What If You Didn’t Push So Hard? Elissa Wolf On Curiosity, Casting, And Letting The Work Breathe Mischief And Mastery podcast

54:49

What happens when you stop writing what’s expected—and start composing like yourself? In this episode, Tim Corpus shares what it means to develop a creative voice you can actually recognize in your own work. We talk about what makes a temp track helpful (and when it’s not), taking creative swings in client work, and how years of writing for others led Tim back to the sound that felt most honest. Tim is a Filipino-American composer and arts manager whose work spans concert music, film, and interactive media. He’s had performances at Carnegie Hall, the Kennedy Center, the Bolshoi Theatre, and MoMA, with features on BBC Radio 3, CNN Money, and WFMT. His 2022 GRAMMY-selected album MMXX earned critical acclaim, and his scores have been heard in over 25 films and episodic projects. He currently serves as Executive Director of the 2025 Ear Taxi Festival and the Hyde Park Youth Symphony, and co-leads the Chicago Media Composers & Lyricists collective. Known for his rhythmic instinct and interdisciplinary mindset, Tim brings both heart and rigor to his ever-expanding body of work. We chat about: → Taking big swings instead of writing safe → Knowing when a project isn’t really yours → Using constraint to fuel invention → Letting go of the illusion of perfect → Writing for yourself even when no one’s asking Check out more of Tim’s work at timcorpus.net , follow him on Instagram at @timcorpus , and find his music on YouTube . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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When Showing Up Feels Pointless, Do It Anyway | Jorge Salas on Auditions, Adaptability, and Building the Work Brick by Brick 51:10

5 days ago51:10

51:10

What happens when you chase the adrenaline of live performance—and find yourself building a whole second life? In this episode, Jorge Salas joins Mishu to talk about getting into acting later than most, navigating the sometimes brutal psychology of auditions, and staying flexible in both life and craft. We dig into how Jorge’s background in tech gave him unexpected tools for acting, why he values emotional range over "hitting the mark," and how he’s preparing for his next big creative leap. Jorge’s recent credits include stage work with AstonRep ( Buried Child , Jeff-nominated), Meat Machine Theatre ( La Ronde ), and the Athenaeum Theatre ( Accidental Election of an Anarchist ), along with TV/film appearances on Hulu’s Deli Boys and Prime Video’s BAM (Broke Ass MotherF* ckers). He splits his time between technology consulting and acting, chasing lead roles, training in Shakespeare, and bringing his bilingual range to commercials, indie films, and the Chicago theater scene. We talk about: → Depersonalizing rejection without losing heart → Why emotional variety matters more than "perfect" delivery → Building small habits that compound into real growth → Balancing career ambition with creative play → Learning to embrace mischief and risk—even when the stakes feel high Follow Jorge on Instagram at @jorgesalaschi and check out his work on YouTube . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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Follow the Butterfly | Alex Rembold on Quitting the Job, Starting the Jam, and Finding Joy in the Weird 48:31

10 days ago48:31

48:31

What if the most meaningful thing you ever made wasn’t your biggest show—but the space you created for someone else to play? In this episode, Alex Rembold talks about leaving a soul-crushing job to start Catjam, the community-driven open mic series he founded to give others permission to show up, sound weird, and feel welcome. We talk about shifting from competitive to collaborative mindsets, the invisible power of musical vulnerability, and what it means to build something out of kindness rather than branding. Alex is a songwriter, music director, and producer who works with The Second City, iO, and The Annoyance. He’s the founder of Catjam Chicago, a nonprofit that creates inclusive, improvisational music spaces—currently hosting weekly jams at Insect Asylum and (soon) the floating Wild Mile garden on the Chicago River. He also fronts the band Funky Fünke , produces the cozy and chaotic improv show The Cozy Sweater , and still finds time to write introspective bangers about connection, grief, and joy. We talk about: → Leaving the practical job (and the existential crisis that followed) → The real risk: not taking one → Music as empathy in motion → Changing the room by being the room → Following the butterfly, even if it leads to a weird warehouse on a Tuesday night Catch Catjam every Tuesday from 7–10pm at the Insect Asylum (and starting June, at the Wild Mile). Follow Alex on IG at @remby_on_the_bone or check out his work at alexremboldmusic.weebly.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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You Don’t Have to Wait to Be Professional | Madelynn Wierda on Trusting Yourself Before They Tell You You’re Ready 52:30

12 days ago52:30

52:30

What does it mean to call yourself an actor before the industry gives you permission? In this episode, Madelynn Wierda talks about navigating the awkward in-between of student and professional, how she chooses roles based on instinct, and why setting your own tone on set can make all the difference. We explore the mental side of auditioning, asking questions before you arrive, and letting go of “aspiring” in favor of actually doing the work. Madelynn is a Chicago-based actor who’s extensively trained in both theatre and film, currently pursuing her BFA at Columbia College Chicago. She’s played lead roles in award-winning short films, performed in commercials and stage work, and continues to train at studios around the country. Known for her grounded performances and sharp preparation instincts, she brings presence and intentionality into every space—on and off camera. In this episode: → Shifting from “aspiring” to I’m already doing it → Booking more once she stopped clinging to auditions → How to prep when there's no rehearsal → Knowing when to say no, even when you’re early in your career → Reframing the idea of professionalism from the inside out Follow Madelynn on Instagram at @madelynnwierda . Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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What If Story Didn’t Require Conflict? Donald Conley on Empathy, Tension Without Trauma, and Stories Without Villains 56:54

17 days ago56:54

56:54

What if the point of a story wasn’t conflict—but something more subtle, more layered, and more human? In this episode, award-winning director and producer Donald Conley joins Mishu to talk about the evolving shape of story, the language of tension, and how Nonviolent Communication changed the way he writes characters, builds scenes, and approaches collaboration. Donald Conley is a filmmaker whose work orbits themes of justice, memory, and emotional honesty. He’s produced documentaries distributed by Netflix, PBS, and Max—including Dallas, 2019 , a 5-part socio-political series for Independent Lens . His short documentary Matriarch and narrative short About Time have screened at major festivals across the U.S. and Canada, including the 60th Annual Chicago International Film Festival. He’s currently directing a feature doc on the 1970 Syracuse 8 boycott and its legacy in college football. In this episode, we talk about Tension vs. trauma: how Donald builds story without defaulting to conflict Redefining narrative structure with empathy at the center Recasting the role of the antagonist The cost—and value—of slowing down the creative process Directing intimacy with care, conversation, and consent Follow Donald on Instagram @meekley for updates on About Time , his current doc project, and more. Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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The Film Stalled—Then We Started Over | Cassidy Tee & Kristina Mercado on First Chair 47:12

19 days ago47:12

47:12

What does it look like to grow into a role you didn’t expect to take on—and do it with someone who trusts you, even before you trust yourself? In this episode, Cassidy Tee and Kristina Mercado talk about their collaboration on the short film First Chair , navigating setbacks, building momentum from scratch, and making decisions in real time with creative instincts as their compass. Cassidy Tee is a filmmaker and screenwriter whose work blends suspenseful world-building with grounded character drama. Based in Chicago and drawn to the psychological thriller space, she’s directed a variety of indie projects and is currently deep in pre-production on First Chair , a tech-meets-orchestra short film with Black Mirror energy. Kristina Mercado is a producer and teaching artist who co-runs the production company Tide on Topic , and brings a sharp sense of logistics and community to the table—often jumping into roles she never imagined for herself. We chat about: → Reigniting a project after a stall-out → Creative trust between director and producer → Running a female-led team on an indie budget → Letting momentum lead (even if it’s messy) → What it means to define success beyond just “finishing” Check out Cassidy’s fundraiser for First Chair at crowdfundr.com/firstchair and follow her at @cassidytposts . Learn more about Kristina’s production work at tideontopic.com and on IG at @kristinamvlg14 . Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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Let the First Pancake Burn | Emma Palizza on Starting Messy and Laughing Anyway 50:36

24 days ago50:36

50:36

Emma Palizza has stopped waiting for permission—and she’s not dragging a boulder uphill just to be "seen." In this episode, she talks candidly about leaving the Chicago theater grind, recalibrating her definition of success, and rediscovering joy in creative work. Whether it's saying no to bad plays, launching a podcast with her best friend, or watching her first podcast episode explode in plays despite the chaos—Emma reminds us that joyful process can be better than exhausted polish. An actor and sometimes writer, Emma trained at the School at Steppenwolf and Second City, performing with companies like The Gift and Steep Theatre before relocating to Connecticut. She now stars in The Ferryman at Hole in the Wall Theatre and co-hosts Go Get Your Girl , a rom-com podcast full of overshares, running bits, and the occasional sexy snowman. Her work is a mash-up of heart, humor, and blunt realism about what it means to make things—and to know when they’re “good enough.” We dig into: → Saying no to hustle-driven theater culture → Rewriting your metrics of success → Podcasting as performance and permission → Going before you’re ready—and letting go lightly Find Emma at emmapalizza.com or on Instagram @emilympizza . Check out Go Get Your Girl wherever you get your podcasts. Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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You Don’t Need Permission | Shane Dresch on Making It Work Without a Big Budget, a Full Crew, or a Perfect Plan 57:02

26 days ago57:02

57:02

Before you hit play, go watch Sleepwalking —a surreal, floating, time-bending music video Shane directed for Mario McClean: Watch here . Then come back and hear how it came together—one melted phone prop and 4-hour beach shoot at a time. In this episode, Shane Dresch breaks down the emotional math and creative strategy behind directing, designing, and assembling deeply personal visual work. We talk about building a story around a feeling, knowing when to kill your darlings (goodbye, train scene), and the long-tail confidence you build by actually finishing things —especially when you’re doing it all yourself. Shane Dresch is a Director of Photography and visual storyteller based in Chicago, IL, with a decade of professional video production experience. He holds a Bachelor’s in Video Production and a Master’s in Digital Storytelling, overcoming academic challenges by focusing on his passion for visual media. Since 2015, Shane has worked on a wide range of projects including commercials, music videos, and documentaries, contributing as a DP, Gaffer, Writer, Director, and more. His work has earned regional Emmy nominations and recognition at indie film contests. Crafting unique visuals and solving creative challenges alongside a collaborative crew is where Shane truly feels at home. We also talk about scope creep, learning to trust collaborators, and how side quests like D&D and small insert shots can refuel a tired creative brain. If you’ve ever wrestled with choice paralysis, one-person production, or the urge to DIY everything , this one’s for you. Learn more about Shane at shanedresch.com Follow on Instagram: @anxiyeti Follow on YouTube: @zeroshane50 Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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What If You Didn’t Push So Hard? Elissa Wolf on Curiosity, Casting, and Letting the Work Breathe 47:21

4 weeks ago47:21

47:21

What if the most powerful creative move you made was choosing to pause? In this episode, Elissa Wolf unpacks the subtle and often overlooked moments that shape her approach to theater—whether she’s in rehearsal, navigating a career shift, or nerding out over Shakespeare’s linguistic breadcrumbs. We talk about slowing down as a strategy, making room for actors to explore without pressure, and how simple tools—like reading lines without emotion—can change the direction of a performance or a process. Elissa is a multi-hyphenate creative who works across the Midwest and East Coast as a teaching artist, director, and researcher. She’s collaborated with organizations like the Chesapeake Shakespeare Company, Two River Theater and the former Chicago Youth Shakespeare. She holds an MA in Shakespeare and Creativity from the Shakespeare Institute and is currently pursuing a PhD at King’s College London, where she’s expanding her work on asides and the often-invisible mechanics of stage intimacy. Whether she’s facilitating a workshop, directing a scene, or cold-emailing theaters to observe rehearsals, Elissa brings warmth, rigor, and a deep belief in sharing what you know. We also talk about the casting “puzzle,” rehearsal room power dynamics, how Shakespeare became a lifestyle (not just a focus), and why mentorship and accessibility matter more than polish. If you’re in a transition—or circling back to what drew you to the work in the first place—this one will resonate. Learn more about Elissa at elissawolf.com and follow her on Instagram @eliwolf007 . Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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Armin Korsos on Momentum, Documentaries, and Saying Yes Too Soon (On Purpose) 40:54

5 weeks ago40:54

40:54

Why wait until everything’s perfect to start something new? In this episode, Armin Korsos shares how saying yes now —even before you’re “ready”—can spark organic growth, community, and career-shifting momentum. Born in the Cayman Islands and now based in Chicago, Armin is a filmmaker known for emotionally vivid imagery and a global lens—both in his documentaries and branded storytelling. He’s also the founder of Caymanite , a creative studio built to bring authentic brand stories to life with impact. Armin is the co-creator of Filmmaker Friday , a monthly event series that brings together local creatives for screenings, panels, and connection. He’s currently in post-production on two documentary projects—a conservation-focused film and a story following a world-record cycling attempt around Lake Ontario. We talk about building Filmmaker Friday from scratch without a budget, the myth of needing a perfect platform before launching, navigating collaboration and energy management, and the mindset shifts required for documentary work. Armin also reflects on how opportunity often arrives as a narrow window—and why you have to leap before you feel fully prepared. If you’ve been putting something off because it’s not perfect yet, this one’s for you. Find more from Armin at www.caymanite.us , on Instagram @armincreates , or connect via LinkedIn . Keep an eye out for his short film Brothers of the Sea , and two in-progress docs: one focused on conservation, and the other following a Lake Ontario world-record cycling attempt. Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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The Premiere’s Over | Jon Silver on Burnout, Festivals, and Letting Go 57:13

5 weeks ago57:13

57:13

What happens when you get everything you asked for—and it still doesn’t feel great? In this episode, Jon Silver talks candidly about navigating the tail end of a feature film rollout, the unexpected burnout of the festival circuit, and what it really means to build an audience when your control over exhibition is limited. We talk about the tension between gratitude and disillusionment, the DIY hustle of indie comedy, and how distribution can be just as humbling as it is thrilling. Jon comes to indie filmmaking from a comedy background. He’s the co-founder of ShowPup Productions and has produced sketch comedy, shorts, web series, and features with troupes like Second City and iO. His first feature, The Civil Hoax , was dubbed “Can’t Miss Indie Cinema” by the Chicago Tribune , and his newest film The Premiere —a satirical love letter to the absurdities of filmmaking and live screenings—is currently screening around the world. If you’ve ever wondered what comes after the good news, or why building a sustainable creative life means thinking beyond just the film itself—this one’s for you. Learn more about Jon and his work at showpup.com , follow him on Instagram @jonsilverpoop , and check out upcoming festival dates for The Premiere at showpup.com/blog-post/the-premiere-events . Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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Nobody Prepares You for This Part: Imani Davis on Finishing a Film, Podcasting and Figuring Out the Rest 50:52

5 weeks ago50:52

50:52

So much of the film industry is shrouded in secrecy—and Imani Davis is here to crack it open. In this episode, we talk about her podcast Players as well as what happens after you make the movie: the emotional labor, the financial blind spots, and the strategic chaos of trying to get your work seen. A producer, writer, and curator, Imani is a film programmer at the American Cinematheque in Los Angeles, where she’s worked on events featuring filmmakers like Jordan Peele, Sofia Coppola, and the Daniels. She’s also the founder of PROOF , the Cinematheque’s first-ever short film festival devoted to proof-of-concept storytelling. Her own creative work centers on reshaping the modern Western canon—diverse, character-driven, and unapologetically genre-blending. She’s currently rolling out her feature Year One , a coming-of-age film exploring mental health, belonging, and identity, starring Elizabeth Yu ( Avatar: The Last Airbender , May December ). She's also the co-founder of Rm. 19 Productions and a community-builder through initiatives like Film Girlz Brunch, a growing grassroots network of femme filmmakers in LA, New York and Chicago. We explore why “distribution producer” should be a real job title, why filmmakers need to budget for their release just as much as their shoot, and how programming, podcasting, and film production have shaped Imani’s approach to audience-building. We also talk about the tension between vulnerability and professionalism, and how community-based initiatives are reshaping how creatives gather and grow. If you’ve ever wondered what comes after wrap—this is your episode. Follow Imani on Instagram at @imanimdavis , and check out her podcast Players (@players_pod) wherever you listen. For updates on Year One and campus screenings, keep an eye out on Imani’s social media. Sign up for the mailing list and listen to more episodes at mischiefpod.com . You can follow us on Instagram and TikTok @mischiefpod . Produced by @ohhmaybemedia .…

Mischief and Mastery

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Welcome to Mischief & Mastery with Mishu Hilmy 2:41

6 weeks ago2:41