcome the dynamic duo, Lily Yasuda and Michael Wolfe, two inspiring filmmakers who have decided to take the road less traveled by creating their own feature film, Like Love. Their journey is one of collaboration, determination, and creativity—filled with moments of laughter and the occasional unexpected hurdle.From the outs…

1
Welcome to The Heart & Hustle of Portugal 1:33

3M ago1:33

1:33

Each week, join Tony Gonçalves—a U.S.-based Portuguese immigrant and successful media executive—as he explores the stories of those driving Portugal’s influence on the global stage. From visionary entrepreneurs to cultural pioneers, The Heart and Hustle of Portugal uncovers the unique ways the Portuguese identity thrives worldwide. As Expresso’s fi…

1
IFH 778: Crafting Over 160 Films, Tales of Creativity, Conflict, and Cinematic Hustle with Jim Wynorski 46:59

4M ago46:59

46:59

On today's episode, we welcome Jim Wynorski, a filmmaker whose career is a kaleidoscope of genres, relentless creativity, and a staggering portfolio of over 160 films. Known for his ability to churn out projects with unmatched efficiency, Jim's journey through the cinematic landscape is nothing short of fascinating. From cult classics like Chopping…

1
IFH 777: Carving Her Own Path: Kansas Bowling on Confidence, Creativity, and the Magic of 16mm Film 22:34

4M ago22:34

22:34

The craft of filmmaking is as much about the soul as it is about the frame. In today's conversation, we sit down with Kansas Bowling, a maverick filmmaker who began charting her creative course at just 17 years old. As the first graduate of the Troma Institute for the Gifted, Kansas burst onto the scene with her debut feature, B.C. Butcher, a cavew…

1
IFH 776: Crafting Comedy Without Limits: The Indie Spirit Behind Chasing Molly with Shelley Pack & Josh Sutherland 58:14

4M ago58:14

58:14

In today’s episode, we welcome the brilliant comedic minds behind Chasing Molly: Shelley Pack and Josh Sutherland. Together, they share the odyssey of making an independent film from scratch, driven by pure creativity and an unwavering dedication to laughter and storytelling. Their journey is not just one of filmmaking but of persistence, grit, and…

1
IFH 775 - Breaking Into Hollywood: The Power of Authentic Connections and Creative Vision with Jameson Parker 49:27

4M ago49:27

49:27

On today's episode, we welcome Jameson Parker, a seasoned producer with roots in theater, who’s climbed the ranks in the world of film and television. As a Development Director at Bright Light Pictures, Jameson has developed a keen eye for projects that align with his passion and resonate with audiences. Starting as an actor, he transitioned to pro…

1
IFH 774: Breaking Barriers in Filmmaking: The Resilient Journey of Sean Buckley 52:58

5M ago52:58

52:58

On today's episode, we welcome Sean Buckley, founder and CEO of Buck Productions. From humble beginnings to becoming a force in content creation, Sean’s journey is a testament to persistence, passion, and adaptability. Through his story, he paints a vivid picture of the challenges of building a media production company from scratch, especially in a…

1
IFH 773: How to Master Screenwriting in Hollywood with Mick Hurbis-Cherrier 1:05:43

5M ago1:05:43

1:05:43

Today on the show we have author, filmmaker and screenwriter Mick Hurbis-Cherrier.Mick is an independent filmmaker and screenwriter. His works have been broadcast and shown around the country and have garnered prizes at many festivals including the Black Maria Film & Video Festival, Ann Arbor Film Festival, Athens Film & Video Festival and the Cin(…

1
IFH 772: Screenwriting the 80’ Classic Cocoon with Tom Benedek 48:18

5M ago48:18

48:18

Tom Benedek is a screenwriter known for his work in the film industry. He was born on March 16, 1949, in Los Angeles, California, USA. Benedek has written several screenplays for movies across various genres. One of his notable works includes co-writing the screenplay for the 1984 science fiction film "Cocoon," directed by Ron Howard. "Cocoon" was …

1
IFH 771: Beat by Beat to a Better Screenplay with Jim Mercurio 1:27:23

5M ago1:27:23

1:27:23

Today on the show we have Jim Mercurio. Jim is a filmmaker, writer, and author whose screenwriting instruction has inspired tens of thousands of writers around the world. Creative Screenwriting ranked him as one of the country’s top story analysts: “The best example of how an analyst can give concrete help without veering off the track of your stor…

1
IFH 770: Screenwriting Unchained – Master Story Structure with Emmanuel Oberg 1:06:44

5M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

Today on the show we have Emmanuel Oberg. Emmanuel is a screenwriter, author and script consultant with more than twenty years of experience in the Film and TV industry. After selling his first project to Warner Bros as a co-writer, he went on to be commissioned by StudioCanal and Gold Circle before writing solo for Working Title / Universal and Fi…

1
IFH 769: Lessons Learned: Being a First-Time Writer/Director with Sarah Elizabeth Mintz 57:52

6M ago57:52

57:52

Sarah Elizabeth Mintz received her BFA from New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts, where she completed her thesis film Transit, starring Dakota Johnson. After graduating she mentored with filmmakers Cary Fukunaga on True Detective, Joachim Trier on Louder Than Bombs, and worked with Alejandro Inarritu on The Revenant.Sarah was a Sundance F…

1
IFH 768: Writing & Directing an Independent Streaming Series with Aram Rappaport 1:22:23

6M ago1:22:23

1:22:23

Aram Rappaport is filmmaker based in New York. Originally from Los Angeles, he began writing, directing and producing in his late teens including the one-take experimental film HELIX starring Alexa Vega. He later adapted, produced and directed Max Berry's acclaimed novel into the film SYRUP starring Amber Heard, Shiloh Fernandez and Kellan Lutz and…

1
IFH 767: Why Most Screenplays Don't Sell with Brooks Elms 1:20:14

6M ago1:20:14

1:20:14

Brooks Elms is a screenwriter and independent filmmaker. His specialty is grounded personal characters and writing story tension so thick it knots up your stomach.He's written 25+ screenplays, a dozen of them on assignment, and sold several scripts, including one this year with Brad Peyton as Executive Producer. Brooks was recently hired to rewrite…

1
BONUS EPISODE: How to Write a Super Natural Hit Film with BeetleJuice Creator Larry Wilson 1:17:45

6M ago1:17:45

1:17:45

If you were a kid of the late 80s or early 90s then today's guest definitely had an impact on your life. Larry Wilson is the co-creator of the cult classic Beetlejuice (directed by Tim Burton), writer of Addams Family and worked on the legendary television show Tales from the Crypt. Larry wasn't always a screenwriter, he worked on the studio side o…

1
IFH 766: How to Tap Into Your Screenwriting Muse with Jocelyn Jones 1:23:36

6M ago1:23:36

1:23:36

Jocelyn Jones was raised in an artist's community on the Hudson River just 30 minutes north of Manhattan. This idyllic hamlet is home to some of the most influential artists of our time and it was here that her interest in art, artists and their process began.She is the daughter of Henry Jones, a character actor whose credits include some 40 films …

1
IFH 765: The Writer's Room Survival Guide with Niceole R. Levy 1:32:16

7M ago1:32:16

1:32:16

Niceole grew up under the bright stars of the Mojave Desert before swapping them for bright lights of Los Angeles. Studying acting at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts yielded the epiphany that she preferred writing. She worked as a police dispatcher to pay her way through undergraduate USC, and then completed the Master of Professional Writing…

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