Best Julian Stern Podcasts (2025)

1
Natalie Rae's award-winning Netflix doc "Daughters" is a triumph of spirit and style. Plus, "the coconut milk is off" on White Lotus, and AOC fights the oligarchy 1:06:44

2M ago1:06:44

1:06:44

This week, I have an emotional chat with director NATALIE RAE about her beautiful, award-winning NETFLIX documentary, "DAUGHTERS," which won two awards at the 2024 Sundance Film Festival, was shortlisted for the 2025 Oscars, and is now up for a Peabody. Listen as Natalie tells me about the 8 long years it took her and co-director ANGELA PATTON to m…

1
Florida's "Stand Your Ground" law goes on trial in Geeta Gandbhir's Sundance hit "The Perfect Neighbor" 59:43

2M ago59:43

59:43

This week I talk to Emmy and Peabody award-winning filmmaker GEETA GANDBHIR about two of her latest documentary projects: "Eyes on the Prize III," which is streaming now on MAX, and "The Perfect Neighbor," which just won best directing for a U.S. documentary at the Sundance Film Festival. Listen as Geeta describes her early inspirations, working wi…

1
Filmmaker Alexandra Lacey revisits the 2011 Joplin tornado in Netflix's "The Twister: Caught in the Storm" 51:54

3M ago51:54

51:54

This week, I chop it up with filmmaker ALEXANDRA LACEY, the writer and director of "The Twister: Caught in the Storm," a coming-of-age NETFLIX documentary about the devastating 2011 tornado in Joplin, Missouri, told from the perspective of a group of young people, who encounter the extreme power of a rare EF-5, mile-wide monster tornado on high sch…

1
National Geographic Explorer and wildlife filmmaker Malaika Vaz is blazing her own trail 56:09

3M ago56:09

56:09

This week, I chat with the adventurous National Geographic Explorer, TV host, and wildlife filmmaker MALAIKA VAZ, the co-founder and CEO of Untamed Planet, a production company dedicated to making incredible environmental documentary films and nonfiction series that will impact and educate the public. Malaika was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list a…

1
Why America Loves Serial Killer Docs with Showrunner and Director Amy Goodman Kass 51:38

4M ago51:38

51:38

America loves true crime documentaries... especially if they are about serial killers. This week, I chat with true crime aficionado AMY GOODMAN KASS about her latest project, ""RICHARD RAMIREZ: THE NIGHT STALKER TAPES," which she executive produced and directed for PEACOCK, and we discuss why our country is obsessed with the stories of the worst of…

1
How Nat Geo's "Sugarcane" documentary became an Oscar-nominated phenomenon with co-directors Emily Kassie and Julian Brave NoiseCat 50:52

4M ago50:52

50:52

In this episode, I talk to filmmakers EMILY KASSIE and JULIAN BRAVE NOISECAT, who are nominated for an Academy Award in the Best Documentary Feature category for their incredible documentary film, "SUGARCANE," which hails from National Geographic Documentaries. "Sugarcane" chronicles a groundbreaking investigation into decades of systemic abuse at …

1
Glitter and Greed filmmakers plus Hollywood responds to the devastating wildfires 42:01

5M ago42:01

42:01

This week, I chat with award-winning filmmakers MARY ROBERTSON and ARIANNA LAPENNE, the creative forces behind AMAZON PRIME VIDEO'S four-part documentary series, "Glitter and Greed: The Lisa Frank Story." Listen as Mary and Arianna explain how and why they investigated the rise and fall of this famously colorful but internally and privately trouble…

1
Gladiator II co-editor Sam Restivo takes us inside the edit bay of the hit sequel 59:48

5M ago59:48

59:48

Gladiator II co-editor SAM RESTIVO joins "No Script No Problem" to talk about cutting the massive action sequel to the Academy-Award winning film and how he came to collaborate with legendary director RIDLEY SCOTT for the 5th time. Listen as Sam shares intimate details of how he and co-editor Claire Simpson cut critical scenes in the film, working …

1
Directors Ricki Stern and Jesse Sweet explore the murky parole system in their HBO documentary "Nature of the Crime" 52:30

6M ago52:30

52:30

This week on "No Script No Problem," I chat with award-winning filmmakers RICKI STERN and JESSE SWEET, the directors of the fascinating new HBO documentary, "NATURE OF THE CRIME," which chronicles the emotional journeys of three inmates, as they try to make parole while serving long prison sentences for serious offenses. Listen as they describe a t…

1
AI in entertainment, Comcast spins off its cable networks, and Tyson v. Paul 57:57

6M ago57:57

57:57

This week, I'm joined by Aisha Corpas Wynn, one half of "The AI Chicks", and the hosts of the "AI Powered by People" podcast - Chad Reynolds and Sarah Nagle - for a riveting discussion about how AI is affecting the entertainment industry now and what effects it might have in the future. Chad is a CEO of Vurvey AI, and Aisha provides some outstandin…

1
Filmmaker Natalie Hewit discusses her epic and innovative Nat Geo documentary "Endurance" 1:03:28

7M ago1:03:28

1:03:28

In this episode of No Script No Problem, BAFTA-nominated filmmaker NATALIE HEWIT joins the show to talk about her new epic Nat Geo documentary, "ENDURANCE," which deftly chronicles the inspiring stories of two landmark expeditions in Antarctica - the original by Ernest Shackleton in 1914 and the modern-day search for his sunken ship. Natalie shares…

1
Documentary filmmaker Amy Nicholson gets personal with her latest film, "Happy Campers" 38:27

9M ago38:27

38:27

This week on No Script No Problem, I talk to documentary filmmaker Amy Nicholson about her new feature doc “Happy Campers,” which chronicles the final days at a waterfront Virginia trailer park that welcomes all with a smile… until developers come in, buy up the property, and kick the folks who've loved the place for generations out. Listen as Amy …

1
"Quiet on Set" filmmakers discuss their shocking, Emmy-nominated docuseries about child actors at Nickelodeon 29:36

9M ago29:36

29:36

This week I chat with award-winning filmmakers Mary Robertson and Emma Schwartz to discuss their Emmy-nominated, critically acclaimed, and hugely popular MAX and Discovery ID docuseries - "Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV," which sheds light on the troubling experiences of child actors in the entertainment industry, particularly those who wor…

1
Executive Producer Barry Levy discusses his new superhero Apple TV+ series "ME," White dudes zoom for Harris, and Reality TV struggles 52:03

10M ago52:03

52:03

This week I'm joined by Barry L. Levy, the creator, showrunner and executive producer of the new Apple TV+ original coming-of-age superhero series, “ME”. The show revolves around 12-year-old Ben Vasani, who is struggling at a new school with his new blended family when his life gets even more complicated. Ben discovers that he can transform into an…

1
Horror author Chris Panatier and hip-hop filmmaker Sacha Jenkins 1:10:03

11M ago1:10:03

1:10:03

A little horror and a little hip-hop in this two-interview episode of No Script No Problem. I'm joined by award-winning documentary filmmaker SACHA JENKINS to discuss his amazing film, "ALL UP IN THE BIZ," about the late rapper BIZ MARKIE, and I talk to author CHRIS PANATIER about his riveting new horror novel, "THE REDEMPTION OF MORGAN BRIGHT." Ch…

1
Netflix's Dan Rather Documentary; Unscripted Struggles; the Chiefs' Kicker Controversy; and the WNBA Season Tips Off 1:04:13

1y ago1:04:13

1:04:13

In this episode, I chat with Jeff Hasler, executive producer of the new NETFLIX documentary, "RATHER," which chronicles the career and life of the legendary newsman, DAN RATHER. We discuss the 4-year process to get the film made and how Dan changed journalism during his long tenure at CBS. Jeff and I also break down some of the struggles producers …

1
Sports writer Emily Bicks talks NFL draft; Plus, the battle for NBA broadcast rights and Paramount's predicament 25:01

1y ago25:01

25:01

In this episode, I chat with sports reporter Emily Bicks of Heavy Sports about the NFL draft and the surprises and decisions that have fans, players and insiders talking. We break down the Atlanta Falcons' selection of Michael Penix Jr., the New York Giants' choice of Malik Nabers, and the trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills,…

1
Filmmakers Rachael Dyer and Scott Ruderman Talk "Pay or Die," and Hollywood Faces a Harsh Reality 45:44

1y ago45:44

45:44

I chat with filmmakers Rachael Dyer and Scott Ruderman about their PARAMOUNT + documentary "Pay or Die," which explores the skyrocketing prices of insulin in the United States and the impact on individuals and families. The co-directors discuss the genesis of the project and Scott's deeply personal connection to the issue. They highlight the strang…

1
Director Eva Orner Tackles Controversial Fashion Brand "Brandy Melville" in new HBO Documentary 34:18

1y ago34:18

34:18

Academy Award winning filmmaker Eva Orner joins the show to discuss her riveting new HBO documentary, "Brandy Hellville and the Cult of Fast Fashion," which is streaming now on MAX. She discusses the challenges of exposing a global, popular and successful... but extremely toxic fashion brand like Brandy Melville and the role of social media in its …

1
Filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper Talks "James Brown: Say It Loud" and AI Invades Hollywood 42:24

1+ y ago42:24

42:24

Filmmaker Deborah Riley Draper discusses her experience directing the four-part documentary series on James Brown, titled "JAMES BROWN: SAY IT LOUD," which you can watch on A&E, the A&E app, Hulu, and Amazon Prime. She shares her excitement in being chosen for the project and emphasizes the importance of putting blackness at the center of the story…

1
Director Kyra Knox Talks "Bad Things Happen in Philadelphia" 48:03

1+ y ago48:03

48:03

In this episode, I talk to award-winning producer/director Kyra Knox about her dynamic feature documentary debut "BAD THINGS HAPPEN IN PHILADELPHIA," which is executive produced by former NBA superstar, Allen Iverson. In "Bad Things," Kyra explores the gun violence problems of her hometown, Philadelphia, and the nonprofit organizations and resident…

1
Inside the Netflix Data Dump, Christmas Giving, and Maria Baltazzi Discusses Her New Book 45:32

1+ y ago45:32

45:32

My guest is Maria Baltazzi - an author, Emmy-winning TV producer, wellbeing teacher, world traveler, and luxury travel designer who specializes in transformative adventures. We discuss her new book, "Take a Shot at Happiness: How to Write, Direct & Produce the Life You Want," which is available on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, GoodReads, and pretty much …

1
Filmmaker Sonia Kennebeck Talks "Reality Winner" and Shohei Ohtani is a Dodger 42:43

1+ y ago42:43

42:43

Award-winning filmmaker Sonia Kennebeck joins me on the No Script No Problem Podcast to discuss her new film, "Reality Winner," which you can and should watch on AppleTV+ and Amazon Prime. Filmed over 5 years, "Reality Winner" is a riveting, present-tense documentary about the young NSA whistleblower of the same name, who exposed Russian interferen…

1
No Script, Lots of Problems! Plus, Tim Duffy Teaches Us to Meditate 1:07:26

2y ago1:07:26

1:07:26

This week, I talk to producer, creative executive, entrepreneur and meditation teacher Tim Duffy, who shares some amazing tools and tips to overcome the anxiety, stress, anger, frustration, worry, and disappointment that comes in the crazy world we live in today. I also dig into the latest efforts to unionize reality TV, which is very complicated, …

1
Billy Rainey, Industry Chaos, and Barbenheimer 1:17:33

2y ago1:17:33

1:17:33

This episode, I talk to former MTV creative executive, producer, and director Billy Rainey - one of the driving creative forces behind the hidden camera prank show, "Punk'd." He pulls back the curtain on some of his favorite pranks from the smash hit and reveals how the show got off the ground after a very rough and litigious start. Billy and I als…

1
Spinning Gold with Brad Bogart 45:11

2y ago45:11

45:11

I chat with talented producer BRAD BOGART in a wide-ranging discussion covering everything from creating TLC's hit "OutDaughtered" to finally making the feature film, "Spinning Gold," the biopic about his legendary father, Neil Bogart. Listen as Brad shares stories from behind the scenes of the film and talks about making the movie with his brother…

1
Hannah Ha Ha 21:04

2+ y ago21:04

21:04

In this NSNP episode, I chat with filmmakers Jordan Tetewsky and Joshua Pikovsky about their debut feature film, "HANNAH HA HA." I'm also joined by the star of the indie darling, HANNAH LEE THOMPSON. Hear how they took a short film and expanded it into a feature that is a NY Times critics pick and the winner of the best narrative feature prize at t…

1
On Sacred Ground 38:19

2+ y ago38:19

38:19

This episode, I talk REBECCA and JOSH TICKELL ("Kiss the Ground") and WILLIAM MAPOTHER ("Lost") about their powerful new environmental thriller, "ON SACRED GROUND." Josh and Rebecca directed the film and William stars in this drama, which is inspired by real events surrounding the 2016 protests over the Dakota Access Pipeline at Standing Rock Reser…

1
Director Rachel Lears and Alexandra Rojas Talk "To the End" 30:08

2+ y ago30:08

30:08

In this episode, I talk to award-winning director RACHEL LEARS ("Knock Down the House") about her riveting new climate crisis documentary, "TO THE END," and one of the film's stars, ALEXANDRA ROJAS, the executive director of Justice Democrats. Filmed over 4 tumultuous years, "To the End" captures the emergence of a new generation of environmental l…

1
Award-winning filmmaker Rory Kennedy discusses her Netflix documentary, "The Volcano: Rescue from Whakaari" 31:50

2+ y ago31:50

31:50

Emmy-winning documentary filmmaker RORY KENNEDY joins the podcast to chat about the new film she's directed, "THE VOLCANO: RESCUE FROM WHAKAARI," which premieres December 16, 2022, on NETFLIX. The feature doc chronicles the tragic events surrounding a sightseeing trip to a remote island off the coast of New Zealand in 2019, where 47 tourists and gu…

1
Filmmaker CJ Russo Explores the Cannabis Industry in "Lady Buds" 34:20

3y ago34:20

34:20

In this episode, I chop it up with filmmaker CJ RUSSO, the visionary behind the wonderful documentary feature film, "LADY BUDS," which tells the story of 6 courageous women who come out of the shadows of the CANNABIS underground to forge a path to legalization, battling deep-pocketed corporations as they risk everything to make their American Dream…

1
Oscar-nominated Director Matt Ogens Talks "Audible" 30:13

3y ago30:13

30:13

The 2022 Academy Awards are set for March 27th, and my guest - MATT OGENS - will be there with his film - "AUDIBLE" - nominated for an Oscar in the category of Best Documentary Short. Streaming now on NETFLIX, "Audible" is a cinematic and immersive coming of age documentary film, which takes you inside a high school football season with the Marylan…

1
Filmmaker Alexandra Dean Reveals the "Secrets of Playboy" 41:39

3+ y ago41:39

41:39

In this episode, I talk to award-winning director and executive producer ALEXANDRA DEAN about her shocking and powerful 10-part A&E documentary series, Secrets of Playboy, a no-holds-barred exposé on the Playboy empire and legendary founder Hugh Hefner. The series paints a damning portrait of Hefner, the pipe-smoking, silk pajama-wearing mogul, who…

1
Filmmakers Marilyn Agrelo, Trevor Crafts and Ellen Scherer Crafts Talk "Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street" 45:22

3+ y ago45:22

45:22

In this episode, I talk to the talented filmmakers of the wonderful HBO documentary, "STREET GANG: HOW WE GOT TO SESAME STREET," a fascinating film that gives a rare window into the early days of the groundbreaking TV series, “Sesame Street,” revealing the creators, artists, writers and educators, who together established one of the most influentia…

1
Director Jody McVeigh-Schultz Talks HBO's "The Murders at Starved Rock" 49:59

3+ y ago49:59

49:59

In this episode, I chat with director/editor/producer JODY MCVEIGH-SCHULTZ about his outstanding 3-part HBO true crime documentary series, “The Murders at Starved Rock,” which explores the 1960 brutal murders of three women at Starved Rock State Park in LaSalle, Illinois, and the decades of questions and doubts left in their wake. 🎥 Jody tells me a…

1
Academy Award-Winning Filmmaker Eva Orner Talks "Burning" and "Bikram" 48:00

3+ y ago48:00

48:00

In this episode, I chat with Academy and Emmy Award-winning film producer and director EVA ORNER, whose incredible works include “Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator” on Netflix, “Burning” on Amazon Prime, "Chasing Asylum," "Out of Iraq," "Taxi to the Dark Side" (she won an Oscar for producing this), and "Gonzo: The Life and Work of Dr. Hunter S. Thompson…

1
Emmy-winning Filmmaker Erika Cohn Talks "Belly of the Beast" 48:49

3+ y ago48:49

48:49

In this episode, I'm psyched to chat with Peabody and Emmy Award-winning director/producer ERIKA COHN, who Variety recognized as one of 2017’s top documentary filmmakers to watch. We discuss her powerful, shocking and incredibly impactful feature doc, "BELLY OF THE BEAST," which exposes modern-day eugenics and illegal sterilizations in California p…

1
Award-Winning Filmmaker Sonia Kennebeck Talks "Enemies of the State" and "United States vs. Reality Winner" 55:50

3+ y ago55:50

55:50

In this episode, I'm honored to have the award-winning documentary filmmaker SONIA KENNEBECK as my guest, as we discuss 3 of her incredible films: "Enemies of the State," "United States vs. Reality Winner," and "National Bird." In the 3 films, Sonia investigates the critical topics of government surveillance, national security, and the role of the …

1
Filmmaker Rebecca Halpern Talks About Her New Documentary "Love, Charlie" 49:56

3+ y ago49:56

49:56

Love this episode! Producer/Director/Filmmaker REBECCA HALPERN joins "No Script, No Problem" to talk about her new documentary film: "Love, Charlie: The Rise and Fall of Chef Charlie Trotter," which premieres 10/18/21 at the Chicago Film Festival. 🎥 Halpern, a Chicago native, makes her feature doc debut with a complex and nuanced portrait of the le…

1
Anchor Entertainment's Ethan Goldman talks "Rebel Hearts," Dan Rather documentary, and selling docs today 45:19

3+ y ago45:19

45:19

If you love docs, this is a great episode for you. My guest is award-winning producer ETHAN GOLDMAN, the founder and president of Anchor Entertainment, a production company that collaborates with documentarians and filmmakers to create timely, character-driven content for premium networks and platforms. 🎥 Ethan and I talk about Anchor's incredible …

1
Executive Producer Patty Ivins Specht Talks "Aly Raisman: Darkness to Light" 49:30

3+ y ago49:30

49:30

Veteran executive producer, director and content creator PATTY IVINS SPECHT joins "No Script, No Problem" to discuss her compelling new 3-part documentary special, "ALY RAISMAN: DARKNESS TO LIGHT," which premieres on both LIFETIME and HULU Friday, September 24th. 📺 Specht serves as executive producer and director for this timely and powerful projec…

1
Westbrook Studios' Head of Unscripted Sahara Bushue Talks Pitching, Working with Will & Jada, her Favorite Moments at NBC, and Keys to her Career 1:01:57

4y ago1:01:57

1:01:57

The super talented and hilarious Sahara Bushue joins the "No Script, No Problem" podcast to talk about her exciting role as Senior Vice President and Head of Unscripted at Westbrook Studios, a subsidiary of Westbrook Inc., the media company founded by Jada Pinkett Smith and Will Smith to empower artists to tell stories that connect with a global au…

1
Leftfield Pictures Co-President Shawn Witt Talks "Alone," "Counting Cars," Development Strategy, and TRL 51:49

4y ago51:49

51:49

If you're a fan of HISTORY CHANNEL's hit survival series "ALONE," you'll love this episode of the "No Script, No Problem" podcast. 🎙 SHAWN WITT, the Co-President of Leftfield Pictures and an executive producer on the series, breaks down how the show came about, how it's produced, and the keys to casting these incredibly unique individuals. We also …

1
Executive Producer Trip Taylor Talks "Jackass," "Nitro Circus," "Bad Grandpa" and More 51:25

4y ago51:25

51:25

It's hard to believe that iconic prank and stunt show "JACKASS" has been a part of our lives for over 20 years! 🤕 With "Jackass 4" ready to hit theaters this fall, I chatted with Executive Producer TRIP TAYLOR about the keys to the franchise's lasting success, his favorite pranks, working with Johnny Knoxville, the most disgusting and shocking mome…

1
Filmmaker Kim A. Snyder discusses "Us Kids," her award-winning documentary about the Parkland school shooting 51:43

4y ago51:43

51:43

In this episode of "No Script, No Problem," I'm joined by award-winning filmmaker KIM A. SNYDER, director of "US KIDS" - an incredible documentary about the 2018 school shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, and the subsequent student-led worldwide March for Our Lives movement, which became the largest youth protest …

1
Trailblazer Studios SVP Ashleigh DiTonto Talks Tulsa Docs, Pitch Strategies, and the Pros & Cons of WFH 46:21

4y ago46:21

46:21

Trailblazer Studios SVP of Development Ashleigh DiTonto joins me to discuss the company's TWO powerful documentaries about the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. DiTonto serves as executive producer on both projects and we chat about how each came about, why they are different, and why it's so important to tell these stories. You can watch "Rise Again: Tulsa and…

1
Mental Health, the WarnerMedia-Discovery Merger, and Improving Inclusion in Entertainment 50:06

4y ago50:06

50:06

We cover a lot of topics in this episode, as I welcome back RI-KARLO HANDY, the CEO of Sunwise Media and the founder of the HANDY FOUNDATION. We discuss inclusion and diversity in entertainment, mental health awareness, the massive merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery, and the importance of telling the true story of the 1921 Tulsa Massacre. A y…

1
Into the Shark Tank with Supervising Producers Mindy Zemrak & Sami Aziz 54:28

4y ago54:28

54:28

SHARK TANK superfans - this episode is for you! I chat with supervising casting producer, MINDY ZEMRAK, who has been working the 4-time-Emmy-winner since season 1, as well as supervising producer, SAMI AZIZ. They take us behind the scenes, as the hit ABC show gears up for what will be season 13 this fall. If you've ever had an idea for a product yo…

1
HBO Max's "Generation Hustle" Puts Scams in the Spotlight 1:03:44

4y ago1:03:44

1:03:44

Executive Producer and showrunner ANGIE DAY is one of the smartest people I've worked with in my career. In this episode, I chat with Angie about her latest project, HBO Max's "GENERATION HUSTLE," a captivating, shocking and important 10-part documentary series, which shines a light on the world of scams, con men, pyramid schemes, gaslighting, hust…

1
From Comedy to Comic Books to Reality TV, Adam Freeman Makes It Happen 🙌📺🎤🎥 1:10:54

4y ago1:10:54

1:10:54

This is one of my favorite interviews from "No Script, No Problem." If you're looking for stories about Mariah Carey, Tara Reid, or Gene Simmons - this is the episode for you! 🎙 I chat with the multi-talented ADAM FREEMAN, who somehow finds a way to balance his work as President of Creative at Thinkfactory Media ("Mama June Not to Hot"; "Marriage B…

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Julian Stern Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide