Best Damien Swaby Podcasts (2025)

1
Ep 245: Vision, Leadership, and Legacy: Ramon Velez on Shaping Stories That Last 1:14:10

3d ago1:14:10

1:14:10

Episode Summary: In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien sits down with Ramon Velez—a media powerhouse whose career spans from AV tech and live broadcast to executive leadership, screenwriting, and mentoring Emmy-winning talent. With experience at Google, ABC News, NBC, and Yahoo, Ramon shares invaluable lessons on navigating the evolvi…

1
Ep 244: Craft, Clarity & Creativity: A Conversation with Director Rob Spera 1:13:40

4d ago1:13:40

1:13:40

Description: In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with acclaimed director and author Rob Spera to talk about filmmaking as a craft. They unpack lessons from Rob’s book, practical set strategies, and the deeper philosophy behind being a storyteller. Whether you’re a seasoned filmmaker or just starting out, this conversation is filled with real-wo…

1
Ep 243: The Mahne Narrative: From Doctor Who to Corporate Storytelling 1:17:57

12d ago1:17:57

1:17:57

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with Christian Mahne—a seasoned creative director, Oxford graduate, and veteran storyteller whose work has graced the screens of BBC, CNN, Sky, and 7 Network Australia. This conversation is more than a résumé rundown. It’s a journey into the why behind the work. Christian shares ho…

1
Ep 242: Suha Araj on Storytelling, Identity & Representation 41:05

20d ago41:05

41:05

📄 Show Notes:In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Suha Araj, who shares her deeply personal and inspiring journey from a career in advertising to becoming a powerful voice in film. Suha opens up about navigating major life transitions and how creative expression has always been a crucial part of her identity—even when it was sidel…

1
Ep 241: From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film 47:24

21d ago47:24

47:24

Summary From Courtroom to Camera: Don Worley’s Journey into Independent Film In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations, Damien Swaby sits down with the multitalented Don Worley — a nationally recognized personal injury attorney, former stand-up comedian, and now a dynamic force in independent cinema. Don shares his unconventional journey from hig…

1
Ep 240: Reel Ambition: How Olivia Deitch Cut Her Way Into the Industry 43:40

28d ago43:40

43:40

🎧 Guest: Olivia Deitch 🎤 Host: Damien SwabyIn this episode, Damien sits down with the talented Olivia Deitch to explore her inspiring journey through the entertainment industry — from wide-eyed film student to head online editor by the age of 23. 🗂️ Topics Covered: Olivia’s origin story: From Boston University to breaking into Hollywood Discovering…

1
Ep 239: Big Vision, Small Gear: Making a Feature on an iPhone 6:15

29d ago6:15

6:15

Episode Description In this episode, Damien Swaby opens up about the script for his upcoming film small talk, Big Thoughts — a powerful, poetic anthology of real conversations exploring identity, faith, legacy, migration, masculinity, feminism, and more. Damien shares how he's preparing to shoot the entire project on an iPhone, why he's using the R…

1
Ep 238: From BBC to Bold: Moses Ssebandeke on Crafting New Cinematic Voices 43:05

1M ago43:05

43:05

Episode Summary: In this compelling episode, Damien Swaby sits down with filmmaker Moses Ssebandeke, a bold voice in the UK indie film scene and a member of the Lionstooth Collective. Known for his experimental yet grounded storytelling, Moses shares the journey from his early days as a BBC Academy apprentice to producing content for Radio 1Xtra, I…

1
Ep 237: The Art of Color Grading: Alice Abrams on Shaping Emotion Through Color 44:03

1M ago44:03

44:03

Episode Summary: What makes a scene feel cold, nostalgic, or magical—before a single word is spoken? In this illuminating episode, we’re joined by Alice Abrams, a freelance colorist whose work has helped define the visual identity of campaigns for Netflix, Meta, Google, Volvo, and more. Based in Austin, TX, Alice brings a decade of experience in fi…

1
Ep 236: Narrative Truths: Producing Impactful Documentaries with Nicole Noren 47:36

2M ago47:36

47:36

📘 Episode Summary: In this masterclass episode, Damien Swaby is joined by award-winning journalist and documentary producer Nicole Noren, whose two-decade career at ESPN is a case study in investigative storytelling done right. Nicole breaks down how she balances the demands of narrative structure with journalistic integrity — from sourcing vulnera…

1
Ep 235: Art Meets Film: Isabel Riley on Bridging Canvas and Cinema 35:47

2M ago35:47

35:47

Episode Summary: Discover the fascinating intersection of visual art and filmmaking in this insightful conversation with artist Isabel Riley. Host Damien Swaby delves into Isabel's unique role in bringing art to the screen through her work with Art for Film. Explore how her paintings and artistic vision contribute to the atmosphere and storytelling…

1
Ep 234: 30 Years at ABC — Executive Director Doug Looney Takes Us Behind the Broadcast 1:01:09

2M ago1:01:09

1:01:09

Episode Summary: Join Damien Swaby as he sits down with a seasoned professional from ABC News with 30 years of experience in the media industry. In this episode, we delve into Doug Looney's fascinating career journey, from early experiments with VHS editing in high school to overseeing technical operations at a major news network. Discover how tech…

1
Ep 233: The Audience is the Strategy: Caitlin Boyle on Purpose-Driven Distribution 45:24

3M ago45:24

45:24

Episode Summary: In this episode, Damien Swaby is joined by Caitlin Boyle, a pioneering force in strategic documentary distribution and the founder of Film Sprout. Caitlin discusses how filmmakers can move beyond traditional release models to build meaningful connections with audiences through grassroots campaigns, non-theatrical screenings, and co…

1
Ep 232: From Baywatch to Emmy Wins – Karina Michel P.G.A. The Art of Reinvention 34:31

3M ago34:31

34:31

In this inspiring episode, Damien Swaby sits down with multi-hyphenate creative Karina Michel—an actress, model, producer, and Emmy-winning executive producer. Karina shares her fascinating journey from a childhood dream in Northamptonshire to navigating Hollywood auditions and eventually leading impactful storytelling projects as the head of Tallu…

1
Ep 231: The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele Policastro 33:36

3M ago33:36

33:36

The Art of Video Editing with Emmy Winner Cybele Policastro Guest: Cybele Policastro, a highly accomplished and multi-Emmy Award-winning video editor based in New York City. Expertise: Extensive experience in video editing for a wide range of high-profile media, including news and entertainment. Career Highlights: Over 20 years of experience as a d…

1
Ep 230: Beyond the Turmoil: Isabelle Mecattaf's Lens on Lebanon 36:05

3M ago36:05

36:05

Welcome to the podcast! Today we have filmmaker Isabelle on the show to discuss her journey from Lebanon to NYU and her experiences crafting compelling films. We'll delve into her creative process, her passion for telling human stories amidst political turmoil, and her advice for emerging filmmakers. Get ready for an inspiring conversation about re…

1
Ep 229: Protecting Creativity: Navigating IP & Entertainment Law with Kennington Groff, Esq. 31:35

4M ago31:35

31:35

In this episode, we sit down with Kennington Groff, Esq., an experienced attorney specializing in intellectual property, entertainment, and corporate law. With a career spanning major companies like HBO, NBCUniversal, and Lionsgate, Kennington shares insights into protecting creative work, legal pitfalls businesses should avoid, and how the enterta…

1
Ep 228: From I Love Lucy to Ally McBeal: Amy Castle's Path to Stardom and Music 55:29

4M ago55:29

55:29

Join us for an exciting conversation with the multi-talented Amy as she shares her journey from a young performer influenced by iconic shows like I Love Lucy and Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood to landing major roles in TV hits like Ally McBeal. In this episode, we dive deep into Amy’s creative evolution, from memorizing Lucille Ball's famous Vitameataveg…

1
Ep 227: From Dentistry to Emmy Gold: The Cinematic Journey of Michael Fitzer 41:52

4M ago41:52

41:52

In this episode, we had the absolute pleasure of sitting down with the remarkable Mike, an Emmy Award-winning cinematographer with over 25 years of experience in the film industry. We traversed the fascinating landscape of his career, uncovering the pivotal moments that shaped his unique approach to visual storytelling. Mike's journey is a testamen…

1
Ep 226: The Art of Music Law: Navigating the Industry with Sarah Falzon 24:02

5M ago24:02

24:02

In this episode of The Art of Music Law, we dive into the world of entertainment law with Sarah Falzon, an accomplished associate at Taylor Oballa Murray Leyland LLP. With her expertise in music and entertainment law, Sarah shares her insights on the unique legal challenges artists and music companies face today.Episode Highlights:1. Background & C…

1
Ep 225: Mastering the Art of Cinematography with Quenell Jones, SOC 1:04:55

5M ago1:04:55

1:04:55

Guest: Quenell Jones, SOC (Society of Camera Operators)Episode Overview: In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Quenell Jones, an accomplished cinematographer and camera operator, to discuss his journey in the film industry, his passion for cinematography, and the collaborative nature of filmmaking. Quenell shares insights from his experience…

1
Ep 224: Breaking Barriers in Hollywood with Diane Strand 19:13

5M ago19:13

19:13

Episode Summary: Welcome to another episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby! In this inspiring episode, we sit down with powerhouse producer, entrepreneur, and mentor Diane Strand. From working on legendary TV shows like Friends and General Hospital to founding the JDS Creative Academy, Diane has dedicated her career to both storytell…

1
Ep 223: The DocuStoryteller: Behind the Lens with Ann Rogers 33:11

5M ago33:11

33:11

Ann Rogers A 2021 Impact Partners Documentary Producers Fellow, Ann Rogers is a jack-of-all-trades Documentary Producer who has spent the last decade in the entertainment trenches learning the creative and business nuts and bolts of bringing a nonfiction story to screen. Dedicated to bringing true stories to life with integrity and heart, she thriv…

1
Ep 222: Breaking In: Class, Rejection & Resilience with Helen Tompson 27:38

5M ago27:38

27:38

Episode Summary: In this episode we sit down with screenwriter, script editor, and playwright Helen Tompson to talk about the often-overlooked struggles of working-class creatives in the film and TV industry. From imposter syndrome to industry gatekeeping, Helen shares her personal journey—from leaving school early and working as a young carer to l…

1
Ep 221: Cutting Through the Story: Amelia Allwarden’s ACE Journey 31:10

6M ago31:10

31:10

Episode Description: In this episode, we sit down with accomplished editor Amelia, whose journey from a childhood passion for storytelling to editing high-profile projects like Dune, Westworld, and Pen15 is nothing short of extraordinary. Amelia takes us behind the scenes of the editing room, sharing her deep knowledge of tools like Avid Media Comp…

1
Ep 220: Arkansas Roots, NYC Dreams: Joe Lusby's Journey 44:50

6M ago44:50

44:50

Episode Overview: In this engaging episode, Damien Swaby speaks with Joe Lusby, a seasoned creative video producer whose journey has taken him from small-town Arkansas to the vibrant streets of New York City. Joe shares his insights into the challenges and triumphs of balancing corporate work, nonprofit projects, and creative storytelling. From ear…

1
Ep 219: Reinvention, Collaboration, and Storytelling: Diane Lansing 42:25

7M ago42:25

42:25

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we dive deep into the world of storytelling with Diane Lansing, a screenwriter, playwright, and filmmaker whose passion for reinvention and collaboration shines through her craft. Diane shares her inspiring journey from studying acting under Larry Moss to writing multidimensional charac…

1
Ep 218: Anna Toomey: Fighting for Dyslexic Students in Left Behind 33:05

7M ago33:05

33:05

In today’s episode, we’re joined by Anna Toomey, an Emmy Award-winning producer with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Anna has worked with major outlets like ABC News, Good Morning America, and Peter Jennings Reporting, creating powerful, character-driven stories with passion and integrity. Her notable credits include The Gun Fight, an …

1
Ep 217: Shaping Stories with Helen De Michiel 38:45

8M ago38:45

38:45

Helen De Michiel – A Pioneer in Participatory Media and Community StorytellingIn this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we dive into the fascinating world of participatory media and innovative storytelling with Helen De Michiel—a trailblazing producer, director, writer, and community engagement specialist. Helen shares insights…

1
Ep 216: Alexsiya Flora Empowers Filmmakers to Fund Their Dreams 30:30

8M ago30:30

30:30

In this episode, we dive into the world of independent filmmaking with Alexsiya Flora, an acclaimed filmmaker, producer, and social media mentor for rising female creatives. Alexsiya’s passion for storytelling and creative independence has propelled her to produce award-winning work and lead a thriving mentorship program, where she empowers the nex…

1
Ep 215: From Art to Impact: Linda Royal's Documentary Tales 39:34

11M ago39:34

39:34

Show Notes In this episode, we explore: Linda Booker’s transition from a career in art direction to documentary filmmaking at the age of 40. The journey of creating her upcoming documentary, "Minnie Evans: Draw or Die," which sheds light on the life and art of the remarkable self-taught artist, Minnie Evans. The deep connection between Minnie Evans…

1
Ep 214: From West Indian Roots to Black Cinema: Curtis Caesar John 51:25

11M ago51:25

51:25

Episode Summary: In this episode, we sit down with Curtis, a Filmmaker, Cultural advocate, and Executive Director of the nomadic cinema and The Luminal Theater (founded in 2015 ) to discuss his journey in the film industry. Influenced by his West Indian heritage and passion for storytelling. Curtis shares his experiences co-founding the New Voices …

1
Ep 213: Dance Films, Diversity, and Tech at Lincoln Center 47:48

11M ago47:48

47:48

Episode Overview:In this episode, Damien is joined by Jessica, a talented video producer and editor working at Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts. They delve into the intricate world of digital media production, dance film, and live streaming, shedding light on the dynamic creative processes behind the scenes at one of New York City's most icon…

1
Ep 212: From High School Multimedia to LA Filmmaking: Jess Linderman 40:13

11M ago40:13

40:13

In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we sit down with Jess, a filmmaker whose journey began in high school multimedia classes and led to a career in Los Angeles. Jess shares how a supportive teacher and a passion for video production sparked an early interest in filmmaking. From creating fun projects like mock Mastercard c…

1
Ep 211: The Art of Acting from the Inside Out with Shelley Mitchell 38:28

11M ago38:28

38:28

In this episode, we are honored to welcome Shelley Mitchell, a renowned acting coach, actress, and creative midwife who has been inspiring and guiding actors, filmmakers, and writers for over 30 years. Shelley’s unique approach to dramatic art, deeply rooted in the legacy of Eleonora Duse and the teachings of Lee Strasberg, encourages artists to bu…

1
Ep 210: Hollywood’s Legal Architect: Sky’s Journey from Taxation to Blockbuster Deals 31:17

11M ago31:17

31:17

Show Notes: Description: In this episode of Filmmaking Conversations with Damien Swaby, we are joined by Sky, an entertainment lawyer with a career spanning over four decades. Since beginning his practice in 1981, Sky has become a leading figure in entertainment law, now practicing at the renowned firm Greenberg Glusker. Known for handling some of …

1
Ep 209: Conviction and Craft: Jia Rizvi on Documentary Filmmaking 35:51

11M ago35:51

35:51

Show Notes: Guest: Jia Wertz, Director of the Award-Winning Documentary Conviction and Journalist at Forbes Summary: In this episode, Damien Swaby sits down with Jia Wertz to discuss her transition from a successful career in corporate fashion to becoming a documentary filmmaker and journalist at Forbes. Jia shares the powerful influences that led …

1
Ep 208: Interdisciplinary Magic: Jessica Ray's Artistry in Dance and Film 56:47

11M ago56:47

56:47

I’m beyond excited to introduce our guest, Jessica Ray—a dynamic interdisciplinary artist whose work seamlessly weaves together dance, choreography, filmmaking, and visual mixed media. Originally from Oklahoma City, Jessica now lights up the Brooklyn art scene with her diverse and impactful creations. The move was more than geographical; it was a l…

1
Ep 207: Crafting Impactful Stories with Leah Warshawski 28:42

12M ago28:42

28:42

Description: Join us for a captivating episode as we welcome Leah Warshawski—an accomplished Executive Producer, Producer, Director, Impact Producer, and even Craft Service extraordinaire. Leah shares her inspiring journey from the beautiful shores of Hawaii, where she began her film career working on iconic shows like LOST and HAWAII, to becoming …

1
Ep 206: The Evolution of Cindy Chupack: From Sex in the City to Netflix's Otherhood 33:11

1y ago33:11

33:11

Overview: Cindy Chupack's career spans iconic television writing, including multiple episodes of "Sex and the City" that earned critical acclaim. Her transition to directing with "Otherhood," starring Angela Bassett, Felicity Huffman, and Patricia Arquette, showcases her versatility and deep understanding of human relationships.Discussion Highlight…

1
Ep 205: Christi Cooper Chases Change: From Neuroscience to Documentaries 38:53

1y ago38:53

38:53

In this captivating episode, Damien and Christi dive into a conversation about Christi's unique career path, transitioning from a neuroscientist to a documentary filmmaker. They begin with a friendly chat, addressing some initial technical difficulties and highlighting the determination to share this insightful discussion with the listeners. Christ…

1
Ep 204: Beyond the Frame: Conversations with Natalie Schwan 35:58

1y ago35:58

35:58

Show Notes: Interview with Natalie Schwan Natalie Schwan is an award-winning director, producer, and founder of full-service production companies Velocity Creatives and Velocity Films. Her work celebrates the human condition, the journey of the overcomer, and the spirit of adventure. Career Highlights Natalie has received multiple Telly Awards for …

1
Ep 203: Emmy-Winning Filmmaker Alexis Neophytides: Capturing the Heart of Human Stories 38:53

1y ago38:53

38:53

Alexis Neophytides is a distinguished documentary filmmaker based in New York City, recognized for her impactful storytelling and advocacy through film. Her recent co-directorial work includes "Fire Through Dry Grass" with Andres “Jay” Molina, a poignant exploration of art and activism by the Reality Poets inside their nursing home during the COVID…

1
Ep 202: Safety Reform Urged by Emmy-Nominated Producer 43:45

1y ago43:45

43:45

In this episode, we delve into the critical topic of production safety in film and TV with our esteemed guest, Paul Epstein. Paul is an Emmy-nominated executive producer renowned for his work across scripted, factual, and news TV for networks like MSNBC, Discovery, and NatGeo. With approximately 100 credits to his name, Paul's career highlights inc…

1
Ep 201: Insights with Lisa A. Callif: Safeguarding Your Creative Work in Filmmaking 40:10

1y ago40:10

40:10

Today, we have an exceptional episode lined up for you. Joining Damien is the talented Lisa A. Callif, an expert in copyright law. Lisa will share her invaluable insights on a topic every filmmaker needs to understand – navigating the complex world of copyright, fair use, and protecting your creative work. Main Discussion Points: Whether you're an …

1
Ep 200: Mastering the Art of Film Editing with Eddie Hamilton: Top Gun: Maverick 56:53

1y ago56:53

56:53

Episode Summary: Today, we are honored to have a special guest whose work has defined some of the most iconic films in recent years. Join us as we dive deep into the world of film editing with Eddie Hamilton, a highly acclaimed editor known for his extraordinary contributions to major blockbusters such as the "Mission: Impossible" series, "Kingsman…

1
Ep 199: From Novels to Screenwriting: A Journey with Ben H. Winters 31:36

1y ago31:36

31:36

Today, we are thrilled to host the incredibly versatile Ben H. Winters. Known for his best-selling novels and genre-bending mash-ups like "Sense and Sensibility and Sea Monsters", Ben ventured into the world of television, crafting gripping storylines for acclaimed series such as "Legion" and "Manhunt." In This Episode: Transition from Novelist to …

1
Ep 198: Crafting Narratives with Emily Hardy: A Glimpse into Life, Art, and Growth 50:05

1y ago50:05

50:05

Join us as we continue our riveting conversation with Emily, a powerhouse executive who has entrenched herself in the landscape of storytelling. Today, she shares a wealth of insights gleaned from an illustrious career behind the scenes and in front of the camera. We're peeling back the curtain to reveal the confluence of skill, craft, and the vibr…

1
Ep 197: Films for Thought: Jennifer Fischer’s Educational Crusade 43:48

1+ y ago43:48

43:48

Empowering Change Through Film with Jennifer Fischer, Executive Director of Journeys in Film. In today's enlightening episode of Filmmaking Conversations we're honored to host Jennifer Fischer, the visionary at the helm of Journeys in Film. A beacon for integrating cinema into educational paradigms, Journeys in Film is leading the charge in using t…

1
Ep 196: Heroes Unseen: The Journey of APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home 40:34

1+ y ago40:34

40:34

Guests: Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet, Writers/Directors Podcast Notes: In this compelling episode, we sit down with Dave Merlino and Dustin Sweet, the creative powerhouses behind the thought-provoking documentary "APACHE BLUES: Welcome Home." Merlino, a former federal law enforcement officer turned filmmaker, and Sweet, an animation artist with a …

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Damien Swaby Podcasts

Podcasts Worth a Listen

Quick Reference Guide